Biden-Obama Axis Shifts Biden's Way on Iran

It's a good thing when a president and vice president have constructive, creative tension in their relationship and don't see eye to eye on everything. Joe Biden has seen his role in the Obama administration as "adviser-in-chief" and for the most part has kept his differences with Obama off the record and away from public view.

One split with Obama, however, has been the president's stand on Iran. Sources report to me that recently the vice president made comments that Obama needed to speak in support of the Iranians in the streets demanding that their votes count. Biden has not wanted to inject the United States into the fray -- but he has wanted the White House to express admiration and support for the risks Iranian citizens are taking to secure democracy.

Recently, Biden said of Obama that the president always evolves in the right direction -- and that he would get to "the right place" on Iran.

Geostrategically, I agree with those who argue that no matter who ends up running the helm of Iran's political system, the United States will have to engage that leadership and negotiate over highly important strategic threats and realities that will be there no matter who ultimately prevails in Iran's current Civil War.

That said, I don't think that any president of the United States should disrespect the bravery of what is happening not just in Tehran now but throughout Iran. The election is not over -- and it should not be preempted by comments from the White House.

The president has just issued a statement now that makes clear the concern of president Obama for those trying to secure their rights and political voice.

It's a perfect statement and shows clearly Joe Biden's influence:

Statement from the President on Iran

The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching. We mourn each and every innocent life that is lost. We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people. The universal rights to assembly and free speech must be respected, and the United States stands with all who seek to exercise those rights.

As I said in Cairo, suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. The Iranian people will ultimately judge the actions of their own government. If the Iranian government seeks the respect of the international community, it must respect the dignity of its own people and govern through consent, not coercion.

Martin Luther King once said -- "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." I believe that. The international community believes that. And right now, we are bearing witness to the Iranian peoples' belief in that truth, and we will continue to bear witness.

This revolution, if that is what it is in Iran, is not about us, not about Americans, or Brits, or any others. It is about the Iranian citizens who have had enough with their own government.

I don't know who will win in the end -- but those who are being brutalized in the street and risking everything to challenge Ahmadinejad and his thugs deserve our respect and our nuanced support.

Steve Clemons directs the foreign policy programs at the New America Foundation and publishes the popular political blog, The Washington Note

Comments

[96Bravo]

I recently saw Jon Stewart make fun of Biden again. Joe had suggested that he had doubts about the outcome of the Iranian election. Stewart treated it like another Biden gaff. Now, I love Jon Stewart, but I hate how Joe's become the punching bag of the talk show comedians. A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed Jimmy Fallon crack a Biden joke ever night.

Joe Biden's been around a long time and, while he's regarded as long-winded, he was always one of the most highly respected Senators in Washington. It would be nice if we let him do his job and advise the President without being resorted to a cartoon.

[Tulsaslim]

If the best that the late-night comedians can come up with is a few perceived Biden 'gaffes' then the administration is doing a pretty good job.

The Bush administration was a godsend for those same comedians because it provided them with a bottomless barrel of material. The Obama administration, not so much apparently.

[ChampLessFuzzy]

Still inappropriate and wrong.

[cblcar]

I totally agree with 96Bravo. This country is blessed to have Biden. The people who mock him do both the man and the country a disservice.

[ChampLessFuzzy]

They're called cheap laughs, as they should be, and I for one tired of them long ago. I no longer watch such matters, and wouldn't have known such comments existed if it were not for your post.

My decision...not to view them as there are far more important issues going on and I know that Mr. Biden is one of our nation's biggest assets.

HP has posted the gaffe crappola less frequent, I would think because of posters voicing dismay...if not disgust...of their inapproprateness.

You have more power than you can imagine.

[stop7997]

And, Mr. President, the world is watching you as you continue the Bush administration's militaristic foreign policy and trampling of the Constitution. You abdicate any moral authority to condemn the actions of other world leaders when you fail to live up to your oath of office.

[sc300nc]

Obama's statement was a sellout. He knew he had to say something, but it didn't even come close to saying enough.

America stands as a beacon for all who pursue freedom and democracy. Let's not lose that ray of light. Be proud, Mr. Obama, of what this country stands for.

[areaman03]

As a general rule, even when it's somewhat justified, people don't like when other people "toot their own horn" so to speak. It is no different with nations and cultures.

Frankly, I don't see what the demonstrable benefit of doing what you suggest would accomplish, other than send tingles up the thighs of a bunch of people safely ensconsed here at home, watching other people bleed and struggle on tv.

[Tulsaslim]

This Iranian issue is very difficult for me to come to terms with. I lived through the '60s and very much sympathized with those protesting the Vietnam war. There was no doubt that the '60s protesters were morally right.

But for all the attention they brought to the entire world, and dispite the 'rightness' of their cause, we all knew that even then, sadly and regretably, they did NOT represent the majority of the American people.

We all overwhelmingly support the Iranian protesters, but are we sure of what they are REALLY protesting? And do they represent a majority of the Iranian population or are they just a very vocal minority, like the American anti-war protesters of the '60s?

As much as I would like to believe that the protesters represent the 'true soul of the Iranian people', I can't change the fact that every pre-election poll in Iran had Ahmadinajad winning the election and that these protests aren't actually calling for a 'new political system in Iran' (which we would like to hope for) but instead are merely calling for changes in the present (anti-American) system.

Let's not make it something it is not, no matter how much we would like it to be so.

[Samuel Thompson]

Obama is breaking my heart. Why not speak out on behalf of these people? Let them know we strongly support them? Even if Ahmadinejad does maintain power Obama will never be able to continue negotiating with him on any meaningful basis. To do so would be to condone what has happened and would be an acknowledgement that Ahmadinejad is the just leader. So, why not speak out for the protestors? The rebellion has been squashed for the time being, the next step by the Iranian government is to start making people disappear, and disappear they shall if Obama does not loudly and clearly condemn what is going on here. There is nothing political to gain from being silent, and he can only gain my support if he stands up for democracy and humanity.

Sam Thompson
Tucson, AZ
www.myspace.com/SublimeSamAZ

[tailgateshirts]

there is plenty to loose on behalf of those protesting if we say too much.

If we listened to McCain on everything foreign policy related so far, we would be in 3 new wars already and your kid would be being drafted

[Samuel Thompson]

Please explain what you think there is to loose on behalf of those protesting? I could only see positive results from strongly worded condemnation of the actions the Iranian government is taking. Could it really get any worse for the protestors? At this point Khamenei has called everyones bluff, and the lack of response has given him the go ahead to do as he wishes. Had Obama pre-emptively spoken out, Khamenei might have thought differently knowing that we would be supporting the protestors. Sure, it's naive to think that the world listens to the U.S. when they make every decision. However, it's also naive to think that the world doesn't take into account what the most powerful country in the world thinks. Especially when the new President is so incredibly popular.
Both Ahmadinejad and Khamenei continue to complain about the U.S. meddling in their affairs during this conflict. We already know we are essentially doing nothing. So, if they are going to act as if we are doing something, and we are going to get the flack for doing something, then why not actually go ahead and do something? And by "something" i'm simply asking that Obama publically speak out.

[areaman03]

How emboldened and "supported" would you feel if during the Bush/Gore fiasco, Iran came out and voiced it's support for Al Gore? Can you imagine how that would be spun by the republicans during that time? How does that H-E-L-P? It might make you "feel good" to hear Obama say it...but what will it actually ACOMPLISH in IRAN for the IRANIAN PEOPLE?

[Samuel Thompson]

It's a false comparison. Iran is not the most powerful country in the world, their opinion on our election is irrelevant. Although they sure did like Obama.
Were there some violent protests during the Bush/Gore fiasco where the government came in and shot unarmed people that I was unaware of?
It's not about making me feel good. It's about showing the Iranian people that they are being supported, even if it were only verbal support. Isn't it obvious that this is what they are seeking from the outside world? Why else would they be uploading all of these horrific images? How much would you have accomplished in your life if there was nobody there to encourage you and if you were simply ignored? I would wager that putting your life on the line for a cause such as this is so far beyond what either you or I have ever attempted. Don't you see that having that enouragement and support from the outside world would in fact have a huge affect? A revolution cannot exist if a revolutionist stands alone.

[joanVA]

Obama's statement reflected the change in Iran--from rulers allowing the protests to openly suppressing them. I doubt it had much to do with Biden. It was the right time to show support for the Iranian people. Obama has handled it perfectly even though he has been criticized for his very wise approach to Iran.

[SparkyDash]

hmmm...interesting

[PrincipiaChamp]

It would surprise me if Biden did not advise, and I would be disappointed if he had not. That is a basic part of the Obama-Biden relationship.

[georgiaeliot]

In watching this debate evolve in America, it has been interesting to note how many of us seem to believe the world is just waiting for our endorsement to know they are doing the right thing, that American approval is a good thing. I suspect the truth is much more nuanced and that many in the world - particularly the Arab world - hear our pronouncements quite differently than we do. I'm glad the Obama team knows this - apparently Congress didn't get the briefing.
Allah-o Akbar, yall.

[Khrish]

thank you very much, how true. You would think that these congressmen came together because they feel the President doesn't know what to do. and McCain who was ready to "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran, certainly has had a change of heart. i wish they would let this man run his foreign affairs with his admin the way he thinks it should be done. They could get their butts together and come up with a Healthcare Plan just like they all ran and got together to interfer in Iran's affairs. Anything to help them delay things they need to be doing.

[SparkyDash]

Steven Clemons, I'm a fan of yours, but rarely comment. Thank you for a great post.

[ChampLessFuzzy]

What a nice post, Mr. Clemons. Your last two paragraphs, well said.

I would think President Obama naturally seeks VP Biden's advice, and Biden's year's of experience in foreign policy and knowledge of the region and its peoples should not be wasted. I believe in fact that Obama stated that Biden's vast foreign policy experience was one of the many reasons he was tapped as VP.

I admire President Obama because he has some of the better minds our nation has to offer in his administration. I backed Obama (well, Biden first) in part because he has always said that one person cannot possibly make the change we desire, but that it will take all of us. It has been established that Obama seeks the input of others before making decisions; that is a wise leader.

Biden's input and advice was spot on, I am glad to know that Mr. Obama respected it. I wish the best of outcomes for the Iranians; like Joe Biden, I wish to express admiration and support for the risks Iranian citizens are taking to secure democracy.

[Coolcat101]

BIden-Obama? I could've sworn I voted for the Obama/Biden ticket last Nov.

[LizM]

Yeah, well...Obama/BIDEN...BIDEN/Obama....whatever...

[Coolcat101]

I hear you, and normally I'd be whatever too, but it just strikes me as weird. We haven't really heard about too many of the differences and deliberations between the President and VP, and now we do, and it's favorable to Biden, so it's obviously coming from Biden's camp. And then the title has Biden-Obama to boot. I suppose I just find this a little strange since this was a very cohesive partnership until this. I hope that this isn't a habit. I liked how the foreign policy team seemed very disciplined and discreet.

[Jezreel]

Continued:

Regardless of the what went on behind the scenes at the WH, I agree with Dr. Doris Kearns Goodwin's analysis of the President's handling of Iran's crisis.

She said it is always easier and more effective to escalate one's rhetoric after beginning to speak in neutral terms and respect for the other person. When one starts off yelling and trying to score political points one loses credibility and the ability to pursue long range goals.

She also said that no President should ever lose sight of the bigger picture when faced with a crisis. Although President Obama clearly empathizes with those involved in Iran's populace movement, he does not have the luxury of taking his eye off the prize which is stopping Iran's advancement toward nuclear armament.

[Jezreel]

PTA: "That said, I don't think that any president of the United States should disrespect the bravery of what is happening not just in Tehran now but throughout Iran."

Perhaps it was not the author's intention, but the above quote seems to imply that by not expressing a stronger opinion on the Iranian crisis, President Obama was disrespecting the bravery of the Iranian people.

I don't know how much of the President's latest statement was influenced by VP Biden. As I understand it, members of the Cabinet have been in ongoing discussions on formulating an appropriate response to this issue. It's been reported that some members wanted a stronger response and others didn't.

Regardless of the what went on behind the scenes at the WH, I agree with Dr. Doris Kearns Goodwin's analysis of the President's handling of Iran's crisis. She said it is always easier and more effective to escalate one's rhetoric after beginning to speak from a vantage point of neutrality and respect than it is when

[Billy Dole]

I'm glad Obama believes he should wait to know what he's talking about before he comments.

[SShaw490]

I'd be so stoked to see some organized rallies in America to show support for the Iranian people. I have no idea who would organize it or how it could be done, but it should be done. I'd love nothing more than to have video shown all over the world of hundreds of thousands of Americans wearing black or green and standing in support of those who demand that their own government should respect their rights to vote, to speak, to assemble and to have a say in their government.

[superfrog]

I think the president should authorize the lowering of the American flag to half staff . So we can show the world that we support the people of Iran and to honer those that died.

[Khrish]

I would like to see Iran handle this situation. I think that those people are quite capable of doing what needs to be done without Americas thinking that they need to endorse it. Stay out of that country's business until you are asked. You can only make things harder and they don't really trust America anyway. We don't need to lower flags and none of the other stuff. We need to follow the President's lead and stop wanting to inflame things for the people of Iran.

[mamacat]

There is a very large Iranian ex-pat population here in Southern California, and they have been demonstating in support of the Iranian people. This is a very, very big issue among Iranian-Americans.

I thank God we have a Pres. with a brain. Expressing support for the Iranian people, while staying out of their internal politics, is absolutely the right thing to do. When the neo-cons start criticising all of the numerous dictatorships that are our allies, I might take seriously their condemnation of the Iranian power holders.

[jmundstuk]

You be "stoked?" Tubular!

[LizM]

Let's hope that the Biden-Obama axis has long shifted toward Biden on Iraq, too.

What can you tell us about how the new administration is promoting and facilitating the movement toward sustainable national political reconciliation in Iraq? I'm thinking that we had better make sure that is well on its way before we start making the big withdrawal!

[ChampLessFuzzy]

I agree.

[mamacat]

The withdrawal is being organised along the lines of what the Iraqi government has decided, which is as it should be. If the U.S. refuses to withdraw its troops as rapidly as it has been told to by the democratically elected government, then it is likely to face the outrage of the indigenous peoples.

Would it make sense to praise the forces of democracy in Iran, while ignoring them in Iraq?

[LizM]

My question was a rhetorical one, as I believe President Obama has indeed moved toward Biden's thinking on the Iraq file.

Of course, I am not talking about the US refusing to withdraw - not in the least. Now, it is all about the diplomatic effort that must accompany that withdrawal in order to prevent a slide towards political instability, or worse, which would be in no one's best interests.

I was just hoping that Steve Clemons could shed a little light on what is happening on this front...maybe in a future blog!?