Obama's win in Mississippi

Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:22 AM by Domenico Montanaro

OBAMA’S WIN IN MISSISSIPPI.
With 99% of precincts reporting, Obama defeated Clinton, 61%-37% (253,441 to 154,842).

The Clarion-Ledger: "Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama carried a majority of Mississippi in Tuesday's primary, with significant wins in counties in southwestern and central Mississippi and in the Delta."

The Boston Globe: “Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, campaigned vigorously in Mississippi, but Obama's win was widely expected. Tellingly, neither candidate was anywhere near Mississippi yesterday while voters went to the polls. Both were campaigning in Pennsylvania, whose April 22 primary is the next big prize and where recent polls have shown Clinton leading by between 4 to 19 percentage points.”

The AP: “A quarter of whites said race was important to their votes, and they voted overwhelmingly for Clinton. Thirty-seven percent of blacks said race was important to their votes and nearly all voted for Obama.”

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Comments

Re: Ms Ferraro: If anyone DARED suggest that Hillary was where she is because she’s a woman and Bill’s wife – even though it’s TRUE -- Ms. Ferraro would explode.

But, moving on to a bigger question for Ms. Ferraro: rather than singling out African Americans, why not highlight another interest group that has voted in stunning numbers for Mr. Obama? That’s right--the “educated white vote under 40.” You could have just as easily pointed out that Obama would not be where he is except for that group. If you look at the demographics, there’s almost as significant a split for him in that group as there has been among African Americans.

I’ll tell you why Ms Ferraro didn’t choose that group. It’s because the Clinton campaign has made a conscious choice to appeal to the worst of our natures. They’re now looking at Pennsylvania and hoping that they can stir up enough of a race storm to lock in a huge white vote win in the state.

Bringing up the “educated white vote under 40” block just wouldn’t work the same way. In fact, it might cause some people to stop and think: “maybe there really is something to this Obama guy other than the lies the Clintons spread.”

Ms Ferraro, I’d guess there are thousands of us educated white folk under 40 who would LEAP at the chance to debate you anywhere and anytime about why Obama is an INFINITELY better choice for the future of our nation than your candidate. Of course we’d have to wade through a bunch of your condescending “you kids just don’t understand” before we actually got to the facts—the facts that say your candidate has virtually NO foreign policy experience and a disastrous domestic policy record, despite her protestations to the contrary.

Sadly, Ms. Ferraro couldn’t debate on the facts. She knows she’d lose. And lose big.

One of the white thirty-somethings for Obama (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:26 AM)

That whites voted overwhelmingly for Clinton, and said that race was a reason, demonstrates that Obama will not win a single southern state in the general election, and that includes Florida. So, Obamamorons, your candidate may be winning with delegates, but he's a woefully flawed candidate who will not win the general election.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:28 AM)

Perhaps most importantly, Obama added to almost 100,000 to his POPULAR vote lead.

The climb is getting steeper Senator Clinton (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:28 AM)

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:28 AM)

B (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:30 AM)

Nice use of "protestations."

SL, NJ (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:45 AM)

By winning Obama has set up the Clinton's winning in PA, Already Bill is calling for the need to win big; same as before Ohio and Texas. Since 1992 we all know Hillary has the highest negatives but everytime she looks like she has been put in a corner they drop and people ruah into help the poor thing. Their campaign has been using this tactic for the whole race.
Her rivals find it impossible to combat; should they look like they are attacking her they only add fuel to the fire. She how ever can be a pyton or pitbull attacking with out fear of being attacked back and the media goes right along with it. So give PA to Hillary; and remember those who use their intelligence to vote for her.

RouletteRandy (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:50 AM)

In regard to voting along racial lines, Hillary received majority support from African-Americans before she and Bill began their negative attacks against Obama. Even attacks that were not overtly racist in nature caused a dramatic change in perspective among African-Americans.

While Obama receives substantial majority votes from white voters in states from Wyoming to Connecticut, he struggles to receive a majority from white voters in states of the "Deep South." But when you examine the results among younger voters, Obama consistently receives a majority among white voters, even here in the "Deep South." It shows we have come a long way. It also shows thar Obama's success among all voters is due to his leadership, judgement and character and it is not about race.

Finally, it must be noted that Obama never asks people to vote for him because of his race, while Hillary asks people to vote for her because of her gender.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:51 AM)

LOVE the first comment...here, here!!!

Jaime, Lantana, FL (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:52 AM)

I find it interesting that Hillary recieved the support in MS from 75% of Republicans. Maybe that explains why the demographics were the way they were. Seems that they were trying to play in the democratic primary. Of course that destroys the storyline that you guys want to give...racial divide...so you don't report that nuggett. Do you think these Republicans would actually vote for Hillary under normal circumstances? NOT.

Grace (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:52 AM)

-----------------------------------------------------
Geraldine Ferraro is TYPICAL of the Hillary Campaign tactics.
----------------------------------------------------

GO OBAMA ---- FERRARO GO HOME (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:54 AM)

Personally I am sick of this storylins about women over 50 being upset if Hillary doesn't win. I'm over 50 a woman, white and I wouldn't vote for her if she was the last person alive...That goes for all of my friends. We find the woman deplorable. Maybe you should move this number up to 65+ there maybe some truth in that.

Toni (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:55 AM)

Bravo. Well analyzed and spoken.

Lew, Manchester, CT (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:55 AM)

Geraldine Ferraro. 15 minutes of fame nearly a quarter of a century ago. Couldn't get out from under the shadow of her old man. Trying to be relevant today. It's over, Gerry!

Joe Einloth (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:56 AM)

The win in Mississippi is great, congratulations Senator Obama.

As an over 60 white woman I am disgusted with the likes of Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary Clinton and their views on race and gender. One would think that having lived that long they would by now, have learned that their views are outdated in today's world.

I look forward to the presidency of Barack Obama and having he and his beautiful family represent to the world the possibilities of America in the 21st century.
I have had my share of sexist discrimination throughout my life but I cannot let that be part of my legacy. I am prepared to work, fundraise, volunteer and have donated what I can to make this inspiring man my President.

Wake up America, put your prejudices aside and let the better angels of your nature come forth there is much work to be done.

gm hussein, Jupiter, Fl (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:57 AM)

The interpretations of the exit polls will have the effect of reinforcing underlying attitudes and perceptions. The fact that the race was held in Mississippi and are similar to results in Alabama and Louisianna will be lost. The pundits have highlighted that Obama's last a big chunk of the white vote that he never had in that part of the country in the first place. A point they fail to mention going into Pennsylvania. Hillary must be rubbing her hands.

Ian (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:58 AM)

Hmmm, and how many of those white voters for Clinton were Rush Limbaugh republicans? Inquiring minds want to know!

Lisa in New Britain, CT (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:59 AM)

When will we hear from MSNBC that Obama won Texas?
Inquiring minds want to know.

Who's Sane (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:00 AM)

Big win.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:00 AM)

The Clinton followers are going to hate what i'm about to say, but the facts are the facts.

Since S.Carolina, the Clintons have played the Race card, but in a way in thier favor. They have turned this election into a white & latinos v. black. It started with Bill Clinton, then Ed Rendell (remember whites aren't ready to vote for a black candidate, the seed), now Geraldine Ferraro (another seed for the catholic & white vote in Penn.) It's not a message against Obama, it's a message for the white voters, that they should not vote for a Black candidate before a white candidate.

As of to date Hillary also hasn't come out publicly to say that Obama IS NOT MUSLIM, she's leaving that out there so the scared voters will vote for her.

sozzi, mamaroneck, ny (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:03 AM)

Sadly, Ms. Ferraro couldn’t debate on the facts. She knows she’d lose. And lose big.

One of the white thirty-somethings for Obama (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:26 AM)

People tend to forget she is the biggest loser in the history of the Democratic party with Walter Mondale. This goes to show how sad one can get when you get old and bitter.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:05 AM)

I'm no politician, but I am a 4 yr. college graduate,and I'm 75 years old, which either agrees and disagrees with positions taken by journalist in this campaign. I voted for Barack Obama in the primaries, here in Tennessee, which in and of itself is a first. My personal opinion about the Southeren states is that very few white people will vote for Obama. There is still too much prejudice here. I know, because I have upset a number of people by my early vote. I continue to be for Obama, but I don't believe that he will get many white votes in the South.Perhaps some younger whites, but none/few older whites. And, in my opinion, it's a very sad state of affairs. To have come this far, and continue to be so far behind.

Margaret Griffin (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:06 AM)

As a fan of Mrs. Ferrarao, I'm sadden by her comments on Obama.

I would suggest that it is the medication (cancer meds.) that had her make these crazy comments.

On the other hand what is with Maggy Willams? Does she not realize that she is the person being used by the Clintons to go after Barack on the guide of crazy information. I hope she wakes up and see that she is being used.

cc, boston, ma (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:13 AM)

First Read,

How much does Clinton stand to gain by dividing this contest along racial lines? Part of me can't help but think that this is a calculated move on her behalf.

scott, TX (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:20 AM)

kenn (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:22 AM)

Ferraro vs Jesse Jackson - April 15, 1988 (The cite is a Washington Post story - byline: Howard Kurtz, - available only on Nexis).:

"If Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race," she said.

Here's the full context:

Placid of demeanor but pointed in his rhetoric, Jackson struck out repeatedly today against those who suggest his race has been an asset in the campaign. President Reagan suggested Tuesday that people don't ask Jackson tough questions because of his race. And former representative Geraldine A. Ferraro (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday that because of his "radical" views, "if Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race."

Asked about this at a campaign stop in Buffalo, Jackson at first seemed ready to pounce fiercely on his critics. But then he stopped, took a breath, and said quietly, "Millions of Americans have a point of view different from" Ferraro's.

Discussing the same point in Washington, Jackson said, "We campaigned across the South . . . without a single catcall or boo. It was not until we got North to New York that we began to hear this from Koch, President Reagan and then Mrs. Ferraro . . . . Some people are making hysteria while I'm making history."

Kairos (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:28 AM)

I am an old, educated white female life-long Democrat who used to think HRC would make a terrific President. I thought Geraldine Ferraro brought a valuable point of view and remarkable talent to the Democratic Party, too. I have changed my mind on both counts.

Why? Because they both exhibit a serious lack of leadership. Neither has demonstrated the what I think makes on a good leader; integrity, self-awareness, statesmanship, collaboration, vision, intellectual honesty and principles-based behavior.

I believe practicing gender discrimination is bad, whether done by a woman or a male. It's no more justified, or forgivable than racism, religious intolerance or any other "My group is more deserving than that one" mentality.

This isn't rocket science. And I'm not unique in wanting more from American leaders that we've received in decades. People and nations deserve leaders that bring out our best. Leaders who play to our darker impulses only take us down.

That's why HRC will never win my vote or my support.

Susan Abendroth (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:31 AM)

It seems to me that we have a candidate who is winning Independent and moderate republican voters in Red states.
It seems to me we have a candidate who is bringing in new and enthusiastic young voters.
It seems to me we have a candidate who because of his appeal to African American voters may be able to take a southern state or two that haven't been in play for Democrats for 40 years.
It seems to me that this perfect storm of a candidacy could provide a huge lansdlide victory in November and offer DEM congressional candidates coattails the size of a table cloth.
The only thing we have to do as Democrats to achieve this is to vote for the nominee of the party and not engage in this "I'll vote for McCain if my candidate loses" crap.
This party has shown time and time again that it is capable of screwing up a wet dream.
Lets not do that this time.
Think! Win!

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:33 AM)

Pat in NY

I find it amazing that you sitting in MY can pass judgment on what Floridians may or may not do.

Floridians went to the polls to vote on Amendment 1. An Amendment based on Saving Our Homes here in FL.

Many did not vote for a presidential candidate because we knew the votes were disenfranchised.

And that is the way it should remain.

I do not sit here in FL casting aspersions at N.Y voters and trying to decide how New Yorkers will vote.

Independent Voter, Stuart, FL (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:38 AM)

WHAT I FIND MORE AMAZING IS THAT HILLARY CLINTON INSULTED ALL THE PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPPI IN JANUARY AND THE "IDIOTICS" STILL VOTED FOR HER!!!!

GOES TO SHOW YOU THEIR RACIAL ISSUES RUN DEEPER THAN THEIR CHARACTER!!!!

WILLIS (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:39 AM)

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:28 AM)
Well coming from you Pat, that means absolutely nothing. Good call on Adm. Fallon yesterday. Well executed knee jerk.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:39 AM)

Could you please tell me if the documentary on the candidates which aired on 3/11 will re-air. It is so interesting and allows us to really get to know all of the candidates. If you don't plan to re-air it, please let me know if it is available on line other than in written form. Thank you for your response.

Juanita Parks, Ellenwood, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:51 AM)

79% of the republican crossover voted for HRC in missippi....hmmmm....why don't the pundits of the MSM STOP making this so much about race and bring all the facts out. I'm a 59 year old, educated, white woman who will never vote for HRC. She's divisive and nothing but the old smoke-filled backroom, dirty politics. She will never be effective in bring much needed change to this country. Polly, MS

Polly McDowell, Vineyard Haven, MA (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:52 AM)

I think there is a black white thing going on in Detroit,also,with the corrupt mayor.Also it looks like Romney who won in MI is going to be the R vp.Borak and Hillary no longer considered the dream team.The racist,anti feminist ticket will lose regardless of who is on the ticket.Democrats are truly ignorant of wht is happenning around them as they destroy the party.They are very deserving of what is happenning to them.

a guest (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:53 AM)

"When will we hear from MSNBC that Obama won Texas?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Who's Sane (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:00 AM)"

He hasn't =- only 41% of precincts counted and they were in cities where Obama was stronger. Many rural precincts where Clinton is stronger still have to report - they have until March 29 to do so.

The final result won't be known until then so no caucus result can be given.

The Observer, Dundee, Scotland (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:55 AM)

It's amazing how many patronising white liberals are here mouthing platitudes about Obama.

White Liberal Apologists (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:57 AM)

Geraldine: What you said about Obama getting where he is because he's black can be construed as the same as what others like Limbaugh saying about the black athletes, particularly that quarterback a few years ago (sorry I don't recall his name....I'm not into sports) for whom the media had high expectations and they wanted him to do well because he was black. This is racist pandering, not even subtle!!! Shame on you, shame on you, Geraldine. Obama is a running as a candidate for president of the USA who happens to be African American; he is able to transcend race in America and unite people. He isn't just a black candidate. Hillary, you and your husband and your campaign have repeatedly made race, religion, and gender issues now and you are throwing your "base" vote under the bus.
I happen to be 56, white, female and will vote for Obama.

KYObserver (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:59 AM)

I've grown so very frustrated and irritated with the path this whole race issue has taken. I have heard the media, pundits, and many African-American voters all admit that they like the Clintons and they have, in fact, done a lot for the country and civil rights, but now that it looks like an African-American has a real chance to becoming president they have all jumped ship to Obama. I think that since 90% of all African-Americans across the nation are supporting Obama and voting for him says it all. In addition, when I ask some Obama supporters the reason they support him and all too often I hear, "He is the first black man that has a real chance to become President." I do NOT support Obama because I do think he is the best and most qualified candidate. However, I think in a few years he has great potential to be a great president. Yes, I am an African-American.

Tom, Silver Spring, MD (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:04 AM)

Broken down, the Mississippi vote had an unmistakable racial descant — and unmistakable limits for Obama. Exit polls revealed once again an emerging racial divide that has opened in the Democratic party between whites who tend by healthy margins to favor Clinton and blacks who overwhelmingly favor Obama. African Americans comprised nearly half of the Democratic vote in Mississippi — and 90% of those voters, according to exit polls, pulled the lever for Obama, his strongest showing yet among African Americans. But Obama did poorly among whites, winning only 30%, according to exit polls. While this split was visible in Alabama and the border state of Tennessee earlier this year, it was visible in Ohio's primary last week, too.

________________________________________________--
Do you have anymore votes now Barack? The big states with a diverse voting democratic population are just NOT there for you!! DELEGATES!! FORGETABOUT IT!

HP Boston (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:05 AM)

When will white Americans wake up and realize that all we've ever seen in the White House has been "White Men"! The country has gone from good to bad to better to worse. Can you come out of your white shells and try something new and refreshing for a change. Trust yourselves on this one. You can't go wrong and you certainly won't be any worse off. So what if Obama is an African American...He is an American just like you. Think outside of the box. This country belongs to all of us. How do you know that he wont be good for the country unless you give him a try. Senator Obama deserves a chance to help make a difference. What about you? Don't you want a better America. He is standing on the street of Change for a Better America. What about You? Let's make a true change for America.

Juanita Parks, Ellenwood, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:06 AM)

Another Clinton thug in to do the dirty work for Hillary. The desperation in the Clinton camp is palpable. And Hillary's conduct shows that she is anything but "Ready on Day One". The question for Hillary is "Which Hillary will show up on day one?" The dewy eyed soft spoken woman who found her voice in New Hampshire, the collegial debater that offered "What an honor it is to be on the stage with Barack Obama", the nasty old grqandma that chastised Obama the very next day "Shame on you", or the cynical, self centered, win at all costs, never say you're sorry or admit a mistake,race baiting Democratic branded version of George Bush?

Ed - Atlanta, GA (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:10 AM)

The AP: “A quarter of whites said race was important to their votes, and they voted overwhelmingly for Clinton. Thirty-seven percent of blacks said race was important to their votes and nearly all voted for Obama.

what about the 75% of whites who said race didnt matter, who did they vote for. and the other 63% percent of blacks who said race didnt matter who did they vote for. who is really making this election about race looks to me like the media.

James, Lawton, OK (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:11 AM)

The UNITER has done it again OHHHHH I m sorry whites vote for whites, blacks vote for blacks seems evenly united.Then again the liberal white apologists will always defer to a black canidate with all the guilt they feel but the black power structure really cant stand white people for good reason you enslaved them and then made them wait for rights so how is he going to UNITE people black white republican demorat old young seems to me he is the ultimte DIVIDER
kenn (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 10:22 AM)
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That is so true Kenn. That is why this repuke blog with all the crap they spew is here to make sure OBAMA wins!! McWAR is the repuke setup and OBAMA is the fall guy! DEMs are now divided and will not go to the polls in droves in NOVEMBER!

HP Boston (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:12 AM)

The Democratic Party is being torn apart. It all started with Senator Clinton. Running a clean campaign was too much to ask for. She had to take it to the gutter and the party with her. How will she look if she looses. How can she go back and dig herself from under all the dirt. George Bush stole the first term and bought the second one. She is acting no better than the Bushes. Wake up Hillary! You're handing it back to the Republican. Are you willing to give it back to them at any cost? clean up your act. You should be better than that! If you can't win on your merits, stay clean and try again.

Juanita Parks, Ellenwood, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:12 AM)

DIVIDE and you know the rest hope your dreams come true but its more hard work than dreams and hope for our sake. Hope this new kind of canidate wont be like the last UNITER GEORGE W BUSH>I have to hope because you obammawannabes really f dup hilliary and I would be surprised if she can hold her seat in the next election I mean does Ny REALLY WANT A monster WITH NO FEELINGS WHO IS EVIL AND DISPICIBLE RACIST. wont see you in the funny papers or the fall election thanks for the politics of destruction OBAMMAWANNABES. NADER 08 REAL CHANGE not a change to KERRY AND KENNEDY AND DODD AND ALL the old guard who support OBAMMA some change HUH?

kenn (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:13 AM)

"That whites voted overwhelmingly for Clinton, and said that race was a reason, demonstrates that Obama will not win a single southern state in the general election, and that includes Florida."

I think it demonstrated just how ignorant and racist whites in Mississippi can be.

bobw Mendon, NY (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:13 AM)

Right on the mark,Ken
And again I will say this,anyone here can try to prove me wrong...The Democrats have ALWAYS carried the black vote,so what is so fabulous about Obama?
It is Hillary that is getting the swing vote....But you will not get that info from MSNBC otherwise known as Major Supporting News for(male) Barack Campaign!!!!

sharon,largo.fl (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:14 AM)

sharon,largo.fl (Sent Wednesday, March 12, 2008 11:15 AM)

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