The McCain campaign is out with a video press release Thursday designed to make Sen. Joe Biden seem unsteady and gaffe-prone in anticipation of tonight's vice presidential debate.
Titled "Embarrass," the spot is a veritable greatest hits list of Biden verbal blunders. But considering the seriously wobbly roll out of Gov. Sarah Palin and the McCain campaign's recent denunciations of "gotcha" journalism, putting out a web ad like this requires a certain amount of political chutzpah. Not to mention, a campaign usually tries to raise the expectations of its opponent prior to the debate, not deflate them. Should Biden get through the debate without gaffing, would it now be considered a success for him?
Here is the full script:
ANNCR: What might Joe Biden say at tonight's debate? Anything's possible.
JOE BIDEN: I think I probably have a much higher I.Q. than you do. ... What am I talking about?
ANNCR: We know he has impeccable tact.
JOE BIDEN: You cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin' Donuts, unless you have a slight Indian accent. I'm not joking. ... What am I talking about?
ANNCR: Maybe he'll send Hillary in his place?
JOE BIDEN: Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am. Might have been a better pick than me. ... What am I talking about?
ANNCR: And what might he say about his vote to raise taxes on those making just $42,000 a year?
JOE BIDEN: It's time to be patriotic Kate, time to jump in, time to be part of the deal.
ANNCR: We know he'd never embarrass himself.
JOE BIDEN: Stand up Chuck. Let them see you! Oh, God love you, what am I talking about?
ANNCR: Ready to gaffe? Yes. Ready to lead? No.