Senator Leahy To Clinton: Drop Out

** NEW UPDATES BELOW **

Obama-backing Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT) has become among the most senior Democrats to explicitly call for Sen. Hillary Clinton to drop out of the race:

In an interview on Vermont Public Radio, said "There is no way that Senator Clinton is going to win enough delegates to get the nomination. She ought to withdraw and she ought to be backing Senator Obama. Now, obviously that's a decision that only she can make frankly I feel that she would have a tremendous career in the Senate."

Leahy said he was fretting about the impact of the protracted Democratic race.

"I am very concerned," he said. "John McCain, who has been making one gaffe after another, is getting a free ride on it because Senator Obama and Senator Clinton have to fight with each other. I think that her criticism is hurting him more than anything John McCain has said. I think that's unfortunate."

UPDATE: Leahy has released a new statement phrasing the issue in a softer tone (and without a call for Clinton to drop out):

Any clear-eyed appraisal of the campaign at this stage adds up to two conclusions:

The bottom line is that, first, Senator Obama continues to hold a lead that appears to be insurmountable, and recent indications are that more and more unpledged delegates have begun to add their support to his column.

And second, John McCain, who has been making one mistake after another, is getting a free ride on those gaffes, because the Democratic candidates have to focus not on him but on each other.

Senator Casey's endorsement of Senator Obama in Pennsylvania is the latest sign of how the race is going.

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A Democratic victory in November is important to the future and to the change in course that the American people want and deserve. The last thing the American people need is for Senator McCain to continue a third term for President Bush.

Senator Clinton has every right, but not a very good reason, to remain a candidate for as long as she wants to. As far as the delegate count and the interests of a Democratic victory in November go, there is not a very good reason for drawing this out. But as I have said before, that is a decision that only she can make.

Senator Clinton has begun a tremendous career in the Senate, and she has a bright future ahead of her. She faces difficult decisions ahead, and I wish her the best.

Also, the Clinton campaign released statements from their top Pennsylvania supporters:

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell: 'To call for an end to this race before the people of Pennsylvania have had a chance to make their views known is wrong and a disservice to millions of Democrats.' "I respect Senator Leahy and like him very much but as the governor of one of America's largest states, I am disappointed in his comments. By virtually every measure, this race is neck and neck with less than 1% of the more than 27 million votes cast forming the difference between the two candidates. To call for an end to this race before the people of Pennsylvania have had a chance to make their views known is wrong and a disservice to millions of Democrats." [Statement from Gov. Ed Rendell, thepage.time.com, 3/28/08]

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter: 'What [Sen. Leahy's] proposing would be like calling a baseball game in the 7th inning. Let's play this out... I think it's important not only that our concerns be discussed, but that our voices be heard and our votes be counted. "While I appreciate the loyalty Senator Leahy feels to Senator Obama and the concern he may have about his candidate's ability to win, what he's proposing would be like calling a baseball game in the 7th inning. Let's play this out. We have yet to have a real discussion about the issues at stake in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton and I think it's important not only that our concerns be discussed, but that our voices be heard and our votes be counted. That's democracy. There is no reason whatsoever to disenfranchise Philadelphians and deprive them of their right to participate in our democratic process." [Statement from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, 3/28/08]

Comments

[yotinzepol]

If Leahy and Pelosi think that a prolong fight is damaging to the party, wait until they find out what happens after FL and MI voters are finally disenfranchised.

The logic and motives of these people calling for Hillary to drop out from a tight contest and do nothing to restore the democratic rights of the voters of Fl and MI are obviously flawed and self-serving.

[najablah]

First, this isnt a tight contest. Obama has an insurmountable lead in states won, popular vote, and pledged delegates. Second, both hillary and obama agreed that the votes in MI and FL wouldnt count. What is the problem? If they hold revotes, fine. But if not, you cannot seat those delegates.

[fastannie]

As I understand it, Mr Obama does not yet have enough delegates to win either.

[DavidK08]

true. However, The more important issue is that, the insurmountable lead will only be overcome by the SDs and that would negate FL and MI just like the rest of the country. I think that they will be sat as voted. Just not untill HRC is removed from the race. That is going to happen by the SDs before everything comes to a head. HRC, in her recent desperation has finally done herself in. Between the Carville attacks and the new money issues of who gave what and how much added to her own tax return issues that are looming, are going to be the final blow to her campaign.

HRC supporters will need to recognize how and why she is out. Nothing to do with Obama, other than being preferred, is his fault. It is all to do with her lack of plan beyond super Tuesday and her underestimation of Obama last year. That is why she is in desperation mode now.

[melann830]

Hey najablah, blah, blah, blah.

[fastannie]

I lost all respect for Pelosi when she took impeachment of Bush admin. war criminals "off the table"

[AnninCA]

It's amazing to me that they were willing to just wear down the FL and MI dems on this. Just amazing.

They are trying to steal the election from the voters.

[liberal]

You hit the nail right on the head. Living in Florida and having voted has left me at odds as to whether I will vote in the presidential election. I voted and I want my vote counted, the citizens of Florida should not be penalized for a calculated move by the Republican party.

[melann830]

and don't forget the voters in Puerto Rico, who also serve and die in Iraq and other wars. Their votes and voices must be protected this year more than ever, since they voted to hold a primary and not a caucus.

[Rog49Thomas]

The article lacks some key facts.

Exactly how many "leading" Democrats have called for Hillary to step aside? And to be very clear here, specifically told her to concede as opposed to just endorsing Brother Barrack?

How many of these "leading" Democrats were already on record as supporting Brother Barrack as opposed to those who had previously endorsed Hillary or were "neutral"?

And what percentage do these individuals represent among all leading Democrats? 70% or 7%

[DavidK08]

Good points but that game is on both sides.

Just like HRC saying that "my husband didn't "formally" get the nomination till june"....that is not a lie but what is missing or left out is a lot of truth. It isn't nearly the same case as she would like you to believe.

[JohnTalbutt]

How concise. "Brother Barrack" it took only two words to communicte that he is black ....and you are white.

[SocialConscience]

How dare Senator Leahy call for Clinton's withdrawal. The popular vote gap is a hair's breadth. Every American should have their chance to vote in the primaries.

[Aleka]

But it is not about popular vote. It is about pledged delegates, which she can't win.

This "popular vote" thing Hillary has suckered you into is really sneaky because Obama won most of the caucuses and most of those dont report "popular vote". So what you are really advocating is to change the goal from pledged delegates, which are representative - and which ALL PARTIES AGREED TO AHEAD OF TIME - to popular vote, which NO ONE agreed to and which just so happens to leave out most of the states Hillary lost.

[ltfHusseincrazy]

I hope Obama wins by double digits. I'd love to hear how she spins the great state of Pennsylvania into a small state that they really didn't expect to win because of all the white men who won't vote for a woman. This lady has a borderline personality. She will never admit that she just plain lost!

[fastannie]

But neither can Obama win on pledged delegates, at least so far.

[LarBear]

Aleka... (You said) "But it is not about popular vote. It is about pledged delegates, which she can't win."
Maybe you need to Google the Rules... "Pledged Delegates" is a Title, not a commitment... Like Super Delegates, in accordance with the Rules, they can opt for whom they choose!

Washington State: Caucus
Obama 67.51%..... 21,629 Delegates
Clinton 31.2% ..... 9992 Delegates
Uncommitted 1.1%..... 363
Other .16% 51


Washington State: Primary
Barack Obama 51.22 %
Hillary Clinton 45.67 %
Total Vote 691,381
The Caucuses do NOT really represent the Voters...
Caucus Obama got approximately 2 to 1
Primary Obama won by approximately 5%

[kevenseven]

Easily. There is nothing unusual or undemocratic about a primary contest being decided before the final primaries. It is the norm, not the exception.

[yotinzepol]

If the voters who have voted are decided on Obama, they would have given him the requisite delegates to secure the nomination. The fact that it's a split decision so far, tells you they want this contest to proceed.
There's a record registration in PA. It means they want to weigh in this contest. Why are you so contemptible of the voters who have yet to vote?
Who said democracy is easy?

[hillarysupporter]

Amen. Hillary supporters need to speak up, write letters, petition., etc. Its very undemocratic
what the Democratic leaders are trying to do.

[tangolopez]

I think the Obama camp should stop asking Hillary to drop out. Firstly because she will not, secondly, she will be in the media again. Thirdly, all her die heart supporters would be energized to come out and fight for her. Why do that? leave her alone, when she feels that she no longer can generate headlines, she or Bill will do something stupid to get attention to themselves. Let them run the course and kill themselves while doing it.

[AnninCA]

It's awful tactics, in my opinion. The dirtiest yet.

[livesimply]

The Obama "camp" is not asking her to drop out. Some individuals have expressed their personal opinion that she should do so. The Obama "camp" has made it clear that she should stay in the race. If you can find any other evidence that Obama has suggested or inferred that she drop out, please post. I support Obama, but in or out makes no difference. We will get the president we deserve either way.

[research]

What we're already done with the Hillary Bosnia Lies, but the Obama non story continues?

[Aleka]

I guess...Fox noobs and the scary black people thing...why report actual news when you can get much better ratings from spreading racism and lies?

[kevenseven]

It is the American way!

[AnninCA]

The problem is that Obama lies, too.

Pacs
Nafta
Troop Withdrawal
Rezko
Earmarks
Wright.

It's up to each voter to determine the full weight of the lies and what that tells you, individually, about the candidates.

But pretending Obama is any different?

Well, that only works if you jumped on the bandwagon and can't figure out how to get off.

Lesson learned for a lot of young people, I presume. Politics is politics.

You want spiritual guidance? Follow a spiritual path, not a politician.

[research]

Hey Ann, how much do they pay you for this drivel?

Is it per word? or per entry?

Who's paying you?

Don't you think the tabloids would pay you real money to reveal your employer?

repeating crap, is still crap.

[WASanford]

Senator Clinton to Leahy: Drop Dead

Sorry; I just couldn't resist!

[hillarysupporter]

Thank You!

[Bulbul]

Nothing wrong with that, not a bad word like Cheney and other politicians use !

[timbrehse]

2024 OR IT GOES TO THE FLOOR!
Period.
Them's the rules.

[kevenseven]

She has won more delegates than he has on one day of this contest. Of 11 days of primary voting, she has won more delegates than Obama. And on that day she won with a 2% margin.

Why does anyone think that she has a chance to win this thing?

[Aleka]

I honestly think its because Hillary keeps telling them she does...I don't know why they beleive everything she says, no matter how ridiculous or untruthful. Its the same with that blame Obama for MI and FL thing, which is also false. She just keeps saying this crap like its a fact, and people just suck it up.

I think she has them convinced that popular vote is the actual goalpost, not pledged delegates. She forgot to tell them that she made that up as goal because she couldnt hit the actual one.

[kevenseven]

George Bush is real good at telling lies like they we the word of God.

[AnninCA]

Keven....it's simple. He can't reach the required delegate count. That means that the superdelegates will decide. They decide based on the best political argument that will benefit the Democratic party. That's why they were given this tremendous power.

We have two candidates within spitting distance. No one candidate has a clear win.

The more Obamamaniacs try to deny this, the more sure Hillaryites are that we're on the right track.

If you guys were that confident, you'd never suggest disenfranchising FL and MI or try this ploy of having his surrogates run around screaming that she should step aside. Step aside? Right before Penn?

Oh please......this is just too obvious and demeaning to Obama, frankly. The first question that pops into any reasonable mind is, "Why is he so afraid to let the voters vote?"

[quantum9leap]

Senator ,
What is your hurry? Quite frankly I am very disappointed in your far too early selection of Senator Obama to begin with. I guess I was mistaken about your maturity as a senator. I am crestfallen as I am with Senator Dodd and Governor Richardson and any of the so called superdelegates who have announced their selections as well.
This happens to be a party primary. It is not a general election and should not be judged as such. Its main purpose is to select a well qualified candidate who will become the party's standard in the general election and a probable winner. The difference between the two candidates is just 4% and a far cry from 100% or 50% or even15%. It is by no means a mandate and therefore the contest should go to fruition. At that time the superdelegates enter the fray and make their selection for the good of the party and we hope the nation. Selecting before the time of fruition strikes me as pandering and one has to wonder what was offered.
A much,much too long contest and everyone is tired. But patiemce is a virture.

[northeast73]

LEAHY TO CLINTON - "DROP OUT"

NORTHEAST TO LEAHY "DROP DEAD"

If the democratic party want my vote for ANY candidate and my MONEY for that matter than old gasbags like Leahy need to stfu.

I CANT BELIEVE PEOPLE THINK SHE NEEDS TO WIN 70% OF ALL THE REMAINING VOTES TO WIN. THIS IS A MYTH PEOPLE.

The REAL reason the MSM, the pundits, and Obamantion want her out is because she still have an opportunity to surpass him in the popular vote, and an do so easily.

3,000,000 voters are expected in PA.

With a 10 point win she nets 300,000 votes
with a 20 point win she nets 600,000 votes
with a 30 point win she nets 900,000 votes AND SURPASSES HIM WITH ONE STATE.

[JonStewart4President]

Well I agree that Hillary has a right to stay in the race, for sure. I also agree she doesn't have a huge amount of reason to do so at this point, but okay. As long as she's not damaging too much the presumptive party nominee, she should stay in it, for sure. But if she can't do that and runs a race that does nothing more than cause McCain a better chance of winning. Whether that be because she wants a shot at 2012 or just doesn't care beyond her own ambitions, than the remaining SuperDelegates should get their collective asses in gear and go to Obama to give him the majority, so that she is effectively out. A big part of not getting to that situation for her would be for her and her husband to stop doing things like praising McCain, the enemy, over Obama, the guy they will probably end up supporting. Presumably they are both Democrats, so they should start acting like them when it comes to things like that.

But beyond that and the negative, "kitchen sink" campaign? I disagree that they should be forced out. Or at least not until the end of the next rounds of primaries and maybe not until after June 3rd. But if they're behind all the parameters then? Then yes, they should do the right thing, ep aside and get their shoulder to the wheel and help crush Old an McCain in the GE.

[hillarysupporter]

this has not been a negative campaign. Pointing out what kind of people Obama's been listening to the past 20 years is not negative. This is information Americans deserve to have in order to make the right decision. Pointing out Obama's lack of substance and experience is something
that needs to be done. Seeing and hearing Obama talk about economics this morning on TV
reinforced that he doesn't know what he's talking about., and is not comfortable talking about economics. The person interviewing him was looking at him as if he was a total joke. .

[Jason357]

If the Clintons keep it up, nobody will want to work with her in the Senate. They know that the party can isolate them if it comes to that. 5 think it's great that the Democratic Party actually had a contest for the nominee, as opposed to the GOP, but it's gone on long enough. The Clintons are going to end up putting McCain in the White House, and not gving damn about what he does when he's in there.

[Changeizgood]

I see, like your candidate, you're not above blackmail either to get your way.

You me generation people are the reason why we can't get stuff done, Status Quo cheerleaders.
Our way or the highway you think? Not!

Nader bombs on both parties, if she steals this election. Nader has listened to We the People for forty years and he definately will have the backing if the party caves in to such, maladjusted behavior in the high office they serve. This is bordering on obstruction of elected officials and punishable by our federal laws, I know that hilbot and I'm not even a lawyer.

I do have some experience though, I am AA. In 200 for some hokey reason, my name wasn't on the Presidential election voter list, although I had voted in an district election two months previous.

Disgusting behavior and typical of a spoiled overpampered child, who doesn't believe the truth if it hit them on the bottom.

[kevenseven]

What drivel.

[IAM4CLINTON]

My response to an email I got from Howard Dean tdoay-

Dear Gov.Dean,

I am a passionate Democrat and have given my best to the party and its nominees – but today, I am almost in that 28% of Hillary voters who would cross over and vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee

You and the DNC have this ridiculous rules of proportional allocation of delegates- if we mimic the Republicans of a winner takes all primary- that s what happens in the general election- then Hillary would clearly be the winner with wins in OH, MI, FL, CA,NJ, NY, NM, etc and with PA to follow.

You have been totally ineffectual in deciding Michigan and Florida where millions voted- and Hillary won. They need to be seated fully.

If you want the ultra left wing of the party to prevail- with Opra-Bama- please count me OUT. I will still vote a straight Dem ticket below though.

Unless you franchise MI and FL voters , I will not give you a dime. Be an honest broker- you and Nancy Pelosi.

Regards,

Rameysh

[SocialConscience]

Kudos for speaking your mind. Both Dean and Pelosi have been amazingly ineffectual. Not that I agreed with him, but Hastert was a force to be reckoned with, Nancy is well...a nancy.

People who back Obama have glossed over the fact that 28% of Clinton supporters will vote for McCain in a Obama - McCain matchup while 19% of Obama supporters will vote for McCain in a Clinton - McCain matchup. Isn't it funny how it's all about numbers when the statistics support their candidate, but we hear crickets when it goes the other way.

[Aleka]

Thats because the 28% Clintonites who would vote for McCain are nutjobs who don't care about honesty or ethics anyway - so they kind of belong there.

[mmpost]

I would have to say the majority of those Obama supporters that wouldn't vote for Hillary probably wouldn't vote for her because of her recent tactics. The majority of the those that would vote for a Bush 44 instead of Obama are those that wouldn't have voted for him in the first place.

[kevenseven]

"Hastert was a force to recon with"?

Jesus, you know nothing. Hastert was a puppet on the end of DeLays arm.

[Aleka]

You seriously sent him that? Saying, "Dear Gov Dean: well the rules we all agreed to before the contest are not working out for us, so we'd like to change them to ones that let us win. If you don't change them and hand the nomination to my candidate even though she lost the fair and AGREED UPON contest, I will vote for the other party." Signed, Idiot.

[AnninCA]

Those "rules" allow for compromise, which Obama has blocked. Them's the RULES.

So you now get to just suck it up and live with the truth.

He blocked compromise.

[kevenseven]

The 28% of crybabies prepared to betray their party? That is a group you really want to join?

[melann830]

That is what every disenfranchised voter should and will do if they are disconnected by the rest of you who choose to be selfish and disgrace the party by playing unfair political games. It is our perrogative. It is more than 28%. You can't win the election without us and you won't, so cease in disrespecting our candidate's right and our voter's rights. Then and only then will you have our support. Its time you all started whistling a different tune if you really want a shot at winning.

[jp1949]

Obama has too many negatives. His State Senate records are still missing. Bet we could find out a lot about him if he would come clean and hand them over. His associations with several unsavory people also make him less deserving of even a run for the presidency of this great nation. How about his dual citizenship, Kenya and the U.S. He can't pledge to one country? Lies and slurs and racial inuendo is the best he can do. He borrows from other speeches and calls it his own. Give me a break. It would be better to have McCain than Obama. At least we know McCain is patriotic.

[rivrgrrl]

It's 10:30 pm and I am reading the latest comment posted, which was at 9:41 pm.....and there are over 700 comments pending.

Is this improvement?

[GeoLee]

NO, it is the censors wanting to keep out suggestions that until Obama breaks into the traditional democratic voters in democratic states in larger numbers and looks like he can win in November crowning him Lord is premature.

[kevenseven]

Oh?

[AZDemocrat500]

Tell Leahy to take his behind back to Vermont. He does not tell us what to do. He should tell Obama to tell his cronies in Michigan to count the vote. CNN is reporting OBama and his cronies are denying a revote in Michigan. I will not vote for him.

[LivingStardust]

Mi should have followed the damn rules. So should FL. People not following the rules (or purposefully distorting or break the law) is how we got in this mess. They screwed up. They should pay the price. Especially FL. They have a demonstrated inability to run elections properly. This isn't their first faux pas (FOX pass?) by a long shot.