Biden seeks advisory role as vice president

By Sue Pleming - Analysis

JUPITER, Florida (Reuters) - Joe Biden calls Dick Cheney the "most dangerous" vice president in U.S. history for how he expanded his powers and wants a lower-key role for himself as Barack Obama's No. 2 if they win next week.

Biden, a veteran Delaware senator known for his foreign policy experience and congressional connections, says he is not looking for a special portfolio as vice president and sees his job as being Obama's trusted adviser if the Democrat beats Republican John McCain in the November 4 presidential election.

"Every major decision he'll be making, I'll be sitting in the room to give my best advice. He's president, not me," Biden said in his sole debate with his Republican vice-presidential opponent, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

"Vice President Cheney has been the most dangerous vice president we've had probably in American history."

U.S. vice presidents have two constitutional duties -- act as back-up president and preside over the Senate, voting only to break a tie. Traditionally, their role has been limited.

But Cheney has proven powerful, extending his influence into national security, energy and environmental policy.

Known in Washington circles as Darth Vader, Cheney was a driving force behind the Iraq war and pushing the limits on the use of harsh interrogation methods on suspected militants.

Before becoming vice president, he ran oilfield services company Halliburton Co, and under Republican President George W. Bush has been a strong voice for more oil exploration as a way to cut U.S. dependence on foreign energy.

Cheney steadfastly refused to comply with an executive order about safeguarding classified information, saying his office was part of the legislative branch, not the executive branch, due to his role as president of the Senate.

Experts say Biden will not pack the kind of influence Cheney had with Bush, especially on energy and security.

"I just don't think that is likely to happen again," said Peter Beinart at the Council on Foreign Relations. "Cheney was just totally sui generis (unique), off the charts."

Biden spokesman David Wade said Obama did not choose a vice president to "farm out an issue here or an issue there."

Wade said Biden will be part of all major decisions as "a vice president who offers his honest, independent judgment."

Bush put Cheney in charge of the transition effort after the chaotic 2000 election, which was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court after a recount in Florida.

"Cheney had tremendous influence because George Bush gave it to him. He desperately needed the advice from an old Washington hand. Cheney exploited that opening," said Paul Light, an expert in the political appointment process.