Floridians should expect to see Vice President Joe Biden a lot over the next three months.
During a stop Friday in Tallahassee, Biden said he intends to spend more time campaigning in Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and congressional candidates.
“These are the states that are going to determine the outcome of this election,” Biden said as he picked up a late lunch at a popular restaurant near the Florida A&M University campus south of the state Capitol.
“Florida is always in play and always important, but it’s particularly important this year,” Biden said. “But it doesn’t take much to convince me to come to Florida.”
The fried-chicken meal came between a Tallahassee campaign event for Congressman Patrick Murphy, who is running for the U.S. Senate, and an event scheduled later in the day in Coconut Grove for the re-election bid of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Murphy is seeking to unseat Republican Marco Rubio in a race that could help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate after the November elections. That was the focus of the first part of the day for Biden, who attended a fundraiser for Murphy at the home of personal-injury attorney Don Hinkle.
Murphy must still get through a primary that features four opponents, including U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson. But Biden clearly appeared more concerned with the general election after briefly chatting with the owner and diners at Olean’s Cafe.
“It’s really important that we win back the United States Senate,” Biden said. “No matter what the outcome of the presidential (election), and I think we’re going to do well in the presidential, but there is so much at stake in terms of the Senate.”
Rubio has held comfortable leads in polls. But asked about being able to defeat the incumbent, Biden said he believes Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump may prove to be a drag on down-ballot GOP candidates.
Biden said Trump is “pandering to fear and a sort of hostility.”
“Our economy is larger than any economy in the world, it’s stronger than any economy in the world, it doesn’t mean there aren’t headwinds out there,” Biden said. “He (Trump) talks about our military, that he’s going to make it great again. We spend more on our military than the next eight nations in the world combined. Combined. It’s the finest fighting force in the history of the world. That is not hyperbole. That is a natural fact.”
Olean McCaskill, owner of the restaurant that has offered an “Obama Breakfast Special” since President Barack Obama first ran for the White House, said she was so excited she forgot to have Biden sign the $20 bill he left as a tip.
“This has been a wonderful experience,” McCaskill said. “I am so grateful and elated that the vice president has come to Olean’s.”
Murphy called it “humbling” to have the White House support in the Senate race.
While Biden was in Tallahassee, Grayson’s campaign sent out a release calling Murphy “Obama’s Judas” for having voted about 65 times against the desires of the White House.
“Patrick helped Republicans smear Secretary Clinton by voting to create the Benghazi Committee, and Murphy actually joined with the radical right in rebuking President Obama over the Bowe Bergdahl prisoner exchange,” Grayson’s campaign manager Michael Ceraso said in a release. “Patrick can’t be counted on to have any White House Democrat’s back.”
But apparently the White House disagrees.
“He’s smart as hell for one. Number two he is a CPA,” Biden said in reference to reports that have questioned Murphy’s experience as a certified public accountant. “It’s all part of the game too. I just want him counting the dollars in the Senate.”
The Democratic establishment has rallied around Murphy, who has been under fire from Grayson and Republican groups about allegations of resume padding.
In addition to Biden’s trips, Obama has headlined a fundraiser in Miami for Murphy and appeared in a campaign ad on Murphy’s behalf.
Other party leaders also have not been shy about supporting Murphy. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has openly acknowledged disdain for Grayson.
While Murphy has been ahead in primary polls, he and Grayson lag behind Rubio in hypothetical head-to-head contests, according to a Suffolk University poll released Thursday.
Rubio led Murphy 46 percent to 33 percent and led Grayson by a margin of 45 percent to 31 percent, according to the Suffolk poll. In both scenarios about 20 percent of the likely voters remained undecided.
–Jim Turner, News Service of Florida
Ws says
🤔🤔hmm my guess is that Biden would be wrong. Oh well Mr. biden go back to sleep now til 2020.
Sherry says
Even a past CIA Director endorses and supports Secretary Clinton. . . take a moment for a good read. . . this from the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/05/opinion/campaign-stops/i-ran-the-cia-now-im-endorsing-hillary-clinton.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region&_r=0
Geezer says
You don’t think that Trump panders to fear and hostility?
Trump supporters: take a look at yourselves.
http://nyti.ms/2b2UjMV
dave says
I’m a Republican and I’m voting for Hillary this time.
Traveling Rep says
Yes Geezer, because nothing conveys calm and peace like Joe “the gaffe man” Biden saying stuff like “gonna put you back in chains”.
Better yet, maybe he will ask some more paralyzed people to stand up out of their wheelchairs. One heartbeat away…
Trump for President 2016!
Hiliary for Prison 2016!
Sherry says
Right On Dear Geezer!
It is amazing that Trump supporters never really look at how Trump is manipulating them by ginned up their negative emotions all in an effort only to gain more power for himself. Take a close look at the video. Are these really the kinds of people you want to be associated with. . . do they speak for you and for the betterment of our country in any way? “Vulgar Name Calling”. . . the refuge of those who are too ignorant to express themselves in any kind of reasonable and constructive way. What exactly if to be gained by such divisive, foul hostility?
Geezer says
Traveling Rep:
There’s only one “L” in “traveling.” (in the USA)
I’d rather see “wheelchair miracles,” than a bunch of malignant
bigots wrapped in the American flag at a campaign rally.
As a courtesy, here’s that link again: http://nyti.ms/2b2UjMV
I really dislike Hillary, but Trump has inspired me to cast my vote
for Clinton. I was going to sit out this election, but the more your
candidate talks–the more people want to vomit. (and vote against him)
I’d take Generalissimo Franco over Trump, but unfortunately he’s still dead.
Wheelchair standers; take a bow!
Bless your heart.
:-)
Geezer says
Sherry:
I’m voting for your gal!
Sherry says
Dear Geezer,
I’m so happy to hear this!
Yes, I also would love a President who could create REAL change in the power structure of our nation. Unfortunately, I am convinced that even the power of our Presidential office is not enough to make that happen . . . especially with the Congressional and Party machines who are hell bent on preserving their empires. I would have supported Bernie if I thought he could win. But, his declaring himself to be any kind of “Socialist” doomed his chances, because so very many of our voters are not educated enough to understand the difference between “Socialism” and “Communism”.
Yes, I know Hillary has flaws and she has stumbled . . . but sometimes we need to think in degrees and comparisons. Looking at the already detrimental effect of Trump’s “con man” way of influencing the weak minded is nothing short of terrifying to me. Look at the video again!
It’s bad enough that sociopaths like Trump are in powerful financial positions in the business world. Allowing him to accumulate even more power in any political position would be devastating for our country, our citizens, our society, our culture, and our relationships with other countries around the world.
Here in France, and other countries I’ve visited in Europe alone (The UK, Ireland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, etc.) our friends are nothing short of aghast that we would even consider such a person for President. They, like many of us, simply can’t get their minds around anyone supporting such a dangerously divisive person who wields his influence with fear and hate of fellow human beings.
Thank you, Geezer, and all the others who understand that our country very seriously needs us to put aside partisanship and emotional/irrational fear and hate, and act to preserve our country by not letting the likes of Donald Trump amass the power to tear it and US apart any further. Thank you for voting for Hillary Clinton!
Geezer says
The KKK: America’s original cross-dressers. :-)
Geezer says
Sherry:
Making you smile is a bonus. You’re a good egg.
Geezer says
Heil Trump!
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a47407/american-nazi-party-supports-trump/
Anonymous says
Biden never opened his mouth over the past 8 years, and now we should listen? He is not a leader, he’s a follower, and has been the VP to the President with the lowest rankings of any President in US history. TRUMP has my vote and as I drive around this state I see a lot more TRUMP signs than any other.The only way this country can change directions is to elect new leadership. Electing the same will bring the same results. Though Trump may not be the best public speaker, he is the best presidential candidate. He may have been married multiple times, but he didn’t have to lie and say he didn’t have sexual relations with anyone other than his then wife. He is a successful businessman and didn’t have to use a government position to get rich. Vote TRUMP!
Robert says
So Hillary just “stumbled” and was “confused.” So when she wants to eat and presses the “Launch” button instead of the “Lunch” button?
Sherry says
What is Trump hiding? Why won’t he release his tax returns for the years he is NOT being audited. . . like 1980’s through 2012? Secretary Clinton released her from the past 30 years. Take a moment to watch this interview: http://www.msnbc.com/am-joy/watch/author-shares-book-on-past-trump-controversies-739674179788
No one has said Secretary Clinton was “confused”. . . if you are referring my my comments, Sir, I would appreciate you not taking such liberties with my words! Typical of those who exist on fear and hate generated “hyperbole” instead of anything accurate and factual!
Robert says
Hillary confused a video with a terrorist attack, she confused classified/unclassified emails, she confused her relationship with slick Willie as a marriage instead of a political partnership, she confused reality with laa-laa land, etc. Need I go on?
Sherry says
FIFTY prominent security and foreign policy leaders of our nation have written the following open letter. . . this from CNN:
The undersigned individuals have all served in senior national security
and/or foreign policy positions in Republican Administrations, from
Richard Nixon to George W. Bush. We have worked directly on
national security issues with these Republican Presidents and/or their
principal advisers during wartime and other periods of crisis, through
successes and failures. We know the personal qualities required of a
President of the United States.
None of us will vote for Donald Trump.
From a foreign policy perspective, Donald Trump is not qualified to be
President and Commander-in-Chief. Indeed, we are convinced that he
would be a dangerous President and would put at risk our country’s
national security and well-being.
Most fundamentally, Mr. Trump lacks the character, values, and
experience to be President. He weakens U.S. moral authority as the
leader of the free world. He appears to lack basic knowledge about and
belief in the U.S. Constitution, U.S. laws, and U.S. institutions,
including religious tolerance, freedom of the press, and an independent
judiciary.
In addition, Mr. Trump has demonstrated repeatedly that he has little
understanding of America’s vital national interests, its complex
diplomatic challenges, its indispensable alliances, and its democratic
values on which U.S. foreign policy must be based. At the same time,
he persistently compliments our adversaries and threatens our allies and
friends. Unlike previous Presidents who had limited experience in
foreign affairs, Mr. Trump has shown no interest in educating himself.
He continues to display an alarming ignorance of basic facts of
contemporary international politics. Despite his breathtaking lack of
knowledge, Mr. Trump arrogantly claims that he understands foreign
affairs and “knows more about ISIS than the generals do.”
TrumpLetter.docx
Mr. Trump lacks the temperament to be President. In our experience, a
President must be willing to listen to his advisers and department heads;
must encourage consideration of conflicting views; and must
acknowledge errors and learn from them. A President must be
disciplined, control emotions, and act only after reflection and careful
deliberation. A President must maintain cordial relationships with
leaders of countries of different backgrounds and must have their respect
and trust.
In our judgment, Mr. Trump with his overriding ego has none of these
critical qualities. He is unable or unwilling to separate truth from
falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views. He lacks self control
and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He
has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. All of these are
dangerous qualities in an individual who aspires to be President and
Commander-in-Chief, with command of the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
We understand that many Americans are profoundly frustrated with the
federal government and its inability to solve pressing domestic and
international problems. We also know that many have doubts about
Hillary Clinton, as many of us. But Donald Trump is not the answer to
America’s daunting challenges and to this crucial election. We are
convinced that in the Oval Office, he would be the most reckless
President in American history.
Just A Mom says
I changed party affiliation in the primaries to do my part to make sure Hillary doesn’t get back in the White House. I don’t know how anyone can dismiss all the evidence against her. I’m a lot more concerned about what Hillary DOES than what Trump SAYS. A young man and I were talking about the election, I asked who he would vote for and why. This is what he said~”Trump because if he does anything wrong, everyone will know. If Hillary does something wrong, no one will know”. BINGO
Robert says
Two comments: 1) I second the above “BINGO” and 2) CNN used to be OK, now it is known as “Clinton News Network.” FYI.
Lin says
I don’t have any doubts about the kind of president Hillary would be.
Despite all the paint covering her canvas by the no-longer news media and her lies and the elites and present government declining to prosecute her for her crimes, the facts are there if you want to see and hear them.
History will judge. If she continues to fool the citizens as she has so many, she can be impeached just like Bill. She can become the first woman president to go to jail. Maybe we can get her for those pay for play Clinton foundation transactions or treason for giving away to the Russians part of our uranium reserves if not the sacrifice of our men in Bengazi not even an attempt at rescue and lies to the families. I’m just waiting for the elites of both parties to find some character and risk their own power and money to put a stop to the facade of government. We need hope and change more than ever and I have none if Hillary is elected.