To most, the term "political heaven" is either an oxymoron, or even sacrilegious.
Keeping that in mind, I do not use this term lightly when I say Barack Obama and Joe Biden are a match made in political heaven. Politically speaking, they complete each other. Who knew politics could be so romantic?
Obama is the John Mayer of politics: He has a large fan base consisting mostly of younger people. However, all generations can enjoy him. He has a fresh attitude that - while not making people rock out - appeals to the audience's emotions. Biden, on the other hand, is more like the Rolling Stones. He may have been around a long time, but it doesn't stop him from rocking. His old-school appeal will grab the attention of more "traditional" voters, but it doesn't mean Obama's crowd can't rock out with Biden. Together, they can appeal to most any kind of person of any background or of any generation.
Biden is a foreign policy guru. In the late 1990s he helped bring peace to the Balkans by writing a piece of legislation that endorsed the air war in Kosovo. Also in the late 1990s, he was a major player in the effort to bring the Chzech Republic, Hungary and Poland into NATO. He currently serves as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has met with virtually every foreign leader. Unlike a certain other vice presidential pick, Biden knows what he's talking about when he talks foreign policy. Who could be better for Obama than someone with such credibility? Nobody. Obama has faced criticism revolving around his experience since he entered the race; having Biden on the ticket will give voters some reassurance.
Obama is also often criticized by the far right for his ability to give "flowery" speeches. There is nothing wrong with being able to give powerful speeches that move the audience - look at Martin Luther King Jr. However, with all the criticism of amazing, moving, powerful speeches, it is important that Obama pick a vice presidential candidate that is straightforward in his speaking style. Biden is just the man for that. Biden does more "straight talking" than McCain.
Biden's general speech outline goes something like this: "This is the problem. This is how we should fix it. This is why it will work." That's it. He doesn't add the rhetoric that Obama so gracefully does. While Biden's speaking style is more straightforward, it is still fun to listen to. Let's be honest, McCain is boring. Like Biden, McCain doesn't add all the fancy rhetoric, but his speeches mean nap time for most people who attempt to listen. While the speeches are full of content, they are difficult to listen to.
Biden, on the other hand, is still exciting, despite his lack of elaborate speaking. With Obama's ability to inspire people and Biden's ability to tell it like it is, the pair say what the American people need to hear in a way that will make them listen.
When most people think of a "match made in heaven," they think of long walks on the beach and dinner by candlelight. However, when the phrase is presented to a political junkie like myself, the idea of a perfect Democratic ticket comes to mind. With that in mind, Obama and Biden are a dream come true.
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