Democratic presidential contender Mr John Kerry made his first public appearance with running mate Mr John Edwards today, claiming the North Carolina Senator was "ready to lead America."
In a carefully choreographed event with their wives and children almost 24 hours after Mr Kerry announced Mr Edwards' selection, the Democratic nominee sought to rebut Republican criticism Mr Edward's relative political inexperience, especially on national security.
John Kerry and new running-mate John Edwards pictured yesterday
"This man is ready for this job. He's ready to help lead America," Mr Kerry said as the families posed against the backdrop of Pennsylvania's western Allegheny mountains on Teresa Heinz Mr Kerry's $3.7 million farm outside Pittsburgh.
"John Edwards and his family represent a life of fighting to provide hope and opportunity for people, opening doors making things better for people who have been hurt, helping to fight to make America fair." Mr Kerry said. "He's ready to do his job."
Democrats hope Mr Edwards can broaden Mr Kerry's appeal to undecided and swing voters who might decide what is expected to be an extremely close race with Republican President George W. Bush for the November election.
Mr Kerry's aides also played up the experience brought to the position by Mr Edwards, a charismatic former trial lawyer who has represented North Carolina since 1998 and who is expected to inject new excitement into what has often been a dull campaign.
"He served on the Intelligence Committee in the United States Senate. He's on the commission investigating 9/11 (the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the United States). He's been a leader on bio-terrorism and on security," said Kerry campaign manager Ms Mary Beth Cahill.