Victorious Clinton vows to fight until 'everyone' is heard

Tuesday night, Barack Obama conceded West Virginia to Hillary Clinton in a cellphone voicemail from the runway in Cape Girardeau, Mo., to the phone of the New York senator's assistant, after an appearance aimed at the general election against the Republican dude from Arizona.

A little PR payback perhaps for the private concessions Clinton has delivered after her previous defeats to Obama that deny the victor any TV footage of the loser talking defeat?

So this morning the Clinton-Obama wrestling match continues unabated and the New Yorker gave no sign in her public remarks of relenting in her campaign, although the delegate math seems so fully stacked against her.

"I am," Clinton told the crowd of West Virginia supporters, although she was really warning a couple hundred uncommitted Democratic superdelegates not to jump yet, "more determined than ever to carry on this campaign until everyone has had their voices heard."

Let's see, "everyone" means then at least all the way through June 3 and Montana where, coincidentally, another Clinton, named Bill, was speaking outdoors at the same moment as a mountain spring rain began to fall. So, no quitting after another Clinton win next week in Kentucky? Until all the ...

...voices are heard could also mean until all the currently discounted Florida and Michigan votes are counted too. Could that mean Denver in late August?

It was a big win for Clinton, who got about 67% of the vote. And a real thumping for Obama, who got only 26 points, fewer even than his crummy bowling score a while back in Pennsylvania. His camp saw the L coming, given his token campaign appearance there Monday. With most of the West Virginia results in, the Illinois senator had not won one single county in a state that, since 1916, Democratic presidential candidates must win in order to reach the White House.

Clinton was clearly delighted in her nationally televised remarks when she delivered an early and urgent plea for money. "Tonight," she said, "I need your help to continue this journey. We are in the homestretch -- only three weeks left. Your support can make the difference between winning and losing."

Standing alone on the stage with the full focus on her, Clinton wanted to project an image of strength and fuel the doubts in the superdelegates' minds about Obama's ability to win crucial states. The absence of Obama on camera provided no video contradiction that evening.

"This race isn't over yet," Clinton said, reading her prepared remarks that called her win "an overwhelming victory." "Neither of us have the total delegates needed to win."

"I am in this race because I believe I am the strongest candidate to lead our party in November 2008," she said, plowing through even prolonged applause. "And the strongest president to lead our nation in 2009. I deeply admire Sen. Obama. But I believe our case is stronger."

"The White House is won in the swing states," Clinton claimed. "And I am winning the swing states."

"You know," she said, "I'll never give up and I'll stand with you as long as you stand with me."

During her remarks Clinton pointed to one supporter in the crowd waving a sign, "Until the last dog dies."

A reference, no doubt, to the Michael Vick dog-fighting scandal.

Not.

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo: Hillary Clinton (Associated Press/Elise Amendola)

Comments

[MaryJosephine]

nice picture

[WA]

She's not in the race to hear what everyone has to say, for if she were she'd admit the voices of common sense and decency into her head that are telling her to drop out of the race since she has no real chance of winning, not only by virtue of the numbers, but also because of Obama's superdelegate inertia.

If she were in it to hear what everyone has to say, then a major thrust of her campaigning would be to register new voters. Is it?

If she were in it to hear what everyone has to say, then why would she pander to the fears and prejudices of low-income white Americans, call them the only hard-working Americans, and disregard those who have made their vote in favor of Obama already?

She cloaks her ego and greed in a veil of altruism. She takes good words and spoils them. I can't believe people are still buying this "everyone should be heard" crap. Everyone SHOULD be heard, but you don't care about everyone. You only want to win!

[ToySoldier]

Obama needs to ease Hillary's exit. A good way to do that is to not get in the way of her having a big win. This allows her to raise funds to help retire her $20,000,000 debt. If she gets in, her creditors (special interest & wealthy) will come calling.

Yes, it's a gamble on Obama's part, but he's so far ahead, the only way Clinton can win is to use her scorched earth tactic.

West Virginia is probably a state that enjoys the status quo of the political environment in Washington.
Not sure why some people don't think slander, pander, and lies are ok for a presidential candidate.

The Clintons have their sights set. They are a powerhouse in their own right. Any action, appointment, or position will be used by her to attain her true goal.

[JUST HARY]

I AM NOT AMERICAN AND THEREFORE REALLY HAVE NO RIGHT TO COMMENT ON AMERICAN DOMESTIC POLITICS. HOWEVER, AS AMERICA AND ITS LEADERS FROM EITHER END OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM PRESUMED TO LEAD THE WORLD IN POLITICAL AND SOCIAL IDEOLOGY, I BELIEVE MY THOUGHTS EXPRESSED HERE ARE PERTINENT.

HILARY ASPIRES TO BE PRESIDENT AND THEREFORE LEADER OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. RECENT RESULTS HAVE SHOWN THAT HER MAJORITY SUPPORT COMES FROM ELECTORATE WHO HAVE DEEP-SEATED RACIAL PREJUDICES AND SENTIMENTS.

I AM ONE OF THE BILLIONS OF NON-AMERICAN ASIANS, WITH KITH AND KIN WHO ARE MUSLIMS WHOSE VERY EXISTENCE ARE HATED (TO PUT IN MILDLY) BY THE PEOPLE ARE NOW OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTING HILARY. NOW, HOW DOES THAT MAKE ME FEEL? DON'T FORGET, SHE SUPPORTED THE INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF IRAQ! HOW MANY INNOCENT IRAQIS HAVE BEEN MADE ORPHANS AND WIDOWS?

[C. Price]

What a bunch of crock. Hillary is running on the idea that her 'internship' for the presidency was enough to make her ready, when in reality, all she's doing is breaking the party. If she somehow manages to win the nomination, there is almost no way she can beat McCain - she's alienated too many Obama supporters for them to want to support her.

Capt. C. Price, USAF

[Sam Ted]

I am an Obama supporter and respect Sen Clinton decision. I am just not happy and disappointed by Sen Clinoton when she tries to change rules.

1) she knew MI and FL won't count and changing position when everything is against her

2) Magin number was 2025 and Last night on the WV win speech changed it to 2209......

Come'on...

Let Sen Clinton continue to campaigh but don't try to change the rules that could disintegrate the democratic party.

Cheers,
Sam

[peggy magee]

STAY IN THE RACE. YOU DESERVE TO WIN THE NOMINATION. OBAMA IS NOT READY TO BE THE PRESIDENT. I DON'T LIKE THIS GUY AND I THINK HE IS VERY SCARY. BIG NEGATIVES WITH ME. THE SHOE IS GOING TO DROP AND HE WILL BE OUT.

[dave]

perhaps clinton was referring to the only worthy candidate for PRESIDENT: RON PAUL, when she announced to continue her campaign until everyone had been heard. to date, this has clearly not been the case, and there's massive evidence of systematically instrumentalized media to manipulate the elections. (e.g. youtube, 'media caught lying' - jerry day)

[Patrick Knif]

The pundits and nay sayers have been pronouncing her campaign dead almost since it began; but as Mark Twain might have put it,, "The reports of her [campaign‘s] death are greatly exaggerated.“ Here she is, still campaigning strongly and winning key states. Why? Along with being smart, tough, experienced and well prepared for the responsibilities of the oval office, Clinton has worked throughout her adult life to help the middle class and less privileged, and will continue so. She promises changes, and folks know her changes will be for the better.

Based on Obama’s achievements and experience to date, there’s little reason to believe he could or would be the leader we need. His scarcity of valid presidency qualifications--prepared plans/programs, experience, any bona fide accomplishments--along with his history, basic philosophy per his autobiography, his "selective" memory, and close ties to people like William Ayers, Louis Faraquan, el-slsl, Jeremiah Wright, and Tony Rezko cause deep concern about his qualifications, who he would choose as his advisers and cabinet, and where he would lead us.

As the campaigns progress and more of Obama's true character, history, etc., emerges, many voters have already had second thoughts about his self- proclaimed honesty, transparency & accountability (and also about his shortage of qualifications) and decided that Clinton is the better candidate. and many more voters will have second, & third, thoughts as they learn more. This is verified by the exit polls. The voters are opting for Clinton.

[Patrick Knif]

The pundits and nay sayers have been pronouncing her campaign dead almost since it began; but as Mark Twain might have said, “The reports of her [campaign‘s] death are greatly exaggerated.“ Here she is, still campaigning strongly and winning key states. Why? Along with being smart, tough, experienced and well prepared for the responsibilities of the oval office, Clinton has worked throughout her adult life to help the middle class and less privileged, and will continue so. She promises changes, and folks know her changes will be for the better.

Based on Obama’s achievements and experience to date, there’s little reason to believe he could or would be the leader we need. His scarcity of valid presidency qualifications--prepared plans/programs, experience, any bona fide accomplishments--along with his history, basic philosophy per his autobiography, his "selective" memory, and close ties to people like William Ayers, Louis Faraquan, el-slsl, Jeremiah Wright, and Tony Rezko cause deep concern about his qualifications, who he would choose as his advisers and cabinet, and where he would lead us.

As the campaigns progress and more of Obama's true character, history, etc., emerges, many voters have already had second thoughts about his self- proclaimed honesty, transparency & accountability (and also about his shortage of qualifications) and decided that Clinton is the better candidate. and many more voters will have second, & third, thoughts as they learn more. This is verified by the exit polls. The voters are opting for Clinton.

[carlie]

I have listened to negative press on Hillary for a year and a half while Obama has been given rave reviews. Count Michigan and Florida and you will find who American's really want as their president. West Virginia shows how well Obama will do in a general election. Experience counts!

[Paul]

What scares me, is that so few people recognize a dynasty in the making. Throughout history, dynasties have served the dynasty. They never serve the nation, or the people.

I disliked George Bush as pres, initially for little more reason than his father had been pres.

If I had no other reason to vote against Hillary, the fact that her husband had been the president would be enough.

IF she were to win, we could certainly count on her daughter running in about 20 years.

NO DYNASTY is my answer. The best reason to vote Obama, is that he is a new face.

That said, unless Obama actually starts TALKING about where he will lead this country, I'll probably vote McCain. We already know that McCain gave a lot to his country, only to sit in a POW camp for years. McCain will continue to give to his country.

Hillary will only take, and Obama is still a question mark. What DOES he have to give?

[mandrake]

Well, even a 40-0 scoring football game in the 4th quarter with 10 seconds remaining is played out. She's a good sport.

[kenneth lavigne]

I cannot belive the people in west va are so blind that they follow the judis goat up the ramp to be behind ihe power hungry raitings of a women that has been used as a throwrug by her husband because she had to have what little power she got from the man that was suposed to love her and not anything that wore a skirt and was to blind to see thru him and his sick idear of what is and what is not sex but you people have made your choice now you will have to live with it. God help you.

[bob]

thats the problem white vote for Clinton and blacks vote for Obama thats ridiculous and thats what I was afraid of.
People in America chose their president on the base of color black or white?!
when do this country grow up.....

[Muse]

Nice photo indeed. Hillary is utterly pathetic. Have any of her minions dared to break the news to their Mistress that de nile is something other than a river in egypt?

I must admit to a cruel chuckle at the thought of Hillary bragging of her victory on TV, then once the cameras are gone venting her spleen against above-mentioned minions because it must absolutely be crushing to know that it is the blindingly ignorant and racist white trash/rednecks/hillbillies who will vote for her, and not the educated and intellectual Americans among whom she considers herself to belong.

She must be inwardly humiliated and outraged. I know I would be if that's all I could get to vote for me!! And I don't have near enough the level of anger Hillary so obviously carries around with her.

[Randy]

The Polls are speaking very loud and clear...

Democratic voters are displaying "buyers remorse"... two-thirds of voters want Hillary to stay in the race.

Denver will be the best ticket of this decade!

[Ernie]

From the start I consider Obama, as I did all candidates with a cynical eye. I also know more about Hillary because I am in Upstate NY.

I had an uneasy feeling about Obama, contrary to what Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy's say, Obama is no JFK. Obama comes across as a very upper class and very sleazy pandering used car salesman.

He'll woo you with empty words because he has no track record to back them. He'll tell you what you want to hear as he sits with his "I am greater than everyone" smug attitude actually believing that is ready to lead this the Greatest Nation in the world. He's not.

He is depending upon the smoke and mirrors of his double talk to convince us he is "the one".
This election process, more that any in the past, proves P.T. Barnum was correct. "There is a sucker born every minute" the Democrats who
have blindly, without real knowledge of who Obama is, and have backed him thus far, prove that beyond a reasonable doubt.

Now that just a little of the true Obama is coming to light, after the media finally decided to look at him for who he is,
it is clear to see just how ignorant, gullible and frankly stupid most Americans are.
That sadly says a lot about why this country is in the shape that is in.

We, as a people, need to look past the BS of Obama, to see who he is(and only a small part of that information has come out)
and then we need to pick someone else to be president, with our eyes clear of the Obama BS and his smoke screen.

Frankly, and I cringe at this thought, McCain would be a much better pick than Obama.

But Hillary is the real deal and would truly make the Best President of the United States of the three candidates.

[Jez]

HClinton has not demonstrated to me any kind of "fighter" image. She's insulting me. She has shown only the shallowness, pettiness, and self-serving nature of her quest. HClinton has slapped the people of Michigan in the face and now pretends she has no arms... claimed 7 or 8 months ago Michigan was meaningless, and now it's "key" because it serves her purpose. Claimed this was a "27-state" race a few months back, but only now all 50 states and various territories count to HRC. She has proven she will both objectify and condescend to minorities, women and "hard-working white Americans" without education in order to "make her case". Hillary, you are no Bill. And now even Bill seems like he's off his nut.

There is a reason HRC hasn't been able to "seal the deal" (one of her favorite expressions). Frankly, if this is how Hillary Clinton runs for office, what will she do in office? This is why the superdelegates must -- Lord, please -- step up and make a reasonable choice for Barack Obama. And by the looks of the Edwards vote last night, I think we have the perfect ticket.

How on earth HRC equates her scandal-riddled career with being able to beat McCain is beyond me. The GOP has enough to make her look like a double-speaking, opportunistic witch. McCain is sending the message that he personally won't play dirty with Barack (doubtless not speaking for the GOP), but Hillary is a different story entirely.

Barack/Edwards '08

[Steve]

If you watch sports, you'll hear the comentators stir the pot whether a team is highly outclassed or not. I don't take stock in the media and their predictions. I don't trust "any" politician.
McCain is the only one of the candidates with true experience if you want to be true to the facts. No president has experience until they are president.
All politicians have flaws.
I was very interested in Hillary until her husband lied on her behalf about Ruwanda saying she tried to get him to mobilize sooner to help them but he did not to his shame. He said this to mostly black crowd gain sympathy for her by throwing himself under the bus. A great tactic......but a bear faced lie. And I lost all respect for both clintons at that point.
Obama is flawed but I believe his motives are sincere. And he is the only one of the current choices we have that has a chance in hell at unifying not only the democratic party but everyone in general if he's able to put together the right team. I'd rather give him a chance than Hillary or McCain.
His color has nothing to do with my decision. I have a lot of respect for McCain as well ,though I don't want another republican in office.
There was a time I thought they should team up, but there's been so much bloodshed in this campaign. I think it is no longer possible or wise? I'm not sure.

[jenna cox]

The Media does not seem to accept that there are many grass roots voters who support Hillary Clinton. I am voting for Hillary Clinton whether or not she is on the ballot. I will write her in as a protest against the vitriolic press coverage she has endured. We need Hillary Clinton more than ever at this time in history. If this costs the Democrats the election, then so be it. I am tired of voting for candidates I did not pick. Hillary's plan for universal health care is the best.

[Doug]

Bama supporters don't seem to follow the qualities they claim to espouse: kindness, gentleness, accectance, tolerance--He has requested his supporters to cease their vitriolic jihad against Senator Clinton--But perhaps you are republicans--

[spencer]

Sam Ted:
How is it that Obama scares you? Not since JFK has any candidate spoken with such a message of hope, love and overcoming the problems of today's world. I do not mean to jump to conclusions, but the only way I can imagine that Obama scares you would be if you were a racist. It has become very clear to me and many others that Clinton is in the race for her own benefit. She wants to win for herself. If you just look into the eyes of each candidate you can see it yourself, in Obama's eyes are compassion and caring; all I see in Hilary's eyes is deviancy. As far as I can tell, the needs of you and I are second to her want, or what has become a physiological need, to win.

[A Concerned American Who Values Democracy]

I believe in positive change that starts with "Yes, we HAVE" and "Yes, we WILL" (rather than "Yes, we CAN"). I believe that when possible evolutionary development is more productive for humanity than revolutionary development. Therefore, I support Hillary Clinton for President and ask that you consider objectively her candidacy as well.
I am not either a Democrat or Republican but rather an Independent. For me, the individual candidates always take precedence over the political parties. I selected one Republican and three Democrats to review further and then narrowed my choice to Clinton. I am voting for Clinton NOT because she is a Democrat, a woman, an Anglo-American, a lawyer, and/or married with Bill Clinton. Rather, I am voting for Clinton because:
(1) I believe in her as a person;
(2) I believe in her platform (see http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/ );
(3) I believe in her wealth of broad and long-term life and political experience;
(4) I believe that she is the BEST candidate to be President of our USA; and
(5) I believe that she is the BEST candidate to go up against McCain and WIN!
While I am willing to consider Obama for future presidential elections, Obama needs much more experience and clearly is NOT ready to be President (see A Bound Man: Why We Are Excited About Obama and Why He Can't Win by Shelby Steele). Also, I am concerned about where Obama really stands as regards racism. At 50 years of age, I have spent my whole life fighting discrimination, and I want to support a candidate who has a long-term positive record against discrimination - in this regard, I feel strongly confident with Clinton.
If you decide to support Clinton, take action now to make a positive difference:
(1) Support Seating the Florida and Michigan Delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August 2008
Go to http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/flmi/ and send an e-mail.
(2) Make Phone Calls in Support of Clinton For the Upcoming Primaries:
Kentucky, Oregon- May 20; Puerto Rico - June 1; Montana, South Dakota - June 3.
Go to http://tools.hillaryclinton.com/calling/ and start telephoning!
(3) IF your budget permits, make a financial contribution to Clinton's campaign – no contribution, even $ 1, is too small, and Hillary is truly grateful for your investment in her and in our country! Go to https://contribute.hillaryclinton.com/form.html?sc=1 to contribute.
(4) Recognize that the debate about whether unpledged delegates (superdelegates) should exercise independent judgment OR support the candidate that does best in the primaries/caucuses, whether Democrat superdelegates should make their decisions as soon as possible, and whether Hillary Rodham Clinton should quit the race as soon as possible (regardless of the fact that there are 8 more primaries/caucuses left and the DNC meets only in late August)is based upon lack of research, knowledge, and understanding. According to the DNP's "Delegation Selection Rules for the 2008 DNC" at Rule 12J, "Delegates elected to the national convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them." In essence, only PLEDGED delegates (and NOT UNPLEDGED delegates) have the obligation to follow the primary/caucus vote. In addition, the term "UNPLEDGED" means "unpromised, unengaged, unattached, uncommitted", which is consistent with independent judgment. For more info, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superdelegate . Finally, one primary feature of a democracy is competitive elections, and it is with this important democratic tradition in mind that Clinton rightfully continues on. For more info, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy.
In closing, I will be glad if your intellect and heart lead you to support Clinton for President. Please feel free to circulate my letter to others and to post it at other forums.
Respectfully, A Concerned American Who Values Democracy

[ToBad]

"all she's doing is breaking the party. If she somehow manages to win the nomination, there is almost no way she can beat McCain - she's alienated too many Obama supporters for them to want to support her." Same thing I was thinking about Obama, I dont dislike Obama Like you Obama supporters Hate Hillary, but I do feel that he will not get the hillary supporters if he gets the nod. I will really have to take a hard look at John, he is more of a centered Dem then Obama and when it comes right down to it all the bad stuff will come out about Obama right before the election and he will not look very good to any of you either.