The last presidential contest consumed nearly 700 million dollars of this nation's treasure . . . and what did we get for it?  If things continue as in the past, the current presidential race is expected to consume as much as one billion dollars.  And, so, the question we must all ask is, will that additional 300 million buy us a better leader this time?  Or has throwing money onto the political bonfire become our way of easing the burden of our consciences as we make sacrifices to idols and  blind ourselves to our choices, casting ballots based on little more than gilded images and trembling hope alone?

If we are to learn anything from the past two elections for president, it must be that the candidate with the most amount of money to throw around is the one to be avoided at all costs.  All that money, all those millions and millions, work as a powerful magnet of seduction,  attracting the glitter of leadership while repelling and excluding all those who cannot, or will not, allow themselves to be seduction's prey.

My candidate, my choice for my own personal president, is a man who has served this country with honor and distinction, and over his 34 years in the United States Senate, has gained the respect, admiration and, of most importance, the bi-partisan support of his colleagues and the respect of world leaders that entitles him to present to the American people at this crucial time in our history a set of accomplishments so great as to speak louder and more persuasively than any other kind of endorsement can.  Which, in my view, is the only justification for endorsing a candidate for president.

My candidate saw the solution for the war in Iraq when others saw only opportunity to pander to those who share their lack of insight.  My candidate is a man who does not mince words, who does not respond to questions with the sort of answers he can later revise to suit a new audience.  He is steadfast in his opinions and  authentic in the ways in which he expresses those opinions.  And in the things he has to say, whether the topic be international or domestic, one can hear the comforting ring of truth as pragmatism tempers the passion and experience he brings to every issue.

I would never vote for a president I would not treasure as a friend.  My candidate, my choice for my own personal president, is a man who deserves your full attention and consideration, a man who deserves to be called your friend. 

I join Representative Bailey in proudly informing you that my candidate is named Joe Biden.

The last presidential contest consumed nearly 700 million dollars of this nation’s treasure . . . and what did we get for it?  If things continue as in the past, the current presidential race is expected to consume as much as one billion dollars.  And, so, the question we must all ask is, will that additional 300 million buy us a better leader this time?  Or has throwing money onto the political bonfire become our way of easing the burden of our consciences as we make sacrifices to idols and  blind ourselves to our choices, casting ballots based on little more than gilded images and trembling hope alone?

If we are to learn anything from the past two elections for president, it must be that the candidate with the most amount of money to throw around is the one to be avoided at all costs.  All that money, all those millions and millions, work as a powerful magnet of seduction,  attracting the glitter of leadership while repelling and excluding all those who cannot, or will not, allow themselves to be seduction’s prey.

My candidate, my choice for my own personal president, is a man who has served this country with honor and distinction, and over his 34 years in the United States Senate, has gained the respect, admiration and, of most importance, the bi-partisan support of his colleagues and the respect of world leaders that entitles him to present to the American people at this crucial time in our history a set of accomplishments so great as to speak louder and more persuasively than any other kind of endorsement can.  Which, in my view, is the only justification for endorsing a candidate for president.

My candidate saw the solution for the war in Iraq when others saw only opportunity to pander to those who share their lack of insight.  My candidate is a man who does not mince words, who does not respond to questions with the sort of answers he can later revise to suit a new audience.  He is steadfast in his opinions and  authentic in the ways in which he expresses those opinions.  And in the things he has to say, whether the topic be international or domestic, one can hear the comforting ring of truth as pragmatism tempers the passion and experience he brings to every issue.

I would never vote for a president I would not treasure as a friend.  My candidate, my choice for my own personal president, is a man who deserves your full attention and consideration, a man who deserves to be called your friend. 

I join Representative Bailey in proudly informing you that my candidate is named Joe Biden.