“Biden, the greatest hype man since Flavor Flav”.
That’s what a recent picture I came across on Facebook read.
And since my recent post on Barack Obama’s presidency caused a minor stir among some of my American friends, I thought I’d continue with the US presidency theme.
Just so we are all on the same page:
1. Joe Biden is the current Vice President of the United States of America – Obama’s second in command;
2. “Hype man” is a term originally adopted from hip-hop. It is used to describe the person or group that are on stage with the main performer. The hype man usually gets the crowd pumped before or as the show progresses. It has also been adopted to describe someone – usually a male friend – who has got your back. This guy usually “pumps you up” in front of everyone and makes sure that you look good.
Back to Joe Biden.
It took some serious convincing by Barack Obama to get Biden to accept the job. In fact, at first Biden told Obama he would never accept the job.
Obama asked him to sleep on it and did not relent in his offer, and Biden finally caved.
While the meme above is funny, it holds much truth. And it is safe to say Biden is not only the greatest hype man since Flavor Flav – but of all time.
Generally, there is a somewhat strange relationship between presidents and their deputies, in most parts of the world.
It is often held that the vice presidency is a ceremonial role where the president gets you to do everything he or she is not interested in: attending ceremonies; kissing babies; giving non-consequential speeches.
It is believed one really doesn’t wield much power in the VP’s office.
Biden – like Obama in the oval office – has changed the way his office is viewed.
The reason why Obama was determined to get Biden as his running mate is evident.
Biden, a seasoned Democrat, has served his constituency, Delaware, as a United States Senator from 1973 until becoming VP in 2009. What an outstanding record.
A recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert helps you understand why people love him. Biden makes it clear that his relationship with Barack Obama is different because they are a team. He supports Obama all the way, and explains that the “glue” that holds them together is their belief in America; their sheer determination to see the full potential of their nation realised. And this, he maintains, can become a reality – if people are willing to look at things from a different perspective, which is what Obama and Biden have done in their time in the White House.
I know there are those out there who believe the Obama administration has been a massive failure (please let me know why you think so), but Biden has stuck by Obama through every difficult period.
Biden has often described his admiration for Obama’s ability to make difficult decisions under immense pressure.
I am yet to see a vice president who genuinely backs his president without ulterior motives. And by that I mean, the intention to run for the highest office.
Biden, in the Late Show interview, explains that he has no intention of running for office. At the time of the interview, there had been widespread rumours that he was considering this. In fact, it was the dying wish of his late son Beau – who died of brain cancer last year – for Biden to run for the highest office. But Biden, it seems, is content with serving in his current role and no more.
He has made the role of vice president relevant. People don’t just see Biden as one who “fills in” for Obama, but they see him as part of the presidential team.
He has clout and informs decisions.
He advises and is taken seriously.
More importantly, he is a team player and a gentleman.
These terms are rarely used when describing politicians.
His example makes one wonder whether true “hype men” exist.
These are the kind of people who are there for you because… they are just there for you. No ulterior motives, no favours required; they are just your hype man.
Check out Biden’s Interview with Stephen Colbert: