What Biden Was Up To In '86, Or How I Lost The Cold War By Lunchbox Joe

While most, like NRO's Planet Gore are focused on the Energy angle of Biden's gaffe of the day, it's important to understand what Biden was actually up to in 1986. And the 1987 piece of legislation that NRO cites wasn't it. Biden did sponsor legislation in 1986.

But what he was really up to was trying to reverse Reagan on a decision considered pivotal to winning the Cold War - the abandonment of SALT II. That Obama reached back for a guy so absolutely on the wrong side of history on this one, coupled with Obama's on the record statements about decimating our national defenses ... one can begin to imagine how at risk Obama/Biden would leave America during dangerous times. See below for details.

First, let's not forget that even WaPo had to call Biden out for claiming to have negotiated START. That one's just too good to not re-visit. Of course, that was before he was blessed by Obama, don't look for the Post to re-visit the issue. Given recent events, they might even acuse someone pointing out they printed it of being wrong. heh! That links a hoot btw. Don't overlook it but I want to stay on point here.

Some history on SALT II. See what was happening by 1986?

An agreement to limit strategic launchers was reached in Vienna on June 18, 1979, and was signed by Leonid Brezhnev and President of the United States Jimmy Carter. Six months after the signing, the Soviet Union deployed troops to Afghanistan, and in September of the same year senators including Henry M. Jackson discovered the so-called "Soviet brigade" on Cuba. In light of these developments, the treaty was never formally ratified by the United States Senate. Its terms were, nonetheless, honored by both sides until 1986 when the Reagan Administration withdrew from SALT II after accusing the Soviets of violating the pact.

And what was Biden up to, global warming or no? Less than two weeks after Reagan nixed SALT II on May 26

Subsequently, in 1984 and 1985, President Reagan declared that the Soviet Union had violated its political commitment to observe the SALT II Treaty. On May 26, 1986, President Reagan stated that "... the United States must base decisions regarding its strategic force structure on the nature and magnitude of the threat posed by Soviet strategic forces and not on standards contained in the SALT structure...."

Biden tried to reverse it on June 5th with this: you may have to search for it again if this link doesn't work. But it's there.

6. S.2518 : A bill to facilitate United States compliance with the numerical limitations of the SALT II treaty governing strategic nuclear weapons.
Sponsor: Sen Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [DE] (introduced 6/5/1986)

SALT II Numerical Limitations Compliance Act - Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds for the deployment or maintenance of weapons systems in excess of the limitations imposed under the SALT II treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union. Terminates such limitations upon the receipt by the Congress of written certification from the President that the Soviet Union has exceeded such limitations. Waives such limitations if: (1) the President so requests in writing to the Congress, citing the national security reasons for such waiver; and (2) the Congress authorizes such waiver by bill or joint resolution.

Comments

[SacTownMan]

This guy is constanttly on the wrong side of major foreign policy decisions.

He wanted to divide Iraq into three zones that would have allowed Iran to control the entire Southern part of Iraq.

The great plaugerist is simply Bozzo junior (right after Barry)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FYxwEy57Vo

[SacTownMan]

Is this guy really supposed to more qualified than Palin?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080923/ap_on_el_pr/biden_mistaken_history

You can't buy stuff this good (unless you're Uncle Georgie). We'll see the ad for this up by tommorrow and just wait till Palin uses this one in the VP debate!

The resident trolls here would pee themselves to have this little snippet to use. How many cars and houses McCain has is news to them but they want this walking brain tumor as #2 and San Fran Nan being #3.

My only concern is that just like Barry this will just get another MSM pass!

I'll bet Barry wishes he could find those other 7 states right about now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws

The trolls are kidding right?

[seekeronos]

I'm probably several hours, even a day late, and certainly a few dollars short...

...but this is good for some ol' fashioned schadenfreude:

Summary: Obama tells Gafe-master Joe to shut his mouth...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/09/23/2008-09-23_barack_obama_tells_running_mate_joe_bide.html

[seekeronos]

Speaking of gaffes...

"Gaffe-Master Joe". :P

[seekeronos]

Dr. Ron Paul officially endorses Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party) for President.

http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog/?p=582#more-582

Too bad he won't be on the New York State ballot.