Here it was, Middlesex County Democratic Committee Chairman Kevin McCabe’s breakout microphone moment in the 2017 general election season.

“Mr. Vice President,” he said, addressing former VP Joe Biden, in town today in support of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy, “I think you could go down a couple of Main streets in Middlesex County and they would remind you of Scranton.

“Middlesex County is not only a crossroads but it is a microcosm of New Jersey,” added the chair, speaking to a ballroom crammed with labor, among them a lot of visible Carpenter shirts.

“I promise to you, Mr. Vice President, Middlesex County will be leading the charge to make sure we have success for Ambassador Murphy to be the next governor,” said McCabe, moments before introducing Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver (D-34), Murphy’s running mate.

“I’m ready to bloody some noses,” Oliver said, a reference to Biden’s self-projected tough guy, schoolyard roots.