Biden at Kent event: Election is 'stark' choice

KENT, Conn. (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden has attended a private fundraising event in Kent, telling supporters that this election "presents the starkest choice in my memory for who is going to lead this country."

Biden paid his respects to Connecticut Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senate hopeful and Congressman Chris Murphy, and congressional hopeful Elizabeth Esty, a former state legislator.

But his 45-minute speech Saturday largely focused on the differences between him and President Barack Obama and Republicans Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.

He accused them of wavering when discussing their past positions on the war in Afghanistan, budgetary matters or health care policy. And he portrayed them as politically calculating conservatives whose agenda is deliberately vague.

Broadway star Audra McDonald performed at the event. Guests included Christine Baranski, Oliver Platt and Sam Waterston. Tickets for the event started at $250.