Because what follows is shabby behavior on Obama’s, not least because it was largely unnecessary. It was also counterproductive: I was going to write something nice about Joe Biden in this space, until I read the followup. Given the general lack of interest in Biden as a candidate, having nice things written about him somewhere that Google can see it is nothing to sneeze at.
It all started when (sing along with me) Biden opened his mouth when asked about the infamous email ad Obama put out mocking McCain’s war injuries…
OK, it wasn’t really a “Biden opened his mouth moment”: in fact, it was actually kind of graceful in its honesty.
Asked about the negative tone of the campaign, and this ad in particular, during an interview broadcast Monday by the “CBS Evening News,” Obama’s running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, said he disapproved of it.
“I thought that was terrible, by the way,” Biden said.
Asked why it was done, he said: “I didn’t know we did it and if I had anything to do with it, we’d have never done it.”
You can see the video via the Hot Air link, which shows a Biden who does look… a bit uncomfortable with what happened there. It happens: politics ain’t beanbag; but he’s known McCain for decades, and they both have kids in uniform, so Joe has a certain sense of what’s appropriate. That wasn’t appropriate, and he’s sorry that it happened.
But graceful honesty is not acceptable to the Obama campaign, so they made somebody lie in Joe Biden’s name.
Late Monday, Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton issued a statement from Biden. In it, Biden said he “was asked about an ad I’d never seen” and was “reacting merely to press reports.”
That was a lie, and it was a stupid lie. It boggles the mind that anyone could honestly think that we would believe that the Vice-Presidential nominee is completely unaware of his campaign’s own ads, particularly one that was a major news story for several days – and one that was a direct, calculated personal insult to the opposing candidate for President. As you might have noticed, I no more believe that the insult was unintentional than I believe that Senator Biden has been living in a sensory deprivation chamber for the last two weeks; in fact, I think that the clumsy nature of this backtrack is a pretty good indication that I am perfectly justified in said beliefs.
I’m not even mad at Biden, really. He was clearly told off – from here on in, McCain/Palin are clearly things to the Democrats, not people, and woe to the person who goes off message – and probably was handed this statement as it was being read to the press. For that matter, it’s pretty clear at this point that Joe’s purpose in life is to fulfill Constitutional requirements for the Democratic ticket, fly in his jet, and keep his head down. Nobody in that campaign really wants him to do anything. So, really, what can he do at this point besides fall into line and sign off on the lie like a good little trouper?
Except go get quietly drunk afterward, of course. I’d like to think that he did, but then I’m an optimist.
Moe Lane
Jeff Emanuel
Heh. Biden's gonna give Obama an aneurysm.
stang (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 12:43AM EDT (link)Rest of the O’s staff just get whiplash. Maybe they know a good PI(ambulance chaser) lawyer.
Sheesh. Who vetted this guy?
Oh!
Never mind.
“Whenever the legislators endeavor to take away and destroy the property of the people, or to reduce them to slavery under arbitrary power, they put themselves into a state of war with the people, who are thereupon absolved from any farther obedience, and are left to the common refuge which God hath provided for all men against force and violence.”
John Locke
He needed a Yes man
Mary_Contrary (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 12:45AM EDT (link)Just look at the way John McCain humbly beams when Sarah Palin praises him. They click.
Barack Obama, because of his intense ego, had to choose someone who would be so honored to be the choice of the “One” that he would plod along and do what he was told. BO needed someone who would take orders, obey, and speak only with permission.
Many on the left are concerned about Sarah Palin becoming president…but imagine Joe Biden as president. Oh My !
Moe....rules my world....almost as much as Palin does
speciallist (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 12:46AM EDT (link)n/p
Does Biden have any interviews
ptort Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:05AM EDT (link)scheduled with someone who is not in Obama’s back pocket? I would like to see an interviewer say, “Hey Joe, about that ad you never saw, let’s roll the tape… Now what do you think about it?”
It's late...I just trained 'sargent murphy' to Bark...whenever i say 'Obama'...my wife hates me..lol
speciallist (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:34AM EDT (link)n/p
Gee, I found some tin foil here, let me try making this into something to cover my head
civil truth (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:50AM EDT (link)Perhaps this humiliating stunt by Obama’s crew is an effort to send a signal to Biden that his time has come to gracefully join countless others under Obama’s bus. I’m sure they’re trusting that Joe will go along quietly, withdrawing his VP candidacy under some agreed-upon pretext so that Hillary can be asked to jump on board.
However, if this crazy scenario takes place, it would be quite “just fruits” if Joe decided that he’d really rather his old friend John as President than someone who behaves like Barack does – and decided to throw his support to McCain.
That would throw this whole election down a totally uncharted path – and hopefully not like a derailed train heading down a gully.
The greatest evil…is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried, and minuted) in clean, carpeted, warmed, and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voice. Hence, naturally enough, my symbol for Hell is something like the bureaucracy of a police state or the offices of a thoroughly nasty business concern. -C.S. Lewis
And here's the text to the preceeding comment that RS 3.0 gobbled up for a late night snack
civil truth (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:53AM EDT (link)Perhaps this humiliating stunt by Obama’s crew is an effort to send a signal to Biden that his time has come to gracefully join countless others under Obama’s bus. I’m sure they’re trusting that Joe will go along quietly, withdrawing his VP candidacy under some agreed-upon pretext so that Hillary can be asked to jump on board.
However, if this crazy scenario takes place, it would be quite “just fruits” if Joe decided that he’d really rather his old friend John as President than someone who behaves like Barack does – and decided to throw his support to McCain.
That would throw this whole election down a totally uncharted path – and hopefully not as a derailed train heading down a gully.
The greatest evil…is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried, and minuted) in clean, carpeted, warmed, and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voice. Hence, naturally enough, my symbol for Hell is something like the bureaucracy of a police state or the offices of a thoroughly nasty business concern. -C.S. Lewis
Oh no, RS 3.0 thought those were real html codes; let me use brackets instead
civil truth (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:56AM EDT (link)[tinfoil hat]
Perhaps this humiliating stunt by Obama’s crew is an effort to send a signal to Biden that his time has come to gracefully join countless others under Obama’s bus. I’m sure they’re trusting that Joe will go along quietly, withdrawing his VP candidacy under some agreed-upon pretext so that Hillary can be asked to jump on board.
However, if this crazy scenario takes place, it would be quite “just fruits” if Joe decided that he’d really rather his old friend John as President than someone who behaves like Barack does – and decided to throw his support to McCain.
That would throw this whole election down a totally uncharted path – and hopefully not as a derailed train heading down a gully.
[/tinfoil hat]
The greatest evil…is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried, and minuted) in clean, carpeted, warmed, and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voice. Hence, naturally enough, my symbol for Hell is something like the bureaucracy of a police state or the offices of a thoroughly nasty business concern. -C.S. Lewis
Oh my, civil...try to find a Mbecker link..
speciallist (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 2:09AM EDT (link)search his comments for ….
the tin foil hat lesson…maybe you saw it…
awesome
It's off my radar already...Am I too chatty?..ha
speciallist (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 2:12AM EDT (link)n/p
Those Clintons sure are smart...
wennejunk (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 4:53AM EDT (link)…their operative moles penetrating the Obama Campaign so thoroughly, so covertly…working their way up to decision making circles…gaining credibility…mixing the koolaid for the others… and then at a moment of indecision Barrack asks: “Who shall we choose for VP?”
They pounce: “How about Joe Biden?”
Total Silence.
Then everyone nods slowly, like its the wisest thing they’ve ever heard.
After a moment, someone starts clapping slowly…and everyone joins in, cheering, slapping each other on the back.
There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ -C. S. Lewis
Specillist, you, Bull Conner rascist,
blooch Tuesday, September 23rd at 8:17AM EDT (link)are perpretating a streotrype on dogs.
“Lieutenant Dike wasn’t a bad leader because he made bad decisions. He was a bad leader because he made no decisions.”
Setting the stage
cmw (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 8:34AM EDT (link)After reading some of the rumors about Biden leaving the ticket and Hillary coming on in October, I was skeptical. But when I look at the way Biden has been acting the past few weeks, and now this, I must say I could see this turning into Biden coming down with some “illness” or other bogus issue and stepping aside. They’ll wait until after the debate, though, so Hillary doesn’t have to be seen next to Sarah Palin, just like they didn’t want her there at the New York Rally.
http://www.colinwitt.com/
America's Friendliest Home Town
ashko Tuesday, September 23rd at 9:06AM EDT (link)As loathe as I am to say it, the more I see of Joe Biden, the more I like him as a person. He reminds me of a GWB who was miseducated (not misundereducated). His policies are awful and the way he treats potential justices should be reviled… but, using the beer litmus test, I would prefer to get a beer with him than Obama or even McCain.
tbv.tumblr.com
Don't you hate it...
SHAI Tuesday, September 23rd at 10:53AM EDT (link)… when Obama talks down to anyone that questions the “One”?
Just count how many times he says the word “listen” as he starts his response.
My bet is,that in the 1st debate, he’ll say it at least 5 times in responding to a question, or a McCain response or rebuttal.
It is obvious to me that in his arrogant, snobby demeanor, he is basically saying, “listen to me”, that you need to listen and agree/obey him, since in his mind, he is always right.
Biden is like the crazy uncle that you keep hidden in the attic, and if he wanders outside, well then, we just need to take him back inside, and give him his meds.
Oh, Biden would stand his round...
Moe Lane (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 11:12AM EDT (link)…and if you needed a cigarette he’d throw you the pack and say “feel free.” No question about that.
It’s just this entire, you know, VP thing that worries.
The Kim Kardashian of blogging.
Check out my blog at http://moelane.com/.
http://moelane.com/filthy-lucre-filthy-lucre/
http://twitter.com/moelane
My (combined) wish list.
Operation Chaos
nogyro35 (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 11:37AM EDT (link)I bet you one of the Hillary moles was really a secret Operation Chaos operative.
And she was the one that started slowly clapping and cheering and encouraging everyone else to join in.
My Pug is a racist!!
speciallist (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 11:39AM EDT (link)When we go for walks..he only p’s on Obama signs..
Good dog.
Raven (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:02PM EDT (link)But can you teach him to fetch you a beer?
“If you do not have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
Luke 22:36
I have to wonder
Raven (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:09PM EDT (link)Biden isn’t really as stupid as a lot of people suggest. So he has to know what he’s doing to Obama. And he seems to enjoy going “off the reservation.”
So I have to ask the question: “Have they invited him to leave the ticket already and did he turn down the offer?”
“If you do not have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
Luke 22:36
No wonder Leon dumped me and let you live blog
Robert1 Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:30PM EDT (link)That is hilarious. Biden tells the One he thinks he’ll stick around, and Barry can’t do a thing about it, short of self-destructing his campaign.
Maybe it was Biden himself
wennejunk (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 3:40PM EDT (link)Did Joe have a hand in choosing who would be Obama’s VP (ala Dick Cheney)?
You know, gets himself picked, then goes out and torpedoes things under deep cover.
Very Sneaky:
There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ -C. S. Lewis
And...guess what political Party the poor guy is from..ha
speciallist (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 4:16PM EDT (link)Bad dog!..ha
A new word
ss396 Tuesday, September 23rd at 8:29PM EDT (link)Today’s new word: “Baracktrack”
Sola scriptura, Sola fide, Sola gratia
Could Clinton be coming back?
paint_it_red (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 9:12PM EDT (link)Let’s see, first Biden calls Obama’s attack ad out as too negative, undermining Obama’s central message of change. Then, Obama attacks Biden for his vote in the Senate. Obama then bloodies his head on the wall upon hearing Biden called for “no coal in America” (probably to wonder on Nov. 5 whether “bittergate” or “no coal” cost him PA). Biden then gaffes and says FDR was President when the stock market crashed.
We’ve already got the ad of Biden stating he does not think Obama would be a good President and he’d be honored to run with or against McCain, who would make a good President. I guess we can add some of this stuff to it.
I have to wonder though if Obama might not fire Joe and bring in HRC. He after all has reversed himself on everything else and usually does follow public opinion polls. Biden himself said HRC was more qualified.
Can they even do that after the convention and early balloting begins?
“It is not good to cultivate a respect so much for the law as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think is right.” Henry David Thoreau
“The means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek.” Martin Luther King Jr.
“If you want peace, work for Justice.” Pope John Paul II
Hey speciallist... Ask and Ye Shall Receive!
mbecker908 (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 9:21PM EDT (link)I will copy this link now...lol...Hey Civil truth
speciallist (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 9:26PM EDT (link)n/p
I would want a LOT of beer to put up with that! nt
streetwise (Diary) Tuesday, September 23rd at 9:34PM EDT (link)