The key to reaching a deal to reopen the federal government might require a little help from Vice President Joe Biden, according to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
The Veep has been noticeably absent from negotiations between Democrats and Republicans in Washington during the ongoing battle over a continuing resolution and the impending debt ceiling. This weekend, while budget talks continue, the Vice President and his wife left the Capital to visit Camp David. According to POLITICO, Biden is absent at the request of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who thought the long-time politician had given up too much ground in past dealmaking.
But whatever the reason for the Vice President’s lack of input, McCain wants to see him reinstated as bargainer.
“Maybe we need to get Joe Biden out of the witness protection program, because he has good relationships… ” McCain jokingly told Bob Schieffer on Face the Nation this week.
“We haven’t heard very much from him,” the host agreed.
It’s not surprising that McCain wants to see more of the Vice President in the negotiation process. The two men are close friends and have worked together often during their extensive careers in politics. Earlier this year, Biden devoted an entire episode of his podcast series “Being Biden” to his friendship with the Arizona Senator.
During his Sunday morning interview, McCain was also critical of Biden’s boss, President Barack Obama, accusing him of not being engaged in the negotiation process.
“I’m very disappointed that the President of the United States has not played a more active role in this as Bill Clinton did back in ’95,” the Senator said.
