The Democrats’ Dream Ticket?
As I predicted here on The Politics, nearly two months ago, Barack Obama has chosen Joe Biden as his running mate. In what appeared to be a very formal selection process Obama has turned down a plethora of other potential running mates in favour of the experienced foreign policy expert, Joe Biden. But what does this mean for the race to the White House?
Obama has been widely criticised for a lack of experience and foreign policy knowledge. Joe Biden is the perfect solution. As one of the longest serving Senators (6th longest-serving) he brings that expertise and experience, but more importantly he brings with him a wealth of foreign policy knowledge, partly gained in his position as Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee. These factors are particularly important for disabling large parts of McCain’s attacks.
In terms of what he brings to the electorate, he is a likeable, well-respected, affable politician- somewhat of a rarity! He is generally considered as a good orator; however he is likely to be kept on a short chain. Obama is clearly the main speaker on this ticket.
Electorally, Biden brings with him the Roman Catholic vote, which in an election lacking in religious candidates, may help the Democrats, particularly in states such as Ohio.
On the downside the selection of Biden could be seen as an admission by Obama that he lacks the necessary experience to ‘take that 3am call’, something Clinton rather unhelpfully highlighted and is now being as GOPs attack.
Obama is campaigning on not being ‘part of the establishment’, bringing forward change to the political system. Picking one of the longest serving senators, who is also a powerful committee chair, could understandably be seen to undermine this message. However on the flip-slide Biden is not regarded as a ‘corrupt’ or ‘in-it-for-the-money’ type Senator. Yet give the Republican’s time and this may be the view firmly rooted in the minds to the electorate.
However Obama has taken great care in his selection. His choice of running mate is far more important now than it was two months ago. His lawyers and researches have been going through every last detail of the personal and political lives of each possible contender. If there was anything to dig out on Biden, it is likely that they will already have it. Furthermore, whatever they do have cannot be that vital. Obama has been spoilt for choice.
As I stated in my original article, and will re-state here, Biden is probably the Obama’s best choice. He adds what could be called the ‘McCain factor’; the appeal of a ‘safe pair of hands’ or the older wiser gentleman. The Democrat ticket now has youth and experience, domestic and foreign policy knowledge, religious appeal, and appeal to many different generations. Currently the Republican ticket just has experience.
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The pressure is now on for McCain, he would be expected to announce his choice sometime next week. His choice is far more crucial and critical than it was for Obama.
McCain is out-charmed, out-debated and out-performed by Obama. With experience no longer the sole possession of the McCain camp, they really do need to pull something (someone) big out of the bag in order to remain in the race. The wrong choice could be suicidal.
