'It doesn't matter when': How Biden gave feuding House Democrats an off-ramp

President Joe Biden didn't travel to Capitol Hill on Friday to close the deal, or to rally the troops through a final legislative gantlet.

There was nothing cinematic -- or dramatic -- about the trip down Pennsylvania Avenue for the 36-year Senate veteran, who has more than once informed aides of his unparalleled ability to read, speak to and corral lawmakers.

Instead, in remarks that lasted less than 30 minutes, Biden served a singular purpose: a presidential pressure relief valve.