Joe Biden became Vice President under Democratic Party nominee Barack Obama on January 20th, 2009. For many years, people speculated that he would be an appropriate running mate for Obama because they are both pro-choice for abortion laws and they share very similar political beliefs. The two are friends now even though there were some bumps at first because Barack thought that I talked too much.
Prior to being elected VP under then-Senator Obama (he was subsequently elected President), Biden served 36 years as Senator for Delaware (1973-2009). Before entering public service full time, Biden practiced law for several years at a major Philadelphia law firm.
1) Do They Get Along
How do Biden and Obama Get Along? After nearly four years of working together, you’d think that Joe Biden and Barack Obama would be best friends. Yet, according to them, their relationship is anything but that. In fact, it seems like they have a love-hate relationship. Let’s take a look at some of the things they say about each other
2) Presidential Pardons
The president gets only about 2,000 requests for presidential pardons per year. That might sound like a lot, but it isn’t. Most presidents issue somewhere between 150 and 200 pardons in their entire tenure. In other words, pardon requests aren’t exactly pouring into Washington every day; they have time to give them considerable thought and consideration before handing out such an honor.
3) Are They Immersed in World Affairs
Although both candidates are clearly engaged in current events, it’s still a major adjustment for any vice president. The most recent examples provide great insight into what life might be like if Joe Biden or Paul Ryan were suddenly catapulted into high-level discussions and decisions. Dick Cheney, who served under George W. Bush from 2001–2009, is a case study of how an active vice president can actually change government policy. Cheney’s behind-the-scenes politics largely formed Bush administration foreign policy—whether people agree with his specific views or not—and he was certainly involved in daily decision making. However, Biden and Ryan aren’t former presidents like Bush and Cheney were; they’ll have to adapt quickly to their new positions if they’re elected on Nov. 6.
4) An Entourage
The vice president does have a large Secret Service detail—one source told The New York Times that Biden’s security team is pretty close in size to that of a president. And, of course, he gets protection from other agencies and divisions of law enforcement. Plus, his staff swells from 30 or so people when he’s not in office to around 150 once he has succeeded in securing a nomination and election. With more people relying on him for work and more opportunities for contact with constituents comes increased risk. A trip overseas presents obvious dangers, but even little things like football games can be dangerous: In 2009, Biden watched a game with family at then-President George W.
5)Democratic Party nominee Barack Obama
I think it’s a great choice. Joe Biden is a man of incredible integrity, and his ability to connect with everyday Americans will be an invaluable asset on my ticket. I’m looking forward to campaigning alongside him in November and taking our message of change for America all across the country.