Well, I thought the deal was, when you went to work for the government you weren't supposed to make money!

In this quote, Joe Biden is expressing frustration with the perception that individuals working for the government are profiting in ways that contradict the expectations of public service. Biden suggests that when someone takes a job in government, the understanding should be that they are not motivated by financial gain, but rather by serving the public and contributing to the common good. The implication is that government positions are meant to prioritize public service over personal wealth, with individuals choosing these roles to serve the people rather than to profit.

Biden’s comment likely refers to concerns about government corruption or unethical financial practices where individuals in government positions, such as lawmakers or public officials, may use their influence for personal financial benefit. This reflects a criticism of the growing lobbying influence and the revolving door between government and private industry, where individuals move between government roles and lucrative positions in the private sector.

The quote also touches on the broader idea of public service as a sacrifice for the greater good. Historically, working for the government was seen as a calling, where individuals were expected to put the interests of the country above personal financial gain. Biden's statement challenges the notion that serving in government should come with financial rewards, especially if those rewards seem to contradict the spirit of serving the people.

Ultimately, Biden’s statement serves as a call for integrity in government. It highlights concerns about the intersection of money and politics, urging public officials to focus on public service rather than personal financial advancement. The comment reflects his broader political perspective on the need for transparency, accountability, and ethics in government.