Obama-Biden ticket ready to debut

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- Thousands of supporters were expected at a Saturday rally in Springfield, Illinois, to see the debut of Sen. Barack Obama and Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as a presidential ticket.
Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, announced his selection of Biden as his running mate with a 3 a.m. text message and a statement on his official Web site.
"Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee," the text message said.
The 65-year-old senator who ran twice for president was informed of the decision Thursday, said Obama spokesman Bill Burton.
In an e-mail sent to supporters Saturday morning, Obama wrote: "Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.

"I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change."