Hilary Clinton was never going to be a good loser so no suprise with what she comes out with.

June Sumner, Retford, Notts

Clinton has run out of money, and is trying to debate Obama to get free air time. Obama refusal to debate again is making Hillary spend more money that she barely has.

Hugo Estrada, Falls Church, VA, USA

It amazes me that no one comes up with the obvious: Obama Barak is in fact a 'republican' candidate. A Trojan horse. What we are all watching are not the primaries - these are the actual elections. Could you think of a better opponent against Hillary Clinton? Obama is her negative mirror image, speaking out her own plan. He is yet to come up with something of his own. I dread that disappointing moment.

Annie, London,

Believing that the next prez is going to change things overnight only sets them up to fail. Obama - out of the 3 - is the best choice. He hasn't been in politics long enough to have all the baggag, he's young and perhaps more open minded. And maybe he doesn't say much about his policies - thank goodness for that because as soon as one of them is elected most everything they've pledged on the campaign trail is just a bunch of words on a piece of paper. The US needs someone who'll bring them together as a nation, maybe unite the country by appealling to their intellect not by friightening and bullying the populus. Everyday the Clintons looks more desperate - and yes, it is the both Clintons running for Prez and 8 years of him was enough. Ms Clinton's whole tough woman act is getting old. Funny, I never thought of Margaret Thatcher as anything other than Ms Prime Minister. You never heard of Maggie being tired, cranky and tearing up - Hill can't have it both way - boring.

Bobbie Crum, London, UK

Hey AnaLu,

Get your facts straight. Last time I checked the Library of Congress, Hillary Clinton had sponsored 476 bills and co-sponsored 1,903.
see: http://clinton.senate.gov/senate/legislation/
And, since running his Presidential campaign, Obama's missed over 60 more votes than Hillary! Wow! And, that's not counting his "present" votes in the Illinois Senate.

I'm going with the one who knows how to get things done. If I was so inspired with great speech, I'd vote for O's speech writer! Hillary Rocks!!

Marlene, Tucson, AZ

Obama is clearly the best canidate by far. It's actually taking two Clintons to beat him and they are still loosing. Hillary is very quick to say that a state doesn't matter especially when the odds are not looking good in her favor, but Obama haven't over-looked any state reguardless what the polls was showing, which clearly shows who's the mature canidate and who's not.

Shawn, Macon, Georgia

When a candidate starts replacing staff, he or she is in trouble! That's where Hilary is.......in trouble.

Kenneth Jones, Los Banos,

Big deal " just words" are actually only two words . what was he supposed to say ...."they are only words" or" these are only words"?
Boy if this is all Hillary's got on him..
On the other hand her words are vindictive , divisive and sting, but they are only just words., and yet how many people are being turned off of her for good. I would have voted for her over Mccain (Obama's my first choice) but now I would choose the green party or any other over her!

A Democrat Abroad

William Worrell, Kansas city , Missouri

The fact that Senator Clinton clearly lacks the capability to effectively lead and manage her presidential campaign causes me great pause given her "experience" in several campaigns. Bill was govenor and president. She is a second term senator. How can one effectively lead and manage the Country if they can't handle their own campaign?

Additionally, she appears to be relying heavily on the strength of Bill's record and legacy - even to the extent of engaging him to do her dirty work on the campaign trail. Bill has taken quite an ACTIVE role in Hillary's campaign. It makes me question whether she will have total autonomy in the Oval Office. If she were to win, it seems more likely that Bill will be running the Country, not Hillary.

Donna Brown, Atlanta, GA

I think Barak Obama as a candidate simply reinforces the view of the Democratic Party as a party of the Ghetto's, be it female, black, gay or hispanic.

Until the Democratic party can have more appeal with the majority population the Republican party will continue to win elections.

Chris M., London, England

I am a democrat, I prefer Obama. Hillary is in the pocket of the special interests, so she is no improvement over Bush. When Obama asked for all the candidates to refuse special interest money she disagreed. She sponsors legistation so that Indian firms can bring over consultants to take jobs away from US grads. No Thanks Hillary. I liked McCain when he ran against Bush in 2000, because he seemed like a man of principles and was not a consevative lunitic. However, since then he seemed to abandon his principles for the Republican agenda which I cannot forgive him for. I have nothing against Republicans but can't stand the religious right or the Neocons. So McCain is not getting my vote.

Andy, miami, fl

You know she reminds me of that old Grace Jones song too..."I'm reaching for the sky, I've got to make you mine...You know I will in time...You know it's really gotta do or die..." Both are the past too.

kravitz, New York,

Responding to Adrian, Boston MA

If Hillary reformed Arkansas education she did not do a very good job. Arkansas rates low in every category in education.

It is 50th in spending on education and 50th in 50th in persons with a 2 year postsecondary degree. It is below average in all other categories. Go to link below

http://www.arkbea.org/downloads/facts.pdf

As for Hillary and Walmart:

"In six years as a member of the Wal-Mart board of directors, between 1986 and 1992, Hillary Clinton remained silent as the world's largest retailer waged a major campaign against labor unions seeking to represent store workers."

The above from the link:

http://www.demookie.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36470

Hillary is out for what is good for Hillary period.

M , Texas,

I have looked at both campaigns closely although I have decided upon one, but just in case the candidate that I support is not nominated to be the Democratic Nominee, then I would know the person they decided upon. I can tell you that I have looked at Hillary's campaign, and the issues that really get to me:

1. She says she has more experience. How? Let me ask a rhetorical question. If you come home to your spouse and tell them how your day went at work and you discuss the ends in out of your job to them, and they advise you on it; sould you really say that your spouse have enough "experience" to go in and do the job. They may have some knowledge, but the would really be new to it.

2. I'm not trying to make any jabs at the Clintons personal life, but if you have had problems in your marriage, which everything starts at home and you can't manage that, then how can you manage the lives of other families. I truly feel that even her running as president (continued)...

Neshka, Minneapolis, MN

... (continued) is based on that fact that she feels she ahs something to prove.

3. I have noticed a lot of turn-around and disorganization within her campaign. To me that says a lot. How can you manage a country with millions of people who may not agree with you, but can't manage a capaign of a few hundred voluteers who support you. That just really get to me.

I may not know a lot about Barack, but from what I "see" not hear. He has managed to pull in resources to support him, If he can do it for himself on a small campaing, I feel he has the know how to do it for a country that's facing financial hardships. If he can manage a campaing and pull in support from different ages, races, and social economics I feel he can pull together a country based on diversity to achieve a common goal. If he can pull himself ahead with odds against him and 3 Clintons battling him, and yet still stay calm in the face of adversity and uncertainty, then I belienve he will do the same as president.

Neshka, Minneapolis, MN

Adrian from Boston, I was referring to a list of legislative accomplishments similar to that posted for Obama by AnaLu.

HR, London,

Rent the film "election" - much better than you would guess and note the resemblance between Tracy Flick ( Reeve Witherspoon) and Hillary. Uncanny!

Judith Kozloff, New York and London,

americans. Aren't you the guys that voted in Bush whose knowledge of geography and world history was strictly confined to the shores of the US of A. So, based on that, i can see why a thoughtful and intelligent man like Barack scares some of you. You would rather McCain because he is vague and has no real convictions...or is it Mrs. C because when she loses, she is as venomous and calculating. Actually, we have seen this tendency in Bill as well when things are not stacking up. I cant forget how Mrs. C. stood by her man as he lied to the whole nation. "i did not hav sexual realtions with that woman." Really, really you want those two back? i really dont get it. Well good luck.
Abigail K, Winterthur.

abigail, winterthur, suisse

We loved Clinton before and will love her after the primaries, but this race is too important to pass up on a natural born leader. No one who has studied management can deny that Barack is a leader, not a mere manager. And God has sent him to us, in this our hour of dire need.

I know he will be the next POTUS and will work to improve all our lives

Winston, Bronx, USA/NY

HR, London wrote:
I am intrigued by AnaLu's post - most of all because not one single Clinton supporter has attempted to contradict it here. If they're going to continue to bang on about her experience, then they need to show me what she's actually accomplished!

Compare their wikipedia profiles, Hillary's achievements are too long to list, apart from fighting for Health Care before it was popular (if only we'd believed her instead of the insurance companies) she successfully reformed the Arkansas education system, successfly lobbied wal-mart while on the board to be environmentaly friendly and was involved in countless smaller pro-health initiatives.

Obama's looks a little bare as far as accomplishments go, if you think you can add something thats been missed, then do iit, thats the beauty of wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama

Also HR, London since i responded to your request i'd be interested to hear back

Adrian, Boston, Ma

Americans need to forget being a Democrat or Republican. For at least once in our lives, we need to place cynicism, prejudice, greed and fear aside and look toward the future with faith in our hearts. The world is watching and we must permit ourselves to acknowledge the possibility that we can aspire to be something more than the planet’s bully. This time, our Presidential elections are not about experience or inexperience. (All candidates surround themselves with an experienced staff to help them make decisions). It’s not about conservative or liberal agendas. (We all have opinions as to our likes or dislikes). It’s about leadership and how we seen by the rest of the world. We’ve damaged our reputation in the world and it must be mended. One candidate that has the intelligence, courage, passion, vision, authenticity and ability to communicate in a clear and powerful way to a wide range of people that will be accepted domestically and internationally. Barack Obama is that man.

ChickC, Los Angeles, USA/California

For the life of me, my mind and heart cannot grasp why even one American would vote for Mrs. Bill Clinton. Have we as a country not learned and experienced the FACT there there is HELL TO PAY with those two? If not, we haven't seen anything yet!

Carol, Mitchell,

I found it interesting watching Michelle Obama recently on Larry King sound exactly like Hillary Clinton when answering questions and making comments about the campaign. Am I the only one that has noticed this?

Blindly following Obama is an abomination! I'm embarrassed that my fellow countrymen and women are this naive and superficial. Yet, there are so many other examples it's hard to be too surprised.

Rebecca Muller, Oakland, CA, USA

If Obama is going to ' change' things, I would like to know just what he means to change things to, and why. I would also like to know he changed his name and why he does not salute the flag. Can someone tell me? Because he wont.
ron Iowa

Ron Payne, Keokuk, Iowa

Why is he so reluctant to debate?

A Hurley, Edinburgh, UK

This election promises to be the most interesting Presidentiual election in generations. On the One hand there is the Republican candidate, MaCain, who is disliked by the extreme right of the Republican party and on the other hand, either to first woman or the First African-American to run for President. Either could have the effect of splitting theri repsective parties.

So, possibly, whoever wins is likely to be a lame-duck president from the start.

If I had a vote, I would be backing Barak, nt becasue I am black, because I am not. Nor because I am a woman, because I am obviously not. But because I have a feeling that he will be good for Ameirca. Bill Clinton was, though most of my American friends reject this, good for the USA. Hilary will be a liability. Sorry, but MaCain is just too old for a modern world.

Pete Hodge, Skelmersdale,

davie, West Hartford, CT wrote,
What do you call a first-term inpperienced congressman from Illionois?
Abraham Lincoln .

Lincoln actually made alot of mistakes in the civil war if i remember correctly, allowing incompetant generals to command the army and could have won the war much more quickly if he'd been more decisive.

Adrian, Boston, Ma

I am intrigued by AnaLu's post - most of all because not one single Clinton supporter has attempted to contradict it here. If they're going to continue to bang on about her experience, then they need to show me what she's actually accomplished!

HR, London,

From another country, a point of view on Democracy. The obscene amounts of money being thrown away so publicly by two people standing for the same party, tells me all I have to know about the manic corporate lust for power. The obviously dirty tactics and mud slinging does not do America proud on the world stage. Ordinary Americans must be appalled by it all, not the least because the reporting does not stay at home but circles the globe with the haemmorhaging accounts and devious innuendoes.
It is unseemly, expensive and in very bad taste.
The pity is that the world may be saddled with Americas' choice of President and the Democratic candidates are showing their colours as less than Presidential.

Annie, Warminster, UK

Well it must be that the "takes" expressed in the orginal article are self-evident truths given that virtually no one on this thread has made an attempt to discount or outright disagree with them.

It is clear that the Clintons carry a lot of excess baggage and that the carrying of it is getting heavier by the minute. It is also apparent that this publicly unwanted baggage is starting to spillover in a lot of directions none of them good.

If we are fortunate, this Clinton spillage will not impede what we all want to see succeed and that is the realization of Obama's vision of great change for the better in Washington starting in January of 2009.

Caryl S. Foster, San Diego, California

I think the phrase 'turning the page' is the right analogy on what America has to do to change the country around. Every time I hear Hillary change 'her voice' to reflect the current status of her campaign reminds me how many times she has changed her position through the years.

I doubt she'll lose with dignity and she'll end up being dragged to her bath pulling on sheets, the bedpost, the walls... anything to try to keep from getting there. But make no mistake, her devisiveness will do far worse to the general election for Democrats than it has already done to the primaries. One has only to look at how she is handling this race - financially, organizationally, thematically, and interpersonally - and you'll see she cannot function as President, not to mention get the Democrats to the polls to support her for the run.

She is not as skilled a politician as she claims her experience makes her out to be, or else she'd be done by now and the sole standing candidate. Not the case.

Tomm Thorsen, El Paso, Texas

Voters dont like to be part of someone else's deal - Blair/Brown, Bill/Hillary. There is the pervasive sense that Clinton believes that Dems OUGHT to have voted for her; a charismatic, Black upstart has driven a coach and horses through her sense of entitlement. I am laughing my head off.

I supported Bill Clinton in his day. That day is gone I have no appetite for Clinton II after the unmitigated Dubya Disaster. The Lone Star state is being asked to rescue a Democrat's campaign, along with the same Florida that sank Al Gore. HRC is resorting to the type of personal mudslinging that she would normally deplore in an opponent. Experience is overrated. If the devil you know is tearing your place apart, get an exorcist and start over!

Diane Martin, London, England

If I was a true American(I'm only 1/2 by ancestry) I'd vote for Hillary.(Tho' I wish she'd spell her Christian name properly!)

Hilary, WsM,

When Clinton was in the White House we had economic prosperity, unemployment was at an all-time low, and the National Deficit was a lot lower than it is now. Hillary has the VISION for everyman to get ahead,she has a plan to save this country and she should be given the chance to heal and unite the United States. We need some serious help in this country and she is the best candidate to accomplish this looming task. I and many of my friends are voting for Hillary. She has experience and a plan. Obama is a scary thought, no experience, smooth talker, no plan. Do not vote for OBAMA, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. The man is a real mystery and at least I won't have blood on my hands if he were to be President and get's this great country of ours in a bigger hole than it already is.

Stacey, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Lets be real. Change is a process and experience is a prerequisite.

Senator Clinton will not only turn the page and write a new amazing chapter in the history books, the Senator will be listed in the table of contents, the index pages and also in the references.

We are on the threshhold of electing one of the most brilliant women and intellects of our times. It is clear in the debates she has 'the' real grasp on all our pressing issues. She's not spewing memorized lines. She's not talking rhetoric. She has knowledge and passion....and great ideas.

Obama is a good man, but his popularity was ignited by outside influences and flamed by the likes of the Obama Girl phenomena on YouTube, which caught on like a wildfire across the Internet amongst the youth and fueled an army of ideologists who are voting based on what they perceive as 'cool'. That's not a reason to elect a candidate. And that IS a reason to have SUPER DELEGATES in place to prevent elections to be bought or munip

Chris Vant, Topeka, us/ks

Hillary will be the Democrats' nominee for the same reasons McCain was chosen as the Republicans' .Voters reached out to McCain because he is the most experienced with a solid track record.He was not the richest,most handsome or the best orator of the bunch,but he was the toughest and most experienced candidate.Voters looked behind the hype and hot air ,and selected the solid one.They know where he stands on issues.They ignored the ultra-conservtives calls to diss him and choose Romney. By choosing McCain,republicans showed they prefer experience over ideology ,though he is not popular with the GOP' base.
By the same token ,voters will choose Hillary,once they look behind the Obama's dazzle,and empty core.He may be an outsider,fresh and young,but he is unexperienced ,with no track record.Americans realize that the next president will inherit a heavy load,and they need an already ready president, not some one with no resume,who will need an on-the-job training.

Sam, dallas, USA

The Clintons back in the White House would be terrible for this country. We had 8 years of extreme divisiveness with them with another 8 of Bush and to go back to that is not what this country needs. And we all know that is exactly what we will get with a Clinton administration. We need new political leaders. Obama is my first choice. I'm not crazy about McCain but I think he has more honesty and character than the Clintons.

Angela, Nicholasville, Ky

What do you call a first-term inpperienced congressman from Illionois?
Abraham Lincoln .

davie, West Hartford, CT

The Clintons' Terror Pardons
By DEBRA BURLINGAME
February 12, 2008; Page A17
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120277819085260827.html

Mr. Clinton's fecklessness in the handling of these cases was demonstrated by the fact that none of the prisoners were required, as a standard condition of release, to cooperate in ongoing investigations of countless unsolved FALN bombing cases and other crimes. Mrs. Clinton's so-called disagreement with her husband on the matter made no mention of that fact. The risk of demanding such a requirement, of course, was that the prisoners might have proudly implicated themselves, causing the entire enterprise to implode, with maximum damage to the president and potentially sinking Hillary Clinton's Senate chances.

Tony , Wickenburg, AZ

I am usually conservative in my views toward government. However, in the case of the contest we have before us, I cannot help but support Senator Obama. You be the judge. 16 months into the campaign, Senator Clinton and her surrogates (including her husband and family) harp upon race, comparing Obama to Jackson. Anyone with a sense of history will understand that Rev. Jackson served a very different constituency than does Sen. Obama. Jackson is/was a civil rights activist. Like it or not, his mission was to alienate as many white people as possible and to activate as many black people as possible. In that process his real mission was to expose the truth. And the truth he exposed was ugly, like it or not. As often as not, white people were not comfortaable with what Jesse was espousing. That did not detract from the truth of what Jesse spoke. If a comparison were to be drawn, it would be that Jesse is the Baptist and Barack is the candidate.

davie, West Hartford, CT

Obama supporters who claim they will not vote for Hillary, would you please respond to this.

i assume that those Obama supporters who will not vote for Hillary think that the U.S. should remain the only developed wealthy country without universal coverage?
Or that we should remain in Iraq, actually we'll probably have to perform another surge... planned troop withdrawals from 130,000 to 100,000 have been delayed indefinately because violence would go straight back up again.

What was so detestable about Hillary? The universal coverage we'd have already if we'd listened to her? Her constant support for children's causes? Succesfully lobbying Wall-Mart while on the board to adopt environmentaly friendly practices?

That she plays hard politics? Against Republicans you have to! Remeber the terror alert? Remeber the Florida Secretary of State (Bush's Florida campain manager) saying there was no reson to count the votes that might have changed the election?

Adrian, Boston, Ma

I voted for Bill twice (I'm humiliated to admit) but at this point if Obama doesn't get the nomination it's a no-brainer. McCain all the way. I don't like a lot of his policies but at least he (like Obama) appears to have the integrity and character required for the position.

JLD, Ft. Lauderdale,

Bobby for Obama.

Erase the hate!!!

Bobby Jennings, Saint Paul, Minnesota

The sign of a great leader is not someone who commands excellence; it is someone who can build excellence. Barack Obama has shown the ability to attract and motivate and, most of all, inspire. These are such important qualities for our next president to have.
Obama has shown he has strong character, drive, energy, determination and self-discipline, and has shown the ability to work successfully with all parties involved in the political system. Underneath the continually distorted news media sound bites I see a candidate who has the ability to verbalize his vision. He chooses not to use threats or meanspiritednesss about his opponent to get voters attention. He continues to show strenght of character and sound judgement. It is great to see how well he has built his campaign from the ground up. The same way he will run this country with organization and levelheaded thinking. I trust He can guide us, the people; to want to do, what we know must be done.

Deb R

Davis, CA

Deb R., DAVIS, CA

BARACK OBAMA IS THE FUTURE OF AMERICA AND IT IS SO BRIGHT WE GOTTA WEAR SHADES. Our people are too smart to turn back the clock and vote for more of the same old same old. WE need to recreate an America we can be proud of. Votig for the war was a mistake Hillary although you of course are incapable of admitting one. You are making another one now by being divisive to our party. It is not about triangulation it is about unity.

GA BARACK GO.

LATINA FROM TEXAS FOR OBAMA

Texas Latina, Houston, Harris, Texas

AnaLU, USA
Thank you so much for the single most informative, factual and decisive piece of data I have so far read in all the articles about the Democratic campaign.
If those facts, from the Library of Congress, are not enough to help people decide...then thank goodness for good oratory

Keith, Dalsland, Sweden

It's clear that the educated, intelligent people are voting for Obama. The small-minded, uneducated aren't stopping to delve into the words Hillary is throwing at them. How can she ever have 35 yrs. experience? She's 60 - that means she started her political life at 25! Come on!! When did she spend time in a private law firm? In those claimed 35 years, what did she do for Americans? Her one and only, egotistic , selfish goal is to be first woman prez. Obama is tactful, intelligent, truthful, diplomatic, approachable, ethical and has principles -- his qualities shine. He's seeking the nomination for the right purpose -- to BETTER the U.S. Hillary is full of hot air. How can ANYONE stop a war in 60 days and throw away all the sacrifice and hard work our troops have accompished? Her gov't health plan is communistic -- who wants the gov't telling them which doctor to go to? Where is she getting the money for THAT?? She's a true manipulator.

Barb, Brodheadsville, U.S. Pennsylvania

You finally made it to my city, Sarah. I suggest you come visit THEE Ohio State University because Obama will be spending a lot of time here pretty soon. Rest asured that this is indeed OBAMA country!

Solo, Columbus, USA/ Ohio

As always it is fun to watch you democrats. No record, No experience, great speeches = JFK, Cuban missile crisis and no ability to actually deliver the 'change' = Obama. As a moderate Republican who does not like the current President's policies and the war, I cannot trust this country to a kid who will learn on the job. With 2 wars, a Economy on a tailspin, China and Russia revving up their rhetoric and their arms buildup, I need a President with solutions and experience. Unfortunately none of the 3 choices are ideal. But Hillary and Clinton can deliver solutions. Obama is not the right choice at this time. Maybe in 4 or 8 years. If I want to hear great speeches, i can go and listen to my priest who inspires me. But what I need is solutions delivered, not speeches that do not put food on my table. As most of my friends in Europe say, Obama will make a great Football / Basketball coach but not a President at this time, for the Country. As the saying goes 'Where is the Beef' '

Bruno, Dallas, TX

Wow - Same old same old with the Democrats. UGLY, UGLY, UGLY.

Clinton is like something out of "Animal Farm" where some animals are "more equal" than others.

And Obama is something out of Monty Python's "Life of Brian", a second messiah for anyone but Clintonistas to follow.

The whole world is watching and the Dems are going back to the ugly FL election stuff and could care less, but the American people will, if they are not already, DISGUSTED.

1) Clinton is more of the ugly American stuff that we are sick of

2) Obama is more of the Left wing idiocy that came from before Reagan.

As an independent I will vote Republican. Enough Demorcrats!

GlennO, NYC, NY

I like to be informed about who i'm voting for so I read the wikipedia profiles about Hillary and Obama,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama

I was amazed at how many accomplishments, both personal and for Democratic legislation, HRC has to her name.
Her support of people in need is inspiring also, consistantly fighting for child rights, offering free legal advice for poor people and organizing a strike and lobbying her College in 1968 to enroll and employ more African Americans.

As for beating McCain, Iraq and health care will hurt him too much, they just haven't fought him on those issues yet.

Obama's service as Director of the Developing Communities Project is great but there doesn't seem to be much substance.
Maybe the Obama article is missing something, but i'd think Obama's supporters, being younger, would contribute more to wiki... correct wikipedia if this is incorrect

Clinton 2008, Obama 2016

Adrian, Boston, Ma

AnaLu, NY in his/her post has clearly shown that Obama is not fake and that he is a doer. Compare that to what Hillary has done. Its amazing how the Clinton supporters still use the fake argument, its very simplistic to just say someone is fake. The proof is on Senate records and if people actually look Obama's website they will see his policies.

So i ask Clinton supporters how can a man be fake if he has stated his policies and made authored over 100 bills? Compare that to what Hillary has done and tell me who has is actually the doer?

VJS, London, UK

Shy vote for Obama, and take a chance on losing the general election. Vote for Hillary and the Black vote will line up for her in the general election. The democrats can always count on the Black vote on election, and will most likely give her a 19 to 1 vote over McCain. When the convention is over and Hillary has won outright or stolen the nomonation, either way, it's her's, then watch with laughter as the Black leadership lines get long with their endorsements for Hillary. Obama will fade into the sunset, and will have been sacrificed for all time as she will be in office for 8 years, and at the end of that time the republicans will return to the White House.

Sherlock, Cincinnati,

Our country is so broken. So sad. So divided.
And our leader(s) should be able to actually LEAD.
For the first time in my voting life I am not voting for "the lesser of 2 evils".

We do not need the "experience" of those who have made the process, the system, the "Washington DC" what it is.

We DO need someone who has a vision of what we can be. We DO need someone who has a chance at "the olive branch" being accepted ... here and across the globe.
We DO need someone who doesn't continue to divide us.
We DO need someone to believe in.

Hillary is not that person. She is the same old, business as usual, lifetime. politician. And her "experience" is exactly what I do not want any more of.

I want someone with a fresh perspective. Someone who can inspire us.

Someone who has already made this the most exciting Nomination process of my generation. Someone who gives us hope.

Barack Obama is that person.

tracy, Belmont, USA

How long have you lived in the States, Nona? People don't vote the issues. They vote color, gender, hairstyle, who has the most money, etc etc etc. Thats why all the candidates get away with obfuscation and flip flopping. Nobody ever holds them to task on it. Welcome to American politics at its finest.

Dual Resident, USA & UK,

Go ahead and steal this election Hillary and I look forward to changing my party and helping to elect a republican. Wake up Pa. and be a part of change for our country, for our children's future and walk away from the old politics of the past. We had enough of scandals and dirty Clinton politics. Do not use them to win this election. Thank God for a candidate with morality and vision and one that many in the world embrace, Obama. NT, Pa.

norma j teufel, danville, pa

hardly the underdog and hardly liberal!
Why is it men always include your husband when it is a she running for president, is that to take away or demean women? Yes Bill Clinton was a former president;but quit trying to attack her because she is a woman....and treat her as an equal candidate. I don't see Michelle not speaking out for her husband...she even went so far , as to be the one who said there will be no 2nd run. That is sort of speaking for your spouse I would say....and further ..quit tring to keep women back by attacking her talk as being cheap...what about Obama...a bit misleading on not voting for the war from the beginning!! lets see his beginning would be when he was sworn in to the US senate in Jan of 2005.........hardly the beginning of the war...and he voted from the very beginning.....he was NOT entitled to vote in 2002-2003-2004 so I hardly think any of his votes were from the very beginning when Bush was lying about WMD......the earliest we heard from Obama was merely an anti war rally speech...BUT NO US senate VOTES as he wasn't a senator til Jan 2005 and by the way hasn't even served one full term as a US senator...so hardly experienced in US policies..maybe state policies..perhaps he should run for Gov of Ill

Susan, Newport Beach, ca

I was brought up to believe that one voted according to the candidates voting record, and proven abilities. Ethnic origin, gender, religion should play no part in ones decision.

But day by day I see African-Americans publicly announce their support for Obama. If Obama had a record in the Senate I could understand this, but two years experience is not a solid background. It's not the media playing the race card, it's one of the candidates!

Nona, New York City, USA

If the Democratic party is so stupid as to nominate Hillary Clinton or should I say "Billary Clinton" then you will all get what you deserve...4 (8) more years of Republicans in the Whitehouse. For a party who gave us Walter Mondale (boooring), Michael Dukakis (snooze) and John Kerry (Mr. Excitement) it wouldn't surprise me if they totally ignore the momentum of Obama and side with Clinton. Oh you fools.

Harry Vest, Winnipeg,

If Hillary Clinton steals this nomination either through manipulation of the super delegates against the expressed will of the voters, or through this sham of seating the FL/MI delegations, then my 30 year association with the Democratic party will be over. She acts like she has some divine right to the presidency. She's as arrogant and entitled as Bush.

Julie Lanier, Kansas City, MO

Boy, there's one thing about the Democrats, they're fun to watch. Who needs Jerry Springer when you got this reality show?

Larry M, San Diego, California

I think her campaign shows just the kind of meandering, poor judgement and excuse-making she'd bring to the Whitehouse.

She's constantly changing her tactics and running a horrible campaign that shows she assumed the nomination would be locked up by Super Tuesday.

She says she's a "do-er." What has she done? She tries to claim experience for the good things that happened in the Clinton White House while distancing herself from the bad. And as far as empty speeches go, didn't the Clintons gain the White House for 8 years by promising universal health care in "SPEECHES?" How can we believe she can handle universal healthcare now when she butchered it so badly before?

To put down Obama because he gives better speeches is foolish. Putting down those of us who listen to him and decide to support him, assuming we haven't looked into his policies is more than foolish, its condescending and arrogant - two things that are very Clinton.

If it's McClain vs. "McClinton" count me out.

Bob, Evanston, IL

After all these years of the "Clinton machine", it should be obvious to all of us that she wants a socialized country with all the underlings dependant upon the goverment for all things good by robbing us all and where would it end.
I am also 60 years old as she, and I have never contributed to any campaign, but I would really like to send money for her PITY PARTY after she loses this primary!!!
Linda in Virginia

Linda Linen, Staunton, Va,

A million people are dead and trillions of dollars have been wasted due to the last ill-advised choice American made for president. This time, for a chnge, I hope they focus on policy.
At the end of the day, the question is whether a candidate can do the job. I know that Hillary can, based on her policies and record.

But Obama's thin on both experience and policy, wants to invade Pakistan, will ignore the environment until China and India, two 3rd-world countries, are in step, is leaving 15 million Americans out of medicare, and is opposed to free trade. He will enact protectionist policies.

On top of that, if you count all of the delegates, Hillary is ahead.

Chauvinistic media aside, the world needs HIllary now. and will pay dearly, yet again, if they make another mistake.

Obama can apprentice as VP iuntil if he gets a grip on policy.

Emma H., Ottawa,

It is far from over for Hillary. In fact, she will take the next three states and come out ahead. The wind will be all out of Obama's puffed speeches and people will soon see him for what he is -- a young man with ill-placed ambitions. He is a fake and not fit for such an important postion at such a critical time. He DOES NOT represent over half of the Democratic part, and he sure as heck doesn't represent the Republicans. It is a little early to be declaring anything won.

Jack, Boston, MA/USA

O'Bysmal, Shrillary, McHillary.

Frequently Americans have to choose between the lesser of two evils. At this point the choice is between the least of three evils.

ted ward, houston, TX

I've lost a lot of respect for Hillary Clinton during this campaign. The fact that she'll try and use the results of two states (one of which had only her name on the ballot) is saying much for her lack of character

Rick, Los Angeles, California

I am voting for Barack Obama in November. Period. I never have, nor ever will, vote for a Bush or a Clinton.

ben, minneapolis,

I am white female, 51, Catholic, republican who voted for Barack Obama in the Idaho caucus and will vote for him if he is the democratic nominee. If not I'll vote for McCain. I am NOT part of a cult. And I am tired of the Clinton campaign making up excuses because they can't get people like me to support Hillary.

Jan, boise,

Both Clintons have a record of - well, let's say bending the truth, to be polite. Barack Obama speaks the truth, places his entire life out there for public scrutiny, presents all his policies online for all to read, allows Hillary supporters to post on his site, whereas Obama supporters are not permitted to post on hers, yet people still have a problem with Obama? Perhaps it is because they have forgotten what goodness and decency look like, and couldn't recognise a genuinely good person if they met one.

Trish, St Louis, Missouri

Hillary Clinton has good midwestern values. She's a doer and a fighter. We KNOW what we're getting with Hillary, we do not know the risk of how good or how BAD Obama can be, and I do not think this country afford the possibility of the downside - like a Jimmy Carter. People - lislten up! This is important !

I. Smith, Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

The Bush/Clinton Era is over...Noone knows this more than the Clintons...It explains their increasingly desperate campaign.

McCain? A war hero, true. But he is 71, defends the unpopular war in Iraq and is despised by the social conservatives that have dominated his party for the last generation.

Just when you assume that American leadership has gone stale, they are 11 months away from presenting a very different face and a quite eloquent voice to the world.

Yes we can.

Truesdell, Glencoe, IL,

It is not Obama who is frightening, per se, but the church to which he belongs and attends in Chicago that is scary. If this is where he receives his spiritual guidance, where his children are baptized, and reflects his idea of a unified nation, then if he wins the Democratic nomination, for the first time in my life I will not vote for a Democratic candidate. This message of this church is frightening. The pastor is a good friend of Obama's. It's message does not reflect the love of the Lord in whom it professes to believe.

http://www.tucc.org/about.htm

Katherine, Central Virginia, USA

Let's face it: the challenge for Democrats now is how to get Hillary to bow out gracefully. Right? I mean, it's over.

Tyler Easley, Sammamish, WA/USA

I am torn in California-- but there are two disparate observations I would like to make:

1. McCain may not be as strong a candidate as we think. He is a loose cannon, and his mouth may be his undoing. I also have heard from Christian conservatives who are inclined towards Obama (!) over McCain.

2. The gay community feels utterly ignored by Obama. He has not recognized them or addressed them directly. They are voting strongly for Hillary. This faction has bucks and is a serious voting block.

C B, San Francisco, CA

No Obama, not vote for Democrat...period....time to crash this party...

Will , Richmond, VA USA

The danger is that Hillary's listeners will believe her - and then realize that it's not only speeches do not deliver solutions - politicians like her do not deliver solutions, and socialist governments like the one she will decree do not deliver solutions. either. Government does not solve problems. Government perpetuates problems. Government exacerbates problems. The people who will be paying for all the "solutions" she envisions want her and her government to go away. Hillary is just angry that Obama is better than she is at selling the Big Rock Candy Mountain, where there is free money for everyone, and free doctor visits anytime you have a headache, and free college, and a full tank of gas every time you start your car.

Rick LaBonte, Sacramento, CA

I am a hispanic woman making less than $50,000/yr - so you'd think I'd support Clinton. WRONG. I have been appalled by the behavior of Hillary Clinton and her attacks on Obama have not convinced me that she's presidential material.

Obama, on the other hand, has my support- he has been well-spoken, consistent and a statesman his entire campaign. Be honest. Who would you want to try to mend our relationship with the world and bring our country together- a spoiled-brat party-divider OR a calm, consistent and determined leader?

If Clinton wins the nomination, I will either not vote- or I will vote republican. There is NO WAY I would EVER vote for her.

Bonnie, Lewiston,

I agree with Delta Juliet from Buffalo. "The whole point .....is to ensure that new people get in". Who in their right minds would want to have Bill run the white house for another 4 years...esentially this is what Hilary is offerring right now - she is saying elect me and I give you Bill..two for the price of one...elect Obama and you just get hope with no experience..only good speeches. I say Obama not only brings HOPE but a new opportunity for CHANGE. God bless America! Really!!

semaj, Hull, UK

As a McCain supporter, I am absolutely LOVING the cat fight that the Democratic nomination process has become. Hillary lashing out when pressured? Wow, what a surprise!!! That's the standard modus operandi of the Clintons.

I'm just hoping that she can do well enough in Ohio & Texas to keep this race percolating all the way through to the convention so she can try to muscle her way through with the "superdelegates". That way, no matter who wins, there will be very bitter feelings on the losing side.

If Hillary is the nominee, she can be portrayed as representing a continuation of the bitter partisan politics of the past 16 years. McCain's record as a war hero will contrast very favorably with Hillary's scheming personna.

But if the nominee is Obama, all the GOP has to do is pin him down on specifics and not let him skate freely on vague promises of "hope" and "change". People will see that he's from the FAR left of the politcal spectrum.

Either way, it's good for McCain!

Dan, San Diego, CA

What do you mean by saying Obama is fake? Is he not a real person? If he meets the constitutional requirements for running as a presidential candidate - what makes him fake? You suggest all those millions voting for Obama are dumb?

The allegation that Obama is fake is fake. Get real - Clinton is losing by making those fake claims. She cannot claim to have experience when she has never been a president.

The whole point of limiting presidential terms is essentially to ensure that new people get in - else we would have unlimited terms or be allowed to draw from past serving presidents.

Is clinton suggesting that Bill will run the white house again?

Face it - No More Clinton, No More Clinton, No More Clinton!

Delta Juliet, Buffalo, NY

David Russell--Millions of American people who can revolutionize an entire country, change a way of thinking, and have a legitimate role in their own government are really behind that "toothy grin and emotional rhetoric." There's not a single individual who can change Washington--this is what Obama knows. It will take all of us.

Bonnie, Columbus,

I am one of your humble Canadian readers and an observer of the "electomantics" taking place in the US Primaries.
Some years ago, Dr. Edward Deming, a US citizen, now regarded as the "father" of Total Quality Management (TQM), faced so many barriers promoting the TQM philosophy in the USA, he left for Japan, where he found a receptive audience who, willingly embraced and implemented the TQM principles as a way of life.
It is widely believed that the current decline or stagnation in the auto industries in the UK and the USA ise largely due to stiff competition from thier Jamanese conterparts, who integrated of TQM principles in thier business. I quo
Deming stattes "Fear is a barrier to improvement so drive out fear by encouraging effective two-way communication and other mechanisms that will enable everybody to be part of change, and to belong to it. Fear can often be found at all levels in an organization: fear of change, fear of the fact that it may be necessary to learn.."

Donald Thompson, Toronto, Canada

It is high time people begin to identify themselves with the frontrunner of Democratic party otherwise we all face a greater problems in November election. Mccain will fight another war and possibly spend tax payers money to rebuild Irag and invade Iran, young folks should prepare for possible draft and home owners should brace up for possible foreclosure. It is high time we get ride of Republicans, the past 7 years has been hectic and we are incurring more debt as a country, economy is in shamble. Americans we have to wake up.

Sunny, San Diego , california

There are many things that Obama and Clinton have in common, and a few where they differ (in my opinion, mostly in the categories of diplomacy, rhetorical skill, and personal appeal). However, if we must stretch so far for differences that we paint Senator Clinton as an emotional (read manipulative) campaigner, let's just have a look at her voting record and look at Senator Obama's as well:

"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 Hon
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 facts straight from the Senate Record.

Now, I would post those of Obama’s, but the list is too substantive, so I’ll mainly categorize.

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.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These inculded:

**the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 (became law),
**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, (became law),
**The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, (became law),
**The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, (In committee), and many more."

AnaLU, NY, USA

What is Obama's program? What really lies behind the toothy grin and the emotional rhetoric?

David Russell, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Desperate times call for desperate measures - this is the newest policy of the Clinton campaign and is like saran wrap in its transparency. Negative campaigning against a party brethern is, to me, a fair glimpse as to what we can expect from this woman in general. Little attention seems to be going towards the agreement made NOT to campaign in Fla or MI and how the Clinton camp blatently went against that policy. At this point I can only liken her to the little girl crying in the supermarket checkout line for a lollipop and my fear is that instead of discipline for her actions, this country's superdelegates will cave in and give it to her. Let us not forget that the Commander in Chief wields a great power but thanks to the seemingly neglected constitution that power is balanced and checked - our Congress is more likely going to stand united with Barack than with Hillary simply because of his ability to reach across the aisle and avoid the lighting.

Kat, Indianapolis, IN

There's little chance of me buying into a media-advatage for Obama over hillary so long as they continue marching lockstep to the Clinton generated and media consumed meme that there is a "cult" of Obama, that it is "dangerous" and his supporters are "mesmerized".

Using the word "pimp" in speaking about Clinton and her daughter is nothing compared to the insinuous and gateful fearmongering Clinton seeding among the media. And the media just laps it up and dances to her tune.

Jeff V, Joliet, IL,

I can't wait to see Obama crash and burn in the general election. He has NO chance competing with John McCain. The guy is FAKE! What a used-car salesman. He is not going to buy me with his silly speeches. It will become so obvious in the general election that the Democrats will be kicking themselves for why they didn't elect a real candidate like Hillary Clinton!

Nobama, woburn, MA

While the Clinton campaign has made mistakes, so has the Obama camp. Quit all of this party divsion; come November we will all be voting for the same candidate.

Amanda, Bloomington, USA/Indiana

It is amazing, how, much spin, is now the flavour of this new , enlightened age.
Only when Obama is elected, will, the penny drop and by then it will be, too late!
It is so obvious, that, no substance, lies behind the rhetoric.
Tony Blair, blagged it into office with the same agenda.
If he had wanted, he could have been the greatest actor the world has ever known.
As, far as a great UK Prime Minister - oh, dear, oh dear!
Think, long and hard America.
Four years is a long time and eight years even longer.

prudence eely bond mcguire, LONDON, ENGLAND UK.

**Strickland believes the voters have yet to get to know the warm-hearted, “deeply caring”**

Gimme a breeeaaak! HRC's as warm-hearted and caring as a polar bear but without the cute photogenic fur.

Liam Hodder, Cork, Ireland

Barack Hussein Obama what is wrong with that name? No one should be ashamed of their name or where they come from unless they have some reason to do so.

It is his name. I have seen Hillary Rodham Clinton and no one fusses over that.

If this is what we have to look forward to from Obama followers this country will never be united and the republicans will win.
Keep up the rhetoric. Give it to McCain.

Leigh , Pittsburgh, Pa

Surely the Democratice party leaders will not follow Hillary's strategy of giving her the nomination if she loses the popular vote delegate count. To do so would guarantee a loss in the general election. No matter what the superdelegates' prior allegiances may have been, I think they will be objective enough to realize that they cannot afford to allow this historic opportunity for control of the White House to be lost , which is what would happen, as a result of the disaffection of Obama supporters, if Hillary is allowed to "steal" the election by getting the nomination through superdelegates alone or through rewriting the rules on the Florida and Michigan primaries. Americans historically have been known for their sense of fair play - having inherited it from you British! Hillary risks losing not just the nomination but her future reputation if she is seen as not playing fair. She will not be too old to run after Obama serves 8 years - she needs to save her reputation for that.

William Mallory Kent, Jacksonville, Florida USA

She is giving speeches to complain about someone giving speeches. She must think speeches are important, or she wouldn't be doing it all day long,

LEWIS, CHICAGO, USA

When will the first idiot respond to this blog with a post trying to discredit Obama by using his middle name? Hillary is deperate...it's such a turn-off. Hilldog, just STOP! You're embarassing yourself! Hillary plays the cult-card, because she is bewildered that no one will drink her Kool-aid!

Wilford, Los Angeles, CA

As a life long Republican, I never in my wildest dreams thought about voting for a Democrat. It looks like I will be voting for Obama this year. Like they say in New York: Go figure.

Peter Cook

Peter Cook, London, UK

Sarah Baxter, thank you for your political courage in telling the story like it is. We need more of this. Although I will vote Republican and have no vested interest in this, I am truly astonished at the Hillary machine and her (and Bill's ) own calculated spin on the facts. So many bloggers, who have no true understanding of the facts, seem to be bought off with buzz words, like "experience" and "all talk." Very few of these bloggers know the true facts. What they should be asking themselves is if Hillary is so emotionally moved by the causes she is promoting, why did she wait until she was running for president to do something about them???? Thanks for listening

lori, cincinnati,

This swift boating by the "Desperate Clintons" is the surest sign that Obama is indeed more presidential. The human antennae of the Clintons are so damaged that, where ordinary people hear their dreams eloquently expressed, they only see cult figures and bogeymen.

In terms of tactics and outlook, wife of Bill is no more moral than son of George.

David MacKinnon, Amstelveen, Netherlands

Sen. Obama is running an organized, carefully planned campaign with integrity and decency. I believe he will continue to do so. I believe his is bringing out the best in us whereas Sen. Clinton appears to be running a campaign of manipulation and threats. The Democratic primary really has nothing to do with race or gender which is a media label - not a label by the American people. It has to do with nominating a candidate of character, integrity and solidity - Barack Obama. I
am a caucasian woman in her 60s who has been for brack since day 1.

Joan Prior, Hartford, CT