August 22, 2008
Posted: 08:30 AM ET

From
CNN

Watch a clip from Graham's interview Thursday on American Morning.

(CNN) – Ever wonder what its like to be on the short list? Well, former senator Bob Graham can tell you because the Florida Democrat was vetted three times – in 1988, 1992, and 2004 – for the #2 spot on his party’s ticket.

“Well, the process is very intense,” Graham told CNN’s Carol Costello on American Morning Friday. “Typically they will have a lawyer, accountant, a political operative, and a private detective reviewing your background for every issue that might arise.”

There’s more. “You are interviewed on several occasions,” said Graham. “If you make it to the short ‘short list’ you get interviewed by the nominee.”

Graham also told Costello that he didn’t think a detailed list he keeps of daily to-do tasks had anything to do with being overlooked for the vice presidential nomination.

Filed under: Veepstakes


JDC // Ohio   August 22nd, 2008 1:30 pm ET

The Dems "vetting" is a joke. WHO IS CAROLINE KENNEDY? What brilliance or qualifications or "expertise" does she have? Give me a break. Guess it shows Dems are not very sharp.

JP   August 22nd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Behold, Obama's VP announcement is at hand!.

For the last few days CNN had been projecting Obama's VP announcement issue as the greatest news of our times.

Joe, Florida   August 22nd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Here's the Democratic Ticket:

Obama/Powell

birchbeer   August 22nd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

The man being interviewed would be the perfect choice.

james   August 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

To :The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square

You say Obama is risky, but wouldn't doing nothing and continuing to go down with the ship be more risky? Anything unknown or understood is risky. You don't understand Obama, because you haven't tried. Maybe if you gave some evidence why you call him risky, it may be worth something, but to just say he's risky only tells me that you don't know enough about him and choose not to. Just as Obama was talking about those who mocked him for his tire pressure comment, it seems to apply to you: "as if they are proud of their ignorance"

we love Bob   August 22nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Bob Graham was my favorite for VP- because he said during the primaries that proper judgement on going to war in Iraq in 2002 was a good test of judgement as commander-in-cheif.

He didn't formally endorse Obama, but that statement was a pretty good sign he favored Obama over Sen. Clinton.

The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   August 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

I got a call at three this morning. I didn't answer as I didn't want to hear the bad news.

I think Obama is dissing Harry Reid by not offering the top spot to him. I might add Harry Reid is no friend of mine. However I don't think he would be anywhere near the top of anyone's list. Reid may make the outhouse list , you know at the bottom of it. Isn't he one of the head's of a do nothing congress?

BTW, Obama is a loser. please please don't pick Hillary as the VP.

and now for the real news:I can't stand Harry Reid from Nevada," I flatly told my hometown paper, the Journal 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.

Phil in KC   August 22nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

It's interesting that the VP candidate gets a more thorough vetting than the Presidential candidate. Of course, in this day and age when everyone is checking for skeletons in your closet, it's probably a good thing. I imagine this was the lesson taught by Thomas Eagleton.

Sherry, Atlanta   August 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Aapparently, no one investigated McCain, Bush or Cheney. Do we not have anyone that works for The American People!

YES: Obama '08-'12

Cynthia   August 22nd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Just reading the process lets you know that it is not Senator Clinton. I don't think President Clinton could survive the scrutnity on many levels. Probably won't get posted but you all know it is true.

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