That is what Sen. Joe Biden called it yesterday in CNN's "Situation Room" anchored by Wolf Blitzer. The Democratic presidential candidate said he thanked Sen. Richard Lugar in a phone call for his departure from the president's Iraq policy. He also told Lugar he would be part of an bipartisan effort to get the U.S. out of "this mess" (his words) if President Bush wanted to do that.
What I find most striking about Biden's interview was that he did not back away from his earlier statement that he would NOT cut off funding for our soldiers in favor of a timeline. I appreciate that Biden, even as a Democrat, wants to keep our soldiers safe and that awakened my interest in him a couple weeks ago.
The Biden-Gelb plan for Iraq sure sounds good. However upon further research of Biden's plan on Iraq on his Web site I have to say it would be very hard to follow through with this plan. After all Biden is not running for president of Iraq. (insert sarcasm) On the one hand, he calls for us to get out of the Iraqi civil war. On the other hand he presents his Iraq plan as if he would be in charge of Iraq if he were elected U.S. president. I think it ought to be up to the Iraqi government on how to establish a secure Iraq, not to our government.
I do want to wait for the results of the troop surge -- which will supposedly be announced in September. But I do have to say that l found it refreshing that Biden has the safety for our troops in mind even so he is calling for a withdraw of troops. It shows after all that you can be indeed for our troops even so you are against the war in Iraq.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 2)
1. We're getting to the point where everyone agrees the war is going badly, but no one knows what to do about it.
Maybe the Baker Hamilton group needs to reconvene and give us an updated plan
Steve Bonomo at 7:09PM on Jun 27th 2007
2. Maybe Biden, who is probably the stupidist man in the SENATE (and that is difficult to comprehend), should take a flying leap..into the DEMOCRAT pig pen, and spout his moronic soundbits to the other elite leftist PIGS that populate that disgraceful group of socialist hacks.
joem at 9:19PM on Jun 27th 2007
3. Cogent, mature comment, Joem. Just dazzling.
Roger at 5:03AM on Jun 28th 2007
4. I totally agree with Biden. This president is criminal and completely incompetent. Everyone truly knows this was is a failure and has been from the state. What are we waiting for? More American soldiers coming back in body bags? Get out of iraq NOW!!!
Kent P. at 2:44PM on Jun 29th 2007
5. Agree with it or not, Biden's the only candidate to have put forward a cogent, detailed plan on what he'd do about Iraq as president. Personally, I think he's on the right track, because I don't think there's a hope in hell for an impartial, universally-accepted unitary government in that country. A federalist system at least has a shot and is already constitutionally authorized. Biden's not delusional - he admits there's a good chance that this plan might be too little, too late, but it sure beats the hell out of the vague, imprecise or totally unrealistic "plans" that have been put forward by the other Dems.
Gerry at 6:40PM on Jun 29th 2007
6. I see all of this name calling just an example of the person talking. If you were going to war with the people that caused 9-11, it would be the Saudis. Why don't we? Because Bush has been in bed with them for years. Cheney is calling the shots and getting rich off the taxpayers. Everyone needs to swtch to the Independent Party and fire everyone from the President down. I was born and raised a republican and switched to the democratic party when I was old enough to see the handwriting on the wall.
Arthur R. Besemer at 10:01PM on Jun 30th 2007
7.
Senator Lugar is saying something very important that is being overlooked about the surge. No matter how successful this operation is, it will be of no benefit if the Iraqi government is unstable. If anything the Iraqi government has become more unstable as the violence continues and Sunni and Shia factions grow further and further apart. Look at the numbers there - they are increasing not decreasing. Anyone really believe this will just magically stop ? Have we learned anything from past mistakes there ? Wishing just won't make it so - continuing to ignore reality just delays the inevitable. And Lugar is talking about reality.
max at 12:13PM on Jul 1st 2007
8. I have a stepson in Iraq and my son is joining the Army soon. I am also a vetern. Senator Biden is the only leader that I feel confident in as far as foreign relations are concerned. He is the only candidate that has tackled Darfar head on. He has steadfastly been against the war but has not left our troops out in the dark without funding. He has been vocal and precise with a plan. But he also addresses other issues as well. His healthcare plan doesn't just pay lip service to wellness but he outlines health education. Senator Biden is, by far, the most experienced and presidential candidate the Democrats have to offer. I resent the fact that the media has chosen to give the most attention the the candidates who make the best story, i.e, the first serious female candidate and the first serious African American.
catherine at 6:29AM on Jul 24th 2007
9. 'Irresponsible And Naive' (The Kiss Answer)
The (Kiss Answer) Keep it simple stupid is this.
Obama, I will talk MYSELF, with the biggest threat to Israel and the Jew's the NEW PERSIA, the leadership of the SECOND GOLDEN AGE OF PERSIA. I will not leave an AMERICAN BUFFER COMBAT FORCE, between Israel and Persia, I will withdraw, all AMERICAN FORCES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST, in as rapid a time period as safety to AMERICAN COMBAT FORCES will allow. I will not PREEMPTIVELY NUCLEAR STRIKE PERSIA WITHOUT CAUSE, and that cause would be an attack upon the United States. The United States has not attacked another nation to prevent it's developing nuclear weapon's preemptively and therefore no justification exists to preemptively attack Persia.
TEAM CLINTON (HILLARY), I will send BILL, over to talk to the leadership of the SECOND GOLDEN AGE OF PERSIA. But, will maintain a (50K to 80K), American Combat Troop Level, in the Middle East as a Buffer between Israel and Persia. If conditions continue were American Combat Troops continue to be under attack, a withdrawal of those troops will be completed prior to my second campaign for President begins. I will not PREEMPTIVELY NUCLEAR STRIKE PERSIA WITHOUT CAUSE, and that cause would have to be absolute proof that an attack upon the United States were in progress. The United States has not attacked another nation to prevent it's developing nuclear weapon's preemptively and therefore no justification exists to preemptively attack Persia, BILL will address this problem thru direct talks.
Very Respectfully,
D. L. Graham
El Cajon, San Diego, CT. CA.
D. L. GRAHAM at 2:42PM on Jul 25th 2007
10. If one is to call Joe Biden the "stupidist" man in the Senate, the one should learn that "stupidist" is not a word. That aside, Sen. Biden HAS a plan. He bothers to answer questions directly, whether or not you agree with his answers. The divisions between the sects of religion in Iraq will never allow for a single leader of the country. Give each an equal piece of the pie and get out. If they want to kill each other after that, fine--it's not our business to dictate which belief is right. We've been there, done that, by once supporting Hussein as well as Bin Laden. Lincoln, a Republican, paraphrased Jesus when he made his "A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand," speech concerning civil war in this country. There used to be two Berlins. The Korean war divided "a house" and the North Koreans are starving under a dictatorship. We've not paid attention to North Korea which actually does have WMDs, and that situation is looking more positive. All the war in Iraq has done is to create more enemies against us.
BWilliams at 5:10PM on Jul 25th 2007
11. I cannot believe that such an idiot like Biden can be a senator AND GET RE-ELECTED!. REMEMBER THE LAST TIME THAT HE TRIED TO BE PRESIDENT? he was forced to abort it when it became public that he was LYING about beeing a Viet Nam hero. Most politicians lie, but with some "inteligence". How did Biden expect to get away with such a faked military record? How can some people still believe in him and defend him? Is it because that if you are a liberal/demo, hating Bush is "in"? I am not a republican but I don't hate Bush. We are at war and he is the President. What are we going to do when the liberal/demos decide to go to bed with the enemy? Are we supposed to convert to Islam or get beheaded in order to maintain our political correctness???WAKE UP AMERICA, TRY TO THINK INSTEAD OF HATE!!!!!
george at 7:42AM on Jul 26th 2007
12. I will vote for Joe.......if I get a chance.
Garry Stone at 8:30AM on Aug 3rd 2007
13. SEEK THE TRUTH
http://www.squidoo.com/double_speak/
lewby54 at 11:58PM on Aug 7th 2007
14. Just watched Barack Obama on the Logo forum. Not only is Barack Obama Racist against Hispanics in Illinois He is also a Liar as well when it comes to Equal Rights and civil Rights for all Americans. I have been calling Barack Obama a racist and invite him to sue if I’m acting in bad faith. I say there is a reason a former civil rights attorney does not run for president with civil rights as a main issue and if you are a Hispanic American from the state of Illinois this concerns you. It can be verified having already been placed on repeated formal notice Barack Obama has taken no action to stop or even call for any investigation into IDHR & EEOC’s discriminatory practices that mistreat, harm , and prevent Illinois Hispanic American complainants from fairly & fully exercising their legal right to assert the exact same claim of discrimination based on RACE that other nonHispanics are allowed to by IDHR & EEOC. There can be no dispute that since 2004 I was and still now am not being allowed to assert & memorialize a claim of discrimination based on RACE on formal official “IDHR & EEOC” charges of discrimination with IDHR & EEOC focusing instead on manipulating the charging process by IDHR & EEOC repeatedly pressuring me to sign (upon threat of dismissing my charges) only IDHR & EEOC prepared “IDHR & EEOC” charges of discrimination in which IDHR & EEOC never memorialized my clear unambiguous claim of discrimination based on RACE that I have always maintained against Hormel Foods Corporation & UFCW since 2004. Even to date IDHR & EEOC have not provided me any state law or state rule and/or federal law or federal rule that excludes and/or prohibits any Illinois Hispanic American citizen from asserting and memorializing a claim of discrimination based on RACE on formal official “IDHR & EEOC” charges of discrimination at the agency IDHR and/or at the agency EEOC. Despite bringing this to Barack Obama’s attention Barack Obama and his office having full knowledge and understanding has continued to ignore the fact that I, one of his Illinois Hispanic American constituents, is unlawfully being treated unequally by IDHR & EEOC. IDHR & EEOC (For instance but not limited to) has attempted to dissuade me, an Illinois Hispanic American citizen, from filing charges, misrepresenting facts in the public record, and IDHR & EEOC is excluding & denying me , an Illinois Hispanic American citizen, a fair & full opportunity to memorialize my assertion of discrimination based on RACE on formal official “IDHR & EEOC” charges during the charge process without IDHR & EEOC ever providing in a clear straightforward honest manner an actual written legal justification that shows under what actual discriminatory Illinois law and/or federal law allows IDHR & EEOC to exclude any Illinois Hispanic American citizen from fairly & fully exercising their legal right to assert the exact same claim of discrimination based on RACE that other nonHispanics are allowed to & enjoy as matter of record at IDHR & EEOC. As a result of Barack Obama’s failure to insure that his Illinois Hispanic American constituents are not being prevented from fairly & fully exercising their legal right to assert discrimination based on RACE at the agencies IDHR & EEOC and Barack Obama’s failure to even call for an investigation to immediately redress this serious matter Barack Obama is effectively aiding and abetting Race discrimination, obstructing justice, and shielding Hormel Foods Corporation & UFCW from ultimately being held accountable for Hormel Foods Corporation and UFCW (for instance but not limited to) violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by subjecting me an Illinois Hispanic American citizen to discrimination based on RACE. The fact and truth of the matter is Barack Obama can not deny that I one of his constituents, an Illinois Hispanic American citizen, brought to his attention that there is substantial evidence about IDHR & EEOC interfering with my right for an investigation into my claim of discrimination based on RACE against Hormel Foods & UFCW from ever being conducted to date. Because I , an Illinois Hispanic American citizen, have the audacity to believe I am equal under the Laws of the United States Of America I refuse to believe IDHR & EEOC, Hormel Foods Corporation & UFCW (Despite Barack Obama’s inaction) are above the law and will not ultimately be held accountable for the above mentioned actions.
Chaos45i at 9:53PM on Aug 9th 2007
15. OKAY PEOPLE-LISTEN UP!!!
For you non-Delawareans,lemme catch ya up on a few things.....JOE BIDEN =EXIT STRATEGY BIDEN=TRUE RAW GRIT HONESTY, REAL INTEGRITY, BIDEN=REAL AND TRULY EDUCATED, VASTLY EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP
He is Delaware's Beloved Son, a faithful husband, father and truly compassionate leader who is a political man but by far no average skanky politician, he is truly a class act.
I am a Delaware girl, born and raised and I've watched Joe give his life in public service to this wildy successful little goldmine of a state-look on the back of all your credit cards-I betcha they are based out of our little pot-o-gold DELAWARE.
ALSO ALL WOMEN-SPECIAL NOTE-
I personally met Joe at a function held by the Irish Society and we had a great HONEST discussion/debate over a drink surrounded by lively Irish(raw honesty required)banter from all our friends in the Irish club. Joe truly cares and he devoted a gigantic effort to creating real safety nets, REAL PLANS WITH REAL RESOURCES for women and children victims of domestic violence(YUP-I was a victim) by co-writing wonderful legislation that was forged into law in fall of 2005 called the DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT with PA's Arlen Specter.If you ever had the opportunity to talk to Mrs.Biden,-Senator Biden's mother -it is absolutely obvious where Joe got his fire..she is a wonderful firecracker of a gal, who was 85 yrs old at the time (maybe 06?),when she and I were discussing the influx of information, requests etc fielded by the Wilmington office for Senator Biden by Sara Gallagher, the DC office by Bev Flannagan at the time (don't know if the fierce,dedicated,organized ladies are still on post)Mrs. Biden clearly stated that there were so many "damn nuts" calling in and some writing in etc,that bogged down the wheels with superflous, sometimes outrageous things, I nearly fell outta my chair LMAO. She is and always will be a powerhouse of raw honesty, as her husband was as well,may he rest in peace....with such a great,solid, true-blue American family that has real and richly SPARKLING PERSONALITY,true cohesiveness in all matters great and small, I can tell you, BIDEN TRULY BRINGS A LEVEL OF HONESTY,EXPERIENCE,EDUCATION,COMPASSION,INTEGRITY AND HONOR TO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT-NO OTHER CANDIDATE OFFERS experience+INTEGRITY-EXCEPT MAYBE THE REFRESHINGLY BOLD, HARD-WORKING GUILIANI???
I would feel my faith restored in the American politics if -just imagine this-THE TICKET ENDED UP BIDEN V. GUILIANI 2008 WOW!
MICHELLE COVAIS at 8:07AM on Aug 12th 2007