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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



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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we can only hope they mean it and end this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not believe she will win ohio. every call i make is yes to OBAMA
KJ:  Yes, we can WHAT?  Will someone please tell me what I am supposed to hope for.  What change am I supposed to be eager to embrace?  
While Hillary is the supposed standard bearer of the
underclass, her husband never fails to remind audiences that although Bill and Hill are beneficiaries of the Bush tax cuts, they, oh so magnanimously, want a policy that would effectively punish themselves. (I can never remember a Kennedy or Rockefeller sounding so gauche) Meanwhile, where are those tax returns as well as a full accounting of your
Foundation donations. His probably answer:"Because I
could," I nor Hillary will not submit to any inquiries. Much as I would have liked to vote for a woman for President and I feel a bit guilty about punishing her for his smothering narcissism, I am
moved and impressed by Barack Obama, both eloquent and elegant. I feel similarly about Michele Obama, so
smart and fine and witty like her husband. Sorry, Bill, no more pizza parties and Lincoln Bedroom
raffles. Inarguably, you were a good (not great)
President who left the country in much better shape
than the current office holder. But character is destiny and your destiny, it is becoming more and
more apparent, does not lead to your bedding down in the White House again.
You go Bill!

FOB/FOH


OBAMA,2012
While Hillary is the supposed standard bearer of the
underclass, her husband never fails to remind audiences that although Bill and Hill are beneficiaries of the Bush tax cuts, they, oh so magnanimously, want a policy that would effectively punish themselves. (I can never remember a Kennedy or Rockefeller sounding so gauche) Meanwhile, where are those tax returns as well as a full accounting of your
Foundation donations. His probably answer:"Because I
could," I nor Hillary will not submit to any inquiries. Much as I would have liked to vote for a woman for President and I feel a bit guilty about punishing her for his smothering narcissism, I am
moved and impressed by Barack Obama, both eloquent and elegant. I feel similarly about Michele Obama, so
smart and fine and witty like her husband. Sorry, Bill, no more pizza parties and Lincoln Bedroom
raffles. Inarguably, you were a good (not great)
President who left the country in much better shape
than the current office holder. But character is destiny and your destiny, it is becoming more and
more apparent, does not lead to your bedding down in the White House again.
Why is US reluctant to chose a woman as a presidential nominee?  The trend we observe precisely proves our lack of confidence in a woman as our chief executive, and not so much due to Obama's charishma. We Americans are still a male dominated society, and overlook some of the world's successful leaderships under Margaret Thatcher, Golda Meyer and Indira Gandhi!  What is it about us Americans?  Do we not trust our mothers, wives and sisters to lead us in the right direction?
"If she wins we'll have to release our tax returns... OUCH!"

"If she looses we'll get a divorce... hmmm... not so bad..."

WJC
Doesn't Hillary look like the Crypt Keeper or the alien from "Men in Black"?
2/19/2008
Hardball
Chris Matthews to Kirk Watson, Texas rep supporting Obama:

"Sir, can you name Senator Obama's legislative accomplishments"?

Watson - NO, I CAN'T!

Could not name any obama legislative accomplishments!
Well just win is not going to cut it. She has to win by atleast 20 points to erase Obama's lead. 38 states of 50 are done and Obama has a huge lead of 150 pledged delegates. The range of his winning margin in last 10 contests are 17% (WI yesterday) to 80% (Virgin Island). Bare bone win will not help her but will just stretch the fight longer impacting Democratic party and the nominee.

I am not sure if Bill's statement is a voice of reason or a desperate appeal to Texans to save his wife's candidacy.
Rofl Lets compare him to Jim Jones! I cannot get over how funny some people are.

How about JFK? Oh that's right, he is exactly like JFK, you are willing to attack him on that, but not give him credit for it?

Do any of you pathetic uneducated Hillary People realize that JFK, besides being a charming and young president, had the resolve to save America from the greatest threat to "homeland" soil we have ever known?

Wow Bill forget about loosing 10 states in row , simply cherry pick two state where she is ahead and one with a large spanish vote and put the pressure on Obama to win , Good job Billary white water Clinton.
I think it is time for all of us Obama supporters to back off the snotty comments and make the change for the Clintonites as smooth as possible.  We should welcome them into our ranks.

We should continue to answer the real charges, but remember they are going through some tough times right now.  Soon we will be together.

However, we should all redouble our efforts to make calls and send in a few dollars.  We must not back off the campaign, Just less nasty comments.
The American people are not dumb. We dont' want four years of a Bill 2 presidency. Unity, Peace, Integrity and Decency in the White House is what the 08 election is about.

Go Obama 08!!!!
Well, hello all of you Obama haters.  I told you I'd be back to talk about his eventual nomination. What ever your hang ups are, the bottom line is that the Clinton machine has itself to blame for this 'smoking' she got. Bob Johnson too! Or as Bill would say, "she got smoked, but she didn't inhale and we finally got Monica's dress cleaned."  They have themselves to blame and this man has rightly taken what was his to take. (Billary to the BANK) And he did it better than any of you ever gave him credit for. And better than any others have, EVER. Site what you want about him. Results are the results. Now look at cha. Your all mad now.  So don't be like that, people. Can't we all just get along?
Well, I sure hope he can get through to her, and I hope they're watching the polls.  Because she can't possibly win at this point--the nomination OR the general election--and she's deep into the process of destroying what credibility and reputation she has left.  She just simply ain't gonna be president.  That should be obvious to everyone by now.

If she drops out gracefully before March 4, she could come out of this looking like a hero.  If she spends the next two weeks attacking Obama, she's going to come off as the biggest loser on the planet.
Hillary Clinton needs HOPE to believe she can catch BARACK OBAMA.  Oh I forgot Mrs. Clinton does not believe in HOPE or things that are "JUST WORDS", go figure.  Bill knows what is up, no need to destroy the party for a dream that has all but ended for Hillary.  RIP Hillary!!
"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)

I'd just like to point out that comments like these from Clinton supporters were one of many reasons why I voted for Obama in my state's primary contest.  The wide eyed hysterics of Clinton supporters is not only pathetic, it is hampering whatever hope your candidates has left.  
Arjun, are you serious? Is that part of the Clinton talking points?
If Obama Wins, there is no hope for Democrats fror next 8 years. Look , obama can not win california , where the majority are asians and latinos : who will never vote for an afro-american person whether he is democrat or republican. This is as simple as that. If california is lost , where can you think off. If there is 55-45 in new york for republican. The upper ny will never vote for Afro american. If democrat loose this chance , ther are gone for at least 8 years.
Slow down Bill, I think you are moving the goal posts a little. She has to win by blowout on March 4th to just get back into the game.  A small victory doesn't do anything for her.  Ok, go back to your campaigning.
http://obamamessiah.blogspot.com/

See the Sermon on the Mount!

As we take the layers of pancake makeup off of Pancake Hilly we finally come to the Woodstock girl! She is still the same. Now she wants to use tax payer money to earmark a $1.5 memorial on the place where she and the flower children had their booze, dope, and sex fling!!! Billy Boy and Pancake Hilly want to Ttrash OUR White House again. NO WAY !!!
Obama fans think because Hillary is a woman they can attack her. Okay let's put the other shoe on..I have been above board on not going racial because I am not racial. But you know what, fair is fair.
How about if Obama loses will all the blacks cry foul and "March".
If Obama loses will he Shuck and Jive his way back to Ill. And bring the "FOLKS".
If Obama loses will he be moon walking back to Oprah.
How does that feel. Insulting? Yea I know. All the Canidates running for President have done far more for this country before they were 40 then you or I will our entire life. Your pretty pompus to sit judgement on people of the Clinton's standard,. I suppose you have no respect for what they have done for the minorities in this Country do you. I suppose you think that Bill Clinton made his office in Harlem cause he thought the parking was better. no you dummies. He put his office in Harlem to say thank You for your support and for working together for the better of all. Now I think, because we can say what we want now thanks to you bashers) it is very typical for the blacks to not support the people who have stood up for them,worked endlees hours for them and suffered endless ridacule for devoting most of thier lives for them to turn on The Clintons to support a Canidate because of the color of his skin.  If the Clintons would have done that  all thier years in service where would you be now. So just keep raggin on Clinton cause you may get what your looking for. A Black President that has an agenda and guess what middle class latte drinkers you not part of the agenda just the vehicle to get to it. Fools.
Everytime I see a stupid bash for no reason i will let you know what else the Clintons have done for the minorities. Trust me I have more then you have.
Great. I'm glad the Clintons will call it quits when they lose in Texas.

Thank you bill. let's not drag out this ugly defeat any longer.
So is Bill admitting they will drop out?

Great!!!
Arjun - Seriously, you're comparing Barack Obama to Jim Jones?  Do you really believe that Obama wants America to go even further off-track and will do no good?  

His and Clinton's positions on most issues are similar.  It's not "style over substance" as the campaign with a deficit of style likes to say.  Choosing Obama is "style AND substance".

All of this cult talk about Obama's campaign is complete B.S. and is a smokescreen for candidates who wish they had the reaction that he gets from his supporters.  And the worst part is that it gives voters yet another reason to avoid talking about issues that are important to us - just the way many "traditional" politicians like it.

Take a deep breath, do your own actual research on each candidate and then choose who you think best represents you.  If you believe that it's Clinton, then give her your support - without repeating malicious punditry.  (Not sure if that's a word, but I like it!)
First, the Clintons had their chance. The result was the Bush presidency and a Republican dominated Congress for his first term. Second, I'm tired of Hillary Clinton's constant negative attacks on Obama. It's all just rhetoric, hollow and without substance or achievement - all things she's claiming about him. Third, all the polls are saying Obama has a chance against McCain, and she doesn't.

It's time to move on, and if the Clintons have an ounce of class and a true desire to see the Democrats succeed in '08 (rather than just themselves), they'll step aside after they lose on March 4th. It's just a matter of if.
"It's all on you."

Not the first time Bill Clinton has said those words....
Just wondering if everyone has forgotten about the historical treasures that were taken from the White House when the Clintons' left; i.e. silverware for one.  The American people demanded that they be returned and the Clintons had to return them.  Are people overlooking the dishonesty that was woven throughout the Clinton years?  We're talking about integrity here aren't we?  It is sad that any gender would forget how the Clintons have manipulated their outcome countless times.  Hard to believe that a portion of the women of this country can't see through the "emotional" drama that's been created in an attempt to pull yet another one over on us.   Tired of tuning in to the Clinton soap opera-want to tune them out!  
Will the Yellow Rose of Texas beat Obama to DC?  Maybe.  
Guess who has better Judgement, Organizational skills and Inspiriational - Its Bill and Obama.

So in some ways, she has a husband who has the same skills as Obama and she is finding it difficult to fight it - since she has learned to appreciate it at home.

How unfortunate.
Rick,ky -- your blaming the Clintons for GWB, 911, wire tapping of Americans, And Judges fired because of their Relious beliefs ???? WTF ??

You have got to be a Republican spewing that rhetoric, the one true part is GWB

Come on wheres your head at ? Your mom didnt name you Ricky, thats a boys name. Nut up, use your brain and you would stop calling youself Ricky, and putting down the Clintons.

Oh , is that Rick , KY ??? Kentucky??? you represent your state well !!!! That explains it.....
I'm a latino and Obama has my vote, not only that, but also my friend's votes. I don't know how the media came up with the idea that latinos like Hillary; Hell no! Most of the latinos I know can't stand her.
oh wow , CENSORSHIP.....IN 2008 USA . I cant say what I want because MSNBC will censor me. what a free country !!! go USA

Bill Clinton won in '92 with the indirect help of the Bush family.  

A deal was struck early on not to talk about what they had on GHWB (girlfriends, personal stuff)if GHWB would chill on Bill's massive "indiscretions."  

Nice deal for Bill.

The Clinton's play hardball behind the spirituality, villages to raise children, and toothy grins.  

They play the sandlot hardball, not like the relatively genteel Chris Matthews backyard whiffle ball.  

Their game is a blood sport.

I do not know what will happen in the next month, but if the Democratic Party is destroyed in this cycle it will be a direct result of the Clintons blowing up the bridge to the future.

Watch them very closely.  The 527s are the tip of the iceberg.

There will be blood.
Bill and Hill have some serious talking to do before they meet the eyes of Texas.  It's all on THEM.
Obama grass-root events outnumber HRC 3 to 1 in TX. We can defeat her unorganized campaign, and take the Lone-Star State by double-digits.

First I read that Mr. Bill said his wife MUST win Texas . . .then I read this:

-----------------

Clinton told reporters over the weekend that her aides were still struggling to understand how the state (TX) operates.

"I've got people trying to understand it as we speak," she said. "Grown men are crying as we speak. I had no idea it was so bizarre."

Asked by ABC News how the Clinton campaign would define success in Texas, Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson said he wasn't sure.  - http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=4318311&page=2

------------------

OK, we understand that she didn't have a post-FEB 5th plan. Does it take two weeks to learn how to screw in a light bulb?

What if this was a showdown with the UN Security Council, or a battle over a GOP filibuster on health care? Would an HRC administration allow two weeks to pass?

I guess these brilliant minds must expect me to just believe that she will be ready on day one!

Bill if that is the case i anxiously await her defeat in oh and tx and beyond
Ask Bill what's his definition of winning. Seriously, I don't think Hillary has a chance. She will never get my precious latino vote.
I guess we will also be changing the name of the white house to the BLACK house, if Obama thinks he will ever get there and then maybe Michelle can be proud of her country again. They are both racist. Check out his church , Democrat for McCain if Obama is on the ticket. I hope anyone that is supporting Hillary does not vote for Barrack Hussein Obama.
I hope you all will be happy with Obama when the Republican Machine gets through with him. How does he plan to pay for all the changes and idea's he has? He has very little experience but I guess he can pay for his promises with HOPE OR CHANGE. WAKE UP AMERICA !!!!!!!!!!
i would like to see the press pick obama apart like they do hillary.  clinton needs to push obama hard to see how much he can take instead of whinning when things get a little tough. everyone needs to discuss his accomplishements so far instead of what he promises.  if he can not take the campaign negatives how will he react to a bad situation in office.  are the press going to protect him then?
A colleague jolted our lunch conversation with the following prediction:  "Hillary Clinton will be out of the race by the end of March."  That was on 8 Feb 2008, and it sounded so far-fetched to this Obama man that I made him sign a [burrito chain] napkin to that effect.  Which I then framed and put on his desk.

So now it's about two weeks later and it looks like he overestimated!  Wow, who'd a thunk.

Go Obama!
Way to go BILL!?!

The Last thing Hillary wants is the expectation of results (i.e a win) from her effort.

I seriously expect a Clinton campaign press release claiming that Bill Clinton is not speaking for the Clinton campaign.  Hillary has enough experence to know you fake it until you make it, and if that does'nt work blame the media..

Hillary can't just win in Texas and Ohio.  She has to win in blowouts in Texas and Ohio.  And then she has to keep winning in blowout fashion in the states the follow.  That is possible, but not likely.
The Clinton's are going to throw everything they've got in the next two weeks at Texas and Ohio. Obama is the frontrunner, but Hillary still leads in Texas and Ohio. It should be interesting...See more at: http://undecidedvoters.blogspot.com/
Guess who has better Judgement, Organizational skills and Inspiriational - Its Bill and Obama.

So in some ways, she has a husband who has the same skills as Obama and she is finding it difficult to fight it - since she has learned to appreciate it at home.

How unfortunate.
After reading some of the previous posts, I am going to have to agree with what a few of them posted.. it does not seem like Bill wants Hillary to win.. if he did, he would not be acting like such a "bonehead" whenever he opens his mouth.. I remember when he was our President.  He was articulate and he had a great personality and he seemed to just draw people to him. In one word he was: "likeable."  But where has that Bill Clinton gone?  The current Mrs. Clinton (I couldn't resist that one) is so different, I hardly recognize him..  He is no longer articulate, he has a very negative personality that is actually turning away Clinton supporters and in one word he is now: "Unlikeable."   I think Hillary's downfall was relying on Bill's previous popularity to win over the ones who didn't like her as much as him, but it has backfired on her.. He has caused her campaign to turn negative and use attack ads and once she did that, she LOST many supporters.. Caroline Kennedy ring a bell?   Look, I am not saying she is not a good person, but I am saying that she is NOT the best person for the job at hand.. enough with what the Clinton's did for us in the 90's.. it's over, it's time to move on and make way for change!   No more of what we have done, it's time for what we can do.. no one says it or backs it up better than Senator Barack Obama..   "YES WE CAN!"  

Obama '08
Barack Obama's momentum makes my head swim. I can only imagine what Hillary Clinton and her people must be thinking. They actually planned to pull off this primary, but just exactly how remains a mystery. Political types will write about Hillary for decades. What not to do. And the Clinton apologists on TV; what future successful political conclusion do they envision for Hillary? Perhaps they just don't want to incur the Clinton's wrath in the final hours. That's understandable: http://theseedsof9-11.com                  


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