Bayh: 'Yes' to VP

Posted: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:51 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Asked by NBC's Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC this afternoon if he would accept being vice president if asked, Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) said, in part, It's not something you turn down. "The answer to that is 'Yes,'" he said.

VIDEO: Speaking with NBC's Andrea Mitchell, Sen. Evan Bayh says he would accept an invitation to join the Obama ticket.

When asked if he was being vetted by the Obama campaign, he didn't say no, and, in fact, intimated that he is being vetted.

*** UPDATE *** Here's the exchange:
MITCHELL: Let me ask you the question that Brian Williams asked Joe Biden on Sunday on Meet the Press, if asked, would you serve, vice president?

BAYH: I don't think it's the kind of thing you say no to, Andrea. The answer to that is yes. I love my day job. I'm not looking to change, but if someone who will be leading the country comes to you and says I need your help. I want you to do this. Of course. If you care about serving your country that is the kind of thing that you do.

AM: And has the vetting begun?

EB: Well, I can't talk about that as you can appreciate, otherwise I disqualify myself from consideration [smiles]. But they have a process. That process should go forward. And we'll just see where it leads, and it's Sen. Obama's decision to make and his alone, and I think he's the one that should be allowed to speak about these kinds of things.

AM: I'm going to take that as a yes -- (EB laughs) Senator, let me just add it all up: red state, Indiana; Armed Services Committee; broad record on economic issues; foreign policy experience; former governor. Not a bad resume.

EB: You're sounding like Sus---

AM: I can say it, you don't have to-- (EB laughs)

EB: I'd be immodest if I agreed with you, Andrea. Look, this country-- This is a big stakes election. We have major challenges. Particularly the middle class economic challenges that face our country. Barack Obama is dedicated to addressing those issues; to making the progress and the change the American people deserve. And I'll help him in any way I can. I'm in the United States Senate now. I'm happy to help. And we should all have that same attitude, I think.

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Comments

I like Bayh.

ujw, ny (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:06 PM)

Kevin Cooley, Walton Texas (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:07 PM)

Oh....I'm on the edge of my seat. Can't wait to see who our "chosen one" will choose!

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:09 PM)

Do you ever post anything on this board, other than Obama propaganda?

One Democrat Who's Sick & Tired of The Media Softballing Obama (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:09 PM)

I'm not fond of him, but his resume & cool under pressure is hard to deny. I just wish there was some one who backed Obama from the start who could be vp, like Sebilieus. And Tim Kaine lacks N Security that Bayh brings. Politics & fate suck.

A Charles, LA, CA (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:09 PM)

Bayh, Obama.

Has a nice ring.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:11 PM)

Evan Bayh would be a great pick on his merits:

Stressing fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, job creation and lean government, Bayh's tenure as governor was highlighted by eight years without raising taxes, the largest single tax cut and largest budget surplus in state history, "welfare-to-work"–type social programs, increasing annual school funding, high academic standards and new college opportunities, the creation of over 350,000 new jobs, the strengthening of law enforcement and improved environmental quality. He signed the 21st Century Scholars Act in 1992, legislation that states that every child in Indiana who is eligible for the free lunch program in a public school, graduates from high school and signs a pledge not to experiment with illegal drugs is entitled to a full tuition scholarship to an Indiana public university of his or her choice. By the end of his second term, Bayh had an approval rating of nearly 80 percent.

The problem... Indiana has a Republican Gov so that would mean a loss of his seat in the Senate to the Repubs till at least 2010, something that Dems are likely to go for as it's not likely they'll easily take it back.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:12 PM)

Since Obama made it abundantly clear that the selection of his VP would not be discussed until he had made a decision, Bayh's decision to go public would be a huge mistake. If true, the man can't keep campaign confidences to himself.

Not my favorite anyway.

Obama '08

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:13 PM)

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:14 PM)

I hope Byah doesn't get selected and if he does that he declines. I hate to see him go down the tubes with a fake, fraud, dirty politician like Obama.

irkle (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:20 PM)

Oh he's totally my pick! Many many good reasons why...

1.he's a centrist/moderate
2.he's young, but not too young
3.from Indiana (important state!)
4.lots of experience... as governor, secretary of state for Indiana, and senator
5.a clinton supporter, and he's always spoken positively about Obama
6.and finally, go to obamabayh08.com... you'll find it redirects to Obama's campaign website. interesting omen, huH?

Cheerio44 (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:28 PM)

He, along with 7 or 8 others will be vetted. Don't try to read the tea leaves. Barack will tell us all when he is ready. My guess is Evan will come in a distant 6th or 7th. And here I go reading tea leaves.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:29 PM)

Evan Bayh for VP!

John (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:33 PM)

In the "we-really-need-some-eye-candy-in-this-election" category, Evan Bayh is nearly as good-looking as John Edwards.

Kathy, Norwell MA (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:36 PM)

Would be an interesting choice.. Besides being a Clinton supporter, what eles does he bring to the ticket?

And a bit off topic... Whatever respect I ever had for Ralph Nader just went down the tubes. His remarks to the Rocky Mountain News were ill considered to say the least.

ladytechie Farmington NM (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:37 PM)

Bayh would be a terrific VP choice. Very non-threatening moderate white male who appeals to middle class moderate and conservative voters. I wanted Bayh to run for Prez in 2008 and this would be a great way to see him running in 2016.

Joel MT, Trenton, NJ (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:38 PM)

Senator Evan Bayh is someone I think would be acceptable for the ticket. He's highly respected and could help deliver Indiana for the Democrats, and that would be a major accomplishment. I can't remember the last time Indiana voted for a Democratic presidential candidate. I worked in Indiana during his tenure as governor and he had a good record for those 8 years. He and his father carry a lot of weight in the Hoosier state. Some of the pundits have also given him good marks on foreign policy which will also be helpful. So he ranks up there with some of the other good candidates in my opinion.

Obama supporter in IL (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:42 PM)

He wouldn't be a bad 2nd choice or 3rd choice for Obama. He would be a steady pick a safe pick. I would like to see Obama go for the Home Run and pick Republican Chuck Hagel. Since it appears Obama is beating McSame already putting Hagel on the ticket would push that lead to 18 or 20 points. Making McDrill have to pick someone like General Powell to close the gap.

Obama/Hagel 08 Real Unity

Marcel,Las Vegas.NV (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:43 PM)

Who else remembers a young indiana senator selected by an older presidential candidate?

We got dan quayle...are they all so dumb in indiana I wonder?

Rick, NC (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:43 PM)

Bobbie, Eau Claire, Do you work for MSNBC??????

I read most of the articles, and the posted responses, and either you work for them, are a Rep. mole instigator, or are bi-polar.
You flip flop more than McCain.

Tired Dem. OKC (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:44 PM)

THAT WOULD BE A GREAT POLITICAL MARRIAGE!

YOUNG, HANDSOME AND SMART!

OBAMA 08

MR (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:46 PM)

Yep, Bayh's the one. Snag the Hillary supporters without having to tie her to your back. Good move, Pres. Obama. He's cute, too. It drives my kids nuts when I tell them that I always vote for cutest candidate Not true (although, in this case it certainly is), but it's fun to watch them get all worked up trying to tell me the REAL reasons I should vote for one over the other. Stirs up those political passions.

gv, Kailua, HI (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:46 PM)

Latest Poll by Gallup has McCain and Obama tied at 45. My suggest to Obama is make your decision and make it soon.

Elliott, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:51 PM)

Do you ever post anything on this board, other than Obama propaganda?

One Democrat Who's Sick & Tired of The Media Softballing Obama
================

It runs about 10-1 Obama stories here, and of those Obama stories, it runs about 15-1 with 15 being positive and maybe one story being negative. MSNBC is the media wing of the Barack Obama. The "B" stands for Barack. CNN blog is a little better, but not by much.

Christmas Eve (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:52 PM)

Bayh is very popular here in Indiana, it's highly likely this state could swing blue if he's on the ticket.

RJS, Indianapolis (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:56 PM)

Bayh is too young, I am almost certain Obama will pick a more senior statesman/woman.

modernwoman, Anytown,USA (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:56 PM)

Kevin Cooley, Walton Texas - didn't you know your mother was a liberal ..before she made a pact with the devil and had you and then you became a conversative.

and guess what; the way Bush/Cheney has ruined this country...your children will be without jobs.

What will you call them....you conservative bum.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:59 PM)

Evan Bayh would be a solid pick. He's got gubernatorial experience along with the Senate and all the committees he's been on and chaired. He's skillful and articulate. He's done a lot for IN; I lived there for 13 years. I beleive Hillary would be extremely pleased with Bayh on the ticket (since she won't be on it). He was a tough surrogate for Hillary, but he'd work well with Obama. He is loyal, but wants to unite the party and the differences.
I'm also strong on Biden, but he has no executive experience. Biden would however, definately be a good high-level cabinet candidate.
2 senators on the ticket (excluding Bayh as he has exec experience) would be a stretch for the Dems as I beleive McCain will eventually go with Pawlenty or Crist.
As a Dem, I certainly hope McCain picks one of them as I don't think either brings anything substantive to the campaign.
Now if McCain would get over Tom Ridge's pro-life stance, he could make the election very close. Ridge is very respected on both sides and could deliver PA as well as some possible border states that might otherwise go to Obama.
Ridge would also help with women so lets hope McCain goes elsewhere for a veep pick.

CUB FANS FOR OBAMA

Bill Honolulu, HI (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:00 PM)

msnbc may be in the tank for obama but faux news for idiots is in the tank for war, racism and ignorance from the right.

Ralph Malph (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:02 PM)

Richard, Washington State -- That's hysterical!!! I'm laughing at work.

Karen (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:03 PM)

Tired Dem. OKC (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:44 PM)

Get some sleep...it may make more sense then. If you still don't see the sarcasm....ask an educated person to interpret. Good luck!

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:04 PM)

Dirk from Georgia should post accurate poll commentary. RealclearPolitics is a site averaging all national and state by state polling data. Obama is averaging a 6% national lead and a 238 to 160 electoral college advantage not including toss up states.Remember Kerry a very weak democratic candidate had aperox 250 electoral college votes. McCain is not an incumbant and at a money disadvantage. Unless race becomes a determining factor odds are that Obama will win.

Jim M Rice Lake WI (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:04 PM)

The guy who was commenting about polls. Have you not been paying attention. On average, amongst all polls taken the past several months, Obama is up 7% on average.

Patrick (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:05 PM)

Kevin Cooley from Texas - that story about Keith Olbermann is not true. He didn't ride on a train he rode in a car. He never intended or tried to go to Washington on a train. Some people just make things up to cause trouble.

Heartlight 3, Maui, Hawaii (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:05 PM)

So Evan gives the Biden response. Good move.

Sorry, Kevin Cooley, Walton Texas, Olberman refuted that BS before it was ever printed. He didn't take the train, he drove that day. So now you're lumped in with the Worst Person of the Day!

Man-sized Safe, Corpus Christi, TX (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:05 PM)

So now we hear none other then Keith Olbermann had an absolute hissy fit when someone couldn't get him a first class train ticket last week. What's the matter Keith, you have to ride in the box car with the other liberal bums that don't have jobs?
********************************************************
Um, Kevin, you should do your homework....even a little bit. If you had, you'd have noted that Kieth O. DEBUNKED this particular piece of journalistic guano on Countdown.

Geez, got nothing to say, so repeat spoon-fed drivel.

Yes, I'm voting for Obama!

Mark, Northern MI (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:06 PM)

If you folks read this blog 23.5 hours a day, ane Faux News 1/2 hour, it'll about even out. Go pound sand.

Man-sized Safe, Corpus Christi, TX (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:07 PM)

Bayh is boring! I can't believe he really talks the way he does. He sounds just like a politician.

Kelly (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:08 PM)

Cheerio44 : '... Oh he's totally my pick! Many many good reasons why...

1.he's a centrist/moderate
2.he's young, but not too young
3.from Indiana (important state!)
4.lots of experience... as governor, secretary of state for Indiana, and senator
5.a clinton supporter, and he's always spoken positively about Obama
6.and finally, go to obamabayh08.com... you'll find it redirects to Obama's campaign website. interesting omen, huH?...'

Cheerio44, I think I voted for his father, Birch
I think he's like Al Gore, who had a much more progressive father.....

If you want a swing state VP, why not Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) a real progressive and populist ?

Notice that Clinton and Gore both picked 'moderates' (/conservatives) rather than balancing their

I hope Obama does the same and picks a progressivetickets ...

Obama/Edwards '08
Obama/Brown '08

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:08 PM)

The Republican pukes are crying foul. Because their candidate is losing and can't stand a chance of winning in November.

SO now the GOP idiots are swaying back to their old roots - "The BLAME GAME", and they are so shameless - typical Republicans.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:08 PM)

Bayh is boring! I can't believe he really talks the way he does. He sounds just like a politician.

Kelly (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:09 PM)

Thanks for the update: Bayh's comments just excluded him from consideration. He said too much.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:10 PM)

MSNBC has a high IQ reader level, if you don't like the stories, go over to foxnews they have a much lower IQ reader level from my observations.

MSNBC is just fine (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:11 PM)

Hey, Mr. Cooley of Walton, Texas...Keith Olbermann has been addressing the recent lies about him on the Countdown. Perhaps you should watch his show. Or are you too busy sucking in the lies while watching Faux News? Even many of us here in the reddest of red states can see through that conservative bull.

Pam, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:11 PM)

Obama bloggers are predicting a big surge for Obama once Hillary/Bill/Bayh endorse him publicly.

Hmmmm....'hasn't happened yet. I haven't yet seen Obama above 50%, and he's had the nomination locked up for THREE WEEKS.

Gallup has Obama tied with McCain in the daily tracking poll, and McCain really isn't even getting the publicity these days.

Bloomberg and Newsweek are outlier polls. This is a close, close contest, and it shouldn't be. WHY isn't Obama a consistent 12-to-14 points ahead of McCain?

McCain '08/12!!!
Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dirk,
have you been looking at the tracking polls? obama is ahead in most trackin polls by at least 12pts. the only poll that his lead is under 10pts is suprisingly newsweek (the same poll that had him ahead 15pts just last week) dont you worry dirk, obama will have the lead he needs when it really matters... november!

OBAMA!

Julepo (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:13 PM)

This year the Dems are vetting their potential VP picks by doing a timed water-treading test. When our ship sinks this Nov with obama at the helm who's willing to drown with it?
I'm just sayin'....

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:21 PM)

Barack/Evan - I'd Bayh that ticket.

Kate, Atlanta (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:22 PM)

Although my picks would be #1 Biden and behind him probably Clark, Sen. Bayh would be a very solid choice ..... It's good that he was a Hillary supporter, as was Clark (and Biden intentionally stayed neutral). Unification is important. He (Bayh) is a substantive, reassuring presence and comfortable in that world. His father, Birch Bayh, was very highly regarded. AND I think it's very admirable that he, and Biden, have both said "of course if that's what the person leading our party has decided what is best." We all know they would - why not admit it? And to do so in that rather impersonal, principled way makes me respect them all the more.

Elizabeth (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:29 PM)

I agree that Bayh is just too boring. I'm for Biden myself, he is older, knows forign policy, does not have any qualms about speaking his mind, he's a fighter. I just cannot see Bayh as a fighter, too mellow.

Kathy (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:31 PM)

obama will not pick him(because he was in the clinton camp) , he is a darn fool if he thought he had a chance.

John OH (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:34 PM)

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