Choice of Biden is a demographic calculation too

[dkf]

Joe Biden adds experience and foreign policy expertise, yes, but he could also help with Catholics, blue-collar whites and women.

By Peter Wallsten, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
August 24, 2008

Barack Obama's Harvard pedigree, soaring rhetoric and professorial demeanor have helped critics paint him as an elitist. So when he stood Saturday next to his running mate, a new set of characteristics was on display: a public university graduate of modest means, a Roman Catholic who talks like regular folks.
,,,,,
"It's nice that you can get a twofer, with one of the heaviest hitters on foreign policy in the Senate and also get someone who has the capacity to reach these lunch-bucket voters," said Democratic strategist Bob Shrum, who managed John F. Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign.

The presence of the seasoned Biden could complicate matters for Republican John McCain, who is expected to name his running mate shortly after the Democratic National Convention ends Thursday.

Had Obama tapped a less experienced Democrat, such as Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, McCain might have been more likely to go with a fresh GOP face such as Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. But some Republicans said privately that they were worried Biden might too easily dominate the vice presidential debate set for October and hoped McCain would opt for a steadier hand, such as former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney or former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-assess24-2008aug24,0,7148223.story

[KittyWampus]

1. "lunch-bucket voter". What freaking century are these pundits from?

[dkf]

2. That's not a pundit...that's our very own Democratic Strategist Bob Shrum.

[Avalux]

3. If he picks Ridge, we need to attack his pro-choice record.

Make an ad speaking directly to the fundie base and ask them how they can trust McCain in their quest to outlaw abortion when he's picked someone pro-choice.

We can do the same thing featuring Romney if it's him - we need to keep their base discouraged and not allow them to unite behind McCain.

[Rene]

4. baloney. biden brings the Del banking industry and Wall street industries totally in control of the

White House. Bankruptcy-Bill Biden. The 2 Delaware Senators would not allow any amendments to the bill that would have helped consumers....that bill is totally rigged for the banking industry's benefit.

[dkf]

5. There is a reason financial institutions incorporate in Delaware

I doubt Biden would blow his states livelihood.