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Biden Plans to Shrink VP Power

But he'll be 'the guy in the room'

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 15, 2009 10:05 AM CST

(Newser) – Most vice presidents enter office wanting to grab power and make a name for themselves. Not Joe Biden. The VP-elect is determined to roll back Dick Cheney’s massive power grab, he tells the New York Times. Will that make him less effective? “The only value of power is in the effect,” he says. “The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The Bush-Cheney relationship hasn’t tasted very good.”

But Biden and Cheney have their similarities. Both are experienced hands unburdened by presidential ambitions. “This is in all probability, and hopefully, a worthy capstone in my career,” he says. So rather than heading flashy initiatives, Biden will be an all-purpose adviser. “I want to be the last guy in the room on every important decision,” he says. “I’m the most experienced vice president since anybody.”

Barack Obama listens to Joe Biden describe his recent trip to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Pakistan, Jan. 14, 2009, at Obama's transition office in Washington.
Barack Obama listens to Joe Biden describe his recent trip to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Pakistan, Jan. 14, 2009, at Obama's transition office in Washington.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Joe Biden is seen during a meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, not seen, in Baghdad, Iraq on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009.
Joe Biden is seen during a meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, not seen, in Baghdad, Iraq on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Joe Biden discusses his recent trip to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Pakistan with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, Wednesday, Jan. 14,2009, during a meeting with President-elect Barack Obama.
Joe Biden discusses his recent trip to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Pakistan with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, Wednesday, Jan. 14,2009, during a meeting with President-elect Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Doctor-Zaius
Mar 2, 2009 7:12 PM CST
Did your mom ever tell you that you are a genius? If she did she was lying.
Shannonals
Jan 16, 2009 11:08 PM CST
Sure everyone watched, and afterward we all had a big party
Caps
Jan 15, 2009 10:45 PM CST
His forehead might not move, but GWB smirk sure move last night.
 

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