Biden: "I have fought for the Democratic Party my whole career."

[George II]

I Have Fought for the Democratic Party My Whole Career

The other day I was accused by one of my opponents of running in the wrong primary. Pretty amazing. On one level, it is kind of funny.

I have fought for the Democratic party my whole career. I know what we stand for, who we stand with and what we believe. And it’s not just policies or issues. It’s in my bones. That’s not something everyone in this primary can say.

But at another level these kinds of attacks are a serious problem. They reflect an angry unyielding viewpoint that has crept into our politics. If someone doesn’t agree with you — it’s not just that you disagree — that person must be a coward or corrupt or a small thinker.

Some call it the “my way or the highway” approach to politics. But it’s worse than that. It’s condescending to the millions of Democrats who have a different view.

https://medium.com/JoeBiden/i-have-fought-for-the-democratic-party-my-whole-career-2ca4a2dac271

This is a good read.

[JoeOtterbein]

1. Other than the obvious, what is Joe fighting for?

I've seen little about his plans. Any new policy ideas?

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

2. Have you seen the interesting ideas of his donors?!

Last edited Tue Nov 5, 2019, 10:10 PM - Edit history (1)

It's just as interesting is to see some people's reaction to the policy ideas of Joe's donors, many of which ideas are certainly worth fighting for, in answer to your question Joe.


Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Eko]

10. Its interesting to look at this primary and the last one

and how people acted here on DU. Some people have obviously matured since the last primary. Its nice to see those posts.

[betsuni]

11. Why are you insinuating that Biden is corrupt?

"If someone doesn't agree with you ... that person must be a coward, corrupt, or a small thinker."

[JoeOtterbein]

19. No. Are you implying something about me?

Feel free to speak openly. I'm used to it. I grew up as the middle child of nine.

Also, I'm for Bernie. So again, I have a very thin skin.

[betsuni]

20. Wasn't replying to you.

[JoeOtterbein]

21. Sorry!

[Stellar]

79. Anyway....

"Also, I'm for Bernie. So again, I have a very thin skin."

Love it!

[George II]

23. Or insinuating that he has no ideas outside of those of his donors.

[betsuni]

25. Replay of "Dems stand for nothing and won't fight for anything."

Ho hum. Both sides both sides both sides both sides both sides.

[Cary]

29. I hate that both sides bullshit.

[Tumbulu]

35. Exactly!

[George II]

16. As I responded to Joe:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287336422#post6

[Tumbulu]

37. Exactly the sort of thinking that gave us trump

I loath it and so knock it off!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

45. No, we know what gave us tRumpy... Hillary wrote a lengthy well-written book on the subject.

Bernie/Elizabeth or Elizabeth/Bernie 2020!!
Either way, they're stronger together!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[George II]

6. You haven't looked hard enough. They're on his website.

[JoeOtterbein]

12. I just checked the Biden website. Here's a link to be sure:

[link:https://joebiden.com/joes-vision/|

Nothing new. Can you take a second and let me know what comes to your mind?

[George II]

13. Try again, you missed these (each is a link):

Latest Plans

Joe’s Plan for Strengthening Worker Organizing, Collective Bargaining, and Unions >>
Joe’s Plan for a Government That Works For The People>>
Joe’s Plan for Education Beyond High School >>
Joe’s Plan to End Gun Violence >>
Joe’s Plan to Lead the Democratic World >>
Joe’s Plan for Strengthening America’s Commitment to Justice >>
Joe’s Plan to Protect & Build on the Affordable Care Act >>
Joe’s Plan for Older Americans >>
Joe’s Plan for Rural America >>
Joe’s Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice >>
Joe’s Plan for Educators, Students, and our Future >>

[JoeOtterbein]

18. Thanks. Sorry, I meant something new for our party.

Maybe something like the Green New Deal or MFA. You know, maybe something different? Or just plain bold?

Anything that stands out to you. Personally.

[emmaverybo]

28. While dreaming up the new and bold, Bernie and Warren, in contrast to most other candidates,

couldn’t bring their risk-taking selves to call out Trump for his attack on Biden, to defend Biden as one of ours. They went so far as to look good denouncing Trump’s corruption, but did not mention
he had committed an impeachable offense in order to eliminate his chief competitor, Joe Biden.

[JoeOtterbein]

31. Warren was the first to risk calling for impeaching Trump.

[emmaverybo]

38. That fact does not have anything to do with what I posted. Again, risked nothing politically to

denounce Trump. Just could not do as Beto, Harris, Booker, et al did in standing up for Biden. You
can bet Biden would have said Lay Off Warren if the shoe were on the other foot, as he did in
defending Harris only the day after her debate attack.

Bold people, stand-up people put competition on pause and show sportsperson-like behavior in times of crisis.

She did not. Silence is not bold.

[blm]

39. Horsepoo. Warren challenged Trump's lies about Biden HER way,

which is never enough for you.

Warren went after Trump’s ads lying about Biden. She went after Zuckerberg for letting Trump’s lies against Biden stand.

How did TeamBiden thank her for standing up? A week later they called her a con like Trump. Questioning her credibility.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=306231


Elizabeth Warren Now Running Facebook Ads Saying Zuckerberg Endorses Trump [View all]

A fresh series of Facebook ads this week by Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren seeks to put the social media giant on the defensive — by telling a lie.

The ads, which began running widely on Thursday, start with a bold but obvious falsehood: That Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg have endorsed President Trump's reelection campaign.

"You're probably shocked," reads the ad, which has already reached tens of thousands of viewers nationwide. "And you might be thinking, 'how could this possibly be true?' Well, it's not."

The ad's own admission of a lie seeks to draw attention to a controversial Facebook policy Warren has spent days criticizing. Under the policy, Facebook exempts ads by politicians from third-party fact-checking — a loophole, Warren says, that allows Zuckerberg to continue taking "gobs of money" from Trump's campaign despite Trump's ads telling untruths about former Vice President Joe Biden and his son.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/11/politics/elizabeth-warren-facebook-ad/index.html

[MrsCoffee]

80. MFA is not new.

Ever heard of John Conyers? He first introduced a bill in 2003.

But we know Bernie gets credit for everything from certain people.

[LanternWaste]

84. Oh, I see-- you're simply focusing on style over substance.

I get it... our commercial culture has persuaded a lot of people to avoid the substantive, and instead focus on glitz and glamour, "anything that stand out..."

No worries. Sometimes it's simply easier to look at the packaging and ribbons than the contents of the box.

[Eko]

15. As if something has to be new

to be a good idea.

[Cary]

30. Anything will be good after the dumpster fire.

[Beartracks]

73. Right? "Oh, gee, just the same old Democratic policy priorities, ho hum..."

I guess I was unaware that Democratic policy priorities for the last 75 years had all been achieved.

==========

[Cha]

8. As George said.. Look on his Website.

[emmaverybo]

17. He's fighting for "the soul of America." Don't look for it in a policy idea. Biden has plenty.

Warren and Sanders talk of nothing but.

Here’s an idea, not new, but one we need reminding of:

Snip———————————————————

What gave Biden’s address more power was that it wasn’t just a harangue against Trump. It was a reminder of who we are as a nation, “the soul of America,” as he called it.

What this president doesn’t understand is that unlike every other nation on earth, we're unable to define what constitutes "American" by religion, by ethnicity, or by tribe; you can't do it.
America is an idea. An idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant. It gives hope to the most desperate people on earth….
The most powerful idea in the history of the world I think beats in the hearts of the people of this country. And it beats in all of us. No matter your race, your ethnicity. No matter your gender identity, your sexual orientation. No matter your faith. It beats in the heart of rich and poor alike. It unites America -- whether your ancestors were Native to these shores or they were brought here forcibly and enslaved, whether they were immigrants generations back, like my family from Ireland, or those coming today looking to build a better life for your family.
The American creed – that we are all created equal –was written long-ago. But the genius of every generation of Americans has opened it wider and wider and wider, to include those who have been excluded in a previous generation. That’s why it has never gathered dust in the history books.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/08/07/joe-biden-reminded-all-us-what-presidential-president-would-sound-like/
—————————————————————————
Policies and Plans at Joe Biden.com

Latest Plans
Joe’s Plan for Strengthening Worker Organizing, Collective Bargaining, and Unions >>
Joe’s Plan for a Government That Works For The People>>
Joe’s Plan for Education Beyond High School >>
Joe’s Plan to End Gun Violence >>
Joe’s Plan to Lead the Democratic World >>
Joe’s Plan for Strengthening America’s Commitment to Justice >>
Joe’s Plan to Protect & Build on the Affordable Care Act >>
Joe’s Plan for Older Americans >>
Joe’s Plan for Rural America >>
Joe’s Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice >>
Joe’s Plan for Educators, Students, and our Future >>

These and many others at

https://joebiden.com/joes-vision/

[stonecutter357]

56. what is Joe fighting for? YOU !

[Cha]

60. Snap!

stonecutter

[LanternWaste]

74. It's difficult to see what you pretend is not there.

His policy is spelled out on his campaign website, but I understand if you're unable or unwilling to research your own questions.

[TidalWave46]

3. That is an excellent write up.

Not accurate on its initial idea that this is something new but it’s a campaign piece and a very good one.

No doubt that Biden is a Democrat to his bones. So is Warren.

So far this primary has been polite.

[blm]

4. Oct 16: Warren is conning people like Trump did.

Yep, attacking her as not credible, a liar. Because they disagree?

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/us/politics/joe-biden-elizabeth-warren.html


Some people get upset when the person they have been hitting with low blows finally raises their hand in defense.

[Demsrule86]

54. You can't call someone a Republican and not expect some response...running in the wrong

primary...was pretty bad.

[Cha]

5. Whoa.. this could apply to those who are calling

different views than theirs "repub talking points"!

Some call it the “my way or the highway” approach to politics. But it’s worse than that. It’s condescending to the millions of Democrats who have a different view.

Thanks, George.. this opened up a whole opportunity for Biden to state his Democratic creds and history.

So agree with this!>>>>>

This is no way to get anything done. This is no way to bring the country together. This is no way for this party to beat Donald Trump.

My health care plan expands coverage, lowers costs, lowers drug costs, allows people to keep their private insurance and won’t raise taxes on the middle class. I think it’s the best plan. That doesn’t mean I think those who disagree with me are cowards or small thinkers. And it doesn’t mean someone else doesn’t have some good ideas. I just think it’s a better way.

I stand with the Democratic Party of Barack Obama — the party that fought for and passed the Affordable Care Act — an historic transformation of our health care system that took a generation to achieve. And I’m proud to say I was there when we passed it. I’m not walking away from ObamaCare — I want to build on it. Maybe others want to walk away from ObamaCare — I don’t. And I don’t believe the Democratic party should walk away from it either. I make no apologies for that.

You're too right, George.. I is a "Good Read"! Thank Goodness we have Biden running!

[highplainsdem]

44. I agree completely, Cha!

[Cha]

61. "I stand with the Democratic Party of Barack Obama -- the party that fought for and passed the ACA"!

I stand with the Democratic Party of Barack Obama — the party that fought for and passed the Affordable Care Act — an historic transformation of our health care system that took a generation to achieve. And I’m proud to say I was there when we passed it. I’m not walking away from ObamaCare — I want to build on it. Maybe others want to walk away from ObamaCare — I don’t. And I don’t believe the Democratic party should walk away from it either. I make no apologies for that.

Cheers, highplainsdem!

[BeyondGeography]

7. Fred Upton just chuckled

[emmaverybo]

9. He's singing my song. I deplore shaming and belittling call-outs of those of us who do not

agree that particular plans are the most desirable or ONLY way to achieve goals based on
our common values. What’s the saying? You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Listen. Explain. Listen some more.

Don’t tell me I’m selfish, greedy, small, no different than a Republican, near-traitor because I don’t
100 percent buy into your sell.

And do not tell me I am a defeatist, fear-based sheeple because I support the most qualified, experienced, knowledgeable and widely respected candidate in the field! I think supporting Biden is a no-brainer. I get why he’s still leading.

He’s in touch, in touch with “ who we are as a nation” as Jonathan
Capehart put it in another context. And who we can be.

[OldRed2450]

14. Singing my song too.

I feel the same way about people who use terms like corporate democrat, neoliberal, and worse.

[betsuni]

26. Belittling call-outs.

My favorite is when you're accused of not caring if millions die or have their lives ruined just because you don't think Medicare for All will have enough votes to pass until some time in the future. It must on a list of insults they have.

[emmaverybo]

32. Yes! If you do not endorse M4All TODAY, you are a potential killer. Of millions.

[blm]

34. If you disagree with JB you're a liar and a con like Trump.

That’s OK to say, right?

[emmaverybo]

47. He wasn't referring to her disagreeing with him, but rather to her refusal, repeatedly, to answer

the question raised in debate and by interviewers several times after—will you raise taxes on the middle class to pay for M4All? The first time she was asked about paying for it in debate she did not answer, instead saying “that’s a Republican talking point.”:

This last debate she said “costs” would not go up.

Disagreeing with JB had nothing to do with how her credibility came to be questioned in regard to her accounting, literally, for M4All.

Of course, she has presented a more full picture since then.

[blm]

50. A con like Trump

That’s OK.....because ...... Joe said it.

[emmaverybo]

57. I agree that Democrats should not play games with the truth as has Trump. No Democrat should,

not Warren even.

Dodging a question, finessing the answer when one has had plenty of time to consider it, parsing words, shaming and denouncing those deserving answers as making RW talking points, all this could be construed as playing games.

Trump does that when asked questions. Democrats should try to be forthright.

Yes, Biden chided her for how she responded to the M4All tax question, not for any interaction with himself. Yes. He strongly criticized her, in effect, as did many others during the time before she
unveiled her plans for paying for M4All.

[blm]

63. She is a CON like Trump.

That’s OK...because.....Joe said it.

[emmaverybo]

72. He did not directly call her a con. He said Democrats should not (paraphrasing) act like

game-playing Trump who cons people, meaning I think, the public, reporters.

Hey, I am not going to have a proxy fight with you.

We could go on and we’d be hijacking the thread.

His remark is not ok with you and she only called him a Republican in self-defense. I get it.

You support him and I support her.

Let’s call the whole thing quits.

[Demsrule86]

48. I can't get on the Times...how about a quote where Biden says that...doesn't sound like him...

[melman]

22. OMG

What about the PLEDGE?!?!

[mcar]

24. He absolutely has

[melman]

27. "elitism"

Seriously? Wow.

[JoeOtterbein]

33. +1 !

[betsuni]

36. "I learned a long time ago that if you question someone's motivations rather than their

judgement you get nowhere. It's hard to get past go if you start off by saying the other person is in the pocket of special interests or is corrupt."

We know exactly what he's talking about and it's about time because it really must be stopped. It's a serious problem and incredibly stupid and harmful.

[highplainsdem]

40. K&R! Biden nailed it.

[NBachers]

41. Putting my mouth where my money is- Another donation to Joe Biden. It's my best reply to the . . .

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joebiden1


2019-11-05 Joe Biden $15.00 View receipt

2019-11-05 ActBlue Federal Tips $1.50 View receipt

[George II]

42. Bazinga!

[UniteFightBack]

43. Don't worry Joe....we know you've been a Democrat your whole life. Not everybody running can say

that.

[Stargleamer]

46. Nevertheless, he didn't fight for Anita Hill

he bent over backwards to posture himself as "fair" to that asshole, Clarence Thomas.

[Demsrule86]

49. Anita Hill worked for what some rightwing college and has made a career out of this ...sick of

it. She has never gone after the GOP either...It won't work but feel free to trot it out once more.

[Stargleamer]

59. She wound up at Brandeis

Hardly a right-wing college. But whatever she did in the past it doesn't excuse Biden having her speak before and after Thomas, Biden not calling other witnesses, Biden capitulating to Thomas re what questions he would allow, etc. And yes, I know he voted against Thomas, but that still doesn't excuse his posturing.

On the other hand, if Biden would just admit that he really fucked up those hearings, that would really go a long way in my book.

[Demsrule86]

66. She started at Liberty I believe...and if just once she had gone after one GOP, I might feel

differently...It was a different time...and no he should not say he fucked up...Bush appointed Thomas and back in the day almost all nominees went through and Dems had already gotten rid of Bork...It is over and done with...and I for one am sick of hearing about it...the GOP picked Thomas...just once Anita say something about them...she has made a career out of attacking Democrats. And Biden has fought for Women's rights for decades.

[Stargleamer]

69. I think you meant Oral Roberts U., not Liberty

they're about the same, maybe Liberty's a little worse. Well Hillary Clinton was once a "Goldwater girl", so people can change quite a bit.

And you're right, the Republicans bear much, much greater responsibility for putting that asshole on the S.C., than Biden or anyone. They're the ones who didn't give a fuck if Anita Hill was telling the truth or not, and they showed it. Just like today, they don't give a fuck that Trump raped/harassed/sexually abused girls and women. And I know that Biden wasn't nasty to Anita Hill, unlike the fucking Republicans. so yes, we shouldn't lose sight of that.

[Demsrule86]

70. You are correct. Hillary was a kid when she was a goldwater girl...Hill was a grown woman when she

worked for Oral Roberts (thanks for the right college). I am sick of those supposedly on our side going after Democrats while ignoring Republicans. I personally don't give a damn about this...when Hill is on TV or being interviewed, I turn her off...she can go after Dems without me watching.

[Skya Rhen]

51. And a certain candidate spent decades fervently supporting Repubs like Thomas and all he stands for.

[Stargleamer]

58. Well that was why I was very hesitant for a long, long time to support Warren

but I genuinely think she's changed, and is willing to put up proposals/plans while the other candidates pretty much lack any boldness to do the same, except Bernie.

[emmaverybo]

77. In 1992 she supported Arlen Specter, one of the Repug senators who did horribly harass and smear

Professor Hill at the hearing, in PA senate race, She did, however, vote for Clinton. To be fair,
Teresa Heinz (John Kerry’s wife) also supported Specter.

[Demsrule86]

52. Biden did not vote to confirm Thomas either. Did you know that? It was a big deal at the time.

[Stargleamer]

55. Yes, I knew that

I also still hear his voice when I recollect that time: "You won't have to, Judge", after Clarence Thomas got all belligerent about a proposed line of questioning (possibly about his pornography use).

[Demsrule86]

67. Look the entire thing was messed up. However, not one bad word about Arlen Spector ever....not one.

[emmaverybo]

53. He fought to get her the hearing she wanted. He was the only person on the committee to

try to “cross” Thomas. He voted against Thomas’s nomination twice. Through out the years, he
repeated his belief in Hill’s claims and his admiration for her courage.

[Stargleamer]

62. i'm not sure about that

I believe Kennedy asking some pointed questions, and there might have been one other Democrat too. Biden was posturing trying to give the aura of being fair, when he should have been acting more decisively against Thomas.

If though he did talk to Boren and Dixon, and tried as hard as he could to get them to vote against Thomas, well, I'll reassess what I have written.

[emmaverybo]

64. Kennedy was castigated for having been noticeably quiet. It was later said he was trying to stay

out of the fray because he had his own problems with women. I don’t believe that was true, but that goes to my recollection that he was a bit retiring.

Personally I do not believe that such a process for handling a sexual abuse or harassment complaint outside of court can ever be conducted well. Gawd knows in court they are harrowing.

The Republicans were vile to Hill. And after, they continued to smear her. I am surprised so little of their perfidy is mentioned.

[Stargleamer]

65. Well, we are in agreement about the Republicans back then

who couldn't care less if Anita Hill was harassed or not. Orrin Hatch, what an asshole.

Fast forward 25 years or so, and they don't give a fuck that Trump sexually abused/harassed/raped women. IOKIYAAR is still their mindset.

[Demsrule86]

71. Look it up...Biden was the reason she had a hearing.

[Tarheel_Dem]

68. K&R

[Gothmog]

75. I agree with Joe Biden on this

Link to tweet

[Gothmog]

78. I stand with Joe

Link to tweet

?s=20

[Gothmog]

81. Joe was great last night-I love this explanation

Link to tweet

[George II]

82. He's correct. Millions of Americans do not want to switch their insurance provider or...

...be told what they should have.

[The Valley Below]

83. Like Joe Biden I've been a liberal Democrat my whole life.

I'm with him!

[gopiscrap]

85. welcome to DU