Joe Biden's Speech

The film that preceded Joe Biden's speech was heavy on working class values.

Barack Obama appeared throughout, speaking about what a great man Biden is.

The film focused on the personal tragedy in Biden's life, his commitment to his family, and his commitment to American families.

It's amazing how a very short film can recreate and transform a person. I didn't recognize Biden, the blowhard of the Sunday morning programs.

Biden's son, Beau Biden, introduced his dad.

Did you know Biden turned down a "fancy Washington cocktail party" to attend the birthday party of his granddaughter?

Beau Biden talked about the car accident that claimed the life of his mother and sister.

There was a shot of Michelle Obama crying. Hey, it worked when Hillary did it. I take that back. That's not fair. It's a very sad story, and Michelle's tears easily could have been sincere.

Joe Biden was crying too.
The accident was a terrible, terrible tragedy and it was a defining moment in Biden's life. It should be mentioned, but Biden has to be careful about using the story to the point that it begins to feel like sleazy exploitation.

The younger Biden said that even though his dad worked in Washington, he was never part of Washington.

I don't buy that. He's an insider. He's been around forever. Isn't that why Obama picked him?

Beau talked of Biden having a severe stutter as a child. He was nicknamed "Dash." Of course, he overcame that and now, as we all know, he talks non-stop.

Beau Biden asked the crowd to stand by his dad the way he stood by him. He said he won't be around in November, but didn't explain why. As a member of the National Guard, he'll be in Iraq.

When Biden walked on stage, he soaked in the love as John Mellencamp's "Pink Houses" played.

Biden started his address by complimenting his children and wife Jill, "the only one who leaves me both breathless and speechless at the same time."

He complimented Bill Clinton and complimented Hillary.

He said he was honored to represent Delaware.

And finally he got around to saying that he accepts the nomination to be Obama's running mate.

Biden took some shots at Dick Cheney. No surprise there.

Biden talked about his dad falling on hard times. No surprise there.

He said he wished his dad was alive, but he was grateful that his mother was there. He introduced her.

Then we heard stories of Biden's childhood, his stuttering and getting beat up by other kids. He told of how his mother supported him.

Again, he talked about the car accident that took the lives of his wife and daughter.

Then he switched gears and stopped yapping about himself.

Biden began talking about all the miserable people in America, the questions they're asking as they talk around their kitchen tables. (He's really hung up on the kitchen table!)

They're suffering because of George Bush. He said these are common stories.

I know people are suffering in America, but there was suffering long before Bush took office and there will be suffering after he leaves.

Obama can't make that go away. John McCain can't make that go away.

Biden talked about America like it's Pottersville. Of course, it was Bedford Falls before Bush became president.

The American dream is in jeopardy and John McCain doesn't get it.

Naturally, Biden spent a good deal of time talking about "Barack," man of change.

He also admitted that John McCain is his friend, but he specified the dramatic disagreements he has with him on policy.

After citing McCain's position on different issues, Biden would repeat: "That's not change. That's more of the same."

The crowd tried to repeat that refrain along with him. It never really worked.

According to Biden, Obama will save us, in every way, on all fronts.

He didn't say how he'd achieve all this change. He just promised that he would.

When Biden talked about foreign policy, it drove me nuts. He talked about the "neglect" of the Bush administration. He said that he and Obama would reverse the neglect.

The Bush administration has kept this country safe from terrorists for the past seven years.

That's success, not neglect.

"This administration's policy has been an abysmal failure."

Biden ended his speech by saying he's here for the children and working class people.

"Millions of Americans have been knocked down."

Biden said that it's time for them to get up.

When a Democrat says that, it means that it's time to create bigger government and raise your taxes.

God, Biden really loves hearing himself talk.

After the speech, Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising" was played.

Biden's wife, Jill, took the stage.

She said, "Honey, tonight we have a very special surprise guest."

Biden said, "Who?"

Shock of shocks, out walked Barack Obama.

He embraced Biden, and Obama planted yet another kiss on Jill Biden's lips.

Obama took the microphone and shouted, "Hello Democrats!"

He said he wanted everybody to understand why he wanted Joe Biden and Jill Biden and Beau Biden and "Mama Biden" to come on this journey to take America back.

Obama complimented his wife's speech. Then he said, "If I'm not mistaken, Hillary Clinton rocked the house last night."

Of course, Obama thanked President Bill Clinton, too. They waved at each other, smiling as they gnashed their teeth.

Obama said that they wanted to open up the convention to everyone so they're moving to Mile High stadium. Woo hoo!

The Invesco people can't be happy about that.

Biden's mother, children, and grandchildren and assorted others all came on stage and Obama strutted around, talking and smiling and waving and slapping people on the back.

So ends the big set-up, the big pep rally, for the big event tomorrow night.

I have a splitting headache.
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Transcript: Sen. Joe Biden's acceptance speech
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From Ann Coulter: "Joe Biden: Hair We Can Believe In"