Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., visited Ireland this week and told a dirty joke some may add to his long line of signature gaffes and uncomfortable situations. After being introduced by the Emerald Isle's Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Enda Kenny, he took a moment to make an effort to better associate himself to the Irish citizens in the room, by identifying himself as "full[-blood] Irish". However, as it occasionally happens with the nation's second in command, Biden soon found himself making some observers uncomfortable:
"There are all kinds of old Irish sayings," Biden said, "At least my grandfather, Finnegan-I think he made them up-but it says, may the hinges of our friendship never go rusty. Well with these two folks you're about to meet, if you haven't already, there's no doubt about them staying oiled and lubricated here." "Ladies and gentlemen, now, for you who are not full Irish in the room, lubricating has a different meaning for us all," Biden said, offering another discomforting zinger.
Joe Biden also recently shared a dirty joke with Julia Louis-Dreyfus that she later shared with late night host Conan O'Brien and his audience. The "Veep" actress, known by much of America as Jerry's ex-girlfriend, Elaine Marie Benes, on "Seinfeld" took the line in stride, and described Biden as an overall "affable" personality. For once, though, it was not the "little kicks" making folks uncomfortable.
"Hey, does your husband like to sleep with the vice president?" Biden asked Louis-Dreyfus, "Because I'm trying to convince Jill it's a good idea," Biden continued, referring to his wife, Dr. Jill Biden. Louis-Dreyfus was visiting Biden in Washington to do some "character analysis" of how the Senate's real life president m does his job.
During their lunch excursion together, Biden grabbed Louis-Dreyfus' cellular phone and spontaneously photographed the pair, in what Louis-Dreyfus described as a "selfie".
These two instances are not the first time that Biden has made news with his commentary. Some Americans may remember Biden's well-remembered gaffe during a visit to Missouri while campaigning in 2008. The crowd assembled gave Biden the standard standing ovation upon his entrance. As Biden began his speech, he pointed out various local dignitaries as the crowd continued to applaud. He went on to recognize State Sen. Chuck Graham, "Chuck, stand up and let the people see you!" Graham, a paraplegic, is confined to a wheelchair.
Recognizing his mistake, the vice president corrected himself, asking the crowd in turn to "stand up for Chuck."
While celebrating the passage of the Affordable Care Act, Biden was famously caught on an open mic saying in President Barack Obama's ear, "this is a big f***ing deal," which also made headlines.
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