Biden won't serve as secretary of state

[HappyWarrior]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071129/ap_on_el_pr/political_play_of_the_day;_ylt=ArGeLFYkH.9ge6nA7LEJdm9h24cA

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Joe Biden is complaining that his foes keep saying he'd be a great secretary of state.
 
Nothing wrong with that job, he says, but he's running for president. And if he'd be better at foreign policy than his rivals, well, why in the world shouldn't he be president instead of them?

Biden, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is widely expected to be on the short list for secretary of state if one of his Democratic rivals wins the White House. Maybe if a Republican wins, too.

But he said Thursday, speaking at a forum on Iraq: "Under no administration will I accept the job of secretary of state."

A voter had asked the Delaware senator what he would do to restore U.S. credibility in the world.

"That's the president's job," he said. "I know a lot of my opponents out there say I'd be a great secretary of state. Seriously, every one of them. Do you watch any of the debates? 'Joe's right, Joe's right, Joe's right.'"

"I ask you a rhetorical question: Are you prepared to vote for anyone — at this moment in our history — as president who is not capable of being secretary of state? Who among my opponents would you consider appointing secretary of state? Seriously. Think about it."

[memphis]

No suprise. He said what any presidential candidate has to say when asked if he'd consider a lower office.  Kind of silly in Biden's case though. He has about as much chance as Gravel of winning the nomination.

[WalterMitty]

he isnt exactly the diplomatic type.

[Хahar 🤔]

He would be a great Secretary of State.

[Boris]

He's just saying that; I doubt he'd actually refuse if offered. What's a more lucrative offer: being the Senior Senator from Delaware or being Secretary of State in a potential two-term Clinton Administration?

[Joe Republic]

He's just saying that; I doubt he'd actually refuse if offered. What's a more lucrative offer: being the Senior Senator from Delaware or being Secretary of State in a potential two-term Clinton Administration?

At least as a veteran senator he has some degree of job security.  Even if Clinton were re-elected in 2012, that wouldn't guarantee his role as SoS for a full two terms, which is actually quite a rare occurrence.  In fact, the last person to have achieved that was Dean Rusk in the 1960s.

Plus, he'd have to spin himself out of reneging on his refusal of this offer, which is never any fun for any politician.

[Boris]

He's just saying that; I doubt he'd actually refuse if offered. What's a more lucrative offer: being the Senior Senator from Delaware or being Secretary of State in a potential two-term Clinton Administration?

At least as a veteran senator he has some degree of job security.  Even if Clinton were re-elected in 2012, that wouldn't guarantee his role as SoS for a full two terms, which is actually quite a rare occurrence.  In fact, the last person to have achieved that was Dean Rusk in the 1960s.

Plus, he'd have to spin himself out of reneging on his refusal of this offer, which is never any fun for any politician.

Perhaps. But what position would be more influential: Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee (assuming the Dems retain the senate and he remains chairman) or SecState from 2009-2013? Genuine question, I don't know the answer.

As SecState for that period, he would undoubtedly play an instrumental role in working on the political schematics of a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, continuing negotiations with Iran and North Korea, and repairing foreign relations with key U.S. allies that the Bush Administration has alienated. Were I in his position, I would honestly just take the job and then retire afterwards.

I doubt his 'refusal' would have much of an impact; Barack Obama, for example, hasn't really taken much heat for what seemed like a shermanesque declaration in 2005. Such statements, IMO, are quickly forgotten.

[Meeker]

Of course he won't; no one would bother supporting him if he said he would. But if offered I'm sure he'd accept. And I'm sure he'd do a fine job.

But I bet Richardson would also be high on that list (if he's not the VP), and I suspect Clinton would pick Richardson over Biden.

[Ogre Mage]

Biden will be 66 in 2008.  In a two-term Democratic White House he might see SoS as a kind of final job before retirement.  Senators think about their legacy just like Presidents.

I have heard rumors that Sen. Biden's son Beau, the Attorney General of Delaware,  is a possible successor for his father's seat.

[HappyWarrior]

Biden will be 66 in 2008.  In a two-term Democratic White House he might see SoS as a kind of final job before retirement.  Senators think about their legacy just like Presidents.

I have heard rumors that Sen. Biden's son Beau, the Attorney General of Delaware,  is a possible successor for his father's seat.

Biden '28! lol

[ukchris82]

If Biden accepted the SoS position.
Would Castle run for the senate? Would he win? Would the dems risk losing a safe seat?

[The Mikado]

If Biden accepted the SoS position.
Would Castle run for the senate? Would he win? Would the dems risk losing a safe seat?

Castle's 68, will be 69 next year.  A bit old for a freshman Senator, especially as he already has a record of health issues.