Excerpts from a speech and Q&A Biden gave at the Council on Foreign Relations after his trip to Afghanistan.

On Barack Obama “understanding” Afghanistan and Pakistan:

I think Hillary Clinton is solid and stable. I think she understands it. I think she would move in a significant way beyond the policy that we have now. And I think Barack will as well. He is not, at this point, as sure-footed about that, but he’s a very, very smart guy and I think his instincts are all good. I think — the instinct’s to reach out. I don’t think he’s naive. I think to paint him as naive is significantly underestimating him. There’s more to say, but I’ve probably already said too much. (Laughter.)

This was from February. Good to know that with everything else going on in his life, Obama was able to get up to speed by July. And on his future plans . . .

QUESTIONER: What about as a vice presidential candidate?
BIDEN: (Laughs.) Oh, bless me father, for I have sinned. (Laughter.)
I really would not like to be vice president. Again, though, I don’t want to — I had this bad habit of being, if not straightforward, at least blunt. Were I asked to do that, how could you turn — if the nominee gave you indication, and showed you numbers that you on the ticket would help.
But I promise you, I do not want to be vice president. And I made it clear, as I did with John Kerry, I don’t want to be on anybody’s list. The last thing I want to be is to be, quote, “considered.” (Laughter.) You know, if they’re going to do it, just ask me, don’t consider me. (Laughter.) (Applause.)

Crystal clear, as they say.