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What Will He Say Next?

Biden's gaffes are day-to-day curse for Obama camp, and blessing in disguise

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Oct 29, 2008 10:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – Will Joe Biden make it to November? The talky senator has so far managed to avoid major damage to Barack Obama’s campaign, despite a number of close brushes. But, notes Bill Nichols in Politico, there’s a week to go. While Biden’s favorable ratings are high and the Obama staff has been impressed with his ability to connect emotionally, the stream of minor gaffes is near-constant.

Voters have seemed inclined to forgive Biden his minor sins, as when he predicted that the world will “test” Barack Obama in the first six months of his presidency. His gravitas might earn him a pass. Besides, the slips are an outgrowth of the fact that he remains remarkably non-robotic for a national politician. Says an Obama aide, “It makes him real.”

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., makes a joke as a caller refuses to believe it's him, during an unscheduled stop at the Obama campaign headquarters in Titusville, Fla.,... (AP Photo/Joe Burbank, Pool)

Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., speaks during a campaign rally in New Port Richey, Fla., Monday, Oct. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., speaks a rally at the Dancing Horse Farm in Ocala, Fla., Tues., Oct. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

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If Biden didn’t have the kind of intellectual foundation and basic gravitas that he has, I think it would be much easier for his critics to nitpick over the comments that he’s made over the course of the race. - Phil Singer, former Hillary Clinton aide

In his history, in his belief, and in his life story, he is a West Virginian. He is no child of privilege. - W.Va. Sen. Robert Byrd, of Joe Biden

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What Will He Say Next?