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WORLD> America
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Obama, McCain quietly begin searching for VP nominees
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-05-23 10:37 WASHINGTON -- Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are taking quiet steps to choose their running mates, fresh signs that the presidential race is rapidly moving toward their general election matchup and the race for the Democratic nomination is over. McCain has a head-start in the vice presidential search, with Obama still fighting off a persistent longshot opponent in Hillary Rodham Clinton. While the Republican candidate will be getting better acquainted with three potential picks during a weekend gathering at his home, Obama's team is in the early stages of compiling background information on possible running mates.
Obama, who is just 61 delegates away from the total needed for the nomination, reached out to Jewish voters in Florida on Thursday, promising an "unshakable commitment" to Israel if he is elected. Obama stresses that he wouldn't negotiate with the militant Palestinian group Hamas. Some Jewish voters are turned off by Obama's willingness to negotiate with countries like Iran and Syria. Others reject him because of e-mails spreading false rumors about him. Speaking a town hall meeting at a synagogue in Boca Raton, the Illinois senator also said he hopes his presidency will help improve strained relations between American black and Jewish communities. Obama could become the first black president. Obama also was lavishing attention on Florida in a bid to heal a rift that could cost the party the populous state in the November general election. The state, and Michigan, were stripped of national convention delegates for flouting party rules and holding early contests. Party officials meet May 31 to discuss a solution. Meanwhile, Democratic officials said Obama's campaign is quietly scouting for a running mate, with former Fannie Mae CEO Jim Johnson overseeing the early vetting, which allows for a quick start. Johnson won't be starting from scratch, since he did the same job for Democratic nominees John Kerry in 2004 and Walter Mondale in 1984. Many of the people Johnson vetted for Kerry will be likely candidates for Obama's consideration. Those names included Hillary Clinton, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, anti-war Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel and Kerry's eventual choice of former Sen. John Edwards.
Obama refused to acknowledge the role of Johnson, one of his top fundraisers, when The Associated Press asked the Illinois senator about it in the Capitol Thursday. Obama said he hasn't hired Johnson, whom he called a friend. "I am not commenting on vice presidential matters because I have not won this nomination," Obama said. The Democratic officials who revealed Johnson's role spoke on a condition of anonymity because Obama has insisted that the process be kept quiet. |
