Second-Tier Biden Draws First-Tier Crowd

[jillan]

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/01/01/second-tier-biden-draws-first-tier-crowd/

Sen. Joe Biden has almost never registered in the double digits in state or national polls, but today in Iowa the Delaware senator addressed more than 500 Iowans packed into the Raccoon River Brewery downtown. Asking the crowd to caucus for him on Thursday night, Biden offered this assurance: “You’re going to be stunned on how many people stand with you.”

While Sens. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and former Sen. John Edwards dominate the spotlight here in their battle for a first-place finish, it’s easy to forget that four other Democrats are seeking the nomination. Yet even potential Biden supporters are candid about his prospects. “I think he could get fourth place,” said Roscoe Morton, an oncologist from the Des Moines area who is wavering between Biden and Clinton as his first and second choice.

Morton made an effort to see Biden today because he wanted to hear more from him before he heads to his local precinct to caucus Thursday night. “I think he understands the global picture. I think he just, of all the candidates running, he understands where we are in the world and obviously we spent the last seven years screwing that up.”

It’s Biden’s familiarity and long record dealing with foreign affairs — he is also chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee — that is the core of his presidential bid. “I’ve been to Iraq more than every other Democratic candidate combined,” Biden said, who got his biggest laugh line when he poked fun at fellow second-tier candidate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson’s recent comment that he would send Dick Cheney to Pakistan to mediate the crisis there.
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:headbang: Mo' Joe!

[sandnsea]

1. Dick Cheney to Pakistan??

Okay Pirhana, I gotta here that one.

[frogcycle]

3. he said it

http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/12/whats-up-frid-3.html

What's up Friday: Richardson says halt aid to Pakistan, send Cheney to see Musharraf

The Democratic field includes both a former U.N. ambassador and the current chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The latter, Joe Biden, held a press conference today about Benazir Bhutto's assassination. The former, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, has scheduled a "major speech" tomorrow in which he'll say the United States should halt aid it is giving Pakistan to fight terrorists.

"Not a penny more in aid will be provided to Pakistan to fight terrorism until (Pakistan President Pervez) Musharraf leaves office," Richardson said in announcing the speech he'll give in Des Moines.

USA TODAY's Kathy Kiely reports that today in Jefferson, Iowa, Richardson said President Bush should send "a high-level envoy" to persuade Musharraf to step aside in favor of a coalition government. "I would send the vice president," Richardson said of Vice President Cheney. "He and Musharraf are buddies." Richardson also said he is sure that "al-Qaeda perpetuated this crime."

[Jennifer C]

4. Oh my....

:crazy: :silly:

[frogcycle]

5. he has proven lack of fitness for the office - big time!

[jillan]

8. Richardson is a great man, a great politician.

He just doesn't seem Presidential - to me anyway.

Altho - I caught his live event from Iowa on c-span. He too had a packed house, and the audience loved him. Very impressive.

This comment? I don't know. Was he appealing to the independents?

[1corona4u]

9. Can't say for sure.....

But I'm a pretty mainstream Ind. And he doesn't appeal to me...I think he's a nice guy, great sense of humor, but something lacking for prez, if you ask me. I'd like to see him somewhere in an admin, just not sure where...

[youthere]

15. I agree...

I like Bill Richardson, but he doesn't seem presidential to me. He has this kind of frumpy way about him that turns me off...and I don't mean that as an insult to him. I really do like him, but he just doesn't come across as presidential.

[sandnsea]

6. Well just, wow

That really is kind of off the beam there. I understand the sentiment, but this wouldn't seem to be the most diplomatic manner of handling it.

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

10. Maybe Richardson meant for Cheney to take Musharraf hunting?

[silverojo]

12. Jeezus, Bill...

Are you trying to convince voters that you're batshit insane?

[K Gardner]

2. I heard that today when I was watching him on CSpan, but he didn't mention

which candidate said that about sending Cheney. Was wondering which one it was.. sheesh.

[Eurobabe]

11. Yes, he did, and then he proceeded to poke HRC for her comment

about electing Musharraf (pssst he's already President) it's about the parliament stoopid!

[skipos]

7. Those are some good numbers for Biden

I am still crossing my fingers for him.
Go Joe!

[whirlygigspin]

13. go Joe go!

n't

[Flabbergasted]

14. kick