Behind The Scenes With Joe Biden

CBS News Anchor Katie Couric Spends The Day With The Democratic VP Nominee

(CBS)  He's the close-talking, free-wheeling, ice-cream loving Democratic nominee for vice president.

Sen. Joe Biden is not holding back, CBS News anchor Katie Couric reports.

"You say what's on your mind. Have you found that you have to be uber-careful and disciplined in terms of being out there on the campaign trail?" Couric asked.

"No. I feel passionate about what I'm doing and saying. I know the Republicans are going to take anything I say, no matter what it would be or anybody, and take it out of context," Biden said. "They are going to take any piece and if I have to parse through every single thing I'm going to say, then I'm not me."

On the trail, Biden is unmistakably himself, from occasionally cursing to getting emotional, as he did in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

CBS News was with him last Thursday during one of the rockiest weeks in history for the U.S. economy, something that wasn't lost on the six-term senator.

"Part of what being a leader does is to instill confidence is to demonstrate what he or she knows what they are talking about and to communicating to people ... this is how we can fix this," Biden said. "When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the princes of greed. He said, 'look, here's what happened.'"

Relating to the fears of working-class Americans is one of Biden's strong suits, as he did before union members in Akron, Ohio.

That's something that comes easily for this son of a car salesman from Scranton, Pa.

"What was it about what he said that really resonated with you?" Couric asked some members of the audience.

"I think he expressed what most people feel at the moment. He seems to relate to our pain," said Bob Wise.

"This is true middle class Akron, Ohio," said Tim O'Daniel.

"I want him in office because I think he'll do things for women," said Yvonne Marzik.

In fact, women, who usually lean Democratic, have suddenly become one of the most coveted voting blocs of this election.

"Polls show that Sen. McCain and Sarah Palin are making inroads among white female voters who are less educated," Couric told the candidate.

"I don't believe that," Biden said. "Every election people are making up their minds later and later because there's more and more at stake. Everyone should just be a little patient here. Eventually Sarah Palin is gonna have to let everyone know what she thinks, what her record is."

Couric asked: "How is it preparing for the debates?"

"Well it's kind of hard to prepare, because I don't know what she thinks. There's been no - I just don't know a lot about her, so therefore I'm assuming; I have to assume for purposes of the debate, that she agrees with John on everything," Biden said.

"Are you worried that you're going to have to pull your punches a bit because of her gender and you don't want to seem like you're bullying her? It's a different dynamic when it's a male/female thing, isn't it?" Couric asked.

"I don't know, is it? We're sitting here doing it right now, aren't we? Look, all kidding aside," Biden said. "So maybe it's a generational thing but I don't start this thing thinking 'Oh my God, this is a woman, I had better treat her differently.'"

But the way the campaigns are treating each other is raising some eyebrows - especially coming from two candidates who pledged to take the high road.

Couric asked: "Are you disappointed with the tone of the campaign? The 'lipstick on the pig' stuff, and some of the ads - you guys haven't been completely guilt-free making fun of John McCain's inability to use a computer."

"I thought that was terrible by the way," Biden said.

"Why did you do it then?" Couric asked.

"I didn't know we did it and if I had anything to do with it, we would have never done it," Biden said. "And I don't think Barack, you know. I just think that was …"

Did Obama approve that ad?

"The answer is I don't think there was anything intentional about that," Biden said. "They were trying to make another point. That's very different than deliberately taking a vote Barack Obama had to teach children about how to deal with child-predators and saying he was teaching them sex education in kindergarten. Very different in degree."

---

Update: Late Monday, Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton released the following statement from Biden:

"I was asked about an ad I'd never seen, reacting merely to press reports. As I said right then, I knew there was nothing intentionally personal in the criticism of Senator McCain's views which look backwards not forwards and are out of touch with the new economic challenges we face today. Having now reviewed the ad, it is even more clear to me that given the disgraceful tenor of Senator McCain’s ads and their persistent falsehoods, his campaign is in no position to criticize, especially when they continue to distort Barack's votes on an issue as personal as keeping kids safe from sexual predators," said Joe Biden.

[stn_sage]

WHAT?! CBS is going to give air time to Biden?

Did they check with McCain-Palin and clear it with there campaign?!

They''ve been so busy promoting McCain-Palin the past three weeks, they''d forgotten there''s the ''other'' competitors in the race---you know, what''s their names?!

[max0010]

If the truth be known.
Earmarks %u2013 just this year Joe Biden requested over $340 million in pork. Obama has not released any information on his earmarks yet. The McCain campaign has asked for how much earmarks Joe Biden has requested since 1972 when he started%u2026must be a staggering sum since he requested just $340 million this year. The Obama campaign called for a request checking John McCain back since 1990 and could not find any evidence that McCain had ever requested or received any earmarks. Who is giving away your money?
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/09/22/ms-nbc-bidens-earmarks-a-legitimate-issue/

[hoosier7755]

Perhaps Senator Biden needs a history lesson. Senator Biden stated "When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television..." There were no more than 7,000 televisions in the US by 1941 - suffice to say even fewer in the early 1930s.

Perhaps Katie Couric could show us a clip from the television broadcast that Senator Biden referred to. Perhaps his comment came from the same fantasy world his claim that his wife and child were killed by a drunk driver - absolutely untrue. His wife tragically pulled out in front of a semi-truck. The police investigation indicated the semi-truck driver was not drunk, had not been consuming alcohol nor did he have any history of alcohol abuse.

[pekopper-2009]

Typical brain-dead simplistic questions from this Couric Clown to a highly qualified nuts and bolts candidate.

[michiganrfs]

I could not believe what I heard Joe Biden say! Franklin Roosevelt was not even President when the stock market crashed(Herbert Hoover was, Roosevelt was elected in 1932) and no one went on the experimental medium known as television!! It was equally funny to realize he made this comment while describing how great leaders handle crisis situations! I''ve got plenty of confidence that he knows exactly what he is doing....NOT! Why didn''t Katie get it and call him on it??

[downsteamjim]

Couric and Biden better never get on the show, "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader." Remidial history classes for both.

[f4skyhawk]

somebody save us from bill clinton and Joe Biden. Biden does not even know why the Ad was done. It was about a candidate who in the 21st century does not use a computer not that he can not. That is being out of touch. Joe what is terrible about that??????????

[michiganrfs]

"When George Washigton was having trouble with those pesky British troops, he calmed the nation by going on Meet the Press and reasuring the American people that victory was at hand!"

[glenda743]

How in the world could anyone be so stupid to think that if the American people didn''t want Biden for president....they sure don''t want him for vp.....Duh//

[downsteamjim]

Apparently there is no question that is easy, soft, and fluffy enough for Biden to answer correctly.

[FHMullane]

Our situation financially and security wise is in serious shape. Doesn''t matter that BUSH created this mess but I think we have a serious situation and this isn''t the time for joking. Biden is a very knowledgeable guy and he cannot be responsible for the questions posed to him.

[downsteamjim]

To fhmullane: He may not be responsible for the questions asked, but he sure is responsible for the pathetic responses he gives.

[negrovote-]

Will Obama Democrats stop playing politics long enough to pass the economic rescue package?

[downsteamjim]

During the civil war, President Lincoln would post daily comments on the internet on the war''s progress. Right Joe.

[mominmaine]

Joe Biden is brilliant, genuine and a TRUE patriot., He continuously GIVES to this nation and posesses REAL integrity (as in the Democratic definition.... not the Republican which is "lies pathologically without getting caught"). Thank God for Joe Biden. Thank God for Barak Obama. Thank God for real patriotism. Republicans are failures, liars, lacking in intellect and devoid of patriotism. They are the anti-Christ...they are the Anti-Americans. Shame on them for their stupidity and where it has left America. Truly despicable. The only things they are good at is lying and manipulation. Oh, and have you noticed...McBlame is senile.

[no_gop]

ALASKA POP 700,000 - There is more people in Queens NY. Who is the GOP kidding with the Caribou barbie?

[duffyn]

Only stupid people mindlessly support bush. The rupugnants have had complete control of congress and the white house for 8 years. Their party is responsible for our situation. Look where we are. American could not be more broke!!! Throw the bums out - vote Democrat and watch things improve. This is gonna take a while though.

[jzelouise]

tuckerndfw wrote(no, sh*t, CBS, racists are rampant in the GOP and have been since LBJ) and Michiganrfs on the Hoover/FDR remark.....Do the schools still teach civics???
Democrat LBJ had the balls to sign the 1964 civil rights act and if you don%u2019t think that took guts from one of the Texas good ole boys, you are seriously smokin%u2019 crack. Michiganrfs...yes Hoover was president when the stock market failed in 1929 the Republicans were in office 1897 TO 1933 before (Wilson 2 terms & Teddy Roosevelt 6 years Republican, but a populist is ever there was one).FDR was the one who did something about it. Read dammit, wiki if you can''t find a legitimate source..

[gtttrades]

How soon before he gets "sick" and Obama takes Hillary for running mate?--
Posted by jeff607 at 08:02 PM : Sep 22, 2008

The sooner the better. It was really dumb to pick Biden. DE has 3 electorial votes. Obama would have had them anyway.
Had he picked Hillary he could have locked the election. Hillary is virtually "bullet proof: from the republicans because they have been whining about her for 16 years, nothing new to distort.
Wait to about a week before November 4 and see the smears the repukes come up with. And she''s a hellava lot smarter than Joe Biden.

[downsteamjim]

Tuckerndfw: Your rants will not obscure the totally ridiculous remarks that Biden just made. If McCain or Palen said something that erroneous, the media would have an RGasm.

[hbevis]

ALL OF THIS MESS JUST SHOWS HOW CRY-BABY-LIBERAL-PEOPLE THESE NEWS PEOPLE ARE.

THE THING WITH CHARLES GIBSON AND PALIN WAS REWORKED BEFORE IT WAS AIRED. ANOTHER CASE OF CRY-BABY-LIBERAL-NEWS-PEOPLE.

[gwjackie]

One thing about John McCain he will give you a answer today and if his points do not go up he will give you another one tomorrow. Tells one dam lie after another!

[eyetosee]

We Need to get back to Solid Foundations and Standards which made this Country Great. Remember The Days of "We the People" & "One Nation Under God" How Far have we FALLIN. USA needs a WAKE UP CALL or Rude awaking?

[devilstowerw]

Wow, What a tough interview and such hard questions!!!I hope Couric is that hard on Sarah Palin!!!

[beagleboy6]

Hmmm...how did FDR get on "the television?" I certainly would have thought he''d use the radio! Doesn''t anyone remember that we haven''t always had television?

[willymack]

The lady from Alaska is going to clean your clock and you are soooooooooooooo afraid. Just keep grasping at the slime as long as you can because a good old American women is going to make all the democratic men look stupid and make the false impression Hillary look simply false.

[dtinaz]

Interesting that a supposedly experienced politician doesn''t know his history. Herbert Hoover had been in office six months when the financial world fell apart, yet he was blamed for it. FDR took office 4 years following the crash of the stock market. How could he make a speech on television which was introduced into the US between 1930 and 1939 (wiki). Wonder how many Americans bought televisions during the Great Depression (from 1929 to the late 1930''s to early 1940''s depending on who you talk to)? FDR''s famous words "a date which will live in infamy" was heard on radios across the nation. Which was after the stock market crash. The War of The Worlds radio broadcast was in 1938. So Biden, how did FDR comment about the 1929 Stock Market crash on television. No wonder why Obama and the media have been hiding Biden from the public. What an embarrassment!

[dtinaz]

Interesting that a supposedly experienced politician doesn''t know his history. Herbert Hoover had been in office six months when the financial world fell apart, yet he was blamed for it. FDR took office 4 years following the crash of the stock market. How could he make a speech on television which was introduced into the US between 1930 and 1939 (wiki). Wonder how many Americans bought televisions during the Great Depression (from 1929 to the late 1930''s to early 1940''s depending on who you talk to)? FDR''s famous words "a date which will live in infamy" was heard on radios across the nation. Which was after the stock market crash. The War of The Worlds radio broadcast was in 1938. So Biden, how did FDR comment about the 1929 Stock Market crash on television. No wonder why Obama and the media have been hiding Biden from the public. What an embarrassment!

[dtinaz]

Interesting that a supposedly experienced politician doesn''t know his history. Herbert Hoover had been in office six months when the financial world fell apart, yet he was blamed for it. FDR took office 4 years following the crash of the stock market. How could he make a speech on television which was introduced into the US between 1930 and 1939 (wiki). Wonder how many Americans bought televisions during the Great Depression (from 1929 to the late 1930''s to early 1940''s depending on who you talk to)? FDR''s famous words "a date which will live in infamy" was heard on radios across the nation. Which was after the stock market crash. The War of The Worlds radio broadcast was in 1938. So Biden, how did FDR comment about the 1929 Stock Market crash on television. No wonder why Obama and the media have been hiding Biden from the public. What an embarrassment!

[willymack]

It is unfortunate that CBS does not screen e-mails coming from the nations prisons. If they did, democratic support comments on this site would drop by 70 percent.

[willymack]

DTinAZ

Just love how you pick these raving lunics and Biden appart with the simple truth. We need more people like you.

[hbevis]

It is unfortunate that CBS does not screen e-mails coming from the nations prisons. If they did, democratic support comments on this site would drop by 70 percent.

Posted by willymack4 at 09:35 PM : Sep 22, 2008

You are right, thanks for bring that to the Front.

[willymack]

Fortunately John McCain''s wife has so much money, the man is immune from bribes, from special interests groups, wall street financeers, and international lobbiests from Iran, China, and North Korea.

He is accused of having more than 10 cars and 7 houses so what more can the man want.

Obama on the otherhand can not wait to become rich like Billy Boy Clinton by "talking with our enemies" and selling out America. McCain is more like John and Bobby kennedy who were probably assinated by friends of LBJ.......who by the way expanded the war in Vietnam.

[willymack]

To tuckerndfw

I am amazed how you continue to bribe the guards so you do not have to be back in your cell block before mid night.

[downsteamjim]

To tuckerndfw: It is amazing how you excuse this incredible gaff by Biden. Are you a member of the Lemming Party?

[downsteamjim]

To wjksea: You need to write for Biden. However, democrats are trying hard to give convicted criminals the right to vote. Apprently the democrats have a lock on the murderer, robber, ra pests voters.

[willymack]

wjksea

Now everyone knows for sure you are in Prison. We are sad you are a criminal but happy prisoners can only rant and rake their cups along the bars. You lost your right to vote when you were convicted, you and your opinions do not really count.

[downsteamjim]

George Washington was able to cross the Delaware River and attack Trinton through the use of stealth rowboats and GPS developed by Al Gore''s great, great, great, grandfather. Right Joe!

[dtinaz]

Let''s face reality. There are two fronts, both critical to the survival of America. We have an economic crisis compared only to 1929. Everybody got greedy. From buyers who knew they couldn''t afford an expensive home, sellers who wanted more than their homes were worth, and financial institutions who we trusted to control themselves who wanted even more and let it get out of control. And to think these are supposedly educated people? We have a real and serious threat against the safety of our nation with extremists who hate us just because of our religion or lack of religion is not theirs. Think we are at war now? We haven''t even seen the beginning. Don''t like Bush, but, come on Democrats, all you could give us was John Kerry. Now you put up a rookie Senator and Biden and will cry that another Republican was put into office. Come up with something realistic. I don''t trust either option to truly lead us on both fronts, but, like last time the Republicans present the least of two evils.

[emelder]

Joe Biden is a good and honorable man ... here in PA, we like him very much. Go Obama/Biden!!!

[willymack]

To tuckerndfw

Why is it when you have to confront the truth, you have to resort to calling the republican candidates wives ***? Gay men ususally refer to women using that kind of language. Can you tell us if you were gay upon arrival in prison or were abused and now like it.

[downsteamjim]

TO wjksea: You comments on Palin''s son, make him sound like Barack Obama.

[downsteamjim]

Pennsylvania is our 47th state. Right Obama!
emelder: Watch out for those gun toten bible thumpers.

[downsteamjim]

Good night all, and may some good democrat break down and send Biden a history book.

[willymack]

wjksea

wjksea

Your sources are so quotable ...... a friend of a friend, etc. But that is ok, as long as you THINK
people believe you. How do the dems get the money into prison to pay you for being on this site 24 hours a day.

Guess they send it in hidden in the crack.

[willymack]

wjksea

Your sources are so quotable ...... a friend of a friend, etc. But that is ok, as long as you THINK
people believe you. How do the dems get the money into prison to pay you for being on this site 24 hours a day.

Guess they send it in hidden in the crack.

[willymack]

wjksea

Sexuality is a sensitive area for you isn''''t it willy? A typical right winger, attacking and kicking below the belt at every turn.

If the shoe fits, wear it....ah sorry, pink slipper in your case.

[willymack]

well tomorrow is a work day so I am signing off. You prisoners of Obama are welcome to stay up and jerk each other off with wild rants.

[woltommel]

can fix this," Biden said. "When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn''t just talk about the princes of greed. He said, ''look, here''s what happened.''"
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD EH UM AH
Huh? Does Biden or C B S have a clue? I''m starting to worry about half the people in our country.

[lanawonders]

Thanks Senator Biden, your the most honorable person in this election...keep up the good job. Be thankful that Palin is in the press more than you...I am