Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s pick of former rival Joe Biden to be his vice presidential running mate taps his experience as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but drew quick critiques.
Almost instantly questions were raised about whether the selection opens Obama up to criticism that he is weak on foreign policy — and rival Republican John McCain’s campaign quickly seized on that point by launching an new television advertisement (see below).
Meanwhile, while news that former rival Hillary Clinton was not vetted by Obama for his short-list of vice presidential contenders was probably going to irk her supporters already bitter that she is not the nominee, Clinton was one of the first to issue a supportive statement of the ticket.
“In naming my colleague and friend Senator Joe Biden to be the Vice Presidential nominee, Senator Obama has continued in the best traditions for the Vice Presidency by selecting an exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant,” she said.
Are Democrats happy with Biden as their VP candidate or will the Clinton bitterness linger? Will the foreign policy experience question make them stumble? And did the much-hyped text message delivering the Biden news work or fall flat?
Trackback
12 comments so far
It will be interesting to see how both campaigns deal with Biden’s long history of speaking out — both good and bad.
- Posted by BaxterJhttp://www.entertonement.com/collections /1701/Joe-Biden
I can’t believe after all that Obama picked Biden! I’m sure many people wanted the Dream Ticket, i.e., Clinton as VP, as I did. It’s foolish for people to suggest that the Dream Ticket would undermine his “Change” message. I ask: when has America had a female vice-president? That’s certainly a break from the past.
Risky move, Barack, risky move.
- Posted by MTHSThis is an old joke. You cannot teach the old dog with a new trick!!!
- Posted by John PhamI don’t understand why picking an individual who shores up areas where you are lacking is considered a sign of inability to lead. In my mind, it shows the opposite: that Obama is aware of his weaknesses, willing to confront them, and trying to create as well-rounded an executive branch as possible. Going with someone equally fresh to politics as him would have been disastrous for his bid, and was never a realistic option. It was inevitable that Obama would pick someone with foreign policy experience, and pragmatically speaking, Biden will likely help woo some votes.
I think it was solid choice on Obama’s part, but do worry about Biden’s mouth. The Democratic campaign doesn’t need any bandersnatches.
- Posted by KateBiden is a fantastic, inspired choice. He is the perfect VP pick and has already energized moderate Democrats.
“raise experience questions?”
Did George Bush picking Dick Cheeney as his VP raise experience questions?
Please. Obama and Biden is a dream ticket.
- Posted by david38Biden only scares McDoodoo and company - it strengthens Obama and critics are at a loss to continue the lie that the race is close.
Obama / Biden 50 = state sweep come November
You heard it here first!!!
- Posted by Bob W.David, Kate and Bob,Amen,totally agreed! Obama/Biden 2008!
- Posted by JerilynObama has absolutely no experience. Clinton would have been the one to choice. Obama was worried Clinton would show him up.I am a dem. who will now vote for McCain,along with the millions who voted for hillary.
- Posted by angeloExcellent pick for V.P by Obama. It shows that he is thought-full and want’s good counsel, not sicophants, as the un-elected Bush/Chaney turned out to be.
Obama/Biden; has a nice ring to it; God Speed…
- Posted by AlejandroWE DON’T NEED AN EXPERIENCED “VICE-PRESIDENT”! HE’S NOT THAT IMPORTANT.
WE NEED AN EXPERIENCED “PRESIDENT” — NOT A “PRESIDENT IN TRAINING”!
McCAIN IN NOVEMBER! HILLARY IN 2012!
- Posted by STOP-THE-DRAMA-NO-OBAMA!Obama’s selection of Biden really raises a lot of questions about his political judgment and highlights ever more his political inexperience. First Obama spends entire two weeks campaigning outside of the US most notably in Europe hoping the big rallies over there would somehow hide the fact the he is a foreign policy novice. Then when this move backfires and Obama starts sliding in the polls (cause hey, the “small-town bitterly clinging to guns and religion” US people, couldn’t care less about what the Germans think of who should be our next president), Barak does what any novice in a tight spot does - he panics and pulls another rookie mistake, by selecting Biden as his next “president, ooops vice-president” who by the way is an “EXPERT” I mind you on FOREIGN POLICY!?!
Now Mr. Obama, if you were to say that the former secretary if state Madeline Albright is an expert on foreign policy, or former ambassador Dick Holbrook is an expert on foreign policy, I would agree with you completely, simply because I know for fact they spent the bulk of their time serving on the road, meeting statesmen from foreign countries and conducting the foreign policy of the United States, as defined by the US STATE DEPRATMENT!
The SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITIE Mr. Obama does not conduct nor does it create the US foreign policy! Hence, JOE BIDEN IS NO EXPERT ON FOREIGN POLICY AT ALL!! In fact he has less foreign policy experience than you Mr. Obama, as he is yet to visit a foreign country or meet a foreign politician. He is nothing more than a pencil pusher and his selection as your VP candidate will most definitely cost you the election.
- Posted by AlexZBiden is a very good choice!
Obama has relaised than anyone other than the questionable Clinton is a good choice.
Of course, Biden will compliment Obama well, and will also be an ideal defense mechanism against people like Clinton, who continue to grind the political axe.
Now the contest is really happening and it is time to sweep Clinton aside, and tell her supporters to either back the true candidate or sling their long and sharp hooks.
If they want to back a loser - let them!
- Posted by The Truth Is...