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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: TX will decide Hillary's fate

Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2008 2:18 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
ARLINGTON, TX -- Bill Clinton has made no bones about the importance of Texas to the continuation of his wife's campaign. Today, at a get-out-the-vote rally in this Dallas suburb, the former president made it even more clear, saying that "her fate should be decided in Texas."

Clinton cited his wife's early political career when he told voters gathered at a blustery Arlington park this morning that it is "altogether appropriate" that the Lone Star State is such a crucial battleground for his wife, who launched a voter registration project here as a young woman. In the state, he said, will lie "her fate in this long and difficult nomination battle, where she has stood up to the most amazing kinds of challenges, where the pundits have danced on her grave repeatedly and she keeps coming back."

"The people who need a president know she'd be the best," he said, adding again that "is altogether appropriate that her fate should be decided in Texas."

Clinton also predicted that wins here and in Ohio would lead to a "handsome victory" in Pennsylvania in April. "Then I think she will become the favorite again and go on and win this thing."

The former president also mentioned -- for the first time -- the death of a Dallas police officer who was killed while escorting his wife's motorcade on Friday. Noting the loss and asking attendees to keep the fallen officer's family in their prayers, he mentioned "That also happened to me when I was president."

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Oh dear Bill... using the word 'fate'.  Big difference between 'fate' and 'destiny' my good man.  

Be careful what you wish for.  If you want TX to decide her fate... they may just do precisely that.
That Bill, always joking around.
its sad to see the Clintons speaking from behind and heading down.. BUT its about time.  Bill and Hillary have given this nation their energy over many decades and they will ultimately be remembered as the ingenius political husband and wife they truly are.  Their time, however, has passed.  I am certain both will remain in the upper echelons of power, hopefully at the behest of President Obama.  Peace Bill & Hill, and Thank You
" ...where the pundits have danced on her grave repeatedly ..."
--Why didn't Tim Russert ask Nader questions relating to Clinton and Obama?  Mr. Russert by far and large only focused on Obama, and it was Mr. Nader who kept bringing Clinton up.  I know that she has lost 11 straight, but she is not out yet.


"Then I think she will become the favorite again and go on and win this thing."
--That is a funny comment, when she was never A "favorite" (difference between favored and favorite), nor will she win!
Hillary Clinton is not a bad person. She is not a bad senator. She simply was unable to handle the news that she has no entitlement to be nominated for president. Some on her actions, as a result, were simply wrong. The ultimate question for Hillary is whether she will destroy her political future by continuing to attack her party's choice for president.
Brilliant Bill - Texas is an open primary.  Why don't you just say to all the Independents or Republicans who hate her so much "now's your chance to vote against her because she probably won't be around in November."
The truth is, the NAFTA Agreement was signed by Bill Clinton on Sept. 14 1993.
Sen. Clinton has always touted her 35years of experience and this includes her years in the White House. This is Hillary Clinton’s voting record on the NAFTA issue.
1) She voted yes to free trade agreement with Oman, Ref. United States - Oman Free Trade Agreement: Bill S.3569: Vote number 2006-190 on June 29, 2006.
2) She voted yes on establishing Free Trade Agreement between US and Singapore. Ref.: US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. Bill S.1417/HR 2739: Vote number 2003-318 on Jul. 31 2003.
3) She voted yes on establishing Free Trade between the US and Chile. Ref. US-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation. Act. Bill S. 1416/HR 2738. Vote number 2003-319 on July 31 2003.
4) Voted yes on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. Ref: Bill HJRES51: Vote number 2001-291 on October 3, 2001.
5)She also voted for open trade with China, despite China's substantial human rights violations and evidence to show that NAFTA has caused the loss of millions of US jobs to non-industrial countries and hasn't delivered on the promise of widespread prosperity.
Sen. Clinton speaks about NAFTA saying that she never supported it from day one. The truth is in her voting record. Don't believe what anyone says, just look it up, use the internet to see her voting record on NAFTA. Do you think Americans cannot search for your voting records on line? "Sen. Hillary Clinton Shame on you"
 
Hillary has no clue what she is talking about. As far as I am concerned her statement that:

"states like “President Bush’s state, Texas” were “embarrassed by the scores, so they just made the tests easier.”  
The stupid woman just insulted every child and teacher in TEXAS, a state that she dearly needs to win. She is freaking pathetic.

I am a teacher in Texas, and I will be posting her statement in every employee lounge on campus.

Hillary has no clue what she is talking about. As far as I am concerned her statement that:

"states like “President Bush’s state, Texas” were “embarrassed by the scores, so they just made the tests easier.”  
The stupid woman just insulted every child and teacher in TEXAS, a state that she dearly needs to win. She is freaking pathetic.

I am a teacher in Texas, and I will be posting her statement in every employee lounge on campus.

If Texans are as intelligent as I think they are, they will end Hillary's bid once and for all.  She needs to get out of the race and out of the Senate.  8 years of Clintons is enough.
The truth is, the NAFTA Agreement was signed by Bill Clinton on Sept. 14 1993.
Sen. Clinton has always touted her 35years of experience and this includes her years in the White House. This is Hillary Clinton’s voting record on the NAFTA issue.
1) She voted yes to free trade agreement with Oman, Ref. United States - Oman Free Trade Agreement: Bill S.3569: Vote number 2006-190 on June 29, 2006.
2) She voted yes on establishing Free Trade Agreement between US and Singapore. Ref.: US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. Bill S.1417/HR 2739: Vote number 2003-318 on Jul. 31 2003.
3) She voted yes on establishing Free Trade between the US and Chile. Ref. US-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation. Act. Bill S. 1416/HR 2738. Vote number 2003-319 on July 31 2003.
4) Voted yes on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. Ref: Bill HJRES51: Vote number 2001-291 on October 3, 2001.
5)She also voted for open trade with China, despite China's substantial human rights violations and evidence to show that NAFTA has caused the loss of millions of US jobs to non-industrial countries and hasn't delivered on the promise of widespread prosperity.
Sen. Clinton speaks about NAFTA saying that she never supported it from day one. The truth is in her voting record. Don't believe what anyone says, just look it up, use the internet to see her voting record on NAFTA. You think Americans cannot search for your voting records, "Sen. Hillary Clinton Shame on you"
 
A police offer was killed while escorted Hillary Clinton's motorcade in Dallas last Friday not only was sad but also a death omen to Clintons' campaign in texas and her campaign in the future. Why she is still struggling? She should graciously bow out the race before March 4.

A police offer was killed while escorted Hillary Clinton's motorcade in Dallas last Friday not only was sad but also a death omen to Clintons' campaign in texas and her campaign in the future. Why she is still struggling? She should graciously bow out the race before March 4.

I cannot understand why Hillary and Clinton are always comparing to each other: this also happened to me, Bill did not win this state either. Why would we care?
I don't think America deserves to have  Hillary Clinton as their President.

They need Obama. He will show them that Bush is not the only idiot in politics.
I hope that means that if Hillary loses in Texas that we won't have to see the baggy-eyed Bolshevik with a voice that sounds like finger nails on a chalkboard any more.  I say, "adios muchacha."  It can't happen soon enough for me.
I am praying that Texas will make the right decision for our country. We need a proven leader who will be able to deal with the many dangers and problems that face us.
Obama may make a good president in a few years but not yet.
It scares me to think the media have had a hand in electing a nominee for President of the United States.
Hillary has been attcked and beaten down unfairly, and it's true what's been said that, "the media is dancing on her grave" but still it aint over till it's over.
To date I count exactly one Hillary comeback moment, and that in New Hampshire.  On Super Tuesday she at best held her own, and in fact lost states like Missori which most thought she was going to win.  Since Super Tuesday it has been an Obama sweep.

The Clintons love that Comeback Kid/Girl label, but they often apply it where it really doesn't fit the situation.
Come ON TEXAS!! You can do it! We all know she has plenty of cattle to go along with that hat! I found it interesting that FINALLY msnbc had the courage to do a write up about Obama's patriotism, or lack thereof. What's even better, is I placed the msnbc link regarding his complete disregard for our flag and anthem on a blog at ABC news because ABC news won't provide facts about who Obama really is to their viewers. I hope msnbc continues to vet Obama.

It was up for about 10 minutes before they removed it. Placed it a couple more times....now I'm banned. (I think its a blog by Jack Tapper) I couldn't even defend myself from a fellow blogger that was attacking me. (The attacker was Obviously an Obama fanatic) Wow, getting pretty testy out there. I guess ABC is all OBAMANATION all the time.

It's so satisfying exposing these biased journalists. Just goes to show that MSM are becoming nothing more than overpaid paparazzi. (Except for the gang at msnbc.....of course.) Keep the Obama background coming msnbc and come on TEXAS.....give Hillary the support she needs!  
It's disconcerting to be told that as an avid Obama supporter I don't need a President. I thought that the enthusiasm among Obama supporters, the interest we show in the election, our willingness to contribute, and the inclusion in our ranks of disaffected voters who have not previously participated in the electoral process indicate that that's exactly what we need need. We must be delusional.

So, is Bill Clinton saying that if Hillary is elected President, never mind us, she would represent someone else?

These subtle and not so subtle reminders that the Clintons view politics as an act of divisiveness ultimately make Hillary unelectable in 2008. No doubt they are intended to shore up Hillary's base among Hispanics and middle-aged white women. It worked in New Hampshire but not so well in Wisconsin, and polls indicate that it's wearing thin in Texas.

If Bill Clinton wants to stake the nomination on Texas, fine. If she loses, she should quit. If she reneges, the Democratic party leaders and superdelegates should put an end to it.
Texas and Ohio and RI and Vermont are all important to Hillary.She cares about these people and they deserve the best.Hillary.She takes her pledge to serve seriously. Obama missed a lot of votes(again)because he was campaigning.Hillary made them. Hillary was the only canidate to go to The Black State of Union. Obama told them he was to busy with Tx and Ohio.He has always(and will again)brag how his supporters are the wealthy.Now he is trying to convince the blue collor workers  he is for them.Latinos he is trying to convince them he is there man. What a laugh,after the slap in the face to Smiley. What a man.His pictures abound and the chants wow.Think he will remember any when in the White House.Not!!! Hillary will and Texans know it.She isnt there only for the cameras.She has been back time after time.Texas will remember her. Tx for Hillary.
Dear President Bill Clinton,

I voted for Barack Obama and millions of others have to. Your quote seems to say we don't need a president, or worse, faults our judgment. As an American who has exercised his right to vote since I turned 18, I find this incredibly offensive, especially coming from a former president. Of course, I guess I should not be surprised considering previous comments from you and Hillary's other consultants. By your measure, only those who support your wife matter or need a president. Shame on you Bill Clinton.
"That also happened to me when I was President"

That is a very intersting phrasing by Mr. Clinton.   He is presumably talking about some other officer who died protecting a motorcade, not about himself having an accident on a motorcycle.   It is self-centered to say "it happened to me" rather than "it happened to an officer guarding me."   In his mind, it is just an event that both he and Hillary had to deal with.
Interesting analysis of the early vote in Texas:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/casey/5563835.html
Okay, it's a deal, Bill! Hillary loses TX and we don't have have her or you shake your fingers at us and get all red-faced. Okay? Got it! What a relief! A fitting end to the Clinton Dynasty, the state that sent us W making some amends for what it did to the USA.
SUBJECT: HISTORY LESSON ON HILLARY

The entire list below represents historical facts that are not in dispute anywhere.

So let's think about the logic of those who would consider, even for a moment, bringing anyone associated with the Clintons back into the White House-----especially Hillary.

The Clintons have been telling America that Hillary is the most qualified candidate for president based on her record,' which they say includes her eight years in the White House as First Lady - or "co-president" - and her seven years in the Senate.

In fact, in his stump speeches, Bill Clinton goes so far as to marvel at his wife's "genius" and repeatedly claims that he never made a major policy, legislative or political decision without consulting her during that 1st Clinton Administration.

So here is a PARTIAL list of her accomplishments, activities, and behavior during the past 15 years since they first ran for President in 1992:

1) As First Lady, Hillary assumed authority over Health Care Reform, process that cost the taxpayers over $13 million. She told both Bill Bradley and Pat Moynahan, key votes needed to pass her legislation, that she would 'demonize' anyone who opposed it. But it was opposed; she couldn't even get it to a vote in a Congress controlled by her own party. (And in the next election, her party lost control of both the House and Senate.)

2) Hillary also assumed authority over selecting a female Attorney General. Her first two recommendations (Zoe Baird and Kimba Wood) were forced to withdraw their names from consideration, and then she chose Janet Reno.
The same Janet Reno has since been described by Bill himself as 'my worst mistake.'

3) Hillary was also the person who recommended Lani Guanier for head of the Civil Rights Commission. When Guanier's radical views became known, her name had to be withdrawn....need more?

4) Hillary recommended three of her former law partners for Administration jobs: Web Hubbell, Vince Foster, and William Kennedy for positions in the Justice Department, White House staff, and the Treasury Dept., respectively.
Hubbell was later imprisoned, Foster allegedly committed suicide, and Kennedy was forced to
resign.

5) Hillary also recommended a close friend of the Clintons, Craig Livingstone, for the position of director of White House security. When Livingstone was investigated for the improper access of up to 900 FBI files of Clinton enemies (Filegate) and the widespread use of drugs by White House staff, both Hillary and her husband denied knowing him. (FBI
agent Dennis Sculimbrene later confirmed in a 1996 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing both the drug use and Hillary' s involvement in hiring Livingstone.
As a result, the FBI closed its White House Liaison Office, which had previously served seven presidents for over thirty years without any such incident.)

6) In order to open 'slots' in the White House for her friends the Harry Thomasons (to whom millions of dollars in travel contracts could be awarded), Hillary had the entire staff of the White House Travel Office fired; they were reported to the FBI for gross mismanagement' and their reputations ruined. After a thirty-month investigation, only one, Billy Dale, was charged with a crime - mixing personal money with White House funds when he cashed checks. The jury acquitted him in less than two hours.

7) Another of Hillary's assumed duties was directing the "bimbo eruption squad" and scandal defense. How competently did she perform? Just follow these dots:
She is the one who urged her husband not to settle the Paula Jones lawsuit. She also stubbornly refused to release the Whitewater documents, which led to the appointment of Ken Starr as Special Prosecutor. After $80 million dollars of taxpayer money was spent, Starr's investigation led to Monica Lewinsky, which led to Bill's lying about and later admitting the affair.
Then they had to settle with Paula Jones after all.
And Bill lost his law license for lying to the grand jury.
And Bill was impeached by the House.
And Hillary almost got herself indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice. She avoided it mostly because she repeated, 'I do not recall,' 'I have no recollection,' and 'I don't know' 56 times
under oath.


8) Hillary accepted the traditional First Lady's role of decorator of the White House at Christmas, but in a unique Hillary way. In 1994,
for example, the First Lady's Tree in the Blue Room (the focal point each year) was decorated with drug paraphernalia, sex toys, and pornographic ornaments, all personally approved by Hillary as the invited artists' depictions of the theme, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.'

9) Hillary wrote 'It Takes a Village,' demonstrating her Socialist viewpoint.

10) Hillary decided to seek election to the Senate in a state where she had never lived. Her husband pardoned FALN terrorists in order to get
Latino support and the New Square Hassidim to get Jewish support. Hillary also had Bill pardon her brother's clients, for a small fee, to get financial support.

11) Then Hillary left the White House, but later had to return $200,000 in White House furniture, china, and artwork she had stolen.

12) In the campaign for the Senate, Hillary played the "gender card" by portraying her opponent (Lazio) as a bully picking on a poor woman.

13) Hillary's husband further protected her by asking the National Archives to withhold from the public until 2012 many records of their time in the White House, including much of Hillary's correspondence and her calendars. (There are ongoing lawsuits to force the release of those records.)

14) As a Senator from New York, Hillary has passed no major legislation. She has deferred to the senior Senator (Schumer) to tend to the needs of New Yorkers, even on the hot issue of medical problems of workers involved in the cleanup of Ground Zero after 9/11.

15) Hillary's one notable vote, supporting the plan to invade Iraq, she has since disavowed.

Again, all above are facts that are not in dispute. Together they paint a picture of a distburbing pattern of manipulation, deceipt, and bad judgement that her conduct of this campaign confirms, yet grossly understates.

Someone told me this resume, while impressive, feels more like it belongs to someone in a crime family.
BASH BASH BASH.....HILLARY IS ONLY THE MOST FANMOUS PERSON IN THR WORLD....I PRAY TEXAS WILL DELIVER FOR HER.NBB CHARLESTON WV ps anyone who thinks HILLARY is stupid...well NO COMMENT.
What;s so great about this country is that we all have freewill to vote for whomever the candidate may be.  I for one am not on the Obama bandwagon. I'm not convinced he is nothing more than self serving rhetoric. Should the so-called super delegates select Obama, I'm changing my political affiliation to Independent.  Good Luck Hillary, there are still people rooting for you.
BASH BASH BASH.....HILLARY IS ONLY THE MOST FANMOUS PERSON IN THR WORLD....I PRAY TEXAS WILL DELIVER FOR HER.NBB CHARLESTON WV ps anyone who thinks HILLARY is stupid...well NO COMMENT.
OR SHOULD I say most famous woman in the world.TEXAS PLEASE DELIVER FOR HILLARY.NBB CHARLESTON WV
A VOTE FOR OBAMA IS A VOTE FOE MCCAIN...IF HILLARY IS NOT ON THE TICKET...I WILL VOTE FOE NADER.NBB CHARLESTON WV
BOY MY VOTE IN 2000 DIDNT COUNT.....THANK YOU SUPREME COURT.NBB CHARLESTON WV
This conspiracy stuff about the media being for Obama is laughable.  I can't believe what I'm seeing.  Could it be that maybe Obama's candidacy is historic, that he's an exceptional candidate, that he brings people together and inspires people, instead of telling everyone to "get real."  Give me a break.
Remember Waco, TX fiasco/siege during Bill Clinton's administration.
Those of you trying to paint Obama as being "a traitor" to the Tavis Smiley event, well I suggest you do a bit more research before showing your ignorance.  Obama contacted Smiley well in advanced and told him that he wasn't able to attend because he's running his PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN and will address the concerns of black america.  You all also seem to be glossing over the fact that Obama was on the show

Why haven't any of the Republican candidates attended the SOTBU?  Nice try but don't even go there.  Clinton is trying to win back the black vote, but it's gone for good thanks to race baiting tactics. She's a phony.

Smiley rejected Michelle Obama, so that's HIS PROBLEM.  

You Hillbots, please know that the Clintons have lost the black vote for good.

Back on topic: Hillary is going to lose both TX and OH.  She is divisive and her latest unbalanced attacks are blowing up in her face. The backlash is going to wreak havoc on her base.  She is the sole one who is hell bent on ruining the Democratic party because if she can't be president, then no one will be.  She has ruined her political career with her lack of ethical standards and it shows in her campaign run, recently with her latest unwarranted outburst.  One moment she's praising Obama and the next she's shaming him.  Well she should of shamed her cheating hubby.
Ummm, sorry, Bill... her fate is already decided, but nice try.  Thanks for playing.
It seems to me that the CLINTON camp is poised for a rally....on SAT morning she asked for 2.2 million from her supporters....she is 200000 dollors from her Sunday night goal.....her support has dried up...I THINK NOT.NBB CHARLESTON WV
OBAMA/CLINTON OR CLINTON/OBAMA IS THE WINNING TICKET.NBB CHARLESTON WV  NOW THATS REAL CHANGE.NBB CHARLESTON WV OBAMA CAN NOT WIN WITHOUT CLINTON AND CLINTON CAN NOT WIN WITHOUT OBAMA.....IT IS A NO BRAINER.REMEMBER YOU NEED THE DEMOCRATIC BASE IN THE BLUE STATES/CLEARLY CLINTON......AND YOU NEED THE INDEPENDENTS AND BLACK VOTE AND THE WHITE MALE...OBAMA............LETS HAVE A DREAM TICKET AND RUN THE TABLE......GO HILLARY NBB CHARLESTON WV
Hey Bill, we ALL need a president.  Am I the only one that is tired of being marginalized by the Clinton campaign?  If you don't live in one of ten states and are unable to attend a caucus, apparently you're SOL.  I'm shocked at how terribly that campaign has been run.  Sen. Clinton should have come out of the gate and said she was going to fight for the nomination and fight for all of the American people.  Claiming 35 years of experience and a presidential entitlement was not only factually suspect, it was also doomed to fail.  You can only reinvent yourself and find your voice so many times.  Please bow out gracefully after Two-Step Tuesday.
Goodbye Hillery, Good bye Bill - They should be tossed out as all rubbish should!!!
BASH BASH BASH.....HILLARY IS ONLY THE MOST FAMOUS WOMAN  IN THE WORLD....I PRAY TEXAS WILL DELIVER FOR HER.NBB CHARLESTON WV ps anyone who thinks HILLARY is stupid...well NO COMMENT.
MADAME PRESIDENT........220 YEARS OF MEN RUNNING THE COUNTRY,,,,IT IS TIME FOR A REAL CHANGE....OBAMA WOULD MAKE A GREAT VICE PREIDENT...AND IN 8 YEARS WE CAN VOTE HIM PREIDENT.OBAMA/CLINTON WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TOO.NBB CHARLESTON WV
IF ANYTHING CLINTON STOLED THE LAST DEBATE WITH HER FINAL RESPONSE AND STANDING ONATION.IT THE ONLY MOMENT THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED.NBB CHARLESTON WV ps the LATINO VOTE MAY WELL DECIDE TEXAS.NBB
Hillary for me is the best and I suggest people from TEXAS, OHIO, VERMONt, RHODE ISLAND that vote for her.
Obama is just rethoric, If she isn't nominee I will vote for NADER...or I don't vote.
I would like to know who will be President OSAMA or OPRAH?....and also From where is coming all the millions that OSAMA is expending in his campaign?.....
Hillary for me is the best and I suggest people from TEXAS, OHIO, VERMONt, RHODE ISLAND that vote for her.
Obama is just rethoric, If she isn't nominee I will vote for NADER...or I don't vote.
I would like to know who will be President OSAMA or OPRAH?....and also From where is coming all the millions that OSAMA is expending in his campaign?.....
Hillary for me is the best and I suggest people from TEXAS, OHIO, VERMONt, RHODE ISLAND that vote for her.
Obama is just rethoric, If she isn't nominee I will vote for NADER...or I don't vote.
I would like to know who will be President OSAMA or OPRAH?....and also From where is coming all the millions that OSAMA is expending in his campaign?.....
Obama is cool....CLINTON IS A FIGHTER.....Why did OBAMA'S wife say this is the first time in her adult life she was proud to be an AMERICAN.Why wont Obama WEAR A AMERICAN PIN AND PUT HIS HAND ON HIS HEART...HANE THEY BEEN ANTIAMERICAN ALL THE TIME?NBB CHARLESTON WV
Whoops. You will need this link as well in order to connect the dots.....

http://history1900s.about.com/od/1980s/a/flight103.htm

Louis Farrakhan recently recived the Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright (Trinity United Church of Christ) lifetime achievement award. (2007)

Please let me know if any of this information is inaccurate. I want to know.
THE PIDE PIPER TALKS THE PEOPLE FOLLOW.NBB CHARLESTON WV
Hillary will not win here in Texas. The grassroots support for Obama is overwhelming.


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