"Biden could capture third place"--WP

[1corona4u]

The Foreign Policy-Pro: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Sunday, December 16, 2007; Page A24


Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. is a 35-year legislative veteran, a widely respected foreign-policy expert, a likable man with one of the most gripping biographies in American politics.

Not a bad formula for a presidential campaign.

<snip>


These are the most practical and cautious of caucusgoers, the type who appreciate Biden's six terms in the Senate and his absorbing tutorials on Social Security and OPEC, who have hours of an afternoon to catch up on Pakistani politics with the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Charismatic and blunt, the 65-year-old is a gifted retail politician. Voters tend to show up at Biden events in a curious mood and leave in full swoon. Indeed, advisers to some of Biden's better-performing Democratic competitors believe that if the Delaware senator had real money and a serious organization in Iowa, he could pose an actual threat.

Instead, the money is not there, and time is running short. Biden launched a new Iowa TV ad campaign last week highlighting his foreign policy experience, which could help. His campaign is hopeful that with about half of Iowa Democrats still shopping candidates, Biden could catch on late and capture third place.


(more)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/15/AR2007121501317.html

[jillan]

1. corona -

We gotta stop meeting like this:rofl:

I just posted the same thing with a different title.

[1corona4u]

2. LOL...

I know....too funny.

[saltpoint]

3. This kind of article is good news for Joe Biden because his chances improve.

It's good news for the Joe Biden DU group, too, because DU Bidenites were discussing this very notion some months ago. Some many months ago, in fact.

Nice to see the Washington POST finally catch up with the DU Biden group.

[Steely_Dan]

8. LOLOLOL

Thanks...

[aquart]

4. Eeewwwwwww.

[Think82]

10. thanks for kickin'

[WheelWalker]

5. k&r.

[earthlover]

6. I would love to see Biden in the top three.

That, of course, would mean Hillary 4th place. Now THAT would send a message loud and clear about the old school attack politics she represents

[Tejanocrat]

7. The part you snipped seems relevant: "Biden has failed to excite voters, and is polling steadily in

the mid-single digits with little time before the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses."

[Caseman]

9. That's because...

...the media has only been concentrating on the Clint-bama-wards monster. The fact is, Biden is such a general favorite that he will probably place in the top 3 because everyone will put him as their second-candidate. Besides, media polls are bogus until the final votes are in.

[PatSeg]

14. And he does EXCITE voters

when they come out and see him in person.

[Frustratedlady]

11. Well, I watched reactions and listened to comments at his appearance

here on Friday. He turned people around and they were very impressed. Many came in uncommitted but left with a lot of chattering about Joe, including words like: impressive, looks you in the eye, seems honest and determined, I like him, I've decided...I might add that people were also impressed with his family members standing with him and the interaction of them throughout their visit.

I don't think he's spent a lot of time in Iowa until this past week, so I would think you will see more of the above reaction.

I go with Joe!

Forgot to add the K&R

[loyalsister]

12. I think he'll do very well in Iowa

The Key: retail politician.

He has a good chance to acquire more partisans from some endorsement fallout and has some of the best honed "retail skills" to capture any late independent undecideds.

He's doing exactly what a person in his position should be doing with the traditional face to face campaign. He doesn't excite voters, he courts voters. It is clear that many of them develop a particular loyalty.
They won't convince everyone as they try to pass it on, but they will have some ripple effect. It will be interesting to see how far he goes. He is not my favorite, but I am quite interesting to see his campaign. I really think he looks like he could sneak up and at the very least do very well, if not be the nominee.

[Franc_Lee]

13. Third? that would be great, That would mean Hillary would come in fourth...

[Yuugal]

15. Could it be that sweet? nt

[nickinSTL]

16. I keep hearing stuff like this...

and I really hope it turns out to be right.

After backing Kucinich early because he most closely mirrors my views on the issues, I've become very impressed with Biden. He's done great in the debates, IMO, and I thought he did really well in the campaign appearance I saw on CSPAN.

Overall, I think his experience - particularly his grasp of foreign policy is impressive - and makes him a great choice for President.

[1corona4u]

17. Thanks Nick, me too!

[Maven]

18. Awesome.

I hope he surprises everyone.