Biden predicts win in West Va.

Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:42 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Joe Biden

From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio -- Biden was campaigning in Ohio, but had West Virginia on his mind late this afternoon, making a bold promise to win a state that has gone Republican in the past two elections.

The electoral map has expanded for Democrats of late, and some polls have indeed shown a tightening race in West Virginia. Obama was pummeled in the Mountain State's primary by Hillary Clinton, but the economic crisis is one reason things have changed. Biden also referred to some dissatisfaction with the way McCain has run his campaign.

“John McCain has nothing new to offer. I think that’s why you’ve seen the McCain campaign becoming so erratic,” he said. “Even the conservative magazines are saying he has to fire his whole campaign staff. Well I don’t think it’s about that, I think John’s mad because he doesn’t quote know what to do or say.”

Biden finds himself deep in Ohio’s coal country. And just about a month after a YouTube video captured him talking about clean coal, he pledged that coal “is a part of our energy future.”

“We can provide clean coal technology, not only exporting that technology and our coal, we can sell that technology, creating jobs,” he said. “Ladies and gentlemen, what have great presidents always done? They’ve seen a problem and turned it into an opportunity. This should be a win-win for us, if we just get off, off of being so beholden to big oil.”

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Comments

Biden is an idiot. Obama wouldn't even campaign in WV during the primaries. People that work for living don't like Obama. Too snooty, too elite, too naive and too stupid about how the real world works.

Tim Cashman, Morris, IL (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:51 PM)

I have been watching West Virginia turn bluer and bluer this past week. I am glad that many Americans seem to be discarding old prejudices about race which will prevent us from being a truly progressive nation. After all, the most important color in this election should be GREEN, you know.... the color of that money that has disappeared from our wallets!!

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:54 PM)

If John doesn't perform tomorrow night, it won't just be West Virginia. Georgia, Arkansas, Montana, and North Dakota will be playable too.

Patrick, Mass. (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:54 PM)

Biden has proved again that brains do matter. This moron of a Gov in AK is a complete joke and will be the end of the Repucks party>We the people are to smart to fall for their crap any longer go Sarah go north to Alaska.

Obama/Biden 08

Not buying in,Las Vegas,NV (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:55 PM)

Biden predicted he'd win in Iowa last fall too. How'd that work out?

Mr. One Percent (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:57 PM)

I see where Biden is loaded up with botox now. Anything above his eyes doesn't work anymore. That includes his brain. Too bad they didn't load up his mouth too.

Kellogg Weiss, MI (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:59 PM)

Is this another Biden gaffe or is he really on to something? It's always so hard to tell.

Spinout (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:59 PM)

This would be a great thing. If Obama win WV it will indicate an election day landslide!

Marcel, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:03 PM)

Once again Senator Biden is showing why Senator Obama should be our next president: Obama knows how to pick the best people to stand by his side. Biden vs. Palin? Biden by a landslide.

Cathy, Portland Oregon (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:06 PM)

Yes, Yes, Yes. If Obama or Biden would travel to West Virginia, they could move voters over to the Democratic ticket. The northern panhandle shares a media market with Pittsburgh and the eastern panhandle shares the Washington DC media market. Obama ignored the state in the primaries. A little attention could move the state massively.

David, Baltimore, MD (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:06 PM)

After seeing polls in Ohio go from solid McCain to Obama +5, Biden might be right.

Dan,WI (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:06 PM)

Go get them Joe!!

You are an honorable man and will make a awesome V.P.! Can't wait until you and Barack are sworn in so we can turn the page on these corrupt Republicans.

Keep on hitting them where they live!!!

Obama/Biden '08

Leslie (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:08 PM)

Biden's point is well taken about clean coal, but since we have such a robust domestic suppy, should all we be talking about be exporting?

Aaron, Mundelein, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:14 PM)

WV has the most beautiful mountains and their new businesses allowing people to ride their Four Wheel Vehicles could be a positive. Also alternative fuels made of coal could attract the thinking WV people. The Republicans will hit hard with the redneck crowd with anti Muslim ads. I don't live in WV anymore, but I lived there for 55 years. My Uncle was present when politics was corrupt and could be bought. Many poor people aren't registered and don't have a way to get to the Polling places. The Welfare folks would be more afraid of losing their checks. I taught fourth generation welfare kids. The kids need something to keep them off drugs and training for jobs.

Barbara Jones-Butcher, (Whitetop, Virginia) (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:16 PM)

“Which way is West-By-God-Virginia?” Biden asked the crowd Ohio University Eastern Campus, about 10 miles west of that state's border with Ohio. “I want to send a message to West Virginia -- we’re going to win in West Virginia! … We’re going to shock the living devil out of y’all!”

Go Joe! That's why I wanted you on the ticket in the first place. Earthy, gutty enthusiasm. I'm in Cali, but I can feel the whole freaking planet starting to tilt back towards the light. Bring on November 4th!

Ken (LA) (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:16 PM)

I stopped by Obama local office here in suburban Pittsburgh today to get a yard sign and they had none-can't keep them in! No bumper stickers, either. Was very impressed with the people and their organization-they are not letting up.

Steeler fan Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:18 PM)

Seems as though Joe Biden is still lost

Gary Clements, Spartanburg, SC (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:22 PM)

The Obama/Biden campaign really inspires me. I'm a first time voter and I don't think anyone can deny how impressive the Obama/Biden camp have handled every huddle they've faced thus far.
It speaks volume for how this country can take the next step to becoming the once admired country it used to be.
A very special "Thank You" to HRC for everything you're doing to help win this country back.

Please stay safe and you have my vote.

Obama/Biden '08 & '12

Drew in Dallas (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:22 PM)

I once had respect for Joe Biden. Not anymore.

Rhj (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:23 PM)

Why are you slamming McCain about clean coal? He's been for it all along while you and Obama were against it.! And now, once again, you and Obama have changed your minds to buy votes and are supporting it. What a fake and fraud you both are!

Joe Blowhard (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:24 PM)

Way to go Joe ! Obama/Biden

Bob (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:29 PM)

With Florida, Colorado, Virginia, Missori, Nevada,and Ohio leaning Obama....what are the new swing states?

Indiana, North Carolina, and West Virginia? Who else?
Let see some polls in South Carolina....how about Arkansas? Let people know the truth...We are not a red state America....we are the United Blue States of America...

John Irvine (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:30 PM)

It's going to be an Obama/Biden landslide... RCP has 313 electoral votes already to Obama/Biden to 158 for McCain/Palin.... Fivethirtyeight.com makes it 359 to 158.

That's without the tossups, most of which are leaning Obama. I'm looking forward to MISSOURI going BLUE!!

W. Virginia? WOW... it's only +2.2 McCain at this point, but who would have thought that state would be in play?

Go Obama/Biden! Send McClueless and McMoosekiller packing...

They are both terrorists by association and BOTH have been found guilty of ETHICS VIOLATIONS (McCain in the S&L Keating scandal that caused all those seniors to lose their life savings and Palin in Troopergate - despite her attempt to pretend it didn't happen)

They are both in the state of denial... and no, John, that's NOT a place in Egypt!

MissouriMom (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:34 PM)

Biden Is very dishonest and cant be trusted

Joe Chardon Ohio (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:34 PM)

McCain has no plan like most republicans don't. providing tax breaks is not going to stimulate the economy. the republicans provided tax breaks for years and it has led to the economic crisis. trickle down economics does not work. decreasing the captial gains tax is not a good idea when most business are not gaining captial. to stimulate the economy, create jobs. eliminate tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas. provide funds to local communities and states to maintain and create jobs. stablize the housing market by having people renegotiate their interest rate on their mortage. buying the mortage at face value is dumb when the home values decreased. taxpayers will have to pay the difference. McCain does not understand the economy and advocating for the same nonsense that created this economic crisis is not good.

voter (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:35 PM)

I'm not so sure they can take W-VA. I believe they'll win, but I think that might be asking a bit much. I remember the primary and some of the people they interviewed.

David, Belmont, MI (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:35 PM)

Dream on! Obama won't win West Virginia if my Kin have anything to say!

Therese In NV (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:35 PM)

Thanks, Senator Biden. As a native of WV, I feel much better knowing that the Dems have not written off the Mountaineers.

WV has been hurting a long time. Unfortunately, voters their have not voted their real interests.

Don in DC (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:37 PM)

...how about adding North Dakota, Indiana, and Georgia; in addition to Florida, Ohio, Missouri, Virginia, North Carolina, Nevada, and Colorado! 398 to 140!

bdp denver (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:39 PM)

West Virginia is pretty conservative and very segregationist overall. It is a beautiful state and I can only hope that they will look at what the republicans, who have been in charge of the congress for all but 2 of the last 15 years and in charge of the white house for the last 8 years.

I'll be praying for West Virginia going blue.

waukone (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:40 PM)

Taking WV would be awesome!

Obama/Biden08!

Dan, Bradenton Fl (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:46 PM)

I have McCain winning the following states: TX,OK,KA,NE,SD,MI,AL,UT,ID,WY. That's it. And quite frankly, the way McCain's campaign was run, THAT's a staggering number. After alienating everybody with a brain last week, there are only 4 groups of support left: 1. The Ideologues. 2. The Ignorant. 3. The Lunatics. 4. The Racists. One would wonder: what does that say about these states?

DeWaterpoort (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:02 PM)

Sorry, and Alaska

DeWaterpoort (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:04 PM)

what's a wonderful choice for VP., Biden!
100% clean after 36 years in the senate. Republicans can't see anything wrong with this guy, except he's not rich. the only thing wrong with Biden is that he's not a rich man!
An example for the future of our new genration to know that the prestige of a man is his book value.

nicolas ismael, clifton, nj (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:08 PM)

No idears from de replicans just de same. I am an arab american. can i ask u a que,,
Never seen Arab land i born in America do i have de same rite like white?Or when it comes to protect Amrica there is no Diffrence We r all Americans. But when it comes to Election we r arabs eeeh.

Mahat, Mpls, Mn (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:10 PM)

Outstanding! I visited Weirton WV for the first time in 38 years, and there was an Obama Campaign office there. That's when I knew there was still hope for WV.

RealMcCoy, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:12 PM)

If anybody can get anything done it's Obama and Biden, and I sure hope Biden's right about West Virginia!

Zach, Overland Park, KS (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:12 PM)

Sixteen tons and what do you get, black lung and the RNC ignoring you because you can no longer earn money, we only like earners in the RNC.
RNC-the REAL NASTY CORPORATION-we love to make you dead, just keep diggin and breathin the dust, it's good for you, makes you a man.
Don't look at the dead canary, keep a workin, keep a dyin. Sarah's gonna get you a new bird, she speaks bird you know Dont'cha!

Coal miners son (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:14 PM)

I haven't seen ONE reference on any major American network today concerning the Canadian general election, which is occuring RIGHT NOW! Americans need to realize that, yes, there is a world beyond American borders. Who can name the current Canadian Prime Minister? What American knows to which party he belong, and who are his opponents? We need to elect an American president who can relate to all, especially our contiguous neighbours, with diplomacy and knowledge.

Obama/Biden '08.

I am a legal permanent resident. Oh, by the way, it took three years, $5,000.00 and 200+ filings of documented paperwork to achieve that status - and that was easy compared to other cases, as I am married to an American citizen.

LJ (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:18 PM)

yes sir I agree with you 100%

wesh,ca (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:20 PM)

We in Canada have been America's best trading partner and supporter for the last 100 years. We do relate to West Virginia that has certainly paid the price for the Bush fiasco as has the nation; which was totally ignored after the 2004 election.. Given John McCain's tenth or eleventh campaign strategy changes to win the election, many will wonder what will be suspended next? Health Care? Education? Energy? I think its safe to say that this election will most certainly be a text book case in modern history of where the USA economic pain will be refelected in the poles. The world is noting that the Americans have wisend up over the last eight years and in a crunching hurry. Biden has hit the mark on this.

hasscanada, Ontario, (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:24 PM)

West Virginia looks good but we need to wait
and see. Electorals look strong-I check stats
every 3 days and Dems continue to gain-

Sophia Beck Laramie WY (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:29 PM)

I doubt the Dems will win in West Virginia, but the GOP will be forced to spend further resources there. Florida and Ohio will be key. If one of the goes blue - game over, John McCain.

Walt Grzybski (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:31 PM)

I live in WV, and I really don't know who to predict will win here. I'm a Democrat, and I would like to see Obama win here, but I would be kind of surprised if he did. It just seems like there are more McCain people here, at least in the area I live in. I see about twice as many McCain signs in people's yards as I do Obama. But I guess the polls are close.

Emily, WV (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:33 PM)

That's not what he said a couple weeks ago. He said all coal is dirty and let them build their dirty coal plants in China. Of course, the main stream media won't set the record straight. Not about Obama's terrorist friends, who paid for his Harvard education, not releasing his medical, college or valid birth certificate records. It's so obvious MSNBC and the others are in the tank for Obama. They could give a crap about this country and the truth about who really caused the financial crisis. Anybody ever heard of Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Franklin Raines, and Jim Johnson, plus Barack Obama? The main stream media is a big fraud and everyone out here in the real world know it. Thanks for pushing our country toward socialism.

R.Leather PKB. WV 26104 (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:35 PM)

I think West Virginia can be won by Obama, something I didn't belive could happen 2 months ago. Obama is ahead in 3 of the 4 states that border WV. Penn, Ohio and Virginia. If he is ahead in Penn by 8-10 points as recent polls show he has to be doing better in South-West Penn (he could be ahead by that much just by doing well in Phily + Pit there aren't enough votes in those two places to be up by that much). Being ahead in Ohio by 5 means he must be doing OK in South East Ohio. Therefor he must be doing btter with the types of voters that prdominate in WV.

dopper0189, Manchester, NH (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:46 PM)

John McCain's new tactic on the economy is too little too late. I don't agree with it and I don't think it will work. I also think that he is untrustworthy at this point. And Sarah Palin? I don't think she's qualified to run even Alaska anymore.

Also, I love Joe Biden. First class pick and a great addition to the ticket. Obama is one smart guy.

HeatherMN (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7:51 PM)

Biden is an idiot to say the least. the reason were are in the economic situation is because of Biden and democratic party. Biden you have been in congress for 35 + years, what in hell have you done for the common man besides raise taxes and bailout your buddies on wall street! I am a democrat and will definitely vote republic or independent!!!!!!!!!

hdala (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 8:02 PM)

Won't that be a hoot? Unbelievable! Obama wins West Virgina! Wow! Wow! Wow!

mccain pals around with a known economic terrorist - Bush (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 8:15 PM)

The Obama campaign must think West Virginia is in play because they are moving staff from 'safe' states to the state to help in the last 20 days.

Ann, MI (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 8:22 PM)

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