He's Just "Joe" At Home
GEORGETOWN, DE - Even as vice president-elect, he's still just "Joe" at home.
Two days after being elected vice president, Joe Biden returned home to an enthusiastic, though wet reception today as he took part in the post-election "Return Day" tradition. Riding around the small town in a horse-drawn carriage, Biden smiled and waved as almost everyone referred to him just by his first name as they shouted their good wishes.
Biden later told his constituents that no matter what office he holds, "I'm still Delaware."
"It's been an honor representing you, and thank you," the vice president-elect said during brief remarks at the annual "Return Day" event. "I'm still at this moment and continue to be Senator Joe Biden, the proudest title I've ever had, representing the state of Delaware. I love you, thank you very, very, very, very much."
Biden also told the hundreds of huddled Delawareans that he still plans to spend a lot of time at home.
"The bad news for you is, Jill and I are not leaving Delaware," he said. "I maybe the vice president-elect, but we're going to be home every weekend so you know where we live."
Biden made just a day trip home to Delaware from Chicago to take part in Return Day, where winning and losing candidates ride around this small town in a horse-drawn carriage, and then participate in a "burying of the hatchet." But in a break with custom, Biden, who was re-elected for a seventh term on Tuesday, did not ride with his Republican opponent, Christine O'Donnell. Aides were unsure why not, as was the senator himself.
Biden plans to be sworn in for another Senate term next January before resigning to assume the vice presidency. Depending on when he resigns, his appointment would be made by either outgoing Gov. Ruth Ann Minner or Gov.-elect Jack Markell, both Democrats. Biden has said he would resign just before becoming VP, meaning Markell would likely get the pick.
"We've not talked about that," Markell said in an interview. "Honestly I have not thought about that. ... At this point it's really a hypothetical for me and I'm just going to keep focused on what I'm doing now."
Spotted at today's events were "Send JC to DC" stickers, referring to outgoing Lt. Gov. John Carney. Carney lost to Markell in the gubernatorial primary.
(NBC/NJ's MIKE MEMOLI)
For goodness sake, why is Biden getting sworn in as Senator? Does that prevent a runoff for the seat?
If he resigns his seat in this term, his replacement gets some seniority.
Actually, local understanding is that Joe's being sworn in as Senator is tentative. There has been so much going on that RuthAnn and Joe haven't had a real chance to meet to decide who is to be appointed in his place. Delaware law doesn't call for a runoff. We Delawarean's are actually working towards getting rid of special elections that are costly. I am sure that when all of the excitement of this week settles a bit, things will be decided. In the meantime, we here in Delaware are still trying to accept we have to share Our Joe with the world. Joe is a great man. You did a fabulous job Mother Biden, you are a wonderful rolemodel to Delaware mothers, and mothers world-wide!!!! In the words of my 3 year old Daughter: "GO JOE!!!!!!!!!" Go all the way!!! We are right behind you!
I have a lot of respect for Joe Biden. He treated Palin during the dabate with respect which is more than I could say for that smart alec! He is a true gentleman.