So will Bill become the mouthpiece for "Let her be #2"

[abcdefz]

I can't imagine Obama making Hillary the VP nominee. I hope he isn't talked into, like, "You'll look bitter if you don't" etc.

Nice leak, Clintons.



A spokesman for Clinton's campaign said Thursday that Bill Clinton had not had private conversations in which he was pushing her for
the vice presidency or arguing that she deserved it, and that he believes that the choice of a running mate is a personal one for the nominee.

Friends of the former president say his musings have been more casual: He believes that an Obama-Clinton ticket could help unify the
party, and he thinks that she has earned a meeting with Obama to discuss the possibility.

According to these friends, who spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to be identified revealing private talks, Bill Clinton believes
that his wife's victories in major primary battles, such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, and the 16 million votes cast for her candidacy make
her the proper choice for Obama.

Time magazine first reported Bill Clinton's interest in the No. 2 slot for his wife on Thursday.

"I'm just a Bill, alone on a hill..." (http://www.mercurynews.com/politics/ci_9356339)

[funk63]

i predict yes

[YoungRemy]

if they were smart, the Democratic Party should go with a Clinton-Obama ticket, they would be set for the next 16 years...

Hillary's window is closing fast.

[abcdefz]

aw HELL no

[afronaut]

Hillary and Obama aren't really all that different. It may be a smart move. I dislike Hillary, I think she's been hateful and low, but I can see the logic in a move like that. I don't know if I would necessarily support it, though.

[taquitos]

i don't see why not. i say do it.

[Miho]

Er, I see a Barack Obama/John Edwards team more likely than a Barack Obama/Hillary Clinton team going into effect. I prefer John Edwards over Hillary Clinton in terms of composure and personality.

[RobMoney$]

John Edwards is too wishy-washy. That's why he's out of the race.
Hillary is more of a man than Edwards.

I don't see Obama or Hillary choosing each other as a running mate.

[yeahwho]

John Edwards is too wishy-washy. That's why he's out of the race.
Hillary is more of a man than Edwards.

I don't see Obama or Hillary choosing each other as a running mate.

I don't see Hillary picking anyone for vp, mainly because she isn't going to win the nomination.

Obama will pick someone who has a strong military background or presence. That most certainly isn't Hillary. She's the albatross around the democratic's neck, trust me the party wants this Clinton to go far away. She is embarrassing.

[RobMoney$]

I don't see Hillary picking anyone for vp, mainly because she isn't going to win the nomination.

Obama will pick someone who has a strong military background or presence. That most certainly isn't Hillary. She's the albatross around the democratic's neck, trust me the party wants this Clinton to go far away. She is embarrassing.


Did Hillary steal your lunch money when you were a kid or something?
You're hatred of her is is downright laughable.

Go take a Motrin or something man.

[afronaut]

Dude, come on. Thats like the pot calling the kettle black.

I, for one, would not mind seeing Edwards as vp. However, like yeahwho said, I think it would be a good idea for him to pick someone with a military background as running mate.

[saz]

the speculation is that it will be wesley clark: a strong hillary supporter, and with obama selecting him as his running mate, he'll unite both the obama and hillary supporters, and the democratic party, while also likely winning arkansas in the election (clark's home state).

oh and edwards lost because the mainstream media completely ignored him, and were too caught up in promoting the hell out the high school popularity contest they manufactured between hillary and obama. but at least hillary and obama stole edwards' populist rhetoric and platform, and got two centrist/conservative democrats talking like traditional democrats. and edwards, like wesley clark, would really help obama in picking up a lot of southern votes, ie jfk/lbj in 1960.

[abcdefz]

I don't see Obama or Hillary choosing each other as a running mate.




Earlier on, Hillary was already talking about running with Obama as #2.

[RobMoney$]

the speculation is that it will be wesley clark: a strong hillary supporter, and with obama selecting him as his running mate, he'll unite both the obama and hillary supporters, and the democratic party, while also likely winning arkansas in the election (clark's home state).

oh and edwards lost because the mainstream media completely ignored him, and were too caught up in promoting the hell out the high school popularity contest they manufactured between hillary and obama. but at least hillary and obama stole edwards' populist rhetoric and platform, and got two centrist/conservative democrats talking like traditional democrats. and edwards, like wesley clark, would really help obama in picking up a lot of southern votes, ie jfk/lbj in 1960.


I've actually met Gen Wesley Clarke.
He toured my company as a rep for Goldman Sachs as part of a group that bought the company out.

I'm usually against the idea of military people holding public office, but he seemed like a genuine and caring person when I spoke to him.

[RobMoney$]

Earlier on, Hillary was already talking about running with Obama as #2.


She was asked the question in a debate.
And her response was "Yes" that she would consider being apart of a "Dream-Team ticket", but that Obama would have to be #2 because she was going to win.

It's not like she was bringing up the issue herself.

[Miho]

Recently, I saw John Edwards endorse Barack Obama. I don't think it's unrealistic to think that Barack Obama will choose John Edwards as Vice President. I think they are pretty similar in character, and their platforms as well. Why should a military background be a huge consideration into becoming Vice President?

[RobMoney$]

An Obama/Edwards ticket would put two uber-liberals on the ticket.
I doubt that's what the Dems really want.


If she became VP she would be attending funerals and hoping he goes under anesthesia. No policy input and very little public exposure. She is much better off in the Senate where the party will give her every perk she wants. She will be very visible and she will be involved in policy.

[RobMoney$]

Here's an interesting article on Hillary and the VP nom.


Does Hillary Clinton want to be the Democrats vice presidential candidate? Probably. Could she get on the ticket by dropping out before the last states vote on June 3rd? Definitely not. Does Barack Obama want her on the ticket? Absolutely not. Can he stop her if she wants it? Probably not. Why not? Super delegates are why not.

When the last pledged delegates are totaled on June 3rd, and assuming the current demographic support continues for both candidates (and baring a major development they will), Barack Obama will have around 1690 delegates and Hillary Clinton around 1550. Add in their current super delegate support and Obama will have 1980 total delegates, and Clinton 1825.

There are roughly 235 undecided or unnamed super delegates, most of whom will pick sides before or shortly after June 3rd. Given the inevitability of his nomination Obama will get the lion share of these delegates. An educated guess would be 185 for Obama, 50 for Clinton. Final count; Obama 2165; Clinton 1875. (Assume Michigan and Florida will be seated and be an even split so we can leave the magic number at the current 2026).

It's all over. Obama will have about 54% of the delegates and Clinton 46%. (I know there are a few delegates missing. Some are Edwards, a few uncommitted, and a few refusing to decide- another wash). Hillary Clinton will have come up short by 150 votes. But this isn't horseshoes. That said she still comes in a very close second, which puts her among the closest runner-ups in Democratic Party history.

So Barack Obama is free to pick a running mate? Not so fast. Her losing margin of 150 is only 19% of the super delegates at the convention. Most of the 795 super delegates have been put under enormous pressure by both candidates for months. For those that chose Obama the decision was an especially painful one both personally and politically.

Almost all super delegates have had a long history with the Clintons. Many have only personally known Barack Obama a few months. Many who sided with Obama have benefited professionally, financially, and politically from their relationship with the Clintons. Many had jobs, and good ones, in the Clinton Administration. Many have been the recipients of tens of thousands of dollars raised on their behalf by the Clintons.

Can you imagine how hard it was for most of these super delegates to turn down the former president of the United States? It was tough enough turning Hillary down, but their former boss, political godfather, and personal friend? I've talked to many of them; trust me it was for most the hardest thing they have ever had to do in their political lives.

Just consider for a moment the final phone call with Bill Clinton when the super delegate had to tell him he or she had decided to go with Obama. Clinton," It's time to make a decision. Hillary needs you and I need you. We've been through a lot together. When you needed me I was there, now we need you".

Super delegate, "Mr. President, this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I'm going with Obama because (whatever). Ask me for anything else Mr. President, but I've got to do this". Clinton, "I'm very disappointed and personally hurt, but do what you think you have to do. So long."

Now imagine its June 4th and Clinton calls again. Clinton, "I know Obama has enough votes to win, but I wanted you to know Hillary has decided to run for vice president at the convention. You know there are two roll call votes at the convention: first president then for vice president. I know you are voting for Obama for president. Fine, but I want your commitment to vote for Hillary for vice president."

You imagine being on the floor in Denver. Hillary's delegates, NEARLY HALF THE DELEGATES, are demanding she be on the ticket. These are true believers who have stuck with Clinton through thick and thin. To them, putting Hillary on the ticket is a crusade.

Most Clinton delegates are women, most Democratic voters are women, and they're going to just accept some middle aged white governor that Obama is rumored to want? No way. They are in your face. Hillary supporters from back home are jamming your Blackberry. This and more horror scenes flash through your mind in a nano second.

Then it occurs to you; if the roles were reversed and Obama came close to winning and wanted to be the vice presidential candidate, could you imagine the convention saying no?

Clinton," If we get your commitment now (we've already got a bunch of Obama super delegates to support her) we don't have to take a vote or fight in Denver. With Hillary's pledged delegates and a hundred or so super delegates we'll be over 2026 before the end of June. Saves Barack the hassle of picking a running mate and we can be united against McCain on day one."

Are you going to tell the former president of the United States no again? Anyway you convince yourself it's a great ticket and will help Obama in those big swing states. "I'm with you Mr. President". Clinton," I knew I could count on you". You want to bet there aren't 20% of the super delegates who would buy this deal? We're talking super delegates here, not profiles in courage.

If Hillary Clinton wants the vice presidential nomination, and her loyal delegates demand it, and the Clinton machine puts its full weight behind it, she will be on the ticket.

Count on it.

Bob Beckel managed Walter Mondale’s 1984 presidential campaign. He is a senior political analyst for the Fox News Channel and a columnist for USA Today. Beckel is the co-author with Cal Thomas of the book "Common Ground."


I still say she's much better off staying in the Senate, especially considering the vaccuum that will be created with Ted Kennedy's health problems.

[afronaut]

Recently, I saw John Edwards endorse Barack Obama. I don't think it's unrealistic to think that Barack Obama will choose John Edwards as Vice President. I think they are pretty similar in character, and their platforms as well. Why should a military background be a huge consideration into becoming Vice President?
The fact that they're very similar in character and platform is the problem though. Obama is going to appeal very much to the young progressive crowd I'd say thats is core support (and black people lol), Obama wouldn't gain anything in the general election by choosing someone who's going to appeal to his same core support. The fact that McCain is a war veteran and has experience are the biggest things he has going for him, and those are the biggest thing Obama is going to have to face.

Lets remember that alot of conservatives despise McCain as much as we do. If Obama picsk someone with military experience, that broadens who his administration appeals to, and he may be able to pick up some conservatives who don't want to vote for McCain.

Also, Obama has this image of being this super liberal guy, and while that appeals to me, I think in the general election he would benefit from highlighting some of the conservative undertones in his policies and in his staff.

[saz]

An Obama/Edwards ticket would put two uber-liberals on the ticket.
I doubt that's what the Dems really want.

barack obama is NOT a liberal, progressive or left-leaning democrat:



• As a senator he has promoted nuclear energy as "green." He has been lauded by the nuclear power industry, which is determined to resume building nuclear power plants across the country.

• He has voted to continue to fund the Iraq war. He opposed Rep. John Murtha's call for immediate withdrawal.

• He refused to join the 13 senators who voted against confirming Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state.

• He voted in July 2005 to reauthorize the Patriot Act.

• He did not support an amendment that was part of a bankruptcy bill that would have capped credit card interest rates at 30 percent.

• He opposed a bill that would have reformed the notorious Mining Law of 1872.

• He did not support the single-payer health care bill HR 676, sponsored by Reps. Dennis Kucinich and John Conyers.

• He supports the death penalty.

• He worked tirelessly in the Senate in 2005 to pass a class-action "reform" bill that was part of a large lobbying effort by financial firms, which make up Obama's second-biggest single bloc of donors. The law, with the Orwellian title the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA), would effectively shut down state courts as a venue to hear most class-action lawsuits. This has long been a cherished goal of large corporations as well as the Bush administration. It effectively denies redress in many of the courts where these cases have a chance of defying powerful corporate challenges. It moves these cases into corporate-friendly federal courts dominated by Republican judges. Even Hillary Clinton voted against this naked effort to allow corporations to carry out flagrant discrimination, consumer fraud and wage-and-hour violations.

• Obama likes to paint himself as an opponent of the war. He reminds voters of his one -- and only one -- speech opposing it. But he swiftly changed his mind. Obama told the Chicago Tribune on July 27, 2004, that "there's not that much difference between my position and George Bush's position at this stage. The difference, in my mind, is who's in a position to execute." Obama added that he "now believes U.S. forces must remain to stabilize the war-ravaged nation, a policy not dissimilar to the current approach of the Bush administration." Obama wants to leave an estimated 50,000 troops in Iraq to protect our superbases and the Green Zone, our imperial city, to fight terrorism, and to train Iraqi forces.

• Obama's policy director is Karen Kornbluh, who as a senior aide to Robert Rubin, the head of the Treasury Department during the Clinton administration, pushed through NAFTA and other free-trade policies that unleashed the assault on organized labor and devastated the country's manufacturing sector. And Obama's senior economic adviser, Austan Goolsbee, who teaches economics at the University of Chicago, privately assured Canada's consul general in Chicago in February that Obama's NAFTA-bashing "should be viewed as more about political positioning than a clear articulation of policy plans," according to a leaked memo of the meeting.

• Most of Obama's senior advisers, including Penny Pritzker, a member of one of America's richest families and the current finance chair of the campaign, have a long history of oiling the government apparatus for corporate interests and personal enrichment. Pritzker was the chair of Superior Bank of Chicago. The bank collapsed in 2001 with over $1 billion in insured and uninsured deposits, and 1,406 people lost nearly all their savings. The bank owners, who fabricated profit reports, made much of their money promoting risky subprime home mortgages. Those around Obama are as wedded to corporate interests as those around Clinton and McCain.

link (http://www.alternet.org/election08/83890/?page=1)

[RobMoney$]

Sazi, what's your opinion of Obama's plan to tax "Windfall Profits" (whatever that means) on Oil companies.

[RobMoney$]

Gov. Ed Rendell just walked past my house in our annual Memorial Day parade. He's done so since his first year as Mayor of Philadelphia and continues to do so every year, and every year I shake his hand. The first year I started out greeting him with "God Bless Mayor Rendell". Over the next couple of years it became "God Bless Mayor Ed", and then "God Bless Gov. Ed".
This year as he stopped to shake my hand, I said,
"Gov. Ed, I have a question to ask you, What's the chances that next year when you march by I'll be saying 'God Bless VP. Ed?' "
We both had a bit of a chuckle and he said to me, "Well you never know, but I don't think that's likely".

[saz]

Sazi, what's your opinion of Obama's plan to tax "Windfall Profits" (whatever that means) on Oil companies.

great question dude. let me do some digging and i'll let you know.

[afronaut]

barack obama is NOT a liberal, progressive or left-leaning democrat:



• As a senator he has promoted nuclear energy as "green." He has been lauded by the nuclear power industry, which is determined to resume building nuclear power plants across the country.

• He has voted to continue to fund the Iraq war. He opposed Rep. John Murtha's call for immediate withdrawal.

• He refused to join the 13 senators who voted against confirming Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state.

• He voted in July 2005 to reauthorize the Patriot Act.

• He did not support an amendment that was part of a bankruptcy bill that would have capped credit card interest rates at 30 percent.

• He opposed a bill that would have reformed the notorious Mining Law of 1872.

• He did not support the single-payer health care bill HR 676, sponsored by Reps. Dennis Kucinich and John Conyers.

• He supports the death penalty.

• He worked tirelessly in the Senate in 2005 to pass a class-action "reform" bill that was part of a large lobbying effort by financial firms, which make up Obama's second-biggest single bloc of donors. The law, with the Orwellian title the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA), would effectively shut down state courts as a venue to hear most class-action lawsuits. This has long been a cherished goal of large corporations as well as the Bush administration. It effectively denies redress in many of the courts where these cases have a chance of defying powerful corporate challenges. It moves these cases into corporate-friendly federal courts dominated by Republican judges. Even Hillary Clinton voted against this naked effort to allow corporations to carry out flagrant discrimination, consumer fraud and wage-and-hour violations.

• Obama likes to paint himself as an opponent of the war. He reminds voters of his one -- and only one -- speech opposing it. But he swiftly changed his mind. Obama told the Chicago Tribune on July 27, 2004, that "there's not that much difference between my position and George Bush's position at this stage. The difference, in my mind, is who's in a position to execute." Obama added that he "now believes U.S. forces must remain to stabilize the war-ravaged nation, a policy not dissimilar to the current approach of the Bush administration." Obama wants to leave an estimated 50,000 troops in Iraq to protect our superbases and the Green Zone, our imperial city, to fight terrorism, and to train Iraqi forces.

• Obama's policy director is Karen Kornbluh, who as a senior aide to Robert Rubin, the head of the Treasury Department during the Clinton administration, pushed through NAFTA and other free-trade policies that unleashed the assault on organized labor and devastated the country's manufacturing sector. And Obama's senior economic adviser, Austan Goolsbee, who teaches economics at the University of Chicago, privately assured Canada's consul general in Chicago in February that Obama's NAFTA-bashing "should be viewed as more about political positioning than a clear articulation of policy plans," according to a leaked memo of the meeting.

• Most of Obama's senior advisers, including Penny Pritzker, a member of one of America's richest families and the current finance chair of the campaign, have a long history of oiling the government apparatus for corporate interests and personal enrichment. Pritzker was the chair of Superior Bank of Chicago. The bank collapsed in 2001 with over $1 billion in insured and uninsured deposits, and 1,406 people lost nearly all their savings. The bank owners, who fabricated profit reports, made much of their money promoting risky subprime home mortgages. Those around Obama are as wedded to corporate interests as those around Clinton and McCain.

link (http://www.alternet.org/election08/83890/?page=1)
In America, anyone who may imply that poor people deserve a break, too, are Marxists. Nobody realizes that in, say, Canada, Obama and Hillary would be two of the more conservative candidates.