May 9 (Bloomberg) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama isn't likely to pick rival Hillary Clinton as a running mate, according to one of his most prominent supporters. ADVERTISEMENT
``I don't think it's possible,'' Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy said in an interview on Bloomberg Television's ``Political Capital With Al Hunt,'' airing this weekend.
Kennedy, 76, without naming names, said Obama should pick someone who ``is in tune with his appeal for the nobler aspirations of the American people.''
``If we had real leadership -- as we do with Barack Obama -- in the No. 2 spot as well, it'd be enormously helpful,'' Kennedy said.
A vice presidential candidate with national security credentials would be ``useful'' though not necessary because Obama, an Illinois senator, has a good understanding of foreign policy, Kennedy said. ``I think he's been eloquent; I think he's been incisive; and I think he's been right,'' he said.
Kennedy, chairman of the Senate committee that oversees health, education and labor, criticized presumptive Republican nominee John McCain's health-care plan. The proposal, which includes a tax credit and federal assistance to states, doesn't do enough to fix the U.S. system, he said.
Health-Care Costs
Kennedy said the McCain plan wouldn't do enough to reduce costs and expand coverage. He also said McCain failed to plan for the use of new technologies and preventive care.
``It's a marvelous plan for the insurance industry,'' Kennedy said. ``They just love it.''
Obama, 46, has built a virtually insurmountable lead over Clinton, 60, a New York senator. Earlier this week, Obama solidified his advantage by winning North Carolina's primary by 14 percentage points.
He has 1,854 delegates to the August nominating convention and Clinton has 1,697, according to an unofficial Associated Press tally. He needs 2,025 to win.
The prolonged battle between Obama and Clinton probably won't hurt the Democratic Party, Kennedy said. ``It's basically the divisions in terms of race and gender, and these involve people's emotions deeply,'' he said. ``Ultimately, the party is going to come together because they are so thirsty for victory.''
Traditional Democrats
Clinton has argued that she is better at bringing out traditional Democrats such as non-college-educated white voters. Her appeal has much to do with the history that she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have with voters, Kennedy said.
``Many of those groups have great confidence in the Clinton brand,'' he said. ``They're more familiar with her.''
Obama will win over voters as they become more familiar with his message, Kennedy said. Catholics, for instance, should see that Obama is talking about the ``social gospels'' on issues such as poverty, he said. ``He'll do very well,'' Kennedy said.
On the economy, Kennedy said one of the most pressing issues for Americans right now is the need for a new economic stimulus package. The government should do more with food stamps, assistance to states for health care and community grants, he said.
Supplemental Funding
A vehicle for passing a second package might be the supplemental funding measure for Iraq, Kennedy said. ``This ought to be a part of that whole program,'' he said.
House Democrats omitted economic stimulus from a proposed supplemental spending bill because President George W. Bush threatened to veto any measure that is too expensive.
The Senate could add stimulus provisions when it debates the legislation later this month, though Republicans probably would oppose any extra spending linked to the war funds measure.
``The time is now'' for action on economic stimulus, Kennedy said. ``The need is great now.''
Clinton and Obama have both made the faltering economy a central theme in their race. Kennedy's January endorsement of Obama was a blow to Clinton and her husband.
Asked if he had spoken with Bill Clinton since that endorsement, Kennedy said he had talked with Hillary Clinton ``on a number of occasions.'' As for the former president: ``I haven't had that opportunity.''