Biden says Senate handed Obama a big victory; decries "yelling and saying no"


DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Vice President Joe Biden says the advancement of a health care overhaul to full debate in the Senate gives Democrats a healthy dose of momentum.

He's told Iowa Democrats that it's a big victory for President Barack Obama's signature initiative.

Biden's comments at the Iowa Democratic Party's largest fundraiser, the Jefferson Jackson Dinner, came shortly after the 60-39 vote in the Senate.

Biden argued that as issues such as health care begin to take shape, Democrats will reap political gain. He dismissed those he called "noisy" critics, such as those who shouted at lawmakers at health care forums throughout the country earlier this year.

He says "yelling and saying no" is not the path to progress.

He adds that it's difficult "to change the direction of a nation that's been adrift for at least eight years."


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