Politics

Biden to Dems: Words Matter, Tone Matters

By Fernando Suarez

January 21, 2011 / 5:14 PM EST / CBS News

Cambridge, Maryland - On the day Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) was transferred to a Houston area hospital, Vice President Joe Biden told fellow Democrats at a retreat in Maryland that the discourse in Washington needs to change.

"There is a generic recognition that we have to change the way we talk to one another," he said to thunderous applause adding, "words matter, tone matters."

Biden, who addressed the group of House Members for nearly an hour on foreign policy issues, began his remarks by saying that the tragedy surrounding Giffords is "personal" for him.

"I know its personal for vast majority of you who know Gabby," he added.

Biden, who several years ago underwent brain surgery for aneurysms said he can sympathize with Giffords plight, but said he remains confident in her recovery.

"Attitude, determination is an incredible weapon in dealing with what you're facing," he said.

The vice president said he's not surprised by Giffords progress because in the years he campaigned with her he realized that "she had a backbone like a ramrod."