Guide Note

The Barack Obama Campaign has announced that its search for a running mate will be organized by a three-person team led by Caroline Kennedy.¹

The team will also include Eric Holder and Jim Johnson.²

Fast Facts

1. Three members on Obama's vice-presidential vetting team
2. Team led by Caroline Kennedy
3. Other members: Eric Holder and Jim Johnson
4. Kennedy endorsed Obama in January 2008³
5. Johnson performed the same function for the 2004 John Kerry campaign and the 1984 Walter Mondale campaign⁴
6. Holder is a former Deputy Attorney General⁴

There has been much speculation and debate that Obama will ask Hillary Clinton to be his running mate, forming what is being called the 'Dream Ticket'.⁵

On June 3, 2008, Clinton said that, if asked, she would be open to taking a place on Obama's ticket.²

On June 4, 2008, Obama acknowledged that Clinton was being considered as a potential running mate, stating "Senator Clinton would be on anybody's short list, obviously."¹

"No one brings to a ticket what Hillary brings."—Diane Feinstien⁴

"It's not a job that she's seeking and it's not a job that she's campaigning for ... but she has made it clear, during the campaign and now, that she will do whatever she can and whatever she is asked."—Howard Wolfson⁴