(Jake Turcotte)
Joe Biden - making jokes, irritating Obama
By Jimmy Orr | 01.22.09
Hey, Joe Biden’s back in the news! And it’s just like the campaign!
This time he poked fun at Supreme Court Justice John Roberts’s flubbing of the oath of office and President Obama didn’t get the joke.
Keep it in the family
Just a couple days ago, Biden’s wife - perhaps sensing that her husband hadn’t made news in awhile - took over as chief gaffemeister of the family announcing to Oprah that Joe could have had either the job of vice president or secretary of state.
Hours later, a press release went out from the vice president elect’s office “clarifying” what Jill meant. Click here to read this story.
Swearing-in
Yesterday, President Obama and Vice President Biden were up in room 450 of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to welcome in new staff and to have White House senior staff take their oaths of office.
The vice president is the one who administers this oath and appeared to forget about it (video below).
“Joe, you want to administer the oath?,” he prodded his number two.
“Am I doing this again? Oh! For the senior staff,” he suddenly remembered.
“My memory’s not as good as Justice Roberts’ … Chief Justice Roberts,” referencing the Chief Justice’s failed attempt to administer the presidential oath of office by heart.
Attendees groaned and a smattering of laughter was heard. But President Obama was stone-faced. Some described his reaction as grim.
Nudge
Some eagle-eye observers saw even more.
“What wasn’t noticed so widely was that instantly Obama’s right hand went out and gave Biden’s elbow a warning squeeze. This isn’t Delaware, Dorothy,” wrote the LA Times’s Andy Malcolm.
Oath, part II
By the way, President Obama was in a more jovial mood later in the day when Justice Roberts went to the White House to re-administer the oath of office (just to be sure).
You can read about this odd event (and watch the video) by going here.
<< Obama takes another oath of office (just to be sure) | MainComments
2. R Harrison Scott | 01.22.09
The extreme left and right in this country could take a lesson or two about the value of civility. Joe Biden isn’t very radical, but his insistence and wise *** attitude is likely to be a continuing embarrassment unless Barack sets him straight. This country doesn’t need a Vice President who sees his role as the party clown.
3. joe average | 01.22.09
Irritating? What’s irritating is the opening line to this non-news article. So Joe made a smart remark and Obama didn’t laugh.
whoopee-doo.
Hey, CSM! How ’bout you ditch the South Park-esque graphics you’ve been using for way too long? They’re irritating as well!
4. Bill | 01.22.09
The flub was totally on Robert’s part. He started the oath, “I Barrack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear…” He was supposed to start with just the name, which is customary. Obama was gracious in letting Roberts compose himself after the error.
5. Hilary Smith | 01.22.09
I hope Joe Biden doesn’t turn out to be the new Dan Quayle. The media should be focused on actual news but I’m sure they’ll end up appealing to the lowest common denominator.
6. Aaron | 01.22.09
There is no doubt that as time goes on President Obama will have a harder time keeping The Vice President from embarrassing His administration.
7. A. Richoux | 01.22.09
From the look on his face, I think that Obama just didn’t want to be reminded of an embarrassing moment. Who would?
9. T | 01.22.09
Why are we even wasting tax payer money to perform the Oath twice. Is this saving us money? No, I’m tired of the same old politics. No changes of transparency here…only duplication of efforts…Please save us GOD!
10. BillLegarm | 01.22.09
Obama shakes his head a bit, too, after he taps Biden on the elbow. I know he was trying to be funny, but little things like this, especially if they happen often, can really hurt an administration that is so blatantly trying to govern from the center and include everyone.
Plus, you don’t want to make the chief justice of the Supreme Court, who will be around for many years after Obama’s presidency is over, angry.
11. Michellekins | 01.22.09
Ouch. Obama looks annoyed (but composed!). I’m sure he’ll be giving Biden a few words later on. Life isn’t always one big joke. This was a serious moment. It wasn’t the time for the joke.
12. Matt | 01.22.09
Obama is a class act and is humble and respectful towards everyone. But I believe he has to sit down with Biden and have a talk with him about poking fun at people. For God’s sake, its the CHIEF JUSTICE.
13. Tom | 01.22.09
This “news” is a real stretch, if not fabrication. The video doesn’t show any warning squeeze. Obama does gently reach out to toward Biden, but only as Biden starts moving away. Obama even looks off-camera and has a smile, wan as it may be. Eye of the beholder, I guess.
14. miguel | 01.22.09
It’s a good thing for the Nation and the World to have a President who takes his job seriously and keeps everyone on point. By the way newsguys … get a life and drop the clowns … you’re embarrassing yourselves.
15. Paul | 01.22.09
No V.P. can possibly more embarrassing to a President than Dick Cheney was. What a friggin joke that whole administration was. I think we’ll have a less trigger-happy administration now that America has a President who’s getting laid on a regular basis.
16. Syd | 01.22.09
After Bush’s 2000 campaign, it’s not surprising that people would expect Obama to be just another politician, even after having talked a lot about wanting to change the tone in Washington. After all, politicians DO know that we want these things. Most of the time, as in Bush’s case, we find out that they don’t really care what we want after the campaign is over. I may be proven wrong, but I suspect that Obama wants to change the tone in Washington for the same reason many of us want it changed. He’s not just a politician, and that’s why many of us elected him.
17. bob | 01.22.09
Biden keeps showing why he never got anywhere in his attempts to get the Democratic party’s nod for becoming the Democratic Presidential candidate. I really hope he is replaced. Ms. Hilary Smith is wrong about Biden becoming another Quayle because Biden has already made more gaffes than Quayle ever did.
18. Tony Bend Oregon | 01.22.09
I didnt vote for Obama, But I stand behind him, let not make something of nothing.. Obama handled the oath quite well considering, Obama and Justice Robert’s were probably sweating bullets on the national/world stage, I would be. As far as Biden’s comment.. harmless enough… Biden’s wife needs a muzzle though.
19. frombelair | 01.22.09
joe behave your self, tell your kids to behave themselves, and now behave like a vice president, leave that: street, tough guy, I can say anything I want to anybody anywhere, language behind, ALL THE TIME.
20. Eldon | 01.22.09
Joe Biden is experienced and also has a sense of humor. Hopefully he will lighten Barack up a bit over time. That wasn’t a mean-sprited remark at all, just a jibe.
21. Gus | 01.22.09
“Why are we even wasting tax payer money to perform the Oath twice. Is this saving us money?”
Yeah, What he said! I’m sure we are going to get a bill from the Chief Justice for overtime.
Are you this desperate for bad things to say about Obama? How sad.
22. longcat | 01.22.09
Perhaps our new commander in chief does not have a sense of humor. I have suspected this in the past. But that is OK. We just have to know that and keep the positive momentum going!
23. B. Bugbee | 01.22.09
Before counting Biden out, remember that it’s his years of highly qualified experience, integrity, openness, and yes humor, that make him the perfect VP for the Country and counsel to Obama, who at times takes himself a little too seriously.
24. Jrodriguez | 01.22.09
I’ll take a good hearted, out front light joker VP over a sneaky, mean spirited, right wing agenda pushing in the backroom guy like Cheney anytime.
26. Sean | 01.22.09
I think its been a long time since we have a president who is serious about his duties to the public rather and is very careful of his impression to the general public and the media. He is making sure that the people around him are also in tune with him. He is a serious person and wants his staff to act the same way because they are an extention of him and his agendas.
27. BRIAN | 01.22.09
Biden feels intimidated or insecure by taking orders from a younger, more brilliant individual in a place of higher authority than himself.
28. Sorbe | 01.22.09
Class act? LOLOLOL These two chuckleheads better both develop a sense of humor because theyre going to be the short end of many a joke. Biden being a serial plagurist and Obama being a toker and coke snorter. Any decorum they attempt to demand of each other is nothing more than the worst sort hypocrisy.
29. John Q. Public | 01.22.09
What an embarassment, this is why he is Vice President and not President. This administration has been in office 3 days and there is already plenty of blunders to be pounced on by the world. Biden needs to be taken aside and taught some manners. I think President Obama reacted absolutely appropriate, and Biden changed his tone immediately after the “elbow squeeze”. If you’re going to be a smart ***, do it behind closed doors or keep your opinion to yourself. Especially in this high ranking government position that represents the USA!
30. mp | 01.22.09
I just can’t beleive people are actually paid to write **** like this.
This is “news” ?
Are you people bored or what!?
31. Varmitzapper | 01.22.09
Was the second oath with hand on the Bible or Koran?
Maybe the first one didn’t count because of the flub.
Remember words have meanings.
” the definition of is, is”
“I did not have sex with that woman. Miss Lewinsky. ”
Just a thought
32. Steve | 01.22.09
I think your all nuts!
Let the President and his staff be themselves like regular people.
I find it funny that you people are taking things so seriously?
Sure these are sober times but its also time to be optimistic.
showing a little humor just shows confidence and a relaxed ability to take the position. Being Grim is just a way of showing under-confidence and being overwhelmed.
Way to go Biden!
34. Bjorn | 01.22.09
Er! Who gives a **** about the oath and the jokes? Let’s cut out the dithering on small talk and let’s see if Obama will truly clean the Whitehouse & the government of all its cockroaches and rats or is he going to buckle in the face of tremendous pressure? Let’s see if he has the courage, fortitude and strength to shove a finger up the noses of pro-Israel lobbyists and right-wing rapture fascist lunatics and call out Israel for what it is, a fascist, neo-Nazi, pariah state guilty of the genocide of Palestinians and its insane war mongering & illegal forays into Lebanon and Syria. Will Obama tell Israel to bugger off or not?
35. Robin | 01.22.09
Biden is such a character. I love him. He’s a goofball but a smart one, and very human.
My read on the body language: Obama is resisting the urge to laugh, and his touch on the elbow looks like a pat, not a pinch - a “just get on with it” gesture.
37. nibbler | 01.22.09
“Why are we even wasting tax payer money to perform the Oath twice. Is this saving us money?”
Yes, it is. It will stop the looney-tunes on the right from filing lawsuits alleging that Obama isn’t really President because of the flubbed oath.
Plus - are you really that upset that we have a Chief Executive who takes his responsibilities seriously?
38. yorkmapper | 01.22.09
The O man needs to lighten up about Biden. Instead, I hope he smacked Roberts up side his head for screwing the oath up.
Utterly ridiculous to re-do it. He was prez at noon the 2oth.
39. nospin | 01.22.09
I can’t believe we have a vp that on his first day in office has to put our chief justice down. Come on biden grow up or step down.
40. SteverB | 01.22.09
Boy, “T”, what did you have to do to squeeze THAT one out? How is it a waste of taxpayers’ money to perform the Oath again? Do you think John Roberts was paid extra to go to The White House and perform the Oath (that HE screwed up in the first place) again? Did President Obama get a bonus for the day? Did the Obama administration have to pay a room rental to use The Map Room? It’s ridiculous attitudes like yours (blatant partisan sour grapes) that caused the Oath to have to be performed again, so don’t complain about the “waste” of taxpayer monies when people like you were questioning the legitimacy of Obama’s presidency because the Oath had a few words out of order.
41. joe | 01.22.09
To Eldon: There is a time and place for everything. This was NOT the time for sarcasm, plus the look on Obama’s face in the above video says everything, he was NOT kidding around.
42. Chris | 01.22.09
Yes, Bush’s sex life is directly correlated to the Iraq War. You, sir, are a genius.
43. Laura | 01.22.09
Biden does not inspire confidence. He seems silly and a little reckless and impulsive with his words. I’m sick of swaggering gladhanding backslapping empty-suit politicians.
44. murrinmaine | 01.22.09
Just a joke guys. Everyone lighten up. It wasn’t a dig at anyone. Joe the VP is a good guy and a great VP pick.
45. scoutiedog | 01.22.09
I can’t believe that 9. T asked: “Why are we even wasting tax payer money to perform the Oath twice. Is this saving us money?” I don’t think we’ll see a few extra dollars on Roberts’ or Obama’s paycheck this week for the 5 or so minutes it took to re-do the swearing in. What they did do was nip in the bud any possible argument by the haters that Obama isn’t really the Prez. because the Chief Justice flubbed when administering the oath.
We have some real issues facing our country. Get over the flubbed oath, get over your hate. You can be either part of the solution or part of the problem. Take your pick.
46. Lady M | 01.22.09
PLEASE- stop all the worshiping - these two guys are career politicans not demi-gods. They make mistakes and will continue to do so. The only problem is the media will continue to make excuses for them OR not report at all. So - get ready America for CHANGE - from mean spirited reporting to fawning excesses.
47. Steve | 01.22.09
Obama seemed remarkably irritated with Biden’s lack of seriousness. He seemed to be thinking, “why I am I saddled with this buffoon?”. I liked how, towards the end, he suddenly made a forced smile, as if if he realized that he looked too much like he wanted to throttle Biden. I also noted that everyone was laughing at Biden until Obama grabbed his arm looking very annoyed, and *then* people started groaning.
48. Opa2 | 01.22.09
Obama is a class act and so is Joe Biden. The VP sometimes makes harmless jokes and since he has been around a hell of a lot longer than Obama, he will continue to get away with it. If Obama tries to curb his jovial spirit Joe more than likely will remind him that he has seen a lot of Presidents come and go, that he long ago failed to be impressed by them, and for Obama not to take himself so seriously.
49. DragonLady | 01.22.09
Obama needs to lighten up. The wise crack didn’t hurt anyone. Life’s too short to fret about the small stuff. Geez!
50. Democrats 4 Ever | 01.22.09
I find it much more irritating that the media is already going far out of their way to look for more gossip to report. The President talks about change, I don’t think it would hurt for the MEDIA to get a clue and get on the change train themselves, in the way they waste our time with gossip while the world is falling to pieces around us. As far as Joe, yeesh, get a sense of humor people, he was just keeping it light, would you rather have ‘dead eye’ Cheney back?
51. Harley | 01.22.09
Woaaaaaah PBO (President Barack Obama) calm down brother, it’s just a joke and the guy DID mess up. Chillax, brothaman!
54. Conrad | 01.22.09
“Biden is such a character. I love him. He’s a goofball but a smart one, and very human.
My read on the body language: Obama is resisting the urge to laugh, and his touch on the elbow looks like a pat, not a pinch - a “just get on with it” gesture.” - Robin
I totally agree with you Robin. Roberts may be Chief Justice but he’s not a God, he does deserve tasteful ridicule, and Biden has a great sense of humor. Who cares, he didn’t say anything disrespectful. A harmless poke at a minor error, that’s what this was. Obama just wanted to get on with the show. THIS ISN’T NEWS! Let’s not nitpick this administration with **** like this and get on with putting our country back on track. CS Monitor, what does this have to do with Christian Science…and the graphic used was ridiculous and STUPID.
55. Dorothy | 01.22.09
The Bidens can now be known as the Blabbersons. What a tragic pair…so full of themselves they don’t even realize the embarrassment to their “leader” Sally Quinn wrote a book several years ago: “Regrets Only”, in which she described the DC political social scene, a scenario she is well acquainted with. Joe and Jill Biden are pathetic prototypes of the foolish people who rise to places of prominence. Seversl commentators joked that Jill will be “fun” to watch…Ye Gods, with the petty snubbing of the Clintons by Carter, the malice of the Bush bashing, we are reduced to having such people govern.
57. Dean | 01.22.09
People need to lighten up. If anyone thinks Joe Biden is a clown, they obviously have not reviewed his record of service.
I appreciate Mr. Biden’s sense of humor. He brings a freshness to the Vice Presidency that has long been needed. I am so excited about the prospect of a President and Vice President who work together in the best interests of the country.
And to suggest that President Obama will “have a few words” with Vice President Biden over this incident is ridiculous. Our country is in dire straits and in need of some humor to balance the seriousness of our situation. President Obama has more serious matters to attend than chiding his VP over what was obviously a joke.
58. Joe | 01.22.09
Barack needs to lighten up ——http://www.joeamatoreporting.com/2009/01/biden-roberts-more-fun-than-cheney.html
61. Paul Van Voorst | 01.22.09
Has this nation’s critics of President Obama lost their minds? When you are making national history. You are in front of 1.4 million Americans and trip over dialog. It does not mean that you do not understand the oath to be any less sacred. He made a mistake. Unlike Hollywood you don’t get a “take two” and Barack is not an actor he is a human being with pride and ethics far reaching beyond what any critics can understand.
So I might ask. Who cares? Can we get on with getting this country out of the nightmare of the Bush administration. The shallow forsight of the American people, although they are a minority never has ceased to shake my head in pity for their stupidity.
As for Joe Biden. So what. He has a boss and he diaproved. If you say that’s not happened to you. I question you honesty. He will learn how to behave under strict intructions laid down by President Obama.
Now can we focus on getting our ecomomy in order? Please. Pretty Please.
With Obama our ELECTED President on top?
Thank you. I would like to feed my family withouth this.
God Bless American. Congratulations to my new President. Move on!
62. Stan | 01.22.09
It amazes me how people can think they are so right and everybody else is so wrong.
63. Maclady | 01.22.09
I didn’t vote for Obama either. But I wish him the BEST. He has class, brains and dignity. Biden on the other hand seems to be an ego driven clown ready to shoot off his mouth at any time. Many of the Washington old timers, like Biden, seem to be breathing their own exhaust. That’s why Obama is like a breath of fresh air! Pun intended.
66. Ben | 01.22.09
It amazes me how many people read this blog and take it for a news article, not an editorial that pokes fun at humorous political events in the news.
I’ve always found this blog to be relatively unbiased and lighthearted, but I guess the political hacks on both sides will always find some way to call bias on someone.
67. marcia | 01.22.09
I was surprised when Obama chose Biden. Biden neither has gravitas or presence.
68. Ben F | 01.22.09
I like Biden and his dry sense of humor way more than Obama and his smug I’m better than you vibe. Biden is way more experienced than Obama and I suspect will be a much larger player than the media anticipates.
70. vijay | 01.22.09
Ah, for one, this report is a stretch.
After Biden’s free flowing words on the Chief Justice’s earlier stutter, Obama simply maintains his composure and role of Presiding the media session. If he lets himself forget the agenda of the meet and gets carried away by such light humored dialogues, he would simply find himself “opening a locked door ;-)”.
I suppose two possibilities.
1. Obama is playing Good Cop. Biden is the bad Cop. ‘bad’ here refers to Biden’s starkly poking statements. Throughout the administration, he can now let Biden to be himself so that the sensitive criticisms can be made, but cunningly covered up as a “sl(u)p of the tongue”.
2. A nice way of bringing the reality behind the goof-up. With Fox news and such media, manipulating the event to lambast the President and some even declaring that Obama’s failure as a President, this clear quip by Biden, has made it clear on the truth behind the issue.
71. njva17420 | 01.22.09
Let’s just hope that Joe Biden is not left to carry Barack Obama’s coat and hat, which is what it seems like so far.
I like them both and have great hopes for this country now that intelligent and conscientious people are at the top. Don’t let us get side-tracked with non-news sound bites.
73. notlikehim | 01.22.09
Biden is an annoying. Both his arrogant, outlandish policies and his bumbling personality will be an endless source of embarassment for the President.
74. caarcajou | 01.22.09
In response to #3, Joe Average; why don’t you go somewhere else, since you dislike CSM so much…
76. vijay | 01.22.09
Ah, for one, this report is a stretch.
After Biden’s free flowing words on the Chief Justice’s earlier stutter, Obama simply maintains his composure and role of Presiding the media session. If he lets himself forget the agenda of the meet and gets carried away by such light humored dialogues, he would simply find himself “opening a locked door ;-)”.
I suppose two possibilities.
1. Obama is playing Good Cop. Biden is the bad Cop. ‘bad’ here refers to Biden’s starkly poking statements. Throughout the administration, he can now let Biden to be himself so that the sensitive criticisms can be made, but cunningly covered up as a “sl(u)p of the tongue”.
2. A nice way of bringing the reality behind the goof-up. With Fox news and such media, manipulating the event to lambast the President and some even declaring that Obama’s failure as a President, this clear quip by Biden, has made it clear on the truth behind the issue.
77. vijay | 01.22.09
Ah, for one, this report is a stretch.
After Biden’s free flowing words on the Chief Justice’s earlier stutter, Obama simply maintains his composure and role of Presiding the media session. If he lets himself forget the agenda of the meet and gets carried away by such light humored dialogues, he would simply find himself “opening a locked door ;-)”.
I suppose two possibilities.
1. Obama is playing Good Cop. Biden is the bad Cop. ‘bad’ here refers to Biden’s starkly poking statements. Throughout the administration, he can now let Biden to be himself so that the sensitive criticisms can be made, but cunningly covered up as a “sl(u)p of the tongue”.
2. A nice way of bringing the reality behind the goof-up. With Fox news and such media, manipulating the event to lambast the President and some even declaring that Obama’s failure as a President, this clear quip by Biden, has broughtout the truth behind the issue.
78. Non-Marxist | 01.22.09
Obama is a two faced piece of trash, just wait, you idiots will be inpressed at how dirty this presidency will be.
This example is only the beginning. Transparency, HAH !!!
Obama is a Two Faced Racist!!
79. mef | 01.22.09
The oath had to be readministered because you know some disgruntled wise*** will decide since it was flubbed Obama wasn’t sworn in and so isn’t president. Remember the birth certificate is he a citizen or not?
80. Ivan | 01.22.09
Anyone who starts a comment out with “I didn’t vote for Obama…BUT,” is clearly lying ot give their comment credibility.
81. Kary | 01.22.09
I thought the Anti Christ (AKA OBAMA) wasn’t suppossed to show his true colors for 3 & 1/2 years! Sorry you false Messiah, you aren’t fooling all of us!!
(Doubt they even post my comment. Whatever!)
82. Gary B | 01.22.09
As for Biden’s wife’s statement:
When did Obama pick a VP? Before the convention!
When did he pick a Secretary of State? After the election!
Figure it out people. Obama may have spoken to both Biden and Hillary about both jobs, and this is how they worked it out. Hillary is well known and well liked around the world, and she is going to make one of the best we have ever had. She has quite a mess to clean up after Bush, but she will do well.
83. mit73 | 01.22.09
Joe Biden has no place being VP. Obama chose him because he was the “safe” bet, and quite possibly the strategy worked and is therefore worth it (after all, Obama will be calling the shots. His comment about Roberts was along the lines of what Bush would have said.
84. MichieMich | 01.22.09
Hilary Smith: Biden is nothing like the Republican Dan Quayle. Biden is one of the most brilliant and experienced people in politics today, despite the dumb jokes.
I like the goofy cartoons on this site, and I like the article. Obama’s peeved expression was funny, these two could be a sitcom. “The President and Mr. Comedian” or something. Regardless, Joe is supremely qualified.
I wish the fumbled Oath hadn’t happened. It kind of ruined a very solemn, profound moment for me. Cleary, the error was on Roberts’ part, but you couldn’t tell that at the time.
85. krs | 01.22.09
I, like the VP, like to have fun and cut up at work. Now, since running the country is their job, I feel that some joking is acceptable. In fact, I would really worry if this nation’s leadership didn’t know how to laugh at themselves.
86. Lee | 01.22.09
Biden is the PROFESSIONAL CLOWN. Wake up people. Think. Have you ever seen a rodeo? The clown has a serious job. The rodeo clown takes the animal’s attention away from the rider. Biden’s job is to redirect our attention from the main man at least for now. So smooth. Why? I don’t know yet, but just because Obama is smoother than Bush, doesn’t mean we don’t have to watch him. If someone else has said this here, i am sorry. I couldn’t get through all the comments.
87. anon | 01.22.09
Ah, that was OK. While Mr Biden errs on the side of pettiness, Mr Obama errs on the side of respect to Chief Justice Roberts. In all honesty, the triviality of the comment should affect nothing about the operation of any branch of the federal government.
88. salil ghoshal | 01.22.09
welcome to the 21st century and politi-king……..
cradle to cradle architectures are now happening in real time and when is the
word on everybodies lips ………..
this may become something that Mr Obama can take ”credit” for….
making the earth a safer and equal world to live in…..
salil
89. Darrell Hitchens | 01.22.09
Sure, Biden is a verbal loose cannon, but let’s look at the alternative–do we want a ventriloquist in President Obama….imagine the visuals of that!
90. Jcor | 01.22.09
Candor and jibes (which is exactly what Biden was putting to use) are classic techniques. His momentary lapse, by asking “We need to do it again?” put him, just for the moment, in a foolish position, making him look like he was ill-informed of his preliminary vice presidential duties. By slighting Roberts, Biden was taking some pressure off himself. Besides, a little “smart” humor in White House will welcome after the fracas of the previous adminstration.
91. Curious Orange | 01.22.09
The world is on the brink of disaster and the CSM reports on insignificant tripe
Is this the Enquirer?
92. Diane | 01.22.09
I think all the fuss about Biden’s remark is much ado about nothing. It was a little joke, and I doubt Pres. Obama cared much at all. He made a little joke himself when he came into the room and everybody stood. “I’m still getting used to that,” he said w/a smile.
Slow news day at CSM?
93. Byb | 01.22.09
This just continues to show that Obama does not know how to judge character. Each and every person he appoints seems to have a major flaw. I feel as if I cannot trust him to pick people that will do the job or have at least shown that they know when to shut up.
95. Steve | 01.22.09
I think it’s because the media had him look like a pop culture president, instead of an actual respected government individual. He taking his presidency very seriously as he should be. The White House isn’t a zoo or circus of happy go lucky children and media pop star idiots.
96. MikeK | 01.22.09
I agree what is the big deal? To me the issue is if this was a Bush admin moment, the left wing idiots would be telling us that this is proof of Bush’s incompetence!
97. Rosemary | 01.22.09
Now the nation knows what we in Delaware have known for years: Joe Biden is a self-centered lout. He thinks he is so knowledgeable but we in Delaware have know this for years—he is a dummy.
I did not vote for President Obama because of Joe Biden—Life comes at you fast and the country will go down hill really fast if President Obama dies and Joe becomes PResident. Think about this. It is positively scary.
99. jim | 01.22.09
The whole laughter in this thing, is how simple minded people, make a big issue over this instead of moving on. Drop it already. Move on, get the job done. I am a republican. But we still have to work together. Grow up people.
You are the problem with America today.
100. Sipowitz | 01.22.09
America chose Obama
Obama chose Biden
Two bad decisions that will precede hundreds, unfortunately
101. Chris | 01.22.09
Civility? How does being apparently void of humor automatically translate to being civil? I don’t dislike President Obama by any means, but I can’t understand why the citizens of this country have taken it upon themselves to annoint Brack Obama as God incarnate. Every little move that he makes is blown out of proportion; made a part of the precise, perfect plan that everyone seems to think our new president has devised. I have heard people describe his inaguration as the single most important event in the history of the world, and I’m am absolutely dumbfounded by it. It was a momentous occasion, unquestionably so, but more important than any other single event? In reality it isn’t even the most important event in this nation’s histroy, let alone the history of the world. The real issue comes down to change. Did anything change because Barack Obama was elected president? Everyone seems to think so, but I emphatically so no, and I site as my evidence the mere fact that he was elected. Without strugle, without fighting, without spending nights in jail for protesting racist laws. This may be the culmination of all of that work, but to say that it is more moementous, more important than the actual fight of the civil rights leaders is short sighted. What if he’s just mediocre. What if he can’t solve the financial crisis (which he really can’t by the way, people give the president way too much credit and way too much blame for the state of the economy)? What if he doesn’t bring “real change” to this country? Will anyone even care? Is this man really being judged on merit, of which he hasn’t much, or is he being judged because of the color of his skin. Is the unquestioned belief that this man will do a good job and bring change to this country really anything more than positive, rather than negative racism? Perhaps the next 4 years will tell.
102. Tyler | 01.22.09
Despite what some people who have commented so far seem to think, not all conservatives are as petty as you all seem to believe. I did not vote for Obama, and I am still not thrilled with the thought of living in a nation under his charge for the next 4/8 years. Despite my personal opinions I recognize that he was legally elected to the office of president and no mis-spoken oath will change that. Those of you who are complaining about the do-over need to stop blaming conservatives for it. No one force Obama to take the oath again, he chose to do it. It didn’t cost the citizens anything and it took less than five minutes. So, for those of you complaining the time would be better spent fixing the economy… I don’t know that five minutes would have been enough time. This issue is receiving too much focus. The fact that there is a “news” article written about it is just sad. Let’s watch what Obama does, and watch closely. Remember that America was founded on a mis-trust of government. As Americans we are not supposed to blindly suppport our leaders. We are supposed to question their every move to ensure that America’s needs are being met.
103. 1of1 | 01.22.09
Ayers… Rev. Wright… Rev. Lowery… Biden…
Obama just keeps associating with bad apples but we’re supposed to believe that he doesn’t have any worms himself. Right.
Keep nudging, H. You’ll teach them to keep quiet sooner or later.
104. peter | 01.22.09
Hi everybody, time to focus on economy and the plate of our food on the table. The rest can be addressed after we are out of the wood.
105. Ed Bannon, Chicago | 01.22.09
#9 said: “Why are we even wasting tax payer money to perform the Oath twice. Is this saving us money? No, I’m tired of the same old politics. No changes of transparency here…only duplication of efforts…Please save us GOD!”
I think Obama WAS saving us money. There was talk of nutjobs out there who might contest Obama’s legitimacy because of the flubbed oath. It took all 5 minutes to nip that, so we didn’t have to waste taxpayer money fighting some idiotic lawsuit. Too often government spends a lot responding to crises instead of spending a little to prevent them. This oath kerfuffle isn’t the best example, but you get the idea. Now let’s move on.
107. Deborah Gold | 01.22.09
The 2008 election results are G-d’s judgement on the USA. President Barack Obama = WW3. Just as surely as President Franklin Roosevelt = WW2. You better start hiding your children. Hope for what? That no-one will want to immigrate to the US by 2010. Change to what? A place where everyone is equally miserable. Be careful what you wish for. Your wishes might come true.
108. Carly | 01.22.09
It is time President Obama has a long talk with The Bidens. They need to act with more dignity and class. She acts like a giddy teenager . You would think an older man would have more dignity than he does.
109. Eliza | 01.22.09
I think Obama choosing Biden was the one of the only things he had against him.
And Biden is the vice president for crying out loud, he shouldn’t be making jokes out of something like that. Show some class this isn’t high school. “Let’s pick on the guy who has a ‘bad memory.’” How ridiculous.
110. Tariq Shah | 01.22.09
I think Obama did not want to be reminded of an embaressing moment, and Biden is a good hearted, jovial character which I really enjoy and feel that Obama may unneccessarily subdue him too much, lighten up Mr. Obama, its good to have a veep with a jovial manner after the last 8 years of watching the sneering creep.
111. Meeepo Grtubo | 01.22.09
That’s funny.
Really, lighten up. He wasn’t making fun o’ a natural disater or anything, I mean seesh, have some humor guys.
112. TH | 01.22.09
Let me start by saying that I am a conservative. So, you can bet that if either Obama or Biden had done anything worth criticizing then I would be on top of it. However, all Biden did was make a light-hearted joke. It was not a personal attack on the Chief Justice’s character, nor did it appear to be mean-spirited. On the other hand the only thing Obama is guilty of is not laughing. Perhaps he just didn’t find the joke funny ,or maybe it was just not funny enough to merit an audible guffaw. Regardless the way someone reacts to a joke is nothing to be concerned about. If my neighbor doesn’t laugh at a knock knock joke I would not assume him to be devoid of a sense of humor. This issue has received more attention than it deserved (it deserved none if you were wondering).
113. M. Craig Weaver | 01.22.09
Obama is a class act: Not since Franklin Roosevelt rebuked Herbert Hoover in 1933 has the incoming president offered such a stinging critique of the outgoing one in his inaugural address.
115. jbishop | 01.22.09
The main reason the oath of office was taken a second time is because the same people who claim Obama is not a naturalized citizen would claim he’s not really president. Sad, but true. Why not spend 5 minutes correcting a public gaff and get it over with instead of listening to it in the blogs for the next 8 years. After all there will be many more real and imaginary nitpicking points to gripe about as every little scrutinized minute of time goes by.
116. don | 01.22.09
It must be a low day. Joe will be Joe and his competence far outweighs his occasional gaffes. But really, Robert’s flub was the height of arrogance. Perhaps the most significant swearing-in in 100 years and he decides to wing it — no notes, no rehearsal. One Bush appointee who has a role in the day’s activities and he blows it.
117. 1of1 | 01.22.09
#103: Yeah… saving us money… except for that little $170 million inauguration thing… (sure, go ahead, bring up the ‘rich donors’ - who just happen to be using TARP funds…)
Good call, nutjob.
118. Jerome_Thomas | 01.22.09
Does only our President know the time to joke will arrive when America’s current challenges are on the wane? Biden needs more politesse, and striking just the right tone will be difficult in view of our myriad and diverse difficulties. Barack will set them straight.
119. Wayno | 01.22.09
“Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.”
Gosh, doesn’t Mr Orr’s bio say it all?
Nonsense is “Job 1″ for “journalists” like Mr Orr.
When you can’t find a real story…spread rumors of discord among the new guys.
Spread lies like the 7 trumpeted about Al Gore in 2000 (claim to invent the internet, etc.).
And he calls VP Biden a joker…irony isn’t dead.
120. rikki007 | 01.22.09
Well it is apparent that Joe Biden is going to be an embarrassment for Barack Obama. I think that he will regret that he picked Biden for VP. I mean nothing compares to the comment that he made about us being attacked within 6 months if they were elected. It really seems like he is doing everything in his power to work against Obama. I think there may actually be some jeolousy considering the fact that he ran for president and no one voted for him. I just hope that Obama gets him under control so he doesn’t embarrass America or his administration.
Question: Can Obama fire Biden?
121. Gordon | 01.22.09
If you’ve read Blink, this incident speaks volumes about the difference in these 2 men. Obama clearly holds this oath as almost sacred, carrying the weight history and hope. Biden’s cavalier attitude reveals a man whose struggles have been more superficial, like a tourist who gets bumped up to first class but doesn’t get a window seat..
122. Andrew | 01.22.09
That’s just hilarious Joe! Hilarious!
I love how Obama handled him. That guy is a class act all around.
123. HL | 01.22.09
Well, the bright side of all this - we probably don’t have to worry about Biden becoming a Cheney….
125. DT | 01.22.09
Biden is just the administration’s stimulus to the comedy industry. With Bush gone, there is a mighty hole to fill and Biden is just the a$$ to fill it.
Whatever. Let’s get on with the rest of it now please.
128. CJF | 01.22.09
It scares me that Joe Biden is so close to being president. He can’t speak a simple sentence without making a gaffe.
Obama looks hilarious in this video as well. “Oh sooo serious…”. Obama looks like a child trying to play President.
129. amccoy | 01.22.09
T said
“Why are we even wasting tax payer money to perform the Oath twice. Is this saving us money? No, I’m tired of the same old politics. No changes of transparency here…only duplication of efforts…Please save us GOD!”
Why perform the oath twice? Because otherwise some idiot will sue claiming Obama was never properly sworn in and isn’t really president. This way there was little or no cost and we don’t have to waste taxpayer dollars fighting some stupid idiot in court. Waste of time, yes, but probably saved the taxpayers money. Poor Rush Limbaugh just lost one of his rants though.
130. Kate | 01.22.09
To echo what several others already said, Administering the oath twice didn’t cost a thing. In case you weren’t aware, the President of the United States and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court don’t use punch cards to record their hours.
133. R.D. | 01.22.09
Why is it so bad to poke fun at a flub? Obama gave a chuckle at Robert’s flub, why is it so evil and malicious that Biden do the same? And if something that small really truly has more of an impact than what CSM and everyone else would lead us to believe, it’s trivial.
Look, I voted for Obama not only because I agree with him policy wise but also because he seems not only stern but laid back all the same. Give Biden a break!
134. Dave | 01.22.09
It looks like about 9 out of 10 comments on this page are utterly clueless. Here’s the real deal: there is no story here, this is more of the nit-wit self appointed hacks calling themselves “journalists” trying to create news, instead of reporting like professionals. Utter waste of time, and a disservice to the People.
135. CRB | 01.22.09
You see,
What no one really pays attention to is that Biden was attacking him. He was angry that on a day as important as it was, the Chief Justice would make such a silly mistake. He was angry and was taking up for Obama where Obama couldn’t. He’s no joke.
136. M. Craig Weaver | 01.22.09
Regarding Al Gore Inventing the internet:
This is what Al Gore actually said: “During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet.” (that is a direct quote - it is not paraphrased nor is it “spun”) This happened on CNN’s “Late Edition” show on March 9, 1999. http://edition.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/03/09/president.2000/transcript.gore/
Spinning is easy because everybody including Gore knows he did not invent the internet, nor did he take the initiative in creating the Internet. Clue: the ARPANET started in 1969, IP was created in 1973, TCP/IP came together in 1978, ARPANET was being used by the DOD in 1975, the term “Internet” was created in 1974, ARPANET was connected to machines outside the US in 1974, CERN (European Internet) was using TCP/IP in 1984 - Al Gore entered congress in 1985. It does not matter if he said he invented the Internet or said he was the lawmaker most responsible for helping the internet come to be, he was lying.
137. Tennessee | 01.22.09
We now know why Mr. Obama picked Biden! This being, the first that we have witness, putting Mr.Biden in place, he will be easily controlled by intimidation. Just as all will witness Mr. Obamas narcissist personality and pray that will not become a problem, we don’t know but what we do know, we wish him success. One can only pray Rahn Emmanuel will not have too much of an influence on him that includes Tim Geithner morals/ethics behavior.
GOD BLESS MR. PRESIDENT!
138. John Kumma | 01.22.09
101. 1of1 , it’s time you get over it don’t you think ? The past associations bit , Ayers… Rev. Wright… Rev. Lowery didn’t work . There are entire books , volumes and volumes on the associations of Bush / Cheney , conflicts of interest to say the least , their breaking US law and international law , trashing the Constitution and the Bill of Rights not to mention destroying not just ours but the entire world’s economy , I could go on and on . Biden likes to joke and clown and is just being himself , I think this will be an on going problem for Obama , if Obama wanted strict professionalism and for everyone to walk on egg shells and thin ice in order to avoid offending the opposition he picked the wrong guy for VP . Personally I think Obama had better lighten up and give some slack , you are going to offend and anger some no matter what you do and there are those on the right who like vultures are just waiting to pounce and create conflict and discourse , and they will in time , just wait and observe .
139. Dennis | 01.22.09
Quite a broad selection of comments.
Something I noticed that worried me a little- not so much Biden’s attempt at humor, but his apparent lack of recognition of what was supposed to happen at that moment. First he says, “Oh, am I doing this again?” As he steps up to the podium he has a confused look on his face. Then, he realizes what it is, and says “Oh, for the Senior Staff.” Then he makes the Justice Roberts joke. Finally, at the end of the clip, he says “Which Senior Staff are we doing?”
So, to me, Biden wasn’t plugged in to what was going on. He was to play a major role in this small event, and “he had no clue!”
That Biden had no clue is the most worrisome aspect.
141. McClard | 01.22.09
This is not the first time in history an oath has been repeated. The action is not specifically about President Obama, it’s about the legality required by the constitution. Certainly, those charged with the responsibility of making sure things are done according to the law, will ensure that if it’s been done wrong, it’s corrercted. That’s their job.
As far as the joking goes, perhaps President Obama needs to lighten up, but he certainly has the right as the boss, to decide when joking is appropriate and when it’s not. What isn’t appropriate is for people to speculate on blogs about his sex life with his wife. Show some respect!
President Obama’s personal mistakes of the past should certainly not prevent him from exercising proper decorum in the present. I’m always so amazed at the comments made by people who have apparently never erred in life who feel the need to hold every mistake a persona made in youth against them to the grave. They must be walking on the water while typing those posts.
Personally, none of this stuff matters to me, I am waiting to see if he’s going to do what he promised, I don’t care if he laughs at jokes or if he restrains VP Biden. It’s time to get to work and focus on the economy, facing down terrorism, and saving the environment. If we put our attentions and energy into the things that should demand our attention and thought, we will have less time to worry about the insignificant things that don’t contribute to the greater good. If you are busy feeding starving children, bandaging wounded soldiers, saving the polar bear, or what ever cause speaks to your heart, do you have time to gossip or fret over individual personality idiosyncrasies?
Certainly we want our elected officials to represent our country and their office with dignity and integrity, but people are human and they are going to still be human while doing those jobs. What matters most is keeping promises, demonstrating moral integrity and getting the job done. I personally don’t want to be so zoomed in that I can’t see the forest for the trees. If we spend all our time with our noses on the Presidential hinny, we will lose the perspective gained with slightly more distance.
142. Barry | 01.22.09
Joe (and apparently now Jill), should stop, count to 10 while they think about what they are about to say, before they say anything, each and every time.
143. Biden’s fine — Obama’s just got newbie nerves | 01.22.09
Biden is witty, so does he have to keep that under wraps? Obama seems nervous and insecure for trying to squeeze his elbow and control everything. I hope Obama doesn’t turn into a humorless drone now. Take a breath, everyone. Biden’s been doing this for a lot longer than Obama has, remember. Obama would be wise to observe political coping skills in action.
144. Mr. Bill | 01.22.09
Ahh, don’t read too much into it. Obama was probably wiped out after a long day, and so was Biden.
145. Uncle Billy | 01.22.09
Biden is just still bent that Roberts got the best of him at the nomination hearings and made him look like the dumb *** he is.
146. Pete | 01.22.09
I think he was actually trying to say he needed the copy because he didn’t have the speech memorized. Interesting that they all forgot the bible. This one doesn’t count either. Try again.
147. Ambi | 01.22.09
I actually think American leaders are displaying very good natured humor and joviality. The campaign had its serious moments, raw divisions and even some ugliness but the candidates were equally playful with late night comedy shows. Self depricating humor displayed by Obama and Biden is hallmark of greatness. These men are not small, they have no complexes and they do not take themselves too seriously. In comparsion Bush humor was often obscene - remember he tried to suffocate Merkel? Take leaders like Berlusconi and Putin. They are cocky and arrogant.
So its OK that Biden cracked a joke and may be crossed a line. I hope he keeps doing that and I hope Obama keeps joking too and so what if some jokes are staid and plain.
148. Dr. Bruce Banner | 01.22.09
Joking makes me MAD! Thigh-high black leather boots sooth my savage soul! Mmm…Jill is tasty.
149. Lis | 01.22.09
“Why are we even wasting tax payer money to perform the Oath twice. Is this saving us money?”
Speaking of wasting tax payer money…
What about that 150 million dollar inauguration ceremony?
150. Andrew L, Richmond, VA | 01.22.09
In response to “79. Kary”
Barack Obama, from the very beginning of his rise to the national stage, has stood for responsibility in America’s actions, American empathy for the exploited, fairness in America’s judgments, reactions and policies, and healing our national soul at a time of tragic ideological division, no less so than at the time of the Civil War.
Barack Obama has asked for our permission to have him lead us to peace, unity and healing. These are basic and pure Christian themes. Noble work and surely God-ordained. But you take these to be signs of the greatest supernatural evil.
In Revelation, John says that the Anti-Christ will come in the name of God. Obama has not come in the name of God. But I know of many psychotic death-preachers, and every one of them DO claim to come in the name of God. These death-preachers demand that people submit to their claim that they represent the only true interpretation of the Bible, and that they are God’s only true advocates and workers. They are self-interested liars; they are the money-changers, and their only purpose is to sow hate and confusion. They use God’s name for a vain purpose; they soil Jesus’ name to promote and enrich themselves. They turn thousands away from God because of the tragedies they commit while claiming to represent Him.
They are wrong, and I fear that you have believed them, and that their lies have diseased your soul.
151. F. Fataai | 01.22.09
Hopefully VP Biden can keep his wittiness alive even through the most challenging times when I’m sure Pres. Obama will need some reminding that they are only human…with the need for humor!
152. Believe me - he is a jerk | 01.22.09
I grew up in Delaware and my family is close to Biden. My Dad worships him. Believe me - he is an arrogant jerk. I have never liked him. When he met my wife, he disgusted her with his smug comments. There is some major pathology there. Obama certainly needs to set this clown in his place. I was very sorry to see him choose Biden for VP. He would have won regardless of the choice. I ASSURE you he can’t stand being in the room with this jerk.
154. Joe B | 01.22.09
Expressing a sense of humor, and using it with the people around you does good in high stress work environments. Biden’s wit can be used as a tool, an ice breaker when meeting foreign leaders under tense conditions.
156. Tim B | 01.22.09
Entirely unfunny joke, but what else to expect from an old white guy? Kudos to the moderates keeping a level head about this, and an extraordinarily large ****** to those who find this more “concerning” than most of what was done to America in the last administration. Your credibility is shot and your ideology is broken. Come back with some real ideas instead of the usual “government is the enemy” and “free market solves all problems” trash.
157. The Discordian Society of Friends | 01.22.09
This is obviously the curse of Grey-face yet again taking over our government, all this talk of seriousness and complaint over a joke is why wars are started. Remember, it is always the king and his need to be serious that begins wars and kills innocents, how many jesters have begun a war?
The Discordian Society of Friends will congratulate Mr. Biden on his jest and will hope that many more are to come.
Jokes are jokes my fellows, and isn’t it about time we stop being so serious?
Or not, what do we know, go on grey-faces of this world, with your stone straight upper lip and angry seriousness.
We’ll be sure to crack a joke at your funeral. *grin*
Your friends,
Discordia, a subsidiary of Eris.
158. RAT | 01.22.09
Sorry, Bill. The oath has always been done with the Full Name followed by “…do solemnly swear.” Obama interupted which threw off the whole flow. Not intentionally, but I’m sure everyone’s nerves were a bit on edge.
159. Edbanks | 01.22.09
All those prophets of doom who denigrated Hillary and stirred Obama away from giving Hillary the VP can now swallow their vomit.
I think Biden may well end up as an embarassment for the Obama administration sooner than later.
In addition, it now turns out that there was no skeletons in Hilary’s closets and baggages as we told you all along. Can you imagine what a great joy it could have been to have obama and Hillary shattering the glass ceiling and breaking the backs of racism all in one swoop.
160. Edbanks | 01.22.09
All those prophets of doom who denigrated Hillary and stirred Obama away from giving Hillary the VP can now swallow their vomit.
I think Biden may well end up as an embarassment for the Obama administration sooner than later.
In addition, it now turns out that there was no skeletons in Hilary’s closets and baggages as we told you all along. Can you imagine what a great joy it could have been to have obama and Hillary shattering the glass ceiling and breaking the backs of racism all in one swoop.
161. I’m watching | 01.22.09
Good for Obama. Although I did not vote for him, he thusfar is right on track and acting very Presidential. Ultimatly this is in all of our best interests. Joe Biden has long covered his lack of class, integrity, and intelligence with either jokes or “tough talk.” Remember folks, this is the guy who got caught cheating in Law School and who once lost the Democratic Party nomination to run for President of this great land because he got caught plagerizing his speeches. He is a low class dimwit who has had a series of “right place/right time” experiences. Good on you Obama for keeping him in check and God bless you as you lead us!
162. Roxy | 01.22.09
Is it at all possible that Biden wasn’t being sarcastic? That he didn’t think before he spoke and that he didn’t mean to be making a joke? Perhaps he was indeed noting that he needed a copy of the oath unlike Roberts who knew it (for the most part). That seems a bit unlikely, but it’s possible.
Additionally, I agree that we (as a country) need to loosen up a bit. What’s the harm in a joke (even though this particular one was perhaps at Roberts’ expense) once in a while? However, that being said, I think Biden really needs to watch what he says more wisely. Being in the public eye, every movement is going to be scrutinized. Obama obviously realizes this and reacted unfavorably (head shake, serious demeanor, etc.), knowing what kind of reaction it would stir up. Well-known figures always need to be extra P.C. Also interesting how, directly after Obama’s original oath, commentators made it out to seem as if Obama was the one who flubbed, not Roberts. Either way, it was just an honest mistake made, that was taken a bit too far in the media.
Obama brings hope and inspiration to America and the rest of the world; let’s hope his upcoming administration can accomplish many of the high expectations.
163. Gumbisan | 01.22.09
Get a life folks…Who cares?????????? All you have in offic now is a President with absolutely no experience at anything and a bunch of bumbling idiots for staff….You think Bush was an idiot……He’s a genius compared to this new crowd……
164. RAT | 01.22.09
Biden is so full of himself it makes me sick. I don’t look forward to the next 4 years.
Oh, and comment #4, Bill: The oath has always been done with the Full Name followed by “… do solemnly swear.” So, Obama did indeed interrupt. Albeit unintentional, it was certainly enough to disrupt the flow.
165. Steve | 01.22.09
And Joe Biden had the nerve to question if Sara Palin was ready for the job! Joe appears clueless about what the daily agenda calls for, never mind the official job. Sara would have handled this simple but important assignment with dignity, not mubling jokes and asides.
168. Tyler | 01.22.09
To those of you who continue to bring up the cost of Obama’s inauguration: The Presidential Inauguration cost the tax payers NOTHING. The entire event was funded by various private donors. Obama also used the excess capital he had from his campaign fund. Due to the absurd amount of legislation surrounding campaign finance there is almost nothing that can be done with excess funds. It would have been great if Obama could re-invest that money into the nation’s struggling economy or donate it to charity, but legally he could not. Not even one penny of your taxes went to or will go towards the cost of any of the inaugural ceremonies. I am all for warranted criticism of political leaders, but the key word there is WARRANTED.
170. Chach | 01.22.09
We have Biden making bad jokes on the world stage and we have Rahm dropping F-bombs every other word when not in ear shot of the press (newly nicknamed F-Bomb Rahm). We have cabinet picks involved with pay to play scandals and the future head tax guy who can’t pay his own taxes, and the press questions are pre-screened and pre-picked for the press Q&A sessions?
This is good “change”? These folks are class acts? Am I in bizarro world?
171. John | 01.22.09
Lighten up for Chrissake. Obama just wants to make the impression he takes all this **** seriously. When it gets down to the real problems of fixing fairytale economics, lost wars and a failed healthcare system, let’s see how serious he is about those things. If Biden wisecracks about a misstep then -we’ll probably see Obama strangle him.
172. andrew | 01.22.09
Obama is a class act. He gently and quietly touched the VP’s arm to quietly indicate it wasn’t approprate and did not laugh nor make a big deal out of it…. class act all the way…
173. Bill C | 01.22.09
Looks like Joe has a shot at joining the SNL character assassination list. Oh, wait! He’s a Dem. It’ll never get air time.
174. Joan Smith | 01.22.09
Lighten up. And stop reading so much into everything. It’s impossible to read anything definitive into this video, except that Joey made a little joke. It’s what we love about him. And it’s why he is beloved in the Senate. He’s a kindhearted, honest, warm….and FUNNY….human being. Would that we (especially in the press) were all like that.
175. RodD | 01.22.09
Uh… I watched the swearing in of Obama, and HE f’d up the oath too! Did y’all convenienlty forget that? By golly, he really IS a human and NOT a “Savior” or “The Chosen One” as a lot of people feel! Go figure…
176. Jim in IN | 01.22.09
I am torn on this tiny issue.
One, because I think Joe Biden is not only naturally humorous and candid, but he is also one of the brightest and most humane politicians to come along. And good for him! (He would have been my second choice for President, had he survived the primaries. I have complete confidence in Joe’s ability to succeed as President, should the worst happen, and I am sure that Barack Obama feels the same way. Joe was the ideal pick for VP.)
Two, I think President Obama has been reaching out to those on the right, and he doesn’t want his administration to start to demean those who don’t agree with his stands, such as Bush-appointee Chief Justice Roberts. Within the next several years, it is more than possible that Obama will select one or two Supreme Court justices, and he wants them to be received well by Roberts and the others on the Court. He is a class act, and is leading by example. So he is going out of his way to be civil. And good for him!
Three, anyone who thinks that Barack Obama does not have a sense of humor, has never seen him in his many candid interviews with his wife, for whom he has the greatest respect but with whom he will banter with great ease while on nationwide TV, and in his many speeches during the campaign. It’s just that, now that he is President, he wants no sniping kind of humor aimed at individuals, putting them down. Good for him!
So, I liked Joe’s sense of humor, but agree with Barack that it wasn’t the right time and place.
177. Vincent | 01.22.09
Obviously SOMEBODY was not listening…
“On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.”
I think this actually applied (among other things) to this kind of non-issue a-la-Fox-News journalism as well… And coming from the CSMonitor, let me tell you, it hurts…
178. Greg | 01.22.09
Obama can do no wrong… at least that is what I am reading in most of the comments made here. I would say, “Obama, has done nothing, yet, to impress me.” So he won an election against a weak oponent. Is that reason enough to elevate him to “hero” status? Not in my book. Wake me up when Obama makes a difficult decision and takes the flake for a mistake. Then we will talk.
The country couldn’t wait until Lyndon Johnson was out of office, including some democrats. Well, we got Richard Nixon. Since we are remembering Dr. King so much this week, let’s also remember what he said once, that a man should be judged by his character and not by the color of his skin. So let’s wait, either way, on pronouncing Obama our savior.
179. Scanning | 01.22.09
Mr. Orr - I am so tired of this lazy characterization of Joe Biden. enough - Grow and look up his accomplishments - the Crime Bill , Domestic Violence Bill, work on Judiciary Committee . This is lazy, E-TV, junk journalism and I believe Obama is asking us for a new standard.
180. Callie | 01.22.09
Oh, so now it’s “petty” to report on anything silly this administration does, when we just completed eight years of blatant media bias…to the left. Hypocrites!
181. Warren | 01.22.09
I think CSM and some folks here are reading WAY too much into this. I don’t see anything noteworthy in this video. Biden was being Biden, Obama was just moving things along. Sheesh, what will the media and Bush-haters do with themselves now that Bush is gone? Apparently nitpick nonsense.
182. virginia McMahan | 01.22.09
I adore Joe Biden and his off the cuff humor. As far as those plagiarism charges which keep surfacing, Joe had used this material before and always given credit to the author, this time he did not and was crucified for it. Please let this old dog die. Joe is tough and does not walk away from the hard questions, I think he and Barack will work well together because Barack needs someone who pulls no punches - Joe is that man. They will be able to disagree and still make policy - who wants a rubber stamp? Only men like Bush who cannot handle being told he is wrong.
183. RAT | 01.22.09
To #177: You’re right… Joe Biden IS an old dog. And Obama is going to get a free ride from critics for at least two years because he’s so adored. Any mistakes will be blamed on Bush and any just criticism will be considered “racist”.
As for his claim to good judgement, just look at his VP and cabinet choices. They rank up there with his association with the good rev. Wright. He was voted in by a public with an “American Idol” mentality.
184. Tennessee | 01.22.09
To #163. (Tyler) The numbers are changing probable as we type on the cost of the inauguration! Total estimated cost at this time is approx. one hundred, forty-one million. Latest, total from private donors forty-one million w/the taxpayers picking over one hundred million.
185. Drew | 01.22.09
Start counting folks! Flub number one from Biden. You could see Obama was very disappointed in Joe.
Good luck Obama. I truly wish you the best in leading this great nation.
186. AV | 01.22.09
Today, perhaps a dozen people from hard-working American families without health insurance coverage received a serious diagnosis, of heart disease, diabetes or cancer. Months or years from now they will be facing personal bankruptcy due to the medical bills. Thousands of people with serious symptoms are avoiding medical professionals because they don’t have coverage and lack the ability to pay for diagnosis or treatment. Some of them will die because of it.
Now imagine you could count the number of recent columns focused on the “swearing in ceremony” or Michelle’s designer outfits compared to the columns devoted to America’s lack of universal health coverage - quite literally a “life and death” issue.
47 million Americans, one in six, without health insurance coverage and 30 million more under-insured. Most of those employed full-time.
Canada spends 1/2 per person on healthcare costs compared to the US. Canada covers all their citizens. On average, Canadians live 2 years longer.
Most other “first world” countries have universal coverage and most spend less than half per person what the US does for that care. They even have universal coverage in Iraq paid for by the US.
What is wrong with this country? What is wrong with the media? What is wrong with us?
(I am fortunate to have good to excellent health, full employment and average health insurance coverage - for today…)
Do you want to do something about this national embarassment? Please feel free to “copy and paste” whatever sections of this comment you desire into the “comments” section of every “Michelle’s Clothes” and “Trivial Political” story you find.
Thanks for your time.
187. Tony Trenton | 01.22.09
I really enjoyed reading this insightful and important story on an issue critical to every American.
188. Roger Ramjet | 01.22.09
Interesting that anything bad connected to BHO is trivial. But, any little thing like his Blackberry and what his wife and daughters wear is real news somehow. Is this Jonestown, Guyana or the United States of America?
189. Jeff C | 01.22.09
Obama picked Biden for his weak mind. Bidens input on any matter won’t mean a thing to Obama.
191. Lauren | 01.23.09
God help Obama. The man is human. As a hard-core Republican, I see a man who is TRYING. A we are idiots for letting the media suck us into analyizing every expression, every move, every touch. And we listen to opinion editorials from people we don’t know and ASSUME they have integrity and are delivering good information to us. Wow.
People. Let’s all get back to LIFE. Turn off the television and use our efforts to help fix this country. Develop compassion: work with your family, your neighbors, your community to help our country and our world. STOP letting the media, right or left, create your world. It hasn’t worked so well for us up to now.
We want accountability and integrity? We need to have it ourselves.
OK. I feel better now.
193. samura_sa@yahoo.com | 01.23.09
Obama is a gentle man . This simple gesture shows it. The more i know about him the more i start to like him.
194. The Discordian society of Friends | 01.23.09
Also; We at the Dicordian society would like to again point out that Mr. Obama is *NOT* a religious figure. We at the society are worried that many on the right are beginning to think he is; due to the massive number of people commenting on Mr. Obama as “Savior” or “The Chosen One”.
Now, let us get back to this most important issue that relates to Christianity and Science and Monitoring.
Joe Biden and Jokes!
Healthcare and war and poverty and death is all but a myth it seems.
At least in terms of the amount of reporting it receives.
Don’t you find it interesting these are they types of stories that interest the working class, and not stories involving the classes well-being?
We at the society do.
Your friends,
Discordia, a subsidiary of Eris
195. SLB | 01.23.09
Geez. All I can hope for is that Biden won’t undermine Obama with his uncontrolled “humor.” I have a lot of respect for Biden, but his dumb-ass comments have always been a problem for him, which is why he never made it past Iowa in the primaries. Obama is a true professional in this job. He brings dignity and respect back to the office of the President after 8 years of “duhhh.” I just hope Biden doesn’t turn into the do-do of the Obama administration. Especially since Obama can’t even fire him like he could with wayward members of his Cabinet or staff.
196. dirinda89 | 01.23.09
I intentionally googled “Biden made Obama mad” to see if anyone else noticed the immature way Biden has been acting since Tuesday. I do think that America is on a ‘comeback’ trail now, however, I also think that Obama needs to reel in Biden right now before he gets out of hand. This is a time for seroius politics. I felt good about the Obama/Biden team until Biden started pulling these antics. Just for the record, the video on this page is only one of the ‘gaffs’ that I saw Biden make since taking office and it’s only been 2 full days.
197. A Thinking Man | 01.24.09
Wow, too much intensity for one afternoon. What exactly is the point made earlier by “scanning”. Did Mr. Biden write a crime bill? Did it eliminate all crime? I guess that most of the rest of us missed that. This was really nothing extaordinary, just another opportunity for Joe(not the plumber) to insert a foot in his mouth. Congratulations Joe for humiliating the new President. By the way is Joe still having lunch daily at the diner that he described in his debate with Governor Palin, you know the one that closed in 1986.
198. notagin46 | 01.24.09
Ha ha! Wow, thats great! I’m glad there are poeple in there with a sence of humor. I don’t see why everyone gets so torqued about it. Who cares! Just laugh because you know it’s funny, and move on. Can’t you take a joke?!
199. cchawes7676 | 01.24.09
President Obama when a Senator did not vote for Roberts confirmation, so when Roberts gave the 36 word oath to President Elect Obama he some how failed in his task, (it would seem) it was President Elect Barack Obama that realized the error. The constitution states at 12:00pm the President Elect will assume the position of President of United States. Vice President Biden to me was showing his anger in the inept Roberts.
200. Jim | 01.24.09
I’m not an Obama supporter but in all honesty when I see his expression here and after Rev Lowery’s comments I detect a look that says something like… “This is not appropriate and I wish he hadn’t said that.” He seems to be serious about being President.
201. Jim | 01.24.09
Hey Ivan… I didn’t vote for Obama… BUT… I stick by my comments (01.24.2009). You don’t know ****. You can disagree with someone and still see the truth. I think Obama’s politics are dangerous, but he is clearly showing he has no time for Biden’s antics in this clip.
202. Carlos | 01.25.09
So we’re not allowed to laugh at each other? Or at the Supreme Court, who are about the most dismal looking bunch of automatons one could ever assemble in a room? Please. Biden has a sense of humor. Thank God. We’re all gonna need one of those in the days to come…
203. W | 01.25.09
Justice Roberts should be humiliated by his mistake, but Biden was totally out of bounds with his comment. It’s clear to me that Obama was scolding his VP. The leash just got shorter.
204. cchawes7676 | 01.25.09
notagin46, I will agree with you that Joe Biden lacked and displayed no respect to the swearing of the senior staff. Before Joe starts throwing stones he should have remembered his function as vp without Barsbk providing a list. It sounded as if he was bored, nice way to be greeted Joe, I am certain Joe Biden was upset over a 36 word oath for the President Elect, but as you note it was out of place.
205. mikey mouse | 01.25.09
Biden has BEEN a joke for over 30 years; Obama picked him. That tells you a lot about Obama’s judgment. Lets see what he does with our country.
206. JokinJoe | 01.25.09
The problem is that while this was an intended joke, it wasn’t funny and ended up being a barb with points but no humor.
So our problem is that our VP isn’t funny enough… perhaps if he had said “Mr/ President do you want me to faithfully administer this oath or to administer this oath faithfully?” Now there’s some humor and it’s not directly ad hominem, more a laugh at the moment than the person.
207. RayJ | 01.25.09
its like watching an episode of Abbot and Costello…good luck to new administration
209. arden | 01.27.09
“Bill | 01.22.09
The flub was totally on Robert’s part. He started the oath, “I Barrack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear…” He was supposed to start with just the name, which is customary. Obama was gracious in letting Roberts compose himself after the error.”
um, Bill, I listened to the last 5 presidential oaths just the other day on YouTube, and with the exception of W’s second inaugural, when he was given just his name (perhaps because by 2005, everyone knew he was “special” lol), the other CJs all fed the president-elect the full phrase (”I, so and so, do solemnly swear…”). Think about it…who needs to be given the “line” of just his name? Everyone can remember that on their own, making it natural to include a longer phrase. That’s how Biden was given his oath just minutes before. In fact, the elder Bush made the same mistake as Obama, starting in with his name while the CJ was still speaking the longer phrase, but Bush I stopped himself much faster than Obama did, so it wasn’t so messy. That messiness likely threw Roberts off. Also, the second flub, when Roberts garbled the language, could have been corrected by Obama, who did of course show by pausing that he knew it was wrong. But even after Roberts finally gave him the correct phrase, Obama then repeated what Roberts had said the first time!!! Thus, Obama was ultimately fed the correct line, yet still flubbed it, and THAT is what necessitated the do-over. In short, they BOTH screwed up. And I can’t stand Roberts’ politics, but it wasn’t just him. Obama contributed, and Obama screwed up too. And I think Obama’s reaction to Biden’s joke reflected this reality of his contribution, and not wanting to make Roberts look/feel any worse than he already did. That shows not only him taking responsibility for his bit, but also just some basic kindness and empathy that I think was noteworthy.
210. Larry | 01.27.09
That Biden is an idiot….few would disagree….but Obama is such a condescending jerk. He had better remember that though he may have picked Biden, his control over him is gone. Biden is now the VP….a constitutionally elected official that Obama cannot fire. If I were Biden, my question would have been to Obama “Who’s sleeve do you think you are tugging on young man”? “Show some respect, you still lack the experience to chastise me or anyone else in this room”
211. Phil | 01.28.09
If George Bush had said any of the things Joe Biden has said, they’d be on the David Letterman Show.
212. George Russell | 01.28.09
I cannot believe that Joe Biden would say such a thing. This is no time for humor. This is a time to be sober, and somber, and severe. This “joke” of his has undermined the very foundations of our free society, and for him to display such traitorous levity, and such disrespect of Chief Justice Roberts, and by extension all Americans, and the very ideals for which She stands, proves to me that Biden is a member of al Qaeda. How I miss Dick Cheney!
213. Gene Royer | 02.09.09
Regarding Biden’s wisecrack, be absolutely convinced that there is no truth to the rumor that Obama later lightened the situation by quipping: “Well, that Joe really is a cracker.”
I know, I know, you want constructive debate. I just can’t think of anything constructive to say.
But mine is funny though.
–GR
214. t brown | 03.20.09
Obama jokes because he is a joke. A joke on the country. He has no experience and has the mentality of a well, hard to think of anything that dumb. So what else can you do except to tell jokes. Does anyone know of anything he ever ran that actually made money? Because obviously with his free-wheeling spending, he certainly can’t manage it.
215. Bonjukian | 04.29.09
Obama is a class act if you are watching romper room or bozo the clown (RIP)
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Karen | 01.22.09
Perhaps Obama is demonstrating a sterling character by not allowing Chief Justice Roberts take all the blame for the swearing in “bumble”. Obama is clearly taking the job seriously, while keeping the tone civil.