Interesting. I think you're right about what Biden is good at.

But I'm not sure the Obama campaign is shifting focus. They prepared us for the veep pick by saying they wanted someone who was genuinely "mad" that people were losing jobs.

That tells me they're looking less for Biden's "experience" in itself than for stylistic balance. To make the populist argument they're now pivoting toward, they could use a spokesperson who comes across as direct, a little hot-headed, a little gritty. Those aren't Obama's strengths, but they're things Biden can provide.

I think given that Hillary was not even given consideration, I'm glad that he ended up with Senator Biden. Other than Hillary, whom I thought should have been the nominee, Biden is the best choice. He's safe, he's a foreign policy expert, and other than the fact that he's not an agent of change, he will not overshadow Senator Obama. To paraphrase Chris Matthews in words he used about the female contender when she conceded in June: Biden can obey.

all we need now is mccain to pick romney.

everyone focuses on biden's foreign creds. but he also has a regular guy creds

lookie here for joe biden:

Earned income: $193,900.

Honoraria (all donated to charity): $800.

Major assets: Bank accounts and life insurance policies, $22,008-$155,000.

Major sources of unearned income: Life insurance dividends, $1,001-$2,500.

Major liabilities: Loan against life insurance policies, $15,001-$50,000; lines of credit, $114,002-$300,000; credit union note, $10,001-$15,000.

Biden (cringe when I trype this) = the guy you want to have a beer with = nice segue into populist message

This is a great pick for senior appeal. My pro-Obama Mom is 87 and is really happy about this choice.

Biden is much better than Obama off the cuff. Obama is an orator. Biden is a talker. In terms of just getting the message out there, I think he is a great choice.

If he makes a mistake he can talk his way out of it.

Of course, there are other considerations which you know he has been thorough;y vetted for.

Appeals to the Chris Mathews "regular guy" vote, AND can make McSenile look like the ignoramus he is on foreign policy = decent pick. He doesn't rock my world but he's sure as hell 100x better than (ugh) Bayh. Let the games begin.

My only complaint, and you'll probably hear alot of this, is the bankruptcy bill vote.

But I'll get over it. Biden can, when he isn't embarrassing himself, really take the fight to the GOP, and Obama needs that. Hillary was also good at that, but she had WAY too much baggage.

great pick!!

So I'm waiting for Tena to wake up out there in Central or Mountain time or whatever and weigh in on the man about whom she was so, uh, hesitant shall we say.

Did you hear the latest: Biden once praised John 'Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde' McCain. OMG! I just don't know how the Obama Campaign will respond.

I don't agree with how you say Obama has "weaknesses" in areas like foreign policy, because he clearly doesn't. Perceived weaknesses per the conventional wisdom maybe, but weakness? Certainly not. He is right on all of the issues, and he is been effective in tearing McCain apart on them (of course you wouldn't know that by listening to the media).

I'm just glad he didn't go with a military person, which really would have made it look like he was trying to make up for something.

I still wish he would have picked someone against the Iraq war from the beginning though. Oh well. Biden is good.

I think it's a good pick. Now, let's give 'em hell.

bslev,

Biden will make the McCain comment on the number of houses McCain's "Macaca moment."

This is an excellent choice. Biden helps with all of the demographics where Obama is weak. Shockingly, of course, he is not in 100% agreement with Obama on say, Iraq and bankruptcy reform. (Its amazing how difficult it is to find someone who agrees with you 100%). But he has been much more responsible on Iraq than most of those who voted to authorize and Obama's willingness to have someone who voted to authorize can actually be good by showing that he does not think that is disqualifying, since the fact is, of course, that most Americans supported the Iraq War when it began. Its a way of saying its the future, not the past, that matters. Further, Biden can talk to those in his demographic who are unsure about Obama and say that Obama's choice of him shows Obama's respect for those with Biden's background. Remember, the evidence is that people want to vote for Obama and change and the task is to get them not from McCain to Obama but from undecided to Obama. On the criticism of Obama's experience, I think most voters realize that one makes what criticims are available when you yourself are running against someone and it is easily resolved by Biden saying that the campaign showed him that Obama is up to the job. On the nice things about McCain front, that could actually help reinforce the campaign's current message by Biden being able to say that was a different John McCain and not the one who is now campaigning for president, whose ambition has caused him to reject all of the policies that made Biden look favorably upon him. Finally, this choice will let Obama be Obama, talking positive while Biden can do the attacks, again helped by Biden's previous regard for another John McCain.

This is a TERRIBLE choice. a simple Google on Biden would have shown all of Biden's political errors and mistakes, from plagiarism to the Iraq Invasion to his DLC/Republican-lite voting record. I have lost faith that Obama means it when he gave hope that he would change Washington, Biden is one of Washington's oldest hand!!!

I think the analysis is largely right, but I'd add a couple of strengths

You cite the risk that: "Republicans will argue that Biden himself embodies the notion that foreign policy "experience" -- which McCain, too, has already been accorded by the D.C. press and pundit establishment -- is what is required for a president looking to navigate the dangerous and complex world of international affairs in the 21st Century."

While that is doubtless true, it also offers the opportunity for Biden to turn that argument on its head -- if he is willing to engage in a bit of self-deprecation by offering himself up as an example of how experience doesn't always get it right, and that Obama was right early on (about Iraq) while the experienced DC hands (like him and McCain). If he uses his perceived foreign policy credentials to attest to Obama's superior judgement, he could mute McCain's argument.

And Biden, having already been willing to admit his mistake on AUMF can take that argument directly to McCain (While McCain keeps hammering on the idea that somehow Obama is wrong to "not admit that the surge worked", Biden can press the question of why McCain refuses to admit that the invasion of Iraq was a mistake in the first place).

And he is probably the most credible and effective messenger we could hope for to really challenge the ways that McCain's hot headed, sabre-rattling, militaristic response to every possible foreign policy situation will undermine American security and military, not improve it.

But in addition to the foreign policy stuff, it is a mistake to underestimate Biden as a tough and feisty messenger on the domestic front - economics, housing, women's rights, Roe v Wade, judicial appointments, etc etc... If you think back to the days he chaired Judiciary, you're remember him as an aggressive and effective voice against the Republicans, and there is every reason he will be used on the campaign trail to offer a populist and vocal attack on Bush/McCain.

Sure there are risks with Biden, but I think we'll all find that the pluses will completely outweigh them...

Qw you actually think Obama's campaign is so incompetent they didnt google Biden? Who should they have picked then? Please enlighten us on why and whom Obama should have picked.

I'm absolutely thrilled it's Biden. He's always struck me as the absolute opposite of so many politicians who carefully parse their words and offer vague answers. Biden not only tells you what he thinks, but with brutal honesty (and wit) what he thinks of 'the other guy.' He'll prove to be a fantastic 'bad cop' to Obama's 'good cop' persona.

I look forward to Biden showing the country what a real maverick politician looks like.

An excellent choice. Biden's "passionate fighter" is just what Obama needs to complement his cool thoughtfulness. Especially during the rest of this campaign. Biden will eat whoever McCain chooses for lunch during the VP debate. Especially if it's Romney; god, I hope we get to see that debate. He also shows that Obama is secure and strong enough to pick someone who is smart, has experience, and has disagreed with him at times.

There were no perfect picks out there, just as there are no perfect presidential candidates, partners, etc.. Most of all, I love the fact that Biden can really get after McCain and the Republicans. I am so sick and tired of decades of Democrats not coming back strong against their blustery bull shit. Biden will also help Obama connect with some demographics which have been difficult for him. I liked Kaine and KS, but I think Biden is the best choice.

I just heard that Biden doesn't have a house in DC, and commutes everyday to Delaware, ever since his first election (after the tragic accident). He seems less Mr DC now... You need experience, but more importantly, the right kind of experience (paraphrasing Biden).

Obama/Biden - 2 houses, $2 million net worth (most of it out of Obama book sales!)
McCain/Romney? - 20 houses, $350 million net worth (inheritance/downsizing).

Tax policy and foreign policy debates - bring it on, bitches!

This is a winning formula for Obama. I am very pleased with this pick. I think the two represent quintessential American story.

During the primary I remember riding Southwest plane with Joe from Manchester - Philadelphia. He is a great guy and well loved in Pennsylvania. I would have voted for him in PA had he not dropped out of the race. Folks, this is a great pick

By the way, the guy didn't fly first class during the plane ride.

Alot of older, swing-voting americans I have spoken to have now firmly put their support behind Obama.

Biden was the right choice.

Could someone please help me understand what was the wisdom of rolling this out in this way?

CNN reported this in the middle of the night. The SMS went out in the morning. Saturday.

Half of the country will not find out until Monday.

Suddenly, it looks like he wanted this to be engulfed by the convention coverage. What was the logic?

Biden's talent on the attack isn't limited to foreign policy

One hopes against hope that there aren't examples lurking in the archives of Biden praising McCain's national security credentials.

Oh, there are. He's praised McCain quite a bit, but more in the 'velvet hammer' way, especially recently.

The Real Surge Story, by Joe Biden, April 2007

Sen. John McCain[" The War You're Not Reading About," op-ed, April 8] is right to warn about the consequences of failure in Iraq. But he is fundamentally wrong when he argues that those potential consequences require us to stick with a failing strategy.

...

I cannot guarantee that my plan for Iraq (detailed at http://www.planforiraq.com) will work. But I can guarantee that the course we're on -- the course that a man I admire, John McCain, urges us to continue -- is a road to nowhere.

AP: Choice of Biden shows "lack of confidence"

NYT: "In picking Sen. Joe Biden to be his running mate, Barack Obama sought to shore up his weakness — inexperience in office and on foreign policy — rather than underscore his strength as a new-generation candidate defying political conventions. "

Ambinder: "That Obama (apparently) picked him demonstrates a recognition that the Democratic ticket ought to be more than just about Obama’s personality… or a statement of bipartisan pragmatism… it’s easy to float on gossamers when the world is safe, but when it’s burning down, a guy like Biden is just the ticket."

Republicans:

"After all, Biden is anything but a change agent, having been in office longer than half of all Americans have been alive. Longer than McCain. And he talks too much. "

"There is something extremely incongruous about waiting for a text message that Joe Biden is the Agent of Change’s vice presidential pick. There could be no more fitting gesture to expose that the Obama campaign is built on an increasingly shaky premise."

“There has been no harsher critic of Barack Obama’s lack of experience than Joe Biden. Biden has denounced Barack Obama’s poor foreign policy judgment and has strongly argued in his own words what Americans are quickly realizing – that Barack Obama is not ready to be President.”

"I think the nation should offer profound thanks to Barack Obama for the Biden choice because of the real possibility that there will be unexpected moments of comedy between now and Election Day. For the thing is that Biden doesn’t just have a big mouth. He actually has an identifiable problem. It’s called logorrhea. When he starts speaking, it is nearly impossible for him to figure out how to stop."

Yeah that Goshen clip!!! It basically says that the Iraq war was CONDUCTED wrong, if only Bush had followed the example of Serbia-Kosovo, it would have been "right". Listen carefully, he is talking about the "sectarian violence" and the logic of partitioning another sovereign nation. He thinks Iraq should be Kosovoed!!! This is a partisan attack, it is NOT an honest attack, it is most definitely NOT a moral attack. Biden is no Ron Paul, he can't even hold a candle to Byrd, he wasn't even criticizing the authorization for War, god knows he was one of its architects, he was loudly saying it's going wrong because of the abdication and incompetence of this administration, as if He's got the right kind of experience and knowledge to Fight this War the Right Way.

He comes across as another of those cunning old foxes in Washington.

There is a SILLY ILLUSION that Biden is somehow "good" at Foreign Policy simply because he is one of the OLDEST members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. If you can figure out with a Venn Diagram McCain = "Old" and perhaps "Experienced" but not necessarily "Good", you have to consider the entire US Foreign Policy under Biden, from Kosovo to Iraq culminating in today's fiasco with Russia to judge Biden's record. In other words, his record isn't quite as dissimilar from Clinton's or Bush's, from the Middle East to Russia.

I'm just shocked how no one seems to understand the axiom the taste of the pudding is in the tasting.

Biden will pulverize Romney, or anyone McSenile picks in the VP debate. His rapid fire responses are just what the Obama campaign needs, as long as he's a little more careful with what he says and does not insult the wrong group. I do think he's learned more about how to control his mouth. His quick wit, working class background, a down-to-earth, attractive wife who is an educator, will all help the ticket. His vote on the bankruptcy bill was a mistake, but Obama wants to re-write that legislation, and I think it will happen.

Does anyone know how many houses Romney owns? And, how many people lost their jobs in US companies during his tenure at Bain Capital? And what about the sickening amount of money Romney made at Bain, at least $35 million of which he "loaned" his own campaign this year.

Nancy Pfotenhauer said she had a "cone of silence" over her office when she was asked about whether McCain chose a VP. Glad they're joking about that BS.

Still, anyone else find Pfotenhauer really attractive?

Frankly, the BEST thing for Iraq is for the Iraqis to OWN their country again, they have been a nation for decades through a succession of different governments and strongmen leaders. They did not undergo sectarian violence until UN interventions, they were able to promote and pursue their own secular, nationalistic identity and agenda, THEY WEREN'T A FAILED STATE. Who knows what is truly behind their "sectarian violence"???? How can you be sure it isn't a CIA op to decimate the country to make it more pliant to occupation???? It is IMMORAL for us to invade, occupy and quarter a soveriegn nation.

The liberal blogosphere vetoed Evan Bayh as a running mate because he voted for the Iraq War in 2002. Well, so did Biden.

This essay above describes Biden as "charismatic." He is, in fact, so charismatic that he has run for President two times (1988 and 2008) and got a grand total of zero delegates -- nil, nada, bupkis. Fewer than Dennis Kucinich did.

I like the pick because if Obama wins, Biden will help him be a better president. But I don't think Biden increases Barack's chances of winning.

Ron Fournier with a hit piece

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080823/ap_on_el_pr/veepstakes_analysis

The economy, foreign affairs, the federal regulatory agencies (SEC;FERC;FEC; NOAA,mines, etc) were screwed up so badly in the past 7+ years, that only proven adults need apply for roles with Obama and Co. In short that change it about cleaning up crap.

Biden is no savior but is firmly grounded in foreign affairs, and can well navigate his way around many pressing issues: foreign affairs, the judiciary, the economy, etc.

from tone-deaf republican land (via Jmart). Biden is the 'second biggest celebrity in washigton' (behind McCain maybe?) so Obama Biden is like a Paris-Britney ticket. Ha ha ha. I cannot wait to see Biden get in fron to that .

I beg to differ Dr Zaius.

Biden will appeal to the Hillary-voting blue collar rural bloc who need a nudge to remember that they belong with the Democratic Party. He was born in Scranton, so you can bet he will be milking that big time. Biden will be taking the Appalaichan Trail. He could just make the difference in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, perhaps North Carolina and who knows where else might come into play. Just watch.

This is an election where a picture tells a thousand words. Policies will recede as images take over.

Some folks need to calm the fuck down.

Biden is the VP pick. Therefore, whatever his past thoughts on partitioning Iraq, etc may be, they're as a fart in a high wind, since he won't be making the policy. He definitely is smart enough and charismatic enough to help the ticket, but that's what he's there for - to help the ticket, not run the country.

Next, consider this...I stated upthread that I was disappointed somewhat in the pick of a DLCer. That's true, but consider - Biden is DLC Lite compared to Bayh...and Biden would be too old to succeed Obama in the presidency should Obama win and serve two terms. Bayh would not, which means the DLC would be back in control of the party again. This isn't a factor with Biden, and as I see it, his DLC negatives are pretty much erased by that fact. Because as I pointed out already, he won't be the one making the policy.

The more I think about the pick, the more comfortable I am with it. Sure, the GOP is going to attack, and the media - that's what they do. And because the guy's been in office for 35 years, there will be more to attack. But I've seen Biden pwn them before and I'm sure he can pwn them again.

forgot about the partition blather - Biden is indeed identified with it.

Juan Cole (?) shouted it down - as the neighbors ALL saw it as something that strengthens Israel

Should have been Hillary.

The pick of Biden does little for Obama except show the country that he is a middle right candidate, not the liberal that those who control the Democratic Party think the country fears. Read the polls. America is hungry for for a real liberal, for real Roosevelt style change, not the Obama way of playing up to power, and working inside the corrupt system. This is not the time for incrementalism. This is the first time in the past 30 years that America is ready for wholesale change, to advance the liberal cause and insure the rights of Americans after years of them being ignored and actively trashed. This choice undercuts all that, undercuts the whole 'change' meme that Obama has been pushing, and really, it puts the lie to the whole campaign up to now.

I haven't been all that trilled with the choice of Obama this year, and now I'm even less so. I won't vote for McCain, so my vote will be against him, rather than for anybody.

BREAKING: Wash Post poll shows Biden selection will not affect their vote!

BROKEN: Nitwit poll ignores plan fact that responds have no rightly idea how the selection may or may not affect vote!

One thing that seems under-emphasized in the msm, but is of importance to readers of TPM is Biden's experience in the judiciary committee. In particular, the fact that Biden has been on the front lines (and losing side) of the constitutional power-struggle between the legislative and executive branches, and his 35 year Senate experience, which I imagine results in some loyalty to that branch, gives me hope that he will push to have that some of that power-grab by the executive branch rolled back. I was confident that Obama would be much better about this than McCain, who I'm sure would not voluntarily give up one iota of power, but having Biden on the ticket increases my confidence.

On the other hand, I don't recall him being one of the most aggressive questioners, but that is partly his style. I vaguely remember him saying to Alberto Gonzales, when Alberto was playing Mr. Amnesiac, "Al, I love ya, Babe...but you're killing us!" I'm gonna have to scour TPM for old Biden judiciary highlights.

boo-lala, re, '"Al, I love ya, Babe...but you're killing us!"'

I don't want to be a sycophant and I'd need to know more, but I do think in the abstract that line is reasonably effective. Upshot: "You're killing us."

Love the headline. Now that Obama has chosen an inferior Democratic version of McCain it's time to discuss foreign policy.

Obama ain't got game.

Biden got no voter base.

Biden > Barry
Hillary > Barry
Hillary > Biden

Can't wait till the Clintonista revolt at the DEM convention. Most of us Clinton supporters will never support Barry. Barry promises change, picks the Same Old Washington Shit in Joe "bad hair plugs" Biden.

Let the party start!

McCain/Clinton 2008
Clinton 2012

So, what are the color of the clouds in your world?

If you only read one Biden article, make it this one - http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/08/joe_biden_profile_of_vice_pres.html

Sorry. My server was down last night and all of this morning.

I knew it was Biden. The signals were there.

I'm happy for his choice. He complements Obama not just on Foreign Policy and National Security but in a lot of other issues (Remember his "Joe is right" campaign in the primaries). He maybe is a Washington insider, but he gets things done.

I wasn't shocked for Hillary's lack of vetting. Of course let's see the PUMA whining begin. It's true she could brought a lot of positive elements to the ticket, but the negatives were as much as well (as the Bill baggage).

Now everybody's eyes will be on Denver. The case for real change in America must be presented in a clear and passionate way. McCain, Bush, Cheney an the GOP must be hit as hard as possible. They're responsible for many of the U.S. (and the World's) problems today and the Dems must show the real consequences of a possible McCain's administration.

For McCain's choice, I'm begging for Romney. This guy is the real "Manchurian Candidate". When you put him and the "Old Maverick, I'm a POW excuse for everything, I don't remember how many houses I have, I don't know much of economics, I want to stay in Iraq forever and bomb, bomb Iran", and the fact that they didn't get along in the primaries, yow know that's a series of accidents waiting to happen. Pawlenty is fun as watching a turn-off TV screen and a pro-choice like Ridge is already rejected for the unofficial vetters of the GOP Rush & Dobson.

I'm waiting for the rally now. Let's wait and see.

Obama-Biden 2008: Tough change you can believe in.

Great point...but is there an electable choice out there whose hand's aren't just a tiny bit dirty with corporate influence?

Delaware is truly the corporation state so this may be a problem for Obama.

Biden strips the media of its simpleton non-analysis that McCain has years of experience and therefore should be taken more seriously than someone who has fewer years.

All of a sudden, with one move, the Democrats will move the foreign policy debate away from hackneyed media talking points and onto substance of these issues.

The media had been thoroughly spun on McCain, who on most foreign policy matters is wildly off-base. The media masses even allowed McCain's Big Lebowski foreign policy ("This aggression will not stand, man.") on Russia to go unquestioned. And then gave him the mantle of expert of foreign affairs even as most policy thinkers believe his pronouncements to be enormously unhelpful.

Now, I would imagine that the media will have to unspin itself to let a little more reality into the "analysis".

I'm hoping that Biden will give some backup ammo to Obama's credentials, but crucially I hope he will help him fire hard and crucially smart shots at McCains wrinkley old ass.
*shudders at metaphor inducing image*

The choice of Biden is an example of the best defense being a good offense.

I don't think his pick will add many people to the band wagon, but I think it will keep some from dropping off.

As for what he adds to the ticket in terms of delegate count, it is not Delaware. It is Pennsylvania. There are a lot of news releasing flying around about his Scranton roots where, like Hillary, his grandparents hailed from.

The dueling constitutional lawyers aspect is really interesting. I think we should expect a Constitution narrative coming out of this. "Red or blue, we all love and cherish the Constitution. We're the team that knows it, its history and its significance. Unlike Bush and McCain, we know how to deal with other countries and not degrade that holiest of holy American documents. We are the team that will protect it and by protecting the constitution, we will protect America."

FISA be damned, they should own this. How to balance the need for protection with the need for liberty in parallel with the balance they present as a team - old and young, white and black, fresh and experienced, bologna and arugula.

AP's McMole Ron Fournier repeat Ron Fournier needs a spanking.

Amen. I like Joe too, but the Bankruptcy Bill has been my major problem with so many otherwise good Dems.

I for one never understood how nobody ever talks about that bill and its effects on low and middle class people. Worst bill in a long, long time.

I can't really think of a better choice if he wants to win. Perhaps Wes Clark would have been, but Obama threw him under the bus after his comments about McCain. Those who are concerned that this is anti-progressive are certainly right, but then Obama is no progressive anyway. His actions since securing the nomination have certainly proven that. Some thought he had a secret plan, but in reality his campaign has been floundering up until this moment. Basically, he has thrown a bone to middle-of-the-roaders and status quo Dems. If he gets elected and runs radically to the left, he better show some quick results or he will be another four year loser. And though Biden will be pretty old in '16, he may choose to run. In which case, Obama's action today will have kept the DLC alive for at least another decade and a half. Obama's been a sellout his whole career and he duped y'all. Now live with it.

"so what makes you think that anyone would have thought you'd be "thrilled" over the VEEP choice?"Posted by HusseinTenaX August 23, 2008 12:27 PM.

>My apologies for having to leave after my post@11:33 and your response to my post.

>You asked Qwerty @12:56 "Who's swooning? Don't try to characterize me or my attitudes, if you please."

>If you can't understand that the two partys are just two factions of the Business Party and nothing more, then you're doing your own swooning and additionally, you're tone deaf no matter what the Business Party Orchestra plays.

Once again, bluebell is right; "Praise the Lord, the establishment has been preserved! It's still safe to vote for middle east wars and bailouts for credit card companies. I shall sleep well tonight knowing I don't have get all stressed worrying that all the same old players won't be in the same old places doing the same old things when I wake tomorrow. Yawn. In fact, I feel so comfortable right here in the status quo, I think I'll turn right over and go back to sleep." Posted by bluebell.

>So what's the solution? That you use your head for something besides growing hair.
August 23, 2008 10:56 AM

>You don't have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

How is Biden going to challenge the GOP foreign policy? His is basically the same. He claims he's a Zionist. He wants to chop up Iraq into three pieces and he wants to award Saakashvilli a billion for invading South Ossetia. Lest I forget, he and Barry still want to continue to blow up weddings and civilians in general in Afghanistan and Pakistan in their quest for the ever elusive Osama. Little do they know that Osama has had plastic surgery and a leg shortening operation and is living as an obscure midget, Tijuana.