Hold on! Hillary could still be VP, Obama says, but...

Barack Obama's presidential campaign hasn't said much about it, but this whole unity thing with the die-hard supporters of Hillary Clinton is proving more difficult to accomplish than envisioned.

She's urged her donors to support Obama and he's urged his supporters to help erase her campaign debt, except when he forgets.

But in between public engagements Obama is apparently reaching out to some recalcitrant Clinton backers with sympathetic phone calls during which he at least mentions that the New York senator he defeated is actually on his list of running mates.

This is one of those political claims that really can't be verified and may be aimed more at soothing ruffled feathers for now. In a few weeks it could disappear in a political puff, leaving no trace but having accomplished its calming summertime purpose.

A top former Clinton aide, Howard Wolfson, said on Fox News yesterday that he knew of no VP vetting process underway concerning his ex-boss.

But The Times' Peter Nicholas is reporting on this website tonight that Obama has told at least one unhappy Hillary supporter that his former opponent is indeed on his VP list.

Jill Iscol, a loyal Democratic donor and ardent Clinton backer, said Obama made that statement when she raised the Clinton VP issue in a recent phone call by saying Hillary was his best choice.

But, Iscol said, Obama added that he was also pondering a "complication" to that scenario.

You'll never guess what that complication is. Or, rather, who it is. Yup, Bill Clinton. Once a president, always a president, Iscol quoted Obama as saying, even when the word "former" comes before the word "president."

Many political observers and a lot of Clinton supporters think adding Hillary to the ticket would be the sure-fire best way to unify the party for the Nov. 4 general election. But, given the headstrong ex-president who's not really seemed all that publicly pleased about the Obama nomination, it could also be the sure-fire best way to divide an Obama administration.

The White House might seem a little crowded with one new president, one former president and one thought-she-oughta-be-president. Peter's detailed story on the unfolding confidential vice presidential discussions is here.

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo credit: Mario Tama / Getty Images

Comments

[Ben]

How about this complication?

Vice President Bill Clinton.

Yes, he can run for vice president - and become president again - via succession.

Presidents are only barred from being *elected* more than twice, not becoming president via succession.

Ref: http://www.slate.com/id/1006013/

[VJ Machiavelli]

One by one Hillary Soprano is making offers that Obama's VP choice's can't refuse. In the end their will only be Hillary Soprano.

VJ Machiavelli
http://www.vjmachiavelli.blogspot.com

[davesoko1]

It's obvious O is just trying to soothe these donors. It would be cruel of him to just up and say she's not even being considered when he's talking to them! He's a politician!
of course he has always said she'd be on anybody's short list! whenever he's asked he says that. People need to stop pressuringt the O man it makes him weak in the eyes of everybody and probably himself. It's his choice, he's gotta live with the two of them if he chooses her and it'll be a nightmare. They steal the show now with all their drama. The press eats it up. But that will eat O's peace up cause he's a no drama Obama.
This lady heard what she wanted to hear obviously and this hearsay story didn't even need to be printed.

[xbjlllb]

How's this for a complication... he's a flip flopping liar.

[Alessandro Machi]

Dave Soko,

I think the record shows that from the beginning, there was deceit and media bias against the Clintons. My most recent article on http://www.caucuscheating.com blog documents it. Actually, I have a lot documented but it is only the tip of the iceberg.

Barack Obama's biggest problem is he rushed his own success, and he rushed it by agreeing to be backed by George Soros and all that money. The George Soros train includes MoveOn.org, Media Matters, Huffington Post, MSNBC, Newsweek, and even CNN to a lesser degree.

Barack owes a lot of people a lot if he successfully becomes the next president, and they will turn on him if he doesn't do what they want him to do. How is that scenario one that will allow for change?

http://www.HILLARY-WINS.com
http://www.FAIR-REFLECTION.com
http://www.WALLSTREETCHANGE.com

[kaymar]

Obama will pick Hillary for VP only if he fall behind in the polls. It will be another flip flop. Democrats wise up. You have once again picked a canidate who has no chance of winning.

[pacificGatePost]

OBAMA REALLY HAS LITTLE CHOICE IN HIS RUNNING MATE

At least not if he wants to guarantee his seat in the Oval Office.

http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/06/obamas-vice-president.html

Only arrogance would do otherwise.

[Robert Lewis]

Santa Monica resident and head of Fox News gives $4,600 to Hillary's campaign and $12,500 to the Democrats. His wife was a maximum donor to Obama. See the FEC Filings

http://webofdeception.com/#chernin

[Jason]

It's kids that voted for Obama and older people with guilt . The choice was obvious in the beginning that Hillary was to seat the Oval office. We are living in a hip hop pop culture right now .This culture is ruining our values and moral in this country. Sometimes just doing the right thing causes much more damage than we can imagine.In most cases doing the smart thing is easily overlooked cause everyone wants to be on the same bandwagon with the pop star. Good luck to our Dem party cause the grass is not green on either side of the field anymore and the Repubs know this already.

[LS51]

I continue to hear Bill's name brought up as if he's a liability. In fact, he's got a lot of support across the country, particularly in regions where Obama's support is marginal. If Obama wants to be president of the entire U.S., he really needs to bring in the Clintons. Does Obama really have such a weak ego that he can't have powerful people serving in the White House with him? If that's the case, our country will not only have an inexperienced president, but a weak cabinet as well. With the problems our country is facing, I want the Clintons to be involved, not excluded. Our nation cannot afford to allow brilliant people to sit on the sidelines.

[Steven]

On balance, Hillary Clinton would add alot to an Obama Presidency - Americans are feeling alot of unease out there - as excited as they are about him - a steady hand that both Clintons provide can't be a bad thing.

http://nyherald.com/obama-hillary-still-on-vp-list-bill-complicates-decision/147.html

[marie]

In the light of all the acceptable sexism we've seen in the media, I assert that Osama is icky. I also say that McCain is old and icky. Hillary was the only real choice. Let us hope that the DNC will change their mind in Denver.