Matthew Dowd
Matthew Dowd has been a campaign strategist in races throughout the country. In 30 years, Dowd has worked for Democrats and Republicans, most recently serving as chief strategist for President George W. Bush in 2004.
RECENT POSTS
MONTHLY ARCHIVES
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
« Previous | Main | Next »
How Obama Won and Clinton Lost
June 03, 2008 6:20 PM
Opinion by Matthew Dowd, ABC News Political Contributor
A year ago, Hillary Clinton was 30-points ahead over any rival in the Democratic primary. She had outraised everyone at that point by more than a two to one margin. She had the backing of the majority of the Democratic establishment. She had the backing of a popular former President who happened to be her husband. And she lost.
So what happened?
Like any story, the reasons and causes aren't easily reduced to a one paragraph explanation and there were multiple causes for why Clinton lost. I will reflect on just on a few from my perspective.
This is a race that Clinton could have won and should have won, and came very close. And her gender ultimately didn't have much to do with the loss.
The following is my attempt at explaining what happened:
1. She ran for months and months as the candidate of experience and the electorate overwhelmingly wanted change. She wasted many resources and much time arguing and building a case based on experience, and two-thirds of Democratic voters wanted change. She tried turning this around late in the game and Obama owned it at that point.
2. The political environment of this race was much different than 2004 or 2000. In those elections, strength was the key attribute the country was looking for. The country desired more of a father figure. Today, the country is looking for more a a healing presence, someone more nurturing and demonstrating an ability to bring the American family together –- more of a mothering persona. The country wanted a Mom, and Hillary gave them a Dad. She tried to hard to demonstrate her toughness and strength and voters wanted more caretaking and sensitivity.
3. Presidential campaigns are always about understanding voters fears, but then asking them to vote their hopes. Clinton did an unbelievable job speaking to voters fears but she never crossed the bridge to speak to voters hopes. She got stuck in the fear equation and voters needed her to move to hope at some point.
4. The Clinton campaign based their tactical strategy on the idea that this would be a short race and big state victories early would decide it quickly. This primary became a long race and every single caucus or primary mattered. Clinton scrambled to retool the campaign based on a longer effort, in the midst of a heated primary.
5. Hillary Clinton never separated herself enough from Bill in the course of this race. Voters wanted to see her stand on her own two feet, and understand that on her own she could do the job and it would be her presidency. Every time Bill showed up on the radar it reminded voters that she wasn't on her own. And couple this with fact that Bill Clinton, while having a great political ear and voice advocating on behalf of himself, seems to not be as adept at advocating on behalf of someone else.
6. The country is looking for something new and hip and next generational, and this is especially true for voters under 30 (the 9/11 generation). Barack Obama gave voters this, and Hillary didn't. Obama was the Ipod of this election, while Clinton was the Walkman. The Walkman is reliable and easy to use and works great, it just doesn't have the hip factor that an Ipod does.
Obviously, this is only a short list of causes from my own perspective, and equally as important was Obama's candidacy, his message, and his campaign's tactical successes.
But in the end, this race was in Hillary Clinton's hands and it is a race she should have won, no matter her opponent.
And dealing with a loss where you didn't have to lose, but for your own actions, is heartwrenching. I do feel for the process she must be going through and will go through. Peace to her.
June 3, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (1020)
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/433071/29746162
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference How Obama Won and Clinton Lost:
SHE WAS TO SELF CENTERED ALL FOR HERSELF AND TO HECK WITH THE REAS OF YOU,NOW SHE WANT VEE P NO way THE ARE ALREADY USING HER WORDS TO SMEAR HIM THANKS HILLY YOU WITCH
Posted by: white woman ind. voter | Jun 3, 2008 6:33:59 PM
You left out the most important factor: Clinton voted for the Iraq war, and Obama was against it from the beginning. If Clinton had voted against giving Dumbya the authorization to go to war with Iraq, she would already be the nominee.
Posted by: Ed S, Lexington KY | Jun 3, 2008 6:37:02 PM
what a load of crap - this guys opinion stinks - and whatelse - he played for both teams (repub and demo)
go figure some loser would write this garbage
Posted by: jozy | Jun 3, 2008 6:39:19 PM
Hill was a weak candidate who had lot of weak advisers around herself. She made lot of strategic mistakes and said lot of wrong things about Obama which today McSame is using against Obama. The best has won and the game is over. Viva America y viva Obama.
Posted by: BKMC | Jun 3, 2008 6:40:48 PM
The country wanted a Mom, and Hillary gave them a Dad... and a wacky uncle-by-marriage that your family tells you to not give beer to or be caught alone with.
Posted by: PJ | Jun 3, 2008 6:42:19 PM
The reason Hillary lost is a lot more complex than you suggest:
http://jimbuie.blogs.com/journal/2008/05/why-hillary-los.html
Posted by: Jim Buie | Jun 3, 2008 6:45:45 PM
This writer left out a main point in her campaign.
Today most people want to tell you how the other is wrong instead of just stating what she is for or against. She answered questions beating around the bush and telling us how Obama messed up. If she cannot even answer a debate question what makes you think she can answer something specifically in the White House? Then again she will blame it on someone else.
Posted by: Rebekka | Jun 3, 2008 6:45:47 PM
Congrats Senator! YOU RAN A CAMPAIGN FOR THE AGES.
I HAD DOUBTS ABOUT BARACK, BUT WHEN HE MAKE HIS STANCE AGAINST THE PHONY PANDERING ON THE GAS TAX , I SAID HE WAS SPECIAL AND DIFFERENT.
IT TOOK CAHUNAS AND HEART.
HE IS THE REAL DEAL.
THE OTHERS PLAY POLITICS
HE WAS RIGHT.. YOU CANT SEND THE SAME PEOPLE BACK TO WASHINGTON AND EXPECT CHANGE.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT GENDER OR RACE BUT WHO CAN GET THE JOB DONE.
SO TO THE WOMEN OF HILLARY THIS IS NOT AMERICAN IDOL WHERE YOU MAY NOT BUY THE WINNERS ALBUM
THIS IS THIS COUNTRY FUTURE, YOUR POCKET BOOK AND YOUR LIFE . AND NO PARTY PROTECTS AND HAVE WOMEN BACK LIKE THE DEMOCRAT PARTY.. FROM POLICIES TO HELP KIDS... ALL THE WAY TO THE SUPREME COURT.
.
Posted by: susan34 | Jun 3, 2008 6:46:46 PM
"But in the end, this race was in Hillary Clinton's hands and it is a race she should have won, no matter her opponent".
Yes it was a race that she was odds on to win...but her opponenet in this was such a big issue...she would have beaten Gore, Kerry, Edwards and the like. She was just tremendously unfortunate to come up against a once in a generation sensation like Barack Obama.
Posted by: Louise | Jun 3, 2008 6:47:26 PM
Easy answer voter fraud at caucuses and at the DNC.
Fraud is Chicago politics as usual.
Too bad voter intimidation and rigging caucuses with out of state students wont work in a general election.
He is unelectable and Democrats are dumb. 35% of Clinton voters are walking.
Posted by: s.b. | Jun 3, 2008 6:48:53 PM
Good summation Matthew. Pretty much covers it.
Posted by: natal | Jun 3, 2008 6:50:12 PM
Hillary underestimated her opponent and treated him with contempt. This led her to believe the campaign would end on Super Tuesday, and she had no plans for the day after, when Obama began his historic string of victories that gave him an impregnable delegate advantage. You must always respect your opponent before you can defeat him.
Posted by: FilmMD | Jun 3, 2008 6:50:16 PM
I did love your equating Obama with the ipod and HRC with the Walkman. That was funny. And am I, the Apple lover for many, many years about to go in a different direction.
I found your reasoning interesting (do you even read these remarks?) but disagree when you say gender didn't have much to do with the loss. First, I think it had quite a bit to do with it, but -- and in a sense you're right -- it had MORE to do with the media's overwhelming fawning over Obama and giving him a pass instead of a critical eye. I think that had that happened much sooner in the race than it did (after Obama already had a significant lead), then HRC would have won. She almost did -- and instead, the infatuation of the media, as well as voters, of the new hip young thing, pushed the race ino the other direction.
But the love affair won't last. Obama has significant weaknesses and I think he will ultimately fail come November. I think of even my family, several of whom have said they'll vote for McCain in the fall. Unlike me, they're not bitter (I, on the other hand, AM bitter); they're matter of fact. Obama simply doesn't have experience, they sayd. McCain is a moderate and he'll be fine for them.
(And my two voting age children are Obama all teh way.)
Posted by: Beth | Jun 3, 2008 6:50:39 PM
bilderberg hillary the war candidate boo hoo!
Posted by: yourauthor | Jun 3, 2008 6:50:45 PM
Ed S, Lexington KY - Obama did not vote because he was not even a Senator...he would have sat on the fence like he has in the past with all major issues until the smoke clears then pick a side maybe..he has bad judgement and no experience but plenty of experience in Chicago politics and manipulating people..
Posted by: dell | Jun 3, 2008 6:51:31 PM
Where's the typical race-baiting Hillary supporters always on ABC blogs? Kinda quiet these days.
Posted by: ROB | Jun 3, 2008 6:52:46 PM
waaaaa waaaaa waaaaaa.......
hillary wanted to burn down waco again
Posted by: yourauthor | Jun 3, 2008 6:54:19 PM
Easy answer:
Stealing votes from Hillary
Posted by: GeorgeChriss | Jun 3, 2008 6:56:51 PM
This article is wrong on so many points! The reason that Hillary lost was because the Dem Party leaders chose Obama from the very beginning! They cannot possibly accept Hillary. The only reason that Obama is ahead in pledged delegates is because his gains in caucuses, which are dominated by the party operatives and they are on the line with the party leaders. If you only look at the pledged delegates by primaries, Hillary won more delegates, no question, and she won the popular vote. At the end, it was again the DNC gave the nomination to Obama, including giving some of the delegates Hillary actually won in MI. So much victory by Obama and his message. Obama did not win, the DNC handed the nomination to him! And Obama has no substance in his so-called message, and he is not honest with the American people. I have always voted for dem in presidential election. This year I will vote for McCain!
Posted by: Jake | Jun 3, 2008 6:57:34 PM
hillary what a disasta...just like nafta...shakin' hands with newt....keeping the vote open past 15 minutes and bribing houston congressperson with million dollar contracts....0 the humanity!...maybe she'll get fsc
Posted by: freetradein | Jun 3, 2008 6:58:20 PM
You couldn't be more wrong Ed. Obama made a speech denouncing the war before the idiotic Senate gave Bush the OK. He didn't have to make that speech - and he took a major political risk because the country's war approval rate was over 80% at the time. So drop your "sit on the fence" nonsense and come back to the real world.
Posted by: proudelibrul | Jun 3, 2008 6:59:06 PM
Funny Obama preached about the establishment and you fell for it...he preached about change and you feel for it...unfortuate he is the establishement along with all the puppet makers of his and no one question what change really meant..of course change was inevitable regardless and now it seem less likely with another Obama - Bush equivalent...no experience all show no realy substance just like our current President which was voted in office 2X...by a similar platform...AMerica is in more trouble if OBama wins and there is no change except all we have left if Obama gets elected...
Posted by: dell | Jun 3, 2008 7:00:14 PM
Oops, mean dell, not Ed.
Posted by: proudlibrul | Jun 3, 2008 7:00:20 PM
Its a sad day again in the USA. This was not a democratic election, not an election of the people but of the superdelegates, THEY CHOSE THE NOMINEE! We didn't. Well to all you Obama supporters, congrats. Your probably the same fools that voted for George and you can see where he led us. Let's pray for the best and that the anti-american messages he listened to from his pastor and friend, will not make its way into the white house.
This from a former democrat, soon to vote republican for the first time ever!
Posted by: JCP | Jun 3, 2008 7:00:45 PM
And what happens if the cool uniter and "mom figure" Obama can't even mesmerize and unite the Democratic Party itself?
Posted by: ed | Jun 3, 2008 7:00:56 PM
Dowd forgets a critical point - the "media primary" was won in a landslide by Obama. When every article is fawning and infused with admiration, it is difficult for another candidate to break through. If the shoes were on the opposite feet and Clinton hobbled to the nomination after losing three primaries in the last two weeks by TWO to ONE (West Virginia, Kentucky, Puerto Rico) the media would be all over her as a seriously "flawed candidate" - instead it is more glowing reports about Obama.
Posted by: Jeff | Jun 3, 2008 7:02:14 PM
I agree somewhat. However, I expected more from Hillary in terms of her decision-making. She's had to retract her decisions/beliefs on critical issues: 1) the Iraq War, 2)NAFTA. While her idea for Universal Healthcare sounds good to the hearing ear, if you listen to and read the plan, it will be detrimental to the average American who can't afford another drop of mandatory paycuts. Her plan will force people to pay for health insurance, such as most states where individuals are forced to pay for car insurance. Most people will take their chances with the law until they are caught. They simply can't afford it. --These observation are in a nutshell. I will not get into how Hillary behaved towards Obama during the primaries.
Posted by: Rational Voter | Jun 3, 2008 7:02:47 PM
Kake - Anyone that rewards any Republican with their vote after 8 years of lies, mismanagement, incompetence, etc. deserves what they will get - more of the same.
Posted by: proudelibrul | Jun 3, 2008 7:03:41 PM
Ed S, you are correct, the biggest factor by far is the Iraq occupation.
But you didn't expect a wingnut like Matthew Dowd to admit that did you?
Hey Dowd, if you're currently a lobbyist, John 'Lil' Bush' McCain is hiring.
Posted by: Stram | Jun 3, 2008 7:04:07 PM
i did not have sex with that woman...but i got loofahthingy
Posted by: bill-o | Jun 3, 2008 7:05:09 PM
To All Obama Supporters: You go ahead keep being mean;guess what, Obama WILL lose in Nov. because a big portion of Hillary's supporters, including my whole family, will vote for McCain in Nov.!
Posted by: Joan | Jun 3, 2008 7:07:01 PM
one word of friendly advice for obama...from all the talk i hear...you better learn to duck
Posted by: ron | Jun 3, 2008 7:08:59 PM
Oh, "Jake," your post isn't any more creative than your choice of screen name! You and s.b. repeating tired old lines of Obama and DNC stealing the election from Hillabeans!!!
She stole it from herself!!! No one else to blame! It was hers to lose, ad by golly, she up and lost it!!!
Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!
Posted by: jackt51 | Jun 3, 2008 7:09:57 PM
The media has helped to create the Obama momentum when it treated Obama as a rockstar and acted as his advance men during much of the early campaign.
Once the momentum is on track, the celebrity-blinded public just followed the crowd without questioning. And the crown got bigger and bigger.
Belatedly when the media started to look into the truth of this rock star Obama, all the eyebrow-raising questions about this man did not matter anymore because the blind passion obstructed any fact and truth.
Hillary's message and her contributions to America have been washed away by the tsunami of the mob passion.
ANOTHER TRIUMPH OF THE MOB WITH THE HELP OF MEDIA DRUMMER BOYS.
CONGRATULATIONS! AMERICA.
Posted by: nomob | Jun 3, 2008 7:12:25 PM
She lost because people did not want anymore Clintons in the Whitehouse. Very simple.
Posted by: Kottaras | Jun 3, 2008 7:13:38 PM
I agree with the points outlined in the article. I was also for Barack because he was against the Iraqi war from the start. Clinton admitted her misjudgment but I prefer NOT to have a president with his or her hand on the button. She even had the audacity to make bold statements about potentially attacking Iran. Barack appears to have a cooler head than Hillary. I like the fact that he is willing to to sit and talk with our "enemies" instead of our leader's normal approach further alienating ourselves from them.
Hillary mentions that her past actions indicate how she will perform in the future. I like the concept but her efforts for Universal failed in the 90's and I will mention again- she voted for the Iraqi war!!
Posted by: Ronnie | Jun 3, 2008 7:13:54 PM
It's easy just " Hope" you will get elected.
Posted by: catleya | Jun 3, 2008 7:15:02 PM
One major problem with his theories: this is the democratic party's nominee, not the country's. Let's see if his theories hold for the country when its Obama and McCain.
Posted by: susan | Jun 3, 2008 7:15:45 PM
Obama can get all the delegates and super ones too. Not my vote though.
I bet all the conspirators will eliminate write in candidates to prevent Hillary from the ballot.
Posted by: novote | Jun 3, 2008 7:16:18 PM
Hillary lost because of the DNC primary rules. Nevermind FL and MI, Hillary won the popular votes in both NV and TX yet Obama walked away with more delegates. No one can explain that. We can go back and forth on why Hillary lost, we'll just go around in circles, but what can't be denied is the fact that the person with the most votes will not be the nominee. So why even vote when the delegates choose the nominee and not the voters?
Posted by: Romeo | Jun 3, 2008 7:17:04 PM
"jack51": I was stating the facts, just look at the numbers. What are your facts? The DNC just proved that Dem Party is no better than the Republican Party, which at least has a nominee who is an honorable man. Obama is simply not qualied to be our president. We do not vote according to party's, we vote placing the country's interest above anything else. The Dem Party just proved it is NOT democratic. For instance, why the superdeleagtes would not let the voting finish today before endorsing Obama? See, they have no respect for democracy - the voters decide the election! McCain is not Bush, and McCain 08!
Posted by: Jake | Jun 3, 2008 7:17:07 PM
He forgot to add that Obama was aided by the media and the fact that the liberal media loves Obama and the conservative media hates the Clintons. I think that was the biggest influence. Oh and money. He raised and outspent her 2 to 1, don't forget.
Posted by: susan | Jun 3, 2008 7:17:38 PM
C'MON GIRLS! WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT! WE'LL TAKE OUR FIGHT ALL THE WAY TO DENVER! HILLARY MUST BE THE NOMINEE OR WE WILL VOTE FOR JOHN MCCAIN! WHO CARES IF HE DON'T KNOW A SHIITE FROM A HOLE IN THE GROUND! Oh, wait...I'm a guy for OBAMA...NEVERMIND!
Posted by: JimBo | Jun 3, 2008 7:17:42 PM
Obama can get all the delegates and super ones too. Not my vote though.
I bet all the conspirators will eliminate write in candidates to prevent Hillary from the ballot.
Posted by: novote | Jun 3, 2008 7:18:22 PM
Biggest mistake was personnel. If she had enticed James Carvelle to run her campaign it would have been no contest. 2 reasons: 1) He is a very astute and seasoned veteran of these affairs 2) Everyone gives way to his over-the-top nature and he could have gotten away with saying particular things that the organization needed to say without taking the heat like perhaps G. Ferraro
Posted by: Michael | Jun 3, 2008 7:18:49 PM
Better brace for another 4 years of rotten Republican WH.
Lesser of the two evils!
Posted by: novote | Jun 3, 2008 7:20:00 PM
But in the end, this race was in HC's hands and it is a race she should have won, no matter her opponent.
And dealing with a loss where you didn't have to lose, nut for your won actions, is heartwrenching.
I do feel for the process she must be going through and will go through.
Peace to her.
Thanks Mr Dowd.
This time you are right.
17 millions people will feel the same.
Posted by: catleya | Jun 3, 2008 7:21:10 PM
This guy acts like the race wasn't as close as it was. One thing that did hurt Hillary is that she was too detailed on the stump. Those who supported Obama would rather have soundbites and listen to what's wrong with America than how to fix it. Obama learned how to do that very well sitting in the pews of Trinity United Church.
Posted by: Susan | Jun 3, 2008 7:21:13 PM
Better brace for another 4 years of rotten Republican WH.
Lesser of the two evils!
Posted by: novote | Jun 3, 2008 7:22:04 PM
Give me a break about Obama's position on Iraqi war! He opposed it in 2002 when he could not vote in Senate, and he said in 2004 that his position on Iraqi was was the same as Bush. Obama flip flap, he is not honest with the American people! Obama's supporters and his friends in media are just mean! It is unthinkable to have a president like him. Obama has no track record to back him claims during the campaign.
Posted by: Jake | Jun 3, 2008 7:22:49 PM
The democratic nominating process is flawed. Hopefully, if enough democrats leave the party as a result of what happened, they will have to change, particularly after they lose the general.
Posted by: Susan | Jun 3, 2008 7:23:21 PM
sorry, I meant,
and dealing with a loss where you did not have to lose but your own actions,
Posted by: catleya | Jun 3, 2008 7:23:39 PM
I heard the Republican are all ready for Obama in October. They have on film Michelle Obama speaking at Trinity calling us whites names and holding us responsible for all the ills of the world. Obama has no chance for my Democratic vote. Can't wait to see Michelle the racist.
Posted by: roger king | Jun 3, 2008 7:23:44 PM
Clinton was running against Obama and the DNC power machine.
The Majority of the Democratic voters want Clinton. Proven by their votes, and the votes she received.
Hillary needs to go on to the convention.
There is extremely good reason the people do not want obama.
Posted by: seah | Jun 3, 2008 7:23:54 PM
In response to ron's post: I guess we are back to 1968 instead of 2008. What a shame for America..
Posted by: Kim | Jun 3, 2008 7:24:03 PM
What Hillary should say tonight - probably her best speech ever.
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/What_Hillary_Clinton_Should_Say_Tonight
Posted by: Diamond E. | Jun 3, 2008 7:24:43 PM
"Oh, "Jake," your post isn't any more creative than your choice of screen name! You and s.b. repeating tired old lines of Obama and DNC stealing the election from Hillabeans!!!
She stole it from herself!!! No one else to blame! It was hers to lose, ad by golly, she up and lost it!!!
Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!"
Good one. A shining example of the pettiness and hate exuded by obama supporters and a prime reason why hillary supporters won't easily be swayed and bamboozled into voting for the most divisive and inexperienced GE candidate ever. Sorry dems. You kinda' got suckered into the whole thing. How could middle of the road America ever throw the whole thing under the bus and vote for obama? That's right, they won't.
Posted by: Hawk | Jun 3, 2008 7:24:43 PM
IPod - Walkman, what? Oh, is this the American Idol spin on this election? Like the college kids are going to determine the outcome? Someone get me the figures with the youth demo determining the outcome of an election. Please.
They just want to smoke some dope or do coke with him.
McCain all the way!
Hillary supporters for McCain will be the new Reagan Democrats. I pray she is not the VP...Obama needs to go down on his own.
Posted by: Debra | Jun 3, 2008 7:26:08 PM
Hillary was and still remains the best qualified person to be president. Now, whether we end up with Obama or McCain, we have disaster. Either four more years of Bush, or four years of a novice with no idea how to fix this nation's problems. Funny how the "uneducated" voters understood that Hillary was the right answer and those who are "educated" are so out of touch with the lives of real Americans, not to mention the problems. It's like the bosses whose secretaries do all the work and they take credit for it. It's a sad day in America and I'm both appauled and ashamed of the media for its role in fawning over Obama while taking great delight in tearing down Clinton. Mark this day in the history books when the best days of America have certainly passed us by. Welcome to Great Depression #2. Fools vote with a mob mentality.
Posted by: PDXEric | Jun 3, 2008 7:26:38 PM
Hillary should not meet with Obama. Should not endure any more insult from this man!
Right after Kennedy's endorsement of him, Obama refused to shake hands with Hillary. Now what would he do with such "victory"?
As his supporters yelled at Hillary on the web many times:"Get out of the way, Hillary!" Or he would say:"Drop dead, Hillary!"
Posted by: nomore | Jun 3, 2008 7:26:43 PM
Oh, Hillary also lost because the rules committee penalized FL and MI and then Obama was able to stall the resolution until last week. She lost momentum and he gained it until Rev. Wright came about. Then the trend was going against him as all the last races, even the ones he won weren't by the big margins they once were. He is a hardball, ambitious politician, but he doesn't deserve to be President.
Posted by: susan | Jun 3, 2008 7:26:45 PM
TODAY IS OUR DAY!
CONGRATULATION ALL DEM SUPPORTERS!!
WE WILL WIN IT ALL THE WAY TOGETHER!!
OBAMA08!! YES WE CAN!!
Posted by: RC | Jun 3, 2008 7:26:59 PM
Susan,
I agree.
Money issue is the most important in this campaign also.
If he did not have that much money to spend he would be long gone.
He spent money just like water, one pundit said it.
Fortunately, he has those big donors.
Posted by: catleya | Jun 3, 2008 7:29:48 PM
I agree this was her election to lose and she did
AMERICA
we are about to nominate the first african american and quite possibly the first african american president!!!
This is a defining moment in history that all americans should and will be proud of!
OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: bhrandon | Jun 3, 2008 7:29:49 PM
Bob Beckel, Democratic analyst for Fox News, reported on TV already that a “bombshell” is coming out tomorrow
VIDEO BELOW. Here are written reports to date (and I will ADD MORE as they come in) — and I am adding the DEVASTATING electoral college projections up at HillBuzz that further underscore Obama’s unelectability. Obama is toast.
Posted by: DG in NC | Jun 3, 2008 7:29:55 PM
Hillary should not meet with Obama. Should not endure any more insult from this man!
Right after Kennedy's endorsement of him, Obama refused to shake hands with Hillary. Now what would he do with such "victory"?
As his supporters yelled at Hillary on the web many times:"Get out of the way, Hillary!" Or he would say:"Drop dead, Hillary!"
Posted by: nomore | Jun 3, 2008 7:30:14 PM
Thanks to the MSM, Obama did not get vetted until well after Super Tuesday; although, I think more skeletons will be coming out of his closet between now and the GE. If the voting population knew about his questionable associations prior to Super Tuesday, the outcome of this nomination process would likely be different. In addition to having Obama shoved down our throats by the MSM, the DNC and Super Ds have shown remarkable favoritism toward Senator Obama; to the point of overruling the will of the people. The process for nominating the Democratic candidate has been anything but democratic.
As it is now, the majority of the blue-collar working-class voters, Independents, and Reagan Republicans that voted for Hillary, will now vote for McCain in the GE.
McCain '08
Posted by: Virginia Independent | Jun 3, 2008 7:30:20 PM
FOLKS - THIS IS BIG - SO BIG !
WE WORK OUR ASSES OFF "YES WE DID BECAUSE WE CAN" YES WE CAN"!
HUMANITY CHANGES, THE WORLD CHANGES, AMERICA CHANGES, "ALL FOR THE BEST"!
LET PEACE AND PROSPERITY RAINS! COME ON OVER SEN. CLINTON AND ALL YOUR SUPPORTERS WE HAVE WORK TO DO - WE HAVE TO TAKE ON THE GOP AND WIN FOR THE DEMOCRATS AND FOR AMERICA. Sincerely, Lake Hart, a Native American Writer.
Posted by: Lake Hart - A Native American Writer | Jun 3, 2008 7:31:19 PM
Hillary should not meet with Obama. Should not endure any more insult from this man!
Right after Kennedy's endorsement of him, Obama refused to shake hands with Hillary. Now what would he do with such "victory"?
As his supporters yelled at Hillary on the web many times:"Get out of the way, Hillary!" Or he would say:"Drop dead, Hillary!"
Posted by: nomore | Jun 3, 2008 7:31:26 PM
Bob Beckel, Democratic analyst for Fox News, reported on TV already that a “bombshell” is coming out tomorrow
VIDEO BELOW. Here are written reports to date (and I will ADD MORE as they come in) — and I am adding the DEVASTATING electoral college projections up at HillBuzz that further underscore Obama’s unelectability. Obama is toast.
Posted by: DG in NC | Jun 3, 2008 7:31:29 PM
Susan- much the same can be said about Hillary Clinton. I live in Florida, and your assumptions are grossly negligent and off course.
Appealing to poor with fake gas relief, appealing to racist, and dodging sniper fire are what made Obama win.
Nothing less.
Half this country is ready to get over the old disgusting taboos in the closet. I am one of them. I would have voted for either Democrat to save my son from a draft and a woman's right to choose.
NOTHING was stolen from Clinton, NOTHING. If the shoe were reversed months ago, the Clinton name alone would have ended this primary.
I congratulate Obama-
NO MCCAIN- EVER.
Posted by: Sally | Jun 3, 2008 7:31:35 PM
I am asking every Hillary supporter to join me and donate $5 each for John McCain tonight!
This will be a very string message to Obama nd the stupid Democratic Party!
http://www.johnmccain.com
Posted by: Janet | Jun 3, 2008 7:32:08 PM
its funny to see how many people on here are crazed...
i think some of them are true hillary supporters who are upset
but i think most are repubs hoping this wouldnt happen that the dems would ever start to come together
mccain better start running
Posted by: bhrandon | Jun 3, 2008 7:32:54 PM
Hillary Clinton supprters who hate Obama!
Please join me to make your donations for the next president of the United States of America John McCain!
http://www.johnmccain.com
Posted by: Janet | Jun 3, 2008 7:33:39 PM
This is really the land of opportunity and equality. We had a white incompetent in the White House for 8 years, now it seems like a black incompetent is going to substitute him.
Posted by: 1Director | Jun 3, 2008 7:33:50 PM
Gergan on CNN said Obama needs help in this race...he's not even going to win both these states tonight.
Some frontrunner..presumptive nominee.
God...I'm disliking Donna Brazille, but I get it...she's black and so it goes.
That's OK, I'm all American and so is Senator McCain! HILLARY SUPPORTERS VOTE McCAIN....THEY ARE CLOSER IN VALUES THAN OBAMA AND HILLARY...SCREW PARTY LOYALTY...PROMISES FROM POLITICIANS THAT NEVER MATERIALIZE.
Voters go with WHO THEY LIKE FIRST AND FOREMOST. I DON'T LIKE OBAMA. NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS SKIN COLOR.
Posted by: Debra | Jun 3, 2008 7:34:40 PM
OH! GOD HELP US!
AFTER ENDURING EIGHT YEARS OF COCKINESS AND ARROGANT SMIRD IN THE WHITE HOUSE, NOW WE HAVE TO ENDURE THE SAME THING IN THE DAYS TO COME?
WILL NEVER WATCH TV AGAIN!
Posted by: Oh! | Jun 3, 2008 7:34:42 PM
And will everyone once and for all QUIT acting like McCain and Clinton don't have an ARMY of skeletons in the graveyards...?
This whole Obama "skeleton" issue is stupid.
OOOhhhhh, if he has 4 dead skeletons, that somehow negates the fact that both the others could fill an entire graveyard.
Good luck with that argument.
Posted by: Sally | Jun 3, 2008 7:35:23 PM
Oh, Hillary did not lose; she won the popular vote and won the pledged delegates from all primaries. She had no chance of winning despite of all these because the Dem Party leaders did not want her. She could have never gotten the nomination because of the party leaders. Remember, even before Feb 5, Obama supporters started calling her to quit for the party unity. As soon as Obama had the lead in Feb., they were all over Hillary trying to push her out. They claimed so early and so many times that Obama was the nominee, which slowed down the fund raise for Hillary and discouraged people to continue to vote. See, it is all planned out by the party leaders and Obama campaign. Hillary never had the chance to win. It was the voters who really kept the whole process going, and gave Hillary the popular vote victory. The voters cannot control the party "rules" which were set to help Obama from the very beginning, but the voters can give Hillary the raw vote. Hillary is truly the people's choice despite all!
Posted by: Jake | Jun 3, 2008 7:36:31 PM
I was on the HRC staff for over a year,all across the country and I firmly believe the campaigns strategy was flawed from the beginning,during the primary season and had the WRONG people in top positions-ie:Mark Penn etc.-this could have and should have had a different outcome!!!!!!
Posted by: ziggy | Jun 3, 2008 7:37:02 PM
I hope Hillary would be McCain's VP.
That's perfect!
I was a democrat and I will campaign for McCain .
If Obama can get voters with only "HOPE", I believe McCain can make a change also if he listens to us.
All we need is to try to talk to McCain and support him.
Posted by: catleya | Jun 3, 2008 7:37:27 PM
Janet- if you have a son close to 18 years old, or respect any woman you know who still has reproductive organs, stop your angry venemous posts.
As a woman, your posts DISGUST me.
Posted by: Sally | Jun 3, 2008 7:38:13 PM
Well said Mr. Dowd.
Posted by: quickphil1943 | Jun 3, 2008 7:38:29 PM
Janet...great idea...I will go to McCain website and give $20. I am going to work in his campaign office here in Los Angeles in early Sept. I can't wait to work for him 5 days a week. My house will have yard signs, red, white and blue ribbons all over, stickers on my car....GO McCAIN!!!!!
CNN just said Obama needs Hillary more than she needs him....who has the power now?
Posted by: Debra | Jun 3, 2008 7:38:58 PM
I always thought Mark Penn was working against Hillary for Obama!
he is the reason hillary lost so close!
Posted by: Mel | Jun 3, 2008 7:39:09 PM
Just think: We could have four more years of Clintons in the White House. I used to feel sorry for Hillary and Chelsea when the Monica, Flowers...stories broke, but now I realize Hillary was covering his butt to protect her political viability. Neither Clinton is capable of answering a question directly, spontaneously or truthfully. They look you in the eye, smile their toothy smile and, then, they're off to the next lie.
Posted by: New Englander | Jun 3, 2008 7:39:37 PM
To; s.b...How do those sour grapes taste?
Posted by: orange cat | Jun 3, 2008 7:39:55 PM
OBAMA WON! REMEMBER JUST THE DEMOCRATS' NOMINATION! THE GENERAL ELECTION IN NOV? THAT IS ANOTHER MATTER.
THE REPUBLICANS ARE CELEBRATING LIKE A PACK OF RATS NOW. ALL THE JUICY STATEMENTS BY MICHELLE OBAMA WHICH WOULD MAKE HER FAMOUS ONE:"I AM PROUD OF AMERICA FOR THE FIRST TIME" PALED INTO NOTINGNESS AND ALL THE REZKO CONNECTIONS WITH OBAMA IN 25 YEARS WILL MAKE THE DEMOCRATS A BUNCH OF FOOLS AGAIN.
I REMEMBERED OBAMA'S SCARE TACTIS ABOUT HILLARY WHEN HE SAID THAT REPULICANS COULD DIG UP A LOAD OF DIRT ON HER.
OBAMA WAS PREDICTING WHAT REPUBLICANS WILL DO TO HIM NOW.
DEMOCRATS ARE NOT BRIGHT BUT THIS STUPID, AMAZING!
Posted by: fools | Jun 3, 2008 7:41:36 PM
I have a son 16 years old!
I do not mind him to go to Iraq if he wishes to go!
I would have votedd for hillary but will never vote for Obama!
I'd rather being in Iraq 4 more years than living in a communist coutry under Obama admin!
Go McCain
Janet thanks for the link!
I just donated %10 for McCain!
Posted by: John | Jun 3, 2008 7:41:55 PM
1. NY is Clinton's "home state" and she would win it handily in November. The Hispanics and Orthodox J