The Democratic presidential contest is now between an unstoppable force and an
immovable object.
Hillary Clinton is retrenching behind what her advisers call “a demographic
brick wall” in Ohio and Texas – believing that Barack Obama’s recent
momentum will be brought to an abrupt halt next month by the blue-collar and
Latino voters who have largely backed her elsewhere.
Mr Obama still surges forward, putting his faith in the “fierce urgency of
now” helping him to vault over the next big round of elections on March 4,
when 444 delegates are at stake, in the same way that he has already defied
the laws of political campaigning.
Something, or someone, has to give. And eyes are turning to the party
leadership of 796 “super-delegates” to be a referee that stops this fight
before it reaches the presidential nomination convention in August.
A senior adviser to Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
has suggested that she – along with other “party elders” – will step into
the ring if they feel that Democratic hopes of winning back the White House
or maintaining control over Congress are being threatened. Ms Pelosi insists
that she remains neutral in the race and that her “focus is on reelecting a
Democratic majority in the House of Representatives”.
However, her voice would carry great authority among many uncommitted
super-delegates on Capitol Hill – and she is said by one of those close to
her to be leaning towards Mr Obama. “The party Establishment is not going to
turn its back on a candidate who is generating this tremendous excitement
and bringing all these new voters into the political process,” an adviser
said. Mr Obama’s team is busy pushing the same message, telling members of
Congress in districts where he has already won that they would be foolish to
alienate their core vote in an election year.
Mrs Clinton still has the edge among super-delegates, not least because Bill
Clinton is calling in all the favours he has done them over the past 16
years. Both candidates know that the Democrats are desperate for a win and
are putting increasing emphasis on their competing claims to be best-placed
to succeed in November’s general election.
The Clinton campaign regards much of current “Obamentum” as media-fuelled hype
and says that the picture will look very different after the elections in
Ohio and Texas. Her aides profess not to worry that much about Mr Obama
sweeping up the February states, with her spokesman, Howard Wolfson, saying
that voters have been balancing each other out all the way through this
year’s seesaw contest. “Much is made of the concept of momentum but in this
primary season it has been precisely the opposite,” he said, “there is no
evidence of a stampede one way or another”.
He gruffly dismisses suggestions that relying on future big-state votes make
the Clinton campaign resemble that of Rudy Giuliani, the one-time
Republican front-runner, who skipped early contests to concentrate on Florida
– only to see his presidential hopes wilt away. Mr Wolfson told The
Times that unlike Mr Giuliani, Mrs Clinton had won California and New
York. She had “a long track record” of emerging victorious from elections
that had been properly contested, he said, without mentioning that her
campaign had effectively ceded many smaller states to Mr Obama .
Ohio is regarded not only as big but also natural Clinton country. It is part
of the rustbelt and Mrs Clinton is relying on the blue-collar, lower-income
vote, who remember the good old days of her husband’s presidency and trust
her on issues such as the economy or national security.
In Texas almost a third of the population is of Hispanic origin, a group that
skewed heavily towards her in Nevada and California. Many Latinos also say
that they owe loyalty to the Clinton name and want a president on the inside
track who can deliver for them – rather than an ethnic minority outsider.
Mr Obama’s strategists acknowledge that Mrs Clinton “unquestionably starts
out” with significant advantages but they insist that they will run her
close or even win one of these states. His aides say that Latino voters have
been more sympathetic to Mr Obama’s bid to become the first black president
in states such as Arizona and New Mexico, where they are an established
community and not competing with African-Americans for low-paid jobs or
housing.
In Ohio he is expected to highlight the Clinton Administration’s record on
free trade deals, such as Nafta, that are blamed for the loss of many
manufacturing jobs.
Aides point out that not only are both states holding “open contests” –
allowing the independents who have backed him before to vote – but that he
also now has plenty of time, and pots of money, to campaign hard in both
states.
“We have demonstrated repeatedly that once people get to know Barack we can
come from way behind to either be competitive or win,” one aide said.
There is a more sinister demographic fact that is causing a collective shudder
to pass down the Democratic leadership. Mr Obama is consistently trailing
Mrs Clinton among white voters and, in the South, white men.
The Clintons would not dare play such a card, even if they wanted to,
particularly after the racially charged ructions of South Carolina last
month.
The advisers who sneer privately at the fragility of Mr Obama’s coalition of
black people and white “latte liberals”, should remember that it was a
similar group that elected Mr Clinton in 1992.
I pity the USA Democrats if they choose Obama! The only candidate that can stop Republicans is Hillary.
MPA, Catalonia
MPA, Barcelona, Catalonia
NAFTA, like all free trade agreements created jobs and wealth. Of course the jobs created were a net number (some jobs lost, more new jobs created) and unfortunately some of those who lost their jobs have not found new ones. That fault lies with government who cannot and did not provide training and education for those workers. Those are the facts, no serious economist disputes that free trade benefits countries, workers and societies. Moreover, NAFTA opened up trade for poorer countries, surely something liberals and Democrats should support - but of course not when all your campaign funds come from unions who simply want to protect their members and don't give two hoots for anybody else. Liberals like to feel all cuddly and carng but so many of your policies hurt those you claim you want to help.
Tim, London,
Hey Europe. The group of liberal socialists you overwhelmingly report on as the only choice for America's next President will, if elected, destroy this once free nation. There are alternatives here, although you will not be told by the main stream of these. Liberalism is a mental disorder that steals the ability to reason, recognize reality, or take personal responsibility. The infected are in a state of suspended adolescence, as displayed by the unending promises of assistance for the perceived underprivileged by the two candidates you are reporting on. America must reject this cancer, or suffer the fate of Europe.
Alan, LAS VEGAS,
Let's take a closer look at who's really qualified and or who's really working for the good of all of us in the Senate. Obama or Clinton.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress www.thomas.loc.gov
Some comparison link
http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/07/29/us/politics/20070730_OBAMA_GRAPHIC.html
Please pass this on
========
Clinton
========
Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term - 6yrs. - and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law - 20 - twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress www.thomas.loc.gov, but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton's bills are, more substantive.
16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11 18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.
There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.
=============
Obama
=============
During the first - 8 - eight years of his elected service he 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 and many others.
NY TImes Obama's record in the Illinois Senate
http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/07/29/us/politics/20070730_OBAMA_GRAPHIC.html
His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These inculded:
1. The Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 - became law,
2. The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, - became law,
3. The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
4. The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, - became law,
5. The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, In committee, and many more.
In all, since entering the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096.
An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to some who would prefer that this comparison not be made public.
Dave Rtonsa, Dallas, Texas
Who, pray tell, is the left wing of the Democratic party if not Obama?
Herman, Springfield, IL
I've only just moved to Chicago in the past year -- so I'm not supporting Obama solely due to my location. I am a Republican who would happily vote for Barack Obama given the chance -- I think he's the best person for the job and expect he would unify America in a way we've not seen in a long time.
Lets get it done America.
Jon P, Chicago, IL,
If "precious Obama"--as Lou Dobbs called Him--gets nominated, McCain will make minced-meat patties out of his flimsy resume and slum-landlord connections that generously bought him a half-million dollar house next to Rezko's own! I detect a certain arrogant condescension in Hussein OBama which, unfortunately, will be no match for the Republicanos' tactics in the Election. Hillary's substance, experience and vision, especially with Universal Health Care (which is incidentally similar to Canada's own successful national Plan since 1965) will be of great benefit to U.S., and in foreign affairs where she is visionary yet pragmatic. Handing the Nomination to Hussein O. is like handing the keys of your new car to a convincing testosterone-fueled teenager with no sense of direction and a half-baked plan of 'getting there'....But the media's overt biased pro-Obama support does not favour a strong, hardworking Woman Candidate like HRC. They prefer the 'Showhorse' to the 'Workhorse'!
Mary Sakel, Toronto, Ontario CANADA
Well put, Jen! Couldn't agree more
Paul, Los Angeles, CA
Hillary Clinton is the superior candidate, and should be our next President. Obama is a windbag, his support resembles a mindless cult, and reflects the overall dumbing down of the US electorate under Bush. Republicans vote for Obama in open primaries simply because they realize that 51% of the electorate are women.
Paul, Germantown, MD
like who you want, but there is a very real important point in this article. it points out that Obama understands that NAFTA is bad for the US. It takes jobs away from US citizens and deflats the dollar, if you don't believe that, turn on the news, or even better, do some hard research, because it's fact. I'm not trying to say vote for this person, but if the economy is your issue, here is something important to take a look at.
TB, Memphis, TN
Obama's wins in VA, MD and DC bode very well for him. He actually won the white vote in Virginia as well as senior citizens, Hispanics, the less educated, and those making less than $50,000 a year. He is cutting away at Clinton's support and expanding his diverse coalition.
Paul, McLean, VA
Stand aside.. Hilary...
John Taylor, London,
Neither Mr. Obama nor Mrs. Clinton deserve the nomination of their party for national office. It's obvious the only thing these two individuals and their backers want is an election win. They're not REALLY telling us about how they intend to govern should they get that win. Yes- they talk about health plans, ending war, and about "change", but that's not serious talk about governing.
The Democrats would have done better to nominate a responsible candidate such as Sen. Chris Dodd, Gov. Bill Richardson, or our own (Indiana's senator) Evan Bayh. They could even have considered Joe Lieberman- a good and decent man who seems to tell the truth whether it is popular or not.
If you ask me, both political parties are imploding at every level. We need to begin looking elsewhere for leadership in this country!
Robert A Wilson, Hartford City, IN
it sickens me to hear people say that Obama is in the lead because Black people are voting for him. We Black people are only 12% of the population. Even if all of us voted for him, there is no way he could have the lead he has now with just us. Change is coming, folks. Yes we can!
Obama '08!
Ebony J, San Diego, CA
Pam in DC,
Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ Congregationalists. The UCCC is a mainline Protestant denomination whose members represent many different types of people. Making Obama sound like a radical member of the Nation of Islam betrays your racist outlook. While people like you may wish to tear down Obama and raised up a Hillary or McCain, the people will prevail and we will end the stranglehold the entrenched powerful have on America and the word.
Clint, Des Moines, IA
I find it deplorable to see assassination posts and talk of a "false prophet" at the same time you race bait (Pam from DC) on this comment page. You are being ruled by fear and ignorance, and I would hope, for your sake, that you read up on Senator Obama and the actual issues in this race before throwing out anti-Obama canards like that.
chuck, Salisbury, US/Maryland
What to do.... I can not stand Clinton and I do not trust Obama. I feel he is the Manchurian Candidate. What to do......
san Johnston, San Fran, CA
Hey, Nick from England.......what kind of crap is that? In case you haven't noticed...a "non-white" is winning all of the primaries. Two "non-whites" have held the position of Sec of State (pretty high position, Nick) over the last few years. Your blatant anti-Americanism is showing.
MEC, Scotia, NY
Obama will probably be assassinated soon after winning next Autumn ,as the powers that be ,will not let a non white take the oval office, he may not even get to finish his campaign .
Best of luck America you're going to need it.
Nick Dixon, Sutton Coldfield, England
Obama is a phony, just check out the church he adores and it's beliefs. There is no unity there for everyone, just blacks whose allegiance is to Africa. Not my words theirs. The Press has made Obama a Savior and messiah....but he is a false prophet.
Pam, Washington, DC
It will be absolutely disgusting if Hilary wins the nomination on the back of super delegates. How is that democracy? Millions of first-time voters will be completely disillusioned and the U.S. will be deflated once again. Don't do it to yourself people!
AnneMarie, Cork,
The block of party elite known as superdelegates are not needed for this primary season. Initially, superdelegates were meant as a safeguard against the extreme left wing of the democratic party. Traditionally, the people who have shown to vote in primary elections have been political activists and those people who tend to have extremist views. Hence superdelegates were created by the Democratic party to make sure that a more moderate candidate was selected to run in the general election. This year, however, has produced a record turnout of Democratic voters from all different sides of the political spectrum. The need for this safeguard is now obsolete. Superdelegates are unnecessary this year. They should vote the way their respective states have voted. Hillary Clinton needs to quit her whining and realize that the election is about the people, not about her connections in the democratic party.
Jen, Los Angeles,
Obama is hardly an empty suit with no plans or vision
Reduce military in Iraq, rebuild military, substantially increase effort in Afghanistan to fight terrorism at its heart.
No forced health care plan. Make health care less expensive by increased participation.
Do not increase taxes for energy reform. Instead use market incentives in terms of credits for companies to compete in producing more efficient and cleaner energy.
Promote greater transparency in government to control spending and reduce lobbying by special interests.
These are only some of the examples in which Obama has put forth plans that differentiate his ideas from Clinton. He's not just up there talking about "change". He's talking about change with purpose and has the plans to bring about change. If you disagree with those plans, then by all means vote your conscience, but don't say Obama has no plan.
Glenn, Flint, Michigan
First of all, the vast majority of voters who wouldn't vote for an African-American candidate are Republican voters anyway, so they're not a big loss for Obama. Secondly, Obama has been in elective office longer than Clinton. And finally, Pelosi is an influential and popular figure in the party and when one her closest allies, Rep. George Miller, endorses Obama, one can assume he consulted with and got approval from Pelosi.
Brendan M., Granville, Ohio
The Democrats always find a way to lose. They will nominate Hillary and give the White House to McCain.
Kenny Patrick, Bar Harbor, Maine
Oh, Hillary wants the Obama phenomenon to be just that a passing fad but the Obama mystique is deep, growing and real. Hillary on the other hand is tired, obvious and losing.
The end is in sight for Hillary and it's not gonna be a pretty picture.
JLM, Austin, Texas/Texas
"Mr Obama is consistently trailing Mrs Clinton among white voters" - Very wrong. Very mistaken. I participated in last Saturday's Washington caucus... hundreds were there and it was overwhelmingly white but Barak Obama took 70% of the votes. This was repeated all over the state...
I met long-time Republicans who had turned from that party and were happy to lend their support to Obama and his forward-looking message. I saw so many college age people there too - inspired for the first time to step up to their civic responsibilities. Anyone who can work those feats in politics-weary USA has that special something.
Hillary's team waxes about experience. No single person can ever hope to be completely ready and all-knowing. Our aim is not to elect a competent manager in November but a leader. Obama is one of that rare breed. A leader.
John, Auburn, WA
Someone posted early on not to vote with youth or emotions - not to vote for Obama. I've been thinking a lot about that lately.
I've come to the conclusion that sleaze is a requirement for election and the job. That scares me. The idea that I'm already that cynical and jaded, that I already think elections are about voting for the lesser evil, that politics means irredeemable corruption, that I vote, not because I care about the winner, but to not insult those who gave me that right. I'm 23, and I don't have experience. I'm not ready to give up hope yet. Like the song says - "I'm much to young to feel this d--d old." I want just one chance to vote for inspiration rather than Clintonesque sleaze.
I know that's probably the wrong reason to be voting for Obama - I should vote for the country's sake, not my own. But if my "realism" is right, than it's already too late to hope for the political future of this country. Maybe it's not to late to hope for me.
Shay Heidelbaugh, State College, Pennsylvania
The ethnicity of the voter should be removed from the ballot.
It smacks of institutional racism. A tool the press can use to continue it's journalistic race baiting..A measure to report who is voting for whom based on their race, and not the content of their specific vote..The press will justify this as a needed demographic to report the outcome of the voting....Our press has a history of exploiting both racial and gender issues. Editors and owners of these organizations lack a moral compass to accurately report the outcomes of elections. They prefer to insinuate divisions along racial and gender lines, than report that america has an ingrained ethnocentric political system that's in bad need of change....Persecution and exploitation of all minorities is deeply ingrained in the fabric of democracy. This ethnic identifier is absent on the california ballots and other states should follow this lead.
LaRhue Williams, Monterey, USA/ California
When will Hillary concede defeat. I am actually waiting. I would think anyone looking for an honourable defeat would step down after Feb 19th. But Hillary as canning as she is, she may as well blame this on the "right wing consipracy". Lets wait folks.
Eric Kakoole, KA, Uganda
Clearly, you need to be more than a high school validictorian to mow down the Clinton machinery. Anyone who can be editor of the Harvard Law Review alone (from one who knows how hard coming by that position actually is) has brains to burn. Obama has proved he's smart, organized, and tenacious enough to weather storms and play the game. Go Obama.
Stephany, scottsdale, az
Listen guys, unfortunately Limbaugh is right. Obama may win the primary races but Clinton will win the nomination and probaby the election. SHE WILL NOT BE DENIED HER PLACE IN HISTORY!! Endless legal battles and Clinton scandals to follow.
Scary ain't it!!
David, Beauont, Tx
The best thing for the USA will be when the Clintons call in enough chips and rattle enough bones to snatch the conventionn from Obama and ensure Hillary's nomination. Then all the college students and black voters who only came out to support Obama (nothing sinister there) will return to their usual apathy and stay home on election day.
We get an honorable man for president.
Jim Hayes, Port Neches , Texas
All the others are business as usual plus old and tired especially the republicans delegate too old to serve mind is not alert enough, Obama has not had a chance to lie , with him there is hope and a heart for the people and not the system that has been cemented with wickedness, He will bring change to a masses crying out we want real change. The old fogies with the same old midset has to go, it time now or never, its now for obama and restoration for the USA and its people from all walks of life.
Hope Lane, Arlington, Texas USA
First I'd like to say that for ONCE there seems to be more intelligence on this comment followup than on most I see. That being said I find comments like Mr. Hugh's regarding "naive youngsters" blind to what this country is about. So quick aren't we to label our children the future yet when they step up and make themselves heard, if we aren't in agreement we denounce their voice as absurd. But it is the youth that have won the wars of society. I think that this nation has be aching for a leader like Obama to rally behind and bring out the best in each other. Every great movement that has shaped our blessed nation has had such a leader and such a chorus of voices behind him. It is not only disgraceful to disregard ideology at its finest but also irresponsible. These are voices singing loudly and if, in the end, Obama doesn't take the nomination then Ms. Clinton better have heard what they sang for. It is the song of a country pleading with her leaders for change.... for hope.
Kat, Indianapolis, IN
Someone posted early on not to vote with youth or emotions - not to vote for Obama. I've been thinking a lot about that lately.
I've come to the conclusion that sleaze is a requirement for election and the job. That scares me. The idea that I'm already that cynical and jaded, that I already think elections are about voting for the lesser evil, that politics means irredeemable corruption, that I vote, not because I care about the winner, but to not insult those who gave me that right. I'm 23, and I don't have experience. I'm not ready to give up hope yet. Like the song says - "I'm much to young to feel this d--d old." I want just one chance to vote for inspiration rather than Clintonesque sleaze.
I know that's probably the wrong reason to be voting for Obama - I should vote for the country's sake, not my own. But if my "realism" is right, than it's already too late to hope for the political future of this country. Maybe it's not to late to hope for me.
Shay Heidelbaugh, State College, USA/Pennsylvania
Suzanne: thanks for identifying that article in The Australian.
I must admit that I'm a little confused though. You imply that the article brings to light some negative things about Obama...but it doesn't.
Sure, it suggests that there is a difference between saying "we need change" and actually bringing about that change. But we all know that, and it's equally true of Clinton, McCain, or anyone else.
And sure, it says that the support Obama is receiving from his 'fans' is unusual, and may even border on the 'slightly creepy'. But this doesn't necessarily make it a bad thing. While I admit it's *possible* that we're acting like sheep, following our charismatic herder to our ultimate demise, it seems more likely that the support and excitement that Obama is bringing to the political arena is a huge positive, whether he wins the electorate or not.
In fact, if the worst we can say about Obama is that it's possible he won't live up to expectations, then there isn't much bad to say.
Matt, Albuquerque, , New Mexico
Track record of winning contested elections? Excuse me? When?!?!
James, New York, NY
Wow, there's a shock. Can't have two ladies who are power houses. One lady must be the only lady who has the power. I hope no one is too shocked with with Ms. Pelosi's choice for President of the United States. Or it's a cat fight. Nothing new.
Darrell E. Mc Neill, Taylor, mi. 48180 , usa
Obama is not going to bring change and he is not an outsider. He is a politician. His words are political rhetoric. People just jump the bandwagon on something "new."
MB, Villanova, PA
please, all of you, watch the acceptance speeches from the Potomac Primaries.
Game over. Welcome to the Whitehouse, President Obama
Dan, Bali, Indonesia
I consider myself a conservative Republican. I like Mike Huckabee but I think he lacks the experience in international relations. Therefore I prefer John McCain with Huckabee as VP. If Obama were elected I would feel comfortable about our future. If Clinton were to be elected I would put all my real estate in the US for sale and move to Belize.
Bill Daly, Ocean City, Md. USA
Republicans in Texas will select between Obama and Clinton. There is no point in voting in the Republican primary because McCain has the nomination.
Since anyone can vote in either Primary, then Texas Republicans will vote in the Democrat Primary. With that influence, the Republicans can determine who will be the Democrats General Election candidate.
JK, Dallas, Tx
I'm a white male voter who has yet to vote in the Texas primary. Up until today, I was sitting on the fence between voting for Clinton or Obama in the Democratic primary.
Today though, something made me choose Obama . When it was reported that Hillary and Bill are trying to push behind the scenes to have delegates from Florida and Michigan count after all of the Democratic candidates agree up front that they disregard both (all but Clinton respectively took their names off the Michigan ballet), I made my choice. All this time I thought it was just sour grapes complaining by Clinton haters that the Clinton's will do anything and promise anything to get elected. I was wrong.
Therefore, Obama it is. Not only that, but I will vote for McCain over Clinton if she gets the nomination because I don't think anyone who is that conniving deserves to run our Country. What will I do if it is Clinton against Huckaby? … I'll just not vote. Ugh! What a lousy choice that would be!
James A., Houston, Texas
"The advisers who sneer privately at the fragility of Mr Obama’s coalition of black people and white “latte liberalsâ€, should remember that it was a similar group that elected Mr Clinton in 1992."
Right: they gave Bubba 41% of the vote; the other 59% went to Pappa Bush and Ross Perot.
Perot ain't running, folks.
Jack, Arlington, VA
"The advisers who sneer privately at the fragility of Mr Obama’s coalition of black people and white “latte liberalsâ€, should remember that it was a similar group that elected Mr Clinton in 1992."
No, it was Ross Perot who won it for Clinton in 1992. Clinton only got 43% of he vote, and over 90% of Perot voters would have voted for Bush if he had not been in the race. This article was pretty good until that last dumb sentence. Maybe the writer is too young to remember that election. Or maybe he hoped his readers were too young to remember.
Also, remember that Clinton lost the male vote by a wide margin. He won the vote of women, and when asked why they voted for him, the number one answer was "he's cute." Obama reminds me of Clinton, lots of charisma, no substance, and lots of promises he has no intention of keeping. In other words, style over substance. Let's hope people take a hard look at substance this year - hopefully they remember the folly of voting for Clinton.
Louis, Columbus,
Barack Obama gives good speeches, but like the late-night infomercial saleman, he's all talk ... and nothing more.
The fringe will nominate him, but when November rolls around, the rest of the country will pay attention, and they'll want more than a glorified high school validictorian speech -- they'll want experience, concrete plans, and leadership that will protect us. Obama may have some of those three in 2012 or 2016... but 55-65% of Americans will realize he has none of it in 2008.
Sorry, B. Hussein, but giving a good speech does not qualify one for leader of the free world.
Dan, Columbus, OH
Hilary and Bill Clinton have always been strong supporters of affirmative action.
It's time for Hillary to step up and walk the talk. it's time for her to say "I've profited from my white skin privilege. I am going to step aside for a black man as a symbolic act to balance injustices of the past."
Somehow, I'm not holding my breath.
Dave Smith, Olympia, Washington
Oh Vince, I think it is you who sound naive. And terribly jaded as well. I suppose you must like corporations having more say about what our country does than we the citizens do. Obama's work and message have been to empower the influence of citizens in government. What's so liberal about that? Speaking of which, what is wrong with being liberal? Just a tag you like to throw around? It is the "liberals" who have to keep cleaning up the fiscal messes left by Republican presidents. Fiscal responsibility: it's a liberal thing.
Allen, Alexandria, USA
As an independent I think that both Mccain and Obama will make it to the finals. The test is whose constituents will come out and vote. The movement that Obama has begun will benefit this country as the youth are involved. I think the future is with him. He can appoint great advisors and a cabinet and ultimately move this country to it's once great place.
At least he won't be like a child trying to comprehend the complicated world around it
JB, orlando, FL
What a pity that the most qualified person is not running, a person who understands the perilous financial condition our Nation faces and has rational and workable solutions to offer --- Newt is the man our nation needs as our leader.
Randy, Weslaco, Tx
Obama is very inspirational. But only reporters outside the country have the courage to raise some poignant questions about his campaign.
Read Geoff Elliott's Obama's First Coming in The Australian online (Features) - all you Obama supporters.
BTW, I'm a Republican. But my age is older than yours and I've seen more than you. Do not be deceived by emotions.
Suzanne, Akron , Ohio
I was just wondering how many democrats really knew what the super delegates were about, and how they override the votes/will of the people. If you don't, you should research it. If you know and are okay with it, that's something different all together. That means you agree that the politicians know better than you who you want to be president. (Or the nominee for president, rather). I was shocked myself when I first read about the super delegates. But hey- if that's what the democratic party wants, politicians overriding the votes of the people- it's their election.
And Hillary is counting on those super delegates.
Jenny Bea, New York, NY
When Hillary fills out her government form she places a checkmark in the Caucasian box to identify her race. Evidently the candidate who is black is getting about 80% of the votes of black people in the primaries. It would be politically incorrect to suggest that Mr. Obama's race has anything to do with those numbers. We must be concerned that white males might not vote for him because he isn't white but we are required to be unconcerned that black voters might vote for him because he is black.
In the true spirit of affirmative action and the historical application of quotas and set asides, Hillary should be made to give up at least 15% of her delegates to Obama to implement the same sort of diversity scheme the rest of us have faced in the past. We can look forward to more of them when Obama is elected to "free a lot of people." It is the right thing to do and I'm already feeling less guilty as a white European male at the thought of all this diversity coming to pass.
Dryden01, Redmond, USA/WA
Stop Hillary! Vote for Obama!
Guy, Kempner, Texas
The fervor around Barack Obama is real.
We feel is the leader we need to create positive change. If you notice, Senator Clinton copies from his messages liberally. This is not the sign of the kind of leader we need.
His policies - read them on his website if you feel they are lacking specifics.
I am inspired by the fact that he is busy defeating the negative and wrong-headed ideas that have been spread and entertained for far too long. I am inspired by how he makes so many of us feel like Americans again, with a voice, with a spirit, and with a genuine commitment to do the right thing that has been at the heart of the American enterprise from the founding father onwards.
Paul Petschek, Toluca Lake, CA
why does everone leave pennsylvania out of the conservation are we forgotten or what?----------------------GARY AND SHERRY AND 5 GROWN CHILDREN IN PENNSYLVANIAAND 2GRAND CHILDREN 18 AND 21 WHOM WE GOT REGISTERED
GARY M. FREIWALD, Erie, PA, PENNSYLVANIA
Democrats have already elected the first black president and now it's his wife's turn. What she can't accomplish, the super delegates will.
William Murray, Cleveland, OH
It's good to see that the Clintons don't think the states they lost matter. How can any campaign say that the only states that matter are the ones they think they can win. I want a President who wants to represent the entire United States, not just California, New York, Texas and Ohio. The Clinton campaign is self-destructing and is becoming and embarrassment to the democratic party. We don't need double talk and backroom deals by the former president to chose our next leader, we should leave that in the hands of the people of ALL states.
Mark R. Clark, Minot, ND
Obama's rise has been organic. Supporters flock to him for a variety of reasons including the fact that he is an outsider, not a bush/clinton, and an authentic person. Clinton has baggage of her own along with her husbands.. plus chameleon doesn't suit her. She can't pull off a smile without making it look like a snarl. The racial divide has been played up as has been the 'latte liberal' moniker. Senator Obama is probably one of the poorest democrat senators. Pelosi, Clinton, Boxer, Feinstein are all millionaires several times over- mostly because of husband money. They're the limo-liberals... that are opting to put their money on a different horse. There are more poor people than middle income... more shoppers at WalMart (right hillary) than at Saks or Barneys. Clinton is no underdog. She's playing up racial & class distinctions. It might work now... but not in November.
SFLou, San Francisco, CA
This article could serve as a footnote to the observation that the Senator Clinton's principal liability is that she is not well liked. To understand why she is not well liked, one can compare the theme of her campaign to the theme of Senator Obama's campaign. Where Senator Obama's pitch is something along the lines of, "Vote for me and let us work together to solve our country's problems," Senator Clinton's pitch is something more like, "Vote for me, because I'm the one who should be president."
Bob, Washington DC Metro Area, USA
It's only a matter of time before the rest of the country realizes that Clinton is just as bad as Bush and Co. Obama is our only chance to regain some respect in the world.
David Curtis, Manchester, New Hampshire,USA
Turn out the lights, the party's over. Go home Hillary. Bone up on humility and grace, you'll soon need them both.
Steve Morgan, Erwin, North Carolina
It's clear that nothing matters to the Clintons, but themselves. But here's an opportunity to put the party, the country first before self-gain.
If Hillary drops out by next week, she would almost be guaranteed the VP position. If she's dragged off the stage following a poor performance in Texas or Ohio, she would've lost every credibility and hurt the Clinton legacy.
Do the right thing, Hillary!
Obama/Clinton '08
Sarah-Jane, Cincinnatti, OH
"Mr Obama is consistently trailing Mrs Clinton among white voters"
As someone who has followed this race closely, i can tell you this statement is just, well, a lie. Please offer evidence that supports this statement, verbatim.
Thanks.
Joe, America,
Madame speaker would be a welcome addition. Now's the time to get on board before the train stops in the oval office. Volunteer for the Obama campaign in Texas, Penn, and Ohio. Donate to the Obama campaign. " fired up ready to go"
Ed Henson, Los Angeles, Ca
As Bob Dylan once said "you don't need a weathervane to know which way the wind blows". Good goin nancy, wet that finger, hold it up to the wind and vote whichever way the wind's blowin. Hey, why not, it's always worked for the Clintons!!
charlie, west greenwich , ri
I stood in line on Sunday in the cold wet snow for 2 hours, along with thousands of other Maine voters, to vote for Obama. Maine is about 98% white, and he won many precincts by about a 2-1 margin. I actually felt bad for the Hillary supporters, largely older women (and my wife!) who had been waiting their whole lives to vote for a woman for President. I know it's early still, but it appears like it may be a dream deferred again for awhile.
Rick Harris, portland, maine
Hillary's repeated threat "to garnish the wages" of people who refuse to buy health insurance, should make you Brits glow with pride.
Here in the USA, this threat to take over healthcare and run it through the government is turning voters to Obama.
Of course McCain will beat either one of these appeasers, as we need a strong Prseident when the rest of the western world is so weak. No sharia law for us .
wilfred knight, orange county , usa california
OBAMA is winning everywhere in America, in urban, suburban and rural environments...north, south, east and west. HILLARY is winning exclusively in traditional Democratic strongholds but not winning by wide margins. AMERICA is more than NEW YORK & CALIFORNIA. The margins by which OBAMA has won have been CRUSHING. How can Hillary even contemplate carrying or being in competitive in a General Election in states that she LOSES BY WIDE MARGINS in a Democratic Primary? Regardless of how the Clinton Campaign and her surrogates try to SPIN this, the problem is that a wide cross section of AMERICA will not vote for HRC. Hillary has a ceiling. She rarely gets mid-40's in a Democratic Primary and my guess is that her complete upside in a general election is about 44% If a 3rd party candidate enters the race, Hillary will be in the 30's. HRC'S $175 MILLION DOLLAR CAMPAIGN with DNC Leadership in her pocket is still insufficient to thwart the will of the American people.
Christopher London, New York City, United States
I should provide a warning: my views are biased. Of course, it would seem that there are a lot of other posters to this website in the comments section that are also biased, so perhaps I am being too polite in providing any warning at all.
In terms of who I would prefer being elected President of the US in direct correlation to who would be the one that would allow me to sleep most peacefully at night, I offer the following list:
1) Barack Obama (least likely to get us into a senseless war)
2) John McCain (like him for his experience in the military and his heroism)
3) Hillary Clinton (don't like the fact she tends to shrilly out-shout her opponents to try to win the argument)
4) Ross Perot (whoops he isn't running this time)
5) Huckabee (one of the greatest minds of the thirteenth century)
Dave Finton, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Why the hell vote? The Queen has spoken! Bow down subjects, give me your money.
Janice, buxton, USA, Me
Barry Obama is a breath of fresh air and Rodham-Clinton is an abomination. Barry O is better than her in every way, including stacking up against the Republicans.
However, you Brits should bare in mind, we're only choosing nominees for the individual parties at this point. In the general election, the American people realize they're voting for the man who will be Commander-in_Chief of the Armed Forces during time of war. Our criteria changes in the general election considerably.
retro meta, los angeles, Ca
Everett Tracey
Get a life man thats why most of the rest of the world is a little afraid of the USA not the military might but the god squad member in charge of the button. Remember to separate church and state and that we have control over our future and it aint nothin to do with god whichever one you believe in.
simon mackie, newcastle, UK
To Mr. Obertubbsing: As a 62-year-old white woman who lives in Wisconsin, I'll take my young, energetic, intellectual, charismatic, anti-dumb war , and even-tempered Barack Obama over your old, seemingly tired, feisty, quick-tempered, flip-floppy John McCain any day. I welcome the contest!
Susan Jacobson, Black Earth, Wisconsin
The author spoke a bit too soon re: "sinister demographics." Obama trounced Clinton among white men in Virginia (and, likely, Maryland) tonight.
Ted Mickie, austin, TX/USA
Clinton's coalition in '92 was nothing like Obama's today. His was the coalition of poor whites and blacks not latte liberals. Sadly there are many whites who won't vote for Obama. The demographics of the democratic primary aren't reflective of the country. That shouldn't be a reason to support him. His dreamy plans, unexplained connections to Exelon are Rezko are more substantial reasons, but Obama's campaign has turned into a messianic religious movements for the hardcore. That sort of blind loyalty will come back to haunt the Obamaniacs in November.
Juan Venadito, Cleveland, US, Ohio
Obama has spent more time campaigning than he has holding elective office at this point. A good campaigner doesn't mean a good leader. Talk is easy, but his actions come Jan 2009 will probably be a disappointment by comparison. Experience he has not.
George Haig Brewster, New York City, USA
The kiss of death for Obama if Pelosi is backing him. She would be better served if she backed McCain if she wants to ensure a Democrat in the White House next January.
Sam, Los Angeles, California
Didn't California have its primary last week? I presume Pelosi voted in it meaning she's already taken her stand and is no longer "leaning". Seems pretty clear she's just going to wait until a leader emerges and that'll be the one she says she supported all along.
Democrat leadership at its finest.
Johnson, Lexington, NC
Wolfson's observations of a neck and neck race indicates the absense of a tidal wave fails to take into account just how much ground Obama has made up coming from behind. I think only a tsunami can make up that much grround in such a short period of time.
Michael Harris, Bellevue, WA, USA
Mr. Obama's naive approach to dealing with terrorist supporting nations, his willingness to leave a vaccum in Iraq, and his youth focussed sound bite oriented campaign make him a poor choice. On the other hand, Mrs. Clinton with the legacy of scandal associated with she and the former president, beg the question.. "What skeleton is next?" . The desire to win, no matter what position she must take, also is of great concern. Say what you may about John McCain, but he cannot be catorgoraized as weak in will, or unable to voice a committment seated opinion. If he can bring a running mate with solid economic skills, he can be a first rate president for the US.
George Obertubbsing, Chantilly, VA
Momentum causes cash to happen. Obama has both.
Hillary is noticeably looking different, depressed, unsmiling for the most part, without energy and her grooming was inexcusable at the the Jefferson Jackson dinner for a professional campaigner who was the first lady of the land. No change of clothes for the dinner from early morning, no make up, and fish bowl hair. Where was the hairdresser and make up artist? Her usual ploy for sympathy, used as a political tactic maybe? It's worked before. Can it play again and again - I don't think so.
Rita, Oklahoma City,
I am no white Latte liberal. I am a white male conservative Republican who is willing to jump the fence and vote for Obama. I voted for him in my state's primary and caucus. I was elected a delegate to move on to the next level. I will work hard to get this man elected president. I would never in a million years vote for Hilliary Clinton. I am tired of the divisiveness and rancor she elicits and produces. Let's unite the country, let's heal our relations, politically, racially, nationally and internationally. Let's elect Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States.
Frank Dwyer, Redmond, WA, USA
Wow,
A San Francisco Socialist endorsed another Socialist. Unheard of.
Ken, Waterford, MI
The metaphor has the answer: the unstoppable force will sweep over the immovable object and carry on its way to the nomination and the White House. Obama will do much better in Texas and Ohio than the Clinton faction would like; and the Superdelegates will end by voting with their states. The million dollar question is, when he's President how well will he live up to all the hopes he has stirred up in so many alienated hearts? O-Bama!
(Yes he can!)
Mark Carlyon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A better day is coming and it is not found in Obama,Clinton.Reid,Pelosi,Bush,McCain, Huckabee,Romney or any other politician. Man will reap what he has sown and all will be held accountable for their actions (self included). It is predstined to end when and how the Holy God of the universe has determined. The wisest thing for man to do is to fall on his knees and ask forgiveness for his humanly sinful ways. He would then find a peace which would surpass all understanding and he would then not walk in fear of what man could do to him. Trust the politicians if you want, but like all things of this earth, they are only temporal and doomed to fade like flowers of the fields.
Everett Tracey, Spring Hill, Tennessee USA
The clear message from Pelosi: she is fearful that if superdelegates don't vote 'by way of the people', the Democrats will ultimately lose the White House and Congress to Republicans.
In other words, the momentum is with Obama. If the Clintons carry through a scorched earth policy to win this election, people will rebel against Hillary & Bill's meddling to ultimately realize the worst of Democratic fears - 4+ more years of deterioration to a country holding so much power, the world couldn't bear it's impending collapse.
colby, Brooklyn, NY
Well isn't the proof in the pudding? Clinton says she can hold her lead in Texas, Ohio and later Pennsylvania. The campaign argues, that momentum is not a factor. And in some sense that is true. The two of them have triumphed from the beginning and even Edwards was not able to hold on to the momentum created by his second place Iowa finish.
On the other hand it is just as arguable that since South Carolina the momentum has been with Obama and it was only unrealistic media expectations for Obama that have seemed to slow his momentum.
After Clinton's New Hampshire firewall, Super Tuesday was suppose to finish him off. Instead it was a draw and he has gone on to win five straight contests. And it could be ten by the end of the month. That kind of month provides the time for momentum to be a factor and would certainly make her job harder.
And the Obama forces are correct that campaigning does seem to help him. If Obama wins just one of the big three he will be the nominee.
Frank, NYC,NY,
What "long track record"? She has won two contested (one only nominally contested) New York Senate elections in the last eight years. What else?
Paul Veazey, Lake Charles, LA
No surprise for her to endorse Obama because Pelosi is a far left liberal and so is Obama. Plus, if Hillary was elected, and Pelosi running the House.....can you imagine the cat fights! Whereas Obama has stated no positions, he basically an empty suit that the media idolizes. He could say he thinks we will be attacked by people from Mars and the media would believe him and admire his foresight! Pelosi knows she can control him if he becomes president. Hillary would be hard to control.
Obama is playing the media and youth to the maximum. He knows he will automatically get the black vote, and knows that the youngsters are naive.
Vince Hugh, Atlanta, Ga
Time for Mrs. Clinton to work with Mr.Obama. She has been there before ( white house ) . It is time for a change. Mr Obama is believable.
shankar, Huntsville AL, usa
Pelosi introduced Obama as the next POTUS a few months ago. Old news.
Jill, Jacksonville, Florida