Biden Slips, Honors Memory of Irish PM's Mother -- While She's Alive
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}President Obama reacts to remarks by Vice President Biden as Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen, left, speaks at a St. Patricks Day reception at the White House March 17. (Reuters Photo)
Vice President Biden added to his lengthy list of gaffes Wednesday when he took a moment to honor the memory of the Irish prime minister's mother -- a woman who's very much alive.
"God rest her soul," Biden said as he introduced Brian Cowen and President Obama at a St. Patrick's Day celebration at the White House Wednesday.
The vice president was quick to correct the mistake, noting that it's Cowen's father who is no longer living.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Wait ... your mom’s still, your mom is still alive. It was your Dad (who) passed. God bless her soul. I gotta get this straight," Biden said.
After citing the Irish proverb that "a silent mouth is sweet to hear," he then yielded the podium to Obama.