Clinton: The push to be veep

Posted: Friday, May 23, 2008 9:22 AM by Domenico Montanaro

What does Hillary want? The New York Times reports that as many folks predicted, Bill Clinton is contemplating the idea of Hillary as Obama's running mate. "The reports about Mr. Clinton’s musings surface as the Obama camp has quietly begun the process of searching for a partner on the Democratic ticket. The prospect of an Obama-Clinton ticket has been fodder for political gossip for months, with some Democratic leaders pushing the idea as a way to unify the party. The Obama and Clinton campaigns have consistently shrugged off the idea, however, and Mrs. Clinton has been adamant that she is only interested in the presidency.”

“Yet anyone who knows the Clintons is well aware that, at times, they come to politics with different motivations. Both of them want to return to the White House; Mrs. Clinton, of New York, also enjoys being a senator, while Mr. Clinton, according to associates, sees the vice presidency as perhaps her best path to becoming president someday if she loses the nominating fight. And Mr. Clinton has his own ideas about his wife’s best interests -- even if she sometimes does not share them."

A few things to think about regarding HRC as Obama’s veep: Will the former president allow Jim Johnson to fully vet his business deals? Will he get a look at the library donor records? Will he be OK with the limitations on where he can speak and who he cuts business deals with?

“Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), a Clinton booster, told The [New York] Post, ‘I am one that believes that if it works out that Senator Obama is the nominee, the strongest ticket would be Senator Clinton as vice president. No question in my mind. Because the constituencies in the votes are different. The weight of the states he carried versus the states she carried. It's different. And, therefore, if you combine them both, you've got the best electoral path.’ Feinstein said she promotes an Obama-Clinton ticket with everyone she talks to.

“Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a vice chair of the Democratic Leadership Council, said, ‘I'll encourage [Obama] to ask, and if he does, for her to say yes.’ He added, ‘She would be a good president if something ever were to happen to him. She'll deliver a heck of a lot of women in a lot of states.’”

Check out the Post’s cover, complete with an Obama-Clinton wedding cake: “Man and vice.”

And check out this graphic showing the pros and cons of putting Clinton on the ticket. (It also highlights that she’s wearing two different shoes.)

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Comments

Carper says "She would make a good president if anything happens to him". If anything happens to him? Is there any doubt? Two words for anyone who thinks Obama should pick Hillary as his running mate: Vince Foster

Obama/Sebelius in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none.

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:29 AM)

It will so funny to watch these two nitwits campaigning together. Each will be trying to push the other off the stage, and they'll argue the whole time.

Fraline (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:31 AM)

Forget it! It's a non-starter by a deperate Bill.
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:32 AM)

Forget it! It's a non-starter by a deperate Bill.
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:32 AM)

I'm getting sick and tired of all this talk about forcing Obama to pick Hillary "Republican" Clinton as his running mate. Considering how she's backstabbed him the past 3 months there's no way she deserves anything but to lose and cheer Barack on from the sidelines, if she can be a good sport.

She keeps running her mouth off denigrating Barack at every turn, he's not electable or he's not ready to lead. Now she's whining that she may take this to Denver or bust, yeah she takes it to Denver and she busts the Democratic Party.

If she expects us Obama supporters to welcome her then she'd better start praising Obama the way he praises her. She'd better stop trying to steal away the nomination by cheating with Florida and Michigan hoping that the DNC committee gives her everything she wants but doesn't deserve.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:33 AM)

I do agree that Bill Clinton wants to get back in the White house probably more than Hillery does. I bet, though, that most of the democratic politicians in Washington asolutely do not want her on the ticket for vice president. Hillery and Bill would be constantly in the lime light, taking away from Obama's presidentcy. On the other hand, I'm not so sure she will drop out in June........

carol burlington (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:34 AM)

How can you have a VP that is one the record and on video tape as saying that the presidential candidate has not passed the commander-in-chief test, saying he is not electable, and his entire campaign is based on a speech? YOU CANNOT HAVE A VP THAT HAS NOT SUPPORTED YOUR CAMPAIGN!!!

Billy, MI (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:35 AM)

Stop the pressure. Let Barack pick his VP. First thing Hillary needs to do is cool it on the May 31st meeting. If she doesn't do that, then Supers step in and nominate Obama and leave Hillary in the Senate. There are several and some better choices than Hillary. It's hard to turn the page with Hillary.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:36 AM)

Having Bill Clinton running around the White House with no official substantive role would be an unmittigated disaster. If he had time to hit on young interns when he was president, then imagine how bad it could get with him running around the White House with nothing to do. And if you think Hillary had a hard time keeping Bill's mouth shut, or controlling what he said, during her own campaign, just imagine what an impossible task that would be with Bill as "Second Laddie"! Deep down, I think that Hillary Clinton realizes that the biggest problem with a Clinton Vice-Presidency would be keeping a leash on the "Big Dog", her husband.

Long Tall Texan (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:36 AM)

I voted for Obama in the CA primary.

But I will NOT vote for him in the general election if he chooses Hillary as his VP. I've had enough of the Clintons.

Anna (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:36 AM)

As a conservative who has seriously pondered voting for Obama, I can tell you there is no way in hell I pull the lever for him if Clinton is the VP.

Steve S., Springfield, Ill. (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:37 AM)

Sick of corruption - you beat me to the punch! That "If something ever happened to him line" is just a LITTLE too much - JEEZ!

Senator Clinton has worked vigorously for over a year to destroy Senator Obama. She is working now to hold the Democratic Party hostage with this ridiculous "popular vote" charade.

While the concept of her as vice president is appealing, the reality of her - and her husband - during this campaign is not.

Hillary Clinton does not what to be Vice President, she wants to be co-President . . . and that ain't gonna happen.

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:38 AM)

I'm sorry but hillary brings too much baggage, plain and simple, way too much, the same baggage that turned people off her will boom the ticket if he adds her. the way she talked about him during the race, saying he is unelecable, he came win hard working voters, hard warking white voters, the sexism, and race bating in WV & KY, NO, this will not work, as a black man this will not work for me as well as young people,he need look at the new people he drough in and they are not a fan of hillary. he need some one that does not have the baggage but does have the years and pedigree in politics.
the kansas governer in the choose, she has done so much in that state reguarding education with out raising taxes, she will attrach republican voters, independents as will, and these are things hillary can not do.

jeff D evanston IL (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:39 AM)

This is disgusting! I KNEW she was gonna pull this sh*t. She's going to try to strong arm her way into the VP position by threatening to appeal whatever deciision the Rules Committee makes, thereby guaranteeing that this goes to the convention floor, which would be disastrous for the party.

And of course, she will use her surrogates to float the VP idea. And if Obama refuses (which he has EVERY RIGHT to, and should) then she will make sure that her supporters feel cheated and don't come out to support him. What a conniving underhanded piece of...

Her new strategy is summed up best: "Make me VP or I'll blow up the party and make you lose in November."

I detest her with a passion.

Linda. Boston, MA (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:39 AM)

:(
If this does happen, Sen. Obama double the secret service and watch your back.

Obama '08

LMK in WA St. (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:40 AM)

Negatives at 54, dishonesty percentages nearly at 60... sorry, but Obama would be nuts to ask her to be his running mate.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:41 AM)

In the end, Obama wins the nomination on a platform of change and reform. His broad appeal and desire to reach across the aisle to work out solutions will dictate a VP selection of non-partisanship and unity.
Hillary can not deliver on any of these merits. She would represent a draw for the woman's vote, but pandering to that end is not the basis of Obamas platform. He can mend the divide between the supporters. He can do it without her. I personally think he can win the election without her, but he'll lose with her.
Nothing throws blood in the shark waters of the republicans like the name Hillary.
She will make a great Supreme Court Justice.
Obama-Biden 08

Hope Springs - Syracuse, NY (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:41 AM)

Hillary on the ticket, is enough to break many of us out in hives!

donna (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:41 AM)

I've been saying from the start that this is what they need to do. It would be an unbelievably historical ticket. If this happens, McBush should just take his bus home and go to bed.

Obama/Clinton all the way to the White House!

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:42 AM)

Why oh why does Bill seem to want her to be VP more than she does?

And women (I'm looking at all you card-carrying feministas out there with affection) aren't bothered by that?

Just why does he want her back in the White House so bad?

And why don't we know what SHE wants?

I still don't feel like we know the real Hillary.

Lisa, New Britain, CT Millions for Obama :) (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:42 AM)

The chemistry just isn't there. Too much has been said. Plus he would always have to be worried about what Bill was up to.

Carter, Jacksonville, FL (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:43 AM)

I don't want to see the likes of any one who even resembles Hillary close to Senator Obama. She is not mentally stable nor does she have any qualms about stabbing him in the back and smiling as she does it. She is pure poison to him. He does NOT need her to be elected President of the United States. The pundits just love to keep us agitated with this rhetoric because they know we will watch and read about it.

Clinton is poison to Senator Obama (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:43 AM)

I suspect many people support Obama, in spite of his lack of experience, precisiely because he is NOT a Clinton. If he agrres to (or is forced to) have her as VP, I predict McCain wins.

CB, Hadley, NY (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:43 AM)

]What the hell is HE doing in the decision-making
mix? Can't Hillary make decisions for herself?

See, this is EXACTLY why we don't want Hillary and/or
the Clintons back in the White House! He'll spend
all his time behind the scenes, undermining and
making all kinds of decisions that are not official
White House policy.

There's a cartoon somewhere that shows "The Democratic
Ticket," and it's a picture of Bill and Hillary
looming large in the foreground and Brack almost
hidden in the background peeking over their shoulders.

This is NOT about "The Clintons!"

The "Clinton Fatigue" in this country has just about
reached terminal stage.

Except, of course, for the bitter, blue-haired old
ladies and GED-educated, beer-swilling racists.

But the rest of "normal" America DOES NOT WANT the
Clintons anywhere near the White House, anytime, in
any way!

JIM WHITTAKER, Hemet, CA (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:44 AM)

HELL NO! Obama would destroy his entire message of change and Bill would push him off the stage at every opportunity to get in front of the camera. Neither Bill nor Hillary has earned the right to be chosen as the VP and there are other MUCH better women he can pick than her. Kathleen Sebelius is my pick. If Obama picks Hillary, he will lose his entire base of donors.

Obama/Sebelius '08!

Magnacore; St. Petersburg, FL. (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:45 AM)

that should read: 'desperate Bill'
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:45 AM)

To put it bluntly: Obama and Clinton go together like cookies and ass.

Obama is popular because he is an agent of change. The Clintons are proponents of same old wedge politics.

America needs a fresh approach to its future--not another dynasty.

sg, michigan (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:45 AM)

And another question for Bill, does he NOT understand that a lot of us might be more comfortable with Hill as VP if he (Bill) wasn't around. A lot of us are wondering how Obama will govern with the power struggle possibly inherent in having essentially two strong personalities as a de-facto VP in the White House.

I always thought she had some good strengths for VP and I'm thinking of her intelligence and policy-wonk type of handling of the issues. (And by the way, by no means to I mean policy wonk as a slam, I have the greatest respect for those who can work hard and with detail on matters of policy, its what probably makes her a very good Senator).

Bill is part of Hillary as VP's problem.

Lisa, New Britain, CT Millions for Obama :) (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:46 AM)

BILL Clinton is still trying to shove his running mate down Mr. Obama's throat.

The Clinton's BOTH THINK THEY ARE ENTITLED TO BE BACK IN THE WHITEHOUSE

THE CLINTON GANG can't HANG with A winner.

THEY HAVE TOO MUCH Negative baggage to carry. Why would Barack Obama want to spend precious time CONSTANTLY answering slimey questions about the CLINTONS?

Frannie (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:47 AM)

Only on several conditions:

If Obama were to ask then Hillary needs to get out of the primary race now and begin supporting Obama. If she tries to take this race all the way to the Dem Convention with her fuzzy math then the deal is off.

Hillary needs to have a clear understanding that Obama will be the "President" (the one in charge) with the final-decision making power.

Bill is to have nothing to do with or any active part in the governance of the Obama administration unless asked and approved by Obama personally.

All press releases from Hillary as VP need to be approved by Obama.

Any team work efforts required or compromise from others for any Obama administration plans and policies need to be left to Obama. Hillary can work on the inside to manage the details of the plan or policy.

An understanding and an agreement that any hint from Hillary or Bill that she/he is trying to damage Obama's first term as President (anytime during that term) so she can run in 2012 will result in her immediate firing as VP by Obama.

That Hillary be held to a strict code of conduct by Obama regarding no more dirty or underhanded political tactics. She is to change her approach so she is not seen as part of the old Washington establishment. She must severe all ties with special interest as identified by Obama.

I may have a few more conditions later but these are a good beginning.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:47 AM)

No Way, No How, Not going to happen!

lonny bryant, peoria, Il (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:48 AM)

I'd rather Obama chose someone like Sen Chuck Hage or Mayor Bloomberg. Hillary's negatives are off the charts. And she wouldn't even make a very good President.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:48 AM)

shame on you hillary

Ben New Jersey (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:48 AM)

I support Hillary 100%. If she were on the ticket with Obama, I still would not vote for Obama. I don't trust him. His lack of experience, his aloofness, his superior attitude, his bittergate comments make him unacceptable to me. Obama on foreign affairs is very scary. Obama on military affairs is even more scary.

If Hillary loses the nomination, then I proudly vote McCain.

NO, NO, NO, NO OBAMA (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:48 AM)

Without integrity, there will be no meaningful change. Clinton is most Anti-Integrity person I have encountered in a long long time.

I love you Obama, but I willnever vote for youif you take her. Not now this year, and never again. I am willing to wait for another good person to come by.

The Don, Missouri (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:49 AM)

Its not enough to say that Clinton is (arguably) the best choice as a person on the ticket for electoral math reasons. Her in the White House with him also has to work for the four years that they would presumably govern together.

I have a lot of respect for Feinstein but has she thought about that angle? Its not so clear to me that it works out as a governance issue. I look to power struggles and Obama possibly getting double-teamed. (Not that he couldn't handle that, but it could be very distracting and lead to a dysfunctional staff presence in the West Wing.)

Lisa, New Britain, CT Millions for Obama :) (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:49 AM)

Other than Hillary as the nomineee, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that would galvanize the Republicans more.

Walt, Rogersville MO (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:51 AM)

I agree that an Obama-Clinton ticket would be virtualy unbeatable in November, but Obama needs to make that choice for himself. The media, supporters, and politicians can not push his hand or make it seem he has no other choice because this can cause a lot of resentment between the two during election season and in the White House. And also, MSNBC, I beg you to stop quotting the NYPOST. It is embarassing.

Steve, New York (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:51 AM)

I don't think Hillary wants to go there. Hillary is not vetted and she isn't running the show he is. All of Hillary's records would have to be opened. Obama's team would have access to the library funders and donors to their library. They would have to show who paid Bill to give his speeches and investigate dealings with Ron Burkle.They can hide secrets when THEY run the show, but, Obama will run it, not them.

Mollie, Wisconsin (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:53 AM)

I keep hearing about Hillary for the Supreme Court...

She will NEVER pass the confirmation hearings!

Do any of you people remember Robert Bork?
Clarence Thomas?

Well, the GOP does! And they're just waiting,
licking their chops if Hillary's nominated for
Supreme Court. She will be under oath, and HAVE
to answer their questions, ALL OF THEM.

It'll be payback time! And it will be bloodbath!

Charles Douglas Lemay (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:54 AM)

So let me get this straight, Bill is pushing for HRC to become VP while HRC campaign team is publicly saying that Obama doesn't meet the threshold to be commander in chief so he wouldn't be HRC VP. Huh? Can these people get on the same page or what. What's the talking point today Clinton?

Wow, get on the same page (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:55 AM)

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:41 AM): Negatives at 54, dishonesty percentages nearly at 60... sorry, but Obama would be nuts to ask her to be his running mate.

Paul: You may be right Paul but perhaps, just perhaps those negatives will not be as damaging to Obama with her running for the 2nd spot, VP. Obama can always promise that if elected he will limit Hillary's activity as VP to holding teas across the nation with the over 50 females who are blindly committed to her.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:55 AM)

Obama has taken pandering to a whole new level. First he thinks this and then he thinks that. First he says he will do this and then he says I will do that. He says what he thinks folks want to hear and changes his mind to try and get in the mainstream. Obama is so far left one would need a road map to find him.

Isn't Zbigniew Brezinski an aid to Obama and isn't he the aid that Carter sent to encourge Ben Laden to Jihad?

Obama has Marxist ideas, he is anti-semitic, he is racist, he is quasi-christian and some want him to be president. God forbid.

Obama the master panderer. (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:55 AM)

Main reason not to...

He would need a food taster..and doubling Secret Service.

BTW if she can't win on her own why would she benefit him..he beat her. Oh and she is a fat liar

Joe (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:56 AM)

We have two choices. Hillary or McCain. Hillary can beat McCain but Obama cannot. It is as simple as that.

dk in tn (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:57 AM)

BILL CLINTON IS PUSHING FOR THE BIG "C" FOR HILLARY ..
------------------------------------------------------
NO. Not the 'CORONATION' (he gave up on that) --- but for the "CONSOLATION PRIZE" -- the VP offer.

Hillary, The Queen of Entitlement, is so desperate to 'save face' that she is publicly begging Obama to make her an "offer." PATHETIC HILLARY. Bill's own party doesn't want Hillary. Must be depressing.
-----------------------------------------------------

Bill Begging for CONSOLATION PRIZE .... (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 9:58 AM)

I'll vote for McCain instead of Obama is just the stupid-a** thing a clinton supporter would say. Go right ahead and help the repugnants stay in power so you won't be able to afford gas to get to work. Wow! What a true lack of self-preservation, talk about terrorists killing themselves for a mistaken, misguided belief!

Senator Obama for Serious Change and Hope (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 10:00 AM)

Obama better NOT select H. Clinton! That would be a very bad move! Very very bad!!!

Obama needs to call his good friend... John Edwards..

For discounts on Obama T Shirts $8.99 & Up. Use this coupon at this Obama Store - http://MyObamaStore.com
Coupon - Obama-X2Y9-10 (10% OFF)

America for Obama (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 10:00 AM)

Senator Obama:
Please do not let them strong arm you into putting Hillary on your ticket. She brings way too many negatives than postives. How can she with a straight face be supportive of you when all she and Bill have done through out the campaign is spoken negative about you. Please don't do it. You can win the white votes - God will help you!!!

Terri, Brunswick, GA (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 10:01 AM)

Lisa unfortunately I think we do know the real Hillary she said it was her campaign not Bills.Yet it is he trying to push her into the VP spot. The thing I find trully funny is that the Republican pundits are calling for her on the ticket. They know all of the Baggage she brings to the table.I am sorry but when you consider that a lot of the vote she got in the end was by way of operation chaos, she is not as strong as she pretends. Those so called Reagan Democrats are not democrats the a republican myths.I think Bill would try to overshadow Obama and Hillary.

Brian M. De. (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 10:01 AM)

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