PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Leveling a blistering attack on Donald Trump, Vice President Joe Biden put on his rhetorical hat as “middle-class Joe” Wednesday and told Democratic delegates and millions of television viewers that the billionaire businessman “has no clue” about the needs of working-class people or what makes the nation great.
“He’s trying to tell us he cares about the middle class?” Biden said at the Democratic National Convention. “Give me a break. That’s a bunch of malarkey.”
The delegates ate it up, chanting “not a clue, not a clue” and jumping to their feet over and over, waving signs that read simply “Joe.”
It was a bittersweet moment for Biden in more ways than one. He took note of the loss of his son, Beau, to brain cancer a little more than a year ago. And left unspoken was the knowledge that Biden had long hoped for a very different kind of convention moment — one in which he claimed the nomination for himself.
Biden, 73, ran for president twice and spent months last year debating whether to challenge Hillary Clinton for the 2016 nomination before he opted out in October.
But Biden put that behind him and delivered a stirring defense of Clinton as smart, tough and passionate about helping others.
“There’s only one person in this race, who will be there, who’s always been there for you,” he declared.
Then he quickly segued into a harsh comparison with Trump, taking note of his own nickname as “middle-class Joe.”
“To state the obvious — and I’m not trying to be a wise guy here — that’s not Donald Trump’s story,” Biden said.
“His cynicism is unbounded,” Biden said, citing a lack of empathy and compassion summed up in Trump’s signature catchphrase, “You’re fired.”
The vice president gave Trump one distinction: “No major-party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less or has been less prepared to deal with our national security.”
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President Barack Obama waves with presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the third night of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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US President Barack Obama acknowledges the crowd on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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US Vice President nominee Tim Kaine acknowledges the crowd prior to delivering remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Delegates hold up signs as Democratic Nominee for Vice President Tim Kaine speaks during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Delegates cheer during Day Three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Former Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley speaks during Day Three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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A Hillary Clinton supporter looks on during day three of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Vice-President Joe Biden addresses delegates on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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In this July 27, 2016 photo, U.S. Vice Presient Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden acknowledge the audience on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
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A man dressed as Jesus Christ dances in protest of a religious group as supporters for former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders hold a rally during the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Lenny Kravitz performs during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Supporters of former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders hold up posters at a 'Black Men For Bernie' rally to gain support for third party candidates and protest the DNC during the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivers remarks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Actress Sigourney Weaver speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
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Former Arizona representative Gabby Giffords and astronaut Mark Kelly join hands after addressing delegates on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Former US president Bill Clinton (R) cheers as former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg addresses the third evening session of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Delegates cheer US Vice President Joe Biden (lower L) during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016. /
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Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta delivers a speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Children hold banners at a Bernie Sanders event near City Hall on day three of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on July 27, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The convention officially began on Monday and has attracted thousands of protesters, members of the media and Democratic delegates to the City of Brotherly Love.
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Delegates hold up signs as Democratic Nominee for Vice President Tim Kaine speaks during the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
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Former U.S. president Bill Clinton addresses the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Former U.S. President Bill Clinton delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination.
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Former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrives on stage to deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright finishes her address on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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16-month Ethan Jennings grabs a cardboard cutout of the face of Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as his father Florida delegate Bernard Jennings holds him during the second day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
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Actor Tony Goldwyn speaks during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
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Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Actresses America Fererra, right, and Lena Dunham deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) deliovers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Interim chair of the Democratic National Committee, Donna Brazile delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Former Vermont governor Howard Dean address the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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9/11 survivor, Lauren Manning, delivers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Ryan Moore smiles at the podium as he speaks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Tuesday, July 26, 2016.
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Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) walks on stage to deliver remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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First lady Michelle Obama acknowledges the crowd before delivering remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders smiles during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Delegates cheer during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Monday, July 25, 2016.
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Delegates dance as Paul Simon sings during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 25, 2016.
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Former Presidential candidate and US Senator Bernie Sanders gestures during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver, speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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A Bernard Sanders supporter glows on the floor on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Signs in opposition to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump are displayed on the floor of the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Delegates hold up signs during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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Leah Daughtry, CEO of the Democratic National Convention Committee, waves to the crowd before delivering a speech on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Tape covering the mouth of a delegate from Michigan reads "Silenced By DNC" on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Florida delegates dance during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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Bernie Sanders supporters gather at FDR park after marching through downtown on the first day of the Democratic National Convention on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Singer-songwriter Paul Simon performs on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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An attendee in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders walks the floor on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Singer Demi Lovato performs on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake bangs the gavel calling to order the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25.
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Astrid Silva walks to the stage to speak about immigration during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill) delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., gives his thumb up as after speaking to delegates during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama addresses delegates on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia.
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U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016.
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Former President Bill Clinton applauds First Lady Michelle Obama as Eric Holder and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, take their seats during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25, 2016.
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President Barack Obama waves with presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the third night of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016.
“We cannot elect a man who exploits our fears of ISIS and other terrorists, has no plan whatsoever to make us safer, a man who embraces the tactics of our enemies — torture, religious intolerance,” Biden said. “That’s not who we are. It betrays our values.”
Biden was introduced by his wife, Jill, and with a six-minute video that summed up his four-decades-plus political career as a congressman, senator and vice president.
“He was authentic long before it became a buzzword in politics,” his wife told the delegates, who showed they agreed, some waving signs that read “Scranton,” his working-class hometown in Pennsylvania.
“I love Joe Biden,” said Tammie Lewis, a Michigan delegate. “He should have been our next president.”
“He’s always come across as just one of us,” she added.
First lady Michelle Obama, who got a shout-out from Biden in his speech, tweeted back: “To one of my favorite men in the world. Joe, thank you & Jill for all you’ve done for this country.”
Biden’s speech to the convention is likely one of the last major addresses of his political career. He has said he expects to stay involved on issues after his tenure as vice president ends but he has no plans to run for office again.
