Joe Biden on Swine Flu | 04/30/2009 8:05 am
Joe Biden on 'Today': I've Told My Family to Avoid Planes, Subways, Confined Spaces (Video)
The vice president says his family — and people in general — should avoid public transit until swine flu subsides.
Today Show
Joe Biden caused jaws to drop today when he told Matt Lauer that he would advise his family not to get on trains or planes until the swine flu pandemic has subsided.
Lauer asked the vice president what he would say to a relative who asked how to proceed, to which Biden replied, "I would tell members of my family — and I have — that I would not go anywhere in confined places now … I would not be at this point suggesting they take the subway." People should not be clamoring to get into confined places, said Mr. Biden.
As for whether or not we should close our borders, Biden insisted such a measure wouldn’t be productive, because the virus has already found its way into the country. President Barack Obama last night told the nation that the best thing to do is cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands regularly, which you should really be doing anyway.
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Did anyone else get the feeling that Obama just wanted to tell everyone "look people, use common sense, if you dont want to get sick, then wash your damn hands"…I thought it kind of funny that he had to tell grown Americans to cover their noses when you sneeze and wash your hands…I am sure he felt like he was talking to a bunch of kids…
Oh well, I wouldnt want to take any mass transit right now. I think we should limit our borders right now, yes the flu is there but the more we let across that is carrying it who aren’t showing symptons, who could easily spread it even worse. Just b/c someone doesnt come across the border with a fever doesnt mean they aren’t carrying the virus, I mean after all, its just like any other virus, from what they keep telling us.
So how does he ( the daily AMTRACK rider before he moved to DC and now now has a motorcade pick him up) suggest people get to work every day ( Those that still have jobs anyway)?????
Closing the borders would at least keep more infected people from entering.
SJ, wish I knew the answer to that question…I know a lot of people in my hometown commute to DC everyday and its an hour and 1/2 drive. For me, I wouldnt take public transit, that is for sure.
I do agree closing the borders would help keep out more infected people. When Obama spoke on that last night I was a disappointed in what he said that its already here so why close the borders…ummm for the obvious, to stop more from coming here with it to get treatment.
Imagine if all those people on the train took their cars ( if they even have one)….the commute would be three times as long with the gridlock and think of the carbon imprint it would have??? .. where would they park when they got there?
The economy is hurting now..and they are suggesting this?????
I would take the train..wear a mask and latex gloves and do not talk to anyone within 3 feet of you both ways!.
SJ…there are no none cases of the swine flu, yet, in my state, but I still feel like when we go out in pubilc maybe I should put on gloves and a mask b/c you dont know who your going to come in contact with. I am sure my 3 year old would love to play "dress up"!
I guess Biden has forgotten what its like to live in the real world?
"For me, I wouldnt take public transit, that is for sure. "
no , i guess you have forgotten which side you are supposed to be rooting for. flip flop.
I agree, C Hardy, it would be a good idea to close the borders for awhile.
Good ole Joe Biden…."the sky is falling." Loved his spray on tanned face. Everytime I look at him he reminds me of the sesame street character "Sam the Eagle."
deber b My question to Joe would be — "Has anyone asked the airlines to sanatize their air systems"? Even when there isn’t flu viruses of this magnitude, many people catch the common cold when flying. And, why not close the borders? I agree with C. Hardy - just because you don’t have symtoms when entering doesn’t mean you’re not carrying.
I loved the "Sam the Eagle"! I always look at Joe and am reminded of a sweet little Chia Pet.
Well, Lady Gee, if you were to ask Joe a question you do understand you would get an answer right away from Joe, and then a delayed, more accurate answer detailing what he meant to say. The operative words here would be….patience and understanding.
Love the idea of sanitizing the air systems on airplanes. Personally, I feel that flying today is the nastiest environment you can put yourself in….from the soiled cloth seats, the arm rests, the germs, not to mention the person sitting next to you. Flying today is a challenge.
deber b —-I remember my days as a Flight Attendant - there was always someone in the crew with a cold or some kind of respitory problem. One Flight attendant even contracted measles. It was far worse when smoking was allowed on airplanes. The air just keeps circulating in and out. Hopefully, today, they are cleaning the filters on planes. Some airlines today do have soiled seats, arm rests, etc. However, most of the larger airlines have crews that sanatize most of the aircraft when they are back in their hub city. However, the trips in between can be a challenge.
Couldn’t help but think about the students at the school from NY who went to Cancun for spring break. Think about the number of people in their own party - the people on the plane with them on the return flight. Everyone they came in contact with at the airports and just other people they saw on a daily basis upon their return. Spread, spread, spread. That’s how it starts.
Maybe we should all become hermits for a while!
Works for me, Lady Gee, becoming a hermit for awhile. It’s actually good for the soul in many ways. I bet you were a great flight attendant!
I always think about this…"when the mask falls down….put it on yourself first." That statement alone is life changing. Save yourself because no one is going to do it for you…so that you are able to save someone else.
SJ M — Indeed! Good question. How about the illegals coming across the border? Is the border patrol supposed to stop each one of them and stick a thermometer in their mouth to determine if they are carriers.
It’s time to close the borders.