Vice President Joe Biden’s work negotiating the fiscal cliff compromise is earning largely rave reviews, including from Delaware’s Congressional delegation.
Senator Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney, who both voted for the deal, lauded Biden’s ability to work with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to craft it.
Carney adds, in addition to crafting the deal with Sen. McConnell, the Vice President also played a big role in selling it, saying Biden’s visit to the Democratic Caucus Tuesday made a difference.
“He went through item by item how the negotiations took place, the give and take that was involved. And there really was quite a bit of give and take between both sides. So that was helpful to our members who didn’t like certain aspects of the agreement," said Carney. "Joe was himself. Very candid. Very frank. Funny at times and very open to the criticisms and concerns raised.”
Sen. Tom Carper, who voted against the deal, also commended Biden’s role negotiating it. He adds that Biden’s relationship with McConnell could keep him a key player in dealing with other unresolved fiscal issues in the coming months.
“He can play an absolutely critical role and help to get us to the deal that most people know we have to find," said Carper. "He has a better relationship with Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, then frankly our leader has with him - either the President or Senator Reid has with him. So, I think that could be very helpful.”
