More veepstakes: Reactions to the pick

Posted: Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:11 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Joe Biden

In a statement, Hillary Clinton said, "In naming my colleague and friend Sen. Joe Biden to be the Vice Presidential nominee, Sen. Obama has continued in the best traditions for the Vice Presidency by selecting an exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant. Sen. Biden will be a purposeful and dynamic Vice President who will help Senator Obama both win the Presidency and govern this great country."

According to NBC's Kelly O'Donnell, advisers say John McCain is expected to phone Biden later today to offer congratulations.

VP finalist Tim Kaine also released this statement: "I am very excited that Sen. Obama has selected Senator Biden to be his running mate. Sen. Biden is a tremendous leader and a great complement to Sen. Obama and his candidacy. He has worked as a committed public servant, has a proven track record, and understands the complex challenges facing our nation. The Obama-Biden ticket provides the United States with a new and meaningful dialogue with world leaders and will improve America's standing with our allies and the global community.”

And here’s even a statement from GOP Sen. Dick Lugar on his way to Tbilisi, Georgia:
"I congratulate Sen. Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Sen. Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy. I share the disappointment of many Hoosiers that my partner in the Senate, Evan Bayh, was not selected on this occasion, but I believe he will continue to have widespread support for higher office during many years ahead."

The AP’s Fournier: “The candidate of change went with the status quo. 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.”

More: “[T]he question is whether Biden's depth counters Obama's inexperience - or highlights it?”

And don't miss this: "A senior Obama adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, said his boss has expressed impatience with what he calls a 'reverence' inside his campaign for his message of change and new politics. In other words, Obama is willing - even eager - to risk what got him this far if it gets him to the White House."

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Comments

Very gracious of Hillary. Hopefully her die hard supporters can be as gracious and place their country ahead of one person.

Billy, Texas (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:25 AM)

Russell Fox (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:28 AM)

Hillary has CLASS it seems
I wish her supporters would learn that this is not about Hill or Obama or anyone. Its about this country. The GOP has RUINED this country.
GET OVER THE HILL THING ALREADY. She has

You can not vote for a REPUBLICAN if you are a DEM. And if you do then you were never a dem..

Obama/Biden 08
I LOVE IT!!!!!

Biden will tear McNastys head off and eat it for lunch

Between Biden and Obama they have 2 houses ;D

Still much less than McNasty and possibly Mutt RomNOT

Nj (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:29 AM)

How horribly biased has the AP become?

I don't even read their stupid headlines anymore.

Biden is a great pick and will handily beat anybody McCain can put together. Romney, Giuliani, Pawlenty... get ready for the pain.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX 75165 (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:32 AM)

This just in - experience and change are not opposites.

John McCain not withstanding, it is possible to do both.

Nashville_fan (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:43 AM)

Only spoiled sports and the repugnant ones would not like Obama's choice of Joe Biden. The repugnant ones quake in their little designer booties that Obama has chosen a tough liberal who won't shy away from trashing that false war hero who wants nothing but neverending war and tax cuts for himself and his elitist millionaire base.

Only Barack Obama and Joe Biden can bring honesty and integrity back to the White House, something that's been missing during the current tyranny.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:48 AM)

What happened to all the 18 Million Hillary Votes? I guess we better start thinking about the McCain/Hillary ticket. Why? Obama has not promised change in picking Biden!!!!

Chris (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:51 AM)

I'm glad you feel better Nj.

Obama owed it to the American people to pick Biden. He did the honorable thing in seeking to protect us.
He didn't sell us out for votes. The Lord will provide the votes if that is His Will.

He's not ObiWan Kenobi but....

Obamawan O Biden '08 (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:51 AM)

Hillary has CLASS it seems
I wish her supporters would learn that this is not about Hill or Obama or anyone. Its about this country. The GOP has RUINED this country.
GET OVER THE HILL THING ALREADY. She has
-------------------------------

Yes Hillary has More CLASS than anyone, too bad obama doesn't ! He used her and us by lieing and saying she was on the short list and he NEVER vetted her or was never even going to consider her. That is WRONG and I will no longer support him !!!! I was going to but NOT now. He really pissed me and millions of other Hillary supporters off with what we heard on CNN last night ! He is a LAIR and a disgrace. I will now join that 50% that will back McCain. Pollsters call me NOW !

Pissed Dem (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 9:59 AM)

Hillary has CLASS it seems
I wish her supporters would learn that this is not about Hill or Obama or anyone. Its about this country. The GOP has RUINED this country.
GET OVER THE HILL THING ALREADY. She has

You can not vote for a REPUBLICAN if you are a DEM. And if you do then you were never a dem..
-------------------------------

That is all BS. just because your a Dem does not mean you have to support the party. Like NOW ! Obama just cost us the White House. Hillary Supporters will now flock to McCain !

Confused as to why (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:07 AM)

Joe Biden is 65. In 8 years he will be even older than McCain. I think its obvious that Obama chose him without thinking into the future. Obama is still too up himself, the biggest celebrity in the world.

Adrian, Jakarta (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:12 AM)

HOORAY TO OBAMA — HE HAS LIBERATED THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WITH BIDEN AS VP.

When Obama wins the presidency without the overt support of the Clintons and the “Whining White Women” he will have liberated the Dem party from the grips of the ‘radical female faction’ of the party. Let them start their own party — the WWW Party.

He will also liberate the party of the ‘black grievance wing’ of the Dem party; the Rev. Jacksons and Sharptons, et al.

THIS WILL TRULY BE A NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY. HOORAY FOR OBAMA. THE PARTY IS BACK!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NO TO HILLARY & RADICAL FEMALE DEMOCRATS... (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:18 AM)

This Hilary supporter WILL NOT be as gracious as Hilary. I will, for the first time in my life, vote Republican. Obama's comments about "change" is nothing more than lip service. His VP pick is nothing more than a Washington good-ole-boy.

Mich, Houston, TX (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:25 AM)

"Get over this reverence for change and new politics". Don't worry, Senator Obama, we have; in fact, many of us never bought into it in the first place.

Donna, Lincroft, NJ (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:25 AM)

I was one of the people that voted for Joe Biden for president. I am so excited now about this election.
With Obama and Biden we can get the our respect back in the world. The mess that the two of them will be walking into will take time to undo...but I truly believe they will be able to do it. I'm in Florida and will do all I can to turn this red state blue...for the good of our country.

Sue Baker, Bradenton, Florida (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:27 AM)

Barack Obama made the right decision. The two men
are intelligent and open. They will listen, discuss
and make the best decisions concerning us and our
country.
And, I'll bet Biden knows how to use the computer
too.
Obama/Biden 08!!

katiec (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:28 AM)

I am terribly dissappointed by the biden pick. I proves only one thing, Obama is not an agent of change, he is a political insider who will do anything to win. Sound like anyone else?(Clintons). When he gets into office it will be the same, my way or the highway attitude. Change we can believe in right. Still an Obama supporter but you have to call it like it is.............

Dan, Idaho (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:29 AM)

As someone who was excited about change ,,it seems Obama did not pick a VP that goes along with his message. I am sorry Obama has again showed his true colors of a chicago politician, I am now more undecided then ever and am rreally giveing McCain a second look

Mark TIme (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:32 AM)

I am concerned that the Democrats don't know how to enjoy an election. They should be proud and excited that they have both an excellent presidential candidate and vice presidential candidate. If they keep complaining instead of celebrating, they will be responsible for another democratic loss. My goodness, folks, don't you know when you have it good. And, quite the Clinton stuff. Hillary lost the primary and everyone (including Bill Clinton) need to get over it. Also, why would Barack Obama consult Bill Clinton about his pick when Bill Clinton has done nothing but insult Barack Obama. Learn to be gracious, Bill.

Doreen Augusta Maine (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:35 AM)

This is a superb selection on the part of Obama, he's displaying his pure genious yet again...

(IS IT JUST ME, OR IS THIS GUY SHOWING HOW TRULY SMART HE IS, AS WELL AS TO THE TYPE OF LEADER HE WILL BE???)

This balances out the ticket across the board. And not only that, but Biden's heart is in the right place...

What bother's me however is all the pundits saying how this might upset the Hillary supporters -and it may- but incase nobody else figured it out yet, she's not entitled... I've always personally held the Clinton's in high regard, and i'm workin' on getting it back, but this notion that she shouldv'e been consulted about ANYTHING is total nonsense...

Ya know what??? At the end of the day it's either going to be Obama, or McCain, and if Hillary's supporters can't get pass all of this for the sake of their party, their Country, and more importantly, their kids, Then go ahead and vote McCain... Or stay home, in which case is still a vote for McCain by default... {But over the next 4 years try realigning your priorities...}

I'm sure Obama can live with it, for after all he is about the people, and if they don't see that, then they'll undoubtedly get what they deserve...

(These FeministS need to realize that this election isn't about Hillary, or Obama... It's about OUR COUNTRY}

As a Nation we're about to enter into one of two doors. Which one will it be??? McCain has shown his intellectual capacity, and doesn't conceal his intentions on where he's willing to take our Country, but if the cynical folks can't see this, and to the point that it affects this election, then Oh well, we'll have to suck it up, keep our complaints to ourselves, and try again in another 4 years.

(...Or maybe 8 years, when the minority of this country begin its journey into becoming the majority, which without doubt will prove wiser than our parent's generation)

"HOW OBVIOUSLY SAD, BUT TRUE"

Droppin' Science, Miami Fl (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:42 AM)

SEN. H.CLINTON WILL CONTINUE TO FORGE HER OWN PATH AS SHE CHOSES. SHE WILL CONTINUE TO BE A FORCE TO RECON WITH BY ALL. I ONLY WISH SEN. CLINTON WOULD REPLACE
N. PELOSI...SEN. H. CLINTON AND HER FOLLOWERS WILL STILL BE LOYAL DEMOCRATS AND HELP CHANGE THE U.S. FOR THE BEST. THEY ALSO WILL SUPPORT OBAMA/BIDEN FOR THE COUNTRY'S GOOD!!

OTHA STEWART (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:49 AM)

Sorry, won't be graious. McCain 2008, HRC 2012

Jonathan, Austin (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:53 AM)

Hillary herself has class but unfortunately most of her supporters won't even after she ask them too. It's sad when you ask your own supporters to help the country and instead they would prefer we suffer under 4 more years of stupidity, maybe all their children will get drafted if god forbid the old bag of wind wins. Hope your all crying when you send your kids off to war!!!!!

Brenda (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:58 AM)

Biden got the 3am phone call!!! LOL!LOL!LOL!
Great choice Obama. I'm sooo happy the Hillary supporters didn't "bully' him in to chosing her.
I do hope Hillary is part of his cabinet.I like her much more than I do her "rabit" supporters.
2 guys/2 HOUSES!!!!!
Obama/Biden 08!!!!!!!

marge (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:08 AM)

seems like were getting no change but same old politics, I like biden just dont like having people who have got this country to where we are to day...in the shi? house, and it seems like no change in Washington....Again fed up with words....
_____________________________________________________
Well I guess there was NOBODY you would vote for! McRICH and Hillary can be be counted in that number of "people who have got this country to where we are to day" can't they????

marge (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:11 AM)

This is truly the Hillary I would have gladly voted for in 2004. She just did not get the urgency of "now" I guess...sigh. Making me nostalgic of her 90's class and swagger. If only she wasn't listening to her idiot staff and husband in the primaries, showed more of her 90's grace instead of her millenium nastiness, she could be announcing her vp pick today. Obama will tap her to be the greatest Secretary of State ever though, and that is a much better position than VP. Biden will continue to serve our country well as VP.

Florida is going BLUE for BARACK! (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:13 AM)

with out clinton obama does not get my vote, obama has a lofty attitude that rubs me wrong ,where did he pick that up? this is something he has developed , the emperor is now naked ,i will write in clintons name on my ballot,ann in seattle.

seattle gal (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:22 AM)

Is it just me, or does the quote below imply that Obama is willing to abandon his platform of change just to win? In other words, screw everyone who voted for change-- I'm going to do whatever it takes to win. Seems like that's what his insider was saying. Am I missing something?

"In other words, Obama is willing - even eager - to risk what got him this far if it gets him to the White House."

Obama No Change? (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:23 AM)

People might question Biden being a "Washington insider" because he's been in DC and in the Senate so long... but who better to advise Obama re: how to change the system than someone who's been in the thick of it? I believe Obama will consistently point the way to a new kind of politics, the kind of politics we need to get the country back on track, but he's going to need help in getting the rest of Washington to follow that lead. Biden could be just what Obama needs to effectively change the way Washington gets the job done.

KPI - Obama supporter, hoping for change (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:25 AM)

OBIDEN '08.....

Good pick. Does any of these Hillary grumblers
notice McCain is intent on overturning Reo.
This man is intent on criminalising women, even
in cases of rape and incest.

Jay (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:25 AM)

Way to go Obama. Here goes 4 more years of Bush

Changing Parties (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:29 AM)

Stop overelevating Ron Fournier's AP analysis pieces please. Either that or at least identify him as the head of the AP who considered going with McCain's campaign. Fournier has been acting as a Republican operative. Quoting him is like quoting Michelle Malkin. You guys are better than that, I hope and pray.

Mary, Rockville, MD (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:30 AM)

I too am losing patience with the Hillary supporters. I am beginning to believe that her ego and her followers are going to get us four more years of barely being able to buy groceries and gas. If that occurs, many of us will not forget it when she runs in 2012.

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:31 AM)

.
DRAMA-QUEEN, HILLARY RODDAM CLINTON, WAS DENIED AN OSCAR FOR BEST ACTRESS IN THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN FOR HER "LANDING UNDER FIRE IN BOSNIA" TALE. CHELSEA WAS ALSO DENIED FOR HER ROLE IN "YES, IT HAPPENED THAT WAY." THE AWARD IS NOW EXPECTED TO GO TO GERALDINE FERRARO FOR HER ROLE AS "THE ACCIDENTAL RACIST."

EVEN THOUGH 'MISS HILLARY' WAS THE OVERWHELMING FAVORITE OF WHINING WHITE WOMEN THROUGHOUT AMERICA FOR THE AWRAD --- OBAMA, BY SECRET BALLOT, SINGLEHANDEDLY DENIED HILLARY THE AWARD WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE UPCOMING DNC CONVENTION IN DENVER.

HILLARY IS NOW EXPECTED TO PLAY "SECOND FIDDLE" IN THE OBAMA BAND.

ap/ups/haha 082308 1235est.
============================================================

HILLARY DENIED AWARD FOR HER "BOSNIA TALE" ... (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:45 AM)

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