Clinton insiders mulling exit strategy, talk with Obama

WASHINGTON - Supporters of Hillary Clinton have held informal talks with Barack Obama's campaign over how the former first lady might be able to make a graceful exit from the five-month-old Democratic presidential race, CNN reported Friday.
Both candidates' campaigns strongly denied that any talks have been taking place.
Only three contests remain in the series of state-by-state primaries that have been running since January. Obama is close to clinching the total number of delegates needed to capture the party's nomination.
The campaign contacts revolved in part around whether Obama would offer Clinton the vice-presidential slot, as a form of peace offering to help foster party unity after a bitter campaign, CNN reported.
The New York Times reported that former president Bill Clinton was pushing for a joint ticket to bring the party together and position his wife for another potential White House run for in 2016.
On Thursday CNN reported that Obama had officially begun his search for a running mate. Obama has said he remains focussed on winning the nomination.