Obama praises Hillary, won't discuss VP spot
At a news conference called to endorse Mayor Daley for re-election, Obama was asked whether he would consider becoming Clinton's running-mate, or vice-versa.
"That's too speculative at this point," he said.
Instead, Obama reveled in the strong field of Democratic presidential candidates he and Clinton are about to join and the "terrific debate" they will have about America's future.
"I consider Hillary Clinton a friend," Obama said. "I don't see her as a competitor, potentially, but rather an ally in the process of moving this country forward. I think there's going to be a terrific debate. . . .
"There's no doubt Hillary Clinton will be an extraordinary candidate -- as will many of the other people who've already announced. Bill Richardson announced. He's got an unbelievable resume and is an extraordinary talent. So there are going to be some terrific folks for the Democrats to chose from, regardless of what I do."
Last week, Obama took the first step in his presidential marathon, filing papers to form a presidential exploratory committee and announcing the historic news on the Internet. He is scheduled to return to his Springfield roots to formally declare his candidacy on Feb. 10.
An ABC News-Washington Post polls shows Clinton with 41 percent support among voters who lean Democratic, compared with Obama's 17 percent.