Joe Biden is a rare mix. A leader who has worked for decades in Washington, but has never lived there. An expert on foreign policy, whose heart and values are firmly rooted in the middle class; one who has stared down dictators, and spoken for America's cops and firefighters. He is uniquely suited to serve as Barack’s partner in the urgent mission to bring about the change America needs to put our country back on track.

Joe was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania and is the oldest of four children. His family moved from Pennsylvania to Claymont, Delaware when Joe was 10. After graduating from the University of Delaware in 1965 and from law school at Syracuse University in 1968, Biden moved back to the Wilmington area and set up his own law firm. He practiced law until 1972.

In 1970, Biden – at age 27 – ran for New Castle County Council and won in a Republican district. At age 29, he launched an improbable bid to unseat two-term Republican U.S. Sen. J. Caleb Boggs. With very little help from the state establishment, and with his sister as his campaign manager, Biden defeated Boggs by 3,162 votes.

In addition to serving as U.S. Senator, Biden has been an adjunct professor at the Widener University School of Law since 1991, where he teaches a seminar on constitutional law.

Joe has a proven record of bringing people together to get things done. From global warming to combating violence against women to confronting the challenges of the dangerous world in which we live, Joe Biden has fought every day over the course of his life in public service to improve the lives of middle class families.

Read more about Joe here.

Barack's pick of Joe Biden as his running mate is earning praise and generating excitement from fellow Democratic leaders from across this country. Here are what some of them are saying...

Senator Hillary Clinton:

In naming my colleague and friend Sen. Joe Biden to be the Vice Presidential nominee, Sen. Obama has continued in the best traditions for the Vice Presidency by selecting an exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant. Sen. Biden will be a purposeful and dynamic Vice President who will help Senator Obama both win the Presidency and govern this great country.

Governor Tim Kaine:

I am very excited that Sen. Obama has selected Senator Biden to be his running mate. Sen. Biden is a tremendous leader and a great complement to Sen. Obama and his candidacy. He has worked as a committed public servant, has a proven track record, and understands the complex challenges facing our nation. The Obama-Biden ticket provides the United States with a new and meaningful dialogue with world leaders and will improve America's standing with our allies and the global community.

I’m delighted Senator Obama has chosen Joe Biden as his running mate. His extensive experience dealing with foreign policy issues are an asset in these complicated times. He will be a great partner for Barack Obama in bringing about the change so desperately needed in our country, and restoring to America our sense of optimism and hope for a brighter future. I am proud to support this incredible team.

Senator Chris Dodd:

Jackie and I congratulate our dear friend, Joe Biden, who will make an excellent running mate for Barack Obama, and more importantly a great Vice President. I have known Joe for almost 30 years and I've had the privilege of sitting next to him on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and sharing the campaign trail both with him and Barack. I know this is a ticket that can win in November.

With rising gas prices, increasing health care and education costs, a damaged reputation across the world, and a struggling economy at home, the American people are ready for change. Barack Obama and Joe Biden represent that change. They will bring new leadership to the White House that will get our economy moving again, finally end the war in Iraq and our bring our troops home, ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health care, and end our dependence on foreign oil.

Senator Claire McCaskill:

Joe Biden will make a great vice-president for our country.  He knows what's important to hard-working Americans and their families, and he's not afraid to work across party lines to make things happen.  He has put in place some of the strongest crime prevention legislation ever enacted and is the author of the Violence Against Women Act which has saved the lives of countless women across the country.

Senator Harry Reid:

Joe Biden has been fighting his entire career for the change that Sen. Obama champions. He is a dedicated family man who has been an effective chairman of both the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees, has been a sage voice on many of the toughest foreign policy issues of our time, and has long been a strong advocate for protecting American families and making our communities safer.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi:

Over his decades of public service and accomplishment, Senator Joe Biden has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of all Americans. As our Vice Presidential nominee, he will bring his middle-class values -- the values he grew up with, the values of his constituents, and the values of the American people -- to this campaign and to put our country back on track.

DNC Chairman Howard Dean:

Senator Obama has made an outstanding selection in Joe Biden. Joe Biden is a strong leader, fierce advocate, and devoted family man with values rooted in the best of what America stands for. He will be a strong partner with Barack Obama in bringing the change America wants and needs.

Delegates here in Denver are already buzzing with strong enthusiasm for the Obama-Biden ticket.

Senator Obama's selection shows that unlike the Bush-McCain way of doing politics, Obama is not afraid to have strong people around him helping to lead our great country.

Together they will serve America well over the next eight years, and our Party is ready to rally behind them and put them on the path to the White House starting right here in Denver.

Senator Amy Klobuchar:

Minnesotans will love Joe Biden.  He's a regular guy from a working middle-class family who has never owned a home in Washington. In fact, he takes the train home to his wife and family in Delaware every night. He's both down to earth and incredibly well respected around the world.
 
I was particularly proud to work with Joe when he led the fight to fund 100,000 new police officers on the streets across the country, which for Minnesota has made a big difference in lowering the crime rate.  Barack Obama said he wasn't looking for a yes man, and by picking Joe Biden he adds to the ticket someone who has independent judgment and will truly help him bring change to this country.

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer:

Senator Biden was mentored by one of Montana 's own great leaders – Mike Mansfield," said Governor Schweitzer. "Mansfield, who worked in the mines of Butte before becoming a Senator understood the value of hard work and knew what a dollar was worth. So, does Joe Biden.
 
In Montana, where straight talk is what we expect from a neighbor, friend or someone running for office – Senator Biden won't disappoint.
 
And in a place where we like to see folks working together – like my Republican Lieutenant Governor, John Bohlinger and I to bridge partisan gaps and bring real solutions to the table, Joe Biden has shown time and time again to be that kind of leader.

Please take a minute to share your story with Joe and welcome him into our movement for change. For those of you who are from Delaware and know Joe best, we'd love to hear your experiences as a constituent of Senator Biden's.

Godspeed! The country needs the refreshing and enlightened leadership that you and Senator Obama can give us.  I can't wait to be able to believe my country's leaders again.

Joe Biden is a great pick!  You have handled this selection process with great skill and wisdom.  I am so looking forward to your presidency.  Together you both will be bringing change at so many important levels.

Welcome to the team!  We're thrilled with your history of honesty, outspokenness and concern for the "average" person.  Your commonsense approach to foreign policy is a necessity in these dangerous times. Thank you for accepting!  

Sentor Biden I am extremely delighted that you are a part of this movement for change. Your pick clearly demonstrates leadership, wisdom and sagacity of our next President, Senator Barack Obama. Not only am I delighted I am excited to know that our nation is on the path for a much needed change. Our prayers are with this ticket, country and world.

Joe, I've long admired your work in the Senate. . . in my opinion, you are truly the candidate who can claim to be a "straight talker."  You're firm, you're clear, you have a great sense of humor and, maybe most important, you have a good heart. I'm so glad Obama chose you. I'm so glad that you are going to be part of the millions of voices calling for change!

I turned 18 recently and was so excited to vote for Senator Obama in the primary. I didn't think it could get better than that first voting experience, but now I see I was wrong.
I'm honored and proud to exercise my rights as an American and vote for you. Welcome to the team, Senator Biden.

To the next Vice President of the United States: Congratulations Senator Biden. Our family has watched you through the years with much respect. Senator Obama has made a wise choice and we look forward to the restoration of our country. Do us proud.

Dear Senator Biden: Congratulations and welcome to the Change team.  Looking forward to having you as the vice president of the United States. Go get 'em!  May God bless you and Barack Obama! Love and peace and justice for America.