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Re: Obama names a Kennedy to help pick vice president
NEW YORK - Barack Obama turned to the hunt for a running mate Wednesday, with Hillary Rodham Clinton's supporters urging him to put her on the ticket now that she's decided to back his inevitable nomination.
Obama indicated he would at least consider his long-running rival for the No. 2 slot. "Senator Clinton would be on anybody's short list, obviously," he told CBS News, adding they agree on most all the issues.
Obama's campaign announced the vetting of potential running mates was to be managed by a three-person team of one-time first daughter Caroline Kennedy, former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder and Washington insider Jim Johnson.
Clinton has told lawmakers privately that she would be interested in the vice presidential nomination. Under pressure from Democratic leaders to step aside, a campaign official said Wednesday evening that she has decided to end her candidacy now that Obama has more than enough delegates to win the long primary race. She scheduled her announcement for Saturday.
News of Clinton's decision broke as Obama attended a $2,300-per-person fundraiser on Park Avenue that he called "our first post-nomination event." Attendees included "Sex and the City" actress Sarah Jessica Parker, President Kennedy's speechwriter, Ted Sorensen, and Caroline Kennedy, with Obama noting her role in his vetting team before the crowd of about 200 supporters.
Asked about Clinton's acknowledgment that he will be the Democratic nominee, Obama said, "Truth is, I haven't had time to think about it. This weekend, I'm going home, talk it over with Michelle and we're going on a date."
Bob Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television, was lobbying members of the Congressional Black Caucus to urge Obama to put Clinton on the ticket. He said he was doing so with her blessing.
New York Rep. Charles Rangel, a founding member of the caucus, expressed doubts that Johnson's approach would work. "I don't really think that the way to get Obama to (choose) Clinton would be to put pressure on him. I think it would have the opposite effect," said Rangel, an early Clinton supporter.
In Nashville, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen was joined by two other superdelegates to say they hoped to bring the party behind Obama even though Clinton won their state. Bredesen said Obama's chances in his state would be improved with Clinton as his running mate, but added that it will be up the Illinois senator to make the decision that best fits his national strategy.
Obama told ABC News that Clinton is a "special case" to consider as a candidate for the vice presidency.
"She's somebody who traveled this journey with me. She was extraordinarily capable and tenacious. I mean, she is just a great candidate," Obama said.
The Obama camp's disclosure about the three-person veep vetting team was an effort to change the subject from the long, divisive primary campaign toward the general election.
Kennedy's name came as a surprise, although she endorsed Obama at a critical time last winter, saying he could be an inspirational leader like her father. She also campaigned for Obama.
Holder is a former federal prosecutor and District of Columbia Superior Court judge who held the No. 2 job at the Justice Department under President Clinton.
Johnson is widely known among Democrats for having helped previous candidates, including John Kerry four years ago, sift through vice presidential possibilities. He is a former chief executive officer for the mortgage lender Fannie Mae.
Re: Obama names a Kennedy to help pick vice president
There's only a list of about 4-5 really, he's probably just getting a Kennedy name involved and appeasing women by doing so. Personally (although this is probably my own wishful thinking) I think Ed Rendell might be it, only think is there's no way a black man and a jew will run this country. Although Fast Eddy will help PA, also Ohio & W Virginia due to their neighboring proximity & similar economy & regions, as well as Florida, as alot of retirees down there are Jewish.
Re: Obama names a Kennedy to help pick vice president
Personally I find it hard to see McCain taking anyone other than Romney, for no reason, other than he's the most logical choice. Moreso than Hillary would for Obama. Other than that, Lieberman would be good strategically, but he's kinda "damaged goods" after running as VP in 2000. Also what hurt Gore was having another stiff, dull person on the ticket. Still, stranger things have happened.
Re: Obama names a Kennedy to help pick vice president
I would think McCain & Powell would be too much military. McCain already will get the military supporters vote, and knows a sufficient amount about it for the White House (granted, he'll also have advisors and cabinet people), Powell would be overload & get killed for lack of economic agenda. Just IMHO at least. Ridge I don't like, not a bad guy, just attached to Bush & the war on terror, but he is a candidate. Giuliani killed his future political career when he answered every question with "Well when 911 happened...". I don't think Gore will take the VP nod. Other than that, pretty good for the likely Top 3.
Re: Obama names a Kennedy to help pick vice president
Giuliani would be a possibility in case NY became a factor. I do agree he has baggage. He ran what was probably the worst presidential campaign in history. Powell would neutralize the black vote, so is most certainly being considered. Ridge would obviously be an asset for PA though, and could come in handy.
Palin is the wild card, and has only had a few brief mentions. She would bring the women vote out in droves, and it would be a historic ticket. Chances aren't likely, but its a possibility.
Not a big fan of Romney. I would only pick him in a 'have to' case.
Gore a one in a billion shot, but could potentially be a strong ticket. Gore's stock has risen since 2000.
- Gunslinger
- Rep: 88
Re: Obama names a Kennedy to help pick vice president
Obama would be wise to take Edwards.
McCain taking Powell would be brilliant.
- Randall Flagg
- Rep: 139
Re: Obama names a Kennedy to help pick vice president
Powell has no interest in being the VP. However, if McCain were able to lure Powell in, Obama would go bye bye.
