You know the old software programmer's excuse: "that's not a bug. That's a feature!" John Harwood of CNBC/NYT has produced a political variation on the theme to buff up Joe Biden. Biden's gaffes, including the racially-insensitive ones, are actually . . . "a strength."
Harwood was chatting with Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski on a special Morning Joe edition today, and the topic of Biden's famous "clean and articulate" comment about Obama arose. Biden also made headlines of course with his crack about 7-11s being populated by people with Indian accents.
JOHN HARWOOD: He is not somebody who is infused with political correctness, the verbal equivalent of putting his pinky up when he opens his mouth. So this is what, the way ordinary voters are as well. They're not always worried about sort of calibrating every single word by "ooh, is this racially insensitive?" That's something that Joe Biden brings as an asset to the ticket. The gaffes actually show one of his strengths.
View video here.
R-i-g-h-h-h-t. And no doubt Harwood and the rest of the MSM would also celebrate a Republican candidate prone to racially-insensitive comments. Or not. And of course we remember how the liberal media found Dan Quayle's gaffes endearing, no?
Joe's just been named, but Harwood's got to be the early clubhouse leader in the Biden Spinning Sweepstakes.
Update 15:44 | Jacob S. Lybbert. Be sure to check out Ace's take. A sample:
Need I remind anyone that for months the left has been DaVinci Codebreaking every John McCain advertisement for so-called "coded racism." And they were not praising such "coded racism" as "refreshing" or charming in the least.
Update 16:01 | Jacob S. Lybbert. At Hot Air, Allah points out that if McCain's racism weren't coded (see above), the MSM wouldn't have given him any guff. Uh huh.
Update 21:38 | Jacob S. Lybbert. Meanwhile, Jeff at Protein Wisdom says that liberals can get away with this type of racism because of the,
animating tenet in “liberal” ideology — namely, that, simply by virtue of adopting the left-liberal agenda, one is good, and so his “mistakes” are but minor slip-ups, hiccups in a life of sublime goodliness.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.



















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Ha, the msm already
August 23, 2008 - 08:44 ET by HumanEventsHa, the msm already spinning with their hilarious inept ways in anticipation of Biden's racially sensitive statements coming to haunt the ticket.
Too bad Edwards wasn't picked as the running mate. For then I suppose Harwood would have said, "These incidents of marital infidelity are actually a plus for the ticket. It will illustrate how Obama shows a forgiving side that we all should do. As well as highlighting Obama's compassion for John Edwards' ailing wife Elizabeth."
It goes to prove
August 23, 2008 - 08:57 ET by well99That is ok to make racist remarks if you are a Dem.Shoot you can even have been a member of the KKK.
Baseball...
August 23, 2008 - 08:58 ET by unkeeafDoes anyone remember a judge finding the Major League Baseball owners guilty of colusion back in the 80's? The judge in that case said there was evidence that the owners had met as a group and agreed not to pay free agents more than a set amount.
I often think of that ruling when I see things like this. I know reporters are generally far left and have learned to follow the communist party line very well, but it often seems to be a little more calculated than that. Just watch, this won't be the last story like this we will see.
They know this bozo is going to run of at the mouth and they are already working hard to provide him cover. If it's not colusion, it's something damn close.
MSM = PR firm for the Democrat Party
Right, only in this
August 23, 2008 - 09:29 ET by motherbeltRight, only in this instance, they don't have to meet privately. They just all think the same way, so it works out well. That's why they don't see their bias: everyone they know thinks like them, so they think it's "normal."
If Obama cheated on his wife, I think they would find a way to make it a "plus"....See, he IS human!
If its such a strength
August 23, 2008 - 10:01 ET by allanfIf its such a strength, why not go with Robert Byrd?
BIDEN GAFFES
August 23, 2008 - 09:00 ET by billbBiden only opens his mouth to change feet.
"But there is no evidence
August 23, 2008 - 09:03 ET by Kevpot"But there is no evidence – none – that the surge is succeeding in achieving its stated objective"
-Joe Biden 2007
"The president and others who support the surge have it exactly backwards," Biden said.
-Joe Biden Dec 2006
'Biden proposes that the Iraqis set up three semi-autonomous regions,
one each to be overseen by the Suunis, Shiites and Kurds, with a
central government having limited federal powers.
He would also include countries neighboring Iraq in peace talks, including Syria, Iran and Turkey.'
Talk about GAFFES! Does anybody really believe these two are capable of strong leadership?
Doh!
August 23, 2008 - 09:10 ET by DontFeedTheTrolls"But there is no evidence – none – that the surge is succeeding in achieving its stated objective"
-Joe Biden 2007
"The president and others who support the surge have it exactly backwards," Biden said.
-Joe Biden Dec 2006
Looks like he and Obama see eye to eye, with their blinders on. A matched set.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
A grade of "F"
August 23, 2008 - 11:03 ET by ThisnThat"But there is no evidence – none – that the surge is succeeding in achieving its stated objective"
Biden received a grade of "F" in ROTC. This has affected him for decades. He's a victim. Give him a break!
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
----
August 23, 2008 - 09:05 ET by dahliatraversHoly mackerel. This one is going to be hard to beat.
Obama bin Biden
August 23, 2008 - 09:12 ET by dboI wonder if this gaffe is considered a strength.
In March of 2004, Biden supports John McCain to be John Kerry's running mate.
"I think that this is time for unity in this country, and maybe it is
time to have a guy like John McCain — a Republican — on the ticket with
a guy he does like. They do get along. And they don't have fundamental
disagreements on major policies."
http://www.msnbc.msn...
MSM COVER!
August 23, 2008 - 09:13 ET by ChasvsBoy, Talk about pretzle logic to make a silk purse out of this sow's ear! ( Oh, was that insensitive to muslims?)
Come on MSM, this puke of a VP candidate would give you a field day if a Republican so ill suited for the job were picked!
Run with it, do your damn job and tell the TRUTH about this butt hole! Oh yeah, he's a Democrat so he'll be treated with glowing remarks and political cover by you lieing bastards in the MSM.
Hey Barack, we don't need your stinkin CHANGE!
Presumably, Democrat gaffes
August 23, 2008 - 09:34 ET by Jack BauerPresumably, Democrat gaffes are now thought to be "thoughful" and "nuanced."
Of course, McCain's confident, direct answers are now thought to show a "lack of intellectual curiosity."
No matter, Democrats always "speak truth to power."
Or is that "speak trash to thinking"?
John Harwood rocks!
August 23, 2008 - 09:52 ET by NortonalecIt is amizing how he keeps a straight face when he delivers this crap. I have CNBC on every morning and have been watching him for awhile. He has absoultely no shame! Mrs. Greenspan was on NBC this morning, and she was barely able to contain herself as well. As much as the MSM tries, the public knows BHO is not the man for the job. "Crazy Joe" the used car salesman isn't going to change anything either.
Nortonalec
Everything Biden says and
August 23, 2008 - 09:39 ET by motherbeltEverything Biden says and does is OK now that is he has been chosen by the Chosen One!
Get a load of this picture on Drudge....Biden is even beginning to grow a halo!!
LOL!!!
Old photo
August 23, 2008 - 09:59 ET by Matthew SheffieldLink
Interesting editorial choice, though
August 23, 2008 - 10:07 ET by BlondeYes?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Phony biden
August 23, 2008 - 10:16 ET by krendlerGlad he picked Biden. The guy always struck me as a phony, starting with the plugs on the top of his head.
A perfect match for the superficial Obama and his stupid groupies.
I wrote Senator Biden a letter a few years ago...
August 23, 2008 - 10:29 ET by ThalpyI wrote Senator Biden a letter a few years ago pointing out to him that his voting constituency of roughly 800,000 saps from Delaware didn't give him an overwhelming mandate from the American people. He had just made one of his world famous gaffes( read strengths by some) and pissed off over half of every group in the United States. I told him that just waking up every morning being Joe Biden should be punishment enough, but he keeps trying to share himself with us. I wish he would keep it to himself.
Joe Biden is the pompous dandy of the U. S. Senate. Humility has never darkened his door, so we must suffer the egomaniacal dork some more. In better times all of this might have been fun and a little sad as well, but these are not better times and Joe Biden and his ilk can't get us out of this one. They played a huge role in getting us into it, but they do not have the abilities to get us out.
John Harwood and Morning Joe
August 23, 2008 - 10:52 ET by NKurucHarwood's appearance on Morning Joe (along with the other assorted regular idiots on that show) is a perfect example of how out of touch the media is with regular citizens of this country. To sit there and actually put a positive spin on Biden's racially insensitive comments defies anyone's intelligence. These people have to actually sit around and think up crap like this that they can foist on viewers. Joe himself couldn't have been more complementary of Biden and the rational for the pick. Biden has been a "blowhard windbag" do nothing senator since his first term. If he were so great why did he do so poorly in the primaries?
Biden for VP
August 23, 2008 - 11:32 ET by nandrelliDon't worry. There are more people out here who think Biden is a loud-mouthed jerk than there are lefties who think he is an expert on everything (actually, Biden is the one who thinks that).
When asked for his reaction ...
August 23, 2008 - 11:50 ET by D. S. Hube... former VA Senator George Allen said of Harwood, "That's the biggest bunch of horsesh** I've ever heard!"
So Joe's racially insensitive comments are..........
August 23, 2008 - 11:59 ET by connmanconsidered strengths for the ticket, while Allen is STILL suffering from his "Maccaca Moment". Okay, now I have it straight. Also, flicking through the cable news channels, Fox appears overjoyed with the Biden selection but unlike the others is providing us with both sides of the aisle. Yep, Fair and Balanced!
Chris Matthews: Obama's Win a 'Magic Moment,' Like 'Camelot'
This town needs an enema! - The Joker
Harwood
August 23, 2008 - 12:45 ET by hgabrahamsonJust happened to catch this dork on msnbs. (Don't tell my wife I watched msnbs). It was the most unbelievable performance by a "Reporter" I have every seen and in this day and age, that's saying something! Clearly, in addition to Biden's ignorance and racism being a plus, the lame stream spin is to make light about Biden's gaffe laden history. "That's just plain ol good guy Joe! Don't mean no harm." They're all set up to discredit McCain's dynamite ad of Biden talking about M T Suit during the debates. "Don't mean nothing, that's ol Joe"....Reminds me of the bent ones comments on Sandy burglers felonious conduct at the National Archieves. "He He, thats jus ol sandy!" The media response was a little different than their coverage on Rummy's accurate portrayal of "Old Europe".
Difference of Opinion is what makes a Horse Race
Remember with liberals:
August 23, 2008 - 12:57 ET by pocomocoRemember with liberals: down is up, wrong is right, bad is good.
And so goes the Whirling Dervishes of the MSM as they spin, spin, spin for a racist and plagiarizer.
They’re so damn predictable.
politically incorrect a benifit
August 23, 2008 - 14:01 ET by hiltongrogani actually think he is right.. i am an average voter and HATE politically incorrect bullcrap. I like a guy who is not afraid to mention that every 7-11 and dunkin donuts is run by Indians.
Imus's violent language Joe Biden's mis speaking
August 23, 2008 - 17:28 ET by lareeYeah some people have real short memorys Joe Biden won't come on Imus in the Morning anymore but there was a time Joe loved to appear in the Morning with Imus...especially when he wanted Imus to help him. Not anymore It isn't helpful for Joe Biden to come on Imus In the Morning. Not politically expedient. When did Joe Biden discover Imus was no good sure says something about his judgement he was really complimenting Imus here:
http://imustimes.wor...
Oh yeah, right.
August 23, 2008 - 23:20 ET by Scout FinchImus is a racist pig that must be banned. Ole Joe Biden is just a regular old guy who speaks plainly.
PRETZEL LOGIC.
Should be the theme of 2008 politics.
So, about those rules...
August 23, 2008 - 19:58 ET by cest moiSo now - is the racist thingy off the table now, or do the rules change as the media sees fit?
Reminds me of the scene in Rush Hour when Jackie Chan calls someone "mah niggah" a la Chris Tucker, only to have all hell break loose.
I guarantee, the media won't be able to maintain the Jenga stack o' crap they keep putting out. Their own switcheroo of who can do what when is gonna bite them in the butt.
Chuck Spears, flash action journalist!
August 24, 2008 - 23:50 ET by ZuccoZoidWait, I thought all this "racial insensitivity" stuff is now a sign of
character, especially if it's Joe "7-11" Biden or any other Dem saying
it - the MSM now giving us the waterboarding equivalent of spin.
I'd like my macaca black with two sugars, please...