Open Left

i'm speculating like an oil trader, but (0.00 / 0)

"In two key ways--Iraq judgment and "change" election--that is very much the opposite of Barack Obama, and could muddle his message."

I think it would complement more than muddle (Dan Quayle didn't muddle George Bush I, Cheney didn't muddle Bush II, etc.).  1) Biden will toe the party line if he's the VP and say that he was wrong (about whatever...the war, washington, being in office for so long...) and it will allow Obama to create "unity" while having someone who could be perceived as an insider say "look, i see the error of my ways, he's right - this place IS f@#ked up!" It's sort of like how Richard Clarke helped undermine the image of the Bush Administration on terrorism and war (for me anyway, and probably anyone else who was paying attention)

2) tens of millions of voters were wrong about the Iraq war (including the half of the electorate that continued to vote for Bush in 2004), so it's not detrimental to given them a dignified climbdown, as you say;

3) lots of voters don't want "change"...meaning racial identity change - allowing people who need it the reassurance that they want on race will be soothing (and Obama likes to soothe) while allowing them to push the "anti-dumb" constructive-solution Obama agenda (even when it is dumb).

I agree he might be the most inoffensive and useful of the remaining middle aged White dudes under consideration - the only thing i fear from him beyond that i have to hold my nose a bit is that he has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth.  and he won't help with any states.  but as a calculated choice for obama's brand of "change" he seems to make sense.

Insert clever quote

---

by: dr anonymous @ Mon Aug 18, 2008 at 12:00:08 PM CDT

Oddly, a couple of semi-engaged Dems I (4.00 / 1)

saw over the weekend were positively glowing about Biden. I'm still not sure why. They don't follow politics all that closely. But they them some Biden.

Seems like very limited downside to me. He's a great attack dog. An egomaniac in the right way. And he's too old be be looking at the top of the ticket in 2016.

Well, a possible scandal: he named one son 'Beau.'

McCain is against children's health insurance.

---

by: Joel @ Mon Aug 18, 2008 at 12:38:17 PM CDT

[ Parent | ]

Ditto (0.00 / 0)

Two liberal Democrats I know are nervous about Obama's inexperience and lack of detail in his discourse (their perception) and feel very comfortable with Biden. I think Biden would be an effective complement to Obama, especially with voters in late middle age and older. And he might throw McCain off his stride.

---

by: stevenaxelrod @ Mon Aug 18, 2008 at 16:53:56 PM CDT

[ Parent | ]

If Biden is Obama's VP runningmate. (0.00 / 0)

Then in 2016- Mark Warner will be the Democratic Standard Bearer for the 2016 Presidential Election. We just have to make sure his 2014 re-election does not end up like Chuck Robb.  

---

by: nkpolitics @ Mon Aug 18, 2008 at 18:16:33 PM CDT

[ Parent | ]