Obama Rips Clinton's VP Suggestion

Illinois Senator Says Voters Need To Make A Choice Between Two Democrats

(CBS/AP)  Democrat Barack Obama ridiculed the idea of being Hillary Rodham Clinton's running mate Monday, saying voters must choose between the two for the top spot.

The Illinois senator used his first public appearance of the week to knock down the notion that he might accept the party's vice presidential spot on the fall ticket. He noted that he has won more states, votes and delegates than Clinton so far.

"I don't know how somebody who is in second place is offering the vice presidency to someone who is first place," Obama said, drawing cheers and a standing ovation from about 1,700 people in Columbus, Miss.

Clinton aides say she's just reflecting talk that's already out there, reports CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod. The Obama camp says that Clinton would make a terrific VP as well but that they just don't want to get ahead of themselves.

Saying he wanted to be "absolutely clear," Obama added: "I don't want anybody here thinking that 'Somehow maybe I can get both"' by nominating Clinton as president and assuming he would be her running mate. "You have to make a choice in this election," he said.

After suffering losses in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island, the Obama campaign promised to aggressively respond to criticisms from Clinton, reports CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic. Monday was the first time that Obama responded to suggestions by Clinton and former President Bill Clinton of a Clinton-Obama ticket, which he took seven minutes to do. (read more from Gavrilovic in the CBS News "From The Road" blog).

Obama aides said Clinton's recent hints that she might welcome him as her vice presidential candidate appeared meant to diminish him and to attract undecided voters in the remaining primary states by suggesting they can have a "dream ticket."

"Neither candidate wants to be seen as second fiddle but it's even more perplexing when the leader in the nomination battle is put into that role by the candidate who is trailing in the delegate count," said CBSNews.com senior political editor Vaughn Ververs. "Obama refuted the suggestion effectively but Clinton may have accomplished what she set out to do, and that's plant the idea into the minds of whose uncommitted super delegates who may well decide this nomination."

Obama had never suggested he might accept a second spot on the ticket. But until Monday he had not ridiculed the notion so directly, even if he did completely rule it out in Shermanesque terms.

He told the audience that it made no sense for Clinton to suggest he is not ready to be president and then hint that she might hand him the job that could make him president at a moment's notice.

"If I'm not ready, how is it you think I would be such a great vice president?" he said, as the crowd laughed and cheered loudly.

Mississippi holds it primary Tuesday, the last contest before the Pennsylvania primary six weeks from now.

Clinton and her husband, the former president, had suggested recently that a Clinton-Obama ticket would be popular and formidable against Republican Sen. John McCain in November.

Many political activists discounted the notion all along. They noted that the two senators lack a warm relationship and, more important, that Obama would be ill-served by hinting he might accept the vice presidential slot when he holds the lead in delegates and hopes to win the presidential nomination.

In the latest CBS News count, Obama leads Clinton, 1,570-1,461. He has won 28 contests to her 17.

Moreover, many insiders feel the ambitious and fast-rising Obama would chafe in the vice president's job, especially in a White House where Bill Clinton would almost surely play a huge advisory role.

Still, the notion of a Clinton-Obama ticket has received ample discussion in recent days on cable TV news shows and newspapers such as New York City's tabloids.

In an interview Friday in Wyoming with KTVQ-TV, a CBS affiliate based in Billings, Mont., Obama's comments were somewhat mixed.

"Well, you know, I think it's premature," he said of accepting the second spot on the ticket. "You won't see me as a vice presidential candidate."

His Monday remarks were more detailed, pointed and humorous.

Of course, they will not completely end the speculation. Presidential candidates routinely disavow any interest in the vice presidential spot. But some, including John Edwards and Al Gore, change their minds when they fall short of their top goal.

[jack3213]

THE INCREDIBLE NONSENSE OF THESE TWO CANDIDATES WILL BE THE DEMISE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. CLINTON CRITICIZES OBAMA AND SAYS HE IS NOT READY OR EXPERIANCED BUT FEELS HE IS READY TO BE VP? CLINTON IS THE MOST HYPOCRITICAL LIAR & MANIPULATOR ON EARTH -THE MORE WOMEN DON''''T OPEN THEIR EYES TO THIS FACT- MORE OF THESE SAME WOMEN WILL NOT BE RESPECTED IN THE FUTURE. THINK ABOUT IT.WAKE UP LADIES & GENTS. NEITHER DEM IS READY OR QUALIFIED. MOVE ON.

[smashwl7]

Do not worry all you Hillary supporters let%u2019s wait in see how pissed off Hillary can angry all the Obama%u2019s supporters. I am not just talking about Obama%u2019s staff ether; just the people who support him in this election. She underestimated him before the election and now she is underestimating his strong support. Remember this is a movement will see what happens after she steals the election. This is going to go down as a classic battle in the history books. Your grandchildren will be talking about the 08 election; what happened? Do not worry; Obama does not have to say a word the people who support him will.

This is Hillary%u2019s scorched earth policy, slash and burn. If she can%u2019t win then her policy is to destroy everything and everyone including the Democratic Party. She is willing to loose her legacy and her dignity all in the name of power. I feel really bad for her if she does this she will regret it later in life.

I see a great opportunity here for the republicans in this election. If Hillary steals this election; by her any means necessary policy. The republicans should try to reach out to all the African Americans and Obama supporters to support John McCain%u2026 Obama should not under any circumstances accept or align himself; in any way with the Clinton Campaign. He should go back to the Senate and get ready 2012. All of us who support Obama should either vote for John McCain or sit this election out in protest of Hillary Clinton%u2019s campaign

[mortok99]

Operation Instigate.

[smashwl7]

Hillary%u2019s judgment should one again be called into question!

1st: It was staying with Bill for political gain!

2nd: The war in Iraq vote!

3rd: Agreeing to sign up for the rules that were stated by the DNC in respect to Florida and Mich.

4th: Destroying the Democratic Party for her win at all cost policy.

5th: Slashing and Bashing Obama and then wanting him to be her running mate.

And this is who you want as President, come on women of America look at who you are supporting. It her judgment that needs be the #1 issue of this campaign. She has poor judgment that is the bottom line issue for all of us to examine

[forthepeopl1]

Carlyle Capital had leveraged $670 million in equity 32 times to finance a $21.7 billion portfolio of highly rated mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. housing agencies Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

The company, to establish financing for the deals, entered into repurchase agreements with banks in which it would post the mortgage securities as collateral in exchange for cash.

If the value of the security held as collateral falls, the lender has the right to ask for more collateral -- a "margin call" -- to secure the loan.

If the borrower does not meet the margin call by putting up more collateral, the lender may sell the security.

so all the banks used the inflated houseing prices to get large sums of cash, our mortages that they lied in the first place saying a home is valued at 400000 or 500000 and it was really worth 200000, then go to investers and say look we have so much equity that if they go bad we still make billions..OOPS THE VALUES HAVE COME DOWN TO WHAT THE HOMES ARE REALLY WORTH, OOPS, WHAT DO WE DO?????? LETS JUST RIGHT IT OFF...NO MATTER THE GOVERNEMNT WONT LET US GO DOWN..

GREAT JOB..CONGRESS HOW ABOUT SAVEING US AMERICANS INSTEAD OF THE ONES THAT LIED AND CHEATED US...

this is more important

[smashwl7]

Hillary%u2019s judgment should once again be called into question!

1st: It was staying with Bill for political gain!

2nd: The war in Iraq vote!

3rd: Agreeing to sign up for the rules that were stated by the DNC in respect to Florida and Mich.

4th: Destroying the Democratic Party for her win at all cost policy.

5th: Slashing and Bashing Obama and then wanting him to be her running mate.

And this is who you want as President, come on women of America look at who you are supporting. It is her judgment that needs be the #1 issue of this campaign. She has poor judgment that is the bottom line issue for all of us to examine

[hillaryin08]

The Clintons will steal the Nomination from Obamma and all the libs, including the ones on this blog will give them a pass on it.

[rational_1]

I''m like the other posters here expressing their incredulity that Clinton first says Obama hasn''t the experience to be President and then a couple of days later is seriously entertaining the possibility of installing him one heartbeat from the Presidency. What is going through this woman''s mind? She really will say almost anything, no matter how contradictory.

Oh by the way, anybody ever find the final delegate count in Texas? I''m having trouble finding it anywhere and I bet Obama really won Texas.

[vastr-wcon]

.
The voters have spoken and it is now time for Hussein to withdraw and end his divisive campaign. It has been fun watching the antics of his frat-boy and girls-gone-wild supporters, but it is now time to take the presidential contest seriously.

Responsible Dems must focus on the fact that Tony''s Rezko''s partner-in-crime cannot win the presidency by winning in small states with insignificant Electoral College votes, like Vermont, Iowa, Idaho, Wyoming and North Dakota. To win the presidency, it will take winning the Hillary states of California, Ohio, New York, Michigan, Texas and Florida.

The Hope-Change, Change-Hope, Hope-able Change and Change-able Hope BS and assorted plagiarisms of Hussein (along with his theft of most of John Edwards'' ideas) has been a delightful distraction from reality. The last thing the Dems need is another gas bag loser like Kerry that can only spout hollow platitudes. Intellectually mature Democrats must get serious and work to nominate and elect a capable president.

.

[paris1969]

Hillary did NOT say he would be VP ... she was just being kind.

[rational_1]

The Hope-Change, Change-Hope, Hope-able Change and Change-able Hope BS and assorted plagiarisms of Hussein (along with his theft of most of John Edwards'''' ideas) has been a delightful distraction from reality. The last thing the Dems need is another gas bag loser like Kerry that can only spout hollow platitudes. Intellectually mature Democrats must get serious and work to nominate and elect a capable president.
Posted by VastR-WCon at 02:37 PM : Mar 10, 2008

Hey Hillary, don''t you have a campaign to run (into the ground)? Didn''t think you had time to come here and chat with us little people.

[smashwl7]

Hillary%u2019s judgment should once again be called into question!

1st: It was staying with Bill for political gain!

2nd: The war in Iraq vote!

3rd: Agreeing to sign up for the rules that were stated by the DNC in respect to Florida and Mich.

4th: Destroying the Democratic Party for her win at all cost policy.

5th: Slashing and Bashing Obama and then wanting him to be her running mate.

And this is who you want as President, come on women of America look at who you are supporting. It is her judgment that needs be the #1 issue of this campaign. She has poor judgment that is the bottom line issue for all of us to examine

[rowdytexan2]

"If I''m not ready, how is it you think I would be such a great vice president?" he said, as the crowd laughed and cheered loudly."

Because you are NOT ready, Mr. Obama to take on the power of the presidency of the United States. Your experience in Illinois helping a corrupt man rip off your constituents and your six uncontested ethics bills do NOT represent the kind of experience needed to lead this country!

Get over yourself!

[smashwl7]

Hillary%u2019s judgment should once again be called into question!

1st: It was staying with Bill for political gain!

2nd: The war in Iraq vote!

3rd: Agreeing to sign up for the rules that were stated by the DNC in respect to Florida and Mich.

4th: Destroying the Democratic Party for her win at all cost policy.

5th: Slashing and Bashing Obama and then wanting him to be her running mate.

And this is who you want as President, come on women of America look at who you are supporting. It is her judgment that needs be the #1 issue of this campaign. She has poor judgment that is the bottom line issue for all of us to examine

[taddles-2009]

"Get over yourself!

Posted by RowdyTexan2 at 02:43 PM : Mar 10, 2008"

Nothing quite like the uninformed rantings of a deranged Republiscum.

[oleander8]

"If I''m not ready, how is it you think I would be such a great vice president?"

You would be a President in training. Obama needs this training - right now he has a big head, but no credentials.

[oleander8]

"Dems lost control of Congress due to the "Clinton years."

The Clinton years were under a Republican controlled congress. How else do you think the Republicans managed to waste so much time and money investigating them?

[shutupnvote]

I agree, with Obama he is not ready to be VP either, what he is good for is what he is doing here working to win Red States so Romney will be emasculated and jealous of that a Dem can win in his place.

And since this Axelrod affirmative social justice strategy loophole of Red States wins has lost its luster as any meaningful measurement of electability in Nov......

Dems should not worry as Al Sharpton is on his way to rescue Obama and committed to keep Clinton''s voters from truly being counted with fake claims about DNC THE rules, insider fixens we call em, and will file a supposed civil rights suit to do so%u2026%u2026.we all are waiting to hear for the representatives from the millions or Jewish, female and Hispanic voters who were the one being disenfranchised and Al wants to keep that way, who have the NAACP on their side already, AL.

[tcgt1]

The gloves must come off! There are so many things Barak can use to hit Billary...he needs to do this and do this now!

If Billary can throw the kitchen sink and play the victim at the same time, the Barack can Take off the gloves and still maintain his ability to rise above the fray...you and your senior advisors need to plan your work and then work your plan! You can first come to an understanding that THE GLOVES MUST COME OFF...PERIOD!

I hope Barack creates a counter 3:00am ad with that little girl who is not so little anymore. She supports Obama and has said she would participate in the counter ad. SENIOR ADVISORS FOR OBAMA.....HERE IS YOUR START!!

Obama 08!!

[singingrick]

shutupNvote

All Democratic candidates signed an agreement not to campaign in Florida and Michigan because they broke the rules. Hillary was the only one on the ballot in Michigan! You are a moron.

[bogdog30]

As client No. 6 of 30,000 of the Empire Club, Ears (formerly a raghead)looks to see if the **** will defend him.

Client no. 7, Hanky Head (the grifter) advised he will move up in line.

[random_radar]

I thought it was a pretty pathetic joke for the second place candidate to offer the first place candidate second billing on the marquee.

If Clinton ever has more delegates than Obama, she can think about condescending offers of vice president. In the mean time, its a pretty arrogant offer considering she is losing to him.

[ranakarimi]

watch it plz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o166Eb_puo my uncle just called from iran and told me obama has been endorst by ahmadinejad for presisent of usa

[missingamerica]

I surely don''t blame Obama - look what that Clinton taint did to Gore.

[smashwl7]

Clinton''s many mistakes: Judgement of Hillary


Campaign Fund Raising, fail way short of Obama''s Fund Raising

Campaign, Wheels fall off

Bill Clinton as the attact dog, back fired

Alligator Tears, tried to times didn''t work

Offer Obama 2nd spot on ticket, as campaign tactic, wont work

Daughter campaign for mother, didn''t work

Loan money to campaign, didn''t work

Pit Race against Race, didn''t work

Blacks against Blacks, didn''t work

Whites against Blacks, didn''t work

Blacks against Whites, didn''t work

Muslins against Christians, didn''t work

Christian against Muslins, didn''t work


on on on

[whitepicks2]

This is perhaps the most diabolical Clinton tactic since South Carolina --(1) Put out the false impression of acting in the interest of party unity. (2) Deceive voters into believing the false choice of her on top of a joint ticket. (3) Feed and manipulate this ruse in a feel-good story through the media. (4) Try to paint Obama as the bad guy here for shunning the offer, and stubbornly blocking party unity. That''s the deception which will never end from the Clinton campaign. If people can''t see this, well, they''ll remain owned and manipulated by the Clintons. This tactic of the moment is, and their campaign''s body of work remains, a constant slap in the face to Democratic voters.

[remco82]

Hey, Hillary is the hoax! She tries out a different "voice" about every other day. This frustrated bag wants the Presidency so bad she''ll say any whacko thing to get it. Beware the bucktoothed, botoxed battleax.

[stn_sage]

1. Mr. Obama clearly states what he thinks of Senator Clinton''s suggestion HE be #2 on a joint ticket. In other words, NO WAY!

2. It''s quite despicable the way she, her husband, her campaign staff, & a couple of generals have gotten together and take turns saying Senator Obama isn''t ready to be CIC. BALONEY! After watching the debates, listening to his speeches, and seeing how he''s trying to run a ''clean'' campaign, it''s clear that HE and not Senator Clinton is the more presidential of the two!

3. It pains me to say it---but, four years of HRC would be like four more years with George W.Bush!
Enough already---let''s move on!

[pared1]

What a bunch of maroons (polite term for moron)Next thing you know you''ll want Sharpton as vice prez. (shivers)

[cpaide]

billary clinton are too ugly and old. no one wants them any more. they''re already spent and cannot sustain a campaign through the convention. so they try to broker a deal with obama. that''s desperate. go back to arkansas, billary. or ask huckabee to run with you.

[shutupnvote]

heh hee hehe she diabolical down right DIABOLICAL sneeky, Monster Racist snark sark, who dosent get OBAMA is the new King.......


.................Loons go back to the Right, its going to take an Exorcism for the Dems to drive these possessed haters back to the fringes%u2026

[jheckerman]

Hillary Clinton was being Polite-Gracious for even considering Obama as VP! OBAMA in case you havent noticed - your Math does not add up Either. You cant get the nomination and there is a BIG DOUBT that you can win the election over McCain without Hillary.
Hillary has been at this game far longer than Obama. She has the expertise, diplomatic poise and is very connected to people who can make things happen.
EXPERIENCED. Hillary knows the protocol of being a public servant. Somehow I do not see Obama serving any one-- Arrogance is not a good virtue for a leader
Hillary Clinton will serve America Well!

[mrrobur]

Why don''t we have "Jackass" contest to see what Bill and Hillary won''t do or say to get her into the White House? Do you think they''ll stop at burning Chelsea at the stake? Or will one gather wood while the other starts a fire?

[barbaraf4]

You can''t blame Obama for not wanting Hillary for VP. She was Bill''s VP and look where it got him.

[gkc99]

More Clintonista "triangulation"--pat Obama on the head and tell him he never really expected to get the nomination from Hillary--did he?

And if Hillary steals the nomination--let her sink or swim on her own, Barack!

[remco82]

Only Obama.

[kailumego1]

Hilary Clinton is a hysterical histrionic borderline bi-polar neurotic, Obama would be a "DAM" and a loser to commit to such an outlandish request, I wouldn''t vote for him,if Hilary is his VP running mate.

She''s crazy, and her schizophrenic/bi-polar episodes should convince even her most loyal supporters of her incompetency.

It''s no way in the "HELL" this woman should get nominated president, and if she gets the nod, I''m voting for McCain, I''ll feel a lot safer.

[smashwl7]

Where are all the Hillary people when you need them? Answer the 3:30p.m. call Hillary people answer my question.

The issue here is why did she agree to those rules before the elections took place? Can any of you tell me why? If she did not agree with them; all she had to do back in August 07 is say I do not agree. I want the two staes two count in the process. Why did''nt she do that?

Is any one going to pick up the phone and aswer my question? It''s not 3:00 a.m. it is in the afternoon, what the hell!

[libra127]

Posted by jheckerman at 03:30 PM : Mar 10, 2008

I agree. Obama is shooting himself in the foot with his out-of-hand rejection of this idea. His ridiculing it is also showing an unattractive, arrogant side of his personality, which puts me off. It would be far better for him to continue saying the suggestion is "premature" and let it go at that. A time may come when he regrets what he''s said.

[smashwl7]

Where are all the Hillary people when you need them? Answer the 3:30p.m. call Hillary people answer my question.

The issue here is why did she agree to those rules before the elections took place? Can any of you tell me why? If she did not agree with them; all she had to do back in August 07 is say I do not agree. I want the two staes two count in the process. Why did''nt she do that?

Is any one going to pick up the phone and aswer my question? It''s not 3:00 a.m. it is in the afternoon, what the hell!

[omega39-2009]

Hillary has been at this game far longer than Obama. She has the expertise, diplomatic poise and is very connected to people who can make things happen.
EXPERIENCED.

Experienced-Code for shackled to special interest, one who will not change direction but keep doing the same old tried and true policies that have eviscerated the middle class since the early 1970''s-Experience

[pared1]

I think people are for Obama just because they are against Hillary and not because he would make a good President. He has none of the experience needed to begin to get America out of the hole Bush has dug.

What''s really scary is McPain may get in because of peoples ignorance.

[kailumego1]

omega39 she is a whining neurotic whose mood changes as frequently [everyday, twice a day] as you change your "underwear".

How can anyone this spastic be a good commander in chief, and experienced, what "DAM", experience, being Bill Clinton''s wife.

If you feel safe with Hilary as president, notwithstanding, her ranting and ravings, then I feel sorry for you.

It is funny to listen to the Clintons suggest that Obama should come along with them. As a 2nd or third VP or what? One thing we re not getting clear about this election is that Hillary is already a VP candidate to Bill and do not forget Chelsea who is practising for the future. That''s why she keep on stressing on experience - Bill''s experience ofcourse. It will be regrettable to let these spin masters into the whitehouse oncemore. They campained in Florida and called it Fund-Raising. Who is fooled? And if the Democrats thinks they ''re going to retain the multitude Obama has brought to the fold if they ditch him, then they in for a rude shock. The only way Dems can win the election come Nov. is to present Obama. Most Clinton supporters are traditional Democrats that will vote any Democrat''s candidate. That can''t be said of majority of Obama''s supporter. Most will vote republican if obama is shortchange even if it is in protest. And it is evident that only shortchanging can remove Obama. The World is watching!

[popstom1]

Offering was agood political move just remember Bill
is the best political mind out there and This is not
1996 Chicago ware he could knock everybody off the
ballot I did not have a hard time finding dirt on
Obama and what have the republican''s got on him
They throwen all the $hit have and some made up
there is no more after they redo Fl. and Mi. they
have no choice and the surprize in Miss. Well we''ll see

[cdc806]

I wanna see a picture of Obama at the "Redneck Store". Now to address the issue. I wish Obama would be the Democratc nomionee. It would make McCain so much easier to vote for. Democrats.. can you believe this circus! McCain is going to win by a LANDSLIDE. Unless the Democrats get off thir lazy butts and vote. We know this is not going to happen.

[smashwl7]

Hillary%u2019s judgment should once again be called into question!

1st: It was staying with Bill for political gain!

2nd: The war in Iraq vote!

3rd: Agreeing to sign up for the rules that were stated by the DNC in respect to Florida and Mich.

4th: Destroying the Democratic Party for her win at all cost policy.

5th: Slashing and Bashing Obama and then wanting him to be her running mate.

And this is who you want as President, come on women of America look at who you are supporting. It is her judgment that needs be the #1 issue of this campaign. She has poor judgment that is the bottom line issue for all of us to examine

[donbl1]

Good for Obama to put an end to this nonsense.

And, Bubba strikes again with "foot in mouth" disease.

We are almost done with the Clintons and all their likes and narcissism.

[popstom1]

Hillary is only 109 behind Obama and they will have
to redo Fl. and Mi; they have no chice

A time may come when he regrets what he''''''''s said.

Posted by libra127
-----------------
Considering what the Clinton stench did to Al Gore, how in the world can anybody regret saying no to Hillary....??