What the hell....?!

[AspenRose]

"That Democrats are the guiltiest of this, at least in the Senate, is shameful. Of course, many of us happily cooperate: for instance, we like Joe Biden and we are hopeful that he will be a good vice president, but this does not mean we cannot criticize his bold-faced move to bequeath his Senate seat to his son. The older Biden is surely not the best-equipped person to decide whether his own progeny is able or not to succeed him. In the best case scenario, he only wants what's best for Beau, not an unnatural sentiment; in the worst case, though, he is arrogantly treating Delaware as his own political and personal fiefdom."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-jenkins/along-came-caroline-and-a_b_154991.html


"...bold-faced move to bequeath his Senate seat to his son"?

"...treating Delaware as his own political and personal fiefdom"?!

Excuse me?!?

[AspenRose]

1. Here's an able response

"You"ve successfully affronted Delawareans by assuming Delaware voters are lacking the brights to vote for the candidate of their choice in 2010. Whether Delawareans feel fortunate to have Senator Joe Biden looking after their state and its best interests (repeatedly voting him their Senator) and wish that to continue with Attorney General Beau Biden, or choose to have another take the Senate seat in 2010, the key is that there will indeed be an election. As Joe Biden won his Senate seat handily once again he has my blessing to offer his opinion to Gov. Minner with regards to his immediate replacement. This process is preferred by states throughout history as it saves tremendous time and money on special elections. Joe Biden"s judgment is respected, and yes I unequivocally believe he wants what is best for Delaware. Beau Biden is an exceptional leader, he can unapologetically stand on his own merits with dignity, having: worked at the U.S. Department of Justice as Counsel in the Office of Policy Development and later as a Federal Prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office; worked as a respected partner in a Wilmington law firm; and served as Delaware Attorney General since January "07. AG Beau Biden is currently deployed in Iraq as a Captain in the Delaware National Guard and determined to fulfill his military duty. Delaware is proud of Beau Biden. Come 2010, Delawareans will elect the best person as Senator the choice is up to and will be determined by informed voters."

Well-said, whoever you are! :thumbsup:

[PatSeg]

2. Jenkins is way off

I found the first comment there very logical. Essentially, its not uncommon for children to be interested in their parents' vocations and as such follow in their footsteps.

"This should not be a Dem vs. Repub discussion. Good grief. It is not uncommon for the sons and daughters of college professors, physicians, elected officials, lawyers, barbers, military personnel (especially officers) to follow in their parents' footsteps. In fact it is downright common. Long lines of some of our popular military officers from single family branches reach well back in history. Some families are drawn to public service, such as elected office. Spouses are drawn to their wife's or husband's vocation. They live it, learn it, are drawn to it, love it. That is why your argument is flat, Mr. Jenkens...why would you deny anyone who wishes to perform a job and brings with them great passion to do it...especially serving the public ...their right because their parent or family member is of that vocation? This is still a very free country. I will fight till the end to assure anyone who deserves to make their choice, their chance. Yes, individuals have been appointed to Senate seats until the next election to (1) continue service (2) save time and great deal of money for a special election. This is not a perfect system, but it is, in my humble opinion, a good one. I wouldn't insult voters either...that is why we have campaigns and elections, and why we need to get our bums out and vote."

[jillan]

3. The great thing about HuffPo is that you can leave comments--

and that's exactly what I plan on doing.

Thanks for letting us know.

[Muttocracy]

4. what the hell indeed - people voted for Joe Biden, they're getting his long-term advisor

and former chief of staff, who says he'll mostly agree with Biden on votes, and who will maintain most of Biden's staff. I think what Delware did is smart, and NOT because it give Beau a chance to run, but because it gives EVERYONE a fair chance to run in 2010.