FINEMAN: Say It's So, Joe

Earlier today, I predicted that Barack Obama would choose Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate. Now NEWSWEEK's own Howard Fineman is confirming my totally uninformed speculation with--gasp!--actual sources. Who take care of the speculating for me. Here's his MSNBC report:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Within the last few hours I've spoken with two of the finalists for the role of Barack Obama's running-mate, and to two other sources who are close to the process.

My bottom line is this: 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. He is a lively and feisty if unpredictable campaigner with working-class roots and a street-level feel for the hot spots of the globe — which he can use to go toe-to-toe with Sen. John McCain.

"If I had to bet my life on it, I'd bet it is Joe," said one of the other contenders. Said another, "Barack is moving toward a seasoned Beltway type, and that probably means Biden." And a source personally close to Obama simply said "Biden makes the most sense."

One of the contenders also revealed a tidbit about timing. That person says Obama's camp wants to know how to get in touch on Thursday afternoon.

You can read Howard's full dispatch over at MSNBC. Whether it makes you more or less certain that Joe is a go--well, everyone's entitled to his or her own opinion. At this point, it's all we have--and by "we," I mean everyone who's not named Barack Obama, Michelle Obama or David Axelrod.

As far as timing, we here at NEWSWEEK headquarters are thinking that Obama will phone his veep Thursday, email his supporters with the news either Friday or Saturday, then appear with his new No. 2 in Springfield, Ill. Saturday afternoon. As Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times reported earlier today, "the Obama team, in the run-up to the Democratic convention, will showcase the new Obama ticket Saturday in Springfield at the Old State Capitol, where presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) officially kicked off his campaign in February, 2007. State of Illinois authorities have beens asked permission by Obama folks to reserve the historic spot at noon." Adds the Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "I'm fairly certain it'll be his first appearance with the pick."

In case you're wondering, Joe, there's a flight on United from Washington to Springfield at 5:50 a.m. on Saturday. Should put you in before 9:00--plenty of time to find the Old State Capitol. Oh, and given your predilection for reminding us that you're one of the poorest Senators in the land, you'll be pleased to know tickets are only $282.