[Commentary] I don’t always agree with him, but Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware is probably one of the smartest minds in the Democratic Party when it comes to foreign policy. Still, it seems doubtful—at least at this point in the race—that that he will win the Democratic nomination. Until now, I thought he was angling to be the next secretary of state or defense in a Democratic administration. But with this website, I think it’s fair to say he's going on the attack, either because he thinks it’s his best move to win the nomination, he doesn’t mind insulting the person who would give him a cabinet position, or he really does want to sit down and try to save Iraq. Or maybe all three!

Regardless of motive, I think Biden is right to call for a debate solely on the Iraq war. There have been too many platitudes from the Democratic candidates; I want to know who actually knows what they’re talking about. The war is the No. 1 issue of our day, and if these candidates don’t know enough to debate the particulars for an hour, they don’t deserve to be president.

Will any of the other candidates debate Biden? Of course not. Because platitudes are an easier sell. And let’s face it, they’re probably afraid he will outperform them. I would venture to say that Biden knows the most about Iraq. That does not mean I think he has the best policy for extricating us from that mess, but it’s the one issue where he really has the chance to stand out. By not participating, the other candidates are being politically smart. But as a result, our country suffers. We need to hear this debate.