A decent overview of Biden's political history, and some superficial analysis.

This is a fair, factual report that accurately places in the proper point in the story information that other outlets might have sensationalized, such as Biden's foot-in-mouth comment that Obama is "articulate" and "clean." There is a comment from the McCain camp, helping out the fairness factor; but there is no comment from the campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton, which is the real story for a New York newspaper like the Times. As for reporting, there is scant little of it in this account, partly because the writer was waiting for the announcement; but in situations like these, a veteran reporter will have secured quotations from all top prospects beforehand or noted negative results, such as which campaign would not provide ... More »

A straight forward news story announcing Obama's choice for vice president. Also provided is some background about Biden, including his criticism of Obama's foreign policy weaknesses--something about on-the-job-training not being the best foreign relations education. Of course McCain's "respectable" campaign picked up on it. But McCain's Rovettes should exercise some caution--McCain also has skeletons in his closet which Biden will be more than happy to exploit.

A good initial sketch of Sen. Biden. Hopefully more articles will follow to fill in the details on the man who might one day be president and who, as vice predident, may play a more active role than have many VP's.

Good journalism. Facts are stated clearly and concisely. Well balanced. Mr. Bidens background and qualifications presented in the context of the VP job to be filled, as well as some demonstrated negatives that also come as part of the baggage he brings (which the electorate must prioritize in their selection process for the election). While Nagourney's & Zeleny's statement "running mate who could reassure voters about gaps in his résumé," as Obama's "reason" is actually conjecture, it is a logical and well reasoned statement. The "mirror" analogy with the Cheney selection in 2004 is a unique touch and again lends support to the authors thought processes.

As usual Nagourney's reporting is cluttered with innumerable innuendos. His description of Biden borders on the negative. He enjoys restating the criticism of Obama's opponents. Has it not occurred to the many media pundits that it would be far better to have an intelligent, reflective and thinking individual regarding our foreign policy than one whose mind set is still back in the 60's. I especially took umbrage with his comment about Biden that shortly after his '88 gaffe, he suffered 2 aneurysm. Was he trying to imply that this was as a result of his gaffes. All in all I found the article not really fair and riddled with a not too subtle bias.

The story summarizes the Obama VP selection process, goes on to describe Joe Biden and give some history on him, then adds eidotorial content about the choice. The editorial comment is that the Biden choice refelected some Obama Campaign "weaknesses" that Biden is an insider, he is too old to run for presidnet in 8 years, and that he balances the ticket with 30 year os Senate and ForeignPolicy experience. The analysis is fair but doesn't play to the strenghts of this selection as much.