Las Vegas, Nevada (CNN) - Long before binders and Big Bird, the outsized catchphrase of this election was "Etch-A-Sketch."
Nearly seven months after the children's toy had its fifteen minutes of fame on the campaign trail, Vice President Joe Biden remixed it with a recent campaign trail moment and unveiled the new hybrid line about Mitt Romney's tax plan at a rally in Nevada.
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"As the president said the day after the debate Romney's plans were sketchy," Biden said, referencing a comment Obama made at Tuesday's debate and again since. "Well, folks I don't think they were just sketchy - I think they were Etch-A-Sketchy."
Biden was rallying supporters in Las Vegas, a city where both he and Republican challenger Mitt Romney have held six events each this general election.
The vice president also lit into Romney and GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, referencing a book
He allowed that the Republican candidates are "decent men… good fathers… good husbands," but said their policies have Americans in their sights.
"Ryan has written a book called 'The Young Guns' with two other fellows, members of the House, these are the Republican leaders of the House," Biden said, referencing a book Ryan wrote with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy.
"Unfortunately," Biden continued, "the bullets are aimed at you."
Brendan Buck, a spokesman for Ryan, said the comments were "over-the-top rhetoric" that is "disappointing, but not all that surprising."
"In the absence of a vision or plan to move the country forward, the Vice President is left only with ugly political attacks beneath the dignity of the office he occupies," Buck said.
Biden criticized his opponents for their stances on abortion, an issue which returned to the spotlight after Romney said in a recent newspaper interview there is "no legislation with regards to abortion that I'm familiar with that would become part of my agenda."
He and his campaign later sought to clarify that he would support efforts to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood and would support judicial nominees who favor overturning Roe v. Wade.
Obama's campaign has hit Romney on the issue in television ads and on the campaign trail, as Biden did in Nevada.
"And after these debates, you have any doubt who they will likely appoint to the Supreme Court of the United States," he said. "How much chance do you think Roe v. Wade will survive after four years of a Romney Supreme Court?"
After the rally, the vice president visited a local elementary school where he mingled with kids on the playground.
"Everybody here gonna go to college?" Biden asked, as the fifth graders said they would.
Mingling with the students, he charmed them and their teachers.
"Thanks for letting me come to the playground," he said. "I wish we were coming to play basketball."
One child lodged a special request of the vice president-to send President Barack Obama to visit with them too. Biden assured them he'd put in the request and made sure to put in the good word for his boss.
"I'm Vice President Biden and I work with Barack Obama. He's a good guy."
From CNN Politics
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Joe., we love you–stay strong. Three weeks.
Hillary, we love you–let us all discuss about next. First we need to take care of this.
I know the children loved those moments and will long remeber them with joy and delight unless the adults turn them into sadness
Politics aside Biden is a good man who treats people well and cares about them.
Im really sick and tired of everyone disrespecting Obama. In case anyone forgot He is the POTUS, respect him as such.
Biden seems to have failed to get the message........the Democrats gave Romney the binders, in Massachusetts.
Republicans,are going to lose Nov 6th.I can't wait to see their faces.What did you people expect from a pathetic canidate?
You know they are losing if all they have left is toys and "pretend we are playing children". Serious times call for serious people – obviously Obama and Biden are not in that league.
Biden is taking a poll.
How many know someone who was in the armed forces deployed to Iran?
(Hint: we haven't sent armed forces to Iran since Carter's failed rescue attempt)
Joe's a good guy.
Since 1961...
Republican job growth – 24 million jobs in 28 years.
Democrats – 42 million jobs in 24 years.
Outstanding man!
Hey Biden ! You told Ryan you were against Iraq and Afghanistan wars ! But the congressional record has you listed as a YES vote ! CARE TO EXPLAIN ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Have I mentioned lately how much I adore VP Biden?
Back in 2008, I had some doubts about Joe being on the ticket, but now I'm becoming more appreciative of him every day. Excellent choice for a running mate, Mr. President!
It's good to know our Vice President is good at something! He's discovered his calling – it's comedy. If we didn't have 14 million unemployed I'd laugh. Especially considering that "hope & change" have become "ball & chain" on the economy.
Biden! What a great VP! He's bold, and REAL!!!!!
I think we could nominate a rock, and it would do a better job as v.p. than Biden.
Romney can not be trusted as he is taking a million positions to his policies one of which is issues regarding women. He surely can not be taken seriously much less put him to the most serious position of the land!
You'll never see Romney/Ryan do that! Too much 47% around for them!
Conservatives should be REALLY wary of Romneys and his etch a sketch. If he gets elected.. He may be moderate mitt again.
I love you Joe Biden!
I figure any idea that Biden opposes is probably a good one. This is the guy who voted "no" on the bin Laden raid, was against the surge, wanted to divide Iraq into three parts.
Elect real people Obama/Biden. I naver see Romney/Ryan hugging children – much less those children of color.
Sketchy? You mean like Joe's statement – "I was in the room with Reagan and O'Neil" saving SS?
I love how cnn gave that one no air time what-so-ever
Unless they figure out a way to prevent the election, Obama and Biden are toast.