Joe Biden has suffered far, far more tragedy than anyone should ever have to endure in a lifetime. In 1972, just weeks after he first won election to the Senate, Biden's wife and one-year-old daughter were killed in a car accident. Last week, his 46-year-old son Beau, who survived that same accident, died of brain cancer.
So fuck, fuck, fuck Ted Cruz forever for using this opportunity, as Beau lies in state, waiting to be buried on Saturday, to tell a cruel joke about his grieving father:
"You know, Vice President Joe Biden," he said as a few chuckles emerged from the crowd, setting up the joke for him. "You know the nice thing. You don't need a punchline. I promise you it works. At the next party you're at, just walk up to someone and say, 'Vice President Joe Biden,' and just close your mouth. They will crack up laughing."
And do you want to know why Cruz is doubly a piece of shit? Because before he was forced to apologize, reporter Chad Livengood confronted him about his horrid joke, and his reaction was disgusting:
Q: Could you talk about the vice president losing his son this week?
A: Heartbreaking and tragic, and our prayers are very much with Vice President Biden, with Jill. It's a tragedy no one should have to endure.
Q: Why'd you tell a joke about the vice president tonight?
A: Uh .... [walks away]
The traditional press is apt to skip over this very telling response, because it doesn't fit neatly into the standard transgression/apology narrative, but make no mistake: Cruz betrayed his true feelings in that moment. He could have apologized right then and there, but instead, he grunted, smirked, and skulked off. It wasn't until the story blew up later that he said he was sorry.
Joe Biden has spoken as eloquently about grief as anyone ever could, because he's the member of a tragic club no one ought belong to. I am sad to say that I know what membership is like myself, so I empathize with him deeply. That Biden—that we all—have to share public life with a detestable creature like Cruz is an insult to every one of us, but especially those who have known tragedy first-hand. Shame on you, Ted Cruz. Apology not accepted.
