LastMcGovernite
Ringorules
Jr. Member
Posts: 828
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« on: May 08, 2010, 10:11:20 PM » |
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There's several reasons, some of which have already been pointed out.
1. Biden is strongest with the sorts of voters Obama lost to Hillary in the primaries. Older, rust-belt ethnics, Catholics, etc. This helps in PA, but also in OH, maybe NH, MI, etc.
2. Although it seems like bad calculus in hindsight, there was no guarantee that Bayh would help Obama win Indiana, even though in the end, he won the Hoosier state without him.
3. The invasion of Georgia made it seem as though the election would have a foreign-policy emphasis, making Biden, the Democratic office-holder with the most foreign policy experience, a wise choice.
4. Right- I agree with the attack dog role. Biden can rip into McCain in ways that would not seem credible coming from someone much younger and less experienced. Biden can smile and say, " i love John, he's a good friend of mine, but his policies will be four more years of Bush".
5. Although Biden is well known for gaffes, he actually is a really good speaker- certainly better than any other vice-president we've had in a generation. He can communicate his deep knowledge of foreign policy without seeming preachy or condescending (something Kerry never learned how to do).
Having said that, though, both Bayh and Biden were strong candidates. Bayh had his strengths-- younger, executive experience...but Obama probably made the right call.
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