Was Obama's first major decision as a leader, picking his running mate, a sound decision?

Question

I believe it was a very sound and thoughtful decision. Attached below is an opinion piece by David Brooks published yesterday of why.

Answer 1

An absolutely awesome decision.  Great pick, Obama!

Answer 2

It showed GREAT insight and it was the best choice he could have made.

I'm now excited about the election!

Answer 3

I totally agree with Justgoodfolk...and add that to the fact that virtually everyone else found out before the supporters who were promised and expecting to be the first-to-know. How can you trust either one of those guys? (Not that McCain's any better).

Answer 4

Joe Biden was my first pick for President because of his intelligence, experience and integrity, so I think it is an awesome choice for President.  He brings a wealth of experience in foreign policy and domestic issues and a history of working well with people from both political parties.  The one thing Joe lacks is that star quality and charisma and that is why his own presidential bid didn't go far.  But, on the campaign trail Biden will be a huge asset because he is passionate and articulate and can connect with people if they bother to listen.  Most weren't listening during the primaries when he ran, but those that were knew that the guy did great in the debates.  Now people will be listening when he speaks.  Yeah, he sometimes talks a lot, but unlike most people that do that, he actually has something to say.  Great choice.  

Answer 5

I think the overall positives outweigh the negatives.

Answer 6

I really don't think so. With all the talk about "a war that should never have been waged or authorized" Obama now picks a VP candidate who not only voted in favor of authorization to use military force but defended the rationals which were clearly lies.

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?t*t...

http://zfacts.com/p/775.html

Obama's credibility as the anti war candidate if that was needed to anyone not fooled by the two party charade is totally shattered and for what? A candidate with zero star power or voter base.

The political trajectory of the Obama campaign and the preparations for the reactionary media spectacle to be staged in Denver underscore the impossibility of carrying out any struggle against war, political reaction and the destruction of the living standards and basic rights outside of the independent political mobilization of the working class based on a socialist program.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/aug200...

Once again this November, the two-party system will offer no means of expressing the massive popular opposition to war, but rather an empty choice between two big business candidates who are committed to the expanded use of militarism in pursuit of US corporate and financial interests.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/aug200...

Second there's Biden's own credibility that sinks by accepting.  "Biden dropped out of the 2008 race for the Democratic presidential nomination after a poor finish in the Iowa caucuses, but not before he talked dismissively of joining someone else's ticket.

"I am not running for vice president," he said in a Fox interview. "I would not accept it if anyone offered it to me. The fact of the matter is I'd rather stay as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee than be vice president." "

Then there are the many attacks on Obama that make the Clinton's statements, those Obama supporters freak out about, seem very mild. As late as 2007 Biden said he would stand by his statement Obama is not ready to be President. I see another lost election for the Democrats

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080823/ap_o...