US News
PREVIEW: End of an era? Clinton to exit, all eyes on no 2 slot
Jun 6, 2008, 2:44 GMT
Thursday evening Obama made an unscheduled visit with Clinton at her Washington DC home, CNN reported. But, the content of their conversation was yet unknown late Thursday. EPA/STEFAN ZAKLIN
Washington - It was a long time coming.
After months of withstanding pressure from media pundits and some Democratic Party officials, Hillary Clinton is expected to formally quit the presidential race Saturday and endorse the party's newly- anointed nominee Barack Obama.
A planned event in Washington figures to be one last hurrah for her supporters and volunteers that have spearheaded her campaign since the former first lady began her bid for the White House some 16 months ago.
Thursday evening Obama made an unscheduled visit with Clinton at her Washington DC home, CNN reported. But, the content of their conversation was yet unknown late Thursday.
For Obama, Clinton's exit could not come soon enough as he and the party turn their attention to Republican nominee John McCain, who has had a three-month headstart after wrapping up his party's nomination in March.
The Democratic National Committee and Obama formally joined their efforts on Thursday. The DNC announced it would no longer accept money from groups that lobby politicians in Washington - a key tenet of Obama's campaign to date.
'We know that we have a lot of work ahead of us,' DNC Chairman Howard Dean said, urging the party to put aside its 'bitter disagreements' of the last five months and unite behind the goal of an 'Obama Administration.'
But on Saturday it will be all eyes on Clinton once more, her speech and tone closely watched for indications of her plans going forward, and for just what kind of message she will send her passionate and steadfast supporters.
Exit polls from past primary contest have suggested about one- quarter of Clinton voters could defect to McCain in November's general election. A number of her volunteers have even offered their services to the Republicans' office in charge of September's nominating convention, according to its spokesman.
Some analysts say that leaves Obama with only one option if he hopes to heal the party's wounds: pick Clinton as vice president.
Phil Singer, a Clinton campaign spokesman, on Thursday said she was 'not seeking the vice presidency' and that the decision was Obama's alone to make.
But Clinton herself earlier this week said she was 'open' to the idea and some of her supporters have already launched efforts to see the so-called 'dream ticket' become a reality.
Voteboth.com, a website dedicated to a joint ticket, has been running for months and this week began a petition urging Obama to pick Clinton to assure victory in November.
Lanny Davis, a long time advisor of both Hillary and former president Bill Clinton who helped launch the petition, reportedly wrote Obama's campaign Tuesday night, calling on them 'to select Senator Clinton in recognition of the more than 17 million Democrats who supported her at the polls.'
Speculation has swirled about the kinds of roles Clinton could play in an Obama presidency if she were not to take the number 2 spot. Everything from secretary of state, to health and human services secretary - in order to push her passion for health care reform - to Senate majority leader has been mentioned.
Clinton's possible role in Obama's general election campaign is under just as much scrutiny, and the subject of ongoing backroom negotiations between the two campaigns.
In the meantime, Obama prefers to consider his options carefully, telling CNN Thursday that 'everybody just needs to settle down' and give him space after clinching the nomination only 48 hours earlier.
'I'm a big believer in making decisions well, not making them fast and not responding to pressure,' Obama said.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in US
- 1. Mitt Romney Addresses Tea Party Summit Pictures
- 2. Seven injured as US Navy plane crashes into apartments
- 3. At least three injured in US Navy plane crash
- 4. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, others to face death penalty trial
- 5. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, four others to face death penalty trial
Older Talkback
page: 1
if that's such a good idea, unless Bill stays in the background.
Vote for a dumb-looking, crippled, mentally disturbed old and ugly white idiot. I prefer to vote for an educated, tall, dark and handsome candidate perfect for bringing about change.
Vote for the HONEST leftist! Vote Obama.
Never posted on this site.
The press said it again: Barack's people are leaking the fact that they do not want Bill's foundation doners vetted, for fear of what they will find.
Word around the campfire is, he has an influence-peddling machine in place, selling Hillary's vote for foundation and consulting money.
Vote for the HONEST leftist. Vote Obama!
You are probably going to get your wish, you complete idiot.
To the last poster:
please, back your statement up, if you have no evidence, go away.
Evidence of what?
Never mind, hey Dan: DROP DEAD.
You first D-Bag
Hey, that's kinda cool, my post was on 16:17:18. I wonder how many times that happens a day???
RE:'You are probably going to get your wish, you complete idiot.'
I sincerely hope so. Better a real leftist than a leftist masquerading as a Republican. If we accept that we won't blink when we have nothing but leftists to vote for. We'll be too busy trying to figure out which leftist will throw us the most crumbs.
Vote for the HONEST leftist! Vote for Barak Hussein Obama! The man they call Change!
america doesn't give a damn if you ever vote.
you like everyone else is just a fart in the wind .
do you really think anyone's vote counts ??? NO it's all rigged
Yeah, rigged. Looks like Barack rigged Hillarys exit for her, by delegates...damn...that snake!
i have a great idea.
lets start a civil war in america.
We have a major civil war every four years and a minor civil war every two years. They are called ELECTIONS. The trick is getting what you need out of them.
'I sincerely hope so.'
I sincerely hope you are the one who has to see the next 9/11 that you are inviting.
...the dems wanna govern...perhaps this is the time to see how it goes...
RE:'I sincerely hope you are the one who has to see the next 9/11 that you are inviting.'
Now, THIS is one of the most astute arguments you have made, Bubba. I gotta give you credit for it.
It's true, I do have ulterior motives for supporting Barak Obama. I can't make a secret of that and shall not try. It is also true that the course I am advocating poses serious risk for this country. There is no denying that, either.
What amazes me is that you do not see the risk and self-betrayal in supporting slippery ego-maniac that has no loyalty to his own party and supporters. He is NOT to be trusted. If you deem that the lessor of the risks we face, so be it. I do NOT agree with you.
As for another atrocity similar to the on inflicted on us at the World Trade Center, we were at risk of that prior to 11-Sep-01 and remain at risk of suffering another such catastrophe no matter WHO elect to the White House.
You know, you'd be far more persuasive attacking Barak Obama than attacking me. Why don't you try explaining what will go so horribly wrong after we elect Barak Obama. I have some ideas on the matter, of course, but I'd like to see yours.
In the mean time, folks, vote for the HONEST leftist. Vote Obama.
composed by sp4
nothing
I will tell you when it is me
you had it removed nazi
The article these comments are supposedly about suggests that HillBillery be selected as Obama's running mate.
Her premise is and has always been 'power at any price'. It's scary how close she came due to women backing her only because she's female. When Obama is elected, if she were VP, he would be in serious danger of assassination.
BTW: After the damage done to America by Bush & his cronies, Obama WILL be the next president. The republicans have no chance. Absolutely no doubt about it.
page: 1
NoharnessJun 6th, 2008 - 03:14:02
Obama went to Hillary's house! He went out of his way to go see her in DC at HER house after saying that he was going back to Chicago and taking his wife out on a date.
Guys, we might be looking at a Clinton-Obama ticket.
Report this comment