If Hillary is not to be Obama's VP choice - I think the sooner that is confirmed, the better.

[RiverStone]

Once we get through the final phase of this protracted primary battle, the next tug-o-war will be between Hillary and/or her supporters who feel she is entitled to the VP slot vs Obama supporters who see far better VP options. I have already posted Bill Richardson is my choice, but I would also be content with Webb or Clark.

In this very unique primary season, it seems waiting to make some dramatic VP announcement on the convention floor would be waiting way too long. If Hillary is not to be Obama's VP pick, then it would be best to go through the teeth gnashing phase of disappointed Hillary folks early in the summer. On the outside chance Obama does pick Hillary as his VP, many of us would be surprised if not a little dismayed, but we would have to get used to the idea.

Ultimately, it is Obama's choice and I will support and work for his ticket no matter who he chooses. Yet I do think the sooner this next big question is vetted and answered, the sooner we can heal the rifts and hurt feelings that divide the party. Better to have fun in the sun this summer without this (Hillary for VP/not!) question hanging over our heads.

When the dust settles, I remain very confident we will unite behind Obama and (???); and move on to a compelling victory this fall. :)

[WeDidIt]

1. It CANNOT be confirmed until June 4 at the EARLIEST. n/t

[RiverStone]

2. That would be plenty soon enough for this voter - I was thinking by mid June (ish).

[papau]

6. I also want the decision ASAP - I would work for Obama if Hill was VP so it affects my plans

[hisownpetard]

3. I think we can assume that Hillary as VP was ruled out this past week-end, for good.

[WeDidIt]

10. Not necessarily

Obama has made it clear he will model the assembly of his cabinet and administration from the Lincoln model, so it is still etirely possible, if not likely, that Hillary will be Veep.

[Cosmocat]

12. eh ...

from a distance, hard to see how a man who has to have legitimacy in his decision making would pick a VP who has ruminated on his being killed ...

I think it was hard for him to pick her to begin with, but this last remark about assination ... Just can't see a presidential candidate picking a running mate who has spoken about it ...

[WeDidIt]

14. Seward was far more ugly towards Lincoln, having called him an ape

yet Seward became one of Lincoln's most trusted advisors as Secretary of State.

[jefferson_dem]

4. Obama and McLame have very different agendas as far as Veep selection goes.

Obama wants to end the lingering "will he pick Hillary or not" controversy as soon as possible in order to move into the GE phase.

McLame wants to drag the "who's he gonna pick" guessing game going as long as he can in order to maintain interest in his Lame candidacy.

[sfam]

5. We've had loads of Obama surrogates basically confirming this...

Everyone from Kennedy on down has said "No" to this possibility. Are you expecting a statement from Obama?

[RiverStone]

8. It will be interesting to see how and when he does address this...

Of course, Obama will need to make a statement at some point. The MSM will harp over the question even more after June 3rd. There are still enough folks in Hillary's camp talking about it as an owed offer, that someplace along the line - it will need to be addressed and it needs to happen well before the convention.

[WA98296]

7. Hope so, I'm not donating any more until I know he's picked someone else

[LTR]

9. Typically, the running mate is named in August or so

Timed a few weeks prior to the convention.

[Yael]

11. If he chooses HRC, I know that I will need time to process that

months.

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

13. Me too.