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

To the press, Nice try but no one believes there was anything wrong with what she said. The joke is on you!

Maureen Boston Ma (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:29 AM)

To the press, Nice try but no one believes there was anything wrong with what she said. The joke is on you!

Maureen Boston Ma (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:30 AM)

It doesn't matter. We'd be in deep trouble either way.

Robert Saunders, Mesa, AZ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:30 AM)

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
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Interesting, I always thought Biden was a very recognizeable face. His humor in and of itself makes him very memorable. Perhaps you just haven't been around very long...
or...nah, I won't go there

Obama paints walls, Bush can't even paint a rosey picture (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:30 AM)

Let's celebrate today, and the possibilities. Leave the petty stuff,please..it doesn't belong on this great day.

Linda G.Fort Pierce,FL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:30 AM)

Drink the cool aid and just die ! You liberal idiots do not know how to just get out of the way ? Bush Won and we will see the new President fail miserably. Because your ideas are loser and history always lets you know it. Let's hope this so called intellectual idiot who has done nothing at all except break the law and lie will go down in flames and you will crawl under a rock. Again !

Joe, Orlando Florida (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:33 AM)

WHY ARE YOU SO SURE IT WAS "INADVERTENT?"

IT IS A GOOD WAY FOR BIDEN TO KNOCK HILLARY DOWN A NOTCH OR TWO!

WHY ARE YOU SO SURE IT WAS "INADVERTENT?" (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:36 AM)

The Bush admin. shouldn't have been. if his brother din'd give him the election. he wouldn't been ther no way. then there was 9/11. and anytime his popularity was down there was terroist coming from everywhere. HaHa. other than that what the hell did he do? frist meeting was with 250 big time fortune 500 people.

frederick horace (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:37 AM)

I think I'll print this for my bird cage, ho hum.

Mark, Dartmouth, MA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:42 AM)

For everyone that feels this is so monumental and just a wonderful change in our country, it is the same ole same ole. We have the Clinton's back in town, some of the same people from Bush's administration staying on, a treasury nominee that "forgets" to pay taxes, a Bill Richardson scandal to prevent him from a position, and a Dan Quayle want to be in Biden who failed a previous presidential bid because he plagarized someone elses speech and a new president who hasn't even run a corner variety store. What a wealth of knowledge coming into office! I am so happy for all of you that they are responsible for the safety of this country.

This is honesty and change??? Real change would be nurses, construction workers, salespeople,everyday hard working people running the country that fight to put food on the table and not lawyers and continued special interest groups running the show.

C J, Windham,Me (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:43 AM)

Once again the media tries to manipulate any little thing in order to sell more buzz...Why don't all of you sensationalists get off your fat asses and do something positive for a change instead of looking for something negative to say...Same goes for the economy..your sensationalist negativatness has scared the public more than the economy has..

Wade , Victoria, BC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:44 AM)

Bush has been bashed for 8 years. He has been called terrible names and accused of every sin imaginable. Hate has gushed forth daily. Now you same haters only want love,unity,positive thoughts, and kind words. Clara you say you are tired of the hate? I think you just shot yourself in the foot. These last 8 years it is not the Republicans who have hated Bush. It was you. Sorry. Now its our turn.

kevin preston, north manchester , in (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:45 AM)

Sounds like Biden will live up to the historical status of the VP - at home and on Oprah. And now we can finally say, Bush? Who's he?

Sarcasmic (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:48 AM)

I want to know how much $$ Biden gave to Obama's campaign to get two such primo job offers? Nice selecting people based on their skills.....

PS, Raleigh, NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:49 AM)

"and Hillary as VP concentrating on national Health Care."

That boat sailed long ago. She isn't for socialized medicine anymore.

CA in Cleveland (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:50 AM)

The problem is that the comment, or rather the covering up of such (shades of Nixon),graphically denies the new and complete openness about his administration that Obama says he will have. First he admits he lied about giving a $3,000 tax credit for every American job saved or created. Now, before he is even inaugurated, we find a closed rather than open administration. What did it matter? It didn't. What matters is the hush and cover-up.

Don Vercher, Orange, Texas (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:53 AM)

Clara from KC, temp. in DC- apparently you have nothing constructive to do for the economy so you're busy hero worshipping at the altar of the Messiah's Immaculation in Disneyland East. You libs are so phoney. Stay there, we don't need you in the heartland.

da in iowa (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:54 AM)

I wonder at what point all these Bush Bashers , normally a below normal intelligence individual , will turn on their own man. The first time he makes a decision that is for the good of the American people and not for his own constituency. Welcome aboard American politics. Good luck , Pres.

Jim Hall (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:55 AM)

I don't think it was a "slip-up" at all. I think it was Jill auditioning to be campaign manager for Sarah Pahlin...

D K, Albany,NY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:55 AM)

She probably didnt think it was a big deal, and a secret until Joe shushed her. Everyone is making it bigger than it is.

SariR (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:55 AM)

Thank God for America. Thank God for people who see that change is necessary and will move towards that at the right time. Let us all ask for wisdom to know when to act and what to do. Give OBAMA a chance to make us all proud and stop majoring in the minors.

RitaSam White, Millbury Mass (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:59 AM)

If you all remember, Obama met with Clinton for HOURS in Chicago. I'm sure they discussed things that most of us can only imagine. I'll be willing to wager that she was also offered more than one position and that they, together, decided where she could best serve her country and her people. Biden will make an excellent VP and Clinton a great Sec of State. The other way around would have been a good choice also though. Obama had some tough decisions to make regarding his cabinet and I think he's done a fabulous job of creating a team that will move our country forward, out of dispair and economic melt down, out of the bubble of hatred that many countries around the world feel toward us. Let's give them all a chance.

Christine, Jacksonville NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:00 AM)

The remark was totally inappropriate! Biden's wife knew exactly what she was doing. She has been in the political arena long enough to know you do not say things like that. Does she have an ax to grind with Hillary? Her lack of class in insulting to all of America!

Kathy, Philadelphia (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:01 AM)

For the Audacity of Hope of this African in America, shall we please put away our differences and just have fun this one day.

What does it matter how many options Biden had? We want change anyways; that's what is important.

Iphie Openiwu (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:01 AM)

So much to do about nothing . . . . as Mrs. Biden said everyone is human and we are bound to make mistakes. Anyone in this world who is free of making mistakes, please stand up. " Oh my, no one stood up !! " I'm sure President - elect Obama had many people in consideration for the various posts.
I want to congratulate the Obama Administration and wish them well in their new positions. Have a safe journey in this chapter of your life.
I am a Canadian and very enthusiastic about the change that is going to take place in your wonderful country. My one wish is that Politicians in Canada take a lesson from this. I am a proud Canadian and I hope that what is happening in the United States of America has an effect in this country.

Sandra Jones, Winnipeg,Manitoba, Canada (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:02 AM)

Iphie Openiwu, Phila, Penn (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:04 AM)

Obviously she needs a little coaching/polishing on what not to say before they let her loose!

Jacki, Johnson City, TN (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:04 AM)

Bush was never elected. I do not know why people say that. First time he was given the office by the Supreme Court. The second time Ken Blackweel of Ohio gave him Ohio. This was very wrong. Also I am sick of people alwsasy on Hillary Case. Just leave her alone.

Joyce N Ridgeville, Oh (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:05 AM)

Correct me if I'm wrong - but that decision would have been made while they were on the campaign trail being as they ran together on the ticket and HILLARY WAS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!!! SHe would not have looked at either job VP or Sec of State at that point. I don't understand why its a slip at all.

come on people (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:06 AM)

how could any person say they would want Hillary in charge of health care? Get a life!

Opus (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:07 AM)

I am so excited to see this day and all the naysayers should remember all the republicians had a expensive swearing in and you never said a word. This is the United States grow up and become a part of it.
Helen Land
Englewood, Tn. Where until recently there were no African Americans And I am VERY PROUD TO LIVE IN AMERICA

HELEN LAND (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:08 AM)

Maybe it's me but I just dont see the big deal. So what...Joe is certainly qualified for both positions I would think it would have been normal to have discussed which post to give him. The things that the media makes into news just amazes me sometimes.

Dahlia, Effort Pa (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:10 AM)

Joe will be quite amusing to listen to over the next four years.
His gaffes are one of a kind. Joe will make Danny's potato incident seem like just that: small potatoes.
Open wide Joe, your shoe will be in your mouth more than you can imagine.
Like a potato, leather too is high in carbs.

CJ Vah Jackson, WI (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:11 AM)

There has been so much Bush and Cheney bashing, lets be fair and equal......the Obama and Biden bashing can begin and never end. After all, its the only fair and equal thing to do, right? We wouldn't want to offer the new President and Vice President anything less then is offered to all other Presidents.

grannyjojo, Middle, America (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:12 AM)

Beverly in Chicago, Where have you been these past eight years the bashing of Bush started before he was inaugerated on his first election and has continued ever since. Are You telling me those weren't Bush haters. It sound like to me a double standard as long as it not a Democrate being bashed it open season.

Doug Jones Johnston City IL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:14 AM)

Open mouth, insert foot.

l mitman, phoenix az (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:14 AM)

Remeber time tells all stories. Lets hope it's a good one.

Brian Harriaburg PA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:19 AM)

I feel sorry for Palestine.

denis (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:20 AM)

This is just another case of: "I'm a big-shot politiian so don't say anything that might reveal any 'trade secrets'". Bottom line? Nobody cares!

Tom Bittle, Geneseo, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:21 AM)

So, what else is new. Hillary got a raw deal from day one. She is a bigger person that the rest of DC put together.

Alice, Ft. Myers, FL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:21 AM)

I'd like to know how many Native American INDIANS
took part in this election? No one gives any mention to this area. Did McCain get their vote? Seems to
me that could be ..... if they voted!

Wallis, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:22 AM)

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

True, it's the first coming.

Eric, New York (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:23 AM)

I think with unemployement and foreclosures at a all time high, I would of hoped that the new president who talked about change the entire time would of stepped up and not allowed more than $160 million dollars to be spent on an event that will last about 4 hours. If we have that much money to waste, lets start helping people save their jobs and homes.

Rita North East, MD (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:24 AM)

Here we all are waiting for our new President to take office and some hater has to take a piss on it with this dumb story. Who the heck cares, so what...as many have stated, we are so tired of the 8 years of hatefull people like the Fox people,limbaugh (big fat, drug user), and all those rednecks who feel so inferior that they have to hate without intellect, and Palen and her Alaskan welfare state (biggest recipient of governement handouts)...we are on a new roll now, one with dignity, intellect, a mission, an ideal, and Hope. It wont be easy as we now, President Obama was left with what could be called a totall mess...we the people won,and we the people will make it better, you haters, get a life and get over it!

Ted Schofield, Camp Verde, AZ (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:27 AM)

I hate to pupu on your parade, but Obama is in line with every other president that has been guiding this country to the brink of financial and moral bankruptcy. Do you actually think you were making the choice for president this year or any other year? Don't be fooled by his rhetoric, don't assume he is the answer. The powers that be put him in his position and he answers to them. The financial system is fake (a numbers game if you will). Throwing another trillon dollars of fake money at the economy is not going to change a thing, only increase our national debt. Wake up people, our government is a sham and so are the markets. Google "Project Bluebeam" and look up in the sky, they're chemtrailing the hell out of our skies. Doesn't that worry you? Down with the NWO!

JK, Galveston, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:28 AM)

Biden is the only thing keeping Barrack Hussein alive. He's so stupid no one even wants to go there. :-) I do hope Ms Hussein can refrain from another crotch grab during the inaguration like she did after the debates.

If Hitlery had been the VP pick, President Hussein would probably have met a mysterious Ron Brown or Vince Foster ending already.

You Dems are all morons (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:28 AM)

Wow, you are a bitter people. If a just little hope will ever change the minds of people like you, it will take a lot more than a President Barack Obama to do it.....try ANOTHER COUNTRY...You critics are Sad Sad ... I wish you all PEACE...you need it.

Chris, Saint Louis, Missouri (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:31 AM)

You're all so freaking lucky to have elections: stop whining.
Some people would be happy to be able to spell the word democracy out loud.

Get on with it..

Clive, Jamaica

Clive Ocnacuwenga (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:31 AM)

Those of you that spew hate are part of this UNITED Country's problem. Who cares if she said he had a choice,the point was FAMILY. Democrate, Republican, Independent, isn't it time that we are all just AMERICAN in the UNITED States of America. That should be the focus.

Lisa Saint Paul, MInnesota (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:31 AM)

Armando, I sorry but I could not understand a thing you said. Apparently you don't know the history of this nation. Go to school and learn, maybe one day you might run for a public office. All things are possible. Obama has proven that. To Eric I would suggest the same thing.Too bad, most Americans don't know and appreciate the history of this country.
To Jill Bide, oh my gosh. I would say, keep your mouth shout on TV.

SANDRA HAGLER, BOONE, NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:33 AM)

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