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An obituary for the Clinton campaign
Keith Boykin | Posted May 7, 2008 4:17 AM
The Democratic presidential race ended unofficially at 1:09 this morning. Barack Obama will win the nomination, and he will be the first African American Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
Keith Boykin is editor of The Daily Voice and a host of the BET J TV show My Two Cents.
The Democratic presidential race ended unofficially at 1:09 this morning. That's when the television networks began declaring Senator Hillary Clinton the winner of Indiana.
But Clinton will not be the Democratic nominee. Her tiny Indiana victory -- preceded by a huge defeat in delegate-rich North Carolina -- was too little, too late to change the fundamental dynamics of the campaign.
Barack Obama will win the nomination, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will be the first African American Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
Up until last night, there was an "open secret" in some media and political circles. They knew that Hillary Clinton had already lost. The media and politicians figured out weeks ago that Clinton had little or no chance to win the nomination. Last night they finally began to tell the rest of the country.
Clinton trails Obama in pledged delegates, total delegates, number of states won, and in the popular vote -- with or without Florida and Michigan. In the next few days, she may also trail him in superdelegates -- the one holdout of the establishment she had hoped might give her the nomination. But soon the undeclared superdelegates will be ready to step up. The superdelegate train is leaving the station, and the senator from New York will not be in the conductor's seat when the governors, senators, members of Congress and party leaders begin to line up for Obama over the coming weeks.
I have to give Hillary Clinton credit. She put up a strong fight -- and she may still fight -- but she is not dumb, and even she must realize that she has no chance of winning the Democratic nomination.
Clinton's fatal flaws
Clinton has been a formidable adversary against Obama, but two fatal flaws doomed her presidential bid -- the tone of her campaign and the message of her campaign.
As a former Clinton White House aide, I have said repeatedly -- and I still believe -- that the Clintons are good people. A photo of me standing with Bill Clinton in the Oval Office hangs above my desk as I write these words.
But since Hillary Clinton started losing her lead last December, the tone of her campaign, unfortunately, has moved into the gutter. In the past few months, both Bill and Hillary Clinton did and said things that a Democrat ought not to do against another Democrat in a primary election.
When Hillary Clinton said that Republican candidate John McCain had a lifetime of experience and Barack Obama only had a speech, she crossed the line. And when the Bosnia story threatened to derail her campaign, she crossed the line again by dredging up the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy against Obama.
When Bill Clinton attacked Obama's Iraq message as a "fairy tale" and dismissed his South Carolina victory as a racial victory, he too crossed the line. Former presidents are not supposed to attack promising young candidates in the party -- even when their spouses are running for office against them. Bill Clinton's role was -- or should have been -- to promote his wife, not to attack her opponent.
Clinton's second fatal flaw was her message. Here she is, the first woman in history with a serious chance to win the White House, and she decides to run as the establishment candidate instead of the candidate of change. So when Obama's "change" message began to take off at the beginning of the year, she criticized her rival for pushing "false hopes."
Democrats have always believed in hope, and Clinton should have known better than to attack someone for believing in it. Instead of criticizing Obama's dream, Clinton should have spelled out her own. She should have co-opted his message of hope and optimism and used it to her advantage. As the first woman president, Clinton could be the perfect agent of change. But it took her far too long to appreciate the intensity and the significance of the desire for change that has been sweeping the country.
Lessons from the past, and for the future
The Clintons learned their national political lessons from the same place I did -- the school of hard knocks. I worked on my first presidential campaign in 1988, when Mike Dukakis was defeated by race-baiting, flag-waving GOP demagogues who demonized the Massachusetts governor and made the campaign into a debate over Willie Horton and the pledge of allegiance. The lessons that many of us learned from that experience were to respond to every attack immediately and effectively, to stay on message, and to communicate values as well as policies.
By 1992, the need for a "rapid response" to the enemy was what inspired our "war room" in the Clinton campaign. Dukakis didn't fight back, and we were determined not to let that ever happen again.
But the "war room" accounted for only a small part of the Clinton campaign's success. The most important ingredient was the message of hope. That's what Hillary Clinton seemed to forget along the way. After being attacked relentlessly and unfairly by the "vast right-wing conspiracy" in the 1990s, the Clintons learned to fight fire with fire. "The problem is," said Senator Obama last month, "that's the kind of politics we've been accustomed to, and I think Senator Clinton learned the wrong lesson, because she's adopted the same tactic."
Obama is right. Democrats want a president who can fight, but we also want a president who can inspire. Clinton has certainly shown us that she can punch and push, but she never really showed us that she could push us to dream.
As a young political upstart in 1992, Bill Clinton got elected president by selling a message of hope that Barack Obama now promotes as his own. The tragic irony is that the Clintons will be defeated 16 years later by a new young political upstart employing their own words and strategy against them. It is a stunning fall from grace for two gifted politicians who have dominated the Democratic Party for nearly two decades and who, just over a year ago, boasted the most powerful, politically-connected and well-financed campaign machine in party history.
For all the bumps and bruises he endured along the way, Barack Obama might want to thank Hillary Clinton for preparing him for the race ahead. Surely it was not Clinton's intention to help Obama by attacking him, but in the process of doing so, Clinton has made Obama a much tougher, stronger and more resilient candidate than he would have been without her. Now he must allow her to leave the race with some sort of dignity that enables the two of them -- and their supporters -- to begin to heal and unite the party. Nobody is going to force Clinton to quit her campaign -- nor should they -- but she knows what she must do, eventually.
And so, as the Clinton campaign awakens to the reality of inevitable defeat, they must surely understand two things. First, their days are numbered and will soon come to an end. And second, the real opponent is not Barack Obama, but John McCain.
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Anonymity commented on An obituary for the Clinton campaign:
Chris. Your comments are racially offensive. Just stop it. Purl Gurl might not even be an Indian. Im... -
Cynthia, TX commented on An obituary for the Clinton campaign:
Cindy, TX with respect to you The following will outline why I think most people will have to think... -
Hank Jestor commented on An obituary for the Clinton campaign:
There will be no 2012 for HRC. She will be very lucky to get re-elected to the senate. You have to r... -
Cindy from Tx commented on An obituary for the Clinton campaign:
I think everyone is trying to bury Hillary, but in doing so, a good number of Clinton supporters(I i... -
chris commented on An obituary for the Clinton campaign:
Hey Purl Gurl, The only thing that will end up happening is this. She is going to try and destroy ...
May 7, 2008 5:32 AM
Keith writes, in part,
"...the real opponent is not Barack Obama, but John McCain."
Well, Keith, this does look to be the end of the line for Clinton, this election year. She will now have a better chance to beat President McCain in 2012 year, with McCain making a worse mess of our country and of our world.
Ain't I a stinker?
Obama has a fairly decent shot at presidency. You are quite correct Clinton has taught Obama a lot of hard lessons, has toughened up Obama. However, I am not fully convinced Obama can stand up to what the republican party will do to him. You and I well know this will be a very hard row to hoe for Obama, especially if the republicans pull a Karl Rove type out of their bag of tricks.
A thought for you, Keith. The most gracious gesture Obama can make, the smartest political move Obama can make, is to offer a vice-presidential seat to Clinton. Without Clinton, I tend to doubt Obama can pull in enough blue collar voters, nor pull in enough older voters, to win the November election
We know more blue collars will choose McCain over Obama, than they would with Clinton against McCain. Same is true for older voters.
Another thought is America has learned a vice-president holds a position of significant power. We have painfully learned this from Cheney, who is thought to be the de facto president. America will be looking very hard at Obama's choice of running mate. Should Obama choose the wrong running mate, there is not a chance he will take the presidency.
Almost a certainty Obama will be the democratic nominee. However, Clinton still has him over a barrel. Without her on his team, Obama may go down in flames like McGovern, Mondale, Gore and Kerry. This is the liberal elitist problem.
Clinton is an extremely powerful woman. Obama would be most foolish to not recognize this.
Although a democrat, I am one of those who will select McCain over Obama, and will do so for only one reason. My reason is Obama’s domestic economic policy is not workable and is doomed to failure; his policy proposals will worsen our economic problems. With me, with our family, this is all about money, nothing else. We will not vote for a person who will raise our taxes, especially our capital gains tax.
You know, Clinton still has an ace up her sleeve. She just might play her ace in the hole. I would not give her the full ten count, just yet; America, like a woman, is very fickle.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
May 7, 2008 6:01 AM
Much as I love Obama. And hope the comments are real. I dont think Keith has any room to write so politically partially being the site's editor.
Tempting as may be to get out your china for celebrating an Obama victory, you have to hold your breath. It comes with the territory of your title Mr Editor.
Otherwise, Clinton's chances may be slim to still win the nomination. But they are not ZERO. Are they?
Even though I selfishly found what you wrote appealing, I think you may have also jumped the gun a bit. Let it be official and in November.
May 7, 2008 6:20 AM
In fact I'd like Keith to critically write about how H. Clinton could and must win the nomination from here on.
May 7, 2008 6:30 AM
I actually think Keith's article was very balanced. I think he outlined his reasoning in a sound manner, and let's not forget, he is a former member of the Clinton Administration.
Anyway, good job Keith!
May 7, 2008 6:49 AM
Media fails to frame the true enormity and full magnitude of Hillary Clinton's failure.
1. 20 years of Democratic Party branding.
2. Long established connections to funding/money.
3. Negro Old Guard (Charles Rangel, Maxin Waters, Shiela Jackson Lee, etc.) in step marching for her.
Yet despite EVERY advantage she failed splendidly on every parameter and ran a poor campaign. Hillary is responsible for that and it reflects who Hillary is. Divisive.
Why all the ex-Clinton officials on Team Obama from the start? Why not 1 defection from Obama to Clinton but several from Clinton to Obama?
Clinton = Anything to win, personal ambition is #1, marginalize and diminish Obama no holds barred.
Today? If Hillary can't have it, neither should Obama. Today going forward is about damaging Obama and serving McCain.
If you work for or support Hillary Clinton today, you are part of the McCain campaign.
May 7, 2008 8:14 AM
Keith with all due respect to those who call for politically correct writings by the editor this 2 semester community college student hopes your prediction comes true. This woman is all but buried morally and she knows it.
It is also your site, not theirs. I have not in the past and will not in the future agree with everything you or anyone else says. But I give credit to where it is do. And I, just like they, voice my unasked for opinion here too.
Congratulations to you and your staff on the changes made to this site. It is nice to read articles not always pertaining to racial issues. We too, like everyone else in america, are effected by things such as oil prices. Our tax dollars that we pay out will also help cyclone victims half way around the world too. Happily this site is showing much more growth than I had anticipated and I do recommened it at every chance I get when I met people. Keep up the good work.
May 7, 2008 8:30 AM
Hear Ye, Hear Ye Ms Okpulot Taha from the fabulous Choctaw Nation
Who keeps spewing her venom on us all. Because she hates Black Men and especially Senator Barack Obama
Let me answer your posting you just posted
You said: Ain't I a stinker?
To answer you: YES you are BIG TIME
You said: Obama has a fairly decent shot at presidency. You are quite correct Clinton has taught Obama a lot of hard lessons, has toughened up Obama. However, I am not fully convinced Obama can stand up to what the Republican Party will do to him. You and I well know this will be a very hard row to hoe for Obama, especially if the republicans pull a Karl Rove type out of their bag of tricks.
To answer you: Clinton did him a BIG favor. So trust me he is up to the challenge the Republicans because they will pull RACE CARD after RACE CARD! Don’t worry sweetheart we have move.org on our side.
You said: A thought for you, Keith. The most gracious gesture Obama can make, the smartest political move Obama can make, is to offer a vice-presidential seat to Clinton. Without Clinton, I tend to doubt Obama can pull in enough blue collar voters, nor pull in enough older voters, to win the November election
To answer you: I feel the same but not for your reasons. Your reason is based on RACE. And since you’re so SMART. Have you though to realize we have BLACK blue collar small town workers and Older Black voters? They’re not only just WHITE!
You said: We know more blue collars will choose McCain over Obama, than they would with Clinton against McCain. Same is true for older voters.
To answer you: They will simply go with him because of their PRIDE and PREJUDICE
You said: Another thought is America has learned a vice-president holds a position of significant power. We have painfully learned this from Cheney, who is thought to be the de facto president. America will be looking very hard at Obama's choice of running mate. Should Obama choose the wrong running mate, there is not a chance he will take the presidency.
To answer you: UNFORTUNATELY YOU DON’T LIKE HIM AND THAT’S YOUR CHOICE AS WELL AS YOUR PROBLEM!
But don’t criticize us and BASH him because we do! You need to visit sites to your liking because. This one isn’t
You said: Almost a certainty Obama will be the democratic nominee. However, Clinton still has him over a barrel. Without her on his team, Obama may go down in flames like McGovern, Mondale, Gore and Kerry. This is the liberal elitist problem.
To answer you: It would have been the other way around just remember The Obama supporters would have done the same thing to her as her supporters. By the way Ms Okpulot Taha from the fabulous Choctaw Nation 11% of her voting in Indiana last night was from Registered Republicans because they want her to win the nomination so the 527’s can obliterate her in the fall. TRUST ME She isn’t that Teflon!
You said: Clinton is an extremely powerful woman. Obama would be most foolish to not recognize this.
To answer you: And Just like some Americans will not vote for a Black Man, They will not vote for a woman neither!
You said: Although a democrat, I am one of those who will select McCain over Obama, and will do so for only one reason. My reason is Obama’s domestic economic policy is not workable and is doomed to failure; his policy proposals will worsen our economic problems. With me, with our family, this is all about money, nothing else. We will not vote for a person who will raise our taxes, especially our capital gains tax.
To answer you: You might be a first idiot to vote for McCain but then I believe you’re one of those other minorities who are bitter that this Man who is Bi-Racial has got there. So I tell you what vote for McCain because under him. We will continue to have
1. High Gas Prices
2. A war that will not be VICTORIOUS
3. Conservative Supreme Court Justices
4. Outrageous unemployment rates as jobs continue to move off-shore
5. Bullshit immigration policy
6. Taking care if his RICH and WEALTHY friends and yes you want to talk about ELITIST His damn wife is a heir to a beer fortune that makes 150 to 200 million a year. I don’t think you see Michelle making it like that, Nor do they make 109,000,000.00 a year neither talk about elitist. That’s the key word for you when you rather it be racist!
Hillary is full of shit and got you by the neck. But do us a favor, please vote for McCain maybe he’ll make the Indian reservations share the billions they make in casino revenues with all of you and not just them!
You said: You know, Clinton still has an ace up her sleeve. She just might play her ace in the hole. I would not give her the full ten counts, just yet; America, like a woman, is very fickle.
To answer you: She might be fickle. But also she’s A DAMN DONE DEAL!
GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE MADAM CLINTON AND YOU ALSO Ms Okpulot Taha
OBAMA 08’
Respectfully,
Chris
May 7, 2008 8:48 AM
Keith:
Thank you for an honest and real analysis of Hilary Clinton campaign. I feel that it is what most rational people feel, and know to be the truth. It resonates with reality and not with the spin.
The sad reality is that those like Purl Gurl, Anonymous and others who question the veracity of your article is that they have become like one of the failings of the Clinton Campaign i.e. out of touch with the populace and unable to surrender to the truth. I believe that last night returns pointed to if nothing else, that the American people are not stupid or afraid.
John McCann and the Republicans are human not super people and they can and will lose this election. Why because as a nation we cannot survive 4 more years which may destroy the middleclass with gas prices at 15dollars a gallon and etc. It is not John McCann it is the unpoliced Big Business which his party would allow to continue to probe us not only of our money but our dreams as well.
May 7, 2008 9:14 AM
Dear Mark -
why and how you would think an article entitled: 'An OBITUARY for the Clinton campaign' is balanced commentary is a scary thought.
Like those present at a funeral, the article - as an obituary - is an active participant in the burial of Clinton. Not impartial.
Ramses, would you see the irony of embracing 'anonymity' on this site, especially? I doubt. My views are nowhere near those of Purl Gurl. I love Obama and I love Keith's article. Just not for this forum where he is also editor. Most probably because the last thing 'I' want to see is a 'surprise' final win by HRC. If I were on a tennis court, I'd say this match is not over until the last point is won. Mr 'referee'.
May 7, 2008 10:34 AM
Chris thank you for your post. I pray you shorted out the modem in "her" teepee. And I am an aethist.
May 7, 2008 10:47 AM
Anonymity:9:14, Nonsense! Hillary's Obit is being addressed by "talking heads & news anchors" alike across cable news, turn on your TV. The same is taking place in numerous Editorials in newsprint media.
People are even using Hillary's own metrics and tossing in MI & FL and showing by her standards, metrics, and math, it's over. People are discussing and exploring how this all happened, how Clinton, with every advantage imaginable a year ago, gradually unraveled.
Editors, Anchors, & Talking Heads, Pundits, etc. are all reviewing her campaign,placing it under a microscop and characterizing the missteps, poor decisions, etc. especially in light of today's admission that she loaned her campaign another $6.4M dollars.
Face it, between the Defections to Obama, the failure to meet payroll and paybills, the poor decision making, Hillary is a divisive train wreck and it's seen in the dysfunction of her campaign.
Exploring this train wreck divisive person, HRC, is fair game for editors, pundits, anchors, etc. and is being done, as Keith has with his own spin, for the last 12 hours and will be going forward.
This is OVER using HRC's own metrics and standards. At this juncture it's about Hillary's vanity & ego. Every day going forward is a day deeper in debt & worsening of her own image and legacy. That is the topic of discussion in media far and wide, the exploration of the Clinton ego, the Clinton sense of entitlement, the Clinton arrogance.
This is fair game and fodder for comment by editors, pundits, anchors, etc.
May 7, 2008 12:09 PM
Great article Keith!
I'm sticking to my support for Hillary Clinton until she drops out. After the primaries last night, I told myself, there's no way she can win this now. But I would really like her too, because I feel her energy and her determination to bring about a New America. I dont think Obama has what it takes to beat McCain, but we'll see.
Again, great article!
May 7, 2008 1:20 PM
She won't quit, she has no class and along with her husband just want to make sure that they have divided the party along racial lines, just enough for McCain to win. She does not care about the party or anyone in the country, all she cares about is her and Billy getting back into the WH, since she has been rebuked, and, now has to try and strong arm the so called super-delegates. And, then she'll trot back out in 2012 and run again, and, thisis one vote who still would NEVER vote for her, just like the half of her voting base who say they would never vote for Obama.
And, Chris, keep on keeping it real with the trolls and that petty nonsense, all with the nasty hint of racism.
May 7, 2008 4:49 PM
Thanks Keith for breaking it down. Well said.
I also agree with Darnell that Hillary has no class. She does not care about what's best for the Democratic Party - it's all about her.
She will pay dearly for drudging up Jeremiah Wright. The die is caste and she is history. Had she run a respectable campaign, I could sympathize with her.
Let's face it, we cannot have the Republicans back in office. Our nation is on the edge of ruin. Please Keith, keep speaking out. You have the voice, intellect and platform to do it. Don't let us down.
As Obama said last night, this is not about black, white, young, old, rich, poor, red states or blue states....ect. It is about keeping our jobs here, ending a senseless war, the economy, gas prices, home foreclosures, health care, Immigration reform and much more.
May 7, 2008 5:18 PM
Hello Black People!
Watching Hillary's inspirational victory speech last night I immediately thought of Monty Python. And not because her campaign resembles a dead parrot. The happy talk performance reminded me of the Black Knight scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail:
If you remember, King Arthur (Graham Chapman) is passing through a forest when he is confronted by the Black Knight (John Cleese). After observing The Black Knight destroy one of his own knights, Arthur tells him, "You fight with the strength of many men, Sir Knight... You have proved yourself worthy. Will you join me?" The Black Knight refuses to join him, and refuses to let the King pass. "I move for no man," he intones. The two then go at it mano a mano, as our current president would say. King Arthur first cuts one of the Black Knight's arms off with his sword, then another. He then cuts off his leg. Bleeding from three stumps, hopping around on one foot, the Black Knight magnanimously announces, "All right, we'll call it a draw."
I can't think of a more resonant metaphor for the Democratic primary today.
May 7, 2008 6:27 PM
Hillary Rodham Clinton and William Jefferson Clinton are staying in the race for two reasons, their massive egos, and, to make sure that their base/core voters, poor white working people and white women are reminded that it was a black man who took away her dream. This is all part of their plan to make sure McCain is elected, and, she will be up and at it again in 2012, they don't care about anyone other than the two of them, as they always have.
And, its a shame, she is one smart cookie, too bad she had to use race and fear of the black boogie man to get to her base voter.
May 7, 2008 7:03 PM
Chris thank you for your post. I pray you shorted out the modem in "her" teepee. And I am an aethist.
May 7, 2008 7:49 PM
Great read Keith and I like your approach to the facts. I feel a course has been set and a forward movement is on it's way. Change is truly in the air.
May 7, 2008 9:04 PM
"I have to give Hillary Clinton credit. She put up a strong fight...."
Pundits are throwing around statements similar to the above as though to fight with clenched teeth, and to win by any means necessary, point to some enviable, character trait.
We have seen such "strong fight" in George Bush who used it to attack Iraq without a shred of evidence of weapons of mass destruction, and who also used that "strong fight" to stubbornly stay when the cause was lost.
Rather than fight to the bitter end, it may be a mark of one with exceptional character to admit defeat, to salvage what may be salvaged, and to graciously bow out.
I don't think George Bush nor the Clintons have that kind of moral fortitude.
May 7, 2008 9:44 PM
Good job Keith. Thank you for being our voice. Your Memphis fans are proud of you. The people have spoken. Clinton's out and Obama's in. NEXT
May 7, 2008 10:01 PM
Thanks Keith for the article. Thanks Chris for responding to Ms Okpulot Taha. I wanted to respond to her previously but opted out.
May 8, 2008 1:47 AM
We continue to talk about what the Republican party is going to do to Barack. As long as people listen and focus on the message I don't see how Barack can lose. But if we the constituents allow ourselves to falter from the message and follow the stupid distractions that I'm sure will be thrown at him then that's the only way I see him losing.
May 8, 2008 2:45 AM
Here is what is called 'Group Think'. And Chris is no different to Purl Gurl. Racism is wrong.
May 8, 2008 3:49 AM
Hey Ro, I gotcha back. Isn't she irritating?
Brucito....what's good Boo?
HOLLA
C'
OBAMANATION 08'!
May 8, 2008 3:50 AM
Hey Ro, I gotcha back. Isn't she irritating?
Brucito....what's good Boo?
HOLLA
C'
OBAMANATION 08'!
May 8, 2008 3:52 AM
Hey Ro, I gotcha back. Isn't she irritating?
Brucito....what's good Boo?
HOLLA
C'
OBAMANATION 08'!
May 8, 2008 10:25 AM
I think we already know what the GOP will do with Obama, after all, HRC has run a GOP like campaign against him from the jump. They will just need to tweak and fine tune what she has started.
May 8, 2008 1:27 PM
Strong hints are beginning to appear Clinton will play her ace up her sleeve.
---
"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Hillary Clinton supporter Harvey Weinstein threatened to cut off contributions to congressional Democrats unless House Speaker Nancy Pelosi embraced his plan to finance revotes in Florida and Michigan, three officials familiar with their conversation said."
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/08/weinstein.pelosi/
---
Very difficult to argue against allowing citizens of Florida and Michigan to cast their votes. Not allowing Florida and Michigan to vote would be to disenfranchise the rights of the good peoples of those states. This would be a violation of our democratic principles.
I would scream bloody murder if my right to vote was taken away.
Problem here is many of Florida and Michigan will be angry and will vote for McCain to express their anger. Americans of other states will share this anger and may swing over to McCain.
An argument, a very effective argument could be presented our democratic primary process has been rigged to favor Obama. I am quite sure controversy will come about "Obama rigged the nomination." We know this is not true but truth is unimportant for this issue. What is important is public perception and consensus opinion.
This is Clinton's ace up her sleeve and this is beginning to look her ace will be tossed out on the poker table.
Should Obama oppose allowing Florida and Michigan citizens to cast their votes, Obama is dead meat.
This is backroom political power brokering at its best! This excites me.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
May 8, 2008 4:21 PM
yep hurl, she is playing that ace up her sleeve, the one you play, racial insults and a big old price is right size deck of race cards. let her steal the nomination, no way will that woman ever be elected, even with angry, poor white folks who are too clueless to see she isn't qualified. she really needs to change parties, she is as republican as bush and more than even mccain.
May 8, 2008 5:47 PM
Well, here you are, Keith, this ace up her sleeve is no longer hints nor rumors. News is out Clinton is playing her sleeve ace card.
---
"In an open letter to her Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton asks Barack Obama to help her 'arrive at a solution that honors the votes of the millions of people who went to the polls in Florida and Michigan.'"
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/05/08/politics/horserace/entry4081100.shtml
---
Clinton truly has Obama over a barrel. Should Obama refuse to support Clinton on this, Obama will be committing political suicide.
You know, Obama displayed how politically naive he is by not including his name on the Michigan ballots. Obama should have known what would happen. He set himself up for this!
Counting those votes, as is, will close the gap between Obama and Clinton but not enough to push Clinton over the top. This will help her campaign, nonetheless.
A new vote for Michigan and Florida, I am sure will have Clinton earning an even greater number of votes than original voting results. This could make a difference if Clinton goes on to win the few remaining states in this primary.
Holding new primaries in Michigan and in Florida is almost a guarantee because Obama did not include his name on Michigan ballots. Major naive mistake!
Obama has a serious problem on his hands. Based on his naive nature, I tend to doubt Obama can beat Clinton at a hand of political poker.
Obama must comply with Clinton or risk having Americans shout, "Obama rigged the primaries." Right or not, truthful or not, this will happen.
As I wrote, America is very much female and America is very much fickle.
This is exceptionally exciting!
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
May 8, 2008 8:45 PM
Way to go Keith on CNN, Election Center with Campbell Brown today!! Keith you did not back down!! I love it!! I am so sick and tired of the Republican talking points and the scare tactics used to scare up votes. I know this will be a hard summer and our road to the White House won't be easy. But, I truly believe this time the American people are going to stand up and not except the status quo. I continue to say the candidate who ties the war to the economy will win the election. But, I do not rule out another national security scare to make Americans feel that McCain can keep us safe...what a bunch of bologna.
May 9, 2008 1:23 AM
Hey Purl Gurl,
The only thing that will end up happening is this. She is going to try and destroy this party for her own agenda. And they will destroy her for that. She is not that powerful, or tough. Harvey Weinstein is a Clinton supporter lets always keep this in mind. The DNC has already said those delegates will be seated and divided equally amongst the two.
So she has no trick. And if they decided to overturn the nomination and give it to her. I can guarantee you her winning coalition is DEAD ON ARRIVAL. Because just like her supporters won’t support Barack and we will not support her. And it’s not enough Indians to fill that void and I’m being BLUNT AND HONEST about that!
So don’t get your hopes to high. She will lose one way or the other. I’d rather lose fairly than her trying to be cunning and slick and have the DNC punish her ass. Because they are not scared of her and have nothing to lose. She has all to lose and NOTHING to gain.
Once again Please retreat back to the “Fruity Pebbles” section of The KooKoo for KoKo Puffs Reservation!
Respectfully
Chris
May 10, 2008 1:32 AM
I think everyone is trying to bury Hillary, but in doing so, a good number of Clinton supporters(I included) will never vote for Obama. Not because he is half black, but because he cannot win against McCain. He is not ready and all the charm, money and great speeches will not help him win. We cannot afford 4 more years of on the job training for such an important job. Hillary is not destroying the party, she is trying to hold it together by having every vote count.To Chris,there are more Indians,Hispanics, older voters, woman voters and white moderate conservatives that can help defeat Obama in November-You can count on that.
RESPECTFULLY to you
May 10, 2008 6:23 AM
There will be no 2012 for HRC. She will be very lucky to get re-elected to the senate. You have to remember something, the Clinton's do not have coat tails. During the Clinton years the congress was lost. The people in congress know this and haven't forgot what a mess it was during the 90's.
Her comment about "HARDWORKING AMERICANS, WHITE AMERICANS" was all the super delegates needed to throw her under the bus. They have been wanting to for a long time. The Dem's are tired of the Clinton's Quasi-Republican theology.
So if you want to vote for McCain go ahead. Won't be my reproductive rights that will be taken away. I can't get pregnant.
Good luck with that.
May 10, 2008 9:56 PM
Cindy, TX with respect to you
The following will outline why I think most people will have to think long and hard as to why voting for McCain will be a train wreck in the fall
Mortgage Crisis-Republican train wreck
Economy-Republican train wreck
War on two fronts-Republican train wreck
Hurricane Katrina-Republican train wreck
Foreign Policy-Republican train wreck
Budget deficit-Republican train wreck
Loss of jobs-Republican train wreck
Veteran Benefits-Republican train wreck
And let's not forget about the bill McCain did not vote for with regard to allowing equal pay for women and said he did not because it would increase lawsuits. Obama left the campaign trail to vote on this bill. But you want to vote McCain over Obama just because Hillary did not get the nomination? No chance. If it was the other way around I would vote for Hillary.
May 11, 2008 7:58 AM
Chris. Your comments are racially offensive. Just stop it. Purl Gurl might not even be an Indian. Imagine if anyone wrote about your African-American roots in that manner. Be a grown up.