The Daily Caller resurrected a video of Tim Kaine in 2005 giving Hillary Clinton a less-than-enthusiastic endorsement.
In the video, Tim Russert asks Kaine if he would “feel comfortable” with Hillary as the Democratic nominee in 2008 during a gubernatorial debate.
“You once said you were a proud liberal. Your TV commercials now say you’re a conservative on some social and cultural issues. Would you feel comfortable with Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee in 2008?”
The crowd, and Kaine, laughed.
In an attempt to avoid the question—something we realized Kaine was good at during this week’s vice presidential debate—he went on to say that he already has a candidate for governor in 2008: Mark Warner.
Russert persisted, though; “But if Mrs. Clinton was the nominee, you’d support her?”
Cue the awkward response.
“Um, I’m a team player,” Kaine said. “I’m a team player.”
More laughing from the audience.
“If my team decides that Hillary Clinton is the best person, you’ll see me working for my team, because I want America to be strong, and I believe we are on the right path right now as Democrats to build a strong America.”
Don’t sound too excited, Kaine.
As the Daily Caller pointed out, Kaine also used the question as an opportunity to downplay his liberalism.
“In the way Thomas Jefferson advocated liberal values for this country, I did consider myself a liberal,” Kaine said. “So if you like Jefferson, I’m probably your guy.”
Kaine is known to be more socially conservative, especially when it comes to abortion.
Way to go, Hillary, for picking such a suitable running mate—not that we’re complaining.