@ikanreed the DNC is who has all the data on viable candidates, their polling data they've been collecting for years on them, and compiled all their oppo research to figure out what weaknesses they'll have and how well they'll play with independents.

It is a bit of a stretch to believe Obama hand picked Biden. The truth is more like the DNC said "these are your best shots at not scaring away independents" and boasting Biden as being so good at working across the aside made him the obvious pick to clinch the win.

The entire thing is controlled by the whims of the largest purse holders of these private corporations. (the parties are private corporations)