Daschle Open to Cabinet Post

Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) indicated he was open to a post in a future Barack Obama administration.

“I want to be helpful in any way I can, but it’s way too early to make predictions on any role I will play,” said Daschle.

The senior Democrat was speaking at a luncheon being held in Denver during the convention for his recent book, titled “Critical: What We Can Do About the American Health-Care Crisis.”

Talk has swirled around Daschle during Obama’s campaign; he was considered a potential vice presidential candidate. An early endorser of the Illinois senator, Daschle has been a senior advisor to Obama as well as a frequent televison surrogate.

The South Dakota Democrat has worked on resolving the healthcare crisis in and out of office and is a potential Labor, Health and Human Services Secretary for Obama. Daschle has high hopes for the passage of universal healthcare if Obama makes it to the White House.

“It really depends on who gets elected. If Barack Obama gets elected, it is better than a 50-50 chance. If he doesn’t get elected, it drops way below 50-50,” said Daschle.

–Kevin Bogardus