Vice President Biden rides again. The Veep's candid remarks regarding flu prevention got him in hot water today with many in the travel industry issuing condemnation statements. Not only did his office rescind what he said, but the White House Press Secretary was visibly irritated that he had to deal with it.
(NEWSCOM/FILE)Photos (1 of 1)
Biden manages to anger everyone over bad flu advice
By Jimmy Orr | 04.30.09
It could be Vice President Biden’s biggest gaffe in ….. weeks!
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs turned into a stand-up comedian today when tap dancing around Joe Biden’s controversial remarks this morning on the flu.
If you didn’t hear about Biden’s appearance on the Today Show, he basically said that in order to remain safe from the flu, people should avoid cars, planes, classrooms, trains, subways, and confined spaces.
Where should they go? Biden said the “middle of a field” was pretty safe. (You can read more about it here).
Press briefing
When asked about his remarks, Gibbs responded, “What the vice president meant to say was … if you feel sick, if you exhibit flu-like symptoms … you should take precautions and you should limit your travel..”
Not good enough for ABC’s Jake Tapper, who followed up with a real question instead of asking something silly like what the vice president was enchanted with.
“With all due respect, and I sympathize with you trying to explain the vice president’s comments, that’s not even remotely close to what he said,” Tapper said.
“I understand what he said, and I’m telling you what he meant to say,” Gibbs said to an avalanche of laughter.
Of course, only moments after Biden got off the set of the Today Show, his press office — well versed in this routine — sent out a statement clarifying what he meant. You can read about that here.
Further clarity
Now everyone is clarifying what he meant. Like American Airlines. They ain’t happy.
“To suggest that people not fly at this stage of things is a broad brush stroke bordering on fear mongering,” American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith said. “The facts of the situation at this stage anyway certainly don’t support that.”
“American Airlines flies approximately 250,000 passengers a day and as of today, we have not had one ill passenger test positive for swine flu,” he added.
Me too
The Air Transport Association concurred. The CEO of the airline industry trade organization wrote a letter to the vice president and to make sure he received it (in case the mailman forgot to deliver it), they mass-blasted it out to all the media.
“On behalf of the nation’s airlines, I am writing to express my extreme disappointment at your suggestion that people should avoid air travel in response to the H1N1 flu outbreak,” wrote James C. May.
“The fact is that the air onboard a commercial aircraft is cleaner than that in most public buildings,” he added.
Of course that statement could lead to stampedes of screaming people fleeing from public buildings, but that’s another issue.
More
And the US Travel Association chimed in. President Roger Dow said the public should “heed the advice of medical experts” instead of the vice president. Well, he didn’t mention him by name. But, we’re assuming that’s who he meant.
“Elected officials must strike a delicate balance of accurately and adequately informing citizens of health concerns without unduly discouraging travel and other important economic activity,” he said.
Even more
And the VP’s old pal Senator Tom Harkin, appearing on Radio Iowa, said Biden’s advice was “very unfortunate.”
“We just don’t need that kind of misinformation going out. I wish the vice president had checked with the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before he made such a statement,” he said.
Sum it up
Perhaps the conservative website Red State issued the best statement:
“If President Obama wishes to handle this crisis by sending Vice President Biden to an undisclosed location until it’s over, well, sacrifices must be made,” they wrote.
Although it sounds like Biden is having a bad day, at least he wasn’t responsible for the 9/11 coloring book. Click here for that story.
—–
In case we’re ever sent to an undisclosed location, we’ll Twitter you and tell you where we are. So follow us!
<< Former Bush OMB chief Nussle says GOP doomed for now | MainComments
3. Janice | 04.30.09
I’m not angry with Biden. His advice is fine - he’s obviously just protective (perhaps overly) of his family’s well-being. I can’t blame him.
4. larry | 04.30.09
I bet $10000000000000000000000000 if you asked your father or grandfather for an advice on swine flu, you’d get the same response like Biden’s.
So be quiet and listen to Biden. Treat him like your father or grandfather.
5. Kerry | 04.30.09
Typical Joe Biden. No wonder they never let him near a live microphone. I am sure he could put both feet in his mouth if they let him.
6. steve | 04.30.09
Doesn’t it seem fitting that the people who charge us for checked luggage are the same people that would encourage you to disregard advice that may help you from getting sick (i.e., not flying)?
“The fact is that the air onboard a commercial aircraft is cleaner than that in most public buildings.”
They’ve obviously never reached into one of those seat-back pockets, sat next to someone hacking up their lung, or been in an airplane bathroom where the jerk before you sprinkled all over the toilet seat. They are just afraid of losing money… There is no concern for anyone’s health and well-being.
7. E Williams | 04.30.09
The only problem with Biden’s “bad” advice is that it’s really good advice.
8. George Steenburgh | 04.30.09
Why would anyone reject sound advice concerning the spread of the flu through the air and take the side of the money grubbing travel industry.
George Steenburgh
9. Robert Frippi | 04.30.09
An “avalache of laughter”? I hardly think so, listen again, there is maybe one person chuckling once…avalanche? Why do you say that?
11. bla | 04.30.09
i think you guys are over reacting to this, he meant well for yje country. arline just dont want to loose profit. Profit over health? i dont think so
12. susie420 | 04.30.09
Give the guy a break. It’s true, he just wasn’t supposed to SAY it. Stay HOME if and when you can, until this is over! JEEZ
13. Maureen | 04.30.09
Of course the Air transport association or US Travel Assoc wouldn’t like that advice. It would cost them $$ if people followed it. However, breathing recirculated air on a flight would be a great way to be exposed to the flu, should a fellow passenger be shedding virus. Schools are marvelous germ pits too. I think Mr. Biden was giving pretty sensible advice.
14. Ken Hall | 04.30.09
If I were a betting man I would bet with Vice President Biden and against the travel industry if I wished to remain flu free. Looks as if the money interests are against self and family preservation and for commerce no matter the consequences. Great policies. I have tickets to San Antonio and back to BWI next week any bidders?
15. Bruce Spencer | 04.30.09
Interesting. If you think it is such bad advice, then why are there more than 100 schools closed in the U.S. and tens of thousands of school children being kept at home? We’ve been told for decades that confined spaces (such as airplanes - help spread the flu. So why is Biden’s advice so bad? Could it be because money is involved?
16. P Hiatt MD | 04.30.09
Unfortunately, and speaking as a physician, the Vice President is ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!!!!
Any suggestion that he is not is POLITICS!!!!!!
17. David B. | 04.30.09
I watched the whole interview and this is not what was said. Additionally, your clever word-smithing has taken it out of context, entirely. Lastly, he was clearly reffering to his family members. I am a health professional, and I have given my family the very same advise. This is a media circus, and was a “gottca” moment by Matt and Merideth, a real low for the Today Show. We Americans want surgar coated, everthing will be OK, just pretend it does not exist and everthing will fine, lives. The natural world does not work that way.
19. omarazam | 04.30.09
This article panders to rich corporations. Who cares what all these industry groups say? They just want to keep making money! The VP gave us his honest opinion that he would give to his own family, if you don’t like it, knock yourself out and carry on like there is no swine flu! WOuld you have liked if Bush said don’t be afraid of flying during 9/11?
20. redjalapeno | 04.30.09
Biden did not anger everyone, just those people that want to be angered by Biden.
If only Redstate and other conservatives had shown such concern over Vice President Cheney’s gaffes in the form of shooting his hunting buddy in the face while mistaken him for a flightless quail, and his role in implementing torture on ’suspected’ terrorists.
21. Gina | 04.30.09
We already know to seek medical attention, naturally. I don’t want to keep hearing that from our Government. What VP Biden said is actually very American, very blunt and to the point. I understand it puts fear into people and oh my goodness, it hurts the money in the Airlines pockets, however, maybe America needs a harsh statement to undrstand the severity of our situation. Only staying away from travel can not at this point contain the Swine Flu, however why not stop travel… wouldn’t this make it spread slower if we did? I am surprised we found a way to bash what Biden said, any concerned citizen will know to seek medical advice and any concerned and unselfish citizen will stop travelling as well. The point is, Americans know what Biden is trying to say.
22. Okie | 04.30.09
The Libs thought George W was an idiot. Biden’s picture has just replace W’s in the new edition of the Webster Dictionary.
23. Arye Michael Bender | 04.30.09
I’m one of ‘everyone’, and he didn’t anger me.
Far better to have a clown as VP, than the mean spirited and profane Cheney.
24. BlueJay | 04.30.09
I’m saddened by the amount of coverage and emphasis around our VP’s comments. A better use of the press and media would be to maintain awareness and prevention and what groups are at high risk. Bashing the VP is immature and irresponsible and makes me embarrassed to call myself an American.
25. cheryl kimberley | 04.30.09
Oh, for the love of God! What Biden said is right! To be 100% sure you will not get this flu, or any other type, for that matter, the center of a field is not a bad place. Grow the heck up America!
26. Laughing | 04.30.09
Biden’s comments are quite reasonable, actually. It’s just short sighted economic concerns that are causing people to reject it.
27. Orange County, CA. | 04.30.09
One should never exchange common sense learned through the course of ones day and reliable public information from Medical Officials, for the opinions or suggestions of an Attorney, Vice President, or “Average Joe”.
As this example clearly demonstrates!
28. Richard Seitchick | 04.30.09
Joe Biden has a terminsl case of foot-in-mouth disease. It would almost be funny except that this mental giant is just one heart beat away from the presidency.
29. William Gordon | 04.30.09
It seems more and more like V.P.Biden has a propensity for opening his mouth wide enough for an easy insertion of foot, regardless of it’s size…!
30. gail fitzpatrick | 04.30.09
The press always ridicules Joe Biden for his comments. I happen to think he speaks the truth.
31. John Rippo | 04.30.09
Biden told the truth. Any candid student of infectious disease would say that confined spaces in planes, trains, etc. supports conditions for mass exposure to flu. Most people do not exhibit symptoms before they become sick, but are contagious all the same. A good reference to how grave flu can be is J. Barry’s The Great Influenza, (2004, Yale) that details the pandemic of 1918.
32. Todd | 04.30.09
I firmly believe that being in an enclosed space with hundreds of strangers will increase your risk over being outside. I’m not saying what that risk factor might increase by, I’m just saying that you forget economic considerations, and make your decisions based on the best possible medical reasons. If everyone on the planet locked themselves in their homes for two weeks, would we not stop this thing in it’s tracks? Would not stopping every means of international travel for two weeks prevent the spread? I read a story about a military commander, in the 1918 flu, who enforced a blockade, and avoided the whole thing. If I had a cabin in the wilderness, I would probably take a few weeks vacation right about now. Call me an alarmist, but better safe than sorry. Forget the special interest groups, and serve the people.
33. Morris | 04.30.09
I thought that what Biden said was perfect I would say the same for my family friends and everyone else except my enemies.
34. JimAC | 04.30.09
And this was “bad flu advice” how exactly? To quote the CDC’s own advice (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/masks.htm), “Additional measures that can limit transmission of a new influenza strain include . . . reduction of unnecessary social contacts, and avoidance whenever possible of crowded settings.” If the contrary position is that there are so few cases that random public exposure is too remote possibility to recommend any change in behavior, please note that the U.S. has gone from zero confirmed cases to over 100, and from Phase 1 to Phase 5, in perhaps 3 days. And that a pandemic tends to spread quickly enough that if you wait until the danger is clear and widespread before taking preventive measures, it may well be too late. If I thought the airlines and travel industry in general were reacting to protect my health interests and not their financial ones I might give more weight to their position; but, I don’t.
35. dharper | 04.30.09
This is the “mental midget” who is line to become our next president should something happen to the Messiah.
Although I am not an Obamaite I certainly pray for his longivity, at least thru the next 3 years and 265 days.
Joe should seek a ‘gig’ with Jeff Foxworthy on the comedy hour. No, on second thought, bad idea. What he says is stupid, not funny.
36. DDS — NRA Life Member | 04.30.09
The sight of the Veep with his foot in his mouth is not funny. That people keep voting for him, now thats funny!
37. John | 04.30.09
Where is the “avalanche” of laughter? It sounded like two or three people in a room full of people that found it amusing.
39. joel g | 04.30.09
Really though, Biden was right - if you don’t want the flu, avoid contact with all human beings. Simple. Everything said to reframe his remarks is bulls**t.
- Joel G
41. Um, what | 04.30.09
Maybe he exaggerated a little, but it’s not completely wrong. You really shouldn’t be traveling — the swine flu is international. Maybe you wash your hands. The person you carpooled with doesn’t.
It’s germs. You can’t see them. All you can do is do your best to avoid it — but the way things are going, “avoiding” is starting to mean “little to no contact”.
In any case, if Biden appeared more often, people probably wouldn’t jump on him for things like this. Moderation is key.
42. Tom | 04.30.09
Biden made it clear that this was his opinion. He was not setting National policy. Maybe if the public would stop behaving like sheep and start thinking for themselves they would understand the philosophy of personal opinion. Biden has come to the same conclusion I have. There is increased risk in confined spaces right now and I will take this factor into consideration when making plans for the forseeable future. I certainly hope the airlines do not think Biden is the first person in America to think about this.
43. bike tours in Europe Terracotta Journeys | 04.30.09
It is silly to scare people from travelling, when most places are safer, in respect of influenza, than staying home in the US, near the origin of the flu.
44. boyd bailey | 04.30.09
somebody needs to put a bigger foot in his mouth, because his number 11 is not big enough to fill it up.
45. S.Canning | 04.30.09
Gee and how many questions do the White House get today on the sick staffer who took a United Airlines Flight from Mexico? Find something important to be outraged about.
46. Kiddin | 04.30.09
Do DO Do DA DA DA… that’s all I want to say to you.
Poets, Priests and Politicans..
Scream for words for their submission
47. davidboleyRN | 04.30.09
Fields are great…sure, you might happen upon a rattlesnake or maybe a bear, perhaps a crazy moose…but at least you can RUN 
Seriously though, what kind of comfort/reassurance is to say “we haven’t one ill patient test positive for swine flu”? How many ill patients have they tested?
48. Curt | 04.30.09
Biden is a MORON. He lets loose with comments before engaging his brain. He is NOT your “father or grandfather” and his advice is NOT correct. Liberals refuse to accept that The Chosen One and His Minions (Obama and Biden) can say stupid things! Well Biden just did. Accept it, apologize for it and move on.
49. Jeff Risner | 04.30.09
Biden is correct no matter how much the business man hates it. J. Barry’s book, The Great Influenza, graphically describes how the troop ships from the USA, the source of the flu, dischanged thousands of infected US troops into Europe and the flu then killed in 3 months the combined total combat deaths of the past 3 three war years. The ships returning with the dead and wounded brought it back to American. Flu is a disease of confinement. Biden is very correct. It will hurt the economy (which is already tanked) but so what? Better broke than dead.
50. Stephen | 04.30.09
Wait, why are we bashing Biden? He tells people not to fly or take the subway if they can help it during a flu pandemic.
51. barbara wohl | 04.30.09
Smartest advice anyone can take in this critical time in order to avoid spreading disease. Instead of villifying Biden, you should all be applauding him for being forthright.
There were a lot of similar shrieks and poohs when the health department wanted to close down the bathhouses in San Francisco when they were suspected of helping AIDs along. But in a bathhouse you had to engage in some activity to catch the AIDS virus. On a crowded airline, all you have to do it breath in and out to catch this flu. Then go sneeze on your wife and kids and parents and friends to spread it around. If everyone would just stay home for a week, this all might pass and thousands of lives could be saved, A little less shrillness and a little more common sense, please.
52. Marty | 04.30.09
Are you kidding me? My mother is worried about the exact same thing, way before Joe Biden said anything.
Oh yeah, did you hear that president’s aid is sick from the Mexico trip and the airline is in the process to notify everyone who is on the plane with him to Dulles?
what about all the countries that are already grounding flights to and from Mexico? Did they put their foot in their mouth too?
Okay, so because of the the power the airlines were to give them one more week of business before they’re all shutdown anyways.
We give Joe Biden grief for telling us the truth.
nuts.
53. Mark (Fort Collins, CO) | 04.30.09
How can anyone call this a gaffe? The only thing Joe Biden is guilty of is offering up some basic common sense. Personal advice initially directed at his family but shared with the American people. The WHO has already raised the influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5 and the data thus far proves just how fast this flu is spreading. Wise advice in my opinion despite the further economic damage it may cause.
54. Rusty Ranger | 04.30.09
Old ’shoot from the hip’ Biden is at it again. No harm, just nonsense. He’s fine when he thinks things through, it the off-the-cuff that gets him. We need him though, I mean, what was Martin without Lewis, Hardy without Laurel, Marx without Stalin; no wait, that’s Groucho without Harpo.
55. david342 | 04.30.09
I thought president and vice president of any nation on earth know more than WE do …they know smart men all over earth ..
We just know so much …I have no idea why he said what he did
Its also funny that we are at level 5 and some people debating it.. I have NO comment on what he said all I say is that the WHO has us under a 5 .
56. Glenn | 04.30.09
I endured 8 years of hatred and ridicule aimed at GWB. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, those same haters and people that ridiculed our former president support the same types of speech blunders from their party.
Look up the numbers of people who die worldwide from Influenza every year. Now look at the (very small) number of people who have died from this strain. Compare the two. You will find that we are not having a “pandemic”. We aren’t even close.
To all the doctors and “micro biologist” that posted - You know I’m right. Yes, you have a point that flying or being in confined spaces does make it easy to catch the flu (or any other infectious disease). But does fear of catching the common flu stop everyone from flying or traveling? No. So what makes this different? Just because it’s “new”? Come on. Get real. Stop panicking.
57. steveo | 04.30.09
i do agree with the adice but find it very funny that bidens remarks have to be clarified every time. what biden said and what gibbs said were in direct contidiciton……….seems to happen a lot in this administration.
58. Okie | 04.30.09
Gibbs is an even bigger idiot trying to put words in the mouth of the VP. The original question for Biden was “would you want your family traveling to Mexico” and he gave a general answer that he would not travel on any planes or other confinded spaces as if to suggest anywhere. Gibbs’ stupid answer “what he meant was” is totally rediculous, thus the laughter.
59. Heather Miller | 04.30.09
Funny, it seems like airline flight is exactly what should be avoided in a situation like this. Someone in Canada doesn’t get swine flu from someone in Mexico because it floated that far through the air… they get it because someone got on a plane with it.
I prefer to err on the side of caution, and would advise my loved ones to do the same. Perhaps Biden’s comments aren’t the ones that are the most “unfortunate”.
60. larry t | 04.30.09
Hello everyone, just take precaution. If the flu is being contained by just take precaution, like what Biden was trying to advise. Otherwise, no one would say nothing, do whatever you want. Someone said something, that, oh, is going hurt my business. You should apologize. Come on! Big a big man with big heart to embrace an unusual situation. Airline business executives should also come out and send a precaution message to people to deal with the flu situation. Biden’s statement has meant no harm to nobody. That’s all. Stop criticizing and understand each other. A country doesn’t get strong with people who like words fighting.
61. James | 04.30.09
I`m sure Biden`s hedge fund running brother and son had a very good day, if they shorted the airlines that is. He even, after all, admitted that he`d `told his family`.
No, i think the film photo op debacle, and this latest screw-up were quite neatly placed.
62. Okie | 04.30.09
I’ve always thought International travel was extremely risky for this very reason. Travelling to third world countries with Government health care systems that do little to provide adequate disease prevention is totally stupid.
63. Anne Russell PhD | 04.30.09
I adore Joe Biden! He talks straight and doesn’t cater to special interests; he’s warm and natural and real, a refreshing change from the usual parsed and boring comments made by politicians. Go Joe!
64. Joy Ocean | 04.30.09
Joe Biden to me is a smart and funny man. I Dont see his remarks as wrong. I think he gave good honest advice. but it may be bad for bussiness. but good for the people overall. maybe he should have added that we take precaution rather than avoid alltogether. but it is obvious that he was being humorous when he added to go to the middle of a field. dont be too harsh on him. he is one of the few men who say things as they really are. and is also honest. in 50 years time people wont be able to say anything in this country. I guess I better start to look for another country to live in. cos all this pc is turning everyone into pretentious liars.
65. JoeNedib | 04.30.09
“On September 16, 2008, the body of Yorkshire landowner Sir Mark Sykes was exhumed to study the RNA of the Spanish flu virus in efforts to understand the genetic structure of modern H5N1 bird flu. Sykes had been buried in 1919 in a lead coffin which scientists hope will have helped preserve the virus.” - Cited from Wikipedia article on the 1918 flu pandemic.
I guess that lead coffin did preserve the virus…
Also,from the wikipedia page on the 1918 pandemic..
“Lesser affected areas: In Japan, 257,363 deaths were attributed to influenza by July 1919, giving an estimated 0.425% mortality rate, much lower than nearly all other Asian countries for which data are available. The Japanese government severely restricted maritime travel to and from the home islands when the pandemic struck. In the Pacific, American Samoa[33] and the French colony of New Caledonia[34] also succeeded in preventing even a single death from influenza through effective quarantines.”
66. larry t | 04.30.09
Also, by the way, if your airline business don’t run well. Our tax money will bail you out. If we people got sick, so far, the health care system don’t seem to take care of us. All those big corporate executives don’t seem to be in touch with ordinary but just think $$. Now Biden’s words seemed to take care of people but the executives’ ***** were like getting irritated because their $$ virus don’t get into their lungs. Money is really important to everyone but being conscious is vital to all human beings. Lucky, we have leaders in Washington with good hearts.
67. Okie | 04.30.09
Here’s a thought. Put handwashing stations and hand out masks at all airports and require thier use. This creates jobs and helps the economy too.
68. LDB | 04.30.09
Ok now I am totally convinced that some people really clueless. Every few people on this form have nothing more to do than bad mouth Biden. It doesnt matter what the truth is, these people don’t even care. All tjhey care about is spreading thier hate like the flu.
69. Dave | 04.30.09
What Joe Biden said is absolutely correct. The Media and those who reports this as a gaffe, needs to grow up and learn to live in the real world. Put those people into a confined space with some suspected flu carrier and ask them again if it is still a gaffe.
70. B. De | 04.30.09
What Joe Biden said is completely reasonable, realistic and he said the truth. If he made those statements for his own family and relatives, I’d extend it to all of us. I 100% support him and respect him for his honesty and caution. There are clowns from Travel industries and industries relying on public gathering who dance around the reality with their own self-interests for just money, want to bully the public, and frown on those who caution us. They appear to want the epidemic to happen in reality while they all sit in their own comfortable corner.
71. Steve | 04.30.09
Why didn’t the government offer the same advice regarding HIV/AIDS which has killed well over half a million Americans, including over 5,000 children: “If you are showing symptoms or think might have it, stay home.”? Why are we talking about closing the borders for this flu when we didn’t do it for HIV/AIDS? Politics you say?
72. Matthew Flaschen | 04.30.09
Indeed, David is right. From a pure, scientific perspective, Biden is absolutely correct. Less unnecessary travel will result in less infection by the virus.
Of course, no one cares about science. What they care about is economics, so they want to subsidize the airlines by giving incorrect advice.
Travel if you need to. Don’t travel if you don’t.
73. cyrus hoda | 04.30.09
calm down people, It’s just Joe being Joe, let it go; Besides, AA statement is outrageous considering the World Health Organization just upped to level 5, don’t you think with only one level left for when everyone is dying, it’s drastic to say the vp was out of line?
74. mrEthiopian | 04.30.09
You need to change the header of this ridicules article “Biden manages to anger everyone” to Biden gives sound advice.
Your job is to report the news NOT make it up. Wake-up or end up in the gutter with FOX!
75. morica16 | 04.30.09
The VP’s advice was correct. I have sat on many flights and listened as one person starts sneezing, only to be followed very quickly by others sitting throughout the cabin. Viruses and bacteria are spread through droplets. These droplets have nowhere to go in an aeroplane cabin.
76. Cia | 04.30.09
Biden is a truth teller who has a good deal of common sense. Corrupt media loves it when they can label his words “a gaffe.” The way I see it, the only people who would be offended by his comments are those who worship at the altar of Big Business because - heaven forbid! - if people should allow themselves to be influenced by his words, then they might diminish their chances of contracting a virus and Big Business would lose some precious profits on Tamiflu, flu vaccines, airline seats, etc.
77. Shoot From the Lip Joe | 04.30.09
Biden said what he did because he hasn’t had to fly on public aircraft in over a decade. ‘Fly the friendly skies of AirForce One’is his new motto. Why should he care about the airline industry or the H1N1 flu. He’s hiding in the White House or on Observatory Circle.
78. PatHayes | 04.30.09
Glenn (#56): You need to check the meanings of words before you start correcting others. An infection is “pandemic” when it shows up as being a spreading infection in more than five countries. It does not have to kill a large number of people to be a pandemic. This IS a pandemic. And, as others have noted, if you are worried about catching this (I’m not, myself, but if) then staying away from planes, buses and subways would be about the best single piece of advice to follow. The best place to be is at home, as the Mexican authoritis have said openly (and why isnt everyone protesting about that piece of advice?) The AA response about public buildings is complete BS, and they know this (and so are, as one might expect, expert liars): the numbers are different because, you see, there are far more people in public buildings than in aircraft, in total hours. If you work out the actual risk as a percentage of time spent, Biden is spot on about the most dangerous places to be. Its no accident that all the early cases in the US flew back on the same plane.
As for comparing Biden to GWB, the difference is that Biden is honest, intelligent, amusing and often fails to be diplomatic, whereas GWB was (and probably still is) dishonest, stupid, pathetic and had the moral compass of a cockroach. You could hardly find two more dissimilar people.
79. k.b. | 04.30.09
all right you thinned skinned, humorless, narrow minded, defenders of all that is liberal…you spent the last 8 years bashing bush unmercifully, and, let’s be honest, biden actually makes bush seem articulate and well thought out…obama’s only reason for choosing him was self preservation not for what he brought to the table: (hillary)…he took a page out of bush’ playbook when he chose cheney, who may have been the only man more hated than he…biden will continue to be an embarrassment to obama and america…
80. Robin | 04.30.09
Airlines may scream and RNC sock puppets may jeer, but Biden is right. Swine flu is a brand new virus that’s spreading very quickly and killing people who would normally be able to fight off the flu quite easily. Air travel is most definitely an exposure risk — one of the worst, in fact. The real outrage here is that our airlines don’t seem to give a hoot about that!
82. jb | 04.30.09
I give my family and friends the same advice. Hey, we’ve all gotten sick once or twice after a flight - those things are hotbeds for illness with their terrible ventilation systems - if they can’t clean up their act, they may as well suffer the consequences. Ask any one of those travel industry big-wigs to get on a commercial jet with a bunch of coughing people, and I’d bet you all of them would decline. Two-faced jerks!
83. Creative Greenius | 04.30.09
It’s clear that Obama’s team use Veep Biden to communicate things that need to be said but also need to be denied as official policy. Strategically this is bleeping brilliant. The Republicans don’t have a clue what’s going on here but they are getting beaten like a rented mule ever single day on every single issue. They are indeed like the Black Knight in Monty Python’s Holy Grail movie who wants to keep fighting long after his arms, legs and head have been cut off. There is nothing funnier to some of us than the defiantly ignorant voicing their stupidity on forums like this as they helpless flail about on their way to taking the big dirt nap. When your poster “boys” are pink-faced, effeminate bullies like Rove, Cheney and Limbaugh then you deserve the BOHICA treatment you’re receiving. All the better training for the prison terms that await you…
84. Biden is a moron | 04.30.09
Since sunburns cause skin cancer should we also never leave the house? I think your chances of getting hit by a car go down if you never leave the house also. What stupid advice.
85. Chase | 04.30.09
Biden’s remarks are bad for business, but not incorrect. I fear that soon the CDC will be making the same statement.
86. S. Turner | 04.30.09
My grandmother died of the flu in 1918. Believe me–I’ll follow Joe Biden’s advice. I WON’T fly at this time, I WON’T go into crowded, confined areas. This is just being smart. Thanks Joe for the advice. Sorry travel industry–you know better…
87. Jon D. Moulton | 04.30.09
In the foregoing discussion, it’s interesting to note that those who self-identify as health care professionals agree with Biden’s advice. It’s only bad advice if you stand to lose money and you value the money over others’ health.
Here’s one more microbiologist for Biden. He’s right.
88. Stan | 04.30.09
“The fact is that the air onboard a commercial aircraft is cleaner than that in most public buildings” - But the air isn’t, and that’s what Joe was refering to. I read what he said, it was hardly a ‘gaffe’.
89. Spirulina | 04.30.09
What Biden said was only a gaffe in the political sense, and everyone knows politics and common sense rarely go together. He certainly didn’t “anger everyone”, in fact this is what most ordinary Americans I know are saying already. He only angered the transportation industry, which is apparently too greedy to realize taking a profit hit right now is worth saving human lives. This virus is spreading very fast (mainly because of TRAVEL) and could mutate at any time, and who wants to be sitting next to the Patient Zero of whatever it becomes next?
Biden has made plenty of gaffes, but this isn’t one. This is the damn truth, and the media needs to stop its irresponsible pandering to pork farmers and airline executives to protect citizens’ lives. What part of “global pandemic” do you people not understand?
90. Rich | 04.30.09
If Mr. Biden’s comments were correct, there’s not much of a story here. If they gave bad advice, there’s a story, but it includes misinformation that it’s unethical to spread during an incipient public health emergency. In either case, this was not a story US media should have picked up and blown up to a big deal.
A flu pandemic is a threat, but so is panic at any time, but especially when we’ve got the risk of Great Depression 2.0. Cool it; wash your hands; cover that cough with your sleeve; stay home if you’re sick — and don’t travel more than you have to.
(And to complete Grandma’s advice: go out and play in the fresh air and dirt eat your vegetables. Odd how cutting-edge medical science sometimes leads us back to what our parents yelled at us.)
91. Jason Marquand | 04.30.09
America, listen…..Joe knows…do you want to be on an airplane or public transport with anyone with the flu? Think about it.
92. Vivian D. | 04.30.09
Boy! I watched Biden’s response live. He was just being very honest about hi family. It is all common sense…if you have children would you be traveling anywhere and be confined in an airplane if you have a choice? Weeks ago I contemplating visiting NY with my child..guess what? I canceled! Smart right?
We will have a better time at a beach near by our home in FL.
I only hope this BUG does not come back stronger in the fall…
93. Ken | 04.30.09
First, let me say that I agree with Mr. Biden’s comments — That’s exactly what I would tell my family. That said, there are certain things people in his position should and shouldn’t say (ie. everything they say is recorded and [over]analyzed). Bottom line, you’d think after 35 years Mr. Biden would use better judgement before he speaks. Hence the gaffe.
94. Kenny | 04.30.09
How is this bad advice? If the air becomes saturated with germs you WILL get sick. And if you sit on seats that have been sat on 4-5 times before by different people each day, Lord knows they don’t clean the seats that often, you will get all of the germs that spread through skin contact. God Bless Joe Biden for telling the truth. What is better, having a few airlines lose revenue, or even having one go bankrupt in the worst case, or having millions of Americans sick or dying? Our government is by and for the AMERICAN PEOPLE, not the CORPORATIONS which day after day are becoming more international anyway.
95. Ken | 04.30.09
You people that keep defending the nut that serves as our VP are as nuts as he is. Why do you bother to comment at all - you are democrats defending democrats. Probably the same ones complaining about the economy and looking for your federal deficit inducing handout, you fail to recognize the further impact on the economy if everyone quit flying, quit going into store buying, and hid in open fields as your VP suggests.
I’m sure there is a swine flu problem, but at least the current reality is that media stories about it out number the actual serious cases of it about 10,000 to 1. Besides, your democratic friends have already appropriated another $1.3 Billion for this outbreak. Quit typing and go look for how you can get another handout from it. Maybe you can get a free mask.
96. Adam | 04.30.09
I have learned the hard way that what a politician says and what a physician claims are actually the same. NOTHING YOU CAN TRUST!
97. rg | 04.30.09
So Biden is the bad guy for saying what we are all thinking. I’m staying away from confined spaces until this is over, and I bet all the Biden bashers on here will be too!
98. margaret | 04.30.09
What is scarier than the swine flu is the fact that if something were to happen to president Obama,Biden would be the commander and chief.
99. darion lorie | 04.30.09
The title of this article is ridiculous; and wrong in the first place, what Joe did was give very GOOD ADVICE, thank God our new president’s office is not filled with just plain lies and a fear of being honest with the poeple, who they work for, they work for us not the Airline companies. It’s good to know the president is a little less interested in working for the corporations.
100. Lisa w | 04.30.09
I like Biden. He tells it like it is and doesn’t SPIN. He is not a liar. You go Joe.
101. Nick | 04.30.09
Biden is not a fool, but all of you laughing at him are. Of course for economy (country) as a whole it will be a disaster if everyone will do the best they can to avoid being infected (because for the overall world’s health its better for 5% of the population to die from swine flu, than for economy to contract by 10%, because that means more people will die from other diseases from underfunding). Thats also the reason why WHO is against border closures.
So leave your auto at the garage and go take a bus or plane. Its the best possible way to catch a swine flu, but at least you’ll know you do the right thing.
102. Jeff Weaver | 04.30.09
Good advice? Are you kidding? Have any of you seen the news? There are approximately 36K people who die EVERY YEAR from the flu and you all think we should stay home rather than ride public transportation to our jobs? Not go shopping? Not travel? I am a union member and work for the airlines. Some americans would suffer greatly if people bought in to the unwarranted hysteria and silly advice from Biden and stayed home because of a few hundred flu cases.
103. Genny | 04.30.09
No reason to get anxious people..Biden was probably just trying to make a joke. Tough crowd
104. R. Moore | 04.30.09
Vice President Biden said nothing wrong. In fact, he didn’t discourage anyone from traveling. He was giving advice regarding his own family. staying away from crowded places such as subways, is not only good advice, it’s the right advice.
105. DisFisCon | 04.30.09
One of the great things about Joe Biden is that he has the tendency to tell it the way that he sees it. The airlines’ complaints are based only on the business impact of Biden’s statements, not their accuracy.
One of my colleagues at work today shook her head and expressed the opinion that it’s amazing that Joe Biden and his big mouth have managed to be repeatedly elected to our Senate. I bet it’s not in spite of his frank talk but because of it.
I wish more of our politicians worried more about truth and less about spin.
106. Liz Duncan | 04.30.09
The Vice President needs to shut his mouth and stop throwing the country into a panic. There have been 109 cases in the entire US and 1 death in the US from a MEXICAN citizen.. and because of this we should avoid airlines, subways, and public transportation?? That would just be PERFECT in an already struggling economy. Yeah Biden.. stop traveling for these interviews.. stay at home.. and live in a bubble. That’s realistic. Everyone needs to stop freaking out.
107. Mark | 05.01.09
OK, lets stop buying into the talking heads portrayal of Joe as a guy who can’t speak without gaffing. Did anyone even listen to what he said? He was asked…*asked*…what advice he’d give his family. And he gave an honest answer that any responsible parent would give. He wasn’t calling for air travel to come to a grinding halt. And he wasn’t suggesting that the rest of America heed his advice. It was HIS personal advice to HIS family. He even qualified it by saying, “that’s me”. Schools nationwide are shutting down at the first sign of a sick student, and they are applauded for their prudence. So how come Joe’s honest response to a personal question is a ‘gaffe’?
108. Greg | 05.01.09
Joe Biden makes Dan Quale look like a freaking genius. It looks like the government will own the airlines, bus companies, railroads and cruse lines next. Maybe by putting everyone out of business people will just stay home. That should prevent the flu from spreading. Go Joe go.
109. Gary | 05.01.09
I like how so many people in the comment try to interpret what he said as good advice to be careful. Biden is a moron. None of it is good advice because it is not true. Taking a plane or a subway will not give you swine flu and it is not easier to get it on a plane or subway either. Listen to his comment. He did not say “be careful”, “wash your hands” “do not stand next to someone who you perceive to be sick” “try no to touch your face or nose” or “if you feel sick go see a doctor” He did not give any good advice. He gave ignorant advice that is extreme and not thoughtful. If everyone followed his advice, we would all be locked up at home. For those of you who think Biden gave good advice, I suspect you must be already be shut-in. If not, you are a hypocrite. Oh, and turn off your computer - you can get swine flu from your keyboard.
110. Dave | 05.01.09
wow… some people really have nothing better to do with their time than trying to dissect some meaningless comments made by the VP. Get a life people.
111. blp | 05.01.09
Really, wouldn’t you want the same for your family. Still can’t understand why we don’t CLOSE THE BORDER. Mexico is the epicenter and tell me again, why are we allowing travel from Mexico to the US for non-emergency travel? Shame on our government for allowing them to bring this here by PLANE, TRAIN AND SUBWAY!
114. Old fashioned advice | 05.02.09
A plane made an emergency landing in Boston because one person had ‘flu-like symptoms’. Whole school systems are shutting down because a handful of kids had ‘flu-like symptoms’. It’s not the air, it’s the germs on every surface people touch. Look at the school pictures, they’re wiping down hard surfaces. How often do they disinfect subway cars and plane food trays?
Could you find a pettier thing to throw a hissy-fit about?
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
Leave a Comment
We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. The comments feature is a forum to discuss the ideas in our stories. Constructive debate - even pointed disagreement - is welcome, but personal attacks on other commenters are not, and will not be published.
Tip: Do not write a novel. Keep it short. We will not publish lengthy comments. Come up with your own statements. This is not a place to cut and paste an email you received. If we recognize it as such, we won't post it.
Please do not post any comments that are commercial in nature or that violate copyrights.
Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.
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. David | 04.30.09
He is a fool for saying it however being a micro biologist and understanding how fast this is spreading; I can not disagree with his advice. It will kill the airlines but the flu will kill americans so who should die first?