Joe Biden: Up close and way too personal with the US Vice-President

Us vice-president Joe Biden invades the personal space of the new Defence Secretary Ashton Carter's wife Stephanie during his swearing in ceremony.

Joe Biden must not be a huge fan of personal space.

It seemed that way in a photo taken of the vice-president during Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony for new Defence Secretary Ashton Carter.

Mr Biden was photographed whispering sweet nothings into the ear of Mr Carter's wife, Stephanie, standing awkwardly close to her with both hands on her shoulders while the new defence secretary spoke.

Perhaps he was telling her something vital, but this isn't the first time the US second-in-command has been caught in such a situation.

Vice-president Joe Biden talking with Stephanie Carter, wife of incoming Defense Secretary Ash Carter, right, during Carter's swearing in ceremony on Tuesday. Photo / AP

Many Twitter users have taken to calling the vice president "Uncle Joe" in a nod to some of the awkward situations he's been in during his run as veep. Not surprisingly, Twitter had a lot of fun with his latest incident.

-Independent