Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Joe Biden asked potential caucus-goers Saturday to remember his “unparalleled credentials” when deciding which candidate to support on Jan. 3.
“Americans are neither liberal, nor conservative – they’re pragmatic,” he said.
Biden touted his record of achieving results as a key reason voters should be interested in the thought of a Biden presidency. In outlining his health care plan, which would focus on preventative treatment of chronic diseases, Biden compared himself and his plan to the proposals put forth by his Democratic challengers. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards are “good people with decent plans,” Biden said, adding his plan was the best because it is the clearest and easiest to understand for Americans.
“I have a history of taking complicated issues and articulating them to the public in a way that can be understood,’ Biden said.
The Delaware senator is hoping his talent for making the often-dense intricacies of public policy clear to caucus-goers will result in support for his candidacy. With just two weeks left until the Iowa caucuses, Biden remains optimistic that if voters hear what he has to say they will make him the Democratic nominee, to the surprise of pollers who consistently put Biden in the second-tier of candidates.
“When we win this election, it will have started here on the Mississippi River, in the Quad Cities,” he said. “With your help, we’re going to shock the devil out of them.”
Anita Ohren of Davenport said she will be caucusing for Biden because of his Iraq exit strategy.
“His experience with world leaders and his knowledge of the warring factions within nations is amazing,” Ohren said. “Americans are being robbed by the flawed foreign and domestic policies of the Bush administration, and Biden is the best guy to turn that around.”
Biden said his administration would “fundamentally change the way Republicans spend money.” He explained that ending the war in Iraq, rolling back tax cuts for wealthy Americans, and cutting funding for out-of-date and unnecessary weapons systems would free up $350 billion from the budget. Biden said his plans for public health care, education reform, and other spending initiatives would cost $170 billion at the most, leaving nearly $200 billion to put toward balancing the budget and reducing the deficit.
Acknowledging his goals were ambitious, Biden explained that while some have accused the Democrats of being timid, “that adjective has never been assigned to me.”
Another Quad Cities resident is sure Biden has what it takes to be the next president. Stephanie Callaway blamed the media for labeling Biden a long shot, saying his message is resounding with voters, but the press is not paying attention.
“Biden is right where John Kerry was in the 2004 race,” Callaway said. “He is set to win over undecided voters and come out strong in the early states. The media decided early on who they wanted, creating a buzz around certain candidates rather than following the progress of people like Joe Biden.”
The senator introduced those in attendance to his two sons who have been campaigning with him, and his niece who recently became part of his staff. He thanked his family for their support, likening the experience of campaigning in Iowa to the expression “if you build it, they will come” from the movie, “Field of Dreams.”
“Hold a caucus, and the Bidens show up,” he said.
http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=113971again, good stuff. i like this site so far. :thumbsup:
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