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Democratic Primaries
In reply to the discussion: Please stop talking, Joe! [View all]hlthe2b
(112,596 posts)2. He backed off this and self-corrected...
Biden walks back praise for Pence following criticism
https://www.apnews.com/5cf1669d9bb74809ab94707f9f11b38c
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Former Vice President Joe Bidens tendency to talk about his good relationships with Republicans landed him in trouble Thursday when he called his successor, Mike Pence, a decent guy.
The comment was quickly criticized by fellow Democrats, including actress and activist Cynthia Nixon, who tweeted that Biden had complimented Americas most anti-LGBT elected leader, forcing Biden to walk back his comment.
Youre right, Cynthia. I was making a point in a foreign policy context, that under normal circumstances a Vice President wouldnt be given a silent reaction on the world stage, Biden tweeted. But there is nothing decent about being anti-LGBTQ rights, and that includes the Vice President.
The episode shows one of the challenges the 76-year-old Biden will face as he considers a run for the presidency. In promoting his relationships with Republicans in a way that might appeal to general election voters, Biden also risks alienating the Democrats he would need to win a primary.
His comment about Pence came during a foreign policy forum in Omaha with former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. Biden hailed the character, integrity and humanity Ive seen up close of the former GOP senator from Nebraska. He also referred to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as a good guy.
Biden has had kind words for other Republican officials in recent weeks.
Biden hailed the late Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona as brother during public events, including at a speech in Germany when he pointed out another former Defense Secretary William Cohen, a former Republican senator from New Hampshire, as my buddy.
One Democratic official warned that Biden should focus first on the Democratic primary, not the general election, if he decides to run.
The comment was quickly criticized by fellow Democrats, including actress and activist Cynthia Nixon, who tweeted that Biden had complimented Americas most anti-LGBT elected leader, forcing Biden to walk back his comment.
Youre right, Cynthia. I was making a point in a foreign policy context, that under normal circumstances a Vice President wouldnt be given a silent reaction on the world stage, Biden tweeted. But there is nothing decent about being anti-LGBTQ rights, and that includes the Vice President.
The episode shows one of the challenges the 76-year-old Biden will face as he considers a run for the presidency. In promoting his relationships with Republicans in a way that might appeal to general election voters, Biden also risks alienating the Democrats he would need to win a primary.
His comment about Pence came during a foreign policy forum in Omaha with former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. Biden hailed the character, integrity and humanity Ive seen up close of the former GOP senator from Nebraska. He also referred to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as a good guy.
Biden has had kind words for other Republican officials in recent weeks.
Biden hailed the late Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona as brother during public events, including at a speech in Germany when he pointed out another former Defense Secretary William Cohen, a former Republican senator from New Hampshire, as my buddy.
One Democratic official warned that Biden should focus first on the Democratic primary, not the general election, if he decides to run.
Biden's no push-over, but he is a decidedly "decent" man and WANTS to see the good in everyone. This will be a problem for him if he doesn't keep it in check.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
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A Democratic politician at this stage of his career shouldn't have to "walk back" comments that are
EffieBlack
Mar 2019
#6
It was inappropriate. This is Biden at his core. He WANTS to see the better self in all.
hlthe2b
Mar 2019
#7
Of course it wasn't, but it should be a lesson to all our candidates the microscope they are under
still_one
Mar 2019
#5
Joe is an old fashioned American politician who comes from a time where they were decent to each
Eliot Rosewater
Mar 2019
#28
Thank-you for putting in the full context Effie, including Biden's response. That advice, "think
still_one
Mar 2019
#4
I like Bernie'a golden rule: be a leader by telling voters honestly, consistently & unapologetically
InAbLuEsTaTe
Mar 2019
#61
Joe Biden was in the middle of taking apart the Trump Administration...
CrossingTheRubicon
Mar 2019
#11
At this point, there aren't enough "Biden voters" to win bin the nomination and a general election
EffieBlack
Mar 2019
#44
Joe certainly would start as the odds on favorite given his significant name recognition...
InAbLuEsTaTe
Mar 2019
#51
Too late ... by about 20-30 years. This has always been Joe's problem. He's too honest;
KPN
Mar 2019
#13
Well, you can -- but it's self-defeating. I believe we as a whole have done that too many times in
KPN
Mar 2019
#67
Some seem to only remember Biden as lovable Uncle Joe who pals around with Obama buying burgers.
Garrett78
Mar 2019
#14
That baggage and his age would weigh on him heavily. I completely disagree...
Garrett78
Mar 2019
#50
There is a reason that one of the greatest presidents in the history of the republic...
CrossingTheRubicon
Mar 2019
#17
Biden was a strategic and wise choice in 2008 and the same is true in 2020.
CrossingTheRubicon
Mar 2019
#56
Still don't think it's a big deal that he said something nice about Pence.
marylandblue
Mar 2019
#48
Joe Biden said something he walked back and a lot of people are explaining away?
WhiskeyGrinder
Mar 2019
#66
Seems like Cynthia Nixon is auditioning to play the part of Susan Sarandon in the role of...
CrossingTheRubicon
Mar 2019
#68