The Clintons shrug off defeat

Pat Buchanan summed it up best.

Hillary and Bill Clinton Saturday night did their very best to treat Barack Obama's surprisingly large win in South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary as "an exhibition game," said the one-time Republican (and Reform Party) White House contender who now commentates on MSNBC.

With every sign pointing to a loss for the Clinton team (though not the rout that occurred), neither could be found in the Palmetto State as the votes came in. Instead, each traveled to a Super Tuesday state: Hillary (the one who's running this year) was in Tennessee; Bill (the one who ran in the past) was in Missouri.

Before he left South Carolina, though, Bill made a comment widely interpreted as dismissive of the win Obama was poised to register. Appropos of nothing, he noted that Jesse Jackson -- who in his presidential bids never fully escaped the "black candidate" niche -- had won the state's primaries in 1984 and '88.

Merle Black, a veteran observer of Southern politics ...

who now hangs his hat at Atlanta's Emory University in Atlanta, told Bloomberg News Service: "The implicit comparison is that Jackson won but he didn't win the nomination. That is just another round of trying to devalue what Obama has achieved."

Early in the evening, with Obama declared the day's winner almost the second the polls closed, Hillary called from her campagn plane to personally congratulate her rival. The Times' Peter Nicholas reports that her aides described the conversation as "friendly."

Her public comments about the contest might best be characterized as terse. Indeed, her kudos to the winner didn't even merit their own separate sentence.

Speaking at a nighttime rally in Nashville, she said: "I want to congratulate Sen. Obama tonight and I also want to thank the people of South Carolina for welcoming us into their homes and their communities."

We imagine it's a welcome she won't remember as among the warmest she's gotten. Anyway, that was that for South Carolina. She quickly segued to the future: "And I want to tell you how excited I am that now the eyes of the country turn to Tennessee and the other states that will be voting on Feb. 5. And of course to the state of Florida that will be voting Tuesday.

"So millions and millions of Americans are going to have the chance to have their voices heard and their votes counted. And I can't imagine any place I'd rather be than right here in Nashville as we kick off the next 10 days!''

Not to insult the home of country music, but for Hillary Clinton, Siberia would have been preferable to South Carolina.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[MCLAIN]

jesse jackson won then obama won now- in the end- america wont allow the black become pres. i n al 50th stets no matter what-
EXPERIENCE- CLEVERNESS-SHOWY OBAMA AND ECENTRIC AND CHAVENSITIC HE CANT WIN ALL 50TH STATE IN USA-
AMERICAN [ROPLR KISS BUTT TO THE NEGRO?OBAMA?

[Frank]

Hey HillaryClinton,

Better get use to it as I feel the same will happen in Calif on Super Tues.

It's an exhibition game.... Is this what the team would have said if you had won?

Face it you did not cry before the votes and it shows.

[Ben Mildton]

Once agian shot sighted Americans go for style over substance. Watch as an Obama administration stumbles through adjusting to reality. The Clintons know the system and exactly how to make it sing. American's are shallow and stupid. Vote Clinton or dig your own grave.

[Marks]

Clinton puts down Obama with Jesse Jackson who was there to absolve Billy from Monica-gate. How low was that? When Obama won Iowa why didn't he use Jesse Jackson views there?

No Jesse Jackson labeling on Obama until South Carolina. Bill is flinging that race card where ever it's going to stick.

This is another WILL SAY ANYTHING ABOUT ANYBODY to win election statements said by Hillary or Bill.

Bill referenced Andrew Young defending his views on race with a reporter. Andrew Young said Bill likely has gone on more dates with black women than Obama or something radically stupid, he thought was complimentary?

Andrew Young has known Bill Clinton a long time, but when speaking about Obama, Young had little good to say.

Bill will take any compliment like a sponge, shows his fake identity. To not come down hard on Andrew Young for those stupid comments was wrong. Bill shouldn't use that guy, go talk to Andrew Young, defending his views on race.

Bill is saying he has black friends absolving him somehow!

Hillary's campaign person is the one who spread that comment Hispanics won't likely vote for black candidate and its keeps being referenced as fact.

Reports are going overboard on race and continually separating polling data by gender and ethnicity. Reporters should leave voters alone and only tally the numbers!

There is too much trying to determine what voters are thinking by reporters.
Not talking about the obvious, might give voters some sensibilities. Report only what the candidates say. Not infer what's being said, to certain sections of society. Not determine Hillary gets the women vote just because! Not give Edwards more votes to whites. Not put on Obama he's black people's choice.

Obama won in South Carolina, forgetting Iowa's win, he's suddenly the "black candidate"! Commentary in bold headlines is try to frame this election in negative ways.

[James Wilson]

Being a new voter, I had to give my vote to Obama, simply because I see Clinton as a little weak, if she has to rely on Bill to campaign on her own merits, what does that tell us about the potential of her folding under the pressure of some international confrontations?

We need real leaders that can pull Americans together, and stand strong in the face of international opposition.

Be diplomatic in resolving some issues and conflicts to protect American interests abroad

So it may be in our best interest to change guards

[Truth-is-Gold]

I agree Hilary Clinton is very experienced. Lets revisit some of her experience. Hillary's experience is:

1) turning $1000 into $100000 in cattle futures while working for the Rose law firm. She received tips from James B. Blair who was outside counsel for Tyson Foods in Arkansas. In one day she made over $10,000 on day trading which would point to insider knowledge from within Tyson Foods.

Washington Post
(Please check my references if you like.)

2) to Whitewater, a 1980s land deal that went bad and revealed that 1) Bill Clinton exerted pressure on an Arkansas businessman, David Hale, to make an illegal loan that would benefit him and the owners of Madison Guaranty; and 2) that an Arkansas bank had concealed transactions involving Clinton's gubernatorial campaign in 1990.

3) to Travelgate, the 1993 firing of seven longtime employees of the travel office, which handles travel arrangements for reporters and television crews covering the president. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is alleged to have pressured White House lawyers into dismissing the travel office staff and bringing in the FBI to investigate them, so that friends of the First Family could enjoy the office's patronage spoils.

Columbia Journalism Review/New York Observer

4) In the aftermath of the apparent suicide (yes, it gets ugly!) of her former partner and closest confidant, White House Deputy Counsel Vincent Foster, Hillary Clinton ordered the overturn of an agreement to allow the Justice Department to examine the files in the dead man's office. Her closest friends and aides, under oath, have been blatantly disremembering this likely obstruction of justice, and may have to pay for supporting Hillary's lie with jail terms.

New York Times

5) In August 2000, during her first Senate run, Clinton met with the Hasidic community in New Square, where many members were working to obtain clemency for four members of their community who had been convicted of stealing tens of millions of dollars from the state and federal government.
She refused to talk about the controversial pardons of the four New York Hasidic Jews by her husband. New Square voted 1359-10 for the first lady – although other nearby Hasidic enclaves voted 3480-152 for Clinton's GOP opponent, former Rep. Rick Lazio.

New York Times

6) Hillary Clinton's brother Hugh Rodham , was paid approximately $200,000 from Almon Glenn Braswell, whom President Clinton pardoned for mail fraud and perjury, as was Carlos Vignali, whose sentence for cocaine trafficking was commuted. News of his involvement in the pardon controversy prompted an outrage in Washington, D.C.

"I knew nothing about my brother's involvement in these pardons," Sen. Clinton said at the time. "I knew nothing about his taking money for his involvement."

The Clintons asked Hugh Rodham to return the cash, which he did.

Time Magazine

7) Hillary Clinton's brother Tony Rodham was paid $244,769 over 2½ years by a carnival company, United Shows of America, owned by Edgar and Vonna Jo Gregory. The Gregorys had been convicted of bank fraud and were seeking pardons. Tony Rodham has said he mentioned their pardon application to his brother-in-law, who ultimately granted the Gregorys a pardon. But Rodham said he was not paid for anything having to do with the pardon.

Boston Globe

8) Peter Paul has business relationship with Clintons that goes bad. Clintons steal one of his clients and he retaliates turning Clinton in for violating campaign regulations during a fundraiser he held for her to the tune of $1 million. The FEC formally determined that Hillary Clinton's Senate campaign treasurer, Andrew Grossman is legally responsible for the three false FEC reports that Hillary's finance director, David Rosen, was criminally charged and tried for in mid-2005. Mr. Grossman signed a "Conciliation Agreement" with the FEC on December 13, 2005, admitting his culpability, and agreeing to pay a civil fine and amend his false reports to reflect the $721,000 that he failed to report since October, 2000.

Wall Street Journal

9) Pastor Got $1.5 Million in Clinton Earmarks Before Endorsement

Widely reported

10) Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton gives large earmarks of $1 billion in government-backed financing for a development project called Destiny. Robert Congel, the owner of Destiny, then turned around and financed and campaigned for her.

Robert J. Congel Congel, his family and associates affiliated with his development have donated $40,000 to Clinton's state and national campaigns since she first ran for office in 1999.

Congel co-hosted a Syracuse fundraiser for her, an event said to have raised an additional $50,000. Lobbying firms hired by Congel in connection with Destiny and other ventures also donated more than $200,000 to various Clinton campaign funds, records show.

LA Times

11) New School, which received $1.6 million in earmarks in this year's defense budget and $6 million previously, is particularly well-connected. Its president, former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-Neb.), campaigned for Clinton in Iowa. Three school trustees are among Clinton's most prominent backers, having each raised at least $100,000 for her campaign. A former trustee is Norman Hsu, who was indicted on fraud charges. After Hsu's criminal past was revealed last summer, Clinton returned $850,000 he raised for her.

LA Times

12) to falsely attacking Obama as a pro-life candidate for voting "present" in New Hampshire.

13) Her husband Bill Clinton says he consulted her on every major decision. Does that include Rwanda, and his decision to stand by and watch genocide kill hundreds of thousands of people? She is firmly entrenched with Bill and the establishment, at best a dirty politician who knows everything there is to know about our political system. A vote for her is a vote for the status quo. The Republicans are so sure she is the next Democratic nominee that there's even a movie set to release.

14) http://www.hillarythemovie.com/

15) btw Bill Clinton, an experienced sexual predator, at least half a dozen rapes or assaults on women reported.

[Tom]

I'm almost as happy that Hillary lost, as I am that George Bush's reign will be finally be ending soon.

[On And On]

Well...what do her opponents expect Hillary to do?

Roll over and play dead?

Curl up in bed with Ben & Jerry's and cry?

Moan, whine, complain and demand recounts? (Like some Obama supporters did when he lost both New Hampshire and Nevada.)

OR

Nurse her wounds, pick herself up and continue the race to the very end - as any winner would?

And she WILL win in November.

Go Hillary!

[Helena Montana]

Ungracious in defeat, as witness Bill Clinton's dismissive remarks about Obama's victory last night, the Clintons are also insufferable in victory. That and their really ugly campaign tactics have completely turned me against them. Once a great admirer of Bill Clinton , I am now implacably opposed to Billary's joint run at the White House. We've suffered through seven years of the divisive brand of ugliness they've been displaying in their campaign and it's DEFINITELY time for a change. No more Clintons and no more Bushes.

[Dwight]

Obama has a double-opening on the culture front that could be huge:

1) Honor Tiger's Character Performance This Week as a present example of where we are going:
Go to Torrey Pines, say "I'm not here to ask for Tiger's vote. I am here to honor Tiger, and to call the nation's attention to what he has done this week.
The recipient of an ugly metaphor referring to dark pages of our nation's past, Tiger was beseeched by the old Civil Rights generation to get angry and fire back.
But the new generation, of which Tiger is a compelling leader, speaks through performance.
With great dedication, focus, and determination, Tiger applied himself to doing what he needs to do to demonstrate peak competence.
The challenge is on us, in the older generation, to learn from these young people. We must stop beseeching them to pick up our battles, where each human error is loudly trumpeted as evidence of the malady of others in the society. Rather, we should wonder as their competence and harmony creates the new day."

2) Go to Hollywood and Talk to a joint meeting of rappers and (white) studio execs.

"I salute you for your art, for your rhythms, for your sense of keeping it real, that resonates with the American audience.

But I want to make clear that the America you have reflected with bitterness, and the disappointment of the lack of broad respect and opportunity is giving way.

The America that has shown itself in my campaign is an America that reflects some wonderful new realities: the realities of 15 years of exceeding professional competence, from different perspectives, of Condi Rice, Colin Powell, and Madeline Albright...all of who applied simple dedicaton, smarts, and character to perform with excellence.

Your art is outdated, in the new age of Hope. The notion of self-respect as explosiviely and violently reacting to the inevitable minor and even major slights and insults that inevitably affect all of our lives has been shown failed: a recipe for poverty (except for a few poets) and early death or incarceration -- the ultimate in Self-disrespect.

In the coming years, a new wave of hope is going to take over America. Great art that resonates with the people reflects its times. Maybe, just maybe, its time to rethink the lyrics that go with those great rhythms, or find yourself yesterday's superstar."

With a 1-2 combo like that, Obama would dominate headlines, and leave Billary groping.

The golf crowd (staid and rich) and the culture crowd (afraid of crime culture) would eat it up.

Obama has earned his opportunity to fight for 'the silent majority.'

It will be interesting to see what he does with it.

[Todd]

The zeitgeist of this election season is "change". So why, oh why, would anyone want to return the sleazy, tawdry, and corrupt Clinton family to power?

Can't we just say NO to that vile couple and move on?

[Trey]

I don't care what you say; you can't spin your way out of 55% to 27%, not when you were leading in the state not a month ago by 20%. The Clinton's time is done; as Obama said, this is about the future vs. the past. Clinton held the lead in the country by 20 points before Iowa; she lost there in a decidedly low minority state. Mrs. Clinton only won New Hampshire by only 2%; again a decidedly low minority state. And then she went on to Nevada and only won by only 6% and might I say a THIRD time a decidedly low minority state. Compared to a 28% Rout in S. Carolina. They said Obama would only get 10% of the white vote; instead he received 24%.

The problem with Mrs. Clinton is she has too much baggage, she does not inspire leadership or confidence, she flip-flops more than John Kerry, and she comes off as slippery as a used car saleswoman. She went from the candidate of experience to the candidate of change. The candidate for the Iraq War to the candidate against the war. The candidate who could stand on her own, to the candidate who needs her husband to protect her and do her dirty work. Why is she running for president now when WE NEEDED HER, BEFORE the Iraq war and BEFORE he could appoint justices the Supreme Court? If she has 35 years of experience, why not use her 31 years of experience? She claims more experience, but Obama has four more years in public office. She was no Eleanor Roosevelt as a first lady and she is by far no Margaret Thatcher as a candidate and leader.

[Lauren]

*Obama beat Hillary among White men, People of all races under 30 and African Americans.
*There were no blacks in Iowa and he won.
*There were no blacks in New Hampshire and he came in a tight second place.
*He won all of northern Nevada which is extremely white.
*George Clooney supports Obama
*Kate Walsh (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice) supports Obama
*Will Smith supports Obama
*Scarlett Johansson supports Obama

It says a lot about the Bill Clinton's character that he would compare Barack Obama to Jess Jackson. Obama is trying to getthe nation to come together and Bill is trying to split us apart. I am a proud Obama Republican and I want to let people know just how many of us there are. We won't say it in public but in private Republicans love Obama and many will vote for him if he gets the nomination and many of us have crossed party lines to vote for him already. I have been a Republican my entire life and Obama is the only Democrat that I have ever considered voting for.

[Ash]

well i certainly enjoyed Bill's term when the economy was the best it had been since, well, since before Reagan! the Clintons may be career politicians for better or worse, i would definitely vote for the person who knows what they're doing. a nice smile and great speaking voice don't change things. and when Obama is on the spot without a script, he doesn't sound so good. Hillary's a tough one and knows how to fight the right-wingers. Bill was making an obvious comment about Jackson, why does that make the Clinton campaign dirty? 4 years ago Dean was one of the best grass roots organizers the country had seen in a major contender, but he imploded. at least he had some experience as a senator (a working senator at that)! can we be reminded that Obama only served one year of his congressional term before focusing solely on his campaign bid? what does that bring to the white house?! i've got fresh ideas too and so do many Americans. but ideas and experience are not the same. the democratic voters better wise up or we'll all be screwed when the republicans pull it together and win in November. unthinkable? well, the democrats thought so in 2000 and look how badly we ad to drop the ball before it was stupidly, nay, painfully obvious...

[Robert Lee Herndon]

I love Bill Clinton, but Hilly baby, you are ruining his legacy. no one likes you and every time i hear them talk about how or what you did while Bill was in office, I understand why he cheated. Instead of sitting on some commitee, you should have been sitting on Bill's lap.

[Mendel Peterson]

Hillary is a co-candidate. Bill is running for office; Hillary is pulling the wagon.

Hillary's experience now includes co-governor, co-president and co-candidate. Shadow of leadership.

Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush, Clinton's wife, Bush's brother. Where is the change? We must stop the sloshing dynasties.

Obama has the essential requirements: intelligent, honest and free of political paybacks. Obama will find the leaders he needs to bring honest change.

[john Smart]

it remains stunning to me how snotty the press is to the clintons.

does don fredricks even realize how obnoxious this writing is? with things like -"the one who ran last time...

as for Obama - he should enjoy his win. in states with a much smaller black electorate he won't do so well.

[Donna]

I'm impresed when I listen to Mr. Obama's speaches. He inspires optimism and joy. The problem is this.... Is he running for Cheerleader or boy scout's?? He almost sounds like one of those television preachers yelling hope and love . I want more than that . I want to hear his positions on things. Is he going to go up against Iran, Korea and Iraq with his fingers crossed hoping for the best???? It's all just a little too superficial for me. I'm afraid of a beautiful shell and a hollow inside. Sorry, Mr. Obama. I remember the Clinton years and how prosperous they were. I remember how the national debt went way down. I'm tired of living off the credit card and wondering who's going to pay it off.(probably our kids and grandkids.) The economy scares the hell out of me, too. I wnat Hillary Clinton in office for the big stuff. You just keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best, sir. I want a doer, not a talker. HILLARY 2008!!

[Enrique]

The media is leading us to believe that Latinos in California and in other Super Tuesday states can not think for themselves and will overwhelmingly vote for Hillary Clinton.

I'd like to think that Latinos across the country will see Barack Obama as the man who can end the divisiveness that we've had to deal with for many years and do great things for Latinos and all Americans.

[Robert Luciano]

Senator Obama's stunning rout of the Clintons in South Carolina sent a clear message that people want to turn the page on a divisive, dysfunctional past. The Clinton machine will try to dismiss their beat down as a “black thing”, when in reality they are shocked by the results.

Barrack embodies the inspirational leadership that so many Americans have been longing for. He gives people from every persuasion a reason to believe in a united America that is committed to the common good. Our nation has a unique and historic opportunity to renounce twenty years of bitter partisanship and unite around a President who will uplift the political debate and restore our nation's standing in the world.
— Robert Luciano, Atlanta, GA

[Elaine Hendrie]

I am a registered Republican who will be voting for Obama. Yes, I deeply want change and I don't want the same old power couple (the Clintons)in the White House again. I don't like much of anything the Republican candidates are telling me and I was soured on McCain when he apple-polished all the Jerry Falwell types. Obama is a breath of fresh air. He is bringing in young voters as no other candidate has. He speaks truth. He has vision. He is a leader. He is a gentleman and doesn't spit out "fairytales" or lies. He will be a great President. I may even turn Democrat!

[Tina LaRusso]

Don, last night on CSPAN the caller was right on -you and the rest of the left liberal democratic press are "in love" with Obama, an empty suit to those of us that do not share your infatuation, but your smug look and the above article shows you are clearly in denial. Hopefully more analytically minded voters will get out and vote, God forbid the vote was lowered to 18 and these naive, idealistic voters influenced the vote more than they do now!

[Dan]

I wonder if the tactic of having a surrogate (Bill) rough up the opponent while the candidate (Hillary) looks presidential backfired for the Clintons because simply they are married. Perhaps voters view anything the Bill says as essentially being Hillary's opinion. Both come off as tough, stop-at-nothing-to-win campaigners. Maybe it is no accident that the two states where Hillary did or will score landslide victories (Michigan and Florida) are states where she did NOT campaign. Hillary's campaign strategy seems to rely on getting blocs of voters (women, Hispanics) to vote as blocs for her while Obama seems to project his desire to reach everyone.

[crenza]

They just can't hide their horns -- as usual, the Clintons displayed a complete lack of class by the off-handed manner they dismissed Obama's win. I guess you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Do Democrats really want to trade the inspiration, hope and integrity Senator Barama offers to return to the era of the '90's including the policy of personal destruction and divisiveness which is the hallmark of the Clintons?

Red faced, finger pointing Billary, the 2-faced, 2-headed monster
makes us wonder who will be running the White House should this divisive duo be elected. They provide a guarantee for continued gridlock in Washington.

And what happens if she wants to pass some legislation - is he going to storm congress pointing his finger and throw a tantrum???

[NikkiT]

Obama won SC, no surprise there - 80% of all African Americans voted for him and they are the majority of democratic voters in that state.

In the upcoming Feb 5 states, you will not find that large of a AA demographic again, therefore even if he were to get 90% of the AA vote, he would need to appeal to a broader audience than he does.

Hillary Clinton will be the democratic nominee, she will win in the upcoming Feb 5 states.

While Obama is an inspirational speaker, he simply lacks the experience, knowledge and authority to be President of the U.S.

[Agree]

I'm with Helena on this one. There's no way in hell now that I'd vote for Hillary Clinton in the general election. I'm a white female, mid 30s, college-educated, social liberal - I'm smack dab in the middle of the democratic party's choice demographic.

But the fact that the party has done NOTHING to publically rebuke the Clintons for their race-based campaign means I will unaffiliate myself as soon as the elections are over. The Clintons pretty much invalidated every black person's vote with these comments. "Oh, but they voted for Jesse Jackson".

This is the type of politicking from the 1950s, never mind 1990s. They are vile human beings.

[Jim W]

As a progressive independent-i never understood why republicans were so bent on painting a negative picture of the Clintons. After Obama's Huge victory, i now see why. The Clintons are pathetic creatures who have no place in modern politics.

[crenza]

The Clinton's show a complete lack of class and grace in their attempt to dismiss Obama's stunning rout.

Do Democrats really want to trade the inspiration, hope and integrity Senator Barama offers to return to the era of the '90's including the policy of personal destruction and divisiveness which is the hallmark of the Clintons?

Red faced, finger pointing Billary, the 2-faced, 2-headed monster
makes us wonder who will be running the White House should this divisive duo be elected. Returning them to the White House is a guarantee of continued gridlock in Washington.

And what happens if she wants to pass some legislation - is he going to storm congress pointing his finger and throw a tantrum???

[Max]

Hilary is going to win. Forget all this polls and polical analyst they don't know what they are talking about. When all the dust is settled Hillary will win Obama. This is not the time for Obama yet. Experience makes changes. Obama has about 3 years as Senator and thinks he can handle being President of the USA, Bill Clinton is right, Obama is in fairy tail land.

I tell you what, let the New England Patriots take out Tom Brady (Hillary) with the most experience to lead the team from the superbowl and put a third string quaterback (Obama). Just like in life as a Military General, CEO of a company, you are going to select the most qualified and experienced individual to lead your business; your best player, your best friend, etc...

Anyway, Hillary is going to win!!!!

[Chandra]

Truth-is-Gold

I cross checked your quotes. I haven'tfound any of them in the newspapers/magazines you quoted. Do you work for the Obama campaign?

[Andrew]

Barack Hussein Obama for President -- of Kenya!

[G. O'connor]

Hillary is a witch (with a "B")! Her own conceit is only surpassed by that of her slick Willie's. I'm voting for Obama!

[Obamatide]

I hope people see the Clintons for who they are. They discuss me with their tactics, in the hope to govern the country again. Do you honestly believe that Bill is going to just play golf while Hillary runs the country. Granted every spouse in any administration impacts the office to a certain degree. But he won't only impact the country he will be running the country, he will be the PUPPET MASTER! I believe she is simply depending on the Clinton name to get her elected, I don't believe that her experince is leaps and bounds ahead of any of the canidates she is up against. And if you want proof look at what her and Barack have done in the short time they have been in elected offices. I think you will see that Obama record is more diverse. Second he can talk with Republicans. You would have to be a fool to believe that you can change the country merely through just one party. Granted you could but it would leave America right where we are today divided.

It takes a willingness to work together to bring about change there are Democrats, Republicans, and Independents that need to work together to change things it can't just be the Democrat or the Republican, it absolutely must include both parties giving and taking a little here and a little there to ensure that all of the different issues of America are being addressed.
But to do that you need a president that can get people to shut up and talk to each other, Hillary as polarized most of the republican party, and Democrat's more that she may think. She was arrogant coming into the campaign thinking this is her time and that is the attitude she a carried throughout her campaign.

I don't recall Obama attacking Hillary on one single issue until she started trying to tear him down after Iowa, now she is trying to marginalize Obama's win in South Carolina as simply the black vote. He simply stated what he believes in to his core and laid out a vision for America. What's wrong with that? Somebody needs to remind the Clinton's to not throw rocks when you to live in a glass house. And let her know that the nation we live in today was founded on hope's and dreams. And the last time I checked I thought America was to supposed to be the country that help people recongnize those hopes and dreams.

My final points

On the issues it is obvious that both are pretty much identical.

She beats him on experince in Washington (RED FLAG)

Obama slaughter's her on character, vision, message, and personality.

Give me passion, and vision anyday over so called experince, because we where not an experinced nation when we started fighting for our Nation Idependence back in the 1700's, it was a passion and a vision of what we should be as a people.

So I say this to people that are stuck on the fact the Obama is black, or the fact that he is a Democrat. Close your eyes and listen to that American speak!!!!

[Felipe Yanes]

Bill Clinton is a disgusting individual. He purposely introduces Jesse Jackson's wins in South Carolina as a way of trying to marginalize Obama. He will say that he was just drawing comparisons to successful campaigns, but that is bunk. If that were the case, he could have said: "John Edwards won here in 2004 and ran a good campaign and Obama has run a good campaign in 2008." By bringing up Jackson in view of the fact that the reporter had not even mentioned him is a clear sign of Clinton's race baiting.

[Claudia]

Let's not turn Democracy into long running Dynasties. The Bush reign was greedy and corrupt, as any family would be with untimate power. It corrupts. Time for Obama!

[Teacher Lady]

Who is Barack Obama and what has he accomplished? What is his record? The man gives great speeches and his ideas are nice. I have a problem with the lack of warmth, the lack of passion I see in the debates. His Mr. Cool demeanor is such a turnoff, and the way he accuses Hillary of being the status quo is SO disrespectful. This woman invented the idea of Universal Healthcare (and got crucified by the REAL status quo). "Your'e likeable enough..." No Obama, Hillary is REVERED and she will prevail in November. Take some notes.

[al75]

What a courageous candidate Obama is. He got my attention in his first book, when he said that political discourse was trapped in the ideological wars of the 60's, and we needed to get beyond that. It stuck in my mind, how simple what he said was, and how obvious it was after he said it.

For me, many of Obama's statements have this kind of clarity. I think it stumps the pundits and the political operators. How do you fight a guy who actually means what he says?

The answer, of course, is that you smear him, take his words out of context, make stuff up -- and if nothing else works, you say all polticians are crooks and if he's one, he's a crook too.

But Obama is different. he speaks to a need we all feel. My friends who disagree with me violently on most political issues still respect Obama. Most Americans agree on alot of fundamental issues -- we're coaxed into hating each other by the likes of Rove and Carville and Hannity and Matthews.

I sure hope Obama wins, for so many reasons -- one of which will be the bitch-slap he'll deliver to the politics of slander and pandering that have corrupted our society for so long.

[Matt]

Are people forgetting why Obama won? Or are they just too PC to say it? It was the black vote. Nothing wrong with that, but it changed from Clinton to Obama overnight after he won Iowa. Now, is that to say that the African American community suddenly understood his policies better after his Jan. 3rd win? Most likely not. They voted on racial lines, plain and simple. It must be saddening for Clinton who has worked so much of her life trying to better the lives of minority individuals, to see that in the end race trumped past deeds.

[Undecided Californian]

As an undecided voter - I found both Obama and Hillary charistmatic and vigorous campaigners - I have to say I am voting for Hillary because:

1) I found Obama relentless attacks on Hillary over the summer and last week in South Carolina to be repugnant, divisive,

2) Obama keeps saying "change" without telling me what exactly he has in mind for America and HOW, HOW to achieve that change. All he's been saying is Change! Change! without providing beef. By what, his flowery words of promises promises in an election year? Anyone can promise.

3) His constant changing tones to woo voters, i.e., right after NH's defeat he gave a speech to "congratulate" Hillary during which he mimicked King's speech both in style and words as he was positioning himself in SC. This from a man who prides himself from Illinois and the political machine of Chicago.

I don't know. Whether is style over substance, great orator over real doer who has demonstrated ability to deliver change, I do not want an opportunistic campaign machine that keeps telling me that I have to vote for Obama, that I must vote for Obama, that keeps suppressing my voice as a voter with his campaign's dishonest influence. Obama can say whatever he wants to get votes; his rhetorics, however, is pushing me to vote for Hillary.

[JJ]

Hillary and Bill lost last night. That is part of the democratic process. Congratulations to Obama. This hateful vitriol from either side is not needed as the voters have spoken in South Carolina. They will speak again on Tuesday in Florida and again the following Tuesday in 22 states. please, let this play out like adults. Just as Obama has more to him than style, the Clinton's are not under every rock. The paranoia about them from the Obama people online is scary. I wonder if it is the same people who blame George W. Bush for all of their personal problems. Can we please calm the rancor? Let's have a real contest now. We go on with three Hillary wins and two Obama wins (one incredible one). This is good for the country and good for the democratic party. Congratulations to both candidates and may the best campaigner win!

[PNW Trojan]

As Ben Milk-toast earlier said ...The Clintons know the system and exactly how to make it sing." If you want change, you can be guaranteed NOTHING WILL CHANGE with the Hell-Billys! They serve THEMSELVES first and foremost; then the Party leadership gets it's turn at the Public Trough. Now, it's the Bush/Freak Right...elect the Hell-Billys, and you get the Clinton Freak Left, and even more money for illegals, while working Californians pick up the tab. Air Force 1 will be a shuttle service for the Clintons to joy-ride all over the globe at your expense. True, the rabid Right is disgusting...don't go for change to the Rabid Left! PLEASE!!!

[Herb]

The true colors or the Clintons have been shown over and over again. They'll do or say anything to win and are ungracious in defeat. They've got the buzzwords and lackeys such as John Lewis and Andrew Jackson to do their bidding for them trying to secure the Black vote. Shame to Billiary for using the very same tactics that they screamed the Republicans were using. And lastly, just who is Sen. Obama running against? Step off Mr. Clinton, please step off!

[Tami Burns]

Since 1976, there has been a Bush or Clinton name on the presidential ticket. Does this not concern the American people that their country has been stagnant with a corrupt government for over 30 years. I for one, will hope my Prime Minister will sever all ties with the U.S. Government if "Billarygate" get into power! It's time for a change.............................don't waste this opportunity!

[Pepo]

Blacks will vote blacks. Obama wins the nomination, and loses the elections to McCain. Yet again!!! The death wish of this party has no end in sight. Gore, Kerry, now Obama.

[Terence O'Neill]

Some of these comments are absurd. Most of the people making these comments know nothing about the political process and seem to have been sleeping for the past 8 years. What are you, stupid? Hillary came in second place, beating Edwards in his home state. She was expected to come out third. How are Bill Clinton's remarks racist? Like them or not, the Clinton's are following an interesting strategy that will pay-off in the end. They're running a national campaign, and the numbers seem to show that she will win the nomination. Unfortunately, there will be a lot of damage control that will need to be done to appease Black Democrats.

I like both candidates, but I'm over the stupidity of the media and people who believe their spin. It's what's ruining this county and preventing us from really looking at the important issues.

Terence from Houston, Tex.

PS. I'm not black or white, but Hispanic for those of you who make assumptions about my race based on my name.

[chrisc]

I guess Clinton's "terse" statement congratulating Obama wasn't sweet or ladylike enough for the two old white guys that run this blog. What exactly would you like her to do---endorse him?

Blacks put Obama over the top in South Carolina. That's simply a fact. Look at the numbers nation-wide. Clinton is going to be the nominee.

[Jake1968]

Wow, Obama won South Carolina, wich 53% of the voters were Black? I am just so surprised! Not Really! This actually helps Hillary, as the black voters voted by race, and sends the signal strong and clear to the whites, and hispanics, race is for sure on the table now, and it is in fact South Carolina who made it stick there for good, now, not Bill clinton, not Hillary Clinton, and not Barack Obama, cemented it on the table, but the Voters in South Carolina did, by voting on racial lines, doing what the people in Iowa did not do! This will be so nasty, but the backlash is going Obamas way now, and in a very big way! I am in Iowa, and every person i hear thinks that vote was racially motivated, and many Obama backers are backing of him fast here now, and i sense they will around the country, the racial vote was made, and it was made in South Carolina, it is on the table now, and it will not come of, that vote marginalized Obama as the black candidate, by the black votes, what an irony!

[Seth]

How would you even know it was a defeat? Considering the lede headline, all you really saw there was a freakin' hug! Com LA Times, you can do better than this. What a disgrace.

[kelly]

Go Hillary! This is a contest and she the tougher one.....she shouldn't let sexist, racist people get her down. There are more similarities than differences between Clinton and Barack, but those us us with a MEMORY know that she is a hard worker and a tough negotiator....and that she can restore this country back to the way it before the current bozo took officer. I am tired of hearing people describe tough women with descriptions such as "she lashed out" or "abrasive." How is it that other countries don't quiver at the knees when faced the a strong, smart, compassionate, resilient WOMAN??

[Dave Schulte]

Bill Clinton provided a terse public concession (and dismissal) after the South Carolina primary, even before Hillary spoke. Since he delivered the South Carolina concession speech, should we expect Bill will also be delivering the State of the Union addresses in a Clinton Administration?

If he hadn't been disbarred and were still able to practice law, maybe Bill wouldn't be trying so hard to get his old job back?