In culminating moment, Biden is vice president
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden, whose foreign policy expertise, Washington savvy and personal style earned him Barack Obama’s trust and faith, was sworn in Tuesday as the 47th vice president of the United States.
With the world watching, Biden raised his right hand and took his oath of office from John Paul Stevens, associate justice of the Supreme Court. The longtime Delaware senator is now a heartbeat from the presidency, a counselor to Obama, and one of the government’s key ambassadors to other global powers.
In traditional form, Biden swore to defend the Constitution against all enemies with true allegiance to the cause, to take on the obligation freely, and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office.
“So help me God,” Biden said, to an outpouring of cheers from the Capitol platform and crowds below.
Biden shared a few thankful moments with his wife, Jill, and other members of his immediate family. He shared a handshake with Obama shortly before the president-elect took his own oath of office.
The vice president’s most vital role is to assume the presidency in the event Obama cannot serve. Beyond that, his duties can be limited or expansive based on the wishes of his boss, the president.
Biden says he plans to loyally support Obama but also wants an active role in decision-making.
The 66-year-old Biden served 36 years as a Delaware senator.
