Oh you knew there would be one. Inevitably, whatever Obama does, at least one member on Kos must complain. It's the unwritten rule of DKos.
Unlike others, I will not discuss Obama's statements in comparison to his past lack of actions. I will not say that talk is cheap, and demand he prove himself. I will not whine about the cuts proposed, regardless of whether I agree with them. I will not talk about taxation issues, and my perception of the problem being more about loopholes (in personal and corporate taxes) than rates, at least putting the two on equal ground.
So what, exactly, is my issue? I'll get into the details below the fold, but it's essentially this: I don't understand, and I need you to explain it to me.
My issue is with this statement:
I believe we can and must come together again. This morning, I met with Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress to discuss the approach I laid out today. And in early May, the Vice President will begin regular meetings with leaders in both parties with the aim of reaching a final agreement on a plan to reduce the deficit by the end of June.
When I initially heard this, I had a split-second reaction of "Why does Biden have to do it?" Then I immediately switched gears.
Historically, the VP is the attack dog on the campaign trail. Now, I know this isn't a campaign trail issue (despite what the right says), but in all honesty, he is gearing up for the campaign. Biden has been around a long time, and he's been a major role player in various key issues over the course of his tenure in Washington. He's not my ideal VP, but I have faith and trust in him to get the job done.
When a budget deal was reached last week, there were reports that Biden played a key role. I don't remember the details too well (and maybe you can help with that, also) but what I recall is this: Biden was essentially the one that got tough and finally told Boehner there was a line in the sand. To me, he has a proven track record on these issues, and, again, he's got my full trust to get the job done in these negotiations.
Yet I just can't let my initial reaction go. Why Biden? Is it because Obama really is more about compromise, and he knows he needs somewhere tougher leading these negotiations? Is he just simply too busy? Are we justifying Biden's existence and simply giving him something to do?
It's not a major issue, it's not something I'm going to take Obama to task over. But can you help me understand it? Why Biden?