Clinton Knew She Was Unlikely VP Pick

Washington Post: Obama's Decision To Pass Her Over Remains Central To Ongoing Story Of Strained Relationship

(Washingtonpost.com)  This story was written by Anne E. Kornblut.

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In a private meeting with Sen. Barack Obama after she conceded the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton made a request: that he consider her for his vice presidential running mate, but not put her through the charade of being vetted if he was not serious.

Obama told Clinton then it was unlikely he would choose her, people familiar with the conversation said. Obama did not want to lead her on and, after campaigning against her for more than a year, already had a sense that their pairing would not be the right fit.

As Clinton prepares for her address to the Democratic convention Tuesday night, Obama's decision to pass her over remains central to the ongoing story of their strained relationship. It has also contributed to what associates say has been a difficult emotional period for the former first lady in the two months since ending her bid. One adviser described her as outright "depressed" in July, while another said she was "moving forward" and a third said she has simply been trying to get through November before making decisions about where next to take her life.

Clinton has done second-guessing from time to time, they said, reexamining how certain elements of her primary campaign turned out so badly. She has returned to senatorial tasks such as attending the New York State Fair and digging into Congressional Budget Office reports. Twice this summer, she disappeared on vacation in New York -- once to the Hamptons and earlier this month to the Hudson Valley. Both trips went largely unreported, the media crush that followed her for more than a year having been allowed to fade away.

"It's back to business, just not as usual," Clinton told her staff members when she got back to work, using a phrase that has become something of a mantra for the vastly reduced team.

The question of how seriously Obama considered tapping Clinton for the ticket has become a source of unhappiness for both sides of late. Clinton was never asked for the official vetting paperwork when other potential running mates were. Obama never invited her to have a real conversation about potentially joining forces, although the two spent time together at several events.

Those revelations, coming as the two camps converged on Denver and Obama chose Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. to join him on the ticket, angered many Clinton supporters who felt she had at least earned the right to greater consideration after winning 18 million primary votes.

The arguments against Obama choosing Clinton were evident from the start: Her campaign, rife with internal struggles, bore no resemblance to his tightly run operation; the two had little personal chemistry; and hard feelings lingered after what had been a bruising primary.

Obama advisers said they did not want to raise expectations for Clinton knowing they would probably be dashed, especially after she asked not to be put through an artificial process.

They also said they had far more information about her than they did the other contenders after doing so much research during the campaign. "We spent an enormous amount of money and time and a full-time unit of people looking under every stone. It wasn't like we did not know anything about her," said one senior Obama adviser involved in the process. "And we thought her position on this was pretty reasonable."

At the same time, aides said, Obama did, in fact, consider whether he should revisit the idea of an Obama-Clinton tickt as he went through the selection process.

But in effect, he did not really consider Clinton for the No. 2 spot. Even toward the end of his decision-making process, as he was weighing alternatives and leaning toward Biden, Obama raised the idea of Clinton once more with the close circle of associates helping him make the decision -- but ultimately concluded that it was not the correct course. The campaign has declined repeatedly to delve into specifics about exactly what it was that Obama did not feel comfortable with.

People who spoke to both candidates offered slightly conflicting accounts of how their early closed-door conversations went -- and some acknowledged that the talks, held in private, may have been interpreted differently by two people who did not see eye-to-eye. Some Clinton allies said she was not as much actively seeking the No. 2 slot as conveying that she was open to it. And people on both sides said it was not clear how forcefully Obama let her know in private that she was not a front-runner, although in public, his reluctance was clear.

On Monday, Obama sought to minimize the issue. "I've tried not to have long discussions about short lists, long lists, but I've said publicly before and I will repeat again that, you know, Senator Clinton would have been on anybody's shortlist. And so I took her very seriously," Obama said in response to a question on the airport tarmac here, during his first question-and-answer session in weeks.

Asked whether Clinton had been specifically on his shortlist, Obama replied: "I think you can draw that conclusion."

But if Obama thought about reconsidering Clinton, he did not share that with her, and some of her associates said she never had a chance to make the case for how she could help him win. Obama expressed "no interest," had "no meetings, no conversations, no requests for information, no real consideration whatsoever," said a Clinton loyalist who talked with her throughout the process.

And so Clinton, aware that she was essentially out of the running, did not dwell on pursuing the vice presidency. She turned to helping Obama campaign where she could, making public appearances on his behalf and raising money for him -- before arriving in Denver, where she turned to the mammoth task of persuading her most intransigent supporters to back her former rival.

Obama advisers privately said what the presumptive nominee said aloud: that they were satisfied with her efforts and grateful that she was helping push back against Sen. John McCain, who has been trying to drive a wedge between the warring camps. McCain is running an advertisement, titled "Passed Over," criticizing Obama for not picking Clinton. On Monday, she countered with: "I'm Hillary Clinton, and I do not approve that message."

Clinton aides said she is genuine in her desire to see Obama elected, and not simply because she is a committed partisan. She has looked for opportunities to help Obama "both because she wants a Democrat in the White House and because she does not want to be blamed if we don't have one," one confidante said. "She wants to go above and beyond to ensure that if it doesn't happen, nobody points the finger at her."

Clinton is also managing her return to the public eye carefully: She has not done any in-depth interviews and has barely discussed the primaries. That is a stark contrast to her husband, who had angry words about the primaries as recently as July, when he conducted interviews during an annual trip to Africa. Some in Sen. Clinton's circle said they learned that the former president had begun speaking about politics publicly again only by reading about it in the newspaper, suggesting that the two Clinton operations have drifted apart, back to the state they werein before her presidential bid.

Obama predicted on Monday that Sen. Clinton will deliver "a rousing speech" on Tuesday night. The address has been crafted by a trio of her speechwriters and is expected to "echo the themes of the campaign," primarily the economic hardships of average Americans. It is not only a coda to her presidential campaign but also a preview of what may lie ahead, as Clinton, in the words of one ally, "finds her niche."

Clinton has begun thinking about how to harness the support she earned this year and is weighing how to be not only a leader of women but also a populist voice, advisers said. She is likely to write another book. She will stay in the Senate, where she won reelection in 2006, unless another, better opportunity should arise. But there are no signs thus far that she is thinking about the jobs others have mentioned Obama might consider her for, such as a Supreme Court justice.

"She's emerged from this campaign as an even more powerful force, and she's going to map out a strategy where she can make a difference in people's lives," said Rep. Jim McGovern (Mass.), a staunch Clinton advocate during the primaries. McGovern, who traveled with Clinton in the final days of the race, said he had spoken with Clinton on a couple of occasions since then and marveled at her resilience.

"In the aftermath of the election, she has been incredible. I'm not sure I'd have the ability to just pick up all the pieces and go on," he said. "But I think in a way this campaign has been an education for her. She's come to appreciate that for a lot of people in this country life is tough and they're looking for a champion, looking for a voice. And people are counting on her and expecting big things from her even if she's not going to be the nominee."

[germany76]

I once saw Barack Hussein Obama wearing a pretentious, arrantly exquisite gold watch. Rolex? Cartier? Perhaps. But what about Barack Hussein Obama''s baby brother, George Hussein Obama? How does he tell time within the confines of his 6x9 centipede-infested shack?

To answer that question we must look back in time -- far back in time -- to the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, and Mesopotamians. Indeed, for George Hussein Obama owns no highfalutin watch, no oaken grandfather clock, no cell phone that informs him when it''s high noon or midnight. No, like the peoples of long past, George Hussein Obama -- a man who resides on a mere $1.00 per month -- must utilize the stars so as to determine the hour of day. Yes, old- (very old) fashioned star-gazing. That''s George Obama''s version of Rolex.

Quite a contrast, isn''t it? Quite a contradiction.

You can change this, Barack -- just 5, 10, 20 dollars per month can alter the penurious state in which your baby brother, George Obama, wallows in disdainful misery. Compassion, Barack -- please mail him just a wee bit of human mercy! Show him your love reaches across the expansive Atlantic!

McCain 2008

[holdenlitgo]

OK, she knew she was "unlikely" to be chosen. More to the point, she stated unequivocally that she wasn''t running for VP and had no interest in the job. Something her "supporters" are conveniently overlooking to make their case against Obama. These folks need to be angry about something to get out of bed in the morning. They''re crying about Hillary almost as much as McCain cries about being a POW. Get off the pity pot and do something for your country! Vote for change!

Germany76: what tripe. George Obama is articulate and intelligent, and is going to college. He is doing so because he was inspired by his half-brother. Why must everything mccain supporters say be a lie? Because the truth wouldn''t win the election.
Obama 2008

[davide73-2009]

To whatIthink: You are wrong in one respect about the "Christian conservative nutcases". They differentiate between Supreme Court justices who believe in the sanctity of life and marriage, on the one hand, and who believe in a laissez-faire economic policy that allows the rich to get richer while the poor get poorer. Most are for the former and against the latter, and it is those "nutcases" who will decide the election, because they will vote for McCain only if he chooses someone like Mike Huckabee, who is for major tax and economic reforms.

[whatithink-2009]

Any TRUE Hillary Supporter who is thinking about voting for John McCain should have listened to the woman who tried to fight wage discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court overruled her trial win 5-4. The 5 who voted in favor of BIG BUSINESS over THE LITTLE GUY are EXACTLY the type of justices that will be selected by John McCain if he is elected.

You think it is ONLY FOUR YEARS and then you will push for Hillary. 3 of 4 who sided with THE LITTLE GUY will probably retire in the next four years and McCain will be able to make a decision that will last for the next 20 to 30 YEARS!!!

The Christian Conservative nutcases have ONE GOAL. Load the U.S. Supreme Court with justices who will do their will. John McCain CAN NOT get elected without promising this to them.

If YOU truly supported Hillary Clinton, there is NO WAY you''''d EVER think about voting for John McCain.

NO WAY. NO HOW. NO MCCAIN!

DO NOT LET THEM "DIVIDE and CONQUER."

[whatithink-2009]

Any TRUE Hillary Supporter who is thinking about voting for John McCain should have listened to the woman who tried to fight wage discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court overruled her trial win 5-4. The 5 who voted in favor of BIG BUSINESS over THE LITTLE GUY are EXACTLY the type of justices that will be selected by John McCain if he is elected.

You think it is ONLY FOUR YEARS and then you will push for Hillary. 3 of 4 who sided with THE LITTLE GUY will probably retire in the next four years and McCain will be able to make a decision that will last for the next 20 to 30 YEARS!!!

The Christian Conservative nutcases have ONE GOAL. Load the U.S. Supreme Court with justices who will do their will. John McCain CAN NOT get elected without promising this to them.

If YOU truly supported Hillary Clinton, there is NO WAY you''''d EVER think about voting for John McCain.

NO WAY. NO HOW. NO MCCAIN!

DO NOT LET THEM "DIVIDE and CONQUER."

[whatithink-2009]

Any TRUE Hillary Supporter who is thinking about voting for John McCain should have listened to the woman who tried to fight wage discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court overruled her trial win 5-4. The 5 who voted in favor of BIG BUSINESS over THE LITTLE GUY are EXACTLY the type of justices that will be selected by John McCain if he is elected.

You think it is ONLY FOUR YEARS and then you will push for Hillary. 3 of 4 who sided with THE LITTLE GUY will probably retire in the next four years and McCain will be able to make a decision that will last for the next 20 to 30 YEARS!!!

The Christian Conservative nutcases have ONE GOAL. Load the U.S. Supreme Court with justices who will do their will. John McCain CAN NOT get elected without promising this to them.

If YOU truly supported Hillary Clinton, there is NO WAY you''''d EVER think about voting for John McCain.

NO WAY. NO HOW. NO MCCAIN!

DO NOT LET THEM "DIVIDE and CONQUER."

[whatithink-2009]

Any TRUE Hillary Supporter who is thinking about voting for John McCain should have listened to the woman who tried to fight wage discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court overruled her trial win 5-4. The 5 who voted in favor of BIG BUSINESS over THE LITTLE GUY are EXACTLY the type of justices that will be selected by John McCain if he is elected.

You think it is ONLY FOUR YEARS and then you will push for Hillary. 3 of 4 who sided with THE LITTLE GUY will probably retire in the next four years and McCain will be able to make a decision that will last for the next 20 to 30 YEARS!!!

The Christian Conservative nutcases have ONE GOAL. Load the U.S. Supreme Court with justices who will do their will. John McCain CAN NOT get elected without promising this to them.

If YOU truly supported Hillary Clinton, there is NO WAY you''''d EVER think about voting for John McCain.

NO WAY. NO HOW. NO MCCAIN!

DO NOT LET THEM "DIVIDE and CONQUER."

[whatithink-2009]

Any TRUE Hillary Supporter who is thinking about voting for John McCain should have listened to the woman who tried to fight wage discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court overruled her trial win 5-4. The 5 who voted in favor of BIG BUSINESS over THE LITTLE GUY are EXACTLY the type of justices that will be selected by John McCain if he is elected.

You think it is ONLY FOUR YEARS and then you will push for Hillary. 3 of 4 who sided with THE LITTLE GUY will probably retire in the next four years and McCain will be able to make a decision that will last for the next 20 to 30 YEARS!!!

The Christian Conservative nutcases have ONE GOAL. Load the U.S. Supreme Court with justices who will do their will. John McCain CAN NOT get elected without promising this to them.

If YOU truly supported Hillary Clinton, there is NO WAY you''''d EVER think about voting for John McCain.

NO WAY. NO HOW. NO MCCAIN!

DO NOT LET THEM "DIVIDE and CONQUER."

[whatithink-2009]

Any TRUE Hillary Supporter who is thinking about voting for John McCain should have listened to the woman who tried to fight wage discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court overruled her trial win 5-4. The 5 who voted in favor of BIG BUSINESS over THE LITTLE GUY are EXACTLY the type of justices that will be selected by John McCain if he is elected.

You think it is ONLY FOUR YEARS and then you will push for Hillary. 3 of 4 who sided with THE LITTLE GUY will probably retire in the next four years and McCain will be able to make a decision that will last for the next 20 to 30 YEARS!!!

The Christian Conservative nutcases have ONE GOAL. Load the U.S. Supreme Court with justices who will do their will. John McCain CAN NOT get elected without promising this to them.

If YOU truly supported Hillary Clinton, there is NO WAY you''''d EVER think about voting for John McCain.

NO WAY. NO HOW. NO MCCAIN!

DO NOT LET THEM "DIVIDE and CONQUER."

[whatithink-2009]

Any TRUE Hillary Supporter who is thinking about voting for John McCain should have listened to the woman who tried to fight wage discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court overruled her trial win 5-4. The 5 who voted in favor of BIG BUSINESS over THE LITTLE GUY are EXACTLY the type of justices that will be selected by John McCain if he is elected.

You think it is ONLY FOUR YEARS and then you will push for Hillary. 3 of 4 who sided with THE LITTLE GUY will probably retire in the next four years and McCain will be able to make a decision that will last for the next 20 to 30 YEARS!!!

The Christian Conservative nutcases have ONE GOAL. Load the U.S. Supreme Court with justices who will do their will. John McCain CAN NOT get elected without promising this to them.

If YOU truly supported Hillary Clinton, there is NO WAY you''''d EVER think about voting for John McCain.

NO WAY. NO HOW. NO MCCAIN!

DO NOT LET THEM "DIVIDE and CONQUER."

[oneworldusa]

Hillary couldn''t be VP. She''d be constantly struggling to take over. She''s too power-hungry.

[germany76]

It''s time for me to go to bed. So I leave everyone with this one thought, this one impressionable image.

Somewhere in America, Barack Obama lies quietly, cozy, comfy upon his massive, guilded, king-sized bed. But over in Africa, beneath the ominous Kenyan moon, Barack''s baby brother, George Obama, lays his head down to rest -- under tremendously different circumstances!

Indeed, instead of grandeur and pleasure and the life pecunious, Barack''s baby brother, George Obama, lies atop thorns, thistles, pebbles, and legions of ever-chewing army ants! Truculent lions roaring in the nearby jungle, awakening him every hour or so.

There is no pride, no power, no puissance for young George Obama; no, unlike his big brother Barack, his is a life of want and need and constant emptiness.

Two lives, two brothers, two remarkably different realities!

When you awaken in the morning, Barack, why not dig into your wallet -- dig deep! -- and mail some mercy to your baby brother over in the continent we call Africa.

It''s the right thing to do, Barack . . . deep in your heart you know it be true!!!

McCain 2008

[germany76]

If Barack Obama does become president, how will he celebrate? Probably a huge, ostentatious gala in Washington -- politicians, celebrities, movie stars galore in attendance, toasting champagne and woofing down exquisite caviar.

But over in the slums of Kenya, Barack Obama''s baby brother, George Obama, will probably "celebrate" more humbly. Yes, he''ll probably honour his brother''s presidential win by lighting a tiny campfire, roasting a wee bit of rattlesnake meat, and taking a cool sip from the alligator-infested Congo River.

Quite a contrast, isn''t it?

You can change this, Barack. Send your one-dollar-per-month baby brother just a little money, and he, too, can celebrate your victory like a dignified human being!

McCain 2008

[randynason]

McCain 2008


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Posted by Germany76

Get a life, you miserable hypocrite. Vote for your lame loser McSame and wear that smug, crooked smile as though you''ve done something real important.

[germany76]

What''s wrong with this picture?

In America, Barack Obama is positioned to possibly be the next US president. Glory, splendour, wealth, and prestige at his fingertips.

In Africa, Barack Obama''s baby brother, George Obama, wallows in a malaria-carrying tsetse fly-infested 6x9 shack, destitution, poverty, and everyday ignobility his only claim to fame.

You can change this, Barack -- just a little financial help can go a long way to bringing your baby brother out of the Stone Age in which he currently resides. Open your millionaire''s wallet and send some love across the ocean, Barack -- do it for compassion, do it for decency . . . for goodness sake, do it for your little, baby brother!

McCain 2008

[coham1950]

-stong about supporting the party''s choice. Mr. Obama won, let it go at that. And if you don''t want to vote for him, then don''t. He does not have to beg for those votes. The people that like him and feel that he can do a good job are going to vote for him, and the ones that don''t like him, for whatever reason, will not be voting for him. All I ask America is to "give peace a chance."

[germany76]

Barack, when you arrive home to your mansion, your English butler asks if you need anything, like your slippers or a corn-cobbed pipe or a cup of tea or a cool, refreshing mint julep. Your brother? He arrives home (to his 6x9 shack) only to see a thick-as-can-be anaconda waiting for him upon his straw and hay bed.

Send your baby brother some well-deserved cash with which to escape that horrible existence, Barack -- show him you are, indeed, a "citizen of the world" and can feel his pain all the way there in the slums of Nairobi in which he withers in misery!

McCain 2008

[germany76]

Barack, what do you use to slice your prime rib dinner? A knife, of course. Your brother? Dear God, he uses a wooden spear (sometimes poison-tipped) so as to capture his daily sustenance, usually consisting of armadillo meat or roast iguana.

Send your baby brother just $100, Barack, and let him shop in a traditional grocery store with the dignity he deserves!

McCain 2008

[germany76]

We all know Barack Obama likes to work out in fancy, modern gyms, true? Well, where do you imagine Barack''s shack-dwelling baby brother "works out"? Exactly -- while swimming through the barracuda-infested rivers of Kenya, hoping beyond hope that a man-eating crocodile does not make a meal of him!

Send your baby brother some work out equipment, Barack -- anything with which to keep up his strength while saving him from those god-awful croc swims!

(He lives on $1.00 per month, for goodness sake! Think of your baby brother! NOW!!!)

McCain 2008