David Plouffe Book: "The Audacity To Win" On VP Pick, Race Speech

Time Magazine has an exclusive four page excerpt from David Plouffe's new book, The Audacity to Win.

"Hopefully, there will be some lessons on how to put together a three-quarters of a billion dollar operation," Plouffe said when he announced that he was writing the book last December. He scored a seven-figure deal for the book, which will be released November 3rd, 2009.

Here are some highlights from Time.

On giving the race speech:

"No, we can't cancel anything," Obama interjected. "But I already know what I want to say in this speech. I've been thinking about it for almost 30 years. I'll call [lead campaign speechwriter Jon Favreau] in the morning and give him some initial guidance. And I'll work on this during downtime in the hotel room each night. Don't worry. Even if I have to pull all-nighters, I can make this work." We were flying by the seat of our pants. Somehow we had to keep faith that it would come together.

On meeting with Joe Biden about the vice presidency:

The [first] meeting started with Biden launching into a nearly 20-minute monologue that ranged from the strength of our campaign in Iowa ("I literally wouldn't have run if I knew the steamroller you guys would put together"); to his evolving views of Obama ("I wasn't sure about him in the beginning of the campaign, but I am now"); why he didn't want to be VP ("The last thing I should do is VP; after 36 years of being the top dog, it will be hard to be No. 2"); why he was a good choice ("But I would be a good soldier and could provide real value, domestically and internationally"); and everything else under the sun. Ax and I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

Plouffe also writes that Obama considered Hillary Clinton for VP much more seriously than the campaign staffers expected. As for Sarah Palin, Plouffe said: "I ... thought it was a downright bizarre, ill-considered and deeply puzzling choice."

Read the whole thing.

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Comments

[NiagaraFalls]

Biden looks like a one-termer to me... Obama/Clinton in 2012?

[raye1]

I had the honor of playing host to David earlier this year when he visited Switzerland for a Democrats Abroad event . He is "Baracks brain" ! No two ways about it! This guy is so intelligent its almost frightening! He is an extremely humble individual and told us that after working for Barack he could not imagine working on another presidential campaign. He also told us how Barack is behind the scenes. Many people view Barack as cold and distant. He is apprently an extremely cerebrial (sp??) and shy person , not a hint of arrogance in him. Michelle was viewed by the campaign staff as a total team player and supported them and did not interfere. She only offered her opinion when asked. I have spoken via teleconference with the President and the FLOTUS , I agree totally agree ! Can't wait to read this book!

[NilesCrane]

I have a feeling hilary was their first pick, i mean obviously why wouldnt it be, but then they probably thought it would be better not to have her on the ticket because alot of undecided voters would feel the clintons would still be running things...

and I have a feeling hilary didnt want to be VP because its a do nothing job...she would much rather be SOS because if she ever ran again nobody could say she didnt have foreign policy experience...

it really did work out for the best..I mean I like biden, he is cool and his wife is cute, but the crap that comes out of his mouth is so embarrassing, not bush embarrassing but...at least he makes obama look good

[TstormVA]

That's funny because I've read is saying the opposite. She was considered but the campaign decided against her.

[Ifticar2]

This is the guy about whom Mrs. Dunn has said on video that he was carefully controlled by Obama's PR people during the campaign.

[JohnTalbutt]

David Plouffe? The guy almost never gives interviews.

[lazercat2008]

That would have pushed me right into the Nader camp.

[Factonfact]

"As for Sarah Palin, Plouffe said: 'I ... thought it was a downright bizarre, ill-considered and deeply puzzling choice.'"

Yes, a bizarre, ill-considered and deeply puzzling choice, exactly what we feel about the 29 percent of Americans who responded in a recent national poll that Sarah Palin would be a good President.

[walkonsatisfied]

It was a trick question. The poll question was actually "Do you hate Obama and think Palin would make a good president? Yes or no?"

[lionzion]

Damn, I missed last November. What an election that was!!

[IronicTwist]

I agree in part Gin, but demure to the rest...


Look the only VP in history that has such a prominent role was you guessed it .. "Dick Cheney." It is said that the VP is the place where you are never heard from again. Now Dick Cheney and the Bush Administrations theory of the unitary - executive and the plenary powers of the president do come into question (part of the reason they really need to investigate the excesses and abuse of power) all due to Cheney. Cheney would state that he is not really part of the legislative nor executive branch - and we know he is not part of the judiciary so what was he --- a sith lord!

Any how do no besmerch Biden for trying to play good soldier. This is what VP almost always do. I would have like to have seen Hillary - but she has her on cachet and believe me - she will write her ticket in 2016. Don't worry at all dems - Obama has a great team - they will win in 4 years I guarantee it. There is a lot of cleaning up to do - please be patient...

[KIVPossum]

2016 she will be 71. Reagan was 69. Not a prayer.

[calibabe]

And I was ALMOST prom queen.

[Gin1234]

What good is it to have a VP who is kept hidden. Hillary would have been talking intelligently about issues and rousing people's support as she did in the campaign if she were VP. Biden is a good guy, but he bombed out early in the elections season and for a good reason. Hillary's support just increased as she moved through the primary process and she would have been very successful as a VP. She has millions of people who appreciate her approach to things, rather than Obama's. They would have made a good team and balanced each other. Biden? Is he hidden in the attic somewhere?

[Factonfact]

We really cannot make judgements about the judgement and influence on the Obama Administration of the Vice President solely on the basis of a handful of short and poorly worded but informal statements he has rendered from time to time in public over the past several months. These quick-draw comments should not be blown out of proportion. The Vice President has nearly 40 years of top-flight experience on the Hill and his many accomplishments are public knowledge for those who really want to know.

[miksmaster]

Hillary was "almost" VP? Last week, I "almost" won the lottery.

[klondiker]

If this is the case, then I assume you mean that it came down to you and only three or four other lottery candidates. Wow, that's quite an accomplishment.

[miksmaster]

Yeah, well I lied... to make a point. Hey, I could be a politician!!!

[mockley]

"Hopefully, there will be some lessons on how to put together a three-quarters of a billion dollar operation," Plouffe said.
He's probably not worried about giving secrets to the GOP. He knows they can't read.

[ckfan]

Or comprehend.

[klondiker]

What are everyone's thoughts on 2012? Will Biden stay on the ticket, or should Obama bring Hillary on? I don't have a position on it yet - just want to hear what others think.

On the plus side, it would totally energize the base once again. Plus, it would allow Hillary to fundraise and campaign (cabinet secretaries are not allowed to fundraise or campaign, which would be waste since Hillary is probably the second biggest fundraising star in the party)

On the negative side, it might come across as a sign of weakness as incumbents traditionally play defense in an election.

Thoughts??

[ckfan]

This is politics. You don't mess with a winning formula. No way will he bring Hillary onto the ticket. For what purpose???

[ladydragon]

Klondiker: my thoughts are that just based on the few that have posted here that she is popular with them; as for me I don't trust her. She did alot of things on the campaign trail that I considered devious; all that "the boys are picking on me" "fake crying" "Obama was educated in a Madrasa, and I'm not sure if he's a Muslim, you'll have to ask him" and my personal favorite, Bill's Jessie Jackson reference in South Carolina. I say this woman is NEVER to be trusted. when she had the chance to show herself to be "gracious" she did the very opposite, I will never vote for her alone for anything, if Pres. Obama picks her for his V.P. I might hold my nose and vote for him

[ChampLessFuzzy]

We have the best Vice President possible in Joe Biden. I love Biden and it looks as though President Obama is thanking his lucky stars he chose Joe (no, that is not a slam at Ms. Clinton, who is doing great as SoS; it is a compliment to Mr. Biden.)

Obama has a lot on his plate, especially inheriting all his administration did, from what he has said, he welcomes a smart, experienced and LOYAL advisor in VP Biden.

I still have my Obama-Biden bumper sticker on my vehicle. I also have two Biden bumber stickers on the back deck of my car, one on top of the other. Why? Because Joe Biden's life inspires me...he never gives up. He's smart. He's kind. He's a true humanist.

Spouse calls my car the "Biden Biden Mobile."

I'm cool with VP Joe ;-)

[Betrayed]

You're what's called a cheerleader.

[MM216]

Don't complain...we could have had SARAH.
EEEEEEEEEE­EEEEEEEEEE­EEEEEEEEEE­EEEK!

[ckfan]

Can't stand a positive person, can 'ya?

[JohnTalbutt]

You're part of what's called "a fifth column".

[calibabe]

Missed the cash for clunkers did ya?

[JohnTalbutt]

I think the reasons Republicans resent it is that it put people back to work, and got American cars sold (they think things made in this country are just soooo gauche.).

[ReportThis]

Would have been alot funnier if Obama offered Hillary ambassadorship to Bosnia following the election.