"Joe Biden still has one foot in the Senate; may be key to healthcare."

[Clio the Leo]

Joe Biden still has one foot in the Senate; may be key to healthcare.

By J. Taylor Rushing - 03/09/10 06:00 AM ET

Unlike his predecessor, Vice President Joe Biden does not attend the weekly lunches in the Senate. Instead, he’s in the Senate gym, across the dinner table and — constantly — on the phone with members of the upper chamber.

When Biden can’t make it to the Senate, senators come to him: for breakfasts and lunches at the vice presidential residence, private chats at the White House and personal guided tours of the West Wing.

A senator for 36 years, Biden’s relationship with his former colleagues has been key to President Barack Obama’s first 13 months in office. From the stimulus plan to the Iraq war to peace in the Middle East , Biden has been a critical go-between for an administration that has struggled to push its agenda through a Senate controlled by the same party.
With Democrats poised to use reconciliation to pass healthcare reform, Biden’s deep friendships on both sides of the aisle will be put to the test.

Biden, in his role as Senate president, could cast tie-breaking votes and overrule the Senate parliamentarian.

Democrats say it won’t be a situation Biden will relish.

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/85597-joe-biden-still-has-one-foot-in-the-senate

Now, I REALLY would be surprised if it gets to the point where Biden overrides the Senate parliamentarian. At least I dont think that's the admin's first option ... but oh, wouldn't it be fun if he did!

It would be hot. ;)

Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi shake hands prior to President Barack Obama delivering the State of the Union on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010.

[Jennicut]

1. I would be surprised if he does end up having to overrule the Senate parliamentarian.

But whatever needed to be done, he would do it.