Vice President Joe Biden's penchant for straying off message forced the White House to issue a clarification yesterday on how Americans should avoid swine flu.
On NBC's "Today" show, Biden suggested that flying commercial airliners or riding the subway isn't a good idea.
"I would tell members of my family - and I have - I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now," he said, going beyond the precautions that President Obama's health officials are advising.
"It's not just going to Mexico, if you're in a confined aircraft and one person sneezes it goes all the way through the aircraft," Biden said. "That's me. I would not be at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway."
"If you're out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes, that's one thing. If you're in a closed aircraft or a closed container, a closed car, a closed classroom, it's a different thing," he added.
Biden, who has a reputation for gaffes, had avoided any major ones during the administration's first 100 days. But within two hours of his TV appearance, his spokeswoman, Elizabeth Alexander, issued a statement asserting that the advice Biden "is giving family members is the same advice the administration is giving to all Americans: that they should avoid unnecessary air travel to and from Mexico. If they are sick, they should avoid airplanes and other confined public spaces, such as subways."
She then repeated Obama's advice: "Every American should take the same steps you would take to prevent any other flu: keep your hands washed; cover your mouth when you cough; stay home from work if you're sick; and keep your children home from school if they're sick."
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs also sought to clarify what the vice president meant, adding, "Obviously, if anybody was unduly alarmed . . . we would apologize for that."
The administration also sent out officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to reassure travelers.
Still, the industry group for the airlines said Biden's remarks were "extremely disappointing."
"The airlines have been working daily with government agencies, none of whom suggest people avoid air travel, unless they are not feeling well. The fact is that the air onboard a commercial aircraft is cleaner than that in most public buildings," Air Transport Association president and chief executive James C. May said. May also sent a letter to Biden reminding him of the need to "deal responsibly" with the flu threat, but also "keep our economy moving forward."
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