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Cory Booker Stays Mum on Clinton Veep Talk

New Jersey Democrat decries "hate and cruelty" on GOP convention floor

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said the tone at next week's Democratic convention in Philadelphia would be markedly different from the proceedings at the Republican gathering in Cleveland. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said the tone at next week's Democratic convention in Philadelphia would be markedly different from the proceedings at the Republican gathering in Cleveland. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

CLEVELAND — Sen. Cory Booker demurred Thursday on whether he will be Hillary Clinton’s vice presidential pick, but the New Jersey Democrat hinted that he is likely to speak at the Democratic convention.   

Booker attended a Democratic National Committee press conference Thursday and decried the rhetoric at the Republican convention in Cleveland this week. Booker said the message at the Democratic convention would be more positive.   

“I know that I’m working on remarks,” Booker said. “I can personally guarantee you that you’re going to hear a marked difference. No one will be leading chants full of hate.”  

Booker was later asked if he would have a speaking role at the convention and said, “It’s not set yet.”   

The senator declined to directly answer questions on whether he wants to be vice president or on his role in the Clinton campaign moving forward.   

“You’re talking to a former football player. I’m happy to do what the coach asks me to do,” he said.   

Booker joined DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota at the press conference in Cleveland’s warehouse district. He said he did not originally plan on coming to Ohio this week, but decided to join the DNC on the ground here after seeing the “hate and cruelty” on the GOP convention floor. 


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