Obama Running Mate

On August 23, 2008, Barack Obama selected six-term Senator Joe Biden to be the vice presidential nominee in his bid for the White House. At about 3 a.m. EST, Obama supporters received text messages with the statement: "Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee."¹

Obama's selection of Biden will likely quell arguments that the Democratic ticket is inexperienced in foreign policy matters, as Biden has served in the U.S. Senate since 1972.² The choice will not, however, come without its criticism. Biden himself has taken jabs at Obama's inexperience, and even supported Republican rival and current presidential nominee John McCain as a suitable running mate for John Kerry in 2004.³

Fast Facts

1. Advisers were told to keep the secret until supporters notified⁴
2. Obama reportedly focused on three candidates: Timothy Kaine, Joe Biden and Evan Bayh⁴
3. Reportedly reached decision while in Hawaii⁴
4. Obama's VP search team: Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder⁴

Other Considered Candidates

1. Timothy Kaine⁵
2. Evan Bayh⁵
3. Kathleen Sebelius⁵
4. Hillary Clinton⁵
5. Bill Richardson⁵
6. Wesley Clark⁵
7. Christopher Dodd⁵
8. Chet Edwards⁵
9. Chuck Hagel⁵
10. Sam Nunn⁵
11. Jack Reed⁵
12. Ed Rendell⁵

Bayh Bumper Sticker

On August 22, 2008, news agencies reported that a bumper sticker was printed that read, Obama-Bayh '08. While no formal announcement has been made on a running mate, Bayh on the bumper sticker is created speculation that Evan Bayh may have been the one. Gill Studios, the company that printed the sticker, did not confirm the information nor deny it.⁶

Related Pages on Mahalo

Barack Obama | Barack Obama Campaign | Election 2008 | Joe Biden VP | Chuck Hagel | Obama Text Message | Sam Nunn Vice President | Tim Kaine VP | Barack Obama Costumes