Durbin fueling the Obama '08 buzz?

Posted by Jeff Zeleny at 4:42 p.m. CDT

Is the senior senator from Illinois, Dick Durbin, trying to encourage the state’s junior senator to run for president in 2008? Or is he simply politely playing along with the buzz about Barack Obama?

“Barack Obama has a message and a chemistry with people which is unique in American political life,” Durbin says. “If he takes that to this presidential race, he’s going to change the dynamics of this race."

For weeks, Durbin has been telling reporters that he has urged Obama to keep an open mind about exploring a bid for the presidency in 2008. In an interview taped for C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” program, Durbin expounded on his thoughts.

First, Durbin referred to Obama’s 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address as “one of the most famous speeches of my life.” Then, he urged political observers to keep their eyes on Iowa in September when Obama visits a key Democratic ritual: Sen. Tom Harkin’s steak fry.

“I think if you watch closely the reaction of Iowans to Barack Obama,” Durbin says, “it won’t be lost on some observers that he would be an amazing candidate if he gets in this race.”

C-SPAN Host Susan Swain, Reuters Congressional Correspondent Thomas Ferraro and I sat down yesterday with Durbin, the Democratic whip in the Senate, for a 30-minute show that airs Sunday. In the interview, Durbin spoke effusively about Obama, but noted that he had received no hints the junior senator actually was considering a run.

“I don’t think he’s made a decision,” Durbin says. “I think the answer is no until it’s yes.”

While Durbin often showers Obama with praise in public, privately the relationship is a bit more of a mystery. Is Durbin tired of all the Obama talk, considering he is only a freshman senator? We asked Durbin that very question when the cameras stopped rolling, but he just shook his head and smiled.

Here is a peek – condensed a bit – at the rest of the conversation about Obama.

Do you think he’s got the experience and know-how?

We’ve had many serve in that capacity, some have been governors, some have been senators in the past. And they bring to it experience, which is important, but they also bring to it native ability and values. And I think he wins on all three.
There are some who have served in Congress longer. Some of my colleagues, I am sure have many things that they would say would qualify them for the presidency, but what I think Barack offers is the power of unifying this country.
And if he could start to bring this country back together again – black, white and brown – I really think it would make for a better America.

If he does run, could it cause some division with, or at least hard feelings, that several Senate Democrats who have been there for years and years and years are making a run?

First let me tell you, it’s a long shot for any senator to be elected president. The last time was 46 years ago, when John Kennedy was elected. But, you know, there’s no one who’s entitled to it. You have to go out and earn it. John Kerry was not the odds-on favorite when he got into the race. Others were, and he ended up being our nominee.
You have to prove yourself in a very grueling process. And I think he would.

Would he be a stronger nominee than Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D. N.Y.)?

I won’t get into comparison. They’re much different. They bring different qualities to the race.

Such as?

Well, I think the fact that she has been first lady, as well as senator. The fact that she has been with the president through many decisions that were made in the White House during the Clinton administration. That’s something that she could point to.
I might also say, from Barack’s life experience, he’s had many things that bring him to this position, I think, with strength. His work as a community organizer, his very life – the fact that, as an African American – he has risen to this high rank in our political structure.
All these things tell me that each of them will bring different qualities, and the voters will be the final judge.

How did Obama respond when you told him he should consider running for president?

He listened carefully. And I told him that in all honesty. I said, this is such a hard decision. You and Michelle have to sit down and decide whether you’re willing to give up two years of your life. And that’s what it takes – a real commitment for two years.

Finally, to the Republican side, who do you think the party's nominee will be?

I think at this point, John McCain. I think he is a prohibitive favorite. I don’t see any other nominee or candidate that’s been offered on the Republican side who could bring as much to the race.

Want to tune in into the entire program? C-SPAN says it airs Sunday at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT.