Could there be any truth to the rumor?  Biden would surely crush the hockey mom, Sarah Palin.  I mean even Katie Couric schooled her in a planned sit-down interview.  Obama and Biden have it locked up, you people have no idea how bad this is going to end up.  Hillary Clinton and of course Slick Willie will have missed their chance at getting back into the White House.  Sorry suckers!

Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton

Biden ‘to be replaced by Hillary’ on Obama ticketFriday, 26 September 2008

Several US websites are today claiming vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden is set drop out of the US election to be replaced by Hillary Clinton on the Democratic presidential ticket.

Biden, running as Barack Obama’s number two, is said to be ready to drop out due to health reasons.

The 61-year-old had surgery ten ago years for two brain aneurysms and could leave the race after the vice presidential debates take place on 2 October, leaving the position open for Mrs Clinton to step up.

Pundits say the huge media interest surrounding John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin has prompted a rethink in the Democratic camp.

The Obama campaign’s official website ‘Fight the Smears’ - set up to suppress any damaging internet rumours - has not addressed the latest reports, fuelled speculation that there may be some truth in the rumour.

The only statement Obama’s camp have released is to say that Biden’s medical records will be released shortly.

Biden has been responsible for a number of gaffes in the last two weeks, including admitting his own ad campaign was ‘terrible’ in a CBS news interview and at one stage even acknowledged that Hillary Clinton may have been a safer bet for Obama’s vice president position.

However Democratic supporters have dismissed claims that Biden may drop out.

Democratic strategist Bob Beckel said: “It’s crazy…it’s just not going to happen.”

Christopher Hull, presidential scholar at Georgetown University in Washington DC said: “Joe Biden is not that big a liability. Joe Biden was arguably the most experienced candidate in the [Democratic primary] race.”

“Joe Biden, of course, has shot off his mouth and gotten himself in trouble,” he added. “It’s Joe Biden we’re talking about.”

Obama has stood firm on his decision to install Biden as his number two, telling NBC’s Today Show on Tuesday this week: ‘Joe Biden is also an outstanding public servant and I am very proud of the choice that I made.’ He added that he’s a ‘great admirer of Senator Clinton’s’ and hopes she will remain ‘a close adviser’.