Need the lowdown on the Democratic National Convention? Crikey has pulled together some of the best commentary and profiles of the principal speakers at the DNC in Denver, Colorado.
DAY THREE — Wednesday 27 August 2008 — “Securing America’s Future”
JOE BIDEN
He’s old, he’s mates with McCain, he gaffs to the royal standards of Prince Phillip and he’s the son of a used car salesman — but could Joe Biden be the antidote to a young and inexperienced democratic presidential candidate? The media debate on the pros and cons of Obama’s veep:
The veteran campaigner selected to help widen Obama brand. Joe Biden’s long road to the Democratic ticket got off to a bad start. When he launched his own bid for the White House last year, Biden’s reputation for committing verbal gaffes was swiftly confirmed. Asked what he thought of a young black senator from Illinois who was also running for President, Biden said Barack Obama was ‘the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy’.
The result was a firestorm of accusations of patronising racial insensitivity and Biden was forced into an immediate apology. Despite strong showings in the debates, Biden’s presidential campaign fizzled out in the snows of Iowa and New Hampshire.
But that was then. This is now. Biden is now joining Obama’s ticket as his running mate. If the Democrats win in November, Biden will get to the White House after all, albeit as Vice-President. — The Guardian
Joseph Biden’s rise from ruin to rebirth in the Senate. Biden has become widely recognized as a respected voice on foreign policy, the two Iraq wars (against the first, for the second), the Balkans conflict, global AIDS prevention and a wealth of national security issues. From his perch as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has aggressively criticized President George W. Bush for his unilateralist approach to the world. — International Herald Tribune
Behind Obama’s Bet on Biden. Where Obama is reserved and cautious in a political knife-fight, Biden comes out swinging. Tapping Biden is a signal that the Obama campaign is ready for a battle — and to take the risks that come with it. — Time
Joe Biden, Barack Obama’s Vice Presidential running mate. Despite the ammunition Mr Biden’s long career supplies for eager Republican operatives, he also brings many important strengths to Mr Obama’s White House bid. They include gravitas, deep foreign policy expertise, a willingness to attack Mr Obama’s Republican opponent,John McCain, and an easy connection with blue-collar Americans. — Telegraph (UK)
Joe Biden. Long-time Delaware senator Joe Biden is best known for his frequent appearances on Sunday morning talk shows, his off-the-cuff speaking style, and for the most high-profile hair transplant in recent politics. — The Orlando Report
Some great Biden moments on You Tube:
Joe Biden Rips GOP On Iraq War Resolution.
Biden Got Best One-Liner of First Democratic Presidential Debate?
It’s been fun watching the pundits fall over their own arses about Biden because he is widely respected for his work with women, on women’s rights, against violence against women with groundbreaking legislation, on health policies and so on.
As for not seeing Roosevelt on TV? Well it transpires from a quick search that the first televised speech on TV, not as we know it today of course, was given by Herbert Hoover in 1927.
It just shows that the US don’t have a clue about their own history and Biden might make a few gaffes but he is honest about what he does.
So what if he and McCain are friends? McCain wasn’t always as dreadful as he is now.