March 4: A must-win situation

Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:07 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Democrats

Today’s New York Times: "Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and her advisers increasingly believe that, after a series of losses, she has been boxed into a must-win position in the Ohio and Texas primaries on March 4, and she has begun reassuring anxious donors and superdelegates that the nomination is not slipping away from her, aides said on Monday."

VIDEO: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd offers his first read on why Hillary Clinton's campaign is expecting no new primary victories until March.

"Clinton held a buck-up-the-troops conference call on Monday with donors, superdelegates and other supporters; several said afterward that she had sounded tired and a little down, but determined about Ohio and Texas. They also said that they had not been especially soothed, and that they believed she might be on a losing streak that could jeopardize her competitiveness in those states. ‘She has to win both Ohio and Texas comfortably, or she’s out,’ said one superdelegate who has endorsed Mrs. Clinton, and who spoke on condition of anonymity to share a candid assessment. ‘The campaign is starting to come to terms with that.’ Campaign advisers, also speaking privately in order to speak plainly, confirmed this view."

On the money front: "Some donors also expressed concern about a widening money imbalance between Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton: Obama fund-raisers say he is taking in roughly $1 million a day, while Clinton fund-raisers say she is taking in about half of that, mostly online. Mrs. Clinton’s aides say that the campaign was virtually broke as of the Feb. 5 primaries, but that finances have stabilized."

The New York Daily News compares Clinton's wait-‘til-March 4 strategy to Giuliani’s Florida-or-bust strategy. "If Obama sweeps Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia today, he'll be 7-0 since Super Tuesday, when he won 13 contests to Clinton's nine. Wisconsin and Hawaii next Tuesday also look promising for him.”

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Comments

Hillery is doing ok. Opera and Ferrakkan may be helping Obama but Hillery will enter the White House her own person.I want to know still what kind of change Obama has in store for us? That yes we can is scary and his inexperience is worse. Now that he is front runner maybe he will lose the free ride and people start looking at him more. His supporters get on here with all the vile they can muster against Hillery so he can keep his hands clean and say i am running a clean campaign Wow! Ya what i want in the White house.

Jane Doe (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:24 AM)

With 168 delegates up for grabs today and Obama leading in the polls for these states it is likely that Obama will at best gain another 56 delegates if he wins by approximately a 2-1 margin. That said, the race will still be essentially tied. While Barack will lead in number of states it still will come down to the big states, like Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania. If Obama can win one of those states I believe he wins the nomination. If, however, Barack goes 0 for 3 in those states then Hillary is the choice. Being from Pennsylvania, what will really be interesting is the battleground of the Pennsylvania primary if Hillary wins Ohio and Texas.

JD, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:31 AM)

Jane Doe... it is HillAry, not ...ery. Hurry up and get to class before you get in trouble.

Jesse, Fallon NV (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:41 AM)

Jane Doe-

I agree that Obama is too inexperienced. He's hardly a JFK. Uncle Ted and Aunt Caroline forget that JFK had strong national security credentials when he ran in '60, and was in his second Senate term. JFK had even run for the VP nomination at the '56 convention, but narrowly lost it to Kefauver. Also, JFK travelled extensively to Vietnam and other countries as a young Congressman and Senator, and, while Joe Kennedy was Ambassador to England in 1939, JFK was in the gallery in the House of Commons when England declared war against Hitler.

JFK had experience and national security cedentials, and Obama has neither. Obama gives sooooarrring speeches about "Yes! WE can!".....well, yes we can what??

Obama is Peter Pan. Even Robin Hood stood for something, like taking from the rich and giving to the poor. What does Obama stand for besides generalities like "Yes, we can" and change" and "hope"?

Obama, the first termer, is too inexperienced to be President. "Yes! We can!"....yes we can what????

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:44 AM)

With all of the built in advantages Hillary Clinton has had in this race: a spouse who is a former and well liked two-term President, 20 yrs. of institutional support within the party leveraged to the hilt, Super delegates who pledged support early when she was supposedly "inevitable"...I can only conclude that she is NOT the toughest candidate. How could she be? She says she won't be knocked out of the ring in the general? Isn't that what's happening right now? It's been only a year since a virtually unknown man by the name of Obama came on to the national scene and began to inspire a grassroots movement that only seems grow stronger by the day. People are supporting him with overwhelming force. If the might Clinton machine can't withstand it, I pity John McCain in the General.

Mo Jones, Wayne NJ (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:51 AM)

Well Jane Doe, at least you know how to spell Obama's name correctly.

CS, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:52 AM)

Can't see anyone surviving Obama at this point. I know Hillary is good, but i think she is sinking fast. After tonight i think she will break and this thing is all Obama's.

Fred Share (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:52 AM)

Great post Jane Doe Obama has said he will have universal health care in his first term of course it won't be universal since you can out out until you get seriously ill. He also says it will be just like he gets as senator isn't that free?

Rufus Gibbons Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:01 AM)

Anyone that thinks the nomination can be decided before the primary results of Ohio and Texas, in particular, is just being foolish.

JD, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:07 AM)

Have any of you Obama supporters ever checked the connection of Ferrakkan with Obama? Maybe you should take the time to see what you are supporting. Here is a information site you can see what you are supporting:

http://search.msn.com/results.asp?q=Barack+Hussein+Obama%2C+Louis+Farrakhan&search=Web&submit=Search&id=11881780&FORM=AE&os=0&gs=1&p=1

Hillary is holding her own with msnbc bias I think she can hold her head high and know she can be proud of her accomplishments.

Obama has yet to have any pressure on him to see how he will react. I hear "I withstood the Clinton Machine" but he is sooooo in for a suprise when the republicans get hold of him. Those who support him better say a prayer he is as clean as he says he is. The storm has not yet struck for Obama.

Hillary is the only one who has the knowledge to correct Washington and put back the interegy so badly needed after 7 years of Bush.

DJ (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:08 AM)

Wow, nice racist and uneducated comment there 'Jane'. Oh and good spelling too. If your going to vote for "Hillery" you might want to at least get her name correct. PS, forgive me if I'm wrong, but isn't she riding the coat tails of someone else.... oh yeah, that former President guy. Come on folks, let's take an intelligent approach to voting otherwise we are marginalizing ourselves.

Chris 'Doe', Tampa, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:08 AM)

Damn my friend, Hillary, you forgot that this election is all about us voters making adecision about our nation's leadership. For you to fret so much about losing is not a good thing. You should be smiling, happy and proud to have voters making the decision.
I still support you. But please stop your desperate tactics. This is no sports contest. It is about us Americans making decisions, and we don't want to be influenced by changing tactics.

Proud of America (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:14 AM)

Another scholarly post by an uneducated white feminist "HILLERY" supporter. Gees, you all are starting to seem like republicans.

MC, DC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:16 AM)

This not AMERICAN IDOL... where vocals matter. Let's compare resumes for the AMERICAN PRESIDENT.

Prakaithip (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:18 AM)

Why are you not paying attention to what he has been saying, buddy? Obama said he wants to bring to change to Washington, to try to end the current partisan battles and reform our government. He will also try his best to bring change to our foreign policies. We want to begin a new era of 21st century politics.
That is the change he is talking about. Of coruse, there is so much mroe change that he is too busy to map out at this point. If you care about experience (Bush has it), then go for Hillary.

Ron Allen (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:18 AM)

You can feel it in the air. Spring is almost here and this primary campaign is just about over.

Tonight victory will continue its bloom for Obama, and the harsh weather of the past will continue to recede.

Obama's supporters will continue to provide the seed money we need for a bountiful harvest.

Bill Johnson, Anaconda, Montana (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:32 AM)

She must win NY or CALIFORNIA or a big state to get some credibilty OHH WHATS THAT MSNBC SHE WON THOSE HUGE STATES she should just QUIT now and do MSNBC a favor so it can concentrate on OBAMA over MACAIN

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:37 AM)

All indications are that Obama will win the 3 primaries today and Hawaii and Wisconsin on the 19th., However Texas and Ohio will be hotly contested with Clinton having probably a 55 to 45 edge due to the large Latino votes.This will create a showdown at the Democratic Convention which must be handled with skill and great diplomacy by the Leaders.I am supporting Obama.He deserves to be the nominee. He has invigorated the Party by bringing in many new members and especially young people. He is intelligent and has not only an American perspective but a World View.He is what Americans need now- Change and A New Direction in all Areas.I am disappointed that the majority of Latinos are being made to feel that Obama is not good for them and are not giving him a chance. Perhaps it is the feeling advanced by some politicians that Latinos are taking away jobs of Whites and African Americans by working cheaper.This is unfortunate as most Whites and African Americans don't blame Latinos. They blame some expoiting Employers.Obama policies on Minimum Wages will in fact protect Latinos and other low income workers.Obama is not an African American,White or Latino candidate. Like other candidates Clinton,Edwards, Robinson etc.,he is an American candidate. His work with Latinos in Illinois testify to his good policies towards Latinos. AA and Latinos in many bit cities across the country have united on many issues and AA have always supported Latinos small businesses all across America.Latinos need to give Obama a fair shake.He is not ethnic focussed. He is people focussed
Cecil.

Cecil Paul,Brooklyn, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:40 AM)

PLEASE enough with JFK HE VOTED AGAINST THE CIVIL RIGHTS BILL AS A SENATOR in 1957 HE WIRETAPPED MARTIN LUTHER KING ,HE WAS AGAINST THE I HAVE A DREAM MARCH AND NEVER SHOWED OR SPOKE HOW CAN BARRAK EEVEN ACCEPY AN ENDORSEMENT OF SUCH RACISTS HOW IS THE AREA THEY LIVE IN ALOT OF BLACKS OR ARE THEY THE SERVANTS,LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL KENEDY FOR BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMMA,MACAIN 08 a true war hero

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:40 AM)

I think the Clinton's are not aware of how viral their comments become in just a few hours. Why would Hillary make negative comments about AA and Caucus attendees the day before a big primary? Also there are more Caucus's coming up - so you insult those people?

If Clinton wins the nomination - which involves hanging on to Michigan where she was the only one on the ballot and the media needs to be shamed into leaving Michigan off her map...and Florida where no one campaigned.....she may realise she NEEDS some of Obama's voters to vote for her.

Is there some large plan I don't understand to try to alienate Caucus States and African Americans?

I have noticed when they get "behind" there is a tone from their campaign that is negative and mean....thinking about a fall election where she might be the candidate - I have trouble with how their campaign has been run and some of the things that have been said.....

Even if she pulls out a win today in VA where she is said to have the best chance - I do not think winning 1 in 7 makes her a front runner....it's getting harder and harder to buy....

Independent in CA (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:42 AM)

You see OBAMMAs people are better spellers better educated than us blue collar dummies who dont think this country is as bad as you make it out to be,your gonna need us dummies but because were are so stoopid we are voting for MACAIN now. thank you democratic party

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:50 AM)

Does anyone else see a similarity between Clinton's emphasis on winning the big states later and Guiliani's failed attempt to win the nomination starting with the state of Florida?

Ultimately, it is a just another sign that her campaign is on the ropes. Obama will keep her there and knock her out on March 4.

Kurt, Paris (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:51 AM)

I voted for Obama but I am worried about the swift boating that will come at him by the far right. They will put up all sorts of lies and most people will believe it. Obama better be ready for that. SOme of the nonsense about being a Muslim, Koran etc is already circulating and people are buying into it.

ROb in Boston (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:00 AM)

PLEASE VOTE FOR HILLARY TODAY. SHE IS THE BEST, MOST QUALIFIED, MOST ELECTABLE CANDIDATE.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:14 AM)

this site never changes--

ex msnbc viewer. (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:15 AM)

There will be 3 weeks before Texas and Ohio primaries and there is only Wisconsin next week between today and Texas/Ohio primaries. Hillary really needs Wisconsin. She does not need to win it but she needs to be competitive. Otherwise, she will have no momentum for 2 weeks before March 2. Does it sound familiar? Her New York fellow, Giuliani.

HS, NJ (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:42 AM)

This not AMERICAN IDOL... where vocals matter. Let's compare resumes for the AMERICAN PRESIDENT.

Prakaithip (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:18 AM)
---------------------------
Damn... if only Obama could have been 1st lady for 16 years. Too bad he's only been in elected office longer than Hillary. That's just not enough these days.

Chuck K, Buffalo, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:42 AM)

Bill Johnson, Anaconda, Montana (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:32 AM)

Hey Bill, This is Gary Schear in Bozeman MT.

Yes We Can!

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:44 AM)

IF THE MEDIA WOULD GO AFTER OBAMA LIKE IT HAS HILLARY CLINTIN, SHE WOULD HAVE A CHANCE AFTER ALL SHE HAS ALL THE IDEAS THAT HE LIKES TO CALL HIS OWN.
I NEVER THOUGHT THE DAY WOULD COME WHEN I WOULD MAKE A STATEMENT LIKE THE ONE I AM ABOUT TO MAKE.

IF OBAMA WINS THE NOMINATION FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
THIS OLD YELLOW DOG WILL TURN BLUE.

YELLOW DOG DEM. AR. (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:52 AM)

So, it looks good for Obama to win the nomination just like McGovern did in 1972 as the darling of the extreme left of the Democratic Party.

The results will be the same, but instread of Nixon, McCain will win in 2008.

William Phillips, Indianapolis,IN (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:58 AM)

JANE DOE.
YOU REALLY HIT A NERVE ON THIS ONE.
I TOO HAVE WONDERED WHERE ALL OF OBAMA'S MONEY IS REALLY COMING FROM.
I SUSPECT IT IS FROM REPUBLICANS WHO KNOW HE WON'T WIN IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.

KEEP SPEAKING UP
HILLARY IS THE REAL DEAL

YELLOW DOG DEM. AR. (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 12:01 PM)

........"Hillery will enter the White House her own person."

You absolutely have to be kidding me.

Can anyone up here name a single couple that are "owned" by special interests MORE than Hill and Bill? Is there ANYONE they haven't or wouldn't take money from?

Intimating that HillAry Clinton would enter the White House as her "own person" is kind of like saying that Rush Limbaugh really likes liberals. Just because you say it, doesn't make it true.

Hartley Andor (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 12:12 PM)

Hillary Clinton is in for a shocker in TX and OH; Hillary might win TX and OH but will tie with Obama in delegate count.

I am pretty sure the people of TX won't buy into Hillary's argument. FYI: Republicans are allowed to vote in TX primary and that should spell doom for Hillary's strategy. Imagine combination of Republican, Independent and Democrats voting for Obama. If I were HRC supporters, I will be worried. As far is rural vote is concern in OH, I expect Obama to split that vote with Hillary. The close proximity of OH and IL should help Obama neutralize Hillary’s support in the state. More grand force from IL and Indiana should help Obama get out the vote in OH.

Going back to Wisconsin, I don’t see how Hillary can win in that state. I can see how the people of Iowa and Illinois will fan to the state [Wisconsin] to campaign for Obama. The last time I checked, Hillary Clinton made fun of the caucus system, insulted the democratic activist and belittled the people of Wisconsin. Well, we shall see what pay back looks like come Feb 19th. Hillary will be 0 – 10 while Obama will be 10-0.

For Hillary to turn this around she needs to fire his strategist – Mark Penn or else she is toast.

Bee (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 12:13 PM)

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana

Hey, Gary. Montana will follow up the election of our new breed Governor and Senator with a new breed President.

Obama Montana-Rock Star.

Bill Johnson, Anaconda, Montana (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 2:30 PM)

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