Watson Wire

Convention Blog Report: Biden Time

Saturday, August 23, 2008

I arrived in Denver yesterday late in the afternoon.

Technically, there was nothing going on “convention-wise” last night.  All the focus seemed to be on who would be Senator Obama’s choice as his running mate.

The Obama Campaign has been making a big deal about letting people know who he was picking by sending a “text message” to supporters’ cell phones. 

I admit I thought that meant that sometime on Saturday—during the day—I’d get a text message. 

When I went to sleep, my cell phone was on the night stand next to my bed here in the hotel room.  At 1:41 a.m., Mountain Time, the thing went off, startling me (actually scaring the fire out of me) and waking me up.  I said some very bad things about someone, anyone, sending me a message at such an hour.  

I probably owe both Obama and his new Vice President choice, Senator Joe Biden, an apology.  Contrary to what I yelled to myself in a hotel room in the middle of the night, I actually do think they’re smart and I really don’t believe they should have to do the unpleasant things I suggested at that moment.

By the time of the text message, it was arguably old news.  Most people believed it would be Senator Biden of Delaware.  CNN actually announced it several hours before the more “formal” announcement by the Obama campaign.

Biden is a good choice.  He has over 35 years of Senate experience.  He’s a recognized expert (some say the recognized expert in Congress) on defense and foreign policy issues.  This is in large part because of his multiple years of service on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which he Chairs.

He also helps the ticket in terms of some key demographics and his proximity to an important state like Pennsylvania.  He has a compelling personal story.  I also think he’ll be a good advocate, debater and fighter on the campaign trail.

I look forward to seeing them together later today - in the daylight.