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Biden Is An Interesting Choice, But Won't Make Much Difference

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 24, 2008

The response to Sen. Barack Obama's choice of a vice presidential running mate left a lot of political junkies scratching their heads. It's not that most people who follow politics do not like Sen. Joe Biden, but he just doesn't quite seem like the candidate Obama supporters wanted the most. However Biden is a strong running mate and is well respected by Democrats and Republicans.

News of Obama's choice leaked out early Saturday morning, and those on his campaign's text messaging list got word around 3 a.m. about Biden. Since then it's been a whirlwind of talking heads expounding on this and that, what gaps Biden might fill, etc. In the end, though, it won't make that much difference.

Sen. John McCain soon will choose a running mate as well, and like Obama's choice, it won't make much difference either. History has shown that running mates don't win elections, and they don't usually lose them. Perhaps this race is different, but we doubt it.

Biden is well known and well liked in the Washington, D.C. We admire his willingness to speak his mind, even though he catches heat for it quite often. Still, it's nice to have someone who doesn't mince words. We already have too much of that.

Partisans from both parties seem to "love" their candidates and "hate" the other guys. But we believe both parties have strong candidates. Despite the ugly rumors from negative campaigning, Obama and McCain are outstanding Americans, intelligent and hold the nation's interest foremost in what they do. We can agree or disagree about their views or who we will vote for, but Americans should be glad at the choice they have this election season.

Biden made the race more interesting because he adds gravitas to Obama's ticket. McCain, no doubt, will do the same. We look forward to learn of his choice.

When we step up to vote in November, however, it won't be the vice presidents we're casting a ballot for, it will be the presidential candidate. So while it's fun to discuss these running mates, and all the political hoopla surrounding the race, it still will come down to which candidate you believe in.

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