Clinton camp, the day after

Posted: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:08 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Many of the arguments the Clinton campaign has been making on how their candidate should win the nomination have fallen away this morning.

Popular votes and Michigan-Florida have been the stuff of talking points and conference calls from the Clinton campaign for months. But on today’s day-after “State of the Race” call, those arguments as selling points to superdelegates have lost steam.

The popular vote
After Pennsylvania, the new talking point from the New York senator was that she was then winning the popular vote, that more voters had voted for her than anyone in the history of Democratic primaries. The only way that was true was if Florida and Michigan counted, and in Michigan, Obama was given zero votes, a hard sell to superdelegates to begin with.

That is no longer the case. Obama erased her Pennsylvania popular vote gains with his more than 230,000-vote victory in North Carolina -- even with those zero votes.

Michigan and Florida
The hope for the Clinton camp was that by seating the delegates from Michigan and Florida, it could substantially cut into Obama’s pledged delegate lead and overtake him in the popular vote. Neither looks possible now -- even if the campaign get the delegates seated based on the voting from those primaries. The campaign hopes it could get the pledged lead under 100 or close to it by seating those delegates the way it would want, spokesman Phil Singer said.

The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee on May 31 “will consider two challenges,” Singer said. “We believe RBC will seat those delegates.”

But Singer acknowledged that neither of the two challenges the RBC will take up calls for delegates from Michigan and Florida to be seated in the way the campaign would most like -- with a net of 58 delegates. (Currently, by the NBC count, Obama leads by 166 pledged delegates. So even with the 58 delegates, Clinton would not get under 100. Potentially with blowouts in West Virginia, Kentucky and Puerto Rico, it’s possible.)

What’s left?
“I dispute that it’s a nullification strategy,” said Clinton strategist Geoff Garin, “because that suggests some delegates have more votes than others. …The rules of the party anticipate there will be people who’ve watched the process from beginning to end and make a good faith judgment on what’s best on behalf of the party and country.”

The only hope is to convince undeclared superdelegates that Hillary Clinton has the winning coalition for November, that she is more electable than Barack Obama and is polling better than him against John McCain in swing states like Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Hillary Clinton will make her case this afternoon on Capitol Hill in a meeting with undeclared elected superdelegates. It might be her last chance.

NOTE: The spin on the results last night… the campaign says it was down 8 points in Indiana 10 days ago. Aides called her win there a “significant accomplishment,” considering how Obama has done in other states neighboring Illinois. “It was a good victory under challenging circumstances,” Garin said. …The campaign added that Obama had called Indiana a “tiebreaker.” … They congratulated Obama on his win in North Carolina, but gave this caveat… “North Carolina does also represent progress for us,” Garin said, citing that they had done better with white voters last night than they had seen in internal polls earlier. …

Going forward, spokesman Howard Wolfson billed West Virginia as a “critically important key swing state in November” and a “critical test.” He added that Clinton predicted she would win West Virginia in the fall if she’s the nominee. …

The argument left to superdelegates: Clinton would be a better candidate against McCain; Obama can’t win blue-collar voters; he hasn’t proven he can win swing states (though they don’t mention Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Virginia and Colorado). …

As far as money drying up, the campaign sees Clinton’s $11 million in loans to the campaign as her “commitment” to remaining competitive. There were also no proclamations of how much money had been raised after last night’s Indiana win, like the claimed $3.5 million in 24 hours after Pennsylvania en route to $10 million, which the campaign says it did raise.

QUOTABLE: “What are the rules of this? … There are no rules.” -- Geoff Garin, Clinton strategist.

(The context of this was Garin saying, “I expect that when we get to June 3rd, we’ll have a very close result, raising the question of how close is close. It’s a little hard to tell with Michigan and Florida.” He added that party leaders and elected officials do not have to “follow the pledged delegates. What are the rules of this?” He asked, do they have to vote their district, their state? “There are no rules. It’s about what’s in the best interest of the party.”

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Comments

The day after plan, I'm guessing, is to use a West Virginia win for one, last, big fundraising appeal. When Clinton balances her books, including paying herself back what she can, she drops from the race.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:15 PM)

Let's be gracious winers and give the Clinton camp and all their supporters the due respect they deserve. Hillary Clinton has fought a hard race and she would have been, in any other election cycle, an amazing president if not for the unexpected inspirational candidate that Barack Obama has turned out to be. It's time to put away our differences and come together to correct the damage that the Bush administration has inflicted on the US. We can only accomplish this together. I know we can.

chris, SC (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:19 PM)

"though they don’t mention Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Virginia and Colorado" -- or Missouri, or Connecticut, or Maryland, or . . . .

So tell me: are these people serious, or are they just bluffing and going into "Huckabee" mode for the rest of the campaign?

jac13 (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:20 PM)

For Clinton and Obama supporters, these last few months were definitely times that tried men’s souls. And from reading this post, it ain't over.

This is precisely why sports was invented.

In need of a political break anyone?

~Celtics beat Cavs last night, but as usual, everyone up here is miserable by the way the Celtics played.

~Currently there are six starting pitchers in MLB with a perfect 5-0 record, which is the first time this has ever occurred.

~Research by the Elias Sports Bureau indicates that last night marked the first time since 1900 a team pitched a shutout using multiple pitchers all over the age of 40.

Hang in there everyone.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:21 PM)

**********************************************************

Superdelegates Unite ...... and tell Hillary

to either DROP OUT --- or --- DROP DEAD.

THE RACE IS OVER ... OBAMA HAS WON.

How much longer need we listen to this woman's whining and illogical math?

Superdelegates Unite ...... and tell Hillary IT IS OVER.

************************************************************

Superdelegates Must Unite, NOW.... (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:21 PM)

is garin serious?? hillary is wasting her money...why contribute to a losing compaign.

ob4eva (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:22 PM)

We will come together, even those who don't want to.

Do you know why?

Because, Obama said to tell the truth.

The truth is we are all part of this great land--no matter our individual opinions and prejudices. Like the man said, "I am imperfect."

But he is right, people, it is not about Obama, Clinton, or MCCAIN.

The real question is do we want to continue the war in IRAQ? With more dead and wounded.

Do we want to reward the rich and pull every spare dime there is out of the poor and middle class? (more Bush)

Do we want health care for all--or should we let, at least some of them, die in the streets?

What do we, the people, want?

Go ahead, you narrow minded individuals, go ahead and jump ship. Cut of your head to cure your headache--yes, that will make you feel better (or bitter) However, in the end you are only acting in a self-destructive way.

Surely, if Hillary had won, I would want her policy--not McCains! It doesn't matter that I find Hillary completely repulsive, and dishonest. Her policies are sound, and they are very close to Obama's, and they well help Americans! And they will help my friends, the soldiers! And they will help us all!
Those Policies will help our education and our economy. Those policies will determine and define all of us.

The rich, are rich for a reason. Special interest lobby for a reason. Politicians accept money from special interests for a reason! Obama's policies, the same in many ways as Clinton's policies, are this contry's great chance to change the course of our dependence on oil, on special interest, and on dirty politics in general. It's time to have a little discipline and not act like a spoiled brat.

It is time to come together as Democrats!

Republicans: Beware!

Andress (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:22 PM)

These Clinton strategists are operating in an alternate universe. I bet they don't even believe their own spin. Stop giving them so much free press (advertisements).
If they had any concern for this country, they would join the effort to defeat McCain.
Too much to ask for, I guess.

Walt, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:22 PM)

Andress (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:22 PM)

The best interest of the party is for Hillary to make a gracious exit.

steve lynchburg,va (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:23 PM)

Well, Clinton camp still holds the strategy that is opposed to iself:

1--Count all the votes! (except caucuses, etc.)
2--Then IGNORE all these votes (that were so important) and have the superdelegates decide whichever way they want.

Unfortunately for her, she LOSES by both of these strategies.

jforjools (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:24 PM)

Yet again we hear more lying propaganda out of the Hillary "Republican" Clinton campaign on how they can steal the nomination away from the presumptive nominee Barack Obama. When will the self-serving supers show some political courage and stop sitting on the fence by ending this farce of a primary by endorsing Obama en masse?

We can't wait any longer for Obama to win this primary so he can get on with the important work of sending that ancient elitist panderer McCain into political retirement. Join the ObamaNation Revolution and let's get this general election party started.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric Larsen, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:24 PM)

Obama IS NOT electable in November. Looks like the DNC want to put forth a weak candidate. Otherwise, they would get FL & MI in the mix. Those states have primaries in August. Put Hillary and Obama on the ballots and she what happens. Obama is fearful of FL & MI. (lots of voters there who must have their dander up). If I lived in one of those states, I would be ballistic.

SET IT STRAIGHT DNC AND SOON.

drk in tn (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:24 PM)

Good job Mc Govern this is a real man with back bone! To many other Superdelegates are spineless to support Obama when needed.

The Clintons intimidate and threaten Superdelegates if they endorse Obama, they will feel the Clinton raft if they do so. All the Democratic Party leaders are either scared of them or afraid of the dirt they will release on them. If you notice none of the so called power brokers will tell Hillary that she should exit. Including:

Howard Dean
Al Gore
James Carter
John Edwards
Nancy Pelosi
Harry Reed

They are all powerless and will do nothing to stop Bill and Hillary’s slash and burn politics. It has stopped Obama’s momentum he is being forced to fall in line with Clintons rule changes. No party leader has the guts or the courage to put an end to this thing. If all the renaming Superdelegates would stand up all at once and say enough is enough, then maybe just maybe we could win in November. However, courage is hard to find these days among the SO CALLED DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADERS!

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah. (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:25 PM)

I am a strong Obama supporter and could not be happier with the results of last nights primary. Her only chance to sway superdelegates was her "non-electability" argument and that was clearly disputed by last nights results.

With that being said, I hope that the media has learned it's lesson and does NOT smear the Clintons. The Clintons did a lot for America in the 90's. Americans are diverse not only in terms of race, class, and religion, but also in personality. While I personally strongly oppose the manner in which she has run her campaign, as a voter I was given a choice. I am urging the MSM to stick to the issues and report in an impartial manner. Allow the American people to make their own decisions. America has always encouraged and been respectful of diversity in our opinions and views but along with that we also value respect for those differences. It is not the medias job to engage in fighting words but to simply report them.

Tucson, AZ (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:25 PM)

The feeble-attempt electabilty strategy today for Hillary is almost embarrassing.........if she were soooo electable, why hasn't she blown him out of the water before now?????? Guess America doesn't see it the way the Clinton's do! SHE was the one who had name recognition and "status" and it was her race to lose. Guess what? She lost last night! Go Obama '08!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:25 PM)

Hillqary staying in is getting rther silly isn't it? She keeps getting furthr behind, even after the wosrt month for Barack since the campaign began. She keeps moving the goal posts as her options keep dwindling.

Each time her "advantage" slips, the next state up becomes "critical" especially if she is favored in that state.

It is rather pathetic that she can't take the high road and concede that she has been beaten fairly by a superior candidate.

It really is time for her to step down and throw her considerable weight behind Barack Obama so that the Democrats have a better chance in the fall against John McCain.

Alex Cole (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:25 PM)

I don't even know what to say, it appears that her campaign, like her candidate, feels that it needs to win at any cost. And at any cost it will be, perhaps they are eyeing their way to 2012, we should be fully engaged (militarily) in many areas of the world by then, the economy will be further in the toilet and our infratructure will be down the tubes.

And let's also talk about "cost" in term of what the Clintons' are putting into the race...the world "commitment" comes up for me but it is connected to the word delusional and it is associated with men in white coats.

I know that some Clinton supporters might feel sad today, I recall feeling sad after PA and after all the Wright stuff and when I felt my candidate was being mischaracterized by Team Clinton (all those times). I mean no slam on Hillary's supporters, just as I don't like to be slammed for my support of my candidate.

But your candidate is still in the race and we will treat her accordingly, as is appropriate. If she knee-caps or throws the kitchen sink or otherwise slams him at every turn, we WILL seek to defend him and we will seek to point out her errors and flaws and downside. We have no other choice, she is still in the race and like you have all noticed, your candidate likes to fight back. We will feel the need to fight back to defend our candidate for as long as it takes.

But that is just the nature of the race at this point, for me it is nothing personal to the Clinton supporters.

Obama for our best future.

Lisa, New Britain, CT...Baracking the Vote! (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:27 PM)

Senator Obama "just won a decisive victory in North Carolina thanks to" the 99% of the black vote.

Obama is an bad candidate in the G.E.

------------------------
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 02:36:55 -0400
From: "Barack Obama" <info@barackobama.com>
Subject: The results

Friend --

We just won a decisive victory in North Carolina thanks to people like you.

Indiana remains too close to call. But what is clear is that we did much better than all the pundits predicted, despite Republicans changing parties to support Senator Clinton, believing she would be easier for Senator McCain to defeat.

Here's where we stand.

As of Tuesday morning, we needed just 273 delegates to clinch the nomination. When the votes are fully counted Wednesday morning, we will have gained more than a third of them in a single day.

We have a clear path to victory. But now is the time for each one of us to step up and do what we can to close out this primary.

Please make a donation of $25 right now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/results

Thank you for everything you're doing,

Barack

The Truth Hurts (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:28 PM)

msnbc -- why do you let the clinton camp get away with lies unchallenged. go look up realclearpolitics -- two weeks ago, the clinton camp was up big in indiana, their claim that they came back is just one more in a big stream of lies.

ed g (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:28 PM)

I thought that Stephen Colbert hit the nail on the head last night on his Clobert Report. We can see that Hillary "Republican" Clinton was watching the show as we now see her campaign staff running with Rove's "make your own rules" advice.

The old nag's campaign is definitely in the state of denial and she's nothing but Tonya Harding trying to break Obama's kneecaps so he can't run effectively against panderer McCain. Her campaign bus has lost it's wheels and now it's time for the supers to tip this primary to the presumptive nominee's favor.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric Larsen, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:28 PM)

Hillary is aying: We're running a marathon here, I was 10 min back at the 13 mile point. But I came up to 9 min back by the 18 mile mark. Now at the 22 mile point I'm 10 min back again and I know I can't catch up. But in another marathon next fall, I think I could win, so I want you to declare me the winner of this current race. Hmmm...I don't think so Hillary. The rules are he rules. A chess player cannot ask the tournament director to change the way the pieces move in the middle of the endgame, absurd. Its a big reason we took our kids to play scholastic chess, they learn about TAKING RESPONSIBILITY for their actions. If you make a bad move and lose, you learn to think more carefully the NEXT time. You can't go and cry to the tournament diector and expect him to overturn the outcome. Its part of GROWING UP to learn these basic lessons.

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:30 PM)

Hey someone at First Read wake up the person that posts our comments and make sure to keep a fire under that person's rear end to keep our comments posted early and often.

I do like the new tone of FR as they have finally seen the light that the ObamaNation just can't be beat.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:31 PM)

I'm in it to SPIN it!

Hillary Clinton (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:31 PM)

“There are no rules. It’s about what’s in the best interest of the party.”

The best interest of the party is to not elect an inexperienced candidate with no record of accomplishments.

Please name one legislative accomplishment of Obama.

Pam, NC (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:31 PM)

There's about 6 people in the country that believe this isn't over.

Let's unite the party already.

Every day we don't helps Mr. McCain.

Achilles, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:31 PM)

Is Howard out of his mind. He is not getting paid enough to lie like this. Please. Howard--it's time to find another job! This one is over.

We will come together, even those who don't want to.
Do you know why?
Because, Obama said to tell the truth.
The truth is we are all part of this great land--no matter our individual opinions and prejudices. Like the man said, "I am imperfect."

But he is right, people, it is not about Obama, Clinton, or MCCAIN.

The real question is do we want to continue the war in IRAQ? With more dead and wounded.

Do we want to reward the rich and pull every spare dime there is out of the poor and middle class? (more Bush)

Do we want health care for all--or should we let, at least some of them, die in the streets?

What do we, the people, want?

Go ahead, you narrow minded individuals, go ahead and jump ship. Cut of your head to cure your headache--yes, that will make you feel better (or bitter) However, in the end you are only acting in a self-destructive way.

Surely, if Hillary had won, I would want her policy--not McCains! It doesn't matter that I find Hillary completely repulsive, and dishonest. Her policies are sound, and they are very close to Obama's, and they well help Americans! And they will help my friends, the soldiers! And they will help us all!
Those Policies will help our education and our economy. Those policies will determine and define all of us.

The rich, are rich for a reason. Special interest lobby for a reason. Politicians accept money from special interests for a reason! Obama's policies, the same in many ways as Clinton's policies, are this contry's great chance to change the course of our dependence on oil, on special interest, and on dirty politics in general. It's time to have a little discipline and not act like a spoiled brat.

It is time to come together as Democrats!

Republicans: Beware!

Andress (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:31 PM)

Its over...she's toast...no more clintons for the vast rightwingnot conspiracy (which actually does exist)to kick around...now joe schmo, Sean I am a coward and didn't serve Hannity and the other chicken hawk talking heads can bring out their subtle and not so subtle racist rhetoric for the easily conned

rick, nc (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:34 PM)

If Hillary "Republican" Clinton was the better candidate against the ancient elitist panderer McCain then why didn't we voters of the Democratic Party buy that ludicrous line? After all these elections it's very clear that Barack Obama is the best Democratic candidate to send the ancient elitist McCain into political retirement, where all Reagan foot soldiers belong!

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:34 PM)

Blah, Blah, Blah. I don't even care anymore about the Clinton Spin Machine. It is OVER. We know it, She knows it, the SuperDelegates know it and the Obama Campaign knows it.

She is already having Superdelegate defections from her to Obama this morning. It will be a river by tomorrow afternoon.

Rumor has it that 12-15 will come out for Obama in the next day. That is 3-6 more delegates than she won in PA.

There is not a viable arguement left to debate. The Clintons Lose, The Clintons Lose. Shocking but what a relief.

This hard road was good For Sen. Obama. He is now vetted and the RNC and McCain can't play the same old reverend card and get much run out of it. It is now time to Vette the Mavarick McCain. It will be fun to watch.

Republicans for Obama
Rush Limbaugh is a Fat, Moron Drugy.
Kansas for Obama

White Guys for Obama (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:35 PM)

"that she is more electable than Barack Obama and is polling better than him against John McCain in swing states like Ohio and Pennsylvania."

No, what she would need to show to convince superdelegates to reject the candidate with the most pledged delegates, most contests won, and most popular votes is stronger than that. She needs to show that he is flat out not electable while she is. Of course she isn't going to be able to demonstrate that.

Ron, Athens, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:35 PM)

I wonder if the super delegates notice Clark's urging of Clinton to step out for the sake of the party. Also, McGovern not only asking the same, but moving his endorsement from HRC to Obama. The writing is on the wall and its time to address the larger need of the party.

Good Grief (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:35 PM)

What's left? Hey it's all over but the crying.
The Clintons have used up all the spin, half truths obfuscation, and, fuzzy math that they can. They have nothing left.
When the superdelegates stand up for Obama in a Tsunami of support maybe then the Clintons will get it.

Bill, Rochester, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:36 PM)

Can First Read shed some light on the April campaign financing amounts raised by the three candidates? I'm anxious to hear how soundly the market has spoken in Obama's favor and want a good laugh at how pathetic the panderer McCain has done compared to Obama.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:37 PM)

I can't believe that these people can really say some of the things that they say with a straight face.

Now I understand why these people that are in politics start off as lawyers. I'm sure it took a great deal of practice.

Mark, KY (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:38 PM)

It's over Hillary. Give it up. Accept the fact that you're not entitled to the nomination.

Enrique, Chicago (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:39 PM)

Wow! That was a really long post to say "It's over."

The level of disrespect the Clinton campaign has shown the Obama campaign has been UNBELIEVABLE! And then, they get to portray themselves as the victims time and again, as if nothing ever happened.

It's all just a bit much. Respect is a two way street in my humble opinion. Senator Obama has been respectful TO A FAULT throughout this entire contest. "The Clintons" (and their supporters) certainly cannot say the same.

Obama '08/'12

P.S. It is really hard to consider someone for VP who doesn't even think you are qualified to be President in the first place.

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:39 PM)

I am an ardent Clinton supporter and will always be. I just don't believe in Obama and we don't know a lot about him. In these difficult times, time and tested is the smart way to go.
I also think that Clinton has run her course and it's hard to see how she can get the nomination at this stage. Obama cannot win just with the black vote, and if takes that chance, McCain will sweep him in the elections. The general election is a diff game, so I hope he picks someone that is experienced and bridges the gap(probably Hillary)...assuming he gets the nomination. Still waiting for that 2025 number.

Jim, NC (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:39 PM)

To let Hillary save face, and out of respect for the remaining states, let the elections reach a natural conclusion. Seat MI & FL with a minimum, token "punishment." Obama shouldn't bail her out financially - she dug her own hole. We didn't donate our hard-earned dollars to Obama, to have it given to Hillary - who has millions. As for VP, the whole idea of this campaign is to eliminate "politics-as-usual.

Boomer for Obama (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:39 PM)

It is an absolute SHAME that Senator Clinton has had to pay so dearly for the "advice" she has recieved from her Senior Campaign Staff.

Her 'rank and file' support is amoung the absolute best in the land!

Oh yes, there are "RULES" folks; and you start to know when you've broken them by the voter backlash.

You are effectively starting to plan the complete political melt-down of your candidate if what has been reported above is your strategic "Plan"!

Get a CLUE!!

Tony, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:40 PM)

the sort of people hillary work with such as Garin are great embarrassments to america. these should be removed from the main stream so that politics can be credible, once again!!

Hillary questions which people Obama associates with, but she better ask herself which people she associates with... Her consultants just want more work, more money, and she keeps dancing to their tune...

sem, va (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:42 PM)

Hillary Clinton, the OTHER Republican.

If Hillary truly was for the Democratic Party, she
would of dropped out of the race after last night
instead of giving the Repubs more ammunition to use
on Barack Obama.

Obama '08

Kim M--AZ (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:42 PM)

Isn't this the same position Mitt Romney was in, not too long ago?

Dr.Strangedog, MI (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:43 PM)

Drk in TN,

There is an absolutly HUGE Obama following here in MI!!! Be careful what you ask for......

Ted Mitchell, Jackson MI (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:45 PM)

Hang in there Hillary.The smart people know Obama is unelectable! Hopefully the super delegates will save our party fronm certain defeat withe Obama.
People need to understand that it's not about whats fair to Obama, I even admit it's unfair to take his prize but it must be done.
In politics, the ends justify the means and Obama will get crushed in Nov. by the "white" vote.
Hillary can save our party from McBush,and our party and country is more important than principal in this case.

Fred-Boston, Mass. (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:45 PM)

I'm all for Clinton staying in, if she does it graciously.

It was pointed out on MSNBC last night, even if Clinton drops out today she'll probably still win in WV and KY. Almost as a courtesy to Obama, she should still be campaigning when that happens.

In the meantime, though, it's very important that she totally refrain from attacking Obama. Let's talk about why a Democrat should be President, let's talk about what's great about her policies, since those are also Obama's policies, and why that's so much better than what McCain is offering. Let's go into the remaining states and campaign for November.

If she manages to raise enough to balance her books, all the better.

Matt, NY, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:46 PM)

The money will tell the story. She has none, hence, "The End."

This said, and perhaps it's a historical question now, how much money did she NOT raise in April? I've seen no reports. And the past week has been costly as well.

If she really is spending $11MM of her own money, frankly, that's appropriate, but should also be noted it makes her not so much different from Mitt Romney. The hard fact is that no one else is giving their money to her---a very harsh truth and one she does not like.

Becoming a US Senator is a big deal. Mrs. C should get about her business there and help make some signifcant legislative contributions----President Obama will need all the help he can get.

iowan (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:48 PM)

LET'S REVERSE THIS

If Hillary were in the lead as is Obama and Obama was arguing what the Clinton camp is now arguing are you telling me that the Clinton's would tolerate (and accept) the arguement that the Dem nominee should be selected by what polls say? GIVE ME A BREAK.

The Clintons would be hollering at the top of the lungs that the candidate with the most pledged delegates should be selected and that Obama should learn to follow the rules.

End this thing now!. It has become more then unbelievable and ludicrous. It has become sad. So sad.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:49 PM)

Hillary, the new Huckabee!

Lin Lo (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:50 PM)

To MSNBC and especially Chuck Todd: great job last nite.

To Hillary supporters: when Edwards dropped out, I was very disheartened so I feel your pain. Hillary's smile is beautiful -- she's pretty, she's smart but her politics have been woefully misguided (perhaps she surrounded herself with too many slimey and unethical men -- e.g. her husband???).

Regardless, she has had SO many chances to take the high road and be gracious in defeat. I was so hopeful that the delay in her appearance last nite was HER effort to make a conciliatory speech that would have restored her to a level of classiness and honor we have rarely seen but know exists. Her numbers would have gone off the chart! Sadly, that didn't happen.

To Senator Obama: thank you and congratulations. But please do not pay off Hillary's debt -- she's a multimillionaire and her debt is the natural consequence of running a poorly motivated campaign. We have donated money to YOU. I don't even think it's the "right" thing to do -- it is, in fact, old politics. So, if you must negotiate with her, how about a cabinet post? DHHS would be perfect for her or even DOJ (she's too hawkish for DOD and too undiplomatic for State). Besides, my Republican brother works at DOJ and it would kill him to have to report to a Clinton. haha! There is a God!

Finally, to my fellow Obama supporters: Be Nice or Leave.

sara, mesa, az (Sent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:50 PM)

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