2 major mistakes by Obama IMHO
1) Keeping the Clinton's more than arms length away means their supporters won't fully rally to his ticket
2) His message of "change" is diluted by pairing with a man who has been in the Senate for 35 years
This is why Obama and McCain are in such a close battle

Ian, Madison, USA

Why does Sarah Baxter ignore the irony of Obama launching his campaign in the shadow of the first REPUBLICAN president, Abraham Lincoln?

James Carson, Saint Paul, USA/MN

To to European Cowards--the US should be more like YOU? Why on earth would we want to become a stagnated, feminized, has-been, whose nations haven't done anything of significance in the last hundred years (except slaughter each other again and again...)? Your envy is pathetic.

ENR, Cambridge, USA

This combo will kick all sorts of behind. The attacks on the ticket are lame so far, very very weak. But Biden can fight, and so can Obama. They both have proven that and the election isn't won on ideals. Obama can work the streets, Biden will work youtube.
Watch.. they will take out McCain.

Hans Meiser, PA,

Just what this country needs--TWO untterly inexperienced (Biden has done NOTHING in his life but bloviate in a body of supreme bloviators), never-done-a-hard days-work in their lives WINDBAGS. Is there ANYONE on the national scene who loves the sound of his own voice as much as these empty suits?

ENR, Cambridge, USA

I don't understand why all the non-Americans on this board are so fascinated by Obama. The man has no experience. He's a Chicago political hack who rose through the political machine . Americans vote based on what's best for the USA, not Europe. I have no desire for the US to become like the EU.

Phillip Myer, Pasadena, USA

Obama - Biden what a joke. Socialist politics at its best. This is about taxes and the fight against radical islam. Obama will be politically correct and pander to them. As Mark Steyn said - America, the Last Best Hope. Vote McCain

David, Colorado Springs,

Hillary was right,the change concept was just an slogan,no real message.
Obama couldn´t take the heat and not even considered her for the VP position,now will be McCain 08 and Hillary 2012

J.m. Brito, McAllen, USA

Joe Biden will assist with Barak Obama's attempt to bring the US back to a left of centre politics. He has demonstrated his support for the American working classes over many decades when the mainstream of both party's embraced neo-conservativism. Biden and Obama will mean a more just America.

John Smith, London, UK

'The Walrus and the Carpenter'.

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK

Biden is a great choice, brings a wealth of experience, knowlege and wisdom to the team. He come from a working class background and teaches on the weekend to supplement his income. With a net worth of about $150,000 after decades n the Senate he is a true public servent.

Steve, Lyme, Ct, USA

M Wilson - You are correct when you say that Biden is an Irish-American catholic. However, he is most assuredly NOT a millionaire. His net worth is the lowest of all US Senators and has been estimated at between 100-150,000 dollars - most of which is equity in his home.

Ken, Deerfield Beach, USA

Biden is an Irish/American/Catholic/millionaire with a history of donating large funds to support the IRA. If you want to be a VP you must tell your voters that you support terrorists.

m wilson, bidache, france

How does Mcain - Whitman sound?

Gio, Budapest, HU

As usual the candidate of change sticks with the old tried and true Liberal Mantra even in the picking of his running mate. This guy is not about change he is about Liberals getting the power and evaporating the rights of the voters they are supposed to be working for.

Richard , Chicago, USA

It's so funny...the only mean-spirited posts come from liberals in Mill Valley...I guess they're the only ones unable to engage in conversation about differences of opinion...

Cate, Sonoma,

Let's get over the money thing, alright?? they're all freakin' millionaires with more houses than you or I will ever have. But, who adopted kids from Bangladesh?
Anyway, I'm so happy Obama picked Biden...I can't wait for Rush's show on Monday, it's gonna be a field day!!

Cate, Sonoma,

Remarkable! There has been no harsher critic of Senator Obama's lack of readiness to serve as President ,than his new running-mate. Remember Biden's famous line from the debate? "The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training." McCain will!

Mike, Berkeley, USA

I wonder if Neil Kinnock is still available to write Joe Biden's speeches. Biden has been in the Senate longer than most Americans have been alive

r. burns, Tampa, USA

It's so funny....whenever a story gets posted on the Drudge Report, it brings out all the right-wing wackos....

Brad, Mill Valley, California, United States

Obama Clinton would have been unstoppable i just hope that McCain picks a woman ..

graham barrie, Klaipeda, lithuania

Rhonda Tracey, seabrook, usa - But No one wants another 4 more years of Bush that we're gonna get with Mccain and whomever he picks! Go Obama/Biden 08!

Arlene, LA,

The Dems are taking the gloves off. This is gonna be a Chicago street brawl. It took guts and pure pragmatism for Obama to toss a 'feel good', 'change' campaign, that can only capture 45% of the electorate, for a winning a 'blood and guts' approach.

Richard D., Alderson, usa

You yanks must consider the opinions of europe indeed the rest of the world. It's time you grew up and became more socially evolved like we are over here. Obama/Biden, and the UN can pave the way to subsidizing the poor of the world instead of your Bush-like selfishness. Your so-called liberty is appalling. Vote Obama!

Charles, Paddington, uk

Biden' Obama goodye!

Grey, Juneau, USA

With the vison and intelligence of Obama and the experience and integrity of Biden, this is a ticket that cannot be beat.

It's a good day for America.

elle, Barnstable, usa

Obama has lost what was generating interest in him -- change. He winked at off shore drilling, talked of united jersualem, agreed to warrantless wireataps, flip flopped on gun control. Now Biden. This makes charges that he is an empty suit more credible. I support obama, but not as much as I did

Pete Rivers, SF, USA

To Susan -

Hack? Hardly. He's had the respect of both sides of the aisle for years, and has shown a lot more bi-partisanship than most in either party. The captain (obama) steers the ship..Biden is perfectly capable of acting as an agent of change, following the lead of Obama. Get over yourself.

KEvin, Kansas, USA

At least the ticket now has someone who doesn't need a telepromter to know what to say..

Chuck, Detroit, USA

Ah yes., Joe Biden. the poster boy for term limits!!!!!

tom, hurst, USA

This is Obama's admission that he lacks the qualifications to be president himself. To give himself some reflected experience he has chosen a time-serving Senate hack. So much for change or a fresh breeze in American politics.

Susan Crillon, New London, Conn , United States

Wonderful choice Dems. Obama and Biden, lets kick butt. The first change I look forward to seeing, will be the Repub's packing up and moving out of the White House. YES!!! let the party begin.

Jeannetta, Cincinnati, USA

To pick a Biden will enter the vernacular as a futile choice, or a loosing strategy. Bayh would have been an inspired, courageous selection. Words that are in Obamas vocabulary but not seen in his actions. A 35yr. veteran of the senate is "Change" gimeabreak.

Len Dooley, Los Angeles, U.S.A.

Is this Biden guy Jerry Brown's father? At least he didn't pick that other guy who looked like he would sell you a car with saw dust in the transmission. I wonder how rich Biden is.

allen antrim, warrensburg, mo, usa

Obama made an astute choice in Biden. Let the games begin!

John Swofford, Hammond, LA, USA

I love these people...like GLENN from Scranton, who describe themseleves as "traditional" Americans! So, GLENN, who is an "untraditional" American? Anyone not like you? This is why Barak WILL win...because people are sick of people like you. Biden is a great choice as you will see in November.

will, Washingeon, USA

America is at a turning point. 8 years of Republican leadership has left us with the biggest deficit we've ever had, and has made a mess of world politics. We need a team with the experience and wisdom of Obama and Biden. McCain will just give us 4 more yrs of failed policy, both abroad & at home

Cleo Jones, Los Angeles,

FBO-he will loose this election "big time" in the fall. Americans won't accept socialistic change by Obama. Our country is just fine the way it is.. except for one thing.. capital hill needs to get out of our way and free our companies & citizens from all the regulations. FREEDOM over politicians

Rhonda Tracey, seabrook, usa

I'm a lifelong Democrat

McCain 2008
Hillary 2012
I am PUMA
Hear me ROAR !!!!!

mike, towson, u.s.a.

Go get em Joe. This is the best decision for Obama.

Dom, London, uk

Obama kicked Hope and Change under the bus. Seen the movie dumb and dumber? Well Obama/Biden are gaffe and gaffer. Obama already called Biden our nest President. and Biden already referred to Obama as Barack America. Text messaging druken college kids at 3 a.m. (get it) is no way t win a presidency.

bernie, baltimore, usa

I think it can rise seven or, say, eight times!...

In the year 2000, McCain was fresh and true. Now, years and many subjugations (and genuflections) later, he's old, sad news. Say goodbye...salute!

Dana99, Trenton, USA

Biden is probably the greatest gift that Osama Bin Biden could have given us God fearing, Country loving true Americans. Thanks Barack Hussein for a wonderful gift od fodder for the fall.

dwain kline, Aiken, SC, USA

To Chris in UK - Who could McCain pick? Sarah Palin the governor of Alaska would be a good choice. She would get a lot of Hillary voters. Romney is another good choice. He will take Biden apart in a debate. Biden the hothead will say something stupid. McCain will bury scripted Obama in a debate.

Franc, West Palm Beach, USA

I am a happy camper. This race just got a lot more interesting. Can't wait to hear what comes out of knucklehead Biden's mouth next. A man who couldn't get a parking ticket in his presidential run, is suddenly suited for VP and mentor to Barack America? And so the MSM spin begins.

Elaine Gibbsl, Chatham, USA

Obama proved he is an empty suit with this nomination of a person who has been roundly rejected by the American people . From my vantage point as a traditonal American Obama is a purile Lenonist and a very dangerous person. McCain is a tradition opportunist politican, but the only rationale choice.

Glenn, scranton, USA

BIDEN - OBAMA Perhaps OBAMA - BIDEN No (Didn't Obama make a Freudian slip and first introduce Biden as the next President of the United States?)

McCain should be flattered that Obama chose someone like him and not Obama (Kaine, Bayh)

Ted Rex, Boston, USA

Obamas choice made McCain camp very happy. They were handed the best possible combination. All the change that Barak promissed is quickly evaporating. Party bosses took control. But what else would you expect. Decission was made late night in smoke filled room of new Chicago Democratic Headqurters

Waclaw Borcz, Chicago, USA

McPOW has to pick Romney because as he himself has admitted, he "knows very little about economics." So there you are. Each one tries to fill a weakness. Difference is that Romney will alienate a large percentage of the Republican base with his Mormonism.

martin edwards, calgary,

Obama, who supports radical change, chooses a 35 year career political windbag to make up for the inexperience that is putting him behind in the polls. You know, the inexperience which was supposed to attract voters to him in droves. Obama is playing catch-up and the Democrats have buyers remorse.

Jim, Enfield, USA

looking forward to the romney vs. biden v.p. debate.

biden will destroy.

Tony, Chicago, USA

So Senator Obama picks the grinning Delaware Prince -- a long time Capitol insider who hasn't had an original idea in his life--an admitted and proven plagerizer. Biden has taken up space in Congress for ages and has done nothing except chair "committees" and flash his smile.

Cody, West Chester, USA

At least he's younger than McCain.Get real .Vote Obama in and U.S.A.. willl gain integrity world-wide.Vote McCain and any integrity will disappear.This is a tipping point that will set the agenda for next decade.Be brave U.S.A. and have some guts - vote in the right man-Obama,Do the Right Thing!

john, shrewsbury, uk

An excellent choice as VP! I cant wait to see what McCain counters with. Its going to be very hard to trump Joe Biden!
Obama/Biden 08

Evan, Delta Jct, USA

You think with gas prices, housing problems, the situations with a nuclear Iran & Pakastain, the Iraq war, Dafur, 14 million kids going to bed hungry, and on and on, that people really care about a 20 year old plaagiarism situation. Is that all you got???

Dale, Fort Lauderdale, USA

You think with gas prices, housing problems, the situations with a nuclear Iran & Pakastain, the Iraq war, Dafur, 14 million kids going to bed hungry, and on and on, that people really care about a 20 year old plaagiarism situation. Is that all you got???

Dale, Fort Lauderdale, USA

Hilarious that Obama would choose a VP who said Obama was inexperienced and who said the country would be better off--well off with either himself or McCain.

Mary Catherine, Elmhurst, USA

Who on earth can McCain pick to counter Biden? Ridge, Lieberman...no, they're pro-choice. Pawlenty...no lightweight in comparison. Romney...another multi-millionaire on the ticket?

Chris, Lancaster, UK

Joe Biden is a plagiarizing popinjay. My only question is an old one, can a soufflé rise twice?

Len Dooley, Los Angeles, U.S.A.