When Hillary cried, she got a bump in the polls. I wonder what it will do to a male candidate. News reports and a picture in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette are saying that Senator Biden teared-up during a speech today in Greensburg, PA. Apparently the emotional moment was brought on by memories of the tragic family accident that took place in 1972, and occurred after Dan Rooney, beloved owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, introduced him.
The Post-Gazette writes:
On a campaign stop at Greensburg Salem High School, Mr. Biden was introduced by Mr. Rooney, whose presence reminded the vice presidential candidate of the tragic December 1972 accident when his wife and daughter were killed and his two young sons seriously injured in a car accident shortly after his election to the Senate.
Mr. Biden paused, wiped his eyes and, at one point turned away from the crowd for a long moment, as he told a story of his vigil at the sons' hospital room. He said he had left his sons to go out and buy a Christmas tree. When he returned they each had an autographed football.
"My one little boy was in traction the other little boy had a serious fractured skull, and they were happy ..."
After pausing, and wiping his eye, he continued.
"I said guys, 'Where'd you get the balls.' He said, 'Dad, Rocky Bleier gave it to me.'
"Mr. Rooney's dad, without any fanfare, without an announcement, without anything but this incredible decency ..." He paused again, and as the crowd applauded, said, "I really apologize. I shouldn't have tried to do this. ... It's a hell of a family."
Probably not much to analyze here. However, if this wasn't such a big crazy news week, this would probably be something to talk about. We'll have to wait and see if this means anything.