Biden: Dems are 'vulnerable' but will still win in 2010

Vice President Joe Biden isn’t buying into all the doom and gloom that polls and pundits forecast for Democrats this November. But he acknowledges Democrats are currently “in the most vulnerable position we can be” as voters openly fret about the nation’s struggling economy.

In an interview with Politico’s Mike Allen, Biden admits voters are leaning against Democrats amid worries about the direction of the country. But he predicts that once people start paying closer attention to the election, things will turn around.

“Reports of our demise are premature,” Biden said. “We’re going to do a great deal better than anyone gives us credit for. I do not see this grand debacle. Because by the time people walk into the booth, they’re going to have to choose between two people.”

Echoing President Obama’s rhetoric, Biden told Politico he believes the GOP will ultimately suffer with voters for not putting forward specific ideas. And he believes that Democrats will improve their standing with voters ahead of November. By way of example, he cites growing support for the health-care bill that Obama signed into law this spring. “It’s turned out to be fairly popular,” Biden said.

But polls show worries about the economy have overtaken concerns about health care. Biden said Democrats will continue to point to their track record on job growth, though he admitted current numbers on job creation are “not enough.” “But people are going to get the confidence that we at least have the ship moving in the right direction.”

Biden not only thinks Democrats won’t lose as many seats as predicted, but he also told Allen it’s likely his party will score upset victories in two closely watched Senate races in Nevada and Kentucky. “I think we can beat Rand Paul, absolutely,” the veep said. As for Harry Reid, Biden thinks he’s safe. “I give him a 55 percent chance or better,” he said. Just 55 percent?