"Past Is Prologue" Biden Hammers McCain's Ties To Bush

Unlike Obama, Joe Biden is hammering the links between McCain and President Bush. Here's one key moment:

"Past is prologue, Gwen. The issue is how different is John McCain's policy going to be than George Bush's? I haven't heard anything yet. I haven't heard how his policy is going to be different on Iran than George Bush's. I haven't heard how his policy will be different with Israel than George Bush's, I haven't heard how his policy on Afghanistan will be different than George Bush's, I haven't heard how his policy in Pakistan will be different than George Bush's. It may be, but so far, it is the same as George Bush's, and you know where that policy has taken us. We will make significant change, so once again, we're the most respected nation in the world. That's what we're going to do."

Comments

[oandjoe08]

you betcha, doggone it!!

[BethStuart]

I'm reminded of the famous quote, Those do no not remember the past are condemned to repeat it. I much prefer someone who understands the past over someone who appears to be auditioning for a role on the Beverly Hillbillies.

[BigMike75]

This was pitiful, absolutely pitiful. I think I wanted to hurl the more I heard "you betcha" and "doggone it", I mean really, are we in the twilight zone? Sarah Palin basically decided to have her own debate, and make a case for her presidential run in 2012. She decided to botch the debate process and not answer questions at all, she's been stuffed so full of talking points this past week, that there was nothing natural or spontaneous at all about her performance. Not once, did Ifill challenge her to be more specific, or to elaborate, when she continuously danced around questions. I suppose the McCain camp loved that, because it surely would've sunk the snow bunny. Sarah barely survived her cue card debate, and the process was nothing more than a placation of this politcal rookie. Her response "I've only been at this for 5 weeks" should suspend all thoughts that this woman is qualified to be VP, let alone president. In another 5 weeks she'll be back where she belongs, running the 3rd smallest state in this country.

[shockwave11]

Agree. She can't handle it, unless scripted.She's not going to have scripts nor 5 weeks training when she's in front of foreign dignitaries or even members of congress (we all see how these people talk to each other).

I think Couric's interview revealed that she can't handle the heat unless she's rehearsed. Guess what Palin, getting back to someone or answering by not answering will not help with domestic and foreign matters...you live life by acting your part not by rehearsing for it.

[Azzurra1]

Of course McCain/Palin want to move away and forget the past 8 years. But, "Those
who forget the past are doomed to repeat it." = McSame

[IForgotMyName]

Well done, Joe. It would have been even better if he had pointed out that sadly George W. isn't past yet but that he is still in power and that America is still suffering from his disastrous policies: financial crisis, 2 wars, huge deficit, unemployment rising, declining wages, healthcare crisis...

[Moarku]

Uh oh. He's quoting Shakespeare. Get ready for a chorus of, "See that proves he's an elitist, what with all that fancy book learnin'."

[allonfla]

I thought this was very powerful. If the undecideds did not decide after that then they should just stay home on Nov. 4th.

[TrippyWeekender]

Biden demonstrated excellent word economy explaining "past is prologue" and cemented the Bush / McCain link. Well delivered too.

[Perry Clease]

"Past is prologue." That was an excellent statement. She dumped on Biden for bring up Bush's past, but talking about McCain's past is okay?

[NowWhatFolks]

My wife and I just stared at each other while listening to Joe go off. It was amazing! Finally, on national TV, someone is actually saying what needs to be said. Brilliant moment in a very good debate for Senator Biden. It's too bad everyone in the media was focused on his opponent, because his performance was wonderful.

[islanbatman]

She was about as folksy as a hermit crab.

[nervousexpat]

and her running mate is a crab who no doubt, throughout his philandering years, has had crabs

[jozap]

did no one catch the health care comments?

Why didn't Biden say that the insurance credit of 2500 to 5000 would be sent directly to the insurance company? That 200 a month doesn't get you a good policy, people file BK with those types of policies.

This is not a real credit, it is a way for insurance companies to get money from the government for offering people insurance that is worthless.

[jwatso7]

Actually, he did say it once, but it was a quick part of a larger answer. I wish he had made it more of an issue, but if people were paying attention hopefully some people caught it.

[NowWhatFolks]

The format didn't allow for any real substance, unfortunately. I did catch his response to that, as well.

[ClevelandLawyer]

He did.

[SpoxLogic]

He did say it. In fact, I thought he did a good job of pointing out that the average cost to the employer is $12,000, but McCain was only offering $5000.

[allonfla]

He did say that! and he hung on to that statement too, it wasn't blurted out so I don't know how you missed that.

[ghunt]

My favorite was the question which was asked about Dick Cheney's creation of his own branch of government. Palin answered something about the flexibility that office affords, while Joe cited Article One. Very different answers and understanding of the Constitution there.

[Zingaro Zorro]

Is knowledge of American government important in any way for the Governor and people of Alaska?

[ghunt]

It should be. It's a state in the union.

[Collielady]

It's critical that EVERY citizen know and understand the Constitution. That's what is so disturbing about Sarah. Her ignorance. Which is very reflective of the American people and is what has enabled the crimes of the last eight years. Ignorance is very disturbing.

[Gavin29]

For the love of God, can somebody make Lady Sarah shut up about her being folksy! My parents are from a town of 3000 in SE Missouri and no one acts or talks about being folksy like she does. I would love to see her try and be mayor here in Dallas, TX. and our 1.3 million residents. She would wet her American flag panties.

Also, Mavericks don't call themselves Mavericks.

[Zingaro Zorro]

She appeals to the garage mechanic, six-pack American male.

[ghunt]

And those who aren't bothered by a vice presidential candidate who makes absolutely no sense whenever she opens her mouth.

[jwatso7]

I thought this was Biden's best moment in the entire debate.