Biden predicts early crisis will test Obama
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/20/art.ap.biden.9.18.jpg caption="Biden predicts Obama will have to make some unpopular decisions in his first six months in office."]
SEATTLE (CNN) - Joe Biden told Democratic fundraisers Sunday night that there is no doubt in his mind a crisis will occur during Barack Obama's first six months in office that will test his mettle and force him to make unpopular decisions.
"Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy," said Biden to a roomful of donors. "The world is looking. We're about to elect a brilliant 47-year-old senator president of the United States of America."
"Remember I said it standing here, if you don't remember anything else I said," Biden continued. "Watch, we're going to have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy.
"I promise you it will occur. As a student of history and having served with seven presidents, I guarantee you it's going happen. I can give you at least four or five scenarios from where it might originate."
The Delaware senator spoke at two Seattle fundraises Sunday night, expected to bring in $1 million for the campaign. Biden told the supporters that when Obama will need them to stand with the administration on the difficult calls - not financially, but by using their influence within their communities to convince others that the right decisions are being made.
"I promise you, you all are going to be sitting here a year from now going, 'Oh my God, why are they there in the polls, why is the polling so down, why is this thing so tough?' We're going have to make some incredibly tough decisions in the first two years," said Biden. "I'm asking you now, be prepared to stick with us. Remember the faith you had at this point because you're going to have to reinforce us."
Telling the crowd to "gird their loins" for a bumpy beginning to the next presidential term, Biden said it wouldn't be initially apparent that the correct decisions are being made because "they're not likely to be as popular as they are sound. Because if they're popular, they're probably not sound."
Fundraisers are generally closed to the media's cameras, though print journalists are usually allowed in. Biden appeared to forget Sunday night's fundraiser wasn't closed to reporters, saying, "I probably shouldn't have said all this because it dawned on me that the press is here." Moments later, he ended his remarks.
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Please Biden stop scaring me more than I am already. That's what I am afraid of...an early crisis if Obama is President. God help us all!!!
Someone please tell me that I'm dreaming and he didn't actually say that.
I dont know what that means but I dont like the sound of it.
All presidents are tested. I think we will have the right leader to get us through lord forbid any crisis.
This is something that must be realized. Once the election is over it does not mean it is time to stop paying attention. We the people must always being aware of and involved in what our government is doing. Michelle Obama was critisized for saying something that was very important. "Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed".
Patience persistence, and unity will be needed as the person who will be the next president has to clean up the mess of the last eight years.
No blank check for the DEM, bad for the country, need check and balance!!
Sounds to me like Biden was pointing out that Obama was a steady hand in this economic crisis and would do well if a crisis did occur in 6 months. I think its a great point. If you look at the two and the management of the current crisis, Obama wins hands down.
Looking at the state of the country, nothing Biden said comes as a surprise. There is a lot of work to do and true "change" means that the people who want things to stay the same are going to be pretty upset. We'll get through it.
Obama/Biden should be able to withstand any crisis poping up during their first term in office. I have not doubt about that. These guys are really clever and smart me.
Speaking strictly as an Obama supporter ...
I think they need to WIN in November FIRST before looking at Future Obstacles ...
Most of us know that I think. I am ready. I am ready for sanity and reason. We are already in a crisis and there are no magic bullets.
We know it is going to take years to restore our economy and our reputation in the world .We also know that our only chance is with Barrack and Joe. "Remember the old saying:
A journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step."
( I may have gotten the mileage wrong but you get the point)
A crisis will be a test for either candidate but what will make a difference will be the candidate that surrounds himself with seasoned, experienced, vibrant folks who have a vision for taking our country into the next century. We do not need the STALE MATES that have been running this country into the ground!!!
I sometimes wonder what the heck goes through Biden's mind while he's speaking.
How is that a good statement, then to latch on to it and repeat it, and make big deal out of it so it makes the news cycle.
Ignore 'experience' issues Joe.
Gosh man, row in the same direction as everyone else please.
is it too late to dump Biden from the ticket?
This sounds really awful. What is Biden talking about? He sounds like the football coach who wants to give every excuse that his team won't be as good as advertised so that people won't be suprised. Well don't worry Joe, millions of Americans won't be suprised. You said it yourself, "Because if they're popular, they're probably not sound." Hmmm, sounds like your running mate huh???
Biden looks a bit like McCain, but I love him. Hey Joe, are you losing your bearings too? Why playing with our fears when you don't know how would we understand your words?
Obama/Biden 08
Point of correction:
John/Palin would be tested in their first 6 months in the white house not Biden and ...
Go Sara 08
And inexperienced Obama won't be ready. Comparing Kennedy in his early years as President to Obama is ridiculous. Kennedy had been a Senator much longer, served in the military, and by today's standards of the Democrats would be considered a right winger. IF Obama is elected, then yes he will be tested, and I expect the law school professor to flunk the test.
Does Joe Biden now think that he is a prophet? Or does he know that the ludicrous, socialist ideas of the Big O will result in national and global crisis down the road? It is frightening to think that he may be the next VP.