First thoughts: Hillary's lifesaver

Posted: Monday, December 17, 2007 9:29 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Hillary’s lifesaver and Obama’s challenge:

The Des Moines Register’s endorsement of Clinton was the surprise of the weekend, and it certainly lifted Team Clinton’s spirits. According to NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones, Hillary’s campaign aides were in an especially good mood the day after the endorsement -- absolutely dripping with sugar. And Clinton herself was beaming early on in her appearance on TODAY this morning (she mentioned the endorsement numerous times). “I think we have tremendous momentum,” she said. “I feel very good about where my campaign is.” But in many respects, the paper’s nod was also a lifesaver for the campaign in Iowa, where it had received little good news until Saturday night. Then again, it pulled the Clintons back into the state. If Obama -- and not Clinton -- had received the endorsement, it arguably might have led them to abandon the state. To borrow a poker term, the Democratic front-runners (Clinton, Edwards, Obama) now are all-in in the Hawkeye State. As for Obama, he does need to answer where the Des Moines Register editorial says he comes up short: experience. He's made the change case obviously, or the Clinton camp wouldn't be retooling so much. But he needs to close the experience gap, just a little...

*** Endorsement smorgasbord: Clinton, who also got the nod from former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey (who once called Bill Clinton an “unusually good liar”), wasn’t the only candidate picking up endorsements. Obama got the Boston Globe’s nod and today receives one from Iowa Rep. David Loebsack (D), which is Obama’s biggest get so far in the Hawkeye State. Edwards today picks up an endorsement from the wife of Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D). And McCain -- who also appeared on TODAY this morning -- got the nods from both the Register and the Boston Globe, and today got one from Joe Lieberman (I). Just asking, though: Does the support of liberal editorial boards and one of the most pro-choice lawmakers in the US Congress really help McCain with GOP voters? Probably not, but the MSM buzz is helpful and maybe that will stop the bleeding of New Hampshire independents from McCain to Obama.

VIDEO: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd offers his first read on what presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., can hope to gain from recent endorsements from Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman and New England newspapers.

*** Mr. Bill: So has Bill Clinton been helpful at all to his wife’s campaign? Read today’s New York Times piece about his role on the campaign, and some hard-core Hillary supporters may not be able to answer that question in the affirmative. And after you read it all the way through, ask yourself: Can Mark Penn survive Hillary losing both Iowa and New Hampshire? Also, the article reports that the latest Hillary message -- in what has been a slew of new messages over the past month -- comes from Bill.

*** Wither Rudy? What has happened to the Giuliani juggernaut? Two months ago, he seemed well on his way to using his national poll strength to will his way to the nomination. But the campaign seems to realize they have problems. Now the Giuliani campaign seems to be gunning for Florida (which holds its primary on January 29) and the February 5th states. The campaign has cut its New Hampshire TV ad buy in half and attempted to re-launch the campaign with a speech on Saturday. But we have to ask: Why on a Saturday to you give that speech? And why wasn't the speech a teleprompter speech? Why was he reading from prepared text? Giuliani seems to be a candidate in search of attention right now. He's spending just three days campaigning this week, using the other two to fundraiser.

*** Meet Mitt Romney: If Giuliani’s appearance on Meet the Press last week exposed how the personal (Judi) and personnel (Kerik) could haunt him in a general election, Romney’s appearance yesterday on the show highlighted that it will be nearly impossible for Republicans and the RNC to label Clinton, Obama, or Edwards a flip-flopper in the general, if Romney becomes the nominee. But the headline out of the Meet interview for Romney? The fact that a news cycle didn't even pass without his campaign having to clean up an error (Romney telling Russert that the NRA endorsed him, which it didn’t). By the way, with Romney's and Rudy’s struggles, combined with the slew of bad press for Huckabee, one has to realize there's not a single GOP front-runner right now. It's truly a five-way scrum with Ron Paul as the potential spoiler.

Video: Presidential hopeful, former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass, appears on Meet the Press for an in-depth interview.

*** Ron Paul’s Tea Party: Speaking of Paul… Pegged to the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the Paul campaign yesterday raked in more than $6 million, surpassing the $4 million-plus it raised in an earlier fundraiser tied to Guy Fawkes Day. And it has now raised $18.2 million for the 4th quarter. We have one word to say about Paul’s haul: Wow. Much has been made about the lack of the excitement over the GOP field. But there is clearly excitement -- at least online -- about one of the Republican candidates. The problem for the GOP is Paul won’t likely be its nominee. And many of these Paul backers aren’t really Republicans…

*** On the Trail: Clinton campaigns in Iowa, where (among other things) she attends an AFSCME rally with union president Gerry McEntee; Dodd also is in Iowa; so is Edwards, who concludes his bus tour and picks up an endorsement from the wife of Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D); Giuliani gives a speech in Durham, NH; Huckabee holds a media avail in Beverly Hills, CA before attending a fundraiser there; Kucinich is in New Hampshire; McCain also spends his day in the Granite State, where he already picked up Lieberman’s endorsement; Obama stumps in Iowa, hitting Spencer, Storm Lake, Cherokee, Le Mars, and Sioux City; Richardson makes four stops in Iowa; Romney holds a closed-press fundraiser in Boston before campaigning in New Hampshire; and Thompson is in Iowa. Also, Bill Clinton is in South Carolina, where he attends a dinner honoring former Clinton Administration Education Secretary Dick Riley.

Countdown to Iowa: 17 days
Countdown to New Hampshire: 22 days
Countdown to Michigan: 29 days
Countdown to Nevada and SC GOP primary: 33 days
Countdown to SC Dem primary: 40 days
Countdown to Florida: 43 days
Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 50 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 323 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 400 days

Click here to sign up for First Read emails.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

"But there is clearly excitement -- at least online -- about one of the Republican candidates."

You do realize that "online" people are real people, correct? And you have seen returns from straw polls? And maybe you've seen the Ron Paul banners and yard signs and buttons and stickers on real clothing on real people?

Please stop trying to trivialize Ron Paul's base.

"The problem for the GOP is Paul won’t likely be its nominee."

This is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You can thank your own coverage for part of that.

"And many of these Paul backers aren’t really Republicans…"

Way to grasp at straws. The fact that Ron Paul is drawing people TO the Republican Party at a time when the barometer has clearly shifted leftward, when the some of the media-ordained "top-tier" GOP candidates are flip-flopping liberal governors, should be an indicator of Paul's appeal and of his success! And it should not be used as a reason to discount him, which First Read seems hell-bent on doing.

Mike G., Arlington, Va (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:48 AM)

Hath not a Ron Paul Republican eyes? Hath not a Ron Paul Republican hands, organs,
dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with
the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject
to the same diseases, heal'd by the same means,
warm'd and cool'd by the same winter and summer
as a Republican is? If you prick us, do we not bleed?
If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us,
do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?
If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that.
If a Ron Paul Republican wrong a Republican, what is his humility?
Revenge. If a Republican wrong a Ron Paul Republican, what should his
sufferance be by Republican example? Why, revenge.
The villainy you teach me, I will execute,
and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction.

Terry (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:51 AM)

Obama said that he would meet UNCONDITIONALLY with enemies of the USA during his first year as president.

No matter how you spin it, that is very very naive and shows inexperience.

Meeting with our enemies is NOT new. It's called diplomacy. But what is new is the UNCONDITIONALLY.

Barack made that mistake way back in the debates and looked inexperienced and naive. His campaign has been trying to spin it ever since.

Gerald (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:52 AM)

David Gregory made Hitlery look like ahigh school debater this morning on the Today show. As usuall Hitlery went out of her way to avoid answering any questions. With 8 out of 9 women on the editorial board, who id u thing they were going to endorse..

Hillary is Bush in disguise (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:54 AM)

From the NY Times:

DUNLAP, Iowa — When Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign advisers laid out their new political strategy in a private conference call with allies last Tuesday, Bill Clinton was not on the line. He did not need to be. The message being delivered was his....'

Hillary can't run her OWN campaign ?
I thought she was a 'strong leader' ?
Maybe the 'old political strategy' failed...

'...A day earlier, Mr. Clinton had unveiled the campaign’s new talking points at rallies in Iowa. His wife was “a change agent,” “a proven agent of positive change” and “a lifetime advocate of a change agenda.”

The “change, change, change” phrase, as some advisers call it, was coined by Mr. Clinton after he told campaign officials that the old strategy of running like an incumbent front-runner was not enough, advisers said. The Clintons had to wrest the message of change from Senator Barack Obama....'

Is Hillary Clinton a 'reformer with results' ?
Just like George Bush ?

WHAT CHANGE has Hillary accmomlished ?
WHAT CHANGE has Hillary championed ?

'...On the conference call, the campaign’s chief strategist, Mark Penn, reinforced the idea. “Let me go through the basic message frame,” he said; a reporter was given access to the call by two participants on it. “If you want to have change in this country, if you want a new beginning, then how about electing someone who has a lifetime of making change?”....'

WHAT CHANGE ?
What has Hillary accomplished ?
Getting us into war with Iraq ?
Supporting the war ?
Supporting war with Iran ?
Smearing her follow contenders ?

Hillary has changed herself from 'inevitable' to a gutter fighting also ran.....
I understand that Hillary is now using all her resources on the January contests.....
Sounds desperate

NO MORE GUTTER POLITICS !
THROW THE BUMS OUT !
DON'T BRING THE BUMS BACK !
TURN THE PAGE !

Obama/Edwards '08

Sierra, SF (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:56 AM)

Barak Obama suggested last Friday that the US might one day have to launch surgical missle strikes into Iran and Pakistan to keep extremist from getting control of nuclear bombs

Hum (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:56 AM)

All you Clinton supporters, scroll up and read my post, then go look in the mirror, the truth hurts, and its all facts.

David Anders Pharr, Tx. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:58 AM)

He said that violent extremists are a vastlky different brand of foe than was the Soviet Union during the Cold War and they must be treated diffferently.

Who said that----DICK CHENEY

No, it was Barack Obama

Hum (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:59 AM)

I noticed you guys didn't bother to mention in the Globe endorsement of Obama that they stated they didn't chose Hillary because she was "divisive and backward looking"

Lyn,MD (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:00 AM)

Monday, December 17, 2007

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows Hillary Clinton reaching the 40% level of support nationwide for the second consecutive day… and just the second time in December.

In the race for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, it’s Clinton 40%, Barack Obama 27% and John Edwards 13%. Bill Richardson and Joe Biden are each supported by 3% of Likely Democratic Primary Voters. (see recent daily numbers)."

Clinton is viewed favorably by 82% of Democratic voters, Edwards by 72%, and Obama by 66%.

Among all voters nationwide, Obama is viewed favorably by 48%, Clinton and Edwards by 47%. See other key stats and general election match-ups for all Democratic candidates."

Did Barack peak too soon? Clinton leads, 82-66% among democrats.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

For Obama fans; I have already posted the links to all the polls, where Barack does lead in some. I'll post that link here again;
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:00 AM)

Gerald - if we meet unconditionally with our enemies, what is going to happen? Is the sky going to fall? Is the earth going to open and swallow us all up?

Maybe we should talk to people instead of making stuff up about them and blowing their countries up, only to find out later that we were mistaken. Just a thought.

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:00 AM)

I'm a republican and have been for over 15 years. I voted for Bush the previous two elections. I am a huge Ron Paul supporter.

Mark Harris (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:01 AM)

Bill Clinton knows Barack Obama has more than a decade of publicly elected government experience. He knows Barack Obama has a law degree from Harvard and taught Constitutional Law. He knows in the US Senate Barack Obama wrote laws to track tax dollars. He knows Barack Obama is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee. Bill Clinton knows Barack Obama is highly qualified to be President- yet he told Rose that 'any good broadcaster' was just as competent, minus a year in Washington. Bill Clinton had NO Washington experience when he ran for President. Mr. Clinton,I'm tired of politicians who lie-with you and Hillary in the White House, it will just be more of the same slick devious devisive, tactical politics. My vote goes to Barack Obama. And by the way, Mr. Clinton, I have just donated to Obama's campaign in honor of your little escapade.

Jenice (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:01 AM)

RE: DMR Endorsement of Clinton

As of right now, the DMR has received 948 comments on its endorsement of Clinton - most of them NEGATIVE.

Here's the link:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071215/NEWS/71215018/1001

It seems that Hillary won't be benefiting from that endorsement as much as she thought.

Ava (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:02 AM)

Gerald (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:52 AM)

Please show me where he said this "unconditionally", I don't remember that quote. Don't distort the truth to make a point, you will find that the truth goes over way smoother!!

Dante (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:03 AM)

I'm a Christian. And so although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my policial views on this issue, I do believe thta tradition and my religious belief sday that marriage is something between a man and a woman.

Republican talking point---which Republican said that?

None, it was Democratic candidate Barack Obama

Hum (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:03 AM)

Hillary's endorsement by the DMR is tantamount to a doctor putting the patient on life support: Obama doesn't need it- he is very much alive and breathing on his own! The Clintons have obviously decided their last ditch effort will be the experience card- this too will fail: The Clintons know Barack Obama has more than a decade of publicly elected government experience at every level including 3 years now in Washinton. They know he has been serving people in America for over 20 years. They know Barack Obama has a law degree from Harvard and has taught Constitutional Law. They know that in Illinois Barack Obama passed legislation that gave $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state and pushed through an expansion of early childhood education. The Clintons know that in the US Senate Barack Obama is known as the 'go to'guy if you want to get something done accross party lines. They know Barack Obama wrote a measure to rebuild trust in government by allowing every American to go online and see how and where every dime of their tax dollars is spent. They know Barack Obama is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee. They know Barack Obama is highly qualified to be President- for them to pretend that Barack Obama is inexperienced or to go on national TV claiming Obama has just one more year experience than a 'good broadcaster', as Bill Clinton implied on Charlie Rose, only shows how really desperate they are and how low they are willing to go, even to lying, to win the White House. Bill Clinton had NO Washington experience when he ran for President. Now he has shown just what tactics he is willing to sink to. I'm tired of politicians who lie. No, Bill, we need real change, and your interview with Charlie Rose, and Hillary's on the Today show,have proven that with you and Hillary in the White House, it will just be more of the same slick, devious, devisive, tactical politics. My vote goes to Barack Obama.

katharine American in Norway (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:04 AM)

has anybody thought of this? karl rove didn't just quit to go sit on the beach. dick cheney didn't just disappear from view to go play golf. they and their ilk have a plan. big media = big business. big business = republicans. overall clinton would wipe the field of any republican. get rid of clinton. media steps in. treat obama with kid gloves. disparage anything and everything clinton, even her laugh. democrats being democrats think with their hearts and not their heads. obama gets the nom. press is unleashed and tear obama a new one. republicans destroy him in national debates. guess what? repub prez. smart huh?

redshift, spokane wa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:08 AM)

"All you Hillary hater's are going to cry in your beer ..."
Mariann Pepitone (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:21 AM)
--No, we'll need something much stronger. Actually, since the H.R. Clinton opposition is supposedly the NPR-listening, cheese-eating, wine-drinking crowd ... I think you have your answer.

Good for H.R. Clinton on her Register endorsement and Obama on the Boston Globe. Big name endorsements are much needed to jumpstart the struggling Clinton campaign, so it is good news for her. The Register also said some very nice things about Obama, too. Mainly that he says what he means and means what he says, te-he Dr. Seuss, among other kind words. Anyway, it was interesting to learn the criteria for the endorsement, not to minimize the endorsement, but the criteria was objective, not emotional, they did it right. I don't know, I vote with both my mind and my heart.

--NSMSNBC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:11 AM)

Coal mines all over PA are still open doofus.

Coal is still used today.

lizzie AL (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:13 AM)

I noticed you guys didn't bother to mention in the Globe endorsement of Obama that they stated they didn't chose Hillary because she was "divisive and backward looking"

Because it isn't worth mentioning. This is though...

"The job requires a president who not only understands the changes needed to move the country forward but also possesses the discipline and skill to navigate the reality of the resistant Washington power structure to get things done.That candidate is New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton."

I like this too...

"Indeed, Obama, her chief rival, inspired our imaginations. But it was Clinton who inspired our confidence. Each time we met, she impressed us with her knowledge and her competence.

The times demand results. We believe as president she’ll do what she’s always done in her life: Throw herself into the job and work hard. We believe Hillary Rodham Clinton can do great things for our country."

They're right, and all the sour grapes and attacks in the world won't change that.

Barack Obama is a fine man and will be a force in American politics for many years to come. But a part-time job in the Illinois state senate is not adequate preparation for the toughest job in the world. That's my main reason for not being able to support his candidacy. She inspires my confidence, Senator Obama doesn't.

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:14 AM)

This is classic:

Bill Clinton's own words describing Barack Obama, this is the best video yet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMlrSG1xb5k

Obama 08

Crystal (Time for change) (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:15 AM)

It seems that Hillary won't be benefiting from that endorsement as much as she thought.

Ava (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:02 AM)

Let's add wishful thinking to those sour grapes. lol

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:16 AM)

Obama supporters are the most hateful people! sheesh! She's a democrat, if his ideas are better just speak on it and stop acting like such animals. I don't hear edwards supporters acting this rabid. Stop sounding like republicans, please!

annienyc (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:19 AM)

The Des Moines Register represents NINE votes.

We have had over 900 comments from people who took the time to become a registered user on DMR and to make a comment. The overwhelming majority have made the most negative comments against the DMR and against Hillary. The comments with the most recommendations are the ones against Hillary also.

I think a 10 to 1 ration running against the DMR shows that the newspaper will keep its current history of picking the wrong candidate to endorse and to win. I think it will be anybody but Clinton to win Iowa. I don't think her new Iowa and media tour will change people's minds. If she was so confident of the endorsement she would not be traveling at this frenzied pace.

See the comments for yourself and come to the same conclusion.

https://secure.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/ep?_promoCode=6628&_IATAno=99609403&cm_mmc=DCE-_-PCHR121207-_-USEN-_-WNT08D

Freeman Female, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:24 AM)

Experience -

Hillary Clinton - First Lady 8 yrs
U.S. Senator 7 yrs

Barack Obama - Illinois State Senator - 8 yrs
U.S. Senator 3 years

Abraham Lincoln - Illinois State Legislator- 8 yrs
U.S. Representative - 2 yrs

Thank goodness pundits didn't persuade people in 1860 that Lincoln didn't have enough experience!

Go Obama!!

Jane, Cary, NC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:26 AM)

I would love to see Hillery and Ron Paul get the nominations. In the debates that would follow, I'd be curious how Hillary would discuss such topics as Austrian economics, or if she would continue to foist the pandering platitudes. I think that only this match-up could assure a Ron Paul win.

Richard in Idaho (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:31 AM)

I find it funny that people always think Hillary's the most experienced candidate running in her party with people like Joe Biden running, she hasn't been a senator all that long and I don't think her time as first lady counts for very much. I'm married to a surgeon. I go with him to conferences, I talk to other surgeons, I've even watched him do surgery before. Does that qualify me to be a surgeon? Any takers? Didn't think so. Anyway, I wouldn't put too much stock into these polls. Someone called to poll me the other night and they didn't even have Ron Paul listed as a possible candidate, nor had the pollster even ever heard of Ron Paul. Yet we all sent him this money and when I went to drive my kids to school this morning, I saw homemade Ron Paul signs strewn all about town celebrating his big haul yesterday. These were presumably made by real humans with voting priviledges. I wouldn't be surprised if John Edwards won Iowa for the democrats and Ron Paul did a lot better than most people think he's going to.

Jo, CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:32 AM)

Van says he gets a laugh out of the responses to the DMR endorsement of his candidate. It's ok Van, we ALL get a big laugh outta your undieing love of the Clinton's. She can't campaign on her record, so she has Bill, go out and LIE for her. Real campaigning there!!!!

Rick,ky (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:34 AM)

*** STOP *** WHAT YOU ARE DOING, AND VISIT HILLARY'S WEB SIT..hillaryclinton.com (even if you "hate" her)

T.M. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:36 AM)

Rick,ky (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:34 AM)

Keep laughing as long as you can...

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:41 AM)

This is what the Clintons are experienced at: When Bill behaved badly with women, Hillary rescued him with dirty tricks. Now the tables are turned, and Bill is galloping in to save dirty campaigner Hillary with women voters. Do we really want to be the laughing stock of the world by choosing this sort of marriage of two stooges-in-power? I'll take someone who gained experience outside Washington any day, as Bill Clinton had when he ran initially. Community organizing, that most daunting of challenges, is only successful for people who work well with others. Being a Clinton spouse is not much proof of leadership.

Iris, Philadelphia (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:42 AM)

ben, you make a point that i must admit i agree with. if the issue was experience and being able to perform, why not endorse biden? this guy has the voting record. he has worked across the aisle succesfully on more issues than anyone else in this campaign.

in the washington post he was titled as the foreign policy pro. i don't get it. i really think if popularity was cast aside and the media gave as much attention to this guy along with him having the right campaign funds he would be the first choice of many in the u.s.

ace p washington, d.c. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:45 AM)

Van says he gets a laugh out of the responses to the DMR endorsement...Yes I do and yours is one of the most laughable. Thank you.

You make me laugh, but this makes me smile...

"The choice, then, comes down to preparedness: Who is best prepared to confront the enormous challenges the nation faces — from ending the Iraq war to shoring up America’s middle class to confronting global climate change?

The job requires a president who not only understands the changes needed to move the country forward but also possesses the discipline and skill to navigate the reality of the resistant Washington power structure to get things done.

That candidate is New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton."

Van

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:45 AM)

hillarys sham endorsement by the DMR is just another example of hillarys corrupt demeanor, corrupt lobbyist money talks, it also buys the endorsement of the DMR, why don’t you hillary backers mention the direct connections and payoffs hillary has with the DMR, what a laughable farce

MK,MO (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:50 AM)

The job requires a president who not only understands the changes needed to move the country forward but also possesses the discipline and skill to navigate the reality of the resistant Washington power structure to get things done.

That candidate is New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton."

What's she gonna do Van?
Hire a mafia knuckle breaker to go with her to meetings at capitol hill??????

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:51 AM)

It becomes more and more evident that without smears, insults and lame attempts atcharacter assassination, some here would be forced to have to promote the positive qualities of their own choice, and that they find the former much easier.

I am FOR Clinton, but I'm not AGAINST, Obama, Dodd, Biden, Richardson or Edwards. Those of you who do their best/worst to insult me by insulting Clinton do more to insult the movement and "different kind of politics", they purport to represent than they do the targets of their anger and frustrations. As those of the, "Joshua Generation", are wont to say, "Don't be a hater"...

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:57 AM)

i said it saturday and i will say it again. the dmr endorsement is big. edwards was in 4th place when he got the endorsement in 2000. he moved up to second place. it might not be the deciding factor to who wins in iowa or the nation, but it is important. hillary needed it after the last 2 weeks. give her props. she won the endorsement. if it had been biden, edwards, obama or richardson. those of us that don't support hillary would ahve been singing praises. it is done. give her her props.

ace p washington, d.c. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:00 PM)

Fortunatly for me Van, i still have a sense of humor after 2 car wrecks disabled me from working over 11 years ago.Your, You Go Girl candidate is the Most Devisive candidate running this time. The American electorate is tired of that crap & proved it in Nov-2006.

" DELUSIONAL THINKING BY COMMON SENSE AMERICAN'S IS OVER"

Rick,ky (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:02 PM)

Folks,

A vote for Hillary is a vote for more of the same; it is a vote for George Bush policy. Why can't Hillary make public her tax return? Why is Hillary and Bill Clinton using tax loop hole to ship money to Cayman Island? Recently, Bill Clinton broke his tie with a Califonia Investment firm that is known for selling tax shelter. I expect media to get on this case.

The Republican Party will have something to run against if Democrats failed to see all Hillary's flaw. Wake up Democrats!!!!!

Bee, NH (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:06 PM)

".....Abraham Lincoln - Illinois State Legislator- 8 yrs
U.S. Representative - 2 yrs
Thank goodness pundits didn't persuade people in 1860 that Lincoln didn't have enough experience!
Go Obama!!....." Jane, Cary, NC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:26 AM)

Actually, Lincoln had more experience on the national stage than just his years in State or Federal Government, and he had a specific cause (freedom for slaves) to push for. He was a captain in the Black Hawk War, spent eight years in the Illinois legislature, and rode the circuit of courts for many years.
The debates bewteen him and Douglas catapaulted him to national prominence.
So, there really is no comparison between Lincon and Obama at all.
Realistically speaking of course.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:06 PM)

who cares who dmr endorses, or who Lie-berman endorses, or what mccain or giuliani had for breakfast? Go away, contolled media pawns. You're BORING the people. I think most of your readers enjoy the comments/responses much more than the articles - I do. Ron Paul makes the biggest news and nobody prints it, unless it's on the 10th page under the Kotex ad. This is the best you've got?

Steve, Louisiana (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:07 PM)

The Iowa paper (Des Moines Reg.) merely stated what SHOULD be obvious to all democrats...
That Hillary's experience FAR exceeds Obambam's... and that Hillary has taken GOP lies and BS about her for years and still come out on top.
The GOP will have a field day with Mr. Oprah's past drug (ab)use.. not to mention how that will play in the south amount white southern voters....

Barock supporters keep putting up those stupid signs which read "hope"... but the truth and fact of the matter is that the only HOPE the democrats have of really beating the republicans outright...with a margin to insure getting an override proof majority in Congress is to nominate HILLARY.

She's the ONLY candidate that can solve ALL of America's problems QUICKLY!

FV, Tampa, FL (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:14 PM)

Anyone who thinks that a vote for Hillary is a vote for more of the same is a blind bat'ed idiot!

More of the same of what?
Peace? Prosperity? Security?

Hillary is the ONLY Dem who can make those things come about QUICKLY!

If that's more of the same... then Gimme MORE! More Hillary!

George C, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:18 PM)

".....Folks,
A vote for Hillary is a vote for more of the same; it is a vote for George Bush policy. Why can't Hillary make public her tax return? Why is Hillary and Bill Clinton using tax loop hole to ship money to Cayman Island? Recently, Bill Clinton broke his tie with a Califonia Investment firm that is known for selling tax shelter. I expect media to get on this case.
The Republican Party will have something to run against if Democrats failed to see all Hillary's flaw. Wake up Democrats!!!!! ....."
Bee, NH (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:06 PM)

I keep hearing how Hillary's running a dirty campaign, and how she represents the status quo with regard to Bush's policies.
But, the only people I see using REPUBLICAN-LIKE smut and smear tactics are Obama supporters.
Hmmmmmm, wonder if Obama will ever explain why he's involved in a land deal with a Federally Indicted Political Racketeer (Antoin Rezko).

J. Merle Stanley Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:21 PM)

Hillary Clinton will show that all young girls and women in the U.S can achieve the highest level in our government, the presidency. It will give them higher self-esteem to reach any goals of their choice and make it a fact that it is possible to achieve anything.

I firmly believe Hillary has the experience to repair the deficit, revamp our broken health care system and mend our friendships with countries all over the world.

Diane, Horicon, WI (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:31 PM)

The Republican party is over. There will be a new leader in town, and her name is Hillary. hillaryclinton.com. now please "shut up" and let us get to work.Thank You !

Ralph Brown, Detroit, Mi. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:36 PM)

Talk about Spin City,we have Chris" The Twist" Matthews who can twist and spin with the best of them.While real journalists and news outlets were reporting about Hillarys endorsement in Iowa as a lead story,The Twist,and his cadre of rubber stamp, second rate guests barely acknowledged it. Ypu can bet if any one other than Hillary got it,he would have been up on his bully pulpit shouting it to the world.So much for objective reporting,but then again noeone at MSNBC gives her a fair shake.

mort levine wilmington n.c. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:39 PM)

This race is NOT about the first female, the first minority, or even about the attempt to legislate morality. You, as a true American, MUST move past the media hype, the corporate machine, "do your own homework", and stand with the person YOU believe will honestly help Americans and America.
People, we know the issues. We know Americans are dying daily in the war, on the inner city streets, due to cold, due to hunger. We struggle to maintain the standard of living we had last year. We see the Illegals every day taking the job we WILL do, but can't afford to do it for the $40 a day with no benefits that the alien will accept. We know that the trade agreements in place are only beneficial to the wealthy. WE KNOW and LIVE with these issues daily.
Please begin to listen for a person that will stand before us, not reitterate the issues, not try to explain to us what we live every day, but instead give us REAL, and honest direction. Tell us HOW and the action they will take to address these issues. Be direct and very candid.
Give me a "green, female, gay" that will stand in front of me and America, tell me the actions she will take to fix the issues for "average" America, and she will have my vote!!!
Due respect to the fore-runners and media choices, you a long way to go for "average" America.

virgilh, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:39 PM)

this endorsement was alife preserver in iowa. she was risking coming in third. now it is an absolute toss up. no one knows what is going to happen now. they may hope they know, but it is up for grabs. edwards needs to avoid third place. as much as i like him, if he comes in 3rd his matching fund campaign could be the beginning of the end, sadly. he absolutely will not come close in n.h.(just because he is from the south. that is stupid)and he is not doing well in s.c.

joe trippi needs to come up with a new strategy or we are going to lose one of the better candidates to soon. the same goes for joe biden.

ace p washington, d.c. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 12:40 PM)

<< Previous

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=520546