Barack Obama begins his own quiet quest for a running mate

While Republican potentials are tromping out to the desert this weekend for chats with John McCain about the Republican No. 2 slot, Barack Obama has already begun a quieter search for his own running mate.

And Obama has reverted to something of a Democratic tradition -- asking former Fannie Mae head Jim Johnson to head up the efforts. Though he's got to be hoping the third time's the charm -- Johnson played similar roles for Walter Mondale and John Kerry.

The delicate issue for Obama, of course is Hillary Clinton. There's a lot of pressure from Democrats that, if the math holds and Obama becomes the nominee, he pick the former first lady (assuming she'd take it). But that could weaken Obama's carefully crafted image as the guy from outside Washington.

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder, who first ferreted out news of Obama's quiet efforts, offers a list of potential contenders, beyond Clinton. Feel free to add your own in the comments section.

Sens. Joe Biden, Bob Casey, Chris Dodd, Chuck Hagel and Jim Webb; former Sens. Tom Daschle, John Edwards and Sam Nunn; Govs.Tim Kaine, Janet Napolitano, Bill Richardson, Kathleen Sebelius and Ted Strickland; and former Rep. Tim Roemer.

-- Scott Martelle

Comments

[Nookie Farley]

Dear Scott:
"Sens. Joe Biden, Bob Casey, Chris Dodd, Chuck Hagel and Jim Webb; former Sens. Tom Daschle, John Edwards and Sam Nunn; Govs.Tim Kaine, Janet Napolitano, Bill Richardson, Kathleen Sebelius and Ted Strickland; and former Rep. Tim Roemer."
All those names would be rocks around Obama's neck.
For truly brilliant analysis of What Went Wrong With (Wx4) Hillary's Campaign, go to
http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/05/hillary_clintonwhy_it_went_so.html.

[BJ]

UNDERSTAND THIS... Hillary supporters WILL NEVER vote for OBAMA!

Neither will we support an Obama/Clinton ticket. WE KNOW he would only do this because he can never win in November without our votes!

Our votes are NOT up for bids! We will never settle for anything less than HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT!

[Steven]

How about Michael Bloomberg?

[Gerald Shields]

Hey BJ, since where you represent Hillary voters?!

[Nathan]

BJ- Your post is baffling. But it lends to the growing stereotype that hardcore Hillary supporters are simply bitter, vindictive, and sore losers.

"Hillary supporters WILL NEVER vote for OBAMA!"

Why? Because he's going to beat her to the nomination? Or something he did or said to challenge her during the nomination battle? Neither candidate was above reproach in that regard, particularly not your dear Hillary.

I find this truly incredulous - voting age adults who are acting like toddlers. If I don't get my way, I'm going to sit in the corner, pout and make it miserable for everyone.

So, instead you would prefer a continuation of George W's policies for four more years. I am really bewildered by this.

Fortunately, I know that most Clinton supporters are not as unreasonable as this.

[John]

Some Hillary fans and their comments border on insanity. Why would any Democrat not support their party when there is little to no difference between the candidates? Really? You would rather sit out or vote Repug? It is childish. Bully like. Selfish. Like a little kid who does not get his way and throws a tantrum.
Grow up. A win is a win. Barack or Hillary will do more for this country to make up for the years of tyranny and impropriety. We need a strong, undivided party. And that is something that any true American Democratic Voter should be willing to provide.

[Dude?]

BJ goes to show that some of her supporters are nuts. He/she will probably claim that Obama supporters have fallen for a cult of personality, or have drank, the now proverbial, Kool-aid. Maybe it is them who should look in the mirror, and learn to support the eventual nominee, or suffer the consequences of McBush, and his eventual thrashing of the United States to a place where we will no longer be able to recognize ourselves. I bet BJ can't wait for Trillions of dollars more debt lumped on the backs of hard working Americans under another Repub administration. Wake up and smell the coffee!!

[Alan]

BJ from your comment I'm guessing you are either a female over 40 (however your "name" wouldn't seem to indicate that) or you are a hardworking but uneducated white male.

Regardless whichever is true, I find it sad that HRC identifies the latter group as hers. Best I can tell, she must figure that they're easily confused by lies and mis-statements - sniper fire, NAFTA, FL and MI, rules that she approved, and how to count.

So, answer me this: how many guns are in your gun rack?

[JGM]

UNDERSTAND THIS... no one wants Hilary's fringe voters. PLEASE vote for someone else or stay home!!!

[MOEBLA]

So instead of being loyal to your party you would vote against OBAMA and help the republicans with another coporate interest president. Lets be honest ,will McCain even be competent to assume the position of Commander in Chief? You do yourself and this country a disservice with this Hillary or die attitude, seriously. Wouldnt she be a great Secretary of state or something? We saw the eletion stolen in 2000 by funny math politics. Lets not do it again.

To whom it may concern,
MOEBLA

[bud]

UNDERSTAND THIS... you are a bitter hard core Hillary supporter that Obama doesn't need and would do better without frankly. He doesn't need your vote because your numbers are inconsequential. And no way he takes Hillary as VP.

[Charlie S]

Wow... the Ellen James Society lives. Women accross the country including my daughter will lose the rights over their own bodies because a group of women, who are trying to flatter Hillary Clinton, will oppose her principles and policies in order to show their affection. I don't even think Hillary herself would look kindly on that attitude.

[Andrew]

Everyone should check out an article in the Washington Post about Obama offering Mrs. Clinton the first opening on the Supreme Court during his assumed administration. Quiet interesting on her abilities as a Vice President vs. that as a Justice. I would be an olive branch to the Clintonians yet close the door to some of her criticisms that would arise as a VP.

[NKA]

Obama needs a running mate with a great deal of foreign policy experience. Biden and Richardson fit this guideline. However, what do you think about Colin Powell?

[Marshall]

Why so bitter about Obama, BJ..?? Fortunately for the good of the country, you are wrong and most of Hillary's supporters will end up voting for Obama, but I've been trying to understand the bitterness. Senator Clinton has run a typical political campaign, complete with all of the usual negativity, deception and BS and is being beaten by Senator Obama. Other than the fact that he's beating your preferred candidate, exactly what is your problem with Obama..?? Your candidate is a living example of poor sportsmanship and a sliding scale of values to get what she wants, but her supporters don't have to follow down that low road. If you squint a little, yuo can see the Bush ethics clearly at work in the Clinton campaign and I, for one, have definitely had more than enough of that low road.

[John McCain]

You go girl!

[Sandwall]

Wow, Hillary supporters are really about biting their noses off to spite their face.

Circumstances didn't work out for hillary, while she may have been an excellent democratic candidate she didn't win.

Calling Michigan and Florida into question retrospectively, is not an option.

Face the facts, move on, and vote on the policies, not the individual.

Obama and Clinton are not that different when compared to McCain.

Although, I suppose we can just let it go to the republicans one more round.

[Greg]

I have been a republican most of my adult life. However, I have changed with Bush in the White House.

I will vote for Obama, BUT not Clinton; regardless of the consequences! How about Jane Harman as a VP candidate? The Clintons' are just not good, well intended people. PERIOD!

[Paul]

Somebody has to tell Ms. Clinton it is over! She better spend her time in a more constructive way than pretending she is "fighting for our rights" If she really concerned about the “rights”of Michigan and Florida democrats, it would have been appreciated if she had done it a year ago – before she lost the election. Our main concern at this point is how to win the White House!!

[KML]

Even Hillary Clinton will be smart enough to vote for Obama when the time comes. I am an ardent Obama supporter, but I tell you now that, no matter what happens, I'm voting for the democrat for the good of this country. I don't like the campaign Hillary has run, and I don't like her attitude and disregard for the rules, but I know that another 4-8 years of republicans will be disastrous for America. I can't believe there are people who have lived through 8 years of this abysmal administration that think McCain will be any different... and if they think he'll be the same and still want him... wow.

[Andrew]

Check out an article on washingtonpost.com about Obama offering Mrs. Clinton the first opening on the Supreme Court during his assumed administration. It raises some good thoughts about her abilities as a Vice President vs. that of a Justice. It would offer an olive brach to loyal Clintonians and ward of criticisms the joint ticket could bring. We must remember she could only be VP for 8 years max. A Supreme Court justice is for life; plus she won't have to worry about people liking her anymore.

[rosie]

With Democratic 'friends' like B.J., who needs enemies? That's what Barack would be importing into his campaign, if he picked Hillary --- toxic, irrational supporters. I say any of the other possibilities would be preferable. I understand the need to try to 'fold in' Hillary's supporters and appeal to those who voted for her, but Barack wouldn't be shooting himself in the foot to choose HIllary - he'd be shooting himself in the head! Anyone BUT Hillary, I say -- and I hope his advisors will, too.

[bluejazz]

Hillary Clinton should start to begun a quieter search for her own running mate too. lol

[anthony]

Colin Powell has donated money to McCain's campaign so he's out of the equation. Obama/ Hagel would completely deflate the notion that McCain's one strength is national security. Hagel would be a republican challenging his own party and is as highly regarded for his service as McCain. It may alienate Clinton supporters but it I think the choice would give Obama the advantage on all fronts not to mention starting off on a bipartisan foot.

[BJ]

McClinton will go down in history as the most retarded and insane candidate of all time. I am glad McClinton is not the supreme leader of Iran, otherwise we'd be at war with Iran already.