Bill: Everything rides on TX and OH

Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:54 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
Bill Clinton just said this about his wife's campaign while in Texas: "If she wins in Texas and Ohio, she'll be the nominee. If she doesn't, I don't think she can be. It's all on you."

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Comments

A voice of reason...Hillary bow out graciously now. Pleease hold on to what's left of the Clinton legacy. Listen to your husband...end this race!

Michelle R. (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:57 PM)

everyone rides on Bill

Chris, Philly (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:59 PM)

Notice how he said "If she wins in... " without talking about the margin of victory, which seems to be at the heart of the issue.

lizardbox, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:00 PM)

promise?

Muzhik, Wash, DC (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:01 PM)

Wonderful - finally... Let's not let this drag on longer than March 4 if not necessary - it does not serve the candidates, party nor country well... Let's hope the Clintons stick to this one, no matter what. Do we need to define "win" first?!

Carthage (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:02 PM)

Even if she wins she won't get the nomination

grace (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:02 PM)

Finally, he says something that makes sense and has substance.

YES WE CAN!
OBAMA, 2008!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:04 PM)

Is this multiple choice Bill? I'll take the latter.

Ian (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:04 PM)

With all due respect to the former president, she needs to win both big just to get back into the running.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:04 PM)

Everybody needs to realize that this is not a beauty contest - this is for real. And Hillary will be the best president ever!

Hillary 08!!!

See this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGeu_4Ekx-o

Martin (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:05 PM)

Bill's getting ready to endorse Obama.

Marty Getty (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:05 PM)

Well at least Bill realizes she can't win after Texas and Ohio if she doesn't win big. Hopefully they stick to that and drop after Tx/OH so the Dems don't tear each other apart.

I still hold firm in the belief that he doesn't want her to win. He is too smart to make the amount of mistakes he has. Silly stupid mistakes at that. I honestly believe he just can't stomach her being President, and honestly would have loved if she hadn't run so he could have gone out full force in support of Obama.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:07 PM)

I have been saying this all along. Bill Clinton wants Hillary Clinton to lose. Her winning would overshadow his legacy and he wants to be the only President Clinton. That is why he is doing everything he can to undermine her campaign. Of course there is no need for him to do so since Hillary is a pathetic, disgusting, miserable failure of a candidate and Senator. She doesn't need Bill helping her lose.

Patrick, Indianapolis (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:09 PM)

Even if she wins in TX and OH, it would have to be by a substantial margin for her to have a shot at the nomination. But I will agree with Bill on the second half of his statement. ;)

Chris M. Wilson (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:09 PM)

If Bill says it...it's probably true.

The Clinton Machine rolls on

Bo Doe, Kalispell MT (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:11 PM)

Chelsea back from Hawaii yet? How'd that work out?

Marla Marbles (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:12 PM)

Let's see - the state that presented us with GWB, and the state whose Sec. of State was GWB's head of the state's RNC and did such a good job fixing the 2004 election - you know what to do, Bill.

observer (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:12 PM)

He didn't define 'win', popular vote or delegate? Many of the districts in parts of Texas she *should* do well in have 4 delegates each, meaning she'd have to win by almost 63%-37% to get three of four. The big cities have many more delegates so the vote can be closer for Obama and he'd get a delegate lead.

Ethan Seattle, WA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:13 PM)

Yeah right. If she wins in Texas, she still probably loses the delegate count in that state.

She's done. Cooked. Finito.

Paul Anderson (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:14 PM)

Why did you just post this? CNN and CBS had this tidbit a few hours ago. Sometimes I wonder what goes on there at FR. And where is your report on the Teamsters endorsing Senator Obama?

OBTW Bill, will she cry if she loses either of those states?

Jesse, Fallon NV (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:14 PM)

well, I just she won't be our nominee...

jay'o (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:16 PM)

Bill, your's & Hillary's Dream of getting voted back into OUR House, is Gone. You had your chance, you chose to screw around on taxpayer time & destroyed the Democratic Party enroute. Because of you 2, we have had to live with GWB,Iraq, 911, Wiretapping of American's, Judges fired because of their Political beleif's, etc, etc, etc.

American's No longer care about the Clinton's fighting the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy. We care about getting America's problem's solved. we don't have time for you 2 to mess it up again.

Go back on your speaking tour's & Hillary can go back to senate & maybe for Once, try & represent the People of New York. I'm sure Pat & J. merle can't wait.

Texas & Ohio are only going to Embarrass you 2

Further. Is That what You Really Want?

Barack Obama for President!!!!!!!!!!

Rick,ky (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:16 PM)

With the rules in Texas, she can win the popular vote and still not get any surplus in delegates. Even if she won both states, with a small margin of victory, she still won't have enough to put her over the top. Much respect to our former President, but he's wrong, unless he knows something most of us don't know.

K Eldridge (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:16 PM)

Actually, if she wins in TX and OH, she'll still be behind.

Obama currently has a 150 pledged delegate lead.

The will of the people cannot be overturned by the superdelegates, or the Democratic party will be destroyed.

Steve, Albquerque, NM (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:19 PM)

Bill is correct I think based on how the trend is now unless there is a miracle and Hillary wins over 75 per cent of all delegates in the remaining contests.

Miracles do happen.

I have a dream and it is that Hillary will be the next Presidnet of the United States. She is the only candidate who will do good for the american people and the world and help protect our planet. Obama is hollow and without substance. History has shown the steep downfall of cultist leader like Jim Jones. Remeber how he led his blind followers to Guyana and gave them poison to drink? Similar with Obama and his followers?

Arjun (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:23 PM)

Ohio and Texas....the two states that DO count if she loses!!!

Karen, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:23 PM)

Does Bill know what the meaning of was...was?

Chris, Philly (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:27 PM)

Why do we not wait till March 6th to start picking on the Clinton's. I am an Obama supporter but think we need to wait till after Texas and Ohio to say it is done. If Hillary wins then they have to look at by how much and if it is worth going on. To accuse them of tring to spin it before it has even happen is unfair. If she were to loss both states I think they realize it is over. We owe it to ourself as a party to feel like no one was forced out of the race but dropped out on their own.

Russ KC Mo (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:28 PM)

Wow, a good old fashioned game of "Texas" hold-em. Bill's going all in, but who will call his bluff?

--Sports analogies were yesterday, gambling is tomorrows vice for the pundits, perhaps?

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:28 PM)

Bill's just trying to spin this, everybody already knows if she doesn't win both (and win big), it's over. He's trying to set it up in the media, if she wins she'll be the nominee. This couldn't be further from the truth. If she wins both she will still be way behind.

me (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:28 PM)

I think if Hillary and Bill are serious about "getting real", then they need to end the attack dog mentality. Release their tax returns to help voters judge them. Release other hidden documents so we can evaluate Hillary's ability to be a good leader.
Lets end lies, desperation and groundless attacks and focus on the facts.

Ron Allen (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:30 PM)

It will be Hillary, not Rove, who gets 'frog-marched' out of Texas. See ya!

Stan, Houston, Texas (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:31 PM)

lizardbox, Chicago, IL: '...Notice how he said "If she wins in... " without talking about the margin of victory, which seems to be at the heart of the issue...'

Exactly
I think she has to win by 65% to catch up with Obama
She WON'T BE the nominee if she's behind in the delegate count.......... PERIOD

She could win Texas and still lose most of Texas' delegates to Obama

That said, Obama needs to win a big state to 'prove' his viability
If he wins one of the big three (texas, Ohio, Penn.)
He's in,,,,,

Sierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:31 PM)

Obama is going to get run over. You people voting for him are so stupid. Thank you for making it easier for the Republicans to keep the White House.

Brian, San Diego, California (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:31 PM)

about time...

Karen,NYC (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:31 PM)

I hope that means she will withdraw and finally *stop* the nastiness and tearing the party apart if she loses both states ...... and, if so, I sincerely hope that the voters of Texas and Ohio come through like those in Wisconsin did!! Stopping this insanity is, I'm convinced, the best thing that could happen for Sen. Clinton. She is losing respect, badly, every day and needs to get off the merry-go-round. She's been through too much and, frankly, has too much to offer to become a bad, bitter joke.

Elizabeth (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:31 PM)

This just in:

Hillary is planning to cry on the debates tomorrow night!!!

John (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:31 PM)

Awesome! Watching Hillary slowly lose the nomination has been oh so sweet! I can imagine what she is saying about Obama behind his back!

Tom,Miami,FL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:33 PM)

This makes no sense. According to the Clinton's the only states that matter are Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, California and New Jersey. If these are the only states that matter then why bother with all the others, these five should just vote all the same day and it would be over.

Julia (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:34 PM)

Marty Getty & Marla Marbles -

Bravo! Your posts had me in hysterics!!!

Looks like Bill has taken his wife's advice... "It's time to get real"...

Vermont Mom for Obama (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:35 PM)

Come my fellow Americans in Texas and Ohio, let's end this Democratic primary season with wins in Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island on March 4th. The longer this Democratic contest gets drawn out, the more negative and destructive to the Democratic party this will be come November 4th.

AJ, IL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:35 PM)

He's purposefully setting the bar too low. She needs to do much more than win 51% to 49%.

Rob Davies (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:36 PM)

There Bill Clinton is again in the news, taking away the little media independence Hillary enjoys...Doesn't Bill and Hillary have to be at the Peter Paul trial date tomorrow?!

AJ, IL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:38 PM)

Is It Time for Hillary Clinton to Quit?
With ten successive defeats, the Clinton Camp must be wondering about the future of their campaign. Even if Hillary wins Texas & Ohio (which seems very unlikely), she will not be able to lead in the delegate count. So her camp needs to have a reality check.

Perhaps it is time for the elders of Democratic party to suggest to Hillary that her continuing the campaign will be devisive for the party and it is time for her to concede. She has run a good competitive campaign, she was leading in the polls for the longest time, but the Obama movement has overtaken her and gone well past. It is time for Al Gore and other Democratic stalwarts to step up and bring this to a close.

If Hillary quits now, she will leave on good terms with Obama and will enable the Democratic nominee to preserve cash and energy for campaign against McCain. Also, she may have an important place in an Obama Administration. She could be Secretary of Health implementing the all important healthcare plans that both she and Obama talk about so much.

Also, with Obama's relatively less experience in world affairs, his Administration must leverage Bill Clinton's international experience. Bill could be the President's Special Ambassador for Middle East peace, a project Clinton came so close to accomplishing towards the end of his Presidency but ran out of time. This could be a great opportunity for him to finish what he started.

Ajaz Haque (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:41 PM)

"Everybody needs to realize that this is not a beauty contest - this is for real. And Hillary will be the best president ever!

Hillary 08!!! " - Martin

First off, calm down. Take a breath. Good. Beauty Contest you say? Yeah. You are right, we all know she is one ugly lady. Didn't she use to have those thick bushy eyebrows. Lovely.

Mike in Texas (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:41 PM)

Depends on what the definition of 'is' is, right Bill?

Billary would not just have to win, she would have to win BIG (in delegates). And you backdoor 527 group smear campaign of the interest groups and lobbies will not help! The OBAMA supporter are standing close behind our candidate and we have MANY more small contributions we can make! The 527 swift boating will not cost you (your) money but it will cost you votes!

MO (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:43 PM)

The important part of that quote: If she wins Texas and Ohio she will be the nominee. That is not the case. Even if she wins both by a 65-35 split the race will be considered even and its on to Pennsylvania. This is why they call him Slick Willy. He invinted the expectations game.

YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!!!! YES WE CAN!!!!

Waleeg, Philly, PA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:45 PM)

Who does he think he is!

The voters' voices shall not perish!

Say NO to the crooks!

Philip, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:47 PM)

Note to Hillary - Many fellow Demos I know said that they would be happy with either one - Obama or you - although they "probably will vote for Obama." You each have your own special attributes. Hillary, have you listened back to your speeches, you sound VERY loud and shrill and sometimes very angry. I'm afraid that I end up having to use the mute button in most of your speeches although still interested in what you have to say. That contrasts badly with Obama's measured eloquence. I would suggest that you show your softer side in vocalizations; why not even wear a pretty dress - you are, after all, a lovely woman. You definitely have plenty of smarts and I respect you for sticking with your husband. That is, after all, what love is all about. Bill, you very intelligent with good judgement in most matters - hope you walk the straight and narrow from now on. I've always said that if women ruled the world there would be fewer wars; so I guess I am saying I would be happy with either one of you who wins the nomination. McCain is an honorable man, but we can't let the Republicans back in. They seem to be completely out of touch with the average "Joe." don't think. Wish somebody would nominate Edwards for VP, he was my first choice.

Jean Rice, Spokane, WA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:48 PM)

Time to take the parting gifts, Hillary and Bill. Thanks for playing our game. Having fun yet?

Al, KS (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:48 PM)

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