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Will Barack Obama Cross Finish Line?; Courting the Native American Vote; "AP" Reports Jimmy Carter Will Endorse Obama; Clinton Says She's Open to VP Slot

Aired June 03, 2008 - 15:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Well, it may be the non-concession concession, a nod by Hillary Clinton to the delegate count on the last night of primary season, but a refusal to admit defeat.
BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN ANCHOR: Nobody has won the Democratic nomination yet, but Barack Obama could have the numbers just hours from now and he could be upstaged by a rival who just won't quit.

Hi there. I'm Brianna Keilar at CNN Center in Atlanta.

LEMON: And I'm Don Lemon. You're in the CNN NEWSROOM.

Well, you can better believe it is coming fast and furious. It's going back and forth. And we want to tell you. See the bottom of your screen there? It's in preparation for our election coverage. Tonight, we are going to have all the delegate counts, all the information you need to know on today's primary.

Reports of pending concessions, we have been hearing that, followed by outright denials on this, the last day of an historic primary season. It started with an "Associated Press" report that Hillary Clinton will concede tonight that Barack Obama has the delegates to win the Democratic nomination.

Minutes later, the chairman of the Clinton campaign went on our air vowing to fight on.

Well, after five months and dozens of contests, Montana and South Dakota are writing the final chapter in an epic saga, epic to say the least.

Let's go straight to Jim Acosta. He's in South Dakota, alongside some very familiar faces.

Jim, what are we expecting to see tonight?

JIM ACOSTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Don, it's going to be some political theater of the highest order. Barack Obama will be taking the stage in the Twin Cities, in Minnesota -- that is the site of the Republican National Convention coming up later on at the end of the summer -- to essentially throw down the gauntlet.

And according to his communications director, Robert Gibbs, who took to the airways on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING," Barack Obama they believe is going to have enough delegates to declare victory tonight. And if that is the case, that is going to get a lot of people looking over to the other event that is going to be happening tonight. And neither of these events, we should mention, are happening in either South Dakota or Montana.

Hillary Clinton is in New York today. And she is also holding an event tonight. It is unclear exactly what she will say today, but, as you mentioned, the "Associated Press" story that came out earlier this morning that said that a concession was imminent, and then Terry McAuliffe taking to the airwaves and saying no, there is no concession is coming, Barack Obama does not have the delegates yet, we should note that Terry McAuliffe did tell "The Washington Post" after he said that on CNN that if Barack Obama does have the numbers needed to clinch the nomination, that he believes Hillary Clinton will call, congratulate him, and call him the nominee.

Now, if you have got all that straight, Don, I hope you do, because it's getting tough on this end. But as we have been saying all day, Montana and South Dakota do not have enough delegates here to clinch the nomination for Barack Obama. He needs the help from superdelegates, and some of that started to happen this morning.

We saw Jim Clyburn, the influential Democrat congressman from South Carolina, coming out and endorsing Barack Obama. The Obama campaign hopes that will start an avalanche of other superdelegates. They need about another couple dozen to come in to put him over the edge -- Don.

LEMON: Jim Acosta, I think you're right. We do it all the time. We have a hard time absorbing it. I'm sure the viewers are as well. So, it may be a good thing that this is almost over.

Jim Acosta, we appreciate it. Thank you, sir.

KEILAR: And Jim just mentioned that Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman wasted no time denying reports that his boss was ready to concede the delegate race to Barack Obama.

Well, here is what Terry McAuliffe told us.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TERRY MCAULIFFE, CLINTON CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN: Absolutely not. As I have said today on the NBC show, if he's got enough delegates, then he ought to put them out. But he doesn't have the delegates and the nomination fight goes on until someone sees the magic number.

And that isn't there today, and that is not at all what Senator Clinton is going to talk about tonight. She's going to talk about the 18 million votes that she received and all the issues that matter to her. I have spoken with Senator Clinton today. But, no, no one has the number to be the nominee of the Democratic Party right now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KEILAR: One of Hillary Clinton's more prominent supporters has a different take, calling this a moment of truth. That is Senator Dianne Feinstein. And she says it's time for Clinton to consider the second spot on the ticket.

Let's go straight now to Capitol Hill and CNN's Kathleen Koch.

And, Kathleen, even if Hillary Clinton doesn't concede, it is very clear that she is under tremendous pressure to do so.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, she certainly is, Brianna, and that exemplified by these very strong words from a very ardent supporter, California Senator Dianne Feinstein.

We spoke to her as she exited a press conference this morning. And we asked her basically, what should happen? What should the senator do tonight after the polls close in both South Dakota and Montana? And she said it was decision time.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D), CALIFORNIA: I think after the campaigns are wrapped up today, it is in fact a moment of truth. And I think a decision has to be made whether keeping this nomination wide open is in the best interests of winning in November. I do not believe that it is. And I'm a very strong supporter of Hillary being placed on ticket as a vice presidential candidate. I think the time has come to end the primary, to put the ticket together, to bring people together, and to march forward into the convention.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

KOCH: Now, however, just a few minutes ago as Democrats exited their regular weekly party policy luncheon, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, in his opinion, there is no need to rush things.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV), MAJORITY LEADER: I believe that we should wait until after the primaries are finished. If in fact it's as you have said -- and I don't accept anything at this stage -- Senator Clinton needs to be left alone. And let's get through the primary process, and let this week work its course.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH: Now, right now, the count is 17 undecided or uncommitted superdelegates in the Senate, some 51 in the House. One member of the House, Democrat John Spratt of South Carolina, today just came out, committing to Senator Barack Obama.

We're also hearing from two Democratic aides that another very powerful Democrat, the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, will also likely endorse the senator today.

And, Brianna, what we're also hearing from others in the Senate who are working with the Obama campaign, they expect many more of these as the day and the evening goes on.

KEILAR: Yes, and we will be watching for sure.

Kathleen Koch for us on Capitol Hill, thanks so much.

And there is much more to talk about on the last day of this primary season. We are going to hone in on a key voting bloc. It actually could turn out in record numbers. And plus the importance of those superdelegates growing by the hour. We will be talking with one of them.

And Bill Clinton using words like scumbag and slimy -- we're going to tell you what has got him so ticked off.

LEMON: All right. Let's talk now about the health of one of our senators. One day after brain surgery, Senator Edward Kennedy is said to be recuperating well at Duke University Medical Center.

A statement released by his office points out he had a restful night's sleep with no complications. The statement says Kennedy has been walking the hallways, spending time with family and actively keeping up with the news of the day.

Now, aides say he's looking forward to going home, possibly in about a week. Now, Kennedy's friend and fellow Senator Robert Byrd reportedly will be in the hospital for several more days for treatment of a mild infection. The 90-year-old West Virginia Democrat was admitted last night after feeling lethargic. A statement from his office indicates Byrd is alert, in good spirits and looks forward to getting back to work as soon as possible. Now, Byrd is the country's longest-serving senator, in office since January 3, 1959.

KEILAR: Bill Clinton not holding back. His wife's campaign apologizing for his language. What did he say and why did he say it? We will take a look.

LEMON: And they're a key voting bloc, and they could turn out in record numbers. What do Native American voters want to see in the president? We will find out.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Well, for the voters, for the moment, Iraq is a distant number two on the list of burning issues. But you might not know that by listening to the candidates for president.

We want you to take a listen to this report from CNN's Louise Schiavone.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LOUISE SCHIAVONE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For Hillary Clinton, the war in Iraq was a bad idea.

SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (D-NY), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: On the first day that I am president, I will ask my secretary of defense and the Joints Chief of Staff and my security advisers to begin a planning process so that we can start bringing our troops home within 60 days.

SCHIAVONE: Barack Obama saw the troop surge as a blunder too.

SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D-IL), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: George Bush and John McCain have been so focused on pursuing a flawed and costly war in Iraq that they have lost sight of the problems that have been mounting here in Michigan and here at home.

SCHIAVONE: But with evidence that the surge has reduced violence and U.S. deaths in Iraq, John McCain now has results on his side.

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R-AZ), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: It's worth recalling that America's progress in Iraq is a direct result of the new strategy that Senator Obama vehemently opposed. It was the strategy he predicted would fail when he voted to cut off funds for our forces in Iraq.

SCHIAVONE: Will it matter to voters?

ROBERT GUTTMAN, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY: Iraq ebbs and flows when there's casualties, when there's a bombing, when there's a terrorist attack, Iraq comes back on the news. It's almost like a stock market. We discount it.

SCHIAVONE: A late April CNN Opinion Research Corporation poll indicates registered voters rank Iraq as the second most important issue with the economy holding a solid first place. That could change.

LARRY SABATO, UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA: While voters have longer memories than we give them credit for, they naturally put more emphasis on what happens in the weeks prior to an election.

SCHIAVONE: The election being the ultimate poll.

(on camera): For now, though, polls show voters still taking it all in, agreeing more with the Democrats who seek a troop drawdown, but expressing more confidence in John McCain when it comes to tactical decisions.

Louise Schiavone, for CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KEILAR: Vice President Cheney is apologizing to an entire state after an offhand joke that many West Virginians did not find funny at all.

Now, this started with a Q&A session at the National Press Club when Cheney was asked about his unusual family tree. And it ended with an unflattering allusion to inbreeding.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICHARD B. CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: ... had Cheneys on both sides of the family, and we don't even live in West Virginia.

(LAUGHTER)

CHENEY: But...

(LAUGHTER)

CHENEY: ... you can say those things when you're not running for reelection.

(LAUGHTER)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KEILAR: Well, maybe you have to apologize for them, though, after you say them.

And not everyone is laughing, of course. West Virginia's senior senator, Democrat Robert Byrd, calls Cheney's comments pitiful and an insult to all Americans. And Cheney's office says that he is sorry for a -- quote -- "inappropriate attempt at humor."

LEMON: Well, they're a key voting bloc and they could turn out in record numbers. What do Native Americans want to see in a president? We will find out.

KEILAR: An urban roundup like you have never seen. Giddyup, doggies. We're going to go on a late-night cattle call.

LEMON: Say that again.

KEILAR: Giddyup, doggies.

(LAUGHTER)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KEILAR: Well, a key minority could make a big difference in the Democratic primaries in Montana and South Dakota. Senators Obama, Clinton, and McCain have all reached out to Native Americans during this campaign, and all three are promising to create a new White House position on Indian affairs.

Joining me now Kalyn Free -- she is president of the Indigenous Democratic Network and an Obama supporter -- and Dan Lewis, a former John McCain staff director for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and also a McCain supporter.

I want to ask you really just to get just a quick take from you. Tell me why the candidate that you, that has won your backing, what is it about what they would do in terms of Indian affairs that has given them your backing?

Let's start with you, Dan.

DAN LEWIS, FORMER GOP STAFFER, INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: Well, I have known Senator McCain for over 25 years, and worked for him, as you mentioned.

And I think his familiarity with the issues and the people over that period of time has served him well. And he's worked on a variety of issues in his capacity as chairman, from forestry, to Indian Child Family Violence Prevention Act, and the economic development issues, trust fund.

So, I think he has a long record that people recognize. As well as the White House, I think, it's not a new position. It's something -- it's a position that's been there as long as the Nixon administration. But I think, with McCain, you would have someone who is experienced with the people and familiar with their issues and would appoint people not only in the White House, but to various federal agencies.

KEILAR: And, Kalyn, OK, you're an Obama supporter, but talk to us about, I guess in general, as well, why would you go Democrat over Republican when you're thinking of issues for your community?

KALYN FREE, PRESIDENT, INDIGENOUS DEMOCRATIC NETWORK: Well, the Democratic Party stands four square with Indian values.

The Indian values that we hold so near and dear to our hearts, taking care of the elderly, taking care of children, giving those who need a helping hand a head start, giving opportunities for all. Those are Indian country values. And those are the same values of the Democratic Party. S, it makes sense for tribal members to be with the Democratic Party.

KEILAR: What -- in the past, I have actually lived near an Indian reservation, but a lot of people haven't. They don't understand what some of the concerns are for the Native American community. What are they? What do you want to see? What kind of promise do you want to see these candidates making?

FREE: Well, Indian country wants the same thing that all Americans want.

We're all concerned about better opportunities for our children, health care, a livable wage, freedom from oppression, freedom from discrimination. So, when we're lifting up Indian country, I believe that when candidates are focusing on the issues that affect Indian country, we have some of the poorest of the poor living on the American-Indian reservations across America.

If our party politics are able to lift up Indian country, then they're going to be helping everyone across America as a whole. And Indians, although we're concerned about many, many issues, we're primarily concerned about respect of tribal sovereignty, respecting our tribal governments, a government-to-government relationship. And I believe that the Democratic Party, again, stands for those issues that are so important to tribal leaders and to members across America.

KEILAR: Dan, what are the unique problems that you see facing the Indian community? LEWIS: Well, I think economic development is certainly one, the expansion of non-gaming community and economic development, but also addressing issues such as the methamphetamine problem in Indian Country, alcohol and drug abuse, and other issues that have been long overlooked, even by the various agencies that are tasked with that responsibility, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the Indian Health Service.

So, I think Indian people are looking for someone who could address those issues and is familiar with those issues. And I think Senator McCain brings a longstanding record of introducing legislation, getting legislation enacted that will address that.

(CROSSTALK)

KEILAR: And I apologize, Dan. I am going to have to leave it at. We have got some breaking news.

Kalyn Free, an Obama supporter, and Dan Lewis, a McCain supporter, talking to us about the concerns of the Indian community in this election, thanks, guys.

LEWIS: Thank you.

LEMON: It is certainly shaping up to be a very interesting couple of hours and a very couple of days to come. We're getting new information now -- and this is coming from CNN's Candy Crowley -- that former President Jimmy Carter will throw his support behind Barack Obama either tonight or tomorrow.

Candy -- is Candy on the phone for us now? Candy Crowley is going to join us in just a little bit here. OK. She's going to call us in just a little bit to talk to us about this. Now, this is according to our Candy Crowley. These are her sources.

And, again, we heard yesterday about James Clyburn, a superdelegate, throwing his support behind Barack Obama, and now we're learning that Jimmy Carter will throw his support behind Barack Obama. He will do it either tonight or tomorrow. We're going to work on our political folks and get them up and running. And Candy Crowley, we will hear from her as well -- more details to come.

And we have heard plenty of speeches and even more speculation. But, in the end, the Democratic presidential race comes down to the cold, hard numbers, especially the number of superdelegates, as we have been talking about, James Clyburn, Jimmy Carter. We're going to talk to one of them, Donna Brazile, coming up.

And Bill Clinton not holding back -- his wife's campaign apologizing for his language. What did he say, and why did he say it? We will take a look.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Don Lemon here, along with Brianna Keilar, in the CNN NEWSROOM. We have some breaking news, two breaking news stories, as it concerns politics. One involves former President Jimmy Carter. He is going to endorse, according to the "Associated Press," Barack Obama. Jimmy Carter, the former president, plans to endorse Barack Obama. And that's according to the "Associated Press." Not sure if it's going to happen tonight or possibly tomorrow.

We're getting that information. We're also working to get our political team on the line for us, especially our Candy Crowley, who has some of this information, Suzanne Malveaux as well.

And we want to remind you, we're just a little bit over 30 minutes away from THE SITUATION ROOM, and they're going to handle both of these topics as well.

Another piece of breaking news involves Hillary Clinton.

And Brianna Keilar has that -- Brianna.

KEILAR: That's right.

According to the "Associated Press," Hillary Clinton is telling New York lawmaker that she's open to being Obama's vice presidential candidate. Now, actually, this isn't exactly new news, if you will. CNN's Suzanne Malveaux reporting yesterday that she was open to being Barack Obama's vice presidential running mate.

However, it is new, at least from what we can tell from the "A.P." report, that she's telling New York lawmakers this. So, we're going to continue to keep an eye on this and just see how public this becomes. And we're going to try to work and confirm this "A.P." report ourselves, again, that "A.P." report that Clinton telling New York lawmakers she is open to being Barack Obama's vice presidential candidate.

LEMON: And, as we have been reporting, we have been knowing this for months, but it's really coming down to the all-important superdelegates, when it comes to who actually is going to get this nomination. It's going to come down to the superdelegates.

Yesterday, we saw Congressman James Clyburn endorse Barack Obama. He's saying that he didn't want to insert himself in the political process, and that's why many of the superdelegates have not declared yet, but now he has started, I'm not sure if it's a tidal wave, but definitely some momentum towards the Barack Obama campaign, because other superdelegates coming out after him as well and putting their support behind Barack Obama.

And, Brianna, this morning, as we had earlier in our broadcast, as we talked to Paul Steinhauser, who is our deputy political director here at CNN, he said this is all about consolidation now, that whoever they believe has the most delegate counts and whoever they believe the party is going to rally around, that's who those superdelegates are going to go for, also telling us in a phone conversation, talking about Hillary Clinton's strategy over the last couple of weeks, that she doesn't believe that Barack Obama is electable when it comes to John McCain, and that she is the better candidate, but it is believed that the superdelegates are not buying into that argument, because now they are starting to slowly throw their support behind Barack Obama.

KEILAR: And it's significant when you see that Clyburn has endorsed Barack Obama. This is the House majority whip. He is number three in the House. This is significant. He is the top-ranked African-American in the House of Representatives. And so it carries more weight than just a representative.

When he speaks, people are listening to him, because he is an example of party leadership., so this endorsement, though, coming as top Clinton backer Senator Dianne Feinstein also saying that it's time for the former first lady to end her campaign.

So, even though we're seeing some people consolidate behind Barack Obama, we're also seeing there is so much pressure on Hillary Clinton, even from some of her supporters, to concede this race, to sort of see the writing on the wall. But we have heard from her campaign it ain't over until it's over, right?

LEMON: It ain't over until it's over, yes.

And also talking about this issue of her becoming vice president, I mean, let's be real here. CNN, especially our Suzanne Malveaux, has been reporting much of this information, some of it reported last night, but I believe it is the first time that the "Associated Press" and other news organizations are picking up on this, that Hillary Clinton is saying that she would accept the V.P. spot, the number-two spot on the ticket.

So, Suzanne Malveaux reported that yesterday in "THE SITUATION ROOM," also in the Election Headquarters, that she would be Barack Obama's vice presidential running mate, as well.

But the interesting part in all of this is that many feel that this has been such a contentious election process, where the barbs have been flying back and forth, the criticism and what have you, so they believe that this is something that the Republicans -- John McCain will use in the fall -- or at least when they figure out who the nominee is going to be -- and may use their own words against each other in the process.

LEMON: Donna Brazile, who is a superdelegate, joins us now.

And, Donna, this has been very interesting. We planned to talk to you -- not this quickly, though. So we got you up and running. I want to talk to you -- you are a superdelegate.

DONNA BRAZILE, CNN CONTRIBUTOR, SUPERDELEGATE: Yes, I am.

LEMON: And I've got to ask you, the first thing out, I'm going to ask you all about this coming up.

But have you decided yet, as a superdelegate, who you're going to endorse? BRAZILE: I will not declare my support until all of the voters have had an opportunity to cast their ballots. I said some months ago on CNN that I respected the process. We've had a very engaging process -- two electrifying candidates. And, as you know, we have two states, Montana and South Dakota. Those voters are now going to the polls. When that process is over with and once we have a nominee, I will, of course, declare my support for the nominee in the hopes of unifying our party.

LEMON: OK. So, listen, Donna, I'm going to get -- I'm going to get -- let's finish this real quickly and then I want to talk to you about Jimmy Carter.

All right, so you -- well, you're going to decide that in a little bit.

But what do you think about James Clyburn?

Do you think this has started -- it's not exactly a landslide, but it's definitely momentum for superdelegates to go ahead and declare who they're going to support.

BRAZILE: First of all, I want to applaud Congressman Clyburn for his excellent leadership, not only in helping us get South Carolina up and running for their important primary this year, but when Mr. Clyburn said early on that he would also respect the process, he would allow this process to go to the end and he would declare his intentions at that time.

So he kept his word. And, of course, Mr. Clyburn's a very powerful figure. He called me yesterday. I did receive a call from Jim Clyburn, because I respect him so much, his leadership. And I've also received a call from Senator Obama. But I placed a call to Senator Clinton's campaign manager today. I haven't talked to Maggie Williams.

But, again, my intention, at this point, is to endorse the nominee. But I applaud what Mr. Clyburn did because he kept his word and waited until the process -- you know, clearly, we are at the finish line of a long marathon.

LEMON: And, Donna, before we get to former President Jimmy Carter, Brianna Keilar wants -- wants to talk to you about something.

KEILAR: Actually, Donna, I was just curious. When we're talking about this endorsement by Jimmy Carter, is it a bit of a double-edged sword?

Because he has been -- he's been somewhat controversial, of course, according to Republicans, but especially lately, with his trip to the Middle East.

BRAZILE: Well, you know, I'm sure that there are people out there that will look at this endorsement and say, you know, the former president of the United States, he -- like Bill Clinton, he's a superdelegate. Clearly, Jimmy Carter will base his decision on Senator Obama's strengths, his vision. And if people want to criticize Jimmy Carter for some of the things that they disagree with, you know, they have every right to do it.

I think Jimmy Carter is a great human being. He's done so much for human rights, for election reform across this world, this planet. And so I applaud him for what he's doing, as well.

Look, I have no problems -- every superdelegate, it's up to their own individual conscience. The rules say that we can do whatever we want to do whenever we want to do it.

KEILAR: But what does this mean to superdelegates?

Will some of them look at him and follow his lead or is this just another endorsement?

BRAZILE: Well, he is a former president of the United States and I think outside of former President Bill Clinton, who, of course, has endorsed his wife, it's very significant. Of course, there's another big endorsement out there, and that is former Vice President Al Gore. Former Vice President Mondale endorsed Hillary Clinton.

Each and everyone one of these individuals have every right to step out, step up, speak out. This is their party, as well. And, again, they have every right to do what they want to do when they want to do it. And remember, we also have the right to change our minds if we want to.

LEMON: Hey, Donna, and I want to ask you that, because you ran Al Gore's campaign.

Have up spoken to him? Any idea what he's going to do?

BRAZILE: No, I have not spoken to him. I try to keep in touch with him on that Internet like everyone else. But he's in good shape and I have no reason to suspect that he will not rally the party around the nominee once we have a nominee. But right now, we are still in the contest. Both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama, they're still hunting for delegates -- super, pledged, earned, at large. You name it, they want them. They want it.

LEMON: Yes, right. All right. Donna Brazile, don't go anywhere, because we're going to be relying on you for the next couple of minutes, until probably we go into "THE SITUATION ROOM".

We want to bring in now our Suzanne Malveaux, who has been on the campaign trail, and the White House correspondent, as well.

I want to talk to you about this -- Hillary Clinton -- Senator Hillary Clinton saying she is open to being the number two on the ticket.

You reported that yesterday -- Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that's right, Don. We first reported this yesterday, that -- it really started after Puerto Rico, the primary there, that she quietly began to put this message out in a very informal way -- an informal network, that if offered the second spot, the vice presidential nomination, that she would accept the job.

Through a close friend and adviser who she's been talking to, she has delivered that message in an informal way to the Obama campaign. That has been active for the last couple of days, ever since the Puerto Rico primary, because essentially what she was trying to do is convey to the Obama team that, A, she doesn't believe that his team can necessarily win without that female vote -- without those groups of -- the Hispanics, those groups that she has been very successful with. That's a message that a lot of the superdelegates have been telling her. They say that they believe that he really needs her on the ticket.

LEMON: And one thing...

MALVEAUX: And so she has been putting these feelers out and this message, which has been received by the Obama camp. They've been going back and forth through intermediaries -- informal. On an informal track, not necessarily campaign to campaign, but very informally through close advisers and friends, that this is something that she would be open to, if offered.

And the one caveat here is the way she has expressed this is that she will do anything it takes to make sure that the Democrats win in November, whatever she is asked. And that is the message that she will deliver today when she makes her speech.

And implicit in that message -- and now we know not so implicit -- she's explicitly saying it no New York lawmakers -- is that, if asked, that she would accept that position.

It has been part of a lobbying effort on her part. She has been reticent to go public with it because, obviously, she doesn't want to convey that she is giving up in any way, that she is fighting until the very end.

But she has been talking with close advisers, friends. This is not unusual for the Clinton family to use a network outside of the paid staff to convey certain policy or certain messages to other people. That is something that has been happening for the last 24 or 36 hours.

KEILAR: Suzanne, talk to us about the pitfalls of a Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama ticket or the pitfalls of not going together on a ticket. Because some folks have said this is a dream team. But other people have said they have gotten so negative against each other in this primary campaign, that the Republicans -- basically you've made their ads for them.

MALVEAUX: Well, those inside of the Obama camp -- there are different schools of thought. They're split over whether considering Hillary Clinton to be on the ticket is a good idea. One of them I spoke with said that Obama has a philosophical aversion to making promises and to preempt this process that's been placed already to vet these candidates so that Clinton can accommodate her interests. Essentially, they say that, sure, she's on the short list, but there's a place that is in process to vet. And some of the concerns they have is that while it would ramp down the animosity and there is mistrust between the two, there really is the sense that the Clintons haven't been fully vetted themselves, that Bill Clinton, as well as Hillary Clinton, will be asked about their finances, about outside activities and that this is something that the Obama campaign decided early on would be off the page here, that they would take a pass during the primary regarding certain issues, but that, clearly, these could become issues -- and perhaps damaging to the campaign -- during a general election.

LEMON: OK.

All right. Suzanne Malveaux, stand by.

We have Suzanne Malveaux standing by. We've got Donna Brazile standing by. And, also, we have CNN's Jim Acosta, who is just off the phone with a U.S. Congressman, who is confirming to Jim that he believes that Senator Clinton is open to the V.P. spot.

What are you hearing -- Jim?

ACOSTA: That's right, Don.

We just got off the phone with Charlie Rangel. He is the powerful chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in the House and also a very influential lawmaker in the State of New York. And we got off the phone with him just a few minutes ago. I talked to him. He said that while he is staying with Hillary Clinton, he is not switching his support over to Barack Obama, he tells myself and my producer, Laura Dolan, that he has the understanding that Hillary Clinton would be open to that V.P. slot.

That seems to confirm some of the information that we're getting from Suzanne Malveaux and also what's being reported in the "Associated Press," that several New York lawmakers are now saying that Hillary Clinton is open to being that number two slot on the ticket.

This certainly goes to what a lot of Democratic Party elders have been craving over the last several weeks, and that is for some unity as these primaries come to a close -- Don.

LEMON: Jim Acosta, thank you very much.

Stand by. We'll get back to you.

I want to go back now to Donna Brazile -- Donna, when you hear about Charlie Rangel and you know that over the course of the last couple of months in this campaign, race and gender have been factors. By Charlie Rangel, you know, saying that she's open to a V.P. spot and if she does accept this, does this sort of bring the troubled waters that we've had with race and gender in this campaign or African- Americans may come over to her because now she is on the ticket -- or may come back to the Democratic Party -- I should say women come back to the Democratic Party, even if she is not the number one on the ticket? And does this mean that African-Americans are going to still solidify behind Democrats because Barack Obama is on the ticket, as well?

BRAZILE: Well, you know, we've had months of talking about race and gender and culture wars. I think the first thing we should do is have a nominee and the nominee, once that is established, has every opportunity to sit down with a number of people to discuss this issue.

I would hope that Senator Clinton is on Senator Obama's short list and Senator Obama is on Senator Clinton's short list. We don't have a nominee. And I think it's so premature to begin this speculation until that process has begun. I talked to Senator Obama yesterday because he was calling all the members of the Rules Committee, including Senator Clinton's supporters, to thank us for the work that we did over the weekend. But in my conversations with him, we didn't discuss this, because this is an opportunity for the nominee -- once we have a nominee -- I haven't talked to Senator Clinton -- to have these conversations.

But I understand the speculation. And, you know, I may have my own favorites right now. So I don't want to show my hands in terms of the V.P. slot.

But to the extent that we have to begin the reconciliation, we have to patch some of the difficulties that we've had in this campaign. The Democratic Party will do that and the Democratic Party will rally behind the nominee to ensure that everyone will have a seat at the table.

LEMON: But, I mean, the conventional wisdom is that this kind of -- wouldn't it be killing two birds?

BRAZILE: Well, you...

LEMON: Because you've got both people on the ticket and therefore you win the women vote that Barack Obama is concerned about. And then, you know, you win the African-American vote, which Hillary Clinton was concerned about.

BRAZILE: Well, with all due respect -- and, you know, I love to play this vice presidential game, especially as it relates to the Republicans, but because -- because John McCain has a nominee -- I mean the Republicans have a nominee in John McCain and I like to look at John McCain and put a couple of pictures up next to him then put a couple of states and then I have a lot of fun doing that at night.

But right now, we don't have a nominee. And while many believe it will be Senator Obama, until that moment, until we cross that bridge, I don't want to cross the other one. But just for the sake of argument, yes, if Senator Clinton is interested in Senator Obama, if she assumes that he's going to be the nominee, I'm sure when they get together and break that bread and dip it into that wonderful Cajun sauce, they're going to come up with the best possible ticket to unite the party so that we can win this election this fall for the American people. LEMON: And you said it just like my dad used to say, don't put the cart before the horse, right?

BRAZILE: Well, my daddy taught me the same thing.

LEMON: All right, Donna.

BRAZILE: Thank you.

KEILAR: We have got more straight ahead here in the CNN NEWSROOM on a story that CNN's Suzanne Malveaux first brought to us yesterday, of course, that Senator Clinton is open to being vice presidential candidate or vice presidential running mate to Barack Obama. This just in from the "Associated Press," that he is now telling New York lawmakers that.

We're going to have more on that. We're going to have more on an expected endorsement from Jimmy Carter of Barack Obama, from the best political team on television ahead here in THE NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Breaking news into the CNN NEWSROOM -- and it is big political news on two fronts.

We have former President Jimmy Carter about to endorse Barack Obama. That's according to our Candy Crowley.

And we also have Hillary Clinton -- Senator Hillary Clinton also saying that she would be open to the number two spot on the ticket, with Barack Obama in the number one spot.

We've also been telling you about Congressman James Clyburn throwing his support behind Barack Obama. Well, just moments ago, our Wolf Blitzer did an interview with him.

And Wolf Blitzer joins us now from Washington with the very latest on that.

Wolf, maybe you're in the New York today?

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: I'm at the CNN Center in New York, Don. Thanks very much.

Congressman Clyburn is the highest ranking African-American in the United States Congress. He is the majority whip in the House of Representatives.

And he explained his decision, after all these many months, to finally endorse Barack Obama, saying he would like Barack Obama to be in position tonight to go ahead and announce that he's over the top.

I also asked him, on Hillary Clinton potentially serving as a vice presidential running mate for Barack Obama, as you've been reporting. There are now reports she's open to that idea. Our Suzanne Malveaux has been reporting that for the past 24 hours or so. I want you to listen carefully to what Congressman Clyburn is now saying.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: There are reports, Congressman, that Hillary Clinton is open to being his vice presidential running mate.

What do you think? Is that a good idea for Obama, to pick Clinton and put them both on the same ticket?

REP. JAMES CLYBURN (D-SC), HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP: It sounds OK to me. I don't know what it -- how it sounds to others. I think that's something that Senator Obama is going to make up his mind about. I think that the two of them need to sit down and think about what all can factor into this. I think that they're supposed to meet face-to- face very soon. I believe that ought to be a topic of discussion. Then we ought to have some vetting to take place.

We need to take a look at all the assets and the liabilities of such a ticket and, hopefully, not be emotional about it, but be very, very political about what is best for our party, what is best for our nation and which ticket will be better for our candidate to run on.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: And so there you have it. Congressman Clyburn saying he's certainly open to the idea of an Obama/Clinton ticket, what they call the so-called dream ticket. Over the weekend, Congressman Robert Wexler, another major supporter of Barack Obama, told us here on CNN that he's open to that idea as well.

As a result, Don, there's some buzz going on.

What's the next step and what about that Obama/Clinton ticket?

We're going to be following this part of the story very closely here in "THE SITUATION ROOM".

KEILAR: And, Wolf, what's coming up in "THE SITUATION ROOM?"

BLITZER: Well, we've got -- we're going to follow up all the breaking news that you've been working on, Brianna and Don, on this final day of the primary season. The focus is certainly shifting from the election in Montana and South Dakota, where voters are still at the ballot boxes right now, to the superdelegates who still need to back a candidate.

Joining us, among others, in "THE SITUATION ROOM," will be a top member of the Clinton campaign on what she's saying about potentially being the candidate for vice president.

Also, Obama's planning a big speech tonight at the site of the Republican National Convention in early September. We'll talk to the Minnesota governor, Tim Pawlenty, a McCain supporter, about what this means. Governor Pawlenty's name has been mentioned as a possible Republican vice presidential running mate, as well.

So we've got a lot of news coming up over the next few hours here in "THE SITUATION ROOM" -- back to you guys.

LEMON: All right. Thanks, Wolf.

It is getting down to the wire and the drama is increasing. And, of course, the only place you should watch what's going to happen tonight is CNN. The CNN Election Center will be carrying that all evening. We'll let you know what's happening in those primaries tonight. And all this breaking news that we have been telling you about. "THE SITUATION ROOM" coming up in 10 minutes.

KEILAR: That's right. And we're also keeping our eye on the big board. As you can see here, down 80 points, standing at 12,423.

We're going to check in with Susan Lisovicz and get a wrap of all the Wall Street action ahead here in THE NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: We have breaking political news here in THE CNN NEWSROOM.

The first bit of political news that we have, Hillary Clinton saying she is open to a number two spot on the ticket, of course, with Barack Obama as number one. And we're also getting word that former President Jimmy Carter will endorse Barack Obama. We're not exactly sure of the timing, but he's expected to do it soon -- either tonight or tomorrow.

KEILAR: And we should mention that when it comes to Hillary Clinton saying she's open to being a vice presidential candidate alongside Barack Obama, this is actually something CNN's Suzanne Malveaux was reporting yesterday. But what we're hearing now is confirmation from New York lawmakers. So some discussion from Suzanne that it was kind of being put out there unofficially, where it appears that it's being put out there more publicly now by the Clinton campaign.

LEMON: And, of course, all of this is going to come down to the superdelegates -- who gets that magic number, 2,118.

Who will get to that magic threshold number?

And speaking of superdelegates, our Donna Brazile -- Donna, we've got a gumbo here. We've got a little bit of a former president. We've got, you know, the V.P. We've got other Congressmen who are throwing in their support and we've got the superdelegates.

So take us through it.

BRAZILE: Well, first of all, it's more like jambalaya, because you have -- first of all, you have two states that will vote over the next couple of hours. You have 31 pledged delegates at stake tonight. You have a candidate who's probably about 30, 35 delegates short of clinching the nomination. That's Senator Obama. You have another candidate that's about 200 delegates short of clinching the nomination. That's Senator Hillary Clinton. And you have a political party that's very excited about a very historic election season, where we've seen every state, every voter, every region in the country participate in this process.

It's been a marathon for the Democrats. And we know something about marathons. At the end of a marathon, you have a strong person. And, of course, on the Republican side, they had a sprint. And we know about sprinters. I love sprinters, but in this contest on the Democratic side, we had a marathon and we will have a champion tonight.

LEMON: All right.

Donna Brazile, who's a superdelegate herself. And Donna will not say who she's going to support.

Are you sure you don't want to do it here right now, Donna?

BRAZILE: When you have respect for the process, when you have great affection for the Democratic Party and, of course, a lot of respect for both Senator Clinton, as well as Senator Obama, you hold your tongue until -- until it's time to unify the party.

LEMON: Donna Brazile, we appreciate it. Thank you.

BRAZILE: Thank you.

KEILAR: And the closing bell and a wrap of the action on Wall Street, that is straight ahead here in the CNN NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KEILAR: The closing bell is about to ring on Wall Street.

LEMON: Susan Lisovicz is standing by with a final look at the trading day.

Hurry up, Susan.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

LEMON: Have a great evening, Susan. Thank you.

KEILAR: And let's head to "THE SITUATION ROOM" and Wolf Blitzer.