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From The Times

March 29, 2008

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are told to shut up

New York Senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton and US Democratic presidential candidate Illinois Senator Barack Obama

Tom Baldwin in Washington

The Democratic chairman called on his party yesterday to stop the contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton by July 1, giving warning that “there'll be some nasty fights if it goes to the convention — and people will walk out”.

Howard Dean's attempt to set a deadline — eight weeks before the convention in Denver — is symptomatic of the alarm felt by Democratic leaders over the damaging drawn-out battle between the candidates continuing over the summer.

After a week of increasingly vitriolic exchanges between the rival campaigns, Mr Dean told both sides to “keep their mouths shut” and realise how harmful they were being to the party's prospects of winning the White House in November.

Recent polls suggest that more than a quarter of Mrs Clinton's supporters would defect to the Republicans if Mr Obama wins. Almost a fifth of his voters threaten to switch if she becomes the Democrat nominee. “We do need to keep in mind that personal attacks now often do have the seeds of demoralisation later on,” Mr Dean said. “You do not want to demoralise the base of the Democratic Party by having the Democrats attack each other.”

Although Mr Obama has an almost insurmountable lead among elected delegates from primaries and caucuses, he cannot win the nomination without a sizeable chunk of the 795 super-delegates. Mr Dean said that about 450 of the super-delegates had already pledged their vote to one of the candidates. “I'd like the other 350 to say who they're for at some point between now and the first of July so we don't have to take this into the convention,” he added.

Mrs Clinton hopes that, by raising doubts about her opponent's electability, she can persuade super-delegates to overturn the will of the electorate. Mr Obama's campaign described this as a “scorched-earth tactic”.

In a sign of her determination to carry on beyond the last big primary in Pennsylvania next month, either Mrs Clinton or her husband, Bill, have made campaign stops this week in later states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Indiana. In an interview published yesterday, she scorned calls for her to drop out, saying: “The people who are supporting me sure don't want to see it over. They want me to keep fighting.”

Mrs Clinton still harbours faint hopes that delegates from Florida and Michigan, the majority of whom back her, will be seated at the convention despite being banned because the states broke party rules by holding primaries in January.

Asked how she could get the punishment lifted, she said: “We can always go to the convention - that's what credentials fights are for.”

Mr Dean is said to be talking about how to broker a pre-convention peace deal with a group of uncommitted party elders, including John Edwards — who dropped out of the race in January — as well as Jimmy Carter, the former President, Harry Reid, the Senate Leader, and Al Gore.

There has even been speculation that if Mr Obama's credibility is badly damaged by August, Mr Gore, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, could yet emerge as a compromise candidate. Mr Obama was boosted yesterday by the surprise backing of the Pennsylvania senator, Bob Casey, himself a super-delegate and an important endorsement in a state where he trails Mrs Clinton, especially among white, working class or older voters.

Another senator supporting Mr Obama called on Mrs Clinton yesterday to quit the race. Patrick Leahy said: “I am very concerned. I think that her criticism is hurting him more than anything John McCain has said.”

What ever evil Hillary brew, will certainly come back to haunt her. She is a divisive character, and a woman with spite and venom. To choose a leader after Bush people needs no liar, and no self interest candidates. Americans can't claim they did not napalm the Vietnamese people. The people of America was so incensed at the evil crime many spent time to protest this Genocide. America has used chemical warfare on other countries around the world. America overthrew a democratically elected president of Chile, Salvador Allende and replaced him with Augusto Pinochet, a Fascist dictator. They funded the Contra Rebels against the Nicaraguan Sandinista Government using money obtained by shipping cocaine from Colombia to Florida. They overthrew a democratically elected Iranian Government to put the Shah in charge which ultimately led to the Ayatollah Khomeini running Iran. Rev Wright only touched the tip of the Iceberg.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, United Kingdom

My family, friends, neighbors, associates and me live in FL. We feel that the only person who allowed this Democratic Party to be damaged is none other than HOWARD DEAN himself. What a "BONEHEAD"!

Fran Villa, FT LAUDERDALE, FL

I have seen what America has done to the small Island of Jamaica, the Bauxite Companies from America done to the Island. on a visit, in 1991 I saw the big holes dug and left to fill with stagnant water which leads to Mosquitoes breeding and leaving the potential of Malaria, for poor locals with little or no healthcare. And flooded the Country with Guns. To a proud American you need to be proud of the crimes against Humanity America has committed against the people of the world since world war 2. Rev Wright was the first person I heard that spoke up about the crimes, I was wondering if any one in America ever studied History. There is a silent voice that needs to be heard. The American people needs to ask the American Government what they were doing in Iran in 1953?. And the question needs to be asked what America was doing when they supplied chemical to Saddam to Gas the Kurds in Fallujah. And what the Americans was doing when they supplied money and Weapons to Saddam to invade
Iran.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Hillary is desperate if she does not win no Democrat should win, that is her opinion. And I say to the American people if Obama don't win his supporters should remain silent. Vote not for Hillery or McCain and ensure Change is not ignored. We can't wait for change, change is needed now. People who is only interested in self only is not for the people, or the Party. Hillary has her education, what is important is others have their chance regardless of colour or race. People of America has a duty to make the right decisions now, another Bush would take the world to the bottom of the abbis. The point of no return!. America is fracturing bridges collapsing, flooding global warming which the Republicans are choosing to ignor, with no public transportation in States like Texas, and in other parts of America, the public has a duty to demand their Taxes is spent to improve the quality of life for American people across the country. The rich establishments have more money then they could spend

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, United Kingdom

The fact that more Clinton voters would defect if Obama were chosen as the Democratic candidate speaks volumes about why they are really voting for Hillary in the first place and it's obviously not because of her agenda.

Siri, Bloomfield Hills, MI

barack needs ro drop out and accept a vp slot. hillary is more qualified and has run a better campaign, he is the one who has sniped at her constantly, supported by the press and those who fear they cannot manipulate hillary in the democratic party. she has the experience, she has the knowledge and the plans. he has copied her plans, constantly downgraded her, and has been riddled with controversy and lies in his campaign. go hillary !

suzanna riedl, cleveland, ohio

I would like to know, IF Mrs. Clinton had ever have a close friend or associate that have used raciest remarks.
I would further like to know if that there is such a person, is Mrs. Clinton still associated with with that person ?..
If the answer is YES....Then I would like to say to Hillary...

If you are living in a Glass House, Please don't throw stone.

Please Hillary, do not point at that image in the mirror....If you do not know what will happen...It will certainly point back at you...

Herbert, Brooklyn, NY

WHY did Florida and Michigan move their primaries ahead? I still don't know. How bad is that?

Sharron Chapman, Boulder, CO

This Democratic race is tiring and i'm sure there are many democrats out there who agree. I am an Obama supporter and believe that the superdelegates need to step up now and endorse the democratic nominee with the most pledged delegates. If this rat race continues it will not allow our nominee to campaign long enough against McCain or raise enough money. TO ALL THE SUPERDELEGATES, STAND UP NOW AND STOP THIS BEFORE OUR DEMOCRATIC PARTY FALLS APART. WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER REPUBLICAN AS PRESIDENT TO CONTINUE TO RUIN OUR NATION.

Kristi Martin, Omaha, NE

Keep at it Hillary!! - Support McCain for President....

Martin, Atlanta, GA

There go the Democrats again! Senators Obama and Clinton are having an incredible battle that should (mathematically speaking), run all the way to the convention in August. Mr. Dean is trying to cut the process short to try and protect his party's chances in November. Now why should he do that? John McCain never asked Mike Huckabee to leave the Republican race, instead he stood behind Huckabee's right to seek the Republican nomination, even though it was virtually impossible for Huckabee to reach the magic number for at least six weeks before he finally conceded?

Neither Senators Clinton or Obama should be 'spoonfed' the nomination. There are many voices in the Democratic Party and all of them should be heard. Otherwise, come November, many of us are going to stay home or vote for John McCain - at least we know he has courage and character!

Andre, Portland, USA

Back off Howard Dean and Nancy Pelossi!! Let Hillary Clintons suppoters to vote.
I'm praying that these Superdelegates to back up Hillary Clinton because she is the strongest candidate to beat McCain and evryone knows.

flor velasquez, sterling, va

What I still do not understand why Mrs. Clinton is allowed to say whenever she LIES that she just misspoke. I think all of us were educated not to lie and when we were caught by our parents lying things would have gotten worse telling them, sorry, I just misspoke. The exaggerated stories of Hillary are just to much. What can we expect from her becoming president. Did we not get enough of lies from the actual republican administration? So now we will go on as usual getting lies from the CLINTONS. Do not forget both of them have a tendency to lie and then just spin this into "being human" or "I made a mistake". Enough is enough!! This determination hunting for power (because that is is it when she claims "this is very personal to me" ) should be stopped cold by the DNC.

Klaus D. Wiesensee, La Paz, Mexico

The Democrats are about to lose the plot, even though some sure-footed people like Howard Dean are trying to impart some common sense into them. The personal ambitions of individual candidates rank below the interests of a political party and below the interests of country. If the petty bickering is not resolved soon, and the obvious thing is to go with the popular vote, then the Republicans will get in again. Maybe that's OK with you, Hillary?

Martin Baldwin-Edwards, Athens, Greece

The contest should go on and it is Dean and all the others who should "shut up". What is the purpose of the convention if not to decide who will be the party candidate should the primaries not make that decision clear? If the Democratic party tears apart because they can't decide on a candidate then that is simply a reflection of how disfunctional the party really is. Dean and all of the "super delegates" should stay out of the primary process. The primaries belong to the people, the convention belongs to the delegates. Everyone needs to play their part and leave it to others to play theirs.

J. Russell, Houston, TX

It's easy to say to Barack to shut up, but it was Clinton that started the race card - that he was a Muslim, a left wing religious fanatic, etc. He was always courteous to her and never said bad things about her. He had no alternative but to defend himself. We learn in politics that the race card is the weapon of desperate folk and Clinton certainly is desperate. Her lies are breathtaking - about having to dodge sniper fire is Bosnia and that kind of thing - unbelievable! Good training from Bill, aye!

Now to McCain. A man who has no idea where Iran is and no ideas whatsoever about anything. Best just to leave good ole Dubya in - the Americans deserve more, much more than what Dubya has dished out to them in the past.

Bill Bothers, Boise, Idaho,

The way the media has backed Obama and blamed Clinton is incredible. I guess it's because he makes for the more exciting news -- sells the most papers, in an old cliche. All too many Dems are going to vote McCain, when they get in the privacy of the voting booth come Nov., and that's what they have been counting on and why they have voted so heavily for Obama in the primaries where they have been allowed to vote in the Dem primary. It's also why so many deep-pocket Republicans are so heavily bankrolling him.

Jenny McIntosh, Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Why do they always say that the woman must step down? And since when did such a small lead become "insurmountable", esp. when so many delegates have not yet been selected, nor are superdelegates "required by law" to actually vote for whom they have indicated they support, or might support? Typical example of media bias for Obama.

Jenny McIntosh, Elizabeth City, North Carolina

For Pam in California...
Heck, us folks in Texas don't even understand it. Basically it goes like this. On the Primary voting day, all the people vote and are invited to return to the caucus of their precinct after the polls close. Those that show up then elect precinct delegates and take a vote on how their
precinct delegates to the county convention will vote. At the county conventions, delegates are selected for the state convention and from there on to the national. Pretty confusing? You bet!!!

That's why I am glad to be a Republican where it is and has always been winner take all by popular vote, even when there are multiple candidates.

Robert Blair, Round Rock, TX/USA

I am in a position where I am ready to vote for Senator McCain. As a woman, I know that the bickering is so like us! We can do it all day!!! Where is Senator Cllinton's mode of thinking if she thinks (as she has said) that this "spirited.exiting contest is a plus for the Democrats." If you study the race closely, and have taken note that most declared Republicans vote Democrat in the primary to put the person in that they believe their candidate can defeat. Lets face it, men are not ready nor will they ever be ready for a female leader. The Democrats are playing right into the Republicans hands.

Graham, Toledo,

What kind of Democrat wants a candidate chosen against the will of the democratically expressed will of the voters?

Ed, San Diego, USA

There is absolutely no doubt that the Democrats need a different candidate, even if it has to be Al Gore. This is necessary because the ,present, two candidates should not be allowed to destroy this golden opportunity, for the Democrats. It was once a foregone conclusion that the Democrats would win the coming presidential election. Now the result is in serious doubt. Furthermore, the putting in place of a different candidate would serve as a dire warning to any other candidates, of either party, who think that they can behave as destructively and childishly as these two have.

Marc, Paris,

why even dean always tell us that there are 350 superdelegates left to make up their mind? the superdelegates from florida and michigan are out. So there are only 300 Superdelegates left. Doesn't know dean that fact or does he only wants to be polite with the democrats from michigan and florida?

maz hess, biel, switzerland

If Clinton wanted a re-vote in Florida etc (Florida AGAIN!!!) she should have said so at the start when sje thought she was sure to win. Not now when she has almost lost.

Phil, Hong Kong,

I am not voting for either one of them, they make me sick, always fighting and arguing. That goes on with all of congress day after day. I am voting republican this year because i cant stand the othrt two.

linda, royse city, tx

I agree; why are the rules, which have been long established, suddenly ripe for revision? Why is it that the woman must step down now? FOLLOW YOUR OWN RULES, HOWARD DEAN AND NANCY PELOSI!!! To Hillary: it's always darkest before the dawn, girl. Even Reagan took his fight all the way to the convention. Don't let these people push you around!!! Don't let them rewrite the rules. Anything can happen!!! Anything!!!

PATRICIA, Lake Arrowhead, USA/CA

I'm Zahedi,an Indonesian man who loves and knows much about the history of great USA from hundreds years ago. I do cares about the next candidate president for USA. I have already followed the ways done by 2 candidates from Democratic party.
I don't have any connection personally with both of them but I just want to see USA becomes better and wiser for the world by having a great president who can bring the world harmony and peace. I know very well Mr.Clinton and his wife the honourable Ms.Hillary. They are great but honestly I believe and wish there will be a good chance for Mr.Barrack Obama to become the ONE FOR USA and ALSO FOR THE WORLD......may God the greatest ALLAH gives you the best president .....I want to suggest them both : Stop seeing and bleaming the weakness of other but pls go a head to maximize the strength and opportunity

Zahedi, Palembang, Indonesia

Journalists, especially outside the United States, would do well to remember (if not learn for the first time) some salient facts that are critical not simply in the Democrat nomination process, but in the November election.

1. Delegates may be "pledged" to one candidate or another, but not all are either committed to or required to vote for the candidate to whom they are pledged. Some delegates may therefore decided to switch allegiances before the convention even begins.

2. Invariably, all delegates have complete freedom of choice on the second and subsequent convention ballots. This is why it is in the interests of the party moguls to have a nice, swift, and clean nomination on the first ballot.

3. The Florida and Michigan delegates are crucial not only to Mrs. Clinton in the nomination, but to the entire party in the election. Voters who have been snubbed or disregarded in the primaries have long memories and are more susceptible to voting for the opposite party.

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

If Clinton gets the nomination the world will despair.

Phil, Hong Kong,

i don't think its over till its over. i also think the votes should be counted in michigan and florida. everyone should have there votes counted. is it true that the caucus in texas people got to vote twice? how is this fair?

pam, fremont, ca

It's good that Dean has finally taken some sort of stand on this (ending the primaries), but what can he really do in the open? The results of several decades of political "drift" have turned the party nomination process in the United States into an overly-democratic process in which the party leadership has lost a significant amount of power over choosing.

Brett, Salt Lake City, USA