Diehard Biden supporters: what is it that makes you a diehard supporter

[LittleClarkie]

What is it about him that really grabs you?

[gateley]

1. He inspires my trust. nt

[LittleClarkie]

2. How does he do that?

What about him inspires trust? His experience, esp. in foreign policy? His demeanor?

[frogcycle]

4. there's a joke line from somewhere that

if you can fake sincerity you've got everything else covered. I can no more prove that Biden isn't faking it than I can win dancing with the stars, but my gut tells me he isn't. My gut tells me that for some of the others, well... I have watched him speaking extemporaneously on a variety of topics, and whether he has the absolutely ironclad best plan for anything doesn't matter. You just know he wants the best plan. He wants to make it right. Combine that with his experience and evident willingness to take advice, and he's got my vote.

[LittleClarkie]

7. Thanks for your response.

I'm glad I'm asking this question. It's helping me as a person who hasn't chosen yet.

[gateley]

15. I agree -- more than anything, I believe the guy. Can you imagine? :-) nt

[PatSeg]

20. No reading between the lines with Biden

I'm so tried of figuring out politicians really mean.

[Froward69]

6. Watch this

Biden is Real. He says it like it is. He actually comes up with the ideas others use to gain support.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjzaCrjY448 1 min
or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhCJ6h_p0GA&feature=RecentlyWatched&page=1&t=t&f=b

20 min



unlike Mrs.Coattails "say anything to get elected" or Mr. used car salesman what she says but diffrent my hair is worth a few dozen homless meals. or Mr Great-Orator he can make me cry/get exited about America during a speach. Just steped over his opponent to get elected as senator and simply hasnt been seasoned enough.

[PatSeg]

21. Yeah, its better to watch his speeches

than to hear OUR reactions to them.

[Froward69]

34. why dont we get this thread

Kicked up to greatist? Recomend? I have.:kick: I thought of annother thing too . why not us Biden:patriot: supporters put a :patriot: next to his name??

[TroglodyteScholar]

40. Or to give his voting record the slightest bit of scrutiny

Sometimes what a candidate says is just wonderful, but when it comes down to business he's...well, all business.

I say be even more wary of candidates who always SAY things you like. It's worth verifying that they vote that way.

[gateley]

11. For both the reasons you mentioned, and more.

His demeanor is what initially made me sit up and listen to what he was saying (I wasn't interested in him at all initially). He speaks with passion and caring, and a sincerity I don't experience with the other candidates. When asked a question, he jumps right in with the answer - politically advantageous or not - and tells it as he sees it. I don't get the feeling he is fishing around in his head for the "best" answer. Okay, so to sum up this portion - he's a what you see is what you get kind of guy, and I LONG for that in a President after being dismissed and lied to for so many years.

His foreign policy experience is second to none. He knows how to work WITH the leaders of other countries, they've establishesd relationships and mutual respect, and he understands the larger picture of our place in the world.

His senatorial experience is inspiring as well. As evidenced by the Biden-Brownback-Boxer vote, he communicates well with all of his peers on both sides of the aisle. Again, he works WITH them to come to mutually advantageous agreements and solutions. He's well liked in Congress.

He's known as the Education Candidate. He has worked diligently to better our education system. He knows the value of smaller classes, rewarding teachers fairly, and ensuring that our young people get the best education we can provide.

He's strong on Women's/Victims rights and has authored landmark bills in this area.

He realizes the threat of global warming and has introduced legislation for funding research into lithium-ion battery power for automobiles (a particular favorite of mine). If he becomes president, he promises that the entire government fleet of cars will be replaced with hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, and that every new federal building constructed will be green.

I heard him mention talking to his neighbor when he was mowing his lawn. There aren't too many candidates who I can picture doing that. He's a 'real' person. He takes the train to and from DC to go to work. He's the second poorest guy in the Senate, which indicates to me he's not on the take and not playing the game to get ahead, but rather sincerely trying to do what he believes is best.

I could go on, but you get the gist.

He's a good person. He's someone I would trust as a friend, and someone I would trust as our President. To paraphrase another DUer, I would sleep better at night knowing Joe Biden is in the White House.

[jillan]

51. I never heard the story about mowing his lawn. That is amazing that he doesn't hire people to do it

Just like going to get his own coffee.

So down-to-earth!

[lyonn]

87. I am one of your cheerleaders Gateley!

For instance, you mentioned his foreign policy experience. Just the other day, in an article that got no attention, Biden had a meeting with Talibani and then dashed to the airport to meet with people in a restaurant in Iowa. Now that is flexible, well rounded and determined. And there was nothing in the msm about Biden even meeting with Talibani.

There is no doubt he understand and can improve our educational system due to two teachers very close to him, his first wife and now his long time 2nd wife.

He certainly is not bought and paid for, his campaign chest proves that. Could it be that corporations feel he Truly will put the people first? Why would they endorse him then?

[BenV]

3. My thoughts

My interest in Biden started when I saw him on the Daily Show, he seemed like a really intelligent guy who tells it like it is. He was talking about how he thinks the American people are ready for a president who doesn't sugarcoat things and is honest about the sacrifices they will have to make to ensure a better future. After seeing that show I started looking him up on YouTube and came across this video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=v1op8vwF5UA

It was one of the more inspiring speeches I had seen from a member of our government, so I started looking for all things Biden, and came across his book. I read the whole thing over the course of a couple days and found it very interesting. It was really neat hearing someone describe all these presidents after having knowing them so intimately, I felt like I was getting an inside scoop on how our country works. Even if you are not a Biden supporter, I really recommend reading his book, as there are so many interesting stories about our country and history in it.

Another thing I really like about Joe is the fact that he actually answers questions when people ask him, and his answers do not sound scripted. During the debates he seems to be one of the only candidates who doesn't dance around the questions and actually just gives a straight-up response.

He also has a viable plan for Iraq, and has gone through great strides to get bi-partisan support for it. I feel that our next president will need to be able to reach across to the Republicans and get them to cooperate, and I believe Biden has proven he can do this.

Anyway, that's just my two cents!

[LittleClarkie]

5. Cool. Thanks for your response. What's the name of his book btw

so I can go look it up

[gateley]

12. It's called Promises to Keep - here's a link to Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Promises-Keep-Politics-Joe-Biden/dp/1400065364/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2497031-7441467?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1192069409&sr=8-1

[BenV]

13. Promises to Keep

Promises to Keep

It really is a very interesting read!

[frogcycle]

8. and a valuable $.02 it is

welcome to DU! :hi:

[gateley]

32. Whoa, Ben, I'd never seen that video. Absolutely spellbinding. Thank you!! nt

[Jillian]

50. Ben - thanks for posting that video. I love his passion.

[Byronic]

70. I remember that speech

I think Joe scorched all the paint off the inside of the Senate.

That was a real barnburner.

They deserved it too.

[Thickasabrick]

9. He's hot

;)

[Ian David]

10. My guess is it has something to do with all the lead paint imported from China.

(Holstering Snarkgun)

[BenV]

14. Haha!

[PatSeg]

16. I ran across Joe Biden back in '04 while watching MTP

I was in the beginning stages of becoming a political junkie. Though I supported John Kerry, I was getting frustrated with the canned and evasive political talk that I was hearing from both the left and the right. One day I heard Biden speak and I thought he would make a good presidential candidate, though I really knew nothing about him. His style was so direct and unscripted, and he actually said something.

One Sunday I was watching MTP and my adult son came in and sat down. I waited for the inevitable, "lets watch something GOOD". Though he has an interest in politics, he is not as obsessed as I am and isn't a big fan of the Sunday talk shows. Joe Biden was speaking and to my surprise, my son just sat and listened. After a few minutes he looked at me and said, "Why isn't HE running for president?"

My son has been a supporter of Biden ever since. I had my doubts whether he could go the distance, but I still followed him over the months, often discouraged by how little exposure he was getting. Then I listened to his speech to the IAFF and I knew it was possible and that for the first time in my life I would get involved somehow.

Later I showed the speech to my adult daughter and she was blown away. The day she was to get married to a recovering republican, we showed her soon-to-be husband the speech. He was NOT a Biden fan, but he was speechless. That was the same day he gave me his RNC membership card!

It is difficult to convey to others what he inspires in people. My advice is to watch the speech to the IAFF on YouTube. This is a candidate unlike anyone you've seen in a long, long time, but it has to click with each person individually. I can give you all the reasons based on the issues, his experience, and his accomplishments, which are many, but I can't give you that "moment" when you hopefully will know that this man should be our president.

[PatSeg]

17. P.S. Here's the IAFF speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU7yhHWuTC4

It is long, but it seems to go by very quickly. He received five standing ovations. I've watched it three times.

[frogcycle]

22. thanks

I hadn't seen it

pretty much seals the deal, doesn't it?

:)

[PatSeg]

35. It did for me

And the fact that it impressed my skeptical new son-in-law is amazing. He listened to all my arguments, but nothing had the same effect as watching this speech.

[madokie]

33. I just watched that speach and I have to say I like Joe

but then again I always did like Joe and I think he would make a fine President. One who would make good sound decisions based on whats right and not embarass us

[PatSeg]

37. "not embarass us"?

Isn't that sad? Bush is like the obnoxious relative who ruins every wedding and holiday!

We need to show the world that Bush is NOT a reflection of the rest of us.

[frogcycle]

18. well said

I've liked him for a looong time. But I "fell for" him a few months ago when he was doing a town meeting in Iowa sponsored by a GLBT group. It was late; it was hot; he and the people were clearly tired. He was chatting with them, answering questions - no, that's not right. They'd bring up a topic and he would explain his views, with personal anecdotes to support them, periodically swatting at a mosquito or wiping away sweat. It was mesmerizing. He just seemed so damned real. Genuine. Then I watched his floor speech - no, his floor discussion - on the Biden/Brownback bill. And I saw the respect he was paid by Sens. Warner, Brownback, and I saw the depth and breadth of his knowledge of mideast politics and human nature - and the obvious fact that he considers the Iraqis, the Serbians, the Bosnians, to be people worth caring about and helping. They aren't pawns in a global chess game to him. They are fellow human beings who were/are in dire circumstances, and he wants to make it right. He wants passionately to make it right.

[PatSeg]

19. "Real" "Genuine"

Those are traits that you can't really explain to someone else. They have to see it. I could talk for hours to my children about why he is the perfect candidate. I could tell them about his experience, knowledge, and abilities, but nothing would compare to them actually watching him and listening to him. They both made their decisions on their own after listening to him.

[superkia]

23. He was the only candidate to vote against the war in 2002.

He said the war was about oil and saw no evidence to go to war.
He wants the patriot act repealed and believes it is an attack on our civil rights.
He wants non profit health care for all.
He went to the floor asking for investigations into the Hunt oil deal( Bush and Cheneys buddy Ray Hunt) in Iraq.
He is for impeachment. Yes he is for IMPEACHMENT.
He is speaking out about the governments attack on our constitution.
He doesn't believe in selling out to corporate interests to gain funds to further his campaign.
He wants to make any corporation with an American name pay taxes here.
He wants to cut the runaway Pentagon budget to save the economy.
He believes in peace before war.
He believes we need separation of corporation and state.
He believes marijuana should be decriminalized.
He believes NAFTA and GATT intentionally limit workers rights.

I could go on but I think that is enough. Oh shit, all of that is about Dennis Kucinich not Biden sorry.

Biden did say this in May of 2003: "There was sufficient evidence to go into Iraq."
and this in 2004:"I voted to give the president the authority to use force in Iraq. I still believe my vote was just."


He no longer feels that way. I point this out because only Dennis Kucinich was able to look at the evidence and state that there was no evidence for war and that it was only about oil. I think everyone should know how Bush was able to commit the war crimes that he has and they should look into why Dennis Kucinich was the only politician willing to stand up for the truth back in 2002. I know that everyone is standing up now during campaign time but their original votes that caused innocent lives to be lost should be in the forefront when considering them to run our country.

I saw multiple posts from you about the candidates and thought Kucinich should be known for what he stands for. Its only my opinion but I feel he is the only candidate standing up and speaking for the people. Just look at his health care plan, he wants health care to be non profit so people won't still get denied claims or only partial payments from the others FOR PROFIT health care plans. He wants good things for the people not the corporations.

[gateley]

27. I like Kucinich, too for all your well stated reasons & more, but I'm stuck on Biden. nt

[superkia]

29. If he were the nominee he would still get my vote, there is only...

one candidate that I cant bring myself to vote for. I am crossing my fingers that the American public is smarter than the media has taken us for.

[Wiley50]

24. I Just Love The Way He Stands Up For Credit Card Companies, Big Insurance and other Delaware Corps

NOT!

Fuck Biden!

and his bankruptcy bill

[gateley]

25. Al Gore would be so proud of you for such a thought provoking response. nt

[PatSeg]

26. This thread was addressing Biden supporters

not those who oppose him. The poster asked why we support him. If you wish to criticize Joe Biden, perhaps you should start such a thread.

[LittleClarkie]

30. Thanks for kicking my thread

much obliged.

[Froward69]

53. I get blasted when I venture to others' camps

well I would be upset too if my congressman weren’t looking out for my states businesses. I don't blame him at all for that.(I have one credit card and it has a zero balance. I keep it that way)Insofar as the bankruptcy bill. Biden agreed to go along with it, on the condition that Child support becomes precedent to credit cards, what’s wrong with that??? Ive had tenants who ran to bankruptcy court over late fees, damage, and rent. they just bought a house and the mortgage company gets paid. why not I. I mean REALLY, is bankruptcy part of your portfolio? why go bankrupt anyway? refuse to pay, based on shitty service or what ever. 8 years later... its gone... or wait till the collection comp goes under then challenge. Gone! Its easy you do it from your comp at home. No need for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is for those who cannot live within their means. Anyway.
I have heard the argument that most bankruptcy is caused by a health issue. Incredible bills and so on.

Under Bidens Health care plan we needn’t have to worry of such happenings in the future.

ALL the other candidates talk about MANDITORY health insurance. Rates sure as hell didn’t go down when We had to buy insurance for our cars now did they?
insofar as Big insurance... Bidens is the ONLY Health care plan that leaves the insurance comps. locked out. He knows that HMO's created the mess our system is in. You should too.

You should watch these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA8HC_IBhcc&mo :patriot: de=related&search

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JobcB8cM1zw&mode=related&search=campaign08%20p2008%202008-iowa%20healthcare%20biden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjzaCrjY448

[tnlefty]

28. I'm not one, but I do have a friend who is 70+ and he brags about

having his picture taken with Dennis Kucinich at the '04 convention, and who is a liberal...

My friend is a veteran of the Air Force, and he really feels that Biden understands veterans and their needs.

Not that I agree with my older friend, but I do listen to him and that's his perspective.

[PretzelWarrior]

31. I'd have to say' it is brazen plagiarism

Amazing Joe! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas Joe that taught my heart to fear,
And Joe my fears relieved;
How precious did that Joe appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis Joe hath brought me safe thus far,
And Joe will lead me home.

Biden has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The world shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun refuse to shine;
But Biden, who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine.

When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing Biden's praise
Than when we'd first begun.

[Think82]

66. Ann Coulter? Is that you?

[LittleClarkie]

67. That has been explained to me to my satisfaction

When you quote someone in hundreds of speeches and then miss quoting them in ONE speech, well, it's just too much like Kerry's botched joke for me. They knew damned well what he meant, and that he knew where the story came from. But they nailed him the ONE time he left something out. That's bogus.

[JackRiddler]

36. The thrill of being hunted to extinction.

[Froward69]

63. WHY???

None of us are going any where near the woods/prairie with Dick Cheney... :boring:

[jillan]

38. I agree with what everyone has posted but I am also going to add

*that Biden will have the easiest time in the general election. I know supporters of other candidates say the same thing. But think about it seriously. What is the RW going to get Biden on? Plagerism - yeah right. That was a smear campaign from 20 years ago and John Sasso, the political advisor that started the smear campaign came out and publicly apologized to Biden. They could go after him for his comment on guns from the You-tube debate when that one guy called his assault weapon his baby. But other than that, there is really nothing else. Besides - Biden does not mince words. He will not sit back and take it, and he has the gift that few people have where you can take down your opponnet while being smooth as silk.

*He also has an impressive resume' which recently includes his Senate resolution being passed by 75 members of the Senate.
That was the first time in 5 years the Senate has come together on Iraq. And the fact that he took such a risk while running for office impresses me. He has based most of his campaign on his foreign relations experience. The vote could have turned out very differently. He took a big chance while the other candidates are playing it safe.

*And he is the only candidate that is constantly getting things done while running for office. Not only did he get his plan for Iraq passed, he got MRAPs for our troops (his biggest moment of pride was on his last trip to Iraq and having the troops thank him for saving their lives); his legislation for funding of Li-ion batteries for electric cars passed the Senate; him and Lugar got the UN to go over to Darfur; Tom Carper and Biden also had some major legislation pass in Delaware for clean beaches and oceans.
(Alot of people don't know it but Biden has one of the highest ratings from environmental groups)

*And the best part about Biden is that he is just a regular guy. He doesn't talk down to people. He doesn't put on airs.
He stayed at a campaign event last week for an extra 3 hours - just to make sure everyone's questions got answered. You don't see that from anyone else.

And with all of the talk about us going to war with Iran - take one minute and watch Biden talk about Iran:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-526337859449397787&q=biden+iran&total=41&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=3

[PatSeg]

39. "the fact that he took such a risk while running for office"

And he said there are some things worth losing an election over.

Also you said that "he is just a regular guy", but a LOT smarter than most regular guys! A really nice combination.

[ribrepin]

41. If it's sunday, it must be Biden.

He seemed to be on every Sunday talk show for quite awhile. I didn't mind him and would half listen. Nothing jumped out at me. Then one day I saw him grill rumsfeld. Rummy was giving his usual snaky answers and Joe wasn't buying it. I wish I could find the clip. I once described it as John Gotti shaking down a crook who was stupid enough to steal from Gotti--Joe was smiling, but he found nothing amusing. He made it plain that his son was in the military and Rummy had better be damn careful with the troops.

Rumsfeld is gone and Joe is running for President. I've sent Joe a donation.

[PatSeg]

44. Or the time he grilled Ashcroft about torture

Ashcroft was sweating and Biden actually bared his teeth when he said something to the effect that we don't torture so our soldiers, "my son" doesn't get tortured by the enemy.

[gateley]

58. I'd love to see that - I can just imagine! nt

[ribrepin]

61. I've tried to find it on you tube

and I have also tried to google it, but no luck so far. I'd love to post it for all the Biden supporters.

I'm off to bed. Good night all

[Froward69]

62. Goodnite

me too

[ribrepin]

42. Come on, one more vote and off to the greatest

[gateley]

43. Somebody posted (paraphrasing) that Biden is the kind of guy you could

ask to help you build your kid's play house, and he would, and he'd know what he was doing, too. I loved that!

[napi21]

45. This is a GREAT THREAD! I too have sent the few spare bucks

I have to Joe. I think it's about time American had a President we could be PROUD OF!!! I'm so sick of Shrub being STUPID! From eating with his mouth full, & man handeling the Leader of Germany, to dropping his little dog and falling off his bike!

I'm REALLY hoping Joe will be the one candidate who gets the BIG BOOST out of Iowa and NH!

[ribrepin]

46. Please don't remind of all the times George has done America Proud

I had almost managed to forget about * performance at the G-8 a couple years ago. It would be a real treat to have a president who could keep his hands off the German Chancellor.

[PatSeg]

47. And keeps his mouth closed while eating!

And someone who speaks the English language fluently and treats foreign leaders with respect.

[LittleClarkie]

48. I have to admit, amongst the four threads I put out there, y'all are the most enthused

Followed by Edwards, with barely a peep from the Obama and Clinton folks.

[jillan]

52. I think Biden supporters are proud of our candidate.

He's a good guy, honest and a hard worker.

[PatSeg]

75. I find that rather curious

though I don't know exactly what it means. Meanwhile, I am glad our enthusiasm comes through our posts. Most of us are people who never got this involved in politics before, so our perspectives are often more fresh and spontaneous.

[PretzelWarrior]

49. he reminds me of my childhood

when my brother and sisters sat cooped up in a ratty sales trailer at a used car lot (the kind of trailer with that medium toned wood paneling). my dad was sipping his horrific (but free) styrofoam cup of coffee while this loud mouth salesman with the slicked back hair and light plaid polyester suit and wide tie winked at us kids and smelled of Wild Country as he cajoled my dad into signing onto ownership of a beautiful powder blue Plymouth.

[ribrepin]

54. Oh come on, don't rain on our parade

[PretzelWarrior]

57. well, I'll give you this. Biden's clean and well spoken

so he's got that going for him. which is nice.

[Froward69]

59. Thank you, I take complements as they are

Complements. I don't let Al Sharpton make an issue of them… Nor do I get insulted if a gay man complements me. I am comfortable with my sexuality. (Hetero)

[Generator]

93. You left out snappy dresser

which is nuthing to sneeze at.

[Froward69]

56. Funny, your reflection reminded me of Edwards

And the car is a beautiful Chrysler K...
:hurts: :sarcasm:

[LittleClarkie]

60. Thanks for kicking my thread

much obliged.

[Think82]

65. so "pretzel warrior" ...

... are you saying you don't trust Biden? Because that's essentially what your post insinuates...

[saracat]

55. I honestly like Joe.There is some stuff about his record I don't like but everybody has something.

He is smart and experienced,He has a bit of an ego, but heck, who doesn't that is running for Prez.Maybe they need it.Edwards is my first choice but I really like Joe.

[Think82]

64. I'd like to make one more point:

Biden has a reputation for long-windedness. But this jab at him is actually stems (imho) from insecurity at what is actually his greatest strength: Biden talks more DEEPLY about issues than the other candidates do. His is able to articulate his position based a pragmatic critical mind with a strong moral core. He does not talk in "rhetoric" which usually glazes over parts of issues that might diminish the impact one's position. Biden is not afraid to take a look at the other side of the argument, which Barack does, but Biden can point the direction forward with more certainty. Don't confuse certainty with stubbornness, however, which is how the current President acts. Biden's approach does not work if you cannot back up your points with facts, figures, and ANECDOTES, which Biden always has at his fingertips. Storytelling is part of history, and we all know we need a President with a firm grasp of history. But this all brings me to the big point:

HE GETS THINGS DONE. Who has had more sponsored legislative accomplishments than Biden? How did anyone get 26 Republicans to refute the President's Iraq strategy? Biden's plan was endorsed by NO ONE 2 years ago. Biden understands THE PROCESS, and how you cannot go out and spit rhetoric and then expect to work with these same people when you get elected. This is evident when Biden talks about healthcare. He not only has a plan, he talks about HOW he will move to take down the insurance companies over time (re: his recent AAJ speech). This will also translate into a more reasonable foreign policy, as NO ONE running has more experience with foreign leaders,or more knowledge of foreign affairs (hence you can TRUST BIden on foreign policy more than any other candidate running...) than Biden does. And yes, he has more experience than Richardson in this department and no one else is even close. Biden is clearly ahead of things on Iraq. He is a visionary and displayed TRUE LEADERSHIP on this issue. I sometimes feel like he's the only adult in the race. This makes him more electable, etc. Plus, I like Biden's willingness to engage, to go on as many shows as will have him, not insult our intelligence, and constantly speak to the American people in an intimate matter.

Plus, I like his sense of humor.

Everyone is talking about Barack Obama as the next Kennedy, but I think of Biden as the next FDR. Not to take anything away from Kennedy, but FDR lead the U.S. through it's greatest 20th century crises... Biden is right, never since FDR has a president had the opportunity to change the direction of the world than the next one... who will you choose?

must... go... pass... out... now

[gateley]

80. You nailed it again, Think. It would be better if I just sat back and let all the

eloquent folks post because you all certainly express my feelings perfectly.

But it's just that I'm so excited and passionate about Biden, I can't stop singing his praises. It sounds as though I'm a doe-eyed devotee, but that's not the case. It's just that there's so much GOOD I keep learning about this man, I become ever more excited and convinced he would serve this country admirably. I feel we could be proud again - of our President, and of the steps he would be taking to heal us and those we've harmed during Bushe's reign.

[Think82]

94. Thanks, guys

Nah... Keep on posting, Gateley... You do a great job.... but not a "heckuva job" hehe...

[jillan]

85. As gateley said - that was eloquent!

[Byronic]

68. Wonderful stuff

The wind in many ways has been sucked out of my sails by the tremendous responses from Biden supporters this thread has already received. I can put it no better than they.

To quote the old line, we've reached the point where everything has been said, but not everybody has said it yet.

Like you, Little Clarkie, I was (and remain) a huge fan of John Kerry. I have been on DU for a long time, mostly lurking politely, enjoying reading rather than posting, but every so often I would pop my head above the parapet to shove in an opinion here and there. I remember doing so when Kerry had very little support on DU, but that changed. I am praying that the same happens with Joe Biden. Already the Biden support on here is growing, and the Bidenites, in my admittedly biased opinion, are among the nicest set of folks you are ever likely to meet online.

Why Biden?

He is the most qualified if you look at it in black and white. Like John Kerry he has a deep knowledge of the issues. With Biden you know he is talking about a passion of his. You know he is interested in the issues. You know he isn't just reciting from cue-cards. There is no smoke. No mirrors. There is a depth to the man that commands respect.

Life experience: As Joe says himself, the biggest lesson in life is to 'get up'. He has shown remarkable resilience to overcome tragedy and other personal and professional setbacks. He is among the least wealthy of all the senators, and commutes to and from work. Immensely approachable, he isn't stuck in an ivory tower. (although there have been many great leaders who knew the inside of an ivory tower).

The best debater in the field. Bar none. The Republicans would have no chance.

In fact, there are a whole litany of reasons for anybody to throw their heart and soul behind a Biden candidacy, but you have already heard most of them, so I won't bore you any further, but the reason I am supporting Biden is a visceral one. When he speaks, he touches me. He is a good orator, a good man, with a good vision. He is the one we need to drag the White House back out of the Dark Age of Ignorance and into the gentle, civilizing light.

Joe Biden is the one, who in the words of Seamus Heaney, can help us "make hope and history rhyme".

Good luck with your choice Little Clarkie.

[Tamburlaine]

69. I'm not there yet.

But I confess this thread is intriguing to me.

At the present time I resemble the Littlest Hobo. I emotionally travel from campaign to campaign. I in my Romany caravan continue to explore, with no ties to any single political campaign.

Maybe tomorrow I'll want to settle down. But till tomorrow I'll just keep moving on.

I am rather fond of gentle, civilizing light, Byronic, so perhaps I will ultimately settle down in a comfy leather armchair, brandy in hand, in the Biden camp. Are the bookshelves stocked with Seamus Heaney? That could be the deciding factor.

[BenV]

71. If you have some free time

I recommend reading his book, that was one of the big deciding factors for me, and a very interesting look into recent history.

[Byronic]

72. I second that suggestion.

'Promises To Keep' is a very good book. Also emotional in places. It certainly gives you a fuller understanding of Joe Biden as a person. I like what I read.

I'm sure Joe has many, many, more "miles to go" before he sleeps.

[gateley]

77. Wishing you support and encouragement! It will happen, and you will just

know who the right candidate is for you.

We have so many good people vying for the spot so we're lucky. Can you imagine being a Republican with NO good choice available? Carry on!

[Tamburlaine]

84. Thank you gateley

I have, following the sage advice received in this thread, a couple of hours ago picked up a copy of 'Promises To Keep' by Senator Biden. Books out at campaign time usually bore me. They are often written by anybody BUT the candidate, but, there ARE exceptions. Great books have appeared during the silly season, such as 'Tour of Duty' by Douglas Brinkley, and, something of a classic, 'Faith Of My Fathers' by the much fallen John McCain.

[PatSeg]

74. Well said!

I've noticed that Biden supporters posts have a lot of heart combined with substance. A winning combination.

[murbley40]

73. I am blessed to have lived in Delaware for all of my life.....

and have been a Biden fan and supporter since he first ran for the Senate. I admit his youth was what first got my attention,(he is 2 years younger than me.) I found it very intriguing that he at 29 was running for the seat held by a Delaware Republican legend and seemed to think he could win,even if no one else did. The rest is history, as they say. I voted for him then and have voted for him each time since. As everyone knows, we have not relinquished that seat to the republicans or anyone else since.

Many of my reasons have already been said by many other supporters, but additionally, he is patient,
he is a fighter and never gives up, believes himself to be one of us not above us, and I TRUST HIM!
:patriot:

[gateley]

78. I'm so happy you posted this, murbley. I didn't know you were from Delaware and

It's confirming to learn that you are still a supporter and find that your trust is well placed. What a guy - thanks again! :headbang:

[Javaman]

76. I think it's his hair plugs...nt

[gateley]

79. Too funny! I've NEVER heard that one before! Very original - thanks for the post! nt

[petepillow]

81. wow. now there's a deep contribution.

are all your posts so inciteful? if so, you have a future in right-wing talk radio.

[petepillow]

82. I don't know if I'm diehard, but...

I know he's in the top three (top four if you count Gore). I saw him introduce Kerry in 04 at a rally in Delaware. I came to see Kerry, but Biden left the long-lasting impression on me. He was the absolute most normal, non-polished, powerful politician I'd ever witnessed. He didn't pander, he wasn't even all that politically correct, but he was powerful and spot-on.

I can't explain it exactly, but I could tell that he wanted to be the guy running, that he felt he had the skills and ideas, but he was very gracious to Kerry anyway. It wasn't arrogance, but more like regret that it wasn't him. I'm glad to see him in the spotlight this time around, because lets face it...Kerry could never convey a message as clearly, as passionately, as entertainingly as Biden can.

[Byronic]

83. Biden worked hard for John Kerry

I remember him getting particularly furious about the 'Swift Boat' smears.

[murbley40]

86. kick

[Tommy_Carcetti]

88. "Diehard Biden supporter" sounds like an oxymoron...

But I think he'd make a good secretary of state.

And I saw him speak at a JJ Dinner a few years ago and he was a terrific speaker.

[lyonn]

89. From an article in today's Boston Globe

"His rivals, Biden says, like to joke that they'd make him their secretary of state. Then he asks his listeners a pointed question: "Are you ready to vote for anybody for president who's not capable of being secretary of state?"

This article was sent by Biden's campaign office, where the campaign then asks the question:

"As Democrats evaluate their options for '08, that's a question worth pondering"

From a Diehard Biden supporter...

[Swamp Rat]

90. He is very intelligent and does not waste words.

His mind is sharp as a tack, and he does not readily withhold his thoughts.

[LittleClarkie]

91. Kick for the enthusiastic supporters of Biden

If I was measuring that, you guys would win hands down. The other threads died a death.

Thanks to you, I look at Biden in a different light.

[NCarolinawoman]

92. Right now he is my favorite candidate.

One of the reasons I support him is that he has an excellent record on animal welfare issues. These are the ratings given by organizations such as the Humane Society, Fund for Animals, ASPCA, etc. This information is available at Project VoteSmart.

Perhaps this seems like an obscure way to judge a Presidential candidate, but for me, it adds to the total picture. It indicates that Joe Biden has a kind heart.

[gateley]

95. Hi from another North Carolina Woman -- Thank you SO MUCH for posting

about Biden's record on animal welfare issues. I didn't know that and it means a LOT to me. I've always thought you could tell a lot about a person by the way s/he treated animals. I'm not surprised because I feel Biden is such a caring person. This is so cool! Thanks again!

[Byronic]

96. I didn't know that either

Another facet of Joe Biden.

Thanks a lot NCarolinawoman. It is quite sad that animal rights is considered obscure. I know where you are coming from. It means a lot to me too.