PREVIEW: End of an era? Clinton to exit, all eyes on no 2 slot

US News

Jun 6, 2008, 2:44 GMT

Washington - It was a long time coming. Thursday evening Obama made an unscheduled visit with Clinton at her Washington DC home, CNN reported. But, the content of their conversation was yet unknown late Thursday. EPA/STEFAN ZAKLIN

Thursday evening Obama made an unscheduled visit with Clinton at her Washington DC home, CNN reported. But, the content of their conversation was yet unknown late Thursday. EPA/STEFAN ZAKLINAfter months of withstanding pressure from media pundits and some Democratic Party officials, Hillary Clinton is expected to formally quit the presidential race Saturday and endorse the party's newly- anointed nominee Barack Obama. A planned event in Washington figures to be one last hurrah for her supporters and volunteers that have spearheaded her campaign since the former first lady began her bid for the White House some 16 months ago. Thursday evening Obama made an unscheduled visit with Clinton at her Washington DC home, CNN reported. But, the content of their conversation was yet unknown late Thursday. For Obama, Clinton's exit could not come soon enough as he and the party turn their attention to Republican nominee John McCain, who has had a three-month headstart after wrapping up his party's nomination in March. The Democratic National Committee and Obama formally joined their efforts on Thursday. The DNC announced it would no longer accept money from groups that lobby politicians in Washington - a key tenet of Obama's campaign to date. 'We know that we have a lot of work ahead of us,' DNC Chairman Howard Dean said, urging the party to put aside its 'bitter disagreements' of the last five months and unite behind the goal of an 'Obama Administration.' But on Saturday it will be all eyes on Clinton once more, her speech and tone closely watched for indications of her plans going forward, and for just what kind of message she will send her passionate and steadfast supporters. Exit polls from past primary contest have suggested about one- quarter of Clinton voters could defect to McCain in November's general election. A number of her volunteers have even offered their services to the Republicans' office in charge of September's nominating convention, according to its spokesman. Some analysts say that leaves Obama with only one option if he hopes to heal the party's wounds: pick Clinton as vice president. Phil Singer, a Clinton campaign spokesman, on Thursday said she was 'not seeking the vice presidency' and that the decision was Obama's alone to make. But Clinton herself earlier this week said she was 'open' to the idea and some of her supporters have already launched efforts to see the so-called 'dream ticket' become a reality. Voteboth.com, a website dedicated to a joint ticket, has been running for months and this week began a petition urging Obama to pick Clinton to assure victory in November. Lanny Davis, a long time advisor of both Hillary and former president Bill Clinton who helped launch the petition, reportedly wrote Obama's campaign Tuesday night, calling on them 'to select Senator Clinton in recognition of the more than 17 million Democrats who supported her at the polls.' Speculation has swirled about the kinds of roles Clinton could play in an Obama presidency if she were not to take the number 2 spot. Everything from secretary of state, to health and human services secretary - in order to push her passion for health care reform - to Senate majority leader has been mentioned. Clinton's possible role in Obama's general election campaign is under just as much scrutiny, and the subject of ongoing backroom negotiations between the two campaigns. In the meantime, Obama prefers to consider his options carefully, telling CNN Thursday that 'everybody just needs to settle down' and give him space after clinching the nomination only 48 hours earlier. 'I'm a big believer in making decisions well, not making them fast and not responding to pressure,' Obama said.

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NoharnessJun 6th, 2008 - 03:14:02

Obama went to Hillary's house! He went out of his way to go see her in DC at HER house after saying that he was going back to Chicago and taking his wife out on a date.

Guys, we might be looking at a Clinton-Obama ticket.

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Wondering.........Jun 6th, 2008 - 04:05:40

if that's such a good idea, unless Bill stays in the background.

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SP4: I wont............Jun 6th, 2008 - 08:53:11

Vote for a dumb-looking, crippled, mentally disturbed old and ugly white idiot. I prefer to vote for an educated, tall, dark and handsome candidate perfect for bringing about change.

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NoharnessJun 6th, 2008 - 13:49:33

Vote for the HONEST leftist! Vote Obama.

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SP4: IJun 6th, 2008 - 14:09:35

Never posted on this site.

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SP4: Clinton's FoundationJun 6th, 2008 - 14:12:02

The press said it again: Barack's people are leaking the fact that they do not want Bill's foundation doners vetted, for fear of what they will find.

Word around the campfire is, he has an influence-peddling machine in place, selling Hillary's vote for foundation and consulting money.

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NoharnessJun 6th, 2008 - 14:38:23

Vote for the HONEST leftist. Vote Obama!

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Noharness, you are a moron.Jun 6th, 2008 - 14:54:17

You are probably going to get your wish, you complete idiot.

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Dan the conquerorJun 6th, 2008 - 16:01:04

To the last poster:
please, back your statement up, if you have no evidence, go away.

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re dan the idiotJun 6th, 2008 - 16:16:29

Evidence of what?

Never mind, hey Dan: DROP DEAD.

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PREVIEW: End of an era? Clinton to exit, all eyes on no 2 slot

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