Ruthie Kelly’s Portfolio

Photo credit: World Economic Forum

I was one of the 3 million people who signed up to learn who Sen. Barack Obama had selected as his vice-presidential candidate. So when I opened my e-mail Saturday morning, I am sure I wasn’t the only one struck with profound disappointment, and even more certain I wasn’t the only dumbfounded person asking, “What?”

His choice: Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware.

Speaking strategically, Biden is probably a good choice on paper. He has served as a senator for more than 35 years, which helps Obama negate the whole experience issue. He is also recognized as a veteran leader on foreign policy, terrorism, drug policy and crime - again, issues that Obama has been criticized for his lack of experience in. Perhaps most helpful is his reputation for successfully working on a bipartisan basis, communicating with and rallying support from both Republicans and Democrats in order to get things done, a valuable quality in any candidate, but especially one running for higher office. Indeed, if all that mattered was his résumé, Biden would be the hands down best choice for a running mate.

Unfortunately, Biden’s stellar credentials come with some unpleasant drawbacks.

For one thing, Biden has a habit of putting his foot in his mouth. He frequently blunders when delivering his messages, showcases hypocrisy, lets old prejudices slip or reveals too much information. Let’s not forget this is the same guy who commented in February that Obama himself was “the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy.” The mainstream media and the blogosphere erupted, both critics and supporters understandably upset at the characterization that “mainstream” African-Americans weren’t “articulate” and “clean,” which plays on deeply embedded cultural stereotypes we’re still trying to overcome.

Biden claimed the comment was out of context and not intended to offend, though he called Obama to apologize anyway. Obama accepted the apology easily, even while pointing out that the comment was inaccurate, naming previous black presidential candidates Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Shirley Chisholm and Carol Moseley Braun, whom would never be thought of as inarticulate or, more offensively, not “clean.”

The point is less that Biden’s statement was tinged with old prejudices, because even Obama seems to accept that it was unintentional and does not indicate racism on Biden’s part. The problem is that such a thoughtless gaffe occurred at all, and, worse, was publicly aired. Some of the Obama campaign’s major strengths are the tight control over his message, the forethought and serious consideration he puts into his on-the-spot answers. Biden’s formidable foreign policy experience is not worth his bumbling and mishandled public relations record, which, pulled into the national spotlight, stands to get worse.

The addition of Biden hurts the Obama campaign more than it helps. A long-standing, white-haired senator doesn’t exactly reflect the message of “change” that has been so well-received by the public. Not that Biden shouldn’t be involved in an Obama administration - his foreign policy experience is a definite benefit. He would make an excellent adviser, cabinet member or Secretary of State. But, as a running mate, he’s a hazard and a hindrance, more likely to set the campaign backward rather than forward.

It’s almost like the 2004 election all over again, when we looked at then-nominee Sen. John Kerry and thought, “What does this say about the Democratic Party, if this is really the best you’ve got?” I can’t help thinking that the Obama campaign could do better than Biden, and if they can’t, the state of today’s politicians is even worse than I thought.

Obama’s campaign has been groundbreaking in many ways, and I know I’m not the only one committed to its messages of hope and change and what it represents for the future of our struggling country.

All the same, I won’t be putting an Obama-Biden sticker on my bumper.

Read the original column online here.