Saturday Recap

Today's been a busy day. Text messages were sent, emails were received, announcements were made, speeches were given, and stories were shared. We wouldn't be where we are today without our supporters, and we know that Joe will work to build our grassroots movement as hard as you have.

Here are Joe's remarks from earlier today...

video details and more

Here are today's pictures...

video details and more



Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5sLv

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Recap of Today

Today's been a busy day. Text messages were sent, emails were received, announcements were made, speeches were given, and stories were shared. We wouldn't be where we are today without our supporters, and we know that Joe will work to build our grassroots movement as hard as you have.

Here are Joe's remarks from earlier today...

video details and more

Here are today's pictures...

video details and more



Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5sLv

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What The Press Is Saying

From the Des Moines Register:

It’s a choice that should help Obama in Iowa, a battleground state…Picking Biden is a solid choice that adds political savvy, national security experience and a pit bull campaigner to Obama’s ticket.

From the Washington Post:

Still, Biden brings far more to the ticket than foreign policy experience. He has a powerful personal story… Biden's record in the area of crime and the judiciary is another asset Democrats can point to that will go beyond his foreign policy credentials.

From USA Today:

Barack Obama's choice of Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as the Democratic vice presidential nominee instantly bolsters the ticket's credentials on foreign policy…Biden, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is one of Congress' most knowledgeable and respected voices on national security.

From Christian Broadcasting Network:

Obama has always said that the first criteria for a VP is that he would need to be someone who could step in and be President from day one. Biden fits the bill… [O]verall, Obama seems to have passed his first big test.

From Newsweek:

What does Biden bring to the ticket? A lot. First of all, he has a love of politics and public service. He never tried to get rich from his role, even though he has been in the Senate for decades… He genuinely wants to serve.

From MSNBC:

The fact is he doesn't spend a lot of nights in Washington. He’s one of the few incumbent senators that always tries to spend the night at home in Delaware. There are probably a lot of first-term senators who’ve spent more nights in Washington, D.C. than Joe Biden has over the last 30 years.

From the Washington Post:

In choosing Biden, Obama showed -- again -- that he is not solely an ideologue, taking advice from only those who agree with him.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5sYR

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What The Press Are Saying

From the Des Moines Register:

It’s a choice that should help Obama in Iowa, a battleground state…Picking Biden is a solid choice that adds political savvy, national security experience and a pit bull campaigner to Obama’s ticket.

From the Washington Post:

Still, Biden brings far more to the ticket than foreign policy experience. He has a powerful personal story… Biden's record in the area of crime and the judiciary is another asset Democrats can point to that will go beyond his foreign policy credentials.

From USA Today:

Barack Obama's choice of Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as the Democratic vice presidential nominee instantly bolsters the ticket's credentials on foreign policy…Biden, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is one of Congress' most knowledgeable and respected voices on national security.

From Christian Broadcasting Network:

Obama has always said that the first criteria for a VP is that he would need to be someone who could step in and be President from day one. Biden fits the bill… [O]verall, Obama seems to have passed his first big test.

From Newsweek:

What does Biden bring to the ticket? A lot. First of all, he has a love of politics and public service. He never tried to get rich from his role, even though he has been in the Senate for decades… He genuinely wants to serve.

From MSNBC:

The fact is he doesn't spend a lot of nights in Washington. He’s one of the few incumbent senators that always tries to spend the night at home in Delaware. There are probably a lot of first-term senators who’ve spent more nights in Washington, D.C. than Joe Biden has over the last 30 years.

From the Washington Post:

In choosing Biden, Obama showed -- again -- that he is not solely an ideologue, taking advice from only those who agree with him.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5sYR

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"The Right Person at the Right Time"

A few hours ago, Barack made his first public appearance with his choice to be the VP nominee, Senator Joe Biden. We've been watching the comments section here on the HQ blog, and our supporters have been discussing the choice and offering their own welcome messages to Joe as he joins our campaign.

Rene from Pennsylvania writes:

Hi Senator Biden. Welcome to the Obama family. We're excited and honored to have you on your team. We know you will campaign hard and work your heart out for Barack and that you will always be a champion of the people when you and Barack take office in January. Welcome aboard the O'train!

Ben from Texas:

Sen. Joe Biden has been in Washington for 30 years but is not of Washington. He goes home every night to DE.

Sen. Joe Biden is CHANGE...

We now have a ticket. This is the best ticket. And this is what the country needs. All Americans should be happy and proud of Sen. Obama's choice.

Another proof of Senator Obama's sound judgment. Congrats, Senator Biden, and welcome!

Phyllis from Dallas, Texas:

I love Biden and I can't stop smiling today. Welcome home, Joe!

Patrick is from Delaware, and has seen firsthand the good work that Joe Biden does:

As any Delawarean I am proud that Senator Biden, our favorite son, has been offered the VP of the Democratic Party. His presence on the ticket with Senator Obama will help immensely. The uniqueness that they will offer as candidates for the leadership of America, for all people across our great nation, is a promise of great things to come.

Senator Biden is a happy warrior of the Senate with a great knowledge of foreign affairs, as well as being a great orator and debater par excellence. Right person at the right time.

Great judgement by Senator Barack Obama.

And finally, this welcome for Joe's wife, Jill, courtesy of Gloria from Englewood, FL:

Wait until America meets Jill Biden - an educator for 27 years! Born in Pennsylvania, headed to Pennsylvania Avenue. She's terrific!

If you haven't commented yet, leave your welcome for Joe in the comments, or add your message to the thousands of others who have already written in to welcome Joe Biden to our movement.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/bradleyportnoy/gG5sYb

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"A Strong Ticket"

Obama supporters have been sharing their stories and personal messages with the new Democratic nominee for Vice President Joe Biden. The responses have been overwhelming, filled with hope and excitement for the new running mate. Here are some of the welcome messages you are sharing:

Sherry in Michigan:

Joe -

I've always appreciated your "real straight talk" and your obvious knowledge of all the issues.  You will certainly be a great addition to this ticket and a wonderful advocate for the change that needs to occur in this country.  You and Barack can turn things around. 

Personally, I admire and share your values and commitment.  As a retired woman, a college grad from a middle class background, I've seen a lot of history and a lot of empty rhetoric from politicians but you and Barack offer the real deal!

Carol in Arizona:

Hello Joe Biden!

I am very happy that you are Barack Obama's vice presidential choice. I like that Barack wants a VP who will work along side him and who will challenge him. I trust that you are exactly the right person to do just that!

My story is that I am a woman from Tucson, Arizona, who was raised in a conservative Republican home, but who became disenchanted with those beliefs in my early 20's.  I became an Independent for awhile, but then I registered as a Democrat so that I could vote in the primary elections.

I've raised five kids, mostly alone, and now have raised two of my grandsons and a third one for awhile, entirely alone.  I am still raising my 21-year-old deaf and moderately developmentally delayed grandson, as well as a 23-year-old autistic, severely developmentally delayed and epileptic foster son.

I am sickened by the way this country has gone during the last eight years.  We need to become a nation with honor again, to go back to governing according to our Constitution, to go back to good-paying jobs for our people who just want to support their families and live in a decent home, to have affordable health care and medications for everyone, to have social services in place for those who desperately need them, to have other countries in the world look at us with admiration and trust again.

Welcome to the Democratic ticket, Joe!  We love you.

Carol

Sharon in Maryland:

Dear Senator Biden:

I am thrilled to learn that you have joined Barack Obama on this historic presidential ticket.  At age 48, this is the first presidential election that I have become involved with, and I've been working as a volunteer for the campaign since Barack Obama announced in 2007.  As a matter of fact, I worked in Wilmington for the week leading up to the primary election there and I got to know some wonderful people.

I am so excited that you will bring your experience to this ticket, and I know that you will help us seal the deal with many of the undecided Americans still out there.

Welcome aboard!  Enjoy the experience, and let's bring this home and change this country.  Let's make America great again.

Sincerely,
Sharon

Richard in Georgia:

Welcome to the ticket Senator Biden. I'm glad that you were Senator Obama's choice. We need a strong ticket to defeat the Republicans in November!

I truly believe that if we have another four years of the current administration's style policies, the country would be in such a poor shape both economically and the standing of the USA in the world. We've been badly damaged over the last eight years but I feel with your and Senator Obama's leadership, we can recover but it will take time.

Again Congratulations in being the best pick that could have been made! My whole family is pleased with your name being put up for Vice President!

Sincerely,
Richard

Lois in Indiana:

Welcome Joe to the movement for change and being our future Vice President! This is going to be a tough election to win. But I think you will be there fighting right with Barack. 

I am a grandmother on disability. I can barely make ends meet now.  I'm afraid of losing my home. There is not much I can do to help or make it to meetings or gatherings. But have been trying to use my internet to spread the word and encourage people to join in and vote. I will be cheering for you and Barack all the way.  We need a change!

Sincerely, Lois

Sherre in Colorado:

Congratulations!  I had you picked from the very beginning!  I knew you would and will bring to the Presidency and the Vice Presidency everything that will make the change happen.

My husband and I are facing financial ruin, losing our home, declaring bankruptcy and facing becoming part of the largest number of "middle income American homeless."  The American dream has become the American nightmare but with this Obama-Biden team we can save all that has been lost and and bring the nightmare to an end.  I only hope, like many Americans, that we can hold on long enough until the turnaround begins.  Our hopes, dreams, homes and very lives are at stake.

Welcome, we need a fighter, a diplomat and person with the experience needed in these very serious and dire times.

Sincerely,
Sherre

PS -- I will be working hard for the election - nothing can be taken for granted!

Please take a minute to share your story with Joe and welcome him into our movement for change. For those of you who are from Delaware and know Joe best, we'd love to hear your experiences as a constituent of Senator Biden's.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5ss9

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Supporters in Springfield Welcome Biden

Just hours after announcing that Joe Biden would be his running mate, Barack and Joe appeared together at the old courthouse in Springfield, Illinois to share their exciting news with Americans across the country. Over 35,000 supporters showed up to hear them speak.

Barack said:

“Nineteen months ago, on a cold February day right here on the steps of the Old State Capitol, I stood before you to announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America. ...Today, I have come back to Springfield to tell you that I’ve found [a] leader – a man with a distinguished record and a fundamental decency – Joe Biden.”

Obama supporters in the Springfield crowd are excited to have Joe Biden join the movement for change.

DeLyn from Evansville, Illinois drove in at 6:30am because she "wanted to see history." She said:

Barack leads with integrity above all else, above all else you can believe him when he's talking. I like Joe Biden a lot -- I think they complement each other very well.

Aldean from Springfield also went to Barack’s announcement rally in February, 2007. She said:

Barack is all about everything that's good for most Americans. And Biden is a good partner. They spoke to the same issues and both truly want to help the American people.

Other supporters are new to the movement. Jane from Springfield went to her first rally today in Springfield. “I came to see Biden,” she says. “I think he's a straight-up guy we can trust.”

Ann and Dhara, both from Chicago, woke up at 5am and rode the train down together. It was the first rally for both. “I was excited to be there with people excited about Barack's campaign,” Dhara said.

Mike and Sue from Beardstown, Illinois said:

This is a historic occasion and we wanted to be here to experience it.

All the supporters we spoke to were enthusiastic about Biden, and excited that they got to be part of this historic event.

Paul from Chicago may have summed it up best:

Obama’s got me sold on Biden. This is going to be a great campaign.

Learn how you can get more involved in the campaign and find out about events in your area. And please take a moment and welcome Joe to our movement for change.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/mollyclaflinblog/gG5slG

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"Welcome to the Team"

 

Barack announced early this morning that he has chosen Delaware Senator Joe Biden as the Democratic vice presidential nominee. Americans from Alaska to Maine are excited about the choice of Senator Biden. Thousands of you have written in to welcome Senator Biden to our campaign for change.

Here are a few of your welcome messages to Joe:

Dave in Chantilly, Virginia:

Godspeed! The country needs the refreshing and enlightened leadership that you and Senator Obama can give us.  I can't wait to be able to believe my country's leaders again.

Lark in West Chester, Pennsylvania:

Joe Biden is a great pick!  You have handled this selection process with great skill and wisdom.  I am so looking forward to your presidency.  Together you both will be bringing change at so many important levels.

 
Merrie in Greenville, Mississippi:

Welcome to the team!  We're thrilled with your history of honesty, outspokenness and concern for the "average" person.  Your commonsense approach to foreign policy is a necessity in these dangerous times. Thank you for accepting!  

Donald in Atlanta, Georgia:

Sentor Biden I am extremely delighted that you are a part of this movement for change. Your pick clearly demonstrates leadership, wisdom and sagacity of our next President, Senator Barack Obama. Not only am I delighted I am excited to know that our nation is on the path for a much needed change. Our prayers are with this ticket, country and world.

Maureen in Modesto, California:

Joe, I've long admired your work in the Senate. . . in my opinion, you are truly the candidate who can claim to be a "straight talker."  You're firm, you're clear, you have a great sense of humor and, maybe most important, you have a good heart. I'm so glad Obama chose you. I'm so glad that you are going to be part of the millions of voices calling for change!

Carly in Lancaster, Pennsylvania:

I turned 18 recently and was so excited to vote for Senator Obama in the primary. I didn't think it could get better than that first voting experience, but now I see I was wrong.
I'm honored and proud to exercise my rights as an American and vote for you. Welcome to the team, Senator Biden.

Steven in Elkridge, Maryland:

To the next Vice President of the United States: Congratulations Senator Biden. Our family has watched you through the years with much respect. Senator Obama has made a wise choice and we look forward to the restoration of our country. Do us proud.

Gloria in Arnold, Missouri:

Dear Senator Biden: Congratulations and welcome to the Change team.  Looking forward to having you as the vice president of the United States. Go get 'em!  May God bless you and Barack Obama! Love and peace and justice for America.

Please take a few moments to share your story with Joe and welcome him into our movement for change.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/mollyclaflinblog/gG5ss5

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Supporters in Springfield: "They're both us at
the core"

In their first joint appearance, Barack Obama and Joe Biden electrified the crowd in Springfield this afternoon.

Joe's message of change resonated deeply with the folks in Springfield...

Ladies and gentlemen, your kitchen table is like mine. You sit there at night before you put the kids -- after you put the kids to bed and you talk, you talk about what you need. You talk about how much you are worried about being able to pay the bills. Well, ladies and gentlemen, that's not a worry John McCain has to worry about. It's a pretty hard experience. He'll have to figure out which of the seven kitchen tables to sit at. Folks, again, it's not political sloganary when I say we literally can't afford four more years of this non-energy policy written by and for the oil companies, making us more and more dependent from hostile nations on our ability to run this country and literally, not figuratively, literally putting America's security at risk...

After the event, we asked supporters to share their thoughts. A common thread in their responses was that Joe Biden truly understands what middle class families are going through. Watch the video...

video details and more

If you haven't already, share your story with Joe and send him a welcome note!

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gG5s9X

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From Those Who Know Joe Best

Early this morning, Barack announced that Joe Biden would be his running mate in the 2008 presidential election. Since the announcement, thousands of our supporters have sent goodwill messages to Senator Biden, welcoming him to the campaign. We’ve collected a few of these messages from the people who know Joe Biden best – his friends and neighbors from back home in Delaware.  

Here’s what the people of Delaware had to say about Senator Biden’s selection as Democratic nominee for vice president:

Susan in Newark:

Dear Senator Biden,

I join so many of your delighted constituents in Delaware in saying, "Way to go Joe!"  I'm thrilled that you're on the ticket, and will work hard to ensure that Obama/Biden ‘08 succeeds.  As a board member of the Food Bank of Delaware, I know first hand that you're committed to the people of Delaware, and I look forward to seeing that same commitment to the citizens of the US from the Obama/Biden administration.  

Mary in Hockessin:

Congratulations!  I have been a happy Delaware resident since 1970 and am thrilled to be here to participate in this most exciting presidential campaign! Joe Biden's presence on Barack Obama's ticket has taken this off the top. The first state is a small state -- we really believe that we all know each other.  Joe Biden and his family are part of our community and we all know him and see him and talk with him.   

I know I am busting with pride this morning and am so very hopeful that our wonderful country of ours!  

Tony in Wilmington:

We want an America where our eight-month-old little girl and our fifteen-year old young man are never in doubt about the greatness of our country and their responsibility to contribute to that greatness in substantive ways. An Obama administration bolstered by one of the US Senate's foremost authorities on public policy and life-lessons will make an incredible team. Senator Biden always says "it is a good man that wakes up every morning, puts on his pants, prepares himself for the challenges of his day ... and believes it still matters."   

Senator Obama, you have selected a wise, good man who truly believes.  

Marie in Elsmere:

I am ecstatic that Barack Obama has chosen Joe Biden to be his running mate. I have known Joe throughout my lifetime. Joe has helped my husband and I several times over the years cutting through "government red tape" in solving problems with federal agencies. His office was always swift to help us solve these problems and went above and beyond in making sure these problems were resolved in a fair and just manner.  Joe is a man for the people.  

He definitely works to help the middle class American.  Now that I am a middle-aged American looking toward my retirement years, I feel more confident knowing that Joe will have a part in the decision-making of policies in America as Vice-President to Barack Obama.  

Samuel in Wilmington:

Hi Joe,

I'm a resident of Wilmington, Delaware and have been all my life.  I've been proud to have you represent me in the Senate (also all my life) and now I couldn't be prouder to have you represent the nation as the Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate, and soon enough the Vice President.   

I just know that you and Barack will be able to turn this country around in a way that we desperately need, and I look forward to casting my vote for you in November. Here's to four years of change from what's sure to be an historic administration.  Obama/Biden '08!  

Amy in Ardencroft:

Congratulations, Joe!  We know that you will do a great job and compliment Barack completely! You not only have served our state well, but our entire country.  Our state is lucky in that we get to know our public servants on a personal level and I know how intelligent, warm and caring you are!  

Crystal in Clayton:

What an excellent choice! I am so proud to see Sen. Biden as Barack's choice for VP.  I am a life long resident of the State of Delaware and an educator.  I have never felt a connection with any legislator as I do with Senator Biden.  He is personable and you truly get the sense that he listens to your concerns and comments. He is so down to earth that it is not unusual to see him in our local 4th of July parade as well as other local events.  He is as much a part of our community as your next-door neighbor.   

What a joy it is to see someone with such a grasp on what it is like to be a "regular person" be part of such a wonderful movement to a better America.  I am so proud of Joe Biden and I look forward to every bit of this election!   

Please take a minute to share your story with Joe and welcome him into our movement for change. For those of you who are from Delaware and know Joe best, we'd love to hear your experiences as a constituent of Senator Biden's.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/mollyclaflinblog/gG5sDT

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