Now, about that Texas GOP surprise for Hillary Clinton

One week ago at about this time of day we posted an item here headlined: "Do Texas Republicans plan a surprise for Clinton and Obama?"

It speculated on the possibility of Republican voters in the Lone Star state, faced with an uninteresting, essentially-decided contest between John McCain and Mike Huckabee, crossing over to make mischief in the Democratic primary by voting for Hillary Clinton to prolong the Democrats' damaging intra-party struggle for several more weeks. We'd heard rumors about this and the Dallas Morning News had written about the possibility.

Then, on his Monday broadcast, conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh with his national audience of some 13 million aggressively pushed the idea to his listeners in Texas. Bill O'Reilly, among others, also talked about the possibility on his national radio program, but did not advocate such tactics.

By now, some of you may have heard, that Clinton did pull off....

a popular vote win over Barack Obama in Texas which, combined with her wins in Rhode Island and Ohio, revived her campaign and fundraising and made Pennsylvania's primary on April 22 the newest of many days of decisive decision for Democrats, while McCain clinched his nomination and moved on to begin organizing nationally.

Now, Susan Davis over at the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire has found evidence among some Democrats of possibly enough GOP hijinks to make a difference in Texas. Only 9% of voters in the Democratic primary there were Republican and Obama, as he has elsewhere, drew more of them than Clinton.

But in Texas the margin was much closer than it had been in other states. It was 53% for Obama and 46% for Clinton in Texas, but as recently as Wisconsin it was 72% Obama to 28% for Clinton and in Virginia 72% to 23%.

Davis also interviewed one precinct worker who personally tracked dozens of participants in the Democratic balloting who proudly identified themselves as Limbaugh voters, Republicans crossing over.

Clinton won the Texas vote with 50.9%, compared to 47.4% for Obama, or roughly a 100,000-vote difference. Was the Republican vote the margin of Clinton's victory? Hard to say, but it certainly added to her margin in what was a huge psychological boost, even though under Texas' cockamamie primary/caucus system Obama may actually end up with more convention delegates. 

It's not so much that the conservative broadcasters tried to help McCain, whom they have their own doubts about, as it is to force Democrats to fight each other longer, using up valuable resources, energies and precious days of general election planning while perhaps engendering harder feelings among the eventual losing side.

As the Republicans for Obama website complained, "Hillary Clinton owes her political life to Rush Limbaugh."

But under the category of "be very careful what you wish for":

Wouldn't it be a stunning historical irony if Clinton, who's worked hard to adhere closer to the all-important general election political center than Obama, won the nomination in August and the election in November, all thanks to this vast right-wing conspiracy that briefly swallowed its hate of her in March to save her bacon in Texas?

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Tyrone Waters]

I like the caucus format because it allows the more educated and dedicated voter to have a more influential voice in the voting process. Democracy only muddies the waters in primary elections by letting apathetic citizens a voice the process. We should be a country run by the intelligent and driven. Obama/Oprah '08

[Anon]

When Sen. Obama gets Republican votes in Democratic primaries, the media hails it as a sign of his crossover appeal. But when Sen. Clinton gets Republican votes, it is part of a plot. Ahhh, evenhandedness.

[Randy]

Reading the tea leaves after the fact is not what tea leaves are used for. ;)

Hillary's Texas Victory is simple to understand. South Texas responded in a "HUGE" way for her ... The hispanic vote broke 75-25 in her favor.

There is you tea leaf my friend.

[Eric]

This may have worked for Democrats voting for Romney in Michigan to keep him in the race, but in this case, nobody could have been eliminated and Hillary was going to proceed either way.

[WeC]

It's so stupid it's scary. But then again, Texas did gave us George Bush Jr.

[DNC is for sale]

There was a recent poll and 51% of americans Hate/ Dislike Hilary Clinton.
The woman is a thief and is power hungry!!!!!!
She only won texas and ohio by appealing to the underdogs of american society.
They don't know that this woman has a case in california for fraud with her husband Bill Clinton.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=56868 fraud trial

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-03-06-clinton-library-foia_N.htm?csp=34 ( clintons block release of records)

American Society is being held hostage by this disgusting people.
I personally plan to vote for a republican or for Obama!!!!!!!!

[Lebonto]

The aid was generous to Hillary when she called her a "monster". She is Democracy's worst nightmare!

[electxyz]

When Hillary won, all pundits say she won by negatives. When Obama won, they say he is inspiring. When Republicans voted for Obama, they say Obama attracts Republicans and independance, when they voted to Hillary, it's because they want to prolong demo's race. What a crap! Show me the EVIDENCE! Just shut up, let voters decide themselves.

Hillary is a FIGHTER, American RIGHT now NEEDS a fighter. Vote with your conscious.

I think it's time for Obama put his ego aside. It will be great if he starts thinking Clinton-Obama ticket. First it’s good for Demos, second it's good for himself, and last it's good for American People. He is 46. If he can help Clinton to be a GOOD president, after 8 years, it will be his turn. At that time, he is only 54 with 8 years Washington Politics. He keeps saying he wants different Washington politics. But that's RISKY for American right now, EVEN IF he can deliver it. You have to KNOW IT before DESTROY IT. If you don't know it, you just simply can not destroy that old system, a 300 YEARS GUERRILLA. THAT’S THE RISK AMERICAN SHALL NOT TAKE.
I bet Clinton will make the country back into track in both economy and world image, and we will see bright light again. Then it will be also sure that Obama can follow Clinton to be First African-American President. At that time, HE WILL CERTAINLY HAVE MY VOTE.

[Rhoda Penmark]

Well. well, well.

Given that Obama's in the process of having won the caucuses in Texas by more than a few percentage points, why won't the media ADMIT NOW that OBAMA won more delegates in Texas, and therefore HAS WON TEXAS?????? Hillary FELL SHORT in delegates, even with all her filthy votes from the Republicans!

[Luke Gilmore]

Rush Limbaugh understands that Hillary's "negatives," will make it impossible for her to ever win a general election. She is divisive and corrosive. How much longer will her venom be able to paralyze the media- and the country? For more read Barbara's Blog

http://ehrenreich.blogs.com/barbaras_blog/2007/06/who_is_hillary_.html

Please: no more Clintons in our White House- at 3 AM or at any other time.

[FJ Stratford]

Oh Please, the reason why Democrats abandones Obama is that when they asked him about Rezko, he ran away stuttering sayinf something like "We ran out of time"....

And now, even his stand on Iraq is apparently a way of hoodwinking people - saying one thing to Texans and then going off to an international audience admitting that he wont do as he promised to do.

Same with NAFTA.

Texans are a tough crowd. AND TEXANS, ESPECIALLY DEMOCRATIC TEXANS DONT LIKE TO BE HOODWINKED.

[drband36]

Well said.

Sen. Clinton's Texas pseudo-win (the primary, not the caucuses --- came courtesy of cross-over Republicans.

Why? They want the perverse pleasure of "taking her down" in November, rather than letting the Democrats make their own decisions. Limbaugh, Coulter, and Hannity are going a little too far this time...

Barack Facts: Fast Obama Facts vs. Falsehoods
http://www.barackfacts.blogspot.com
Hillary Facts: She stoops to conquer
http://www.kitchensink08.blogspot.com/

[Hillary All the Way]

It doesn't matter if they pick Obama or Hillary, the damage done by Obama has already been done. He single handedly destroyed the unity of the Democrats when he first started attacking Hillary in 07 and unless Hillary and Obama are on the same ticket you can say hello to President McCain.

[TXCourtney]

The key word in Malcolm's last statement is "briefly." The same group of rabid Anti-Hilary Republicans that won her the primary will of course be out in force against her in November. Her "Big State Strategy" is a rediculously flawed strategy:

She'll win New York and California, but so will any Democrat.

She'll win New Jersey because she's from New York.

She'll win Ohio if the Republicans vote for her again--which they won't.

She'll win Florida if McCain is barred from campaigning there.

She'll win Michigan if she's the only one on the ballot (and it will still be close).

She'll win Texas when Hell freezes over.

[TXCourtney]

The key word in Malcolm's last statement is "briefly." The same group of rabid Anti-Hilary Republicans that won her the primary will of course be out in force against her in November. Her "Big State Strategy" is a rediculously flawed strategy:

She'll win New York and California, but so will any Democrat.

She'll win New Jersey because she's from New York.

She'll win Ohio if the Republicans vote for her again--which they won't.

She'll win Florida if McCain is barred from campaigning there.

She'll win Michigan if she's the only one on the ballot (and it will still be close).

She'll win Texas when Hell freezes over.

[joseph]

that is what I knew all along the only way this monster won Texas it is because of the republican, that shows how vulnerable this what so called woman is on the november election , she will never be president as an independent i rather vote for Nader than this monster

[Paul]

What kind of spin this is. Reps vote for Obama 53% to 47% in Texas, and you are saying that they are helping Clinton.
It is Obama is the one who owe to the Reps his political fortune.

(As the item points out, he did get more Republican crossovers than she did, though he still lost thepopular vote. What's interesting is that for some reason this time his normal proportion of Republican voters was way down from his share in previous states. Noticeably down.)

[PulSamsara]

Barack Obama has the strength and moral fortitude to grow with America into a new era. Clinton has nothing but the same old tired politics we have lived with for far too long. She is the Rovian antithesis - opposite in parallel...the yin to the yang of the dark machine. I will vote against the democratic party for the first time in 20 years if she steals the nomination. I have voted for her family 3 times and finally saw the light when she chose the 'politically expedient' choice of voting us into Iraq. I've simply had enough. - Enough.

[Black Sheep]

I think the GOP would take credit for rain in Texas. Does anyone seriously think that fully 100,000 republicans jumped up and ran to the polls to vote for Hillary Clinton? Please.

She was ahead in Texas early on, then according to the polls she lost her lead. However, according to at least 200,000 Hispanic immigrants, she had not lost the lead, and that's what put her over the top, not a few Rush Limbaugh listeners.

[john jay]

this is very biased analysis. obama got so much help from republican cross-overs in the past primaries and now he's complaining? the republicans know they can't take down hillary. they've been fighting her for too long and she's still standing strong, don't self-destruct, democrats. don't take down the only qualified and promising candidate, hillary, for the republicans.

[AgentTofu]

Yes, it would be ironic if what this article states at the end came to pass. However, mathematically, it is impossible for her now. Obama is too far ahead to catch, and Wyoming today and Mississippi on Tuesday will only widen the gap.

What this article doesn't mention is that Obama won the caucus in Texas, and thus won Texas in total delegates. Hillary needed blowout victories, and failed to produce as such.

Obama will be the nominee, and it will play out as such.

[Daniel Rosenstark]

We assume that the GOP knows the effects of prolonging the "party struggle" amongst Democrats. However, a close primary for the Democrats merely reflects the strength of both candidates. There is sufficient time for party unification behind the winner after the primaries. Both parties should spend more time on real issues than on questionable "hijinks."

Dan
www.DVDs4theSAT.com
Complete SAT prep course in a 12 DVD set

[Michael Levinson]

It is amazing that the media kept talking about the most qualified person for the job of president...but never focused on that individual. He is out of the race now and hopefully we will get the next best!

[phillygirl]

OK, but ... perhaps you have heard? obama has almost certainly won texas. it kinda weakens your story line, but maybe rush's voters only got HRC another delegate or two. they didn't hand her the state.

[TC]

It's premature to think about Hillary winning insincere Republican support as a formula for success in November. The consensus remains that Barack Obama offers the best prospects for a substantive change of course if elected in November:

http://acropolisreview.com/2008/02/endorsements-of-barack-obama.html

[dmorris]

The Fat, Foul Mouthed Fool Limbaugh who revels in political mischief making ought to tend to his own hypocrisy and health issues as a pugilistic pain pill pusher who condemns others having the same affliction he does.. It is sad indeed that conservatives look to such blow hards on right wing talk radio for their inspiration. While it is valid to strike a crossover vote to influence the opposition party's elections, I agree that it risks getting what you have wanted for so long, a general election battle with Hillary Clinton. Only this time, don’t count on dredging up all the old Ken Starr inquisition attacks on Hillary, a different and independent Clinton in a different time. You don’t have a Ronald Reagan candidate for 2008, rather an aging John McCain who while an American hero, has hitched his wagon with the failed Bush Presidency something making him vulnerable to any of the Democratic Party’s top two Presidential candidates. John McCain is one-dimensional and counting as Bush did on scaring the public into fearing another 9/11 attack by Islamic fascists. In 2008, you better bring a fuller platform of new policies, starting with a plan for economic revival, than we now hear from Senator McCain. Learn a little more about economics, macro and micro, learn about the impacts of Fiscal and Monetary policies on the overall economy, and learn about how the enormously expensive, multi-trillion dollar war in Iraq and Afghanistan are dragging down America economically from within, probably exactly the game plan of the despised Osama bin Laden. You have to fight this war on many more levels, Mr. McCain, and getting our country well again economically and internationally is more important than ever realized.

[cm grigg]

You don't pay much attention. There is a tight relationship between The Clintons The Bushes and John Mcain. Hillary and her power base would rather her sabotage an Obama presidency should she lose the primary. In any (quasi civil) primary in the history of america she would have dropped out by now. Notice how the tone has gone so ugly. It's like a good basketball team playing a less talented team the lesser team tries to foul and make the game sloppy so that it becomes a test of will not talent.. Bush kissed Mcain a couple years ago (when Mcain backed Iraq) and that is when Mcain joined the group that has kept 2 families in power for over 2 decades. The irony is that the "free press" of the united states hasn't written an important article in over 35 years.

[mary CA]

When I read comments I see accusations thatr: Republicans voted Obama knowing McCain can beat him from Clinton supporters; Republicans and Obama supporters claim that many Republicans did cross over to vote Clinton, knowing she is an easy win for Republicans in November. I tend to believe the 2nd because I have ease dropped on Republican blogs for quite some time.

What Hillary and the press seems to forget is people that are supporting Obama are anti-Iraq war; do not want into Iran; do not approve of cluster bombs in Civilian areas. They will not vote Democrat in November if Hillary wins the Dem bid. Some have said they will not vote at all; others say they will write in Obama's name; others are backing Nadar or will be writing in Edwards or Kucinich; and people like me will vote Cynthia McKinney.

McCain and Clinton are of one mind. She has even endorsed him. Many of those Republican cross overs did cross over to vote Obama because they are tired of things like torture, spying on citizens and so on. Hillary's power quest may have destroyed the election.

[Jed]

In 1988, iIrc, a fair number of Democrats said publicly that Democrats should do their best to ensure that GHW Bush get the Republican nomination, on the grounds that it was obvious that he couldn't possibly win the general election.

Ever since then, I've been really dubious about the notion of working to get the "worst" candidate on the other side to win the primary. Too easy for that kind of thing to backfire.

[Peter Durand]

I watched Hillary for near three hours on C-span when she was campaigning in New Hampshire, and found her remarkable, exciting, and compelling as well as totally inspiring...I watched at a later time her husband Bill, do his stuff a few days later and again was amazed at the intellect of these Clintons, and it simoly occured to me how incrediably smart theses people are and I also thought why can't they present there case, and just be happy in doing that? They do it so well, and are so gifted in doing it, and my thought was why do they have to resort to the dirty tricks they are so famous for? Why with all there knowledge, and presentation capabilities, did they blow it by micro managing their campaign? Its sad for me to watch, but they have moved me into Obamas camp in doing so! They have outsmarted themselves in my minds eye!

[congressive]

Hillary seems to be comfortable with the idea of a McCain/Clinton ticket, anfter having claimed McCain better prepared for the presidency that Obama.

They do have much in common. McCain infamously cheated on his first wife. Hillary's husband infamously cheated on her. Both want more war. Both want higher pharmacy bills. Both want to spy on you. Both think NAFTA is wonderful. Both have experience answering the 3 am crisis phone (McCain:"Hello, Mr. Keating? What can I do for you?")(Hillary:"Hello? Monica who? BILL - IT'S FOR YOU!")

I wouldn't be shocked to see a McCain/Clinton vs. Obama/Edwards ticket in November.

[bogdan]

I will gladdly take oboma or either clinton over a wolf in sheeps clothing. The whole abortin issue is completly irrelevent in this Union and McCain will destroy this country as fast as any other open mindness liberal there is. Bill o'reilly is being compared to rush? What a joke.

[Frank Bowers]

At my polling place in Austin, Tx is was the other way they were car loads of republicans coming in and they met at the entrance and talked. I knew many of them and they wanted me to do the same and that was to vote for obama. I told them I was there to vote for HRC and they sort of got mad but I will never vote for him and I will vote for the independent so as I can try to change things in Texas from the RNC grip which is killing us. They said they wanted barak as they felt McCain could whip up on him. In the Caucus that night they were there about 9 or 10 car loads about 60 or 70 of them and they caucus for obama. I do not know where the story orginated but I think obama or his wife might know. The best of good byes Frank Bwoers of Austin, TX

[Jerome]

Obviously the Republicans are doing this because they know Hillary can't win in November. They know that because the "surprise" they have planned once she is nominated is to remind voters about Bill Clinton's behavior from the past. Whether McCain does it directly, or his supporters do it, its going to happen. It will become THE issue of the campaign, and Hillary will lose in a landslide. Notice that they haven't mentioned a peep about Bill Clinton's escapades because they don't want to let on that this will be their primary weapon to defeat Hillary Clinton. Hillary is a gift to the Republicans.

[Frhetoric]

Give me a break.

This is an attempt by Obama supporters to spin a loss as a loss for Democrats not just for Obama.

There is plenty of evidence to reinforce what happened in Obama's loss.

First, Hillary did what needed to be done a week earlier, she ran her best ads in the final three days when a high enough number of undecideds were persuaded on the security issue. Obama's inability to address their concerns left them choosing the "safer" alternative over the "great orator".

Second, look at the county returns from the election http://enr.sos.state.tx.us/enr/mar04_136.htm
Hispanics turned out in humongous numbers for Clinton. In the most heavily Hispanic counties of Webb 4:1,Nueces 2:1, Hidaglo 2:1, El Paso 2:1 her ratio of support made up for his leads in Dallas and Harris County. In only the very liberal bastion of Travis County was he almost able to surmount a 2:1 margin against Clinton.

From a strategic and super delegate perspective the question has to be asked, "Who has shown the ability to win in an election in battleground states with a popular message versus a caucus format?" There are no caucuses in the general and his inability to turnout voters and win the popular vote in Texas and Ohio reinforces a big weakness for Obama.

Dean was unable to transform his online presence into electoral victories. Now, Obama is unable to transform his caucus and his juggernaut online fundraising into majority votes.

Obama will not have the luxury of spending all those resources he spent to lose in Texas and Ohio and regroup for another round of elections in the general.

I believe part of Obama's appeal to smaller state is that he's making his appeal to unheard regions of the country. It's not necessarily all Obama these people just wanted someone to hear them too.

[DAVID A. BELANGER,VET]

all rush wants is for mccain to win, and to do this he needs clinton in the race..period..

[Parkhillian]

Republicans are voting for Clinton to upset the election process. Just yesterday while waiting in line at the Post Office, I overheard the conversation of three people stating they and most every one they knew in other states were also doing that very thing.

That type of election interference speaks volumes as to the character or lack thereof, of those that do that.

[MsPeach]

Your article would have been much clearer if you had written "her margin in Texas AMONG REPUBLICAN CROSSOVERS was much closer than it had been in other states... I finally figured out what you meant, but just because you mention Republicans in the preceding paragraph, you shouldn't assume we are reading your mind in the next. I highly recommend "Elements of Style" by E.B. White .

[xxxxxxxxxxx]

You guys are pathetically trying to establish that the Republicans are still in control.

They have sacked our treasury and spilled blood around the world. They have Pirated the American dream.

Repent before its too late.

[Beth]

I live in Texas, in Dallas County. I voted Democratic in the primary for the first time in over 20 years. I voted for Obama--with the intention of voting for him in November as well. I have a friend who is a poll worker who said that she saw a lot of people in the early voting who voted for Obama as genuine supporters crossing over from the Republican side. On election day, however, she saw a lot of people who crossed over from the Republican side who voted for Clinton, who were not Clinton supporters and had no intention of voting for her in November. I think it would be very easy to see the degree that this is true by simply comparing the makeup of the early voting as compared to the primary day voting. I would argue that people who take the trouble to vote early, as I did, tend to vote their convictions, whereas those crossing over with malign intent are more likely to do so on the primary day itself. I think if you look at the early results, which probably included primarily those who took advantage of early voting, you would see that the Obama was in the lead at that point. It was only later that Clinton pulled ahead. Yes, I think it entirely possible that the spoiler crossovers did influence the election outcome.

[August]

The question is whether the superdelegates are clever enough to see the tricks the Republicans are pulling off to ensure that Hillary will be nominated because she is much easier target for McCain than Obama. I don't think so. They will fall right into the trap as usual. That has been the single most important reason why the GOP has been having it their way for so long. The Dems suck!

[Mary]

This is ridiculous. As much as the pundits from the Obama camp hate Hillary Clinton the republicans can not claim that we saved Hillary's bacon in Texas. I am a republican, proud of it, and I voted for McCain in Texas. In fact, the republican vote in Texas and Ohio was sooooooo overwhelmingly McCain that he gained the nomination of the party. Didn't you see the numbers??? We don't cross lines. We are faithful to the party and the best candidate for president. Period. So if the people rejected Obama for president, then so be it. The people spoke. Obama is a lousy candidate as much as Hillary is.

[chacha]

The number you just recited don't support your analysis that the Republicans helped HRC win TX. It's doubtful that her margin was significantly changed by the voters who followed Rush. Most people who listen to him do it for entertainment, and certainly not to vote for a candidate.

[jason carter]

its the republican equivilant of roulette, cmon lucky 7~!!!!!

[al]

If the outcome of the texas primaries was influenced by the blowhard named limbaugh, then we have become no better than some third rate country where with one or two words a dictator can control the entire country. Is this how we want our country to be run? I personally don't think so. But this is just what the powers that be want. If this is kind nonsense is allowded to continue how much further down the road will we looking at the end of a gunbarrel and being told who to vote for?If this kind of behavior does not call for sweepin changes in the voting system then I don't know what does. After the absolutely horrible handling of the 2000 election where Al gore wins the vote of the people and has the election ripped from his grasp there needs to be a uniform systen where every popular vote means more than the votes of the electoral college. the electoral vote needs to be done away with because it does not reflect what the people want. If the system worked in a different manner I am sure the outcome would be more people voting because they would know that their vote really counts.

[Michelle]

As an educated, Republican, suburban mom from Texas I voted in the Democratic primary. You are insulting millions of Texans when you claim that Texas Republican voters only voted for Hillary because of Rush Limbaugh. That is absurd! I voted for Hillary because she's the best candidate for the job. Period. It is very frustrating as a voter from a large state to have all the candidates pre-eliminated before we even get a chance to voice our opinion. To vote Republican would be to throw my voice away. And yes, I'll vote for Hillary in November if I get the chance.
The primary process in America desperately needs an overhaul so that every American gets an equal vote. I also belive the Texas Two Step system is very unfair-- unfair to senior citizens unable to get out at night, parents with children who have tests the next day, people who have to work in the evenings, single women afraid to be out at night to caucus. The primary vote should be enough. I was not able to vote in my caucus due to safety issues. This essentially takes away my vote. A very unfair system.

[MikeyMike]

As a lifelong Democrat, I have to ask: why are we such a bunch of babies.

We blame blame blame. We complained and complained about electoral conditions and procedures, and have done nothing about them. (One supposes that is due to the distinct possibility that they have in the past, or might, on occasion, help our party; or, perhaps, the other distinct possibility that they, in fact, give us something serious to complain about. Our finger-pointing safety school.

Now, in our hour of need, our own seeds of discontent, have come round to bite us in the proverbials.

We have bankrupted our own nominating process, and where do we turn our attention: oh, yes, once again, the Republicans...They did it...

Hmm. I still believe that elections are won and lost based on who has a compelling vision for the future. If we keep blaming Republicans for our own flaws, voters will keep electing them.

Let us start with one simple truth: The fault lies in ourselves. And build from there.

[Anella]

March 6, 2008

Is Hillary Clinton's Comeback A Fairytale?

Did our Republican friends help make the Democratic Primaries held on Tuesday a FAIRYTALE for democratic voters by PUBLICLY CLAIMING they voted for (AGAINST) Hillary Clinton in the primary election?

Are the Texas, Ohio, and Rhode Island primary results for Hillary truth or fairytale?

Are Hillary's wins due to an overwhelming desire of democrats, independents, and truly converted ”republicans for democrats” wanting her to stay in the race or were her wins due to votes AGAINST her by our Republican Friends.

Did our Republican Friends write a fairytale chapter in Hillary’s claim of victories on Tuesday?

Well, let’s see. The last time I checked, the definitions for the word AGAINST, meant:

1. In a direction or course opposite to...
2. In hostile opposition or resistance to...
3. Contrary to; opposed to...
4. In competition with...
5. Directly opposite to...

If Republicans voted AGAINST Hillary Clinton in the democratic primary (as publicly claimed and reported on national television and radio broadcasts by Republican voters) to then later vote AGAINST her in the national election, what does this substantiate?

I realize cross voting is allowed in some primaries. However, when this happens and our Republican friends PUBLICIZE their choice AGAINST her, can she continue to claim TRUE victory based on the vote of democrats and independents, and truly converted republicans for democrats?

Thus, how many of the votes counted were FOR Hillary and how many were AGAINST Hillary?

Interesting thought! Fairytale Win?

[patriciad37]

The Clintons hushed up a federal report issued in 1994 that warned of possible terrorist strikes, including how hijackers could use airliners to hit landmarks such as the Pentagon or White House. The excuse for the secrecy was that they didn’t want to cause panic. Preserve the “fairytale” world image that the Clintons had promoted, “don’t act, don’t tell”. So far, the media and the opposition have refrained from bringing/flinging at the Corrupt Clintons the bitter terrible truth. That they FAILED to focus on terrorism, and FAILED to focus on Osama bin Laden. They FAILED miserably to focus an all-out effort to capturing or killing Osama bin Laden. The CIA report states that they were not authorized to “kill” bin Laden by the Corrupt Clintons. The Clintons attorney briefed the CIA on Bill’s special instructions: if the CIA captured him they were to make every effort to ensure his comfort. Comfort for a killer? CIA reports described building a custom-built ergonomically correct chair for the tall terrorist. Details of concern were the comfort of the shackles. Osama bin Laden had a long beard. The CIA was told that caution needed to be taken that the tape needed to gag bin Laden would not harm his beard. The Clintons were so cautious of international repercussions that they managed to obstruct and delay the capture of a most-wanted criminal. They had several opportunities, two terms in office, with much power at their command. Yet, they undeniably, unforgivably FAILED. This should be most memorable non-accomplishment of the eight years under the Teflon Team.
Sandy Berger was Bill Clinton’s National Security Advisor. The 9/11 Commission, appointed to investigate the Al Qaeda attacks, would assess the Clinton Administration preceding 9/11. Clinton appointed Berger to act as his representative. In preparation for his testimony, Berger was given access to the highly classified material in the National Archives relating to 9/11. Berger testified at the hearing that Clinton did all he could to deal with terrorist threats. Later, when it was learned that Berger had removed Archive documents, the Justice Department accepted his testimony that he had only taken some copies of reports to review, and returned them later, except for a few duplicates, just a mistake. Berger got off with a plea deal, surrendered his license to practice law and was not required to take a lie detector test. When made public, the Clintons claimed politics were behind all the fuss over nothing. The National Archives held evidence so highly classified that few were allowed to view the material. Berger was allowed to enter a room with a cell phone, and other security violations worked in his favor. It was later discovered that MISSING DOCUMENTS FROM THE ARCHIVES INCLUDED CRITICAL ASSESSMENTS OF THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION HANDLING OF TERRORIST THREATS. It is not known what was in those documents that Berger risked his reputation, career and imprisonment for, and compromised the entire 9/11 investigation. The information could have provided answers to what went wrong before 9/11 and what COULD HAVE/SHOULD HAVE been done to prevent further attacks.
Now, Sandy Berger was selected to be on Hillary’s team of National Security Advisors, along with Madeline Albright and Richard Holbrooke, all former members of Bill Clinton’s cabinet.

[Dave]

Hillary's net gain from Texas was only 4 delegates. Big win!! Waiting on Texas caucus results to see who the real winner is!

Hillary because she's loosing wants to cheat and change the game by including Florida and Michigan. She doesn't want a revote or a caucus in Michigan, knows the truth. Florida and Michigan only became a concern when she realized she was loosing with no hope of changing the will of the people. I wonder if things were revered and Obama was behind would we be considering Florida and Michigan? Just wants everything her way for her own selfish agenda, even if it will destroy the Democratic party. She has turned to fear tactics and tries to destroy hope with the voters. She is a cold vindictive women with few morals that will do ANYTHING to win. I think it would be good for the country to have someone in the White House with good morals, nice family with young kids.

See what her own husband says about those who try to place fear and remove hope from the voters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZW0m2nWB_M

[genia]

Isn't it interesting that the media refer to this as mischief? It's deliberate interference with a national election. IF...the left were the ones causing this "mischief" the right would be Screeching. OH.. the outrage ! There would be crying and screaming remembering all the patriots ,all veterans who fought in all the wars to protect our right to vote. Cries of treason, unpatriotic criminals. Can't you just picture O'Riely , Rush, Hannity? Of course, the rest of the media would do exactly what they always do...they would all climb aboard this train. It would be repeated 24/7 everywhere.
But.....hey, the right does it and it's viewed as mischief?
I guess my question is does anyone in the media actually think ? Do they all just go with the flow?

[Misty]

I'm an undecided Independent, but I have to say that this comment

"I like the caucus format because it allows the more educated and dedicated voter to have a more influential voice in the voting process. Democracy only muddies the waters in primary elections by letting apathetic citizens a voice the process. We should be a country run by the intelligent and driven."

is exactly the kind of thing that turns me off about many Obama supporters. Elitist and dismissive of democracy when the results don't suit them. Just because someone has different priorities doesn't mean that they are any less intelligent or driven. And it especially does not mean that their vote should count any less.

This cavalier treatment of the right to vote by the Obama campaign is troubling to me and should be troubling to them. We'll see whether the major swing states of Florida or Michigan will vote for a candidate who argued to disenfranchise them. The right to vote is so fundamental to this country that I would seriously question the legitimacy of any candidate who advocated taking that right away from millions of citizens.

[Richie Sheridan]

No Nurse Ratched as our next President!!! No "Hell"ary raiser!!!

I do not delight in sending out such information. I see it as my job. I love the child's fable, "The Emperor's New Clothes." The Emperors, the would-be emperor/empresses amongst us are also children of God, and Redemption and Love are for them also.

I have said that the emblems of the State of Texas and the City of Dallas are no longer a five pointed stars above to lead us, but pentagrams, based on the sociological conditions under each. Texas and Dallas have an opportunity to do something right and Godly for a change...TAKE HILLARY CLINTON OUT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE.

Richie Sheridan
Dallas, Texas
_______________________________________________
This is a excerpt of a post card which has gone to churches throughout Texas, to mayors of major Texas cities, and to local and national media, and other notables.
______________________________________________

“Hell”ary Clinton is a Witch & a Lesbian

That’s right folks. This is where America has come, what America has become, an immoral, debauched, materialistic, and secular Nation as represented and mislead by DEVISIVE, SPECIAL INTEREST “leaders” like “Hell”ary Clinton. “Hell”ary and Bill Clinton represent the worse of the Democratic Party, the Party of Abortion and Sexual Dysfunction. Our Nation today is one where God, Godly behaviour is hard to be found, and where our Nation has become the shame of the world, and
hated internationally. Did you know that the Clintons decorated the White House Christmas tree with
Satanic artifacts, and drug paraphernalia?! (Check former FBI Agent Aldrich’s books.)

Some people like witches, and some people like lesbians. It is a “free” country. But, should we have a President who’s both? How did this happen? How did “Hell”-ary Clinton become a real contender for President of the United States? WE ARE LIVING THE BIG LIE. WHO IS THE MAIN FACILITATOR OF THIS LIE? The M.E.D.I.A…Make Everyone Dumb In America.

Our governments and media no longer serve us, no longer serve We The People, but they serve Special Interests. Who are these Special Interests? Exxon, TXU, Drug Companies, HMOs, Banks, Financial Institutions, the Military-Industrial Complex, etc…THOSE ‘ELITE’ WHO PLACE MONEY/POWER ABOVE THEIR FELLOW MAN...ASSISTED BY THE GOVERNMENTS AND THE MEDIA IN THEIR EVIL.

Shocked by these accusations about “Hell’ary Clinton? Do your own research. Check with authors like former
FBI agent Gary Aldrich, Kathleen Willey, Gerth and Van Natta, Edward Klein, Gennifer Flowers, Cathy O’Brien,
and others who have written books about “Hell”-ery and Bill.

Also, here’s some websites: www.againsthillary.com,
www.stophernow.com, www.cuttingedge.org,www.thehillaryproject.com

What can YOU do? First, educate yourself. Second, if voting Democratic, vote for Barak Obama.
Third, spread the word. If you’re voting Republican, try to educate every Democrat you know, and don’t do it in a mean spirited way. Remember, both parties are responsible for the mess our Nation is in. As a Republican, would you rather have Barak Obama or “Hell”-ary Clinton as President? “Hell”-ary Clinton would divide our Nation worse than it is today, and we are a very, very divided Nation. “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”“Hell”ary is maliciously driving a wedge between hispanic and black communities.

[Valjean]

At this point both C and O need to forget each other and start shooting at McCain to demonstrate their ability to push him around and defeat him. The contest is now not whether either of them can do that to each other. Dem voters are looking for who can beat McCain not whether they can push each other into a gaff of some sort. Why give McCain the stage to himself when he can be used to prove which can oppose him and his programs successfully? IT'S THE WHITE HOUSE, STUPID and which can win it that will carry the day for either to become the nominee.

[Jill]

The democratic party would be foolish not to embrace Obama. He has a broad coalition of support and has brought energy and fund-raising strength to the party. Most important of all, he has energized the younger folks who could become democratic voters in future election cycles. Hillary, on the other hand is already opposed by half the country, and isn't exactly gaining fans with her negative attacks. We already know what we'd get if Hillary were elected . . . competent but partisan politics (and then there are issues of Bill). Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton is a mockery of democracy. It's time for us to take a chance on Obama, maybe, just maybe, he could shame Washington into changing its ways. The Clintons have too many favors out there to return (sorry, but folks don't pay Bill $100,000 speech simply because they like to hear him talk). I've just seen too many Clinton scandals to overlook and excuse. People that behave that way should be punished, not rewarded with a second trip to the White House.

[Tinfoil Hat]

Here is a conspiracy theory to think about:

If you are a good ole boy republican in Washington who gets his yearly portion of pork, then who whould you want to vote for?

A. McCain (Who has promised no pork)
B. Obama (Who has promised he will change things)
C. Clinton (Who says she has experience in washington)

Hmmm.

This message was not approved by the Republican Washington Insiders for Clinton

[robbert]

Texas knows that Hillary is a better pseron to be President then Obama. Please I don't want to see a an Obama and an Oprah in the White House, if they are let it be to visit only Hillary Clinton only.
Obama and Oprah get under my skin.
plus it's The White House ! Come on, like Texas is that open minded of a State to back a black person, after they gave us that dumb redneck hick Bush.

[MC Brown]

As a Texas Republican with few options, I confess that I slipped over to the Democratic Primary to vote AGAINST Hillary Clinton. If I had known Rush Limbaugh was promoting cross-over voting on ANY basis, I would have worn a diguise lest any friends or neighbors think I was marching in lockstep with that egomaniacal nut. I just deplore the idea of one more minute of Clinton - any Clinton.

[ss]

So republicans who voted in the democratic primaries, even in Texas, did vote for Obama overwhelmingly -the sole reason being their hatred of the Clintons. Anyone who thinks that this is sustainable and will translate to GE cannot see the writing on the wall. The typical Christian right is NOT going to vote for Obama even if they hate McCain-they may stay at home at the most.Moderates -why would they vote for Obama over McCain? I agree that antiwar sentiments may play a role but most republicans would still stay with McCain that take a drastic antiwar liberal stand. Even with republican support and fully energezied liberal base behind him Obama couldn’t win a single big state or important swing state. Some here mentioned that he likes caucuses better because apparently its educated people who decides that. I don’t know if thinks of the same about extreme right wing hijacking republican primaries/caucuses in 2000and 2004. General elections are not like Idaho (substitute whatever small state you want to) caucus and winning a few of those is not enough proof that you are electable.

[zf]

When Obama was cagey to talk about issues, people supported him for Change, for righteous reasons. Now it's been revealed that he employs same old politics, it seems that his supporters are now only concerned about their guy winning, stuff Change! Perhaps, they aren't righteous after all.

A reporter who has known Obama for years spiling the beans on the senator's past:
http://houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/full

[JW]

Thank you L.A. Times for highlighting this part of the story. . . This has been completely missing from other sources.

So the Clintons claim they're more electable, but to win Texas, they had to rely on the support of Republicans who were voting for her as a cruel joke.

This is not the candidate I want running against John McCain in the Fall and if Democrats aren't careful, we might just get bamboozled into letting them steal the nomination from Obama.

This is a real wake up call for the Democratic Party to see what's really going on here.

Not to mention the fact that Obama essentially closed a 20 point lead by the Clintons in just 3-4 weeks. That's victory if you ask me.

Not how the media's spinning it now that they've bullied them into a corner complaining they're being treated unfairly, but true nonetheless.

We're so close, folks. Keep hoping. Stay positive. And realize that it's not going to be long until the Clintons' latest barrage of negative campaigning will come back on them tenfold. South Carolina case in point. America's smarter than them and will see through it.

Their days of exploiting the working class, minorities, and any other group they can pander to in order to win are almost over.

[Mike king]

First off, 47+% of Democrats and Cross-over Indies in Texas voted for Obama and the majority of caucus votes fell to him. Numerically in delegates, Obama WON Texas - that MUST be reported equal to Hillary's Ohio "win".
Who is Hillary's base? In Texas, it was about Latino's. Consider that about half of current voting Texans are natural Texas born citizens of the US, who see their state sliding backward to a Mexican sphere of influence and aren't exactly thrilled with being displaced by Hillary's fauning over Latinos.
What is, in no uncertain terms, the position that both candidates propose on dealing with illegal immigration and the Mexicanization (in language and culture) of Los Angeles, Phoenix and major segments of Texas that is not constrained to the Southwest.
Jobs are scarce and over 600,000 people in February were reclassified as "employed" when their new positions were only part-time. Congress and the President agreed on US Immigration Quotas. These Quotas were voted on by all the candidates. The quotas are set so that US citizens will not suffer employment pay cuts or lost opportunities; the quota for Mexico is set to about 1 weeks border crossings.
How do the candidates propose to preserve the best interests of existing American citizens and those other valued Naturalized Citizens who were forced to stay with their meager quotas (the quota for Great Britain is a few thousand a year and they must have professional skills).
Make no mistake, the economy and the War (Cost) are admitted as the deciding issues in a national election. Dealing with illegal immigration has direct impacts on the economy and the American worker's personal economic prospects.
Texans know where Hillary stands - no matter how she spins it. Why else would Obama win the most delegates, the caucuses are predominately native Texans.
They know that no matter what is said publicly, Obama has a very strong Black Base and that segment is the most adversely impacted of all Americans by illegal immigration.
His comments to date start with the liberal story-line, but he wasn't afraid to clearly state the requirements and limitations to EARNING citizenship. With a more active enforcement of existing law and a real immigration policy that was enforced, Obama can carry the Presidential election.
With Hillary, the fear freaks will have a field day scaring voters into voting for McCain (who at least is sorta reliable) and it will work. I want to vote Democrat for president, but we don't need Avita Peron #2 - and I would be forced to abstain from voting. I'm not alone by a wide margin.
So the decision for the DNC is to live today for tomorrow or live in the past?

[ben for Hillary 2008]

I would like to believe tat the people of Texas would rather back and vote for a female then an Obama.
Now what was Obama's full name ? sounds like someone from the days of 9-11
Did he not use the Holy Bible to take oath of office ? NO
Is he wear he American pin flag ? NO
Do I trust him ? Hell NO
I BELIEVE Texas would rather stand up for someone like Hillary before someone like an Obama.
Obama sounds like a bomb !

[Richie Sheridan]

Major Vote Irregularity in Texas

Hillary won about 51% of the popular vote in Texas, with about 2.2 million voting.

After the polls closed, about 700,000 people showed up for the caucauses. That where they count the carcuses, and the candidate with the most dead bodies resulting from the war of the day wins the proportionate number od deligates.

No, seriously, at the caucauses, Obama got, with about 60% precincts reporting, Obama has about 55% of the caucaus vote.

Isn't it true that the same people passionate to come out at night are the same people who voted that day. Why the big discrepancy between day and night voting?

There's a saying, "LIVE FREE OR DIEBOLD" That's the hint.

[Neil]

May as well speculate that the little green men from mars helped Clinton. The factual evidence in this piece of tripe is about the same.

[Bubba]

Hillary is used to humiliation. She'll be fine. But the USA needs to avoid someone like that in the Whitehouse.

[TheNumantine]

There are sincere and insincere Republican voters in all Open primaries. Texas is the first one where anyone from the GOP actively encouraged insincere (Limbaugh) voters to participate. Unless someone actually conducted a poll of the motivations of these voters, it is idle speculation as to what percentage of the Republican vote was insincere. Clinton has consistently gotten a number of sincere Republican women votes in Open Primaries. In Texas she may have also gotten an additional boost from sincere Republican Latino crossovers.

Whatever the %, it was not enough to give her a boost to the nomination. Unless there is some groundshaking scandal to break between now and the convention, Obama will be the Democratic nominee and likely our next President.

[zf]

Hillary is a better candidate who is more concerned for providing solutions to help people, even now. Barack Obama is only concerned about getting into power. Look at their responses to the report of job losses:
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN0733776720080307?virtualBrandChannel=10112

[Templeton Green]

Ask yourself this question;

If Hillary Clinton was so involved in Willy's, White House activities, and this counts a presidential experience; how did she miss out on his affair going on right under her nose?

If she can't keep track of her husband, how on earth will she manage world affairs?

This woman is scary, real scary; willing to endure any shame to sit upon the throne of power!

[Mark]

Rush isn't at all worried about helping Hillary. Rush could hope for nothing more than Hillary becoming President. Rush sells hate and division, and he's worked hard for nearly two decades building hate for Hillary, so President Clinton (2) would be great for his radio show. Example, Bill Clinton balanced the budget, which should have called for dancing in the street. Rush radio called Clinton a thief for trying to use a surplus to pay down the debt and save Social Security. Rush (and others) demanded that the Government pay back the excess and not repay one penny of the money it looted from Social Security over the years. The day Bush took office, the surplus became history. Rush doesn't really have 'issues', he just picked a side and sells unmitigated hate, and so for Rush, Hillary in the white house would be a great windfall.

[Carl]

It is this kind of liars that has kept Cult Lord Obama from being blown out by Hillary. In the same article, GOP voted for Obama by 53%:47%, yet the author argued that it was GOP that handed the victory to Hillary? You are not smarter than a first-grader!!!!
Why would GOP voted for Lord Obama in the same percentage as in WI?They've been better informed by hearing about NAFTA-gate, by watching 2 debates, yet the author pretends to not know Obama's lame excuse to refuse to debate invitation from local congressmen. Lord Obama needs the voters to be ignorant.
I guess this author should mention the late deciders in Texas voted for Hillary by 71%:28% as the evidence that these people have hijacked the primary. I guess this author is smart enough to realize this 71%:28% actually showed how disguisted people were towards Cult Lord Obama after knowing he was nothing but a cheap talking politician worse than what he promised to change.

[blue2008]

Wow, the post on the message boards certainly have changed since Texas and Ohio. Seems that the Obama supporters are in a bit of a panic since their golden boy stumbled. Now that Obama is the frontrunner will see how he and his surrogates handle it. Not to well so far. Also of note, is the level of hate and venom spewed by the Obama supporters on these boards. I have to wonder what the world will look like under a man who has the power to inspires such hate.

[BeeScott]

I dont really think it matter one way or the other. any of the presidential hopefuls are better than bush. Hopefully the ticket will read Obama-Clinton or Clinton-Obama. Otherwise I think the party will be too divided to beat McCain.

[Jason]

Why do people want it both ways? We get a watered down liberal GOP nominee from crossover voters. Then when GOP voters realize that due to American's intense fear of failure, and inability to commit to doing what's right because it's tough, that the democrats will likely win the next election. They decide to pick the lesser of 2 evils and push for a more moderate Democrat, people scream foul.
Obama is incredibly charismatic and likable, but only one thing crosses my mind when I see him. 3 million Cambodians lost their lives the last time America cut and run. How many Iraqis will die this time.

[Dayahka]

Nice, but no cigar. Hillary doesn't have a snowflake's chance in that hot place of being the nominee.

[fjfjdvdv]

What nobody mentions is the 7% of Texas voters -- mostly Clinton backers -- who openly stated that race was the most important factor in their decision. Extrapolating from exit polls, the racist vote gave Hillary Clinton a net gain of 15,374 votes.

And 8% of Texas voters -- mostly Clinton backers -- openly admitted that gender was the most important factor in their decision. Extrapolating from exit polls, the sexist vote gave Hillary Clinton a net gain of 35,609 votes.

Both Clinton and Obama had racists and sexists voting for them, mind you -- the numbers above are Clinton's NET gain, after factoring out the minority of racists and sexists who voted for Obama.

Consider, too, that these were just those people comfortable enough with racism/sexism to openly admit to an exit poller that their vote was primarily due to race and gender.

The degree to which Senator Clinton's campaign profits from racism and sexism (universally decried as great evils) would make for an interesting news article.

[Ted]

Barack Obama has the strength and moral fortitude to grow with America into a new era. Clinton has nothing but the same old tired politics we have lived with for far too long. She is the Rovian antithesis - opposite in parallel...the yin to the yang of the dark machine. I will vote against the democratic party for the first time in 20 years if she steals the nomination. I have voted for her family 3 times and finally saw the light when she chose the 'politically expedient' choice of voting us into Iraq. I've simply had enough. - Enough. These people have no shame they will steal, cheat any thing to get elected you are not going to fool us three times.

[J]

A vote for Hillary is a vote waisted.

[AlphaOverdawg]

How many dumbasses can dance on the head of a pin? The Republican crossover vote in Texas went to Obama, despite (or because of--this concept is probably too subtle for media pundits and assrted pinhead commenters) Limbaugh, et al. AND do we know the absolute numbers of Republican crossovers and faux "independents" who voted in the CAUCUSES?? The caucuses in Texas were an UNdemocratic means to give TWO votes to those who attended. This is but the logical extension of the undemocratic eclipse of the fundamental democratic principles of one-person-one-vote and DIRECT election of the nominee, as embodied in the asinine delegate, superdelegate primary/caucus set-up itself. Is it possible for the so-called "electorate" (lol) to rouse itself from its stuporous sleep and press for REAL political reform, i.e. the elimination of the anti-democratic delegate/superdelegate process, and the implementation of a Federal standard based on direct one-person-one-vote in Party primaries (no caucuses) in FEDERAL elections, such as those for Presidential nominees?? Until the answer is a sweeping and resounding "YES", there never can be real CHANGE, and "bidness" and politics as usual will continue unabated forevermore. This is AlphaOverdawg and I approve this message, AND waive plagiarism claims against anyone in media or otherwise smart enough to take up and perpetuate this idea.

[Clevergirl]

Poor Republicans-- their hopes will soon be dashed when they find out that:

1. They have agreed to be together on the ticket. No more attacks on each other.
2. They will start to appear together in combined "Rallies to Destroy the Republican Party Forever" in each state contest starting Pennsylvania and will take part in town hall meetings as well. MI and FL will be revoted since these states will be great to tear down the Republican Party.
3. Their ability to attack McCain and tear his record and his personal attributes (such as the extra marital affairs, his anger management etc.) will be a key test along with their positions on Iraq, Healthcare etc. Obama has to show his attack skills. He also has to show his mastery of issues.
4. If one candidate has both the delegate count and popular vote he/she will be the top of the ticket but if it is a split, then the superdelegates will vote in a secret election.
5. Both Obama and Clinton have agreed to certain aspects of their policies to be included in the platform irrespective who is on top.
6. Obama will get his wish -- should Hillary go on top she will get out after 4 years--since he is agreeing to this when he is well on top with delegate count.

[Arjuna9]

Come on! We're talking about Rush Limbaugh! There is only one reason he encouraged Republicans to vote for Hillary, and that is because the Republicans know that it would be easier to beat her in November, because more than half of America already hates her! That's typical right wing slimy politics, by the way.

[ARTIE BURRIS]

DO AS YOU WANT AND NOT AS YOU ARE TOLD BY A FOOL, VOTE AND KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. GOD BLESS AMERICAN AND SHE NEED IT NOW... ARTIE

[Eddie Nunez-Navarro]

John McCain gets rattled by a news reporter asking a simple political question .
We all know the stories of temper taltrums and furniture breaking in the middle of a meetting after she gets mad..
Do I really want either to answer the telephone in the middle of the nght? NOT.
Calm collective and w/ good judgement: that is my candidate for President.
Obama / Powell 2008

[ishmaeldaro]

This article brings up a very interesting theory. Very interesting indeed.

[HH]

I share the same view DNC!
I suppose the Texas system of Primary and Caucus seem to have worked at the end. Limbaugh effect Republicans did not stay in Caucus. There, the true voices were reflected. I am a Republican, but I would vote for Obama, or McCain, if he is against Hillary.

[Ignatius Anyanwu]

"electxyz"

You are a moron and an imbecile, for thinking that Sen. Obama should be a running mate on a ticket with Hillary Clinton as the candidate, inspite of Sen. Obama's lead in states won, popular vote and delegates, against Hillary Clinton. How dare you to even suggest such a foolish thing?

I do not want to even delve into some stupid insinuations you made in your stupid opinion article, because they lack forethought and devoid of intelligence.

I am an Obama ardent supporter, and may VERY well not vote for him, if he even considers having Hillary Clinton as his runningmate, let alone, if he is the runningmate.

Idiots like you not even, know how how monstrous, I thinking, Hillary Clinton's approach to politics is. she wants to win at all cost, even, if it means, eliminating her opponents, rivals and critiques. One day, America may find out, just how dangerous this woman, Hillary Clinton is. I hope, we do not make the mistake of having her and her sexual perverted husband, Bill Clinton is.

[Valjean]

The Dems have many leaders who could unite the party in the general election. If they're serious about winning the White House they'll select one at their convention stalemated by two bloodied, tired and easy targets for the GOP. I would be courting Powell...but others could do well also. O & C have done a better job on each other than the GOP ever could in highlighting their weaknesses and pushing that into the minds of the voters, including many, possibly a result changing many, Democrat voters who say they will never vote for which ever if they are the nominee. Even a drafter Gore would do better and it's time for those things to be considered.

[Ronald Loui]

Just doing the math, which you could have done, too, if the 9% Republican-as-Democrat vote had gone 75-25 pro-O as in other states, we would have had 51% Obama, 46% Clinton for the popular vote. No matter, the Texas caucus results will make liars out of all who claim a "win for Hillary" in Texas.

I just did my first electoral analysis (I got super-Tuesday 99% right -- sorry, but you know math and data analysis were very good school subjects for me):

Obama beats McCain, 293-235. I give Obama the following swing states: CO, IA, MI, MN, MO, NH, OR, PA, VA, WV, and WI.

McCain beats Clinton, 265-258. I give Clinton the following swing states: AR, MI, NV, NM, OH, OR, PA.

The primary decisions here were: how many people Hate Hillary, how many old people will choose McCain over Hillary, and how many independents McCain takes from Obama, or choose McCain over Hillary. I'll admit that this analysis is not robust. For Hillary supporters, take pleasure in knowing that Hillary will win D-NY with a larger margin than Obama, but that is about the only upside of a Hillary Clinton ticket.

[Jamie]

Caucuses shouldn't even count. They are most undemocratic form of voting. My grandmother that lives in Washington wanted to go but she can't stay out of the house for more than an hour. The caucus is undemocratic and must be thrown out immediately.

That is why Obama wins with his dirty Chicago political machine working for him. They are nasty and dirty politicians.

[Dennis Benson]

It would seem that Clinton's strategy of "I'm the blue that can stand up and fight the reds better" is more of the same and certainly does not define change. Many see that America must unite to meet the challenges of a global economy.

[Leslie]

My ultra conservative office mate came in my office in Austin, Texas on primary day and proudly announced with a chuckle that he had voted in the Democratic primary for Hillary Clinton. The candidate he really wanted was Romney, but since Romney was out, he took Limbaugh's advice and voted for Clinton.

My mother also worked the polls that day and she said that many Republicans voted in the Democratic primary for Hillary, and joked about it as they did it (i.e. they will not vote Democratic in November). I do believe that it was Republican hijinks that put Clinton over in Texas. At our caucus, we had almost twice as many Obama supporters as Clinton. My office mate did not have the guts (nor did he want to commit the time) to show up at the Democratic caucus. Texas's open primary allows for this kind of trouble making.

[Phil]

My respect for the USA adminstration and its political system is dropping daily.

This week massive numbes of republicans voted for a woman that is accused of very serious felonies and who appears to have given the order for the Waco massacre in Texas. Many apparently did it to simply give McCain a better chance than he would have over Obama.

This week a Texan President vetoed a bill of the congress that outlawed torture when other civilised countries are simply appalled by US conduct.

Vermont at least had to decency this week to issue orders for the arrest of both Bush and Cheney. What exactly does it take to get a war criminals charged in the US.

[Marks]

This is funny!

Hillary Clinton's "red phone" commercial helped propel her to big win but one of the stars of the commercial is actually a huge Barack Obama supporter.

The first child featured in the ad -- which asks people who they want to answer the phone in the White House at 3:00 AM -- is actually Casey Knowles, an Obama volunteer in the state of Washington. The footage was shot eight years ago when she worked as a TV extra.

Getty Images owns the footage and can do with it as it pleases.

Knowles, who turns 18 in April, told KING 5 in Seattle that she is for Barack all the way: "It's really sort of ironic that my image would be used to advocate for Hillary when I myself do not."

[4HILLARY]

THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN DOING THIS ALL ALONG, ESPECIALLY IN IOWA. THEY HAVE BEEN VOTING FOR OBAMA TRYING TO KNOCK HILLARY OUT OF THE RACE. THEN THEY STARTED GETTING SCARED THINKING THEY WERE PUTTING OBAMA IN THE WHITE HOUSE. RULES NEED TO BE CHANGED. REPUBLICANS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE. LISTEN UP DNC!!! ALSO, THESE RIDICULOUS CAUCUSES HAVE TO BE THROWN OUT. THEY DISENFRANCHISE VOTERS, ESPECIALLY SENIORS WHO CANNOT SPEND 3,4,5 HOURS AT CAUCUS SITES. IT DEPRIVES WORKERS FROM VOTING WHO CANNOT SPEND THAT AMOUNT OF TIME AWAY FROM THEIR JOBS. DNC, ARE YOU LISTENING?? WE NEED SOME LEADERSHIP HERE! AND, COUNT FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN VOTES!!!

[NURSERATCHET]

RICHIE SHERIDAN-March 8,2008 - 1:41pm post- I HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD ATTORNEY. YOUR REMARKS ARE LIBELOUS AND SLANDER! I HOPE YOU ARE PROSECUTED.

[Carl]

fjfjdvdv,
Please give your source of this "7%..." thing. Black voters have been voted for Obama by 85%, and a bunch of black Superdelegates defected from Hillary to Obama with all kinds of lame excuse covering the only reason: race. Even Obama camp is trying to play down the news of another BLACK SD defected to them. And you are calling Hillary playing racism card? Amazing.

(What are you talking about? There's nothing in here about blacks or 7%.)

[mikeymike]

Love the way Hillary's calling attention to Obama's deficiencies in foreign policy and national security, and at the same time keeping complete and absolute scumbags like Sandy Berger around...in case they need to destroy any documents concerning mistakes in national security.

Isn't there any way to blame Berger's transgressions on the Republicans??

[bornagaindem]

Sorry kiddos but in my highly republican precinct (in the Park Cities in dallas) the cross over voters were all voting for Obama muttering about beating that woman now before she gets on the ballot in November. It is a risky strategy coming over and voting against someone because you don't know is the other guy voting for her because they can beat her more easily than Obama or against her because it is easier to eliminate her now.

It is true Obama can dominate in a caucus but that is because he paid college students to come out and gather his supporters. Is there anything wrong with that. Maybe not but it certainly isn't completely ethical. I know lots of Hillary supporters who had to get home and put their kids to bed and who are otherwise good caring voting citizens and couldn't spend hours at a caucus so caucuses are inherently unfair.

Take a look at the turnout in the Park Cites some time. For general elections it s always >70% and in a presidential year >90%. These people vote and just try and convince those poor dumb democrats that their votes don't count.

And keep in mind Wyoming may have had record turnout but of the ~59,000 registered democrats only about 8000 voted at all. And if Obama is relying on those red states to win win in November (even Texas ain't going democratic in the presidential race) we can as someone said say hello to president McCain.

You Obama-ites are delusional just as he once said. I am a life long democrat but if Obama doesn't stop characterizing Hillary as somehow dishonest and start making the overtures to make it a joint ticket, as it must be, he will lose a substantial part of the women's vote and that will be a lot more devastating than losing anyone else's. In fact if Obama ekes out the nomination without a joint ticket I will predict he will lose in November and will do so because he will lose California. You heard it here first.

[Gail Carroll]

No one sees the real Hillary except once in awhile we se a smirk or she turns red with anger. She will do ANYTHING to be President and how many favors will she owe to special interests to get there? She would be the US worst nightmare . And who wants Bill Clinton back in the whitehouse with "nothing " to do!

Republicans should not cross over hoping that McCain will have a better chance. Let's not take any chances.
Vote Obama or McCain

If the fraud case against the Clinton's in CA is real let's get this out!

[KLOUTH]

RE CROSSOVER VOTERS--CLEARLY REPUBLICAN CROSSOVER VOTERS WOULD RATHER SUPPORT HILLARY THAN OBAMA.

ANALYSIS by GARY LANGER ABC NEWS POLL:
March 5, 2008

"Obama's advantage over McCain is the bigger one in this ABC News/Washington Post poll, a 12-point lead compared to Clinton's 6-point edge. McCain's endorsement by George W. Bush may not help: The president's back at his career low approval rating, matching Harry Truman in long-term unpopularity."

"SurveyUSA interviewed 600 registered voters in each of the 50 states. A total of 30,000 interviews were completed. If John McCain faces Barack Obama, Obama wins 280 to 256. McCain carries 26 states. Obama carries 24 states plus the District of Columbia … and then there is Nebraska, which divides its electoral votes based on which candidate wins each of the state’s congressional districts. McCain wins Nebraska 45% to 42%, but loses in two of the state’s three congressional districts, which results in Barack Obama taking two of Nebraska’s five electoral votes."

SurveyUSA interviewed 600 registered voters in each of the 50 states. A total of 30,000 interviews were completed. If John McCain faces Hillary Clinton, Clinton wins 276 to 262. Clinton carries 20 states. McCain carries 30 states.

[Washington Post ABC News Poll]
"In that same poll , McCain loses to both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in hypothetical tests of the general election. Among all adults, the poll showed Obama at 52 percent and McCain at 40 percent. Against Clinton, it was McCain 44 percent, Clinton 50 percent."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_030308.html?sid=ST2008030502748

RE THE PROSPECT OF A "DREAM" TICKET: Obama would be an asset to Clinton, but why on earth would Obama saddle himself with Hillary Clinton.People hate her, especially after having seen her true colors recently in her smears and lies about Obama. Having Hillary Rodham Clinton in the White House would almost be like having Bush/Cheney back in the White House. She is secretive and corrupt. Her ambition overpowers good judgment. Sheis backed by the most powerful Israeli lobby there is: AIPAC. Therefore she is committed to a ZIonist policy in the middle east which will always prevent a peaceful resolution to their conflict. She has taken funding from lobbyists, unlike Obama, and is beholden to big corporations in the oil and insurance industries. She has been wrong since day one on Iraq. Why would anyone who is a true Democrat vote for this woman or want her on the ticket with Barack Obama? Honestly, I think it is more likely she will end up as McCain's running mate.

[cafenitro]

Unfortunately McCain and Obama don't know a damn thing about the economy and Hillary does. I'm not a fan but I want a president who knows what he/she is doing.

[Valjean]

A stalemated Dem convention will unite behind an alternate candidate. It's happened before. Who do you think it will be? There are many to choose from and many of those are far more qualified than either C or O. Every one is forgetting all those early primary and caucus goers who voted against both O and C. Their voices could come into play once more. I wonder what their total votes are.

[jeanette]

Tyron Waters stated he liked the caucus format because it draws more educated and therefore, a more influential voter.I can not believe the angry, bitter, hateful comments, that have been written by some of the preceding people. By the comments Tyron made, he shows how arrogant and insecure he really is. The rest of the haters show how ignorant they are. If this is the type of people Obama attracts,I hope to h--- he is not elected.If he surrounds himself with these kind of people, God help us. Our country deserves better than this. I pity you people.Your anger is misplaced. You need to get help with you anger issues. Do it for yourself,and the people around you.Anger is ugly and it is showing.

[Dan]

The destructive side of anger

Happiness is healthy, wholesome and sane. It is nourishment for the starving who have been living in the shadow of fear
since the day 9/11 became a weapon of terror wielded by our own government to bludgeon the people into surrendering
their God given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Anger is inconsistent with the wave of hope and happiness that we have been enjoying with Obama. We are in a divine circle of positiveness where hope leads to action and action leads to hope. When Hillary found out that anger could take the wind out of the sails of hope she then launched on a studied course of action so patently unfair and outrageous that the Obama campaign would be crippled by its own anger and rage. This ploy is already working in a monstrous way. Plus, one of the early exit polls showed that Hillary got 98% of the votes when voters perceived that she had been unjustly attacked versus about 60% of such votes when Obama is perceived to be unjustly attacked. Playing the victim is paying off for Hillary, so she attacks Obama at every turn hoping that he will respond so she can again play the victim.

Anger can derail the train of hope lets not do that.

Dan

[jeanette]

Just possibly the people being polled at the exit poll sites. were not just giving an opinion.but just maybe ,they read and listen too the news ,and possibly they,were actually educated. The point I was trying to make in my previous letter was. There seems too be many, many angry Obama supporters out there.I Believe it was on CNN that, their study showed, there were many more negative articles about Clinton, than there were about Obama.I listen and pay attention too both candidadates. Obama does not have clean hands. There is mud going in both directions. Put the responsibility where it belongs. Read previous articles, other than this one and maybe ,you will see, how some of these Obama supporters appear to be very, very angry. They should be very happy for their candidate and go out and do something positive for his campaign.It doesn't help by calling Clinton hateful and vulger names. It also doesn't help your candidate ,when a person starts crying," she doesn't play fair."This is politics my friend. Put the anger and crying too good use and do something positive. Get out of the sand box and change the attitudes. You will all be much happier.