The picture of then-Senator, Joe Biden (with coffee pot in hand,) has been consistently posted along with a quote for many mornings within Kula's Morning Reaction series. It is what prompted the origin of this series to focus upon the transitions and daily activities of the other Executive Office holder: Vice President-Elect, Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr.
Today's Menu Specials:
- Backdrop stew with vegetables.
- Bidentity Soufflé made from punditry fluff both light and airy.
- V.P. Sugar Stats.
As always (just over the bump), I start you off with a quote from The Gentleman to mull over with your morning Joe.
9 SEPTEMBER 1999 --
From page x in the Foreword that opens the book, What Causes Men's Violence Against Women? co-authored by Michele Harway & James M. O'Neil:
"... we cannot hope to respond effectively to violence against women unless we openly confront and condemn the attitudes that nurture the violence."
-- Vice President-Elect, Joe Biden
::::: COCKTAILS :::::
The Boston Herald reports that V.P.-elect Biden attended yesterday's ceremony at Harvard University to award Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) an honorary Doctorate for a career of exemplary public service.
While I'm more of one to comment on the "celebrity" status of Mr. Biden's presence at the ceremony, I'm not lost on the macabre-humor in mentioning the name of Harvard's President who bestowed this honorary degree to the Gentleman from Massachusetts: Drew G. Faust.
::::: APPETIZER :::::
According to the New York Times:
... the Obama transition is still working out an exact role for Joe Biden in the administration. "I'm sure that there will be discrete assignments over time," said David Axelrod. "But I think his fundamental role is as a trusted counselor. I think that when Obama selected him, he selected him to be a counselor and an adviser on a broad range of issues."
Discrete. As in meaning "separate and distinct".
::::: MAIN COURSE :::::
Where's Joe? asks Carol E. Lee in a column posted last Thursday on Politico.
More than three weeks into the transition, and Vice-president elect Joe Biden generates less buzz than the non-existent first puppy.
She quotes David Ignatius's column in the 20 November edition of the Washington Post as her basis for Mr. Biden's subbing.
"And then there's the incredible shrinking vice president-elect, Joe Biden. Where is he these days? Do they have him in a box? He can't be happy at the idea of considering Clinton as foreign policy tsarina -- wasn't Biden's foreign policy savvy the reason he was picked?"
Just yesterday, Mr. Biden stood on stage with President-elect Obama and the National Security Team as was so well-covered by many here on dKos and across the media. What I couldn't get over was the lack of any mentioning for Joe's many years of service on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee -- including his Chairmanship of the body for four out of the past eight years.
::::: DESSERT :::::
There have been 43 Presidents and 46 Vice Presidents before the 2008 Elections (now 44 Presidents -- one elect; and 47 Vice Presidents -- one elect).
Fourteen out of the last forty-three Presidents were Vice President immediately preceding inauguration. That's a 32.5% (or ONE THIRD) ratio.
Out of the 46 Vice Presidents, two have shot men while holding office. One of these two Vice Presidents was also tried for treason.
Can you name them both? :D
::::: THE CHECK ::::::
Thank you for patronage here at Joe's Inn!
Some news on Joe and Jill would be nice folks, but it's slow coming and that makes this series a little sparse. I appreciate your readership, but it's your patience and input that I value most of all.
So, during this time of transition, I'm reading and researching the Gentleman's past contributions, history and record. More to come as the days progress.
See you next time!