David Plouffe: First Biden Meeting ‘Confirmed What We Suspected’
EmailABC News’ Rick Klein reports: In addition to fascinating insights into President Obama's thinking in not choosing Hillary Clinton as his running mate, the new memoir written by his campaign manager has an anecdote that's likely to feed perceptions of Vice President Joe Biden's well-known propensity for going on — and on. Literally.
David Plouffe writes that in their initial meeting with Biden to discuss a spot on the ticket, he and senior Obama adviser "couldn't get a word in edgewise."
"The [first] meeting started with Biden launching into a nearly 20-minute monologue that ranged from the strength of our campaign in Iowa ('I literally wouldn't have run if I knew the steamroller you guys would put together'); to his evolving views of Obama ('I wasn't sure about him in the beginning of the campaign, but I am now'); why he didn't want to be VP ('The last thing I should do is VP; after 36 years of being the top dog, it will be hard to be No. 2'); why he was a good choice ('But I would be a good soldier and could provide real value, domestically and internationally'); and everything else under the sun. Ax and I couldn't get a word in edgewise," Plouffe writes, in an excerpt published by Time magazine.
Plouffe continues: "It confirmed what we suspected: this dog could not be taught new tricks. But the conversation also confirmed our positive assumptions: his firm grasp of issues, his blue collar sensibilities and the fact that while he would readily accept the VP slot if offered, he was not pining for it."
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do you think they still feel that way ? yesterday he yapped on and on about a new auto plant before auto execs got too… in such poor taste… once an idiot, always an idiot..
Posted by: halfmn | October 29, 2009, 10:05 am 10:05 am
Why is it that the “Anti-Biden Brigade” ALWAYS ‘come across’ as Zealots??? Could it possibly be TRANSFERANCE? (In common parlance; “the inherent Dislike for President Barack Obama being transferred to his V.P.?”)
In REALITY, Joe Biden is a very likeable politician, who is intelligent, has a vast knowledge of International Affairs and he’s generally RESPECTED by his peers in Congress. He is an “incessant talker” but he’s coachable and tolerant of criticism. I would challenge you; “Show me a man who is without Warts or Fault – and I will surely have uncovered a SHAM!!!”
Posted by: bobj72 | October 29, 2009, 10:21 am 10:21 am
Obama has risen to the stature of the presidency now, but Biden brought a real career of substance to the ticket; I believe he is a valuable voice to have in the White House, even if that voice tends to rattle on. And it should be noted that when Biden rattles on, he’s spewing information like a fire hose – as opposed to someone like Kerry who will take 10 minutes to get out nothing more than yes.
Posted by: jhw539 | October 29, 2009, 10:40 am 10:40 am
I agree with bobj72, what Biden brings to the office is authenticity, you really feel you can trust him. He is also very bright. His answer on Roe vs Wade in an interview during the election, was one of the best explanations of that ruling I have ever heard from a politician; he wasn’t advocating for or against, he was just explaining the legal underpinnings. Bright and trustworthy, that’s what we want in a leader.
Posted by: Amy in Maine | October 29, 2009, 11:01 am 11:01 am