Did anyone else find the selection of Joseph Biden as Obama’s Vice Presidential candidate strange? I sure did when I heard about it. Via One Free Korea comes this video that shows the McCain campaign must have felt blessed when they heard this news because they were quick to issue this commercial:
That is a pretty devastating commercial. The Obama campaign must feel he has a lot more positives to offer then the negatives such as this ad demonstrates in order to have picked him.
Those positives however are not in Biden’s North Korea policies. One Free Korea also has a run down on Biden’s past remarks on North Korea policy. Make sure to read the whole thing, but clearly Biden sees little value in North Korean human rights issues. He objected to provisions in the North Korean Human Rights Act and was successful in watering the bill down before it was finally passed in 2004. At least he isn’t advocating bombing the North Koreans as other Democrats in the past have argued for.
However, considering Barack Obama’s own unconcern for human rights in North Korea these two I guess should make a good pair.
Popularity: 3%
:mrgreen:...
11:55 am on August 25th, 2008 1
Owch. That is one of the reasons I have for voting for McCain. Experience. But to here it from Obamas running mate has got to hurt.
2:12 pm on August 25th, 2008 2
Are you kidding? They have been waiting to air a range of already-produced ads. And why were you surprised? This was an excellent choice and the only person that I would have accepted besides my personal favortite, Wes Clark.
You and Gerry might be one of the “experience” jokers who insist on pulling the wool over your eyes, but this was an excellent choice. Simple McCain ads featuring Biden won’t make a difference.
McCain is toast.
2:31 pm on August 25th, 2008 3
That debate was like half a year ago. If you think running a successful campaign to be US president for nearly two years doesn’t prepare you for the job, then go ahead and try it yourself.
Hillary tried the same kind of gutter attack ads against Obama and we all know how well that worked out for her. Pity that McCain can’t honor his previous statements that he would not indulge in such lowball politics.
I wonder how many old Korea hands on this blog feel about McCain’s habit of referring to Asians as “gooks,” and his many bellicose, Strangelove-like threats against North Korea? If McCain does indeed win the election, I’m going to make sure I get off the Peninsula as soon as I can!
3:02 pm on August 25th, 2008 4
Obama endured the attacks from the GOP and Hillary. McCain will try to bring up Rezko and Ayers, but between Keating and his other questionable connections, those attacks will also fail.
McCain is a liabilty to himself, hence the reduced press access. There is a reason that McCain never discusses himself in the ads. This election is about whether or not we like Obama. McCain is just the other guy.
Reagan v. Carter v 2.0
Who do we vote for? The new guy or the failed guy?
Regardless, the debates will cement an Obama victory.
3:09 pm on August 25th, 2008 5
Not that I agree with the term “gook”, however in McCain’s defense, he was referring to his NVA captors. I don’t know about anyone else, but if I was tortured for five years straight, I certainly wouldn’t hold back any love or language.
3:24 pm on August 25th, 2008 6
This guy gives an interesting explanation of the etymology of the word “gook”:
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=j6iqLcidbhg
I always thought it originated from the Korean context, but he argues otherwise. In any case, McCain defended his use of the term as recently as 2000.
4:17 pm on August 25th, 2008 7
Do we have to mention that he was a POW everytime his character is attacked? Biden said it best about Rudy, “Noun + Verb + 911″. A national figure should never use such langauge. It’s inexcusable.
McCain and surrogates prefer “Noun + Verb + POW”. Pathetic…
7:02 pm on August 25th, 2008 8
Obama is my senator and I can barely recall anything he’s done during the short time he’s been in the senate. But if you want to do math, Obama = Noun + Verb + Rockstar + Very little experience.
In my opinion, nobody’s character is flawless. Especially national figures to include POLITICIANS. I’m sure Pope John Paul uttered some choice words when the Nazis and Russians ransacked Poland.
7:32 pm on August 25th, 2008 9
Probably the worst comparisons I have yet to read.
First of all, Obama does not call himself a “rockstar”, nor does he use his popularity as a defense for every attack. Secondly, I’m surprised that you bought into McCain’s weak line of attack. Are there any other McCain ads you want to bring into the debate or will that one cover it for you?
Comparing John McCain’s use of the word “gook” when publicy discussing the Vietnamese and the baseless assumption that Pope JP might have called the Nazi’s something offensive is almost as absurd as your previous statement. Besides the huge and glaring problems of making such a comparison between the two conflicts, I think the fact that you’re attempting to defend his actions is appalling.
8:30 pm on August 25th, 2008 10
Morning Calm
Do you have any actual evidence that Mccain is bigoted against Asians, other than that he uttered the word ‘gook’ how many years ago? Mccain supposedly went back to Vietnam to visit his captors. He met with the Dalai Lama while Obama toured in Europe.
If Obama was running against Romney or Huckabee, he would win in a landslide. But Mccain is more moderate alternative to an outright left / right winger, and SURPRISE! Americans respect war veterans, especially those who made the sacrifice (not like George Bush). I’m not surprised at all that Mccain is closing the gaps in the polls. This guy was penniless longshot as recently as January.
8:50 pm on August 25th, 2008 11
Nobody makes it to the White House without the blessings of corporate America and Obama is no exception. Apparently his single biggest campaign contributer, at least until recently, has been Archer Daniels Midland, hence his ridiculous support for ethanol and corn subsidies in Illinois — which means ADM makes money at US taxpayer expense (like they need the help!).
However, Obama opposed the idiotic invasion of Iraq from the start and that’s a major plus in my book. He’s also trying to get through a universal health-care plan which any civilized nation should have. Finally, having him in the White House would be a major PR boost for America’s battered image around the world, whereas I don’t think the world would be very pleased to have another trash-talking gunslinger in charge of US foreign policy at this point in history.
Meanwhile, McCain has already shed his “maverick” image in the race for the White House and has shifted to the right on a whole host of issues, which means that personal integrity apparently means nothing to him, but of course we knew that long ago with the Keating Five scandal, right?
Surabol, McCain defended his use of the word “gook” a recently as 2000. When did the Vietnam War end exactly?
The Republicans have had the last eight years to prove that they know how to run the country and they’ve failed miserably. In fact, Bush and McCain are more like “tax and spend” liberals than the liberals themselves, and aren’t even fiscal conservatives by any stretch of the imagination.
It’s time for the Democrats to have their turn, and I am confident that America is wise enough to realize this when the moment counts.
8:59 pm on August 25th, 2008 12
“Probably the worst comparisons I have yet to read.”
Oh well. To each his own. I call it as I see it and if you don’t agree with my opinions, life goes on.
“First of all, Obama does not call himself a “rockstar”, nor does he use his popularity as a defense for every attack. Secondly, I’m surprised that you bought into McCain’s weak line of attack. Are there any other McCain ads you want to bring into the debate or will that one cover it for you?”
Sorry, don’t spend too much time watching ads or TV much. However, from all the news it sure seems like the media and all his supporters treat him like a rock star. If you didn’t comprehend what I previously said, Obama is my senator. He is a product of the Daley political machine and has yet to show any legislative accomplishments (both the Illinois and federal) worthy in my book. IMO, the only thing he has going for him is his speaking abilities, youth, and dare I say it… his color. Obama supporters supposedly like him for his “fresh ideas”. Which ones?? I haven’t seen a plan laid out, nor has he been willing to attend open forum townhall meetings. It’s always the grand speaking engagements. He was pretty poor at Saddleback though.
“Besides the huge and glaring problems of making such a comparison between the two conflicts, I think the fact that you’re attempting to defend his actions is appalling.”
Again, reading comprehension. I’ll repeat again: If I was tortured for five years straight, I certainly wouldn’t hold back any love or language towards my captors. WWII, Korea, Vietnam, it doesn’t matter. If you’re a POW undergoing years of torture, welcome to hell on earth. I wouldn’t trade shoes for the five years of hell McCain had to go through so yes, I can give him a pass. That’s my opinion, which I know you’ll disagree and attack me for.
9:05 pm on August 25th, 2008 13
People who go out of their way to be apologists for those who use racist language are also quite an embarrassment to behold.
9:23 pm on August 25th, 2008 14
“People who go out of their way to be apologists for those who use racist language are also quite an embarrassment to behold.”
People who have never been tortured for five years straight will never understand.
9:29 pm on August 25th, 2008 15
Wow, so McCain’s “moral legitimacy” extends to you, too? Which POW camp were you in?
Pathetic.
9:41 pm on August 25th, 2008 16
Wow. So angry in here.
10:44 pm on August 25th, 2008 17
“Wow. So angry in here.”
Well, that’s one way to avoid personal responsibility.
No bonus points for originality, however, I’m afraid.
4:50 am on August 26th, 2008 18
Nice twist KB. As much as you disagree with my politics and beliefs on this site, at least I can respect opposing opinions and leave it at that. Must be the veteran in me, I don’t know. It’s quite obvious you can’t do the same. Grow up.
7:09 am on August 26th, 2008 19
If some Black people beat me up, am I justified in saying “I hate those niggers?” even though I’m just referring to those who beat me up (as McCain says to justify his use of ‘gook’)?
So why do you think ‘gook’ is any different?
And being tortured, unfortunately for McCain, does not magically give you any more skills that a president needs, no more than Obama’s skin color.
7:32 am on August 26th, 2008 20
“However, from all the news it sure seems like the media and all his supporters treat him like a rock star.”
If you have been watching the news, you would know that St. McCain has and always will be the Media Darling. He has made gaffe after gaffe and it has been ignored. The AP is so in bed with McCain that I have deleted their news feed from my Yahoo mail account. Obama might be more popular (and that’s bad?), but McCain still has the media in his pocket.
And just once I would like to discuss McCain without hearing about his time as a POW.
Wait… That’s his whole platform and it’s not a winner.
12:43 pm on August 26th, 2008 21
“As much as you disagree with my politics…”
I’m perfectly happy to be persuaded by a superior argument, however, you have not made even one mention of McCain’s actual politics, the candidate whom you are otherwise so eager to defend.
Tossing off cliches and Republican talking points about Obama’s lack of experience just doesn’t cut it for me. Sorry about that.
While I understand that members of the armed services traditionally trend conservative, and therefore tend to support Republicans in greater numbers, what is less clear to me is how an overextended military-industrial complex benefits average Americans like my mother and father, whose tax dollars are used to pay for such costly misadventures as the war in Iraq, as well as a redundant and obsolete US military presence on the Korean Peninsula, for instance.
I am not anti-military by any means, but I do think it is valid to raise questions about a Republican candidate like McCain who has meade it quite clear that he would like to take on Iran, for example, and who is obviously going to continue the gravy train that is the US military-industrial complex in any way he can. Obviously large defense contractors benefit from such policies, but how does that benefit ordinary taxpayers like my mother and father who actually have to pay for it?
1:24 pm on August 26th, 2008 22
While I used to think the same way as King Baeksu, it appears that the military is trending the opposite way this election.
I guess all of those anti-war GI’s and vets are “pansies”, huh?
1:52 am on August 27th, 2008 23
King Baeksu. The term Military Industrial Complex was a term used by Eisenhower in the years following WWII. During WWII military spending was 38% of the GDP and it was a major influence on the economy. In 1962 it was 9.3%, while entitlements took up 6.1% of the GDP. Today, military spending is 4.1% of GDP including the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afganistan, while entitlements have risen to 11.9%. So your Mom and Dad have done quite well over the years. The “military Industrial Complex” is an overused term that is not really relevent in todays GDP of some $14 trillion.
2:03 am on August 27th, 2008 24
Gerry, thanks for the info. I’m aware of the history of the term. I’m not sure why you’re talking about WWII since when Eisenhower used the term in 1961 he was warning about the FUTURE dangers of the MIC and its influence on government. In any case, the war in Iraq has already cost over $1 trillion and estimates are that it will cost two to three times more than that when you calculate in future costs including veterans’ care and whatnot. $2 or $3 trillion is a lot of money no matter how you slice it and SOMEBODY is both benefitting from the spending of that money, as well as having to pony it up.
I wonder how much a war with Iran or Russia would cost? No doubt, McCain’s neocon foreign policy advisors already know, but probably don’t care either.
7:57 am on August 27th, 2008 25
King Baeksu. I believe the costs for the war in Iraq is around 700 bil. Not exactly chump change, but not a trillion. Thats a 30% difference. The two or three times more estimates are based on bad math and assumptions that are mostly false. I.E Veterans benifits would be paid war or no war. Thier has been a significant decrease in recent years of the personel numbers in the military so the dollars spent on the VA could actually be less (in current dollars) in future years. The WWII generation is dieing out in large numbers , bringing the VA personel roles down as well. These people who make up figures on how much the war cost or how many innocent Iraqis were killed (some have figures in the millions), have a political agenda, and thier figures are neither reliable nor provide credible information, and should be disregarded.
11:49 am on August 27th, 2008 26
Gerry, I can give you a reliable figure that the defense spending accounts for nearly 20% of the US federal budget, whereas education comprises a mere 3%.
I am quite certain that South Korea does not spend 20% of its budget on defense, and it’s probably much closer to 3%.
It’s time for them to defend their own country, and to pay for it all themselves.
2:20 pm on August 27th, 2008 27
BTW, to address the initial question of this thread: “Did anyone else find the selection of Joseph Biden as Obama’s Vice Presidential candidate strange?”
Not me. The primary role of Biden in this campaign is that of a tough-as-nails attack dog. The Democrats are not going to take Republican lies and distortions lying down this time around.
They asked for it, they got it. Let the games begin, ’cause we’re ready and willing!
8:26 pm on August 28th, 2008 28
I guess Jenkins for VP was overlooked. The term Gook was used by almost every GI in Vietnam to include use by the ROK marines. I guess the politically correct word would have been comrades, or a member of the opposing force, but teenage boys were not old enough to vote during the Vietnam War so politics was not an issue.
12:51 am on August 29th, 2008 29
Grumble, grumble, grumble.
Aren’t we Americans better than all this?
Yes, we are. And yes, we can.
4:42 am on August 29th, 2008 30
No bump in the polls for Obama since picking Biden. In other words, Obama still has to answer the question of whether or not he’s ready to lead. Picking a strong V-P (or a strong wife, for that matter) ain’t enough.
9:52 am on August 29th, 2008 31
Read the polls Knickerbocker…
Obama has gotten a 5-7 point bounce this week (Gallup 48-42) from the pick AND the convention. Michelle, Bill and Hillary delivered and Biden slammed McCain in just the way he needed to. The GOP convention will not do much for McCain, nor will his probable Romney VP selection. The GOP is running on nothing. Being anti-Obama is not a message and not a winner. The Dems did that in 2004 and lost it.
The message was very clear this week and I think Bill said it the best:
“They actually want us to reward them for the last eight years by giving them four more. Let’s send them a message that will echo from the Rockies all across America: Thanks, but no thanks.”
The debates will settle this matter and McCain will bury himself.
11:05 am on August 29th, 2008 32
A bounch from the convention is expected. I believe the only two recent candidates who didn’t get a bounce were Dukakas, who got zero, and Kerry who actually lost a few points. You can expect a bounce from McCain when the GOP conveins as well. What Bill had to say was important for those who support Obama and only those who support Obama. Those who support McCain were either not watching or will wait and see what McCain has to say. The race for president is close, and it has been mostly a good honest exchange of ideas and policies of each of the candidates. I am looking forward to the election of McCain.
11:49 am on August 29th, 2008 33
“The race for president is close, and it has been mostly a good honest exchange of ideas and policies of each of the candidates.”
http://mediamatters.org/items/200808040005
Classy.
12:34 pm on August 29th, 2008 34
#31: Gallup says no bounce:
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/no_bounce_from_biden/2008/08/27/125472.html
#33: Know your source: Soros’ Media Matters is seriously biased.
12:54 pm on August 29th, 2008 35
King Biatsu. If I listened to all the slander, and mud thrown at each candidate it would be impossible to vote for anyone running for public office. It is up to each of us to decide on our own who is best. I do listen to each of the candidates and try to keep an open mind. Having said that, I also keep in mind where we are in history (I’m a big fan of history) and what each party is trying to represent. I honestly do not have a bias (so I think).
1:40 pm on August 29th, 2008 36
Hmm… If I were an undecided voter and reading this thread with an open mind, I see that none of McCain’s supporters here have been able to articulate why he would make a good President, and how his policies would benefit the country. I guess it’s the old “leap of faith” approach, or perhaps the “he’s not Obama” angle.
Certainly all intelligent voters should be able to understand that that’s just not good enough. Faith is the province of religion not politics, and fear is not a vision but a cynical con job.
We can all do better than this, can’t we?
3:01 pm on August 29th, 2008 37
Give it a rest, Knicker…
http://www.gallup.com/poll/109897/Gallup-Daily-Obama-Moves-Ahead-48-42.aspx
You gotta give a VP a second to say hello before you decide there is no bounce.
“I am looking forward to the election of McCain.”
This will not come close to happening. Wager?
12:58 am on August 30th, 2008 38
Biden is a bad choice. Obama bin laden and his USA hating wife need to be sent back to the madras. Obama wants to turn the USA into a islamic nation.
VOTE MCCAIN IF YOU LOVE AMERICA.
VOTE OSAMA-BAMA IF YOU WEAR TOWELS AND HATE FREEDOM.
1:01 am on August 30th, 2008 39
VOTE FOR AMERICA! YES WE CAN!! DON’T VOTE FOR OLD THINKING LIKE OSAMA-OBAMA AND HIS CORP-MACHINE BACKERS.
MCCAIN LOVES AMERICAN AND IS BEHOLDEN TO NO-ONE.
1:06 am on August 30th, 2008 40
SO MUCH FOR OSAMA-OBAMA AND HIS POLITCS OF EXCLUSION AND ANTI-FEMALE.
MCCAIN (GOD BLESS HIM) HAS CHOSEN A WOMAN AS VP(EVERYONE KNOWS THAT OBAMA-HUSSAIN IS ANTI- WOMAN) MCCAIN WILL BREAK THE GLASS CELING!
MCCAIN HAS DONE WHAT THE OSAMA-OBAMAkins WOULD DENY TO WOMAN.
4:29 am on August 30th, 2008 41
“Obama bin laden and his USA hating wife need to be sent back to the madras.”
Three strikes and you’re out, pal.
Given McCain’s critical health issues (recurring skin cancer, etc.), can anyone seriously imagine Palin a heartbeat away from being Commander-in-Chief? She makes Dan Quayle look like a heavyweight.
Well, perhaps I’m being paranoid. I’m sure she’ll be able to outfox the Russians and the Chinese just fine!
9:21 am on August 30th, 2008 42
Jose…
Go away troll.
10:00 am on August 30th, 2008 43
I have real all of this.
King Baeksu is trying to “teach” people who have made up their mind.
Mr Beaksu its better to go to Daves ESL and the Marmot Hole and “teach” them there.
I get so tired of Canadians who (after teaching their first kindergarten class) want to change the world.
The world is not butter and hugs.
10:03 am on August 30th, 2008 44
She’ll pretend to be an innocent hockey mom in an attempt to garner sympathy,
Why do Democrats hate women? Hillary was beat down, but McCain is helping women stand up. Can someone answer why Democrats hate women so much?
10:36 am on August 30th, 2008 45
Let’s see if GI is as stunned by Palin as he was by Biden. Only one of these two selections can be considered “strange”.
It’s almost like the GOP is trying to lose the election.
1:06 pm on August 30th, 2008 46
Hey, once she has a year in office as VP, she’ll have more experience than Obama. Palin was a brilliant choice. If nothing else than for the people who will vote on gender. Fortunately she seems to be loaded with brains as well. Add good looks and you lose some female voters who wanted a mentor like Hillory, but she more than makes up for it with the male blue collar workers (many white collar males as well) who can appreciate a good looking woman with brains to boot. However I think the mud slinging has not yet begun. It should be a real doozy.
3:20 pm on August 30th, 2008 47
“If nothing else than for the people who will vote on gender.”
Gerry, she’s a creationist and fiercely pro-life. She will not be peeling off many female Hillary supporters who value their constitutional right to choice — and want to make sure it remains a constitutionally protected right.
Biden will have a field day with her during their debates. She’ll pretend to be an innocent hockey mom in an attempt to garner sympathy, and then he’ll cream her when he starts asking her what we should be doing in Eastern Europe to check Russia, how to handle China, etc., etc.
All in all, a transparent gimmick that people will be able to see through very quickly, much like appointing Rice who looks good on paper (minority, check; female, check) but is also a clueless lightweight who got totally outmaneuvered by Rumsfeld, Cheney, et. al. despite her better instincts. We don’t need any more kabuki appointees when the stakes these days are just too high.