SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In front of the Old State Capitol, presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama, D-Ill., officially introduced Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., as his running mate for the 2008 presidential election.

The Obama campaign initially made the announcement early Saturday morning via text message to those who had signed up for the service.

Obama spoke Saturday afternoon about Biden’s abilities as a statesman, with his history of lowering crime and being strong-willed.

To a cheering crowd, Biden approached the grandstand as he was accidentally introduced by Obama as the next president.

Biden said that the United States can no longer stand by while Social Security decreases for senior citizens and millions of jobs are lost to overseas companies.

“This is no ordinary time, and this is no ordinary election,” Biden said. “This election has been a test of character and leadership, and one man has passed the test.”

As they begin their campaign together, Biden said that he feels his feet are in the right place and that he will stand firm beside Obama.

Saturday’s rally in Springfield was the first stop on a tour that will take the Democratic duo through four battleground states before they travel to Denver for next week’s Democratic National Convention.