Depending on how old you are, you might remember the Roadrunner cartoons. I don't think I've seen one in more than a decade, which is a shame for the up and coming generation. My guess is that liberal Democrat censors declared the show "too violent".

The basic plot is always the same--Wiley E. Coyote, self-proclaimed genius, seeks through incredibly complex means usually involving explosives, to catch the roadrunner--a mute but speedy bird. In spite of his "genius", the bird eludes him everytime and Wiley usually ends up in free-fall over some yawning chasm (holding up a sign stating something like..."this is going to hurt...")

The coyote just popped into my mind when I heard Biden had declared for the presidential campaign--self-proclaimed genius doomed to expberience free-fall into a political chasm.

Today was the part where Wiley E. Biden was cackling over his sure-fire scheme for capturing the 2008 roadrunner. Veteran viewers of Wiley E. Biden episodes could already seen his plan was doomed, but we stay tuned because the free-fall is so entertaining.

Mr. Biden is equally skeptical—albeit in a slightly more backhanded way—about Mr. Obama. “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy,” he said. “I mean, that’s a storybook, man.”

Democrats don't get macaca'd, because racists are welcome in the big-tent party. Nevertheless, this is like the first day of his campaign and he insults Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton as what? Stupid dirty "negroes"? While Jackson and Sharpton have unequivocal ethical problems, they are clearly bright and very articulate men. Maybe he can insult the Jews next.

Biden figures "what the hell"--he's 64 years old and if he doesn't run now, he never will again. Like so many Senators, he's a legend in his own mind.

With nothing to lose, Biden utters the unutterable, pointing out that Hillary just isn't going to get more popular and Edwards is an empty suit.

We knew that.

All that is left is to watch his genius plan go predictably awry.

The Moderate Voice

You can see already about how this is already surfacing as something where some may suggest that he used the word in racial terms. This mini-flap (if it grows into one — and talk radio loves this kind of thing, as does the blogosphere) would proably end with Obama noting that he has worked with Biden and that those suggesting Biden was suggesting what they’re suggesting he was perhaps suggesting are mistaken (but at least some of those pushing that line will know that already).

I'm a little confused by Joe's perception of the racial insult--it wasn't directed at Obama, but at Obama's black precedessors. Why would Biden feel he had to "clarify" his remarks for Obama?

The Flap intones.

Kevin Drum

I've never really had the animus toward Biden that a lot of people do, but jeebus. He's just a gaffe machine waiting for someone to flip the power switch on. Back to the Senate, Joe.