Hillary tried to use power, which she craves like an addict craves a fix, to institute "Hillary Care." Thankfully that was shot down by an outraged nation. Consider that if Hillary's 1994 nationalized healthcare plan were in effect, Sen. Kennedy would have been sentenced to a long wait for surgery

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

I don't know about you people but I am devasted that she gave up !!! I think no matter what she said she was the best person for the job ! I don't care if people know who I am. I am in tears right now. I guess I just won't vote again. The last time I voted was when Gore ran top billing.

Cathy, Sun Prairie , USA

Our country needed a charger and it is sad to see this one go. We do not get change with an Obama "not-my-war" attitude. I can see him doing much of nothing in the coming four years, at which point I think the youth of this country needs to consider taking serious action.

Haydn, Tampa, USA

The way Hillary handled her campaign has been a "Tragedy of Errors" , the performance of her Lieutenant Harold Ickes on Saturday at the and as a member of The Democratic Rules and Bye-Laws Committee was nothing less than shameful and a disgrace! this summed up the Clinton Campaign.

John B Sheffield, LA,

Hey Susan, go count the delegates!

Obama has won the right to the nomination under party rules, time for HRC to concede gracefully and back Obama. I'd personally like to see an Obama/Clinton ticket otherwise I think it may be 4 more years of Republican govt.

Jonathan Main, Kuwait City,

After the way she was treated, she should let Obama go down in flames and run again in 2012 (as Dem or an Independent). Of the three candidates she would make the best President. A shame what they did to her.

Mary F, Huntersville, USA

While Clinton has been ploughing a dirty field of sexism to harvest a win there, Obama declared clearly he not to be a black candidate. As result devoted feminists are going to support the rival party at elections whereas black Americans are rejecting black radicals like the pastor. Despite Obama has not become a president yet his role already to became positive in American history.

Alexey, Moscow,

Goodness. Please remember that the Obama campaign paid 400 bloggers to go to comment on politics articles like this all day and night long. Notice how similar adjectives are used in most of these posts, and how each day or two, a new "message' is spread far and wide. The nomination is a joke.

Veronica in CA, Palo Alto, California, USA

I see. Now that the media has finally defeated Senator Clinton - handing the nomination to the first MAN they could find - NOW they're going to say nice things about her. Keep your kudos, fellas - we're coming for what's ours, & we're not going to be put off by "good girl" pats on the head.

Susan, DC, USA

Every tiny flaw of Hillary Clinton's has been mulled over and she has been castigated for them.
No so with Barrack Obama. His flaws are portrayed as virtues or pushed to one side.
America will rue the day if it elects to its highest office this tainted man.
The entire world will suffer too!

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire, London, England ,UK

Some of these comments demonstrate how the media in my country have manipulated the populace. It's astonishing to me how willing so many are to rip into Hillary Clinton, a Senator who has served the US for over 30 years, as if she were a carcass of raw meat. Shame on you. We've lost our democracy.

Steven Mac, San Jose, California, USA

HRC has shown a contempt for everyone who is not her. She has appealed to racists, gender stigmatised feminists, latinos( hard working WHITE americans?), potential assassins, as well as anyone who likes a good fairy tale (ducking snipers in Bosnia). Fit for President? Mmh!! (I Mis-spoke!)

John Jackson, Wolverhampton, England

Four Presidential Commandments:
1.a president of the USA does not lie - Bosnia.
2.a president of the USA cannot be a cry baby - New Hampshire.
3.a president of the USA does not threaten to obliterate a country of 70 million -Iran.
4.a president of the USA does not wish death to a rival - Obama.

San Ying, Montreal, Canada

You've missed the boat on this one. HRC came into the new year the presumptive next U.S. prez. In Las Vegas, you had to put up $200 to win back $100 if you bet on her to win the election. In defeating her, Obama has effectively unseated an incumbent. Tough nothing; she's merely a very sore loser.

Michael Hopps, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

You might want to ask why Ted Kennedy was never Senate Majority Leader. The answer is that his fellow Democrats would never elect him to that honor. Nor will they elect Hillary.

Hillary has had two abysmal failures: the health care initiative and her presidential campaign. Failures 2, Success 0.

H. Hall, South Carolina, US

I agree with "gemmie, Abilene, TX, USA" . I year Barack Obama was a non entity . I am amazed how intelligent people can conclude that HC is still the right candidate after she has squandered the obvious advantages which she had in this race.

freddo, london,

It never fails to amaze me on how so many people know more about the United States than her own citizens. But as a resident of the state of New York, we know first hand that Hillary is pretty much worthless as a US Senator. I didn't vote for her to begin with or for her husband for that matter.

Mike, Saratoga Springs, USA

It's amazing how people are so willing to believe the worst of a person. Just because it suits their needs at the time. If you don't want to vote for a black man just say so, don't use the same old slime, excuse me, the same old played out slime.

Janice, Memphis, USA

I do have a question, Hillary won those votes by champaning hard and got those votes in both Michigan and Florida primaries, I did not hear Barack Obama or his suporters complaining at that time, now Barack Obama and his suporters want to be given votes he didnt work for, how does he deserve them?

Edward Mathews, Winston salem, USA

I see this as hype. Given all the bizarre behavior, I doubt she will have much power after this. Its also debatable whether she advanced the chance of a future run by a female, or if all the tricks she pulled
would make people hesitate to nominate a woman again.

Jill, Phoenix, USA

The DNC is a joke. Even if you aren't a HRC supporter, the committee was an embarrassment . I've been a Democrat for 45 years and no more. Where is the "fairness" in this process? Sadly, Obama has not put forth any tangible solutions that constitute "change". Just selling rhetoric.
Gayle,SanDiego

Gayle Wilson, SAN DIEGO,

The most politically important and influential woman in the United States is Nancy Pelosi, not Hillary Clinton! Ms. Pelosi is the first ever woman to be elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, a position provided in the U.S. Constitution, making her second in line of acendency .

P.J. Parker, Smithville, U>S>A>

why won't barrach huessain obama,salute the american flag or put his hand on the bible or salute a fallen soldier . is this true, i would like to know. sorry about my spelling dennis

dennis otto sr , altoona, Pa., usa

It's amazing, that one reader stated HRC is "ruthless and untrustworthy". I'm curious of what that same reader think of Obama with 20+ years of Rev. Wright teachings. I just can not cast a vote for Obama; Goodness, I had to Google him just to see who he was and what he has done in government.

Mary, Georgia, USA

Hail Hillary! What ever happens, If she wins or if she looses she still be the most influential Lady of our generation and one of the most influential person up there in Washington.

Mr. Rivera, Newport, USA

WH what part of vote and secret ballot doesn't imply election? Do you live in the US?

Mark , Denver, US

Hillary Clinton has neither the personality nor skills to succeed in the position suggested. In addition, it wn't be too long before the Democrats will loose control of the Senate, so the position would morph into Minority Leader, for which she would be even less qualified.

Fred , San Francisco, U.S.A

WH:
The Senate is in the Congress... Congress= Senate+ House of Representatives.

Jason, Columbus, OH

Hillary Clinton is much more intelligent and has more experience than Obama. She has come so far in spite of those who resent her sex . We need someone with her cool head and the head start she could give the office of president due to her stint as first lady.

Sandra, Murfreesboro, TN

Sandra Hicks, Murfreesboro, USA

A part of me wants to give this gutsy woman some kudos, but she has clearly demonstrated that her campaign has always been about her egotistical rise to power more than about making a real change.

Kevin M, Nevada City, CA,

I was not a big supporter of Hillary in the beginning, but she has proven to me that she is by far the best potential President. She is honest and trustwothy and a fighter. I believe she was given a raw deal. She could still be elected as President, if she ran as and "Independent".

Joan Douglass, Phoenix.AZ, USA

These Senators, Barak and Hillary, have shown again that Democrats are tough and now have the persistance to move healthy politics back into the White House and the Congress.
Hail Hillary indeed. Time for Change and Yes We Can. Let us get it done. Go Barak!

Bill Keller, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA

Will in PA,
Bush did not start the war in Iraq, it started with President Clinton's 1998 Iraq Liberation Act. Jihadists have been at war with the West since before Carter, I'm glad Bush took the war to them.Say what you want about how Rumsfield mismanaged the war, the war itself is justified.

David, Poughquag, NY, USA

Just say no to the Democrats. No more liberals like Bush or McCain. I am voting for The Constitution Party this time and already contributed money to them.

Greg, Texas, USA

I am totally disgusted with the way the democratic race was run. The right to vote shouldn't be hijacked by the DNP. If votes can be discarded, at the discretion of any aggrieved party
offical, why not just forget the election process, save money and appoint the President.

Jean, Chico, Ca

Nancy from New Jersey - I disagree with your assessment that she doesn't have the skills to work behind the scenes. She's one of the few senators who has been able to work in a bipartisan manner. I hope she will consider becoming majority leader.

As for Harry Reid... worst majority leader ever!

Chris, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Yes, how wonderful. She was magnificent, and this and that--and yet she will not be nominated. But you consider this a victory. After all--the destiny that we love to prescribe for a woman is to loose 'gracefully' . It is unaccepatble for a man--but for a woman--what glory in being the second..

Janina, Houston, USA

The way HRC has run her own campaign proves she is unfit to hold an office of any significant leadership. I find her ruthless and untrustworthy.

gemmie, Abilene, TX, USA

Sen Reid and Nancy Pelosi, leaders of the senate and house are in positions of power. Both vowed to end the war in Iraq that Bush started. Both, after all these years failed. Both vowed to not allow a surge in troops in Iraq. Both have failed. Why wouldn't Clinton have the ability to replace Reid?

Will, Pennsylvania, USA

I applaud Hillary for her effort and persistence; however, she has not "out-toughed her every male rival". She needs to show more class and step down and back Barack.

Dave, Sacramento, USA

Your article was on the mark. Unfortunately, Hillary keeps saying the people's vote should be counted, but she doesn't want to accept the fact that they have voted and it wasn't for her. The RFK reference was to see if some white supremist would take Obama out. For his sake I hope he's careful.

Richard Rodriguez, Hialeah, US

Charles,

I live in New York and it's not likely that anyone here defeats HRC if she runs for her Senate seat again. The NYS Republican Party is too dysfunctional to field an effective candidate -- they haven't won a statewide race since 2002 when Pataki got re-elected.

Tim, Endicott, NY, USA

The idea that she could become Senate Majority leader is just not feasible. She doesn't even have a committee of her own, which is certainly a pre-requisite for being considered for the Majority leader. Just isn't going to happen.

Robert, Cocoa Beach, FL, USA

She was born in Illinois and spent virtually all of her adult life in either Arkansas or DC. Yet she ran for office as a Senator in NY. Why? 'Cause she would never have been elected in either IL or AR and DC has no Senators. She instead ran where she was a mortal lock. This is not earning your place

chuck, goldbar, usa

So very true - not only does she have the popular vote (CNN, ABC, Real Clear Politics) but according to a Gallup article, she has more than 279 electoral votes - more than Bam-Bam or McCain -so much for media hegemony!!
Collea-Devi

Collea-Devi Goetz, Ft. Collins, CO, U.S. of A..

Sure, let's rip the leadership of the senate away from Reid, and give it to Hillary after the shameless campaign she has waged, just as a consolation price for being a woman and denied the presidency.

Porkarina, Reddijng,

Her future probably won't be in the Senate as this race has given the senators a chance to pick sides which she won't forgive any time soon. I see her in Obama's cabinet, maybe as Sec. State even or as a special health care adviser. Such a promise would appease her base and leave Obama to pick a VP.

Jason, Randolph,

Perhaps the issue that needs to be addressed with the Clintons is their consistant shameless dishonestly.....and would you dare turn your back to her?

Mark , mpls, US

"Hillary Clinton has devoted her every waking minute for the past nine years to the pursuit of power that she genuinely believes she could use to the public good. "

I imagine that Hitler, Mussolini, Lenin, and others like them felt the same way.

redmanrt, Jacksonville, USA

The current Majority Leader, Harry Reid, has already stated that he isn't going anywhere and has received the backing of many prominent Senators. And the job involves a lot of behind the scenes, out of the spotlight work. Not her strong point.

Nancy, New Jersey,

She wouldn't be running against Obama though, it would be against Harry Reid. And I'm sure there are plenty of Senators who see how ineffective Senator Reid is.

Tom, Sayville,

The U.S. Majority Leader spot doesn't necessarily require great seniority. If you look at LBJ, he was thrust into the position as a young man and was basically groomed to later be VP. As to the current Majority leader, Harry Reid is a horrible majority leader. He capitulates way too often.

Sam, Oklahoma City, United States

Out-toughed? More like an obsessive/compulsive addiction to power...

Al, New Holland, PA, US

She should hope that Obama wins the general election. If he loses, there will be a perception that she helped bring it about. In that event, I wouldn't see much of a future for her.

Ian, Mission Viejo, CA, USA

The maj. leader of the Senate is not req'd to have seniority, but as the post is chosen within its own ranks, that has historically been the case. Clinton has enough votes and delegates to demand such a post, else she could pull a Ted Kennedy in '80. And NY will certainly reelect her, Mr. Sawyer

Chris, Long Island, USA

Do these posters here actually live in the US?

Ian: Harry Reid is the majority leader, but Hillary has worked hard to be well liked on both sides of the aisle. A future bid is possible.

Charles: She's in the SENATE. She has 4 years til re-election.

Mark: Majority leader is an ELECTED position.

WH, Davis, USA

This is sad, this UK columnist knows more about US government than US citizens. If the Dems take the Senate, plenty like/respect her enough to vote her majority leader. She isn't up for re-election this year, she's a Senator, not a House rep.

King, Austin, TX, US

Just one problem, there is already a Majority Leader and furthermore, most of the Democratic Senators cannot stand Hillary.

Ian, Frederick, USA

I think that the writer of this article over looks one thing, she has to be re-elected in her district for congress. With her tantrums, someone mite just run against her and she could be home baking cookies even if she really doesn't want to.

Charles Sawyer, Bloomfield, IA, USA

The writer doesn't quite understand how the US Senate works. Majority leader must have some seniority to which Hillary doesn't. Secondly when she couldn't muster more senators endorsement then Obama I'm guessing that receiving a majority vote of senators in a secret ballot just isn't going to happen

Mark , Denver, US