August 23, 2008
Posted: 10:35 AM ET

(CNN) — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid praised the addition of Joe Biden to the Democratic presidential ticket in an issued statement Saturday:

“Joe Biden has been fighting his entire career for the change that Senator Obama champions," Reid said. "He is a dedicated family man who has been an effective Chairman of both the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees, has been a sage voice on many of the toughest foreign policy issues of our time, and has long been a strong advocate for protecting American families and making our communities safer."

Earlier: Reid: 'I can't stand McCain'

(Full statement after the jump)

“Senator Obama has once again demonstrated sound judgment in selecting Senator Biden as his running mate. After eight years of an administration that refuses to level with the American people, President Obama and Vice President Biden will finally give America the real straight talk we need and needed change that we can believe in.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • Harry Reid • Joe Biden


Harvey in Va   August 23rd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Reid is the worse maj leader I have ever seen

PUMA

Pol   August 23rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Hillary should have been Obama's choice. Biden even with his experience will not help in the lomg run, in spite of being another old white guy. – like McCain. Obama has just leveled the playing field, instead of raising the bar.

TJ Johnson   August 23rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

NEVER would I give credence to anyting that Harry Reid says — what a loser!! He should be impeached now, NOW!!!

Tainopower   August 23rd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

well at least McCain and Biden agree; obama not ready to lead, McCain is.

bob Ludwig   August 23rd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

You know, politics is a bunch of crap. What does the media expect, a democrat to come out and say, Biden is a bad choice. Of course they will say all good things about him, he's their vice president of choice. God help us till November. We will be inundated with all that crap about what each party can do to make us all happy. It ain't possible.
As a veteran I just hope that the next president doesn't give our country away. There were a lot of GI's that died to preserve the right to live in this country as American's.

joshua   August 23rd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

OBAMA IS A JOKE, WHAT CHANGE??? 2 MORE WHITE MALES IN THE WHITE HOUSE REMEMBER OBAMA IS HALF WHITE!!! THE ONLY CHANGE OBAMA BRINGS IS WHATS IN HIS POCKET. WHAT A BUM! I WAS FOR HILLARY AND SINCE SHES NOT PICKED !!GO MCCAIN 08!!!!! ONE OF 18 MILLION HAS SPOKEN!!! REMEMBER BIDEN GOT NO VOTES AND DROPPED OUT EARLY!!!! OBAMA IS THAT WHAT YOU MEAN ABOUT LISTENING TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC? WE SPOKE, WE WANTED HILLARY!!!

Gotta go Republican   August 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

I'm voting McCain. He's a cuttie!

Connie Hussein   August 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Way to go, Barack! Excellent choice!

Obama/Biden '08 and '12

APS in Hawaii   August 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Unbelievable how stupid politicians are. Obama lost the election by dissing Hillary and now before the convention, we get Biden saying how unqualified Obama is to be President. This is why the Democrat elitists this year have lost the election, they are forcing their will on the voters. As a REAL Democrat, I cannot wait until the people finally get some REAL leadership in the DNC and every vote counts is a reality.

was for Obama   August 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

So much for that.
Now we are going to have a President with not much experience and
a VP who will not let anything happen to Israel.
Any one for the good of America….?

Matt   August 23rd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Obama:
8 years in illinois state senate (career began at age of 36)
4 years in united states senate
= 12 years legistlative experience
4 years Harvard law (became president of Harvard law review)
3 years as community organizer

McCain:
26 years as senator (age of 46), no law school

Obama has had experience in government at all levels, McCain hasn't.
Obama has a law degree and a deeper understanding of legislative nuances that McCain doesn't have which means McCain will be more dependent on the people surrounding him to make descisions, last I checked he was surrounded by lobbyists.

I will take Obama's broad experience over McCain's one demensional experience.

Armageddan is coming soon!!   August 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Hey, I'm starting to feel discriminated against. I just want the opportunity to participate like everyone else.

Jerry, FL   August 23rd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Who cares what liberal Reid says. He does not deserve to be majority leader. Thanks to Joe Lieberman for giving him the majority.

Susan   August 23rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Because Obama picked Biden…….he has lost our votes.

Reasonable Observer   August 23rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Too bad Senator Reid cannot discuss experience related to the person at the top of the Democraric ticket.

Also, doesn't anyone make a statement that is their own anymore? Reid looks like he is playing the "How many Obama buzzwords can you get into one sentence" game.

tedious898   August 23rd, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Biden has been involved in almost every policy debate over the past 4 decades. More experience than John McCain and anyone he could put on his ticket.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   August 23rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Will it be Obama or Biden that will force McCain into one of his maniac rages. It has been confirmed that in the past McCain has always had a point person that gave him a clue when he got ready to go manic, like you look at a child in a naughty way.

sandra-california   August 23rd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

HEY, BIDEN SAID MCCAIN WOULD BE GOOD 4 THE COUNTRY!!!! AND OBAMA NOT EXEPERIENCE ENOUGH TO LEAD!!!! BEST CHOICE ALL THE WAY MCCAIN 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Reid says it all   August 23rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

The real problem with America's politics was stated in Reid's comments.

And I quote:

"Joe Biden has been fighting his entire career…."

HIS CAREER.

Until FDR came along, career politician was an oxymoron. People would serve, leave, and go back to doing whatever their job was back then.

Now, people major in political science or get law degrees and make a career out of politics.

It compromises everything with politics. Neither of these candidates are qualified, so I refuse to vote for these two.

Sue   August 23rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Maybe Hillary should have Reid's job (until 2012).

Joe Kiloz   August 23rd, 2008 12:05 pm ET

L O O S E R S—-T A L K I N G —A B O U T —-E A C H —-O T H E R———

N O —-G U T S—-N O—-L E G I S L A T I O N—–C O N G R E S S

H   August 23rd, 2008 11:59 am ET

REID GET LOST. YOU HAVE DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. CAN'T WAIT TILL YOU LOSE.

Cecil   August 23rd, 2008 11:54 am ET

To put it frankly, Senator McCain is showing the signs of being too old for the gig, and his recent history of forgetting things (whether simple details like the number of houses he owns, or more complicated facts like Sunni vs. Shia) ought to be the source of some serious panic inside the Republican loop — far more panic, by the way, than is being generated by the prospect of a pro-choice running mate.

Obama/Biden 08

D R   August 23rd, 2008 11:53 am ET

Hey military Mom, we cannot afford to fight other peoples wars anymore! I'm sure your children have served us well, and I'm not taking a thing away from them. But the time has come to bring everyone home. If we must be out of this country in hot spots, it better be Pakistan! This country is broke, our Military is exhausted. You had better vote for someone with enough brains left to think our way through these times, not shoot!

jeanette   August 23rd, 2008 11:40 am ET

Vote Smart – Obama-Biden '08!

NEVER OBAMA   August 23rd, 2008 11:38 am ET

Harry Reed is the most disgusting man alive.

NEVER OBAMA   August 23rd, 2008 11:37 am ET

more of the same…………mr.mouth and mr.know-nothing………biden and obama……….what a joke. Just shows HOW INEXPEREXCED obama feels he really is.

Marc PDX   August 23rd, 2008 11:36 am ET

Kiss of death, isn't it? Getting Reid's approval. He has lower approval ratings that Bush… and that spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R. It would be more helpful (if that's what Reid was shooting for) to keep his mouth shut.

Armageddan is coming soon!!   August 23rd, 2008 11:32 am ET

Well proud army and navy mom, lets see; George Washington had no political experience whatsoever and Abraham Lincoln had as little political experience as Obama. So I guess you wouldn't have voted for them either, right? Its not really experience that is the primary qualification, its wisdom and the ability to use sound logic and reasoning.

Someone that has the ability to access an issue with astuteness and intelligence to make a sound decision is what's needed in the White House right now. It has nothing to do with voting along party affiliations but instead it should be based on one's mental prowess.

So far from what I have seen of McBefuddled, I doubt very seriously if he is capable of using anything resembling a cohesive thought process. You'll see during the debates how inept YOUR boy really is, but you'll still vote for him because you are a bigot. You're not fooling anyone. People like you really don't care about the economy, or the deficit, or unjustified wars, or the loss of innocent lives, or lies about WMD's, or outsourced jobs, or the failing housing market or anything of importance. I LMAO at clowns like you. You are so trite.

BTW, do you have any other sons and daughters you would like to donate to a lying cause, because apparently you don't care being lied to, right?

Rose   August 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

Who cares what Reid has to say, of course he will stand up for Biden.
"I can't stand Reid". His accomplishments are a big ZERO.

steve dumford, Scotts valley ca.   August 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

Picking Biden with a text message at 3 AM just sunk the arrogant fool. Nice way to unite the party. Just proves that this goofball, done nothing, knows nothing empty suit is all about show and no substance. I am a Hillary supporter and this puts it in the bag for me. I'm voting for McCain.

Democrats are losers   August 23rd, 2008 11:30 am ET

Agent of change you say?
Barack supporters, where is your courage? Do you follow blindly no matter how incompetent Obama shows himself to be?

Do you think about this election objectively at all?
McCain isn't the best Republican, and Obama isn't the best Democrat.

Its all bad people, and Obama did nothing to sway, women, independent, or moderate democrats.

Marge   August 23rd, 2008 11:29 am ET

proud army and navy mom August 23rd, 2008 11:05 am ET

Well…..I must admit I agree with Biden Obama is not ready to lead and being in the White House is not the time for OJT. Dont get mad at me Biden said Obama was not qualified
______________________________________________________
Oh PLEASE!!!!! How do YOU know who's ready to lead???? This country has had OJT for the last 8 years!!!!
BTW Bush called Mc I was a POW! INSANE!!!!! Do you agreev with that too???
Don't get mad at me, BUSH called him crazy!!!!!

proud army and navy mom   August 23rd, 2008 11:22 am ET

Will Biden be writing any of his own speeches or will he plagerize them? HAHAHA

Jen, Gainesville   August 23rd, 2008 11:22 am ET

Obama/Biden is the dream team. I can not stand the McCain in 2008, though I liked the McCain in 2000. The McCain in 2000 will not vote for the McCain in 2008.

Erika, KS   August 23rd, 2008 11:20 am ET

I can't stand Reid. I can't stand Obama. Biden is oki. but he's not change.

vic nashville,Tn   August 23rd, 2008 11:19 am ET

I am proud of Reid
He know his party made bad investment even though he is happy

Hillary 2012 / Mc Cain 2008

stacy   August 23rd, 2008 11:19 am ET

The lion (Biden) and the lamb (Obama).

Jim - Lone Star State   August 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

I like Joe Biden but not enough to vote for Obama. It will be McCain for me

Edgar, Florida   August 23rd, 2008 11:14 am ET

Excited you just made the PUMA movement grow even bigger then what it is.

Trannon   August 23rd, 2008 11:13 am ET

GOBAMA/BIDEN '08!

McStain the Mummy and Ken Doll Romney are going down.

tired of wash.insiders.   August 23rd, 2008 11:12 am ET

reid is no better than biden or mccain.they are all like the WWF of geriatric wrestling.so disappointed in my 'change' candidate.

Matt   August 23rd, 2008 11:12 am ET

Oh, how sweet it is to watch inexperience mixed with arrogance at play. As a Mccain supporter, I just love Biden as VP for Obama. "….so senator, you made a strong case against your nominee during the primary that he is just an empty celebrity with little experience and a big slogan, do you now think he's ready to be president? and why?" Joe's 2 possible responses; 1) I lied during the primary in order to win 2) I changed my mind….you know, as in change we can believe in!

Oh how sweet it is to be Mccain right now.

c-span junkie   August 23rd, 2008 11:10 am ET

HEY Harry, nothing for nothing, but the way I see it Obama, needs another Angle to get my vote. That may be synical but that is the truth you dipstick. Experience does repeat DOES make a difference.

ps This ticket should be Biden/Obama ;-)

Southern State   August 23rd, 2008 11:09 am ET

There you have it. When you vote for Obama, you are voting for Biden, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.

Get ready for higher taxes and higer gas prices.

I think the whole thing is a sham, Hillary would have won if Pelosi and Reid had not prematurely interfered.

Crush Rush   August 23rd, 2008 11:05 am ET

Time to push that ejection seat button again John'SONGBIRD"McCain.

proud army and navy mom   August 23rd, 2008 11:05 am ET

Well…..I must admit I agree with Biden Obama is not ready to lead and being in the White House is not the time for OJT. Dont get mad at me Biden said Obama was not qualified

Joan   August 23rd, 2008 11:03 am ET

Today, I heard a CNN that there was a question of why Hillary is being distanced by OBAMA. Here is a clue. Hillarey not only allowed her nasty stripe to show, she paraded it out like a streamlined kitty, and the smell lingers still. Whenever her name comes up, our olfactory centers jerk up and we experience her distinctive odor left in our memories. Do us all a favor, and let her fade into her place in history. Biden is a man of character, knowledge and long overlooked. He is in a league way above where Hillary resides.

Montana is Obama/Biden Country   August 23rd, 2008 10:58 am ET

**

Lunchbucket JOE…!!

Yes …WE…Can…

fritzie   August 23rd, 2008 10:57 am ET

So, Biden has been fighting for change for 35 years??? Apparently he hasn't had much success – so what makes anyone think he can do something in only 4?

sandy   August 23rd, 2008 10:55 am ET

Harry Reid's comments are good,even coming from him. This is one man whose job should be changed along with Pelosi, then maybe the Dems can get something done.

Joe   August 23rd, 2008 10:55 am ET

Harry Schmarry – This is BO's way of showing that his actions do not back his empty words…he's going to accomplish change by having biden – more of the same ol democratic facism – on as his running mate…this is too good…it'll be fun to watch the democratic party crash and burn in november…the media is the democratic's worst enemy – they think its their greatest ally – but as was the case with Kerry in 2004 – all they do is empower the republican party to come out voting in droves…and the dems will once again be squarely defeated and sent running home with their tails between their legs…that sure was fun to watch the kerry-edwards concession speech – cant wait to see the obama-biden one….can't wait for November when McCain crushes you pansies!

WAYNE ROGERS   August 23rd, 2008 10:53 am ET

This is and has been the most interesting election that I have ever been involved in. I think that Senator Obama knocked a home run when he picked Senator Biden to be his running mate. However, like the Reverend Wright flap, I feel that the voters are tired of hearing about the upset and bitter supporters of Senator Clinton. She lost fair and square and it is time for them to dry their eyes and get on board if they are true democrats. Wolf Blitzer is a big trouble maker. He is the main reporter that is trying to keep this bitter Clinton supporter story alive. It is so frustrating to turn on CNN and hear about her disgruntled supporters. She Lost! Get over it!

Franky   August 23rd, 2008 10:52 am ET

Senator Biden??? Ohhh yeah, of course!! LOL!!!! But wait a minute, but, but…but he's old…way old! LOL!!!!

But you know what? To come and think about it, he is different than my boy. He's a very talented politician, he got WAY many years ahead of my boy, also he's on the Senate Foreign Relations Commi.(something like that), is very well popular among Dems, also got some different roots than my boy, etc. I gotta say, to come and think about it, it seemed like my boy wanted someone the opposite of him. I gotta say, is not that bad…

Senator Biden…Congrats!

James From Chicago   August 23rd, 2008 10:51 am ET

I hope Biden sees to it that Reid and Pelosi hit the road, they are useless.

Vincent from Texas   August 23rd, 2008 10:50 am ET

He has never made a sound decision. He could have made his first with a selection of Hilary. I was recently surprised that I was not the only one at work who feels that they would only vote for him if and only if he selects Hilary. The news media have no ideal how wide spread these emotions are felt by key voters to his chance to win the White House. No for Obama and yes for McCain.

James   August 23rd, 2008 10:49 am ET

Obama is once again showing that he has good judgement and knows what the american people want. By choosing Joe Biden as his V.P. running mate, he has put the final nail in John McCain's presidential coffin.

annie   August 23rd, 2008 10:49 am ET

This is harry reid of pelosick fame who SELECTED obama in the first place. Will never vote dem. again – the party is all but destroyed by these sickos.

Hillary's Ideas   August 23rd, 2008 10:48 am ET

Thanks for overlooking Hillary. You are making it much much easier for myself and millions of other intelligent women of this country to vote for McCain. If you had chosen Hillary as Vice President, I would have had to vote for Obama, but wouldn't have wanted to as he is not Presidential material–but at least Hillary could have taught him the ropes. I am so looking forward to McCain '08/Clinton '12.

Upon Further Review   August 23rd, 2008 10:48 am ET

Joe Biden is a great choice.

S. Boatman   August 23rd, 2008 10:47 am ET

This Was An Excellent Choice Obama! Your Judgement Is As Sound As Ever! You Will Get My Vote For Sure!

Steve Childers   August 23rd, 2008 10:43 am ET

Can we now call the Democratic ticket, "JoBama?"

Michelle   August 23rd, 2008 10:43 am ET

OK–so Obama chooses an older guy with wisdom and experience to be the "real" potential president–

Then who needs Obama?

Zac Umdenstock   August 23rd, 2008 10:41 am ET

Obama-Biden –
They have this Republican vote

Yak   August 23rd, 2008 10:41 am ET

im gonna puke.

Barbara - NC   August 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

I'm glad he's bringing this process into the 21st century – maybe training for other political big shots on high tech stuff will be next?

No more horse and buggy – No more "NAM"

We have to look forward, not backward. Would CNN succeed on RADIO?

Obama/Biden '08

Mr C   August 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

Great choice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BK   August 23rd, 2008 10:39 am ET

Harry Reid you have done nothing and neither will Obama. What a joke.

Cali Girl   August 23rd, 2008 10:39 am ET

Joe Biden has been fighting for change? Hillary Clinton has been fighting for change! And, she EARNED the nomination. I hope the delegates come to their senses before the Convention and change their votes to Hillary before it's too late. We are heading for a loss of the White House once again because, as usual, the leadership of the DNC and Barack Obama, for that matter, seem to think the will of the voters mean nothing. Shame on them all!

Truely a Democrat   August 23rd, 2008 10:38 am ET

Spoken like a true democrat.

Obama/Biden '08

Phil Newton from Murphy, Oregon   August 23rd, 2008 10:38 am ET

This is really, really great news. Obama chose well.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Mike in Houston   August 23rd, 2008 10:38 am ET

Harry Reid is the worst majority leader in Senate history. His opinions are irrelevant.

The only point he has right is that he at least alludes to the fact that Obama is SO UNQUALIFIED that he had to get someone to put some kind of substance on this far left ticket. That Biden accepted must mean that Biden doesn't see much of a future in his Senate career. No one else seemed to want to join this loser ticket.

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