BREAKING NEWS: Hillary Clinton 'open' to veep spot

The Associated Press, continuing to lead the way in reporting the breaking developments in the wrap-up to the Democratic presidential race, writes that Hillary Clinton has told unspecified lawmakers from her home state of New York that she is "open" to joining the party's national ticket as Barack Obama's running mate.

Lacking an unequivocal, no-way, no-how denial from the Clinton camp, the news should significantly increase public calls from her supporters for Obama to offer her the post. And, conversely, it should spark a full-throated debate among Obama backers as to whether that would be a good or bad thing.

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, a staunch Clinton ally, helped get the ball rolling earlier today on what some Democrats view as the "dream ticket" scenario.

In an interview with CNN in which she said the "moment of truth" had arrived for Clinton to end her presidential quest, Feinstein added, "I’m a very strong supporter of Hillary being placed on the ticket as a vice presidential candidate.”

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Laurent]

No way, not a chance. Any advantage Hillary might bring to the ticket -- which may in any case be outweighted by electoral disadvantages -- are less important than the fact that having Hillary and, even more so, Bill lurking around the White House during an Obama presidency would be a complete disaster.

[kiwiJerky]

I'm all for it. Let us as a country NOT have McCain in office for 4 more years of the same destructive behavior we're supposedly "used" to now.

[Loribeth]

I don't think Hillary is a good choice for VP. Though she certainly is a strong candidate in terms of bringing in almost an equal number of voters, ultimately, there is far too much baggage associated with her and her husband (Now there's a new story about a potential tryst between Bill and Gina Gershon...it never ends!) Plus choosing Hillary may put Obama at risk of being seen as a puppet of a past president and make people wonder who is really running things. I think it's not a wise choice. Plus, all of Hillary's constituency will vote for Obama with or without Hillary as VP.

[Brian in Manhattan]

This is pathetic. If she wanted to be offered to be the VP, she should have gracefully negotiated that months ago. Instead, she has proven herself to be completely antithetical to the campaign Obama has been running. "Change We Can Believe In" versus "Change I Must Lead".

This is not a "dream ticket". People who think it is need to read the book "The No-@sshole Rule". Hillary will not benefit a White House unified on positive change.

If Hillary is on the Democratic ticket, my vote goes elsewhere. Period.

[vicweast]

Obama would be INSANE to have Hillary on his ticket.

I liked Hillary a few months back, but seriously she's evil. As evil as the Bush machine, as evil as many who are close to Obama.

It's a tough battle for a black man to be elected President -- that's reality. I would vote for the man, his skin color is not an issue for me: But it is a very real issue for many Americans.

It's a tough battle for a woman to be elected President -- that's reality too... And Hillary brings special Republican anti-body luggage with her. A whole room full of luggage. Half of which is Bill's luggage. Face it: Most Republicans HATE Hillary. There isn't a more unifying force for Republicans than their hate of Hillary and Bill Clinton. I don't understand it, but I know it is as real as the sky above.

Hillary as Obama's running mate? A joke.

[nic]

yep! that'd be -so perfect, that somehow I feel that it's not going to happen.

[Donnie from WV]

I am a strong supporter of Senator Obama, but if Hillary Clinton is on the ticket as VP I will not vote for anyone in the pesidential campaign. I feel Senator Obama needs to put someone in the VP postion that reflects his ideology, honesty and his idea of a change in Washinton, Senator Clinton does not!

[KYJurisDoctor]

For Barack Obama, having BILLARY Clinton as Vice President would be like having a Live SNAKE under the bed covers!

[RicRoe]

Clinton as possible VP candidate would hand Republicans a November victory.

Clinton represents everything that is wrong in Washington, divisiveness, partisan political opposition, and strong negative campaign tactics would all become part of an Obama campaign severely diluting the politics of change Obama has campaigned for.

Obama does not need Hillary Clinton, or worse, the sideshow that accompanies the former President which would provide endless fodder for Republicans in the run up to the election.

Clinton as a VP candidate would be all many would need to jump from Obama and vote for McCain. Offering Clinton the VP slot on an Obama ticket would send voters a mixed message of old and new politics which would surely serve to keep the White House in Republican hands come November.

I could support Obama candidacy for change for President based on a simple ABC principle... as far as Vice President is concerned, Anyone But Clinton.

[Mark Mulligan]

I don't much care for marriages of convenience. Hillary Clinton comes with so much baggage for Obama's "agent of change" message that I think he could better. Her no. 1 disdvantage on the list is her blowhard husband the ex-President. No. 2 is her changeability and No. 3 her tendency to be deceptive. She's a little nightmare for Obama basically. That said, Hillary brings huge numbers of devoted followers, particulary, women and blue collar voters. I'd pick someone else and unless she finds a way to force him to accept her as his running mate, which is possible, I'd choose someone else for sure. Gov. Kathleen Sibelius, Sen Jim Webb and Gov. Bill Richardson--in no particular order--might fit the bill.

[Russ S.]

Just imagine. We might end up getting the dream ticket after all. And we thought it was impossible.

Clintona and Obama 2008-2016! Clinton again 2016-2024!

[Jonathan]

Hillary, Hillary, go away
Don't come back another day
Barack Obama is here to stay
Hillary, Hilary, go AWAY.

[Spouting the Obvious]

So yet another ploy form the Clinton administration. Sure we fully believe you will assist Obama without any backstabbing antics, and with the utmost sincerity.

Who wants an angry snake at their neck for the next four years (two if you count the hubby)? Granted it would cinch the likelihood of a Democratic administration, but at what cost?

We wouldn't even have any fears of not winning the white house, if she wouldn't have dragged this fiasco on for so long. The ruthlessness of HRC knows no bounds.

[Tom]

A lot of these bloggers need to grow up! An Obama Clinton ticket, if you simply look at how the primary states have gone, WOULD unite Democratic voters and give Obama a better chance at beating McCain. Also, Clinton's experience and work ethic combined with Obama's charisma and intelligence would be a great compliment on a ticket together. TWO FIRSTS for the price of one. Our FIRST African American President and our FIRST Female Vice President. It's great.

[Natalie]

Just go back to New York Hillary. No one wants to see you and your sex maniac partner near the white house.

[DEMOCRAT VOTER]

IF CLINTON GIVES UP TO OBAMA I WILL VOTE REBLICATION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE. OBAMA CAN'T EVEN CARRY CLINTON'S SHOES.EVERYONE IN THE USA WILL BE VERY SORRY THEY VOTED HIM IN.

[MARGIE]

THANK GOD ALMIGHTY WE ARE FREE AT LAST OF THE CLINTONS!!! WOOOHOOOOOOO!!! FREE AT LAST FREE AT LAST. THANK GOD ALMIGHT WE ARE FREE AT LAST!!!!

[D.]

I have been a staunch Obama backer, even though I am registered as a Republican, but if this woman is put on the ballot as VP, I will not be voting for Obama. This is the worst choice he could make. I don't like McCain as a choice and this woman is even worse.

[BJ]

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

The voting will be for PRESIDENT, NOT VP... so this is a dumb way to get Hillary supporters to vote for Obama.

Hillary, go Independent!

Hillary or McCain '08

[Soonerthought]

Heck no. I would not want to have my Veep choice dictated to me--and Obama won't either. Besides, that's Joe Biden's job, not Hillary's.

[Steve S]

I think Obama would be a fool to let the Clintons into his campaign. Way too much baggage!!

[Dr. Jesse Kally-Williams]

This woman, Mrs. Clinton, does not deserve any post in Obama's regime. She campaigned vigorously for McCain, so let her seek the VP post in McCain's backyard. Obama is not under any obligation to play the magnanimity of Abraham Lincoln. The opponents or enemies Lincoln employed in his regime did not harbour in their hearts the possibility of his assassination. This woman has crossed the Rubicon. Somebody wishing for your assassination is not someone you will like to have hanging around you. And if a candidate feels so strongly that you have taken what is hers by right, by marriage, then let her go away and bask in her self-pity. No act of magnanimity will change Clinton’s heart. She has gone too far, the White House is not the property of the Clintons. Obama will be foolish to share his presidency with Bill Clinton. The civilised world is waiting for Obama to lead, NOT the Clintons again!

[Bob]

BIG MISTAKE!

Hillary would be second-guessing Obama every step of the way while pushing her own agendas and Bubba would be fighting for the lime-light in between chasing interns around the Whitehouse grounds!

Hillary, the Queen of Spin and a Legend in Her Own Mind!

http://klintons.com

[Dean]

It is not a good idea to put her on the VP ticket. Secretary of Health and Human Services with a direct impact on getting health care reform accomplished is much better suited for Billary. I would like to see Obama choose either Webb or Biden.

[Aminah Carroll]

Obama needs to put her in an appointed cabinet job from which she can be fired if she and her husband continue to do their damndest to derail the party and stir up trouble. Id shee is in an elected positon he has his hands tied if either or both of them act out destructively.
congratulations to Senator Obama.
and Thank God he has survived, and his campaign triumphed over the Clintons' powermongering and suual dirty tricks.