Vice President Biden Enters Betty Ford Center, Sources Reveal

(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

RANCHO MIRAGE, California – Vice President Joe Biden, 72, reportedly entered the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California on Feb. 26.  According to a source close to the chemical dependency recovery facility, the Vice President was escorted into the Center late Thursday evening by several members of the Secret Service and Dr. Jill Biden, the Vice President’s wife.

Biden’s official White House schedule makes no mention of an official event in or near Southern California, leading many to wonder if the the Vice President’s visit is because of a substance abuse or alcohol problem.

Biden’s recent headlines concern what some
describe as his “erratic” behavior – a charge dismissed by close friends and associates – brushed aside with the comment That’s just Joe being Joe! Others say the odd conduct can only be described as “chemically fueled.”

For example, on Feb. 17 during a White House summit on violent extremism, Biden made uncomfortable remarks about his familiarity with Somali cab drivers before an audience of religious and community leaders, many of whom were Muslims and of African descent.

Earlier in the day, he awkwardly placed his hands on the shoulders of Stephanie Carter, wife of incoming Defense Secretary Ash Carter.  A widely circulated photograph of the “inappropriate touching” incident increased speculation as to the probable causes of Biden’s behavior.

Following is an incomplete list of past blunders attributed to the nation’s 47th Vice President:

• In September 2014, Biden referred to unscrupulous bankers who prey on servicemen as “Shylocks,” referencing an anti-Semitic character;
• In August 2012, Biden said to a Virginia crowd that Mitt Romney’s financial plan for the country would “put y’all back in chains;”
• He asked wheelchair bound State Sen. Chuck Graham to stand up during a 2008 campaign appearance;

and in perhaps his most well-known gaffe,

• In March 2010, while appearing with President Obama at the signing of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), Biden was caught by an open microphone saying “This is a big f—ing deal!”

Client confidentiality prevents Ford Center employees from divulging patient information, but a resident of the Center apparently contacted an outside family member and broke the news of Biden’s arrival.  According to the client’s relative, the Vice President and his wife entered the facility and spoke with a few residents to offer encouragement and to provide information about the Affordable Care Act. The visit lasted for about an hour.  When contacted, a spokesperson for the Betty Ford Center said that the family member “was playing a prank” and no such visit had officially taken place.

Do you think the Vice President’s recent and past behavior is tied in with an alcohol or chemical dependency issue?  Is Joe just being Joe? Was his visit – if it did occur – part of his official duties?

http://washingtonpost.com.co/vice-president-biden-enters-betty-ford-center-sources-reveal/