Unless you are a part of the McCain campaign, Barack Obama’s selection of Joe Biden as his running mate is drawing bi-partisan praise from Chuck Hagel, Dick Luger, Hillary Clinton, and Ted Kennedy.

Republican Senator Chuck Hagel said (R-NE), “Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama. His many years of distinguished service to America, his seasoned judgment and his vast experience in foreign policy and national security will match up well with the unique challenges of the 21st Century. An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team. Biden’s selection is good news for Obama and America.”

Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) said, “In naming my colleague and friend Joe Biden to be the vice presidential nominee, Barack Obama has continued in the best traditions for the vice presidency by selecting an exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant. Senator Biden will be a purposeful and dynamic vice president who will help Senator Obama both win the presidency and govern this great country.”

Republican Senator Dick Luger (R-IN) said, “I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy. I share the disappointment of many Hoosiers that my partner in the Senate, Evan Bayh, was not selected on this occasion, but I believe he will continue to have widespread support for higher office during many years ahead.”

As he is at home recovering from surgery related to brain cancer, Sen. Ted Kennedy said, “Barack Obama said he wanted a strong independent leader and a strong advocate for average Americans, and he got one in Joe Biden. He has a deep devotion to his family and his country and an impressive record not only in standing up for American security interests around the world, but for middle class values and safe neighborhoods here at home. An Obama-Biden Administration will bring the real change Americans want and the country needs.”

What these statements show is that Biden is very popular with his Senate colleagues. He is a guy who works hard, and I think what you are seeing are his peers expressing happiness over his reward. Biden is a steady policy hand who needs to be a little less off the cuff, but there is little doubt that he is a solid choice, and probably the one that Republicans least wanted to see.