Doomed

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Bush's Iraq strategy or Biden's presidential bid?

Both, but let's stick with the former for now.

Joe Biden may have a screw loose here and there, but at least he has foreign policy experience -- far more than Hillary, Obama, and Edwards -- and at least he seems to be thinking seriously about how best to get the hell out of Iraq. And he isn't all about focus-grouped soundbites. Which can get him in trouble when he's insulting Obama but which can make him sound refreshingly candid when he's on his game.

And, aside from waffling on Imus, he was on his game on WaPo's PostTalk, where he said this: "Assume the surge worked, then what? Stay there forever? If you don't stay there forever, what's the political solution?" And this: "Does anyone think [GOP senators up for re-election in '08] are going to stick with this president's plan without any target date to get out of Iraq, without a fundamental change in strategy? I think not." Good points, despite a disturbing tendency to make statements in the form of questions. This isn't Jeopardy. (I can't stand it when people answer their own questions like that.)

Biden may be right about his qualifications, but he's overly optimistic about his chances.

He's way too much of a loose cannon (Strike 1), too hawkish (Strike 2), not nearly "Oprah" enough (Strike 3), and doesn't have any money (Strike 4). Plus, the netroots don't much care for him (Strike 5). And he's from Delaware (foul ball).

So do I think he can win? No. But do I think he brings a great deal of credibility to public discourse on foreign policy (and on Iraq in particular)? Yes.

Am I annoying myself yet? You bet.