Bayh, Nunn Talk About Being Potential Obama Running Mate
(CBS)
(WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.) Neither Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., nor former Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga., would confirm that they were being vetted by Barack Obama’s vice presidential search committee, but both men said they would honored to serve.
At a joint press conference, Bayh clearly dominated the question-and-answer session, standing at the podium the entire time while Nunn casually stood next to him. But when questions about being Obama’s running mate were asked, Bayh became more guarded.
“It’s good for my ego, but I should probably let Senator Obama and his campaign address those kinds of questions.”
Nunn said he is not “pining to go back into public office,” adding that he would have to figure out if the job was good fit for him.
“I never aspired to that office,” Nunn said, “It’s always nice to have your name mentioned, it’s an honor, but I have no expectations of being offered any office.”
Both men touted Obama’s national security credentials, saying that he does not necessarily need to pick a running mate with strong foreign policy skills.
“I personally think his credentials in that are strong on their own,” Bayh said.
Nunn added, “I think he’s right on the button in terms of his approach to national security and foreign policy.”
Bayh, who supported Hillary Clinton during the primary, pledged to support Obama in the general election, saying “the race is between Barack Obama and John McCain and in that contest the choice is clear.”
When asked if either Bayh or Nunn had taken themselves our out of the running for V.P., Bayh joked, “I’ve got a plane I’ve gotta catch.”
