Letters: 'Why Joe Is No Joke'

NEWSWEEK

Published Oct 17, 2009

From the magazine issue dated Oct 26, 2009

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October 19, 2009 issue | 'Why Joe Is No Joke'
I'm glad Joe chose a life of service to this nation. And I'm glad Obama chose Joe, especially given his foreign-policy expertise. No typical vice president here.
Noralee Bauthues Stewart Fair Oaks, Calif.

After former vice president Dick Cheney's complicity in the Bush administration's rush to war in Iraq, it has been a relief to note Joe Biden's valiant voice of sanity in pressing for force reduction in Afghanistan. The contrast between the two leaders couldn't be greater.
Tracy Leverton Vienna, Va.

I appreciate Joe Biden's standing up to our president and expressing his views. I feel more secure with Biden holding this office. Go get 'em, Joe.
Kermita Thornton Oklahoma City, Okla.

It's about time that someone spoke the truth out loud. Joe Biden's sobering question about the $65 billion that the United States will be spending on Afghanistan this year versus the $2.25 billion to be spent on Pakistan—as Al Qaeda's presence spreads there—should jolt our government. We've been paying dearly for Pakistan's "help."
Joann Lee Frank Clearwater, Fla.

'Underqualified for the Overrated'
Our president wins the Nobel Peace Prize, and you give his vice president the cover. You call his award "undeserved," and run two articles—one filled with sarcasm, the other with disrespect. Even Sen. John McCain had the professionalism to say that it was a proud day for America. Where's your balance? And where's the writer who speaks for those Americans who are proud that their president received this award, describing the reasons why he deserved it? The world appreciates President Obama. Maybe we are too deafened by the inane screaming from the right to hear.
James Park Houston, Texas

Christopher Hitchens missed the real justification for Obama's Nobel Peace Prize. Before Obama defeated the Republicans in the 2008 election, much of the world viewed a nearsighted, unilateral, and aggressive America as a significant threat to world peace; Obama's election changed that. The prize was really an award to the American electorate for preventing another four years of George W. Bush's destructive foreign policy.
Jerry R. Hobbs Marina Del Rey, Calif.

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Posted By: Tan Boon Tee @ 10/19/2009 10:54:14 PM

Why are people getting unnecessary upset with the US president being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?

If the Nobel Committee decides so, it is their prerogative. After all, they are giving away their money. No one else should interfere.

In short, right or wrong does not come into the picture.
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Posted By: Tan Boon Tee @ 10/19/2009 10:41:11 PM

Obama should have been wiser. Indeed, he could have made a larger and deeper mark in history by declining to accept the Peace Prize.

In the bottom of his heart, he knows very well that he does not quite deserve the globally acclaimed award as yet, especially when compared to some other nominees.

Why did he accept then?
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Posted By: N Stewart @ 10/18/2009 6:08:46 AM

The title of Newsweek's article says it all...Joe Biden is no joke and one of the best parts of the Obama-Biden Administration. President Obama chose wisely; he knew what he was doing and what he would need during tough and controversial times and decisions. The last thing Obama needs is a "yes man or woman." Biden is not only brilliant in foreign policy, he is simply unable to BS or tell anything other than the truth. He has no personal agenda other than service to this nation. I think Obama and our nation are fortunate to have Joe Biden.