BIDEN CAN THROW A PUNCH…. I suspect some Democrats were starting to get at least a little worried about Joe Biden’s praise for John McCain. The two have been friends for decades, and Biden has a tendency to tell crowds just how much he likes the Republican nominee.

ABC News noted yesterday, for example, that Biden appeared at an event in Langhorne, Pa., and talked about how close he and his wife are with McCain. “John McCain is my friend, I admire John McCain,” Biden said. “I know of no man or woman I have ever met that has more personal courage than John McCain. We have been friends for over 33 years. We have traveled together. When John was Navy liaison he staffed me for three or four years everywhere I traveled in the world.”

We get it, Joe. You like the guy on a personal level.

So, is Biden willing to confront his buddy aggressively, as the campaign begins the homestretch? Jed Lewison posted this clip, which should erase at least some of the doubts about whether Biden is willing to throw a few punches at his friend.

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Follow Steve on Twitter @stevebenen. Steve Benen is a producer at MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show. He was the principal contributor to the Washington Monthly's Political Animal blog from August 2008 until January 2012.