Rude Obnoxious Christie-wannabe running for Governor
Sen. Colin Bonini (R-17RD), having won reelection yesterday essentially unopposed, has announced that he is running for Governor in 2016, as was speculated here earlier this week. Indeed, it fits into Colin’s practice of running for higher office during the off year between his Senate elections.
And thus the musical chair game begins. Outgoing Attorney General Beau Biden (D) has already announced that he plans to run for Governor, though many wonder about his health and whether such an premature announcement last summer was just a smoke screen to preserve his political capital and options. It also seems clear that Congressman John Carney (D) will run, and that power-mad New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon (D) will run.
“In the short term, we need to focus on the winners in 2014,” Bonini said in an interview with The News Journal. “But I am running for governor. Delaware needs fixing. We face some significant systemic and fundamental problems. We need a more effective state government.”
The Republican has served in the state Senate for two decades, and he has experience campaigning statewide. In 2010, Bonini lost by just two percentage points to Democrat Chip Flowers in a race for state treasurer.
“I realize that I’ll definitely be the underdog, but I think that Delaware has some significant issues to resolve,” Bonini said of a governor’s race, referencing an imposing voter registration disadvantage facing the GOP.
I am very curious as what he thinks Delaware’s issues are, and what specific solutions he proposes. The most pressing state issue right now is education. So I am curious how Bonini’s education plans differ at all from Governor Markell’s. Is he going to be for full and total privatization? Does he plan to eliminate public education all together?
Meanwhile, Mike Castle, along with the du Pont big money crowd, wants Treasurer-Elect Ken Simpler to run for Governor.
Simpler’s campaign benefited from the backing of former Republican governor and congressman Mike Castle, who greeted voters and did media interviews throughout the day on Tuesday wearing a Ken Simpler campaign sticker.
Castle, who was Delaware’s governor from 1985-1992 before being elected to nine terms in the U.S. House, on Wednesday called Simpler “very well qualified” to run for governor.
“Clearly, if you ask me who is the best candidate for governor in the Republican Party right now, the answer is very simple: It’s Ken Simpler,” Castle said. “Should he do it? I don’t know. Would he want to do it? I don’t know that either.
“If at some point he decides to run I could be very supportive. But that’s a decision he has to make.”
But those closest to Simpler say a bid for governor just two years into his first term as treasurer isn’t going to happen.
Simpler himself pledged to serve a full term back in September, when he was facing Milford businesswoman Sher Valenzuela in the Republican primary.
“I know this office has been a destination for political opportunists for a long time,” Simpler said in a statement then. “It may be a new concept, but I’m running to serve.”
Simpler adviser Dave Burris said Simpler’s pledge stands.
Yeah, we will see how long that lasts. The GOP needs candidates for Congress, and with Carney possibly returning home in 2016, we might have an open seat election, and the GOP will need someone to match up with Governor Markell, who is rumored to be running for the position in what will be the second Great Gubnatorial-Congressional Swap in Delaware history.
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This is great. Delaware’s laziest legislator ‘running’ for Governor.
Guess he’s gonna run on his record of not showing up for meetings and getting paid for them, and his claiming a phony Master’s Degree he never had.
He’s not as mean-spirited as Christie, though, far from it. He KNOWS he’s a (figurative) lightweight, and he jokes about it.
Just what Delaware needs.
Empty slogans! Again… “Delaware needs fixing!” (What’s broken exactly and use full sentences.) Clearly there are “significant issues.” I suppose one of the issues is the Democrat is in the Governor’s Mansion.
Also… like I said, politicians don’t really do anything other than plant seeds for the next campaign. It’s fucking sickening.
Yep, I called that one.
Bonini is my Senator and I have supported him in the past, but this year I went with Tedesco (I). I’m not sure he’s Governor material, but then again, we had Minner for how many years?
Delaware politics are f’ed up. It’s not what you know but who you know (and who knows you).
Bonini can be counted on to do one thing: Recite the GOP talking points with gusto. That’s it.
Hey, at least he says what he believes. As opposed to, say, ‘defender of the middle class’ John Carney. Of course, Carney would have to believe in something to talk about what he believes.
BTW, this is fully the type of choice that I expect D’s to have: We have to vote for (fill in the blank) b/c we can’t afford (fill in the blank) as Governor.
Not much of a choice. Per usual.
I keep thinking that I should have dressed as Bonini for Halloween.
Prediction: Simpler will not be able to resist. If Hilary is at the top of the ticket, I have Simpler by 5% vs. Carney. Simpler will be able to dog whistle the GOP base and keep them on-board, while Carney will leave the Dem base flat with his “I’m a Republican – sorta…!” campaign pitch.
It is terrible to be so right all the time. It is a real curse.
Betcha Mike Castle won’t come out and say that he’s ‘disappointed’ that Simpler didn’t finish out his term…
Jason: I wouldn’t bet on your prediction. Turnout in presidential years is about 50% higher than it was Tuesday.
True, but the Democrat consultants running John Carney still have time to drive turnout down. Getting to mid-term turnout levels is a lofty but attainable goal for team Carney.
Yeah, I am not sure how a Hillary run depresses Dem turnout in a presidential. Only your hardest core progressives argue that, and they are more than made up by the nonvoting women she brings out. Practical progressives realize that a win is necessary to solidify Obama’s legacy and accomplishment, so Hillary it is. So, you are wrong, Jason. Simpler would be wish to wait it out or run for Congress.
I think Simpler will wait too.
My prediction is that the Delaware GOP will put all their effort locally in 2016 to try to pick up more Senate and Representative seats in the Legislature.
DD – Perhaps. She is certainly smart enough to know the current temperature of the electorate and to avoid the obvious errors in judgement that could depress turnout.
Also – Speaking of smart. Simpler is probably smart enough to avoid running for Governor if it looks like it is going to be a big Democratic year.
It all comes down to whether or not Democrats can get a legit Democratic message together. I doubt they can.
Hillary will be better than the Republican alternative, whomever it may be. But let me just say that I have mostly apolitical friends who wonder if Rand Paul would be a viable alternative — that’s how deep the ambivalence about her is. She is going to turn off a lot of male voters.
Hillary was a sure thing in 2008. She was uninspiring then, lost to the person who emerged as her toughest challenger, folded actually.
She’s eight years older, no more inspiring, and the only part of the Obama legacy she would solidify is completion of the corporate takeover of the Democratic Party.
Which, come to think of it, is Bill’s chief legacy to the Party.
If all those women voters were so inspired by Hillary, she would have waltzed to victory in 2008. Betcha they’d be lots more inspired by either Elizabeth Warren or Amy Klobuchar, as would I. And, at the first (inevitable) sign of Hillary’s weakness, I wouldn’t be shocked if one of them takes up the mantle.
Cut ‘n save: The Hillary Inevitability Argument ain’t gonna make it through 2016. She will not be our next president.
Geezer – I don’t think the GOP will ever pick Rand Paul. It’ll be to their own continued demise, but they just aren’t that smart.
Geezer… she will turn off sexist knuckle dragging wife abusers who are already voting Republican.
Further, Rand Paul just won’t get through a primary untarnished by the right wing. Either he stays true to the libertarianish tendencies that makes him attractive to younger voters, and thus loses the GOP primary, or he fully embraces them, and thus loses in the general.
Ted Cruz will be the GOP nominee.
So, let’s see – 2016 (and beyond) predictions?
Carney runs for Governor (Primary against Beau?)
Markell runs for Carney’s open seat
Barney runs for Lt. Governor
Carper retires in 2018 and Markell runs for his Senate seat
Denn runs for Markell’s vacant Rep seat in 2018
Simpler wins 2018 Treasure race then beats Carney for Governor in 2020
“If all those women voters were so inspired by Hillary, she would have waltzed to victory in 2008.”
One word: Dominique. Hillary lost the primary, and Dominique lost her mind.
“she will turn off sexist knuckle dragging wife abusers who are already voting Republican.”
Thanks for the dumb-ass partisan response. If the person fit the dismissive description you conjured up, I would have said so. He is none of those things; he’s just older, and unhappy about the pro-corporate emphasis of today’s Democratic Party.
As I said, he is older, just like the electorate. Or are you under the mistaken impression that young people will flock to the polls to vote for someone who reminds them of the nastier of their two (or more) grandmas?
And neither Clinton or Paul make their party’s ticket in 2016 for President.
Rand Paul and Ken Simpler can both thread the needle. There has been a bias in the out-party to pick someone “who can win.” Cruz ain’t that guy.
Paul vs. Clinton (or some sane sounding Republican…Portman?) could be very close.
So, if we believe that Carney will move on to another campaign and leave an open Congressional seat, let’s start talking about which progressive we want to run for that seat. I’ll start…
Bryan Townsend will be able to run for Congress without losing his State Senate seat (just like Bonini).
Carney’s primary will be against Gordon, not Beau. Beau will not run for anything. I will be surprised if he is even alive by November 2016.
There is no possibility whatsoever that Jack Markell will run for Congress. If he didn’t want to be a Senator, why would he want to be a Congressman?
DD: I mentioned Paul not because I think he has a future, but because my liberal friend mentioned him as someone he was considering as his anti-Hillary choice.
Ted Cruz will not be the nominee. He has too many enemies in his own party.
Terry,
I don’t think Barney runs again for anything. Brenda Mayrack might.
Here is my musical chair game.
2016 GOV–Bonini (R) v. Carney (D) / Biden (D) / Gordon (D)
2016 LT GOV– Ernie Lopez (R) v. Bryan Townsend (D)
2016 INS. COM — ? v. An Inanimate Carbon Rod (D) (so long as it is not KWS)
2016 US Congress — Lavelle (R)/Simpler (R) v. Markell (D)
2018 US Sen — Carper RETIRES!!!! Loser of 2016 Gov Primary (Biden or Carney but not Gordon) runs
“There is no possibility whatsoever that Jack Markell will run for Congress. If he didn’t want to be a Senator, why would he want to be a Congressman?”
His tenure is up and I just don’t see him returning to the private sector.
Why would he “return” to anything? He has enough money to retire, or go into the non-profit sector if he’s dying to work, which I don’t think he is.
Geezer,
I’m basing my predictions solely on the historical “climbing ladder” that happens in Delaware (Coon’s aside) – but Local Office or Rep/Senator – to – Governor/Lt Gov – to – US Senate/House.
FYI: Paul can’t run for President and run for Senate at the same time. That’s Kentucky’s law. So… he may not run for President if doing so means losing his senate seat.
Pandora – correct me if I’m wrong, but I think he can still primary as a Presidential candidate and still run for his Senate seat, right?
“Bryan Townsend will be able to run for Congress without losing his State Senate seat (just like Bonini).”
I’m in.
I find it slightly incredible that:
A) Geezer keeps putting out the Beau is in very bad health
B) El Somnambulo isn’t freaking out that Geezer dares to put that out on the blog
Good times
Geezer, you are a world class asshole. And I’m sure that feedback will be your Viagra dose for the day while you go polish your knob in your lonely little bathroom.
@AQC: Truth hurts, I suppose. And sorry, you’re just a state-class asshole.
@LG: Why? There’s nothing actionable about printing the truth.
Indeed, what I find incredible is the ovine insistence by Delaware Democrats on never holding the Biden family responsible for anything.
Geezer – Totally understood. I used the same defense a few years ago and was met with a very different response to a much less impactful statement. But I guess different commenter, different public figure.
What I find incredible is the phocine ability of John Carney to balance balls on the tip of his nose.
Oh, and I’d like to officially announce my candidacy for the 16th Senatorial District. I was going to hold out and run against Bennett for the 32nd Rep District in 2016, but the 16th gives me a much better real-estate options.
🙂
Markell’s next job — president of the University of Delaware.
@MW: I floated that with him a year or so ago. He said he had never considered it.
The information I shared about Beau came from three separate sources. None of them has access to his health records, but a failure to be transparent by the Bidens does not mean I can’t tell what I’ve heard.
A failure to come clean = dishonesty.
I moderated the one comment with Geezer’s latest claim about Beau Biden’s health. If this claim is true, he can produce the proof of that, otherwise this is just a new narrative in the current whisper down the lane on Biden. That is a very different thing than various claims on someone’s wingnuttery or Third Way tendencies or whatever political craziness is on order.
That was just not appropriate without accompanying proof.
@Geezer — I’m speculating, not saying that he’s expressed interest. A year or so ago, there was talk of him as a Secretary of Education prospect, but that’s not going to happen. I see Harker moving on in a couple of years and Markell as a good fit. If UD trustees approach him at the end of his term, or soon thereafter, I bet he’d consider it.
As you should well know, Cassandra, offering proof would be a violation of law. The “whispers” are from people who have been in the inner sanctum.
Thanks for demonstrating where your head is at. You are part of the problem, not the solution, as your slavish devotion to Barney illustrated.
Here’s another question for you, Cassandra: What’s your explanation of his behavior? Where is the demand that he account for himself, given that he is not working? Typical “liberal” — you’re not open to anyone’s opinion or knowledge but your own.
Although I am sympathetic to Geezer’s point re: B Biden I ultimately agree with Cass. The media may use anonymous sources, especially in this case when divulging the information is very likely illegal. However, somebody needs to be accountable and I don’t think posting under a pseudonym is good enough in this case.
There’s nothing illiberal about the edit. If you want to write a story and sign your name to it and accept the risk (a la James Risen) then do it and I’d support you. You can’t have it both ways Geezer.
Thanks for demonstrating where your head is at. You are part of the problem, not the solution, as your slavish devotion to Barney illustrated.
That’s all you got? Name calling and the usual bluster that people should just bow down to your superior knowledge? You already know that shit doesn’t cut it over here. I don’t know what Beau’s story is and I’d bet you don’t, either. Otherwise you’d lay out your proof as asked. Asking for something to back up that claim isn’t at all unreasonable even if you are trying to bluster past that.
Typical “liberal” — you’re not open to anyone’s opinion or knowledge but your own.
On the internets, you are your only editor. And whether you are Geezer or Judith Miller, I’m not going to trust this kind of anonymous, self-serving Bullshit. You can serve up that Privileged Man bullshit to your fanboys up in here, but don’t be surprised when there are a few of us who aren’t going to buy it.
There is no proof. There are people who have visited the house who have told me what they know, starting with the fact that he’s now living with his parents. For proof, people would have to violate HIPAA.
Stop pretending to be a journalist. You’re not. You’re a posturing blowhard shilling for the Democratic Party, and we all know it. Or would you like me to list all the things that have been published here without “proof”?
“I don’t know what Beau’s story is and I’d bet you don’t, either.”
I’ve told you what I know, and it jibes with his behavior, which the official story does not. And you shouldn’t be so modest: There are lots more things you don’t know beyond what Beau’s “story” is.
Just for reference, his “story” is that he’s running for governor, which he clearly is not. If that’s all you “got,” you shouldn’t be pissing on what other people “got.”
“That shit doesn’t cut it over here.”
Bollocks. You print shit constantly. It’s what you’re best at.
You think you have the right to make anonymous comments about the health of a public figure based on illegal hearsay… and there is something wrong with us?
You’re being a fucking asshole, man.
But you don’t “got” anything. Not even some claim that I’m supposed to be a journalist. I already got that. But you still haven’t offered up any proof that any of us are supposed to trust. Just your claim that you are talking to “insiders” WOO!
You could have spent all of that energy mansplaining here in just posting your proof so we can judge it for ourselves. If what you got is Trust Me, then you have a problem.
No, I have no problem. You don’t want to believe me, so you don’t. I have what I said I had. You, on the other hand, have nothing, you just don’t like me because I’m on to your con job.
“You think you have the right to make anonymous comments about the health of a public figure based on illegal hearsay… and there is something wrong with us?”
It’s not “illegal hearsay,” as there is no such thing. For “proof” that Beau is dying, I would need medical evidence, and anyone providing it would be breaking the law. I’m not going to betray confidences from the people who told me this just because you don’t want to believe it.
Yes, I am an asshole. So what? Doesn’t change Beau’s health. And I’m not anonymous. Most of the regulars here know who I am. I can’t use my real name because liberals keep trying to get me fired when I do.
Again I ask, why are you sheep so willing to ask no questions? Because he’s a Democrat? Because he polls well? Seriously — why are you so willing to be lied to?
In what way is any of this “self-serving”? There’s your blind animus showing again.
I didn’t even solicit this information. People volunteered it without my asking, so I have to think it’s easy enough to find out if the whole state wasn’t in the bag for Biden.
Again I ask, why are you sheep so willing to ask no questions? Because he’s a Democrat? Because he polls well?
Because he’s a human being – a young man with a family – and these rumors are distasteful and malicious. If they’re true… it’s incredibly sad and heart breaking. If they’re not… they’re just vicious. What exactly are you hoping to accomplish with these claims. Seriously, what’s your point?
My point is that the family is lying, and I suspect it is for political reasons.
Yes, it is incredibly sad and heart-breaking. That doesn’t mean I have to play along with the deception.
What is malicious about saying a politician is gravely ill? Ted Kennedy did. Tim Johnson did. Most of us agree that it was wrong for JFK to fail to inform the public about his serious health issues.
When people decide to occupy public office, they acquire a different legal status than private citizens do. If Beau Biden had resigned his job, as he should have, none of this would matter. He did not, and he is not coming clean with the public now.
This has been my position for years. It was my position when Sherry Freebery said she didn’t have to reveal her $2 million gift/loan because it was her “private” business.
You want a private life, stay out of public life. You want a public life, you owe us transparency.
So, since you think tastefulness is a good enough reason to pretend he’s just fine, I have to wonder if that’s your policy for everyone in public life.
Geezer – Lord knows I bring my trunk full of biases to every thread, but does your Biden hate cloud your thinking on Beau a little bit. I mean…What political reasons?
Cover for Gordon. They already got Denn out of the race, and he’s the guy they were scared of.
This has nothing to do with my Biden “hate,” which I would call my “ability to see through the Biden bullshit.” I think it’s incredibly sad. But that’s no excuse to pretend the emperor’s new clothes are gorgeous — especially given the poll numbers that Beau received despite his public disappearance.
I’ve always liked Joe. I never got the Biden / Gordon connection though. I guess maybe he is “dirtied up” and controllable.
Biden and Gordon were friends at the very beginning of their respective careers. He’s one of the reasons that Biden is the cops’ best friend.
Re: the “information” on B Biden. I should have used a comma. It’s illegal (HIPAA) AND heresay (because it’s secondhand).
I saw a photo of Beau Biden with a candidate Tuesday and he looked very healthy, fwiw
My predictions for the 2016 general electio statewide:
Governor Biden vs Simpler
LT Gov: Barney vs Valenzuela
Congress: Carney vs Wade
Insurance Commissioner:
Weldin-Stewart vs Lamar Gunn
You will find that most of what is published as news is not proven, and is therefore “hearsay.” As I am not friendly with the Bidens, and they refuse to acknowledge what Beau’s health problems are, the only kind of evidence I could offer would have to be from others.
Consider: When Beau says his health is fine, why should we believe him? He has not “proven” that he’s fine. He could release his health records — that would “prove” what his condition is — but short of that I have no reason to believe him.
My criticism of the overprotective posters here is that they are willing to accept this. Would they accept it from their political enemies? I strongly doubt it.
Nancy: It’s worth very little. Lots of people have seen him and said the same thing. He steadfastly refuses to prove he’s fine. Why people are willing to accept this is beyond me, and the fact that they do boggles my mind. It’s the ultimate proof that Delaware is minor league.
People were eager to comb through Christine O’Donnell’s finances to show that she couldn’t earn a living. Why does nobody ever express a corresponding interest in how Joe Biden, with no job beyond public offices, was able to amass enough money to purchase his compound? Why did nobody ever look into the finances surrounding the aides employed to take care of his ailing mother before her death?
The state’s largest news source went directly in the tank as soon as he was nominated for VP. Nobody ever held Joe to account for scuttling Colm Connelly’s federal court nomination. The list goes on and on.
The state is in the bag for these people, and nobody can properly explain why.
Calvin Sparks – I love how after 5 or so comments, this thread has utterly ignored Bonini
Jason: That’s as it should be. The voters will ignore him in 2016, too.
Careful…Bonini is gonna see 60+ comments on his thread and think he’s a big deal. lol
Calvin, I think you are wrong but I had a good laugh at your Lt. Gov race . Too much. Run Brenda Mayrack for CONGRESS .
Pete Schwartzkopf is running for lieutenant governor according to the infallible Facebook.
My criticism of the overprotective posters here is that they are willing to accept this. Would they accept it from their political enemies? I strongly doubt it.
Your claim about Biden is personal first, with some political ramifications if true. I think that I’m the person LG refers to in shutting down some rumors about Dennis E Williams’ mental health. Ted Kennedy and Tim Johnson disclosed themselves their health problems. And I wish that Reagan disclosed his Alzheimers, but hey. Biden might be hiding his health issues, he might not. This isn’t about protecting Biden, it is about inappropriate rumor mongering. If someone showed up here claiming that Geezer is a junkie and he knows this because he’s talked to a few of his dealers, I’d shut that down too. Only because without some proof or verification from some other source, this is just rumor that isn’t necessary and is potentially hurtful to you, your family or your employment. Want to spread a rumor about Beau Biden formulating a plan to seize all of the guns in DE — have at it. I wouldn’t believe that, either, but you aren’t hurting anything other than your own reputation by doing it.
Actually, El Somnambulo was pretty much my opponent on the DEW story. I assume that he is away from the blog, or I’m certain he would be coming to your aid, Cassandra.
All I was asking for was some consistency, which you provided.
Colm may have been a treasured source to the Gannett boyz, but we’ve instead gotten far superior jurists on the federal district court [Stark and Andrews]. Biden wealth? The right wing spent much of 2008 circulating chuckles that JRBjr was about the least wealthy member of the Senate. Taking the crazy to the late Mrs. Biden summons memories of Mickey Kaus. http://wonkette.com/311092/i-guess-we-should-talk-about-mickey-kaus-blowing-goats-now
If Carney runs for Governor, Mayrack will run for Lt. Governor. Carney will face a primary from Gordon. If Biden runs for office, neither Carney or Gordon will challenge him in a primary. Bonini will run for Governor. Simpler will not.
Barney will run for U.S. Congress. I don’t think Lavelle or Valenzuela want to go to Washington. Maybe Izzo gives it another go.
Markell will not run for Congress, or any other elected office. Denn will serve at least one full term as AG. Carper will never retire.
You are right about Carper.
I think Barney is done…. that was such a pathetic, painful candidacy and campaign. He should find something else to do, honestly.
I would vote for Bonini over Gordon if he were to beat Carney in the primary. That man scares me.
Where do you all see Pete headed?
Prediction: Tom Carper will never retire, he will finally leave office when his toes are tagged. Wagner will never retire either because he is not allowed too. He had been burying the bodies for both parties for years, now. The powers that be do not want him writing a tell all book. He runs each time as if his life depends on it because his life truly does.
Yo, LG, I just got home from work. I agree w/Cassandra that I don’t feel comfortable about this thread.
HOWEVER, we have an announced candidate for Governor who has been unavailable to publicly come out and say anything during his last two years as Attorney General.
Knowing Geezer, he probably has some solid sources. Not necessarily about the particulars of his health, but at least about his ability to perform his public duties. Do I think he’s been too assertive about the claims? Yes.
However, in the absence of anything from Beau or the Bidens, what would YOU do if you were a member of the media and knew something? Report it or not report it? By definition, someone who says he’s running for Governor is a public figure.
I don’t care what his sources are. Only an asshole would make the statement on a public forum, under an anonymous name, regardless of someone being a public figure. Humanity should trump politics.
It’s not Geezer, it’s Beau Biden who has not come forward even though (through a spokesperson) he’s announced he’s running for Governor in 2016.
He’s a public figure, just like his drug-addled brother, yet somehow it’s OK for them to be completely off-limits. Except it’s not. One guy is our AG and a supposed candidate for Governor, and the other got a cushy board position in a country on war footing while he, the Bidens, and presumably the Obama Administration all knew about him being kicked out of the service while the rest of us did not.
If Beau wanted to quietly slip into the background, then he should have resigned as AG and should never have put out a statement that he’s running for Governor. Then, as far as I’m concerned, he’d be a private citizen. Instead, we get this constant game of peek-a-boo.
If one wants ‘humanity’ to ‘trump politics’, then get out of politics.
I agree w/ SW re: Bonini vs. Gordon for gov.
Gordon is Richard Nixon with a D next to his name.
what would YOU do if you were a member of the media and knew something?
Funny enough, I was more of a member of the media than a commenter on a blog is (I had my membership to the DPA and everything).
I wonder why the LACK OF A STATEMENT by someone is grounds for a “story”.
I am interested by what you are saying about the ability to report a story about a medical condition of a public figure. It is almost exactly the offense that you whipped me on. You questioned me on how I could possibly post such a thing without revealing my sources.
Yet here you are, defending Geezer for the same behavior.
Knowing Geezer, he probably has some solid sources.
That must be it.
I just wish that a radio or newspaper outlet here in Delaware would have asked these questions, or broadcast/print these rumors. That would give them a lot more heft. Perhaps you can leverage your contacts at WDEL to get them to investigate.
@ AQC
“Humanity should trump politics.”
Since when has that happened in American politics? And WHY should it happen?
Because, LeBay, we are humans before and after we are politicians (or those who work with politicians). And, El, I hear you and I am out of it in a couple years (and out of commenting on or reading blogs even sooner). I suspect you and Geezer will still have your little hatefest for the Bidens going on though. Knock yourselves out and justify it in whatever way makes you comfortable in your own skin.
LG: Here’s the difference. For the better part of a year and a half, Beau Biden has made himself unavailable to talk to the press about his situation. Yet, he has announced that he is running for Governor. If that’s a phony story concocted to serve whatever purpose, then he and his family should be called on it. It’s clear to anyone who is paying attention that the Bidens have kept the real nature of his health away from the public. I’d be fine with that if he/they no longer were pushing the story of his running for Governor.
I thought, and still think, that the story that you threw out there had nothing behind it. Even were it true, I didn’t view it as appropriate b/c, even if the story were true, and there was no citing of sources, it didn’t necessarily impede his ability to hold office.
With Beau, it’s not clear that he’s been, for any practical purpose, functioning as AG since his medical emergency. Yet, the fiction persists.
I agree with you and Cassandra that Geezer is over-the-top here as far as incendiary language. As we know, that’s his modus operandi, although he’s not the only one on this blog who does that, he’s not the only one who has done that in this thread, and I admit that I have gone there myself. But, there are real questions as to what’s going on with Beau, and his handlers have decided that we don’t deserve to know while claiming that he’s running for Governor. As far as I’m concerned, the public has a right to know as long as he continues to place himself in the public eye.
I know that this may not satisfy you, and I understand. First beer’s still on me the next time we get together.
Uh, second one’s on you.
AQC-
Please answer my first question. WHEN has that ever happened in American politics? Delaware is NOT special. Our politicians and our media are just as dirty as everyone else’s.
Sigh.
El Somnambulo July 23, 2010
Perhaps that was what you were looking for. It lacks the measured nature of your “incendiary” qualification.
And the context was totally different. Those allegations came out of the blue and were totally unsubstantiated.
Biden has been incommunicado for a year and a half now, has had a major health issue that everybody’s aware of, but he says he’s running for Governor.
We’ve been writing about it for almost a year and a half. Pretty big difference if you ask me.
Geezer is over-the-top here as far as incendiary language. As we know, that’s his modus operandi, although he’s not the only one on this blog who does that,
I want to be really clear here – this is NOT about incendiary language. If it was, most of this blog would be moderated. This is about making very damaging claims about someone with no proof. If anyone wants to break a story here (with real sources), then go right ahead. Otherwise, that stuff is just not welcome here. Until it becomes real enough for all of us to judge that information.
LG-
You appear to be a smart person. I can only assume that you’re being intentionally ignorant when you pose this question:
“I wonder why the LACK OF A STATEMENT by someone is grounds for a “story”.”
The LACK OF A STATEMENT, in the context of Beau’s mysterious surgery in bumfuck Texas, is in fact news. You know this. Stop playing stupid.
I will now link to the most “reputable” news source in the country. Try not to laugh.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/02/23/questions-remain-about-beau-bidens-health/5733275/
The context is NOT totally different. What Geezer claimed today certainly came out of the blue and were completely unsubstantiated as well.
Exactly Cassandra.
And LeBay, I’m gonna assume that you didn’t see the comment that started this.
Wrong, Cassandra. The guy had a health issue well over a year ago, and has, for all intents and purposes, been incommunicado ever since. Far different from throwing something up here for the first time. And I’d be fine with that if he would put an end to his fictitious run for Governor.
As long as the Bidens maintain that fiction, they are public figures, Beau included.
I tend to agree with your first statement, except–something’s going on and the Bidens are not willing to tell anybody. They haven’t for over a year. I think we deserve an answer even if I don’t think that Geezer should be making claims as to the alleged desperate nature of the situation. If Beau announces that he will not run for Governor, I think everybody should just stand down and give him his privacy. At that point, he will be a private figure, at least in my eyes.
LG-
Is this the comment you’re referring to:
” I will be surprised if he is even alive by November 2016.”?
I saw that. That’s Geezer’s opinion. So what?
I saw Beau on 8th St in Wilmington (he was walking to Libby’s for lunch…I can’t eat there…my body doesn’t like their food) approx 11 mos. ago. He looked fine, but that doesn’t really mean anything. My dad looked fine the day he died.
@cassandra-
“The context is NOT totally different.”
Yes. That’s exactly what I said. Glad we agree.
I agree that that comment should have been moderated, just on grounds of bad taste. For the record, I don’t have any problems with what Cassandra did when it came to dealing with this situation.
LeBay, that comment by me was directed at El Som. And (speaking for LG), that wasn’t the comment that was moderated.
The guy had a health issue well over a year ago, and has, for all intents and purposes, been incommunicado ever since.
Wrong, El Som, Geezer’s claim was well beyond curiosity about a health issue. There may be something else going on, there might not. But that specific claim was over the line without something that would let us all judge the info appropriately.
>I agree that that comment should have been moderated, just on grounds of bad taste.
And that’s why I call you a Biden lover.
Many comments made on this blog could be described as being “in bad taste”. So what? Hell, your jailhouse photo of a former POTUS could rightfully be considered in bad taste by some right-winger.
Get over the bullshit about “bad taste” and let’s deal with reality.
LeBay – I was irked by inconsistency. Cassandra was consistent in her outrage, ES, predictably, prevaricated.
FWIW, Geezer commented on the old thread that there was a lot of faux outrage over my assertion.
I don’t really have a stand on whether any of the rumors are true and I hope they are not. But when I made my assertion, it was on the blog that I was a contributor on. Perhaps this is Geezers only outlet that he can comment on this stuff. But in theory, it could open the blog up to action (frivolous or otherwise).
“ES, predictably, prevaricated.”
Fuck you, LG.
You pulled a rumor out of your ass with nothing to back it up. And I was hardly the only contributor to call you on it.
The Bidens have been lying to us for over a year. We have an AG who hasn’t done a thing as AG for over a year, and people pretend that he’s running the office when he’s not. We probably get about 10 press releases a week here at DL about something Biden ‘did’, and he didn’t do anything.
He says he’s running for governor when he’s not. We’re all being played and, get this, we all know it. Quite a bit different from pulling a rumor out of your ass with no context to it. Just a dump on someone w/o warning and for no reason other than malice. If you and others can’t see the difference between the two situations, it’s because you’re deliberately playing dumb. Because you’re not dumb.
If you want to relitigate your bullshit rumor from two years ago, go right ahead.
But don’t call me a liar.
Prevaricate – speak or act in an evasive way.
As I’ve said, I don’t have an opinion on the Biden rumors. My opinion here is on your consistent inconsistency.
“knowing Geezer…” Yeah.
@Cassandra: In what way is what I said “damaging” to Beau Biden? If it’s not true, all he has to do is demonstrate it. Having a health issue isn’t the same as being and addict or cheating on a spouse or, really, anything at all.
When politicians fail to tell the public about their health issues, is that right or wrong?
You said earlier you don’t trust me, so you don’t believe it. Fine by me. Absent proof — and very little of what we read has “proof” to back it up — it’s only ever a matter of trust.
You also accused me of being self-serving. You still haven’t explained what is self-serving about it.
For those who worry about my “anonymity’ here, don’t worry. I’ve made the same claim in public, with my name attached, and will continue to do so, even though I’m gravely, gravely wounded by being considered an asshole for doing so.
@LG: There’s a lot of faux outrage on this thread, too. If it’s real outrage, then Ebola panic isn’t the only sign that a stupidity epidemic is upon us.
See? without me in the thread, you are all reduced to calling each other assholes. It’s nice to be needed.
Puck: Post of the Day. So far.
When somebody gets around to figuring out what’s “very damaging” about this, please let me know.
And “completely unsubstantiated” is incorrect, unless you’re suggesting I just made it all up.
Pete Schwartzkopf will be the next governor and he’s moving all the government power to the beach.
BHL WILL be the nect Lt. Gov. Right now, she is the best candidate for that position. Hands down.
Hmmm.. I don’t know. BHL’s re-elction was much closer than I expected. Also, she’ll have to overcome being a member in good standing of the Democrat Party, which means she doesn’t have any sort of core values to build a campaign around.
BHL was lucky to win re-election, and if you think her next re-election won’t feature her husband’s mug shot you don’t know Republicans.
“Democrats want you to elect someone whose husband cheated so she could win her last election.” Republicans can only hope Democrats would be that dumb.
Just another log for the fire. On returns day Beau needed the assistance of 3 guardsmen to get into the Humvee he rode in. He appeared too weak to climb in without assistance. Quite a few “participants” in the parade witnessed it. You figure out whether this “info” applies to his health, but geezer appears to be one of the few that sees bread crumbs in a row and realizes it makes a trail.