Key Dems May Have Had Enough

Clinton was still in contention in June: new memoir

(NEWSER) - The Obama campaign seriously considered Hillary Clinton for vice president, but ultimately the perception that her husband was "too big a complication" combined with bad memories from the primary campaign to sink her chances. Barack Obama “said if his central criterion measured who could be the best VP, she had to be included in that list," writes campaign manager David Plouffe in a new memoir, The Audacity to Win. More»

Chris Dodd also supports making Ted Kennedy's widow interim senator

(NEWSER) - Vicki Kennedy would be a good replacement for her late husband in the months before a special election to fill Ted Kennedy’s seat, Orrin Hatch told CNN’s State of the Union. “She’s a very brilliant lawyer, she’s a very solid individual,” Hatch said. “I think Vicki ought to be considered.” Chris Dodd also expressed his support for Vicki, but said he would “leave it up to her decision making process.” Elsewhere on the Sunday dial: More»

(NEWSER) - All four living former presidents will attend Ted Kennedy’s invitation-only funeral, the Boston Herald reports. President Obama will also be there, breaking off his Martha’s Vineyard vacation to deliver a eulogy. Gordon Brown also plans to attend, as will Irish PM Brian Cowen. “Sen. Kennedy is being honored as though he were a former sitting president,” observed one political scientist. More»

Bill Clinton praises Obama, urges him not to get depressing

(NEWSER) - Bill Clinton knows a thing or two about dealing with recalcitrant Republicans, and he has some advice for President Obama: "It takes two to tango." The ex-president tells ABC News he gives Obama an “A” for his performance so far, along with a warning about appearances. “I just want the American people to know that he's confident that we are gonna get out of this and he feels good about the long run,” says No. 42. More»

Because of recession, even more people need help now

(NEWSER) - It’s a pity Tom Daschle couldn’t stick around, notes the Economist, because his experience would be useful in navigating health reform through Senate straits. The recession is depriving more of care, and though President Obama’s short-term moves are good, a big fix is needed. Absent Daschle, “the wrangling seems likely to go on for some time.” A shame, the magazine writes, because dithering is what killed earlier efforts. More»