Changing the tone of politics apparently includes calling the best friend of firefighters in Congress “craven,” it would appear.

An aide to Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) presidential campaign said the candidates planning to attend today’s memorial service in Charleston, S.C., for nine firefighters who died this week are engaging in a “pretty craven political act.”

The Biden campaign’s official response:

Sen. Biden attended today’s memorial service at the express invitation of IAFF Pres. Harold Shaitbarger and Charleston Mayor Joe Riley. He is the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and he flew down with a delegation of Delaware firefighters to honor their fallen brethren. The Obama Campaign’s lack of familiarity with Sen. Biden’s longstanding personal relationship with firefighters is no excuse for such a cheap shot and a great example of new politics.

If you don’t know about Biden and firefighters, watch this speech. It’s long, so hit pause and let it download, then skip ahead to about 6:30 and watch the next 4 or 5 minutes. Then you’ll know why, whenever firefighters are in need, Joe will be there.



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