US presidential race: Biden says nation needs more than a good soldier

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Joe Biden accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination Wednesday night and declared that the challenges America faces require "more than a good soldier" in the White House, hailing Barack Obama as a wise leader who can deliver the change the nation needs. In a single sentence, Obama's new running mate complimented Republican presidential candidate John McCain's years of military service and bashed his claim on the White House. As Biden concluded his speech accepting the nomination, Obama stepped on stage and embraced his man to a convention roar. "I want everybody to now understand why I am so proud to have Joe Biden ... and the whole Biden family," Obama told the boisterous crowd. "I think he's presented himself pretty well so far, what do you think?" More cheers. In his speech, Biden also sniped at Vice President Dick Cheney, saying that after he takes over the job, for Americans trying to do the right thing and honor the Constitution, "no longer will the eight most dreaded words in the English language be 'The vice president's office is on the phone."' Biden said the bedrock American promise of a better tomorrow is in jeopardy "but John McCain doesn't get it."