First Thoughts: Did HRC stay too long?

Posted: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:19 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Did Hillary stay in too long? Given the thud with which Clinton's RFK flub was received, it's starting to become clear that perhaps she erred in deciding to stay in the race this long. Imagine had she suspended her campaign and still won primaries. Wouldn't that have put her in an even stronger position than now? Obama hasn't run a campaign against her for the last few weeks and, in turn, it's helped Clinton prop up her personal standing. But wouldn't she be winning over the support of some in ObamaNation if she were sort of returning the favor by getting out and suspending the campaign? And that's the rub: At some point for her political future, she has to win back the support of Obama's supporters. And they don't seem to be very forgiving of her right now. The Clinton campaign may believe these folks are being irrational, but it's the state of play right now. It's interesting -- Clinton partisans are mad at a lot of folks, but Obama isn't at the top of the list. For Obama partisans, Clinton (or the Clintons) is at the top of their anger list. As for Clinton, she really hasn't given a good reason for staying in (versus suspending her candidacy while keeping her delegates) for any set of voters other than those folks in Michigan and Florida or for the folks in Puerto Rico. If she were in suspension mode, she could be focusing on legacy restoration. Instead, everything she says is viewed through the prism of angling for a longshot 1% chance at the nomination. Whatever the outcome at this point, Clinton's folks may wish they had suspended their candidacy a few weeks ago. In this case, short-term gain could end up being long-term political pain.

*** Go West, young men: In a few months, we may look back at the schedule this week and realize this was the first official week of the general election. Both McCain and Obama are spending time in battleground states this week. McCain was in New Mexico Monday and attends a town hall tomorrow in Nevada. Meanwhile, Obama also was in New Mexico yesterday and hits Nevada today and Colorado tomorrow. We know there have been whispers that McCain and Obama might travel the country together at some point; looks like the way this week is going, that might have already started. Speaking of the West, the Los Angeles Times has a great stat about the three big battlegrounds (CO, NV, and NM): Kerry lost those three states by a combined 127,000+ votes (just a hair more than his Ohio deficit) and the three states are worth a combined 19 electoral votes (one less than Ohio).

*** Pay no attention to this closed-press event... these aren’t the 'droids you’re looking for: Tonight, President Bush attends a fundraiser for McCain and the RNC in Phoenix. But the event is closed to the press, although McCain and Bush will stand in front of cameras for a photo-op at 9:00 pm ET, well after the nightly newscasts. Then in Utah tomorrow, Bush does two more closed-press fundraisers for McCain -- yet the Arizona senator won’t be in attendance for either one. These Bush fundraisers epitomize this fact: As much as McCain wants to separate himself from Bush (because of his 27% approval rating and Democrats eager to link the two together), McCain still needs the president (to help with fundraising and party stalwarts). President Bush -- you can’t live with him, you can’t live without him…

*** GI John: In his Memorial Day remarks from New Mexico yesterday, McCain addressed the differences he has with the Jim Webb-sponsored GI Bill that passed both the House and Senate overwhelmingly. McCain was respectful to Webb while explaining his problem with the measure (it would entice soldiers to leave the military earlier than necessary). It’s pretty remarkable that a week later, he’s still on the defensive about the bill. Perhaps the scathing New York Times editorial was motivation or perhaps it's grief he could be getting from many veterans groups who are more supportive of Webb's bill than McCain's alternative. But you can say this: No one can accuse McCain of trying to do what's political expedient -- something McCain himself continues to bring up when talking about this bill. McCain could have easily ignored the issue, but he chose to bring it up -- again, setting up what could be more uncomfortable press on this issue if President Bush follows through on his veto threat of the larger bill. By the way, by mentioning Webb in his remarks yesterday, was McCain unintentionally boosting the Virginia Senator's Dem veep standing?

*** Dictating the pace: By the way, in these early days of the general between McCain and Obama, one thing's been clear so far: McCain has controlled the issue debate. Just last night, McCain hit Obama over Iraq, focusing on an issue terrain he'd prefer to fight on rather than the economy. Obama fell into this trap a few times with Clinton during the primaries where it seemed Clinton dictated the issue terrain (think gas tax), even when Obama eventually won that argument with voters. Anyway, McCain offered to travel with Obama to Iraq. It would be an interesting decision if the two did travel together. However, the event would be pure politics, and it also would be a Secret Service and military nightmare. Does anyone in their right mind believe it would be a good idea for the two major nominees to fly into a war zone together?

*** It’s bracket time, baby: Today, MSNBC.com debuts the GOP veepstakes tournament. It's similar to the NCAA basketball tournament (or more appropriately, the NCAA baseball tournament, which begins this week: Go Canes and Longhorns... but we digress). We've picked 32 potential running mates and matched them up in a seeded tournament. You get to vote each week on all the match-ups, and the winners will advance each week with the winner being voted on in the first week of June.. To help explain the tournament, NBC's David Gregory and Chuck Todd do their best Dick Vitale and Clark Kellogg impressions and handicap each week's match-ups for your Web-viewing pleasure. Our favorite First Round match-ups: Meg Whitman (6 seed) vs. Kay Bailey Hutchison (3 seed) and Sarah Palin (4 seed) vs. Rob Portman (5 seed). Both Portman and Whitman get veep shout-outs today in David Brooks’ column. We'll debut the Dem tournament, well, shortly.

*** The delegate count: Over the Memorial Day weekend, Obama picked up six more superdelegates after state conventions in Georgia, Wyoming, Hawaii, and Alaska; Clinton, meanwhile, got one. Here are the counts: PLEDGED: Obama 1,647, Clinton 1,502; SUPERS: Obama, 315.5, Clinton 282.5; EDWARDS PLEDGED: Obama 12, Clinton 0; TOTAL: Obama 1,974.5, Clinton 1,784.5. Obama is 51.5 delegates away from the needed 2,026. Speaking of the delegate count, don't miss the weekend CW-setting poll in Montana showing Obama with a double-digit lead over Clinton. No new public polling in Puerto Rico or South Dakota just yet, but it appears safe to call Obama the favorite in South Dakota as well and Clinton the favorite in Puerto Rico.

*** On the trail: Clinton is in Montana, stopping in Pablo and Billings; McCain, before his fundraiser with Bush in Arizona, campaigns and raises money in Colorado; and Obama is in Las Vegas, where he has a discussion with working families. Also, Bill Clinton stumps in Puerto Rico.

Countdown to Puerto Rico: 5 days
Countdown to Montana, South Dakota: 7 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 161 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 238 days

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Comments

How can Hillary believe at this point she can steal the nomination away from Barack? Isn’t she toast by now? Does anybody still think she has a hope of becoming the VP nominee? I don’t. I keep touting Speaker Nancy Pelosi for VP nominee. I would not take any current Senator as the VP choice in order to maintain a majority position in the Senate. Governors Richardson and Sebelius are often mentioned, and I could live with either. I like Richardson because he will be great at bringing home Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and possibly Texas. Yes Texas. I think the Lone Star state is in play this year. You can have Ohio and Florida (PA and MI will go for Obama). I’ll take the west plus Texas.

Chuck, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:29 AM)

When is Hillary Clinton going to apologize (a real apology not a “if you misinterpreted what I said too bad for you”) to the Obama family. 5 days later and still nothing. She really is a monster.

Just Wondering (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:30 AM)

I cant wait to see their VP choices I hope McCain picks before Obama so Obama knows what hes going up against

britt, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:32 AM)

Heck yes Clinton has stayed too long. All she has accomplished is to get her name added to the list when historians debate who the most vile political figure of the twentieth century was: Nixon, Karl Rove, or Hillary Clinton.

Bob From McLean, VA (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:32 AM)

yes mccant would rather have Americans fighting and dieing in unnecessary wars than getting a good education and getting good jobs, now thats a platform to run on.

thats a fact jack (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:33 AM)

It's not a question of staying in or not. It is a question of honor, dignity, and respect in running for the highest governmental position in the United States. To that end, Senator Clinton has failed miserably. My only hope is that she hasn't done irreparable damage to the democrats, creating a situation whereby John McCain comes away in November, and continues to push the Bush policies.

Michael Huppman (Folsom, PA) (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:34 AM)

Puerto Rico doesn't even vote in the General Election does it?

Ron, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:36 AM)

Chuck and Domenico: Regarding your comment this morning on MSNBC (which is repeated in this piece) that Clinton's supporters don't blame Obama, but Obama's supporters are angry at the Clintons, I'd like to know how this squares with the polls. As you know, they have consistently shown that Clinton's voters are less likely to back Obama in the general than his voters are to back her. This seems contradictory in light of this statement.

Could you please clarify this in a follow-up post? Thanks!

GOPer4Obama (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:36 AM)

For your information.....It is NOT over. OBama can't win either, neither will get to the number needed without the suprer delegates.

I think Obama should step down for the good of the country.
He and his wife are so anti american he will never be elected in Nov.
I hope how soon Carl Rove releases the tape of Michelle Obama at WRights church snarling about all of us "Whiteys"

John Doe (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:36 AM)

I cant wait to see their VP choices I hope McCain picks before Obama so Obama knows what hes going up against
britt, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:32 AM)

----------------------

Yeah OBama is a follower NOT a leader. He couldn't do or say anything untill after HIllary did.

John Doe (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:37 AM)

Hillary Clinton has to face the fact that she assassinated her credibility long ago.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:38 AM)

More stupid Hillary hit pieces from the Obama News Network. Its not Hillary who needs Obama but the other way around. This lifelong Democrat would rather bath in manure than vote for Obama and I NEVER will!

TR (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:38 AM)

Here's an important piece of advice: If it looks like it's going to be McCain/Palin anyway (and that should be a "no brainer" for Team McCain), McCain should announce NOW or VERY SOON, rather than later towards the convention. There's currently a growing chorus for Obama/Hillary (as VP) ticket (in fact the Dems are likely aware of the Palin phenomenon). If the GOP waits while movement for Hillary as VP grows -- even worse until after it is solidified that Hillary will/could be VP pick -- selecting Palin will be portrayed by Dems/liberal media more as a reaction by GOP selecting its own female (overshawdoing Palin's own remarkable assets), rather than McCain taking the lead on this. Selecting Palin now or early (contrary to the punditocracy) will mean McCain will be seen as driving the course of this campaign overwhelmingly, and the DEMS will be seen as merely reacting. And, there's absoultely no down-side to this because even if Hillary is a no-go as VP for Obama, the GOP gains by acting early. McCain the maverick. Palin the maverick. Do it now!

There's no reason, and actually substantial negative, in McCain waiting to see what the Dems do first insofar as his picking Palin as VP, because, no matter who Obama picks, Palin is by far (and I mean far) the best pick for McCain and the GOP, especially in this time of GOP woes. The GOP can be seen as the party of real 'change' (albeit I hate that mantra, change, change, bla bla), while not really having to change from GOP core conservative values, which Palin more than represents.

In light of the current oil/energy situation, as well as the disaffected female Hillary voters situation, and growing focus on McCain's age and health, Palin is more than perfect -- now.

(Perhaps Team McCain is already on to this.)

Ted, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:38 AM)

Hillary is like having family come to stay; family comming to stay w/ you is like fish, it really stinks after a few days... Now she's back to the poor me routine, close to a primary ofcourse. People were telling huckbee to get out too, it has nothing to do with gender, it's time hillary aka Hillarbee.
Jacxie

jackieblu morris (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:39 AM)

Sadly, I believe the Clintons will take this fight to the convention. If that means possibly destroying the party's chances in Fall, that means little to them.

It is all about them.

Ivan, Washington, DC (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:39 AM)

Welcome back First Read:

Clair McCaskell has been an excellent surrogate, but would be hit with the inexperienced charge. Richardson, Daschle, and Nunn would be excellent choices. Pelosi comes across as too cold. Biden? Maybe, but he can be a bit of a loose cannon. One of the Virginia politicans, Webb, Kaine, Warner.

To MSNBC: I can finally watch First Read, leave your panel as it exists right now. That show is greatly improved now that Joe's sophomoric discourse is absent.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:39 AM)

Time to be pragmatic Hillary supporters. After reading some of the pro-Hillary posts over the past two weeks, there seems to be an underlying theme of either advancing the popular vote argument, the electoral vote argument, the electability argument, or "Obama stole the election". The fact remains that Hillary started with the most money, the best campaign infrastructure, the most superdelegates and the most support by party insiders. Despite the claim of so much support, she finds herself, through her own incompetence, to be $20 million in debt, behind in superdelegates, pledged delegates, and popular vote. (If you want to count Florida, fine. Michigan was not a fair election. And you cannot ignore caucus states).
The fact remains she is behind and not likely to win. Those are the facts.
Now how do Hillary supporters change the outcome? Threatening to vote for McCain is a non-starter. If these threats are perceived to have an effect on the election, and Obama loses, Hillary can forget about 2012, or even her senate seat. It is ludicrous to think the Reagan Democrats, the so-called white working class will support Hillary over McCain. By your own protestation, you've complained of rampant sexism; what makes you think those white working class Appalachian voters will embrace white woman over a white man? If they won't embrace Obama because of their biases (according to your argument) the chance of them supporting a woman over a man is equally far-fetched.
The next argument is the disaffected woman voters who feel "their chance" was stolen from them; so they will make a protest vote for McCain or not vote to "punish" the party. Say hello to inequalities of job salary, overturning Roe v Wade, tax rebates for the wealthy, and any political influence the Clintons have. Is that what you want? Really?
There is one viable option that will advance the cause of Hillary; but this must occur quickly. Assuming for a moment that everyone who voted for Hillary in the primary season is a true Hillary supporter (a HUGE assumption) then an internet push to get those Hillary voters to donate at least $2 per person will eliminate her campaign debt. With the strident views of these posters, that minimal financial support should be easy.
Anything short of that will brand this "advance Hillary, protest Obama" movement as just a cynical attempt by a minority of delusional Hillary fanatics, not to be taken seriously and thus ignored as we gear up for the general election.

Walt, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:43 AM)

"Anyway, McCain offered to travel with Obama to Iraq. It would be an interesting decision if the two did travel together."
************************

McCain is in no position to be offering to "educate" anyone on Iraq. He's completely clueless without his lifeline, Lieberman, whispering corrections in his ear.

Linda. Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:43 AM)

When is Hillary Clinton going to apologize (a real apology not a “if you misinterpreted what I said too bad for you”) to the Obama family. 5 days later and still nothing. She really is a monster.
**************************************************

When is Obama and Michelle going to apologize for the things they've said and?

Michelle calling us mean, and not being preoud if American untill her husband ran for president.

Obama for "STILL" being friends with a known U.S. terrorist, Ayers.
Obama for saying we small town people are racist against people who "look like us"

The OBama's are the monsters.

John Doe (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:43 AM)

Memo to Senator Hillary Clinton:

Perpetual victimhood is not Presidential.

Respect is earned, and you have worked diligently to lose mine. Your disrespect and dismissal of Senator Obama, and his supporters, has been constant, and your belligerent management style is ineffective and irritating.

Regardless of all the threats from you, your husband, and your supporters, you are indeed reaping what you have sown.

Your repeated inability to take any responsibilty for your actions is very sad and counterproductive. The thought of four more years of you and your husband passing the buck and blaming others for your mistakes is frankly depressing.

America does not owe you or your husband anything. You have been priviledged to command the stage for as long as you have, and you have truly abused that priviledge during this campaign. You have shown yourself to be a petty, vindictive, and self destructive figure. And for that you have nobody to blame but yourself.

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:44 AM)

MSNBC: Two quick things: (1) what about the additional PLEO delegate Obama picked up over the weekend in Alaska? (see demconwatch); (2) something interesting to note: Has anybody noticed the cool thing Obama pulled off the past few days? Although he only spent 1 day in Puerto Rico, he spent two days before that whooing FLA hispanics, and then Monday in NM. That's 4 out of 5 days with heavy spanish language news coverage (with one day off to substitute for Kennedy at Wesleyan) that will help him do some virtual campaigning in PR and at the same time get national press for visiting swing states like FLA and NM. Pretty good.

Geoff in Brooklyn (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:45 AM)

Britt, I hope McBush picks first too. I just don't see how the Republicans pulls this off this year.

The only way they can is if the Dems don't unite.

McBush tough on a foreign policy that is a disaster.
How does the media say this is his strong part?

Someone needs to sit him down and stop him from screaming at the teleprompter.

If he is so darn tough on Military Policy, why did he not sign the GI Bill? People are idiots for voting for him. How can he be a veteran and not support a veteran bill?

Michelle Zee (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:45 AM)

Agreed...the Clinton Campaign would be in better position had they suspended the campaign especially after the RFK moment which landed like a turd in a punchbowl. So, what's the argument...I'm in it because the other guy might die?

Look, I'm not going to be stupid enough to suggest that she's advocating assassination but you just don't go there.

----------------------------------------

Nice try, McFlipflop...if you close the fundraisers to the press maybe they won't think you're getting all buddy-buddy with Dub!

Yeah, that ought to work!

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:46 AM)

NOTICE!!! Hillary Clinton is DONE.
Anything she does is a complete waste of time at this point. She can only further degrade a political future when she returns to the Senate.
Personally I would love to see her AND her husband pack up the truck and head back to Arkansas.
I dont have anything against women, womanizers, or hillbillies in general.
The fact is the pall the Clintons have left on the White House and politics in general will hang like a dark cloud over the Democratic Party for years to come.
Please, please, please.... go home.

Tired Dem. OKC (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:46 AM)

I do think Hillary has stayed too long, although she can't see that and might never take responsibility for what she's done to the party. Her litany of gaffes ("hardworking whites" and "assassination") in the past few weeks have probably permanently divided the party. Unfortunately, responsibility for those gaffes is unfairly being placed on Obama, and Hillary's supporters have pledged not to vote for him. As Hillary has done nothing to renounce and reject those sentiments, Obama goes into the general election having to find a way to win without white female voters.

I hope at some point MSNBC will examine DNC leadership--or lack thereof--this primary season. Its lack of leadership has allowed the campaign to drag on in ways from which the party will never recover. It should not allow Hillary to seek to change the sanctions on FL and MI, for example, as her arguments have already made representatives of those states throw down the gauntlet against voting for Democrats in November.

Really, this is all just so sad. Hillary's spin will be self-aggrandizing, of course, but history will show that the Democrats lost when Hillary took a rule-or-ruin approach to her final days in the Democratic Primary.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:46 AM)

The answer: YES, YES, YES !!

'...They are known, in brief, as: Monica Lewinsky, Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers, Whitewater, the White House travel office firings, White House coffees and Lincoln bedroom stays for donors, FBI background files on Republicans, missing documents and the presidential pardon of a fugitive friend....'

From MSNBC:

'...Is the era of big Clintons set to end?

Soon, there may be no Clinton running for president or about to

updated 2:13 a.m. PT, Tues., May. 27, 2008

WASHINGTON - There's been a Clinton running for the White House or living in it for approximately forever.

Bill, it could be said, was born to run. Running became Hillary's destiny, too.

One quarter of Americans have never known life without a Clinton trying for or having the presidency. Millions have gone from diapers to diplomas in the time of the Clintons.

When Hillary Rodham Clinton finally exits the 2008 Democratic presidential race, she will end a decades-long, power-couple streak of unique political energy, savvy ideas, colossal policy flops and raw ambition dressed in pants suits and briefs, not boxers.

"Every day is an adventure," Bill said cheerfully at the start of it all. And how.

By now, the Clintons have been assigned mystical qualities of perseverance. The notion that the adventure is over is almost beyond comprehension.

"I never quit," she says. "I never give up."

Making history
Even in defeat, Hillary Clinton has made history as the first woman favored for a major party presidential nomination — the first with a real shot at the presidency.

She's gotten more than 17 million votes in her own right this year, enticingly close to the number won by Barack Obama, who is making history, too, because he's black.

With her cachet, not to mention her job in the Senate, Clinton won't drift far from the nation's consciousness. (Nor is Bill likely to get out of the country's face.)

"Whatever else you might say about them, they have contributed to substantive dialogue and policy," says Mary Matalin, a Clinton-era Republican strategist. "Hats off to them substantively.

"They're really kind of giants in this world."

In the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaign years, Hillary Clinton, now 60, will still be younger than the Republican candidate, John McCain, is now. Meantime, she could become a powerhouse senator in the manner of the stricken Edward M. Kennedy. Or a Supreme Court justice. Or Obama's running mate.

Soon, though, there will be no Clinton running for president or about to. Imagine that.

Clinton I
Dial back to Bill Clinton's two terms and a few big achievements and various smaller ones stand out: unsurpassed economic growth, a balanced budget, welfare reform, free trade, a Middle East peace agreement, gun control, more money for police on the street, the first Cabinet without white men in the majority.

Here was a man who could wear people out talking about the fine points of policy while owning up to his choice of underwear.

Another legacy was the transcendent His and Hers failure: universal health care. The complex, secretively drawn plan to achieve that goal was sent to and killed by a Democratic Congress, no less.

And there were the scandals, His and Hers.

They are known, in brief, as: Monica Lewinsky, Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers, Whitewater, the White House travel office firings, White House coffees and Lincoln bedroom stays for donors, FBI background files on Republicans, missing documents and the presidential pardon of a fugitive friend.

The episodes involving women were his. Most of the others were theirs or hers.

Scene from a 'funeral'
In January 2001, shortly before George W. Bush was sworn in, some of the Clintons' fiercest critics from the right gathered in a Washington hotel to feast on filet mignon, salmon and sour grapes.

"It's our way of celebrating the fumigation of Washington," said L. Brent Bozell III, host of the "funeral" for the Clinton years.

"I've never seen a back I've found more attractive," said Robert Bork, the scuttled Supreme Court nominee, meaning Bill Clinton's back when he left town.

Bozell amended the Lord's Prayer to say of Mrs. Clinton: "Her socialist agenda got runneth over." And the Rev. Jerry Falwell gave the invocation, thanking God "a new wind is blowing."

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:46 AM)

Clinton's BEST CASE is winning the battle and loosing the war. And SHE may think WE are irrational, but we have the math on our side and think she is clearly delusional (and power-hungry, Machiavellian, dishonest, untrustworthy, inconsistent, scary, two-faced, and a few other things).

She tried every which way to win, and hasn't found the way yet. She lost me when she made her path to win--trying to make Obama unelectable. She lost me then and she's never getting me back. And it has nothing to do with her gender either.

Lisa, New Britain, CT 06053 Obama our NEXT President (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:46 AM)

Our former President Bill Clinton indicated yesterday 'Hillary or no democrat'. If she drives the last nail and takes it to the convention, it will be truly sad.

DNC is financially broke (only $4mil cash on hand) Hillary is even more broke. Is Obama is the only one who can manage his finances and campaign?

Can anyone help Barack to put this circus to bed so he can get on with the real campaign issues?

ELM in Florida (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:48 AM)

In the movie Solient Green starring Charlton Heston people survived by unknowingly eating other "processed people" In Solient Clinton.... Hillary is knowingly eating "brain processed" people in order to survive. It is also unbelievable but then again truly believable considering the source that Hillary is hoping for that "long shot" that would mortally remove her opponent. Makes me wonder about her supporters. It would be a deathwish for Obama to bring her on board as VP.

garyd, amherst, nh (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:48 AM)

Yes, HRC stayed in too long. Her last flap will cost her more than the presidency.
A Dissertation on Disillusionment: http://blakeneven.blogspot.com

Blake, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:48 AM)

Yes, this vile hack stayed in too long, surrounded herself with the scum of the earth (Penn, Green, her husband, etc.) and demonstrated that nothing is beneath her in her quest to get the nomination (playing the people of W. Va. and Kentucky like a banjo, making wildly impossible promises to the people of Puerto Rico). Obama/McCain offers us a choice for something we have not had for many years - a presidential election between two decent candidates, with a hope of honest dialog on the issues. Bye Hillary, don't forget to take all those NY elitist advisors of yours with you.

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:48 AM)

A well written First Read!! Days off do help!!. So much to respond to...So a comment or two about what "Turn the Page" means.
1. Bill should tell Hillary, "It's time to go home now, the party is over."
2. MSNBC will dismiss their bigoted and racist, Pat Buchanan.
3. McOld will pick Romney and straight talk will become flip-flop talk.
4. Obama will pass over Hillary for the VP and take his time picking a running mate. There are so many to pick from.
5. Obama will end the war.
Again, well written First read.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:50 AM)

Let's see, will you be waiting for a Dem nominee to debut the Dem. bracket ????? ROFL

I think its just been a bit distracting for Obama in the past few days...he did engage (appropriately) with McCain around the time of the GI bill vote and on the appeasement comments before that. But he also has filled in for Ted (at Wesleyan) and is still primary-campaigning in the three remaining venues. Plus he has Clinton still as a spoiler. Actually both Clintons. So I suspect he may just need to regroup. There is still time to engage McCain on other issues before Nov.

Lisa, New Britain, CT 06053 Obama our NEXT President (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:50 AM)

MSNBC is much more pro-Obama than FOX ever was pro-Bush.

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:52 AM)

"And that's the rub: At some point for her political future, she has to win back the support of Obama's supporters."

Are you serious? She has her own supporters and the elitist is going to need them if he's going to be president. She has nothing to lose and everything to gain. hee hee November will be fun - GO WAR HEROS!!!

Jean Doe (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:52 AM)

Wow, I can't believe the hate filled posts from Obamanation. This is Obama he hasn't won this thing by a landslide you know. There has been too much finger pointing and whining on the part of the Obama campaign. Can you imagine how the Obama campaing would be acting if they were slightly behind like Hillary? I highly doubt Obamanation would step down without recounts in Florida and Michigan if they were in Clinton's shoes. The Obama camp would be outraged at the DNC and the whining would be at an all time high if the tables were turned. So back off and let the process play itself out. And your right I don't think Clinton supporters are mad at Obama, but we are tired of the anger from fanatical Obama supporters and his campaign staff.

Stacey, St. Louis (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:52 AM)

All of you can hold your breath waiting for HRC's apology. I refuse to turn "blue" for her (and there's an irony in that turn of phrase, I was thinking respiratory blue) as CLINTONS DON'T APOLOGIZE. Being a Clinton means never having to say you're sorry.

Lisa, New Britain, CT 06053 Obama our NEXT President (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:52 AM)

John Doe,

Just once, can you present an intelligent argument to support your laughable conclusions?

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:52 AM)

Hillary is as detestible as ever. I hope her big mouth finally eliminated her from any vice presidential consideration. She is pure, unadulterated evil.

Bob in Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:53 AM)

Who would think that Obama and McCain going to Iraq at the same time is a good idea? Oh I don't know, maybe Hillary. She's the only one I can think of who would support the idea.

Susan (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:53 AM)

Hillary will stay until her hard working supporters work a little harder to pay off her $31 million of debt. After her family vacation in Puerto Rico, a state that can't even vote in November, they're going to have to work a little harder.

http://infogiant.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/clinton-begs-superdelegates-to-allow-her-to-stay-in-the-race/

http://infogiant.wordpress.com/2008/05/23/clinton-mentions-a-possible-assassination-as-a-reason-to-stay-in-the-race/

infogiant, austin, tx (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:54 AM)

to long?....fighting makes her look more like what she is...power mad....she could careless about the Democratic Party;the people...Power is the need and fighting for it is the only solution...Kinda reminds me of a lunatic....
Where is the love?

BJ, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:56 AM)

Yes, rather than help bolster her political party, Hillary has opted to continue a vanity campaign.

As Barack Obama's popularity has continualy increased through his campaign, Hillary has lost many of her supporters due to her and Bill Clinton's unacceptable remarks.

Hillary can not lay claim to being the stronger candidate at this stage.

N.E BodybutHillary (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:57 AM)

JOhn Doe, you must be one of those small minded trolls
who keep popping up here with hatred in your heart.

All you try to do is stir the pot, go vote for McCain, you and others of your ilk deserve each other.

If you grew up black in this country as Michelle did, its a good bet, with your mind set, you'd be a lot more bitter. For the first time since RFK was murdered, I too, am proud to be an American.... a white over sixty female supporter of Obama.

How dare you call them monsters!!

gmhussein, Jupiter, Fl (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:57 AM)

Obama took a lot of heat over his "bitter" remarks. So why is everyone in the press giving HRC the benefit of the doubt in invoking the RFK assassination? Chalking it up to her being "tired". She is tired! And she was also tired when she lied about being under sniper fire in Bosnia and making up the story of the woman giving birth and later dying because the hospital refused to treat her because she didn't have healthcare.

Carla Delray Beach, FL (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:58 AM)

John Doe (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:43 AM)

When is Obama and Michelle going to apologize for the things they've said and?

Michelle calling us mean, and not being preoud if American untill her husband ran for president.

Obama for "STILL" being friends with a known U.S. terrorist, Ayers.
Obama for saying we small town people are racist against people who "look like us"

The OBama's are the monsters.
------------------------------------------------

This from someone who doesn't have the sack to identfy himself/herself.

Anthony, ATL GA (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:58 AM)

I doubt Hillary Clinton will get the nomination and when she returns to the Senate, it doesn't sound like she will have to do in the Senate either.

Congrats to the Syracuse Lacrosse team for winning the men's NCAA championship......
Another thing to add to Hillary Clinton's experience list.....

Obama's biggest problem right now is his wife; she just looks as mean and nasty as Hillary does.....

Obama's tax policies means that a couple making over $100,000 a year will have to pay $5160 a year extra in taxes. So much for the economy in the Obama White House. Obama can never hide the fact that he is just another typical tax and spend liberal.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:59 AM)

EAT IT John Doe!!!

Neither Obama nor Clinton can win without the SD's but there is NO WAY Clinton will win over enough SD's for the nomination so yes, the nomination is over. Hillary Clinton is by far the single most vile humanoid ever to walk the planet. She is an absolute embarassment to the human race.

Also, go ahead an continue to perpetuate lies about Obama (i.e. Michelle not being proud of America, Obama being a Muslim, Obama supporting Bill Ayers, etc.). At least Obama didn't advocate for the assassination of a major presidential candidate.

Hillary Clinton should not only drop out now, she should quit her Senate seat as well. She is an absolute embarassment.

Patrick, Indianapolis (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:59 AM)

Just how close does a primary election have to be to justify holding the last primary in the series?

Has Clinton stayed too long?....how absurd. It is quite likely that when the chips all come to rest she will actuall have teh popular vote lead and the passage of time will have established significant demographic patterns.

Obama will be the nominee because Centrist Democrats like me have been ignored as we are not like the proverbial squeeking wheels. That will change and when we vote for the centrist candidate, John McCain in droves.

Campdog (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:59 AM)

Don't worry we won't let "Bush Hugger" McCain get away with hiding from the media when he campaigns or fundraises with "Warmonger" Bush in secret. Just goes to show that the Double Talk Express is full of bull when it comes to saying he would be a more open and transparent President. That's nothing but more pandering lies.

Personally I find it so hilarious that "Warmonger" Bush can't campaign or fundraise in public. It is so satisfying to know he's Enemy Number 1 to the majority of voters in this country.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 27, 2008 10:00 AM)

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