November 3, 2008
Posted: November 3rd, 2008 06:13 PM ET

From
Sen. Biden admitted he is superstitious and denied any gaffes Monday.
Sen. Biden admitted he is superstitious and denied any gaffes Monday.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio (CNN) – For the first time in almost two months, Joe Biden came back on his campaign plane to talk to reporters, denying that he has ever made a ‘gaffe’ that has harmed the campaign.

“For all the stuff about gaffes, I don't think there have been any real gaffes,” Biden told reporters, taken aback by the rare appearance, who crowded around him in the aisle of the plane. “I mean I don't see anything in your polling data demonstrating any of that stuff you guys love to write about.”

When the talkative senator was asked if he’s relieved he has stayed relatively away from any big gaffes, he countered that he has never made any.

“You guys love saying that about me but I tell you what, just look at the numbers,” Biden argued. “I don't have any problem with what I've said, and there's nothing I've said that I would back off of.”

Republicans have been quick to jump on Biden’s off-message comments in the past two months, quickly blasting them out by e-mail to reporters and labeling them ‘gaffes.’ Former Republican presidential contender Rudy Giuliani said Sunday that Biden has been one of the GOP’s best surrogates.

The Delaware senator said he would not comment on winning or losing, blaming longtime superstition (“from the time I was a young athlete,” he said). But asked about Pennsylvania, he quickly added that he knows the state well and if he had to, would bet on winning it.

What about Ohio, Missouri and Indiana, all states where polls are tighter?

“Indiana, I don't want to bet you on either. I mean, I think we can win all three. Am I ready to bet my daughter's graduate school tuition on it? Nope. If I had to bet you on Pennsylvania, I'd bet it,” said Biden.

“Democrats have not done well in those states, but there's something in the air, guys...there’s pace on the ball.

“...Have you ever seen an election with this much intensity? I don't mean the candidates. I mean the people. I've never seen anything with this much intensity,” he said. “The issues are on our side. Presumptuous to say this, I think we've run a really good campaign, he said, adding later: “But I'm superstitious, and I'm getting the hell out of here.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • Joe Biden • John McCain


David   November 3rd, 2008 7:19 pm ET

"If the John McCain of 2000 saw today's counterpart, he wouldn't recognize himself," the Board wrote. "McCain is no longer a GOP maverick, or the war hero whose principles were unwavering. He has flip-flopped on issues ranging from tax cuts to torture in an effort to win over the conservative base of his party. He has waged a dismal campaign based on fear and divisiveness."

This is an objective statement and if we look objectively at the two choices we should all be coming to this conclusion.

I like Obama myself because he is young and looking to the future. He is both aware of and able to use today's technology and understands the global economy and what needs to be done in order to be a leader in this type of economy.

In addition, he has built upon his limited experience by running an almost flawless campaign. He has raised money and recruited and army of volunteers and paid staff that have emboldened his campaign and put him the strong position he finds himself in today.

Compare the types of campaigns each has run and then decide who should run this country-Obama clearly comes out on top.

David   November 3rd, 2008 7:17 pm ET

I like Biden and in reference to gaffes I think it all depends on how you try to spin the words.

The Republicans have taken everything out of context and it has been proven that they are misleading in what they say or that they outright lie.

Bidens "testing" comments were taken out of context as is Obama's voting record, tax policy, relationship with Ayers, the 2001 radio interview, etc.

If we read everything we get the whole picture and not someone's spin.

Good Luck Vice President Biden! May the righteous winds of change continue to blow your way.

onelove   November 3rd, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Fred, please go look in the mirror.

57yr old w female in NC   November 3rd, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Good Job
Barbara – 65 yr old white female in NC
Thanks Joe

No more slash and burn. NO MORE HATE

Send the divisive, negative, hate, fear, war-mongering rats back to Alaska and Arizona.
NO MORE HATE !!! Enough

I agree 100%
They are already writing books (volume 1-10) on how not to Run a trash Campaign like McShame and Pelin....

God Bless America
Obama 08

Smarter than the GOP   November 3rd, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Joe frightening? LOL wow you are really ignorant! the people voting for McCain because of Palin are the frightening ones.

Ron was a REP now a DEM   November 3rd, 2008 7:09 pm ET

What a perfect compliment to Sen Biden is to Sen. Obama

Jo-Ann..New York   November 3rd, 2008 7:09 pm ET

May God bless and comfort Senator Obama and his family in their hours of sorrow.

kim   November 3rd, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Obamas campaign has been just as egregious in vitriol as McCains. In fact "crown obama king" is exactly why I'm voting for McCain. At least I know where McCain stands. I am not rich, but I am educated, neither candidate can balance the budget with the proposals they have presented. However, the overall violence of the left's rhetoric has moved this independent to the right a bit more (and many other silent independents are voting for McCain because of the far left.
Good luck to who ever wins becuase it is most likely to be the worst 4 years of there life trying to save this country.

Harry C   November 3rd, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Interesting isn't it , the only thing the republicans have to campaign on is either what Obama has said or what Biden has supposedly made gaffe's about. What a shame these two Republican Nuts have nothing else to say. GO OBAMA! Trust me folks tomorrow will be a Historical Landslide Victory for Obama/Biden.

Harry C   November 3rd, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Interesting isn't it , the only thing the republicans have to campaign on is either what Obama has said or what Biden has supposedly made gaffe's about. What a shame these two Republican Nuts have nothing else to say. GO OBAMA! Trust me folks tomorrow will be a Historical Landslide for Obama/Biden.

Mac Is Back   November 3rd, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Obama made a big blunder not picking Hillary Clinton to run as his VP.

She is definately smarter than Biden. Biden has definately hurt

Obama's Vote

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 3rd, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Joe Biden is a great Senator and has run a great VP race, but then again he was running against a very uneducated Palin. John McCain's judgement is certainly questionable when it comes to Palin but then again John McCain isn't an educator himself which both set a poor example when we are stressing education to our children. My grandson is 10 years old and view McCain and Palin as not so smart, but then again my grandson's IQ has been tested and exceeds the norm for his age.

Justin   November 3rd, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Let's get our facts here straight people! John Mccain has voted with Bush at least 90% of the time! How can anyone in there right mind vote for Mccain! I'm sorry but I cant take another 4 years of this. Whether Mccain wants to admit it or not, he has said nothing that he will do different! Wake up America! And vote for the real change! OBAMA-BIDEN in 08!

Put A Muzzle on It!   November 3rd, 2008 7:00 pm ET

To Florida For Obama (6:39)

Perhaps, I like Bush.

Perhaps, I like McCain & Palin.

Perhaps, I'm educated and gainfully employed.

Perhaps, I am financially secure, and the ecnomy is NOT my #1 issue.

John McCain will keep this country safe!!!!

Mike   November 3rd, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Has Biden joined Obama in his threat to bankrupt any power company that builds another coal plant?

Ray   November 3rd, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Biden does have a Rendell-esque tendency to make off the cuff comments that make his supporters cringe just a little bit, thinking "I really hope that doesn't get the swing voters mad." because you never know what the media is going to go off about.

At the end of the day though, he's a refreshing, bright guy, who's served his state well, and will do a fine job as VP.

I hope they bring back the third term for Obama - God knows we need him.

rob   November 3rd, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Biden voted for the Iraq war and only flipped when the going got tough, typical Dem. Remember Obama was the "Only Candidate" who would end the war immediately. Joe Biden couldn't get more than single digits in his party's primary and he's been muzzled for the last week or so. He was a horrific pick by Obama. He was sold a s the foreign policy "expert" to cover for Obama's lack of experience. but he is the least capable person of the four by far and will have little or no input in an Obama admin.

Peter (CA)   November 3rd, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Biden is a smart guy. Smart people sometimes "empty out" their brain when they get going and say things that come off as gaffes.
It's human nature.

People without intellectual curiousity come off as knowing nothing and try to dance around issues with some cute line or, in a certain person's case, a wink.

I would rather have the smart guy be a heartbeat away.

pa.joe   November 3rd, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Vote!

LJ   November 3rd, 2008 6:50 pm ET

I pray to God if Obama gets elected nothing happens to him, because
we will be in trouble if Biden becomes President. He's an idiot

A Sousley   November 3rd, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Yes, and the quote about Barack being tested that no one ever bothered talking about was the fact that Lieberman said the exact same thing about McCain in June on Meet the Press. But we don't talk about that.

Vet4McCain   November 3rd, 2008 6:48 pm ET

You all may love the gaffer. You all may hate Joe the plumber, but a good plumber knows things don't trickle up!

Vet4McCain   November 3rd, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Let's rebuild from the bottom up. Of course I'm not sure how we'll fund it , but let's do it!

Santa Fean   November 3rd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

At least Biden believes in science. Palin says man walked with dinosaurs!
As a conservative there is NO WAY I can vote for a 72 year old man and a right wing nut like Palin. What was McCain thinking? Oh yeah, he was listening to the far, far right....sean/rush/billo.

rufus   November 3rd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Silly Sarah for President!

Please write-in Silly Sarah for President

HP   November 3rd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Obama made a big mistake, when he didn't ask Hillary Clinton to run as his VP. She is definately more competent than Biden. It will hurt him at the Election.

Schneider (I) - CA   November 3rd, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Obama's campaign has been constructive, uplighting, unifying and positive. The McCain campaign has been destructive, oppressive, divisive and negative. So I guess it is no surprise that McCain supporters are nasty and mean spirited, with absolutely nothing good to say about Obama. Obama may disagree over issues and policies with McCain, but he was always respectful. McCain barely talked issues, instead opting for a campaign of mud-slinging and lies. Rather than say why he should be President, McCain just spread lies to paint a fake picture of why Obama shouldn't be President. That is why he will lose tomorrow.

Dr. Mimi De La Cruz   November 3rd, 2008 6:45 pm ET

JOE IS AN INCREDIBLY GOOD & HONEST MAN,

NOT TO MENTION LOVING & INTELLIGENT. HE

HAS BEEN GOOD FOR THE CAMPAIGN & COUNTRY.

Uncle Fester   November 3rd, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Ridgeway
The something in the air is the vile stench of the lies and smears
being spewed by the Hate Talk Express

Lyndon,CA   November 3rd, 2008 6:44 pm ET

I don't think Joe can keep his big mouth closed for much longer without putting his foot in.

Peggy - TX   November 3rd, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Biden is accustom to speaking exactly what is on his mind, with out a need to filter because he only speaks the truth, but then sometimes his words could be better chosen as they sometimes lend to distortion. Unlike Palin and McCain, Biden does not have to be concerned about a gaffe that exposes the truth. Biden is real. There is no mask, no hidden weakness, no hidden corrupt moral agenda and this why Biden so extraordinarily well respected and Americans predominately have a high level of confidence in him. However, Biden does lacks Obama’s extraordinary ability to motivate or genius level comprehension of the complexities of Government, which is also why Biden is number 2 and not number one, as it should be.

Sylvia   November 3rd, 2008 6:43 pm ET

The American people will kick Bush's butt to the curb from the White House and make room for the new President, Barrack Obama, tomorrow.

I am so relieved that i will not see McCain or Palin's face on TV after tomorrow. For the first time in my life, I am proud to be American.

OBAMA/BIDEN

A NATION OF WINERS   November 3rd, 2008 6:43 pm ET

JOE THE SENATOR, FATHER & STATESMAN HAS

NOT HURT THE CAMPAIGN. HE IS THE MAN MCSAME

WISHES & PRETENDS TO BE. JOE IS GREAT. LOVE HIM !!!!

JOE HAS HELPED THE CAMPAIGN & WILL HELP OBAMA

GET US OUT OF THE HOLE BUSH & MCBUSH HAVE DUG FOR US.

Boricua4Obama   November 3rd, 2008 6:42 pm ET

This is the only Joe I like in this election.

OBAMA/JOE THE SENATOR 2008!!

Helen Ingram   November 3rd, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Joe Biden is great because he has good ideas and intergrity; he is only wordy as he is working things out as he speaks which is often a "fenale" trait.

Both he and Obam are cleverer and most importnatly bigger peoplel and more on the cutting edge than McCain/Palin

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   November 3rd, 2008 6:42 pm ET

I'm a grandmother that put my grandson thru high school.

I'm sorry Barack lost his grandmother on the day before he becomes President of the United States.

I know she will rest well, knowing she did the right thing. Just like I did, and just like a lot of you.

We didn't marry millionires to get us what we wanted, we worked for the people that stood little chance of even surviving.

LJ   November 3rd, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Please God If anything happens to Obama, We will be in trouble if Biden becomes President. I can't bear the possibility.

Lisa P   November 3rd, 2008 6:41 pm ET

When Joe's VP I hope they let him out of his undisclosed location every once in a while to schmooze with the press. I love his rhetorical flourishes, even when he's being deliberately misquoted. Though the FDR/television/stock market crash thing? O.K., maybe just a little historical review beforehand would be of help... :-D

Unites States Of America 4 McCain   November 3rd, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Hey Democrats! see youself in the mirror!! Admit that your WRONG, this is just another example!
McCain Palin for Victory!

Florida for Obama   November 3rd, 2008 6:39 pm ET

How is Biden frightening? Why? Because he gave women more rights? Because we fought for equal wage for women and fought to help women who have been abused?

Get real Republicans. Look at your candidate and VP. The whole world is scared of these two GOP clowns. 4 more years of Bush policy, US credibility will be down the drain.

cameroon/west africa   November 3rd, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Senator MCcain will get up wednesday morning and realized he is no longer white but blue. GO BLUE ARIZONA BLUE IS BEAUTIFUL BABY!

Ridgeway   November 3rd, 2008 6:36 pm ET

He's right "there's something in the air" ! It's the smell of his running mate's tax and economic plans. In fact the only distinctive thing about Hussein is the smell of his rotting arrogance and elistist snobishness.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   November 3rd, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Thanks Joe

No more slash and burn. NO MORE HATE

Send the devisive, negative, hate, fear, war-mongering rats back to Alaska and Arizona.

NO MORE HATE !!! Enough

Colin   November 3rd, 2008 6:36 pm ET

GET OUT AND VOTE TOMORROW FOR REAL CHANGE!!!!! OBAMA/BIDEN '08 America's only REAL hope for Unity, a new direction, and respect throughout the world!!!!!

Indiana is turning blue!!!!!

Crown Obama King   November 3rd, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Obama is going to save the planet for us. Obama is going to fundamentally change this country. He is going to give us free college education, free healthcare, and pay our mortgages for us. This is a revolution. All of you loser Repugs will be handcuffed and perp-walked into the prisons and camps.

Never Again   November 3rd, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Rick
Try getting your "news" somewhere other than the Drudge Report

IndyVoter   November 3rd, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Joe, you are the real hero. Kudos for being a great husband and father. Plus, hey, you're not afraid to say what you mean, even if I don't always agree with you.

thomas   November 3rd, 2008 6:32 pm ET

A presidential candidate is little more than a high stakes used car salesman. He or she is only as effective as the model they represent or in other words, they're only as effective as their staff and the people they appoint to advise them. One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. Barack Obama appears to have the intelligence and the judgement to surround himself with the best advisors and experts available, but he is certain to meet with extensive opposition and resistance, no matter what he does.
George W. Bush is a Ford Pinto. John McCain is an Edsel trying to be a Ford Mustang and at a time when the people want a Toyota Prius hybrid.

Georgia Gal   November 3rd, 2008 6:31 pm ET

The thing about the gaffes that Biden makes and that Palin makes is that when Biden makes them its basically the equivalent of just opening your mouth and inserting your foot. They're usually off the cuff, stupid remarks, but they don't make you question his ability to be VP or possibly one day be President, i.e., they have nothing to do with policy issues or anything like that. However, Palin, the ones she makes they are truly Ms. Teen South Carolina moments and you are left saying, "WTH did she just say?" and it makes me think ... this woman is not qualified to be VP, let alone quite possibly President one day.

Ohio Landslide for Obama   November 3rd, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Hey, Rick,
You are accusing Obama of flipping McCain and Hillary the bird? You have got to be kidding. He has been the model of restraint against the most disgusting of smears and innuendos. Is this posting your personal initiation to the smear campaign? Ridiculous.

Jude   November 3rd, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Rick,

I think you mistaken a nose scratch for "flipping the finger". hahahah...can you say "hasts la vista baby"!!!

Landslide...Obama/Biden

Mccane threw his honor away   November 3rd, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Way to go Joe!!
Finally to be able to be proud of our President and Vice President.
Shame shame shame on palin and mccane, they played just tooo dirty.

fred   November 3rd, 2008 6:26 pm ET

that's cuz Obama supporters are too dumb to realise that the gaffes are not facts. I mean, hey, they didn't say anything when Obama said he's been to all 57 states!!!

Maddie, Hartford, Ct.   November 3rd, 2008 6:25 pm ET

You have to love this guy. He tells it like it is...He's genuine, smart and funny.

meme   November 3rd, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Oh Joe there you go again... LOL... We love you Joe, keep talking! Hopefully we'll hear from you more than we heard from Chenney.

Rick   November 3rd, 2008 6:22 pm ET

I see that Obama flipped his middle finger while talking about Jon McCain just as he did in the primaries when talking about Hillary Clinton. What an arrogant clown this guy is and I can't wait to get to the polling place tomorrow to cast my vote AGAINST him.

Dawn   November 3rd, 2008 6:21 pm ET

You have to just love that Joe the Senator...

Go Obama/Biden08/12

vahe   November 3rd, 2008 6:21 pm ET

biden is a really strong person.. Biden and Obama are the same people who wants to change this country

tulsa   November 3rd, 2008 6:20 pm ET

We love ya Joe. Keep your honesty and sense of humor. Ignore the haters and let's get on with the business of re-building this nation!
Vote Obama/Biden!

OBiden   November 3rd, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Oh man I love Joe. Good luck tomorrow.

Matt   November 3rd, 2008 6:19 pm ET

If by "gaffes" you mean having the package to speak the truth in a manner that doesn't candy-coat or euphamize it like the rest of the prancing nancy politicians out there or that he actually behaves like a real human being instead of like the rest of the marionettes dancing to the polling data, well, then gaffe away Joe, gaffe away. I love every one of them because it's what makes you real.

CONAN THE DELAWARIAN SCOFFS AT YOUR PETTY RIDICULE AND SHALL BRING THE SMACK DOWN UPON YE TO PUNISH THY INSOLENCE!!!

sabuc for Obama   November 3rd, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Biden saying he's made no gaffes is the latest gaffe he has made. Just read the teleprompter Joe!

Jeremy   November 3rd, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Atleast Biden is civilized unlike that other useless and shameless liar from Alaska! No wonder she supports Alaska independent movement.....simply the lower 48 can not cope with such intensity of lies and idiocy.

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   November 3rd, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Biden is a good guy. The 'gaffe' that has received the most media noise and the most noise from McCain's camp - about Obama being tested, was only partially quoted. Had the entire comment been quoted, the meaning would have been more clear and it would not have been considered a gaffe.

What he said was that "........he will be tested, and they will find out he is made of steel". Kind of puts a whole different spin on it, doesn't it.

I'll be proud to have this good man second in command.

Put A Muzzle on It!   November 3rd, 2008 6:16 pm ET

...and people worry about Gov. Palin being a heartbeat away from the Presidency...Biden gets more and more frightening as the days go by.

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