Media Credit: Jim Gibbs [Click to enlarge]

Joseph Biden (D) Senator from Delaware

Ben Williams: Joseph Biden has served 35 years in the U.S. Senate. On top of that, he is running for president - again. After a 20-year hiatus from the Democratic presidential political trail, Biden is running as a moderate and is in third place.

The large issues for Biden begin with an exit plan for Iraq, health care for all and the higher education ACCESS tax credit for all.

Biden said he supports building a 21st century education system. In the higher education ACCESS plan, he would increase federal grants and guarantee that all college eligible students be supported through at least two years of college. He claims that higher education is becoming a luxury good for middle-class America.

On the issue of health care for all, like many democratic candidates, the plan is all about the children - up to 21. Biden is selling a semi-socialist health care plan, though one that is slightly more private-enterprise focused than those of his competitors.

Biden said in an interview with George Stephanopoulos, host of ABC's This Week, that he is the only candidate that has an exit strategy for Iraq. His plan focuses on a federal government that distributes oil revenues between Kurds, Shiites and Sunnis. Furthermore, Biden promotes a federalist system of government that separates each group into its own region - a good strategy.

Of all the Democratic candidates, Sen. Joseph Biden is at the top of my list. He is focused on values and he has solid ideas. I don't agree with many of his stances, but Biden is a man with conviction - I actually know where he stands.

Vineet Tiruvadi: The imposing figures of the Democrats' candidate selection have left Sen. Joe Biden in the shadows, with Biden garnering only 2 percent of Democratic voters in a recent Associated Press poll. This is very unfortunate, considering Biden's refreshingly moderate stances.

His plan for Iraq involves an increased role for diplomacy to help foster an Iraqi government. By giving the three major Iraqi populations reasons to defend their newfound democracy, Biden hopes to ease the burden on American soldiers enough to bring them back home. Increasing reconstruction efforts is No. 1, with a small American presence to help out in any way it can. While some of us may not agree with the premise of the war, Biden believes it is our duty to finish the job in as competent a manner as possible - key words being "finish" and "competent."

Biden's education policy includes adding two years of preschool to a child's student career as well as making it financially favorable to send that child to college. Education is something we haven't heard enough of in the election circus thus far, so it's nice to see someone that understands the power and importance of education.

The environment, Darfur, energy and the Internet all get the attention they deserve from Biden's campaign. What you see is a campaign team that seems to have its priorities in order.

Biden appears to be a great candidate for the Democratic nomination. Unfortunately, he's had his fair share of political gaffes, just like some recent presidents. If you're able to look past them you'll see a strong candidate with some very promising positions.

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