Reactions to Senator Obama's speech:

Andrew Sullivan: "Look: I'm biased at this point. I'm one of those people, deeply distressed at what has happened to America, deeply ashamed of my own misjudgments, who has shifted out of my ideological comfort zone because this man seems different to me, and this moment in history seems different to me... I've said it before - months and months ago. I should say it again tonight. This is a remarkable man at a vital moment. America would be crazy to throw this opportunity away. America must not throw this opportunity away."

Pat Buchanan: "It was a genuinely outstanding speech. It was magnificent. It is the finest - and I saw Cuomo's speech, I saw Kennedy in '80, I even saw Douglas MacArthur, I saw Martin Luther King - this is the greatest convention speech, and probably the most important because unlike Cuomo and the others this is an acceptance speech. . This came out of the heart of America and he went right at the heart of America..."

David Gergen: "In many ways it was less a speech than a symphony...It was a masterpiece."

Bill Kristol: "Barack Obama faced very high expectations tonight and honestly I think he met them and I honestly think he exceeded them...He eloquently explained America's promise. He explained why the Bush Cheney administration had fallen short of that...I thought it was an awfully impressive performance."

Ezra Klein: "This has been the most aggressive speech of the week. And the most substantive I've seen Obama give. It's not a thematic address: It's not about hope or values or the universality of the American experience of the illusory obstacles that divide us. It's concrete. It's about the failure of the Republican Party, and the promises of the Democratic Party."

Ben Smith: "The expectations were high for Obama's rhetorical talent, and he met them, and the crowd at Mile High --now full almost to the brim, at a reported 84,000 -- is standing and cheering, waving the American flags they've been handed."

Josh Marshall: "I thought this was a very strong speech. About exactly what was needed."

The following are reactions from state and local leaders on Barack Obama's selection of Joe Biden as his running mate.

"Joe Biden's been a national figure for years. He brings a great deal of defense and foreign policy experience to the ticket. I think he's someone who can relate to Michigan voters... I think he's, over the years, demonstrated an understanding of the needs of working families."

--- Jeff Mayes, 69th District Representative


"I think he was a good choice. I think he strengthens the ticket in terms of the legislative experience that he brings... I think he's going to be a tough campaigner and an asset to Senator Obama."

--- Jim Barcia, 31st District State Senator


"I've known him since he first came to Congress... He serves on the Foreign Relations Committee and is considered the expert on the world and our position with various countries and regions around the world. I think it will be a great ticket. I'm very happy about the selection."

--- Dale Kildee, 5th District U.S. Representative


"This is a terrific choice. Joe Biden understands the challenges facing our country at home and abroad, and his long history of bipartisanship in the Senate will be a welcomed asset. He will be a tireless and enthusiastic partner for Senator Obama in the campaign and in the White House."

--- Carl Levin, U.S. Senator

These Quotes are courtesy of the Bay City Times.

Barack Obama has chosen his running mate: Sen. Joe Biden. A text message was sent to Obama supporters at 3 A.M. reading: "Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee. Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3pm ET on www.barackobama.com Spread the word!"

Joe Biden was born in Scranton, PA, to a working-class Irish Catholic family. They moved to Delaware when he was 10. His father was a car salesman. He went to college in Delaware and then got a law degree from Syracuse University. Lawyers are drawn to politics like bees are to honey and at 27 was elected to the local county council.

At 29 he ran for the Senate and won, despite being constitutionally ineligible. Fortunately, he hit 30 before being inaugurated so they let him him. He has been in the Senate ever since and is now in his sixth term and running for reelection this year. Biden is currently chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a job he has held before. He has also chaired the Senate Judiciary committee.

Hillary Clinton called Biden "an exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant." Sen Chuck Hagel, called Biden "the right partner for Barack Obama" and the decision "good news for Obama and America."

The Obama campaign is planning a 3p.m. event at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., where the man who just four years ago was a state legislator there announced his presidential bid 20 months ago.

Welcome aboard Mr. Biden, it's an exciting time, the people want there government back.  We are a great nation but have lost our way under the current administration and we as a nation can do better for it's people. 

Obama/Biden 08 is the team that can turn things around.

The Bay County Democratic Party will officially open up the 2008 Election Headquarters on August 26, 2008, at 6PM at 260 Washington Avenue. It is on the corner of 10th and and Washington (across from the Bay City Hall). We will have refreshments, Hot Dogs, and Hamburgers with all of the fixings. Anyone is welcome to bring cookies, cakes, or other desserts. There will be a short meeting following the opening ceremony. Please remember the date, we will have sheets available for volunteer lists.