The jester

The political role of the jester in the old courts was to convey unwelcome information to the king in the form of jokes.  Anybody else saying the same thing would lose their head, but information coming from the jester could be explained away as a joke or based in the mental deficiencies of the jester.

Joe Biden is the American jester.

"Vice President Joe Biden apologizes to Turkey; UAE mad, too" "UAE seeks Joe Biden’s explanation"

It is slightly comforting that the American government is really upset at the two-faced actions of Turkey and the Gulf Dictatorships.  Biden sent the message with his 'off-the-cuff'' remarks.