The Biden Difference
DENVER -- Having been en route today, I arrive with late-breaking analysis of the Joe Biden selection. Here are my thoughts for you, in a nutshell:
Biden is a plus in the two critical areas in which Barack Obama's weak: national security/foreign policy and blue collar credentials. I doubt even the RNC would quibble with Biden's skills in the diplomatic sphere. And his Catholic, Scranton, Pa., roots are, of course, indisputable.
But I'd argue there's a third void that Biden fills for Team Obama. He's a much easier grip and greeter than the IL senator. Biden appears energized by retail campaigning, while Obama often still gives off the vibe that it's obligatory.
While Biden doesn't reinforce Obama's change message, he rounds out a new political marriage -- with staying power potential. Obama/Biden. A very yin yang combo. Change agent, seasoned vet.
For Obama, the choice reflects a tacit understanding of his weaknesses as a candidate, and possibly as a leader. Biden's selection marks the most important decision of Obama's run, and it reflects a maturity that could go a long way toward convincing voters suspicious of the newbie pol's governing abilities that he is embarking on a serious, analytical exploration of what it will take for him to do the job.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
You forgot one more: Selecting Biden signals that Obama isn't pushing the change meme anymore. Biden is very much a creature of Washington so the "no longer politics as usual" no longer applies.
Corinne, corinne. Wrong as usual.
Jen, I like your analysis, but can we make one small but poignant correction?
you wrote:
the choice reflects a tacit understanding of his weaknesses
should be:
the choice reflects a tacit understanding of his perceived weaknesses
I think Barack Obama's foreign policy ideas are one of his greatest strengths. It is only the media, partisans, and spinmeisters who think that he is weak.
Look at his prediction of the wrong-headedness of the Iraq War.
Look at his proposed timeline for troop withdrawal now considered the most likely to succeed (and supported by George W. Bush, Maliki, and to an extent McSame as well)...
Look at his being way out in front of the Afghanistan War and calling for more troops there over a year ago.
Look at his well-received trip to the Middle East and Europe.
How is he weak on foreign policy?
Nevermind. He is NOT weak. He is strong on foreign policy.
If you are going to be a journalist, you MUST tell it like it is and not follow partisan talking points.
Biden's a good choice if you want a strong contrast between the candidate for President and the candidate for Vice President. Now, we get to see real oratory skills, true eloquence. For every "uh" that comes out of Obama's mouth, Biden can spit out ten real words. It's like The Emperor's New Clothes... Everyone is afraid to say that Obama sounds like an idiot.