by Mark Silva
Count one name as out of contention in the Democratic veepstakes - if he ever truly was in.
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland says, if asked, he would "absolutely not" join the presidential ticket of Sen. Barack Obama.
"Absolutely not,'' Strickland says in an interview with Michele Norris, host of National Public Radio's All Things Considered, airing this eveing. "If drafted, I will not run. Nominated, I will not accept. And if elected, I will not serve. So, I don't know how more crystal clear I can be.''
Don't they all say that? Norris asks.
"No, I don't think they all say that. I've heard people say, "you know, if I was asked, it would certainly be something I would have to consider,'' says Strickland, who supported Sen. Hillary Clinton in the party's primaries. "That does not mean that I am any less committed to helping Barack Obama become the next president.''
Asked to rank the degree of difficulty for Obama to carry Ohio in November, the governor responds: "I would say somewhere around 5 in a scale of 1 to 10. I think it's, I just think it's a challenge because of the nature of our state."
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Comments
Congratulations Mr. Ted
Stricland a Governor like you
is what my State (Florida) needs. I agree with you I am a democrat with the same visions as your.
Bravo Govenor,
Lois
Posted by: lois calender | June 10, 2008 4:51 PM
Yet another Obama segment in the 24-7 Obama-thon known as the Swamp.
Posted by: Bruce | June 10, 2008 5:23 PM
"I think it's, I just think it's a challenge because of the nature of our state."
If the residents of Ohio truly believe the Republican Party should retain power after 9/11, Iraq, Katrina, Torture, CIA leaks, deficits, debt, mortgage crisis, recession - that is one backwards, uneducated populous. Enjoy governing them Mr. Strickland.
Posted by: Paul | June 10, 2008 5:50 PM
Poor Bruce the crybaby, always bagging on the Swamp. I'm sure Strickland like all thinking Americans realize that a McCain presidency would be a nightmare. I have now doubt he will do everything in his power to support Barack Obama for president.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | June 10, 2008 6:45 PM
I don't think anyone has been asked, yet. So, hold your horses, Governor Strickland. Wait and see, then refuse it, with great fanfare. That's the logical way to do it !! Unless you had ulterior motives, but I doubt that , not a politician !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | June 10, 2008 6:50 PM
Awesome, bring on the sexist Jimm Webb. Do you think Strickland will still go hunting with Obama? Provided, of course, Obama can "git him a huntin' license?"
Posted by: Jeff | June 10, 2008 11:13 PM
Translation;
I want nothing to do with this guy...Osama Obama.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | June 11, 2008 12:12 AM
I wonder what he knows that we don't.
I know he knows that McCain is the "BETTER" choice, and Obama is the "BITTER" choice.
He knows that McCain will keep American and the World safe.
VJ Machiavelli
Posted by: VJ Machiavelli | June 11, 2008 2:44 AM