First thoughts: Wright here, right now

Posted: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:11 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts, 2008

From Chuck Todd and Domenico Montanaro
*** Wright here, right now: There's nothing that bothers some inside the Clinton campaign more than the constant reading in between the lines of the senator's motivations when she chooses to answer a specific question. But this has been a constant issue for Clinton ever since she decided to follow in her husband's footsteps. For the first time, Clinton decided to weigh in on the Wright controversy, saying he would not have been her pastor. But for more than a week, Clinton had declined to address it and was even complimentary of Obama’s speech on race last week. She certainly had ample opportunity to be critical on this issue, so why now? In the shadow of the Bosnia sniper “misstatement,” (her newest iteration is that she was “sleep deprived”) this certainly seems like an attempt to change the subject and take the spotlight off her. After all, whenever there has been a heavy focus on one of these candidates, the other has benefited. This week, so far, the spotlight has been on Clinton. If you missed all three evening newscasts, it's clear Clinton had one of the worst earned media days in a few months. By the way, why did the campaign decide to sit down with Richard Mellon Scaife's newspaper ed board? We know that Bill Clinton and Scaife broke bread and apparently called a truce, but wow.

*** Nothing's changed; no one's voted and yet...: What's with all this, it's time for Clinton to drop out talk? Clinton, for the first time herself, acknowledged the chatter in a very newsy press avail yesterday. The campaign is in full pushback mode on this very issue as they seem to worry that the whispers of party elders and undecided SuperDelegates is actually getting loud. The campaign released a "myth-fact" white paper addressing what they claim is the false idea that they have no mathematical chance. And Bill Clinton made the focus of his Kentucky stumping pushing back on this idea HRC is done. As we noted yesterday, she does have a mathematical chance, but her chances rest largely on the shoulders of these undecided SuperDelegates, some of whom are talking to the press about their own handwringing. But for those calling for Clinton to get out, ask yourself, why? She does have a chance. Sure it's somewhat of a longshot, but it's not so improbable that the Obama campaign is ignoring her in the same way McCain ignored Huckabee. And remember their own personal experience. Bill Clinton, for instance, knows firsthand had one of the major Democratic candidates in '92 (say Tsongas or Kerrey) decided to stay in for the long haul, that candidate just might have stolen the nomination away from Clinton when he was limping to the nomination in April and May struggling to dispatch semi-gadfly Jerry Brown. As the Maryland (or is it Virginia lottery) ad campaign used to say, "you can't win if you don't play."

VIDEO: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd talks about Hillary Clinton's decision to weigh in on the Wright controversy and continued calls for her to get out of the race for the sake of the Democratic Party.

*** ‘Hell to Pay’: There seems to be a want by the Democratic Party to establish a critical mass and get this over with. See Maria Cantwell, Phil Bredesen and Harry Reid. Cantwell yesterday implied the winner of the pledged delegates would have the strongest claim to the nomination when the primaries are finished. Meanwhile, check out Bredesen’s “hell to pay” comment and Reid tersely saying the nomination WILL be wrapped up before convention.

*** While you were gone: Obama’s back on the trail (in 5/6 North Carolina), but how will he choose to get back in the game? It looks like by picking a fight with McCain. Per the campaign, Obama in his speech today on the economy “will focus on Senator McCain's speech on the housing crisis that offered no new ideas and no relief for Americans facing foreclosure,” Obama’s campaign spokesman Bill Burton writes. “Senator Obama will make clear that Americans can't afford four more years of Bush economics that lets Wall Street thrive as Main Street struggles.” Obviously, this is a renewed attempt by the campaign to jump-start the inevitability memo of a McCain-Obama general. Let's see if the McCain campaign bites on this one.

*** The tax man cometh: After two days of the Clinton campaign criticizing Obama in conference calls for not releasing tax returns prior to 2006 (even though his campaign had been criticizing Clinton on transparency, for not releasing even her 2007 tax returns -- something Obama had done), the Obama campaign released all of Obama’s back to 2000. And made them available on the Web. Camp Clinton has said the Clintons would release theirs very soon, perhaps in a week or so. Among the things the press grabbed on to with Obama's tax returns: the jump in charitable contributions (including money he gave to Rev. Wright's church) and the sharp rise in income for Michelle Obama as Barack rose through the ranks. Beyond that, though, no major landmines appear to be in these returns. Though we do wonder why the campaign didn't release tax returns going back to his first year in elective office ('96). It's a small opening the Obama folks have given to the Clinton campaign to harp on.

*** The real Dream Ticket? Reports NBC/NJ’s Carrie Dann, Mike Gravel said in a statement, "Today, I am announcing my plan to join the Libertarian Party, because the Democratic Party no longer represents my vision for our great country." Is the real ’08 Dream Ticket some version of Paul-Gravel?

*** Coming later today: A special NBC/WSJ poll on race and the fallout in the pres. race following the Rev. Wright controversy and Obama's historic speech on race relations.

*** On The Trail: Clinton participates in an event in DC with her daughter Chelsea; McCain holds two more fundraisers in California and speaks to the LA World Affairs Council; Obama’s back from vacation with a town hall in Greensboro, NC; and Bill Clinton makes three stops in West Virginia, a May 13 primary state where Clinton is favored.

Countdown to Pennsylvania: 27 days
Countdown to North Carolina, Indiana: 41 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 223 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 300 days

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Comments

Hillary cant help her self, so the superdelegates must step in to save dem party from crumbling. Hillary go back to NY and help your constituants please......

James Memphis, TN (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:37 AM)

Why does Chuck Todd not include the 4 (that I know of) states that do not count the popular vote including 2 early states Iowa and Nevada? It seems that the party decision is based on a delegate system. Is it not true that the recorded popular vote does not include all states that held a primary or a caucus? I am interested in hearing a reply to this.

Linda Wright New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:39 AM)

There is something to be said for not taking the expedient route by throwing Rev. Wright under the bus. THAT would have been the smart political move, according to some.
But not one from a man of character.
The political landscape is littered with people the Clintons have tossed when they no longer needed them.
Of course she doesn't understand.
So who IS her Pastor? Does she even have one?

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:39 AM)

At the prospect of a race between McCain and Clinton, I hang my head in shame. I think of how vast and populated this country is, and the best we can come up with for our president is a doddering old fool or a power mad shrew. I'm one who has been wringing her hands in despair for I cannot, in good conscience vote for Hillary or John. Sure Mike Gravel dosen't have a chance but at least he is someone I can actually vote for. Meanwhile, lets hope it's not a McCain Clinton contest but Obama McCain.
Fifty nine year old typical white Obama supporter.
Go Obama!

Bonnie (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:39 AM)

SLEEP DEPRIVED? Then she WON'T be ready on day one
to answer that red phone at 3 AM. She'll be sleep deprived-maybe launch the wrong missile? Vote for another bad war?

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:40 AM)

It is amazing how someone reacts when confronted with an unsavory aspect of themselves.
Hillary lived by the whisper in New Hampshire even at the cost of loosing the endorsements from Kate Michelman, NARAL & Planned Parenthood when she intimated to voters there that Obama was weak on women's issues.
Now that her campaign is facing whispers from the party establishment she is shocked and surprised.
What she and her handlers fail to appreciate is that they are being "temperature checked". That is checked to see to what length will they go to destroy Barack Obama in this campaign.
The answer is one the party elders were hoping they would not see. Hoping because they are naturally disinclined to take positive, direct action to reign in Hillary Clinton.
Now they realize that without equivocation Hillary will indeed set a new standard for character assassination in this campaign and they will need to take action sooner rather than later if the party is going to have any hope in November.

KT, Germantown, TN (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:41 AM)

As I read and listen to the opinons of the pundits on the topic of the Dem. primary, it's become abundantly clear to me that more than even Hillary Clinton, the media want this fight to continue for as long as possible. No other entities have benefitted as much as the media during the last 3 months. People are tuning in and logging on in record numbers and you have to believe that the heads of these networks and newspapers (and the people who sell ads to them) are jumping up and down with glee. I mean, would David Gregory have gotten a show named "Race for the White House" in MARCH of an election year if not for the contentious battle between Senators Obama and Clinton? If the nominations of both parties had been settled by now, would our nation be paying any attention to the most ridculous of primaries in locales like Puerto Rico (where voters CAN'T vote for president in November)? All this talk about a "liberal media bias" is junk. If there were a true liberal media bias, the "liberal" media would be clamoring for a quick end to this thing beacuse the conservate right is sitting back watching the Democrats tear themselves apart. Meanwhile, the Limbaughs and Coulters and Ingrahms of the world are egging on the fight... Just a thought...

YCM - NYC (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:41 AM)

HILLARY, YOU GO GIRL and KEEP GOING until you are OUT OF SIGHT. You are a desperate, disillusioned, divisive, and dangerous person. There is no way our country would be better off having you as our president. It is amazing how you have managed to gather such a large group of followers considering the huge amount of inconsistencies (lies) that are now becoming a major content of your speeches. Your desperation is a great indicator of how you would react (if you were our president) to a 3:15 A.M. phone call. Your daughter is much more mature than you are,she should be the Clinton running for office.

A.Brocco,Albuquerque,NM (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:42 AM)

I feel for the DNC and Superdelegates, how do you tell the Clinton Machine that the "train has already left the station - next train is 2016"? Who I do not have any sympathy for is Hillary. She obviously had this notion that she WAS the 44th President and the nation would hand it to her on a golden platter - no questions asked. What makes it so obvious is the Plan that their was not need for $$$s and grass roots supporters in any of the states after Super Tuesday - this, in my opinion, is where 'the train left the station'. Clinton was anoited and would reign so there was no need to plan, just spend on the early states, smile, and waltz her way to the nomination....hmmm, reminds me of the lack of planning by Bush, Cheney, and Rummy for the aftermath of "Shock and Awe". Hillary, it's time to step aside before you and your party become a total "train wreck".

Mary, Maryville, TN (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:42 AM)

If the news media had their way, Hillary would have
dropped out a long time ago, also if it had been her
pastor making the same remarks as Obamas did, they
would have had her hung from the highest building in
Chicago!!

T.carpenter (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:43 AM)

This race, for all intents and purposes, is over. There are only ten contests left. Obama has an insurmountable lead in Pledged Delegates.

It would have been premature to suggest it was over before Ohio and Texas, as with those two states there was a chance Clinton could have gained enough Pledged Delegates to catch up with Obama. Remember, she led in polls in both by 25 points just a few weeks prior to the primaries. But her lead evaporsted to the point that she netted very few Pledged Delegates. March 4 was the critical date when it became mathematically impossible for her to catch up.

Katie G., Cape Coral, FL (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:45 AM)

What disturbs me most is that John McCain and Mike Huckabee came to the defense of Obama. Mike Huckabee's defense was both spirited and VERY strong.

Then, you turn to the Republicans, and Hillary, after not commenting for a week, gives zero regard to Democratic Party solidarity, and tries to throw Obama under the bus.

I mean, Huckabee, an ex Souther Baptist Preacher, found no fault with Obama, and even offered a glimpse into where Rev. Wright was coming from. Then Hillary Clinton, Democratic Politician Extraordinaire, tells Obama to check her tire pressure, and drives over his foot a few times.

We have a choice, America. Like Obama said in his speech, we have a choice. We can either let this race game divide us, or we can recognize that we can all benefit, and all move on towards a greater goal and a greater America. We can either riot and scream and point fingers, or say "Not this time!"

Not this time... this time, we're more worried about Iraq and Iran and the sorry state of US foreign policy. This time, we're more worried about health care and housing. This time, we're more worried about our jobs. This time, we're more worried about what we can accomplish, rather than what we can destroy.

Not this time!

Obama '08!

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:46 AM)

To all of the people (including the main stream media) who continually say that Hillary Clinton should drop out, that the super delegates should make their choices now, I would like to remind them that the primaries continue into June, and not only should Hillary Clinton stay in the race, but the super delegates should wait for all of the primaries to finish before making a choice. The idea that the remaining primaries should not have a choice for whom they will vote is un-democratic. Let the people vote. And I have to admit, I am one of those people who do not think Senator Obama has answered the questions with regard to Rev. Wright. His speech was great, but if this is something he strongly believes, why wait until the blowup over Rev. Wright to deliver the speech? He knew the Rev was controversial (to say the least) because he excluded him from participating during his initial announcement. I find he has also been less than forthcoming, for someone who calls for transparancy. Things are only acknowledged, in bits and pieces, after they have been exposed by the media. ie: Wright & Rezko. And finally, Senator Obama was continually calling for Senator Clinton's release of tax records, while withholding his own. He has finally released some, while the older files must have gone the way of his Illinois Senate records.

Michiel W So. Beloit, IL (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:46 AM)

why is obama in the race. we all know he can't be elected in nov. i guess he wants to take the party down with him. thanks to 20 years of wright and barrys ego we could miss the chance of things being better.

sam (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:46 AM)

Does it seem convenient to anyone that Senator Clinton had prepared remarks ready for a question about Rev Wright. She kept refering to her notes to be sure she said exactly what was written for her by her campaign. The question seemed dubious to me it could not have been a "PLANT" could it. After she refused to comment on Rev Wright for the past week , why did she comment now. Sniper fire, run with your head down and no ceremony at the airport could be a reason to start talking about Rev Wright. What a twofaced person she is. Go Obama

Dottie, Swarthmore, PA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:48 AM)

as an american I am highly upset at the press who new for over a year about obamas preacher, but choice to bury it. This is a deliberate act to decieve the american people. Yopu should be assamed of the tactics used to hide the truth about obama, because he is your pick for presedent. I always believed that the press would report the truth and be un bies party. their are people all over america that voted without all the information, just all the information that you wonted them to have. I,m glad you have the power to play god. Well god I will never ever vote for obama and will do your job and tell as many people as possible the truth.

disgusted demacrate

carla agnew, columbia, mo (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

If that woman would have won 11 states in a row, as Obama did, she would be calling in all political favors from the past 20 years for him to quit the race. She was also pushing DNC party officials to get Obama to quit after Super Tuesday. Why is there such a double standard?

Let's look at the recent lies:
NAFTA - White House records and her book proves she was a strong supporter of NAFTA. Now, "I've always been against it".
Ireland Peace negotiations - a Nobel Peace Prize scholar has refuted her accounts of her involvement
Bosnia - well, we all know this was a big tall fish tale.
Macedonia - the boarders were opened prior to her arrival. She didn't negotiate anything to help the people in a war zone.

Let's call a spade a spade - she is lying to the American public to get elected. We didn't tolerate President Nixon lying to us. Why are we accepting it now???

Women for Obama '08

Wendy Denver (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

As Hillary tries to shift the focus off of the discovery by the press that she has an emerging pattern of significant misrepresentations (Bosnia, Northern Ireland, S-CHIP, FMLA), perhaps her own pastor has the best response to all of us regarding Rev. Wright. I think the press should take note as well, because things are not always so black and white, and before you demonize someone, perhaps you should have all of the facts first:

A STATEMENT CONCERNING THE REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is an outstanding church leader whom I have heard speak a number of times. He has served for decades as a profound voice for justice and inclusion in our society. He has been a vocal critic of the racism, sexism and homophobia which still tarnish the American dream. To evaluate his dynamic ministry on the basis of two or three sound bites does a grave injustice to Dr. Wright, the members of his congregation, and the African-American church which has been the spiritual refuge of a people that has suffered from discrimination, disadvantage, and violence. Dr. Wright, a member of an integrated denomination, has been an agent of racial reconciliation while proclaiming perceptions and truths uncomfortable for some white people to hear. Those of us who are white Americans would do well to listen carefully to Dr. Wright rather than to use a few of his quotes to polarize. This is a critical time in America's history as we seek to repent of our racism. No matter which candidates prevail, let us use this time to listen again to one another and not to distort one another's truth.
Dean J. Snyder, Senior Minister
Foundry United Methodist Church
March 19, 2008

Sharon (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

Ok now, for the good of the party, Obama must pick Clinton for VP. That will get the 49% of the dems who are Hillary supporters like myself, to vote democratic. If he doesn't, Obama loses.He must do this, FOR THE GOOD OF THE PARTY!!!!!Perhaps he is too arrogant to do this. She was probably going to pick him when she was miles ahead. Now the shoe is on the other foot. Hey Obama, show us how much you like our party.

j fl (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:57 AM)

GO HILLARY !!!!!
Obama has the right (Wright) to attend the church he wants... AND
We have the right NOT TO VOTE FOR HIM!
Obama will never be elected to President of the UNITED States with his radical, anti-American pastor, both old & new who he will look to for advice and a mentor. America will never allow this to happen - nor will the Superdelegates. Clinton must win this nomination because she will win the general election!

Molly (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:58 AM)

Yes, Hillary, we all remember when you threw Rev. Wright out of the White House when he came to offer prayers of support during Monica/Impeachment days. We have the video of you telling him how you wanted nothing to do with his hateful Black Power, anti-white, anti-American ravings. We don't? It must be on the same tape with the Bosnian snipers firing over your goldilocks.

Steve, Lancaster, PA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:59 AM)

The Clintons are some of the best politicians and the concern by the campaign of people reading between the lines says that the media and the public has caught on to their game of implying something without saying it. It is about time that all politicians are vetted by the media and public for these games that they mean to do versus those comments that they don't mean.

John - PA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:01 AM)

Does anybody notice that all these so-called "democratic party insiders and elders" who are calling for Hillary Rodham Clinton to step aside and "CROWN" His Majesty barack ? obama the nomination are ALL supporters and PAID advisers to the obama 08 camp.
obama is scared of continually seen as a WEAK and not an ELECTABLE candidate. So he sends out his talk points to the warm and cushy "I LOVE YOU obama" media pundits who because of their obvious antipathy for Hillary Clinton and their almost bootlick affection for obama are too quick to oblige the obama camp.

SO NO..... HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WILL NOT AND SHOULD NOT DROP OUT OF THIS RACE.

Talk about the math....Hillary will pass obama in the popular vote when she win and rout him in Pennsylvania by 1 million votes.

To the media especially "{fill in the blank}" you guys need to stop being enablers to the obama talking points and start setting your own narratives for a political story.

obama complain about Hillary going after him on jeremiah wright but the obama camp went and put out a picture of Bill Clinton and jeremiah wright to try and deflect the connection with obama and his hate America pastor and mentor........ so now so cry like a b@#$h when Hillary come back swinging. .... WAY TO WIMP.

Stewart, Bethesda, MD (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:02 AM)

At least she went to Bosnia. He went on vacation, so you guys could fight his battle. His lies touch me deeper, didn't know about Wright hating America, lied about how much money Rezco gave him, and the typical white person. Give me a break.... he is over. He should have be over before he started...no experience, in office 3 years...not to mention all the stuff about his other so call spritual advisor. Back Obama and get McCain. Sometimes people shoot their own foot.

Louie, Louie (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:04 AM)

It's past time for the Clintons to exit the race. Hillary can't win. Imagine if Obama were in Hillary's shoes. If he was behind in delegates, popular vote, states does anyone think he wouldn't have been hounded out of the race by now. Bill and Hill are getting special treatment from the party and that special treatment may come back to haunt in November.

Lilly (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:05 AM)

Why doesn't someone just play the whole Wright sermon, instead of just the sound bytes!!!!!

Shane Brady, Transfer, PA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:09 AM)

You Hillary supporters are sounding more and more defeated as the days roll by.....are you actually seeing the forest through the trees and admitting she's been outdone by the Junior Senator from Illinois? She underestimated Obama from the start, Thiought he was just a fly in her soup and surprise, surprise, he just may dethrone the Queen of Nasty because the American people are smarter than she thought, too. They want someone who is calm, cool and collected and presents himself with dignity and strength. Move aside, Clinton machine, it's time for you to be sent away and make room for the new politican for America...Barack Obama!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:39 AM)

The last thing Obama should do is bring on Hillary as his VP.

That will still bring out the Republicans in force to prevent her from entering the White House and attach all of the negative public sentiment towards Hillary to his campaign like a lead balloon. (Don't worry, I'm not forgetting the 46% or so of Democrats who favor her... but the rest of the party and America really doesn't like her, that's why she isn't winning).

Franklin (Hartford, CT) (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:46 AM)

The controversy over Pastor Wright is NOT about 'race', allowing Senator Obama to skate on a speech on 'race' is an outrage. The issue is JUDGMENT. How did Senator Obama sit for 20 years in a congregation where Pastor Wright spewed forth a hateful ANTI-AMERICA, UN-AMERICAN HATE filled rhetoric. Are we really to believe despite Senator Obama's very close relationship with Pastor Wright that somehow he was unaware of this rhetoric? Are we to believe that JUDGMENT was not an issue here - i.e., why did Obama not walk out of that congregation?

Matt Denver, CO (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:47 AM)

Clinton = Tonya Harding

A good lesson for both Democrats, regardless of which one is Harding and which is Nancy Kerrigan -- it was another skater who won the gold. In this metaphor, presumably, Oksana Baiul would be Sen. John McCain.

See Bee, NM (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:47 AM)

I don't believe that Hillary should drop out. There are over 300 uncommitted delegates yet and they are probably waiting to see the outcome of the primaries. Hillary is leading in PA and has a good chance of NC. She has won the biggest states that he cannot win in a general election. They would vote McCain.

Mariann Pepitone, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:49 AM)

I can and do feel sorry for Hillary and Chelsea Clinton for the pain and humiliation that they have suffered because of the Lewinsky scandal, but I honestly feel that it is a legitimate question in regards to Hillary’s credibility. Even though Chelsea’s refusal to answer was understandable, I was disappointed in that refusal. We don’t need another cheerleader on the campaign trail, we need someone willing to answer our tough questions.

When Hillary stated that Rev. Wright would not have been her pastor and that she would have left his church, she brought this issue back to the forefront herself. A lot of people still have questions about how she handled things back then and her decision to not only stay with her husband, but also to try to discredit the women involved in his numerous indescretions to protect him. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that it was her choice whether to stay with her husband or not and no one can say what they would have done in the same circumstance, but I do have questions about her actions during that time.

I can also see where a man would not be able to push someone out of his life who brought him to the lord. Yes, Mr. Obama chose his church and minister, but Mrs. Clinton chose her husband and she chose to stand by him even after his disrespect of their marriage, their daughter, and the country. If Mrs. Clinton can say that a relationship between a husband and wife is more important than a relationship between a man, his minister, and his God, I question her judgment and credibility.

We have religious freedom in this country to practice any religion that we choose, but then we condemn someone whose choice differs from ours. We don’t want to hold someone accountable for ACTIONS her husband committed in the White House, even though she was there, but we want to condemn a man for something his minister SAID when he wasn’t even in church that day. How hypocritical is that?

I personally feel that none of them should be accountable for someone else’s actions, but I’m still waiting to hear Hillary talk about how she can hold someone else to a much higher standard than herself. Also, Chelsea you seem to be a very nice young woman, but you failed the ‘ready to tackle tough issues on day one’ test.

Susan from Indiana (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:49 AM)

Hey guys, Obama's tax returns are as clean as they can come from a politician. I could see that some of you were picking on the fact that the Obamas didn't give much to charities in their earlier years but, hey wait to see the Clinton's. Just hold you breath.

Bo, Dublin (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:54 AM)

Would you hang me because of what my pastor said? Would you hold me responsible for what my pastor said? Obviously not. Should I have disclosed what my pastor said. Then I would have to disclose what my butcher said, or what views my neighours hold. Why make issues out of apparent non-issues? You succeed on your own strengths and not on the faults of your opponent (what he said or didnt say years ago). However, do not embellish your achievements especially where you can be easily found out.

Greg (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:54 AM)

Since you asked, what is "up" with getting Hillary out is that her present (and apparently, only) strategy for taking the nomination from Obama is to drag him down into the mud where the Clintons are most comfortable, thus only hurting the dem party's chance in November, all in pursuit of what would charitbly called a snowball's chance in hell of getting the nomination anyway.

chedd (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:55 AM)

Hillary is not running for '08. She is running for the 2012 nomination. She knows she can't win this year's nomination, but finds it important to ensure a republican win and in doing so, tell the world that she was right all along.

This sets her up nicely to "heal" the party in 2012 against an incumbent McCain. Clear sailing, as long as the A.A. community doesn't look back at 2008.

The smart strategy for McCain is to go with an A.A. for V.P. There are qualified A.A. republicansand this would be a good time for the Republican party to demonstrate that it is more than just a white right wing party.

Harry, Kentucky (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:55 AM)

With all the hoorah over Reverand Wright why is no one pointing out John McCain's preacher problem?
McCain has sought out the endorsements of John Hagee, Ron Parsley and other Right Wing extremeist preachers. McCain has appeared onstage with these people yet there is no outrage over THEIR RACIST BIGOTED EXTREMEIST comments. In fact they're not just inflammatory comments but actual belief systems with HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF BRAINWASHED LEMMINGS ready to go over the cliff at the behest of their preachers.
More on Hillary: She must think that we as a people are dumber than a box of rocks. How many times has she related that Bosnian Story with all the embellishments? Only AFTER she gets called on her B.S. does she calim misspeaking due to sleep deprivation! Give me a break! You were sleep deprived EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU TOLD THAT STORY SENATOR?
Come on! Don't treat the electorate like a bunch of children!

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:56 AM)

Me thinks the big cheese party heads of the dem party ought to take a second look at what is happening to our party and check out who is the candidate who can beat the republicans in November. It seems 28% of Clinton supporters will NEVER vote for Obama and will be voting for McCain or not at all. This is a HUGE number folks. Obama CANNOT win without Clinton. I suggest he pick her as his VP. This is the only way the dems can win.

j fl (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:56 AM)

This campaign is a joke because and only because OBAMA PLAYED THE RACE CARD since South Carolina and as a result has been losing the white vote support. He has absolutely zero chance in the general election and it would not matter at this point if he were running against Bush. Obama would lose against Bush easily. Just look at the states he has won, 10 were caucus states which are not a true reflection of who would win the state but certainly Obama will not win even Mississippi despite his 90% of the black voters. WHY? Because Mississippi has a population divide of 66% white and 33% black....Obama got very little of the white vote. Mississippi will as usual be carried by the republican and that is true with most of the states Obama has been credited with winning. The states a democrat needs to win like CA was won by Hillary despite Oprah, Ted Kennedy, Kerry, Caroline Kennedy all supporting and stumping for Obama. That should tell us something. Hillary can win CA and McCain can win CA but Obama will not win CA. Obama will not even win MA as we in MA voted overwhelmingly for Hillary despite Ted Kennedy, Kerry and Gov. Duval Patrick. Are we racist? No we voted for a black Governor in office now. We have voted for Roomney as Governor previously and many white male democrats and a woman have won the office of Governor in MA. WE SEE THROUGH OBAMA THE RACIST RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.

I have always voted democrat but will vote McCain if Hillary is not the top of the ticket. In fact I hope it will be clear enough to the Super Deligates that Obama can only hurt the ticket so that they do not try to put him in as Hillary's VP. As for Hillary I hope she would not take the VP slot under the racist Obama because it would hurt her and she would be better off to run again in 2012 after McCain beats Obama.

jodi Shrewsbury MA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:57 AM)

It's clear, Hillary is a manipulative liar. It's also clear, Obama is an undercover angry black liar who supports those who damn his country. Neither is good for America. Nonetheless, liberal media brainwashed angry over Florida know nothing democrats will select one or the other.

V Racer (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:38 PM)

The Democratic party is divided---why does the wet noodle for a spine ,Pelosi think she can step in and call the election for Obama?What nerve for a person that has been afraid to even attempt to impeach Bush and Cheney to throw her weight around now.She sure does not care that FL and MI have been thrown to the curb.Not a peep out of the frightened little Nancy.I hope she is thrown under the bus where Obamas granny is residing.Obama and Michelle think they should be crowned because they are black---they have run a racist campaign since Ophra got on stage and called him the "THE ONE"So the blacks will sit out the general if he is not the chosen one.So what?Are the Hillary supporters supposed to be frightened?We feel the same way we will not stay home but Obama will not get our vote either.Course Obama feels my vote should not count right now in MI---he neednt worry in the general either.

HT (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:42 PM)

It is the height of disrespect and 'self-importance' for Hillary Clinton to pass judgment on another individual’s commitment to their church. The relevance of a church (and its membership) is more than one person even if that one person is the pastor. The very essence of Christianity is to forgive and bring about enlightenment and salvation. Thus, staying and working to bring about change from within is the MOST Christian act one can undertake in the face of adversity. Did Hillary Clinton ask all Catholics to leave their church when some priests were found to have abused children? No, she did not, nor should she have, then or now. Clinton represents one of the most dishonest and insincere politicians we've had in some time (minus George W. Bush, of course). Her nerve is simply astounding. The sooner her run for the Democratic Party's nomination ends, the better for ALL America.

Utopiayes (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:45 PM)

I find it utterly disgusting that Hillary supporters (so called DEMOCRATS) are literally stamping their feet on the ground like little children and threatening the to leave the party, attempting to hold the party hostage if THEIR candidate (who is legitimately LOOSING) doesn't win the nomination. Clinton's and Obama's stance on the issues is virtually IDENTICAL. You people are idiots - what’s the point of being part of a party if at the end of the day you are going to vote against all of your believes because a visceral attachment to an inferior candidate. No wonder the republicans have the Whitehouse...

RIP democratic party

stunned independent (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:47 PM)

Wright here, right now: Hillary could say anything but nothing keeps the issue alive like an "as far as I know" answer.
Nothing's changed; no one's voted and yet...: By June 3 the party will have destroyed itself. Says more about the Clinton's avarice and the DNC's gutless stupidity. Obama/Bloomberg anyone?
The tax man cometh: And you can bet the Clintons will harp. No mud's too deep and nothing's too trivial.
The real Dream Ticket? Ron Paul and Mike Gravel on the same ticket? If Hillary wins? Why not?
On The Trail: Clinton participates in an event in DC with her daughter Chelsea: I find it interesting that she would even consider exposing her child to a hail of sniper fire ... oh yeah ... she made that up.

trouble (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:51 PM)

Something I've Noticed
When Hit by an Embarrassing Story that becomes an Obstacle to the campaign;

Obama - runs right at the problem facing down any outrage with integrity and courage (as is the case with Rev Wright and his speech and extensive interviews on the topic)

Hillary - runs directly away from the problem, placing the blame as far away from her campaign as she possibly can. (as is the case with the Bosnia fiasco, whitewater, Norman Hsu, that scandel involving Stan Lee illegal campaign contributions)

with the bosnia embelishment she first blamed the cia and military saying they had been the ones to say sniper fire first, then she blamed Sinbad for being a comedian and trying to make light of the situation. When video footage of her landing emerged it was as if that was the "blue dress" of this clinton lie and she finally and reluctantly admitted she "misspoke" which is clintonese for "I lied".

For all you Obama haters out there, get over your closet racially divided feelings and wake up to what you are supporting in Hillary. More of the same Deny and Lie politics that we saw out of Bill. Do we really want to spend the next 4 years neck deep in partisan scandals?

charles kushner (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:53 PM)

This has got to stop. The absolute absence of substance in Obama's retoric is catching up to him. What's worse is the way the media is facilitating his "image" while he continues to play the race card and use reverse-racism everywhere he can. If Hillary disagrees, his implication is she must be a racist....that thinking is idiotic and certainly not worthy of a President. His "hope" message is filled with irony! My vote will be for Hillary. If she does not win, it will be for McCain, period. Though he has views that differ from mine, he is someone I at least, respect.

CB, Harrisburg, NC (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:55 PM)

Hillary has a perfect right to state her opinion about this, it is after all, Obama's problem and not hers. She certainly does not owe him a pass on this, he has gotten plenty from the press already. I don't know why you feel you are doing the public a favor by letting someone we know little about continue on until he is the nominee and have everything come out about him then. I certainly don't think that would be good for the party or the country as a whole.

Cathy, Midway, TX (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:55 PM)

When Bill Clinton was in trouble he reched out to his supporters to display loyalty. One such supporter was Rev. Wright, who despite many in ecumenical circles who were condeming Clinton showed his support by attending the Prayer Breakfast. How do the Clintons return the favour - throw him under the bus.

At the same time Hillary's pastor comes out in support of Rev. Wright. Will she leave her chrich as a result?

nadeem (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:56 PM)

RACE OVER...The Clinton campaign has ran out of time and have no more Aces to play. They have dug into Obama's past to his kindergarten days in search of dirt to exploit, but have found little of significance, so it is time for Hillary to pack it in and let Obama begin preparing for McCain.....

Ellis B. Kingman, Az. (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:56 PM)

I think people are seeing through Obama,the black person running for pres.He counted on uniting blacks against whites and said he wanted to unite.He just didnt tell us what he was uniting. I get so mad that everyone auto. gives Obama a state with large black count. I know they felt he had a chance would be a chance for them. I hope they see that dream come about but this isnt the black man to give it to them. I feel badly for them but the ceiling has been lowered I think. It will be easier next time .Even if Obama with more experience.I hope all people will get behind Hillary and bring this party through in November and take back the White House.Tv says it is harder for a woman to win than a black. Lets show them how men and women can make that happen.

Hillary 08 (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:59 PM)

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