Breaking News: Hillary Clinton hints at joint ticket with Obama

Sen. Hillary Clinton, who some wrote off as all but finished in the race for the Democratic nomination for president, has pulled another surprise out of the hat that we never see her wearing.

The morning after regaining some political momentum by winning three of four primaries (after losing 12 in a row), the former first lady happened to mention on some early news shows the possibility of her and Sen. Barack Obama forming a joint ticket to face the new Republican nominee, Sen. John McCain.

With most political observers sound asleep after a long Tuesday evening that appeared to augur at least seven more weeks of possibly bitter and divisive struggle between the two Democrats until a potentially decisive Pennsylvania primary on April 22, Clinton went on some morning news programs, according to the Associated Press, and appeared to raise the possibility of a Clinton-Obama or Obama-Clinton ticket.

"That may be where this is headed," she said, "but, of course, we have to decide who is on the top of ticket. I think the people of Ohio very clearly said that it should be me."

It's a clever move to vault herself to the level of equal standing with the Illinois senator, who remains way more than 100 delegates ahead of Clinton in the nomination race. The idea does speak to what many Democrats have long regarded as a dream ticket combining the first serious African American candidate with the first serious female candidate.

And it raises the prospect of a negotiated agreement that would avoid prolonged intra-party strife, while a victorious McCain forges ahead already with his general election campaign.

In the early-morning hours, two top Clinton advisors, Mark Penn and Harold Ickes, released a memo to "Interested Parties," that said: "With last night’s victories in Ohio and Texas, one thing is clear: the momentum has swung back to Hillary Clinton." At least that's what they'd like today's message to be as McCain meets at the White House for lunch and the official blessing of President and Mrs. Bush.

But the joint ticket idea ...

may be more of a nightmare in the mind of Obama and his team, who thought they were about to finish Clinton off Tuesday only to see it slip through their hands and the struggle prolonged.

And Obama remains well ahead in delegates and popular votes, so he'd be unlikely to be interested in such a combination arrangement now, especially if she sees herself in the No. 1 spot with Obama as the No. 2. The proposal could well be an attempt to stall his momentum further.

Later, on the same CBS "Early Show," Obama referred to his delegate total as "close to an insurmountable lead." Clinton had minimized the gap calling it "smidgens of difference."

Plus, to be realistic, whomever is the Democratic vice president on any successful ticket led by the New York senator will actually be forced to work with a pair of Clintons in the White House, making him potentially vice-vice-president.

-- Andrew Malcolm

PHOTO CREDIT: <i>Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times</i>

Comments

[East Side Love]

Hillary Clinton had a big night - sobering up Obamas supporters. After outspending her 2 to 1 in both states he have a clear victor. Yet leave it to the LA Times to downplay the victory.

A Clinton-Obama ticket would solve this democratic party spat.

[tony]

poor obama - the "insurmountable" thing is just drivel. we have to do something with florida and michigan...revote idea is floating around. and sorry - but if it comes down to a handful of delegates , this wont matter. no one is getting to 2025. so something will have to be negotiated.

[Armyvet]

Obama is still ahead by about 90 delegates. There is still a chance for other states to make a difference, but I think Obama will have the delegates at the convention. But, I further think McCain will beat either candidate. Do your own math and do your own delegate count. I think Hillary is too far behind to win the nomination. And, I'm sure the voters in November will want McCain answering the phone instead of Hillary or Barack.

[Irishspacemonk]

This is her only chance of getting on the ticket...hinting that you can get both, so elect me first. It's a tactic she's used in the past and it won't work. Obama had very little chance in the two states, Ohio and Texas, and in some ways the story should be how much he gained back in both states, especially a state like Texas with its historically racists past - look at the map of Hillary wins - all rural, red neck country.

[True Dem]

"And Obama remains well ahead in delegates and popular votes..."

I don't think this assesment is correct.
According to the independent website 'thegreenpapers.com" Clinton leads in the popular vote.

[Ericka]

Obama still has more popular votes and pledged delegates.

A Obama-Clinton ticket seems more likely in the end.

[Sharon]

I'm sorry, but Obama should pay attention to what happened to Gore, who had all the best ideas, when he was relegated to VP. Hillary herself says she had more policy responsibilities during that time. Billary will rule together as king and queen, and VP will be the first lady. Obama should not take VP. After all this campaign stuff lately, I will not vote for Hillary, who learned a little too much from Rove.

[Jay4Obama]

Hillary is just saying that to try to trick people into giving her their vote - cos they think Obama will be part of the deal. Fact is - Hillary has burnt so many bridges she wouldn't have a hope of winning in November. Obama being on her ticket would make no difference, just drag him down with her. He would simply be being used to try and bring the youth, African American and Independent vote into her court. Being VP with Bill Clinton around would be hell. To me that is just yuck - for her to abuse him as she has and then try and co-opt what he has created for her own benefit. No no no no no.

[Josh]

Why does everyone refer to Obama as African-American? He is biracial. Am I missing something?

[Kenneth]

Obama should not be expected to win all of the States. He won 11 in a row. Hillary had to wait around for some favorble states to come up on the calendar to win a few. And, what is this talk about negotiating at the convention. Shouldn't the candidate with the most delegates just be the winner? Sounds like the Hillary supporters are gearing up to try to steal the nomination rather than just winning it outright.

[Lisa Baker]

A Clinton-Obama ticket would result in a landslide victory against the GOP and really, really help in all state races for Senate and Congress and State Governors too. It would be such a no-brainer, that as candidates, they could help with the other tight democratic races instead of just focuing on their own presidential elections. So many Republicans are retiring, and if 'our side' would logically support a Clinton-Obama ticket, then we could have a filibuster proof majority.
Why scoff at 35 years of experience? Obama could still be VP and then President! And women and African American's BOTH get their 'historic' moment. And all democrats can get behind this ticket. (Obama in 2016!!! for President!!),.

[Jack Head]

Go Hillary! It is amazing, historical and exactely what this country needs. She can stand up and do the hard job of fixing some of the horrible problems created by the Bush Admin. She can reach the republicans, as her voting record in the senate as shown. And, for me, she is a strong advocate for not only people but for animals, a cause close to my heart. Check out her voting record on the HSUS's website. Or "Google" voting record clinton obama. Hillary was 100 +, Obama 60, McCain 40%. It tells you which were sponsored, written, etc.
Thanks Hillary! Go all the way. Obama would make a good VP.

[dan]

Obama outspent Clinton just to lose these big states. When will he learn it's bad business and bad judgement.

[Nick B]

A Clinton-Obama or Obama-Clinton ticket would be a disaster. Both would be fighting for the top spot the entire time. Plus, they are both too similar on the major issues such as health care and immigration reform. The VP, whoever it is, should balance them out a little more. There are some great Democrat governors that would be a much better VP than either of the two going for President.

[Jay4Obama]

What has been divinely earned by Clinton shall be her reward. The houses she burnt, the people she slashed, the character she has shown to so many more now in disgust with her than when she started.

She earned that by her actions. Nothing can save her from it. She can work now to destroy the most promising Democratic candidate to have emerged in generations but all she is doing is burning down and dividing the democratic house. She will not be elected president - not because she is a woman - but because of how she conducts herself.

[John doe]

"""It's a clever move to vault herself to the level of equal standing with the Illinois senator, who remains way more than 100 delegates ahead of Clinton in the nomination race"""

get your #'s straight LAtimes.

She's down by 86, and as statistically sound/reputable polls concluded she would win TX/OH/RI, they are also concluding she'll win the remaining big delegate states which will put her out on top, by 30-40 delegates in the end, then couple that with super delegate's, she has the nomination secured/locked down.

[Duane]

Do the right thing for the country and the people who have worked hard for both of the these trail blazers. A joint ticket is the way to change the direction of the United States in the manner the people desire and to dislodge the Republican hegemony.

[DenisR]

Obama would be very stupid to be Hillary's VP! He would be reporting to BIll! He would be finished.

[wait a minute]

I'm a life long democrat (center) but if it is an Obama/Clinton ticket, no way will I vote democratic. He is not qualified to lead this country. I love Hillary, but that is just unnaceptable. She is clearly the better candidate and anything less than her as President is a concession to bigotry and bias that has been so prevalent in the media and among certain voters. If on the other hand, it is Clinton/Obama then yes, that gets my vote, although he still hasn't shown me why he's even qualified for VP.

[Luis]

Just because the media can spin this back as a momentum in her court, it does not warrant the credibility of putting forth a Clinton nomination with Obama as vice-president--in fact, we couldn't be farther from reality. The issue remains that Clinton failed to pull the huge victories that she needed to get back in the lead, and now we're back to square (3 weeks ago): they have both won, and lost, and Clinton is now playing catch up. An Obama Clinton ticket is more likely but still a nightmare, per the last part of this article. Going to the Convention, however, only guarantees one thing: McCain. So Obama may be forced to over her VP post.

[Doug Edelman]

Think Hillary will thank the "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy" for rescuing her campaign? Seeing her as the weaker candidate, and hoping to prolong the battle in the Democratic Party... many Republicans in TX and OH chose to accept McCain's inevitability without their help - and instead cross over and vote for Hillary.

Think you'll see that reported in the Mainstream Press?

[RicRoe]

Knowing that she may not win the nomination despite her apparent victories in Tuesday's primaries, Clinton's statements show why so many voters do not support her, and why so many former supporters have turned away.

Her blind ambition knows no bounds, her arrogance knows no limits.

She still trails in the all important delegate count, yet she is trying to install herself as the Democratic Party's nominee despite her obvious lack of support.

Notice Clinton's comments do not suggest that she should be his choice for Vice President, but rather she is attempting to claim by statement that she is once again the presumptive nominee by mildly offering Obama the slot as her VP.

This arrogance is the reason so many Democrats across the country do not support Clinton.

This arrogance is why so many Democrats say that they will vote for MCCain if Clinton wins the nomination.

This blind ambition is bad for Democrats and worse still for America.

Remember what so many Democrats are saying, voting is as simple as
A-B-C..... Anyone But Clinton.

[Raffi Kojian]

LA times downplaying Clintons victory? They didn't even mention how huge a gap Obama closed with Clinton in just two weeks. Yes he outspent her, and he maintained his 100 delegate lead when a couple of weeks ago it was forecast to disappear.

That's the Obama victory that the LA Times and the rest of the media don't seem to be telling, apparently out of fear of being called biased because of all of your and Hillary's complaints. Well, I guess if whining is working for the Hillary camp, go with it.

[RCG]

Obama has overcome a 20 point Clinton lead in Texas. He is the insurgent running against "The Clintons" with this in mind he has done damn good. Obama still leads in the popular vote and delegates. Hillary's success is connected in a large part to Bill, in contrast Obama is a self-made man who is running on his own merits and NOT connected to a former president. He has earned great respect within the Democratic party and Republican party because he is a outsiderwho had the audacity to challange status quo- the Clinton political family. He has my vote.

[Cliff]

The only reason Clinton won Ohio is because it is a republican state and they know McCain can beat Hillary but not Obama. Republican came in droves to vote for Hillary.