Biden His Time

Told ya.

I decided that Joe Biden would be the VP candidate for Barack Obama before the Democratic nominee himself made his selection. I picked Biden last Sunday. Obama decided on him later in the week. I think it was a good choice by both of us.

I like Biden because of his foreign policy credentials and his attack-dog ability, but I like him even more now that I've had a chance to think it over at length. His populist style, his energetic campaigning and his straight talking is not only a good fit but should make Obama a better candidate.

I see Biden being Obama's hit man. He'll protect him and give him space and allow him to stay on message. The bullying that has knocked Obama off track in recent weeks should end with Biden. His bark is as good as his bite. The fact that he's a regular Joe makes him all that much better.

I liken it to the role a hockey tough guy provides the skill guys on the ice in a hockey. Biden will earn respect for his toughness and his experience and that will not only bolster Obama but help ground him for the working-class blue collar voters he needs to reach. I really liked Jim Webb as a potential running mate, but I think Biden brings a lot of things Webb did and more.

As for the Republicans, as I said before, I think Biden's selection forces McCain's hand a bit. I think he has to go with Romney. He might want to pick Tom Ridge or Joe Liebermann, but he can't because he has to bow down to the conservatives. He might want Tim Pawlenty, but McCain knows he can't match up with Biden.

That leaves McCain with his own change candidate - because Romney has changed his position so often. I don't think he wants to pick Romney. If he can find a way and a reason to pick somebody else and still have a chance to win, he will. I don't see that happening though. He has to go with Romney.

And, I can't wait to see Romney have a sit-down with Biden in a debate. Pretty Boy Romney might just get that verbal wedgie he deserves.

One last thing. Anybody notice that Obama's text message that announced Biden as his VP came at 3 a.m.? Remember, Hillary Clinton ran that "3 a.m. ad" which questioned what happens if an emergency call comes in at 3 a.m. None of the pundits have picked up on that so far. It might be just a coincidence, but I think it would be funny if Obama's people sat around and said "wouldn't it be funny to send the text message at 3 a.m (with that ad in mind).