Why are Clintons pushing Hillary-Obama ticket?
Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton participate in the televised CNN/LA Times/Politico Democratic Debate in January 2008. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's called chutzpah, and Hillary Clinton has it to spare. The woman who is behind Barack Obama in states won, pledged delegates and popular vote is suggesting she might consider putting Barack Obama on the Democratic ticket with her as her vice presidential candidate.
Since her wins in Texas and Ohio, Hillary Clinton has twice referenced the idea. And over the weekend, Bill Clinton chimed in saying that the pair would make "an almost unstoppable force." It's all very interesting since the odds are quite good Clinton will not be the nominee and Obama will.
In today's New York Daily News, columnist Michael Goodwin writes: "It's a dream team all right, as in dream on. It's a fantasy because, in the Clintons' pitch, naturally, she is on top of the ticket and Obama is her No. 2. That's rich of her, considering that Obama leads in both the delegate race and the popular vote. Forget those pesky voters – Hillary has declared herself the winner!"
Goodwin calls it a sign of desperation on Clinton's part and compares her to a con artist trying to sell a house she doesn't own. He says the joint ticket offer looks like an olive branch, when it's really a knife aimed at cutting Obama down to size.
For his part, the front-runner Obama calls the whole thing "premature”, saying he's won twice as many states as Clinton, more of the popular vote and thinks he can hold onto the delegate lead.
And there is a rather large irony in all this. Hillary Clinton has spent most of the campaign saying Barack Obama isn't experienced enough to be president. But now all of a sudden, she's promoting him as a potential vice president… just a heart beat away from the top office.
Here’s my question to you: Why would Hillary Clinton, who is behind, keep talking about being on the same ticket with Barack Obama, who is ahead?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Elliot from Ontario writes:
The more Obama rejects or ignores an Obama-Clinton ticket, the more Clinton will drop hints about a possible Clinton-Obama ticket. It's simple: she's going to lose and dangling this carrot is an attempt to get undecided or swing voters to stop and say – "Hold on, I can get the best of both worlds if I choose Clinton". It also rings well for independents who would otherwise gravitate towards McCain. Simplified: Clinton needs Obama; Obama is better off without her.
Bill writes:
Hillary Clinton is as narcissistically self-absorbed as her husband. She couldn't imagine not having the nomination handed to her from the start. She refused to acknowledge Obama's wins, as if they hadn't happened, and then talked about the states he won as "not mattering." She is unscrupulous, unprincipled, divisive, and clearly would trade the future of the party and the nation in exchange for the nomination.
Barrett writes:
Clinton is running for president. She has the right to talk about who she would like as her running mate. So does Obama. Why are people so upset about it?
Johnny writes:
Because she has more spin than a dreidel during Channukah. She knows she is impossibly behind in the delegate count. Her only opportunity to win now is to devise a scheme. It's also a part of her carrot and stick politics (you can be on the ticket, but you won't be allowed to answer any calls after midnight because you are an unqualified fairy tale candidate). No wonder the Democrats have a donkey as their mascot.
Joy from Noth Carolina writes:
If Hillary wants the top spot, I heard that one may be available soon: She could run for governor of New York!
Kevin from Illinois writes:
Jack, Either way this is shaping up to be the most amazing political season in history even topping Al, George, 'CHAD' and the Supremes in 2000!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Because she is smart. She know that would appeal to many democracts who likes both candidates. She knows it can unite the party. She know democrats have a better chance winning in November with a join ticket. So she took the first step annoucing that idea and now people will start to think in that direction.
It is a brilliant strategy. And that is why I like Hilary. She knows how to fight and how to win too. Obama knows how to talk and energize people. A good combination.
Nuwan from Houston, Texas
Senator Clinton is by far the most qualified to be president. Obama's answer to every question is "I was against the war". He did not have to vote when after 9/11 and the lies of Bush and gang when it was a tension filled atmosphere. All the big states needed to win in a general election were won by Clinton. The people want both candidates to run. Clinton/Obama makes the most sense. Frances
Jack,
She needs his supporters to win in November. However Obama supporters like myself would much rather vote for McCain if the choice is between him and Hillary. But give her credit for being clever, I can't think of a more upscale way to belittle the front runner in a Presidential race than to say he's not qualified to be President but he can be my VP.
Since Obama and Clinton basically agree on the issues and assuming Obama is the Democratic nominee, why not promote Hillary as Senate Majority Leader in 2009?
Then the two can do the "heavy lifting" for the issues they care about.
They are pushing the Clinton Obama ticket because they don't want a Obama Clinton ticket. The Clintons won't stand for 2nd place. It would serve no purpose of their own. Obama will end up with the most delegates but neither can get enough to win the nomination completely. If Clinton can sell Obama on playing 2nd fiddle until the delegates are all seated they are hoping for a Delegate do over and to come out the clear winner. At that juncture Obama will be nothing but a part of history.
Well i think it is all strategy Jack. She needs and wants Obama supporters to feel involved even in her campaign. To know that it is okay to vote for her because she will unify the democratic party by making Obama the V.P and that will almost guarantee a victory in November. Would she actually do it if she secured the nomination? That's a different topic all together.
Jack if I was cynical I would call it a coordinated attempt to portray hillary as the "ordained' candidate despite the fact Obama has won over half the states and the popular vote in this primary season. If I was an optimist I would say the Clintons understand that the current administration and its party are just barely less despised than the hitler administration of the forties and if the democrats provide a great presidential candidate and a great vice presidential candidate their party could be poised to win a sixteen year term in the white house.
By making people think that is option she can gain a few extra votes, but what I dont understand is she negates all the "issues" she had with him by saying she's willing to use him as a running mate.
Well, Jack, this is another political ploy. If she can persuade voters to vote for her, they will get 3 for one, Hillary, Bill and Barack!
I guess she doesn't know she is losing right now, do we will really want someone that can't face reality answering that phone at 3AM?
Desperation. The same kind I would feel as a Republican if Hillary & Obama actually DID appear on the same ticket. They would win the White house if they ran together. But I am happy to see the battle between them rage on. Congrats McCain, you have it in the bag!
It's officially spin season. Team Clinton is returning to last year's strategy of acting like she is the only qualified candidate. Saying that Obama is not qualified for president, but would be a good vice president is illogical, arrogant , and presumptive. She is trying to reach the superdelegates, even though it is a completely transparent maneuver. it makes me wonder what else she's got in her bag of tricks, and reminds me of what it is I hate about politics. This is the kind of obfuscation that keeps the elections from being about people and policies. It is old time polictics. It's the past rearing its ugly head.Its the type of campaigning that allows Bush-like candidates to win.
Why would Hillary Clinton, who is behind, keep talking about being on the same ticket with Barack Obama, who is ahead?
Being older doesn't make a person a good leader or wise. We have plenty of recent examples of this. Look to president Bush for the first example.
The Clinton campaign is simply manipulating the press and the american people. She's behind not only in the delegate count but in the popular vote. Her campaign is trying to distract us and deflect these facts. They would have us think that she's more experienced and should be our leader and give Senator Obama the chance to grow as VP under her.
In reality she's a Jr. Senator. He's held state and national senator seats and has more actual government experience and responsibilities than she has.
I for one don't count being first lady and having attemped a failed healthcare plan positice experience or responsiblity. I call that a form of nepotism by proxy, using her husbands record as her own.
Jack it baffles me as much as it surprises you. Just when you think the Clinton's must be at their wit's end, they come up with another ploy.
Whether this is an act of desperation of a political strategy remains to be seen. Why should a current runner up offer to trade places with a potential winner? As aptly described today on dailynews, "She's like a con artist trying to sell a house she doesn't own"
Uche, Brookly, NY
In my opinion she is hedging all bets. She comes across as being the great party unifier. I don't think she would agree to be Barack's VP, besides who would want a wildcat as a running mate. One may find himself being eaten alive.
Why not promote. it. Why do you care? Sounds great to me. I would much rather see it Clinton/Obama ticket and get him the experience that he needs and then he is our next president after her 8 year term. Why can't democrats control the white house for 16 years and why not promote it.. Who wants another republican in office again. We can certainly get alot more done in 16 years then is possible in 8 years alone. My preference is that I don't ever want a republican getting another opportunity to get into office. This makes them both very strong and garners him experience that he needs.
After all the crap Hillary has put Barack Obama through, she should be begging him to choose her as his running mate.
The only problem is, Obama doesn't need Hillary. He'd do better with someone like Richardson.
Keep in mind, Obama has a hard time with the Latino vote, and he's not as strong on foreign policy. Richardson will help with the Latino vote, and he has foreign policy experience.
The only experience Hillary brings to the table is trashing her friends. Remember, Obama and Hillary were friends before this campaign started.
Darren from Toledo, Ohio.
These are the Clinton's, masters of spin, and fear mongoring. But this is clearly a psychological ploy and the target for this latest Clinton tactic are the super-delagates. Sen. Obama has an unsurmountable delegate lead and is currently leading in the popular vote and I'm not including Mich. & Fla. They don't count yet. Wake up Hillary you're behind ! Here's a message to the DNC & Super-delagates, "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth take this election out of the people hands, from the Democratic party millions of young americans as well as african-americans will break loose. Looking in our rear view mirror. Is it a bird is it a plane? no it's our new candidate John McCain
They are trying to get people to think that is the only way that the Dems can beat McCain. Then the voters will vote for her thinking it is the way to go. This is so Slick Willy. She will need to win first and that's not looking so good right now. This "dream ticket" idea sounds like a nightmare in the making.
It's all a political Ploy!! Its such a sham that these kind of games are played. It is out of desperation as far as I'm concerned. Both her and Bill are trying to trick people into believing if they vote for Hillary they will get Barack. Is this how she is going to conduct busness?
Clinton is using the oldest play in the play book. She is trying to get the people that are on the fence to swing her way. But then again why do we need two families (Bush & Clinton) to control the country for over 24 years.... What's wrong with this picture no one else is qualified???/
Yet another devious and toxic concoction from the Clinton kitchen to bamboozle soft Obama voters into supporting her and not feeling too bad about doing so. I hope no one would be foolish enough to drink it...they WILL feel bad!
Charles,
Toronto
That's pretty obvious. The Clinton campaign is attempting to cast Hillary as the most likely winner. This is just another attempt at psychological warfare on the Obama camp.
The race may be close but, let's see, Obama has more states, more of the popular vote and more delegates..hmmm...
Perhaps this is more of an intelligence test for the American voter.
Because she knows she can't win in November, without Obama. All you have talked about is delegates for the Convention. Presidents are elected by Electoral votes. At best she would eke out a small majority.
Obama can win without Clinton. By my estimate he could garner as high as 378 electoral votes.
The states that Clinton claims she can win in, are most likely Obama's, as well, plus he brings into play a much wider array of states. Which, incidentally, translates into substantial Congressional, Senatorial and Governors seats. That is the effect of change that he would bring.
This is what he means by change in the future.
The Clintons are desperately trying to remain relevant in a new age of politics. The pundits need to upgrade their software, to understand this.
Harry
Carlisle, Ky.
Because they are desperate to win! I see no other reason for it. Sen Obama answered this very clearly, but there seems to be an "epidemic" of not hearing on the part of Sen and President Clinton and the mainstream media. Sen Obama says he is winning and how is it that the person who is loosing would decide who would be in the VP position? He said "Let me be clear, don't be Hood Winked or Bamboozled. I am not running for VP."
There is some cat stuff in the Clinton's woodpile, and it stinks!!! Step up Howard Dean, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi!!! Step Up, or work iwth John McCain in 2009.
I think she is trying to plant the idea in the voters minds, that if they want Obama this is the sure way to get him. As for Hillary Clinton being behind, I don`t see it that way. Instead of looking at this thing as a primary, look at it as a general election. If we were counting electoral votes instead of delegates, then Hillary would have a big lead. Obama keeps bragging about winning so many states, but the states he is winning do not win general elections. Just winning the black urban vote, and dilusional students, will not get him into the White House. I listened to him on television today, and I knew his tired old speech word for word. Barack Obama has already peaked. He has nothing left for the big game.
Hillary's latest ploy is downright funny: offering to give the person in first place the second place slot. How generous of her. The Clinton campaign doesn't think beyond the moment, either. By offering to add Obama to her delusional ticket, she's now acknowledging he is more than capable to assume the duties of President of the United States. Doesn't that pretty much wrap up the primary?
I am amazed at how far the Clintons will go to secure Hillary's place in the White House. Even if it's through hook or crook methods.
Simply: She wants the voters to think they are getting a 2-for-1 deal if they vote for her.
Jack,
Hillary has to know that she has but an infintesimal mathematical chance to win the nomination, so at this point, why wouldn't she try and curry Obama's favor so she can be second in command?
-Chris, Framingham, Mass.
Hillary is playing bait and switch. Barack is ahead in all categories. Why would he play second fiddle to Hillary ? I don't believe that would happen, he's running for President, not V-P. If the Clintons try and steal this election with super deligates the Democrats will loose in November. They will alienate all the new voters, and simply disgust the rest of us independents so we'll eather stay home or vote for McCain. Its time for the Clintons to stand down, back Barack, and quit dividing the party.
Jack,
Chutzpah indeed!
Here is an idea. Let Hillary have the dem nomination. Obama should then run as an idependant, who can bring all the disaffected voters, as well as luke-warm moderate republicans along, and win the presidency as THE unifying candidate.
Regards,
Rob
East Brunswick, NJ
Because she knows the truth that Barack have no chance against McCain during a general election. The Republican machinery is afraid of Hillary and would love to have Obama win the Democratic nomination.
Jack,
This is simple. She is so far behind it is mathematically impossible for her to come back. This is all part of the kitchen sink strategy to try and gain more super delegates (if she stays in that long). Why won't she just go away and leave it to the person who the American people have voted for. Obama is the future and the future is now. She just has to realize this and because she is so stubborn it will take time. Clinton is the new Huckabee.
I think we can all see the poor judgment on the Clinton campaign to promote this ticket so boldly. It's especially easy to see when the media highlights it as they do. I wonder if Obama would ever tout an Obama/Clinton ticket? Would there be poor political judgment there?
Clinton is just hoping that the Democrats that are still split between Obama and herself will come to her side since she's selling that as a ticket for both candidates. Obviously a sign of desperation, but it is what a lot of Democrats wanted. So for the Democrats out there that want a Clinton-Obama ticket in November, right now a vote for Clinton would be natural choice.
Jack,
COME ON, this is clearly a tact to get people to think of Obama as Vice material, to undermine his momentum, to give anybody who hasn't made up their mind the illusion that you could get both. It is a return to the 'he should wait his turn' rhetoric that makes Obama supporters like me crazy and for those like me who are independents; more likely to pick Mc Bush or stay home should she win the nod from the Dems.
She is a realist. She knows there is no way Obama picks her as VP because as the agent of change you can't ally yourself with a Clinton (or two). The only way the two could be on the same ticket is with her at the top and him having a moment of insanity when he says yes. The Clintons are pushing this because they know it is the only way to get people to believe that they can vote for both of them. Vote for her now and then you get us both later.
I hope this all becomes moot when Obama wins Pennsylvania. I know that's a tall order but if he wins PA, it blunts her "big state" theory and makes whatever happens in Mich. and FL. Moot.
The big state theory doesn't hold much water anyway because the Dems are likely to win NY, CA, IL, and the Repubs will win TX. The election as always will be decided in FL, PA, OH, and Mich where Obama has as good a chance against McCain as she does.
Barack-Just finish on June 7th with more popular votes, more pledged delegates and more contests won and the Clintons will go away
It's the smart move. Even the most optimistic can't ignore the fact that there are many conservative Democrats who would toss their vote to McCain before Obama (myself included).
I like Hilary and I agree with her – Obama is an excellent orator, but his resume is very light on political experience. He's a demagogue - and I can't understand why people won't see past that. Yes he's charming; and yes he's intelligent, but he's simply not seasoned to take on the mess left by the current administration and turn it around.
Boise, ID
Here's a better question:
How many people really like both of them?
I would be surprised if it was a majority of the Democratic party.
Obama would be a fool to get anywhere near a Clinton ticket. Republicans may not be passionately for McCain, but put him against Clinton as a VP or as a presidential canidate and you'll see the GOP come out in force to vote on election day.
Clinton always talks down to opponents. It's why she is loosing....
Vice-president to a Clinton is a symbolic title only. The spouse is the real VP – just ask Al Gore. This is why Hillary can say that Obama would make a good VP candidate despite his "inexperience" (her words, not mine) – he won't do anything as VP, the Clintons won't let him!
Jack, the assertion by the Clintons that Barack Obama is the number 2 and is good to be the Vice Presidential Candidate on Hillary Clinton's ticket is clear evidence of the fact that, the Clintons seem to think they own the democratic party, so-much-so that no other candidate can be the parties presidential nominee than Hillary. Per the Clintons, Hillary will be the nominee whether the voters like it or not, this epitomizes an obssession for power ( something which is not a virtue). Has it ever occured to the Clintons that Obama leads in delegate count, the popular vote and the number of states won?
Last time I checked, Hillary was losing the total delegate count. So how can she now be offering the front-runner a VP spot? Does she really think the American people are dumb enough to fall for this ploy? This is really getting disgusting.
Clinton continues to humiliate herself with every desperate act, sacrificing the good of her party (and quite possibly the country) for her selfish desire to be president. I am an independent, and I have told every Democrat I know that I will vote for Obama, who is the only candidate not beholden to loads of special interest groups and owed favors. But if liberal voters are foolish enough to fall for her chicanery, they will be rewarded with another Republican president. I, and many others I know, will vote for McCain, who has infinitely better character than she does.
Because she is open to uniting the party. He will need balance if he is on top. I do not think he would make a choice of Hillary because she would over shadow him from day one. Let's face it he has less experience than most of congress and most of the governors. That sounds good till it comes time to make all those dreams come true.
Perhaps Senator Clinton recognizes that the American people really do want change in the U.S.
Two qualified candidates who are basically on the same page with their policies may just be what the people need to fix the mess in the U.S. and help relations with other countries around the world.
My question is why isn't Barack Obama looking at the same scenario?
It could ensure Democrats winning the general election as well as putting the country back on the right path and making history at the same time.
It's a win/win situation for the country.
Shame on you – Hilary! God knows what kind of dirty politican she is. God bless America - if it were not Obama to win, it would be John McCain.
Get Real, There are two Dream tickets and Hillarity doesn't factor in either. If the Democrats want to win in November the The most likely best ticket is Obama/Edwards. The Sure Bet would be Gore/Obama. But that just doesn't seem very likely.
Jack–Because Hillary Clinton's campaign is about entitlement and selfishness. For her, it's not about the voters or about the process that so many kids my age are getting involved with for the first time ever. It is solely about her ambitions. Her campaign slogan should really be "It's my turn!!"
Hillary wants to appear warm but she's really cold – from the debates of congeniality she becomes raw and negative. I think there will be fewer 3 AM phone calls with Obama at the helm, if indeed any at all, as his term advances. The White House may have to add more staff to take day time calls on business that is positive.
I think it is a smart strategy on the Clinton's part. Many democrats have expressed that they wish the could vote for both canidates. By doing this Clinton is telling people they can vote for her and it will be a vote for both her and Barack (since she would have him as her running mate) It is a smart way to get votes from those in the democratic party who are torn between two strong canidates.
Hillary Clinton spins so fast and so hard you could hook her up to a turbine and use her to light the Vegas strip. By suggesting a Clinton-Obama ticket, she asserts that the world is different from how it is – which works to her advantage, because the way the world is doesn't look good for her. Is there any reality behind this idea? Has there been any reality behind any of Clinton's ploys?
Jack,
Simple, Sen Clinton is a Spin doctor. The Clinton's can spin a dead person to life. Remember that Sen Clinton was once a Republican. You can take a person out of the Republican party, but you cannot take the Republican gene out of the person.
Sen Clinton and Karl Rove share the same DNA.
Why would Hillary Clinton promote Obama as a potential vice-president on "her" ticket?
Because she is desperate to win, at any odds, using any weapons.
Senator Clinton's remarks are yet another effort to undermine the momentum Senator Obama has going, to downplay him as not a Presidential rival but as a "vice-president", someone who will be "beneath" her, someone that she would outrank as President.
As an Obama supporter, I am appalled almost daily by the creative efforts of the Clinton team to overtake Obama's lead and to gain the coveted party nomination.
A Clinton/Obama ticket would be no dream ticket to me – it would be a living nightmare.
It is desperation. Senator Clinton, along with her husband, want the White House back. For themselves and the Democrats, in that order. However, they know that the momentum picked up in the wins they recorded in Ohio and Texas is not going to last and that the math is not in her favor. She only gained a handful of delegates with those victories. She needed to place a serious dent in his lead. They are witnessing the citizens desire for Obama to be Commander in Chief and see their opportunity slipping away quickly. They are preying on Senator Obama's desire for unification of the United States. I believe it is their last gasp attempt at regaining the Presidency.
Maybe they want to pre-empt a McCain/Obama ticket. Just think of it..Clintons steal nomination...McCain picks Obama as his running mate...McCain and Obama launch third party...Democrats and Republicans routed in congressional and senate elections...We can dream..right?
Jack, usually on Friday you have a humorous article and I guess you forgot it, so this must be it. It is desperation on their part and in all reality is seems to me that the Clintons are going to try everything to get back to "Their" house or at least they think it's their's. "If you build it they will come" doesn't wash in this case. They really are in the Twighlight Zone.
It's called the power of positive thinking. IF you hear it so many times you start believing it will happen!
I dont care who get's in as the boss between the two just as long as they could get in together. They could hold on the the presidency together for 16 years and turn this country around .. 4 years in not enough time for anyone to make a difference. As we have experienced 4 years is enough time to mess it completely up.
Well, she has a better chance to beat McCain than Obama does, so why not put the idea into the voter's heads that together they could win. It just might make some people vote for her thinking that they would then get them both.
She's trying to win votes in the upcoming primaries by telling voters that they can get Obama without voting for him. A vote for her will get both. Problem is, she didn't actually say that she WOULD put him on the ticket, and of course, he hasn't agreed to be her running mate. It's deceptive advertising. She's clearly willing to do anything to win the primary, even if it means loosing the general election because of it.
I think shes doing it because when it comes down to it, Hillary is winning all the states that needed to be won in order to win against a Republican. Obama is picking up the small states with small votes here and there there. The fact that she won Ohio on such a large margin should be hint enough to let people know who can get the job done in November, which is what is the case she'll be making to the DNC when the time comes.
Sorry Hillary. I have never voted for a Republican for president yet, but if you win, McCain has gotten my vote. What a proposal from someone who said Obama is not qualified to be commander-in-chief. What would that mean: that Bill was not qualified to be commander-in-chief when he was first elected? And being first-lady to Bill suddenly made you qualified. Not a chance.
It's an insult to the intelligence of all the voters who have voted for Obama for Hillary Clinton to dish out the VP's post to him while he actually leads in all aspects of this nomination contest.
SHAME ON YOU HILLARY !!!! Wake up and smell the coffee, its way past 3am !
Why? Because she wants to latch on and hope to draw on his supporters. That would be her best chance of beating McCain– ride Obama's popularity. However, that seems to be "politics as usual" and if Obama does loose the nomination and if he is indeed a man of principals, he won't let himself be used this way and will decline.
I hope Obama turns this around and uses it to his advantage. Why would she choose him as her running mate when he's 'all talk' and lacks the 'experience' the lead this country as she claims??? Very interesting Mrs. Clinton and once again, this ploy will backfire.
Simple, to make uneducated voters l think that a vote for her is a two-fer. She'll probably take it back if she can finagle her way to the nomination.
Slick Willy, nice try. Amazing another trick to do anything to get there. Poor Obama seems not tough enough to fight back these snakes to lead another disappoinment, as an Obama supporter.
Obama, you should be more tenacious fighter, not mooshy noodle. If not, sorry you are a history.
It's just a ploy to get the fence-sitters. She's shown in this election that no blow is too low for her to swing (though she'll cry foul at the drop of a hat?)
To any fence sitter where that sounds like a good idea, consider she /doesn't/ have to keep that promise, and chances are, if she does get elected to the running for president, I can tell you one person who wouldn't be vice president for sure – that's right. Obama.
She wants to ride on Obama's coattails to the top. It is all strategy. But I for one would never vote for a ticket where her name is on top. I would only vote if Obama was on top. Otherwise, I am switching to McCain as is the rest of my family.
I am being a Clinton supporter, I will never ever vote for Obama. So she is right. She is the best one for President & Obama for Vice President. I am pretty sure that neither one wins the nomination, other supporters will vote for Mccain.
I think its a move by Hillary to provide herself with insurance that if Obama wins he will feel obligated to choose her as his VP.
The Clinton campaign thinks that just by getting the statement out in public, might drive votes in her direction..... It's all a bunch of brain washing nonsense....
Desparate times call for desparate measures!
The deck of cards she is playing is running very thin. Now she can only use slight of hand to pull off a miracle. This is in fact her pronouncement that her campaign has dire odds.
The smart money is on Obama. Truth, honesty and wisdom will eventually win out.
Keep in mind, Clinton will need to win Pennsylvania by at least 30 points to start making some headway. Obama can lose Pennsylvania as long as that it is not a sizeable delegate loss.
This seems a lot like the Chicago Cubs' fans who each spring say that this year will be their World Series triumph.
I will not vote for any ticket that has Clinton as president. She is bringing this up now in hopes that it will put her in first.
With all the new energy and voters that Sen Obama has brought to this primary season she knows she needs his supporters once she sabotages this nomination.
that's easy...to position herself as the presumptive VP candidate if obama wins. that's the best way of keeping her future presidential hopes for 2016 alive if she loses this race, and as we've seen, the clintons want what's best for the country...as long as that means there's a clinton in power!!
She's trying to marginalize Obama, just like the Clintons have always marginalized the voters.
Two words for Senator Obama to remember... AL GORE. The Clinton's are toxic to all those around them. One sure fire way of never being President is to first be the Vice President for a Clinton.
The Clinton's are Machiavellian in their thinking...or else why would the nominee with the lead be the VP! That is the politics we need to reject!
It's a great strategy. Hillary is brilliant. It will unite the Democratic party and create a win-win situation.
With a Clinton/Obama ticket, McCain doesn't stand a chance!
Because she wants to be seen as a uniter ( which she's not) and not a divder (which she is). Hillary knows that if she gets the ticket Democrats would run for her like Gore did from slick willy. Also, she wants to get Obama to say the same so that if she doesn't get seat one, she can still have a seat at the table.
-Ken, Bennettsville, SC
Hillary wants it to appear as if a vote for her is a vote for both of them. Obama has little incentive to choose her as a running mate, but for those people still undecided, she's offering them a 2-for-1 deal. It's very sly and manipulative.
Because she's a Clinton and they will do ANYTHING to win. She wants the people to believe that a vote for her is a vote for both of them. She once again shows her disdain for us common-folk, too uneducated and malleable to see through her politics and make up our own minds. Pretending to name a VEEP when she's not even in the lead for the nomination won't return her to "front-runner status." Stop ignoring the will of the governed, Billary! The people have spoken – and voted Barack Obama as the front-runner.
Its a great move for the Clinton's. She'll never have his charisma but she takes the cake for wit and strategy.
Barack Obama should take the VP, get the experience on how to run a country , and run in 2012.
The Clintons are just afraid that OBAMA is going to take the show away from them and they can't stand it!!! Why is Obama now qualified to be her VP, but in all her fear mongoring talk he's not fit to be President? You can't have it both ways! My vote is for Obama!! The Clintons just need to pack up their bags and head home.
It's more Clinton spin. She accomplishes several goals: First, she presents the idea that this actually is an even race, where she is in the position to start thinking about who her VP might be. Second, she appeals to those undecided voters and those voters slightly leaning towards Obama, suggesting that if they vote for Hillary, they'll still get Obama on the ticket...and that all of their fears about his "inexperience" will be resolved because he'll have plenty of time to learn the job as second - or third, if Bill's included in the equation - in command. And finally, third, if Obama does hold on to the nomination, it forces Obama to more strongly consider putting Hillary on his ticket. Since we never heard her unequivocally say that she would not be his VP, perhaps Hillary is playing her hand as well as possible, recognizing that she's not likely to catch Obama in the delegate or popular vote, but that she can still get back into the white house as veep.
While Obama leads in delegates at the moment, there are still more primaries to go and the issue of Florida and Michigan. Plus, with the Clintons' connections there's a good chance that Hillary will have more super-delegate votes than Obama in the end. ~I don't think it's totally premature to talk about the "dream ticket," but I do think a lot could change between now and the convention.
The reason why a Clinton-Obama ticket works is because she is very intelligent, firm, and experienced. In the end, the experience is what matters most. The Republicans are gonna make this race about experience and ALL the Obama supporters are gonna jump ship!
This is why the Democratic primaries and caucuses should only allow Democrats to vote!
Independents can still change their mind whenever they want!
Therefore, it doesn't reflect an accurate measure of who the people want as president!
Obama needs to take a few lessons from Clinton first. Maybe he will then be ready, MAYBE!
Experience is what matters to the Clinton voters and many will see that they may switch their votes to John McCain if Hillary doesn't get the nomination. Hillary will bring change but with that she will bring experience. It is all about experience!
GO HILLARY 08' 12'
Jack,
This is clearly a case of the Clintons being sore losers. She wants to dupe voters into thinking a vote for Hillary will also be a vote for Obama (since he could be the VP). This is slick political maneuvering and in my opinion, is EXACTLY why we need OBAMA in the White House, and not Hillary.
She is underestimating the intelligence of voters, and has resorted to name-calling, fear-mongering, smear campaigns, and flat out lies to try to win this thing. She is no better than Karl Rove, Bush and Company.
Because Obama has the popular vote that she so deperately wants. She is trying every trick in the book to get back in the White House. Did She or Bill leave something in there that they forgot? Barack Obama has proved that he is much more qualified than Hillary. Just his vote against the Iraq war was all I needed to determine that he has foreign policy under his belt. The rest of the idiots that voted for the war should be thrown out of congress. They are the reason why this economy is going down the drain. Hillary should be asking Obama for a job. Then let her bring that so called 35 years of experience in there on her resume.
Mr. and Mrs. Clinton have a very low opinion of the American people. On the weekend she said Obama's only experience was a speech he made some years ago while she was as qualified as the Republican nominee. So what excatly is her experience? That she was the defacto President while he merely held the title? In that case she has served her two terms. As far as I know President get elected not crowned as she wants to be as part of the Clinton dynasty entitlement. And one more by the way, President Kennedy didn't win Ohio either.
Because it would be a fantastic ticket... even people that aren't pro Hillary can't deny that it'd be a powerful force. And, what do you expect, that they're going to say she should run second to Obama? It is HER campaign after all.
I've been hoping it'd be this way from the beginning... unfortunately, it looks doubtful.
-Margo
Los Angeles, Ca
A good question to put to Clinton : How can you continue to suggest that Obama is not ready to be President while offering him the VP's job, only a heartbeat from the Oval Office?
Well, first of all, the primary season isn't over, so Obama hasn't won the popular vote or the most delegates yet. Throw in Penn and hopefully revotes in Mich and Florida, and Hillary will probably gain those two states.
Neither candidate however is going to gain enough delegates to become he presumptive. In fact, neither will have a clear majority one way or the other, so why not make them run together. It would be for the best of the party.
Also, plenty of VP's have been picked who were inexperienced/ not consider qualified to be president at the time. TDR, Truman, Gore, etc.
It's also ridiculous when people say they'll vote for McCain instead of Hillary when they're a Barack Obama supporter. Hillary and Obama are 90% similar on the issues, whereas McCain is supported by Bush. Voting for McCain would be throwing your vote away and submitting this country to 4 more years of "the same old thing"
Again it is the typical Clinton game of con. They think and believe they can hoodwink voters into believing whatever they put out there to change the voting pattern. Whilst all the earlier tricks they tried didn't work, they now want voters to believe that a vote for Hillary would mean one for an Obama VP which is really deceitful. Obama is in the race to win and stands a better chance to win the Nov elections and that's why he is being supported by voters voting for him and not Hillary. Away with the past and dirty politics/tricks.
Because Jack, Obama really could do with a bit more hands on training, and he is not winning the democratic base. It makes perfect sense to team up and have an unbeatable team for the next 16 years, rather than blow the chance we have to change the course of this country NOW. It's simply the most practical and strategic thing, and he should not let his pride get in the way of winning all that he wants and believes is the best thing for this country.
Cathy
Midway, TX
I believe that she is absolutely the more experienced of the two, as this suggestion shows. and unfortunately in the part of ohio that i reside in, i have heard from several friends, aquaintances, family, etc. that if obama is nominated, they will either #1, vote for McCain, or #2, not vote at all... a sad situation, either way you look at it. And i honestly believe senator McCain will win if Obama is our nominee... and that looks like what will happen at this point in time.
The Clintons talk about a Clinton-Obama ticket because they know it will deceive some people into believing that they are going to win and that they are going to (or claim they are going to) appease the African-Americans by giving them a token. Why do people have such amnesia about the Clinton sleaze. Have they forgotten the 1990's? Do they not realize that the Clintons will do and say anything to get ahead, including destroying the Democatic Party if they don't get their way?
She is appealing to voters who like both Clinton and Obama. As Obama hasn't hinted at a likely shared ticket, Clinton is making the case that a vote for her is the only way of voting for both of them.
Or to quote her husband: "two for one"
Jack, there is a danger in wanting something too much, it can distort your judgment and have you to ignore your own basic principles. The oddity here is that her previous claims regarding Obama’s experience and overall readiness should nullify her current position in the eyes of the voters. Shame on us all if we do not demonstrate the capacity to see through this tactic and others previously used to the other side: where we would find an individual pursuing something at all costs. The reasons for this tactic and others used in the same vain are personal ambition, horrific desperation, and selfish passion.
Jack,
Senator Obama hit the nail on the head a few months ago in a debate where he said that Sen. Clinton would do anything to get into office... She has already gone negative and thrown in the kitchen sink, so why not throw in the toilet too? Uninformed voters may hear this and not realize that it is almost mathematically impossible for her to win... Looks likes like there is really only one candidate living in a fairytale Bill – and its your wife!!!
If they (Clintons)can convince the supedelegates that this will be the ticket they can sway them to pledge their way. This would put her over the top. She dosen't say whether she'd take Obama on top. Obama dosen't need Clinton as much as Clinton needs Obama.
Hillary can probably count well enough to figure out she has a major problem and this is the basis for her VP offering. I don't regard her behavior as being a fighter, or demonstrating brilliant political insight. She is spinning the information for her personal benefit and this is exactly the type of politics Americans are sick of.
The Clinton's attempt to paint Barack Obama as a VP candidate is a clear indication of the "say or do anything" to get elected politics. The notion that the front runner who has won more states, more popuar votes and more pledged delegates will be offered a VP spot from the clinton's is ridiculous. I hope voters see the true colors of the most secretive, divisive and deceitful politians of this generation. By the way..didn't the Clinton's say Sen. Obama is not ready to be President? Didn't Bill Clinton say in 1992 that the VP should be ready to step in as President. Hillary and Bill, quit contradicting yourself and be honest with the American people.
She's saying that she would like Obama to be on her ticket not only to suggest Obama as a VP candidate, but keep her hopes of being a VP candidate herself alive. After her attacks prior to Ohio and Texas, she has to extend something of an olive branch to the Obama camp.
Hillary has nothing else to talk about. She is losing, has nothing to say, so why not try to put this idea into people's heads. What does she have to lose.... besides the bid.
Because folks want a "dream ticket". She is insinuating that if people vote for her, it is more likely to happen. Also, yes, she is trying to fool people into believing that she is ahead.
Jack I know it is futile for me to expectt you to acknowledge my comments on air but as a foreign viewer with an intense and longstanding interest in US politics this is one of your best questions. In fact I just watched Obama on ballot bowl raise this issue. As he said I am ahead in every measre popular vote delegates and states won and if she says out of one side of her mouth that he is not fit to be commander in chief and the says out of the other side of her mouth along with Bill that he would be an excellent running mate when he could conceivably be the commander in chie the day after inauguration it speaks very much to how disingenuous she is and how desperate she is to convince undecided voters that they could have both.
Well...Barack addressed this very well today. He was wondering how the person with less popular votes, states and delegates could ask the first place candidate to be vice president, especially when she's spent the last few weeks talking about how unqualified he is to be President. He mentioned that Bill Clinton had said when he was running that the ability to be commander in chief was the most important characteristic for the VP. Getting senile Bill? Barack made it quite clear that he is NOT running for vice president. Oh and he did mention that they were trying to "hoodwink" voters. Can't make up your mind? Vote for Hillary and she'll choose Barack, but when the times comes it wouldn't happen.
Ruth Kessler
Burlington, MA
Obama needs to point out the sheer nonsense of this strategy, take any talk of being Clinton's VP off the table, and move forward. This gives him a prime opportunity to discuss what "change" really means. Being on any ticket with Clinton is a capitulation to the status quo.
Mary T
Chapel Hill, NC
The Clintons are pushing this because they're smart! They know if they throw this out to the press, people will bite at it and say "hey Hillary's willing to work with Obama on a superticket, so let's vote her in and we'll get two for one". It's a very good strategic move, actually.
I'm smart enough to not vote for either though 😉
Clinton/Obama = I vote for McCain
Who knows which personality of hers is speaking? She can't win over Obama supporters, they are too intelligent to fall for her tricks and would not vote for her under any circumstances. She's trying to hoodwink the poor, uneducated population she speaks so highly of. She would be a deteriment to the Democratic ticket in either position with all her baggage.
Hilary is desparate.
She thinks more folks might vote for her, if there is suggesstion that Senator Obama might still be on the ticket. Even though she is behind in states won, popular vote, and delegates.
She's desparate. It appears the only way she can win the nomination, is to convince more of the super-delages to vote her way, as it looks like Senator Obama will have more pledged delegates.
If it turns out this way, that Senator Obama wins more pledged delegates, and she wins the nomination, then you can count on many, many Democrats feeling cheated. I know of many that will vote for McCain in this instance, or just not vote at all.
Clinton was trying to infer that she is winning, when she is not, but it has backfired on her. She can't say that he is unprepared to be president and then want him on her ticket. Now she is digging the hole deeper by saying that Obama could be prepared in a few months time, like by August. So that demolishes her claim that there is some longevity in Washington required to be commander in chief. If it is so darn easy to get prepared to pass the commander in chief test, then years of experience have nothing to to with it. This confused logic of Clinton's shows that it is really her who is not prepared to be commander in chief. I don't want such a confused candidate to end up answering that phone at 3 am.
I will say this, Clinton is the best choice. there are to many contradictions on the OBAMA side to make sense with. I Clinton is not the Democratic Nominee, or at least part of, then I will probably go over to the Republican side, and I am sure that is what the MCCain (Republican) group is very well anticipating.
Jack, becuase it is her futile attempt to make Senator Obama seem less like a leader and more like a follower.
Why would Barack sabotage his campaign by putting her on the ticket? She destroys his moderate appeal.
This is the only possible way to get to the White House. By saying this she projects the idea that she is ahead which we all know she is not. She also knows that if she gets the nomination without more elected delegates than Obama. all of his fervent supporters will turn against her. This is her bone to his supports. WHat she doesn't understand is that we don't eat bones.
The Clinton's are politicians through and through. This is just another tactic that gets voters thinking ahead (beating the GOP in November) instead of on the vote they need to cast today. I for one don't like a candidate who uses these kinds of flip-flop positions to plow herself into the Presidency. If she is so undecided on what position she's to take towards Obama now, who's to say she won't have the same trouble making up her mind on other pressing national matters.
Why do you consistently berate Clinton and bow down to Obama? That should be the Cafferty Question of the day.
She does this because she is smart. She knows that after she wins Pennsylvania, Florida and Michigan (not to mention West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky and Puerto Rico), she will be the likely nominee. So why not begin to smooth things over early on in the process. It makes perfect sense to me. It's not as if she hates Obama. She is simply running a campaign against him, but at the same time understands his value to the party. If obama were to turn such an offer down, he would be a fool Can you imagine a more seasoned Obama in eight years. He would be unstoppable and the Democrats would have Hillary to thank for 16 years of left-wing domination.!
This is a devious ploy on her part. She is trying to push undecided voters to her, saying, vote for me and it is a vote for him too. She is trying to make him look ungracious that he has not said she can be his running mate. She is also trying to make people think she has the momentum to insinatuate that she will be the nominee.
I also think she is trying to diminish him in the eyes of the voters.
She will try anything, say anything, do anything to win. NO SHE CAN't!!
Jack,
It seems to me that the Democrats who favor Senator Clinton favor her more because she is a "fighter," rather than the "unifier" motif used by Senator Obama. If Democrats really want to try to merge those two together in the form of Clinton-Obama or Obama-Clinton, they're going to get the behinds handed to them by John McCain, who already has a track record of being both a fighter and a unifier.
It's pretty obvious why she says this....she knows she's losing and as other democrats have shown in the past they just can't accept the fact that they are losing. Toughen up Hillary...maybe this shows that you REALLY are not as qualified for the position you are seeeking as you would have us believe.
Because while Obama supporters like to threaten that they will support McCain if Clinton is the nominee, the fact is in the last poll only 10% of them will. Conversely, 25% of Clinton supporters will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee because, clearly, they want someone with experience above all.
Clinton/Obama 2008 just makes sense and seems to be the only way the Democrats can pull it together and win the general election. If only Obama and his followers would get over themselves and realize this is the only way to pull this together for the party.
Just stop and look at the states Obama has won. Of the eleven core Republican states that have gone to the polls, Obama has won ten: Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. John Kerry lost each of these states by fifteen points or more. The last time a Democratic nominee won Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas, and Alaska in the general election was 1964.
Clinton/Obama 2008 is our only Democratic hope. It’s the only hope for winning, the only hope for ending the war, the only hope for universal healthcare and strengthening the economy.
I just hope the Superdelegates realize their true purpose is to see this and ensure the correct decision is made.
I believe she is just trying to gain the advantage. She is backed into a corner and doing whatever she can to try and get out. She shouldn't be suggesting this given that she is not the leader of this race. Also if she was ahead you wouldn't hear her trying to get the Michigan and Florida votes to count.
Dear Mr. Cafferty:
Sen. Clinton's suggestion that Herself as President and Sen. Obama as her Vice-President would be unstoppable oozes with ARROGANCE. Being behind Sen. Obmama by close 100 committed delegates and make such a statement is just BULL. May in the next edition of Webster Dictionary when one looks for the meaning of the word "Arrogance" they may just have her pictures. Just as Mr. Wolf Blitzer keeps repeating, a picture is worth thousand words.
Kidambi Raj
This is really going to backfire on the Clinton campaign. They just gave the Obama campaign an excellent talking point that the media should now hammer away on. How can you ethically claim Obama is inexperienced all the while hoping he'll accept the VP spot? It makes no sense.
I want to know what Hillary Clinton knew about Gov. Spitzer in New York and when she knew it. I also want to know if she'll return his donations.
I will say this, Clinton is the best choice. there are to many contradictions on the OBAMA side to make sense with. If Clinton is not the Democratic Nominee, or at least part of, then I will probably go over to the Republican side, and I am sure that is what the MCCain (Republican) group is very well anticipating.
Because she wants to win and this is a pretty interesting tactic, actually.
Jack, you are so right. Hillary needs Barak more than he needs her. Does she think people are stupid enough to buy this ploy? I think she is dreaming because she is in a living nightmare – she is losing!
No more politics as usual – Obama has the vision to bring about a shift and change in our country.
Once people (including the press) realize that Obama has many flaws including inexperience, it makes sense to have him as H's vp who can take over in 4-8 years when he has some actual experience under his belt. Everyone knows she is more qualified as president, but he has brought in younger voters. He cannot win without her and vise verse. If he were smart and if Oprah and Michele allow it, he should take the VP spot.
According to the Clinton's ...it's all a pshychological game. Their comments about declaring themselves the winners by suggesting a dream ticket with Obama as the number 2 is an insult to the intelligence of the american people and I have no doubt in my mind it will back-fire. People are sick and tired of their "crawl in your skin" tactics. Don't they get it?
It's all sizzle and no steak Jack. Hillary Clinton is trying to project more success from last Tuesday's wins than what she garnered in reality. It's another slap-in-the-face attack that has become an all too familiar trade-mark of her campaign. I don't understand how Barack has been able to cope with Hillary's penchant for patronizing and her snide sense of entitlement. Once again he demonstrates his level-headedness and good judgement and would continue to do so by rejecting (and denouncing) any notions of an Obama-Clinton or Clinton-Obama ticket.
The is clearly a ploy from the Clinton machine to rope Obama supporters into thinking this is the way to get Obama into the White House. The ironic part is that it is Hillary who needs some alternative path to the White House since Obama is winning by states, popular vote, and delegates.
Hillary Clinton is the best candidate for the job. If everyone would take a deep breath and realize that experience not charisma is what is needed to rebound the country.. Charm and rhetoric doesn't cut it. She should lead and he can learn and be ready for the 2016 election... he is putting cart in front of horse...stepping stones to the White House and isn't ready yet
Naturally. The person with the least experience in any profession is alway the second in charge. Why should this be different with Obama.
Has Obama done anything that has shown examples of (1) Change (b) Has made a significant decision on defence when he was a Senator (c) Has Obama shown examples where he has worked across party lines etc etc
(d) Why does Obama have to use the establishment i.e Ted Kennedy and Kerry
Lyn-Woodbridge, New Jerse
She is suggesting that because she knows it's a winning combination. Let's face it, Obama doesn't have the experience to lead a winning ticket in the general election. It would be perfect because she has what it takes to win, and he can be in a position to start gaining some of that experience he severely lacks.
Because she's looking further down the road than the next four years.A Clinton/Obama ticket is unbeatable for the next SIXTEEN years:8 with Clinton as president and 8 with Obama. He gets the experience and exposure that he needs and we get the democrats in power for enough time to fix this mess that we're in.
If Obama gets the nomination and wins,the GOP will do the same to him that they did to Bill Clinton in his first 2 years: criticize/block every piece of legislation,no matter how viable.The result? Same as in 1994,the GOP will control Congress.Then,they'll get to work on discrediting the president ( remember?) and in 2008,we will have another GOP president.
Clinton needs Obama as VP if she wins the nomination, and it suggests she should be Obama's VP if she looses the nomination. It's a very slimy move one can only expect from a typical politician. Ask any Obama supporter and they scoff at the idea of this "dream team". This should raise a red flag to all Clinton supporters, if she honestly believes Obama is not ready for the white house, why on earth would she want him as VP? Either she is being dishonest, or incompetent. We already tried a dishonest and incompetent president, look how far that got us!
I think it's absolutely outrageous and a sign that she's getting pretty desperate. It amazes me that on the one hand she can be so negative about Barack in this race and think she can offer the number two spot to the person who is in first place! It's not her place to make such an outlandish offer and I pray she will never have the chance to do so legitmately.
Obama is running on a strong message of 'change'. Vice Presidents don't create change. Obama's candidacy only has any value if he's running for President, not Vice President. He'd make a brilliant President; a terrible Vice President.
PLAIN AND SIMPLE.... Sen. Clinton is once again pandering to her audience. She and Bill are planting the seed in people's mind that they can have both, but in Bill's words "first, she needs your vote". Make no mistake, Barack does not have to turn down a request to be running mate because she would never offer. Say anything to get the vote!
It's a great idea–Obama brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm, but doesn't have the experience to get going right away. He does have the ability to step in, in the exceptionally unlikely event he needs to take over–but that's a straw-man argument. Does anyone really think of the chair of the senate as "2 heart beats" away?
It also capitalizes on the strengths of each candidate and sets the stage for a wonderfully experienced, yet still young, Obama in 2016 for president. How can folks think this is a bad plan? Policy-wise the candidates are so similar that the only thing Obama really has over Clinton is the enthusiasm angle. Being VP would give Obama some experience besides being a "community organizer" and give him a chance to do some actual uniting before being given the reins.
Total desperation. She knows that many uninformed people will be influenced by this idea, thinking that the race is all tied up.
How many times do we have to say this, Democrats: Many independents will vote for Obama, but they'll go for McCain if Clinton is the nominee.
The fact is she is winning all the big states. She is back even in the national polls. The states he is winning will all fall to McCain in the fall. She will probably take Penn, and if there is a redo in Fl, she will take it too. So she should be on top (she also will hold the moderate democrats in the fall unlike Obama). Also, she is ready to be commander in chief.
Obama will not be able to handle the attacks that will come from the Republicans, especially since he has not dealt well with her so called 'negative' criticism so far (which is nothing in comparison to what will come).
Because she's clearly trying trying to draw votes away from Obama in the upcoming primaries. People who are torn between the two candidates will see a vote for Hillary as "two for the price of one".
If she can keep these elections as close as possible, she'll have a better chance at swinging some superdelgates her way by the convention. By offering him the number two job, she gets the best of both worlds– hurting Obama's chances while simultaneously taking the moral high ground as the one who "tried to unite" the Democratic party while Obama selfishly tried to take the election fior himself.
That means two possible situations:
1. She really thinks that Obama isn't prepared to be president, but is willing to put America at risk with him a breath away from the office just to get herself elected.
2. She knows that her rhetoric about Obama unfit to be president is garbage but thinks this will help her win the primary.
Either way, she's a liar.
Because the truth is most democrats want both candidates. And I am in the camp that I would like to see him gain more experience before taking the oval office – and a VP position would help him gain that experience. No one really thinks that the VP should have as much experience as the President – I do believe he does have enough experience to be VP – but not the president. No one every really thinks that the VP would be as good as the elected president – to argue that saying he is ready for VP is that same as saying he is ready to be president is grasping at air. I mean how many companies select VPs because they are ready to be president – that doesn't happen. You are VP because you need to be trained and gain experience – just like Obama needs that experience.
Jack,
Don't you find it ironic that Senator Clinton would use the 3 am ad to her advantage – she has more experience to be president, but then turn around and say, Senator Obama can be my VP? (Bill Clinton was just as guilty as his wife in advancing his dream-unstoppable ticket argument).
The office of the vice-presidency has become far more important as a result of first the Clinton and then Bush presidencies, so it should not be discounted. Isn't her "oh he can be my VP" push alone an acknowledgement that Obama IS capable of being president??
Forget about the fact that Senator Obama is ahead in both the popular vote and delegate count, but as VP, Obama is second in command and WOULD HAVE TO ANSWER THE PHONE AT 3AM in her absence.
I find her actions (and equally those of President Clinton) to be disrespectful of the offices of BOTH the presidency and the vice-presidency.
Dem strategist Joe Trippi today says with Pennsylvania Clinton could very well end up leading in the popular vote while Obama stays ahead in regular delegates (Shades of 2000!) and in that case the party will try to force a shared ticket. Ohio cut Obama's lead in half. Clinton is also likely to win Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky and Trippi says she has a chance in North Carolina. Even with revotes in Florida and Michigan neither candidate reaches the number needed to cinch the nomination, so it's still up to the superdelegates
The Clintons are brilliant politicians. Nobody disputes that. This is one more example of the two trying to sabotage Barack Obama, and "put him in his place." In talking about a joint ticket, the Clintons are hoping to tap into the desire of many democrats to produce a "dream ticket." Some might want Obama on top, but Clinton is trying to trick them into into believing they by voting for her, democrats can get both Clinton and Obama together.
Hillary is also hoping to appear as the "bigger person" and court those people who are still on the fence between Clinton and Obama. When Obama refuses these claims, as he rightly should, she hopes he will look divisive. HiIlary is calling for a Clinton-Obama ticket, knowing full well she would NEVER accept an Obama-Clinton ticket. Barack has FINALLY come out against the Clintons and their talk of a "dream ticket."
Hilary is trying to gain votes from people who are inclined to vote for Obama because he is charming but fear that he is not experienced enough. SHe is basically saying "vote for me and I will make sure that Obama is vice president. That's good enough right?" She thinks that people will use it to decide to elect her knowing they will still get Obama to a certain extent. It is a conniving attempt to undermine Obama and I think that it makes her look desperate.
If Obama is the nominee or #1 in the team – I will vote for McCain! Obama is not qualified to be President...give him at least one term as VP – then he will be there....
Because after the superdelegates vote, Obama will NOT be ahead.
So he won Utah and Iowa and a bunch of hardly populated states that will go red anyway....what does that prove? They were also caucauses.....where young people with nothing better to do but show up with signs and huddle in the corner showed up. He won't compete in the heavily populated states with the most electoral votes in November. That's what the superdelegates will figure out, Jack, which apparently none of you talking heads have yet. So, Hillary, not wanting to alienate the black or young vote, is suggesting the second role. Which isn't bad for a guy who has never been anywhere or done anything of substance, don't you think?
Who is currently on top is a matter of interpretation. Obama can win alot of low population states and talk about how many states he's won (clearly he is also a politician) but it takes more than a handful of little states to match California, New York, Ohio, Texas.
Suggesting Obama as a Vice President makes sense. Clinton is no dummy. He is inexperienced and spending some time as a VP might better prepare him for the presidency. That would be in the best interests of the democratic party as a whole.
\
Jack:
This is a classic example of Hillary Clinton's "say anything-do anything to win" politics. In the dark halls of the Clinton campaign spin room this idea was drummed up to pull votes from Obama by asking voters to pause and question why vote for him and get one when you could vote for her and get both! It's classic old school politics! Good for Senator Obama to squash yet another attempt by the Clinton campaign to cloud and confuse the voters and the issues! Shame On You Hillary Clinton!
Calvin Roberts
Oklahoma City, OK
Simple answer: she needs someone like Senator Obama on her ticket...should she be lucky enough to turn things around and win the nomination.
Senator Clinton would benefit from selecting Obama as her VP, as he would soften her edge among polarized voters. However, she provides less value as Senator Obama's running mate. In that scenario, middle-of-the-road voters who dislike her or her style of politics would be less inclined to vote for the Democratic ticket.
Unfortunately for Senator Clinton, her experience includes years of polarizing politics–something that most Americans are tired of. As they say, she's made her bed, now she's got to lie in it.
Jack, it is only a ploy to gather more votes which any voter in their right mind would totally ignore this spin job. It is a sign of desperation and willingness to win at all cost.
My only regret is I hope it does not hurt Obama's chances in the general election. He is leading in pledged delegates, popular votes and states won. She should show more class and support her party mate.
This would make a ticket with intelligence, sincerity, compassion and vision...and Hillary would be on it, too.
It drives me nuts that Hillary keeps saying this. I think the Clinton camp thinks Americans will fall for the Dream ticket idea and everyone will vote for her. I hope Obama is the Democratic nominee. If he isn't I will vote for John McCain. And if it is a Clinton-Obama ticket I would definitely vote McCain.
I'm from North Carolina but my sentiments are with James from Cape Coral FL, I would vote for McCain before ever considering voting for Hillary. It's quite clear she's in this for herself and if she happens to do a few good things for the American people, well that's just great. She would do anything to become president. Just listen to her contradict herself all the time. It's not about uniting the party; it's about advancing herself and her baggage a.k.a., Bill Clinton!
It makes sense Jack. A lot of democrats are on the fence because both candidates bring a lot to the table. It's a shame that they represent states they would likely win if they ran alone, but her having hispanics and he having african-americans, makes winning a state Florida a near certainty.
Why not have your cake and eat it too?
She doesn't mean this it's.... only politician double speak...trying to fool the voters into voting for her.After all the negative things that she has said about Obama ....he would be a fool to run any where except away from her. A so called "dream ticket" is only truly a dream if HRC isn't on it.
It's nothing but another FAILED tactic... I can't even credit Sen. Clinton as this being a "smart decision" because it shows how desperate she is. And it's quite sad that some undecided voters will actually believe that she would have him on her ticket. SHE IS IN SECOND PLACE!! Why is she even worrying about a VP?? She hasn't even caught up to Obama in the delegate count!!
Sen. Clinton has proven that she will say ANYTHING for the nomination. She duped the people of Ohio into thinking that Obama wasn't serious about the whole NAFTA issue, and now reports show that it was the CLINTIONS that had the back door conversation with Canada! She is untrustworthy and once again it's the same old politics! I would like to think people are smart enough to figure it out, but as we see in Ohio some people are still so gullible! She says that Obama is just about speeches but he helped to provided jobs and affordable housing to the people in Chicago. When asked by Tim Russert why she didn't come through on the jobs she PROMISED in NY, her response was: "She didn't expect Bush to be president". She is the one that is just all talk and no substance!
He has a more extensive "rap sheet" in the legislative than she does, but some how that doesn't constitute as change... GIVE ME A BREAK!!
I would rather see Bill Richardson in the number two spot....he is also ready for the number one.....Obama is not ready for either one.....I may have to vote for Mccain.
Best of luck to the VP nominee, if Hillary gets the nomination. He/she will have to fight it out with Bill for the spotlight. I doubt that's a job Obama wants...or anyone with some self-respect.
Janet
Austin, Texas
Jack, Hillary can do much better than Obama.
It's probably the right thing to do, given how close the race for democrat is. However, who has the top spot is still up for vote – literally. The truth is, Hillary needs Obama more then Obama needs Hillary in the general election. Obama and say General Wesley Clark – now that's virtually an unstoppable force.
Simple Obama will not beat McCain by himself but with both of them they possible could.
Jack,
The reason she's doing this is that by doing so, she accomplishes two things. First, it serves to backhandedly go back to her argument that she is the inevitable nominee. By disregarding the votes that have taken place to date (placing her squarely behind Sen Obama), she's hoping to make people forget that she's actually losing to him and is in no position whatsoever to be offering anything to him other than her concession.
Second, she's hoping to pick off enough votes from the people who like Sen. Obama but, thanks in large part to her own negative campaign, do not believe that he is quite "ready" yet. She's hoping that those people might vote for her thinking in the back of their heads that they'll get two for the price of one. Its now Obama's job to downplay this possibility and ridicule the very nature of the trailing candidate offering the second seat to the presumptive leader to date. His speech today offered a glimpse into the future of that argument, and I was impressed.
Jack,
This is kitchen sink round#2, if you can't beat the candadate with the voters make the other candidate feel like he will lose, might as well be number #2. It gives the exceeeding nervous DNC a possible solution to imploding Democratic party and it re-ignites please feel sorry for me, I am the true victim in this nasty polical game, even though I have used my entire family to beat this guy and it has not worked.
The answer is the Clintons are calculating and promoting a joint ticket for their own political ambitions. Barack Obama is in the lead with the most delegates and the popular vote.
So in the Clinton parallel universe of entitlement, Hillary considers herself the nominee. It is quite patronizing and insulting to offer the frontrunner the second place VP position.
The bottomline is that Hillary Clinton is losing and may have lost. Her last grab at the straws is to suggest a joint ticket. The audacity being that she be in the front of that ticket. No thanks. Voters have chosen Barack Obama to be the nominee. He does not need her on the ticket and most voters want the Clintons to please go home. Maybe Hillary can go back to New York and consider running for Governor.
It is simply a manipulation that reeks of Begalia and Carville. They hope we are gullible enough to believe that we can get get both if we vote for her. Just more Clinton dirty politics! As for her 35 years of experience, my father piloted B 52s for the Air Force for 30 years. Through Clinton logic, my mother is evidently qualified to fly a plane?
It makes sense to me that Hillary would attempt a foolish suggestion like that at this point in the race. Think about it, she had her first victory in weeks with Texas an Ohio. She was hoping that with her recent two wins people might think she will have a streak of wins or that we have bought into her methods of campaining. I think she also meant to scare Obama basicaly saying " there is a chance you might not win the nomination, im offering you the chance to make sure you get into the White house". But as all True Obama supporters know HE WILL NOT BE FOOLED!!! Clinton is a slick talker who will say whatever it takes to get into the White House. Its disgraceful!! Obama leads in states won, delegates, and the popular vote. Its over he will win and she knows it and she is scared, her so called "in the bag campain" isnt working.
Obama 08!!!!!!
That’s an easy one Jack. She needs him a whole lot more than he (Barack Obama) needs her. The Clintons are drowning and they’ll grab onto anything that will keep them from going down. I personally think Chuck Hagel or Joe Biden would make better picks for President Barack Obama’s V.P.
What if Hillary offered to be a ONE TERM president? Could that be a WIN WIN for both camps? And more importantly a win for the democratic party this fall.
It will not Matter who is on the Ticket unless they let Florida and Michagan Votes Count they will have a revolt in both States that will be voting Republican and as Florida will go so will the Nation! The DNC needs to wake up and Howard Dean needs to Resign he is a poor excuse for a Leader
It is all about strategy and positioning. If you say it often enough, people will start to believe it.
The Clintons are all about manipulation and playing to win at all costs. This is just one more desperate move in their book of tricks.
Cathy, Los Angeles, CA
I think Senator Clinton is trying to confuse people into thinking that her and Senator Obama are on the same ticket. She thinks some percentage of the voters will think they will be President Hillary and vice President Barack if they vote for Senator Clinton. The problem with this is that she keep saying Senator Obama has not enough experience but even President Bill Clinton said in 1992 the number one thing you pick a vice president for is experience so he/she could take over if any thing happens to the president. I think Hillary should just stick with talking about the things that matter to the voters because every time she speaks about Senator Obama it come back to kick her where it hurts.
Clinton wants to win, and the only way she can is with Obama beside her. They both cater to different sects within the Democratic community, and with them together, it seems like they would take the White House in November. I'm a huge Obama supporter, and she needs to say this in order to win. Obama is selling himself, while she is selling herself and Obama, twice the ticket. It's a smooth idea, and although I want Obama, in the end, I just want a Democrat, and if there is any doubt of Obama beating McCain himself (which there is), then this might be the best way to secure the house. Because it's obvious, Clinton has too big of a head and ego to go for VP.
I believe Hillary thinks she can drum up support with the idea. I think she hopes that this support will propel her into the lead. If she does take the lead, will she live up to her word? Does anyone really think she will seriously consider Obama? I think it's all a ploy to try and unite the party behind her.
I never really understood why Republicans despised Hillary Clinton until now. Americans both blue and red want something different in politics, and the spin plus the numerous cheap shots at Obama's character and record is amazing. Choosing Obama as her VP would help her at this point he said, "Okay I'll stop running for president now". If she was selected as the Democratic nominee, she would have a bigger void to fill to win the white house than he would.
This is a classic example of Hillary Clinton’s “say anything-do anything to win” politics. In the dark halls of the Clinton campaign spin room this idea was drummed up to pull votes from Obama by asking voters to pause and question why vote for him and get one when you could vote for her and get both! It’s classic old school politics! Good for Senator Obama to squash yet another attempt by the Clinton campaign to cloud and confuse the voters and the issues! Shame On You Hillary Clinton!
Calvin Roberts
Oklahoma City, OK
Most democrats are ok with either candidates. So by Hillary sizing Obama for VP spot, she is hoping that voters would vote for her in the remaining primary states knowing that Obama will also be on the ticket albeit as VP. Thats a clever strategy but people are wiser than she gives credit for.
Hillary is merely tapping into what voters want. Democrats want to see the two candidates mend fences and work together. Although I don't see much mending yet, we all want to keep the dream alive.
While the media - and Obamaniacs - may want to say that Hillary is flip-flopping on Obama, that's not it at all. The voters who don't believe that Obama has enough experience to be president are fine - even happy - with Obama as Veep. Gives him a little seasoning - and prepares him to be president. I don't have a problem with a Veep who needs seasoning.
And, to those who say that Bill Clinton said that the Veep should be ready to take charge - that's right. In an ideal world. Right now we are trying to unite the party. These two running together would do it.
Isn't it odd that Obama hasn't said he'll run with Hillary. Why hasn't he? Because he won't pick her. And if he doesn't, he may just be cutting off his nose to spite his face.
Give me a break. When I get to vote for the VP is when I will care about the VP. The Republicans and Democrates have such opposing platforms the VP isn't going to make a difference in the way anyone votes.
Jack, one can see that both are running neck and neck and it is doubtful that a decision will be reached without the super-delegates.
Both Obama and Clinton on the same ticket will bring the Democrats together. With McCain unable to woo the votes of disgruntled supporters of Obama or Clinton, whoever should lose out on the nomination, Democrats would be assured of winning the Presidential election.
Jack,
the reason Hillary and Bill is pushing this Hillary/Obama ticket is because they think the American public is stupid. As far as I can see isn't Obama leading in delegates and the popular votes,aren't the Clintons tired of all the dirty politics. Maybe Hillary need to ask the little girl she used in her scare tactic video who is the better candidate because that little girl is all grown up and working for the Obama campaign.
I know this much for sure that if Obama loses I WILL NOT VOTE or I might even volunteer for McCain: that is how much i cannot stand Clinton and I LOVEEEEE Obama.
It's obvious that the Clinton Camp's strategy is to sell illusions to the American people all the time hoping that we'll stop paying attention, e.g. same as w/the "3 in the morning" ad. We are and we will continue to pay attention!
Jack,
Very simple but clever strategy. She appeals to undecided Democrats who like both candidates, appearing as a party uniter (behind her, of course).
Obama has his hands tied: he cannot say yes for obvious reasons, but he also cannot reject the idea without appearing divisive and unwilling to unite the party.
A Clinton-Obama ticket would be a joke, since Hillary has stated he is not prepared for the top job. How would she justify such a VP choice?
Anyway, Obama will win a plurality of pledged delegates and the popular vote, making it highly unlikely for the supedelegates to hand the nomination to HRC, since it would unleash a civil war within the party.
My advice to Obama: pick Wesley Clark as your VP, you get a southerner with great military experience and who won't scare away moderates and independents.
At the end of the day, it is just another talking head. Lately Hillary and Obama and McCain are the primary areas of concentration. The proposition of such an idea for the presidency is obviously a calculated move in the Clinton campaign. I mean, honestly, how much more can you talk about this.
Hi. A Clinton-Obama ticket is the only way to go to make everyone happy. Sure, Obama-Clinton would be great too, however, Obama's ego will get the best of him. He will not want to choose Hillary as a running mate because he will not want to be out-shined by her experience. On the other hand, Hillary has pretty much already been V.P. when she was First Lady of the White House. Why would she want that job again? It also makes sense in that Obama will then have a chance to gain some experience under Hillary's lead, and then in 8 years he will be prime material for President. Why not ride this one out for as long as we can get it! All aboard!
Well, to me it appears simple. Hillary's not stupid, and she can count. She knows Obama is ahead, and she knows someone who's in the first chair at the moment isn't likely to accept second fiddle willingly. So she's floating the idea as a possibility for her, hoping Mr. Obama will get the message and suggest it as a response.
Someone above suggested a team-up of the candidates would be "unbeatable". As an Obama supporter, I'd like to believe that. But as a practical independent, I think McCain is going to be hard to beat. He is a good man, however I may disagree on certain points with him. And he has the experience and character. I think an Obama – Clinton ticket, and not vice-versa, may be the one hope to win the election.
Jack I think she is actually trying to force Obama to take her as the VP. These people are not stupid and have to be able to add so they know she is not going to win unless something unforseen occurs or the Supers steal the election from the American people but if she can get in the VP spot, then all is not lost...and that's what matters most to the Clintons, that they do not ever lose.
Evil that woman is. Search your feelings, you know truth, this is. Desperartion leads to spin, spin leads to Clintons and Clintons are the Dark Side.
-Yoda
Memphis,TN
It's simple Jack. Hillary is only interested in being the President of the big "important" states. She will need someone to help her with the little unimportant states that he keeps winning. What is funny is that she has no time to release tax returns completed the prior year, but she has plenty of time to jump ahead of herself in the election. My advise, stict to loosing the nomination first and then we will see what is left to talk about in Denver.
I'm a Republican in a Republican State who will vote for Senator Obama in the general election. But I'll vote for Senator McCain if Hillary is the Democratic nominee . . . AND . . . there are apparently thousands upon thousands of other Republicans who feel as I do.
Her offer to Obama is just a cheap attempt to gain support amongst the Super Delegates.
The super delegates will support the majority delegate/ popular vote holder and that is going to be Obama. Mrs. Clinton needs to stop wasting other people's money and accept defeat.
She is appealing to the ignorance of the electorate.
william
san antonio, texas
It's actually simple. Her argument is that a vote for her is also a vote for Obama. Anyone who likes Obama but has doubts about his experience can, if you accept Clinton's argument, vote for the candidate with experience, Clinton, and yet still feel like they've cast a vote for the feel-good candidate they like, Obama.
Obama's flat out rejection of the idea this afternoon demonstrates his neophytic short-sightedness and aside from the fact that Hillary is eminently more qualified and will undoubtedly prevail is exactly why I continue to support Hillary over Obama in spite of all the insignificant states he's won due to African American allegiances and the infinite wisdom of all the 18 year old voters he's energized. So, rather than thinking towards a possible 16-year future of Democratic Party rule and all the good that would bring to the middle class – it's his way or no way? What a lovely, naive view of the world...
The Clintons are desperate and will resort to any level to be back in the white house. Whenever I see the clintons on the news I cannot help but think of their catch phrase ' I did not have sex with that womwn'. That says it all .
It's another cynical attempt by the Clintons to steal this election (including her "I won Michigan" stance and "not to my knowledge" statement on Obama being a Muslim.) If she ever were to become the nominee, she would never name Obama to the ticket. She is simply using his good name to clean up her dirty one. I hope no one is actually fooled by this kind of behavior. I'm finding it more and more difficult to even consider voting for her, should she win. And having previously enthusiastically supported her as my senator, I've about had it with her deviousness.
also, senator obama is a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenom. he has the courage, the character, the honesty and integrity to lead our country. he is surrounded by very bright and well experienced persons. if mr. gore or gov. richardson or mr. edwards will let him be bloodied and gored and hung by sen. clinton and be left as feed for the republicans, then the onus is on them.
This is a very clever strategy – Hillary knows she needs to widen the gap in states she is likely to win and to win in states she may be just narrowly behind – to swing the voters who are torn between Obama and her but are inclined towards Obama. By offering this seemingly olive branch, those voters who like Obama and will vote for him but still have that little doubts whether he has the experience behind him are offered a very nice option. Vote for Hillary and she will anyways have Obama as her VP and thus we have Obama in a leadership position – Best of both worlds. But in fact it hurts Obama as voters on the fence have now a reason to vote for Hillary – though that would be a naive voter at best.
Jack,
I thought a VP must be ready to assume the role of President at a moments notice, how can you say he is not qualified to be President and yet he is qualified to be my VP. Is senator Clinton flip flopping on her positions, or maybe just outright slandering Senator Obama and using deception to try to steal the nomination...Shame on you Hillary..Shame on you.
If she was sincere, being that she is trailing and the chance of her gaining the nomination is a long shot, she should be privately/publicly (whatever!) trying to convince Obama to allow her to be HIS running mate. Ask this and allow me to answer...why hasn't the Obama camp come out and made the suggestion of a Obama-Clinton ticket? Because he knows she wouldn't stand for it any more than he would for a Clinton-Obama ticket. This was a pathetic attempt at her getting that undecided voter to vote for her hoping the undecided voter is of the mind frame... "well, I like them both; since she'll likely ask him to be his running mate, I'll vote for her that way I get the both of them in office and be satisfied." Low Clinton Camp, awfully low!
Hey Jack,
Love what you do and keep up the good work. I would like to see a Lou Dobbs/ Jack Cafferty ticket as Independents!!!! You've got my vote. I'm a 45 year old vet., who has never voted because of the joke of candidates that this country puts out there. Our entire government is crooked and corrupt and has NO integrity what so ever. I am not a Rep. or Dem. I'm an American!!!! I think an Obama/Edwards ticket would be the best for this country. Definitely NO more Clintons!!!
I think it's a joke that Clinton has made it this far. She has NO experience, because I don't think sleeping with the president makes you an experienced candidate. For that matter Monica Lewinsky, Jennifer Flowers and all the rest of slick Willey's harem could be running.
I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired of the Clinton Regime!!!!
The Clinton strategy team must have dreamed this one up at 3 A.M. Some of their 3 A.M. ideas may work temporarily but when everyone gets a sound sleep and actually thinks, you can't pick someone as vice president who you claim is unqualified. You only increase the already growng doubts as to your own competence.
Did not Senator Clinton say that Senator Obama is worth N O T H I N G.
VP has to be as good as President. Hope Senator Clinton knows that.
And is she not in second place. It is like Governor Huckabee suggesting he and McCain would make a dream ticket, with him being no .1
Stop this craziness. I cannot believe that I wasted my vote for her on Feb 5.
I think Hillary should forget Obama. His ego can't handle it. I think she should get Harold Ford, Jr., Emanuel Cleaver, or Michael Nutter on the ticket. Even better if she could get Colin Powell.
If Hillary wants the top spot- I heard that one may be available soon.
HILLARY COULD RUN FOR GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK!!!!
How arrogant can one person be. Its insanity for Obama to give even lip service to this outrageous suggestion. I am a strong supporter of Obama and if for some reason he is not the Democratic candidate then McCain here I come...!!!
The only thing that would stop me from voting for a democratic ticket is if one candidate wins more elected delegates, but the other gets the nomination through undemocratic superdelegates. True, it is within the rules, but is it right? If the "democratic" party overturns the will of the people myself and many others will be premanently disillusioned with this system. I don't think I could vote for John McCain (two words, supreme court), but this consistant liberal voter will take a permanent seat on the bench with half of the democratic party. Here is a question for Hillary supporters, How do you expect to win the general election without the black vote?
Hillary might as well float the idea now to show she is gracious and willing to have him as her running mate before she racks up some more big states necessary to win in the national election (i.e. PA, FL, etc.). Obama's response makes him seem like a petulant, ambitious child ("I'm in first; she's second!) and reinforces that his major interest is himself and not the Democratic party or the country. Finally, his response to reject her suggestion outright turns even more women voters against him by demonstrating that he is one more male who "always has to be on top."
Matt,
Obama does not have a moderate appeal. He is an ultra liberal. Get real! You can't have it both ways.
I read the other comments and I'm glad most who responded aren't "hoodwinked" by another desperate attempt by the Clintons.
However it is clever.
None of the Clinton arguments are logical. The arguement about her winning the big states is the worst. She won Texas...in Nov McCain will win Texas. She won Caif., NY, & NJ...whoever is the Dem. nominee will win those states.
Her advisors were smart. There is no better way than to appeal to the undecided voter than to have both candiates on the November ballot. The only problem it is quite deciving. What's even smarter is an Obama-Edwards ticket, now there is something to get excited about.
just more proof that she will do anything to try to make the office of the president! by trying to use this tactic and those transparent ploys that havent worked for her so far, she very clearly shws that she IS part of the washington old guard. Obama has more sr exprience than she does, and i think that with the charisma he shows, that will certainly assist him in the future to get things done.she is beyond sad & desparate
It's proof of her unbridled arrogance. Talk about transparency–I can see right through the Clintons' manipulation of the public. Maybe she could be McCain's running mate–she thinks he has more experience than Obama. She's willing to divide the democratic party to win. She and her husband lack character and judgment. She's tenacious, we know that, she stayed with Bill. And her best experience in the White House resulted in a failed health care initiative and a reputation for being a difficult personality. She's made arrogant statements about women staying home and baking cookies, while she's out working. She has worked hard to try to convince us that she's been working for the underdog her entire career.
Well, she's the underdog now and can't play fair.
Maybe Hillary should have a reality check... She is so dillusional that after she won Ohio and Texas she said to everyone "That she is just warming up" Wow... for a candidate who preaches about being ready on Day 1... is ridiculous since its been after 31 primaries and she is still behind on the pledge delegate counts and a ticket with Obama? Get in line lady... He doesn't need your baggage.
Jack,
Chris Rock mentioned this same phenomenon in his stand-up routine in reference to Colin Powell prior to the 1996 election. I find it very shortsided to offer the number two position to the person who is in the lead for the number one position. Why does it seem to happen with "certain" canidates and not others. Besides, even as Vice President Mr. Obama would still be number 3 in the White House behind Hillary then Bill. Maybe it allows her to sleep better believing that she could still win the Democratic nomination. It is almost like a trick of the failed present administration; if you say something long enough, loud enough and with enough conviction people will forget the truth and believe that the sky is falling and you are the only one that can stop it.
Hope
Columbia, SC
The answer to Jack's question is simple: Because Clinton thinks the proposal will get votes for her. The proposal seeks to make Clinton look friendly, accommodating, and devoted to the best interests of the Democratic party. However, the proposal ignores the realities that Clinton is unlikely to be able to extend such an offer to Obama, that Obama has rejected such a ticket, and that no first-rate politician is going to accept being burried in the Old Executive Office Building while Bill and Hillary run the show.
Because she thinks that if the American People feel they can get them both if they vote for her, they are more likely to do so. She would probably need him on the ticket to win anyway.
Desperation. She's trying to act as if in order to downplay the fact that she's trailing.
If Obama doesn't win, I'm voting for McCain. The Clintons spent 8 years in the White House and it's time to give someone else a chance.
Because it's all about HILARY not about the party, all about her. She (probably) figures if she gets in the white house somehow she can do what she wants. Her inconsistent statements, not producing tax returns and her emotional and very unfocus campaign is undiscerning. After all, she has 35 years of experience and has traveled to 80 countries. A seasoned politician she is and whether she wins or loses, she will always be a politician.
It's called being smart!
Obama against McCain...MCain wins
Hillary-Obama againts McCain – McCain loses
Why is it when Hillary pulls out all the stops to win people call that deceipt, manipulation, and make her out to be a monster. But, when Obama does it, it's called being smart, a voice for change.
Are Americans that prejudices against a women? I hate to say it, but when a women is smart, forceful, powerful we demonize her but when a man does it we admire it.
Go Hillary!
she wants to hold on to the highest percentage of the black vote that she can
Why would Hillary Clinton, who is behind, keep talking about being on the same ticket with Barack Obama, who is ahead?
This is a strategic move on the part of the Clinton camp to get people to think that if they vote for her, they can get both candidates on the same ticket. Anyone who has paid any kind of attention in the last 2 months knows that this "dream ticket" is a pipe dream that would never happen. Obama is the overwhelming favorite to be the nominee, and putting Clinton on the ticket would risk losing a lot of independent voter support and energizing the Republican base in one fatal swoop.
Jack
The only thing that's become clear in this race is that Hillary will do whatever it takes to win. She acts as if the Presidency is somehow owed to her. I hope the voters in Pennsylvania give her a 3 am wake up call. A call telling her to exit the race. As much as I like Obama I would never vote for any ticket that Hillary is on.
Hilary knows the race is so close; that the only way for the Democrats to win... to beat Carl Rove and his Republican machine... is to unite. The Republicans would not expect this. It would take them totally by surprize. They would not be able to regroup.
One cannot win by themself.
Hilary is playing King Solomon.... she is willing to give up the presidency and take the vice presidency spot in order to take the executive branch back from the Republicans.
I don't care why she is doing it. I would never vote for Obama. Voting for him would be like voting for a medical student to do your brain surgery.
I really have to wonder why you news guys haven't put him through the wringer like you have to Hillary. After Hillary publically expressed those same sentiments, to the media credit. you are at least doing some questioning of Obama. Rather than just hailing him as the second coming of the Messiah.
I am a >50, female, college grad. I vote by candidate, not party. Hillary is a pitiful caricature of a politician; those who are beholden to her believe she is going to make them young, rich and beautiful. By saying she'll give Obama a seat at her feet she is trying to woo the undecided. Once again: changing her message to manipulate voters to try and win. I'm voting ABC (Anyone but Clinton). I hope Chelsea gets a life independent of her egocentric parents; she seems like a good kid.
Still waiting for someone to spell out exactly WHAT CHANGE IS IT that Obama is pushing??
What has he done in his short time in office besides 100% straight party-line votes? Besides being the most liberal Senator in Congress? Besides saying in his debate with Hilary that "The Republicans didn't have any good ideas..."
Hardly sounds like someone who will and has "reached out across the aisle" to try and change things. Hardly sounds like a "Uniter and NOT a Divider"... Didn't Bush run on the same platform?? So did Clinton.
Just another politician who will do and say anything to be elected. And you folks are running around like blind little sheep falling all over this character. Come on people – WAKE UP and smell the coffee! He is a politician.
Desperation clouds judgment. Hillary Clinton had bad judgment in 2002 and Its worse on the campaign trail. Ambitious people would like you to believe their ambition is the best for anyone in the world. This is disgusting! Jack you need to endorse Obama.
Jack,
I am a 50 year old, white female registered republican. I suppose I'm just the sort of person who should be "for" HRC. However, I find this latest game of hers just another reinforcement of why I am for Barack Obama. She is win at all costs. I don't think she cares a bit for our country- she just wants to claim a little bit of immortality by being the first woman president of the United States. If she loved our country, she would look at how Obama has gotten the youth of America excited- and want to help keep the motivation growing. Instead she continues to try and tear apart the Democratic party. I don't want another 4 years of Bush- that's why I'm not for John McCain; but he will get my vote unless Obama is the Presidential candidate!!
Obama has finally rejected this "dream team" fantasy - which by the way, is largely a white phenomenon. She is determined to win any way she can - even if it destroys the party's chances in the general election.
Obama's supporters are not interested in Hillary Clinton PERIOD. They are not going to be scared into voting for her by the spectre of having a McCain win. If Clinton is the nominee, many will just stay home in November while Republicans will turn out in droves to vote against her.
TO ALL HILLARY VOTERS VOTERS: i respect all of you, but if your candidate while in the process of campaigning decides to start to despise Obama's campaign for the presidency by offering him a V.P position when he's infact in the lead is rather insulting...No wonder Samantha Power would liken her to a monster...You cannot campaign without principle or dignity..You only earn what you want by doing your do, not by manipulation, that will not do in this election...Hillary and Bill may be compared to snakes, because they are the most cunning, proud American couple....First of all, Hillary denies the fact the the experience she touts is infact only afforded by and admissible due to the Bill Clinton Presidency otherwise she's has no experience by her ownself. You cannot separate Hillary from Bill, there's no Hillary without Bill...Then she says that this is not the re-coming of Bill Clinton disguised by her candidacy, but it is....This idea cannot be reputed on no grounds. Hillary's candidacy is only acceptable as much as Bill is in the picture, and even so she knows she's banking upon Bill Clinton connections. She's even using the so-called Clinton machine-dependent upon it, but she did not set it up. It is Bill Clinton machine.....But Obama's campaign is his, and look when it started, and look where it is now..That ought to tell you something...Hillary's offer is an insult to Senator Obama's candidacy and campaign irregardless of the fact that for the fact that indeed Obama, if he lost, it would be a good idea for him to go for V.P...But that is another issue on its own..The fact is that Hillary is not candid about her offer. She's placing her self above Obama and the American people. She's assumed power she does not possess
Hillary Clinton is the most qualified person running for the office of president. She is smart, tough, informed, and experienced.
Because she wants to grab votes of undecided, she thinks this is the way, she is desperate. I think she has handled herself poorly over the last few weeks, I have changed my support from Clinton to Obama.
Hillary Clinton continues to suggest that she will pick Obama as her vice presidential candidate in order to call attention to the fact that he is not in any way suggesting the same arrangement. Regardless of what many democrats would prefer, Obama will not pick Hillary and she thinks that could hurt him if that fact was made to clear the voters.
Jack,
The Clintons are using an old legal technique called the "pigs can fly" argument. When the losing side asserts that pigs can fly you are forced to spend your time convincing everyone that pigs CAN'T fly and that serves to give their crazy idea some credence. It takes you off point and off message. Think it doesn't work? Look what they've accomplished with the whole Michigan/Florida debacle!
She's trying to manipulate undecided voters.
My dad always said that when something happens once, it's an accident. When it happens twice it's a coincidence. When it happens three times (or many many more in this case) it's a pattern.
What we have here is a pattern of manipulation... "Finding my voice" in New Hampshire, portraying Barack as nothing more than the "black" candidate in S.C (oops that backfired), "Shame on You" in Ohio, lending herself money, etc. etc.
Mrs. Clinton is wily, manipulative and singly focused. All the greatest qualities I want in my president!
If Hillary wants the top spot- I heard that one may be available soon.
HILLARY COULD RUN FOR GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK!!!!
Joy-Noth Carolina
She thinks she is smatter than America. and thats proves another reason I can't give her my vote.
I would advice Obama not to ever accept it
I have heard many republicans donating to the Hillary campaign because she is a sure fire loss to McCain. Former Bush donors all of a sudden Hillary donors.
She's desperate; when one puts down and scrutinizes it screams insecurity. Not at all what I want for my future president.
Patrice Brumley
Dallas Texas
Jack – The Clinton campaign should be embarrassed at this latest approach. It just further demonstartes that Hillary Clinton will do and say anything to get elected. She steadfastly maintains that Obama is not experienced for the job, yet, she is considering him for a post that is the proverbial "heartbeat away" from the presidency?
This latest ploy also demonstrates the fact that she has conceded that Sen. Obama stands a much better chance at beating Sen. McCain in the general election than she does, so she wants to shore him up to bolster the Democratic ticket. That's tantamount to me (and my meager salary) telling Bill Gates that we should pool our resources!
Clinton's attempts to put Obama on her ticket show both craftiness and desperation. She needs him a LOT more than he needs her. When the campaign season began I would have supported Obama, Edwards, or Clinton. Now, I will have a difficult time pulling the lever for a democrat if that candidate is Hilary Clinton. I never thought I would feel this way, but the Clinton campaign has been ugly. I hope for change. I hope for Barack Obama to win the Presidency.
OK, I know not all of you are as savy as the Clinton's, but what they are proposing makes pretty good sense. Either candidate, especially, the current front runner, in my oppinion will lose badly again'st the American Hero(McCain). So, Obama, I'm not a Poli-Sci major and I never voted No to go to War, but I think that if you add the Electoral votes for the states Hillary did win, then throw out that all or nothing bologna for primaries, you'd find that you have a very formidable opponant. Don't be so, I need to be the President right now, because the American Hero will more than equal your experience and he has the American Blue Bloods behind him. You need to get more experience. Now is not the time for just a mouthpiece for change. We need someone who can protect this country. I like Obama in 2017. Let's be smart about this. Come on Democrats let's win THIS year. Go get them Hillary, you deserve it, your tenacity is unmatched. McCain, I love you for your style and your sacrifice, but its time to focus on fixing the US economy(not your strong suit). The war is too costly.
Typical Clinton ploy to try and fool people into voting for them. In one breath that can say Obama is not ready to be commander and chief but then in the other he is ok to be a heart beat away. I supported Bill Clinton both times for president but now I am beginning to see what people mean about they will do anything to win!!. Sam
Because Obama doesn't stand a chance in a fight against the Republicans. Hillary using this as a strategy or whatever is actually looking out for the Democratic party all together. US just had 8 years of Republicans, do you want another 4?
Can you spell DESPARATE?? Reverse their rolls and you would see Hillary and Bill laugh their heads off at him making the same offer to her.
Nancy in Glendale, Arizona
Who knows what goes on in her deranged mind? It's obviously not to unite the party. She thinks she is clever in trying to bamboozle us into believing a vote for her is a vote for Obama. Get over yourself Hillary.
Clinton is a fighter, and she has to look at this as if there is no way the election is over. She believes she can win it, and is very smart to look to seek votes from Obama supporters, once she does win it. The Dems will be sure to win in November if this dream ticket is realized. She gives us hope!
And one other thing........no matter what, I believe McCain will win because people are tired of the Clintons and aren't ready for a black man to be president.
Thanks but no thanks.
We believe 8 years with the Clintons is enough for this country. Why do we need a Clinton Dynasty? Don't we have enough of the Bushes Dynasty?
Please give others a chance.
The biggest issue affecting the general public at the moment is our slowing economy. At this trying time, what we need is an inspiring President that can unite every American together But not another Clinton, no matter how great they are! An ordinary approach can no longer work. If there is anything a President can do, President Bush would have already done it.
Boosk, Utah
This year I will be 50 and have never voted republican however if the American voters fall for any more Hillary nonsense. I'll be force to sit the fall election out or vote for McCain! Clinton wants Obama to sit on the back of the bus while her and Bill ride in the front. I'm white and can't go along with their spin. Enough
Everyone should face the facts. Hillary will win the election even if she has to steal it. She and Bill have always been calculating. They will find a way to win the nomination. Has everyone truely forgotten the years in the Clinton White House? It was filled with CONSTANT drama. Her campaign has been run much like those years–whatever it takes to get what they want–lie, cheat, steal–it doesn't matter. I will NEVER vote for Hillary. It's either OBAMA or MCCAIN>
The Clinton's are trying to appeal to the voters in Mississippi. Sending a message to black voters that if they vote for her she will ask Obama to be her VP. Knowing full well he would not accept. Al Gore was left on the out side looking in when he was Bill Clinton's VP. Any VP of Hillary 'swill just be thrid place becuase Bill will take over and then Hillary, then the VP.
Clinton's proposal is purely tactical to win over the voters who are not yet decided between her and Obama.
She is trying to give them an impression that they can get both (Obama and Clinton) by voting for her.
Depending on your political leanings, you can view this as clever politics or dirty politics. But it is shrewd politics, nonetheless.
Why would Hillary Clinton, who is behind, keep talking about being on the same ticket with Barack Obama, who is ahead?
This is a strategic move on the part of the Clinton camp to get people to think that if they vote for her, they can get both candidates on the same ticket. Anyone who has paid any kind of attention in the last 2 months knows that this “dream ticket” is a pipe dream that would never happen. Obama is the overwhelming favorite to be the nominee, and putting Clinton on the ticket would risk losing a lot of independent voter support and energizing the Republican base in one fatal swoop.
Joseph Riedel – Cedar Hill, Texas
Hillary is quite possibly the best politician at speaking with a forked tongue I have ever seen, which is saying something. It is laughable to suggest that Obama is not presidential material now, but he will be in a couple of months. How do you measure what it takes? And if he'll be presidential material by then anyway, why not vote for him in the first place? The more I hear from Clinton, the less I want to hear from her.
Clinton has to showcase that he's not the so-called uniter that he says he is. If he was truly interested in uniting the party and bringing change he'd have said that he will entertain the idea of a joint ticket, after all the primaries are done, and talk with Sen. Clinton about where to go next in a way that's best for America and the party. He shouldn't say he'll be VP, but rather that he looks forward to talking about the possibility of a joint ticket with Clinton in whatever form it takes at the end of the day. He didn't say that Jack, he just re-affirmed his own ambitions, which is exactly what the Clintons wanted. This guy is not a change agent, he's just a politician running on a platform of change because he has little to no real experience, playing on America's resentment toward Washington to get himself a ticket straight to the White House.
She's just trying to manipulate people into thinking that a vote for her is a vote for Obama. She's a wretched mess.
Jack,
Barak and Hilary are like water and Oil in the same cup. One is about future and the other about past. One looks forward to change the way politics is done in Washington, the other considers being the first female president a change. One runs a respectable positive campaign, the other promotes negative campaigning.
I believe Hilary in her own mind has conceded. She is playing politics to excite voters about the dream team in order to pressure Barak to offer her the VP position when time comes.
Barak should never give in to her. Hilary on Barak’s ticket is a liability and nothing more.
Respectfully,
nk
Uh, I just stepped out from under a rock (a glacier, actually) and see where the #2 candidate wants the #1 candidate to be her #2. What a great idea! What brilliance! I am sure a lot of the non-committed Democrats AND the Obama supporters will jump on this suggestion right away. Seriously, you have to wonder just how DUMB the Clintons think the Democrats are. Oh, I forgot: Bill won twice with the same crowd. Forgive me, for a moment I thought the American electorate has some sense. I'll now go back under my glacier and forget about it.
Hillary Clinton should stop talking out of both sides of her neck before she is considered to be schizophrenic. She has already shown signs of instability. I used to hold the Clintons in high regard. Now I have lost respect for both of them. I consider Senator Obama to be a member of my family. When someone attacks a member of my family, he or she attacks me. Mr. Obama is a Prince of man. Hillary Clinton is no longer a lady. She forfeited that title when she began to lie on Mr. Obama and mock him. Hillary Clinton should get on her knees before the American public and ask Mr. Obama to forgive her. Of course, I will not hold my breath. I can not and will not vote for her under any circumstances.
From Eugene Oregon:
Barack needs to stand up to this kind of pushing around. It is clear it is distasteful to him to find a woman who behaves like Hillary in his life. If he was married to her, he would be a guy with second thoughts. I think it is time for him to say "No, I cannot take this seriously. And I am unwilling to consider her for my Vice-President at this juncture. This choice will have to wait for the convention."
If he rejects her as a possible VP after she has "offered" it to him, he will look cold and cruel. But he also does not want to offer the VP job to her outright, because, well, he doesn't want her as his VP. Who would?
Jack,
Thanks so much for bring up the idea that Hillary wants Obama as Vice president. I have watched the last 10 minutes of this show everyday and you are the only person in the News Media who presents a balance reporting. Over the last two weeks all the new media has been dancing to Hillary tunes and have already crown her the Nest president of the United States. MSNBC and its outlets in particular have been talking and showing all the positive sides of Hillary and showing all the negatives of Barack Obama. The News media and their outlets have suggested that although Barack Obama was born by a white mother, raised by white grand parents and has lived in America for the last 45 years, he is a second class citizen because of his name, where he comes from and because he is African Amreica. Am not surprise that Hillary has taken advantage of what the media has portrayed Obama to be that she is now thinking that Obama cannot not be President of the United State but can only fill the second spot. If Hillary steals the election results using her influence to be the Next President, she is going to failed because all African American and educated individuals will not vote for her in November. I know lots of people who are ready to switch and vote for the other party and accept the 100 yrs war than vote for Hillary.
Rosa
Hillary continues on her "power trip". She wants to be the first female president at ALL costs. If she has to put up a smoke screen of Obama at VP – so be it. "3AM and who is answering the phone" – sure why not. Staying married to Bill with all his affairs – its just what you do. And I am so glad the economy was great during the Clinton years. Enron...dot.com bubble....savings and loan meltdown...Monica...failed attempts on bin Laden. Yea, those really were the good old days.
HRC is pimpadocious.
Obama's got it. She doesn't . She wants it. She'll try, say, do anything
to get it. She needs a big hat with a feather, and Ohio needs to take a bath–it's the morning after.
How about turning the order on the ticket around? That's at least
another possibility, though I don't know well how Hillary would do
at playing number two. Better than nothing, however!
Because it's the only thing that makes sense. Particularly given McCain candidacy he is going to kill Obama with the experience factor. I can just hear him saying "well my friend, you can talk about change all you want, but you don't know war as well as I do and I am the only one with the experience to take America out of this problem".
In addition, I think Clinton is showing that she is open to that combination. She knows that America wants it and I think that Obama is very arrogant in his answers and position about it. I am really tired of hearing that he is the JFK of the new millenium and that Michelle Obama is Jackie O. Please! The guy is charistmatic and a good speaker but if you read his book, you can tell that he is as naive as he could be. Hillary is the one with the vision and strength to put all his "change" attitued and messaging into perspective. That's what experience brings to the table.
A man and a woman on the same ticket. Hmmmmm. Clearly the man should be on top. ( Before you ladies go crazy, this is a sexy, not a sexist, comment )
Obsession with power inevitably leads to delusion. That is what we are seeing with Bill and Hillary Clinton. Can you imagine if Obama were in her position and made such a proposal ?
I say let the voters decide. Long live democracy !
Barack and Edward combination could lift the spirit of this election. Clinton is the old story by now. She has lost the ground but wants to assure herself that she is still in the race. Mr. Clinton is no one to advocate anyone how to govern the country. He had his chances and he did whatever he can.
Mrs. Clinton can’t reach near to his husband’s wisdom. After watching her debates and speeches I can positively say that she is in the same gumboot of Bush. Now it’s up to people to elect another Bush or get rid of old politics and support the new ideas. GOP nominee is ignorant, just forget about that.
This can only be a last-ditch, desperation move, because it doesn't make any sense. For Clinton to suggest she would welcome Obama as her running mate weakens her campaign, which has, to this point, been focused mainly on attacking Barack Obama.
Personally, I couldn't swallow the idea of Hillary Clinton as president, BUT, I think she can be a very powerful, great Senator, especially with a Democrat in the White House.
Because she thinks the American people are stupid, and that if she can keep repeating the same nonsense over and over again, they'll somehow be led to believe against fact, that she, not he, is the one they want.
Kind of like a George Bush strategy.
Senator Clinton is smart, likable and able to win against the Republicans. Obama is young, green and unable to win against the swift boating Republicans. We have seen Hillary fight for what she believes in and stands for. She is they type of candidate that I want to fight for me, my family and nation. As an African American woman, I would be proud to have a Clinton-Obama ticket. He needs a few years to learn from the Master Hillary Clinton on how to fight for America, not just say clever words to invigorate the masses.
Shame on you, Hillary Clinton!
All they care about is winning....at any cost...even by deceiving some people. She has the nerve to propose such an idea when she is trailing in the number of states won, pledged delegates and popular vote? Unbelievable!! But why am I not surprised.
I am from Nepal. It is an insult to the intelligence of Americans. Through out the world, America is known for its democracy. And seeing this- it just reminds me of our dirty politicians of our communist world
Sorry Hillary – far to much news coming out of New York these days. Imagine, the Governor caught with a woman of ill-repute.... Such are the "old politics" that we're trying to leave behind. Please be gracious and step aside to allow change we can all believe in to take root. The country now deserves a unifer, not a polarizer, to bring us together to confront this dismal war in Iraq, soaring fuel and energy prices, mortgage collapses, and an America on the fringe of international society.
We need to turn a new leaf.
Jack,
Obama cannot win against McCain. Once again, we will give the victory to the republicans. Another 4 years of war, corruption, and greed. Where's John Edwards when you need him?
Why would Hillary Clinton, who is behind, keep talking about being on the same ticket with Barack Obama, who is ahead?
Top Five Reasons are:
#5. She is fantasizing that Pennsylvania and Indiana will put her over the top.
#4. Spring is coming and she has a knockout collection of short pantsuits.
#3. She has arranged for winter timeshares in Florida for the Michiganders and summer timeshares for the Floridians in Michigan.
#2. If she talks confidently maybe everyone will forget she is behind in the delegate count.
And the #1 reason is Bill has pictures of all the superdelegates with Monica "just in case."
Perhaps the best place is for Hillary to be number 2 on Obama's dry cleaning ticket....
However; she is so cunning that she will manage to get the Michigan and Florida primaries to be robust and then win the battle on the convention floor. I would bet on the Clinton's every time in a rumble. Maybe she can figure out a way to get Spitzer out of his curreent jam.
First of all I am a republican, but I sure do hope Obama gets in for the canidate, cause if he does this will be the second time I voted for a democrat. Yes hillary does think she is in and how will she get the superdelgates on her side, buy them over. If Hillary thinks she to pick her vp canidate already, let her pick Bill, if she gets in he will be running the show any way. If Obama doesnt get in I think I will pass on voting this year.
Lets keep a more clinical eye on the primary outcomes for both candidates. Sure Obama has more states in his column, pledged delegates and more popular votes. But the question remains what states, besides his own Illinois and Maryland, are meaningful to the electoral count. To win means you have to count states like California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Michigan and Florida in the win column to win a national election. Here lies the true weakness of the Obama campaign, and why Hillary will capture the nomination. What lies ahead are Pennsylvania and Indiana, which Hillary will win handily.
Should the Democrats resolve the seating or election rerun in Michigan and Flordia, again a clearer path for the winner will go to Hillary. Why the press wear blinders on this process bears more scrutiny on why the press doesn't do its job. No wonder the public believes there is no news when the news isn't covered and what is offered in its stead is a new "reality speak" in print or on the internet.
I support Obama for President. VPs normally don't become President. In the last 30 years, only George Bush won after being a VP.
The realization is that dirty politics will backfire against her in the General Election. She needs Obama, but he does not need her. There are other Democrats to fill her shoes. She will not only wonder what happen to Obama supporters, but what happened to African Americans.
The simplicity of the matter of having Sen. Obama on the same ticket is because the nomination has not been decided, the process in still ongoing. Obviously Sen. Clinton considers herself Presidential in caliber and Sen. Obama to be Vice-Presidential material (as was also indicative in Ohio, Texas, and Rhode Island results). In addition, nominees have been decided late in the process in the past, so it seems only logical and befitting to allow the other voters and their prospective states to cast their votes. It is quite apparent that some would like this nomination to be handed over to Sen. Obama since he is ahead in the delegate count. One need not be mathematically inclined to note that neither candidate has enough delegates to be the nominee. Since Sen. Obama has not won a single large and/or an important historical state (such as Hew Hampshire and Ohio), irrespective of the other states he has indeed won, it is apparent why Sen. Clinton and her supporters should strive on to the convention. It would be desirable to win states such as these in order to be effective in the general election. The democratic process, which includes delegates and 'Super delegates', will ultimately decide the nominee.
Great tactic. You gotta love Hillary. She is going to go down in a blaze of glory. She will fight to the end. If she wins the nomination, I will go with her. But I am still going with Obama for the nomination.
She has been asked a number of times about it in interviews & debates. She is a very smart candidate, & so in Bill Clinton. You may not like them, but they are incredibly smart & intuitive politicians. Obama will continue to do well in the South & in states with smaller populations. Hillary has won all the states with big populations, & will probably continue in that manner. Between the two of them, they would have a better shot at beating McCain in the Fall. After all, may voters are only voting for Obama now because they don't like Hillary, but, come November, they will vote for McCain. If Obama is the nominee, he will lose big-time in November. I myself would vote for Hillary.
I think this is another example of the Clinton Machine willing to say or do anything to win. I think by putting it out there that she would like to see Obama as her running mate she leaves the Burdon on him. If she loses and he doesn’t pick her as his running mate the Hillary voters might be turned off and if she wins she will need those Obama voters.
I am a Barack Obama supporter. She is just using a tactic to win over Obama's voters. The people in this country want a change- not another politician that has been in office. The economy, gas prices, education are the most important issues. Thanks to Bill Clinton, all our jobs are going to Mexico, San Salvador etc. We are losing our jobs only to have to settle for hospitality jobs or retail jobs. We do not need training on how to make a bed. You cannot make any money in these areas unless you are in the executive level. I am the head of household and have had to cutback on many necessary expenses just to live. Bush and his oil buddies seem to be reaping the benefits of the middle class by raising the gas price. We are giving many of these companies multiple tax breaks. When will congress realize we need to raise the gas tax to the oil companies themselves. See how quick they'll lower the prices. We need relief and the tax break from Bush will not make me go out and spend but save in case my job is decides to go oversea.
Well I think Huckabee or Ron PAul should consider McCain for their VP slot as well. Heck I myself may have gotten a vote or two this year perhaps Hillary would consider being my VP. And for anyone thinking this dream ticket could give the Democrats a shot at 16 years is the White House, just look to what happened to the beloved Gore campagin. Frankly I am finished with all this nonsense, wake me up when the DNC convention is done.
It is pretty clear why Sen. Clinton and her surogates keep floating this perposterous and arrogant scenario – they think we're stupid.
The real purpose of floating this ridiculous notion is to make voters who can't make up their minds feel that they can vote for Hillary and still get Obama. But if, as she claims, he's not ready to be President. now, are we really to believe that he'll be ready to be a heart-beat away from the positon by August, or maybe January? That's just absurd!
If you are a Democratic voter, don't let them fool you! You have to make a choice between one or the other. If you vote for Sen. Clinton, that is all you're going to get. This disingenous and desperate ploy should be enough to convince anyone that they don't want four years of this in the White House. Shame on YOU Hillary Clinton!
Can you please gracefully retire and get the hell out of news business. You are an insult to the news community. You and Bill 'o Reilly should buy the two of you a studio apartment in San Francisco and argue your lives away with you completely biased reporting.
BTW, are you related to Bill o' Reilly by any chance. There are some close resemblances.
i want bill clinton in the background to help get this country back on track you people should not hate so much and do what is good for the country not what divides our country.jack your job is to report the news not try to make news.
It's really very simple, it benefits her to push this ticket, and hurts Obama, what more could you ask for? It's like saying, a vote for me is really a vote for both of us, a technique that could decide those who haven't chosen yet. I think it's rather slimy, but clever. On the other side, Barack couldn't take Hillary as Vice and maintain any credibility, you can't run against old politics then give them the second most powerful office in the country. It just goes to show what an experienced politician Hillary is, unfortunately, I don't think it's the politics the country wants or needs.
Dear Jack,
The answer to your question is simple. Both candidates have answered this question over and over. Since the media continues to keep asking the question of a dream ticket, Hillary has finally recognized this as an opportunity to continue focusing on Obama lacking the experience to be Commander in Chief.
Hopefully this will force Obama to keep repeating over and over that he was "against" the war. Maybe people will finally stop and think. Obama was not in the US senate and therefore he could not Vote . His record in both the Illinois and US senate shows that Obama has avoided Voting on controversial subjects. This was done because Obama expected to run for president and did not want a record that could be challenged.
Speaking against the war is not the same as Voting against the war. Obama's claim for having good judgement is based on a speech, period. Bottom line: Speech vs Vote.
Phyllis Media, PA
I have honestly started to believe that she has no grasp on reality at all. She would lie and cheat and undermine opponents even if she didn't have to. She hopes, and believes, that none of us are smart enough to see through this attempt to portray Barack as not good enough, not worthy enough. The same ways she thinks the American voters won't mind if she declares none of our votes count and that only the superdelegates she and Bill buy count. And I am a lifelong democrat. But I will NEVER vote for Hillary.
The reason behind this is to try and take voters away from Obama and make it seem like if they vote for her than they are voting for both. She is trying to manipulate and confuse the minds of people instead of actually trying to get their vote, which is what Obama is doing right now, and what John McCain did – which brought about his nomination for the Republican Party.
Like someone mentioned above, this is a test of intelligence for the American people. It is clear to see that the Clinton's are desperate...in reality, they do not want Obama on the ticket, it is simply a ploy to get Obama's folks to join their bandwagon...it's a hoax!! Hillary should step down and stop dragging the DNC in the mud. It is pathetic and if she continues, the party will definitely be torn apart because Obama's folks will simply sit out the general election and give it to McCain. Better McCain than the power-hungry Clintons...
This just shows how self centered the Clintons really are. Despite the popular vote, the delegate count, and the state tallies, they continue to think they deserve the top spot. Clearly, they do not care about government of, for, and by the people and are expertly trying to manipulate their way into the number one spot through cronyism and strategy. Disgusting.
Obama/Clinton '08
I think it is very obvious why Hillary is doing this. She is desperate and is trying to ride on Obama's coat-tails! She thinks we're all so stupid that we can't see through this incredibly blatant and transparent attempt to manipulate the American people. I think it's almost laughable!! It's either that or that she is extremely arrogant...or maybe it's both. Either way...it's not working for me!!
The whole dream ticket idea is an attempt by the Clintons to steal the Presidential nomination. It won't work because America will not buy into this. Even her own campaign staff can't answer why she would start such a stupid rumor which clearly begs the question: So wait you think Obama has enough experience to be Commander in Chief if you were to die or other mishap caused you to be ineffective as leader.
Shouldn't Hillary be choosing someone she respects and admires for the Vice President position. If she was so strong she would certainly have the option to pick who she wants like Obama does.
Good luck to you Hillary Clinton. I think you have lost this election and possibly your senate seat as well.
Thank you Hillary for helping me make up my mind on which Dem. to vote for in the primaries. You must be kidding to put out the idea that Obama could be your VP, especially because he is winning to date. Who decided you as the winner? Last, if Obama didn't win the nomination why would he want to compete with hubby "Bill" for the VP position?
-was undecided, now decided Mom in
Harrisburg PA.
Hillary has some nerve. Someone needs to inform her that she is behind in delegates and the popular vote. Who informed her that this was hers?
Personally, I think she needs to release those tax records so that we can know exactly where all of her money is coming from and who specifically donated to Bill's library.
My fear is that if she is the nominee, many Democrats (including myself), may vote for someone else. That fear will lead to McCain winning the presidency. God help us!!
Obama '08
Imagine! Bill Clinton as First Man!!
Need we say more?
Hillary is desperate. When she wins a few states, she thinks she is already "president". When she loses one, she slips back into the shadows to lick her wounds. Some times even saying the loss doesn't matter, as she has in a few states. Tossing aside those she earlier catered to 'before' the votes were cast and counted.
Obama, in my opinion, has always taken the high road. While Hillary and Bill are trying all the "normal" political tactics to pull off a Democratic party win. They have been involved in so many questionable activities during Bill's political career, it comes natural to both of them.
We need an honest, up-front, open and sincere president. Our country simply can not afford another "bush like" character. One who tries to manipulate, or misrepresent public opinion, for their own agenda or political gain. We've had more than our share of that with Bush. And we're damned tired of it.
Because she is desperate. Hillary is a good candidate in terms of white house experience, and if Obama was not runing in the same election she would surely get the Democratic nomination. But the fact of the matter is that Democrats around the country have spoken. Hillary, and the entire Clinton family, are exceptional at the political "game", but I beleive that the modern democrat can diferentiate between political manouvering and sincerity.
I second John from Ohio's comment from above. Go Hillary!!!!
They are desperate. At this point the math is impossible for Hillary. If Obama has more votes, more states, and more deglates and is not the nominee, Hillary will ruin the democratic party for the next 20 years.
Frank in Austin
I got news for you all, Obama ain't taking no 2nd place either. Since when did we start assuming he would? Lets remember which candidate breaks down and cries. A fighter? Please. Maybe in the feather-weight division.
Her image has been tarnished. Democrats were sick of politics as usual and the divisive partisan bickering that prevailed in Washington. A lot of people view some of her attacks on Obama as bringing that divisiveness to the primary. Some of her attacks, like the plagiarism claim, just made her look petty. This appears to be an olive branch, it appears to be a conciliatory act that is going to unite the Democratic party and bolster the ticket before facing McCain, but its just posturing. She's showing her confidence (based in reality or not) that she can win and is trying to ask for forgiveness without admitting wrong-doing.
Chuck
Saco, ME (pronounced like Sacco and Vanzetti)
Exactly, Hillary works and tries to prevail with any ol' hook or crooked statement - she tries every
dirty trick to sway voters who she hopes will innocently believe what she says. It's poluted politics as ususal. She's out, Obama's in, her desperation is showing............As far as being prepared, her only true crisis mangement was over Bill and Monica.
Maybe Hillary keeps bringing the idea up as a way of trying to get the number 2 position for herself. Don't ask me why but it seems like a tricky method to get Obama and voters to think about the idea right now. I would agree that this would be a nightmare situation for John McCain and the Republicans to try and beat and I would expect they could not pull it off. I'm happy to say that as an independent voter I would be hard pressed to make a decision if this possibility were to happen but would love to see how the RNC would campaign against a Obama/ Clinton ticket or vice versa.From the independent voter out here in Appleton, WI and still undecided.
Because when the phone rings at 3AM, she wants to be able to say, "Hey Barack, can you get that, please!"
A lot of people would like to see both of them on the same ticket. If she's saying she'd put Obama on as her vice president if she wins the nomination, I bet a lot of people will vote for her based mostly on that. If Obama's silent on that possibility, it seems like he's not open to both of them running together, turning voters towards Hillary, so we have that 'dream ticket'.
Obama is winning, and Clinton knows that she needs to take votes away from him. He has carried the African-American vote, and is starting to take the Latino vote away from her, so she is starting to become desperate. This is a plea that basically says, "For all you voters who can't decide between us, vote for me, because it's basically a vote for both of us!"
I'd vote for an Obama-Clinton ticket, but nothing with her name on top.
I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF YOU BEING ON THIS
BEAT UP ON HILLARY CRUSADE. GET A LIFE every
day YOU HAVE SOMETHING NEGATIVE TO SAY
ABOUT HER. WHO DO YOU THINK Y OU ARE
Remember what the press reported last week " She is a MONSTER", well not only is monster, but a dumb one who thinks that using her husband (the finger wagging one) to push this 'dream ticket' will get her somewhere – the only place that she will end up is in Chappaqua NY or someplace in Arkansas. Please Mrs Clinton, resign and let Mr Obama get on with his mission.
This race is not over yet. Allthough many (including the media) are implying that Obama has the nomination already in the bag.
This is not the case, so it makes sense that Hillary would mention Obama as possible VP. Maybe he should do the same and hint at Hillary as VP (although I doubt he would want her).
Why? Because she clearly thinks we're all really really stupid!
Because she's a monster
First – I'm an independent.
When I hear this from Hillary is just seems like a ploy to get democrats to vote for her on a false premise. Barack doesn't seem to be too interested in this so to vote in the primary hoping for this is silly.
Hillary's people are also saying Barack isn't prepared to be commander-in-chief but will be in time to be VP. IF that's the case he will be in time to be president. And if that is the measuring stick John McCain is much more qualified.
A cheap political trick. I don't like this type of politics.
She's got it VICE versa. Lame joke, true story.
Who cares?
I am not sure why so many people keep saying, "but Hillary won the big states that would win the general election". Do these simpletons think that Obama wouldn't gain most of her votes against a Republican candidate.......no matter how moderate McCain is? Just like I heard a few Republican voters say that they voted against McCain in the primaries but they would vote for him for sure in the general election. Am I missing something here?
If you were behind and in jeopardy of losing the nomination race, wouldn't you spin this idea too? It makes complete sense that Hillary doesn't want to be left behind after the dust has settled.
IT'S THE POLITICS, STUPID!!!
Hillary IS NOT WINNING! If Florida and Michigan were in play, she would be ahead. Do you people fall for EVERYTHING the media says? DO RESEARCH!!!
Also, go research them on govtrack.us. And research her bio. She is one of the most experienced candidates this country has had in a very long time. Even far more experienced and knowledgeable than her husband.
Well Jack, its obvious Senator Clinton is going to the nth degree to paint herself as the frontrunner. As they say; "Denial isn't just a river in Egypt". As a democratic voter I dismissed Clinton's chance for president more than a month ago. Senator Obama is running his campaign truthfully, morally and the same old dIrty Clinton tricks just are not going to work this time.
Well you answered your own question. It is because she's behind.
Todd
State College, PA
Hillary Clinton's arrogance and perpetual obsession that this nomination is her birthright reeks of egocentrism. How dare she and her husband (who I actually voted for!) try to insult an honorable candidate who is ahead in delegates, the popular vote and most of all integrity. I see this no different than asking him to go to the back of the bus! This couple will destroy everything in their greed for power. I will become an independent if the party hands her the nomination.
It's simple...she wants to steal the election and give all those disenfranchised people who will give Obama the popular vote a carrot so they will still vote for her in the Fall.
Because she is an idiot! and a Monster! And that is on the record!
I voted for Obama because I do not like the politics or approach of Hillary Clinton. Obama being her running mate or her being his running mate is antithetical to his entire campaign. How can he continue the mantra of change and then be attached to the Clintons? I would vote for McCain before I voted for Hillary, whether she is on the top or bottom of the ticket. I am not the only Independent out there who thinks this way. I am tired of the Clintons, and I want them out of our politics permanently. I will send them that message even if it means voting against my favorite candidate, Obama.
Hillary has the big picture in mind. Obama is thinking only of himself (me, Me, ME!) If you add in the FL and MI delegates plus the superdelegates on her side, she beats him. He also has some strikes against him lately with the Canadian talks about NAFTA and chumming with the Chicago guy on trial. What other skeletans will tumble out of his closet? And his wife says just plain stupid stuff and turns many people off. By June, I think Obama will be singing a different tune.
Why a Clinto-Obama ticket, because Hillary cannot win without the people who back Obama. Voting for Hillary will do nothing for the people except give Bill a place for more scandles and a place for Hillary to hide more things and corrupt our democcracy more. Obama can win this, he can beat McCain and he doesnt need Hillary, but Hillary must have Obama to win.
It seems the media and at least 50% of Democrats think Obama is a sure thing–then there is at least 45%-48% of Democrats (or more who think Hillary is the sure thing. Speculate as to what will happen if one or the other wins-I seriously doubt the Clinton supporters will rally around Obama–he is rhetoric and weak in many areas. If Clinton wins, there are a great many who will not support her candidacy–either way, it all plays well for Republicans. Beware of the disaffected Democrats and middle-of-road Independents. I may want change, but I don't want it at the expense of naivette and inexperience–how many will go to McCain... right now and with the BS coming from both Dem candidates, McCain is beginning to look more like the voice of reason...
It's simple Jack ~ She is Hillary...how could we expect less?
Got Hope? I do!
This has more to do with the danger to both candidates of a "redo" in Florida and Michigan. If neither candidate wants the risk of having the voters decide, they may agree to a shotgun wedding before the first revote is cast. Its like an episode of "Law & Order" and the jury is still out.
Hillary is dreaming......everybody knows the Vice President will be, for all pratical purposes, BILL CLINTON.
Acting (so to speak) as though winning the #1 spot is inevitable is only part of Senator Clinton's ploy. The other part is to start to mend fences with black voters. Without black citizens voting for her in large numbers, she cannot defeat Sen. John McCain.
Of course, she still has to defeat Sen. Barack Obama. Since that's unlikely, she clearly decided it was time to "act."
The only way The Clintons are ever going to get back in the
White House is to buy a ticket for the tour. And, oh, yeah, keep
your hands off the furniture while you're taking it!
Jim Whittaker
Hemet, California
Does anybody realize that Senator Obama would be SO much behind in delegates and popular votes had it not been for the African American vote?
Jack am not at all surprised at the Clinton's remarks, I mean while she's at it why not also include her husband in her "cabinate" as Secretary of State?!! Am just tired of this woman, she just won't go away will she? Last I heard she had 35 years of leadership experience, I wonder if that includes the 8 years she spent as "assistant president" to her husband. The only reason she and Sen. Mccain seem to have more experience than Sen. Obama it appears is because they are way older than he is! Some experience age is! My advice to Bill and Hillary and Sen. Mccain, RETIRE!!
I think there are a lot of voters who like what they see in Obama, but feel more secure with Hillary, who is more of a known commotity. Hillary realizes this so she is putting forth the idea of a joint ticket. Voters would still get to vote for Obama, but they would still feel safer voting for Clinton.
AMAZING! She's behind in popular votes, states won, delegates won, money...and SHE is offering VP to Obama? That's a joke! THANKS JACK...for asking the obvious question! Why isn't the media laughing at her instead of playing along with her premise? She's trying to convince undecided people to vote for her b/c they'll get both. Can the media please ask her if she'll run in the DREAM TICKET as VP????
what Clinton is trying to do is have the superdeligates think she is the president and obama is the vp. if they believe this clinton figures they will vote her way instead of the correct way. it's a bs trick
frank
It's obviously a ploy to get simple minded voters to think they can get them both if they support her. My concern is that Obamas response so far sounds a little like the "denounce or reject" answer in the Ohio debate. As an Independent , I would never vote for any ticket with a Clinton on it, top or bottom. I wish Obama would state , in no uncertain terms, that there will NEVER be a Clinton/Obama ticket. He could leave the Obama/Clinton ticket idea open for now, as long as it doesn't happen in the end. If Clinton is on the ticket, it won't matter who else is there, I'll vote for McCain and cry for four more years.
She is desperate and wants those who have not made up their mind to get both in one vote as she suggests. The only problem with this logic is that Barrack has not agreed to it.
"To Dream the Impossible Dream, To Fight the Unbeatable Foe."
It's over Hilldog, nice try. Why don't you go back to the coy reference that Barack may be a Muslim as you did on 60 minutes. You and Bill will stop at nothing. Forgetttabout it, you are toast.
This is just another perfect example of how Hillary ignores her losses and is in la-la land somewhere believing she is still. When Obama won 11 straight races in a row she claimed that they "did not matter" when they actually did, A LOT. Now she's being ignorant again and choosing to turn a blind eye to, Obama's larger amount fund raising, supporters and delegates. In her world she's "winning" so she's going to put herself on top of the ticket.
You think that's chutzpah? Take my Governor.....
Kristina
Chappaqua, NY
Jack,
She is trying to be a team player, Hillary is going to be running against MCSAME anyway. NO WAY he wins !
I see it as another desperate attempt by the Clinton campaign to make her appear as the ordained choice of the Democratic Party.
I know you guys in the media want to keep this race alive, but any unbiased look at the delegate numbers tell the same story. There is no way Hillary can catch up to Obama.
Vince, in NC
Maybe Hillary thinks this tactic will gain her some votes. I doubt it.
None of the candidates are talking about anything important, like
the economy and why the stock market keeps going down every
day. Barack says he will end the war in 2009. If he is elected,
I hope he will do just that. George Bush has ruined this country
economically and while he should have been putting pressure
on the Saudies, he was dancing with them. Remember the Reagan
years when mortgage interest was around 10 percent for people
with good credit?
Hillary is desperate. She thinks that if she puts this line out there often enough, Obama and voters will fall for it. Ironically, she is the one who is falling-right on her face!
Hillary knows she can't win on her own merit. She wants to make voters think that they can STILL get the candidate they want (Obama) if they vote for her. It reinforces the idea of her "inevitability", usurps Obama's inspirational appeal and soothes people's discomfort with voting their fears over their hopes – all the while making Hillary look like the party unifier. This tactic is the "Good Cop" to the "Bad Cop" of her negative attacks.
Hey Jack you can't blame the Clintons for trying to hoodwink everyone. Its just plain old Washington-Style old politics.
How the Clintons came up with the one is anyone's guess. I think that the Clintons are suffering from political amnesia. Obama has more votes , more States and leads the popular vote tally. The bottom line is that the Clintons will do anything to win !!!!
The Clintons are trying to outsmart the Obama supporters. They don't seem to understand that Sen. Obama is supported for his good judgement, ability to inspire, good positions on health care, Iraq, and all other policy issues. We don't want to just see him on the ticket.
We want his leadership.
Mabel from Virginia
Hillary will do or say anything to get votes. First she uses scare tactics, now she is using Obama. If she truly believes in this so called dream team, why doesn’t she get out of the race and make that same pitch to Obama, not the voters.
Dee,
Syracuse, New York
Jacki, Hinting at a Clinton/Obama ticket is just Hillary's way of showing that Obama is not a team player. If he is not willing to even consider picking up the olive branch, how can he reach across the political chasm between Democrats and Republicans?
Jack,
What is wrong with these people. It doesn't take much more than an IQ of 50 to realize the con artist tactics the Clinton's are up to. "It's OK, you can have us both. Vote for me and I'll make Obama my VP". Give me a break.
This just builds a further case for change. The Clinton's are starting to show their true colors of say and do anything to get what you want, regardless of the truth.
Paul, Ontario, Canada
If Obama is nominated I will either not vote at all or vote republican. Hillary is the best candidate and BO belongs in Second Place
HRC is qualified and done more for our country in the yrs she was senate ,first lady etc. HRC also knows more about our foreign policies through Bill, experience by being around the whitehouse and acting on different policies over seas herself. She knows about the policies in the whitehouse and is the only one that can fight the republicans and win.HRC is our only answer to the real changes this country is asking for.HRC has shown that she is a fighter ,has compassion for our people and can take a punch and still stand tall. Obama has shown time and time to many excuses.The Oval Office does not need an on job training canadate. Eight yrs more experience will make him ready for our leader. History could be made all the way around, gender and race. Clinton-Obama Bainbridge, N.y.
Hillary is up to another one of her con games. She is trying to move a few of Obama's supporters to her side, only to not choose him as VP. And why would he settle for second-best to a person who has spent her entire campaign trying to belittle him and tear him down. Once again, this shows that Hillary Clinton will do anything to win.
I was wondering how Hillary would snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. All I can say is Wow ... Brilliant strategy. Offer runner up spot to the leader and tell him "I accept you as my running mate even though you are not ready to take on the job on day one"
Wow. Brilliant!
She's at it again...always contradicting herself. I am a democrate who is a Obama supporter & who will vote for McCain if Clinton should win the nomination.
OBAMA 08!!!!!
Hey Jack, Hillary is not pushing this idea. The reality is that Bill and Hillary only brought this up when asked by either the media or a town hall meeting. A sure fire way to beat the republicans is for a Clinton/Obama ticket. Hillary can beat him without Obama but Obama can not beat McCain no matter what.. All of the Hillary supporters would feel much more comfortable with McCain than Obama. Let this Obama get his ears wet a little bit, He would be a great vp candidate.
Because , in order to win , she needs to do something underhanded and upset all the Obama supporters. By making him the VP, she feels there will be a lot fewer ruffled feathers.
Should she pull a sneaky move and become the nominee, there will be a lot of folks who just won't vote for her, myself included.
Finally, a small sign of unity among at least one of the Democrats. The Republicans are already off and running.
We shouldn't be suprised about the Clintons' strategy. They have one goal: Win by any means necessary. "First Lady" threshold is not equal to "Commander-in-chief" threshold. She keeps saying McCain is qualified to be President, but not Obama. Why doesn't she ask McCain
is she can be his VP?
Trying to position herself above Obama is a predictable move, especially for someone who is losing and will continue to lose as long as she and her campaign maintain such a negative, divisive attitude. I HOPE (though I doubt) that most Americans are smart enough see this move not as a chance to unite the party, but as a bold-faced ploy to gain the power of the party at all costs. Obama is too smart to fall for it. I hope the rest of America is as well. Don't buy it folks.
I wouldn't dream of it.
Obama is way TOOOO inexperienced to be even a Vice President.
That man shouldn't be anywhere near the White House. If he didn't know that Canada (whose been our neighbour to the North since the dawn of time) doesn't have a President but a PRIME MINISTER, then the man needs to garner more knowledge of the outside world before applying for one of the most important jobs on the planet right now.
Partner Hillary with anyone else BUT OBAMA.
Because she wants people to think she's in the lead, even though she isn't. She should be praying for a V.P. nod, which I don't see headed her way either. Obama will win, even if Clinton drags it out all the way to the convention, and the only person it will hurt is Clinton.
This is ridiculous! Does Senator Clinton honestly think she can have it both ways? It saddens me to see the depths to which she will sink to win. Just when it appears she has hit rock bottom.......... she sinks lower. I will never vote for her, even though I have always been a democrat.
Jack,
Hilary is doing what smart people call "projection" us laymen say "reverse psychology". I think she is classically putting the white flag on the pole without hoisting it hoping he adds her to his ticket . We all know he doesn't need her and since both her and McCain are the two "experienced" candidates she should band with him and take turns answering the red phone.
Jack,
Do you even have to question the pomposity of the Clinton's?
It makes sense as both candidates are very strong. Obama is still young and if another Clinton adminstration is successful, Obama could step right into the presidency. Hillary on the other hand, might be ready to call it quits after an 8 year Obama administration.
I do not understand the concept of voting for McCain if Obama is not the Democratic candidate. Makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever since, with the exception of a few health care issues, Obama and Clinton seem to see eye to eye on just about all other issues. This tells me you are voting for Obama based soley on his personality, appearance, or speaking ability and not necessarily the issues he supports.
Why not? Why is it so inappropriate for a candidat to let on that they are leaning toward a particular pick for running mate. A Clinton-Obama ticket is a popular idea, many have expressed that they would love to see it. Democrats want assurance that they will have a winning ticket in November and maybe Hillary is telling us that, if nominated, she'll create the winning ticket. Do all of you who object like surprises? Not me, I like as much information as I can get. Maybe the candidates should have to disclose their choice for running mates prior to the primary elections.
The Clinton President and Obama Vice President is workable if Hillary would agree to serve one term only. This would allow Obama to run in four years as a sitting vice president.
This may be a very effective way to achieve reasonable governance from Clinton, taking reelection off the table and just trying to get as much done as possible in four years.
Given Obama's seat-of-the-pants credentials, he will be lucky to be the vice-presidential nominee. Clifton – Richmond, Virginia
Because Hill will do and say ANYTHING to win. That's all this is about to her, a game. Something to win or lose. To think I used to be a fan of her husbands. They are both politically and morally bankrupt. The other day she did something no Democratic candidate for president has EVER done, she suggested that the Republican candidate is more qualified for the presidency that her Democratic rival. Again, anything to win. Tear the party down, no matter. Anything to win. As a lifelong Democrat I am almost ashamed to admit that I will vote Republican if she is the nominee. Almost!
Jack, what's interesting about Obama's statement today is what wasn't said. He could have quipped and hinted about Hillary as his number 2, but he didn't . I am quite sure Obama would never ask Clinton to be his running mate, after seeing all the slime leaking from the Clintons campaign.
In every game, opponents will always rejoice when they score without regard for whether they are down or not. But when the dust settles, the score board then reflects the reality. Let the Clinton camp look at the scoreboard. They got a few touchdowns last Tuesday, but Barack has more touchdowns and several field goals.
Kenety
Chicago, IL
I'm a moderate Republican and I would vote for Obama.
I will not vote for any ticket that Hillary Clinton is a part of.
She knows a lot of people don't pay real close attention to what is actually going on. Obama is ahead in all areas, and Hillary seems to think that the only thing that counts is who has won the big states. Give me a break. She gets all her advice from her husband, who I admire, but Obama will be the nominee, and Hillary should quit trying to confuse the issue. Clinton in the v/p slot would hurt Obama's chances and he knows it. She needs him but he certainly doesn't need her and her baggage.
Colleen
Shreveport, La
There's this interesting thing that's being talked about way too much and frankly has little importance, experience. If the democrats really wanted an experienced candidate Richardson should have won in a landslide. It's not like either candidate won't listen to opinions of their chiefs of staff.
She is no longer able to state that she IS the front runner for the nomination, so by saying that Obama as her Veep would be a great ticket, she is saying that she WILL be the front runner again. She has repeatedly had trouble predicting victories, mainly because if she did win, it is not by large margins or in getting a large majority of delegates. This way, she can seem optimistic without having to give any specifics of how she will get back on top.
She's not behind yet; it only matters if you're only ahead or behind after you've crossed the finish line. If they are willing to write a new chapter in American history and run together, it would possibly be the most unifying event ever to take place in this country. I'm all for shattering the two thickest glass ceilings ever created!
Hillary is the most experienced candidate. Hillary supporters are true democrate supporters. Obama's supporters only supports him, to cause disruption within the democratic party. Just as they are quick to support him, they will be as quick to not support him. The Democratic party cannot be blind to this. Hillary is a great candidate, and the only true choice for the nomination, and the presidency.
Dr. Morgan
Jack, there are only two words to describe this..INSULTING and ARROGANCE. Hillary plans of trying to force the Democratic Elite to wipe out the will of the voters. It is too bad that so many Democrats can't see that this has nothing to do with them..it is ALL ABOUT HER. How else could you say..Even if I am behind in popular vote and delegates, what is REALLY important is I won the more important states!! You little states don't really count. I don't believe that is in the rule and bylaws of the Democratic Party. Boy, I really am finding more and more reasons to dislike her.
The American people can smell the tricks of the Clinton campaign miles away. She wants to win at any cost and is now like a magician pulling trick after trick out of a hat. Only kids believe in tricks. It is time that Senator Clinton accept that she cannot win the nomination and stop trying to fool the adult American public with childish gimmicks.
Clinton Obama or Obama Clinton, the bottom line is Democrats should be united if they want to win in November.
If Hillary and Barack or vice versa are not on the same ticket, I will vote for John Mcain
Obama may not win the presidency since general election is not caucus. He has to win big in all the big states that HIllary won including Ohio, TX, FL, MI... Obama cannot call himself a winner by disfranchising more than 1.5 million voters in FL and MI and all the caucus states.
HIllary is smart to have him in the ticket as he is inspiring, but not more than anything else. I would not pick him as VP, he is not qualified to be in either of those posts.
Clinton knows sh's not popular enough to win on her own and needs Obama's support. If I were him , I'd say 'take a hike, Ms. Clinton, you're not going to use me to fulfull your legacy"
Obama would be a good vp but is not ready to be commander-in-chief... but he might be ready in August... this is starting to get funny.
Well if Obama would be a good president in August, then I'll vote for him because I want true change in Washington. Plus, now I have Hillary's guarantee that he will be ready for the job. Hillary keeps saying that we need a president ready on day one. Well day one actually begins at noon on January 20 2009. So they would both be ready on day one, plus Obama represents the change I am looking for... this is a no-brainer.
Roger
I believe experience is a necessary qualification for our next President in today's turbulent world. I wold prefer to vote Democratic in November but I won't vote for Obama. He's a wimp. No Hillary means I go for McCain. So anything she can do to increase her chances, and the Democrats, to get elected is fine with me. Besides, can you think of a better way for Obama to safely get the necessary experience?
Hillary is trying to create the perception that she is in the lead. The strategy is that if you act like you're in the lead, talk like you are in the lead, and extend a condescending offer of vp to the real leader, people will buy it. Perhaps she thinks we are all stupid and can't see through her strategy. Earlier in this race I was in agreement that it would have been a good idea to have them both on the ticket, but after the last week or so, I would be very disappointed to see him ask her to be his vp running mate. Her tactics are turning me and a lot of other people off.
Yes Ron said it well. I am repulsed by the comments of Clinton's advisor. Especially since technically she 100 delegates behind Obama.
Arrogance and insulting are words to describe this attitude from Clinton's staff.
Worse if Clinton's insistance on forcing MI and FL to redo their elections or just make her the winner...despite the fact she didn't follow the rules.
I think she is hoping that by saying she would offer him a spot, He will/would do the same for her should he win. I think either way, whoever wins, the other will be running as VP (if the winner is smart).
Jack, I'm confused? I thought only the "winner" would need to choose a vice president? Someone please tell Hillary she will not need a Vice President to be the Senator from New York.
Obama has won the most states, the most votes, and has the most delegates. So what right does Clinton have to think SHE should be at the top of the ticket???
If she is, or if the super-delegates turn this election for her, there are countless Democrats like me who will vote for McCain, just to spite the party.
At the risk of repeating myself – NO MORE CLINTONS, NO MORE BUSHES!!!! The people keep saying it loud and clear, but the Clintons keep ignoring it.
Jack, this is not Hillary – it's Bill. He will stop short of anything to get close to the Oval Office again – and unable to join Hillary on the ticket, he will allow her to throw the carrot at anybody – at this time Obama. – Hang in there Senator Obama, your chances to win your nomination are increasing by the minute.
Hillary has been down and nearly counted out more than once, but she fights her way back each time. Why can't Obama seal the deal? Obviously, it's because Hillary is the tougher of the two. We witnessed that last week.
It's very simple. If Clinton somehow gets the nomination, she will be in desperate need of every Democratic vote in the country. She won't pull independents and will motivate Republicans, so she really, really needs Obama on her ticket. Obama, on the other hand, doesn't need her at all. He'll need someone with some "real" experience. The kind of experience that Senator Dodd or Governor Richardson or Governor Sebelius have.
I find her comments to be telling of her regard for the very "democratic" processes that as our president she would be sworn to uphold. Those who seek to attain power in a democracy by disregarding and perverting it, deserve nothing but dismissal.
"I used to say that Politics is the second oldest profession [prostitution being the oldest], but I have come to realize that it bears a gross similarity to the first."
Ronald Reagan
Chris March 10th, 2008 4:46 pm ET
"I’m a moderate Republican and I would vote for Obama.
I will not vote for any ticket that Hillary Clinton is a part of"
Hey Chris,
I feel the same way! She is smart, selfish, and arrogant!
anyone who says they are a democrat and says that if hillary or obama win they will vote republican, they are NOT a democrat at all. I would vote for either one. ANYONE but a REPUBLICAN would be an improvement.
Jo...Obama isn't disENfranchising 1.5 million voters, the DNC was disENfranchising 1.5 million voters...Clinton wants them to count which would break the rules set forth (and agreed to) by her and all the other democratic candidates. Every candidate knew the votes wouldn't count.
To others who say "I like Clinton because she knows how to win..." give me a break! She's lost more than 66% of all the states in the primary process and she's a winner!?
Its a bait that Clinton is a throwing to Obama. For Me i would never vote for divisive politicians like Bill clinton and Hillary. i lost my confidence in them when they played the politics that hispanics are there base, on an assumption that hispanics do not like blacks!!! what a shame! How could she capitalize on such a point. No Obama then Mccain!
loving Democrat.
Why shouldn't Hillary try to unite the party? In fact the party was pretty united up until the campaign started in January and Obama divided it.
We all know that she is the one who is best suited for the job, by far!
If Obama's problems with the Rezko trial in Chicago turn for the worst then you won"t have to ask your readers questions that we all know the answer to.
There are several reasons why the clintons are floating this idea:
to make her look more presidential in the eyes of voters and super delegates
to plant ths idea in the minds of voters so that thye will vote for her because the clintons want voters to see what a wonderful (but its really bad) idea this is
to plant the idea of Obama being her vp in the eyes of voters and super delegates so that Obama can be pressured into accepting the "back seat" to her by convention time
and the above is some of my opinion becuase what I really want to say will get me censored
Time is running out. It's already March and the race is much undecided right now. Senator Obama can boast that he has won the popular vote and twice as many states, but quite frankly, he cannot beat McCain without Clinton's supporter and vice versa. The only way to save time, money and everyone's headache is to have a Clinton-Obama ticket.
Of course, it's still a little early right now to talk about the dream ticket. Wait til Michigan and Florida votes are settled. Obama will all of a sudden found that he is trailing Hillary again. Then, he will re-visit the dream ticket offer, right now, Obama is just too content with his victories so far without considering his potential loss to McCain without Hillary.
I am a Republican, I can vote for Hillary on top ticket, but not for Obama. I simply hate speeches "change, change, change" what do you change and how do you change?
This is not a game and a gamle to risk. Voters should vote for a person who has experience and connections to solve problems of America
Because they know that Obama will lose if there is an Obama McCain match-up. He has no experience and no record. Having him in the VP position would give him the experience and exposure he needs. Many democrats will vote for McCain, myself included, if Obama wins the Democratic ticket. I need to vote for someone whose positions are proven. With Obama, all he has are speeches and rhetoric-nothing is ever concrete or proven. I'm not giving over the most important position in the world to someone like that. This is not a game. It's serious, and only a serious, experienced candidate like Hillary should be head of this nation.
First of all, any more years of Hiliary and Bill would be a stab in the heart of America. How quickly we forget. She will say anything, correct or lie, to be nominated. Second, the logic behind offering Obama the VP job but " not fit for the presidency as she claims is seroiusly flawed. I would be alot more uncomfortable with Hiliary answering that phone at any time of the day. She does not have more experience than Obama, except for picking out the china pattern for the white house. Come on people WAKE UP!! If you want change then get rid of the Clintons and the Bushes once and for all. The constitution should have term limits for FAMILIES in the white house. They are not the only two families in america that have great ideas about our future.
I think both Clinton and Obama are qualified candidates. It would serve the democratic party well with a Clinton-Obama ticket. I feel this would secure the next 16 years in office for Democrats. I think her offer is a message to the superdelegates that she won't split the party but the rules of the road are that she is to be on top of the ticket. I think it is best for Obama to be the VP and get a few years of experience under his belt. Then in 2016, he would be the most qualified, experienced and the best leader hands down. What's everyone complaining about? I think this is a good option.
Amazing. She really is as shameless and self-serving as Bill...and she really believes in the cliche that "you can fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time..."
I use to be a Clinton supporter and I am deeply disappointed in her lack of scruples in pulling out all of the stops to not only unfairly alter perception but to utilize any means necessary to circumvent the system in order to secure the nomination. There's something very Nixon-ish and/or Bush II about it all. At least to me, she's exposed herself as a fraud who cares only about winning and shedding any inconvenient principles in the process.
Obama has a lot of nerve in my opinion to shoot it down like he is just too important to consider Vice President. A FRESHMAN SENATOR! Can you say EGO???????????????
There IS a difference between President and Vice President and I don't think he has the experience to be President (YES – I REALLY BELIEVE IT – not because anyone told me. I was saying it long before it became common...). That said, if they did run together I think it would be a great ticket. Ironic who all the Obamites are nailing Hillary for suggesting it when Obama is the one who keeps saying he will reunite the country. NOT.
He gets the nom – I'm planning to stay home in November.
The tide is turning for Obama.....He is slowly losing ground. He used to be so much more popular, but the same ol, same ol,"change" he promices, is wearing out, becuase that's all he can say he promises, even tho his so=called change, is no different than Hillery's change.
Because Hillary and Bil are no better than Bush and Rove, they're just Democrats. Win at all costs, spin everything, distort the truth, whatever it takes to defeat the "enemy." in this case its Obama. What the Clintons, and "older voters" fail to understand is that we ("younger voters") are sick of this ruthless attitude. And we strongly reject the use of Rovian tactics no matter who's side it benefits. WAKE UP AMERICA and stop living in the past. 50%+1%= 4 YEARS OF BICKERING.
Suddenly the Clintons are not about hearing the voters. They want to game the system and scheme for super-delegates, etc. We have a process here that works. Let's let the American people have their say, and then we'll know who's the winner at the end. Don't "disenfranchise" the voters!
The Clintons' comment about Barack Obama being the vice presidential candidate should not only be considered a 'political flip- flop' but should be seen as a sign of desperation on Hilary Clinton's part. It shows that Hillary can and will go to any length to win the nomination and further divide the democratic party.
The big questions is why is she(Hillary) not considering herself for the VP position. I applaud Obama's comment earlier on today and I want voters to read between the lines. Hillary need to be cautioned by the democratic party regarding her attempts to disrupt the party and suffice it to say that the democrats will have themselves to blame if they lose in November.
We need to put the poilitics of the past behind us and let us accept the CHANGE that is sweeping across America.
Maybe she is tired of reaching to that phone at 3AM and wants someone else to answer it for her.
These are exactly the type of tactics on clintons part that would make me stay home on election day if she was the nominee.
Why, not? if I know I am going to loose the battle then why not try to be number 2? All Hillary is doing is trying to make sure that Barack will choose her as VP. She knows she will not be on top of such a ticket. She will do or say anything though to get back at Washington.
I think it's a great idea. Let Barack run around giving motivational speeches and raising funds at VP, while Hillary calls the shots as President. It makes the best use of both their strengths.
The obvious reason the Clintons are planting the seed of the idea is to try and generate votes. They're trying to sway those undecided voters (especially one leaning towards Obama) to think voting for her in the primary is a vote for both. She would, of course, *never* put Obama on the ticket if she wins the primary. It's an interesting strategy – but I think, once again, the Clintons are under-estimating the intellegence of the voter.