First thoughts: Judgment Day

Posted: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:00 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Judgment Day: In what has become the craziest -- yet most entertaining -- presidential primary cycle in memory, one thing has been pretty reliable: Almost every time a candidate’s back has been against the wall, that person pulled out an important victory. We saw it in New Hampshire, where Clinton and McCain badly needed wins to keep their campaigns alive. We saw it in Michigan, where Romney had to triumph in his native state after finishing second in both Iowa and New Hampshire. And we saw it in South Carolina, where Obama needed a big win after earlier losses in New Hampshire and Nevada. With Obama rattling off 11-straight wins since Super Tuesday and widening his delegate lead, Clinton’s back is yet again against the wall as we head into today’s contests Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Does she follow the pattern and pull out impressive wins in these states? Or does she meet the same fate Romney did on Super Tuesday after losing in Florida the week before: winning in some states, but not by enough to keep the candidacy alive? Fasten your seatbelts, folks. This should be a fun ride tonight.

*** The spin: So how do we measure success or failure tonight? There is no doubt that Clinton has more riding on tonight’s contests than Obama does; both Ohio and Texas are must-wins for her. She can continue her campaign by winning just Ohio, but for her to have a legitimate chance to close Obama’s delegate lead, she needs to win three out of the four (Ohio, Texas, and Rhode Island) -- and win decisively in at least one of the big states. But the Clinton campaign doesn’t seem to be in agreement. “We are very optimistic about our chances of success in Ohio and Texas,” communications director Howard Wolfson said yesterday. “If the outcome is otherwise, we can discuss it then.” However, this is also an opportunity for Obama to knock Clinton out. If he doesn’t do it tonight, when does he do it? Then again, even if Clinton narrowly wins both Ohio and Texas, Obama’s team believes the math has already knocked her out. “There’s the cold, hard reality of the [delegate] math,” campaign manager David Plouffe said on a conference call yesterday. “They keep trying to move the goal posts but at some point you run out of field."

*** Other things to watch: Here are a few very plausible scenarios: Obama could net more delegates out of Vermont than Clinton does out of Ohio. Clinton can win both Ohio and Texas, 52%-48%, and lose the overall delegate battle tonight, thanks to how both Texas and Ohio award more delegates in African-American heavy areas as well as those crazy Texas caucuses. Speaking of Texas, Obama likely has a five-point cushion on the delegate front, meaning he could lose the state by five points and still net delegates. How will the media handle Clinton winning two states but Obama winning the most delegates tonight? Who wins the night? Bonus question: Who do we reward the state of Texas to if Clinton wins the popular vote in the primary but Obama nets the most delegates? And finally, for all the talk of bias against Clinton's campaign in the media, does anyone believe any other candidate could have lost 11-straight contests, be this far behind in delegates, and be simply two victories away from being back in the game? One thing the media has done is they've given Clinton every chance she wants to write her own comeback story. She gets another shot today.

*** The basics: At stake tonight are a total of 370 delegates. Texas is the biggest prize with 193 of them (126 proportional by senatorial district in the primary, 67 determined by the caucuses afterwards). In most parts of the Lone Star State, polls open at 8:00 am ET and close at 8:00 pm ET, but in El Paso and the surrounding area, they close at 9:00 pm ET. The caucuses take place immediately after polls close. In Ohio, 141 delegates are up for grabs (92 proportional by congressional district, 49 proportional by statewide vote). Polls in the Buckeye State open at 6:30 am ET and close at 7:30 pm ET. There are 21 delegates at stake in Rhode Island, where polls close at 9:00 pm ET. And there are 15 delegates up for grabs in Vermont, where polls close at 7:00 pm ET.

*** The absentee factor: Yesterday, NBC/NJ’s Mike Memoli reported that there are signs Obama might have the early-voting edge in Ohio. Indeed, these contests could very well be the first ones in which early/absentee voting actually benefits Obama, because that voting will have started after Obama went on his post-Feb. 5 run. Factor in some bad weather -- lots of rain -- expected in Ohio, and does that cut into Clinton’s lead there?

*** McCain’s dream scenario: There are at least two people hoping Sen. Hillary Clinton does well tonight -- Clinton, of course, but also McCain. (Perhaps we should include the Canadian government, but that’s another story…) The last thing McCain needs right now is to face a de facto Democratic nominee by the name of Sen. Barack Obama. For now, McCain's has an incredible challenge in front of him: He has to build a national campaign. He does not need a presumptive Democratic opponent on March 5. But if Obama comes roaring out of Tuesday’s contests as the de facto nominee, it’s going to be a tough few months for the GOP. But not so much if the Dem contests move into Pennsylvania and beyond. Why? Think back to 1996. Obama's $75 million fundraising months will be money that's used to define McCain between now and the conventions. If McCain gets more time to get his campaign structure together, he can minimize the time he's vulnerable to being dramatically outspent.

*** Hitting the magic number: Speaking of McCain, the Arizona senator does have an opportunity to hit the 1,191 magic number to lock up the GOP nomination -- if you factor in the delegates he picked up from Romney, as the AP has. Including some of Romney’s delegates, McCain has garnered 1,032 delegates. So that means he needs to win 159 out of the 256 delegates at stake in tonight’s contests to hit the 1,191 number. Look for many a network to declare McCain the presumptive GOP nominee assuming he does win Texas.

*** Florida watch: We should have mentioned this yesterday, but Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) has suggested that his state could have a do-over Democratic primary race. That idea set of speculation that Crist’s offer is pure politics intended to keep the Dem contest alive to benefit McCain, whom the governor has endorsed. Just asking: Will the GOP-controlled legislature be willing to use taxpayer dollars to fund a Democratic do-over? Also, as clever as this may be to Republicans who would love the Dem primary to go on and on and on, is it really a good idea to encourage the two Dems to spend a bunch of time in Florida and erase McCain's current advantage in the state?

*** Remember these guys? Down the ballot tonight, it will be interesting to see how both Kucinich and Paul -- who face primary opposition for their congressional seats -- fare tonight in Ohio and Texas, respectively. Does Kucinich, in particular, face any backlash for his back-to-back quixotic White House bids? And by the way, Paul still hasn’t withdrawn from the presidential race… We've already seen quite a few incumbent House members lose when turnout goes unexpectedly up (see Maryland).

*** On the trail: Clinton is in Columbus, OH for her Election Night party; Huckabee has his in Dallas, TX, as does McCain; and Obama hold his Election Night party in San Antonio, TX.

Countdown to Election Day 2008: 245 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 322 days

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Comments

Chuck in NY:

Cheer up. The Obama camp is going to win. We've got the better organization and have run the better campaign. We may not seal the deal today, but we'll increase our delegate lead and the superdelegates will start moving our way. The large majority of superdelegates now know Obama is the better candidate and are just waiting for things to get settled before they get onboard. After today, when Obama has a 180 or so pledged delegate lead, the superdelegates will start moving to him in a trickle that will become a flood within a couple weeks. So cheer up and if you've got some free time help us make some phone calls!

Joseph, New York (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:57 AM)

I live in Michigan. I did not vote in our primary because it was not sanctioned by the DNC, and because the candidates I would have been comfortable voting for were not on the ballot. I will be furious with the Democratic party if they allow the Michigan delegation to be seated in anything other than a 50-50 split. That's retroactively changing the rules, and is grossly unfair to thousands of voters in Michigan and Florida who chose not to participate in Billary's sham primaries.

John Schuster-Craig (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:57 AM)

Hillary will stay in. Obama is already showing that he can't handle the pressure by he way he reacted to reporters when he was questioned about the CTV report and Rezko.

Patrick Fehring, Grove City, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:57 AM)

No Len, I don't think we should let Howar Dean pick the Democratic nominee, but I do think we should let the voters pick. Please, will all the Obama people stop chanting "get out". For years the nomination of both parties went to the convention, and was decided there. America seemed to survive that, despite all the talk of unity and devissivness that we hear today from the media. Let the people vote!!!!
Hillary all the way!!!

laurie Moultrie, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:58 AM)

hillary is too devisive and will surely cause the dems to lose a sure election - she should drop out now and unite behind the uniting obama

dchak (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:00 AM)

I am sorry but Obama cannot beat McCaine. Now the polls show Obama beating him but McCaine hasn't started to campaign against him yet and when he does he will clobber him good. Then the polls will change very fast!!!!

Richard Hamill,Phoenix,Az (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:02 AM)

Hillary has tried to drain the hope and inspiration of millions of voters who support Obama. Obama is the only candidate who inspired people to take another look at politics. Hillary has been a thorn and a awfully pitiful person during this whole campaign.

Hillary has tried to suck the life out of every person she could before this election today. The media has reminded of the sad fox news station who has attacked Obama since the beginning of his campaign.

The media has played into Hillary's whining about the coverage and has attacked Obama on his character.

1)Let's talk about Hillary and Bill's White House picture with Rezco.

2)Let's talk about why Hillary will not release her taxes.

3) Let's talk about her White House papers on her 35 years of experience.

4) Let's talk about votes not being counted for Obama in New York.

I could go on and on and Hillary's drama will never end. The media has thrown her an imaginery lifeline in the 11th hour, but it will not work.

The media and Hillary has once again tried to turn millions of people away from the power of their votes with all of their spin.

Obama is our only hope, vote responsibly.

Obama "08"

itsyourvoicestupid, Phila., Pa. (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:02 AM)

adam, please try not to be thick.
This sounds like a mistake. Not to mention the fact- How would the little-old-lady poll workers know who your going to vote for ahead of time? And why would they care?
Just because Hillary is going to win OH, and you're bitter because the Obama-honeymoon is over, please don't start the whining and moaning.

Dan Kellish (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:02 AM)

Len Holt, Clearwater FL (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:13 AM)
Consider why the Republican governor of Florida wants to give the Democrats in your state another primary.
Your state party was given a choice by the DNC. Leave your primary date alone or forfeit your delegates and they chose instead to shoot themselves in the foot. I am now supposed to feel sorry for you? I am now supposed to applaud your Republican Governor for his efforts to extend McBush's time without a presumptive Dem nominee? For Cats sake, people! Try to find a political bone in your bodies and lets win this thing!
Rush Limbaugh is telling his listeners to go and vote for Hillary to beat up on the candidate they DON'T want to run against. It is win win for them. The Democrats continue to eat their own tail or Hillary becomes the Nominee and they finally have a rally point for their splintered party.
THINK!

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:04 AM)

As a Floridian, I'd say that we live with our decisions. The local democratic party decided to challenge its by-laws, well that's what we got, our punishment was that our primary did not count. Crist, the absentee governor, he of the programs to lower our property insurance and our property taxes, and failed on both, seems to be running for VP.

Ravine Force, Kissimmee, FL (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:04 AM)

Hillary is the thorn in the democratic side.

C Travis, GA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:06 AM)

It is clear as day that Hillary feels entitled to the presidency. Over the weekend, she and her campaign have done everything from use scare tactics to her comments on Barack's relgion on 60 minutes to getting the Canadian government involved in our elections to making an issue of the Rezko trial.

Not once did I hear Hillary talk about what she would do for this country. All she did this past weekend was throw mud at Barack Obama. Is that the kind of leader that we want? We've had enough of Bush's divisiveness. We don't need for Hillary to do more of the same.

Enrique, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:06 AM)

I am a true Obama supporter, coming from Oklahoma I think he is correct when he says its time for a change.There are things that could definitly be changed and made better and I feel that he is the person to do the job. Today will tell the story in Texas and Ohio I think that it will be close but I still think that Obama will pull it off. All that I can say is that if Obama wins the nomination, McClain better get his game on and get ready for a hell of a fight because Obama is going to bring it.

Christina Robbins, Tahlequah Ok (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:07 AM)

To Adam:

It doesn't matter what they say you are at the polls, you could still request a Democrat ballot. Is it possible that you voted in a Republican primary last time around? That would change your registration to Republican

Andrew, Columbus, OH (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:07 AM)

Thank you Jaycee for not considering me a troll. And although I do not agree with you at all, your answer makes sense.

all i have to say to day is GO HILLARY..
Tomorrow is when we will all have something to say..

Lynette, NYC (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:08 AM)

" Almost every time a candidate’s back has been against the wall, that person pulled out an important victory"

That may be the single most useless piece of political anaylsis since Edwards hair cut.

Media Browski, Singapore (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:10 AM)

and I know you guys are just trolls, but...
chuck, you ask how sad is it that "thousands of voices chanting “yes we can” can simply vanish"...
How sad is it that this is what can possibly decide an election? Obama is running a honeymoon of a campaign with Chris Matthews' "tingle up his leg." When will America realize that its the bitter Obama supporters with little to no issues/facts to back their candidate, who are actually the ones driving this campaign into hell? Just think: Rezko, Canada...

Dan Kellish, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:10 AM)

Funny - this apology has not been televised by MSNBC OR CNN. Please report all of the facts.

News from the Embassy of Canada

Statement by the Canadian Embassy

Washington, D.C., March 3, 2008 — The Canadian Embassy and our Consulates General regularly contact those involved in all of the Presidential campaigns and, periodically, report on these contacts to interested officials. In the recent report produced by the Consulate General in Chicago, there was no intention to convey, in any way, that Senator Obama and his campaign team were taking a different position in public from views expressed in private, including about NAFTA. We deeply regret any inference that may have been drawn to that effect.

The people of the United States are in the process of choosing a new President and are fortunate to have strong and impressive candidates from both political parties. Canada will not interfere in this electoral process. We look forward, however, to working with the choice of the American people in further building an unparalleled relationship with a close friend and partner.

Link

Jennie, Woodbridge, NJ (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:32 AM)

I don't understand why people continually insist that either Barach or Clinton should quit the process for the sake of the party? Anything Obama throws at Clinton or Clinton throws at Obama will be dress rehearsal for the general election.

As it stands today Barach does have a slight lead but there are many contests to be held and there is a lot of time on the clock. Just yesterday we learned of a conversation or meeting that was held by a key Obama adviser that brings Obama's credibility in question in a very big way.
Who knows what other things we might learn about the tactics his campaign has employed to pressure votes? We've heard that African American super delegates have been called by the Obama camp and arms have been twisted. Frankly, I think some of that is to be expected, but I am not the candidate that claims to be above all that.
Time will let us know if Obama is a man true to his word. I honestly hope he is but in this situation I will take his own advise and not trust his or any president's word. I want absolute proof and given the Canadian story, things don't look so good for him right now.

Hey Cincinnati Adam....I don't doubt that there is something amiss in the Queen City but why would you assume that Clinton has anything to do with it?

Campdog (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:32 AM)

In a campaign where Hillary has constantly reinvented herself (who ever knows which "Hillary" will show up on a given day, she has had at least one constant: hammering away at her supposed experience and judgment. Now, the first thing that occurs to me is that if the Obama and Clinton campaigns themselves (which are the "action") are any indications, than Obama is so clearly the better nominee than Clinton that is it nearly laughable.
But here is the big thing that it seems almost no one is talking about: this thread of a core emphasis on experience and judgment vanishes into thin air against McCain. Then we are stuck with a campaign that has already proven its ineptness and tin ear somehow grappling with having to completely reinvent its nominee. God save us.

Johnny Caruso (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:32 AM)

Dan Kellish; Why would Adam lie about this. Was you there? I believe it. People are going to do whatever they can to stop Barak Obama and it's ashame. Where is the faith and trust from our Government. Conspiracies, lie, cheat, I thought that was for the enemies. Has the American people become the enemies of it's own Government?

WE Want FAIRNESS now!

Barak Obama for President of the U.S.A.

KW, Philadelphia,PA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:33 AM)

ChiChi, Atlanta, GA --- The FL Governor wants Fl delegates to count so that Clinton may win, because he knows if Clinton wins, then McCain will have a ball in November.

So, disenfranchising the Flordia voters is a good thing?

Lynda Susans, Miami Florida (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:34 AM)

Chuck, NY : '...As an Obama supporter, I have a really bad feeling this morning. True, he might split the delegates evenly from today’s primaries, but the fact remains Hillary is going on;...'

I hear you Chuck...
The signs seem ominous

BUT ....If Obama wins Texas, it's OVER
If Barack Obama can carry Texas, he'll win the nomination

He will get the Super Delegates, Bill Richardson, Biden, Edwards, Al Gore and Jimmy Carter

A LOT of Democrats want this thing wrapped up
A LOT of Democrats see how negative the Clintons are becoming
A LOT of Democrats see that Hillary may just want to fatally wound Obama to clear the way for herself in 2012

The party leaders won't let this happen
Obama JUST has to win Texas
Superior organization, greater enthusiasm and a better cause will triumph

OBAMA '08

Sierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:35 AM)

Isn't that rich?! I wouldn't trust the outcome of a Charlie Crist Florida re-do primary any more than the governor's motive. Oh, yes, it would absolutely be a boon to "Bomb Iran" McCain and perhaps Mrs. Clinton now that the Clintonmoblile is stuck in high smear. With luck Hillie will snap out of her "My Destiny Delusion" and withdraw as soon as she loses either Texas or Ohio.

bill, okla (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:36 AM)

BLAB..BLAB.BLAB. BLABB....BLABBB. OBAMA IS FADING "FAST", YOU'LL SEE,AFTER TODAYS VOTE.

B.B.,CANTON,OHIO (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:36 AM)

RightCuz: from your busy little fingertips to God's ears! LOL! It's not impossible. When I saw Hillary parsing the answer to whether Obama is muslim or not,I thought no she didn't. She is evil incarnate and she must be destroyed. If your numbers hold up, she will be. I'm so tired of her and her campaign and the disingenuous spin they offer day after day.

It's not going to be a good thing if she's allowed to continue. My hope is that she only comes away with RI and then I want her and her bunch to go away.

Joy for OBAMA '08 (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:36 AM)

Bill Clinton: "groaning and moaning..."

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=163167&title=moment-of-zen-bill’s-moaning

Hillarious!

RobK, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:37 AM)

If Clinton wins OH and TX, then she has won every big state except Obama's hometown of IL. That, in my mind, makes her a better general election candidate and the pressure should be on Obama to suspend and throw his support behind Clinton.

Frank, USA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:38 AM)

Those who have bought into this "media bias" are so gullible. Negative coverage of Hillary and Bill have stemmed from their own excessively negative and often deceptive campaigning (ever since Obama took the lead) and racially insensitive comments (leadup to, and immediately after, SC). Positive coverage of Obama stems from the fact that he does not attempt to put out 5 trashy things about Hillary per day, and the fact that he has gained momentum, packed rallies, fundraised far more than Hillary from ordinary Americans, and rattled off a few victories in a row (or maybe 11).

I think it's funny how we Obama supporters are being painted as "naive", blindly following a man without substance. Ladies and gentlemen, Hillary Clinton is a con artist. Those who have been unable to see through her enormous inconsistencies, hypocrisy and daily theatrics are truly the "naive" ones.

Sean, Detroit, MI (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:39 AM)

Yes, Marla from California! You're absolutely correct, when you state, "I wish [Hillary] had thought more about the effect of her recent tactics on supporters in states who have already voted. It's not looking good in my community..." Here in Illinois, if Hillary steals the nomination, many Democratic voters will either vote for McCain or simply skip the Presidential election in November. Mrs. Clinton's antics could indeed win her battle with Obama, and then cost her the war against McCain!

Illinois Observer (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:40 AM)

I had been a great admirer of Hillary Clinton. Hence the word HAD. Unfortunately due to the tactics she has used in the last few weeks I have lost all respect for her. And if Congressman Charles Rangel continues to support her (as he says he trained her, and maybe that's the problem) I will lose what little respect I have left for him. a site that people shpuld go to is www.michaelbaisden.com to get the Full text of what happened in Canada that the media won't do.

Let's pray that the GOP doesn't take the White House agin, as Ms. Clinton seem intent on letting do. It's as do she feels if I can't have the White House neither can Senator Obama.

Frankly, this campaign has exhausted me.

Laura, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:43 AM)

While it's true that some of Obama's support has been buoyed by people who like his personality and speeches, it's also true that Hillary's campaign has been supported by people who like her based on name recognition alone, and/or the accomplishments of her HUSBAND, not her. Both are equally deplorable.

Mark, Farmington Hills, MI (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:43 AM)

People seem to forget that the PA primary will be in Apr.
Hillary will not give in because she will have another win there.
Look for this battle to go on all the way to the convention.
The upcoming battle will make for great viewing.

Hot Rod (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:43 AM)

First Read,
You need to stop censoring my posts. They are relevant to the threads and contain no inappropriate language. Only if I post with engative comments do you seem to be letting my posts get posted. If so, you have to be ashamed of bias -- either you do not like me to question Hillary's optimism or you do not want me to criticize the way the Clinton campaign is run.
Stop censoring or you have to work for government propaganda, like the censorship department of the Chinese government.

Ron Allen (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:43 AM)

I am an Obama supporter but I have to concede that not only will Obama be absolutely destroyed today (he will lose Ohio by 15 to 18 points and he will lose Texas by 7 to 10 points) he has absolutely no chance to become the nominee. His campaign has completely fallen apart and he does not know how to handle being hammered on a national scale. It was exciting to see him rise up this past month but we are now witnessing the final destruction of his campaign. Clinton will win the nomination (although I don't think she'll get it until the convention) and she'll ruin the party in the process. All of the young people who participated will no longer participate (why should they?). Obama is an admirable man but he has absolutely no chance at ever becoming the nominee let alone the President. At least he tried.

McCain over Clinton (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:44 AM)

A few weeks ago I felt I could have supported either Hillary or Obama should either of them win. After following the campaign tactics of the Hillary camp this past two weeks. I can't say I would vote for Hillary. I am disapointed in the " anything to win" trend I have seen. I hope it ends today. It is not good for our country or for the Democratic Party. I am hoping for an OBAMA WIN today.

Diane Salix Iowa (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:44 AM)

Just something for Democrats to keep in mind.

I am a lifelong registered Republican who actually changed his party affiliation to support Barack Obama in the New York State Primaries. I have not switched back because at this point in time I don't believe the Republican Party has much to offer me. The Dems don't really either, other than Barack Obama.

There are a lot of people like me, regardless of whether they have actually taken the steps to change their party affiliation. There are many Republicans and Indepdendents who will flock to Obama in the November elections if given the chance.

And almost unanimously, we will flock to McCain if Hillary Clinton is the Dem nominee.

It's not just about supporting Hillary vs. Barack, it's a question of whether you want the White House or not. Impartial analysis suggests that Obama takes the White House, and has long coattails for Congressional elections. It also suggests that Hillary hands the election to the Republicans, as well as diminishing or relinquishing of one and possibly both houses.

So examine both your hearts and your heads, and vote for what you want more.

Wildy (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:46 AM)

You all aint seen nothing yet. Wait untill the republicans start their "vetting" of Obama. What do you all think a political election is all about??? Bragging on the other candidate? Grow up and get real.

If Obama loses, it's his own fault. He should have long ago come clean abour Rezco, William Ayers, his church and pastor.

Now we see where he admits that his campaign DID talk to a rep. from Canada.

CHange we can believe in? I don't think so.

(John Doe (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:46 AM)

Hi Marla in CA,

It's only in these last few moments that many people are just now realizing what we were trying to say over the course of time... In short, if Hillary wins, it could cause a shift and the dems will stand a better than average chance to lose the White House in November. As a new candidate an strong support, at least Barack increases that chance and does have what it takes (with our support) to make serious changes.

Better a new and positive risk than no change at all! With the support that Barack Obama has been getting, we figure that he has a better than average change of doing a lot of good. The Repubs are really gearing up to deal with Hillary; and in that case, if she wins the nomination, it will be good for her ego but, what about November?

According to her "experience," she did a poor job contending with Barack. How will she fair against the repubs? For Barack, either way, he wins! He would have made such impression in this election that you know he will be president some day. But that will do nothing for Hillary if she wins the election. She gets the opportunity to say the made the nominee while she will get slaughtered by the repubs and McCain in November... Her win nearly guarantees the fate of the dems taking back the White Hous in November. Barack's win doesn't guarantee the White House but, it gives us a darn good, strong, "David and Goliath" chance!

That's been the problem Hillary isn't looking at this as a team effort; she's only pursuing what will make HER happy! Pretty selfish, ah?

Greg, NH (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:47 AM)

Joe S. you are so transparent the stinch permeates my TV. Got dang it you made my BP rise yesterday and this morning. Who wants a President based on feeling sorry for a whiny, tearing up, $6K doughnut bill that begs the public to send her $$, and her math is atrocious - 35 yrs my foot! I'm a AA female and would have loved to have voted for her, but she showed what she's made of and I'd hope she could win without bullcrap!

Evey since Hitlary has chided your network regarding Shuster (which I felt was wrong) your network has been mischaracterizing facts regarding Obama. You and Hannity need to team up. As to the media being unfair about Hitlary - I'm asking myself on what?

Why haven't your network reported about the Harlem's voting error or reported about NM woman taking ballots home.

There are many out here that intends to do a voter blockout if Hitlary wins the nom, because there is no way on God's green earth I'd vote for her!

If she can't run a campaign she designed herself how in the heck can she run a country?!!!

carbar, Marietta, GA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:49 AM)

OBAMA'S Economic's advisor met with Canadians to assure them that his long talk against NAFTA WAS ONLY A POLITIC SPEECH.... OH, MY GOD!!!

Obama hasn't focus in Afganistan because he has be busy running for PRESIDENT... And he keeeps making speeches on AFGANISTAN....oH, MY GOD!!!

He is an agent of change, yes, he truly is!!!!

OBAMA HAS A DREAM FOR MORE SPEECHES FOR AMERICA
HILLARY HAS A SOLUTION FOR AMERICA

francesca, VA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:52 AM)

If Hillary runs this fight to the convention it will forever change the Democratic Party as it is now.

I think The Clinton's want this for themselves and because they feel they are entitled to it - not becasue they feel it's really good for the rest of the country - and actually only the big states - all those people who voted for Obam in Feb. your state does not count to her.........I thought American was too smart for Bush Clinton Bush Clinton - but she has gone so negative On Obama - if she steals the nomination why will Obama's supporters vote for her? Are any of the super delegates supporting her considering that? Or are they all thinking about their cabinet and ambassador jobs?

The Clintons are everything that's Seedy and replusive about American Politics....their paying for votes in Nevada, the Robo Calls that went Barack Hussein Obama...not releasing their tax returns...they just sicken me. If she steals the election Mccain will win as the Obama Voters will feel cheated and disinfranchised and I predict few will vote for her. Is this really what they want? To leave the party in pieces?

They Sicken me......

Independent in CA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:52 AM)

One thing I am pleased to see is all the younger people coming out this year; not only participating, but becoming educated.

This is very simple. This year I 'hoped' for a $20,000 bonus, but did not get it. I 'hoped' for a new car, and a lot of people I know rallied around me and also 'hoped' I could get the new car. They told me 'yes you can', but no new car, because the bonus I hoped for was too small.

The point is simple. Hoping makes people feel good, gives them a sense of purpose. Obama telling his supporter 'We can change, and I care about you' is the same old political B.S. we've had from at least 1 candidate in every election for the last 20 years. You can't say 'Hillary throwing the kitchen sink is old dirty politics that America is sick of', then rally behind a speech where the speaker says he cares about you, therefore the world will be safe.

Most voters never like the candidate they vote for entirely. I went with Clinton in my primary on super tuesday ( the real one ) because she'd be the best candidate for foreign-policy and foreign-relations. As much as I don't like her wholly, I can also say I would sleep soundly at night knowing she's running the show.

Dave St. Louis, Missouri (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:52 AM)

I am so disappointed in Hillary Clinton's tactics. I spent much of 1998 and 1999 defending both Bill and Hillary to family and friends. NO MORE!! Her tactics in this election has turned me off. She has been ungracious and willing to employ any dirty tactic to win. She has had a choice to take the high road, but everytime takes the low road. All she is doing is helping the Republicans win in November.

Suzanne, Chardon, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:53 AM)

There is not a rational person in the country who could agree with you Dan no matter who they support. HRC and/or her campaign have redefined bitterness. One thing for sure if this campaign is going to hell HRC is driving the bus.

Ann in Virginia (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:54 AM)

Dan Kellish, it is not Obama supporters who are driving this campaign into hell, it's people like you (regardless of which candidate they support). The bitter trolling on sites like this and ridiculous exaggeration and distortion of every perceived scandal, be it directed at Clinton or Obama, is what's tearing the Democrats apart. Hateful people like you should just go join the Republicans, real Democrats (regardless of who they support) don't want people like you giving this party a bad reputation.

Klaus (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:54 AM)

this is all about the spin. the best spin came from a clinton supporter yesterday. they went from clinton must win tx and oh. too if obama does not win all four it proves his moentum is slowing. i laughed at that one for hours. the people in the clinton campign must be living on koolaid alone

michael,ca (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:54 AM)

Dan Kellish, Columbus

The fact is I have not heard facts or specifics from either candidate. Hillary states she is the most experienced to handle a national emergency phone call at 3 AM but the question begs, what specific time in her past has she been required to handle such an emergency and thereby makes her the most experienced? Her top aides were asked the same question yesterday and it took them a couple minutes to think before they could answer. And their answer, she has handled diffcult situations throughout her life. What is that!!?? Hillary's stump speeches are no better then Obamas. He is better at giving speeches but if you have listened to their stump speeches tell me just what specific and detailed plans have either offered beyond the typical overgeneralized positions on health care, national security, the economy, etc. None!! So based on your apparent support of Hillary you "think" or you can "dream" she has provided specific and detailed respones regarding the issues but the fact is she has not done so any more or any less then Obama. It gets a little tiring hearing Hillary's specific and detailed response to why she thinks she would make a better President from day one when she supports this position with nothing but I have been through tough times. What the heck does that mean. She has been a Senator a few more years then Obama, that's it. She was not Governor of Arkansas when Bill was Governor and she was not President of the United States when Bill was the President. So her "first hand" experience is basically limited to her time as Senator just as Obamas is limted to his time as a State and US Senator.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:55 AM)

Sadly, I think that Hillary and her deceitful and dirty politics might cost Dems the election in November. You wouldn't believe how many lifelong Dems that I have heard say they will not support her because of her dirty political tricks. She doesn't really care about the truth or integrity...she only cares for herself. I am a lifelong Dem, and I will vote for John McCain before I vote for Hillary Clinton. No wonder the party elders are getting worried and people on the right want Hillary to be the nominee.

Sally (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:55 AM)

Hey Shawn in FL,

I think that is the higher goal; if SHE doesn't make the White House to support the dems, the she would be darn if ANY other dem will! And so the rest of the world begins to wake up.. As a New Hampshire rez., this is what some of us have been himmering and hollaring about since she left this state. That was the impression in the dust she left behind..

This is what her supports don't get; she can win the nomination but, she's going to drown in the general election. And this thing she calls "experience" will NOT be able to do anything to help her..

At least Barack stands a better chance against the repubs in the general election.

greg, NH (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:55 AM)

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