Is Biden likely to be Obama's running mate?

Washington, Aug 20 : According to the New York Times, the New York Daily News and others, Delaware Senator Joseph Biden is emerging as the clear favourite to be Barack Obama's running mate.

Biden needs to thank his foreign policy bonafides for this. It was on show during his high profile trip to Georgia and call for aid to the country.

"Barring a big surprise or last-minute change of heart, the choice is likely to be Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee," Howard Fineman wrote on MSNBC today.

Time's Mark Halperin is also suggesting Biden will join Obama on the ticket. And Obama mentioned Biden in a speech today, further fueling speculation.

Biden is also taking some heat in the liberal blogosphere. In a post yesterday, Markos at Daily Kos questioned Biden's judgment because the Delaware senator voted for the war.

Obama is expected to announce his running mate to supporters late Friday and appear with him at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois on Saturday.

Delaware State Election Commissioner Elaine Manlove told CBSNews.com this afternoon that Biden, who is up for reelection this year, "can run for both seats" if he becomes the vice presidential nominee.

Biden, however, has denied that Obama is planning to tap him.

As the Delaware senator drove out of his driveway on Tuesdayu, he leaned out slightly and said this to the reporters staking him out: "You've got better things to do guys, I'm not the guy."

ANI