(CNN) - He's making a high-profile trip to Iraq later this month with Barack Obama, but Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed says he has no desire to be the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate's running mate.
Earlier: Fueling VP speculation, Obama heading to Iraq with Hagel, Reed
Reed, a graduate of West Point has been mentioned as a possible VP candidate given his foreign policy credentials and bipartisan respect on Capitol Hill, told the Associated Press Monday being Obama's running mate is a "position which I have no interest in."
Reed, a two-term senator who is currently in a relatively easy race for re-election, also said the Obama campaign has not asked him for any official documentation pertaining to its VP search process. It has been reported that the Illinois senator's campaign has officially approached at least two candidates so far - Virginia Sen. Jim Webb and Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd.
Election Center: Check out who's on the VP short lists
"There are people that are spending a lot of time, one, looking for candidates, and trying to promote themselves as candidates," Reed also said. "And I'm in neither category."
Reed is little-known beyond his home state, though proponents trump his working-class upbringing, heroic stint in Vietnam, and longtime tenure on the powerful Armed Services Committee as reasons why he could be a valuable asset on the Democratic presidential ticket. On the other hand the Rhode Island senator has a low-key speaking style, comes from a region that is already firmly Democratic, and likely wouldn't embrace the attack-dog role usually required of presidential running mates.
Still, Reed's name received new buzz late last week after it was reported he, along with Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, would accompany Obama on an upcoming trip to Iraq. Hagel, an opponent of the Iraq war who has become increasingly critical of his own party, has said he would be open to serving as Obama's VP.
From CNN Politics
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I am interested.....
NObama '08!
Obama is a danger to this country.
They all say no.......right up until they are asked.
0 for 3 Obama... Looks like nobody wants the job. Always Farakan, Ayers, Wright or maybe Jackson... Good hunting!
It shows nobody wants to joint Barack's bandwagon. He has no credentials so how can he manage presidency of our great nation. Barack himself has to withdraw from thos nomination. He is a disaster for our country. CNN, you dare delete this message.
20 neah....2yea.... senator o bama how do you vote.." for the 139th time in the united states senate...I VOTE PRESENT///// true leadership you can count on
We can speculate all day long, but until the announcement is made the whole speculation thing is senseless. There is no telling who is and who is not on the list for sure.
CNN must be very careful in the way it reports these stories, as evidenced by the first comment posted here.
Did Jack Reed say that he has no interest in being Vice President, or did he say he has no interest in being Barack Obama's running mate? The difference is an important one.
The fact that CNN is quoting partial sentences leaves the whole question in doubt and leaves Alexander Mooney to spin as he wishes. Ambiguity may feed more comments on the Ticker, but it doesn't do much to give people an understanding of what's really going on.
well it just narrows.
The only potential VP that I can see is Al Gore. He has the experience and will win over the Clinton base without actually having her on the ticket.
He keeps the Obama 'change' slogan considering his desire to stop global warming while retaining the much needed executive experience that Obama lacks. Gore will not overshadow Obama which is vital in the run up to november.
Who can blame these senators for refusing to run with Obama? I would refuse to run with a man who flip flops so many issues, too.
Former Democrat turned Independent.
All the speculation and trying to make it look like no one wants the job, which we all know secretly they all do!! CNN stop trying to make it look like the Obama camp has asked these people and they are turning it down.
Everybody keeps saying that this is negative for the Dems, but the fact is, the job hadn't even been offered to these people, they are just saying that they're not interested. If anything, it's a good thing for the Dems. Now they don't have to spend time and money interviewing people who don't want the position.
Also, Griff? Spell his name right if you're going to say something bad about him.
"The term "Oreo" is often viewed as a derogatory term toward some African-Americans who appear not to exhibit certain stereotypes of their race."
I saw how you took down every single one of my comments, but its OK Alexander Mooney. How about you go ahead and explain what the black stereotypes are since you know so much about black people. You are in the tank and everyone knows it. You only post blogs that are beneficial to Obama. Tell us the stereotypes you racist!!
Another person that Obama did not ask!!!!!
Griff!Find a High Bridge- – - -JUMP! moron
Every politician seen with Obama is seen as VP choice. What's wrong with the media? Forever focusing on the trival and not on the subject at hand. The focus should be on the trip and it's meaningful content, not this endless baffoonery. How mentally old are these 'so called' reporters and, where did the learn their craft, in the school yard?
KE,
Your posting at first seems to say you are concerned for Sen. Obama's life. However,
1. Every presidential candidate has nutjobs looking for just that.
2, Then you show that you are not for Obama.
So, as for your "bad feeling about this stadium thing in Denver", there will be many people watching out for his life.
Thanks for your concern, considering you are "more Republican than Democrat".
from an Obama Supporter
Nobody wants the job? Then never fear, Hagel will take the job. Must be soem truth to all the rumors about Obama if so many folks are trying to eliminate themselves from running with him. Maybe he'll just choose his wife; she seems to know what she wants – everything she can get!
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
wow no one cares about Reed…and I cannot believe CNN keeps makiing all of these stories slamming Obama. C'mon enough already CNN! We're sick of your McCain-loving!!!!!!
Why is my comment awaiting moderation CNN? What, you dont want anyone to speak the truth?
It is standard practice for every V.P. contender to say that they aren't interested in the job. The only idiot who vocally raises his hand like little kids who know the answer to a question shouting, "ooo, ooo, ooo" is Romney.
Amazing CNN. How is this news.....Hey CNN, I don't want to be VP....why don't you run the "story".....Is there a real newsource out there???
How many on the vp list have already turned it down. Perhaps you can narrow it down closer by removing those who have said they are not interested.
Hillary will not take that spot either and for very good reason. She can accomplish more as a Senator and she can run for President again in four years. What a brilliant woman.
Richardson would be honored to have the position.
Did anyone (other than the press) ask him if he wanted to be VP?? I guess its easy to say "I have no interest in the job" when no one has asked you...
I tried to purchase the New Yorker Magazine of Obama.
Guy at Barnes & Noble says all New Yorkers sold out LOL
really looks like the liberal wishes for them to go out of business, well are incorrect as usual.
I guess no one wants to provide Obama's adult supervision.