August 23rd, 2008
05:00 PM ET
15 years ago

Some in Clinton circle 'outraged'

[cnn-photo-caption image= [cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/08/23/art.clintonsupp.ap.jpg caption="Some in Clinton's inner-circle are outraged."](CNN) - Even as Hillary Clinton praised the newly-minted Democratic presidential ticket Saturday, some in her circle are furious Barack Obama did not appear to give the New York Democrat serious consideration for the No. 2 spot, or even ask for her consultation on the matter.

"Set aside that Obama said she'd be on anybody's short list, set aside anybody's feelings on whether she was deliberately snubbed and the pros and cons of whether it should be her," a former Clinton strategist told CNN's Candy Crowley. "Focus on the politics of it and you have about a quarter of Clinton loyalists still not joining the caravan…for God's sake, not to even make a show of taking her seriously is flatly stupid."

A top Clinton advisor also told CNN they were "outraged," over how the process was conducted.

"You can't put [Obama VP vetters] Eric Holder and Caroline Kennedy on an hour plane ride to Chappaqua just to check the box? They should have done it just for the optics," this person said. "Barack never even said to her, 'Here's how I envision the job'– not one discussion with her about [the position]."

"They thought her supporters were mad before? They are really mad now," this person also said. We knew it was never going to happen but you would have thought they might at least make a show of it."

Former Clinton strategist Paul Begala echoed similar frustrations on CNN Friday night.

"I think there are a lot of Hillary voters who are going to say, 'Hey, wait a minute, man You said you were going to put her on the short list. You know, you didn't even vet her. You didn't call her. You didn't seek her advice,'" Begala said. "By the way, he didn't seek President Clinton's advice either. He's actually the guy who I think picked the best vice president in American history. You would think maybe you would sort of check in with him."

Meanwhile, two sources familiar with Obama's VP search tell CNN's Roland Martin Clinton was very much under consideration, and it's wrong for anyone to suggest that she wasn't.

One of the sources noted the Clintons have lived a very public life, and it's inconceivable for anyone to think that there really is more that needs to be learned from them by requesting additional paperwork, citing the release of documents by her during the primary season.

The other source said both Holder and Kenndey are very familiar with Sen. Clinton and that there was substantive and lengthy conversations among the Obama team with regards to Clinton as vice president.

soundoff (226 Responses)
  1. akadoug

    Thank God Obama picked Biden! Biden is 20 times better than Clinton!

    The sad part is I voted for Clinton in the primaries and even contributed to her campaign! That was before I knew she was so divisive and under sniper fire (ha)!

    As a former Repub. I will be more than happy to vote for Obama...I would not have if he picked Clinton!

    PS: Hey PUMAS Hillary is still in debt, why don't you help her pay it off...you appear to have the time!

    August 23, 2008 07:19 pm at 7:19 pm |
  2. Adam

    I was glad when John King stated what we all are thinking. The Obama Biden ticket mirrors the Bush/Cheney Fiasco. Does Americal really need a inept, inexperience president and a bulldog VP to run the country. I am disappointed that Obama didnt select Clinton.

    It was clear that that America has been energized by the two of these candidates and the right thing to do for AMERICA would have been to select HILLARY.

    Good Luck Biden and OBAMA, as bad as things are we really need dems in the whitehouse, however I may even sit this one out as i think things in America really need to get bad for Americans to get mad and start voting with common sense.

    Adam in Ohio

    August 23, 2008 07:19 pm at 7:19 pm |
  3. Frank

    There is no law saying first runner up gets the VP. In fact, we used to do this in the general election and amended the constitution because it was such a bad idea.

    Better to pick someone who works well for you. Also, courting somoene for looks is as bad an idea in politics as it is in high school. You shallowness is completely transparent, and only wastes valuable time.

    I am sure that Hillary would much rather focus on doing a good job as a New York Senator than have empty promises thrown her way about being VP: a position she was never really prepared to settle for anyway.

    August 23, 2008 07:20 pm at 7:20 pm |
  4. Suzanne

    I saw a clip of Hillary herself saying she did not need to be "vetted". She needs to remind her fans...or the media does. In every public appearance I have seen, she is gracious and gives anyone a sense of her inner strength. Any so-called Clinton fan who would vote for McCain, could not possibly believe in what she stands for. If McCain wins, the same fans will be out saying "I told you so". I, for one, don't want to be sitting at my ONE kitchen table hoping beyond hope that McCain does not take the food off of it (so I can pay for gas and healthcare). Obama and Biden will lift us up as a party and a nation. They are believable. So get out and vote with your other Clinton friends and move forward with the country. Who will you help standing still?

    August 23, 2008 07:20 pm at 7:20 pm |
  5. Leslie Larson

    Hillary should have thought about this when she hinted that Obama may be a muslim, or all her other slights that the McCain campaign is now using against him virtually verbatim.

    He would always be watching his back and I don't blame him one bit for not taking her. Hillary's position is self-inflicted and if her "supporters" are willing to give up their vote and country just out of spite, then so be it and the karma will be theirs to own.

    And for the record, I was for her before she started taking the low road. And I'm white, and I'm 46, and I'm a woman. But first and foremost, I'm an American. And if the situation were reversed I would unquestionably support Hillary.

    Obama-Biden '08

    August 23, 2008 07:48 pm at 7:48 pm |
  6. kat in your hat

    Biden: 9,500 votes for President.
    Hillary: 18 MILLION votes for President.

    To all the Oblow supporters who are talking smack about Hillary, her supporters, including PUMAs, you need to get shock treatment or something. You people have been brainwashed. There is no way Obama can win. Hillary was the only shot at having a democrat in the WH.

    There is just no talking sense to you people. The country is NOT going to vote for an inexperienced far lefty, with such a radical history. Do you people even get off your own blocks? Ya'll need to go on a cross country road trip and see a little more of the USA and get a clue.

    McCain will obviously be president now, because of YOU naive jerks.

    August 23, 2008 08:06 pm at 8:06 pm |
  7. Coolbreeze Hussein

    For all of you so called Patriotic Americans that say you will not vote for the democratic presidential nominee because Hillary lost, I don't think you are very patriotic because you are putting your self pity before your country and allowing a chance for it to continue down the same path. It is clear to me that you want a change from what you have experienced in the past 8 years but you are willing to throw all of that out the window. Now some of you are saying that you can't believe Sen. Obama is tearing the party apart. News Flash!! It is not Senator Obama but it will be YOU if you continue with this self pity and youthful,selfish disregard for others and the well being of this great country.

    Obama/Biden 08 and proud of it!

    August 23, 2008 08:13 pm at 8:13 pm |
  8. craig

    I hope McCain wins because he will promptly lead us in to WWWIII.

    August 23, 2008 08:46 pm at 8:46 pm |
  9. Ilona Hussein Proud Canadian

    Would the REPUBLICAN IMPOSTERS POSTING THEIR NEGATIVE COMMENTS ON THIS SITE, please stop pretending to be CRY BABY CLINTON SUPPORTERS.

    Please, why do you CONTINUE TO POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE?
    You have already told everyone in no uncertain terms, that you are either REPUBLICAN IMPOSTERS, or HILLARY SUPPORTERS WHO WOULD NEVER HAVE VOTED FOR BARACK, so what do you have to gain by continuing to post THE VERY SAME COMMENT OVER AND OVER ON THIS SITE?

    We heard you loud and clear, but repeating yourself over, and over again WILL NOT CHANGE ANYTHING AT THIS POINT. The decision has been made, BARACK WON FAIR AND SQUARE, and he has now CHOSEN JOE BIDEN FOR HIS RUNNING MATE.

    It is now time for you to FADE AWAY, AND IN NOVEMBER GO RIGHT AHEAD AND CARRY OUT YOUR THREATS. YOU ARE FREE TO VOTE FOR WHOEVER YOU CHOOSE, BUT PLEASE WE ARE TIRED OF HEARING YOUR COMPLAINS, AND AGAIN NOTHING WILL CHANGE AT THIS POINT.

    Good luck to all of those voters who will not be voting for Barack in November, for every one person who won't for him, there will be two who will!

    August 23, 2008 08:59 pm at 8:59 pm |
  10. Phil

    Yaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnn.

    Time for bed.

    August 23, 2008 09:10 pm at 9:10 pm |
  11. nag, nag, nag - shut up already crybabies

    Okay, we get it PUMA's you are not going to support Obama. You're sore losers and feel that Clinton was entitled to the office. He should have asked her advice, even though he ran a much better, more intelligent campaign and she's the one who lost and is in debt.
    You want more of what you've gotten for 4-8 years more years. We hear you loud and clear. Now we don't need to hear from you anymore, but just remember, Hillary will run again and when she does..... I certainly do not have a short memory. What goes around, comes around.

    Obama and Biden 08 & 12

    August 23, 2008 09:19 pm at 9:19 pm |
  12. Frank

    When my five year doesn't get is way, he whines, cries, and stamps his little feet, resulting in a spanking. 'c'linton supporters act exactly like little senseless children. They whine, cry and stamp their little feet because they don't get their way. Sounds like 'c'linton supporters need a nap, or a spanking.

    August 23, 2008 09:20 pm at 9:20 pm |
  13. diane

    As an avid Clinton supporter, I've had to lick my wounds and merely suggest this, in the words of my 86 year old Irish Catholic Mother-McCain=Bush...CAN YOU AFFORD IT??? Stop the crying, lets move towards a new perspective, after all, it's going to take at least 4 years to fix the Bush annihilation of this country.

    August 23, 2008 09:21 pm at 9:21 pm |
  14. drneutrino

    So let me get this straight. All you obsessed Democrat Clintonians' were for all Hilary stood for and now you're voting for McCain and the Republicans who will turn back the already out of balance Supreme Court for the next 50 years.

    My father always said its like biting your nose to spite your face. You were worried about the right to choose and if you vote for McCain you'll be lucky if you can actually buy books or take them out of the library after his Supreme Court appointments are confirmed.

    Don't forget the only reason Hilary got 18MM votes was because Republicans crossed over because they knew if she won it was a slam dunk for the Republican nominee whoever it was.

    August 23, 2008 09:21 pm at 9:21 pm |
  15. Sharon

    Hello all Clintonites,

    You all just don't get it. I really thought that you all were informed enough to know why he wouldn't choose Hillary. You all Hillary is/was a great woman, but she has a huge problem and that's BILL!

    That's why he didn't pick Hillary! It's BILL!

    Now if you're not informed enough about Bill then all I can say to you is if you vote McCain then I hope that your life & your childrens lives are ready for more of what I thought you as die hard Hillary supporters were so totally against because Hillary is against McCain! Obama has said that he couldn't pick her (in a interview) because of Bill.

    So who are you really hurting by voting McCain?

    May God be with you all

    August 23, 2008 09:21 pm at 9:21 pm |
  16. old boy

    wha wha wha, i cry, as a piece of scum white woman.

    vote, vote vote i will for McCain in 08 and HRC in 2012. in the meantime, i will work work work to see Mr. Dean removed from the DNC. wha wha wha cries the entitled White woman.

    August 23, 2008 09:47 pm at 9:47 pm |
  17. MIAdam

    She really did not need to be vetted. They spent a LONG time running against each other. There really wasn't anything the VP team could have learned about her that the campaign didn't know already.

    August 23, 2008 09:47 pm at 9:47 pm |
  18. FRIEDA

    Obama decision to pick an old time washington insider who is famous gaffer is sooooo disappointing.

    How Biden fits into "change", "hope" and new direction????

    He lost my vote.

    August 23, 2008 09:47 pm at 9:47 pm |
  19. Jay

    The sense of entitlement felt by Clinton and her zealous supporters is what cost her. I like HRC but hate her tactics, sorry.

    August 23, 2008 09:47 pm at 9:47 pm |
  20. Mary Stevermer

    Clinton shouldn't have been so disdainful and mean.

    August 23, 2008 09:47 pm at 9:47 pm |
  21. Robert in Greensboro

    It's impressive to see how the political consultants, PR firms, media moguls, and spin-meisters have got so many people to exhibit more loyalty to a political party or a particular candidate than to their own country. That's quite an impressive feat. Of course, with the group-think, lemming mindset that is unfortunately prevalent in our country, I guess it's not a shock. It will be sad but fascinating to watch the continuing decline and failure of our "union" while the political infighting and polarization keep everyone occupied while Rome burns to the ground. Pop the popcorn 'cause it's gonna be one heck of a show.

    August 23, 2008 09:47 pm at 9:47 pm |
  22. Chuck H.

    I am simply becoming ill every time I hear about "Hillary" supporters who are "outraged", or "feeling snubbed", or whatever else has been/is being said about them. They too seem to have a sense of entitlement which may have been given to them by Hillary Clinton. Yes they voted in record numbers, yes they are entitled to be heard just like all the other democrats and republicans. They are not; however, more entitled to special compensation or consideration simply because of how they feel. If so supportive of Hillary Clinton and such a solid voting bloc (PUMAs???) why haven't they given her enough money to settle her debt? Why haven't they each given her just one dollar (that would make 18 million right??). Give me a break! They need to just pick a side (who cares which) and GET OVER IT!

    August 23, 2008 09:48 pm at 9:48 pm |
  23. Bishop

    All of you voting for Obama are the same twits that voted for Bush. You thought you were right then and you're just as wrong now !

    August 23, 2008 09:48 pm at 9:48 pm |
  24. WashHill

    I never expected him to pick Hillary, but to not even vet her for the position? Hillary supporters were mad before- now they are outraged, is right – and looking elsewhere.

    August 23, 2008 09:48 pm at 9:48 pm |
  25. Vicky Avare

    The fake Obama has thrown another under the bus, Hillary! He is using Clinton and has given Bill and Hill some crumbs to be able to exploit her further! Nothing would make us happier then for the Clintons to turn their backs on the misguided, ruthless Obama; also the foolish Dem., leaders who abandoned the solid, more qualified experienced Hillary! Imagine favoring a Rookie, with ties to enemies of America who hadn't even been vetted! Disgusted Ex Democrat

    August 23, 2008 09:48 pm at 9:48 pm |
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