On August 23, 2008, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden to be his running mate.Breitbart.com: Obama Picks Biden for Veep (August 23, 2008) Biden vied for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination against Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton but withdrew from the race in early January.Washington Post: Biden, Dodd Withdraw From Race (January 4, 2008)

In August 2008, speculation increased that Biden may be the front runner for the Democratic vice presidential nomination. Biden made a hastily-planned trip to Georgia on August 16, 2008, at the request of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. Many political pundits said the timing of the Georgia trip upped Biden's chances of being on the ticket with Obama in the 2008 November general election.CNN Political Ticker: Obama VP buzz squarely on Biden (August 18, 2008)Firstread (MSNBC): Veepstakes: Biden Up, Romney Down (August 18, 2008)The Trail (Washington Post): Biden Trip to Georgia Stokes VP... (August 17, 2008)The New York Times: As Running Mate, Biden Offers Foreign.. (August 17, 2008)

Some experts feel that Biden was the frontrunner to be Barack Obama's running mate because of his extensive foreign policy experience. The addition of Biden to the ticket, some believed, would deflect Republican criticisms that Obama lacks foreign policy experience.CNN Political Ticker: Biden Comes to Obama’s Defense, Raises VP Buzz

During their first rally together on August 23, 2008, Barack Obama introduced Biden to the crowd by saying:

"Joe won't just make a good Vice President – he will make a great one. 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."New York Times: Senator Obama’s Remarks Introducing Senator Biden (August 23, 2008)

"In naming my colleague and friend Senator Joe Biden to be the Vice Presidential nominee, Senator Obama has continued in the best traditions for the Vice Presidency by selecting an exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant. Senator Biden will be a purposeful and dynamic Vice President who will help Senator Obama both win the Presidency and govern this great country."—Hillary Rodham ClintonThe Huffington Post: Hillary Clinton, GOP Senators Cheer Biden VP Pick (August 23, 2008)