Joe Biden's Viewpoints Marginalized by the White House

Frankly, if you were in such need of advice that you had to take it from a government official, would you be inclined to take it from a grandfather with years of government policy experience or a cocky 45 year old who doesn't even know how many states there are in the Union? That one isn't hard.

"I think the vice president misrepresented what the vice president wanted to say," said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs in responding to questions about Biden's advice to his family to stay out of crowded places for the moment while swine flu is studied. Later in the day, Gibbs was questioned further saying "I understand what he said. I'm telling you what he meant to say." 

If I were Joe Biden I would be pretty steamed. But you can't be a long-term Washington survivor and not understand party loyalty, so I imagine he won't be saying much. Isn't it fair though to think that a president will show some respect for his #2 in command?

Meanwhile, the current president continues with his unabated advice to the American electorate who he must believe are in great need of parenting from him. I am awaiting what is surely about to be announced in serious and sonorous tones read from his favorite teleprompter: "Remember to brush after every meal, and don't forget to floss." No wonder that Wednesday's press conference where he self-reported that he is making a brand new, better America had about half the viewers as his last prime-time special. How long can it be until the Nation realizes that they are no longer 16, and they not only have the car keys but the car as well?

UPDATE: The award winning blog, Inside Surgery, says "The best strategy for surviving an influenza pandemic is to not get it at all. Avoiding crowded places, starting today, is one thing people can do to improve the odds of that happening."