The first of Biden's characteristic speaking styles is forceful and frank. This is the Joe Biden that pundits praise for cutting through the spin and "telling it how it is."
Biden has also shown himself to be an effective attack dog, a role Obama will likely expect him to play as a Vice Presidential candidate.
Finally, there are the gaffes. Biden's affinity for his own voice has let to some missteps over the years. His propensity for verbal gaffes could have Obama aides running for their BlackBerries.
Eric Zimmermann and James Martin are web interns at
By Eric Zimmermann and James Martin