SPRINGFIELD - From the grassroots of the Democratic Party to the state's top elected officials, Barack Obama's choice of Joe Biden as his running mate earned a resounding thumbs up Saturday.

Gathered with an estimated 35,000 supporters and on-lookers at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Robb McCoy, a 31-year-old Chenoa resident called Biden a "safe choice."

"It strengthened the perceived weaknesses that Obama has with experience," McCoy said.

Melissa Cornell of Springfield, among those who fought off hot and humid temperatures to watch the event, said she liked Biden during the early days of the primary season.

"He is an excellent choice and an excellent representation of Barack's judgment," Cornell said. "Biden tells it the way it is. He's straightforward and I think that's what Barack wants."

Camden resident Charles Clayton said Biden helps fill a gap on Obama's resume.

"Foreign policy is viewed as Obama's weakness and Biden brings 30 years of experience in that area," Clayton said.

Springfield resident Bridget Devlin agreed.

"I'm just getting to know Biden, but he is going to be strong in foreign policy and I think he will speak his mind and tell the truth," Devlin said.

Big Labor sounded a positive note too.

Earlier this week, Michael Carrigan of Decatur, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO, said he was polled by Obama's union supporters about the vice presidential pick. Carrigan told them Biden would be the best.

"He's a well-seasoned pro who brings strength to the ticket," Carrigan said. "I think it was an excellent choice."

Matt Smith, international representative for the Midwest region of the Laborer's International Union, said Biden was a "great" pick.

"He brings the unity we need to look forward to November," said Smith, a Springfield resident.

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias called the choice of Biden "a great decision."

"We've heard uniformly from Democrats throughout the country that they're excited about Senator Biden and his experience, and that he works well with Barack. They have a tremendous amount of respect for each other," Giannoulias said.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Obama's colleague in the Senate, said Biden's experience will be an asset to the campaign.

"[Biden] has a wealth of experience working on domestic and foreign policies, he really is a great person to have on your side to draw on his experience," Durbin said.

Julia Haptonstahl, 20, of Oak Park, stayed with her aunt in Springfield Friday night in order to get a chance to go to the event.

"I think he made a good choice," Haptonstahl said.

Joetta Jefferson, 56, of Chicago, an Obama supporter since his 2004 Senate run, said Biden is an excellent choice because of his candid style of debate and his experience in foreign affairs.

"I like the way Joe Biden cuts through all the spin," Jefferson said. "I just like the way he, during the debates, just cuts to the chase."