Barack Obama responds to a report about his wife

Barack Obama, wrapping up a news conference while campaigning in Bend, Ore., had a terse reply when asked about a terse report by columnist Robert Novak on the prospects of an Obama-Hillary Clinton ticket.

"Close-in supporters" of Obama's presidential campaign, Novak wrote, "are convinced he never will offer the vice presidential nomination" to Clinton because of antipathy toward her by the frontrunner's wife, Michelle Obama.

"My wife does not talk to Bob Novak on a regular basis," Obama told the reporters gathered around him, who included The Times' Robin Abcarian.

Somehow, we don't imagine the candidate does, either.

We also don't know if Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts was one of Novak's "close-in" sources, but he had gone on the record about an Obama-Clinton ticket, telling Al Hunt of Bloomberg News that, "I don't think it's possible.''

Michelle Obama was not cited by Kennedy as the reason for his comment; instead, a spokesman for him later said his prediction was based on the "tenor of the campaign'' of late.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[vberryhill]

Ok... so what is the big deal here? Didn't Nancy Reagan influence President Reagan (behind the scenes)? Didn't Hillary Clinton serve as co-president (quasi behind the scenes)? Well... Michelle Obama, who is a bona fide sister-girl... is going to loom large and in charge if there is an Obama administration!

[Rob]

It makes no sense for Obama to pick Hillary for VP. Most of the people who voted for Hillary will ultimately decide to support Obama come November. But, there are some people who are so negative about Hillary that having her on the ticket might lose Obama some votes. In the spirit of change, he should pick someone who is young,smart, and not tightly linked to Washington.

[Joe the Communist]

Well, Novak is a slime-trailing creature of the night who has betrayed his country for a scoop (Plamegate), so he must be relatively well-informed, right?

Right?

--Joe T. Communist
Brooklyn

[ainnj]

The only explaination I can think of for Ted Kennedy's immature and insulting response regarding Senator Clinton as a vp choice, a fellow U.S. Senator, a fellow Democrat and a candidate supported by at least 50% of Democrats in this country, is that Ted has no desire to bring the party back together because he too would like to see John McCain in the White House. It's the only logical explaination. Good job Ted, mission accomplished!

[lightnin']

If he picked her as his running mate, and they were elected (yeah, right!), would she be motivated to do all she could to help him, so that he would more easily be re-elected, or to damage him where she could, so that she would have a better chance of being the candidate in 2012? I hope that I don't appear cynical, or to believe that Hillary would even think of such a thing! Heaven forfend!

Lightnin'

[Ron M]

Novak is a low credibility journalist. He writes what is best for the Republican Party, that is his litmus test for suatibiliity for print.I never found him to add to my knowledge.

(Are you sure? For writing only what's good for the Republicans, he sure caused them a lot of trouble with all that Joe Wilson-Valerie Plame-Scooter Libby coverage.)

[lightnin']

Andrew Malcolm is the father of four non-fiction books? Remarkable!

Lightnin'

(No, read it again. Not 4, 10. Thanks for pointing it out though.)

[Jasikan Boy]

McCain can pick up the phone at 3AM. So can Hillary. These statements were made by Hillary.

She has no chance at the VP slot

[lightnin']

Perhaps you should read it again, Author of 10, father of 4.

Lightnin'

(Don't need to. Here's what you said: "Andrew Malcolm is the father of four non-fiction books?"
That's wrong. It's 10. Thanks for the book mention, which are available on amazon.com)

[gettin' sick of Obamamania]

Obama would make a better vice-president than president (that's even cutting it thin). The man has absolutely no credibility. What has he ever done that he should be head of our country? His candidacy is a crock of crap-ola shine-ola. and I'll be happy to say I told you so when the time comes, and you all are asking, "What happened????".

[A P in North Carolina]

Wow, no need to get nasty. Just be logical. I'm an engineer. I like logic. I like reasoning. I like problem solving. I love math. The truth is in the numbers. A lot of people love Obama, a lot of people love Clinton. It is what it is. Obama has won this nomination, because there is no math that can make it possible for Clinton to win. Let's get on with our fight against another third Bush term.

[George Edward]

Fifty percent of the Democrats may like Hillary, but seventy-five percent of the Independants and one hundred percent of the Republicans don't!

[MissClarity]

Hillary has a spirit of contrainess as witnessed by her lies (contrary to truth) as sabotaging herself time and again (she overspent with no planning and owes lots of people lots of money) as seen in her narcissistic persona (she thinks everything she says is justified) as view from the obvious spirtualistness of her mocking of God when she said "the clouds will open, there will be celestial choirs singing and there will be light." She can't even fake nice for very long. I'm sorry for whatever happened to her long ago to make her eligible for being fired from the Watergate investigating committee at such a yound age and yet it was an indicator of a life to come because the past always predicts the future (The Prince, read it) and there is so much history to support her devisiveness. Now is a good time for her to do what she taught her daughter as outlined in her "it takes a village" just keep smiling. To expect a man of character and values to join with the likes of Hillary is to be contrary to the scripture "separate yourself from the evil ones". Amen

[MissClarity]

In my opinion H. Clinton would be more out of control as Vice President than she is during the prliminaries. Her nature is that of sabotour not supportor. And if for a moment we get a glimpse of support character it is only a portrayal. We need a VP of substance and content reflected in honorable values and characteristics we want the future generations of children to reflect on and copycat. YES OUR CHILDREN CAN

[ColinSF]

Those who decry Obama's qualifications should explain first what Dick Cheney's and Rumsfeld's vast experience netted this country. Possibly as much as $6 trillion in debt, not to mention "soft" cost and misery. Spare me experience. Give me someone with good judgment, as Obama recently demonstrated over the phony gas tax holiday.

[Gaias Child]

Don't we have Robert Novak to thank for destroying the career and putting the life at risk of Valerie Plame out of Bushish revenge on Joe Wilson or was that some other columnist? If it is Robert Novak, I feel very much that this is a reporter contaminated by the love of power, willing to manipulate, willing to destroy in someone else's name. The layers of innuendo in this are endless. What Robert Novak ought to be doing is nominating Senator Clinton for John McCain's running mate. That's the only way McCain will ever beat Obama, and that might not work either.

[Gaias Child]

PS Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame are doing an ad for Clinton now running in Oregon.

[lightnin']

It has been conservatively estimated that if Obama pulls his ears back, he can get by with using just one earring for both! Go, Hillary!

Lightnin'

[yew ann]

This is what happens when you have dirt on the Clintons :
1 - James McDougal - Clinton's convicted Whitewater partner died of an apparent heart attack,
while in solitary confinement. He was a key witness in Ken Starr's investigation.
2 - Mary Mahoney - A former White House intern was murdered July 1997 at a Starbucks Coffee
Shop in Georgetown. The murder happened just after she was to go public with her story of sexual
harassment in the White House.
3 - Vince Foster - Former white House councilor, and colleague of Hillary Clinton at Little Rock's
Rose Law firm. Died of a gunshot wound to the head, ruled a suicide.
4 - Ron Brown - Secretary of Commerce and former DNC Chairman. Reported to have died by impact
in a plane crash. A pathologist close to the investigation reported that there was a hole in the top of
Brown's skull resembling a gunshot wound. At the time of his death Brown was being investigated,
and spoke publicly of his willingness to cut a deal with prosecutors.
5 - C. Victor Raiser II and Montgomery Raiser, Major players in the Clinton fund raising organization
died in a private plane crash in July 1992.
6 - Paul Tulley - Democratic National Committee Political Director found dead in a hotel room in
Little Rock, September 1992... Described by Clinton as a "Dear friend and trusted advisor."
7- Ed Willey - Clinton fund raiser, found dead November 1993 deep in the woods in VA of a gunshot
wound to the head. Ruled a suicide. Ed Willey died on the same day his wife Kathleen Willey claimed
Bill Clinton groped her in the oval office in the White House. Ed Willey was involved in several
Clinton fund raising events.
8 - Jerry Parks - Head of Clinton's gubernatorial security team in Little Rock. Gunned down in his
car at a deserted intersection outside Little Rock. Park's son said his father was building a dossier on
Clinton. He allegedly threatened to reveal this information. After he died the files were mysteriously
removed from his house.
9 - James Bunch - Died from a gunshot suicide. It was reported that he had a "Black Book" of people
which contained names of influential people who visited prostitutes in Texas and Arkansas.
10 - James Wilson - Was found dead in May 1993 from an apparent hanging suicide. He was reported
to have ties to Whitewater.
11- Kathy Ferguson, ex-wife of Arkansas Trooper Danny Ferguson, was found dead in May 1994, in
her living room with a gunshot to her head. It was ruled a suicide even though there were several
packed suitcases, as if she were going somewhere. Danny Ferguson was a co-defendant along with
Bill Clinton in the Paula Jones lawsuit. Kathy Ferguson was a possible corroborating witness for Paula
Jones.
12 - Bill Shelton - Arkansas State Trooper and fiancee of Kathy Ferguson. Critical of the suicide ruling
of his fiancee, he was found dead in June, 1994 of a gunshot wound also ruled a suicide at the grave
site of his fiancee.
13 - Gandy Baugh - Attorney for Clinton's friend Dan Lassater, died by jumping out a window of a
tall building January, 1994. His client was a convicted drug distributor.
14 - Florence Martin - Accountant & sub-contractor for the CIA, was related to the Barry Seal Mena
Airport drug smuggling case. He died of three gunshot wounds.
15 - Suzanne Coleman - Reportedly had an affair with Clinton when he was Arkansas Attorney
General. Died of a gunshot wound to the back of the head, ruled a suicide. Was pregnant at the time
of her death.
16 - Paula Grober - Clinton's speech interpreter for the deaf from 1978 until her death December 9,
1992. She died in a one car accident.
17 - Danny Casolaro - Investigative reporter. Investigating Mena Airport and Arkansas Development
Finance Authority. He slit his wrists, apparently, in the middle of his investigation.
18 - Paul Wilcher - Attorney investigating corruption at Mena Airport with Casolaro and the 1980 "
October Surprise" was found dead on a toilet June 22, 1993 in his Washington DC apartment. Had
delivered a report to Janet Reno three weeks before his death
19 - Jon Parnell Walker - Whitewater investigator for Resolution Trust Corp. Jumped to his death
from his Arlington, Virginia apartment balcony August15, 1993. He was investigating the Morgan
Guarantee scandal.
20 - Barbara Wise - Commerce Department staffer. Worked closely with Ron Brown and John Huang.
Cause of death unknown. Died November 29, 1996. Her bruised, nude body was found locked in her
office at the Department of Commerce.
21- Charles Meissner - Assistant Secretary of Commerce who gave John Huang special security
clearance, died shortly thereafter in a small plane crash.
22 - Dr. Stanley Heard - Chairman of the National Chiropractic Health Care Advisory Committee,
died with his attorney Steve Dickson in a small plane crash. Dr. Heard, in addition to serving on
Clinton's advisory council personally treated Clinton's mother, stepfather and brother.
23 - Barry Seal - Drug running pilot out of Mena, Arkansas, death was no accident.
24 - Johnny Lawhorn Jr. - Mechanic, found a check made out to Bill Clinton in the trunk of a car left
at his repair shop. He was found dead after his car had hit a utility pole.
25 - Stanley Huggins - Investigated Madison Guarantee. His death was a purported suicide and his
report was never released.
26- Hershell Friday - Attorney and Clinton fund raiser died March 1, 1994 when his plane exploded.
27 - Kevin Ives and Don Henry - Known as "The boys on the track" case. Reports say the boys may
have stumbled upon the Mena Arkansas airport drug operation. A controversial case, the initial report
of death said, due to falling asleep on railroad tracks. Later reports claim the two boys had been slain
before being placed on the tracks. Many linked to the case died before their testimony could come

before a Grand Jury.
THE FOLLOWING PERSONS HAD INFORMATION ON THE IVES/HENRY CASE:
28 - Keith Coney - Died when his motorcycle slammed into the back of a truck, July 1988.
29 - Keith McMaskle - Died stabbed 113 times, Nov, 1988
30 - Gregory Collins - Died from a gunshot wound January 1989.
31 - Jeff Rhodes - He was shot, mutilated and found burned in a trash dump in April 1989.
33 - James Milan - Found decapitated. However, the Coroner ruled his death was due to "natural
causes."
34 - Jordan Kettleson - Was found shot to death in the front seat of his pickup truck in June 1990.
35 - Richard Winters - A suspect in the Ives / Henry deaths. He was killed in a set-up robbery July 1989.
THE FOLLOWING CLINTON BODYGUARDS ARE DEAD: 36 - Major William S. Barkley Jr. 37
- Captain Scott J. Reynolds 38 - Sgt. Brian Hanley 39 - Sgt. Tim Sabel 40 - Major General William
Robertson 41 - Col. William Densberger 42 - Col. Robert Kelly 43 - Spec. Gary Rhodes 44 - Steve
Willis 45 - Robert Williams 46 - Conway LeBleu 47 - Todd McKeehan
Quite an impressive list! Pass this on. Let the public become aware of what happens to anyone who
might damage the Clinton machine

[Jean]

Barack would be MUCH BETTER OFF choosing a woman who (as Ted Kennedy would describe it) appeals to the better instincts of Americans - like the governor of Arizona or U.S. senator from Missouri. As postive-energy women, either Napolitano or McCaskill would help bring the women followers of Clinton back into the Democratic fold. If he doesn't choose one of these, it may be because he feels he needs foreign policy experience (Jim Webb?) on the ticket. But a woman might help solidify the fractures which Clinton has chiseled into the Democratic base. It just could never be done by Clinton herself.

[Gaias Child]

How could Obama put Clinton on the ticket or on the cabinet with her inability to collaborate as an equal, with her reckless selfish ambition, what I've heard called terminal narcissism, and with her adopting all the horrible tactics of the Karl Rove years. You know he started out getting W voted governor of Texas by circulating a rumor that Ann Richards was gay ... that kind of inneundo, character assassination, smearing and sneering ... now Clinton has done it all and oddly enough, it seems to be hurting her more than Obama. We may be having a paradigm shift. Lord knows we need one. We need to mature here on Planet Earth and become more conscious.

[Debarak]

"Well... Michelle Obama, who is a bona fide sister-girl... is going to loom large and in charge if there is an Obama administration!""

Well, here is the problem, this is the White House, not "cribs' on M.T.V.

[Cody]

You people need to do some research.
There are far too many deaths and murders linked to the Clintons. Obama don't need to be no where near them when he is president.

[Ann]

After the dirty politics that Hilary has played, Obama should not choose her as VP. If she is on the ticket, Republicans and Independants who would vote for Obama will feel forced to vote for Mcain, because I know a lot of them dislike her. I think he would be better off choosing someone like Bill Richardson, who is Hispanic and has had a lot of diplomatic and political experience. I think John Edwards, who is quite charismatic, would be a good choice for VP too.

[Inaru]

Despite some very pitiful insults to Future First Lady Obama by some very bitter people, there are going to be three new females in the White House - Michelle, Malia and Sasha. As a bona fide feminist, I prefer working my butt of to get them in, than to return the Clintons to the scene of the crimes. Her campaign, her choice of campaign managers, and her husband all sank her with me. Guess she's not that smart a politician after all.

[Michael Ohan, Sweden]

I had always thought of the Clintons as refined and noble people, but the way and manner with which Hillary Clinton has conducted her campaign so far has changed that impression. She talks so rudely about her opponents and she wants to make you think that there is no one else in America who is as wise as herself. That stinks! But it has become evident that she is a lousy administrator, one who cannot even manage a party primary and win. Where then is the so-called experience that she boasts about? Isn't it now very clear that barack Obama is the one that has what it takes to govern a country like Ameria? Just look at the way he has conducted his campaign and winning all the way? Check out how he has criss-crossed the whole country bringing along with him the message of hope and change, and gannering followers like a colossus. Well, as for choosing Clinton for running-mate, I know that Obama is a wise man, we all can see that; and I trust he will make the right decision.

[Rob]

The idea of an Obama-Clinton ticket is absurd. Here is the strategy, Senator Obama....and listen to what I predict here: pick a woman, yes, one who can seem to resemble Hillary in some respects, but did not lo ball you over the past year (see ABC debate..). This woman should be someone like...Katherine Sibelius (the governor of Kansas).... new, fresh very capable, very professional, no baggage, and who will draw back the vote among women....or Nancy Pelosi, even better. Handles herself extremely well ,and doesn't take guff either.

Next point: the experience issue. How can everyone forget the fact that 4 of the previous 5 presidents had never been in Washington in any capacity when elected? Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and Bush II. Wake up people --- this experience thing is ridiculous. Oh -- I remember Nixon -- lots of experience.

[Ruth]

You will find the so called Clinton death list refuted at www.snopes.com/politics/clintons/bodycount.asp

[lawrence kornfeld]

What if we all discussed politics with a little dignity? The Blog World has become more and more vicious and illogical than the professional pundits, media and politicians.

Contention should not mean hysteria; the Blogs are beginning to represent the violence of our world and that's very sad.

Is dignity even a possibility? I believe the popularity of Obama is that he has an inherent dignified manner that makes people hopeful, and it comes from his character, not a tactical pose. I do hope he continues doing so. That alone could be a part of healing us from the malice and meanness of the last eight years.

I don't mean propriety! I mean calm, reasoning, smart, adult behavior.

[jacksmith]

HILLARY CLINTON CAN BEST WIN IN NOVEMBER:

It's time for everyone to face the truth. Barack Obama has no real chance of winning the national election in November at this time. His crushing defeat in Pennsylvania, and loss in Indiana makes that fact crystal clear. His best, and only real chance of winning in November is on a ticket with Hillary Clinton as her VP.

Sen. Obama has zero chance of winning against the republican attack machine, and their unlimited money, and resources without Hillary Clinton. Zero chance.

It is absolutely essential that the democrats take back the Whitehouse in November. America, and the American people are in a very desperate condition now. And the whole World has been doing all that they can to help keep us propped up.

Hillary Clinton say's that the heat, and decisions in the Whitehouse are much tougher than the ones on the campaign trail. But I think Sen. Obama faces a test of whether he has what it takes to be a commander and chief by facing the difficult facts, and the truth before him. And by doing what is best for the American people by dropping out of the race, and offering his whole hearted assistance to Hillary Clinton to help her take back the Whitehouse for the American people, and the World.

Sen. Obama is a great speaker. And I am confident he can explain to the American people the need, and wisdom of such a personal sacrifice for them. It should be clear to everyone by now that Hillary Clinton is fighting her heart out for the American people. She has known for a long time that Sen. Obama can not win this November. You have to remember that the Clinton's have won the Whitehouse twice before. They know what it takes.

If Sen. Obama fails his test of commander and chief we can only hope that Hillary Clinton can continue her heroic fight for the American people. And that she prevails. She will need all the continual support and help we can give her. She may fight like a superhuman. But she is only human.

Don't be fooled by the pledged delegate, and math arguments. Neither candidate has the necessary pledged delegates. The entire delegates counts, and votes from Florida, and Michigan are not even being counted. Plus the democratic caucuses, and primarys have been heavily corrupted by fraud, and vote cheating. The only relevant question now is who can best WIN IN NOVEMBER and take back the Whitehouse for the American people. And the answer is HILLARY CLINTON. Everyone knows that now.

Sincerely

Jacksmith... Working Class :-)

p.s. I have been under heavy attacks for some time now. But it wont stop me. :-)

[richard]

Robert Novak is a nonentity and a traitor.

[Miri NY]

Please Obama, McCain, Nader anybody. Put her on the ticket. Pay off her debts. Make her Miss America.
Just get this do nothing racist carpetbagger the heck out of NY. I know she won the primary. How could she not? The NY Democratic party turned itself over to her. Any Dem who disagreed was marginalized. There were precincts where no other candidate recorded any votes.
While you're at it take her crew of sycophants including Uncle Tom Rangel too. We won't miss them. We'll replace them w/ people who care about NY & the USA.
We have Bloomberg for Governor and a few Dems actually had the guts to stand up to her we can send to Congress. Who needs Bishop when we have Cooper and there are lots of people ready to take on Rangel.

[Heir]

No, if Obama picks Clinton, he's still going to win. People are just that wipped into voting Obama. Sure there will be some who won't vote for him because they hate Hillary Clinton so much, but he can just flash that awesome smile of his and get them to swoon in not time! Obama better be careful though because there will be a ALOT more voters coming out at the general election, and some of them want to make sure Obama does NOT get elected. Just because Obama may be the nominee doesn't necessarily mean that the *people will vote him in. He needs Clinton or someone who can pull some weight to win this thing. Anyone he picks at this point will seem to detract from Obama though in my opinion. Maybe Edwards would work. I think Edwards hasn't made up his mind yet. If he endorses Obama, and Clinton goes independent and actually wins the presidency, which mind you could still happen with all the votes from MI and FL speaking, he would be sol. Edwards know this, Obama knows this and Clinton knows this. The best thing they could do to ensure victory if that's what they want is Clinton will accept a VP position to Obama and they will surely win. Obama is going to need the white vote. The black vote was almost unanimous in some places, which by the way is division politics. That was an embarrassment with what happened in Carolina. Just because he is black , there should at least be a better spread than that. Anyway, if Obama tries to add another name to the ticket, that could backfire especially if that name has it's own bag of problems; whoever he chose would have to be vetted and all of the skeletons revealed in time for the election. I think Obama is realizing more and more the real game of politics. Everyone knows his wife doesn't like Hillary Clinton, but he needs to be realistic. He cannot let sleeping on the couch mess up his chances at the presidency. Sometimes you have to make strange bedfellows just to get what you want in politics. This may be one of those times.

[Ana Sarca]

If Obama is crazy enough to allow HRC on the ticket, and they get elected ... whoa! He'd better sleep with one eye open and Secret Service tightly surrounding him 24/7. I get the feeling HRC would do anything to get the top spot.

[SFriedman]

I just plan to write in Hillary, she shouldn't be vice president. She should be president.