Strongest at top of ticket?

Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 10:42 AM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Chuck Todd
The Clinton campaign releases that, "several members of Congress released a letter today to other Democrats touting their support for Hillary, saying she is the strongest candidate to have at the top of the ticket in the fall: '[W]e are convinced that Hillary Clinton has the vision, skills and commitment to make the changes our country needs. As Democrats who have run and won in competitive Congressional districts and battleground states, we believe that Hillary is best positioned to successfully lead the Democratic ticket in districts and states like ours around the country.' (Read the letter.)

Here's the letter:

Dear Fellow Democrat,

We are writing to you because of our shared belief in our Party’s principles and our commitment to ensuring that we have the strongest possible nominee to lead our ticket against John McCain and the Republicans in November.

The decision about who to support to be our Party’s nominee is not one that any of us should take lightly. We haven’t. But, after giving this important decision a great deal of thought, we are convinced that Hillary Clinton has the vision, skills and commitment to make the changes our country needs. As Democrats who have run and won in competitive Congressional districts and battleground states, we believe that Hillary is best positioned to successfully lead the Democratic ticket in districts and states like ours around the country.

As you know, Hillary has racked up victories in bellwether states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and now Indiana that are absolutely vital to winning the White House and maintaining our Congressional majority in the fall. Hillary has won the big battleground states by connecting with voters whose support we must have to win the general election. Her victories in Pennsylvania and Indiana were all the more impressive after being outspent by as much as two or three to one.

Pennsylvania was not just a victory for Hillary Clinton. It was also a wake- up call for superdelegates, forcing us to ask ourselves two essential questions: 1) Which candidate can carry the magic 270 electoral votes to win in the fall? 2) Which candidate is most likely to help our fellow Democrats in down-ballot races? We believe the answer to both of these questions is Hillary Clinton.

On the first question, Hillary has shown she can win the all-important battleground states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida even while being outspent. This speaks to her ability to connect with voters we must deliver in the fall, including blue collar Democrats who can sway this election as they have in the past.

On the second question, Hillary has won rural and suburban districts which we as Democrats must carry to maintain our edge in Congress. Of the fifteen districts rated “toss up” by the Cook Political Report, Hillary has now won ten. Of the 20 districts we picked up in 2006 that had gone for President Bush just two years before, Hillary has now won 16. She is strong in the places we must win to hold and expand our majority.

This is a historically close race. The candidates are separated by a mere percentage point or two and the path to victory for each candidate is the same: win in the upcoming states and secure enough pledged and automatic delegates to get to the number required to win the nomination.

The race now turns to the remaining six contests where the focus will be squarely on the economy. Voters in our states and across the country are voting on issues that affect them, their communities and their children’s future. We believe that they will decide that Hillary is the candidate who best understands those issues and has the best solutions to address them.

We Democrats are justifiably proud of both of our candidates, and if Senator Obama is our Party’s nominee, we will enthusiastically support him. But our responsibility is not to choose simply to support the eventual nominee; it is to help select the nominee who is best for our party and best for our country. Our choice is clear: Hillary Clinton is that candidate. We believe she should be your choice as well.

Thank you for consideration.

Sincerely,
Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24)
Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV-01)
Rep. Marion Berry (AR-1)
Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20)
Rep. Gene Green (TX -29)
Rep. John Hall (NY-19)
Rep. Darlene Hooley (OR-5)
Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (FL-17)
Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH-11)
Rep. Silvestre Reyes (TX-16)
Rep. Mike Ross (AR-4)
Rep. Joe Sestak (PA-8)
Rep. Ike Skelton (MO-4)
Rep. John Tanner (TN-8)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20)

EMAIL THIS

Comments

I can not believe I voted for Ike Skelton.
4th district in Mo. Skelton, you can expect an email from me today.

Also was this a way just to get us to go HillaryClinton.com website? So the campaign can say it has had a bunch of hits today.

Vera,Oak Grove, Missouri (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:03 AM)

Ahhhh hog wash, these people are already supporting hillary and means nothing at this point... Nice try though.... Try coming up with a different stratigy

James, TN (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

Just go ahead and overturn the will of the people.

The race doesn't start now. The race has been going on.
Obama winning in pledged delegates, winning in popular vote, winning in momentum on superdelegates (90 down to less than 10 difference), and 2 to 1 won more contests.

You as Americans have every right to your opinion, you don't have any right to overturn the will of the people.

Hillary has every right to continue the race, the superdelegates are supposed to end this, that is their job, and do it now.

If she is going to bring in these people its time for the fence sitting superdelegates to finish this race

steven (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

Texas is a swing state? Ridiculous, just like this letter.

Jayne, Midlothian, VA (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

Oh dear, please tell me that Clinton has more than 16 supporters out of a Congress of 435. My, oh my, dear oh my. Seriously though, 16 out of 435 is not that many (pretty desparate). Sounds to me like some of the Supers supporting Hillary are hedging!

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

The top of the ticket could'nt hold Hillary, and all of her old, and new baggage.

ticket wept (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

Hmm I find that interesting as more people have voted for Senator Obama, more states have gone to Senator Obama, more pledged delegates have gone to Senator Obama, and more fundraising dollars from the average Americans, like myself, have gone to Senator Obama. How does that prove she's more electable and would do better in the General Election?

Maybe I'm just not getting it, but many of the areas she has won in this Primary season would still go for the Democratic candidate. If she does her job after she finally sees the writing on the wall, they will support Senator Obama in the General. The only way I can see that they won't do that is for her to keep dividing the party and telling people he can't win. She's only damaging the Democratic Party and HOPEFULLY her own political future.

I realize she wants desparately to be coronated, but the numbers are against her. Her scorched earth tactics aren't helping - they are only hurting at this point. Someone please give her a dose of reality!

Michelle, Indiana (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

Chuck...really we care about this because...what? The only thing that keeps Hillary in this race is the MSM PRETENDING she has a shot by sending out this garbage.

BTW if they think she is so strong why don't they pony up some money and when she FINALLY GETS OUT, I'm sure they will be willing to pay off this massive debt that she has. Wouldn't surprise me if some of the money is owed to them.

Aso Obama has a new SD you havn't posted:

The public workers' union chief there, a superdelegate, goes with his union and endorses Obama,

Thanks

Tom (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

They are all her hacks. I suggest we make a list and check it twice. If they are still on there in a week, we need to work for their defeat. Don't think for one minute that if Hillary loses, she won't work for Barack's defeat and the defeat of anyone who supported him. SHAMELESS!!!

LB, Virginia (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

Well, isn't that nice???!!! Sorry, Hillary Huckabee, this won't work, either.
OBAMA '08

Janice - Glenwood, IL (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

I do not want Hillary as my Senator any longer. I can't beleive i spent all those years defending the Clintons.

The WSJ is right... the progressive democrats have finally agreed to IMPEACH the Clintons.

Emily, NY (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:05 AM)

Wow!!!!! Unbelieveable!!!!!

Maggie, VT (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:05 AM)

This letter is offensive. Her supporters even have the gall to tout her win in Florida which was not even a contest. Senator Obama did not campaign there and there is no way of knowing if she would have really won there if had been given a chance to meet Floridians face to face.

Basically what they are saying is it does not matter who the PEOPLE have voted for, it is up to us to overturn their decision and give HRC the coronation she deserves WITHOUT earning it!

I am sorry, but Senator Obama has had one heck of an uphill fight from the very beginning. He has run a remarkable campaign. Very strategic and worked it from the ground up, not just EXPECTING the nomination to be handed to him. HE HAS WORKED FOR IT AND EARNED IT!

I am saddened that HRC is feeling bad for herself and is now using RACE and her supporters to try and somehow take this nomination away from Senator Obama. Doesn't she realize that are many AA, hard working white women and men, hispanics, orientals, etc., who have supported Senator Obama, and if she were to somehow wrest the nomination away from him, we would seriously have to consider why we should vote for her at all?? I am not saying we would vote for McSame. His policies are a continuation of the Bush years. But there ARE many of us who would just NOT vote.

She can't win without the rest of us. She CAN'T win with just the hard-working, blue-collar white workers she so ardently favors right now because they are the people currently still voting for her.

This is a joke and an embarrassment. Please stop the madness! There is damage being done here! Get a clue, HRC. You have lost to the better candidate who - from the start - campaigned in ALL of the states, for ALL Americans and didn't take the nomination for granted.

Obama '08

Woman who would NEVER vote for Hillary (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:05 AM)

I wonder how much there endorsement cost?? They probably got paid a little bonus for the letter. Keep going Hillary, you make yourself look far worse than I ever thought you were.

Susan, Missouri (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:06 AM)

Chuck, Are these people already committed to her as super delegates? Thanks for clarification.

Shannon S (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:06 AM)

Does her mother also endorse her, Chuck?

Go ahead, take Friday off for real, man. You do deserve it.

iowan (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:06 AM)

Hillary has no stregnth left. Fools--who do they think they are writing such a pathetic and cowardly letter. This is just sad.

Hillary is no so low, so pathetic, that she is trying to use race to help her win more votes--that is utterly pathetic and horrible. Were are her values? What happened to her morals? People are people, that is Obama's views. Too bad, Hillary Clinton has so lost her soul in this contest. I feel sorry for the wretch, who only talent now seems to be to scorch the earth with her venom. She should be stumping for Obama now instead of waisting precious time and money.

Perhaps she is just trying to get some money back. Maybe she owes a lot more money to other people than we can possible find out.

Andress (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:06 AM)

"We Democrats are justifiably proud of both of our candidates, and if Senator Obama is our Party’s nominee, we will enthusiastically support him. But our responsibility is not to choose simply to support the eventual nominee; it is to help select the nominee who is best for our party and best for our country. Our choice is clear: Hillary Clinton is that candidate."

I couldn't agree more. It's unfortunate how the media, the bloggers and the mudsling blinded people. She truly can get this country back in shape. I hope she's given that chance. We deserve it.

Dan, NJ (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:06 AM)

This is not helpful when the nominee will be Barack Obama. Hopefully the remaining superdelegates will jump on board when he locks up the majority of elected delegates on May 20th. Do these undeclared supers really know how much they are hurting the party on a daily basis by not declaring for Obama?

Do you know where we stand on undeclared (elected) supers where Obama won the district vs. Hillary? The only (somewhat) reasonable argument I can see a super supporting her at this point is she won that particular district -

Achilles, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:07 AM)

Oh - come on - let's look at where these guys are from. Of the 16 "signatures" on the letter -

3 are from NY - where either Democrat would win
3 are from TX - where both Democrats pull about the same support against John McCain in recent polls about the General
2 are from FL - Where Clinton MUST to win but Obama has shown a different path to victory against McCain
1 from each NV, PA - where they both perform statistically as well as the other against McCain
1 from TN - where both are losing "big" to McCain
1 from OR - where Obama outperforms Clinton against McCain

So it's only the remaining 4 - 2 in AR, 1 in MO, 1 in OH where they are actually in states that currently would give Hillary an advantage over Obama.

What about Obama's support in CO, HI, IA, MN, OR (you know, where 1 signer is from), WA? (48 EV) Those offer you a path that differs from Clinton's ... and gets him as far ahead as Clinton's AR, MO, OH (37 EV).

Thatcher (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:07 AM)

This letter reminds me of that scene in "A Few Good Men" where Lt. Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollack) is making fun of Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore) for trying to get the judge to reconsider her objection:

"I strenuously object?" Is that how it works? Hm? "Objection, your Honor." "Overruled" "No, no. I STRENUOUSLY object." "Oh. You strenuously object. Then I'll take some time and reconsider."

It is one thing to show your allegiance to a candidate, but to continue to do so when the writing is on the wall does everything to encourage war within the democratic party. Urging superdelagates to overturn the will of the voters is just plain wrong and the American citizens of the districts that these Congress Members represent should be ashamed to have elected such people as "US Representatives".

Doesn't anybody see??? These people are asking superdelagates to overturn the will of the voters!!! These people are a disgrace and should be removed from their posts IMMEDIATELY!

Ed, Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:07 AM)

"On the first question, Hillary has shown she can win the all-important battleground states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida even while being outspent."

How did Obama outspend Clinton in Florida when neither campaigned there?

ujw (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:07 AM)

Kind of like how John Kerry was the strongest Democrat to run in 2004.

Jay, Indiana (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:07 AM)

I guess that unless you are a white guy from a big state your vote doesn't mean anything. What happened to the Democracy argument? So we want to count FL and MI and if we still come up short, overturn it anyway? I think that if these people win their next elections their seat should be given to another democrat who is "better" suited to represent their district.

Dave, NY, NY (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:07 AM)

Please the race is over!!!! MSNBC you corporate stooges cant change the outcome. Hillary is a liar andis probably lying about leaving the race after May 20th. She is vindictive and selfish.

Noel (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:08 AM)

so basically these people are saying they will overturn the will of all voter's. Exactly what the dem party does not need. If it happens they will lose, big time come November. Also they can forget re-election themselves there will be a outcry of removal of these so called elected members of congress

ron (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:08 AM)

THANK GOD FOR SOMEONE WITH A CLEAR VISION TO SEE THE OBVIOUS TRUTH IN CONGRESS. I WAS BEGINNING TO LOOSE FAITH IN OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT.
I THINK HILLARY IS SMART WELL INFORMED ON ALL OF THE ISSUES. IN FACT TRY TO STUMP HER ON ANY SUBJECT.
BUT SHE HAS SHOWN SHE IS STRONG ENOUGH FOR JUST ABOUT ANY JOB,
AND SHE IS A (GIRL)

SHIRLEY NW,AR. (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:08 AM)

Wow - this letter just inspired me to donate for the first time to the campaign of Barack Obama. I respect Senator Clinton's right to continue to campaign, but once again, she and her supporters have chosen the low road. Her divisive comments of yesterday eliminated any remaining respect I had for her or her campaign.

So over Hillary (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:09 AM)

These fools will stop at nothing to steal the nomination from Obama. The fits and tandrums this fool is throwing and these people are trying to appease her so she won't be mad or order someone else's death is ridiculous.I would love to see these people children. The most ill-mannered snobish little brats the USA has to offer. Get over it...SHE LOST.

BettiH. Indiananpolis, IN (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:09 AM)

Sorry, you DIDN'T convince me. So...

Frank
Chicago
Obama '08

Frank, Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:09 AM)

Just think of this like a trip to the movies. The movie has ended. The plot has long unfolded as the hero of the film came from nowhere and rolled off a string of victories to win the day. We now look forward to the sequel which is coming out this fall. Sure, there were a few dangling subplots that didn’t get answered (MI and FL), but overall this first-time director really put together a good flick.

Usually it’s time to go when the credits roll. But we understand Hillkabee sticking around for a bit because sometimes they’ll show some clips during the first half of the credits. I personally think my native state’s primary (Pennsylvania) was quite a funny outtake, and provided me with a chuckle as I was reminded once again why I moved away.

But now the outtakes of NC and IN have been shown, and the little globe is scrolling up the screen as we speak. It’s now time to clean up the theater and move on to the next movie. Sure, you can sit there until they raise the house lights, but at that point you are just in the way for the cleaning crew.

Now, if some of you want to threaten to go see some horror flick this fall (Terror from the Bushes III), more power to you. Just don’t come complaining to us when you realize that you got the same plot as the last time.

Turning Blue in CO (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:10 AM)

I feel so sorry for her. She should quit while she can. What will she do just wait until the lights go out and leave with her tail beyween her legs? Today it could look like her choice.
Take the high road---vote Obama

jmc,wa (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:10 AM)

How can she be the strongest at the top of the ticket if could not win?

Jenn Texas (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:10 AM)

Don't be stupid. Just listen to her. She will scorch the earth, killing, burning, and "OBLITERATING" everything in her path. She has always acted the part of the spoiled child. We all know what happens when a spoiled child does not get her way--a tantrum.

Andress (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:10 AM)

It's sad really.....Even Rasmussen is stopping the primary polling<P>
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

With this in mind, Rasmussen Reports will soon end our daily tracking of the Democratic race and focus exclusively on the general election competition between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama. Barring something totally unforeseen, that is the choice American voters will have before them in November. While we have not firmly decided upon a final day for tracking the Democratic race, it is coming soon.

TR (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:10 AM)

the people say otherwise.

None (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:10 AM)

I suggest democrats peruse Peggy Noonan's latest commentary regarding the democratic contest. I will vote for Obama should he be the candidate because I believe he is a unique talent, but my allegiance to the democratic party entire is null and void. It is an incompetent and feckless hodgepodge.

b (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:10 AM)

These folks should say goodbye to their careers, I'm thinking. Not only is a Hillary nomination all but impossible, Hillary's comments yesterday are beginning to penetrate--she's trying to divide the Democratic party on a racial basis to bring the superdelegates to her side.

Coming out for her like these folks have can't help but align them with her comments. As I say, bad career move.

Sharon Smith, Portland, OR (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:10 AM)

Well, isn't that special???!!!

Janice - Glenwood, IL (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:10 AM)

b (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:11 AM)

This is absolutely nonsense and a desparate action on the part of sen. Clinton and whoever the advisers are. Are they saying a delegate lead of more than 150 should be ignored? If she was, strongest why couldn't she win the primary? I believe it high time democrats came together and stop all these childish games, rally around the candidacy of Sen. Obama and face the republicans.

Olufemi, Knoxville, TN (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:11 AM)

It's too bad that the majority of voters, states, pledged delegates, and now superdelegates think Obama would be the strongest candidate. Haven't these people heard? That's how democracy works.

rmh (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:11 AM)

b (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:11 AM)

Every lost cause has its champions.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:11 AM)

Finally, the True Democratic party wakes up.

No more Kool-aid please.

Awesome!! Go Hillary!!!

Awesome!! Go Hillary!!! (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:11 AM)

If this is to try and convince supers to vote for her let me phrase it the way she would probably like it worded. "So even though it's pretty much over, and Sen. Obama would have to, quoting a news article, punch a baby to lose this thing, please keep this going as long as possible and kill our party's chances in the fall. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
President... ur Senator Clinton"

Tim, South Lyon, MI (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:11 AM)

Too few, too late.

end-it-now (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:12 AM)

The only top of a ticket that Hillary will ever see, had it's holes punched in 2004. She should have had the guts to run then. She was too cowardly, and calculating, to contest an incumbent Presidential race.

Hillary's grab for the Presidency has been woefully misguided from the first seeds of it's inception, back in Wellesy.

mom (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:12 AM)

Oh give me a friggin' break. Obama is going to be the nominee. It's time to unite the party and get in line behind him. Wake up people.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:12 AM)

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