Dem strategist Haas responds to Biden getting VP nod

Ohio Democratic strategist Greg Haas weighed in on Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) decision on Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) as a running mate, calling the choice fantastic for the country. Haas worked briefly as a communications director to Biden in the U.S. Congress.

"Sen. Obama has shown what kind of administration he's going to have, what kind of people he's going to have around him," Haas said. "And it's clear that he wants people with strong opinions and not afraid to back them. Joe Biden has demonstrated that throughout his life."

Haas said that it is clear Obama wants knowledgeable people around with experience to use as a mechanism for change.

"I think it's a great day," Haas said. "It also shows that Sen. Obama won't be pushed into a corner. There were a lot of people putting a lot of heat on him to pick Hillary Clinton. There were a lot of people pushing him in a couple different directions. He followed a path that clearly demonstrates he wants the best person for the job."

When asked where Obama stood to benefit in Ohio demographically from the Biden pick, Haas said he didn't think that vice presidential picks help with regions or demographics as much as in the past.

"I think that we've become more homogenous as a nation," Haas said. "The idea that the vice president might be from my state doesn't excite a whole lot of people. But I think what it does is create a perception of the candidate, by whom they select."

Haas said that the Biden choice shows Obama picked someone who he feels confident could act as president, as well as a running mate who combines institutional knowledge with the notion that Joe Biden is not going to be "a shrinking violet as vice president."

"He may not be Dick Cheney," Haas said. "But he'll be more in the model of Al Gore, an active vice president and a constructive team player. And I think that speaks volumes about Barack Obama and what kind of president he will be. And that's the way the pick will be ultimately helpful."