First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Canadian — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:24:24 GMT

***Important Question

You know what I do not understand but would appreciate someone explaining this to me –Sen. Clinton wins in West Virginia by 41% (final total = 67% Clinton and 26% Obama)
YET ---the very next day the media is calling for her to step down. WHY?

It seems as though whenever she wins a state --the media spins this into their own sort of contorted facts to suit the candidate of THEIR CHOICE --Sen. Obama.

So I would appreciate it if someone out there can explain the clear bias. Is it because she is a woman? As a Canadian, it is extremely disturbing to see how clearly unbalanced the media had become in this election and makes me thankful that I am a Canadian.

Does the news media in the U.S. really think this little of the American people that they cannot choose for themselves a candidate who is more qualified and experienced to be the President, based on specific ‘qualifications’ –and NOT rhetoric of empty promises?

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:25:20 GMT

All baseball fans know a thing or two about magic numbers. The regular season is just about over. Despite how poorly your team may be playing down the stretch, despite how many wins your opponents start racking up, math is still math. First place is secure. Just running out the calendar now. We’re still playing every game, we’re still playing all 9 innings, however, our hearts and minds are looking towards the future. After months and months of hard work and preparation, after a lot of both jubilation and heartache a long the way, we made it to the finals.

It’s a whole new season now. Time to put together a new game plan.. Everyone is rested, the rotation is set. Just two teams left.

Here’s looking towards winning it all. One state at a time.

P.S. Congratulations John Lester.

Obama/Webb 2008.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Chuck, NY — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:25:27 GMT

DEM leadership needs to start protecting Obama, like McShame has already received from neo-con & wingnuts everywhere. The party of the bad brand name, like HRC, will not go away.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Milo Otis, Bridgeport Ohio — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:26:25 GMT

The entire Democratic primary has been one huge tee ball game. It gives new meaning to the phrase hire the handicapped because they are funny to watch.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Rightwing Taxpayer — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:28:23 GMT

All right Obama-nuts, time for us rightwingers to go to work so we can pay our taxes so you leftwingers can collect unemployment/welfare and post on blogs all day.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

True American — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:29:41 GMT

MSNBC why are you stil misleading voters. MI and FL are not going to count as is so Clinton's claim to the popular vote is an outright lie no matter how you corporate lackeys try to spin it. Shame on you Chuck Todd.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Pa voter — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:29:50 GMT

***************************************
If Sem. Obama loses KY by huge numbers
---Huston, you have a problem!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Cherie KC MO — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:32:02 GMT

Well tonight should tell the story and Obama will have the majority of pledged delegates and I am sure the superdelegates will follow. It is time we all come together, forget our differences and focus on McCain. We owe it to our children to get out of this awful war, get healthcare, etc. I am a w/f who is over 50 so I understand the women who are upset but there will be another woman or Hillary will run later. It was a fair campaign although I thought Hillary was a bit nasty at times. Oh well, it happens.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:32:17 GMT

Tonight is the night that Obama seals the deal with the superdelegates as he wins over half the pledged delegates, has won more states and territories, and has the most popular votes. Until Florida and Michigan are seated somehow they don't count for squat as they illegally jumped the gun on their election dates.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Ron, TX — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:34:08 GMT

The political games Clinton plays are so laughable. How can you claim to count Michigan and Florida, but NOT count the uncommitted anti-Hillary vote in Michigan? That's absurd. She wants "every voice heard" except those that voted for someone else!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

America for Obama — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:34:45 GMT

Hillary deserves alot of praise! She fought to the end!
We really doubt Obama will choose her as his running mate! Maybe John Edwards!!!!

Clinton is still a winner!! At least in my books!!!

-------------
http://www.MyObamaStore.com ( Coupon: Obama-X2Y9-10 - 60% Off)

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Nashville_fan — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:34:57 GMT

It is literally making me CRAZY that the media is playing along with the Clintons "popular vote" narrative wich COMPLETELY DISCOUNTS the caucus states (not even going there on the Michigan/Florida thing - aaaarrrrggghhh).

PLEASE STOP PRETENDING that the "POPULAR VOTE" is a FAIR COMPARISON when SEVERAL STATES that Senator Obama WON didn't even HAVE a popular vote total because they CAUCUSED!

JEEZ! This is really getting RIDICULOUS!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

sotiredofignorance — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:37:35 GMT

Yes, it is time to ignore Clinton. She is a has-been. Do her fundraising numbers include the massive debt she has incurred?

Glad to see Senator Obama moving on to the general. Past time for it to happen. No matter how Clinton wants to skew the math in her favor, this is just over.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Pat Huntington NY — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:38:09 GMT

I would love for someone to show me a state by state electoral college poll showing how Obama and Clinton fair against McCain on the electoral college map. If someone has a link for that, I would be interested seeing it. Why do I ask this question? Because Obama is winning the nomination with states he will never get in the general election, and two big states that would make a difference - Mich. and Florida - are not being considered. If they were considered at an earlier stage, Obama would not be the nominee...Hillary would be, because unlike Obama, she has broad based support - Obama's support, well, we all know where that mostly comes from and there are not enough AA's in the nation to help him nationally.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Tim R., GR, MI — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:38:43 GMT

Couple of math points there, guys.

First, this:

"In those 18 states where the population ranges from 4%-16%, Obama won 8, while Clinton won 11."

Seems like that would be 19 contests... unless Texas is counting in this group and counting as a win for each of them... but if that is the case, you might want to say so.

Second, this:

"Per the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division, nearly 728,000 ballots (about 36% of the vote) have been received by May 18."

Until the polls close, neither you nor they have any idea of the percentage of the ultimate vote these ballots represent. At the very least, you should provide a caveat for this by saying "x percent of the expected vote turnout."

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:39:08 GMT

"Insignificant" Hillary will win a meaningless victory tonight in Kentucky while suffering yet another meaningful loss. With Obama virtually ignoring her why can't she steal away a state he's favored in?

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:39:33 GMT

The Clinton campaign, with its mantra of not disenfranchising voters, is saying a majority of pledged delegates won via primaries and caucuses is only a symbolic milestone?

There seems to be a break in logic here. Go figure.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

MSierra, SF — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:40:34 GMT

'...What’s notable about the suggestion that Solis
Doyle could join Obama’s campaign is how early it
comes. Clinton declared Monday that the campaign is
“nowhere near over” and her loyal staff and supporters
continue to reject the widespread assumption that her
campaign has no chance of winning. That Solis Doyle is
considering a job suggests otherwise...'

Leaving a sinking ship ?

Hillary's friend and ex-campaign manager....

From Huff Post:

'...Top Hillarylander mulls Obama job

By BEN SMITH | 5/19/08 1:31 PM EST Text Size:

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s former campaign manager and
confidante, Patti Solis Doyle, and Sen. Barack Obama’s
top adviser have informally discussed the former
Clintonite’s going to work for the Obama campaign in
the general election.

Solis Doyle’s possible hiring is a major breach not
just in Clinton’s campaign but in the political
universe known as “Hillaryland,” a term Solis Doyle
reportedly coined after joining the Clintons in 1991
as the first lady's personal scheduler. She was forced
out of Hillary Clinton’s campaign in February amid
internal criticism about her spending practices and
preparation for upcoming contests.

“I’ve talked to Patti throughout. I know that she
wants to be helpful in a general election campaign,
and we appreciate that,” Obama’s chief strategist,
David Axelrod told Politico, declining directly to
answer the question of whether he and Solis Doyle had
discussed her working for the campaign.

Other Democrats familiar with their conversations said
there had been informal discussions of Solis Doyle
going to work for Obama after the primary formally
draws to a close.

“If Barack Obama’s the nominee, I’ll do everything I
can to get him elected,” Solis Doyle told Politico.

Solis Doyle, a Chicago native whose brother is an
alderman there, has known Axelrod even longer than
she’s known the Clintons. Both said they’d talked
frequently through the course of the campaign. Solis
Doyle said there had been “no real conversations”
about a job, but didn’t deny the subject had been
broached.

Campaigns often draw from one another’s staff after a
primary ends, a move driven both by the greater
demands of a general election and by the desire to
unite the party.

“I expect a lot of people from the losing campaign to
go to the winning campaign, and I think that’s a good
idea — it’s part of the process of healing,” said Bob
Shrum, who was a key adviser to John Kerry in 2004.
“The way the Obama campaign runs, I think people will
be integrated fairly easily.”

What’s notable about the suggestion that Solis Doyle
could join Obama’s campaign is how early it comes.
Clinton declared Monday that the campaign is “nowhere
near over” and her loyal staff and supporters continue
to reject the widespread assumption that her campaign
has no chance of winning. That Solis Doyle is
considering a job suggests otherwise.

There has, of course, been extensive speculation about
which Clinton aides might make their way to Obama’s
camp. Like Solis Doyle, top adviser Howard Wolfson is
close to Axelrod, though there’s no indication that
he’d consider a job.

"I intend to be working in the general election for
Sen. Clinton," said Wolfson. "I find any other
speculation offensive."

Obama’s campaign has also advertised for jobs in its
communications office, and other Democratic operatives
said he might look to hire some of Clinton’s field
staffers for the general election campaign and to pick
up fundraising staffers whose networks of wealthy
donors could augment Obama’s formidable money machine.

Solis Doyle, for her part, would be unlikely to join
the campaign in the kind of managerial role she filled
for Clinton. She was forced out amid criticisms of the
campaign’s management and criticized for having been
chosen more for loyalty than for managerial
experience. And Obama’s campaign is notable for its
relatively simple organizational chart, with Axelrod
and campaign manager David Plouffe clearly at the
reins.

Solis Doyle, however, could also bring long
relationships with many Latino lawmakers and
officials, a valuable commodity since Hispanics will
be a crucial constituency in the general election.

“Obviously, when this thing is done, we’re going to
want to bring talented people from all over the party
into the fold here,” said Axelrod. “We’re not there
yet.”

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Marihelen — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:43:57 GMT

Chuck, regarding the "50 delegate" goal for Obama you mentioned in the column and on air, what do you think are the chances he will actually reach this goal? My thoughts are he won't hit it, since recent polling in Oregon doesn't seem that great; but then again, they've been voting by mail for awhile.

Also, do you think the results would be much different if Obama had campaigned in Kentucky and West Virginia? How badly did his letting up at the end of the game hurt him?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on air.

Thanks and keep up the great work. Hope you don't have to stay until Oregon is called; it sounds like you might all need a lot of caffeine!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Molly — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:45:25 GMT

KEEP FIGHTING HILLAR MILLIONS SUPPORT AND VOTE FOR YOU

Hillary Clinton is the strongest candidate to beat McCain - Obama is the WEAK candiate!
Obama says - I've won - I'm Close
Hillary says I'v won the Popular Vote - and she has!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Republicans for Obama — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:45:35 GMT

Republicans for Obama 08

Sen. Clinton you have run a strong, hard fought race. Unfortunately, you and your campaign ignored the small states and caucuses for the first half of the campaign and it cost you the Democratic Nomination.

There is not a politician alive on this planet that will take the nomination from Sen. Obama after the people have given him the most ELECTED DELEGATES. I realize that you want to count Michigan and with this you can take all the votes for your mythical popular vote title. The superdelegates are not listening. The Superdelegates honestly don't count Puerto Rico becuase they are not American citizens and can't vote in the General Election. You will win Kentucky because Obama did not campaign there. Obama is focused on the General election as he should be and as you would be if the roles were reveresed. Honestly, Sen. Clinton, if you were any other democrat, this primary would have ended a month ago when it was proven you could not catch up in delegates. And YES, delegates are how we select a Democratic Nominee, not popular vote, big states, blue states are what ever the moving metric is. Michigan and Florida will and should be seated but they will not get all their delegates or they will not be seated as the primary voters said because you and Obama and all others agreed these two states didn't count. Sen. Clinton, these are your words.

If you are a democract, which some are questioning, it is time for you to try the high road. You are not more electable or you would be ahead right now. IT is silly as saying the person who won the silver medal in the 100 meter sprint is faster than the person who won the gold.

Sen. Clinton, this is not personal, it is politics. You and President Clinton know this. We are all curious about your motivation right now and we are watching. Therefore, congratulations on your unhindered Kentucky win and Puerto Rico if you stay in. However, that will be the end of the victories. Obama will win Oregon, S. Dakota, and Montana and rightly will be the best Democratic Presidential Nominee in years. I would have not voted for you or McCain. I say this not out of hate or dislike but rather inspiration and belief that you are McSame could really help me, my small state or my family. I don't fit into your demographic accept that I am a working class white male of 40 years old. Senator Clinton it is time to be the leader you state and unite this party for Victory in November.

Congratulations to Senator Obama and the Obama Campaign for Change.

This white Republican from a small Red State will be voting for as will my 31 family members. By the way McSame, we are all Republicans that are defecting from the RNC to the DNC.

Republicans for Obama
McSame = 3rd Bush Term

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Lyn,MD — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:47:16 GMT

Today began with Michigan super, Eric Coleman, stepping up for Obama.

Michigan Democratic superdelegate Eric Coleman has endorsed Barack Obama for president.

karpaty lviv's diary :: ::
The Oakland County commissioner issued a statement Tuesday saying he met with Obama during the Illinois U.S. senator's visit to Warren last Wednesday.

http://www.detnews.com/...

Earlier, a bit before midnight, another super, Iowa DNC chair, Scott Brennan, also endorsed Obama.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

jackieblu morris everett, wa — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:49:24 GMT

Wait for me, what about me, it's all about me isn't?
Hillary aka Hillarbee enough already... Know when to hold em - know when to fold em,(that should be a song) you know it's a judgment thing. Thats not your strong suit though, is it now. How's that gas tax holiday comming along, Memorial days about two weeks from today. jackieblu

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:50:08 GMT

The yet undeclared Super Delegates will have no choice but to endorse Obama immediately after he wins more then half the Pledged Delegates tonight. They are not going to go against the will of the people.

Prediction - watch for endorsements from some heavy
Superdelegates (in name and number) come out for Obama on Wednesday.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Linda. Boston, MA — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:51:32 GMT

"And adding Michigan but not “uncommitted,” Clinton leads by 48,462 (16,782,315 to 16,733,853). But do note that the “uncommitted” vote was 238,168."
***************************

First of all, the popular vote is not how the Democratic nominee is decided - and it never has been. That the popular vote means anything is a myth that the Clinton campaign has created (and that, in the interest of controversy, the MSM has been all too happy to propagate). Second of all, it's absolutely ludicrous to think that NO ONE in MI wanted to vote for Obama. I mean, Hillary is bragging about winning a state in which she ran unopposed (and still didn't win by much). Her supporters love to argue that "Obama chose to take his name off the ballot," and so therefore he deserves to get ZERO votes, but they are completely ignoring the fact that he (and Edwards) only did that because they were told it would not count. If you want a fair split of MI, then give Obama the uncommitted, since almost all of those votes would have been for him or Edwards (whose delegates have now gone to Obama anyway). And if you do that, Obama is still ahead of Hillary by a comfortable margin. Her only chance to catch up would be to include the popular votes of a region who doesn't even get to vote in the general election, which is equally ludicrous.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Rick, NC — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:51:43 GMT

This statement is in my opinion why the democratic party has so much trouble with most of America.

"Everyone’s a winner: Much like a children’s soccer or Tee Ball game, tonight’s contests in Kentucky (which Clinton is expected to win big) and Oregon (ditto for Obama) are going to allow everyone to walk out a winner"

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Cindy Lou, TX — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:51:47 GMT

I'm glad everyone wins tonight. I'm especially glad about Obama's milestone. He's earned it.

Obama's win will also have to change the narrative about his appeal to "hardworking whites" since I'm sure voters in Oregon (which is over 90 percent white) consider themselves hardworking, too. Maybe the media will have a more honest discussion about the impact of race, since exit polls in WV (and probably KY) will show that voters there don't want to vote for a black man. Obama can't do anything about that, whether he campaigns harder in those states or not, so maybe the MSM will stop criticizing him and recognize he's putting his time and money into places where voters are voting on substance, not the color of his skin.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

twocanpete — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:52:07 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Everyone's a winner alright, we can only vote for the B-Team.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Jerry Eaton Sioux City Iowa — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:53:35 GMT

Obama's comment in San Francisco that essentially labeled a large segment of the population weak-minded will take on a much larger role in the general election. As will his smarmy, cocky, and dismissive attitude toward the those he labels weak-minded and also toward women.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Lily Bell, Pensaacola, FL — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:55:01 GMT

Hillary needs to get OUT! She is sounding and looking hysterical and manic and just needs to give up while she has a shred of dignity. She is making a fool of herself. If Obama was in the same situation, she would be insisting that he give up for the good of their party. She has thought since 2004, if not before, that the nomination was hers on a silver platter. Now that she has lost, she is having trouble dealing with it...she is shell-shocked. Some president she would make, huh, if she can't deal with reality!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

The - Democrat Soldier — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:56:12 GMT

It's interesting that Hillary Clinton can send a memo to Barack Obama telling him not to claim victory but mathimatically he has won and she has no chance of catching up. And, then in the same breath talk about how she has the most popular votes and how counting FL & MI need to be factored in so she can cling on to things that really doesn't have sustain. Yet, she wants Barack Obama to just overlook his success and the ulimate possibilty that he is the nominee, just so she can continue her charades. Amazing, she actually think ..she's running this and people should do what she wants.

For John McCain ..the only clemmer of hope John McCain has to gain some support is "fear" that some Americans may still have in their hearts. SO, he going to pick with Barack Obama on not so important foreign issues (cuba?)and hope he continues to response ...just so he can have "talking points" even if they don't make any sense or are no different that George Bush's policy. I am sure Barack Obama is not going to continue this BS with McCain and I am sure the American people will began to see right through John McCain's non-sense.

American wants change...It's as clear as day John McCain knows it..RNC knows it, the GOP knows it. It's over ...THE Democrats will conquer anything that John McCain levy and destroy all of the non-sense he gives and take back our country with our mighty, responsible, truthful, honest, intelligent, patriotic, LEADER - Our next President Barack Obama.

Thank you and God Bless America

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Maria Hopgood — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:57:05 GMT

I do not understand why Puerto Rico even matters on this primary.I am from Puerto Rico, but now live in the US. Puertorricans can't vote at all in the general election(nor in COngress)so why would they have a say on who gets the nomination? Obama will win this with or without Puerto Rico but the idea that Hillary could claim she has more popular votes by relying on PR votes, is ludicrous.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

sotiredofignorance — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:58:43 GMT

Dear Canadian:

The reason is that there are only so many supers remaining, and even if Clinton was awarded all the delegates from Michigan and Florida (which she didn't legitimately win) she cannot get the numbers required to be the candidate.

Her loss has nothing to do with gender. It has to do with her vote for the Iraq war, her lack of planning for what she would do after her losses on Super Tuesday, the incompetent way she ran her campaign, and the people that she hired. She thought the nomination was hers by right, and didn't think she had to work for it, and totally underestimated how tired the American public is with the same old political hacks doing the same old thing.

Thank you for your interest in our election, though you may want to research how we actually choose our candidates.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:59:43 GMT

Why is Senator Clinton invoking the name of Karl Rove? Like that's going to sway Democrats!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Lisa, New Britain, CT, Kudos to the entire Obama campaign network! — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:01:13 GMT

Thank you for the report on the fundraising numbers...I had started searching for them last night. Of course, we need to know the debt numbers as well as the income numbers to get a more complete picture.

I still don't understand why Clinton still gets to compete on Barack's dime? She's out of money, her debts exceed her assets (unless she uses her wealth to bolster her weak fundraising), then she gets to expect Obama to help her out with fundraising. Now that's gall. How many working class families could benefit from those extra campaign dollars flowing into their children's schools or their town's budgets. Of course we know it doesn't work that way.

Yeah, I'll be waiting on those numbers.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Dee of VA — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:01:20 GMT

You left out the vote count in IA, NV, ME and WA where vote counts were not released. Senator Clinton does NOT lead by any metric in the popular vote!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Lisa, New Britain, CT, Kudos to the entire Obama campaign network! — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:03:34 GMT

I think I am just so sick and tired of Clinton's talking points by this point...she seems to only be talking about electability now and she's just not speaking to the voters anymore. I think you can safely ignore her now, unless of course you're a SuperDelegate. Because she's just not talking to the voters anymore.

(ps, great job on the numbers guys, and I hear you on the tee ball and soccer Chuck, that's my world too)

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Jim, the Mississippi Delta — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:05:11 GMT

Although the media has played it down, Sen. Obama has continued to rack up superdelegates, including Sen. Harry Byrd of West Virginia yesterday. Sen. Clintoon and some of her lackeys on TV are now becoming almost laughable in their silly spin that "it's not over."

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

David, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:05:28 GMT

---Canadian said "You know what I do not understand but would appreciate someone explaining this to me –Sen. Clinton wins in West Virginia by 41% (final total = 67% Clinton and 26% Obama)
YET ---the very next day the media is calling for her to step down. WHY?------------------

I'll try using an analogy you might understand, based on your name. Let's say it's the NHL playoffs and Montreal just beat Ottowa 4 games to 0 in a best of 7 series. Yet Ottowa insists on playing out all the remaining games. They manage to win the meaningless game 5 by a score of 5-1 and hold it up as proof that the series isn't over yet.

Mathematically, that's the significance of Clinton's win in West Virginia.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Just interest in the DRAMA!! — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:06:10 GMT

To be honest, I am still confused with the Hillary campaign.

Why all 50 states? The nomination historically has been secured long before 50 primaries.

Why Florida and Michigan? Obama wasn't on the ballot in Michigan (although Clinton says that was a "choice", it was the same choice made by the other candidates). AND, Florida, my goodness gracious--doesn't name recognition mean anything? Being careful to not quote the media since facts have been diminished in this campaign, wasn't there some other type of initiative on the ballot in Florida which brought out the huge numbers of voters? Someone please address that issue.

I'm a conversative who has enjoyed this drama not because I am a McCain supporter but I'm amazed at the Clinton supporters. If any were students of their tenure in Arkansas and the White House, isn't it possible that they are showing their true colors to the Demoractic Party that only the Republican Party has been aware of for decades?

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Jane — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:06:47 GMT

There is an elephant in the room that all these pundits seem to be trying to hard to ignore.

WHY CLINTON SUPPORTERS WON'T VOTE FOR OBAMA:

Many of them will. They won't like it, but they'll vote for Obama if he's the nominee because they know our wounded country cannot take

another Republican president, and they love their country. I'll probably be one of them.

But many democrats will not, and I cannot hold it against them. In the beginning, we all said we'd be happy with either candidate; we liked them

both. Since then, however, we've looked on as Clinton has been hit hard by a blatantly Obama-biased media, both in the news shows and in

the debates. We've listened as Obama attacked her, first in his negative and misleading health care ad, then repeatedly in his speeches. All the

while the media, determined to shape our thinking for us, accused her of attacking him. We've come to realize how un-democratic the

democrats' primary/caucus process is, and that, despite the fact that she has more votes (no, we will NOT dismiss 2 entire states), it will be

"super" delegates who, in the end, simply pick whomever they want. If the democrats used the same process of selection as that used in the

general election, which they logically should, Clinton would clearly be the nominee. Finally, we have been inundated with sexist remarks in this

campaign, and we've come to realize that, even when the woman would probably be the most capable president in history, this country is not

grown up enough to choose her, even over a less qualified man.

And now, on top of all that, if he doesn't end up winning the general election, the media has already made it crystal clear that they are fully

prepared to blame, not him, but HER. It's as though the women's movement is suddenly back in the dark ages.

The Obama campaign operatives may now try to make it up to us by all sorts of means, including chosing a woman for vice-president, but I

don't think anything they do or say will work. I think Obama suporters, the news media and the DNC should brace themselves for whatever

retribution we dole out in November.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Carol Jacksonville — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:07:48 GMT

Obama must allow Florida and Michigan to be seated as they voted in the primaries-- any other arrangement would hang the word disenfranchise around him forever.
That would be an awful legacy for the first major black candidate.

The Obama campaign obviously believes that a win in Oregon will put him over the top in pledged delegates, and there would be no threat from Hillary if Michigan and Florida are seated. His trip on Wednesday will be to announce that he wants the delegates seated as they voted--now that he is assured of the nomination and they don't matter any more. Hopefully, the people in Florida and Michigan will remember how hard he fought to keep their delegates from the convention.

Politics of change? Right.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

matt — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:09:36 GMT

Hillary will lose a a lot of punch with Obama claiming victory in Iowa and probably chalking up his own big win in Oregon. Does she really want the super's to switch en masse and go against the will of the people - as expressed in pledged delegates? How will the Clinton campaign spin the race after tonight?

http://www.political-buzz.com/

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Steve, Lancaster, PA — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:09:58 GMT

Call it what it is: Appalachian Racism. It's become quite clear that the Clintons have played race to their advantage whenever possible. Some day we will get the books about this campaign with quotes from Bill saying something like, "These folks'll never vote for a (N-word)." They keep inferring this reality in hopes that the Party will cave in to some depressing facts about 2008 America. They take no responsibility for the way things are (SNL told the truth), but want to take every advantage possible. The truth is that their (and other white) politics is exactly why so little has changed in this electorate's attitudes toward race. Anyone who denies Hillary's victories in Arkansas, West VA, PA, Ohio, et al, were not factored by racism is an idiot. The pundits and journalists who nicely avoid the nasty facts are contributing to, promoting and encouraging this ugly, disgusting facet of America. This racism is what needs to be "obliterated."

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Brian M. De. — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:10:12 GMT

I hope this post :To Canadian it is not a media bias against Hillary Clinton. She has run a good hard campaign, she was just out manuevered.This race is all but over it is just a matter of time. The only ones keeping this race going are Bill & Hillary and her many supporters. The problem is even with the fuzzy new Clinton math , she still cant win according to the Rules of the DNC. So should she be given the nomination because she and her campaign feel she is the stronger candidate? The debate answer to that is, if she is the stronger candidate ?Why are we even holding this conversation ? Why is she behind? Why did she not put Obama away ? Why did she not win a large string of states in a row? Pat Huntington I saw that large AA base at the rally in Oregon on sunday!!!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

jackieblu morris everett, wa — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:11:26 GMT

Hillary it's time for you to support Obama, and get off your mega ego trip. Playing with the numbers, plotting, and quoting the enemy (Carl Rove), your just changing seats on the Titanic, and your people are jumping ship! Experience built the Titanic, but lack of judgement was the true disaster... hang it up Hillarbee!
jackieblu

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Alli, DI, Alabama — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:12:34 GMT

This is just another example of how Florida doesn't count. It happened with Gore and now is happening with Clinton. I think the FL voters continue to get shafted and it is sad that the country as a whole allows it to happen again and again and again. I am not comfortable with Obama only because I feel he does not have the experience to be the president but he most definitely will in years to come. I admire him but cannot cast my vote that way. For the first time ever, I would have to vote for a republican candidate or not vote at all if or when it comes down to Obama vs McCain. I have to go with political experience all things considered.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

nuanced — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:14:03 GMT

There are lots of things Hillary can do to keep her name in the news. There are so many Bush administration crimes to investigate that it boggles the mind. She should have no trouble finding wrongdoing to pursue. I suggest she start with the war crimes and the violations of the constitution and leave the theft, graft, bribery, perjury, discrimination and murder charges to others. It should keep her busy until 2012 and get her lots of exposure and kudos for being on the side of honest government.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

RACISM RUNS RAMPANT IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY .... — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:17:05 GMT

.
HILLARY WILL WIN KENTUCKY PRIMARY --- FOR ONE REASON --- 'RACE POLITICS'.

RACISM RUNS RAMPANT IN DEMOCRATIC PARTY POLITICS. HILLARY HAS RUN A BLATANTLY RACIST CAMPAIGN. SHE AND BILL HAVE TRIED TO USE THE 'RACE CARD' AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY. --- AND FEW PARTY LEADERS HAVE SPOKEN OUT LOUDLY ENOUGH TO PUT A STOP TO IT.
_____________________________________________________

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Church, Shelbyville KY — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:18:13 GMT

As a life long Kentuckian, I'm sorry to say KY doesn't matter. While we have lots of hard working good people here, we tend to fall for hollow campaign promises despite all indications that they do not echo reality. We just elected a governor who was a past LT Governor and Frankfort insider, and he ran on a platform that he would bring change to Frankfort and state government - that's like hiring Lindsey Lohan to supervise a rehab program. So, we'll vote for Hillary because she and her husband are good at reading the polls and telling us what we want to hear. Luckily, there are enough less gullible people across the country to recognize she's just in it for herself and everything she is doing now is positioning herself for a run in four years- assuming her efforts to damage Obama stop him from winning against McCain. I'm not sure yet who I'll vote for in the fall between Obama and McCain, and I agree with many of the posts who feel it would be a positive step to have a woman in office, but Hillary Clinton is not the one. Hopefully, not now, not ever.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Andress — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:18:57 GMT

Canadian (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:24 AM)

It's not bias: obama has won a dozen landslides and Clinton just a few. She cannot win mathmatically and Obama is way ahead on all goal posts.

SO if your Clinton: Why bother? Because she is up to something. . . and I'll bet it isn't all that wholesome.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

EducatedVoter — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:19:36 GMT

It's WELL known the climate of voters in places like rural PA & MI as well as states like WV and Kentucky. It is ANY wonder why she'd win. These plaaces are NOT African American friendly...PERIOD! Why are we dancing around the TRUTH...THEY ARE RACIST. And I be DAMNED it we should let these types of attitudes control our contry. I'm glad the DNC aren't allowing Hillary's racist supporters strong arm them into pushing Barack out of the way for her. Who in the hell cares about WV & KENTUCKY? I nor does any of my friends. It's time for a change and if Hillary, the KKK and her "white voters" don't wanna' move with the change America needs...Then they WILL be left behind!

Barack '08 - 2012

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

John, Pendleton, OR — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:19:58 GMT

The idea that demographics are 'locked in' is worth looking at in greater detail. For instance, this statement is generally correct, but not recently: "According to Democratic politico Mike Berman, Obama has dominated the states with the largest or smallest black populations, while Clinton fares MUCH better in the states in between." Yet, West Virginia is 3.2% black, which suggests your statement is not entirely correct. There are bigger factors than simple demographics at play in the primary, and the media should look into them. For instance, when in modern nomination history has the presumptive nominee not one a primary on 'away' turf (e.g., why can't Obama win in W. Va.? In Kentukcy?). It may be demographics, but that is a bit too simple. And will this demographic hardening hold for the general?

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

A Concern Voter, VA — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:20:04 GMT

My, My, My, the Clintons camp love to change the rules as they deemed fit and some wants her to become President. What is wrong with this picture. She can't pick the right folks to help run her campaign, so what make you think she will do better with picking her cabinet members.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Maddie, NY — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:20:20 GMT

Why is the BLOWOUT in WV and the soon-to-be BLOWOUT in KY being discounted?? I, for the life of me, can't understand why the Dems who support Obama aren't terrified by these losses he is sustaining. Hate to break it to everyone who writes these 2 primaries off, but West Virginians and Kentuckians will be voting in the GENERAL ELECTION. If he is to be the nominee, he will NEED these votes! He really phoned it in in KY, hope that doesn't bite him in the butt come the fall.

HRC '08

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Andress — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:20:39 GMT

Pa voter (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:29 AM)

If he loses by a huge margin in Kentucky--who cares --he'll still win the nomination.

See ya!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

jbentley, chicago,IL — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:21:07 GMT

Can Barack Obama's Cuba policy possibly be as ineffective as John McCain's, which hasn't done squat except win international sympathy for the Castro brothers.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Cbass Asheville, NC — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:57:35 GMT

Sorry Molly, et al. Hillary simply did not win the popular vote. Period. Even counting the bogus elections in FL and MI - which SHE promised not to count herself! (until losing of course), those totals don't count those who voted in caucus states.

Second, she IS the weaker candidate. Polls show her doing worse in state-by-state matchups with McBush and pulling in less EVs. She puts less states in play.

Finally, what about the downticket damage Hillary would have? In a year where everything is trending D, it would be suicide to put the most polarizing figure in American politics at the top of a ticket. Just kiss those expected gains goodbye as disheartened Republicans come out of the coves to pull the lever AGAINST her!

And if she really was the strongest candidate, why couldn't she beat a 47 year old 1 term senator with the entire party machinery behind her?!!!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

BobW Mendon, NY — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:57:38 GMT

Pat Huntington NY - Don't you have a television? Chuck Todd has run the electorial math several times and has demonstrated how Obama and Clinton can both win. Before you can make such an analysis, it is useful to point out that primary results don't always reflect what states would actually be in play in the general. That is why nobody is buying Clinton's big-state arguement. She won states that any democrat would be predicted to win based on general election history. It is when you win states that haven't been won before that things get interesting such as in the case of Obama bring previous red states into play.

Nice try anyway.

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

RuthieM — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:58:56 GMT

I am so excited, right now about nothing other than Senator Byrd of West Virginia endorsed Senator Obama! I had been commenting for too long that I wished Senator Byrd would endorse Obama, a man who was once a KKK, a man who was so adamantly against Bush's lead up to Iraq and warned against him attacking, and a man who has come to change in all his years, and then he could leave the Senate, and this world when he does, with a smile on his face, he would have come full circle, to do the right thing. I've always admired Senator Byrd's tenacity, forthrightness and bravery. Congratulations, Senator Byrd, and Congratulations Senator Obama on a great and milestone endorsement!! Obama '08!!!!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

mike ca — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:01:30 GMT

if you run a foot race and you have a great kick to the finish your still second place if you can see the ass of the guy in front of you

clinton may win kentuky but its to little to late obama is the nominee and we need to start rallying with him againest mcain

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Steve Dar, Wash DC. — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:02:05 GMT

Dear Republicans for Obama, it is rare that I see someone in these blogs write the truth. You summed up the facts that many people, for some reason, do not want to acknowledge. It is the "cold-hard" facts whether we like it ot not. Thanks!
MD. Independent

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Hard Working WHITE Female SR Citizen in FL — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:02:11 GMT

Just Interested in the DRAMA

Florida had a property tax amendment on the primary ballot.

I for one voted on the amendment but did not vote for a presidential candidate because our votes were disenfranchised.

We knew before we voted that our votes would not count.

Not a problem for me. My vote will count in the GE

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

Audrey Guadagno — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:03:15 GMT

Somebody please tell Sen. Clinton that "it is over" and it has been for awhile. Let's move on. It is not about what you want, its about what is best for this Country!

First thoughts: Everyone's a winner

dmg,denver,co — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:07:43 GMT

Per Hillary and Bill - The delegate and the popular votes no longer matter - it's now the ELECTORAL VOTE that makes the WINNER. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!