Obama's VP team raises 'a lot of names' on Capitol Hill
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/06/09/art.johnson.ap.jpg
caption="Jim Johnson and other members of Obama’s VP search team took to Capitol Hill Monday."]
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Members of Sen. Barack Obama's vice presidential search team had a "good, long discussion" with top House and Senate Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill over potential running mates Monday, one participant said.
Two members of the team, James Johnson and Eric Holder, met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for just over 30 minutes before heading over to speak with House leaders, a senior Democratic aide told CNN. They wrapped up their sessions Monday evening after a meeting with House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emmanuel, leaving without answering reporters' questions.
But House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said he had a "good, long discussion" with Johnson and Holder and added, "They mentioned a lot of names."
"What they're doing is talking to, I think, a lot of people about the alternatives and views that people have about the alternatives," said Hoyer, D-Maryland. Asked whether anyone raised the possibility that Obama's former rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, could be on the ticket, he responded, "I think it would be reasonable to assume that all of the alternatives were considered."
One aide described the meetings as a chance for the Obama campaign "to show respect for party leaders and ask advice." The aide downplayed the significance of the meetings, noting there have been similar consultations in previous elections.
Obama, the Democrats' presumptive nominee, told CNN last week that he will not rush the selection of a running mate. He said he will "be deliberate and systematic about it, because this will be my final counselor when I am making decisions in the White House, and I want to make sure I get it right."
In addition to Johnson and Holder, Caroline Kennedy is on Obama's vice presidential advisory team.
I think appointing a Search Committee speaks volumes to Senator Obama's good judgment and leadership abilities. I believe he should exercise all of his options. In the final analysis, I don't feel Clinton is a huge agent for change, but I think she would make a wonderful cabinet member. The Democratic party must win b/c our country is in absolute peril. There is no room for error. He must choose wisely.
It better be Hillary – Tell me why would Obama select Caroline Kennedy for his advisory team? What does she know about politics?
Talk about poor judgement!
NEVER EVER OBAMA
Attention Obama search team...
I am a staunch Democrat, and staunch Clinton supporter.
She has earned the nomination, and barring that the VP nomination. But know this. Your candidate is tainted by the brush of Wright, Ayers, and Rezco. Even if Hillary were the VP I would find it very difficult to vote for Obama!
Your candidate is far from perfect...think hard...choose well!
And we all know Hillary's is only on the list to placate her throngs of supporters. WRITE HRC IN TO WIN on your November ballot.
I'm sure Hillary is on the list, but the thing is are they really considering her.
As a previous uncommitted voter – I can now say that I will vote democratic for the first time since 1976. McCain is not going to change the course of where we're going, so I'll be voting for Obama!
If Obama wants to win, there's only ONE candidate they need to look at....HILLARY!
Make a list of those categories where Obama needs support and see who fits most of the needs. Hillary may not be strong in those areas where Obama needs to bolster his appeal, such as military, foreign affairs, economy. I thought Hillary may be good, but after more consideration, I think maybe she wouldn't be the strongest. Get someone who has personality. John McCain makes me fall asleep.
I HOPE HE DOES NOT OFFER HILLARY THE VICE.
I WANT HIM TO SINK BY HIMSELF.
I think this is a smokescreen-there is no way he won't pick Clinton. The unity of the party depends on it and this way , he's giving the appearance he's not being bullied which I don't think he is-but bank it, it will be Hillary. The republicans are praying it won't happen because if it does...lights out!
A good pic for Obama...
Kathleen Sebelius – Two Term Governor of Kansas.
She supported more education for Kansas, Health care for Kansas, and is very environment friendly and conscious. Being a two term Democrat Governor from a RED state is an accomplishment.
Her website can give more information on her achievements and beliefs.
A red state governor, with 6 electoral votes is always good, plus adding a female wouldn't hurt any either.
Hope for all of us !!!! Lets see some new faces this year tho...
Dont just look for VP, look for the whole house !!!
time to elect a few more Democrats into office and end the republican regime of fear and war
Caroline Kennedy for VP.
He had better pick someone with substantial foreign policy experience because Obama's lack of diplomatic experience will be a crucial vulnerability in his race against McCain. Let's not forget that we are at war and hence the next president will be a war time president.
A lot of Obama supporters like myself want to know if Hillary Clinton is going to be the vice president for Obama. If she is not then we will resume our periodic donations and campaign for him again. If Hillary Clinton is chosen as the vice president then we can go on and support another candidate like Ralph Nadar.
McCain would have crushed Hillary. We don"t need your support to beat Nobama. You sound like a bunch of old hags.
McCain 08
Good job.
Obama/Hagel 08 - Unite the Country
Despite the blatantly racist and hateful remarks showcased in the comments of this blog, I believe the majority of the country will vote for Senator Obama. His is an amazing story and, being bi-racial, he has a unique perspective on what race truly means in this country. Senator Clinton's concession speech was truly outstanding and I believe the majority of her supporters will follow her lead and support the Democratic ticket in November. I do not believe these small-minded posts that CNN allows to be posted on this blog actually come from adult voters. They are more likely posted by ignorant and immature children.
As far as the VP goes – I think Obama would do well to select a woman for his running mate. Clinton needs to prove that she can rein in her husband before she can be considered, in my opinion. If she does end up being the selection I will still happily vote for the Democrats this year. We MUST address health care, we MUST get out of this war.
Clinton, Richardson, Nunn, Sebelius, whoever – it doesn't matter. I've always voted as a democrat and I always will.
Let's rid ourselves of the Republican elephant beast. They will only flush the everyman for their own interests.
Barack Obama – 2008
I hope Obama makes a decision soon. He should weigh in everything that has been brought to this campaign and really think about all that has happened this past year and a half. I would hope that he makes the right decision if democrats are to be in the White House. And I hope that he shows more diplomacy and respect to current or past candidates until this race is over. Make the RIGHT decision, Senator Obama. STILL WANTING HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!
Many of Senator Clinton's supporters are not going to vote for Obama if she is not on the ticket. People keep saying that our minds will be changed or that it is Republicans out here saying that they won't support him. Wake up DNC and Obama supporters..the best candidate was not selected and we feel that she was railroad and he received a free ride. We want the best candidate for our country and it is not him!!
Obama supporters have been rude and crude towards Senator Clinton and her supporters and it will hurt him in the long run. As well as his wife being proud of her country for the first time..
I am very impressed with the discipline of the Obama campaign. I think a lot more pundits should stop talking about why Hillary lost and give credit to Obama's campaign for outperforming any other campaign in history.
It doesn't matter who is on the list, if hillary isn't on the ticket he won't win the election, which he doesn't deserve.
I hope if Obama is really about change and not just utlizing a much of rhetoric just to get voted in like his predecessors. Then he should choose experts in the country that are well established in their professions–no career politicians like Hillary or her collegues (such as Warren Buffett for Secretary of Treasury). Otherwise, he is all words and no action!!!!