Joe Biden Makes Surprise Stop in Portsmouth

Joe Biden only took one question from the press during his stop in Portsmouth on Thursday, and his answer was terse but telling.

Asked by a CNN producer if he felt Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen went too far in her criticism of Ann Romney, Biden answered, "Absolutely," making it clear that the White House wants to put the story behind it as quickly as possible. He then jumped in a car and was whisked away to the airport.

The vice president, , made an unannounced stop at The Works Bakery Cafe in downtown Portsmouth around 3:30 p.m., visiting with U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and former Mayor Eileen Foley.

The stop drew quite a crowd, despite the fact that it wasn't publicized. At least 100 people gathered on the street outside the bagel shop hoping to catch a glimpse or a picture of the vice president.

Biden spent several minutes greeting customers inside The Works, most of whom had no idea he was coming until he walked in. He ordered a coffee and an almond croissant for himself, and an iced tea for Shaheen.

"New Hampshire's like Delaware," he told one customer. "Everybody knows everybody."

On his way out, Biden stopped for a moment to visit with Foley and her daughter, Mary Carey Foley, longtime friends of the vice president.

Mary Carey Foley said she's known Biden since 1986, when he was running for president and all of the Democratic contenders would come to Portsmouth seeking her mother the mayor's endorsement.

"I was full of admiration and respect, and I never let go," said Mary Carey Foley, who visited the White House on St. Patrick's Day. "The novelty never wears off for me."