Hillary Clinton, GOP Senators Cheer Biden VP Pick

Obama spokesman Bill Burton sends around warm statements about the Biden VP pick from three GOP Senators (who, it should be noted, buck the party's rhetorical line on a relatively regular basis).

Sen. Chuck Hagel: U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel issued the following statement today following Senator Barack Obama's selection of Senator Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic Vice Presidential nominee: "Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama. His many years of distinguished service to America, his seasoned judgment and his vast experience in foreign policy and national security will match up well with the unique challenges of the 21st Century. An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team. Biden's selection is good news for Obama and America," Hagel said.

Sen. Richard Lugar: Tbilisi, Georgia - U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar made the following statement today en route to Tbilisi. "I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy..." LINK

Sen. Arlen Specter: Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter, a Republican who serves on the Judiciary Committee with Biden and often rides Amtrak with him to Washington, also offered praise. "No one on the Democratic side knows more about foreign policy than Sen. Biden," Specter said. "He's been an articulate spokesman on the subject. He also knows about domestic policy. He's been a leader on crime control." LINK

Also, from Sen. Hillary Clinton:

"In naming my colleague and friend Senator Joe Biden to be the Vice Presidential nominee, Senator Obama has continued in the best traditions for the Vice Presidency by selecting an exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant. Senator Biden will be a purposeful and dynamic Vice President who will help Senator Obama both win the Presidency and govern this great country."

Comments

[SoonerThought]

I surmise that HRC is happy because Biden will not be a factor in running for president (and opposing her) after 8 years as veep. He'll be too old.

[SheriChardonnay]

so will she. she will be almost 70.

[Heavenhelpusall]

She'll surely come up with a new way of counting -- say not counting birthdays in odd years-- and she will be 65.

[ladyv]

She'll be 68. Not a record or anything. And unless things change, she actually plays younger than she is, IMO.

[ladyv]

I agree. Her change is in attitude is real, I think, and it's because she knows this is a winning ticket but at least Obama's 2016 replacement isn't being groomed, so now it's better for her if she's part of the solution rather than a recalcitrant part of the problem.

[mydoglucky]

Let's go, Joe! Fired up! Ready to go!

[BobsNotWorking]

I like the pick, but I'm concerned about who will replace Joe in the senate. Does anybody know what the situation is in Delaware? Does the governor pick his replacement? Was Biden up in this election? Does this hurt the Dem's long shot chance at a sixty seat majority?

[ladyv]

This is an election year, and the governor is a Democrat. There is even a possibility that Biden's son would be the appointee, though since he's deploying to Iraq in October it's not clear if that takes him off the table.

[EdithF]

Oh, I'm so pleased that HRC was so enthusiastic - but even more impressed that Republican Senators, who serve with McCain as well, are being so effusive. For all the policy and judgment Biden brings to the table, his inside game with the Senate - his ability to work across the aisle and his deep understanding of and respect for the legislative process - may be the greatest asset he brings with him.

[08politicaljunkie]

Hi EdithF.

I live in Pennsylvania. And you know sometimes, when listening to Arlen Specter, I forget he's Republican. Sometimes.

[BrianMac]

If McCain picks Romney, you'll have a VP whose son is shipping out to Iraq (Biden) and one whose sons' idea of "patriotism" is getting their daddy elected (Romney). That fact alone could feed into interesting VP debates.

[azyuwish]

P.S. Before anyone says it, yeah yeah, I know Cheney has been de facto president for eight loooooong years...

[azyuwish]

Woke up thrilled this morning. Huge relief that it is Joe. Loved this guy for over 20 years. A guy who could be a brilliant president if (god forbid) needs be and a breath of fresh air after that Orc from Mordor Cheney. Can you imagine cheny as President?? shudder.....

[MHR55]

"Orc from Mordor" LOL Classic!

[gobarackgo]

Hillary's endorsement is a great! Her enthusiastic support is going to be huge going into the convention.

[Horatio]

Her enthusiastic support?! It's been anything but!

[60andcounting]

Ah Horatio, me thinks you protest too much. Let us tear apart this Democratic opportunity and beggen unto Bush for 4 more years

Hillary is not going to be P or VP so suck it up.

[happypup]

He endorsement was great and I am hoping for her enthusiastic support. One very important thing I would like to see her do ------speak out loudly, strongly, and repeatedly against the PUMAs and any shameful shenanigans they have planned. She got 'em riled up, now she should step forward and resolve the situation.

[happypup]

Oops - so sorry.! The first word in my post above should be 'SHE' (instead of HE).

[alicetilden]

I couldn't agree more, Senators. I think this choice will sway some Republican voters and Hillary supporters too. White House, here we come!