The New Republic on Biden & Bhutto

[1corona4u]

Biden & Bhutto

I have no real idea how--or even if--Benzair Bhutto's assassination will impact the presidential race, but it's interesting to see that the Biden campaign has just announced that its candidate will hold a press conference in Iowa in about an hour to discuss it. Biden, you may remember, boasted that he spoke to Musharraf before Bush did after the Pakistan president declared a state of emergency in November. I wonder if he'll beat Bush to Musharraf this time, too.

P.S. I see that Crowley thinks the turmoil in Pakistan might benefit Hillary. I guess the key factor is going to be just how scary things get over there in the next few days. Crazy enough that people in Iowa and New Hampshire will actually factor that into their votes?

P.P.S. Also, via Marty, Matt Bai has a very nice tribute to Biden. Definitely worth a read, especially for you Biden fans. (I'm looking at you teplukhin.)

--Jason Zengerle

http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2007/12/27/biden-amp-bhutto.aspx

[Evergreen Emerald]

1. Biden better be careful not to look like he is attempting to gain from this

tragedy.

[1corona4u]

2. Yeah, right.

And so should all of the others who hap-hazardly threw out a 10 second statement.

Joe knows what he's doing. He will address the crisis that will definitely follow this event. That, you can take to the bank. He has a responsibility to the people he serves, as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, this country and the rest of the world, not just the people in Iowa for the benefit of this election.

You seem to ignore that.

[Evergreen Emerald]

4. "Yeah right."

Really, he as a Senator on the Foreign Relations Committee he should have a press conference? That is reaching. He is having a press conference because he wants free press for his election bid.

[1corona4u]

5. BS

You're the one reaching...Joe has every right to hold a press conference. He's been the one on the phone with Musharraf and Bhutto. As I said, along with his condolences, I fully expect he will address the conflict that will surely come from this.

[1corona4u]

8. Here's your fucking reach;

“I know that Benazir’s followers will be tempted to lash out in anger and violence. I urge them to remain calm – and not play into the hands of the forces of destruction. I urge Pakistan’s leaders to open a fully accountable and transparent investigation. We must find out who was behind this and bring those responsible to justice. And the United States should offer any assistance necessary, including investigative teams, to get to the bottom of this horror.


He said that so that it would get to the people of Pakistan. So that they would know that this will not go un-addressed.

That's why he held a press conference.

[Evergreen Emerald]

10. So...you are suggesting that the Pakistani people

are awaiting Joe's statement to the press before they react to her death?

[1corona4u]

11. Do you have a comprehension problem?

I thought my post was clear. Other people get it, so apparently, it's just you.

PS. He did exactly what I said he would do. Address the crisis that was sure to follow this event. See, I know my candidate well....

[Evergreen Emerald]

12. you hostility and personal attacks

indicate a need for less coffee perhaps?

[1corona4u]

13. I'm not a coffee drinker...

IGNORE ON.

[murbley40]

15. Excuse me......!!

He is not JUST a Senator on the Foreign Relations Committee; he is the CHAIRMAN of the Foreign Relations Committee,which is a very powerful position. As Chairman, he would be expected to make a public statement. :crazy:

[liberalnurse]

6. Well said!

This is Biden at his best. He is an expert in this area and the other candidate are weak. Clinton then Richardson and Dodd follow.

[medicswife]

3. I don't think he will.

He is more knowledgeable on foreign affairs than any of the other candidates. The facts remain that he's the only candidate with a wealth of experience and wisdom to draw from.

[jillan]

7. Bhutto used to call Biden on the phone - they were friends.

[rucky]

9. Every candidate has made a statement. n/t

[Debi]

14. Seems he addresses your presumption here

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2007/12/27/politics/fromtheroad/entry3650556.shtml

<snip>

Biden said that he was speaking out today as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and that he had a hard time separating his "personal relationship" with Bhutto with that of his candidacy.

"I would be holding this press conference in Delaware... I would be holding it if I were not a candidate."

Biden said that Bhutto had "overwhelming optimism" and was a "truly courageous woman."

<snip>