Clinton Pennsylvania spin

Posted: Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:39 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones
The Clinton camp held a briefing on the bus this morning led by Nick Clemons, a senior adviser, and spokesman Mo Elleithee to effectively lower expectations for the April 22 primary.

They said the race was narrowing, stressed that Obama was outspending the campaign 3-to-1 -- a common campaign line in recent days -- and said Pennsylvania was never going to be a blowout race.

Clemons called it a 3- or 4-point race and said the campaign was simply "looking for a win" here. Elleithee repeated Clinton's commitment to stay in the race until every vote is counted.

The focus on being outspent by Obama was extreme and noticeable. The aides brought it up repeatedly during the 10-minute discussion.

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Comments

Now Hillary if it is TOO HOT in the kitchen....and if you had run a better campaign and were a better candidate YOU would have $$$ too! But then you do, so why do you need my $$$ I will give it to Obama.

Jen, Raleigh, NC (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:59 PM)

The continuing spin of the Clinton campaign. I'm only surprised it wasn't Wolfson who said it. He's probably off lobbying for more trade rights for China. How much longer can the lies last?

Truth2008 (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:59 PM)

Hillary, I used to defend your thick ankles back in the days of Bill, I even offered supporting, underlying arguments in defense of your "it takes a village," but you need to step back now and gain a little perspective.

This race is over, and clearly, the better candidate won.

Think about it for a second: every single stinky low-down trick your handlers made you pull, has backfired.

The tide is truly at a paradigmatic turn. Bow out gracefully, now, while there is still time, and you may get to ride this new democratic wave.

But if instead, you keep on with your transparently constructed criticisms of a truly good man, I fear your reputation (simply) as a human beingcould be damaged for good.

HIllary, it's time to do the right thing . . . finally.

thomas, independence, oregon (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:01 PM)

Clinton's MoveOn bashing effectively lost her about a million supporters. Isn't ironic that Clinton would trash the very organization that was created to help Bill survive impeachment? Clinton truly is a master of the "politics of personal destruction"!

Joe Powalski (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:01 PM)

But what they don't mention is the million-plus donors that contributed that money with which she is being out-spent.

tom (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:03 PM)

She is being outspent because her supporters don't really believe in her whereas Obama supporters believe in him ahd like and support his approach to U.S. politics, people, cultures and the world in general. If they really believed in her they would put their money where their mouth is. Period.

Joe Deer, Lake Worth (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:03 PM)

Here's a novel concept for the Clinton's.
If you don't like being outspent raise more money from your supporters.Loan your campaign more money from Bill's speeches to foreign lobbyists.

The reason Obama has money is that he has a better, more disciplined organization that didn't waste money early and a solid donor base.

How you run your capaign is an indication of how you would run your administration. Pennsylvania voters, please join us in North Carolina in bringing this to a close and ending the infighting. We need to solidify against McCain and the disastrous 8 years of Republican damage to our country.

John Radue (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:03 PM)

Oh come on! She'll win it by around 10 or 15...look at the undeciededs they ALWAYS go Clinton...that number has been at LEAST 9...watch. We shouldn't try and hide it! Go Hillary!!! YES!!

shaun (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:04 PM)

Pennsylvania voters are going to show the untrustworthy lying clintons the way back to Arkansas.
Hilary was quoted as saying in a meeting behind closed doors a couple days ago that if the blue collar workers dont vote for her ---SCREW EM.
Then again Jack Murtha said that he challenges McCain as being to old and wont be able to function as President
Then Hilary took the stage and said Murtha is right
old people just dont get it...... look at the pot calling the kettle black...
the lady is a compulsive liar and will do anything to win... including burning down the white house when she loses Pennsyvlania

jim in pennsylvania (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:05 PM)

The main reason the race is "narrowing" is that Hillary is a liar who will say anything to gain power, and the voters who pay attention are tired of liars in the White House.

Ryan, Kalispll, Montana (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:05 PM)

hilary says to blue collar workers and pennsylvania older voters if they dont vote for me SCREW EM

jim in pennsylvania (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:06 PM)

Team Clinton moving the goal posts?

A 20 point lead to single digits in a matter of a few weeks?

How does that happen?

Of course Clinton pulls this one out -- probably by 6 to 8 points. Even that margin increases the threshold for Clinton to get back to parity in the pledged delegate and popular vote count. In order to make a case for the viability of the Clinton candidacy, the candidate needs a 20 point win in PA -- end of story.

Jim, Clintontown, USA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:06 PM)

Hilary is a compulsive lyer

jim in pennsylvania (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:06 PM)

Small money donations to campaigns are just another form of voting by the people. What the Clinton campaign means is that people don't find their message worthy enough to give it money.

exregis, Newport News, VA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:11 PM)

If Sen. Clinton wins PA by only 3-4 percentage points she fails to prove her point that Sen. Obama is not competitive in big states and in closed primaries.

Greg P., Winnipeg, Canada (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:11 PM)

Whether she wins by 2 or 20 is irrelevant. She cannot, should not, and will not win the nomination. How many more wasted weeks are up to her, however.

iowan (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:11 PM)

Clinton campaign, are your pants on fire yet? Everyone knows this was supposed to be a blowout. After 30 years of name recognition and "love" in PA, Hillary ought to win it like Obama's gonna win NC. But for some reason, people are turning on her. Obama's money has been well spent, eating up that giant delegate grab Hillary was supposed to make in PA. His spending has helped make up for all that love and name recognition that Clinton had on him. But when it comes down to it, you can't buy votes (which must come as some surprise to certain people). I suppose that the millions who will vote for Obama in PA will also become Clinton's enemies, as have all the people who have failed to support her so far. How does that make you feel, PA? That at least half of you are non-persons as far as Hillary is concerned? Not too good, I imagine. But it's no one's fault but her own. Obama has already beaten her in PA, even if he doesn't win.

Megan, Madisnon, WI (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:11 PM)

Just quit HillyBillary. There is no more space for old and stale Washington politics.We Americans we have a lifetime opportunity to start a new course of change.We probably are going to need to amend the constitution and elect Obama for 3 terms maybe 4, because the pile of garbage left by Bush is so high is going to take time to clean it up.As for McBush, please retire and enjoy your wife's money, we do not need more spider webs tangling the process of modern American politics

Michael, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:14 PM)

"Elleithee repeated Clinton's commitment to stay in the race until every vote is counted."

Holy ****, I thought she was staying in the race until the convention now it appears open ended.

nuanced (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:16 PM)

Think of the financial resources he'll be able to command in the general election.
What do you say, superdelegates?
Obama/Rendell 08

ariel (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:16 PM)

Outspend your opponent 3-1, and lose? And people somehow think Obama is the Choosen One? Clinton is right, Obama can't carry the big states and would lose this fall to John McCain.

Tippy Murphey, Scranton (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:16 PM)

"The focus on being outspent by Obama was extreme and noticeable. The aides brought it up repeatedly during the 10-minute discussion.

but that is NOT whining; only Obama whines. They are only setting up an excuse should they lose. This tactic should be devastatingly effective against McCain in the fall.

Who's Sane (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:19 PM)

The fact that Obama has the resources to outspend Clinton is a key indicator of the depth and breadth of support he has developed. It is "sour grapes" for the Clinton Staff to whine about it.

Earl Powell, Boston Metro, MA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:19 PM)

Reasons Supers and PA should not vote for Hillary Clinton:

Hillary = Typical Kithchen sink-Gate
Hillary = Typical Swiftboating-Gate
Hillary = Typical LawinskyBill-Gate
Hillary = Typical Nafta-Gate
Hillary = Typical Cafta-Gate
Hillary = Typical Victim-Gate
Hillary = Typical Liar-Gate
Hillary = Typical Want to be president-Gate
Hillary = Typical Desperation-HailMary-Gate
Hillary = Typical No SupperDelegate Movement-Gate
Hillary = Typical No re election to NY Senate seat-Gate
Hillary = Typical Loss her status of being a lady becuase of LawinskyGate (Kept Bill AroundGate) NastyGate.....
Hillary = Typical Loss PA-Gate
Hillary = Typical Loss NC-Gate
Hillary = Typical Loss Indiana-Gate
Hillary = Typical Loss Oregan-Gate
Hillary = Typical Loss Guam-Gate
Hillary = Typical Lawinsky having sex with the same man as Hillary-Gate = (Bill-Gate) = nasty-Gate and pathetic-Gate...
Hillary = Typical Chelsea in denile of sex scandle-Gate... Needs psycologist-Gate...
Hillary = Typical Supporting Bitter-Gate
Hillary = Typical Debate-Gate

James Tn (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:22 PM)

Obama has every right to spend his money as he sees fit. What the voters must consider is why he is spending so much money, and why he is still behind in the polls. Obama has said he needs to spend more money because he is not as well known as Senator Clinton but I can guarantee that everyone in Pennsylvania who plans to vote knows who is running for President and knows where each candidate stands on the issues. Is he spending the money for the voters to get to know him? No, he is spending his advertising money to attack Senator Clinton. Do we really want a candidate who needs to spend 3 times what his opponent spends? Are the voters of Pennsylvania going to be fooled into voting for the candidate who spends the most money instead of the candidate who is the most qualified? I think not!

CKR (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:24 PM)

"If you are not willing to take the hits, don't suit up".
If you cannot manage your campaign money how can you manage the nations money.
And this candidate was "inevitable"?

KT, Tennessee (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:25 PM)

Well, the Clinton camp should have framed their message like this: "The millions and millions ordinary voters keep sending Obama money, affording him to outspend us 3 to 1 in ads (or 5 to 1, if Wolfson was speaking). What is wrong with all these voters, don't they know who Hillary is?".

Toan, Seattle, Washington (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:27 PM)

They are trying to tamp down expectations in the event they only win by 8% or less. They want it to remain a victory and not have it spinned into a lost. They probably have internal polls showing her doing close to 10% over him. I suspect they are doing what they did in New Hampshire. Expect a lot of Republicans voting in this primary.

Gary Anderson, Detroit, MI (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:28 PM)

Hillary has the backing of Governor Rendell's powerful Pennsylvania Political machine, an invaluable network of political influence. Moreover, the Democratic Party chairman in PA, instead of remaining neutral, is backing Hillary. Obama's campaign has to counter this natural disadvantage by utilizing the airwaves; he has the financial backing of millions to pay for it. So Hillary, stop whining.

Diogenes Rodriguez (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:29 PM)

Obama can outspend her because he has supporters who donate small amouts on a regular basis to keep his campaign going. This is exactly the reason why we contribute. Hillary had over 80% name recogniton when this campaign began. Obama pretty much had to start from scratch. And look where he is now. Just the fact that half the country, who knew her and about her and did not want her says it all.
Obama also pays his bills. I wonder why that was not a question for Hillary at the debate. "Why are you not paying the working class people that you owe money to?"
I don't understand how you Hillary supporters do not see this?

Olga, Oswego, NY (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:32 PM)

The Clintons will win in PA by 9 or 10 points. All the b.s. about money being spent and the race tightening is to make whatever win they have appear to be a surprising victory.

Lilly, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:32 PM)

Can you hear it?Listen very carefully you will be able to hear it coming. Can you hear it? The train is coming. The time is near Evryone get onboard the Obama Train it's coming to a Town near you on it's way to Denver.
Obama 08

Cecil Philadelphia,PA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:35 PM)

I used to be an Obama supporter- but he has proved over the duration of this presidental race- that he is NOT the agent of change that this country needs.

We need results; we need this country to turn around economically- we need someone to fight for Americans- and make real change on day one.

We need Hillary Clinton. End of story.

Henry, MI (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:36 PM)

Internal polling must have Pennsylvania as Real close, if you beleive the Clinton spin. Here in rural Kentucky, i'm hopeing for any kind of Barack Win, Period.35,000 at a rally in Philly, Unheard of, except in Barack's case.A train ride thru Pennsylvania meeting voter's is an Excellent way to end the Primary there. He would'nt be doing this, if his own Internal polling did'nt show this race is anybody's to Win.

Shock & Awe would be an Understatement with Barack Winning Pennsylvania by the slimest of margin's.
Smerconish has the inside info about Philly, don't be Surprised if he's Right on the Mark. What a Glorious day in America, wednesday will be if Barack pulls it off!

Barack has the Public financing of the American voter, which he has shown us that he know's his Economic's. he has spent that money wisely. No Belogio room's for his Team. Maybe they left the light on at Motel 6 ? LOL.

O, yeah, HP stop drooling over McCain, you aint voting for him anyway's.

Rick,Ky (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:38 PM)

Cecil Philadelphia,PA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:40 PM)

Guess what I don't care what you or any pundit has to say. Me and tens of thousands of volunteers are calling, canvassing, and doing everything we can for millions of people in PA so that they can benefit from the REAL SOLUTIONS that Hillary Clinton has to offer. She has more support than any media would like to report. Don't ask me why the media is so bias they can answer for themselves. Everyone will wake up on Wednesday morning and be VERY surprised with a 20% victory.

GO HILLARY 08

Michael, Miami Beach, FL (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:41 PM)

Dio, New York City (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:49 PM)

...And Obama IS outspending Clinton 3 to 1. If he can't close the deal after spending all that money and so much time charming the people of Ohio, and Texas and all the other big key states he lost and now PA, then tell me, you don't think Obama will have a problem in the general election? What is with you people in the MSM, you in particular Mr. Todd? If Clinton wins PA by one point, it's a HUGE loss for the Obama camp. Let's get real, folks.

Halli Casser-Jayne
http://www.thecjpoliticalreport.com

Halli Casser-Jayne (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:51 PM)

To me it looks like Obama is putting a boost to the PA economy. He is pumping millions of dollars into the state. So why are people in PA complaining about all the ads? Just turn the channel.

Louis, Missouri (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:51 PM)

I heard Obama may be stepping down is that true?? He has been caught lieing so many times. The racist ideas of his wife and pastor has not helped him .Why do people like Farrakhan and Carter cling to him?What have they seen we didnt ? Oh ya we wernt allowed to ask. We didnt want to be racist, fear mongers or hate mongers. Now we are in a mess unless its true Obama will quit.

jane-pa (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:54 PM)

Clinton had the benefit of being First Lady for 8 years. Obama needs to outspend Hillary to introduce himself to PA voters.
Once voters become familiar with Obama, they like him.
Come on Hillary. Do what's right for the party

Buck 99er (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:55 PM)

Interesting. I remember not so long ago Senator Clinton said she would be the nominee. Then she told us it would all be over by February 5 and she would be the nominee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WsPmZ1zDeA&feature=related

Then she told us she would win big in Pennsylvania. Now, Senator Clinton says "a win is a win." Funny how the goal posts keep right on moving (rolling rolling along).

Now, Senator Clinton says she always knew this race would be difficult. (Really? I never would have guessed based on her public comments).

In the end, the spin from Senator Clinton's campaign does not matter. The republican spin machine can spin until the cows come home on their own and it will not matter. We are tired of spin. We want change and we are willing to walk, call, and vote for the kind of change that will make this Country a better place for ourselves and our children.

If you are interested in joining us to save our Country, go to

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

You can join Obama Works and do good works for others. You can make calls for Senator Obama. You can join others in your community and help them make your community a better place for you and your family. This isn't a joke, a cult, or a bunch of nonsense. This is real and it is extraordinary.

Yes we can! Obama '08.

Kim, Pasadena, CA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:55 PM)

Obama needs to stay on message and stop being distracted by all the dirty tricks the Clintons are throwing at him. People in Pennsylvania want substance and not a continuation of the back and forth nastiness.
By the way, if Clinton somehow succeeds in steaaling this nominatin away from Obama, I play to campain for McCain.

J. French (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:59 PM)

Robert Reich, Bill's Fellow Rhodes Scholar and former Cabinet member whose economic policies created the good times the Clinton's take credit for says Obama's economic policies are better. He even dated hillary in college. His support for Obama, sends a Huge message and only CNN is reporting it. Maybe he knows the HillBillies
all to well. GET LOST HILLARY, and go back to Arkansas and persuade some little old lady who only gets one TV station and watches your campaign between "The Young and the Restless" and "The Price is Right" to Vote for you. The rest of the United States knows you all to well.

Jerry from Oklahoma (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:00 PM)

Hey Chuck -

Have you seen the latest NY Times article?

"For Clintons, a Time to Find Truest Friends": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/us/politics/20loyalty.html

Huff Post picked up already. DK has it.

Poltico is reporting that "Clinton adviser quits over China rhetoric":

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9719.html

"“As a lifelong Democrat, it saddens me that Sen. Clinton has chosen to take the low road in her effort to gain our party’s presidential nomination,” Baum said in an e-mail to Politico."

And finally, the MoveOn.org audio comments is on it way to being huge. She's already lost (forever) most of the AA vote (McCain get 45% to her 50%) and now the base of the party? The activist? Even if she somehow crippls Obama, which will NOT happen, she can't possibly hope to win in Nov when 48% of the country already said under NO circumstance would they vote for her. AA, Activist and 48% of the country alreayd against her...

SHE DONE.

thejoshuablog, new york, new york (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:01 PM)

Obama supporters should realize that he will need Clinton supporters in order to win general election. The way he and his supporters attacks moderate democrats who have participated in previous elections, what makes you think they will vote for him. Most of his supporters are new to the process of voting and if you think he can win without us then you are living in a fantasy world. So attacking on regular bases saying we don't need you is not helping your cause. He has turned his back on the people from the 90's saying their time is over but how does he think he is going to bring these people to his side,

cheryl, az (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:02 PM)

By you people not getting it shows Obama isnt for this job. It isnt how many people give there amounts it is the fact that outspending her and still loseing shows something wrong. Your right Superdelegates should be watching.No Liars in white house. I am a proff in Chicago-he is aspeeker big difference.He says Kennedy pd his fathers way (to get close to Kennedy name)to America- It was a lie .He wasnt concieved in or when Selma march was. He will say or do anything to win. By your standards I guess he's out.Amend th econstitution?? He will prob do away with it. Only his words will count. Elect him 3 or 4 times? You may not have a chance to elect anyone again. Dont be so flippant and smug.He says hes better than Hillary or McCain because of countries he was in. Muslim countries that his cousin is trying to control. Blood running in th estreet is that what you want?Change the constitution? I will fight till my last breath to see he never gets to take over this country.

Mox (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:04 PM)

Mrs. Clinton, you must misremember that you were ahead 22 points and you have the Rendell machine behind you and of course you are a Pennsylvania girl and you are married to an ex-president . I don't think you are an underdog. You are a lot of other things, but not an underdog

Gerry, Vancouver, Canada (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:06 PM)

The Clinton campaign should pay for Dramamine for all voters. Their spin is dizzying.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:19 PM)

If Hillary is desperate to become the president why can't she spend some money from her $100 million personel account. At least she can become from elitist to a common person by spending all that money. People are dumb to elect all these economically strong elitist. Forget common people who cares about them, that is thier view.

Bob (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:20 PM)

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