IN BETWEEN BARACK OBAMA AND FORMER VEEPEE JOE BIDEN

A running mate becomes a friend for life.

At a speech in Springfield, Illinois, Barack Obama announces Joe as his vice-presidential running mate. In the months and years to come, they become good friends, and their families grow close.

"He's an expert on foreign policy whose heart and values are rooted firmly in the middle class. He has stared down dictators and spoken out for America's cops and firefighters. He is uniquely suited to be my partner as we work to put our country back on track."

Barack Obama, introducing Joe Biden as his running mate