See earlier posts by Pat and Scott, but here's Biden yesterday:"I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American, who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy," he said. "I mean, that's a storybook, man."Wow, I still cringe a little inside every time I see that quote. Obviously everyone is all agog at Biden's gaffes and even the Kos kids are running away. And you bet everyone on the right is piling on. Including myself. It's an obvious question as to what Biden meant when he said that.
And now we have Obama responding:
I didn't take Senator Biden's comments personally, but obviously they were historically inaccurate. African-American presidential candidates like Jesse Jackson, Shirley Chisholm, Carol Moseley Braun and Al Sharpton gave a voice to many important issues through their campaigns, and no one would call them inarticulate.As Frum pointed out, they might be unethical and dirty (in a political sense) but they were all quite articulate. More so than Biden, I would add. I disagree with Frum though -- Obama was right to respond. He was actually quite restrained. Presidential politics ain't beanbag and there's nothing wrong with Obama correcting the gaffe, and scoring a few points on the way.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. I think Joe Biden meant to say that Barak Obama carries himself in a very eloquent manner. He exudes confidens, he's very carismatic, and a dynamic speaker. Something that all the other Afro-American candidates lacked. Like Bill Clinton, at the time he was running for president, He was and still is very carismatic and a dynamic speaker. It's about how you carry yourself and come across to the people. Bush on the other hand comes a cross
Helen at 10:57AM on Feb 1st 2007
2. I think Obama did a wonderful job in responding to a bizarre statement by Biden. There were many other directions he could have chosen, and he took the high road. (He didn't even mention Martin Luther King, Jr.!)
Lee at 11:06AM on Feb 1st 2007
3. For me it's almost a toss-up between the three Democratic contenders listed for who was more likeable. I think it will be a great campaign and election. I hope many good and practical ideas for solving this nations problems will be aired. I hope the MEDIA will cover. air and share the good ideas and NOT put all the coverage on polls and whose ahead. There are a lot of folks who won't, don't or can't have access to good sources of information. Much really good thinking is wasted or buried! Obama has the global understanding we sorely need, in a President to regain the respect of other nations Richardson would be a great Secretary of State, Edwards would be an excellent. Vice-President. Hillary Clinton would be a fine
Chief of State. The next two years will tell us alot about leadership of if the election competition doesn't ecllipse the actions, policy changes and reforms needed to bring our ailing nation back to health and well-being for ALL our citizens!!!
Fidelia Lane at 11:37AM on Feb 1st 2007
4. Next President could be a Republican who would win the War in Iraq by establishing law and order by Iraq Government and U.S. military could observe the non-violent Iraq. Presidential candidate Biden says he is best qualified to be the next U.S. President compared to Clinton and Obama they know very little of foreign policy and war strategy working hand in hand. Democrats are going to campaign on an unpopular war to appease the public opinion polls thinking they will win the votes. Wrong. American voters of integrity will stand up for what is right for the U.S. one Nation under God.
Alan Klaus at 12:32PM on Feb 1st 2007
5. Let's not be obtuse here folks. What Biden was saying and we all know is that Obama is "clean" in the sense that he is the first black political leader on the national stage who appeals to the national interest (or if you prefer, the interests of all Americans) rather than one parochial group.
There are two types of politics and two types of politicians. There are those who focus on pork and how much they can siphon off for the benefit of their constituency....be that constituency a geographical district or an ethnic group. And then there are those who seek to identify with and serve the national interest.
Many blacks, especially those who have made their living off the civil rights industry, are distressed that Obama is focused on the national interest rather than how much pork he can deliver for the black community (with possibly a slice for himself ala Congressman Jefferson or Jesse Jackson).
Obama's response to Biden's remarks has sought to close this obvious gap in orientation between those previous black candidates and himself. Since his black identity has been questioned, this was a wise move to demonstrate some solidarity with a group that is, while not sufficient, nevertheless essential to his successful pursuit of the nomination. Kudos to Obama for the score and a nod to Biden for the unintended assist!
Cincinnati Rick at 12:49PM on Feb 1st 2007
6. I DID ADD MY COMMENTS
ANGELO MALFITANO at 1:00PM on Feb 1st 2007
7. IT SEEMS TO ME AFTER ALL THESE YEARS THAT THE PUBLIC IS STILL IN THE DARK ABOUT POLITICS IT HAS NOT CHANGED IN AS MANY YEARS AS IT EXISTS.
NO MATTER WHOM IS THE WINNER THE PRESIDENTCY IS STILL ONLY A FIGURE HEAD EVEN THOUGH WE CONFER UPON HIM OR HER COMMANDER IN CHIEF. WHAT ABOUT COMMANDER IN PEACES, JOY, FULL FILLMENT, IS THIER NO PERSON THAT CAN BRING THIS TO THE MANKIND.
ANGELO MALFITANO at 1:02PM on Feb 1st 2007
8. Biden's comments seem to be a genuine, sincere positive comment about Obama. What is bizarre to me, is how any issue is made of it. The key word and differentiation between other black candidates was the word "mainstream". Biden simply meant that Obama has values and issues appealing to "mainsteam" American values. Simple and I believe accurate. THIS IS A NON ISSUE - BIDEN AND OBAMA ARE BOTH CLASSY, CLEAN, ARTICULATE GUYS.
david at 1:04PM on Feb 1st 2007
9. Can we please stop this "politically correct" crap! Of course Biden could have used a better word, but clean is the word that came out. I took it to mean he has no political baggage on him. But as soon as I heard the word, I knew people (media) would jump on it, and they did. I'm not a Democrat and won't vote democrat, but I don't think we should jump on Biden because he simply used the wrong wording. He seems to respect Obama and doesn't think he has any black marks against him. (Oh Oh! Did I say black?! I'm sure glad I'm not running for office.
Annette at 1:09PM on Feb 1st 2007
10. I think Bidens remarks were directed to disparage obama. more than his remarks, I would like to hear Obama denounce Muslim atrocities. i am under the impression that he is a Muslim or may tend to sympathise with muslims a little more than America would be comfortable with. I would be OK voting for an African American but would not even consider a vote for a Muslim
tom panek at 1:10PM on Feb 1st 2007
11. The U.S. Troop increase in the War in Iraq is justified by our military expert Gen. Casey. Who would you rather take advice from on this important U.S. international decision: a military expert, or a Democrat politician? Support Obama or Biden and you have made your choice unwisely, a mistake for the American people.
Alan Klaus at 1:16PM on Feb 1st 2007
12. I believe that Mr. Obama will be a great candidate for the 2008 Presidential race. Yes indeed this Great Country now seeks a democratic President. The republicans have many issues that need to be solved and not only that, our Country is in big time trouble in references to the debt. Bush demolished us and lied to the American People. I will say that it will be a hard one for me to choose between Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton I will just have to watch the debates.
Fareed at 1:37PM on Feb 1st 2007
13. In this practical example (Biden Vrs Obama) of intelligence and wisdom, Obama is the clear winner.
Bob Rogan at 10:46PM on Feb 1st 2007
14. Would Democrats just be saying lets move and it is no big deal, if it would have been said by a Republican, rather than Joe Biden.
Jackw at 11:40PM on Feb 1st 2007
15. Obama= Will only push issues that matter to blacks. General welfare will take over basically defeating the whole captialist system. Affirmative action will go too far, and people will get into college that dont deserve to.
DTR at 12:46AM on Feb 2nd 2007