President Barack Obama said Wednesday that his friend Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) would be a fine fit for the White House.
“Deval’s done a great job and I think signals that he could be very successful at the federal level as well,” he said when asked by New England Cable News whether he’d like Patrick to run for vice president or president in 2016.
Obama talked up the governor’s job creation and education reforms, but cautioned that he’s “still a relatively young man.” Patrick, who is in his eighth and final year as governor, had ruled out running in 2016 last year before recently cracked the door to a White House bid back open.
“Deval would make a great president or vice president, but I think based on me talking to him, it sounds like he’d like to take a little bit of a break,” Obama said.
The President also took a shot at former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown (R), who just formed an exploratory committee to challenge New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D).
“I’d be happy if Scott Brown wants to move down to Texas,” he said. “You know, we could always use some moderate Republicans in other parts of the country. New Hampshire’s already got it covered with a great senator.”
