How to end the Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama standoff

While some party leaders keep counseling caution, at least a few Democratic superdelegates are getting antsy about the prolonged nature of their party's presidential race and going public with their concerns -- as well as offering suggestions for untying the knot that seems to be growing more tangled.

One of those is Edward Espinoza, 35, of Long Beach, a member of the Democratic National Committee. He was blunt in a recent conversation with Times' reporter Peter Nicholas, saying that if the contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton lasts through the Democratic National Convention in late August, it would be “devastating’’ for the party.

Espinoza has settled on the date he thinks the battle needs to come to an end -- Memorial Day, May 26.

At that point, if none of the remaining primaries between now and then has established either Clinton or Obama as the obvious frontrunner (which seems unlikely) and neither has dropped out (even more unlikely), the superdelegates need to “put our weight behind someone’’ to determine the nominee, he said.

“There will come a time when we need to step in and bring some closure to it," said Espinoza, a political and public relations strategist who had backed Bill Richardson but now is uncommitted.

He added: “We don’t just have an opportunity to put an end to it; we have an obligation to put an end to it."

Espinoza's focus on Memorial Day ...

seems a bit arbitrary -- and won't be welcomed by Democrats living in Puerto Rico (which has a June 1 primary) and Montana and South Dakota (where the primary season wraps up on June 3).

But we suspect he is giving voice to a growing restiveness among superdelegates -- an attitude being promoted most obviously by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Bredesen, who like Espinoza is uncommitted, appeared on MSNBC today to push his call for a quasi-convention of superdelegates in June (after the Montana and South Dakota votes) to settle "a problem we didn't expect as a party" -- i.e., that the primaries would prove non-conclusive.

Given that this means the superdelegates will have to tip the balance anyway, Bredesen argues that it's better for for these party honchos to "get out of the backroom mode" and play out the endgame in a public setting -- sooner rather than later.

"Let's get this over with," he said this morning. "Let's not have a summer of recriminations."

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Sally]

I am an advocate for positive political campaigning. Check out this great website with free stuff. Look for the Good
www.lookforthegood.org

[UTWO]

OBAMA'S RACISTS AND DIVISIVE PASTOR SCANDAL WILL BE A FIELD PLAY FOR THE REPUBLICANS TO RUN ON AND WIN THE GENERAL ELECTIONS. LET STOOGES LIKE CHRIS MATTHEWS AND KEITH OLBERMANN OF MSNBC, EUGENE ROBINSON OF THE WASHINGTON POST, MAUREEN DOWD OF THE NEW YORK TIMES, AND SENATORS LIKE KENNEDY'S, KERRY'S, DODD, AND JUDAS (RICHARDSON), PERSUADE OBAMA TO STEP DOWN BECAUSE HE HAS NO CREDIBILITY OR RESPECT AMONG US. LET ALL THE LIBERAL MEDIA KNOW THAT THERE BLACK COMMUNITY IS NOT THE SOLE VOTERS

[GK]

It's very premature to think about bringing an end to it. Those who claim wisdom and call the rest of the clan for closure are crypto-Obama supporters who want to end the game now where perceptions are at their favor. Obama is a very viable candidate but, at the same time, he could be flaky and in many occasions comes through as unconvincing. It is wrong to hide the ball and run the clock to win this. Regarding Richardson, he made his call, we heard him, now he can keep quiet and let the game continue. Thanks.

[George Chapman]

Give me a bunch of good old smokey cigars, a back room, and good old wheelin and dealin. That gave us Harry Truman and if done right will give us Al Gore (although my personal favorite is still Bill Richardson.) OC.

[m weifers]

Whereas a lot of people want Clinton for President, and a lot more want Obama, what's wrong with letting the people decide. Florida and Michigan aside, let the popular vote determine the race. Remember the simple phrase, "The majority rules."

[Gabrielle Lynn]

The superdelegates--and Democratic Party higher-ups--just can't wait to make up our minds for us, can they? Well, it's not like they haven't long ago decided who should win and done all they could to make that happen, for instance, by denying millions of registered Dems the right to vote.

Just remember: Those millions of disenfranchised Democrats still get a vote in November. But it may not be for the candidate these superdelegates choose.

[jodi]

It would be great if this would end but I fear the Super Deligates will cave to the racist card being played by Obama and the result of that will be that I and many other democrats will vote McCain. Democrats need to remove the racist Obama and his wife or they the dems lose in November.

As for Chris Matthews of msnbc.....when Obama loses and he will lose either to Hillary or to McCain.....Chris Mathews and others like him from cnn should be terminated. They are not delivering the news, they are making it up to suit the guy they appear to be in love with, Obama. I think all TV commentators that praise the racist Obama should also bring their kids to Wright's church...bet they would not do that. They really want McCain to win and they are throwing Obama at us in the hope that dems nominate him to lose against McCain and the their taaxes do not increase. If Hillary is nominated the TV commentators like Chris Matthews know that she will beat McCain.

[jwalker]

If the DNC doesn't seat MI and FL delegates the party is going to be toast in November!

[Wendell]

So-o-o. Its time for the Dems to disenfranchise 2 more states' & 1 territory's dem voters... PR, MT & So Dak. Now Howard Dean can say the Dems have a "46-state strategy.

Politcis is Politics! These 2 need to fight it out until the primaries are done; the FL & MI problem resolved (fairly which doesn't mean 50-50 as Obama defines fair.) He lost those FL & MI because he was too stupid (um, inexperienced) to keep his name on the ballot in MI and because they liked HRC better in FL. Roll all this together and she is ahead of him. If Obama steals this nomination by playing footsy with guys like Espinosa, he loses HRC's wing of the party in Denver (Nasty Fight there, I suspect) and loses in November (which would be good for the country.).

The convention needs to nominate Gore & Mitchell and keep the party together. Both wings will be unhappy and the party will back those 2 as the nominees. Right now, the party is going to lose 1/2 its strength, which ever way it goes. Obama has not won the nomination, either. A superdelegate convention will be great political theater. I'll tell you, ya gotta love the Dems. They pull defeat out of the jaws of victory ... and entertain as well!

[sunny florida]

So, Clinton or Obama? Hmmm....let's look at their resumes....relationships with "close advisors".....seems pretty clear: Hillary. Why not jump on a bandwagon of hype? The problem I have with Mr. Obama is his pattern of doing one thing and then distancing himself from those actions when the opposite is revealed at a later date. It speaks to his platform of "good judgement". How can it be good judgement to listen to divisive words when you are also running on a platform of "unity", and listen to that for 20 years, just as an aside. How can it be good judgement to have a close friend and political associate whom you used to buy a piece of property with, who was widely known it be under investigation for political fraud and corruption? We have a need and right to know Senator Obama from every angle and what he believes when he talks of equality and a "vision" for America. For voters (or media) to say that Clinton +/or Obama is at fault for the direction the Democratic campaign has headed, is ludicrous and short-sighted. America is a melting pot of races, genders, culture, etc. and we each have a personal interest in seeing "ourselves" in our President. With that connection comes passion and emotional investment. However, it also must be tempered with information about the candidates (good and bad, without negative "label" attached to said information) so that we can make informed choices, rather than only emotionally-driven ones. To Americans: try to take off the blinders of opinion polls, media spin, mud and excitement and remember what this race is really about: Hiring someone to do the toughest and, arguably, most important job on the planet. Being President of the US isn't about speeches, promises and what-if's - it is about who you believe will get up, everyday, and work their butt off for every hardworking American, because they have a track record of that already. That person is Senator Clinton. She has worked hard and diligently for all Americans, and spent years building strong relationships because she has a passionate vision of what America can be, not just because she's running for President. Vetted, intelligent, tested and hardworking. Senator Clinton is the right choice for me in '08

[Patrick Garrison]

The best and most equitable way to resolve this is for Hillary to stand down. This is the gracious way that adults behave when they see that the numbers are against them and they've no chance to affect the outcome otherwise. This action would accomplsih two important things:

1) Give the Democratic party a clear nominee so all the bickering, infighting and general angst will be resolved quickly. Instead of spending millions more in a futile bid to defeat, campaign funding will best be set to work for the general election in the Fall.

2) Hillary gains a huge amount of political capital. This would go a long way toward erasing the growing perception that she's in this campaign for her own self-interest, party and country be damned.

[Clea]

I have been a Clinton supporter from the beginning, but agree with Mr. Espinoza...the longer this continues, the more is erodes the credibility of the Democratic party. If his proposal means that Clinton has to step down, then I will sadly say "so be it."

[Rose]

June is way too far off. Hillary's goal is to either steal the nomination from the front runner, or damage him so badly that he loses in November and she takes another shot at this in 4 years. The totally disgusting aspect of this slash and burn politics is that she doesn't care what she does to the Democratic party, or you and me, in the process. The Superdelegates need to end this before the Democrats have no chance of winning in November. That has got to be way before June.

[Fishgoat]

UTWO:

Your provincial and misinformed comments would carry a lot more weight if you managed to use the English language appropriately.

Who is "us"? The non-black community? I'm as lily white as they come and strongly support Obama.

FG

[Mike in Sac]

About time!!! End the Circus and let's move on to addressing McBush's third term and what that means for our country!!!

The supers need to all get onboard and either start coming out now or agree to do what has been proposed.

[Hillary Should Resign]

This one's for UTWO: HILLARY SHOULD RESIGN, SHE IS A HACK AND A LIAR AND IS HATED BY OVER HALF OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. SHE CAN'T WIN BECAUSE SHE IS A LIAR AND A CHEAT AND IS A POOR DEMOCRAT!
There, how's that UTW? See how moronic your post is?

[Leroy]

After learning that Obama choose to listen to anti-White anti-American racist Pastor Wright for 20 plus years I will not vote for him, nor will my family or friends. If this is the best the democrats can do, I'll for republican in November. The liberal media (especially Chris Matthews) have attacked Hillary Clinton non-stop for over one year. It is their doing that now has an unqualified black racist as the democratic nomination. These fools could even turn gold into lead. Congratulations John McCain, the liberal media has given you a great chance at being president, even after 8 years of the worst president in American history.

[Leroy]

After learning that Obama choose to listen to anti-White anti-American racist Pastor Wright for 20 plus years I will not vote for him, nor will my family or friends. If this is the best the democrats can do, I'll for republican in November. The liberal media (especially Chris Matthews) have attacked Hillary Clinton non-stop for over one year. It is their doing that now has an unqualified black racist as the democratic nomination. These fools could even turn gold into lead. Congratulations John McCain, the liberal media has given you a great chance at being president, even after 8 years of the worst president in American history.

[JB]

UTWO: Ridiculous notion. Wright's divisiveness is a challenge, but mostly only for those who were only looking for a reason NOT to vote for Barack Obama. The rest of the intelligencia is able to separate one black man from another.

On the article: In what world is Barack Obama NOT the clear frontrunner. To suggest that there won't be a clear leader on May 6 is really only a way of saying that Hillary may or may not catch up by then. Let's not let talk of mathematical impossibilities sway our 'opinions' that the race is undecided, okay?

[Mandelay]

Hey Superdelegates, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. This is politics, like we haven't seen it in a long time. A fight to the finish and then, if you're a Democrat, you start training for the championship and beat the tar out of John McCain. But please don't try to hasten the process and diminish the importance of the remaining primaries. DNC, you've already taken the vote away from two states in the union, please don't try doing it to the remaining states with contests. For goodness' sake, you're starting to look like the Republicans in 2000. Worse, with your premature mission for party unity, you're starting to look and sound like The Borg. Stop telling the rest of us to Assimilate or Die ... we have primaries to go and votes to cast before we sleep.

[Annette Keller]

Today, they say 19% of Obama's supporters wont' vote for Clinton while 28% of Clinton supporters won't vote for Obama. But what does that mean when Obama's supporters are left-wingers and blacks who are unlikely to vote for McCain if they despise Clinton, but Clinton supporters are centrists, and fairly likely to vote for McCain if they despise Obama?

These are key points that the Democratic pundits commenting on outcomes fail to mention.

Obama's blacks, who are really hateful toward Clinton, those comprising the 19% of those Obama supporters who wouldn't vote for Clinton, won't go out and vote Republican. This is also true for the left-wing ivory tower whites that comprise his white voter base. Thus, the 19% of Obama's base who won't vote for Clinton, if they follow through, would just provide the Republicans with about an 8% margin since Obama is down under McCain with about 43% in current the national polling. Thus the damage those 19% of Obamat's hardened Clinton-haters can do at most an 8% margin of damage, if they all follow through and sit out the election or vote for Nader.

However, centrist Clinton's 28% are far more likely to vote for centrist McCain instead of doing what Obama's 19% are likely to do if they follow through and sit out the election. That means the Dem party's 28% drop will be then added to McCain's column, thereby doubling the effect of Clinton defections. Let's say 1/2 of Clinton's 28% sit out the election as Obama's 19% fanatics say they would do, and 1/2 vote for McCain, and that Clinton's at about 46% below McCain in national matchup polling today. Clinton's supporters would shift the margin by (.28/2)*(.46)X2 = 13%. Plus there are the other 14% who sit out: (.28/2)*.46 = 6.5%. There would be a 13% + 6.5% projected shift in the Dem v. Republican votes, or 19%.

Thus if we assume all of Obama's left wing and black supporters would follow through with their threats to not vote for Clinton, it could impact the Fall election by a projected 8%. If only half of Clinton's centrist supporters follow through with their threats not to vote for Obama and sit out the election while the other half votes for McCain, then we see a 19.5% shift in McCain's favor.

That, my friends, is why you don't bully, abuse and harass the party centrists. And if they force Clinton out, they will force more than 28% away from Obama!

The Dems have zero chance of winning with any meaningful margin of Clinton's centrist supporters upset at Obama's campaign or the Democratic Party's treatment of her. On the other hand, there is a meaningful shot at a win if Obama's left-wing and black supporters sit out the general election!

[Richie]

Obama will be the nominee, that's obvious. If Hillary Clinton has such good judgment, she should see that Americans want Obama not her. She is a divisive figure of the past. Also, in response to utwo's post: you are a racist republican, and your party is going to lose. Your fearmongering tactics might work well amongst your inbred and uneducated friends at the local hick bar, but not with the majority of Americans.

[Mark Marsh]

Seeing how Hillary has a problem with reality (Bosnia and snipers) I doubt she would concede if the superdelagates were to vote for Obana immediately after the primaries. She would still try to spin it as a victory. Maybe she'll run as a third party candidate.

[FRGus723]

Funny that the two people calling for an end are still uncommitted.

[Josh]

Wow - UTWO is really angry. Reading that must be what a Rev. Wright sermon sounds like. Lighten up, Obama is going to win the nomination. Deal with it.

[closeted racists unite (not)]

I love the fact that now closeted racists feel like they can spout their nonsense with a little more comfort, because they want you to think that it's in the interest of political discourse. Don't be fooled. And for you Dems that won't vote for Obama because he's black, therefore shooting yourselves in the foot, I can only pity you. How have you fared under Bush?

Last time I checked, Obama won plenty of states where there's hardly any Black people, so please shut up.

Obviously, to the winner (not the whiner) go the spoils. Obama is in the lead in every way. Hillary is self-destructing the party with a 5% chance of getting the nomination, and only by a superdelegate coup of some type could she prevail.

This is the most united time for the Dems ever, the best chance, but if the people's voices are silenced by the installation of a nominee with less votes, states, and delegates, you better believe the Democratic party will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in Nov.

In other words, it's time to turn the corner on this political gamesmanship. Right now we are loading ammo into guns for the Republicans to shoot at us. And they always pull the trigger.

[Johnson M]

All things considered, I would suggest nominating Al Gore to be the Democratic candidate. Let us call him back!! May look like a funny idea or something with a remote chance. After these types of punches and counter punches, it's inconceivable that either Hillary or Obama will get the entire, whol- hearted support of Democratic voters and sympathizers. If Hillary becomes the candidate, there is every likelihood that a good percentage Black voters may not vote in the election. The same with the "young, enthusiastic” voters who gave Obama the early momentum. They will be dispirited, and will stay home. If Obama wins, a good number of rural white democrats may not show any interest in voting. Believe it or not, McCain is the best candidate the Republicans could field and he may easily garner 50%+ of independent votes. Under the circumstances, Al Gore is the best bet for Democratic Party. He can unify the party; he has the experience; and he will not generate any enthusiasm among republicans to go to the polls.
So, in the interest of the Democratic party and the need of the our, I call upon all true democrats to request Hillary and Obama campaigns to release their delegates unanimously in favor Al Gore! AL GORE 2008!

[Ben P]

Hey, there is a political process that says you go until you find a nominee. Why even have a convention if the nominee has to be decided before then and, even worse, when some states have not yet voted.? This is a national nominating process, and all states should be allowed to vote. And wouldn't the convention be exciting if neither candidate has enough votes? Maybe even a third candidate can rise out of all this mess and win the nomination. Now that would be a true uniter because it appears neither Obama or Clinton can be that.

[Ron M]

since there was a bogus election in FL and MI, there is no election on which to base the delegates. Therefore a 50-50 allocation of delegates in both states for Clinton and Obama and a reduction in the number of delegates by 50% seems appropriate.

Mrs Clinton can't mentally function properly when sleep deprived. Who do you want to answer the red phone at 3AM?

Didn't any reporter ask Chelsea about the Bosnian airport incident? She probably inherited the lying gene since both parents have it.

[Paul M.]

I have not seen any racist or divisive comments from Barack Obama's former pastor. For educational purposes, here are the speeches in question in entirety.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/media/2008/03/rev-jeremiah-wr.html

Regards.

[mike stuiut]

Howard Dean is doing his best to cost the democratic party this election. The florida Democratic part had no say when they held there primary. Jeb Bush and the republican legislature chose the date. Deny Florida and Michigan there delegates and guarantee Mc Cain as our next president. Is Howard Dean a closet Republican or just a moron?

[Andrew]

when al gore won the popular vote but still lost the election to bush, the democrats went berserk. now obama has the popular vote and has won more states, but the hilary democrats all of a sudden are saying that's not enough, im confused. why the double standard?

im a first time voter, raised in a republican family, but still voting democratic - for obama. all this b.s. by the clintons about winning the nomination without the popular vote is making me think maybe i should just go back to the republican side since the democrats arent even going to stand for their most basic principle of being "the voice of the people". but i guess to the clintons, that just means the voice of the select superdelegates, forget the average voter like me.....

[Jeff]

The Rev. Wright is not running for President and anyone who thinks he's a anit-white racist is simply listening to Fox News and not listening to the Rev. himself. Typical. So really, who cares what Rev. Wright has to say? The only people peeved by it are the 25-30% of the BUSH BASE that wouldn't vote for Obama OR Clinton anyway.

As for Hillary: Commander's in Chief do not make up War Stories. She didn't 'misspeak', she vividly gave an account of an event that never existed, more than once. She has NEVER run from an aircraft ducking sniper fire at anytime, or anyplace. There's no mixing up of memories, she's flat out lying and was caught.

The Commander-in-Chief doesnt MAKE UP war stories.

[GSW]

Here's a novel way to end the so-called Clinton/Obama Standoff -- the media should report ONLY the candidates' positions on major political issues such as the economy, the war in Iraq, universal healthcare. I believe the bickering and acrimony are largely stirred up by the media itself in a misguided attempt to increase readership/viewership a la People Magazine.

[Bill]

If superdelegates decide this then Democrats are done. The only thing that will accomplish is a certain McCain victory. Let the people decide.

[luvwknd]

If a Democrat votes Republican, it is a waste of a vote and that Democrat should have just NOT voted! Vice-versa for a Republican voting for a Democratic Prez.

If you don't like Hillary/Obama and you are a Dem, then DON'T vote unless you agree to the Republicans garbage politics.
If you like the Republican nominee but are a Democrat, then re-register as a Republican so your vote will count for the Republicans.
It's a very simple process, register for the party in which you support the nominee or leave it all alone!

[Armand]

Why is Obama being called a racist for comments his former pastor who is also a military veteran made about the US government. I think the bush administration should be criticised, maybe this is too harsh for many to here from a person of color. How often do most people go to church and who else in this country has to take full responsibility for words uttered by a clergyman. The Obama being racist comment is rediculous you fail to forget that he is half african half white his mother and grandparents are all white. wow

[Scott Hansen]

In response to Clea's post at 10:32 AM:

And if the proposal means that OBAMA is the one to step down.., would you then say, "so be it"??

Are you sure you have been a Hillary supporter from the beginning?! Or maybe this is just a thinly disguised ploy, hmmm..

[Honneymoon in Teheran ?]

This Espinoza guy is governor Judas's suppository.He
did at one point consider throwing all his weight behind
Mike Gravel's candidacy but changed his mind when
Richardson told him he would be on his short list of VP
choices. Espinoza is now counting on a letter of recommendation from the modern day Judas to apply
as personnal secretary to the reverend J. Wright.

[ChandraSF]

In the past 2 elections, the Democrats went with "safe" candidates in Al Gore and John Kerry. I say, this time make history, and nominate Barack. He may flop or he may fire up enough independents to create a wave of democrats in power for 12 to 20 years, to right this sinking ship. It's a gamble worth taking. As for Senator Clinton, there isn't that much of an upside. Her negatives among independents are high. She may squeak in, but it'll be a divisive 4 years, since she has already declared she is a fighter. Can we stand 4 years of bickering, even from a 'lovable' person like Hillary? As for those claiming that Reverend Wrights comments will cause them to never vote for Obama - too bad. I have a hunch he'll still pull a rabbit out of his hat, despite the judgmentals. Whatever his contradictions may be, they pale compared to the kool aid served by the Clintons. He released his tax returns, his earnmarks, and his policy statements (now being shamelessly copied by both his opponents - e.g on Mortgage crisis - he was proposing what Clinton unveiled just this week more than a year earlier)

[people]

People,

We need a president who loves America.

We do NOT need a racist and a non-patriot.

Wake up, people.

[QUAD]

I'm just tired of all the bickering and back stabbing.

Give it up Senator Clinton, I for one know your true demeanor from your past and want no part of it in my government.

Politicians like you are on the way out. Even more so politicians like Pres. Bush and Senator McCain are dinosaurs and are going to become forcibly extinct. Screw term limits the people are finally getting up and doing what they say we should someday do, vote the idiots out. Thank you Senator Obama for being another "exception to the rule" by helping make this happen.

If you want further proof just look at how Senator Clintons daughter responded to a legitimate question from a true supporter on the Lewinsky situation from the past. Senator Clintons daughter said, among other things, that is "none of his business" in effect saying it's none of our business. Well, apparently they didn't teach her that it is our business. When they become public servants, if they are not willing to answer the questions posed to them, get the hell out of public service where privacy is expected. I/we pay politicians salaries and have every right to question them. Let's not forget, as they apparently have, that they answer to us, its not the other way around.

This behavior is no different our president publicly denying a report saying that reputable economists predict that gas is going to be at over $4 a gallon by the summer. Our intelligent, respected, eloquent public servant said "Oh really, I never heard that. Next question". I just cringe every time I see him or McCain talking anymore. I am sorry, but we, the people, collectively as a country look like idiots to the rest of the world and we deserve it because we let it happen.

So far the only person I see not acting in the "mold" of the modern day politician is Senator Obama and even he is starting to "join in" on the ridiculousness on a smaller scale because it is being "forced" onto him by Senators Clinton and McCain.

Truly in these tough times a very sad state of affairs, we have more important things to worry about.

[Rachel]

I have to remember to stop reading all of the public comments. Most of you have no objectivity and continue to perpetuate lies on both sides. Just because you think something is the truth doesn't make it necessarily so. Both candidates are flawed, but this constant bickering and threats to pull out of the Democratic Party sure doesn't help matters. Mccain is better than either HRC or BHO? Have all of you Dems lost your fool minds?

How many of you read fact based news articles, or read/watch speeches and debates in their entirety? How many of you research your assertions before you repeat them? Most of you seem to play telephone or conveniently leave out key bits of information to suit your own causes, that’s not productive. The American people are better than this, how can we ever get change when people can't even be real about their elected officials.

We can’t change the rules now, we have to go forward and make this work. And next time we can make sure that some changes are made, we’re in this mess…let’s use our heads and calm voices to figure it out.

[dyinglikeflies]

Right now, Obama has 4 Kings and Clinton has 3 Aces. There is one more round of dealing to go. Obama's people are asking the dealer to change the rules and cut the game off before all hands have been dealt, because he knows there may be another Ace coming Clinton's way (ie. the popular vote). If such a brazen thing were to happen, trust me, Hillary's friends and supporters, millions of them, would be much more likely to give up on such a crooked table and move to the next table, ie. vote for McCain.

[John B Sheffield]

Hillary Clinton is completely destroying The Democratic Party, her LIES Bosnia and Northern Ireland, the choice she has made of running a Dirty Campaign against Barack Obama rather than POLICY! - The World is starting to Laugh at Her! as they are shown these news clips daily!

Now Hillary calls for Delegates who the VOTERS have MANDATED to ENDORSE Barack Obama to Change to her, this is a low as you can get! someone in The Democratic Party has to tell her and her campaign team to Go NOW! and never return.

[mrthomas]

gut busting funny to read these posts - in particular how many arrogant people think they have the corner on truth, and those threatening to cross party lines if he/she wins the nomination. for every person who feels one way, there are an equal number who feel the opposite. you are all deadlocked, polarized and in no way are affecting the outcome of anything. you might as well not vote at all.

[Clark]

If you vote McCain simply because your candidate of choice loses the party nomination, you should strongly reconsider why you vote at all. Vote the issues and status of our country, bitter votes cast to spite candidates will not benefit our government.

[cal]

Last time I check this is the US. How could anyone support a man that goes to a church for 20 some years - a church that is run by a raciest US hater. You obama supporters need to get real. This man will nevor be president of this country. take him and yourselfs and move out of this country. You all are bad news!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wanakee]

Clinton has lost. She has only a 5% chance of winning the nomination, to Barack's 95%. It's time to rally around Obama today. Right now. End this facade and divisiveness that the Clintons continue to perpetuate. She has no chance. Put her lights out. Slam the door. Nail the coffin shut. Anybody got a hammer?

[Bob Dobolino]

No more Comments sections in the news!!

(Right, only approved people should be able to comment, those certified as intelligent or approved by the government. Anyone who disagrees, out!)

[Part Native2]

If Mr. Obama is at fault for listening to a racist pastor for 20 years (assuming he has spilled this stuff each weekend), what has Hillary said in Black churches in the last 2 years when she goes after the Black folks for votes.

When Bill needed spiritual help after “little Bill’s head” overruled big Bill’s sense of right & wrong, why was Pastor Wright an "ok" part of the "come & pray for my forgiveness" group?

When Hillary spoke (not her pastor) and used provocative words that were clear attacks toward Washington and our government, American’s should look at Hillary’s words vs. Barack’s pastor’s words, before they pass judgment on Barack.

Hilary’s words:
“When you look at the way the House of Representatives has been run, it has been run like a plantation, and you know what I’m talking about!”

So, is the term plantation meant to offend or show alignment with Black voters sitting in the church?

“on behalf of a government that left you behind, that turned its back on you!!!.”

Was this meant to show alignment with White voters as she performed her chameleon act in front of Black voters sitting in the church?

Sources; http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/01/17/clinton.plantation/
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/17/nyregion/17speech.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Selma Alabama, about 1 year ago
Location: A rally to honor MLK Jr. Hilary uses a tone described to be, “in perfect angry African American style”, (ala Rev Wright)

“I DON’T FEEL NO WAYS TIRED,”… “I COME TOO FARRRR FROM WHERE I STARTED FROM. NOBODY TOLD ME THAT THE ROAD WOULD BE EASY.”…

Is mimicking diction used by the Black plantation slaves meant to offer a position of Black support while caring a tone believed to resonate with Black voters?
Trying to sound southern:
http://www.spike.com/profile/breitbart/video/2829104

Hillary Clinton speaks against US government in mostly black audience to show AIDS as a black concern only (using the white woman analogy)
Location: Howard Univ. WASH DC

“Let me just put this in perspective: If HIV-AIDS were the leading cause of death of white women between the ages of 25 and 34 there would be an outraged, outcry in this country.!!!”

It seems so easy for some to be had on racist comments from a Black Pastor and yet be unable or unwilling to deal with race manipulation from a White Hillary!!!

[Lou]

The way to end the problem is for Obama to quit and tell his followers to back Clinton. Most Obamidiots will do anything he says -- if he said they should dance in their underwear with green wigs, well, our streets would look pretty unusual. Telling them they need to support Hillary Clinton for the betterment of our country -- of course which includes the party -- would hardly be a stretch. After all, he has said she's a great leader at least in his candid moments. Of course he may not feel that way, but he has siad words to that effect. That's what politicians do. But the same could not be said if Clinton were to quit. At least three out of ten of her followers are fine with McCain if Obama is the alternative. Obama has divided us, and divided us deeply. He and his Kool-Aid selling skills can bring us together, but only if he eats crow now and tells his adherents to support Clinton.

[tc]

It's sad to see so many white Americans now clamoring to lecture minorities about racism. We've got a long, long way to go in this country.

[Former Democrat]

Obama is the worst canidate. Anyone thinking he will win in November is fooling themselves. No experience, no talent and if you think the preacher was bad, wait until he gets the nomination and Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson start hanging around. (Isn't it strange they are not around now?) My spouse is black and can't stand him either. As far as Kennedy and Kerry, to me they are traitors, Kennedy to Carter in 1980 and Kerry to Ohio in 2004. Edwards wouldn't even speak to him after he wouldn't stand up for Ohio. Sad, sad, sad

[Bob Dobbs]

Frankly, there is only one way to settle this: I propose a cage match with chain saws. I mean, can you imagine the TV ratings for this? It would be better than American Idol! We could call it DEMOCRATIC PARTY - DECISION 2008: BEYOND THUNDERDOME!!

Imagine the promotional tie-ins from McCulloch Chain Saws and Buzz II, not to mention this summer's box office hit, Texas Chainsaw Massacre IV: The Musical.

This way, we could have decisive conclusion to the most thrilling nomination season in the recent history of the Democratic party. You would not need Super Delegates or shady back room deals settled in smoke-filled rooms by ruthless power brokers. Nope. We're talkin' about a red-blooded American spectacle. And all I ask is for the cable distribution rights. Whaddya say? Are you with me, people?

[Eric Mitchell]

This talk about the party being shaken to pieces by continuing the primary is nonsense; if we can't bear it, then we're not much of a party. I don't believe that. Whoever wins, we'll rally behind. We'll lose some defectors (inflaming passions with insults helps ensure it) but gain others. Ideas to wrap it up early seem to be between those who can't stand the unknown and those who don't want to leave the choice to us.

Let the remaining states have their say. Denying them will only lead to the more situations like Florida and Michigan. Ending the debate early (or preventing it altogether with a national primary day) removes our chance to "try before you buy". I welcome seeing the problems exposed in advance, and seeing how the candidates handle pressure long before we decide to let them lead our country through the world's problems.

[Gary Earl Ross]

Through incompetence, stubbornness, lunkheaded policies and malignant thinking, the Bush administration has handed the Democrats the White House on a golden platter. Unfortunately for the nation, the Dems seem intent on handing it back. I have a bet with my ex-wife that the next president will be a Republican. Trust me, I WANT TO LOSE THE BET. Winning the $100 will be a small comfort the next time my son has to go back to Iraq or some other hometown kid comes home in a box.

[kg]

If Osama Bin Laden is a TRUE Terrorist, I hope he helps USA atleast once and BOMBS all Clinton's.

Its pathetic to see LIARS getting 40% votes. Are these voters wearing BLUE SKIRTS?

[Harry Grace]

Billary is going to take a flame thrower to the Democratic Party, the Constitution, civil rights, human rights, anything, to fulfill their greed lust for power. I, for one, feel if the superdelegates take this election away from the will of the majority of the people and hand it to Hillary I Took Sniper Fire in Bosnia Until I Got Busted By You Tube Clinton, will work tirelessly to make sure as many Obama voters as possible go to Nader. If that happens, they need to just change the name from Democratic Party to Clintoncratic party.

[Mensan Girl]

Obama camp has turned the presidential camp into A BIG CIRCUS. Obama girl, racist Hitlers. black panthers, moslem nut jobs, Michelle whining again and again despite her status. What happened here? Obama doesnt win big primaries because the republicans cant vote in primaries. Obama wins caucuses because the republicans can meddle and stand behind him. Republicans are messing up the DNC elections. Obama should step down now. If he does not then clearly he is another republican messing up this election.

[nelsy]

Everybody knows that Omaba got to this point, thanks to the MACHO white men, including the reporters like Matthews, that are killing two with one shot (a black and a woman). Their are not supporting Obama, because, they are crazy about him. They very well know that Hillary will beat Mc Cain, big!. But, "A WOMAN PRESIDENT, AND A CLINTON?, NO, NO..! LET'S GO FOR MC CAIN,he's better for us."

As far as I can see it, Hillary is already a WINNER!. With all the huge disadvantage that she's having (media and
financial support), she's still running neck to neck with Obama, regardless of OPRAH buying him supporters.

PLEASE PEOPLE, DO YOUR HOME WORK!

[robert]

stop with these racists remarks!

How can you call Obama, a man with a white mom that grew up with nothing but white people a racist against white people.

Just listen to yourselves. :-(

And how can you guys say these things about the Black community?
We love the Clintons so much that we voted for Bill to be the president before Bush.

But when faced with a choice between Obama and Clinton, we'll choose Obama.

We like Obama because, most importantly, we know that he can bring people of different races together.

Because you have no idea how much we - the Black Community - as a people want to be accepted, especially by the race which pushes us away the most - The White Community.

[Nobanana]

Let voters decide! The more you push Hillary, more people will react for her favor. Howard Dean is responsible for all these mess. Obama is really scare of losing horribly in Pennsylvania. That's why they are pushing hard undemocratically. George Soros has something to do with it.

Obama is dangerous. He is like Dr. Frankenstein. He has created his own monster: the race card. Yeah he has push for it. Changing name from Barry to Barak indicates something.

He will not have all the pledged delegates he needs and won't get the nomination without the super delegates. So he decides to bribe, as he did with Yoyo Richardson.

No the fight will not stop. Let all voters cast their vote. We cannot dis franchise ten more states.

[rcint]

Am I missing something here? 81% of Obama supporters will vote for Clinton, if she gets it, and 72% of Clinton's supporters will vote for Obama if he gets the nomination. How is this bad? In either case, the glass is more than 72 % full. There is no such thing as 100% unity - unless its Russis. 72% plus sounds pretty good to me.

[virginian]

I think that Obama is going to have to tackle the Democratic Rednecks of this county. They are all through the north, south, east and west. The NASCAR folks, the fisherman, the WWF folks, and so on. Let me explain something, and let me be very clear, they may have been Democrats until now. With the Wright stuff and Obama's mean white people approach, it is impossible for him to accommodate these folks. They know the real story and remember what has happened. Affirmative action set the poor whites aside so the black folks could get in front of the line. And what is going on today. A National Black caucus. What? The have kept silent hoping to help the nation. In the past they have embraced the Democratic Party also in an attempt to vote against the corporate greed and inequalities. But now, with so many businesses in the dumps and so many factories closing, those thoughts are beginning not to hold water. Remember, these people are Democratic voters. Obama needs to bring out the truths about what has happened since the 60s and his wife the same, and get away from that white hating church. How dare he attempt to unify the Spanish and oriental and Indian and middle eastern and Russian and European and African and the rest to all of us who make up America with those unhealthy statements and attitudes. Do you really hate us? Let's not destroy America.

[Josh N.]

The funny thing about this whole thing is the article gave no real solution. Superdelegates are the people that got us in this mess. They should have seen this coming after Clinton's comeback in New Hampshire.

As far as Obama's preacher...GET OVER IT WHITE AMERICA HE DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING RACIST AND FURTHERMORE HIS ASSESMENT THAT 9-11 WAS CHICKENS COMING HOME TO ROOST WAS

*DRUMROLL*

100% TRUE

I guess the 9-11 commission report is racist and unpatriotic too right?

[Eliduc]

Fourteen associates and friends of the Clintons were convicted in the Whitewater scandal. Bill Clinton pardoned many of them before leaving office. Then there was Filegate and Travelgate where Hillary had career employees fired in order to reward her friends and supporters with lucrative contracts.... and all the other "Gates". Now we have her blatantly lying about ducking non existent bullets in a lame attempt to scam the voters and than saying in our faces, "so what" and at the same time refusing to release her income taxes. Yesterday Bill appealed to citizens of Pennsylvania to vote for Hillary so, " (We) can come back to the White House." Emphasis on "we" which begs the question, which one will really hold the power if she is elected? Doesn't this election seem to be too important to Bill, who has after all, already served as president? Anyone who votes for these two is crazier than Hillary who fantasizes she was in a fire fight and brought peace to Ireland. Enough! No more insanity ridden serial presidencies!

[Jonesy]

To suggest Richardson is a modern day equivalent of Judas would assume Hillary is the modern day equivalent of the Son of God.....quite the stretch, don't you think? To the best of my recollection, Jesus never dodged bullet fire, but reluctanctly accepted the lash and cross. Hillary, I've go the nails if you have the time.....

Whooo!

[Pat Buchanan]

First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known.

Wright ought to go down on his knees and thank God he is an American.

Second, no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans. Untold trillions have been spent since the ’60s on welfare, food stamps, rent supplements, Section 8 housing, Pell grants, student loans, legal services, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits and poverty programs designed to bring the African-American community into the mainstream.

Governments, businesses and colleges have engaged in discrimination against white folks — with affirmative action, contract set-asides and quotas — to advance black applicants over white applicants.

Churches, foundations, civic groups, schools and individuals all over America have donated time and money to support soup kitchens, adult education, day care, retirement and nursing homes for blacks.

We hear the grievances. Where is the gratitude?

[Deena Kaufman]

By the rules of the game, Obama is the front-runner. Luckily the media and Obama supporters seem to be the only ones to recognize this. Hillary (I'm dodging bullets in Kosovo) Clinton, needs to acknowledge that and step aside. She is not owed the nomination and her staying in this race only divides the party. As a life-long democrat I will vote for John McCain before I vote for Hillary Clinton.

[JBS]

I am not a democrat but everyone saying "this needs to be a fight to the finish because thats what politics is", are being terribly unpragmatic. If you are a democrat, and you want to win, it should be matter of "what is politics", but a matter of whats best for your party. While it may be reasonable to argue that superdelegates forcing the end now would be bad for the party. To argue for a continued battle for the sake of it, lacks any substance as an argument.

[JohnG]

So two superdelegates who are undecided are demanding that the superdelegates make up their mind? Hello Kettle, I'm Pot, you're black.

[John]

Hillary can now be best described as a Liar and a Cheat. She changes the Goal Post in the Direction that she is kicking the Ball. Someone please tell her that the players dont determine the rules and that a race like a football game has rules. She was not born to be the President of America, nor can you marry some one to be the next president. You have to earn it.

After her Bosnia comment I wonder what else has she lied about.

She reminds of Bush when he was running for presidency for the first time and he used all the dirt in the world to win against McCain. Do we really need another Bush in the White House?

[Josh N.]

Also, most people that hate barack hate them either because they're candidate is getting her ass kicked and they cant stand it; or they are racists.

I dont buy the "Hillary is the best candidate" arguement because this is America for godsake. Nobody gives a damn about the issues. this is the same country that voted for a incompetant moron because "they'd liek to have a beer with him and he hates homosexuals."

So just go ahead and admit that you arent ready to vote for a black man just as there are those who dont want to vote for a female and cutthe crap....nobody's really buying it.

Racist? The preacher said absoultly NOTHING racist at all. get over yourselves please.

[Pappi]

Ignorance is a big problem in this country, stupid Hillary supporters and espinoza of a person. Obama is ahead in delegate counts simple. there is nothing as a stalemate. We only have a drag called hillary who doesn't understand that it's time for her to quit. The one with the majority counts wins.

[Rebel Girl]

At the moment, Obama has an almost unsurmountable delegate lead. It is virtually mathematically impossible for Clinton to beat him in the remaining primaries. The only way the uncommitted superdelegates can bring this to an end quickly is to get behind Obama to the point where Clinton understands that she cannot win the nomination and stops campaigning actively. Then Obama can start to focus on McCain and, hopefully, those who are REALLY committed to the Democratic Party will unite and make sure we win in November. But we have too many selfish people in the Clinton camp for this to happen.

[thebob.bob]

Hillary's, "If I can't have it no one can" mindset will destroy the Party and hand the Presidency to the Republicans. Obama is ahead in every measure. Hillary is living in her self-made and Media-supported fantasy land. It's time for her to step down.

[jeeff]

i think that regardless of your democratic stripe, you must acknowledge that it's a clever idea to have a superdelegate "quasi-convention" in the case of a stalemate rather than letting it drag through to the real convention. this allows democrats to shape the narrative and avoid the drumming up of expectations of bloodlust by the media and by republican talking points.

[AM Group]

Bottom line: Obama is finished.

He will never survive a general election.

More stuff about him is coming out. If the media hadn't patronized him and cut him such slack early on, and the truth had come out earlier, Obama never would've made it this far.

The Dem.s really are losers if they blow this ripe opportunity to claim the Presidency by betting on Obama.

We will leave this loser party, go Independent, and vote McCain over Obama. At least McCain is straight up, and Obama really has no plan to withdraw troops. It was all phony campaign rhetoric, just like his wink-wink anti-NAFTA stance.

No Obama. His followers are blind zealots.

[Martin]

It's a simple equation. Tally up who has the most scandals against them and their partner and then dump them. Bye Hillary! Obama currently has 3 hits and Hillary has a few hundred. The less targets the Republicans have then the easier for the Democrat spin doctors to defend their target and focus on McCains many weak spots. Hillary is just killing the Democrats right now by hanging on, even if she could win the nomination she could never win the Presidency because the dirt they can dump on her comes from all that bogus experience of hers. Even if you don't like Obama you can't deny that most people HATE Hillary and she will never manage to sway the electorate in her favor. Hopefully PA sees sense and votes against her and we can avoid any more delusional hanging on.

[George]

I am surprised at the amount of Lieberman-Dems and outright fake democrats making their positions on Obama known as if they speak for the majority of the democratic party. All this calling Obama racist is nothing different than what we are all hearing on the republican side, never mind the fact that he himself never made a racist speech, or the fact that Gerildine Ferraro made very racist commentary on the CLinton side, or the face that Obama himself is half white. Sounds like a good amound of fear mongering from the right, fearing the large threat McCain faces against Obama.

If and when the superdelegates get together and decide they will support Hillary against the will of the greater population of democrats who clearly support Obama, because they do not feel america is ready for a half black leader, they will have sealed away the black vote as well as the democratic leaning young and independant vote, two important votes a democratic ticket cannot win without. Hillary has done enough to anger these two populations already. There is no way she can convince them to come back into the fold after Superdelegates coup her nomination. That is not to say they will go vote Republican, but it is very likely to say they will all just stay home in November.

[wiggs]

For all of the people who are still hung up over what Mr Obama's pastor said really need to get over it. Mr Obama can't help what his own pastor says. There is a thing called "freedom of speech" and "religion outside of government". I am voting for Mr Obama, not because he is a black man. I am voting for him because he is the best man. Mrs Clinton is attacking and looking for things to defame him with because she know that she can not beat him. He is so busy defending himself, that he can't even get his policies out. She is so busy attacking and hoping that people will notice that whe doesn't really have any real policies at all. Is the word "MISSPOKE" the new politically correct word for "LIE"? What else might she have misspoken about. Honestly, whoever is not winning by a noticable margin after these next primaries regardless of who it is needs to withdraw from the race. If Mrs Clinton does or doesn't notice that she is hurting the party by fighting and using dirty politics. This isn't even the General Elections yet. If I were Mr Obama, after winning the nomination. I would not even think about pondering any inkling of a thought to have Mrs Clinton as a VP. The way that she is trying to get something on him now, imagine if he does choice her for VP. Mrs Clinton is very arrogant to even suggest that Mr Obama is to be her choice for VP. She isn't even winning. Its not even close.
Going back to Mr Obamas' pastor, he was only giving his own opinion of what he himself thinks.
Mr Obama, along with alot of other mixed heritage people out there are in a rather unique and also difficult situation. Mr Obama is black and white, I wouldn't really care if he was purple and green. If he is the best person for the job, so be it. I, myself, am a black american. I am not an African-American. I have never gone to Africa and don't really intend on going there either. What would somebody call a mixed heritage person? Mr Obama is the first person in a long time since MLK to really say anything positive about equal opportunity and the black/white divide. I hate to say it, Rev Wright was wrong but also right in some cases in my opinion. But at least Mr Obama showed that he may denounce the comments said, but he will never turn his back on a friend of over 20 years for an election. That is a true friend as opposed to Mrs Clinton saying that she would find a new church.

So just close your eyes and look past the skin color and listening with your ears and your heart and vote for who you really think can heal and bring together this broken and scattered country.

We give more money to other countries to help them out constantly, why can't we help our own people. We buy goods from China and abroad but have nothing in our homes that are made in USA. How can anybody say that they are proud to be an american and you don't even have on anything made in the USA. I bet even the USA T-shirt was made in China. Even the good from China are not even good quality anymore, but we still buy from them. We need plants in the USA to make our goods again. We gotta do something to take our place back as a superpower in the world. The US is probably as broke as Michael Jackson.

[Tman]

if its okay to deenfranchise FL and MI, why not the so called superdelegates. Take their votes away, and allocate the superdelegate vote based on who won the state. Obama won Maryland? allocate all the superdelegates in that state to him etc. that's the only way this mess can be settled. it will take balls from the DNC to do that, but lets not forget they are Democrats and they come with no balls. so this drama will go on until who knows.

[Difficult decision]

Until recently, I was undecided. I liked aspects of both candidates and disliked certain characteristics as well. However, I have now made up my mind - I think the best candiate for America's future is Barack Obama. His speech or race was intelligent, articulate and complex. Although I am not african american and intensely disagree with the sentiments about america from Wright, I do understand the anger. I accept Obama's argument that 90% of Wright's work and statements has been positive - especially in trying to care and inspire an impoverished community. I also accept his statement that he fully rejects Wright's racist comments. I think Obama's mixed background and has allowed him to understand and appreciate both sides. I think he is a pricipled man who understands that reconcilliation can only occur not by just rejecting anger but by understanding it and moving forward. I have also been disappointed by the Clinton campaign's reckless "gutter" politics and am saddenned that someone with the potential of Hillary Clinton has been so disappointing. Her attacks on Obama are destructive and since she does not have a chance at winning the nomination fairly, I wish she would focus more on how to accompish her goals - universal health care, middle class tax relief, ending the war in Iraq etc by supporting Obama's nomination for the Presidency rather than tearing it down so that McCain can win!

[lenotra]

These comments are hilarious. I'm sure that if Hillary thought it would get her any more votes, she would be sitting in Rev. Wright's church saying "Amen" to anything he said.

[Bruce]

to "wanakee"

it is interesting that Obama followers like you always seem to speak and attack in the most violent, vulgar, aggressive terminology

how "uniting"

don't let another smiling-faced Satan in through the back door - NO OBAMA.

[Bob]

Obama won some "red" states because of many reps voted for him there, not because they actually like him but because they hate Clinton. But anyway guys just throw the dice.

[Gary Prichard]

This is a Democratic primary to choose the Democratic nominee for President. Anyone on either side who is saying they will not support the Democratic nominee over against the Republican nominee, who promises to continue the war and the Bush economic program, needs to stop and examine his or her motivation. I think that Obama speaks to the best in America, but Hillary is a whole lot better than 4 more years of Bush-type government. Let's not allow the magicians in the Republican party to once again persuade millions of Americans to vote against their own self-interest by using issues like abortion, religious affiliation, pot smoking, etc. to manipulate our loyalty to the Democratic Party and America.

[Ben]

Barack is winning in delegates. That will not change, even if the last few primaries go as well as they possibly could for Clinton. Barack leads in the popular vote. Hillary could possibly overtake this, but it is highly, highly unlikely. Barack will likely have several hundred thousand more than Hillary. He will no matter what have won several more states than Hillary.

Their policies are very similar- why this fight to the death? Why is Hillary staying in the fight, wasting her donor's money, and hurting the democratic party? Barack has won! Her last ditch effort to convince superdelegates that he is not viable has backfired- indeed her lead amonst the SDs has been decreasing, not increasing!

And on an unrelated note- Why is everyone calling Pastor Wright racist? While he's clearly more than a little nuts, all of the wacko stuff he says has been anti-american, not anti-white. The one thing he said that even touched on race was that Hillary Clinton has never experienced being called 'nigger,' while he knows Barack has. Thats racist? It seems rather obvious to me.

Also, whats with the hating on Barack? What exactly has he done to be hated on? He has conducted an extrodinarly clean campaign, particularly for it being as close as it is. Personally, I'm fine with Clinton, but if anyone has earned some criticism it would be her with her negative and misleading campaigning! Am I the only one whos noticed that she is ten times more viscous then McCain? Shes doing his work for him, and because of this he can act like hes above negative campaigning. Sigh.

Hillary, if you had a chance, I would say stay in. But you don't, so you should go.

[Worried about November]

It's pretty sad to see some to of the positions being taken at this point. The race between these two started off as such a tremendous boost for the party and getting voters excited about participating in the election process again. Now, it stands poised to split the votes and propogate the Bush agenda for at least another 4yrs. I agree that Obama may not have a 20pg resume with flowing foreign policy experience or national security, but no one can argue with the fact that the guy is intelligent and willing to listen. Key leadership characteristics that have clearly been lacking the last 8yrs. Hillary is not the right choice and continues to overstate her "experience". It's unfortunate that if Obama is the nominee, there is risk that Democrats will support McCain and thereby another 4yrs of Bush policy, war and American arrogance.

[Tony Russo]

How anyone can say Hillary is credible after her BIG LIE is beyond me. She didnt lie about a relationship, she lied about her experience. She lied to us then insulted our common sense by telling us she misspoke. What kind of person lies to your face then refuses to admit to it? Obama, despite his pastor, has more character. He could have thrown his pastor under the bus, but instead chose to take the hard road and defend his position. To me thats character. Hillary is a monster. Oh yeah, im a proud 53 year old white Italian and ex-Hillary supporter. None of us want to admit, in public, that we're unconfortable with a black president. Some of my close friends were happy to hear about that pastors comments because it gave them a reason not to go with Obama. Before they were saying he was un-vetted, not enough experience. Hillary is desperate. She thinks thats shes owed the presidency after putting up with Bill BS. She lost and is bringing down her party. She doesnt care about anything or anyone. She just wants to secure a Clinton legacy for her daughter to slip in next. You cant trust a desperate person...especially a Clinton. Wake up people!

[ms]

Hopefully this will bring to light the holes in this process and force us to focus on what the democratic process should be where all votes count. What is the purpose of the priviledge of voting if our votes don't matter in the end?

Spoils to the winner of the most votes not the winner of the best back room wheeling and dealing.

It will personify the concept of "all men are created equal - but some are more equal than others."

[Lucy Brunswick]

The chainsaw comment is well received. This is not reality tv, this is the well-being of the nation we are talking about here.

Both candidates are flawed. One will have to yield to the other, perhaps by becoming the other half of the ticket. This country needs some serious political healing and it needs to start soon. I don't care which of them is president, so long as we don't elect another republican. People, all this anger is just self-indulgence. If you are real patriots, you will try to see past it so we can all move on.

[janetP]

"It's sad to see so many white Americans now clamoring to lecture minorities about racism. We've got a long, long way to go in this country."
Posted by: tc | March 26, 2008 at 12:01 PM

I beg to differ. From my perspective it looks like blacks (can you say Rev. Wright) are lecturing white people.

[srich]

What exactly is Obama hiding. His closest associates are the ones almost letting the cat out of the bag. Are there things we, the public should know about his professional and/or political associations?

[jlawler@rx.umaryland.edu]

Come on Hillary supporters. Grow up. It just was not your candidat's time and voting McCain is a childish "see what you made me do." I know many of you have spent a lot of your adult life hoping for Hillary as a candidate but it was just not meant to be. Senator Clinton is now trying every desparate measure she can think of. dragging the party down. The polls are trending in BO favor. Americans wont be swift-boated again. Senator Clinton has been caught in a blatant lie and wont release her tax returns. Think of the party, think of the country.

[cjNewark]

I am white but work in a town with a primarily African-american population. Why are some of you so indignant that Obama went to a church with strong (but sometimes inapproriate) language. That is the tradition of the African American Church. Try going to one, or put yourself in his place. He has become a Christian; a "good one" in my opinion. Four sound bites from 20 years do not a ministry make. He wasnt there for those sermons but admits her heard similar (how similar) things.

He didnt know he was running for presidents and people would try to find something to hate him for. Give him some understanding as he would for you.

I would appreciate your comments. I dont understand you if you believe in ending the war as soon as possible, if you believe in the working guy, if you want fair and high quality education and healthcare in your lifetime - you would vote for four more years of the same.

[AZ Rez Dude]

I love how everyone thinks that only Blacks are voting for Obama when most his votes are coming from male white dudes ages 18-36. I think people aren't getting the message Obama made in Phillly which is sad cause it was powerful, optimistic and realistic.

I agree with most when they say Clinton should set down, but unfortunatley i feel that won't happen, she's too thick headed and determined, its that angry soccer mom gene she's got that makes her a fantastic winner and horrible loser.

Obama / Edwards 08. John was a joy to watch when he debated Cheney in 04, let's see him go some rounds with the GOP VP candidate.

[ProudBlackRepublican]

I love these posts. I win either way. If/when Obama wins all you angry white folks will flock to our party. If Obama wins we will have our first BLACK president! Its a win win for me!! Keep fighting dummies. We are laughing all the way to November.
SUPPORT OUR TROUPS.
FINISH THE JOB. NO SURRENDER.
NO AMNESTY.
NO FREE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE. If you can t afford it, then you either need to work harder or you dont deserve it.

[NinaK]

"As Hillary tries to shift the focus off of the discovery by the press that she has an emerging pattern of significant misrepresentations (Bosnia, Northern Ireland, S-CHIP, FMLA), perhaps her own pastor has the best response to all of us regarding Rev. Wright. I think the press should take note as well, because things are not always so black and white, and before you demonize someone, perhaps you should have all of the facts first:

A STATEMENT CONCERNING THE REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is an outstanding church leader whom I have heard speak a number of times. He has served for decades as a profound voice for justice and inclusion in our society. He has been a vocal critic of the racism, sexism and homophobia which still tarnish the American dream. To evaluate his dynamic ministry on the basis of two or three sound bites does a grave injustice to Dr. Wright, the members of his congregation, and the African-American church which has been the spiritual refuge of a people that has suffered from discrimination, disadvantage, and violence. Dr. Wright, a member of an integrated denomination, has been an agent of racial reconciliation while proclaiming perceptions and truths uncomfortable for some white people to hear. Those of us who are white Americans would do well to listen carefully to Dr. Wright rather than to use a few of his quotes to polarize. This is a critical time in America's history as we seek to repent of our racism. No matter which candidates prevail, let us use this time to listen again to one another and not to distort one another's truth."

Dean J. Snyder, Senior Minister
Foundry United Methodist Church
March 19, 2008
Sharon
---------------------------
Isn't Hillary a Methodist? I beleive she is. She evidently does not believe in the goodness of her church!! Is she going to throw Senior Minister Dean J. Snyder under the bus as well?

[Greg Field]

Let the process continue through June. Florida and Michigan need to each work out an alternative way to justly proportion their delegates (mail-in seems the easiest).

What needs to change is the way the candidates attack each other (either directly or through their aids). Get the campaign back to the issues! Both candidates should act as if they were the presumptive nominee and focus their attention on what they would do as president and how that is superior to what McCain has said he would do.

If the acrimony between Clinton and Obama continues, the possibility of a dream team will go down the drain--how could either one trust the other after the horrible things they have said?

Let the process continue. End the viciousness now.

[Katy]

I am so saddened by people's reaction to the whole Rev. Wright issue. John McCain actually sought out the endorsement of Rev. Hagee and asked him to stand up next to him at a campaign event so he could say where everyone could hear how proud he was of this endorsement. Hagee blames Katrina on abortion and gay marriage, he called the Catholic church the 'great whore'. Senator McCain's spiritual advisor is Rod Parsley who is one of the most hateful people out there. Why is it that all you people calling Obama a racist have no problem with Hagee and Parsley? I have a theory, I think it's because you don't wan to talk about issues of race in a straightforward, adult manner like Obama did in his wonderful speech. You'd rather just scream that Obama is racist (which is one of the most sincerely absurd and ignorant things I have ever heard) and ignore the realities of the complexity and sensitivity of race in America. You disgust me.

[independent guy]

To Bob Dobbs:

No wait, wait, how about a coin flip? Not as nasty as a chain saw battle but just think of it: each of these candidates says to the people on his or her preferred media outlet (other than that fomenter of hate, FOX News) that , "WE ARE EACH GOOD PEOPLE, WE ARE EACH WORTHY OF BEING PRESIDENT, NEITHER OF US IS A LIAR OR A RACIST, FOR THE GOOD OF THE USA, ITS CITIZENS AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WE ARE GOING TO SUBLIMATE OUR PERSONAL DESIRE FOR POWER TO THE GREATER GOOD AND LET FATE IN THE FORM OF A US QUARTER WHO WILL RUN FOR PRESIDENT. The loser would immediately throw his or her full support to the winner and campaign actively for him/her (and of course be guaranteed a valuable position in the administration--vp?). Remaining campaign funds (to the extent not yet squandered) could be dedicated to the election campaign. The show could be on prime time, well noticed and with sponsors, with proceeds to the Campaign. At this point I am sure this eventwould be bigger than the Super Bowl, perhaps bigger than the final episode of MASH. After the toss, the candidates could come together before all of America, look into the cameras and say "John McCain, we are coming for you." That would guarantee a democratic victory I think. Of course the quarter would have to be inspected very carefully....

[jg]

Rebelgirl writes, "At the moment, Obama has an almost unsurmountable delegate lead. It is virtually mathematically impossible for Clinton to beat him in the remaining primaries. The only way the uncommitted superdelegates can bring this to an end quickly is to get behind Obama to the point where Clinton understands that she cannot win the nomination and stops campaigning actively. Then Obama can start to focus on McCain and, hopefully, those who are REALLY committed to the Democratic Party will unite and make sure we win in November. But we have too many selfish people in the Clinton camp for this to happen."

Being one of those selfish Clinton supporters and a "typical white person," I must have missed the day that Obama acquired the 2,025 delegates needed to secure the nomination. If you do the math, neither candidate can cinch the nomincation. Thus, the superdelegates come into play. If we are truly Democrats, what is wrong with letting the candidates campaign and let the remaining states as well as Florida and Michigan have their say.

[Hans Khan]

The American people too, have a responsibility to end this duel. It is not just the super-delegates. It is clear that that some people cannot see through the Clintons and in spite of all the negative campaign, the lies, innuendos, fear-mongering, a lot of people are still supporting the Clintons.

I do agree that, in order to prevent a lasting damage to the Dem party, the super delegates needs to move sooner than later, to end the bloodshed. We have seen what the Clintons are capable of [see The Clintons motto: win the nomination by any means necessary].

[josh]

Honestly.. this is all a bit much. The last thing I heard of the Clinton camp was that the pledged delegates didnt have to stay with who thier state voted for. So that means she thinks she can win by not winning. This is becoming absurd. No matter how it ends or who ends it.. it is now rediculous, and yet another reason to lose faith in the system.

[Fredric Fortney]

What makes some folks think that controvery between top Democratic cadidates is bad for the party? If that's the case, let's just have one National primary and get the darn thing over with!

I believe the Clinton challenge of Mr. Obama's credentials are worthwhile; if he can stand-up to the scrutiny now, he'll be a better candidate come August but if he "can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen".

I've learned much more about Mr. Obama in the past few
months than I knew about him about him befor Super Tuesday. First, he is stingy about donating to charity, second, he claims to be a professor and he's not, he's a lecturer. Third, his campaign was outraged about Mrs. Ferraro's remarks and tried to get her fired from her job by writing to her employers even though he knows her remarks were not, and not meant to be racist. He did not denounce his reverend "Not Right", a disgusting black racist, and even continued to attend services full of inflamtory remarks for years, knowing full-well that Jesus taught Love and forgivness. He tolerated his remarks knowing that impressinable children were present! Fourth, he rubbed elbows with a con man and let him help he buy a mansion. Fifth, he missed 37 percent of Senate votes even though he hasn't been a senator for one full term and could not even know the way to the restroom. Fifth, he voted "present" on well over 100 conteroverial votes while a state senator, claiming the issues were not constitutional even though he is, in fact, not a full constituional professor; setting himself up as judge and jury in a lame attempt to avoid controversial issues.

What's next? We'll know before the superdelegates make their decision. Remember George McGovern, remember Jimmy Carter? If he's a John or Bobby Kennedy, we'll know that too.

[Bill Millman]

The ongoing battle between the candidates would be good for the party if it were under different circumstances. Those being that it would be resolved before the convention and the convention would be inclusive of all state delegates. But as it now stands, due to the inepitude of the DNC, we are likely to go into a general election with Democratic voters in the two states with the 4th and 8th largest number of electoral votes alienated by the DNC. As a result, no matter who gets nominated the question becomes "can they win the general election without either Michigan or Flordia?"

I agree with others who say this is an exciting primary season, but it's all for naught if you can't win in the end.

PS. Please limit the time for electioneering to 1 year. We don't need candidates starting to run on January 1, 2009 for the 2012 election. Enough is enough.

[LoyalLiberalDemocrat]

Anyone who does not put majority rule or the Democratic party first is not interested in fair, democratic government. I may be a Hillary supporter, but I am not so blinded by my own petty selfishness as to want to deprive my country of its DEMOCRACY.

I have been a member of the Democratic party since I was old enough to vote. I am 46, female, white, Jewish and from NYC. And like a good Democrat, whatever my personal concerns about the candidate, if the majority of the party moves in favor of Obama then I will vote for Obama. Everyone's got electability issues. His are no greater than those of a 72 year old man with senior moments and illegitimate black baby or a middle-aged white woman with a penchant for stretching the truth and a murderous secret involving the death of Vince Foster.

The superdelegates need to act now. Not in May and not in June. I'm tired of wasting valuable party resources and giving the Republicans a clear field. They are the enemy, not our fellow party members. The Republican trolls and their Fox media hype machine should bear in mind that the Democratic Party is older, stronger and wealthier as a whole than they will ever be. We WILL have this government back and on track to save Social Security and Medicare for our VOTING seniors and disabled citizens before they can bankrupt the country and make us all slaves of the corporate machine.

[Tim]

Clinton stands for
C-Cut Throat
L-Liar
I-Ignorant
N-Negative
T-Tyrant
O-Opportunistic
N-Narcissistic Nymcompoop

[Illinois Dem]

It seems the press and Hilliary will not let this Rev Wright thing die. What a pastor says doesn't mean anything, and Hilliary's church caters to the wealthy and was a Nazi supporter. Hilliary is gullible and nieve, she doesn't even know that Bill is getting a BJ down the hall in her own house. She has lied and lied to suit the situation, how truthful can she be if elected? Before the super tuesday primaries, her staff invited me to submit a question for hillary, and if selected I would be flown out to ask the question - so, she wants to pick and choose the questions for her town hall meeting 3 days before, prepare and practice her answers ahead of time, then have the town hall meeting and act as if it's imprompu Q&A. Where are her tax returns, and contributors to bill's library? what is she hiding? What will it take for her to exit?

Obama, or "OBOMBA" as he is being called, should step down, so the Democrats have an opportunity to win. Many people and media-types, which live in LA, are caught in the hype and hysteria of "OBOMAMANIA". If we are foolish enough to think he is going to win the November election, we are sadly mistaken.

Remember there are LOTS of other people, not in LA or NYC, who will not support this fool and hypocrite. A true leader does not vote only, "Present", over 100 times, while in office.

Obama isn’t a man of action; he’s a smooth talking “marionette”, preying on the emotions of the masses. What substance is behind this man? His speeches are nothing more than 3rd rate motivational talks and insipid chatter, we've heard at dozens of cocktail parties. I respect someone who’s taken action, made mistakes, learned from them, admitted them, and “course corrected”. Obama preaches to us like a sanctimonious “messiah”, who will “change” everything. How? What? Why? Be specific. There is good in both parties, but let’s elect someone who has a clue!

There is a vast majority of voters who won't tolerate him and his “baggage”. There is his obnoxious wife, Michelle, who is "FInally proud of this country", because her husband is leading in votes? I am proud of the people I see in traffic everyday, driving 2 hours to work to support their families, not a big feat, but one to be proud of.
He also comes with his sidekick, the hateful and bitter Oprah, who "Finally found a candidate she can support". Oboma outspends Hillary 5 to 1, and having someone rich, powerful and bigoted, like Oprah and her Black Supremist agenda promoting him, just doesn't sit well with me, especially when I think of my children’s future.
One of his "spiritual advisors" is that foaming at the mouth, hatred spewing, racist Wright. Wright, who is on a cruise, is one of Obama’s best friends. Wright performed his protégé’s marriage, baptized Obama's children, counsels him, and for the next 20 years would still be his “friend". Remember the old saying, “A man is evaluated by t