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Hillary was second choice, Mrs Biden lets slip on TV
Joe Murphy, Political Editor20.01.09
HILLARY CLINTON was revealed to have been Barack Obama's second choice for Secretary of State today.
The embarrassing disclosure was blurted out on live television by vice president-elect Joe Biden's wife Jill.
Mrs Biden proudly described how her husband had been given a choice last summer of being either Mr Obama's running mate and eventual VP or to become the Cabinet member responsible for foreign policy, the job later given to Mrs Clinton. "Joe had the choice to be secretary of state or vice president," she enthused during an appearance with her husband on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
An aghast Mr Biden quickly shushed his wife with his finger to his lips. Flushing, he then grimaced and gave her a hug while the audience erupted in laughter. "That's right," he finally said.
Mrs Biden then told how she urged him to be vice president. "If you're secretary of state, we'll never see you," she said.
The disclosure did not amuse the Clinton camp which refused to comment.
Click here to see a gallery of images from Barack Obama's big day
Mr Biden later tried to deny the story. His spokeswoman said in a statement: "President-elect Obama offered vice president-elect Biden one job only - to be his running mate." It claimed Mrs Biden had not meant what she said. "Like anyone who followed the campaign, Dr Jill Biden knew there was a chance that president-elect Obama might ask her husband to serve in some capacity."
Mr Obama ignored the matter last night when he praised the Bidens at a dinner at Washington's Union Station.
Reader views (4)
It's encouraging to see that the VP and his wife seem ideally suited!!! Having only recently adjusted to the projecton of embarrassment that has resulted from Mr Biden's frequent gaffes,(due more to stupidity than unharnessed ambition), along comes Lady MacBeth, whose raw ambition for her husband (and the resulting reflected glory)ignored the liklihood of humiliating the VP's Democratic colleague, Hillary R Clinton. President Obama must surely be hoping that Mr Biden doesn't become a MacBeth and Mrs Biden a guilt ridden, perpetual handwasher...or should that be mouth washer! The Biden's and diplomacy clearly don't mix-thank goodness Mr Biden chose the unchallenging role of VP.
- Well Matched!, Melbourne, Australia
This may not necessariy reflect as negatively for Hillary as people seem to suggest. After all if Obama was so confident in Biden as VP maybe he should have ONLY offered VP. By offering Biden a choice could have been a question of Can Biden handle the challenge of VP. After all, if Biden could not.....then Hillary (The qualified candidate) could have very much been VP instead!
- Melissa,, Charlotte, NC
I agree, she needs to be careful what she says. I am a Hillary supporter and am trying to embrace the new president. What difference does it make who was first.
- Jeanette, Jacksonville USA
Mrs. Biden should be very careful for whatever she say... Clinton-ites are trying to leave the bitter comptetion behind and embrace the change. Don't make another issue start sgain.
- Sayitcarefully, belleville, USA
