August 21, 2008
Posted: August 21st, 2008 09:53 AM ET
Gov. Kaine campaigned for Sen. Obama in Leesburg, Virginia last week.
Gov. Kaine campaigned for Sen. Obama in Leesburg, Virginia last week.

(CNN) - As the veepstakes continue to dominate headlines, plenty of politicians have made it clear they’re not going to be on the Democratic ticket this fall. But with the final announcement perhaps just hours away, one of the men rumored to be at the top of Barack Obama’s VP shortlist declined a chance to clarify his own status.

Asked by CNN American Morning’s John Roberts whether the fact that he’d agreed to an interview at the height of the pre-announcement frenzy meant he would not be Obama’s running mate, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine demurred.

“You’ll just have to hear from the campaign, and they’ll make the announcement when [they’re] ready,” said Kaine.

Is Kaine still on the list? “I’ll go back to that answer,” said Kaine. “I’ll call that taking the fifth or something. Hear from the campaign, John. They’ll let us all know when they want to.”

Kaine also would not say whether or not he had been through the VP vetting process. “I’m going to stick with the first answer. It’s been flattering to be mentioned. My mom in Kansas City loves it when someone will talk about me as VP.”

Obama and Kaine are scheduled to campaign together in Virginia today.

Filed under: Tim Kaine • Veepstakes


Anonymous   August 21st, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Paris:

Eye agre won hunderd persent.

Richard:

I get it! His middle name is Hussein, right? McCain's middle name is Sidney. Some women are named Sydney. John McCain is a woman.

Anonymous   August 21st, 2008 2:55 pm ET

McCain says he's doesn't disagree with the need to reinstate the draft to pursue bin Laden "to the gates of Hell," and not a word about it from CNN. How is this possible?

Did anyone ask McCain or his staff to clarify? Is this just not that important a story? WHen did CNN quit the news business?

The War Plan ....   August 21st, 2008 2:52 pm ET

1st Term VP Colin Powell ... (with Joe Biden as a back up)

2nd Term VP Kathleen Sebelius (who should be named to a cabinet position in the 1st term).

Hillary Clinton as Secretary of Health & Human Serivices (allows her to achieve Universal Health Care and position for 2016 run).

Result ... Obama wins in 2008, 2012. Two well qualified women on the tickent in 2016, 2020.

The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   August 21st, 2008 2:51 pm ET

I can't stand Harry Reid from Nevada," I flatly told my hometown paper, the Gazette in comments Thursday.

I cannot now nor will never stand this back biting senator, Mr. Reid. The only one worse is Obama. Obama is risky and Reid doesn't understand heartland of the Mid West issues. He is stuck in a state of "legal prostitution, gambling and abortions." Yes that is what Harry Reid is all about in his state of Nevada or should we say sinstate.

Remember Reid is a do nothing senator, and 'bama is a risky choice;. Both should be defeated because they gamble with our values and our country's security.

Tony   August 21st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Richard:

Pull your republican head out of your backside man.

Only a republican, especially after the last 8 years, would rather have an old, bitter, angry, hot-tempered, adulterer for president instead of someone who will end the war, start to reverse the historic damage to the economy, etc.

So typical!

Tony   August 21st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Enough already Obama.

The more he acts like a 16 year old girl with a secret, the more he acts as if he has already won in November, the more I consider just sitting this election out and letting the chips fall where they may.

Grow up Barack and announce the name already!

SONGBIRD MCCAIN   August 21st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

I agree. I don't trust McCain in the White House!

::::::::::::::::::::::INDEPENDENT VOTING OBAMA;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Ken   August 21st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Kaine is not a good choice for VP. He cannot help Obama's position. Only one person has the ability to help Obama when the White House, and we all know who that is, HILLARY CLINTON!

If Obama wants to be our next President, then he truly needs to name Hillary Clinton as his VP choice. Otherwise, he is going down for the count!

Better yet, the delegates need to change their votes and vote for Hillary Clinton, make her the nominee, then she can choose Obama to be her VP, then winning in November against McCain, would be a "slam dunk".

Richard   August 21st, 2008 2:21 pm ET

No Hillary! No Barack HUSSEIN Obama!

No Hillary! No Barack HUSSEIN Obama!

No Hillary! No Barack HUSSEIN Obama!

Marc PDX   August 21st, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Obama wants a running mate who is just like John McCain. Shall we call him McKaine? Funny!

Obama/McKaine

Paris   August 21st, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Hay Obama how many hoses your # 1 fan has Oprah?

Since when owning houses is a crime? We are not a socialist country remember, I know you would like to make us one.

Try again Obama this one is pointless.

John McCain the Leader we need.

NY Girl Ready for Change   August 21st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Kaine really does have strange hair.... like Friar Tuck got into an argument with a hairdryer

Independant California   August 21st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

god get a haircut, looks DO matter. He and Obama look horrible together. He looks like a chump, maybe thats what Obama wants.

Hillary, it should have been you. Completely.

hillybilly   August 21st, 2008 2:04 pm ET

wesley clark will be campaigning in springfield illinois on saturday after accepting the offer of becoming the vice president of the united states.the rest are just decoys.great men and women .but they are decoys.if a hillybilly from arkansas can figure this out,why cant you high-falootin' reporters get it! smart ain't always edumacated.

Raymond Duke   August 21st, 2008 2:00 pm ET

I am not a liberal but I will say Congressman Jones went against the democrat leadership committee and the black caucaus in the congress and stood by Clinton because she felt she was the best canidate. I have only the deepest respect for this woman because the blacks in congress got mad at her and the democrat leadership threaten to help get her defeated inher next race. All the black democrats like Clyburn of South Carolina gave her H@LL. She stood her ground to the end and was loyal to this country and did not put race ahead of the best for our country.

VA Voter   August 21st, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Come on you are missing it for the smoking mirrors. Obama needs to win Virginia. While Gov. Kaine may be the good choice the one he will pick is the former Gov. Warner. He was the most popular democratic governor in Virginia, and is still more popular today. It will be Mr. Warner, who will give up the chance at a senate seat to be VP.

That then opens the door for another democrat to step into that position, with the money already built up behind them to win that election too.

Jill American   August 21st, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Alfred Hitchcock once said you can't build up an audience without the proper satifying release. The biggest mistake he made in a film was doing just that in a movie .. something about a kid and a bomb where after all the suspense the kids get killed.

This could backfire on Obama ... building suspense and then picking someone where everyone goes ... who?

Caroline   August 21st, 2008 1:49 pm ET

In the words of Bill Maher,

It would be so good if Obama "doubled down" with Colin Powell as VP!!!!

No more boring white guys!!

Landslide with Powell on the ticket. I can't imagine any other outcome.

And Little Man McCain can retire to one of his many residences come November if he can remember where they are.

aware   August 21st, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Give it up Kaine!

Obama, the patronage candidate, lies and calls pro-life people liars when confronted with accountability! The "least of these" includes helpless babies Barack. Obama is despicable! :(

McCain 08 and Hillary 2012! :)

People make no sense   August 21st, 2008 1:42 pm ET

McWar needs to explain how he was dumb enough to get caught early in his military career, and spent a long war not fighting but being held captive. Wow what a hero. No guns blazing – shoot your way out of anything – defend America. Just tortured spilling your guts against America. Through diplomatic means, and his father power he was allowed to live. It's laughable that people consider him a hero and strong on war. He spent his time in captivity during war. Is that what he plans to teach us? He was flying a plane he was too dumb to know how to fly and got shot down. Maybe if he wasn't a C student he would have been able to learn the technics to manuever out of position and not get shot down. My grandfather flew endless hours fighting in the same war and he came back a *Real American Hero*.

aware   August 21st, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Obama is going to lose so get over it! :)

T   August 21st, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Please stop Romney from destroying Social Security with his cultesque like religion.

SC voter   August 21st, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Obama- HILLARY – or we go Republican.

Tony   August 21st, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Why???? August 21st, 2008 12:24 pm ET:

"To all the people that will be voting for McCain, I hope your children understand that it was your vote and only yours that enlisted him or her into the DRAFT. I would rather have my sons go to jail and skip the draft process. I love my sons too much to send them off to fight a silly war that we will start in order to 'win a war'."

News Flash, lady, the DRAFT never went away and every male over 18 years old is available.

pat   August 21st, 2008 1:21 pm ET

To all the people voting for Obama/Kaine. I hope you know your children will be blown up in America by terrorists??! Why? Because Obama is plain BAD for America.

Tex Ann   August 21st, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Tim Kaine?? We already have one unknown with no record to stand on running... do we need a second?
I seriously wonder what Obama is thinking (or IS he thinking) with all the stupid moves he keeps making. He's started to slip in the polls now. Yeah, some of you don't think polls matter, but go ask the campaign managers if they put any stock in polls. The campaigns pay BIG bucks for polls, so they must think they mean something.
And if you think it's been interesting thus far, wait until after the conventions! The GOP hate machine will kick in big time and they will tear Obama apart. There was a reason the GOP wanted Obama to win out over Clinton. They knew they couldn't beat Clinton, but they're evidently locked & loaded for the Obama campaign. It's going to be ugly & there's a really good chance Obama will lose in November.
It seems like the Democrats are practically in a self-destruct mode.

jj   August 21st, 2008 1:17 pm ET

OH, boy, good judgement huh???? Even the people of VA dislike Kaine and can't wait for him to get voted out of office. You know they don't want him as VP. Oh well, so far Obama has proved the GOP right on every count, he lies, (taking funded money) changes his mind, (continually, depends on who he's talking to) never did say how he would fix SS NOW and not 10 years down the road. Maybe by that time he could fix it so his dad could collect. Obama should have had 2 houses since he was SUPPOSE TO BE IN THE SENATE, BUT THEN AGAIN THAT WAS NEVER HIS INTENTION WAS IT.

Vig   August 21st, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Where's Hillary??? That's the real leader – she's our Presidential choice . Obama can take a slow boat to Hades if he thinks 18 million voters will fall in line and vote for him. Count me out.

Livonia, MI   August 21st, 2008 1:09 pm ET

McCain knows very well how many homes he has. But rather being called on it and accused of lying, he uses a deceitful response like "I don't know," sorry, McCain that is also a lie! But then again that is one of your many great talents isn't it? Lying? Like you did when you cheated on your wife? Like when you embellished your amazing Vietnam War stories? Like when you continuously flip-flopped on your Senate voting record? Saying you don't know when you do know is the same as lying.

jimmy   August 21st, 2008 1:05 pm ET

KAINE IS JUST ABOUT THE RIGHT VP PERSON TO SINK THE OBAMA CANDIDACY. OBAMA , AS RALPH NADER PUTS IT : "IS NOT THAT DUMB" THIS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS IT FOR AN AFRICAN AMERICAN NOMINEE. IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN IN A HUNDRED YEARS. AND YET OBAMA IS TAKING CHANCES ON HIS PROBABLE ELECTION TO THE PRESIDENCY. HE AND HIS CAMP SEEM TO THINK A VP WITH FOREIGN POLICY EXPERIENCE WILL HELP WIN THE OFFICE FOR HIM. OBAMA IS PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE. HE MUST GET THE VOTES TO GET ELECTED FIRST. FOREIGN POLICY EXPERTS ARE APLENTY IN BOTH GOP AND DEMOCRATIC CAMPS. NADER'S CANDIDACIES
HAVE BEEN AS SPOILER IN THE PAST. THIS TIME HE IS LEANING TO THE DEMOCRATS BUT NOT TO OBAMA.

Joe G   August 21st, 2008 1:05 pm ET

It doesn't matter who Obama picks. His candidacy is nothing more than a teleprompter. He has no experience of any kind other than sitting at the Wright church for 20 years only to disown him while running for president. If Obama wins, the Russians will have free reign and the Iranians will take the election as a positive message to continue it's building of the bomb. All we can do is hope for the election of a an American patriot, a man with true character, John McCain.

alvino   August 21st, 2008 12:59 pm ET

McCain needs a pro-life VP candidate that agrees with him. I think his position is, "You support the unborn, turn your back on them when they are born, and then bomb the crap out of innocent civilians in a far away place."

I think Jerome Corsi would be a good choice for McCain

Katie, IN   August 21st, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Why I will never vote for McCain:
Because he is too close to George Bush, a man who will be named very shortly after he leaves, THE WORST PRESIDENT IN MODERN HISTORY, by over 400 historians.

Do I want a repeat of his presidency, NO.

Obama 08

Marge, KY   August 21st, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Question:
Why Clinton for VP? She doesn't like Barack, and neither does her husband. They will backstab him.

Terry, NJ   August 21st, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Hmm. Kaines needs a new haircut. Or a wig.. Or something.
I'm not voting for Obama without Hillary as VP. No way.. No how.. Write in Hillary or vote for McCain!

NOBAMA! Dont drink the Koolaid!

Janna, MT   August 21st, 2008 12:44 pm ET

I would love if his VP was Colin Powell as well. Powell get's a chance to redeem himself from the foul Bush Administration, and he helps his country out in return.

Obama/Powell, you can't lose.

J.C.   August 21st, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Biden or Richardson would have been much better than Kaine.

Myah, NY   August 21st, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Angie,

It's not the fact that he has nine homes, it's his hesitancy to tell us that he has nine homes. What's he ashamed of?

Angie, MS   August 21st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

So he's been blessed to have nine homes. So what? I'm sure there are people in Congress who have a lot more.

Sweetie   August 21st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Who ever he picks for VP will be committing Political Suicide and I'm sure they all know it.

If BO's horrible Wife would let him pick Hillary he might have a fighting chance .....

Without Hillary on the ticket with him he will loose by a landside!

McCain 08

Val, Atlanta, Ga   August 21st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

QUESTION? Do Evangelical oly care about Pro Life and not a persons Charater, moral standing, is Cheating on there spouse ok. I am really confused on that because if they cared about more than Prolife they would not vote for John McCain and i am sure Cindy McCain sister will eventually hit the news about what cindy and john did to her.

Nine Homes, Nine Lies   August 21st, 2008 12:39 pm ET

CNN,

Will you send your reporters out to photograph McCain's nine homes, give him the photos, and let him count. What a dummy.

McLiars & Cheats   August 21st, 2008 12:38 pm ET

McCain thinks we're so dumb. Just as he wanted to hide his medical records from us, allowing the press to view it for 1-3 hours, without copying it, was slick. We don't need to know how many homes he owns because that doesn't play into the Republican smear campaign. He wants to distract us long enough to win, so he can get in and start more wars.

McLiar   August 21st, 2008 12:35 pm ET

McCain is giving us the "go by". When a subject is brought up that he's uncomfortable with, he either ignors it or jokes about it. Or, he pretends he doesn't know and you have to ask his STAFF of all people.

O/08

Obama in NC   August 21st, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Obama is intelligent enough to understand that he has to pick Clinton. Im awaiting my text message. Im going to store it, and email it to my account. This is historic stuff.

Val, Atlanta, Ga   August 21st, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I just heard Cindy McCain Sister on the radio 102.5 it was amazing, Cindy and John or EVIL the guy that was interviewing them said I thought they had family Values, the sister starting laughing and said yea right. She said john jumped off of his wife and jumped on cindy because of his wifes handicap, Boy wait until the news get what I just got off of the radio your mouth will be OPENED and all the evangelical religious people will see they have been BAMBOOZLED.

Why????   August 21st, 2008 12:24 pm ET

To all the people that will be voting for McCain, I hope your children understand that it was your vote and only yours that enlisted him or her into the DRAFT. I would rather have my sons go to jail and skip the draft process. I love my sons too much to send them off to fight a silly war that we will start in order to “win a war”.

Peter (CA)   August 21st, 2008 12:13 pm ET

This is the one issue that really frustrates me. Kaine seems like a decent guy but we need someone here with more national experience. Biden would be fine; Bayh would be a good choice; at this point, I'll take Hillary if it will settle all of these ridiculous arguments.

Debby–please go to the Fox News boards where people who think like you can come up with smears against Obama and bogus reasons why McCain ain't Bush.

Serious voter...   August 21st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Kaine – WHO? Never heard of him.

If Obama wants my vote – and many, many more – he'd better pick someone we know well, someone we trust who has the EXPERIENCE to handle these tough times - HILLARY.

Both Obama and McCain have ADMITTED they have learned a lot from her, and have used her material in their campaigns. ERGO – she's the VP of choice.

Matt in Florida   August 21st, 2008 12:08 pm ET

I can't believe Hillary voters are still threatening to vote for McCain. Are you kidding me? He has stated his desire to fill the court with right wing judges like Scalia and overturn Roe v Wade. What do you think Hillary would have to say about that? Do you think she'd be grateful to all of her supporters who couldn't get over their hurt feelings and instead ushered in another 4 years of Bush?

Get real. Obama competed with and defeated your hero, but he is not your enemy. She is standing with Obama and her supporters need to do the same or the Democratic party will completely self-destruct.

Here he is, Buffalo Bob....over here...   August 21st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Who would believe anything said by Howdy Doody through a wired microphone?

Barack will have him sitting right there on his Liberal left knee.

JTSpangler   August 21st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Do people know that Kaine refuses to let Virginia State Troopers get "287" training so they can help ICE enforce immigration laws against the hordes of illegals given sanctuary? He's on the wrong side of that issue compared to a clear majority of Americans.

LET IT GO   August 21st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

If obama picks Kaine that will be the end of him. I hope he has better judgement then that. I'm not a big HIllary fan but she the only one who can help him now.

Shallow   August 21st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

I really wish Kaine would do something else with his hair.

California Voter   August 21st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Please no Kaine

Obama/Clinton or NOObama

Election Watcher   August 21st, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Ooooh! Which party insider is going to help try to turn our governmnt into a solid DNC tax machine? The suspense is KILLING ME!!
...NOT!!
Just say Nobama '08

KJ   August 21st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

I agree with "The Other Campaign Strategist". No Kaine, No Webb and no Warner. God help Senator OBama if he chosses Governor Kaine who has no proven himself to us Virginians.

He is just like Sen. Webb, they both run off their mouths and have no substance to support their words/comments. I and many of us Virginians cannot wait for the day Gov. Kaine is gone!! Sen. Webb only became Senator Webb because of the previous Senators mouth/comments. If the previous Senator only kept his mouth shut he would still be in the Senate.

Rob indetroit   August 21st, 2008 11:58 am ET

He doesn't know how many homes he has, who is out vof touch.

Phil in KC   August 21st, 2008 11:58 am ET

BTW – Kaine needs a new haircut – something that makes his head look less square.

NoMcSame   August 21st, 2008 11:57 am ET

ABC and I stand by that. I don't care who Obama takes as Vice as long as it is not Billary. Billary is helping McSame and we will all see the kind of low life person she really is. By the way Scranton is one of Americas top DYING cities so I would like to send Billary back there. Maybe after Obama wins he can have the town build windmills so that the windbag Billary can provide the power for the city.
McSame will draft your kids to send them off to DIE people. Check your vote.
Obama08

Paul   August 21st, 2008 11:57 am ET

If Obama's not picking Hillary my vote goes to McCain!

Spencer   August 21st, 2008 11:53 am ET

By the way, Colin Powell will be a huge shock.

GoldeChica   August 21st, 2008 11:52 am ET

Kaine is such an odd looking man I just can't see him as a VP.

terry,va   August 21st, 2008 11:50 am ET

I hope it is Kaine. Then the dems will have dumb and dumber on the ticket.

clarence jonesville la   August 21st, 2008 11:50 am ET

The last adminstration was about the oil men who counter market got the price of oil sky high,just imagine what will happen if the mccain family gets there BEER will be sky high,now we just cant have that.Now all beer drinkers come together and lets make sure no mccain gets his wish

ladymary   August 21st, 2008 11:48 am ET

Colin Powell best VP. Intelligent, strong, personable, experienced in military & foreign affairs and most importantly fooled once but won't be fooled twice.....................what more could you want.

FedUpDem   August 21st, 2008 11:47 am ET

I am a life-long Democrat living in Fairfax, VA.
I was born in Washington DC. I first worked on RFK's 1968 campaign.
I have every hope that obama takes Timmy straight down the tubes with him in November. I will never vote for obama nor will I ever vote for anyone that has supported him. This will be the first time I have voted for a republican presidential candidate( I voted for Connie Morella-republican for Congress- when I lived in Montgomery county, MD.) As a centrist moderate I will never vote to take our nation down a road to disaster which is what we would have should the socialist claim the presidency supported by Pelosi's left wing. At least with McCain we would have balance between the two branches where neither could do much damage.

Which scenario do you prefer a one party domination- GW Bush and the Republican Congress he had or a split one party in control of the Executive and one in control of the Congress- you know like Bill Clinton and the Republican Congress....if you even had to think to answer that...you're just not thinking or you drank the kool-aid...

Mckee   August 21st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Now it seems to me that Barack's camp has wake up from slumber; fighting back as soon as you can, negative or issues ad work very very well especially those who watch tv for few minutes or hear sound bites for few seconds. Republicans 're good in doing it and they will not give it up. Nobody is talking about Dumb Bush and his misery he puts in every Americans– is all about Obama, he is this and that. Americans have short memories and 're politically dumb; they wouldn't mind voting for another idiot in office just to fulfill their ego and status quo. Obama has raised a lot money use those money wisely...don't be like Hillary who paid thousands of thousands of dollars to incompetent advisers and still lose.

Spencer   August 21st, 2008 11:46 am ET

Tim Kaine is my Governor and I don't think he is ready for the job. He's only been Governor of Virginia for 2 years. I like the guy though. But when it comes down to who should be the VP, I'm still stuck on Clinton, Biden and Kennedy.

Phil-Texas   August 21st, 2008 11:46 am ET

Doesn't Obama understand in this country that has to have instant gratification keeping your choice for vp under wraps is turning people off no wonder his poll numbers are dropping. Also it seems that the Clinton backers might know what they are talking about. You aren't going to win without Hillary on the ticket.

Tony   August 21st, 2008 11:46 am ET

If Obama wants to be a rel contender he had better pick Joe Biden. Biden has the necessary experience on National Security where Kaine and Bayh do not.

If McCain picks a V.P. who is pro-choice that will really tick off his base. I hope it is either Lieberman, Ridge or Romney. That way he will definitely be a two-time LOSER in November.

Donna in ID   August 21st, 2008 11:45 am ET

I see that they have started closing out postings in a couple of articals at the 70' and 80's postings, that I think are more important than some of these. Doesn't seem like CNN wants anyone from the West to do any early commenting since we are 3 hrs different and not everyone is up at 4 or 5 AM
This guy seems like he and Obama would fit just great with their spending ideas.

son of liberty   August 21st, 2008 11:45 am ET

Where is the coverage of the other candidates? Is CNN lazy, incompetent or biased? Both Obama and McCain and the rest of the demopublicains are a bunch of collectivist thugs.

Ex-Republican for Obama   August 21st, 2008 11:44 am ET

He's not my first choice, but I have to say, I'm liking his sense of humor coupled with his ability to speak back to Karl Rove, and not just speak back, but actually put the traitor in his place and identify his inadequacies along with that of the Republican Party.

Go Kaine, you have won me over.

Unify   August 21st, 2008 11:41 am ET

I am so NOT surprised by McCain's response to not knowing how many houses he owns. This is one filthy rich politician running an old-school filthy negative campaign financed by the filthy rich US oil industry, and if elected will do a filthy job of it.

I cannot for the life of me understand where he would get the stones to call Obama an elitist!?!?!? There is a spot on McCain's Mansions on youtube that shows just how many houses and how rich he is.

Carmon Minneapolis MN   August 21st, 2008 11:40 am ET

All the people who are going to vote for McCain. We will see how funny this is when your son or daughter get drafted for the war in Iran. My son is only 6 so he will be ok but all of you who have kids over 18 will be less fortunate.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   August 21st, 2008 11:39 am ET

The life McCain has led would put the average person in prison. Whoever heard of a respectful public figure married and living with his wife and files for a marriage license to another woman. McCain did it and further stated he doesn't know why he cheated on Carol.

John B. From New Hampshire   August 21st, 2008 11:39 am ET

funny, i thought hillary pledged to do everything in her power to get OBAMA elected. Where has she been, other than fundraiser's to squash her campaign debt and pushing to get her own name in nomination. Selfish much?!?!?!?!

Elly   August 21st, 2008 11:38 am ET

I hope they know how absurd McSame looks when he tries to paint
Obama as an elitist
Obama would have to go many years to catch up to the wealth the MCCains have
watch the great revealing show on MCSame and Obama by John King and suzanne Melville you will learn alot!!! excellent shows by both!!!
Senator Obama worked hard to get what he has in life so he can relate to the average american and their hardships
McCain has had wealth for years
I ask you in all fairness WHO is the elitist here…Certainly NOT Obama

mel   August 21st, 2008 11:38 am ET

Good vp coice also for Obama.Kaine will be a good fix if
he's the one.McCain needs to be shown that negative
campaign is not what voter want.

Brian, New York   August 21st, 2008 11:36 am ET

Kaine would be an excellent choice Obama....Hopefully he would help you carry Virginia..I do like that Powell idea, but I am not sure if America is ready for one black man, let alone 2.

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   August 21st, 2008 11:36 am ET

Obama should choose Biden.

He needs an attack dog to tear into McCain/Bush and his other cronies.

Clinton would be abn attack dog too, but Biden would be better.

Obamalism   August 21st, 2008 11:34 am ET

How obvious would it be if Obama picked Kaine that he's ONLY doing it for the chance to win Virginia.

Mike - Texas   August 21st, 2008 11:34 am ET

Oh good, somebody with less experience than Obama.

Glenn; Bakersville, NC.   August 21st, 2008 11:26 am ET

I still say Kathleen Sebelius from Kansas or Nancy Pelosi would be the best VP choice. He needs a woman with leadership abilities and no major skeletons in the closet. Give Hillary the speaker position, and that takes Bill out of the equation all together. You have to get away from the experience mindset, as it reeks of the status quo DC politics. Just my thoughts, but I'm just one of the little people.

Beverly, NYC   August 21st, 2008 11:25 am ET

The MSM should stop acting like 2 year olds asking about Christmas in October. We will all know the VP choices soon enough.

Greg   August 21st, 2008 11:25 am ET

Take the idiot, we Virginian's don't want him anyway.

OBSERVERING   August 21st, 2008 11:24 am ET

L I G H T W E I G H T-–R U N N I N G--A W A Y---F R O M--–

B U D G E T-–D E F I C I T S

pat   August 21st, 2008 11:21 am ET

Dedicated and long term Democrat about to jump ship and vote for McCain. The only thing that can save Obama at this point is Hillary. Clinton 2012! The Obama Kids have made a fine mess of this process.Unrealistic Idealism is what the Obama Kids are about – however I choose realism with a positive attitude over it any day. Clinton has what it takes to work hard to get results. McCain 08 – Obama is going down fast – The Obubble has burst.

Derek Martin   August 21st, 2008 11:20 am ET

I think he is a good guy.

CNN why are you moderating this.

Hello!!!   August 21st, 2008 11:19 am ET

Biden gets BO NO votes.
Kaine gets BO NO votes.
A VP is picked for numbers only. He needs votes. We all know who is the only person that can get him votes.

Gary, Charlottesville, VA   August 21st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Junction VA – please explain how Kaine has ruined the economy here, seeing as how we're ranked the number one state in the country to do business.

Sandy   August 21st, 2008 11:16 am ET

BORING

Herndon Resident   August 21st, 2008 11:14 am ET

Take Kaine...He is a lousy governor who taxes his way to any problem. He can't even get the transportation nightmare fixed here in Virginia and has been so busy campaigning for NoBama Bin Ladden.

Please take Kaine!

Marc   August 21st, 2008 11:14 am ET

I'm from Virginia. Trust me, Kaine can't deliver this state (commonwealth). He only got elected due to the coat tails of Mark Warner. He doesn't do much other than spend time fighting with the House of Delegates, trying to double traffic tickets for VA drivers, and failing to get a metro deal to Dulles. Bad choice. Needs to be Hillary.

KiloWhiskey   August 21st, 2008 11:13 am ET

Who??? This is almost like American Idol....in reverse. Who can we find that is less known than me?

Done with Dems   August 21st, 2008 11:11 am ET

Please take him away from my beautiful state. Please!!!!

Tony   August 21st, 2008 11:11 am ET

I love how Obama can only generate press with such substanceless hype as sending out his VP choice via email and text message. Anything to avoid talking about how he'd actually implement any of this "CHANGE" that he's been toting around since last year and how any of the weak solutions he's had squeezed out of him would actually solve any problems.

Patrick Henry, Fort Myers   August 21st, 2008 11:03 am ET

Like the muck living James River catfish who are also coy –just prior biting the bait and taking the hook. This guy's hooked and just waiting to be reeled in through the muck.

jimmy   August 21st, 2008 11:03 am ET

KAINE SPELLS : D-E-F-E-A-T FOR OBAMA.

Nathan   August 21st, 2008 11:01 am ET

Who is Kaine anyway and what's the deal with his hair?

Credit Card Republicans   August 21st, 2008 11:01 am ET

Time to take off the gloves and take the nerd Republicans behind the bleachers.

John in Ohio   August 21st, 2008 11:00 am ET

"He can't pick Kaine…he looks like the tin man from Wizard of Oz. How are you going to win the midwest with no heart?"

We're not in Kansas anymore.

CC Reston VA   August 21st, 2008 10:58 am ET

I just got mail! Its Kathleen Sebelius!! It's Kathleen Sebelius!!! Either Obama is a fool for daring to risk feminist anger or he is very brave to make his pick based on his judgement on someone he can really work with. A lady with real leadership executive experience, a lady who fights against lobbyists in Kansas, a lady who is new in Washington and has worked across party lines to win legislation.

Anyways I guess the ladies will come around quickly because the last time i checked they wanted a qualified VP woman.

It was there all along and we all missed the ball. Go Obama!!

Edith Arkansas   August 21st, 2008 10:55 am ET

I pick Colin Powell for VP. That would sell the Presidency for Obama.

IAMWMD   August 21st, 2008 10:52 am ET

If one more of the lying sniper-fire candidate's supporters post a blog I'm gonna puke.

Change 08

Chris in Vermont   August 21st, 2008 10:51 am ET

Honestly, I think Clinton as VP would keep more rational people away from the ticket than the number of ignorant PUMAs she would bring back. Go away PUMAs, you only dumb us all down and we don't want to hear your sore loser threats anymore.

Obama/Kaine '08

SUE, Michigan   August 21st, 2008 10:48 am ET

If not Hillary, Colin Powell. But my first choice is Hillary.

Cynthia   August 21st, 2008 10:44 am ET

In most cases none of them really know who the VP pick is and they can only say that they don't know. I like Biden as well because I think he can go into campaigning and take a bite out of Senator McCain and whoever the choses to be his VP. He's tough as well as has experience.

obamaton   August 21st, 2008 10:42 am ET

i think that the "drop" in poll numbers could be a numbers trick to get Billary on the ticket!

Draft Republicans First   August 21st, 2008 10:42 am ET

QUESTIONER: If we don't reenact the draft, I don't think we'll have anyone to chase Bin Laden to the gates of hell.
[Appaluse]

MCCAIN: Ma'am, let me say that I don't disagree with anything you said.

Sign your kids up PUMAS

Lyn   August 21st, 2008 10:41 am ET

Just let Obama knows noone could replace Hillary.

check and checkmate   August 21st, 2008 10:41 am ET

Kane and a closet Able. This guy is a looser what he did was ride on the coat tail of Warner. Do you think Kane is anything more than a 1term Gov. what a whimp.

Obama, your more Able I'm throughing my Lot with a old dog on this.

Obama (wright) ;-)

Clinton/Warner 2012 ;-)

philosopher, alabama   August 21st, 2008 10:40 am ET

P.S. CNN IS A CORPORATE.

AVOID CNN LIKE A PLAGUE!!!!

GO GOOGLE "DEMOCRACY NOW"!!!!

Lyn   August 21st, 2008 10:40 am ET

I am a Hillary supportor and looks like Obama not going to pick her. No mater what she would say at the Denver, John McCain will 100% sure got myself, my friends and my familly votes.

prince nare   August 21st, 2008 10:40 am ET

its going to be hilary, am certain...pple obama is not dumb like oops...l mean obama is a smart guy..he will not mess he chances

philosopher, alabama   August 21st, 2008 10:39 am ET

PEOPLE, STOP BUYING ANY CORPORATE PRODUCTS,

AND THAT WILL BRING THEM TO THEIR KNEES!!!!!!

Wake up America   August 21st, 2008 10:37 am ET

OBAMA WILL SURPRISE EVERYONE AND CHOOSE GORE AS VP

Obama/Gore 08

Donkey Party   August 21st, 2008 10:36 am ET

Just say no to Hillary. If she's on the ticket, disenfranchised Republicans who weren't gonna vote will come out in droves because like many of us, they too hate Hillary.

Mike, TX   August 21st, 2008 10:35 am ET

Stick to the moonshine Kaine.

Phil in KC   August 21st, 2008 10:34 am ET

I know he's been on the short list for a while, but if he is actually picked, I think it will be a surprise. The only thing he brings to the ticket is VA. He doesn't have foreign policy experience. He doesn't bring a sense of gravitas. And he's not the attack dog type (a role generally delegated to the VP candidate).

INDEPENDENT NYC   August 21st, 2008 10:34 am ET

If all the Clinton supporters would donate $5.00 to her "pay off the campaign debt" fund they would demonstrate to me that they are more than just talk and hot air. Otherwise, fall in line with party.

The bottom line is if you vote republican or not at all you risk the following:

1. reinstitution of the draft
2. increased deficit and an ongoing imbalance in international trade
3. jobs will continue to be shipped overseas
4. inflation will continue to rise
5. Once the offshore leases are signed, a republican will put alternative fuels on the back burner and it won't happen
6. Women will loose the next Roe V Wade legal battle once a republican puts a pro-life judge on the bench;
7. There won't be a comprehensive immigration policy. Money will be thrown to companies that supported the republican party to institute controls and plans that won't work; and
8. Corporate America will get richer; the top 5% of which McCain is a part will get richer and the rest of us ................

If you were going to vote for Clinton and would now vote republican or not at all these are several of the issues that will affect each of us on a personal level you place at risk. Will you cut off your nose to spite your face?

Nikki, Florida   August 21st, 2008 10:32 am ET

GOOOOOOOOOOOO BIDEN!

B.J.   August 21st, 2008 10:26 am ET

He can't pick Kaine...he looks like the tin man from Wizard of Oz. How are you going to win the midwest with no heart?

INDEPENDENT NYC   August 21st, 2008 10:26 am ET

I like Kane but prefer Biden – in any event Obama is our President.

Susan   August 21st, 2008 10:24 am ET

If not Hillary for veep, Obama will continue to lose in the polls. Pick Hillary so he can win!

Obama/Hillary 08

Dittohead High School   August 21st, 2008 10:24 am ET

Kaine is good, just wish we had more LEGAL citizens to vote in this election and give their opinions.

Tennessee Mike   August 21st, 2008 10:23 am ET

Kaine is a dolt, Biden is a bitter old man, and Evan Bayh is somewhat feminine.

I belive BO will go with any of them, they're losers like him.

Mark Cross Junction VA   August 21st, 2008 10:22 am ET

People you are in for a rude awakening if this idiot is picked! He has killed the economy in Virginia.

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   August 21st, 2008 10:22 am ET

If Mark Warner is going to deliver the opening speech at the DNC, does Kaine actually believe he is still and VP contender? Get real man.

Elaine, Chicago   August 21st, 2008 10:21 am ET

Curious, Tim Kaine has never mentioned where his mother lived before. The Kansas City suburbs are a battleground area for older white female votes. Is Kaine trying to send a covert message to older white women...."You may not get Hillary but my Mom is one of you?"

TonyS   August 21st, 2008 10:18 am ET

An Obama -Kaine ticket would look like two rookies trying to play in the big leagues. Obama should pick Biden or Bayh, 2 Democrats who voted for the war in Iraq.

nan   August 21st, 2008 10:17 am ET

I hope he's not on the list – he brings NOTHING to the ticket.

Obama needs Hillary Clinton for VP, she's the only one that will help his falling poll numbers.

Otherwise, we can add McCain to the long list of Republican Presidents that continue to win.

R.I.F.   August 21st, 2008 10:16 am ET

What about the comment Kaine made this morning hitting McCain on the fact that yestarday he couldn't remember how many houses he and Cindy own? Why do you always report every slam that McCain or his surrogates make on Obama, but dont report half of the slams that the Obama does to McCain?

Obama '08

Marie   August 21st, 2008 10:16 am ET

Doesn't matter who he picks, when you have got John McCain not knowing how many homes he owns.

Remember people what the Bush/Cheney team did to oil prices. Imagine what the McLame/? team will do to your beer prices?

I cannot imagine that Cindy McCains stake in a beer empire will have any impact on your beer prices. Save Beer-Save America-Vote Obama!

Jane   August 21st, 2008 10:16 am ET

Kaine is corrupt.

It will be great exposing this moron if he becomes VP.

HAHA.

Kaine will be the end of Obama, count on it.

Ted   August 21st, 2008 10:15 am ET

Pick Kaine! He looks like a used car salesman. She be able to fill Cheney's shoes.

Plus maybe the old and stupid Americans will read Kaine and think they are voting for McCain and you can pick up a few votes.

Joe   August 21st, 2008 10:15 am ET

This is really getting ridiculous and juvenile. Why are these guys doing interviews when the only question that's going to be asked is if they are the nominee and they refuse to say? Just stay home and sit back until the nominee is announced. Quit playing games, it's not funny and it's absolutely annoying. Politicians need to GROW UP!

Independent-Latina-for-OBAMA   August 21st, 2008 10:15 am ET

I like Tim Kaine, I am a Roman Catholic and of course, like my 'own' people. However, Joe Biden would be brilliant!

Debby   August 21st, 2008 10:14 am ET

Who cares already, if its not going to be Hillary there is no one on the list that will help this failing ticket.

Linda from Prescott AZ   August 21st, 2008 10:07 am ET

I hope the Senator from Illinois makes his announcement soon. This story of who each of them will pick is getting long in the tooth.

DAVID   August 21st, 2008 10:05 am ET

OBAMA WILL SHOW HIS INEXPERIENCE AND IMMATURITY IF HE DOES NOT CHOOSE CLINTON AS VP

HE WILL GO ON RECORD AS A FOOL IF HE DOES NOT USE HIS BRAIN AND CHOOSE CLINTON

BILL MAHER IS CORRECT IT IS TIME TO BRING CLINTON BACK TO SAVE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

The Other Campaign Strategist @ 115th & Amsterdam   August 21st, 2008 10:05 am ET

There is a slam dunk selection that lives in Northern Virginia.

This selection would rock the world.

Not Kaine
Not Warner (or Warner)
Not Webb

It's Colin Powell to be announced by text message on Tuesday evening right after the convention closes.

Then immediately following the Republican Convention, announce that Hillary Clinton would serve as Secretary of Health & Human Services & that Joe Biden or Gov. Richardson will be Secretary of State

Dem for Unity   August 21st, 2008 10:05 am ET

This is all fun. I think we are in for a good ride my fellow dems.

zorro   August 21st, 2008 10:04 am ET

A popular southern governor? A proven possibility.
Obama may have learned a degree from Clinton University.

NoMcSame   August 21st, 2008 10:00 am ET

White spin is in the mix. How can Old Man Mcsame with 26yrs as a Senator be the underdog to a junior Senator like Obama. If Obama is close or even with McSame I think that Mcsame should be the one that has to worry. A little known Senator as they call him is in the hunt for the most powerful position in the world and Mcsame with more time behind him than in front has to worry? Go figure that. Could it be that he did not do a thing the whole 26yrs that he has been in office but eat lunch on us. He should be miles ahead but no,he even had to take the republicanlow line of politics and syart the smearing and lying to at least stay in the race. So stop the spin and tell it like it is when you come out with you polls.
Obama08

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