My goodness.
What will happen to all the fair people stranded on the highway, out hard earned money, and waiting for gas trucks to fill up stations so folks can make the return trip home.
This is labor day weekend, one clearly not about the majority of working people in New Orleans and surrounding parishes.
There will be analysis, meta analysis, counter analysis about the government's reactionary response to this storm.
What is the probability of a Category 4 storm and/or higher, with catastrophic impact hit the same area as Katrina. Nature is unpredictable, but untested modeling of storm patterns are also far from reliable.
One can only hedge a bet, there will be plenty of angry working people who left their homes, with the fear of tragedy in mind as the Mayor orders mandatory evacuations by a specific time. And for those who remained with bad taste in their mouths about imposed dusk to dawn curfew, loss wages, and threaten jail/incarceration for looters. Is that a way to rebuild faith and gain trust of those adversely affected by a disaster only 3 years ago?
For poor people who are already disenfranchised, believe government and corporations are corrupt, this incident further fuels persistent distrust and diminishing expectations about who will have their backs.
It can not be understated how the local, state and federal government was ill prepared and continue to be reactive while the region and the city of New Orleans slowly and painfully tries to rebuild the neighborhoods and communities loss.
Someone please ask where the aid has gone? What happened to the well intended charitable donations designated for New Orleans and surrounding areas. Walk the streets of the 7th ward, you will notice how many homes are occupied, an easier number to tally.
People have moved on and settled elsewhere. The fabric of communities, neighborhoods, family ties dating generations, and local rituals are lost. Much of what I've seen informs me, new buildings will be raised sometime in the foreseeable future, new people will settle in due time, but the ties that bound those communities will be only a memory recounted by the few who experienced it and decided to stay and share the new folk aka strangers.
I am thankful that the predicted Gustav scenario did not play out.
My friends and I prepared for it as best we could and stayed.
Now we will sleep easier, wait for the rain and gusting winds, perhaps when most of it has passed, time and light permitting have a barbecue, make sangria and smile at one another for the decision and effort.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Gustav, NOLA and Daniel (part 3)
If you read the news, mainstream corporate news, it appears that the panic button worked. Mandatory evacuation for coastal residents, specially New Orleans, curfew between dusk to dawn, and threat of arrest for looters. Do I read this as a massive media campaign? Start and contain a panic.
Not oriented to conspiracy theories myself, how does one grasp what the true vs. perceived and or anticipated impact can be from this Category 3 hurricane.
Did anyone consider the real effect on the poor, who is the beneficiary of this large scale action. The price of gas has jumped at least 20 cents in the past few days. Gasoline stations are reporting to be running out of gas. The congested highways, were many folks sitting in gridlock have little else to do but worry about what can become, and not thinking about what they opened themselves up for.
Many of the folks who left, may have money reserve for incidences like these. How about those who don't. Some still await private insurance or federal support from Katrina to rebuild homes. Some do not have ready access to credit and may have little cash on hand. Some have no where to go but the shelters being quickly devised. Whether bussed or drive, many fleeing have little to no money available for what lies ahead. Where there water or food on the buses. Or are the evacuees to bring provisions they cannot afford, much less had time to collect. Where guaranteed water, safe living spaces,
For what is left of the middle/working class of New Orleans, evacuees will have to pay for gas, food, shelter, a total bill that could add up to more than $100 a day. They will be faced with long lines, rumors and fanned hysteria so that local, state and national governments can feel that they did some thing.
Why did we not fix some of the problems exposed by Katrina. Inequities can not be remedied in 3 years. However, the levee and canals could have been strengthened with the best technology available to withstand surges while looking to the Netherlands for a longer term solution.
Decent and affordable housing made available for those who can and want to work at reconstructing their neighborhoods. This would not have been a handout, rather a mens for people to regain dignity and be part of the solution to what is their own housing problems. Waiting for bids, proposals, cost projections, materials to be developed etc... 3 years later many in the city have not and cannot return because they may not have a home nor a community to return to.
I can only guess at the psychological and emotional devastation wreaked on those affected by Katrina. To be let down by an immobile government, profiteers bent on lining their own pockets, and do gooders.
I was informed that the state re-opened one health clinic in the city for a population reaching almost a million.
Not oriented to conspiracy theories myself, how does one grasp what the true vs. perceived and or anticipated impact can be from this Category 3 hurricane.
Did anyone consider the real effect on the poor, who is the beneficiary of this large scale action. The price of gas has jumped at least 20 cents in the past few days. Gasoline stations are reporting to be running out of gas. The congested highways, were many folks sitting in gridlock have little else to do but worry about what can become, and not thinking about what they opened themselves up for.
Many of the folks who left, may have money reserve for incidences like these. How about those who don't. Some still await private insurance or federal support from Katrina to rebuild homes. Some do not have ready access to credit and may have little cash on hand. Some have no where to go but the shelters being quickly devised. Whether bussed or drive, many fleeing have little to no money available for what lies ahead. Where there water or food on the buses. Or are the evacuees to bring provisions they cannot afford, much less had time to collect. Where guaranteed water, safe living spaces,
For what is left of the middle/working class of New Orleans, evacuees will have to pay for gas, food, shelter, a total bill that could add up to more than $100 a day. They will be faced with long lines, rumors and fanned hysteria so that local, state and national governments can feel that they did some thing.
Why did we not fix some of the problems exposed by Katrina. Inequities can not be remedied in 3 years. However, the levee and canals could have been strengthened with the best technology available to withstand surges while looking to the Netherlands for a longer term solution.
Decent and affordable housing made available for those who can and want to work at reconstructing their neighborhoods. This would not have been a handout, rather a mens for people to regain dignity and be part of the solution to what is their own housing problems. Waiting for bids, proposals, cost projections, materials to be developed etc... 3 years later many in the city have not and cannot return because they may not have a home nor a community to return to.
I can only guess at the psychological and emotional devastation wreaked on those affected by Katrina. To be let down by an immobile government, profiteers bent on lining their own pockets, and do gooders.
I was informed that the state re-opened one health clinic in the city for a population reaching almost a million.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Florida Avenue Canal, 7th Ward
Back in the house Saturday around 2:15pm, after finish trimming the caulk of a 2nd window. The temperature came down some and there is a breeze. Though earlier in the day, I was sweating drenched and shirtless. I could imagine how the past 2 summers may have been for Angie and her crew working on the house, 12-14 hours a day.
Straddling the ladder working on the highest sill, the sounds of the immediate neighborhood plays in my ear. The cacophony of Cicadas, the motorized sound of a saw, whirring buzz of clippers as Ginger (Angie's spouse) trims Rocky the dog. Perhaps the happiest junk yard dog, a beautiful leaping herding breed, I've come in contact with. A separate story on how she found her future home.
As I continue to strip caulk, the absurdity and irony of our collective Saturday chores and house task did not escape my conscious awareness. When it intrudes, I pause and continuing with my contribution to finishing the home three years post the flood.
Earlier in the morning, Angie and Ginger had gone out grocery shopping for today's party and hurricane supplies. They had just returned when I awoke. We put away the groceries away as Ginger proceeded to nap. This after a brisk exchange when Ginger turns on the television to watch the Weather channel Angie asks for the TV to be turned off, there was no point in getting us more edgy she says.
Through the course of the morning and early afternoon, chicken was cooking, Rocky was getting a bath and I flexed from stripping caulk to helping Angie put gas into the camper, and listening to her plan in the event Gustav hits New Orleans.
Flashlights, generator, bottled water, batteries, extra gas in two 8 gallon tanks where being sequestered, as party supplies and beverages where getting laid out.
The party is slated to start at 4pm. many of guest have called to inform Angie or Ginger of their plan to evacuate. Before I moved in for a respite from the heat, standing near the porch chit chatting, we learned a six o'clock curfew had been imposed in the city. Each of us perhaps silently wondering who will show up. A silver lining, we have more food for those who come and leftovers/provisions in the event we loose electric or gas power.
Inside Angie's house are completely enclosed walls, beautiful Ralph Lauren painted walls, fully running bathroom and kitchen. Much of it completed this summer. Industry, the street where she lives is 2 blocks away from the Florida Avenue canal, in the heart of the 7th ward. When Katrina hit, after the levee broke, a series of canals were to capture over flow and as many know, it did not.
Angie and I as we pass each other, talked about the possibility of my having to be here longer than intended, and joking about extra store of frying oil, the propane stove and all the fish she'll be frying.
Angie already has in mind where we'll end up, the 2nd floor of a church, where she camped out while there was six feet of water on the streets around her neighborhood. The camper is to be stationed on a garage above Walgreens. A camper bought used with the first FEMA grant released. Both cars are filled with gasoline and to be parked on the interstate 20-30 min walk and swim from where we may be.
On occasion I over hear Angie speaking with concerned friends, acknowledging should it flood, she will be disappointed specially all the work that has been put into house. At another time, while we were waiting on the wash, her words to me continues to reverberate "if I have to do it again, I'll be more efficient and will get back into the house sooner."
We are prepping for the party, emergency provisions at the ready, and we intend to continue on.
More to come.
Straddling the ladder working on the highest sill, the sounds of the immediate neighborhood plays in my ear. The cacophony of Cicadas, the motorized sound of a saw, whirring buzz of clippers as Ginger (Angie's spouse) trims Rocky the dog. Perhaps the happiest junk yard dog, a beautiful leaping herding breed, I've come in contact with. A separate story on how she found her future home.
As I continue to strip caulk, the absurdity and irony of our collective Saturday chores and house task did not escape my conscious awareness. When it intrudes, I pause and continuing with my contribution to finishing the home three years post the flood.
Earlier in the morning, Angie and Ginger had gone out grocery shopping for today's party and hurricane supplies. They had just returned when I awoke. We put away the groceries away as Ginger proceeded to nap. This after a brisk exchange when Ginger turns on the television to watch the Weather channel Angie asks for the TV to be turned off, there was no point in getting us more edgy she says.
Through the course of the morning and early afternoon, chicken was cooking, Rocky was getting a bath and I flexed from stripping caulk to helping Angie put gas into the camper, and listening to her plan in the event Gustav hits New Orleans.
Flashlights, generator, bottled water, batteries, extra gas in two 8 gallon tanks where being sequestered, as party supplies and beverages where getting laid out.
The party is slated to start at 4pm. many of guest have called to inform Angie or Ginger of their plan to evacuate. Before I moved in for a respite from the heat, standing near the porch chit chatting, we learned a six o'clock curfew had been imposed in the city. Each of us perhaps silently wondering who will show up. A silver lining, we have more food for those who come and leftovers/provisions in the event we loose electric or gas power.
Inside Angie's house are completely enclosed walls, beautiful Ralph Lauren painted walls, fully running bathroom and kitchen. Much of it completed this summer. Industry, the street where she lives is 2 blocks away from the Florida Avenue canal, in the heart of the 7th ward. When Katrina hit, after the levee broke, a series of canals were to capture over flow and as many know, it did not.
Angie and I as we pass each other, talked about the possibility of my having to be here longer than intended, and joking about extra store of frying oil, the propane stove and all the fish she'll be frying.
Angie already has in mind where we'll end up, the 2nd floor of a church, where she camped out while there was six feet of water on the streets around her neighborhood. The camper is to be stationed on a garage above Walgreens. A camper bought used with the first FEMA grant released. Both cars are filled with gasoline and to be parked on the interstate 20-30 min walk and swim from where we may be.
On occasion I over hear Angie speaking with concerned friends, acknowledging should it flood, she will be disappointed specially all the work that has been put into house. At another time, while we were waiting on the wash, her words to me continues to reverberate "if I have to do it again, I'll be more efficient and will get back into the house sooner."
We are prepping for the party, emergency provisions at the ready, and we intend to continue on.
More to come.
Gustav, NOLA and Daniel (part 1)
Hello Family and Friends:
It is so like me to just get on the plane, land at Louis Armstrong airport, and wait an hour at the airport for my girl friend Angelamia (who many of you know for having ridden out Katrina). Last night's "traffic" incident as it is conveyed and affirmed by mid city neighborhood folks, crazy n racist adjacent Jefferson parish decided to close off all but one lane of an 8 lane freeway. A freeway that runs pass their neighborhood from the city -- fully aware that folks have been informed to evacuate the Orleans parish and New Orleans city. A trip that usually took 15 minutes turned into over an hour. This is the very same parish (white) who policed the highway and roads, and shot at people to turn them around back to NOLA in the midst of Katrina disaster --because they were afraid of being looted, and who knows what else...
Angie is throwing a party Saturday afternoon for her spouse Ginger, my return trip 4 years after my last visit, and to mark the 3rd anniversary of Katrina. This is not a macabre tale, simply a celebration of Angie's spirit, the surrounding communities tenacity for staying and help rebuild their neighborhood/community. There will also be a fish fry Sunday afternoon at the mid-city cafe Fair Grinds at Ponce de Leon, where the neighbors are invited to party, paid for by the host a local real estate broker -- who apparently gives these opportunities for the neighborhood to stay connected. People are fixing to leave. I'd say half of the folks Angie spoke with are leaving town.
There is an electric feeling in the air, though it is hot and humid 97 degrees when I last checked. The air is crisp, possibly with the positive ions stirred -- I am somewhat euphoric. There is also anxiety, long lines for gas and banks. A storm is coming.
I glanced at the weather coverage, as we were transferring wash to the dryers, Gustav out on the Carribean is building up to a level 3 tropical storm. Will it reached hurricane speed, this is a wait and see game. I could be heading home on Tues, depending on when and where it hits land, or I could be delayed a few days as Gustav decides to stay over the Gulf, or I will be here for part 2 of the story of Katrina, friendship, and feeling like you are the right place and the right time.
Angie's house is online and their home is an oasis amidst the neighborhood's devastation. Her home is almost 90% finished, considering, she, 3 day workers, friends who helped in some way put together a new house. Marciano and Emilio his 18 year old son, another classmate from St. Anthony, helped wire the house. Tony, helped with the AC/Heating system installation. Angie's cousin Delbert help plumbed the line from the house to the street sewer line, a church group from Seattle area helped put the roof up and returned to help to put sheet rock. Some of us chipped in what we could, others prayed, and many were probably inspired by what Angie was doing.
To date, there are 2 houses on her side of the block that is occupied. Across the street, a few people are in the long and slow process of re-building their homes. Last night in the late night light, Angie pointed out FEMA boats that are where, where they were left, stranded on this side of the canal. I wanted to photograph them, showing life growing in and around.
Why am I here at this time? It was 4 years ago when this segment of my life began. I agreed to meet Angelamia here when she made the trek to here home, hauling all her belongings from Boston to the 9th ward (bought her grandma's creole cottage) to begin a new life. I had offered to help her unload her Uhaul and hang with her (whom I've know since 7th grade).
Now, seemed fitting to me, I have time and an unused ticket on Delta and a part of me wanted to be here. All before Gustav came to the picture.
As Gustav is in the picture, Angie, Ginger and I will prepare what can be prepared, all the while planning and going forth with a birthday/anniversary/welcome party, and Sunday we will be going to a fish fry. Somewhere along there, listen to good live music, eat Creole/Cajun NOLA food, living in the Big Easy as it can be lead.
Angelamia and I shared her apartment in Cambridge back in 96-97, when I was living on unemployment. A segment in my life, perhaps a less sunnier time, where I accepted living with less and friends being there to prop you up and offer what they can to help you ride it out. If I can repay that favor (subconsciously this could be operating), I've lived up to my expectation of a true friend.
I will send forth missives and communiques over the next few days. This is shaping up to be an adventure.
Don't fret my friends, I am amidst folks who survived a disaster.
Love,
Daniel
It is so like me to just get on the plane, land at Louis Armstrong airport, and wait an hour at the airport for my girl friend Angelamia (who many of you know for having ridden out Katrina). Last night's "traffic" incident as it is conveyed and affirmed by mid city neighborhood folks, crazy n racist adjacent Jefferson parish decided to close off all but one lane of an 8 lane freeway. A freeway that runs pass their neighborhood from the city -- fully aware that folks have been informed to evacuate the Orleans parish and New Orleans city. A trip that usually took 15 minutes turned into over an hour. This is the very same parish (white) who policed the highway and roads, and shot at people to turn them around back to NOLA in the midst of Katrina disaster --because they were afraid of being looted, and who knows what else...
Angie is throwing a party Saturday afternoon for her spouse Ginger, my return trip 4 years after my last visit, and to mark the 3rd anniversary of Katrina. This is not a macabre tale, simply a celebration of Angie's spirit, the surrounding communities tenacity for staying and help rebuild their neighborhood/community. There will also be a fish fry Sunday afternoon at the mid-city cafe Fair Grinds at Ponce de Leon, where the neighbors are invited to party, paid for by the host a local real estate broker -- who apparently gives these opportunities for the neighborhood to stay connected. People are fixing to leave. I'd say half of the folks Angie spoke with are leaving town.
There is an electric feeling in the air, though it is hot and humid 97 degrees when I last checked. The air is crisp, possibly with the positive ions stirred -- I am somewhat euphoric. There is also anxiety, long lines for gas and banks. A storm is coming.
I glanced at the weather coverage, as we were transferring wash to the dryers, Gustav out on the Carribean is building up to a level 3 tropical storm. Will it reached hurricane speed, this is a wait and see game. I could be heading home on Tues, depending on when and where it hits land, or I could be delayed a few days as Gustav decides to stay over the Gulf, or I will be here for part 2 of the story of Katrina, friendship, and feeling like you are the right place and the right time.
Angie's house is online and their home is an oasis amidst the neighborhood's devastation. Her home is almost 90% finished, considering, she, 3 day workers, friends who helped in some way put together a new house. Marciano and Emilio his 18 year old son, another classmate from St. Anthony, helped wire the house. Tony, helped with the AC/Heating system installation. Angie's cousin Delbert help plumbed the line from the house to the street sewer line, a church group from Seattle area helped put the roof up and returned to help to put sheet rock. Some of us chipped in what we could, others prayed, and many were probably inspired by what Angie was doing.
To date, there are 2 houses on her side of the block that is occupied. Across the street, a few people are in the long and slow process of re-building their homes. Last night in the late night light, Angie pointed out FEMA boats that are where, where they were left, stranded on this side of the canal. I wanted to photograph them, showing life growing in and around.
Why am I here at this time? It was 4 years ago when this segment of my life began. I agreed to meet Angelamia here when she made the trek to here home, hauling all her belongings from Boston to the 9th ward (bought her grandma's creole cottage) to begin a new life. I had offered to help her unload her Uhaul and hang with her (whom I've know since 7th grade).
Now, seemed fitting to me, I have time and an unused ticket on Delta and a part of me wanted to be here. All before Gustav came to the picture.
As Gustav is in the picture, Angie, Ginger and I will prepare what can be prepared, all the while planning and going forth with a birthday/anniversary/welcome party, and Sunday we will be going to a fish fry. Somewhere along there, listen to good live music, eat Creole/Cajun NOLA food, living in the Big Easy as it can be lead.
Angelamia and I shared her apartment in Cambridge back in 96-97, when I was living on unemployment. A segment in my life, perhaps a less sunnier time, where I accepted living with less and friends being there to prop you up and offer what they can to help you ride it out. If I can repay that favor (subconsciously this could be operating), I've lived up to my expectation of a true friend.
I will send forth missives and communiques over the next few days. This is shaping up to be an adventure.
Don't fret my friends, I am amidst folks who survived a disaster.
Love,
Daniel
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Obama and Biden: A view from the other side of the pond
Barack Obama chooses Joe Biden as running mate
Suzanne Goldenberg in Washington
guardian.co.uk,
Saturday August 23 2008 14:42 BST
Article history
Link to this video
Days of speculation ended as Democratic contender announces Delaware senator as vice-presidential choice
Barack Obama ended days of speculation about his choice of running mate today, sending out an early morning message to supporters saying he had picked Joe Biden.
Biden, 65, is the man seen as the Democrats' authority on foreign affairs.
The voluble chair of the Senate foreign relations committee will appear with Obama for the first time later today in Springfield, Illinois, where the Democratic candidate began his run for the White House early last year.
The pair will then set off on a lightning tour of battleground states, hoping to build up excitement about the ticket before they arrive at the Democratic convention in Denver, which gets under way on Monday.
The choice of Biden was widely seen today as a sign that the Obama camp considered foreign policy would be an issue in the coming election against the Republican, John McCain, and that Obama could suffer from charges of inexperience.
Unlike earlier vice presidential candidates, Biden can not deliver a key battleground state: he comes from tiny Delaware.
After 35 years as a senator, he cannot easily deliver Obama's message of change and – perhaps most crucially – voted for the Iraq war.
Biden could also be haunted by attacks he made on Obama earlier this year, and his plagiarism of a speech by Neil Kinnock 20 years ago, but his knowledge of national security and foreign policy apparently overrode those considerations.
The Obama camp said as much on its website, with a message reading: "Joe Biden brings extensive foreign policy experience, an impressive record of collaborating across party lines, and a direct approach to getting the job done."
Biden reinforced his image as a wise man on foreign affairs with a trip to Georgia a week ago.
That intervention seems to have made him the firm favourite for vice-president, elevating him from a familiar figure in Washington -where he was a regular guest on television chat shows and think tank forums - to an indispensable counsellor.
Despite Biden's ubiquity in Washington, the Obama extracted the maximum drama with the timing of its announcement, keeping the choice under wraps until late on Friday night.
Then, the other top contenders, Tim Kaine, the governor of Virginia, and the Indiana senator Evan Bayh told reporters they would not be chosen.
The official campaign email announcing Biden as the vice presidential pick did not go out until around 3am.
The timing of the decision allows Obama to go into the Democratic convention on a high, rebounding from weeks of being battered by the McCain campaign as a mere celebrity figure unfit for the White House.
Obama had a few days' grace when McCain acknowledged he could not keep track of how many houses he owned with his beer heiress wife, Cindy.
But the Democrats are mindful that he has been on a slow downward slide in the polls all summer, in part because of the McCain attacks. The choice of Biden, with his long record, could reassure voters about Obama.
Biden brings other gifts as a campaigner. He is combative as well as a smooth talker – a combination that could serve him well in the traditional vice-presidential role as attacker.
He can also claim working class roots and is Catholic, which could help win over two core demographics that have so far been lukewarm to Obama.
He is known for regularly returning by train to his native Delaware rather than spending time in Washington. One of his sons, the attorney general for Delaware, is about to be deployed to Iraq in the state national guard.
Biden could also be an asset in trying to unite the party around Obama after the long and bruising primary battle.
He claims credit for passing legislation against domestic violence and is firm in his support of abortion, factors that might help bring support from female Democrats.
In an obviously co-ordinated effort, Clinton sent out an email early today praising Biden as an "exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant".Biden has personal understanding of what it means to be a young rising star in Washington. He was first elected to the Senate at the age of 29 as a change agent.
Even so, he is not an entirely natural choice for a campaign predicated on change, and which has operated for more than a year as an extremely disciplined machine.
Biden's friendliness to reporters – and his occasional use of strong language – could make for an uneasy fit with the Obama campaign's rigour about preventing leaks and staying on message.
Quick talking has embarrassed Biden in the past. Earlier this year, when he and Obama were rivals in the race for the White House, Biden once described
Obama as the "first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy".
Biden dropped out after the first contest in Iowa, having struggled to raise funds from gain supporters against the combined star power of Obama and Clinton. He remained neutral until the end of the primaries, unlike other candidates.
But in the heat of the contest, Biden regularly attacked Obama for his lack of experience – comments that immediately resurfaced in Republican attack ads today. "I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off," Biden says in the old footage.
Biden also has baggage from his first run for the White House.
In 1988, he was forced to drop out of the race for the Democratic nomination after it was revealed he had plagiarised a famous speech by Kinnock in which he talked about how he had been the first in his family to go to university.
About this articleClose
Barack Obama chooses Joe Biden as running mateThis article was first published on guardian.co.uk on Saturday August 23 2008. It was last updated at 17:34 on August 23 2008.
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guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media Limited 2008
Suzanne Goldenberg in Washington
guardian.co.uk,
Saturday August 23 2008 14:42 BST
Article history
Link to this video
Days of speculation ended as Democratic contender announces Delaware senator as vice-presidential choice
Barack Obama ended days of speculation about his choice of running mate today, sending out an early morning message to supporters saying he had picked Joe Biden.
Biden, 65, is the man seen as the Democrats' authority on foreign affairs.
The voluble chair of the Senate foreign relations committee will appear with Obama for the first time later today in Springfield, Illinois, where the Democratic candidate began his run for the White House early last year.
The pair will then set off on a lightning tour of battleground states, hoping to build up excitement about the ticket before they arrive at the Democratic convention in Denver, which gets under way on Monday.
The choice of Biden was widely seen today as a sign that the Obama camp considered foreign policy would be an issue in the coming election against the Republican, John McCain, and that Obama could suffer from charges of inexperience.
Unlike earlier vice presidential candidates, Biden can not deliver a key battleground state: he comes from tiny Delaware.
After 35 years as a senator, he cannot easily deliver Obama's message of change and – perhaps most crucially – voted for the Iraq war.
Biden could also be haunted by attacks he made on Obama earlier this year, and his plagiarism of a speech by Neil Kinnock 20 years ago, but his knowledge of national security and foreign policy apparently overrode those considerations.
The Obama camp said as much on its website, with a message reading: "Joe Biden brings extensive foreign policy experience, an impressive record of collaborating across party lines, and a direct approach to getting the job done."
Biden reinforced his image as a wise man on foreign affairs with a trip to Georgia a week ago.
That intervention seems to have made him the firm favourite for vice-president, elevating him from a familiar figure in Washington -where he was a regular guest on television chat shows and think tank forums - to an indispensable counsellor.
Despite Biden's ubiquity in Washington, the Obama extracted the maximum drama with the timing of its announcement, keeping the choice under wraps until late on Friday night.
Then, the other top contenders, Tim Kaine, the governor of Virginia, and the Indiana senator Evan Bayh told reporters they would not be chosen.
The official campaign email announcing Biden as the vice presidential pick did not go out until around 3am.
The timing of the decision allows Obama to go into the Democratic convention on a high, rebounding from weeks of being battered by the McCain campaign as a mere celebrity figure unfit for the White House.
Obama had a few days' grace when McCain acknowledged he could not keep track of how many houses he owned with his beer heiress wife, Cindy.
But the Democrats are mindful that he has been on a slow downward slide in the polls all summer, in part because of the McCain attacks. The choice of Biden, with his long record, could reassure voters about Obama.
Biden brings other gifts as a campaigner. He is combative as well as a smooth talker – a combination that could serve him well in the traditional vice-presidential role as attacker.
He can also claim working class roots and is Catholic, which could help win over two core demographics that have so far been lukewarm to Obama.
He is known for regularly returning by train to his native Delaware rather than spending time in Washington. One of his sons, the attorney general for Delaware, is about to be deployed to Iraq in the state national guard.
Biden could also be an asset in trying to unite the party around Obama after the long and bruising primary battle.
He claims credit for passing legislation against domestic violence and is firm in his support of abortion, factors that might help bring support from female Democrats.
In an obviously co-ordinated effort, Clinton sent out an email early today praising Biden as an "exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant".Biden has personal understanding of what it means to be a young rising star in Washington. He was first elected to the Senate at the age of 29 as a change agent.
Even so, he is not an entirely natural choice for a campaign predicated on change, and which has operated for more than a year as an extremely disciplined machine.
Biden's friendliness to reporters – and his occasional use of strong language – could make for an uneasy fit with the Obama campaign's rigour about preventing leaks and staying on message.
Quick talking has embarrassed Biden in the past. Earlier this year, when he and Obama were rivals in the race for the White House, Biden once described
Obama as the "first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy".
Biden dropped out after the first contest in Iowa, having struggled to raise funds from gain supporters against the combined star power of Obama and Clinton. He remained neutral until the end of the primaries, unlike other candidates.
But in the heat of the contest, Biden regularly attacked Obama for his lack of experience – comments that immediately resurfaced in Republican attack ads today. "I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off," Biden says in the old footage.
Biden also has baggage from his first run for the White House.
In 1988, he was forced to drop out of the race for the Democratic nomination after it was revealed he had plagiarised a famous speech by Kinnock in which he talked about how he had been the first in his family to go to university.
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Barack Obama chooses Joe Biden as running mateThis article was first published on guardian.co.uk on Saturday August 23 2008. It was last updated at 17:34 on August 23 2008.
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