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Advertisers: advertise on this site Read more... Advertise here Steve Clemons on North Korea New America American Strategy Program Director Steve Clemons shares his thoughts on the Bush administration's removing North Korea from the "Axis of Evil" list. Steve Clemons - Open Up Exchange and Travel With Cuba On Day One, the next president needs to take stock of how eroded and degraded our foreign policy position is with much of the world. One of the lowest hanging fruit opportunities to improve our foreign policy portfolio is to use people-to-people exchange, cultural exchange, and relaxed travel allowances to open up our relationship with Cuba. Steve Clemons, Steve Coll & Peter Bergen on Pakistan Steve Clemons, Steve Coll and Peter Bergen discuss Pakistani stability, US foreign policy, Musharraf's waning power and Bhutto's assassination. More videos are available on the Video Archives Page The Washington Note is now a member of the Political Insiders advertising network: Find out more... VA Loan and VA Refinance Information from VA Mortgage Center ADVERTISE SEND FEEDBACK OR TIPS CONTACT DETAILS Home RSS About Archives Published Recommended The Washington Note Joe Biden Won't Forget the Number of Houses He Owns. . . Share / Recommend - Comment - Print - Friday, Aug 22 2008, 12:43AM John McCain got right on the edge of class warfare language along the lines that his pal (though resigned from the campaign) and potential Treasury Secretary Phil Gramm did when the former Texas Senator accused Americans of being a "nation of whiners". In recent days, John McCain has said that the folks he considers rich are the ones with assets of more than $5 million. And he also apparently has forgotten the number of houses he owns. Compare this to Joe Biden who in 2005 was ranked 99th out of 100 senators in terms of personal wealth. And amazingly in 2006, Open Secrets lists Biden as 108th out of all US Senators (i.e., negative 8! How did he do that?) with a near negative value on total income and assets. Biden has not enriched himself through marriage, book deals, land swaps, or even betting on Intrade. That's an interesting contrast to Senator McCain -- sort of like it used to be between Democrats and Republicans. -- Steve Clemons « Previous Article - A 4 Minute Snapshot of Post-Musharraf Pakistan » Next Article - Important Canary in the Coal Mine Moment: Susan Eisenhower Leaves Republican Party Reader Comments (25) - post a comment Posted by ed Aug 22, 1:27AM - Link Biden's not a change guy and, among other unforgivable transgressions (incessant mugging on Sunday morning mug-fests comes to mind), got the Iraq Invasion loud wrong. Here's another reason not to like him to win the Veepstakes: "Barack Obama has decided upon a vice-presidential running mate. And while I don’t know who it is as I write, for the good of the country, I hope he picked Joe Biden." That's National Concern Troll and Elitist head David Brooks. 'Nuff said.
Posted by Mr.Murder Aug 22, 1:52AM - Link
Joe MBNA Biden.
Politik as usual.
You think John Edwards paid a lot for haircuts? You ain't seen nothing yet, baby. Hair plugs are the new blag.
When your fashion statement is a state fashion...
Posted by Mr.Murder Aug 22, 1:54AM - Link
OhhhhhBama mentioned houses?
Like the one he got from Tony Rezko?
He made a mistake even going there as well.
So much for a new kind of politics as well, thought he was above being negative? Can he blame that decision on Hillary too? Was it her fault?
Posted by ceci Aug 22, 5:46AM - Link
I'll see your Rezko and raise you a Keating Five.
There's no "there" there with Rezko. Honest. From Glenn Greenwald:
"The point isn't that there is no credible evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of Obama, although that's unquestionably true. It's far beyond that. There aren't even any theoretical allegations or suggestions as to what he might have done wrong at all. The person who is accused of wrongdoing is Tony Rezko, in matters inarguably having nothing to do with Obama. Nobody claims otherwise."
Posted by Elizabeth Miller Aug 22, 7:42AM - Link
I never shy away from calling the media and blogosphere out on their collective incompetence and ineptitude...present site and blogger excluded, of course...but they have been very successful in preventing the most qualified candidate for President - and now, Vice President - from receiving an honest assessment from the electorate and, in so doing, perhaps ensuring that we will be facing a McCain administration in January 2009. Conventional wisdom, as expressed here and throughout the media and blogosphere, give proof to the great success of the media/blogosphere-driven national myth that has been constructed around Joe Biden.
The mainstream media narrative that has given rise to a national myth of epic proportions goes something like this:
<‘Joe Biden is a gaffe-prone blowhard/Washington insider/plagiarist whose ego and arrogance are second in magnitude only to his love for the sound of his own voice and doesn't deserve to be taken seriously by us - the mainstream media and blogosphere, along with our celebrated pundits...or by anyone else, for that matter..until, of course, we need an expert to help us understand complicated issues of a foreign policy, national security, or constitutional nature.’>
The ONLY grain of truth in all of that is that Senator Biden does speak at length and when he does, people become better informed - if they are smart enough to listen and not mistake a passion for sharing knowledge with arrogance and ego.
Granted, not ALL of the media and blogosphere (mainstream and otherwise, new and old) feel the need to perpetuate the myth and actually verbalize its message - it is much easier to just ignore and dismiss him, as was done in this campaign. Besides, they didn't have to put voice to the message. They have long since accomplished the task of creating this seemingly self-sustaining myth that surrounded Senator Biden throughout this campaign and which was, as if preordained, gleefully taken up - hook, line and sinker - by a majority of the electorate.
If Senator Biden is not selected as the nominee for Vice President, with Special Portfolio on Iraq, then it will be America's great loss...and that of the world, at large.
Posted by alan Aug 22, 8:32AM - Link
Biden has had a bum rap and of course he talks too much on occasions. But he takes a train home every night to be with his family, and as imperfect humans go he is okay.
Now he does not have 8 houses, he does not fly by private jet, he does not have maid and butler services, he does not do straight talk, and he did not spend five and half years in a house under somewhat difficult conditions. This last condition is now an essential requirement to be President. Only former POWs need apply in future. During their past incarceration they acquire, through magic, knowledge of wars and foreign policy that make them ideal candidates for the Office of President.
Posted by jtk Aug 22, 9:42AM - Link
A VP debate between Biden and Mittens would be hilarious. I am very much hoping this comes to pass.
Posted by Linda Aug 22, 10:43AM - Link
Any of the even remotely possible people for the Democratic VP slot would be better in debate with any of the remotely possible people for the Republican VP slots.
I still find that all this uproar here and in the blogosphere and media is a bit overblown and much ado about creating something to talk and write about. Kudos to Obama campaign for being able to keep a secret that will be public no later than tomorrow.
The campaign really begins when the Olympics end. And that the first 3/4 of most marathons don't matter much in determining the results.
Posted by PissedOffAmerican Aug 22, 10:50AM - Link
Its only us poor peons out here in Realityville that know what we own, and how much money is in our pockets. When you reach the degree of wealth McCain's wife cindy has accumulated for Johnnie Boy, its understandable you would not be able to list your assets.
But it may speak to McCain's management skills, and imply that he is not the decision maker and bean counter in his own household.
I see, this morning, CNN is all abuzz with this horseshit. Gosh, lets ignore the escalating rhetoric demonizing Russia, and hype the back and forth accusations of "elitism" these two posturing assholes are leveling at each other. Gee, ya think these guys are elitist? Naaaah, we all pay a million or two for our humble abodes, don't we?
Look, heres the deal, neither John McCain nor Barack Obama have a clue what its like to walk in a supermarket and decide not to buy a ten dollar T-Bone because it doesn't fit this week's budget. Or feel the sting of a $150.00 hit at the gas pumps.
A requirement for the Presidency, these days, should be a year at minimum wage, a ten month tour of duty in Iraq, an hour on Lindy England's leash, a serious health problem sans insurance, and six months homeless on the streets of inner city America. If either one of these pieces of shit survive that, then maybe they'll have the empathetic understanding required to actually serve the people.
Posted by Peggy Saari Aug 22, 11:05AM - Link
It's Phil Gramm, not Graham.
Posted by Steve Clemons Aug 22, 11:12AM - Link
Peggy - That was an Ugh moment. Thanks so much for the correction. Steve
Posted by carsick Aug 22, 12:17PM - Link
"Well, that's about it. That's what we have. And that's what we owe. It isn't very much. But and I have the satisfaction that every dime that we've got is honestly ours. I should say this, that doesn't have a mink coat. But she does have a respectable cloth coat, and I always tell her she'd look good in anything."
Sorry, just came to mind reading the post.
Posted by Mr.Murder Aug 22, 12:50PM - Link
Obama borrowed money for his house from a federally indicted slum lord.
Nothing wrong there at all.
Is there anyone on the federal rap sheet that you think he would borrow say, campaign contributions, money for a vacation home(or island) from?
Posted by carsick Aug 22, 1:03PM - Link
Mr. Murder,
Stop believing everything you hear and making false claims. In other words, back up your rhetoric or give it up.
Unsupported and false claims add nothing to the discussion.
Posted by Tahoe Editor Aug 22, 1:29PM - Link
Hopey Changey Dems don't like it when you talk about the Windbag's Windy City roots.
--
"Democrats don't like it when you say that Barack Obama won his first election in 1996 by throwing all of his opponents off the ballot on technicalities.
"The act of throwing an incumbent off the ballot in such a fashion does not fit neatly into the narrative of a public-spirited reformer who seeks to make people less cynical about politics. But Mr. Obama's offenses against the idea of a "new politics" are many, and go well beyond hardball election tactics.
"When liberals and conservatives worked together to clean up Cook County's government, they were displaying precisely the postpartisan interest in the common good that Mr. Obama extols today. And Mr. Obama, by working against them, helped keep Chicago politics dirty.
"Mr. Obama has never stood up against Chicago's corruption problem because his donors and allies are Chicago's corruption problem.
"Mr. Obama is not the reformer he now claims to be. The real man is the one they know in Chicago -- the one who won his first election by depriving voters of a choice."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121918996082755013.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
Posted by carsick Aug 22, 1:55PM - Link
Tahoe,
Is it usual to bring in a non-sequitur to deflect from an unsupported claim?
Mr. Murder stated, "Obama borrowed money for his house from a federally indicted slum lord."
I'm pretty sure Senator Obama's mortgage holding bank would be surprised to hear that news.
If the claim is supportable I'd like to see a cite. But bringing in a WSJ opinion piece that essentially says 'Chicago politics are known to be corrupt therefore guilt by association' and also doesn't include Mr. Murder's allegation certainly isn't verification of anything.
Let's try debating or discussing the known knowns and not the unsubstantiated claims.
Posted by Tahoe Editor Aug 22, 2:04PM - Link
It doesn't say guilt by association -- it says guilt by full participation.
If you don't think the Rezko money factor is sleazy, then you are blinded by The Light.
I hear the podium in Denver is all lasers, bells & whistles. You're going to love it.
Posted by carsick Aug 22, 2:11PM - Link
Tahoe,
I haven't addressed how sleazy Rezco is. I addressed the claim "Obama borrowed money for his house from a federally indicted slum lord."
And again, you did not address it.
If you or Mr. Murder has information regarding that allegation, I suggest you contact the FBI or the Rezco prosecutor immediately.
Posted by Tahoe Editor Aug 22, 2:18PM - Link
Mr.Murder's construction contains an anachronism. Obama borrowed money for his house from a slum lord who was later indicted by a federal grand jury. And there you have it.
Back to Biden: Will he remember how many pieces he wanted to cut Iraq into?
http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2008/08/9268_biden_vp_problem_iraq_partition.html
Posted by John Corcoran Jr. Aug 22, 2:21PM - Link
Let's say Obama picks Biden. McCain then goes with Romney.
Argues, "We Republicans screwed up the economy, sure. But who
do you want to fix it, someone who has been a successful
businessman, or someone who is the poorest guy in the Senate."
Trust me, NO ONE can screw up a sure thing election like the
Dems. Heaven help us all.
Cork
Posted by Mr.Murder Aug 22, 2:26PM - Link
Tell me, do people split lots when they sell houses in historic districts?
Do they loan the property back and forth in a series of further sliced parcels?
Well, Michelle Obama was on the zoning board? The wives kept paying one another for an adjoining parcel, yet the Rezko's were claiming to be broke?
Yes, inform again how clear this makes Obumbler look.
He borrowed the property, is property money, or am I just not a fan of real estate?
If Obama's smart as you say he is, and you said he did nothing wrong, why did he call it a "stupid mistake" on his own part?
Who are you going to believe. You or your lying Obama eyes?
Posted by Tahoe Editor Aug 22, 2:34PM - Link
My college roommate, who was lured to Chicago by his future wife, has been trying to pull me onto the O-bandwagon since South Carolina, when the Clintons turned out to be raving racists who will do anything to keep the black man down. Early on he raved about Michelle: "She's GREAT! We call her The Closer!"
Where is "The Closer" now?
Posted by readerOfTeaLeaves Aug 22, 3:57PM - Link
Huh...?
You mean he was busy doing... his JOB?!
Now there's an epiphany.
Posted by Carroll Aug 22, 6:09PM - Link
I don't care so much how much money someone has as how they got it and what they do with it. Big difference between a Bill Gates or Warren Buffet who earned it on their own and spread it around a bit. And a John McCain for whom his wife's fortune is a blank check for his personal comfort and political ambition.
All the house flap shows is that Obama took advantage of a contact to get a good deal on a house. Pretty standard for non politicans also. Was it there an illegal or unethical quid pro quo? I don't know.
What is shows about McCain is that he has no experience with earning money or what is real money and what is not. He has never held a job, run a business or earned a dime outside of his Navy pay and disability, his stint after that in another Navy related position, and his salary in the Senate. Three generations of his family have received Navy pay checks and had no concerns about their taxpayer financed retirement or health care. As a result he is totally clueless to the real world outside of the military/government, has no idea how it works, and evidently could care less.
What Biden's not being rich shows is basically not much either, some people are interested in earning money for whatever satisfaction, some are more interested in other satisfactions like being a Senator. That Biden hasn't used his office to get rich is a positive point, but not positive enough for me to get over his foreign policy positions. Has he sold certain positions like his famous "I am a Zionist" to get the donations to stay in office? Most likley. So he's not exactly squeaky clean either. And there's the fact that he too has for 30 years worked for the government. Not all, but most who have been there that long are brain dead when it comes to understanding what the US work force has to do to be able to keep their pay checks coming and cover their nice health care and retirement plans.
It always amuses me to see downtrodden, bilked citizens go hat in hand to some congressional hearing to tell their sob stories like a bunch of serfs appealing to their masters for some little bitty return on the fruits of their labor and crops they turn over to their Feudal Lords every year. If I ever had to that I'd rather go as a suicide bomber than a beggar.
I with POA..
Posted by PissedOffAmerican Aug 22, 10:50AM - Link
"A requirement for the Presidency, these days, should be a year at minimum wage, a ten month tour of duty in Iraq, an hour on Lindy England's leash, a serious health problem sans insurance, and six months homeless on the streets of inner city America. If either one of these pieces of shit survive that, then maybe they'll have the empathetic understanding required to actually serve the people."
Posted by Mr.Murder Aug 22, 9:02PM - Link
Obama argued how many cases in court?
Who's earned their money resulting from work there?
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