Clinton supporters: Why do you favor her over Biden?

[calteacherguy]

I often hear Clinton supporters say she is more "experienced." While I have disagreements with this assesment and the importance of the type of "experience" she has had, it would seem to me that a long time senator like Biden has more of the kind of experience you are looking for as well as unsurpassed expertise in foreign policy.

So, I'm a bit confused why Clinton supporters would support Clinton over Biden. Please explain. Thanks.

[mtnsnake]

1. I like them both, but I think Hillary is a tiny bit more electable than Joe in a general election

I also like Obama, and I am a HUGE fan of Kucinich. I wish he were our president more than any of them.

on edit: Real good question, btw.

[TwilightGardener]

2. Going out on a limb here, because I'm not a Clinton supporter--

the reason I don't back Joe is because he can sometimes act a little foolish. He's likeable, and I think he'd make a good Prez, but the R's will hit him hard on plagiarism, verbal diarrhea, hair plugs--if they could make Gore and Kerry look foolish (and both men were cautious pols), I imagine they'd have a field day with Joe.

[Kahuna]

5. You might have a point. But if the opponent is ghouliani your point

becomes moot.

[ruggerson]

10. Joe is in a very different league personality wise than Kerry or Gore

he's far more engaging, witty and generally likeable.

[durrrty libby]

3. "Clinton supporters: Why do you favor her over Biden?"

Since she was your candidate....Why did you?

[calteacherguy]

4. Honest answer: Clark endorsed her.

I"ve decided to stick to my own assesment of the field.

[durrrty libby]

19. I recall you starting dozens of pro-Hillary threads long before

the Clark endorsement.

[JohnnyLib2]

6. Most prepared for the "world stage" ; been there the most.

Her path toward the presidency is atypical, of course. I am struck by the
need (worldwide) for a COMPETENT contrast with the current inept occupant.
Biden is my second choice, but he will always carry the image of long term Senator who is more accustomed to semi-private negotiations and law making.

[SaveElmer]

7. I am a Biden fan...

And in some areas he is clearly more experienced than Hillary...particularly foreign policy...though she is no slouch there...

On some matters I believe Hillary is the better qualified...health care, women's issues, children's issues and civil rights...though again Biden is no slouch...

Where I think Hillary is superior is her experience on the national stage...

Frankly, Biden has blundered twice when in the spotlight...the first time killing his Presidential chances in 1988...when he might have been considered the frontrunner...

He hasn't handled himself well with the media, and tends to make comments which are subject to easy misinterpretation...something that can be deadly in a Presidnetial campaign...

I am far more confident that Hillary will run the kind of campaign that will give us the maximum chance for victory next year...

[DemocratSinceBirth]

8. They Both Would Make Fine Presidents

I am concerned that Joe would make an innocuous gaff as he is prone to do from time to time that the Rethugs would exploit during a national campaign....

[asjr]

9. I probably should just keep out of this.

We have terrific candidates. I have not made up my mind yet because of that. I have been leaning towards Clinton but we have a lot of time before election and I want to be certain (if possible) about my choice. I suppose one reason I tend to like her is that she has battled the Republican party for, what seems like, eons. She says what she thinks. I trust her, as I do the others. Republicans were on her case just as they were on Bill Clinton when he first ran for president. Maybe it is because I am a woman, but I don't think so. I really do like Joe Biden, although I was really pissed at him during the Clarence Thomas hearings and his defense of the credit card companies. You see, they all make sense to me. I adore Kucinich but I really know nothing about him. I don't like it when they diss each other but I guess that is part of electioneering. And, last but not least, I wish Chris Matthews would just go join a monastery. If he doesn't like Hillary Clinton he should shut up about it. Or maybe she is just the flavor of the day.

[DURHAM D]

11. The "Whore of Babylon Hearings" he conducted re: Anita Hill.

[JohnnyLib2]

12. Please explain or link. Faulty memory here.

Thanks.

[DURHAM D]

13. I have no link.

Just my personal memory of the hearings. I took off from work and watched every minute of the Clarence Thomas thingie that Biden conducted and made Anita into a whore, among other things. An absolute disgrace for anyone with a D behind his/her name.

No one needs to respond that he later voted against the Thomas nomination blah, blah, blah - it does not matter. Biden ran the show and he sacrificed Anita for his personal theater and tv time.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

14. Not Looking For Trouble, Of Course

I thought Biden was more Pontius Pilate in those hearings... I know Hatch and Specter really bashed Anita Hill... I remember Joe as being passive, hence the Pontius Pilate reference...

[creeksneakers2]

16. Biden agreed to limit the number of witnesses and the time

the hearings could go on. There were four witnesses against Thomas. Because of the time lines only one could appear.

I remember Biden voting for Thomas but some here say he didn't.

During the hearings, Biden did a fantastic and hilarious job of destroying two witnesses called by Thomas's side.

I've forgiven Biden now. He's make a great nominee and great president.

[tomg]

15. As someone who supports neither Clinton nor Biden

thanks to all of the above posters - I don't know what is going to happen next - for an intelligent, reasonable and ad hominem free assessment of two candidates. Both groups so far have convinced me to look more closely and clearly at their respective favorites.

[Forkboy]

20. Biden supporters have been very classy.

[Evergreen Emerald]

17. I am uncertain about Biden because he talks a good game, but then

his votes are more conservative and frankly, corporate. And, I am still mad at him about Anita Hill, and I vowed then, never to support him.

[JohnnyLib2]

18. To second TomG's comment --I've just recommended this post.

How refreshing to discuss without the usual level of antagonism! :thumbsup: