In Response To "Will Joe Biden Be Obama’s Dick Cheney?"

In Response To "Will Joe Biden Be Obama's Dick Cheney?" First, Bro. Olorunda, I'd like to point out that I have a serious problem with the title of your piece. As I'm sure you're aware, Dick Cheney is often referred to as Bush's brain. So your title seems to assume out of hand that Joe Biden is intellectually superior, and thus, capable of "overshadowing" Barack Obama. I have a problem with that–that is, unless you have some evidence to substantiate that assumed fact that encompasses something beyond your personal attitude towards race. Secondly, your entire thesis in this piece is severely flawed. You indicate, for example, "We've witnessed this scenario before: A Vice-President who not only overshadows his running mate, but dominates the field of play. From JFK-LBJ . . ." The fact is, Johnson neither overshadowed Kennedy, nor dominated the field of play. In fact, in spite of Kennedy's truncated presidency, his legacy still overshadows Johnson's–and most other presidents, for that matter. You then go on to say, "Many have queried Obama's obsession with the presidency of JFk , and its unmistakable impact upon the Obama campaign and it's decision-making." What evidence do you have that Obama is "Obsessed" with JFK, and what evidence do you have that this "obsession" is having an "unmistakable impact upon the Obama campaign and it's decision making"? Then you link to an article by Paul Street. Who is he, and what credentials does he have that allows you to be so reliant on his opinion? In other words, What makes Paul Street an authority on either JFK or Obama, and how does he constitute "many"? You then continue to say, "it does appear rather ironic that Sen. Obama would, just as JFK did in 1960 with Lyndon Baines Johnson, choose a running mate whose rhetoric and record is diametrically misaligned to that of the presidential candidate." What's so "ironic" about Obama's choice of Biden? The primary criticism of Obama is his youth and inexperience, so it seems perfectly natural–even inspired--that he would choose a running mate that has strong liberal credentials, an expert in foreign policy, is one of the longest standing members of congress, yet, his personal wealth is less than $150,000–which would seem to indicate that he's not playing the Washington game of using his position for personal gain. In addition, since he has close ties on both sides of the isle, it supports Obama's contention that he intends to be the president of ALL THE PEOPLE. And finally, since you are correct that Biden is one to speak his mind, he can mix it up with the Republicans while Obama takes the high road. What's so "ironic" about that? You then say, "With this reality in the bag, it comes as no surprise that Barack Obama would be willing to overwrite his staunch-rhetoric against Washington-insiders, in favor of winning the presidency." I had to scratch my head on this one. What "reality in the bag"? And your reference to "Washington-insiders" is grossly misleading. You were obviously trying to imply that since Biden has been in the senate so long, that constitutes what Obama criticizes as Washington insiders. But your own link clearly demonstrates that Obama is referring to those in Washington who have close ties with Washington lobbyists. Did you fail to understand that, or were you purposely trying to mislead the reader, assuming that they wouldn't bother to check the link? All of these flaws were drawn from just your first paragraph. I would go on, but I think I've made my point. But in closing I'd like to refer back to where you quoted Jesus as asking, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?" After reading your piece I'd like to ask you a question in response: What does it profit a man to forfeit his soul and gain nothing? That seems to be what you're asking Black people to do. Eric L. Wattree Stay on top of what's going on around you. From Hip Hop to world and national news--stay informed about those things that impact both the Black community and the entire world, as interpreted by Dr. Boyce Watkins and some of the nation's top Black writers. Stay in touch with Your Black World www.yourblackworld.com/. It's our piece of the net.