Latest Biden Gaffe: VP Flubs Senate Swear-In
- Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:24pm by
Meredith Jessup
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Another day, another gaffe from Vice President Joe Biden. This time, however, Biden’s error involved the swearing in of the newest U.S. Senator.
Illinois Senator-elect Mark Kirk was at the Capitol Monday to take his oath of office, administered by Biden, the constitutionally appointed president of the Senate.
“Please place your right hand on the Bible,” Biden instructed Kirk.
Kirk followed Biden’s direction, placing his right hand on the Bible and raising his left hand in the air.
But as the Chicago Tribune points out, the “Traditions of the United States Senate” dictates that Senators take their oath of office by raising his or her right hand, not their left.
Elizabeth Alexander, Biden’s spokeswoman, said Tuesday there’s no do-over in the works. “We’ve checked with the Senate parliamentarian, and he’s told us that whether Senator Kirk held up his left or right hand is of no consequence and has no bearing on his status as a sitting senator,” she said.
Sitting Senate historian Donald Ritchie, told of the incident, said it brought to mind Chief Justice John Roberts getting the words wrong when administering the oath of office to President Barack Obama.
“People make mistakes,” Ritchie shrugged. Still, he agreed Monday’s miscue is inconsequential.
“The importance of the oath is that you agree with the oath, not that you raise a particular hand or you hold a particular Bible,” he said. “All are completely secondary to your commitment to upholding the Constitution and supporting the United States.”
Kirk’s swearing-in was re-enacted immediately afterward in the ornate Old Senate Chamber, where still cameras are allowed (unlike on the Senate floor, where the oath was recorded on video). Kirk, on his second try, got it right.
Right vs left hand. It would seem that this mix-up as inconsequential as Sarah Palin’s recent North vs. South Korea misstatement. But what are the chances the mainstream media will give Biden’s gaffe as much attention?
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Comments (130)
aeronut44
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:14pmI love the way the politicians swear to uphold the Constitution even though I would wager not a third of them has a clue as to what it says..,they are ALL crooks.
BTW. Biden is an Ass
Report Post »t00nces2
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:14pmThey are the ones theyhave been waiting for….
Report Post »LadyIzShy
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:09pmGotta love Joe..
Report Post »mossbrain
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:06pmThis was no mistake. The left eye is the evil eye, oculus sinister, likewise the raising of the left hand is a deliberate ritualistic summoning of evil.
Report Post »This raising of the left hand by Biden has been planned for 10,000 years. This seeminly inconsequential act has raised Great Lucifer from the depths to live again on earth. The door has been opened.
snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:29pmNo offense Lucifer has dwelt on this planet since he was cast from the Heavens in the great war described in Revelations.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:31pmLucifer was banished to the earth as punishment for his crimes against God, rebelling against the will and laws of the Almighty. He lost that war, and is not confined to the depths, he walks now, and always has walked upon the earth. Until his destruction as shown in Ezekiel 28:12-19 (note the references to him having been in the garden of eden and walked on the stones of fire in heaven; shows clearly who it is talking about in metaphor.) he will continue to exist on the earth.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:11pmApologies for the double posting, the sight cut out on me suddenly with the first and I was not sure if anything made it to their sight for posting.
Report Post »WISEPENNY
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:03pmAnd they thought no one even noticed, I’ll bet. Well defined. Next they’ll be reciting the Lords Prayer backwards, letter for letter. Very good observation, MOSSBRAIN.
Report Post »silentwatcher
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 2:35amYa know,,,,watching this congress try to work together is like,,,,,,sitting in a day care and watching the 2 year olds trying to play together,,,each in their own way and wanting to possess the best toys.
they haven’t come very far, have they!!!
Report Post »Iamfedup
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:55pmAhhh, Joe Biden – the gift that keeps on giving!
Report Post »mrsmileyface
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 2:17pmYa but if we give the gift back look what were left with. VP Pelosi! I’d rather have that baffoon than the devil herself.
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:52pmDrug addiction or dementia?
Report Post »Mahakala
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:52pmBiden is such a dork. A complete idiot!!!!!
Report Post »KEA
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:50pmMark Kirk is a disgrace! He is another Illinois RHINO and having Dick Durbin at his side reflects sadly on him.
Report Post »Ronko
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:49pmA gaffe a day for Joe Biden I like it
Report Post »spreadcommonsensenot pc
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:48pmIm sorry, Biden knew what he was saying, ANOTHER ”SPIT” ON THE BIBLE AND CONSTITUTION.
Report Post »It will be Bidens arrogant MOUTH that will start WW3
larrykas
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:47pmThis one is for the Gipper.
Report Post »bry
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:44pmPut left foot in mouth…
Report Post »Societal Misfit
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:44pmWhile legally it my not be of consequence, procedurally and symbolically it says a lot. Sure people make mistakes but its like saying amen before saying a prayer.
As well it makes one have to wonder if they really know what they are doing up on the hill. Yea I know we all pretty much know the answer to that one, lol, but seriously, come on. lol
You know how Ronald Reagan was nicknamed “The Gipper”, well Joe Biden will be known through history as “The Gaffer”, lol, hey if the shoe fits.
Report Post »Steverino
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:41pmWOW. Let‘s all pray for Obama’s safety. Seriously.
This man frightens me. I‘m sure he’s a “good guy” and whatnot, but, WOW.
Steve
http://stephencharles-poppin-off.blogspot.com/
Report Post »KenInIL
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:40pmBiden still doesn’t know which is which !!
Report Post »guyperram
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:40pmIt is unbelieveable that this guy is supposed to have written the patriot act. Seems out of his league.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:47pmit is out of his league. his name was on it, but someone else wrote it . this is how most of it is on most bills. these people are only faces attached to bills. justl like the hc bill wasnt written by a congress member if it was, one of them would have known what was in it .
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:56pmI wonder if Biden’s handler is also a ventriloquist; and just blew it on the lip sync in this matter.
Report Post »isobamamadd
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:39pmThese idiots are what is wrong with America.Think they know everything,and can’t get the simplest things right.
Report Post »henryKnox
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:39pmBiteMe is not a functioning VP. Where is Dan Quayle when we need him? I miss Dick Chaney.
Report Post »Capt_Spalding
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:38pmHe seriously is “the gift that keeps giving”.
Report Post »powhatan
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:38pmone too many peyote buttons in his youth
Report Post »Hill Country Patriot
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:55pmBIDEN: “Man, I gotta lay off the peyote.”
ROFL!!!
Report Post »silentwatcher
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:05pmyea, and he didn’t inhale, either.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:25pmBiden to DC police: “But officers I could have sworn they meant coyote, not peyote!”
Report Post »showourstrength
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:38pmthis POS only cares about one thing, himself. He sees his job as a burden.
Report Post »GunsaBlazing
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:43pmWay to go Joe!
Report Post »isobamamadd
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:37pmThese idiots are the problem with America .think they know everything,and can’t get the simplest things right.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:54pmIs that not the way it usually goes with anyone – the moment they believe themselfs to know all there is and all that is needed; they just prove how little they do understand, and how ignorate they choose to remain of the world about them.
Report Post »Average_JoeMN
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:36pmIf Palin had done this it would have led the evening news for three nights in a row.
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:53pmAaaaamen!!
Report Post »13thGenerationAmerican
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:10pmThat’s because Palin is a Moron
Report Post »Average_JoeMN
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:25pm@13THGENERATIONAMERICAN
Report Post »Palin’s got more brains in her manicured toe nail than Joe Biden (and you) will hope to have in a lifetime. And more class.
komponist-ZAH
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:37pmFrom the Lefty Dictionary:
Moron n. A person of strong conservative values, having an affinity for the Constitution and traditional morality; a person posing a grave threat to our agenda who must be ridiculed and belittled by any means possible.
From the Dictionary of the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy:
Moron n. see GenerationAmerican, 13th, Dean, Howard, Biden, Joseph, and Frank, Barney.
Report Post »crackerone
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:49pmPerhaps 13thgeneration and Joe should open up a Hot Dog stand together!
Report Post »psst
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:04pm@ Crackerone.
Report Post »Um, they would eat each other.
NJartificer
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:22pm*******
Report Post »Dont give them any ideas we cant afford another multi-billion dollar bailout
DeltaHawk
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:33pmWhat do you expect from a leftist vice president?
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:53pmHonestly, a lot of jokes get told of the lack of intelligence or whatever is between the ears of each VP in office; until Biden I never really thought of them as jokes, and to think that this man is the next in line of succession with Pelosi and Hillary (for now) just behind him with hands clasped and knifes behind their backs.
Note: I put absolutely NOTHING of the highest of trechary and treason past those two women.
Report Post »silentwatcher
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 2:30amto al least know the difference between left and right!! Is that he minimum requirements to have a job there? so Biden fails!!!
Report Post »Cemoto78
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:33pmAfter all the times this dimwit took the same oath you would think he could get at least this one right (not left)
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 7:38pmNo offense, this is Mr Biden we are talking about; he seems to have been off of his medication this day – the 180% proof variety at the least. Either that or he and Mr Obama are having a contest for the ‘most clueless person of historic office.’
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm
Report Post »bulldawg
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:00pmWho keeps letting the idiot out of his cage, and to think this moron ran for the nomination for President, and thank goodness he didn’t win because this jack@ss might of been President and we would already be a Socialist nation. http://www.weeklyrepublic.com
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:11pm@silentwatcher
ROFL
Report Post »The Vengislator
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:45pmBecause of the way Roberts flubbed my swear-in,
Report Post »I’ve ordered the flubbing of all swear-ins henceforth.
silentwatcher
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 8:54pmI’m serious,,,I‘ll bet his wife is constantly upset with him because he can’t remember to either lift or drop the toilet seat. If ever there was a token in congress, I bet he’s it.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:49pmNope, Snow, I think he took his 180 proof medicine and couldn’t remember left from right. Or maybe he is dyslextic, or maybe he wasn’t a lawyer long enough to know which hand to raise. Ya just have to shake your head in wonder.
Report Post »psst
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 9:57pm@Snow.
Report Post »Off his meds this day?
Are you kidding ?..
The man does not take meds. This is his normal state.24/7 of every day.
W/ meds,he thiks he’s Joe Kinnock or Neil Biden. Or both.
psst
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:00pm@Silent.
Report Post »The man wears his zippers in the back, that’s why.
He thought he would set a new trend.
Unfortunately for him, it’s never caught on w/ normal guys.
godlovinmom
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:34pmits amazing what they say about Sarah Palin and this goon is our vice president…oh man!
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 10:41pmHair plugs were put in too deep I tell ya. The man is a complete bufoon.
Report Post »2
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:14pmThis Azz Clown is smarter than Palin?
Report Post »No way, He’s dumber than a fish or a bird.
That’s not fair to the Animals.
dawgPound
Posted on December 1, 2010 at 11:27pmWhy didn’t Kirk say something? According to all of the posts i’ve read here, the whole left hand right hand thing is common knowledge, right? EVERYBODY on this board knew Biden screwed up as soon as they saw it, right? Surrrrre ya did….lol
Report Post »G.W. Dobbs
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:30amBiden will NEVER learn the difference in what is “Right” and what should be “Left”
Report Post »alone. I fear Biden woud have been President had he not plagerized during a previous
campaign when many were wrongly impressed that he might be intelligent. Like Obama,
Time has revealed the TRUTH. Biden is provenly UNQUALIFIED for any significant position.
Realitydweller™
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 12:34amToo funny; reminds me of this classic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxAk3B_zS5k&feature=related
Report Post »Aesculf
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 1:31amlol
Report Post »drajhil
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 3:10amI love the way you right wingers jump all over this, but shrugged your shoulders, when the Chief Justice (!) of the Supreme Court screwed up administering the oath of office to the President. Not that it was a surprise. Roberts’ sole qualification for office – he had virtually no juridical experience – was that he functioned as a faithful corporate stooge for most of his professional life. The result has been clearly manifest on the bench as he and the other right wingers on the Court have set about rewriting Constitutional law as fast as they can. In case after case Roberts, Alito, Scalia, Thomas, and Kennedy have ruled to extend corporate power and contract individual freedoms. Roberts is no intellectual giant either. He speaks with all the eloquence of a Manhattan bus driver; and, as we saw at the inauguration, he can’t even remember a simple oath long enough to administer it to the President. What a disgrace!
Report Post »paperpushermj
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 4:52amThis has to be said. The primary complaint about Mrs Palin was that as the Vice President she was painted as incompetent to be the President of the United States.
Report Post »kindling
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 10:54amWhy should it make any difference, all those progressives took an oath to protect the Consititution of the US and are not doing it. Obama picked Biden as his running mate because there wasn’t anyone else this inept to make Obama look good.
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