December 21, 2008
Posted: December 21st, 2008 01:53 PM ET

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Vice President-elect Joe Biden said he received a promise from Obama before he accepted the offer to join the ticket.
Vice President-elect Joe Biden said he received a promise from Obama before he accepted the offer to join the ticket.

(CNN) – Before he accepted Barack Obama's offer to join his presidential ticket, Joe Biden got a promise from Obama: that he would be there for "every critical decision," Biden said in an interview broadcast Sunday.

Speaking to ABC's "This Week," Biden said he believes the vice president's role is to provide "the best, sagest, most accurate, most insightful advice and recommendations he or she can make to a president to help them make some of the very, very important decisions that have to be made."

When Obama talked to him about being his number two, "I said, 'I don't want to be picked unless you're picking me for my judgment. I don't want to be
the guy that goes out and has a specific assignment... I want a commitment from you that in every important decision you'll make, every critical decision,
economic and political, as well as foreign policy, I'll get to be in the room.'"

Biden said President-elect Obama has kept the promise, having Biden in the room for all of his decisions about who will fill key posts in the administration.

In what ABC billed as Biden's first interview as vice president-elect, Biden also discussed the role he played in helping Sen. Hillary Clinton decide to accept Obama's offer of serving as his secretary of state.

"She's one of my close friends. And when this came forward, I did talk to her. She sought me out. I sought her out as well, to assure her that this was real," he said, adding that "there was a lot swirling around" at the time.

Biden said he does not know whether he played a "key" role in helping Clinton make her decision. "It wasn't so much convincing, but I - they wanted
to know my perspective, and I gave my perspective."

Biden will have a specific assignment at first. On Sunday, Obama's transition team announced the new "White House Task Force on Working Families" – a major initiative targeted at "raising the living standards of middle-class, working families in America." Biden will chair the task force.

"It is a discreet job that's going to last only for a certain period of time," Biden said, vowing that the task force will "use as a yardstick of economic success of our administration: Is the middle class growing? Is the middle class getting better? Is the middle class no longer being left behind?
And we'll look at everything from college affordability to after-schoolprograms, the things that affect people's daily lives."

Filed under: Barack Obama • Joe Biden


Wayne D. PA   December 22nd, 2008 5:19 am ET

Give the man a break by July and see if we made progress, everybody on his back and he not even in the White House they never treated any other president like you people are crazy. Just give the men a chance.

Kathleen   December 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

The first thing is a moritorium on all foreclosures, and unsecured credit payment holidays until jobs are restored. Also those who have been out of work for longer than a year need that unemployment extension too. No matter what the gov says, Americans have had it tough since 2006. Finally, bring the poor into training with childcare. No more of this draconian anti poor policy. Since Bush transfered so much of our wealth to corporations, we need a serious breather until we are able to work to restore this country. It is our productivity that creates wealth.

aware   December 21st, 2008 6:49 pm ET

So... who cares about Biden?

PEBO is a Chicago politician who has participated in palm-greasing thuggery!

He is also an Alinsky graduate in community organizing!

And a guy in search of an identity. He is neither black nor white, and his parents basically abandoned him!

Manipulative rhetoric is his game, and the pseudo intellectuals have bought his blather!

Can he continue the con? We will soon see!

Terry B.   December 21st, 2008 6:42 pm ET

It could have possibly been Obama's most stupid decisions...NOT to have Joe in the room on every decision. With his inexperience as of now it makes him look wise in taking Biden's request and say yes...

TyWebb   December 21st, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Hey, "Mike", wake up. When politicians speak in platitudes and B.S., they are criticized...now you are doing so when one speaks bluntly??? Better than what McCain said a few months back that ruined his campaign (oh, yes...Palin helped do that, too.).

Jan Illinois   December 21st, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Sounds unreal after The Bush administrations secrets and lies. No man should have to make these hard decisions on his/her own, here's to hoping that many heads are better than one

CS   December 21st, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Yay, Joe! He seems so genuine. I think he will be a wonderful V-P

Promises   December 21st, 2008 6:12 pm ET

He likes to make promises, or smoothing talkig, but... welcome to the real world. Only time can tell, if he is our savior, or the last angel standing, abolutely honest, pure and holy, as he claims to be a devout Christian, and a regular churchgoer.

Tracy-Oakley   December 21st, 2008 6:09 pm ET

I think Obama and Biden make a great team and as long as the communications line stays together then this great team will come into fruition.

sandee in Portland   December 21st, 2008 6:05 pm ET

Mike, I think Biden's comment that the economy is "in the tank" is an honest, accurate statement. I would rather have an honest politician than one who is politically correct. Obama made a great choice in his VP selection.

G.R.I.T.S - Girl Raised in the South   December 21st, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Amen, Gerry. Mike, get a life. He's just telling it like it is. Our economy is in the tank. As far as VP's not being able to mind their tongues, what about that Cheney and is f-bomb? That man does not regret anything and is wholly unwilling to admit to anything wrong. Just take his response when asked about 2/3 of Americans opposing the wars. He said, "So?" He cares about nothing but his own pocket.

arlene, CA   December 21st, 2008 5:54 pm ET

I like Biden ok, was not that "fired up" about clinton as sos, but at least she can not run against Obama in 2012 i guess, Obama said he wanted Biden present for all meetings & he's keeping his word on that.

David   December 21st, 2008 5:51 pm ET

I like Joe Biden. However, I feel he needs to watch what he says in public. This is probably what cost him the Presidency early in the race. As a Republican, I think he was the best candidate for President this year. His policies are not extreme and he keeps to middle. Joe knows how the deals are made in Washington and seems to have a good understanding of the typical working family. We do not need radical government policy experiments right now. We need proven policies to get out of the mess in our country. I sure hope Obama listens to him.

For starters, we can get rid of the sugarcane ethenol tax and quit pushing corn ethenol. Not only does corn ethenol waste more energy to make than sugarcane ethenol, it is driving up the price of corn which affects all of us at the gorcery store.

steve r   December 21st, 2008 5:50 pm ET

power trip?

ego?

some type of chip on his shoulder?

this guy is a chump too?

but he and obama still owe me a check..........

Dan, FL   December 21st, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Barack and Joe is a disastrous combination for our nation. We will have four years of difficult period here and the damage that they will do, we will need 10-15 years to recover. We are going back in everything. These guys have no clue on what they are doing. Barack has appointed people from different background and Barack has to spend time to get them in line with one decision. He will not be able to have consensus and Barack has no experience. It is a pity.

sunshine   December 21st, 2008 5:50 pm ET

it's good to see joe.

flybyshoeing   December 21st, 2008 5:49 pm ET

I am disappointed in regards to his comment that they will leave it up to the DOJ to look into Bush/Cheney war crimes. That they need to look forward. Well IMO if they do not clean up what happened looking back, it may just happen again. No accountability, NO progress.

Connie from Indiana   December 21st, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Mike, What did you want Joe Biden to say , every thing is just rosy. As for me I am tried of being lied to , we all know Bush/Cheney have put us in the toilet. The truth is the truth, why sugar coat it.

yellow dog democrat   December 21st, 2008 5:49 pm ET

it seems to me to be a good team with respect for each other – not a bad start – which is a good thing with all the problems they (and this country) face right now!!

Texas Teacher   December 21st, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Sounds reasonable to me. :)

I think that Obama and Biden make a very good team. Biden has the years of experience in Washington and shares Obama's views. And I think he could handle the job God forbid anything happened to Obama. This just confirms my belief that Obama is choosing the best qualified people for his Team. And that he plans to utilize everyone he has chosen!

Lori   December 21st, 2008 5:35 pm ET

I am pleased to have Biden as Obama's VP.

After 8 years of the devil Cheney, I am so glad that we have 2 people in the White House looking to help ALL Americans and not the wealthiest ones only!

John Galt in Colorado   December 21st, 2008 5:33 pm ET

WHO IS JOHN GALT?

Gary in VA   December 21st, 2008 5:28 pm ET

I think President elect- Obama has been truly underestimated for his brain power/intellect. This man has thought out every move with great precision. Your going to be truly surprised of the capabilities of this
black man. With the office of Presidency at his discretion I see great things. Good luck and God's speed.

Donna from Ohio   December 21st, 2008 5:25 pm ET

If Biden is so smart and wise why wasn't he chosen as President? He didn't do well in the primaries as I recall.

TheAsianAmericanMind.com   December 21st, 2008 5:24 pm ET

We might just have an excellent combination – the inexperienced and the experienced. It does not mean to say it is bad at all for a president to be that, it is just that he has to learn fast while in the hot seat. At least it looks like he has done a very good job looking for a good group of people as his supporting cast. I wish them well.

Arundel   December 21st, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Biden is an idiot...Period

Becky, KS   December 21st, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Of course Biden will be there for every "critical"decision. Biden is the one with thirty years experience. Obama needs his input.

nate   December 21st, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Barack, Biden, Hillary – thank God we have the smart people running things again.

An Obama Supporter   December 21st, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Mike: Why is it those so many people want the truth and then complain when they receive it? The only way the needed infusion of cash will be given support is if the voters realize the consequences if it doesn't happen.
Biden did not speak out of turn; too many people want to cling to one dimensional views of public figures which thank heavens so many aren't.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   December 21st, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Hey Mike!

Rethink the VP choice? They haven't even been sworn in yet! Give this team a chance!

Just be glad that Palin isn't in the VP office: she never did know what the job of the VP was ...

ironmen1987   December 21st, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Obama could've went to a mental ward and found a more stable VP than Biden. He'll live to regret the choice....

Tom   December 21st, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Who are you kidding, Mike? It IS in the tank.

FreeNLovIt   December 21st, 2008 4:42 pm ET

To Dan

We will need to pray. If America doesnt make it, it looks like, we'll have to join the New World Order, EU.

billy-bayou   December 21st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

"Biden the working famlies Czar"

just what we need, a frigging Czar to keep the obamanation company.

FreeNLovIt   December 21st, 2008 4:41 pm ET

I dont care about what, where, when...... JUST get the JOB done!!!

nicholas   December 21st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

A good mix . Will take U.S there..............................

proudliberal-independent   December 21st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

hillary as sos was a mistake. so was gates and jones. so is warren. so is the new clinton/bush administration. change will never come from the 'center'. we been tryin' that since JFK, and it only brings gridlock. this is the democrats best chance since the early 60's to begin real change, but, if it gets lost in appeasement ,to those on the right and in the middle, then don't expect too much.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   December 21st, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Good to hear this, as I believe the winning ticket was backwards on experience and judgment.

A Nony Mouse   December 21st, 2008 4:26 pm ET

"It is a discreet job that's going to last only for a certain period of time,"

FYI, the word Biden used was probably "discrete."

Michael PA   December 21st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

To all those who are saying Joe Biden is wise, and good, and blah blah blah. What are you basing this on? I searched high and low and couldn't find anything he has ever done of any significance.

3strikes   December 21st, 2008 4:22 pm ET

all those 2 clowns, nobama and biden, are goin to do is shoot words out of their mouths, no change, just more of the same washington insider politics.

Shane   December 21st, 2008 4:09 pm ET

WE HAVE A GREAT TEAM IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE CABINET POSTS ARE WELL THOUGHT OUT AND WELL PICK. NOW LETS HOPE THEY CAN UNDO THE MESS THAT THE TWO MAIN WAR CRIMINALS (BUSH AND CHENEY) LEFT THEM.

A Really Conservative Realist   December 21st, 2008 4:07 pm ET

If there is one ounce of intellectual honesty in the liberal blood that is represented here...please recognize that Biden wants the same position within the presidency as Cheney enjoyed. You'll need to fuss about our VP elect tthe same way you fussed about Cheney. I sure am looking forward to each of you who has bashed Cheney posting a big fat "Biden = Cheney". I'll be waiting.

H   December 21st, 2008 4:06 pm ET

I HAVE NO USE FOR YOU.

Eugene   December 21st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

After reading Cheney's interview today and Biden's words: Is not it deeply refreshing and invigorating to have integrity, courage, wisdom, and humanity stride back into the White House?

carol   December 21st, 2008 3:54 pm ET

I think PE Obama will keep Joe Biden involved in his decision making efforts, he will have a lot to offer especially on foreign policy and I'm sure Hillary would also welcome that input from Joe Biden.
Although they all have very different roles to play, I think PE Obama wants them to all come together and work as a team for the good of the country.

Snotpocket   December 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Pat Leahy is a treasonous dog who deserves whatever contempt that can be heaped on him. He has thrown up more dirt and smoke screens than most Democrat opereticeks. History will shown him to be a traitor on an epic scale.

D. D.   December 21st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

At least he won't be a jack___ like the VP we have now with his sorry thoughts and attitudes.

Anne   December 21st, 2008 3:35 pm ET

he is not president yet he can say and do anything,

Dan, TX   December 21st, 2008 3:23 pm ET

The Bush administration is still in charge and Bush's bailouts are probably helping on the economy. The BUSH deficits and debt are ENORMOUS. The REPUBLICAN deficit spending has put us in terrible shape. The spending Obama's administration has to do to keep us afloat may sink us in the end yet. But it isn't democrat vs. republican. It is stupid republicans for the past 8 years vs real republicans and everyone else trying to save this country.

Cathy   December 21st, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Time will tell but I do have a lot of faith in the President Elect and VP Elect Biden, who I suspect will freely offer his perspectives on all issues.

Willy Brown   December 21st, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Joe just sit in the back of the mothership and pet your dog and please be quiet for 4 years.

Donna Hughes   December 21st, 2008 3:14 pm ET

It is just as he said in the New Yorker article. You are a good man, Joe Biden, and we are fortunate to have you in there!

Joe--your destiny is obscurity....   December 21st, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Why would Obama listen to you? Would you help him decide where to get a manicure? Where to get his teeth whitened? How to slick down that white hair? No Joe, you're just the VP poster boy and if you want to be busy for the next four years, learn how to surf the net.

Timothy   December 21st, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I just finished reading "The Audacity of Hope", the first book I've read entirely since High School, except the Bible, Book of Mormon, Apocrapha, and a few other religious books. I'm 54. It's a small world hear in west central IN.
When I finished the book, I folded it closed and turned to the love of my life and wife from youth, married 33 yrs. and grandparents of 10. My wife is a lovely 49. More than anything else she would like to help her struggling children in these tough times, but truth is we need help ourselves.
I realized the need to fill the positions of the administration as quickly and accurately as possible because this book published before the bid for president was announced explains the changes intended for how politics works period. The toes that will be stepped on are those of the most dangerous folks in the world. From those like the Gov. of IL, to coporate elites,to racists, to drug cartels and tobacco corps. People who will do vitually whatever it takes to remain the Masters rather than the Servants. And that how they see all things
Those he now appoints must be ready and willing to pursue the just conclusion to his policys, even in his absence.
I turned to my wife wilh all things considered and said to her, " They will kill him". Then we talked, and prayed. Please do the same. truly so; timothy

David   December 21st, 2008 2:52 pm ET

I'm sure Joe Biden will be a great vice-president. Yes we did!

Forget it Joe......   December 21st, 2008 2:52 pm ET

You will slowly be pushed into the background until you are but a voice in the wilderness along side the greats such as Dan Quayle. Within six months, we will all be saying again: "Joe Who?"

Elizabeth   December 21st, 2008 2:51 pm ET

BIDEN WILL BE THE BEST VICE PRESIDENT THIS COUNTRY WILL EVER HAVE HAD!!!!!!!

Charlie in Maine   December 21st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

GOOD!!!

Slicer   December 21st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

This is the exact opposite of the Bush administration, where Cheney let Dubya help make critical decisions a couple of times.

LifeBunny   December 21st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

It will be interesting to see the role Joe Biden plays in the next four years.

It's also interesting to note that no one seems to be following Dick "Little Sure Shot" Cheney at this point in time. One wonders where he is now.

Let's hope this doesn't turn into 'Business As Usual", as we've seen so many other Presidencies become.

peter, Florida   December 21st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Wow! the government of the people, for the people and by the people is finally at hand.I can't wait to test the glimpse of this piece of pie.

Next go Obama/Biden 2012

ANDROLOMA, Commerce City, Colorado   December 21st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Bwa-hahahahahahaha!

Ha?

Hayden   December 21st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Interesting, isn't it, that the man picked to be "Working Families" Czar is someone who has never worked a real job in his life. There are far more competent people to head up this initiative than Senator for Life Biden.

T   December 21st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Could someone tell Pastor Rick Warren that the Church Age is over.

Rita   December 21st, 2008 2:23 pm ET

& housing?? PLEASE ....so many people are loosing their homes. It's a real nightmare!

Gerry in Va. for Obama.   December 21st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

What a really great team Obama/Biden. One smart brain and one wise brain. PE Obama couldn't have chosen a better partner then Joe Biden and Joe Biden couldn't have chosen a better partner then Barack Obama.. They will do great things, just wait and see..

He means well   December 21st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

The president needs the wisest advisor he can get.
Joe's job is to find that person.

Mike   December 21st, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Biden needs to realize that he is now VP-Elect and finally learn to control his tongue. His comment on the economy "in the tank" is irresponsible. Perhaps Obama should re-think his VP choice come 2012.

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