Obama picks Biden to be VP

Posted: Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:13 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Joe Biden

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Obama picked Delaware Sen. Joe Biden to be his vice presidential running mate. The campaign sent out a text message at 3:09 a.m. ET that read:

"Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee. Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3pmET on www.BarackObama.com. Spread the word!"

The campaign also sent an e-mail to supporters, in which Obama said he's "excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone."

For its part, once the news broke early this morning, the McCain campaign sent out a prepared ad hit on Obama selecting Biden. It uses a quote from Biden, who was critical of Obama during a presidential debate this cycle, saying that he stood by a statement that Obama was not "ready." The ad also uses a quote from Biden praising McCain that is years old. When the quote was used in a McCain Web ad, Biden and other Democrats brutally dismissed it, asking, What's happened to John McCain?

*** UPDATE *** Despite the ad, NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports, McCain is expected to call Biden later today to offer his congratulations, advisers said.

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Comments

Excellent pick!

To all the Hillary lovers who feel she was dissed, check out Howard Fineman's piece - apparently she didn't want to be vetted because of the scrutiny into Bill's shady doners for his foundation (http://www.newsweek.com/id/154863) ... so lets all unite as Democrats behind Obama!

Jeff, NY (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:33 AM)

I voted for Clinton twice, Gore, and Kerry!!! I donated tons of money to Hilary Clinton! Tongiht I donated money to McCain! I hope he wins! Obama had a chance to untie the party and he failed!!! I hope he looses!!!

Jordan Kyle, 751 Pelican Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:44 AM)

McCain’s attack ad and press release are telling. It’s as though he and his team can’t imagine that you would choose someone who would challenge you. Could it be that Barak Obama wants a strong independent voice in a VP to help really think through issues? Real debate during decision making—-imagine that! Do we really want to continue the age of “yes men” in our government who are absolutely afraid to challenge the leader—-because of the leader’s temper or fragile ego? That set up leads to the dangerous group think that gave us Iraq, torture, incompetent Katrina response, and more.

Mark, Newland, NC (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:58 AM)

That quote from Biden was about the man he used to know: the pre-2008 John McCain. Few of us recognize who McCain has become. In his insatiable desire for the White House, he has sold his soul to Steve Schmidt and Karl Rove. He is now a puppet of the neocons. By running that ad, McCain is delivering on a silver platter the ultimate opporunity to Biden: he can simply say, "yes, the John McCain I once knew is not the John McCain who's running for President."

CA Voter (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:00 AM)

Bright, articulate, honest and has the fighting Irish gift of gab. He leveled Rudy with one sentence... Dare we say it... 'John McCain is a noun, a verb and POW'. Let Barack appeal to our greater selves, that which has inspired this endeavor, and let's follow his lead of finding the common ground for the common good but, GO GET 'EM JOE! This is going to be fun!

Patrick Coady (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:01 AM)

EXCELLENT CHOICE!

A great senator, with tremendous experience and who has proven to be a fierce campaigner. If it becomes a McCain/Romney vs Obama/Biden, I honestly believe that the Obama/Biden ticket will eat them alive. They will fight back, to the predictable lies that the GOP will produce via negative ads, in a way that Kerry/Edwards never did (but should have).

Good Choice Sen. Obama!

Ed, 1SG, Retired Peoria, IL (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:02 AM)

Another insult to the women of America.

Britney's new Kevin Federline does not impress me.

It appears he just wanted another extreme left winger.

Nancy Dallas, Texas (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:03 AM)

It looks like the communist partners, Biden didn't think Obama should be President I agree with him on that.

The hard left turn scares me.

Hillary you were not even considered, bye bye

Ringo Miami Florida (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:07 AM)

So how can Obama now criticize McCain's age when he's only 6 yrs older than Biden.

Mrs. T (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:08 AM)

I am withdrawing my support for Obama expressly due to the fact he ignored millions of women in this country and their unfledging support for Hillary Clinton. He will not win without the support of Hillary's staunch supporter. He made a very big mistake.

Mary Neal (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:10 AM)

So now everybody has to answer that 3:00am call? Even journalists? I hope you guys don't get addicted to stimulants by the time this election is over. Seriously, this whole VP pick drama was kind of a cruel thing to do to reporters!

Amy B Portland, Me (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:11 AM)

Whoo Hoo, I am soooo excited. These two compliment each other in so many ways. Biden brings so much to the table, as does Obama. This is the team that will finally change the direction for America!!
Obama/Biden 08'

cindy, Las Vegas, Nv (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:13 AM)

Awesome!!!!Bravo!!! Winning formular.

Obama/Biden '08

Bee (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:15 AM)

OBAMA/BIDEN 08. Johnny McSurge is working Mccain is going down.

Kelli WMBG, VA (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:18 AM)

IMHO, this should help to wrap things up for the Dems!! Best pick for VP!!!

Blade (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:24 AM)

There is 5 of us here at house and none of us are excited about the pick.

Most of us secretly wished for Hillary, she is closer to McCain on things that Joe whatever and Obama are just not an electable ticket.

We'll hold our nose and vote for McCain.

Tyrone Detroit (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:27 AM)

What a wise choice!!! This is a strong ticket and Biden will bring alot to it. GO OBAMA-BIDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sandra Kilburn (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:32 AM)

Congratulations Senator Biden, many of us have an
unshakeable confidence in your ability to help
Senator Obama in our quest for the WH in this volatile election cycle. Do us proud as he is doing.
As an African American, 65 year-old woman, I have
followed your political career from the outset and am
very much a fan. I believe you and Senator Obama
will be a great team!

Obama/Biden 08

Excited Senior,MD (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:36 AM)

I get all Obama fundraising e-mails.

I "signed-up" to get the email announcement.

I didn't get anything.

Someone fumbled somewhere.

ohhh woe is me (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:36 AM)

Biden is the only one he could have picked to get this Hillary supporter to vote. Biden doesn't hesitate to speak honestly and bluntly when necessary.

Mabel McSparin, Morrison, Il. (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:41 AM)

What's happened to John McCain?

Does it really matter?

Did you know that he's a POW?

Jimmy, Loveland, CO (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:44 AM)

EXCELLENT !!!

They have my vote for sure. Hillary people, let's get onboard the AmTrak train and bring this election on home for the Dems this year.

UNITY is the name of the game now.
LET'S DO IT !!!

Obama/Biden 08

Shell, Indianapolis, In (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:44 AM)

Hillary looks tired...depressed...broken. She doesn't have what it takes to be President of The United States of America. Plus, she only suspended her campaign. She's out there still calling Obama her opponent. She's talking about how she hasn't been vetted. (We all know she's got enough dirt to fill all the closets in The Whitehouse, Camp David, her Brownstone in NY, and the closets in ALL OF McCain's houses too). Hillary is sneaky, and disloyal.

McCain on the other hand is out of control, dangerous, dazed....confused......

Look at Biden. Seasoned... smart.... tough.....honest, NO DRAMA!!!!!

Look at Obama. He has been put through hell, but he's stronger than ever.

Obama/Biden is what we need.

THANK YOU DEAR LORD!

Now, let's go win this hummer!

Obama wanna Biden (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:46 AM)

I think he made a great chess move... http://www.enewsreference.wordpress.com

eNews Reference (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:46 AM)

picking joe biden is weak pick for the vp that shows how weak obama would be if he were president. this guy has no back bone is now time for us strong democratic voters to start working on getting hillary clinton ready for 2012.
obama just showed us that he is like the rest of the washington insiders biden is an old fuddy duddy that has
no one interested.in him being picked. has john mccain has said obama has no jugdement and is inexpirent

RAPHAEL RUIZ HACKENSACK NEW JERSEY (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:47 AM)

YES!!!!!! The two men I wanted most to be president are now running mates; what a valuable asset both these fine men are to our country. With them we'll recover the damage the Republicans have created over the past 8 years.

Obama/Biden '08

Kathy, Fort Atkinson, WI (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:47 AM)

Biden?!! We had to endure all this media fanfare for Joe Biden?! What a disappointing choice. I contributed signifantly to the Kerry campaign in 2008, but I don't believe I'll be contributing to the Obama-Biden ticket. Work is hard, and I don't want to waste the money I earn on this ticket, which appears now to be a loser. In fact it appears that the Democrats are purposely trying to lose the election by choosing Biden as the VP pick-- he's such an incredible blabbermouth. Hillary Clinton would not have made this mistake. The only real upside I can see is that I can get my disappointment in another Democratic loss out of the way now instead of wating until November.

Tom Moskios, Eastern Shore, VA (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:47 AM)

Congradulations Joe!! I can't wait to hear the Biden comeback to McGoo, should be something like - a noun, a verb and POW. Go get em Joe.

justthinkinoutloud (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:48 AM)

Well nice try MSNBC in trying to answer the McCain ad where Biden praises him. I dont care how old it is, it's very effective.

I notice you didnt mention Biden saying Obama is too inexperienced to be Presdient and it's not an office for on the job training in the same ad.

That's pretty fresh, but I have confidence you'll spin that one too.

Tim, Philadelphia (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:48 AM)

Cindy hoarded her father's money for herself, denies she has a sister, and won't share with her. If Cindy's wealth defeats her husband's bid for the Presidency, as in the number of houses they own,(among other things), who would argue that that was not a punishment, from The Lord, of Biblical proportions? There is a pox on Cindy's houses.

Twin #1 (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:49 AM)

This is the best choice possible. This has been my dream ticket since the beginning of the race. Those that try to put out garbage on this ticket, are people who do not have the best interest of the country at heart. They would go against anyone who is a Democrat. The Obama campaign just keeps on getting stronger and stronger!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Barack and Joe!!!!!!!!!

D Karger, Rockford, Mn (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:49 AM)

Biden and Obama bring a wisdom to the White House that John McCain lacks. He can't remember what kind of car he drove last year, how many houses he has, who the Sunni & Shia are, what touches the Iraq border, or that 60 lobbyists are setting his policies now.

Letting a Phil Gramm write his economic policy show zero wisdom; this is a guy who deregulated the energy markets for his wife at Enron, deregulated the mortgage industry for his Swiss Bank boss (UBS), and thinks we're a nation of whiners when we question the people in charge who are selling out the country to a nation corporations.

Sorry, but it's time for us to make a change from those who are just interested in a buck.

http://infogiant.wordpress.com/?s=bush+mccain+oil+war+media

infogiant, austin, tx (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:49 AM)

obamas has suck the last few months and this pick just
proofs it this can be elected we can't backwards
obama is not just the right guy he strarted with
his paster hating america and now he shows us how
bad he is in jugdement in this pick. hillary and JOE BIDEN were right this guy can't WIN

DORIS LUNA ENGLEWOOD NJ (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:53 AM)

OK JOHN MCCAIN HERE IS YOUR TICKET TO WIN.
OBAMA PICKS BIDEN THE GUY WHOM SAID HE CAN'T BE PRESIDENT THAT HE IS NOT READY.MCCAIN THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

brian queens ny (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:56 AM)

bravo! now that's a balanced ticket... bumper stickers anyone?

Obama/Biden'08

pablo torres (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:56 AM)

lol

I KNEW that text wasn't coming until 3 AM . . . just had to be that way!

Congrats to Senators Biden and Obama - America is fortunate to have such a great team!

Let the games begin!

Obama/Biden '08/'12

P.S. The McCain ad - true to form - is classless and ridiculous. But that is what 40% of America is looking for . . . sad what passes for "experience" these days.

Nashville_fan (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:58 AM)

Couldn't be happier. Biden will bring soooo much to this team. His experience, shot from the hip attitude will be a plus for Obama. Together they can get America back on track!!

cindy lou (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:00 AM)

WE JUST WENT FROM MISTER EXCITEMENT TO MISTER "DUD"
WHAT THE HELL WAS OBAMA THINKING IS TIME TO GET READY
FOR HILLARY2012

brianne bronx ny (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:01 AM)

The man is a bigger idiot than I thought ! Well, it was his election to lose. Nobody can blame Hillary for this !

HIllDem4McCain (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:02 AM)

Just wait until McSmelly chooses Mitten for his VP.

Oh Man, the Obama/Biden camp be able to pull scores and scores of negative footage for ads.
Enough to last until November and beyond!

I can hardly wait for those!!!
;o)

GObama/Biden
As Nike says... Just Do It !!!

Just Do It (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:02 AM)

I guess Obama really doesn't want to become the nations first black president. Nader said he wasn't stupid enough to pick Biden, but I always said he was.

I will be voting for Hillary Clinton come Nov.

William, Dallas, Texas (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:02 AM)

I waited and waited yesterday for news that he chosse Hillary, but I get up early this morning and see he picked Biden. I can't tell you how disappointed I am.

Dem in Tx (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:03 AM)

Great choice, let's kick repub butt!

John Alexander,PA (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:04 AM)

How dishonorable of John McCain to attack first and then congratulate next.

Diamond (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:05 AM)

I love it. Biden was my first choice for president followed by Obama. I'll take the reverse order happily and am excited by Obama's inspirational movement of young people. This choice must be making McBlinky awful nervous. No one that he's considering for VP can stand up to Biden...in fact if Biden's not overly nice and respectful of the old man he'd tear him a new one, too. Obama/Biden 08! A great team.
P.S. Mrs. Clinton is still a U.S. Senator with a great future representing the people of New York and will be a big asset to Obama and Biden.

subgruvet, ok (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:08 AM)

That's it McCain, give him a hug and stab him in the back!... I can't wait to see the ads of McCain's opponents during their campaigns... Can we say John Floppable!!!

Great pick Obama!!! Biden was my second choice and is well liked in this area of the country.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08/12

todd from Lancaster PA (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:08 AM)

I am so excited - Obama Biden is exactly what needed to happen ! Can't wait to vote on November 4th 2008 for Obama Biden.

In terms of the McCain campaign attacking Obama Biden by saying that Biden has voiced support for McCain in the past, the key phrase should be "in the past". Considering the manner in which McCain has morphed into something that doesn't resemble whom he suppossedly was 6 months ago, Joe Biden is going to have a field day comparing the past and the present John McCain.

Go Obama Biden !!!

Christopher (Upstate New York) (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:10 AM)

Being a big hillary fan,I was outraged at what I saw on CNN last night. Obama has TOTALLY disrespected her and everything she has done to help him. He didn't even vet her, but kept her hanging like she was a possibility. Then to SNUB her completely and use her the way he did is NOT forgiveable !I was going to vote for him, but now I will join the other half of her supporters and back McCain. I don't like McCain, but I dislike what he did to Hillary even more. To all you Anti obma groups, please add me to the list.

Former Obama Supporter (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:11 AM)

It is a good, smart choice, from a good, smart man.

I think it was going to be Clinton or Biden. To take Clinton would have smacked of desperation. To choose Biden tells me Obama is not afraid to be 'advised' by the people that surround him, and doesn't just need yes men.

Obama/Biden '08

Lisa, Baltimore (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:13 AM)

The War Gnome would have had a negative ad ready for Jesus if Obama had selected him. A terrible candidate, he's become out of touch with even veterans. Every fumbled answer is backed up with ...but, I was a POW for 5 years....and we're supposed to accept that. No Way. Vote for today and tomorrow. Not for yesterday and the last century.

bill, okla (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:14 AM)

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