Hillary expresses interest as Obama veep

Posted: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:43 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress, 2008, Clinton

From NBC's Chuck Todd and Andrea Mitchell
Hillary Clinton today held a conference call with New York's congressional delegation -- including Reps. Charlie Rangel, Joe Crowley, Steve Israel, Nydia Velasquez, and Nita Lowey, according to a source familiar with the call.

Per the source, Clinton emphasized the nearly 18 million votes she's won, and her campaign's impact on the agenda of the Democratic Party and the nation. Tonight, she is planning to reflect on her campaign -- how proud and grateful she is, as well as how remarkable her campaign has been.

She WILL NOT be dropping out tonight, Clinton added on the call, per the source -- she has earned the right to reflect on what is the best way forward. She wants time to catch her breath and wants time to determine the best way forward.

And then on the call, the source says, Velasquez remarked that the only way Latinos will support the Democratic ticket is if Clinton is on the ticket. At that point, Clinton said that if Obama asked her to be on the ticket, she would be interested in that.

Rangel -- who was the first to suggest that Clinton run for the Senate in 2000 -- confirmed to NBC News that Clinton did tell the participants on the conference call that she would be interested in running for vice president.

On the subject of Clinton and the vice presidency, Rangel told NBC that "certainly to the extent that she will do anything to win ... she'll be available"

"She'll do whatever is needed -- if people think it would help she'd do it," he added.

Rangel acknowledged that "Obama and Clinton's followers feel more strongly about the outcome than the candidates. Both of them need time to show their followers how important it is to take her."

He then added, "I really think if they want to win this they have to run together."

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Comments

Obama/Clinton, 2008!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:49 PM)

Please add SD's Tina Abbott MI 1/2 and carnelia pettis fondren DNC Mississippi

frank Tucson AZ (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:50 PM)

The only way Obama can ensure victory in November is if he puts Sen. Hillary Clinton on his ticket as his running mate. If not, start practicing now to say President McCain, and it won't be so bad next January.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:50 PM)

NOT. GONNA. HAPPEN.

Scorpioleidee - Glenwood, IL (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:51 PM)

I think it might work butt Hillary has been so harsh in her attacks on Obama. Just like some of her supporters. If she means it she sould realase all of her delegates to Obama as a good faith gesture.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:51 PM)

She can't be on the ticket if she won't drop out.

And she is NOT GOING TO DROP OUT ... EVER!!! Super-delegates, NOW what are you waiting for ?????? End this thing before she completely destroys your party.

This woman is holding the party hostage, and you are HELPING her do it.

Independent in Los Angeles (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:52 PM)

Well I guess both Hillary and Barack have work to do because just like Obama supporters are continually threated about how we can't win without her, that applies from the other side of the table with her as his VP too. Guess we've all got a lot to ponder as Democrats don't we.

1 Of The 17 Plus Million Who Voted For Obama (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:53 PM)

Dear Lord...Please make it stop!!!

Ben Grumman (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:53 PM)

I hope Obama is smart enough to keep her off the ticket. He can win without her. Clinton always takes the low road and would be bad for Obama

jmc,wa (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:53 PM)

I disagree about the dream ticket scenario, inasmuch as I am a BO supporter that, at this moment, am pretty upset with the tactics of the Clinton campaign. That same is true in the reverse for her supporters. I think we all "need some time" to step back and have wounds heal before we can come to grips with this idea.

TODAY I would not want HRC on the ticket. I may feel differently later, but not today...

MI, NY (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:53 PM)

I'm still not convinced she wants to be VP. I still think she's looking at a cabinet position.

Dept. of Health and Human Services

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:54 PM)

As desribed on TPM:

NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Maurice BKFLD CA (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:54 PM)

Hillary can't be Obama's VP because Obama is not running against Hillary Clinton in November, and McCain can only stand to benefit if he can somehow run against her through Obama the same way the Democrats are running against Bush through McCain. Hillary does NOTHING to help Obama in the election in states he need to win (VA and/or CO) and who in the hell wants Hillary and Bill in the VP spot after 8 years of Cheney?

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:54 PM)

Not just latinos...

Angela (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:55 PM)

it might help obama win, but it will make it impossible for him to govern. I can't imagine four more years of this drama...too exhausting...

judith, Ridgewood NJ (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:55 PM)

barak HUSSEIN obama...needs a good christian lady like Hillary as his running mate if he wants to win.

Michael Furlong of NY (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:55 PM)

LET HER ON THE TICKET.

Obama can be his own man and will still be in charge. He can use Bill in some far off place as some kind of ambassador. We want to smash the Republicans in the fall.

Obama will not lose his arguement that he wants to change the old politics of Washington as he can reiterate that a VP has to follow the instructions of the President and it is he who will set the course.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:56 PM)

Obama's "winning" of the nomination is illegitimately founded on the backs of super delegates and stolen Michigan delegates. Clinton won the popular vote; Obama won the delegate math. That's a TIE! Looks like a vote on the Pepsi Center floor will have to resolve this one.

Scott Dergance, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:56 PM)

As an Obama supporter, I like the idea.

What a way to show he can work with all sorts in Washington, as well as show he represents the entire party and conutry.

Obama/Clinton sends a strong message to the erst of the world.

As a party, Dems need to work together to get it done in November.

Dave, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:56 PM)

Don't Do it! Take my word! You don't want her as a running mate!

The Ghost of Vince Foster (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:57 PM)

As an Independant voter, I would not support an Obama-Clinton Ticket. No amount of convincing can be done by anyone to change my mind. It has nothing to do with the theatrics of the primary and everything to do with Clinton. Never liked her and would never vote for her.. especially now. My dog, Orion, would be my choice in that event.

Thanks Chuck-- I love First Read!!

Olivia, Athens, Ga (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:57 PM)

[Rangel acknowledged that "Obama and Clinton's followers feel more strongly about the outcome than the candidates. Both of them need time to show their followers how important it is to take her."]
--I don't think that's true at all. Both Clinton and Obama have invested a lot in their respective campaigns. They were both in it to win it, and it is difficult coming up short--especially by a little bit.

I'm sorry, but I don't think Clinton adds to the ticket. What she offers can be gotten (perhaps better) elsewhere. And her political brand does nothing to increase the political brand of Barack Obama--which I will assume he will run with. Practically, it doesn't make sense. Pushing a joint ticket is akin to more SD's covering their tracks.

--Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:57 PM)

Don't Do it! Take my word! You don't want her as a running mate!

The Ghost of Vince Foster (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:58 PM)

Yeah...uh...no thanks.

Sorry Hillary. You burned that bridge right about the time you were wagging your finger on a stage shouting "shame on you Barack Obama. Shame on you."

I'm pretty sure the VP slot is off limits to win-at-all-costs hypocrites. See ya in the Senate!

Carly, Iowa City, IA (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:58 PM)

As an independent who registered Dem in order to caucus for Obama, I will be hard pressed to vote for him if Hilary is his running mate. She (and Bill) would not bode well in any effort to effect change in this country. Obama has run his campaign on the premise that the Clintons are old politics and he is new politics. That gets my vote but not if she is part of the ticket. Hilary is perfectly suited for a cabinet or supreme court position where Bill will go away and do his own thing and let her do hers.

Linda Catlett (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:58 PM)

The strong-arming begins...

God, how much do I NOT want to lower myself to voting for any ticket that includes Hillary? Her behavior during this primary has been so abominable that I've lost all my respect for her and her husband. I'd rather chew shards of hot glass that see her in the White House in any form.

Tough decision time: Do those of us who can't stand Hillary flip to McCain if she gets the veep slot?

Doug, Kansas City, MO (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:58 PM)

google obama's global poverty tax act before making up your minds. do it now.

ladonna, OKC (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:57 PM)

google obama's global poverty tax act before making up your minds. do it now.

ladonna, OKC (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:57 PM)

google obama's global poverty tax act before making up your minds. do it now.

ladonna, OKC (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:57 PM)

I'm all for it. Let's go, people!

OBAMA/Clinton 2008 and 2012!

Sam Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:57 PM)

If Obama makes a mistake and puts her on the ticket then he should remember what she said through her subconscious about RFK...
... Beware the ides of June, beware the ides of June...

Vulcero, Portland, OR (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:57 PM)

Sen.Obama, please do not accept her as your running mate. This will energize the Republican base. You do not need her, neither do we.

Dipali Sen, Jersey city, NJ (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:57 PM)

The next President is going to be McCain. Obama does not have what it takes President of the USA. He wife said for the first time she was proud to be an Ameican because her husband had a chance to the President. May God bless America.

William M Flack,Jr Arlington,Tn. (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:57 PM)

Barack is strong enough to handle both Clintons, and they are definitely strong enough to help destroy McCain in the Fall. Also, there will be a quick agreement as to who is in charge of the White House when he becomes president. They will not undermine the presidient because they both understand how important it is to have a united front for the USA.

jlind, prescott, az (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:58 PM)

I'm an Obama suporter. Never before in history have a loser demands a vp spot. LOOK, america that shows that Mrs Clinton make the rule to fit her needs. She wouldn't have put Obama as her vp.

I don't think she'll help but she'll destroy Obama if she's vp.

Evet Flanagan (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:58 PM)

All McCain has to do is keep telling the American people he is all for your Children being killed in a war that should not been our fight and let him keep on dening our Vets help when and if they come home,It may be a Hundred Years and we won't need H.C. on the ticket,the old guy won't live to be 172 years old,Let the next President of the USA choose his on running mate.

Elizabeth Taft (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:58 PM)

I'm supporting Senator Obama because he represents change. Hillary is old ways Washington. I would hate for him to dilute his message of change by including old guard.

Stephen Palm Springs (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:58 PM)

Pathetic!!! She igniteted racial divides, inspired hatred and potential assasination attempts, lied about Bosnia and ran one of the most bitter and hateful campaigns in history.

NOW SHE WANTS BARACK TO GIVE HER THE VP SEAT?????

Please just send her packing to her her adoring fans of racist whites and fema-nazis!

Richard, Sacramento CA (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:58 PM)

If Obama is the nominee, I don't believe he alone can beat McCain. Like it or not, he needs Hillary since she has the popular vote. Oh right, that doesn't count.

Liz, Sherwood, OR (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:58 PM)

AS an independant I will only vote Democrate for Hillary,but if she isn't on the ticket as President in November then I will vote for McCain. I was registered as a democrate just so I could vote in the primary.

Louise Downing (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:58 PM)

Ummm, And the other options are..............

Charleston Girl, Montclair, VA (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:58 PM)

I, for one have been stongly against the idea of a Obama/Clinton Ticket, but now that the nom is in the bag for Barack, I really can put my worries to rest and think with a more clear head..

truth is, I want them to run together.. I want to trample McCain in the fall and together, they can def. bring about that result

Obama and Clinton (Mainly obama) brought about a new zeal to politics and in turn turned out so many new voters, that is impossible to imagine Mcbush even coming remotely close to winning a single state, let alone the election.. im taking states that republicans historically win election after election (texas, miss and so on)..

as a firm obama supporter, I support the idea of a OB/Hill Ticket.

-my 2 cents

marlon, hemsptead (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:59 PM)

As a democrat, if the DNC wants to win in November they had better think of combining both camps. A joint ticket is the only way the democrats can win in November. I still don't see why they don't do a ticket where both have the opportunity to be president during the 4 year term. There is an amendment that would allow them to do it. That would make supporters of both camps happy. The democrats could make history twice in the four year term. But no matter what people say, if Obama doesn't have Hillary on the ticket with him, he will NOT be the first black president, PERIOD.

karen, clearwater, fl (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:59 PM)

please....no more Clinton Show tactics. Those of us drawn to Obama and his message are turned off by these two actors. Fresh face is needed indeed.

Susan, Palatine, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:59 PM)

Please don't mess up OBAMAS' CHANCES

A MILLER (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:59 PM)

Apart from all the breathless angst, the biggest problem is that HRC doesn't bring Obama what he needs: defense and international relations credentials. Sorry, Clinton fans, I fear she doesn't add enough to the ticket to sway independent voters away from McCain.

Tony, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:59 PM)

Sen.Obama, please do not accept her as your running mate. This will energize the Republican base. You do not need her, neither do we.

Dipali Sen, Jersey city, NJ (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:59 PM)

The Dems can win without Hillary.The former prez,BC, has spent all his political capital supporting his wife whom I supported BEFORE the primaries. Barack needs to look elsewhere.However I'm support the Dem ticket no matter is selected as veep.

David Dearing (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:59 PM)

HRC on the ticket will insure an easy victory for McCain! I have been a strong obama supporter -but can not/will not vote to allow a Clinton in the White House again. Find her an low-profile/unimportant job if you must-but NOT in the White House!

Jim from marina Calif (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:59 PM)

It's amazing how someone now is willing to accept second best when reality has set in. We do not want the Clinton's in the White House. Their time has been served (again we thank them). We are changing in this country for the better and there is no room for leftovers. There has been some harsh words spoken from Mrs. Clinton and the word TRUST must be number one when accepting the Vice-President position. How can Mr. Obama trust someone that is not and will not accept that she has been defeated. Her role as Vice-President will consist of ways to undermine Mr. Obama. We are moving forward looking for change.

Santesia, Dallas, Tx (Sent Tuesday, June 03, 2008 5:59 PM)

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