From Deseret News archives:
Obama gains strength on the national security front
The choice of Biden could produce another benefit for Obama and the Democrats. Biden's opening speech at a joint appearance with Obama Saturday in Springfield, Ill., not only included tough words about McCain but also underscored his potential to sharpen the campaign's message on middle-class economic issues that are paramount with the electorate.
But the voluble Biden is not a risk-free running mate for Obama. Republicans were quick to remind people that during the Democratic nomination battle, Biden described Obama as not ready to be president. More significantly, they also see Biden as a potential gaffe machine likely to distract attention from Obama. That view, stated more gently, was shared privately even by some Democrats on Saturday as they assessed a choice that in almost all other respects drew widespread praise within the party.
Once the tanks rolled, the weight of evidence shifted toward someone who would raise no questions in the area of national security. The "first do no harm" criterion in vice presidential selections became vital. Among those under serious consideration, the 65-year-old Biden was at the top of the list on national security credentials.
Biden also has a powerful personal story, and the Obama campaign was quick to try to capitalize on it. In parallel speeches, Obama described Biden as a symbol of the American Dream, and Biden then returned the favor for a politician whose biracial heritage and unusual biography have left some voters uncertain about who he is.
"Barack and I come from very different places," he said, "but we share a common story, an American story."
That is a theme likely to become more and more prominent.
His long service in the Senate also has included time as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, giving him experience in judicial appointments and crime legislation. He has strong ties with organized labor, which does not know Obama nearly as well.
Recent comments
The only way Obama could get any help on the National Security issues...
DL Rupper--RVing America | Aug. 24, 2008 at 9:22 a.m.
Biden has been wrong on nearly every issue (when he hs not been...
John | Aug. 24, 2008 at 8:51 a.m.
Senator Biden has always been a very bitter sounding politician. One...
Larry | Aug. 24, 2008 at 8:24 a.m.
- RSL will play for MLS Cup tonight 3:06 a.m.
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime 3:06 a.m.
- Utah Utes whip SDSU 3:05 a.m.
- BYU records with win 3:05 a.m.
- RSL dancing with soccer stars 3:04 a.m.
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals 3:04 a.m.
- Dixie State campus briefs 3:03 a.m.
- Weber State campus briefs 3:02 a.m.
- UVU campus briefs 3:01 a.m.
- BYU campus briefs 2:59 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?
- Huntsman blasts media over trip
- Christian leaders not backing down
- Cougars cruise to victory in Hawaii
- Memo out again tonight for Jazz
- Religion cited in deportation fight
- Nephi's steel bow difficult to replicate
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
192 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
173 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
129 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
122 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - BYU records with win
95 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
I don't pretend to be an expert on global warming. I've met with...
Beck is extremely smart, he is selling books and is very popular on TV. All...
@Mick, the Federal Govt is run by corporations through contributions and...
Lets bond together and hope for a REAL celebration SUnday night, can hardly...
I was on the playground too and some teachers came out and called us all to...
B.Y.U. has been a consistent a top 25 ranked winner under Max Hall. Hall has...
Did Timp win four in a row or 4 in 4 years?
You have a lot of growing up to do, It seems like you have not cxperienced...
The proposed ethics law puts roughly the same burden on a legislator that a...
Hall ACTUALLY broke the all timme wins record vs WYO last week. I guess...
Sounds to me like Kraig Powell may be a candidate for resignation. So long,...


