The ABC correspondent even closed the segment by eagerly speculating as to whether the Illinois senator would take a cue from George Bush's 2000 choice: "Now, think about this: Eight years ago George Bush ended up choosing the head of his VP search team Dick Cheney to be his running mate. So, if Obama took a page out of that playbook, imagine this ticket, Obama/Kennedy."
Of course, it should be pointed out that Caroline Kennedy endorsed Obama back in January. This "reluctant media star" has since made speeches for the senator, done fund-raisers and now has a position on the campaign.
And despite the fact that most analysts predict John McCain will make his vice presidential choice first, Greenburg managed to only spend 13 seconds of the two minute plus segment discussing his selection.
A transcript of the July 28 segment, which aired at 7:18am, follows:
ROBIN ROBERTS: Moving now to the race for '08. There is growing speculation this morning that both John McCain and Barack Obama are closing in on naming a running mate, but how they go about choosing that person may be as interesting as who they choose. On the Obama team, Caroline Kennedy is making headlines for her role in the selection process and our Jan Crawford Greenburg has the details from Washington. Good morning, Jan.
JAN CRAWFORD GREENBURG: Hello, Robin. You know, Senator Obama's VP staff starts to work today in Chicago and the co-chair of his VP search team, Caroline Kennedy, is in Washington today. She's got some meetings, a fund-raiser later tonight at this Georgetown mansion. She is playing a key role in advising Senator Obama and helping him decide who his VP will be. She is a reluctant media star, stepping into the spotlight to back a man she says reminds her of her father.
ABC GRAPHIC: VP Decision Near? Caroline Kennedy's Growing Influence
CAROLINE KENNEDY: Over the years, I've been deeply moved by the people who have told me that they wish they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way they did when my father was president.
GREENBURG: Caroline Kennedy was, for a brief moment, the princess of Camelot, now she is helping Barack Obama find a running mate.
WALTER MONDALE (Former Vice President, Carter administration): I think he trusts Caroline Kennedy.
GREENBURG: Walter Mondale was vice president to Jimmy Carter. He says Obama needs someone like Kennedy.
MONDALE: So they can talk about the things the things that you talk about, you know, what's wrong with this person, how do you think -- do you think I could work with them?
GREENBURG: Obama said yesterday he's getting close to a decision.
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA: I think there are a number of great candidates out there. I'll be selecting one soon enough.
GREENBURG: Some of the names on Obama's short list: Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, Delaware Senator Joe Biden, Virginia Governor Tim. Kaine and as Obama himself again said yesterday, Hillary Clinton. Republican John McCain also has a short list. Mitt Romney, Tom Ridge, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Rudy Giuliani.
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Are you getting close on a decision?
SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN: We're still in the process.
GREENBURG: The Democratic convention is first on the calendar and with the VP choice imminent, Caroline Kennedy and Barack Obama will be back in Washington today. Now, think about this: Eight years ago George Bush ended up choosing the head of his VP search team Dick Cheney to be his running mate. So, if Obama took a page out of that playbook, imagine this ticket, Obama/Kennedy. Diane, Robin?
