Clinton Summons Top Donors, Supporters For Tuesday Speech

Hillary Clinton has summoned top donors and backers to attend her New York speech tomorrow night in an unusual move that is being widely interpreted to mean she plans to soon suspend her campaign and endorse Barack Obama - not tomorrow night but within a day or two.

Obama and Clinton spoke Sunday night and agreed that their staffs should begin negotiations over post-primary activities, according to reliable sources. In addition to seeking Obama's help in raising money to pay off some $20 million-plus in debts, Clinton is known to want Obama to assist black officials who endorsed her and who are now taking constituent heat, including, in some cases, primary challenges from pro-Obama politicians.

"This has never happened before," one donor said, referring to the personalized request by email to attend the event in New York Tuesday night.

Obama is expected to claim enough delegates to put him over the top that night at a separate event in St. Paul.

In an afternoon conference call today with about two dozen top fundraisers, Clinton strategist Harold Ickes spoke in very conciliatory terms about Obama, in contrast to his tougher rhetoric in public and on television, according to sources. He told the participants that Clinton wants to "significantly" help Obama, but he did not go so far as saying that she will announce withdrawal -- that is the prerogative of the candidate.

Ickes told the group to "take a deep breath" and let Clinton proceed in her own fashion.

Earlier in the day it was reported that Clinton staffers were being urged by the campaign's finance department "to turn in their outstanding expense receipts by the end of the week," another sign that the run at the White House was nearing an end. In addition, Politico wrote that members of Clinton's advance staff had received calls and emails Sunday night, summoning them to New York City and telling them their roles on the campaign are ending.

Comments

[cyndeewi]

It does look good for Obama if she takes South Dakota and Montana. It looks like she will take SD. This does not look good at all. Dang! can he win? If he cannot even take SD.

[apikores]

One of the persisting (an dannoying) misconceptions of this primary cycle is that losing a Democratic primary in a state means that one will lose the general in that state. BHO lost New York--do you seriously think that New York is going to go red in 2008 though?

[rmetz74]

Since when is South Dakota a barometer for the nation?

[veteran1964]

It's been Republican held states for decades...Who cares? Hell we are lucky those cowboys and cowgirls even recognize us. They are all white! Hell we are doing fine, whomever they vote for. Obama is about to clinch the nomination anyway....25 to go.

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

He took Utah and Idaho. Stop worrying. The guy who beat the Clintons in a fair election despite being black is gonna have no problem at all against McCain.

[CallMeDeaconBlues]

With all the treason in the ranks of the Democratic Party, will they now leave and form another party, just so Obama can't win or will she knuckle under? I just can't see her conceding.

[LeftLeaner]

You are a role model for all people - female AND male.

So sorry the Media abused you and slovenly gushed over your opponent.

You kept in the fight despite all these odds, and had half of the Democratic primary voters behind you.

You're a fighter and an inspiration.

So sad, the Media darling will be taking your place.

You're some LADY and LEADER.

[Flagal]

Yes, I keep telling my daughter to watch H-illary as a role model. I point out to her things like H-illarys story about landing under gunfire in Bosnia as an example that it is OK to outright lie to further an agenda. I use Bill Richardson to point out how its OK to slime a person if they don't do what you want them to do. I use her touting Mccains experience regarding the "Commander in Chief" threshold to show my daughter that you can betray your friends or in this case party to get your way.
I let my kid know that it is OK to manipulate the truth to make yourself look better such as H-illarys claim of bringing peace to Ireland. I explain to her that it is OK to change the rules as long as the outcome is good for you and to hell with honesty.
There are so many more examples of what a wonderful role-model H-illary is...........if you want to grow up to be a thug.

[CallMeDeaconBlues]

You are an unfit parent.

[Flagal]

CallMeDeaconBlues,

My bad. Single parent here.

[ohmercy]

What's with the H-illary now?
a new meme?

[ohmercy]

I'm sure she will be quite proud of you when she grows up and knows better.

[joefazio]

Ahhhhh Flagal, how quickly you forget!

Did you tell that fine daughter of yours all the good things
that Hillary has done for this country over the last
twenty years?

You didn't! I'm supprised! Mmmmmm, you just latched
on to a few things in the "let me see how to screw her colum"
and blaped that out!

Flagal, do they old 'colum test thing'

On one side write down all the derogitory things
you can about Hillary and on the other, (and you need
to do some research here) write down all the good
things that Hillary is responsible for.

HINT! You'll need a couple of sheets of paper for
the negative things--and A REAM OF PAPER to
list all the good she is responsible for!

[obamajusrocks]

Look don't blame the media ok ?

I too, as many others may, salute Hilary's fighting spirit, but to blame the media for her loss is total absolute hogwash ! On the contrary this campaign extended way beyond what it was meant to, as the outcome was obvious from a long time back, simply because the media wanted it to extend so that they could rake in the money. They therefore were very kind to Hilary and refrained from doing anything to hurt her chances.

The Clinton camp shot themselves in the foot numerous times and have only themselves to blame.

[ohmercy]

Here is the deal.
They/we aren't blaming the media for Clinton's loss.
They/we aren't blaming sexism for Clinton's loss.
They/we aren't blaming miserable hate mongers for Clinton's loss.
They/we aren't blaming neocon tactics used by the far left for Clinton's loss.

They/we are NAMING it.
It exists.
Media bias exists. It was rampant. blatant.
We know it.
You know it.
If you want to pretend you don't, fine.
You can have your own opinion.
You cannot have your own facts.
It takes nothing away from Obama to acknowledge it exists.

Sexism exists .
It has been rampant in this campaign.
You can deny it.
It is your right.
But intellectual dishonesty does not create fact.
Denial does not erase its existence.
Ignorance of it's insidiousness, its many forms and functions does not mean it isn't there.
It is.
It exists.

Again.
We are not saying this is why Hillary is losing the primary.

It exists.
We are saying it exists.
We are saying it has played a part,
has showed its ugliness and how far we have not come.
We are not sitting around like good little girls and boys and DENYING it exists.
We are not going to be bullied into submission through derision and ridicule.
We are not going to excuse it because the media denies it to save face.

[apikores]

By "Media darling" you must mean the candidate who started the race with over two hundred votes, the one who was the inescapable favorite, the "inevitable" candidate with massive amounts of organization, cash, and media coverage who waltzed into the primary cycle as if it were a coronation with a fixed outcome rather than a process where voters actually decide.

Oh, wait, you mean the underdog candidate who successfully fought a battle with one of the richest, most powerful, and most influential women in Washington after starting off as a nobody with a weird name. The one the media has been suggesting is a secret Muslim for months. The one whose church was so filled with journalists (all of whom were there to do positive stories, I'm sure) that he had to take the embarrassing and politically risky move of cutting ties with the place where he worshipped for 20 years. The one who supposedly has a fatal problem with white working-class voters despite the fact that he's doing as well as any Democrat has recently in a historically hostile demographic that is especially hateful to him because of his race and the fact that HRC is still presenting herself as the great white hope.

[ZenManYo]

It's amazing how any pro-Hillary supporter on this list is accused of being a McCain supporter. That's another reason why we'll lose this fall. Like Dick Morris said yesterday, and he's definitely no Clinton fan: "This year, the Democrats are a party that can't lose with a candidate that can't win, and the Republicans are a party that can win with a candidate that can't lose." Democrats have lost their soul this year. It's great that so many young people have turned out for Obama, but even with their omni-presence on the web, they're still out-numbered among the electorate. I remember 2004, seeing John Kerry the night before the election with Bruce Springsteen at some huge outdoor rally. Bruce was strumming his guitar in the cool breeze, telling the audience he could really feel the winds of change blowing. I believed him. I also remember some guy in Iowa being interviewed by a reporter who asked what the voter would do after Bush lost re-election. When the voter said "I really think he's gonna win," I thought he was baked. Boy, was I shocked the following day. We're about to see a repeat of that surprising turn of events in November -- no matter who the Democrats put at the top of their ticket. Now, go ahead, call me a subversive McCain supporter. That may just be the straw that convinces me to pull the lever for the old white guy.

[apikores]

ZenMan, if Hillary supporters didn't say things like "McCain in 08!" and "I would much rather vote for McCain than for Obama," then we wouldn't accuse them of being McCain supporters. The fact is, there are plenty of angry white people out there who probably haven't voted Democratic in twenty years and yet still feel the need to inveigh passionately against a candidate who, to them, represents the other side on the culture wars. The vastly exaggerated image of Democratic opposition to Obama and the idea that only African-Americans and young people will vote for him is a carefully crafted fraud that has been encouraged and lovingly cultivated by both the HRC camp, which would love to see Obama lose in November so HRC has one last chance in 2012, and the GOP, who also wants to see Obama lose in November.

You may have been shocked when John Kerry lost, but I wasn't. He was a candidate that didn't get people excited. Bruce Springsteen was too little too late--Kerry could have brought Elvis, Jim Morrison, John Lennon, and Jimi Hendrix back from the dead to do a group album for his candidacy and it wouldn't have done anything. Obama gets people excited. Otherwise he would have never been able to even compete against the Clinton machine. Worrying about November is well and good, and we shouldn't assume it's in the bag. However, it's also worth keeping in mind that Obama is no John Kerry.

[ohmercy]

PLEASE STOP PUSHING THIS MEDIA RACE THING.

IT IS NOT ABOUT RACE.
They use the meme, theylove controversy.
Don't you see how they have divided us.
They talk and talk and talk about the race emographics, then if one of the Clintons mention those demographics, quoting them they got fucked.

Why people don't see how the media plays us is unbelievable.
And NO i am not blaming the media for clinton losing so don't go there.

Just like with McClellen now.
they played the war, the pushed it. Now McCalellen comes out and calls them on it... in a very mild way... and they are attacking the crap out of him instead of going after the jerks he is writing about.

It is not race.
the media made it about race.
They LOVE division.
Don't you remember when the primary got narrowed down to the two of them?
They kept asking when are they gonna go after each other, when are they gonna land some punches. When is he gonna hit her hard!!!
I remember Matthews actually saying, come on we want blood! this is boring.
ridiculous

READ THIS
Interesting analysis looking back at other elections comparing with this one.
Very telling.

http://tinyurl.com/6y4yh7

[apikores]

Also, I don't know if the "Zen" in your name is just there for show or if you're actually a Zen practitioner, but if you are, as a student of Soto Zen myself, I don't see any way how you could pull the lever for McCain knowing that by doing so you were pulling the lever for more death and suffering in Iraq. For me the equation is as simple as that.

[Rumba]

Go see Cocoon the movie... then pull the lever and watch the old white guy drop.

[cyndeewi]

There is no way in heck that Hillary will concede. She is winning SD and Obama is going to barely make it in Montana.

[rmetz74]

While you're looking into your crystal ball, give us the lottery numbers, will you?

[gsikev]

Look for Hillary to take 1 possibly both states tonight . Obama is weak. Take away the Caucasus , which are a joke, he's only won a hand full of states. There are no caucuses in November. Obama Koolaid drinkers open your eyes.

[cyndeewi]

gsikev,

As much as I hate to admit it, you are right. He would have taken both takes. All the problems with Hillary and they are still voting for her.

[marinade]

Eyes wide open.

[triplbee]

First of all, Obama will handily win Montana tonight and I expect that he will win South Dakota as well. Secondly, there is a single, obvious reason that Clinton would have no chance of winning the general election: the black vote. Black voters make up roughly one quarter of Democratic voters. Clinton's strategy of appealing to white racism has so alienated her (and her husband) from black voters that her approval ratings in that community are approaching GW Bush levels. Certainly many black voters would pivot were she to win the nomination, but not nearly enough for her to have any chance of winning the general election. It seems bizarre to me that Obama is polling as well as Gore did among white working class voters, yet the media is obsessed with his relative weakness in this group. Paradoxically, there is virtual silence about the fact that Clinton is averaging 7%, yes 7%, of the African-American vote. Clinton could never have won a general election, and at this point it's moot.

[MrMajek]

The whole problem for Hillary has always been math, and again you throw out numbers that you truly don't understand. Even if EITHER candidate won 100% of the Black vote, that is 16% of the population. She carried similar numbers in the Hispanic community, and non-Black female categories, so there is more to it than that. Trust me, if Blacks had the power that we are suddenly reported to have, there would be no Klan, no neo-nazis, etc etc. The numbers that DO matter are the new registrations and independents. THOSE are the people outdoing the usual Dem demographics. Those are the people that she all but said she didn't need, because she has her 'good, honest, hard working whites' and the hillbillies where the Black population is in single digits.--I am from PA, so I will confirm it....'there is Philly, Pittsburgh, and the rest of PA is ALABAMA".

[Flagal]

I guess when H-illarys husband won the caucasus he was weak also.
No one is weaker than H-illary by your own admission....you post how weak O-bama is, yet he is beating your candidate, proving she is even weaker.
Not to mention the repub licans have held back completely on smearing H-illary during this campaign in the hope that she would receive the nomination.
The joke is people like you who dont want to face reality. People who would be naive enough to support a candidate who stands for nothing but which way the political wind is blowing. A candidate who will say or do anything to win regardless of a complete lack of honesty or integrity.

[Detestable]

YOU rock. Excellent response.

[LeftLeaner]

You're right.

It's a travesty the way the Media destroyed her, and praised Obama to no end.

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

It's a travesty the way Clinton destroyed herself; thank God Obama was there to pick up the pieces before the Democratic Party self-destructed by nominating a woman who can't even get her trustworthiness rating up to 50%.

[VotersForObama]

It's time for party unity. But there are conflicting reports about whether Hillary will exit the race this week or fight on.

There's no day like today to help put Barack over the top.

For an easy to use, state-by state, daily updated list of all the superdelegates that shows who is still uncommitted, and how to contact them by phone or e-mail, visit our website:

http://www.supervoters.org

We are focusing on superdelegates who are also elected officials and accountable to their constituents. Take five minutes and use the tools on SuperVoters.org to contact an uncommitted superdelegate near you.

Erik Ose
Co-Organizer, Voters for Obama
Chapel Hill, NC

[grinreaper]

you mean you are focused on BUYIN supers
like obamas beendoin all along
got bribes??

[DoomtoNeoCons]

You mean Obama doesn't have to help Hill pay off her over 20 million debt? cool!

[DoomtoNeoCons]

Prove it. Oh...you can't. Typical Hillhog supporter. Make up a lie, and scream it as loud as you can and hope someone hears it. Must be the VAST right Wing/ left wing conspiracy

[Flagal]

They both give donations to superdelegate campaigns. Your just jealous because O-bama has so much more money to give while H-illary has squandered her dollars away on doughnuts and alcohol.

[VotersForObama]

Not exactly sure how contacting one's elected officials to express an opinion qualifies as bribery.

Erik Ose
Chapel Hill, NC
http://www.supervoters.org

[shelobo]

Buying is the word,and research what you post BEFORE you do so,from the beginning Obama WAS the underdog,he has ran against the odds and done very well .Its understandable you maybe upset because YOUR chosen candidate may not win,the problem is ,which is more important ,what YOU want or whats BEST for THIS country ? Is winning worth the downfall of Hillary by her having to carry ALL her baggage BACK to the whitehouse (BILL) (BOSNIA TRIP)or her keeping face and HER pride when Bill does the same 0 same 0 in front of the whole world AGAIN?IF you really cared about Hillary as a person ,you would not wish such stress on her AGAIN!! BILL and LIES are what has cost her this race .There's is a huge difference in a simple mis-quote and a LIE ,but a LIE is a lie(BOSNIA)period !Obama maybe half black and half white ,but he IS a FULL blooded AMERICAN ! We get what we give ,even in politics.

[cminri]

Maybe just maybe she will have a touch of class, and shock us all and concede and endorse Obama.

Baaaahaaa....yeah right....

[neetsie37]

You want CLASS cminri ??? Google larry sinclair. You'll find about about class.

[Flagal]

You are a fool of the highest magnitude. Is that all you have?
What a loser you are.

[kellygrrrl]

another day
another round of miles in the Volvo
another grande latte

but something's in the air
might have to chill the latte for celebration

[backfist64]

Call me cynical, but I wouldn't be surprised if Clinton's speech tonight is to announce that she's running as an independent, or is going to fight to the Convention, or some other "screw-you" kind of action.

[marinade]

She is fond of half-measures so she might try to straddle the fence somehow.

It's too bad if she won't take the opportunity to make a bold move. She needs to change if she wants to be viable in the future. She could really make an impression if she got completely out and supported Obama.

[ohmercy]

cynical.

[galateadoro]

Hillary please take this to the convention. Better still, run as an independent. Democrats are a fake party anyway. They have no reason for being. They aren't a labor party, they aren't a peace party, they aren't a party for social justice.

I'm praying for Nader to hurt Dems as much as possible, at least with a Republican in the White House, we in the left will know clearly who our enemy is.

[kdublya]

Goodmorning sunshine!

[billrott]

Hello Republican TROLL.

[DLeeA]

"They aren't a labor party, they aren't a peace party, they aren't a party for social justice."

Hillary isn't any of those things either. In fact, the Clinton/DLC faction of the party is the most corporatist of them all.

[nevergiveup]

Another spoiler for McCain. Want endless War and no substantial benefits for returning soldiers? Vote McCain. Want to see the US economy tank even more? Vote McCain. Don't care about the planet? Vote McCain.

[CVale]

You are out of your mind

[katzooks]

I suspect her speech tonight will prime her supporters for her strategy in the next leg of her "Hillary for President" campaign, which appears will be alive and kicking for at least the next several days. Her presence through June 6th, according to the calendar at the Texas Democratic Party State Convention (re: link below) site gives a few hints on her strategy, which appears (surprise, surprise, surprise! as Gomer would say) to have nothing to with unity and everything to do with "staying the course" in her graceless highjacking of the Democratic Party. Perhaps the Texas calendar is outdated? Or, perhaps, the rumors are true, regarding her plan to stay in the race through at least June 20th, after ALL the states have completed their Democratic state conventions. After all, she does want every one's voice to be heard, so long as the voices are for her.

http://www.txdemocrats.org/the_party/2008_TDP_State_Democratic_Convention/

[cyndeewi]

I truly believe she will highjack the Dem Party. This is the reason why a lot of Superdelegates have not come out for Obama. People know how Hillary is but they still want her for POTUS. Look at SD, I could not believe that she is winning there and that she is close in Montana. People want her. You have the give it to her.

[flyguy14222]

Can you clowns get a grip! Look at the popular vote. The screeching for Hillary to drop out, the cries of a long drawn out campaign by the media is disgusting. Who are you and they to tell US when it is time to stop listening to alternatives?

[butchie65]

You look at the popular vote, she doesn't have it ! She picks what states she wants to include to get the popular vote. Don't think everyone is stupid, some people have a brain and know the truth.

[cyndeewi]

If Hillary works as hard as she has been working lately, and Barack works as less as he has lately then Hillary will win as a independent. She has wised up now. You guys keep your eyes open. I am still shocked about South Dakota.

[shelobo]

The MEDIA is the source of the calling for Hillary to drop out, gets them RATEINGS ,some people are not the brightest bulbs glowing in the dark.The Obama campaign has NOT called for Hillary to drop out ,SOME senate members mentioned that she should IF she was looseing. And she is ,but she's a politican and she WILL do what she has to do for THIS country,dispite what her supporters demand .

[KaraMiaa]

I will not believe anything until I see it come out of her mouth. Today or tommorrow maybe one of the most historical days in history and Hillary knows it. Either she will stand up for all America and give in..........or be herself and crap allover her daughters future. Has anyone noticed this woman (Chelsea) is 30 lives with Mom and Dad, no boyfriend or job???? Not written a book or done anyhting????

[GhostOfXmasPast]

Not true at all... I'm an Obama supporter, and I know for fact that Chelsea has maintained a serious gig in NY and has done a hell of a job at it. I've heard from people who've worked along side of her that she's dilligent, efficient, productive, hard working, and it suprised the hell out of a lot of people. Chelsea's going to be fine, on her own merit's or with help from her parental units.

[apikores]

you mean she got a sweetheart position at a hedge fund making the super-rich even richer. come on, how hard do you think those people really work? you're fooling yourself. chelsea is probably a lovely person and she DEFINITELY shouldn't be the focus of this election, but to pretend that she is hard working is mildly delusional. like the kids of most super-famous, super-rich parents, she has had it pretty easy. in order for her to be "dilligent [sic], efficient, productive" etc. i think she would need to actually get a job in the real world that benefits real people, not the kind where you order lunch every day from restaurants where the cheapest entree is $29.

[shelobo]

Why bash Chelsa? Chelsa has had a job,even tho it was for powerfull 'friends' of her parents.She has a boyfriend ,so the media reports.So WHY bash HER?Chelsa supposedly runs her parents 'Chartiable Foundation ' she may have stepped down from that title tho,due to questions of WHERE the foundations funds have and are coming from.Be fair ,don't act like McCain when he made fun of Chelsas looks when the Clintons were in office.Come now be MATURE and refrain from bashing the WRONG person/s.

[Flagal]

No one should be too surprised if H-illary announces she is taking the fight to Denver.
She has sent mixed signals since Iowa.
I have equated her personalities to Sybil or a Chameleon.

[neetsie37]

I hope Hillary has the good sense to SUSPEND her campaign because we are going to need her very soon. According to Bob Beckel this morning, a major news story is coming out about Obama tomorrow that's going to change everything. I hope all of you here who have been singing his praises will finally face the truth. Nobody knows a damn thing about this guy except he's good on the podium.

[psydoc]

My understanding (from progressive talk radio) is the story is coming out from the RNC about Michelle Obama (so...is this how it is going to be? We are going after the wives?) So...this means that Bill is up for grabs and Cindy M and her drug use, stealing, affair...when will it stop!!!

[waynesmyer]

THE HILLIARY TO HER SUPPORTERS! "Just remember! It ain't over til the fat lady sings! Hell, I can't even carry a tune!"

[bodo]

She is definitely not going to concede because that way she must release her delegates. Instead she will probably give a rousing speech using convoluted math to claim she had the biggest popular vote. With this message she will try at Denver to overturn Obama's delegate victory.

According to the Democratic rules only delegates count and the popular vote is meaningless, but as we all know, Hillary only obeys those rules that suit her.