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Joe Biden 'Is a Good Soldier of US Administration'

© AP Photo / Pablo Martinez MonsivaisVice President Joe Biden.
Vice President Joe Biden. - Sputnik International
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Joe Biden has been shaping the face of American foreign policy for decades. But now - as his term is winding down and reports suggest he will leave office with President Barack Obama - the question remains whether he is distinctive in any memorable way for his work in the international affairs.

Radio Sputnik discussed Joe Biden's work as the US Vice President and his potential legacy with political and social commentator and former White house staffer — Paris Dennard.

"As relates to Mr. Biden, what you see him doing is supporting the administration and being a good soldier as relates to carrying the initiatives the President sets forth," Dennard said.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim (center R) meets with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in Ankara, Turkey, August 24, 2016. - Sputnik International
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Some analysts praise Mr. Biden for his accomplishments. Others, by contrast, say he left no legacy that would matter in the long run, whatsoever.
According to Dennard, Biden has not really been on the right side of issues in the past, but at the same time he faced a lot of difficult situations which he managed to resolve, showing his competence and power.

Dennard noted that Biden was a "candidate of choice," that "Democrats trusted him" and that "he was more authentic than Hillary Clinton and has more experience".

"He really got in front of a lot of situations that took place in the administration, you know. He got in front of the President-related issues on immigration, he got in front of the President-related issues on gay rights and marriage… But at the end of the day, he was a person that was loyal to President Obama […]," Dennard said.

At the same time, the expert noted that the death of his son was a turning point in Biden's life as well as political career. After the tragedy, Joe Biden focused on issues of cancer treatment and, according to Dennard, is unlikely to take public office again after his term is over.

"I think when historians write the book about Joe Biden, there will be two Joe Bidens: it will be the Joe Biden of the Senate, the Joe Biden — Vice President and the Joe Biden post-the-death-of-his-son. I think that situation really transformed his trajectory," Dennard said. "His legacy I think might be more related to what he has tried to do in terms of fighting cancer," he added.

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In May 2015, Beau Biden, the elder son of Joe Biden, died of brain cancer at the age of 46. The disease was diagnosed in August 2013 and he received treatment which was initially successful, but the cancer returned two years later and led to his death.

"I don't see Vice President Biden going back to the summit. I see him being a champion for cancer and trying to find a cure because of his son's death. Now I also see him being very engaged in Democratic politics. […] But I don't see him entering public office again," Dennard concluded.

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