Accomplishing three things

Posted: Saturday, August 23, 2008 4:44 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Joe Biden

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Before today's event, there was a ton of speculation about how Biden was picked to fill Obama's experience gap and that may very well have been among the reasons. But after watching the unveiling of the ticket, it's clear Obama hired Biden to accomplish three things:

1) Connect the ticket with blue-collar voters. Notice, Biden led his remarks with the economy.

2) Sell Obama's story. Biden owned Obama's biography in a way we've yet to see from the candidate himself.

3) Credibly attack John McCain. Biden didn't mince words about his old "friend"

All in all, if you believe, as I do, that the VP candidates matters most on three days, the first day, debate day and election day, then the Obama campaign has to be ecstatic about today. One goal down, two to go.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

The visual of these two together instills confidence and hope! Great pick.

Liz (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 4:54 PM)

Exactly, CT. Now tell me Tim (who?) Pawlenty or Mitt Romney will (or can) credibly do the same thing? I can't believe any 'real contender' wants to run with McCain.

iowan (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 4:55 PM)

The GOP are really scrared of Biden, What gives? They are all freaking out over Obamas pick!

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 4:57 PM)

Thanks Chuck...

That means a lot coming from you.

I almost wailed when Obama introduced Joe, and Biden took the stage. He deserves this, and we need him.

Praise the Dear Lord.

Obama/Biden (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 4:58 PM)

Biden and Romney will be the best smack down debate in U.S. history ever among veeps! Biden will chew Romney inside out on any foreign policy issue.

Obama and Biden perfect Good Cop and Bad Cop! Look out GOP fans this election just had a game changing event!

Just imagine:

McCain/Romney: The rich boys club if you do not have over 5 million you can not join!

Obama/Biden: The champions for the average American!

This = No contest in November!

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:00 PM)

I hope that McCain picks Lieberman. Then we would have two tall, good looking, honorable men competing against two short, old, slimy men.

LU (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:04 PM)

Discussing Biden with my 80+ year old white, middle class Mom her comment was "Oh good, I want to vote for Obama BUT I wouldn't vote for him if Hilary was on the ticket."
My concern was that he didn't select someone pro-life but he would have had my vote anyway.

Florence, Baltimore, MD (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:06 PM)

Outstanding stagecraft! A great event. Here we go into the convention, the rest of the campaign and a victory in November.
See you at the Obama inauguration in January! :)

Suzanna, Virginia (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:06 PM)

Joe Biden has gone right for the jugular. He knows (as do many of us that have been paying attention) that John McCain is no longer the "straight-talking maverick" he claims to be (if he ever truly was, at all).

It's clear that McCain has wholly embraced the same people that tried to destroy him and his family in 2000. Joe Biden and Barack Obama would never put their ambition before their families. There is no honor in that sacrifice, Senator McCain.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:07 PM)

It was a smart choice. I hope Obama chooses the rest of his Cabinet with as much thought and care. We need the best of the best in order to turn our Nation around and once again lead the world with dignity, respect and innovation.

*Getting the text message this morning at 3:00 a.m. gave me a chuckle. Is it just me or did anyone hear echoes of "Who do YOU want answering a call at 3:00 a.m.?"

ROFLMAO!

Christine, Hadley (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:12 PM)

Biden will be a good attack dog against all republican policies. Obama has picked well.

Marty in Kansas City (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:12 PM)

Right On Chuck!

All this about Obama's weaknesses is Just so much crap. He's making brilliant decisions and choices. The only things holding him back are the people who don't want to vote for a black man and the Media licking at McCain's feet. AND THAT'S NOT HIS FAULT

Sharon, Antioch, TN (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:13 PM)

Biden is a great choice for Obama. I am a disheartened Republican who feels my party has betrayed me with this unnecessary war and unlimited government/spending. McCain is more of the same, despite his claims to be a maverick. I am a proud supporter of Obama, not because I want to punish my party (although I hope they learn a lesson) but because I am putting my country before my party affiliation this election and feel that Obama will actually lead us in a much better direction in so many areas. He is the leader we need so desperately. As my hero MLK, Jr. said, "It is never too late to do the right thing." I hope other Republicans will consider supporting Obama. Only when the Republicans hit "rock bottom" (the election of Obama and losing House & Senate seats) will they consider the facelift they truly need. Visit RepublicansforObama.org to learn why Republican support for Obama is growing.

Izzy Buffalo, NY (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:14 PM)

This was an inspired pick - more experience then Senator Clinton but without the baggage. Perhaps if she had run a more competent campaign, launched fewer negative attacks on Senator Obama, and not lied about being under fire she would have been considered. Those democrats and thinking Americans must now decide to trust a talented young man who will surround himself with competent people like Lincoln or opt for an older man who will continue tax cuts for the rich and an endless commitment to Iraq.

Don Judson, Woodburn, Oregon (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:14 PM)

Agree with your analysis on all points. As far as Biden being quirky now and then, so what? The occasional gaffe? Again, so what? GW was nothing if not both quirky and gaffe prone in both his elections and without the benefit of great credentials or legitimate smarts and wisdom either.

Think back to Gore/Lieberman who won just barely but not by enough to ward off the Republican coup and Kerry/Edwards who didn't come as close. What those tickets were both missing was warm regular guyness against a candidate everybody was convinced, against all concrete evidence, was just plain folks.

Joe Biden gives us the first Dem ticket in a very long time with that good old regular guy appeal. And then some, with his exemplary record as the single dad, then new husband and father, who came home to raise his family every night instead of hanging with the power crowd and political groupies at A list parties in DC. That's so unusual they get to use his experience AND point to him as someone who isn't Washington as usual at the same time.

Oh, and he's number 99 out of 100 Senators in terms of wealth and had to take out a second mortgage to send his kids to school. His modest American roots story, traditional style, is a perfect compliment to Obama's modest American roots story, multi-cultural style.

Another example of Obama's executive ability, this time his talent for picking the right team, something he has long demonstrated in his campaign management style. And Biden is going to be able to attack old friend McCain on policy all day long every day if he has to without resorting to anything that even looks like an attack on McCain's character or record of service.

Biden is going to be great at his job, even if he has a slip or two of the tongue. McCain, after all, does that every day. Nobody on McCain's list can begin to compare. Biden is perfect for VP on this ticket.

Felix, CO (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:15 PM)

Honestly, I wasn't rooting for Biden. Like a lot of young or youngish voters, I kind of wanted Obama to pick someone younger and also an outsider. But, in retrospect, I understand and appreciate how smart he was in picking Biden. He's also being practical. A complete outsider can't do anything by himself. An insider who's connected can make the difference in getting things done and overcoming resistance.

Sound judgment is what Obama just showed in picking Biden. Rather than appeasing or trying to please the younger voters who think like me, Obama trusted we'd be smart enough to understand the pick and continue to support him.

I will, and so will others.

Ken, Atlanta, Ga (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:18 PM)

Done, done and... done.

Obama/Biden 2008!

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:20 PM)

It is a great day. Spectacular choice President Obama!

Walt, Ohio (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:22 PM)

Mission accomplished.

Lorna, North Chicago, IL (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:25 PM)

Great choice, Obama! Don't let the McCain/GOP ads bother you; it is nothing more than the same old Bush/Rove BS. Does it work? Unfortunately, it does; but I think Americans will see through it in the long run.

John Mehan, San Francisco, CA (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:27 PM)

OBAMA MADE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE!!!

MCCAIN 08
HILLARY 2012

john, la (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:29 PM)

The connection made was Obama introducing Biden as the next "President" of the United States.

Excuse Me I Misspoke (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:29 PM)

A guy that polled 1% in Iowa doesn't really connect with anybody.

Mike Maddox, Cress Creek IL (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:30 PM)

We all got on a chat site this morning and watched the Springfield event today... it was inspiring. I'm glad he picked Biden, even though I wanted Clark. Biden's great and would have been my Presidential choice until I learned more about Barack Obama.

He will be a great V.P.

The speeches were pretty good, but you could tell everyone was tired -- had been up all night. I watched on MSNBC and loved that my favs Keith-O, Chris M & of course, Chuck T. were on... not so much David Gregory, though. Can't we get rid of him and bring back Dan Abrams? I love Rachel, but Dan's better than David. Besides... he DANCED with Bush, ew.

Anyway, someone tell David Gregory that he got the Obama quote wrong... it's not "I" it's "WE"... must have been his Republican bias showing.... how like a Republican to change a quote.

Obama/Biden '08! Those of us who know whether and how many houses we have stand behind you both.

Casey | Tecumseh, Mo. (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:30 PM)

Chuck:
I'm of the opinion that Cheney has set a precedent in raising the profile and importance of the VP in the administration. The perception being, that the job may simply be too complex for one person. Many voters are probably going to give both VP running mates more attention this time around and going forward.
One other point...
Besides serving to collect millions of cellphone numbers and email addresses, did you notice it's impact on the week's news cycles leading into their convention? Interesting way to control messaging in the days leading up to Denver is it not? I'm thinking that's going to become a traditional strategy in future campaigns.

Ian (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:33 PM)

Credibility?!? McCain has more credibility in his little finger then Biden does in his entire body. Look at Biden, and you see a snake oil salesmen. He's a perfect fit for Obama, a sneaky loudmouthed gas bag.

HT Wells, Western NY (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:36 PM)

You forgot about...
1) Cycling out of the Clintons
2) Selling the basic message of change is now coming from a mature view point..
3) Trust without racial anything
4) Values are more our needs now
5) gender is not a bender because their both happily married..
6) This country counts again on it's youth and we recognize that sacrifice..at war and at peace.
7) The World will change too..
8) our God given Rights of Family and Happiness.
9) Work is now valued again..
10 Work and Faith will pull us up again to the shared American Dream...

Just to mention a few...

John McCain is same old stiff different day politics.
John McCain is more running in the past.
John McCain's cronies and Bush's policies are in the spot light for all to see with Smokin' Joe's affirmation.
The "Age Factor" of experience is toast!

BJ, CA (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:37 PM)

I have a serious question for all of the Hillary-worshippers who keep crying about Obama:

Hillary's favorite line was she'd be "ready on Day 1 to lead."

However, reading their own internal memos, her campaign was a complete and total disaster.

Nothing but fighting among the staff. She couldn't make an executive decision to save her life. And disgusting dirty politics.

So how can you say with a straight face that she would have been the best choice and, even more, a "great leader" when she couldn't even keep her loyalists in line?

And that's not even taking into consideration the campaign not only went broke, but millions in the hole.

Tim Weaver, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:38 PM)

Rather than looking like an old Washington insider, Biden came off today looking like a portly cuddly uncle figure. Attacks from Biden don't come off as jaded - they sound sincere, and probably are. Good day for Barack.

MattShaw (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:39 PM)

My favorite line was Biden's "kitchen table" line.

Snarky video in line with this:
http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2008/08/john-sidney-mccain-material-girl-video.html

Hilarious, but makes a serious point.

GottaLaff (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:39 PM)

My favorite line was Biden's "kitchen table" one. So good.

Great new snarky video about the SAME EXACT THING:

http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2008/08/john-sidney-mccain-material-girl-video.html

GottaLaff (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:41 PM)

everything clicked from the red white and blue in the outfits to the team of Mrs's. This is what we need.

Kathie Fox, CT (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:42 PM)

Being a Politics "junkie" I have been wondering who could possibly step into Tim Russert's roll as that voice of analysis, the opinion that you drop whatever you're doing and just Listen to the words. Chuck Todd has become that Voice. He's always right on!

Michael Courtney, Highland Park, IL (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:45 PM)

As usual, Obama was reading from the Teleprompter, while Biden was using his paper notes to make his speech on Saturday in Springfield.

What accomplishment? Long on hype and short on substance. Barack Obama: the Sanjaya Malakar of the 2008 presidential race.

The Truth (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:47 PM)

A less strategic way to state the goal:
for them to bring out the best in each other, and today looked like a good start. Biden brings a lot of heart to complement the Professor's
nuanced analyses.

cahcap, Washington, DC (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:48 PM)

The springfield speeches were great! They were real and human. Obama and Biden had just the right amount of fire and passion in their voices! Biden needs to bring up the fact that he was the youngest Senator elected and look how long his career has lasted. Over 30 years.
No, Senator Biden didn't mince any words about mccain! Loved it!

Obama/Biden~The best team in politics! (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:54 PM)

OH and forgot one myself..
Who in the world would want to be McCain's VP?
Joe Lieberman?
The Elmer Fudd/Barney Fife ticket....?
The GOP living up to it's name:
Grumpy Old Politicians

BJ, CA (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:55 PM)

Biden is a liar just like the rest of them, remember a few days ago? "It's not me" Biden said. You can't tell me he did not know, yet he openly lies to the public.

This lifelong democrat has no intention of voting for Obama/Biden. I will write Hillary's name in instead.

William, Dallas, Texas (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 5:58 PM)

This was the pick that I've been hoping for. They need to talk about Biden's reported refusal to meet with lobbyists and the fact that he is the poorest senator, despite the many years he has been in the Senate. Impressed me to learn that he must not take money from outside interests. Obama/ Biden 2008 and 2012

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:01 PM)

Joe Biden: "You sit at your kitchen table and worry about how to pay the bills. That's not something John McCain has to worry about. He worries about which of the seven kitchen tables to sit at."

Love it.

Gateway Punter (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:02 PM)

Obama's biography is important in this race. McCain's fabled history is the cloth upon which his candidacy is woven. Obama has a story; he has a family. If he want Americans to connect with him, he has to start using these essential elements. Otherwise, he will always seems aloof, out of touch, and he won't win the presidency.

Stephen Graff, Woodbury, NJ (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:05 PM)

Yeah, Biden came out like a freight train.

The resounding introduction Obama gave Biden was killer. He hit all the high points and Biden came out with a vengeance.

Awesome opening act! Can't wait for part two.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:07 PM)

Obama / Biden O8

McDoodoo too late.

Bob W (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:10 PM)

Chuck,

I agree with you on all but one thing. Please explain how Biden "owned O-bama's biography in a way we have yet to see from the canidate himself?" That is such b.s. You just enjoy hearing Obama's biography from somone other than O-bama. O-bama has done a fine job at expressing his biography. So anyone who continues to say he has yet "tell his story" to american is just NOT listing!

Marques, Washington DC (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:13 PM)

Excellent choice! Biden has everything we need to help win this election!

I know the Clinton supporters are disappointed with this decision but they need to realize that Hillary and Bill are a ticking time bomb. The Republicans were even encouraging their people to vote for her in the primaries because they knew what an easy target she would be. Obama may have some things that the Republicans can target, but it is minute considering what the Clintons would bring to the table. I am a 50 year old white female and I in no way think prejudice as a female caused Hillary’s downfall. I think she and Bill did it all on their own. She is not entitled to this Presidency just because she is a woman.

Joe Biden as VP does not come with the excess baggage as the Clintons either. He has vast foreign policy experience as well as many years in Washington. Joe is not afraid to stand up to McCain and the republicans. We need a go-getter like Joe Biden!

For all the Clinton supporters: If at this point you still say you will vote for McCain, think of the consequences. We have had 8 years of war, failing economy, home foreclosures, lose of respect around the globe, not to mention the manipulations and lies by this Republican administration. John McCain offers the same game as Bush/Cheney.

So, if you want more of the same for the next 4 years go ahead and vote for McCain. But remember, when our country goes further down the toilet, it was your choice to take us there!!

Obama/Biden '08
YES WE CAN

Leslie P. Livermore, CA (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:17 PM)

Joe's the attack dog, there's no doubt about it. And, he really performed his duties very well today. I had reservations about both candidates, before Obama picked Biden, but now I'm much more comfortable with Obama. I'll likely vote for him, now.

Merrill, Las Vegas (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:18 PM)

Joe Biden deliver the Catholic vote? Get real. John Kerry couldn't, at the top of the ticket, and for good reason-there are those who are 'cultural' Catholics, and those who practice. We who practice WILL NOT vote for anyone who supports abortion on demand. Period.

We have good reason: if you can deny your essential beliefs, what else will you deny? This is not a question of moral relativism, but an essential question: when does life begin? If you cannot hold to a core belief in the sanctity of life, then what, exactly, can you hold to?

It makes great sense to me that Biden was the VP pick. Obama believes in nothing but what he feels he is entitled to have-at this point, the presidency. He 'feels' for the poor, yet he has a half brother who lives on $1per month-$50 per month would make him a rich man in his country, but Obama cannot spare it, despite making $4million a year. His wife, Michelle, enters into a conspiracy with Axelrod, (Obama's campaign manager), to drive the poor from the U of C Hospital system, and force them into inferior, ill-staffed unequiped clinics at a cost to the hospital system of millions. If the poor were really clogging the emergency rooms so badly, those millions would have been better spent upgrading the clinics they want the poor to seek out, rather than lining the pockets of Obama's campaign manager on a PUBLIC RELATIONS campaign, replete with focus groups, (which told them that 'urban' equaled 'black' and should be avoided)

Senator Obama is a spoiled, petulant child who has either failed or given up on every job he has ever held. This is not a man who should be president.

Donna,Lincroft, NJ (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:19 PM)

Obama proves his ability to make critical decisions for the good of our country with his VP choice. I remember thinking about 30 years ago that Joe Biden would some day play an important part in this nation's history. He has and he will. Obama - Biden is a solid ticket.

Barry DeCarli (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:20 PM)

Today has seen team Obama election spine inforced with steel with Biden.....Team McCain, same old GOP "play the man not the ball" politics is a shiver in search of a spine.

AJ (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 6:21 PM)

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