View Full Version : Diplomacy, Thy Name is Biden
bandycpa
07-28-2009, 09:08
On the bright side, this is one more thing that President Obama can apologize for later on in his administration.
Bandy
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/27/AR2009072701154_pf.html
US Vice President Biden hits nerve in Russia
By LYNN BERRY
The Associated Press
Monday, July 27, 2009 12:16 PM
MOSCOW -- An interview U.S. Vice President Joe Biden gave to an American newspaper was front-page news Monday in Moscow, where his characterization of Russia as a weakened nation hit a raw nerve.
Biden said Russia's economic difficulties are likely to make the Kremlin more willing to cooperate with the United States on a range of national security issues.
"I think we vastly underestimate the hand that we hold," he said in an interview to The Wall Street Journal published Saturday.
Biden's comments appeared to catch the Kremlin by surprise, coming less than three weeks after President Barack Obama said on a visit to Moscow that the U.S. wants to see a "strong, peaceful and prosperous Russia."
"It raises the question: Who is shaping U.S. foreign policy? The president or members of his team, even the most respected ones?" said Kremlin foreign policy adviser Sergei Prikhodko.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs on Monday downplayed suggestions that Biden was setting a different U.S. policy from that laid out by the president.
When asked whether Obama thought Biden had gone too far in his remarks, Gibbs said the president stated his views on Russia during his recent visit and the vice president agrees with those views.
Gibbs said both leaders believe Russia will do its part to improve relations with the U.S.
Most Russian newspapers put Biden's interview on their front pages Monday, with headlines casting doubt on Washington's commitment to forge a more constructive relationship with Moscow.
"Joe Biden unexpectedly returned to the rhetoric of the previous Bush administration," the newspaper Kommersant wrote.
Moskovsky Komsomolets said Biden, with his "boorish openness," showed what the Obama administration really thinks about Russia. "We should respond to the Yankees in the same way," the newspaper wrote. "Any other language, unfortunately or fortunately, they do not understand."
The papers jumped on Biden's comments about Russia's demographic and economic problems.
"They have a shrinking population base, they have a withering economy, they have a banking sector and structure that is not likely to be able to withstand the next 15 years, they're in a situation where the world is changing before them and they're clinging to something in the past that is not sustainable," Biden said in the interview.
Some newspapers and commentators noted that Russians say the same things about themselves. The question, they said, was why Biden made the comments so quickly after this month's summit by Obama and President Dmitry Medvedev, and after Biden's own trip last week to Ukraine and Georgia, former Soviet republics whose growing ties to the West are deeply resented in Moscow.
Sergei Rogov, director of the government-funded USA and Canada Institute, was quoted in Kommersant as saying the interview was aimed in part at addressing criticism in the U.S. that the Obama administration was too soft on Russia.
Some commentators said it was wrong to see Biden as diverging from the policy set by Obama, as suggested by Prikhodko.
Biden was most likely expressing Washington's "Plan B," said Vladimir Milov, a former deputy energy minister who now heads his own think tank. If the Kremlin proves unwilling to compromise, the United States was likely to reduce relations to a minimum and push Moscow to the periphery of world politics, Milov wrote in the online Gazeta.ru.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an apparent effort Sunday to reassure Moscow, saying on NBC "Meet the Press" that the administration considers Russia to be a "great power."
"Every country faces challenges," she said. "We have our challenges, Russia has their challenges. There are certain issues that Russia has to deal with on its own."
Red Flag 1
07-28-2009, 12:38
It seems the one hour lecture Putin gave to Zero has had no effect, or has it?
Could gaff-a-day Biden be calling the shots? Sec of State's comment was vanilla icing over something found floating in a toilet, IMHO.
This administration seems to be out of touch with many things, it's self for starters.
RF 1
HowardCohodas
07-28-2009, 16:15
Biden provides us with immense amusement, and every king needs a court jester. However, I think there is insight to be derived from what he says. Either he has no filter between brain and mouth and is telling us what's really going on behind the scenes, or he is being used to add complexity (confusion) to our diplomacy? Can Obama be so irresponsible in our international relations to let Biden mess with them without a plan. I wish I knew.
incarcerated
07-28-2009, 18:19
Someone better hit Joe’s Reset Button. Biden’s remarks run 180 degrees counter to his boss’s public statements in Moscow earlier in the month.
http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24001
The former Co-President is in damage control mode:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-clinton-russia27-2009jul27,0,2961977.story
The fallout is entertaining:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/27/white-house-defends-biden-asset-despite-controversy-russia-remarks/
And THEY had the gall to make fun of George Bush?
The Reaper
07-28-2009, 18:59
Keep talkin', Joe!
You tell 'em!
TR
Utah Bob
07-28-2009, 19:33
Craziest Veep ever.
After the election, I told my wife to watch what this screwball does.
She thinks I'm psychic now.
Utah Bob... your last comment really is unfair to 'screwballs'
greenberetTFS
07-29-2009, 00:16
Is it me or should any article about Biden be in the comedy section? Oh wait he is the vice president. Perhaps we could put a new section here. Call it the Oh crap section.
B.O., is right.......... :rolleyes: All Bidens comments belong in the comedy section......;)
Big Teddy :munchin
Utah Bob
07-29-2009, 07:55
Utah Bob... your last comment really is unfair to 'screwballs'
True. A quick check reveals that the American Society of Screwballs (ASS) have stated that Biden is not a member of their organization.
He did apply but was told he was over qualified.:D
incarcerated
03-18-2010, 04:01
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/03/18/2010-03-18_hey_guys_they_were_golf_tips_vp_joe_biden_quips _on_tiger_woods_st_patrick_and_li.html
'Hey guys, they were GOLF tips': VP Joe Biden quips on Tiger Woods, St. Patrick and Liz Cheney
BY Leo Standora
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Thursday, March 18th 2010, 4:00 AM
Vice President Biden, fresh from his controversial trip to the Middle East, unleashed a barrage of one liners in Washington on Wednesday that made some folks wince.
Oh, yes - he also made another boo-boo.
Biden asked for God's blessing for the late mother of Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen during a White House celebration of St. Patrick's Day - except the elderly lady is very much alive.
"God rest her soul," uttered Biden as he introduced Cowen and President Obama.
He quickly caught himself and noted that it's Cowen's father who is no longer living. Of the prime minister's mother, Biden said, "God bless her soul."
Later, the vice president talked about his trip to the Radio & Television Correspondents Association dinner in Washington.
"I love to travel but it's great to be back in a place where a boom in housing construction is a good thing," he grinned.
He got more laughs describing Washington speak.
"Deep background means you'll be quoted in Game Change (a new book on the 2008 campaign); senior White House official means Rahm (Emanuel, Obama's chief of staff); reconciliation means war."
About being photographed with Tiger Woods, he said "Hey guys, they were GOLF tips."
On St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland, he said "St. Patrick made that up - that's why he's the patron saint of Fox News."
Singled out for a special skewer was former Vice President Cheney's daughter.
"Liz Cheney has been on a tear lately. Now she's questioning whether Tom Brady is a real Patriot," Biden said to laughter and applause.
Even Biden's dog was fodder for fun.
"You can see he's a Democratic dog - he's biting the hand that feeds him," he said.
Green Light
03-18-2010, 04:30
Biden reminds me of a company commander we had in B-1-7. He was adjusting the fan belt on his car but neglected to turn off the engine. The fingers on his right hand ended up a bit shorter. He liked to keep his hand in his pocket after the incident. Guys would go out of their way to salute him. "Stumpy", as we called him, was always good for side-splitting laughs.
So it is with the VP. Whenever he's on the news, I stop what I'm doing to see what blisterheaded thing he's saying. He never disappoints.
Pray nothing happens to BHO. Imagine a President Biden and a Vice President Pelosi.
OMG...:eek:
Remember how much non stop mockery, Dan Quail got. He was nothing to Biden and you hardly every hear the MSM talking about his gaffs.
The Reaper
03-18-2010, 11:09
You better look deeper into the succession.
You would have to get down to number six or so to see any real improvement, unless you really want a President Pelosi, Byrd, Clinton, or Geithner.
TR
greenberetTFS
03-18-2010, 12:18
Pray nothing happens to BHO. Imagine a President Biden and a Vice President Pelosi.
OMG...
Just what are you trying to do scare the shit out of me!!!!!!!!..............:rolleyes::(:rolleyes:
Big Teddy :munchin
Big Teddy, Sorry. It's what I try to think about after reading One Second After, or the Book of Revelation...I have to think of someting worse than armageddon. Otherwise I'd go nutz.
incarcerated
03-23-2010, 23:12
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-talk-joe-biden-f-bomb-0324-20100323,0,2851220.story
Still not covered by health care: Biden’s mouth
VP drops expletive on open mic just before historic signing
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/03/23/joe-bidens-f-bomb-gaffe-becomes-t-shirt/
Joe Biden’s F-Bomb Gaffe Becomes T-Shirt
http://www.zazzle.com/hcr_big_fing_deal_tshirt-235071564353624757
Green Light
03-24-2010, 06:37
Class act our VP.
Dozer523
03-24-2010, 06:59
Class act our VP.
Yeah, I miss the class act that preceded Mouthy Joe.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1980130
oh and the guy before the One.
http://www.salon.com/news/politics/feature/2000/09/04/cuss_word/
The Veep is truly a piece of work - but anybody who buys and wears a shirt with that tacky graphic is as big a class-less act in their own right IMO. But hey, I personally think all those window decals of the Calvin-like character peeing on something or other is just as tasteless when displayed on vehicles in public like that - says a lot about the vehicle's owner to me.
Richard's $.02 :munchin
GratefulCitizen
03-24-2010, 13:38
Don't know the author.
It was in a Mad Magazine a few decades ago.
Ode to a Vice President
A man can be a governor or mayor of a city,
A man can be a congressmen and run a big committee.
A man can be a diplomat and put on fancy airs,
But when a man's Vice President, let's face it: no one cares.
Utah Bob
03-24-2010, 14:32
The Veep is truly a piece of work - but anybody who buys and wears a shirt with that tacky graphic is as big a class-less act in their own right IMO. But hey, I personally think all those window decals of the Calvin-like character peeing on something or other is just as tasteless when displayed on vehicles in public like that - says a lot about the vehicle's owner to me.
Richard's $.02 :munchin
Alas, Cretinous behavior seems to be accepted these days. Even admired and emulated.
I think it started when JFK wouldn't wear a hat.:munchin
Alas, Cretinous behavior seems to be accepted these days. Even admired and emulated.
I think it started when JFK wouldn't wear a hat.:munchin
Can you imagine the mass hysteria in the MSM if VP Cheney was caught on an open mic saying the same thing about say...the invasion, the patriot act, waterboarding, etc...
They would be apoplectic by now.
ZonieDiver
03-24-2010, 14:42
I think it started when JFK wouldn't wear a hat.
Or, perhaps, when LBJ picked up his dog by the ears!
Utah Bob
03-25-2010, 15:36
Or, perhaps, when LBJ picked up his dog by the ears!
Not the act of a cretin. Merely a Texan.:D
I think it started when JFK wouldn't wear a hat.:munchinWell, Marilyn Monroe did say she was on the pill.:D
Can you imagine the mass hysteria in the MSM if VP Cheney was caught on an open mic saying the same thing about say...the invasion, the patriot act, waterboarding, etc...They would be apoplectic by now.
Yep - I can just imagine the furor we'd be hearing from Fox, Rush, Michelle, and Glen if Joe ever peppered one of his hunting companions. :rolleyes:
And so it goes...
Richard's jaded $.02 :munchin
incarcerated
05-11-2010, 23:50
http://www.stratfor.com/sitrep/20100511_iraq_biden_requested_not_interfere_spokes man
Iraq: Biden Requested Not To Interfere - Spokesman
May 11, 2010 | 0955 GMT
An official spokesman for the Iraqi government called on U.S. Vice President Joe Biden not to interfere in the details of the formation of the future Iraqi government, Al Sumaria News reported May 11. The spokesman, Ali al-Dabbagh, said Washington has not intervened until now on the details of the government formation, but merely watched the political situation in the country.
incarcerated
03-26-2011, 23:19
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1370371/Vice-Presidents-staff-lock-journalist-closet-hours-fundraiser-stop-talking-guests.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Vice President's staff lock journalist in a closet for hours during a fundraiser to stop him talking to guests
By Simon Neville
Last updated at 3:37 AM on 27th March 2011
The White House website proudly says ‘President Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history.’
But try telling Vice President Joe Biden’s staff that, after they held a local reporter in a closet for hours after he was invited to cover a Florida political fundraiser because they did not want him talking with the guests.
As the unaware $500-a-head invitees dined on caprese crostini with oven-dried mozzarella and basil, rosemary flatbread with grapes honey and gorgonzola cheese, grilled chicken Caesar and garden vegetable wraps, veteran reporter Scott Powers was locked away.
The Orlando Sentinel reporter was ushered into the closet inside wealthy property developer Alan Ginsburg’s Winter Falls mansion, after being told that Joe Biden and Senator Bill Nelson had not yet arrived.
He was told he could only come out when the politicians were ready to give their speeches.
Powers told The Drudge Report: ‘When I'd stick my head out, they'd say, “Not yet. We'll let you know when you can come out.”
After 90 minutes he was allowed out to hear Biden and Nelson speak for 35 minutes, before being taken back to the closet for the remainder of the event.
From inside his temporary prison Powers emailed his office from his cell phone: ‘Sounds like a nice party.’
....Powers said of his treatment: ‘It was frustrating and annoying that I was not given a chance to do my job fully and properly.
‘This was an extreme, and extremely inappropriate way of handling the press… it was essentially a rude and uncomfortable way to treat a reporter.’
He attempted to play down his treatment calling it ‘hardly unusual or shocking’ and confirmed that he received an apology from Ginsburg.
But the Vice President’s staff emailed him an apology which he said ‘I found far less satisfying than Ginsburg’s.’
The incident is especially embarrassing for the administration because it comes at a time when the White House has been condemning the treatment of journalists trying to report in Libya.
Just ten days ago, President Obama’s spokesman Jay Carney told reporters: ‘journalists should be protected and allowed to do their work.’
The Vice President’s office did not respond to requests for comment.