MESILLA, New Mexico (CNN) – In his strongest attack on Sarah Palin to date, Joe Biden let loose on Sarah Palin’s comments about “pro-America” parts of the country. “We are all patriotic!” he shouted, adding that he’s tired of Republicans insinuating that Barack Obama isn’t patriotic.
Watch: 'We all love this country,' says Biden
“It’s disappointing, and I hope it was just a slip on her part and she doesn’t really mean it,” said Biden to several hundred supporters at an outdoor rally in this sleepy southern New Mexico town. “But she said, it was reported she said, that she likes to visit “pro-American” parts of the country."
At a fundraiser in Greensboro, North Carolina Thursday night, Palin told donors, “We believe that the best of America is not all in Washington, D.C. We believe that the best of America is in the small towns that we get to visit, and in the wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, very pro-America areas of this great nation.”
The Delaware senator said no matter where people live, everyone loves America, pointing to the fact that he’s never been to a state that hasn’t sent its sons and daughters to serve the country.
“One of the reasons why Barack and I are running is that we know how damaging the politics of division [is] that continues to be practiced by the McCain campaign, how damaging this policy of division has been for Americans over the last decade,” said Biden.” It’s time to put this behind us.”
“We are one nation, under God, indivisible. We are all patriotic!” he shouted above the applause of the crowd. “We all love our country in every part of this nation! And I'm tired. I am tired, tired, tired, tired of the implications about patriotism.”
Palin later walked back her comments with reporters on her campaign plane, saying “Every area, every area across this great country where we're stopping and where also the other ticket is stopping and getting to speak at these rallies and speak with the good Americans, it's all pro-America.”
“She’s right. Every crowd we get is pro-American, every crowd she gets pro-American,” Biden told CNN’s Gary Tuchman after being read her quote, adding that he accepts her “clarification.”
Friday’s rally was Biden’s first since the Wednesday night debate between Obama and John McCain when the Arizona senator shot back at the Democratic nominee’s attempts to link him to George Bush by saying, “If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago.”
Biden responded Friday with a quote from his mother, saying, “She said, 'Honey if it looks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, if it walks like a duck, it’s a duck.'"
“Well ladies and gentlemen, in these last three debates it looked like a duck to me, folks," said Biden.
He also told his supporters there’s reason to be encouraged by the Democratic ticket's lead in the polls, but “this election is very, very, very, very, far from over.”
“This administration is, has bequeathed, I think, the tactics of Karl Rove to the McCain [campaign],” Biden said. “You’re going to see some pretty tough stuff, pretty tough stuff in these last two weeks, so we cannot let up.”
From CNN Politics
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Thank you, Senator Biden, for reminding us that there is more that unites us than divides us, and for reminding Sarah Palin that the tired Rovian political strategy of pitting us against each other while they rob us blind is not going to work this time. Our eyes are open and we can see.
Pro-America? Runs a little contrary to Todd's buch of cesession buddies, you know, the ones Gov. Palin speaks to. Maybe we should remind them of the old bumper sticker "America: Love It Or Leave It!" I love my country, so I won't be voting for Sen. McCain and Co-Gov. Sarah Palin!
I am tired of hearing this nonsense about Pro-America too. Small towns are great. But what is wrong with Cities and SubUrbs? I live in San DIego, CA. All my neighbours are hard working Americans.
Yes, there is more diversity in big cities and that is what is enriching about living in them. Please do not demonize us.
Keep talking, Sarah.
Every time you open your mouth the GOP sinks a little deeper.
You are a gift that keeps on giving.
Tell 'em Joe! I am so sick of this woman. I wish she would just go back to Alaska so she can be impeached!
Obama/Biden '08 – vote early and avoid the crowds Nov. 4
You tell 'em, Joe!
Obama-Biden '08 and '12
Sarah Palin is a disgrace to the USA. She is very devisive and there is no place for her in American politics. She needs to go back to Alaska & watch Russia from her backyard. She is the reason I refuse to vote for McCain.
Another slip-up from Sarah Palin, I wonder what John McCain was thinking when he chose her. I guess he'll have to clear this up as well. So I guess the rest of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is unpatriotic.
Hey Sarah, Do I live in one of the non-pro-american area's of the country because my state is leaning Obama? How dare you!
Obama + Joe for the sake of the rest of the world if you please.
Palin/McCain the dividers. Just what this country needs are candidates that will work, and work hard, to divide the country. We're all pro-American. We shouldn't allow anyone to question our patriotism. Hope. Unity. Progressive Change. Obama/Biden, the ALL American candidate.
Palin's comment is another example of her inability to be thoughtful in her responses and speaking. Imagine how she could insult leaders of other countries with casual slips like that.
Be gentle with her Joe, Sarah has no clue what she is saying. Remember, she is not accustomed to dealing with people outside of the AIP.
Go Biden! It is very nice to hear the things so many of us are feeling being said by the VP choice of Obama! Palin is not the only one who can attack. The difference is that Palin attacks with lies and ignorance. Biden was right on target!
Obama/Biden 2008!
why aren't the democrats hammering the "Country First" man for this reckless and dangerous choice. Nobody is doing their job getting people to focus on this choice and it really means to have Palin run America.
It's the truth, what is Pro – American? What does an american look like? It's all pretty ridiculous to me.
After the numerous hate comments spoken by Palin, I doubt I'll ever vote Repulican again!
I'm voting straight Democrat this year...time for change all around!!
Good job Biden! Democrats need to be loud and proud that there is nothing unpatriotic about being a liberal or voting Democrat. It's a stereotype that has gone on far to long. Certain Republican's need to stop hiding behind the sacrifices of the soldiers they claim to support.
Get her Joe!
This pro-American concerned citizen will be voting for the "socialists" on Nov 4.
Palin's comments are simply treacherous! She is inciting rage and anger and Biden was right to call her stupid, foolish self on it.
What about the half million Americans that live in Washington? Do they not meet up to Sarah Palin's standards of being pro-America.
I think it's horrible that Sarah Palin comes to Ground Zero in New York and say how honored she is to be there and then knock everyone who doesn't live in a small town as soon as she leaves. If the East Coast was American enough for al-Qaeda, then it's American enough for me.
Apparently the Republicans are most concerned making scared peopleof San Francisco, Chicago and Washington then addressing actual policy issues.
Palin was talking about the government in DC vs the people in america. She was saying how greed and corruption has gotten out of control in DC and saying the people outside the government are the good parts of america. Palin has been taken out of context once again.
I can't stand Palin's lies.