In November of 2007 at Huffpost, I described the “magic” of Joe Biden’s emergence in a debate. He rallied then when it mattered and surprised most of us again yesterday – Super Tuesday. What I wrote then applies yet again:
“Isn’t this the Joe Biden who jokes about how frequently he inserts his foot in his mouth? Yet this is also the Joe Biden who has been impressive not only in debate formats of late but in other venues as well.
If anyone came across as having the necessary experience to be President last night, it was Joseph Biden. He turned the debate around, away from pettiness, to focus on what matters to the American people when he said they care about making mortgage payments, their sons and daughters fighting in Iraq, crime, and keeping their jobs.
Who is this unmasked man? Suddenly he’s the candidate with the big picture, the one capable of articulating it as well. I don’t know about you, but I keep expecting him to say something completely off base, but he’s been focused. And his preparation showed – all thirty-five plus years of it…
Biden stood out, demonstrated depth, and connected with the concerns of real people. It’s inspiring to hear the views of this relaxed Joe Biden and to observe his class, searing intellect, dedication to country, and engaging humor.
I remain undecided. But Biden is growing on more than just me. Something very magical has happened to Joe. Maybe it won’t last. But it’s good for the country and a joy to behold.”
His “stunning” comeback as they referred to it this morning on CNN’s New Day, is akin to the emergence of that Joe Biden we saw in November of 2007. We saw that side of Joe again in the debate with Sarah Palin. I advised his team on that debate. How would Joe do in a debate with a woman? What was necessary for him to win? Here is what I wrote then.
Again, the magic emerged. There’s a long way to go for Biden and Bernie Sanders is an able competitor as we’ve seen, but yesterday we saw a John McCain moment when the underdog surged.
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