What is Biden’s Role?
Washington (CNN) - It’s an open secret that many congressional Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, were not happy with some of the past budget deals brokered by Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. They groused that they had given too much to Republicans in both the 2011 debt ceiling deal and as well as one last December focusing on the so-called fiscal cliff that pushed off only for a short time across-the-board spending cuts. And some blamed Biden - most notably Reid.
This time around, it’s Reid leading the charge for the Democrats. He’s made that point very clear, both inside and outside of the White House. As one administration official put it, "Reid is convinced he needs to stand his ground."
Translation: Biden butt out.
And there are lots of reasons for it. First, Reid has made it clear he doesn’t want history to repeat itself - and it won’t if he’s calling the shots. He’s got his caucus united behind him this time around. Plus, the action is has really been with House Republicans, a group not enamored with Biden, who served in the Senate for nearly four decades before becoming vice president.
And there’s another huge difference this time around: There have been no negotiations, at least not so far. That’s the strategy.
This is Reid’s show. And while Biden may be at the key meetings - and was spotted chatting with McConnell after one involving congressional leaders last week at the White House which raised some eyebrows - he’s not the point man this time around.
"There is a totally different crowd of people and dynamic," one administration official said. "This has been much more focused on the House than the Senate."
And one more thing: McConnell, who is facing a tough re-election race in Kentucky, is not anxious to get anywhere near a deal on these contentious issues - at least not now.
Biden may not be in charge, but he hasn’t disappeared: He has canceled several out of town political appearances in the last week so he can be in Washington. Just in case.
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the way the dems will handle the fallout from the disastrous health care law, and all the "phony scandals" that have taken place on Obama's watch will be to simply blame Bush for all their ills.........after 5 years of this disaster of a presidency, Bush looks like MENSA material.................
When the village idiots cry uncle and beg to surrender, Obama and Reid will let ol Joe go up to the Hill and accept the white flags.
Biden's role: to don the rainbow wig, big red nose and entertain the muslim brotherhood.
Biden's role is "Malarkey Man."
I don't care , yet I hope his son is getting better /
What is Joe Biden's role...? Hey Joe, 2 extra cheese and 1 pepperoni, ok?
Biden's role is to protect the President from assassination.
He, like Spiro Agnew before him, is worth 1000 secret service agents.
Role?.............What's his Job, never see the guy working, or doing anything
I have a feeling he stays at home all day, picks up his paycheck and stays
out of the wary of the president.
Time to use the power of the presidency. Will the wand of the "14th Amendment" and be done with it Mr President. To heck with the Tea Turd
"Shutdown: What is Biden's role?"
To stay in the attic away from everyone. The situation is already screwed up enough, we don't need ol' Joe being himself.
Bidens role: make gaffes'
Professional Buffoon.
We've been trying to figure that out since 2008
Joe Biden? Who is that?
@ED1 Boehner does not have to open his mouth and out comes stupider
The day that Obama took the oath of office you SCREAMED NOOOOOOOO.
Now you want to.....negotiate and blame !
Sad and sick little people you are.
Payback will be a blessing.
Isn't he the Obama's administration court jester?
stooge I think is the term.
Who's Joe Biden?
Yeah, heaven forbid that Congress and the Administration actually work towards a compromise and a solution...
Entertaining the interns! What else is he good for?
Reid is just an old white man that wants to old onto his power as long as he can.
Actually Dirty Harry is holding the country hostage. Harry Reid should retire and be sent out to pasture.
Whewwww, Thank god "Anvil Joe" didn't bring his shotgun!
Bidens role? Comic Relief?