Wait 'Til America Gets to Know Jill Biden

I had the opportunity a few years ago to enjoy a rolling set of events with Senator Joe Biden, Wes Clark and other national notables.

My partner was with me and normally hates these kinds of things. But he bonded with Jill Biden. They are both educators -- Jill in Delaware and my partner in Maryland.

It was such a pleasure getting to know folks without the pressure of deadlines and press frenzies and the need to maintain a certain "posture." Joe Biden was awesome. . .and his wife Jill was even more impressive, for reasons I'll share more down the road.

But we all had some pics together -- and the next time I saw Joe Biden, he walked up to me at the Capitol Hilton and stuffed some photos of us together in my pocket. "These are from Jill to Andrew," he said. Biden and I agree a lot on policy issues, but we also disagree here and there.

But on the personal front -- he had me hooked.

WAIT, strike that. She had me hooked.

I can't wait until America gets to know Jill Biden. As down to earth and serious about education as they come. She's a working mom like many others around the country.

Joe Biden is going to be Obama's vice presidential running mate.

-- Steve Clemons publishes the popular political blog, The Washington Note

Related:

Joe Biden Gets Call (Maybe. . .) and Yells: "Where is Blinken?"

Joe Biden Won't Forget the Number of Houses He Owns

Why "Radio Silence" Can be a Good Thing in VP Selection

Comments

[leftLibertarian]

She's not running for the VP spot, her husband is. And this is what I know of him: He voted for the Iraq War Resolution and the Patriot Act. Two reasons not to vote for him.

[DivergentMary]

How nice of our local Chicago ABC news program to talk about MIchelle and Jill getting along "like girlfriends" in Denver today. Better yet, they didn't mention their clothes or their looks; they just talked about how much they appeared to like each other while spending time together.

[Countdown09]

From the body language in the pictures announcing Biden, appeared Jilll and Michele have already formed a friendship. Good thing to because they're going to need each other.

[Clageweg]

Jeez, she's just a VP nominee's wife (no offense to her, I'm sure she's an outstanding person). But the relevance of the wife (or husband) of the VP nominee is minimal at this point. There's just too much swooning going on here, the marvellous Michelle and genuine Jill ... etc. I like Obama (although I wished Hillary would have been the more viable candidate) and Biden too - but leave all the talk about gorgeous, wardrobe, beauty, etc. for People magazine.

[slobone]

You don't think Lynn Cheney, Tipper Gore, and Marilyn Quayle made an impact on the campaign?

(Oops, well maybe not so much Marilyn...)

[Fremon]

It's a whole package Claq. She looks good and don't think Joe will enter her in any Buffallo Chip contest.

[kokuaguy]

Howzit Lizrd -
Didn't someone once say 'clothes make the man?' Michelle will be dissed if she doesn't pay attention to--maybe even obsess about-- "the look." One of the best favors a fan of Abe Lincoln's did for him was to recommend that he grow his beard. I wish there was a way Barak could be convinced (after the election) to adopt a look that's a bit more distinguished.
Something along the lines of Kofi Annan, maybe?

[RobertAndropolis]

This is the most retarded criticism I have ever read about Sen. Obama.

[EnricoPallazzo]

then you haven't been paying attention

ie: too black, not black enough, too skinny, flag lapel pins, tire gauges are the ONLY part of his plan, too big of a celebrity, that he doesnt have a birth certificate, that hes too ambitious, etc etc etc

all are more retarded criticism than growing a beard

[jplass]

ha!!

[Donnat]

I think Obama looks great all the time. McCain looks like he fell out of a dryer that didn't have that 'wrinkle free' setting. And I'm not just talking about his face.

[barriosbabe]

I am both happy and nervous about Michele's speech. I hope she can poke some direct fun (a la Biden!!!!!) at the tireless attacks by Faux News etc (just saw another this morning - horrible!!!!!) on her PATRIOTISM.

JOEBAMA O'BIDEN 08!

[barriosbabe]

It really bores me that so many comments re Jill or Michelle are about "lovely" "gorgeous" "charming." Would we say that about some white male politician? I doubt it. How about "committed" "tireless" "highly educated"? Really sick of the unquestioned sexism. It really taps into a very deep stream of sexism. I recall being a very naive college student many decades ago watching the Princess Di stuff with admiration, now it makes me barf. It subliminally programs young women to think a la Barbie girl. A la Jackie Kennedy. Enough already.

Obama/Biden 08

[RobertAndropolis]

Sen. Biden described his wife as "drop-dead gorgeous" for two reasons: the second reason was in contrast to how Sen. McMisogynist describes his wife and, by association, most likely feels about women in general. The PUMAs really need to face the truth about McCain and stop being so scared of the black man.

[YellowDogInRedCounty]

I agree with you but please keep in mind that these spouses aren't the ones running for office.

[hd883scooter]

Jill Biden is the real deal. Obama could put her out in front and center and the lady could seal the election for the Democratic ticket on her merits alone. She is that dynamic.
I had dealings with her years ago and found the woman to be warm, unassuming, and truly genuine. She will be an outstanding asset to this team.
Before the media has the opportunity to distort and over sensationalize the trivialities concerning this woman (she is drop dead gorgeous, the kind that takes your breath away when she walks in the room, for sure!) America should be afforded the opportunity to come to know what a substantive person Jill Biden is. How exciting. America, we may just be turning a corner here.

[PrairieDog]

HuffPost's Pick

The Rove strategy is to attack the strong points. The Obamas are as normal & middle American as anyone running for the presidency lately. That why the GOP is trying to paint him as exotic or unAmerican. Bush & McCain have no clue, no clue at all at what people like us are going through. Much less people whose kids are serving in the Middle east. The Bushites who have sent our troops to kill & bleed & die in Irag are guilty of treason & deserve a traitor's justice.

[napangel]

It's not so much that Bush and McCain have no clue. I don't think they really care all that much.

[PuppaX]

I agree. They know; they just don't care.

[sandpiper1]

I really think they are clueless. Neither one has ever had to compete in the real world, their family name and money have made it easy for them. They have no idea what working hard to achieve anything means. How did two such underachievers reach the positions they hold but for money and family name. I hope America wakes up and realise the enormity of the mistake they have made in Bush before November as McCain is just a Bush 3 term.
OBAMA/BIDEN08

[BassMent]

napangel, I think it's a bit of both. It's difficult to feel empathy for people in circumstances that are utterly foreign. But I think it's definitely possible if you work at it. People the likes of Bush, Cheney and McCain don't work at it, because they don't care. As much as I despise Dick Cheney, I respect him for having the bawls to come right out and say that he doesn't care what Americans think.

Bush and McCain are spoiled rich boys who can't tell you the price of a gallon of milk or gas, who don't have to budget for anything because they can buy whatever they want at the drop of a hat. Does this mean that they are doomed to callousness toward their fellow man? Not at all. Look at Bill Gates, who is richer than God and yet shows a tremendous sense of empathy. Bush and McCain simply don't want to be bothered with working at empathy. Which to me is simply a manifestation of a deeply ingrained selfishness. Not what this country needs in a leader, that's for sure.

[OtayPanky]

"Wait 'Til America Gets to Know Jill Biden"

===

If you're talking about winning an election cycle, it would make more sense to wait for hell to freeze over.

When it comes to bringing home the bacon in November, the contribution of the VP spouse hovers somewhere between zero, nothing and none, unless she's a a total whack job, in which case she can actually do some slight damage.

Of course, had Barack chosen Hillary, Bill's influence could have potentially been humongous.

Thank goodness we won't have to see that psychodram play out after Denver.

[foxfan]

As a republican I hoped for a republican nominee I could have faith in. Didn't happen. I've been very impressed with Obama and hope my faith in him is justified. I was hoping he would choose Richardson as his VP, but he chose Biden. All I know about Biden are things I know from a republican viewpoint, but I am open minded. I look forward to learning about him and being won over.

[AJinCamden]

How refreshing! Thank you.

[VicksieDo]

How refreshing, an open mind!

[EnricoPallazzo]

I heart Obamacans!

[Countdown09]

Thanks foxfan -- you have no idea how encouraging your post is.

[Fremon]

Stay open minded and learn. Good to hear that there are such in that party. If you keep it open you will be persuading other republicans to join in changing the direction of this country for the better. Better late than never. Welcome!

[heal57]

I'm thrilled with Michelle Obama and it looks like Jill Biden is just as lovely. We are most fortunate to have Senator Obama and Senator Biden and their respective wives.
I am an Independent but am wholeheartedly with the Democrats for this election.



Independent for Obama/Biden '08

[HekofajobBrownie]

My wife and I saw Michelle, Oprah & Caroline Kennedy at UCLA before Sup Tues. and what impressed me most was her "mom attire", she just came out in kaki's cut at the calf and a white shirt. It struck me very very understated, and REAL. Her speach made my eyes well up with tears and emotion. I had never heard her, and believed I was witnressing History. These people are real, yes they need to stay on message, but it's coming from the heart and it shows. I'm convinced the country knows it needs a change, knows the Repubs have had their chance, and we can no longer go down that road with them any farther, but they just can't get themselves to vote their own self interests.

[afgail]

The current Republican brand is DOA. McCain is a carbon copy of Bush and is the closing chapter on the bankrupcy of the conservative theory of government in this country. It will take years, if not decades, to heal the wounds they have inflicted on our constitutional rights, the middle class and the economy.

[shothot]

Hekofajob, I too attended the UCLA affair and was so thoroughly impressed by all of the women speakers. Michele was sensational and is "for real". We could have easily been in her living room. She, as well as OPrah, Caroline, Maria (California's first lady), are without a doubt, an example of the new age woman.
Every American, women and men, should exemplify the character and strength of Michele. She is a great mother, wife, professional, who came from humble beginnings, overcoming cultural and social stigmas, not only as a woman, but a black woman. When I think of the American dream, she engenders all that is "American greatness". I sincerely hope these women, Michele and Jill, play key roles in the decision making process with healthcare and other issues confronting women, and not stand in the background with fixed smiles.

[strangerinthenight]

I had seen many many pictures of Michelle Obama - she's has a high maintenance wardrobe. I have heard some of her speeches, but honestly, her high price wardrobe catches more attention than the substance of her speeches. I love the family pictures though. Both husband and wife look like they came out of a photo shop. Mrs Obama I'm sure will dazzle our eyes with her wardrobe. My Grand has books of Jackie Kennedy when she was at the White House. I find myself comparing Michele Obama with Jackie. Although both are high fashion - it's not the same.

I would loved to hear Mrs. Obama speak -- where her message is received and heard first, and her wardrobe, second; hear brain power speaks louder than her high fashion wardrobe.

Just my opinion.

But Jill Biden, she has that natural beauty and quiet elegance that shines even brighter. I like her already. I am just in my mid 20's, and 'am the sort of gal that wear jeans and T-shirt, but on occasion, wears high fashion bought on sale.

Obama made a very smart choice, Joe Biden from the small but prominent State of Delaware. And Jill, looks like the perfect wife and partner.

I wish both these Democratic nominees the best. Here's to the leading ladies.

Here's to Joe and Jill. I hope Joe Biden will give NEOCON what they deserve. A swift kick in the -you know what.

PS: i am not from Delaware.

[StarkRavingNakedEmperor]

Michele is in her early 40s and is just trying to wring out that last few years of fun wardrobe wearing in her lifetime. Dont worry, by the time she hits her late 40s she will go a little stodgier. She is slim and statuesque and can pull it off. Be happy for her and enjoy it--and pray to god you will still be fit, fun and bold enough to pull it off when you reach her age!

[strangerinthenight]

My mom's sister went to Law School with Michelle, and 'am told she's quite legal eagle. I am hoping to see more of that. Although, one need not be stodgy to be elegant and hip.

[starfire426]

If you can't see any further than Mrs. Obama's "high-maintenance" wardrobe (as you call it), then you've completely missed the boat. This woman is brilliant in her own right; one merely needs to stop, take the time to listen to her to be aware of that. Start paying closer attention to substance instead of fluff!!!

[bbbbmer]

Not to insult MB, but her wash n wear wardrobe is hardly 'high maintenance'... She's as 'normal' as they come, and I'm sure she's had more than her share of pb&j stains and soccer bleacher sliver war wounds as any normal mom would. Her clothes are elegantly simple, as unassuming as can be, and speak volumes about her proximity to real Americans. I think she's great, just for her clothes, but, as a fellow Princeton grad, she's in a fine position now to kick some 'eli' butt...

[lizr]

God you are obsessed w "wardrobe" get over it.

[VicksieDo]

Her wardrobe is NOT high priced.

[sandpiper1]

Michelle shops at Target. I think it's her height 5'9" and her bearing that give the impression of expensive style. She's just one of those fortunate women who wear clothes well, she' d look great in rags.

[Charity Froggenhall]

She *is* drop-dead gorgeous. And an English teacher! AWESOME!

[afgail]

Compare the wives of Democratic candidates and the Republican wives. Working moms vs shopping/home decorating heiresses. Says it all.