First thoughts: The end game

TLA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:23:15 GMT

If I were Obama, I'd offer Hillary a cabinet position, probably to oversee a health insurance program. I'd make it conditional that she agree, before Tuesday, that if he reaches 2118, this week, they have a deal. If she doesn't agree, she takes her chances on nothing. (or an ambassadorship - to IRAN)

First thoughts: The end game

America for Obama — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:25:47 GMT

She needs 87%. If she gets 87% of the vote, then she definitely deserves the nomination.

However, We all know that if that was the happen, Black people will be pissed off!!! Big time!! and the dems will never win!!!!

** For discounts on Barack Obama products $8.99 & Up. Use this coupon at this Obama Store http://www.MyObamaStore.com
Coupon - Obama-X2Y9-10 (10% OFF)

First thoughts: The end game

Brian M. De. — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:27:32 GMT

Let the Delegate trickle began. By the way a Clinton supporter will bad mouth us Obama supporters starting now.

First thoughts: The end game

mary lee atlanta georgia — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:28:50 GMT

OBAMA = THE OBAMINEE

First thoughts: The end game

juan, ft lauderdale,fl — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:29:59 GMT

Hillery-It's over! Lick your wounds and accept the the fact that Obama is the nominee. Leave with your dignity intact not as a spoiler and YEAH YOU WERE NOT DEPRIVED OF ANYTHING.

First thoughts: The end game

Zoolie — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:32:14 GMT

There were 6 more delegates announced on MSNBC before you posted this.

First thoughts: The end game

Jennifer, Detroit — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:32:44 GMT

Great work, Dems! You're about to nominate the lamest candidate since George McGovern.

First thoughts: The end game

BL, Cincinnati OH — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:33:27 GMT

" it’s also undeniable that he’s limping as he approaches the finish line. Including Clinton’s 68%-32% win in Puerto Rico yesterday, the New York senator has won more than half of the contests since March, some by lopsided margins"

Give it a break already. Almost all of the states would have gone the same as they did no matter the order. You yourself have been able to stay weeks ahead of time who is going to win which state. He is not "limping". He's just stuck with a schedule that favors Clinton more than him at the end.

If WV, KY, PR had been swapped in position with MS, WA, and VA he'd be crushing her.

These states have been pretty much determined since Jan which way they'd go. Other than a few close states, everyone knew who was going to win which states.

First thoughts: The end game

iowan — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:34:09 GMT

Clinton will be giving her Tuesday night victory speech in her elective office home state: New York

Hate to ask, but just exactly what is it she expects to 'win'? The victory is ours, 'cause she'll be done, thank goodness. Maybe we can see the concessionary speech we should have seen four months ago.

First thoughts: The end game

Ed, Watertown MA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:34:31 GMT

If Obama had given the Michigan delegates as apportioned by the primary they would be conceding the validity of that election. I think it was in their interest to have the results be officially discarded by the DNC, as they ultimately were. That was worth the fight over 4 delegates.

Not to mention the humorous sight of Harold Ickes being shocked. SHOCKED I SAY! By someone else working the bysantine delegate system that he invented.

First thoughts: The end game

Count all the votes — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:35:09 GMT

You guys did it AGAIN. What is wrong with you? When you report popular votes, you HAVE to report that the number does NOT include TWO of Obama's wins: Maine and WAshington. Come on guys, I know you're trying to appear "unbiased" but how about being real reporters.

First thoughts: The end game

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:36:07 GMT

Congratulations Barack Obama, his entire campaign and all his supporters.

To: CA, Tuscaloosa, AL - xxxoo. After all this time, we made it!!! We made it!!!!!!!!!

This is going to be an exciting week for the Democratic Party, especially for Barack Obama supporters. It’s now only a matter of hours.

To: John Dean, Bill Moyers, Jonathan Turley, Rachel Maddow, Chuck Todd and First Read, Roy Sekoff, Richard Clark, Jonathan Alter and especially Paul Rieckhoff and Jon Soltz:

None of you may be loud, nasty or combative which makes for good tv these days. However, your mature, intelligent and sometimes troubling insights and demeanor outweighed anything the other guests and commentators in tv land had to offer. We paid attention.

Thank you.

To Keith Olbermann: Bless you. Bless you. Bless you.

Time for everyone to kick back, put on your baseball caps, head to the ballpark, have a few beers and hot dogs.

Celtics/Lakers. Wow!!!!!!!

Magic Number - 4.

First thoughts: The end game

Ed Cabera, Mittburg, MS — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:36:23 GMT

MSNBC certainly have their collective man-crush on Barack Obama. CNN closely follows. There is no mistake Barack can make that either network will sweep under the rug.

First thoughts: The end game

Linda, Boston, MA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:36:32 GMT

Guys, this is wrong:

"Here’s some more on the popular vote now that it has become the Clinton campaign’s chief talking point: If you count Puerto Rico -- which won’t participate in the general election -- Clinton leads by just 2,731 votes"

According to RealClearPolitics, after the Puerto Rico primary it's now 17,389,116/ 17,364,592, giving Obama a +24,524 lead.

First thoughts: The end game

Michelle Zee — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:37:17 GMT

The republicans first mistake is not having Ron Paul as their nominee, even if he has made some racial insensitive comments.

Heck, he makes more sense than McCain, oh well...republicans will look back and say Paul was their guy and they blew it.

For the democrats, I guess we still won't know until that magic # is reached. Is it over or not, what is this hanging on stuff?

4 delegates; whatever!

That lady was screaming she is voting for McCain, well that's it women show em' smart women really are: Let's vote against our economic and our right to decide upon our reproductive interests...that will show the world how smart women really are.

How sad! With Obama we as dems w/ Hillary able to assist in policies win, with McCain we all lose and will have 4 or 8 more years of the SAME.

First thoughts: The end game

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:38:23 GMT

In a few days the primary farce will be over and Barack Obama will be able to set his sights on sending "Bush Hugger" McCain into political retirement, where all Reagan foot soldiers belong.

Today "Bush Hugger" McCain is going to give a speech trying to fool people that he is a different kind of repugnant one. A pile of dung by any other name is still a pile of dung. He will never escape the stench emanating from "Dung Beetle" Bush for November.

Six more or sixty more it won't matter for the repugnant ones as to how many traitors to democracy they employ to win in November.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: The end game

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:38:46 GMT

Barack Obama's candidacy is about us, for us, by us. His obligations are to us, and his policies are for us. His vision and leadership are matched by his sincerity. In his presidency, we will be partners instead of pawns.

Once every 50 years, perhaps, we have an opportunity to choose a president the caliber of Obama.

Which brings us to another matter of great importance. Can we have news on Senator Kennedy? I understand he is having surgery. Our prayers are with him and his doctors. He answered the "knock at midnight." For everything he is and has been to us, we thank him.

First thoughts: The end game

John — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:39:36 GMT

"It does appear to be pretty clear that Senator Obama is going to be the nominee. After Tuesday's contests, she needs to acknowledge that he's going to be the nominee and quickly get behind him." — Tom Vilsack, the former Iowa governor and a national co-chairman of Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign.

First thoughts: The end game

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:39:51 GMT

Jennifer in Detroit

Well, it could be worse. The Dems could have nominated the most corrupt politician since Nixon. Fortunately, that won't happen. Hillary lost.

Obama/Anyone but Hillary Clinton in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none.

First thoughts: The end game

twocanpete — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:39:58 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Someone please tell Hillary that the meaning of NO is NO!

First thoughts: The end game

Keith, PA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:41:01 GMT

The actions of Senator Clinton over the weekend indicate that she has no serious desire to be on a ticket with Obama. A step towards a Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket would have been a compromise on the Florida and Michigan issue. Instead, the only compromise was made by Obama. I guess Clinton has decided to go home and put herself in a position to complain later. It's unfortunate but not surprising to me. I didn't trust her to act in the best interest of Democrats and she has proven herself to be untrustworthy.

First thoughts: The end game

JWHICK, American Fork, UT — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:41:04 GMT

Can we call the "popular vote" what it is---a canard of the highest order? There IS NO POPULAR VOTE IN THE PRIMARIES? Since these contests happen over the course of months there is no way to measure whether the people who voted in the primaries months ago still support the same candidate. I'd bet anyone a thousand dollars that Obama could win the California primary if it were held today, and many other February 5 primaries.

BTW, the RBC ruled that Michigan's primary was flawed and therefore doesn't count toward the specious "popular vote" tallies. So Obama wins that metric anyway.

Florida's name recognition contest really shouldn't count either, but the Obama campaign made its concessions for unity and so most people will add that in, but Obama still wins without the flawed Michigan numbers.

Clinton lost the nomination in February when she lost ELEVEN STRAIGHT CONTESTS. Without President Clinton's political machine she would have been dead in the water then. She wins contests among low-information voters like Puerto Rico because she is the spouse of Bill Clinton whom those people love.

First thoughts: The end game

A Disenfranchised FL Voter — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:41:41 GMT

And as a Floridian I was DISGUSTED by the raucous display of the women at the RBC/DNC meeting this weekend.

And even more so by Harold Ickes inability to use civil language when discussing why Hillary should get all the votes of both FL and MI.

Harold Ickes is the Benedict Arnold of the Democratic Party. He WROTE the rules of Disenfranchisement for FL and MI oh but now they don’t count. The Democrats are no better than the Repubs. They DO NOT SAY WHAT THEY MEAN OR MEAN WHAT THEY SAY

Many people in FL who were not affected by the Property Tax Amendment that was on the primary ballot did not vote. And they had good reason. Given the price of GAS here in FL with all the added on taxes (over 4) it was a moot point to travel to a polling place, wait in line to vote. A vote we were ALL told would not COUNT. That was an exercise in Futility.

So now I ask who are the REAL Disenfranchised Voters? There were many reasons why another primary could not be held. It had to do with FL and not Obama as people would have you believe

But the bottom line is this: Harold Ickes was the author of the Disenfranchisement Rules but does not want them adhered to.

Just more of the Clinton lies etc. I am not saying that Obama is pure as the driven snow (no pun intended) but the Clintons far exceed him in downright lies and hateful messages.

I for one will NEVER EVER vote for a Clinton again. If a Clinton name appears on the ballot in ANY position I will not vote for that position.

I can vote Independent or Libertarian without voting Repub and that is probably what I will do if a Clinton name appears on the ballot

Bill Clinton’s claim that Hillary was being disrespected. Hello Bill Who was the first person to disrespect her with their dalliances with Bimbo’s especially in the Oval Office. Not only did he disrespect her he disrespected the Office of the Presidency and the White House the house of the people of the US not the house of the Clintons

I could have voted for her if she had divorced him, been truthful in all or most of her claims. But she chose to Disrespect herself. And a woman who does not respect herself cannot be expected to respect others.

If Obama is stupid enough if he is the nominee to select Hillary as VP I visualize that Bill will insure her Presidency the same way that Lyndon Johnson became President. No ONE will EVER convince me that Lyndon Johnson was not behind Kennedy’ s assassination.

Will History repeat itself>

LBJ WANTED to be President at ALL COSTS. He Hated Kennedy and he even stated so after Kennedy’s death. The fact that he called Jackie and said he wanted to be a Daddy to her children spoke volumes

Since Hillary brought up the Assassination in the context of the primary and then refused to apologize to Obama speaks volumes again. She apologized to the Kennedy’s . So who is she running against in the primaries ? The Kennedy’s

First thoughts: The end game

Feisty Sweetie - IL — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:41:55 GMT

SHEESE! It's time for this broad to'put her big girl panties on' and DEAL WITH IT!

Get a clue - YOU LOST because you ran a terrible campaign plain & simple - you have no one to blame but yourself! Get a mirror and take a honest look... oh that's right you wouldn't know honestly if it bit you in the a**!!!

White 40 something educated woman for Obama!!

First thoughts: The end game

Rick, NC — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:42:26 GMT

It seems like each generation of pie eyed democrats has to learn the hard way...America is not going to elect a namby pamby liberal as president...most of us may view mcsame with distaste but hey he will be facing a congress controlled by the dems so the excesses of the shrub administration won't be repeated if the dems show some guts...yeah right

First thoughts: The end game

Cindi in Louisiana — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:43:20 GMT

Please ,someone, give this woman her four delegates and tell her to go home!! God be with Senator Kennedy and his family today, as he undergoes surgery related to his brain tumor.

First thoughts: The end game

Brad, DC — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:43:39 GMT

Hillary keeps touting that more people have voted for her. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't there also more people who have voted against her?

First thoughts: The end game

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:44:41 GMT

What is this popular vote of which everyone speaks?

...and why aren't we included?

First thoughts: The end game

TLA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:45:47 GMT

To Jennifer, Detroit,

We could nominate a ham sandwich, and still beat McCain.

First thoughts: The end game

Alex, MA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:45:53 GMT

I am telling she's not gonna quit - not Tuesday, Wednesday, or nayday soon. She has an obssesion, and she has a desire to ruin Obama, democratic party and even herself. She is at a point when she does not care anymore about anything, including her own political future, the only feeling she has is an anger and revenge. Mark my words - she will do anything, anything to help McCain to win and she will be very very happy if McCain wins. Obama will make huge mistake if he offer her VP, or even if he try to reach her for the effort to unite party, because she is and will be destructive force going forward.

First thoughts: The end game

Bob Gorham, Sacramento, CA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:47:00 GMT

if the democrats wanted a candidate before June why have elections that end in the first week of June? This entire mess is based on poor leadership at the top. Both Iowa and New Hampshire do not reflect the demographics of the democratic party. Yet, once those two hold teir caucus and election, candidates drop out as they cannot get funding if they finish poorly. The DNC should have allowed Michigan and Florida as well as Nevada and North Carolina to go between Iowa and New Hampshire, except the old party bosses like the ones we saw as members of the Rules and Bylaws committee, cannot see the forest for the trees and instead set in motion this entire cluster of bad events. We should blame the Clintons for fighting on and staying on until the end. November will be a street fight and there are now concerns that Obama does not have the wherewithall for a street fight. I voted for Obama but unless he is willing to get his hands dirty and go out and talk to people other than the rich liberal cocktail party democrats we will lose again. So far he talks a good game. But as Napoleon once stated, "never interrupt your enemy while they are making a mistake." The democrats need new blood from top to bottom.

First thoughts: The end game

Pete - Albany, NY — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:47:58 GMT

McFlipflop should explain to those Jewish voters why his GOP supporters at FOX Noise don't understand what a concentration camp is...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/menachem-rosensaft/using-the-holocaust-to-sm_b_103990.html

First thoughts: The end game

Tibor — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:48:40 GMT

WRONG!

According to Real Clear Politics, if you count FL and PR, OBAMA leads by 20,000. And that is NOT counting the 4 caucus states were indidivual votes were not counted (3 won by Obama, 1 won by ClinTon).

Sorry, but even if you use the popular vote method, Obama still wins.

First thoughts: The end game

Calvin G, Big Rapids, MI — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:49:47 GMT

What a hatchet job the Dems pulled off on Saturday. They managed to disenfranchise millions of voters in the course of about eight hours. It's ironic that the hbo movie Recount is out now. For a party that whined about all the votes not being counted, they certaily went way over the top to not count their own votes.

First thoughts: The end game

John, Charlotte NC — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:50:55 GMT

Hillary where is my gas tax you promised? Why have you and McCain dropped your promise to help us with your gas tax holiday? No legislation started from either of you so I guess you were pandering to us then as you are now for delegates!
American's Republicans and Democrats need a president that will end this tragic adventure in Irag and bring out sons and daughters home! Let's get together and change this corrupt goverment by throwing the bums out!!!

Good luck to you all...

First thoughts: The end game

Tired Dem. OKC. — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:51:33 GMT

I am surprised, saddened, and apalled that after 20 years of voting as a registered Democrat I am JUST NOW learning that there are true Democrats, who support the Party platform, regardless of their personal opinion of the candidates, and there are Hillary supporters.
I thought all along that they were the same.
THEY ARE NOT.

First thoughts: The end game

Mike Steuer, Bedford, NY — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:52:33 GMT

"Of course, cynics might say that Team Clinton would have complained about that compromise, too"

I don't think that one has to be a cynic to think that they would have complained anyway. There are no Henry Clay's amongst the Clinton Team. They are an embarrassing group to watch.

First thoughts: The end game

Mike, Albany — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:52:49 GMT

"3) Clinton demonstrating that superdelegates can change their mind by introducing one such super who has switched from Clinton to Obama and then back to Clinton;"

She neglects to mention the dozen or so who have abandoned her sinking ship.

First thoughts: The end game

Lisa, New Britain, CT...really really really for Obama :) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:55:25 GMT

I'm not a pundit, just someone fairly intelligent.

I say if she takes it to the Convention, that's clear evidence that she is running for 2012 for one simple reason. No matter who wins the Nod at the Convention, neither will be able to unite the Party before Nov. She will be handing the election to McCain on a silver platter. Why on earth would she do this if not to run in 2012 (or I guess if she hates Obama so much she can't see him winning at all as her primary motivation). Even if she wins the Nomination at Denver, she won't win the General with the scorched earth strategy she has employed.

She goes to Convention, we Dems are toast.

Of course, with all the angry Clinton supporters out there, they claim we are Toast anyway, so they may figure why not.

Barack will GOTV, I hope it will be enough to set this country on the right path.

One of the many white middle/older women for OBAMA (yes, we are here, not making a ruckus but we are here)

First thoughts: The end game

BJ, CA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:56:04 GMT

Sanctions against Iran?
That's been going on since the 1970's
My father lost millions of dollars when he escaped from Iran under Ayatollah Khomeini...That money has never been recovered..The Shah of Iran left and the country went to the Ayatollah Khomeini Revoltionary Guard..
New sanction my buttocks...

First thoughts: The end game

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:56:53 GMT

Let's hope that Hillary can show some class and bow out gracefully and start fighting her pal "Bush Hugger" McCain with as much venom as she fought Barack Obama. She'd better get with the unity program right quick or she'll be a lame duck within her own party.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: The end game

CJ — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:57:58 GMT

This was over back in April...Clinton has just choosen to stay in until defeat for what reasons are entirely unknown. The media has certainly kept her campaign on life support. I heard so many what-if scenarios last night on cable news that are never going to happen that I just quit watching. Ron Paul could've stayed in, Huckabee could've stayed in...but they bowed out graciously. To bad Clinton's ego is too large to do the same, but I have no regrets. The Clinton cabal is just as bad as the current cronies running Washington. To purge them was worth the sacrifice.

First thoughts: The end game

Terry, IN — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:58:13 GMT

Some of this is like a baseball game where one team has 20 points by the end of the 7th inning, and the opposing team gets 3 or 4 hits in the 8th & 9th. Most recent hits, and momentum don't count!! It's the final score. Also, the loser can't change the rules to only count the number of times the ball, was hit and include fouls!!

First thoughts: The end game

Anne, PA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:58:57 GMT

All I can say is that the Democratic Party finally got want it wanted-Clinton out of the race. The Michigan vote at the Rules Committee proved that the Party wanted Obama all along. There is no room for women the Party. Why should we continue to be registered Democrats if we can't get a woman at the top or bottom at the ticket.

It's a disgrace that men have been in the White House since 1776. It is pathetic that women don't seem to mind. Business as usual for us girls-we don’t mind being second class. All that education, all that women's lib stuff our mothers and grandmothers fought for we don't care-means nothing to us. We're satisfied with another man on the ticket.

Girls you bewilder me. As for me, I am registering as an Independent at least that is no pretense of a party that calls itself the Party of inclusion.

Anne, PA

First thoughts: The end game

nick bartow, lester pa — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:59:04 GMT

I just figured it all out about what the repubs strategy is ! everytime i watch a political commetary on the races the dem strategist wants to end the fight for the dem nomination and the repub strategist wants to continue the fight to the convention, and they take much delight in this plan and they also are honest about why because they like seeing the dems fight among themselves. well i have been waiting for months to donate money to the dem pick (either obama or hill)and i am hopping to start this week. the reason i have not given yet is because last TIME i blew 500.00 bucks on DEAN and this time i am waiting to make sure of our pick. i will give 100.00 bucks every three weeks till november. there are millions of us out there who are waiting and the repubs do not want us giving at such an early stage. think of this - if things get settled one day this week then within 48 hours obama will raise close to 30 million dollars. everyday after that 2 or 3 million on top of that till the convention and then another bump in donations will occur and so on till election day. this is the repubs biggest fear. we need to end this fight now and cream McBush with fund raising. wake up dems and lets get on with change.

First thoughts: The end game

Lisa, New Britain, CT...really really really for Obama :) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:59:20 GMT

First thoughts: The end game

Mark, Columbus, OH — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:02:02 GMT

Now that the primaries are (finally) winding down, the number to consider is no longer 2,118 - but 270.

Does Obama really have a chance of reaching this number in November ?

First thoughts: The end game

Bo — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:03:41 GMT

To Jennifer, Detroit,

We could nominate a ham sandwich, and still beat McCain
----------------------------------------------------
Don't bet on it TLA. I LIKE Obama too, but if he doesn't come up with something other than 'change' pretty quickly, he's going to be trashed for his lack of substance.

First thoughts: The end game

Lisa, New Britain, CT...really really really for Obama :) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:03:47 GMT

Its not about the four delegates. Its about not appeasing Clinton (remember that A word from last week). He gave her the 19 in Florida, he had the votes for fifty-fifty in Michigan but "settled" on the 69-59. Now, she wants the four delegates too.

We all know its not about four delegates which won't make a difference in the outcome of the election. Its about who controls the Party. And is it worth appeasing the Clintons with the way they are behaving?

One of the many white middle/older women for OBAMA (yes, we are here, not making a ruckus but we are here)

First thoughts: The end game

ed coursey, Ithaca, NY — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:04:13 GMT

What i don't hear or read anyone pointing out that it's been weeks since Sen. Obama campaigned against Sen. Clinton; he's been focused, rightly so, on Sen. McCain and the Republicans. So for Sen. Clinton, it's been easy pickin's out there, even in states that Obama visited, and if she'd quit further fracturing the Democratic Party for her ego, all Democrats could focus on the loyal opposition, and America would have a Democratic Party president.

First thoughts: The end game

gary — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:06:08 GMT

Don't give Clinton anything, except an appointment to a good psychiatrist: she's clearly being consumed by her own psychotic ambition and needs help. (Oh, and a divorce would probably do her a world of good, too. Two compulsive liars in the same family is one too many.)

First thoughts: The end game

Senator Obama has won this nomination with class — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:06:14 GMT

I agree with Alex. She has no desire to heip the Democratic Party. I see her going off and becoming an independent and trying to start her own party. Let her. At the rate she is going, she won't even be electable as a small city mayor. Clinton's irrational thinking is costing her more than I know she wants to pay, but of course Senator Obama will be given the blame for it all. She is demolishing her own career all by herself with her ridiculous choices and stupid decisions. It is clear that this irrational, irregular thinking woman is not suited for the presidency of the United Sates. Senator Obama has been more than gracious, tolerant and accommodating with her in every area of this campaign. She is and continues to be rude, disrespectful and mean-spirited towards him. I dislike her more every day for her pathetic rebel-rousing and undignified behavior. She does never represent me as a woman.

First thoughts: The end game

Senator Obama has won this nomination with class — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:06:22 GMT

First thoughts: The end game

Obama Suporter from NY — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:06:54 GMT

God Bless Senator Kennedy, his wife and children, his family and his Dr's. today as he undergoes surgery and starts his treatments for this terrible disease.

Obama '08

First thoughts: The end game

Norb — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:08:27 GMT

Harold Ickes is a big cry baby. He couldn't even win his wonelection when he ran in North Carolina a few years ago. Personally, I'm glad to see Terry McCauliffe not the chair of the DNC. He did such a great job the last two elections when they should have been a cake walk. The Clinton machine was a little to cocky and never thought in their wildest dreams that they would ever seriously get challenged. Well, they did. And, they got beat by a better organized team that stayed on message whipped them at the caucus game and also in fundraising. I think people are actually tired of Bush, Clinton, Bush Clinton. Especially, George W. After eight years of his misery, people just are looking for common sense and maybe somebody that has some brains.

First thoughts: The end game

Jim, the Mississippi Delta — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:10:16 GMT

Sen. Clinton is NOT going to be a unifying force for the Democratic Pary. She's going to continue to selfishly drag the party down any way she can. Bank on it.

First thoughts: The end game

Terry, IN — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:10:29 GMT

This is off topic, but right now Bush is conducting a ceremony to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to another young hero's family. Every time Bush does something like this, it makes my blood boil, and I get physically ill. As a mother of 3 sons, my heart breaks for the family who lost theirs. How can Bush sleep at night? How can we consider electing another warmonger?

Vote for Wisdom - Obama

First thoughts: The end game

donna — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:10:45 GMT

Calling the race close is a lie.

A foot race is often won by a split second. A basketball game by a 2 pointer that beats the buzzer; the same thing in hockey except the point differential is even lower. In boxing, a tie means a loss to the challenger.

By that measure, Obama is winning by a landslide. He's up by more than 150 delegates. He's won double the states. He's ahead in the popular vote. She has been behind for five months, with no honorable path to victory.

Hillary is not a fighter. What has she been doing about Health Care, since she failed to achieve it as first lady? Nothing. She's a quitter.

Her marathon bid to be President, has more to do with stubborn ambition. Hillary is addicted to her power fantasy.

First thoughts: The end game

move over Clinton — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:11:32 GMT

Obama,a dark horse? Will it all come out in the wash? McCain just maybe to stumble. Choice of running mate will be critical, People are harder to find with a brain.
Hillary now fading, But the revenge factor has not kicked in yet!

First thoughts: The end game

Eileen Lewis, Ft. Pierce , Fl. — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:11:55 GMT

Let's see if you are still blessing Keith Olberman in November when he is announcing that John McCain has just been elected President! Because that is just what has happened and the DNC has caused it. What a bunch of MORONS!

First thoughts: The end game

Sharon in CT — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:13:05 GMT

I see huge differences between Messrs. Bush and McCain and I am a conservative. Is it possible that it's not Mr. McCain but ANYONE the Republican Party nominates who would be said to be the "third term"? I understand the differences between the two parties, but does that give us license to project "sameness" to the candidates. I would be willing to have a President Obama in my livingroom for the next term; however, Mrs. Clinton is unwelcome. I can see that differences. It appears that emotions are running amuck and although this is an important election cycle, as Americans, let's try to be objective, see our goals and go about obtaining them in a thoughful, adult way. Name calling is so immature. Let's all please grow up and be an example to our children.

First thoughts: The end game

Tess, California — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:14:07 GMT

We all know the media doesn't want it to be over, they wouldn't have anymore gossip, and garbage to write about. By the way, Ron Paul is still running!!

First thoughts: The end game

Cindy Lou, TX — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:14:16 GMT

Hillary is nothing if not consistent; she remains divisive until the end (with her insulting George McGovern comments). Ed Rendell seems to be among the few in her camp who is firmly planted in reality. What good does fighting over four delegates do? HILLARY'S ENDGAME IS NOT HELPING UNIFY THE PARTY!

Also, I think Hillary's math is rubbing off on the MSM. The media narrative that Obama is limping toward the nomination is unfair, as, obviously, the media had to start counting in March or some other arbitrary moment to draw that conclusion. (Is the media, in a manner similar to Hillary, not counting primaries and caucuses from January through February?) And what will the MSM say when Obama wins Montana and possibly South Dakota on Tuesday? Regardless, Obama has won more states than Hillary. Period.

The last contests pointed out some of Obama's weaknesses, BUT they also pointed out some of Hillary's. Why is there no constant drumbeat about Hillary's inability to attract black voters, young voters or white wealthy voters?

I cannot wait until the end of the week. I've learned things I never wanted to know about how America elects a president, how the media selects its narrative, about the prejudices that still exist in this country, and about the Clintons.

First thoughts: The end game

Eric, Indiana — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:14:23 GMT

The popular vote DOES NOT include all caucus states and the popular vote from Florida and Michigan would have been different had Obama campaigned there.

Obama '08

First thoughts: The end game

Pam, NC — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:14:36 GMT

You can fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all of the time. Puerto Ricans see Obama for what he is, a do nothing, talk a lot about little, candidate.

REAL people want a REAL person NOT a "phenomenon."

Go Hillary.

First thoughts: The end game

S. Washington OKC,OK — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:14:52 GMT

Senator Clinton has stated “she would work her heart out for the nominee…”

It is time for her to show that these were not “just WORDS”!!!

First thoughts: The end game

freddie, cleveland, oh — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:16:40 GMT

How many of you guys agree with me that she won't actually "concede"? My prediction is that she will "suspend" her campaign and half/a#% get behind Obama. But behind the scenes we will still be hearing negative tones coming thru that will ultimately undermine Obama and the party. Agree or disagree?

First thoughts: The end game

Mark, Washington D.C. — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:16:50 GMT

Hillary's goal here is obvious - cause enough problems to make sure that if she doesn't win that no Democrat wins. Why? Because, if Obama loses in November Hillary gets to run in 4 years, and he'll be out of the picture for good. If he wins, her next POTUS shot - 2016.

First thoughts: The end game

Scott, Chicago — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:17:40 GMT

It would have been interesting to see if the fiasco with Rev Wright and his comments he made while out in California would have happened BEFORE most of his primary wins. Something to ponder...

First thoughts: The end game

Anthony, ATL GA — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:18:23 GMT

What bothers me the most is that Obama hasn't done a thing to Hillary Clinton that deserves this wrath, not a thing...he has campaigned VERY respectfully, even when she has all-out attacked. And this is partly why he has engendered such support. You can run a (relatively) clean campaign and win.

He has done nothing to deserve this animous, this wrath, this anger.

People should really think about that. And then ask yourself about the Clinton campaign's motives.
Lisa, New Britain, CT...really really really for Obama :) (Sent Monday, June 02, 2008 9:59 AM)
-------------------------------------------------
Lisa,

The only explanation that might explain HRC motives is that she campaigned and endorsed Obama when he originally ran for the senate. And now that he surpassed her, she feels slighted.

As Bill Clinton stated, and I'm paraphrasing, " Running for the highest office in the land is a contact sport. If you can't stand getting hit, don't put on the uniform."

HRC is losing this game and the last seconds will tick off the clock Tuesday. Good riddance!

First thoughts: The end game

gg, fl — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:18:34 GMT

Sen. Clinton has sadden many of her once supporters. Sen. Clinton told us the FL & MI fight was about the people of those states.

If that were true, then why is Icke and Clinton threatening to fight for MI who brought the plan they drafted, had approved and implemented.

Since the people of MI are satisfied and their spokesman clearly stated that MI will get behind the nominee of the party whats' Hillary Beef?

The Gov. Of Mich, a CLinton supporter submitted the plan approved by the Committee after having appointed AN INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE to draft this plan using tools that they felt were appropriate.

If the Gov. of Mich. A Clinton supporter is staisfied that the plan the State of Mich submitted, again then why are Icke, Tina, the attorney and Clinton still outraged?

The only conclusion, the FL & MI fight was never about the people of those states it was about Sen. Clinton and her political aspirations.

After having gotten behind in the votes, and saying an signing a document pledging that FL & MI did not count, Clinton took up the FL & MI cause stating that it was about disfranchising the Voters, however since the States are indeed satisfied why is Sen. Clinton still complaining.

Sen. Clinton's own supporters overwhelmingly supported both states proposals.

The Answer is as many suspected, it was never about FL & MI it's always been about Sen. Clinton and her personal political agenda.

Perhaps the people of FL & MI really understand now since they have moved on in an effort of unifying the Party. Good for them

First thoughts: The end game

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:18:45 GMT

Jennifer, Detroit (Sent Monday, June 02, 2008 9:32 AM)
Great work, Dems! You're about to nominate the lamest candidate since George McGovern.

Jennifer:

And you are a lame excuse for a voter. A typical Hillary supporter repeating what Hillary says or implies instead of being able to think on one's own.

As for those crazy people (majority females) screaming "vote for McCain" when the Michigan/Florida issued was resolved.....go ahead and vote McCain and live with the consequences for the next 4 to 8 years you idiots. Go ahead and vote for more war, no national health care, continued tax breaks for the rich, poor economic policies, war with Iran, poor environmental policies, invasion into your rights to chose as a female, continued poor educational system for your kids, continued poor treatment of our returning veterans, more US jobs being shipped overseas, more lies and corruption in governement, etc. etc. You crazys just go right ahead and vote McCain. You deserve him. But don't you dare whine about it a few years down the road. You could have had a President (Obama) whose policy proposals are pretty well identical to those of Hillarys. But then you guys don't read and listen to the facts do you? It's all about gender and personalities. How sad you are as voters.

First thoughts: The end game

Obama08, Texas — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:20:39 GMT

Chuck,
Thanks for clarifying how the popular votes is being calculated so far. As for Clinton, she had her opportunity to gracefully bow out. I still would have thought of her as a fighter more so, if she bowed out weeks ago. But that period of time that exists till now, she's coming off more like an unstable figure that I wouldn't want to have anywhere near the white house or in a decision making arena. And in regard to comments above, I don't want to see her anywhere near a ticket or even in a cabinet position. This needs to be Obama's people, and Hillary is just too devisive and she doesn't play well with others. I'm looking forward to my own celebration once Obama declares victory on Tuesday. Then all the Hillary people can live in their own self dilluted world.

First thoughts: The end game

Jonathan — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:20:47 GMT

As I understand the math, Clinton has wins the popular vote only by NOT COUNTING caucus states. This is simply more duplicity by Clinton. She demands that the votes in Florida and Michigan be counted, claiming that she does not want to disenfranchise the voters in Florid in Michigan. She then turns around and disenfranchises the voters in Iowa, Maine and various other states by not counting us in her vote total. Also, she claims that caucuses are undemocratic because there are no absentee ballots, so shut-in and shift workers can't vote. I don't know about other states, but that is not true in Maine. There ARE absentee ballots in Maine for the caucus. Lets face it, Clinton doesn't care about Florida, Michigan or disenfranchising anyone. She wants the nomination regardless of how many lies, or twists of the truth it takes. Everbody claims the media loves Obama, but I'm yet to see anyone call Clinton on this duplicity.

First thoughts: The end game

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:21:01 GMT

McCain has NO CHANCE in Wisconsin if Obama is the nominee, NO CHANCE. The two biggest electorates in Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Madison, are nothing more than Illinois North. Two Democratic Senators, Democratic Governor, Democratic mayor in Milwaukee, Democratic Congress woman....except for the Senators....all have already declared for Obama.

First thoughts: The end game

jrterrier — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:21:37 GMT

todd, what's the latest info on how Montana and SD are going to come out?

First thoughts: The end game

Robert (Madison, WI) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:22:01 GMT

Anne in PA,

That is not correct that DNC was trying to push out women. It speaks VOLUMES that the one who proposed .5 vote delegation with Michgan democratic party recommendation for the RBC was indeed a woman and supporter of Hillary Clinton.

According to rules in selecting a nominee for the party - the person who hits 2118 is declared the winner. Barack is not just a little closer - he is a lot closer - despite what Clinton campaign says.

What the RBC did on Saturday was unify the party and Ickles wanted nothing to do with it.

The story of Saturday was really 5 out of 13 Clinton supports abandoned the Clinton camp. Why? Because it was becoming very clear the Clinton insiders were attempting to split the party into camps to keep this thing going.

What we saw was a message to Ickles and crowd that we don't want fight at convention....and if threathen that - the DNC will take action. They called his Ickles intimation move - and 5 Hillary supporters agreed that was wrong thing to do.

First thoughts: The end game

Todd, NC — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:22:27 GMT

Anne in PA..

I truly understand your frustration and argument. But I have to say to you as an African American and descendent of slaves in this country our frustration is SIMILAR, if not equal. We are both in a minority!! Lets just be honest all the president since 1776 have been WHITE MEN!! If Hillary would have won the nomination, I would have voted for her, but being that Barack is going to be the nominee I feel like in either scenario we as a country have made GREAT progress. I truly believe that if Barack wins the presidency that it will open the door of opportunity to ALL minorities(blacks, women, hispanics, etc) The democratic nominee represents SO much change regardless of the cnadidate this term.. PLEASE think about this because women like Hillary are getting closer and closer to having a piece of the pie.. The only way you can be disappointed with Barack Obama winning the nomination over Hillary in light of what I said you would just absolutely have to neglect the fact that his is a MINORITY just like Hillary..