First thoughts: FL showdown, sideshow

Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 9:28 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** The Florida showdown: The Romney-McCain race in Florida has become almost as entertaining as a Miami-FSU football game (circa '97-'02, of course) -- and about as heated, too. Yesterday, McCain was calling Romney a flip-flopper (ouch), while Romney was returning the fire with McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, and McCain-Lieberman (yikes). And the reason why, as we've mentioned before, is just how much is at stake. A McCain win makes him the undisputed front-runner, with a clear path to the GOP nomination. A Romney win, meanwhile, gives him tons of momentum heading into February 5, although McCain should still do well in several of the delegate-rich states like New York and California. But the bigger effect of a Mitt victory on McCain would be a financial one -- it would make it more difficult for him to raise the cash he needs to stay competitive beyond February 5. Indeed, Romney-McCain has the feel of being one of the closest primaries of this early season … and we all know what happens when Florida has tight contests, right? It’s a winner-take-all, and 57 delegates are at stake. Polls open at 7:00 am ET and close at 7:00 pm ET in most parts of the state; in the panhandle that’s in Central Time, it’s 8:00 am ET and 8:00 pm ET. So there will be no call or even a characterization of the race until 8:00 pm ET.

*** Pluses and minuses: Romney and McCain both have reasons to believe they can win or excuses if they lose. Romney's got the fact this primary is open only to registered Republicans, a group McCain has struggled with in previous primaries. Meanwhile, McCain has veterans and voters over 65 to lean on. But Huckabee may be taking Romney vote, and Rudy may be taking McCain vote. The question is: Which of those two hurt the front-runners more? By the way, don't let folks pass around the myth that the exit polls do not account for the early vote -- that's not true. The consortium thoroughly polls early voters and includes those results in the first wave and adjusts the weighting of that early vote survey as same-day turnout is taken into account.

*** Rudy’s last stand: The GOP candidate who’s trailing a distant third in the polls behind McCain and Romney is the person who staked everything on Florida: Rudy Giuliani. He sure seems to be acting like a guy trying to go out with grace. The autographed baseballs for the traveling press were a nice touch but also a HUGE hint. And as NBC’s John Yang, who is following Giuliani, put it yesterday: There is a real feeling of valedictory on this trip, like a final senior class trip or the bus ride home from summer camp. Reporters posing for pictures with aides, the baseballs on each seat, and so on. The question, short term, is what does Rudy do tomorrow? Dropping out seems likely but does he endorse? Politico's Jonathan Martin has a theory that Giuliani will quickly endorse McCain (i.e., pre-February 5) so that Rudy can bask in the glow a bit in McCain's likely Tsunami Tuesday victories in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Not a bad theory, no?

*** The Florida sideshow: While everything is on the line in Florida's GOP primary, that's certainly not the case on the Dem side, given that the DNC stripped Florida of all of its delegates for moving up its primary before February. In turn, it has become nothing more than a beauty contest. But that hasn't stopped the Clinton campaign -- and some pundits as well -- from trying to make it count, even though the Democratic candidates all pledged not to campaign in the state. In fact, Clinton holds a victory rally of sorts tonight in Davie, FL. But the Obama folks seem to have a point: If the nomination is about winning the most delegates, as the Clinton campaign says, then Florida shouldn't count, right? To put it another way, as we've said before, if you’re heading to the playoffs, you can't suddenly say that some exhibition game now matters. The other issue for Clinton is that she's running against herself, and anything short of a big win could backfire. All this said, what will the average viewer tonight take away? A Clinton win in the most famous swing state in the country? Will the average viewer even care that the DNC penalized the state on the delegate front and that no one campaigned there? This is what the Clinton campaign is counting on.

*** SOTU thoughts: Watching last night’s State of the Union, anyone else get the sense that President Bush was just glad to be done? He had the smirk going for about half the speech, and then came the Iraq portion when the smirk did go away and he made what seemed like a very familiar argument about Iraq and foreign policy. The problem for Bush, of course, is just that: The argument is familiar, and it's unclear whether he has anyone listening to him anymore. As for how the presidentials handled the SOTU, a few things: 1) Mitt Romney seemed hesitant to pin the "broken Washington" tag on Bush when given the chance; 2) Obama's apparent snub of Clinton in the Senate chamber wasn't missed by many (just how bitter is this race?); 3) speaking of Obama, we're guessing the video response he provided a good platform for his supporters to watch and then, well, contribute (by the way, will video SOTU responses be the norm in a few years?); 4) did anyone notice how short McCain's press release response was? Did he really only send out a release praising Bush's earmark comments and that's it? 5) Why did Clinton cancel the rest of her TV interviews last night after her chat with NBC's Brian Williams? Unclear, but she’ll be doing the full cable radio today. Finally, isn't it amazing that Obama-Kennedy stepped on the State of the Union? That's something… says a lot about the presidential race and the sitting president.

*** Buckeye Bill: How much should we read into the decision to send Bill Clinton to Ohio today? Ohio is not a February 5 primary state, but a March 4 one. If February 5 doesn't decide anything (and neither campaign seems to think it will), then the next BIG day is March 4 -- especially for the Clinton campaign, since the primaries and caucuses taking place between Tsunami Tuesday and March 4 are all in states that may favor Obama. Anyway, it's striking to see Bill's schedule already include Ohio, though we're guessing it's a two-fer stop (fundraising in private and a public even tacked on to start prepping post-Feb. 5). And by the way, the Clinton camp is prepping a major endorsement, likely Feb. 5-related; there aren't many big February 5 gets left, so think major members of Congress and governors.

*** On the trail: On the GOP side, Giuliani gives it a final push in Miami, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, and Orlando; Huckabee holds two events in Tampa and then it’s off to three stops in the February 5 state of Missouri; McCain makes four stops in Florida, including Miami, St. Petersburg, and a fundraiser; and Romney makes two stops -- in Tampa and St. Petersburg. On the Dem side, as mentioned earlier, Clinton holds a rally in Davie, FL; Edwards is in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Minnesota; Obama campaigns in Kansas and Missouri; and Bill Clinton, in addition to his event in Ohio, stumps for his wife in New Jersey.

Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 7 days
Countdown to Chesapeake Tuesday: 14 days
Countdown to Ohio and Texas: 35 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 280 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 357 days

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Comments

Will the news please stop talking about that stupid picture, Obama was not snubbing Hillary, he obviously did not want to stand in the way while Hillary was talking to Ted Kennedy. I mean would you want to be standing there hovering over Ted Kennedy while Hillary is talking to him. This is just ridicoulous.

Tina, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:36 AM)

Sierra, you are obviously fixated on Bil Clinton and his marital infidelities. Everyone knows about them and everyone knows its not nice to cheat on your wife. Your boys the Kennedy's arent exactly boy scouts in that department either. But whatever. Your remarks are always very juvenile, and border on repulsive. I sometimes have to turn away, much the same way people do at a crazy person on the subway. Im actually glad that your an Obama supporter. They can have you.
The way you speak is filthier than anything the Clintons have said.

Lynette, NYC (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:47 AM)

Rudy Giuliani's political career is finished. You can't win the Republican nomination as a conservative when you are clearly not a conservative. See "Rudy Giuliani's Conservative Remake" at YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18FJZZk1i0Q

B. Active (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:48 AM)

Joe Scarborough is such a Hill basher it is just horrible. MSNBC management need to reign their pundits in.

Marlon, Pittsburgh (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:49 AM)

Aaron, Miami FL: '...3.Muffen'd up Senate opposition to Bush administration policies on detainee interrogation...'

Aaron, You mean McCain OPPOSED TORTURE !!

I'm no fan of McCain ('bomb, bomb Iran)
But he spoke out against TORTURE !

That's a very moral position
He HAS BEEN TORTURED !
It's completely against the Geneva Convention to TORTURE !

any questions, Aaron ?

Sierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:49 AM)

Note to MSNBC'S bloggers, please check your grammar:

"speaking of Obama, we're guessing the video response he provided a good platform for his supporters to watch and then, well, contribute"

You are overworking the verb ("provided") here. Not to mention mixing tenses.

As for content of this blog: it is meager. One gleans more information from reading the user-comments than the blog itself.

DB (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:50 AM)

Election2008
Using the "Buckeye Bill" piece as a point of departure for thought, I proffer the following: Either America is at a point of transition or it is not.

If Clinton wins the nomination THAT will be the signal that it is NOT. If Obama does, THAT will part 1 of a two-part signal that it might be.

The point to be recognized about the Clintons is, in THIS writer's opinion, the following: IT'S ABOUT THEM.

Given the span of time in the history of America that they have been on the scene, and given that they are operating from the Democratic Party, IT WAS IN THEIR INTEREST to NOT play the so-called southern strategy up to this point. AT THIS TIME IT WAS/IS, so they played it. It was interesting to watch his body language ---- particularly facial expression ----- as he answered the question about Obama vs. the ClintonS with the Jessie Jackson "thing".

As I said in a previous post: It is PRECISELY BECAUSE, it's absurd to refer to the Clintons as "racist", why their performance, especially, slick Willie's, is so invidious. It's simply that ALL other dreams, including MLK's, can wait, if they get in the "Hillary-for-potus" way. Thus ALL, yes, ALL!!, stops must be pulled, to fulfill their self-absorbed wish.

It is illogical to simultaneously say (i) that the Clintons, lets put it this way, have NO "racist" bone in their bodies and (ii) that they did NOT deliberately do what they did ---- play the southern strategy. I vote for (ii). Their behaviour has been astoundingly despicable. If the status quo is what is desired, then Clinton will win the nomination. Pat Buchanan, for example, seems to think so. Given the historical evidence, the cards cut in his favour.

However, the point is, that NO ONE KNOWS. All that anyone can be expressing, at this point, is his or her speculation and/or desire. Why? Because IF THIS IS A MOMENT OF TRANSITION, no one will know UNTIL IT HAPPENS, by definition. A Clinton nomination says no, an Obama nomination says maybe. The latter, with a Republican defeat in November says yes. Everything else is conjecture, speculation and/or desire.

POLpursun (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:51 AM)

Obama snubbing Clinton --<<<

That's what happens when you judge a man by his skin color.

Lyle Connelly, Lexington KY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:52 AM)

What's this? Phone messages in FL from Obama? Thought you weren't gonna have anything to do with FL? It's over little man. You need someone to hold your hand and work under the table. Guess that applies 2 way's huh? I have no ideal how you can look anyone in the eye with all the lies you tell.

Vikki, FL (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:52 AM)

Senator Obama did not snub Senator Clinton. However, it is sad that her supporters are always trying to paint her as the victim of some slight, instead of a leader that we can all look up to.

http://markhalperin.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/kennedyclintonsh260.jpg

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:56 AM)

Hillary showed class while Obama acted like a petulant child by turning his back and saying NA NA NA NA NA....I WON. He showed his true colors (No pun intended) Up until yesterday I was still undecided. Not anymore. We have had 7 yrs of that type of arrogant/partisan behavior where nothing gets done.

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:57 AM)

quote:
Richardson's torn. He served in the Clinton White House, first as ambassador to the United Nations, then as Clinton's Secretary of Energy. "I have a history with the Clintons," Richardson said. "And I've always liked her. She always seems very genuine." But Richardson considers Kennedy, who's long been respected by Hispanics, as "a mentor." In 1982, when Richardson ran for Congress for the second time -- he lost two years before -- Kennedy flew to Santa Fe and campaigned for him. "That might have been the reason I was elected," Richardson said. And he said he likes Obama, telling a story about how Obama saved him during one of last year's Democratic debates:

"I had just been asked a question -- I don't remember which one -- and Obama was sitting right next to me. Then the moderator went across the room, I think to Chris Dodd, so I thought I was home free for a while. I wasn't going to listen to the next question. I was about to say something to Obama when the moderator turned to me and said, 'So, Gov. Richardson, what do you think of that?' But I wasn't paying any attention! I was about to say, 'Could you repeat the question? I wasn't listening.' But I wasn't about to say I wasn't listening. I looked at Obama. I was just horrified. And Obama whispered, 'Katrina. Katrina.' The question was on Katrina! So I said, 'On Katrina, my policy . . .' Obama could have just thrown me under the bus. So I said, 'Obama, that was good of you to do that.'"

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/29/richardsons_choice.html

Marbw (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:58 AM)

Sierra will you PLEASE stop screaming at the Clintons? We all know that they've been campaigning in ways that many of us don't like, but it does NOT help to have you spewing vitriol all over the place. You're likelier to turn people away from Obama by doing that than convince them.

Remember, Obama's message is that we need to STOP demonizing the opposition. WE ARE ALL AMERICANS. We all want basically the same things for ourselves and our country and our world. We need to stop screaming at each other and focus on the positive. Our guy has the momentum now. Stop being bitter and listen to him.

Remember the three little words that are central to this campaign and the American spirit: YES WE CAN! (And we WILL!)

Obama '08!

Steve, Hartford, CT (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:00 AM)

Florida will have its say, trust me. All three Dems are on the ballot, and the Repub voice today will solidify the front runner position and probably send Rudy Giuliani packing. We've arguably been the most crucial swing state in the last two presidential elections (apologies for the 2000 fiasco, BTW; most of us run the other direction when the name "Katherine Harris" is mentioned). Delegates or no, the Dems are paying attention. Don't be surprised if our delegates end up with seats in the summer.

mimi, FL (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:01 AM)

"Not a bad theory, no?" indeed. Only it implies that people/politicians are only in it for self-worth, and standing on principle seems left out of the equation.
--To me, that's depressing; yet something I believe to be true ...a dilemma.

--NSMsnbc (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:01 AM)

Ok this whole Hillary winning FL thing depends on how the media covers it. If no one covers it - it's not a story. I don't think the FL votes will Capture the SC and Kennedy Bounce (If there is a Kennedy Bounce) anyway.

I don't see how people can feel it's a test of Feb 5 states when it is suppose to be a non-contest and no one is suppose to have campaigned there?

Early voting where people possibly only recgonized her name on the ballot will of course favor her - But we also have to look at states where Republicans and Independents will be voting on Feb 5 to get an accurate picture of what may happen for those people into tea leaf theories. FL is not a test of that.

Independent in CA (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:08 AM)

what? some of you still seemed suprised that msnbc and its chatterclass are on the obamamania bandwagon...at least until he is the nominee and then bam! we will start getting the real story

Bill NYC (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:13 AM)

From yesterday's NOW press release shredding Teddy Kennedy because apparently he's now anti-woman. And, apparently Carolyn Kennedy isn't a real woman either because she doesn't think like a cabal in New York City says she should:
"Sen. Kennedy’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton’s opponent in the Democratic presidential primary campaign has really hit women hard," said the statement. "Women have forgiven Kennedy, stuck up for him, stood by him, hushed the fact that he was late in his support of Title IX, the ERA, the Family Leave and Medical Act to name a few."

"And now the greatest betrayal! We are repaid with his abandonment!" the statement continues. "He’s picked the new guy over us. He’s joined the list of progressive white men who can’t or won’t handle the prospect of a woman president who is Hillary Clinton."

If They Don't Think Like You, They're Evil? (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:13 AM)

Ironically, Charles Waddi,Lawrenceville, Georgia, in doing as you say Todd has also gained many fans.
Vote Romney Today, FL (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:18 AM)

I just did!

Roy Daniels, Pensacola (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:15 AM)

I voted for Hillary yesterday during the early voting period in Illinois.

Hillary, hands down, is the most intellectual, best-prepared candidate. She will show all of you during the general election.

I'm perfectly fine with Senator Obama remaining my Senator. He should have really finished out his term long before deciding to run for President.

The arrogance of Obama is sickening. Before you choose to respond, remember one thing, Obama is my part-time Senator - I think I should know...

Adam, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:19 AM)

Hillary is conducting herself as the lady she is. She doesn't need anyone standing beside her to undo what she is saying. She is elegant and her demeanor is that of a presidental canidate we are proud. I hope we will take advantage of this opportunity to help our country and fellow Americans by placing Hillary in the oval office.

Make no mistake, Atlanta (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:19 AM)

Thats a good GIRL TINA your daddys proud you know woman arent smart enough or strong enough to run a country.

kenn (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:21 AM)

Phred, NH (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:23 AM)

Ron in Texas is hilarious! Obama could NEVER win in Florida! There isn't a single pollster that has even hinted that Florida would have been close had Obama put in a major effort! He won Iowa- a state that never elected a woman to ANY MAJOR OFFICE- he then lost NH and Nevada- won SC. Obama will lose by 20 points today- and as Joe Scarborough said (no fan of Hillary's) Obama is lucky the deleagtes weren't at stake as he was never popular there.

Robert Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:29 AM)

NOW Mitt Romney is trying to sell himself as a 'great businessman-therefore-will-be-a-great-president.'

NOT SO. I agree with those who are calling for Romney to stand and account to America for JUST HOW ROMNEY MAKES HIS OWN MILLIONS...

...by forcing thousands of Americans out of our jobs, forcing thousands more to take cuts in pay just to keep our jobs with new company owners...at the hands of Mitt Romney and his Buy-Out Firm, as Romney makes his own huge profits forcing the Buy-Outs of our nation's companies!

Let Romney try to stutter and stammer/temper-tantrum/name-call his way through this! To whom will Romney hurl his insults, false accusations and vile names as he walks away red-faced and angry, INSTEAD OF SIMPLY ANSWERING AMERICA'S QUESTIONS about his business practice of forced buy-outs of American companies ?? Romney sure can't hide, now, behind the word 'religion' to try to keep from answering our questions about the years he's spent selfishly seeking his OWN best interests, NOT our nation's.

Romney's BUSINESS EXPERIENCE is in DESTROYING AMERICA'S JOBS--NOT CREATING THEM!! Even in politics, during his 4-short-years of any 'government' experience, as Massachusetts' governor, Massachusetts was the ONLY STATE to post ZERO GAIN in Employed Residents...MA was 3RD from the Bottom in creating new jobs--and would've been 2ND from Bottom, except Katrina destroyed Louisiana (Center For Market Studies, Northwestern University, Boston Globe 07/29/2007)--even Governor Huckabee knew how to help create new jobs in his state!

Romney can laugh his way, all the way to the bank, every time he forces another American-grown company to shut down! That ol' king romney gathers his wealth around him while he costs hard-working Americans our hard-earned dollars! It doesn't matter to businessmen like Romney if some American kids won't get Easter baskets or Christmas gifts...if some American father can't afford to pay for his daughter's wedding...if some American mother is dying with cancer because her company was forced to close their doors-costing not only family income, but health insurance, also. Romney won't lose any sleep over it. Romney's too busy lining his own pockets with America's blood, sweat and tears.

Romney owes America A LOT of answers.

WHY is the media allowing Romney to coast on this? (more Romney-Dollars???) I hear media warming up to asking Romney to account for his business practices...maybe media are coerced, also, away from asking Romney anything Romney doesn't want to answer...NO ONE likes Romney's angry outbursts and name-calling. First it was aimed at voters, now the media are catching it, also.

If Romney feels 'entitled' to not have to answer our questions, now, on the campaign trail, we sure can't expect we will get any answers if he is elected. Romney shows us his lack of respect. He just wants our votes. He just wants more power.

America, WAKE UP!

romney: no economic savior! (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:31 AM)

FYI for you Democrats out there fighting over the Florida Democrat primary, I've seen more Obama ads on TV than I have McCain. Which is rather interesting for a Democrat candidate that isn't suppose to be campaigning in the State. I think Obama's new he would get around the rules by advertising on CNN and the MSNBC/OBAMA NETWORK.

Roy Daniels, Pensacola, FL (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:40 AM)

Joe Scarborough is such a Hill basher it is just horrible. MSNBC management need to reign their pundits in.
Marlon, Pittsburgh (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:49 AM)

MSNBC Management are the pundits.

Bill Carney (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:42 AM)

The democratic socialist (Edwards) will hang in until the bitter end or lack of money whichever comes first dooms his campaign. He really wants to show up at the convention with hopefully enough delegates to derail one campaign or the other. Who will end up the running mate on the dem ticket? Give thought.
Phred, NH (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:23 AM)

A review of the polls shows that Edwards has flat-lined, but he'll hang in there in hopes of getting a bone. He is so transparent.

jlb (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:45 AM)

Posted this here pre 1100 hrs. Last entry 11:29 AM. Here goes again:

Election2008
Using the "Buckeye Bill" piece as a point of departure for thought, I proffer the following: Either America is at a point of transition or it is not.

If Clinton wins the nomination THAT will be the signal that it is NOT. If Obama does, THAT will part 1 of a two-part signal that it might be.

The point to be recognized about the Clintons is, in THIS writer's opinion, the following: IT'S ABOUT THEM.

Given the span of time in the history of America that they have been on the scene, and given that they are operating from the Democratic Party, IT WAS IN THEIR INTEREST to NOT play the so-called southern strategy up to this point. AT THIS TIME IT WAS/IS, so they played it. It was interesting to watch his body language ---- particularly facial expression ----- as he answered the question about Obama vs. the ClintonS with the Jessie Jackson "thing".

As I said in a previous post: It is PRECISELY BECAUSE, it's absurd to refer to the Clintons as "racist", why their performance, especially, slick Willie's, is so invidious. It's simply that ALL other dreams, including MLK's, can wait, if they get in the "Hillary-for-potus" way. Thus ALL, yes, ALL!!, stops must be pulled, to fulfill their self-absorbed wish.

It is illogical to simultaneously say (i) that the Clintons, lets put it this way, have NO "racist" bone in their bodies and (ii) that they did NOT deliberately do what they did ---- play the southern strategy. I vote for (ii). Their behaviour has been astoundingly despicable. If the status quo is what is desired, then Clinton will win the nomination. Pat Buchanan, for example, seems to think so. Given the historical evidence, the cards cut in his favour.

However, the point is, that NO ONE KNOWS. All that anyone can be expressing, at this point, is his or her speculation and/or desire. Why? Because IF THIS IS A MOMENT OF TRANSITION, no one will know UNTIL IT HAPPENS, by definition. A Clinton nomination says no, an Obama nomination says maybe. The latter, with a Republican defeat in November says yes. Everything else is conjecture, speculation and/or desire.

POLpursun (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:47 AM)

Just heard Obama is for providing lawyers to all enemy combatants. Give me a break. How much of your tax dollars would be used to assist the people trying to kill your sons and daughters under an Obama presidency? I guess all of this "Hope" and "Change" is going to be to the benefit of America's enemies since all the lawyers currently providing assistance to terrorist have given their endorsement to Obama. VERY REVEALING!

Time to look beyond the slogans! (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:53 AM)

Independent in CA (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:08 AM)

How many rationalizations was that? Not enough to explain away a million votes and a demo that will haunt Barry and be a harbinger of what awaits him and his cult members next Tuesday.

ObamaRama (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:56 AM)

Rep. Waters Endorses Clinton

23 minutes ago

NEW YORK (AP) — Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton has won the backing of California Rep. Maxine Waters, an influential member of the Congressional Black Caucus whose support could help blunt charges of racial polarization against the Clinton campaign in the South Carolina primary.

Clinton and Waters were expected to announce the endorsement via conference call later Tuesday.

In a statement, Waters praise the former first lady's readiness to tackle the nation's economic woes.

"At a time when the economy continues to worsen and so many of my constituents are losing their homes and their jobs, we need someone with the leadership and experience who can step in on day one to tackle the economic challenges our country is facing," Waters said. "Hillary understands the daily challenges that people are facing and she will fight for them everyday she is in the White House."

Issues of race and gender have come to the forefront of the campaign, pitting Clinton, who hopes to be the first female president, against Obama, seeking to become the first black to hold the job.

ObamaRama (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:00 PM)

Hillary is merely thinking ahead about Florida, as she should be, because the General Election would be ALOT harder to win without winning the swing states of Florida and Michigan! What was UP with Obama snubbing Hillary last night and refusing to shake her hand? That is NOT very unifying behavior, is it? He was once again behaving like a spoiled child, and it was NOT a pretty sight....HILLARY 2008!!!!!!!!!

Cathy, Upstate NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:00 PM)

To me Obama looked childish and immature when he blew Clinton off and turned his shoulder to her at the state of the union. Could you imagine if Hillary had done this to Obama? The media and blogs would be all over her.

Eric, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:03 PM)

I totally agree, Tina -- for Obama to have remained in the middle as Kennedy and Clinton greeted one another on a most awkward day for two long-time friends would have been rudely intrusive. Obviously none of us can *know*, but I think that based on Obama's past actions -- HE has been the one to deliberately initiate a cordial exchange with Clinton at the debates and on the stand at the MLK event -- he should be given the benefit of the doubt in this instance. ----- All these folks are pros and I'm sure could and would smile at the Devil if necessary. But on a more human level, I can see Obama's not wanting to make things more awkward for Kennedy, who had just given him so much. Think of it this way, if your ex and his/her former wife/husband meet at a social event, don't you step aside and give them a moment of privacy, just out fo respect? Only problem here is that there was no other physical space to step TO.

Elizabeth (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:03 PM)

Maybe I'm just old-fashioned, but it really bothers me that we're even considering a person like McCain. I want a first lady in the White House who wasn't the "other woman", and a man of principle as our CEO in chief. I cringe when I imagine an angry, war obsessed, economically incompetent person like McCain in there. Just a thought.....

Randa (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:05 PM)

Make no mistake Atlanta wrote:
"Hillary is conducting herself as the lady she is. She doesn't need anyone standing beside her to undo what she is saying."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Maybe instead of telling us, you should mention this to Bill. Seems to me like she needs ALOT of people to prop up her candidacy. Increases the deniability factor.

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:10 PM)

Randa -
Check out Mike Huckabee's stance on the issues. He is an incredible leader with a proven record and is the hope factor that we are all looking for to make drastic changes for the future of our country.
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=5

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:19 PM)

Cathy, Upstate NY - What was UP with Obama snubbing Hillary last night and refusing to shake her hand? That is NOT very unifying behavior, is it?

And unifying behavior is judging a man by his skin color? He would have had reason to take a swing at her. The Clintons are despicable people.

Sharper Williamson, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:21 PM)

What an absolute betrayal of the early state voters. Clinton made a promise to the people of Iowa, NH, NV, and SC for the purposes of winning their votes. Now she is breaking that promise once they have already voted and she can't "use" them anymore.

This is another example of "say anything or do anything to win."

Lance, Austin, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:46 PM)

To romney: no economic savior- it's very easy to get the answers to your 'questions'. All you need to do is take a business course (or google) venture capital. You'll learn that firms like Bain Capital CREATE far more jobs than they cut. You'll learn that the jobs they do cut would have been lost anyway when the company went under. VC firms save/fix/re-invent failing companies and provide long-term stability that wouldn't have existed without them (think K-Mart). They also provide funding for start-up companies, creating thousands of new jobs (think Staples). It doesn't take a genius to understand this, just a little education and a little common sense... try it.

Randa- I couldn't agree more. that's why Romney is the best GOP choice. He's educated, experienced, moral, and ethical. He's intelligent, but willing to admit when he makes a mistake (humble). I hope Florida sees through the McCain lies today and chooses Romney- the best candidate!

Kira, Utah (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:51 PM)

AND all this screaming and insulting and....Hillary will be our next president. She will be great.

j fl (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:53 PM)

I find it very telling how the media is hyper reporting how Hillary stopped in Florida for a fund raiser and is coming back tonight after the polls close for a victory rally, yet is under reporting that the Obama campaign ran national ads on cable TV (MSNBC and I think on CNN) that appeared in Florida for a week before our primary, breaking the No Campaign pledge. I live in Florida and saw the Obama ads as much as I say McCain, Rudy, Mitt, and Huckabee ads. Don't tell me that Obama didn't campaign here, because he did via TV ads. It was a sneaky way around the pledge and the Obama camp knows it and the media is suppressing it. I'm sure Obama wants our votes and would be singing a different tune about the importance of Florida should he do well here. However, I'm glad Hillary is standing up for Florida. Too bad Obama doesn't have the backbone to stand up for Floridians as well.

Kristine, Melbourne, Florida (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:54 PM)

Adam, Obama is also my senator and I'm proud to share him with the rest of the country.

To the Hillary drones out there, it is laughable that there are so many posts about a fabricated snub that doesn't exist. Have any of you ever leaned back so that 2 people could talk over you? Same thing. Try not to look so desperate for anti Obama material.

AP from IL (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:56 PM)

DO you people railing against Chris Matthews for anti-Hillary bias actually watch his show? Last night he had Hillary as the #1 likely pick to be the next POTUS, followed by Romney and then Obama. I don't agree, but what are you guys talking about? Anyway you've still got Pat Buchanan pushing your girl at every opportunity. Of course Pat is a cagey old right wing culture warrior from way back trying to trick the Dems into nominating the weakest candidate, but at least you can't accuse him of anti-Hillary bias.

jaycee, Ventura, California (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:58 PM)

Hey Kenn, I was making an observation about something being blown out of proportion in the news. If you have nothing useful to say then why bother writing anything.

Tina, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:59 PM)

Obama Rama sent 11:56am

Just stating a fact that I don't think HRC will sweep ALL Feb. 5th States......Many people don't care for the way Billary have behaved and will show it with their votes.

Independent in CA (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:01 PM)

By the way...to almost everyone I've talked to down here, the biggest thing on the ballot today is the property tax question. I've heard very little chatter in my office today about the primary, but some very intense conversations about the property tax question.

So later tonight when someone is trying to spin things on turnout, don't buy it. Dems aren't showing up at the polls for the primary, but rather for the contentious property tax amendment.

Frank "Grimey" Grimes, Springfield, USA (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:33 PM)

AND all this screaming and insulting and....Hillary will be our next president. She will be great.

No she won't. And it's mostly because she sucks.

Ginger, al (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:57 PM)

that snub was real...the photographer stated it was deliberate and he is a long time worker there, he would know. O'bama may initiate some of their "cordial" encounters after debates, but that's because he knows everyone is watching, there. He didn't know that picture would be taken (cudos to the photographer) and seen by the public. I'm so tired of O'bama talking out of both sides of his mouth and watching everybody fall for it. He says he's a "new" kind of politician, but has long been using the same political tactics as everyone else. He has distorted and outright lied in his speeches and adds, then condemns the Clinton's for the same. He voted "present" and "pushed the wrong button" on some terribly important votes in IL for political reasons. Since most of the press is solidly on the O'bama bandwagon, you have to dig a little to find a lot of the facts. Check some of the fact finder sites and you will see that O'bama might talk pretty, but he's the same old kind of politician that he pretends to abdure.

hillary 08 (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 2:29 PM)

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