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<http://www.politico.com/>

Firing reaffirms Biden's significance
By: Joel Goldstein
June 30, 2010 04:45 AM EDT

President Barack Obama fired Gen. Stanley McChrystal last week, at least
partly because of his insubordinate comments about Vice President Joe
Biden.

"Are you asking about Vice President Biden?" McChrystal joked with his
aides. "Who's that?"
Obama's actions confirmed an important truth: The vice president's role
in the Obama administration is substantial. For, along with his official
duties, Biden has promoted values of democratic governance - which
seemed in short supply during the Bush administration.

Like many recent vice presidents, Biden plays an integral part in White
House operations. He serves as an across-the-board adviser, providing
the perspective of a seasoned public official.
Biden has responsibility for policy implementation in critical areas,
including the economic recovery act, U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and
middle-class issues. He troubleshoots as legislative liaison, because of
his years in Congress, and travels as a foreign emissary.

Early on, it seemed Biden had to discipline what many describe as his
garrulous tendencies, but he is now regularly called on to be an
administration spokesman.

Yet Biden's vice presidency goes beyond these conventional roles. His
big contribution is a sensitivity to the values critical to accountable
democratic government.

This commitment often seemed absent during Dick Cheney's tenure in this
office. And, to a degree, these values were what McChrystal's comments
assaulted.

During internal discussions, Biden reportedly poses questions at odds
with prevailing administration views. He has noted that presidential
decision making suffers when competing options are not fairly
considered, so Biden has apparently taken on the responsibility to
ensure that Obama hears differing views.

The Bush administration reportedly suffered from a lack of a
comprehensive decision-making process - partly attributed to Cheney's
inclination to bypass channels and Bush's reported indifference to
process.

Biden plays devil's advocate in the president's circle. He offered
strong views during the deliberations over the Afghanistan strategy -
which apparently upset McChrystal. Biden is credited with helping to
ensure full discussion of this complicated issue, forcing policymakers
to address implications of unpleasant options.

Biden certainly is not shy about talking in public as well. He clearly
enjoys speaking at events across the nation.

These trips are often helpful to the Democratic Party's agenda. But they
also contribute to the continuing dialogue between the administration
and the public, key to all democratic governance.
More than any other administration figure, Biden regularly leaves
Washington to meet people across the country. Even in Washington, his
responsibilities bring him in frequent contact with the public -
something he clearly relishes.

Biden serves as an important conduit between the bubble of the White
House and the wider public. He explains and defends administration
programs to the American people and transmits reactions from his travels
to administration officials.

To a degree, his linking of the presidency and the public helps preserve
government accountability.
Biden also displays a commitment to civil discourse, a rare quality in
public life today.

Vice presidents often serve as an administration attack dog. Though
clearly partisan, Biden has shunned the harsh rhetoric of some of his
predecessors, preferring policy differences to personal attacks. He
doesn't impugn motives or question the patriotism of other public
servants.

This follows a Senate career in which Biden developed strong working
relationships with many Republicans -the bipartisanship that many
celebrate but few practice.

Yes, Biden commits his gaffes. But they are often regarded as a
reflection of a spontaneous and candid personality.

It may be a sign of troubled times that a public official merits praise
for contributing to a full consideration of issues, preserving
democratic accountability and practicing civil discourse. Yet those have
become endangered values.

Biden seems to be using his vice presidency to try to restore them.

Joel Goldstein is a professor of law at Saint Louis University School of
Law and frequently writes about the vice presidency.

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