Biden's Gutsy Idea: Traveling With A GOP Candidate Across The Country For Mini-Debates

Back in March 2006, Democratic presidential contender Sen. Joseph Biden was talking about how he and Republican Sen. John McCain might travel the country together if they become their parties' presidential nominees -- debating issues just as President Kennedy and Sen. Barry Goldwater had once hoped they might be able to do.

Since then, Biden's standing in the national polls of Democrats has failed to move out of the low single digits and McCain's position among Republicans has slipped.

Our Gannett News colleague Chuck Raasch tells us that this week in Iowa, Biden brought up the idea again. And he also spoke about doing something similar, just in Iowa, with another of the GOP contenders.

Biden said he and Republican presidential candidate Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas have discussed holding a joint appearance in the state to discuss the Iraq War and show there's a way to "talk rationally about the biggest single issue facing the country."

Brownback and Biden have collaborated on a bipartisan proposal that calls for promoting a decentralized political settlement in Iraq, an idea that Biden has been pitching for more than a year. The Senate passed the measure last month, 75-23.

USA TODAY

And if McCain were the candidate and did agree to it I am guessing he would find a way to wiggle out of it after the first couple of events where bombed.

slightly different meaning

A little more like old fashioned politics, when the "people" picked the president, not the media.

It sounds like a good deal.

1) They might appear more presidential in that format.
2) Neither (R) or (D) would be interested blood, saving it for their primary opposition.

So its a great way for both to gain from the air time it might get. Thats earned media. Any candidate would love to get 15-30 minutes of good air time for free.

If only it would happen. Have both nominees appear together and let the audience decide. It sure would be a way to cut out the negative campaigning. For example when the gopers say 'the tax and spend democrats', the Dem could talk about our debt being financed by China.... and so on.

I could see most of the Dems being willing to do this, but not the repugs.

voters and take the campaigning to a higher level. I agree that the R's wouldn't have the guts to do it.

I would love to see Biden debate ANY of them -- he'd eat 'em up and spit 'em out.

He might get passionate about what he believes in, but he is smoooooth as silk when taking an opponent down.
I'm surprised he is not a Leo.

His birthday is November 20th. - A Scorpio -

Traditional
Scorpio Traits


Determined and forceful
Emotional and intuitive
Powerful and passionate
Exciting and magnetic


On the dark side....

Jealous and resentful
Compulsive and obsessive
Secretive and obstinate

I think it fits him pretty well! Except for the secretive side, I don't see that. But then again, he might just be keeping it a secret :)

this is what it says about you -



Traditional
Aries Traits

Adventurous and energetic
Pioneering and courageous
Enthusiastic and confident
Dynamic and quick-witted

On the dark side...

Selfish and quick-tempered
Impulsive and impatient
Foolhardy and daredevil

What do you think? is that you?

And this is what it says about me - and it is all true -

Traditional
Leo Traits


Generous and warmhearted
Creative and enthusiastic
Broad-minded and expansive
Faithful and loving


On the dark side....

Pompous and patronizing
Bossy and interfering
Dogmatic and intolerant
--------------------------------------

I haven't looked at astrology since the 70's. Fun stuff.

conceivably be attributed to just about everybody -- but I'll take the positive ones! :7

That's why you and I get along -- both fire signs. :headbang:

than any other sign! My son is a Scorpio (on light side)!

great idea!!!!! I really like Bidon, he has an air of maturity and experience the others are lacking.