Why Biden Is a Good Choice

It has been clear for some time that Obama was not going to pick Hillary Clinton as his running mate.

Whatever was necessary for this type of team wasn’t present for an Obama — Clinton ticket. That was my first choice, but it wasn’t meant to be. That said, when the news emerged that Obama had picked Joe Biden, I was excited and enthused about the news.

When Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili wanted to talk to someone about Russia’s invasion of his country, he summoned Joe Biden. This is the foundation of Obama’s choice. The text went out:

I have some important news that I want to make official.

I’ve chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.

Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois — the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.

I’m excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can’t do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.

Please let Joe know that you’re glad he’s part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we’ll make sure he gets it: http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe

Thanks for your support,

Barack

Leaks happen, but it didn’t come until the day of the official announcement. Besides, as far as getting attention and mining emails, this one was a out and out winner. McCain’s negative ads have already begun.

During the primaries Joe Biden guest blogged on my site on matters of foreign policy, which is the primary subject I cover when it’s not a presidential election year. He wrote about many things, including Iraq and Pakistan. His speeches on the Senate floor on Iraq have been some of the best given.

No one knows better how Bush’s policy, which McCain has embraced, failed this nation, but most particularly our armed forces. Joe Biden has articulated this failed policy better than anyone. On Pakistan, no one has been better. That Biden is the most seasoned, well respected hand on foreign policy in the Democratic Party will come in very handy for Obama.

I met and spoke with Joe Biden during the primaries. One of the most important thing he did during that season was tell the unvarnished truth about an Iraq withdrawal. He stripped the bark off Bill Richardson’s foolhardy idea that a quick withdrawal is possible. His blunt assessments were a breath of fresh air for people like me who want to redeploy, but also know the logistics and difficulty in doing so. That’s what will benefit Barack Obama the most. Joe Biden will not flinch from telling Obama things he may not want to hear, but must in order to make a wise decision.

It’s that very thing that reveals something about Barack Obama that we’ve not seen before. It’s what George W. Bush never had. Obama has invited a strong hand with distinct, firm opinions into his innermost circle. That it’s Joe Biden reveals that he will have this outspoken advisor where he needs it most, on national security and foreign policy.

None of this sober logic will impede the frantic minds of the unhinged fringe who were HRC supporters, whatever name the group. It will likely fuel much of their unhappiness, because their anger has nothing to do with Democrats winning in November. It’s all about them. Emails are already coming in on that one. However, that’s not how the way most Democrats will feel.

As for the world looking on, many of whom were not sure about Barack Obama. Joe Biden is a known foreign policy leader. He sends a message of strength and steady helmsmanship to nations wondering what type of foreign policy will guide an Obama presidency. People concerned about Iran, with Obama’s ideas of beginning true diplomatic outreach immediately, will take away from a Biden pick that not only will Israel and the wider Middle East be a factor in that diplomacy, but that when Obama makes these decisions a man of 35 years foreign policy leadership who is known and respected around the world stands beside him.

But that’s not what I’m looking forward to most. No one can forget that moment when Joe Biden took down Rudy “Mr. 9/11” Giuliani with one phrase: A noun, a verb, and 9/11. I can’t wait for what he comes up with for McCain. Obama’s picked his pitbull.