Barack Obama, stumping in S.D., casts Hillary Clinton as a team player

Barack Obama not only spent today far, far away from the trench warfare being waged in Washington over whether -- and in what proportion -- to seat the Florida and Michigan delegations at the Democratic National Convention later this year, he was doing his best to stay above the fray.

The Times' Michael Finnegan reports that as Obama campaigned in South Dakota in advance of the state's Tuesday primary, he had nothing but kind words for Hillary Clinton, praising her for running a "magnificent race" in their marathon battle for the Democratic presidential nod.

"I know that some Democrats are worried that, well, this campaign went on a long time, and maybe you can't bring the party together; the Clinton supporters and the Obama supporters, they're going after each other," Obama told a few thousand people gathered at a rodeo fairgrounds in Rapid City.

"Let me tell you something. First of all, we're going to come together, because Sen. Clinton is an outstanding public servant. She has run a magnificent race. And she is going to be working on behalf of the Democratic Party, as I will be."

Spoken like the presumptive nominee that he and his camp are anticipating he soon will be -- a designation that Clinton and her forces continue to do their best to forestall.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[SERVING NOTICE]

I am holding the superdelegates personally accountable, I know who you are, I don't care if you are "Democrats", you will be blogged, petitioned, exposed and written up. Do not go against the popular will of voting citizens. The superdelegates are the "Washington Insiders" that Obama claims to be independent of. Those inside guys at the top (including Barry O'bomber) did conspire to misrepresent and silence millions of voters in Florida, Michigan and caucus states. The good citizens who were elected to represent American citizens have instead betrayed the fundamental cornerstones of representative government. They are traitors and will be dealt with accordingly, the pen is mightier than the sword, the First Amendment is a stickler.

[ric]

That's why he's a winner

[shirlin]

Where are the Party elders and leaders? Where is Gore? Where is Dean? Why are the permitting the crazy deluded power-mad Clinton dynastic couple to destroy the party and the republic? There will be a revolution of party loyalists like me should Hillary succeed in stealing the nomination. Obama won the primary race fair and square. He is the superior candidate, the candidate who has won by ALL metrics. What about fairness do the Clintons not understand? What about justice does Hillary not know? We are disgusted with this scene of dynastic lunacy and with our party's enabling of the Clintons' continued power grab.

[Matericia]

Hillary Clinton has run a magnificent campaign. She magnified her foriegn policy experiences in Bosnia and Ireland. She magnified racial tensions and gender differences to her strategic favor.

She is magnificent and Obama is wise to soothe her ego.

[paddy Lee]

Hillary's brother is showing the stuff his family is made off. Apparently alll those who have been voting for his sister and brother in-law are fools. It is Hillary or the high saes!
Never have I seen such a bunch of spoilers! America has been defended by all and is free for all citizens so show maturity MAN

[Pedeen]

Go Go Barrack! every obstacle on the way you shall overcome!

[John]

I'm an independant who supports Sen. Obama. I thank Gov. Dean for championing the 50 state strategy. Yet, the demo rules (super delegates, Florida's and Michgan's malfeasance - give me a break), absence of demo leadership, sorry record of the recent demo majorities in congress - give great pause as to whether the demos (aside from Obama) can govern. We know Clinton can't. Her campaign is $31million in debt. Her campaign is daily drama. She's proven she's incapable of leading more than a senate staff.

[Luvjones]

I think it is time that the Democratic party come together and make a strong attempt and to win the White House back for the people. This is a democracy and let's face it, the majority wins. Barrack Obama will have the most delegates and therefore be the nominee. Nothing is going to change that. Hillary Clinton needs to show character and strength and step aside as she sees fit (which hopefully be sometimes next week). However, if she continues to create strife and not unity and delays this process and Obama loses in November. I guarantee you she will NEVER get the nomination. So, let's let reality set, take some Zoloft (cause she's gonna be very depressed and upset) and defeat McCain in the fall.

[Ian Plase]

Hillary, has for all purposes, ran a nasty & mean campaign. Its been done under the name of being " tough ", but it really has more to do with the lack of ideas her campaign has. Not often in this country do you witness a " high end " person being out done, by a " regular guy ". What she has shown us all is that if given the chance to lead, she would do no better than her " big daddy " husband who compromised his presidency away. Don't fear though, cause at least the best candidate will have a chance to improve things, & that's what this country needs so badly.

[Kentucky Thom]

I am a 56 year old WM who probably knows more about domestic and international affairs than 99% of Clinton supporters. I have listened to every politician since Eisenhower and I am here to tell you that Senator Obama is the last hope for this selfish, spoiled country. As the author of one of the above blogs states; Where are the Democratic leaders right now? They are allowing a bunch of feminists and sore losers to argue that Senator Clinton should receive the delegates from Michigan! All of the candidates agreed not to campaign there, all of the other Democratic candidates did not even put their names on the ballot. Any of you so called enlightened voters that would support this lying, deceitful individual and her husband must have lost your mind. This woman and her husband are power hungry liars not to mention up to their necks in skeletons from their last time in the White House. They are both very lucky their both not in the "BIG HOUSE" for violating campaign finance laws, perjury and multiple counts of murder.

[anubis2night]

SERVING NOTICE, I understand your upset, but really Florida and Michigan had a chance to do the right thing and follow the laws. Sadly they did not. They are lucky to have gotten the votes they did receive. As a american I think I speak for the rest of America when I ask FL to get with the program already and stop being a pain in the ass when it comes to voting. I'm more than a little pissed to see that these states might have even had a chance in who was elected for the democratic leader. Neither of these states followed the laws why reward them? And really your going to defend Hillary? She campaigned right outside of Fl in georgia before the primary as well as telephone calls to supports in FL. She came as close to stepping over that line as she could including leaving her name on the michigan ballot. Maybe you like to reward cheaters, but given the language of your post you seem to think that Obama is a cheat, when clearly these article show him taking the high road time and time again. But hey whatever floats your boat...

[Endolyn]

I have to say that I cannnot believe that Hillary Clinton and her supporters are arguing that all votes should count in Florida & Michigan and they are actually being given airtime by some stations including fox news. Even my 10 year old daughter understands that that would not be fair. If this is HRC's idea of fairness and justice, I shudder to think what decisions she would make as a President where she has to show qualities of fairness and justice. I dont think she has any.

[robinia]

Well, with the "half-vote" decision by the Democrats in reinstating the delegates of Florida and Michigan, what's Hillary going to do now?

She must be absolutely devasted! That ol' saying "the bigger they are, the harder they fall" does not just emphasize one's size, but also one's "EGO".

As Hillary will never never rise again, and the former first lady probably going through the most depressing and embarassing time in her life, someone please open up the champagne bottle and let us all sing "ding-dong the witch is dead!"!

HIllary, take Toto (your husband) and go back to Kansas. You've overstayed your welcome in the land of Oz. (Obama'z house)

Now, call up your husband and compare notes of how it feels to be HUMILIATED!

America and your party apparently don't like you enough to be Prez...dig? Say hello to Auntie Em.

Obama will re-arrange the White House office for you. He'll get rid of the oval desk first. He will do so, as an act of diplomacy.

Hillary, they may need someone to dust the office and clean the toilets. You might want to think about it during your spare time.

Tootles!

[robinia]

Again ladies, we WILL have a woman president someday. Fortunately for us, our children and grandchildren, it will NOT be Hillary Clinton!

[Clyde]

Kentucky Thom: I am 70 yrs. old and therefore know a hell of a lot more than you about politics (makes sense just like Obama makes sense!). What took this guy Obama 20 yrs. to realize his church was not worthy of his membership? If it took 20 yrs., how in the world would he make critical decisions in a hurry as head of our country? He's not worthy of any public office, much less our leader. He has in a way been endorsed by Hamas, Fidel Castro, Nation of Islam, etc. Boy, that makes me want to vote for him!! The only great talent he has is he is a good speaker. So were lots of men who made terrible, terrible leaders of nations. He's got you fooled.

[BJ]

It's easy to be magnanimous when your bounty is full!

[Mary]

Hillary wanted every vote to count. But they wanted all the delegates in Michigan with zero going to Barack Obama.
But really ,she wanted all the votes to count.????

[mary]

Clyde Hello Clyde, put your glass's on and read something other than your emails. Here is a news flash,

"Emails are not really considered a worthy news source old man. Get you facts straight before you offer up your years as evidence that you may know something the rest of us do not. Night night Clyde

[ruth]

As a lifelong Democrat and Hillary supporter, I will not be voting for Obama in Nov. if he is the party's candidate (as I'm sure he will be). I won't be voting for him NOT because I'm upset about the way Sen. Clinton has been treated or because I don't care about this country or because I'm a sore loser. Even if Sen. Clinton hadn't been running in the primary, I wouldn't vote for Obama. Anyone who actually has looked into his history knows that he is the consummate politician, the total hypocritical package, the man who will--and has--done anything to win . . . and then calmly and in righteous tones, tells the voters that we all need to come together and unify. Of course, you must unify behind him and agree with him and choose him as your leader because if you dissent or disagree, you're being "divisive" (one of his favorite words). And all these liberals fall for this crap. What happened to dissent? What happened to democracy? What happened to being able to disagree and still work together? Obama can't seem to work with anyone who disagrees with him; it's his way or no way. Sorry, but even McCain has been able to work with those he disagrees with. That's democracy. And as far as loving this country--McCain has done for this country before doing for himself; Obama has done what promotes his interests.

[John Quimby]

Hillary Supporters:

Welcome to the post feminist Party. Sometimes your "man" loses. Then you have to decide where your interests lie.

This isn't Hillary's party - it's OUR party. Come on and join up. Let's get a DEMOCRAT elected.

[JP]

Clyde, you may be 70 years old, but age doesn't always offer wisdom. For a political guru, you are posting shaky information. "He has in a way been endorsed by Hamas, Fidel Castro, Nation of Islam" - fail. Castro just scalded Obama, and there are no "in a way" endorsements from the others. On the other subject, church, common sense tells us that church members don't always agree with the messages or statements from the church, thankfully. The difference between politicians and the rest of us is that they are under a microscope for everything - including their belief system. I suppose that McCain hasn't had "preacher" problems lately, either? On another subject, both demo candidates would be much better than the rapublican trend of late. Hillary and Obama are BOTH fighters. The nature of this season's nomination contest proves that democrats are very charged, and with either candidate, this country is ready for drastic change, both politically and socially. Clyde, you sound like you are stuck inside the box, either refraining from or abandoning your freedom to gather real facts from different sources to build an opinion with substance. As far as the voting dispute, Florida should have recieved full restoration when accounting for the details, and Michigan shouldn't have counted at all. Michigan voluntarily screwed this vote in protest of state contest order, and all demo candidates agreed not to count it, that is, until Hillary realized she could use it to her advantage.

[Kim 4 America]

Many Americans are thankful to the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee for extinguishing the burning embers left by Hillary Clinton. Hillary’s participation could have been a great event, but her lust for power and the presidency has resulted in her perpetuation of within-party strife and hate. I for one will be happy when Hillary is dismissed and goes back to the senate. Hopefully, when a new woman emerges as a presidential candidate, she will possess the necessary competencies to win based on merit not entitlement.

[Mark Bohannon]

Now it's time for the superdelegates to choose their candidate and end this nightmare once and for all!

[Bob]

Will Hillary appeal the decision and extend the Drama all the way to Denver?

Part of me wants her to continue making a fool of herself; the other part wants her to just go away!

Hillary, the Queen of Spin and a Legend in Her Own Mind!

http://klintons.com

[cyberbian]

Yeah, just dump all those dumb old rules for Hil Hil!

Who needs order?
Who needs organization?
Hil Hil will do what is best for Hil Hil, and what is best for Hil Hil is best for us! She thrives in anarchy and chaos, she is a real fighter who will never give up dismissing anything which stands in the way of her personal benefit, and what is good for Hil Hil is good for Democracy! Give all the votes to Hil Hil! She is entitled to them. How can her daughter follow in her footsteps, if she does not become President. Are we never to have a true American Royal Family? Aside from the Bushes, I mean.

[SD]

I was a Hillary supporter in April, but not anymore. Insisting that Obama get no delegates from Michigan reveals what she is: a vile, ambitious person, who can twist the truth to win. I'm voting Obama now.

For those Hillary supporters going for McBush: Just use your brains. Personal feuds aside, Hillary and Obama have very similar policies. Let us keep the Democratic party united. Vote for the Democratic nominee, no matter who she or he is!

[JK, billings, MONTANA]

OBAMA IS A WINNER.
CLINTON IS A WHINER
AND MCCAIN IS A WIENER

[texasdem]

I am truly sad for all of those that have written so eloquently of their hate for Hillary Clinton. I am sad because these poor fools do not realize that she still controls roughly 45% of the Democratic Electorate which is made up of voters like me. Like me, many Hillary supporters are also upset. We are upset by the media coronation of Barack Obama and will probably be upset if and when we enter the voting booth.

Obama supporters hear this. You cannot win without us. You cannot defeat McCain without our support. Republicans are republicans and like sheep they march in a row. We, the big bad Hillary Supporters, are not so easy to herd.

Hillary has to be the either our candidate for President or our Vice-Presidential Candidate. Nothing less will win because nothing else will satisify us.

How does it feel to know that you cannot win without your enemy.

The question is who is in power now?

[hmaster]

I am sure I am speaking for all the Obama supporters - Texasdem - we all love you and what (ever it is) you stand for?
The DNC was trying to give the nomination to Hillary when they only put Hillary's name on the Mich ballot - in a fair & democratic system, shouldn't all the candidates names be on the ballot so the voters can actually choose. What is truly amazing is that 45% actually showed up to vote against that lone candidate.

[Vote Hillary]

Re:texasdem..."Obama supporters hear this. You cannot win without us. You cannot defeat McCain without our support. Republicans are republicans and like sheep they march in a row. We, the big bad Hillary Supporters, are not so easy to herd.

Hillary has to be the either our candidate for President or our Vice-Presidential Candidate. Nothing less will win because nothing else will satisify us.

How does it feel to know that you cannot win without your enemy"....Exactly!!! Well said,unfortunatly i don't think Obama will ask Hillary to be on the ticket,why because he hasn't shown GOOD JUDGMENT so far i don't think he will now,but it won't take 20yrs to figure this was a bad judgment call on his part (Hillary as VP ) it'll only take untill November when Mcain is declared President of the United States,and i can not wait to cast my vote for Mcain!! Mcain all the way to the white House 08!!! The DnC will hear our voices in November and Mcain will win by " POPULAR VOTE" Remeber what that is? That's when voters actually matter,and the Republicans will be more than Happy to count EVERY SINGLE VOTE!!

[jp]

texasdem, I do not blame you for the attitude you are representing, after all, Hillary has tried to lead all of her supporters to protest and whine. And you hear this....Hillary can't win without our votes either. Unless she convinces everyone to protest and whine about the general election rules while claiming there is a conspiracy against her so her pawns disregard all logic, each side of the party needs the other.

[David]

While I am a Hillary admirer, I also know that she lost the election via poor long term planning post super-Tuesday (11 straight losses), severe credibility problems created by her behavior, etc. and not b/c she is a women or b/c the election was somehow stolen from her. It was about delegates, note votes-- that was made clear at the outset. In addition, the right to vote is reserved for the general election, not the primaries, this is why the lawsuits were tossed out by the courts. For all of our anger and finger-pointing, it is what it is.

[Vote Hillary]

Re:: hmaster "The DNC was trying to give the nomination to Hillary when they only put Hillary's name on the Mich ballot - in a fair & democratic system, shouldn't all the candidates names be on the ballot so the voters can actually choose"............................................................................................Are you seriously that clueless hmaster?? Obama pulled his name off the ballot he knew he would lose Michigan it was a political cover his a@# manuver..You claim the DnC was trying to be fair??? Oh Please Dean and Pelosi have been in love with Obama from the begining and have been manipulating the process from the start,so guess what Pelosi and Dean and others have just what they wanted unity we are now unified in being UNDEMOCRATIC!! And so ill show my unity by Casting my VOTE FOR Mcain 08......................Mcain All The Way 08!!!!!

[Vote Hillary]

Re:jp "each side of the party needs the other"............That's where you miss the point we don't need your side we need a qualified experianced leader who is not afraid to Denounce wrong hateful,racist,hateful divisive rhetoric! We need a leader terrorist aren't in love with,we need a leader who knows it takes MORE than pretty,long meaningless,unsubstantive speeches to lead and keep safe this country!!! We need a leader who thinks 20 yrs is a bit to long to sit and entertain anti american garbage thrown from a sacred place and suddenly leave for purely politicil posturing,we need a leader who's not about to deny a baby born alive the right to live wanted or not democrate or republican! Ever heard of adoption?? But since the DnC doesn't see it that way even though they know they will lose since they took it upon themselves to pick the nominee with full knowledge they had the best canadate right it front of them and chose to ignore the will of the people,we will pick the next best canadate to take that place Mcain All the way 08!!!

[OBAMAS WHITE HATE]

DNC STEALS DELEGATES FROM CLINTION AND GAVE THEM TO OBAMA!!!!

Obama proved Rev Wright was correct!!! When he said, he is a politician quitting the church for POLITICAL reasons only; he still believes what is spewed at that so-called White hate church of Christ!

WE DO NOT ACCEPT OBAMAS POLITICAL DAMAGE APOLOGY!!!

SHOCKING Obama words: what he really thinks of white folks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI77cU3jsFs

An Obama Presidency Will Set Race Relations Back Decades
Just this Sunday Father Michael Pfleger (a longtime friend and associate of Senator Obama) mocked Hillary Clinton & AGAIN ATTACKED WHTE PEOPLE at Obama's church OF 20 PLUS YEARS. "theres a whole lot of white people crying!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H11x6bMu4Y

http://www.dontvoteobama.net

[Elizabeth, Dallas]

Hillary supporters,
I understand your disappointment and resentment and am sure we'd feel similar if the tables were turned. Please take a step back to look objectively: Obama has attempted to soothe the rifts created by this race. He is in talks right now to pay off Hillary's $11 million dollar dept. Would I be so inclined? No. He is in talks right now to include her in his cabinet. His platform is nearly identical to Clinton's. Open up and take a breath before you denounce someone and regret it. Clinton has, unfortunately, encouraged divisiveness in order to try to win this nomination - it was her only opportunity for a last ditch effort. It's understandable, but unfortunate. Obama is more like your candidate than not.

[SophieL]

Every Obama supporter should be thanking Hillary right now. Had she not pushed for reinstatement of FL & MI, Democrats would be facing the General Election with out them. Not wise. At least now, they won't be pissed at the party in November.

[Willie in Kansas]

Florida and Michigan did it to themselves. The GOP in Florida put the voters in the situation they're in. Everyone knew that the primary schedule is carried out in a way that benefits the entire nation, not a couple of states. FL and MI are lucky the DNC decided to seat them and give them a voice. Next time, maybe they'll learn their lesson. Quit voting for the GOP and may be you will get out of the rot your economies are in. Hillary, wants all delegates, that is as honest as bullets over Bosnia, gas tax and flying rats. No matter who wins in November is, the winner will be the one who wins the electoral college. In 2000 it was GW, and you got what you deserved.

[patty in pittsburgh]

Nice speech, but Obama should have thought about unity when he smirked as his supporters booed Hillary during Edwards' endorsement.

For the first time in over 30 years, I'm seriously considering voting for the Republican presidential candidate. It's been a long, strange ride considering I started out as an Obama-supporter. I have never been so disappointed in a candidate. There is absolutely nothing there but empty rhetoric. He most definitely does not practice what he preaches--and, given the theology he's embraced for 20 years, he may not preach what he believes.

[Charles R Johnson]

The smart ones vote for Hillary.

[cathy]

This certainly speaks to the intergrity of Hillary. She signed the pledge that the Michigan and Florida votes will not count and now to she wants them to count so she can continue on this destructive path of the party. Can someone please tell her that cheaters are not winners.

[Russ S:]

These comments are amazing. It's obvious that all judgements of fairness and reasonableness flow from who you want for president.

For Clinton supporters to claim this ruling is unfiar is absurd. Regardless of what you think of the ruling, the states were not level playing fields. How can they deny this? There is no good solution, but this is not 'overthrowing the will of the voters'. For goodness sake, would it be fair to give Clinton 69 Michigan delegates and Obama zero? Maybe you think Clinton should be awarded all Florida delegates too.

I would vote for Clinton. She is the best democratic candidate in years. Obama is not so bad either.

Luckily, you will soon see both of them on the same side, campaiging to make a democrat win this November.

[Russ S]

It's interesting to read these 'I won't vote for Obama' comments from democrats.

They say a lot about human nature, about the way the human mind demonizises the opponent to your favorite candidate.

Take fo example, ruth | May 31, 2008 at 08:14 PM who writes 'Anyone who actually has looked into his history knows that he is the consummate politician, the total hypocritical package, the man who will--and has--done anything to win . . . and then calmly and in righteous tones, tells the voters that we all need to come together and unify.'

Ruth is obviously fairly intellegent. But her description of Obama is true of any politician, and false at the same time. Politicains are human beings and have complex motivations.

But Ruth sees in Obama only what she wans to see. Of course, she would never describe Clinton this way, but lots of Obama supporters do. It has nothing to do with the candidates themselves - McCain, Clinton, and Obama are basically honorable people. But Ruth's mind decided long ago that Obama was the enemy.

The funny thing is, since Obama and Clinton have almost identical platforms, there is no good reason to vote for one but not the other. Ok, I've heard all the arguments about how Obama is a scoundrel.

I just hope enough democrats haven't been tricked by their own head games that they will vote against their own interests and values.

[Shahram]

The only thing that senator Obama has offerd sofar is his church and his race and distancing himself.
The real change !
Gooo Obama, but keep the distance ! ! !

[Russ S]

Vote Hillary wrote: 'Hillary has to be the either our candidate for President or our Vice-Presidential Candidate. Nothing less will win because nothing else will satisify us. How does it feel to know that you cannot win without your enemy?'

Hillary is not the enemy. She is the opponent to my preferred candidate. Obama is not Clinton's enemy either. Both are the best candidates we've had for years.

This is a problem. How are we going to get these die-hard Clinton supporters to see who the real enemy is?

[tom]

It is amazing to me that some here will threaten to vote for the opposing party if their candidate is not the nominee. At best this shows politics based on personalities. It also shows how divisive politics is manifesting. This election is about the war in Iraq, the real possibility of Row v. Wade being reversed, the economy, health care and etc. The differences between the Democratic candidates on these issues are miniscule. On the other hand, there is great difference between the two parties.

If you find yourself entertaining voting for the opposing party because your candidate is not going to be on the ticket, please take time to look at what is really at issue and vote based on that. Your country will be much better served.

[Luis B]

Democrats vs. McCain

I'm an Obama supporter, however, as I have always said, if Clinton wins, I would OBVIOUSLY vote for her in the general elections.

The point here is that we need to win back the White House. The republicans have done a terrible job with our Country and they have used up their welcome (if you want to call it that). No more Bush-like years from McCain!

Think about it... they controlled both Congress and the White House for a few years and what they do for us??

Let's unite after this LONG battle and beat the heck out of the Republicans! It's going to be extremely hard either way for us to accomplish this since one will be the FIRST woman and the other would be the FIRST black president. They BOTH are great for America! They BOTH are better than McCain. McCain is OUT OF TOUCH... we need someone that is more grounded on the current issues that we are facing!

No more WAR, no more Oil Companies Subsidies, no more tax cuts for the Rich, no more dependencies on lobbyists, no more lying to America, no more bullying-tough-talking to our planet neighbors, no more negligence of US Economy/society/culture/life.

Let's give Democrats a chance now!

Go OBAMA! Go Go Go! I believe deeply in my heart that you can! And better yet, I believe in my heart that you will allow us neglected American Citizens an opportunity to contribute to the renaissance of the American Power/Influence worldwide and nationwide! We ARE the power force in this world! American citizens need to UNITE to beat CHINA and INDIA in their tremendous technological advancements! Yes WE CAN!!

Thank you for making me feel like this OBAMA! No other candidate has ever been close to trigger my inner confidence and strong beliefs like you have!!

[Judy]

Obama is a uniter, not a divider -- a trait that's very important for the leader of any country.

I admire the way he can put aside his differences with Hillary and try to bring the party and country together. I'm not sure I would have been able to do that if I had been treated as he has by the Clintons.

[Judy]

Interesting how the Clinton supporters are refusing to vote for Obama. It just shows what a charged race this has been.

I supported Obama, because I was one of those "anybody but Hillary" voters. I'd knew I'd never be able to vote for her after the disgrace the Clintons brought to the White House during Bill's presidency. As the race went on, I discovered myself actually rooting for Obama and becoming excited about his potential presidency. So, instead of a vote against Hillary, I found myself wanting to vote for Obama. It's a nice feeling actually wanting someone to win, but if Hillary were the nominee, I might just hold my nose and vote for her over McCain. I really don't want another 4 years of a Bush-like presidency.

[jp]

Russ S, this is a problem, and we can't fix it. Hillary is a fighter, and if she somehow does take the nomination, I will support her just as strongly as I have supported Obama. My problem with Clinton is not her platform, not her attitude of entitlement, but using her supporters in such a destructive way. She has created this environment, for the most part, to allow her to keep fighting against all odds. She has done alot of damage to this party, and convinced her supporters that this is all a huge conspiracy. Politics at its best. But if she loses the nomination, watch as she gets behind Obama. She will try to repair the seperation in the party, but at this point, will she be too late?

[Marcos El Malo]

I'm a Republican, and I will vote for Obama if I don't vote for Bob Barr. I don't hate Hillary or Bill (I think Bill was the best conservative the Dems ever elected). But I do think it's important to get the crooks out of the Whitehouse. McCain and Hillary have both made too many deals with the Devil to further their political ambitions. I am supremely disappointed in McCain, and even though I was a fervent supporter in 2000, I cannot support him in 2008. He has been blinded by ambition. The same would go for Hillary if I was a Democrat. She's sacrificed Democratic unity to her ambition and worse. She's been transparently dishonest, that is, transparent to anyone other than her fervent followers. I suspect that she'll run as a third party candidate, basically destroying the Democratic Party.

If we weren't in a five minutes to midnight situation, if the GOP hadn't raped the country for the last 8 years, if there was a good GOP candidate, I'd be laughing my ass off at the Democrats right now. But the future really does hang in the balance. I'm voting Obama, unless he takes my state with a hefty margin, in which case I'll vote for Barr.

[Sarah A]

As feminist with European roots, I am disappointed by white American feminists, who insist that Clinton is the only acceptable candidate for the Democratic party and disregard to (primary and caucus) results and will of the majority of voters that voted for her opponent. Despite Clinton’s failure to properly manage her campaign and funds, they still claim it is all due to sexism and mistreatment of Clinton by men and the media. Were Clinton a guy and Obama a white woman, the feminists now behind Clinton would cry foul for the other end of the pendulum.

These same feminists, who claim it is all because of sexism, conveniently ignore their own short coming in respect of racism, classism and a lot of other isms. We can not claim the aspect convenient to us and ignore the justice for all other segments in society. For them it seems that it was ok for Clinton to use any dirty tactic out of Karl Rove’s playbook, but damn those, who use them against her.

Core feminism is about including ALL. What I see missing among Clinton’s female followers, is the understanding of the feminine principal in a candidate. Edwards and Obama demonstrate an understanding of feminist qualities in way Clinton lacks. I want a president that embraces the symbolic principles of feminism and not just a president in a female body.

[We The People]

Texasdem, it is rather sad ,that even after all that has been happening, you think that you are the enemy. That being said, I will agree to disagree with the other parts of your post. Although it would be not only wise, but also helful ,if you ,and those who share the same views ,would vote for whoever the nominee. However, make no mistake about, it you can not, and will not, high jack OUR party because you did not get your way. Yes ,it would be helpful if you voted for Mr. Obama, but no, because as with American policy not to give in to those who threaten us, we will not give into you. I leave it to you.

[Misha]

To all you wondering why the dnc wants a resolution to this..and adhered to the clintons..is because the democratic party wants to make sure everybody is together..and when the nomination comes november against mccain..all voters from michigan and florida will vote again..for hilary or obama.. in this case..it will be obama..as the maths speaks for now. so michigan and fl is important and that is WHY the DNC RULES were broken.

[Paul G]

I am not sure why Obama supporters (I am one of them) are trying to convince Clinton supporters of why Obama i sbetter, and vice versa - at this point in time, there is so much emotional equity we have all invested in our candidates, that we cannot see information with an unbiased lense. I understand Senator Obama's faults...I also understand Senator Clinton's faults....i have not yet met a supporter of either candidate convince a supproter of an opposing candidate that their position is better.

I am an Obama supporter who would have voted for HIllary had she been the nominee...i know the HIllary supporters say...sure...easy for you to say now...I can't say or do anything to prove it at this point...I would even vote for HIllary if she somewhow managed to STEAL the election...do yoiu know why I would do that? Because we have been damned with a 2 party system...it's either democrats or republicans in office in 2008 - I want to vote against continuing a meaningless war in which the youth of this generation is killed by the same government who does not provide for them if they should be so lucky as to get home with all limbs intact. The 2008 president will likely be nomination 3 supreme court justices...almost unprecedented....can you imagine getting 3 more conservatives on the court??? Decisions like Roe vs. Wade and many more can get overturned....and this will last for a VERY long time....how can ANY woman vote for McCain knowing this? I understand feelings are hurt..nobody wants to see their candidate lose...but c'mon people....i beg you to step out of that role that you have been in for the last few months...look what is happening to our country...possible the greatest country to exist in the history of the world....if things do not change...I am afraid all of us will witness the end to one of the greatest democratic experiments to date....is any one person worth this? Think of your children, your brothers & sisters, nephews and nieces....you are affecting their lives every time you pull a level in the voting booth...make sure you don't screw em by voting to spite the media or Obama supportes...ITS THEIR LIVES AT STAKE!!!

[downtoeartholiech]

IF ONE CANNOT HONOR THE RULES THAT SHE INNITIALLY AGREED TO AND EVEN SIGNED. HOW CAN WE TRUST HER WITH ALL THE PROMISES THAT SHE HAS MADE VERBALLY AND NOT SIGNED. WILL HILLARY REALY HONOR HER WORDS? I HIGHLY DOUBT. IT IS BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE HER THAT WE HAVE THESE WORD WRITTEN ON OUR MONEY... " IN GOD WE TRUST, others must sign!"
SO HILL, YOU SIGNED AND THAT IS THE PROBLEM. YOU SHOULD HAVE NOT SIGNED THAT PAPER, NOW IT IS TOO LATE.

[Kendra]

Now it's time for the superdelegates to choose their candidate and end this nightmare once and for all!

Posted by: Mark Bohannon | May 31, 2008 at 09:47 PM

So you call that a democratic process , Super Delegates decide and select.
As for Michigan / Florida , this is not about the candidates , but the voters who want their votes counted.
The DNC should have allowed a proper recount , some people were prepared to pay for it.
Were they worried that it might go against their chosen candidate.
As of today , I will no longer support the Democratic Party.!!

[stbdtac]

These Hillary supporters with the demand of VP or we'll vote for McCain are a bunch of clowns. With party members like that who needs Republicans. Now the Hill supporters can cut off their ears to spite the Obama supporters, but not their noses because they are reserved for spiting their face.

[Leanne , Canada]

What a pathetic , mean spirited bunch of people you are.
Your country is at war , men and women have given and still are risking their lives and you have nothing else to do but spew hateful and distasteful drivel.
Whatever you agree or disagree with , you should never stoop so low.

[Peter Karoussos]

Barack Obama has to stay away from Hilary after his eventual victory over super-delegates in order to unify again Democratic Party. Hilary does not care about her Party and US but, as she shows egoism, cares only for her self and her ambitions.
Obama had suffered in life to achieve from a very young boy and this give him the credit to help American people. We are all immigrated here, and we all suffer to build this Nation and Mr. Obama is the only one understands the mass populations agony of surviving in life. Hilary has to go home and stay quite in order to let the good leader lead
Enough is enough she brought too much troubles and there is a time to stop her damages.
I do believe that Mr. Obama is for the goodness of Americans first and the rest of the world after, and he will bring prosperity to USA.