First thoughts: We move on

Chuck, NY — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:15:36 GMT

I won’t kid you, this morning it hurts that the Clinton campaign still has life. I want to congratulate Senator McCain on his nomination, and he will probably go on to victory in November if he faces Clinton. I did some Electoral College ‘what if’ games, and he easily defeats her in the mid 300 range versus her low 200 totals. It could possibly be even larger for McCain if he wins California, which is very possible. However, those change swing completely around if McCain faces Obama, and he could easily be in the mid 300’s versus McCain’s low 200’s at best.

I know Senator Obama still has the delegate lead, and has received 560,000 more votes than her throughout this campaign. But does anyone think for one moment she will not steal the nomination away from him? She and Bill will work the their party I.O.U.’s and get Michigan and Florida seated, and arm twist super delegates to put her over the top.

I heard many commentators last night say the DEMS will once again die of 10,000 cuts. Will the Democrats blame her for defeat? She has no coattails, and you can kiss our Congressional majority goodbye.

I was so looking forward to President Obama’s Inaugural Address. I bet it would have been spectacular.

First thoughts: We move on

jaycee, Ventura, California — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:18:37 GMT

The question is not who wins the big states among Democrats when you split the vote, but which candidate at the top of the Democratic ticket can put the biggest vote total together in the general election against John McCain. I can’t speak to New York or New Jersey, but if the suggestion is that Barack would lose California to McCain, that’s just ridiculous. We simply ran out of time before Super Tuesday to overcome Hillary’s huge starting lead.

What Hillary demonstrated yesterday is that negative campaigning can effectively slow your opponent’s momentum, especially when you spring it at the last minute. But then we already knew that. Her campaign is not thinking any farther at this point than simple short term survival. She’s out there running as though she’s on the Republican ticket; playing on people’s fears and anxieties, bashing the media, and talking up the Republican nominee’s experience. McCain is starting to work on grabbing Barack’s message of bipartisan cooperation. Her experience argument may find some traction against someone with the youthful demeanor of Barack, but against McCain it will be revealed as the empty assertion that it really is.

So what is the long-term plan? Does she think she can have the superdelegates overturn the decision of the voters and then just get in front of Barack’s parade and march to victory? That parade will look more like a mob with pitchforks chasing her down the street. There’s nothing left for her to win. It’s over. All she can do now is drag Barack into the gutter with her swing the general election to McCain by letting the air out of the movement Barack has already started. The voters Barack has energized represent the future of the Democratic Party if we can hold on to them. Hillary represents the past. There’s not a lot to think over here.

First thoughts: We move on

Oh Boy NOT HILLARY — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:22:56 GMT

Well the rush limbaugh crowd did it, the repubs helped helped hillary to ther texas win.. They want to run against Hillary and have mountains of ammunition to use against her. I guess what ever that was running down Chris mathews leg has dried up

First thoughts: We move on

Bryan, Manhattan, KS — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:24:10 GMT

What speech does she mean when she talks about 2002? Please help me... I figure she's talking about Obama's 2004 DNC speech, which was in, well, 2004.

First thoughts: We move on

Raleigh, NC — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:24:46 GMT

I never, NEVER, would have said this at any point in the last year, and frankly, I'm stunned I'm saying it this morning - but I think they have to share the ticket. No do-overs in FL and MI - whichever candidate has the most delegates gets the top slot, which is how the biggest prize has always been decided. At this point that looks like Pres. Obama and VP Clinton, tho I certainly wasn't a math major. The results from all the contests show that Dems love them both and an entire segment of voters will be angered and bitter at this point to lose one of them. I do agree that Obama can get Clinton votes, but not vice versa. Having Clinton at the top gives the I vote to McCain and that's not what any card-carrying Dem wants.

First thoughts: We move on

J, Cincinnati OH — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:24:49 GMT

Massive Republican cross over, from urging of Conservative Radio (Rush), to keep Hillary in it.
Serious ballot problems in high Obama support areas like Clinton supporter Stephanie Tubbs-Jones' district.
Blantant use of false lines and fear tactics.

Congrats on your "wins" Hillary. Let the mud slinging continue for months.

Cincinnati, a huge Republican city (about 75% R vs 25 D) now has more registered Democrats than Repubs after all the cross over to vote Hillary to keep this battle going after urging of Rush Limbaugh for the last few days. Too bad all those hundreds of thousands of Repubs voting for Hillary will not be doing that in November.

Congrats President McCain!

First thoughts: We move on

Nashville_fan — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:24:59 GMT

"While not MAJOR progress on the pledged delegate front, it's impressive nonetheless since so many folks predicted her not even netting 10 delegates last night"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I thought that this sentence was so funny, I wanted to isolate it! WOW!

Obama '08

First thoughts: We move on

j fl — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:30:32 GMT

Ah yea folks, give Clinton Michigan and Florida, which are rightfully hers,she will kick butt in Pennsylvania and she has enough superdelegates to beat him. So, SHE will be out next president.

First thoughts: We move on

Paul Nash, Gainesville, Florida — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:32:00 GMT

FLORIDA HAS ALLREADY VOTED IN JANUARY,WHEN WE HAVE OUR "FULL" POPULATION OF WINTER RESIDENCES. IT WAS A FAIR ELECTION,WITH NO ADVANTAGE TO EITHER CANDIDATE. HILLARY CLINTON WON "DECISIVELY". WE HAVE ALLREADY VOTED AND THE RESULTS ARE COMPLETED.OUR DELEGATES ALL 100% OF THEM MUST BE SEATED AND COUNTED AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION. THE FLORIDA REPUBLICAN GOVENOR "CRIST" AND FLORIDA REPUBLICAN LEGESLATOR, MADE THE DECISION TO MOVE UP THE PRIMARY A FEW WEEKS.IF YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY AS I DO, GO TO seatourdelegates.com AND SIGN THE PETITION.

First thoughts: We move on

Colleen, NY — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:32:57 GMT

Wow. I'm depressed. Hillary has been relentlessly trying to kill the hope of millions of Americans. It's starting to work. Hello President McCain.

First thoughts: We move on

J.F. Haley, Chicago, IL — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:33:35 GMT

I can't wait until the hype and spin of Hillary Clinton's "victories" dies down and the reality of what happened last night sinks in.
She had a 20 point lead in Ohio a couple weeks ago and Obama cut that lead in half.
She had a 20 point lead in Texas a couple weeks ago and managed to eke out a couple-point victory in the primary, but will most likely lose the caucus and go on to lose the overall delegate battle in Texas.
Barack Obama essentially maintains his delegate lead and now 370 of the remaining delegates that Clinton needs to try to catch him have passed under the bridge with her making, essentially, no gain.
Her campaign keeps saying things like "she's winning the big states that democrats have to win."
NONSENSE. Does anyone REALLY not think that Barack Obama - as the Democratic nominee - will win states like New York, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts? Of course he will.
The REALITY is he has a chance to actually win states like Kansas, Idaho, Montana, and - YES - Texas in November. He will bring in voters from the middle and even some Republicans in the general election. If Hillary Clinton were to become the nominee, she would mobilize such opposition on the other side there is no way she could beat John McCain.
And here's another point that the talking heads rarely make - in EVERY state where Hillary has campaigned, once she actually SHOWS UP in that state and starts talking to people, her numbers there plummet. So now just imagaine, for a moment, that she's the nominee and has another 8 MONTHS of going state by state and watching her numbers sink and sink further. That adds up to one thing.
President John Sydney McCain.

First thoughts: We move on

Geoff in Brooklyn — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:33:40 GMT

Can Barak please make this argument, either himself or through surrogates: IF Hillary says that the superdelegates should exercise their independent judgement as part officials, then shouldnt they step in NOW to end this before we hand the advantage to McCain. Obama is ahead, and will remain ahead, in pledged delegates and popular vote, so NOW is the time to use the superdelegates. For the good of the party.

First thoughts: We move on

Susan, Miami — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:33:53 GMT

All this is called democracy at work. Hillary Rodham Clinton will be our next president.

First thoughts: We move on

Jerry S. Oakland, CA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:34:33 GMT

She is only dividing our nation. I can only say that voters in Ohio and Texas seem to favor the old Clinton dynasty.
It is interesting that all of my buddies and college classmates will vote for McCain so that they make it clear they reject divisveness and deceit.

First thoughts: We move on

Jon, Indy — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:36:08 GMT

It blows my mind that Pres. Clinton signed NAFTA, the Buckeye state blames NAFTA for its woes, and the public sided with Sen. Clinton and held Sen. Obama responsible. Talk about winning the PR war.

First thoughts: We move on

Former Dem, California — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:36:14 GMT

Analysis: two tough foes ahead for Obama
Posted by James F. Smith March 5, 2008 12:23 AM
By Peter S. Canellos, Globe Staff
WASHINGTON — Barack Obama woke up yesterday morning with hopes of vanquishing his last remaining rival and claiming the Democratic presidential nomination. He ended the day with two stubborn opponents: Hillary Clinton — vowing to continue her campaign after big victories in Rhode Island and Ohio — and a long-delayed but growing media backlash against his candidacy.
The second one may be more threatening than the first.
Despite breaking Obama’s string of 11 victories, Clinton is likely to gain only a modest boost in delegates and will have a hard time erasing his lead in delegates. And the Democratic party leaders who make up the party’s ‘‘superdelegates’’ will feel pressure to validate the will of the people, meaning that Obama remains the front-runner for the nomination.
But for the first time in his improbable rise, Obama himself became the main issue in the campaign — and the voters’ response wasn’t encouraging.
Obama had built up a 75,000-vote lead in early voting in Texas, only to see Clinton erase it with a strong comeback in the last few days; exit polls showed that late-deciding voters chose her over him by a 2-1 ratio.
A last-minute Clinton TV ad questioning Obama’s ability to maintain national security may have helped her; so too did his own mishandling of a controversy over his aide’s alleged comments to Canadian officials suggesting Obama wasn’t serious about renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Clinton, in what may be her first memorable phrase of the long campaign, accused Obama of giving voters the old ‘‘wink-wink’’ — promising something he didn’t intend to deliver. And Obama suddenly was on the defensive.
''It seems clear that Clinton had the better of the last few days of the campaign,’’ said Dante Scala, political scientist a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire. As a result, he said, Clinton is unlikely to face as much pressure to withdraw from the race, setting up another potential showdown in Pennsylvania on April 22.
The long wait for Pennsylvania will give both campaigns a chance to rearm themselves with money and issues. But compared to previous chapters in this drawn-out epic of an election, Obama election year, Obama will almost certainly be receiving greater scrutiny than Clinton.
For two months, the Illinois senator dominated the national zeitgeist with his ‘‘yes, we can’’ message of hope and change, a phenomenon celebrated in YouTube videos and T-shirts. But his recent return to earth coincided with the settling of the TV writers’ writer’s strike and the reemergence of late-night comedy shows as a political force.
Comics are quick to impose a story line and make it stick: Their jokes spring from common knowledge about the candidates — John McCain’s age, Clinton’s marital troubles, Mike Huckabee’s frequent professions of faith.
‘‘Saturday Night Live,’’ the granddaddy of all political comedy shows, chose to build its Obama narrative around the idea that reporters were completely in his thrall. And its skits — on both Feb. 23 and March 1 — presented Obama as an amiable guy inflated to hero status by a worshipful media.
Clinton, by contrast, was presented as annoying but indefatigable — a scrappy underdog whose complaints of unfairness got laughed off by the media. As if to drive home the point, comedienne Tina Fey used the Feb. 23 ‘‘Weekend Update’’ segment to deliver a thinly veiled exhortation to young women to quit Obama and get with the Hillary bandwagon.
‘‘In less than a minute, the SNL skit crystallized Hillary’s complaints [about unfair media treatment] and upgraded them from mere media inside baseball to the conventional wisdom,’’ said Matthew Felling, the former media analyst for CBS.com.
Clinton was quick to seize on the skit as proof of her point — mentioning it in last week’s debate in Ohio and then flying to New York for a long cameo on the show last Saturday.
The SNL appearance, followed by a stint on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Monday night, seemed to clear some of the gloom from around Clinton; her poll numbers began improving late last week.
Still, her wins in Ohio and Rhode Island and her battle for Texas only put her where the polls had had her a few weeks earlier, before Obama’s campaign blanketed the states with ads and staffers.
Rhode Island and Ohio were her turf, and she held it. She can feel relieved to be going on to Pennsylvania, but Obama remains the main focus of the race.
If he can handle it.

First thoughts: We move on

Patty,sd,ca — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:36:38 GMT

Yes, Hillary won by going extremely negative -- basically lying, if you will. So what? The presidentcy is at stake. The end justifies the means -- why shouldn't the pursuit of power trump all else?

First thoughts: We move on

Bryan Heraty Morristown, New Jersey — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:36:45 GMT

And as Elton John would say "I'm still standing"

I don't know how the woman does it. Where does the drive and motivation come from? When most men would have packed it in and went away and got therapy this broad has a will and spirit that can not be broken.

First, I should say that I would LOVE to see Obama get the nomination. However, this election and more importantly last night, has made ME pause and wonder about what a world would be like under an "Obama-Nation"

Does he have the experience?

Do we want (as Pat Robertson says on MSNBC) a community organizer making life and death decisions for us?

Who will answer the phone at 3am? (great ad by the Clinton campaign)

This campaign heads to the new casino capital of the world

Pennsylvania which has been described as "Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with Alabama in the middle" the home of more shady politicians than New Jersey.

Hillary has most of the political big wigs in the state locked up except for Bob Casey the newly elected Senator who has largely remained uncommitted in the race.

What also struck me as ironic last night was the following. Keep in mind I have waited for and have watched every minute of this primary season. John McCain comes out to Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" a great song to get the crowd jacked up.

The words to that song not only fit him but also fit the lady who took the stage last night in Ohio to give a victory speech. Hillary has the eye of tiger back can she take the BIG MO to Pennsylvania and beyond..... only time will tell

That is all

First thoughts: We move on

Anti Reaganess Big Talkers, Columbus Georgia. — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:37:22 GMT

OMG!!

All these women who are voting against their own interest, you get what you ask for. The President is the last glass ceiling for female workers. The 75 cents to 80 cents on the dollar earnings and the like is not going to go away simply by backing yet another man.

Yes I know "Tucker Carlson" screams that women should not vote for a woman just for woman's sake, and that his wife does not even consider such a thing. But I'd say Tucker makes a pretty good living and economics is not a "real concern" for his wife's fairy tale life.

The rest of "working women" and there are many of them, NEED MONEY, just like the men who work the exact same jobs but make substantially more money do. So when you (hair brained) females run to the polls and vote for Obama or McCain, you are voting against your own interest, your own pocket book, your own lively hood.... Like it or not that's just the way it is.

So if it's "feel good" politics that drives you. Then when you drive to the bank and deposit your checks, you can say to yourselves. Boy or boy, it felt good to vote for Obama, he talks so well, or John McCain hey, he's a hero, who use to fly planes, he's got to be a good one.

You are just voting to keep yourselves down, keep your pay lower, keep the status quo. You actually have a chance to make some "REAL CHANGE" if you choose to ignore this opportunity.... It's really quite simple you deserve what you get, you had a chance to make it better and you chose not to act.

It doesn't mean you are a bad person, or anything like that. It does mean, you don't really understand politics, and the real meanings behind politics. It simply means you're not ready to step up to the "plate," and play "hard ball" for economic equality, you're still comfortable standing on the sidelines swinging the bat, while being paid substantially less money for doing the same jobs.

First thoughts: We move on

Donna Kay — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:38:32 GMT

Obama is still going to win it. I heard Bill Richardson is going to endorse him today - hope it's true. Hillary has played the race card, and that is even worse than her constantly playing the gender card as if to say "woe is me, i am woman" - which i as a female find offensive.

But it is disgusting how she has pandered to racism for her benefit, not just white and black, but black and latino. She, and her family, simply do not care in their quest for power. But ultimately she will lose. The wisdom of the party will prevail as the math is impossible, and the superdelegates will follow the will of the people, rather than usher in President mcCain.

I was very disappointed for those last night unable to see, or don't care, that Hillary is splitting the party, ESPECIALLY by saying John McCain is better than Barack Obama, when they are in the same party !!
Hillary has an evil and vindictive side.

Now Barack and Co. will have to throw the CLINTON sink out there, and it will be overflowing with past scandals, shady deals, and lies. I am white, and I can see with my own eyes that Hillary has been using racism. The Newspeople reinforce this when they break the voters down by race - DON'T DO THAT !! It should be irrelevent and only causes bad and weird feelings. I don't want to hear it. Incites racism in those already so inclined.\

First thoughts: We move on

Crissie Brown, Tampa, FL — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:39:21 GMT

Obama needs to campaign against McCain, and ignore Hillary Clinton.

Given the delegate math - Clinton gained at most 13 delegates last night, which Obama will immediately recover in Wyoming and Mississippi - there is simply no way for Clinton to win the pledged delegate race. And while Team Clinton can spin that only big states ought to count, and thus the superdelegates should give her the nomination regardless of her deficits in pledged delegates and popular vote, it's not going to happen. The superdelegates, unlike Team Clinton, are more concerned about the Democratic Party as a whole.

Simply put, Barack Obama is already the presumptive Democratic nominee, and he ought to campaign as if he has already won: focusing on John McCain and ignoring Hillary Clinton.

Her gutter campaigning will then be exposed for what it is: an attempt to gain influence in what she hopes will be a John McCain administration.

Hillary Clinton is, if nothing else, a seasoned political operator. She knows she cannot win the Democratic nomination. She also knows she cannot help Obama win in November; she burned those bridges in Texas and Ohio. Thus, she has only one path left to retain any personal political clout: to help John McCain defeat Barack Obama, and call in those chips during McCain's presidency to pass a few impressive-sounding bills ... positioning herself for 2012.

In the real world of the delegate count - as well as in her personal political calculations - Clinton is already campaigning for John McCain. Barack Obama should thus focus on McCain, ignore Clinton, and use his resources and time preparing for November.

First thoughts: We move on

nancy sanders, dallas texas — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:39:35 GMT

As an Obama supporter, I will not vote for Hillary Clinton, under any circumstances. If she wins the nomination, .she will not get his supporters to support her. I think all the people he has brought into the party (the youth..etc..) will simply stay home and not vote in November. What a shame. The Democratic party is in shambles...she should have dropped out, before yesterday, if she had the greater good of the party as her priority. But she's never put anything ahead of her own need for power.

First thoughts: We move on

Dan, Upstate NY — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:39:49 GMT

Everybody calm down and start talking Unity Ticket. It would blow McCain out of the water. Both Obama and Clinton blasting away with both barrels for months before McCain even picks a VP. This would be beautiful.

First thoughts: We move on

Austin — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:40:26 GMT

OK people, I have thrown my towel in. I just do not have the enrgy/time to follow this telenovela soap opera. I am a moderate that just wants a President who is willing to take the Economy and Healthcare seriosuly. I believe that Obama is that person. But it seems that the Dems are just not able to stop fighting and focus. If the next few months turn out to be a cesspit of smears, then I will just vote McCain. My GWB induced dislike for chaos is stronger than the hope I have for the new domestic focus the Dems could bring.

First thoughts: We move on

mudslinger — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:42:19 GMT

Obama has yet to make those contrasts like you mention above and I wander if it is the lack of skill in debating when you can't draw words out to intensify their meaning yet you have to talk and explain reasoing and idfferences. if Ob ama does strike contrsts then he'll be percieved as trying new stratgey and people will ask why and it'll be noticeable , but if he doesn't do that then Clinton has the momentum in what America is seeing aobut him now adn feling of his true nature so he is in a no-win situation concerning momentum.He is also in trouble when, not if, the DNC revotes for Michigan/Fl and why a revote why not count the ovtes but I agree, let them campaign there and let us see. i don't think obama will fair even close in those primaries.

the obama camp screams for the popular vote to indicate the super del vote yet last night he pulled more super del votes in Texas - so does he still have this same arguement come the national convention? He has also been very large on the peoples voices being heard yet his camp doesn't want the voices in Michigan and Florida to bve heard. There are a lot of contradictions that are swaying the public eye now and I think that and the Canadian phone call and his wife's statement of not being proud amercian til now and the shadey realistate dealing is truly hurting him. There is only so much you can deny or blow off as "a mistake" that the public will take and not begin to feel they see the true candidate.

Obama is in checkmate - maybe his following can hold it off but I truly feel and see the momentum swinging sides and it is due to his pliable stances on key issues - he has 3 times I remember changing his tance on debate issues or promises he made.

It seems they trust Hillary.

First thoughts: We move on

Rick Hussein, Ky — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:42:25 GMT

As a Barack Obama supporter ( since day 1)i'm somewhat confused to why the American people continue to tell their son's & daughter's, that their Not Qualified(no matter what they accomplish)to become POTUS.There are Only 2 family's( BUSH-CLINTON) & their sibling's that have the qualification's to lead this great Nation of our's.We will send you to college to further your education, but make No bones about, You are Not ever gonna be Qualified to be The Leader of the Free world.
To the Mother's & Father's of America, you are telling other American's, that your Daughter's are available to be used as sexual plaything's by anyone with the Clinton name.
To the Mother's & Father's of America, you are telling other American's, that your son is available to be used as a so-called soldier, so that other's can make Untold amount's of $$$$$, thru the smokescreen of the War for Oil ( BUSHES). You're saying that you're Unwilling or to Weak to make the personal sacrifices that your parent's made before You. So you will offer up your children to anyone with the name of Bush- Clinton as sacrificial lamb's for their Pleasure.

The Dumbing down of America's children continue!

First thoughts: We move on

Ron, TX — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:42:37 GMT

She got less net pledged delegates from these wins than Obama got from Hawaii alone...

Just not enough for her to gain any sort of edge... Bottom line: she didn't finish near as well as she needed to. Right now, she's playing the role of Huckabee (I won Kansas, Dorothy! I won Kansas!)...

I'm sure Wyoming and Mississippi will erase that edge within a week.

First thoughts: We move on

Lisa, New Britain, CT — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:43:07 GMT

By the way Morning Joe, you and the rest of the media reporting on everyone saying Hillary should get out to the race, probably helped turn the tide to her.

Everyone likes to prove the media and the pundits wrong! (I'm only being half joking when I say this.)

And on the outspending argument...I have a lot to say. First of all Barack Obama is battling the Clinton machine and name recognition factor (how many people have run against someone with an ex-President as a spouse?). There, unfortunately, is a tremendous race factor in many areas of this country. Messages of hope versus mud-slinging appear to need more time to "stick" (another unfortunate thing for our County). Also, he is newer on the "Washington" scene (although he has a wealth of other pertinent life experience) and so it takes some dough to have people understand his positions (i.e., get the word out on issues matters).

While I can apprciate that it takes a lot of money to run a successful campaign, I doubt that the money matters are as simple as your reporting!

First thoughts: We move on

Jane — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:44:04 GMT

So she won 3 out of 15 since Super-Tuesday ... let's wait for the delegate count because - according Mark Penn - that's what matters, of course. I think Obama caught up very well. Two weeks ago I did not expect this to be that close and I was hoping that he did well in the contests before yesterday (which he did).

I think though it is time to play a little hardball with Billary - she has so many scandals looming and the larger part of the democratic voters (not the republicans) seem to have forgotten about it. Even the recent story on the drudge report about Hillary defending aggressively a rapist of a 12 year old girl by painting her as a slut got only mentioned once (briefly) by Tucker on MSNBC. What about one of her fundraisers, a firm that is involved in a large number of sexual harassment law suits ... and Billary said "it's ok. There is no conviction yet". Enough of the pussy press!

I know Obama want to play 'nice' but somebody has to turn up the heat on Billary if the press does not do it now

First thoughts: We move on

Steve, Hartford, CT — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:44:16 GMT

I'm voting for Nader. And then I'm leaving this moronic country. I have no desire to pay taxes to benefit idiots who can't see through political BS.

Congratulations, McCain. You won all 8 contests last night.

First thoughts: We move on

GPH, Whitehouse, NJ — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:46:21 GMT

Clinton has every right to continue her pursuit of the nomination. However, the DNC must demand that Clinton immediately:

1- Release her tax records.

2- Relese her White House records.

3- Release the Clinton Foundation donor list.

First thoughts: We move on

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:46:27 GMT

"In short, she did what she had to do, and more. But that also doesn’t change the delegate math or the fact that Ohio and Texas always favored her. Remember that the Clinton campaign has even agreed that this is a race for delegates".

That's all that needs to be said.

First thoughts: We move on

Enrique, Chicago — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:46:40 GMT

Hillary is telling all of us that the pledged delegates that represent our votes for Barack Obama do NOT matter. They might as well not exist as far as she's concerned.

If she manages to snake her way to the nomination with the votes of superdelegates, this Democrat will not be voting in the general election. I don't have it in me to vote for John McCain, but I certainly can stay home that day.

First thoughts: We move on

ObamaRama — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:46:49 GMT

"So what is the long-term plan? Does she think she can have the superdelegates overturn the decision of the voters and then just get in front of Barack’s parade and march to victory? That parade will look more like a mob with pitchforks chasing her down the street. There’s nothing left for her to win. It’s over. All she can do now is drag Barack into the gutter with her swing the general election to McCain by letting the air out of the movement Barack has already started. The voters Barack has energized represent the future of the Democratic Party if we can hold on to them. Hillary represents the past. There’s not a lot to think over here.

jaycee, Ventura, California (Sent Wednesday, March 05, 2008 9:18 AM)

Yes, you are a real thinker. Do you really think that the smoke you're blowing is in any way related to the facts? Kool-aide drinkers like you are going to be on SUICIDE watch in a couple of weeks...
Oh, and it's just like an Obama-bot to threaten riots if Hillary refuses to GIVE little Barry the nomination and they don't get their petulant little way. Great way to bring everyone together.

It's day three of the Rezko trial. What day does Barry get OUTED?

First thoughts: We move on

ObamaRama — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:47:25 GMT

First thoughts: We move on

TTR — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:48:28 GMT

CONGRATS HILLARY!

You did it DESPITE being outspent 2.5:1 in commercial time.

You did it DESPITE Obama getting the endorsements of several unions, leaders and that fat Oprah.

You did it DESPITE being at the receiving end of an unfair and blatantly biased news media.

No candidate either republican or democrat can be elected to the White House without winning OHIO and you won it hands down!

You won all the big states that DO matter. You have the lead in popular vote and will win the next key state of PA and win the nomination.

We need a fighter like you to make USA strong and respectable. Not a wimp like Obama who does not even know the name of the Russian President.

I just made my next contribution to Hillary! Go on and win the Presidency.

First thoughts: We move on

Pat Huntington NY — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:48:32 GMT

The sour grapes from the Obamabots is so predictable. Hillary's win is obvious that not everone has taken a drink of the kool aid Obama's wife has been serving up at his cult gatherings.

First thoughts: We move on

ClintRovian Politics — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:52:51 GMT

It's unfortunate, but the longer Clinton stays in this, the worse it is for the party...not that I think she cares...and it may be unfair, but it is a reality.

If she gets the nomination, she loses the general b/c she will have to get it through less-than-above-board means, to be nice - but let's be honest, in the eyes of many new and promising voters, she will be stealing it.

Further - Too many people just can not stomach a vote for her...even Democrats and that number of people is growing. I am a Democrat and a woman and I will vote for the Democrat, no matter who it is - but if it's Hillary, I will have to be sick after I do - we will have a dynasty, another four years of infighting and dirty politics (let's be honest, clearly this is where she is most comfortable), and she will hurt the down ticket (the House and Senate) - If ever anyone could lose the entire election for the Democrats, it is Hillary.

Also, she will hurt Obama's chance of winning should he get the nomination, she is hardening people against him with her ridiculous behavior (victim one day, warrior the next, depending which one the polls say will suit her) - she is using Republican (Rovian) strategies to make inroads, she got despirite and started sliming him, dirtying him up. And with lies and misrepresentations...and the media did NOT call her on it, because she is also playing the victim card with them.

I have to say, as a woman I am incredibly embarrassed, not only that she would behave in this way...but that other women seem to respond to it. Um, that's not progress ladies, it's just embarrassing. It feeds the negative stereotypes we hoped to overcome...not that she cares.

Now, I expect this kind of behavior from Republicans, but not from the Democratic nominee. She has no problem killing the hope and optimism that so many felt, squashing the best opportunity this country has to be great again in the eyes of all of its citizens and the world and tearing this party apart...just to win. It's not about the good of the country, it's not about protecting anyone, and it's NOT about feminism...it's all about HER.

She simply does not care. If she doesn't get the nomination, she will take the party down with her...the sad part of it is that if she DOES get the nomination, she will take the party down with her.

If you support her, you can argue all you want... but you can't change the reality.

Oh, and congratulations to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Pat Buchannann and John McCain...I'm sure they are thrilled with her victory last night.

First thoughts: We move on

sjmanni — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:52:53 GMT

Why has the discussion now turned to why Obama "can't close the deal?" The question should be why, with all of the Clinton's political connections, history and "experience" they can't secure the nomination, unite the party and "close the deal." One year ago, Obama seemed like a long shot. Now, that Clinton is struggling for her political life, somehow this question has been placed at Obama's door. This struggle will continue to be a fierce battle because she is a dubious candidate, at best. With her background and "experience" she should have been expected to coalesce the party long ago. The fact that she has been unable to do so is stunning and the more significant story.

First thoughts: We move on

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:52:55 GMT

How depressing! It's not that my candidate didn't win. It's that negative campaigning and racism triumphed in American politics. I feel hopeless. Evil has crushed the first breath of reform that this country has had the opportunity to experience, for many years. The rich and powerful are victorious. What's amazing to me is that women are so willing to overlook the negatives just to gratify themselves by having a same gender candidate. I'm done with this. People are ignorant. I guess we get what we deserve. I’m finished with trying to achieve reason in politics. I'm returning to my life as a humble farmer as my fields lay fallow. BTW Obama will never land the negative knock-out punch and he will never run as her VP; he wouldn't sully himself.
Obama '08 (America is a land of fools)

First thoughts: We move on

Marcu Lake — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:53:39 GMT

Three sad soles:
Oh me oh my, no brains (Domenico), no heart (Mark),
and who needs to be more shy (Chuck).

I don't think one of you could right a childrens story let alone write about elections.

You three are becoming more like FOX network everyday.
Why don't you go and do some true reporting.

Your not bias, yeah right.
You three are chicken to go after Obama.
What's the matter are you scared of Opera?

I know you won't publish this, after all it maybe the truth.

First thoughts: We move on

Pat Huntington NY — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:53:54 GMT

I wonder what the boys in Las Vegas are wagering these days that McCain doesn't even make it to the general election. He looks like a walking corpse. Is that the person we want going around the world as our president?

First thoughts: We move on

JM, Tulsa — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:54:14 GMT

Damn, the republicans have a chance. The destructive infighting may allow McCain to win in November. Someone needs to answer the clue phone and stop destroying the democrats chances, not just for the presidency but also for the house and senate.

First thoughts: We move on

TheProfessor — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:54:44 GMT

Obama-bots want to end the process, "for the good of the party". Which one? Obama has failed miserably with actual democrats, winning on the backs of bamboozled AA's, gullible college kids, and indies and republicans who will vote McCain in November. As to delegates voting based on who won where, do the math. Hillary has won EVERY BIG state except the corrupt state of Illinois (I would LOVE to see Deval, Teddy and Horse face-Kerry voting for HILLARY, just as their constituents have MANDATED.
It's Hillary for the good of the DEMOCRATIC party. You Obama-bots were having your OWN party, now the party's OVER! You were so close you could taste it, now it will turn into a bad taste that you can't get rid of.

First thoughts: We move on

mexed, san antonio, texas — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:55:05 GMT

Hillary gives hope to millions of Americans and so does Barack. This is a great race with two people who inspire. Let those who demean and denegrate one or the other see that the Democratic Party has the heart of the majority of the nation and the candidates both offer a common direction albeit with differences. John McCain cannot be a vote of anger for any Democrat. He offers nothing more than more Republican retreating into the past and a politic that will only bring this country down. Whatever the outcome, vote Democrat all the way to the White House! Go Hillary. Go Obama!Keep the campaign going. Keep reminding the country day ater day that there is a better way and that way is the Democratic Party. Bring the war to an end, restore fiscal soundess, reestablish our nation as a world peace and justice leader, educate our children, give health care to all, secure our boarders and secure better just relations with our neighbors. The Democrats can do it. UNITE.

First thoughts: We move on

scott — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:56:11 GMT

The polls are closing on Hillary behind in the matchup with McCain - she is the only democrat that will carry all the vote outside most of the black vote (apparant they won't care to follow if obaa drops out but neither will those votes go to McCain)for our party. She has the better shot in heavier states of like FLorida and California - bot h of those obama lost and will lose again and she also carries the bigger more meaningful states and again, obam,a can't win those. I think people will begin to view him as splitting the democratic party up. Hillary now leads in all the Florida polls agaisnst Mccain. She ahs carried all the true democrat states and obama has not won any of those states. They would flip for McCain given this statistic. I opnly hope he will bow out if he gets behind. And forbid the DNC to retry Mich/Florida cause those people's voices need tob e heard - FL moved theirs up because of the Republicans so it wasn't their fault - people are not going to go to the polls twice and wait in line. what a conflict. It is uphill for obama now due to CLinton contributors and her momentum to be a fighter and not give up. I must say I respect her for that and mopre people are trusting in her for always having the same stance on specifics. There has been no floundering or backing off of her positions and that will cntinue to achieve momentum.

First thoughts: We move on

thinking voter — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:56:33 GMT

Hillary Clinton, the schoolyard bully gloating about how her dirty tricks intimidated the voters of Ohio. A wonderful symbol to the world for the American People. Ohio, who brought you George Bush, great thinker & statesman, now presents their new blunder Hillary Clinton, the anti-hope.

First thoughts: We move on

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:56:51 GMT

"All this is called democracy at work. Hillary Rodham Clinton will be our next president". Susan, Miami

No Susan. This is what you call dirt at work. Keep it up. Obama will be taking off the gloves now and will be ripping Senator Clinton a new one. McCain will be sending Hillary a thank you note today for her role in ripping the Dem party apart.

First thoughts: We move on

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:06:37 GMT

I'm amazed how closely these results have been been tracking with the Axelrod projection, mistakenly released a month ago. Releasing that memo was one of the few amateurish mistakes the Obama campaign has made, but it won't hurt them as the actual results in each state are pretty close to what they saw happening.

The one missed state has been Maine. Axelrod thought Clinton would take that, and was pleasantly surprised it went the other way. But the really impressive thing has been his projection of popular vote percentages and how those would translate to delegates - as month as a month in advance, in the case of last night's contests. He's been within a few points in most states.

So we see this comparison between a steady, non-emotional assessment driving one campaign versus an overly-dramatic roller coaster on the other side.

By the way, this projection goes all the way through the end of the primaries and it has Obama with a comfortable lead in pledged delegates at the end of it.

First thoughts: We move on

Joe, Harrisburg, PA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:06:40 GMT

She will win 90% of the Pennsylvania delegates . Barack is finished as the NAFTA fiasco will come back to haunt him in all the remaining states. That is the new math.

First thoughts: We move on

reality check from ny — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:07:57 GMT

I told my daughter before I left for work this morning that Hillary can't win for the losing. Some people will die before they say something positive about her.
She didn't win because of 'dirty tricks' or 'vote manipulation', any more than Obama lost because of Resko or his unexpectedly poor handling of the Canada flub. She won because she won and he lost because he lost. It's a divided electorate and will most likely result in a split ticket. Let everyone else vote and move on.
It's really funny that the people who hate her with the most (usually baseless) vitriol are actually doing her the most good.
Like McCain, she performs best when she's the underdog. Obama not so much. In fact, he looked downright surly last night.
Guess being out of all that rarified air and down w/ the rest of us common people isn't so much to his liking.
He'd better get used to it tho as it appears it's not even close to over.

First thoughts: We move on

Claire McDaniel, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:08:15 GMT

I'm really disappointed that Hillary's dirty politics were rewarded with wins. Her tactics reveal things about her character that turn me off. If she wins the nomination instead of Barack Obama, I will feel like the system failed and that change in the way American politics functions is not possible. I only hope that Obama does not have to resort to the same sordid tactics.

First thoughts: We move on

Watching in the USA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:09:30 GMT

So, Hillary went negative and she gets victories in Ohio and Texas. Isn't that nice.

Keep in mind, Clinton supporters, that while she can crow about her victories, the fact still remains that Senator Obama halved the lead she originally held in Ohio and cut the victory in the Texas primary to a 4 points...and she still might come out of that state behind in delegates based on the caucus.

So, here it is...Senator Clinton couldn't build her positives so she chose to cut down her opponent and go negative on him. The groundhog has seen his shadow and is calling for 7 more weeks of the Sybil campaign...emotional outbursts, negative ads, demands for debates, states she'll lose and call "insignificant"...and what happens if she goes to Denver without the delegate lead?

History will comment not just on the outcome but also the method by which "victory" was obtained. Having read these pages for a while, I notice that Obama supporters comment on their objections to Senator Clinton specifically while Clinton supporters tend to aim their disdain towards Obama's supporters...calling them deluded, automatons, immature...keep in mind that if you're a true supporter of the party, you risk chasing away Obama's supporters from voting for Senator Clinton if she's the nominee.

If that's the case, how do you expect to win?

First thoughts: We move on

TheTruthAboutObama — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:09:43 GMT

WAKE UP OBMAMABOTS! No one has won the presidency without winning Ohio in the nomination process. Ergo, since Obama did not win Ohio, he's unlikely to win the general election if he ultimately gets the nomination.

First thoughts: We move on

Julia — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:09:53 GMT

Some people (especially MSNBC) just don't get it. Half the people are voting for Hillary. There is not a lot dividing the two in the popular vote. Half the dem voters WANT Hillary. I stomached about 10 minutes of Hardball last night. Chris Matthews was talking about how the democrats polled said 2 to 1 they want Hillary to stay in the race - guess what his logic is?? So they would be able to for Obama! Gee Chris, since half the people are voting for Senator Clinton, you think maybe there might be a few that want her to stay in so they can vote for HER! I'm going to suggest something to you, Chris, and to your collegues at your station, are Hillary supporters invisible to you because the majority of them are women? I'm not one to turn this race into a gender/race issue, but I do think that is a valid question you should be asking yourself. Open your eyes!

Thanks and I would really appreciate it if this would get placed on the message board.

First thoughts: We move on

Gustavo Herrera, Baltimore MD — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:10:20 GMT

It's been obvious for weeks, but tonight just underscores it. Hillary can't win without superdelegates. She will have to strong-arm superdelegates to her side and force the DNC to make Michigan and Florida count. That's the only way she can win.

Meanwhile John McCain will be having a ball.

Obama's "change" message is as much about changing D.C. and our nation's course, as it is about changing the way political campaigns are run. He hasn't said this as blatantly as he should have; he hasn't pointed out the fact that he never attacks, he only parries and defends, while Hillary has tried one attack after the other until finding one that worked, and only with two states where her demographics were strongest.

Screw Hillary.

More balanced reaction here: http://www.nationalscold.com/2008/03/reaction.html

First thoughts: We move on

T Hussein — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:10:34 GMT

I have to say, as a woman I am incredibly embarrassed, not only that she would behave in this way...but that other women seem to respond to it. Um, that's not progress ladies, it's just embarrassing. It feeds the negative stereotypes we hoped to overcome...not that she cares. - ClintRovian Politics

Yeah, but she didn't have to have her husband do it for her this time around. That has to count for something on the progressive woman front!

First thoughts: We move on

Ray, Chicago IL — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:10:46 GMT

"I think people will begin to view him as splitting the democratic party up."

I agree. Everyone is talking about Hillary tearing up the dem party...what about Obama? They are in a very tight race. If it weren't for the dem party taking away michigan and florida's voting rights this would be a done deal.

Stop tearing apart the democratic arty Obama!!!!

Go Hillary!

First thoughts: We move on

Bull the Dog — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:11:58 GMT

Ohio is a hypocrite and it showed its endorsement of Bill Clinton's NAFTA by voting for Hillary even though they complain of job losses. Uneducated, hypocritical folks will buy into Hillary's fear mognering negative ads, period.

First thoughts: We move on

Jason, Charleston, SC — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:12:05 GMT

What it boils down to is, Obama has been reluctant to go negative while trying to be a "different" kind of politician. Meanwhile, Hillary has been jabbing at him and drawing blood relentlessly over the past few weeks. The question is, will Barack ever go negative and show he's tough enough? There is plenty of well-documented ammunition for him to use against Hillary if he chooses (just think back to the Clinton white house). Is what's good for the goose really good for the gander? Unfortunately, it's not good for the democratic party, because whomever emerges from the fray will be significantly bloodied up for McCain to jump in and take advantage of in the general election campaign.

First thoughts: We move on

WD NJ — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:12:16 GMT

Congrats to Hillary Clinton. After the smoke clears I think both candidates accomplished what they set out to do. The hard sale for the Clinton camp is proving that momentum in swing states trumps the pledge candidate count. Barak will have to put pressure on Clinton but in my opinion did well to make significant headway in Hillary's firewall states. I do believe he should throw a little dirt her way as well but I don't think he will lower himself to do that.

First thoughts: We move on

LindaJ — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:12:51 GMT

"Well the rush limbaugh crowd did it, the repubs helped helped hillary to ther texas win.."--And Ohio too. I personally know 3 Republicans who 'crossed over' to vote for her--easier to beat in the fall. Too bad McCain was such a shoe-in--the Republicans have too much time on their hands now.

First thoughts: We move on

gene — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:12:57 GMT

I am one of those Texas voters and to read some of these stupid remarks, by Todd and company and the Obama supporters, it goes beyond the pale. The cross over vote here was almost equal and and there was am effort on behalf of republicans, who serve on the Right wing Dallas Morning News editorial board to cross over and support Obama. Next if Obama did not have such massive support in the black, he would have ran poorly. 83% of the black vote was what he got. He weas beat in Texas by the people, in spite of the fact that he doubled Clinton's advertising cost, had the support of the SEIU, UFCW and the teamster's union, with man power and money for their own advertising. They had 110,000 so called volunteers, mostly from out of state and paid by out side organization, every major newspaper in the state endorsed him and his closing leaflets on the day prior to the election, did not talk about his qualifications, but about Jesus and was titled "Committed Christian"It opens with "MY faith teaches me that I can sit in Church and pray all I want, but I won't be fulfilling God's will unless I go out and do the Lord's work. Signed Barack Obama. This election was about electing a President, Not a Preacher in Chief. Last I was one of those caucus voters and it was oragaized chaos. There was 551 Obama voters and 77 Clinton voters. Of the 77 Clinton voters about 40 were Black voters. When we went to caucus there was only 14 of us and we were all white. The Black Clinton voters did not want to be seem with us. I want you to know, we were not treated badly and we understand the racial pride and I voted white, black and hispanic. The point I make, Hillary beat all odds here in Texas and she deserved this win.

First thoughts: We move on

nuanced — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:13:08 GMT

I am still waiting to see one of the candidates demonstrate that they know how to beat Republicans not Democrats. It is counterproductive and close to party treason to keep handing talking points and issues to the Republicans. The miniscule differences between Barack and Hillary are unimportant, what is important is who can win the general election. Please get some perspective and get real.

First thoughts: We move on

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:13:40 GMT

J.F. Haily:
You're absolutely right. The problem is that the death star was able to stop Obama time and again with racism and innuendo. In South Carolina, the press called them out on it but I guess that this cycle, they felt the (SNL) pressure to even up the score (thanks Tina Fey, I hope you're happy with what you're getting, an unprincipled candidate who has ambition as her main agenda. Is that what being a bitch means? Since when did feminism mean that women were to adopt all of the most unsavory characteristics of men? I thought that the goal was to bring us up to their level not to degenerate down to ours.) and decided to allow the gutter fighting to go unchecked. It's a shame how twisted things can become. In order to win, the Clintons have made it clear that Obama will have to launch negative attacks. It's a no win situation because if he does, he's no longer who he wants to be. Team Hillary is evil incarnate.
Obama '08

First thoughts: We move on

mexed, san antonio, texas — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:14:50 GMT

Is race an issue? Duh! Is wealth an issue? Curious that most blacks voted for Obama, think not? More curious, that wealthy whites vote for Obama. The fact is that there are more non working, working, and lower middle class democrats than there are the rich democrats black or white, in the Democratic party. And Hillary has more votes from that Democratic base. Obama has got the rich white Democrats and blacks and some republicans who are either voting to disrupt the Democratic race. The won't vote for him in a general election and a percentage of Hillary voters won't either. Obama has the excitment of newness but he would be another McGovern: a movement, excetement, but no final winner. The best ticket is Hillary and Obama. They have so many common goals, they would sweep up the entire Democratic base and a lot of independants. Give the nomination process its full time. Democrats can unite and can win with cool heads and passion for the long term presidential race. Everyone, save your "ANTI" fever for the Republicans.

First thoughts: We move on

Alan, NJ — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:15:03 GMT

Why didn't BO get out the race 3 months ago? He has divided the party by running a campaign! Can you stop this get out the race drivel. It's like telling the NY Giants they shouldn't show up at the Superbowl because they will lose to the Patriots. There is a reason we have elections it's to let the people vote. Just because PA and others didn't move their primary to Super Tuesday doesn't mean their choice should not be relevant. Who the hell are you to say that the choice should be made before then in such a close contest? As one pundit put it BO has had 3 chances to put his opponent away and has not succeeded. Who knows if he can beat McCain if he can't beat HRC? I predict that MI and FL will get do-overs. If BO is ahead in delegates and popular vote i think he has a very strong case. If he is not ahead in the popular vote then HRC at least has an argument to make to the superdelegates. And who knows what the future will bring? Giants are the superbowl champions!

First thoughts: We move on

Patty,sd,ca — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:15:43 GMT

Puleez -- spare me the whining about Obama's loss. The guy's an utter wimp. He's got great material to make a character comparison, like billing records, tax returns, 1st lady schedule, saying "I don't remember" more than 500 times under oath, a do-nothing elective record, absolutely no foreign policy experience whatsoever, etc etc and Obama is too afraid to use it? Get real Obamabots -- you're guy can't compete in the same ring when his opponent is raw ambition on steroids!

First thoughts: We move on

Rick, NC — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:16:29 GMT

Obamamites are sure sore losers...your guy lost last night because for the first time people saw him when he was pressed on an issue (the nafta flairup) and he didn't look very strong against a bunch of loony left reporters...hardly the stuff of presidential timber...

First thoughts: We move on

fortuna, Houston, TX — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:17:02 GMT

I caucused last night. Even though 4 different people with representation on both sides came up with the same vote total, when it was announced that our vote was Obama 63% and Clinton 37%, the Clinton supporters rushed to the table and started yelling at the volunteers that they must have counted wrong. This is a microcosm of what I'm seeing all across the country.

When Clinton is asked about a possible combined ticket, the media just assumes that it will be a Clinton/Obama ticket and not an Obama/Clinton ticket. Obama is ahead in the delegate count and in the popular vote, yet Clinton has once again been crowned as inevitable.

If Clinton steals this nomination through dirty politics and mud-slinging, it will set the party back yet again and McCain will be our next president. The surge of young voters that we have seen will simply evaporate.

It is becoming increasingly obvious to me that it is impossible to become President of the United States if you play nice. I am tired of the Bush/Clinton stranglehold on our country. I am just tired and disgusted with the same old garbage and the people who buy into it.

C.A., Alabama and Ron, Texas - Please tell me something that will help me believe again that a nice guy CAN finish first.

First thoughts: We move on

S L K — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:17:09 GMT

I don't know what hurts more the fact that Obama didn't pull out Texas to end this thing or the statistic I just read regarding race being an issue for people when they vote. If that few people or saying that it is then you have to know there are a lot more thinking it and not saying it. Even though I believe that Obama is the best candidate I now have serious reservations about whether white america is really going to look at the person and not the color of his skin come election day. If wasn't so tragic it would be hilarious because most of these people will say they aren't racist or I see people not color. This does not bode well for brown skin people in this country. Who knew we had so far to go on the issue that everyone tries to portray as not being one any longer.

First thoughts: We move on

real world, stamford,Ct. — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:17:48 GMT

Stock market up significantly today. Just a coincidence? Or are investors happy to see the coronation of the socialist put in doubt.

First thoughts: We move on

white_male_democrat — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:18:08 GMT

I found it interesting that shortly after McCain clinched the Republican nomination, Obama called to congratulate him and state that he was looking forward to campaigning against him in the fall. Shades of Bush - while the votes were still being tallied in Texas and Ohio (remember Florida?), Obama acts as if he is already the Democratic nominee. People may forget that in 2000, Bush took the same attitude and started working on his cabinet while the courts were busy with the Florida mess. This is change? Or, just a play from past?

First thoughts: We move on

KLJ, Arkadelphia, AR — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:18:49 GMT

HRC Campain Motto: NO WE CANT! So don't get your HOPES up. Negative is the way to GO!

Al Gore please stop this.

OBAMA '08

First thoughts: We move on

Tony Pina — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:19:00 GMT

regarding Obama's speech last night. I believe that Chris Matthews gave a great anaylsis during that late night hour. However, he missed one big point from Obama's speech, "The world is watching." I think this was about how if we claim to be a democracy, then this election should not be stolen. Also, it was about how the campaings are conducted. Example, the politics of fear that Hillary used, right out Karl Rove's playbook.

First thoughts: We move on

Jim, Santa Cruz — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:19:34 GMT

Obama appeared very presidential in his speech last night. Hillary is resembling GW Bush more and more as we move forward. Obama will have to take the gloves off now to end the contest. It will be bloody but it will be essential sparring practice for the McCain bout. Let's get ready to rumble.

First thoughts: We move on

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:22:01 GMT

"The sour grapes from the Obamabots is so predictable. Hillary's win is obvious that not everone has taken a drink of the kool aid Obama's wife has been serving up at his cult gatherings".
Pat Huntington NY

No sour grapes here Pat if Hillary could win this nomination on her own merits rather then going negative and trashing her opponent. If she could win the nomination in a respectable manner some supporting Obama might even support her against McCain. The sour grapes however is due to the fact that Hillary has chosen the dirt road to try and win this nomination. And if she wins the nomination in this manner then the thousands of Obama supporters will stay home in November (or vote republican) and your precious Hillary will get her rear end kicked by McCain. Then who will be talking about sour grapes.

The next time someone asks Obama if he thinks Hillary is believed to be something that she is not (something taken negatively like a certain religion or culture or whatever) he should respond with "no she is not, "as far as I know".

First thoughts: We move on

Sierra, SF — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:23:12 GMT

'...how does Obama respond? Heading into last night’s contests, he played the front-runner strategy, largely staying positive (although he did jab her in fliers and radio ads). But does he now start making more forceful contrasts...'

sorry, you HAVE TO GO NEGATIVE
That's all

Whitewater, Monica, FileGate, Cattle futures, 'I did not have sex', the meaning of 'is', Norman Hsu, Peter Paul......
How about the Willie Horton add with Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush in prison uniforms ?

It's time long overdue
That's how you fight the Clintons

Hillary DIDN'T HAVE A SECURITY CLEARANCE
How did she get her foreign policy 'experience' ?

The Clinton campaign is ruthless
They're willing to wound Obama in the General Election
It's time to fight 'fire with fire'

Not a very goo turn to the nomination process

I will NOT SUPPORT ANY TICKT with Hillary on it

Not even Obama/Clinton

Sorry, the evil bitch has to go

First thoughts: We move on

NRW — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:23:19 GMT

Howard Dean needs to make a final, binding decision regarding FL and MI immediately and stop all this blabber about the potential seating of delegates from those states. I'm sorry Paul Nash in FL, your elections were not fair in that no candidates campaigned there. Candidates agreed to stay away from those states. In fact, Edwards and Obama weren't even on the ballot in MI. Why? To honor the decision by the DNC! The Clinton Brand Name, like CocaCola, is well known throughout the country. But Obama wasn't well known until after the FL and MI election occurred. And the Clinton's didn't seem to be bothered by the fact that the DNC drew the line and disallowed the delegates from FL and MI until AFTER she won the states and AFTER she was behind in 1) pledged delegate, 2) popular votes and 3) states won. Suddenly she wants to change the rules of the game (and really, do you think she'd have even made a slight peep about it if she had lost either of those elections?). She could have voiced her opinion before then, but she was so sure of her victory that she didn't bother. It shows lack of forsight, arrogance and willful disobedience to the rules and laws established - all traits I'd prefer a president NOT to have. The rule before the election began was FL and MI delegates would not be seated. That rule should stand, no matter the whining or crying by the Clinton campaign. Dean needs to step up and strike down this talk once and for all.

First thoughts: We move on

Cathy — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:23:20 GMT

Chuck--I have to wonder if you are a plant to just make the Obama camp look stupid. You were looking forward to an inaugural address? That's a reason to elect a president?? And Clinton winning isn't stealing anything. Obama can't close this deal with the big states and if you think he's winning over MCCain you're looking at old polls. And those polls change weekly. I think either democrat is going to have a real strong chance this year against the GOP. Let's stop the urban myth about Hillary not being able to win. Obama can't win unless it's a state that holds a caucus or is heavily african american. He squeaked by in Conn. and Missouri. Ohio was huge and he outspent her there 4 to 1 and still lost. It was a huge win for her and you need to accept that she won, she didn't steal it.

First thoughts: We move on

RGO, California — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:24:08 GMT

Thank you Jerry from Corpus Christi and the people of Texas for giving Hillary that sweet victory. Jerry I knew in the long run you would help your girl. Her victory in Nueces County (Corpus Christi) was over whelming. LOL ... ROF

First thoughts: We move on

karen, CA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:24:35 GMT

Iam very disappointed that Senator Obama did so poorly last night and this fight will live on only to give Senator McCain more ammunition to use against either nominee in the general election. The DNC should put a stop to this now talk Senator Clinton into letting this go before she takes down the whole Democratic party with her just because she feels she deserves to be back in the White House again. Dirty and negative attacks on her part played a huge part in the voting and she will continue to attack Obama, the press and everyone that gets in her way that might be your future president. I would like to thank Senator Obama for the way he handled himself during his speech last night congratulating Clinton on her wins and thanking all the voters in Ohio, Vt and RI at the time for coming out and voting. That is a person I would love to see as President diplomatic, sincere, level headed someone who can take a loss with grace and dignity yet stir people to keep on going something neither Clinton's could ever do.

First thoughts: We move on

C.B. — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:24:45 GMT

Sit back and relax, an allow me to introduce the next President of the United States...Hillary Clinton.

First thoughts: We move on

Jessica, North Carolina — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:25:16 GMT

I read First Read everyday, rarely adding my thoughts, however today I am truly saddened by the results last night. Just for background reference, I am a white over fifty college educated woman and have been a life long democrat never missing an election going back to 1972. Yes, I even actually voted for McGovern. Senator Clinton cannot count on my vote after going down and dirty ( politics as usual). She will turn off many of the new enthusiastic young voters who have envigerated the Democratic party. They will just sit it out. Too bad when tactics like aligning with Rush Limbaugh for crossover votes are used to the detriment of the overall party. I bet he is salavating today with the thought of roasting Hillary in the fall. Be careful what you wish for. Last laugh will be on the Clintons when they go down in flames( yes they) and the US is stuck with McCaine. Senator Obama, you are just too honorable to be leader of this country in today's polluted atmosphere. Don't fall into her pathetic Rovian trap. Don't sell your soul and go into the gutter with her. Stay true to your ideals and if it isn't to be, be the best honorable senator you can be and try to bring about change in our sorry Congress.

First thoughts: We move on

Watching in GA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:25:17 GMT

"As OHIO goes so goes the Nation". Bush 2000/2004 and see what America has gone too. Recession,Highest Gas prices, Home foreclosures. Do we want four more years?

First thoughts: We move on

Tim, Reading, PA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:25:19 GMT

First congrats to Senator Clinton. She won last night, whether we like it or not. Now the campaigns will need to pick themselves up and move on. I would like to point out that the Clinton Campaign is making the same mistakes that Democrats generally make come the fall. They concentrate on the big states and put everything on winning them. You cannot win and successfully govern by winning the 10 most populous states. And before anyone says it I know that Clinton has won more than 10 contests.

As a Pennsylvanian I am increadubly excited to see the campaign center on us for the next 7 weeks. Lastly I feel that there is a lot stronger support here for Senator Obama than most people believe.

Oh and patty from sd,ca If you follow your thoughts through to conclusion in that the ends justify the means then it doesn't matter to you how Clinton gets the nommination. According to your thought process Senator Clinton could order an assasin to take out Senator Obama and thereby win the nomination... The ends NEVER justify the means

First thoughts: We move on

MO, NH — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:26:27 GMT

Did anyone notice how Clinton plagarized from John Edwards in her speech last night? Does this mean an endorsement is forthcoming?

First thoughts: We move on

HT — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:26:59 GMT

so now the obamanoids want to rip Hillary a new one?You seem to believe that the middle aged and elderly voters should just go away and give up their right to vote,because you say so?For those that think only Obama can beat Mccain you should probably see a shrink.

First thoughts: We move on

Sierra, SF — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:27:02 GMT

Chuck, NY: '...she will not steal the nomination away from him? ...'

No, Chuck I don't think she can
I think the Clintons want to wound Obama so deeply that he'll lose in 2008 and open the door for her in 2012

If by some chance she did get the nomination.......
She would HAVE TO HAVE Obama on the ticket

Hopefully, Obama WON'T DO IT

I won't vote for any ticket with Hillary on it

Woe and goddamit !!

First thoughts: We move on

MB — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:27:21 GMT

I am truly disappointed with last nights election results. As a moderate republican, I was hoping that democrats would see the true value in having Obama as their nominee. I would vote for Obama if he is the dem nominee. If not, I will cast my vote for McCain, a man of integrity and values, unlike the Clintons.

First thoughts: We move on

PT, Kennebunk, ME — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:27:38 GMT

I'm not terribly surprised about last nights polls, with the exception of the Texas primary going to Clinton. With that said, I'm disapointed how some people appear to be naive about what type of person they're voting for.

I don't expect Senator Obama to go after the Clintons on how the press covers things, or all the scandals that have gone unsolved or unanswered, but I do expect the press to be relentless in their persuit for answers to the myriad of things that have followed the Clintons, but yet go, virtually, unmentioned during this election.
From Whitewater, Vince Foster, Peter Paul, Uranium mines, tax returns, white house documents, the timely appearence of a prejudicial picture, etc..... These are just some of the things that the press should be relentless about persuing, while the candidates discuss their policies/plans with the country.... The problem is, Senator Clinton has no issue trying to dig up dirt, create dirt and call it "politics" while Senator Obama chooses to take the high road and discuss policy/plans with America.

There are too many people willing to believe something just because they heard someone say it, or because it showed up in their email..... if it were that easy, we'd all be wealthy reciepients, awaiting our fotunes from a bank in Nigeria..... Too many people rely on the press to cover an issue without doing some research of their own.
Nafta was a perfect example of a valid background story that should've helped the people of Ohio make an informed dicision. The Clintons record is very clear to those that research things, but they were allowed to waltz in, unchallenged by the media on their record and convince Ohioians that they have an economic plan that will work for them....... question, how's that plan working for you now?

Let the candidates debate, but make the press do their job and expose lies and dirty politics, when it rears it's ugly head....

I know not everyone will find what they want in just one candidate, but making an informed dicision will certainly help the people of this country weed out the lies from the goodwill offers.

First thoughts: We move on

Adam, Miami — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:27:46 GMT

You're right the delegate count does count and Obama doesn't have 2025 either and won't. The democrats have to work this out, but not by demanding one candidate or the other drop out. That's just unamerican! But big states count, demographics count, Florida and Michigan should count. Everyone has an opinion on what counts and Obama's view doesn't just trump everyone else's.

First thoughts: We move on

HT — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:28:18 GMT

the democratic party has been ripped apart for months.where have you been?read this site everday and you will see for yourself.