Top Hillary supporter: Yes, she wants to be vice president and is pressuring Obama for it; Update: Hillary’s staff unemployed as of Friday
posted at 3:24 pm on June 4, 2008 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
In keeping with how ineptly her campaign was managed, her point man on the “pressuring” efforts is Robert Johnson, who infamously reminded an audience last year about Barry O’s youthful coke use. Healing:
Johnson said he began discussing the vice presidency with Clinton last month and that they talked about it at a dinner in Puerto Rico last Saturday and again by phone and e-mail on Tuesday. “Let me be clear,” Johnson said in a telephone interview Wednesday morning. “She said if asked to do this, she must accept because she believes that it is in the best interest of the party that the party come together and win in November.”…
Johnson said he and other Clinton allies would deliver that message [to concede] to her as she contemplates her withdrawal. “As I believe she is interested in the vice presidency, she recognizes that is the first symbolic step…” he said. “If she wants to work with him as his vice president, she has to focus on getting him elected and not celebrating what has been a monumental achievement in her campaign. That’s the message some of us will be saying to her now.”…
Asked if there is a clear desire by Clinton to be vice president, he said, “That affirmative desire is with Hillary. That’s clear. The question is, is there affirmative desire on the part of Senator Obama?”
Allegedly he proposed lobbying the Congressional Black Caucus to lobby Obama on her behalf and she okayed it. Strategic question: Should she concede first and then lobby to be VP or hang in there to maintain some leverage? I’m thinking the former, since her leverage is disappearing by the moment and any further antagonism is apt to make her seem even more petulant than she already does, which only makes her more of a liability on the ticket. If she quits — which it sounds like she’s planning to do very soon (and I mean very) — and plays the belatedly magnanimous loser, she earns back a little goodwill. Take that as your exit question. Oh, and this too: If either one of them are seriously thinking about a dream ticket, why on earth are some of their most prominent supporters on both sides making it sound like such a disaster?
Update: The end is near.
Sen. Hillary Clinton visited staff at her headquarters in Arlington, Virginia Wednesday just after most of them had been told they would no longer have to report to work after Friday.
A staffer who was in the room said she invited all of her campaign staff to come to her home on Friday.
Before Clinton arrived, the staff was told that they would be paid through June 15th. But the bulk of the staff was told their last day of work would be Friday.
Compelling evidence that the Michelle Obama “whitey” tape is a hoax. If it exists, surely Hillary’s people have seen it by now, and if it’s as bad as all that they wouldn’t be so hot to lay down their arms just yet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages:
How phoney THAT be?
Tony737 on June 4, 2008 at 3:26 PM
I think Hill remembers how she treated Al and Tipper like C#%P and she’s not going to want any part of it!
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on June 4, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Because it would be a disaster. Putting a Clinton on the ticket blunts some of Obama’s ‘new politics’ mojo, and it would drive the nutroots to despair.
Hmmm…
Slublog on June 4, 2008 at 3:30 PM
I keep thinking of the movie Primary Colors. Hilary couldn’t take a back seat to anybody if her life depended on it.
ctmom on June 4, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Delicious!
Blacklake on June 4, 2008 at 3:32 PM
“What does Hillary want?”
A monarchy, and to be queen.
On more realistic terms, she wants to be asked to be VP, so she can decline. The Obamas fear that she’d outfox them and accept, and who’s to blame them?
She wants all delegates to physically, on video and TV, have the guts and cojones to name whom they’re for. She’s requested this. The Obamas considered but again are scared that it might go Hillary’s way, if they have to look the Clintons in the eyes. Who’s to blame them, again?
The last nail is still not in her coffin, and won’t be, no matter what meeting will be held at 16:00 hours today.
Entelechy on June 4, 2008 at 3:33 PM
Lets take this a step in a different direction.
Lets say they do happen to do this. The Clinton supporters who hate Obama but WANT Clinton in there.. would they eat crow and vote for the B.H.O. just so she is back in the White House?
Same goes with the B.H.O. supporters? Those that HATE Clinton and want B.H.O. so bad they can taste it… would they be willing to do the same?
And what about those who won’t vote if they teamed up… what then?
Makes it interesting to say the least.
upinak on June 4, 2008 at 3:34 PM
When’s that big ol’ shoe gonna drop on Obama and/or Michelle O.? Thought that was supposed to happen today and that it was why Hillary was holding off on her conciliations.
aero on June 4, 2008 at 3:34 PM
I think Obama won’t take her as VP because he knows he’d be far less likely to survive his first 100 days in office if he does.
aero on June 4, 2008 at 3:36 PM
upinak, here’s the more potent scenario, who will vote against such a team. The country wants change but not of that magnitude, or wussitude, as is may be.
Entelechy on June 4, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Of course it will be offered and she will accept. I’m sure that right now the DNC is “talking” to BO’s people about how a BO, HC ticket will be unbeatable and will keep the presidency in the control of the dems for the next 16 years at which time MO or CC will be positioned to take the center chair.
jmarcure on June 4, 2008 at 3:36 PM
I won’t vote for the wannabe powerhouse. I remember Clinton when I was in the military… it makes my hands sweat thinking about going back in again and having to serve while another Clonton is back in, since I re-joined. Lets say I am scared as all hell. And I expect to hear who is the new Commander in Chief when in, and I hope and pray it will NOT be either of them.
upinak on June 4, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Wait. No one is asking the important question:
How does this benefit Michelle Obama’s children?
lorien1973 on June 4, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Upinak,,, Thank you for your service and ditto on the c&c.
L
letget on June 4, 2008 at 3:43 PM
If she becomes Veep, and Obama is elected, he better learn to sleep with one eye open and get a food tester.
Hening on June 4, 2008 at 3:45 PM
This is terrifying, but I regress to the time when I thought that the Catfight of the Century would be between Hilly and Teresa. This will be better: Hilly versus Meeshell. Let the blood flow!
This is comforting…”upinak, here’s the more potent scenario, who will vote against such a team. The country wants change but not of that magnitude, or wussitude, as is may be.
Entelechy on June 4
I can imagine the depth of Obama’s regret and shame…’I coulda been a contender if only HRC hadn’t got that grip on my cajones.’
Christine on June 4, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Oh, great. Hillary will be to us what Cheney is to the Dems.
Pcoop on June 4, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Especially since Hillary never leaves home without Bill, and Bill never leaves home without their multiple carts full of baggage.
Sure, but about 50% of Americans don’t want her anywhere near the White House. It’s a very large segment that finds her untrustworthy.
amerpundit on June 4, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Chances are that if Obama gets in, you won’t be in the military for long. He intends to make huge cuts across the board.
If you do stay in, you could very well be wearing a blue helmet somewhere in Africa with an ROE that doesn’t permit you to carry ammo.
SPCOlympics on June 4, 2008 at 3:46 PM
In the dictionary, under “has no shame” there is a picture of Shrillary.
Mallard T. Drake on June 4, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Chaos ’til November, baby!
CP on June 4, 2008 at 3:49 PM
The Queen is dead.
Long live the VP.
fogw on June 4, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Switch Parties Hillary. Do it …Do it.
Be a big girl and just do it .
Texyank on June 4, 2008 at 3:50 PM
There is some good in this. Since her supporters are pushing the fact she wants it, if Barry refuses to offer, there is potential for much sore loser activity in the general. I can’t think he’s simple enough to want her on the ticket, especially since Carter has warned him off and with Clenis lurking in the background.
a capella on June 4, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Where I can worry about getting raped via the people of the country I am trying to help. Thank you UN!
upinak on June 4, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Switch Parties Hillary. – Tex
Yeah, but no Pubbie, go 3rd party, Hil!
Tony737 on June 4, 2008 at 3:59 PM
This explains the much-rumored Michelle meltdown video: it’s extortion. Good old fashioned extortion.
HRC: Give me the Veep slot or I flush your wife down the sewer.
BHO: You wouldn’t dare.
HRC: Listen punk, I ruined better men than you. I’ve chunks of guys bigger than you in my stool. Just because you can read a nice speech and you wowwed the 6 democrats in Idaho doesn’t mean you’re ready to play this game.
BHO: America will hate you for exposing Michelle.
HRC: You don’t get it, Barry. America already doesn’t like me but politics is not about being liked. You think I like Bill?
BHO: (gulp!) What’s next?
HRC: You make me VP. I bury the tape and everyone who’s seen it. Then we win.
BHO: One condition. Bill works the bubba circuit and keeps out of the media.
HRC: Done.
BHO: And stay away from me and my family.
HRC: It’s not personal Bar. It’s business, just business.
Vote Sauron 08 on June 4, 2008 at 4:00 PM
What would it be like for Hillary to show up at a campaign stop full of Obama supporters. I think even if she is shilling the BarryOBameter she would get fruit thrown at her.
Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama will not be able to play nice with each other.
I suspect hundreds are telling the BarryOBameter to pick her but the MRS is threating him with a Lorena Bobbit move if he does.
EJDolbow on June 4, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Hillary Clinton let Obama’s call go to voicemail twice. She can’t even live up to her 3AM phonecall claims! Obama would be as stupid as he looks and sounds to put her on the campaign in any capacity other than cheerleader/fundraiser.
highhopes on June 4, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Limerick waits in the shadows with a HA creme pie.
Limerick on June 4, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Gee talk about a move that would ensure McCain could focus on conservative democrats and independents. Can’t think of anything else that would bring an outpouring of conservatives for McCain then an Obama/Clinton ticket.
Zaggs on June 4, 2008 at 4:07 PM
I love how this fits in with the previous rumor, that she wanted to be offered and then she would decline. HAHAHAHA!
She knows she won’t be offered, especially with rumors of a perfectly timed secret video floating around, but she now she can claim after Obama loses that she was ready to help, but he was uncooperative.
pedestrian on June 4, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Are you going to eat it or throw it. And if you do eat it, what kinda?
upinak on June 4, 2008 at 4:12 PM
I think her as VP would be the best thing to help McCain.
JellyToast on June 4, 2008 at 4:13 PM
You mean the vid that was supposed to come out today? That one?
waiting…….
Limerick on June 4, 2008 at 4:13 PM
If I have to eat it it will be creme de crow!
Limerick on June 4, 2008 at 4:14 PM
This would be too good to be true.
Carter is right (shocker!). The combination of their negatives would lock them out of the big game.
Ares on June 4, 2008 at 4:14 PM
If Obama can’t stand up to Hillary (tell the #itch no), how can he stand up to - fill in the blank -.
MB4 on June 4, 2008 at 4:22 PM
This is not going to happen.
WisCon on June 4, 2008 at 4:24 PM
On which ticket?
McCain toyed with the idea of being Kerry’s VP. I can easily see him applying his McCainist liberalism by inviting the poster gal for liberals on as the VP in an effort to further woo Democrats to the Tijuana Express and to further alienate the social conservatives and evangelicals that McCain so clearly despises as part of the party.
highhopes on June 4, 2008 at 4:24 PM
This would give a whole new meaning to belatedly and magnanimous, of course it depends on what the meaning of belatedly is and what the meaning of magnanimous is and what the meaning of is, is.
MB4 on June 4, 2008 at 4:25 PM
It’s politics. You can easily tell the “#itch” no but you don’t want to anger all the “#itch’s” supporters who are upset that the “#itch” didn’t win.
The dance here is for all parties to pretend that they love each other and there are no hard feelings. Clinton’s actions last night prove that we aren’t quite to this stage yet.
highhopes on June 4, 2008 at 4:27 PM
We need an HA poll.
Limerick on June 4, 2008 at 4:27 PM
I will give you some cool whip if need be.
upinak on June 4, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Nah, my wife has me trained to take my crow as is.
Limerick on June 4, 2008 at 4:28 PM
How can he stand up to- Michelle my BelleObama!
kcd on June 4, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Got me.
MB4 on June 4, 2008 at 4:39 PM
There is no tape, an urban myth, built upon false hope.
right2bright on June 4, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Damn economy!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on June 4, 2008 at 4:48 PM
I want pie.
RushBaby on June 4, 2008 at 4:52 PM
They’re lucky. With Hillary as the ex-employer, I’m damn sure their health insurance won’t end. After all, that would just kill Hillary to live in a country where that kind of thing happens. She said so herself last night. It’s her life’s work.
JiangxiDad on June 4, 2008 at 4:54 PM
You owe me a beer! (damnit!)
Limerick on June 4, 2008 at 4:57 PM
But as far as I know there hasn’t been any claims from the Obama campaign that such a tape doesn’t exist. So either a) they don’t want to dignify the claim with a response or b) Michelle Obama has said so many hateful things in the public before Barak Obama declared his candidacy, they can’t be sure such a tape doesn’t exist.
I think it’s a combination of both.
SPCOlympics on June 4, 2008 at 5:00 PM
I don’t know, Allah. I was in the skeptics column too until I saw these details and this explanation as to why it’s being held which makes a lot of sense if the tape does exist.
Buy Danish on June 4, 2008 at 5:00 PM
I think he has to take her. I mean she could choose to let him be free in selecting his VP. But I guess that’s too much to ask of a Clinton, and probably he has no reasonable expectation of that happening.
On the Republican side, McCain has proven that nobody is competitive with him this season. I leave aside whether this is good or bad. He beat everybody else. Obama won the nomination according to the rules but he didn’t knock her down.
I think she gets to live with the idea that she can’t be number 1. He in all likelihood must accept that he is not free who to choose as his number 2.
freevillage on June 4, 2008 at 5:02 PM
FYI everyone; Obama has a say, a strong say, but the VP is chosen by the delegates, not him. He can only suggest, the choice is out of his hands.
*
Obama would not just choose Hillary, he gets Bill looking over his shoulder.
Obama wants no part of that…He may be forced to choose Hillary, but he ain’t go’in to like it.
right2bright on June 4, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Then going into Indiana and North Carolina why wouldn’t they have drooped it in someone’s in-box?
Limerick on June 4, 2008 at 5:02 PM
I think that then makes my point even stronger.
freevillage on June 4, 2008 at 5:03 PM
I got strawberry, rhubarb, crow berry (yep that actually IS a berry) pie… home made.
And as for hillary quitting.. QUITTER!
upinak on June 4, 2008 at 5:04 PM
OH OH Rezko found GUILTY!
upinak on June 4, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Maybe this is the other shoe that was going to drop? If so, Barry’s got some ’splaining to do.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on June 4, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Because, as Flopping Aces posits, Hillary isn’t the one who has the tape, and they are holding it because they don’t want Hillary to be the nominee.
The only thing that is odd is why this didn’t came out before, but then again Reverend Wright’s words were there for everyone to hear for well over a year before someone actually bothered to go through the DVDs from the TUCofC bookstore.
Buy Danish on June 4, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Yesterday Hugh Hewitt said guilty verdicts would be a huge blow to Obama, more damaging than his Trinity Church problems, but I didn’t follow why.
Anyone?
SPCOlympics on June 4, 2008 at 5:10 PM
rezko found guilty… 16 of 24 charges..
SPCOlympics on June 4, 2008 at 5:10 PM
OHH I hope so! Espeically since Allah put a new wright thread up!
upinak on June 4, 2008 at 5:11 PM
I’d like to know at what point after conceding does she, like, have to go back to work?
I think she’s going to campaign hard for him and by the time August rolls around, polls will show the vast majority of her one-time die-hard supporters will be on board for Obama. With no leverage left but owed a favor, she’ll gladly settle for a less-visible cabinet spot. That will be a smart move for Obama: It’ll be harder for her to stage an insurgent run in ‘12 against her boss than it would be from the Senate.
The only question is will she then try to get hubby or Chelsea installed in her seat – and the circus will be back in town…
sanguine4 on June 4, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Didn’t he plead out?
Limerick on June 4, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Perhaps this is why Hill didn’t concede. Perhaps she knew the verdicts were coming wanted to wait and see if the fallout from Rezko would move the super delegates back to her side.
SPCOlympics on June 4, 2008 at 5:13 PM
There may be a “tape”, I am talking about an incriminating tape.
If it was sold on a website, there would be dozens of tapes lying around. Even the scumbag MSM would want to have the scoop on this, if for no other reason but to torpedo the Republicans plan.
Someone has that tape, does not like Obama or has been dissed by the church or some other problem and they would make it public. That tape would be worth tens of thousands of dollars…
And whomever broke the story would be up for a pulitzer prize (wouldn’t get it, but be honored, then fired).
right2bright on June 4, 2008 at 5:14 PM
The only reason she was running was to get a VP slot. You can’t take the nomination from a black guy and then win as a Democrat.
freevillage on June 4, 2008 at 5:15 PM
You know I heard he had as well, but I don’t remember where.
upinak on June 4, 2008 at 5:15 PM
I haven’t been following this guy but it looks like he done alot of bad things over the years. M. Malkin’s blog is saying he’s got another trial after this one’s over. Perhaps he pleaded out on something more serious.
SPCOlympics on June 4, 2008 at 5:18 PM
A possible bribe to Obama in the form of a parcel of land for considerably less than its value.
THis same kind of transaction is what put Duke Cunningham behind bars.
EJDolbow on June 4, 2008 at 6:32 PM
Comment pages: