Obama select Joseph Biden as running mate

Senator Joe Biden

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama chooses Senator Joseph Biden Jr. of Delaware to be his running mate, turning to a leading authority on foreign policy and a longtime Washington hand to fill out the Democratic ticket.

Senator Obama’s choice, confirmed on his website, comes ahead of next week’s Democratic Party convention.

Senator Biden, a 65-year-old veteran lawmaker, has thirty years of Senate experience and is highly respected on foreign policy issues.

“Senator Joe Biden brings extensive foreign policy experience, an impressive record of collaborating across party lines, and a direct approach to getting the job done,” a brief statement on Senator Obama’s campaign website said.

The two men are expected to appear together at a rally in Illinois later in the day.