Former Fannie Mae chair Jim Johnson has been asked to start vetting potential running mates.
Johnson handled the same assignment for John Kerry and Walter Mondale.
The Atlantic's Ambinder: Tom Daschle is also providing advice. "Obama has sworn a small group of his senior staff to secrecy."
Obama declines to comment, disputes report: "I haven't hired him. He's not on retainer. I'm not paying him any money. He is a friend of mine. I know him."
Plus: When asked on media call, Clinton spokesman Wolfson says: "I'm not sure I have a reaction to it." Went on to add it's not their place to tell him when to start the process.
