And Now for Something Completely Political
The word is out: It’s the Obama/Biden ticket, folks, the newcomer/oldtimer matchup, the good cop bad cop, idealist/pragmatist combo. By choosing Biden, Barack Obama lets us know where he feels weak, or at least this is the chatter all over the internet.
An Obama aide says that Joe Biden’s job will be to explain to the “American people where Obama comes from, and what his vision is for the country,” as well as lay out “the choice in this election.” blah, blah, blah. Everyobdy knows he’s going after McCain.
And just how will he go about this, one wonders? Part of Biden’s appeal is his average Joe-ness. Did you know, for example, that he has commuted to work on Amtrak for years (one way takes 80 minutes), and every Christmas hosts a dinner for the Amtrak crew members? Well it’s true, folks. Follow this link to find out more little known facts about Joe. The poor guy used to stutter in junior high, for god’s sake.
Moving on. During the Olympics, I got in the habit of reading the People’s Daily Online. I love the Chinese slant on our politics! One expert (Lucien W. Pye) says that China sees all “politics as exclusively combative contests involving haggling, maneuvering, bargaining and manipulating”. That sounds like par for any political course, though, doesn’t it?
I’m mostly fascinated by the People’s Daily Online vocabulary choices for American affairs. Oftentimes, a reporter glorifies his own culture and shines more light on competing Chinese nationalisms than he does on the news.
With this in mind, what are the Chinese saying about the new Democratic ticket of Obama and Biden? Too many things to put in a nutshell, folks, but all have to do with Biden’s experience and background. Generally speaking, though, they think it dilutes the reform ticket.
And I quote from the People’s Daily Online: “U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s selection of Senator Joe Biden as his running mate would shore up his inexperience in foreign policy and defense, but synchronously carry risks of undermining his image as an agent of change.”
Time out, folks. I am ashamed to admit that I had to look up the meaning of synchronously. Good word. Now back to the People’s Daily Online:
“However, Obama’s choice also carried some risks. Biden’s experience in foreign policies and national security is a two-blade sword that can invite more doubts on Obama’s capability in the areas.
In addition, coming from a Catholic family with blue-collar roots, he could help Obama win more voters sharing the same background, a weak area for Obama.
His personal compelling story that his ex-wife and baby daughter died in a car accident when he was just sworn to the Senate and spent the following five years to take care of the other two sons alone will also lend a hand to help Obama woo more senior and women voters.”
Oooops. Time out again, folks. Are they saying Biden’s personal tragedy will reel in the feeble-minded who vote with their hearts? Moving on.
“Political analysts said Biden, as a liberal Democrat, was popular and influential among the party fellows, and has also reached many bipartisan deals, leaving him very few political enemies.”
Is this a backhanded slap or what? “Many bipartisan deals…very few political enemies”… I think I smell Chinese sarcasm, but the funniest is yet to come.
“Technically, Biden is capable of campaigning, debating and delivering speech since he has been tested by six successful congressional elections and twice failed presidential primaries.
According to a report by News Week, Biden was known as a person who did not always think before talk and was sometimes obsessed by his own talks, leaving it in doubt whether he can work under Obama’s arms.
His campaign as a Democratic presidential candidate in 1987 had to cease after he was accused of plagiarizing a speech of a British politician. He considered to join the game again four years later, but found himself impossible to collect enough campaign fund.
Growing up in a working-class family, Biden is also expected to help Obama win over more blue-collars in November. However, his age and long-term immersion in the Capitol Hill potentially threat Obama’s motto to bring changes to Washington.
Given to his influence and capabilities, it is questionable whether Biden would concede to Obama and do the ritual job as a vice president. It is foreseeable that the newly-named vice presidential candidate would face questions about his vote for the launching of the Iraq War at the first place that Obama has been always opposed, and his strong criticism on Obama during the Democratic primary earlier this year.”
Basically, the Chinese are saying Biden is a well known, conservative, uppity, old windbag who puts his foot in his mouth and does what the heck he pleases, while bringing in the blue collar, Catholic and sympathy vote. But he’s made so many concessions in the form of bipartisan deals that his own character is in question. Ooops, did I say in question—what’s to question about a politician who steals speeches from the Brits?
You wait a minute, now, you inscrutable foreigners. What about the fact that Joe Biden rides Amtrak to work? When’s the last time Hu Jintao rode the train to a party meeting? I’m not real sure, but I think the Chinese ‘dissed‘ our vice presidential candidate. Can’t blame them, though, they don’t get to diss their own leaders much. OoooooooooooooBurn!!!!!
Happy tales,
Laura signing off with Chris of internet marketing world in the wings and waiting for you clicks.