WASHINGTON (AP) – Vice President Joe Biden cast himself Tuesday as President Barack Obama’s kindred spirit and chief global emissary, amplifying themes he could use to appeal to loyal Obama supporters if he challenges Hillary Rodham Clinton in the presidential race.
“President Obama and I have ideologically had no disagreement. I mean none. Zero,” Biden said.
At a forum honoring former Vice President Walter Mondale, Biden also revised his account of the run-up to the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Although Biden had said previously he advised Obama against the raid, he said Tuesday he had advised waiting for more information when asked for his opinion in the Situation Room, then privately told Obama that “he should go but follow his own instincts.”
Biden said he spends between four and seven hours a day with Obama and that they trust each other immensely. He said at least half of Obama’s staff used to work for him.
Although Biden didn’t mention Clinton by name, he drew implicit contrasts with the Democratic front-runner. He said while the Obama administration has had two great secretaries of state, when he speaks with foreign leaders, they know he’s speaking for Obama.
The vice president is considering challenging Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.