Biden's words, audience sway D.M. man

[gateley]

It wasn't just an impassioned stump speech by Joe Biden that sold Charles Worthington on him.

The reaction from the crowd of about 200 who turned out at Des Moines' Italian-American Cultural Center to listen to the Democratic presidential candidate spoke as loudly to the Des Moines man as Biden's explanation of why he is more viable than his less-experienced competitors.

One of the reasons I came was to check about viability because this will only be my second caucus," said Worthington, a food stylist. "I learned quickly last time that without some number of supporters, it'll be pointless, especially in my district. I really came to see how many people were out here and what kind of support he was getting."

Worthington, who supported John Edwards in 2004, is confident Biden will have the bodies he needs — including his own — come the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses.

Swelling crowds have accompanied what appears to be increased attention to Biden from potential caucusgoers. The 35-year senator is enjoying a slight jump in the polls. The results of a Dec. 20-23 American Research Group poll show Biden in fourth place, at 8 percent, ahead of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, at 5 percent.

snip

Biden weaved into his speech his assertion that his talk about international problems, including Iraq, isn't just lip service.

His much-touted plan for a decentralized federal government in Iraq - a nonbinding resolution attached to a larger bill authorizing defense spending - has been sent to President Bush.

Biden said early Wednesday that he was confident the bill would be approved later in the day, but it still awaited Bush's signature as of late Wednesday.

Authorization from the president would mark success for the bipartisan plan for a weak central government with three separate regions — one each for Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds. The plan was endorsed by the Senate in September in a 75-23 vote.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071227/NEWS09/712270386/-1/LIFE04

[youthere]

1. Most people that take the time to give him an honest listen...

see that he is by far the best of the field.

[gateley]

8. Which is exactly how I came to support him. I will say, though, if it hadn't

been for the debates, I probably wouldn't have paid the least bit of attention to him - I'd have been focusing on The Three.

[skipos]

2. kick. nt

[Steely_Dan]

3. He is gaining momentum...

I, for one, am very glad to see it.

-P

[1corona4u]

4. K

[WheelWalker]

5. Resistance is Futile!

[ginchinchili]

6. It's been slow in coming, but Iowans appear to be less and less in a gambling mood.

It's hard to get away from the fact that a Biden nomination makes the most sense, on all fronts.

[1corona4u]

7. I think when they show up to caucus, and see the support he has

they will jump onboard. I think they are cautious right now, because they are trying to make sure the pick someone who can win. I think seeing his support first hand will change the tide. Plus, I think they are growing weary of the top 3.

[Tashca]

9. I can relate

I can relate with Charles. I followed a similar path as he did to come to the same conclusion. I hope he does caucus and I think he will find like minded people there with him.

well.....I'm not a food stylist though.....and am not even sure what that is....:)

[PatSeg]

10. You know, I think something is now in motion

and can't be stopped. For the most part it rests with Biden now and his appearances in Iowa. He won't get much national coverage until he has a good showing in Iowa, which I believe with a great certainty will happen.