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The Race Goes On -- And Gets Uglier

The Race Goes On -- And Gets Uglier

McClatchy/NBC News   |   March 5, 2008 01:55 AM

Read More: Breaking Politics News, Ohio Election Results, Ohio Primary Results, Ohio Voting Results, Primary Results, Texas Election Results, Texas Primary, Texas Primary Results, Texas Voting Results, Breaking Politics News

"Now it could get ugly," McClatchy reports in its Tuesday night wrap-up.

Hillary Clinton's victories in Ohio and Rhode Island aren't enough to turn the tide and overtake Barack Obama, who still leads in delegates needed to win the Democratic presidential nomination.


But her victories were enough to stop his winning streak at 12 and break his momentum. Perhaps more important for the party, Tuesday's results likely ratified her scathing attacks on Obama as a dangerous neophyte who would endanger the country.

As long as Clinton thinks that works -- she could say she's found her voice again -- and suspects that other forces also might be starting to line up against Obama, she'll stay in the race and keep hitting him harder and harder.

"We're going on, we're going strong and we're going all the way," she told supporters in Columbus Tuesday night.

She almost certainly can't overtake him in the 11 states left to vote. However, she can stay in and hope that he falters under her attacks, tough new scrutiny from the news media and more Clinton wins in states such as Pennsylvania, which votes on April 22.

Seemingly confirming this take, senior Obama advisor David Axelrod told reporters on Tuesday that his candidate is ready to go toe-to-toe with Clinton:

"We have not hesitated to draw distinctions between the candidates," he said, "and we'll continue to do that. If Sen. Clinton wants to take the debate to various places, we'll join that debate. We'll do it on our terms and in our own way, but if she wants to make issues like ethics and disclosure and lawfirms and real estate deals and all that stuff issues, as I've said before I don't know why they'd want to go there, but I guess that's where they'll take the race."


But is Obama willing to go there?

"We're willing to draw distinctions that are honest and legitimate," Axelrod said before raising the issue of Clinton's tax returns and the records from the Clinton library.

It's going to be a long seven weeks to Pennsylvania....


 

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collapse Italymario See Profile I'm a Fan of Italymario

How about Obama/ Clinton ticket..............with Clinton as VP since Obama would win pledged delegates. That could save time, money and a convention disaster. Democrats need the money to fight republicans and to start painting John McCain before he gets a free ride for five months and saves money. Don"t you think the mess would go worst and hurt the Dems?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:35 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse briel See Profile I'm a Fan of briel

I agree. That should be the solution. I don't think that the ticket should be Clinton/Obama, since she will prob. lose this thing, even if she does play a game of scorch the planet.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:40 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse briel See Profile I'm a Fan of briel

I'm FAR from a Clinton supporter, but I sense that she doesn't wish to go down the road of dirty tricks if she can avoid it. She already implied that she would be up for considering a combined 'dream' ticket (just to clarify - not MY dream, but it might be better than warfare in the dem ranks). Would you want to be known as the one who took out Barack w/ dirty tricks, especially when Barack has been pretty much sticking to the high road? And, God forbid, suppose McCain won because she TANKED the democratic party's chances due to her ego. No, she doesn't wish to be defeated, but I think she's going to be pragmatic, for her own self-centered sake... Further, would you want your political career tarnished by the 'accomplishment' of having taken out the 'Yes we can' movement. Things aren't bad now because Barack w/ probably still win w/ his delegate count, but imagine if the Clinton smear machine goes into full swing!.. Sort of like fighting against Sauron, the dark lord. Can be done, but very difficult since she doesn't play by the rules, and you'll be near death when evil falls. :)

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:29 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse Cynde See Profile I'm a Fan of Cynde

She's found her voice? She needs a good case of laryngitis. So she sucked in a those undecideds in Ohio with her 3:00 A.M. distorted ad, but I don't think the Super Delegates can get sucked in with that. I don't think they fall to the scare tactics that those voters fell for. I would hope they are a more sophisticated bunch - dont you?

If someone is a divider and not a unifier as Obama, how can we get back our credibility on the world stage. It is not all about the U.S. It is also about the World. The rest of the world hates Bush and his administration policies. Hillary and McCain are Bush all over again. It won't be just a split in the Dem party, it will be a pulling away from America the Warmongering Nation.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:34 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse mix2007 See Profile I'm a Fan of mix2007

If Hillary runs the general election, and more importantly the white house, like she has run her idiotic, tonedeaf campaign, we are all in trouble!
The superdelegates know that Obama has actually GROWN the party. This is the future of the DNC. If they "steal" the nomination from the guy who won the most votes, they will instantly lose these people for decades possibly.
She can't catch up. She needed BIG wins yesterday and didn't get it.No need to ask her to bow out, eventually, with the clock running out, after her last "firewall" in PA, she will dwindle away to irrelevancy.Sorry, the voters matter. She can't win. It's over. If she wants to drag it out, spend all her supporters money, that's her call. But she can not catch up.The only downside is if she ends up helping McCain by either giving him plenty of time to raise money and attack Obama, and also provide the GOP with more and more material to attack him with. That is why I think Hillary is selfish and ruthless to go on. It seems like it is mostly out of ego or spite.

This is a victory for the GOP and their 100 years war in Iraq.

**So is Hillary the new Huckabee, or the new Nader?**

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:26 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse ndolomar See Profile I'm a Fan of ndolomar

need help -- trying to find the right conjugation:

"i just got kitchen sinked..."
"...pulled a kitchen sink."
"...will enact a kitchen-sink campaign..."

(still trying it out, since the term looks to be the successor to "swiftboat." and, yes, i've posted a variation of this elsewhere -- for trademark purposes. :-) )

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:40 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse SensibleAmerican See Profile I'm a Fan of SensibleAmerican

THANK THE LORD FOR THE CLINTON YEARS!!!

GDP: rose from 6300 to 11,600
NATIONAL INCOME- 5,000 to 8,000 Billion--
JOBS CREATED 237,000 per month to replace Jimmy Carter's record of 218,000.
AVERAGE WEEKLY EARNINGS--$360 to $478
AVERAGE WEEKLY HOURS WORKED--never hit 35.0--hit that mark 4 times in 80's
UNEMPLOYMENT--from 7.2% down down down to as low as 3.9%
MINIMUM WAGE--$4.25 to $5.15
MINORITIES--never better!!!
HOME OWNERSHIP--hit all time high
DEFICIT--290 Billion to whoopee a SURPLUS
DEBT----+28%---300% increase over prior 12 years by Conservatives.
FEDERAL SPENDING--+28%---+80% under Reagan- who is the true conservative?
DOW JONES AVERAGE 3,500 to 11,720 top in 2000. All it's history to get to 3500 and Clinton zooms it!!!
NASDAQ--700 to 5,000 top in 2000.---All of it's history to get to 700 and Clinton zooms it!!!
VALUES INDEXES-- almost all bad went down--good went up in zoom zoom zoom
FOREIGN AFFAIRS--Peace on Earth good will toward each other---Mark of a true Christian--what has Bush done to Peace on Earth?
POPULARITY---highest poll ratings in history during peacetime in AFRICA, ASIA AND EUROPE . Even 98.5% in Moscow--left office with Highest Gallup rating since it was started in 1920's.
STAND UP FOR JUSTICE--evil conservatives spent $40M on hearings and investigations and caught zilch!!!
Bill Clinton, the ONLY Dem President to serve 2 terms since FDR!!! Now Hillary our 44th President ... Amen ...

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:19 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse briel See Profile I'm a Fan of briel

Economics are cyclical. And did you forget the tech bubble that burst? Clinton happened to be lucky enough to be in on the upswing.. But, a larger point.. Integrity wins over dollars every time (with me that is).. Some people sell out and say, "hey, if you put money in my pocket, you can do and be whatever.. just line my pockets.." If that's you, seek help.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:21 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse kidrio See Profile I'm a Fan of kidrio

Leave it to the Democrats to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory. Hillary is blinded by her ambition and if she continues on with her negative ads and casting doubts on Obama's experience she will continue to define the Republican's campaign. Everyone knows that the telephone ringing ad is nasty and fear mongering. All McCain has to do is use that ad and if it has the same effect on the people voting in the primaries, just imagine the results it will have on the general.

Word to Hillary, do something unselfish for a change, drop out now and support your party, rather fight till the end and hand the election to the Republicans. It is my belief that if she doesn't, her career as a politician is over because no one will vote for the Democratic Senator that gave away the Presidency to the Republicans while tearing the Democratic party apart at the seams.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:33 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse SensibleAmerican See Profile I'm a Fan of SensibleAmerican

NO! Leave it to the far-left-loser-looney-fringe to try to do another 2000! The right wing attack machine will wipe the floor with Fluffy Hussein! Thank the Lord, Hillary will save the Dems, NOT the looney fringe, the DEMS!

The looney losers want the Dems to lose so they can contiue their rants and raves for that is essentially their politics and the crux of their political existence ...

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:22 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse Rocky4356 See Profile I'm a Fan of Rocky4356

Lets get real The former Chief Hostess of the United States out foxed Obama. For folk to keep whining about her going to the dark side and Obama must stay above the fray lets get real. When you are down you must swing for the fences. Obama is going to Steel Town so he better get out his abestos draws cause its gonna get hot. Stop running home and telling about the bully who bloodied your nose. My mother would have asked me how does the other guy look. Being honest you didn't lay a glove on her. You may have maintained the delegate math but in the public eyes you got whacked. If Obamas guys ever watched a Steeler or Eagle game they would see the kinda folks who live in Penn. Ms. Clinton 35 years of exprience has never been looked at. if being Chief Hostess of America qualifies you to answer the phone at 3Am in the morning maybe we need to change the color of the phone.The fact that see traveled alot would qualify her for a travel agent gig not the presidency. Obama needs to take the gloves off and DECK HER cause she ain't no lady!!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:52 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse heavencent See Profile I'm a Fan of heavencent

I am from 'the Burgh",and you are so right!Obama has been "TOO" nice To her.He has to get down and dirty just like her,because its obvious she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.I couldn't believe my ears when she started reeling off all her experience she thinks she has to be C-in-C;talking about "fairy-tales" How did what happened during BILL's TERM become her experience.WTF- is she for real.I just want this to be over.Please PA.-do the right thing Let's get on with throwing these crazies out of office.Let's take our country back before it's too late!!!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:21 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse briel See Profile I'm a Fan of briel

And if her egotistical move costs us the general election, she and you amoral people who voted for her will need to look yourselves in the mirror for 4yrs and wonder what 'could have been' had you not caused the party to self destruct.. She can't win unless Barack throws in the towel, or she resorts to dirty tricks (a Clinton specialty). I don't think Barack will give up. I do think she will do what she needs to do to pacify her ego (and yours).

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:09 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse shedevil See Profile I'm a Fan of shedevil

We support Barack because anybody can go negative and spin out of control. Barack please don't act foolish on us just work on the issues that is what we are concerned about beside it is in Hillary's nature to be low-down.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:32 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse Cynde See Profile I'm a Fan of Cynde

No, I think now is the time to give it back to her. Bring up the tax returns and Clinton records. She has a lot more in her closet hiding away. He has to zing her a bit.

Remember she stood by Mr. Clinton after all his affairs just so she could someday be in this position of running for president. She threw her soul away then for the futue power. No strong woman would have swallowed those years of affairs unless she had an agenda. So what do you expect with all that rage is coming out now. Like hey, I deserve this for what I put up with and went through to get to this point. Not what I have done for my country. Give me a break.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:11 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse briel See Profile I'm a Fan of briel

I agree that Barack ought to push for the tax returns. He doesn't need to go negative to do that.. Just ask, repeatedly. Tim Russert did, she promised to try before the Super Tue #2, but didn't do it. Now she can do it.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:45 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse anthonylee See Profile I'm a Fan of anthonylee

Democrats - wasting TIME, wasting MONEY and airing DIRTY LAUNDRY to "Repugletts"!

Oh, and if that isn't enough, the Legislative Democratic Representatives (i.e. - "Losers") on Capital Hill are caving to the Bush - White House on illegal wiretaps and granting immunity to the Telecoms!?!?!?

I'm beside myself, perhaps we're looking at the "Republican Conspiracy" to destroy the DNC, once and for all? Watergate couldn't have been the only plan on the table!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:19 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse anthonylee See Profile I'm a Fan of anthonylee

Taking two "Chill Pills" and will call in the morning. . . . .

Mathematically, Hillary can't win enough Pledged Delegates to overtake Obama - check out Newsweek article - http://www.newsweek.com/id/118240 - "Hillary's Math Problem"

What's really giving me heartburn is Hillary's "argument" that's being floated to win the nomination through the Super Delegate votes. If this is allowed to happen, the Democratic Party as we know it will no longer exist; It will be fractured beyond repair!

If Sen. Obama isn't the nominee, I'll "write-in" Barack Obama in the General - that's my "vote" and that's my conscience. The Respect and Honor that I have for my Country and the Office of the "Camander and Chief" will not allow me to vote the lesser of all "evils". My "vote" and others like it, will most assuredly elect McCain to the Office . . . so be it, Karl Rove wins again. After the election my time will be spent working on a grassroots level, setting my sights on Congress, helping to vote Incumbent Democrats "OUT OF OFFICE"!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:07 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse gloryoski See Profile I'm a Fan of gloryoski

You're starting to sound awfully convincing...

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:16 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse briel See Profile I'm a Fan of briel

well said.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:11 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse Shadowmann1 See Profile I'm a Fan of Shadowmann1

Quick poll. How many of us Obama supporters will NEVER vote for Hillary after this nastiness (if she were the nominee)?

She won't get my vote. Anybody else?

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:44 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse Cynde See Profile I'm a Fan of Cynde

I will sit it out as I can't vote for McCain or Hillary. Because in my book, Hillary is acting like a true Republican these days.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:17 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse Ides See Profile I'm a Fan of Ides

I can't vote for McCain, but I know Hillary Clinton is just as bad on foreign policy. I'll probably suck it up and vote for her. Maybe. Possibly....

The problem is, the same mindset Hillary Clinton is using to win and which she has built her career on is the same mindset that Bush used while in office. She's our version of George W. Bush waiting to rise to power on the gullibility of her voters and connections to a successful presidency. If you can't see it, I can't help you, but just because she has a D in front of her name doesn't mean she's not a problem. Don't lie and say this doesn't remind you of the McCain/Bush face off from 2000. Bush spread a bunch of rumors to race bait, McCain lost the fight and his moral compass and, 8 years later, his soul.

Now look at Hillary Clinton. Same ethnic-baiting tactics, same motivation, same lack of experience, same reliance on family connections, same willingness to lie and cheat, same reliance on the religious, uneducated, paranoid soccer mom base. That really, really bugs me, not on principle, but on absolute trepidation. I know what she is capable of and it makes my skin crawl.

Why? Because NO ONE WOULD STOP HER. Now, I won't vote FOR McCain because I don't want that black spot on my karma, but I'd feel far more comfortable if he had a sporting chance against a Democratic government willing to fight than letting Hillary Clinton destroy the Democratic Party the same way Bush crippled the Republicans.

If a Liberal president has a Left-leaning Congress you can get real change done. If a Left-leaning Centrist President has a Left-Leaning Congress, YOU WILL LOSE CONGRESS. Why? Because no one knows what the party stands for so they don't know what philosophy of government to throw blame at.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:37 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse shedevil See Profile I'm a Fan of shedevil

I am not going to vote for her but I won't vote against the party either,

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:43 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse JUSTME See Profile I'm a Fan of JUSTME

I will not vote for her. It was the first Clinton that led to eight years of George Bush. God only knows what a second Clinton presidency will do to this nation.

As far as I'm concerned, there is no difference between George Bush, Karl Rove, and the Clintons any longer. They are all equally despicable.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:21 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse jsrl317 See Profile I'm a Fan of jsrl317

I will not support her candidacy, and I will not vote for her.

this divide and conquer strategy has caused me to change my mind from "I cant vote for any of these great people" to "I never will ever support her".

her husband played the race and gender card, has divided the Democratic party, and I do not feel comfortable with her experience. she is not tested - she has only held one elected office and it was a walk, she has little experience - once again elected office once, while Obama has been in this game for 20+ years, and her vote for the war and lack of specifics as to what she will do to counter lobbyists, restoration of our Constitution bother me. Also she is very divisive with high negatives. And while she might win the White House, without my help, she will surely face the same type of cogress her husband faced, one that is openly hostile to her even from within her party.

She has totrally lost blacks, which is why I think she will never win a general. Also once this is all over, as I am an example, she will not be able to unify the party.

Obama can and Obama will.

This lady does not even have an original thought in her head either. Yes She Will? Typical Clinton, take or borrow what is not yours and make it yours by fiat.

No, while it will be difficult and it will mean more war, McCain will win against her should these Clintonistas and the dirty trick prevail. I have no worries, while this will be difficult for me and my family, we will weather another 8 years of GOP rule. Been doing it for 24 years, what is another 8?

I also must ask what is the relevance of a party that loses a General with all the wind at it's back.

To close, if Hillary wins, it is truly the end of the Democratic party since anything less than victory will prove the party is not viable. Her becoming the nominee guarantess this.

One more closer that needs to be talked about. It is far more healing to elect a black than a woman. Women have gotten theirs, they have been at the highest apexes of power. the thing which keeps us back is not gender equality, but our racial divide is crippling. Obama cures that and creates an America the world will be in awe of. the world has already seen enough female leaders. Think of what it says about our country to elect a true American, made up of the fabric of the melting pot we call the United States of America.


-J

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:44 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse greejambri See Profile I'm a Fan of greejambri

Here I am with my hand high in the air. 58-year-old white male Obama supporter who will NEVER vote for Hillary Clinton, period. NEVER!!!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:34 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse fredamae See Profile I'm a Fan of fredamae

Her I am, with my hand held high in the air. 58 YO white Female Un-decided voter who will Most definitely vote for Hillary if I decide she is best, and after reading some of these posts I AM leaning for HRC.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:00 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse JavaCityGal See Profile I'm a Fan of JavaCityGal

Honestly, there just isn't any difference between Hillary and the Republicans-- Rove tactics, warmongering etc. It would be Republican vs Republican ticket. If Hillary somehow fairly and squarely manages to win the pledged (not super delegates), I would consider voting for her. But if she does it though Rove tactics and stealing super delegates, I will write in "Barack Obama".

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:33 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse mpflinn See Profile I'm a Fan of mpflinn

I am a 64 year-old woman who believes in Senator Obama's ability to lead our country in a new direction. If Senator Clinton becomes the Dem candidate by virtue of superdelegates, for the first time in my life I must seriously consider not voting.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:06 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse fredamae See Profile I'm a Fan of fredamae

YES, i will vote for Hillary IF she is my choice on Primary day. I am undecided, but if i believe Hillary can best represent me at that time, i will not hesitate to vote for her.

Remember, a LOT of people are voting as "sexists", not the Issues. Sexism is STILL Most prevalent in our country, sadly.

Perspective, use it or lose it.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:00 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse DRHoen See Profile I'm a Fan of DRHoen

Who can doubt the reality of sexism. But the big question is, are more men (and women) voting against Clinton because she is a woman ('negative' sexism) or are more women (and men) voting for her for the same reason ('positive' sexism). Cynically, one might characterize this simply as a competition between sexism and racism. I just wish everyone could get away from identity politics.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:35 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse TheSecularist See Profile I'm a Fan of TheSecularist

People are against her because of WHO SHE IS, not her gender. Sadly, Hillary supporters continue to push that lie. She's a sleazy, flip flopping, good old boy!

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:18 AM on 03/05/2008
collapse shedevil See Profile I'm a Fan of shedevil

I agree she is just not likable at all even if she were a man doing the same type of stuff.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:53 PM on 03/05/2008
collapse DRPike See Profile I'm a Fan of DRPike

First off, she isn.t going to win. Last night was a damn against the flood but she is too far behind to catch up. We will have O8ama.

Having said that, if she found a way I don't know. I want a democrat but I do not want a democrat who uses rovian tactics like the 3am call ad.

I'll probably stay home and let those who can still see a meaningful distinction that is not, in the final analysis, a wash decide.

And, BTY bauersox, McCain has shown moderation so that your assertions are just outlandish. I don't want the guy but he would not put a Religeous Rightie on the SC, the 100 years in Iraq is just a spin of hyperbole about staying till it's done, he supports stem cell research and no president is going to fix the gas problem in the next 4 years.

favoriteFavorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:00 AM on 03/05/2008