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Obama: I'm Not Running For VP
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ShareMarch 10, 2008 1:55 PM
ABC News' David Wright, Sunlen Miller and Andy Fies Report: Sen. Barack Obama pushed back hard Monday against the notion of a "dream ticket" with him in the number two spot.
In recent days, Sen. Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton have both floated the idea of a joint ticket as a way to settle the nomination, suggesting that's where the race is headed.
On a conference call with reporters Monday, Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson argued Obama hasn't passed the "commander-in-chief test" but suggested he may pass before the Democratic party's convention in Denver this August in time to be considered as a vice-presidential nominee.
"We do not believe that, as of this point, Senator Obama has passed that key commander-in-chief test," Wolfson said.
"Senator Clinton will not choose any candidate who has not, at the time of choosing, passed the national security threshold - period. But we have a long way to go between now and Denver, and it's not something that she is prepared to rule out at this point. But certainly anyone who is chosen as vice presidential candidate needs to be prepared to be commander-in-chief," Wolfson said.
Today, before an energetic crowd in Columbus MS, Obama not only made clear he's not interested, but also suggested the Clinton's offer is presumptuous and offensive.
Watch the VIDEO HERE
"With all due respect: I have won twice as many states as Senator Clinton; I have won more of the popular vote than Senator Clinton; I have more delegates than Senator Clinton," Obama said. "So I don't know how someone in 2nd place is offering the vice presidency to the person in first place."
Obama also questioned how the Clinton campaign could argue, in the same breath, that he is not ready to be commander in chief.
"I don't understand," Obama said. "If I'm not read how come you think I'd be such a great VP."
In a May 1992 interview with CBS, Bill Clinton outlined his own criteria for VP, saying that the most important quality is finding someone who would be a good president "if, God forbid, something happened to me the week after I took office."
Obama argued he is better equipped than Clinton to serve in the Oval Office: "The most important thing when you answer the phone at 3AM is what kind of judgment you have, not how long you've been in Washington. And I believe I have shown better judgment than Sen. Clinton."
Obama suggested the Clinton VP talking points are an effort to hoodwink the electorate, by suggesting the voters can have both Clinton and Obama.
"Am I clear? I want to make sure I'm absolutely clear," Obama said. "You are going to have to make a choice. Are you going with the past or the future?"
As if to make sure he was being crystal clear, Obama added once more: "I am not running for Vice President."
March 10, 2008 in Bush, George W., Kucinich, Dennis, Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (140)
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There is no question in my mind that Obama will be called to testify. It is about time Brian Ross started to peel back the onion on Obama. So far, he's had an easy ride. Things are beginning to change.
Posted by: Nia | Mar 10, 2008 2:02:23 PM
The more I read about Obama, the more shocking and ugly this starts to get.
Posted by: Jeff | Mar 10, 2008 2:04:00 PM
Obama is GREAT!!!! He really put HIlary in her place......what audacity to offer VP to him when she is in 2nd PLACE!!!!
Posted by: michaelinphilly | Mar 10, 2008 2:08:13 PM
The deviousness of the Clintons - both of them - takes my breath away. The degree of maneuvering and manipulation they are capable of is absolutely astonishing. This was apparent when Bill Clinton was in the White House and would become apparent again if they manage to weasel their way in at the DNC. Enough already! Go away! You won't have my vote under any circumstances.
Posted by: Brenna | Mar 10, 2008 2:09:25 PM
That's what i'm talking about.. NO WAY IN THE HELL!!!!!
Posted by: Lawrence | Mar 10, 2008 2:13:14 PM
Thank you for putting her in her place. Her claim of foriegn experience is centered on Irish peace claims which was just mocked by the Irish government and a Nobel winner this weekend as not being true.
Posted by: james | Mar 10, 2008 2:13:47 PM
The "hoodwinked and bamboozled" line sounds almost like a line that Denzel Washington says in the movie "Malcom X". Does Obama know something about "hoodwinking and bamboozling"? We may find out from the Rezko trial.
Posted by: rs | Mar 10, 2008 2:22:06 PM
THE INCREDIBLE NONSENSE OF THESE TWO CANDIDATES WILL BE THE DEMISE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. CLINTON CRITICIZES OBAMA AND SAYS HE IS NOT READY OR EXPERIANCED BUT FEELS HE IS READY TO BE VP? CLINTON IS THE MOST HYPOCRITICAL LIAR & MANIPULATOR ON EARTH -THE MORE WOMEN DON'T OPEN THEIR EYES TO THIS FACT- MORE OF THESE SAME WOMEN WILL NOT BE RESPECTED IN THE FUTURE. THINK ABOUT IT.WAKE UP LADIES & GENTS. NEITHER DEM IS READY OR QUALIFIED. MOVE ON.
Posted by: JACK | Mar 10, 2008 2:22:13 PM
The real dream ticket is Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. Just makes me tingle to think of it. John McCain could not stand a chance with these two as opposition.
Posted by: Mary Miles | Mar 10, 2008 2:22:48 PM
Actually john mcCain would beat a Hillary/ Edward ticket. The democrats would lose the african americans, young, independents and several republican voters. Obama/ Edward is unstoppable. Because Edwards brings Hillary supporters and Obama maintains his.
Posted by: Obama4US | Mar 10, 2008 2:26:29 PM
"I don't understand," Obama said. "If I'm not ready how come you think I'd be such a great VP."
Says it all here. Sad how many people fall for the Clintons lame politics. Why are you all so comfortable with the wool being pulled over your eyes.
Posted by: Will | Mar 10, 2008 2:26:31 PM
I could not believe that Hill has such nerves to even want to offer the VP to the guy who is running first. Please woman get tour act together.We don't even want you on the Obama ticket, you too polirized. Yes your husband was a good president but we also remember all the scandal from the 90th.It's time to get out of the race & let the party union for the Nov. againt Republican.
Posted by: L | Mar 10, 2008 2:30:20 PM
The real dream ticket is Barack Obama and John Edwards. Just makes me tingle to think of it. John McCain could not stand a chance with these two as opposition.
Posted by: Deep Release | Mar 10, 2008 2:30:43 PM
America wake up!
Obama is NOT qualified to run our country. We need someone that knows the ins and outs of Washington.
Let Obama learn the ropes and earn his presidency, then run.
I want a fighter and someone that will stand up for ALL Americans.
Obama is NOT experienced enough. Hillary was the first lady for 8 years and I am sure she knew how things operated in the White House. She traveled internationally. She's a lawyer. She's a senator.
Don't discount all of her knowledge. And yes President Clinton is a PLUS. Our national debt was non existant when he was President. Money flourished. The country was very very positive.
Hillary will bring all Democrats together with Republicans. She is the only one that can do that.
Next time Obama.
Posted by: America the Beautiful | Mar 10, 2008 2:33:08 PM
This country certainly does not need the likes of Obama..After 8 years of BUSH the last thing we need is Husain Obama..Anybody but Obama. He is a CHICAGO CROOK.
Posted by: Joe MUrphy | Mar 10, 2008 2:33:41 PM
Mr Obama's immaturity is showing.
Posted by: s.b. | Mar 10, 2008 2:34:21 PM
from the man whose judgment led him to get involved in a suspicios real estate transaction with a man well known to be under federal investigation
Posted by: tex | Mar 10, 2008 2:34:50 PM
What a surprise - Howard Wolfson and the Clinton Criminal Clan are now saying that Obama isn't ready to be VP, but maybe by August. These people really think Americans are stupid. Hillary Clinton does not get to pick a VP. She's not the nominee. Her and her idiot advisors are laughable.
Posted by: Mike | Mar 10, 2008 2:36:29 PM
I can only hope that the DNC understand the risk that Hilary want to put our party to...it's a risk we cannopt afford to take. She to divisive, she will do & say anything to try to nock Obama down. Democrat we need to stand up & say no the Hilary banwagon. we had enough of this woman...Please do the country & democratic party a favor...go away...
Posted by: L | Mar 10, 2008 2:39:54 PM
When will Democrats nominate a presidential candidate who lives up to the standards they set for Republicans? Hypocrisy abounds.
Posted by: jijalagi | Mar 10, 2008 2:40:04 PM
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