Joe Biden’s swine flu advice
Why Vice President Biden said to avoid planes and subways, and why his staff said he meant something else
Vice President Joe Biden was doing a pretty good job of avoiding the “verbal slip-ups he’s famous for,” said Alex Koppelman in Salon. But “that streak ended” Thursday morning when, on NBC’s Today show, Biden said he told relatives to stay away from airplanes and subways to avoid the swine flu. That may be solid medical advice, “but it certainly isn't the picture of calm” the administration wants to project. (watch Joe Biden’s swine flu comments on “Today”)
If Biden “sent you into a panic,” you’re not alone, said Chris Rovzar in New York. He sent his staff into a panic, too. “They rushed out a statement ‘clarifying’ his remarks,” insisting that Biden meant people should “avoid unnecessary air travel to and from Mexico”—where the outbreak has hit hardest—and stay out of confined public spaces if they’re sick. “That's sound, reasonable advice,” but it’s not what Biden said.
Twisting Biden’s words into “something more sensible” is never easy, said Jennifer Rubin in Commentary. But it’s impossible to fix this “mega-gaffe,” which will cost far more than the $300,000 in lost travel and business disruptions caused by the scary Air Force One New York flyover. Let’s hope President Obama sends Biden off on the funeral circuit before he does more damage.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The ETA: how new UK travel rules may affect you
The Explainer Full roll-out of Britain's new travel scheme is designed to be easy, but some have already faced problems
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Arts on prescription: why doctors are prescribing museums and comedy
In The Spotlight Stressed-out patients in Switzerland are being prescribed a trip to the museum to boost their mental wellbeing
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Shompole Wilderness Camp: reconnect with nature at this secluded retreat
The Week Recommends This luxurious family-run camp in southern Kenya has access to more than 350,000 acres of pristine savannah
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
By The Week Staff Published
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?
Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are the billionaires backing?
The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
By The Week UK Published
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published