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.

Story continues below

advertisement

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

[ItsAlessandro]

forgot the word NOT, in front of coerced.

[ItsAlessandro]

Nonsense, Hillary has beaten Obama in all legitimate state contests in which voters are NOT forced, coereced and stampeded to be at a certain place at a certain time. Hillary has more delegates than Obama in all states that held primaries.

Hillary has 8 out of the 10 biggest states if Pennsylvania is counted. (Michigan and Florida have already been stolen from Hillary).

Caucuses result in 88% less votes being cast per delegate. Obama built his faux lead on the caucus states in which 88% less people vote. In states in which the voting was done in the traditional way, via voting booths, Hillary Clinton leads both in delegate counts and is absolutely dominating in the electoral college vote.

The Pundits did a superficial job realizing how unethical caucuses have been specifically in this years elections.

[Nyland8]

WOW ! LOL Even your feeble attempts at feigning a sincere interest in the poor disenfranchised Democratic voters comes across as disingenuous. How do you manage?

8

[whizkid]

See, Clinton scares people like Leahy and Pelosi.
She might make them actually do something.

[bgal]

If party leaders leverage an Obama nominations by disallowing voters rights, I will sit out this election. This fear and smear tactics are alienating Clinton supporters, not wooing them over.
Look both candidates need super delegates votes to win the nominations. Let the arguing continue.
I find it so silly that somehow disagreement is viewed as a threat. Check out Paul Krugman, Loan and Leadership, sums up why I am still hoping for a Clinton win. Policies that might actually accomplish progressive actions.

[intellifem]

The game is tied and the old boys club wants Hillary to give up. NO WAY! If the situation were reversed--if Obama had won FL and MI and was slightly behind--anyone who called for BO to withdraw would be called a racist. There would be protests in the streets! It is absolutely outrageous to stop the game and call a victory for Obama.

It is also outrageous to blame the divisions on Hillary's supporters. The Obama people have slung more mud than the Clintons but have gotten away with it because of the media's willingness to push Obama's daily talking points.

I agree with Mayor Nutter that this is like calling the game in the 7th inning. LET THE PEOPLE VOTE! This drumbeat to get Hillary to give up is the oldest trick in the book--trying to demoralize her and her supporters. It's also the stupidest thing the Dems could do right now--after exclulding FL and MI (because it wouldn't benefit Obama), any move to exclude PA and the rest of the states would be a disaster for the Dems in the fall. Obama should want to win fair and square and respect the wioll of the voters.

[IkeChicago]

Many of the super-delegates - now calculated at 60 - once pledged to Senator Clinton have now moved to a neutral position awaiting either an announcement of withdrawal from her campaign or another significant opportunity to realign behind Senator Obama. This erosion of Senator Clinton’s political core of heavyweight support is a major source of embarrassment. However, her staff has adopted a Masada Complex and now seems determined to continue their hopeless struggle in spite of the consequences to her career in the Senate and to the Democratic Party that twice nominated her husband for the presidency. The ultimate damage to what many are now calling the Clinton Dynasty will be incalculable.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=8471

Interesting that 60 superdelegates leave the Clinton camp and this is the first I'm hearing about it. Shouldn't they be removed from the Clinton delegate count, now she trails by even more. Not good news for Hillary.

[PACRAT]

Is Leahy as dumb as he seems to be? Before he became senile he was an okay senator.

Win or lose Hillary will either be the president or remain as a key senator - and does Leahy think that she will forget his betrayal? Hope not! Should be fun!

Besides, who do these so-called politicians think they are taking the voting rights away from citizens? They think that Clinton and Obama are splitting the party - people like Leahy are!

Clinton and Obama deserve to run the course and let the voters decide who will represent them.

[mesuki]

Too bad.......... Hillary's gonna have allot of people betraying her,people are finally starting to see through her BS!

[c1ee]

Wow, did you even read his statement? He said that Hillary Clinton will not be able to win enough delegates in the coming contests to take the lead. So why keep fighting? This isn't the general election. This is the primary, to pick the best candidate for the general election, which is the golden prize.

It was the Clinton campaign who was going around assuring everyone that the nomination will be wrapped up by Super Tuesday. Why are they all of a sudden so concerned about the voters in the coming elections after that? Even though they did absolutely no planning for contests after Super Tuesday, and that's how they lost 11 contests in a row?

[melann830]

Neither can garner enough delegates by July. That is the nature of the beast. The fact that her campaign felt one way about this race and had to retool its strategy is not such a big deal. You too are stuck on details and not seeing the bigger picture. Both have run a formidable race. However, you can not sanction cutting off voters from their primaries. This would make you all hypocrites actually for the war. Their voices and why should be heard and will be heard. People like Harry Reid and Leahy remind me of why Hillary wants universal healthcare. They do not want it. Their financial livelyhoods will be disrupted. Their greed is despicable. Now is the time for Barack Obama to change his position and make healthcare mandatory. If he does this, watch how fast dems like Reid and Leahy shut up and watch from the side lines like the rest of us.

[IAM4CLINTON]

Amen- I agree- just fired off a reply to Howard Dean - he had sent me a fundraising message-

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.

[kevenseven]

Whiner.

[melann830]

This evening Tavis Smiley, with the wisdom of elders, expressed that we should let the race continue until the end and let everyone have their say. Clinton supporters have been insulted by the audacity of journalists and "politicians" demanding her to step down, prompting us to side with McCain. Are they happy now? We sincerely believe she's the best candidate. Now, as "politicians" put their foot in their mouths, one feels like piling them in an aircraft ,releasing the lever, letting them plunge to their peril. As Clinton supporters, we defend her, but haven't asked Obama to step down, nor would we. This blantant disrespect of our candidate and her right to continue erodes democracy for all. Dictating the disconnect of states from the voting process, strips them of their voice. If we truly believe in freedom of speech, we should not sanction the end of this race, but support it until the convention. If this is upheld, Clinton supporters will side with Obama in November should he be the nominee. The DP failed us, causing warmongering among democrats. Having been critical of Obama/ Wright in the past, Tavis Smiley articulated a well conceived opinion which made me reevaluate my basis for voting against Obama in November. Not usually swayed by anyone, he convinced me I was stuck on details, losing the bigger picture. Let this race continue and the best candidate win. Uphold this ideal and I will cast my vote for BO if he wins the nomination. Deal?

[AnninCA]

Wow.......great message.

Although I'm not going to give them my vote either. I'm offended by the notion that I'm a "shoo-in" voter and that they can just ignore me willy-nilly.

NOT!

I've got my very own rebellious side, dang it.

[JohnTalbutt]

I don't think that is much of a threat. Most everyone who has been around the Clintons for anytime who can afford to, distance themselves. I don't know what motivated Richardson but last October when all the other Candidates took their names off the ballot and she did not and said "it doesn't matter because Michigan won't count". He made a mild criticism . Richarson is a diplomat, a mild criticism from him is like being cursed out by most people. Then when she started lobbying that the votes should count, I think he decided to go the other way.

[kdjoins]

Leahy, please take a nap, you tired old coot.

[jrterrier]

Perhaps Senator Leahy should resign from the Senate and let Hillary Clinton select his successor instead of the voters of Vermont.

Ridiculous!

[kdjoins]

Leahy, aka The Crypt Keeper, knows nothing.

He's my senator and I wrote him a letter telling him how badly he represented himself today.

Get some rest, Pat.

[bigjoe31]

The impotent old gasbag oughta just shutup and retire already!

[Whinger]

The party's not over until the fat lady sings!

[ItsAlessandro]

Leahy has an axe to grind against the Clintons that goes back to him not speaking at one of the democratic conventions and I think I heard something about Leahy's son and the Clintons as well.

Richardson just wants another job.

[mmpost]

Sorry, that was Bob Casey.

[AnninCA]

Leahy is trying to steal the election from voters.

Amazing season here.

[kevenseven]

Well, you ought to call the cops.

[Aleka]

Honestly. I know you know what you post is lies and manipulations. Why? Is it REALLY so much fun to go manipulating people on a blog? Do you have no other way to affirm your self esteem but to spread lies and manipulate those not as smart as yourself?

No wonder you back Hillary. Playing with people like it was a game is a trait you have in common.

[slow2]

ACA -- the thief is not Senator Leahy; you don't see this senator lying about a trip to Bosnia, running through sniper fire. And you don't see Senator Leahy lying about negotiating peace in N. Ireland. And, "as far as we know" Senator Leahy has the good of the Democratic Party at heart when he speaks for those who care about the party and the general election.

[progresemulo]

And this prevents voters from making a decision....how?

[Ozarks]

At least he is honest with nothing to gain. Unlike the 20 fat cats who sent Pelosi a letter pillaging her for saying super delegates should follow pledged delegates. It is unfortunate that an honest Senator is blasted while nothing is said about Hillary and her fat cat fund providers wanting to take over the Democratic Party with threats since Hillary possibly can't win a fair nomination.

[MNDADDY]

I think TPM has it right. If Hillary doesn't win the popular she will bow out. But that is up in the air right as they are seperated by 700k out of 30million votes with 10 million to go. Now it's totally possible that Obama trounces Hillary in the remaining 10 states, but the map and type of contests look very good that Hillary will win many of those primaries and could surpass Obama in the popular vote. There is no rule that says pledged delegates weigh more than popular vote at the DNC.

So, as Dean said this morning, more than once, this race will be over once all the votes are counted and there is a MI and FL solution. And he stated more than once, that there will be MI and FL resolution.

[Nyland8]

" ... There is no rule that says pledged delegates weigh more than popular vote at the DNC."

HUH ???

The nominee IS picked by the delegates - and the delegates only. That's why there are delegates at the convention - because the nominee is NOT picked by popular vote. Right now, there IS a FL and MI resolution. The question becomes whether or not there is another resolution. Without active campaigning, there can be no meaningful vote and delegates counted. And no delegates, not even a portion of them, can be given to Rodham from a state where Obama's name was not even on the ballot. So, short of some sort of do-over, MI and FL are out. And any do-over will have to include time for the candidates to actively campaign. That means kiss babies, eat corn dogs, look into people's eyes, shake their hands and ask for their vote. That all takes time ...

... and time is running out.

8

[kevenseven]

What? The contest is for delegates, not votes. That is the rule.

[soundbonz]

Many states don't even do an accurate count of the popular vote. This is especially true in the caucus states. Typical Clintonian maneuver. Try to change the rules after the game starts to include the popular vote in the equation. This is a race for delegates, not the dog and pony show of the popular vote.

How can one not be disgusted by the Clintons? I'd vote for Jared the Subway guy over that unethical garbage. Or better yet, I'd vote for Jared's wife so as not to be accused of misogyny.

I'd dodge bullets to vote for someone else. In fact, I already have. :o)

[GeoLee]

Well, they are separated (not "seperated") by about 250 thousand if one looks at the two states results that are not being counted...and the reality is those folks in Florida who out voted Obama by nearly 300, 000 votes in an election they knew would not count and in which only Obama ads showed, and the nearly 100,000 more votes she got in the other state over Obama are members of the voting public even if the votes don't count toward delegates. They may choose to register their dissatisfaction by not voting at all or not for Obama. If Obama can show he can take a decent percentage of democratic votes from non black men, older women and the the heavily union vote in Pennyslvania and a couple of other predominately DEMOCRATIC states he would have a beter chance of winning in November, then maybe she should drop out. But until he proves he can take the votes of the more reliable white democratic voters in the labor states, he still has the win the nomination lose the election shadow over his head. Until he proves that he is merely a very astute politician who planned (or followed another's plan--maybe the strategist should be running, huh?) an attack to win a nomination with the hopes his unorthodox strategy would sell him as the untimate 2008 winner. I want whatever ticket it takes to win the GENERAL election.

[GeoLee]

Continued response: For Obama fans to blame Hillary when he cannot decisively win the traditional dems over is really the height of audacity. IF 28 percent of the Hillary democrats refuse to vote in 2008 due to the vicious attacks on them, we will all be saying "Hello President McCain." and if 20 percent of Obama's do the same, we will be saying the same on January21, 2009. My message to Obama for Pennyslvania is "Show me the beef and not just the caviar and greens" If you can do that, I can support the inevitability argument. Otherwise, Leahy's argument falls on slightly deaf ears.