(CNN) – Vice President-elect Joe Biden’s eldest son Beau left his training base in Texas on Wednesday, bound for a year-long tour of duty in Iraq with his Delaware National Guard unit.
The 114 members of the 261st Signal Brigade were training at Fort Bliss, Texas for the past two months ahead of their mobilization to Iraq. Captain Beau Biden, also Delaware’s attorney general, will serve as an assistant Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in Iraq, enforcing the Uniform Code of Military Justice and helping troops with legal issues back home.
On their way to Iraq, the unit will make two stops before arriving at a staging area outside of Iraq where they will receive additional training and equipment. The location of the staging area is classified, though most U.S. troops stage in Kuwait before going into Iraq.
The Vice President-elect was able to see his son one last time before his mobilization last weekend in Nevada when the unit had ‘R&R’ leave.
Beau was also given special permission to fly to Chicago to join his family on Election Day but declined, instead watching the returns and President-elect Barack Obama’s speech on a laptop at Fort Bliss.
“This is a different brand of kid,” his father remarked to reporters on the flight to Chicago.
Joe Biden often gets emotional when talking about his family and fought back tears during brief remarks at Beau’s deployment ceremony in Dover, Delaware on October 3.
“I’ve come here many times before – as a Delawarean, as a United States senator. But today I come as you prepare to deploy as a father,” Biden told the soldiers and their families gathered in front of the Capitol building. “Like all of the family members that are here today gathered on this green, my heart is full of love and pride.”
“Never before has a Delaware guard unit been deployed that is better qualified,” he added. “You are the best demonstration of both our nation’s greatness and, equally as importantly, our people’s goodness.”
Beau will return to Delaware next September and though he has tried to tamp down speculation, rumors are swirling about the possibility of his running for his father’s Senate seat in 2010.
From CNN Politics
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Why are you doing this, CNN? As if it wasn't enough that Palin made it known to the World of her Son going into IRAQ!
I understood that, as with the son of Prince Charles, that placing a high profile soldier in harm's way in counterproductive. We don't want to have to deal with a ransome for Beau next year when Biden takes the Vice Presidency.
A little off topic - but if it's okay for a vice-president's son and other senators' sons and daughters to be in Iraq, then why don't they let Prince Harry go back? If people want to serve, why not let them? I know having some high profile people in those areas could bring undue attention by the enemy, but Harry was doing okay until that reporter spilled the beans.
Godspeed Beau...our thoughts and prayers go with you and all our servicemen and women deployed throughout the world.
Good luck and Godspeed, Beau. Thank you for your service to our country.
I sincerely hope that all you nasty bloggers out there keep your venom out of this thread.
Wishing you a safe arrival and safe return home. Our prayers are with you.
Say hello to my bro (Lee W) for me.
Matt Drudge blew the cover for Prince Harry, although his defenders say he was not the first to break the news. He needs to keep his nose out of the Bidens' live and let Beau do his service as he is supposed to.
Best of Luck Beau! Godspeed.
Be safe Beau, our prayers are with you and your family at this time along with all the soldiers and their families.
As a fellow vet I say thank you to Beau and the Biden family and may God be with you. Don't forget your Chem light batteries.
Say it ain't so Joe. OMG you mean you are letting your son go to a war your not for? Where is the Political unrest now? You have the power Joe, maybe you can pull a string or two and have him doing something non combative.
lets not get too excited, its not like he's in a combat unit. He's just a lawyer and is at not going to be in harm's way.
Biden has held his tongue about his son going to IRAQ and tried desperately not to make it a big deal. Unlike Palin, she let the entire world know her son is in IRAQ to get sympathy votes. I wish Beau well and hope he comes home soon from this senseless war.
I wish you well Beau and thank you for your service to our country. May God bless you and keep you safe.
God bless you Beau and all the men and women serving our country in places known and unknown.
be safe brave one.
Your a LOT safer with Bush than your going to be when daddy gets into office !!!
Best wishes goes out to Biden and the entire family and to all the brave soldiers who are fighting. May God bless each and every one of you. Be safe!
Family is so much more important. Missed a once in a life time to be with and partake of the great change that is coming. Why for political reason? You dont have to prove nothing only to God and self always know that.
biden's son will never leave the green zone. He is a desk jockey who is there to prosecute marines. Palin's son is with a combat unit. McCain's son was in a combat unit. Brave are you kidding me he isn't fighting in combat. He is less brave than the reporters who go out. Biden's son will be in the green zone the whole time.
I have empathy for Biden re: his son as I have had family who have fought for freedom for America. That is why I am heartbroken that Obama is our President instead of McCain who knows what to do and loves America.
Beau's good character speaks volumes about his parents. God be with Beau and all our brave military throughout the year.
Hey Ron,
Your post shows your ignorance of today's military. I served in a signal battalion as an enlisted man and got shot at too. One no longer has to be infantry, armor or other direct combat specialties
to be in grave danger when deployed over seas.
Biden got five draft deferments even though he was a swimmer and athlete. Biden made up stories how he was shot at in iraq and his plane was forced down in afghanistan.
McCain's son was in a combat unit in iraq but never talked about it. Biden did use his son for politicall points he spoke at the going away ceremony. McCain didn't because he didn't want to use his son.
This comment is for Ron...............you really are showing your ignorance! Having served in Iraq and Afghanistan, you are always in harms way! At some point, he must travel via a convoy into the area. Please stop with the negative comments. How about this, why don't you go to Iraq and let's see how you feel?
There are so many cynical and hateful remarks on this blog. I understand the high feelings during the election but come on people. Some individuals on here must really lead sad lonely lives.
He is a JAG officer, he will be safe...and with that legal background, in a great position to come back and follow in Dad's footsteps – politics.
Best wishes to Beau and thanks for your willingness to serve.....even though your dad will be a cowardly vice-commander-in-chief.
To the Ignorant Don:
A true patriot is loyal even under disagreeable circumstances. While the war in Iraq has been anything but necessary, the truth is that Beau Biden is selflessly serving our country and rather than being cynical, rude or disrespectful (including the comments about Palin's son in Iraq) we should pay tribute to him and all troops. I pray God's hand of protection guide them.
Given his character I wish he was taking a Senate appointment, he would be more useful there. Comparisons to Palen – who's son dropped out of high school – are odious.
Adios Amigos!!
We'll keep your lobbying job open.
Get out of Iraq. Now.
Fuhrer Bush invaded Iraq and Afghanistan illegally and we should not still be there, much less sending in more troops to die for his personal profit.
Stop the senseless killing.
I have personally been very interested in Joe Biden for number of years for reasons of my own. Now I am also proud of his son Beau Biden who has gone to Iraq to serve his country. And as a father of a son, I wish Beau the best of luck in Iraq and God bless him and God return him safely to this country and his father.
To those complaining about the way either Biden or Palin handled their son's going off to war, be a little respectful please. Palin's son is off to face actual combat duty at a young age while Biden's son is off to probably the Green zone to be a JAG attorney and work with other soldier's legal problems and will probably never see or be near a combat zone. If the two handled the deployment in a different manner they have every right to. There is danger everywhere there but the two circumstances of the sons are totally different. I wish them both a safe and speedy return along with all the others serving over there.
The ignorance & arrogance by some of you is frightening... whatever happened to being an AMERICAN forget being a republican or democrat?!
To Jan/Michigan, Larry and Ron,
If you have nothing good to say, please keep quiet. I just got back from Iraq, I didn't feel safer even with Bush as my Commander (Larry.) ,and if McCain cares so much about this country why are we in Iraq (Jan) and anyone in the theatre of operations is in harms way. Even the green zone gets hit by mortars often (Ron).
Ouch – let's all just keep this quiet. They tend to target highly visible people. That's hard on everyone nearby.
Beau Biden sounds like he has his priorities set up and good to go. He knows what his job is and plans on doing it (presumable) without question. I wonder what his future plans are. He could be a great model for the future.
@Larry,
You are one sick puppy by saying that Beau Biden will be less safe now under GWB than after his dad takes office. It was Bush and Cheney who got us into this mess in the first place based solely on Bush's desire to be manufacture greatness. Thank goodness it is only 61 more days before we are done with the Bush, the man, but not the messes he created.
I'm believing that all our brave soldiers will be kept safe and brought home alive and in one piece. President Elect Obama has placed national security as a top priority and as a true Commander in Chief, he will protect our soldiers as well.
God bless you, Beau and all of our soldiers!
Hundreds of soilders ship out to our two war zones each and every day. Thoudands of wounded soilders return to this country each day in worse shape than when they went. Why is this news? I applaud Beau for taking no special treatment, but heknew going in that this was possible.
Palin's son is a high school dropout who went in to the army as an alternative to flipping burgers. Beau is a lawyer who voluntarily stays in the army because he wants to serve his country. And to Ron:
There is no safe place in Iraq. As someone noted, any travel is dangerous, and bombings are everywhere.
I've served-23 years Army -Active Duty
Ron-how many years have you served?
i agreed with Nan.
Larry,
Most people might offer words of encouragement or gratitude, and not let politics get in the way of basic human principles.
Congrats on being so unique. You should be proud.
I pray that Obama finds a way to being ALL the troops home safely, and end this money and oil-driven war. Bush and Cheney need to tried for war crimes against humanity, and the killing must stop. God is not blessing America over this atrocity nor any other war.
I can't believe the nerve of some you people! Regardless of your views, he's still a Soldier in the Best military on Earth and him along with more of OUR sons & daughters are about to go into harms way! For any of our uniformed personnel going into harms way, you should be praying for their safe return.
God speed to them and Bless their families for their strength during this deployment. May all our uniformed personnel come home soon, come home safe!
HOOAH!
May God bless you and your family. Your family represents True America. We stand by you Beau
Kick some A.. and come back home safe.
although i hate joe bidden and would love to dress him up in a suit and have him sent to iraq, i have to thank beau for what he is doing.
God speed to you all! Thank you all for serving our country!!!!
Best of luck to you, Beau. And, thank you so much for fighting for our country.
Stay safe Beau, you are in my prayers. Pres Obama and VP Biden will bring you brave soldiers home soon.
Steven–check out some of the other posts and tickers re: your ignorant comment about "having nothing good to say"–the vitrolity of Obama backers is beyond the pale and sometimes not even human.
DON, what you said makes absolutely no sense. You are an idiot!!
Beau Biden...character? Beau Biden a future senator?
Those words absolute disgust me! I wish him success in his deployment and I hope God brings him back to Delaware safely, but, for the sake or my state, I sincerely wish he would gratiously back out of politics. We've already had one nimrod son of a good politician in the white house....I guess we're gearing up for the second.
This man is so fake and false, it's not even funny. He's indecisive, scatterbrained and degrating. I worked with him and know what his "character" is, and let me tell you from personal experience...you've got it all wrong.
All of the knuckleheads who say that he isn't going to be in danger over there because he's going to be a JAg officer make these comments from the safety of their trailer. These are the guys you see riding around with the camofluge outfits in their pickup with their support for the war extending no more than to talk about it over 10 beers at Billy Bobs Beer and Hot Dog pub. These are the same guys who have 20 guns in their house but won't elist to help save America from the guys who want to take away their right to put airplane tires under their pickup truck, hunt squirrels with an AK47 and smack their fat wives around in their wifebeaters whenever their favorite football team loses. Anytime you're in a war zone there's danger. The only thing more dangerous than being in Iraq or Afganistan is being around these morons after a couple of beers and a 3 legged deer wanders by.
Never ceases to amaze me. (the level of hate in this country) And expressed mostly by the self appointed Christian Right.... Good luck Beau..... come home safe and bring your friends with you too.
oh, and how many times did he take the Delaware Bar until daddy bought him into the Delaware elite...?? hmmm
Wonder if Daddy's gonna get him appointed to the Delaware Senate seat and have him brought home from Iraq.
It's an honorable thing to serve your country. I commend that, but Joe Biden will stop at nothing to get his son home and into the senate
folks – yes, the GreenZone gets mortared. Yes, he is JAG, but the green zone gets mortared. If you haven't been there, if you don't have a dog in this fight, might I suggest you just shut up. Oh, yeah, I DO have a dog in this fight, my husband leaves for his second trip to the litterbox soon. My son made it out of there after his tour.
Larry – who the heck started this mess? wasn't Joe Biden, last time I looked...
Ron – I'm sure there is a unit somewhere that could use you, so toddle on down to your recruiter now... [crickets]... Ron? Ron??
Beau be safe. I pray for all out men and women. Hope they will be home soon
God Speed Beau! You will be in our thoughts until your safe return.
May God Bless all of our troops.
Karen – Proud of This Country,
Just shut it with the partisan crap. Wish both of the sons well and a speedy return and keep your filth out of it.
hey beau.. you're HOT!
be safe.
Beau, may you and your brethren stay out of harm's reach. All of the military personnel fighting for their country (in a war that should have never happened) deserve our respect. As do their families.
Jan- Two wrongs don't make a right. And anyway, what do I care about Obama supporters, my responsibility is to the USA. My point is it doesn't matter who is in the White House when those IEDs are going off. Trust me.
keep your head down son.
I cannot imagine what Joe Biden or any parent is going throu seeing his son and daughter being send to the most dangerous place on earch. I admire, respect, and pray for you all who are fighting to make this world a better place.
May God be with him and his loved ones.
I so want this war to end – and am shamed that the oil in Iraq is so important to the Bush Administration that they let our military men and women die for it.
This is a war for oil, a war that has nearly destroyed our country.
It must end now.
It is news... for the ignorant people that pretend this is not news worthy, here is the Delaware Attn General, being deployed to Iraq, he also happens to be the son of the Vp-elect. Joe Biden should be proud of his family, may all of us have half the pride he has. this is a good story and for the morons that can't seem to uderstand this, un-plug your hearts and lighten up a little.
I hope and pray Beau Biden comes home the same way he left......and soon. Thank you for your service to our Country. Be safe.
I have nothing negative to say, I only hope he returns safely as I do with all the men and women that are still being shipped out daily. It takes a special parent to watch someone leave that they may never see again. My thoghts and prayers are with them both.
IS THERE ANY HONOR AMONG US OR HAVE WE FORGOTTEN OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN ARE ALL SERVING OUR COUNTRY. STOP THE NASTY REMARKS, IF YOU DON'T SERVE FOR WHATEVER REASON SHOW SOME RESPECT FOR THOSE THAT DO.
Wonder just what it is that causes some bloggers on here to spew out such venom and hatred >? True christians may hate the "things ( sins) people do BUT, not the person ! Christians are instructed to PRAY for those they "think" are doing wrong, nor HATE them ! My husband is a veteran ( of Viet Nam) and never ever would we say such horrible things no matter whose son, husband, father was sent to war..Plesase people, if you cant wish these young men good will, and a hasty welcome back, please, oh please, dont spew your hate..find help, get OVER your hate before it totally consumes YOU..not the person your directing it at ! I wish BOTH these young men God Speed, Good luck and a fast return..and the same for ALL o ver there in any war anywhere..War IS hell..
Marie..in Texas
Some of you people should be ashamed of yourselves. Both Biden and Palin sons are going of their own free will. You jerks can be so mean.
Unless you have sons and daughters fighting and dying in illegal wars around the world shut your filthy yaps. Show a little respect for those willing to die for us you low lives.
This is great! Government leaders who vote for the war, support the war should step up and send their own children to the front. I wonder if this was mandatory IF Bush/Cheney would have had to send their daughters...... IF they would have attacked Iraq!
Godspeed to Beau Biden! And all our Troops in harm's way.
God Bless you, Beau
As a navy "brat," I commend anyone's service for our country. I, like so many, just wish that we had not gotten oursevles into this war based on lies and deception. Hopefully, at least by the end of 2011, our men and women will be home or at least serving in the world where are security is at a risk and the people of that nation truly need and want our help. Godspeed, Beau.
To all of our brave men and women serving for this great country!
We wish you God-speed, safety, and the endurance of your mind and soul that we know you will need.
Good luck Beau and all the solders. Stay safe
Yes I have one: VP JOE BIDEN DO NOT LET OBAMA DESTROY OUR MILITARY. WE DO NOT NEED ANY MORE FAILED WARS, LOSS OF LIVES, DESTROYING OF PROPERTY WITHOUT WINNING. SOON OUR TROOPS WILL DEPART FOR WAR WITH AN ALREADY DEFEATED ATTITUDE. TAKE IT FROM THIS OLD VETERAN OF 28-YEARS IN THE U.S. ARMY. FAILURE WILL NOT SUCCEED FOR THE SECURITY OF THE UNITED STATES. A SOLDIER FIGHTS TO WIN NOT LOSE. RUNNING OUT OF VIET NAM. BEING RAN OUT OF SOMOLLIA, THE 36TH PARRELL IN KOREA. STOPPING IN DESERT STORM BEFORE THE WAR WAS OVER. NEED I GO ON. WHAT HAS ANY OF THESE BATTLES DONE FOR US EXCEPT DESTROY OUR MORAL. WHEN THE AMERICANS AT HOME DO NOT HAVE THE STOMACH FOR WAR. I REALIZE WHAT IS RUNNING THIS COUNTRY IS THE PRODUCT OF THE FLOWER CHILDREN. BUT IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO GROW UP.
If it wasn't for Bush's policy of INFLICTING democracy on the world we wouldn't be hated by everyone outside of the US and wouldn't be sending ANY of our young people off to fight this illegal war.
God speed, Beau. You'll be in our prayers along with the other brave troops.
Lets call it what it is people.
He is in a non combat unit well out of harms way. Minorities and poor soldiers should be so lucky. No OUR sons and daughters get to serve as the human shield for little Biden. The only reason he is going is because we all know it helps your political career to serve in the armed forces. He is being groomed for the oval office. That is the ONLY reason, and papa Biden will bring him back asap.
Is this change? How can America have been so blind? Even amidst all the cheerleading the media did I had higher expectations for Americans. What a sad, doomed, era we live in.
I wish this kid all the best in the world, but I cannot help but think back to several months ago when Sarah palin was shipping her son off to Iraq. All of your heartless Liberals who are now pretending to care about the soldiers were screaming that it was completely horible of her as a mother to let her son go to war. You also said that she was trying to gain political points for attending his departure but had nothing but praise for joe Biden when he attended his son's departure ceremony. You are the biggest hypocrites
Godspeed to you, Capt. Biden!
We will be praying for your success, and safe return home!
Blessed be your family as they wait for you!
God Bless America!
I agree with others who think it unwise to send high-profile sons to the war in Iraq.
But then, it just occurred to me that if 'politics' is a future fate for any of these young men, well, they would be thrashed by their opponent for not having served in the war with much the same BS we've heard before: 'daddy bought your way out of fighting in the war; how un-patriotic not to serve your country, etc. It just seems that what we are arguing today, we will be defending tomorrow.
And what will we say if one of these young men — whether his last name is Biden, McCain, or Palin — should not return home. How devastatingly sad and painful that would be for his family. But it seems these are the tragedies that grab national attention.
What about all the young men who have died fighting the war in Iraq — the ones returning home in coffins, those whom we have been denied seeing. Or, what about the ones returning with missing limbs, and other ailments that we remain largely unaware.
Good Luck Beau and godspeed to you and everyone out there in the military. Come home safe!
And why didn't Bush's kids lift a finger to support their country while Daddy was in office?
May God Bless you, Beau. Be well, and many safe returns. And hopefully they will have a senate seat waiting for you when you get back.
Character is like a tree and reputation like it's shadow...
The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing...
Be safe Beau... be safe all... because of you ALL we'll have a Happy Thanksgiving. WE hope you ALL do too!
GOOD LUCK, BEAU, AND MAY GOD SPEED YOUR SAFE RETURN
God Bless Beau Biden and his family!! May the Lord keep him and strenghten him for this journey!!
Come back safe, Beau, sooner rather than later.
Beau...May God be with you and protect you.
Man, you people can find anything to be negative about. Regardless if he is going to push papers at a desk...he is still going. Where will you be? He is going to be away from his family & home during the holidays whether he is at a desk or not. Grow the hell up!!!!
You praise Palin's son (who was used as one of her many selling points, as all her children were), but Biden's son is nothing. The sympathy/hypocritical bais given to that woman during this campaign has been mind boggling to me. SORE LOSERS!!!!!!
Ron wrote: "lets not get too excited, its not like he's in a combat unit. He's just a lawyer and is at not going to be in harm's way."
That is not how things work. Back in May, An Army Reserve captain on active duty in Iraq, Mr. Mahaffee died May 15th, at age 36, from shrapnel injuries to his shoulder, chest and lungs that he suffered on May 5, when a roadside bomb exploded under the vehicle in which he was riding.
Mahaffee was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1995 and had a general practice in Waukegan. He was married and the father of 2 when he was killed in Iraq, having been there only three weeks.
Send Joe instead, but give him a 4 year deployment!
BRING THE TROOPS HOME! NOW!
Knowing him, he is already training his daughters so that they can serve in the military.
I have zero respect for Joe Biden, but I do wish Beau Biden and his fellow unit members the best of luck on their time in theater... and hope they all come back quickly and safely to their families. Hooah.
Michelle Obama so admires the U.S. military, she will be a great First Lady who truly loves her country.
As a veterans of the untied states army, some of the comments I read makes me wonder how many american are willing to give their lives for their country. Some of you with the sarcastic comments...you know who you are...Republican, democrats, indepent...it doesn't matter. No wonder why people around the world hate americans. We are always aruging with each other about petty crap.
Beau I pray that you will return home safely and I see from your Job in IRAQ a few of my friends will be serving under you, I know they will be proud no matter who's son you are. Take care of yourself and your fellow comrads. If your relationship with people is anything like what I see in your father and Barack, I know men and women alike will be happy to have you in command. God speed Beau and I know why you do what you do. One very proud american to another.
I remember needing to beat the crap out of loud mouthed cowards when we came home during Vietnam when they spat at us, threw stuff and called us "Baby killers". It's comforting to read their kids get it no matter what they think of the war. It's also good to see people aren't listening to the puke coming out of Hanoi Jane Fonda who so many fought and died for to protect her right to get so many of our young people killed. Respect those who serve equally regardless of there name being Biden, Palin, or anything else. They're all heros no matter who their parents are. God protect them one and all.
Let's Make this very clear.... Beau is the Attorney General for the state. He is in the reserves and even when given special permission to be with his family for the election night he chose not to.
This man is doing something very honorable that many of us, including myself, wouldn't do. So lay off him. WIsh him luck and a safe return home like the rest of our troops including Gov. Palin's son.
Why are people so cynical when it comes to our troops?
Folks, can we please stop politicizing this post?
All we should say is: Godspeed Cpt. Biden!
I find it interesting how many people send god's blessings or pray to god for a safe return while remembering there is a whole region in the Middle East doing the same thing only on behalf of the people fighting against American soldiers.
Just my opinion but if there ever was or is a god then I really don't think there would be a war. Kind of hard to reconcile the two points.
Pouge
Wow, some folks on here are pure unadulterated haters. A young man is leaving with many other young men and women to serve his country in uniform. Can't some people put their sheer venom, hatred and poison aside long enough to have a little respect, regardless of party affiliation, for our troops and the sacrifices they and their families make? It's sickening.
What a great forum for taking cheap partisan shots at people! Unless I missed something I believe that Beau Biden has already addressed the question about being appointed as his father's replacement in the Senate, he asked that his name be removed from consideration. He also declined an opportunity to leave his unit training in Colorado to go to Chicago for the election night festivities. I thought that act alone showed a great deal of character.
So, how about all the hate mongers and Rush Lamebrain fans find something else to spew their vile rhetoric on for today,
My goodness. The hate and anger from you people amazes and sickens me. Here is a young man, going to Iraq where NO area is 'safe', even the green zone. He's putting his life on the line, along with thousands of others to support a political rival's policies because he is, first and foremost, an American. I don't support W, and I want to see these men and women come home asap. But to label him a coward (Ron) or to suggest that his father can 'pull strings' to get him out (Don) or to politicize this in any way shows the ignorance that has plagued this country since W took office.
From LIsa- "Family is so much more important. Missed a once in a life time to be with and partake of the great change that is coming. Why for political reason? You dont have to prove nothing only to God and self always know that." HUH????? Learn to properly construct a sentance, please!!!!
Be safe Beau your in our heart and mind god bless you plus all our troops
God's speed to Beau and the Biden family.
I agree with BBB. To those with hateful comments towards Beau Biden, you absolutely should be ashamed of yourselves. In no way should your feelings toward the results of election day serve as a hateful platter towards BEAU. I am currently in the military and am dissapointed to see these hateful comments coming from the very people whom we serve. You should think twice about your patriotism towards our country if it is only reduced to a division of red and blue...
Godspeed Beau Biden and all our servicemen & women. Here's praying for your safe return.
I completely disagree with Joe Biden and his politics. I hate his toothy grin that is perfectly mocked on SNL. I can't stand rhetoric, pandering, and complete lack of charity as evidenced by his disclosed finances. I would shake his hand at a chance meeting, but I'd feel dirty afterwards.
However, I am grateful and thankful that he has raised an honorable son who has the courage and ability to serve this country. I absolutely commend him for that and for his commitment to do what is right.
Even more, I'm grateful that his son is willing to serve. God bless.
i was talking to this guy today and he had the nerve to say that the only true americans are people that voted republican.....and statements like that are why the republicans have lost in landslides this year and in 2006.
Don November 20th, 2008 9:37 am ET
Say it ain't so Joe. OMG you mean you are letting your son go to a war your not for? Where is the Political unrest now? You have the power Joe, maybe you can pull a string or two and have him doing something non combative.
Don November 20th, 2008 9:37 am ET
Say it ain't so Joe. OMG you mean you are letting your son go to a war your not for? Where is the Political unrest now? You have the power Joe, maybe you can pull a string or two and have him doing something non combative.
================================
Maybe he should ask Mitt Romney for advice on how to keep his kid from serving his country
Be safe and God be with you Beau.
Steven–my 2 nephews would disagree with you–Obama plans to soft-peddle to the enemy and make it less safe–they think it matters if the POTUS knows how to talk tough with terrorists.
God's Speed Beau! Be safe and come home soon!
Wow! "A Really Conservative Realist", "Don", "Ron", and "Larry" all need to get a room. A rubber room at that! Idiots.
Good bye Beau! God Speed!!!! And hurry home safe!!!!!!!!!!
I did not serve in Iraq but I did in Viet Nam and I can tell you that the only safe place in a war zone is "OUT OF IT". Biden is serving his country for what ever reason and he is to be honored for his service. You do not have to like or respect the man but remember that he is an American Serviceman so please respect the uniform and what it represents. OUR SECURITY.
Right or wrong, it is his duty to follow all legal orders. Pray for him. Pray for them all and if you are not a person of faith at least wish him a safe return.
Obama u fooled me........
so much for new ideas/new people.........
i wish i never voted for u Obama..........................
CHange=============>> Clintons again
Obama==============>>Liar
mitt Romny=========>> how come none of your sons( all 5 ) wanna serve the Country????
Last time I checked the only thing to harm a lawyer was holy water and silver bullets. None of which the other side has in Iraq. See ya BB when you get back. Also, the ladies and the boys have your back. You are never alone.
Godspeed Beau, and for the rest of you, you should be ashamed to call yourself a citizen of these United States for the way you put down a dedicated serviceman to this country. Regardless of his (or his fathers) political background, you need to be respectful of someone on his way to defend the rights and freedoms that allow us to post our thoughts on a forum like this.
God bless America, and our troops. Good luck Beau.
Rbinny,
He's going over with a JAG unit... means that he'll be practicing law not kicking in doors. That's "non- combative" and in today's world, it's a job that's really needed over there in Iraq. I wish CPT Biden all the luck in the world, hope it goes well.
He is so hot
IS THERE ANY ONE OUT THERE WITH AN INCH OF PRIDE ANY MORE. YEAH HE'S NOT GOING TO BE ON THE FRONT LINE BUT AT LEAST HE'S DOING MORE THEN THE REST OF YOU COUCH HUGGERS..
Best of luck to you. Thank you for your service to our country.
Although at a moral disagreement with our current wars overseas, I must say I have a large amount of respect for Beau Biden. He is serving his country, and anyone who attempts to diminish this situation should be ashamed of themselves. God Bless You Beau Biden!
But with all the good wishes...he's not the only one.
There is too much war in this world, a lot of folks lost their beloved ones...and W H Y ?????
Get real, the only good thing to do in the US is to STAY and face the bad economy, and...if it's in your power to do so; DO something about it!!!
NO MORE WAR.
Jan- I'd love to talk to your nephews. What I do know is it has never mattered to those on the ground who was in the office, because we will execute anyway. That's the nature of the job. My personal feelings are that the Iraqis have a clean slate and aren't being proactive because they know we're not leaving any time soon (At least until now). This is based on fighting side-by-side with them for a year. So, again this whole notion that Bush is good, Obama is bad, seems to be debated by those too far from the reality. Celebrate CPT Biden and his unit, thats a worthwhile contribution if you want to make one.
May God protect you Beau Biden, and give you and the second family strenght.
Don't worry Beau, you and crooked daddy will still get that cash from the predatory lenders in our state. criminals.
Godspeed Beau, it's good to know that you'll be standing for justice and help in JAG. I couldn't think of anyone better to do what you're doing in the most difficult conditions, stay safe! LOL, recycle washington you are so pathetic. Another disaffected right winger pretending to be an Obama voter, please, I can see shadows like you coming a mile away. Do yourself a favor, get over losing the election, be more concerned about your ruined and defeated Republican Party and most of all instead of lying and ranting to no one, think of better ways to help your community, state and your country. Otherwise to you and the other small righties who can't shut up, Quiet! We don't care about you anymore and you don't matter!
Rockets and bullets do not differentiate between combats and noncombat personnel. As a vet, I wish all of you God's speed and protection.
To those who belittle Beau Biden's stint as "merely" a JAG officer, as opposed to others who serve on the front lines:
HE is serving, and it doesn't matter in what capacity. We still need people in JAG to make sure that we maintain what little sense of law and fairness the current president has left us with.
Clearly, those who complain have plenty of time to write comments here so they're obviously not serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Perhaps I'd have respect for those who make such comments if they were more than armchair/wannabe Fox analysts.
Beau, we believe your father and our 44th President will bring you home as soon as possible. Keep your head low and stay alive.
I agree with "Meka" – Why are you doing this, CNN? This type of reporting is putting not just him but his fellow troops into even more harm.
Resposibility over getting the big high lights has to come into play. You do have responsibilities, you know.
We love you Beau!!! Be safe and tell dad to bring our troups home now.
Beau should come back home because alquada already know he is there. Now we don't want them doing something stupid over there so our nation will be caught up in another international crisis. we don't need this. the defense should be smarter than that.
now it is not the place of Mr. Biden to help with this issue. it is the defense which has to deal with its own.
Hey Dorothy in NC, did you wish God's speed to Gov Palin's son when he left?
My prayers will be with you Beau and your family. Take care and God bless. We will just have to forgive the ignorant who believe that this journey that you are taking does not have danger in it. It's always easier for those to critize when they aren't going into harms way. Take care.
I can’t believe those of you who are bashing on this fellow service man. All you do is cowardly hide behind a computer screen and criticize the brave people that risk their life to serve and protect our country. The very least you can do is support our troops.
Please bring our troops home.
How sad that the son of our next VP is being sent in harm's way all because of the lies Bush and Cheney told to make up this illegal and disastrous war.
Bush lied and hundred of thousands of innocent citizens of the world have died, been maimed or had their lives ruined.
Bush and Cheney need to be tried for the War Criminals they are. They should spent a day in jail for each person they killed in this fake war they created to benefit themselves financially.
You're in our thoughts, Beau. We'll bring you home as soon as we can.
Gods speed young man……Been there done that.
i am proud of the Biden family and even more proud to hear that there are Senators that have children fighting for this country. He is a non-combative soldier but nonetheless a soldier. A stray mortar or 122mm rocket can still pose a great and lethal threat. I wish you Godspeed, best of luck, and keep your head down BB, and if the chance permits...fire your weapon at least once!
From a registered Republican, thank you for your service, be safe, and may God be with you and all of our troops...
SOME OF YOU PEOPLE ARE MONSTERS!!! HOW DARE YOU NOT RESPECT ALL OF THE MEN & WOMEN WHO HONORABLY SERVE THIS COUNTRY; NO MATTER WHO THEIR PARENTS ARE!!!!! YOU SHOULD SHUT YOUR FREAKING MOUTHS IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY. I DON'T SEE ANY OF YOU COWARDS RISKING YOUR LIVES TO FIGHT FOR THE FREEDOMS THAT YOU HAPPEN TO ENJOY EVERYDAY. SO, SHUT UP PLEASE!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU BEAU BIDEN AND EVERYONE OF OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN FIGHING AND SERVING IN THESE UNJUST WARS. I PRAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOU AND THAT YOU RETURN HOME SAFELY!!!!!
God be with you and the rest of the men and wmen who is fighting for the freedom for not only thh American people but for people everywhere. Thanks to ALL!!!
Beau may God with His mighty power be with you, and rest of the troops, I am proud to be a citizen of this great country call America.
I love all the troops .
God Bless,
To all of you that know NOTHING about how safe the Green Zone really is, SHUT UP. I had civilian friends there, in the GZ, and they were shot at weekly...if not DAILY.
As long as you speak non-accented English and/or wear an American Military uniform, YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER!!!
I just lost a brave memeber of my extended family to that hell hole and I'll be D@MN3D if I'm going to sit by and let you ignorant nimrods say ANYTHING negative about anyone in voluntary service.
I hate the war, but I love the people that have dedicated themselves to protecting their nation. It should have never happened, but here we are. Let's hope this administration gets it right this time. Jeff, Larry, Jan and the rest of you ignoramuses, bleach your gene pool please. You're dumbing down the population...
Be safe Beau Biden, we love you.
Obama/Biden Whoohoo!
Our prayers and God speed, to VP-Elect son and all the men and women serving, from all nations around the world. Remember you are always in our hearts and minds.
We have no justifiable reason to be in Iraq.
Joe Biden owes it to his son and everyone else's to bring them home.
Those of you who have nasty things to say are sub-human.
Thank you.
Proud American from New England November 20th, 2008 10:56 am ET
And why didn't Bush's kids lift a finger to support their country while Daddy was in office?
---------------------------------
In defense the Bush girls, Jenna has done plenty of work with education and UNICEF, while Barbara worked with AIDS patients throughout Africa.
My prediction: Beau Biden runs for President in 2016 or 2020. He's a perfect pick if Obama's presidency is a good one. He'll carry on the Obama legacy as he carries the Biden name, can't be touched on military experience, and is a pretty handsome dude who doesn't seem to have any real skeletons in his closet.
Basically, he can be president if he wants to and works at it.
We thank you for your service..and we will pray for you and the other brave women and men who protect us everyday. My cousin is a Marine and is in Iraq with you. May you all come back soon, safe and full of pride that we have in our hearts for you today. God bless you and may this great Nation bless your father and our new President!
lol I love this, what a media stunt
Do you guys think he will be back in time to see a President Palin aka the GOP hillary ;D whom you all love and that is so dear to your hearts beat his dad and the cheater Obama in 2012?
Oh wouldn't that just get you .. losing to a woman and Palin at that :p
hey, dn't blame me for our party steering too far from limited government ..
Good riddance. Like with Hiraldo, "don't come back"
It's posts such as this that really show how much acrimony there exists in the country.The polarization of comments borders on ridiculous, if the stakes weren't set so high,and those stakes are the lives of countless human beings on both sides of a conflict that has no business being waged.Surely you people out there can put aside your partisan differences and all agree that you would like to have the young men and women involved in this fiasco return home safe and sound.No matter whose kids they are.Serving your country is one thing,serving it for all the wrong reasons is entirely different.
Soooo.......where are Mitt Romney's flag-waving, "patriotic" sons?
Beau Biden is a true hero and patriot.
You haters need to show some respect. This man is serving his country, OUR country, and is willing to die for you undeserving fools. You black hearted keyboard warriors safe in your homes should be thanking God that there are people like Joe Biden's son. Godspeed, Beau Biden.
@Gayland..
My husband is in Iraq....Have you been there? Our government puts out alot of "stories" about what's happenning in Iraq!!! NO WHERE IS SAFE FOR AMERICANS..NO WHERE....
AND AS FAR AS BASHING OBAMA...WE WILL NEVER WIN THE WAR IN IRAQ ESPECIALLY WHEN WE SHOLD NOT HAVE BEEN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE....
IT IS NOT EASY WAITING EVERYDAY TO HEAR FROM YOUR FAMILY MEMBER, HUSBAND JUST TO KNOW THEY ARE ALRIGHT...SO IT YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A WAR...PLEASE KEEP YOUR NEGATIVE THOUHTS TO YOURSELF....
cnn please post...thank you
God's speed and a safe return. We are proud of you, despite what the haters may say.
God be with you Beau!
Praying for his safe return sooner rather than later!
Thank you and God Bless
Lets just hope that Beau is not a complete moron as his pop is.
Remember that Joe Biden voted against the Persian Gulf war in 91 when the worl world supported it and he came up with the cockammaie idea of partitioning iraq into 3 states just recently.
Wow, I can't believe what I'm reading from both sides here.
Let's look at this a few ways.
Palin's son had a choice of the military or jail. He chose the military.
Biden's son is in the National Guard, albeit in the JAG Corp. But, he's still going to be in country.
In both cases, we have to respect that their parents could have pulled strings to get them out of service, and neither did. You can question the motives behind this (I did in one case, not the other), but the fact remains that both are standing up for the commitments they made.
Enough said. Everybody stop and just pray that Palin, Biden and ALL THE OTHERS serving in our military come home safe and sound.
i suppose you guys don't know they are building military bases in Iraq as we type.
We are not leaving Iraq any sooner than we are leaving Germany.
Maybe 100 years as McCain said.
Oh, and guys....Joe Biden did vote for the Iraq invasion.
What really makes you think these political parties are all that different?
Beau, my father was a minister and this was our favorite Bible verse that he used to pray as a benidiction for us.
May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
I pray this for you and your family and for America and the World.
Joe Biden has more character in his little fingernail than most republicans spewing their hatred here. This man has been through hell and back with his family crisis and now his son being deployed to Iraq. Whether you like Joe Biden personally or not is really of no concern here. It just shows your true hatred of all good people that just don't think the way you do. What's that make you? I think it would be called Mentally Challenged. You know, like the man you voted for the last 8 years.
It's scary to see the venom and hatred spewed on this post. Regardless of how you may view the war, Obama, Biden, Palin's son or Beau, it takes courage/guts to place your life in harms way for your country. SO BACK OFF.
Thanks to ALL the young men and women fighting to protect our freedoms. May GOD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILIES. Safe return.
I wish you and all the troops a safe deployment and hope you all come home sooner, rather than later. Our thoughts & prayers are with you...
There are a lot of hateful people here who hate liberals so much they're ready for us to die. Thankfully, there are also a lot of people here, conservative and liberal alike, who aren't like that.