Biden apologizes to Roberts for oath of office joke
(CNN) — An aide to Vice President Joe Biden tells CNN he called Chief Justice John Roberts last week to apologize for a light-hearted remark he made over the flubbed Inauguration Day oath of office.
"My memory is not as good as Justice Roberts, Chief Justice Roberts," Biden said last Wednesday, as he asked for a copy of the oath he was using to swear in senior members of the White House staff.
Several staffers reacted to the comment with groans and laughter, though President Obama, standing next to Biden, did not crack a smile.
An aide to the vice president said Tuesday the two men spoke privately after that comment. “They spoke and had a good conversation,” said the aide, who declined to give further details.
Roberts' mistake came about half way through the 35-word oath, when, reciting from memory, he said the word 'faithfully,' out of order. The flub confused Obama who ultimately repeated the mistake.
Meanwhile, Biden has been selected to handle the administration’s first foreign trip. The White House said Tuesday the vice president will travel to Germany next week with retired Gen. James Jones, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
Biden will represent the United States at the Wehrkunde, the annual security policy conference held in Munich.
–CNN's Ed Henry contributed to this report
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Is this really even worth reporting? It was a joke – an innocent, sweet one, so stop reporting every word that comes out of people's mouths. The press is should all go on vacation and leave the rest of us alone for awhile!!!!!!!!
Obama needs to lighten up.. Biden was just gettin down with his bad self...
Biden needs to watch his loose lips...he really steps in it when he talks....I expect his mouth will get him the boot from the messiah someday Joey think before you talk This is not the first time your mouth gets you in trouble
Joe is very nice and intelligent Vice President. I am sure he had great respect for Chief Justice John Roberts.
Joe....... should know when to "shut up" The President didnt think it was humorous !!!
I'm a Republican, who voted McCain. Joe B. was having some light-hearted fun, and I am sure he and Justice Roberts shared a laugh over the whole thing. I may not see things as you do much of the time Joe, but don't ever lose your sense of humor :).
Biden is an idiot – what do you expect!! Heaven help us if he ever has to step in and be president!!!!
Wasn't malicious perhaps, but it was humor at the chief justice's expense. Not a big deal, but not good form, either.
Give the guy a break. We need all the humor we can get in these trying times. I am not a fan of Joe Biden but he did nothing wrong and has nothing to apologize for.
I think Biden's joke was mildly-funny. It certainly wasn't offensive. It's hardly as if the Chief Justice's flub wasn't known to a good portion of the planet's human population already.
I love Biden. He made a joke and it was funny. Robert's is the one who made the blunder.
Did he ever apologize for making fun of the guy in the wheelchair?
Boy, is that ever the pot calling the kettle black.
Justice Roberts seems to have a very good sense of humor. He and VP Biden probably had a good laugh at the media for its lack of one.
this is SUB G-Rated material! I am actually disappointed that he didn't say anything remotely juicy or scandalous. It was funny, in a grandpa sort-of-way. If you can't laugh it off, then you need to go to the store and buy yourself a sense of humor.
CAN'T THE GUY TAKE A JOKE?
FOR THOSE OF YOU PICKING ON BIDEN LETS NOT FORGET THE WONDERFUL MOMENTS BROUGHT TO US BY "THE DECIDER" NOW MATTER HOW BAD BIDEN FLUBS, THEY CANT HOLD A CANDLE TO THE BEAUTIES W GAVE US!!!
Please do us proud and think before speaking.
Roberts is a hack. He has now proved it on national television. His only quality is that he is a better jurist than Harriet Miers, another Bush crony appointed (but not confirmed) to politicize the judiciary.
In case anybody actually saw the Inauguration, Obama CHOKED on Chief Justice Roberts. OBAMA jumped the gun.. I dunno WTH they think, but the judge didn't screw up, Our new Comrade in Chief did.
Yep that is it. If it is said by me or you...may not be a news. But when it comes from such figures – yes it is a breaking news !!
Most have been there;done that as it were.
The important thing is he has a sense of humor which is an attribute
he will need when he becomes President later this year.
Incidently,has anyone yet to see a certified copy of Obam's birth
certificate?We know now why he is such an insecent smoker continually checking his Blackberry.He knows soon
he will read that the certificate will be uncovered revealing him
to be not eligible for the offfices held.Like OJ his conduct gives him
away.He knows his day are numbered.!!!
To hasten that day,a campaign should be strated to send him a carton of Camels-each day.
oh lighten up – it was a joke – we all need to laugh at least once a day -
My Gawd, what is wrong with a sense of humor, I think VP Biden is funny, I love him and his sense of humor. Geez, leave him alone
The Democrat’s motto: “Admit nothing, deny everything and make counter accusations!”
To kris in Al : The true train wreck is the entire Palin clan. Their constant drama and antics are quite simply very hard to ignore. What Joe said pales considerably when you consider all the questionable things Palin spewed.