President Clinton had the benefit of a recovering, then soaring, economy. I liked - heck, I voted for - the man, and am a supporter of some of his ideals. But some of his decisions were HORRIBLE: corporate consolidation of the media, NAFTA (which has had really negative repercussions for many American workers), a failure to address the Social Security crisis (still looming!), etc.

I don't see how Mrs. Clinton proposes to do anything all that radically different from what her husband did. And she seems to be incrementally changing her values to position herself politically. It makes her seem self-serving, rather than ready to serve the American people.

Obama isn't a known quantity, but I am willing to vote for the HOPE of change. Our country is radically off-track now, and we need a huge jolt to get us pointed in the right direction again. It may be naive, but I *feel* that Obama can deliver just such a jolt.

Staci, Oregon, USA

Kasim,

Pray tell me, when will the United States be ready for a woman president if not now? The domestic and global issues that dog this country and the world, for that matter, are not new. If anything, they are the workings of many men. Perhaps now is the perfect time for a woman to come in and clean house, though not the kind that you probably have in mind.

Lena, Los Angeles, CA, USA

I voted for Hillary, Obama will spend his first 4 years in office learning what he can and cannot do in the White House. Hillary has been there, knows the place and can hit the ground running.....for those who think she'll bring the same ol same ol, I say that's ridiculous, she'll bring a strong, thoughtful experienced mind to the office. As for Obama, he speaks about change, and like a typical politician is making promises that he cannot keep. Clinton has won California, a state with 39 million people and New York another large population center....it's time America drops this delegate system and declares a winner based on the actual popular vote...George Bush would not have wreaked havoc on the world in the last eight years if this were the case.

Brian L. Stone, San Francisco, California

Dritan from Albania:

If you aggregate the popular vote for Super Tuesday states, there's virtually no difference between Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama.

As many people are voting for Barrack as Hillary.

James, Los Angeles, CA

Even though Mrs Clinton is most qualified and competent enough for the job of president, I don't think America is ready for a female president now considering the huge problems ranging from domestic to foreign policy. The war in Iraq, Afghanistan, the crisis in Lebanon, the debilitating humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, the nuclear problems of Iran etc. are not simply too good for a female president for America now.

Kasim Awal, Tamale, Ghana

I'm so happy for Hillary. She is a hard-working and effective leader in the Senate and I will be one African-American who will cast my vote for her.

True, Obama is an attractive candidate in many ways but his record is simply too short to let make me feel comfortable with trusting him with the presidency at this time.

I want a president who knows how to operate the machinery of state, who can persuade Republican senators not to filibuster major changes in American law and a person who can explain that all the changes that are wanted by the public cannot come immediately. Obama is raising the expectations of the electorate dangerously high - we are teetering on the edge of a major recession - are we supposed to believe that he can wave a magic wand to bring about all the changes that his supporters want?

C'mon America - let's rally around someone who has been around one the most successful democratic presidents of our time.

Hillary 2008+2012 Obama: 2016+2020

Andre, Machias, USA

Obama is an intellectual, and a man of substance. He is a gifted orator, which is a bonus, but his skills as a speaker supplement his knowledge and his clear agenda. If you want specifics about his record and his proposals going forward, go to his website. He does not trot out his knowledge of minutia as Hillary does. But he is a thinker.

One point--I don't think the coverage gave sufficient emphasis to the fact that delegates in each state are awarded proportionally by district. Therefore, Obama may have "lost" New Jersey by a margin of 10 percentage points overall, but district by district her will probably end up with about the same number of delegates as Hillary. The same goes for Missouri, a bell-weather state that he "won" late last night. He and Hillary will split the delegates. Finally, remembering our Electoral College system, the key to our presidency is the ability to win the purple and red states, those that are not composed of true-blue democrats like NY/NJ/MA

Barbara Chapman, New York, NY

We already had eight years of the Clinton. Why do we want to go backward, It's time for a change (not a make over) . Bill and Hillary Clinton
have their chance and did a great job at it. Now here something to think about . Barak Obama is Black and Hillary Clinton is a Women. You can not have it both ways If Obama is cashing in on his colour. then Hillary is cashing on being a women. Will some one please tell what have Sen Clinton done beside standing by her men. what background and what experience. Her husband was President, not her are we voting for her or her husband

Booker Jones, Salisbury, MD

Mr. Obama has done great things to rally the support of so many groups of peoples of all walks of life- save one. You forgot the Latino Vote in California. You came to California and forgot to ask so many great latino's that you needed their help. No wonder so many voted for Hillary. She is not afraid to ask us for help. Go back and read Tip O'Neal's book "the Man of the House" If you want our vote you have to ask for it.

Art Cantu, Attorney At Law
California

Arthur Cantu, Attorney At Law, hollister, CA

it is perfectly acceptable to call someone of mixed race 'black' and the 'blacks' themselves always refer to any Afro-American (however pale he may be) as black. Obama is black and this is not an insult. It's the word we use.
John Barber, Paris, France

No, it is not perfectly acceptable. It is fundamentally incorrect. It is acceptable to some people such as you. It is absolutely not acceptable to others such as me as it is a lie. To label a person 100% for something they are only 50% is ludicrous. In the case of Obama, Lewis Hamilton and Tiger Woods, it is a downright false claim of racial achievement where it does not belong.

By the way, not that this should affect the logic or validity of my argument, I am mixed race. Proud of both of my 50%s. And I would never deny either half.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

Corporatists one and all, who will do absolutely nothing for the general populus. In it to line their own pockets, pure and simple, all of them.

Paul Downes, Milton Keynes, Bucks

I don't have a favoured candidate, but some people here are missing what happened yesterday. Today was the day Sen Clinton planned to have the primaries wrapped up so that she could begin her General Election campaign. Sen Obama derailed that, so Ms Clinton has already lost significant momentum. Comparing who got which how many delegates yesterday, misses that point. Sen Obama was not supposed to come close to her, and yet he did. That is very significant.

Sen Clinton had a very bad day yesterday. Period.

Meanwhile Sen McCain does have things wrapped up, barring disaster, and can now go on to establish himself for the the November election. And that in turn is why he is at this weeks Nato Security Conference.

jon livesey, Sunnyvale, CA/USA

Bush has left America in a mess, and we need someone tough and who has experience to clean it up. Obama is all sound bite and self-proclaimed messiah. McCain is a crazier, meaner Bush. My vote goes to Hillary. She's one smart, tough cookie.

Robbie, San Diego, CC

Regardless of which candidate secures the nomination of their respective political party, the nation will endure, and our friends will remain our friends and allies, while our enemies remain enemies. I'd personally prefer Sen. Clinton as President with Sen. Obama as VP, but even if Sen. McCain takes the White House, we'll still be OK.

edward b ryder, greenlawn,, ny usa

Can you guys in the US do simple math? Barak did get a major number of states, but how many Democrats voted in those states, compared to the millions who voted for Hillary? It was fun to see how the voting in Indonesia was reported to the press: Obama won 75% of the vote. But the number of voters was only 100 no disrespect meant to them. Comparing the tiny complexed states won by Barak with the multicultural states won by Hillary wonn't give the nominaton to Barak. People of the press read the numbers for what they are and see who Democrats in the US do really support.
Dritan Shano, Tirana Albania

dritan, tirana, albania

Very interesting results from yesteday's democratic primaries. Although Obama has claimed more states, Hillary has captured the largest states by population and certainly the most demographically diverse such as New York, (projected win) New Jersey, California and the Kennedy stronghold of Mass. It is sad but it certainly appears as if the party is divided into black and white. Obama has clearly captured the support of the African Amercian community. I certainly hope that Hillary wins the race..

Mike, Toronto, Canada
___________________________________

Mike from Toronto,

How do you figure that the party is divided between white and black. Obama captured most of the white vote on Tuesday.

Most of the states that he won are heavily white. Some have almost no black population to speak of. (North Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Utah, Colorado, Minnesota, and Idaho)

In addition they are tied when it comes to the aggregate popular vote. They roughly have 7 million votes each.

James, Los Angeles, CA

Just for all those people out there who are so frantic about being politically correct, it is perfectly acceptable to call someone of mixed race 'black' and the 'blacks' themselves always refer to any Afro-American (however pale he may be) as black. Obama is black and this is not an insult. It's the word we use.

John Barber, Paris, France

In response to Mr. Murphy who tried to make some pathetic hit on Hillary for wagging her finger: I wag my finger at you for shame. Do you really think that the former First Lady and NY senator is going to communicate with the leaders of the international community like a Jane Goodall chimpanzee? Come on now, get real.

Lena Kim, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Very interesting results from yesteday's democratic primaries. Although Obama has claimed more states, Hillary has captured the largest states by population and certainly the most demographically diverse such as New York, (projected win) New Jersey, California and the Kennedy stronghold of Mass. It is sad but it certainly appears as if the party is divided into black and white. Obama has clearly captured the support of the African Amercian community. I certainly hope that Hillary wins the race...Alabamha? let's get real! Who cares! California and New York have combined populations of 57 million people. That is almost the population of England. Good luck to you Hillary and GOD BLESS YOU!

Mike, Toronto, Canada

I wish I could say something brilliant, but I am still laughing at Mr. Watanabe's joke about Americans. It's so funny that the British still call all of us Yanks. I am sure the Scottish do not like being called English.

I will say this. It must have been very embarrassing for Sen. Kennedy that Sen. Clinton carried his home state.

Watts Taylor, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Tony Blair is a great orator. This does not make a great leader, as the UK learnt the hard way. Another thing, Obama is not a 'black' candidate, as the newspapers and others parts, of the media, keep telling us.
He is of mixed race, his Mother being white.
He was brought up by middle class white grandparents, which he found to his advantage.
Half truths make for a totally misleading outlook.
His instincts are far from the ghetto, which should be obvious to one and all.

prudence eely bond mcguire, LONDON, ENGLAND UK.

I predicted in a comment in the Timesonline a year ago that it would be a contest between McCain and Clinton. This seems to be happening. I support Obama though I think Clinton will win it. Possibly a deal's been made that Obama will be VP, as they are no longer fighting cat & mouse anymore, thank god. 'Mittler' as Mitt Romney is nicknamed in Massachusetts would be a disaster - 4 more years of another George Bush. Huckabee will take the US back to the Stoneage. He's a 'creationist' (believes that the world is 6000 years old as laid down in the bible) said the US constitution should be replaced with 'the word of God'. I could handle McCain for at least he has integrity. Ideally Clinton or Obama will win to take the US into the 21st century so that it can can continue to be the greatest country on earth and a becon of hope for others. Speaking as a brit living in Massachusetts the disparaging comments about the american electorate are ridiculous and unfounded.

Rudy E Parker, Cambridge, Massachusetts

I once heard a joke about Americans in paritcular: A survey was carried out about poverty in the world. And the questionaire goes something like; Please tell us your opinion about prospertiy and poverty in the rest of the world. And the survey broke down because many participants couldn't understand the terms in the questionaire. People in Africa got no clue what prosperity means, and neither are people in Western Europe what poverty is. Eastern European were baffled by the term opinion and Latin Americans asked what is 'please'. And Yanks were pondering the meaning of 'the rest of the world'.

Tom Watanabe, London,

Seriously? You guys want a woman in the White House who will fine people for not paying health insurance - when many of you can't even keep homes, let alone pay for health?

Mia, London,

It worked before - it worked this time.
But can Hillary turn on the WATERWORKS at crucial international summits just to get her way?

GJB, Slough, Berkshire

I can't understand my Americans vote for Hillary, the cry baby, Clinton?

I can't understand why Americans don't understand why there shouldn't be war? - I think it is because Americans have never seen war on their turf. I think Americans are pretty ignorant to anything outside of their own society.

Silvio, cambridge, uk

Laura Robers:

We should keep in mind that the population of the UK is diverse, and not everyone here is uninterested in the events outside this island - particularly the events leading up to the election of the most influential political administration in the world.

Further, your sweeping derogatory opinion on the American electorate is an embarrassment to any European, regardless of what kind of home made hat it came from.

Henrik Jonsson, London, UK

Laura Roberts:

We should keep in mind that the population of the UK is diverse, and not everyone here is uninterested in the events outside this island - particularly the events leading up to the election of the most influential political administration in the world.

Further, your sweeping derogatory opinion on the American electorate is an embarrassment to any European, regardless of what kind of home made hat it came from.

Henrik Jonsson, London, UK

Watching the coverage on French TV, it seems virtually no-one can understand or explain still less justify the voting system, which isn't even the same for both parties! Is this a fair analysis? As for which candidate... We certainly need a change!

John Adams, Péault, France

I wonder how many readers know the difference between a caucus and a primary

Mladen Andrijasevic, Be'er Sheva , Israel

I'd like to know on what basis you're claiming that "Clinton edges ahead" on Super Tuesday. Obama has won more states (13 of 22, as of now, 1am EST) and also has won the most delegates. By any measure (states won and delegates won) Super Tuesday was a clear victory for Sen. Obama. On what basis has Hillary "edged ahead"?

Lisa, New York,

GO GIRL ! Show Obama for what he is. Just a good preacher with nothing to show for it. He may have the best rhetoric, but Hillary has the balls. GO GIRL !

Blossom, Paris, France

During the clip of the debate that I saw, Mrs Clinton wagged her finger at Mr Obama as though he was a simpleton. I'm suprised she didn't call him 'Boy'. If that's the way she intends to treat the leaders of China, Russia and the rest of the world, her claims to have "leadership experience" seem very hollow.
John.
Oldham

John Murphy, Chadderton, Lancs..

I fail to see why any of this is of any importance, and why the coverage here, and all over the TV, is full of these damn American internal politics.

We have a couple of political parties who are choosing their candidate. That's all. We have less coverage of our own UK parties when they choose their leader!

I really couldn't give a damn about which party chooses which candidate. At the end of the day, we recognise that American voters in this, and in the next Presidential election, comprise the highest users of psychiatric services in the world.

You think that the things you are debating matters? You think this voting population will do anything more than vote for the one whose hair they like, or skin colour they prefer, or which name comes out of their home made hat?

Laura Roberts, London, UK

As a Australian, my views are impartial. Still, the Democrats would be mad to nominate Hillary. Sure, she's appealing to more voters in the big states of New York and California. Sure, she appears to have more experience. The thing that they need to be wary of is that in all probability their opponent will be McCain. If there's one thing that would make McCain stronger than any amount of Republican campaigning could do, it would be to have as polarising a figure as Hillary Clinton running against him. Obama is getting support from independents, who probably wouldn't vote for Clinton, and Clinton is getting her support from hard core democrats. Democrats who will vote for Obama. She's getting more votes now, but she won't get the same support from Obama's supporters in November as Obama would from hers. Add to that the fact that Republics hate her with a burning passion, and will vote in record numbers to "stophernow". Realistically, Obama can win in November, but Hillary's a big risk.

Robbie, Canberra, Australia

Simon, London. Just because Hillary had the balls to vote for the war based on information given at the time and for the torture exception doesn't make her a follower. There are two choices, you either vote for or against. Going one way or the other doesn't make a person a follower. Where was Obama when the vote was taken? Why was he against the war at the time? When the going gets tough he's nowhere to be seen. A lot of people supported toppling Saddam at the time. Just because the war hasn't ended cleanly there is a big backlash. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Obama doesn't have what it takes to make the tough unpopular decisions. He's too busy soundbiting, he has no original thought or ideas, what he says he will do is pie in the sky.

Michael Pearson, Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA

Simon, London. Just because Hillary made tough decisions does not make her a follower. You say Obama is a "leader in the classic mould", but haven't answered the original question which was, what has he led? He has no real experience of national politics. The question should be, why didn't he support the war in Iraq? He can't make the tough decisions. He is all soundbite. When the going gets tough he's nowhere to be seen. But he'll pop his head up years after the fact and say "I told you so". We don't need another windbag as President mouthing off about I'll do this and I'll do that. We need a leader who will act and be decisive even if that proves unpopular. Remember Margaret Thatcher..she was a leader! So is Hillary. Obama is not.

Michael Pearson, Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA

Go Hilary Clinton!!! I want Hilary to win. You're great Hilary !!!

Trudy, Bronx, New York

As a reasonably well-informed observer, I believe Hilary Clinton would make a better leader than Obama. He speaks very well, but one can't help feeling that below the hype and glitz there is less substance. Hilay, warts and all, has been a strong, dedicated and insightful woman since graduating as a lawyer as a young woman.
Her stance behind Clinton was one of courage in the face of very public adversity - putting the USA's needs before her own.
You have to admire her courage to want to dedicate her life to her country, despite the rubbish thrown at her during her public life.
Just as long as the USA doesn't get another Bush as a leader. The biggest disaster to befall the USA and the rest of the worls. Unfortunately, the best his sid has to offer, McCain, is only marginally better.

Lyn Turner, Sydney, Australia

Rather than all the sniping between supporters, keep in mind the REAL issue.

We are in a Republican recession brought about by Republican fiscal irresponsibility partly due to a Republican Middle East Crusade to secure oil profits.

Also a Republican president that wants to cut Medicare benefits so as to preserve the Republican tax cuts for the Rich.

FWIW I voted for Hillary in the Fl primary but now lean toward Obama. I WILL VOTE FOR EITHER ONE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION OVER ANY REPUBLICAN! ... and I was a registered republican for 17 years.

The current regime borders on the criminal. The real issue is getting them OUT.

Rick, Brooksville, FL US

I would like John McCain because he is a great man.

Eve Ventura, Nottingham,

The tide is showing where we should go. Hillary is too divisive.

Roger, Petersburg, USA/VA

Obama vs McCain is a great match-up.

The Democrats would be insane to nominate Clinton.

I expect that McCain would beat either of them, however. McCain, after all, was conspicuously correct about what needed to be done in Iraq.

.

Josh Geller, Hayfork, California

Get a grip folks. Obama is perhaps the most inspirational leader to come along since JFK. He is extremely intelligent and approaches politics in a much less partisan fashion. I have no doubt that he would do far more to enhance the US image throughout the world and promote the domestic agenda more effectively. He has shown an ability to work effectively with members of the opposite party. Get to know who he is and what he has accomplished before passing judgment. Remember, Hillary was not the President.....and, as Chris Rock said, if my wife came up on stage right now I can bet that you (the audience) would not be laughing. Effectiveness as a leader is not necessarily transferable by marriage.

David, Chicago, USA/IL

Obama's the better candidate. He's been in politics for a shorter amount of time and isn't as cynical as Hilary. She'll keep us in the war in Iraq longer, she'll back the Israelis & keep anti-Americanism alive in the Mideast, she'll be challenged by the GOP who have an admitedly irrational hatred of her and she's in bed with too many special interests. Obama, by contrast, has managed to appeal to many indepedents with a message of unity. Partisan politics is fine, but dynastic politics need to end (they never should have started). There's a reason why Obama is getting the high profile endorsements. He DOES represent change. A new generation, a new outlook, an American who is both black and white and bridges the divide, and he'll learn things anew without people telling him what he can and can't do. I'd rather see him fail to push through some of what he wants then see Hilary do the predictable things she has promised.

JD, New York, New York

Denise, I agree. Wouldn't mind Senator Clinton as a veep, though.

Warren, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mr. Tiwari, with all due respect-- as an Independent voter in the USA who has no favorite among the candidates (and who has had my own doubts about Obama), your statement is grossly misinformed. Mr. Obama has absolutely not "played the race card" or in any way sought to capitalize on his race.

In fact, Mr. Obama's campaign has studiously avoided mentioning race at all. It is Hillary Clinton's campaign that has most repulsively injected "the race card" into the campaign by, for example, insinuating that Obama might be "mistaken for a drug dealer" (her campaign advisers Bill Sheehan and Mark Penn), that Obama "might be taken for a Muslim terrorist sympathizer with his background in Indonesia Madrassahs" (Hillary backer Bob Kerrey), he was a "kid" (Bill Clinton), he was "shucking and jiving" (Hillary backer Andrew Cuomo), that he was a "hip black friend" (another Clinton staffer).

Most Americans no matter who we support or Independent, have been repulsed by the Clinton tactics.

Lucia, Charleston, South Carolina

I keep hearing Hillary talking about all her "experience"....what experience??? Being First Lady?? What a joke, why is no challenging her on this. By her measure, Laura Bush is qualified to be president. Come to think of it... a better option.

bromo, Hendon, Va

What kind of person would put up with the public humiliation dumped on her by her husband's womanizing before and after he became President? Essentially she just took it. I don't want the most important person representing our country to be someone who can be walked all over. I want someone with some backbone leading our country.
Also, how can we expect Bill will not repeat his scandalous behavior again. What an embarrassment that would be for our country if Hilary is elected.

PETER DUDLEY, Seattle, Washington

It looks like these exit polls are over-estimating the Obama vote. This is a shame, but highly predictable, based on the well-known concept that many voters say they've voted for a black candidate when, in the secrecy of the voting booth, they actually did not.

I unfortunately predict that the coalition of "anti-Obama" voters will be just large enough to gift the nomination to Clinton. There will be enough whites, enough women and, crucially in California tonight and later in Texas, enough Latinos who can't find it in their bigoted minds to vote for the most outstanding candidate.

In the end, however, all will not be lost. Clinton is, as any sensible person is well aware, unelectable at national level and the Democrats, once they've lost the White House for another four years, will fnally come to their senses and nominate Obama in 2012.

Stuart, Benalmadena Costa, Spain

People from all over the world are paying attention to this race because America has been led by an arrogant, self-serving cadre of pirate Neo Cons for 8 years and we hope to see it go in another direction. My observations indicate that Obama is the clear favorite around the world because of his honesty and lack of ties to old-time Washington politics, wheras Clinton is a voice that has too many links to the past. It is time for a fresh start; for America to wake up to it's positive potential and leave it's sneaky CIA/corporate/military/industrial history where it belongs. In the 20th century. A better world is possible and Obama is the best chance to bring that world about.
Thank you and good luck to us all,

Mike Robinson, Estevan Point, Canada

Hey Gloria. I think against all odds I'd like to see Obama have a chance in the white house.

Change is needed across the western world and all the others are just the same old storyline.

Paul Rodford, London, England

I am proud, as a Democrat, to have this Clinton/Obama choice. But saying Obama is a better leader is nonsense. There is nothing to suggest he would be a better leader than Clinton. All he has proven so far is that he is eloquent. While I like the idea of our prez impressing our allies with his speaking skills, I more like the idea of our prez grasping the depth and breadth of our issues, and that makes me favor Hillary over Obama.

That said, I favor either over McCain!

Martha Lorenz, Tallahassee, USA / FL

Bunch of Republicans praising Obama and trashing Clinton because they know (or the bigots think) that a black man is not electable to the presidency - but a qualified woman like hillary can beat their nominee.

Chuck, San Jose, USA CA

I'll speak up for Obama since no one has done so yet. Hillary is a career politician who will say anything to get elected - I think this criticism while fair of any politician (getting elected is the point isn't it?) is especially fair of Clinton. She did run for Congress in New York, apparently, for no other reason then to set herself up for a Whitehouse bid (we *might* say the same of Obama). Clinton did vote for the war, Obama didn't. Obama predicted the present Iran problem, I don't recall hearing anything from Clinton. Obama actively supports entering Pakistan, if necessary, to find Osama. I think Hillary is riding the coat tails of her husband and I don't care for it. I think it's wonderful that the democrats have to choose between a woman and a black man but I won't choose either based on their sex or race; I'll choose them based on their character and the content of their ideas - Obama wins hands down for me.

WillH, Tallahassee,

Barrack has plenty of experience in the Senate and will be a better leader because he has unwavering Democrat core values and is not prone to lobbyist coercion. Hillary took over $200,000 from health insurance companies, the second highest in the Senate, to back off of her universal health care package. Also, Hillary does not have any more experience than Barrack unless you count her years in under the White House as the First Lady. This country needs a complete turnaround and Barrack is the best person for the job.

Aiylan, Fort Smith,

As has probably been said before the USA needs a Headmaster not a Head Boy.

Brian, Rancho Santa Fe, USA

Super delegates shouldn’t be counted yet, they can change their minds as they see fit Hillary offers business as usual while Obama offers a chance for great leadership, a chance to explore the possibilities of what we lost with the assassinations of the 60s. The super delegates came of age during the golden era of the Democratic Party. When it comes time to vote, they will remember.

Bush, bless his little (and I mean little) heart, has made all of this possible. If the Democrats can capitalize, Bush’s greatest legacy will be the destruction of the unholy alliance that brought him to power.

Piavonius, New Berlin, WI/ USA

Michael Pearson. Hillary Clinton is a follower, not a leader. She followed the crowd who voted to invade Iraq. She followed the crowd who argued for exceptions for torture, then followed them again when the politics of the moment changed. And now she has followed her husband's lead by running for US president just as he did. She'd probably make a good vice-president, as Obama himself observed, but would be a relatively indecisive Commander-in-Chief. Bill naturally knows it, which is why he continually has to shore up her credibility by being a crutch to her by her side. She looks good on TV, and I feel sorry for her because she's a nice enough lady as again Obama himself noted, but those qualities on their own aren't the stuff of presidents. On the other hand, Obama is a leader in the classic mould, a trail-blazer who has had to overcome a formidable array obstacles in his path to get where he is now, when all the odds were stacked against him. The media likes him for good reason.

Simon, London, UK

It is shameful to see the former Baptist Minister, Mike Huckabee, fall into blatant conspiracy with his formerly detested rival, John McCain, in a rather liberal-spirited but dirty scheme to rob Mitt Romney of the vote he clearly had won in West Virginia. So, the self-righteous Huckabee sells away his last bit of morality in an obvious conspiracy to block he who had clearly won the popular vote there -- for what -- a minor slot in McCain's future presidential cabinet?! Well, so much for moral authority from the former baptist minister, who still conveniently quotes Biblical scriptural verses when it suits his politics.
This disillusioned American may be looking for a better country! Could anyone use an industrious immigrant who believes in straight dealing?

Gerald, Lafayette, USA/California

Compare experience: Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term (6yrs.), and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law, 20 pieces of legislation in her first six years for things like establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site, support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month and recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

During the first 8 years of his elected service, Obama sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These included the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006, the Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, and many more.

bluestems, Seattle, WA

I am cynical about Mrs Clinton. I am relatively hopeful of a regime change in the United States though. Having seem John McCain do Bomb, Bomb, Iran to the tune of the Beach Boys' Barbara Anne (see YouTube), I hope this change of the current guard occurs. The only candidate that I would actually be in any way 'excited' by is Barack Obama, however, and not just because he is non-establishment. Mainly, I am impressed by his honest talking and voting on Iraq, and his interest in Africa - he is one of the few foreign leaders to pencil in a trip to Africa's third most populous nation, Congo, which is slowly emerging from a decade of war, and which held its first sound elections in 40 years last year. The trip was cancelled due to a flare up of violence. One wonders would an administration led by Mr Obama fare better at the huge nation building and development challenges ahead, as well as listening to the experts on security matters. Come on America. Restore yourself.

Sean, Dublin, Ireland

You are projecting wins for Obama in Illinois (his home state where he ran virtually unopposed) and "Georigia" (what we Americans like to refer to as Georgia), where he spent a lot of time and money while Clinton did not. It is not correct to characterize these wins as big in terms of momentum. These results were what was expected.

Martha Lorenz, Tallahassee, USA / FL

I am not sure how I feel about Celebrity endorsements. Would this not make it more of a popularity contest?

As this is likely to be a close race, I hope they stick to the issues and not just try to discredit eachother.

Let the best candidate win.

J, Vancouver, Canada

Do you really think that America will vote a Black Man named Obama as their president? Really folks, shake your head. All the ridiculous, over the top celebrities in the world can gather on stage but it will not do anything. Especially when you look at the has been talk show hosts and losers who are endorsing him.

Mrs Clinton has experience both as the wife of a president, and as a senator who has done more already for America than this phoney smiling stage monkey. Get it right this time America, you royally screwed up last time.......twice. Good God.

TB, kahalui, maui

We dont need Whitewater scandals in the whitehouse. That's just the tip of the ICEBERG, I rather a have a learner/leader with a clean slate than Damage goods like Clintons are. Put it this way if Hilary wins, its the same old thing with Bill on the side pulling strings. Give me a break, her husband cheated on her and she stayed with him. What does that say about her character? No MORALS!

ObamaObama, San Francisco , USA/CA

I think it is very sad that the media has scrutinized Senator Clinton. It is obvious to me that they are pushing for Senator Obama because he is the weaker link and the Republicans have a better chance of beating him in the General. Why don't Democrats see that? He is a good guy and a good speaker, but that is not enough to get our country out of this mess. Not enough substance. Hillary not only will say she is going to fix this mess, she is the only one that can fix it. It will take Obama 4 years of mistakes to figure out what he is doing, although, he doesn't stand a chance of getting in. Its just very sad.

Linda, Pacifica, ca

Oh common. Look what happens when you go with background and experience. GEORGE W. BUSH. so stop using that argument because it doesn't fly. And If you think that Oboma is "cashing in on his colour", then i ask this: Do you think Hillary will get more votes because she is a woman? of course she will, the same way Obama will because he is black. Try not to be so biased. It Doesnt matter about skin color or gender, Popularity, Past Expereinces or non-experiences. All that matters is what they can and will or will-not do. People should vote on who they think will help them the most as individuals. that means, who will do the most for healthcare, Education or ending the war. Who will go about it the smartest way. Who will go about it in the right way, because the way people do things defines them just as much as thier outcomes
Its Not about who deserves it as much as its about who will do best. Good luck deciding.
Sincerly, - a Canadian

Canadian, new york, new york

why would we want to put bill clinton back in the white house.

can you see him as a wife?

will it be OK for him to have affairs as the wife...rather than the chief of staff?

kathy, los altos, usa

Can't stand that woman, I'll vote for McCain before I would ever vote for her. She has no more experience than Obama. Plus he is not detested by so many people and tainted with corruption like Clinton.

CDF, St. Helena, California

I truly hope Obama pulls ahead. He has far greater chances of winning the noember election. There is just too much of an anti-Clinton sentiment among the Republicans. If she wins the nomination I'm voting green party; I'm tired of supporting corporate sponsored candidates!

Matthew, Chico, California

Obama doesn't have as much experience caving in to the special interests. He doesn't have as much experience backing down on healthcare. He doesn't have as much experience working on Walmart's board of directors, crushing unionizing efforts. He doesn't have as much experience working as a corporate lawyer, or setting up shady deal.
But most of all, he doesn't have as much experience voting for the Iraq war.

That's the kind of inexperience I can get behind.

Tony Valt, Denver, CO

I WANT TO KNOW

Hi London!
I'm just curious why London is so interested in our presidential election and how closely you all are monitoring it.

Also, who would you like to be PRESIDENT of the United States?

Myself, as a US resident, I, am anxious to see who wins. It's really nailbiting here.

Would love to hear non USA resident's opinions.

Gloria Montgomery, Overland Park, USA Kansas

Believing that Barack Obama is cashing in on the color of his skin may be right, but Hillary is cashing in way more on the fact shes a woman, of which there are more democratic women than men. Also she is cashing in on her husband, one of the greatest presidents. Are people voting for Hillary, or are they voting for Bill? So please don't cry about Obama cashing in on the color of his skin.

Joe, San Jose, CA

What exactly has Obama led to a) make him a leader at all and b) a better leader? He is an excellent public speaker. He talks a great game. That doesn't translate into experience or ability. At the moment he is free to roam and make extravagant announcements about what he will do when elected. He is getting a free ride from the press. He is a man of straw. Untried, untested. You want him to learn on the job with the problems facing this country? Give me someone with the bacground and experience of Hillary. We need a leader not a learner.

Michael Pearson, Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA

I would like Hillary to win Because I think she is a great woman

esther o regan , clonakilty co. cork, Ireland

It hurts deeply to think Barak Obama cashing in on his colour
of skin, all American citizen will knows that the poverty is thriving in amerivca (older people, brown skin mainly) Hillary-
Clinton will do lot more, I am sure Dr M King will live for ever)
it is sad obama is not a real human but a Politician filled-up
with ambetion, i can pray for all those poorer American God be
with you I hope all American will vote, one way or other !
Cllr Ken Tiwari(Oxford UK)

Cllr Ken Tiwari (Independent), Oxford, United Kingdom

The way this came out makes it seem as if the Clinton campaign are playing defense. HRC has traditionally been better at debates, however Obama seems to be...er...finding his voice and holding his own in the debates. Let's see how this plays out, though, as I feel we have seen more than enough debates at this stage.

Richelle David, London, UK

Hillary is a better debater, Obama is a better leader.

Denise, Palo Alto, Ca