How Biden learned discipline

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Glen Johnson
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Axios politics editor Glen Johnson recalls that in 2001 when he was a Boston Globe congressional reporter, he approached Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden as he headed for an elevator:

I asked why the nomination for the U.S. ambassador to Ireland — a position intended for a Massachusetts resident — was being delayed. "It's going to probably take a little time, because of going over the contribution limits," Biden said — revealing the nominee had made excess campaign donations.

Seeing my eyes widen, Biden smiled and said: "I'm not sure if I was supposed to tell you that, but there you go."

White House reporters, don't get your hopes up. Biden is succeeding as president in part because he's abandoned his loquacious ways as a senator, Glen writes:

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  • During his first 100 days, the new president gave up long-winded speeches, took his staff's counsel about when and where to engage and has been willing to step out of the spotlight.

  • The result has been an ability to deliver on legislation, calm the public mood, avoid distractions and hold stable favorability ratings.

During his 36 years in the Senate, "Amtrak Joe" was a prototypical lawmaker — slicked-back mane, pinstriped suit, never met a microphone he didn't like.

  • His digressions and tangents as chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations committees were legendary.

  • The change started when Biden became President Obama's vice president. Biden no longer was CEO of his own operation but junior partner in the most powerful office in the world.

On the 2020 campaign trail, Biden ended up benefitting from the pandemic:

  • Public events and media free-for-alls were limited, reducing chances for gaffes (although not to zero).

A Washington Post tracker shows that Biden has made more public remarks than Donald Trump at the same point — although Biden has given fewer speeches, interviews and press conferences.

  • But Biden has learned: Just because you're talking, it doesn't mean you have to make news.

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