Biden: Teachers 'under assault'

Vice President Joe Biden hammered Mr. Romney for his education reform plan that includes allowing states to utilize Title I funds, which were originally intended to help schools in disadvantaged areas, and instead use that money to help students pay for private school education. AP Enlarge

DETROIT -- Vice President Joe Biden told teachers today that they are "under full blown assault" from Mitt Romney and his Republican allies.

On the third day of the American Federation of Teachers convention at Cobo Center in Detroit, and against the backdrop of a boisterous teachers union convention, Mr. Biden lauded teachers and blasted Republicans.

The vice president hammered Mr. Romney for his education reform plan that includes allowing states to utilize Title I funds, which were originally intended to help schools in disadvantaged areas, and instead use that money to help students pay for private school education.

The AFT and the NEA are both strong supporters of President Obama. The AFT solidified it's support with an endorsement of President Obama moments after Mr. Biden left the room.

"I don't think people fully understand how much goes into your profession," Mr. Biden said. "What we see when we look at you ... is we see educators, we see professionals, we see teachers, we see public servants who are under full blown assault."

The vice president, his wife, and their granddaughter, took the stage to chants of "four more years."

Ms. Biden, a college professor, was almost as much of a crowd-pleaser as her husband.

"Being a teacher is not what I do, it's who I am," Mrs. Biden told the crowd. "I know all of you understand that. Like you, I see every day how important education is in the lives of all Americans."

Soon after the vice president began his comments, he was interrupted by about 25 protesters who had made their way into the hall carrying a banner, but they were drowned out by chants of "four more years." They were soon escorted out as Mr. Biden ignored them and went on with his remarks -- intially about his wife's career as a teacher and her dedication to the classroom and students.

"My name is Joe Biden and I'm in love with a teacher," Mr. Biden said to thunderous applause from the teachers union members.