The NPR Politics Podcast What Joe Biden Learned From His 1988 Presidential Campaign
Dec 26, 2019
Joe Biden's first presidential campaign in 1988 ended quickly but was marked by significant moments that shaped his political journey. He bravely prioritized Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork's hearings over his ambitions, which ultimately influenced legal pathways for years. The discussion reveals Biden's strategy to win over moderates by showcasing his working-class background. Plus, there are insights on the struggles of bipartisanship today, comparing the more collaborative political climate of the past with today's divisive landscape.
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Biden's 1988 Campaign
- Joe Biden's 1988 presidential campaign ended prematurely due to a plagiarism scandal involving a Neil Kinnock speech.
- This coincided with his role as Senate Judiciary Committee Chair during Robert Bork's Supreme Court nomination hearings.
Bork Hearings
- Despite plagiarism accusations, Biden prioritized the Bork hearings over his campaign.
- He viewed blocking Bork's nomination as more crucial than his presidential ambitions.
Biden's Strategy
- Biden's approach in the Bork hearings involved letting Bork explain his judicial philosophy at length.
- This strategy allowed Biden to gain support from moderate Republicans and conservative Democrats, securing a progressive victory.