Preston on Politics: Obama's 'Senate man'
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/01/21/preston.politics/art.joebiden.gi.jpg caption="Joe Biden has long been a fixture on Capitol Hill and now assumes the role of vice president."] WASHINGTON (CNN) - It was a beautiful autumn day when I bumped into Sen. Joe Biden outside the U.S. Capitol, and I was desperately looking for information about questions that at the time were unanswerable.
People were fleeing the Capitol and scattering in different directions. They were headed anywhere but there - except for Biden.
At the time, I was working for the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call, and I stopped and asked him "What do you know? You're the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee." He paused and said, "Let's talk down there," pointing to a location farther down the hill. "I was just told by the Capitol Police that there is an inbound plane headed for the Capitol."
That fateful day was September 11, 2001.
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Someone please remind Obama that the wife stays on his right side as a Commander in Chief and not the elft. He should learn to implement this before the neocons start making a big deal out of nothing. I know he's left handed but Commander in Chief's wife belong on his right side and not the left.
I am not crazy about the guy, especially after the demeaning senate witch hunt he was part of during the Clarence Thomas hearings, but that aside, he is probably the best thing going for Obama and we do want Obama's presidency to be successful, as his business is the business of the people and his success makes or breaks us.
Can't wait to hear Biden's next gaffe–so Obama can grab his arm and scowl. I see left wing is still trying to only blame Roberts for the gaffe made by Obama and him. Nice try–we all heard the errors by both. Obama jumping in and interrupting and throwing Roberts off–then lines being mixed up.
like a true captain, joe was going to stay with his crew.
Joe Biden talks out both sides of his mouth. Another power hungry politican. He, Pelosi, and Reid are going to drag Obama down.
Joe Biden, in my opinion, is a good, honest man. I like him. How
could you not?
This sounds like Biden. The very first thing he did was talk to you calmly. The 2nd was to get you further away from harm that might be arriving.
Way to go Joe.
This calm thinking is just what this country needs right now.
You and Obama make a good team.
Biden can be counted on to go consistently off-message with his Gift of Gab. Going to be a big headache for Obama unless he gets a brain transplant.
Good story about Biden.
Joe Biden is smart, sensitive, and just an all around type of guy.
He gets picked on for his "gift of gab" but I truly like and respect him.
This is a very good article. I was a volunteer for V.P. Biden and happen to believe, no not believe, KNOW, he is one of the finest people in our government today. At first all the snide and derisive remarks upset me very much, but now I just consider the source and forget them. Those making the remarks obviously don't know him-so who cares what they say!
CNN your posting of comments has been very limited lately-any particular reason???
Lets hope he stays grounded...We'll see what happens...TBC
Joe Biden has been running for the Democratic nominee for President since 1988. The American people never chose him, don't want him. It doesn't seem fair that now we are stuck with him.
give me a break...making an ICON out of Biden now? Please...the guy who couldn't remember that a diner had closed down 20 yrs earlier...as he cited just being there...stop with the false crap....
James Wrote:
Biden can be counted on to go consistently off-message with his Gift of Gab. Going to be a big headache for Obama unless he gets a brain transplant.
Yes, Joe is subject to flights of fancy but he is a good man. It's also increasingly clear he has the working people of this country at heart..
But yes he's prone to gaffs no question...
I'm still waiting for Joe to give a 'Today, I feel like I'm the luckiest man on the face of the Earth' speech.
Boy, did he step in it!
I bet the majority of the criticizm comes from people who aren't old enough to rember anything beyond the Bush years. Sad that corruption, secrecy, and lies are what you grew up with.
Our nation's problems are way too big to be so petty about Joe Biden. He really cares about this country, is smart, and understands and believes in the constitution (unlike Cheney). More than that, he is honest. Honesty is what we need right now, not undisclosed locations and gaff-free rhetoric.
For all those with so much hate on their mind. I am so sad for you guys. Many of you listen to divisive info about the President. Including saying the second oath was done behind close doors at least CNN provided the link to the video. Maybe if you are better informed you wont go around spewing hate.
Joe should stop the slams and be respecful of all people and this administration. Joe was unprepared to swear in staff and Obama was not happy with his comments referring to our chief justice. Stop the snow Joe!
One of the most honest in goverment and for that he deserves our repect.
Joe Biden, Mr. Vice President.....needs to shape up quickly, when to be serious over serious matters.....and not pretend that he is in an environment of chatting over casual matters with friends. That "jab" ref. Justice Robers...was a total out of character act, and I agree with the Presidents demeaner-visable displeasure with his V.P.'s verbal remarks and action. Can only imagine what "the boss" said afterwards 'behind closed doors'. (now, sit down and listen to me clearly!!)
Otherwise I wish them well, and glad they did a "re-do" on oaths to clear things up..... but legally unnecessary. This is the detail/care that Obama will portray in the future. Just as long as he delegates to those necessary, and doesn't try to get toooo involved with unnecessary details of the job.!
I have a lot more faith in the leadership of Obama and Biden than I ever did in Smirky and the Penguin.
Janey, Roberts made the gaffe not PRESIDENT OBAMA. President Obama was the one that brought him back on track to finish.
Kathleen at 12:43:
Exactly. He's honest and caring and genuine. Even people who don't agree with his position on policies should at least respect him for his character.
This is an excellent article. Joe Biden is one of the best. I'm super proud to have him as one of our leaders.
President' Obama's choice of Vice President Biden proves that he cares about this nation.