Why Choosing Biden Proves Obama Is Ready To Lead
Conventional wisdom cries that Biden was a foolish pick for Obama.
He doesn’t deliver any States. He’s not tied to any critical constituencies. He talks too much. He’s a Washington Insider, and he further exposes Obama’s weakness in foreign policy.
Bullshit negativism from the nattering nabobs (and that’s the only time you’ll ever hear me paraphrase Agnew). Here’s why I’ve been so keen on Biden for so long:
Simply put, he’s the smartest guy in the room. He’s got the respect of leaders all over the world, and he knows how to get positive things done in Washington (banking bill aside). In short, he – more than any of the other short-listers - best fulfills the only real requirement for a Vice President: He’s ready to take on the responsibilities of the highest office in the land should something happen to the President.
Anything else is just noise. The bottom line is that Obama chose the candidate most qualified to fulfill the obligation of the office of Vice President. Moreover, he is not intimidated by Biden’s foreign policy credentials, which is a tribute to his leadership. The golden rule of successful management is to hire people who complement you, and who could take over your job. Anyone who doesn’t adhere to that ends up hampered by a team of lessers and sycophants.
He doesn’t deliver any States. He’s not tied to any critical constituencies. He talks too much. He’s a Washington Insider, and he further exposes Obama’s weakness in foreign policy.
Bullshit negativism from the nattering nabobs (and that’s the only time you’ll ever hear me paraphrase Agnew). Here’s why I’ve been so keen on Biden for so long:
Simply put, he’s the smartest guy in the room. He’s got the respect of leaders all over the world, and he knows how to get positive things done in Washington (banking bill aside). In short, he – more than any of the other short-listers - best fulfills the only real requirement for a Vice President: He’s ready to take on the responsibilities of the highest office in the land should something happen to the President.
Anything else is just noise. The bottom line is that Obama chose the candidate most qualified to fulfill the obligation of the office of Vice President. Moreover, he is not intimidated by Biden’s foreign policy credentials, which is a tribute to his leadership. The golden rule of successful management is to hire people who complement you, and who could take over your job. Anyone who doesn’t adhere to that ends up hampered by a team of lessers and sycophants.
posted by isaacjosephson at 10:13 AM
4 Comments:
I'm not so sure CV has settled on this being a "foolish pick" but there's no question that instead of doubling down on change, Obama has opted for balance.
Sometimes it works (JFK-LBJ), sometimes the veep looks like a better prez than the top of the ticket (Dukakis-Bentsen), and sometimes the veep with more experience can influence the prez more than anyone expected (Bush-Cheney).
Now the trick is presenting Biden to the nation as straight talker - to borrow a phrase - and not a loud mouth, a man with home town roots and experience rather than a guy from Delaware who hasn't held a job outside the Senate in 35 years.
It can be done but it's a tricky balance that begins today.
You're right - It's too early for CV to settle, but it will. Two reasons: First, because political journalists are by-and-large not fans of Joe Biden (right?). Second, it's a better story line.
I'm sure we'll hear more of the Bentsen references than the LBJ references.
I agree IJ. For weeks the pundits were counting Biden out. But the Obama campaign does not have to educate the public that much on who Biden is and that may why he got the nod.
I agree with the earlier points on balance.
As a blue collar, working class Democrat, Biden has the ability to solidify that portion of the base that Clinton seemed to have claimed. Biden’s tenure on the judiciary and foreign relations committees also gives the campaign more “street cred” on experience front – another angle that Clinton had somewhat covered. Also that working class persona and Irish Catholic background that Biden brings to the table in my mind addresses with the whole “elitist” tag that Obama has had a difficult time shaking.
Points taken on Biden lacking a filter and being, at times, too loose with words. However, that may provide a nice dichotomy… For those who Obama doesn’t and can’t reach, I believe that Biden may have that ability with straight and at times frank talk.
Time will time.
drk
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