Oh, That Joe! (No. 33 in a Series) — North Carolinians Don’t Seem to Buy ‘Joe The Biden’s’ NASCAR Analogy
EmailAt a Thursday morning rally deep in the heart of NASCAR country, in Charlotte, NC, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., attempted to put the election in auto racing terms.
But his analogy quickly careened into a car wreck.
“You know, we’ve got a lot of NASCAR tracks up in my state,” the Delaware lawmaker said. “We’ve got a big NASCAR track up in my state at Dover Downs. But here in Charlotte, you know racing a lot better than anybody in the country. I know that. So I’ll talk a little bit in racing terms.”
And so began Biden’s ill-fated analogy…
“Right now, our campaigns are ‘trading a little paint,’” the Democratic vice-presidential nominee said, clearly anticipating applause but instead receiving nothing but crickets.
“But what worries me the most is the McCain campaign seems to have gotten a little loose," he continued.
Still no reaction from the crowd at the UNC-Charlotte arena.
“Um, and uh, I can tell you not a lot of NASCAR fans in here, but up my way it’s a big deal,” noted the loquacious Blue Hen, earning some sympathetic laughter from supporters. “Up my way it’s a big deal.”
“And the fact of the matter is, you know that term getting ‘loose’? On the, you know, when you’re out there going 185 miles an hour, getting a little loose?” Biden asked. “Well, John’s getting a little loose. He doesn’t have much of a steady hand these days. And now, and now’s the time, now’s the time we most need a steady hand.”
Possibly still feeling the effects of his late-night flight from Colorado, Biden couldn’t even correctly state the name of his GOP opponent…
“In the most recent debate, those most, and, uh, about, just about every day since, John McCain has felt the need to declare –- and you heard it in the debate -– John McClane, John McClane –- excuse me. John McCain. John McCain,” said Biden, maybe thinking of the “Die Hard” protagonist, as the crowd chuckled.
“I don’t recognize him anymore,” Biden quipped as the audience laughed, one of Biden’s few good moments at the start of his three-stop North Carolina swing.
“I used to know him well,” Biden continued, before noting, “it’s a bad joke, it’s a bad joke.”
Another light-hearted moment came when Biden ad-libbed in response to an audience member’s shout-out.
“Let me quote what John McCain said,” Biden began when a supporter yelled at him that the nation needs a senator, not a governor, as vice-president.
“It was Lindsey Graham, my friend to the south of here, who calls me ‘Joe the Biden,’” chuckled the six-term senator, recalling his South Carolina colleague’s comment Monday in St. Louis. “That’s a new name, Joe the, Joe the – well lemme tell ya what ‘Joe the Biden’ has to say here.”
But Joe the Biden was so off today that he could barely even thank certain local lawmakers, his favorite way to start his stump speech.
“I don’t know that Kay’s here yet, but I want to shout out to Kay Hagan, who I hope I’m going to be serving – be able to work with in the next United States senator,” Biden said about the North Carolina Democrat running for Senate.
“Kay, you know, now if I were going to be – if we win this seat, excuse me, this election, I’ll be vice-president and I’ll be president of the Senate. That’s a big difference. President of the Senate means you only vote when there’s a tie,” Biden said in perhaps a subtle dig at Gov. Sarah Palin’s comment in Colorado earlier this week when she said that the vice-president was “in charge” of the Senate. “When you’re, when you’re chairman of the Foreign Relations committee, they gotta listen to you.”
“So I just want Kay to understand that I know vice-presidents aren’t much, Kay, but when I’m elected, call Mel Watt,” Biden continued, referencing the Tar Heel state representative. “He’ll tell you I’m a good guy."
– Jake Tapper and Matthew Jaffe
USS Gabrielle Giffords Honors Courage 
Mitt Romney's Full Speech at CPAC 2012
I saw it this morning.
Joe seemed off his game.
Posted by: Ryan C (the real one) | October 23, 2008, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
Joe has lost it. When is the last time he had a brain scan?
Or maybe he takes a bit of the Irish in his morning coffee?
Such a moron.
Posted by: Janie | October 23, 2008, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
Wow…maybe someone should keep the little bottles away from Joe on the plane. If you read it sounds like DRUNK to me, or medicated. Would love to see tape of it, as Joe makes me laugh all the time….great comic stuff.
My guess is he’s still reeling from his BIGGEST GAFFE SO FAR….REMINDING US THAT BAMBI ISN’T READY TO HANDLE THE CRISIES THAT ARE COMING, OR WOULDN’T COME IF McCAIN IS AT THE HELM. Seriously, McCain should play the tape again with Stephenopolis asking Biden if Obambi is qualified and he says NO…just a few short months ago….HEY JOE, YOU DIDN’T REALLY CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT THAT DID YOU?
HILLARY SUPPORTER FOR McCAIN!
Posted by: Hopey Uniter, is Dopey Divider | October 23, 2008, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
Surely the Obama campaign owns more than one set of TeleprompTers?
Posted by: Mesquito | October 23, 2008, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
Where is the ON AIR coverage of this? Will the mainstream media show how off this guy really is? He has received a pass on every single one of his gaff’s now this! Good God!
Posted by: chuck | October 23, 2008, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
Joe may have been off his game this morning, but it seems that Mccain has been off his game since the campaigning started.. Obama/Biden “08
Posted by: JTF | October 23, 2008, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
OMG, is this the type of People that Obama is going to chose if he becomes president?
Posted by: chattyway | October 23, 2008, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
I feel sorry for him. He fell flatter than a pancake. It’s obvious to me that he didn’t care enough to rehearse his speech even a little before he gave it. This guy has so many gaffes. It makes me wonder if he ever thought about the hundreds of ways in which he’s screwing up the campaigne. And people say that they’re nervous about Sarah Palin being the VP when you have Mr. McGoo up there to call John McCain as erratic and unstable? Where is the Geritol?
Posted by: Gina | October 23, 2008, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
off his game……..more like off his rocker!
Posted by: samhiguchi | October 23, 2008, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
So Joe is providing a “rhetorical flourishes”
Posted by: geevill | October 23, 2008, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
Now that Biden has a son in the military he is afraid of a Obama presidency.
Posted by: geevill | October 23, 2008, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
Do we really want this guy talking for us when he speaks to foreign dictators?
Posted by: tholar | October 23, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
Palin a better choice than Biden for prez any day. And I don’t even like Palin that much.
Posted by: Wade | October 23, 2008, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
Was he drunk?
Was he having a stroke?
He seemed to be slurring his words.
Posted by: Gracie | October 23, 2008, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
I feel really bad for someone as young as he is having alzheimer moments. I certainly feel safe knowing that Joe the Biden is the safe and secure choice for President if god for bid any thing happened to President Elect Barrack Obama. Sarah may be young and healthy, and beautiful and articulate and intelligent, and have SOME executive experience, but I am sure we can all sleep better knowing Joe the Biden will be there for us.
Posted by: Waynelsworld | October 23, 2008, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
Remember this when you make fun of others who talk stupid. I’m sure plenty of people understood his NASCAR terms, but thought as I do, that he was talking out his_____. I know these guys need people to wright the speeches for them, but don’t take them out of there comfort zone. I got a good laugh out of it, but I was laughing at him, not with him.
Posted by: Cindy | October 23, 2008, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
Better release that brain scan Joe. Hmmm, why was that left out of his records. I think we know.
Posted by: no obama | October 23, 2008, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
He said one thing right, “He sure won’t be much when he is VP.” Hello Joe, anybody home????
Posted by: CC | October 23, 2008, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
Well, Joe, thats what you get for being an idiot!! Hello, not all nascar fans need politics to be put into nascar terms for them to understand. You just made yourself into a huge idiot!! Think about it. I do not go to your town and try to speak like a “northerner” so you understand me, why would you go to NC and try to talk in nascar lingo?
Posted by: LIFE | October 23, 2008, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
Lets not even get going on someone messing up a speech? How many for McCain and Palin?
All Palin does is ONE LONG run on sentence about NOTHING!
Posted by: OH Please | October 23, 2008, 2:35 pm 2:35 pm
Lets not even get going on someone messing up a speech? How many for McCain and Palin?
All Palin does is ONE LONG run on sentence about NOTHING!
Posted by: Please | October 23, 2008, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
I’m happy to get the chance to see him tonight in Raleigh. I got the reference and it’s hard to believe that a crowd in Charlotte didn’t get it too. But whether it connected or not really isn’t the point. Joe Biden will be a great VP with the knowledge to offer sound advise unlike the Republican nominee. Just ask Colin Powell and many conservative voices. They agree with me.
Posted by: TSnow27604 | October 23, 2008, 2:44 pm 2:44 pm
GETERDONE JOE !
Posted by: 1Painter | October 23, 2008, 2:44 pm 2:44 pm
That would be “advice.” Sorry.
Posted by: TSnow27604 | October 23, 2008, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
All you folks out there worryin about how Ol JOE,S DEE Plomacy, Maybe Ol JOE cares more about US (AS IN THE GREAT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)than a SNOOTY bunch of ENGLISH TEACHERS across the POND !
Posted by: 1Painter | October 23, 2008, 2:51 pm 2:51 pm
Hum, campaign getting to Joe? Just think of what it will be like if he has to step up and be President… Although, we know that will never happen. VPs these days are ornaments. So, I really don’t pay much attention to him or Palin. It’s Obama vs McCain. Who’s the right person to lead? And which of the two is ready and most qualified? Question: If either were applying for a job at your company at CEO would you hire them? or as a stock holder vote for them to be CEO?
Posted by: SidB | October 23, 2008, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
Gee that’s great, he can’t even get two thought together. Yea, tell ‘em Joe…what you don’t even know. Boy wait till he meets with foreign dignitaries…..We will all have a large L stamped on our foreheads if we elect this moron. His IQ has to be under 100, he is just too stupid. I bet he’s never been to a NASCAR race he actually paid for a ticket to. Joe the Biden…more like Joe the Liar
Posted by: truth1 | October 23, 2008, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
AND the dems have been all over Governor Palin? She makes more sense talking about lipstick!! How lame!!! OH, and I’m sure this will not be on CNN, CBS, MSNBC, ABS so that they don’t get distracted by the “2nd coming” that is known as Barack Obama.
Posted by: Amy | October 23, 2008, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm
Well, once again you see the Leftist Media machine in action. They bury this article, but let Sarah utter a hiccup, and the Media is all over her.
Never in my live have I dispised the leftist country destroying Democrats as much as I do now.
Definetly, McCain Palin in ’08!!!
Posted by: Scott from Quantico | October 23, 2008, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
Imagine how the press would have pounced if Palin had said that. But it’s ol’, dumb Joe so it doesn’t matter much.
Posted by: Catherine | October 23, 2008, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm
Barack Obama chose Joe Biden because he knew this would happen but I don’t think even the ONE knew it would be this bad. Obama did not want a running mate who would outshine him or he would have considered Hillary in spite of the vetting spin. The RNC has spent 150,000 on Sarah Palin’s outfits so it might be time for the DNC to spend $6.95 for a muzzle for Senator Joe. If he can’t handle a crowd in North Carolina what would Biden do at the UN or across the table from Putin. It should be remembered that this guy could not get arrested in two Presidential campaigns and now if Obama wins he is only a gaffe away from the White House
Posted by: Tom | October 23, 2008, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm
Hmmm – I wonder, was Joe TRADING a little paint or sniffing it?
Posted by: NOT_Surprised | October 23, 2008, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
He can’t talk in any terms. This won’t be on network news. Maybe the reason SNL doesn’t make fun of him is there’s just way too much material to choose from. They should think about it though because after they get past their political stuff, it’s not very funny. I am going to email our local talk radio guy. He might use it.
Posted by: RL in Illinois | October 23, 2008, 3:11 pm 3:11 pm
maybe i’m too far in the tank for Obama/Biden, but i don’t see where the news value is??? so his metaphor didn’t get laughs and he referred to mccain as mclane and that’s worthy of a blog posting? i think this is an example of the Mr Tapper trying waaaay too hard to be balanced by blatantly attempting to extend a theme already proven to have traction(Biden is gaffe prone).
Posted by: Jay | October 23, 2008, 3:11 pm 3:11 pm
This guy Biden is an Idiot..and You democrats rip on Palin I think this guy sets the curve on stupidity. “So I just want Kay to understand that I know vice-presidents aren’t much” keep talking Joe I have a feeling Obama is kicking himself for picking this idiot!
Posted by: batesba74 | October 23, 2008, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
JAY – I think there’s more truth to the fact that the media treats Barack Obama as (& it’s been said here) the Second Coming. Here’s a guy DETERMINED to bring new life to Washington, a NEW direction, a FRESH view on things – then he chooses BIDEN for his running mate!??!? Look up “political hack” in the dictionary – there’s Joe’s picture! And, yes – if Sarah Palin had made such a God-awful appearance somewhere, you can BET your New York Times liberal-bias media would be ALL over it . . . .
Posted by: NOT_Surprised | October 23, 2008, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
It won’t be on network news because it isn’t news. There’s a big difference between being not funny, mangling the occasional word or being too candid so as to cause your ticket political harm (Biden)and being dangerously inexperienced / naive and ignorant with respect to every important issue of the day (Palin). There’s a reason a majority of Americans now say she’s not ready to be President and it isn’t the fault of the media. It has more to do with her difficulty formulating coherent thoughts unless scripted.
Posted by: Jay | October 23, 2008, 3:22 pm 3:22 pm
NOT SURPRISED – I won’t deny that Barack gets favorable coverage, but I really don’t see a story here. I think Palin (and the McCain campaign as whole) did themselves a disservice in hiding her for so long. They’ve set themselves up for her to be ravaged by the media and her nonsensical answers to questions hasn’t helped. All of this is secondary, however, to the underlying issue: that she is utterly under-qualified and her selection undermined everything positive about John McCain (i.e. that he puts country first and has the judgement to be President).
Posted by: Jay | October 23, 2008, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm
So if Obama gets in (God help us) and something happens to him, this is who would be leading our country? That is very scary. By the way, I work here at UNC-Charlotte, and we have over 23,000 students and 3,000 employees. Only 1500 people cared enough to show up at the rally. Last week Sarah Palin drew over 7000 at a much smaller college (Elon) in a small town of North Carolina.
Posted by: Irish Rose | October 23, 2008, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
I couldn’t stand to read all the latest quotes from Crazy Joe.
Crazy Joe will quit the Senate and do a stand-up comic routine in a sleazy stripe joint between acts. (batabing)
Crazy Joe, potentially one heartbeat away from the presidency? Never.
Posted by: Captain America | October 23, 2008, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
JAY – Thank you – THAT response WAS reasonable and fair (HANDYMAN, take note!)
Frankly, I can’t say that I’m tremendously impressed with Palin’s grasp on international politics/policies. And I think the RNC’s handling of her (rush her into photo ops with various foreign dignitaries, NO QUESTIONS PLEASE!, rush her out) doesn’t do much to reinforce that.
But, I also have SERIOUS concerns re: Obama’s background/policies and, as importantly, his lack of experience in much of ANYthing substantive. I’m not degrading his service to the Chicago area, etc – but he’s a 1st-term Senator of -be honest- little note, other than his ability to deliver a charasmatic speech; he hasn’t authored any significant legislation, etc. He IS fully aware that the time is ripe for a “young, idealistic” candidate – so he presents himself as such.
Posted by: NOT_Surprised | October 23, 2008, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
Between the botox and hair plugs and nipping at the sauce — Joe shows his true side.
He was slurring words at this event….this is so sad the people think he is more qualified than Palin.
YIKES….and he supposed to advise Obama on foreign policy.
Joe is a blowhard and a moron.
Posted by: Gracie | October 23, 2008, 3:38 pm 3:38 pm
Scary thing is Joe is the Experienced voice on the ticket! He is a sell out and a yes man. Well when he keeps to the script. Lets look at it for what it is Democratic ticket you have a Presidential candidate who was a drug using junkie and as VP you have a man pounding his 40′s between campaign stops! Vote McCain in 08 and Put country first!
Posted by: batesba74 | October 23, 2008, 3:43 pm 3:43 pm
IS there still serious question about Obama’s citizenship? Frankly, if there was a question in that area about John McCain, Palin, Biden, or Mickey Mouse – I agree. RESOLVE it – the Constitution requires native-born. Is he or not?
Posted by: NOT_Surprised | October 23, 2008, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
If Obama/Biden wins….Hummmm….the President who is truly inexperienced in our US President history and the VP who makes gaffes and doesn’t even have confidence in his boss (Obama). How things would be if they elected?
When Obama talked with national security advisors yesterday, look at the clip..all advisors didn’t look happy and it was obvious that they have doubt on Obama’s experince!
Posted by: mandell | October 23, 2008, 3:45 pm 3:45 pm
Jake your going to miss Joe Biden when this election is over. I can go 185 miles an hour in my dreams and because of this article and Joe Biden I going to look at some NASCAR videos :-D
Ok before I forget – Vote for Obama and good hearted Biden!
Posted by: Yeil Raven | October 23, 2008, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
Joe Biden makes Dan Quayle look like Stephen Hawking!
Posted by: Darlene Jenkins, PA | October 23, 2008, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm
I have to agree that Palin’s qualifications are not that much better than Obama’s. Yes she has SOME executive experience, but Alaska is only a small state. And she IS a natural born American. And she is proud of the United States.
BUT she never trained people on how to register illegal aliens and felons to vote. And she never trained people how to vote multiple times. And she never sought the alliance of a notorious anti-American terrorist and anarchist. And she hasn’t teamed up with convicted felons.
But she is not THAT MUCH better qualified!
Posted by: Gordon | October 23, 2008, 4:04 pm 4:04 pm
Gordon,
The difference is that Palin will be VP and Obama would be President. Their is a big difference in the responsibility of those two positions. Palin is as qualified as Al Gore. Is Obama as qualified as Governor Clinton? Clinton/Gore>>>>>>Obama/Biden.
Posted by: Darlene Jenkins, PA | October 23, 2008, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm
Just re-read Joe the Idiot’s closing comments: “Well, Kay, I just want you to know that I understand that the VP slot isn’t worth a damn, but . . . my MOMMY likes me! PLEASE vote for me! Mr Barack said it was MY turn to be a somebody! And . . . and . . . I brought my homework in for EXTRA CREDIT . . .”
Neglecting, of course, all of his earlier pronouncements that he wouldn’t even RUN with Obama if asked – I guess Joey’s going for the sympathy vote. Sort of like that “Nerd date” episode in Happy Days . . .
Posted by: NOT_Surprised | October 23, 2008, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
voting for Obama…no way..he’s the most inexperienced candidate in our US presidential election. If it’s Hillary, I will vote for democrats because I’m a lifelong democrat and never voted to republicans. NOw…I might vote for GOP ticket.
I looked at the clips of Obama’s meeting and press conferenc with national security advisors, all of the advisors looked very unhappy and I can sense that they also feel the same like me who see Obama as very inexperienced candidate. He needs time to grow and gain more experience.
Posted by: linda | October 23, 2008, 4:35 pm 4:35 pm
McCain sold himself to the dark side and if you think the “other John McCain” will return after the election you folks are delusional. McCain owes his soul to the ultra-right wing of his party and they will never let go. Few people in this election are voting for McCain. They are either voting for Obama, voting against Obama, or voting for Palin. McCain will try to pander to Independents and Reagan Democrats but he is a lost soul now in the control of the same ******* that begat GWB. God help us should he be elected.
Posted by: indy_voter | October 23, 2008, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
Darlene,
The point I was trying to make is that Palin is MORE qualified for the PRESIDENCY than Obama, but nobody seems to be questioning HIS qualifications. He is nothing but a snake oil salesman, and people are buying it. It scares the stuffing out of me.
Posted by: Gordon | October 23, 2008, 5:09 pm 5:09 pm
ah….so this is where the McCainites are hanging out tonight…making themselves feel all warm and cozy. :)
Posted by: karen | October 23, 2008, 8:39 pm 8:39 pm
Biden can’t seem to keep a coherent thought in his head…and certainly lacks a connection between his brain and his mouth….and yet, people continue to question Palin’s competency.
The combination of Obama’s lack of experience and his unwillingness to clarify details about his past (details about his school years, law review papers, relationships, etc.) along with Biden’s constant “gaffes” are more than a little concerning.
Posted by: Michelle | October 24, 2008, 9:25 am 9:25 am
I’m really beginning to wonder if Biden has had a change of heart, and is really trying to sabotage obama’s election, certainly seems like it.If in fact, he’s doing a great job. Go Joe !!!
Posted by: Sherlana | October 24, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm
Too much botox, and serious hairplug side effects.
Posted by: Thank God for Karma | October 24, 2008, 9:50 pm 9:50 pm