Sen. Barack Obama made a good choice by naming fellow Sen. Joseph Biden to be his vice-presidential running mate early Saturday.

Mr. Biden, 65, is one of the most experienced members of the U.S. Senate. Elected a senator of Delaware at age 29, he has held many leadership posts and run for president twice — in 1988 and this year.

As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Biden is one of the most influential foreign policy voices in Congress. He is internationally minded and a supporter of the United Nations. Mr. Biden has traveled overseas several times to meet with foreign leaders or to seek background on a policy issue.

He is well versed in domestic policy as well — in short, a man who brings much to the Democratic ticket.

As a senator, Mr. Biden has worked well with colleagues from both parties. His long experience in the Senate even outdistances Republican presidential hopeful John McCain.

Known to be feisty and outspoken, Sen. Biden will make a good campaigner for the Democratic cause. While he obviously admires Barack Obama, he will also "challenge his thinking," as the Associated Press noted.

The Delaware senator voted in 2002 to authorize the Iraq invasion, but has criticized the conflict and the Bush administration's handling of the war. He has taken a firm stand against what he sees as President Bush's unilateralist approach to foreign policy.

Sen. Biden does not have high name recognition nationally. He sometimes talks too much. But he relates well to people from all walks of life. The senator is a family man and well respected by his colleagues. Mr. Biden is qualified to be vice president and could step into the presidency if needed.

A dedicated public servant and leader, he should make a good partner for Sen. Barack Obama as they pursue the White House this fall.