November 14, 2008
Posted: November 14th, 2008 04:20 PM ET

From

(CNN) - Three officials close to the transition say prominent Washington lawyer Greg Craig is under strong consideration to be named White House counsel, the powerful post of the president's top lawyer.

Craig first gained prominence representing President Clinton in the Senate impeachment trial, but he endorsed Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and later played a key role in Obama's vice presidential vetting process.

"He's a very strong possibility," said one person close to the transition, who added Craig is "highly regarded" and trusted for his discretion by Obama.

A second official close to the transition was more bullish, calling it "all but a done deal" that Craig will be selected. A third official called Craig a "strong" contender at the top of the short list for the post.

Craig did not return a call seeking comment.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Greg Craig • Obama transition


John   November 15th, 2008 9:20 am ET

I agree, the Republicans who voted Bush in, the worse president in history, can do nothing but spout hate and fear. They are so afraid of life that they cling to far right beliefs. If they are so sure that God sends them to heaven, why don't they go jump off a bridge. Then at least we don't have to hear their hateful attitudes and listen to their baseless lies.

OBAMA 4 President   November 14th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

An attorney who failed in the impeachment hearing doesn't sound too good to me. I wouldn't hire an attorney who takes a high profile case and loses. Sounds like a loser!!

Soccer Nana   November 14th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

Jim in Texas, I do dont know where you have been, but the stocks tumbled weeks ago; right after your candidate said ". . . . FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND.... Remember!

President-Elect Obama had nothing to do with the stock market crash!!

Soccer Nana   November 14th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Mike, New Orleans; I was thinking similar thoughts; whew!

Ryan in Texas   November 14th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

Obama is our president. He meets the constitutional requirements, and he has won both the popular and electoral votes. It's time for us to work on our problems instead of dwelling on our past. After all, that was the point of his campaign. His slogan was Yes WE Can...not Yes HE Can. Fixing this country isn't entirely the government's problem, nor is it entirely within the government's power to fix. The people had a part in what happened alongside the government. The people also need to have a part in fixing it alongside the government. Otherwise, you're just screwing it up even more. I voted for Barack Obama, because I not only agree with his policies, but because I saw how he motivated people to work together. We are not a white America, black America, Asian America, Latino America, Gay America, Straight America, Male America, Female America, Republican America, or Democratic America...we are the United States of America. The only time we get things fixed is when we work together. So, let's quit jawing, and get to work!

RJ, PHX   November 14th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

Andy in Texas, I guess you forgot about whitewater, Bill being impeached for lying under oath and of course being disbarred is a badge of honor as well?
Please, the Clintons are just as dirty as any other Washington politician... and he got caught with his pants down... literally!!!

Patriot   November 14th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Mike S.______ Mike you have your Larry's mixed up. The one with the wide stance that Obama likes is Larry Sinclair not Larry Craig.

Mike Dallas   November 14th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Since the Clinton administration is the only one where personal income rose during his 8 years out of the last 20, bring on all the Clinton folks that will sign on!

Tunstall   November 14th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

I think, better yet, I know that half of the people in rual America need
to go back to school, a different school , that is, if they attended one at all in their lifetime.

Vernon   November 14th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

How in the HELL would President Obama be disqualified? Because
Rush Limbach says so? What a bunch of right wing babies!!!! GROW UP AND LOVE YOUR COUNTRY!!!

OMG   November 14th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

It's simply amazing to me how unintelligent some people are...and I'm a teacher!!

Obviously, some of you need a refresher in civics. If you can't say anything intelligent...just be quiet and have seat in the corner.

Vernon   November 14th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Once again brillance is in the White House! I hope all the right wing morons go to Texas and have a beer with the guy that leaves this Country in such a mess!!!

Credit Card Republicans   November 14th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

He cant be much worse than the cleaning lady,Harriet Myers.

KJL   November 14th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

To all of you who don't think Obama should hire anyone from the Clinton administration: Would you prefer that he get Hugh Hefner's girlfriends, or have some kind of lottery, or just pick people up at a bus stop? Get real. There are only so many top-notch individuals to choose from, and Obama wants them.

tim   November 14th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Jill in Texas   November 14th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Andy in Texas, you hit the nail on the head! Third Clinton term! If only! We all could have done without the last eight years. Corruption, indifference, greed.... NOT things this country used to be about, pre-W. The world is excited about this election, as we all should be. Let's just ignore the haters, honk and laugh at their "W" bumper stickers, and enjoy the simple fact that for the first time in 8 long years, the USA has done the right thing.

Andy in Texas   November 14th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

RJ, Phoenix – "Welcome to the Clintons 3rd term." Really? Do you any idea how badly Bill Clinton would have trounced Bush had he actually been able to run for a third term? The "Bush" third-term thing hurt McCain because Bush has been such a wild failure and had done such fantastic job running the country into the ground and ruining its reputation abroad. Clinton presided over one of the longest and strongest economic booms in our history. People actually wanted a 3rd term, so "Welcome to the Clintons 3rd term" doesn't really have the bit you wanted it to.

Peg, Carrollton, TX   November 14th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Some people seem very upset that Obama is picking people with experience.
Some seem to think it is an odd thing to do but maybe he sees what appointing people for just their ideology (and nothing else) does to a country – basically it ruins them and nothing works. (I should actually say what it does to 2 countries.)

Count me in when thinking it is a good thing to have people who are actually knowledgeable doing a job.

Anonymous   November 14th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

clinton clinton, boring where is the change?

Sue Ellen Stamp   November 14th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

What garbage is this? Obama disqualified??? This is the most ridiculous exchange of words I've ever heard!

As far as Hilary Clinton is concerned, I've never have been, nor will I ever be, a fan of her's, but one cannot question her experience, and don't forget, Obama calls the shots! You can take that to the bank.

Matt   November 14th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

@ Mike

It wasn't in ALL the papers. Remember that redneck racist local paper in Oklahoma didn't print that Obama won? This country is tropical thunder retarded.

bk   November 14th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Another Clinton person. You might as well have elected Clinton. They are going to run the show. Obama is a joke.

Louise   November 14th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Regarding Gee's comment – funerals are for the living – the deceased don't care much. Obama loved and honored his Grandmother throughout his life. I'm sure he said his good – byes on his last visit and he paid homage to her again on election night. His relationship with her was obviously strong, and honest, enough that he could tell the truth about how he perceived some of her actions – this is not "throwing her under the bus"! And I can just hear the howls " Economy crumbling and Obama goes to Hawaii!" He's suffered a loss, he's taking on the toughest job in the world – let's try to be a little tolerant.

Matt   November 14th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

@ gee

Your facts aren't facts.

Sue   November 14th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Correction: the memorial was today.

GA for Obama   November 14th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

gee- I think Obama had a PRIVATE funeral

What do you care? You don't know his grandmother. It's personal. If it were your grandmother and you as president-elect, you would
conduct the funeral in public eye.

And STOP hating the next President for no apparent reason but RACISM. He didn't call anyone a 'typical white person.' Maybe you need to go to college and read/watch his 'A More Perfect Union' speech again.

p.s. Obama praised his grandmother in that speech.

Sue   November 14th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

gee...I looked up the obit for his grandma, and it said a memorial service will be conducted at a later date. I suspect cremation is popular on the island state, thus no immediate funeral. Give it a rest.

Matt   November 14th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

@ Welcome to the Obama Show

The only show around here is the republicans who show up to spout baseless nonsense and repeat "that's not change" like it's some sort of mantra that will become true if they say it enough. For one thing, Obama's birth certificate proves he's a natural born citizen. For another, you can't judge the "change" issue by who he appoints...you can only judge it by how they all act after taking office. I kno wyou'r eeager to start your criticism, but you just sound ignorant when there's really nothing ot criticize yet...let alone the fact that you'd complain even if he brought about world peace. Get a life.

deb in Colo   November 14th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

To "Jim in Texas"

The stock market is dropping like a log because of poor quarterly sales, increasing unemployment numbers, failure to get the credit markets opened.

You can blame that on Obama – but it's just another Republican lie.

Go buy a HUMMER and get the economy going again....

JOE BLOGGS   November 14th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

gee (posted at 5:44 p.m.) – you sure sound like one of those desperate no-ideas Republicans who have nothing better to do than smear Obama. Get a grip and get a life!

60 year old, white female for Obama   November 14th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Did you READ the article; Craig Endorsed Obama and has been working with him throughout the campaign.. His alliance has been obvious.

I think as a law degree from harvard and a president of the Harvard Law Review Obama is much more qualified to pick his counsel than the people posting on this board.

Chances are very strong that several people chosen will have cut their teeth during the Clinton years.

Change involves the policies and getting together the people best suited to bring these to fruition.

Gee: I suggest you read up on Hawaiin traditions before you start spouting off in ignorance.

sglman4Obama   November 14th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Phew! when I saw Craig I thought you meant Daniel! LOL LOL LOL!

gee   November 14th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

It's now been over nine full days since Madelyn Payne Dunham–Barack Obama's thrown-under-the-bus "typical White" grandmother who raised him–died.

Yet, still no funeral. That's a pretty odd–not to mention, disrespectful–way to treat a grandmother you claim you love and who raised you, regardless of whether you are President-elect of the United States or just an average citizen. Regardless of whether you told the world she was a "typical White" racist.

He is cooooooolllllll.

Chris   November 14th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

I wonder why so many people think Obama may be disqualified. Hmmmm.....

FML   November 14th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

While I can see why people are excited (not in a good way) about a "new" Clinton cabinet, the fact is many of these people truly are the best and brightest at what they do.

Think about the non-political world - the same people tend to be CEOs from company to company. It's a really small pool of capable at that level of government, and while I agree that a little bit of risk is a good thing, there's comfort in knowing that Obama trusts people more knowledegable than him in certain areas.

Independent Guy   November 14th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Yeah. I heard the Supreme Court has scheduled a special session this Sunday. Apparently, Joe the Plumber filed a complaint that election results were mixed up (McCain's tallies were called for Obama and vice versa)...Dream on, Welcome. Maybe you will wake up in 2016 (at the end of Obama's second term)

JL   November 14th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

I agree with Mike S. New Orleans. I'm from Idaho and had a small panic attack when I read the headline to this. Whew.

Zee   November 14th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Why do Americans respond to crazy people's crazy comments?... I love this country.

RJ, Phoenix   November 14th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Welcome to the Clintons 3rd term.
Some much for "Change".
Very disappointing. There are plenty of highly qualified individuals out there that are not leftovers or "has-beens" from previous administrations.

Independent   November 14th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Actually, since the election is over, if Obama was somehow disqualified to to be president, the Vice President-elect would automatically become President-elect. If this was before the election and Obama was somehow disqualified to be President, but the Obama/Biden ticket was elected, THEN the House of Representatives would be able to decide the next President and VP.

slvn   November 14th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

"WOULD THAT BE CORRECT IF OBAMA WAS DISQUALIFIED!!!!!!!"

No. If Obama were somehow disqualified, his electors would have to decide who to vote for. Being Democrats, they would almost certainly not vote for McCain. My guess is that they would vote for Biden as President and perhaps Hillary Clinton as Vice President.

But there is no chance of Obama actually being disqualified.

Bleebo   November 14th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

What in the world is Welcome to the Obama show talking about. Insane minds are awful.

Disqualified in what manner, Welcome to the stupid comments of aka Welcome to the Obama SHOW.

PS Where did you attend school, any school, at all?

Jim in Texas   November 14th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Obama is bringing in the Clinton people because doesn't know who to pick........this is Change? This does not speak volumes of confidence in Obama and the Stock Market reflects this........no one knows what to expect. It is going to be a rough four years.

mostlyharmless   November 14th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

@Welcome to the obama show...

*sigh* Hate to burst your bubble of denial, but No.

1. Obama wont be disqualified.

2. Even if 1 somehow happens, Biden will be the prez.

Mike   November 14th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Welcome....put away the glue and come back back to reality. Even if Obama couldn't serve–for any reason–then Biden would be President, not McCain. McCain lost, remember? It was in all the papers:)

conservative   November 14th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

All you Clintonistas are getting your power jobs back! Happy days are here again! Now if you all can just make your power permanent and ban the amendment limiting 2 terms. No one will notice or care. Liberalism makes all things possible at the expense of others!

voter   November 14th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

I am sorry to say this, but I am not believing any of the unnamed sources leaking information about potential cabinet members. I believe it is all speculation because the Obama team is very secreative. They announce when they are ready.

just a thought   November 14th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

he sounds like a good choice.

James, Saint Louis MO   November 14th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Better than Larry Craig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boise, ID   November 14th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

We are about to have the best 8 years in our history. Not bad for a black muslim terrorist socialist non US citizen.

Mobius   November 14th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Obama picks a lawyer who defended another President?

That's not change.

Minnesota   November 14th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW November 14th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

I STILL THINK MC CAIN WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!

WOULD THAT BE CORRECT IF OBAMA WAS DISQUALIFIED!!!!!!!
-------------------------------
no

Daniel   November 14th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

I hope these steady leaks after Obama won the presidency are part of a strategic feed forward control mechanism by the transition team not jut normal leaks found in dysfunctional setups.

We have run a tight ship thus far, it will be a disappointment if incorporating fellow demecratics from unsucceful campaigns is a cause for these leaks if they are not part of a strategic loop.

Rockford   November 14th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

More Clintonians... Change Baby....

deb in Colo   November 14th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

I love Obama – I voted for him. But I don't want to see a Clinton White House and cabinet again.

Hopeful for Tomorrow   November 14th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

@Welcome to the Obama Show

-what? Why would he be disqualified? And no, that would only make Biden president.

Mike S. New Orleans   November 14th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Whew! That headline scared me for a second. I thought 'Larry Craig' as White House Counsel? What's he going to do, measure all the wide stances in the rest rooms?

Spencer/NY to VA   November 14th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

If he's good enough for Clinton, he's good enough for me.

KJL   November 14th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Obama likes people with brilliant minds. His foreign policy experience will be especially useful.

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW   November 14th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

I STILL THINK MC CAIN WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!

WOULD THAT BE CORRECT IF OBAMA WAS DISQUALIFIED!!!!!!!

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