Biden Off Message Again: "We're Not Supporting Clean Coal"

Think Progress:

At a campaign stop today in Maumee, OH, Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) talked to Carolyn Auwaerter, a young 1Sky campaigner, about energy policy. Questioned about his campaign's support for "clean coal," Biden vigorously defended his record in favor of renewable energy, and outlined what he sees as the key challenge: developing carbon capture and sequestration technology (which he calls "clean coal") to limit the pollution from China's rapidly increasing fleet of coal plants. In his words, captured on video by the Energy Action Coalition:

No coal plants here in America. Build them, if they're going to build them over there make 'em clean because they're killing you.

Biden also claimed, "We're not supporting 'clean coal.'" In fact, "clean coal" is a major part of Sen. Obama's energy plan and public rhetoric, calling for the development and deployment of "clean coal technology" as part of his green jobs initiative.

Read the whole story: Think Progress

Comments

[FACINGREALIT]

Joe Biden has wanted to be president for quite a while and was NEVER able to attain the level of attention he is getting during those runs as he is getting as a VP candidate. Sometimes I think Joe is believing that he is still running at the top of the ticket and gets to set the agenda and conversation. However, Joe has to realize his run for presidency is over and the ticket he supports sets the agenda and get back to the talking points.

[hu.man]

When Obama picked Biden, many said he was not capable of playing second fiddle.

[MB141]

I love Joe Biden, but I'm starting to worry that Obama made the wrong choice for VP. Not sure if he's trying to undermine Obama, but he's definitely not helping to push his policy positions. Hey Joe...wake up!!! You finally made it to the big-time and now you're losing it???

[yellowdogminnesotan]

Oh dear GOD!! Joe spoke his mind again and said what we're all thinking. There is no such thing as clean coal. It's something the Coal lobby has cooked up to try and weasel past the watered down EPA standards.

Take a look at our two choices for Vice Presidents, one is trying to beef up her international credentials by taking a crash course at the UN behind close doors as not to look stupid. The other is out and in front of people telling the truth and letting the chips fall where they may. Which one sounds ready on DAY ONE.

[skooby]

This the best you guys have? At least Joe is TALKING instead of hiding in Alaska with binoculars getting that foreign street cred. LMAO

[VeroucaSalt]

Seriously. And because what Joe talks about is usually policy-related, it's boring to the MSM, therefore no coverage..­.. until his foot finds its way into his mouth.

The media is pathetically sensationalist.

[JackLivigni]

WTF the matter with Joe right now? Is he tired or something?

[darthdarcy]

Good Joe, because there is no such thing as, clean coal..!

Maybe someday, but we're not there yet...

[FuturePrez]

I still can't fathom picking Joseph Biden as VP running mate, but, in context of the video, it seemed as though he didn't understand what she was saying and was essentially saying that the US doesn't support clean coal (which, its pols do, but, in general practice, we do not). In context of the written transcript, it does appear as though he's saying the campaign doesn't support clean coal; but, that's assuming he heard what she said.

[PT6]

He is right we chocked on COAL SMOKE in the Midwest for 70 Years.

Clean COAL means some of the worst stuff is removed but that takes gobs of resources like water and air to do.

He is also right that we should sell that technology to other countries to help them not suffer the same thing we Midwesterners did for years.

RIGHT ON MESSAGE if you ask me! Ask any Midwesterner with ASTHMA!

[freebeer]

Clean coal is a marketing slogan, much like "light cigarettes", "lite beer" or the recently popular "hope and change"

Clean coal refers to how it is burned (gasification) how it is "washed", and how carbon may be captured to reduce the impact. All dubious claims at best, lies at worst.

But the real issue is how we get the coal. To save money on labor, to get the coal faster the Mountain Top Removal method is used.
A violent rape of the environment is not what Obama should be promoting.

Have no opinion? Watch this for eight minutes and decide for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPixjCneseE

Biden may be off message but he is right to be against "clean coal".

[rzan1]

That is obviously his stand. I am sure he differs on some things with Obama. We have seen that Palin and McCain are often not in agreement.

[hmmmmmer]

It is because of stupidity like this that makes me think he will lose his debate. All Palin will have to do is show up and smile. He on the other had will have to look intelligent, well versed, and not a sexist, something he can do, but still he has a tendency to do stupid things.

Another commercial for McSame.

[jeburr24]

At least Joe Biden is TALKING to the press, unlike a certain other veep candidate.­..

[PADebbie]

Raise eyebrows???? Wow is that all you have for a pathetic excuse for a Vice President nominee!

John25jb you are ignorant on the facts arent you? He DID say CLEAN COAL!

This is the guy you all want to be our Vice President????????? OMG and thought I was a true BLONDE!

Yeah GO PALIN!!! Cant wait till you debate this guy! Yes Palin is out there and being GRINDED by people like Charles Gibson....­.....that looked like an amature in attitude..­......and she as usual kept her cool! Yeah now there is a real woman.....­...A leader A Woman and you all are out of your minds with HATE!

[research]

We hate lies, cheating, warmongering, torture, thievery, cronies, corporatism, fascism and the GOP.

I probably could stand to have a bear with Palin, as long as she didn't talk politics.

[mistlesuede]

Grinded by Gibson? Are you freakn kidding me?

[imusintheevening]

Shouldn't you be studying for your GED?

[research]

Joe!

Now, when we are trying wins friends and influence people to vote for Obama, we don't want to shut off the Possibility of "Clean Coal" sometime in the future. Obama's plan requires that any "clean Coal" actually be clean and environmentally and economically sound.

That's all you have to say.

It's the truth.

Think!

[Mildmannered]

the biden-gaffe meter is getting a work out

[Ramirez]

Today Rush launched Operation SOB (Save Our Biden).
Republicans will now pull out the stops and work to keep Joe on the ticket..

[wanj]

Ohh, you got your daily programming from your hero, that Junkie Rush didn't you? I hope that will last you all day... Learn to think for yourself and use your pea brain for a change!

[SurferKit]

Well thanks for sharing what BRush said today. NOT!

Who cares? Unlike, you, we don't hold our breath waiting for what toiletBRUSH that is your leader, thinks about anything.

Grow your own brain instead of feeding off the s e w e r that is his.