Upcoming contests: WV uphill

Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 9:28 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Democrats, 2008

UPCOMING CONTESTS: WV uphill for Obama
USA Today previews the West Virginia primary and notes the uphill battle for Obama there. "In West Virginia, Gov. Joe Manchin says ‘you drive to survive’ and the gas price spike has hit particularly hard. ‘It's hard to drive from here to Huntington when gas is $4 a gallon and you're getting paid minimum wage,’ says Wayne Mayor Junior Ramey.”

“This state of small towns is home to the gun-owning, church-going, financially struggling voters whom Hillary Rodham Clinton is targeting Tuesday. She says Obama alienated them with his remark before the Pennsylvania primary last month about ‘bitter’ dislocated workers in small towns ‘clinging’ to guns and religion." More: "Demanding that a presidential entourage make it up the tricky switchback roads that lead to this town of 1,144 isn't as farfetched as it seems. No Democrat has won the White House without winning West Virginia since 1916, and at least one made it to Wayne."

"Clinton has been running well ahead of Obama in several West Virginia polls. The state's older, mostly white and blue-collar population hits the dynamics of Clinton supporters. Pat Maroney, a former state Democratic Party chairman and the party's national committeeman, said victory for Clinton is still possible. ‘Yes, I think she probably can [still win]," he said at the morning rally. "[The extended presidential battle] has been good for the country and the state to have this kind of dialogue.’”

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Comments

Obama will lose West Virginia - but that does not slow his eventual nomination. Barack Obama will secure the Democratic party nomination for the presidency on May 20th. Mark. My. Words.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:37 AM)

Hillary makes me sick and those who think she is helping him is crazy. She is trying to hurt him. I can't stand her.

Lisa, Ar (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:38 AM)

The primaries keep coming, and Obama keeps losing. He does not have the broad based support of the American people, and keeps losing in every rust belt state. Obama will win states with prominent black populations such as the Carolinas and rich liberal white states such as NY. But most other states do not support the demographics he needs to win against McCain. It is unbelievable that the Democrats have picked such a weak candidate to lead their party.

Jospeh Brown, Coal City, WV (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:41 AM)

Robert Byrd (D) Senator from West Virgina has poured more federal earmarks into West Virgina and plastered his name all over the buildings and highways and such, I find it very hard to beleive that there is a problem with jobs in West Virgina, specially with all the free tax payer money Byrd ha brought into the state.

Of course Obama will have trouble in West Virgina....
Hillary told you why yesterday on the news....

"Clinton has been running well ahead of Obama in several West Virginia polls. The state's older, mostly white and blue-collar population hits the dynamics of Clinton supporters.

Just like Hillary predicted yesterday......

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:41 AM)

right no comments she hasn't won yet he ca when ther also go get them Obama that what change is a change from that mind set love conquers all

raymondpoole (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:47 AM)

Dear West Virginians and Kentuckians,
In Hillary's interview with USA Today, she stated that the working white middle class of our respective states are uneducated and would never cast a vote for a black candidate. She not only called us ignorant but labeled us as racist. I call upon our respective Governors to denounce these comments. Our workers are highly skilled and trained. We are not uneducated. Let us show her that we can read and write when we cast a vote against her in our upcoming primaries.

James Farley,Huntington, WV (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:48 AM)

I sympathize with the people of West Virginia as we can all relate but voting for Clinton will not make much difference now. She is not the miracle worker she claims to be. Get on the bandwagon of supporting the winner of the Democratic Party. Obama is our only hope right now.

WB Mark (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:48 AM)

Pat Maroney lives in Wonderland, along with Clinton campaign...
But at least it good to know that in the process of defeat Clintons will loose at least $11 mln of their own money, likely even more. Hillary unmatched ego trumps everything, even frugality and greed

Alex Den (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:48 AM)

The demographics favor Clinton there, we all know that. But I hope Obama will take the time to visit and have people get to know him there. I'm sure he can sway more than a few voters if they get a chance to know him.

Go Obama and WV Obama supporters, with you in spirit.

Lisa, New Britain, CT...decisively for Obama (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:50 AM)

No Offense but West Virginia has a total of 28 delegates and the population at least on the outside that appears to be predisposed to voting for Senator Clinton. It is very unlikely they will make the difference in the 160 plus delegate lead. Here is hoping they take the time to vote on the issues and and not the identity of the candidates. If they do that we all will be better served.

Terry, Virginia (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:51 AM)

*yawn*

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:51 AM)

The filly against the nag. The good of WV people know a nag when they see one.

Go Mountaineers and Go Hillary all the way to
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Delores Rose-Kennedy a former Mountaineer (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:53 AM)

No one has ask why Obama was in Ca. behind closed doors at a fund raiser.We know the home was of friend billionair oil guy.His supporters believe everything he tells them so they think it is just there money he uses.This is the man wanted c-span to be in on meetings why was this locked close?Is anyone going over his money trail?Pa should have told him you cannt buy our small town loyalty and pride.WV is a lot like Pa. and I hope they bring Hillary an even bigger victory.Show Obama and his people just what small town America is really capable of.You are our backbone and we are counting on you now.

WV for Hillary (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:55 AM)

What diferrence is it going to make whether she won WV or not? Nothing!!!! Obama is our democratic nominee!!!!

Go Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!

JJ, MD (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:55 AM)

Gee, who would of thought that White Virginia, I mean West Virginia was going for CLinton.

Geoff TX (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:57 AM)

HRC is a racist. I am a white American male who is hard working. I do not make much money and I struggle for my family. She hasn't done/said anything that will help me or my family so I am at a loss for this "blind voting" that she gets from older, working class people. She has played the race card which is disgusting to me. She has lost my vote. She may win our state by 40% but I will vote for Obama in the primary and either McCain or Obama in the fall.

James, West Virginia (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:57 AM)

Obama makes me sick. He's sooooo full of himself. So Harvard. And Michelle is the black grievance candidate.

McCain in '08

McCainocrat (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 9:58 AM)

The filly against the nag. The good of WV people know a nag when they see one.

Go Mountaineers and Go Hillary all the way to
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Delores Rose-Kennedy a former Mountaineer (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:00 AM)

Barry Hussein Obama couldn't care less about any white working class West Virginian and how much they have to pay for gas to feed their family. That's why he hasn't shown his face there yet. They don't fit in with his egghead,youth and AA crowd that gets so excited about change that they nearly wet their pants. That's because they don't have to worry about getting through the week and then the month and then the year. West Virginia is too busy for you Barry-please stay away.

David (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:01 AM)

I hope Obama will contest in WV, and shut her mouth for her. However, I trust him, and his team to do what's best for his candidacy.

They have proven themselves as master strategists. I'm a believer.

aleese (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:03 AM)

OH MY GOODNESS. WHY DO THESE PEOPLE CONTINUE TO DISTORT REALITY? SHE CANNOT WIN BECAUSE OF THE MATH.

STOP! IT IS WRONG.

ted (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:03 AM)

Us Obama supporters don't mind if Clinton wins West Virginia. It is said that it is a state made for her questionable ideas that won't work and her close minded, calculated statements that feed on division. I would like to believe that the democratic voters of West Virginia are smarter than that, however, if they are not, so be it. We will get the voters in the general. If Clinton keeps going like she is, the so-called Clinton Dynasty is over. They have certainly showed their true colors during this campaign.

Doreen Augusta Maine (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:04 AM)

Senator Obama's won contests in white working class areas all over the country. If not for the media intensified plague of false issues that turn many of those same working class folks off to him, (no thanks to Hillie either), Senator Obama's real personality and positions would be better known to them. Mrs. Clinton's more than willing to try to bamboozle the people of W.Va. into helping her take this party down now so she can fulfill Her Destiny in 2012.

bill, okla (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:06 AM)

Obama won't win WV. We already know that. But unfortunately for Hillary, that loss has ALREADY been factored into the equation, so it will change nothing.

She will also win KY which, again, changes nothing. It's the 4th quarter, 2 minutes left, and she's down by 50. She can play the remaining 2 minutes if she wants, but she's still gonna lose.

Linda. Boston, MA (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:08 AM)

Hillary should get out of the race today, and still watch as she would win West Virginia and Kentucky by 25+ points. What better way to further embarrass Obama?

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

It is the job of the DNC, its members and we, the voters to rally behind Barack Obama in the national election so he can win West Virginia. All of us must believe that demographics aside, we all want change of some sort. We, as Democrats, definetly don't want 4 more years of any of Bush's policies. So Hillary Clinton will win West Virginia, good, but to blow that into a Obama can't win scenario is much too dangerous for a party divided at this time. We need to come together to save our country.

Chandler W. (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:14 AM)

WHY aren't people outraged at Hillary's comments yesterday implying that she is the only candidate that can get "white" votes? How about her touting the fact that she gets "white, uneducated" voters? Is THAT something to be PROUD of? She's saying, dumb people vote for me! I am outraged at how vulgar she's become. She is dividing the Democratic Party and I have emailed the DNC to tell them of my disgust with both Hillary and Howard dean for not making the Superdelegates end this nonsense once and for all.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:14 AM)

I understand why her comments might be difficult for some to take, but it is the truth and at this point Obama seems to have a real hard time getting working-class whites - the majority of the party - to support him. He cannot win without them and, so Hillary case that she is the candidate to beat Mc Cain, seems to hold more water.

Ron, NY (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:19 AM)

The DNC’s ‘Rules Committee’ offers Hillary a significant advantage --- 13 of its members have openly endorsed her, and just 8 are declared Obama backers.

EXAMPLE: (A Committee Chairman is Alexis Herman, Labor secretary under President Clinton; another is Harold Ickes, the top advisor to Hillary’s campaign who is in-charge of stealing superdelegates and, another is a member of the Michigan DNC.)

The ‘Rules Committee’ has wide latitude concerning Florida and Michigan. It could uphold the rules and punishment it and both candidates agreed to initially, or it could --- seat the entire delegation from each state, split the delegations in half, or even seat all of the super delegates but only some of the elected delegates.

This is the REAL REASON Hillary is staying in the race. Hillary fully expects that the ‘Rules Committee’ with its almost 2-to-1 ratio of declared Hillary-to-Obama supporters will go along with whatever she wants regarding Florida & Michigan delegates. She believes, and probably rightly so, that the ‘Rules Committee’ will seat as many of the delegates from Florida & Michigan as Hillary needs to obtain the 2025 delegates needed to win the nomination.

IT WILL BE GRAND THEFT BY MANIPULATION. OF THE RULES COMMITTEE. --- A CLINTON DIRTY TRICK.
------------------------------------------------------

THEFT BY MANIPULATION. OF THE RULES COMMITTEE.... (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:22 AM)

Obama / Democratic party supporters: Please let us limit our criticisms of Mrs. Clinton and her supporters. This is still America and she has the right to continue on until the "magic number" is reached, at which point her nomination will be impossible. Calls for her to drop out are hurtful to her supporters and we should be mindful of how we would feel if our candidate was in her shoes. We can all show some grace and compassion for her hard fight and her ardent supporters. we are all Americans.

Tommy, Detroit, Michigan (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:25 AM)

In WV we see the "disturbing racial undertones" NYT is talking about. I am white, middle-aged and low-income living in a small town in Central PA, church going. I guess the difference is my college education. Obama'08.

Hermine Clouser Middletown PA (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:28 AM)

When you take an objective look at the divisive nature of statements made by both Clinton and Obama, it’s very sad affair. If you didn’t think for a second that Sen. Clinton wasn’t self-centered, where were you during the 90’s? If Sen. Obama didn’t have the Chicago political machine he’d still be hanging out in Chicago. This is evident with his inability to finish the race.

Most Democrats have unfortunately not came to understand what your party is made up of. It’s not a group of individuals with the same ideas. For example most Conservatives look for smaller government and less taxes (with the current batch of Republicans in office this isn’t happening). The current Democratic party is made up of special interests nothing more nothing less. When a hispanic super delegate says his vote is for sale for $20M, that’s a sign of a failed party. It is certainly a pitiful display for all of America to watch.

Ryson Chandler, NM (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:28 AM)

Everything we hear from Clinton screams of anxious desperation. I don't discount her for wanting to stay in the fight. It's like Mike Huckabee. They both are sticking in the fight, knowing they will not win, in order to bring to light the issues that the Democrats will need to address in the Presidential Race, but bring up the "bitter" comments from weeks ago is like trying to say Obama is a bad person because he failed a test in 3rd grade. It's over. He said his peace on that and on Rev. Wright. He's moved on from that. The media played it to death and now even they've moved on. The only people who can't seem to move on are the people who are try to influence the uneducated masses in America. Yes, I said that! Uneducated...because anyone with any sense of intelligence has moved on. The more people contintue rehash the "old news" the less power it has to sway anyone. Most of the people have made their decisions on those topics and probably won't be swayed to be less or more angry about it, so...shoot, I can't beleive I'm still talking about it now.

Timmy P., St. Louis (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:31 AM)

I am sorry that Gov Joe Manchin read Sen. Obabma's remark in the way he did. Obabma is for the poor, the working class. He is for all Americans. It is sad that some people want to tie him to Pastor Wright, if he is a senator doing his job, how often did he attend service, I had a pastor that reminded me of Pastor Wright, there were many things I did not agree with in what he said, but I love my church and he left the church, my church is not the pastor, it is so much more. I pray West Virginia goes to the polls with an open mind and sees who is capable of bringing about real change. I don't want the Gov't mandating my health care, I would much rather get the costs down to make it afforable for all. The Gov't mandates enough of our lives as it is, do not give them more leverage over our lives. Really listen to Sen Obama, I don't feel Black America is high on Hillary's agenda, but she thinks white working class americans will get her the nominee, West Virginia is not comprised of one race, but many. All I can say is please don't dismiss Obama over one comment that was taken out of content, because Hillary has also said many things out of content.

Trina Mason, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:32 AM)

Obama should go there and talk about the gas relief gimmick Hillary proposed.He does know that oil is headed to $200 per barrel doesn't he?

NObama-MI (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:34 AM)

These holds are not taking into consideration that if she somehow pulls it out, it would be a result of a number of times in changing the rules to accommodate the party for the Clinton's. Most do not feel the party belongs to the Clinton's rather it belongs to loyal party members. The destruction of the dnc is at hand and the name that claims they built it is in position now to destroy it. Ironic!

Barbara (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:34 AM)

Wthout a big BIG win She's as good as dead, if she isn't already!

Norm (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:35 AM)

I hope Obama has trips scheduled to WV. I dont see any currently on his site. Country roads, Take me home, To the place I belong, West virginia... This was one of the first country songs I fell in love with when my family came to this country. (The song has even been modified to a reggae song which exalts the idea of the country areas as "home".) I thought West Virginia was the United States. West Virginia needs Obama's message for sure, like the rest of us.

B, New Jersey (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:37 AM)

GO HILLARY !! Keep Up the GOOD FIGHT!!!!
Obama is ignoring WV - maybe he does not want or need working class people. Funny how he has not even been to WV and the people vote in a few days. Think he might need "those people" to win???????? Or - is this state not AA so he won't bother.

abby (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:37 AM)

Obama is making a mistake if he writes off West Virginia. He can't catch her but he should try to narrow the margin. And the party needs to stop Clinton before she does further damage. she is clearly not conducting herself with grace.

Andrea New York (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:39 AM)

I'm originally from WV, but I'm not one of those uneducated working class whites that Hillary is targeting. And her message of divisiveness has really turned me off. While no one has won the White House since 1916 without winning WV, I doubt that in this day and age anyone could win the White House by offending most African Americans and educated Americans of all races, as has been the case with Hillary, not just yesterday, but for most of this campaign.

Mike Sears, Carbondale, IL (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:44 AM)

Everyone in West Virginia should come out and vote for Hillary to let Obama know that EVERY SINGLE VOTE SHOULD BE COUNTED INCLUDING FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN- This WV is your chance to really be heard for all of us.

We are fighting in Iraq to give people a chance to have their vote count well why not in America?

mimi new york city (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:44 AM)

While Clinton shamelessly panders to the inbreds in W.Va. and plays the race card all over the place, let's not forget who the actual NOMINEE is. Maybe Rockefeller or Jed Clampet or some other West Virginia luminary should endorse Obama. (BTW, West Virginia jokes are a source of endless amusement here in D.C. Hillary's no doubt heard a few, and has maybe even TOLD one or two herself!)

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:49 AM)

i am sorry to say i live in wv and i am an older white female HUGE Obama fan..i'm sorry my state does not/cannot/willnot recognize leadership qualitys as Senator Obama possesses
Obama08

Obama All The Way (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 10:59 AM)

Please Post
So what, She has Lost! Let it go, stop feeding her ego! This is not news,we know WV is for HRC. We know Obama can't win there right now. But the point is, if HRC is going to throw her supporters toward the nominee what difference does it make if she is winning or not. Or is she pandering again. This time about the coming together of the party. Integrety means a lot. She has none. She is wearing the greed on her lapel like she should be wearing the american flag. How sad she has become. Anything to win!!

K of Missouri (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:01 AM)

Whatever floats the Clinton's boat. She doesn't have enough delegates to win anything but that state. If she does win,it's still noe enough to win the nomination. She seems to be having a hard time dealing with the fact that the possibility of her winning the nomination is slim no none. Her camp needs to be getting her mind ready for that fact before she has a mental break down of some sort. Also with her racial remarks she is making about African American's I doubt WV is AA free with in their state population.

BettiH. Indiananpolis, IN (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:04 AM)

I always wanted to be a coal miner!

Hillary R.C. (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:05 AM)

Everyone should calm down. Stick your your candidate. This is an historical race. The American people don't want to see panic and mass defection.

Let's play this out. Have every American vote. Which by the way this year Americans are proud to vote they are queuing up to do so. This is good for all of us. The American people are being energized by the race. Obama should continue too. Let's not deny anymore Americans the right to vote. No more Florida or Michigan. And when it concludes we'll have a nominee.

Most likely Senator Clinton will exit but we will treat her with dignity. why? Because we owe her a debt of gratitude for the many years and future years of service that she will give to our country.

Let's all say Thank you, Senator Clinton.

Anne, PA

anne, pa (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 11:05 AM)

Barack's message works well in WV. The coal miners Hope the mine ceilings don't fall on them, and Change their drawers if it does.

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

"The state's older, mostly white and blue-collar population" ... Pat Maroney better change this statement or be accused of agism, racism and classism.

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

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