Joe Biden, the new secretary of defense, and the secretary's wife. pic.twitter.com/tAm2oE5uLr
— Gregg Carlstrom (@glcarlstrom) February 17, 2015
The Media Villagers discover their long-missing inner feminist and demand to know: Has Joe Biden’s Behavior Finally Gone Too Far? Just putting the question out there! Meanwhile, back in the world, Dave Weigel reports:
COLUMBIA, S.C.–Vice President Joe Biden has said he’ll fish or cut bait on a 2016 White House bid by “the end of the summer.” He said this in Iowa, last week–and not long after, he scheduled a trip to South Carolina, which happens to hold the first Southern primary of 2016. Americans were not to read too much into this, as Biden was joining Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on the five-day “Grow America” tour to raise awareness of infrastructure needs.
Biden and Foxx spent the morning at Charleston’s Wando Welch Terminal, accompanied by local Republican Representative Mark Sanford. Come afternoon, the vice president and Foxx joined Democratic Representative James Clyburn–who, unlike Sanford, Biden had never campaigned against–at Columbia’s Owen Steel Co. They were joined by Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin…
There was no real project to announce in Columbia. Foxx and Biden both talked of the city’s notorious “malfunction junction,” the congested interchange of Interstate Highways 20 and 26. “Lanes designed to carry 10-20 cars per mile now handle up to 40 cars per mile,” said Biden, talking with some emotion about workers and family members wasting hours of their lives in traffic.
But the cost of fixing the “junction” is estimated at $700 million. Neither the new Republican Congress nor South Carolina’s Republican legislature–which is currently debating whether to save money by shutting a historically black college–is ponying up. That left Biden resorting to analogy. “Our highway infrastructure is at a crossroads–not just at I-20 and I-26,” he said. He hoped “the debate” about spending on roads was ending, but could not promise it.
What he could offer was a speech that veered from political nostalgia to campaign jokes to multiple put-downs of China. “Your sons are not going to hear about outsourcing,” crowed Biden to a crowd shivering slightly in 48-degree weather. “They’re going to hear about in-sourcing!” This was because “intellectual property is not stolen” in America, and “American workers are three times as productive as they are in China.”…
Biden finished his speech shortly after 2:30. He had one more stop to make: Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, a restaurant with mostly black clientele, on the outskirts of town. When he arrived, a surprised crowd of late eaters raised their cell phones, snapping pictures or asking for selfies. There was no shoulder-rubbing, no joking. Biden grabbed a seat between two Democratic state representatives Todd Rutherford and James E. Smith, the former having endorsed Barack Obama in the 2008 primaries. The press was ushered out just as Biden ordered the red velvet waffles that Rutherford had recommended.
Whether or not Biden chooses to run in 2016 — and right now I wouldn’t bet either way — I’m glad he’ll be out there for the next two years, proudly Democratic, reminding people which party has their back when it comes to actual jobs and American infrastructure.
********
Apart from that, what’s on the agenda for the evening?
khead
Pics of our adopted kitteh Mason.
Yeah, I’m pimping him. It’s been a while. Dude is growing up.
gelfling545
@khead: OOO. What a sweet kitty face.
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
@khead: Your baby ocelot is growing up! And he’s still quite cute.
David Koch
An additional 13,300,000 have received coverage through the Medicaid expansion.
Another 3,130,000 million have received insurance by allowing parents to keep their children on their coverage to age 26.
Obama is gonna look great in the remake of “North by Northwest”.
Another Holocene Human
@khead: awww
MomSense
@khead:
Such a pretty cat.
Trentrunner
Biden needs to respect people’s space, especially women’s space.
We–rightly–thought it was at least unseemly when Dubya did this sort of thing (e.g, to Angela Merkel).
We could at least try to be consistent.
And if you think this is a one-off for the VP, take a look at his Senate swearing-in videos, where he greets the Senators’ families quite, quite creepily.
Someone needs to pull him aside and tell him to stop.
Another Holocene Human
@David Koch: I’m waiting for when tax penalty day hits … when you ask can people be that stupid … the answer is a resounding YES … with a little help from your namesake and Rupert Murdoch.
WereBear
@khead: That’s some serious adorableness!
Violet
I love Uncle Joe. I don’t know if he’d be a great President but he’s my favorite Vice President ever.
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
@Trentrunner: As much as I adore kooky Uncle Joe for his kookiness, this is quite true. He needs to respect boundaries, especially those of women. He may be my favorite Vice President, but this recurring behavior is unacceptable.
That photo above is wrenching because it’s so visible how uncomfortable she is. Shame on him. I see a letter to the Vice President in my future.
Mnemosyne (iPhone)
@khead:
Cute! I don’t have pictures, but my brother in IL reported that his year-old kitties are about 16 pounds each with no fat on them. He had to buy the jumbo-size cat tower.
jl
She doesn’t seem as uncomfortable as Merkel did after Dub’s shoulder rub.
But Biden is a grown-up, and if he deserves to be criticized, then let him have it.
Hate to bring this up, but the age thing? Has he always been like this? I never paid attention to him for a long time.
Is his judgment going?
Glad he has about zero chance to go anywhere in 2016, though I think he would be a net plus to have in primaries, as long as his behavior doesn’t get any worse.
Roger Moore
@David Koch:
Obviously, Obama must be fudging the numbers, just the way he’s fudging them on unemployment and the deficit. It’s the only possible explanation.
raven
Baloney, doesn’t anyone know that you can take a still shot from a video and make it into anything you want it to be?
Here’s what really happened when Joe Biden whispered to the new Defense Secretary’s wife
Pogonip
I got out of the house today! At my age, and with a pulled, perhaps torn glute, this is what passes for excitement. The only thing more exciting would be a pupdate.
PurpleGirl
What a sweet face he has.
ETA: That’s khead’s kitteh. I was sure I’d hit reply.
khead
@Violet:
Same here. I loves me some Uncle Joe. Maybe it’s because I live so close to DE now (Elkton, MD). Not sure, but I love the guy. BJ folks will probably tell me I hate women.
Re: Mason KITTEH. Some jackass dropped him off on the mean streets of Rehoboth Beach, DE 18 months ago. Then, someone brought him all the way to Newark, DE to drop him off at a local vet that we know. Their loss.
Most. Awesome. Kitteh. Ever.
Major Major Major Major
Date night! It’s San Francisco and we’re gay so that means ‘rave’
max
The Media Villagers discover their long-missing inner feminist and demand to know: Has Joe Biden’s Behavior Finally Gone Too Far?
And Hiltlery Clinton is still a secret lesbian dedicated to destroying all men as they, no doubt, will soon inform us.
@a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q): As much as I adore kooky Uncle Joe for his kookiness, this is quite true. He needs to respect boundaries, especially those of women. He may be my favorite Vice President, but this recurring behavior is unacceptable.
It seems to me that somebody should tell him that if he gives back massages to the women, he should give them to the men too.
max
[’10 bucks says he goes for it.’]
Anne Laurie
@PurpleGirl: Mason the kitten, or Joe Biden?
Another Holocene Human
@Major Major Major Major: Damn, it’s true. Everyone IS having more fun than me.
Pogonip
@Major Major Major Major: I thought raves were out of style. One learns so much from these sites with many users. Have a good time!
jl
@raven: OK, thanks Video doesn’t look nearly as bad. And looks like his whisper wasn’t a pick-up line, since she indicated slightly amused agreement.
Still, his age suddenly occurred to me. Maintain, Joe, maintain! Only two more years to go, or until you start you doomed primary campaign. (I have reluctantly become a Biden fan of sorts, but have to keep it real).
jl
@max:
” It seems to me that somebody should tell him that if he gives back massages to the women, he should give them to the men too. ”
As the RW BS meme- and gotcha mobile ramps up for 2016, might need a Biden schmoozing media-watch to debunk any misleading pics and stories. Some front poster can monitor it and let us know. I won’t watch. Not that big a Biden fan.
raven
@jl: Much ado. . .
Major Major Major Major
@Pogonip: I dunno is there another word for big EDM dance party with lights and stuff? It’s not a circuit party.
Tree With Water
It got worse. Biden actually stuck his tongue in her ear.
PurpleGirl
@Anne Laurie: Mason the kitteh.
PhilbertDesanex
He just lost me, and I’m a guy FWIFW. Who does he think he is, George W Bush on Merkel? Wonder if he will try that on Hillary?
Hal
Huh. So apparently someone went in on Jessica Williams when she said she wasn’t ready to host The Daily Show. Williams is 25 and said she didn’t feel ready or qualified yet. That’s her decision to make. She would know better than anyone whether or not she could handle the job. Her responses at the link.
original article:
http://thebillfold.com/2015/02/on-the-daily-shows-jessica-williams-the-latest-high-profile-victim-of-impostor-syndrome/
Williams responses:
http://bonitaapplebelle.tumblr.com/post/111315296276/after-jessica-williams-declared-that-she-does-not
Mike in NC
Highways in South Carolina are in deplorable condition, as are the bridges, schools, and most everything else, for that matter. The price for keeping taxes on the rich as low as possible.
JPL
@Trentrunner: I definitely agree with this. Biden also needs to be reminded that Somalians who live in our country do more than drive cabs.
Scott Peterson
If you view the entire video, it appears she’s uncomfortable in the spotlight, not from Biden’s behavior—she seems to actually relax slightly when he whispers to her. Having said that, yeah, I really like the guy but wish he would knock this the hell off.
Baud
The Onion Biden (via a comment on this topic on Reddit)
BruceFromOhio
@Trentrunner: Someone needs to pull him aside and tell him to stop.
Man from the outside it is so easy. GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER, YOU MAGGOT.
The you find out later he was saying, “He’s a good man doing a tough job, and I’m glad he’s here.”
Until he or she fesses up and says so, you and I really don’t know. We’re looking at a picture and projecting what we think, without knowing the conversation before and after, without the benefit of knowing whether they are friends, enemies, or just met for the first time a few minutes ago. It could be wrong or right or totally inadequate. I sure as hell do not know, and neither do you. Is he a dirty old man? A good friend who cares? A pervert? A sensitive guy who understands? A rotten, dirty, Gaia-help-me-I’m-gonna-put-you-in-ICU guy with too much power and not enough sense?
You tell me.
jl
@Hal: Thanks for noting that. Gives me an excuse to publicly declare my undying love for Jessica Williams. I swoon. And… I think she is funny.
But enough chit chat. Williams doesn’t seem like she has any self-confidence problems to me, or any imposter syndrome. I think she she wants to to control her career and call her shots.
I think she might be pretty darn good as host, and she may be making a mistake. But who knows, really? If she feels not ready, then better to bide her time rather than flame out early. And after Colbert, Oliver and Wilmore, who wants to be the the first Night Show alum to not look good taking on a whole show?
Not sure Wilmore’s show will survive. I fear his budget is getting skimped. But I don’t think anyone can say it, or Wilmore, didn’t start out looking good and I’ve liked what I’ve seen.
Elie
@raven:
I agree — this was “doctored” in still images to make it look as awful as possible… hmmm —
raven
@BruceFromOhio: It’s bullshit. I bet Mika the scold is horrified too.
Elie
@BruceFromOhio:
I think you should look at the actual tape of the event… It is not as bad as it looks on the stills…
Elie
@Elie:
Bruce — see at # 15 link
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
@raven: Thanks man. Context is important, and it’s clear from the video that Mrs. Carter isn’t troubled at all. The still catches just the right second where it appears she looks uncomfortable, though not as much as Merkel with Bush, as was mentioned earlier.
I’ve been arguing about the insipid abusive “romance” of 50 Shades of Controlling Asshole, and I’m kinda oversensitive to images right now. Thanks for setting me straight, raven. I can always count on you.
Botsplainer
I’m just gonna say I envy the guy. I suspect he can charm the undies off all sorts of women.
I’m also gonna say I find her to be milf-y hot. Carter is a lucky man.
raven
@a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q): Well, it’s just my opinion but when you look at the high school bullshit tweets and headlines it’s hard not to be skeptical. I also think all this foot stomping and pronouncements about it disempowers Stephanie Carter. I’m assuming she can take care of herself.
Shana
Since so many of you have encyclopedic knowledge of music: who wrote/recorded the song “Syracuse University”? It’s from the early 80’s, very poppy. I’m drawing a blank and someone asked me about it. The google hasn’t been helpful.
Iowa Old Lady
I like Joe Biden, but he needs to keep his hands to himself.
Elie
@Iowa Old Lady:
I agree with you there, even though the video does make the reality behind the picture more acceptable. Best policy for him is to just don’t…. A dry little peck on the cheek is ok — its the HANDS that present a problem…
jl
@Elie: Problem is, Biden seems to have been very close friends, buds, BFF, with everybody whose anybody, for forever. He needs to check himself a little and show some restraint when cameras are around, if such a thing is possible.
But the dirty old man meme is out there now, so I am sure we will hear and see every possible instance until Obama is out of office. Some people (hint for Biden: the guy ahead of you) can give you some tips on how to show restraint.
Maintain, Joe, dammit!
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
@raven:
Your opinion is dead on, in my view. And your comment about the paternalistic – and condescending to a grown woman with agency – foot stomping is insightful. I got caught projecting outrage at idiots who won’t see the abusive themes in 50 Shades of Stupid onto a misleading still. Mea culpa.
raven
@a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q):
Well, you know what Lenny Cohen says:
jl
@a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q): Males infest the media who have ‘issues’ including abusive issues, with all sorts of people who are not just like them in every way: Limbaugh, Mornin’ Joe, Matthews, Carlson (sp? -the Daily Caller guy), etc. Sometimes I think having personality problems is a requirement for being a big time corporate media himbo in the US. Make a worse impression than most national politicians, and that is a pretty low bar.
I jumped the gun a little too. And if turns out this is not what it seemed, Biden does get a little out there, and I remember the fuss over his shmoozing at a searing in ceremony where I seriously doubt he could say he had been very close BFF with all those people.
Biden is a grown-up, and he’ll live if people criticize him. Better safe than sorry in calling him out when he draws attention. But also need to call BS when it turns out to be BS.
mclaren
@Violet:
Between Uncle Joe
StalinBiden calling for “another d-day in the war on drugs” and urging for 5 long years that we continue the endless pointless unwinnable war in Iraq, what’s not to like?Who else but Uncle Joe
StalinBiden would describe Julian Assange as “a high-tech terrorist”?And who do we have to thank for those asset forfeiture laws on the books that make it legal for police to steal your property without charging you with a crime?
Uncle Joe
StalinBiden!Uncle Joe
StalinBiden for president – MORE DRUG WAR, MORE FOREIGN WARS, MORE ASSET FORFEITURE, MORE PANOPTICON SURVEILLANCE.Oh, and by the way…Joe Biden is the guy who wrote the original language for the USA
TREASONPATRIOT ACT, except Biden offered the bill in 1955 and called it the Omnibus Anti-Terrorism Bill. So if you like the president having the power to kidnap an torture and murder U.S. citizens without charging them with a crime or having a trial, you’ll love Uncle JoeStalinBiden.khead
@mclaren:
Well, sure. Because none of that stuff would be going on without Uncle Joe Stalin.
Try to enjoy the cat pics. I think they are pretty good but I am biased.
BruceFromOhio
For those interested in a brief history of
Stalin, plenty of linky goodness. Rest assured Wikipedia is in on the jinx, clearly it’s all lies, more lies, and even more lies, because the voices in my head tell me any other Joe is probably worse.Sorry, I have to go, the President of
VenezuelaNamibiaYemenCambodiaCanada is here to chop off my hands while burning my crops.jl
@khead: I hang my head in shame. I’m gong to burn all my Biden 2016 and 2022 campaign gear.
satby
@mclaren: God, you are tedious.
Omnes Omnibus
@satby: I would go with silly, but tedious works as well.
Jake Nelson
It’s not just women, FYI. He gets real close like that with everyone. One time I met him at a DC event when he was running for the nomination, and he was SUPER close with me the whole time we were talking, had his hand on my shoulder for half of it. It is a little uncomfortable, especially for people like me who have personal space issues anyway, but he’s got this tremendous presence in person that even other candidates didn’t have (Hillary came close, Obama’s was much less).
patty
i’ve been a democrat all my life; my family are democrats for generations. but no matter what party, a creep is a creep. and joe biden is a creep. if he put his hands on me, i would punch him. my mother used to have a boyfriend just like him.