Biden, talk race with the Rust Belt

On Saturday morning, when Obama announced Biden as his pick for VP, I knew some Black political bloggers would raise their eyebrows. Hell, the first thing that came to my mind was, “Oh dang, Mr. Clean and Articulate?”

But then I thought back to Biden's remarks during the debates, and specifically the comment he made about Kucinich’s wife (in my opinion, one of the funniest moments in any debate this year). This guy seriously goes there. He makes all those not-quite-PC observations that everyone else in the room is thinking but would never dare to utter. And you know what? Maybe that’s ok. Because I think Biden’s ability to make honest observations based on his personal point-of-view will work wonders among working class (specifically White) voters.

The truth is, I’m actually kind of glad that Obama chose a guy who committed one of the first racial gaffes of the primaries. Biden's gaffe showed that he stereotypes a bit, that's for sure… but don’t we all? And by putting these kinds of stereotypes out in the open, we can better find, understand (and perhaps fix) the root of them.

Biden said something about Obama that other White people might have been thinking. Now Biden has the opportunity to address race on a national level. And I really hope he does. Not on a stage, in front of celebrities and politicians. But rather, in a town hall, among the Rust belt Democrats and Independents who have proven to be very concerned about Obama’s heritage. Biden’s the guy who could easily conduct a get-out-your-fears-on-race vent session.

And then, of course, turn each fear on its silly little head.

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Comments

[JasonW]

Still would like to have seen him take HRC, just to shut people up. But the reality is, everyone would have complained no matter who he picked.

Anything short of "Jesus is my running mate" would have had detractors.

[rosasparks]

I get your point. So maybe it isn't so bad? Having foot in mouth disease may work to his favor.

[Manny Stevens]

You could say Biden is a character, andyou'd be right. You could also call him rough around the edges.

I agree with Jason that HRC would have been the most winning move. I hope that Biden can speak with middle class whites.

HRC needs to put 100% into getting Obama elected. Everyone expects her to make a nice speech tonight, but if she doesn't campaign with him and go the extra mile, she really won't be doing anything to convert her diehard voters. I don't really expect her to do that b/c I believe she really doesn't want him to win. But hey, I'm no mindreader.