Ellen DeGeneres had an important guest on her show yesterday – Sen. Joe Biden, the man who very well may be the next vice president of the United States.

The Democrat from Delaware, who is Sen. Barack Obama’s running mate, appeared on “Ellen” to talk about the economy, the White House race and how he never wanted to be vice president.

He appeared after Hollywood heartthrob Colin Farrell, whom he jokingly lamented for being so young and good-looking.

“I’ve played the old guy role anyway this whole campaign, now I gotta come after him?!” Biden asks. “I’d like to be appreciated for his reasons.”

DeGeneres also asked Biden to explain how he feels about likely going to the White House as Obama’s No. 2 after he repeatedly said he never wanted that job.

“I didn’t want to be vice president – it’s nothing I ever auditioned for. Vice presidents don’t do a whole lot,” he said, to audience laughter. “I told Barack I’d do anything he wanted to help him get elected president. I never expected that he’d take me up on that literally. But look, this is an incredible opportunity.

“I asked what he most wanted in a vice president; he said he wanted somebody who’d be a confidant who’d give his independent judgment and all the important decisions, I’d be in the room. He’s president but I’d get an opportunity to make my case. This is an opportunity to be a part of history with a guy who I think will be a great, great president.”

Biden also said he thinks the negative campaigning by John McCain — a man he has known for more than 30 years — is “out of character … It really hurts the American people. It distract them,” Biden said.

Biden was also asked if he wanted more than one vice-presidential debate against Sarah Palin, McCain’s running mate.

“I don’t think presidents get voted for or against in large part because of who the vice president is. I do think though, that vice presidents have a role … [when the president is elected] what value added are they going to be in terms of getting their agenda passed and whether or not they can represent the president well.”

“I’m totally comfortable playing that role for Barack Obama.”

DeGeneres recently made a public service announcement opposing California’s Proposition 8, which would ban gay marriage in that states. DeGeneres married actress Portia de Rossi in August. Biden said if he lived in California, he’d vote "no" on the proposition. He called it "regressive" and "unfair.”

“Barack and I both opposed a similar attempt nationally … I’d vote ‘no,’” he said.

Biden previously has said he supports partnership rights for gays and lesbians although he is opposed to same-sex marriage.

You can watch the entire Biden interview with DeGeneres here. Below is a portion of the interview.