I've always liked Biden, but with reservations. As a Democrat, I was unenthusiastic about the idea of him as President, and the same applies in part to his elevation to VP. But that could change if things work out as I hope.
How so?
I expect a lot from Barack Obama in the way of opening paths to change. This is an unusual time, with unprecedented challenges. If a turnaround isn't achieved in the coming years, then there will be a right-wing onslaught to "do something", at a terrible cost. I've pinned my hopes on Obama to meet this historic challenge, with his skills, imagination and political personality.
What about Biden in this context of government?
Some Biden virtues in an Obama adminstration:
-He's a highly skilled, experienced and respected Washington insider, and he's thoroughly honest, a rare quality in the corrupt byways of power.
-With his background he can be very useful in handling the National Security state within the state.
-He'll be a valuable counterpoint and guide for Barack and his ambitious team as events unfold in DC.
Some Biden reservations:
His skills seem to lie in making the best of a bad situation, in making things work as they are given politically, rather than thinking outside the box and turning a situation around. My pet peeve is what seems to be his unquestioning acceptance of establishment Foreign Policy thinking. Example: his vote for the Iraq war and subsequent proposal that "we" should take the initiative to redraw Iraq's internal boundaries, dividing it into sectarian strongholds as a means to achieve peace in that country. In these things he comes across as a more clever version of same old saymold. It's a defect shared by lots of Democrats in Washington, and in these unusual times it could be unhelpful and even dangerous at the top.
On the other hand, maybe, hopefully, his honesty and good sense, and Obama, and a new political situation, will bring out qualities of leadership that Biden hasn't had a chance to display. Devoutly to be wished.