First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Steve, San Diego — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:19:29 GMT

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a split party. The exit polls from yesterday indicate neither camp will not budge. We will go down in flames once again in the general election. It is interesting that the NYT attacked HiLIARy this morning and condemned her tactics. Maybe this is the first in a long line of deserved attacks against her by the media. For the life of me I don’t understand why the media gives her a free ride.

I can only shake my head at the voters in PA. Many years ago when I was living in Philly, the Inquirer ran a front page article in one of their Sunday editions calling Philly and PA the dumbest city/state in America. Some of it was tongue-in-cheek, but most of it was dead on. Why people vote for Hillary I will never know. She has sucked all the air out of this race, and history will not be kind to her after she causes us to lose the WH and Congress once again.

And finally, where in the Oath of Office for the President are the words Commander-in-Chief (CINC)? If I hear one more comment about HiLIARy passing a CINC test I will vote for McCain . I am voting for a President. The duties of the President supersede all others; which includes CINC. If you are a good President (watch out for the incoming HiLIARy nukes Iran) and your foreign policy is sound, you don’t need to use military force.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Pat, Boston, MA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:20:55 GMT

Good bye PA - hello Indiana - (especially the independents who, unlike in PA, can vote in your state):

From an earlier Chuck Todd blog:

“Hillary Clinton is sporting the lowest personal ratings of the campaign. Moreover, her 37 percent positive rating is the lowest the NBC/WSJ poll has recorded since March 2001, two months after she was elected to the U.S. Senate from New York.”

Response from David Knowles/March 27, 2008:
So, if in the course of her bid to become president, Clinton is actually sinking in popularity, what does this say about her chances of actually winning in the general election?

More numbers:

When asked if the three presidential candidates could be successful in uniting the country if they were elected president, 60 percent of all voters believed Obama could be successful at doing this, 58 percent of all voters said McCain could unite the country while only 46 percent of voters said the same about Clinton…

The fact is that Clinton remains a polarizing figure in American politics, and nothing she has done in this campaign so far has significantly revised this perception.

Are there good reasons to vote for her, sure, just as there are good reasons to vote for Obama and McCain. But it seems fairly clear to me that in the remaining months of what has devolved into a negative campaign, her approval ratings will only slip further away from that magic 50%. Simply put, it just isn't possible to win the presidency with a 37% approval rating.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Barack Obama I thought did a great, great job campaigning in PA considering he was up against the so-called “home town gal”. There’s no way he will lose that state in November from what I saw. No way.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:21:49 GMT

TOLD YOU SO. hillaryclinton.com

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Concerned and Honest American — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:21:52 GMT

Another Big State, Another Big Win for Hillary...

Pick Your Poison '08 continues.

We have two major problems here. First, Obama's true colors have started to show these past two months. He is a great speaker but has zero substance. Furthermore, he runs in close circles with some of America's worst (Wright, Ayers, etc...). Does he think (deep-down) the way these people do? If you listen to his off-the-record comments and those of his wife, then you can seriously believe that he does lean towards these extreme points of view. Worst case, you can give him the benefit of the doubt on his thoughts but you have to seriously question his judgement. How can a man of good judgement sit in a church for 20 years and listen to the filth and hate that Wright spewed? I don't trust anything Obama says. As Emerson once noted, "What you are shouts so loud in my ears I cannot hear what you say".

The second problem here is the lack of integrity of the main-stream media. How can they let someone like Obama breeze through the campaign trail without doing a good job of finding out who this guy really is? Is the far-left propping them up so much that they have lost their honor? The issues outlined above have been there for several years, yet we are just learning about these things now... it is too late for these things to be coming out! Democrats... and honest Americans, have been given a huge disservice by the main-stream media.

Six months ago I would have never imagined that I would be voting for John McCain for President. However, I am wise enough to know that I cannot trust the most important job on the face of the earth to either Obama or Hillary. I am 100% certain of that. I am voting my conscience this year.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Pat Huntington NY — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:24:41 GMT

Are we done yet? Can we get a nominee already? Can we start campaigning against McBush?

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Jerry S. Oakland, CA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:24:42 GMT

Hillary Clinton's margin of victory last night is more of a symbolic victory that only helps her sustain her campaign's creditibility. Her victory only significantly increased Obama's number of pledged delegates.
She will remain in the race primarily out of self-interest, despite her admitted money problems. She knows that her chance of securing the nomination is very remote, and that the remaining contests will do very little to change the trajectory of the race.
For unity's sake, Hillary should consider the possibility of stepping down graciously after the May 6 primaries, especially if Obama defeats her by a huge margin of victory in North Carolina. The longer the nomination fight goes on, the more divided the Democratic Party and the nation get, for polarizing politics is what Hillary represents.
If Obama outspent her massively, that is because: 1) Pa. is a closed primary contest state with only registered Democrats voting; 2) he is an upstart national politician who needed to spend massively not to shut out of the race a long established and battle tested candidate, but to introduce himself to voters in a state that several weeks ago seemed to favor the establishment candidate (Hillary) by more than 20 points; and 3) he has to respond to Hillary's increasingly negative and sometimes entirely false ad accusations, which should have helped her increase her lead because she is a firmly established and very formidable national politician; instead of turning against Obama due to bittergate, Wright and other controversies plus his poor debate performance, even the more conservative voters of Pa. considered Hillary to be the most negative, thanks in part to Obama's outspending to push back.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Leah Jeffries, Rapid City, SD — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:26:05 GMT

If Clinton doesn't win North Carolina will Pat Buchanen and Joe Scarborogh say she "can't close the deal?" She can't catch him -- he HAS closed the deal!!!
50 year old white woman.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:26:39 GMT

Clinton takes in $2.5 million after her "big" win, but has a spend rate of about $1 million a day, and an overall balance sheet of about negative $1 million to a half million.

This means that the immediate after effect of Pennsylvania was to buy her another two days of campaign life.

Clinton supporters - open your wallets. There's future windmills to charge, but only if you allow your candidate to charge your cards.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Just Wondering — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:27:12 GMT

It's obvious easy to point to the money advantage but why doesn't anyone in the MSM ever point to the overwhelming establishment advantage that Clinton had in PA? Rendell, Nutter, etc are worth a whole heck of a lot more than some silly TV ads.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

MaryAnn, PA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:27:33 GMT

The secret to Hillary's success is that she's a republican.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Jon, TX — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:27:52 GMT

Well then she cannot win in November because women will not be playing a much bigger role as they do in the primaries. The failrue to attract white men should be a sign that the nomine will not be able to win the election in November.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Ed Mc - Atlanta — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:29:38 GMT

Everyone keeps saying Billary won by 10 pts. making it a double digit win. Based on the numbers reported the win is actually a spread of 9.39%. Thats closer to 9% than 10%; and its only double digits if you include the first digit after the decimal point.

Of course the 10% figure fits with the Clinton logic that its not about the math, its about the feeling.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Shreyas — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:30:00 GMT

Yes thanks for posting the correct numbers. Her lead is down to 8.6%. So its not a double digit win.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Vote down the center. — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:30:26 GMT

Pennsylvania was a decisive victory! It was absolutely was the best thing for the other Democrat in the race.. John McCain. He's going to be laughing all the way to the Whitehouse. Which is OK because he is the only one left in the race that even deserves to be POTUS.
Vote for the center, not the far left.

John McCain 2008
John McCain / Colin Powel 2008 ?
Or if he really had balls
John McCain / Ron Paul 2008 !

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Kate, Boise, Idaho — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:30:43 GMT

Considering her huge name recognition and party loyalty advantage, the question ought to be, why can't she close the deal? Why can't the wife of a very popular Democratic president win the nomination fair and square?

Six weeks of Obama ad buys and "just speeches" have mowed down half of her voters in a traditional state like Pennsylvania, where she has childhood roots. That's "pretty good." Newcomer-to-the-national-scene Barack Obama is, after all, taking on the most powerful Democratic dynasty in existence.

Great job, Team Obama!

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

j fl — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:31:50 GMT

Ah.. like the common sense folks have been saying for months now...Obama CANNOT beat McCain. Apparently 1 out of 4 Clinton supporters will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee, against 1 out of 7 Obama supporters will do the same if Hillary is the nominee. Obama CANNOT beat McCain. Dems need to wake up and smell the coffee. Hillary is the only person who can beat McCain in the general election. If we choose wrong again, as we did with John Kerry, we lose again.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Class Warrior, D.C. — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:38:01 GMT

In the '68 and '72 elections, the Old Left poeple from the Depression and 1940s finally got control of the Dem Party. They were elated! They chose a candidate! THEY LOST THEIR ASSES!! Now, the feminists of the 1970s finally have a voice in the Dem pParty. They're elated! They have a candidate! THEY WILL LOSE THEIR ASSES, AND AN IGNORANT OLD MAN WILL START WARS BECAUSE THEIR CANDIDATE LOST HER ASS!!! Hillary Clinton is not the Second Coming of the Goddess, ladies---she's a guaranteed loser, just as the two in '68 and '72 were.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Class Warrior, D.C. — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:38:09 GMT

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Kym — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:38:14 GMT

I think so many people are missing the point...Barack Obama spending money in Pennsylvannia was a brilliant strategy, it forced her to spend more money and time in that state then she would have normally had to...so now while he has money to focus on other states (which remember he did in between campaigning in Pennsylannia (he visited NC, SD, IN, and Montana)..Hillary is left penny pinching and she has to pick and choose which states she has to be competitive in. David Axelrod and Obama campaign are genius!! That is why he has my vote!!!

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Tim, Reading, PA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:38:19 GMT

Pat Huntington NY, I'm with you. I'm ready to go against McSame. Lets end this and let the attack dogs out of the house.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Kym — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:38:25 GMT

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Walt, Ohio — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:38:37 GMT

Congratulations Hillary, you "won" Pa, "convincing" Operation chaos members to switch for the primary to vote for you. They will switch back to McCain for the general election.
Even with that biased advantage, you came from a 30% percent margin all the way to 10%! You really showed that as people really look at you, you maintain all of your "elect-ability" your name recognition advantage afforded you.
Spotted a thirty point lead, you lost 20% of your support, by the most negative Rovian campaign the Democrats have ever run. But hey, you "won", so that's all that matters to you.
Fortunately, not everybody enjoys your negativity:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/opinion/23wed1.html
I will be happy when Indiana and NC end this farce of vile divisive fear mongering negativity.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:38:47 GMT

"Why can’t Obama put Clinton away? The AP’s Ron Fournier takes a stab at answering this, and he points to five reasons (race, working-class voters, friends in trouble, inexperience, and mettle). But to us, women seem to be the bigger reason. They continue to rally to her side; nothing has shaken their confidence in her."

I hope that's not the case...in light of all the negatives in polling for Senator Clinton such as the trustworthiness number and the exit polls that show voters viewed her as the one who attacked unfairly it would suggest that this demographic feels that the Presidency is owed to her.

IMHO, that's a silly reason to vote for someone.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Fran Reid — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:39:28 GMT

Condemnation is easy, particularly when it comes to a man such as the Rev. J. Wright, who says offensive things. Condemnation is easy, natural. It flows from our pores as easily as sweat from a 10 mile run. It requires no sacrifice, no compassion, no thinking. How should a person of faith respond when he hears what shounds like hateful words from a person who professes to love God. Should you immediatly leave as may said he should have, or should you stay and try to oprovide a counterbalance, refusing to ooparticipate in the offense while also declining to condemn, as Obama did? It was Jesus who refused to segregate himself from the "worst society had to offer, even as he was criticized by religious standard bearers for breaking bread with tax collectors, cheats and liars. It was Jesus who said it is the sick, not the healthy who needed a doctor.
It's true that he could choose his pastor but not his grandmother. But it's also true that he could have chosen to condemn Wright AND his grandmother, but instead loved both, in all their flawed gloroy. Condemnation is easy. The other choise is hard.

(this is part of an article written by Issac Bailey, comumnist of the Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Nobdy has looked at this in this way - what a shame!)

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

chris rand, Richmond, VA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:39:58 GMT

If white women stick with Clinton, how can Obama knock her out? HE ALREADY HAS! This is Tee-Ball, where every kid gets a chance to bat and the score doesn't matter. Yes, there are still 9 contests to go. Can Hillary win the delegate count? No. Can she win the popular vote, even with Florida? Almost surely, no. He has already won the state count decisively. Do the Clintons really think that at the end of the day the Supers are going to give it to her and alienate the 90% of the Black population that has voted for him in record numbers? They can't and won't take the chance of destroying the Party for the next few generations - one election, even as important as this one is, is not worth the risk of that.

If Hillary had won PA by 20+ points, she would have had a chance to come back at least in the popular vote count, and that would have been a semi-legit argument to make for giving it to her. But that didn't happen. If she wants VP, they should make a deal now. Obviously, white women are also an important Dem constituency and they need to be placated in some manner. Yes, they want her to get the nomination. However, someone has to lose, and she has lost. She needs to be adult enough to realize that this isn't Tee-Ball and the score does matter.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

shreyas — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:40:50 GMT

Here is the election information from the Pennsylvania department of state website showing her lead is down to 8.6% with 99.34% of precincts reporting.

http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

College Educated White Female Middle Class Working Person Who Can Do Math — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:40:51 GMT

Chuck Todd, you need more face time with the viewers! Pat Buchanan isn't stupid, therefore it follows that he's a McCain surrogate, otherwise he would stop asking why Obama can't close the deal. The real question is why HILLARY can't close the deal. She started as the Alpha Dog, now she's so far behind Obama that she can't possibly catch him.

Chris Matthews, please stop complaining that Barack can't work a diner. The Oval Office is not a greasy spoon.

Keith Olbermann, have you considered the VEEP spot? I think Barack should tap you. You're Ubermann!

And one more note: there are a fair number of white female college graduates who ARE working people. Most of us, in fact, would be my guess.

Sitting around the kitchen table with my post-grad degree, trying to figure out how to pay my premiums

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:41:14 GMT

Is everybody asleep at the wheel? The most important thing that's going on today is this attack ad the RNC has unveiled against the Dems. If Obama IS the nominee, they can do that all they want -- and he can rise above it in a way he's simply unable to do against Hillary Clinton. And why is that? Because attacking Democrats is bad, and it's a bad thing to do, because it alienates voters.

Are y'all deaf, or did you hear what Claire McCaskill said last night on MSNBC? She explained that Obama does not want to alienate Clinton supporters by ratcheting up the rhetoric, and that he will have an easier time doing that against John McCain. That's not just spin -- it's a fact. Take it from someone who saw his rise from the beginning: Obama is doing the right thing by not doing too much mudslinging.

And to all of you who doubt Obama because of the people with whom he has associated in the past... Have you all forgotten the 1990s and all the past associates of Bill's and Hillary's that were trotted out? And that was just from their time in the Arkansas statehouse. You think there's not double that since they moved to New York and Hillary ran for Senate?

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Jack — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:41:20 GMT

Despite Rachel and Gene saying on MSNBC last night that Obama doesn't need white voters anymore than Hilary needs black voters, Obama DOES need white voters to win in November. Last time I checked there were more white voters in the democratic party and the Reagan dems, those white and women who can and have voted for the GOP in the past won't vote for Obama. He can't win with the McGovern coalition of liberals and african americans. So it's insane for the pundits who spew Obama's talking points to say he doesn't need white working class voters. McCain will get them and win if Obama can't capture that vote.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Obama '08? — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:41:49 GMT

OK Obama supporters it’s time to implement Operation Wimpy Whiner and start blaming those uneducated Pennsylvania voters and those horrid Hillary tactics for our candidate’s failures. So let’s start complaining and don’t leave any excuse unused.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

L - MI — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:42:32 GMT

Good morning Obama supporters. Hope all is well with you, despite last night's results.

Congrats HRC supporters - you may have won the battle, but the war is not over.

The ones who incense me now is not HRC supporters - it's the damn media. C'mon folks. Get off the HRC love train.

Newsflash - HE WASN'T EXPECTED TO EVEN COME CLOSE in PA. He cut her lead from 20 pts to 10 pts in a state that (1) had a closed primary, (2) had a strong machine that backed here, and (3) had Philly and Pittsburgh with "Alabama in the middle".

Why isn't the MSM giving him any credit. And last night, Chris Matthews was slobbering all over himself that Clinton's speech was great (ugh) and Obama's was a disappointment. I had to mute her speech because it was making me gag. Somewhere there's a teacher grading papers, a nurse is healing the sick, and I'm fighting for you? WHAT? Who writes these speeches, a high schooler? Where's the corelation in that statement? Can someone tell me WHAT she has done for me in her "35 yrs of service"?

Also - I weep for my sex. White females backing HRC. Why? 'Cause she's a woman? When MSM says AAs are behind Obama, he's playing the race card, and when women back HRC it's not pandering to women? OMG.

THINK folks. We're not in the GE YET. Thanks to PA, this national nightmare is going on at least another month. I am SO tired of this.

Oh, and Joe? You're a pompous windbag. I used to really like you but I think Keith O. is the only host now with a clue and a brain. He tried to ask questions last night only to get shot down by Chris. It's not 2010 yet, Chris.

HRC supporters - I'd worry that republicans are supporting your "girl".

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Keith in PA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:43:13 GMT

GOP is making a big mistake if they think Obama's negatives are so high they can tarheel their opponents. Obama is incredibly popular even if old folks are somewhat resistant. Their negative campaign will back-fire.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Jim, Santa Cruz — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:43:16 GMT

I agree with you Chuck, white older women are strong for Hillary and are winning these states for her. I guess they see this as their best shot at getting a woman into the oval office. If not her, then who? But in the end, she blew it by letting Obama outflank her in the early contests. He has run a smarter campaign. He is the future and many people don't want to endure the Clintons for another 8 years. I have felt for over a year that this would go to the convention - there I think his oratory skills come into play because he then has a platform where he can energize her delegates to vote for him. She does not have this keen ability to grow her base.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

GAB, Austin, TX — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:43:32 GMT

This morning on Good Morning America, Hillary was asked by Dianne Sawyer about the popular vote. "Don't you think thta the popular vote should determine the nominee?"
HILLARY: "NO"
Thats speaks volumes. Get her out of here!

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Margaret, Columbus, Ohio — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:43:53 GMT

Your popular vote projection isn't complete because you didn't include Puerto Rico, mentioned last night by a lady pundit from Voto Latino???, as a BLOW OUT for Hillary Clinton if two million voters come out. 60-40 should be no problem, especially as the OBama supporting Governor of Puerto Rico is under investigation for corruption, therefore he won't be bullying people into a particular vote.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

moderate dem — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:44:03 GMT

Obama and his leftwingnuts are the ones dividing out party. Hillary is pulling to the middle like her husband did. She is the wisest, the better politician, the toughest person to fill the job of the president of the United States. Hillary must get the nomination...she alone is the only one to beat the republicans. Obama is now the one with the baggage AND is also weak and ineffectual as a person. He is not best suited to be president.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

KHT, Florida — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:44:07 GMT

Outspent her 3 to 1, went hugely negative and still PA said no thanks. The big debate this morning is "should Obama go negative now". Obama went negative. This isn't the candidate of hope any longer, he's no longer viewed as the uniter, the bi-partisan candidate. And that's his own doing. He's been revealed to be the most liberal of candidates and an unpatriotic one at that. MCcain has to be salivating hoping my party nominates Obama. Bitter and weak=Obama.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

California Indy — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:44:07 GMT

I guess women don't care that she lied to them and to the country and that she is rolling a grenade into the chance that America can turn the page from the past 8 years. Looks like the Clinton strategy is: McCain '08, Clinton '12

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Bill Jones — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:44:17 GMT

Billary is going to do nothing for Indiana and North Carolina...These New Yorkies care nothing about blue collar workers ...People are fooling themselves believing that...They pronounce themselves to the wizards and everyone goes to them like there looking for a brain, a heart, the nerve...wake up America...go pass the lies and political bull and drill down for answers ...why do they do the things they do??? Are you buying a bucket that has long since been played out? Or is fresh new ideas needed to open links on communications and frontiers...?
HOPE and that's Obama'08

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

White Suburban Woman for Obama — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:44:50 GMT

I am ashamed that my fellow white women are supporting this inept, mismanaging, flip-flopping, pandering, unscrupulous, divisive, undeserving woman to be the Democratic nominee just because she is a woman. Think, ladies. You are just prolonging the inevitable and paving the way for another 4 years of Bush under the Mepublicans and McCain (I can see all the bumper stickers “Don’t blame me, I voted for Barack”). You'll get what you deserve if you don't start voting with your head instead of your heart.....I too would dearly love a female president but this one wouldn't even be close to the starting line if her last name weren't Clinton.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

nuanced — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:45:27 GMT

"TOLD YOU SO. hillaryclinton.com" --Z

Z! Is this this same Z as the GonzoGate Z?

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Lisa, New Britain, CT YES WE CAN! — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:45:53 GMT

I am a forty something white woman and I JUST DON'T GET IT. And I have a daughter. No Hillary for us. But it won't be the first time (and I dare say it won't be the last) time I'm out of step. Sigh.

BTW, I don't think most of those white women will vote for McCain lock stock and barrel in the Fall. Some may, but I think it they're Dems they will likely support the Dem.

I think the suburban difference in PA (v. Wisconsin) was the machine in PA. That was really quite different in PA versus just about any other state, I think. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that. She was so entrenched with machine there, that wasn't true in Wisconsin. Otherwise, I'm curious to hear others' explanations for it. Maybe the NY senator thing influence??

The popular vote metric is a joke in that its yet another rule change in the middle of the game. Had the campaigns known that that was the decider at the beginning of the process, would they not have campaigned differently? And how do the caucus states figure here, or do they not matter ::eyeroll:: Talk about disenfranchising voters...its one thing to have it settled before people vote, its quite another to take away votes that have already been cast.

Yes, Obama has been battered and bruised by Clinton, his fellow Dem. HA! She said this is what she wanted and she is slinging mud. Some of us detest that type of campaign. Perhaps one day, we will focus on issues, in my children's lifetime, maybe.

Well, let's just make sure we spin double digits even though the win is likely to be closer to 9 %. Yet another Clinton lie, but not to worry, the lies do not bother her supporters (guess they are not bothered by Bush's lies either).

Obama for our best future, I remain a proud supporter.
YES WE CAN!

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

HEY CHUCK, MARK & DOMENICO; STOP BEING OBAMA'S MEDIA CONCUBINES — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:46:12 GMT

There you go again FIRST READ, you Obama-whores.
What Hillary supporter ever said that counting Michigan wasn't a valid measurement?
You are liars, plain and simple.
The RULES say this; nobody gets 2025 delegates, we have a brokered concention. Plain and simple.
Stop the spin and the lies.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Kimmer — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:47:00 GMT

I'm thankful to be done with PA, frankly as a white female in my mid-40's, educated, white collar worker in a small town, I've been feeling like the black sheep of the family lately.

Since when did people in my demographic NOT matter? All we've been hearing about is how the two candidates are suppose to pander to the uneducated, blue collar worker, like they hold ALL the keys?

I believe it's going to take many groups of people to win this election for the Democrats and that's why I've aligned myself with Barack Obama because I believe he's authentic and true to himself when talking to ALL groups of voters. His true message comes out again and again and he'll only get stronger from this recent experiece. He has proven himself not to be a 'panderer', yet he's punished for his genuiness? What has this country become?

I find myself in the middle of several groups, actually, educated, yet not attaining my college degree; white collar worker, yet in non-profit so I don't command a very high wage..... but I still feel the same economic pain and emotional toll from the war that other groups from Pennsylvania feel.

I SO look forward to Obama getting 'back' to, and staying on message as much as he can. With her negative venom buzzing around his ear all the time, I believe we need to send him some positive energy on sites like this reminding him YES, HE CAN!

Thanks

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Kerry — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:48:21 GMT

Obama will never win PA in November. The state will go McCain if he's the nominee. Take a good look at that map and where Obama did and didn't get votes. People in PA burned his signs and hurled racist remarks at his staff on St Pat's day as reported by Politico. There is no way, NONE, that Pa will vote Obama in the fall. It's unthinkable that the nominee will be someone who has won none of the biggest, most needed states. Caucus and heavy african american voting states won't cut it. Start getting real. This isn't a game.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Diane from Illinois — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:48:43 GMT

j fl,

By choosing Hillary, YOU'VE already lost! She is a patethic endorsement for ALL woman everywhere; it's just sad that you don't see it.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Snowbird, Akron OH — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:48:58 GMT

It seems to me that in all the talk one thing is being overlooked. Many people in the big states that Clinton is winning will never vote for a black man.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Kym — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:49:27 GMT

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

White Suburban Woman for Obama — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:49:37 GMT

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Amy B Portland, ME — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:49:49 GMT

My co-worker, a 50+ year old woman who supports Hillary, watched American Idol last night, and doesn't really follow the campaign, said today she thinks Hillary will win the nomination and will chose Obama as her VP. You and I know that's not gonna happen, but that's because we get our news from un-corrupt sources like First Read. BTW, my co-worker supports Hillary because things were better during Bill Clinton's Presidency. That, my friends, is what Obama is up against. How do you get through to people like this? Time for endorsements from some working class idols, me thinks. Rachel Ray?

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Bob Hawley, Annapolis, MD — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:50:35 GMT

Everyone is always saying - "just do the math"! So why does the media fall (or allow itself to be shoved)right into Hillary's spin on the results of the Pennsylvania primary? My math says that the only way you get to a "double digit" victory is if you round his numbers down and round her numbers up. But in reality - it was short of double digit!!

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Alan, NJ — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:51:14 GMT

Steve in San Diego. Didn't California also vote for HRC? Anyway, nice comment to welcome those voters into your camp for the GE. This is why BO will not win in November, he and his supporters are nasty and mean spirited. They claim a positive campaign and 90% of the comments on this board are either negative or immature insults. I have posted what I feel are rational opinions as to why I do not support BO, but what I see in response is just vitriol. I can tell you now your candidate will have to run a 50 state campaign because McCain IS going to be competitive in CA, NY, NJ and MA. Read some MA papers as how they are already fed up with BO 1.0 where the rookie Deval Patrick cannot govern even with a Democratic senate. Current polls have BO tied with McCain in MA (even with Kennedy, Kerry and Patrick). Oh and didn't he lose that primary too?

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Brother Odd — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:52:20 GMT

Obama can out spend Hillary by a large margin, but he can't seal the deal. I think it stinks to even talk about money deciding who gets to be president, but thats how it is. Just think what the results might be had Hillary spent more. No way Obama beats McBush!

To Steve in San Diego: Why people vote for Obama I will never know.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Rider, Louisville, KY — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:53:45 GMT

Too little too late. Hillary has run a horrible campaign and some still vote for her? How can she help the economy if she can't keep from going into debt in her campaign? She couldn't outright fire Penn because she owes him too much money.

Experience? Show me. She didn't have a clearance when First Lady so she wasn't privvy to the details of crises during her husband's terms. She failed at health care once so her experience is one of failure. She failed the D.C. bar exam and decided to follow Bill to Arkansas.

A woman in the White House would be historic but why should it be Hillary? Neither Thatcher, Merkel, nor Bachelet rode to the leadership of their country on the coattails of their husbands. They did it on their own. If you want to see a female president, let's find one who can do it on their own and not because of whom they are married to.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Ron, TX — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:53:59 GMT

This whole popular vote thing is absolutely ABSURD. Many of the states Obama won (and he won BIG, no less) were caucuses which are not properly tallied into the popular vote. Minnesota, for example, only counts for 1/4 of what Missouri counts for. States like Iowa and Hawaii would have never held a caucus in the first place if they knew that Clinton was going to change the rules of the game when it's almost over, because they don't count, either.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Katherine & John — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:54:22 GMT

Well done Hillary. Hillary has once again proven she can win big in the big, electoral rich, must win states for the Dems in November. Hillary has won ALL of these states, while Obama has won NONE. Obama's caucus wins are meaningless in a general election. Seriously friends, are you really delusional enough to believe that states like Utah are "in play" for the Dems in NOvember? LOL.

Hillary is the most qualified and most electable candidate in the race. If you cannot win in states like Ohio, Penn, New York, New Jersey, Mass. California, Florida and Michigan, you cannot win the Presidency. In polls today, Obama LOSES to McCain in these state matchups!!

Obama is unelectable. Outspending Hillary 4 to 1 has not changed that fact. Obama has failed to close the deal. Game over. Hillary MUST be the nominee of the Dem party for a victory in November.

Once again, the ONLY voting group that Obama won in Pennsylvania was the black vote. You can't be elected President if you can't carry any other voting group.

The Democratic party and the superdelegates would be wise to remember that for decades white women have been the majority voting block of the Dem party and WHITE WOMEN WANT HILLARY! You see the numbers. When women vote, Democrats win.

*VOTE SMART! VOTE PATRIOTIC! VOTE HILLARY CLINTON!*

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Nick, Memphis, TN — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:54:57 GMT

I think Chuck hit the nail on the head. This isnt about Barak Obama having a problem with blue collar or working class voters. Because Obama performs well among white men. People must understand that this is a trancending and historic election. The first african american and woman canidate for president. The reason why Hilary Clinton won in Pennsyvania is simple. WOMEN! Women are devoted to her almost as much as african americans are to Obama. Even if Obama was down to Clinton by 100+ plus delegates and popular vote and states won, african americans would still vote for him 80-20, 90-10. So even though Clinton is down in the math, women will still vote for her in mass numbers. Women make up over half of the voters! Im surprised Obama didnt lose by more than the Ohio number because Pennsylvania is actually older than Ohio and has double the amount of voters over 60 than Ohio does.

When the democratic party come together around Obama Im certain that women will too. Democrats are turning out record numbers. Obama will have the winning coalition in November to beat McCain, but if the superdelegates overrule the will of the people. That spells disaster.

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Mary, Lake Worth FLorida — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:55:07 GMT

The "upset" in the Philly suburbs is easily explained the so called rebublican converts are republicans answering the call of conservative talk radio hosts to vote for Hillary. Why?? Because they don't want to run against Barack. Why?? Because he'll win!!!

First thoughts: Secret to Hillary's success

Buffaloed, Deland FL — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:56:17 GMT

The GOP ads in North Carolina and other states reveal the shadowy work of Karl Rove. There is an obvious strategic similarity among GOP efforts in several states that can only be explained by national coordination. Not surprisingly, the ads are all anti-Obama, softening him up for the general election.

Brilliant...use the state-level races to affect the presidential contest, without the need for McCain or RNC money.