Obama says he's not running to be Clinton's VP

[Perky]

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/news/article/32991/obama-says-hes-not-running-to-be-clintons-vp/
by Helen Kennedy
New York Daily News (MCT)
10 April 2007

NEW YORK - Sen. Barack Obama, who swooped into town for a whirlwind fundraising tour of Manhattan’s toniest apartments, made it clear Monday that he’s not running to be Sen. Hillary Clinton’s vice president.

“You don’t run for second,” the Illinois Democrat said on CBS’ “Late Night With David Letterman.”

“I don’t believe in that.”

Asked if he would consider Clinton, D-N.Y., as his veep, he praised her as a “terrific senator” but said he wasn’t going there.

“I think all the candidates are in to win,” Obama said. “We’re all on the same team. We’re all Democrats. What we’re doing is we’re trying out for quarterback.”

Obama was full of praise for all the candidates, including perennial dark horse Dennis Kucinich, saying he has “that devil-may-care attitude that I think is healthy for a presidential race.”

Obama, who is generally a hit on comedy shows, joked about being gone from home so long while campaigning.

“My wife is starting to refer to me as her first husband,” he said. “It’s a little disturbing.”

He said the campaign would be a long grind.

“You know, they give out these key chains that have a countdown on how many days are left in the Bush administration, which I used to think was really funny until I realized that’s how long I have to campaign,” he said.

“It wasn’t funny anymore.”

[cgrindley]

1. Of course he says that now

No one funds anyone to come in second. Just wait. He'll be Clinton's running mate.

[peacebird]

3. I sincerely hope not!

I still want anyone but Hillary to be our nominee.... I said the same about Kerry, believed then and still believe now that Dean or Edwards would have been a better choice.

Now I fervently hope that we get a ticket with any duo combination from Gore/Obama/Edwards

[cgrindley]

4. Dean would have been better than Kerry

Kerry sucked. Edwards sucked too.

Hillary's not the best, but Hillary and Obama is the only way to beat Guiliani. If we don't run the biggest names we can, we will lose.

[peacebird]

8. her name is also a negative however

[cgrindley]

10. True

but mostly with the people who wouldn't vote for her because of her politics.

[terrya]

2. I still think the ticket will be Clinton/Obama

Things change, Senator. Never say never.

[youngdem]

5. It was a non-denial denial

Never said he wouldn't be her Veep. Just said they are all trying out for quarterback and no one plays for second. Didn't say he wouldn't take the veep slot.

I suspect he won't need it. I think he will widen the poll gap and fundraising gap as he rolls out ads later this year. He has a lot more room to grow because lots of people still don't know anything about him while most people have already made up their mind about Hillary. He is already even with her (or better) in many polls. I think he will pull ahead of her and carry the nomination himself.

I doubt Hillary would take the veep slot, though. I doubt her ego could take it.

[BeyondGeography]

6. When's the last time any candidate said,"sure, I'll take VP"?

Candidates get asked that question every time and they always respond the same way. Then the media treats it as news...

[cooolandrew]

7. Barack is in this to win this. 100,000 donations is just the start.

He has the fighting spirit and ultimately that was what was missing in 04. I believe he can do it and I believe he can bring great change to the world with his powers of motivation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGGIHqIoP2k

[mod mom]

9. Great news!

[w4rma]

11. Good. That would be a big-time loser of a ticket. (nt)