The expectations game continues

Sheila, Annapolis, MD — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:41:33 GMT

Hey, the Culinary Union endorsed Edwards back in 2004 - and he came in way, way behind Kerry!

Hillary has led in every single poll - some by double digits!

If Hillary wins, should anyone be surprised? No.

If Obama can come within striking distance, THAT will be a surprise!!

If Obama WINS, THAT would REALLY BE A HUGE SURPRISE!!

The expectations game continues

Nina, New York — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:42:14 GMT

Of COURSE they'll wait until later to see if Bill wants to elaborate on voter suppression... If it was truly vital to them, they'd be on it immediately, but instead they're going to wait to see if they win. Anything to confuse things a bit.

Honestly, I'd forgotten how much I dislike Bill Clinton until all of this started. The man lies like breathing.

The expectations game continues

Nashville_fan — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:51:28 GMT

Hmmm, the voters I saw on CNN didn't look too "suppressed". It is a shame how "the Clintons" play the media like a fiddle.

The expectations game continues

Nausher Sial,South Bend-IN — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:55:41 GMT

It will be a big surprise for NV winner ,because whole Union was behind Obama to win.Believe me this will be big win for Hillary and Bill Clinton is the most influnce asset for this copmaign.

The expectations game continues

Bethany, St. Louis, MO — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:10:19 GMT

Even if that woman manages to slime her way into the nomination....she'll never win in November. Thank God!

The expectations game continues

ObamaRama — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:12:46 GMT

Sheila, Annapolis, MD (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 3:41 PM)

LOL

The expectations game continues

Vivian, Charlottesville, VA — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:12:48 GMT

Well, they just announced Hillary won. Surprised? No. She led consistently in the polls. The culinary union didn't help Edwards back in 2004 when they endorsed him. Maybe it helped a bit more this year. But this should not be a surprise to anyone. Will be intersting to see how much she wins by. She has been leading by as much as 25 points - so if Obama can close the gap that will be a good showing.

The expectations game continues

ObamaRama — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:26:04 GMT

Vivian, Charlottesville, VA (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 4:12 PM)

Same bull coming from the Obama-Nation cultists.
YOU LOST AGAIN! That's THREE IN A ROW! Spin it you want Obamanites, you have done nothing but LOSE since January 3rd!

The expectations game continues

Janet — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:27:37 GMT

I am so sorry that, apparently, Obama did not win the Nevada Caucus. What I find upsetting is that the Democratic Party seems to nominate LOSERS. If Hillary is our nominee, we will have another 8 years of REPUBLICANS. Obama is exactly what our Country needs. The Clintons are too corrupt to be effective. And, what happened about the New Hampshire recount? I see they hushed that one up in a hurry. Obama won in New Hampshire fair and square. Why do we have to nominate the most corrupt candidate? We so desperately need a GOOD President.

The expectations game continues

Rick,ky — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:28:58 GMT

Slooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow news day, huh 1st read. How about something about Hillary saying she'd been thinking about passing health care for 14 year's now. Since she said she decided in Decmember 2006 to run for President, this statement yesterday at a campaign stop kinda undercuts when that decision was made.Has she introduced Universal Health care legislation since becoming a Senator in 2001? She said a lot of New stuff last evening, that we have'nt heard to date. Is 1st read gonna report on these New proposals or just keep bringing up Old News that's been laid to rest already?

Barack Obama for President!!!!!!!!

The expectations game continues

Jerry and Barbara, Vienna, VA — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:30:26 GMT

At about 2:45pm on January 19, 2008, Chuck Todd was discussing Bill Clinton's charges with Norah O'Donnel that the Obama campaign was trying to subvert the caucus voting process by having the Culinary Union's leadership pressure their workers to either vote for Obama or not at all. In the discussion, Mr. Todd announced that "President Clinton" made these charges and strongly implied that this should be taken seriously because it was said by the former "Commander-in-Chief" -- in quotes because this is what Mr. Todd said when he referred to Bill Clinton. Because Mr. Todd is a political reporter, he should know better than to trust the word of a man, obviously partisan, who has a large stake in the election of his wife and who is a self-admitted and well documented liar. He admitted that he had lied to an entire nation, and he was impeached for it. Can we trust his word? Should what he says be reported as fact before the information is carefully fact-checked and verified? Especially on the day of an important caucus in Nevada?

The expectations game continues

T. Birmingham, AL — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:31:28 GMT

Both top tier candidates played the game well; Hillary seems to be the top winner. However, in spite of who you support, it is probable that a democrat will win in November, and for that I am grateful.

The expectations game continues

michael — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:36:53 GMT

Why so negative about Hillary ya'll need to stop griping and do something for this country! Wake up ya'll...hillary will win 08

The expectations game continues

Tracy, CA — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:57:09 GMT

Obama came from a 25% deficit in the polls only 3 weeks ago to give Clinton a very close race. As his message spreads and people realize his enormous intellect and integrity, he will win the nomination and end this era of dirty and divisive politics.

The expectations game continues

gene britton — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:05:12 GMT

seven (7) days ago the poll MSNBC was touting, over,over and over again was-Obama 33-Hillary 31-and Edwards 27. That two point leads has now turned into a six+ plus Hillary win.

The expectations game continues

Travis, Louisville, Ky. — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:18:55 GMT

I love listening to the spin of the Obama camp after chastizing Hillary for trying the same thing in Iowa. He had the unions and some papers, even, behind him - not to mention his ever-increasing arrogance. Just like in New Hampshire, Hillary's good campaigning skills and Obama's poor ones have once again cost him a state's victory.

The expectations game continues

Duop, Colorado — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:21:36 GMT

Any sign of over-heated support for any leading candidates may create counter results

The expectations game continues

laurie, st. paul — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:24:07 GMT

Obama did very well against party establishemnt. The clinton's can spin it but....

As University of Nevada Reno political science professor put it - 'If she loses Nevada, it's not just a loss. It's a collapse.'"

The expectations game continues

Gina, Boise, Idaho — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:26:46 GMT

If Obama closed the 25 point Hillary lead down to under ten points, why is this not seen as a victory of sorts?

Why? Because the media built up this culinary endorsement to such a point that everyone thought that Obama was a sure-fire winner.

And on what info did the media base this? Darned if I know. In 2004 this union had very little impact on the Edwards' campaign. I didn't know this until today. Just read it here on another post. Isn't that the job of the press? Seems like you in First Read, as well as any other media who proclaimed this endorsement had such monumental importance, have a lot of explaining to do. (and of course the Clintons played this up tremendously too)

In politics, expectations - and perceptions - are very important. To build up this endorsement's power makes the actual numbers seem much less impressive. Obama closed a gap of 25 points after his win in Iowa to under ten. That is significant. But no one is mentioning that.

Shame on the media for not doing its homework. Why didn't you check - and report - the actual limited impact of this culinary union as was the case in 2004 with the Edcwards' campaign??

The expectations game continues

Wayne in Kansas City, MO — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:27:12 GMT

Despite the media's fascination with Obama and their determination to convince people that he's already won, it's the votes that count and so far Iowa is the only place that agrees!

The expectations game continues

NinaK — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:28:10 GMT

Well, looks like the Clintons' lies and slash-and-burn tactics, and dirty political maneuvers have worked again for them. Unbelievable, I cannot believe the people in Navada fell for their dirty tricks! Can you imagine that ugly misshapened giant pear in pantsuits being an image for America? Maybe she'll name her sexual predator, crazed pittbull, saggy-bagged and bug-eyed, red-nosed, temper-tantram throwing, dispicable husband of hers as her VP. The Clinton cult would love this for sure!!! Shameful indeed! Damned, America, we can do a whole lot better than this!!! I am already ashamed of and for our country!!

The expectations game continues

NinaK — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:30:36 GMT

The expectations game continues

Susan — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:32:35 GMT

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm tired of the whining here about how the Clinton's use the media or "tactics" to "play the game". Wake up people! No matter how much you don't like it, that's the reality in this country. I think it just goes to show Obama's inexperience that he keeps getting outflanked. The Clinton's play the game brilliantly and that's actually the kind of experience we need, whether we like it or not, to truly get things done in Washington. To make real change, you have to know how to play the game...that's reality. So stop whining about Bill Clinton's tactics and come up with some of your own, or lose all around.

The expectations game continues

Don Burkhart, Morton, IL — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:40:21 GMT

Obama can claim victory in the sense that he closed a 25 point gap in the polls to run neck-and-neck with Hillary. Even though he gained 1 less delegate from Nevada, his campaign is on the rise, while Hillary's is faltering. There's no way I can see Hillary beating any Republican in November (except maybe Rudy G.), with all her negatives. I used to respect her hubby, but it now appears that they're willing to use every dirty play in the books to achieve their long-sought Restoration. What we don't need is another dirty trickster to divide the country even further. Go Barack, go!

The expectations game continues

RobK, Seattle, Wash. — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:52:58 GMT

They're now tied in pledged delegates.

A Billary win here is in consequential. S. Carolina will bring Obama back up on top.

The expectations game continues

Karen Martin, Albany, NY — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:54:40 GMT

If the media had done its job and told us that the GAMING group and the HARRY REID group supporting Hillary were the REALLY IMPORTANT ENDORSEMENTS, rather than the Culinary Union, maybe the perceptions would be very different today. Turns out the Culinary Union had very little impact in 2004! I DID NOT KNOW THIS!! I ASSUMED THEY HAD GONE FOR KERRY! NO, THEY WENT FOR EDWARDS! AND EDWARDS WAS CLOBBERED in NEVADA in 2004!! WHY DID I HAVE TO READ THIS TODAY ON A BLOG?? WHERE WAS THE PRESS??

I thought, as did most, that the CULINARY UNION WAS THE BIG PRIZE!!

POOR WORK by the PRESS! You let the CLINTONS PUSH THIS CANARD!

Hope you are more careful in the future.

Now the AMAZING FACT THAT OBAMA CLOSED A 25 POINT LEAD TO SIX IS NOT GIVEN DUE CREDIT!

CHRIS MATTHEWS' BIG NUMBER SHOULD BE THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE MEDIA and the CLINTON CAMPAIGN MENTIONED the IMPORTANCE of THE CULINARY UNION!!!

The expectations game continues

Osama Bin Laden, Tora Bora, Afghanistan — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:02:07 GMT

Way to go Girl!!!!!!!!!!!

The expectations game continues

Heidi, Boston — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:07:31 GMT

Susan I can't believe your cynicism.

I do not want to win like the Clintons do. If you have to lie, smear, and misrepresent to win, I want no part of it.

But I don't think we have to resort to these Clintonian tactics. I think someone with the integrity of Barack Obama can, and will, win the presidency back for the Democratric Party. He will make us proud to be Democrats.

Obama can play the game - very well. But he doesn't have to cheat to win.

The expectations game continues

brian, glenside, pa — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:10:15 GMT

It is strange to listen to the media and the Obama campaign speak about how the Nevada election was always Clinton’s to loose. They site Clinton’s lead from poll taken last fall when everyone assumed that her nomination was inevitable. However, after Clinton’s loss to Obama in Iowa and the Culinary Union endorsement of Obama, the media, the Obama campaign, and the Clinton campaign believed the Obama had the advantage in Nevada. This change was evident in the Nevada polls that came out after New Hampshire where Obama held a small lead.

This is a loss for Obama in a state were he thought he could win and campaigned vigorously for the victory. And a win for Clinton in a state where no one (Obama, Clinton, Edwards, the media) was sure who would win.

The expectations game continues

Mary, Wilmington, DE — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:37:16 GMT

I just want to say that if the Obama campaign is up against both the Clintons, and the media, they have a large hurdle to overcome.

We all knew about the smears and falsehoods put forth by the Clintons.

We didn't know how misleading the media was. Until today. I have just this afternoon read other bloggers' comments saying that the highly touted Culinary Union endorsement of Edwards was really not a factor in 2004. I had assumed Kerry had their endorsement. How many reading this knew that important little fact?? All I have heard in the last few weeks by both the Clintons and the media is that the endorsement by this union was tantamount to WINNING in Nevada. I'm no expert in these things so I believed these many, many pundits - and people here on First Read - who said this countless times. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED by these false expectations pushed by the media. Now what should be a come from behind closing of the margin to just six points from 25 is overlooked. Shameful work by the press. How can we believe in future contests what the media puts forth? You really blew it big time.

The expectations game continues

Leo Romo, Tacoma,Wa. — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:39:15 GMT

Attention People: The Union Bosses can endorse any candidate "They" want, but the rank and file will vote for whomever they think is best suited to run our country. Been there,but didn't do that.!!!

The expectations game continues

Mike Morris, Leavenworth, WA — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:56:18 GMT

While we (Democrats) are in the primary season, let's remember, the successful candidate will have to win the entire country in November. If you are sick of the Bush years, there are just as many on the right, who will loath 4 to 8 years of another Clinton. (Maybe even some progressives as well).

Don't vote your party, vote for the country. Let's put a leader in charge that will bring out the best in us. We don't need another 8 years of blaming the right wing conspiracy for failure. WE are at a crossroads, for the country and the globe, and the Clinton's will be a distraction, an act, that weakens the unity we will need to lead a world in crisis.

The expectations game continues

Bobby, Franklin, TN — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:56:41 GMT

Many Democrats and Independents do not like Hillary. Republicans DESPISE and HATE her. Obama is not polarizing and if he secures the nomination, can be our HOPE for a Democratic president.

If Hillary gets the nomination, every Republican and their dog will be at the polls on election day. Obama is the candidate who can bring in Independents and moderate Republicans who are frustrated with their party.

What do you want, four more years of Republican rule or a Democrat to bring some CHANGE?

Vote Obama!

The expectations game continues

Beth, Nashville — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:00:42 GMT

The media owes us an explanation as to why they all played up the importance of the Culinary endorsement. I am just reading for the first time here that their endorsement in 2004 of Edwards was a bust. Did him little good. So why did the media mislead us so blatently? One reason is every Clinton surrogate who appeared on TV said it over and over again. Why did the press get so lazy and go along with the Clintons and not check this out? Sloppy work. We rely on the press to give us accurate info. If we had known that this group wasn't all that it was made out to be, the expectations game would have been much different. We would be hearing how amazing it was that Obama closed the margin from 25 to 6!

Hope the media will be more careful in the future.

The expectations game continues

Dollye, Las Vegas, Nevada — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:59:14 GMT

Truth needs no defense. Believe in what you don't see.