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 was appearing with Clinton, his rival turned ally who is mentioned as a possible running mate, at two fundraisers spanning two days. Vice-presidential searcher Caroline Kennedy accompanied the two on the flight from Washington.
Kennedy introduced Obama at one fundraiser Wednesday evening, asking donors to “pledge to do all we can to elect Barack Obama.” She did not mention the running-mate search. Clinton was introducing him at a second event. Obama and Clinton 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’s 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.
In a city that revels in the intrigue surrounding a vice-presidential pick, Obama’s unannounced stops and traveling companions fueled the guessing game about whom he would choose for the No. 2 spot on the Democratic ticket — and whether he met with any of them at Holder’s office or, perhaps, elsewhere at another time.
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, but so far he’s not on the list that counts.
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.”
Both Obama and GOP rival John McCain are trying to keep a tight lid on their searches, including only a small handful of top aides in the discussions to make sure the vetting process is as discreet as possible.
Denver Post staff writer Anne C. Mulkern contributed to this story.
