The New York Times - On Saturday, Aug. 23, Sen. Barack Obama (D) introduced Sen. Joseph Biden as his running mate, a choice that strengthens the Democratic ticket’s credentials on foreign policy heading into the general election against Sen. John McCain (R). According to Sen. Obama, “Joe Biden is that rare mix… for decades, he has brought change to Washington, but Washington hasn’t changed him. He’s an expert on foreign policy whose heart and values are rooted firmly in the middle class.” Sen. Biden is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is familiar with foreign leaders and diplomats around the world. Although he initially voted to authorize the war in Iraq, Sen. Biden has become a persistent critic of President Bush’s policies in Iraq. According to political pundits, the choice of Sen. Biden was perhaps the most critical decision Sen. Obama has made as his party’s presumptive nominee.