Excerpts from Obama’s Interview with NBC’s Brian Williams

NBC NEWS’ BRIAN WILLIAMS: ARE YOU THE PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY?

SEN. BARACK OBAMA: Not yet. I will be. If Senator Clinton decides not to go on or if we complete the six contests and we are ahead as we are now. But nothing is certain. I don’t want to take it for granted. Senator Clinton has been written off before, and came back. And she’s a formidable candidate. So obviously we feel good about the results on Tuesday. It strengths our position. I’m confident that we can finish this, these last few contest, and be in a continuing strong position. It’s not yet settled.

WILLIAMS: HAVE YOU HAD ANY DISCUSSIONS ABOUT DECLARING THAT VICTORY– ON THE 20TH, AFTER KENTUCKY AND OREGON ARE DECIDED?

OBAMA: That will be an important day. If, at that point, we have the majority of pledged delegates, which is possible, then– I think we can make a pretty strong claim that– you know, we’ve got the most wons and it’s the ninth inning. And we’ve won. But do so in a way that brings the party together.

WILLIAMS: HAVE THERE BEEN INTERNAL CONVERSATIONS OR ANY OUTREACH, ANY CONTACT AT ALL, WITH THE CLINTON CAMP ABOUT A TICKET THAT WOULD INVOLVE SENATOR CLINTON?

OBAMA: You know we have not had those conversations, because I respect what she has said publicly that she is continuing this campaign.

WILLIAMS: IS IT UNDER CONSIDERATION?

OBAMA: Brian, what I’ve said is, I want to respect her, and her desire to continue in these coming contests. And as soon as I know I’m the nominee, then I’m going to start making overtures to her, as well as everybody else, to figure out how we can bring this party together.

WILLIAMS: WOULD SHE MEET THE CRITERIA OF A BARACK OBAMA RUNNING MATE IN THE EVENTUALITY THAT YOU WOULD BE THE NOMINEE?

OBAMA: Well, there’s no doubt that she’s qualified to be vice president, there’s no doubt she’s qualified to be president. I’ve said that before. But I think I can be a better president, otherwise I wouldn’t be running. But she’s a very capable, very smart person. And anybody who’s been in a political contest with her, can tell you that she’s no pushover.Exc