BIDEN DELIVERS CLOSING MESSAGE BEFORE THE IOWA CAUCUSES; MAKES CASE FOR ELECTABILITY

On New Year’s Day, Sen. Joe Biden thanked Iowans in an internet address for their continued support and laid out his case as to why they should caucus for him on January 3rd. All evidence in recent days points to growing instability in the Democratic field going into Caucus Day. At the same time, packed crowds and increasing enthusiasm at Sen. Biden’s events across the state of Iowa have cleared the way for him to break through. Emphasizing Iowa’s strong tradition of defying foregone conclusions, Sen. Biden appealed to Iowans to caucus for the candidate truly best equipped to lead America through the next decade. The entire message from Sen. Biden can be viewed here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=FS6-7DeS6Is.
Below are excerpts:

“The events of the past week have made it clear that there are serious threats to our security all across this globe. I believe I have demonstrated that I'm ready to deal with these threats from Day One.

“And I’m ready to win. We know what the Republicans will throw at us in this election. They'll say we're weak, and soft on national security. They'll appeal to peoples' fears, not their hopes. If I am your nominee that strategy will certainly backfire. “Who can attack me for not having a plan to end the war in Iraq? As the only candidate in either party with a plan to get our troops out without leaving chaos behind, I have the credibility and the strength to take on John McCain on his support of the war.

“Who can attack me for not supporting and protecting our troops? I am also the only candidate who voted to fund and protect our troops and build MRAPS.

“Who can attack me on terror? Rudy Giuliani uses three words in every sentence – a noun, a verb and 9/11. I’ve done more to protect our ports, our trains and our infrastructure than Rudy has ever done.

“I can hardly wait to debate Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee when they accuse the Democrats of having no moral authority to lead. Where is the morality in providing an addition $85 billion dollar tax cut for those who make an average of $1.4 million a year? And, not providing health insurance for America’s children – or letting American’s who fall pray to a catastrophic illness lose all they have? What is moral about maintaining a prison at Guantanamo Bay and allowing torture as U.S. policy?” …

“So when Caucus goers visualize the election when they ask themselves, ‘who do you want in the ring to go toe to toe with the Republicans’ – I hope you will conclude it is me.’ …

“Happy New Year and may God bless America and may God bless our troops.”