Howard Dean: Obama Or Clinton Must Drop Out In June

WASHINGTON — Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean said Monday that either Hillary Rodham Clinton or Barack Obama will know when it's time to drop out of the nomination race after the end of the primaries in early June.

"We want the voters to have their say. That's over on June 3," he said in an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Dean, saying he was speaking from experience as a candidate for president in 2004, said he won't have to force anyone from the race.

"Either of these candidates, if it's time for them to go, they'll know it and they will go," he said. "They don't need any pushing from me. You know when to get in and you know when to get out. That's just part of the deal."

"This is not about Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama," Dean added. "This is about our country. It's about a better course for our country. ... We've got to move on and win the presidency."

Obama has more delegates and popular votes than Clinton, but she also is fresh off a big-state win in Pennsylvania.

Indiana and North Carolina hold primaries on May 6.

Dean also said that while party rules say superdelegates can wait until the August convention to make up their minds, that would be too late to unify the party and defeat the presumptive Republican nominee, John McCain.

"We really can't have a divided convention. If we do it's going to be very hard to heal the party afterwards," Dean said. "So we'll know who the nominee is and that'll give us an extra 2 1/2 months to get our party together, heal the wounds of having a very closely divided race and take on Senator McCain."

Comments

[HatingTheGame]

I really can't stand HillBilly, but you have to admit she has balls. After the last two Dem POTUS candidates rolled over and gave up too quickly, its nice to see a Dem going to the mat and trying to win. Frankly that's the kind of person we need on our side. Unfortunately, a pseudo neocon compromised candidate like Hill is not such a candidate. But she is a Dem, and she's it it to win.

I think Barak is afraid to unleash double barrels on her because he knows that she is a party elder (even if by association), and only a suicidal candidate would unload on a party elder. If he did, and it backfired, he would be toast and never be able to set foot on the national stage again. If he doesn't unload, he comes across like a weeny, but he's only 46. He lives to fight another day. And frankly, America needs him -- to heal and to lead.

Its a hard choice, but no one said hardball presidential politics would be easy. Even if most of the Dems are sitting around licking their hardballs instead of going after this criminal enterprise called the Bush Crime Family.

Sad really.

[rocketJsquirrel]

well, he could tear into her the way the MSM wants, and she'd get that weepy look and say that she's being picked on because she's a girl. been there heard that. what's the point? keep it civil with her as she cannot win in pledged delegates.
don't discount white voters all across this country as disloyal flipfloppers.
recent campaign speeches by Obama addressed this "fight" mentality quite well. should be posted somewhere on YouTube by now. worth looking for as it does play into that new kind of politics that interested so many. it's also the kind of politics that mccain has been taking from Obama lately. take a look at all he's been saying, and he's rolling out huckabee again soon. Clinton doesn't even see it coming and she'd be unable to counter it when it hit her.

[TERRYKEITH4]

Good!

[flydoghead]

IT's just too bad that she didn't play this hard when Bush wanted to invade Iraq.

If she had cared as much about our troops as she does about her own political

aspirations then she would have the nomination by now.

[McFlipFlop1]

Hillary is not tough, she is nasty.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/guy-t-saperstein/hillary-is-nasty-but-she_b_98719.html

[marykins123]

Obama may only be 46 and will live to see another day, but I don't think you would ever see him step foot back into a Presidential primary if he isn't the nominee in 08..... this campaign has taken a toll on his family and as much as he feels in soul and heart he could and would lead this country in a different direction - they are FAMILY.

Obama is NOT a Clinton. He has heart and puts his priorities in proper order. Clinton's lack a good heart and their ONLY priority is POWER at any cost. All about Clintons - damn the party and country - full speed ahead.

[nellie]

I got a long email this morning from the Obama campaign, written by Barack,. His stance is pretty firm. He doesn't believe in character attacks, but he does believe in pointing out inconsistencies and flaws in policy positions. I take it as a signal that he's going to toughen up his rhetoric and start pointing out Clinton's weakness as a candidate. I got the email in response to a message I sent the campaign, asking them not to go negative.

[greencap]

The MSM, talking heads, radio hosts, pundits and those so called political analysts did their best to get Obama going against Clinton. They did the job, now they are doing their best to make sure that Obama gets no further. These people without ethics, integrity or honesty have manipulated this campaign from the start and they will be the ones who control who wins. Look for "myfriends" McCain to be your next prez guy. I find that the biases in this democratic run are both loud and bigoted. I really mourn for these United States. It is sickening, defeating and so very depressing­...and I am not only angry, I am embarrassed and ashamed. I won't vote for HRC. She has shown her stripes and at the begining I was in her camp.

[andyboy]

Don't feel that way. Then you let all the idiots win. Vote your heart and screw all the jerkoffs.

[nellie]

McCain can't win.

[MarciaJ720]

I am now convinced, as a former HRC supporter, that she is going to sabatoge the most important Presidential Election in years so that she can make another run in 2012. In other words, if she can't win, she's going to make sure Obama can't either.

That is why I no longer support her. I don't like her dishonest campaign tactics either.

After watching Reverend Wrights COMPLETE sermon where he calls on God to Damn America - well, guess what, what he said makes perfect sense - but only in context.

Granted, the Right-Wing­-Noise-Mac­hine-Media will continue to only show the clip that distorts his message. What a gullible nation we still have.

[Hallucinocynic]

Marcia, HRC isn't just running for the nomination, she is running for her political career. Depending on how her campaign comports itself over this next six weeks will determine whether the DNC ever supports her for another office. But she is in a terrible quandary - if she relaxes her attacks on BO and focuses on issues she won't make any headway. Whatever slim chances she had will continue to erode. She is compelled to continue to attack BO, but by doing so, will alienate that portion of the party she needs to run for reelection as Senator. Whoever is advising her is doing a remarkably bad job.

[HatingTheGame]

"he is going to sabatoge the most important Presidential Election in years so that she can make another run in 2012. "

Some think that is what she did in 2000 to Gore, and then 2004 to Kerry. This is (in her mind) her year, and all you low hanging dickwads better get out of the way.

LOL

[jacklambert]

Bear in mind that Obama entered the race because he wants something better than what we have had in Washington for years. The 'in fighting' has got nowhere and the electioneering of both parties seems to be only about keeping their jobs.

(I want one of those jobs at $160,000 + Benefits + Benefits)

Washington has become a 'gravy train' for elected officials of both parties.

End the madness ......open the windows and let the fresh air in. Vote for a new broom.

Go Obama!

[JuneCleaversBeaver]

Falsehoods posted by jb, neo and littlebullet don't even remain on the thread long enough for the evidence refuting the falsehoods to appear.

Good job mods!

[Kalima]

For all who love and care about the Frog, I'm sworn to shhhhhhh but he is back and in
full force. Mea Culpa. Mea Culpa1 Mea maxima culpa!

[Kalima]

Sworn like a true English was not my first language in Christian
Mea Culpa!

[Kalima]

A thought in progress, no less.

[dejtemper]

I had a certain respect for both candidates before the primaries started. I read their books, looked at the policy issues, watched ALL debates. I really thought either one would be a good president. As this has gone on, I have watched the conduct of both. On that one outstandingly different quality, I definitely think Sen. Obama would make a better President. Rev. Wright is really a non-issue at this time. He has spoken and so has Obama, more honestly than any politician I have heard. I can not see how a church going person can not understand not agreeing with your Minister. I have had very big disagreements with past Ministers. I still went to church and liked them. I thought they were very good people who did good things, but I disagreed with them - period. They had nothing to do with my work, nor could I dictate theirs to them. Just because Rev. Wright is placing himself in the press does not mean you need to pair him with Sen. Obama. IF you want to hear Rev. Wrights message, fine listen to him. If you want to really consider Sen Obama for President, fine, listen to him. This is most definitely a race issue, and anything that has anything to do with Barack Obama is being exploited. There are still too many people in our country who just will not vote for a black person for President.

[dejtemper]

Anyone is free to vote for whomever they choose, its the beauty of our country. White people have been voting for white people for longer than I have been alive. People vote for people for all types of reasons. This is just my opinion and you have yours. I personally believe there is nothing wrong with the experience Sen. Obama has. I believe it is more than some of our ex-Presidents.

[AlieNation]

A civil suit leading to a criminal investigation leading to the impeachment of a sitting President---sound familiar?

This is some of the ammunition Republicans intend to use if Hillary gets nominated and/or elected. Whitewater hit job, or real crime?

A civil trial, Paul vs. Clinton, is set to begin soon in California. In the civil suit Peter Paul, a former Democratic fundraiser, accuses Bill Clinton of defrauding him in a failed business venture which was to be based on a partnership with Stan Lee, the legendary creator of the original Marvel Comics.

The story goes something like this:

To gain political influence and secure ex-president Bill Clinton’s name in promoting a new business venture, Peter Paul became a high profile Democratic fundraiser. And in 2000 Paul was the organizer of and contributed to Hillary’s Hollywood Fundraising Gala in support of her initial run for the U.S. Senate seat from New York.

Below is a link to Paul’s self-serving video:

http://vodpod.com/watch/268188-tired-of-electing-thieves-liars-and-murderers-yet

In a separate issue, which is not yet before any court, Mr. Paul accuses Hillary’s campaign organization of hiding large amounts of money and gifts which were contributed to her fundraising Gala. He says he has the receipts to prove it. He also has an interesting video recording of a phone call (on speakerphone) with Hillary, prior to the Gala, in which she seems to acknowledge awareness of some key issues (see link).

[TERRYKEITH4]

Bet Barrack and Tom Daschle both know all about that, but they are not running a smear campaign like HRC.

[abby4ever]

"Either of these candidates, if it's time for them to go, they'll know it and they will go," Dean said. "They don't need any pushing from me. You know when to get in and you know when to get out. That's just part of the deal."
I just can't see Hillary knowing when to get out. And I now wonder if Obama, even though ahead, would get out---for the good of the party and in a very unselfish act. I do think of the two of them, he would be the one most likely to put the party first---I base this on many actions of Hillary's over the past 3 to 4 months.

[4wehttam]

Yeah, Hellary would have to be dragged out. She's not very diplomatic in her actions, so what makes us think she'll be diplomatic in this case?

[wmbear]

KICKING AND SCREAMING.­..

That's why I have never credited all the commentators (all they are is just commentator = common + tater) when they keep saying that Obama is almost certain to be the Democratic nominee. In fact, although I'm mildly pro-Obama, I will frankly be greatly surprised if he actually gets the Democratic nomination. Pleased but surprised.

[aznurse]

Maybe this is the 100 more years of war that McCain was talking about.

[Bluesman48]

Hillary needs to drop out May 7th, and probably will.

[missjabez]

I wish she would. I would be surprised if she ever gave up. That nomination is hers and Obama has no right to steal it from her! No fair! WAAAH!

[McFlipFlop1]

Maybe you are correct, but I don't see her leaving unless she is out of money.

Even if she loses both IN and NC on May 6th, WV is coming up on May 13th, and Clinton will win there.

Then, on May 20th, there is Kentucky, which she will win, but which will be offset by an Obama win in Oregon the same day.

Coming up after that is Puerto Rico on June 1st, which is supposed to go for Clinton, and then the final contests on June 3rd in South Dakota and Montana come rapidly.

[bsworld]

Hillary is not going anywhere anytime soon. Hillary does not care about destroying the democratic party, nor does she care about what is best for our country. Hillary know she cannot win, she just does not want to see Obama win no matter what damage is done in the process.

[maw327]

I hope you're right - but I'm afraid Hillary will take a scorched earth attitude and hang on, thereby damaging the party. If she can't have it - then no one can.

[MiddleRoad1]

She will be dragged, kicking and screaming, from the convention

[londubh]

This is going to ratchet up the pressure on the Clintons. Sadly, they are going to get nastier. Maybe she'll go so over the top (not that she hasn't done that already) everyone will go "whoa!" and put there support behind Obama.

[Moderatenation]

Howard

[FZliveson]

Meanwhile, folks...th­e national debt skyrockets, unemployment grows, gasoline prices are breaking records, police forces are underfunded, education is underfunded and we bicker about two country-clubbers fighting for the best office in congress. The issues need to be addressed clearly and completely.
This is BS, how little side-issues steal away from the truth....w­e're being railroaded into second-rate status as a nation and most of you are going to go to Wal-Mart to send your dollars to China when that so-called economic stimulus check arrives. Clinton and Hillary are the same person with a little airbrushing and jargon switching. Don't be surprised what happens after the election..­..NOTHING, no matter who gets elected.

[Bluesue]

Here's a link to a great political cartoon that shows Hillary not even giving up at Obama's inauguration.

http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/tools/shared/mediahub/03/40/14/slideshow_514403_mike04242008.jpg

[BrianZ]

I support Clinton ... but this is funny :)

And I agree ... the nomination process this cycle is brutal, on all accounts, for all parties.

[missjabez]

She'll crash the inauguration, no doubt about that. Secret Service men will have to drag her out kicking and screaming.

[DRPike]

OMG! That's great!

[nellie]

Thanks! I needed the laugh.

[TERRYKEITH4]

Lol! That's funny!

[Conservativeslayer]

Dean is wrong, this doesn't need to end in June, it needs to end NOW. Dean get a group of every big shot democrat in the party and confront the Clintons. Tell them it's over and it's time to do the right thing by dropping out. You can't win, the math is against you. All you are doing is destroying our chances in the fall. The superdelegates are not going to overturn the will of the voters by giving it to someone who came in second. It's not going to happen. This is the job you must do Howard Dean. You are the head of the party and you need to start acting like it.

[WMichaelTenery]

Patience. If they think they are being really pushed from the race the Clintons will raise holy hell and make it even harder to heal and reunite the party. Better that they are clearly having seen to have lost. Just a few more weeks. There is still time. But don't make it harder before we even start mending. Barack will win this clearly before it is over. You know that. I know that. And somewhere in their hearts most Clinton supporters also realize that.

[McFlipFlop1]

Just 36 more days, and the primaries are over. Counting them down.

[cleffnote]

Please notice that Dean said either Obama or Clinton will have to drop out of the race. Hmmmm, wonder what that means, perhaps because neither Dean or the American public or the super delegates yet know who will be the nominee. Relax folks, let the process run its course. I'm in Oregon, I want my vote to count.

[Tropiholic]

I agree 100%. Somebody needs to step in and tell hillary enough is enough since she hasn't got sense enough to exit graciously.

[morticia]

HALLELUIA,!! DEAN take some control before it`s too late!! seat all the superdelegates, make them vote BALLOTS of they are SCARED of the QUEEN BEE.

[HumeSkeptic]

I rarely do this. But here's something MoveOn is doing that is very worthwhile:

"We can't wait until there is an official Democratic nominee to put these plans into motion—John McCain and the Republicans certainly aren't. So far 15,530 MoveOn members are helping build this program up by kicking in a few bucks every month. We need 4,470 more. Can you chip in $20 a month between now and the election? It's easy and you can cancel anytime.

https://pol.moveon.org/donate/victory2008.html?id=12521-6854264-cb.TUU&t=2

And, for thye record, I had voted against the proposal of MoveOn endorsing a candidate, simply because I prefer that they focus on issues, rather than candidates.

[SCG2]

Hume, I'm not a current member of MoveOn, but I took advantage of your link. Thanks .

[HumeSkeptic]

:-)

[nellie]

Thanks, Hume. I hadn't seen this. It's a great idea.