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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC Political Researcher



Obama VP vetting team to hit the Hill

Posted: Friday, June 06, 2008 2:55 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: ,

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell
Congressional sources tell NBC News that Obama's vice presidential vetting team of Jim Johnson, Caroline Kennedy, and Eric Holder will be on Capitol Hill Monday and Tuesday interviewing senators and members of Congress about their recommendations. Those being visited are NOT potential choices.

The point, according to Senate offices, is to collect information about a potential field.

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Comments

Yeah progress towards November...

Press - guys and gals, let em have room to breath will ya!

Mighty Blogger, Seattle, Wash (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 2:58 PM)

I love Senator Bob Casey!  He is an awesome person!

I vote Casey!

Obama/Casey (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 2:59 PM)

yeah this will be fun

Want to Contribute
Clinton and Obama meet
Lets Unite, Lets Change the country
Obama around the world
Electoral Maps for the general election
Barack makes DNC change

http://sensico.wordpress.com/

tool (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:02 PM)

Joe Biden, Please!  He'll tell the Repugs a thing or two without hesitation and parsing words.  He'll straight talk McCain right out of his "Straight Talk Express".

Heidi in Houston (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:02 PM)

They're just going to ask people how they feel about Webb! 'Cause let's face it..he's already got it!

OBAMA/WEBB 08/12!

Webb is my Veep, Fl. (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:03 PM)

I am just curious as to when Caroline Kennedy ever became an expert on picking vp candidates.  I have never heard her be very political nor have I ever thought anyone would turn to her to lead this process.  The whole thing is so strange that I have to wonder if she will be the fall guy should things somehow not work out with whoever he picks and Caroline can be blamed because she "didn't know what she was doing."  Just a thought

The Political Psychologist, Mississippi (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:04 PM)

I vote Sen.Chuck Hegal. Seen him on Meet The Press. Like him ALOT!

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:04 PM)

Biden! Biden! Biden! Biden!

Biden Lover (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:05 PM)

This is why Hillary cannot be his VP choice.

1. Her Iraq war vote, this is Obama’s # 1 talking point against McTeleprompter.  This will hurt the Obama argument against McWar.


2. Hillary take federal lobbyist money goes against what Obama is trying to change.

3. The Rethuglicans are pushing Hillary if you notice they want her on the ticket.

4.The few disgruntled Hillary supporters want to prove Obama can be pushed around.  Also some of Hillary’s insiders may try to undermine his decision making.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:08 PM)

I think Mark Warner would be a GREAT choice!!! He and Obama both have that new type of democrat image!!!

Lewis, Cincinnati, (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:08 PM)

Visit Hillary first. :)

Mike, Chicago (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:09 PM)

The Political Psychologist-

Caroline Kennedy has been a 'mover & shaker' in the Democratic party for a while now. She works behind the scenes, which is why you wouldn't have heard much. She knows her stuff. Not only that, but this team is out to gather information for Barack (yes, we're on a first name basis). They're not choosing the candidate, they're narrowing down the list, and getting info.

Barack My World!, Fl. (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:09 PM)

Sam Nunn anyone?

Bill NH (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:09 PM)

Keep an eye on if they are talking to people like:

Senate republicans: Pat Roberts\Sam Brownback

House republicans: Jerry Moran\Todd Tiahrt

House democrats: Dennis Moore\Nancy Boyda

These are people who are very qualified in an effort to help vet Kathleen Sebelius, one of the most viable female veep candidates, particularly because of her experience governing, and her popularity in a ruby red state.

Matt, Idaho (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:10 PM)

A good move
Get a lot of opinions

I think Obama has to choose in July
That way, if he doesn't choose Hillary, her supporters have time to assimilate that.

I must admit that if the results had been different and Clinton had won, I wouldn't be supporting her at this time

It might take me until October or November to come around to the Democratic nominee
It did in '92 and 2000 'cos I didn't like Clinton or Gore as nominees (expecailly Gore-Lieberman)


John McCain, more of the same
John McCain, Endless War

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:11 PM)

Wow!

Compare the Obama veep sqaud's plan of a careful search through vetting, and wise consultation, to that of McCain's haphazard, disorganized, lumbering mess of a veep sideshow carnival.

NOW, can we show respect for his community organizing experience?

donna (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:11 PM)

I am just curious as to when Caroline Kennedy ever became an expert on picking vp candidates.  I have never heard her be very political nor have I ever thought anyone would turn to her to lead this process.  The whole thing is so strange that I have to wonder if she will be the fall guy should things somehow not work out with whoever he picks and Caroline can be blamed because she "didn't know what she was doing."  Just a thought

The Political Psychologist, Mississippi

************

Not much of a politcal psychologist, are ya.  Caroline has be politically active for most of her adult life.  Just because she doesnt run for am office, doesnt not mean she isnt involved.

DV, CA (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:15 PM)

Hey, I have this really pretty sinking ship! Does anyone have any ideas who should join me on it as it sinks? Keep in mind this ship is a "history maker". We've named it "Hoping for Change". -obama

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:15 PM)

At least we all know it will not be KARL ROVE. John McCain ought to choose him. He was gleefully on stage with him at the NRA meeting a couple of weeks ago when McCain was beefing up his right wing credentials. Seeing MCCAIN WITH ROVE was just one more proof to me that nothing will change if he gets into office. More lies, more deception. MCCAIN/ROVE. What a team!

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:16 PM)

Yes We Can ... Destroy this Country!
I can't believe a republican is giving lessons on hypocrisy. What is so hypocritical and completely laughable is the fact that you are complaining about oil prices. It's your good 'ol boys that are making oils corporations rich. Bush and Cheney are so completely entrenched in the oil industry it's ridiculous. It's the very reason we are in Iraq in the first place! Just wait until president Obama and a real democratic house and senate get there hands on these corrupt bastards windfall profits and convert that money into alternative energy sources. It is not an instant solution because frankly there isn't one. But a long term goal to create jobs, fight global warming and end our dependence on the middle east.
What would you do Tim? Drill the living out of the Alaska wildlife refuge?
You wanna talk news? There was concrete proof that Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice and the rest of those goons purposely lied to America to enter the war in Iraq. This is not from a book from McClellan but transcripts released yesterday to the U.S. government.Concrete proof. Don't you talk to me about hypocrisy.

Mark,Seattle (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:16 PM)

It does not matter who he choses. Your entire theme is always anti-war no matter what, hope without a plan, please... give me a break.

The fact is that the state of the war in Iraq is a known problem. You foolish democrats think that pulling out without a clear plan solves everything. If this happens asap, the dire consequence is that it would be similar to a power vacuum when Saddam was deposed. The entire ME will be in worse shape than what we already mucked up because someone/some country needs to be the top dog when US influence wanes (this is human nature). Even if we don't rely on their oil there, the net effect is unthinkable because it will drive oil cost worldwide and this is what Iran wants to happen. Even with the Venezuelan oil we import, the US would better be ready to pay $20 a gallon for gas.

Vote with your brain, not your @rse.

Freedom is not free (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:16 PM)

Margaret, Columbus, Ohio,

I just read one of your earlier posts today.

I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, that you are posting without venom.

You were a fierce advocate for Hillary, and I respect that, and you.

donna (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:17 PM)

He campaigned yesterday in Virginia with Mark Warner in the Southwest part of the state where he would otherwise tend not to do well since it is sandwiched between Kentucky and WVA.  Warner is enormously popular in VA and is super smart and a fiscal conservative, which would get the Independent Vote, help with the economy and just be an overall great choice.  They sounded terrific together. There are some really great candidates out there - can't wait to see who he chooses. Hillary would make a great Supreme Court Justice.  

karen charlottesville, VA (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:17 PM)

Let's see a distinguished group methodically going through a process to find a VP or a cookout and Botox party with John and Cindy McCain to pick a VP. Dick Cheney at least pretended to do a serious search.

Joe, St. Louis (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:18 PM)

Bill NH: '...Sam Nunn anyone?...'

NO !
Too old, too conservative
Too tied to the military-industrial complex

And no Hagel
He's a decent guy and a good Republican maverick
But, he's very conservative and anti-choice
Fat chance of bringing back Hillary's female supporters

Joe Biden, John Edwards or Bill Richardson

Or should you get a Governor, instead ?
Sibelius ? Napolitano ? Strickland ?

someone from Ohio or Virginia or Wisconsin ?

How about Russ Feingold ?
A reformer....

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:18 PM)

I agree with Lewis's comment on Mark Warner of Virginia being a great choice for the VP slot!  Fortunately there are many good choices.  I admire HRC's many talents and skills, but playing VP to an Obama presidency would not take advantage of those.
Obama/Warner08!

Cindy- St. Louis (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:18 PM)

The Political Psychologist, Mississippi (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:04 PM)

Caroline Kennedy is on the vetting committee for the annual Kennedy "Profiles in Courage" award.  Politics is in the Kennedy DNA.  Since she's familiar with all the players, I'm sure that she'll do an excellent job.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:20 PM)

Obama, Osama, who cares, really? Even if he picks Al Gore as VP and wins, the entire country will be run by his loser staff anyways. Different flavor but same old sh*t.

Go Wings!

Brandon, Detroit MI (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:20 PM)

The majority of registered Dems have already spoken...recent poll shows majority wants Obama to pick Hillary.  Its from a competing news website.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:20 PM)

I am quite sure that whatever advise they get they will put to good use. Let's Go Democrats. We need the White House back. Anyone see the number of people that are not working. Gas prices going up and up. Our kids not getting a good education. Need I continue. Please stop the infighting. Or those who are posing as Hilliry supporters, WE WILL NOT BE DENIED. 8 years of Bush is enough. We not need John McCain in the WH.

Charles Smithm Norwalk, CT (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:20 PM)

I think Mark Warner would be a GREAT choice!!! He and Obama both have that new type of democrat image!!!
Lewis, Cincinnati, (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:08 PM)

------------
Wasn't Bill supposed to be the New Democrat image? LOL

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:22 PM)

What I appreciate is the process...and telling people the meaning of what is going to happen.  Doesn't this make sense, rather than the "three vetters" just showing up and causing a lot of "drama".  It also sends a message that we are doing this in a methodical, systemmatic way.  It's better to do the right thing than the political thing.  

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:22 PM)

Amy B Portland, ME: I vote Sen.Chuck Hegal. Seen him on Meet The Press. Like him ALOT!


But, does your leg tingle?

Chis M., NYC (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:22 PM)

What a waste of time!

McCain will win in 08!

The Democratic Party and the far left media can't shove Obama down disillusioned Dem's throats.  He is not trustworthy, and the Democratic Party has disgaced itself with its rush to give the extreme left, arrogant, elitist candidate with the slippery tongue and the very expensive suits the nomination.

Disillusioned Dem's will unite to defeat Obama and support McCain the centrist candidate in touch with all Americans!  :)

aware, Hilo, Hawaii (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:22 PM)

The answer is BILL RICHARDSON. He has tremendous experience on all levels, AND he came out in support of Barack when he needed him most. He is a solid choice. It also makes a bold statement to choose "the best person for the job" instead of playing the "sex and race" game.

Patrick, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:23 PM)

Obama slightly ahead in Missouri !!

Maybe a VP form Missouri ?
Claire McCaskill ?

From Campaign Diaries:

'...Rasmussen released numbers from Missouri and finds Obama edging out McCain 43% to 42%. This is a great trendline for the Democrat, as he trailed by 5% last month and by 15% in March.

In Kansas, Research 2000 found McCain surprisingly low, leading 51% to 40%.

In West Virginia, finally, Rasmussen has a surprisingly tight race with McCain ahead 45% to 38%. Obama suffers from a disastrous approval rating (40% favorable, 58% unfavorable).

This is the second Missouri poll this week to show Obama edging out McCain, the first having been released by SUSA. This is a favorable turnaround for the Illinois Senator. As the trendlines of the Rasmussen and SUSA polls indicate, he had been trailing in the past few months -- by narrow margins, yes, but constantly enough to warrant my rating Missouri as a "lean McCain" state in my first electoral college ratings. With Florida potentially out of reach, Obama needs to demonstrate that he has an ample reach elsewhere and the Midwest looks within reach. Also, if Obama is able to be highly competitive in Missouri (something Kerry gave up on early), it speaks well of his chances in Ohio...'

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:24 PM)

 There will be no ridiculous Arizona barbecues for the democrats. The vetting team will do a great job and Barack will make a great selection for VP and the country will win a great election come November and we'll have a great president in January so we can become a great country again. Did I say GREAT enough times? Its how I feel about the future now that the Bush/Cheney/McCain reign is coming to a close. Amen.

Tommy, Detroit, Michigan (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:24 PM)

What is the point of vetting?

Obama will lose any way.

the Truth (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:24 PM)

I am just curious as to when Caroline Kennedy ever became an expert on picking vp candidates.  I have never heard her be very political nor have I ever thought anyone would turn to her to lead this process.  The whole thing is so strange that I have to wonder if she will be the fall guy should things somehow not work out with whoever he picks and Caroline can be blamed because she "didn't know what she was doing."  Just a thought
The Political Psychologist, Mississippi (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:04 PM)

-------------------------------------------------

Caroline Kennedy, in addition to being an attorney, serves as a director for both the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Commission on Presidential Debates.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:26 PM)

Bring them to a cabin, give them beer and ribs and whoever's still standing without picking their teeth gets the nod.  That's the way McCain's doing it.

Heidi in Houston (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:26 PM)

Obama is just playing the 'appeasing' game which he is so good at. This is his plan of courting the HRC followers because he is will aware that the people voting for him now will be the ONLY ones voting for him come November. Uh-oh, better stop here before I hit some nerve...

Boboy, WI (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:27 PM)

can we show respect for his community organizing experience?
donna (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:11 PM)

Obama organized his community to be the leading crime region in the country. It's #1 in murders. So, just what are his 'community organizing' skills again?

Jodie Weiss, Harvey, IL (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:27 PM)

The VP choice should be someone who is most likely to carry through on the president's plans and policies. The person should be loyal to the president's vision even if they personally disagree. The VP should sit in on all important meetings and decisions so they can carry-on with no learning curve or disruption. I disagree with the notion that the VP is just a helpful tool to get elected and then be discarded.

nuanced (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:31 PM)

Yesterday, the DNC and Monday the Capital.  He just keeps going and going and going.  He's earned this Independent's vote.  He's attempting to give government back to "for the people and by the people"  

Sharon, Dover, DE (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:31 PM)

How about Dennis Kucinich? He could act as Obamas life insurance policy kind of like a democratic Dan Quail

Bill NH (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:31 PM)

Well said Capt smash from Utah,
I think Jim Webbs the best choice

Kevin Jones, Miami Florida (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:32 PM)

Don't know who but wish there was a woman to choose other than Hillary. I like Hillary but not as VP - Barack would lose as many votes as he would gain. I might like to see Hillary as Head of State, for example. Supreme court would be a great choice as well. She has a depth of world knowledge that would put most senators to shame.
I'm not in favor of Bill Richardson as VP although I would like to see the new government have a cabinet post fully dedicated to our interests and concerns for all countries south of the boarder and Cuba as well.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:32 PM)

I like  Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin. He  lead the charge on campaign finance reform and  refused to take corporate  or PAC money for  his Senatorial campaigns. He won with out their money. His rivals  have never  been able to find any dirt on him except he was married a few times.
Great Senator with  many years of experience. And a  No Drama Guy!

Jean (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:32 PM)

The Political Psychologist-

I wasn't aware she was a mover and a shaker, but given her pedigree, I suspect she will do a great job, and she will learn a lot.

Lowell Copeland (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:33 PM)

I would like to see Claire McCasill get it. She is a grat Senator from Missouri and we need Missouri.

karen Bourland overland park ks (Sent Friday, June 06, 2008 3:34 PM)



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