Obama unsure Hillary can get his voters

Posted: Friday, February 01, 2008 12:45 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
The lovey-doveyness of last night's debate may have come to an end. This morning, Obama said Clinton supporters would vote for him but the reverse would not be true. He took credit for helping to expand the playing field for Democrats by "attracting new voters and independent voters into the process in a way that Senator Clinton cannot do."

"I don't take all the credit for the enormous upsurge in participation in the Democratic primaries and caucuses over the last four contests," Obama said while taking questions from reporters in Los Angeles. "But I think it's fair to say nobody has done more to engage and bring people in who otherwise would not participate."

Obama and McCain both attract a large number of Independents, while Clinton is stronger among Democrats than Independents. Using Nevada as an example, Obama said while Clinton did well in Clark County where traditional Democrats reside, he did well in Elko, a place without traditional Democratic votes.

"I am confident I will get her votes if I'm the nominee," Obama stressed. "It's not clear she would get the votes I got if she were the nominee."

Obama also repeated his assertion he would be best to counter McCain on Iraq. "There's going to be a contest with John McCain, potentially, somebody who's been very clear and firm about his position on the war," he said. "If we go in there suggesting that it just was not managed well by George Bush, then Senator McCain will be able to come back and argue, that in fact we've reduced violence in the surge, we're now getting it right in his framework. I totally dispute that. I think it's easier for me to dispute given my long standing belief that it was a strategic error on the part of the Bush administration."

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Comments

Threatening that his supporters will not support the Democratic nominee? What a consummate arrogant jerk and bully.

I hope the voters tell this big inflated ego full of pep rally rhetoric a thing or two about Democrats on Feb 5th.

MS, Cordele, GA (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:45 PM)

As an Obama supporter, it would be very tough for me to vote for Hillary. She's smart, and she knows what's up, but simply put, I really, really, really don't like her. I think that many Independents, Moderate Republicans and even many Democrats feel the same way.

The only thing that's tough is the fact that McCain wants to stay in Iraq, and not only stay there, but stay there for 100 years. Wow

Jeff, Atlanta Georgia (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:47 PM)

He's right. Hillary would have a really hard time against McCain. Her 35 years of experience wont wash and they'll take her down like Kerry for her war vote "flip flop." Her only chance is if Romney somehow manages to get the nom, which is still possible.

Gabe White Plains New York (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:47 PM)

I think it's a bit of a stretch for Obama to say his voters wouldn't vote for Hillary. Who would they vote for, McCain? Or not vote at all? No, I think the vast majority of Obama supporters will vote for Hillary, if given the choice between her and Bush-on-steroids- McCain.

HP, Kansas (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:48 PM)

This man is a disgrace. Someone said, "we have an RFK" on our hands..." Try to imagine those words coming from Robert F. Kennedy. Tuesday can't come fast enough...

ObamaRama (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:48 PM)

Hillary's Iraq argument that the war just wasn't executed well, that absolutely scares me. She refuses to admit she made a mistake, and she insists on continually defending her original actions. And now, she's going as far as to say it was just managed poorly. No! The problem with Iraq was FAR more than mismanagement. The entire idea behind the war was flawed, the whole idea that we needed to go to war was flawed, and instead of admitting this, Hillary calls Saddam a "meglomaniac" in the last debate, like that makes it ok to throw away trillions of dollars and thousands of US lives.

Hillary may claim to be ready to lead on day one, but Barack Obama will be making the right decisions on day one.

And Obama is correct. I cannot stand Hillary because of her policies and ideas. I know that nothing will get done if she is President, because the Republicans will never give an INCH to her.

Ron, TX (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:48 PM)

I laugh at 1) the Clinton supporters who are shredding him for this comment and 2) the frauds who say they'll vote for a Republican if Obama gets the nomination.

The facts are the facts: I'm one of those lifelong Republicans who will vote for Obama over McCain but who would never vote for Hillary Clinton. Zach in OH, you stipulated that you couldn't see why an Independent who supported Obama wouldn't support Hillary).

Here's your answer (and a ton of people feel this same way): I think she and her husband have ZERO integrity. What I've witnessed the past month has reminded me of their true colors and I have been disgusted by it. Furthermore, I am sick of the hatred and divisiveness in DC. Another Clinton Administration would make what we had to endure the past 4 years from the clowns in my former party look like a walk in the park.

Scott, California (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:49 PM)

Billary is bought and paid for. This deal was made hours after the Monica mess. Please do not embarrass America by putting them in office. I'll vote Republican before I would vote for Clinton

Catherine, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:51 PM)

HP,
The indies and former Repubs that would support Obama will hold their nose and vote for McCain. If it's Romney-Clinton, there will be a 3rd party.

Bill, NY, NY (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:51 PM)

"A true democrat will vote for the party's nominee. How dare Mr. Obama start dividing the party!"

In case you can't comprehend Obama said that the voters that voted for him are NOT democrats

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:51 PM)

I'm a Hillary supporter and I will NOT vote for Obama if he gets the nod, I will vote for McCain instead. He has the audacity to assume that we're all blind followers - so the truth about his feelings for the American public become clear - he should not be making such general statements about the Democratic party. It's either Hillary or McCain for me - DEFINITELY NOT MR. I LOVE MYSELF SO MUCH YOU SHOULD LOVE ME TOO OBAMA!

Denise, Baltimore, MD (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:52 PM)

I really hope people are lying when they say they will vote for McCain if their favorite democratic cadidate does not get the nomination. That is ridiculous. We need to support our party. Clinton and Obama at least share similar views when it comes to civil rights such as gay rights, women's issues and getting us out of Iraq. McCain said he wants to keep the troops in Iraq for 100 years! He is pro-life, pro-gun and anti-gay. Would you REALLY choose him over our democratic candidates?

Laura, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:52 PM)

First Read did not post my original comment, therefore I will try to tone it down...please post this. I am a Hillary supporter who believed what Obama had to say last night about bringing the party together, UNTIL I saw this outrageous statement from him today. I cannot and will not vote for Obama due to the sheer arrogance of his statement. HILLARY '08!

Cathy, Upstate NY (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:52 PM)

If you're not voting for a Democrat, regardless of who it is, then you're voting to keep our 'kids' in Iraq, and probably in other countries as well. Yeah, that seems worth it. Idiots.

Jeff, Atlanta Georgia (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:52 PM)

How can Obama claim he can lead a nation to accept an unpopular but necessary action to assure the well being of the country when he admits he can't even lead his supporters to do the same?

Campdog (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:53 PM)

Party allignments mean nothing. The race is already between Obama and McCain. If only one is in the general election, it will be a landslide.

Brian, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:53 PM)

So much for being a "true democrat".... if it means rewarding Clinton's underhanded tactics, you can forget it. I have voted democrat for over 40 years and I will not vote for Hillary. Obama is right and not just about the young voters. A lot of us will stay home in November if the Clintons are on the ballot.

SandyA (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:54 PM)

The only reason Obama seems less like a typical politician than HRC is because nobody knew who he was until recently. The media has created his fame and "pure" image to keep this presidential race exciting for viewers because originally, Clinton was a sure-shot. If Obama is elected, wait a few months and see if he still isn't picked apart as a typical politician.

Z, Ohio (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:54 PM)

O's right. If this election becomes one between Hillary & McCain, my vote's (and a lot of folks who I know are right now supporting O) are going to McCain. I do not want another Clinton in the White House. I don't want a co-Presidency and I am sick and tired of scandal. Just yesterday MSNBC had a story about Bill's influence peddling and has anyone forgotten about the Lincoln bedroom and Marc Rich, who later went on to become a major contributor to the Clinton Library but we will never know to the tune of how much because the Clinton's refuse to release these records. If Obama doesn't get the nomination, I'll do my best to see that the Clinton's don't win either.

Chris Salzmann, Atlanta, GA (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:54 PM)

I believe it might be the other way around. I for one would vote Republican before Obama or better yet, abstain completely. Pretty arrogant for a guy who has no idea what he is getting himself into. As much as we'd all like a change from the same old policial crap in Washington, let's be realistic. We need someone in there who can wade her way through it all. It won't change over night and it won't change during Obama's tenure. It will only make the Democratic party look bad and 4 years later we're back with the Republicans. Think before you speak like this Mr. Obama. I give you marks for being a great speaker and people get mesmorized by you but I'm not looking for a preacher to follow, I'm looking for someone who can actually pull it off. Hillary has my vote.

M Jolly, Orlando Fl. (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:55 PM)

It was agreed upon before the Florida primary that the delegates would not count. The was a DNC decision and all the candidates supported it. It is only now where Billary won that she wants the delegates to count. Once again, Billary can't stand on a decision she made!

T Hart (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:55 PM)

Clinton supporters don't understand what Senator Obama is talking about. Clinton is getting the votes from democratic base and those will come to Obama if he is the nominee. But the votes Obama is getting are not only from democratic base but also from Republicans and independents and young voters and adults who never voted before. These voters who are beyond democratic base but supporting Obama will not automatically go to Clinton. If they liked Clinton, they would have been there to begin with. If Clinton is democratic nominee and McCain is republican nominee, those voters will have a choice to go to McCain instead of Clinton. Why it's so difficult to understand for Clinton supporters.

Arshad, Newburgh, NY (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:55 PM)

Obama's right---I'm sticking with the guy who thought, as I did, that Iraq was a horrible mistake from the gitmo...I mean, gitgo! It makes your position clearer when dealing with the doublespeaking hawks.

Class warrior, D.C. (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:56 PM)

Obama hit it right on the head. I am a lifelong Democrat living in NYC. I voted for the Clintons four times. Twice for Hillary and twice for Bill. But I am telling you that I am staying home on Election Day if Obama is not on the ticket and I know DOZENS of Democrats right here in NYC who feel the same way!!! Hillary has shot herself in the foot with these divisive tactics!!! What did it for me was everything from Iowa to Nevada!!!
OBAMA-08!!!

Gregory T, NY, NY (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:56 PM)

That is the most arrogant statement and it is also untrue. Even if he believes that to be true he shouldn't say it. It says something if he is only attracting anti-Hillary voters and former Republicans. Hillary attracts a wide range of voters WITHIN the Democratic party so Obama shouldn't see this as a good thing. Hillary pulls most of the people over 40 group, the women, the Latinos, whites, and the blue collar vote. Obama attracts young people, blacks, and anti-Hillary independents and Republicans. I recognize and appreciate that Obama has attracted unconventional Democratic voters to our party but in no way does he have an upperhand in this situation. He's just trying to scare people into thinking Hillary is unelectable so they vote for him. Don't buy into what he says. There are still a lot of people Obama can't attract who are crucial to winning the general election

ClassyChic, Michigan (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:56 PM)

"Don't ever forget the reason we got W was because Gore who was a shoe in to win had to distance himself from the disgrace of the Clintons and could not use Bill to help in his run."
--The reason we got W and not Gore was because:
1-The Biased media made Gore sound like a liar and fool--he NEVER said he invented the internet, he said he voted for the funding to research it!
2-Gore picked an idoit for a running mate, instead of a popular stateman from a swing state.
3-Republicans "rigged" the election in Florida.
4-Gore did not win his home state of TN.

-Facts over fear!

Clinton 2008
3-

kevin san diego ca (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:56 PM)

To the person who said the independents are shoving Obama down your throats - you need to listen to the independents very carefully. Whether you like it or not, we are the ones who ultimately decide who will be president. Usually, we have to just wait for the two parties to put out subpar candidates and decide which one is the least subpar. This time, we are signaling to you who we will definitely support in the general. IGNORE US AT YOUR PARTY'S PERIL!

Brian, Urbandale, IA (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:56 PM)

J. Merle, Obama doesn't want or need your vote. Please vote for anyone else. We really don't care.

Billy, Normal, IL (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:56 PM)

Women have come out in force for Hillary. She has won FOUR of the six contests so far. Barry's only win in a VOTE came in the only state with a majority of AA voters.

He has garnered over 80% of the AA vote, and little else since Iowa. These are facts. He has failed to win DEMOCRATS, Hispanics, Asians, Whites, WOMEN, SENIORS, blue-collar workers, union members (even when he has the endorsement OF THE UNION) etc.

Clinton has put together a winning democratic coalition that Barry never could. The demographic breakdowns will come as a SHOCK to Chuck(les) and Co. while any objective review of the results of the previous six contests clearly predict what we'll see Tuesday night.

ObamaRama (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:56 PM)

T Hart (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:56 PM)

This man is a disgrace. Someone said, "we have an RFK" on our hands..." Try to imagine those words coming from Robert F. Kennedy. Tuesday can't come fast enough...

ObamaRama (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:56 PM)

As a 50-year old Union member and life long Dem who is supporting Obama, "Yes, I would have a very hard decision to make, casting my vote for Hillary. I hate NAFTA and WAL MART too much."

Dan LaBlanc, Norman, OK (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:58 PM)

He's making them Campaign in ARKANSAS. Big Mo is behind our back's. America feel's it!!!!!!!!The caucasion voter's tipping to Barack's side is the Only EXPLANATION for his knocking off that 10-20 point national lead from Only a few days ago.

Rick,ky (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:58 PM)

Obama is arrogant.

Davy, Cleveland, OH (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:59 PM)

The problem here is that the truth sometimes hurts. But Senator Obama is telling the truth. Many of these new voters are coming out because they believe in HIS MESSAGE, not the Democratic party. Sad but true. I don't see this as an attack on Senator Clintion, just a valid observation.

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 1:59 PM)

I personally cannot see any reason whatsoever that an Independent who previously supported Obama would not vote for Hillary Clinton should she receive the nomination. If voters are making their decisions based primarily on the issues, there is no doubt these Obama supporters would rather see Hillary Clinton over McCain enter the White House in 09 because, as far as the issues go, Hillary is almost identical to Obama while McCain differs tremendously (especially with respect to the Iraq War).

Because Clinton and McCain have the same voting record. Bill Clinton himself said that. The only difference is that McCain has integrity and actually fights his party when he thinks they are wrong. Yes McCain says that he will have permanent bases in Iraq. We have them everywhere else so perhaps we do need them in the region now that we are in this horrible war. We shouldn't have ever went to Iraq; but we are there now. What comes next is important and I trust McCain over Clinton when it comes to handling Iraq. They vote the same but he reads the National Intelligence Reports (NIE) and stands up for the vote. She votes for the war and didn't read the report and did it for political purposes so that she would look moderate in the Iraqi war. Who would you trust more to look out for the Nation?

I prefer Obama; but I will accept McCain. At least that way we get a Democrat in 4 years and restore respect and intelligence to the White House.

Stacy, Gloucester Va (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:00 PM)

The argument that someone would not vote for Hillary simply because she is a Clinton and they are sick of dynasties, or Bill would be a co-president, etc. is so small minded it is astonishing. These are the people that are SHEEP; that are ready to jump of a bridge for Obama when he talks about 'Hope' and 'Change' like they're buzzwords without addressing anything of substance including hard stances on the issues or how would carry out this change! Further, all his applause comes from throwing around hope and change, taking cheapshots at the Bush administration or Hillary, talking about being right on day 1. etc. Great soundbites but no substance! At least Hillary talks about the issues and how she plans to carry out her objectives!

Let me be perfetly clear on this - THERE IS NO WAY I VOTE FOR OBAMA IN NOVEMBER! I WOULD SOONER VOTE FOR THE DEVIL HIMSELF (Republican)!

Arsene Wegner, Malibu, CA (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:00 PM)

Frauds my foot! There are tens of thousands who would rather see a republican in office agian than the fraud Obama as president! What a nightmare that would be! obama bin laden as president.. OUCH! America would be in trouble!!!

adrian, dallas, tx (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:01 PM)

It's a shame Hillary had to cry and win in N.H. I agree with Sen. Obama that a lot of his support will not fall in line behind Sen. Clinton. If she wins the nomination I think we better all get ready for more wars and a hundred years in Iraq. I myself will find it hard to cast a vote for Mrs. Clinton...she's just totally uninspiring.

Bill Mc El Reno, OK (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:02 PM)

Neither are perfect but don't bring Bill's scandle into it. I mean after all isn't George at 1600 because of his exlemplary morals? Look where thats gotten us.

Lauri, Annapolis, MD (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:02 PM)

What gave Obama the audacity to make that arrogant comments? and I'm shocked the media didnt call him out for such statements. In November, whoever wins the nominee should be able to move forward with all demeocrats. I beleive Obama has beleived in his mind that nothing can stopp him from nomination. HELLOO!!!, There is someone called Hillary, she still leads in ALL polls, including national polls.

Mike, MD (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:03 PM)

Like I said, Obama is absolutely right. This isn't about ego. Does anyone realize just how divisive the Clinton's are? If you don't know that by now then reading the posts here should give you a good idea. I'm sick & tired of the Clinton's aura of entitlement and dirty politics. They showed their true colors earlier in this primary and they will never get my vote. In fact, I and many others like me will vote McCain into office if it keeps the Clinton's out of the White House. Sorry, but that's just how many of us feel. Again, this isn't about Obama's ego or anything. He's just stating a pretty obvious fact.

Chris Salzmann, Atlanta, GA (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:03 PM)

Clinton should counter this horrible statement by the great Unifier with this " I will urge all of my supporters to switch their allegience to Barack Obama if I happen to not win the democratic nomination. We has a party should stand behind whomever his chosen to be the Democratic Nominee" Pay attention folks.

Lynette, NYC (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:03 PM)

Why is it that Obama is continually talking about himself. It's me, me, me. I thought he was about the american people. What he said about his people not voting for Hillary if she's the nominee is stupid. We are all Democrats. He's arrogant to think that if's he's not the nominee, no one will vote for Hillary. Let me tell you this. Republicans are having second thoughts about McCain. If Ann Coulter would vote for Hillary in the General Election, how many more will. That's something to think about. since Obama is being so divisive, I won't vote for him if he's nominated. He just ruined the good feelings I had about him after the debate last night. Let him keep talking about himself like that and he'll sink himself.

Louise M, San Jose, CA. (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:03 PM)

Obama is not saying that HE wouldn't support Clinton. What he is saying is simply that people who support him aren't as likely to vote for Clinton if he doesn't get the nomination. It's a polled fact and has nothing to do with "dividing" the party. My husband has been and always will be, a Republican, but he won't (for obvious reasons!) be voting Republican this year. He'll vote for Obama or nobody. He despises the Clintons. I'm a Democrat who supports Obama, and will RELUCTANTLY vote for Clinton if I have to. I voted twice for Bill Clinton, but it's time to "turn that page". My point is that Obama is getting votes from Republicans and Indies that otherwise Clinton would never get.

Ruth,FL (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:04 PM)

some comments here are terribly insulting and unimaginable...for pete's sake, the guy says "its not clear, if she can win mine" ...he didnt say 'its not possible'..and by the way, its a fact!...Hillary supporters are just full of insults for Barack...its not fair, give the guy some credit please!!!!

Anselka (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:04 PM)

How about the 300,000 people who voted against Obama for Hillary in Florida? Obama is a little scary..thinking that I would vote for him over Hillary. Not me or the 300,000 who came out for Hillry in Florida with no prompting. He is the only one who ran television ads there against his promise. How about his 'bad judgement' with regard to his financier Revko. Not only did Obama get a house for 5 billable hours during his tenure as a junior attorney but he now has the lot next door. Answer those questions about his integrity and his vow not to take money from lobbyists and special interest. He just takes it from identified thieves

Marysia Miller, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:07 PM)

Obama needs to remember his friend in Tennessee, Harold Ford, Jr. Be honest folks, anyone who would not vote for Harold Ford, Jr. will not vote for Obama. That dog just won't hunt in the deep south and Obama needs to remember it.
I'll vote for either who gets the nomination, anyone who says they won't are really repugnant plants who would not vote for the Democratic Nominee regardless of who it is.

Union Baby, Tennessee (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:08 PM)

Its funny that Robert Kennedy's children are behind Clinton. Considering that Robert was by far the better Kennedy all Around. He was the one who fought the hardest to get the civil rights passed.
So maybe Ted, Caroline and Patrick should of listened to the rest of their family.

mel (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:08 PM)

You people can't have it both ways...when Obama is too polite, you thing he doesn't have the backbone to be president. When he states the obvious (about G.E. electability) you say he's splitting up the party. What about all the vitriol spewed from Billary prior to this debate, eh?
Obama is totally correct...he has energized voter turnout..although I'm sure Bush is partly due credit too. But if it's Hillary and not Obama, I don't think you're going to see Democrats and left leaning independents come out quite in the droves for her in the G.E. as Obama. Plus, there's the Anybody But Clinton (ABC) crowd on the right that WILL be energized to come vote AGAINST Hillary, who would be more likely to not vote vs. Obama.
All you Dems pull your heads out...if it IS Obama in the G.E., would you REALLY not vote (or worse..vote for McCain) and give our country away....AGAIN!!?!?!?

Stu P., Los Angels (Sent Friday, February 01, 2008 2:09 PM)

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