Clinton calls Obama to congratulate

Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:17 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell
An Obama campaign source tells NBC News that after the two speeches, Clinton called Obama to congratulate him. The conversation was described as "brief."

It was duly noted by the Obama campaign that Clinton once again neither congratulated nor conceded in her speech.

The Obama campaign also tells NBC News that their January money total was actually $4 million more than they had previously claimed -- due to more money coming in at the end of the month than they'd anticipated. A spokesman says the actual total was $36 million -- not $32 million -- which in itself was a one-month record.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

I have to say - we were leaning (less and less) towards Hillary Clinton in the past. However, when I look at her new style of campaigning, the attack ads, the childish poking on non-issues and then AGAIN displaying herself as a sore loser ... No! That's it for me. I cannot imagine a president like that. I need a president who also can be strong when things are going bad - strength is not ignorance.

I remember how gracefully Barack Obama spoke after NH - a hard defeat after absorbing all the positive polls. THAT is strength! That is facing and dealing with reality.

Obama is right. He can build a new majority. Hillary Clinton fell short, not because of Bill but because of herself.

I will cast my vote for Obama in two weeks.

Frank, Missouri (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:22 PM)

what else can I say..thats about 1.2 million dollars per day......Talk about grassnetroots

mofus (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:23 PM)

The Clinton/McCain attack machine is about to engage!....we are going to lose some people along the way but we must believe! Old Washington is fighting back..time for change!

CJ (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:26 PM)

Nobody likes a sore loser. They say she's the more mature one in this race? I think her "years in Washington" have made her forget her manners. Her baiting of Obama with that "just words" comment was bad form. When I saw her make that comment about words being cheap I said to my husband she was up to something. There is no way she would make such a definitive sound-bite statement without having something in mind. Sure enough, she (or her machine) knew that David Axelrod had worked with Deval Patrick who had undergone a similar attack and had responded with his "just words" speech. That Clinton machine is amazing - they knew they could bait it out of him. It was so obvious afterwards that it was a petty trap.
I'm voting Obama in two weeks to get away from the petty, nasty, sad politics of the Clintons.

Florence, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:59 AM)

Oh .. she called. I thought she would write a letter.

Linda (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:01 AM)

Was Bill or Hill that Called???

American Voter (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:04 AM)

I am following your news from Malaysia and I am delighted to see you great American people are moving towards a new world of CHANGE for the love of your country and people. My congratulations to all American who vote for Obama.

Major Leow Nan Chung (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:05 AM)

Jealousy always rears it ugly head. Silly attack ads, childish behavior. Hill you should have been gracious and not only thanked your opponent but also the people of Wisconsin who came out in very cold weather to cast a vote for you. Grow up.

I live in OH and I voted absentee for Obama - no snow is going to keep me from voting.

MR, COLS, OH (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:14 AM)

I will cast my vote for Obama in two weeks.

Frank, Missouri (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:22 PM)
----
Uh ... Frank .... Didn't Missouri already have its primary?

Eric, Fairfax, Va. (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:15 AM)

After 10 streight losses she still doesn't get the message. GO OBAMA!!!! GO HOME HILLARY.

Daoud - Red Sea, Egypt (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:16 AM)

Can someone please tell my why Michelle Obama's words were edited to say "for the first time I am proud of my country. . ." instead of what she said which was "for the first time I am REALLY proud of my country. . ." News channels were showing her comment in its entirety and then later on I saw the edited version on MSNBC. I expect more from you guys. This isn't Fox News.

Also, Chris, lighten up already. I thought you were a little hard on the senator from Texas. I also wondered why you didn't expect the same from your Clinton supporter guest.

Kelly, Williamsburg, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:18 AM)

Hillary Clinton is still who I want to win.

I don't think Obama is a bad choice, just not
wisest choice for experience IMO.

Jim R., Anchorage, AK (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:18 AM)

Another whopping for Hillary!! I´m so glad that American voters are getting wiser and are not falling for her fierce, negative attacks. She and her lemmings should realise that her time is up! She should quit the political arena and retire gracefully, before she reeks irrevocable damage to the Democrats in particular and the nation in general! Adios, Clintona!!!

hotstuff, Berlin, Germany (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:25 AM)

Time for change - that's right! And that means Old Washington is out, and Obama is in. Attack machine! That's what we DON'T want, and what Obama is graceful and gracious enough to avoid. He's succeeding in a positive, not negative way, to unite people from all over the country, and abroad!

Kate McCarthy (NY), Paris, France (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:26 AM)

I believe changes are strongly needed in this time of uncertainty in which we are living. We need some some new crew in our White House.Therefore; I am ready for a change.

maxio (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:27 AM)

Go OBAMA go....make the US proud

james (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:30 AM)

Clinton expected to win 2025 delegates from 4 big states: NY, CA, OH and TX, and she left the other 46 states to Obama because they are too small to matter to her. That says a lot to me about her camp. What were they thinking?

On super Tuesday they were expecting to do well in 2 states, (NY and CA) and Post Super Tuesday they are expecting to do well in OH and TX. Now, the Obama wave is coming sweeping like a hurricane...now the Obama Winds move to TX and OH and they will devastate the Clinton camp. Bill cant do much to help her because the moment he stands out too much he seems to be the one running against Obama, and if she stands on her own, all she does is talk of 35 years experience and bash Obama. She has no charisma in her speaking....GOBAMA--Obama for Prez

ChiChi, Atlanta, Ga (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:31 AM)

Clinton's continued negative and unjustified attacks on Obama have cost her dearly. At one time, I believed her to be above this Republican style campaigning and would have given her my vote. Now, I will cross party lines to prevent her from getting into the Whitehouse.

Cheryl, Wausau, WI (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:31 AM)

Coffee Time!!! Wake up and smell it. The American public, the MAJORITY of hard working, caring people that are tired of the same old Politicians and there ways are speaking up as never before in history. It's time Hillary takes the high road and works with, not against Barack. John, time to retire. Change is coming, thank God. How loud do we have to scream? I'm a Pennsylvanian for Obabma!

Sue, Pittsburgh, Pa (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:32 AM)

I too have grown tired of the negative campaining. I believe the American people must be annoyed with having to sift through and filter non-issues and attacks before they can assess the issues. Our time is precious, dont waste it on back biting, mud slinging and just a general lack of professional maturity.

steven yates Austin, Texas (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:38 AM)

People say Obama's all talk and no action, well how do you explain MASSIVE wins over Hillary Clinton, winning in virtually EVERY demographic group, and still claim that he can't bring people together?

It takes the support of the American people for real change to happen. Only after the American people believe in a cause will anything happen. We've been told for decades that politicians have "solutions." What we haven't been told for decades, is how WE are the real solution!

OBAMA '08!

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:38 AM)

Once again, Mrs. Clinton had an opportunity and let it pass by. She could have mentioned the defeat and offered congratulations in her speech shortly after it became known that Obama had won Wisconsin, you know, with grace and dignity, accepted the loss, shown her vulnerable side, but she didn't. Major missed opportunity, Hillary. How else will the masses see your human side?

ladydemocrat, Annapolis MD (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:45 AM)

Each day brings sees the dawning of a new low in campaign tactics from the Clinton camp. I feel confident that Obama has the strength and grace to weather the upcoming "perfect storm" that will be launched his way. As a white, 49 yr.-old mother from conservative-leaning Tennessee...I am thrilled to be part of one of the most exciting moments in history and to support my candidate of choice, Barack Obama!

jo (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:48 AM)

Once again this woman proves she has NO CLASS in defeat.

Billy, Normal, IL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:51 AM)

Obama has the potential for a game losing achilles heel in his wife's statement. I do truly understand what she was trying to to say: "This is the first time she is proud to be an American" however, it did not come out right at all. She, not the Obama campaign needs to get out of in front of it in a gig way NOW!

Guy E. Franklin, Ft . George Meade, Maryland (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:52 AM)

Stay tuned for the latest edition of Hillary. Watch for the mudslinging, Mr. Bill's rants and a whole lot more. Keep it up Penn, Wolfson, Grunwald, Williams et al. Where's the dough? She's back in New York today and is probably fund raising. The problem is that so many of her donors are "maxed out" while Obama's are able to come back and give more.

No, it's not over,but the exit polls out of Wisconsin show Obama cutting into her base of support and expanding his. Texas and Ohio will be key and with two weeks to get the message out and ten victories in a row by substantial margins, the "Queen" had better pull something out of a hat.

Release the tax returns and contributors to Bill's foundation. How many more "deals" has Bill facilitated like the uranium one? Where's the transparency. Hillary, you'd be doing a lot better if you were open and forthright with the American voter. There is still time, but some of your supporters, staff and, yes, Bill are killing you. You've burned through over $100 million and a lot of us wonder how you could manage the country if you can't manage your own campaign.

Tom Dewey, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:53 AM)

I thought after last time, when Hillary didn't congratulate Obama in or speech, or thank her voters for their hard campaign that she would have learned her lesson. I am bearing up to see some real dirty fighting from her now, because she's desperate and doesn't 'get it' that her negative attacks don't work

Cathy, North Smithfield, Rhode Island (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:54 AM)

I supported President Clinton in good times and bad, and I'm proud of it. He was the right leader to bring us into the 21st century. But we are here now. And it's time to turn to a new generation once again, to bring change and hope and inspiration. That's why I'm supporting Sen. Obama. I see in him the same charisma that was so evident in JFK, RFK, and Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lou Montefusco, Bridgewater, MA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:54 AM)

Yea, right folks and now we are hearing more and more dems having buyers remorse. Do you know why? Because we know very little about Obama and we will soon find out all the skeletens in his(wifes) closet if he becomes the nominee. He speaks so eloquently about change and promises, but has nothing substantial to back it up. We dems have made yet another foolish mistake. Listen for more buyers remorse. By then, it will be too late.

j fl (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:59 AM)

How is asking someone substance an attack? If the Obama campaign is so thin-skinned, then I cannot imagine what will happen against the Republicans. The question that no Obama supporter has been able to answer on Hardball, is name "Name the top 3 accomplishments that Obama has initiated after 3 years in the Senate?" Besides lobbyists having to stand up while they eat :)!!

Ray, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:00 AM)

Capable and competent are just two necessary qualities to define effective leadership. I hope Obama continues to shape and develop the mission of a united America on those two characteristics. We are beyond ready and certainly prepared for this magnificent transition to the future. We must be a nation in the forefront of development, resoursefulness, and awareness of the need for a system of global humanity.

Carleen Robinson Batista, Miami, Florida (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:01 AM)

A sign of a good president is one who in victory or defeat, shows class and honor. During tough times, is mentally tough and doesn't pass the blame. Those are traits not shown by Clinton. Once again, in defeat during the Wiconsin primaries, she attacks her opponent instead of showing class and honor by congratulating her opponent. During tough times, she fires campaign members. That gives the impression of passing the blame and not being accountable. Those are not the actions of astrong leader. The more and more I see of Clinton, the more and more I am turned away. I have now gotten the impression that she is not looking at the presidency as an honor and a chance to change things in America for the better but more as an opportunity for total power. There's a saying that a leopard doesn't change it spots. After seeing her actions and hearing her words, is that what we want for president? Someone who shows no class and honor when others don't agree with her and/or things don't go her way. You can't have everything your way all the time. Is she going to fire members of her presidential staff, if she were to become president at the fire sign of trouble and/or possible scandal? What I've seen now from her is the same old ways of doing things in our government. No accountability!

Ralphy, Washington, DC (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:02 AM)

I think Barak Obama is a well spoken gentlemen and he speaks on the facts. When I watch the polls and delegations they are looking for Obama to fail and that's not right. Let's play fair and let the polls do all the talking. My vote is for Obama!

Chandra Stephens Browns Mills, NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:03 AM)

I am a registered Republican but Obama has my vote for several reasons. I'm sick of old politics! I hate lobyists too and they need to go away. How on earth would we send a woman to a country to end a war when there's not a leader or a man there that thinks women are worth 2 cents. It's not time for a woman.

Janet, Phoenix (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:05 AM)

I have to say congrats to Mr. Obama! I also have to say that I question everything about Mrs. Clinton. I think it is a shame that she is acting the way that she is. To not thank the people of states that "don't matter" is simply rude, selfish and unacceptable! We will see her at her finest tomorrow and I will have a garbage can nearby. I am concerned for Obama... I question what lengths Mrs. Clinton will go to for this "win".

Chad, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:06 AM)

...because in a few months it'll be nothing more than a bad memory and another broken link:
hillaryclinton.com

We are on the verge of a general election between two decent and honest candidates, either of whom would make a fine president. When is the last time we could say that??
Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, good luck to you both and please make us proud, for a change.

Peter Caloger Bushkill, PA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:10 AM)

The longer Hillary continues to loose the smaller her support base continues to shrink and the more holes her 35 yrs of experience and her ability to be the Republican Party in the general election has in it. Yesterday, she was the one that sounded like the Pep Rally Rehetorican or Valedictiorian, and Barack Obama sounded like the Elderstatesmen of the Democratic Party.

Hillary this is your opportunity to bow out gracefully and coalesce your support around the strongest candidate for the good of the Democratic Party. Unfortunately, I don't think she has conscious to do that, and unfortunately for us we have to drag this Presidential campaign out even longer until the inevitable becomes visible to the blind woman seated in the front row.

Obama 08'

Michael Nimmons, Detroit, MI (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:10 AM)

I am a long-time supporter of Hillary Clinton. Last night, as I listened to her speech in Youngstown, OH, I was flabbergasted to see Barak Obama cutting in on her time. Wasn't he taught that waiting your turn in the courteous thing to do? This is not the person I want leading my country. I have had 7 years of a hot-headed, thoughtless, mannerless adolescent mascarading as our Commander-In-Chief. I DO NOT want 4-8 more years of the same. If Obama doesn't have enough control of himself to display even a modicum of patience and tact, how do you think he will perform under the pressure of guiding this country to its former prestige? George Bush has given this country a horrible reputation for thinking only of ourselves, and Obama seems to be continuing the pattern.

I don't want a flashy superstar as my next president - I want someone who will take this country's problems seriously, someone who will be able to act swiftly but thoughtfully. I still believe Hillary is that person. If Barak somehow manages to obtain the Democratic Nomination, I will be hard-pressed to vote for him in November.

Christy Burchett; Wilmington, OH (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:16 AM)

Congratulations to the next President, OBAMA, Keep up the good works. undoubtly you are definitely the next President.
We in the caribbean are backing you 500% and over.

Yes you can. Just remember, in all you do don't leave the heavenly father out of the picture. put him first and he will continue to direct your part.

Inita St. Kitts West Indies (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:18 AM)

It's 'do or die' for Hillary on March 4. I hope she does well and the tide turns for her, but no sea wll can hold back a tsumani wave, or an idea whose time has come.I still prefer a battle-scarred vet with a bad attitude over a visionary with 'love and light' in his eyes. Will Obama's hero-worshippers show up on "the Day", or figure it's in the bag and stay home and watch soap operas ? When the going gets tough the tough (HIllary's Hen Brigade) gets going. They'll be there to vote, but will it be enough against the proven ability of the GOP to blind-side the Dems again? Vote Hillary now-Obama in 2016.

jay arr (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:20 AM)

For what it is worth, yesterday I signed up to do what I could for the Obama campaign. I was undecided because I thought all three remaining candidates had somthing to offer. For the most part Obamas and HRCs policies are the same. If by chance HRC does get the nomination I will vote for her but it does'nt look like that will happen. I thought McCain was a person we could trust because he was a true American. But last week when he sold his soul to the extreme right just for votes I realized he is a Republican before an American. I will only vote for someone who I believe is an American first. I dislike the way the Clintons went negative in their campaign against Obama. So that is the reason I will back Obama. Now it is a campaign and all candidates are going to put a chicken in every pot. I look at what are they going to do to fix our problems. They have multiplied over the last seven years so it is not something that will be easy. But after the last few weeks it looks like McCain just wants to continue the failed policies of Bush jr. His hands would be tied just like the first Bush after Reagan who was unable to do anything for the economy because he was committed to the wingnuts... He could only see 1000 points of light. Right now EVERY citizen of the United States owes $30,000 towards the national debt. With McCain as President it will only get worse... For everyone that thinks they deserve a chicken in their pot, right now we cant afford it.. the bill this country has run up christmas shopping over the las 7 years is past due.

Veteran for Obama, Clermont, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:21 AM)

Frank makes some great points above. I have a hard time understanding why the media keep asking the question as to what is Hillary doing wrong. Why can they not admit it maybe what Obama is doing well instead of what Hillary is doing wrong? Maybe people are starting to pay attention and view him as being gracious in defeat, calm under criticism, and steadfast in the face of adversity. Obviously, that's too positive of a picture of Obama. However, it is interesting that where he spends time, he does well. I also think it's an insult to the millions who fill arenas to listen to him when people simply dismiss him as being nothing but talk. Does that mean those who come to listen and sometimes go on to vote for him cannot decipher what's real and what's not? It's okay to question the man's experience but the attitude of dismissing the message as nothing but false hope may alienate many. If you're going to criticize him, you may want to at least congratulate his effort while making the case that you're best equipped to implement the changes. The negative tactics and dismissal will only motivate the youths to propel him to more victories.

Doles, Miami, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:21 AM)

HRC like most self-entitled types is a hardcore brat.
When she doesn't get it her way she throws her toys and mud pies, whines, cries and throws a tantrum. What wonderful traits for a leader.

Frannie (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:21 AM)

HRC like most self-entitled types is a hardcore brat.
When she doesn't get it her way she throws her toys and mud pies, whines, cries and throws a tantrum. What wonderful traits for a leader.

Frannie (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:22 AM)

Why would Hillary congratulate or concede to such a sleazy scam merchant. He is so cocky and arrogant that he now expects people to bow before him. He's getting more and more messianic by the minute: the Elmer Gantry of the 21st century. And he too will be revealed as a con man and charleton, mark my words.

London (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:24 AM)

None of us imagined that Obama would steal the limelight. A year ago, like most of the democrates, i was also for hillary. Perhaps, cos of the Clinton brand and her "record" - 35 years! But when those years (her 35 years and his 40 years) were put to the test and wieghed it has turned out to be base material. They are acting almost like my 4 year old child. totally missing the mark in their campaign engagements. What scares me is the fact that they are able to "see" what most of us are not seeing. We want a better, safer, and prosperous american. but what do the clintons "see"? they are wasting so much time in indonesia visiting obama's 3rd classroom, they are in Iraq trying to match someone with Obama's middlename, and they love exploring the deserts of afganistan - doing a clinical study on the letters "b" and "s", and instead of looking into the pressing challenges of the 21st century, the clintons have decided to go back 40 years in time and digging up the kindergraten bin! So sorry that i have wasted my timing supporting the clintons. they are "so small" for the Big America and the American dream. i will not only vote for Obama but also ask all my friends to do the same! Long live Obama! Yes We Can!!!

Tuvin Paset, Seattle, Wash (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:24 AM)

Senator Obama makes me laugh as well as inspires me. I like his speeches and his humble personality. When he lost New Hampshire, California, and New York, he didn't whine. He keeps on fighting, but most of all, he stays positive. The press keeps on knocking him on the head with their negative remarks, but he just stays above the criticism. That's what we need, a true leader with a sense of humor and with integrity as well as determination. Obama '08

Raphael, Lawrenceville, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:31 AM)

Mark Penn is really earning his millions.

Pennyweight, Columbus OH (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:39 AM)

The Clinton/McCain attack machine is about to engage!....we are going to lose some people along the way but we must believe! Old Washington is fighting back..time for change!
CJ (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:26 PM)

-----------------------
Well ya win some ya lose some. I will never vote for the phony Barack man. Never! You will gain all the NEW fools that love the sound of a man yelping and preaching to the lowly! They are so easily led. I am sure McCain will be reduced to tears when he gets to NOT debate the HOLY ONE!

no vote for BO not ALL people are stupid (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:41 AM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=683274