February 24, 2008
Posted: 04:55 PM ET
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, rumored to be on John McCain's shortlist for the number 2 spot, said Sunday he likes his current job.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, rumored to be on John McCain's shortlist for the number 2 spot, said Sunday he likes his current job.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Republican and Democratic conventions are still months away, but speculation on possible vice presidential candidates is running rampant.

The V.P. subject is just too enticing for most reporters, especially as the field continues to dwindle. But when the question is raised, potential running-mates from both parties almost always answer the same way: complete denial of any interest in the position.

Sunday was no different.

Governor Tim Pawlenty, R-Minnesota, spoke about the 2008 race with John King on CNN’s Late Edition. When asked about last week's Washington Post article that had Pawlenty on the short-list for John McCain's running-mate, the governor replied, "I don’t need a day job. I have one. I’m focused on being governor."

On Fox News Sunday, Governor Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, rejected the idea that he’s interested in Barack Obama's number two post. "I do have a very important job at hand, which is governing Virginia. I want to do everything I can to help Barack win Virginia, and I think I can do that as governor."

And Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-Texas, was even more straightforward on ABC’s “This Week.” In response to Steve Forbes' comment that she is the "frontrunner" for McCain’s V.P. pick, Hutchinson said “I think that Sen. McCain has a lot of options, I think he has to look at a lot of different factors. I don’t want to be vice president."

Perhaps the most expected V.P. dismissal came from Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Nebraska, who also appeared on Late Edition. For months, rumors have surfaced of Hagel joining up with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York for a potential independent ticket. To that suggestion, he responded, “Chuck Hagel is out of the mix. I’m going to continue to focus on my job in the Senate, and do what I can to influence the direction of our country over the next year.”

– CNN's Peter Lanier

Filed under: Vice President


Joni   February 24th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Smart Women, Foolish Choices – - To all voting women of America, For the first time in you life a legit Woman candidate is running to be President and many of you are abandoning her for Obama. Not that Obama is bad. Either of them will make a good president. But if you do not believe in your own cause, a woman's cause, a mother's cause and support Hillary, why should America support women's causes, I mean your causes?

Cent Cal   February 24th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

McCain-Clinton 08!

Gobama   February 24th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

After defeating the Clintons, Barack Obama should select Gov Kathleen Sibelius of Kansas as VP.

And considering that Kathleen has a few years of administrative experience, Obama should put Kathleen to work as the day-to-day administrator in the White House. lol

Added advantage is that the females will not feel so let down, after Hilary already let them down with HER INABILITY to even run an effective national campaign on budget. lol

Terri in Texas   February 24th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

As lond as Obama doesn't choose Billery as his running mate, he has a good cahnce of winning in Novemeber as long as he distances himself from the Clintons.

austintexasone   February 24th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Who wants to be VP of a loosing McCain!

Indiana Bob   February 24th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

My guesses:

Obama/Oprah Winfrey

Clinton/Bayh

McCain/Lieberman

Belle   February 24th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

It is not too early for Republican VP…however, I am so curious why CNN says Huckabee is staying in the race to prove his value as a VP candidate, and yet, Clinton…who has WAY more votes than Huckabee is not even considered…..

floydfix   February 24th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

don't do rahlp
because you cant change nothing. gas is higher and your time is better spend helping the rich,

Franz   February 24th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Barack Obama should pick Sam Nunn. He needs a Cheney who won't contradict the core rationale behind his campaign and I think Nunn is that guy.

norma stegman   February 24th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

Let's see….Bill clinton almost derailed his presidency by messing with an intern; JFK spirited Marilyn Monroe in and out of the White House in the dead of night; both Bushes, in a rush of testosterone, took us to war in the middle east; Last week when I logged into the Cafferty files, who do I see, but a glowing Barack Obama surrounded by a throng of young, beautiful, blond women.

Maybe it's time to turn the reins over to a 60 year-old woman who is no longer a slave to her hormones.

fair tax in la.   February 24th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

HE'S A GOOD MAN
PLEASE PROTECT MY COUNTRY
MY GRANDKIDS NEED MCCAIN AND YOU!!

steve   February 24th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

I think McCain should pick Colin Powell, he is well respected, knowledgeable in foreign affairs and our defense.

R   February 24th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

The possible Obama VP's are doing well staying out of his Karl Rovish campaign — I rather see McCain winning and undermining the republican Party even more than having a democratic version of George Bush (Barack Obama) destroying the democrats for ever.

Andy   February 24th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

No doubt Barack Obama's vp would be Gov. Kaine after watching CSPAN's televised The State Of The Black Union. It was informative and a learning experience.

Peter Obama08!   February 24th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Barack Obama needs a woman V.P.!!!

ED FL   February 24th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

The nut house is starting to fill up, Mccain was the leader until Nader jumped in now waiting for Vice Pres. candidates to give us a few laffs until november.

earl illingsworth   February 24th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Obama/ Gov. Richardson, NM and McCain/Sen. Lieberman,Ct. and Clinton/Sen. Bayh,In.

becca   February 24th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

i think kaine would be a bad pick for obama – he's highly religious and i think it would be contrary to the pro-choice, pro equal-rights stance of most of the democratic party.

craig   February 24th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

These guy answered the question already. None of them is valuable enough to be on the ticket as V.P. … and they know it. So does America. McCain is stuck. If he needs 6 months to introduce America to his V.P., like Pawlenty, the Dems have 6 months to tear him apart. If they are already well known, like Jeb Bush and Condi Rice, they are an identified part of the problem. With the convention over 6 months away, the odds are pretty good McCain won't even be nominated. Six months is a heck of a long time to be hanging out to dry.

curtis in WI   February 24th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

I still think Bill Richardson would be a superior choice. He is experienced in international affairs and energy policy. He is experienced with immigration issues and being executive of a goverment because of his time as governor of New Mexico. And he could help bring in hispanics and the west. And if tragic events make it necessary, he could step in and get up to speed pretty quick.

JH   February 24th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Hillary/Clark

Vanessa   February 24th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Whoever the Democratic nominee is, the Republicans will lose. Especially McCain, the war monger.

Corey, Maryland   February 24th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Obama Richardson
or
Obama Sebelius

Both are winning tickets in my book!!

Rick   February 24th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

So far, all the Republicans mentioned suck as much as McCain. Prediction: McCain chooses any of those mentioned, or Charlie Crist of Florida, and he will get toasted worse than he is already going to.

Trudi   February 24th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Governor Pawlenty is well respected in this Blue State. He is young. He comes from a Blue Collar back ground. He is moderate on some issues…conservative on others. Given McCain's age, Pawlenty's presence on the ticket would offset Obama (if he is the nominee).
Pawlenty also has an excellent record for balancing and maintaining our state budget. He'd offer McCain the economy experience he needs.
I cannot imagine one good reason for McCain not to pick him as his running mate.

JCruz   February 24th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

McCain needs to make a wise decision and pick someone that will help him with the conservative base without scaring away his moderate supporters like me. Having said that, I will still vote for McCain over Obama or Hillary. My vote is on qualifications and experience not on Race or Gender. Go McCain.

Richard, St. Paul, MN   February 24th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Pawlenty is our village idiot and we Minnesotans apologize for him on a daily basis. He's so in love with being a Republican that he refuses to raise any taxes, despite the fact that Minnesota bridges fall & roads are in terrible disrepair. Property taxes are out of control and our economy is just horrible, but he's so focused on trying to suck up to a VP position, he's letting Minnesota burn while he fiddles. But when he does want more money for something, he snakes his way around 'no new taxes' and imposes his pathetic 'fees' instead.

Robin Ramkissoon   February 24th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

I think McCain should choose Hillary as a running mate. He is not in any sense a conservative. His immigration plan certainly lines up with the Dems. I can tell you this, if McCain wins the nominee, the Dems will take the White House. Contrary to what the party base is saying, that conservatives are rallying, that is not true. Conservatives will be sitting this year out if McCain is the nominee

Martin/Florida   February 24th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

The clear and logical choice is John Kasich.
He must be given strong consideration
if McCain wants to win.
Ohio is a must win,
Lately going to Evangelical Church,
Budget Whiz.
Can hold his own in debates.

James   February 24th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

I think Joe Lieberman would make a great VP for McCain. My Grandson said, "I wouldn't mind being poor, if everyone else was poor. " So if a McCain/Lieberman ticket would win, it would make my Grandson's wish come true.

Grif   February 24th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

No more comments from me! I'll just watch as the USA go back 40yrs.

You don't seem to ever learn. You have one person who can bring you out of the recession. But, it's a woman, and that just won't do.

So, 18 month'[s from you'll be straight back to Zero….

How can you keep making these mistake's .

Carry on regardless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

eyeingtenure   February 24th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

That's a shame. He'd make a great V.P., or at least less dangerous than Huckabee the religious ideologue.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   February 24th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Jeb Bush is in McCain's number 1 spot for V.P.

JOHN   February 24th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

IF OBAMA IS THE DEM'S CHOICE, MCCAIN WILL PICK CONDI RICE AS HIS RUNNING MATE. OBAMA/CLINTON OBAMA/POWELL
MCCAIN/POWELL CLINTON/CLINTON WHO KNOWS.

JOHN   February 24th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

IF OBAMA IS THE DEM'S CHOICE, MCCAIN WILL PICK CONDI RICE AS HIS RUNNING MATE. OBAMA/CLINTON OBAMA/POWELL
MCCAIN/POWELL CLINTON/CLINTON WHO KNOWS.

look byond   February 24th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

WHY IS SUSAN MALVO CUTTING OFF SENATOR OBAMA'S SPEECH
FOR HILARY CLINTON'S SPEECH.
IS CNN PART OF THE HILARY CAMPAIGN ALSO.

WE ARE NOT SEEING EQUAL MEDIA COVERAGE HERE.
RATHER A BIAS CNN COVERAGE.

Russell   February 24th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

I think it is not right that Ralph Nader is in the race due to half the contest are over and he shouldn't be alllowed to enter the race. It also should be a rule for anyone to enter the race before the first caucus or primary is even start. A far as I am concerned it is unfair to the candidates that have fought in the caucuses and the primaries. Nader should earn it like everyone else.

Charlotte   February 24th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Obama called himself an insurgent in the piece regarding his quiting if he were as far behind as Cinton. Which at one time he was way behind, did he drop out, NO?

Randy Hurst San Francisco, California 94121   February 24th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

I have had a vision that Tucker Carlson will be McCain's running mate.

Charlotte   February 24th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Maybe Obama can pick another insurgent to be his running mate if he is the nominee? That's what he calls himself an insurgent. That is someone who revolts, a rebel. Isn't that what we are fighting in Iraq?

Charle   February 24th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

I hope the democrats have a top qualified lady somewhere that is ready to join Obama. No, I don't mean HRC. that would be a complete disaster if you'd ask me. Perhaps the governor of Kansas? Forgot her name. she seems to have a working brain (which I cannot say about HRC). Hope he gives the VP position to woman undder the condition that she is up for the job andnot simply because she's a woman.

Ed K.   February 24th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I live in Virginia and Tim Kaine has been a disappointment form the start and I hope he doesn't get on any ticket. If I know Tim Kaine he would jump at the chance because he want last long in Virginia.

Bonnie, Virginia BORN AND RAISED   February 24th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I am 53 years old and until Tim Kaine ran for Governor of Virginia, I had never openly campaigned for anyone. I proudly had my Kaine for Governor sign in the front yard of a predominantly Republican neighborhood because I saw him as someone DIFFERENT from all the years of same ol' same ol'. I now have that same feeling again and am PROUD to say my GOVERNOR TIM KAINE is helping SENATOR BARRACK OBAMA run for President. The thought of the only 2 people I have felt so much PRIDE for in my adult life, running on the same ticket…………….OUTSTANDING!!!!!

Charlotte   February 24th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

The VP is going to be more important then ever before. McCain needs a young qualified black man to be his running mate, then what will all the blacks do? They will have to choose substance over pretty words.

Steven   February 24th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Obama/Edwards/Clinton '08. Any combo. They all win – just some more so than others (campaign politics/tactics aside, of course).

HD   February 24th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

In a few weeks, Hillary Clinton will need to consider other political positions and may be available for John McCain. He should reach across the isle and pick Hillary and Bill.

Albert Brake, St. Albert, Alberta, Canada   February 24th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Hello Again everyone

Well lets get through the primaries first and then lets start talking about the running mates.

I believe that by now Sen. Hillary Clinton–has Gov. Billy in here head as her VP. I would have to say that Sen. Obama is going to go with Hillary Clinton, and As for Sen. Macain, it does not matter who he picks as long as he keeps in mind that the person he picks will more then likely run in the next election, or if he does win the general he has to keep in mind that he is not a young man of the greatest health so he sound go young for VP.

getting back to my point, Non of the above people are going to take my word for it, so why even think or write about who is going to play VP..that is letting them off easy, ask them a harder question.lol.

Have a great day and good luck Sen. Clinton.

Albert brake.

Juan Grain   February 24th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Barack & Joe Biden

Iowan for HILLARY   February 24th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

CLINTON/EDWARDS or

CLINTON/RICHARDSON!

Seamus   February 24th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Obama-Richardson '08, Change+Experience

Bayou Joe   February 24th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Bayou Joe for VP. A Southern Democrat turned Republican because of the Left Wing Democrats controlling the Party. Hillary and Obama have set the Democratic Party back at least 50 years with their agenda. Go John keep America Safe.

Raenah   February 24th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Obama is the EVIL". He has nothing to offer besides empty words of a change that he is not equipt to bring. Every candidate who runs in this election offers a different type of change. Do you really know who you are voting for? Or are you a someone who votes for a certain candidate only on the basis of what others feel and think? 'Think about it. It comes to the old saying that if everyone else jumps off the bridge will you also.

NO for Obama 2008″'

Vig   February 24th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

John Edwards seems to be playing it cool. I find it curious he has not joined in the Obama hysteria and endorsed him. You would think that would have happened by now. Maybe he knows something the rest of us have yet to find out.

Sylvia   February 24th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I don't care if he picks the stay-puff marshmellow man for his VP…if OBAMA gets the nomination…McCain gets my vote
Obama and his zombie followers scare the HELL out of me and look like Germany did with Hitler

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