Hey, Hillary Clintonites! Forget Sarah. Joe Biden loves ya!

Sen. Joe Biden said something very interesting Wednesday afternoon. Of course, you never know, but it seemed impromptu.

And, OK, it doesn't really mean anything because the political die is cast. Sen. Hillary Clinton lost the Democratic primary campaign to Sen. Barack Obama. And that's that.

And when it came time to choose a vice presidential running mate as his co-agent of change to really change Washington once and for all, the freshman Illinois senator picked... another male senator, Joe Biden, a voluble, aging white guy from a nowhere state who's held the same Senate seat in Washington since Obama was in the sixth grade.

Other than that, it's an exciting, fresh pick that says, "Let's clean house!"

Biden does know about foreign affairs, which is helpful if you've spent a lot of time being present in Springfield, Ill.

We'll never hear it in public, but some wonder whether Obama's Windy City crowd might now have second thoughts about not picking a certain female senator from Gotham for No. 2, given the wide-open door to ExcitementLand that the decision handed over to Republican John McCain.

The old guy, who was counted out a year ago, stepped up to the plate, swung his maverick ...

... bat and surprisingly hit the sweet spot with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, a 44-year-old working mom who likes fishing and hunting and tax cutting and surplus refunding and has the same kind of family challenges "as any of you."

Her pick ignited a national curiosity and a barrage of publicity, including the photo above playing off the "Miracle on Ice" movie on the 1980 Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team of underdogs. One newspaper cartoon showed Hurricane Gustav bearing down on New Orleans, Hurricane Ike near Cuba and Hurricane Sarah covering the heartland.

Maybe the apparent confessional moment by Biden in New Hampshire is a bank shot to somehow ingratiate the all-male Democrat ticket with some of the 18 million party members who picked the losing side in Clinton.

Remember, New Hampshire is where Clinton found her voice last winter and bounced back to beat Obama after an awful third-place finish in Iowa behind even the $400 haircut guy with the weirdly named girlfriend that he so adamantly didn't have at the time.

Polls out this week seem to indicate that a sizable chunk of female voters nationally, presumably including at least some Clintonites, have swung over to the McCain camp in the last three weeks, which is a scary thing for a front-runner because women voters are the majority now.

So maybe that's why Biden said what he said: "Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be vice president of the United States of America."

It doesn't cost Biden anything. It's self-deprecating, might win him some votes. Of course, you don't see him offering to step aside from the No. 2 spot, either. But he also acknowledges that Clinton may have even been a better pick than him.

So for what it's worth, here's something special for any remaining Clinton lovers out there. Are there any of you left? Leave word below if there are and let us know how you feel about this video.

Here, with a huge Hat Tip to Susan over at WakeUpAmerica, is Sen. Biden speaking about Sen. Clinton's qualifications.

Go figure.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[angie pratt]

What folks are missing is that Clinton supporters aren't supporting her because she is a women. They support her because she is the most qualified person to be President between she, McCain and Obama.

Too bad. Now we are forced to pick between the lesser of two evils.

A workable solution is McCain as President and a Democratic Congress with the hope that these two opposite train wrecks will cancel each other out -- in the the middle where most of America is.

The next President is more than likely going to get clobbered with all of the economic and national security problems that Bush has wrought on America.

A vote for McCain isn't a vote for Bush. It's a vote against liberal Democrats having both the presidency and Congress.

Now is not the time for grand social experiments from either ideology.

If we do not get a handle on our nation's debt we are all going to be in trouble. Spending our way to prosperity is a fallacy.

Apparently neither McCain or Obama understand this. Both are predicting larger budget deficits than even Bush -- and that's with them lying to us to buy our vote.

Here's to a very healthy bloodletting inside the Democratic party. It's time for control of the party to be handed to the moderates. No more Obama's, Kerry's or Dukakis'.

Jim Webb for President in 2012.

[Mainer1776]

Is Biden beginning the movement to replace him with Hillary?

[sherry]

It is going to take not 1 but 2 kick butt Mavericks to get us out of the mess we are in. That is what we have in the McCain/Palin Ticket. No nonsense, not afraid to do the right thing, not afraid to cross any line to get the job done and done right, not afraid to go against the grain if that is what it takes! Our economy is in a sorry state of affairs directly related to the high cost of fuel which affects everything from loss of jobs to a record loss of homes not to mention the rise in cost of all consumer goods. We have become so dependant on foreign oil that we have neglected to fully utilize such natural sources of energy such wind power & solar power. Along with modern technology such as plug in cars, hybrid cars, v2g technology ,and regenerative braking technology. We still seem to be floundering as a nation as to devising the best plan utilize all that is available to us and lift ourselves out of this mess we are in. We need to take our closest look at which candidates put our economy and energy crisis at the forefront of their agenda. The Manhattan Project of 2009 by Jeff Wilson pretty much says it all...

www.themanhattanprojectof2009.com

[Ellie]

Well, McCain has done it. Not great for the USA, but great for women in that they are about to vote for someone who curbs their rights. Unless women are now going to claim they are majority anti-abortion, which I seriously doubt is the case. Basically, they are throwing their own votes away; sure, you may get a female VP, but she will have no say in anything, even if she did become President. Just try to remember who REALLY runs the country-and it won't be either McCain, Palin, Biden, or Obama, that's for sure. Go ahead-I support you, but I am financially well off due to personal efforts and familial inheritance, so whatever. Abortion doesn't mean anything to me-I'm a male with no kids and I'm self employed. However, I am pro-abortion and pro-choice, and I can't understand why women would flock to such a conservative in an era where "issues don't matter." Sure, they don't, but I will be voting issues, and I do not support McCain/Palin.

[Old Dad]

Hey

I'm thinking that BO should just go ahead and tell everybody that he is behind good old Joe: 1000% (one thousand percent)

[GAIL]

USA Today poll with likely voters of 54 McCain -44 for Obama. The Dems must be scrambling now.

DEMOCRATES GOT THIS SO WRONG THIS ELECTION YEAR!
Obama screwed up, just as expected and predicted…

Count how many Obama selected top advisors have been fired from his camp
but ONLY after voters began to discover for themselves where MEDIA like CNN & MSNBC failed to report the truth and of course the rapid drop in polls, otherwise Rev Wright would still be employed by Obama camp. Next Obamas selects VP vetting team, Jim Johnson who got the sweetheart deal from countrywide and fired and Caroline Kennedy no experience at all, (payback for Ted Kennedy’s support) who both stupidly ignored the historic candidate who split the primary elections down the middle, won the popular vote, 23 primaries, with 18 million strong supporters, they wrongly pick Biden who got just 9000 votes in primaries and contradicts his change message and the war vote the media helped him use against Hillary that Biden voted for as well? Proof is Biden gained him zero "bounce" in the polls. Infact it underlines his inexperienced to lead and make a decision based on what’s best for the country and not just for him and Michelle.

What would Clinton of added to the ticket? Apparently a WIN. If Clinton were at the top of the ticket, even today polls show she would be leading McCain by 8pts 3 months after ending her campaign. Clinton herself enjoys 87 percent approval ratings among Democrats, Gallup reports three out of four Democrats would like to see her as president and be a major-party spokeswoman over the next four years. Clinton's supporters lukewarm in their support for Obama mainly because of the sexist way his camp treated Senator and President Bill Clinton. David Axelrod has said often in the past; “Obama doesn’t need her supporters” they vote republican anyway, why are they begging for them now? DNC is shaking in their boots over selection of Palin.
Especially after the historic DNC convention Obama ONLY got an average 2pt bump in polls, when history shows most got 10-15pt bump.

Simply Put: “ Dems showing “BUYERS REMORSE”

[Bruce]

WOW Hillary, Guess they should have thought of that a month ago...Never to late to be a copy cat :)

[Lee]

Mmeeeeeooooow! Andrew. Careful, though, Sarah Palin hates cats.

[Rico Bach]

Quite frankly, when your platform is "change", it would not be that surprising if the Obama campaign "changed" their minds to oust Biden from the ticket to tap Clinton. Political suicide for sure, but desparate times...

[Karen Impson]

Are you crazy? We're still all for Hillary & still fight'n mad that she was cheated out of this election by the caucus system. The democrats gave the election to McCain. I had decided to vote for McCain from the minute HIllary quit be I was never excited about it till Palin cam on board. Boy McCain proved just how smart he really is. I'm from the Vietnam era. Proud to vote for him even if he's a republican.

[Brandon]

I agree with Biden. Hillary who has great experience as a first lady is more qualified than Joe (can I look at your paper) Biden.

[joseph marcucilli]

She comes with Bill and would not survive the vetting process.

[Julie Barrett]

Sarah Palin is no friend to women's rights and is no Hillary Clinton. The only thing they have in common is their gender.

[Anupam Rajvanshi]

Deconstructing the “McCalin” Ticket

The media is agog with Senator McCain’s choice…Governor Palin has clearly infused much-needed energy into the Senator’s campaign. And, much has been made of the Governor’s credentials and how she will be good for America. Meanwhile, Senator McCain’s decision has been quite significant for the Democrats as well, who appear to have lost the media attention they had assumed was their natural right. Perhaps, fund-raising parity for the so far money-challenged Republicans may also follow.

One more point, till Governor Palin was introduced as the Republican Veep nominee, Senator Obama’s choice of Senator Biden had been hailed as a brilliant decision.

There is a common sense saying I picked up somewhere (not mine, just not sure whose it is) – when facts change, I have the right to change my opinion. Well, Senator McCain’s decision has certainly changed some facts.

The real story that is being missed here is this:

> Governor Palin and Senator McCain have significant ideological differences

> Despite these differences, the Senator chose her, displaying a remarkable ability to compromise (choose another word such as “bipartisanship” if you dislike “compromise”)

> Much has been said about Senator McCain’s temper, his impetuosity and his seeming lack of ability to change (being wedded to the Bush administration, etc.)

> His choice seems to belie these commonly held beliefs, and, thereby, presents a man who appears to be open to compromise and dialogue

Contrast this with Senator Obama’s historic opportunity for compromise by picking Senator Clinton as HIS running mate. Had he made THAT decision, the presidential race would have been effectively over. But he did not make that decision, and, now confronts a very real competition with a reinvigorated Republican party. It is well known that ideological differences between the Obamaniacs and the Clintonites were irreconcilable and governed Senator Obama’s choice.

Now, let us briefly consider the nature of American politics today, and what would be required for REAL CHANGE (as opposed to merely talking about change) – compromise and the ability to modify ideological positions, in the interest of getting things done. Regardless of the rhetoric of either political party, America is almost evenly split amongst Democrats and Republicans and recent political history bears out the fact that America is a 50-50 nation (politically speaking of course). Therefore, once the overheated rhetoric of the campaign trail has gone cold, whoever gets into the White House will have to reach out to the other side and compromise on the ideological positions thrown out during the campaign, to get the country moving forward.

With the notion of compromise in mind, Senator McCain’s action appears to be more in line with someone who will get things done, whereas, Senator Obama’s choice of Veep makes the contrary statement.

One last thought regarding the real benefit Governor Palin brings to the Republican party…the American voter does not make her decision based upon the Vice Presidential candidate…such will be the case this time as well. While no one can predict how either team will perform if elected, it is the fact that McCain chose Palin that speaks favorably about the type of President McCain can be.

[willie in Kansas]

That's fine. Sarah seems to be a good mom, and good American, and sticks by her guns. But most people are missing the point. Sarah Palin is going to take away women's right to choose. Like McCain, the rules and the glory are theirs. As such McCain who loves to remind us of his service, didn't support care benefits for our coming back from Iraq. Sarah Palin's religion would judge and condemn everyone who they see as being part of the world(mainstream thinking), and not a part of "God's Kingdom". So, here we go again. They're putting God in the ballot. Not that it is wrong to do so. I love God. But when you use him for political posturing and nothing follows after that. I get quite bitter. So, if Palin and McCain are pro life, why haven't the Republicans outlaw Roe vs. Wade. Abortion is murder. The choice is whether or not to have sex, considering the responsibility associated with the risk of pregnancy and caring for a child. A woman can not be a good Christian and go to the clinic to have an abortion. In the current environment damnation due to abortion is a choice between the believer and God. Should the Government like Sarah suggest do the churches work, since the church fails to do so and converts aren't listening? Hummm? Abortion sucks, so do people who use the issue with great hipocrissy. Republicans use it every election, blahhh, blah....blah... and the babies keep dying. Give women real opportunities to choose life, churches should hold their members accountable. It is not the Gov't job. Republicans be honest and quit using and lying. Sarah is quite a likable person. There's no doubt she can govern. However, like most politicians she needs to walk the walk. If you are pro-life, if Sarah and McCain then abortion should be illegal by 2012.

[Paul]

The Only chance the Democrats have to pull off the upset would be for Biden to step aside and Hillary to takes his place. Even then it wouldn't be a sure thing. Maybe Obama should do that instead.
Either way... I'm sure the democrats are feeling like they made a mistake in letting the mainstream media choose their front runner.
When are people going to learn to go with their gut and ignore the media?

[Native Delawarean]

I will not vote for a ticket with Joe Biden. First of all he's a career politician. I don't like career politicians. They will say anything the public wants to hear to keep their jobs. "Those who can, Do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach run for office". Secondly, and more importantly, I dislike his "claim-to-fame landmark legislative abomination "the VAWA". In a nutshell the VAWA separates the sexes and treats men as less than equal to women. Under this junk legislation, men are guilty until proven innocent. This Act spits in the face of the US Bill of Rights. At least three Articles in the Bill of Rights are violated by the VAWA, in my opinion. The fact is, women are statistically just as likely to be violent as men are. Don't trust me.....do your homework on this man and be informed. Just because Delawareans are too stupid to vote him out doesn't mean he's right for our nation.

[Kathy]

How insulting to think women of this country are that stupid to vote for McCain just beccause he picked a woman for VP. To say nothing of the fact how scarey it would be if she ended up President. This country is at war, people are losing their lives for our country. People at home are losing their homes. And who in their right mind would ever think Sarah Palin would be up to the task. Get real!

[Ernie]

WHEN YOU HAVE TO GET ON YOUR KNEES AND BEG FOR VOTES, YOU KNOW YOUR IN BIG TROUBLE

[Becoming Less Undecided Every Day]

Joe Biden seems like a great guy and thus it's esp. disappointing that his running-mate, Obama, went on David Letterman last night to prove how sexist he really is (consciously or unconsciously), by demeaning Sarah Palin as being just the "lipstick" on what he calls the "pig" of his opponent's ideas.

So much for all those pretty, hopeful words about how Obama represents a new kind of politics...

I've had it with Obama's disrespect for anyone who does not fall in line and worship him.

As a lifelong Democrat, I was previously searching for reasons to vote for Obama, despite many misgivings, but now I give up - Obama and his supporters are so consistently rude and insulting that I cannot keep cutting him slack. I've had it with Obama's tricks. Obama's true colors have been apparent to me all along, (despite his attempts to disguise his innate sexism & racism & anti-Americanism with hopeful talk of change) and he has shown me too many times that he is not a true American, at least not in the best sense of the word. At least I can respect and admire and trust John McCain. Wish I could say that about the nominee of my own party...grrrr...sigh....

[dbcooper]

The media went ape agonizing over McCain's pick. They clearly touted the selection of a VP as the most important decision a presidental candidate must make and a clear indication of a Candidates judgement and their ability to lead America. McCain choose Palin, Obama passed on Hillary to select Biden. I report, you decide!

[Corona]

While I've been a die hard Clintonite from the start, I'm gaining a great admiration for Palin. She has raised the bar for female candidates. She embraces power, rejects shame and is unapologetic about all of it. At this point, l'm unsure even Clinton, with her apologetic demeanor, could have been victorious against her.
As for Obama and his decision making, enjoyably he proves the old adage "those who live by the sword, die by the sword." In case you hadn't yet figured it out, Mr. Obama, Celebrity is fleeting.

[hga27]

Barely implied in the article is the real significance of Biden's candid and accurate comment. The media went ape agonizing over McCain's pick. They clearly touted the selection of a VP as the most important decision a presidental candidate must make and a clear indication of a candidates judgement and their ability to lead America. McCain choose Palin, Obama passed on Hillary to select Biden. I report, you decide!

[Curly]

Obama claims to be agent of change. He comes from Chicago and we know the kind of politics that have be in that city for how many generations. Is that the kind of change he is going to bring to DC? DC is bad enough without the Chicago style politics. Biden has been in DC about as long as McCain and has not been a maverick in his party so how can he bring change?

[AC Dallas]

Biden's gotten an odd rap - he's not black or a woman, so his candidacy isn't historic; he's not a war hero; he certainly doesn't have the handsome mystique of some of our previous candidates.

HOWEVER, make no doubt: Biden is more than qualified to be Vice President of the United States, and President, should the opportunity present itself.

He's a good man who knows how to separate his personal and religious beliefs from politics. (Something the GOP refuses to do.)

He loves his family and knows how to triumph over tragedy.

He is more than capable of putting a positive, credible face on American foreign policy.

No, he's not sexy, but he's a worthy choice. Look past the hair and the windbag reputation and you'll find the heart of a real American leader.

Give the guy a chance. Listen to him. There's substance, not rhetoric, in his message.