I’ve run my own tax numbers compared with the very-junior Senator from Illinois’ own proposals, okay ?

And, as I’ve already said, even if his proposals had no impact on my personal taxes, I would still oppose them.

As for my personal biases. Yes, I am a libertarian. As such, I cannot support Barack Obama’s economic socialism or John McCain’s military nationalism.

Any questions ?

What numbers have you run? I assume that in spite of your claims concerning McCain that you are running numbers based solely on RNC claims? Because that’s really the only way they work out that way.

You write

Sorry, I don’t vote for guys who think the idea of taking more of my money is a good thing.

Thank you for showing what kind of co-blogger Justin has invited in. Because frankly, I’ve never had any respect for anyone who makes hyper-simplistic, ultra-ideological statements like that. Justin, call it what you will, but your new co-blogger has absolutely a snowball’s chance of ever having an iota of respect from anyone who isn’t a Republican or a Libertarian. He reminds me of the comments section of some of the loonier right wingers.

This is true. It’s possible, but given recent American history not likely, that Obama would ask Biden to step-aside at that point and selected as his Vice-President someone who would be something of a political heir. It’s possible, but, again, not likely given recent American history, that Biden would decide to retire (although why one would retire from a job that carries prestige, little direct responsibility, and the possibility that you might become President someday is unclear to me), thus letting Obama choose a new running mate in 4 years.

But, of course, all those things were possible eight years ago when George W. Bush picked Dick Cheney. Four years ago, in fact, there were many people who thought that Bush should in fact ask Cheney to step aside, or that Cheney should do so voluntarily, in deference to someone who would have become the automatic frontrunner for 2008 (Bush’s subsequent political problems notwithstanding).

Neither one of those things happened, and if they don’t happen again with Obama/Biden, the Democrats would be in the same interesting position that Republicans found themselves in 2008.

Frankly, what I make a year is none of your damn business.

Given what Sen. Obama has said about increasing capital gains taxes and not renewing the 2001 tax cuts, among other things, what I make really doesn’t matter — under his plan, my taxes will go up. I’ve run the numbers, so I know.

And, oh yeah, even if his plan didn’t impact me personally, I’d still oppose it and vote against him.

And, no, I’m not voting for McCain either.

Okay ?

So are you officially stating that McCain is too old to run for president?

No, that’s not what I’m saying.

I will be waiting for your Obama endorsement.

Sorry, I don’t vote for guys who think the idea of taking more of my money is a good thing.

Look at the extremely high level of presumption that is required to worry about Biden’s supposed effects upon the 2012 and 2016 races. Frankly I don’t think Obama or any other presidential candidate would be so stupid that they’d choose NOT to pick the person they felt made the best ticket, just because it could cause problems with future tickets.

And as WJ also suggests, there’s no real reason why the VP nom for 2012 couldn’t be swapped out if that was desirable…you just ask Biden to fall on his sword and say he’s sick or tired or wants to spend more time with his family, etc, etc. I imagine that it’s a common (maybe even “de rigeur”) part of the conversation that the VP nom agrees to step aside quietly and gracefully if asked.

Which leads to the distinct possibility of Obama picking someone else for VP at that point. Presto! No “lack of a Vice President serving as a clear successor.” The main issue in 2012, I suspect, will not be whether Obama should “dump” Bidan, but whether Bidan decides that he’s ready/willing to retire.

Joe Biden is a fine pick for VP. He’s there to help the negative half of Obama’s campaign. He comes up with some pretty funny zingers but he’s also unimportant enough to not take away from Obama’s eventual win. I’m really looking forward to hearing what he has to say over the next few months. Should be pretty entertaining.

As for looking beyond 2008, to 2012, its likely that the President Obama may want to replace then vice president Biden with someone younger to set the party up for 2016. However, and I’m sure this is a concern in many minds, given the historic nature of Sen. Obama’s campaign, by 2012 there may be a President Biden. Hopefully not, but there are plenty of nuts out there, as well as terrorists, that such a scenario is not too far fetched.

Of course, I fear this discussion may have just put me on some sort of watchlist… :(

put the electronic typewriter down, mogwai.

I will be waiting for your Obama endorsement.