The Insider vs. The Outsider

Every potential VP candidate will be scrutinized, and criticized in some way shape or form. A famous criticism of many candidates is that they are “Washington Insiders,” they are two ingrained in capitol society, and have to many ties. This criticism will without a doubt be utilized if Joseph Biden, senator from Delaware is selected. Biden is currently serving his sixth term in the Senate. This attack can also be used about McCain, who has been in the Congress since 1983. This long stint in Washington is exactly why McCain is looking for a fresh face, someone who is considered an outsider. One such candidate is Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Joseph Biden – Joe Biden has served in the United States Senate for thirty-five years, and is currently the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations. His extensive experience in foreign policy, and his overall experience in the United States make him a distinct possibility as Obama’s running mate. Biden was born in Pennsylvania on November 20, 1942, and moved to Delaware when he was ten. He attended Delaware University, and gained his law degree from Syracuse University. After graduating from Syracuse University, Biden returned to Delaware to practice law. He was elected to the New Castle County, County Council where he served from 1970-1972. In 1972 he decided to run against incumbent Caleb Boggs for the United States Senate. He won a close victory, and at the age of thirty became the fifth youngest Senator in United States history. His victory in 1972 was tarnished with tragedy. His wife and three children were involved in a car accident that took the lives of his wife and infant daughter. Biden was sworn into office at the hospital where he watched over his two sons as they made their recoveries. Biden remarried in 1977, and is a practicing Roman Catholic with his wife. Since 1988 Biden has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate, and made an unsuccessful run in 2008. Since discontinuing his campaign Biden has taken an active role in the Obama campaign. Biden would bring experience, and foreign policy credentials to a campaign that lacks both. Many believe that if Biden is not selected as VP, he will be selected as either Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense. There is no doubt that Biden will have an important role in an Obama administration, whether or not it will be as VP is yet to be determined.

Tim Pawlenty – While many consider Joe Biden to be a “Washington Insider,” there can be no such criticism of Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty was born in St Paul, Minnesota on November 27, 1960, and has lived in Minnesota his entire life. He attended Minnesota University, and in 1986 graduated with a law degree from the University’s law school. Pawlenty met and married his wife at law school, Mary Anderson. Mary served as a judge for thirteen years from 1994 to 2007. Out of college Pawlenty worked as a labor attorney, and then as a Vice President for internet company Wizmo Consulting Group. Pawlenty was appointed to the Planning Commission in Eagan, Minnesota, and in 1989 was elected to the city council. In 1992he entered into state politics representing the 38th district in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He served for five terms, and became the Speaker of the House in 1998. In 2002 Pawlenty decided to make a run for Governor. He narrowly defeated two other candidates, the Democratic candidate, as well as a former Democrat running as an independent. Pawlenty promised a balanced budget, but without raising taxes. In order to do this he made major cuts to government programs, and received lots of criticism over his policies. In 2006 he ran for a second term, and once again won a very narrow election. His youth and conservative principles appeal to John McCain, and make him a likely choice to be McCain’s selection for VP.