Brace yourself: Vice President Joe Biden has dispatched a fundraising letter to supporters announcing that, “I’m officially back on the campaign trail. And if feels great to be out there.”
No news there, since the popular veep has been welcomed by several cities and crowds in his campaign ramp up recently.
But what is interesting is his solicitation of ideas to run on as the Obama-Biden campaign pivots to full-time electioneering. “I’d like to ask you one question right now: Of all the issues important to you, what’s the bottom-line reason you’re with us in this fight?”
Of course the president has already indicated he plans to run on job creation, green energy and don’t ask, don’t tell, but the list Biden offered suggested that the re-election platform will be a full one. Topping the list, job creation. Included at the bottom: Gay rights. Missing: Afghanistan and Iraq.
“For some folks, it’s making sure we’re continuing to create millions of good jobs here at home, and building an economy that’s made to last — not for the next election cycle or the next couple years, but for the long run. Or the idea that we ought to be protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare for future generations of Americans,” wrote the veep.
“We want to take each of those reasons, and drill them into this thing we’re building together. And right now, I’m asking for your help. Let us know what’s on your mind, and help shape the conversation in the months to come,” he added. Below is the list of nine key issues offered as choices:
— Job creation and strengthening the economy.
— Health reform.
— Clean energy.
— Education reform.
— Veteran’s issues
— Immigration reform.
— Foreign policy and homeland security.
— Women’s issues.
— LGBT issues.
