He won in Illinois because nobody else was on the ticket. He had them all thrown out in a courtroom. He was running against Allen Keyes, give me a break. IL is Democrat not Republican.

Marie - he had a tough race for the Democratic nomination during that Senate race, in which he wasn't picked early on to win.

Also, I'd say that Obama has done well since Iowa. Despite taking the full broadsides of a Clinton campaign of personal destruction, he's actually won the delegate race in the two following states.

Sure, it would have been great to get the momentum that would have continued from a popular vote win in New Hampshire, but all in all, this 'innexperienced novice' is holding up pretty well against the machine.

Clearly Marie is repeating right wing talking points. Obama won a hard fought primary against the party organization's candidate. It isn't his fault that the kinky Republican Senate candidate had to be replaced by Alan Keyes.

Give me a break! for Obama to use his Illinois victory to the U.S. Senate is another one of his exaggerations! We know here very well and you can check in the records that Obama was just lucky, he was running 3rd, he never was the favorite on that race, fortunately for him the Republicans got into all the scandals, not candidate real against any Democrat and they had to bring Alan Keyes from D.C. at the last minute. Obama won practically by default! I voted for him just to get a Democrat back in the Senate and because Obama promised to work hard for the people of Illinois and serve his full term, little we knew he can't keep any promise for long and started running for the Presidency after 2 months in the Senate!

And then John, how did he win the primary. Did Hynes have a sex scandal or did Barack just out and out beat him? He won a hard fought primary and isn't doing too bad right now either. After all, by your calculations, Hillary should be running away with it right?

Obama should not use that election as evidence he can win elections, ha-ha; this guys is trying to fool everyone. They should come back here to Illinois and learn the real facts. The fact is that on that election for the first time the people of Illinois have to chose between two African American candidates, Obama was the Democrat African American and Alan Keyes was the republican candidates at the last minute - he wasn't even living in Illinois. We were to chose between an unknown candidate like Obama and a "crazy candidate" named Alan Keyes, that was and easy choice for some, we voted for the best of two evils.

Mr Obama claims that he is running a uniting, clean positive campaign. And yet, time and time again, he tells the afro-american voters "we can do this" while claiming that the other candidates (for example, Mrs Clinton) are playing the "race". I think that he is being a hypocrite!

Nate, who do you want for president?

I agree with the assessment that Obama wants to win based on his race. He uses that with White people as well, like they should vote for him because it will make them feel good. It's so Rainbow Coalition. Then he alludes to it in order to play the victim. Please. This is one person who is voting because of what I want as a citizen. What is even more disturbing to me, is when people stand on his side claiming the whole yeah, "they" are trying to keep you down 'cause you're a brother. Please, is this how he will make it to the Presidency? How insulting to voters who use common sense.

Hillary Clinton is using a race-baiting strategy that if Obama wins SC it'll turn off whites who'll see it as "blacks vs. whites". And sadly all you dummies are playing right into it. So what if blacks vote for Obama. Whites have been voting strictly for whites since......FOREVER!! The fact that so many of you are caught up on what blacks voters do, speaks volumes to what you REALLY think about a candidate that just happens to be black.

Obama is addressing a community that has serious issues being recognized and heard in this so-called "democracy". Black people have a very valid concern. Face it, America is racist primarily because whites deem it so. That's why there is a "Bradley-effect" (look that up), because whites aren't comfortable aligning themselves with someone NOT white. What you see in Obama's church, his wife's speeches, and his speeches to blacks is a REACTION to the mentality American racism has cultivated and supported. None of you white posters on here deal with that reality. So you may NEVER get the point. Some of you cry if you are the only white person in a room. Its just hilarious how whites accuse blacks of being racists if they try to maintain a positive identity while being targeted by racism. Defensive and IRONIC.

How about wondering why whites in SC vote for Clinton 43% to Obama's 20% ??? Has anyone considered THAT? Would Obama have a snowball's chance in Hell in SC was ALL white?

Hey ABC, give us THAT story.

Obama, like Hillary's sex, has to address the issue of race. Clearly some black Americans are not sure the people of this country will elect a black man as President.

I think some of our friends here are projecting about Barack thinking that he wants to win based on his race. He wants to win because he has a vision for America and the passion to get things done.

What is the man supposed to do? Ignore the issue, tear up and almost cry? Hey, that might do it!

Irma, I will vote for anyone but Obama. I already voted for him here in Illinois and I am very disappointed on him; even more troubling is to see how the media have elevated him to a level that we never knew he was at. Not to put the guy down; but he isn't really what they are marketing out there or at least we have had miracles under his leadership in Illinois and we haven't seen any miracle or big contribution to the State after he was elected to the U.S Senate. They are promoting Obama like this hero better than anyone else and capable to make miracles, and that's overreaching. We can see the skilled marketing hands of Oprah and his big friends in Hollywood trying to promote and introduce a new product in the market; well this is not a game we are talking about electing the President of the most powerful nation of the world and I don't think Obama has shown -other than words- anything that can prove be is capable to do a job at that level or real leadership. He is just not ready!!!!

What about Michelle Obama, all she talks is about the time of blacks to vote for a black President, she is bringing the race card every time she talks and the press don't print that!!!
Obama and his followers think we should elect and African American candidate because is their turn???? even if the candidate is unqualified??

I agree Rob, clearly one of the reasons she has been staying away and Bill has stayed in the State will be there attempt to "discount" Obama's victory.

Now, having grown up in Chicago politics, I expect there to be some type of outburst against Bill as he campaigns in the black community that he will play for all its worth.

They have clearly made the decision to throw blacks overboard to go after lower income whites and hispanics in an effort to win some of the the Feb 5 states.

They are really beginning to anger me to the point that I may not vote for her if she gets the nomination.

I never thought they could play this rough -- "fairy tales" indeed. This is going to leave some really hard feelings.

You folks can continue the bickering and infighting between Hillary and Obama, enough of that. They are trying to prove who is the nasty one, who has the biggest machine, who rise the more money from big corporations, etc. Enough of the same divisive politics and playing in the hands of the Republicans! I will vote for Edwards!

Hull and Hynes were always the Democrat favorites for the 2004 IL Senate. They both ran into controversy as their divorce records became public. I'm sure that was the doing of the Obama campaign as many in IL believe. They bowed out of the race and it was only Barack Obama on the Democrat side and Ryan until Ryan too backed out and was replaced by Keyes. Keyes is a freak that ran his campaign preaching God. Obama was a shoe in, no ifs ands or buts about it. It was a free ride. He has never ever won a hard fought campaign. Period.

It's the human race people... Hillary or Obama can win - chances are one will be president and one will be vice so get used to it - it's 2008 and we are human first!

PTC has the Senate race flat wrong. Hull was leading because of his money and lost because of his divorce issues.

Hynes was the candidate favored by the machine and who had, due to his family connections, all the big endorsements and plenty of money.

Obama beat the machine on this one.

How can anyone say he had an easy time of it?

He didn't hit the race issue, he threw it out. He is not runnign to be the first non-white President, he is running to be President and happens to not be white. that is is point. Can the media and Clintons try to join in on this elevation of the conversation?

Posted by: Keith
They are throwing the blacks overboard in the same manner, Clinton told Kerry to throw the gays overboard in 2000, except Kerry didn't do it. I guessing he didn't do it because not everyone is willing to f- over people for their political ambitions. For some people, convictions are very important.

That is exactly what they are doing. They are splitting the party. Edu. among HS, women among men, blacks among whites, blue collar and white collar, etc. It is a total shame people cannot see that. I saw early on and that is why I pulled my support for Hillary. I want sanction their win at all cost bull.

Keith - looks like you're holding the fort here all alone. The Senate race is over and a distraction to the real thread.

Obama can do something if he campaigns as a candidate of change. He has the eloquence to win over non-Democrats. His policy is still a bit sketchy, but coming together. The Clintons do fear him as a possible spoiler for Hillary to get her turn and try to turn the base against him, and are happy to keep the "race" thing going. Solid strategy for the nomination, but may not bode well for the General. Most scenarios predict Obama to go to the convention with a substantial number of delegates, and not the usual coronation love-fest.
The vote breakdowns tell the story by their percentages for Whites, Blacks and Hispanics, as well as age divisions.
The elephant is in the room, race is a factor for these primaries.

John
That sounds like fear, not hope. Which is stronger? Who knows?

As to defeating the Repubs, hard-core Dems don't have enough votes (see 2000, 2004). I don't see how the Clintons change that dynamic. Those who love them, love them. Those who don't, don't. Given the baggage, I don't see her winning the General. Given the current standings, it's her or Obama. I for one choose hope.

So, who do you propose the Dems put into the General election? Do you think the Clintons can win it?

Obama is a trickster. I'm young and gulible and thankfully saw through his fakery and lies.

Vote Edwards!

Hey guys, the only one that made this an issue was Hillary Clintons hentch men and her husband..all those 'cocaine' and is he a drug dealer comments. Anyone who doesn't think this was from the clinton machine is crazy. First Black President, Bill Clinton give me a break. He unfortunately uses the Afro-American population for his purposes as with everything else he uses. This guy and gal have a great thirst for power, they are a Corporation now, have many Whitehouse followers...same scheme politics and they will discredit Obama even if he is the nominee. They are incredibly calculating, intelligent, manipulative and emotionally stunted. They feel nothing but for themselves. Shame on those fighting and defending HillBilly's homecoming. I bet his jammy's are packed and ready. He is such an out of control child emotionally and she is stone cold.

I applaud Chicago people for telling us the truth about Obama.

Hey canadagirl,please say you are not Canadian,you know so much about the Clintons and its all true?

Posted by: Kevin,
You are absolutely right! This is what many of us have been saying. The Hillary people don't listen. And, not one of them have EVER answered anyone's question of where the votes will come from. If they think Hispanics and hard-core DEMS. will win this election for Hillary they are just kidding themselves.

For every Hispanic or women's vote Hillary picks up, the Repub. will pick up a new voter, an Indep. and a Democrat that does NOT want Hillary. There is NO greater uniter of the Repub. party than the Clinton's, period. Oh and that women's and old folks vote, I wouldn't count on that in the general for a number of reasons....

Hillary's problems are:

1-No election has ever been won without picking up votes from another party. It is impossible to do.

2-This party is split, thanks to the Clinton's.

3-we are not just going to coalesce around Hillary. If we don't like her now, we won't like her then.

4-Having her as the opponent will mobolize the Repubs. like never before.

5-There simply won't be enough Hispanics to take her to victory, I know this is what they are counting on.

6-Democrats WILL vote against her.

Let the games begin!

All the posters FAIL to mention the Clintons have WON every single election they have entered since 1980.

To say the republicans will have an easier time with the Clintons is retarded. They are going to play dirty rotten politics in the general election. They do everytime

Obama is going to have his magic TEFLON suit on do defeat that? Gimmie a break. This is POLITICS folks. There is NOBODY who will have a better chance to win against the republicans in November than Hillary Clinton.

She has Bill Clinton, who still had a 62% approval rating at the END of his presidency, in SPITE of all the whitewater crap.

Only a FOOL think greenhorn Barack Obama is going to wave a MAGIC WAND and bring Republicans on his side. Republicans are the MOST racist people there are.

THE ONLY DEMOCRATS TO BEAT THE REPUBLICANS IN 30 YEARS ARE THE CLINTONS. That is a fact that no one can dispute. That is why the Republicans do not want to run against a Clinton. Do independents and democrats want to miss perhaps this diehard chance to reverse the toxic wastes of GBB. Do you want a McCain (very decent guy) to continue the war and spemd our precious tax dollars in IRAQ at the cost of our taxpayers and the economy? Vote Hillary

I read everyone's comments and no one mention that hillary been office a while so what have she changed or gotten done since she been in office. people talk about Obama trying to trick people What the Hell did Bush Do he trick all of those who voted for him and you KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!! know a man (not a black man but a Man) is trying give us a Voice in this World to change the status croa!!

Listen... Obama is not "in this alone!" There are many people in this country of ours, that inspite of where their political allegiances were before, see in him; an objective, clear-headed, thinking man of action who believes in the need for, and the will for, common-interest-cooperation as the one way out of the various messe' that we find ourselves in. The fact that he is red, white, blue, black or green is superficial and irrelevent.

I am a longtime conservative Republican, who has "made his bones" since the days of North Carolina in the '80's, and I'll tell you one thing: If Hillary and Bill don't shoot themselves in the foot with their words and tactics, and actually get the Dem nomination instead of Barack - there are millions of people in this country, both Republican and Democrat, who will go to work, using whatever means possible, to make sure that Bill and Hill never, ever, set foot in our White House again to ply their mischief. Even losing "one Presidential election" and making-up for it in the House and Senate in two years, is worth that. :-)

The republican have no shot at the White House, they can't even decide on a nominee and non of the candidates are worth discussing. This comes down to Barack and Hillary who honestly have the same democratic agenda no matter what dirt they can find on each other. The stock market is slowing down because the country is aware that our next president will be a democrat and to conservative financial people that's scary. Hillary has to have a strategy to beat Obama because he does represent change in every facet, he's black, he speaks of hope, he's diplomatic, he has charisma. After 8 years with Bush, well let me say 12 years because his dad was president as well, 8 years with Clinton...America is ready for a new face of Politics. The good majority of this country is not opposed to a Black man being president in fact I would go as far to say we are ready. It's gonna happen so we can go ahead and throw the irrelevant BS out the window and focus on getting Obama in the White House!!!

Didn't see blue polka dots.
Must have been the free money in their pockets promise.

Based on this, Bush and Republicans should do very well with the tax rebate. Guess it's vote buying season.

Obama Comes Face-to-Face with Race Question

There is no question in my mind if the young runner was white the older gentleman would he history by now. I really think that this country like the Roman empire is coming to a head, sad very sad, but good things sooner or later have to come to an end!!!nothing is forever!!