Librarian's Rant

At the Polk County Dems Central Committee meeting last night, my friend Mary and I (both precinct reps) got to meet Sen. Joseph Biden and former VP Walter Mondale. His assistant (in the background) asked if he could sit with us, and we were delighted. I had a nice conversation with "Fritz" as we listened to Sen. Biden, who then Senator Mondale had sworn into office many years ago. Mr. Mondale is stumping for Hillary. We used my phone camera, which Mary wasn't familiar with, hence the blurriness.

My political stalking campaign continues!


UPDATE: Turns out I'm inspiring envy with my stalking. Chris Z. on the Library Underground list recently posted the following:

It's that time of year when I am jealous of Iowans. Specifically Louise Alcorn [link to this post]

Bwahahahaha! Don't worry folks - we're a strong people, we Iowans. We'll toughen these politicians up for you.

Video of Sen. Joe Biden's recent speech on the Senate floor, discussing the administration's massive hypocrisy about Iraq.

I got to hear him speak, along with Gov. Richardson and Sen. Edwards, on Friday the 20th at the Polk County Democrats Spring Dinner. Richardson was, as usual, clear, effective and interesting. John Edwards nearly brought the room to tears - he really is a fine orator. Biden was the biggest surprise - he started out with standard political rallying...and then he began to talk about Darfur.

As I realized later he'd been discussing it much of that day and the one before in DC, so it was much on his mind. Nonetheless, he was beyond passionate about the need for swift action in the Sudan. He's the only politician I've heard yet who said, straight out, that he'd drop troops into Darfur and stop the janjaweed massacres if he was President. Interesting. And very passionate - it felt (for what it's worth) as if he'd thrown out whatever he'd meant to say and was instead responding to previous speakers' comments about Darfur (which had been correct, if non-specific about action) and stating plainly what he thought. It's one of the things I like about Biden, overall. I don't always agree with him, but I'm usually fairly certain I'm hearing what he thinks when he speaks. Which, of course, gets him in all sorts of trouble...but again, I kinda like that.