It was the memorable sound bite they did not dare script. The Vice President helped immortalise the official signing of healthcare legislation today with an earthy reminder of its historic importance.
This is a big f***ing deal, Joe Biden whispered into the Presidents ear in the East Room of the White House where Barack Obama was about to sign the healthcare bill into law. The microphones and television cameras captured his words for posterity.
Mr Obama barely flinched as he stepped forward to address a crowd of congressmen and invited guests before adding his signature to the vital House Resolution 3590, which paves the way for near-universal health coverage in America.
Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, responded to Mr Bidens crude tribute on Twitter. Yes, Mr Vice President, you"re right, he wrote.
Related LinksObama signs health Bill as repeal fight beginsThis debate is far from overYes, we can turns into Yes, we didWhite House staff are already said to become nervous whenever Mr Biden appears in public. Todays profanity was his second gaffe while campaigning for medical reform in less than a month.
During the bipartisan health reform summit in February, Mr Biden was overheard telling a companion: Its easy being Vice President. You dont have to do anything.
A microphone picked up another voice saying, Its like being the grandpa and not the parent," before the Vice President replied: Yeah, thats it!
Mr Bidens intemperate language follows his predecessor Dick Cheney.
The former Vice President used the f word during a bad-tempered debate on Iraq in the in the Senate when he told Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont, to go f*** yourself.
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