Politics

Why Biden Might Not Be A Totally Safe Choice

By Ron Elving, Jacki Lyden

Published August 23, 2008 at 1:00 PM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (left) and running mate Sen. Joseph Biden attend their first rally together in Springfield, Ill.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has chosen Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate. Joe Biden, 65, brings extensive experience to the Democratic ticket, but he also comes with potential baggage. Senior Washington editor Ron Elving tells Jacki Lyden why a vice presidential candidate must avoid coming on "too strong." He also analyzes the latest Republican ads attacking Obama's choice.

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Ron Elving

Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News, where he is frequently heard as a news analyst and writes regularly for NPR.org.

Jacki Lyden

Longtime listeners recognize Jacki Lyden's voice from her frequent work as a substitute host on NPR. As a journalist who has been with NPR since 1979, Lyden regards herself first and foremost as a storyteller and looks for the distinctive human voice in a huge range of national and international stories.

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