Biden: ‘We Are On The Cusp Of A New Brand Of American Leadership’
ABC News’ Matthew Jaffe Reports: Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., Monday started his final day on the campaign trail, a battleground blitz of four rallies in three states, counting down the hours until he and the man at the top of the Democratic ticket, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., could be elected to the Oval Office and bring the nation "a new brand of American leadership."
“37 more hours!” said the Democratic vice-presidential nominee when he took the stage in Missouri. “37 more hours!”
Before a loud, lively crowd of 1,200 here in Lee’s Summit, Biden gave Show-Me State supporters a glimpse into the future.
“I understand that this town’s name comes from the fact that it’s the highest point between Kansas City and St. Louis,” Biden said. “And from this vantage point, you get a pretty good view. And there’s one thing I can see clearly, see very clearly — it is change is on the way.”
“For too many families, people who played by the rules, the American dream is literally, they see it slipping from their grasp,” Biden said minutes later. “And ladies and gentlemen, that’s why I believe with a greater degree of confidence than I’ve ever had before that we are on the cusp of a new brand of American leadership because that’s what we need, a new brand of American leadership.”
“Because folks, if we want to answer all those questions being raised around that kitchen table, we need to get out and elect Barack Obama president of the United States tomorrow!” he urged supporters, who immediately launched into a chant of “Yes we can!”
If Missouri voters deliver for the Democrats on Election Day, Biden said, come tomorrow night, their Republican rivals’ attacks will be a thing of the past.
“They’re calling Barack Obama every name in the book,” noted the Delaware lawmaker. “But ladies and gentlemen, listen to me closely: tomorrow night they’ll have to call Barack Obama something else – the 44th president of the United States of America!”
Biden’s Freudian slips when referring to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., have become a staple on the campaign trail and today, in his final day on the road, Biden made one more.
“In the most recent debate between John McCain and Barack Obama, John McCain felt the need to say to Barack, to the commentator and to all America that he was not John McCain,” Biden said. “Look, I know we’re not running against President… I mean he was not President Bush. Because the truth is, he’s not the John McCain I served with a long time. Freudian slip, you know.”
Biden was introduced today by his wife Jill and Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-MO, who noted Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s rally today in Jefferson City, where Hank Williams Jr. will perform.
“There is a rally going on down the road in Jeff City,” McCaskill said to loud boos. “Remember what Barack says, ‘Don’t boo, just vote.’ And they got, they got a country western singer down there in Jeff City today. And on Monday night, sometimes he says, ‘Are you ready for some football?’ Here’s what I say to you – are you ready for some change?”
McCaskill then touted Obama’s running-mate selection of Biden, while blasting McCain’s Palin pick.
“Barack Obama chose the very best person in the country that could be president of the United States," she said. "And well, let’s just say John McCain didn’t.”
Biden now jets east to hit two other key battleground states today, Ohio and Pennsylvania, before spending the night at his Wilmington home. At his final rally tonight in the City of Brother Love, Biden will be joined by Jimmy Rollins, shortstop of the world champion Philadelphia Phillies.

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“Barack Obama chose the very best person in the country that could be president of the United States”
OH THAT JOE BIDEN-WHAT A DUNCE.
“Make no mistake about this, Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be vice president of the United States of America. Lets get that straight,” Biden said in Clinton’s defense
Posted by: geevill | November 3, 2008, 1:00 pm 1:00 pm
‘We Are On The Cusp Of A New Brand Of American Leadership’..yup we might be. A land where you rob from the “Rich” (however their definition of that changes every day) and give to the poor…who are mostly black. Cut our defense spending, sacrifice our dominance in space and throw Isreal under the bus. Abe Lincoln must be spinning in his grave.
Posted by: MBNA Joe | November 3, 2008, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
Joe, I love you and I’d trust you, but 0bama is terrifying in his classification of Americans into the poor Class of 95% that he intends to help, and the rich Class of 5% that he will take from. Above all, he is making the poor Class hate the rich Class, and using their anger, frustration and “bitterness” towards George W. Bush against the Rich Class to achieve his own ambition.
Posted by: d0 | November 3, 2008, 1:13 pm 1:13 pm
“Make no mistake about this, Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be vice president of the United States of America. Lets get that straight,”
—————————
84% of Hillary’s supporters are now voting for Obama. Doesn’t seem like that statement was a bad one for Joe. It showed he respected her abilities.
Wonder what geevil is going to do when Obama is announced as the 44th President of the United States tomorrow at 10PM EST?
Probably just spontaneously combust.
All these months of wasted effort and hate filled ranting only to lose twice in the same year.
Awe.
Posted by: It lives...for one more day at least | November 3, 2008, 1:20 pm 1:20 pm
Joe you got something right we are on the cusp of new leadership
Posted by: reddog0216 | November 3, 2008, 1:22 pm 1:22 pm
I heard Cokie Roberts use the “L” word this morning – we can only hope and pray she’s right.
Posted by: MoVoice | November 3, 2008, 1:28 pm 1:28 pm
You’ve got to watch this SNL skit the Democrats tried to “pull” from the whole internet! Too much truth for thier liking!
http://msunderestimated.com/SNLBailoutSkit.wmv
Posted by: Average American | November 3, 2008, 1:29 pm 1:29 pm
Obama took the high road to get to the White House, while McCain tried to get there by crawling through the sewers.
Posted by: hamishdad | November 3, 2008, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
Oh, we’re on the cusp of something allright. The disappointment so many Obama supporters are going to experience is what we’re on the cusp of here. Do you really think the government, the governemnt, is the change you have been waiting for? Sad, really. Rich people will muddle through this fiasco, but the poor and middle class will be the biggest losers in the long run. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
Posted by: Kitty | November 3, 2008, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
He says the rep. call Sen. Obama every name in the book, got to Huffinton post blog and there you see dem. hatred in action.
God help us all.
Posted by: usa | November 3, 2008, 1:33 pm 1:33 pm
That is true. The polls says 84% of Clinton voters will go for Obama.
The polls are wrong. Obama will be lucky to get 60%.
Posted by: geevill | November 3, 2008, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
The GOP’s hatred and fear of Obama is almost unprecedented. The last black man to be hated and feared as much was the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Posted by: hamishdad | November 3, 2008, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
Why would America REWARD complete Republican failure ?
We wont.
Posted by: PulSamsara | November 3, 2008, 1:35 pm 1:35 pm
It is hard to believe that anyone posting these comments about take from the rich and give to the poor, socialism, liberal tax and spend etc. is paying attention.
There is no secret Obama. There is only the Republican party and its campaign trying to make you believe there is so you won’t vote for him.
Don’t get taken in. Don’t be manipulated into giving your vote away. If you vote against Obama, at least do so after you take the time to look for the truth.
Posted by: Andy2 | November 3, 2008, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
New FOX News Poll Shows Obama Leading McCain 50-43
Ouch. That’s gotta Hurt.
But Maverick has Obama “just where he wants him”….on the way to the White House
Posted by: Truth Hurts the GOP | November 3, 2008, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
well…geevil and MBNA Joe…they “get it”
Posted by: Gary | November 3, 2008, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
hamishdad
what high road, talking out of both sides of his mouth, tells EVERYONE what they like to hear, but can’t back it up. The Messiah tells you to jump and you ask how high.
Posted by: usa | November 3, 2008, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm
McCain says “give more tax breaks to wealthy corporations, they’ll make jobs.”
Problem is, we’ve been doing that for eight years, and our employment rate has kept dropping. Now it’s the lowest it’s been in more than 20 years. So maybe this time we should give the money back to OURSELVES, like Barack Obama wants to do, and we’ll spend it, and businesses will take our money, and they’ll grow and prosper, and so will we… rather than giving a bunch more tax breaks to corporations so they can make hostile buyouts and cut more jobs or send them overseas. That’s what GOP tax policy has been producing. It doesn’t work.
Problem is, McCain is locked into his ideology. He can’t change, despite all the evidence. He wants to keeping doing it the old way. IT DOESN’T WORK.
Let’s move forward in a new direction! Tomorrow, get out from in front of your computer and VOTE FOR CHANGE!
Posted by: dmw | November 3, 2008, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm
Hamishdad sounds like a plant. Not worth the time.
Posted by: notonmywatch | November 3, 2008, 1:39 pm 1:39 pm
geevill | Nov 3, 2008 1:00:00 PM; Check your facts there are 1000 times more poor white people in America than black people. Blacks make up only 12% of the entire population. Who cares if we are “dominant” when the econmomy collapses?
Posted by: correction | November 3, 2008, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
“We Are On The Cusp Of A New Brand Of American Leadership”.
Not exactly.
We’re on the cusp of a new type of government (for America), although it’s been tried in several other countries, with varying degrees of success and failure.
Socialism is not new, nor is it a “bad word”. Why are so many socialists afraid or ashamed to use the word which accurately describes Obama’s philosophy?
Posted by: Rhys | November 3, 2008, 1:43 pm 1:43 pm
ANGRY REPUB POSTERS HILARIOUS! :D
How can anyone possibly believe that Palin is fit to run for office when she doesn’t even know the First Amendment?!
How can you take her seriously when she doesn’t even know what the Vice President’s job is?!!
Hell, Palin was just found to have abused her power as governor!
She calls Obama a “Socialist” but she taxed the oil companies in Alaska massively and sent everyone there a check in the mail! HELLO?!
LOL!
Posted by: Gordon the Plumber | November 3, 2008, 1:43 pm 1:43 pm
I love you, Joe Biden!
Posted by: jn | November 3, 2008, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
dO,
You’re a very bright person. Obama is causing enormous class envy and stirring up racial hate to beat the band. He is doing this, not for the good of his country, but for the good of himself and his liberal Democratic clones. None of these people think for themselves. Even Warren Buffet has not figured out what Mitt Romney says, that these economic plans will ruin the country. As far as Colin Powell, well he, as you will remember, made that fateful trip to the United Nations to testify about WMD’s so, what else can he do now but support Obama. He’s been mad at Bush ever since, but, you know what? Nobody made him do that. He goes wherever the wind blows.
Posted by: notonmywatch | November 3, 2008, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
dmw, like most liberals, conveniently forgets that under the Bush administration unemployment was at a 40 year low. (More than your boy slick willy could even manage). But of course that all changed beginning in 2006 once the Democrats to control of Congress. Change we can believe in.
Posted by: BMK | November 3, 2008, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
>the poor Class of 95% that he intends to help, and the rich Class of 5% that he will take from.
How comes that Warren Buffet endorses Obama? I think a lot of rich people are very ready to help as long as the money is spent well (and I am very positive that Obama will do that).
Posted by: Paul | November 3, 2008, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
John McCain lost the election by stooping to rovian tactics, smear campaigns, and his choice of Sarah Palin. There is no way he can win now without stealing the election through election fraud- but with the news of brochures now telling democrats to vote on Wednesday instead of Tuesday,and others targeting black households with charges they will be arrested if they show up at polling stattions, I would not now put anything past him.
Posted by: katharine | November 3, 2008, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
To the ignorant, without degrees in economics, it was liberal economic theory and reality that saved capitalism after the great depression. And it was its rebuking by the conservative,pure free marketers, in government,on Wall St,and in the oil corporations that almost sunk the economic system again. Sadly, its doubtful republicans will ever come to see the facts and truth over their delusuions and greed.
Posted by: john | November 3, 2008, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
LoL,
What the devil are you talking about? You know your first amendment but if you ask me you are abusing it. Freedom does seem like a waste on some people.
Posted by: notonmywatch | November 3, 2008, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
There is no “secret” Obama. There is only the Republican party and its campaign trying to make you believe there is so you won’t vote for him.
—————–
That’s been the plan from the beginning. Offer nothing. But try to create doubt about Obama.
Notice that when McCain was actually questioned directly about Obama being a “terrorist” or a “socialist”, he says “No he’s not”.
But then the next day on the stump, he and Palin are back to the same accusations.
What’s amazing is that the vast majority of the rumors and myths have been debunked (muslim, birth certificate, etc) but the Pub supporters continue to go the way of “secret Obama”.
25% of Texans STILL think Obama is a Muslim who was sworn in on the Koran, when the guy who initially started the email chain has come out and said it was a complete fabrication.
So either they are just liars, they spend WAY too much time on conspiracy theory websites (and too dumb to know that not everything on the internet is true), or they are easily manipulated lemmings who can be played based on their own fears and predjudice.
Posted by: Truth Hurts the GOP | November 3, 2008, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm
Katharine, you’re absolutely correct. It’s almost as if Obama is winning by default; McCain’s campaign has been a public-relations disaster from the start. And while Sarah Palin IS entertaining and even has charisma, she is clearly unqualified to be President.
I still think the RNC put up McCain as a sacrifice, saving their better candidates for 4 or 8 years. They KNEW Hillary Clinton could beat any Republican, so they tossed poor old John into the ring to get pounded.
Then along came Obama, and because of the Republicans’ poor decision, we will now become the USSA.
Posted by: Rhys | November 3, 2008, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
like most liberals, conveniently forgets that under the Bush administration unemployment was at a 40 year low
—————–
When you borrow money from every nation in the world at record levels to “spur” the economy, you can do that.
Of course, it catches up to you eventually.
It wasn’t the Dems policy to borrow us into catastophe, it was Bush and company.
And the Dems didn’t get voted into office because the country was just great. They got voted in because the Pubs screwed the economy starting with the housing market.
Posted by: Truth Hurts the GOP | November 3, 2008, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
Obama is not getting 84% of Clinrton voters. For one thing coal mining families supported Clinton so did Jews. Both groups are voting en masse for McCain.
Posted by: geevill | November 3, 2008, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
Here is a scenario that we Americans better pray does not come to fruition. Based on current rhetoric, it just might……..
A business owner is presented with an new massive tax package from the new administration. To stay in business he stops all research and development, expansion of the business,and reduces expenses as best he can, as the funds needed to invest in these areas must now be channeled into paying the new barrage of taxes. Additionally, he freezes all new hires, and begins a program of thinning the ranks of workers from his staff. As the goverment sees an erosion of the tax base due to more and more businesses scaling back or closing all together,his taxes continue to increase, as someone needs to make up the difference. He lays off more and more workers, and scales back his operations even further. It finally comes to the point where it is no longer profitable nor feasible to stay in business in the U.S. any longer. He moves what remains of his operations overseas.
Can you imagine what would happen to the greates country in the world if only 20% of the businesses in the U.S. adopt this scenario? Think about this when you vote tomorrow!!!!
Posted by: toto3 | November 3, 2008, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
toto3… You’re probably correct; you’re describing what happens under socialism. But this election is being decided on image and charisma, not rationality.
You must admit, the Republicans have presented us with a very poor alternative.
The Times They Are a-Changin’, as Bob Dylan once wrote. Yes, they are.
After January First, this will not be the same country in which many of us grew up, and our ancestors wouldn’t recognize it.
We old-timers think this is a bad thing, but younger folks can’t wait to throw out the establishment.
Russia did it in 1916; now it’s OUR turn.
Those of us in our 70′s must realize there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. I’ve already lived too long, but my wife encouraged me to sell the only gun we had in the house (which I did).
Posted by: Rhys | November 3, 2008, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
Come on everybody, let’s cancel the election and leave Bush in as president! No really, all of the republicans told us he was the answer 8 years ago, and then again 4 years ago.
Come on, republicans know what they are talking about! He was going to be the greatest president ever! So why change? Right republicans? You pick the right president every time? You guys sure now how to pick them!
President Obama! Get use to it!
Posted by: Independent realist | November 3, 2008, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm
I have never been so embarassed watching a campaign as that of McCain. Everytime I think he has sunk as low as he can sink, he sinks a little lower….unbelievable!
Posted by: LaVerne L. Oliver | November 3, 2008, 2:51 pm 2:51 pm
I think most voters are pretty clear on what has worked regarding tax policy and what has not. To continue defending GOP monetary ideology is to completely ignore the reality of high unemployment, record home foreclosures, stock market catastrophe, etc.
But just keep on pushing your Tax the Middle Class ideology. Someone has trained you well, ignoring reality like this and all. By the way, taxes do have to come from somewhere. If not, our roads crack, our bridges fall, our military goes under-supported, our old folks starve in the streets… McCain’s claim to want to “give everyone a tax break” is patently dishonest, and he can’t do it. So where do we get the tax money? More from us? How they do drill baby drill it into your heads to sabotage your own interests. Amazing. Fortunately, we’ll soon have a Dem in the White House to prove you ideologues wrong again.
Posted by: dmw | November 3, 2008, 3:00 pm 3:00 pm
Hey Mr. Biden, a new brand of leadership would be to get you out of the senate after 35 or more years and send you packing back to your home state, and you can take your bank lobbying sons with you. NEW LEADERSHIP?! Please. If you mean new leadership by means of a BO administration we’ll all be in trouble. (Remember your own words “You mark my words . . .”) He’s no more qualified to run this country than you are Joe. Seriously, if BO’s administration means “redistribution”, or putting such liberal judges on the supreme court that they actually change the look of this great country, then we’re on the same path that the Romans fell on. Your disgraceful. But we all know that, especially after your interview with Barbara West last week in Florida. You got caught with your pants down and you were too embarassed to let your wife be interviewed also. Maybe because she can’t speak any better than you can and she might actually give a truthful answer to the “redistribution” questions that you so boldly avoided and became upset over. How this country ever came to a point that it has people such as yourself in the senate, and for as long as you have been, is beyond me. New leadership would mean someone such as Sarah Palin, who doesn’t get along with lobbyists and knows how to run a state as large as Alaska. Mrs. Palin is an ordinary person, who has had to take care of a personal check book, who knows what it’s like to live on a budget. Obviously you never had to take care of anything or learn to live on a budget. My fellow damacrats, PLEASE STOP DRINKING THE RED KOOL-AID, it has poison in it, it WILL kill you!
Posted by: Madasheck | November 3, 2008, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
Obama is going to put the nations coal industry out of business and that means a loss of thousands of job. The Coal Association of Ohio says this about Obama and his drones…
“It’s evident that this campaign has been pandering in states like Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana and Pennsylvania to attempt to generate votes from coal supporters, while keeping his true agenda hidden from the state’s voters.
“Senator Obama has revealed himself to be nothing more than a short- sighted, inexperienced politician willing to say anything to get a vote. But today, the nation’s coal industry and those who support it have a better understanding of his true mission, to ‘bankrupt’ our industry, put tens of thousands out of work and cause unprecedented increases in electricity prices.
Posted by: ml | November 3, 2008, 3:46 pm 3:46 pm
Joe Biden you are on the verge of
Going Home and back to the U.S. Senate!
Your “sidekick” Barack Obama will
join you! You’ll have to cancel the
Coronation! John McCain will prove
the clueless(or is it biased pollsters)
wrong! This way Joe Biden can go back to
just being an embarrassment to the
Senate and prevent us from having a
Buffoon as a VP!
Posted by: reaganfan | November 3, 2008, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm
To Truth Hurts – well said
Posted by: jn | November 3, 2008, 7:16 pm 7:16 pm