CNN Political Ticker
September 19th, 2008
07:30 PM ET
1239 days ago

Biden in hot water with some Ohioans

mug.mooney
Biden may have upset some crucial swing state voters.
Biden may have upset some crucial swing state voters.

(CNN) - Joe Biden's off-the-cuff remarks on the trail have at times taken the Obama campaign off-message, but the Delaware senator's latest riff just may have landed him in hot water with voters - and die hard football fans - in a key battleground state.

Speaking to members of the University of Delaware football team Friday morning, the Democratic VP candidate said he thinks the Fightin Blue Hens (1-1 this season) could thrash a certain team from Ohio.

"I was out in Ohio," he said while fiddling with a football in his hands. "I told the folks in Ohio that we'd kick Ohio State's ass!" (It remains unclear if Biden actually ever told Ohio voters this.)

Biden, a proud University of Delaware alum, was clearly trying to rally his Division 1-AA team ahead of their match-up with Furman this weekend, but the comments couldn't have come at a worse time for faithful Buckeye fans who saw their team suffer a 35-3 trouncing at the hands of USC last weekend.

The comments also come as polls show the race in Ohio could hardly be tighter: A CNN poll of polls in the Buckeye state shows Obama holding a slim 1 point lead there. Close enough, presumably, that enough angry OSU fans could just make the difference - at least that's what Republicans are hoping.

The state GOP is already attacking the Democratic ticket over the comments, as well as his comments yesterday suggesting it was patriotic for some wealthier Americans to pay higher taxes.

"As if his comments about it being a patriotic duty for Ohioans to pay higher taxes weren't bad enough, now Biden is taking pot shots at the Buckeyes," GOP State chair Bob Bennett said. "Barack Obama and Joe Biden must really think they can win this election without Ohio, because they're doing their best to lose it with stupid comments like these. Keep talking, Joe."

David Wade, a spokesman for Biden said, “I think this episode explains exactly why we’ll win Ohio: Joe Biden is loyal to his home team, and John McCain is loyal to President Bush."

"We forgive the Republicans on this one, though," he added. "After watching John McCain flip flop on everything from taxes to torture, they’re just mystified by someone who takes a position and sticks with it.”

UPDATE: Michigan Democrats, fans of OSU arch rival University of Michigan, weighed in on the back-and-forth, calling John McCain a "Panderer in Chief" for recently purchasing Ohio State apparel on a campaign swing.

"John McCain won't be hailing any victors on Election Day if he thinks Michigan fans will let this recent pander slide," said Liz Kerr, a spokesperson for the Michigan Democratic Party.

soundoff (269 Responses)
  1. temi

    MCCAIN SAID HIS PRESIDENTIAL RACE WAS COS OF AMBITION

    September 19, 2008 04:34 pm at 4:34 pm |
  2. Michael

    Oh this is such a non story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:34 pm at 4:34 pm |
  3. Terry, Dallas Texas

    Is this the best that the Ohio GOP can do? Attack Biden on a comment over college football? I don't recall the NCAA rankings having any effect on my pocketbook or the national debt. Idiots.

    September 19, 2008 04:35 pm at 4:35 pm |
  4. Sweetgreen

    CNN.... you have got to be kidding. Why would you link politics to a football game and think that people are all of a sudden gonna change their vote based on a politician standing behind his team. Furthermore, people vote based on issues, not a freaking football game.

    September 19, 2008 04:35 pm at 4:35 pm |
  5. Jeff in Illinois

    OH – IO-BAMA!

    September 19, 2008 04:35 pm at 4:35 pm |
  6. Joseph

    It's sports...sheesh.

    Fight On!

    September 19, 2008 04:35 pm at 4:35 pm |
  7. Bayou Joe

    OH MY GOD... Biden has finally stepped in doodo. What next, is he going to thrash that other team up north as Woody used to call them, so that he can appease the Columbus faithful.

    GOBlue. GO Palin, kick his butt in the debates.

    September 19, 2008 04:35 pm at 4:35 pm |
  8. Wisdom

    I'm not an Obama/Biden supporter but can clearly see this was a football rivalry statement... and I'm sure Ohio will see it as nothing more.

    Come on CNN... this one's pretty weak don't you think?

    September 19, 2008 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  9. sky

    What kind of person wouldn't favor their own school for heavens sake....thats healthy.....have IQ's dramatically dropped around here?

    September 19, 2008 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  10. Roland

    You have got to be kidding me! This is newsworthy?

    September 19, 2008 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  11. Support the fight to free America from GOP

    At point of economic crisis Biden made so many economic issues and plans All CNN Could Come Up With is Biden's Comment On football?
    Rididculous

    September 19, 2008 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  12. Tony

    If a comment about a football team gets people voting republican then this country deserves EXACTLY WHAT IT GETS!

    Like I've always said, Americans are the most apathetic, ignorant, whiny, unaware and irresponsible people on the planet

    The simple fact that the GOP has jumped on this already, which will probalby be a new attack ad any minute, shows how desperate they are.

    And I used to think Ohioans were intelligent. Silly me!

    September 19, 2008 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  13. Tiffany

    If this is all it takes for someone to run and vote for McCain. This country is in worse shape then anyone ever imagined in their wildest nightmare.

    September 19, 2008 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  14. L

    Sen Biden, you just cant help yourself. trying too much to be the average joe, forgetting its an election year and everything you say is being heard. Bit like Obama's bitter white folk clinging to guns and religion

    September 19, 2008 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  15. arnolde

    Even banana republics don't waste time on foolishness like this.. jeesh

    September 19, 2008 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  16. Elizabeth in Texas

    Get it over GOP! It's football! Geeze. What babies these Republicans are!

    September 19, 2008 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  17. Support the fight to free America from GOP

    CNNcrap
    At point of economic crisis Biden made so many economic issues and plans All CNN Could Come Up With is Biden's Comment On football?
    Ridiculous

    September 19, 2008 04:37 pm at 4:37 pm |
  18. Linda31

    Lol, are they serious??? Crying over competition for a football game? They would have been calling Biden a liar if he was to rally for the Buckeye against his former school.

    September 19, 2008 04:37 pm at 4:37 pm |
  19. Independent supporting Obama

    Another great stunt and what a nicely written Pro-McCain story. People of Ohio are not stupid.

    There's a saying in Texas
    Fool me once shame on you
    Fool me twice........basically it means you cant fool me again.

    Ohio will go for democrats. Absolutley...yup, yup.

    September 19, 2008 04:37 pm at 4:37 pm |
  20. Sue

    So, no one can display some school spirit for your alma mater? It's come to this? (sigh)

    September 19, 2008 04:37 pm at 4:37 pm |
  21. Madeleine

    Biden, gaffs and laughs we can rely on.

    September 19, 2008 04:37 pm at 4:37 pm |
  22. Brian L

    I don't think that Ohioans are so simple minded to decide the future of their country based upon a college football rivalry. It is sorry that the Ohio Republican Party has such an unflattering opinion of its citizens to suggest that Biden's allegiance to his alma mater would decide the election in Ohio.

    September 19, 2008 04:38 pm at 4:38 pm |
  23. Vegas Barbie for Obama

    ONLY in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania would they get cheesed off because someone said they could be whooped in sports...but to let it actually make VOTERS made with a VP candidate? As a native Pennsylvanian, with family in Ohio, I can say first-hand that these people have little to live for but to honestly be mad at a politician and have it possibly affect one's vote???? Did someone say "bitter"? Let's add their sports teams to the things that they cling to.
    OBAMA/BIDEN '08 & '12 YES WE CAN (If we all decide to be ADULTS about this).

    September 19, 2008 04:38 pm at 4:38 pm |
  24. ken

    All I can do is lol!

    September 19, 2008 04:38 pm at 4:38 pm |
  25. PA voter

    Smack talk about college teams means Obama-Biden don't think they need Ohio votes? Isn't part of the fun of being a fan is that you get to talk "smack"? This is ridiculous!

    September 19, 2008 04:38 pm at 4:38 pm |
  26. The American Dream is Alive and Well

    CNN – you could try reporting Biden's speech to women today...who cares about college sports when we have other things to dicuss – like what Obama's going to do his first day in office!

    September 19, 2008 04:38 pm at 4:38 pm |
  27. IndyVoter

    My mother went to Indiana University and I went to Purdue! ARCH-ENEMIES!...and we would rib each other and talk stuff all the time to each other, but we knew it was just talking stuff and that it was all in fun...Biden is from Ohio, he can do that....I've lived in the Mid-West and I know that Ohioans/Buckeyes are smarter than that. They will not let a little competitive banter offend them or keep them from voting for the best candidates.

    Midwesterner for Obama/Biden '08

    September 19, 2008 04:38 pm at 4:38 pm |
  28. Independent

    DA heck?! This is stupid.

    September 19, 2008 04:38 pm at 4:38 pm |
  29. Adam KC, KS

    I can't believe this is news. Please tell me people aren't voting because someone doesn't like their football team?

    September 19, 2008 04:38 pm at 4:38 pm |
  30. Open Your 3rd Eye

    L.O.L.O.L.O.L.

    GO GET'EM JOE!!

    YEA, BECAUSE SPORTS TRASH TALKING WILL ACTUALLY CHANGE MY VOTE....NOT!!!!!!!!!!

    WHAT A RIDICULOUS ACCUSATION.

    WOW.

    L.O.L.O.L.O.L.

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  31. Gorbashov

    Being a fan for your sports team, and rooting for them is a political problem?????

    Are you kidding me?????

    How shallow do you think that the electorate is?

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  32. Nando, Florida

    WHAT WHAT MORONS THE GOP ARE PLUS THE BUCKEYES ARE OVERATED ANYWAY LOOK WHAT USC DID TO THEM !!

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  33. Abby

    If somebody chooses to vote against him because of a sports team...LOL

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  34. Justin, ny

    Anybody who casts their vote based on what team a candidate roots for doesn't deserve to have a vote. period.

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  35. Chris

    That's right people, vote for your president over what football team he likes. Pathetic...

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  36. Tom

    idiotic. put a sock in it joe, for your own good!

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  37. Ted

    Are you for real. over football. you have got to be kidding me. CNN not a good joke. making people think Biden messed up again. and its about football. America has real problems. if they dont vote because of a football comment they might as well move to london. total crazyness

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  38. RDS

    Wow...this is such a ridiculous story. I think the voters of Ohio are more worried about how the could afford to go to the University rather than if they are going to win this weekneds football game. Just goes to show how desperate the republican party is that they would try to create controvesy out of this topic. How many times does their fake outrage have to backfire before they realize it?!

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  39. JD in NC

    McCain is lying, distorting, or reversing himself daily, and this is what you report on?

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  40. MD in ND

    Come on, sports rivalries are famous for the trash talking. This is a football game. What would they prefer, he go to Ohio and LIE (such a Republican thing) and say " GO OSU". Get a Life Bob Bennett.

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  41. Ex-mod-GOP for Obama

    This would be the stupidest thing in the world if it makes an iota of difference. (Full disclosure: My extended family includes graduates of both Ohio State and the University of Delaware.)

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  42. You cant be serious

    So a republican would think someone would choose a president based on a friendly football rivalry..?? you can not be serious.. if so that republican has not intellectual respect for ohioans.

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  43. Keith, Wake Forest NC

    GO BLUE HENS!!! :-)

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  44. JP

    Come on CNN...this has nothing to do with the election...this is purely sports related...I really don't see how this applies to the issues at hand: we're talking about the economy in a huge mess, accountability, Iraq war, health care, etc...Please CNN stop skewing voters! Please I'm pleading with you. Thank you!

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  45. dee

    oh please. if voters are going to decide on a presidential candidate over football....then the state of america is really in major trouble.

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  46. mitchell

    good grief! it's football! nobody's dum enough to vote over a college rivalry 'dig'. it's football! come on!

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  47. Vinny

    how is this news? who cares, there are real issues to talk about.

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  48. kjb

    Seriously? Is this truly important enough for the McCain camp to jump on? It's a freakin' football game for goodness sakes! I am so sick of these ridiculous comments and commentary on petty things such as this. CNN, I feel like you're adding fuel to an unnecessary fire.

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  49. peakarack

    THANK YOU JOE! FOR INSULT PEOPLE OF OHIO.

    MCCAIN/PALIN 08!

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  50. sly

    This is what it comes down to? Yep...sure ain't about the issues, is it?

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  51. Ginger

    Like we've never said that about our favorite college team, especially when rivals are competing. Pundents, get a life!

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  52. Laura

    Get a life, if you think a silly football remark is more important than who runs our country, you are as dumb as a box of rocks and you should vote for M/P.

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  53. Adam

    It's sports. It's fun to dog other schools. I have more respect for guys who remain true to their schools than those that change allegiance based on what state their in.

    This is such a non issue and the GOP knows it

    September 19, 2008 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  54. sheri

    so he likes the Delaware team...I graduated from UD, we love our football...what's the problem?

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  55. Palin hates Bullwinkle

    what? Change your vote because of football? Hahahaaha....silly!

    I cant believe someone can be this stupin. Come on! Really?

    Proud Obamatron,Obamanut,Obamabot

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  56. William in Mount Dora FL

    Who above the mental age of 8 cares about which football team can beat which other team? Think about the human beings who are suffering in this economy and in this war. Go Obama/Biden!

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  57. Brett

    wow, if the republican party of ohio is going to get upset over this, i think we should all just keep quiet and not speak because we might hurt their little feelings. I thought it was the other way around?

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  58. James

    I'd say about 75% of those Ohio voters who could vote either way have never even attended college, let alone Ohio State University. So, for this to be a "hot water" issue with said voters only proves how dumb America has become in some parts of this country (swing states).

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  59. JDM

    Only people who done play sports would belive that line. If this is the best the GOP got today? Ok then!
    Ohio still need jobs, gas, oil,schools, Meds. Are you guys going to talk about that or Bidens joke about football?

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  60. Tejano

    Those idiot Buckeyes probably won't vote for Obama anyway. Go ahead and offend them Joe. Nothing but a bunch of losers clinging to their religion and guns. Now the Wolverines that is another story. Smart boys up north going for Obama.

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  61. Tony

    Hear! Hear! Tiffany.

    The saddest thing of all, is that with a lot of people, a simple comment over a football team is all the excuse they need to do soemthing that stupid!

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  62. Kel in Auburn, AL

    Oh no! The presidency of the United States is going to hinge on.. Not issues, but sports? Give me a break.

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  63. Reality

    WE BUCKEYES STILL WANT REAL LEADERS and OBAMA / BIDEN are the REAL ANSWER FOR OHIO and this COUNTRY.....NOT MCCAIN / PALIN !!!!

    OBAMA / BIDEN / BRUTUS 2008

    GO BUCKS !!!

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  64. Truthiswhatweneed

    Come-on CNN!!

    Obama/Biden-08

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  65. Elana, Melbourne Florida

    trust me folks- the american people are WAAAAYYYYY beyond football and lipstick and pigs and clinging bitter people and all the nonsense crap. This is meaningless. Obama's gonna win. No worries.

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  66. Independent for O'Bama

    Give me a break Ohioans!

    Please tell me that you are not that shallow. Please tell me that you care more about the economy and the direction this country is going than you do about the Buckeye football team.

    This article is such a waste of space. Shame on you CNN and shame on you Ohio GOP for trying to make something out of nothing, as always.

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  67. Kevin PA

    only in Ohio ..... the same geniuses that voted for Bush

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  68. Sue/PA

    Please spare us all this nonsense.................

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  69. Jerry

    This is sports banter. Why is this a story?

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  70. John Driscoll

    If you care more about a college football team than the future of our country, go ahead and vote for John McSame.

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  71. CNN= CONSTANT NON NEWS

    Biggest NON-STORY of the DAY...

    who the hell votes FOOTBALL over HEALTHCARE, EMPLOYMENT, and 2 WARS.

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  72. Cindy in the Carolinas

    GO FU!!! Furman University that is.

    September 19, 2008 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  73. Joe

    Where is Hillary?

    Biden is a loser.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  74. HSNP

    I didn't know Delaware had a football team. GO HOGS!!!!!! BEAT TEXAS!!!!!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  75. hurriCAIN PALIN

    hey biden, way to go on winning them over. hopefully word will get out

    to all of ohio.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  76. Abigail

    GO SALUKIS!!!

    Oh... Oops... There goes my political career. Give me a break, its sports!

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  77. Anonymous

    if this is what our country has come to, a silly comment about football gets blown out of proportion and might have a negative effect on an election, then it won't matter who the president is, because we are all too self absorbed and petty

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  78. deb in Glenside PA

    Oh come on. Its American to talk trash over big school rivalries and a fun part of our football culture. Go Joe. What a regular guy.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  79. Tiffany

    Give me a break, I should hope people aren't taking college football team preferences into account when deciding who to vote for. Serious times call for serious conversations!

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  80. Helene

    That is ALL you have to report when we are trying to keep afloat (mortgage, gas, etc ,...). Are you completely insane at CNN ?

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  81. Oh GOD!!!

    Is this what this election is going to come to? Talking about a football team will chase peopel to vote for the Republicans? I think the economy there will out way any football game! If it doesn't then the mess were in we deserve it!

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  82. Who Cares!

    People are losing their jobs, savings and homes & the media thinks this is the story of the day. Please grow up folks.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  83. Independant (Ohio)for Obama/Biden

    Oh, for heaven's sake! I'm a Buckeye fan and I think this is a non-story. We Buckeyes just hope his comments might light a fire under our team!
    Go Bucks!
    Go Obama/Biden!

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  84. Jim, IN

    If someone would vote against someone because he didnt root for their team, then this country is in far more hot water than i ever imagined. And bravo to the GOP for trying to enliven that mentality.

    The G.O.P. – "We're so intelligent, can get people to vote for a candidate based on their favorite TV show. We guarantee it!"

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  85. peakarack

    OBAMA=TAX AND SPEND=DISASTER.

    NO WAY! NO HOW! NOBAMA!

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  86. Chesapeake, Va

    Give me a break...this story is ridiculous can we please stick to the issues. So, what he has a right to cheer for any sports team he wants. This is childish and stupid.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  87. pam Eugene OR

    If anyone uses their vote to display anger about an off the cuff comment about football they deserve what they get.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  88. GIVE ME A BREAK

    GIVE
    ME
    A
    BREAK!!!!

    So we should expect Michigan voters to start leaning Obama/Biden now???

    Silly season is in full effect.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  89. Suzie

    Good grief! The comment was made all in good fun and not even in the context of a presidential race, its sports. I just wasted 3 minutes of my life reading and replying to this story.

    Go Obama!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  90. fixthebroken

    I find it refreshing that Biden is not pandering, especially around something as trivial as sports when compared to this election. Heck yeah, Biden should support his team; and Ohioans should respect him for not pandering to try to get a vote.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  91. I'll take 4 more years of "Bush" vs Obama!!

    Just shows what an idiot he is, regardless of the fact it is pretty insignificant in the scheme of things. He just can't help it.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  92. Donna

    It's a football game...goodness...if that affects your vote more than the messed up economy then that say's more about YOU than Biden...

    Sad that the Republicans have to take what they can get..even when its a non-issue.....

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  93. Tony

    Abby:

    I know quite a few people from Ohio and it doesn't take all that much for them to do something that ignorant!

    I wonder if they can see Alaska from their houses!

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  94. One vote

    WOW – Yes, the McCain/Palin ticket is sure to win now. Mm, I guess it is not surprising to me that the McCain camp really thinks American voters are that shallow – or for that sake that the McCain bloggers on this site seem to think so.............. Snap!

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  95. Watching this election closely...

    I am from Ohio. PLEASE give Ohio sports fans some credit... I don't think anyone in their right mind will base their vote on friendly sports jabs!! Their is NO correlation between sports and the critical issues of this election!

    Get serious- this is REALLY a stretch... I can't even believe this nonsense made the ticker! :(

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  96. Steve

    This is really a non-issue.

    More of a cute story than a newsmaking politcal headline.

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  97. MEEKA

    THIS IS NOT NEWS HE IS A GROWN MAN AND HE CAN SAY A$$ RIGHT???

    September 19, 2008 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  98. cari

    Wow. I cannot imagine that anyone at CNN truly believes that people from Ohio – or anywhere in the country – will make such a crucial voting decision based on a comment about football.

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  99. Iam4mycountry

    The republicans need to grow up and quite whinning about every little the perceive as a slite. They are soooo desperate to win they will jumb on anything.

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  100. Kiah G

    .................CNN..................

    ...............If voters in Ohio are offended over sports vs. hmm the ECONOMY...then they deserve more outsourcing and all.

    Because I mean this is SO IMPORTANT to voters!

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  101. Jon

    If I did not know better I might think that the man likes to stick his foot in his mouth

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  102. CNN, What are You Thinking?

    What is really going on CNN??? Honestly, I am a huge supporter of CNN but this is a little stretch to think that being a fan of the team where you went toschool is going to make a huge difference in the political process. Regroup CNN!!!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  103. Sarah

    Are you kidding?! If voters are turning against Biden because of a comment he made to a rival team to get them amped up before a game, what kind of use of democracy is this! How petty and juvenile for someone to say "You're cheering for a sports team in another state? Well I'm not voting for you!" I honestly don't think the American population is that petty, or at least I hope not.

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  104. Matt

    haha...it's funny to see the Republicans so desperate that they'll try to turn college football rvialry comments into political leverage...it's so sad

    And for those of you who think McCain's "Bradley Effect" campaign strategy is going to work, I would direct your attention to the 2006 election of Harold Ford. Wake up. McCain is only trying to make it seem like he'll bring change and reform now (like Obama has been saying all along) because he thinks it will convince Obama supporters who aren't sure if they really want to vote for a black guy to come vote for the white guy who will give you the same things without the blackness.

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  105. Ric from NM

    How can this be of relevance to any political campaign???? Wow!

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  106. Obama Jr

    I dont think the people of ohio arethat stupid. To change their vote because a running VP doesnt like their football team. If so GOD help us all...!!

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  107. jdm

    Why is this news? I could see if Sen. Biden made a racist or sexist comment. This is absolutely ridiculous. What people should be getting upset about is the fact that people hit by hurrican Ike are still without power, trying to make it in very poor conditions and even worse, a lot of them have lost everything. Get mad about that!

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  108. Me

    Are you kidding me? Hot water? Stop it, CNN. STOP IT. This is an insult to the intelligence of Ohio voters.

    The best political team my foot!

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  109. Linda

    Get real and report only issues that matter to the U. S. voter. Leave this kiind of stuff to the National Inquirer. I thought CNN was a serious new network.

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  110. the other jd

    OK-So Biden likes sports, and trash talks just like every other sports fan.

    More importantly, why does Sarah Palin hate America enough to support the Alaska Seccessionist Party.

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  111. Brina

    So a football team is more important than the economy.....republicans are so silly and stupid.

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  112. HMMA

    This is just plain STUPID !!! C'mon CNN !!???

    September 19, 2008 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  113. Billy

    OMG, the election is over because of football....

    get real.

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  114. Brian, New York

    As a Buckeye Alum, I don't think that was a wise comment to make. Ohioans take OSU college football verrrrry seriously. Poor judgment, but I will still his poor judgment in a statement or team choice over the reckless McCain and pitiful Palin.

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  115. cari

    And the Ohio GOP's response – TOTALLY ridiculous. The last thing on any responsible person's mind in the election booth will not be football. The GOP is pushing independents away with this nonsense.

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  116. Let's rebuild this country

    Wow CNN, very impressive work! LOL
    wake up! that's sport

    Go OBAMA-BIDEN 08

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  117. John in VA

    By that logic I shouldn't vote for Obama since Biden wants his alma mater to win over my alma mater? Give me a break.

    Besides, my alma mater (Virginia Commonwealth) beats up on Delaware in men's basketball anyway.

    Vote for common sense, not lipstick!

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  118. rin

    omgaaaa are you serious cnn.... lol its sports football and men.... omgahhh this is to stupid

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  119. Huh...

    Must be a real slow news day for this to make the front page of CNN. Oh, maybe not......

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  120. Georgia Gal

    On one hand I think Biden sometimes needs to think before he speaks, but on the other hand ... he's talking about his alma mater ... of course he would say something like that ... who wouldn't??

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  121. Tony Radell

    This just in...College football fans will determine our next president. In other news, wrestling fans turn against McCain, who has shown support for the Iron Sheik!

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  122. Never let them see you sweat....

    Really no story here!!!! EVER HEARD OF TRASH TALKING!!! No sense of humor! Let me real!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  123. Los

    Sorry, I don't follow basketball

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  124. Suzanne

    I think it's great that he has a loyalty for his team. It has nothing to do with the people in Ohio....

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  125. Anonymous

    Why did Obama pick Biden? Why?

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  126. Mary

    I really don't think that with the economy tetering on the brink of total collapse thanks to the GOP, voters will be swayed by such trivial things as this. Yeah, football is important, but it kind of pales by comparision to thinks like jobs, the cost of gas and groceries, and the security of retirement savings.

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  127. Seriously?

    The economy is tanking and they're worried about a football game?! Enough with this petty stuff!

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  128. KJ, CA

    You know – if people vote for a Presidential ticket based on their sports likes and dislikes we are in bigger trouble than I thought! Give me a frickin break here!

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  129. Anonymous

    This is the problem with politics. You can't speak your opinion on any single matter without getting into "hot water" with another group who thinks differently. For god sakes this is getting ridiculous

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  130. park more

    Please trust me, we are democrat but Nooooooooooooooooo Obama and Biden. Obama is looking for political career. MacCain is looking for the best for america. Now you can choose

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  131. Griff

    Bill Gates for President!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  132. The most trusted name in hackery

    ...THIS JUST IN...

    ...SENATOR JOE BIDEN REFERS TO THE FLORIDA GATOR AS HAVING "LIPSTICK"...

    ...WILL OBAMA LOSE THE FLORIDA SWING VOTE????...

    ...STAY TUNED TO CNN!!!...

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  133. Jim, IN

    The only person that would be swayed by an argument like this, is a dropout republican that was voting McCain anyway. Even swing Ohioans arent this stupid.

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  134. hurriCAIN PALIN

    all the probamas really trying to brush this comment off that biden

    made, probamas=idiocy

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  135. latino

    And this election can be as well be decided by latinas!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  136. Too afraid to give a name

    As a new resident of Ohio I have to say that I would be very afraid to diss the Buckeyes (even though I secretly hate Buckeye fans). These folks are quite strange about OSU, and it is short sighted politically to speak badly of the team (I wouldn't do it in a resturant where I had ordered food either). Personally, I took more offense to the "be patriotic pay more taxes" comment by Biden, but I think this one will hit harder in Ohio. Joe might want to get back on message soon.

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  137. spiveyivey

    You are really reaching on this one!

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  138. Marquise

    Oh where oh where has Hillary gone oh where oh where can
    she be?

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  139. Bruce

    If the future of this country rests on what football team omeone says something about it..we are in worse shape than I thought we were.
    Come on people wake up this election is about the future of the country, not about football.
    He is from DE so why not support his team...
    This is just stupid, and something that the repubs should be ashamed of even bring into the election.

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  140. Jennifer NY

    Oh, for Pete's sake – this is a news story and makes him unworthy of being VP? After Bush, the "Decider" ?

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  141. Chris from Michigan

    I can't wait til the Vice Presidential Debates start so we can see Joey the Shark eat Sarah Palin alive! Joe we know you didn't mean to diss on Ohio as a state, one college isn't a representative of the entire state and to say that the Democrats don't care about Ohio is the rediculous. This is just more of the same smear tactics the Republican's are using because they know they can't win this election honorably. If you don't believe me go to Time.com and look up the article about McCain's Lie's.

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  142. Joseph

    Obama = LOWER taxes for 95% of the US.

    peackarack = ignoramus

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  143. CitizenAJ

    Are you kidding me? A person with common sense will see it for what it is, giving his team confidence. Has NOTHING to do with the state of Ohio or the people of Ohio. Please, do some real news reporting CNN, you are becoming an Enquirer!

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  144. Emma

    Repbulicans give it a rest! How does Biden's comments affect the economy or help us out of this economic mess that the Republicans have gotten the country into?

    Play ball and get over it! This country is in serious trouble and you are discussing who is going to kick who's a–?

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  145. Mark in Austin

    Oh for crying out loud!!! It's football! If he didn't support his alma matter, that would speak worse. If people in Ohio change their vote b/c someone says their alma matter is going to whup some butt, then so be it. Why is this even a story. Sigh.

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  146. tulsa

    You're kidding, right?

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  147. Coop

    This is dumb! If anything, it makes him seem more human. Makes him seem like he is any other sports fan who supports their team!

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  148. Len

    Would you people STOP reporting this nonsense! Thank you, that's all!

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  149. Joe

    This is crazy. Are they serious with this. I am going to change from Republican right now. I can't believe that a party official is trying to make this a story and of course CNN would post it. What a joke!

    Indiana former Republican for Obama/Biden

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  150. Jason - Ohio

    If people would actually change who they vote for based on comments about a sports team then this Counry is seriously doomed. Its sports. Who cares!?! There are much more important things to worry about than college football... and i dont mean the NFL. People need to get back to reality, because in reality sports are games and nothing more.

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  151. Greg in Annapolis

    Leave it to the GOP and the press to take, what would normally be looked upon as fun, competitive, sports talk and make something political out of it. Go team! Oh yeah, and go Obama/Biden! Crush the opposition! We'll continue the tailgate in the parking lot.

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  152. Alex Camargo

    Wow. I really hope that this was a tongue-in-cheek piece of writing because if this is considered real news, I hope everyone from CNN gets canned.

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  153. Jennifer NY

    I don't care – Joe Biden's the BEST!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  154. David

    It's a football game, not a political policy. He's having fun. I don't see what the big deal is. If comments determine people's voting practices, then we're in a lot more trouble than I thought. No news here.

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  155. Bob Indianapolis, IN

    Back on the schoolyard with McSame followers who think they can be cabinet members when they grow up because they took shop in high school and can put together a mean armoire...

    September 19, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  156. ARMY WIFE/ SOCCER MOM!!

    KEEP TALKING JOE....WE CAN COUNT ON YOU!!

    MCCAIN/PALIN 2008

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  157. Independent Just Decided to Vote for Obama

    If football creates these dramas, then football should be banned.

    I have always advocated that football be banned in high schools so our kids can actually LEARN something by age eighteen.

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  158. Jude

    This is getting stupid if people cannot tell the difference between a football game and political arena....Why is this even a story. If the Ohio people are stupid enought to vote McCain because Biden was trying to rally his alumni school then don't cry foul when McCain puts you all out of jobs. America are we really that Stupid??? If we are then lets step down and let the Russians or Chinese lead!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  159. MinFL

    OMG, you have GOT to be kidding? People would vote based on their freaking football team?!

    Instead of focusing on such stupid stories like this, CNN, why don't you focus on the stories that MATTER?

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  160. ANGIE

    Who cares about sports LOOK AT WALL STREET LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK and people care about sports pleeez republicans they are having a veryyyyy bad week now they think we care about sports well i dont i care about my 401k my home my children my job!!!!!!!!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  161. Mickie in PA

    If that's all the GOP chairman in Ohio has to pin on the democrats, it just shows how desparate the repugnicans are. I suppose everyone in Ohio went to Ohio State?

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  162. Raul Dominguez

    This is such a stupid story!!!! I'm from LA, a Buckeye fan who had to sit with 90,000 Trojan fans while they beat us up 35-3! But I'm still for Senator Obama! Give me a break, Buckeyes are not stupid. They will not be fooled into voting against their family's interest. C'mon, Buckeyes, please don't respond to this dumb story!

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  163. Ed, Santa Fe, NM

    more NON NEWS from CNN

    why not update us on TROOPERGATE and the Palins' refusal to answer subpoenas????

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  164. Peter

    Who cares? It's football...

    The fact that the Republicans are attacking the Obama/Biden over this is ridiculous. It's another poor attempt to distract voters from McCain's gaffs over real issues such as the economy.

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  165. Hank

    he's probably right, ohio st sucks

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  166. Marc

    Is this story supposed to be a joke? Is this the story you would hear at the end of a news hour to lighten the mood? Reason I'm asking is this because it's a complete joke. There are so many issues in this campaign, and you are talking about sports. Really? Isn't there something more important like lets say the economy. Yes Cnn, I'm really sure that a buckeye fan who just lost a job because of the bush policies will now go for McCain. Really CNN? If Biden is in hot water because of this, then Palin better go to jail for life for troopergate.

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  167. Dr. Vincent J. Petrosino

    This is hot water? Over a football team match-up when the economy is in the dumpster? What is wrong with Ohio people. Biden's support for his home team should resonate with Buckeye diehards! When will the people of Ohio get it? We are in bad times and they should know. Their unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country. How easy is it to get Ohioans off message. Remember Ohioans, it was your vote for Bush in 2004 that gave us four more years of this mess! Now grow up and become responsible adults for your children's sake and do not take the rest of the country down the same path as you did four years ago! Bush did nothing for you and neither will McCain.

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  168. michael

    Its a comment about sports! To think that an opinion about a sports team could change the way a person votes in a Presidential election is a terrifying glimpse into just how shallow and dim the American public has become! Turn off the TV and pay attention to some real issues such as the economy, bringing our troops home, and global climate change!

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  169. Change versus More of the Same

    How desperate are the Republicans if they have to release an official comment about a college football remark?

    I'm a huge buckeye fan by the way

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  170. ex-Hillary backer for OBAMA

    FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE! THIS IS JUST FOOTBALL FOLKS! NOT A POLITICAL ISSUE!!!! Must be some Republicans who are making a big issue over this...

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  171. Darla (Edmonton, Canada)

    Doesn't the GOP reaction just indicate how desperate they are to stir up anything against Obama/Biden? Next they'll be looking for a throwdown between Bert and Ernie!

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  172. Former Republican for Obama/Biden

    Please, CNN, let's try to stick to ISSUES and behave like real, professional JOURNALISTS. That is why you got into the news business, isn't it?

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  173. AJ from Houston, Texas

    So making a comment about a football team can change who you support for president now?

    Wow! You must be really stupid to let that change who you are going to vote for.

    How petty!

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  174. ln

    One question: Are you kidding me?

    Anyone who would even consider voting for or against a particular candidate because of comments made about a football game/team is ridiculous! I would have to question his/her mental state.

    Absurd. I can't believe this is even a news story.

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  175. briwil

    We have Palin in hot water because of recent comments about Iran and Russia, Troopergate, the Bridge to Nowhere, earmarks, lack of knowledge about foreign policy, and so on. Meanwhile, Biden is in "hot water" because he, uh, made a comment about a football team. You're kind of digging here CNN.

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  176. josh

    PLEASE REPORT THE NEWS!!! I WILL NOT VISIT THIS SITE ANYMORE!!!! NEWS!! cable NEWS network. NEWS! HOW BOUT IT?

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  177. Bruce Jamison

    You people are ridiculous !............It's football talk..........shows the absolute desperation of Republicans............

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  178. SCOTT

    The combination of this story with its ridiculously misleading headline is sad–misleading, pandering. Are you all trying to cover the news or influence it? Please, MR or MS Editor, tell me what journalism school you went to so that I don't send my kids there.

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  179. Let's Unite

    I am one of many Ohio State students who happen to be ardent Obama/Biden supporters regardless of how they feel about my buckeyes.

    The pot is unstirred CNN.

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  180. mike

    Wow... are we supposed to believe this is news? Come on. Who cares how he tries to motivate his favorite team. If he had told them they could beat any college team, are you saying that would lead to Obama losing every state?

    Gimme a break.

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  181. SimonSays

    locker room talk is now political discussion? get a life

    September 19, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  182. LATINOS for PALIN

    I'm pretty sure the Catholic Church is also upset over one of his recent campaign stops.

    There was an older woman introducing him to the crowd and she was trashing Gov. Palin and Biden was smiling and at the same time blessing himself with the sign of the cross.

    I doubt Jesus wants us to use the cross in that manner.

    NO OBAMA

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  183. Joey D

    I worked from my home office today. I can see my house from here!

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  184. Ridiculous

    Really CNN? Realy?!?!?! Are voters in Ohio so stupid they'd refrain from voting someone because he supports a football team other than theirs? This is the dumbest story I've seen all season.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  185. Kevin in Portsmouth, OH

    So...? Biden isn't alone. Here in the southern end of Ohio we've been joking that some of our high school teams could beat the Buckeyes this year.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  186. Donna in California

    Is this the best story you've got CNN?

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  187. Anne

    Are you serious? If someone is dumb enough to switch their moral views regarding this election because Biden (supposedly, not confirmed) made a sports joke about his love for his home team, they are an idiot.

    And why is this news?

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  188. Joe Unger, San Francisco

    Well, wasn't this kind of stuff expected of Biden?
    I think the individuals calling this a non-story are being native. The other side always latches onto these things and puts a very negative spin on it. In the end, it comes across as Ohio bashing and that would have an affect on some voters, whether you think that makes them dopes or not. It's also naive to think this one comment would determine who one would vote for; it's a cumulative effect and a comment like this goes in the negative column.
    Yet it still is not quite a dumb a comment as Obama calling McCain part of the old boys network. As you listen to Obama say that, any half-wit would immediately recognize that Biden has been in Washington longer than McCain. Comments that are none too bright from both ends of the Democratic ticket.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  189. bk

    No, Ohio probably doesn't care about this statement, but they do care when Obama goes to the Canadian Gov. and tells them he is not going to do anything about NAFTA, he is just trying to get Ohio people to vote for him.

    Just as PA people care that he went to the rich in SF and told them about them being bitter and clinging to their guns and religion. Obama is an arrogant elitist.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  190. Nikita

    I understand the good old boys network and loyalty to sports, but let's be real, this is about politics (the competent running of our country). You don't choose your doctor, lawyer or preacher based on their college sports loyalty. I'd hope you wouldn't pick your President/VP based on his college sports loyalty either.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  191. Scy

    Hey, if people base their votes for our nation's future on who someone supports in a football game . . . no hope for this country anyway. *shrug*. And I don't care WHO you support. I don't care if McCain or Obama or Palin or Biden comes out against my favorite football team. I sure as hell won't vote for or against someone based on that idiocy. Why is this a news story anyway???

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  192. Dianne

    It's okay to say the economy is fundamentally sound (yawn) or that someone stopped the bridge to nowhere (but didn't) (double yawn) – but trash my college football team? Rally the troops in protest (OMG) – it's football trash talk? Not in my White House!!! LOL – non story. Move on.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  193. Kate

    This is pure HOGWASH. Ohio fans know about competition and being a supportive alumni. Joe Biden was giving a cheerleading speech to his alma mater. Ohio fans get that. I think they would have thought Joe was untruthful and certainly disloyal not to support his school. The only people who change their tune (and story) regardless of the truth are found in the McCain camp. Anyone remember how he changed the POW story from the names of the defensive line of the Packers to the offensive line of the Steelers for the Pittsburg audience? Give me a BREAK.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  194. Anna PA

    This is the stupidest news story I have ever heard! Why would you print this horrible story. And, Is the McCain camp really trying to make this an issue? Pathetic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  195. Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR

    Oh please - people are just too darned sensitive! What happened to our sense of humor? Our right to free speech? Do we have to have a censored script for every word we speak lest someone be offended?

    Good grief - there's plenty of real news today without needing to 'make' some like this.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  196. Renea B.

    "The Ohio Republican Party is already attacking the Democratic ticket over the comments. "Biden is taking pot shots at the Buckeyes," Ohio GOP party chairman Bob Bennett said. "

    Is this all the Republicans have to work with? How pathetic. It's FOOTBALL!

    Obama/Biden '08

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  197. Whynotus, PA

    CNN...do you and John McCain have anythign better to do? this is newsworthy? How about billions to bail us out from 32 out of the last 42 years of republican deregulation and banker freindly policies? Obvioualy Senator Biden was doing exactly what you said he was doing...tongue in cheek wiht his alma mater football team.

    This is so much more important that Sarah Palin obstructing justice and refusing to testify in front of an investigating committee...no wonder rove likes her soo much.

    Can we stick to impostant issues? Stop you senationalizaing stup9ic headlines.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  198. Pittsburgh

    If you're stupid enough for that to bother you then you were going to vote McCain anyway

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  199. Paying Attention

    This election is serious. Sports are for fun.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  200. Annie

    I am so sick of this whole mess: Biden should go to Michigan and spout about the team UP North – He will live to eat his words – Go Bucks -Bye Biden and that other guy too......

    GO BUCKS GO McCAIN !!

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  201. Connor

    Raspberries to the OH Repubs if they take a comment about sports as a political put down. They have been reading the Palin play book too much, to make everything word a sport metaphor. Yee gads.........................

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  202. Rob in vegas

    i can see how this sadly makes news these days, we've put far too much emphasis on such menial things like college sports...

    with that said, if someone is going to decide who they're voting on based on that persons choice of sports team, then we've got bigger problems with the people voting then i'd ever imagined possible. this is a sad day in our countries history if someone goes to the voting booth and says "i'm gonna vote for person X cause person Y likes Team ABC"

    i think i'm gonna go hide in a hole now and hope we make it out of this with some sort of learning lesson about priorities in life.

    September 19, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  203. Jedeki

    The Republicans are clutching at any straws they can. Of course Biden is going to support his home team. Which would you rather have? Someone who dons the hat of the local team and says he's behind them or someone who is willing to say he is proud of his home team?

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  204. Sabrina

    Sky.. Of course people favor thier own school, just a good idea to keep it to yourself. Biden is always putting his foot in his mouth. Another poor judgement on Obama's part McCain/Palin..

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  205. aware

    So, Biden has always had a foot in mouth problem! That is the risk Obama took in making him his VP! :)

    cari, FYI football is big!

    McCain/Palin 08! :)

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  206. Sarah.....and my last name isn't Palin!

    Huh?...this is a reach even for the republicans.

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  207. Betty

    So he supports his state's team. Big Deal! I think Ohio fans will understand that.

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  208. thomas

    People are sensitive to comments about their home grown, but this is just typical football banter. I don't think anyone from Ohio would be foolish enough to squander such an important vote over such nonsense.

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  209. Malbork

    Yes, those Ohio voters are so stupid that no issue, no experience, no character, and no qualification is nearly as important as Buckeye love. The Repubs certainly have it right on this one. And if anyone votes for Obama in MIchigan, those loyla Buckeye fans may not even allow registered Dems in Ohio to vote. You know what I love most about Repubs: they are so smart.

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  210. pdx mcgee

    The GOP is much more desperate than I thought! This is a pathetic waste of "news" space. He is FROM DELAWARE, remember?

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  211. matt b

    seriously... this is NOT news

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  212. Mo

    It must be a slow news day when you make too much about a college football comment! Do you think Ohioans take the Presidential Elections so lightly? Who would base the future of the contry in these turbulent times on a comment about football!

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  213. E

    Trash talk about college sports as a reason not to vote for a candidate? Mccain sure is getting desperate.

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  214. So What?

    It's amazing how stupid our country is

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  215. David, Silver Spring, MD

    Oh my gosh! That's like saying Spain is part of the Western hemisphere! That's like saying we might have to go to war with Russia! That's like saying you have foreign policy experience because you can see Russia from your house!

    I guess Biden should've said, "Because I'm in this state, I want this state's team to beat every other team in the country." Then he could never get in trouble.

    Or he could do like John McCain and say something like "I hope Ohio State trounces the Yankees! Go Saints!"

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  216. fella from Chicago

    Ah..yeah..left wing cosmopolitan non sports minded freaks. It makes a difference to sports crazed people in the midwest. The majority of college football powerhouse teams come from the southeast, midwest, and southwest which is McCain country. Don't let an northeastern elitist belittle a team from the midwest. It will cost you your boss some votes, Joe.

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  217. karen-phoenix

    These are college allumi talking to other college allumni!!!! Talk to the Fighting Irish of South Bend and you will hear the same thing!!!! College people understand this type of language!!! Get real people or get educated which something McCain and Pelin have no idea about!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  218. zack,new york, ny

    LOLOL! I love Biden!

    I read the headlines thinking he said something seriously dumb, but this is just Biden the football fan talking.

    SO WHAT!

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  219. John

    Anyone silly enough to base an important election on a pep-rally statement for a Div-1AA team thrashing a top ten Div-1 team (they don't even play each other) doesn't need to vote. Are Ohio fans that uptight that they think the statement bears any offensive weight? Come on! If Bob Bennett thinks the statement was a huge gaffe must then I've heard it all. And that says a lot during this election.

    September 19, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  220. RYAN kr Jr

    CNN, this is stupid. what a pathetic newsline...

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  221. Wake up America

    This is RIDICULOUS... :(

    Is this news?

    EVERYBODY supports their own school team... duh!

    People in Ohio won't choose to vote for McCain because of this.

    Enough said

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  222. Iowan that can think for himself

    It's football!! It's was his alma mater!! If people care about football so much that they are willing to vote against someone because he is cheering for a different football team, then these people are way too shollow and ignorant and they shouldn't be voting. Come one CNN, are you this board that you actually think that this is a election changing event. If you keep writing stories about this crap I will not give you the light of day. Be professional for christ sake and your job!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  223. Ellen in Ohio

    Oh HEEEEELLLLL NO! He did NOT insult our beloved Buckeyes!

    Sorry Obama, there's no way you'll win Ohio now...seriously! Football is religion here. What a boneheaded thing to say about a battleground state!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  224. Patrick Pritchard

    You peple are idiots. What is wrong with an alumni sticking up for his football team. You people need to get a life. QUit making a big deal out of something that doesn't matter. We have a hell of a lot more serious problems in this country.

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  225. Know the other side of Obama B4 U VOTE

    Ha Ha Ha Ha ha ha haha ha ha haHAHAHA A HA HA HA HA HA HA HAHA HAH

    What a BaaaaaFOON!

    Nice pick Obama. You should have picked Hillary!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  226. Bruce

    I can't believe you published this story. So juvenile.

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  227. Que Quedas

    man......is there anything else going on in thw world

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  228. thomas

    People are sensitive to comments about their home grown, but this is just typical football banter. I don't think anyone from Ohio would be foolish enough to squander such an important vote over such nonsense

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  229. Latina for Obama (nj)

    I like this guy!! he is just like one of us!!

    GO OBAMA GO BIDEN!!!

    YES WE CAN!! YES WE CAN!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  230. Daniel

    If the people of Ohio are that stupid, that they vote based on who is or is not a Buckeye fan, then they deserve that dithering old man and the washed up homecoming queen that the GOP is running. On top of that, I've lived in Ohio...it's a dump!

    Bayou Joe...are you serious? Do you think that moron Palin is going to kick Joe's butt in a debate? I hope someone helps her figure out what the Bush doctrine is by then!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  231. Joe PA

    Well Ohio State does Suck!!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  232. Brandon - Gahanna, Ohio

    Tiffany, that's exactly what I was thinking.

    I'm an all-around Buckeye fan, but you know what, I'll still be voting Obama/Biden. Their sports team preferences are not what I base my vote on. I think it's absolutely ludicrous to take a story like this and politicize it. It sounds like something McSame & Daily Scandal Palin would try to do, and probably will be doing on the news this evening or tomorrow. Come on people.

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  233. G.I. Castillo-Feliu/Rock Hill, SC

    Oh no! we're back to the pettiness of last week.... pigs and lipstick, now angry Buckeyes (or, next time, Spartans, Wolverines, etc., etc.). Grow up! Let's stick to the REAL issues.

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  234. ohio state undergrad

    So what, it's a sports team, I would be supporting Ohio State football as well. Get over it republicans if you really think that's going to change The Ohio States student bodies mind. HA!

    GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and BIDEN way to stick to your support your almamator , that shows loyalty and pride, I would do the same.

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  235. Matt

    Way to lay th etrap Joe!!! Now McCain's camp sounds even stupider by trying to turn football trash talk into political leverage.

    Here's some advice McCain campaign: when you think you've got a good hook, count to 10 before speaking...if it still sounds liek a good idea to open your yappers, go ahead. I fully expect McCain's campaign to be very very quiet if they take this advice.

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  236. Megan from San Diego

    This might be the stupidest story you have ever put on the ticker and the fact that the McCain campaign responded to it is even more pathetic and shows thier panic.

    It is football season you fools, everyone talks like that!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  237. georgia independent

    C'mon down to Georgia Joe and diss UGA or GA Tech – I don't care either way, but at least you'd get someone else talking about Democrats down here!

    Doesn't anyone else think this is just dumb considering the issues at hand?

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  238. Amanda

    I'm from Ohio, and currently living in another battleground state, Nevada. I really hope that no one from my home state is dumb or stubborn enough to make a huge decision like who our next President will be, based on a football team, no matter how big a Buckeye's fan you are.

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  239. Ryan from New Mexico

    HE'S is Obviously AN EXCELLENT PICK FOR THE HUSSIEN OBAMA CAMPAIGN!!!!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  240. mitchell

    good grief! i guess my baby polar bear message flamed out,huh? does alaska know about football?

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  241. Jack

    I'm an OSU grad and a big Buckeye fan, but I take no offense in Joe's comments – he's just being loyal to his home team. After the way we played against USC, he might even be right!

    Obama 08 / Yes We Can!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  242. Anonymous

    If folks in Ohio (or any where, for that matter) base their decisions on whether or not a candidate supports their favorite football team, then it's time to take away some of their electoral votes. Or they can move toTennessee.

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  243. AS IF

    this is waaaaay too petty! AS IF!!

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  244. Lesley

    What nonsense! It's clearly a sports thing. How about reporting on Biden's speech to women today! A really worthy story. Am I reading CNN or something cooked up by Fox News? I can't tell anymore.

    September 19, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  245. Marilyn

    Why is this news? Biden is always putting his foot in his mouth!

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  246. californian in ohio

    you've got to be kidding me. why is cnn even publishing this republican-manufactured story? how pathetic are the republicans for thinking the ohio electorate is dumb enough to elect them because of some college football trash talking?

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  247. marty

    Who cares..........the people of America are wasting their time listening and judgeing the crap that comes out of these morons mouths.
    WHO CARES!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  248. Sudesh Rahi, NJ

    CNN, this is the news you have to report? With everything going on in this country and around the world (which i've seen CNN rarely cover in the US), you have this comment about football?????? Come on, can you be professional newsreporters for once??!!

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  249. A Boston

    C'mon we're all adults. Jokes are jokes and the seriousness is the economy. The media quick to make something out of nothing. Bottom line is we can't afford McClueless on economy to run the country into the ground.

    OBAMA/BIDEN 08

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  250. N Smith

    THIS IS A STUPID STORY. The RNC's response is even MORE stupid, if possible. This is a potshot?? Wow. Next.

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  251. Wendy

    Slow news day?

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  252. oswanegan

    Bush is a huge Lorghorns fan so what... Delware<the OSU... c'mon this is silly season.

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  253. Tom

    Oh, come on! It's only sports! This kind of school-to-school light hearted bickering has been going on for 100 years. Only a dim bulb would change their vote because a candidate was boosting a rival school. And the dim-bulbs are already supporting McCain/Palin. So it effects nothing!

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  254. Dameun Strange

    If that is what Ohioans will vote on in November then they deserve a lousy economy. Look people want to vote on issues. The Republicans can use this, if they want but it will only prove what we have seen already. They have little grasp of the issues and have no new ideas.

    Football or jobs? you pick, OHIO.

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  255. Kurt in PA

    Yeah, football is exactly what I base my presidential vote on! Please, Republicans, keep trying...

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  256. Thunderstruck

    The thought that someone's decision to vote could possibly be based on which football team a candidate is rooting for is RIDICULOUS. Given that the country is facing one of the worst economic downturns in its HISTORY, it is baffling to me that people will nitpick a candidates comment on a sports team, and does it really matter how he said it? It's sports for crying out loud people, who doesn't talk trash when it comes to sports? People need to stop looking at the petty attacks and look at how the candidates decisions will affect their lives. If you're fine with another 4 years of economic downturn and war, then by all means focus on the trivial.

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  257. Reese of NC

    I know some people take football very seriously, but this is ridiculous. We are not voting on who has the best football team. We are voting on who can lead this country to a better future for ourselves, our children, and the world. We are supposedly the greatest country in the world. Maybe we should start acting like it. Great power can be attained through war and peace, but the power attained by peace is long standing and transforms people for the better. The greatest thinkers of our time were men of peace. The greatest tyrants were men of war.

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  258. Al

    Joe Biden is very real, very human guy. I love to hear him talk in normal way, without much of political reservations. Everybody having sense should feel simpathy.

    As for issues – well, it's so simple, "Bush or no-Bush" is now same as "to be or not to be".

    This is not a brainer... read news, read books, and (if you not a complete TV-jusk couch-potato) – think a little.

    Obama/Biden 2008

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  259. Piero

    Simply pathetic that the Ohio GOP even made a deal out of the comment.

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  260. Emster

    CNN – don't you think your headline is horribly misleading? Please stop trying to stir up false controversies!

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  261. Disbelief

    I am a huge supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. If you live in Nebraska and you aren't, they ship you to Iowa. I love college football.

    That said, any person who bases his vote on something completely idiotic like this does not deserve a vote. There should be a questionnaire when people register to vote where they ask, "Would something like this sway your vote?" Anybody who answers, "yes" immediately loses the right to vote for ten years.

    STUPID!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  262. Phil Newton in Murphy, Oregon

    Puhleeeeze.

    Now we have lipstick on a pigskin.

    It's the ECONOMY, stupid!

    September 19, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  263. Alaska will Nuke Russia

    It is so lopsided in negative news for the GOP that CNN is begining to manufacture news for Reps.to read.

    They have to remain fair and balanced so they are digging REALLY deep to find bad things on the Obama-Biden side to satisfy Neo-Con bloggers!
    Obamanut

    September 19, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  264. April

    Are you kidding me? Our economy is in shambles but Ohio voters are going to vote based on an off-the-cuff remark regarding sports? Give me a break CNN. Maybe the candidates would focus more specifically on the issues if they knew the media would follow suit.

    September 19, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  265. Rich

    It would be a problem, albeit a marginal one, if Delaware were a I-A team. But it's not, so people in both states know he was just being his endearing goofball self.

    By the way, these are moderated comments? You could have fooled me, give what I am seeing.

    September 19, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  266. Millie Gee

    News.....really? Sounds like some folks are desperate.

    September 19, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  267. Team America

    I love how these liberal hippies are turning this around on McCain. Just admit that your VP is an idiot and move on. The point is....Biden should've known better than to say something like that in a battleground state. A statement like that can only do harm. Yup, Dems, your VP F'ed up again. Just deal with it; quit acting like babies.

    September 19, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  268. NOSS

    Biden acts like a Man on a Mission to implode
    and declare his bizarre behavior a side effect of
    another unfortunate brain aneurysym

    September 19, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  269. dollorbil

    Childish thinking from Ohio is not suprising. I am sure that Ohio fans think their team will thrash the Blue Hens tisk!!! tisk!!!!

    September 19, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |