Joe Biden focusing on security issues

[1corona4u]

DES MOINES -- Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has a knack for making friends.

The U.S. senator from Delaware is known for drawing out his public appearances, talking at length to a crowd. He can spend just as long meeting one-on-one with those who came to see him, often placing his hand on someone's shoulder to make a point.

"I like people, and that's the reason I'm doing it," Biden said of his presidential campaign.

Biden is betting the personal connections he has made in Iowa can help compensate for the wide gap in campaign cash between him and Democratic front-runners Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

And he's hoping that many of the friends he made in the Hawkeye State during his first presidential campaign in the 1988 cycle are sticking with him two decades later.

The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee also is banking on the idea that caucus-goers will be won over by his foreign policy experience.

"I really think this election's about security," Biden said in an interview. "I think they're looking for someone who they think is strong enough, tough enough, smart enough to literally make them safer, make them more secure."

Biden thinks foreign policy trumps other issues this year in the caucus race because voters are uneasy about the country's place in the world. He said the first questions at his Iowa events typically center on the war in Iraq, terrorism and Pakistan.

Biden said it is frustrating there is not a more serious discussion of foreign policy matters among the presidential candidates.

(more)
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2007/12/16/news/local/de0b3b422f9a4220862573b3000505c4.txt

[K Gardner]

1. His interview on Late Edition today was incredibly substantive

.. I hope we can get a transcript at some point.

[mike_c]

2. I've been more-or-less ambivalent about Biden....

This report bothers me a great deal, however. Statements like this are the antithesis of what America needs, IMO:

"I really think this election's about security," Biden said in an interview. "I think they're looking for someone who they think is strong enough, tough enough, smart enough to literally make them safer, make them more secure."

We need leadership that will reverse the course toward an American security state, not one that embraces that trajectory. This statement is especially distressing from someone with extensive foreign policy experience because it suggests that he will continue the imperialist foreign policy that creates all that anger towards the U.S. in the first place. However, that's not really the focus of this response.

I want a candidate who'll tell Americans WHY the world is angry at us, and who'll pledge to take us down a different course-- one in which security is NOT an overriding concern. I don't want a security state and I don't want leadership that beats the "national security" drum to generate support.

[1corona4u]

3. He's already told US

why the world hates US, and what neds to be done about it.

Your reply is totally irrational.

[mike_c]

4. and yours UTTERLY missed the point....

Or maybe just ignored it. At best, Biden appears to be exploiting the GWOT furor that the neocons have used to justify wars of aggression and destruction of civil liberties. We need leadership that talks about DISMANTLING the American security apparatus, not leadership that tightens the lid further, or at least makes doing so a campaign issue. All of this hand-wringing about "security" and "safety" is one of the greatest dangers to this republic. It threatens to destroy us from within, by our own hands, with the full support of a frightened populace.

This is the politics of fear. It's what gave us the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, and secret U.S. prisons where Americans or their proxies commit crimes against humanity in the name of keeping us safe. Is that really the America you want? Is that the sort of leadership you want?

Not me. I want leadership that will stand up and turn its back on the American security state.

[1corona4u]

5. Whatever...

I think YOU missed Joe's point.

[mike_c]

7. well then, enlighten me....

Is "You're irrational" and "Whatever" what passes for substantive discussion in your mind?

If I want spin and cheerleading I'll get it from the candidate's web site. Here on DU, we like to discuss the issues.

[PatSeg]

18. He has said so often and in great detail

It has been a primary focus of most of his stump speeches and it is one of the first things he would address as president.

[Steely_Dan]

9. Let Me Respond

It is my opinion that Biden's extensive experience in foreign affairs necessarily means that he understands why the rest of the world is pissed at us. He has stated the reasons for these feelings on several occasions (I will try and locate some references for you).

Your view almost makes it sound like he is pro-Bush aggressive. It's funny how two people can read the same thing and get completely different interpretations from it. I see Biden as a person that strikes the perfect balance. He is known for his considerable foreign affairs experience. I do not see him being trigger happy or building a wall around our country. I see him as restoring our Constitutional rights (and the Bill of Rights).

While I respect your concerns, I think if you would research a little further (and maybe you have) I think you would see that Biden is far from supporting the Bush Doctrine.

Just my two cents.

-P

[mike_c]

11. as a Biden supporter-- which I presume you are-- do you find...

...statements like the one in the OP troubling, i.e. "Security is the primary issue in this election" (paraphrased}? You're right-- I don't have much context for interpreting that statement other than to take it at face value, but taken that way it screams wrongheadedness at me.

That was my biggest disappointment about John Kerry in 2004, too-- his unwillingness to discuss ALTERNATIVES to a security state rather than to seize an issue that remains a neocon signature ideal, the need to "secure" America against its "enemies." Security is a state of mind. National security emerges from the actions of the nation, not from its diligence against external threats. No one will ever be safe in the world the security mavens promote-- by definition it turns on our perception of threats and enemies, and leads toward authoritarianism and fascism. That's why I cringe when I hear politicians tacitly buy into the neocon delusion by focusing on "security."

[Steely_Dan]

14. Well Said...

I simply disagree with your assessment of Biden on this issue. I don't think that prioritizing security for our nation is exclusively a neo-con concept or belonging only to neo-cons. I see it as a much wider issue that has a spectrum of approaches. If politician "A" and politician "B" are both emphasizing security, I understand that they may have different ways of approaching the issue. I can't see where you are reading what Biden is saying and concluding that it is a neo-con idea. Security IS important. The ways in which we approach the issue differ. I do not agree with the neo-con idea of attacking other countries in the name of security. However, I do believe that security is important.

Thanks for your thought-provoking post. Appreciate it.

-Paige

Let me add on edit: A huge part of our security is how well we maintain our Constitution and Bill of Rights. This should not be forgotten.

-Paige

[PatSeg]

20. Oh I see what you're saying

but I think you might have misunderstood it a bit. As a "primary issue", it is something that many voters are concerned about. Then when he does discuss security, he talks about alternative fuels to lesson our reliance on foreign oil and protecting incoming cargo and nuclear facilities.

[gateley]

10. Biden's approach to make us "safer" is to establish diplomatic relationships

with the rest of the world. Maybe I should say re-establish. He firmly believes that countries should be sovereign and that it's not our j.o.b. to mould them into what we think would benefit us.

He totally holds Bush's policies and actions responsible for our current reputation in the world. I think that statement doesn't accurately reflect his views, opinions and plans.

This is from his web site:

Using Diplomacy to Keep America Safe: Joe Biden knows that the Bush Administration has left the next president with virtually no margin of error diplomatically. With decades of experience on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and now its chairman, Joe Biden is the most qualified candidate to clean up the mess George Bush has made. Russia is rising on the world stage using oil as a weapon and China is becoming a greater force, both politically and militarily. Democracy is struggling in Latin America and oil has empowered dictators around the world who hold us hostage with their high prices. We need to end the genocide in Darfur as well as check Iran and North Korea’s progress on nuclear weapons and prevent them from increasing their nuclear arsenal. America needs a president with Joe Biden's experience to address these global challenges. As president, Joe Biden's foreign policy will draw upon all of America's strengths, including our ideas and our ideals, as well as our military might. A Biden Administration would:

Rebuild Relationships: Joe Biden knows that the most effective way of fighting radical fundamentalists is working with our allies around the world. Joe Biden will rebuild alliances in international law enforcement, intelligence and financial circles, strengthening our forces in the fight against radical fundamentalism and restoring America’s standing in the world.

http://www.joebiden.com/issues/?id=0018

Secure Weapons: Joe Biden knows loose nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union and other weapons of mass destruction pose a grave threat to the United States if they fall into the hands of extremist networks. As president, Joe Biden will work to disrupt these extremist networks and improve detection systems to seek out these weapons before they harm the United States or our allies.

Advance Democracy: Joe Biden believes that democracy cannot be forced on any people and he will work to help build the political infrastructure to support democracies and prevent extremists from taking hold of weaker, growing democracies.

[mike_c]

12. THAT is certainly an approach I agree with...

My questions and reservations up thread have to do with the statement in the OP about "security" being the primary issue in the election. Perhaps it is-- realistically-- but if that's the case I'd like to see more discussion of alternatives to a security state as a means to deal with the problem. That's the sort of leadership I'm looking for.

Thanks for the informative reply!

[gateley]

13. My pleasure! I'm very comfortable with Biden's platform and I feel as though

he as a true, hands-on understanding of the way things "really are" around the globe. I am very proud to be supporting him. Good guy.

[Armstead]

6. I wish he'd focus more on domestic issues

I like Joe in many ways. And he generally makes a lot of sense on foreign policy issues today (although his role in the IWR botehred me).

But he doesn't have a clear domestic message. Rather than just see yet another national security election, I'd prefer to see Biden speaking out equally strongly on core domestic issues -- especially his view of the polarization of wealth and power.

[1corona4u]

8. He is focused on domestic issues...

However, months ago, there were several interviews conducted with people in Iowa, who clearly stated that the most important thing to them WAS foreign policy. Not the economy, not health care, it was Iraq. People seem to forget that we still have people DYING in Iraq.

Nothing can change anything HERE, until Iraq is dealt with.

[PatSeg]

22. And he does discuss domestic issues frequently, but

being a foreign policy expert, a lot of the discussions turn to that part of his platform.

[Yuugal]

15. Get a fucking clue Joe!

"I really think this election's about security," Biden said in an interview. "I think they're looking for someone who they think is strong enough, tough enough, smart enough to literally make them safer, make them more secure."

Yeah right, its not about the people in govt on both sides using the constitution to wipe their ass with, or wondering why you have to choose between heat and food, or all those sleepless nights wondering how your kids will get to goto college and avoid the hell your life has been. Its not about watching greedy bastards destroy the planet or being ashamed of the third world, war mongering, torturing, shithole this country has become, its certainly not about war without end and 5 trillion added to the amount my kids will owe.

Its all about being strong enough and tough enough in this death spiral of a search for imaginary "security" this country has become.

Jesus H Christ on a popsicle stick, thats the same stupid shit Ghoul says. He is one of ours? Yeah right, whatever.

[1corona4u]

16. LOL...

apparently, you haven't been paying attention to Joe. He already spoke to everything you mentioned in your post, and in fact, did so, in probably all of the debates he's been in.

Do yourself a favor. Go to youtube, and pull up the debates. You'll find he addressed all of your concerns.

[Yuugal]

17. Prozac is the answer to outsourcing?

If I have not been paying much attention to Joe Biden(D-Citibank), its probably because of the bankruptcy bill. Rewatching the very lame debate season is not going to help the nausea and anger I get when I consider the prospect of us blowing a golden opportunity in 2008 to get a real populist and settling for a corporate dem.

Prozac isn't going to put my kids through college or pay my spiraling energy or food bills. Like any mind-dulling drug, I suppose it could help to pacify me, but thats exactly what corporate America wants isn't it? I'm mad and I'm going to stay mad until either we get meaningful change or my family decides to bail on this country.

[Steely_Dan]

25. It's Clear...

that you have a real dislike for Joe Biden. So, I guess this means we can't count on your vote. LOLOLOL

Good luck with all that anger.

-P

[Yuugal]

26. I didn't like what he said.

It certainly made me madder than usual because it is exactly the crap the reps use.

"I really think this election's about security," Biden said in an interview. "I think they're looking for someone who they think is strong enough, tough enough, smart enough to literally make them safer, make them more secure."

This election is not about security to me. Its about corporate greed ruining America. Its about middle and working class people struggling as well as the poor. Its about an unjust war thats bankrupting us morally and financially. Its about our earth heating up and the US on the world stage with their fingers jammed in their ears saying "nah nah nah I cant hear you". Its about the US dollar dropping like a stone because we don't make anything anymore and the few decent jobs left are being shipped overseas asap. Its about finally entering the 21st century and ending discrimination against minorities and the glbt community. Its about 47 million uninsured and the millions of kids who are smart enough to go through college but will not be able to afford it. Its about the top 5% owning most of the wealth. With a laundry list like I have, of course I'm going to be pissed when one of ours completely spaces out and starts rambling something Huckabee or Ghoul would say.

Mr Biden, please spare me and my family anymore "govt security". We don't want it and cant afford it!


"It's clear that you have a real dislike for Joe Biden. So, I guess this means we can't count on your vote. LOLOLOL"

Actually Joe earned a piece of my heart when they asked him if he could go 10 secs without shooting his mouth off or some such and his response was a simple yes and a smile. That showed me he has discipline AND brains. I can dislike what he has said and still support him over other dems because I see the grey in life and smart, sincere people have brain farts too. I'm a big Edwards fan but if I heard him say the same thing my response would be exactly the same. Biden is one of the people I will support right up to GE with balls out and guns blazing if he gets the nom. Hillary is the one that needs to worry about people like me come the GE. She's pretty much crapped on us progressives since shes been in my state.

"Good luck with all that anger."

Thanx. If I wasn't angry I wouldn't be here.

[youthere]

19. Why would he want to do that? Facts have a way of spoiling perfectly good rants.

[DrFunkenstein]

21. Biden Is Angling Himself to Be VP to Obama

I'm all for that. Biden to me is what Wes Clark was in 2004. I hope Obama chooses more wisely than Kerry did.

Meanwhile, Richardson seems to have hitched his star to Hillary and I don't really care for either of them.

[1corona4u]

23. Eh, I don't think so...

not in the least. In fact, I'm 100% positive that's not the reason, at all.

[PatSeg]

24. Not really

Biden, as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee could accomplish more than as VP.

[Apollo11]

27. Saw Biden on CNN. Looks like he is running for VP or Sec of State.

He had the chance to make a splash on (inter)national TV, but failed to use his opportunity.

He congratulated Hillary on getting the endorsement of the Des Moines Register.

He did not mention that it will be up to the people to decide on January 3rd.

He said nothing that could be taken as an 11th-hour appeal to caucus goers.

It gives me the impression that he has given up on winning the nomination.

I guess he can see that the odds are stacked against him.

It's a shame because Biden is a very smart guy who comes across as sincere.

He doesn't have Edwards blinking eyes and self-conscious smiling at the camera.

He also doesn't have Obama's hesitancy and hedging that you see sometimes.

But I guess he is looking ahead to 2008 and also to January 2009.

He would make a great Vice-President or Secretary of State.

[1corona4u]

28. Apollo...the name suits you, as you are way out there, LOL..

You said;

He had the chance to make a splash on (inter)national TV, but failed to use his opportunity.
(Biden, is always on TV, so he makes a splash without grandstanding)

He congratulated Hillary on getting the endorsement of the Des Moines Register.
(Yes, and that showed he's not a sore loser...respectable, if you ask me...)

He did not mention that it will be up to the people to decide on January 3rd.
(He wasn't on CNN to talk about the caucuses....)

He said nothing that could be taken as an 11th-hour appeal to caucus goers.
(See answer above...)

It gives me the impression that he has given up on winning the nomination.
(It gives me the impression he's confident, so no need to keep fluffing himself up)

I guess he can see that the odds are stacked against him.
(He's always known that, since it's all about those with money...)

It's a shame because Biden is a very smart guy who comes across as sincere.
(He doesn't just act sincere, like some candidates, he is sincere, and smart...)

He doesn't have Edwards blinking eyes and self-conscious smiling at the camera.
(true...no Biden quirks to distract and annoy)

He also doesn't have Obama's hesitancy and hedging that you see sometimes.
(You mean Uh-bama?)

But I guess he is looking ahead to 2008 and also to January 2009.
(Biden is omnipresent...)

He would make a great Vice-President or Secretary of State.
(He'll make an even better president...)



Biden's not interested in being VP. As he's said a million times.

[Apollo11]

29. Thanks for the point-by-point rebuttal of my previous post.

I appreciate the way Biden's supporters here on DU focus on facts and addressing the issues.

Let's see if Joe manages to pull off a "Christmas miracle" in Iowa and/or New Hampshire. B-)

[PatSeg]

30. The "odds have been against him" many times in his life

but he moved ahead in spite of them. As a relative unknown twenty-nine year old he ran for the senate against a popular incumbent and won. He relentlessly pushed for intervention in the Balkans and was successful. His VIWA was met with a lot of opposition but he never gave up on it.

There are so many stories in his life that indicate Biden has beat the odds before.

[murbley40]

31. kick