This is the first of the two part series “Better Know a Vice President” and in this installment we’re looking at Joe Biden.
Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. is the Senior United States Senator from Delaware. He’s been in office since 1973 when he was 30 years old.
He’s the chair of the Committee on Foreign Relations. He is known for being a big name in international relations. Joe Biden spoke with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili after the Russian invasion a few weeks ago. He did vote for the Iraq war, however he alongside Senator Lugar wanted an amendment saying that military force will only be used after diplomatic efforts were exhausted and that military action would disarm Saddam Hussein, not overthrow him.
Senator Biden came out strongly with a plan to divide Iraq into a strong federal government along sectarian lines. His son is set to go to Iraq in October so this is an issue which is important to him.
He dropped out of the race for president after Iowa. He has run for president before, in 1988 and 2004. His 1988 campaign came into trouble when he was accused of plagiarizing a speech.
Where does he stand on the issues? Let’s do a quick rundown.
Roe v. Wade – Supports it
Federal Funding for Stem Cells – Supports it
Gay marriage – Voted against a constitutional amendment banning it, supports states rights.
Crime – supports more rehabilitation that incarceration.
Education – He opposes vouchers
Energy – opposes drilling in ANWR. Supports Bio-deisel but not ethanol.
Environment – He co-sponsored the “Sense of the Senate” resolution calling on the U.S. to be a part of the U.N. climate negotiations.
Guns – Pro-gun control, he supports a federal ban on semi-automatic weapons.
Immigration – supports guest worker visas, willing to provide a path to citzenship
Civil Liberties – “Supported the PATRIOT Act but voted to limit wiretapping on the bill. He supports implementing the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to fight terrorists but voted to preserve habeas corpus rights to the alleged terrorists serving in Guantanamo Bay. In the 1990s he voted in favor of 36 vetoed military projects and supports efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation. He was given a 60% approval rating from the American Civil Liberties Union reflecting a mixed voting record on civil rights issues. During a debate on November 15, 2007 Biden clarified the factuality of the PATRIOT Act and his continued support for it and his opposition to racial profiling.” (Straight from Wikipedia)
He is known for speaking his mind and to be very straight forward. Just take a look at this clip from the debates.
August 23, 2008 at 2:24 am
Yay!
I remember when I interned for Biden in 91. I was 18 and very much against his stance on the second amendment, but through working at his Georgetown office and studying his positions I came to really grow fond of him. He is a great guy, one of the smartest people you will ever meet and it’s amazing that he was the pick. I’m excited.
Cheers,
Tom