Veepstakes: Who will, who won't and who won't say

[June 23, 2008]  (AP)  Comments by lawmakers and others Sunday when questioned about running for vice president with either Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain:

Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., on NBC's "Meet the Press":

Biden sought the Democratic presidential nomination this year and had said he would not be vice president "under any circumstances."

"When I was asked that question, I thought I was still going to be president. Now -- number one, I am not interested in being vice president. I've let the candidate know. If the candidate asks me to be vice president, the answer is I got to say yes. But he's not going to ask me. Look, you cannot walk away."

"Unlike most other people, I'm being straight with you. If asked, I will do it. I've made it clear I do not want to be asked."

If asked, then would Biden's answer be 'yes?'

"Of course it would, because if the presidential nominee thought I could help him win, am I going to say to the first African-American candidate about to make history in the world that, 'No, I will not help you out like you want me to?' Of course, I'm -- I'll say yes."

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Former Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., an Obama adviser, on "Fox News Sunday":

"I'm not seeking the vice presidency. I've not talked to Barack about it. I don't expect to be asked. And I have no interest."

Does that mean Daschle will say 'no' if asked?

"Well, obviously, you'd think about it. But as I say, I don't expect it, and I don't -- I'm not looking for it."

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Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, a McCain supporter, on Fox:

"If he asks me, we'll have a private conversation and we'll decide whether or not we ought to tell you what we said. I appreciate the question. I think it's very important, and I think the senator agrees with me, it's a very important choice for both parties. Both men are going to look at it very, very carefully. They have a deep bench, both sides of the aisle.

"And when it becomes appropriate to talk about it, either from my perspective or Senator Daschle's, I guess we will. But for the time being, I'll leave that conversation up to" McCain.

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Carly Fiorina, McCain adviser and former Hewlett-Packard chief executive, on CBS' "Face the Nation":

"Well, first, anyone would be honored to serve John McCain, and I would as well. But he will have a long list of highly qualified people to choose from. I am out advocating for John McCain because I think he is the best person for the job."

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican and McCain supporter, on CNN's "Late Edition":

"Well, I'm focused on my day job. ... this is not something that I have designs on. I'm very happy with being governor of the state of Minnesota."

[Associated Press]

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