Joe Biden, forgotten man

[DonViejo]

Why do we have to keep reminding ourselves that the vice president is a legitimate prospect for 2016?

BY STEVE KORNACKI

In a column this week, Ezra Klein hailed Joe Biden’s “heavyweight” credentials as a campaigner, dealmaker and talent evaluator, and touted him as a 2016 White House contender.

In theory, there should be nothing noteworthy about that last part. Biden is a sitting vice president in a second-term administration; he should be a natural prospect to run for the top job in the next election – something, he’s made clear, that he’s interested in doing. Of the three most recent two-term veeps, two – George H.W. Bush and Al Gore – used the office to clear relatively easy paths to presidential nominations, while the third – Dick Cheney – was never seriously toyed with running on his own.

And, as Klein’s piece demonstrates, Biden’s credentials are even stronger when you consider the unusually consequential role he’s played in the Obama White House. He’s now the point-man on a major initiative on gun violence, and just before that was deputized to secure a last-minute fiscal cliff deal with Mitch McConnell. In fact, he’s been a key player in all of the White House’s various fiscal battles with the GOP, and let’s not forget the time he forced his boss’ hand on gay marriage. Biden hasn’t claimed the singular power that Cheney enjoyed in George W. Bush’s first term (and here’s hoping no vice president ever does again), but beyond that it’s hard to think of a No. 2 who’s loomed as a large in an administration as he has.

So why do have keep having to remind ourselves to include him in the ‘16 mix? There are two obvious reasons. The first is age: Biden turned 70 last month, meaning that if he runs in the next election, he’ll be 73 during the campaign and 74 on his inauguration – meaning he’d be the oldest person ever to be sworn in as president. (Ronald Reagan didn’t turn 74 until a few weeks after his second inaugural.)

-snip-

http://www.salon.com/2013/01/11/the_forgotten_vice_president/

[demwing]

1. As long as Biden is healthy and alert, he's my 2016 guy

Smart, populist, honest to a fucking big deal fault, progressive, and overflowing with empathy.

What more can you ask for?

[Whisp]

2. He certainly has all the qualties needed.

I'm hoping that the President has made honesty fashionable again and that will have to be part of a candidate's character history in this next and the one after and after that, election.

I'd root for him, but if Warren runs it will be a really hard call. She probably won't tho - it's just dreaming. It would be really great to have two wonderful people running tho.

[demwing]

3. Biden/Warren 2016?

My dream ticket!!!

[Jennicut]

4. I don't think Warren would run after spending only 4 years in the Senate.

Obama was a very unusual case. Maybe VP. I would love that ticket. Biden's age does not bother me and he is older then my Dad! On John McCain, 72 looked old. Biden would be a pretty youthful 70 something.
It all depends on Hillary. Biden wouldn't challenge her, they are very close friends to begin with.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

5. If Joe Biden wants it

I'm behind him all the way. For VP?

Xaver Becerra - L.A. Congressman. Smart, progressive, earned his stripes, bi-lingual.

[Matariki]

6. When he was on the ticket in 2008 he said he wouldn't run for president in 2016

Because of his age. So that's probably the reason.

[sad-cafe]

7. Joe Biden has been my favorite VP

I would gladly cast my vote for him as President.

[FleetwoodMac]

8. I think the constant bashing that Mr. Biden has been receiving from the conservative sphere...

... has left many of us feeling a little defensive about the man.

That being said, Mr. Biden is a rockstar in my book, and is a worthy contender for the 2016 Democratic nomination.

[Hekate]

9. My ONLY concern is his age. We need to hope for as fantastic a team mate for him...

... as he has been for Obama.

[Sunlei]

10. I don't think VP Biden will run for Pres., although I'll pay attention to who he backs in 2016.