The saying suggests, vice presidents win the presidency only when the majority would favor a third term for their incumbent president. With all the criticism Obama has gotten in his two terms, it's hard to know if Biden could win. The Obama admistriation went head on with participatory media, so the criticism could be inflated... in the same way that criminologists say our nation has never been safer, but Joe and Jane Homeowner think it's less safe because they hear about all the bad things in our 24/7 headline news culture.
What about Biden on legalizing cannabis, and other drug laws...
Biden has fought for tougher drug laws and sentences, including making sentences for cocaine as tough as crack. On cannabis, VP Biden told ABC (2010), "I think legalization is a mistake. I still believe it's a gateway drug. I've spent a lot of my life as chairman of the Judiciary Committee dealing with this. I think it would be a mistake to legalize." Biden has also advocated for a federal law banning smoking in public, and he doesn't support the idea that if you can join the military at 18, you should be able to buy a beer (2007).
However, Biden has made progressive moves to see drug 'abuse' as drug 'addiction' -- which follows the idea that reckless use warrants treatment of a disease, not incarceration of a criminal: "Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain's structure and manner in which it functions. These brain changes can be long lasting, and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs. The disease of addiction affects both brain and behavior, and scientists have identified many of the biological and environmental factors that contribute to the development and progression of the disease" (Recognizing Addiction as a Disease Act (S.1011)
07-S1011 on Mar 28, 2007).
I just want to hear Biden refer to cannabis as a medicine (in the context of its ludicrous federal scheduling), and alcohol as a dangerous addiction issue like everything else. But this creator of the Washington 'Drug Czar' isn't likely to get there soon. He supports our involvement in destroying crops and fighting cartels in other countries. Even though his political campaigns have suggested otherwise, as part of the Obama administration, Biden has contributed to setting records for federal raids of cannabis dispensaries in the United States.
This stuff is important because of our obscene incarceration rates, and big pharma's grasp on government policy and legislated moralities. We need more sensible domestic and foreign policies, starting with a serious focus on drug reform and public education... and allowing more personal autonomy over one's own health.