Biden Seeks to Champion the Middle Class
Obama's Middle Class Task Force gives the vice president a platform to address the public's concerns
Vice President Joe Biden is fitting in well so far with President Obama's governing team, according to Democratic insiders.
The former Delaware senator, who ran against Obama in last year's presidential primaries, has a weekly one-on-one lunch with the president where they can talk candidly about policy and politics, and Biden has emerged as a respected figure in the administration. He particularly likes serving as chairman of the Middle Class Task Force.
Before he was sworn in, Biden said he didn't want to be pushed into taking over a special project that could easily be marginalized, which happened to many of his predecessors. But he has quickly discovered that the task force gives him a platform for speaking directly to the country and getting involved in policymaking on many fronts. "This will be a showcase for Biden," says a Democratic strategist who is close to the vice president.
In fact, Biden is scheduled to hold a town hall meeting under the auspices of the task force Thursday in St. Cloud, Minn., to discuss ways the new stimulus law will help the middle class.
During the campaign, Biden "was the voice of the middle class," and he is trying to continue in that role as veep, says the Biden loyalist, who adds: "Biden does not have a particularly high profile, but people like him more than they liked Dick Cheney by a large order of magnitude."
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Reader Comments
I love Joe Biden...
...and trust me, I'm far from being alone. With his extensive experience in foreign policy and years in the Senate, many of us had a concern that Joe wouldn't be kept busy or challenged enough. I view his and President Obama's schedules almost daily, and I can see Mr. Biden has been very busy indeed. Today he met with French PM Fillon; he wowed them in Munich (please view or read his speech); in days he will head to Chile and Costa Rica; etc. Obama is utilizing all of Biden's talents. I think Joe surprised himself with his embracing of our nation's middle/working class, but he is a perfect fit and can reach groups with straight talk, candor and humor. I trust Joe implicitly; I don't say that about any politician. I've followed him for a long time. When Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race I was crushed, but rejoiced when Obama announced his VP pick! I honestly don't think most of America knows Mr. Biden, except from rumor, detractors or MSM. He is a great person, a dignified statesman, and a bright, warm, funny, wonderful man. Foreign leaders like and respect him...and he has earned their trust as he has earned mine. Finally, I do believe VP Joe Biden enjoyed his evening at the Gridiron...word on the street, he owned the place. Love Joe Biden!
IRA vetting all Gov. Officials.
The Government represents the people not themselves. Your slanted point of view and comments should be watched. I expected more from my government then I have received. I can't let things pass any more because you people, government and press, cover each other.
The Bush Years will be call the Ponzi Years. The fact that Oboma picks for cabinets positions because of the poor character level excepted by capital hill. All on capital hill should have their taxes checked and posted the me to see. I will only vote for persons who have had their taxes vetted by the IRA
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