Robert Gibbs, Joe Biden, Jake Tapper

This exchange between Robert Gibbs and ABC's Jake Tapper on Joe Biden's declaration this morning that he has told family members not to fly or use mass transit is priceless.

TV Newser:

CNN, FNC and MSNBC were all live with Robert Gibbs' press briefing just after 2pmET today when ABC News' Jake Tapper asked for clarification. After one attempt, Tapper followed up: "I sympathize with you trying to explain the Vice President's comments, but that's not even remotely close to what he said." Then, to laughter from the room, Gibbs said, "I understand what he said, and I'm telling you what he meant to say."

Translation: Gibbs says, "Don't pay attention to what you heard Joe Biden actually say. Listen to what I tell you he meant to say."

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Janet Napolitano also does damage control, explaining what Biden really meant to say.

JANET NAPOLITANO: I think the vice president, if he had, if he could say that over again, he would say, 'If they're feeling sick they should stay off of public transit or confined spaces,' because that indeed is the advice that we have been giving.

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