Bill Press, The Hill: (Via C4P)
************************************************************************"During his 36 years in the Senate, he served as chairman of both the Foreign Relations and Judiciary committees, building an outstanding record on a wide variety of issues that reflect his own middle-class background, including consumer and environmental protection, the minimum wage, college aid, arms control and campaign reform.Biden opposed the Gulf War in 1991. And while he voted to authorize the Iraq War in 2002 — as did Clinton, who was then a senator from New York — he soon admitted his “mistake,” becoming an early advocate of letting Iraq break up into three ethnic states — a solution that may still prove to be the best outcome. He himself cites the Violence Against Women Act as “the single most significant legislation” he crafted as senator.Over the last six years, Biden has proven to be one of our most effective vice presidents ever, tapped by Obama to lead several critical initiatives, including managing the 2009 stimulus package and shaping gun safety legislation. He’s the president’s go-to guy in dealing with Congress, as evidenced by the presence of both Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Leader Harry Reid, as well as many other senators, at Beau Biden’s funeral.Of course, every candidate has his or her shortcomings. Biden has two — his age and his malaprops — but neither are serious. He may be 72, but he’s a vigorous and healthy 72, whom nobody doubts could handle the demands of the presidency. And while he may occasionally say something politically incorrect or just downright dumb, most people laugh and chalk that up as just Joe being Joe."More.
My two cents: Bill Press ruins what is a reasonable exposition by a churlish reference to "The Republican clown car"
and advises the Dem's have "four credible candidates." These include Lincoln Chafee and Bernie Sanders. That Chafee and Sanders are 'credible" is in the eye of the (prejudiced) beholder-many would not agree with Press in his enthusiasm.
It is beyond dumb to consider that there are not four candidates amongst the GOP declared ones who are not equal or superior to Chafee and Sanders, and who are perfectly capable of being president, as much as Biden and Hillary.
He also sees no problem with Biden's age; "may be 72, but he’s a vigorous and healthy 72, whom nobody doubts could handle the demands of the presidency." Where was the press with such an allowance for age when John McCain was constantly being attacked for his age-72- in 2008. McCain's now looking at running for reelection at 80-but, leftist hypocrisy never bothers with reality.
Now, if a Democrat has to be elected, which I hope is not the case, of all current prospective candidates I could live with VP Biden. He could work with the GOP, is not combative by nature, at least from what can be seen by his interactions and lack of negativity from the Republicans.
Further he would, almost certainly, inherit a Republican House and possibly Senate and thus his room for any overt actions would be very limited-I see him in a Gerald Ford amiable sort of role if he did get into the office.
Above all he is a gentleman. Of all the cast of characters from the 2008 election on the Democratic side he stood apart for his amiability, courtesy, dignity and kind words towards Governor Palin which was clearly seen during their debate.
Biden 2016? Far worse things have happened.
