Clinton Never Was in Running for Veep Slot

Already-strained relationship exploited by McCain ad

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 26, 2008 12:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – In a meeting soon after Hillary Clinton conceded the nomination, Barack Obama told her he probably wouldn’t select her for the VP slot, sources close to the conversation told the Washington Post. She had requested that he not put her through a charade of vetting if she wasn't a serious candidate; he didn’t want to raise false hopes and knew after the rough primary season that the two wouldn’t make a good match.

With John McCain milking the dispute in a commercial criticizing Obama for not choosing her, the issue has renewed anger among already-sore Hillary partisans. Still, aides say she genuinely wants Obama to win, and she'll “go above and beyond” for Obama’s campaign, “both because she wants a Democrat in the White House and because she does not want to be blamed if we don't have one.”

Clinton smiles as she campaigns for Obama Friday, August 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Obama applauds on stage with Clinton during a campaign stop Thursday, July 10, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Obama told Clinton soon after she conceded the nomination that it wasn't likely he'd choose her as vice president. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Clinton Never Was in Running for Veep Slot

Already-strained relationship exploited by McCain ad

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Biden: 'I'm Not the Guy'

Del. senator dampens speculation; Obama calls running mate 'he'

'Dream Ticket' Odds Fading

Primary nemesis not asked to give background documents

Biden By the Numbers: A Solid Choice

VP will bring Dems together and garner Independent votes

Hillary to Supporters: Back Joe

But Clinton backers see mockery in 3am announcement

VP Longshot Sebelius Offers Bipartisan Lure

But the popular Kansas governor lacks foreign policy clout

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Clinton Never Was in Running for Veep Slot

Already-strained relationship exploited by McCain ad

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Hillary Clinton supporters • running mate • vice presidential sweepstakes • vice presidential candidate

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Biden: 'I'm Not the Guy'

Del. senator dampens speculation; Obama calls running mate 'he'

'Dream Ticket' Odds Fading

Primary nemesis not asked to give background documents

Biden By the Numbers: A Solid Choice

VP will bring Dems together and garner Independent votes

Hillary to Supporters: Back Joe

But Clinton backers see mockery in 3am announcement

VP Longshot Sebelius Offers Bipartisan Lure

But the popular Kansas governor lacks foreign policy clout

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