Obama, Clinton cross paths

Posted: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:41 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Clinton, Obama

From NBC’s Ken Strickland
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Clinton and Obama shook hands and had a very, very brief chat on the Senate floor today as both were back in town for a vote.

The scene was, at times, reminiscent of a high school cafeteria, as the candidates, for the most part, huddled with their respective supporters.

NBC's Lauren Appelbaum adds that after voting, Obama was greeted by excited school children. He spent a few minutes on the steps with the students, who shouted out in joy. Reporters then followed Obama and peppered him with questions about the presidential race.

When asked if he talked to his Senate colleagues this morning, Obama simply replied, "I said hello to them."

Asked if he has any concerns about party unity, Obama did not take the bait in attacking Clinton. "I think we will be fine," he said.

Obama then continued to walk to his Senate office to meet with his Senate staff.

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Comments

John Kennedy didn't have the number of delegates he needed when he went to the convention in 1960,' Sen. Clinton said. 'But he had something equally as important. He had West Virginia behind him. Because it's a fact that Democrats don't get elected president unless West Virginia votes for you.' ... YOU HILLARY CLINTON ARE NO JOHN F. KENNEDY

mary lee w atlanta georgia (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:52 PM)

Every so-called journalist that writes that the Democratic nomination is over or that Barack Obama is the nominee should be fired! The fact is that the difference in pledged delegates is 5%, and shrinking, and that when all the primaries are complete Obama will lead with less than 3% of delegates and Hillary Clinton will have the most actual votes – excluding MI and FL if that's what the DNC decides. As it stands, as it has for months, the Superdelegates wil determine the democratic nominee. The role of the Superdelegates is to help the people and their delegates elected the 'best' Democratic nominee. For so-called journalists to suggest that the Supers can not, will not, or should not “overturn the delegate lead”, or “take the nomination away from Obama”, is to disregard and disrespect the other 50% of the Democratic voters. For so-called journalists to write or say that Barack Obama is the “presumptive nominee” or that he has an “insurmountable lead” are not reporting facts and are far from non-bias - they should either be fired or required to display openly who they support. I thought we counted on the press to rise above divisions, to respect all sides, to ultimately report all the facts so that we can decide for ourselves. Of course the other possibility is that they know something we don't, that they have known how this is going to turn out – in which case whose election is this? And are we being told once again that our votes don't really matter?

Deb Marcoux, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:53 PM)

And this is news, why?

How about another SD update?

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:53 PM)

He definitely shouldn't select her as his running mate. He will definitely hurt his campaign!

----
For discount on Obama t shirts $8.99 & Up.
http://www.MyObamaStore.com

America for Obama (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:55 PM)

seriously! they are both in the senate and have crossed paths quite often. what is it we were expecting to happen?

I hate being alerted for this sort of crap.

t (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:56 PM)

Yes it's time that us supporters of both Democratic cnadidates try to shake hands as well.

Brian M. (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:56 PM)

Glad to see both back doing their jobs on this important vote today. I hear Hillary has no events planned for tomorrow. Could she be planning to go out on a high note with WVA? Nothing would please me more than having Obama focus his attention on McCain and getting on with the real election. This nonsense about an exit strategy for Hillary is ridiculous. Suck it up Hillary and accept fate. Stop making everyone walk on eggs while you try to salvage your pride. If you can't accept a primary loss gracefully, how on earth could you have the temperment to be President?

Chris McCoy, LA, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:57 PM)

Cool, calm and collected.

Like a president should be.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:57 PM)

What was the vote on? I guess thats not important. At least not when there is H.S. analogies to be drawn and screaming school children. Great job Ken and Lauren. Way to go get the scoop.

Dave, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:58 PM)

To those who dislike Sen. Obama, please explain - what has happened for him to have the delegate count and currently the popular vote over Sen. Clinton. Is it his fault that he is winning?

Marcus, Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:59 PM)

While riding into work this morning, my husband and I were listening to POTUS 08 on XM radio (GREAT station btw). Interestingly, two county election supervisors in WV (two of the biggest counties)were reporting that early voting was low and current turnout is much lower than expected (11:30 am EDT).

So, if this trend holds true, then the basic premise of Hillary's memo is false: there may not be "a record turnout."

-- perhaps WV voters truly understand that the race is over?

sara, mesa, az (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1:59 PM)

You know THAT is my President!! :-)

Matthew, Newark NJ (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:00 PM)

Hmmm, sounds like Obama gave those kids the usual Kool Aid served at his speeches.

NoBama! (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:00 PM)

Senator Obama is experienced beyond his years. His poise and class are impressive. His multi-million dollar campaign's been conducted with a lot of smarts. Hillie on the other hand, well, there's a saying about the dead; if you can't say something good say nothing at all. ...........................

bill, okla (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:00 PM)

Suppose he'll take a day to finally sit down for his first Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Afghanistan oversight hearing that he chairs ? Wonder how much he's been paid for two years missing in action with this important group???

Margaret, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:00 PM)

Obama campaigning in congress like the other day heavans not our Golden idol.When will he be on danceing with the stars? I heard before election is that true?He is takeing a break cause the black states are gone now so he can forget these others.It isnt race that is the sadest part. It is getting that label and shouldnt. It is him!! He is not ready cause he is so out of touch with so much of America. I guess they arent in his view of his changed America. What happenes if he believes we dont need elections,constitution,congress? I dont trust him and wouldnt if he was green.So he can only use race to fit his needs so be it but that isnt what it is.

ep-ny (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:02 PM)

To Soldier not Blinded:

Republican Dwight Eisenhower started our involvement in South VietNam in the late 50's, or don't you read real history? Kennedy and Johnson merely escalated the mess Ike started. Just like the Bay of Pigs invasion that went bust because Kennedy showed too much deference for Ike and Ike's ill conceived Bay of Pigs invasion plan.

I was in the Army in the early 70's serving under that crooked commander in chief Nixxon. I understood what a crooked liar he was early on and I see the same crooked crowd disgracing the White House now. The only pity is that Bush/Cheney aren't getting the Impeachment With Dishonor treatment that Nixxon richly deserved and got.

I remember being told by the hawks that if South VietNam falls all of Southeast Asia will turn commie, the false domino theory. Now I hear the same lie that if we leave Iraq Al Qaeda will take over, yet we never hear any proof on how that nonsense could ever take place now that the Shiites are in control.

If you support this ill conceived and executed war in Iraq for oil and Bush/McCain then you only support the continued enslavement of our brave soldiers with the stop loss program.

Stop being blinded by republican revisionist history my fellow vet. There is only one candidate who will truly support the rights of our troops and vets and that is Barack Obama. He won't allow some young soldier to get killed on his 7th combat tour in Afghanistan the way the republican warmongers have two weeks ago because they forced this fine young man to cheat death too many times.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:02 PM)

Smart man, stupid questioners.

Linda Montgomery, AL (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:03 PM)

I'm soooo happy he's going to be our Next President!

Turning the page to brighter more hopeful future.

Emily, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:03 PM)

Very classy guy. Did anyone meet or greet Hillary?

ID,GA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:04 PM)

As Stephen Colbert is fond of saying "the market has spoken". Don't blame Obama for outspending "Bag Lady" Hillary by a 2-1 margin just because the smart money has been flowing to him in record amounts.

Be thankful that we have a Democratic candidate who will bury "Beggar" McCain with campaign cash.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:05 PM)

This guy has class. You won't catch him throwing kitchen sinks around. Notice how every week or two there's a story about "Which Hillary will we see today?" You don't see people asking which Obama will show up. He's been consistent from day one.

Just a guy, Cincy, OH (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:06 PM)

So you mean... a man such as this had a normal day? I gotta be honest, I did not expect him to go to his Senate office to meet with his Senate staff. In fact, I expected him to travel to the closest bar and get drunk.

I'm glad HRC and Obama didn't kill each other in brutal ways with box cutters and butchers knives. See, that's what I would have expected out of juveniles like them. I never expected them to actually shake hands, I thought they dreamt about the other tied to a chain being lowered into a cauldron of boiling tar.

[/sarcasm]

Can someone please explain why K.S. felt the need to report that two Senators acted professionally? And that a Senator went to his Senate office to meet with his Senate staff?

Niko Bellic (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:06 PM)

Good story Ken Strickland! Nice to see that mention of the excited school children for Obama. No such mention for the other side as our future generations know which candidate is the correct choice to help our future generations.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:07 PM)

As one who always thought Senator Clinton should have stayed in the race, I am now having second thoughts and wish she would end it all now.

She has committed the ultimate sin in politics: she has raised the issue in people's minds that Senator Obama, the likely nominee, and a fellow democrat, is not electable.

I can't think of anything more damaging she could have possibly said to hurt his chances in November.

No way do I want her on the ticket. No way. Of course, she'll feel it her duty to "rescue" him once the general election begins.

If it ever begins.

She's brutal.

Let's be clear here - she needn't stay in the race if she wants the VP slot. Everyone by now knows her strengths and weaknesses.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:08 PM)

Thanks patty,sd,ca for letting the truth slip that you are a republican. Your posts make sense now that you're just a clone of Lush Limburger marching to his orders of Operation Chaos.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:09 PM)

The class act of Barack Obama just keeps shining through as he takes the high road while others travel through the sewers.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:10 PM)

Obama and Clinton are polar opposites. Obama is a decent, supremely intelligent person. Every time he has a chance to attack Clinton, he takes the high road. Clinton, on the other hand, is a pandering, lying, scheming, race baiting, pathetic individual. Also, she is a deadbeat. She made 109 million dollars over a ten year period, and refuses to pay her campaign debts. It is a good sign for America that Obama is beating her. We need people like Obama in high office. After eight years of Slick Willie and all of his scandals, followed by eight years of bumbling Bush, Obama will be a refreshing change.

Obama in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none. Hey, Hillary, West Virginia is a small state. You said small states don't matter. Oh, I see, the small states Obama wins don't matter. Thanks for clearing that up.

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:10 PM)

Obama has class.....someone with less would have just laughed at her. She has none, is a liar, is deceitful, has no integrity, and has a great knack for spending $170M on a campaign AND losing AND being in $20M debt. Now that is management. Thanks for a chance at integrity, Obama.

C.Myles / Chincoteague, VA. (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:11 PM)

It would have been intersting if Hillary had handed him a copy of the memo mentioned in the last story.

David Kolva, MD Oswego/Syracuse, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:12 PM)

No chat with John McCain? Was he absent again? Meanwhile John is out talking a new line to get some votes. Sadly, after a political lifetime of voting nearly 100% for the republican agenda John will convince just like George Bush did. And look what we got with George. A compasionate conservative who expressed most of his compassion by voting for straight conservative agenda. So shall John McCain govern. Just another political con.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:13 PM)

It is an inevitable fact that Mrs. Clinton will win the most important state of this entire election cycle, West Virginia.

Despite the endless claims of Obama's drones the overwhelming, dignified, and resounding wins that Mrs. Clinton enjoyed in Florida and Michigan are proof positive that the Clinton juggernaut is a most formidable adversary indeed, as for the document that Mrs. Clinton allegedly signed that eliminated Michigan and Florida from the nominating process, I say to you, did you see her sign it? It is my belief that an imposter cleverly disguised as the good senator Clinton may have actually signed that document in an unscrupulous attempt to tarnish her platinum like reputation.

Her destiny is undeniable, her quest most glorious, her triumph most inevitable.

Van

Vanreutter NY,NY (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:14 PM)

Now that the Democratic primary math is known to most the mainstream media outlets, tonight's West Virginia primary results will only be of major discussions between Republican pundits and Hillary-surrogates. Both Republican pundits and Hillary-surrogates will try to make a big deal out of the West Virginia results.

If Hillary asks for more donations in her victory speech tonight, it will look so pathetic.

AJ, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:14 PM)

Vanreutter NY,NY (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:14 PM)

Clinton supporters are asking we Obama supporters to start saying some nice things about their candidate. So here goes. Hillary is tough. I'm about her age and I've had nothing but health problems for the last ten years. I can't imagine the rigors she has gone through during this campaign and rarely seems tired. Hillary is also very intelligent and she really tries to stay current on what's going on in the world. I notice that Hillary is pretty organized and capable. She has her sh*t together. She is obviously a good mom and has a close relationship with her daughter. That being said, I believe Obama is more of a candidate for today and it appears he will likely be our democratic nominee. He is a good guy. I hope all Hillary supporters will join us soon to get this very good democratic candidate in the white house. America has got to put a stop to the criminal activities of Bush and Co.(and McCain IS part of that bunch)

Bonnie (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:14 PM)

Obama can focus on the General Election. If you use the latest April General Election Polls per state, found on usaelectionpolls.com, Obama beats McCain by 277 to 242.

What is more interesting is that Obama’s 50 state campaign concept could be a landslide not only for the Democratic Presidential Candidate but for the Democratic Party.

Here is list of swing states that could go Democratic and the % lead by McCain.

Alaska – 5% - 3 Electoral Votes
Montana – 5% - 3 Electoral Votes
Nebraska – 3% - 5 Electoral Votes
Ohio – 2% - 20 Electoral Votes
South Carolina – 3% - 8 Electoral Votes
South Dakota – 4% - 3 Electoral Votes
Texas – 2% Yes, my Home State of Texas! 34 Electoral Votes

Virginia has an 8% spread and 13 Electoral Votes. the Obama campaign should be able to win it as well.
One things the polls don’t consider is all the Millennia Generation that only uses Cell phones. Based on their primary voting record they support Obama.

Obama’s choice of a Vice Presidential running mate could help him win these swing states. I feel it should be a woman, not Hillary, maybe someone who will give him the Latino Vote if he wants Texas. Hillary can’t guarantee her “white” base will vote for Obama.

Texas Vet. Dallas Texas (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:15 PM)

Usually, I don't believe in hitting a person who is
already down, but for anybody who is interested, check
out this:

www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0508/clintons_debt
.html

Apperently, if anybody is owed money by the Hillary
Clinton campaign they will need to go through the
company name--- not Hillary Clinton.

Bottom line, KY, OR, SD, Puerto Rico: make the Hill-
ary Clinton campaign pay using real money for any
service they need.

Obama '08

Kim M--AZ (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:16 PM)

Is this really news? Maybe if they hugged and Clinton put a "Kick Me" sign on Obama's back...

Carter, Jacksonville, FL (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:16 PM)

Sen. Obama is forever and always will be a gentleman, but there is no way in hell that these two will be on the same ticket together. Polar opposites for sure.

OBAMA, 2008!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:17 PM)

Being courteous and he has dignity. That's the qualities of a presidential candidate. Hillary could learn something from Obama.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:19 PM)

Of course! He must say that the party will be fine. He has to be positive and look at the glass half full.

In secret, he is probably fueled with anger just thinking that finally a non-white truly has a chance to be the next president, but Hillary just may deny it.

Not because she will take the nomination away, but because she is playing the role of the RNC right now.

Every speech she gives, and every interview her surrogates give, say the same thing. That Obama cannot beat McCain in November but she can. She did at one point say that Obama could not win the working class white voters, but now she does not use the word "white." This statement also says that Obama cannot win in November.

She is not looking out for the working class. By her continuing in the campaign, she is trying to position herself for future competitions.

The key word in that statement is "herself," not party unity, but "herself"

Ismael, Weslaco TX (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:19 PM)

i just love this guy he is smart and inteligent good for obama i always thank her mother and she is also watching over him, obama is bigger than what we think he is here at the right time right moment when we need to unite and when we need the new generation to take over this world

christine parry, dallas , tx (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:20 PM)

I think we will be fine,"

NO you won't be fine because the white, uneducated hicks won't vote for you Mr. Obama. We are bitter and come election day we'll sit at home with our bible and guns.

patty,sd,ca (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:20 PM)

fighting hillary is a fighter who fights for what she believes in and she’ll fight for us if she fights her way into the white house by winning her fight against the people who fight against the things that she fights for.

because of her fighting ability i know she will fight against every person and every nation that deserve to have a good fighter fight against them. she was a fighter in bosnia and she wanted to fight against iraq and she wants to fight against iran. face it, the woman is a fighter and we need a fighter to fight the good fight when there’s a fight to fight.

she fights the quixotic hopeless aimless destructive fight, but she fights, darn it. think about her shot and beer moment people....she’ll even fight....for your right....to parrrty.

aaargh…she’s making me crazy.

JP, milltown, nj (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:20 PM)

I am very impressed with Senator Obama. He has succefully stayed away from commenting on Senator Cliton's trying time (losing the democratic nomination). He has also been even more truthful with American citizens. On different occasions telling us that it will cost money to make America energy efficent. He is speaking to us like we are adults and is reaping the benefits for that.

Anthony Kinslow, Randallstown, Maryland (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:21 PM)

he's all class as compared to darth hillary

javier san antonio,tx (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:22 PM)

I hope that Obama is able to withstand the pressure to pick Clinton as VP. No more termites, Republican or Democrat, in the White House!

Dave, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:26 PM)

Its been over an hour since Obama's last superdelagate endorsement.... Aren't we soon due for another?

Robert, Boulder CO (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:26 PM)

The man is so Presidential!!

Obama '08

Rio, Milwaukee, WI (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:27 PM)

Obama in 08...With No Clinton On The Ticket! It's Complete Foolishness To Even Consider It! The Republicans Would Laugh Their Way To Victory With Her Even Close To Barack's Campaign! She's Venomous! It Wouldn't Be A "Dream Ticket" - It Would Be Our Worst "Nightmare!!!" Obama 08!!!

Mary, Manhattan, NYC (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 2:28 PM)

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