What Will Biden's Role Be?

It's a question the Times ponders today, and the answer is not clear cut. Right off the bat in 1992, Al Gore was charged with the evironment and technology, and for the last eight years Dick Cheney has had, well, the presidency. While Joe Biden has been working closely with the president-elect as the administration takes shape, it isn't yet apparent what his specific assignments will be.

The Obama camp has suggested Biden's role may be more big picture, with the veep giving counsel on any number of issues.

"I'm sure that there will be discrete assignments over time," said David Axelrod, a senior adviser to the president-elect. "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." ...

"I don't think there's any risk of Vice President-elect Biden being marginalized, regardless of who else is in the cabinet," said Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to Mr. Obama. "Regardless of who is selected, there will be plenty of talent around the table."

Considering Biden's foreign policy bona fides (he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee) it would be a no-brainer to have him weigh-in on international affairs.