Biden: Still the 'one'…

Posted: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:23 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Joe Biden

Per NBC/NJ’s Mike Memoli, Biden said this morning that he didn’t think McCain meant to diminish Obama last night when he referred to him as “that one,” chalking it up instead to his discomfort in being the aggressor. “When John knows that he's on the attack and he’s not feeling good about it, John never looks you straight in the eye,” Biden told TODAY’s Ann Curry. “If you notice, John didn’t make a whole lot of eye contact last night because I think John when he’s on the attack mode and making the other guy a bad guy, it's just not his style.”

Biden criticized the tone of the McCain campaign in recent days, calling their insinuations about Obama “flat malarkey.” When asked about the Obama campaign’s Web video on McCain’s role in the Keating Five scandal, however, Biden said he hadn’t seen it. “I think we should take a pledge to keep all of that out,” he told ABC’s Diane Sawyer. But he quickly added that he thought the McCain attacks have been over the top. “No one asked anything about this personal malarkey,” he said of last night’s town hall debate.

Biden also criticized his Republican counterpart, saying Sarah Palin should not only tone down her rhetoric but speak out against vile attacks from those in the audience. “The idea that a leading American politician who might be vice president of the United States would not just stop mid-sentence and turn and condemn that -- it’s just, it’s a slippery slope,” he said on NBC.

Both ABC and NBC showed Biden the portrayal of him on “Saturday Night Live,” and asked for his take. Laughing heartily at the spoof, Biden joked that the first time he saw Tina Fey on screen, he thought it was really Palin. As for Jason Sudekis’ portrayal of him? "I don't have that much hair,” he said.

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Comments

Love me some Biden. What a good sport.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:26 AM)

I think Biden is on the mark with the "that one" comment. Its just McCain knowing himself the attack doesn't have a lot of merit. Plus, it also struck me as something I used to hear my grandparents say. They would often refer to others as "this one" and "that one." So I kind of took it as a generation thing, too.

The McCain answers I thought were bizarre were the comments about hair transplants and the comment about McCain's "entire military career." The latter was almost like an alzheimer's moment, when he didn't realize - just for a moment - he wasn't in the military anymore. McCain caught it himself after an uncomfortable moment.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:31 AM)

I agree with Mr. Biden, Palin is just one of those gossipy, back-stabbing, loud-mouthed, opinionated church ladies that make you cringe every time they open their mouth to judge or belittle somebody. She is an oxymoron.

Megan, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:31 AM)

Welcome Back Joe! We need you in Pennsylvania. Palin and McCain are here again. Please, someone make them go away.

MaraM (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:34 AM)

firstly, joe, our condolences to you and your wife jill and all of the biden family about your loss. please accept our sympathies, thoughts and prayers.

joe, you will win this election without a doubt. you and barack are so much better than your opponents and we know that you will help us out of this morass that we are currently in. we are putting our hopes for a better future in your and barack's hands. having said this, however, we implore you to please do not let us down. please.

Truth Be Told (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:34 AM)

Translation: McCain knows his attacks are dishonest and despicable and he doesn't have the courage or balls to say them to Obama's face.

I know McCain was a brave man once (a long time ago), but the way he's run his campaign has just been cowardly.

Ms Jenny (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:36 AM)

Yeah, McCain meant no respect. I am not buying the BS to no where. McCain is a mean, belittling person who uses every opportunity to make those who've questioned him feel bad. I have seen a video in a townhall where he called someone a "little jerk". He simply does nothing to raise the level of discussion.

Admittedly, I don't either; but I am not trying to lead the free world. I have been thinking over the past week how on earth the 'winner' of the Presidency can possibly be effective with the amount of vitriole and animosity I see. About half of this country is going to be upset on November 5th. How do the Republicans bounce back from that given the last eight years under King George?

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:39 AM)

How can a vile candidate speak against herself?

McCain talking to "Oliver" last night insulted to him, saying he (Oliver) may not know Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae? Excuse me McCain, blacks like the rest of America is watching what is going on. Then it wasn’t as if (Oliver) could own a home, it was so (Allen) could own a home. McCain is the Jerk of the Century! Writing everything down, Mr. McCain; oh please!

For Palin to attack Biden when he is off the campaign burying his mother-in-law; that lady respects no one and she is definitely not a citizen of a world that I want my daughter to admire. She is dangerous and as difficult as times are now, we do not need to be raising racial tension, we need to be united to fight the common enemy; Osama Bin Laden and his followers.

Black people did not kill 3000+ Americans on 9/11, but Osama Bin Laden did! She is an idiot, that refuses to state their polices, because they have none. She needs to shut up!

Michelle Zee (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:39 AM)

pure class.
as far as palin goes i wish the media, if they choose to show her rallies, show just show the video without the audio. she's spewing hatred, false characterizations and not being held accountable by avoiding the media's questions. she just very well may be baiting a psycho.
be responsible in your coverage.
thanks
marco
http://www.livinggreenmag.com/

marco santa fe (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:41 AM)

I love Joe Biden.

Obama/Biden '08

Democratic CPA, Rochester Hills, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:42 AM)

At least with the racists from yesteryear you knew where they stood. You were not white and not welcome. Now we have the 21st century Klan wearing a mask called conservatism. They have excuses, he's a terrorist, his pastor, he's muslim, he's elite you know "that one". Everything but what you see. Obama is Black.

Callie, OH (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:44 AM)

Speaking of slippery slopes, McCain's on one now. He can't attack too much because people will see it for what it is. But, if he sits back and tries to take the high road (for once), that won't pull him ahead, either.

He can see the writing on the wall. And man oh man...that must make him mighty uncomfortable.

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:54 AM)

Joe Biden is one of the good ones. One of few left in the Congress.

eagle1776 (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:56 AM)

The idea that a leading American politician who might be vice president of the United States would not just stop mid-sentence and turn and condemn that -- it’s just, it’s a slippery slope,”

This is more than just a slippery slope, it's down right appalling and unacceptable. Palin talks about being a "reformer" she should have immediately denouced inferences of "kill him" toward Senator Obama. All the McCain camp is doing is fostering Hate and for that they should be ASHAMED!

Chelle FLA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:57 AM)

We ALL need to speak out against the hatred and threats made by some audience members at McCain/Palin rallies.

For McCain/Palin not to condemn those actions is telling. We have come to see M/P as hate-mongers with little to say about what they can do for the country other than incite vile & violent responses from their "supporters"

PS: I hear the Secret Service is investigating the "kill him" statement. HURRAY!

Tom Kaye (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:02 AM)

McCain's "that one" reference to Obama was not what we have come to expect from someone seeking the position of POTUS. He needs to learn some manners. That kind of thing would not go over very well with other world leaders.

chris, SC (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:08 AM)

I am so glad Joes back, I really think he will take on McCain and Palin, someone needs to do something about that woman, she is inciting hatred that could easily turn to violience. I have grown up in the south and know what that type of naration can start.
Poor Gov. Palin is so stupid that she doesnt care that the bushies are using her, playing her like a fiddle. When it is all said and done and shes back in Alaska, the shame of Alaska at that, she will just be used up toxic waste.
Senator Biden, I know your job is not to stand up to Gov. Palin but to make the differences between Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, but just once please put this nasty woman in her place. I sure wish I could. Sen.
Biden, sorry for famileys lose. Welcome back to the campaign. go get um

Obama/Biden
marty

marty holloman, columbia,s.c. (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:08 AM)

The racial undertones "that one" in the attacks are disgusting. The next thing McCain camp will do is to come out and say outright "how can you vote for black man". This country, all said and done, is still outrageously racist. Obama may be up in the polls today and probably even on Nov 3, but HE IS NOT GOING TO WIN. Racists in this country don’t' care if the country goes to hell, but they will not let a BLACK man become the President. This is my prediction. McCain knows it, and he is playing his cards that way. I sincerely pray god that I am proved wrong. After Nov 4, this phenomenon will be written in the history books as OBAMA EFFECT not Bradley effect.

V PRASAD (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:10 AM)

Welcome back Joe--condolences to you and your family.
Here is some inspiration for everyone to get registered and vote, courtesy of the far right:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2100206/posts

Complacency not allowed, NY, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:11 AM)

I think the "that one" comment was unprofessional, disrespectful and unbecoming of a potential future president. Is this how he will address democrats, republicans, or world leaders that he doesn't agree with. Sen. McCain appears very bitter, confused, and out-of-touch. It is extremely hard to image Sen. McCain leading this country in a positive direction. The more I see, the less impressed I am with Sen. McCain.

Bruce, Nashville, TN (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:11 AM)

Come on Joe, call a spade a spade. John McCain was wrong in referring to Obama as "that one." McCain is used to being a nasty old man and his contempt towards Obama is beyond obvious. How is that even right? That means he refuses to acknowledge his opponent's legitimacy in running against him. McCain has no discomfort in being the aggressor, he's used to doing that, but now he is up against someone who is not going to back down to his idle threats and is not intimidated by his record, nor his experience. I'm really proud of Obama for always handling himself in such a respectful and humble manner. I would much rather have someone thoughtful and calm running this country than have a nasty, mean old man who shows contempt for those he disagrees with. That being said, I don't think America could withstand "another" war just because John McCain disagrees with one of our allies or enemies. With his temperment, we are sure to be the most hated country on earth!

MBlack, Hurst, TX (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:12 AM)

Welcome back Joe!!!

glad you're back on the campaign trail. We need you. Palin is running a muck!

jodi, central jersey (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:14 AM)

Biden is a class act.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Maria, Seattle (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:19 AM)

Joe Biden is a man that I would compare to my father and there aren't many out there that could measure up to him. Both are as honest, honorable, and decent as the day is long. I don't think Obama could have made a better choice for VP. All of the respect that I once had for John McCain is gone and I worry, as someone else said, that he & Palin could be inciting a psychopath. They have lost sight of what the American public needs and are just running a "win at all costs" campaign.

Jean, Farwell, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:20 AM)

Joe Biden is on point! I think "that one" John McCain should be ashamed of himself -- he's an idiot and an old stinky fart. Any respect I had for him as an ex-soldier has been worn out with his crappy pick for VP, his lies about Obama, his penchant for war and more war and then his racism ("that one"). Obama/Biden 2008/2012

Lea, Nebraska (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:21 AM)

Sarah Palin can go out and spew the nastiest, most vile garbage the McCain campaign can dream up... but she's not allowed to be called out on her rhetoric, provide any kind of specifics to back up her accusations, or even to be questioned at all by ANYONE?!

And some Americans still don't have a problem with this?!!

Until Sarah Palin can have a camera stuck in her face and be held accountable for the evil BS that she "projectile vomits" out of that big Alaskan trap, she should really just keep it shut!

Michael, Middle of Nowhere, IN (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:22 AM)

Palin wouldn't think of stopping any comments from the audience because A. Her audiences are hand picked and screened. B. Her prepared remarks do not allow any deviation from the script. C. She cannot think on her feet. No script, no thoughts. D. She sees nothing wrong or offensive about such remarks. E. She and her Rovian handlers believe in divisive politics and a divided America. If hate speech helps them to accomplish their goal, they're certainly not going to discourage it.
What a maverick.

R. Merrell (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:23 AM)

marco santa fe, I understand your discomfort and concern about inciting violence. On the other hand I think the public needs to see just how far the Right has gone toward open race baiting. Soft pedaling the issue won't make people realize just how atrocious this behavior really has become.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:28 AM)

Class Act.

I was doing a voter registration drive over the weekend and a lady told me that she felt Biden was the most grounded of the group and very probably the reason she's voting for Barack Obama.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:36 AM)

I was born when Herbert Hoover was President....and have seen many Presidents come and go. In recent years, choice of a vice-presidential running mate is much more critical than it use to be because of this being a much 'smaller' world with problems on everyone's doorstep and a Vice President must be able to lead this country. Anything can happen to a President these days. Ask youself this: can you see Palin as President? I can't. Can you see Biden as President? I sure can! I think Obama and Biden make a wonderful team and more power to them!

Barbara Probst, Asheville, NC (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:36 AM)

He is absolutely right about Palin and the crowd control. Where the hell are her babysitters? This terrorist connection thing isnt working just getting some rednecks all worked up.

Sleepy Bear Michigan (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:36 AM)

The world sends thier condolences to the Biden family for the great loss. May God bless them and give them reprieve. Love, Tina in Tempe.

Faustina Espinoza, Tempe, AZ (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:37 AM)

Mcain is looking like the old tired man that he is. His running mate looks and sounds like the airhead she is......

Ben Jeffries (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:44 AM)

I am bothered by McCain talking to Oliver about Fannie & Freddie and how it affect's the ability of Allen to get a home. Why did he refer to white Allen as a homeowner and not black Oliver? Can't Oliver own a home? It just seemed a little off, you know. The same can be said of the "that one" comment. If it makes you feel uncomfortable then yes, it was wrong.

Bailey Quarters, Twin Cities, MN (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:45 AM)

speaking of slippery slopes...

can't wait until the truth comes out about Sarah sleeping with "the first dudes" business partner.

slippery slope it is (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:46 AM)

Love Joe Biden and I am so sorry I am going to miss the Senator on the West Coast of Florida. Senator, for me...my job always gets in the way. Hope you can make it to Fort Lauderdale before November 4th.

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:47 AM)

I'm a 26 year veteran of three wars and love my country dearly. I think outside of politics John McCain is a good person, he has been caught up in a situation with George W. Bush and don't seem to be able to sheed their likeness to the same policies. The American people are hurting and it seems John can not connect to what is happening with them. We need someone like Obama and Biden to lead us in our time of need. The people in this country is tired of hearing all of the negativity from the Sara Palin and the McCain camp. Enough is Enough!

Nate, Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:53 AM)

As a person who experienced the tragedies of Martin Luther King and two Kennedys, and the most recent terrorist attacks, I think it is unforgiveable for the McCain campaign to attack Obama as a terrorist. This shameless political tactic is dangerous and morally bankrupt. Ms. Palin in her high pitched harpie voice inciting the outer fringes of society to more hatred and condoning those in the audience who shout "Kill him" is a disgrace. I don't think even the Rove/Bush campaign stooped as low as this.

Mary Ann Espelage (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:54 AM)

Why are we even pretending that Palin has a clue what she's even saying? Se knows nothing about the charges she's leveling, nor does she appear remotely curious to truly learn. As I've said before, we have a candidate who has about the same level of intellectual curiosity as our so-called President -- aside from the fact that she's hot. If it's not about moose, hunting, hockey, or Jesus (which is fine in that case), this woman couldn't be happier to be in the clouds.

TheDen (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 11:12 AM)

Biden is on target regarding the attack being set forth. It is about time Palin was called on her slipper slope and dangerous hate mongering stumps that potentially could start a riot and endanger people and the candiates themselves. She hit way below anything VP or Presidential. We should trust them with the future of OUR country.

Suz, western ny

Suzanne, Victor NY (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 11:30 AM)

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