Article update, Saturday, August 23, approximately 8:30 a.m, Pacific Time, 11:30 a.m., EDT -- an email sent to me from Senator Barack Obama, and I quote:
"| From: | "Barack Obama" <info@barackobama.com>  Add to Address Book  Add Mobile Alert |
| Subject: | The Next Vice President |
| Nalita -- I have some important news that I want to make official. I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate. Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago. I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change. Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it: http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe Thanks for your support, Barack P.S. -- Make sure to turn on your TV at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to join us or watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com." |
**************End of Barack Obama's message****************
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I do believe that 2:00 p.m. Central time is 12:00 noon, Pacific time
and
3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Your thoughts? (Your thoughts on ALL of this, please?
__________________________________________________
Senator Joseph Biden (Democrat) of Delaware
Watch Senator Biden's video:http://my.barackobama.com/bidenvideo
By the way, CNN is reporting the Senator Biden's son is being deployed to Iraq on October 3, 2008.
More from Wikipedia:
Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. (born November 20, 1942) is the senior United States Senator from Delaware. He is a member of the Democratic Party, and is currently serving his sixth term. Biden has served for the sixth-longest period among current Senators (fourth among Democrats) and is Delaware's longest-serving Senator. He is the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in the 110th Congress. Biden has served in that position in the past, and he has served as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. He was a candidate for the Democratic Party's nomination in the 2008 presidential election, but dropped out after the caucuses in Iowa on January 3, 2008.
On August 22, 2008, the Associated Press reported from an anonymous source that Biden has been selected by presumptive Democratic nominee for president Barack Obama to be his running mate as the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States.
My note: CNN and MSNBC has already confirmed that Senator Barack Obama has announced Joe Biden is indeed his choice as Vice President.
110th Congress
Biden serves on the following committees in the 110th U.S. Congress
Committee on Foreign Relations (Chairman)
As Chairman of the full committee Biden is an ex officio member of each subcommittee.
Committee on the Judiciary
Subcommittee on Antitrust Competition Policy and Consumer Rights
Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs, (Chairman)
Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law
Subcommittee on Immigration Border Security and Citizenship
Subcommittee on Technology Terrorism and Homeland Security
Caucus on International Narcotics Control (Co-Chairman)
For a comprehensive accounting of Biden's voting record see Project Vote Smart and other material noted in the Reference section.
Judiciary Committee
Biden is a long-time member of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, which he chaired from 1987 until 1995 and served as ranking minority member from 1981 until 1987 and again from 1995 until 1997. In this capacity, he dealt with issues related to drug policy, crime prevention, and civil liberties. While chairman, Biden presided over two of the most contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings: Robert Bork in 1987 and Clarence Thomas in 1991.
Biden has been involved in crafting many federal crime laws over the last decade, including the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, also known as the Biden Crime Law. He also authored the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA), which contains a broad array of measures to combat domestic violence and provides billions of dollars in federal funds to address gender-based crimes. In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled that the section of VAWA allowing a federal civil remedy for victims of gender-motivated violence exceeded Congress' authority and therefore was unconstitutional. Congress reauthorized VAWA in 2000 and 2005. In March 2004, Biden enlisted major American technology companies in diagnosing the problems of the Austin, Texas-based National Domestic Violence Hotline, and to donate equipment and expertise to it.
As chairman of the International Narcotics Control Caucus, Biden wrote the laws that created the nation's "Drug Czar," who oversees and coordinates national drug control policy. In April 2003 he introduced the controversial Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act, also known as the RAVE Act. He continues to work to stop the spread of "date rape drugs" such as Rohypnol, and drugs such as Ecstasy and Ketamine. In 2004 he worked to pass a bill outlawing steroids like androstenedione, the drug used by many baseball players.
Biden's legislation to promote college aid and loan programs allows families to deduct on their annual income tax returns up to $10,000 per year in higher education expenses. His "Kids 2000" legislation established a public/private partnership to provide computer centers, teachers, Internet access, and technical training to young people, particularly to low-income and at-risk youth.
Foreign Relations Committee
Biden is also a long-time member and current chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. In 1997, he became the ranking minority member and chaired the committee from June 2001 through 2003. When Democrats re-took control of the Senate following the 2006 elections, Biden again assumed the top spot on the committee in 2007. His efforts to combat hostilities in the Balkans in the 1990s brought national attention and influenced presidential policy: traveling repeatedly to the region, he made one meeting famous by calling Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic a "war criminal." He consistently argued for lifting the arms embargo, training Bosnian Muslims, investigating war crimes and administering NATO air strikes. Biden's subsequent "lift and strike" resolution was instrumental in convincing President Bill Clinton to use military force in the face of systematic human rights violations.[ citation needed ] Biden has also called on Libya to release political prisoner Fathi Eljahmi.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Biden was supportive of the Bush administration's efforts, calling for additional ground troops in Afghanistan and agreeing with the administration's assertion that Saddam Hussein needed to be eliminated. The Bush administration rejected an effort Biden undertook with Senator Richard Lugar to pass a resolution authorizing military action only after the exhaustion of diplomatic efforts. In October 2002, Biden voted for the final resolution to support the war in Iraq. He has long supported the Bush administration's war effort and appropriations to pay for it, but has argued repeatedly that more soldiers are needed, the war should be internationalized, and the Bush administration should "level with the American people" about the cost and length of the conflict.
In November 2006, Biden and Leslie Gelb, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, released a comprehensive strategy to end sectarian violence in Iraq. Rather than continuing the present approach or withdrawing, the plan calls for "a third way": federalizing Iraq and giving Kurds, Shiites, and Sunnis "breathing room" in their own regions.
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Again, your thoughts? ANY thoughts? You need not be "in" to politics, only a Citizen planning to vote, or even if you don't plan to vote, let's hear your thoughts. This is a key decision regarding the future of this Country. It would follow that a Vice Presidential choice has taken on a new significance, unlike days past.
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Left to right:
Senators Joseph Biden (Democrat) of Delaware, and Barack Obama (Democrat) of Illinois.
Are they the next Vice President and President of the United States? What do you think?
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The following photos are courtesy "My Yahoo!" (business account):
Jill and Joe Biden
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Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama (left) shakes hands with Joe Biden before a meeting of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in April 2008.
_______________________________________________________
". . . because at this defining moment in our history, with our nation at war, and our economy in recession, we know that the American people cannot afford 4 more years of the same failed policies, and the same old politics in Washington.
We know that the time for change has come . . . "
~~Senator Barack Obama, Springfield Illinois, August 23, 2008
Running mates, left to right, Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden, today in Springfield Illinois. Senator Biden made his premiere speech, and was introduced today by Senator Obama, (August 23, 2008), as his presumptive Vice Presidential running mate. My personal note: I know they talked and colour-coordinated on those red and blue ties. It is not only we women who do these things. They resemble the American flag standing there together. How nice!
Next stop: Democratic Convention on August 28, in Denver, Colorado.
Counting . . . counting. . . counting . . . COUNTDOWN!
Counting 70 days until the Presidential Election on November 4, 2008.
Is the ball in Senator John McCain's court, or . . . NOT?
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Comments: 60
What I do wonder is what is McCain's next move?
The whys and hows of this choice, as compared to the others who were being considered.
I have other questions, but it's late, and I'm exhausted . . .
Thanks, Lady N. You made my morning.
Great article.
Wilka
Hillary supporters will not be happy with the stories that she wasn't seriously considered.
Since you asked for my thoughts I will tell you, but you may not like them, I warn you. I don't care for Biden as a person. I think he's bombastic and can speak without thinking. A big mouth can be a big problem. On the other hand, his experience with foreign policy makes up for Obama's lack, so it makes me feel a bit more, but not significantly more comfortable should your candidate win this election. I think Obama knows that he's inexperienced, and this choice proves that he needs Biden's kind of help. Biden himself has said that Obama is not ready for the Presidency during his campaign for the Democratic nomination. (of course, that was then, when he was a contender, typical of a saying anything to get what you want example, true as it is)
Politically, I don't know if it was the best choice he could have made, but it was a prudent choice based on all considerations, including the ones I cited above, I think. I really never thought that Hillary was a contender even though she would have brought him the women and the blue collar faction that he needs. I don't think he really likes her, and I don't think they would work well together. I also don't think he wanted a 'Clinton team' overshadowing his administration, diminishing his limelight. She also has some baggage that might have ended up casting other darker shadows on the ticket in the general election period. Biden still brings appeal from the blue collar faction and from Catholics.
I will say that I like some of Biden's foreign policy ideas better than Bush's, but his affiliation with and support of labor unions cancels that right out for me.
If I were an Obama supporter, like so many are, because of his message of hope and change, I would be questioning this selection based on that message. Joe Biden is not any kind of change from politics as usual. He's a Washington old timer, and certainly not someone I would use to brand such a message. So, for what it's worth, there you have it.
McCain, on the other hand, is inflexible, too quick-tempered and makes rash statements, many of which are inaccurate or drawn from the pages of wikipedia. He's a my-way-or-the-highway kind of guy, and I don't think we want to go down that road.
I prefer a more rational approach to foreign policy.
Thank you for all of the very open and honest comments!
Please, pleeeeeeeez keep them coming!
I got an email from Senator Obama this morning, so I am going to edit the article, as well as post it as a comment for you all. I think you might be interested in this short email.
The sender of the email from the Obama headquarters ALWAYS identifies himself/herself, so that we always know when the email was written by Barack, or by one of his people.
So, I shall edit the article now, verbatim with his message. Give me just a sec . . .
I wanted to address your comment specifically, because you felt that I would not like it.
I welcome comments that don't agree with my political philosophy; that is not an issue with me.
I DO SO VERY MUCH BELIEVE IN FREE SPEECH AND EVERYONE'S RIGHT TO IT.
FREE SPEECH IS AMERICAN, AND COVERED UNDER THE CONSTITUTION. The Framers very wisely, deliberately inserted it, and -- in my opinion -- it was one of the ideals that make our Constitution one of the most brilliant, powerful, and awe-inspiring documents/constitutions ever written.
What I don't have patience for are those who are in the habit of namecalling, belittling others, rather than sticking to the issues. That type of "free speech", again in my opinion is not called for.
Some like to play hardball when it comes to the political arena. There are others here on Gather, who may not be "in" to politics, but would simply like to state their opinion without any concern about repercussions, namecalling, harassment, being labelled, made fun of -- just to be able to speak their mind, without any "noise" coming back at them, in spite of what they think, feel, or say. I am in complete agreement with that, and I support that.
We all have something to say, and I say, "Let's hear it! Let's share! Let's exchange differing ideas and viewpoints!"
That being said, what you said was stated quite eloquently and you spoke for a number of people, not only on Gather, but also in this Country with your comment.
In other words, many people feel as you do, but many may be reluctant to say it.
Hey: your comment, and similar comments, are just fine with me, as long as people don't start getting nasty with their fellow Gatherer(s) by namecalling, etc., etc -- those things I mentioned above.
Thank you for sharing it!
:=)
Also, please do not believe that I only want to hear the positive side of this monumental day in history. I don't know from where that idea came. I want to hear ALL sides, else however would I learn from you and grow. You probably want the same thing too, yes?
I'm hoping we ALL learn and grow from the exchange of differing opinions. Your mind and getting YOUR thoughts -- the same and different from mine -- is why I posted this article. I mean, how else in the world might we continue to grow if we don't learn from each other?
Thank you so much! Please continue to teach me, and each other by sharing your thoughts.
I also updated this article to include this email:
"From: "Barack Obama"
Subject: The Next Vice President
Nalita --
I have some important news that I want to make official.
I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.
Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.
I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.
Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:
http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe
[or click here:
Welcome Joe! ]
Thanks for your support,
Barack
P.S. -- Make sure to turn on your TV at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to join us or watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com."
[or click here
The Obama For America Official Website]"
One last thing: I would be very surprised -- if not already done -- if someone from "Obama For America" headquarters won't/hasn't already posted an article with these details. (www.barackobama.gather.com
They seem to be VERY GOOD at keeping us Gatherers in the loop.
So here are my thoughts....
*I'm hungry, I need a shower, is that really me whom smells like that, god I'd wish he'd leave already so I can give myself a rub and a tug, is she really wearing that, does God believe that I am an idiot, will they ever let me people go, I wish I could go to Paris now too, I need another cup of coffee, did I take my medicine, do I want to have sex with my ex, my house is messy, who will clean it...*
Well, you said I HAD TO SHARE MY THOUGHTS and I did, so no spilling of me then...
Cheers Lady!!!!
MBFC
Biden is an excellent choice, young and idealistic and older and proven make a great combo.
Lionel,
Why do you see that happening? I think that Bush and Obama are two totally different personality types and I also think the same is true of Cheney and Biden? I would like to hear your thoughts though on why you would think that?
Thank God if Obama is elected, God forbid, there will be a least one person in the White house that has the knowledge and experience to run the Nation if needed.
I still await McCain's decision for his running mate, and I still pick McCain as my choice for President.
Biden, over his 30 years in the senate, has proven to be a team player, and an outspoken critic of the Bush policies which, as he said today, his friend John McCain supported 95% of the time. We have two, incredibly talented leaders in the Obama/Biden team at this defining moment in our country's history. We simply must do everything in our power to see that they are elected. We can't afford four more years of George Bush.
I also noticed that someone had flagged your article for "hate speech", but again I did not get the opportunity to read it -- to even determine why. Certainly the content of your article was not offensive, so it must have been something in the comments, maybe ????
I did think (to myself) that it was a shame that someone would do that.
I am pleased that -- in the midst of all the positive comments about Senators Obama and Biden -- that you felt comfortable enough to express a contrary opinion here. Rest assured that your opinion is as respected HERE as anyone else's.
Thanks for the comment. Please feel free to supplement it with any other thoughts at any time.
Ron & Buddy-Older, but better! W., Aug 23, 2008, 7:51am EDT
Ron,
I have an inkling that his son who is now Attorney General of Delaware will run for the seat. If he does he will get my vote.
I know that your comment was directed to Ron, but might I interject? Wait: isn't that the son who is headed over to Iraq on October 3?
If that is the case, and you would know this better than I, Bob, but as popular and respected as Senator Biden is, he could name his replacement, and there you have it. With Biden's endorsement, that person would be a shoo-in, I suspect.
The comment wasn't really directed at Ron in all ways. I used Ron's comment as a point of reference to what I was replying on. You are right though, Beau is the one that is heading over to Iraq. I am not sure how long his deployment would be or if he would be able to participat in a Senate "run-off" race. I also think that youare right that whoever Biden endorses as his replacement will be an easy winner. Since my concerns are the same as Ron's and I am guessing the same as yours and many other liked minded people I would like to say that Biden does have a few good choices out of the Democratic contenders here for his seat.
Here is just a little bit of info on Beau Biden;
Biden is a member of the Delaware Army National Guard, and serves as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General's office. In August 2007, he received notice that his unit would be deployed to Iraq some time in 2008. He is officially scheduled to deploy on October 3, 2008, the day after his father participates in the campaign's only vice presidential debate. His father is on the record as saying, "I don't want him going. But I tell you what, I don't want my grandson or my granddaughters going back in 15 years, and so how we leave makes a big difference."
Thank you for that information. It was informative. Who would blame Joe Biden for not wanting his son to go? I have 2 cousins who have been involved in this war as well, and I don't like it either. However this is what they chose, as both of their predecessors were career military, meaning one had a grandfather, and many uncles (ALL maternal uncles) in the military.
The other one's father was career Air Force, with the same history: all maternal uncles in the military. I'm just relieved they are okay up to this point.
We ALL want this war O-V-E-R, I think. But it is as Obama has said so many times:
We must be as careful getting out [of the war in Iraq], as we were careless getting in.
Thanks again, Bob!
Joe has personally done a lot for our Vets. So I am happy for many reasons, and I do not care who McCain chooses. I want the best for our Country, and I feel we now have them, side by side. Ellen B
They better get each other's name right. Obama introduced Biden as the next president of the U.S., and Biden called Obama...Barack America!!! :)
I was hoping Obama would pick Tim Kaine. But that had some problem areas, too.
Biden is really gonna' have to watch his quick responses. He ends up with foot in mouth a lot and comes across as a bit arrogant.
He's been around a long time ... so that will be helpful to the ticket.
Whoever will replace Biden in DE after all these years, or can he do both? (Not impossible... his son is Attorney General there and he would be the one to decide.)
I KNOW, Barbara.
I KNOW.
I've heard that ole Fresno is HOT, HOT, HOT, HOT -- past the 100's!
Well, I love all you guys, but YOU can HAVE it!
I also heard from a friend that, hold on . . .
Obama Convention Watch Party
Thursday, 8/28, 6:00 pm.
Fig Garden Swim and Racquet Club at 4722 N. Maroa in NW Fresno starting at 6 PM.
Join us as we watch Senator Barack Obama make history
as he accepts the Democratic nomination for President of the United States
Dinner will be included. Tri-tip dinner, swimming and activities for the entire family.
Sounds like fun, and all of that, but once again -- KEEP it AND the HEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tri-tip (beef) = YUCK!!! Where's the fish?
Anybody want to go, let me know and I'll give you the contact information.
I just got an email from Senator Joe Biden, sponsored by the
Obama for America campaign headquarters.
It startled me at first, seeing as how I have never received anything from him before, and it just said "Hello".
But I opened it, and it WAS from Obama's site. Senator Biden asked that I pass a video along to my friends, and so . . . here it is . . .
http://my.barackobama.com/bidenvideo
or click here:
Greetings from Senator Joe Biden
I'll include it in the article next to his Congressional photo as well.
What I like most about this pick is that to me it forces McCain's hand to pick Mitt Romney, who to me would probably make the best president and by putting him at the head of the future of Republican party would be the best thing that could happen.
I've considered your thoughts. They DO make sense, especially considering what the Young Ones that I know have said -- about the polls, and about being invisible to the Establishment.
When you said,
These independent people don't follow politics as a hobby like most of us on Gather and aren't ideological so the things that are deal busters to us don't matter to them.
There is a good amount of truth in that. My Young Ones may still be into their video games, computer fun, the mall, their friends, and such, but when you ask them for whom they're voting, the response is immediate and no thought is required: Obama!
The same is true of their little friends; they are ALL on the Obama bandwagon, and it doesn't seem to matter whether their parents are Democrats, Independents, or Republicans.
Ask them if THEY are getting phone calls from pollsters, and so far I've yet to hear one tell me that they have. I haven't received any phone calls either, but then again, I don't answer calls from numbers that I don't recognize. My sister gets calls, but she is part of the upper middle class demographic, so that's expected.
Here's the thing: this election, just as you briefly touched upon, shall not be so much about the predictability of the "Old Tigers". We are easy to forecast. What this election shall run and be won on -- and I've been saying this all along -- is the unexpected, the power of the Internet, along with that group that so many have ignored -- the 18 to 24 year olds, SCREAMING to be heard. I may as well expand on it, and say the 18 to 34 year olds. If I'm wrong, y'all shall certainly come back on November 5, and get me for it, but I'm not wrong. Our time is over, for the most part. It's a new day, and the Young Ones are saying it very loudly and clearly.
What I like most about this pick is that to me it forces McCain's hand to pick Mitt Romney, who to me would probably make the best president and by putting him at the head of the future of Republican party would be the best thing that could happen.
Some believe McCain shall not select Romney because of his religious persuasion; I disagree. It is my belief that it's a McCain/Romney ticket or . . . check this one out, a McCain/Lieberman ticket. Now wouldn't that one (McCain/Lieberman) be a blast! In any event, the ball is in McCain's court, and time shall time -- a very short amount of time -- just who he shall select.
Just as you said about "forcing his hand", I do not believe his handlers shall allow him to choose Lieberman, although, in order to WIN, that would be a keen move, so the checkmate is still Obama's. There is no doubt in my mind that Obama shall win. What I'm look to is this: what shall the Country do, especially Obama supporters, when he wins? Pack up and go home, thinking "Job well done?"
The concern as to whether he shall win or not, and looking at the polls -- in my mind -- is ridiculous.
I am serious when I say that the major concern is what happens on and after January 20, 2009.
As sure as "Nothing can change the shape of things to come", his win is definite; but what then? What then?
I already, along with others, have our plans laid out, for that is when the true work begins. But the outlook for 2009 and beyond? It feels disturbing; VERY disturbing.