Some Slightly More Detailed Thoughts on Joe Biden's Speech

Here are three observations about Joe Biden's speech.

1. I found Beau Biden's introduction quite impressive. It's obvious there's a great deal of love and affection in this family. The tragedy they've endured has brought them closer together. I wish Beau well when he is deployed to Iraq in October.

2. Biden's father told him, "Champ, when you get knocked down, get up. Get up." Hey, I've used that credo as a source of inspiraton. But then Biden later said, "I've never seen a time when Washington has watched so many people get knocked down without doing anything to help them get back up." I thought the whole point of getting up when you've been knocked down was a sign of your perserverance. Getting back up is something you do on your own not by relying on the government. The other thing to consider is that sometimes it is government that knocks people down and gets in the way.

3. Is Biden serious when he questions McCain's judgement on foreign policy? Does Biden really think talking to Ahmadinejad is the best way to advance our security? Does Biden really think Obama's judgement was sound when he called for restraint on both sides when Russia invaded Georgian territory? Does Biden really think Obama's judgement was sound when he equated the United States entering Iraq with Russia entering Georgia? I guess Obama sees no difference between Saddam and Saakashvili.

Biden said, "Now, after six long years, the Bush Administration and the Iraqi government are on the verge of setting a date to bring our troops home. John McCain was wrong. Barack Obama was right."

Um, the reason the Bush Administration and the Iraqi government are the verge of setting a date to bring our troops home is because of a little something called the surge. Something neither Obama nor Biden supported. Democrats said the War in Iraq was lost. John McCain was right. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are wrong.

If Biden wants to challenge McCain on his foreign policy cred then by all means, please bring it on.