First Thoughts: 'Meet me in Ohio'

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:22 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts, 2008

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
CLEVELAND -- “Meet me in Ohio,” Clinton snapped at Obama on Saturday over his mailings that hit her on NAFTA and health care. “Let's have a debate about your tactics and your behavior in this campaign.” And here we are. Tonight’s debate, which takes place here at Cleveland State University, is the final debate until the pivotal March 4 contests in Ohio and Texas. And it could -- depending on what happens -- be the final debate of the Democratic race. It lasts from 9:00 pm ET to 10:30 pm ET, and it’s moderated by NBC’s Brian Williams, along with NBC’s Tim Russert. One other thing: It is snowing here, and the local NBC affiliate forecasts up to eight inches of snow by this afternoon.

*** What to watch for: The $64,000 question is: Which Hillary shows up -- the one we saw at the end of the Austin debate, or Ms. "Xerox" and "Shame on you, Barack Obama"? Certainly, this unknown tone she'll take at tonight's debate has a way of forcing Obama to be prepared for anything. It's not a bad place for her to be, in control of the tenor of this debate. Of course, is there such thing, after 20 debates, as a knockout blow anymore? Maybe not for Clinton but possibly for Obama. If he handles all of her shots, then he could put this thing away. If he wobbles, it could be a long six days for the front-runner. And keep in mind: The debate will be broadcast on all of the NBC affiliates in Ohio, and with weather likely to keep folks inside, there's a captive audience. More importantly, if you want a clue as to which Clinton is showing up tonight, think about this fact: Not a single Clinton TV ad is negative on Obama right now, in either Ohio or Texas.

*** Can you hear me now? Curious, who is Clinton listening to right now? When the going gets tough for a candidate, most end up ignoring the advice of those who they believe failed them for the last year and start only listening to a select few. Who are those select few anymore, besides husband Bill? Is it Maggie Williams? Ann Lewis? Mandy Grunwald? Has Mark Penn lost his place at the table? This may be why there are so many freelancers taking credit for Clinton saying she'll do this, or Clinton saying she'll do that. There's a lot of advice circulating, but we're guessing only a select few folks left in the Clinton inner-circle that the candidate is listening to.

*** Is a win a win? With tonight's debate and yesterday's Quinnipiac poll showing that Obama has cut her lead in Ohio from 21 points to 11 in about two weeks, it's probably worth posing this question: What happens if Clinton wins Ohio, but just by a point or two? A win is a win, of course. But is there something to say for making up nearly 20 points? Then again, with two new polls showing Obama leading Clinton nationally by double digits -- 51%-39% per USA Today/Gallup and 54%-38% per the New York Times/CBS -- the Clinton campaign would celebrate any win, no matter the margin. Nevertheless, according to our delegate math, Clinton winning both Ohio and Texas by 52%-48% would net her a combined 5-6 delegates. Yet toss in a potential Obama landslide in Vermont, and then her net March 4 haul could be as little as 2-5 delegates.

*** A split decision? While Clinton continues to lead the contest in Ohio, that’s no longer true in Texas, according to a new CNN survey. In that poll, it’s Obama 50%, Clinton 46%. A week ago, per the CNN poll, it was Clinton 50%, Obama 48%. Is it becoming more likely that March 4 becomes a split decision, with Clinton winning Ohio and Obama Texas? And if so, what does that mean? Does the race still go on? And speaking of those new national polls, how demoralizing is it for Terry McAuliffe to have to attempt to raise money today with what’s on the front pages of the New York Times and USA Today? Should Clinton folks be worried that rank-and-file Dems who view the two Dems equally favorably are simply falling in line behind the front-runner?

*** No Dodd about it: While all the vanquished GOP presidential candidates this cycle have seemed to endorse someone after their departure (Giuliani, Romney, Brownback for McCain; Hunter for Huckabee), not a single Democrat has weighed in -- until now. Per the AP, Dodd will endorse Obama today in Cleveland, and an Obama campaign source tells First Read it will occur at this morning’s press conference at 9:30 am ET. And, yes, Dodd becomes yet another superdelegate pickup for Obama. Perhaps it’s only fitting that Dodd is endorsing on a debate day. It was Dodd's attack on Clinton on the driver's license issue for illegal aliens that seemed to be the beginning of the steady fall we've witnessed over the last four months since that Philly debate.

*** All about Iraq: Though some may think McCain let something slip yesterday with his remark about his campaign potentially being a referendum on Iraq, don't buy it. This is what McCain wants this election to be about. He can't have this be a domestic election, it's not his strong suit so by giving straight talk on Iraq, it's pretty clear he knows if he can turn this election in a safety and national security election, he's got a boxer's chance. If this thing is about the economy, it may not matter who the GOP nominee is; it could be a potential disaster for the party. But the problem for McCain? If Iraq seems stable this summer, then that could force the electorate to not worry about it as much. It's a real box McCain may be in as far as the issue landscape.

*** On the trail: Before tonight’s debate, Clinton holds a town hall in Lorain, OH; Huckabee also is in Ohio, campaigning in Columbus and Mason; McCain is in Cincinnati and West Chester and then raises money in Tyler, TX; and Obama holds that press conference this morning in Cleveland. Also, Bill Clinton is in Texas.

Countdown to Ohio and Texas: 7 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 252 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 329 days

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Comments

I’m troubled by this concerted effort from some of my fellow boomers to portray Barack’s supporters as too young and idealistic to make sound judgments when it comes to electing a president. Cynics want to imply that Barack’s rallies are packed with naïve political neophytes who just don’t have the experience required to properly appreciate the obviously superior attributes of Hillary. What a crock. Oh yeah, just listen to us. The plain fact is that our generation has been hopelessly divided for forty years now, and we are never going to be able to resolve some of our longstanding conflicts without some help.

It’s time to come to terms with the prospect that the finest political leaders my generation could muster were Bill Clinton and GW Bush. How embarrassing is that? We need to end this travesty here and now. Enough with the Clintons and Bushes. We’re standing in the road to the future and we need to drag our sorry butts out of the way.

I’m not downplaying what we have been able to accomplish through confrontational politics over the years. We move in a society today that comes much closer to living up to Jefferson’s soaring rhetoric about equality than the culture we were born into. But we have always had the Karl Roves among us, and once the war in Vietnam ended it seemed nearly half of us were really more comfortable with the old cultural norms. We have become so used to fighting with each other that now we think of it as the only way the game can be played. There you have the downside of experience. The more you have the more it can limit your thinking when new circumstances require something completely different.

What I find particularly galling about this wet-behind-the-ears rap on Barack’s enthusiastic young supporters is that it fails to recognize what is by far our greatest accomplishment. While we have never been able to completely escape ingrained cultural attitudes that limit our ability to fully realize the American vision, our children have been spared much of our early exposure to intolerance. Time passes, and look at what’s happening. The old reliable political gambits that exploit racial, gender, and religious division just aren’t working this election cycle. Not only are they not working, they actually provoke a backlash, as both Bill Clinton and Karl Rove have already discovered when going after Barack. In many ways these kids are better people than we will ever be. We should be proud. We raised them.

jaycee, Ventura, California (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:30 AM)

it is over for hillary. obama will be the next president of the united states. mccain will not beat obama in the general election.

ace (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:33 AM)

Much has been said about Hillary Clinton's recent erratic behavior. Perhaps it is all about campaign contributions. Perhaps Hillary wants campaign contributions to continue long enough for her multi-million dollar loan to the campaign to be repaid.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:34 AM)

I agree Clinton would celebrate any win, but the numbers are the numbers.

The ironic thing is she could sweep all four states next Tuesday, only to realize on Wednesday it wasn't enough to cut into Obama's lead in pledged delegates. How would her supporters handle her dropping out after four wins?

That said, Vermont seems as safe for Obama as Rhode Island is for Clinton. Still, winning three of the four, and then dropping out might be a tough pill for her supporters to swallow.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:35 AM)

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:35 AM)

Meet me in Ohio,” Clinton snapped at Obama on Saturday over his mailings that hit her on NAFTA and health care. “Let's have a debate about your tactics and your behavior in this campaign.”

Yes Hillary, by all means...
Let's talk about YOUR behavior.....

First, you tried to end it with his pre-school report
Then you played the race card
Then we went to the crying card
Now we have the picture card

You are a crude, sheepish woman who has no shame and barely any creditability left in your political career. You cannot manage a presidential campaign, much less manage your husband. Your marriage is nothing but smoke and mirrors and the way you try and destroy people, everybody from Gennifer Flowers and Vince Foster all the way to your former campaign manager. What sane woman talks about how people are hurting while spending $25,000 in rooms at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. What sane woman talks about people going hungry when she is spending for 11,000 boxes of pizza? You are a totally worthless wench and really needs to go away. maybe in New York state they love you, which tells me that they have the same kind of morals you have. But it won't fly in the rest of the country.

My best advice to you right now Hillary....
resign!

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:40 AM)

I must say I was quite amused last night when the commentator on Keith Olberman described Clinton's recent behavior as characteristic of a schizophrenic, ...

.....War in Iraq..Billions of dollars
.....John Edward haircut....$400
......Reporter describing Hillary Clinton as a schizophrenic...PRICELESS

Kym (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:40 AM)

Jaycee...you said it so well. I'm a Barack Obama supporter along with my college freshman daughter and my Republican husband. I am so proud of our young people for standing up and being counted!

Janet, Manchester, NH (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:43 AM)

Clinton's trying to play the "nice" candidate. Think about it, she tosses a few negative things out there, but turns around and tries to have a touching moment (through the combined use of Bill Clinton and John Edwards previous speeches). Recently, she's trying to portray Obama as "on the attack" for three month old mailers, completely ignoring all of her own negative attacks over the past three months. She wants to portray herself as good, honest, and upright. It's just not going to work.

NBC doesn't pull any punches. I expect to see some tough questions for both Obama and Clinton tonight, so I'm sure it'll get a little heated. It's just a matter of whether or not Clinton turns into her evil, normal self, or tries to pretend like she cares about being honest and kind.

Ron, TX (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:48 AM)

Meet her in hell. How strange she said the same thing ("Meet me in Texas") and at the end of the debate, she said, "I am honored... I am absolutely honored" to be with Obama on the stage. Then she blows up over Obama misquoting her (but my fact checking did not render the entire mailer false).
She probably realizes that she cannot win without being bipolar and vitimize herself with her outbursts of senseless anger. She cannot dig and find flaws in Obama other than petty gaffes, but all she can do is lie, lie, and lie. If you do a fact check, you will know that her mailings are not only misleading but FALSE.

John Doe (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:49 AM)

Let the truth of Barack Obama speaks

Picture may say a lot but truth say it all!

If you want to know the truth of Obama's picture.. try this link!

http://www.geeskaafrika.com/ethiopia_31aug06.htm

John Bidder (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:49 AM)

APPLAUSE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED AT THE DEBATE TONIGHT.
LET THE CANDIDATES ANSWER THE QUESTIONS WITHOUT THE REASSURANCE OF THEIR SUPPORTERS IN THE AUDIENCE.
OBAMMA HAS ALWAYS BENEFITTED FROM THIS, AND I'D LIKE TO SEE HIM ANSWER ON HIS OWN.
SHOULD HE WIN THE NOMINATION , IT WILL BE DEVASATING TO THE DEM. PARTY AND THE NATION.
HOW SAD THAT A MAN WHO TRULY DOES B ASE HIS CAMPAIGN ON 'WORDS', CAN'T EVEN COME UP WITH HIS OWN.
HE HAS TURNED THIS CAMPAIGN INTO A CHEAP PERSONALITY CONTEST. HOW HE COULD COME AHEAD, WITH LITTLE EXPERIENCE AND HARDLY A VOTING RECORD SHOWS JUST HOW SLICK AND CALICULATED HIS CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN. NO VOTE MEANS NO CRITICISM, RIGHT?????????????????
WHAT CHANGED HIS MIND TO RUN---I SAW A CLIP OF HIM ON THE NEWS FROM A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WHERE HE ADMITTED HE DIDNT HAVE ENOUGH EXPERIENCE TO RUN FOR THE PRES.
HOW SAD THAT THIS NON-ENTITY, (JUST WORDS-- TRUE AS HE STATES IN HIS COPIED SPEECH) COULD GET SO FAR.
MY VOTE WILL GO WITH MCCAIN THIS FALL.

DMRT / NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:51 AM)

I am a Barack Obama supporter because when you look into History at some of our other presidents, they had little or no experience to be president either. As far as making fun of Oratory, check out the Gettysburg Address, the Kennedy Inauguration Speech or Reagan's speech at the WWII gravesites in France. I can go on and on....but part of what ANY president needs to do....Rep or Dem, is to speak well and have a calmning effect on the American people. The rest is "on the job training".

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:51 AM)

Nicely said jaycee.
"In the unlikely story that is America, there's never been anything false about hope". (Barack Obama)

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:53 AM)

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) said Monday that the media's pro-Obama (or anti-Clinton) bias explains in part why Barack Obama is portrayed as running away with the Democratic presidential nomination (instead of being locked in a close fight with Hillary Rodham Clinton)."The media does not like the Clintons for whatever reason," Rendell, a Clinton supporter, said in an interview with The Fix. "Maybe some of it's [the Clintons'] fault, but the media does not like the Clintons."

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1786

.

Paul, Dallas TX (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:53 AM)

Hilliary snapped JUST LIKE A WOMEN . SNAPPED I like that word its like MOOD SWINGS they a reference to are her MENOPAUSE. Women are not fit, is that right mister TODD,unpredictable not like OBAMA did you hear the angels sing when you said his name P which rhymes with T that spells..........Right here in river city,I got some swamp land if your buying

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:55 AM)

It's so funny that so many in our party (which doesn't include a lot of these posters/posers!!!) are happy to jump on the "feel good" bandwagon. It is time we hire someone as PResident who will do good instead of just make us feel good. Obama's bandwagon will crash with a hard THUD against the experience of John McCain. There are too many people in this country who will automatically give McCain the benefit of the doubt because of his service to his country and when comparing him to Obama. Obama comes up short. I urge people going to Obama to watch the UTube video........There will be Bamboozling. His whole stump speech is given and then they cute to the origianl orators.

A (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:56 AM)

Seems to me it really would not matter if Mickey Mouse was running against McWAR. McWar is the only person who is clearly the biggest loser. His mind is mush and he is to old to be president of anything. He is as incoherent as Reagan was before, during, and after. Hell even that pimple on our ass jerry cc/tx could run against McWar and WIN!

HP Boston (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:56 AM)

Finally, someone mentions that VERMONT's delegates will actually matter. I don't know why states with few delegates like VT and RI have received such little attention when this race has become a fight for every delegate.

Adam, VT (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:56 AM)

Hillary Clinton: Don't go down the road you're heading for. There's no point. You are not going to be the nominee. Nor should you be. You had no message except I WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT.

Tell the country you're stepping aside; it is a new beginning with Barack Obama. His campaign was stellar, yours was immature and arrogant. We have seen and heard enough - we want to move on.

The country does not want Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton.

Thankfully.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:58 AM)

Do you remember Gore?He was no good cause no change in emotion.Now Hillary is no good cause she has change in emotion. I believe a good leader needs to be human,honest and real.When you see someone always smiling there is a saying it makes everyone wonder whats he up to.I wonder if Hillary knows how many people know her so well as those on here that feel they have all the ans.Sounds like Obama gives them there rant for the day and here they come. Makes me laugh its so presidential.Obama is a doublestandard,lieing,slap in the face person. He will never be pres. If he gets nom a lot of people will work against him. These repubs. He talks about wont be there for him in Nov. They have come out and said they are doing this to hurt Hillary.They want to face Obama he will be easier.You will be giving White House to Repubs. Specially now with 3rd candidate

Joe (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:58 AM)

Ohioans and Texans: Yeah, it's the death knell for Clinton, but you need to turn out to throw the first shovelful of dirt in. Turnout is key to make sure we can get to 'the big issues' of the general election. Enough already with the Clintonian sniping.

BTW, welcome back to Schuster. Hope you can finish your penance on the Huckleberry Hound express and return to delivering your good work. And, btw, the Clintons did 'pimp out' Chelsea, using the common parlance, so the rest of the 'profession' of journalists really need to jump off of your high horses.

And, journalists, has Grumpy Grampa thrown you off the McCain lobbying trail with his attack on the NYT reporting (and, btw, will the Times substantiate its assertions on the 'sex' piece soon?)

iowan (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:59 AM)

Chuck Todd wrote above,

Is it becoming more likely that March 4 becomes a split decision, with Clinton winning Ohio and Obama Texas? And if so, what does that mean? Does the race still go on?

I am very big fan of yours. I like your analysis but I disagree with you on that point. I would like to make it clear, Hillary will lose Ohio and Texas though by larger margin. The reason she will lose TX is because Obama will continue to crack at her core constituency: lower income voters and white women. Obama is campaigning very hard in Ohio and by Tuesady he will close the gab.

To reiterate, Hillary will lose both TX and OH so on February 5th she will drop out.

Jr1886, Gainesville, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:01 AM)

I think self proclaimed democrats who have problems with Obama are the individuals who fail to see the achievements that Obama has done in the past. I believe that my generation (the younger generation) does have the capacity to judge good from bad and see the foresight of where this country is headed. Through most of our lives, we have not had the opportunity to have our say in our government since most of us were never really interested in politics or were not able to vote until this presidential election. I for one, became interested in politics after listening to Obama. Personally, I have spent countless hours looking at the website of each major political candidate and evaluate their position on issues. I have also listen to every debate, watched most of their speeches, and have combed through their past accomplishments. To say that the supporters of Barack Obama are disillusioned is just not true. When generalizing political figures, we see that Barack Obama gains the support of college graduates and higher income families. I believe that this shows those individuals who support Obama support him based on his stances on issues rather than name recognizability. We have also seen Obama come from behind in every state that he has won. This clearly goes to show that as people learn of Obama they are more inclined to vote for him than Hillary. This again shows that once individuals start to really pay attention to Obama, they realize that he is not all talk. He is a special person and someone who we believe can change the direction of this country.

Johnson, New Orleans, LA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:01 AM)

I DO NOT MIND THE FIGHTING MAD HILLARY,BUT WHAT I DO MIND IS THE UTTER CONTEMPT IN THE WAY SHE BELITTLES OBAMA!

RENEA,PLYMOUTH,MI (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:03 AM)

Clinton snapped at Obama “Let's have a debate about your tactics and your behavior in this campaign.”

Because we sure would not want to debate on politics, taxes, botched healthcare reform, socialism, the welfare state, TravelGate, Rose Law, bimbogate, or even NAFTA. Naw, we would rather talk about Obama. What she does not get (yet) is that her whole party is talking, and listening to Obama.
Good bye Bill & Harpy Clinton. RIP

RH Oregon (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:04 AM)

George Bush is not guided by his own conscience, but by his bad advisors. Clinton is the same way. If she had relied more on her own judgement and less on campaign tactics, then she might have had a chance. In a way though, I'm glad. This is just reassurance that President Obama is our man!

Blake, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:04 AM)

Yes the Ostutter one is mad as hell and he is going to BLAST Hillary tonight. I know he knows he has the boys there to help him squash her like a bug. Those guys are worse than a case of breast cancer!

ARE you comfortable President Oblamer? (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:04 AM)

If I were Obama's political adviser, I'd tell him to say to every snarky thing Hillary says in her losing-the-campaign desparation; "I realize you've been mocking my themes of hope and real change, Ms. Clinton, but that happens to be what the country wants and is excited about right now---and you're out of step with that, being from the Old Guard as you are." And KEEP repeating that line with every bitchy thing she says.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:04 AM)

Texans and Ohioans!!! Stop being brow beaten by the media and the MOJO and turn the tide for Clinton. It's appropriate that Texas and the Alamo could be the turning point for the Clintons. Obama's supporters have to have hope that he will do the right thing because he hasn't been a proven fighter. Clinton's supporters don't have to hope she'll do a great job.........WE KNOW!!!!

A of Illinois (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:05 AM)

"Which Hillary shows up ..."
--I predict the venomous one. I don't see anything for her to gain from being nice and nothing to lose by not. Hoo-ray for MSNBC not having the stupid biased CNN audience participation that works for or against a particular candidate--and it differs among debates. But it would have been fool-hardy for her to attack Obama in a debate in which the audience was biased towards him last week.

"Should Clinton folks be worried that rank-and-file Dems who view the two Dems equally favorably are simply falling in line behind the front-runner?"
--Aren't those the very votes she was courting with her inevitability argument? Those are the kind of cowards who try to make their miserable lives feel better by voting for a winner.--too harsh?

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:06 AM)

Although Jerry may have been a little rough on old Hillary, he is absolutely right. Further, as a woman, I get incensed when I hear that Hillary's not being given a fair chance because of her gender. It's a crock. There are several very promising female leaders such as the Senator from Missouri and the Governor of Kansas. I come from a state that had two strong women, Ann Richards and Barbara Jordan. They didn't succeed by screeching or being shrill nor did they expect anything from anybody. They didn't play the drama queen as Hillary has, going from effusive respect for her opponent to scolding him and then mocking him, all within 48 hours. Is she being medicated? Truly. Hillary has problems because she's Hillary. She has her own personality and has a 50% negative rating, not because she is a woman but because she is herself. Do some people like her? Certainly. But clearly the American people have determined she doesn't have the temperment, judgment, or vision to be President of this country. That's all that matters, not her long held ambition or desire to be President nor her belief that something was owed to her for putting up with her husband and the 'right wing conspiracy'. The world doesn't work that way for any of us. It's time for Hillary to be accountable for her candidacy, not Mark Penn or any other of her staffers, nor the media, nor any other outside factor. The campaign reflected Hillary and demonstrated her lack of leadership, management and lack of a cohesive message to voters. That's just the true story.

Debra Austin, Texas (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:09 AM)

What's she gonna do in Ohio....lose one more until she runs out of states?

Kunle, Beltsville,MD (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:09 AM)

Why does everyone forget Vilsak?

evie (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:10 AM)

My bet is we get "Glenda the Good Witch" tonight.

Yes, over the last few days we've seen her campaign become Sybil Rodham Clinton for President as the campaign seems lost...in order to stay "on message" you have to first decide what that message is going to be.

However, if debate is Hillary's forte, the last thing she wants to do is be inconsistent in her debate tactics. She's been "Good" Hillary in every debate up until now...save the Xerox remark which blew up in her face.

So, I don't think we'll see "The Wicked Witch of the West" tonight...she'll save that for the next week once the debate is done.

Pete...watching for Flying Monkeys, Albany, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:12 AM)

Hell even that pimple on our ass jerry cc/tx could run against McWar and WIN!
HP Boston (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:56 AM)

And destroy Hillary tonight as well.......

Question for Senator Clinton....

I wish I could debate Senator Clinton tonight...
By the time I was done with her, her husband would be on stage with his fists flying and the secret service probably gunning me down.
In June 2006, during a campaign rally in new York state, you stated the following:

If you want lower gas prices, vote for a democrat!

It is now February 2008...
Gas prices have climbed 71% as of this morning....

Why did you lie Senator Clinton?

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:13 AM)

thank you, jaycee
You've complimented me, our generation and our kids.
For the first time in my life, I'm proud to be a baby-boomer, proud to be an American, and even more proud of my kid turning me on to Obama. I pray that their youth movement continues well beyond this primary election season!

susan f (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:14 AM)

The local Houston Newspaper and radio stations are reporting that many registered republicans are voting for Obama, so they can actually vote twice against Hillary. The thinking is If Hillary gets the nomination, then they can vote against her in the primary with a vote for Obama and then in the general election they can vote for McCain against Hillary. My personal experiences here is that the Hispanic community is backing Hillary. She is a good for the community and they will make more money if she is in office.

TEC-spring-TX (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:15 AM)

although i agree that hillary has brought a lot of this upon herself, i'm uncomfortable with all the piling on now that she's clearly down (and almost out). i am not a hillary supporter (voted for barack a couple weeks back because i'm convinced he will provide the kind of leadership this country is in desperate need of right now), but i also think much of the criticism is unfair. yes, hillary has leveled some unfair attacks at barack during this campaign, but i still think she deserves a little more respect them some of the commenters here are giving her.

warts and all, i think the clintons were good for our country in the 90s. but while we move on to new leadership, let's not lose sight of that fact and denigrate the clinton legacy.

barack 08!!

jay (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:16 AM)

I think if Hillary comes to the debate with a civil tone, she will avoid getting booed again. I don't think her people, or her for that matter, understand that Americans are tired of the shouting and the rage that she brings. We need some assurance on the economy, the war in Iraq and foreclosures. Time out for what obviously does not work and that is negative campaigning by Mrs. Clinton.

Deborah, Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:16 AM)

It seems very plausible that "IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID" will once again play big for the Dems as it's becoming obvious that McCain is clueless when it comes to that and was stupid enough to have admitted it on air.

juan,ft lauderdale,fl (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:35 AM)

And, other then raising taxes on every man, woman, and child, what are the Democrats ideas on the economy?

L. Taylor, Albany NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:16 AM)

Trying to smear Hillary with NAFTA seems pretty lame to me. No president's Administration was ever perfect-- But when you weigh the good against the bad in the Clinton's Administration 'THE GOOD' far outweighs the bad. Compare it with what we have now with Bush. One thing that comes to my mind for me is Clinton's "FAMILY LEAVE ACT of 1993. That sure helped me out during my working career. My company would have fired me for taking medical time off, if it was not for the Family Leave Act & I am grateful for that.

g.eglesias'pennsylvania (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:17 AM)

I'm a former Hillary supporter. Her recent speaches mocking Sen Obama are truly offensive. The way for Obama to win is to maintain his bearing in the face of Clinton's recent tirades.

David, Fort Worth TX (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:17 AM)

Hillary would have to win every priamry left by 58% so she needs not just to win, but to have a landslide in every remaining primary . That is the only way she could catch up in delegates.

That is not going to happen.

Obama always says it's time to turn the page. I think for many of us, it is time to start a whole new book.

Hillary's screaming rage over the weekend is not the image of a leader. It is the image of a desparate woman who is seeing what she felt she was "entitled" to slip away.

JF (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:18 AM)

Just an observation: Does everyone realize that a photo ID is necessary to vote in Ohio? This could cause a real problem for some of Obama's supporters (and maybe some of Clinton's).

Don, Dayton, OH (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:19 AM)

Hillary "Sybil" Clinton. Which one shows up depends on whether Hill takes her lithium.

George Meyers, Hanville MD (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:19 AM)

Will the questioners finally ask Hillary WHY SHE WILL NOT RELEASE HER TAX RETURNS?

And make her answer the question. For crying out loud...

J. Biggs (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:21 AM)

Oho and Texas
Dont waste your votes on someone who isnt going to win next november.
Hillary can put up a fight against McCain- and she has better plans for foreign policy. F. policy will decide the winner next fall.
Obama gave the lamest answer to his foreing policy question during the last debate. He will hold discussions with our enemies right away- hell go to these countries. That is impossible and naive.
Dont be persuaded by this man of hope. Hope is an general thought to base your campaign on.
This country needs much more than hope right now.
One thing is for sure---- we cant afford on the job training in the White House right now---(OBAMAS WORDS TWO YEARS AGO WHEN ASKED IF HE WERE CONSIDEREING A RUN--THE LAST YEAR HIS ONLY EXPERIENCE IS CAMPAIGNING)
WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Donna R, New York, N.Y. (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:21 AM)

Note how Hillary and her campaign have been ramping up the complaints about how the media is "unfair" to her...I sincerely hope this does not impact the tone of the questions at the debate tonight the way similar whining on the part of Hillary impacted Chris Matthews' behavior.

That's not to say that Barrack should get softball questions - but neither should Hillary as a result of her whining - If she can't take it, she isn't ready to be President.

Mel, San Diego (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:21 AM)

Billary Clinton has proven they care less about the American people & the future of the DNC than their own political ego. Hillary's most recent comments have been a disgrace to her campaign and her legacy. Billary lost more than an election. Who would have thought The Clintons could bring anymore "Shame" to an already suspect political tenure? Add Barrack Obama to a list of casualties in the Clinton War games. Clinton will humiliate herself tonight using the same Karl Rove tactics she suggested to indict Obama. Hillary will not win the Election if she is the nominee and I, a lifelong democrat will do everything in my power to elect McCain if she is.

vicki merritt (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:23 AM)

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