Joe Biden update: Iraq one of Obama's 'great achievements'

Who knew?

Thank goodness, Vice President Joe Biden went on CNN to chat with Larry King Wednesday night. So many think things are not going so well for the Democrat administration, as The Ticket chronicled here.

Many Americans recall the ex-Sen. Biden's Democratic primary plans to give in to Iraq's fractious factions and carve the country into three territories. And even more probably recall Biden's boss' plan to halt the Iraq war years ago. As long as it got started anyway without the permission of the then state senator.

Plus, of course, the vehement opposition of the Nobel Prize winner to the 2007 American troop surge of you-know-who from Texas that Obama knew for certain was only going to worsen sectarian strife there. (See 2007 video here.)....

Well, of course, it didn't turn out that way, thanks in large measure to the brave service of hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops who served in that war-torn land and helped peace to break out despite the loud political acrimony back home over their role.

Now, the Obama-Biden pair that opposed the Iraq war and its tactics and predicted their failure is prepared to accept credit for its success.

It seems that Biden, who's from Delaware when he's in Delaware and Pennsylvania when in Pennsylvania, is certain now that Iraq will turn out to be one of the Obama-Biden administration's greatest achievements.

No, really.

Here's how Biden put it to Lar:

I am very optimistic about -- about Iraq. I mean, this could be one of the great achievements of this administration. You're going to see 90,000 American troops come marching home by the end of the summer. You're going to see a stable government in Iraq that is actually moving toward a representative government. 

I spent -- I've been there 17 times now. I go about every two months -- three months. I know every one of the major players in all the segments of that society. It's impressed me. I've been impressed how they have been deciding to use the political process rather than guns to settle their differences.

Biden did not elaborate on what all the administration's other "great achievements" were so far.

No doubt, Iraqis too are very thankful for that 2008 U.S. election. (Full King transcript here.)

-- Andrew Malcolm

Talk about success, openly click here to receive Twitter alerts of each new Ticket item all day every day. Or follow us @latimestot. You can also go to our new Facebook fan page here.

Photo: Lorenzo Bevilaqua / CNN

Comments

[craig]

and still there are about 50% of the populace who think that these 2 turd burglars and doing an acceptable job. it really shows that there are millions in this country who absolutely cannot see the facts and come to an intelligent decision. many of these people would vote again for this team of clowns no matter how far they sell us down the river.

[Buzz]

Remember; I inherited the situation in Iraq from George Bush

Signed
Barack Obama

[David C]

The man is a certified imbecile.
- Charlotte, NC

[Peter]

These clowns are unbelievable.
Yet another example of Obama and his administration turning whichever way the wind blows them. It's time for crazy Joe to be taken off to teh asylum, and for Obama to get a spine implant.

[zanne]

Just when you think Joe couldn't do it...he does. We are in deep trouble friends.

[RSweeney]

Has ANYONE in this administration ANY shame?

Is there ANY lie they will not tell in their own aggrandizement?

[LACodger]

Obama's triumph in Iraq will, of course, soon be overshadowed by his even more magnificent performance in Iran. Once they have the nuclear weapons, Biden can go back on Larry King and proclaim a new victory!

[Bob]

Ever notice Larry King never asks the important questions, he is merely comfort food to the controversial. In this case, Biden, Obamas lackie in world affairs. His statements on Obamas achievements are indicative of the inepness of the current administration. Wether you like it or not, the achievements in Iraq are Bush'es, not obamas....

[Joseph Bidenski]

Really, is anyone surprised at Biden's comments?? truly this is not a surprise, after all, he is the joker who brought us TV in 1929 used by Roosvelt. Who can forget Obama during the campaign saying that he has traveled through the 57 states. Did we annex Canada or Mexico? or his wise economic advise that small business should borrow money for payroll... and what about thier mutual hero, Al "the snowman" Gore, who invented the Internet... hope those who voted for these "progressive intelectuals" realize now the result of thier grave mistake.

[Xdem]

Does Joe know which administration he is part of?

[Scott]

An achievement for the Obama administration??? Where the troops' efforts in Iraq are concerned, the Obama administration should,at the very least, offer their gratitude for a victory handed to them as they took office.

More appropriately, they owe the troops an apology. At best, their lack of support prior to the election was weak and ill-advised. At worst, it placed political gain ahead of american and humanitarian interests. Either way, it cost american military lives. The hipocrisy of this administration seems to have no bounds.

[circle8]

Joe Biden is such as great man, just ask him and he will tell you how smart and great of a person he has been since birth. Isn't it strange that the morons of the world can achieve higher office?

[testplot]

who...... i mean ...... reallllly...... who the hell knew..... just an example of the brashness of this buch.... and an example of how stupid they think all of us are.....
this attitude they have ..... it tells alll.....

[Bill4TP]

Biden statement just boils my blood. As much as I dislike Bush, it was in the Bush admin this took place. How dare Biden take credit for something not only did not take place during the Obama years but to top it off Biden and Obama were against this when they were senators.

What a joke, this is just plain wrong!

[Titainiumman]

Joe Biden is a human gaff machine like Obama is, when he is not using a teleprompter

[Katy]

Proud of this journalist! I hope to see more honest reporting.

All I can say is Barack and Joe have got to go!

[Randy Scherer]

Hey guys! Are you all really serious? I lied to my mother when I was little and she washed my mouth out with soap...Sounds like that's what should be happening to this administration; from the President and Joey B, right down through the ranks of their cronies, like Mr. Gibbs. These guys obviously don't think the American people are paying attention to what they say. Or maybe they don't think we use the internet to hear their comments over and over. Don't they get the fact that we can understand the spoken word. How dare any of them claim any successes that were in the works from before they got into their current positions. Obama and Biden apposed the serge in Iraq and said the war was lost before they got to the White House and now it's supposed to be for their credit..... What arogant asses they are.

[John Galt]

Get the hell out of my way!
John Galt

[Tom Gates]

Behold the mighty Obama saves the world. And Ted's been sober for months. Whodathunkit

[John]

It was sarcasm obviosuly, Frank. Maybe you need to look in the mirror and start wondering how much of a "grasp on reality" you have for not catching that.

As for Biden or Obama taking any credit whatsoever for any success in Iraq is utter rubbish to the utmost. Anyone with a head on their shoulders and honesty in their heart knows that for a fact.

[Jim Martin]

I am NOT drinking that Kool-Aide !! What a joke.

[Katy]

I want to give this journalist credit but I must say Timothy(post) is correct. I would love to see the LA Times release the tape of Obama with Khaleed Rashidi. I know if Bush was connected to a PLO terrorist the LA Times would be all over it.

[John]

It was sarcasm obviously, Frank. Maybe you need to look in the mirror and start wondering how much of a "grasp on reality" you have for not catching that.

As for Biden or Obama taking any credit whatsoever for any success in Iraq is utter rubbish to the utmost. Anyone with a head on their shoulders and honesty in their heart knows that for a fact.

[Jim Morrison]

Wonder what kind of drugs this Vice President has been on?

[cheryl]

Dumb and Dumber! God when will the stupidity end? Obama and Biden, what a pair of senseless, lying pieces of what you scrape of the bottom of your shoe after walking in the dog pen.
It's something new everyday to make you ask, what has this country come? Even worse, how are we ever going to recover from the mess they have created?

[Scott]

Cotton eyed Joe is America's biggest dumb-ass. Obama has accomplished exactly nothing! What losers! What serious losers these two are.

Nothing better than watching Marxists crash and burn!

[Gus Hoefling]

Comment on "Biden" I do not have words in my vocabulary to describe his apparent ignorance...Reminds me of "Alfred E. Newman" in the" Mad comics"..Actually feel "Newman" was smarter......
Gus Hoefling

[Roxxell]

If you can read this message out loud in english from tv monitor, then congratulations! You just over-qualified yourself as our next president of the U.S! Experience and birthplace completely irrelevant.....

If you have dementia, alzheimers, or both-come on and get in under this guy above us for you'll be vice president! Now just get in there and run some random plays it don't matter what you do or say cuz people r too stupid and distracted anyway what with all those delicious fatty foods and what not. Just do and say some stuff who cares don't mind us we'll just be in the back room chokin every penny out of this once great, giant ,oyster-whore.

[Sofia Gonzalez]

ALL POLITICAL PARTIES DIE AT LAST OF SWALLOWING THEIR OWN LIES
--JOHN ARBUTHNOT (1667-1735)

[Linda Osborne]

Americans seem to pick their party of choice and then slant the facts to prove their party is correct - at whatever cost to the country as a whole. Would it not be better to support your country and its politics on your own soil and represent yourselves as a unified body to the rest of the world. I sit back and wonder....how can your 'great nation' be Great, if you can't even get along amongst yourselves. Your country is full of 'armchair' critics....to those I say, 'get out and do something worthy' and quit giving a thumbs down to the people that are definetly attempting to make a difference.
Signed: Just an observer from across the border

[Rich]

Biden is one of those who almost fooled me with his smile and sense of humor. But he is clearly incompetent and I wouldn't let him walk my dog.

[Patriotic Chicagolander]

What's really frightening is that 30% of the American public will believe this nonsense!

[Jay Johnson]

Barak Obama has done absolutely nothing where Iraq is concerned. George W. Bush won the war in Iraq by implementing General Petraeus's plan. Anything good that comes out of Iraq is due to President Bush. Any troops that can be withdrawn in 2010 and beyond is due to President Bush. Barak Obama changed nothing. Not one single thing. He is due credit for absolutely nothing. Joe Biden's opinion is worthless on this issue. He's Obama's shill and a worthless excuse for a VP. It's worth noting that this administration has to lie in order to get credit for anything. The liberal agenda is finished as of Nov./2010. Thank God.

[boone]

Did Obama also win the Super Bowl?

[matinva]

So, do we expect old Joe to give credit where credit is due? No. Joe is another liberal gutless wonder taking credit for things he swore were a failure just a year ago. This is unfortunately typical of the losers on the left.

[blorg]

Blame Bush!

[disenchanted]

biden, michelle, barack, steve, barry or whatever his name is are all dilusional. geesch.

biden's son isn't even running for office, that has to tell you something. why should he waste his time and money when he doesnt have a chance of winning?

geesch. when is impeachment going to happen. I am getting antsy. Our country will be in shreds by the time another 3 years rolls around.

[disenchanted]

biden, michelle, barack, steve, barry or whatever his name is are all dilusional. geesch.

biden's son isn't even running for office, that has to tell you something. why should he waste his time and money when he doesnt have a chance of winning?

geesch. when is impeachment going to happen. I am getting antsy. Our country will be in shreds by the time another 3 years rolls around.

[Larry]

Biden is a Marplot!

[Hay]

Biden should do stand up comedy - he would have a sell out performance

[Stephen]

Wow, I thought the left hated the wars, I know I did. Now according to Joe Biden, this war in Iraq will be "one of the great achievements of this administration". From the looks of things, it may well be the ONLY "achievement" of this administration. Wake up people, both parties stink.

[Brian]

I am appalled with this administration for its stance on almost everything. What really infuriates me, especially since I have recently returned from Iraq, is that they want to claim credit for any success in Iraq. They showed their true position during their political jockeying, at the expense of US Service Members, as they debated the validity of a surge. Now that the tactical decision of the previous administration has worked, Biden and Obama want to take credit for the success? Had it been up to them, we would have withdrawn in 2007 with Iraq in turmoil and our heads hung in shame. They have no right to claim any credit for Iraq or for anything else thus far.

[Big Elk]

Why is it that democRAT vice presidents are alway liars? Crazy Al Gore lying about inventing the Internet, , Carter ahd his forgotten vice president both lying about just about everything. A,d then there is pathological liar Biden. Remember, Biden was a proven liar/plagerizer when he went to college. Biden lied every time he showed his false teeth when he was a senator from the intellectually deficient tiny little state he "represented", and Biden lied yesterday, he lied today, and he will lie tomorrow. He can't help himself; he can't stop himself from lying through his false teeth, after all, he is a democRAT, and democRATS are all liars. God save America from the democRATS and their rabble.

[Noe Rye]

What success? 5,500 Americans dead, 30,000 injured, destablization of the Middle East. It will cost taxpayers 3 trillion in the long run. In the meantime we dropped the ball on Afgan..(words of Sec Gates and Gen Petraus, on why were losing in Afgan. Afgan is where all the troops should have been, after all they are responsible for the 9-11. Does anyone read the newpapers, or watch the news. The violance will never end. There is no win to this endless war.

[Nelson]

Palin's not looking so bad NOW howabout it folks. I don't think she would be so dishonest do you. Elected officials do have a direct effect on the common folks. I bet there is alot of people who work in the space biz that would like to take back their vote.

[OklahomaBound]

So the Bush/Petraeus surge wins the war in Iraq through our brave troops, also known as rapist and baby killers to the party Obama leads, and all Obama has to do in his term is set the timetable for withdrawal and he somehow deserves credit for the plan that lead to victory despite his opposition to it? I guess if you have the gall to claim that a porkulous bill that did nothing but pay off union supporters and corrupt community organizer groups somehow saved or created 2.5 million imaginary jobs then you can be the Savior of Iraq and the moon can be made of cheese.

[rater]

Joe Biden's eye lifts make him look Asian. (Not that there's anything wrong with that...)

[klfusa]

Wow! Apparently there is just one thing that the Obama Admin didn't "INHERIT". The successful conclusion of the war. The Iraqi's and the Bush/Cheney Admin will be surprised to hear that. Because they planned the exit long before the two 'experts' took office. Oh, that's right, Biden would have split the country in three, and Obama wouldn't have done the surge. The Obama Admin is getting very good at one of their campaign promises: transparency. WE the People are now able to see right through them!!

[Smiley]

Joe Biden = Obama's gravitas

Idiot.

[NidalMalikObama]

Obama's successful surge strategy in Iraq actually pales in comparison to his policy in the 1980s of putting Pershing II missiles into Europe and confronting the Soviet Union both diplomatically and militarily.

The collapse of the former Soviet Union is Obama's greatest accomplishment to date.