Jill Biden's Oprah slip

Posted: Monday, January 19, 2009 4:53 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Jill and Joe Biden made a surprise appearance on Oprah, but the couple inadvertently made some news on the touchy-feely show.

Jill spilled the beans that Obama offered Joe the choice of being either vice president or Secretary of State. That was met with a quick, "Shhh" from Joe.

Oops.

Later, Biden's spokeswoman backed Biden away from the idea that he was offered either job.

"Like anyone who followed the presidential campaign this summer, Dr. Jill Biden knew there was a chance that President-elect Obama might ask her husband to serve in some capacity and that, given his background, the positions of Vice President and Secretary of State were possibilities," Elizabeth Alexander said in a statement. "Dr. Biden's point to Oprah today was that being Vice President would be a better fit for their family because they would get to see him more and get to participate in serving more. To be clear, President-elect Obama offered Vice President-elect Biden one job only -- to be his running mate. And the Vice President-elect was thrilled to accept the offer."

On Oprah, Jill intimated that she preferred that Joe take the job that would keep him closer to home.

"If you're secretary of state, you'll be away, we'll never see you, you know," she said, per AP. "I'll see you at a state dinner once and awhile. But I said, if you are vice president, the entire family, because they worked so hard for the election, they can be involved. They can come to our home. They can go to events, they can be with us all the time. And that's what's important to us."

Biden "said he agreed after getting some assurances from Obama about his role. 'This is a partnership,' Biden said. 'He's president of the United States, but as I said to him when he asked me, I said, 'Barack, don't ask me unless the reason you're asking me is, you're asking me for my judgment. I get to be the last guy in the room before you make every important decision. You're president. Any decision you make, I will back.'' "

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Comments

This is a big fat WHO CARES story. So he had a choice. At least Obama thought enough of his skill and experience to give him a choice. Who could say the same for THE GIFT?

TOMORROW BEGINS A NEW DAY FOR ALL OF AMERICA! THE WORK WAITS!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:02 PM)

so what. no big deal. the media, yes that includes first read and msnbc should not try to make something ugly out of something so small when the country is celebrating a new beginning of hope and change. we have major problems ahead of us as a nation. we don't ned fabricated problems of no concern. let's keep going forward please.

ace (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:02 PM)

Biden would make a good VP or Secretary of State. Frankly I would rather have seen Biden as Secretary of State and Hillary as VP concentrating on national Health Care. But as they are on the same team their various skills can compliment one another.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:03 PM)

I bet Hillary is real happy about hearing this. Really happy.

Chopped Liver (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:04 PM)

Joe Biden: I said, 'Barack, don't ask me unless the reason you're asking me is, you're asking me for my judgment. I get to be the last guy in the room before you make every important decision.

Only important decisions Obama is making is whether to have bacon bits on his salad. The real pros will make all the calls for this administration. Obama is just the pretty facade.

Biden Time (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:07 PM)

At least Hillary was the 687,542 one to find out about this.

Pecking Order (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:08 PM)

I could be wrong, but I don't see Hillary being a big Oprah fan. This news may not get back to her.

Janis Smits, Chicago IL (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:10 PM)

I'm amazed Joe even did the "shhh" thing. It's obvious that Jill wears the pants in THAT family.

nunyabizness (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:11 PM)

I like the synergy here. Oprah is a "touchy-feely" show, Obama is a "touchy-feely" president.

Lets All Cry Now (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:13 PM)

Can't you see Joe talking this over with Jill, "If I take Secretary of State then I won't be home every night for dinner. If I take the VP spot I'll need a new black suit because it will be my job to go to funerals. What do you think Jill?" Let's hope Joe doesn't share too many national secrets with the wife.

ALI- MI (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:17 PM)

Wow, I didn't think Biden was that smart to have the wife spill the beans for him. Also, I understand that people are starting to recognize his face, so he doesn't have to wear his name tag as much anymore.

Jill Sutten, Dover DL (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:19 PM)

I don't think she'll be giving any more interviews in the near future.

Paula, Rhode Island (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:31 PM)

Being here in DC is electric. I have met so many people and heard so many stories. This is an incredible journey that I am blessed to be on.
--------
CA Tuscaloosa, your posts are spot on, as always. Keep up the good "D" fence.

Steeler Fan, congrats!

Mark, Seattle - I can't wait to share some of these stories.

Pat, Boston - have a safe flight.
-----------
So many Limbaugh lite weights spewing hate. It will be a long 8 years in the wilderness if you all don't lighten up and stop hating. The majority of Americans have spoken and we are tired of the hate. Obama will change the way politics is 'done' and it will piss off Boehner and Pelosi; but Our Time for Change is NOW.

We welcome you as part of the solution; but if you are going to continue to whine and be part of the problem, then you'll have to take your post toasties back to the 'children's table'.

Clara Kansas City, MO (temp. DC) (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:33 PM)

So they gave it Hillary so Bill could go and get out of the house and chase women. Fine and dandy.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:37 PM)

oooops! The cat is out of the bag. The beans have been spilled. A blabber mouth tells what should not be revealed at this time. Joe better put a cap on her mouth now before she tells state secrets she may know.

eagle1776 (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:37 PM)

While the circumstances of how this came out are bizarre and lead to speculation, the truth is that there was a well-known debate within Obama's team of where to put Biden in either the ticket or any future Obama administration. Obama respected Biden's desire to have a stake in foreign policy after years of influence (good or bad, doesn't matter ) on the issue.

Hillary's feelings on this are a different matter entirely...

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:37 PM)

Joe made the smart choice.
To see the representatives from Colorado and Native Americans ride in on horses is so symbolic and fittingly appropiatic symbolism for this historical, momentous, occasion. We have come full circle. At least they are honoring a President of all the people; who is smart, compassionate, wise and articulate.
It's also so good to see our next President, the good, caring, community organizer inspire our youth. These children will realize the value of work and that nothing will fall from the sky for them. Change has come to America. Kudos to all volunteer across America and our next President!
What's up with the Obama bashers? Bush was elected twice as a mistake. Nonetheless, I don't remember this much bad decorum and anti-social behaviour.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:41 PM)

Joe Joe, man, look: The MORE GAFFS you make, the more it's going to look painfully obvious that you are on your way to be the Democrat-Version of Dan Quayle.

From somebody who voted for the Obama/Biden ticket, I have but ONE, SIMPLE request: CUT IT OUT!!! YOU ARE THE NUMBER 2 GUY, ACT LIKE IT!!!!

Kevin ST Pete, FL (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:43 PM)

It was just that, a slip. Let's move on and celebrate our future with a new administration, a new beginning. I am very thankful for this.

ea decker, amsterdam,ny (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:50 PM)

Mrs. Gaffe

Tom (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:54 PM)

What's up with the Obama bashers? Bush was elected twice as a mistake. Nonetheless, I don't remember this much bad decorum and anti-social behaviour
------------------------------------------------------Is that a joke, Beverly in Chicago? Bush was elected twice, get over it. And bad decorum and Bush-bashing is the norm on this site. Guess you haven't read most of your own posts.

Beverly in Cleveland (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:54 PM)

Clara:

Have a good time in DC.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 5:59 PM)

Who cares it is a new day and it is time for change! As long as he does not share any national secrets with her so she can tell those. I could care less which position he was offered, the fact is that Obama is going to try and clean up 8 years worth of mess and bring hope and change to a country that has none. I am ready how about you!

V Cuffee, Chesapeake, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:26 AM)

The new Pres and the Vise Pres are both worthless. We are going down in flames the next 4 years. Better pad your bank account while you can.

Joe USA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:27 AM)

V Cuffee, Chesapeake, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:27 AM)

So what other secrets will Jill Biden let out of the bag in the years to come. Joe - no more pillow talk with the wife! Loose lips sink ships, etc, etc, etc.

Stephen Davis - Louisville, KY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:30 AM)

Joe has to muzzle the'Doc' and quick. Can't tell her much. Every one in the world, enemies especially just await opportunities to harm USA. Stay Focus, Jill and Joe. America deserves it. Learn from it and move on in hope.

Norma forde Barbados (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:31 AM)

halala! Obama Halala!

letsie (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:35 AM)

Did Bill Have Any input in this?

Happy Dem, Newark,NJ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:35 AM)

I Felt yesterday was a pretty great day, Honoring Martin L. King,as he was a True Leader. It was so sad when America lost him, per the evil in America, at that Time Frame.Of course, it can happen anytime or anyplace,per the unknown evil that stalks Americans. May God continue to watch over All Americans. JNM

Janise N. Mathews (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:36 AM)

Did "Bill" Have Any input in this?

Happy Dem, Newark,NJ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:36 AM)

Its interesting that for 8 years the far left has been calling our President some prety bad names, with vehemence, I don;t see the far right doing the same with our current President. While I did not vote for him, he is my President and I will support him and wish him well for his term of office.

Those of you on the far left need to get off the Bush Bashing wagon, his term is over and whether you like him or not, he did keep us safe from 9/11 through today.

Oh, and by the way, all the recounts of the first election did prove that he DID win. Get on with your life now, park your pettiness.

Phil3rd, Cambridge, MD (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:36 AM)

Let's make more excuses for under performance from the Obama/Biden Liberal Circus

Bob (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:40 AM)

I dont care for either party, republican or democrate because both are full of crap and I blame both parties for the condition of this great nation. Regardless of what you think or say, both parties existed in congress and both have responsibilities for the condition of this country so finger point all you want. That is why Im proud that I have No Party Affiliation on my voters card. With that said, I think Obama has alot of potential and I do hope he can fix the countries problems. I wish him the best of luck because thanks to both the bush and clinton administrations in the past, he has alot to bear and a lot of work to do. And I am very happy to see bush go and I hope the best for Obama, again good luck. Go with your feelings and belief, not with party line politics.

DS, Tampa Fl (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:41 AM)

Looks like "Biden"s Spokeswoman" will be fitting Dr. Jill for a muzzle. She and Michelle will have to learn to sign.

Nothing new here - Lexington, KY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:47 AM)

Yet again, democratic men nor their wives know when to close their mouths! Instead of tit for tat with the Pres and his wife, I guess this time around it will be the VP and his. YOU WON THE ELECTION YOU MORONS! NOW ACT LIKE YOU HAVE SOME SENSE AND LISTEN TO YOUR AIDS WHEN THEY TELL WHAT TO TALK ABOUT AND WHAT TO SIDESTEP!!!!!! That being said, let's try to get through the next 4 years without all the stupid stuff and focus on our "own backyard".

Brandi, Central VA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:48 AM)

I hope that the clarifications to the press by the President Elect and VP Elect's staffs are truth; other wise this lady will be in trouble until her husband is no longer VP....what a bad judment! Keep her in the closet to avoid us more embarassment!

Rafael E Irizarry (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:49 AM)

This is a little off the subject but I watched fox news O'Reilly show last night and as always I was PO
when I was done. He was on a rampage saying the dems better not try to go after Bush or otherd for crimes of torchure. EVERYthing he said was negative. I wish he would retire,take a 4 yr hiatis whatever. Bring Karl Rove with him.

Mishka Anaconda MT (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:50 AM)

I am so looking forward to a positive outlook. All this bashing does no one any good. Come on people- let us look up not down . Others are watching and just loving us bashing eachother. Let us unify.Not divide. No one is perfect.

Clingan,Galion,Ohio (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:52 AM)

who really cares about being in Washington DC? Obviously 2 million people do. Can you imagine what those porta-potties are going to be like? Like I said 2 million. Please pray that no one knocks Obama off because it will be a civil war all over again with people looting, rioting and burning down major cities.

Bill Rogers Nappanee IN (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:53 AM)

This just goes to show that The Biden's and the Obama'a are real people with real life-changing events happening in their lives like the rest of us. I am proud to be a supporter of Obama-Biden. I trust Barack Obama and his plans for our future. He is a real person and not some big-headed politician with his own agenda in mind. I thank Barack Obama for his courage to break through the prejudice and injustice that oppress us all and make us believe that we cannot succeed. He is living proof that indeed we can. Let us stand tall behind him, in the good and the bad, and know that he is willing to shake the other man's hand if it is right for our country and our people. God Bless America and may God guide and bless the Obama's and the Biden's.

Elizabeth, Racine, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:03 AM)

Mrs. Biden's comments were tacky and very immature. This little woman needs to stay home and bake cookies and keep her mouth shut.

B Moultrie, Dallas, Tx (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:07 AM)

I didn't vote for Obama, However he is the people's elected choice. he will be shortly the President. Get behind him, so he'll make mistakes. So what, He will learn from them. Bush made mistakes, ditto, Clinton, Bush Sr., Reagan, Carter, Clear back to the first administration. That's called learning the job.

I would hate to see a president so afraid to make a mistake that he does nothing at all

A. M. S. Overbrook, Ks. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:07 AM)

Go Obama!

amber, tullahoma, tn (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:12 AM)

He's just another new President. It's not the second coming of Christ....get over yourselves.

R.A., Omaha, NE (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:12 AM)

Biden is a freakin idiot....and, if the quotes in this article are true, it shows in the conversation quoted. He's a disgrace, an arrogant, pompous, lying, fraud. But what's new, clearly he fits right in with the currenbt state of congress. Sadly, Obama's choice of this fool for VP shows his achille's heel and his relative inexperience...... and stains all the promise that might have been.

D. Strum, Pompano Beach,FL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:19 AM)

Who cares really what happens on Oprah, just another soap opera really. She's very racist and so is her show.

Laura Mohn Big Spring, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:21 AM)

with the problems in this world today, everyone is talking about something that is over and done with? this is rediculous people, care about the future not the past.

Eric, Rhode Island (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:22 AM)

I think the mistake was for the VP elect to go on Oprah the day before the inauguration in the first place; it diminishes the the office. I think the big O just needs to settle down a little and stop seeing herself as part of this administration, and I think "Jilly's" flip response and lack of attempt to correct herself was a slap in the face to Senator Clinton. I am thrilled with Barack as president, but I'm a little tired of the dog and pony show of the hangers on.

S Albany, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:25 AM)

Clara the only person that speaks about hate in this blog is you.

Lets talk about inauguration, that what the news just talk about not Oprah intreview with Biden.
Thas everyone knows that is the most expencive ever inauguration. Many of us does not have the daily bread and they do not have a place to leave, many of us lost a job and we us 160 Millions of the tax payer money for just an president inauguration. That is the kind of changes we have we will have spend more money.
Mr. President please change the rectoric and start act like a president, and less of "that" ops!
There is to many thats we do not know.
One thing I know he allredy start change is speach from "our first priorities" to "will take longer to resolve". Anyhow what is your first priority?
Every time I hearing the news it changes and did change so many times that I do not know what is your first priority. Change and change and ......change.

Armando G. Washington NJ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:25 AM)

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