By Andrew Miga
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who casts an imposing shadow over the 2004 Democratic pack, yesterday played it coy when asked whether she would accept a vice presidential spot on a ticket with Howard Dean.
``I'm not going to speculate or look into the future,'' she said during a stop in Troy, N.Y. ``I want to be the best senator I can be.''
Unlike some Democrats who worry about the liberal Dean's electability in a general election matchup, Clinton said Dean could defeat President Bush.
``Sure,'' she said. ``Absolutely. Any of our candidates can (beat Bush). Whoever emerges from this nominating process will be a competitive candidate. We can put together a winning combination to take back the White House and that's what I'm going to work on.''
The senator said she had no interest in a Cabinet post, however.
``No,'' she said. ``I am happy being the senator from New York.''
Clinton's moves are being carefully scrutinized - particularly in light of former Vice President Al Gore's blockbuster endorsement of Dean this week.
Gore's endorsement of Dean was seen by some insiders as a step towards laying the groundwork for a 2008 White House run. Many analysts believe Clinton also harbors 2008 hopes.
The behind-the-scenes political rivalry between the Clintons and Gore is well-known in party circles.
In interviews as recently as Sunday, Clinton has denied any interest in running for president or vice president.
National polls show the first-term New York senator as the most popular Democrat and as the strongest challenger to President Bush.
Speculation about her national ambitions has trailed Clinton (D-N.Y.) ever since she was first elected to the Senate three years ago.
This week, retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who enjoys the support of the Clintons, said he would consider her for his vice presidential pick as well.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who casts an imposing shadow over the 2004 Democratic pack, yesterday played it coy when asked whether she would accept a vice presidential spot on a ticket with Howard Dean.
``I'm not going to speculate or look into the future,'' she said during a stop in Troy, N.Y. ``I want to be the best senator I can be.''
Unlike some Democrats who worry about the liberal Dean's electability in a general election matchup, Clinton said Dean could defeat President Bush.
``Sure,'' she said. ``Absolutely. Any of our candidates can (beat Bush). Whoever emerges from this nominating process will be a competitive candidate. We can put together a winning combination to take back the White House and that's what I'm going to work on.''
The senator said she had no interest in a Cabinet post, however.
``No,'' she said. ``I am happy being the senator from New York.''
Clinton's moves are being carefully scrutinized - particularly in light of former Vice President Al Gore's blockbuster endorsement of Dean this week.
Gore's endorsement of Dean was seen by some insiders as a step towards laying the groundwork for a 2008 White House run. Many analysts believe Clinton also harbors 2008 hopes.
The behind-the-scenes political rivalry between the Clintons and Gore is well-known in party circles.
In interviews as recently as Sunday, Clinton has denied any interest in running for president or vice president.
National polls show the first-term New York senator as the most popular Democrat and as the strongest challenger to President Bush.
Speculation about her national ambitions has trailed Clinton (D-N.Y.) ever since she was first elected to the Senate three years ago.
This week, retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who enjoys the support of the Clintons, said he would consider her for his vice presidential pick as well.
