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3 a.m. Call: Why Obama Picked Biden
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ShareAugust 23, 2008 11:59 AM
ABC News' Jennifer Parker, Ed O'Keefe, and Theresa Cook Report: Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., joins the Obama presidential ticket with an official event in Springfield, Ill., just 12 hours after media reports and a text message delivered the news.
"I think they were struggling between choosing a candidate would represent what Barack Obama represents: change. Maybe that's somebody like Tim Kaine of Virginia and somebody who represents -- is a known quantity, who does have that kind of national security experience would be a reassurance," ABC News' chief Washington correspondent George Stephanopoulos said of the Biden VP nominee pick.
The long-awaited text message announcing Obama-Biden '08 arrived in cell phones and inboxes just after 3 a.m. ET on Saturday. The 3 a.m. timing may evoke memories of an attack ad run by Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., questioning whether Obama would be ready to lead in the event of a 3 a.m. phone call.
In the end however, Obama supporters got a 3 a.m. cell phone text message and e-mail about Biden, rather than Clinton.
Asked how they kept Obama's vp pick a secret for almost a week and why they announced Obama's V.P. pick in the dead of night, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs told "Good Morning America Weekend Edition" co-anchor Kate Snow, "We weren't trying to hide anything. We're pretty good at keeping secrets. ... I have a feeling that most of the people who normally text were probably up and got it."
Media reports in the hours before the official announcement strongly hinted at the Obama pick: A private plane was tracked flying from Chicago's Midway airport to New Castle, Del., and the Secret Service had been dispatched to protect Biden, the six-term senator. In the early morning hours, those hints were confirmed prior to the Obama camp's text message.
Biden had been on Obama's short list, but had cryptically told reporters earlier in the week, "I'm not the guy."
So why did Obama, who is running on a theme of change, chose the Biden, the experienced Washington hand?
"Over the course of the process, they became convinced, Sen. Obama became convinced, that they needed a candidate who would reassure voters on that support, someone who that could count on, who was a solid, known quantity," Stephanopoulos told "GMA" on Saturday.
Reaction from political pundits is mixed and the McCain campaign pounced on its new rivals, immediately releasing an ad using Biden's own words against his new running mate.
"What does Barack Obama's running mate say about Barack Obama?" the ad opens, with images of Biden and Obama, before a clip of ABC News' Democratic debate on Aug. 19, 2007, hosted by Stephanopoulos on a special edition of "This Week."
"You said, 'I think he can be ready, but right now, I don't think he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training,'" Stephanopoulos says in the ad's debate clip.
"I think I stand by that statement," Biden replies.
Asked Saturday on "GMA" about the impact of the Republican attack ad, Stephanopoulos said, "I think that's the best they can do -- Sen. Biden and a lot of other Democrats questioning Sen. Obama's experience. Clearly, Sen. Clinton did that, of course, in the primary."
Stephanopoulos added, "I actually asked about that exchange when he was on my show, "This Week," in May and [Biden] was very blunt in his response. He said that Barack Obama has learned a hell of a lot, and he went on to detail how Obama has grown over the course of the campaign, praised his judgment.
I think you'll see ... Sen. McCain is trying to drive a wedge between Obama and Biden," Stephanopoulos said. "But one of the reasons I think Obama decided to go with Biden in the end is not only because he has experience but is because he really can be a political gut-biter and is a strong debater. Over the course of the debates during the primary, he was often the winner of the debates.
"He has served with John McCain for an awful long time, and I think the Obama team believes that Joe Biden will have the ability to get under John McCain's skin over the course of this campaign and to really be very forceful," Stephanopoulos concluded.
Activity continued at a steady pace outside the Biden home in Delaware prior to the candidate's departure for the 3 p.m. ET event in Springfield, Ill.
As for the next vice presidential selection, the pick of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is expected as early as next Friday following the Democratic National Convention in Denver and prior to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
"I think John McCain ... has to figure out, kind of: Does he want a reinforcing choice, someone like a Joe Lieberman who has national security experience, or does he want have someone who compliments his strengths, maybe who has more experience on the economy, maybe who is part of a different generation?" Stephanopoulos said on "GMA." "That would lead perhaps to Mitt Romney, [who has] strong economic credentials, or maybe the governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty, who's under 50 and represents the next generation of Republican leaders."
The potential V.P. contenders who were not chosen by Obama released statements of congratulations to Biden on Saturday.
"Joe Biden is an outstanding public servant with deep experience and a fighting spirit. These qualities will make him a great asset in the White House and on the campaign trail this fall," said Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind. "It was an honor to be considered."
First-time Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, also short-listed for the Democratic vice presidential nomination, said he is "excited" for Biden and praised him as "a tremendous leader and a great complement to Sen. Obama and his candidacy."
Another candidate shaved from the shortlist, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, said Biden's "extensive experience dealing with foreign policy issues are an asset in these complicated times."
Even McCain contacted Biden, placing "a brief call to offer congratulations to the senator and his wife," a McCain aide told ABC News.
For more ABC News veepstakes coverage, click HERE.
ABC News' Michael S. James, Matt Jaffe, Jen Duck, Kate McCarthy, Lisa Chinn, Sara Just, Hohn Berman, Rick Klein and Jake Tapper contributed to this report.
August 23, 2008 in Biden, Joe, Kucinich, Dennis, Romney, Mitt, Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (184)
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Dissapointing - nothing against Joe Biden but Obama blew it by not selecting Hillary. Many of her 18 million (including me) will NEVER vote for Obama now.
And how about Biden's remarks of last year that Obama was not ready to be President? Bet the GOP will have fun with that clip.
Hillary 2012!
Posted by: csh | Aug 23, 2008 12:05:05 PM
This reeks of desperation. The brave face of change has cut and run.
Posted by: Mack | Aug 23, 2008 12:14:38 PM
Senator Joe Biden! This is an awesome candidate...He should have been a President long time ago...This is what "true Grit is Made of" This is a man that can put the "stars and stripes" where it counts...Amen!
Posted by: Jalica | Aug 23, 2008 12:24:48 PM
I've just checked the weather for Obama acceptance speech in Denver and it will be sunny, high of 79 degrees. The perfect weather.
Posted by: Vanessa | Aug 23, 2008 12:32:55 PM
OBAMA failed the 3am Georgia test by putting his phone on a CALL FWD MODE to the UN ...
now he has decided to put that CALL FWD MODE to BIDEN
What a COWARD !!! The RUSSIA must be laughing their socks off ...
MCCAIN 08 / HILLARY 12
Posted by: GeorgiaPhobia | Aug 23, 2008 12:34:02 PM
if he would have selected someone about change you all would have said "oh man no experience"
and had he selected clinton you all would have said "its insulting that shes number two, neverobama!"
and with biden you all say "oh he knows washington too well"
its just pathetic how you have a negative answer or assumption for EVERY single thing. Youve created an impossible catch 22 for obama on EVERY position, and then look completely the other way on EVERY single issue for mccain.
I will point out that if you actually think about it in a mature thoughtful way the Biden pick is good because he is a washington insider and if you want to change something smartly and properly having someone who knows it very well is a very smart thoughtful way to do it.
Posted by: bhrandon | Aug 23, 2008 12:34:10 PM
Wow .. Saturday Night Live had it right. At three a.m. when there is a foreign policy crises, Barack would be panicking and calling on someone more experienced to bail him out. Its 3 a.m. and the phone in the White House is being forwarded to the Naval Observatory Unbelieveable symbolism here!!!!
Posted by: Maybe_Its_Just_Me | Aug 23, 2008 12:34:45 PM
Vanessa,
Funny thing about weather forecasting is it's very unreliable. Kinda like the Dems/Obama were supposed to win in a landslide. LOL
Posted by: JA | Aug 23, 2008 12:36:42 PM
Just saw the great ad McCain campaign has put out with Biden saying Obama not ready to lead the country and then saying he would be proud to run with Sen. McCain. GREAT AD!
Obama sold out with his CHANGE mantra.....all his hopey/dopey minions very disappointed today.
McCain '08!
Posted by: Debra | Aug 23, 2008 12:38:14 PM
Some of u people must be disgruntled HRC supporters. She never was being considered - you pumas can go elect JMcCain if you want and when your children are dying in the desert over in Iraq you can only blame yourselves - go ahead vote for someone who will continue the current econmic policies and same type administraion - just give up your kids as offerings!
Posted by: jozy | Aug 23, 2008 12:39:19 PM
If McCain choses Romney this will be the easiest landslide since Reagan. The Dems will have this election in the bag.
Can you imagine a debate between Romney and Biden. It's almost unfair. Biden would blow Romney out the water.
Posted by: Vanessa | Aug 23, 2008 12:52:15 PM
Obama - never dependable, never living up to his beliefs. An idiots best bet!
Posted by: Martin Slueg, jr | Aug 23, 2008 12:53:22 PM
My candidate wasn't picked! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. Now I'm going to vote for the guy who believes the polar opposite of what I believe.
Posted by: AkaDad | Aug 23, 2008 12:54:01 PM
Hillary, Change, McCain It is all BS.
Obama is out to win, and it is what he ought to do. Change starts with removing removing Republicans from office.
You Repuiblicans act like should act like you want him to. Get real folks the campaign starts.
Obama08
Posted by: Thinking | Aug 23, 2008 12:55:00 PM
Classy guy McCain, to call and congratulate Biden and wife....bet Nobama doesn't call McCain's VP choice.
McCain '08/Hillary '12
Posted by: Debra | Aug 23, 2008 12:55:15 PM
Obama said early on that his VP would be a counselor on all decisions. I don't think his VP choice was easy because of the all great talent available. Pres. Carter recommended Sam Nunn. Sam Nunn was an early advisor to Obama in the Senate and would have been great. We can expect to see Sam Nunn offered a cabinet post along with Al Gore and all the great talent Obama has appreciated. Clinton's role depends probably on her ability to join forces. There's a perception she and Bill are still playing Sour Grapes and Luke Warm and Me First and that is hurting her and hurting her loyalists. We are going to need all of you as you well know including the Senator herself. She just needs to get over herself for now.
Posted by: Gaias Child | Aug 23, 2008 12:56:33 PM
THIS WAS A BRILLIANT CHESS MOVE.
CHAIR OF THE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE.
BIDEN IS A MAVERICK, BUT IN WITH BUSINESS AND BORN IN PENNSYLVANIA, A BATTLEGROUND STATE.
SAAVY PICK. PROVES OBAMA KNOWS HOW DC WORKS AND IS A COALITION BUILDER LIKE FDR.
I DON'T THINK MCSHAME CAN TOP BIDEN.
OBAMA / BIDEN 2008.
USA # 1.
Posted by: CHUCK | Aug 23, 2008 12:57:03 PM
The great thing about elections....is OBAMA STANDS ALONE.....AMERICANS NEVER VOTE FOR A VP.
McCain all the way!
Posted by: Debra | Aug 23, 2008 1:07:51 PM
I wasn't really all that worried about Obama winning before the Biden pick.
Now I'm not worried at all.
President McCain - get use to it!
Posted by: Jo | Aug 23, 2008 1:23:41 PM
If i have to read or hear Obama saying "same old washington politics" again, I am going to upchuck! And now, he would be stupid and hypocritical to say that, given that Biden is the poster child of Washngton politics!
What does this have to do with the 3 am call? That call is made to the president, not the VP, what's Obama going to say when he gets that call"
"sorry, above my pay grade, please call my 2nd in command"??????
The whole Dem situation is just plain sill, plain stupid, are Americans really going to fall for this? I will love watching Obama's campaign fall deep into the depths of worst frauds in American history.
Posted by: decentAmerican | Aug 23, 2008 1:26:39 PM
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