This week’s Question of the Week: Is Joe Biden an asset or a liability for Obama’s campaign?

August 25, 2008 01:03 pm

— The results of this past week’s Question of the Week indicate two-thirds of those who answered the question believe we’re heading for a new Cold War.
Of the 18 people who answered the Question of the Week: Is the Cold War back?, 12 — 66.67 percent — answered YES while 6 — 33.33 percent — said NO.
The Question of the Week poll is not scientific and only reflects the opinions of those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The Question of the Week is just another way the Herald’s readers can voice their opinions about issues that affect them.
This week’s Question deals with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s selection of a running mate for the general election in November.
Leading up to this past weekend, several names — some known and some not so well known — were touted in the media as possible choices for Obama’s vice president. Obama settled the speculation Saturday when he presented Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as his vice president.
Leading up to the announcement, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton were thought to be in contention.
Now that we know, will Biden be a liability or an asset to the Democratic ticket? Each of the other politicians would have brought their own assets and liabilities. However, what does Biden bring to the ticket? What we do know is Biden has extensive experience in foreign affairs. He has served 35 years in the Senate and has chaired several committees. And some say Biden commands respect from leaders from around the world.
Joe Biden is known as a politician who likes to speak his mind. Some might call him smug or brash. During the primary campaign, Biden declared Obama was not ready to lead, and then he appeared in a paid Republican political ad saying he would accept McCain’s offer to be his vice president.
What do you think?
This week’s Question of the Week: Is Joe Biden an asset or a liability for Obama’s campaign?
People can vote on The Herald’s Web site, oskaloosa.com, from Monday through noon on Friday. Then, votes will be tallied and published the following Monday.