Obama met with Hillary, women's leaders

Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:43 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli

WASHINGTON -- A group of women leaders spoke at length this morning with Obama about a number of key concerns, including health care and pay equity. But no conversation with any group these days could go without some discussion of running mates, and one participant said that Obama was encouraged to put Hillary Clinton on the ticket.

“It was mentioned very briefly,” said Ellen Malcolm of EMILY’s List, one of about 30 women part of the discussion. “I think everybody realizes this will be his personal decision.”

VIDEO: Former Clinton campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe joins "Morning Joe" to discuss how Barack Obama will use Hillary Clinton in his campaign and why they haven't appeared together since Unity, N.H.

Obama told the group that he had met with Clinton earlier as part of a conversation with women senators. A Clinton spokesman confirmed that the two former rivals were together this morning, but was unaware if there was one-on-one time.

“He actually told us who it’s going to be,” Malcolm joked, quickly adding that she like others has no indication of the Illinois senator’s thinking.

Obama has just departed the office of Eric Holder, who is heading his running mate search. He spent two and a half hours there today, after spending nearly two hours there yesterday.

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Comments

As a Hillary supporter there is nothing Obama can say or do to comvince me to come on board "The Obama
Socialist Change Train." It will not happen.

Vote McCain

dk in tn (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:53 PM)

One thing Obama does not need to do is kneel before Hillary. Obama has plenty of votes to win this fall, and he doesn't have to do anything special to get Hillary's voters to his side. There is really no where else for them to go.

Brandon Lutts (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:54 PM)

Huh, I really don't know why Obama didn't feign his faux interest in Clinton even a bit more realistically. There is something to be said about commanding the stage, dancing to the tune and playing the game better ...I mean, he is supposed to be a political guru, is he not?

I have been impressed by his ability to rise to essentially any occasion, when needed. In fact, I have quit doubting him. But wouldn't a political guru not have to rise to the occasion in the first place?

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:59 PM)

He had better wise up and put Hill on the ticket ! No Hill=No white House !

HillDem4McCain (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:04 PM)

My Lord, FR, you are turning into a bunch of stalkers. Don't you know by now that Sen Obama will announce when he is ready and is not likely to bend to your pressure.

I know it is fun to speculate, but that's all it is. Reading some of the posters from today, there sure are going to be a lot of disappointed folks as the choices and opinions are all across the board.

gmhussein, Jupiter, Fl (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:07 PM)

Things are coming along swimmingly. Senator Obama's campaign comes across nice, and smooth. Senator McCain's campaign reminds me of a junk drawer down in the garage.

donna (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:08 PM)

Kaine ...I am going to throw up...cancelled his events tomorrow.

If obama picks Kaine...we dems just shot ourselves in the foot...or head.

Mccain picks Ridge my prediction and we lose PA, OHIO, MIchigan and Virginia...

a McCain/Ridge
vs Obama/Kaine

inherently is a foreign policy, security, experience election

right where McCain wanted it.

stupid is as stupid does.

dl, Exeter, NH (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:08 PM)

look every single time hillary and obama gets together you guys want to speculate about her being VP. she not going to be so just leave it alone. on the other hand I think tom kaine will be

RNC New Video attacks germans and Obama
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/29/video-rnc-makes-fun-of-germans/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

camie (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:11 PM)

Not that I know anything about Senator Obama's current state of mind or anything. Heavens no!

Still...if I were a betting wo/man, I'd sell the house at a loss and put the money on Hillary.

But, hey. That's just me.

Mark Thieme (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:19 PM)

The number one issue that makes Barack Obama's message and theme of "Hope" and racial reconciliation sound empty is his radical support of abortion on demand...even the controversial partial birth abortion. The beginnings of abortion in our country had racism at its core (Read about Mararet Sanger, one of its original founders). Today over 50% of abortions are on african-american children while as a population they represent only around 15%. For a young, bright politician like Obama, with so much going for him, his voting record and on-going push for abortion rights, are a sad stain and disappointing compromise in order to win democratic votes. May God show him (and our nation) the truth....which every sonogram confirms about life.

Feet on the Ground (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:19 PM)

I'm confident that this issue will vanish within a month. Women voters will be soothed by the Obama campaign and finally come to their senses about McCain

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:20 PM)

Obama is truly a leader who listens carefully before he makes his decisions. I admire his brand of leadership and I hope that Americans will take full advantage os his talents.

Instead of going negative on McCain, he has kept his focus on his campaign...what a contrast! I hope McCain continues his politics of hate...it makes the contrast between the two leaders even more clear.

Stephen Missouri (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:31 PM)

Here's a potential female Veep - the case for Kathleen Sebelius:

http://strategy08.wordpress.com/2008/07/29/okay-i-give-in-my-case-for-kathleen-sebelius/

dan, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:38 PM)

Clinton as a VP or McCain the next President

Somerset , NJ (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:45 PM)

Just say no to Hillary. She lost for a reason, we don't want her or Bill back in the White House. Turn the page.

Sue H, Seattle Wa (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:53 PM)

This boomer woman says please, please not Hillary. Let women move forward, not crying wolf for political expediency, but confronting inequities when and where they actually occur.

Jay Kelly, Kensington, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:16 PM)

This boomer woman says please, please not Hillary. Let women move forward, not crying wolf for political expediency, but confronting inequities when and where they actually occur.

Jay Kelly, Kensington, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:17 PM)

You know what strikes me?

I haven't heard A WORD from Hillary Clinton in defense of Barack Obama since the primaries ended. There has been one unfounded and ridulous charge after another - but there has been absolute SILENCE from Team Clinton.

That sums it up right there.

Hillary Clinton made her bed.

Senator Obama is not required to lie in it.

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:18 PM)

Obama should choose Hillary for 50 states wining; if he does not then he will regret

Abdirazak Ali (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:19 PM)

Pretty words and election promises! Yet look at reality, Obama and who ever are looser with hollow being.
The longer this pied piper chants the more he steps on his lying lips!

present Facts! (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:24 PM)

Pretty words and election promises! Yet look at reality, Obama and who ever are looser with hollow being.
The longer this pied piper chants the more he steps on his lying lips!

present Facts! (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:25 PM)

Do any of the Hillary supporters wonder what if would be like to try to "vet" Bill Clinton because he and Hillary are a package? Bill is not going to reveal anything about how, where and when he made his money and I don't blame him. But the Republicans will look to see where every dime came from. Obama does not need that "drama". Someone should tell Hillary supporters of that.

Judy Dallas TX (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:26 PM)

If she is offered vp I hope she graciously turns it down.She would just end up being a punching bag and get the blame for Obamas gaffs.The way his campaign is begging for money makes me wonder if people are tired and have had a bellyfull of this guys begging when he already acts like its in the bag.

MIvoter (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:30 PM)

While women would like Hillary on the ticket it's really a matter of who Obama would feel comfortable working with for 4 or 8 years. While Hillary is an outstanding public servant, Bill as a former President would seem to be a rather uncomfortable fit in that sphere.

I hope Hillary voters will support the Democratic candidate no matter what. McCain represents the opposite of every political issue there is to them.

Danny, Nashville, TN (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:44 PM)

OBama better meet with them if the rumor is true and he is picking Kaine

an anti-gay rights and anti-choice candidate.

I hope these are rumors that is all I can say...because he would lose his base.

dl, Exeter, NH (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:06 PM)

I'll keep on saying it. There is only one clear cut VP choice for Obama. There is one person out there who will appeal to women and radical leftists and make Obama look good all at the same time. It is Jane Fonda. She is certainly radical enough to match Obama and hates America just as much as he. But the icing on the cake is that because of her well know traitorous activities, she will make even Obama look like a patriot in comparison.

Hillary is the worst choice Obama could make and he knows it. She would be spending most of her time trying to figure a way to unseat the "king" so she could ascend to the oval office throne. He would constantly be having to look over his shoulder trying to evade Hillary's dirt digging henchmen. That's no way to run a rodeo.

James Lee Chatsworth, GA (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:09 PM)

I have been saying all along it will be one of these three people: Tim Kaine, Evan Byae, or Joe Biden.
Kaine is probably the most likely choice in my opinion. He isnt huge on foreign policy, but he does help with the change message. He is also one of, if not the first, govornors to support Obama. They also have a good relationship, and Obama is comfortable having Kaine around.

Obama/Kaine 08

ERIC, MN (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:14 PM)

I hope he listened well and took heed...he needs Hillary.

Joanna Atascadero, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:17 PM)

He is a crock.

One Hillary supporter here that will be voting for McCain this fall.

Sean (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:29 PM)

Don't think for one minute Hillary won't jump on the band wagon! And don't get your hopes up as he and she are real losers!. He has a past of belonging to and with what racial problems mean. 20 plus years aligned with hatred against white America, America, Yet he sucks up to the black vote and Mexican. Well, what else has he got. His over bloated election promises,"like Hillary", His over bloated "Hope" to paint a new face on existing problems and call it change!! No vote for your great "dream BOY!

A bag of what??? (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:45 PM)

Why didnt I hear this on the news channels

Charlene (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 9:27 PM)

THE NATIVES SHOULD REMAIN CALM AND STOP SPECULATING! I PERSONALLY DON'T CARE WHO HE CHOOSES -- AS LONG AS IT IS NOT HILLARY!!!!!!

WILLIS, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:04 PM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com
Unbelievable! LA city council says no more fast food for poor minorities! You have got to read it to believe it. Go to my blog!

twocanpete (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:33 PM)

I know there are a lot of Hillary supporters who would still like to see her on the ticket, but I cannot believe that she would be the best choice for Obama. I just can't see how Hillary would be comfortable in "second" place, and I certainly don't want Bill Clinton to be anywhere near the White House ever again.

Linda, Allen, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:41 PM)

The Hillary supporters really need to jump on the Obama bandwagon. I would love to see a Obama/Hillary ticket, but it is looking more slim everyday. Please, for the sake of the women that you are supporting in the future, get over your anger and support Senator Obama. Hillary has a great shot at being high up in the cabinet, which is probably where she will be able to make the major changes and impact that she is seeking anyway. Don't vote McCain out of anger because we just can't affort it this time around!

Lexi, Mississippi (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 11:59 PM)

No Clintons in the White House. It took forever to disinfect it the last time they were let loose there. We as a nation have more intelligence than to keep making the same mistakes over and over. Adding a scandal ridden corrupt business as usual politician to the ticket is a sure fire way to disenfranchise his base supporters.
No Hillary,
No Clintons,
and 2012 will be a breeze for the incumbent Barak Obama.

N.E. BodybutHillary (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:01 AM)

from what i read in the international herald tribune Senator Clinton is busy raising money to pay off her campaign debt and to fund her run for president in 2012; seems she may not have time to support the democratic presidential nominee in this election cycle. it is near depressing that the media and so many supposedly politically savy women have been duped by the self-serving and wholly self-absorbed junior senator from New York. It is disgusting that this topic of fund raising (hand written letters by HRC) garnered no domestic media coverage, mgc

MGC, Rohnert Park, Ca. (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:01 AM)

There is so much talk of who can deliver what state for Obama...Hillary can deliver 18 million of us...I will be sick if he snubs her...maybe too sick to vote for him...P.

pam judkins las vegas nv (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:12 AM)

If it's not Hillary, then I'm not voting for him.

I'll vote for McCain.

Jenna, Tampa, FL (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:14 AM)

There is so much talk of who can deliver what state for Obama...Hillary can deliver 18 million of us...I will be sick if he snubs her...maybe too sick to vote for him...P.

pam judkins las vegas nv (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:15 AM)

Good News, Ladies... I just got off the phone with an old friend that has worked with Mark Whitaker...

He hates arrogance... I'm guessing Morning Joe is soon to become Morning Mica... LOL...

Expect things here to once again become fair and balanced... (Since TJR's absence)...

And did anyone else notice Pat Buchanan on Hardball tonight raving about the integrity of O'Reilly? And how HUGE his ratings are? Why do they keep this advertisement of Fixed News on MSNBC?

For the 'poster approvers'? I don't expect to be posted - I've been blocked since last week... Guess it was one McCain slam too many...

Lyn, KCMO (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:16 AM)

If these women can't wholeheartedly support Obama over a candidate who is against women on all the important issues, against working women and single mothers especially, then they can't possibly really care about women's issues, working people's issues or family issues at all. Maybe they are coming round to seeing that they don't really want to vote for their enemy or stay home and let their enemy win out of spite. And Obama is NOT the enemy.

Just heard McCain say he'd be open to an increase in payroll tax, the tax that places the most disproportionate burden on lower and middle income families of any tax on income.

He didn't say anything about raising caps and is four square for preserving huge tax breaks for the rich no matter what. Just another indication of how his first choice will always be to throw working men and women and their families, as well as the vets he's always voting against, under the bus to spare the wealthy and powerful any slight inconvenience. He'd be right at home in a banana republic.

Hillraisers and Pumas may not get this because they ARE the rich and powerful. Maybe there isn't a disconnect for them after all. Maybe they just wanted a woman president as a trophy and without her are happy to go back to padding their accounts and screwing the little people.

WomanWhoKnowsBetter (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:30 AM)

I'm glad Obama is reaching out to the women, but i truly hope he does not pick Hilary as his running mate! I think she would be great in the cabinet but as VP, just not a great idea!

Ebony (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 1:11 AM)

I just Have one question, Did John McCain went to iraq to speak with anyone or see whats going on befoe he voted for the war he is blaming others for making remarks before going to the region, Remember the war started before the surge and not the other way arround if there was no war there would no surge, Thanks you guys are great i watches every day.

Levi Davis, Sacramento Ca (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 1:20 AM)

MSNBC GET RID OF JOE SCARBOROUGH! He belongs at Fox. He is so adament about Obama's "uppitiness" that it's almost RACIST. If it was Bush or McCain saying that they were the hope of America fighting terrorism by their phony war he would hail them as being patriots! I"m so disgusted I had to turn him off. Ig this continues, I'll only watch MSNBC when Keith is on and will encourage my friend (that I told to watch MSNBC as un-biased) to turn all of you off again and go back to CNN who has not even come close to this garbage. I'm a 64 year old white working woman and I'm angry!

Bev, LA (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 6:56 AM)

No Hill = No White House !

Hilldem4McCain (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 7:18 AM)

Now this is really unfair it's not like Kerry and Edwards's she had done some real damage as a contender stayed really to long in the race for her finaces show's exactly that injecting race in the race the New Hampsire comment's I know she wanted bad but the Kennedy speach really hurt some folk's of that time and color I'm sorry yet the Republican'sare cunning and are probably up to this for they can really go atr her and you know how perception goes he had a hard time getting Fox off his back just from association's so please if he pick's someone they can't bring 10 or more years of baggage and question's of doubt for she is human and said some hurtful thing's that would make some feel uncomfortable for being like a switch hitter just to get on the ticket then she might not agree with at all and voice it openly he does feel women's pain yet he does not have to have her to express it times change'''

fly poole (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 7:58 AM)

No Hillary as VP = No vote for Obama.

Hillary - 18 Million STRONG!

csh, IL (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 8:33 AM)

Why does the anointed one have to work so hard for these votes?
DNC = Humbert Humbert...(Read the SF chronical)

biased (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 8:45 AM)

Senator Clinton will not be on the ticket with Obama. It should be obvious to even the most strident Hillary supporter. And what should also be obvious is that he doesn't need her....and she doesn't need to be picked. Mrs. Clinton is a very good democratic senator and must fully understand the problems of her being in the 2nd spot...ie, Bill and their finances, which if she'd won would be hers to work out not Obama's. Vote Obama.

bill, okla (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 8:48 AM)

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