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Conference Call from Planet Clinton
May 07, 2008 10:59 AM
On a conference call just now, the Clinton campaign explained how they see the world this Wednesday morning.
Any discussions about Sen. Hillary Clinton dropping out?
"No," declared Clinton campaign communications director Howard Wolfson. "No discussions."
Senior strategist Geoff Garin called Sen. Hillary Clinton's narrow victory in Indiana "a close outcome but an outcome about which we feel very, very good." He said it was "he first time in this race that Sen. Clinton has come from behind to achieve a primary victory."
"These are two states we were supposed to lose," Wolfson said of Indiana and North Carolina.
Wolfson said the additional $6.425 million Clinton loaned herself in the last month -- disclosed this morning -- was not an indication that her fundraising has lagged, but rather that she is just trying to stay competitive with Sen. Barack Obama's record-setting fundraising.
The loans, Wolfson said, indicate "Senator Clinton's commitment to the race and a commitment to being competitive with Senator Obama."
Sen. Clinton's total $11.425 million in loans to her campaign have now exceeded the $10 million she earned for her book -- Clinton had made a point of saying her January $5 million was her money. So is she not now loaning herself money her husband has earned?
"I dispute the notion that there is a difference between her share of her joint assets and her own money," said Wolfson.. "There is no distrinction between her share of their joint assets and her money. Her money is their share of her joint assets."
Wolfson pointed out that "legally she is entitled to use up to 50% of their joint assets if she chooses….We are scrupulously following the rules."
He added, "I don’t rule out that she will loan the campaign additional resources."
Asked about the fact that pundits have declared the Democratic nominating race to be over -- and how that might influence superdelegates -- the Clinton campaign pooh-poohed and pish-poshed.
"Thankfully for us the punditocracy does not control the nominating process, voters do," said Wolfson.
Wolfson said that "obviously superdelegates watch TV, they read the newspaper...but in the end I think they are more influenced by electoral outcomes...and arguments about who would be the stronger nominee in November."
Clinton will be stopping by West Virginia for an event this afternoon -- the state holds its primary on Tuesday -- after which she will be meeting with uncommitted superdelegates later in the afternoon on the Hill. "The goal is to make the case to the superdelegates that Sen. Clinton would be the best nominee," Wolfson said.
The Clinton campaign, which has recently taken a more aggressive position about seating the disputed delegates from Michigan and Florida, conceded that even if those two delegations are seated in full -- which is quite unlikely to happen -- Clinton will still lag behind Sen. Obama in total delegates.
"If Michigan and Florida are seated fully we estimate we would pick up 58 delegates," said deputy communications dircetor Phil Singer, "putting us within a margin of less than 100 total delegates separating Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton."
But still behind.
-jpt
May 7, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (439)
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It is amazing some are so excited about NC primary.
What do you expect when Uncle Wright claims
"You are attacking black chuch"
This is BARELY public call on purpose
"You are not black enough"
For that, Uncle Wright deserves VP spot.
The primary SO FAR LEFT is
"The Emperor''s New Clothes"
Let us wait and laugh at end.
Posted by: jy2008 | May 8, 2008 4:54:11 PM
Hi Mary!!
I'm totallt in agreement with you, Obama did not have the experience Hillary has had to be President, and these people have went wild , over his looks, skin color, and the way he sound, but not based on the issues of any substance or real solid solutions to his message, like you said talk is cheap, any good motivational speaker can be President if that's all it take to get people all stirred-up to vote for him or her to be Commander and Chief, it shows you how shallow and gullible and brainwashable people can be., I beieve our party is making a huge mistake by making this inexperienced man our nominee.
I would like for you to Jim and me on spreading the word on all the political blogs on the Internet to encourage Hillary to run as an Independent and run right down the middle against Obama and McCain since the Demcratic Party and it's voters insist on throwing her under the bus for an inexperienced "Johnny Come Lately" who's feeding them a lot of crap for personal and political gain.
I don't want Hillary in any way help unite this party or work with Obama to help him get elected, because he really does not deserve this position, let the Obama folks whoo and haa over him, let strong Hillary supporters like you and I work to persuade Hillary to run as an Independent, this will also help block Obama's Presidency and teach the Democratic Party not to get behind a inexperienced candidate to run against the Rupublican Machine ever again. Obama is not to be trusted, and we should try other avenues to get Hillary elected while also trying to block Obama's and the Democratic Party's chances of getting back the White House, they don't deserve it either if they're going to make a poor and irresponsible decision as this to make a man that just come on the national scene with an eloquent speaking voice preaching hope and change, he's not different than any other political and people are sweating this man like he's the Great White Hope, what a shame,and misfortune.
All Strong Hillary Supporters need to concentrate more on trying to elect an experienced candidate like Hillary in office to try and turn this country in the right dirction, because Obama does not have the experience or know-how to accomplish such a difficult and challenging task, talk is cheap, Obama have no real solutions or plan with any substance to put this country on the rright track, you can tell that by what he say's on the campaign trail and in former debates with Hillary, Obama is too scared and chicken to debate Hillary anymore, what a whuss, I really don't want a President who is too scared to debate a woman anytime anywhere, if he was so sure of himself, he would be a man and step up to the plate and meet Hillary's challenge anytime she asks, Obama is not a fighter, he want's things handed to him, he feels all he has to do is wave his magic voice and people should snap to attention and follow him, I can imagine how he's going to act if he had a chance to to talk with foreign digniteries, it would be a disater, he claims that we must talk with our friends and foes as well, well he could not prove that by me, if things don't go Obama's way, he whines, complains, and withdraw's into a shell like a baby and cries racism or the moderaters was not fair, he did not say that when the moderaters where vetting Hillary, and Hillary did not act like him either, she roled with the punches and took her lases like and adult, not cry whine and complain like Obama did, Obama did this to get his misguided followers who fall for anything to feel sorry for him, well, if Obama can't handle the heat now, he's really going to boil over after the Republican Swiftboat Machine get through with him, Obama's going to have a hissy fight, who he's going to blame for his weaknesses then?
So Mary, please work with Jim and I and pass the word to all fellow strong Hillary Supporters throughout all the blogs and send letters to Hillary to encourage her not to back Obama or this Party and try and get her to run as an Independent if she fails to capture the nomination, let the Obama supporters on their own try an get inexperienced Obama elected, while we work on our end trying to get Hillary to run against the Democratic Party, Obama, and McCain for the Presidency, Hillary his enough supporters who would follow and support her as an Independent candidate.
Go Hillary!! This Black American is behind you all the way.
Posted by: In response To Mary From DarrellP | May 8, 2008 8:52:24 AM
I find it fairly interesting that with all the support of Hillary Clinton - not one supporter has indicated that ethics, integrity and plain old honesty are necessary to lead this nation. Since Truman and Ike we have seen a steady disintegration of values and moral fibre in our leaders. As an expat living in Australia, I am consistently asked why our election process is so long and why are we willing to put up with the muck racking and denigration.
I kind of wonder how all of the Clintonites can support someone who lied about her daughter running around the world trade center on 9/11 and having to duck into a Starbucks to avoid being hit by debris. You really want this type of person leading the nation? And her daughter never denies it publicly, even though she knows she was at a friends home in bed across the city at the time.
Truly sad that "rational" Democrats do not get the full picture. By the way, just what is the Democratic Leadership Conference? And what does Hillary and Bill have to do with it?
Posted by: MizuInOz | May 8, 2008 7:59:19 AM
No way obama will win in November. I don't want a united ticket with him and Hillary either. I'm sick of even hearing his name.
He has barely any experience, he served how many days in the senate?. Would you hire a carpenter without any experience to build you a house?
Well, I'm not voting for a guy who is full of speeches. Talk is cheap, he's never walked the walk.
Posted by: Mary | May 8, 2008 2:20:15 AM
jim, that is a great idea,
I an a hillary volunteer, i will go to the web site, and post a note on
hillaryhub. this is the site they ask for comments.
I think if she pulls out from the dems now. she might just have a chance.
she will beat obama and mccain.
Posted by: jgaw | May 7, 2008 9:56:24 PM
I know everyone is going say "sourgrapes", but politicaly speaking I think Hillary could win running straight down the middle. She has a campaign staff and supporters who would back her, not all, but most. I think it is a viable idea, but she would have to decide relativly soon to gear up. Then she would represent the only true "independent" chance to "change" this country. No party alliance to influence the decision making, a true bipartisn cabinet. I hope Hillary at least explores the idea.
Posted by: Jim | May 7, 2008 9:48:35 PM
yES DARELLP! Let's do it! Spread the word people! Hillary all the way!
Posted by: irma | May 7, 2008 9:35:55 PM
Hillary knew the democratic nomination process, all about the superdelegates, all about the fact that the votes in Florida & Michigan weren't going to be counted and said nothing. Why didn't she speak up then if she had issues, only now that her coronation isn't going as she planned does she mention it. Is that what qualifies her for the presidency, her ablity to speak up after the fact.
Posted by: fool me once | May 7, 2008 9:30:16 PM
Darrellp...Thanks...I have a big enough checkbook to help Hillary out if she decides to go it as an independent. It would be a big step to take but your right about what happens if either Obama or McCain get into office.
Posted by: Jim | May 7, 2008 9:22:31 PM
Jim--- Great Idea!
She might as well because many/most of her followers will NOT switch to OBama.
I think they're much too anti-Auchi and Khalidi and Farrakhan and Dohrn and Rezko..... and that other "Agent of Change" Raila Odinga to march in BO;s parade!
I blame the media for a lot of this.... but the DNC is fatally fractured; I don't think it's capable of being glued together anymore.
It's run by cretins with heads so big that they think they're more powerful than the constitution!
They can think what they want, but our country should always be more important that the DNC,
For that reason, should Hillary become unavailable as a candidate, I would have no choice but to switch my vote to McCain ,,, unless she should hook up with another party!
Posted by: eyes wide open | May 7, 2008 9:19:21 PM
What the Democratic Party has done and are doing to the Clintons is shameful. The superdelegates were put into place for just this type of situation: to make sure the Party puts up the best person to challenge the opponent. The Party votes are split almost 50-50. The supers are saying they can't do their job because they can't take the nomination away from the African-American and the Black supporters of his candidacy? Not all Blacks support Obama. What about the half of the Party that supports Clinton? What about former Obama supporters that have changed their minds? What about voters in Florida and Michigan? For the Democratic Party to ignore the fact that Hillary Clinton is the most seasoned and vetted candidate, that Hillary Clinton has served her Party well for 30 plus years, that Hillary Clinton has a very limited number of years left to endure the rigors of the Presidency, that she is the candidate who can best stand up to John McCain in November, that Hillary Clinton has as much if not more of the voters behind her, then the Democrativc Party is stupid. I will not vote for Obama, the face of inexperience and unanswered questions.
Posted by: mpwdc | May 7, 2008 9:18:13 PM
i believe the dems are realizing what a mess they have brewing in the fall.
the clintons have been very good for the dem. party. the dem. party has done the clinton' wrong.
but you are right I hope after this obama will not expect to use sen. clinton' brilliant mind to help him win the white house.
she is better than he is. and she should not be expected to help his dumb studdering, fumbling, stammering butt.
he cannot think on his feet. he cannot answer questions off the cuff.
he will be the black geo bush. the only difference is-half of the country will not like his wife, either.
Posted by: jgaw | May 7, 2008 9:17:29 PM
Jim, I think that sounds great, since the Democratic Party Leadership and it's voters threw Hillary under the bus for an inexperienced candidate, Obama, I believe Hillary should run as an Independent and take her supporters like me and you with her and run against Obama and McCain, I love your idea, maybe we and other Hillary supporters should work together to persuade Hillary to do this, since this party hates her so much, this would surely block Obama's Presidency, which I believe should happen, because Obama is not prepared to effectively run this country, and should be the one to step down, a lot of Obama's earlier votes where Republican cross-overs to try and make it easier for McCain to win the nomination, these same voters will go back to party lines and vote for McCain in the general election causing the Democratic Party to lose once again to the Republican Swiftboat Machine, I will just sit back and laugh because the party and it's voters would have gotten what they desevered to taking the risk on an inexperienced candidate like Obama.
Posted by: In response to Jim from DarrellP | May 7, 2008 9:14:03 PM
Why would Hillary want to be VP? So they can blame her for all of Obama's mistakes?
Write in "HILLARY CLINTON" in November
Posted by: mpwdc | May 7, 2008 9:01:59 PM
jbate,
i don't know what you are talking about,
you cannot be responding to one of my comments with what you are saying.
and i have never posted anywhere except here. on political punch.
go back and read
and I have been black for 53 years.
Posted by: jgaw | May 7, 2008 9:01:47 PM
Yes, I hope Hillary does not ask to campaign for Obama, and I hope Obama does not ask Hillary to campaign for him, I want no parts of this party if Obama becomes the nominee, I will be voting for Hillary as an Write-in candidate or stay home, or may even vote for Ralph Nader to try and block Obama's Presidency, Obama is not the right Black candidate to run this country, I want a Black Man or Woman to be President one day, but Obama is just not prepared enough for the job yet, being a good speech maker does not equate to being Presiedential material, and I'm not going to help unite this traitor party behind a green inexperienced Presidential candidate like Obama, it does not make any sense to me at all to take a risk on such a person when this country needs someone with a little more experience and qualififcations to try and turn this country around, Obama is just not the one for this day and time.
Posted by: DarrellP | May 7, 2008 9:01:03 PM
jbate, and fool me once,
i think obama should just let the clintons go on. and not let them campaign for him in the fall.
i think the dem. party will approve of this.
Posted by: justsaying | May 7, 2008 8:54:14 PM
Alot of the Obama supporters on here don't want Hillary to help Obama's campaign in the fall. I couldn't agree more, and I guess they don't want the support of any of Hillary's supporters, once again I agree. It is becoming apparent that the DNC is not that in love with Hillary being in "their" party, she does not fit into "their" plans for what the Party should look like or think like, again I couldn't agree more. I think Hillary should suspend her campaign and take some time and consider running as an Independent. Hillary can be applicable for federal funding and she still has her base to draw support from. Run straight down the middle, Obama on the "left" and McCain on the "right". I think a independent, female president would be the biggest "change" in this country has ever seen. How does that sound to all of you?
Posted by: Jim | May 7, 2008 8:54:11 PM
How are democratic leaders making a mistake by following the voice of the voters. Hillary is being voted out of the election process, it's that simple. Also there is already a movement out there and it's moving away from the Clintons toward a new message with a new messenger.
Posted by: fool me once | May 7, 2008 8:51:23 PM
I was a true Democrat until the party threw an experienced Senator, Hillary under the bus for a Johnny Come Lately Senator, Obama smooth talking his way to the nomination, we know nothing about this man and what he's really all about or stands for, but just because he looks and sounds good people go running after him like he's the great White Hope.
Well, this Black American is not falling for his deception, and when this man messes this country up even more due to his lack of experience, don't cry Impreachment, because you could have prevented this by voting for a candidate who had a little more experience and qualifications to effectively do the job, you get what asked for, so don't complain he does not live up to your expectations, be qutie and roll with the punches, you got what you deserved, maybe the Obama supporters will think about the cost before they vote for a knight and shinning inexperienced Armour riding into town deceptively preaching hope and change, I don't trust the man, he should have been vetted even more than Hillary since he was the new kid on the block, but instead, Obama was cuddled and protected by the gender-biased media like a little bitty baby, I personally believe this happened, because this country is not truly ready for a Woman President, there's still a glass ceiling that still exist when it comes to a woman trying to be President, the voters would rather have an inexperienced male over an experienced female as President, this is pitiful and down right a disgrace, woman are good enough to have the male President, but not be President herself, this shows and tells me how far this country his came when it comes to women seeking the highest office in the land.
Obama, as a Black inexperienced President would be in a lot of Congress-person hip pocket, he would own them a lot for allowing him to be President, they would run him into the ground,because he would owe a lot of favors to Kennedy, Kerry, Clyburn, and others for their endorsement, Obama would be a brought and paid for President, and if Obama does not do what they say, they would start calling for his Impeachment, calling Obama too inexperienced to continue holding the office of the Presidency, this could all be avoided by putting an experienced candidate forward to challenge McCain for the Presidency, Hillary is better perpared to beat McCain and run the office of the Presidency over Obama, someting new is not always good for you, Obama should not be trusted or taken the risk on turn run this country.
Posted by: DarrellP | May 7, 2008 8:42:44 PM
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