Obama Picks Joe Biden as Running Mate

Barack Obama has chosen Delaware Senator Joseph Biden to be his running mate for the 2008 presidential election. Obama posted the official announcement on his website and sent out a text message around 3:00 am August 23. The two made their first appearance as a team Saturday in Springfield, Illinois.

"Senator Biden will be a purposeful and dynamic Vice President who will help Senator Obama both win the Presidency and govern this great country," said New York Senator Hillary Clinton who lost out to Obama in a bid for Democratic presidential nominee.

Biden, first elected to the Senate in 1972 is known for his experience in U.S. foreign policy. His history includes opposing the country’s support of apartheid in 1980s South Africa, a significant involvement in Iraq and fostering peace in war torn Kosovo. His most recent involvement is with the genocide in Darfur.

But some are criticizing Obama’s choice as a one made of fear and insecurity.

“The picks say something profound about Obama,” said Associated Press reporter Ron Fournier in an analysis about the new running mates.

“For all his self-confidence, the 47-year-old Illinois senator worried that he couldn't beat Republican John McCain without help from a seasoned politician willing to attack. The Biden selection is the next logistical step in an Obama campaign that has become more negative — a strategic decision that may be necessary but threatens to run counter to his image.”

The threat, say political analysts, comes from the Biden’s tendency to speak his mind. He came under scrutiny recently as “touting” Obama himself as “the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice looking guy...”

"Senator Obama has made an outstanding selection in Joe Biden," Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean told reporters, calling Biden a "strong leader, fierce advocate.”

"Joe Biden has been fighting his entire career for the change that Senator Obama champions," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) also said in a statement. “Biden has been a sage voice on many of the toughest foreign policy issues of our time, and has long been a strong advocate for protecting American families and making our communities safer."

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