Posted by
Mike Dixon on Saturday, October 04, 2008 5:18:38 AM
Like many, I enjoyed the VP debate and was thoroughly impressed by our Republican Vice President nominee, Governor Sarah Palin. She literally winked at the nation. However, the debate also afforded the opportunity for numerous gaffes and outright lies by Joe Biden. Although Biden, the plagiarist, makes my blood boil, others have chronicled and deconstructed his lies, so I won't repeat that commentary here. Rather, allow me to focus on one issue that I found particularly troubling. I was struck by the notion that Biden will play no small role in an Obama administration: Biden fully intends to run the Obama administration.
BIDEN: Gwen, I hope we’ll get back to education because I don’t know any government program that John is supporting, not early education, more money for it. The reason No Child Left Behind was left behind, the money was left behind, we didn’t fund it. We can get back to that I assume.
With regard to the role of vice president, I had a long talk, as I’m sure the governor did with her principal, in my case with Barack. Let me tell you what Barack asked me to do. I have a history of getting things done in the United States Senate. John McCain would acknowledge that. My record shows that on controversial issues.
I would be the point person for the legislative initiatives in the United States Congress for our administration. I would also, when asked if I wanted a portfolio, my response was, no. But Barack Obama indicated to me he wanted me with him to help him govern. So every major decision he’ll be making, I’ll be sitting in the room to give my best advice. He’s president, not me, I’ll give my best advice.
And one of the things he said early on when he was choosing, he said he picked someone who had an independent judgment and wouldn’t be afraid to tell him if he disagreed. That is sort of my reputation, as you know. I look forward to working with Barack and playing a very constructive role in his presidency, bringing about the kind of change this country needs.
So Biden will be the point person for legislative initiatives for the administration and would also be sitting in the room on every major decision Obama will be making. Is Biden auditioning for Vice President or Co-President? It is painfully obvious how poorly prepared Obama is for his role as Commander in Chief. Biden's announcing that he would hold Obama's hand on every major decision was not comforting. Rather, I found it alarming that Biden would play such a prominent role in Obama's presidency. It eerily reminded me of this ...
"I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president" -- Hillary Clinton commenting on the release of subpeonaed documents.