First thoughts: Will the streak continue?

Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:10 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Will Obama’s win streak continue? If it’s Tuesday, it’s another round of nominating contests, and today there are three: in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Will Obama be 8-0 since Super Tuesday (counting DC and the Virgin Islands)? It's looking possible. The marquee win for Obama would be Virginia. It's a state similar to Missouri -- though while Missouri has been trending red, Virginia is trending blue, but they are currently crossing at the same area of the ideological bar graph right now. A decisive win in Virginia will be something to brag about. While not a top-10 population state, Virginia isn't small, and he needs some bigger state victories. On the Democratic side, there are a total of 168 delegates at stake in the three races (83 in Virginia, 70 in Maryland, and 15 in DC). On the GOP side, there are 113 delegates up for grabs, and 76 of them are winner-take-all (60 in Virginia and 16 in DC), and Maryland has an additional 37 delegates at stake. In DC and Maryland, polls open at 7:00 am ET and close at 8:00 pm ET, and in Virginia they open at 6:00 am ET and close at 7:00 pm ET.

*** Remember the Alamo (and Ohio, too)! As NBC’s Andrea Mitchell reported yesterday and as the New York Times writes today, Ohio and Texas have become must-win states for the Clinton campaign, its donors, and its superdelegates. Per Mitchell, campaign officials confirm that Clinton called supporters yesterday to reassure them that the campaign is not in trouble. Nevertheless, there is considerable nervousness within the campaign about the outlook. They are ahead in those two states, as well as Pennsylvania, but several officials now say there is no margin of error. They must win all three, she notes. Interestingly, most of the make-or-break moments this primary season have been for Clinton, not Obama. His only one was South Carolina, while she’s had New Hampshire, Super Tuesday, and now March 4. Each time, she's just hung on. But according to that now-famous Obama campaign memo -- which has been pretty conservative in its projections so far -- Clinton could still win Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania yet still trail Obama in pledged delegates.

*** But what about Wisconsin? The question the Clinton folks have to focus on is whether to contest Wisconsin. Do they want Obama to go 10-0 after February 5? There's a good chunk of working-class Democrats in the state, and a historical significance to the Wisconsin primary that leads us to believe she will contest it seriously. That said, while Obama heads to campaign in Wisconsin tonight, Clinton is going to Texas. Should Obama end up 10-0, won't the national polls continue to respond to his momentum? We're already seeing him start to take the lead in some national primary surveys, and he performs better against McCain than her in every post-February 5 survey we've seen. A 10-0 record after Super Tuesday would likely add to that -- and doesn't that eventually trickle down to Ohio and Texas? By the way, when wondering which March 4 state Obama will target more, realize that there is a larger African-American population in Texas than Ohio. Just something to think about. For more, check out the 2004 exit polls.

*** Delegate update: The Official NBC News Allocated Pledged Delegate Count (as of 10:00 am yesterday): Obama 958, Clinton 904 (although there are some delegates from decided contests that have yet to be allocated). The Political Unit Superdelegate Count: Clinton 261, Obama 177. Grand Total: Clinton 1,165, Obama 1,135. Our superdelegate count reflects numbers the campaigns are claiming plus our own updates based on publicly declared endorsements. There are currently 795 superdelegates in all, and only 719 are actually known at this point; 76 others will be chosen by state parties at state conventions as late as May and June.

*** Down the ballot: Today is only the second primary day to feature congressional races on the undercard. Last week, Illinois had congressional primaries, and this week, it's Maryland. The two big races feature two incumbents fighting for their political lives. In Maryland's 4th District, Democrat Al Wynn looks to be in serious trouble in his rematch with Donna Edwards. In the state’s 1st District, meanwhile, Republican Wayne Gilchrest is trying to fend off two serious primary foes from the right. Gilchrest has been a thorn in conservative sides for years but surprisingly he looks a tad safer than Wynn. We'll see though…

*** On the trail: Clinton is in DC and then heads to El Paso, Texas, for an evening rally there (Texas holds its primary on March 4); Huckabee is in DC and Arkansas; McCain is in DC, Maryland, and holds an election night rally in Arlington, VA; and Obama is in DC and then holds a rally at the University of Wisconsin in Madison (Wisconsin holds its primary on February 19).

Countdown to Hawaii and Wisconsin: 7 days
Countdown to Ohio and Texas: 21 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 266 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 343 days

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Comments

The Obama has no substance slander;

I challenge anyone who says this to investigate the claim. In fact, I challenge everyone to investigate every claim by both candidates. I think you'll find a striking lack of integrity from the Clinton side reminiscent of Karl Rove.

The reality here is that Obama is talk AND substance. That is a rare combination perfectly suited for the presidency… and that type of leader comes along only so often.

adam/NYC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:17 AM)

TO: Scott (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:26 AM)

Obama will not win!

Hewillnotwin, California (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:19 AM)

Any other candidate but Clinton would have seen the hadnwriting on the wall and found a graceful way to exit stage right. She is getting clobbered in every state now and no matter what the size it is hard to imagine a scenerio where she can actually win the nomination. If it is 35 states to 15 it doesn't matter what the "superdelegate" count is...she is toast

Rick NC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:19 AM)

Ofcourse it will, the rise and fall of each speech echoes in the hearts of true Americans, who are tired of the the back-biting politics of the past. It is often said by lobbyist that we have the best goverment that money(special interests
)can buy. However, once a generation, a man with incredible courage comes to do what is right, what is moral, and says what we all know as good human beings to be the beliefs our country was founded on. The rest will play politics and the common man will suffer. Not this time. The support, the momentum of what is right--is unstopable,not because of Obama, but because Obama echoes that which is in the heart of every free American. The rest are bought and payed for.

Andre Kazi Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:20 AM)

Kat, if Obama can't beat McCain and Hillary is our only chance to get the Presidency, why does Obama BEAT McCain in polls while Hillary LOSES to McCain in polls? Hillary appeals to working class Democrats and Hispanics. Obama is the one that appeals to independents. As witnessed by the Huckabee issue, McCain has problems with some core Republicans. He's getting by with his strength among independents. If Hillary's the nominees, the independents and the election go to McCain. If Obama's the nominee, HE gets the independents and the election.

If you're happy with Mr. "We can be in Iraq for 100 years and that'd be fine with me", vote for Hillary. Because if she's the nominee, we might as well hand the WH over to the Republicans right now. They all hate her and will be out in full force, despite their issues with McCain. And the independents will just push him right over the finish line.

Lisa T, Columbia, MO (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:21 AM)

Please, lets not ask those kinds of expectation setting questions. Unless you are a pollster, don't bother to ask who will win. It is only the voters -- voters alone -- who can make a decision FREE of any influence. We will listen to each candidate, look at their past and present records in government and other services and grapple with experence vs. change then make our decision.
Leave us alone!

Ron Allen (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:22 AM)

if it's mccain and obama,50% of the american democrates will not vote. 10 % fo those people will be leaving the country. i have my passport all ready.you all can have fun with either of thease idiots. i'll be sipping pina colladas in my new home land.

c.ya (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:22 AM)

Re: the race issue again. MSNBC, I hope you're reading these boards. People are SICK of you and CNN continuing to pitch this race garbage.

Amy from Portland ME has noticed the same thing many of us have: WHY do you ALWAYS run pictures of Senator Obama with only black Americans in the background instead of showing the real diversity of his support? This is NOT about race (except in the deep south where white voters apparently are still getting over the 1800s). You know how much power pictures have. I'm not saying you shouldn't include black Americans in the picture. Of course you should. But as journalists, your pictures should communicate the FULL extent of his support. Many Americans are trying to move past race. Please join us, mainstream media.

Get it right MSNBC and stop shilling for the Clintons. I know they yelled at you last week but that doesn't mean you have to cower in fear and spread her campaign lines.

It's clear now that the former "defenders" of the African American community are happy letting this race narrative take on a life of its own (Latinos are their friends now--until Latinos turn on the Clintons too of course). How about you guys being real journalists and ending it. Or, if you insist on every other day talking about polarization, why not start running stories on how the only reason Hillary has won is because of women? That would be equally insulting to all of us but at least it would be even-handed coverage.

Scott (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:24 AM)

OMG!!

Obamb is the "Establishment" front runner candidate now....

It's rare that I agree with George Bush about anything, in fact, the only agreement we have had up until now, is that it is and was fun drinking in the Bars Of Houston, (for those that don't know GWB spent a good deal of the Vietnam War experience there in Houston TX. bars.)

Bush did make the comment that he does not know what Obama stands for... I don't either, I still don't know what he stands for, other than the Super Liberal, Super Establishment, side of the Democratic Party...

Hillary Clinton, is the Underdog in this contest now, Obama is the "establishment" candidate. With all his endorsements, of ultimate insider politicians Teddy Kennedy, Tom Daschle, John Kerry.... It's *impossible* to get anymore "ESTABLISHMENT" than that....

That's not all, Obama is not giving any speeches different than any of the other Democratic Candidates, now or before. There is nothing new or different in his approach and there was nothing new or different in his service while in Washington.

He is not speaking of anything radical, or new, or anything remotely related to real change.... I CHALLENGE ANYONE TO TELL ME WHERE IT'S AT.... The real change he speaks of.... Where is it? Not in his speeches, not in his "Hollow" voting record, and certainly not in his service in Washington.

John McCain, will knock Obama out of the ring... When Obama says he did not vote for the war, while in Chicago, but funded every piece of it, once he was in Washington, just like the Establishment candidate he is. The Republicans will not let him hide, like the Democratic Establishment has done. It was the Party that stopped Bill Clinton, not South Carolina. It's the party that won't let Hillary really go after Obama.

John McCain will scoff at such silly behavior, and he will make Obama look like the hypocrite he is about the Iraq War. There were other Democrats who voted against the war, and did not fund it. But Obama like the rest of the Establishment politicians did vote to fund it... Against it then... for it now.... against it again... this is so typical of Political behavior, so typical of Establishment behavior.

More power to Obama in his quest to become President, but don't try to feed so much (BS) to the rest of us who are not, mesmerized by words, the rest of us who are in fact mesmerized by "deeds" words means little to us...

John McCains legacy is rock solid and real, he really does govern in the center, (he really is an American hero) Obama's empty words will have a very hard time over coming this...

Unlike the Democratic Party Establishment, that says so much of Obama's hypocrisy and ultra thin resume, is off limits, to be criticized by the Clinton camp... It won't be that way, with the Republicans.

Of course, Obama has to win the nomination first, but when it comes to standing up to John McCain, the old saying about "talk" that is "talk is cheap," truly applies when dealing with McCain...

Anti Reaganess Big Talkers, Columbus Georgia (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:25 AM)

On Texas, for what it's worth, Robert Gibbs -- Obama's communications director and member of his inner circle -- was a key figure in Ron Kirk's senate campaign in Texas. So as much as anyone, he would have a sense of the possibilities of an African-American candidate winning a Democratic primary in Texas.

John Z., Mt. Pleasant, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:26 AM)

Hillary people:

Why are you constantly trying to scare people away from Obama. I'm a fair minded American voter who has done my homework and have found that Hillary's claim to experience to be false. I have also found that she has a problem working with others. Therefore, my vote will go to Obama.

Since I'm fairminded, if you will do me the favor of forwarding what I've obviously missed, please take this opportunity to educate me. I'm tired of the false smears and vague boogeyman references, if you've got some legitimate juice on the man enlighten me so that I can drop him like a bad habit.

I've heard the muslim stuff, I've also heard the experience stuff, I've even heard the Rezko junk. By the way......shouldn't Clintons be the last people on earth to try to point out someone else's scandal? Nevermind the fact that it's false. So here in TX, we believe in a simple principal which doesn't require the hate you seem to enjoy spewing. PUT UP OR SHUT UP!!!

Fred in TX (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:26 AM)

49 % Negatives for Hilliary

is it any wonder ?

Goggle this ----------> Clinton FALN

nuff said

Robert Conway (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:26 AM)

Why should Obama debate when he is ahead? I am sure Hillary would do the same. When you are the front runner, why open opportunties for the person that is trailing. That is just smart politics. Also, the difference between them on issues is not that drastic. Also, will it benefit Hillary if she goes negative? I think not! Right now Hillary is in a rock and hard place and things are not looking good.

Gus Acosta, Edgewood, Kentucky (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:27 AM)

jaycee, Ventura, California.,: yep,that about sums it up . Best post over 30 words that i have read on here.

ki houston (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:27 AM)

Chuck Todd said this morning that VA has a large Black population. Per the latest census, it is 19.1% of the total population. 80.9% are non-African-American.

Holly, Williamsburg, VA (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:28 AM)

It was ok with OBAMA to debate when there were six people trying for time but now he would have to keep talking issues and that is why TWO debates not 6 not 8 not every weekend,OBAMMA is scared to debate a women that strong he is used to more docile subservent women who know there place is behind a man , LOUD MOUTHED Agressive CAREER FIRST YOUNG WHITE WOMEN NEED THIS LESSON LISTEN TO YOUR MAN AND DO WHAT HE TELLS YOU ,YOU ALL KNOW ITS WHATS BEST MEN RULE WOMEN FOLLOW (MACAIN 08)

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:29 AM)

Becky,

Why the hell don't YOU WAKE UP!!! This man knows nothing??? Obama is a Harvard graduate and was the head of the Harvard Law Review. He has an in-depth study of Constitutional law (imagine that, a President who understands the Constitution), and has fought for Contitutional rights in the courts. He has been a community organizer for the poorest citizens of Chicago. He has 11 years of experience as an elected official.

No, Becky, it is YOU that "knows nothing". YOU WAKE UP ALREADY!!!

MNDem (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:30 AM)

Please. All this nonsense that the Republicans would take Obama apart in the general is ridiculous. The Clintons have their opposition research department working overtime because they know all it would take is one negative story that contravenes his message of hope and sincerity to take him out. And they would not hesitate to do so. You Hillary supporters are a perfect reflection of your candidate - so tired and jaded by political life that you assume that Obama just HAS to be hiding something, and that the lazy media is not doing its job finding some dirt to throw on him.

Becky, Obama is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, a two time bestselling author and has spent more time in elected office than Hillary. He has sponsored and passed multiple pieces of transparency and ethics legislation at every level he has served, including the US Senate. If you don't know his policy positions or his accomplishments, that's your fault.

Jay, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:30 AM)

So why does Clinton claim to be “battle tested”? Is it:

-Lazio and Spenser: Not exactly a battle, if you ask me.
-Transposition: Bill was battle tested, so therefore I was too.
-Divisiveness: Just a polarizing figure from the start.
-Scandal: Proud that her name came up time and time again.
-Spin: Just another campaign stunt.
-----------------------------------------------------
Ed--

*One of Obama's election battles was against Alan Keyes, so I don't think that one counts either.

*Transposition--Bill was the only one who took any heat? Seriously? If you go on this year and last's campaign coverage alone, MSM admits her coverage was only 51% favorable, to Obama's 81%. And they're STILL virtually tied. And read the NYT piece, that essentially she is demonized for reasons beyond comprehension. Even Tucker Carlson will give you that. If anything, I think she's more tested then Bill in some respects.

*Polarizing--this could be said of either candidate. How else would you get almost 50/50?

*Scandal--At least we know of them. I wouldn't say exactly that she's proud of it, but at least we know about it.

*Spin--Its politics dude. Show me any campaign that doesn't spin. How else could Obama still not be deemed the front runner, even now? More money, more states, (slightly) more delegates (depending if you include supers). Yet it won't be decided until today if he can be called the frontrunner.

It's idealism vs. realism. Nothing wrong with either. Right now, I go with realism. I'll be voting for Hillary today.

raider dem, maryland (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:30 AM)

I'm simply astonished to see Clinton supporters still posting "Barack Hussein Obama." Do you really think readers fall for this kind of anti-Muslim race baiting? Everyone knows by now that Obama is a Christian. If you have to resort to bigotry and ridiculing someone's name, your candidate really IS in trouble.

Lou, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:31 AM)

I find it amazing reading some of these comments that someone can state that they are a Liberal Democrat and then call Obama an Extremist Muslim. Liberal Democrat right???

Gus Acosta, Edgewood, Kentucky (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:31 AM)

Sorry, Kat, but I am intelligent enough to see right through your post. You want Clinton to get the nomination so she can lose against McCain.

I'm sure the wingnut talkers will promote that idea soon as a way to have Hillary run against McCain. And why wouldn't they? - They are deathly afraid of Obama because they KNOW he would win against McCain. When it comes to Hillary the right MAY have a chance at winning.

M. Boley (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:31 AM)

Let the country vote and don't be mad about it, whether you support Clinton or Obama. Both have strengths and weaknesses and both are astute politicians.
Personally, I am proud that Obama had the courage to run, when I'm sure so many felt that he hadn't a chance going up against the Clinton machine. For me that is inspiring.

B Benj, Hartford, CT (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:31 AM)

I find it invigorating to give up on hilliary being president and backing MACAIN becaused the same way the repuckers drive us crazy siding with OBAMA I must drive them crazy by supporting MACAIN,MIDDLE RULES RIGHT AND LEFT ARE DONE,MSNBC LOVE the division in this country they are making money while selling an election down the drain

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:32 AM)

Great presidents were great because they were able to express their ideas eloquently. Presidents like FDR, JFK, and yes even Ronald Reagan were great orators that mobilized an entire nation, Obama has this gift as well. I'm sorry but oratory skills make the difference between a president and a great president.

Also on the issue of substance, it seems that most people are basing their specifics on debate transcripts. I'm sorry to inform you, but a person cannot get "specific" in a thirty second answer to a question in a debate or a 20 second explanation in a stump speech. If you want specifics on your candidate, you have to dig deeper, even on Clinton's positions.

Lastly, I hope this argument between Clinton supporters and Obama supporters does not destroy the Democratic party, and judging by the comments on this thread it already has. As an independent, I wish you guys the best.

JP, Menifee, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:32 AM)

Becky, then run and vote for Hillary. You really condone scandals, don't you? Experience is the word I hear, no other qualities like unifying. Remember, most of the world's dictators began their political careers early in their teens. Bush was governor of Texas and also saw how his dad ran for rpesident and handled the presidency. Yet, voters wan an "experienced" but scandalous president.
This is beyond comprehension and only shows the hypocrisy of Americans -- that they want a new president who can bring change and has the experience, yet they cry out when more scandals rock our government and impede its ability to function efficiently. What is even mroe troubleming is that Hillary constantly shifts her strategies, mishandled her budget for the campign (loaning 5 million dollars, paying her topstrategist millions of dollars, etc). Yet, we foolishly rally around her and shrug off all her misdeeds?

Ron Allen (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:32 AM)

AWwwwwwwwwwwwwww, Billary supporter's, having another bad day, it's so Amusing.I'll vote for McCain, I'll vote for Huck, Hell, i'll even vote for the tazmanian Devil before i'll vote for Barack.You're supposed to be Adults ( so i've heard)but you still act like Children.You can take your My way or the Highway crap & stick it where the sun don't shine.
Voter's in America are saying Loudly, We're Tired of Nothing but Empty Promises from Washington insider's such as Hillary( lived 35 year's off of Taxpayer $$$$$).

Democrat's, you call yourselves, but yet if Hillary does'nt Win, You will vote for Mccain. Go right ahead because the Reagon Democrat's are coming Home in Droves after 25 year's.Mainstream Democrat's who don't get their way are nothing but a bunch of Snotty nosed kid's who don't know how to lose. You've Lost 5 out of the last 7 Presidential cycles, so Stay Home in November, You're loser's anyways as evidenced from the last 28 year's.

Barack Obama for President!!!!

Rick,ky (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:33 AM)

NAFTA WAS SIGNED INTO LAW BY BILL CLINTON.COULD THAT BE THE REASON A WHOLE BUNCH OF GOOD JOBS HAVE LEFT THE GOOD OLD USA?

RENEA MI (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:33 AM)

Anna of Kentucky,

As we in the business world learned many years ago, Capitalization denotes anger. Therefore, why do you find it necessary to capitalize your comments?
Are you angry that Mr. Obama is gaining support?

Also Mr. Obama's name is spelled Barack.

I am an Independent Voter and have not decided on a candidate as of this writing lest you should ask.

Independent Voter, Stuart, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:33 AM)

Afraid to debate......give me a break. There have been over 17 debates thus far. They are even running out of questions so they go into stupid stuff like asking the Witch what she prefers diamond or pearls. Enough debates, Obama is doing what he has to which is campaigning. She complains that he isn't specific enough, but when he tries to talk during the debates she either cackles over him or rudely interrupts him.

Ohio guy (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:33 AM)

I've been a registered Democrat for over 30 years, if these "SUPER delegates" don't hear the WILL of the voters, I will walk away from the Democratic Party. This is about "US," the people, the voters, who we want, not about 700 some, Special Interest Delegates.
I will be watching each and everyone of you, and so will millions of others in the party !

P.R. OHIO (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:37 AM)

Becky, I agree with you. However, you need to sit down and look at Obama's and Hillary's records. Don't forget the many years Hillary spent as a corporate lawyer fighting on behalf of corproations, while Obama was doing community organizing work. He has been in the Ill. state legislature and is an Ill. senator. Please look at the candidates' records and do a little mroe fact checking before making cnclusions based merely on your observations of the candidates at allies -- that is the dumbest way to make a decision about a candidate's qualities unless you agree with the goals and objectives he or she has stated.

ull the Dog (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:38 AM)

Dave, Kalamazoo Mi, great read on the situation!!!. I just switched my hillary sign for an Obama one. Neighbors ask if I have any extra. Funny though, they never asked when I had the Clinton sign out front . . .

Becky, Dallas (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:38 AM)

Anyone that says Barack isn't saying anything, is clearly not listening. In the Hollywood debate, he and Hillary outlined their policy differences. The health care difference is a major policy difference. Mandated health care versus less expensive health care? It's funny, in the beginning he talked to cerebral and like a professor and wasn't black enough. Now he talks too "feel good" and is all of a sudden black. The media is driving the race and not saying anything myths way too much.

Craig, Raleigh NC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 10:59 AM)

"Without race, gender or spouses factored in, HRC is the better candidate."

Absolute nonsense! Without spouses factored in? Without spouses Hillary Rodham is not a New York Senator.
Let's count the merit of rising to the top of the political ladder IN SPITE of one's name...not BECAUSE of one's name

common sense (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:40 AM)

Bush - Clinton - Bush - Clinton ???
Sequels never seem to work.

Time to end political dynastys.

Richard, Baltimore (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:40 AM)

I am sick and tired of hearing about the "big states". Last time I looked the American flag had 50 stars on it. We need a leader for ALL the people, not the "big states". The rest of us, a country united, will take Barack Obama. You "big states" can all get together and move elsewhere and take Hillary as your the leader of your new cult. Give me a break. Is she serving Kool Aid at her campaign headquarters, too??

Dee from NC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:40 AM)

Obama is not afraid to debate against Hillary or anybody else. He has already proven himself. He doesn't not have to submit himself to any derogatory debate that is only aimed at slandering him because Tavis Smiley and his cronnies don't like him. Tavis Smiley like many others are just angry with envey, and they would stop at nothing. They would do everything to discredit Obama.....but guess what, it would not work. You are not dealing with some dumb person here......he is extremely intelligent and he is not going to stoop to their level.....so keep on critizing and talking crap because this is the kind of stuff that keeps him going.......in my life, I've learnt that people don't talk about crap.......when they are constantly talking this means that you've got it. Go Obama, the road may be long and tough. Beause the Bible says it's hard to kick against the pricks........but you've got my vote and you would be victorious. Don't let these parasites get to you. Keep your chin up and your head lifted high.....Obama for President!

Faith (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:40 AM)

BTW...not knowing/understanding a candidates position on the issues is RIDICULOUS.

On each candidates website you can actually READ each candidates full plan on whatever issue is most important to you. It's EASY. If you don't know it's b/c you don't want to know.

Jason, Fairfax, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:41 AM)

I said I would never vote for a republican again after bush destroyed this country. Now I don't know what to do. If Barack Hussein Obama wins the nomination, I will NOT vote for him. I know many people who feel the same way. This man is nothing but a great speaker. The republicans will win anyway if he is nominated.

Sharon Stone (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:41 AM)

for christ's sake, "winning streak"? It's not a frieking sports event.

D, Wooster, Oh (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:41 AM)

Ohio guy referring to Senator Clinton as 'the witch" shows the sexism and ignorance that represents a good portion of the electorate.......

Mike Roberts (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:41 AM)

To Nichlas, MN

I don't think Obama's win in MN was either unexpected or impressive. We (MN) had the #1 turn out for the youth vote in recent elections and he does better with youths.

Veronica, MN (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:42 AM)

Clinton will not win in Ohio. I live here. I see and hear the sentiments for Obama.

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

I think that Obama would do better in Texas if he concentrated in the latino votes. He needs Latino commercials and interpeters so they can see that he is the better candidate. If he can get Jennifer Lopez and her husband to indorse him he would really do well they are big with the Latino Generation. This racism stuff that he is only winning because of the black vote is really getting old.

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

I'm from Kentucky and I would like to see Hillary Clinton win this election for 2008. We need someone in the white house who can take care of us elderly and young people as well. While Hillary can take care of us now it will help our young people to be good leaders in the future.

Rita Mae Slone, PippaPasses,Ky. (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:42 AM)

The news needs to stop giving all the attention to obama, HILIARY is the most qualified canadaite (of the Dems) obama is saying that we need change and so is HILIARY, but clinton has a plan, and obama is saying we need change, and now the White House is using hiliary's plan about home foreclosers. We all need to look past obama's fancy talk, and look at what their actual plan . i would not know what i would do if (heaven forib) obama would be the democratic canadate. you dont have to vote for hiliary JUST DO NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA!!!!

meg, STL MO (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:43 AM)

Back in the sixties we had the "Hippies" many of whom became the "Yuppies" A yuppie would by an organically grown carrot and swear that it was the best carrot he had ever tasted. This led to paying twice as much for an article of clothing that had the "right" insignia or name on it. These are the people who are voting or Obama because he is the flavor of the month. The people who work with their hands who made this country great and are now being abused with job losses are voting for Hillary if the Republicans get in for another 4 to 8 years we may all be Wal-mart shoppers rather than Target shoppers and that is why I will vote for Obama in the general election if he gets the nod he says his followers may not vote for Hillary and he is probably right they are the type who would stay home and pout and give McCain the presidency.

Rufus Gibbons Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:43 AM)

Its time for us as Americans to look to the future. Obama is the future. Hillary and Bill are the past. If we like the past so much maybe we should just try to change the constitution and elect Bush for a third term. Its time for Obama to move us ahead and lets not let Hillary move us back!!!

David, Las Vegas, NM (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:43 AM)

If all these blogs are from Dems, what a shocking realization that we can be so mean to each other! One would think with all the negatives about Hillary, that surely the Republicans are writing on this blog! Again, change what and change how?

Dallas Dem (Sent Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:43 AM)

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