If Barack Obama is looking for an elder statesman with national security credentials as his running mate, my two cents say he should pick Sam Nunn. The conventional wisdom, though, has Obama leaning toward Joe Biden. If the senior senator from Delaware is indeed tapped, we can expect that mere milliseconds will elapse before some MSM outlet labels Biden a "moderate" or a "centrist."
We thought it might be useful to do a little prophylactic exploration of the Biden record. Given his long tenure in the Senate, he's earned literally hundreds of interest-group ratings over the years. But here is a representative sample, as culled from the invaluable Project Vote Smart. Although his "grades" have of course varied from year to year, overall we find—surprise!—that Biden is a garden-variety liberal.
- NARAL - A [2006]
- Planned Parenthood - A [2006]
- National Right to Life Committee - 0% [2005-06]
- National Taxpayers Union - F [2007]
Continues . . .
- Business-Industry Political Action Committee 8% [2007]
- ACLU - 75% [2007]
- NAACP - 100% [2005]
- National Council of La Raza - 100% [2005]
- Human Rights Campaign [gay rights] - 100% [2001-02]
- American Conservative Union - 0% [2007]
- National Education Association [teachers union] - A [2007]
- Environment America - 100% [2008]
- Family Research Council - 0% [2007]
- Children's Defense Fund [a Hillary fave] - 100% [2006]
- Gun Owners of America - F [2007]
- Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence - 95% [1988-2003]
- NRA - F [2002]
- English First - 0% [2007]
- American Immigration Lawyers Association - 100% [2006]
- AFL-CIO - 100% [2007]
- American Bar Association - 100% [2001-02]
- National Journal-Composite Liberal Score - 94.2% [2007] [Note: third most liberal senator, trailing only Whitehouse of RI and #1 . . . Barack Obama]
- NOW - 91% [2005-06]
Should Obama pick Biden, a special recognition to the first NB reader who alerts us to an instance of the MSM labelling him "moderate" or "centrist."
Note: Let's focus for a moment on the fact that, as per the non-partisan National Journal's scoring, in 2007 Obama was the most liberal senator and Biden the third most liberal. Can there be any doubt that they would collectively comprise by far the most liberal ticket in over 70 years, since FDR ran with Henry Wallace, an open admirer of the Soviet Union?
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Mark, you're going to have
August 19, 2008 - 13:10 ET by motherbeltMark, you're going to have to do better than that.
Aren't those all non-partisan, centrist organizations?
Well, except for the American Conservative Union, the Family Research Council, Gun Owners of America and the NRA. Those are extreme right-wing organizations, so it's no wonder they don't like Slow Joe.
What was I thinking?
August 19, 2008 - 13:12 ET by Mark FinkelsteinWhat was I thinking? ;-)
Just as one example of my folly, everyone knows the Children's Defense Fund is a non-partisan group, for the . . . chi-r-r-r-r-e-n.
Why I'd be willing to bet
August 19, 2008 - 13:12 ET by bigtimerWhy I'd be willing to bet it has already happened by now...somewhere in La-La-Land with the talking head drive-bys....
If msnbc was going 24/7, especially on a Tuesday...you know it would of already been mentioned...lol.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Well if the ACLU only had
August 19, 2008 - 13:12 ET by athoughtor2Well if the ACLU only had him at 75% then he must be no worst than a right wing zealot.
Also, will the MSM bring up his antics with the Thomas confirmation hearings
Biden is not only far left, but he's extremely divisive and
August 19, 2008 - 13:12 ET by Dee Bunkobnoxious. I was amazed the other day when I saw a couple of panels all predicting he would be Obama's VP pick.
He's not only far left but he's abrasive and down right mean and nasty. I can't imagine why anyone would pick him, but it's especially nonsensical for Obama who is claiming he will change the tone.
He also looks
August 19, 2008 - 14:02 ET by Nortonaleclike the young Ray Liotta's lawyer in Good Fellas. It's that used car salesman, shyster kind of thing.
Nortonalec
Norton - Shyster is the perfect word
August 19, 2008 - 15:02 ET by Dee Bunkto describe him.
I think, among many other
August 19, 2008 - 15:07 ET by Chris NormanI think, among many other things, it's the hair plugs...
McNotObama '08
Lol Chris
August 19, 2008 - 16:12 ET by Dee Bunkyou have such a good way of putting things.
Aw shucks, my blushes. You
August 19, 2008 - 16:18 ET by Chris NormanAw shucks, my blushes. You are too kind and charitable. This man absolutely inspires ridicule and mockery.
McNotObama '08
Dee and Chris,
August 19, 2008 - 21:41 ET by Scout FinchYou both forgot to mention "plagiarist".
What A Duo
August 19, 2008 - 13:13 ET by NoMoreClintonsA plagiarist and a bold faced liar - what a great team they'll make. Not.
In his defense...
August 19, 2008 - 18:33 ET by Nortonaleche's clean and articulate!
What a tool!
Nortonalec
I'm confused
August 19, 2008 - 18:41 ET by Birch BarlowA plagiarist and a bold faced liar - what a great team they'll make. Not.
Which one's which?
Zoinks!
August 19, 2008 - 21:42 ET by Scout FinchYou beat me to the "plagiarist" punch!
Mark ;here you go
August 19, 2008 - 13:15 ET by upcountrywaterbiden ah moderate
Joe Biden is a moderate and more a supporter of the Iraq War than most Democrats, so his selection might alienate Barack Obama's liberal base.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Upcountry: high marks for
August 19, 2008 - 13:19 ET by Mark FinkelsteinUpcountry: high marks for the rapid response. How-evah: does Associated Content count as "MSM"? I'm not familiar with them.
Mark; MSM or wanna be msm minions , the hole lot of them!!
August 19, 2008 - 13:52 ET by upcountrywaterMSM's are just like Weeds they pop up all the time.
I know a weed when i see it.
I did miss your "MSM" reference, like cBS, pmsnbc, etc.
It's just a matter of time, before "moderate joe" appears on some mourning show.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Wait just a second here...
August 19, 2008 - 16:38 ET by JTPYou said "Should Obama pick Biden".....
The "One" has not proclaimed.
The game hasn't started yet!
"I need more cowbell!" SNL
Wow, BINGO!
August 19, 2008 - 13:24 ET by motherbeltWow, BINGO!
I wonder if you will get the kudos, or will the reference have to come after he is named the O's running mate?
Update: one of the articles I found recommended Biden as a blue-collar Catholic.
Obama shouldn't figure he can fool Catholics...calling him a Catholic won't disguise hs 100% NARAL rating.
Please Please Please Please Please
August 19, 2008 - 16:48 ET by SquonkamaticPlease Please Please Please Please PLEASE, Mr. Obama, pick Joe Biden as your running mate. Please saddle yourself with an intolerant racist elitist idiot passing himself off as a candyassed moderate. Wouldn't it be marvelous if two bigots from either side of the fence shared the executive office for four years? It could be the Eskimo Pie Presidency, with their motto being "Let's Take A Bite!"
Joe Biden a
August 19, 2008 - 13:37 ET by Jack BauerJoe Biden a moderate?
Only because, to the left, Joe Stalin was also a moderate.
I agree the Biden pick would
August 19, 2008 - 13:44 ET by Free ThinkerI agree the Biden pick would be a waste. He is truly one of the stupidest Senators ever which is only funny because he likes to hear himself talk which creates this cartoon of a figure. I can't imagine in my wildest dreams that Obama's handlers would make such a mistake, although with his candidacy continuing to crash and burn everyday I could be wrong.
Free, But just think about
August 19, 2008 - 13:59 ET by Chris NormanFree,
But just think about his acceptance speech: "Four score and seven years ago...".
McNotObama '08
Really, Chris, I think it
August 19, 2008 - 16:00 ET by motherbeltReally, Chris, I think it would be great just for the entertainment factor! LOL
It just goes to show that being a plagiarist is no detriment in the Democrat Party.
Hey, and I'm really looking forward to his next dissertation on Scottish law!
They'd have to have his mouth fitted with a tape-delay and a remote-control shutoff!
If he's picked, I sense
August 19, 2008 - 16:09 ET by Chris NormanIf he's picked, I sense there will have to be yet another Obama campaign web site called "What Senator Biden Really Meant to Say"... :)
McNotObama '08
Not Plagiarism
August 19, 2008 - 16:01 ET by CpickeringIt’s not plagiarism if you change the words:
“Four decades and seven years ago, my parents brought forth in Hawaii a new order, conceived in the back of a Chevy and dedicated to the proposition that all entitlements should be paid by the rich . . . “
Someone with more originality should finish this one . . . I’m running out of ideas!!
LOL
Or "I regret that you have
August 19, 2008 - 16:05 ET by Chris NormanOr "I regret that you have only so much income to give to your country..."
McNotObama '08
Would the VP debate on
August 19, 2008 - 16:49 ET by Eileen RightWould the VP debate on MTV be Unplugged or Plugged?
We can dream!
August 19, 2008 - 18:20 ET by ThalpyWe can dream! Every time I see his face I think of the Alito confirmation hearing, with Schumer, Kennedy, and Biden doing their best to maintain civility and the famous Democrat decorum. Together they have the aggregate IQ of a gnat, but it is the pompous Biden who makes it fun and pathetic. FT, I hope you are wrong, but just this time.
This isn't exactly proof,
August 19, 2008 - 14:14 ET by ksennishThis isn't exactly proof, but Newsweeks blog reel has a link to "The Moderate Voice" which talks about Joe Biden as a potential VP and how he would bring a more centrist view to the administration. However, they too agree that Sam Nunn would be the better choice.
Moderate Joe
August 19, 2008 - 14:33 ET by doug1950The MSM has already tried to paint JB as a moderate.
http://usliberals.ab...
Chuck You Schumer!
August 19, 2008 - 14:47 ET by ChasvsHey, I think Chuck you Schumer would be even better! Then you'd have a moron and an idiot on the same ticket!
I apologize, but I'm so fed up with BHO and his BS i can't stand it...got to let it out before I burst!
Dumb & Dumber!
August 19, 2008 - 14:45 ET by ChasvsWould be a real good theme for these two wouldn't it?
How 'bout the Empty Suit and
August 19, 2008 - 15:05 ET by zhombreHow 'bout the Empty Suit and the Guy You Wouldn't Buy a Used Car From? Delaware is the Drive-Thru States and Biden always struck me as one of the more vacuous and oleaginous politicians in DC, a guy with a huge phony smile who babbled incessantly, and said little. He brazenly plagiarized a Brit labor politician some years back. To regard Biden as an Elder Statesman is like calling some ham actorn doing dinner theater Olivier.
What a great pair they would
August 19, 2008 - 15:06 ET by MidAmericaWhat a great pair they would make. Obie hems ands uhhs and pauses while biden has thoughts that are orphans as soon as they are born and the words just rattle out of his mouth.
Another Surge Denier
August 19, 2008 - 15:15 ET by BarkerJoe Biden opposed the Surge as the "absolute wrong strategy", and later called the Surge a "fantasy".
That ought to keep ol' Joe busy until November.
Yep.....because when I think
August 19, 2008 - 15:28 ET by oldArmyYep.....because when I think of "Change".....Biden just naturally comes to mind.....
Yeah, reminds me of all the
August 19, 2008 - 15:41 ET by zhombreYeah, reminds me of all the change I dropped in toll booths driving thru Delaware.
Please let it be Biden Please let it be Biden
August 19, 2008 - 16:22 ET by KC MulvillePlease let it be Biden - Please let it be Biden - Please let it be Biden - Please let it be Biden - Please let it be Biden - Please let it be Biden ....
KC, Are you "Biden" your
August 19, 2008 - 16:29 ET by Chris NormanKC,
Are you "Biden" your time? :)
McNotObama '08
Weasels
August 19, 2008 - 17:39 ET by KC MulvilleIt may seem that I have a bug up my ass about Biden, but that's only because it's true. The guy drives me crazy.
I freely admit it, part of this is religious, but let me defend that. The Catholic church worked very hard on a fair, respectful strategy for how we think church and state should work together. We freely admit that our religious leaders have no authority in secular government. But we also argue that religious values deserve an honored place in public life, especially when those values are based on compassion, love of neighbor, and respect for life's true sanctity. And that all starts with defending the family, and defending marriage. Protect those institutions.
Now the key to the strategy, and all that education, and all that work, is for the Catholic lay people to stand up for Catholic values once they get to leadership in public life. Defend life. Defend marriage. Unless Catholic politicians stand up for those values, the strategy is useless.
So who do we get as "Catholic" leaders? Joe Biden. Ted Kennedy. John Kerry. Dick Durbin. Nancy Pelosi. Etc. All in favor of abortion. As soon as they got into power, they threw their Catholic values away. They turned weasel. They don't defend family and they don't defend marriage. Hell, they're leading the charge against marriage. And Biden? That's why he bugs me so much. He talks about being Irish and Catholic all the time, but he betrays it with every vote he takes.
I have plenty of intellectual and policy differences with liberal Democrats, but I freely admit I have a strong animus against those ex-Catholic weasels. I don't hate them as persons (after all, Biden would probably be a fun guy to bring to a bar), but I do hate the religious betrayal. When you're willing to betray your religion, I don't have much trust in you elsewhere.
As a fellow Catholic, I
August 19, 2008 - 18:55 ET by Chris NormanAs a fellow Catholic, I think it's our burden that so many Catholic politicians are liberals. Personally, I blame the Jesuit schools. That's kind of a joke - but not that much.
McNotObama '08
Amen, KC....very well
August 19, 2008 - 18:58 ET by motherbeltAmen, KC....very well put.
And Obama has a "Catholic Advisory Council" that includes pro-choice Senators Chris Dodd, Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, along with one of his VP possibles Gov. Kathleen Sibelius, who was asked by her Archbishop not to present herself for Communion.
If Obama picks either Biden or Sibelius, thinking that he can pander to the Catholic vote, he'd better think again. Catholics know a rogue Catholic when they see one. And while many Catholics may dissent from the Church's teaching on contraception, far fewer than Democrats hope are pro-abortion.
Why wouldn't they put Ted on
August 19, 2008 - 21:50 ET by SRPwrdWhy wouldn't they put Ted on there? Don't they want perpetuate the myth that all Catholics are drunks that kill people?
O'Reilly had Biden on his
August 19, 2008 - 17:53 ET by ckc1227O'Reilly had Biden on his show last year pushing his book, and towards the end of the interview, O'Reilly told Biden he wasn't a Democrat, he was really a Conservative/Republican, lol.
Right, Bill, and there's one guy who sets the price of oil and gas every day too, lol.
Joe Biden...a centrist
August 19, 2008 - 18:02 ET by AmericanEnergist...and his hair replacement system looks natural too!
Oops - didn't someone else already say that?
www.ArmchairEnergist...
Now, now people let's not
August 20, 2008 - 12:26 ET by VarzilNow, now people let's not get to hasty here. Why in the MSM eyes, Bidden is more moderate than Obama. Why, in the National Journal's 2007 vote ratings, Senator joe Bidden (D) Delaware has a Liberal Rating of 94.2. Which, when compared to Senator Barrack Obama (D) Illinois Liberal Rating of 95.5, makes him moderate.
Shhh, don't tell Olberdumm, it might upset him.