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Candidate Clinton to Richardson: 'Barack Obama Can't Win'
April 02, 2008 7:39 PM
ABC News' George Stephanopoulos Reports: Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and former President Bill Clinton are making very direct arguments to Democratic superdelegates, starkly insisting Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., cannot win a general election against presumptive Republican nominee, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
Sources with direct knowledge of the conversation between Sen. Clinton and Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., prior to the Governor's endorsement of Obama say she told him flatly, "He cannot win, Bill. He cannot win."
Richardson, who served in President Clinton's cabinet, disagreed.
At a rally in Oregon, standing next to Obama, Richardson insisted, "My great affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver." But he added, "It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting among ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall."
Yet here's a wrinkle, from a source with direct knowledge of Richardson's conversations with the Clintons: Richardson himself told Sen. Clinton and former President Clinton that he didn't think Obama could win, back when he was (according to the Clintons) telling them earlier this year that he wouldn't endorse Obama.
"Too inexperienced," Richardson said, the source tells ABC News.
WATCH GEORGE'S FULL WORLD NEWS REPORT BY CLICKING HERE.
A report in the San Francisco Chronicle detailed another explosive exchange in which the former president angrily objected to Richardson's endorsement.
"Five times to my face [Richardson] said that he would never do that," Clinton said, according to the Chronicle -- before, the newspaper reports, he "went on a tirade that ran from the media's unfair treatment of Hillary to questions about the fairness of the votes in state caucuses that voted for Obama. It ended with him asking delegates to imagine what the reaction would be if Obama was trailing by just 1 percent and people were telling him to drop out."
Another, neutral superdelegate who was in the room for that meeting called the Chronicle's take "a bit exaggerated." But there is no question the Clintons are passionately arguing their case against Obama in what is fast becoming an intense race not just for the votes of the public but of the Democratic elite known as superdelegates.
For all the latest from the campaign trail, read The Note every day exclusively on ABCNews.com.
And don't miss "The Last Lecture: A Love Story for Your Life", an unforgettable special about Professor Randy Pausch's inspiring last lecture at Carnegie Mellon about living life to the fullest, only on ABC.
April 2, 2008 in Bush, George W., Kucinich, Dennis, Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (530)
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Just for the record Jerry,...
Why did you care to research that? Where did you find it? How long have you been obsessive about posting it to prove,...absolutely nothing?
That is one of those great pieces of esoteric nonsence that adds nothing to the conversation.
"Gee Wiz Jer,...how did you know all that?"
But the real question is...what does it matter?
________________________________________
His whole life in America is a lie!! And you fell for it,..Sucker!!
Posted by: Jerry | Apr 3, 2008 12:06:20 AM
It is already easy to imagine the Republican attack ads against Barack Obama.
They open with video of his wife, Michelle, saying she was proud of America "for the first time in my adult lifetime" because of her husband's presidential candidacy. Cut to the Illinois Senator explaining that he doesn't wear an American flag lapel pin because it is a "substitute for true patriotism." Then flash a clip of Obama explaining that his Caucasian grandmother was a "typical white person" because she uttered racial epithets and was afraid of black people.
Finally, the coup de grace, pictures of Obama's angry, arm-waving preacher blaming the United States for 9/11 and shouting "God Damn America" to the rafters of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ.THE ARE GOING TO SEAT FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN, AND IF THE BLEEDING IN WRIGHT SERMON,ONE SUPERDELEGATE FOR OBAMA, OBAMA HAS REFUSED TO GO AHEAD WITH REVOTE GOING TO BACKFIRE ON .ii have beenlistening to talk radio this story is not gong away i guarantee superdelegates willgo for hillary it just tuf luck now.blieve me their willbe no blood to play. hillary ahs alread been maiking inroads in pennsylvainia among black she now has 35 percent of them supportingher since jeremiah wright ,i predict it will be hillary 70 percents and obama18 percent inpennsylvani ,and in north carolina 60-40 for hillary!!TYPICAL WHITE PERSON IS GOINGTO DO ALOT MORE DMAGE THAN YOUN COULD IMAGINE
Posted by: dave rosenberg | Apr 3, 2008 12:07:07 AM
Why would anyone believe that Obama cannot win. He's ahead on all fronts. He's ahead in most polls.
Statisticians have determined that it is a mathematical impossibilioty for Clinton to catch up to Obama in pledged delegates. They also indicate that she has nearly zero chance of catching up in the popular vote.
Clinton's only argument is to say that Obama is somehow seriously flawed. But she has no credibility. I think she also is shooting for the voters who havent been paying attention. Who else would buy into her claim (other than white racists and angry females who want Hillary to be their hero and avenge the gender discrimination they have experienced in their lives).
White male, age 39, PhD
Posted by: Mike Denhof | Apr 3, 2008 12:07:20 AM
Those of you who are so overwrought
by the current "war" in Iraq have no sense of what real war is. In fact it is no longer a war at this stage (as one is conventionally defined); but my point is that historically the losses so far are
very small. Consider that the US lost more than 4000 KIA on several SINGLE days during the Civil War and WW2. And Britain lost nearly 20K on 7/1/16 alone.
It is far to early to judge the worthiness (or unworthiness) of the current engagement, but I have a sense that it may someday be considered a resounding success. We'll see.
Posted by: Historian | Apr 3, 2008 12:07:25 AM
"if Hillary doesn't win the nomination I will vote for McCain and so will my family."
Sorry Mariann you don't get to tell them how to vote and you'll never now how they did. That's why we have one man one vote.
Posted by: Turandottir | Apr 3, 2008 12:07:42 AM
Gotta love right wing patriots like "Ryan" up at the top. His tax cutting president and congress have trashed the country at home and abroad, weakened our military to the point of absurdity and have been the most corrupt leaders this country has ever had and all he can think about is that his taxes MIGHT go up (in fact, unless he's a millionaire many times over, they'll probably go down under a Democratic presidency). Give Republicans an A+ again and again for the "what's in it for me" award.
Posted by: homer | Apr 3, 2008 12:08:04 AM
I filled out my Form 1040 today. If either Obama or The Witch are elected my taxes will increase by $800 whthout an increase in income--merely by making dividend income fully taxable--the restoration of the double taxation of corporate profits so dear to the balck harts of the Democ-rats.
The only things the Democ-rats have a religious devotation to is high income taxes and the Death Tax. Go to the voting booth in November and kill them first!
Posted by: David S. Levine | Apr 3, 2008 12:11:22 AM
NAV: The posts are primarily articles from various sources, such as the Chicago Sun-Times and NBC. If you can't take the heat (truth), then get out of the kitchen.
Posted by: Cowbell | Apr 3, 2008 12:21:30 AM
go ahead play the follow leader game now with his "make up ideas and Changes talks"
Posted by: john nc | Apr 3, 2008 12:23:35 AM
Jerry, if I want to go to rightwing propaganda sites I know how. Thanks.
Posted by: All the News that's fit to dump | Apr 3, 2008 12:23:40 AM
A lot of conservative columnists continue to attack Hillary Clinton and ignore Obama. A number of Republicans in earlier primaries have supported Obama in an effort to prevent Hillary Clinton from becoming the Democratic Nominee.
The last laugh, or more correctly weeping, might very well be on the Republicans. When the votes are counted after the November election, I think it very likely John MCCain will lose the election.
In which case, if Obama is the next President he will be much more liberal than Hillary Clinton. Obama is a Marxist, who believes in collectivism and his Presidency will be a "movement" to mobilize the nation into collectivist actions and policies unlike anything since the New Deal.
That is what Talk Radio, conservatives of all stripes, and Republicans who fear and hate Hillary Clinton should really be concerned about. McCain is a slender reed indeed against the realities "change" under Barack Obama will bring to our nation and society.
Posted by: RPhillips | Apr 3, 2008 12:24:00 AM
Not proud of Senator Clinton or Bill right now. They seem prepared to try to sink the democratic nominee and the party if they do not get their way. Don't do it. So tired of the divisivness.
For Democrates who vow to vote for McCain if 'their' dem candidate does not get the nomination...get control of these emotional outbursts. Our country is in serious trouble after 8 years Republican reign and McCain has been a significant contributor to major things that have gone wrong. Now all of a sudden he walks on water? PLEASE.
If McCain becomes President, this country will continue to suffer greatly...he is a continuation of Bush. Trying to distance himself from Bush is strictly political to get votes.
Voting for McCain is voting for more of
Carl Rove (advisor), War and more War (100 more years in Iraq), No clue about fixing the economy, and selecting Supreme Court Justices that will make partisan/right wing rulings that have impact for generations to come.
Appreciate his sacrifice, however McCain is NOT the only one who has served our great country. And he should not be President. Almost every person who has served in Iraq and now running for political office is running as a democrat...there is a reason for that.
Posted by: Retired | Apr 3, 2008 12:25:40 AM
I hope that I'm wrong, but I think that the DNC will use the super delegates to take the nomination away from Obama if he wins the popular vote. If they do this, they are insuring a McCain win, since HRC can't win the general election. If Obama gains the nomination, I think that he has a very good chance of being victorious over McCain. I guess that we'll see what we see. I think that it's clear that the Democratic Party doesn't have the cojones to run a black man for president.
Posted by: Burlroad | Apr 3, 2008 12:25:50 AM
I am extremely frustrated to the see that senior Democraty Party leaders are trying to discredit the party. Who is Obama? No body knows anything about him. He still not even denounce his old pastor. He divided the country blacks and whites. He has no morals. It is only Young people's Obamamania. Nothing less. I hope true dmocrats will rise up and elect Hilary Clinton as their nominee for the election in Nov 2008. She will surely the next President. Otherwise disastrous for the country.
Posted by: George Lonen | Apr 3, 2008 12:27:37 AM
I admit to not reading all of the posts here, but the ones I have read are misreading the quote, and that includes the author of the story.
Hillary said to Richardson, "He cannot win Bill. He cannot win." Think for a moment of the real meaning behind that desperate comment. It doesn't mean Obama is UNABLE to win...it means that Obama must be STOPPED from winning.
Now this isn't to say that they will do ANYTHING at all costs to stop him, rather, it is simply a somewhat frightened remark coming from an individual that is seriously concerned about the consequences of an Obama victory.
What becomes even more intriguing is when you begin to connect the dots of the Bush-Clinton Monarchy over the past 20-some years...why G.W. has been so accomodating to the Clinton's and the release of their presidential records. The cozy relationship that Bush 41 has had recently with Bill, and the Clintons suddenly spending an unusual amount of time with FOX News, Limbaugh, and some of the other conservative media.
Something very strange is afoot, and I fear it isn't something the American public is going to want to hear.
Posted by: Steve K | Apr 3, 2008 12:28:12 AM
they have been playing with obama , they have no intention of letting him in the white, house , why do you think they did the thing with florida and michigan, so they can could use it when they needed it, why do you think edwards took him name off the ballot in michigan, so Obama would, so hilliary would be the only one on there, so she would be a shoe in, and once they declare their votes good, she is all the way to the white house, the super delegates will put her in,,,,,,,,,,,,,go hilliary,,,,,,,,,,,,,
by backoffnewscensors
I see your candidate is not the only one who is delusional. By the way, do you have any Bosnia sniper stories to share with the rest of us while you are on a roll here?
Posted by: kojiPham | Apr 3, 2008 12:28:20 AM
Jack, I respect your opinion but I don't agree... and so does America. At least the people here are aware of the world situation. Most Americans have no idea whats going on in the world right now. Going with that, regular people will vote for change. Obama and Clinton are change.McCain is Bush 3. I think they will vote for anyone but Bush 3. But then again, Bush was reelected in 04...
Posted by: Felix | Apr 3, 2008 12:29:16 AM
Here is a William Safire article about Hilary in 1996. You think these issues won't come up in a general election? Hilary is unelectable.
**************************************
From the New York Times January 08, 1996: Americans of all political persuasions are coming to the sad realization that our first lady - a woman of undoubted talents who was a role model for many in her generation - is a congenital liar.
1. Remember the story she told about studying The Wall Street Journal to explain her 10,000 percent profit in 1979 commodity trading? We now know that was a lie told to turn aside accusations that as the governor's wife she profited corruptly, her account being run by a lawyer for state poultry interests through a disreputable broker. She lied for good reason: To admit otherwise would be to confess taking, and paying taxes on, what some think amounted to a $100,000 bribe.
2. The abuse of presidential power known as Travelgate elicited another series of lies. She induced a White House lawyer to assert flatly to investigators that Mrs. Clinton did not order the firing of White House travel aides, who were then harassed by the FBI and Justice Department to justify patronage replacement by Mrs. Clinton's cronies. Now we know, from a memo long concealed from investigators, that there would be ''hell to pay'' if the furious first lady's desires were scorned. The career of the lawyer who transmitted Hillary's lie to authorities is now in jeopardy. Again, she lied with good reason: to avoid being identified as a vindictive political power player who used the FBI to ruin the lives of people standing in the way of juicy patronage.
3. In the aftermath of the apparent suicide of her former partner and closest confidant, White House Deputy Counsel Vincent Foster, she ordered the overturn of an agreement to allow the Justice Department to examine the files in the dead man's office. Her closest friends and aides, under oath, have been blatantly disremembering this likely obstruction of justice, and may have to pay for supporting Hillary's lie with jail terms.
Again, the lying was not irrational.
Investigators believe that damning records from the Rose Law Firm, wrongfully kept in Vincent Foster's White House office, were spirited out in the dead of night and hidden from the law for two years - in Hillary's closet, in Web Hubbell's basement before his felony conviction, in the president's secretary's personal files - before some were forced out last week.
Why the White House concealment?
For good reason: The records show Hillary Clinton was lying when she denied actively representing a criminal enterprise known as the Madison S&L, and indicate she may have conspired with Web Hubbell's father-in-law to make a sham land deal that cost taxpayers $3 million.
Why the belated release of some of the incriminating evidence? Not because it mysteriously turned up in offices previously searched. Certainly not because Hillary Clinton and her new hang-tough White House counsel want to respond fully to lawful subpoenas.
One reason for the Friday-night dribble of evidence from the White House is the discovery by the FBI of copies of some of those records elsewhere.
When Clinton witnesses are asked about specific items in ''lost'' records - which investigators have - the White House ''finds'' its copy and releases it. By concealing the Madison billing records two days beyond the statute of limitations, Hillary evaded a civil suit by bamboozled bank regulators.
Another reason for recent revelations is the imminent turning of former aides and partners of Hillary against her; they were willing to cover her lying when it advanced their careers, but are inclined to listen to their own lawyers when faced with perjury indictments. Therefore, ask not ''Why didn't she just come clean at the beginning?''
She had good reasons to lie; she is in the longtime habit of lying; and she has never been called to account for lying herself or in suborning lying in her aides and friends. No wonder the president is fearful of holding a prime-time press conference.
Having been separately deposed by the independent counsel at least twice, the president and first lady would be well advised to retain separate defense counsel.
Posted by: Jimmy | Apr 3, 2008 12:29:34 AM
JR
Aren't you cool, getting the inside scoop - you stated "I have heard some of the nations most formidible intellectuals who do not divulge their political affiliations stating that this is not a very bright man, he is a scary man." Why the secret identity of these 'intellectuals'? Did they call you personally from a dark corner or are they willing to stand up and be counted?
The sounds of "empty suits"...
You say that there will be no change (with Obama as Pres) - not sure how you know this. I sure hope you are wrong.
Posted by: dude | Apr 3, 2008 12:29:41 AM
The Clinton's true colors are coming out now that the heat is on; Hillary has hit the panic button quite a bit over the past few weeks but true to fashion, she'll go down kicking and screaming rather than bow down gracefully. She's mad because Richardson endorsed Obama but how could she expect Richardson to back her after the lie she told about coming under gunfire in Bosnia. Obama cannot be held accountable for remarks made by Rev Wright like the media wants him to be but Hillary most definitely can and should be held accountable for a lie that came from her own lips. The Republicans are scared because they know that Obama will give McCain a run for his money because Obama was against the war from day one and McCain is as bad as Bush as far as wanting to keep the troops over in Iraq and Afghanistan. McCain is a replica of Bush and the American people want no more reminders of Bush after 2008 and they want the troops out of Iraq...the polls clearly show that. If that means making history by voting for an African-American president, they will vote for Obama.
Posted by: 1967Girl | Apr 3, 2008 12:29:52 AM
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