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Today marks the 200th day since President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. Vice President Biden, who has been overseeing the Act’s implementation, delivered his first major domestic policy speech as Vice President at the Brookings Institute this morninng, where he gave a progress update, and highlighted voices outside the administration – including Wall Street analysts and academic economists – who have praised the Act’s success so far.

Here’s an excerpt from an article in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, “U.S. Economy Gets Lift From Stimulus”:

“…Economists say the money out the door -- combined with the expectation of additional funds flowing soon -- is fueling growth above where it would have been without any government action. Many forecasters say stimulus spending is adding two to three percentage points to economic growth in the second and third quarters, when measured at an annual rate. The impact in the second quarter, calculated by analyzing how the extra funds flowing into the economy boost consumption, investment and spending, helped slow the rate of decline and will lay the groundwork for positive growth in the third quarter -- something that seemed almost implausible just a few months ago.”

Thanks to the Recovery Act, 95 percent of Americans are already receiving the Making Work Pay tax cut and tens of thousands of teachers, law enforcement officials and firefighters have been able to stay on the job because of the billions of dollars in Recovery Act funds made available to state and local governments. More than 30,000 Recovery Act projects have already been approved.
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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.

 
Obama-Biden 08 08/23/2008
 

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.