How can you want him as VP, if…?

Posted: Monday, March 10, 2008 1:24 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Clinton, Obama, Andrea Mitchell

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell
When asked how Hillary Clinton could consider Barack Obama to be her vice president if she does not think he's qualified to be commander in chief, Clinton Communications Director Howard Wolfson said on a conference call today that she does NOT think he has passed the commander in chief test yet, but there is a long way between now and the convention, and that she has not ruled out selecting him as a vice president.

(So far, he has not taken follow questions about the obvious fact that Obama is ahead in both popular vote and delegates.)

VIDEO: Mar. 10: Rejecting the idea of being Hillary Clinton’s running mate, Barack Obama says, "I don't know how somebody in second place is offering the vice presidency to the person who is in first place."

Wolfson and Clinton foreign policy advisors scheduled the call to emphasize points made by the New York Times on Sunday about Obama's lack of a long legislative record in the senate and to again underscore Samantha Power's comments to the BBC last week indicating Obama might not withdraw from Iraq on the timetable he's laid out as a candidate and senator.

Specifically, Wolfson was asked: "Can you explain how the senator would consider having Barack Obama as a running mate if she does not think he's qualified to be Commander-in-Chief? Wouldn't that be the first qualification for anyone that she would consider to be on the ticket? Since she and the president over the weekend -- she Friday, again and the president on Saturday did suggest that that was certainly in their thinking?"

Wolfson answered, "Well what we have said is that Sen. Obama has not passed the Commander-in-Chief test. This is an issue that voters and reporters are asking Sen. Clinton about. It's not something that she would rule out at this point. But we do not believe as of this point Sen. Obama has passed that key Commander-in-Chief test. And there's a long way to go between now and Denver, as you know, and there's a lot left to be played out in the context of this primary.

To a follow-up question, Wolfson added, "Sen. Clinton will not chose any candidate who has not at the time of the choosing, passed the national security threshold. Period. But we have a long way to go between now and Denver, and it's not something that she's prepared to rule out at this point. But certainly anyone who's chosen as vice presidential candidate needs to be prepared to be Commander in Chief.”

NBC’s Domenico Montanaro adds, that Wolfson was then asked if there is something Obama could do between now and the August convention that would allow him to pass that Commander-In-Chief test.

“No, we’re not saying-- it’s not something we’re not prepared to rule out at this time,” he concluded.

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Comments

Thank you for bringing this issue up. I think the Clinton's are manipulative and have no intentions of having Obama on their hypothetical ticket.

Go away Clintons!

Obama '08

Tired of Billary, San Diego, CA (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:30 PM)

Obama should call a press conference and say, simply, 'Scoreboard!'

Ron Hussein (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:31 PM)

Clinton can show the rookie the tricks of the trade.

patty,sd,ca (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:31 PM)

What a joke. This campaign is spinning so hard that it's just a matter of time before it falls down. In the meantime, Obama stays calm and collected as usual.

Matt (Buffalo) (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:31 PM)

Stick foot in mouth...good luck trying to swindle Obama's votes now.

CJ (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:32 PM)

She just didn't want to hurt his super sensitive feelings. What she really wanted to say is he isn't qualified for either. Most folks know that one. Just like W.

j fl (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:32 PM)

BECAUSE HILLARY WOULD BE THE BABYSITTER...SHE WOULD BE MAKING DECISSIONS AND CHANGE THAT WOULD REALLY HAPPEN NOT JUST SAY IT THEN GO TO A CORNER AND SUCK YOUR THUMB UNTIL SOMEONE WRITES YOU A SPEECH...

LORETTA,HAMILTON,OH (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:33 PM)

Who is in charge of this operation? Bill Clinton and Ed Rendell both implied that he would be a great pick not 24 hours ago.

These people will say anything. I don't believe a word they say. I can't vote for someone like this.

I'm out.

Jim Tekcirc, Chicago (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:34 PM)

Here's an idea for Obama to get some headlines, offer Chelsea Clinton a cabinet post.

Noel, Hot Springs, AR (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:34 PM)

At least someone bothered calling them out on their illogical nonsense this time instead of just regurgitating it.

These people make me despair at the thought of another Clinton presidency.

Lu (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:34 PM)

So what is this PERCIEVED "National Security Threshold" or the so-called "key" "Commander-in-Chief" threshold and how does Senator Clinton achieve this threshold? What has she done to pass these two "key" tests?

In my mind, no candidate who has NOT SERVED in the U.S. Armed Forces can claim to reach either of these thresholds. Least of ALL Senator Clinton who has NEVER held any posistion of relevant experience to claim this.

Chris (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:34 PM)

Once in a lifetime someone comes along and challenges the status quo through thoughtful intelligence. Once in a lifetime someone comes along that speaks with such eloquence other are forced to listen. Once in a lifetime someone comes along who truly cares to empower the average American, instead of placate the privileged few. Once in a lifetime someone comes along that has the courage to challenge the special interest , a dangerous thing to do. Once in a lifetime someone comes along who lifts the spirit of all Americans! The question is: are you really going to let this-- once in a lifetime-- opportunity --to correct our bought and paid for governments (by special interest)--pass you by?

Obama--your THE MAN!

once in a lifetime (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:34 PM)

HA!(Chris Matthews signature laugh)
The Clinton's are bumbling fools. How on earth could you possibly mess that up? Their one message, erroneous I might add, is that Obama is not experienced enough to be president and then they go and offer him VP. Completely insane, aside from the fact that he's AHEAD in everything from delegates, states won, and the popular vote. Ridiculous.

Tired of Clintonian/Machiavellian Tactics (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:34 PM)

wow, they create a scenario where they can play both sides of the coin. go figure. where have we seen this "opportunity to move the goal posts" before? hmmmmmmmmmm

sean, atl (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:35 PM)

We're all reminded that this is the couple that generated the greatest laugh line of the last quarter century:

It depends on what the meaning of the word is...is?

Casting a vote for this team is saying: "I don't respect myself. You can spit on me and I'll still love you."

Calling it as it is (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:35 PM)

The Clinton camp won't worry about the obvious absurdity engendered by their endorsement of John McCain as president last week, on repeated occasions. That was a truly bizarre spectacle, though not surprising, given the Nixonian game plan. The betrayal of party was truly amazing and brazen. The front-runner is Obama, since, the last time I looked, the "front-runner" was the person in the lead, so he's just got to keep winning over voters and let the Clinton Storm Troopers just have their own brand of "fun."

Tom P, Westfield, Mass (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:35 PM)

That is some funny @!$% . Wolfson should write for SNL.

josh CA (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:35 PM)

MSNBC:

why do you give this charlatan Wolfson so much free e-ink? Nothing he says has any merit.

Just Wondering (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:36 PM)

THESE CLINTON FOLKS ARE REALLY SMOKING THAT STUFF, THEY ARE SO OUT OF TOUCH ITS BECOMING CYNICAL & DELUSIONAL

Hillary Clinton is the Most Divisive Politician ever, Very Polarizing and Manipulative. This game should be over based on the Math, but no that won't happen because its all about the Clintons.

My oh My....How can you loss 12 straight contest and still be in the race

She can't win farely, so she wants to burn the whole ship. Democrats are so dumb, they'll loss again in November

Why isn't the Goal Post North Carolina? Why must the goal post be Clinton Country? It Baffles me!!!!!!!!! Hillary has tamed all of you in the press, you guys are scared of her

Hope, Houston, TX (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:36 PM)

MSNBC(More Spin News ala Billary Clinton)

Time to switch to FOx News (Fair and Balance)

Watching in GA (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:36 PM)

Is there a written test he must pass? What is the test?

Noel, Hot Spings, AR (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:37 PM)

would everybody shut-up about obama and hillary being on the same ticket, it ain't going to happen, it was just another cheap shot by clinton to make uncommitted voters think they could get 2 for 1 if they voted for her, stop talking about it already, I know you guys are not that stupid

MK,MO (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:37 PM)

Personally, I don't think Senator Clinton has passed the Commander in Chief test. However, my test is a little different. How does the candidate handle pressure? Senator Obama is cool and calm under pressure. Senator Clinton-- not so much. What judgments have they made in the past? Senator Obama was against running the bus into a ditch by going to war in Iraq. Senator Clinton spoke decisively about the wisdom of her vote before voting to go to war in Iraq -- interesting how that speech gets disregarded now by the press and she is allowed to claim that speech didn't count.

As for speeches, what is Senator Clinton doing exactly-- if she isn't giving speeches, what is she doing? What did Senator Clinton achieve in the Senate-- not much. What did she achieve as First Lady -- not healthcare reform. Where is her transparency? I can already tell her campaign is only going to release tax returns for 2007, not 2000-2006. Some transparency. Where are the records from the White House showing she has done anything? They are being held back by former President Bill Clinton.

Somebody want to tell me what proof we actually have that Senator Clinton has shown good judgment on an important issue? Please ask her some real questions, make her put some substance behind her speeches and stop letting her spin, spin, spin her way out of any substance.

Kim, Pasadena, CA (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:37 PM)

Translation: "We'll try to fool Obama supporters into voting for Clinton, thinking they'll get both on the same ticket. But of course its "just politics" and we really are saying and doing anything we can to win, and we won't commit to anything because we want to pick someone else as VP. We're just misleading people to get their votes."

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:37 PM)

Boy, Hillary sure is ruining her chances to become Obama's VP!

The media should be vetting Hillary's campaign and surrogates about how can Obama be her VP when she is behind in total delegates, pledged delegates, states won, and total popular vote!

AJ, IL (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:38 PM)

j fl wrote:
Joan, Chuck and the boys on here are OBVIOUSLY salivating for Obama, like Chris Matthews. They just can't envision a female president at this time in their lives. Its too scarey for their fragile egos. Just the thought makes these grown mens you know whats shrink down to nothing. There is a "keep out" sign in the boys USA clubhouse.

j Fl, get real: you're willing to vote for a couple who has repeatedly lied to both you and to the American people simply because she's a woman. what a joke.

Get Real (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:38 PM)

Wolfson is an a--.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:38 PM)

Too easy. Whether he's qualified or not doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is party unity.

And if you believe that, then vote Hillary Clinton, because she's the right candidate for you.

Amy Andersen, Eden Prairie, MN (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:38 PM)

Shouldn't Wolfson resign? Wasn't it he who compared Sen. Obama to Ken Starr? Oh, wait, I forgot. There are two standards: one for Sen. Clinton and one for the rest of us.

Alicia, Richmond, VA (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:39 PM)

These people are ridiculous, and if you can't see that, you are a blind Hillarite. They are attempting to marginalize another member of their own party in order to weaken him enough that, at least in their own twisted minds, the superdelegates will have no choice but to select her as the nominee.

And if Barack still gets it? Well then they hope to cut him enough that McCain wins, and Hillary comes in to save the day in 2012.

When this all started, I, as well as my wife, would have voted for Hillary if she gets the nom. Sorry, but I cannot in good conscience vote for her under any circumstances, and I can tell you my wife feels the same way. Lying, cheating, stealing, are we talking about the Bush Administration or the Clintons?

It doesn't matter, as they are one in the same.

Brian, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:39 PM)

Wolfson then went on to add, "well if this doesn't stick Sen. Clinton will make something else up at that time."

Dr.Strangedog, MI (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:39 PM)

The Clinton campaign is now in 'Say/Do Anything to win' mode.

New Wave (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:40 PM)

Thank Hillary for voting for the Iraq war. Now, that $12 billion price tag is enough to pull California completely out of its deficit. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23551693/

Jon, TX (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:40 PM)

So once he wants to be a VP he will be qualified to be a commander and chief. That makes complete sense to me. I think Obama is a very smart candidate. He will learn very fast. At least he wasn't wrong on Iraq. How can you be ready to be commander-in-chief if you fail to read the Iraq intelligence report?

Johnson, New Orleans (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:41 PM)

MSNBC and Chuck Todd are "lapdogs" for Obama. They skew their reports in Obama's favor.

Obama is merely a motivational speaker. He's a first term rookie Senator who shouts "hope" and "change" and "yes, we can", but that's it. Obama's NOT a leader. MSNBC should be more critical of Obama.

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:41 PM)

What an idiot! Why do the press let them get away with stupid statements like this? If I answered questions this way at work, they would fire me for being useless and stupid,

Greg, Richmond (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:41 PM)

Clinton may be interested in having Obama as her running mate (she'd be insane not to), but Obama will never do accept that position.

The Clintons are the poster children of what Obama wants to change in Washington. For Obama to be associated with them in any way immediately would make him a hypocrit. He'll never do it.

Besides, the Democratic party would be insane to select Hillary. Nearly half the country dispises her. Why a party would immediately put itself at such a disadvantage in the general election is beyond me.

Like in 2004, it seems the Democrats are completely lost and have no idea how to go about selecting someone who could win in November. Get it together already Dems!

Jeremy Clagett, Manhattan, KS (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:41 PM)

It's completely ridiculous to have two running mates who have just spent a year ripping each other apart.

"Do me a favor and stop beating me, then I MIGHT think about letting you be beneath me." Wow, try not to be too obsessed with yourself, Hil.

EJ, Florida (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:42 PM)

Does this make any sense? Cause if it does, would someone please explain this to me? How can you say he has not enough experience to be president, but VP? Which if something happens, he's president. PLUS are we forgetting his leading? I'm confused

Abbey, Chicago Illinois (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:43 PM)

Talk about spin!!!!!

"But we do not believe as of this point Sen. Obama has passed that key Commander-in-Chief test"

What is the 'key', please explain Mr. Wolf-in-wolves-clothing!

Bottom line is, Obama is LEADING RIGHT NOW! How arrogantly stupid is this HRC attempt to say that Obama can be VP....lol.

Matt, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:43 PM)

I believe that the Clinton campaign is oblivious to the FACTS. Barack has a lead in total delegates. He is in the lead while having less Superdelegates. The Clinton campaign needs to wake up. In stead of Clinton saying she may pick him. She needs to focus on if he'll pick her.

john howard appleton, WI (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:44 PM)

The United States Commander-In-Chief Test

Name: Hilary Clinton

Question 1 - What will you do to get elected to the office of President of the United States?
a) Have my volunteers spread viscous e-rumors about my opponent
b) Belittle my opponent's race, gender, religion
c) Offer as much money and as many federal positions as possible to superdelegates in order to overturn the pledged delegate and popular vote totals of my party's nomination process
d) All of the Above

I guess she passes the test.

Anne, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:44 PM)

Part of the problem with BSing around, like the Clinton campaign is with the alleged interest in Obama as Vice President, is that the logic of the different things they are saying doesn't hold up as a sensible whole. You can't tell someone they are not worthy of your interest, and then try to convince others that you are interested just to manipulate them.

Mike McNulty, Snellville, GA (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:44 PM)

Unbeknownst to many, accepting a VP slot on Clinton's ticket means that you automatically pass the CiC test.

Ryan Fahey, New York, New York (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:44 PM)

I do not yet understand what the Clinton campaign is trying to say with this joint-ticket pitch they've come up with. I think a large portion of me not understanding is directly related to it simply not making any sense.

Jordan, Wilmington, NC (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:45 PM)

Taking Wolfson's statement at its face value, the Clintons are saying that for Obama to pass his test to be commander-in-chief he needs to lose to Hillary. Will the media please pull them up short for this crap.

What the Clintons are really saying is that after they make Obama unelectable in the eyes of superdelegates, they get the nomination and then run him as VP so he can save their sorry butts with Black folk. This is inherently racist.

And Obama is calling them on this in Mississippi. Here, as in South Carolina, Black folk are getting the message loud and clear.

Score one for Obama this week.... this is backfiring on the Clintons big time.

DAN (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:45 PM)

Andrea you are losing trust because once more you are taking sides reporters should report the news not try to guide it. Wasn't it you who was teary eyed at Jimmy Carter's defeat and Carter was the most inept resident since Hoover. It has been reported that Hilary gets more "fair and balanced" coverage from Fox news than she does from MSNBC. Very unprofessional.

Rufus Gibbons Washington DC (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:46 PM)

She's crossed the line, and she'll never have my vote. I hope all her Super-Delegates realize too, that they'll never get my vote either.

adam/Brooklyn New York City (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:46 PM)

This is just too silly!

If experience is so important, why choose someone inexperienced to be a "heart beat away from the Presidency"? What does this say about HRC's concern for the country and its safety?

Has HRC passed the "Commander-in-Chief" test? If so, when? Sitting in on your husband's meetings, even contributing to them, is hardly a stellar recommendation, particularly since her opinions and actions with regard to things like health care and NAFTA do not seem to have worked. Is experience in losing a recommendation?

This is simply a blatant attempt to use the so-called "dream ticket" in order to try to entice voters and, particularly, pledged and super delegates to consider or reconsider HRC again and to place Obama in a difficult position. If he flat-out refuses, he seems not to work and play well with others. Plus, the chances of HRC's actually doing this should she get the nomination are very, very remote considering she will have a de facto VP in Bill.

How sad and desperate the Clinton campaign seems to have become.

Rose Lee Warren (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:46 PM)

Ummmm...isn't Obama still ahead? Why are MSNBC and CNN reporting this as if she's in the lead and the de facto nominee? Amazing...just amazing...

Ray Flook, New York, New York (Sent Monday, March 10, 2008 1:46 PM)

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