First thoughts: Do or die for GOPers

Posted: Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:23 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Do or die: Want more evidence of how just up for grabs the GOP contest is? The top four Republican candidates all have do-or-die contests coming up. For Romney, it’s Michigan. For Huckabee, it’s South Carolina. For McCain, it’s one of Michigan or South Carolina. And for Rudy, it’s Florida. It's now just like the NFL playoffs: win or go home.

*** Hunting for delegates: We found this comment from Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson fascinating. “For the first time since 1988, this is a delegate race,” he said. “This is about more than any one state.” Of course, the comment is confirmation that there is no front-runner. And until there is one, you'll hear the campaign that believes they might be behind talk about delegates. Why? Even though Clinton won New Hampshire, she and Obama earned the same number of delegates out of the state. The way the Democrats award delegates, losing 52%-47% can get the losing candidate nearly the same number of delegates as being on the winning side. That said, winning primaries is how one keeps superdelegates (those unpledged folks who can bounce around even after they supposed commit to one candidate) in the fold. Clinton has the superdelegate lead, thanks to establishment Clinton ties. But a good number are still undecided and they'll go with the national front-runner.

*** Retool sheds: Clinton and Romney have been the most public about their message and campaign retooling efforts. But should they be the only campaigns retooling? What about Obama? His campaign seems to have trouble connecting to women. How will they fix that? Oprah was the answer in early December. What about now? Will we see more Michelle? Will we see more of the campaign leadership diversified? It's been easy to pick on Clinton's campaign for its lack of message discipline over the last six months, but that doesn't mean all is perfect in Obama Land, either. Will they evolve their message a bit? Or will they stick to what they believe has been successful so far?

*** And how is this the media’s fault? Not surprisingly, there are plenty of articles out today about how the media and pollsters working for them got the New Hampshire Democratic race wrong. But why blame the media when the campaigns were seeing the same polling data in their own tracking surveys? Indeed, Clinton was shaking up her staff on the very day the New Hampshire primary was taking place. Is that a sign of a camp that thinks they are going to win? New Hampshire was a shock to everyone -- the media, pollsters, the public, and campaign operatives. There are plenty of reasons to get mad at the media. But this isn’t one of them. In fact, the press did its job pretty well on Election Day. There were no blown calls; the media didn't rely on just public polling -- they dug in and found out what the campaigns were seeing, you know, checking in with pollsters who, if they aren't right, get fired. Not the case with media pollsters.

*** Richardson bows out: Today, Richardson is expected to announce that he’s ending his presidential campaign, after finishing fourth in New Hampshire with just about 5% of the vote. His withdrawal could impact the upcoming contest in Nevada. Hispanics are now up for grabs, which could be good news for Clinton. But supporters of Richardson -- who campaigned on a very anti-war platform -- seemed to flock to Obama in Iowa. Did Richardson succeed in making himself a plausible vice presidential candidate? To the public, yes. To the candidates (and many members of the media), probably not. Too many gaffes.

VIDEO: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd offers his first read on the implications of Bill Richardson dropping out of the presidential race.

*** Third GOP debate in six days! Giuliani, Huckabee, McCain, Paul, Romney and Thompson are in Myrtle Beach, SC, where they participate in a FOX debate. It begins at 9:00 pm ET and ends at 10:30 pm ET.

*** On the trail: Elsewhere, Clinton stumps in Las Vegas; Edwards is in South Carolina; Hunter attends a Lincoln Day dinner in Michigan; Kucinich holds a Q&A in Troy, MI; Obama has a rally in Charleston, SC.

Countdown to Michigan: 5 days
Countdown to Nevada and SC GOP primary: 9 days
Countdown to SC Dem primary: 16 days
Countdown to Florida: 19 days
Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 26 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 299 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 376 days

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Comments

HUCKABEE IS UP NATIONALLY BY 5 POINTS IN THE GALLUP POLL, ROMMNEY NEW SONG IS CANT BUY ME LOVE, MCCAIN STILL IN, GULLANI IS THROUGH, NO BUCKS HUCK IS LEADING HIM IN FLORIDA, HIS ONLY HOPE, THOMPSON NEEDS A NAP

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:42 AM)

Obama needs to remain on message, the only reason Hillary won is that she got a bunch of women in New Hampshire all upset with her staged crying performance. Short of collapsing on the stage and having an all out tear driven hissy fit, I don't think a lot of women outside of New Hampshire are going to be fooled by another crying episode from Hillary. If Obama is smart, he just needs to stay on message, because Hillary will continue to try every little dirty trick in the book to try and smear him. So far, he has fought off all the attacks, but i think Hillary and her media matters crew are just warming up.

Bill Richardson was amusing for awhile, but he just portrayed himself as another Governor Moonbeam. He just needs to get back to New Mexico and keep screaming he is being invaded on his southern border to keep his name in the papers.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:43 AM)

AP: Kerry to endorse Obama today in SC.

boredinacubby, NC (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:45 AM)

Barack Obama… the jury is still out… can I as an American and a Christian actually vote for someone educated from infancy outside of the United States??? I don’t underestimate the significance of a child’s adolescence and how it influences the rest of his life… he's does not salute the flag when the National Anthem is played… the next time you attend an event where the National Anthem is played, look around and notice how few people do not salute the Flag… the Flag, “Old Glory,” represents every ancestor you and I have who have ever lost their lives for that Flag… Mr. Obama may be a great person, but his childhood and seemingly lack of patriotism, make me question what his real intentions would be if elected to the White House… I'm sure change is the correct word to use to describe his candidacy… I'm just not sure what kind of change it would be… how will this change impact my life??? We do need change… but change that also includes the traditions and values of most Americans… does he want to be the leader of the free world to help strengthen our National pride, our economy, our communities, our youth, and solidify this country’s place in the next millennium… will he stand-up to the pressure of the world’s influence and continue to uphold the principles that have made this country great??? Will he give ground to the pressures of the outside world for the United States to conform to the way the rest of the world thinks??? I believe for this country to move forward we must first stand our ground… maintain our identity as a people… teach our children not to be haters of things or people they don’t understand, but at the same time remain true to their heritage and protect it… America was built on the shoulders of strong men and women who had a core set of values and stuck to their guns… we need a leader who will put America first… will he be able to set-aside his feelings for the hardships that part of his family in other countries endures, and focus on the feelings and hardships of every American’s family??? Considering his childhood, he must be a man torn between two ideologies… which one will he choose??? Is his candidacy about changing America to strengthen it, or more about changing the world by changing America??? Is it more about making the world a stronger better place to live, by weakening America??? In the end I feel it is my responsibility as an American and a Christian to vote for the candidate with the strongest voice that mirrors my belief system… to vote for the candidate I feel will pave the road for my children’s children to live in a future where a Christian is still the majority voice in this great country… As it stands that candidate in my view is Mike Huckabee

Joe, TN (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:49 AM)

My theory on the discrepancy in the polls and votes is that men who support Edwards (typically blue-collar) are threatened by Hillary and would not want their wives to support her. Therefore, the wives also claim to support Edwards but then pull the lever for Hillary when in the privacy of the voting booth. When asked by a pollster, they lie about their vote. This would explain Hillary's surge and Edwards' collapse.

Jennifer, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:52 AM)

So the GOP debate comes on at the same time as Grey's Anatomy...this could be a difficult choice.

I wonder why the retooling comment didn't encompass any GOPers... Personally I think we all want to hear something refreshing from ALL of the candidates...I would like to hear the 'next phase' of plans and direction for the wannabe presidents. We know they all talk change, we know Huck has a christian base and a fairtaxers base, but what next? I want to know more about what they each plan to do and how they plan to do it. I want to know what they think is the way to work with Congress on getting their domestic plans put into action. I want to know more and I think it is time to separate the presidents from the vice presidents...lets see who can walk the walk...

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 9:56 AM)

*** Hunting for delegates: ...
--Please excuse my ignorance, but the system confuses me. Why are there delegates who have decided and superdelegates who are undecided? Don't we vote to decide who the delegates go for (similar to the electoral college)? What is the purpose of participating if these people have all the power? How does somebody become a delegate? I'm so confused, please help.

--And MN is really screwed up, because we have both a caucus and primary. How ridiculous!

--NSMsnbc (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:05 AM)

The Obama campaign going more negative and racist is too be expected. True Colours !

tuck, realityville,ks (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:06 AM)

Agree w/ jerry. Stick to message. Women who vote Hillary just becasue she's a woman can't be persuaded anyway.

Deb, TX (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:07 AM)

I'm just waiting for Gore to endorse Obama.

That would seal it. Gore is THE ORACLE!

RobK, Seattle, Wash (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:08 AM)

KING OF SMEAR (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:09 AM)

More Bizzarre stuff from Mitt Romney

Already under scrutiny for shifting positions on key issues and his Mormon faith, presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has made a bizarre new flip flop - saying on national TV his favorite novel is Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s “Battlefield Earth.”

The former Massachusetts governor told Fox News his favorite book was the Bible but his favorite novel was the science fiction tome “Battlefield Earth.”

“Actually, the one by L. Ron Hubbard,” Romney said when asked to name his favorite novel. “I’m not in favor of his religion by any means, but he wrote a book called ‘Battlefield Earth’ that was a very fun science fiction book.”

The Mark Twain novel “Huckleberry Finn” tops the book list on Romney’s My Space page. “Battlefield Earth” isn’t on the list.

Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said: “Battlefield Earth is pretty good science fiction. It’s about Earth being ruled by an alien race, sort of the way the Democrats are running Congress.”

Read More:

http://www.religionnewsblog.com/18149/mitt-romney-3

Jason, WY (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:09 AM)

Sad to see Governor Richardson bow out of the race. A very highly qualified and authentic man, but he just couldn't get traction with the national media and with the major donors. Richardson's job interview spots were some of the most clever ads I've seen this election cylce.

Sean Doyle, West Reading, PA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:10 AM)

I don't understand what a super delegate is. Are a certain percentage of delegates allowed to change whom they support once they are at the convention?What's the point of voting in the primary if the delegates chosen can support whomever they want once they get to the convention? Anybody know?

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:11 AM)

W has left all the Repubs w/o a pot to piss in.

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:11 AM)

It has now come out that George Romney never marched with Martin Luther King watch how his campaign manager flips and flops in this interview with Chris Matthews please watch this video.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5eKfC6TYjk&feature=related

ole Mitt still Flip Flopping (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:13 AM)

I am no huge Hillary fan, but Geez, no matter what she does, people slam her - must be really scared of her. If she's calculating, it's a bad thing - why? Who do you think is not calculating? They're stupid if they're not calculating. If she shows her emotions, it's staged. Why not the same reaction for others (men) who drop a tear or two? Smart women cause this reaction in people sometimes, both men and women. Do they all hate their mothers? Sisters? How threatened can they be? I will vote for whoever the Dem candidate is, but I don't get why so many people hate Hillary so badly. She's been through a lot to get to where she is - give her a break.

Jon, Memphis, TN (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:13 AM)

I think it's amusing that so many people are still throwing support behind Hillary Clinton. I am honestly confused that some people see her as electable in the general campaign. 1) There are no Republicans alive who would vote for Hillary Clinton. If they exist I've never heard of them. 2) Most of the Democrats who don't vote for her don't because they hate her. I say let her win the nomination, because the only people who will vote for in the general are the ones who are doing it now. (Tongue in Cheek, of Course)

Joe (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:14 AM)

Hey guys.... the good news for me about the polling fiasco...especially the great ones like Gallup and Rasmussen is that I will never follow the polls again. So there is less time now I can waste in my day going on polling sites for the frontrunner in either party.

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:15 AM)

Mormons are a Cult

Mormons believe Blacks are Cursed people they are the decedent of Cain.

Bringham Young stated the following: "For instance, the descendants of Cain cannot cast off their skin of blackness, at once, and immediately, although every soul of them should repent, obey the Gospel, and do right from this day forward. . . . Cain and his posterity must wear the mark, which God put upon them; and his white friends may wash the race of Cain with fuller’s soap every day, they cannot wash away God’s mark; The Lamanites, through transgression, became a loathsome, ignorant and filthy people, and were cursed with a skin of darkness … yet, they have the promise, if they will believe, and work righteousness, that not many generations shall pass away before they shall become a white and delightsome people; but it will take some time to accomplish this at best. Source: The Latter-Day Saints Millennial Star, vol. 14, p. 418

1848, Brigham Young, as President of the Mormon Church, first preached the "Curse of Cain Doctrine". He said that Negroes, whom he considered to be children of Cain (son of Adam and killer of Abel) had the "mark of Cain" (black skin and kinky hair and flat nose) and they could not hold the priesthood until Abel was resurrected, had children, and all of Abel's children were given the opportunity to receive the priesthood first, then the Curse of Cain would be taken off his posterity (Negroes) and they would have the priesthood like everybody else. Brigham Young started the "priesthood-ban" in 1848, banning all Negroes, and even white men with Negro ancestry, from the two orders of priesthood, and banning all Negroes from the House of the Lord (the Mormon Temple). Mormon Church leaders
Now you are probaly asking yourself well back in those day's everyone was a racist, the blacks where not able to hold the priesthood until 1968 and many LDS faithful still believe in the curse of cain.

Robert J. S.L.C., UT (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:17 AM)

Art (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:19 AM)

McCain's comment that it is conceiveable that we could keep our troops in Iraq for another 100 years is disconcerting. McCain is one of the proponents of maintaining military bases in Iraq, long term, to protect U.S. interests which are primarily oil related. His comments suggest that a GOP victory will downplay energy independence with a focus on military domination of the middle east to protect our interests. If so, we will need a rapid military buildup, including a draft, at least until the Arab world and our competitors for oil are willing to accept us as an occupying force.

Ken, StonyBrook, NY (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:20 AM)

Ken, StonyBrook, NY (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:21 AM)

Mitt Romney Flip Flopping on Abortion watch this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFMdK0TWtks&feature=related

Do you really want a scum bag like this.
A photograph of GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney at a 1994 Planned Parenthood fund-raiser has surfaced, once again raising questions about the former Bay State’s governor’s abortion flip-flopping.

The picture, a copy of which was obtained by the Herald, shows Romney and his wife Ann at a house party fund-raiser in Scituate with Nicki Nichols Gamble, who was the president of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts at the time. Romney has already downplayed ties to Planned Parenthood after revelations that Ann Romney donated $150 to the group.

Gamble said the pic was snapped at an event at GOP activist Eleanor Bleakie’s house and that she “clearly” remembered speaking with Romney at the event. At the time, Romney was running as a pro-choice Republican against U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.).

“My recollection is that we talked about his senate candidacy and the fact that he was supporting Roe v. Wade and a choice agenda at the time,” Gamble told the Herald. “It was a Planned Parenthood event. We were there to discuss our programs and our advocacy.”

The event was held the same day Ann Romney wrote a check to the pro-choice group. Romney has previously said he had “no recollection” of his wife writing the check to Planned Parenthood.

Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom called the flap “a dog bites man story.”

“Governor Romney used to have a different position on abortion,” Fehrnstrom said. “He is now firmly pro-life and has made it clear that as President he will advocate for a culture that welcomes life and protects the sanctity of life. This is the same path that Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush followed.”

Because of his abortion shift, Romney has been branded a flip-flopper by his GOP primary opponents, as well Democrats. Romney has stated he became pro-life in 2004 during the stem cell debate in Massachusetts.

Beyond attending the event, Romney filled out a 2002 questionnaire for the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund in which he said he supported Roe v. Wade, sex education in schools and increased access to emergency contraception.

“With Mitt Romney, this has been more than a flip-flop. This has been an extreme makeover,” said Planned Parenthood spokesman Angus McQuilken. “What voters need to know about Mitt Romney is this: where he stands on any issue is always a moving target.”

Romney reacts to photo:
+ Romney dismisses photo suggesting he attended Planned Parenthood event
dwedge@bostonherald.com

Ann, Chicago (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:24 AM)

Obama's the most fascinating candidate to come along in my lifetime. I've never seen a better orator, nor have a seen a better ability to move and energize a crowd.

The negative, however (and this isn't a small one) is that very little is known about what he would do or, for that matter, what he has done. At this point, it's more an emotional reaction than anything else. And emotional reactions, when mixed with politics, can be dangerous.

Kelly Quinn Dallas (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:29 AM)

Amy B Portland, ME: '... don't understand what a super delegate is....'

Amy, a superdelegate is an elected official. Senators, congressmen and Governors are included.
Maybe other party officials are included, too.
In other words, the 'party establishment'

I thin they originated in response to the McGovern debacle. Party insiders wanted to have more influence in the process.
Usually this works against insurgent campaigns.
But, if party elders see one candidate can win, they'll drift to him (and I do mean him)

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:31 AM)

Why I cannot support mitt romney

Mitt Romney Flip Flopping!
This guy will do anything for a vote....

Last week, Bay Windows, a Boston gay newspaper, reprinted excerpts from a letter Romney wrote to the Log Cabin Republicans in 1994, hoping to gain the group’s support in his campaign against the veteran Democratic lawmaker and Massachusetts institution.

“If we are to achieve the goals we share, we must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern,” Romney wrote. “My opponent cannot do this. I can and will.”

Romney lost that race by a wide margin, but came closer to defeating Kennedy than had any previous challenger in recent memory. Romney’s support for the gay community did not end with his loss, however, as his political aspirations dictated otherwise. At the Boston Gay Pride Parade in 2002, when he ran for governor, he and his running mate Kerry Healey distributed pink fliers stating, “Mitt and Kerry wish you a great Pride weekend.”

Edna, Boise, Idaho (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:31 AM)

No "has been" is going to influence my vote. I make my own decisions.And Hillary Clinton is my choice, come see why, hillaryclinton.com.

John Rockefeller, Boston,Ma. (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:33 AM)

Kerry endorses Obama. One loser to another!

adorl (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:43 AM)

"But why blame the media when the campaigns were seeing the same polling data in their own tracking surveys?"

Good point. This suggests 3 possibilities - (1) EVERYBODY (pollsters, media, public, campaigns) got caught up in an Obama hype balloon, and/or (2) nobody saw the late-breaking sympathy vote coming for Hil's engineered Cry Scene, and/or (3) we have significant numbers of people who will say in polls that they'll vote for a black man but actually wimp out in the voting booth. As much as I *don't* want to believe that last option, it would make sense seeing what happened in NH.

Perry, NYC (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:44 AM)

IS THAT THE KERRY THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TRIED FOR TREASON, JUST LIKE BILL CLINTON SHOULD HAVE BEN IMPEACHED, AND HILLARY SHOULD BE IN PRISON, OR ALL HER UNDERHANDED DEALS AND POSSIBLY MURDER COVER UP, AND IM STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE ABOUT OBAMA'S PRIEST WAS A RADICAL MUSLIM MAYBE BUSH HAS A WIRE TAP LMAO DEMS
KING OF SMEAR (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:09 AM)

The only two people who should be tried, convicted, and then executed for treason are Bush and Cheney. They're the two bozos who have spent the last 7 years using the Constitution to wipe their back ends with.

Mike K, Denver (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:46 AM)

RobK, Seattle, Wash, Did you say that Gore is an orifice?

Sane in Ut (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:27 PM)

Well its over for Obama - an endorsement from Kerry is the kiss of death. The only way he can win now is if algore or Howey Dean endorses Hillary.

Tom Harold (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:28 PM)

Methinks the candidate that makes the most pronounced gaff, a la the Dean rebel yell, shall doom their candidacy. Get ready for the mud slinging to commence in earnest from all involved. It's gonna get very dirty from here on out folks.

Phred, NH (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:30 PM)

Kelly Quinn Dallas,

If you're interested in Obama's positions, go to his website and read up on Issues.

It's really that simple. :)

Obama Supporter (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:33 PM)

Is that GOPERS or GROPERS ?

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:39 PM)

There seems to be a "Black Hole" for comments posted between around 11am and 12:30pm, (have tried for the two previous days with no luck in getting my posts shown!) But I'm an optimist, so I'll try again!

The reason I think people are voting for Barack Obama is that they are really sick and tired of the PARTISAN GRIDLOCK in Washington. They see his message of CHANGE as a change in the status quo of the way government has worked - or NOT WORKED - for decades. The Executive and Legislative Branches are constantly at odds with each other - with the result of very little getting accomplished. What I see in Barack Obama - and I think what his enormous crowds see - is a man who has proven in the rough and tumble politics of Illinois, as well as in the US Senate, that it IS POSSIBLE to reach across party lines and actually work together to get things done. Isn't that the purpose of government - to get things done for the COMMON GOOD of ALL of the people?? We are so weary of the partisanship and gridlock. We want a fundamental CHANGE in the way our elected leaders deal with one another. Obama has demonstrated that he is capable of attracting not only DEMOCRATS, but also many INDEPENDENTS and REPUBLICANS. If he is able to get a large mandate in November with a diverse cross section of the population, the Legislative Branch will be more likely to work WITH HIM for the common good. I really don't think Hillary would be capable of this. Barack Obama is an inspirational leader who can unite and heal the many divisions in this country. DEMOCRATS - we should not miss out on the opportunity to nominate this man!! He will make a PHENOMENAL PRESIDENT!!!

(note to First Read - I have tried to post these thoughts Tuesday and Wednesday, with no success. Please print this message today! Thanks!)

Sarah, Vienna, VA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:41 PM)

People who read polls need to understand them first. The final number has a margin or error, usually 3-5% according to collection criteria. So say a poll that says Clinton 30% Obama 37% looks pretty good for Obama. But with a 5% margin of error, it could be Clinton 35% Obama 32%.

You also have to look at other factors not reported. Over 30% of people who reported that they would vote for Obama said that their vote was not firm and could change. With Dodd and Biden dropping out, Clinton probably picked up their supporters since they were more main stream candidates.

Another factor is people lie to pollsters. My vote is my business and I don't have to tell you who I am going to vote for. You also have to look at the question. If the polls asks "Would you vote for a black man?" my response would be yes. That does not mean that I am going to vote for Obama, just that I could support him. I think a lot of people to sound politically correct said they would vote for Obama but voted Clinton in the privacy of the voting booth.

Tim, Lubbock, TX (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:42 PM)

Kathryn in Bham: '...So the GOP debate comes on at the same time as Grey's Anatomy...this could be a difficult choice....'

It depends on whether or not you want your consciousness lowered .......

If this debate has a large audience.... it coud significantly reduce the national IQ !!

[;-D

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:42 PM)

Hillary needs to be put in jail... (Hillary Exposed)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq8aopATYyw

JustMe (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:45 PM)

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL: '...Hey guys.... the good news for me about the polling fiasco...especially the great ones like Gallup and Rasmussen is that I will never follow the polls again. So there is less time now I can waste in my day going on polling sites for the frontrunner in either party.....'

But, the DMR poll was pretty good in Iowa....
The state polls are great for determining momentum
Nop, they're not the holy grail, but I'm hungering for state polls for NEvada, SC and the Feb 5th states......

And even Clinton's internal polls showed her losing in NH ....

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:45 PM)

The person we vote into the presidency is very important for each of us and there is no liberal and never will be who should be in that seat. Just Barack Obama's name sends chills up my spine and just why is he considered all black since he has a white mother. Maybe I'm not watching the right thing but I've never seen her picture and I've certainly heard and seen the African side. The liberals are all getting set to turn this country into a socialist country so Mrs. Clinton is no better. I couldn't bear watching Edwards with that stupid smile and hearing him talk like his mouth is full of you know what for 4 to 8 years. You people who are upset with Bush/Cheney because of the Iraq war are completely naive and there's no sense in trying to help you understand what it's all about. There was no one worse as a president then Jimmy Carter and that hateful, narcistic trash named Bill Clinton is very much a close second. In fact you all ought to get over the trashy '60's and "if it feels good do it" '70's. Grow up and care for America as you should.

gini bruce (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:47 PM)

Simple reason Hillary won and the polls were "wrong": NH is an open primary. Anyone can come in and vote in NH if they show they intend to move to NH (wink wink). Hillary had tons of people bused in from out-of-state to vote for her. So the polls weren't wrong: they just reflected what REAL NH people felt, not what the "bus-in" people felt. She has taken a page from Slick Willie's NH comeback victory in 1992.

Art (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:19 AM)

--------------

You obviously don't know what an open primary is by your post.

An open primary means that independents can vote in either party's primary, as opposed to a closed primary like here in NY where only registered members of the party can vote in that party's primary.

Open primary does not mean that anyone can vote as long as they intend to move to NH. AND you have to prove legal residence in NH to register there.

So your post accusing Hillary bussing in out of staters to vote in NH primary is a bold face lie.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:47 PM)

For Pete's sake, get off Hillary's back about the crying. You would think she had burst out into uncontrollable sobbing. So her eyes got misty, and her voice broke a bit. By definition, that is NOT crying. If she were a man, it would be considered an affirmation of humanism. And, by the way, I'm not a democrat. I am a woman, not prone to tears, but I realize when people are exhausted, emotions can get a big ragged. Better that she "moistens up" than doing what she would probably prefer to do - know the heck out somebody! Hang in there, Hillary.

Barbara Bostic, Bedford, VA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:47 PM)

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:47 PM)

A new South Carolina poll just released has Obama up big. There still is time but he clearly is favored: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/01/john-kerry-breaks-his-silence-endorses.html

Daniel, NY (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:53 PM)

Simple reason Hillary won and the polls were "wrong": NH is an open primary. Anyone can come in and vote in NH if they show they intend to move to NH (wink wink). Hillary had tons of people bused in from out-of-state to vote for her. So the polls weren't wrong: they just reflected what REAL NH people felt, not what the "bus-in" people felt. She has taken a page from Slick Willie's NH comeback victory in 1992.
Art (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:19 AM)

An Obama event shortly before the primary was packed, and many of the people were from MA - not NH. Perhaps they stuck around and voted for him.

If you have proof, offer the proof. If all you have is nasty rumors, you lack credibility.

Carrie, Eastern Iowa (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:55 PM)

John Rockefeller, Boston,Ma: '...I make my own decisions.And Hillary Clinton is my choice,...'

NO ! NO ! NO ! John !

I INSIST YOU CHOOSE ROMNEY !!

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:57 PM)

Gentlemen- Your title alludes to the charge of the light brigade however the correct phrase was ours is no to reason why ours is but to do AND die

chas salaz clawson, mi (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:58 PM)

The media is to blame because 1- they were joyfully reporting and predicting the end of the Clinton's. Therefore creating the sympathy vote. 2- The were hammering the over optimistic polls done NH voters throats. No one likes to be told that it's already been decided and there vote is academic. The media know this is particularly true and I wouldn't put it past them to have done it on purpose.

I don't believe the polls debacle had anything to do with race and I think Chris Matthews needs to shut up. He is pro-ratings (not Obama or Clinton), but he is damaging the outcome of this election.

For any of thosw out there who like Obama's message but need more details. Please check his website that clearly lists his policies and experience. He's not short on either, but the media doesn't cover it.

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:01 PM)

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