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Oh, That Joe! (No. 33 in a Series) -- North Carolinians Don't Seem to Buy ‘Joe The Biden's' NASCAR Analogy
October 23, 2008 1:40 PM
At a Thursday morning rally deep in the heart of NASCAR country, in Charlotte, NC, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., attempted to put the election in auto racing terms.
But his analogy quickly careened into a car wreck.
“You know, we’ve got a lot of NASCAR tracks up in my state,” the Delaware lawmaker said. “We’ve got a big NASCAR track up in my state at Dover Downs. But here in Charlotte, you know racing a lot better than anybody in the country. I know that. So I’ll talk a little bit in racing terms.”
And so began Biden’s ill-fated analogy…
“Right now, our campaigns are 'trading a little paint,'” the Democratic vice-presidential nominee said, clearly anticipating applause but instead receiving nothing but crickets.
“But what worries me the most is the McCain campaign seems to have gotten a little loose," he continued.
Still no reaction from the crowd at the UNC-Charlotte arena.
“Um, and uh, I can tell you not a lot of NASCAR fans in here, but up my way it’s a big deal,” noted the loquacious Blue Hen, earning some sympathetic laughter from supporters. “Up my way it’s a big deal.”
“And the fact of the matter is, you know that term getting 'loose'? On the, you know, when you’re out there going 185 miles an hour, getting a little loose?” Biden asked. “Well, John’s getting a little loose. He doesn’t have much of a steady hand these days. And now, and now’s the time, now’s the time we most need a steady hand.”
Possibly still feeling the effects of his late-night flight from Colorado, Biden couldn't even correctly state the name of his GOP opponent...
“In the most recent debate, those most, and, uh, about, just about every day since, John McCain has felt the need to declare –- and you heard it in the debate -– John McClane, John McClane –- excuse me. John McCain. John McCain,” said Biden, maybe thinking of the “Die Hard” protagonist, as the crowd chuckled.
“I don’t recognize him anymore,” Biden quipped as the audience laughed, one of Biden’s few good moments at the start of his three-stop North Carolina swing.
“I used to know him well,” Biden continued, before noting, “it’s a bad joke, it’s a bad joke.”
Another light-hearted moment came when Biden ad-libbed in response to an audience member's shout-out.
“Let me quote what John McCain said,” Biden began when a supporter yelled at him that the nation needs a senator, not a governor, as vice-president.
“It was Lindsey Graham, my friend to the south of here, who calls me 'Joe the Biden,'” chuckled the six-term senator, recalling his South Carolina colleague's comment Monday in St. Louis. “That’s a new name, Joe the, Joe the – well lemme tell ya what 'Joe the Biden' has to say here.”
But Joe the Biden was so off today that he could barely even thank certain local lawmakers, his favorite way to start his stump speech.
“I don’t know that Kay’s here yet, but I want to shout out to Kay Hagan, who I hope I’m going to be serving – be able to work with in the next United States senator,” Biden said about the North Carolina Democrat running for Senate.
“Kay, you know, now if I were going to be – if we win this seat, excuse me, this election, I’ll be vice-president and I’ll be president of the Senate. That’s a big difference. President of the Senate means you only vote when there’s a tie,” Biden said in perhaps a subtle dig at Gov. Sarah Palin’s comment in Colorado earlier this week when she said that the vice-president was “in charge” of the Senate. “When you’re, when you’re chairman of the Foreign Relations committee, they gotta listen to you.”
“So I just want Kay to understand that I know vice-presidents aren’t much, Kay, but when I’m elected, call Mel Watt,” Biden continued, referencing the Tar Heel state representative. “He’ll tell you I’m a good guy."
-- Jake Tapper and Matthew Jaffe
October 23, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (57)
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Too much botox, and serious hairplug side effects.
Posted by: Thank God for Karma | Oct 24, 2008 9:50:01 PM
I'm really beginning to wonder if Biden has had a change of heart, and is really trying to sabotage obama's election, certainly seems like it.If in fact, he's doing a great job. Go Joe !!!
Posted by: Sherlana | Oct 24, 2008 8:06:03 PM
Biden can't seem to keep a coherent thought in his head...and certainly lacks a connection between his brain and his mouth....and yet, people continue to question Palin's competency.
The combination of Obama's lack of experience and his unwillingness to clarify details about his past (details about his school years, law review papers, relationships, etc.) along with Biden's constant "gaffes" are more than a little concerning.
Posted by: Michelle | Oct 24, 2008 9:25:06 AM
ah....so this is where the McCainites are hanging out tonight...making themselves feel all warm and cozy. :)
Posted by: karen | Oct 23, 2008 8:39:57 PM
Darlene,
The point I was trying to make is that Palin is MORE qualified for the PRESIDENCY than Obama, but nobody seems to be questioning HIS qualifications. He is nothing but a snake oil salesman, and people are buying it. It scares the stuffing out of me.
Posted by: Gordon | Oct 23, 2008 5:09:13 PM
McCain sold himself to the dark side and if you think the "other John McCain" will return after the election you folks are delusional. McCain owes his soul to the ultra-right wing of his party and they will never let go. Few people in this election are voting for McCain. They are either voting for Obama, voting against Obama, or voting for Palin. McCain will try to pander to Independents and Reagan Democrats but he is a lost soul now in the control of the same ******* that begat GWB. God help us should he be elected.
Posted by: indy_voter | Oct 23, 2008 4:56:53 PM
voting for Obama...no way..he's the most inexperienced candidate in our US presidential election. If it's Hillary, I will vote for democrats because I'm a lifelong democrat and never voted to republicans. NOw...I might vote for GOP ticket.
I looked at the clips of Obama's meeting and press conferenc with national security advisors, all of the advisors looked very unhappy and I can sense that they also feel the same like me who see Obama as very inexperienced candidate. He needs time to grow and gain more experience.
Posted by: linda | Oct 23, 2008 4:35:40 PM
Just re-read Joe the Idiot's closing comments: "Well, Kay, I just want you to know that I understand that the VP slot isn't worth a damn, but . . . my MOMMY likes me! PLEASE vote for me! Mr Barack said it was MY turn to be a somebody! And . . . and . . . I brought my homework in for EXTRA CREDIT . . ."
Neglecting, of course, all of his earlier pronouncements that he wouldn't even RUN with Obama if asked - I guess Joey's going for the sympathy vote. Sort of like that "Nerd date" episode in Happy Days . . .
Posted by: NOT_Surprised | Oct 23, 2008 4:12:52 PM
Gordon,
The difference is that Palin will be VP and Obama would be President. Their is a big difference in the responsibility of those two positions. Palin is as qualified as Al Gore. Is Obama as qualified as Governor Clinton? Clinton/Gore>>>>>>Obama/Biden.
Posted by: Darlene Jenkins, PA | Oct 23, 2008 4:09:12 PM
I have to agree that Palin's qualifications are not that much better than Obama's. Yes she has SOME executive experience, but Alaska is only a small state. And she IS a natural born American. And she is proud of the United States.
BUT she never trained people on how to register illegal aliens and felons to vote. And she never trained people how to vote multiple times. And she never sought the alliance of a notorious anti-American terrorist and anarchist. And she hasn't teamed up with convicted felons.
But she is not THAT MUCH better qualified!
Posted by: Gordon | Oct 23, 2008 4:04:10 PM
Joe Biden makes Dan Quayle look like Stephen Hawking!
Posted by: Darlene Jenkins, PA | Oct 23, 2008 3:59:27 PM
Jake your going to miss Joe Biden when this election is over. I can go 185 miles an hour in my dreams and because of this article and Joe Biden I going to look at some NASCAR videos :-D
Ok before I forget - Vote for Obama and good hearted Biden!
Posted by: Yeil Raven | Oct 23, 2008 3:48:14 PM
If Obama/Biden wins....Hummmm....the President who is truly inexperienced in our US President history and the VP who makes gaffes and doesn't even have confidence in his boss (Obama). How things would be if they elected?
When Obama talked with national security advisors yesterday, look at the clip..all advisors didn't look happy and it was obvious that they have doubt on Obama's experince!
Posted by: mandell | Oct 23, 2008 3:45:14 PM
IS there still serious question about Obama's citizenship? Frankly, if there was a question in that area about John McCain, Palin, Biden, or Mickey Mouse - I agree. RESOLVE it - the Constitution requires native-born. Is he or not?
Posted by: NOT_Surprised | Oct 23, 2008 3:44:12 PM
Scary thing is Joe is the Experienced voice on the ticket! He is a sell out and a yes man. Well when he keeps to the script. Lets look at it for what it is Democratic ticket you have a Presidential candidate who was a drug using junkie and as VP you have a man pounding his 40's between campaign stops! Vote McCain in 08 and Put country first!
Posted by: batesba74 | Oct 23, 2008 3:43:44 PM
Between the botox and hair plugs and nipping at the sauce --- Joe shows his true side.
He was slurring words at this event....this is so sad the people think he is more qualified than Palin.
YIKES....and he supposed to advise Obama on foreign policy.
Joe is a blowhard and a moron.
Posted by: Gracie | Oct 23, 2008 3:38:12 PM
JAY - Thank you - THAT response WAS reasonable and fair (HANDYMAN, take note!)
Frankly, I can't say that I'm tremendously impressed with Palin's grasp on international politics/policies. And I think the RNC's handling of her (rush her into photo ops with various foreign dignitaries, NO QUESTIONS PLEASE!, rush her out) doesn't do much to reinforce that.
But, I also have SERIOUS concerns re: Obama's background/policies and, as importantly, his lack of experience in much of ANYthing substantive. I'm not degrading his service to the Chicago area, etc - but he's a 1st-term Senator of -be honest- little note, other than his ability to deliver a charasmatic speech; he hasn't authored any significant legislation, etc. He IS fully aware that the time is ripe for a "young, idealistic" candidate - so he presents himself as such.
Posted by: NOT_Surprised | Oct 23, 2008 3:32:37 PM
I couldn't stand to read all the latest quotes from Crazy Joe.
Crazy Joe will quit the Senate and do a stand-up comic routine in a sleazy stripe joint between acts. (batabing)
Crazy Joe, potentially one heartbeat away from the presidency? Never.
Posted by: Captain America | Oct 23, 2008 3:32:27 PM
So if Obama gets in (God help us) and something happens to him, this is who would be leading our country? That is very scary. By the way, I work here at UNC-Charlotte, and we have over 23,000 students and 3,000 employees. Only 1500 people cared enough to show up at the rally. Last week Sarah Palin drew over 7000 at a much smaller college (Elon) in a small town of North Carolina.
Posted by: Irish Rose | Oct 23, 2008 3:31:05 PM
NOT SURPRISED - I won't deny that Barack gets favorable coverage, but I really don't see a story here. I think Palin (and the McCain campaign as whole) did themselves a disservice in hiding her for so long. They've set themselves up for her to be ravaged by the media and her nonsensical answers to questions hasn't helped. All of this is secondary, however, to the underlying issue: that she is utterly under-qualified and her selection undermined everything positive about John McCain (i.e. that he puts country first and has the judgement to be President).
Posted by: Jay | Oct 23, 2008 3:26:20 PM
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