Obama Names Biden as his Running Mate

US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has introduced veteran Senator Joe Biden as his running mate at a rally in Springfield, Illinois.

He hailed him as a "man with a distinguished record and a fundamental decency".

Mr Obama's confirmed his choice of running mate overnight on his website and with a text message after the news began to leak to the media.

The two men are making their first appearance following the announcement.

Mr Biden, a 65-year-old veteran lawmaker, is highly respected on foreign policy and is a six-term senator who serves on the powerful Foreign Affairs Select Committee.