A microphone picked up Biden uttering the "F" word Tuesday in the majestic East Room of the White House, as President Obama signed the historic health care reform bill into law.
After delivering a rousing introduction of the president in which he praised Obama's "perseverance" and "clarity of purpose," Biden turned to embrace his boss.
As the crowd of approximately 300 people cheered wildly, Biden turned to Obama and said with a big smile, "This is a big f-- deal!"
The president did not react to the comment, apparently aware that the microphones may have picked up the words.
Shortly after the ceremony, White House Press Secretary used his Twitter feed to try and diffuse any controversy.
"And yes Mr. Vice President, you're right..." Gibbs tweeted from his @PressSec Twitter account.
An aide to the vice president pointed reporters seeking comment to Gibb's tweet.
The vice president is known for unscripted moments, but not in such a high-profile setting as a bill-signing ceremony in the East Room. According to the White House Historical Association, first lady Abigail Adams was famous for using the room to dry her laundry. President John F. Kennedy lay in state in the East Room after his assassination in 1963.
From CNN Politics
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Well he wasn't calling anyone a name or accusing anyone of anything like killing babies or lying, so what's the big deal? It is a big fu****g deal! The GOP will yell the sky is falling, the sky is falling, the commies are coming, the socialists are coming, wring your hands, gnash your teeth. Same old story from the same old party of no. Norm from Albuquerque NM.
He should apologize publicly to the American people or find someone who can be a better example for our children and country.
And... let the truth be told... It is!
What a classless oaf Biden is. To drop an F bomb at such an historic occasion in front of the world makes our leaders look like a bunch of inarticulate fools. At least we got Barrack to put a tie on though, that is a plus.
I watched and did not pick this up. With out CNN reporting it I, and the vast majority of America would have never known. Guess what. It is a "Big F-ing Deal", and most Americans could care less that the Vice Prez made this little gaff. Hes Joe! Hes just like the rest of us, and speaks the truth, even if he could have used better language.
Just Joe being Joe. You could barely hear what he said regardless.
Big F'ing deal. He said a curse word.
At least he didn't hurl it at his peers like the GOP does.
He IS right this is a big F'ing deal. His use of the word though, is not. I am sure much worse is said when the CSPAN camera's are off.
Oh no! We must alert the church elders!
Obama the Big Boss
Mr Biden you should says it louder Obama the King of King signed
the biggest deal as today,now the Racist Republican should wait for the next one,Obama is too big and smart for those Racist Republicans and for some Americans the Guy is too smart for some of you Americans
TOO SMART.
I have to concur with the VP.
To paraphrase Captain Renault in "Casablanca", I'm shocked that people use profanity in their private conversations.
I'll drop some f bombs on Biden, the crook. Stuffs his pockets with cash from the predatory lenders in his state.
Slow news day if THIS is worthy of ALL THIS attention. So sad. More gotcha media. Probably wise we aren't privy to comments made by press open mics eh?
The Vice President's statement is 100% correct. It's just a word, people.
Apparently the American people have been screwed.
Ha ha ... i love Joe Biden!!!
This just shows that the VP is one of the "average" people, not some aristocrat who sends us into wars but may not use a "dirty" word..(in public). Young K-6 grade children are using the "f" word, which isn't a good thing, but it still is better than using fisticuffs. The Repubs will probably make a big deal about this – for sure.
So... let the truth be told... It is!
As a former Delawarean & American ex-pat residing overseas ... Biden continues to embrass our American image abroad, & bring grief to those of us who must act as flash points for American policy & persona. Mr. Biden in due for duct tape & leach. Grow up, Joe! You're an embrassment.
What an inappropriate use of words in that setting. All of our politicians need to clean up their act.
oh joe. we will always remember your moments of silliness. goofball.
This is a big f– joke!!!
wow! this is much worse than the last vice president, he only shot people in the face when he was drunk, oh, wait a minute, he used pretty salty language too!
Who cares – I love VP Joe Biden and this is a big F-- Deal for America to get this bill passed! PRAISE GOD
Mr vice president, we all use the word.