That's a story-book, man

Give Sen. Obama credit -- he did something totally unexpected in naming long-time Labour Party stalwart Neil Kinnock as his running mate. It's the first time that a Brit has appeared on a major ticket. Born in 1942, Kinnock first came to prominence as the opposition leader and stood for election as prime minister back in the late 1980s. After falling short, he had a distinguished career in the opposition. Now, more than 20 years after his initial disappointment, he will have the opportunity for redemption. Few will forget his famous speech in which he discussed how he had come to prominence as the son of coal miner.

Oops. Sorry. I must have been confused. Obama named Joe Biden to be his running mate. He was born in 1942 as well. He also gave the same speech that Kinnock did in a late 1980s run for high office. It's pretty easy to get confused about stuff like that. Kinnock is from Wales and Biden is from Scranton. Kinnock is now the Baron of Bedwellty. Biden is a baron among bed-wetters.

So here's the question: what does it say about the Democratic Party's bench strength that Obama couldn't come up with a better choice for his Veep than a guy who has been the subject of mockery for more than two decades?

Cross-posted at True North