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Obama-Biden Speech in Springfield, Illinois

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama and his newly minted VP choice, Delaware Senator Joe Biden, appeared together Saturday, August 23, 2008 for about 35,000 people in Springfield, Illinois, which is about 100 miles north of St. Louis. It was their first appearance as a campaign team and their last until the Democratic National Convention, which begins Monday in Denver.

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The crowd gathers outside the Old State Capitol Saturday, August 23, 2008 in Springfield, Illinois.

By Jason Winkeler

The crowd gathers outside the Old State Capitol Saturday, August 23, 2008 in Springfield, Illinois.

Senator Barack Obama greets supporters before introducing his vice presidential running mate, Delaware Senator Joe Biden.

By Jason Winkeler

Senator Barack Obama greets supporters before introducing his vice presidential running mate, Delaware Senator Joe Biden.

Security gates at the entrance to the Old State Capitol.

By Jason Winkeler

Security gates at the entrance to the Old State Capitol.

Members of the press gather outside of Old State Capitol.

By Jason Winkeler

Members of the press gather outside of Old State Capitol.

Lines looped through six blocks of downtown Springfield.

By Jason Winkeler

Lines looped through six blocks of downtown Springfield.

Supporters hold signs for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The Obama campaign announced early Saturday morning on its Web site that Biden was the VP pick.

By Jason Winkeler

Supporters hold signs for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The Obama campaign announced early Saturday morning on its Web site that Biden was the VP pick.

Obama merchandise came in all shapes and sizes.

By Jason Winkeler

Obama merchandise came in all shapes and sizes.

Keeping cool at the rally, where the heat was the second-biggest story of the day.

By Jason Winkeler

Keeping cool at the rally, where the heat was the second-biggest story of the day.

Senator Barack Obama stretches out to the crowd before the speeches, which began shortly after 2 p.m.

By Jason Winkeler

Senator Barack Obama stretches out to the crowd before the speeches, which began shortly after 2 p.m.

The streets of Springfield were filled with Obama merchandise vendors, many of whom were not affiliated with the campaign.

By Jason Winkeler

The streets of Springfield were filled with Obama merchandise vendors, many of whom were not affiliated with the campaign.

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