Sen. Joe Biden said today that, if he had been president in 2002, he still would have asked Congress to give him the authority to use force in Iraq.
"I would have asked for the authority, but I would not have used it," the Delaware Democrat told a packed house at the National Press Club gathered for the release of his book, "Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics."
Mr. Biden had tough words for his Democratic rivals in the presidential race, saying if any of them think they can win without "unimpeachable credentials on national security and terror, they are making a tragic, tragic mistake."
The luncheon touched on other serious topics such as health care, but included some lighter moments. It was his seventh Press Club appearance, and as he read excerpts from his book, some in the audience wiped away tears.
He also got warm applause for bringing along his mom Jean, wife Jill, sister Valerie and sons Beau and Hunter. Mr. Biden at first couldn't remember why he is the only major Democratic 2008 contender who will skip the YearlyKos Convention.
Asked why he is not attending the liberal gathering to address thousands of active Democratic voters, Mr. Biden responded: "To tell you the truth, I thought I was." As the audience chuckled, he went on to say it must have been a schedule mix up, and certainly not reluctance to attend.
"They are a major part of the Democratic Party, they are not the Democratic Party. ... They warrant being listened to," he said. Then a light bulb went on above his head, and he remembered that he had planned a major book event in his home state, and exclaimed: "Love you, Kos, but you ain't Delaware!"
Voters will see plenty of Mr. Biden on his whrlwind book tour. He's been doing the rounds on news shows and the comedy circuit, hitting David Letterman earlier this week and planning a sit-down on "The Daily Show" next week. And if that's not enough, he plans to spend nearly half of August in Iowa.
-- Christina Bellantoni, National political reporter, The Washington Times
Comments (7)
The winds of change are shifting in the Democrats ranks. Either the surge is starting to have move in the right direction or the Democrats are looking for a Commander in Chief candidate. They must have realized that this withdrawal from the Iraq battle they have been fighting with President Bush will eventually lead to a loss of integrity as well as a loss of autonomy, globally. I think they are past the point of recovery on that aspect (even Hillary) and they should remain with their fortress America strategy and turn the compliance portion of dysfunctional multilateralism over to the U.N., if only for legal excuses purposes. The frat house president was very good at it and he is "liked", maybe not respected, but liked, globally.
Posted by Larry Stone | August 2, 2007 4:19 AM
Semper Fi senator Biden hope you win your the last the true democratic party...
Posted by MarineVet | August 2, 2007 1:00 PM
When I heard on Fox news that Senator Biden wasn't going to the KOS convention my impression of him went way up. Now I learn from this article, that he would have attended and that saddens me. Politicians need to send messages to groups that enspouse hateful rhetoric that it should not be tolerated. free speech is not the issue; hate speech is and should not be a part of politics regardless the side you are on. Why can't Americans debate the issues with out calling names, put downs, and death-wish statements? Debate the facts, the issues, and tell us what you are going to do to help shape and change America. I don't want to hear that you think Bush is brain dead, because if I am offended I stop listening to your real ideas and you will lose my vote.
Posted by Calalily | August 2, 2007 2:41 PM
To the Managers of the Campaign: Joseph Biden has always impressed me with his calm manner and reasoned thinking. However valuable this is the Senate, it will not help him in a presidential race. If nominated he will need to EXCITE the electorate. He must have FERVOR in his voice, to a small degree like Ted Kennedy. I hope he has psychological guidance in this crucial area. Once elected his calm deliberate manner will prove him to be an outanding president. I wish him well. Kenneth S. Gould, MD, Clinical Professor, Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.e mail:Freude 102@AOL.com
Posted by Anonymous | August 2, 2007 5:55 PM
Anonymous,
You obviously haven't heard many speeches delivered by Senator Biden (or seen any of the presidential debates) - passion is never a missing ingredient!
Posted by Elizabeth Miller | August 3, 2007 8:42 PM
Dr. Gould, it seems to me that Sen. Biden is the most powerful and invigorating speaker of the whole bunch! Obviously you've been seeing things I haven't, but every time I see him I see infectious enthusiasm.
Posted by Rob | August 6, 2007 5:23 AM
People need to wake up.
Senator Biden is the right man for right now.
Unlike the current frontrunners in the Democratic Party, he has actual experience in foreign affairs - he has a track record which is quite impressive.
Not only is he a foreign relations expert, he has done so much for women's rights, civil rights, lowering crime and the environment.
And - he is a dynamic speaker. He has the ability to hold the audience in the palm of his hand.
As Senator Biden always says -
"Now is not the time for on the job training"
Posted by Jillian | August 6, 2007 2:27 PM