INSTANT VIEW: Obama picks Biden as running mate

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Saturday chose veteran Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden, known for his strong foreign policy credentials, as his vice presidential running mate.

Following are comments on Obama's choice:

STATEMENT FROM CAMPAIGN OF REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL

CANDIDATE JOHN MCCAIN

"There has been no harsher critic of Barack Obama's lack of experience than Joe Biden. Biden has denounced Barack Obama's poor foreign policy judgment and has strongly argued in his own words what Americans are quickly realizing -- that Barack Obama is not ready to be president."

SEN. HILLARY CLINTON, WHO LOST TO OBAMA IN THE DEMOCRATIC

PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION CONTEST

"In naming my colleague and friend Senator Joe Biden to be the vice presidential nominee, Senator 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."

SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY, DEMOCRATIC SENATOR FOR MASSACHUSETTS

"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 neighbourhoods here at home. An Obama-Biden administration will bring the real change Americans want and the country needs."

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPUBLICAN LEADER JOHN BOEHNER

"Americans looking for a pair of candidates who are ready to fix a broken Washington aren't going to find them on the Obama/Biden ticket. In Joe Biden, Barack Obama has not only found a running mate who doesn't believe he's ready to be president, he's proven his opposition to an 'All of the Above' energy reform strategy to lower fuel costs for families and small businesses."

HOWARD DEAN, DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN AND

FORMER U.S. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

"Senator Obama has made an outstanding selection in Joe Biden. Delegates here in Denver are already buzzing with strong enthusiasm for the Obama-Biden ticket. Senator Obama's selection shows that unlike the Bush-McCain way of doing politics, Obama is not afraid to have strong people around him helping to lead our great country."

SEN. DICK LUGAR, SENIOR REPUBLICAN ON FOREIGN RELATIONS