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 nomination. 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 the person who is first place," Obama said, drawing cheers and a long standing ovation from about 1,700 people in Columbus, Miss.
Saying he wanted to be "absolutely clear," he added: "I don't want anybody here thinking that somehow, 'Well, you know, maybe I can get both.' Don't think that way. You have to make a choice in this election."
"I am not running for vice president," Obama said. "I am running for president of the United States of America."
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."
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 that you think I should 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 Associated Press count, Obama leads Clinton, 1,578-1,472. 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.
Good grief Obama and Gore. YIKES! Both Obama and Clinton are sore losers. I do truly hope that Obama loses but if he does not than I hope he pick a running mate that most people dislike. Hehehe. I do not like Obama. I do not know him as a person but he political views are ridicules. I want to say to every one who supports him: For christ's sake he is not Martin Luther King jr.! Look past the phony exterior and see him for what he is! The thought of him as President not only scares me but really concerns me. He will not better our country. Clinton won't either for that matter. But who will? I don't know.
6 comments:
I can tell you are going stir-crazy having to stay home with this illness - by how many political articles you read. And I can tell you have been hanging out at Buck's. I think you need to come to art and let me pick on you and you can sling some paint.
I am going a little stir crazy! I really want to come to art too! I was just felling political today. I have not really kept up with politics like I should. I have missed your picking on me. And a little bird told me that Sarah Ann has been at art. I miss her picking on me too. With the both of you it is quite relentless. ;)
Are you feeling any better?
Inpassing: I am feeling a little better. My throat still REALLY hurts. And it does not look very good. But I think I am on the mend.
The thought of him as President not only scares me but really concerns me. He will not better our country. Clinton won't either for that matter. But who will?
Well, there's really only one other viable choice right now... Unless ya wanna throw away your vote and go for that idjit Nader... who makes Obama look a lil bit better, but not much. ;-)
I'm glad you're feeling a lil bit better, Ash. This has been hanging on for quite a while (as if you need ME to tell ya...)
Buck: There is only one choice. But there no one running for office that I REALLY want to win. No one that I think would make a great president. But hey it is only my opinion.
Poor Nader you think he would give up already! I guess he just likes to waste money. ;)
Thank you. I am glad I am feeling a little bit better too! I will tell you one thing strep terrible!
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