Biden and Dodd: You Will be Missed

With poor showings from the Iowa Democratic caucus, Senators Joe Biden and Chris Dodd announced the withdrawal of their presidential candidacies last night. It only seems appropriate to say thank you to these two senators for injecting into our national debate thoughtful arguments for an American foreign policy predicated on engaging the world through multilateral platforms.

In their long careers in the Senate, both lawmakers have steadfastly articulated a foreign policy vision which holds that the United States is strongest when it is goals and values are shared by an ever increasing number of allies around the world. That vision has translated itself into strong support for international institutions like the United Nations. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Biden has been one of the more robust defenders of the United Nations. This year, he even helped forge legislation that would allow the United States to pay its fair share of dues to the United Nations and to United Nations Peacekeeping. For his part, Dodd -- also a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee -- is one of the more sophisticated foreign policy thinkers in the Senate. Like Biden, he is a longtime champion of international law, international justice, and a world order based on rule of law. The International Criminal Court, for example, has no stronger friend in the United States senate than Chris Dodd.

Both Senators will be missed on the campaign trail, but thankfully they can return to the Senate and continue to be forceful advocates for a more enlightened American foreign policy.

http://www.undispatch.com/archives/2008/01/biden_and_dodd.php

2 of the best. :(

If I think too much about the fact that he's out, I start to get sad, so I'm trying to focus on how much he can contribute to our future Democratic administration.

Anyone who hasn't read his book PROMISES TO KEEP might want to read it. It's truly excellent, so much better than most political autobiographies.

We love you Joe!

Won't Biden and Richardson still be on the ballot in NH? Their supporters undoubtedly will continue to vote for them if they are.

Obviously the caucus system is not good for the 2nd tier, but NH could be. Just food for thought.

and worth the read. He has had a fascinating life.

He'll do lots of good where he is. Sad he lost though. I wanted to vote for him.

HIGH RANKING position they end up in, in our new Democratic White House. Their voices will be heard, loud and clear. True patriots, both, and men of substance all too rare these days. A grateful nation thanks them both.