NEW YORK — Barack Obama stoked vice-presidential speculation Wednesday with an unannounced stop at the Washington law firm of a search-team member and then a flight to New York fundraisers with potential pick Hillary Rodham Clinton and a second vetter.
“I’m not going to tell you” any details, the smiling likely Democratic nominee told reporters after spending more than two hours inside a downtown Washington office building where attorney Eric Holder, a member of his vice-presidential search committee, has offices.
Obama wouldn’t say why he visited the building or whom he saw there, and the two top aides at his side — campaign manager David Plouffe and chief strategist David Axelrod — also stayed mum.
The midmorning stop was one of at least two that weren’t on his public schedule, and aides would say only that Obama had private meetings planned while in Washington. They wouldn’t provide additional details.
Later, Obama appeared with Clinton at two fundraisers. Vice-presidential searcher Caroline Kennedy accompanied the two on the flight from Washington.
Obama spoke to about 1,000 donors in Manhattan, praising the former first lady as tough and smart. “She wore me out,” he said to laughs.
He wrapped up his speech without mentioning his part of the deal for Clinton’s support, but returned minutes later. “This is not the speech part, but it is important,” he said sheepishly, urging the group to reassemble. “Sen. Clinton still has some debt, and I could have had some debt if I hadn’t won. So I know the drill.”
He encouraged donors to use the forms under their seats to make a contribution to help her.
Things went a bit more smoothly a few blocks down Park Avenue, where Clinton introduced Obama at a smaller fundraiser that netted about $4.1 million for the joint Obama/Democratic National Committee Victory Fund.
The two also were appearing together at a third fundraiser this morning.
Earlier Wednesday, Clinton deflected a reporter’s inquiry about whether she has given her former opponent campaign documents to review as part of the vice-presidential search, or whether she has even been asked for them.
Obama also spent part of the afternoon at a hotel near the Capitol. His campaign didn’t announce that stop either and refused to disclose details.
Obama’s unannounced stops and traveling companions fueled the guessing game about whom he would choose for the No. 2 spot.
Several people thought to be on Obama’s list have indicated they lack interest in the job. The latest was Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, who this week said he had told Obama he intended to remain in the Senate and “under no circumstances will I be a candidate for vice president.”
Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar said he has not spoken to Obama about the vice presidency. Chatter about Sala zar, a Denver Democrat, as a potential running mate started when he first ran for the Senate in 2004. He has landed on policy-wonk and media shortlists for vice-presidential picks.
Asked whether he would consider the job if asked, Salazar said, “If I were approached, I would be honored.”
“It would be something that would be considered,” Salazar added, “but I don’t expect that that will happen.”
Denver Post staff writer Anne C. Mulkern contributed to this report.
