Ryan Lizza's profile of Biden from about a month ago implied that Biden had concluded based on the experience of the last several VPs that having a specific portfolio actually limits the VPs influence. VPs with specific portfolios end up spending all their time on those few issues. It seemed from the article that general adviser is exactly the role that Biden wanted.

Within a week of the inauguration, Biden is heading out to Europe to begin meeting with world leaders and starting the process of repairing relations with the rest of the free world. This is the guy that the NYT says has no role?

Meanwhile Obama has already put in place a large chunk of his economic team, after being elected 22 days ago.

But Biden's role, as VP, is of concern.

Gimme a break. I've never seen such pettiness.

I'm pretty sure Barak doesn't want another Fourth-Branch.

My guess about how he'll be used by Obama: argument and arm-twisting in Congress after Obama requests legislation. And perhaps an occasional knock-down of Hillary in foreign relations, just so she remembers that the President giveith and the President takeith away. (hehehe)

biden does have weekly lunches with obama. and he's outlined his own role as follows: general advisor who's part of all major decisions, plus liaison to congress.

i think that's exactly the right approach.