Obama's Search Team Begins To Vet

[ErinBerin84]

doesn't really contain any other new info, but I know that some are wondering whether the Veep has already been chosen.




Marc Ambinder at The Atlantic


Obama's Search Team Begins To Vet
07 Jul 2008 05:24 pm

Barack Obama's vice presidential selection team has begun to ask potential candidates for information and documents, a signal that the formal vetting phase of the search process has begun. Last week, members of the team gave Sen. James Webb of VA a list of what they needed to begin their investigation of his background and career. Webb refused, telling them that he did not want to be considered for the position.

In a statement today, Webb disclosed that he had "communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."A Democrat close to Webb confirms that a request for documents preceded his declaration to the Obama campaign. The Democrat said that Webb did not want to relive the vigors of a campaign so soon after his election to the Senate.

Webb's statement suggests that Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder, the two leaders of the team, had received instructions from Sen. Obama to vet a number of finalists, including Webb.In general, candidates who are asked to provide information ranging from references to tax returns have been promoted to the next round by the nominee himself. Because the vetting takes lots of time, nominees tend to ask for vets of only those under serious consideration.


more at link


http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/07/obamas_team_begins_to_vet.php#more

[Project Grudge]

1. Timing is important

As long as Obama leaks the name after McCain so as to take the wind from the Repubs sails and garner more positive media. I'd be disappointed if we named ours first and then McCain leaked his and McRomney or whomever got all kinds of press.

[kentuck]

3. But Obama is smart...

He may have this story put out there to keep the media in suspense and talking about it. Lord knows how they like to talk. :-)

[redstate_democrat]

8. The vetting, IMO, has been over and done with.

They are just waiting to announce at this point.

[ErinBerin84]

9. yeah, I am skeptical of any of these "insiders" claiming to have info.

They're as clueless as we are, they just want to make it seem like they have the scoop.

[Cha]

13. You're right..Team Obama has

learned a thing or two in this nominating/election process.

[gateley]

4. Hi Project Grudge!

Welcome to DU! :hi:

Here's hoping Obama's team is strategically calculating as you! (I'm sure they are - they've dong just fine so far. :))

[redstate_democrat]

6. Don't we have to have our VP named before we leave the convention?

Who cares what the Repugs do. If Obama plays this well, we will have all of teh attention regardless of what they do at their convention.

[gateley]

2. So those who opined that Webb was on the short list were correct.

I think the speculation is DELICiOUS! It's fun to put our choices out there and debate them. Once Obama makes his decision, we're stuck with who he names. We could be thrilled or incredulous. Or both. :hi:

And may I add: Brian Schweitzer for VP!

[ErinBerin84]

5. I'm excited!

God, the media speculates about such boring choices as being the "perfect" Obama VP. They were discussing Evan Bayh on Race to the White House (that was the only person they discussed for Obama). I hope that we are somewhat (pleasantly) surprised.

[Sensitivity]

10. Webb WAS on top of the VERY SHORT list. His refusal has put the search committee in a bit of

difficulty if not to say embarrassment.

[Windy]

11. Oh please. That's ridiculous! How in the world is that even remotely embarrassment?

The man wants to stay in the Senate.

Your "concern" is a bit over the top.

Obama has a lot of good choices. And there is no way of knowing who was on the top of the list. The campaign has been very good about managing the rumors.

[ProSense]

7. Obama's choice of VP is going to disappoint a lot of people

How many names have been floated, eight or nine?

There is only one slot. At least seven or eight groups are going to disagree with his decision.

[Colobo]

12. Sad to hear that Webb doesn't want it.

[tekisui]

14. IMO, Webb doesn't want it, because Obama didn't want Webb.