Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics

Biden's Blessed

Senator Joe Biden's been blessed...and not just by the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque. He is blessed with the knowledge and experience that a man who would be president commands. He is blessed with a family that taught him, nurtured him, supported him. In times of trouble, he always bounced back. Time after time, whenever someone knocked him down, he got right back up. It takes someone with special courage to do that. A son, a brother, a husband, a father, a teacher, a senator, a presidential candidate: excels at all, brags about none. Sen. Biden writes in his own personal style, down-to-Earth and not pretentious. In chapter after chapter he shows us how to triumph over adversity, while managing a family and maintaining a quiet dignity. This one's a keeper, and that's no malarkey.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A book that makes me want to be a better citizen

I do live in Delaware, so I already knew a little about Joe Biden (and liked him by the way). Having just gotten started on 'Promises to Keep' I can already tell that this will be a page turner. If you already know of Joe Biden, this book will broaden your understanding of his positions. If you don't know him, this is an oppertunity to learn more about a presidential candidate then you will hear on CNN. If you think you don't agree with him, give the book a shot and you'll change your mind.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

good tape for travel

nice mixture of facts as recalled and biden's personal story

An honest and very human account of the Vice-President's life in politics.

This memoir provides a very honest and human rendering of the Vice-President's life right up to his decision to run in the 2008 contest. As a veteran of the evacuation of Vietnam and the Mayaguez incident, I was disappointed that he did not discuss those episodes or the passage of the War Powers Act, but that was at a time in his life when he was not yet sure if he wanted to continue as a senator following the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter. I was more disappointed that he failed to discuss his later proposal to reform the War Powers Act. My only other gripe is that he repeatedly discusses every new home he moves into as if it is his dream house. It seems to be a fixation for him. Other than that, a well written and conceived account that is presented with refreshing honesty. For example, with regard to the plagiarism controversy, he honestly admits that he should have straightened out the lack of attribution of his Iowa debate remarks in a subsequent press conference and he accepts full blame for not doing so even though he'd offered repeated attribution to Neal Kinnock previously. A very worthwhile read!

Confirmed my suspicions

This biography confirmed my suspicions about Joe Biden. He truly is a terrific American! Should make us all reflect on our own lives and how we deal with the hand we have been dealt. Great book, smart to read this before any casual debate about our potential national leaders.

An American with Values

The reviewer tries to be informed. Joe Biden is a man of religious faith, patriotic, believes in our AMERICAN heritage and forefathers who established our government, and has a deep patriotism. His writing style reminds me of my beloved Frank McCourt. Read this book.

A reviewer

I was not too sure about his qualifications for President, but now I know he's the one we should all vote for. He has so many years in politics, a son fighting in this war and he has predicted everything that has happened with this 'wrong' war, and I voted republican last time..stupid me. Foreign leaders would also look up to him, which we so need right now.

Top Notch

As i was reading this book I started to forget this is was an autobiography. instead i was captivated by the tale of a little studering catholic boy's adventures. this was by far the best autobiography i have read.

All About Joe Biden

Senator Joe Biden in his new autobiography brings to life the past days of his youth and career as a Senator from Delaware. It¿s loaded with family life details of his two marriages. You get the measure of the man as he experiences impediments, hardship, love, tragedy and success. It¿s all there including how he overcame a terrible stutter to become a class leader and excel in football at Archmere Catholic High. And, how on his first run for the Senate, he took on the entrenched incumbent Cale Boggs and beat him handily. He also covers his positions on many past and present issues such as abortion, housing for working people and the poor, and many others. In one sentence I can summarize his life to date. He is a man of faith, integrity and a problem solver.

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