Reed is the son of crusading attorney Scott Reed and stalwart Idaho Democrat (and Inlander columnist) Mary Lou Reed. Bruce Reed served as President Clinton's domestic-policy advisor for four years and worked closely with Biden when the latter chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Most recently, Reed headed the bipartisan fiscal responsibility commission appointed by President Obama. And he has longtime centrist chops as head of the Democratic Leadership Council.
Read more about Reed's hiring here. And have some fun looking at Biden's reaction to the Eastern comeback here.