When Biden Was Barack Obama (VIDEO)

It's hard to remember, but at one point in time Joe Biden was considered the Democratic Party's Barack Obama -- the up-and-coming candidate of a new generation.

That label followed him closely during his first run for the White House in 1988, even though, at the time, Biden had been in the Senate for 16 years. And, indeed, during a interview with Newsweek Magazine in August 2007 (notice who conducted that interview), the Delaware Democrat said he saw parallels between his campaign back then and Obama's -- parallels that led him, now famously, to declare that he didn't think Obama was ready for the job.

Now, a reader sends over a local news footage that documented Biden before he decided to make that '88 campaign run, which flamed out amidst allegations of plagiarism. There are, to be sure, some similarities, with reporters and academics discussing the Senator as a "different kind of Democrat" and a self-envisioned heir to the Kennedy legacy. There are also some classic clips of George Will and Ron Brownstein expressing doubts about Biden's ability to handle the big stage. And then there is this germane quote from Biden himself on why he wouldn't make a good vice president.

"It would be hard for me to go out and make the case for my president that I had strong disagreement with," he says. "It would be a hard thing for me to do. And I don't criticize those who do because you must be a team. So I would not recommend that anyone pick me for vice president."

The documentary is worth a watch, if just for a reminder of how in politics, the more things change the more they stay the same.

Comments

[RonCanada]

He has depth.

[soomal]

SEND THIS TO ALL OBAMA SUPPORTERS!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBUJztI884M

IT WILL GET YOU FIRED UP!!!!!!!!!!

WE WILL WE WILL ROCK YOU!!

WE WILL WE WILL ROCK YOU!!

PASS IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sparkal]

And what does this have to do with the price of tea in China?????

[amluvinit2]

Well, it does show what a solid man Biden is, and that he cleary had to believe in Obama in order to change his mind that he would not be a VP. I also love that Biden is going to be amongst Obama's advisors. What a wonderful pick for the Democrat party. I mean the look at the opposition's pick, hardly worth noting Sarah Palin. I don't want someone like me running for public office, I want someone who has the knowledge and experience to run a country. What Obama lacks in experience, Joe Biden can help him there. What they both have, is that mind set that we are the UNITED States of America, and nothing can be done unless both sides can work together to solve our countries woes. They are not about dividing the nation, but uniting the nation. I feel perfectly comfortable with Joe Biden as VP, hands down the choice is Obama/ Biden for 2008.

[lucite]

I love "Joe the VP" been following his politics for a few years and he was the only one who called the shots in Iraq correctly. He had alot of facts about the Iraqian people (mostly tribal information) that the Bush/Cheney team pooh poohed. He keeps himself informed unlike McCain/Palin.

[amluvinit2]

Glad that you noted this.

[hogoza]

I love him so much. I feel like Obama needed someone who could tell him the truth and he made the right choice.
Doesn't he look like Mel Gibson when he was younger?

[tangelan]

Yes, he was a hottie.

[liberalrebuttal]

But Joe doesn't disagree with Barack and when he made these comments he didn't even know who Barack was.

I'm not getting this post.

Sorry, but it doesn't make sense.

[DEFIANCE]

The POINT is that he didn't know Barack at this point and is saying that he wouldn't take a VP pick unless he believed in the candidate.

As far as agreeing with Barack - That is also the point. It takes a wise and mature person to compete against someone (in the Dem primary in this case) and once beaten, see the virtue of your opponent.

This clip makes both of those points pretty clearly and match everything that Biden has said about it since getting picked. Specifically that Obama has clearly impressed him and won him over and made him a strong ally and supporter.

Some people can only remain bitter and selfish when beaten by an opponent, others can rise above it and see a way to contribute rather than tear down. This is the caliber of person we need in command.

[liberalrebuttal]

Got it !

Thanks

[BlueBoomer]

Joe has certainly improved with age...But he has always been true to himself AND true to the American people.

Joe's biggest problem is that for that very reason, he's not a good campaigner (too much bulls**t), but he is possibly the very best and most genuine and universally well-respected public servant (here AND abroad) that our generation will ever see.

wotta guy...what a man!

We are SOOOO lucky to have him.

And so, if anyone out there is still on the fence about voting for Barak Obama, then vote for the TICKET that includes Joe BIDEN... YOU WON'T BE SORRY.

[kellygrrrl]

Joe the Veep!

[SheriChardonnay]

biden is handsome fellow....­..

[amluvinit2]

I agree, Joe Biden is a very charismatic, and handsome. But, what I find more attractive is the fact that he has the welfare of this country, and it's people at heart. He message is very clear, and concise. Notice how the only thing the Republicans go after Joe with, is his comments taken out of context. Even McCain cannot smear this man. You can't help but respect Biden. With Obama and Biden, it's going to change politics as we know it. It already has.

[theone718]

Biggest difference was Biden ended up losing big in his big controversies which ended his Presidential run, while Obama rose and came out on top. Joe has his chance at redemption and I know he will do his best to be a Great Vice President.

[Invox]

Yep, I think Joe B is comfortable where he is right now. He and Mr. O have a special chemistry and I think he will be a great asset for the president. If nothing else, he will put a smile on Mr. O's face when he needs it. Ours too. I've noticed I always smile when I see him on the screen in front of me. It's automatic, it seems. Biden will do good as VP.