Democrats in Snohomish County on Saturday praised Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., as presidential candidate Barack Obama’s choice for running mate.
Republicans didn’t mind the pick, either.
The Democrats said the Delaware senator’s foreign policy knowledge and political experience will provide strength in two areas where voters may perceive Obama is lacking.
“This pick was perfect because this wasn’t just about picking a candidate for vice president, it was about picking someone to help him govern the country,” said Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.
Republicans said the Democratic duo may prove too liberal a partnership for the large swath of independent voters in Washington.
They plan to use Biden’s past statements on Obama’s inexperience to bolster their case for Republican candidate John McCain in this fall’s election.
“You’ve got a true blue ticket,” said Paul Elvig of Everett, a former chairman of the Republican Party in Snohomish and Whatcom counties. “I think this election can be won by contrasting the record of McCain with those of Obama and Biden.”
Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 at age 29. Now 65, he is in his sixth term, holds the powerful chairmanship of the Committee on Foreign Relations and is one of the most senior members of the Senate.
“The strength that he brings is not just foreign policy, it’s the strength that he will have in helping Obama move his legislative agenda,” said Kelly Wright of Marysville, a member of the state Democratic Party central committee.
Wright backed Sen. Hillary Clinton for president. He would have been pleased to have seen her on the ticket but understood it would have been a “complicated choice” for Obama.
Not all Clinton loyalists are of the same mind.
Friday night, Democratic strategists James Carville and Paul Begala, both longtime friends of Clinton, told CNN that some of her ardent supporters felt miffed she was not seriously considered by Obama.
Republicans are looking to see if there will be a backlash to benefit from.
Elvig said Obama seemed to be ignoring backers of Clinton by not choosing her or another woman for vice president. By not selecting a moderate Democrat, he was “blowing off” the core Clintonites.
Clinton herself on Saturday had kind words for Biden. And Friday she is quoted by CNN as saying she never wanted the job of vice president.
Some of her supporters were less charitable.
“It’s a total diss to Sen. Clinton, in my opinion,” said Diane Mantouvalos, co-founder of the Just Say No Deal Coalition. “It just speaks volumes about how Barack Obama doesn’t stand for anything.”
Mantouvalos, of Miami, is part of an Internet movement of Clinton supporters who refuse to back Obama, regardless of pleas from Clinton herself. Mantouvalos is in Denver, where the Democratic National Convention is scheduled to start Monday, stoking anti-Obama sentiment.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who endorsed Clinton, didn’t foresee any serious rift resulting from the selection of Biden.
She praised him as a man with “good judgment” who “really understands the issues affecting working people.”
Murray said she called Biden on Saturday morning to congratulate him.
“I’ve known Joe for a very long time. This is a man I can call and he will be there for our state,” she said.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who also backed Clinton, issued a statement calling Biden “a great American” who “typifies what the Democratic Party is all about — making sure hardworking middle class Americans get a fair chance. He will use his solid experience to help guide the change America needs.”
“This was a great choice,” said Marsha Scutvick of Mill Creek, who has led the pro-Obama effort in Snohomish County since the Illinois senator entered the race.
“Perceptions can be viewed as reality and for some the perception is Obama lacked the experience. I think the selection of Biden addresses the fears and puts them to rest,” she said.
Biden ran for president in 1988 and again this year. He withdrew following Iowa caucuses in January.
In the 2008 race, he said he did not think Obama was ready for the job of president. McCain’s campaign started airing radio and television ads Saturday including Biden’s comment.
“That was an astonishing statement. Senator Biden’s statement is consistent with ours,” said Mike McKay of Seattle, a chairman of McCain’s campaign operation in Washington.
Larsen said voters will recognize the political motives of the GOP’s move and ignore it.
“The economy and jobs are the top issues this fall. That’s where voters will make the distinction between the two parties and the two tickets,” Larsen said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
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