Joe Biden praised Jon Corzine as "America's governor," as the vice president sought to give the embattled incumbent a boost heading into the general election.

"No one's ever doubted that I mean what I said, and sometimes I say more than I should," the loquacious former senator from neighboring Delaware said. "But the truth of the matter is, I have a very simple, straightforward message. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are committed to Jon Corzine's re-election."

Biden, speaking at Corzine's election-night rally in West Orange, said that the nation needs New Jersey to once again be "one of the great engines of economic recovery," and said that can only happen if Corzine is re-elected.

Clearly, a link to the popular president is a main part of Corzine's strategy in blue New Jersey. His perilous status this November was reflected in the vice president's remarks, as he noted that a major recession "the likes of which we haven't seen since the Great Depression," has tremendous impact on states like yours.

"In tough times, it takes a special character to have the courage of your convictions and the stubborn certainty to do all that's necessary, even when it's not popular. Jon Corzine and Barack Obama both have that special character," Biden said.

Biden heaped praise on his former colleague in the Senate, and said that his first call after being elected last fall was to Corzine, who he said is one of the smartest guys on the economy. He added that when the administration was considering a $300 billion stimulus plan, it was Corzine who said it needed to be bigger. He also said much of the recovery plan mirrored steps that Corzine had already started taking in the Garden State.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is not just a governor for New Jersey. This is America's governor," he said. "This is a guy who had the foresight to understand what's needed."