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…the first VP from Delaware.
…the first Catholic Vice President. (John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic President, but to date we haven’t had a Catholic in the second slot.)
…the first VP who graduated from the University of Delaware. UD alums have, of course, taken plenty of other fields by storm (notable alumni include rocker George Thorogood, MVP quarterback Rich Gannon and Dutch-born astronaut Lodewijk van den Berg, who flew on the 1985 Challenger mission). Biden wouldn’t be the only alum in Barry’s camp, though. David Plouffe, Senator Obama’s campaign manager was also a Blue Hen.
…the first VP born on November 20. Biden does share his birthday with a few other famous politicians, though—most notably Robert Kennedy (1925) and Senator Robert Byrd (1917).
…the first VP named Joe.
If Senator McCain selects Senator Joe Lieberman (he won’t, but it’s been rumored), we’ll be guaranteed our first Joe VP. If McCain selects Romney as his running mate and goes on to win in November, Romney would be the first Willard.
Comments (19)
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I was rooting for Wesley Clark and expecting Hilary Clinton – this seems like an odd choice.
posted by Jen on 8-23-2008 at 1:09 pm
…the first Vice President to plagiarize the speech of a British labor chief.
posted by david on 8-23-2008 at 4:20 pm
Not the best choice, considering Biden has a habit of putting his foot on his mouth, over, and over, and over..
posted by Alex on 8-23-2008 at 5:48 pm
Go Blue Hens! :-P
BTW David, that was back in the late 80s. I think he’s learned a thing or two in the past 20 years.
posted by Kate on 8-23-2008 at 8:51 pm
I grew up in Delaware, and my parents were staunch Republicans. When Congress was in session my Dad would usually find SOMETHING to call Biden’s office to complain about. It got to the point where his staffers recognized his voice.
With that context, one year in late March my father wrote him and said something to the effect of, “Senator Biden, I rarely agree with your political views but I recognize that you love this nation and you truly want what is best for it. With this in mind, and with the National Day of Prayer approaching I would like to Pray for you, and if you have any special prayer requests I would like the honor of lifting them up for you. IF there is anything you want me to pray for please let me know.”
Now, anyone who has ever written a letter to their Congressman or Senator knows that a letter to them will usually result in a form letter in return. Senator Biden however replied to my father’s letter in HAND WRITTEN response that was TWO PAGES LONG! It was well though out, and he even said at one point, “I have reviewed your past correspondence with my office and so I know the humility it took to write this letter to me, and I appreciate it.”
I still won’t be voting for Obama, but I do respect Mr. Biden and wish him luck.
posted by Witty Nickname on 8-23-2008 at 8:53 pm
I think Biden is a great choice as I love to be entertained by politicians. He’s sure to have some quotable moments through the campaign. Not getting my vote but I’ll enjoy the show.
posted by Jim on 8-23-2008 at 9:41 pm
I object to your “guarantee” of a Joe VP. Though the winner is incredibly likely to come from one of the 2 major parties, it is by no means GUARANTEED.
posted by Zach on 8-23-2008 at 10:32 pm
Good trivia, great choice.
Obama Biden ‘08.
posted by Heath on 8-23-2008 at 11:37 pm
Willard?! I had no idea! Where on earth did “Mitt” come from then? Was he named for his great love of baseball equipment?
posted by Fruppi on 8-24-2008 at 9:58 am
You’re surprised Mitt Romney flip-flopped on his name after everything else he’s changed to cater to the Right?
posted by Pablo on 8-24-2008 at 6:14 pm
TO: Witty Nickname 8-23-2008 at 10:32 pm
A lot of empty words to say you are not voting Obama. Not impressed with you or your Dad. Staunch Republicans have run this country in the ground.
posted by JERRY on 8-24-2008 at 11:09 pm
I enjoy the random facts about moderately interesting people as much as the next guy. However, with a topic such as this people obviously can’t restrain themselves from ruining it with tub-thumping and finger pointing, as is evident with a few of these comments. I visit light-hearted, intelligent websites like MF to escape the nonsense I hear on a daily basis. All of you trying to corrupt that – bad form. Keep up the good work Mental Floss.
posted by kbar on 8-25-2008 at 2:37 am
Kate, I know that he has probably learned from his mistake back in the 80s — just trying to inject a little levity.
posted by david on 8-25-2008 at 8:48 am
The tiny state of Delaware is about ready to explode with excitement over Biden’s selection. One look at the News Journal (major newspaper for the whole state–because, yes, we are that small) and you’d think nothing else was happening in the world at all. But then almost the entire population of the state can legitmately claim to know Joe . . .
posted by Stacey on 8-25-2008 at 9:44 am
TO: JERRY on 8-24-2008 at 11:09 pm
Didn’t tell the story to make you like me or my dad.
Don’t vote for Republicans to impress you.
I vote for Republican’s because I agree with them most of the time, like you vote for Democrats (I assume)
I told the story because I thought it was relevant and interesting, and also to show that even though people of different parties disagree on politics we all want this country to be a better place, and we can unite on common ideas.
However I guess your post proves my point wrong.
Cheers.
posted by Witty Nickname on 8-25-2008 at 10:47 am
Catholic? – not really. No Catholic in good standing with the Church can support abortion!
posted by Kathy B on 8-25-2008 at 1:17 pm
To Witty Nickname:
I enjoyed both of your posts. Cheers to you as well.
posted by Carp on 8-25-2008 at 2:15 pm
he’d also be the first rapper!
youtube.com/watch?v=8gB7vxWBs-0
posted by dragonpenchant on 8-25-2008 at 2:29 pm
I Maryland as a child and Senator Biden was not in office then. Now, I am an avid supporter of him ever since his UniteourStates.com days.
If Delaware is shaking with excitement, just Being from Maryland, I can feel the vibes!
You get’em Joe!
posted by Beverly on 8-26-2008 at 2:44 pm