Joe Biden at DNC Winter Meeting

"I Understand"

Having had a shaky start to his Presidential campaign, it was fitting that the words that opened Joe Biden's speech to the Democratic National Committee's Winter Meeting in Washington were, "So how was your week?" and then "It's been a hell of a week".

Yes, it has.

Biden apologised to the conference and said he expressed deep regret if his words in the New York Observer had offended. He said that those who know him, will judge him by his history and his heart.

It was a good start to the speech, and one that Biden needed. His apology was sincere, and it will go a long way to killing the issue in Democrats minds.

Biden then moved on to criticism of the Bush Administration, who he has said has dug America into a deep hole. He said that the President took America to an unnecessary war, without enough troops, without enough equipment and without a plan.

He said that the price of the failure in Iraq can be measured by the blood that has been shed by Americans - 3,067 dead, and over 20,000 injured. In addition, $350 billion has been spent on this failed policy.

Biden received a standing ovation as he declared with passion that "We must stop this war."

Talking up his credentials as a Democratic nominee, Biden cited his experience in foreign affairs, saying that what America needs right now is a President who understands these issues, who can bring an end to the war in Iraq and then turn to other hot spots around the world.

On domestic matters, Biden also spoke of the need for a new energy plan and of protecting the 47 million Americans without health insurance.

Biden said that he will "...fight for the values that unite us rather than the wedges that have sought to divide us."