As promised, here is the first in our series of profiles on the possibilities for Barack Obama's cabinet.  Due to some illness in the family, I spent a good deal of yesterday traveling to and from Asheville, so this first profile lacks some of the bells and whistles I intend to include in susbsequent profiles.  In the future, we'll look at the current administration's policies as displayed by each of the active cabinet members, and the greatest challenges facing those roles.  Also, I intended to include Bill Richardson here as well, but have not yet had time to write it.  We'll correct that by tomorrow.

Joe Biden has long been talked about as a possible Secretary of State in the next Democratic administration.  Biden certainly brings a great deal to the table.  He has been a major force in Democratic politics for the last 30 years, has run for President twice (1988 and 2008), and is a well-respected foreign policy buff; he currently serves as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.  His plan for federalizing Iraq into three zones was more or less accepted by every Presidential candidate during this election cycle and passed the Senate by a wide, wide margin.  He also speaks very clearly when it comes to how to solve the problems Iraq faces, and any concerns about Obama's lack of experience on foreign policy issues would be eliminated by nominating Biden to be his Secretary of State. Just watch him in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Py71868Jng

However, Biden's strength is not without its problems.  Biden voted in favor of the use of force in Iraq,  although he has since admitted it was a mistake. Yet Biden wisely held hearings on the consequences of using force in Iraq prior to the U.S.-led invasion in order to clarify concerns about cost, plans for the post-war Iraq, and what effects the war might have on the region. Biden has also expressed serious doubts about the wisdom of regime change in the future, specifically in regards to Iran.  Listen to his explanation of the "Iranian Problem."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LISgWet3eU

But Biden does bring with him a great deal of baggage that Obama would certainly prefer to avoid.  One of Biden's most endearing qualities is his fiery temper, quick-wit, and willingness to say whatever is on his mind.  But that quality also gets him in trouble. While his critique of President Bush's comments to the Knesset showed that a Democrat has a spine for once, Biden got in trouble for describing Obama as "the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy."  Biden also drew criticism for comments about Indian-Americans.  Comments like these prompted this hilarious exchange in an MSNBC debate:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XberX_t-WvI

When
Biden is speaking about foreign policy, you can tell that he is very
comfortable, forceful, and direct.
Also, Biden would be speaking for Obama as Secretary of State, not for
himself, so there would be a heightened need to keep his statements
free of anything which would prompt him to later apologize.

One final concern is that Biden may conflict with Obama's message of "change."  Biden has been in politics since 1970, when he became a county commissioner.  Biden has served in the Senate since 1973 and is, without question, a career politician.  If Obama wants to bring a fresh perspective to the White House, choosing a man who has been in the Senate for 35 years to be your Secretary of State may not the way to go about it.  However, cabinet positions are less about "change" than they are about good judgment and the ability to carry out the goals that the President sets. 

Joe Biden has clearly exercised good judgment over his 35 years and has admitted when he made a mistake, two qualities that Obama will certainly be looking for.  He was also one of the first candidates, and arguably the only candidate, to come up with a definite, clear, and communicable plan to end the war in Iraq and bring American forces home.  These skills make clear that Biden is capable of carrying out Obama's foreign policy goals.  Barack Obama would be wise to consider Biden for the position of Secretary of State.

--- Raylan Givens