Obama/Biden: The First Read
August 23rd, 2008 by Matt IngogliaThe texts are out, the speech is done, and now it’s time to take a good hard look at our next Vice President- Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware. Although I’ll admit I didn’t consider Biden the best possibility, after seeing the candidates together in front of the Illinois Statehouse I realize Obama has indeed made a strong and reassuring choice. Here’s why…
While he’s not without his drawbacks, Biden’s personal qualities and story confer on him a uniquely valuable position in the Democratic Party- one that is especially valuable for the equally unique Obama. His working-class Scranton roots and unlikely political success in the midst of family tragedy will humanize the campaign and resonate with Hillary loyalists in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and possibly Virginia. While that’s about the extent of his regional benefits, Biden will play well nationally with anyone who is worried about handing the presidency off to a 47 year old first term senator no one ever heard of before 2004.
Secondly, Biden’s foreign policy prowess is unequaled among Democrats. That is not hyperbole by the way; this guy’s spent the better part of his 35 year Senate career specializing in all things international, including Iraq, Israel, Yugoslavia, and the War on Terror. Hell, the guy just got back from a policy mission in Georgia. By choosing Biden, Obama is telling the motivated but hesitant independent voters of America “I understand your concern with my inexperience, but you don’t have to worry with this guy at my side.” While this won’t neutralize McCain’s advantage on the issue, Biden will definitely help Obama narrow the foreign policy gap.
And this one isn’t talked about enough, but people like Biden alot. We all remember his snappy debate one-liners and penchant for running his mouth during his own campaigns. McCain will try to spin this as a liability, and we’ve already started hearing about attack ads in the works. This will backfire because believe it or not, normal people like normal candidates. This morning on MSNBC I heard Joe Scarborough discuss this point, and to be honest I agree with him. Everyone knows Biden is a smart guy, so we’re able to see his slip ups for what they are: occasional brain-farts between truthful and intelligent points. Don’t forget, people elected Bush in part because of his down to earth nature, and so Biden’s speaking style will endear him to people who see Obama’s oratory as overly aloof and inaccessible. Of course, we are all very fortunate that Biden is a lot smarter than Dubya.
So there you have it, Biden is indeed a solid pick, and one that allows Obama to appear humble (by recognizing his own faults) and bold at the same time. A lot of people (especially those trying to capitalize on Hillary loyalists’ dismay) will try to say that Obama’s choice undercuts his change message, and by siding with the status quo we’ve seen Obama’s true political colors. I thought that at first (which is why I initially supported Kaine), but after getting a feel for Biden I realize it’s more complicated than that. Just because you’ve got 35 years in Washington doesn’t mean you can’t run with change. As evidenced by his easygoing nature and nightly Amtrak commutes from DC to Wilmington, it’s clear that Washington hasn’t changed Joe Biden. But as a strong complement to Obama on message and on personal qualities, we can be sure the Obama/Biden team will definitely change Washington.
And if McCain (or his running mate) ever accuses Biden of hypocrisy by citing the times he’s called Obama inexperienced, all Biden will have to do is point the finger and say “Well that was before he had me!” I guarantee you that line will bring down the house at the Vice Presidential debate. Get the TiVo ready.
August 24th, 2008 at 5:29 am
I don’t think it’s a good idea for Biden to say “now he has me” in the experience department. People still need to believe Obama has enough experience to be President. He is the central, dynamic figure of the ticket, and he needs to be a stand alone president.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Though Biden would not have been my first choice of those considered (Kaine was) I do not think he is a bad pick. His performance in Springfield yesterday was quite good. He is undeniably intelligent, experienced and likeable. The GOP smear machine will re-animate his plagiarism story (which, no matter how you slice it, is bizarre) and replay it to a generation of people who have never heard it before. They will claim it speaks to Biden’s “character” and try to dim any luster Biden might enjoy. We’ll see whether it works.
The most important thing now is the convention. Obama’s handlers must produce a flawless show of unity and commitment which deals with Hillary’s demands, showcases campaign themes and presents the ticket as cool, patriotic and ready to lead. The stadium speech seems a little too theatrical and presents logistic concerns that might have better been avoided with a traditional convention acceptance speech. The fundy christians are praying for rain — let’s see whose side God is really on.
After that, it is a sprint into November. Debates will be key. Obama must ramp up his pace and his campaign should concentrate on the ground game. Texting is nice, but there is no substitute for phone banks in union halls calling your supporters on election day.