After Sarah Palin VP debate, Joe Biden to step aside for Hillary Clinton?

It's been one of the most persistent rumors on the internet since John McCain smartly snuffed Barack Obama's convention afterglow by doing what the Democrat considered and rejected: naming a woman as his vice presidential partner.

Within 10 hours of Obama's Greek-columned stadium speech in Denver, McCain shocked most of the political world by naming Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, as his vice presidential running mate.

And the 44-year-old mother of five and hockey mom with a union husband quickly became a "palinomenon."

Obama had decided against taking on any Clinton complexities and gone for the safe, predictable choice of Sen. Joe Biden as his VP.

True, Biden's 36-year Washington residency in the same Delaware Senate seat since Obama was a sixth-grader goes against Obama's agent of change argument.

But as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, the Pennsylvania native might bolster the foreign/national security credentials of the state senator from Springfield. And help win the crucial Keystone State.

However, there's been a persistent e-mail (see text below, along with Biden video) making the rounds of inboxes all month. It's titled "Rumor Has It?" And according to this unsigned e-mail, Biden will step aside as No. 2 on the Democratic ticket shortly after....

...Thursday night's vice presidential debate against Palin, probably around Oct. 5.

Biden will, according to the unverified e-mail, cite health concerns. He did suffer two brain aneurysms and was hospitalized about 20 years ago.

Since Biden's Delaware Senate seat is safe, he could safely return to that job, holding that seat for the party. And the last-minute VP vacancy would allow Obama to fill it with a woman to counter the GOP's pioneering gender move.

That replacement choice could be Sen. Hillary Clinton, who, true to her primary promises, has been out dutifully campaigning anyway for the man who defeated her.

A Clinton pick, once considered the "dream ticket" last spring until Obama soured on the idea of ex-president Bill Clinton hanging around an Obama White House, could swiftly bring the New York senator's 18 million disaffected backers back into the party fold for the Nov. 4 general election, virtually assuring Obama's victory.

Or perhaps Obama would choose Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, daughter of a former Democratic governor. Either one would throw off the Republican strategies and be a potential game-changer.

Switching running mates in mid-campaign may have opportunities but can also be dangerous; the last time it happened was 1972 when another Democratic senator atop the ticket, George McGovern, replaced another Democratic senator running mate, Tom Eagleton, with Sargent Shriver. The new ticket was annihilated by incumbent Republican Richard Nixon.

A spokesman for the Obama campaign dismisses the persistent e-mail message as "not true -- Internet rumor."

But Snopes.com, the website that debunks urban and internet myths, thinks enough of the rumor to add a page called "Ticket Exchange." Instead of shooting it down, the site classifies the status of the Democratic ticket change rumor as "Undetermined."

The report does seem truly far-fetched -- until you start recalling Biden's series of campaign gaffes so far, including his effusive praise of McCain and taking a position contrary to Obama's that matches the Republican's on at least one issue.

And then there was that recent plaintive video (see video below) showing a shirt-sleeved Biden restlessly pacing the campaign stage.

He was supposed to be talking about the Obama-Biden ticket and its platform. But instead Biden went on and on about what a close friend Hillary Clinton is and how well-qualified she is.

And, in fact, Biden suggested, she might have been a better vice presidential choice than he was, an unwelcome on-camera reminder of the gender imbalance on the Democratic ticket compared to the GOP's.

Another possible reason for this candidate swap: What if in Thursday night's VP debate in St. Louis, Biden, an expert debater, figuratively rolls up his sleeves, takes off the gloves and simply demolishes Palin rhetorically and policy-wise. Just destroys her.

Many if not most would find that bullying, an offense that could be rectified by Biden's departure and Obama, the would-be chief executive, stepping in to decisively make things right by naming a woman in his place. And the once-popular Palin would have been neutralized.

In any other election cycle such a scenario would be truly beyond belief. Simply couldn't happen.

--Andrew Malcolm

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Photo credit: CNN

RUMOR?

"On or about October 5th, Biden will excuse himself from the ticket, citing health problems.

"And he will be replaced by Hillary.

"This is timed to occur after the VP debate on 10/2.

"There have been talks all weekend about how to proceed with this    info. Generally, the feeling is that we should all go ahead and get it
out there to as many blog sites and personal email lists as possible.   

"I have already seen a few short blurbs about this -- the 'health problem' cited in those articles was aneurysm. Probably many of you have heard the same rumblings.

"However, at this point, with this inside info from the DNC, it looks like this Obama strategy will be a go.

"Therefore, it seems that the best strategy is to get out in front of this Obama maneuver, spell it out in detail, and thereby expose it for the grand manipulation that it is.

"So, let's start mixing this one up and cut the Obamites off at the pass. Send this info out to as many people as you can post about it on websites and blogs, etc."

Comments

[Jeffrey Castel De Oro]

This would only serve to alienate huge chunks of both Hilary and Obama supporters who endured such a long fight to see Obama eventually win the nomination. A HUGE loss of momentum, Obama is too smart for that.

[Bill]

rayreyns on Sarah Palin: "The Brilliance of Sarah Palin¬— Astute Observations on the Economy"

If you think that doublespeak is brilliant, I have a bridge you might be interested in. It actually goes somewhere, too.

[Tom Carter]

In the media, "redesign" is a warning signal. If Obama were to redesign his campain at this late stage, it would send the message of his inability to make and keep decisions. Even if Obama secretly regrets choosing Biden, he'll have to live with that mistake or risk turning off voters even more. Anyhow, I think it's interesting that the LA Times is now reporting on email rumors.

[Obama - the Socialists' puppet]

Let's see; the most inexperienced scum bag to ever covet the oval office with the spouse of the scum bag who defiled the oval office - that’s rich. Only a smarmy low life like Obamoron could think that one up.

[Don]

Wow, what a complete load. If Obama pulls a stunt like this I'll vote for Cynthia McKinney on my way to Canadian Immigrations. I cannot believe anyone would be this stupid and Obama has shown now signs of such foolishness.

As for some of the comments here, how big a moron do you have to be to continue to buy the Obama is Muslim lie. Even if it were true, what difference does it make. Finally, it's spelled Deceptive you idiot.

[joebloww]

October is going to be a very long month! I can't wait for November! GoBama!

[Kelley from Texas]

If he were to replace Biden, he would have done it BEFORE the VP debates as everyone wanted to see a Hilary/Palin debate. Additionally, Bill would be a much bigger supporter of Obama on the trail - which he is doing an abysmal job of currently.

Obama's choice of Biden was the right choice for the COUNTRY even if it wasn't the obvious choice for media ratings - with Biden's foreign policies and fight against domestic violence, as I've learned more about him, he's a solid choice I now don't want revoked. Obama put country first not ratings when he picked Biden.

This rumor is an underhanded stunt by Bill and Hillary, backed only by Republicans. LA Times you should be ashamed of this article

- Former Hillary voter in the primaries now voting for Obama/Biden!

[Husein Osama Barack]

Hey Cuz, Scare of a woman? Barack is the future of the American Embarrassment. Dirty Politics at any cost. Scary cat. Vote Smart. Vote Independent...

[Carol]

I really think you media types have it wrong when you think Palin is there to attract the Hillary vote. Palin is there to lure "back" the pesky 3rd Party vote that Republicans feel so entitled to.

[BubbaBob]

This charge against the Obama campaign is completely ridiculous. Trying to give feet to cheap Internet rumors shows how desperate you Republican cheerleaders are and how little you have to work with. You know that there is a MUCH bigger chance for a change in the Republican lineup in the near future than there is in the Democratic one, so you are just setting up a tactical feint for your "team": After Palin is dropped in favor of a candidate with a clue, you silly fellows will claim "But the Democrats were thinking of doing it too... see, we 'reported' on it just the other day!"

One prediction that you make that is a forgone conclusion, however, is that Biden will mop the stage with Palin. The contest is completely one sided. Biden is going into a battle of wits against a totally unarmed opponent.

Another forgone conclusion is that when Thursday's debate reaches its shameful and predictable conclusion and Palin's tattered remains are dragged from the stage, the conservative echo chamber will resound with cries of "Cruel!", "Vicious!", "Mean!", "Heartless!". You KNEW whoever the McCain campaign picked as a running mate would have to face Biden as their first test of Presidential mettle. Save your ire for the Republican strategists who thought a simple, rural 'hockey mom' could play in the major leagues and spar with a pro who, though a political opponent, is nevertheless an American, an ally, and on her side and NOT a real enemy like bin Laden. For Biden to pull his rhetorical punches would be an insult to the principles of democracy and demeaning to women in general...after all, Hillary can face Biden in a debate without pampering and coddling.

Speaking of, if McCain wanted someone like Hillary as his running mate, he should have just picked Hillary as his running mate... THAT would have been Maverick! We would then also not now be worrying about the veep debate revolving around recipes, home decorating tips and favorite Bible passages.

[me]

Donkey Kong you are absolutly hilarious and true!!!

[Amanda]

De(sic)septive Change/Messiah:

Seriously? I'm not an Obama supporter, but stop making everyone who isn't look like an imbecile with know-nothing repetitions of internet rumours and mispellings. If you want to attack these impotent sellouts, do so on the basis of record and policy, not regurgitated bigotry.

McKinney/Clemente '08

[Eric]

I have had quite enough of Christians accusing Obama of being a Muslim. You look foolish and make Christians seem really quite evil.

Look, I'm not voting for Obama based on policy issues. I don't need to fabricate crap about him.

[poortrekker]

Wat? This is bunk. Wishful thinking no doubt perpetuated by the Ya-Ya Sisterhood who, we're told, will not tolerate their scorn being ignored.

I wish they had been this indignant about Al Gore handing the presidency to Bush in 2000! Tsk tsk.

Biden's raw and outspoken style is the perfect foil to Obama's stately and considered persona.

But that's NOT what this is about; look past the people. Look at the substance.

[MO]

Barack Obama is in fact a U.S. senator from Illinois, not a state senator from Springfield. (See paragraph 6.)

[McCainBurger]

Hey "Diseptive Change" you spelled Deceptive wrong, your WAY off, so was your Muslim impersonation, you sound like a true to heart Republican Country Bumpkin.

[EastCoastConfused]

This is clearly a preparation to remove PALIN from the Republican ticket. Hey, if the Dems can think it, then the Republicans will DO it. There's no way Biden will step aside - Obama would suffer. But, there is a clear reason (or seven hundred and forty three) that Palin should step aside, and this just makes it clear to their base that the mere consideration of the other ticket doing such an unspeakable act would justify it for the GOP.

[russ]

Biden is a sleaze bag. I'd rather be stuck with an inexperienced VP like Palin who will be mentored by an intelligent, experienced country loving American like McCain than an inexperienced President like Obama being mentored by a rotten politician like Biden.

[BubbaBob]

This is a garbage Internet rumor of the same calibre as the one about Obama secretly being a Muslim. Are you so credulous and ignorant as to believe EVERYTHING that shows up in your inbox? How often do you buy pills that promise to "increase your manhood"? How often do you send money to Nigeria? What clownish fools.

[Mim]

Obama will not change his mind regarding Biden. Hillary would have been a great choice for experience and with the back-up knowledge of Bill Clinton a plus. However, Obama wanted the spot light. Now, the country must depend on Biden to be the experienced one. Old Man McCain made a severe mistake with the selection of Palin, as her interviews have indicated. I do not know, how Biden can debate Palin, when she knows nothing, and is only given advise by the Bush admimistration. McCain will probably not complete the full term, and Palin would be President of this country; the problems now would be minor, if that happened. Palin needs to return to the ice ledges of Alaska with the 700,000 registered voters and her mimi skirts.

[Melissa]

I think this rumor is just that...'a rumor'. Senator Obama and Joe Biden make a great team and if Joe Biden had any true health concerns 'presently' then they would have pulled him out immediately. YOu don't 'time' something like a political switch at the last minute unless there is a true health crisis. It would and could back-fire. I see Biden on television every day and he looks healthy and happy. And, I don't think Senator Obama needs Clinton to win this election. It will be close but wait and see...:)

[Ira]

"As is true to Muslim beliefs, it is fine to lie to non-muslims. This is our future, let us embrace it and make it a part of us so we can all stop being worthless infidels. Embrace Obama and Allah will smile upon you."

Do us all a favor and go the movies on Election Day instead of voting. This comment is as asinine as the premise that Biden is planning on stepping aside.

Just a note, when McGovern switched VP candidates, the convention was still in session and the delegates voted on the choice. I don't see any mention in the article of the mechanics of a substitution. Since some states have alerady started early balloting, I don't see how it could be legal.

Probably, and this is conjecture since I have not researched it,a candidate can not name a replacement VP, but rather there would be a vacancy in the office on January 20, and the new President would nominate a VP subject to congressional approval as was done in the Nixon and Ford administrations upon Agnew's resignation and Ford's succession.

Obama, being a former lecturer on Constitutional law, would know this.

[kal]

You are Diseptive. But be sure, Change is coming !!!

Obama-Biden'08

[Cru]

Something is fishy.. about this article.
Especially the end where you encourage the masses to spread disinformation.

[B oSama]

Americans, Please, open your eyes, you're missing it. With the unwavering and totally biased support of NBC, MSNBC, CBS and ABC Obama is about to pull off a legal coup.
This guy is a slick-talking, smoke and mirrors threat to the future of this country. How did he pull off the impossible in defeating Hillary. Why does the media give him a pass on the, too many to cite, shortcomings of Barack? Please look at all the facts, not just what we see on the network news, this guy is not only "not qualified" he's "dangerous".