The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

He's pretty much right. There's virtually no way that Clinton wins the nomination, and the dialogue in the race right now is extremely damaging to both Democrats. From the perspective of trying to get a Democrat elected, the best thing that could happen right now is if Hillary drops out.

Ummmm.....why is everyone treating Hillary like she is Mike Huckabee, the race is extremely tight, she is leading in PA, looking good in IN, and might even be able to pull off a suprise in NC. This is purely manufactured by Obama supporters that are afraid if this race goes on it will show his weaknesses to an even greater extent.

I am fine if Obama is the leader in pledged delegates and popular vote coming out of the primaries in June to then hand the nomination to him but when the woman is literally only 120 delegates behind and around 67% of all Democrats want the race to continue, why should she stop? I am glad Howard Dean, unlike Pat Leahy, who has never been a presidential candidate, respects Hillary's dedication to this country enough to not force her out of the race until all the people have voted.

davesticler:

There is a lot of race left yet to be ran, and niether candidate will reach 2024. There is so many bad things coming out about Obama and his "friends" that I for one would like to have a chance for it all to play out in time, before I decide whom to cast my vote for. That ia my right to choose, not have Obama forced on me. If that happens, I vote McCain.

davesticler:

There is a lot of race left yet to be ran, and niether candidate will reach 2024. There is so many bad things coming out about Obama and his "friends" that I for one would like to have a chance for it all to play out in time, before I decide whom to cast my vote for. That ia my right to choose, not have Obama forced on me. If that happens, I vote McCain.

Due to many societal reasons the press has been supporting Obama's campaign. Here are two examples; 1. According to Obama he never heard any of Pastor Wright's sermons that were posted on You-Tube. Go figure - the media would have battered Senator Hillary Clinton and her family if they would have attended that church for 20 years! THE MEDIA TURNED A TIN EAR TO OBAMA'S CLAIM? 2. The Post headline for Shailagh Murray this morning. It could have been, "Obama will get the support of Senator Bob Casey Jr. who still carrys a grudge from his father's rejection in 1992." Or, "Obama trails with the endorsement of only one Pennsylvannia Senator." Or,"Polls show Clinton favored to win with the support of Gov. Ed Rendell, Philadelphia Mayor Nichael Nutter, and veteran Rep. Jack Murtha." The proof is in the press!

Very little analysis by the press of Obama going on vacation because he believed his nomination was wrapped. Very little analysis by the press of Obama's position to refuse to discuss Michigan and Florida votes. Obama held stead-fast, claiming the votes be distributed equally between him and Senator Hillary Clinton. Can you imagine how the press would have hammered this story if this was Hillary's tactic?

martha,

your post doesn't make any sense at all.. you are clearly an Clinton supporter so why even say "I for one would like to have a chance for it all to play out in time, before I decide whom to cast my vote for?"

your last McCain line belies your entire post.

I am really baffled by the "time for the party to unite" logic of Leahy and Richardson. I would think that the party would want the candidate who is most likely to win. Is the party sure that is Obama? There are some serious gaps in his support that run counter to the Democratic base. Isn't that a red flag? Isn't more vetting a GOOD thing?
Besides, if he is the nominee, he can put his inspiring and uniting skills to work and ultimately bring the party together ... right??

;)

Cantabrigian,

Obama proposed a Caucus for both of the races which would have been fair since independents/republicans that cast their votes thinking the dem primaries were for nothing would NOT be disenfranchised and would be able to vote in the caucus. Hillary flat-out refused this notion.... so who is disenfranchising who exatly?!

Can't help but feel there's something, maybe a lot of something, coming out of Hillary's belated release of her tax returns on April 15. Why would she wait this long to release returns from 2006 and before, for God's sake. When it turns out that she and hubby are such revolting multi-millionaires, it will be harder to accept her moving identification with the poor meanderings. Let's have those tax returns, and maybe,even, the gift list for the Enshrine Clinton library.

The Democratic nomination process is a game to get the most delegates leading up to that 2024 magic number. What the Uncommitted Superdelegates should decide is how to help keep both campaigns on track and off personal attacks? If any candidate or campaign goes negative, one uncommitted superdelegate is awarded to the other. This will force the Clinton camp to try to stay positive, and for the Obama camp not to retaliate against the Clinton camp.

Simply telling the campaigns to "chill out" is not working so well.

Leahy is behaving as a partisan. Whether or not I agree with him, that is his right. Mr Balz's contention: "Even if most of what is said on those calls is quickly lost to history, their fevered nature enlarges the gulf that eventually will have to be bridged once there is a nominee" is entirely a matter of opinion. One with which I happen to disagree. I don't think it's appropriate I know Mr Balz's opinion on anything. I do wish he'd stop giving it when he's supposed to be working.

First, let's get one thing out of the way. I support Obama and right now I feel like I would boycott the election rather than vote for Hillary.

But Hillary has a right to fight this out to the end. I'm not worried about Obama or Hillary getting roughed up in a bare-knuckled fight. This is politics. If Obama can't take the heat, I'd like to know that now before he faces the Republican machine. Conversely, if Hillary can't effectively brush off the B**** and W**** mud and media bias then we need to know that since we ain't seen nothing compared to what the Reps will do.

To play devil's advocate about the damage of a fight to June, I think Dems have an advantage with two strong nominees on the center stage with only one Republican. That means 2 Dem speeches on the economy, Iraq, etc for every 1 Rep speech. That can give Dems an exposure advantage if the Obama and Hillary can put more energy into attacking Republicans and their standard-bearer McCain.

Finally, at the moment, I feel like I will would never vote for Hillary (or Billary as I think of her). The thought makes me nauseas. But come November, I'm voting Democrat no matter which one is on the ticket -- even if I have to take a vomit-bag with me. We need a change of party after suffering 8 years under the thumb of Republicans who have made a full-on assault on our civil liberties, have engaged in Rambo-foreign policy, and have doled out tax breaks to the rich (themselves) instead of following responsible fiscal policies that consider the long-term economic health of our country.

As for the subject of the article, why is Sen Obama so opposed to allowing everyone their vote?

Leahy - hopefully the first of many. The democrats should be using thier energy to pummel McCain, not each other. Hillary is wearing the yoke of low credibility and high dislike. No matter how you look at it, she has been showing her "true" face and Dems dont like it.

The stars are aligning. And it isn't for Clinton. We're fed up with politics as usual. I was not an Obama supporter, but this campaign--mainly Hillary's approach to it--has led me to support Obama. He's the right person to lead America, and he's demonstrated it repeatedly during this campaign.

So, who's up for talking about Obama's potential running mates? Bloomberg, anyone?

http://www.cafepress.com/wetnoodle

Make that "turn a DEAF ear, not tin, Martha. You never said in what you believe -- just that you don't want "Obama forced on you" and "bad things are coming out about Obama and his 'friends.'" If Obama is the nominee, will that be "forcing him on you?" Gad, it makes no sense to vote for McCain. McCain's policies continue Bush -- ineffective tax cuts, massive spending on war, ineffectual management of our own country, Supreme Court nominations that undercut Choice, keeping alive the cronyism of the conservative Republicans. Scary! Really scary!

FACT: Hillary has for 8 years been given alot of power due to Bill's previous 8 years in the White House. FACT: Most democrats want the Clintons to go away - far away. FACT: Most democratic leadership are tired of the Clintons continued meddling in in politics. Solution: Superdelegates need to support the voters are send the Clintons into retirement y backing the leader - since some SD's have already acted it would not be out of line for all of them to act immediately. Precedent has already been set.

Wow! I go golfing for the morning, and look what happens. Why doesn't Patrick LEAKY Leahy want the voters to cast ballots in the 10 remaining contests?!

robert_felice:

The newspaper today had a poll with 67% of registred Democrats actually want the contest to completely finish before declaring a winner. Where are you getting your information?

When the Clinton's 2006 tax returns are released we will see the following:

1. Bill would have claimed that he donated his worn out underwears to charity, and would have taken a big deduction claiming they were worth more since they were presidential.

2. Hillary would have taken a tax write off for her pantsuits since she thinks she needed them just to look presidential and it only helps the American people that she wears pants. That will be a big tax write off.

3. Hillary would have claimed tax deduction for the medication she had to take to get rid of the nightmares she got from the sniper attacks in Bosnia.

4. Another write off to defend the right wing conspiracy.

At the end we will see that the Clintons have claimed so much tax deduction write off as for charity, when in fact they are stashing all that money in the Caymen islands.

Did Murtha take money from Saddam Hussien to make that visit to Baghdad he made before the Iraw war started?

ABC's Jake Tapper reported on an unnamed Democratic Party official saying that it's not a question of *if* Clinton can somehow secure the nomination. The question is -- what will she have to do in order to achieve it? The official's answer: She will have to "break his back," to destroy Obama and make him completely unacceptable. "Her securing the nomination is certainly possible - but it will require exercising the 'Tonya Harding option.'" the official said. Read full story here - http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/03/dnc-official-cl.html).

As the Clinton campaign spins Obama as actually being the reprehensibly negative player in this competition, and the media swallowing and regurgitating the most incendiary non-issues, (consider today's self-righteous "all I know is that if it were me personally, I would have left that church), I fear for the future of Obama's campaign, of the Democratic party, and the United States. I'm afraid we can't take another two months of the destructive Clinton ambition machine. Please contact the Democratic National Committee (http://www.democrats.org/page/s/contactissues) and let the party leaders no that we can't waste any more time; the train is nearing the bridge that's out, and it takes a lot to stop that kind of fateful momentum. Super delegates must decide *now*, not in August, to swing behind the best candidate in our generation so that the Democratic Party can look forward to the general election in November and beyond.

Well this is another Obama supporter saying...dont count the votes end this and let Obama be declared the winner.Well they figured out that George Bush got in the whitehouse that way so lets use that tactic for our guy. That right out of the Republican playbook. If we do that then who is deciding the choice...the americans who vote or the strong arm tactics of Obama supporters. In america we give all the voters the right to select their choice of who they want to lead this countryisn't that what we tell other countries....FAIR VOTING OR IT DOESN;T COUNT..

marthadavidson:

Perhaps you missed your candidate on "The View" this morning saying that if Wright hadn't retired in December, he would have left the church. Don't you believe him?

cyndieshen:

Thank you!

The reason Democrats are starting to treat Hillary like Mike Huckabee is because given the number of pledged delegates left in the remaining 10 contests, Hillary would have to win each by HUGE margins - 25% or so - to overcome Obama's lead. And given current polling and the saturation of each candidates' message (meaning most people have made up their minds at this point) - that's just NOT going to happen....

(The only way it would happen is with a bruising, catastrophic fight between Clinton and Obama, which would most likely make Clinton damaged goods for the general election this fall anyway.)

If Senator Clinton were to follow Senator Leahy's advice to quit the race, it would be even more beneficial to her than to Senator Obama.

Senator Clinton's campaign, by either choice or necessity having turned desperately vitriolic, continues to drive down her esteem with the public. If allowed to continue to its inevitable end, mimicking the spastic reflexes of a road-killed reptile, she will not only damage the Democratic Party, but destroy her own political future and further tar her husband's already precarious legacy.

Fairly or unfairly, any path she has to the nominaton will be regarded by many as illegitimate. A nomination under such circumstances is valueless to the recipient and a liability to the party which bestows it.

BABucher:

So, you admit it's still possible for her to win the nomination, right? That's the difference between her and Huckabee -- McCain already has the number of delegates needed to win -- why not just let the 10 remaining contests go on?

Please take notes of the FACTS below when trying to understand why many feel Clinton ought to depart the race...

1) Obama's lead is strong enough that to obtain 2,025 delegates he would need only ~45-48% of remaining delegates (sry, don't have the specific #s in front of me).

2) Hillary would have to win ~65% of all remaining delegates to get to 2,025. The only state where she won by a comparable margin is Arkansas. (shocker). While this is statistically possible, it is logically an impossibility.

3) In Michigan in particular, EVERY democratic candidate BESIDES Clinton demonstrated their commitment to the Michigan vote by boycotting and removing their name from the ballot when they were stripped of their delegate count. And NOW suddenly Clinton's the saint of Michigan?? I don't buy it. She knows she can't win for the reason above and is backpeddling at every step.

4) Obama is ahead in fund raising, the popular vote, the delegate count, and number of delegates. This seems to somehow be underplayed.
P.S. - might I add every part of Obama's lead comes from the support of everyday people. Total delegates, not a few "super"delegates and an unprecedented %age of small contributions, not big ticket doners, etc.

So basically HRC's only realistic chance of winning is via superdelegates and without the popular vote. That's basically how GW Bush won his seat (in the general election) and look where that got us. Why take the same chance with GW Clinton?? (the former young republican)

Right now the concern is that we need to ensure we get a Democrat in the White House. We have 1 Dem nominee with every sign but 1 pointing to a win and 1 Dem nominee looking to trip things up enough to win via a technicality. Meanwhile we have THE Repub nominee touring the world acting like the next President. We really need to get moving here... So...

As far as Sen. Patrick Leahy's statement, he basically just came out and said what half these blog posts have been saying for the last couple of weeks... OMG! A politician that says what the people think!!! Wait... isn't that what they're actually supposed to do???

Leahy should tend to his own backyard. This election is about so much more than hope and inspiration. I don't want Hillary to get out because I think she's right on most of her points.

You can't lead on hope and the promise of a better country. At some point, you have to show your cards, and Obama hasn't done that.

I can guarantee that if Obama is the nominee, I'll vote for McCain.

And take Bill with you.Put him back in the suitcase. Did anyone see the article about Rice responding to Obama's race speech?

And it's not about Obama supporters not wanting to count votes, it's Obama supporters wanting to prevent Hillary from completely losing it and going nuclear on the Democratic party itself.

We live in america and we are going to throw a candidate out of the race because we want our guy to win.These are Obama supporters who want HR Clinton to bow out so Obama will win...This is not the way to go. We are telling other countries that a fair election means let the voters decide who they want to lead their country. I don't want A senator, congressman nor a gov. telling me who should drop out of a race.Supporters of Obama stop trying to take away our rights and my vote.Remember this was how George got in the whitehouse. He didnt want voters votes to count either.

Leahy is a dodgy old fool and should try to behave like an elder statesman instead of playing dirty politics for Obama. What has Obmai promised him?

If anyone should drop out it should be Obami, the most inexperienced, divisive candidate to roll around in decades. Except for giving pretty speeches, he is Mr GQ, just like Patrick Deval, both Aexlrod products, who use the race card and white guilt to their advantage.

Obami is the most disingenuous ambitious politician in this campaign season.

For the good of everyone, he should apologize to the Clintons for his insulting remarks, apologize to the American people for wasting their money and time and take all his endorsers along with him.

Leahy -- like Richardson - is just trying to "pile on" and push Hillary out. I think it's disgusting the way the Obamabots don't want the remainder of the voters to have the opportunity to vote. Nor do they want Florida and Michigan voters to even count.

I hope Hillary resists these premature calls to concede. This race is not over, and the so-called "party elders" need to back off! It's still only March, for goodness sakes.

Leahy -- like Richardson - is just trying to "pile on" and push Hillary out. I think it's disgusting the way the Obamabots don't want the remainder of the voters to have the opportunity to vote. Nor do they want Florida and Michigan voters to even count.

I hope Hillary resists these premature calls to concede. This race is not over, and the so-called "party elders" need to back off! It's still only March, for goodness sakes.

Leahy -- like Richardson - is just trying to "pile on" and push Hillary out. I think it's disgusting the way the Obamabots don't want the remainder of the voters to have the opportunity to vote. Nor do they want Florida and Michigan voters to even count.

I hope Hillary resists these premature calls to concede. This race is not over, and the so-called "party elders" need to back off! It's still only March, for goodness sakes.

Leahy -- like Richardson - is just trying to "pile on" and push Hillary out. I think it's disgusting the way the Obamabots don't want the remainder of the voters to have the opportunity to vote. Nor do they want Florida and Michigan voters to even count.

I hope Hillary resists these premature calls to concede. This race is not over, and the so-called "party elders" need to back off! It's still only March, for goodness sakes.

Cantabrigin said:
Very little analysis by the press of Obama going on vacation because he believed his nomination was wrapped.

It was EASTER and he has TWO LITTLE GIRLS to raise. Moron.

squintz:

No need to level personal attacks against anyone posting here. I'm sure if you calmly pointed out that he took a whole 2 1/2 day "long weekend" to be with his family, no one would complain about that.

JakeD: About as possible as it is for me to date a supermodel. Basically, I'm not going to bet the farm (or $5 even) on it.

Can Obama win the general elections without carrying the "worth less" states of Michigan and Florida?

Sens Leahy, dodd, kennedy's, kerry's and the liberal media can go to HELL as far as we are concerned. Why don't Leahy send his children and his family to Obama's church to hear "God Damn America" or to accuse the US of inventing and injecting AIDS virus to the black community? Obama is deceitful, calculating, and playing the race card to get the nomination. Where is Leahy's JUDGEMENT, HONESTY? I Didn't think he was such a DUMB person. How can Obama run on transparency, honesty, change and unity when he coddles corrupt and idicted characters like slumlord, Rezko and terrorists who bombed the Capitol Hill and the Pentagon? How can Obama subject his children to the vile and racists sermons of pastor Wright? How can Obama deceive people by surrounding himself with American flags during his speeches when he does not respect them? He does not sing Allegiance to the American Flag nor puts hand to his heart. He tells us that he is against NAFTA and then sends his adviser to the Canadian Embassy to tell them that it is all election posturing? How can Leahy and other Obama's supporters reject Madrassas in fundamentalist countries and remain silent to Obama's church that preaches hatred and destruction of America? DID LEAHY AND OTHER SENATORS USE THEIR JUDGEMENT WHEN SUPPORTING OBAMA?

I for one prefer Obama. However, I thankfully have two hands. Thus, if Hillary is the eventual nominee, I will go to the polls to vote for Hillary and pull the lever with one hand while holding my nose with the other.
She is a known faulted candidate. While he may be too, I'd rather take that chance that he's not cut from the same cloth.

If Hillary is qualified for the presidency based on her years as first lady, and her somewhat faulty memory about what went on during those years, then can we expect the repubs, next time around, to nominate Laura Bush?

Why not? Laura is a lot more popular than W. and she has all that EXPERIENCE.

Sheesh...

If Hillary is qualified for the presidency based on her years as first lady, and her somewhat faulty memory about what went on during those years, then can we expect the repubs, next time around, to nominate Laura Bush?

Why not? Laura is a lot more popular than W. and she has all that EXPERIENCE.

Sheesh...

BABucher:

Have you SEEN some of the ugly characters "supermodels" date these days?!

When some swiftboating 527 starts playing spots showing how Obama's spiritual adviser, Rev. Wright, gave LOUIS FARRAKHAN a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD two years ago and as a result we have John McCain as our president we can thank the likes of Leahy. Since when do Democrats excuse racism even in small sound bites? I'm embarrassed and disgusted by the Farrakhan connection, and there's no speech that will cover for this one in the general election, nor should there be.

I WOULD RECOMMEND OBAMA'S SUPPORTERS TO READ THIS ARTICLE ABOUT HIS DECEPTION AND DISHONESTY http://www.opednews.com/articles/genera_none_080328_barck_obama___the_wi.htm

starfish10:

While I would personally prefer Laura over Hillary, even I have to admit that Laura's never been elected to anything, let alone U.S. Senate. Do you realize how many GREAT Presidents we've had who entered office with LESS political experience than Hillary DIANE Clinton? That's not the part that bothers me ; )

OBAMA IS UNELECTABLE. A recent poll suggests that almost 30 percent of Hillary Clinton voters will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee. Add it up; McCain gets almost all of the Republicans and almost 30 percent of the Democrats. Thank you Obama, and your ruthless, deceptive and race-card playing tactics, for helping elect John McCain as President of the United States.

theplanner:

How many Obama supporters do you think will vote for McCain (or just stay home instead) if she steals the nomination from him?

If the Clintons could stick to the high road, I would be fine with their continuing with this run.

Unfortunately, I am reminded of the story of the "Scorpion and the Frog" (if you are unfamiliar with it, I recommend you read it).

The Clintons have run a campaign, starting in New Hampshire, which I had hoped to never see run by a Democrat, especially against another one.

In the story I mentioned above, the Clintons would be the scorpions, and I fear the Democratic Party and perhaps even the country is the frog.

Not only do I think Obama is the best candidate by far, I think his election will have particular historical significance. And, how we will look to the world will change, positively, overnight, after he is elected.

This is an opportunity for our country and the world we simply can't afford to pass up.

Hopefully, the Clintons will put the breaks on the need to win at all costs. And, this campaign can continue in a way that will make us all proud.

But, if they can not, indeed, they should get out now.

--George

This is the beginning of the end for HRC.

If she drops out, it will be the best. If not, she needs to stop her kitchen sink attack. Clintons have done well for the DNC and now they are practically destroying it. I am a fan of Bill Clinton but surely not a fan of Hillary.

I have voted for the Dem nominee in every Presidential election since 1988. There is no chance in hell though that I will vote for Obama if he is the nominee instead of Hillary, but will choose McCain instead. Obama is simply not qualified to be President, and I believe he has been playing the race card as much as Hillary. The Rev Wright debacle is icing on the cake in my decision. I for one cannot wait to see the first Republican ads featuring Wright and Obama.

If Obama was found in bed with a dead girl, his supporters would say she died of happiness.

If he was found in bed with a live boy, they'd say Obama cured his leprosy.

Its a very bad idea to fall in love with a politician.

They'll break your heart every time.

People who support Obama ignore all the warning signs, and all the evidence, just like the people who selected Bush did.

Its like watching a car-crash in slow motion.

I have no doubt that if Obama gets the nomination, the press will wake up the following day.

And America will wind up with President McCain.

For the good of America, I hope Hillary stays in the race and soundly defeats Barry Obama.

If Barry Obama becomes the candidate, he will be defeated by a landslide.

Obama supporters are doing for Karl Rove and the Republican party what Rove and the Republicans could not do for themselves.

Democrats are not only shooting themselves in the foot, they doing it with a Bazooka.

To err is human, to really screw things up takes an hoard of well intentioned kids who have no idea who their leader really is.

They just love a parade.

Saw a comment on a "caucus" solution for Florida and Michigan. That's unfair as it would favor Barack Obama greatly. His supporters have all but mastered this format and it does leave out millions of voters. Leahy's suggestion is insulting as it makes the entire Democratic National Party establishment look like they really have orchestrated this process for Obama's benefit. We still do not know enough about Obama. The right wing is having a field day on the Internet with stuff that is not being picked up at all by the national press. In November, this stuff is going to be the nail in the coffin for the Democrats. Hillary Clinton should make her own decision about if or when to get out of the race. The Senator from Vermont should be drumming up a national sentiment to elect a Democratic Congress in November ---this is so critical and the party elders, including Elder Leahy, have pretty much been silent on this issue. Nothing will get done without a turnover in the House and Senate, with meaningful majorities, not the gridlock majority we have now. As a lifeliong Democrat, I called Sen. Leahy's office and also emailed him today to lay off Hillary Clinton and let the big upcoming primaries go as planned. I'm soo disappointed in the party, which has been our family's party for 3 generations. This move by Leahy takes the cake.

thetruth31: You said -- Since when do Democrats excuse racism even in small sound bites? I agree, and this short little sentence of yours speaks volumes about the Democrats who act as apologists for Rev. Wright's hate speech, and soft pedal Obama's 20-year relationship with this man.

Imagine if there was a call for Obama to withdrawl in the same circumstances.
it would be RACISTS calls all over the place.

The race is a tie.
If Leahy feels that harm is happening to the DNC, he should beg his candidate to DROP OUT.

Imagine if there was a call for Obama to withdrawl in the same circumstances.
it would be RACISTS calls all over the place.

The race is a tie.
If Leahy feels that harm is happening to the DNC, he should beg his candidate to DROP OUT.

She should tell him the same thing Cheney did .

Bravo, Sen. Leahy, one of the truly decent public servants out there. Mrs. Clinton needs to put her ego in check and drop out, for the good of the nation.

And to bcohen05: Go ahead, be smug and vote for McCain. And when one of your loved ones is shipped off to Iran to fight in what surely will be an even bigger disaster than Iraq, don't whine about it. You'll have only yourself to blame.

The idea that she is somehow responsible for dividing the party by continuing her run is silly. A lot of things have divided the party this election, including Rev Wright and Obama. Whether you like Hillary or not, I think it takes courage to keep running when the odds are against you. It is lame to pressure any candidate to give up and quit.

jaked: The same poll said 19% of Obama supporters would vote for McCain.
svreader: Right on!

Sheesh - we've blown it again. I wonder sometimes if we even WANT the White House. I'm one of the 28% of Dems who won't be voting if the nomination goes to Senator Obama. Why even bother? I'm sick of wasting time at polls when elections can't be won.

Leahy represents logic and rationale, while Hillary has been driven mad by 35 years of power.

Talking to crazy people is hard.

I don't believe that any democratic voters should be disengfranchised and I doubt that is what Senator Leahy is trying to do. I think the point he makes, which actually loses some of its thrust because he is an Obama supporter, is that it is mathematically speaking, very unlikely that Clinto will be able to bring the contest to a draw before the convention. That is a simple fact.

All the posturing about "what if she wins this" or "she is leading in that state" ignore the simple fact that, statistically it is unlikely. I am not saying this because I support either side...it is just a reality. Therefore, she is essentially betting that she can convince enough superdelegates to overturn the delegate vote. That event, if it occurs, is what many Democratic leaders want to avoid. I think that, quietly, they are beginning to realize that fact and the fact that superdelegates overturning the vote would be a major PR problem for the democrats and could cost them the election.

To the People of Pennsylvania:

People like Joe Scarborough keep saying the blue collar white male workers would not vote of Obama. Is he saying that all blue collar worker are stupid and prejudice? I certainly don't think so. I grew up in Philly and know how the jobs left and the people had to fight for good jobs causing racial friction. Obama mentioned the plight of blue collar workers and understands they are getting screwed too, not just minorities.

Joe and others like Hannity and O'Reilly want you to be angry at Obama painting him as a racist and vote for Hillary so they can defeat her.

The Republicans want to eliminate unions (remember Reagan?) and send jobs overseas and keep this war going for corporate profit. I think Obama should not state that he will end the war in 16 months though but he has a better chance of bringing the world in on this. The polls stated that he has the best chance of uniting the country (perhaps the world in time).
Look at how the campaigns are being run. Obama's campaign has bee fiscally sound with little debt. Hillary had to borrow money, and owes millions in debt and so is McBush's. That tells you something about how the economy will be run. Don't just look at the man or his race, but the people working around him and not his pastor. Remember, the FOX boys have noting to fight with but race and fear. Hillary has proven to be unreliable emotionally and loyal to the party. It has already been exposed.
People of Pennsylvania, lets end this infighting and vote to end this. Don't vote for McBush as a protest vote, you are only damaging yourself and don't vote for Hillary because you are only prolonging the inevitable.

Hope Hillary stays in the race. Obama's people want her out simply because she brings up to many "inconvient" questions. Appears that many in the party want to give him the nomination on a "silver platter", with little or no questioning and Obama seems to think that what he deserves.

theplanner:

Many more FIRST TIME participants that he is attracting will stay home and be turned off from the Democratic Party for a generation. Don't misunderestimate those 50,000-person rallies.

Everyone clamoring about their constitutional right to vote should remember that it does not exist, in the primaries at least.

The primaries are a private (i.e. not government) process set up and controlled by the national parties. If they approved it they could probably have the nominee picked by a game of rock, paper, scissors.

As far as being disenfranchised, the delegates (and per Hillary super or regular) can vote any way they wish. So if a candidate can get the delegate vote who cares what the public wanted. So the process has the potential of disenfranchising all the voters. (For example Gore's comments .

""If it goes into the convention, don't be surprised if someone different is at the top of the ticket," he told a Florida newspaper, adding Gore could be that choice."
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/28/gore-hopes-dem-race-will-resolve-itself/

Hillary is apparently pursuing this in Texas and has made the statement several times.

"Hillary Rodham Clinton's Texas campaign is challenging the seating of delegates from numerous precincts for Saturday's Democratic county conventions, particularly in Barack Obama's strongholds."
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/28/6743/74922/196/485932

Add to this FL, MI and the clamoring for Hillary to quit and it becomes clear that the primary process is not really guaranteed to be a democratic process, luckily it just works out that way most times.

The Obama activists, that is, the extreme left wing of the party (MoveOn, Democracy for America, DailyKos, Keith Olbermann etc) are threatening to do to the Democratic Party what they did to us in the Connecticut Senate race. They got Ned Lamont to beat Lieberman in the primaries only to see the former get wiped out in the real race. Now, since I don't care much for Lieberman I tought that was rather cute. Big mistake. I had no idea how malicious these guys are. Their sunny fronts like Politico and MSNBC are trying to shut Hillary down. I say to all those who have been penalized for fighting tough battles. To all those who have paid their dues only to see a cute, ambitious upstart stroll in and steal the show. To all those who favor substance over style. To all those who have had to work so hard only to see the tall and young and good-looking get the credit. To all those who are sick of seeing hard earned experience get wiped out by "charisma". To all of you: MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO HILLARY RIGHT NOW.

https://contribute.hillaryclinton.com/form.html?sc=2390

I am voting for the Democratic nominee.
Quitters never win and Winners never Quit!
Go Hillary!!! Barack is an Obamination, but he is ours.

Its ridiculous to suggest that someone should withdraw from an election that is not yet decided and where they have close to half the votes. The time to talk about a Clinton withdrawl is when enough superdelegates have declared a choice that makes it possible to count with certainty the votes that Obama needs for victory. Anything else makes a mockery of the Democratic process.

It's Hillary's right to remain in the race as long as she'd like. It's also the right of Democratic officials to point out that the continuation of the primary is damaging to the party, and that Hillary's only strategy for getting the nomination is to attack the most likely nominee until he bleeds.

It's their right to ask her to go. She doesn't have to listen, but it's their party too, and they should have a right to defend it against what they see as threats.

All these posters who will vote McCain if their candidate looses should go ahead and admit they're republicans. What are they thinking? That they are punishing the winner? How childish is that? Think of our country, and our party, not your hurt little feelings, geez, get over yourselves and grow up!

Interestingly enough, Clinton's stand is "Let all the people vote!!!----of course, once they do vote and we have delegates pledged according to the outcome of those votes---well, pledged delegates are fair game. They don't have to stay with the person they're pledged to".
This is democracy? This is Clinton's idea of let every vote count? She just wants to buy time to buy the nomination.

My 86 year old Hillary supporting mother said "ditto" to what Vice President Buckshot said to the good senator a few yeras ag.

BWHAHAHAHAHA!

Also, all those who want to focus on whether Clinton exaggerated some story or whether Obama should be held accountable for his pastors words are the very reason I became an independent. Both Democratic and Republican voters constantly miss the point of everything and instead spend their time having unintelligent arguments about simple-minded topics. Seriously, grow up, I know high school kids that understand the meaning of a presidential race and the politics involved better than some of the people that post here.

Other problems for Hillary:

-- Reports are she is running out of money with massive debts she has not made public yet, plus her main donors are tapped out.

-- The Bosnia sniper lying fiasco calls her integrity into question even more than it already was.

-- Casey endorsement practically eliminates the possibility of any massive blow-out win in PA which is what she needed to have any slim hope of turning the tide.

-- Texas will be declared a win for Obama after the caucus delegates are officially awarded at the TX state convention tomorrow.

-- All polls are all headed up for Obama and down for Hillary even after Obama had one of the toughest weeks a politician can imagine.

-- Reports out there that many more superdelegates are about to endorse Obama.

-- The media is started to pick up on the improbability of Hillary even making it close and that her only hope is to "kneecap" her opponent.

Clinton supporters might want the race to go on, but if Clinton wants to save her reputation as someone beneficial to the party, she may want to make a different decision. She is, if nothing else, a smart politician. What is she gaining politically from a bitter battle? Nothing. Even if she suspends now, if something should happen in the meantime to Obama, then she could step in before the Convention to save the day, and people would feel better about her for having shown common sense. There is nothing now that makes the party feel good about her and her negatives are just going higher. I think she should step back and be ready to step forward into whatever role she is needed for. This road she is traveling is political suicide.

Hillary should gratefully get out of the race before it is too late. If the Demoncrat does not win back the Whitehouse, Hillary and Bill are to blame.

Put a stake through the vampire's heart !! Let's finally bury the two-headed monster's Presidential aspirations and hope that they crawl out of public life and back to the purgatory of narcissism, entitlement, deceit, spin and slime from whence they came.

How did these two dirtbags EVER rise to such positions in American life ??

Clinton supporters might want the race to go on, but if Clinton wants to save her reputation as someone beneficial to the party, she may want to make a different decision. She is, if nothing else, a smart politician. What is she gaining politically from a bitter battle? Nothing. Even if she suspends now, if something should happen in the meantime to Obama, then she could step in before the Convention to save the day, and people would feel better about her for having shown common sense. There is nothing now that makes the party feel good about her and her negatives are just going higher. I think she should step back and be ready to step forward into whatever role she is needed for. This road she is traveling is political suicide.

With all the "accidents" which happened to the friends, supporters, officials, etc... of the Clintons during the 90's, would Obama really risk having Hillary as a vice president?

I'm just impressed that Hillary has the courage to keep campaigning with the threat of imaginary snipers ever-present.

She is truly the Greatest American Hero.

Democrats should want the remaining voters to have a chance to voice their choice or is that not necessary since the press (cable and print) thinks they get to choose. Surely Obama supporters would want everyone to have their legal say on this. NM went for Hillary and Richardson goes for Obama so MA went for Hillary does Obama get the Kennedy votes....how does that work....democraticly? Democrats aren't tired of the campaign, the media wants to tell us what we are tired of and I am tired of the media!

Clinton supporters might want the race to go on, but if Clinton wants to save her reputation as someone beneficial to the party, she may want to make a different decision. She is, if nothing else, a smart politician. What is she gaining politically from a bitter battle? Nothing. Even if she suspends now, if something should happen in the meantime to Obama, then she could step in before the Convention to save the day, and people would feel better about her for having shown common sense. There is nothing now that makes the party feel good about her and her negatives are just going higher. I think she should step back and be ready to step forward into whatever role she is needed for. This road she is traveling is political suicide.

I should add that Democratic Party officials are free to lobby superdelegates to support the presumptive nominee, in hopes of giving him a formal victory sooner.

As for the people saying all the votes should be counted, that's nice, but Obama will officially have the majority of the pledged delegates if he takes half in the next three states. The results of subsequent contests would only pad his margin of victory. In other words, Hillary has no way of winning the vote; she can only rely on the party elders who her supporters are now complaining about.

Hillary is fond of crediting her mother in making her a fighter. Too bad her mother missed another lesson she could have used over the years. The art of surrender.

Wouldn't it be amazing if they decided to run together on one ticket!! Think about the possibilites that would create? 8 -16 years of Clinton & Obama cleaning up affter the horrific actions of the bush administration, would be a godsend! The republicans are eating up this fight between Clinton & Obama with great excitement. Democrats, progressives, and people with hearts of compassion need to be wise, and support the Democrats period. Both Hillary & Obama are amazing, intelligent, and courageous people. Personally, I think Hillary should be President, and Obama VP.....we need to think about our children and our children's children...

Neither Clinton or Obama are my first choice in this race. But, the more I read from Obama supporters, the less I like him and them. That said, I will never vote for any Republican.

Obama is CORRUPT, a LIAR, and his slogan of change an ILLUSION.

1) CORRUPT: A houseowner wants to sell both a house and adjoining land. Obama can afford to buy only the house. No problem, the criminal Rezko to the rescue. Rezko pays full price for the land, whereas Obama gets a discount of $300,000 on the house. Nice to have criminal friends like this!!! (ref ABC News)

2) LIAR: Obama claims he did not know about Wright's America-hating (God damn America) and racist views till it was revealed in the mainstream media in March 2008. Obama attended Wright's church for 20 years, was married by Wright, had his children baptized by Wright, donated over $20,000 to Wright's church and named his book "Audacity of Hope" after one of Wright's sermons. You really believe after 20 years and all this he did not know?

3) ILLUSION: Exelon Corporation had not disclosed radioactive leaks at one of its nuclear plants in Illinois. Obama, a senator for Illinois introduces a bill to make disclosures mandatory. Seems like Exelon doesn't like it. Each draft of the new bill by Obama goes more and more towards Exelon till disclosures end up being "voluntary". What gives? How about $250,000+ donations by Exelon!!! Obama is not change, he is WASHINGTON BUSINESS AS USUAL. (ref NYT)

People need to realize that Hillary has been fighting for them all along. All the way back to 1993 when she tried to introduce universal health care.

As an Obama supporter who is also a minority let me say what I think Clinton supporters need to hear Obama say to Rev Wright. BTW if there are staffers here feel free to give Mr. Obama this to use

Dear Reverened Wright,

As an enthusiastic Obama supporter, I just want to say with all due respect...SHUT UP! Please just SHUT UP! Your continuous rants do nothing to help Barak. You are a distraction. If you wish to spit your Jerry Falwell like hatred...do it in a tape recorder so you can be the only one to hear you. If you are the person who led Barak to Jesus well then follow that same path back to him and take some of the hate out of your heart. Being divisive has never solved anything anytime anywhere for anyone. You give a free pass for racist to get on this board and spit all their hatred for minorities because you think you have a right. Nobody and I mean nobody has a right to denigrate anyone from any race PERIOD. Overcome not sink down. Jesus did it and so did I. People listen when you speak with your heart not for your heart. Think about that one.

Have a great day!

Scrappy

Obama 08!

I watched the view this morningand I was touched by Obama's interview. He seems to be quite honest, beleivable and thoughtful. I would sit down and have tea with him anytime. Hillary comes off as a very cold person. She reminds me of a warrior/pitbull. Maybe her people should try to have her appearance soften a bit.

JakeD: You could be right; we will see. However, another issue is the extent to which Obama is vulnerable to the Republican attack machine. If they thought that the swiftboat issue was good against Kerry, just wait until we see 24 hr. videos of racist and anti-American rants by Rev. Wright; exposes about Obama's connections with Weather Underground founder, William Ayers; Obama's connections with Rezko who is now on trial for corruption; Obama's flip flops and "misstatements" about everything from NAFTA to a single-payer health plan. Obama is already having a hard time with Hillary Clinton; just wait until he has to face the Republicans. It won't be pretty.

Hillary is officially in the underground bunker pushing around nonexistant army units on a map as the Obama army closes in...

goldie2:

If the Clintons have determined THIS is her one and only shot at being President of the United States, I can understand staying in it all the way to Denver.

Is Sen. Leahy off his meds. or something? For god's sake man, shut up! Your ignorance is showing-there is LOTS OF LIFE YET IN THIS TOO CLOSE TO CALL NOMINATION!

I think the rich Clintonistas' thug letter to Pelosi was the last straw for the Democratic Party; there may be blood in the water and the DNC will begin to circle the wagons around Obama. Senator Casey's endorsement of Obama has certainly not helped the Clinton campaign. This is getting real interesting . . . stay tuned . . .

Hey Leahy! Why should Hillary drop out of the race??? Why don't you resign from your senate post???

Hillary is the hell of a fighter our country needs. Keep up the fight Hillary.

nsd219: That's exactly what they said about Bush before his first try at the White House; he seems like the kind of guy you could sit down and have a beer with. Look what that got us. And, did you think he would come across any other way? To quote Sade, Obama is a very "smooth operator."

Obama doesnt have enough votes either so whats the rush. Most democrats dont really like him that much. Winning caucuses doesnt represent squat.

Clinton could pull an AlGore / John Kerry and drop out early. This should go all the way to the floor of a convention and Leahy should do his job finally and investigate the Republicans for the crimes against humanity.

Anyone want to read the email I sent to Howard Dean today after this article??
--
Howard Dean,

You, and your insistence on taking this election away from the voters in favor of (someone who is obviously) your candidate are the ultimate embarrassment to Democrats in this country. I can no longer be associated with such ineptness and lack of judgment.

Thanks to your actions during this election so far, and to those of other party "leaders", I feel I can no longer support this party.

My family has been Democrat literally for generations. You have done what no one else has been able to do my entire life: make me a Republican voter.

Congratulations.

So the "big" boys are now telling us whom we can vote - for the "good" of the party! I ask for who's good?

I am not at all sure that I want another Jimmy Carter in the White House for four years - even if he is an African American version. I have no such Liberal guilt. The presidency should not be a consolidation prize!

Please tell us who are these powerful supporters who warned Ms. Pelosi. These people just outed themselves as part of the problem. Entitlement. Vested interest. The best government money can buy.

We need one Pat Leahy per day til Senator Clinton gets it.

Senator Leahy---shut up and step aside! There are millions of Hillary supporters who want her to win the nomination. The race is still a close one. It's all the Democratic rules to fault by having disenfranchised the millions of Michigan and Florida voters and by having such stupid party rules as splitting the delegates in state primaries instead of winner takes all. All these dumb rules have set the stage for a close and protracted contest. We have to stick with it to the end and not give up the fight until the entire process is over with. It's not over until it's over. Senator Leahy does not appear to care or respect the millions of voters who are still supporting Senator Clinton! Shame on you Senator Leahy!!

hihomoron...this is what I mean...you read the posts of people on the washingtonpost and decide that you don't like a candidate. I'm not calling you dumb, but that is certainly not a logical way to come to a conclusion about someone.

If Sen. Clinton is pressured into withdrawing from this contest by politicos
who support Obama I, for one, will not
support nor vote for Obama. These so-called
experts and the MSM media need to take a
deep breath and get a grip. There are many
more contests to go, and Hillary Clinton
has deep, deep support from mainstream
Americans like me.

Maybe George Bush's people should have his and Dick Cheneys images softened a little. Perhaps Cheney could serve tea and cookies and smile for the camera. Get a grip, we want a president not a social chairperson.

Maybe George Bush's people should have his and Dick Cheneys images softened a little. Perhaps Cheney could serve tea and cookies and smile for the camera. Get a grip, we want a president not a social chairperson.

Can people stop writing that they'll vote for McCain if Clinton or Obama is the nominee? There is no bigger Clinton critic than I, but I'll absolutely vote for her in the general election if it comes to it. I realize this is just a tactic by many supporters to drive home the notion that their candidate is the only one who can unite the Democratic Party and win in November, but still. If you're actually a Democrat, you'll support the Democratic nominee no matter who it is. Otherwise, we'll get Bush Jr. in there, and we'll have no one to blame but ourselves.

Sore losers in sports blame the refs, and in politics they blame the press.

This was Hillary's nomination to lose, and that's what she's done. Stop blaming the press and let's move on to the General Election. Hillary can still play a significant role in making things better, but not if she rips the party apart and opens the door to 8 more Republican years.

meldupree: The DNC and most of the media has already begun to circle the wagons around Hillary, many months ago. It is an amazing testament to her strength and fortitude that she could withstand the forces of media bias and institutional opposition, and still be running a candidacy which is virtually tied with Obama in the popular vote. Without such advantages, Obama's campaign would never have gotten off the ground.

hhkeller, what exactly is it that Howard Dean did to turn you Republican? I for one am certainly confused.

Clearly Leahy is a has been. And he is clearly a "Give up" kind of guy. So that's one reason that his input should be ignored.

2. Obama has had an easy ride with the press. They are not looking for bad things in past, because they are afraid of what they will find. He needs to be challenged longer by Clinton so he doesn't walk away with it untested. I agree with the things he said about race and admire him, but let's face it. He was "duped" by his pastor and church when the signs of some very serious "bad thinking" (like in the church bulletin) was pretty obvious. Excuse me but Obama has ridiculed other candidates for the same "lame excuses". More than once in this campaign his explantions have been pretty weak.

3. Before he is handed this thing on a silver platter he needs to be "tried" a little.

Bye bye, Clintons!

You have destroyed too much, for too long.

Bye bye!

LEAHY IS EXPOSING HIMSELF AS THE JERK HE IS. VERMONT? WHERE IS IT AND WHO CARES?

write2caro

i too e mailed the dnc regarding the same issues, but now I am an independent

i just can't seem to get behind the republicans

i am just not voting

my other reason for not supporting the democratic party any longer

33% of democratic males said they "would never vote for a woman"

soooooo - i'm out

LEAHY IS EXPOSING HIMSELF AS THE JERK HE IS. VERMONT? WHERE IS IT AND WHO CARES?

First, let me make clear that I hope that Senator Obama wins the nomination.

However, if both he and Senator Clinton believe in democracy they should support the decision being made at the only place it should in a free society - at the ballot box.

They should both stand up an offer to split the cost of new primaries in Florida and Michigan four ways with the DNC and the states picking up one quarter each.

On the other hand, I'd rather see Gore at the top of a ticket with Obama as VP any day.

I really don't understand the people who say if HRC wins I will vote for McCain or if Obama wins I will vote for McCain.. Do you listen to what he wants to do...stay in a Iraq, bomb Iran...come on people I will vote for whoever the Dems pick even if its not my person.

Hillary's slim chance of winning this thing was blown away by the Bosnia sniper lying fiasco. Her biggest weakness has always been questions about her credibility, integrity and trustworthiness. Those concerns were completely upheld with video documentation of her bald-faced lies. Few will trust anything she says anymore.

I am a big fan of Senator Patrick Leahy (Dem.) of Vermont, and because of that I forgive him for making the above suggestion that my candidate Senator Hillary Clinton should drop out of the race.

I realize he has probably been out camping and hiking among those beautiful mountains and lakes up there in Vermont, and has been out of touch with some of the news and is not up on some of the the recent developments in the Presidential primary. No problem, let me bring him up to date on a few key matters. There's time.

In Pennsylvania, we have our primary on April 22nd, and we are hoping to rack up a minimum 20% voter win by Senator Clinton over Senator Obama.

Let me bring Senator Leahy up to date on some of the polling information we have from Quinnipiac University Polling Group as follows:

Quotation: "March 18, 2008 - Clinton Widens Lead Over Obama In Pennsylvania, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Momentum Shifts To Her.

The momentum in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary battle has shifted back to New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, who now leads Illinois Sen. Barack Obama 53 - 41 percent among likely primary voters, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

This compares to a 49 - 43 percent Sen. Clinton lead in a February 27 poll by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN uh-pe-ack) University. In that survey, the momentum was with Sen. Obama who had narrowed a 52 - 36 percent gap from a February 14 poll.

In this latest survey, the split between black and white voters grows. Clinton has widened her lead among women likely Democratic primary voters and narrowed Obama's lead among men. Subgroup numbers are:

White voters go with Clinton 61 - 33 percent, compared to 56 - 37 percent February 27.

Black voters back Obama 76 - 18 percent, compared to 69 - 23 percent February 27.

Women back Clinton 59 - 35 percent.

Men go 48 percent for Obama to 45 percent for Clinton, compared to February 27 when men backed him 50 - 43 percent.

"The momentum is clearly Sen. Clinton's as she firms up her traditional coalition of women, white males, non-college, rural and older voters in Pennsylvania. Her endorsement by Philadelphia's black Mayor, Michael Nutter, is cutting slightly into Obama's overwhelming edge among black voters, but clearly the split among black and white voters is growing," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"Sen. Clinton leads in the bellwether Philadelphia suburbs by almost the same margin she leads statewide," Richards added. "And don't forget powerhouse Gov. Ed Rendell is putting all the king's horses and all the king's men into the Clinton campaign. Anything can happen in this crazy, unpredictable Democratic race, but right now, the Big Mo is on Clinton's side."

The economy is the single most important issue in their Democratic primary vote, 48 percent of likely voters say, while 23 percent list the war in Iraq and 18 percent list health care.

Looking at the qualities they most want in a candidate, 37 percent of Democratic primary voters want a strong leader, while 23 percent want someone who is trustworthy; another 22 percent most want someone who shares their values and 11 percent want someone who can win in November. Those looking for a strong leader back Clinton 62 - 34 percent, while voters who want someone trustworthy support Clinton 49 - 43 percent.

Voter Concerns:

Pennsylvania Democrats have a number of concerns, including:

82 percent that the U.S economy is in a recession;

70 percent are "very worried" or "somewhat worried" about being able to afford health care;

67 percent are "very worried" or "somewhat worried" about a major terrorist attack.

From March 10 - 16, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,304 Pennsylvania likely Democratic primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.7 percentage points. The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the nation as a public service and for research. For more data -- http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml

So Senator Leahy, I wanted to bring you up to date on the above news. In Pennsylvania we are doing fine; but of course we are working hard to get a massive turn-out there on April 22nd.

I do thank you for your interest, and please know, that me and my family love Vermont, and we also think you are a great Senator.

Thank you.
Common Sense 12

Cantabrigian,

Your arguments add up to talking about how good a game a baseball team is likely to play after having lost the first 4 games of the World Series. It doesn't really matter who would be pitching next or whether the star players for the other team are suddenly injured. There's really no point to playing the other 3 games no matter what might happen.

Wow, the commenters here are pretty astounding.

The internet makes people bold, eh?

The sad thing is that the diehard Clinton supporters truly believe that Hillary has a chance of legitimately winning this nomination. Clinton's only chance is to destroy the democratic party. Fortunately for the Clintonistas out there, Clinton is willing to do that. Unfortunately for the rest of us, Clinton is so good at underhanded tactics, unethical behavior and downright lying, she won't even bat an eye while she's screwing us all.
And, by the way, shouldn't the Commander-in-Chief know the difference between a sniper and a little girl with roses?

Having written to Hillary to urge that she remain in the contest until all votes have been counted, I disagree with Leahy. The democratic process should not be undercut by Leahy or the Democratic Party, which is the greater problem, as I see it. The Democratic Party needs to eliminate its institutionalized vote suppression as evidenced by reliance on many state caucuses that systematically preclude participation by all who cannot attend meetings at prescribed times and places (with no absentee ballot option available), such as older people, those who are ill, caregivers, workers who must be on the job, those whose closest caucus is miles away and transportation is nonexistent, and people who are just plain afraid to go before their neighbors to argue for their candidate. The Democratic Party should also revise its plan to preclude recognition of votes cast in Florida and Michigan, since Obama's campaign actively prevented adoption of alternative means to allow for revotes. If these votes are not counted, the Democratic Party will be demonstrating its lack of support for democracy, and the voters will be disadvantaged even though they had no control over the process. If Obama's words mean anything in terms of results, he cannot legitimately claim he truly will represent all in his plan for America if it is based heavily on institutionalized vote suppression through state caucuses and deliberate exclusion of votes cast in two major states.

sorry, that last message was for write2caro

To all who say they'll vote for McCain if their democratic candidate doesn't win the nomination: Please explain the logic in a choice like that. I want to know how any democrat in good conscious could vote for McCain with so much at stake in this election. How could you vote for a candidate who's positions on key issues is totally opposite of Barack or Hillary? What sense does that make? If you people are going to be childish about it, at lease write in your candidate or waste your vote on Nader. Voting for McCain would be a mistake. Do you think Obama will vote for McCain if Hillary is the nominee? Of course he won't. Do you think Hillary will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee. Of course she won't. Grow up people.

The problem with a senior senator patrick leahy is that his advice is biased because he is a declared supporter of sen. obama.
it is ironic that an experienced person like him is advising to declare the results in the THIRD QUARTER OF A BASKET BALL GAME.
the more biased advice is given more difficult it will become for dems. to unite.
i remember words from gen. colin powell -that dems. don,t know what they are doing.
senior leaders suggest that super delegates should follow the wishes of voters. if that was there job then there was no need for them. it is better to have no superdelegates than having stupid ones.
all senior dems are endorsing the losing candidate in their states. ifeel GEN> POWELL WAS RIGHT. eITHER SENIOR DEMS SHOULD WALK THE WALK OR KEEP THEIR MOUTHS SHUT AND LET THR CAMPAIGNE TAKE ITS OWN COURSE.
bhagwan deol. los angeles

Obama's life story:

Born to polygamist muslim father and converted mother

Brought up by muslim step father and converted mother in Indonesia, country of Bali bombing

Converted to Christianity and mentored by "Black KKK" leader Wright

Funded Wright to reward domestic terrorist "Farrakhan"

Friend of "Liberal Tim McVay" Dorhn and Ayres (http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/3/22/15723/1610)

Other than that he is "Gandhi" or

An enemy of the state

Who wants a president that would allow his children to be exposed to racist and anti- American rhetoric in church no less. Sure would have liked to hear him explain that to the kids.

It is still too earlier to ask her to quit. There are still almost half of superdelegates who have not made the decisions yet. If they think Obama is a much better candidate, then they should come forward to endorse Obama. If there are a large number of superdelegates announcing the support for Obama, then Clinton must and will quit.

It is hard to know who is a better candidate. In a general election, Clinton will have advantage over Obama in swing states: Florida, Michigan, Penn, Ohio, etc., while Obama will have advange in Iowa, Virginia, Colora, etc.

I propose that Hillary run for the presidency as an Independent. She will win. Let's start a movement!

The game is pretty clear now. The Party Elders, the press, and others working behind the scene are determined to give the nomination to Obama. That explains why Obama was chosen to run now. But this game carry a very high risk for the nation.

The Dem's better be careful what they wish for. Obama is a good looking guy but he's a light weight incapable of anything other than meaningless lofty speeches - they'll wish for Hillary come October. Hillary is nasty but at least she has substance.

Matt: Trust me on this: THE DEMOCRATS ARE GOING TO LOSE WITH OBAMA, AND I, AS A DEM. WHO HAS NEVER VOTED REPUBLICAN, WILL HAPPILY, REPEAT, HAPPILY VOTE FOR MCCAIN, BECAUSE HE DOESN'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT RANK DISINGENUOUS, THROW HIS GRANDMOTHER UNDER THE BUS FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY OPPORTUNIST COKE SNORTER NO EXPERIENCE RACIST OBAMA DOES.

IN FACT, I'LL EVEN HELP CAMPAIGN FOR MCCAIN, IF HE WANTS.

it is over. Obama has won. If Clinton stays in she will lose the superdelegates in a big way. Any superdelegate who has not announced for Clinton is not going to. They are going to Obama. Just look at the trend line. Clinton had what she started with and hasn't gain many. Obama has gotten new superdelegates every week. The ones that are waiting are waiting until all of the primaries are over so they can support the one who wins the most pledged delegates and the popular vote. Anyone who can do math knows that is Obama. There is no possible way for Clinton to win this . . . even if she pulls a Tonya Harding. Sen. Leahy is right . . . it is time for Clinton to get out.

Matt: Trust me on this: THE DEMOCRATS ARE GOING TO LOSE WITH OBAMA, AND I, AS A DEM. WHO HAS NEVER VOTED REPUBLICAN, WILL HAPPILY, REPEAT, HAPPILY VOTE FOR MCCAIN, BECAUSE HE DOESN'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT RANK DISINGENUOUS, THROW HIS GRANDMOTHER UNDER THE BUS FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY OPPORTUNIST COKE SNORTER NO EXPERIENCE RACIST OBAMA DOES.

IN FACT, I'LL EVEN HELP CAMPAIGN FOR MCCAIN, IF HE WANTS.

write2caro: Good for you. I feel the same way; I doubt I will ever feel the same way about the Democratic party, again. The obvious bias towards Obama with endless free passes for his mistakes/shortcomings/unsavory connections, the hateful rhetoric from many of his supporters which is directed at anyone who dares oppose his candidacy, the tacit support for the racism and anti-Americanism of Rev. Wright -- this is not the Democratic Party that I believed in. It was in Bill Clinton's presidency that I first became aware of the right wing attack machine; and I was so smug. Our party would never sink that low; our party would not disenfranchise voters just to win; our party was better than that. Well, now I'm not so sure.

I wonder when people will wise-up to all of these Obama-backers. I continue to be amazed that a major presidential candidate who has such close ties to an individual (and church) that spew such hateful racist remarks toward jews and whites continues to gather so much support while Hillary gets so much venom. Obama's close ties to that church and to Wright, not to mention the number of negative comments in his most recent book about white people cannot be tolerated.

If the now numerous racist/anti-American comments that obama, his wife, his pastor, and others associated wis campaign would have been made by a white candidate about any race, that candidate would have needed to go into hiding. there would have been riots in the streets. news flash folks: racism is not just directed at one race. it can be directed at whites, jews, hispanics...not just blacks.

i can only hope that white Americans would not vote for any racist candidate...
particularly a candidate that has so many ties to racist/anti-American commments. I can also only hope that all of these supporters--Leahy, Kerry, Kennedys, Richardson etc--find themselves out of a job for their continued support of someone that has truly done so much to further divide the races. i guess their white-guilt (or political agenda) is just so strong and they feel so ashamed about their race that they're willing to follow behind obama like little lap dogs while more and more of these negative comments from the obama campaign are uncovered.

I support Obama, but I will support whoever gets the nod.
There's nothing inherently wrong with Hillary staying in the race. The problem is when you state the Republican is a better candidate than your Democratic opponent. That goes against every unwritten part rule. It should not be done, ever.

Looks to me as if the Obmamites are worried about their position because.

-If electoral results truly reflected the need for Hillary to drop Obamites would not have to make an argument for it-it would be obvious.

-Although Hillary does not have enough delegates for the nomination most media commentators fail to note that Obama also does not have enough delegates for the nomination. Closer than your competitor is not a valid claim to victory.

-What is the point of having 51 states participate in the primary process if the later ones are "hurtful" to the democrats, why not just limit it to four or five states.

-- Posted by Ed

So, how many of these supposed 'Democrats' posting are just Republicans who want the Dems to nominate the weakest candidate? Obama is leading in the popular vote, most states won, and in delegates. if you go to Slate.com, you can plug in scenarios of the upcoming primaries and get the delegate total. Guess what? - even if Hillary wins all of the next primaries by a 10% margin - which is ludicrous - SHE"LL STILL BE BEHIND. It's over and thank God. Clinton's salacious campaign has only disgusted real democrats.

In places like Texas, Ohio, PA, Hillary is doing okay because of cross-over voting by Republicans who know she is McCain's only chance in November - and this is being encouraged by bloviating Limbaaaugh. For proof, look at Texas - she won the primary but lost the caucus by a substantial margin so in terms of delegates, Obama won Texas...

The current race has tighten up considerably since the press started to do its job and the voters start to learn more about Obama. So, I have to wonder...

What would this race be like today, if the voters had gotten to know Obama better before Super Tuesday? Would Edward still be in the race?

Some of you Democrats are such wimps. You are so afraid of the "Republican Machine" you were afraid of the "Clinton Machine" stating it would crush Obama. Why don't you grow a spine and start attacking the Republicans and stop being so afraid and declaring defeat. Remember all the mess they have done. No, its all this crying about poor Hillary or Obama. Any republican reading this web site will say, wow, what a bunch of Pansies.

I am a staunch Obama supporter and I look forward to him becoming one of the great presidents in our nation's history.

I had originally thought that if the nomination were to be stolen from him and Hillary were to be nominated, I would simply not vote for anyone in November. I will NOT vote for John McCain or any other Republican for that matter.

However, I have had second thoughts and even though I strongly dislike Hillary and her underhanded tactics, I will vote for her in November for one very basic reason, namely, the preservation of the Supreme Court.

I ask all Americans from all walks of life and different ethnic backgrounds to please bear in mind that new justices will be appointed to the Supreme Court during the next administration, and more conservative appointments will destroy what is left of the Supreme Court. I particularly address myself to all the women out there who consider the Roe vs. Wade ruling handed down a step in the right direction. I am a man and fully support the ladies on this particular issue.

Aside from Roe vs Wade, the Supreme Court has just ruled 6-3 against International Law in a case involving a Mexican alien who was not allowed to contact the Mexican Consulate, so that adequate defense could be organized on the defendant's behalf. He was given the death sentence. Mexico appealed to International courts, which ruled in Mexico's favor and provided the international legal grounds for this man not to be put to death. This man should serve his sentence in jail, but the United States should not be above International Law. What is this, Guantanamo, Texas?

If you want more of the same, vote for John McCain.

Obama is my man, but if Hillary steals the nomination, I will have to vote for her in November solely for the purpose of SAVING the Supreme Court and the American people from the Republican party/oil industry mob dictatorship.

PS: Guantanamo should be closed and that plot of land on Cuban that Americans have claimed as their soil since the illegal Platt Amendment of 1902 should be returned to its rightful owners, namely, the people and government of Cuba. Guantanamo since 1902 has been another shoddy, shameful chapter in US history.

Hillary is behind in states, votes, delegates and money. Statistically there is no way for her to win the nomination except with superdelegates. Democracy? Not required and in fact a barrier that stands in the way of another Clinton presidency (dynasty?). So she is busy doing everything in her power to sabotage Obama, which ironically is more damaging to her campaign than to his.

A few days ago Hillary released a list of the ten largest predatory lenders and their contributions to Obama. What she didn't release was that just four of those lenders gave Hillary more money than the total of the Obama list (opensecrets.org). Hillary's campaign contributions come from corporations, bazillionaires, and her own very deep pockets (let's see those tax returns since 2001 - I'll bet the payoffs were outstanding); Obama's has come from ordinary citizens in tiny amounts.

The Pelosi pressure scandal, imaginary bullets in Bosnia, Reverend Wright (since when should anyone be held accountable for the words of another?), etc. Hillary's plummeting approval rating is now close to GWB's. And through it all, Obama just gets stronger every day.

Either Hillary is a liar whose only goal is the White House at any cost or she is auditioning for the veep slot under McCain. The only thing that is clear is that she doesn't give a hoot about the American people.

If the campaign continues it is an advantage to McCain and NOT Hillary. However waiting until PA to see if Hillary can pull 65% of vote is fair. If not Obama's nomination is all but confirmed.

BREAKING: Today's Gallup Poll Daily tracking update finds Barack Obama with an eight percentage point advantage over Hillary Clinton (50% to 42%), this gives him a statistically significant advantage for the first time since before the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy.

Obama survived!

If the Democratic leadership pressures somebody who like Clinton has a realistic chance of ending up with the majority of votes to get out, it will lose all credibility with half of its voters. As someone who has spent the last 8 years myself fuming against the thievery of the Republicans, I would nevertheless rather vote for McCain a thousand times and at least be making my own choice than have the Democratic party force one down my throat.

The way the Democratic leaders are acting towards Clinton and her millions of supporters, trying to end the game in the seventh inning while their preferred candidate is temporarily ahead, not only will McCain get my vote, he will also get my money.

scottinmd, that was just stupid, get your facts straight and be more deep in your thinking. your logic is embarrasing.

Perhaps Sen. Patrick Leahy prefers a "Man" who listens to hatred frequently, and may have a hidden agenda to be our next President of the United States, than a highly qualified "Woman" who we a