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Biden & Co. Take Cue From Rove

Dems' new plan of attack follows map left by GOP spinmeister

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 28, 2008 12:14 PM CDT

(Newser) – Joe Biden’s speech last night mapped out the new plan of attack for Democrats against John McCain, and it’s positively Rovian, Walter Shapiro writes on Salon. The Democrats went directly for McCain’s biggest strength—national security—and tried to turn it into a weakness. “These times require more than a good soldier—they require a wise leader,” the VP nominee said.

Biden’s biggest charge on this front was McCain’s judgment on Afghanistan, which the Republican declared a success 3 years ago but is now beset by Taliban strikes. Bill Clinton and John Kerry also went on offense against McCain, and did so effectively—though their speeches weren’t carried on network TV. It was Biden who set the tone: No more Mr. Nice Guy.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last night.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last night.   (AP Photo)
Conventioneers cheer just before Barack Obama makes a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention to join his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., in Denver Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008.
Conventioneers cheer just before Barack Obama makes a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention to join his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., in Denver Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden, D-Del., addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver last night.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden, D-Del., addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver last night.   (AP Photo)
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DNC - Wednesday Night Recap. Six hours of convention have been compressed into 5 minutes of video, featuring a performance by Melissa Etheridge.   (griffinity)
Joe Biden accepts the vice presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention.   (BarackObamadotcom)

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First, swaddle McCain in praise and affirmations of eternal friendship. ... Then, in a tone more of sorrow than anger, lament how McCain has changed. - Walter Shaprio, Salon, on the Democrats' new attack strategy

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