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Looks Like We Might Have a White House That Cares About Darfur
February 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Biden’s Choice
January 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment
When Biden was announced as President-elect Barack Obama’s running mate, I remember thinking that it was a good choice in many respects, but America was losing its best candidate for Secretary of State on the Democratic bench. I also remember thinking that I hoped Biden wouldn’t become relegated to the old-style vice presidency, state funerals and show-the-flag campaigns. They guy is too smart, too centered and works too hard at understanding the world and America’s unique place in it to not have a seat at the big table of American foreign policy. In other words, would be better served by keeping Biden right where we was, as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee?
When Dr. Jill Biden let the cat out of the bag today that her husband had a choice, two more things struck me. First, her explanation that part of the decision centered around their family. I think this says as much about the genuinely good guy Biden is as anything. Second, if he had a choice, he had some say. Biden also understands what he has to offer and its more than ceremony. If he had the choice and took veep, I’m betting he also go himself a seat at the big table. We’re not going to see four years of a co-presidency, as with DICK Cheney, but I’m hopeful that Biden will be there, at the big table, for the biggest decisions regarding an Obama foreign policy.
Transcript: Vice-President-Elect Joe Biden – Interview – ABC’s ‘This Week’ with George Stephanopolous | December 21, 2008
December 21, 2008 By 1 Comment
(Source: CQ Transriptswire)
STEPHANOPOULOS: Hello again. We begin today with our exclusive headliner, Vice President-elect Joe Biden.
He’s been keeping an unusually low profile since the election. In fact, this is his first interview, so we had a lot to talk about when I traveled to Wilmington on Friday.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) BIDEN: Thanks for coming up.
STEPHANOPOULOS: Sure.
(voice over): For the first time, Biden discussed what he’s been doing during the transition, and his role in the Obama White House. He opened up on Dick Cheney , Hillary Clinton, and his new puppy, too.
But we began with the new administration’s first order of business, enacting the most ambitious economic recovery plan since FDR’s 100 days.
(on camera): I’ve talked to several people on Capitol Hill who say that your team is talking about a package in the $700 billion range — it could rise, but in the $700 billion range.
BIDEN: What we’re doing is putting together what we think will be the economic package that will do two things. One, stem the hemorrhaging of the loss of jobs, and begin to create new jobs. [Read more...]
Transcript: Obama News Conference Announcing Environment and Energy Team | December 15
December 15, 2008 By 7 Comments
(Source: CQ Transcriptswire)
- SPEAKER: PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA
- STEVEN CHU, ENERGY SECRETARY NOMINEE
- LISA JACKSON, EPA ADMINISTRATOR NOMINEE
- NANCY SUTLEY, HEAD, COUNCIL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY-DESIGNATE CAROL BROWNER, ENERGY CZAR-DESIGNATE
- VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
[*] OBAMA: Good afternoon, everybody.
Over the past few weeks, Vice President-elect Biden and I have announced key members of our economic and national security teams. In the 21st century, we know that the future of our economy and national security is inextricably linked with one challenge: energy.
So today we’re pleased to introduce the majority of the team that will lead our efforts on energy and the environment. I say the majority, because we are going to be doing separate announcements for the secretary of the interior, who’s going to have a lot to do on energy policy. And, obviously, interior or — transportation and agriculture will be important, as well. [Read more...]
