Inside Hillary Clinton's decision to quit: The 5 hidden emotional stages

Since it's pretty clear this morning that Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is not going to withdraw from the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in the face of Sen. Hillary Clinton's admirably annoying tenacity, it falls to the New York senator to adjust to a harsh political reality that a year ago today was absolutely unthinkable: She lost.

Whatever your personal feelings are toward Clinton -- and the Ticket's Comment boards reveal a rude intensity on both sides -- or toward any of the other losers in either party who gave up the electoral marathon weeks or months ago, running for office like this requires a profound commitment by the candidate, his/her family and those around them who invest up to 20-hour days for very little pay over what now spans nearly two years.

This nation's chief executive weeding-out process is brutal, as it should be to force only the most qualified, savvy, lucky, smart to the top.

But we don't have to bring out the violins for any of the....

...White House wannabes to acknowledge that, political theater and personal ambition aside, these campaigns are personally grueling affairs, as energetic and even joyous as the rallies and speeches seem in the bright lights of the TV cameras.

Like pro hockey teams after a tough game, candidates and their entourages spend a good chunk of many nights moving on to the next city, arriving late and rising early to consult the little printed staff

schedules slipped under their hotel door that remind them what city they're starting in for that next 18-20 hour day.

Only two people know for certain how long Hillary Clinton has been dreaming, planning, organizing her presidential bid -- eight years, 10, 16, more? Last year she sure looked like she knew victory was inevitable.

And when it starts to slip away, it's even harder. Walter Mondale has said he knew the moment Ronald Reagan made that famous age quip that his campaign would lose. Yet he campaigned on. Likewise, President Bush I has confided that he knew two weeks before election day in 1992 that his was a hopeless cause.

So when did Hillary Clinton get the first hint? When she kept losing caucuses? When she hadn't wrapped up the super prize by Feb. 5 as envisioned? When the Obama money machine kept churning out millions?

In the last many weeks as Obama's delegate totals moved closer to the magic majority, many have watched in fascination as Clinton seemed to move through the same five stages of grief that Elisabeth Kubler-Ross described in "On Death and Dying." Except it was Clinton's campaign and White House dream that was dying.

The first stage is Denial: This isn't happening. How could this be happening when she was to inherit the political mantle of her once-again popular husband, the only Democratic president elected twice since Franklin Delano Roosevelt? How could this Illinois nobody with no credentials and few accomplishments other than a golden tongue move in so easily?

The second stage is Anger: "Shame on you, Barack Obama!" Remember those angry outbursts a few hours after the kissy we're-all-Democrats-in-this-together-it's-an-honor-to-compete-against-Sen.-Obama stuff at the debates?

The third stage is Bargaining: That's less visible to observers, more internal. If only I work harder, things will work out. No one can doubt her determination and grit despite internal campaign turmoil, overspending and controversies with her overpaid consultant who was working both sides of the Colombian trade deal.

And in recent weeks when so many thought her effort was hopeless, she sure didn't show hopelessness. And her loyalists responded to that fighting spirit with overwhelming victories in crucial places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

The fourth stage is Depression: This can manifest itself in many ways, possibly in a stubborn refusal to accept the inevitable delegate math. And so often the Clintons' political careers have been saved by last-minute salvations if only they hung on long enough in the face of what others saw as hopeless adversity.

Gennifer Flowers didn't derail Bill in 1992's New Hampshire primary; he only took second, but declared victory and folks remember him winning. How similar that Hillary was holding what looked like a victory rally in Texas while Obama won some more states elsewhere. Or what was an actual victory rally for herself in Florida, after a vote that wasn't supposed to count.

The same could be said of her Tuesday night speech when so many convinced themselves she would concede despite contrary signals from her aides. So many commentators didn't like her tone. No submission. No contrition. No magnanimity.

She said she was going to take a few days to decide her future path. There's a momentum and life force to major national campaigns. You can't turn off the machine and the candidate's adrenalin and emotional commitment like a light switch. It winds down.

The defeat must sink in.

And besides, what's the rush over a few days? Clearly, in a strange way the victorious Obama camp ends up needing the losing Clintonites much more than they need him.

Which brings us to stage 5, Acceptance: That might have come to her over the next week or so. But Wednesday's pre-dawn joint statement by Howard Dean, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and who's-its, the West Virginia governor, sped up that process. They set a Friday deadline for uncommitted superdelegates to make their calls, which forces Hillary's hand.

Still, she said nothing about surrender in Wednesday morning staff meetings. It wasn't until her afternoon phone call with Congressional colleagues that she, well, accepted their message that it was over. And needed to end quickly. And she made the decision to pull the plug.

Friday she'll have a celebration with some supporters and word will no doubt leak from there that at another Saturday "celebration" (how did that word get in here?), she'll formally suspend her campaign and endorse Obama, as previously promised.

From St. Paul yesterday afternoon, Matt Burns, communications director for the Republican National Convention, fired off an e-mail to the Atlantic's Marc Ambinder reporting they'd received numerous calls from Clinton supporters offering to work for McCain.

With up to 40% of Clinton primary voters vowing to exit-pollsters that they'd opt for the GOP over Obama, that's not too surprising.

Nor would it be surprising if somewhere in the recesses of that mind that now publicly accepts her defeat and will officially do so with an Obama endorsement, there resides a residual pocket of hope about the future.

As Jay Leno said in his monologue earlier this week, "The good news is that the whole voting process ended tonight. It's all over as of tonight. The bad news: The 2012 Democratic primaries start on Thursday."

That's today!

Now, the first stage of grieving is Denial....

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo Credits: AP

Comments

[JJJavier]

If you call "nobody" someone who came from a humble family and was able to go to one of the highest academic centers of the world; and without going into corporate america or without wealth has been able to obtain a senatorial seat in the most powerful country of the world. The definition of nobody needs to be reevaluated.
He bethroned a wellknown politician, who's been handle a senatorial seat in a state she never even lived in prior to her seating.
What did Senator Clinton do in New York to deserve being its Senator?
If he runs the country the way he organized his campaing, then the USA is hopeful that are future will be brigther.

[TIm B]

"reporting they'd received numerous calls from Clinton supporters offering to work for McCain."

I wonder how many of those callers will be saying "we sure showed that Obama creep" from prison cells after McCain packs the Supreme Court with more right wing nutjobs and gets Roe v. Wade overturned.

[An Australian]

If it were Hillary who had won, would the behaviour she now exhibits have been seen as acceptable from Senator Obama? I think not.
And it is she who has constantly played the gender and race cards. Would she rather have grown up as a white woman or a black man? Just a few thoughts from an Australian.

[curtis johnson]

In my heart I feel a great sadness for Hilary Clinton because she in likened to the aging fighter who only begins to admit they are past prime in the face of defeat until it is finally their vanity which is the final damning of their legacy. I am an African-American male and Barack Obama supporter, not because he is of African decent but because I believe he will bring to the table an elegance, intelligence and an apolitical broadmindedness which is a worldwide example of the political sophistication of today’s young voter and the beginning of a new age of enlightenment, that many political pundits are only now becoming aware of. I was not and am not a Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton supporter and would never be just because they are black, my criticisms of them are rather lengthy to say the least. The fact that there are so many more black progressives, politician or not, who are better qualified for the office of the president but will never seek office would lead to vote for the best white candidate available, male or female. The women and feminists that still yet want to bludgeon the democratic party into accepting an second in command position for Hilary Clinton only serves as grim reminder of the fringe extremist groups that will always attempt to hijack the DNC, and an insult to the true and honorable feminists who would only accept victory as a consequence of their qualifications of not only possessing the resume to fill the job but also the fortitude to take it on the chin while retaining the integrity and savvy to win the game within the rules.

Curtis Johnson

[Joseph Ryder]

Isn't the political process amazing?

Especially with the internet creating an avenue of quick communication. Candidates are put under a microscope as never before!

Obama is articulate and precise in in his assessment of things.

Hillary tried to represent change, but in the end she came across as the same old "go for the throat" politics"-particularly advanced by Richard Nixon.

Obama is certainly not perfect-he is human as we all are. One of the key elements of his campaign is that his support has massive amounts of small contributors that represent the common individual. This in itself gives him a tool and mandate to stand up to corporate muscle (ie.$) and hopefully bring about some healthy adjustments to our corporate environment. This is, of course, one of many issues he will have to address.

I wish mainstream media would get the "big picture" and spend more time on substance than on third grade nonsense. The "taking heads" on TV are mostly speculation and self interest motivation: "Look at me! I'm and expert... on fart analysis..." Go for it boys (and girls)-all you will do is continue to alienate the average listener who will spend more and more time on the internet seeking alternate views that are more insightful and on target than your petty "he said-she said-yes but" confusion.

America NEEDS the American Media to help bring about constructive change-more than it needs news about hair styles and lipo-suction. As far as the article itself is concerned, maybe it is accurate and maybe it's not-but does it help present and accurate picture of Hillary-or just another piece of speculation that has no real value?

America, more than ever, requires a mandate of change that focus's on being able to live in a healthy environment that covers all aspects of life. You can't peruse happiness, if you don't know what it is....

Happy Trails,

ez4ryder

PS: "I'm not a 20 or 30 something" internet surfer. I was in the military during Viet Nam and have many associates who share my view-think about it.

[aka]

Clinton ran a fantastic campaign, with a slew of astonishingly bad advisors. If she had hit her stride sooner, Obama might not have made it. I'm an Obama supporter and I'm thrilled he's made it. But let's stop with the Clinton bashing please. I didn't like all her campaign methods or messages, but she deserves huge respect and admiration. How many years older is she than Obama and yet she seemed to have double the stamina and resilience (no offense to Sen. Obama)? Some will take that as condescending, but in fact I am incredibly impressed by her energy and commitment. I thank her for now withdrawing with grace and dignity.

[dharper]

It will interesting to witness the degree of sincerity that Hillary extends toward "uniting" with/behind Obama and the Democratic Party.

Should she do so it will be with an ulterior, self-serving motive since the Clinton's have NEVER extended reciprocity to anyone or any thing unless it directly benefited them in the very near future.

For whatever reason, the Clinton's have deluded themselves into believing that THEY are the annointed head of the Democratic Party and that the "lowly minions" (voters) must heed their every word and deedd without question.

That truly was her/their downfall in this process. She/they (Hill/Bill) absolutely believed their percieved regal status (their own opinion and the only one that they believe should be considered) elevated them to the "throne of the Presidency" without opposition.

NOT!

[bruce becker]

I was disgusted by her performance. I think it should eliminate her from serious consideration for high office, for all time. We were spared the two worst faults of the Bush II regime:
Her campaign showed 1) a lack of planning, 2) lack of flexibility and more recently, perhaps for two months, a total lack of comprehension of her place as a member the Democratic party.
The latter point-of-view can be also be stated as 'me-me-me'. "Sociopathic narcissistic demagogue" works too.

[bruce becker]

Thanks Neil B. Well said.

[Tiffany Love]

It's a sad statement that the LA Times endorsed Obama without wanting him to win. Articles, such as this one, are indicative of a limited stereotype some people have of African-Americans. They parade as liberals when they're actually racists, however, that term is for the uneducated. So they use Liberal. This writer isn't aware how ignorant he/she is.

[D MINER]

If, indeed, some Clinton supporters do, as threatened, vote for McCain, it becomes that much more obvious that Obama was the right choice for the Democratic Party. Apparently Clinton and McCain are interchangeable. Obama stands apart, and gives us hope for a new beginning in America. McCain would give us more of what we've suffered for eight years. The neocons would continue their machinations. More war, more rape of the middle class, more abuse of Executive power. Hillary Clinton would be little different. Don't worry ladies, the right woman will come along. Hillary Clinton was not the right woman, and in your hearts you know it. The "iron my shirt" incident was as phony as the "Bosnian sniper fire" incident. Ah the remnants of Clinton Mistruths, alive and well!

[woodman]

Do not support liars, under oath or otherwise.Ouch,Ouch, gee whiz, just got hit by another darned sniper.

[ladiesfirst]

Emotional? Don't you mean hormonal? Menopausal? Come on, let it out, release your inner misogynist. Everyone else in the news does.

http://www.PresidentShe.com

[woodman]

Do not support liars, under oath or otherwise.Ouch,Ouch, gee whiz, just got hit by another darned sniper.

[David]

"The author should be clearer about whom he is talking about." Posted by: KL | June 05, 2008 at 02:35 AM

It WAS obvious who he was talking about. Slow down and stop looking for reasons to fly off the handle. And for others who may be challenged in their reading comprehension, Mr Malcolm was not calling Obama those things. He was merely suggesting in a satirical fashion what might be going through Hillary's mind.

[Denmark Vesey]

Obama has "ZERO" accomplishments?

Not true.

He's beaten Hillary Clinton.

And he is about to beat Mr. Magoo.

Once he's done with those two has-beens he can focus on the business of saving this spiritually bankrupt nation from itself.

The entire WORLD is pulling for Obama.

[Mikey]

First of all, to those who continuously thrash Senator Hillary Clinton: I want to see you try to get to the same level of accomplishments she has had. Before you thrash her anymore look at your own mediocre and pathetic life. You are all just envious of her achievements. She is a remarkable woman who decided to risk her health, her life, and her family's time in order to make your mediocre lives better. So what if she's ambitious; at least she follows her dreams unlike the rest of you who just flop on the news and watch biased journalists fawn over Obama and rant about Hillary. Of course you all like it because it looks just like the high school drama you all miss so much.

Secondly, why do you all blame her for Bill? What if everyone blamed you for something someone close to you did? Would you feel that it was justified?

Lastly, five hidden emotional stages? I'm sure that exists, but what I don't think exists is someone who can delve in to someone's mind and heart to see their true feelings. Can someone explain to me how this article is credible?

[Xavier]

So many commentators didn't like her tone? C'mon, so many citizens didn't like her tone would be the un - spun truth. Why do journalists think readers are dumb and can be persuaded by tricks with language?

[cb]

This nominee will force me to vote republican. Not because of race but because as Joe Bidden talked about his foreign affairs experience, "He's learning"....that's just a little too scarey for me. His first instinct when he said without precondions, and his first instinct when asked about wright and his now famous line, "That's not the (fill in the blank with either ayers, wright or renzko) that I know. TOO MANY RED FLAGS!!!

[BOO-HOO]

TO SUGGEST THAT HILARY SHOULD BE VICE PRESIDENT IS STUPID AND THOSE ESPOUSING SUCH TRASH ARE ALSO STUPID. HOW CAN ANYBODY RECONCILE HILARYS CAMPAIGN COMMENTS THAT SENATOR OBAMA IS NOT READY OR EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO BE COMMANDE-IN-CHIEF, THAT ONLY SHE WILL BE READY ON "DAY ONE", THAT HARD WORKING MIDDLE CLASS AMERICANS WHITE AMERICANS WILL NOT VOTE FOR SENATOR OBAMA, THAT HE, SENATOR OBAMA ONLY HAS SPEECHES AND IS BASICALLY AN "EMPTY SUIT" AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS SHE HAS SAID TO DIMINSH SENATOR OBAMAS ELECTABILITY OVER SENATOR McCAIN.

WITH HILARY COMES BILL AND IN GODS NAME WHY WOULD SENATOR OBAMA WANT THE SPECTOR OF BILL CLINTON HANGING OVER HIS ADMINSTRATION. IF SENATOR OBAMA DOES IN-FACT PICK HILARY AS HIS VICE PRESIDENT HE WOULD BE ADMITTING THAT A BLACK PRESIDENT NEEDS THE HELP OF A WHITE EX PRESIDENT TO RUN THIS COUNTRY. IT WOULD BE AN INSULT TO ALL PEOPLE OF COLOR ESPECIALLY BLACK AMERICANS AND TO THOSE WHITE AMERICANS WHO VOTED FOR HIM IN THE PRIMARIES.

I SUGGEST THAT SENATOR OBAMA REALLY PUTS IT TO HER AND SELECTS A FEMALE AS HIS VICE PRESIDENT... MAYBE KANSAS GOV. KATHLEEN SEBELIUS OR EVEN PAMALE ANDERSON.

I WILL VOTE FOR SENATOR McCAIN IF SENATOR OBAMA PICKS HILARY TO BE VICE PRESIDENT AND I WOULD ENCOURGE EVERYONE TO DO THE SAME.

[kat]

"The most qualified"???????????????????

Obama ran on his record in the Illinois state legislature. But he sure looks good doesn't he? This country hasn't learned a thing from George Bush. I used to think that whomever was the president didn't really have that much of an impact on the actualities of day to day life as an American. Now I know different and I see what can happen when an unqualified, untested president is elected. In Bush's case, there is no way to put a number on how many lives have been destroyed because he was elected. But the absolute fact is that there are people dead who wouldn't have been dead if Al Gore had taken his rightful place as president.

No democrat can say a thing to or about the idiots who elected George Bush. They have gotten caught up just like the people who let the war happen.

Obama is a time bomb ready to explode. The democrats bought a pig in a poke and if McCain is elected I hope everyone who voted to nominate Barrack the Magic Dragon rots.

[TimeLordNot]

Andrew,

You said, "And in recent weeks when so many thought her effort was hopeless, she sure didn't show hopelessness. And her loyalists responded to that fighting spirit with overwhelming victories in crucial places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia."

For certain, PA is crucial, but the others? Come on! They are about as crucial to the Democratic candidate as Kentucky, South Dakota, Indiana and Puerto Rico. The latter won't (regrettably) count in the General Election and the others will be red states like they always are.

[Pan]

Andrew Malcolm,

People can't and will not take constructive criticism.....specially women or rather only women .........they are in denial.........they say "the secret to a happy marriage is to let HER correct you even when you are right" ............. the moment you try to reason or talk sense to women ........ consider yourself talking to a brick-wall......have a nice day

[Al]

The Clintons did it to themselves. They deserve what they got. BTW, Author, well written article.

[Sandi]

Interesting that you use "emotional theory" to describe Hillary's campaign odyssey. So, you attribute Hillary's campaign behavior to the journey of grief? Hillary's conduct in the face of colleagues, "friends", and media that turned against her en masse was anything but an example of grief. It was courage in the face of overwhelming odds. She deserves to be applauded. Do not attribute her incredible persistence to psychological dribble. Your article is a prime example that sexism is still alive and well and firmly entrenched even in the psyche of the, so called, liberal media elite.

[reader in dc]

Wow. Such controversy over NOTHING. Grow up people, we have a COUNTRY to care for. Go vote in Nov. (for whomever) and get on with your lives.

[starbaby]

"Nor Hell a Fury, like a Woman scorn'd."

This is more like a Glenn Close performance in "Fatal Ambition" We're at the scene where we thing she is finally gone - dead in the bath tub. But no, - she raises again with one more maniacle attempt.

It's actually sad for the Clintons.

[chris]

Question for la, who was the last president that was not white first or male first? Save the post racial talk for your closet racist buddies who believe it. Of course you never had a problem with a Black President before because you never thought it could happen. Now that your worst nightmare has become reality you make up phony excuses. The truth is the two candidates had very similar policies and the big difference was skin color and character. so either you are a bigot and won't support any Black candidate or you are blind and cannot see she is a major liar with no class, no dignity, and no shame.

[Mark - Chicago]

Hey lute, those are some accusations. So, what you are saying is that everybody, EVERYBODY, conspiredagainst Hillary. Where are your facts. She did not win the popular vote.. And even if she did, the nominee is chosen by DELEGATES. She initially supported suspending ALL the delegates from FL and MI if they moved their primaries. Only when she needed them did she change her mind. She ran a flawed campaign and lost voters with stories like the Bosnian snipers. Quit blaming others. Her tendency to blame everybody and look for vast right wing conspiracies are why she is not the nominee.

[Mary]

Even with almost all the news media really, really pushing for King Obama, HRC should not worry about being the VP candidated BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY ON GOD'S GREAT EARTH THIS LIAR NAMED BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA WILL WIN............ONLY THE YOUNG WHO HAVE NO LIFE EXPERIENCE (DON'T WORRY YOU WILL ONE DAY GAIN WISDON AS YOU AGE), THE RADICAL LIBERALS, THE BLACKS AND THE MISINFORMED WILL VOTE FOR HIM.

[Mary]

Tyler: your comment

If more women (who I believe are more intelligent than men) would hold more positions of power, especially in government, and be leaders of nation, this world would be a far better place. You probably know this, too, but your ego will not let you admit it.

[Jay]

If Hillary supporters really want McCain over Obama, let them go. It will become painfully obvious what they're in for over the next few months...

[Mary]

Yeap, another republican for 4 more years!

[BLUE247]

The logic of HRC supporters that they'll throw in with McCain instead of Obama because they don't like him confounds me. Four years from now, when President McCain continues his prolonged "100 Year" war in Iraq; after he has appointed three more conservative judges to the Supreme Court; after we've gone from a recession into a depression; and after the rest of our freedoms have been stripped away from us; I hope the whining HRC supporters understand that THEY did this to our country because they voted for McCain instead of Obama. When will they realize that it doesn't matter now who the nominee is, but neutralizing the REAL enemy that is important - CONSERVATIVES!

[Tim Lynch]

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

Geez - this is like a soap opera. I guess a woman candidate is different, we have to worry about hurting her feelings when they lose fair and square...or at least this candidate. All I could think of as everyone watches Hillary "suffer" was Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind lamenting the situation from the unique perspective of HER! I know Barack Obama can't act like Rhett Butler and tell her off, but it would be nice if the rest of us would.

If you do not have the film memorized in your head, the context of the quote is below:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I Don't Give A Damn
Character Rhett Butler
Actor Clark Gable
First Used In Gone with the Wind

AFI's 100 Movie Quotes Position #1
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." is a line from the 1939 film Gone with the Wind starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh.

It was spoken by Gable, as Rhett Butler, in his last words to Scarlett O'Hara. It occurs at the end of the film when Scarlett asks Rhett, "Where shall I go? What shall I do?" if he leaves her. The line is memorable not only because it contains a swear word (which was generally not allowed in films of that time period), but because it demonstrates that Rhett has finally given up on Scarlett and no longer cares what happens to her.

[Parks]

Great article.
It's obvious that Hillary is staying in the race (suspended) as long as possible to ensure Obama's defeat by McCain, with help from the likes of Rush Limbaugh.

She now has 4yrs in which to tweak her Congressional resume and prepare for her obvious re-run in 2012, against a then almost 80yo McCain.

btw - the "angry" photo in the story is Classic!!

[Demetrius]

This is a blog right? I hope so because it's not written well at all.

As of today, I'm still voting for Hillary Clinton. The mighty power of the PEN!

[Dee]

** NEWSFLASH **

Hillary finally concedes...2 years into Obama's presidency in 2010 !! LOL!!
vows to keep fighting though.... LOL!!

[Carl]

Dear Otto,
Who cares about being a "true DEM"? DEM is NOT superior to others, you can look up the constitution, the bible, your state law, or even Pelosi, Kerry, Dean, and Tom Daschle's speeches.
You win a general election by winning the support of the independents or even voters of the other party who agree with your policies and appreciate your capabilities. That's the key difference between a general election and the mafia style caucuses which are controlled by extremists.
If you truly believe you can win a general election by only sticking to your own party, and even more, your party is above your country, then America is not a country for you. You should seriously consider moving to North Korea.

[Kristen Spitzer]

Hey I am now retiring from previous job and the Hill can take over if she wants- bill is listed as a regualr at our place too!

[RWP]

The following should send up a big red flag.

Diebold is the biggest maker of voting machines in America, and those machines have been shown to be unreliable.

United Technologies is a huge military contractor that has benefited greatly from war. They are aggressively trying to buy Diebold.

Now for the tie-ins...

Hillary Clinton’s former chief advisor, Mark Penn, is the CEO of Burson-Martseller, a DC public relations firm. Mark Penn was responsible for much of the negative tone and outright faleshoods put out by the Clinton campaign.

Burson-Martseller owns BKSH, run by another lobbyist, Charlie Black. Black is a top player in the McCain campaign.

United Technologies is a client of Burson-Martseller and BKSH.

So a top player in Clinton’s campaign is the boss of a top player in McCains campaign and both of them are representing a defense contractor that wants to buy the company that makes the machines that will count the vote in many states.

Machines that will count the vote without a paper trail or back-ups, in most cases.

[José]

RE: I have no problem with a president who happens to be black or jewish or italian or a woman. But I have a very big problem with a president who is black first, Italian first, Jewish first or woman first with a more narrow view of life and world events. That person would not be qualified in my view to be president. I am a lifelong democrat but I am ready to endure four more years of republican rule if necessary. Be careful Obama!

Posted by: la | June 05, 2008 at 03:01 AM

Be careful about assuming that a president who happened to be White was not the same as being White first.

I believe we will soon have a president who does what is best for all of us. You will get that with Obama. Watch him, I think you're going to be impressed.

[carmen]

The article did not include: over board egoistic ambition. Her ego is boundless. She said she was in it to win. That means she'd say and do anything regardless of grace or ethics. Her attitutes and conduct has been abominable. You remember her striking the air with some paper while cursing Obama "shame on you Barack Obama." She acts like she is entitled to the crown.
All the time she was hoping Obama would stumble in some deep hole to secure her ambition. In return, she got the reverse result. Serve her right.

[José]

RE: Question for la, who was the last president that was not white first or male first? Save the post racial talk for your closet racist buddies who believe it. Of course you never had a problem with a Black President before because you never thought it could happen. Now that your worst nightmare has become reality you make up phony excuses. The truth is the two candidates had very similar policies and the big difference was skin color and character. so either you are a bigot and won't support any Black candidate or you are blind and cannot see she is a major liar with no class, no dignity, and no shame.

Posted by: chris | June 05, 2008 at 10:19 AM

Chris,

Take it easy on la. It's quite easy to confuse the status quo with "(White) me first". And a note about post-anything, just like postmodern, we end up with one foot in the post- and the other in the -modern. With respect to Obama and any other politician, we need to be watchful.

[HomeLearning]

I have seen more dirt slinging from too many Hillary Supporters who then turn around and say their candidate is attacked. Yet they seem to have no problem attacking others regular with some of the most vulgar phrases

Just bizarre

[Gaias Child]

Rude intensity on both sides, is it? All righty then. All of us can be friendly then. I don't think it has occurred to Sen. Clinton yet that she lost. As far as she is concerned, she won the popular vote and the moral victory since sexism and press favoritism did her in. She still thinks she won. But her executive postures and self-serving lawherly manipulating perceptions is probably not going to stop since it's working for her. Like if you ask the Dr. Phil "How's that working for you?" She'd have to say it really works. A whole lot of voters feel sorry for her despite her mob boss approach to campaigning. So these people feel sorry for her or think she is the best candidate. BUT Obama's got to pay her bills and find a job offer for her while she pontificates around and plays both sides of every question. She told this and that person they could send her VP message. Now she's had Wolfson say nobody is speaking for her. So which is it? And much of it are we going to have to drag around the political landscape with us? Sure, denial but not yet recognitions and not really bargaining because this is the closing argument of a trial lawyer. She's creating a reality for the jury that is consistent with the way she's run her campaign. AND Obama's got to pay her bills? Wow.

[Mahwash]

Haha, loved this article!! It has inspired me to write a brilliantly scathing blog post on how Hillary was voted for simply because she's a woman (bad reason for someone to be chosen an elected official) and Obama was voted for simply because he's of a different race.

And here I thought Americans weren't degenerate enough when it came to politics.

[PA_Tom]

{"He was merely suggesting in a satirical fashion what might be going through Hillary's mind. Posted by: David | June 05, 2008 at 08:52 AM "}
-- Good Post David, my thoughts exactly...

{"In Bush's case, there is no way to put a number on how many lives have been destroyed because he was elected. But the absolute fact is that there are people dead who wouldn't have been dead if Al Gore had taken his rightful place as president. Posted by: kat | June 05, 2008 at 09:45 AM "}
-- And you know this for a fact because you have a machine that you can travel to parallel universes and see the absolute Bliss that Al Gore has created in the world? I cannot stand people that use "Hind site" as their reasoning tool. You have NO CLUE what would not be happening in the world today if Al Gore was the Pres. I suppose the attacks on the Twin towers was all Bush II's doing also right? Granted the administration might have used that to push us into war, but didn't the Famous Slick Willy try something similar when Monica appeared??? Hmmmm...
I know for a fact that this world would be a better place if we have never SUFFERED in the CLINTON years. (Yes i do have a machine to go to parallel universes) And anyone who thinks that having Hillary anywhere near the white house again is a good idea whould wake up and smell the freakin coffee... With Hillary You get BILL and I don't care who you are NOBODY wants to go through that again...

[nowayjose]

i also will vote mccain if she is on the ticket.she is everything i dislike about washington

[spencert]

I don't think anyone seriously thought Mrs. Clinton had a realistic shot at being elected. It's time for her to go back to Arkansas. The end of the 60's has finally come, thank goodness. A sense of entitlement is not enough. It is a good day for America!!