Posted on 09/15/2010 9:52:51 PM PDT by Justaham
Vice President Joe Biden urged Democrats on Wednesday not to underestimate Tea Party candidates, saying that if progressives didn't get energized for the November election, there would be serious consequences for "the things we care most about."
In an interview on "The Rachel Maddow Show" on msnbc, Biden said he was taking victories by Tea Party-backed candidates in GOP primaries "very, very seriously."
"I wouldn’t sell short these candidates," Biden said, adding that he expected money to pour into such races as the one for his old Senate seat in Delaware.
In that GOP primary, Christine O'Donnell defeated veteran Rep. Michael Castle. O'Donnell was backed by Tea Party activists and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, but the Republican establishment had publicly fretted that she would be a liability in the general election, in which she'll face Democrat Chris Coons.
Biden had a message for Democrats and progressives: "Get in gear, man."
"You better get energized, because the consequences are serious for the outcome of the things we care most about."
He said that the Obama administration's accomplishments on such issues as health care overhaul, hate crime laws and tobacco regulation would be at risk if the party didn't turn out voters.
advertisement | ad info Advertisement | ad infoAdvertisement | ad info. "It’s time for our base to say, 'Hey, man, take a look. This opposition is real,'" Biden said.
Biden pointed to tax cuts as the marquis issue of the campaign, one that would give Democrats the chance to sharply delineate their differences with Republicans. He said voters would respond when the impact of middle-class tax cuts versus tax cuts for the wealthy is explained.
"I want this fight," Biden said.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
Funny how the narrative has suddenly shifted from the Tea Party and O’Donnell being a fringe movement and an unelectable candidate to one of an unstoppable force.
They’re all singing a different tune after the Miller and O’Donnell victories.
Pretty slow on the uptake.
Uh oh.
A lucid interval.
Indeed. Joe must have been in between highballs.
One thing I have noticed recently is you don’t see or hear “teabagger” anymore, its as if the left and rinos have been punched in the mouth for their insults and and learned some respect. Lets face it, they were coldcocked last night....thats gotta hurt.
Biden’s a fool, but he’s not stupid. He can read the political tea leaves and they that the dims are shiite out of luck.
Tobacco Legislation?
What’s Bammy gonna do to smokes?
Did I miss anything?
That's 'cause he's silly, or just a liar.
1/2 his caucus wants a straight extension of at least 2 years.
Not astroturf any more, heh Harry?
That’s our Joe, always on the leading edge of politics, LOL.
Six months and seven cards in the deck too late, Plugs.
He said voters would respond when the impact of middle-class tax cuts versus tax cuts for the wealthy is explained.
“I want this fight,” Biden said.
Yes, it's almost entirely disappeared. It's remarkable especially considering Obama used the disparaging comment just this past May.
Heh, thanks for the chuckle. I shall share that pic.
Does he keep calling Maddow, “Hey man”. LOL
such noble lofty endeavors /s
"Lord, what fools these mortals be!"
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