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
- Advisers were told to keep the secret until supporters notified4
- Obama reportedly focused on three candidates: Timothy Kaine, Joe Biden and Evan Bayh4
- Reportedly reached decision while in Hawaii4
- Obama's VP search team: Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder4
Other Considered Candidates
- Timothy Kaine5
- Evan Bayh5
- Kathleen Sebelius5
- Hillary Clinton5
- Bill Richardson5
- Wesley Clark5
- Christopher Dodd5
- Chet Edwards5
- Chuck Hagel5
- Sam Nunn5
- Jack Reed5
- 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