Biden Gets Two More State Rep Endorsements in Iowa

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 394

That makes 16 total, for those keeping score at home. The momentum continues to build in Iowa!

Des Moines, IA (December 22, 2007) – Today, Sen. Joe Biden received endorsements from two key Iowa elected officials. State Representatives Dennis Cohoon of Burlington and Eric Palmer of Oskaloosa become the 15th and 16th Iowa State legislators to endorse Sen. Biden.

“I am supporting Sen. Biden because he’s the most prepared to be president from Day One,” said Rep. Cohoon. “And as a high school special education teacher for thirty years, I know Sen. Biden can accomplish the education reforms we need to get kids in preschool earlier and give them the opportunity to go to college.”

Rep. Palmer stressed Sen. Biden’s experience in world affairs and his commitment to civil rights: “The Des Moines Register talked about knowledge and experience in their endorsement. To me Joe Biden exhibits real knowledge and experience in foreign affairs and his understanding of the constitution, both qualities not exhibited by this White House. As Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, I am particularly impressed with Sen. Biden’s expertise in constitutional law, which will be critical to getting America back on track.”

In commenting on the endorsements, Biden for President National Political Director Danny O’Brien said, “These are two huge endorsements for Senator Biden that point to his growing momentum in the state. Eric and Dennis were highly sought after and the fact that they chose Joe Biden demonstrates that Iowans are beginning to focus in on what really matters in a president, authenticity and readiness for office.” Added O’Brien, who is also serving as Iowa State Director for the campaign, “We are very grateful to Eric and Dennis for stepping up at this critical time.”

In accepting the endorsement, Senator Biden said, “Getting the endorsement of two men I respect so much is a great tonic for the final push in Iowa. I know that what matters most in Iowa are the voices inside the caucuses who have the most respect from their constituents. That voice belongs to state and local officials. I have such tremendous gratitude for Rep. Cohoon and Rep. Palmer for their support and their confidence in our campaign.”

Rep. Dennis Cohoon was first elected in 1986 and has served in the Iowa State House for 21 years. He has been a high school special education teacher at Burlington Community High School for 30 years and is a member of the Iowa State Educators Association. Rep. Cohoon serves on several committees in the Iowa House: the Appropriations Committee, Education Committee, Local Government Committee, and Transportation Committee. He is also the Chairman of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitals Appropriations Subcommittee.

Rep. Eric Palmer was elected to the Iowa State House in 2006 and is serving his first term. Prior to his service in the House, Rep. Palmer was an Oskaloosa City Councilman for 6 years, and he has been an attorney in Oskaloosa for 20 years. Rep. Palmer serves on several committees in the Iowa State House: the Education Committee, Human Resources Committee, Labor Committee, Ways and Means Committee and he serves as Vice Chairman of the Judiciary committee. Rep. Palmer also serves on the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee.

Reps. Cohoon and Palmer join an impressive group of Iowa state legislators who have endorsed Senator Biden including: State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Des Moines), Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Polly Butka (Clinton), Rep. John Whitaker (Hillsboro), Rep. Doris Kelley (Waterloo), Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids), Rep. Roger Thomas (Elkader), Rep. McKinley Bailey (Webster City), State Senator Herman C. Quirmbach (Ames), Rep. Mary Gaskill (Ottumwa) and Rep. Bruce Hunter (Des Moines).

###

[UPDATED] Biden Campaign Announces Caucus Countdown Tour

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 395

Press release from the campaign.

Des Moines, IA (December 21, 2007): The Biden Campaign announced today that Sen. Joe Biden will return to Iowa on Wednesday, December 26th, to kick-off the
campaign’s ‘Caucus Countdown Tour’. The tour will begin with a Caucus Countdown Rally in Des Moines on Wednesday evening.

The following day, Biden will hit the trail for an eight-day barnstorm of the state which will take him through 28 counties. Over the course of this campaign Biden will have visited 90 of Iowa’s 99 counties.

Further details on countdown tour events are forthcoming.

Wednesday, December 26th
6:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL HOLD A KICK-OFF COUNTDOWN TO CAUCUS RALLY IN DES MOINES
Italian American Cultural Center
1961 Indianola Avenue
Des Moines, IA

Thursday, December 27th
12:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN WAYNE COUNTY
Lecompte Memorial Library
110 S Franklin Street
Corydon, IA 50060

3:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN UNION COUNTY
Creston High School
601 W Townline Street
Creston, IA

6:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Eagle’s Lodge
1530 Ave F
Council Bluffs, IA

Friday, December 28th
9:00 AM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN DALLAS COUNTY
Adel Public Library
Community Room
303 S 10th Street
Adel, IA

12:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN WINNESHIEK COUNTY
Mabe's Pizza and Restaurant
110 E. Water Street
Decorah, IA

3:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN HOWARD COUNTY
Featherlite Center
Howard County Fairgrounds
220 7th St W
Cresco, IA

5:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN BREMER COUNTY
Waverly Civic Center
200 1st St. NE
Waverly, IA

7:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN BLACK HAWK COUNTY
Waterloo Center for the Arts
225 Commercial Street
Waterloo, IA

Saturday, December 29th
9:00 AM SEN. BIDEN AND RICHARD SCHIFF WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN BUCHANAN COUNTY
Bill’s Pizza and Smokehouse
201 1st Street West
Independence, IA

11:30 AM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN DELAWARE COUNTY
Pizza Ranch
1100 W Main Street
Manchester, IA

2:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN CLAYTON COUNTY
Johnson’s Restaurant
916 1/2 High St NE
Elkader, IA

5:00 PM SEN. BIDEN AND RICHARD SCHIFF WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN DUBUQUE COUNTY
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
350 E 3rd Street
Dubuque, IA

Sunday, December 30th
12:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN CERRO GORDO COUNTY
Masonic Temple Association of Mason City
304 1st St. SE
Mason City, IA 50401

2:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN HANCOCK COUNTY
Garner Education Center
325 West 8th Street
Garner, IA

4:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN KOSSUTH COUNTY
Sister Sarah’s
1515 N McCoy St
Algona, IA 50511

7:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN WOODBURY COUNTY
Boys and Girls Club of Sioux City
513 14th Street
Sioux City, IA

Monday, December 31st
9:00 AM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN WEBSTER COUNTY
Bonanza
217 S 25th Street
Fort Dodge, IA 50501

12:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN STORY COUNTY
Ames Public Library Auditorium
515 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA

3:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN JASPER COUNTY
Jasper County Community Center
2407 1st Avenue East
Newton, IA

Tuesday, January 1st
12:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN POLK COUNTY
Raccoon River Brewing Company
200 10th Street
Des Moines, IA

2:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN WARREN COUNTY
WarrenCounty Administration Building
301 N Buxton Street
Indianola, IA

4:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN MARION COUNTY
Knoxville, IA

7:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN SCOTT COUNTY
Home of State Sen. Joe Seng
Davenport, IA

Wednesday, January 2nd
9:00 AM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN DES MOINES COUNTY
Burlington Arts Guild
629 Washington Street
Burlington, IA

12:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN WAPELLO COUNTY
Douma Elementary School
Side Entrance
307 W Mary Street
Ottumwa, IA

2:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN MAHASKA COUNTY
The Peppertree
2274 Highway 63
Oskaloosa, IA

5:00 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN JOHNSON COUNTY
North Ridge Parking Pavilion
2250 Holiday Road
Coralville, IA

7:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS COUNTDOWN EVENT IN LINN COUNTY
The Roundhouse
1350 A Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA

Thursday, January 3rd – CAUCUS DAY
8:00 AM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS DAY RALLY IN BLACK HAWK COUNTY
Jameson’s
310 East 4th Street
Waterloo, IA

11:00 AM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS DAY RALLY IN DUBUQUE COUNTY
UAW Hall
3450 Central Avenue
Dubuque, IA

1:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS DAY RALLY IN SCOTT COUNTY
Mojo’s Coffee House
129 Main Street
Davenport, IA

4:30 PM SEN. BIDEN WILL SPEAK AT A CAUCUS DAY RALLY IN POLK COUNTY
Des Moines, IA

# # #

Joe Biden and the Future of American Farms

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 397

Passing along this campaign press release on farming because, y'know, this is Iowa.

BIDEN ADDRESSES NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE POLICY TO PRESERVE FAMILY FARMS

“Farm Policy, Foreign Policy, And Economic Policy Are All Connected And Affect The Future Of American Farms”

Webster City, IA (December 20, 2007): Today at the All Cultures Equal, Inc. Center in Webster City, Iowa, Sen. Joe Biden discussed the importance of electing a candidate who can connect the dots between farm policy, economic policy and foreign policy to preserve the future of family and independent farms. He also outlined his own policy proposal for preserving the future of family farms in the 21st century global economy.

“In today’s global market, instability – whether it is in Pakistan or on Wall Street – is going to hit farmers’ bottom line,” said Sen. Biden. “I have represented an agricultural state for 35 years. We need a president who understands how all these things are related, because farm policy, foreign policy, and economic policy are all connected and affect the future of American farms. Farmers need a President who will restore stability.”

Sen. Biden praised the Farm Bill which the Senate recently passed as a step in the right direction, but he argued that more must be done to protect the future of family farms. For example, Sen. Biden supported a payment limitations measure that would have capped payments at $250,000, but the legislation was defeated during consideration of the Farm Bill.

"First, we must level the field on farm subsidies," said Sen. Biden. "Subsidies should do what they were designed to do, provide assistance in times of trouble, not just help the big get bigger at the expense of the little guy."

Sen. Biden urged that more aggressive steps be taken to make sure family farmers and independent producers are not squeezed out of markets by giant agri-business and market consolidation.

"Too often the deck is stacked against family farmers," said Sen. Biden. "We have to make sure competition is fair."

Sen. Biden supports the Packer Ownership Ban and would update protections to stop packers from engaging in price manipulation and make it easier for farmers to seek redress for unfair or deceptive practices. In 2006, it is estimated that captive supplies of livestock cost family farmers and ranchers more than $5.7 billion.

Sen. Biden praised expansion of conservation measures in the Farm Bill and called for more support for new farmers.

"The average farmer in Iowa is over 60. We are losing the next generation of farmers," said Sen. Biden. "We must stop this trend and do more to help young people get into farming."

Sen. Biden would also protect access to credit and capital for new farmers – including funding for alternative farming such as organic production or free range hog production. He supports helping farmers make the transition to organic production, which often allows them to collect a premium on their products, if they want to pursue that alternative. It takes three years of not using fertilizer and pesticides to make that transition and Sen. Biden would provide support to farmers during that period.

"Finally, we must have a smart and tough trade policy that levels the playing field for farmers in the global economy," said Sen. Biden. "That means we have to fight for fair agreements, to keep markets open – and review and enforce the trade agreements we have. In my administration trade officials will ensure enforcement is a priority."

New Biden Ad in Iowa: "January Night"

Day Until Bush Leaves Office = 397

With just two weeks to go until caucus night, Joe Biden is airing a new ad in Iowa beginning today. The 30 second spot, titled "January Night," intersperses text slides and stark black & white photos to highlight the dramatic nature of the choice Iowa voters will make on January 3.

Here's the script:

NARRATOR: It is a time of possibilities. Remarkable things can happen in the swirling dark cold of a January night. People are deciding that the truth counts. That leadership takes a steady hand, a steel spine, a cool head, an honest heart. We'll need wisdom and judgment. This world can be made safer for our nation and our families.

It's time to choose a president.

BIDEN: I'm Joe Biden, and I approve this message.

And the video:

Biden Talks Education in Fort Dodge

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 397

Joe Biden talked education today at the Fort Dodge Public Library. While there, Senator Biden discussed the decline in test scores among American students, occurring even as No Child Left Behind emphasizes test scores above all else.

I strongly agree with Joe Biden's stand on the need to expand the scope of our education policies beyond the constraints of No Child Left Behind. Education is more than test scores, and a well-educated society is the best possible answer by far to a host of issues confronting the country. For everything from crime and drugs, to unemployment and poverty, to our ability to compete in the global economy, to low voter turnout rates in elections, education can be the silver bullet. Biden's proposals show that he gets this, and has a workable set of plans to get us where we need to be.

As an aside, I saw a statement from Bill Richardson's campaign today decrying the increased prominence of domestic issues in the campaign of late. While I agree that Iraq is our most urgent foreign policy issue, voters across Iowa and across the country are also concerned about pressing domestic concerns, such as education, that directly impact their daily lives every bit as much as Iraq. Voters want a candidate who can credibly and effectively address issues both at home and abroad. Events like today's in Fort Dodge vividly illustrate that Joe Biden is that candidate.

Here's a campaign press release on Biden's Fort Dodge remarks.

BIDEN DISCUSSES PLAN TO IMPROVE STUDENT PERFORMANCE

“In The 21st Century, Education Has Become A Critical National Security Issue”

Fort Dodge, IA (December 19, 2007): Today at the Fort Dodge Public Library in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Sen. Joe Biden responded to new international test results showing that U.S. students lag behind their peers in other countries.

America's 15 year-olds recently ranked 25th in mathematics and 21st in science among the 30 member countries that make up the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Just 70 percent of American high school students reach graduation day. The United States now ranks 17th in the world in high-school graduation rates and 14th in college graduation rates.

"I want to make something very clear," said Sen. Biden. "It is not our students who failed these tests - it is our policies that are failing our students."

Sen. Biden called for an overhaul of No Child Left Behind and comprehensive education reform including: universal preschool, more time spent on learning, putting a well-paid effective teacher in every classroom, expanding service opportunities for middle and high school students and providing a minimum of two years of higher education for every student.

"Education is more than just math, science, and reading. Our focus on multiple choice tests has narrowed the curriculum and the ability of teachers to innovate," said Sen. Biden. "And that shows - not just in the math and science test scores - but in the basic education our students are missing: American history and training in how our government works."

Sen. Biden noted that in the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress test on civics education, only half of 8th graders were able to link religious freedom to the Bill of Rights and only half of 12th graders were able to identify the President's role in foreign policy. Only 47 percent of high school seniors have mastered a minimum level of U.S. history. Only half of U.S. high school students knew that the sentence "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal" is in the Declaration of Independence.

"Too many students are simply not getting a basic education in how democracy works," said Sen. Biden. "That's a crisis at a time when our civil liberties are under assault by an administration that has ignored basic protections such as habeas corpus, disregarded the balance of power and secretly authorized torture."

Sen. Biden announced that he would invest in grants to develop civics curricula for use in schools. He called for providing service opportunities through programs such as Americorps for middle and high school students and rewarding national service with help for college.

"My mother has an expression: 'children tend to become that which you expect of them.' I want a country where we expect much from America's children," said Sen. Biden. "As President, I assure you: education will always be my top domestic priority because I believe in the next generation. I believe that they will solve climate change, make us energy independent, and bring peace to the Middle East. But we need to give them the foundation to do it."

Several members of the Delaware State Educators Association, which recently endorsed Sen. Biden for president, were in attendance at today’s event.

Mike Hoffman, DSEA Treasurer said, “I support Sen. Biden because he’s always come to the teachers to get their input. I appreciate that he recognizes that No Child Left Behind needs to be scrapped and that unfunded mandates are wrong. Teachers want to be held accountable but we need to have a fair measure of our students. When Joe Biden talks about making real education reform, I know he means what he says.”

Mary Jo Faust, NEA Director for the Delaware State Education Association and a 2nd grade teacher in the Capital School District, added, “I support Joe Biden because he understands my needs as a teacher. He knows that No Child Left Behind is too prescriptive, that kids need to be in school earlier and longer, and that I teach best when I have small class sizes. And he also understands that we need a professional level starting salary to retain and attract teachers in the classroom.”

Anyone Else Talk with Musharref Today?

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 400

Anyone besides Joe Biden, I mean?

BIDEN Issues Statement Following Conversation with Musharraf

Washington, DC – Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) issued the following statement today after speaking by phone with Pakistan’s President Pervaiz Musharraf:

“This morning I spoke again with President Musharraf of Pakistan. I expressed my support for his recent decisions to retire from the military and to end the State of Emergency which he had imposed on November 3. I told President Musharraf that these steps were necessary but far from sufficient. I urged him to fully return Pakistan to the democratic path, in particular by lifting restrictions on the press, restoring an independent judiciary and ensuring that the January 8 elections are free, fair and transparent.

“Immediately following the imposition of the State of Emergency, the Bush Administration placed all U.S. aid to Pakistan under review. That review apparently came up empty: the Administration has lobbied hard against placing any conditions of aid that has exceeded $10 billion since 9/11. As I told President Musharraf, it is unlikely that Congress will be similarly inactive.

“The fate of democracy in Pakistan and America's future are joined – we have a profound stake in helping Pakistan succeed. Last month I unveiled a comprehensive plan for a new approach to Pakistan that would move from engagement with one man to engagement with a whole nation. The plan would provide considerable new resources, both economic and political. It would lay the foundation for a new era of cooperation, and strengthen the national security of both of our nations. But the first step must be a genuine return to the democratic path.”

So, how about it? Anyone else?

Clinton?
Edwards?
Obama?
Richardson?

*crickets chirping*

(Dodd gets a pass because of the retro immunity filibuster)

Other candidates talk about being "Ready From Day One." Joe Biden isn't waiting for "Day One" to lead: he is doing it now, and better than any of the other candidates.

Most Impressive Dem of the Week: Joe Biden

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 401

Joe Biden wins the award for Most Impressive Democrat of the Week. So says Huffington Post's Chris Weigant:

Senator (and presidential candidate) Joe Biden wins for being first out of the box last week to use the words "Special Counsel" (which last week's column heavily advised doing). Interviewed on ABC last Sunday, Biden called for a Special Counsel to be appointed to look into the CIA's destruction of interrogation tapes. He was the first presidential candidate to do so, and to date only one other (Edwards) is in the news for agreeing with Biden. This is the difference between leadership and poll-testing popular stances. Clinton and Obama are also sitting Senators, and there's nothing stopping them from making bold moves such as this, but they always seem to come from Joe Biden. For those of you counting MIDOTW awards, out of a total of seven awards given so far, Biden is now tied with Chris Dodd (2 each), while the entire rest of the Democratic field has exactly zero among them. So join me in saying: "Way to go, Joe!" [emphasis added]

This adds to the buzz that continues to build around Biden, right across the spectrum of Democratic opinion. With 19 days to go before the caucus, and following a widely praised performance at Thursday's Des Moines Register debate, things continue to move in Joe Biden's direction. Way to go, Joe, indeed!

Nevada Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Endorses Joe Biden

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 402

According to today's Las Vegas ReviewJournal, the Plumbing, Pipefitting, and Refrigeration Workers UA Local 525 has endorsed Joe Biden for President.

"The Biden team in Nevada is excited to have The Plumbers and Pipefitters on board. They bring another level of grass roots support to our campaign," said Biden for President Nevada State Director Ronni Council in a press release.

In the same press release, UA Local 525 Business Manager Brett McCoy said, “Joe Biden has always been there for organized labor and that record is important to us. He’s also the only candidate who has a plan to get us out of the war and who is aware of the domestic problems we face, like the economy, and knows how to fix them.”

“The history of the last century has taught a simple lesson,” the press release quotes Senator Biden as saying. “When the union movement is strong, our middle class is strong. When our middle class is strong, our country is strong.

“As president, I will immediately sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law. I will guarantee that the National Labor Relations Board returns to being a fair forum to contest unfair labor practices. I will appoint people to the Department of Labor who understand the value of unions to our economy and will make sure that pro-union officials play senior roles at the Departments of Commerce, State, Agriculture, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. And I will also create good, union jobs by investing in our national infrastructure. We have $1.6 trillion of work to do to rebuild our roads, tunnels, ports and bridges. That means more construction, manufacturing, and transportation jobs for Americans.

“I am honored that the Plumbers and Pipefitters have pledged their support to my campaign and will continue to work as hard for them in the future as I have in the past.”

Local 525 represents about 2,200 members in the southern half of Nevada, including the greater Las Vegas area.

Thoughts on the Des Moines Register Democratic Debate

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 403

The Des Moines Register debate among the Democratic candidates for president has just wrapped up. Here are some thoughts on each candidate, in alphabetical order.

Joe Biden - hampered by a cold, Biden nonetheless delivered a strong performance in this debate. All the candidates recognize the importance of Iowa in the 2008 campaign process, but more than any of the others, Joe Biden was able to speak to Iowan's specific issues and concerns directly and effectively, but without overt pandering. Two examples: speaking about the contrast between his first trip to Iowa in 1974 and the present, Biden observed that there is now "so much open land and so few farmers," due to the rise of agribusiness at the expense of family farms, and he gave a terrific response on alternative energy and biofuels, giving an answer that referred to both cellulosic and corn-based ethanol and the comparative long term potential of each that will have the other candidates scrambling back to their playbooks to emulate. Look for that to pay dividends for Biden in the final sprint to January 3rd. But undoubtedly the best moment of this debate for Joe Biden, or any of the other candidates, for that matter, was his statement on civil rights, which drew applause from not only the audience, but the other candidates on the stage. Biden carried the entire hall, and the debate with it, in that moment.

Hillary Clinton: In a debate focused on issues and substance, Hillary Clinton came in with a game plan focused on selling her personal qualities to voters, rather than her policies. She strove - visibly strove - to appear relaxed, unflappable, strong, and confident in her inevitable success in this campaign. I'm not so sure this was the best strategy for this particular debate. The idea that this race is for all practical purposes over a full 3 weeks before caucus night is beginning to ware on Iowans. Clinton may have done better to engage on issues, rather than portraying herself as the One to Beat.

Chris Dodd: Dodd is always at his best when talking about the rule of law and restoring the Constitution, and today was no exception. Dodd also scored well in a gutsy pitch for a corporate carbon tax instead of a cap and trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But there wasn't a home run for Chris Dodd today, and that is what he needs absolutely every single time he goes to bat between now and January 3rd. Even then, it may already be too late for Dodd to improve his chances at a respectable showing in the caucuses, and that would be a shame for a candidate who has run a solid, ideas-based campaign.

John Edwards: Today was a missed opportunity for John Edwards. Edwards had a chance to come in to this debate and remind Iowans why it was they catapulted him to national prominence with a second place finish here four years ago. Rather than do that, however, John Edwards treaded water with answers that did little more than rerun lines from his stump speeches. Edwards didn't gain any ground today, which, with the polls showing him in a no-margin-for error dead heat with Clinton and Obama, is as much as to say that he lost ground.

Barack Obama: Today was easily Barack Obama's best debate so far. At a pivotal moment in the campaign, his statement repeating his "fierce urgency of now" case for his candidacy and his description of his plans for his first year in office showed a combination of heart and head that put Barack Obama in his best light. The trick for Obama now is that he must clearly display this combination again and again between now and caucus night to pull supporters away from the other established front runners. Obama's off-the-cuff remark about looking forward to receiving Hillary Clinton's advice when he is president was also 100% pitch perfect. It's hard to imagine Barack Obama performing any better than he did at this debate.

Bill Richardson: Amiable, unpretentious in spite of his accomplishments, and likeable, Bill Richardson nonetheless came into this debate an undeniably deflated candidate. Once showing potential to actually crack into the polling territory inhabited by Clinton, Edwards and Obama, Richardson appears to have peaked in mid summer and has been steadily losing ground ever since. Lacking energy, let alone any memorable lines, and seemingly unable to close the sale with Iowa voters, Bill Richardson did nothing to halt his slide in today's debate. You can practically hear the air seeping out of his candidacy.

Chris Matthews: Biden in Top Three for Nomination Race

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 404

On Hardball this past Monday, Chris Matthews did his regular "Power Ranking" of the Democratic candidates for president, ranking who is most likely to become the nominee next year. The big news: Joe Biden is now ranked third in the field, behind only Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, both much better financed and beneficiaries of infinitely more media coverage.

Here's what Matthews had to say:

"On the Democratic side I say, and this may surprise you, that Joe Biden is now the third best bet for the nomination. I'm hearing a lot of buzz about him from people who pay attention."

Here's the video:



This confirms what I'm hearing from other voters I talk to, as well. As voters here become more focused on making their final caucus choices, and as they get to know Joe Biden, they are seeing him not only as the candidate who is the leading voice on solving the Iraq mess, but more and more as a legitimate alternative to the established front runners. The closer we get to caucus night, the better positioned Joe Biden is to dramatically exceed expectations here in Iowa.