VEEPSTAKES: With Webb Out, Considering Joe Biden
07 July 2008 1:44 pm by Taylor Marsh
BY TAYLOR MARSH
Webb
is out. This is as Shermanesque a statement as you’re going to get:
“Last week I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign
my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I
am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no
circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President….”
Besides, Webb’s more suited for the Senate from all I’ve learned about him.
He’s nobody’s number two, because he’s just too independent a thinker.
Taking Hillary out of the equation, though I still believe she’s Obama’s best
pick, Biden moves up. This will no doubt unnerve many on the left, including
Obama activists.
Biden had a spot on this blog, guest posting, as did his team, during the primaries.
Few others offered such an option to Biden. I made the decision because Joe
Biden is the most senior mind in the Democratic Party on national security and foreign policy. He’s also one of the few experts on Central Asia. His ideas on a new Pakistan policy are a must read for anyone seriously trying to understand how we move away from Bush’s disastrous Musharraf centric policy. With reports abundant that Obama’s diplomatic stance on Iran has some a bit worried, Biden adds a comfort level.
Simply stated, our allies overseas simply don’t know Obama and his lack of experience isn’t encouraging. Foreign policy people also abhor
an unknown, especially in the Middle East where Israel’s security may lie in the balance and Iran is impossible to trust. Few are
better known in the Democratic ranks than Joe Biden. His broad knowledge of the Middle East, but well beyond also, would be an invaluable service to the ticket. This would give allies
a signal, plus add the foreign policy heft Obama needs in an area that is lacking:
national security traditionalism. It would meld old school with new school,
giving the broadest array of voices to Obama’s team. With Webb out. Biden moves
up, though he’s still likely a long shot bid. No one is more insider than Biden.
