An aggressive Vice President Joe Biden went after Rep. Paul Ryan on the economy, taxes, foreign policy and more throughout their 90-minute debate in Danville, Ky., on Thursday night.
Frequently scoffing and smiling at Ryan's claims, Biden several times explicitly cast doubt on the GOPer's veracity and command of the facts.
Unprovoked, Biden brought up Mitt Romney's devastating 47% remarks, in which the White House hopeful dismissed nearly half of the electorate as government moochers—and which President Obama failed to mention in his own debate last week.
"It shouldn't be surprising for a guy who says 47% of the American people are unwilling to take responsibility of their own lives," said Biden. "My friend [Paul Ryan] recently said in a speech in Washington said 30% of the American people are takers. These people are my mom and dad, the people I grew up with, my neighbors. They pay more effective tax than Gov. Romney pays in his federal income tax. They are elderly people who in fact are living off of Social Security. They are veterans who are fighting in Afghanistan right now who are not quote, not paying taxes."
WATCH THE CLIP ABOVE OF BIDEN'S 47% ATTACK
That testified to a combative approach throughout from the vice president, who, in a likely successful effort to re-enthuse Democrats after Obama's limp performance last week, repeatedly sought to challenge Ryan on everything from social programs to jobs to national security.
Of course, Ryan got a zinger of his own in when he referred to the interruption-laden debate.
"I know you're under a lot of duress to make up for lost ground, but I think people would be better served if we don't interrupt each other," Ryan said, referring to President Obama's poor debate performance last week.
The high-stakes faceoff kicked off with a discussion of the deadly attacks at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, with Ryan criticizing Obama's initial unwillingness to call the violence terrorism.
Biden promised to pursue the attackers, and vowed that any mistakes in the original assessment of the attack would "not be made again." He also ripped Ryan for not laying out a clear plan on foreign policy.
At one point, Biden declared that Ryan was full of "malarkey" after the Republican accused the president of advocating "devastating defense cuts."
The two also traded blows on Iran, with Ryan insisting the U.S. was failing to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Biden countered by insisting that his team has implemented the "most crippling sanctions in the history of sanctions."
The debate got personal —and serious—when moderator Martha Raddatz of ABC News asked the two candidates how their Catholic faith has played into their personal views on abortion.
Biden said his religion teaches him that life begins at conception, but would not impose his beliefs on all Americans. "I do not believe we have the right to tell people, women, they can't control their body," the former Delaware senator said.
Ryan said he is against abortion, but would include exceptions in cases of incest, rape or when the life of the mother is at risk.
One of the night's most memorable lines came during a discussion of tax policy. Ryan insisted that Mitt Romney could make good on his promises to lower tax rates without increasing the deficit.
"Not mathematically possible," Biden quipped. "It is mathematically possible," Ryan insisted. "Jack Kennedy lowered taxes and raised revenue."
Biden shot back, "Oh, now you're Jack Kennedy?" That evoked memories of the famous moment in the 1988 vice presidential debate in which Lloyd Bentsen schooled Dan Quayle. After Quayle brought up JFK, Bentsen replied: "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."
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Mr. Biden slammed it home tonight!!! Truth to power.. just the facts!
have to agree with you,he did very well,mostly facts not quite all.more on the v.p.'s side than the congressman's definitively though.
I think you need better hearing & eyes. Biden as usual was at his worst. Theres a proverb that says & I quote "when a person debates a fool, the fool rages, laughs, so there is no peace & quiet." Which sums it up for biden.
you are delusional - Biden rocked and called Lyin Ryan out at every turn. Good job Joe.
I am a latino woman and I for years though that democrats offer many good things I struggle and no longer feel that the democratic party is in my side. I feel that they use my weakness to their gain only. ALL i wanted to hear from the obama administration was the truth. I thought mr obama was going to helps us. since his last 4 years i lost my job, my husband lost his business and i dont think he out there to look out for middle class. Is all about celebrities and funraising give your money, but the poor people like me get freeze on time. shame on politics for thier lies, it was a disgrace to see the vice president of the USA behaving like a donkee I LOST total respect for this ticket. He came out like the annoying boyfriend, or the angry grandpa to me brought back many bad memories. ALL i wanted to see was a clean debate with people expalining their plans and let me the american voter to make a decision. It is important to me to find out what happen in the middle east my best friend is a marine and i have such high respect for the brave men and women that serve our country. If i was the mother of one of those marine I would wanna know, why not accepting mistakes stuff happens denial are lies that hurt inocent people. Again our country and falling apart in every way and ALL I ever hope to see what a presidential looking vp that would reasure me of safety in this country.
check ALL the facts of the vp debate and sadly I see Ryan had it more close to reality. I though Obama did better than biden i could see more feelings in obama than biden.
Go Joe!
You are right to say go Joe right out of office which he should have NEVER been in the first place. He & obama deserve each other. Theres a proverb that states & I quote " when a person debates with a fool, the fool rags, laughs so there is no peace & quiet." A dearie thats your wonderful joe biden. If you had any brains you'd see how bad he is for the U.S. with his wonderful obama.
The vice-president broke out into wide grins and laughed at Paul Ryan numerous times at Thursday's debate.
Well, that’s what an experienced former Congressman does when confronted by a colleague that contiually obfuscates the actualities of the points he’s attempting to pull the wool over the eyes and ears of a audience.
Joe Biden... when faced with someone, that lies intentionally in any situation, when that person knows he is lying... Biden has a habit of having an look astonishment on his face, followed by his big, knowing grin. That is Joe, and alwasy has been.
Joe Biden knows Paul Ryan was not being honest, not telling the truth, or the whole story for most of the debate. The public that is aware of politics today knows it too.
All one has to do is watch the clips from Ryan’s... and Romney’s previous speeches... it’s right there, on video for anyone to see.
Unfortunately, the conservative/Republican base either doesn’t seem to know this, never bothers to take the time or effort to find out, or just plain refuses to think what they say isn’t gospel. Too bad.
Thank heaven for Joe, though... it’s comforting to know someone’s pointing out their “misstatements”to the Republican masses so they don’t have to make an effort themselves...
Why is it that no one called Romney rude or angry when he ran over Jim Lehrer? Way to go, Joe!
Wright
i think lehrer did terrible though the first 15 mins i was like this is getting outta hand.....he didn't moderate at all really.joe francis could have made a dvd (presidential debate gone wild)
there is a difference between being assertive and bully.
If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. - Proverbs 29:9 Biden was the fool
And who're you?
29:9 Ryan was clearly the fool...brash liar...no wonder Joe Biden laughed....but I do like the reference to Proverbs...those Jew's wrote some good stuff!!
V.P. Biden was hardly a fool!
I saw no raging on Mr. Biden's side, so you must have had on your Faux News special glasses.
Biden schooled Ryan on what it is to be in the inside of the White House (which he'll never be unless he takes the tour).
Having schooled him, here's a quote of my own:
Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding!
-- Proverbs 3:13
That would be Ryan.
So many tangles in life are ultimately hopeless that we have no appropriate sword other than laughter. ~Gordon W. Allport
It is if "hopeless" to reason with your statement. Laughter in the face of obsurdity is the only response that is appropriate.
Also, then, Romney was the fool in his encounter with President Obama.
Biden did good tonight. I am proud of him. Ryan is young and still has a lot to learn. He is a good talker but still they have no plan, especially on Abortion. He will have the lesgislators make womens decisions..What a jerk, Ryan..I want to make my own decision when it comes to my body.
Biden was really terrific and awesome tonight, I love him more.
Biden did a great job at this debate, he just told the facts And had his math together. Ryan did not even know the facts and did not do his homework. You can not send a boy to do a mans job.You Go Joe !!!!!!!!!!.
Joe spoke from his heart, soul and knowledge. He was authentic. He showed clearly that he stands for the middle class. Ryan "performed" his talking points well but they weren't good enough to go up against Joe and Ryan definitely won the lying score!
Joe was fantastic. Ryan lost by a landslide.
Joe did a wonderful job in laying out the facts and i know he won this debate,Paul Ryan had know clue as always,no policies what so ever.just blah blah blah.
Joe gave him the lickin' that kept on tickin'! Awesome Joe!
Remember that Republicans and especially Paul Ryan, use the tactic of Boulwarism on Democrats every chance they get. When VP Joe Biden simply stands up and tells it like it is, the vulture capitalists holler foul and scream that it is rude. They do this because they think we don't understand the strategy of a school yard bully. Sorry Ryan, you weren't the adult in the room tonight and now everyone knows it.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s over! Romney and Ryan will win. And this is coming from a flaming liberal. Mr. President, you voted too many times: Present. Sir, because of last week performance, Romney and Ryan will win on November 6th. Sir, you could learn so much from Joe Biden, but it’s too late! Liberal Democrats, you all could learn so much from virtue and prudence. I consider my virtue and prudence, fore I would’ve been assassinated, or a 1 term president. This is why I consider Paul Ryan, the winner. Last week, I thought Obama won and I was wrong. I hope I’m wrong, again.
Not only did Biden win this debate... He was an active participant and a FACT Checker at the same time...Gotta Love It!
yes i agree ,i am a independent pesky fact checker myself,id have to say ryan lost in the fact checking department hands down.i wish people in general would check facts themselves before voting .if all these attack ads and accusations each party throws at eachother is true,then majority of them need to get fired or go to jail.
LOL! Joe Biden kicked little Eddie Munster's ass!
Hey, I'm not the only one who thinks he looks like Eddie Munster. Its that hairline!
I do like the Gilligan reference to him as well with Willard as Mr. Howell.
thats where i saw that hairline i knew it looked familliar,couldn't put my finger on it. Ryan Munster hmmmmmm.....i kinda like it !!!!! thanks for connecting the dots rainy .
It was a case of fact or fiction!
I sided with the facts!
Thank you V.P. Biden.
You made me proud.
Joe showed his experiences!!!!
Joe Biden was brilliant as always, but Paul Ryan did a good job of holding his own and spewing the Republican Party line. To the novice, Paul Ryan presented as a capable vice-presidential candidate.
" i thought joe biden really spoke to the american people in the debate." " do we all want to move on and give each person a chance in life or do we want to support those that have made it to the top and want to keep on gaining and the people in the center stay where they are or go lower." " we don't need any more war or wars." " we need to bring our military people home and rebuild america." " it's time for the little people or the 99% of the people see progress in their lives." " i hope when the people go to the polls on election day, tuesday,november 6, 2012 , that they think hard and long before casting their vote." " i hope they realize that there is no do over once that vote is processed." " their vote will be to their future and future generations." " their vote will be for the progress that is made in america for the next four years and beyond." " make this choice knowing that your future depends on it." " watch. listen." " you decide." " you vote 2012." " your vote is your voice." " your vote is your passport to accomplishing the american dream." " rebuilding, building, education, medicare , social security and all the things that will help you establish a fruitful life for all the american people." " life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is for all american people not just the rich." " think about that before you cast your vote." " vice president biden said it all=== his term is concerned about all the american people getting a piece of that american dream." " show how much you want to be a part of that on november 6, 2012 or if you have early voting in your state , cast that vote now or when it begins." " we are the american people." " we are the majority." " we all deserve the best of america."
Allison,
Thanks for all the lines that Biden said last night. Of the three others, Obama, Romney and Ryan, he is the one who wears his heart on his sleeve. It is with this heart that he is able to convey to all Americans what is at stake for the future: Medicare, abortion (no one wants an abortion but sometimes it is required) to include women reproductive rights, possible tax increases on the middle class, less taxes for the uber rich, healthcare for all, benefits for our military servicemen/women and their families, etc. These and other issues will be dismembered if the GOP take the White House and where will we be then? the GOP nominees have differences of what 'their plan' is, Romney is forever changing his views to placate the current audience. Vote Democratic on November 6th and earlier if your state offers early voting.
Joe Biden was brilliant as always, but Paul Ryan did a good job of holding his own and spewing the Republican Party line. To the novice, Paul Ryan presented as a capable vice-presidential candidate.
Ryan did raise 2 points which i agree with . the president did not cut the debt in half in his first term which he said he would do.also he made a statement regarding the democrats taking over house and senate for the next two years and if they had problems with alot of the current policy's how come they didn't fix them.it seems to me repubs have easier time passing their agendas then the democrats do.50 republicans could pass a bill faster then a 150 democrats is what it seems to me.
Actually ssgt.kyav the Dems had the majority across the board for only 72 days. And they never held enough seats in the senate to break a filibuster (59 was the most they had at any time...60 needed).
Actually the Dems only had control of the whole thing for 72 days. And they never had the 60 seats in the Senate needed to bust any of the filibusters.
How does one cut a deficit in half if the cost of two wars are added into what is 'truly' owed. Unfortunately the prior Administration left the cost out of the equation as if to say 'it will be paid for somehow but not on my watch'. To which I say REALLY? Add to that the tax breaks offered for the wealthiest for many years, so as most of us know, you cannot spend more than you take in without getting into debt. The GOP has been obstructionists at every turn, citing the mantra to have Obama a one term president from January 20, 2009 on.
THE TERROR OF JOE BIDEN:
It’s clear now why the Ronmey campaign placed so high a premium on the GOP candidate doing well against President Obama in the first debate. Why they were desperate enough to use the sleazy debating tactic known as the Gish Gallop to overwhelm the moderator and the President with platitudes, half-truths and bald-faced lies.
The problem was ALWAYS Joe Biden.
Against almost ANYBODY in a debate setting, the Vice-President is a potent and dangerous adversary. Not a stalker awaiting you in the tall grass, but a predator fully prepared for life-or-death warfare against interlopers stupid enough to cross into his territory.
The outcome was never in doubt. And now, in the aftermath of this conspicuous drubbing, he is completely at the disposal of the Obama campaign, to help prep the President.
There is no joy in Romneyville tonight.
The man beat the boy badly. Ryan got his ass kicked.
Agree, I side with the facts also, he actually repeated the same facts President Obama said, he just did it with more agression, and with spunk! He won hands down. (I agree with Al Gore that President Obama may have been affected by the altitude in Colorado, one of my friends went skiing there and said he was sick for the first 2 days the doctor said it was the altitude and by the 3rd day he was fine)
Finally, somebody standing up and telling the truth...it's not like the media will make the case. I'm expecting Obama to hit harder (at least his version of it) in the next two "debates." The best part was when Joe reminded us of the Supreme Court justice nominations in play. With R's, there's always a trick/snag in what they promise. "oh we don't expect to push any anti-abortion legislation through"....not if we can get the Supreme Court to kill Roe v Wade and hang a dark curtain over everyone's Civil Rights for the next 30 years to come (!)
I also side with the facts and agree with Al Gore because the president looked like he was sick to me and he just wasn't himself. I have another theory though. I think that the POTUS came that night to debate Romney vigorously but when he realized what Romney was pulling he just sat back and let him spew his lies to the American people so that in the next debates he could call him out on all of it, in other words he gave Romney all the rope he needed and Obama's going to hang him with it in the last 2 debates, Biden has begun the proccess, he tied the noose now all Obama has to do is smack the horse on the ass. I stopped underestimating my president a long time ago...I think Obama knows exactly what he's doing.
It was said that Obama's first debate 'was in the can', he was ready until some of his senior advisers made changes on what he was going to say, so I think he was taken aback with the 'attitude' and 'vitriol' that Romney displayed. It was Romney's 'got to win this' or his campaign was going to be in deep trouble with his SuperPacs. He came out swinging that time BUT watch how Obama handles the next two debates. I feel we will see an Obama that we have not seen a while.
@Divonne Johnson ........really? Altitude? Think how that would have sounded had the right used that excuse. Even MSNBC said Obama lost that debate. As for the VP debate, I thought it was a tie.
The name calling serves no purpose other than to make the name callers look immature:
Just sounds silly. Petty. Judge someone on their merits, or lack of them, but not their looks. How would you people like it if I called Obama names regarding his race? It's not nice, so I won't even put it here. But you can guess, white Mother, black Father. That's just plain wrong.
Biden, as usual, made himself look like an ass. I am not saying some of what he said was not true, but everything Ryan said was not false! His constant interrupting, the big ass grins. He looked silly. The end!!
Biden was brilliant calling Malarky for what it is and Ryan tried to peddle some of it. No sale. The kid needs to get a grip on reality and find out that Ayn Rand filled her books with a lot of malarky to excuse sociopathic characters.
It was over after 5 minutes. 4 years ago, Mama Bear put on a better showing than Lyin' Ryan. What was all that water drinking he was doing, and who kept filling his glass?
Thanks Joe!
that was magical delusional potion if he just drank enough the people would believe his words,unfortunately it didnt work too well.he also had a thermos under the table for quick refills . & ha ha at momma bear good 1!!!!
That was the fountain of lies---it is bottomless.