(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'm officially off his list too... just for the record....
This is not a VP face. looks scary.
If Obama Hussein does not take Hillary as his VP ... I will Vote for McSame and so will every other Democrat.
O'bama is a Racist Flip Flopper .... he is sinking and no help from the DMC is going to change that unless he accepts Hillary as the VP.
Rhode Island Senators ???they have been irrelevant since the 1800's..
Aren't all these senators getting ahead of themselves? How rude of them to "say no" to the job when they have yet to be asked.
Did someone say Hagel ? He is being blamed for the collapse of a bank. And some of you Want him to run with Obama ? You all do want to lose, don't you ?
Hmmm. Another Ofay who don't wnat to hang with America's first Homey. I smell something....
I'm not a fan of Obama but will be voting for him.
his a joker like mcshame!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm sure if Obama was a black medical doctor (cardiologist) and these so called idiots that hate him cause he is black need a heart transplant...I'm sure they won't say NOBAMA.
AS IT TURNS OUT, EVEN BUSH IS DOING EXACTLY
WHAT OBAMA HAS & IS RECOMMENDING BE DONE WITH
TROOPS IN IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN. WHAT DOES THAT SAY
ABOUT THE JUDGMENT OF BUSH & MCSAME?
OBAMA'S VISION IS BETTER & SHREWDER THAT ALL THE FOLKS
PLAYING WAR. ALSO MCSAME IS BUSY DEALING WITH THE
ISSUES OF CHECOSLOVAQUIA, A COUNTRY THAT HAS NOT
EXISTED FOR 15 YEARS OR SO.
Did you people even read the article? The man is running for re-election. Why would he say he's interested in VP if you needs to be re-elected? Same with others.
Nobody actively seeks out to be VP. They are asked and then they accept.
Obama 08.
Why do all the conservatives on here sound so angry? The only thing worse than losing is spending months knowing youre already a loser. Obama/Hagel '08 – money.
Obama must pick HILLARY.
VICE PRESIDENT CLINTON 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Looks like a lot of Reed's fellow democrats on this blog are throwing him under the bus now. That's a crowded bus for heaven's sake!
DEBATE!
To MDB – The cap is $2300...not $250. I give $50 to Obama every time they email and ask for money. That is why he is able to raise funds so easily and quickly. 1.5 Million donors, all giving what they can.
That's indeed a terrible photo.
I have voted Democratic every presidential election since 1944 (except for 1972, when I admit that I voted for Nixon), but unless Senator Obama puts Senator Clinton on his ticket, I cannot vote for him. I am old enough to have seen plenty of presidential candidates come and go, and Obama is by far the least experienced (presumptive) major-party nominee since I have been old enough to vote. He desperately needs someone else on his ticket with experience.
I'm afraid I may have to sit this one out.
Looks like Brazille or Cafferty may get the job they've been desiring after all!
Campaign donations limit is $2800
Grow a brain
NObama/Paster Wright '08;
Hillary '12 and '16
He was not going to be asked anyway. It will be Claire, Kathleen or Russ. Hill has no chance. Pay your bills.
Anyone else from IL irritated that Obama isn't doing much as a Senator? Same with Mccain. Resign if you're gonna run for Pres for heaven's sake!
I don't want to be VP either.
Good for Reed and Hagel would be a bad choice because alot of Dems. wouldn't vote for a Republican on the ticket. This is like Kerry asking McCain.
Hillary is the best choice - she's already had the job for 8 years!
C'mon Obama, just do what's smart.
Obama/Clinton!!