Biden on Cheney's Afghan Bluster: 'Who Cares?'

Bob Woodward book reveals deep fault lines over war policy

(NEWSER) - The Obama White House is a simmering pot of anger and disagreement, with too many bickering chefs handling of the war in Afghanistan, according to a new book by Bob Woodward that exposes deep rifts in the administration. Here, via the New York Times , are some of the juicy bits from Obama's Wars:

• Vice-President Joe Biden thinks Richard Holbrooke, the administration's special rep for Afghanistan and Pakistan, is “the most egotistical bastard I’ve ever met."

(NEWSER) - President Obama's advisers are divided over the Pentagon's expected request for more troops to be deployed to Afghanistan, reports the New York Times. Joe Biden is leading the just-say-no camp, arguing that the mission in Pakistan is more important. The opposition includes envoy Richard Holbrooke, who says US troops are vital to the task of protecting Afghan civilians. It's a "healthy debate," said one administration official. More»

(NEWSER) - Joe Biden begs to differ with Dick Cheney's view that the US is less safe under President Obama. Cheney is not “out of line, but he is dead wrong,” Biden told CNN. In fact, the Bush administration left the nation in its weakest state since WWII, stretched thin and with "virtually no respect" anywhere, said Biden. “We are safer today; our interests are more secure today than they were any time during the eight years” under Bush. More»

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

(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.” More»

But Gates, Petraeus point to risks

(NEWSER) - With Osama bin Laden dead and war costs increasing, the Obama administration is weighing a sharper drawdown of troops from Afghanistan than it had planned, the New York Times reports. But the issue is still very much up in the air, and outgoing defense secretary Robert Gates advocates slower steps. “I would try to maximize my combat capability as long as this process goes on—I think that’s a no-brainer,” he said. “I’d opt to keep the shooters and take the support out first.” More»