September 19, 2008
Posted: 07:30 PM ET

From
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.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Joe Biden • Popular Posts


dollorbil   September 19th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

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

NOSS   September 19th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

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

Team America   September 19th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

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.

Millie Gee   September 19th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

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

Rich   September 19th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

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.

April   September 19th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

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.

Alaska will Nuke Russia   September 19th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

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

Phil Newton in Murphy, Oregon   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Puhleeeeze.

Now we have lipstick on a pigskin.

It's the ECONOMY, stupid!

Disbelief   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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!!!

Emster   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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

Piero   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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

Al   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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

Reese of NC   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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.

Thunderstruck   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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.

Kurt in PA   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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

Dameun Strange   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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.

Tom   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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!

oswanegan   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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

Wendy   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Slow news day?

N Smith   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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

A Boston   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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

Sudesh Rahi, NJ   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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??!!

marty   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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

californian in ohio   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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?

Marilyn   September 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

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

Lesley   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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.

AS IF   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

this is waaaaay too petty! AS IF!!

Anonymous   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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.

Jack   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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!

mitchell   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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

Ryan from New Mexico   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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

Amanda   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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.

georgia independent   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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?

Megan from San Diego   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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!!!!

Matt   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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.

ohio state undergrad   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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.

G.I. Castillo-Feliu/Rock Hill, SC   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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.

Brandon - Gahanna, Ohio   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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.

Joe PA   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Well Ohio State does Suck!!!!!

Daniel   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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!

Latina for Obama (nj)   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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

GO OBAMA GO BIDEN!!!

YES WE CAN!! YES WE CAN!!!

thomas   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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

Que Quedas   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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

Bruce   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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

Know the other side of Obama B4 U VOTE   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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!

Patrick Pritchard   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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.

Ellen in Ohio   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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!

Iowan that can think for himself   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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!!!

Wake up America   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

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

RYAN kr Jr   September 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

CNN, this is stupid. what a pathetic newsline…

John   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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.

zack,new york, ny   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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!

karen-phoenix   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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!!!

fella from Chicago   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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.

David, Silver Spring, MD   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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!"

So What?   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

It's amazing how stupid our country is

E   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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

Mo   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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!

matt b   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

seriously… this is NOT news

pdx mcgee   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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

Malbork   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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.

thomas   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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.

Betty   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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

Sarah.....and my last name isn't Palin!   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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

aware   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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! :)

Sabrina   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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..

Jedeki   September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

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?

Rob in vegas   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

Connor   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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…………………….

Annie   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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 !!

Paying Attention   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

This election is serious. Sports are for fun.

Pittsburgh   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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

Whynotus, PA   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

Renea B.   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

"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

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

Anna PA   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kate   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

Dianne   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

Scy   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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???

Nikita   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

bk   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

Joe Unger, San Francisco   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

Anne   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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?

Donna in California   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Is this the best story you've got CNN?

Kevin in Portsmouth, OH   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

Ridiculous   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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.

Joey D   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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

LATINOS for PALIN   September 19th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

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

SimonSays   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

locker room talk is now political discussion? get a life

mike   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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.

Let's Unite   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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.

SCOTT   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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.

Bruce Jamison   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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

josh   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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

briwil   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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.

ln   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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.

AJ from Houston, Texas   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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!

Former Republican for Obama/Biden   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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?

Darla (Edmonton, Canada)   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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!

ex-Hillary backer for OBAMA   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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…

Change versus More of the Same   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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

michael   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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!

Dr. Vincent J. Petrosino   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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.

Marc   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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.

Hank   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

he's probably right, ohio st sucks

Peter   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

more NON NEWS from CNN

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

Raul Dominguez   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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!

Mickie in PA   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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?

ANGIE   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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!!!!!!!!!!!

MinFL   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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?

Jude   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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!!!

Independent Just Decided to Vote for Obama   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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.

ARMY WIFE/ SOCCER MOM!!   September 19th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

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

MCCAIN/PALIN 2008

Bob Indianapolis, IN   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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…

David   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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.

Jennifer NY   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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

Alex Camargo   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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.

Greg in Annapolis   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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.

Jason - Ohio   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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.

Joe   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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

Len   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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

Coop   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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!

tulsa   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

You're kidding, right?

Mark in Austin   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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.

Emma   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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–?

CitizenAJ   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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!

Joseph   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Obama = LOWER taxes for 95% of the US.

peackarack = ignoramus

Chris from Michigan   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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.

Jennifer NY   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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

Bruce   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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.

Marquise   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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

spiveyivey   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

You are really reaching on this one!

Too afraid to give a name   September 19th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

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.

latino   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

hurriCAIN PALIN   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

made, probamas=idiocy

Jim, IN   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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.

The most trusted name in hackery   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

…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!!!…

Griff   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Bill Gates for President!!!

park more   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

Anonymous   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

KJ, CA   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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!

Seriously?   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

Mary   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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.

Anonymous   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Why did Obama pick Biden? Why?

Suzanne   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

Los   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Sorry, I don't follow basketball

Never let them see you sweat....   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

Tony Radell   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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!

Georgia Gal   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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??

Huh...   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

rin   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

John in VA   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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!

Let's rebuild this country   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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

Go OBAMA-BIDEN 08

cari   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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.

Brian, New York   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

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.

Billy   September 19th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

OMG, the election is over because of football….

get real.

HMMA   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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

Brina   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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

the other jd   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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.

Linda   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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.

Me   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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!

jdm   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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!

Obama Jr   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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…!!

Ric from NM   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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

Matt   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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.

Sarah   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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.

CNN, What are You Thinking?   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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!!!!!!

Jon   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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

Kiah G   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

……………..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!

Iam4mycountry   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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.

cari   September 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

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.

MEEKA   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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

Steve   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

This is really a non-issue.

More of a cute story than a newsmaking politcal headline.

Watching this election closely...   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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! :(

One vote   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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!

Tony   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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!

Donna   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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…..

I'll take 4 more years of "Bush" vs Obama!!   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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.

fixthebroken   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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.

Suzie   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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!!!

GIVE ME A BREAK   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

GIVE
ME
A
BREAK!!!!

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

Silly season is in full effect.

pam Eugene OR   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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

Chesapeake, Va   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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.

peakarack   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

OBAMA=TAX AND SPEND=DISASTER.

NO WAY! NO HOW! NOBAMA!

Jim, IN   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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!"

Independant (Ohio)for Obama/Biden   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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!

Who Cares!   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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

Oh GOD!!!   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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!

Helene   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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

Tiffany   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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!

deb in Glenside PA   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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.

Anonymous   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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

Abigail   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

GO SALUKIS!!!

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

hurriCAIN PALIN   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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

to all of ohio.

HSNP   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

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

Joe   September 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Where is Hillary?

Biden is a loser.

Cindy in the Carolinas   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

GO FU!!! Furman University that is.

CNN= CONSTANT NON NEWS   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Biggest NON-STORY of the DAY…

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

John Driscoll   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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

Jerry   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

This is sports banter. Why is this a story?

Sue/PA   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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

Kevin PA   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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

Independent for O'Bama   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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.

Elana, Melbourne Florida   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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.

Truthiswhatweneed   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Come-on CNN!!

Obama/Biden-08

Reality   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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 !!!

Kel in Auburn, AL   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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

Tony   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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!

Tejano   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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.

JDM   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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?

James   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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).

Brett   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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?

William in Mount Dora FL   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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!

Palin hates Bullwinkle   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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

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

Proud Obamatron,Obamanut,Obamabot

sheri   September 19th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

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

Adam   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

Laura   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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.

Ginger   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

sly   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

peakarack   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

THANK YOU JOE! FOR INSULT PEOPLE OF OHIO.

MCCAIN/PALIN 08!

kjb   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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.

Vinny   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

mitchell   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

dee   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

JP   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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!

Keith, Wake Forest NC   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

GO BLUE HENS!!! :-)

You cant be serious   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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.

Ex-mod-GOP for Obama   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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.)

MD in ND   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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.

JD in NC   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

RDS   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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?!

Ted   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

Tom   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

Chris   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

Justin, ny   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

Abby   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

Nando, Florida   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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

Gorbashov   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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?

Open Your 3rd Eye   September 19th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

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.

Adam KC, KS   September 19th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

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

Independent   September 19th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

DA heck?! This is stupid.

IndyVoter   September 19th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

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

The American Dream is Alive and Well   September 19th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

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!

PA voter   September 19th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

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!

ken   September 19th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

All I can do is lol!

Vegas Barbie for Obama   September 19th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

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).

Brian L   September 19th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

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.

Madeleine   September 19th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Biden, gaffs and laughs we can rely on.

Sue   September 19th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

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

Independent supporting Obama   September 19th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

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.

Linda31   September 19th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

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.

Support the fight to free America from GOP   September 19th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

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

Elizabeth in Texas   September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

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

arnolde   September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

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

L   September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

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

Tiffany   September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

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.

Tony   September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

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!

Support the fight to free America from GOP   September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

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

Roland   September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

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

sky   September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

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

Wisdom   September 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

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?

Bayou Joe   September 19th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

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.

Joseph   September 19th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

It's sports…sheesh.

Fight On!

Jeff in Illinois   September 19th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

OH – IO-BAMA!

Sweetgreen   September 19th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

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.

Terry, Dallas Texas   September 19th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

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.

Michael   September 19th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

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

temi   September 19th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

MCCAIN SAID HIS PRESIDENTIAL RACE WAS COS OF AMBITION

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