November 4, 2008
Posted: November 4th, 2008 05:30 PM ET
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden votes with his wife, Jill, and mother Jean, in Wilmington, Delaware.
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden votes with his wife, Jill, and mother Jean, in Wilmington, Delaware.

From CNN Producer Alexander Marquardt
 
CHICAGO (CNN) – Reporters traveling with Joe Biden Tuesday finally came face to face with the girl they had been hearing about in every single one of her grandfather's campaign speeches in the past two months: Finnegan Biden, the Delaware Senator's 10-year-old granddaughter who wants to be president and urged him to agree to be Barack Obama's running mate.
 
"I subscribe to anything Finnegan says, I have absolute confidence in my granddaughter," said Biden, who joined her in the press section of his campaign plane shortly after Finnegan wandered back and started answering reporters' questions.
 
"She's the one who pushed the hardest for me to be vice president, didn't you," Biden asked the blond-haired girl standing in the aisle of "Pop's" plane, surprised at all the attention being paid to her.
 
Why did she want her grandfather to get the nod?
 
"Well, first, it'd be really cool. And, he and Barack Obama will make a difference," she said.
 
That and the fact that the vice president's mansion in Washington is "a mile and five-tenths" from her house and has a pool.
 
The focus quickly turned to the vice presidential nominee who says that even if his ticket wins Tuesday night, his family life won't change much.
 
"If we were to win I don't know that it would change a lot. In the sense that, just being different locus I guess." The family - 36 members of which are with Biden today - is mostly split between Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington. Biden says those in Wilmington would simply have to make the short trip to DC.
 
When asked if his 91-year-old mother, who lives with him now, would make the move, Biden told CNN that she might. But he quickly reminded the press that he's superstitious and doesn't want to get ahead of himself.
 
"I really am superstitious. And we really have not talked about it. I mean everybody's thinking about it, but no one's, no one's talking about it," said Biden, adding that it's presumptuous to assume one knows what voters will do.

"I know it sounds silly but I really mean it," he continued. "If you notice, all the speeches you've heard me say you've never heard me say 'I believe the American people think.' Never presumed to think for the voters or the American people."
 
After voting in Wilmington Tuesday morning, Biden made a final campaign stop in Richmond, Virginia, where he greeted voters at a polling station. He then flew to Chicago where he will watch the returns come in with his large family at their hotel before joining Obama at their rally in Grant Park.
 
Notably absent is Beau Biden, Biden's eldest son who is about to be deployed to Iraq as a captain in Delaware's National Guard. He was told he could leave his training base in Texas to join his family, but turned it down to stay with his fellow soldiers.
 
"This kid is a different brand of kid," said Biden.
 
With all the questions about the future if he becomes Vice President, Biden says one thing is certain.
 
"Jill said, 'I'll make you a deal,'" said Biden of his wife. "'If you get the vice presidency and get elected, you can get a dog.'"

Filed under: 2008 Election • Joe Biden


MHS   November 4th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

GOBAMA/BIDEN I see victory and hope at last! All you repubs should be thankful as you will get the benefits as well. Not like we got the fallout of the Bush years. We endured, just barely, but you will get to enjoy.

Shamsur Rahman   November 4th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Joe Biden is great . He is very qualify to be a better VP than Alaskan Governor. Nothing wrong to mention about Grand daughter who loves to see her grand father became vice president. My prayer go for Joe Biden.

Katrina   November 4th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Don't see any race related comments on this board that sparked your rant simply_kris, but I'm used to it now. Unsupported race accusations have been spewed non-stop for several months now and hopefully it will get very old over the next year after Obama wins.

vote! OBAMA-BIDEN NOV.4th   November 4th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

THIS IS WHAT AMERICA IS ALL ABOUT, FAMILIES, NOT HATE, AND SLANDER AND LIES . I HAVE THREE GRANDCHILDREN, AND I HANG ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS. VOTE OBAMA-BIDEN

JAM   November 4th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

I totally agree. The republicans are a bunch of whiney losers. They think they are the only ones in this country that are patriotic, but instead they are pathetic. I was a career Marine and live in a very republican state where I meet a lot of republicans that did not even have the courage to join our nation’s military. Republicans are divisive, self centered, and out of touch with the rest of the nation. I am looking forward to change and a new direction for this great nation of ours.

Britt   November 4th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

joe is the coolest

Shazia   November 4th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

I like Jill Biden's idea, if you become the vice president , you can get a dog! I will have to tell that to my husband who wants to keep a dog and i keep saying no. Now my hisband knows what he needs to do if he wants a dog ;)

tape1227   November 4th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Biden also used his son going to Iraq, he gave a public speech at their farewell ceremony in Delaware.

Boricua4Obama   November 4th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

What an awesome family. Funny how you didn't hear much about them until today. There's a huge difference between introducing your family and schlepping them around all over while campaigning and showing them off like expensive luggage.

Finnegan in '44!

Bill   November 4th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Biden listens to his granddaughter for advice. Sounds like another four year policitian from 1976.

Marie   November 4th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

I was closed out to make my comment about the lie sent out to the Obama's supporters to wait until Nov.5th to vote Where are these people getting these dirty tricks from? out of the Palin/McCain/Rove playbook.Right down to the last minutes the republican supporters have subjected themselves to low life standards .There are alot of good republican supporters out there but it is ones like this make alot of democrats upset with all republicans but I for one don't feel that way because there really are alot of decent americans that are republicans and don't agree with the republicans that are full of hate and lies as well as it is with some democrats that subject themselves to the same standards as the low life republicans

VA meets WI   November 4th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

I find this article to be a cute show of Biden. He isn't exploiting his granddaughter, she really seemed to be enjoying the attention; and besides, it shows that Biden really does care about his family! Unfortunately, simply_kris, how many American people would actually let their parents live with them, whether being elected or not? Several hundreds wouldn't, so sit back and keep quiet about the fact that they "should be kicked out of their houses or jobs" or that they are "racist", when did caring about ones family become wrong!

Michael   November 4th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Mike,

Exploiting kids? Palin is pretending to be the mom of her daughters autistic kid, and uses that kid CONSTANTLY in her speeches. And Biden is exploiting his grand-daughter?

Republicans have no foot to stand on. Issues will not win them elections so they use scare tactics and flat out lies to decieve the american people. Mike, you must be a republican if you think Biden was exploiting his grand-daughter. What a joke.

Hary   November 4th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

We all love to talk about our families. It's a human thing. Joe Biden is no different, that's why I think he will be a great VP, he's one of us.

rockethound   November 4th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

Biden wants to get a dog? I knew there was something I liked about that man. Hope he adopts a shelter pet.

mrahaman   November 4th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

Biden is the most humble of all the candidates and the Senator never made his kids or grandkids an issue. To say he's exploiting his grandkid is just rubbish.
Sarah Palin on the other hand is another story.

But enough about exploiting his grandkid. The campaign is over.
Obama/Biden will be the next President and Vice President. GET OVER IT! LIVE WITH IT!
Thank God Almighty!

Anonymous   November 4th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

yeah i agree with bob, legalize it!

Tee   November 4th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

I think Joe Biden is being a grandfather. He is proud of his grandaughter. Give me a break he is not being inappropriate in an way.

willy   November 4th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Sadly both of those comments so far have spelling errors. I think it's great to get kids involved, seeing someone they can identify with, such as Biden's granddaughter in their age group, will help them want to participate in politics in the future.

Elaine   November 4th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

If anyone has exploited any kid at all, it is Palin who has exploited her children. Don't they go to school, or is that not as important as mommy becoming V.P.?

Kay   November 4th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

He loves his granddaughter and is proud of her and that's why he was talking about her. Do you even know what exploitation is? Why are republicans so angry negative?

David   November 4th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

What a stupid comment. Exploiting kids-he's showing us how proud he is of his granddaughter. He's looks to me like a proud grandfather-the proud grandfather that obviously is.

Why, why such comments Mike Jacobs in Mesa, Arizona?

Quit with the negativity, please!

John Sweeney   November 4th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

If the country had more people Like Joe in office this would be a much nicer place to live. Here is a man with real family values that has raised his family to love and serve thier country.

This is the kind of leader we all say we want.

Reply to simple_kris   November 4th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Why so much anger "simple_kris" ?

felita williams   November 4th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

i am not voting for obama because he is black, i am voting for him because i believe it is time for a change and he and biden are the change makers. and that's the colorful truth!!!!!!

Que Quedas   November 4th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

did anyone hear how mc Cain plans to change sports if he could.......just a bid group of whiners if I ever heard of such a thing.......he is going after people that used performance enhancing drugs.......the repubs always wanna be the police......and spend money......Obama just wants a college playoff which is understandable.....and it will help the economy.........i voted for Obama/Biden and I feel great

Ellen   November 4th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Exploiting little kids?? Listen to yourself! Your bitterness has driven you insane!

richkey369   November 4th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Love Joe Biden! He exudes warmth, and is grounded, centered with lots of good sense.

Voted for OBAMA on Tuesday in Louisiana   November 4th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

He's not exploiting her. She's a 10 yr old girl. She wants attention – trust me! Only a few hrs to go! Go O/B! Hope we win!

HogWild   November 4th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Mike, talking about your relationship with your grandkids is not exploiting anyone. Using a hard working American's name like "Joe the Plummer" over 20 times in a debate and hundreds of times thereafter is exploitation in the true sense of the word.

Ian   November 4th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

so what if his granddaughter is with him. he is a family man. his family is what is most important to him and if he shows that there is nothing wrong with it. some people just have to see something negative behind everything.

former gop   November 4th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

God bless Vice President Biden!

Jackson   November 4th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Screw. It says granddaughter, I saw an older lady. My bad.

Jonathan   November 4th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

I suppose the Republicans will attack her comments too as being media biased or maybe she even had connections with Bill Ayers and Rev. Wright, you never know.

Jackson   November 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Erm. 10 year old Grandma?

S   November 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Mike, why didn't you speak up when McCain and Palin were exploiting their sons who are serving in Iraq (something McCain said he would not do). See you Repubs like to point fingers, but you never look at the ones pointing back at cha (wink, wink).

bob   November 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

lets legalize marijuana

Lyndon,CA   November 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

More Power to Finnegan. This election is more about you than anyone else!

Napoleon Solo   November 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Not only are they whiney, they make no sense:

"so since he was always talking about her in his speaches why is he exspoliting (sic) little kids."

LOL

BJ Moritz   November 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

I love our next Vice President. Please adopt a dog from a shelter, Joe!

Amy in San Diego   November 4th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Exploiting kids? Introducing a granddaughter at the end of the race is a hell of a lot better than parading your 5 children around at all the rallies ala Sarah Palin.

SG in SD   November 4th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

I love this guy!

O/B TODAY!

dukem_nukem   November 4th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Why can't we all just get along?

Aryn   November 4th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Kris... what on earth are you talking about? Here are some tips: Spelling, grammar, and complete thoughts in complete sentences.
Don't thank me, thank my 3rd grade English teacher.

Danielle   November 4th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

I love the Biden family. I can't wait to have him as our next VP. This is America at it's finest.

Anonymous   November 4th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

yo

S   November 4th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Biden and Obama are very connected to their families, you can tell by their interaction. Palin seems like she is very family oriented, but I do question how much she really pays attention to her kids when she is out of the public eyes since she has a pregnant teen in the home. The McCain's on the other hand are very cold, they do not seem as happy. Cindy and John appear to have a marriage of convience, they never hug or show warmth towards each other.

Amy   November 4th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Mike, being proud of your grandchildren is different than exploiting them.

Mary   November 4th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Wow. Palin should take notes.

Smarter than   November 4th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Palin.

Mary   November 4th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Its so great to see politicians who are truly invested in their families. Obama and Biden are both family oriented, and I think that, more than any other factor, is telling of their character.

Griff   November 4th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Mr Biden! I have a 14yr old Granddaughter! So What? I also have another five Grandchildren.. The World moves on!

Donna   November 4th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Ou are

David   November 4th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Great article. Finnegan sounds like a great kid and I'm glad she was able to meet the press and answer a few questions. May she truly become president in 20 years time.

The Biden family really sounds like that all American Family that I've seen on TV.

President Finnegan Biden sounds really good!

HM   November 4th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Finnegan is an AWESOME name!

Kathleen   November 4th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Finnegan, you are one smart young lady! Good luck to you and Barack, Joe. Cheers K

Voted For Barack/Joe   November 4th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

I love Joe's Crest White smile!

mike jacobs in mesa arizona   November 4th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

so since he was always talking about her in his speeches why is he exsploiting little kids

Proud to be American   November 4th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

That is justification enough .... how cute! Love you VP Biden! I have Barack the vote and certain that Obama will be President.... live where evey you want ...... just work as hard as I anticipate you will for America!

simply_kris   November 4th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

O, you repugs are a set of whiny wussies.You font deserve any respect for the attitude you spew.You deserve to be kicked out of your houses or jobs. Sad part is how much ever you say you are progressive thinking, you are nothing but racists ! Sick of you losers !

Dan   November 4th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Awwww... Now that's news I like to hear

lerajel   November 4th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Tis funny !!! This unbelievable story coming from a poor suburb of the capital of the Nort-Western African nation of Mauritania.

A 34-year old lady who quitted family to marry a man without traditional consent of family delivered a twin. She named them today after Obama and McCain, a local newspaper reported.
Link to the story in its original Arabic version below:
http://www.saharamedia.net/new/

Greg Padgett   November 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

I do not appreciate the questions and manner that was just used on the former Mayor of New York. You can obviously see that the media is bias (Democrat), you didn't even give the man the opportunity to respond. As a Southern Baptist, and a Christian, I will pray for you. You definitely need Jesus.

You are very disrespectful.

Greg
Mobile, Al

Voice of Reason   November 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

"...a mile and five-tenths..." ???

Wow do we ever need education reform in this country if even a 10-year-old cant figure out that 1 5/10 miles is a MILE AND A HALF!

That said, I think Obama's going to take it today with 3240 Ninths electoral votes.

Get out and Vote!

FLORIDA for Obama   November 4th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Rudy Guiliani was just on with Wolf Blitzer.

What a RUDE man that Guiliani is.

He didn't let Wolf finish a complete sentence the whole interview.

The Repug-licans are VERY GOOD at TALKING OVER people.

VERY RUDE

WHOLE FAMILY VOTED FOR OBAMA/BIDEN
TWO GREAT MINDS ARE BETTER THAN NONE

GO JOE!!

47yo male for McCain   November 4th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

That's what happen. Now I understand why he made such a stupid decision.

Brendose, Oceanside CA   November 4th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Funny.........the 10 year old talks like Palin.........or does Palin just sound like a 10 year old??

Lisa   November 4th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

I think Joe Biden has a great family. Joe, I sure hope you get your dog!!!

Chris (SC)   November 4th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Even 10 year olds know who to vote for. :)

Go Obama!!!

Barbara in NC   November 4th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Cute little girl – and smart like her grand-parents !

Obama/Biden – voted early to avoid the rush.

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