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Few commentators I’ve read have mentioned (and none really emphasized) Joe Biden’s utility as a way of pacifying (and perhaps co-opting) the Washington, D.C. inside opinion leaders and the press. Biden was the only person on the public short list that combined that appeal with the ability to land a punch, and then another, while smiling.

What I’m talking about is the influence Joe Biden offers – the power and perception of his reputation – which in turn will allow Barack Obama to blunt criticism and possibly shape the debate. That’s different than the merits of Joe Biden’s policy positions, which a lot of commentators have discussed.