Saturday, August 23, 2008 - Page updated at 12:20 PM
Obama says Joe Biden is ready to be president
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is calling his running mate, Joe Biden, "a leader who is ready to step in and be president."
Associated Press Writers
POOL / GETTY IMAGES
Sen. Barack Obama, left, and Sen. Joseph Biden at The Des Moines Register Presidential Debate in Johnston, Iowa.
PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS / AP
Sen. Joseph Biden is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on which Sen. Barack Obama also serves.

Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware
From Gov. Gregoire:
"If he in fact is the pick, I think they will make a great team, and I am looking forward to the convention," said Gov. Christine Gregoire in a statement relayed Friday night through her campaign spokesman Aaron Toso.Timeline: Biden's life, career
Nov. 20, 1942:
Born in Scranton, Pa., the first of four children
Summer 1953:
Moves to Claymont, Del.
September 1957:
Attends Archmere Academy in Claymont, a Catholic prep school
June 1965:
Graduates from University of Delaware with double major in history and political science, enrolls in Syracuse University law school
Aug. 27, 1966:
Marries Neilia Hunter
June 1968:
After graduating from law school, begins work as trial attorney at law firm in Wilmington, Del., and serves as public defender
Feb. 3, 1969:
Birth of first child, Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III, now attorney general of Delaware
Feb. 4, 1970:
Birth of second child, Hunter
November 1970:
Elected to New Castle County Council
Nov. 8, 1971:
Birth of third child, Naomi Christina
November 1972:
Elected one of Delaware's U.S. senators, beating an incumbent Republican
Dec. 18, 1972:
Wife and three children are in an automobile accident while Christmas shopping. Wife Neilia and daughter Naomi die. Sons Beau and Hunter are critically injured but fully recover
Jan. 5, 1973:
Sworn in to U.S. Senate at bedside of still-convalescing Beau and Hunter in Wilmington
January 1975:
Becomes member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which he later chairs
June 17, 1977:
Marries Jill Tracy Jacobs, a schoolteacher
January 1977:
Becomes member of Senate Judiciary Committee, which he later chairs from 1987 to 1994
November 1978:
Wins re-election to U.S. Senate
June 8, 1981:
Birth of daughter, Ashley
November 1984:
Re-elected to U.S. Senate
June 9, 1987:
Announces candidacy for 1988 Democratic presidential nomination
Feb. 11, 1988:
Undergoes successful surgery after two brain aneurysms are diagnosed
November 1990:
Re-elected to U.S. Senate
November 1996:
Re-elected to U.S. Senate
November 2002:
Re-elected to U.S. Senate
Jan. 31, 2007:
Announces bid for 2008 Democratic presidential nomination
Aug. 1, 2007:
Releases memoir, "Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics."
Aug. 23, 2008:
Named Barack Obama's running mate
Source: The Associated Press
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is calling his running mate, Joe Biden, "a leader who is ready to step in and be president."
Obama and Biden appeared together Saturday at a huge rally in Springfield, Illinois, their first joint appearance since Obama tapped Biden to be the Democrats' vice presidential candidate.
Freshly printed signs saying "Obama/Biden" sprouted in front of the Old State Capitol as thousands gathered for the rally.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
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