No Resolution to Biden's Talk Show

Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) acknowledged that "Iraq is a mess" but spoke hopefully about Anbar province. "I've made seven trips into Anbar," Biden said in his rebuttal.

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) wanted the Senate to be tougher with President Bush. "If you find a person who's spoken more frankly to seven presidents in the past, tell me who it was," Biden challenged.

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) raised objections to the resolution. "I will not engage the senator in debate now," the chairman responded -- then engaged the senator in a debate.

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) spoke. Biden responded. Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) spoke. Biden responded. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) spoke. Biden responded. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) tried to speak but got only as far as "I've enjoyed listening to the debate that's taken place" before Biden broke in with a logistical update.

"I beg your pardon," the chairman told Obama.

Some of Biden's wordiness had to do with presidential jostling. Eclipsed in media exposure by presidential rivals Hillary Clinton and Obama -- Biden was bumped from network interviews Wednesday morning by Obama -- he relies on such hearings to boost his visibility for the presidential race. At one point, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) accidentally called Biden "Mr. President."

"I should say 'Mr. Chairman,' " she amended. "I know you'd like 'Mr. President.' "

"Well, you noticed, nine heads turned when you said that," he replied, referring to the other senators on the committee who have contemplated candidacies.

"I noticed you responded immediately," Boxer needled.

For a moment, the chairman was not ready with a reply. But it passed quickly.