Book claims Edwards tried to cut deals with Obama, Clinton for VP nod

A senior adviser to former North Carolina senator John Edwards approached representatives for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in an effort to secure a vice presidential nomination during the 2008 election, according to a new book by Obama’s campaign manager David Plouffe.

Edwards’ adviser told the Obama campaign that the former trial lawyer preferred him and wanted to know if the pair could run as a ticket, Plouffe writes in “The Audacity to Win.”

The conversation took place shortly before the South Carolina primary in January 2008, in which Edwards finished third. A week later he exited the presidential race.

After Obama would not cut a deal with Edwards, Plouffe said, the Edwards’ adviser said he planned to take the proposition to the Clinton campaign.

Obama went on to win the presidential race. Clinton was appointed U.S. secretary of state.