WASHINGTON - Pundits see Hillary Clinton fading as a possible running mate for Democrat Barack Obama. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday referred to her as "the big name" who "would make a great vice president."

In an interview with Reuters on a range of political and legislative topics (as well as her new book "Know Your Power, A Message to America's Daughters"), Pelosi said there was a deep bench Obama could choose from in rounding out the Democratic ticket.

Pelosi was asked whether the Obama campaign had signaled Clinton was out of the running because the New York senator and ex-presidential candidate has been slotted to speak on the Tuesday of the Aug 25-28 Democratic convention. The vice presidential nominee traditionally addresses the convention on Wednesday while Obama will speak on the final evening - Thursday.

"I think convention schedules can be changed," said Pelosi, who will chair the Colorado convention.

Pelosi was quick to add that she does not have "the faintest idea" who Obama will pick. "I think the only person who knows maybe is Barack Obama himself and Michelle Obama."

By Richard Cowan, Reuters, August 5th, 2008