Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

The TRUTH Hurts — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:34:58 GMT

Hmm, I thought one had to acquire 2025 delegates before the nomination was "secure."
Mr. Trippi's valediction may be a bit premature as it appears Hillary is going all the way to the convention.
As well she should.
Obama's connections to Tony Rezko, and the possible presence of off-shore monies in his campaign, and in the purchase of his house could well sideline Obama's chances of winning the Presidency later on.
Democrats better have a contingency plan ready.
Once the justice department steps in and starts
"snooping" around Obama's "closet"....don't be surprised if the skeletons start dancing out.
Hee hee, (wink)

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

C A, Tuscalooosa, AL — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:39:27 GMT

Chuck:

NC is not the end. The end has already taken place and you guys in the media know it. But as many of you will note, the media wants this thing to continue because it is good for your business. The media likes controversy. It is something to report on that you guys think is exciting. But the people have your number and the people know that Hillary's end has already come and gone.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Seth, Kalamazoo, MI — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:39:38 GMT

Clinton people don't like it when others play their game, huh?

Obama has to win California to count.
Obama's has to win Texas and Ohio to count.

Now that she has to win something she obviously won't it's sillytalk. Whatever.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Obama — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:42:50 GMT

Its becoming more clear that its essentially not up to Hillary how long she continues. Her relevancy is declining. Its not a matter of when she eventually "quits" (and we know she may never quit as Clintons don't quit) but rather a matter of letting the superdelegates get away (put another way Obama getting the support of more and more SDs) and when people stop giving her money.

She can keep running but the more she has a SD problem and a fundraising problem, the more she marginalizes herself by staying in...there would just not seem to be good options for her anymore.

But of course, she can continue to run...(and of course that bears on her judgement)

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Obama — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:43:48 GMT

ps, that is an awesome endorsement from all those Jewish leaders, I saw that yesterday and felt very pleased.

CT for Obama!

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

John, Morgan Hill, California — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:48:01 GMT

It seems that the Clintons have succeeded in bullying the press into treating them with kid gloves. Her goose is cooked and most clear headed people know it.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Michael, Portland Me — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:56:03 GMT

If the Clintons loses PA, then all their arguments go out the window and it's all over.

If the Clintons have a modest win in PA and Obama has a big win in NC, then it's all over too.

Otherwise, the remaining contests will have to play out.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

thevaneljournal.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:58:32 GMT

http://www.thevaneljournal.com

The Vanel Journal predicts: THE RACE WILL BE OVER IN MAY. Clinton will win Pennsylvania and Obama will sweep the May 5th primaries. This should prompt more superdelegates to declare for Obama and force Clinton out of the race by early June at the latest. The Michigan and Florida delegates will be seated once Sen. Obama secures the nomination, spliting them evenly.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:01:24 GMT

Bill Clinton becomes angry when super delegates endorse Obama. Had he bought and paid for them?

Hillary points out that her wins have been in the states more likely to vote Democratic with either Democratic candidate. Does that make her more electable in the general election?

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:03:16 GMT

The end????

The Clinton's will fight all the way to the convention floor, slap some people up side of their heads and destroy the democratic party one way or the other. They have no shame and no caring for people. They will fight until there is no one to fight and then they will tear into each other.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

LenWilson-Pa — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:03:44 GMT

I am really offended that this Obama wants to protray himself as a reg guy now.I dont care who he traveles with coaching him and telling him what to do or say to protray himself as reg. guy. This rich guy that protrays himself as a rich persons canadate until he wants th evotes in Pa of reg guy is sickening.This is why he will not win in Nov.He is the same old politician and again he said himself this time he is from Chicago so knows how to play rough underhanded politics.He wouldnt last a day in the mills or mines but trys to act like he knows what it is like. He didnt even live athe hard life of reg black growing up here.I think they should be really offended.He has to take a vacation and no one talks about that??

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

joe-pa — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:07:32 GMT

You are all really scared and it shows.Still trying to shut down voters. Thats Obamas Chicago way of a race. He cleared the field in Chicago and trying to do it here.Obama and all of you minions underestamate Pa.The rich guys you people usually gather may have a prob with who they are but Pa. men are strong and will put Hillary in cause we know whats right and can stand up for it.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

marge (Pittsburgh) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:12:13 GMT

((The truth hurts)...after reading your post about this fight will go to the convention...umm have you noticed THE ONLY ones embracing this notion is the Clinton camp and their naive supporters????
It's not going to happen....the leaders of the party will not allow this thing to go to the convention. No matter what Billary says.
You Clinton kool-aid drinkers need to stay away from the "rezko" remarks. Do you really want to have a discussion about the Clinton's integrity and morals???
I think NOT!!!!!
Hillary is every bit as "dirty' as Bill. Google The Hillary Movie...watch it....then have yourself a good cry!!!! It's quite disturbing.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Class Warrior, D.C. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:12:39 GMT

This all sounds like Bill's "if she loses in x state, she's toast" spiel...she keeps losing, but never declares herself toast. She may or may not be toast, but the Party is getting burned...

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:15:15 GMT

I think Virginia was the end, or maybe Wisconsin.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

jane-pa — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:17:47 GMT

More of obama people would vote for hillary .About 10% more of her people will not vote for Obama that alone should show she will be the one to win.I tell you true if Obama get nom. it will be a rep. in white house.It will only be four yrs. people figure they can wait it out.Obamas wife, his pastor ,than pastor meeks, now another pastor from chicago saying how great Wright and Farrakhan are. Hello??His wife is a seperist and so racist she was really upset with blacks that after getting there ed at prinston assimilated into countrys culture and did very well for them selves and wouldnt be part of dishing whites.She considered this betrayal and vowed she would change that.Obamas change for country. I have asked from first day (change what) His wife is a very unhappy person filled with anger and I think that is why Obama stayed in that church. I dont want that in power over our country.Obama isnt strong enough to over come her how could he run this country. Who ever heard of someone going on week vacation in middle of campaign.She wanted to prove she could. Better to look somemore.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

JaneW, Hopewell, VA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:18:05 GMT

LenWilson-PA: Obama's income was a "regular" guy's income before he sold his first book. He's not some rich guy who grew up rich and inherited his money, he earned it. He went to college on scholarships. He worked in a professions that are notoriously low paying before his political career. As far as the vacation goes, he spent a few days with his kids and wife. So are you saying it's bad to have family values?

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:19:15 GMT

LenWilson-Pa (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 10:03 AM)
So what does that make Hillary Clinton? A person that can lend her campaign 5 million dollars and won't release her tax returns until 2 days before the Pennsylvania primary. Are you saying she is a regular girl?
The nature of Presidential politics in this nation requires money and ambition. Both candidates have that. Their policies may as well be identical so our only task is to pick the one that can be elected in november.
Which one is bringing in the most money from the most donors?
Which one is attracting the largest and most enthusiastic crowds?
Which one is responsible for record new voter registration?
Which one is attracting the majority of the Independent and moderate republican crossover vote?
Which one will NOT inspire the Republican base to go out and vote against them?

Obama '08

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Ron, TX — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:23:07 GMT

With 90% of blacks voting for Obama in NC, how can anyone expect Hillary to win there? Get real Joe T.

She will win INDY though. Go Hillary. nObama.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Pam OC,CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:25:49 GMT

Clinton will bow out when her campaign runs out of money. At that point, it won't matter whether she wants to "stay in until the end"

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Pete - Albany, NY — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:30:59 GMT

"He didnt even live athe hard life of reg black growing up here." - LenWilson-Pa

Yes, I'm sure his childhood...being the child of parents of mixed race, having his parents divorce when he was two, having his mother remarry, moving to Indonesia, moving to live with his grandparents...was a picnic.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:31:30 GMT

Hillary Clinton can't win Pennsylvania and then drop out; that'd make her look weak, and if she's going to mount a challenge to Harry Reid for Majority Leader (or run for NY governor in two years), she can't look weak. However, she can take a graceful bow and play kingmaker by taking Pennsylvania, then all but ceding North Carolina and Indiana to Obama. She'd be a shoo-in for either Majority Whip (assuming Harry Reid steps down and Dick Durbin takes over) or to mount a primary challenge to David Patterson if he decides to run for a full gubernatorial term in 2010. Whether or not Senator Clinton can keep her ego in check sufficiently to see the big picture is another question.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Ron Indiana — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:34:15 GMT

Request to Chuck Todd: Could you begin to give polling results on North Carolina. Also demographic information would be helpful. Thanks

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

LP, Maryland — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:40:23 GMT

Just wondering: (1) How many times the goal post will move? (2) How many states will be become critical and then again become critical? (3) How many methods and measurements will be proposed :popular vote, states -large & not large- key & non-key, delegates count & no delegates count; SD can decide this way & not the other way; its about money raised or not. This is probably one primary season where every measure has come and gone. But if observed closely: all of these are coming only from one camp - talk about consistency

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

TEXAN — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:43:49 GMT

FIRST READ CHUCK DODD AND HIS TEAM SUPPORT OBAMA.
I WONDER WHY THEY DON'T POST MY COMMENTS.
BIAS MEDIA......TAKES SIDES.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

the Pajama Pundit — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:45:20 GMT

I'm not one to tell Mrs. Clinton to quit - it's her prerogative to stay in the race. However, I must say that it seems that for every primary and caucus event, the proverbial goalposts continue to move further down the field.

I'm just sayin'...

http://thepajamapundit.com/

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

40 Years in the DemNPL — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:48:25 GMT

If you're selling balloons or posters to the Clinton campaign for the Denver convention, make sure to only take cash ... get paid up front. She's not even running on fumes anymore. The money guys won't throw theirs away. Right now, she has loyal older women pushing her out-of-gas campaign bus, because they want to see a woman elected president in their lifetimes. Younger women take it for granted that a woman has as good a chance as a man to be whatever she wants to be in America.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

R. White Spring Hill TN — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:48:31 GMT

To LenWilson of PA: And what; Hillary is a poor White Woman who grew up knowing what it was like to work in a mill or a factory. Give me a break. She is a politician just like he is and I will note that she has a selective memory and will say what she needs to say to get anyones vote. Can you see through that or is it something else you can not see past with Mr. Obama. If you don't want to vote for the guy because you don't like is positions on the issues that is fine. But, please do not act like Hillary grew up a poor girl from around the way. Guess what; she is a lot richer than Mr. Obama. Just think about it. Vote the issues please. They are both good politicians.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Vote Obama — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:57:49 GMT

HILLARY CAN WIN ONLY WHEN THE PIGS FLY!!
We all know THE CLINTONS will do and say anything to win. How many FACES OF HILL/BILL are we going to see in this campaign, the lying face, the red face....
They are ruthless and they viciously attack every body that disagrees with them. I just love how Gov. Richardson's endorsement is still burning them. We all should be proud of Richardson who has the strength and character to do the right thing inspite of how the SORE LOSERS react. I only wish the rest of the superdelegates who BELIEVE IN OBAMA would come out already and put an end to this madness. WE NEED A DEMOCRAT IN THE WHITEHOUSE AND IT IS NOT ANOTHER CLINTON.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Midwest Chuck, Quad Cities, IA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:03:15 GMT

LenWilson,

I love your "rich guy" remark. If we ever get to see the Clinton tax returns, I think you'll see that Obama is richer than most of us but Hillary and Bill are closer to "filthy, stinkin' rich!"

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Keith, Buffalo, NY — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:03:25 GMT

In response to Len Wilson from PA I think your thought process as well as others in your state and Ohio should be revisited. Just because someone is successful doesn't mean that they're not regular or have an understanding of the average Joe. I'm African Amercian and I'm not offended at all by Mr. Obama, actually it's a breath of fresh air to see a black male in a positive light on tv, but more importantly it's a breath of fresh air to see an American politician march to a different drum. I agree that Obama wouldn't last too long in a a mill or mine but you have to ask yourself, "what does that have to do with being president"? I challenge you to focus on the issues facing this country and PA in particular, then make a informed decision, instead of focusing on issues that don't play a role in the White House regardless of who occupies it.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Faz Wilmington, DE — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:06:06 GMT

#1: Hillary has every right to remain in the race until all primaries are completed. Others have the right to encourage her to DO THE MATH, but she has the right to ignore them all...
#2: I would think that at this point,as far as the Justice Department was concerned (see TheTruthHurts comment above), if there was anything smoldering it should have at least been hinted at by now...Still, when it comes to acquiring and holding on to power, you never know what people will do...
#3: There is a message that we would all do well to pay more attention to, in relation to where Obama is getting his money from. From what I've read, he has and continues to receive a substantial percentage of his support from citizens...NOT large corporations etc. I'm wise enough to understand how difficult it will be do completely refuse corporate sponsorship (after all, our government and the business community have enjoyed an openly incestuous relationship for decades now), but the somewhat Capra-esque popular support from the people going to Obama in support of his change message would be ignored at the Democratic parties peril.
#4: As a Black man, I HAVE NOT made my final decision on who I would support in the general election, but I can tell you that I have both a great deal of respect AND fear for the fact that Obama is out there, in the public eye, driving the message that the future of America depends on significant change. I have no doubt that the very powerful people running this country (whether openly or behind the scenes) will absolutely not relinquish that power in response to a sound byte, and will not hesitate to target him if his message truly takes hold. If you listen carefully to his consistant messages, and reviving the language of the '60's, it's going to take the "power of the people" to translate Obama's vision of America into reality.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

R. White Spring Hill TN — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:08:05 GMT

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Jessica — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:11:34 GMT

To TRUTH HURTS:

The problem with your little "theory" is the fact that The Clintons have been out in FULL FORCE since Iowa to dig up ANY dirt on Obama that they could find to try and take him out.

And guess what?

All they could come up with are some remarks that his Pastor made.
And the Rezko thing which is OLD NEWS, as Obama has already been cleared of ANY wrong doing.

Thats all THE CLINTONS, the greatest, most conniving, sneaky MACHINE in Washington could find.

Same thing with the GOP. They are DESPERATE to find something on him, yet have came up empty handed, except for the Wright issue, which obviously is not an issue. Rational people don't give a FIG about what someones Pastor said. They care about what is coming out of the candidates mouth. We all know what is coming out of HRC mouth-LIES. And MCSame? "100 years of WAR, and 4 more years of BUSH".

So nice try, but you are SOOOOOOOOO wrong.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Randy E (SC) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:15:32 GMT

Hmm, I thought one had to acquire 2025 delegates before the nomination was "secure." - TRUTH hurts

The math is what hurts. When a football team is up by 3 scores with less than 2 minutes left, everyone agrees the game is over. Obama has more delegates (THE indicator as you point out), more votes, more states won with "2 minutes" left.

Clinton didn't think W was marching us into a war 5 1/2 years ago and she doesn't think she's out of it now - same delusion.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Valerie, Alpharetta, Ga — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:18:35 GMT

Hillary has been really hurt by this whole Bosnian story. It will be looked back upon as the final turning point in this contest. Just too devastating for her to ever recover from. Think about what the GOP would do with this. That's why you are not going to see many, if any, more superdelegates go Hillary's way. It could very well be ove after NC - so much so that even Hillary will realize it.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Jennie Denver,CO — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:30:25 GMT

Is attacking Obama's family vacation the best you Clinton supporters can do?! He took a week to recharge and spend some time with the people who are most important in his life- his wife and kids. I know that the Clintons' really aren't big on family values,but you all sound like idiots attacking Obama for caring about his family. And if less Clinton supporters will vote for Obama that has nothing to do with him, it has to do with all of you willing to blow up the party so that you can be stubborn. Let's remember, whoever wins, we are all democrats and we are all striving for the same major goals. Don't let your butt hurt feelings get in the way of saving our country. Talk about un-patriotic.
P.S. Haven't heard from Van in a long time- miss your polling updates!

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Susan Chambers, Richardson, Texas — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:30:51 GMT

This has really been over since March 4. That was Hillary's last real chance to win big enough in Ohio and Texas so that she would have had a shot at overtaking Obama's lead in Pledged Delegates. But she won by such small margins that she actually didn't even win the most delegates in Texas! So now it is impossible for her to catch up. Even with the unlikely event of revotes in FL and MI she can't catch up unless she wins by 25 to 30 points in ALL of the remaining primaries. And now in PA it looks like the most she will beat Obama by is about 10 points. So maybe Hillary's camp will see the handwriting on the wall after NC - but somehow I doubt it.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Edward , Little Falls NY — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:31:29 GMT

The reason why Barack Obama will be our next President is obvious . He is a leader who truely wants change from the bottom up. There are more people in the US that make less money than there are people who make more money. The American citizens are tired of being represented by career politicians who only listen to the lobbyist after the elections are won.Who do you trust Obama or Clinton or McCain ?Who would you want to babysit your children? Who do you want to care for the elderly ?Who do you want to creat a new economy ? Clinton promised New Yorkers if they elected her to the Senate 500,000 new jobs . New York ,outside of the City , is like a ghost town without any future prospects with the exception of higher taxes .Arizona does have Shaq . Illinois is moving forward with new high tech job opprotunities as well as new manufacturing jobs in the high tech sector .People across the globe trust Obama and McCain, they don't trust Clinton (s).As a Euroean American Catholic I still believe in my church's message despite the pedofles that have been in the news the past few years. I can only say this about that" No one person is bigger than the sum of the total congregation.I admire Obama for sticking to his Church as well as the principles of Christanity .Clinton only goes to church when it is advantagious to further her career and at no time does she give to the collection basket. McCain the same.The issues of economy and health care, ending the war in Iraq , infastructure repair , education parity ,social security ,etc. will take a monumental effort of many people as well as mmany elected officials. Obama seems to understand this concept better than the rest. The President of the US represents all Americans ,not the other way around. I a an American citizen first and a US citizen second. I support canidates who represent America first and the special interest of the US second . We Americans have been without a leader who represents us for to long .I believe that Obama is the leader that we have been waiting for and I support him fully . GO AMERICA ,GO OBAMA.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Matthew, Phila, PA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:46:39 GMT

Why should a win in NC by Obama end this? NC will stay red in November regardless of the Democratic nominee, so who cares???

I do agree that an upset by Hillary will change the dynamic of the race.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Holli, Oklahoma City, OK — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:54:07 GMT

Well, the good thing for the Clinton campaign is that every time pundits start calling the next contest the possible "end" for her, it seems to rally the troops to her side.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Bo McDowell, Dublin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:58:40 GMT

By now people who doubt Hillary's economic ability to lead the nation should also question her poor management skills which she has shown with her campaign fund. As the saying goes, all good things start at home and likewise, Hillary simply cannot claim to be good at economics when she has shown plainly that she isn't by leaving so many small vendors and other business owners in cold. This is simply very sloppy on her part to say the least and should serve as an important early warning to everyone whose priority in this election is economy. Contrary to her noisey claims to economic credentials, she has dubious records in this regard, such as the NAFTA stance taken by her which was later then repudiated (one reason why she should release her tax returns immediately without holding anything back) and what is more worrying is that there is a huge discrepancy between what she preaches and what she actually does. She may be able to recite what her economic advisors have written in her speeches but many people who understand the basics of economics are not convinced that she actually understands the subject correctly. Choose her at your own peril when so much is at stake globally.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:05:52 GMT

I have to say that all the primaries will go forward no matter who is left in the race. At this point, I would expect that Clinton would only conceed to Obama after all the primaries are over in a quiet behind the scenes setting. She has wagered a lot in this. She said that she is in it to win and she won't.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

This has gone on to long, Iowa — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:14:17 GMT

I have to say at least the Republicans done it the write. At least Mitt Romney had the courage to drop out and endorse McCain. The republican party is at least uniting and getting ready for the general election. I just hope there will be a democratic party left after the Clinton's get done with it.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Archie Bunker Democrat — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:17:47 GMT

NC is NOT the end b/c Hillary will mop the floor with Obama in Indiana b/c of the Archie Bunker Democrats who have shown that they do not want to vote for Obama.

Looking ahead: Is NC the end?

Margaret, Columbus, Ohio — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:51:06 GMT

Two months ago Puerto Rico(63 delegates including supers) changed from caucus to open primary because officials there, watching the US mainland, knew turnout would likely be humongous and primaries logistically accomodate more voters.

Primaries favor Clinton. Puerto Ricans are BIG patriots about voting. If only 1 million of the 4 million Hispanic/Carib population show up for their exciting first ever primary, isn't it more than likely that Clinton will take not only most of the
delegates but most of the popular vote? And don't forget the rather large Puerto Rican population in
a state she won handily: NEW YORK.

There's a reason the cable news shows aren't talking about Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico will surprise.