Washington (CNN) - Multiple top Democrats said Thursday the president's senior aides are deeply annoyed with Vice President Joe Biden for forcing the conversation on same-sex marriage.
One source said Biden has, in the past, counseled the president against announcing support for same-sex marriage - making the circumstances that much more frustrating. Although other sources said they have not heard Biden make that point in recent years.
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Biden made comments supporting such unions during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, seemingly forcing the issue to the forefront of public debate.
Another source said the recent events gave renewed life to old jokes and flippant remarks like, "Hello? Does he know this is the Obama presidency not the Biden presidency?"
None of these sources said they believed it would create a lasting rift between the West Wing and the vice president's office – because Biden has gone off script before and will do it again.
The president's team said they were aware of the risk when they tapped Biden for the ticket. One source added that the president has a close personal relationship with the former senator and that trumps his advisers' frustrations. But there is a great deal of interest in keeping the vice president "on script."
These top Democrats said they are not concerned that Biden will "get credit" for the same-sex marriage announcement. They said history will show it's the president who did this and they believe most people thought the president already supported same-sex marriage.
Sources also said the vice president feels bad about putting the president in a tough position.
As evidence he is not in the dog house, Biden hosted a student loan event at the White House Thursday and will make a two-day campaign swing in Ohio next week.
From CNN Politics
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This is classic. Our Leader-from-Behind outted by his VP that forced him to come out from under the desk and take position he had years ago until he calculated it wasn't good for him but thinks it is now so he won't vote present anymore.
Yes, leadership you can count on. HAHHAHAHA!!
I'm sure the President is probably upset, as he has NEVER made any indication that he supports gay marriage. The closest he came was saying "he was evovling". I don't know why anyone would believe the president is for gay rights of any kind. Anytime he has shown support, it was under immense pressure from others, such as the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell which he felt compelled to support only AFTER the Joint Chiefs of Staff openly supported it.
As a gay man, I have never once thought President Obama supported gay rights for anything. If anyone believes anything different, I suggest they review speeches and position papers from the 2008 campaign.
Jessica, Jessica, Jessica...what story have you made up this time to draw attention to yourself/worth as a journalist??? The way you seek out gossipy information (can't all it news), you should seek employment with Entertainment Tonight where your stories would be more enticing.
VP Biden is fine with me as long as he continues to tell the truth and more importantly, say what's in his heart. He resonates with "real" people–the fact that he has a sense of humor is all the more satisfying.
Who cares? They're both fruitcakes.
wow...it's difficult to believe that Biden is really in line as our Pres if something were to happen to Obama……as much as I believe Obama is in WAY over his head the prospect of Biden leading this country is scary…..even our enemies think he’s an idiot. If you libs are really honest with your selves you will agree as he has do nothing but made the Democratic party look really really bad…..on second thought, have him run again this coming election if in fact you think he’s fine…..hahaha
President Obama and Vice President Biden are truly excellent leaders.
Joae better watch out. I'm betting BO knows some mafia types from Chicago.
Joe force Obama off the fence. Obama was trying to have if both ways.
I predict that Hillary Clinton will be on the Ticket with President Obama.
VP Biden, President Obama - The Gaff-O-Matic leading the clueless empty suit to admit a position he had 6 years ago but has hidden because he thought it would hurt him politcially. On Tuesday Obama is a hate filled bigoted homephobe and Wednesday he's the shining example of enlightenment, fairness and equality. Honestly libtards, if this doesn't prove exactly what Obama is, nothing does. I can hardly wait to hear what taxpayer supplied benefits he proposes to shower on this new found pool of victims.
Terry - I predict that Hillary Clinton will be on the Ticket with President Obama
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Already did it yesterday.... Biden's excuse will be medical reasons: Gaffotosis.
What a big fat lie this story is. You have to be a ignoramus to think that this wasn't calculated by the WH admin.
Dennis, and he still is by deferring to the states (a.k.a passing the buck).
I guess it's ok. At least they are being respectful and starightforward towards fellow humans. Unlike the doosh-tea-bags like CONservaTEAs' who support their own gays / lesbians / unmarried Moms, but trash other groups under the name of reliogion.
Like Joe's Mother used to say " God Love Joey"
Like Joe's Mother used to say " God Love ya Joey"
I think very highly of the Vice President. He truly speaks from the heart.
Talk about throwing Biden under the bus because he has more kahuna's then Obama on this issue.
Dimensia = an unusually dim person who often believes he's in another dimension!? Would that work as the definition of this newly coined word, on this blog? If so, I'll give you 3 guesses as to whom I think the description fits most! Forward w/Obama 2012!!
Brian in DC
Dennis, and he still is by deferring to the states (a.k.a passing the buck).
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Isn't that the official Republican line? "Leave the gay marriage decision up to the states." It is, for now.
I believe that Biden was instructed by the WH to say exactly what he said on "Meet the Press." In other words, he was instructed to put out "feelers." The WH sat back to see what the public outcry would be, if any. Since there was fairly little, it became the optimal time for Obama to come forward. It's about time!
Well, at least Biden doesn't overreach and push us into a war with a nation that had nothing to do with 9/11. Afganistan, war in my opinion is perfectly legitimate, Iraq....not so much.
The media doesn't even print half the stuff this jerk says.
When did Obama discover that states have rights??? And does he intend to tell his AG who is harassing and suing every state in sight for enforcing the laws of this nation. Talk about another lead-from-behind, I-vote-present load of BS. My dog has more leadership ability than Obama.
For those calling the president a phoney, check the dictionary as there is a picture of Mtt Romney next to the words phoney, insincere, rubber and plastic!