My Choices vs. Obama's

If I was running and people said I was weak, I would pick the Incredible Hulk. If they said I was stupid, I would pick Stephen Hawking. If they said I was boring, I would, of course, choose Snoop Dogg.

Together, we would offer a whole package, a team people could count on to bust heads, crunch numbers, or smoke bodaciously phat doobies while rapping about the ladies.

But if anyone wants to second guess Obama's choice, all they have to do is look at that thing called history. The last two democratic Vice Presidential nominees were chosen for awfully weak reasons. Edwards was chosen to help deliver the South, which he completely failed to do. Lieberman was chosen, as we now know, because at the time Al Gore was just acting incredibly stupid.

On the other hand, the successful Republican veeps have been chosen because they filled out one specific glaring weakness in the resume of the prospective candidate. Cheney was chosen for his foreign policy expertise (and probably because he scared George W. into hiring him.) Bush's father was chosen by Ronald Reagan for - that's right -- his foreign policy expertise.

Biden's a much tougher candidate than either Cheney or Bush I. After countless years spent sweating it out on campaign trails and fighting off rabid GOP attack dogs on the Hill, he's going to come out swinging hard in this race. He's going to be a formidable opponent.

Some of the press, and the AP especially, are already scolding Obama for picking a seasoned pro. They say it only underscores Obama's weakness on foreign policy. They also say by choosing a politican with a long and accomplished resume, he is betraying his principles of being an agent of change.

That's ridiculous. He picked a pro to fill a hole in the lineup, which is what any great manager would do. Coincidentally, Obama also chose someone who is tough, smart, and at times pretty entertaining. Maybe not as entertaining as Snoop Dogg, but still.

It's a solid move. One that should reassure us about Obama's ability to make tough, smart decisions. It shows he is able to learn from history. It shows he is not too proud to have someone by his side who, on some issues, is more experienced than he is. It shows that he is worthy of our support.

Comments

[Indubio]

i agree Biden is an excellent choice. I have always found statements that political insiders can't represent elements for change and that it is necessary to chose outside the Beltway politicians to affect real change. Based on political history, the simple fact is that political outsiders have never made effective presidents. The last three political outsiders we had elected president were Carter, Reagan, and Bush. While all three were experienced politicians they were grossly unfamiliar with the workings of the federal government. Each ran on an "outsider" platform and ultimately each failed to deliver on the promise of changing the system (in fact, the system corrupted them). To this day, Cater is ridiculed for his ineptness with respect to the operation of the federal process and while conservatives hold Reagan in high regard, history will show that he too was totally inept when it came to the operation of government; it was Reagan's naivety that permitted Iran-Contra to unfold. The ineptness of Bush/Cheney are already of historical proportions. Obama has DC experience and Biden is a seasoned professional. What we need is a presidency that enters office and can function effectively immediately because there isn't going to be the luxury of a "honeymoon." If Obama is smart, and I think he is, he will rely greatly on Biden and it doesn't surprise me that Biden was the final VP selection.

[BlueZoo]

BRAVO! Excellent well-thought post!

[DRPike]

Well said...best post today!

[MYSTERIOUS]

Excellent read. Senator Obama makes very good decisions. Fair and intelligent. I am aware of the comments that Biden previously said, and I don't like them. I assume that Senator Obama didn't like them either. We don't always "hire" (or work with) people because we agree with everything they believe in. He said he wanted somebody that could think independently, for lack of a better term. To me, it shows that Barack Obama has very good judgement. He's not perfect. Nobody is. There is something about Biden that is a good fit, and most of all, it is OBAMA'S decision.

[Pupadup4oBama]

excellent...well said..couldn't have said it better myself..:)

[Quaoar]

"On the other hand, the successful Republican veeps have been chosen because they filled out one specific glaring weakness in the resume of the prospective candidate."

What weakness did Quayle fill for Bush Sr.? Impeachment insurance?

[SeniorTour]

I'm with you. Solid choice. Biden's the guy. I am hopeful that Joe will shread the RNC attack machine. I believe that he is that good. Obama can stay on message.

[BADEN]

Well, nice to see ONE positive blog amongst "WE'RE EATING OUR OWN TODAY!" buffet on the other threads.

I don't get it.

The Democratic Party DOES want to win the White House and the Supreme Court nominations, correct?

The Democratic Party DOES want a majority in the House and Senate, correct?

Just asking....­priorities­....folks.
Grow up.

[Pupadup4oBama]

They'll come around...I think when Obama speaks today and during the conventions and the debates...they'll come around. Especially if they are true democrats.

Buck up little camper...it's going to a bumpy (but fun) ride.

[DrDave51]

Agreed. In time, i hope many will see the choice between Obama and McCain as a simple one. The PUMAs and others will either grow up and get over it or were never interested in changing ghe mess we have now.