Washington What Side?

Vice Presidents are disciplined. Vice Presidents are regimented. They enumerate constricted cases. They recite convenient criticisms. They are not independent. They are not opinionated. They are never the news. Joe Biden contrasts this.

For Vice President, Senator Barack Obama selected Biden. According to Obama, Biden is exceptional. “Joe Biden is that rare mix — for decades, he has brought change to Washington, but Washington hasn't changed him,” said Obama. “He's an expert on foreign policy whose heart and values are rooted firmly in the middle class. He has stared down dictators and spoken out for America's cops and firefighters. He is uniquely suited to be my partner as we work to put our country back on track.”

According to Biden, Obama is extraordinary. “Ladies and gentlemen, no one knows better than I do that presidential campaigns are crucibles in which you're tested and challenged every single day,” said Biden. “And over the past 18 months, I've watched Barack meet those challenges with judgment, intelligence, and steel in his spine. I've watched as he's inspired millions of Americans, millions of Americans to this new cause. And folks, campaigns for presidents are a test of character and leadership. And in this campaign, one candidate, one candidate has passed that test.”

Since 1972, Biden has been a United States Senator. He has served as Foreign Relations and Judiciary Committee Chairman. He has also served as International Narcotics Control Caucus Co-Chairman.

“Joe won't just make a good vice president — he will make a great one,” said Obama. “After decades of steady work across the aisle, I know he'll be able to help me turn the page on the ugly partisanship in Washington, so we can bring Democrats and Republicans together to pass an agenda that works for the American people. I have seen this man work. I have sat with him as he chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and been by his side on the campaign trail. And I can tell you that Joe Biden gets it. He's that unique public servant who is at home in a bar in Cedar Rapids and the corridors of the Capitol; in the VFW hall in Concord, and at the center of an international crisis.”

In 1972, Biden endured tragedy. Neilia and Naomi, his wife and daughter, were killed. Beau and Robert, his sons, were seriously injured. Biden considered resignation. However, he reevaluated. He commingled career and children. “Tragedy tests us — it tests our fortitude and it tests our faith,” said Obama. “Here's how Joe Biden responded. He never moved to Washington. Instead, night after night, week after week, year after year, he returned home to Wilmington on a lonely Amtrak train when his Senate business was done. He raised his boys…”

With his closing salvo, Biden encapsulated the election. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is no ordinary time. This is no ordinary election. And this may be our last chance to reclaim the America we love, to restore America's soul.”

On February 11, 2007, Obama announced his presidential candidacy. His mantra was change. His exhortation? Washington is wrecked. Biden is a thirty-six year congressperson. Obviously, he is experienced. He possesses international expertise. However, Obama’s principal message is alteration. Biden contradicts this.

Barack Obama Complete Text

Joe Biden Complete Text