Hillary Clinton To Suspend Campaign Saturday

***UPDATE***
The Clinton campaign issued a statement at around 9pm saying they will be hosting an event to announce her support for Sen. Obama on Saturday, as opposed to Friday:

Senator Clinton will be hosting an event in Washington, DC to thank her supporters and express her support for Senator Obama and party unity. This event will be held on Saturday to accommodate more of Senator Clinton's supporters who want to attend.

Multiple news organizations reported early Wednesday evening that Hillary Clinton is expected to officially suspend her campaign and drop out of the Democratic race on Friday.

The Times has more details on the ending of her campaign:

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is moving to suspend her campaign and endorse Senator Barack Obama on Friday after Democratic members of Congress urged her on Wednesday to leave the race and allow the party to unite around Mr. Obama, according to a senior adviser to Mrs. Clinton.

Mrs. Clinton is likely to make the announcement in New York City, an aide said, although no final venue has been chosen.

Her decision came after a day of telephone conversations with supporters on Capital Hill about what she should do now that Mr. Obama has claimed enough delegates to secure the nomination. Mrs. Clinton had initially said she wanted to wait before making any decision, but her aides said that in conversations, some of her closest supporters said it was urgent that she step aside.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the word from the Obama camp is that a joint ticket is unlikely:

Close supporters suggested she would like to be his running mate, on a unity ticket.

But close advisers to Sen. Obama signaled an Obama-Clinton ticket was highly unlikely. People in both camps cited what several called "a deal-breaker" -- Bill Clinton may balk at releasing records of his business dealings and big donors to his presidential library.

Comments

[AryanMjolnir]

Bring the boys (and girls) back home.

[flabingo]

At first I thought to get her out of the political process she could be on the supreme court, but imagine the outcry by the republicans on the judiciary committie asking about Bill's source of money for the library. Also once you suspend your campaign , do the limits still apply when raising money to get back her money which she loaned her campaign. His reckless behavior (past and present) could have put a permanent ceiling on her political career. Her reality is somewhat tragic. Rich is when you are satisfied with your portion. She will NEVER be rich. The new phrase is "If you don't vet you must forget"

[NotMcCain]

I think we can thank Hillary's superdelegates (like Rangel) for this.

When she said she'd hold her delegates until the convention, she meant them, too. Many of them have tried to hang on and be loyal for months, even though they personally wanted to switch (or were hearing constantly from angry constituents that they SHOULD switch).

I think Rangel was able to convince her that the NY delegation (among many) don't WANT to have a convention fight. They WANT to support Obama wholeheartedly now--and the sooner the better.

I think Rangel (and others who need to be reelected) told her that if she didn't release them, they would leave on their own.

If so...thank you, again, superdelegates!

[Spesabsquemetu]

A show of support in vigorous campaigning for Sen. Obama by the NY delegates would be the best way for them to demonstrate that they are all team players and deserving of being re-elected.

Rangel should be commended for providing some sense of leadership in this regard.

More work needs to be done that reflects a unifying sense of support for our party's leader, Sen. Obama. In particular, those who made unfortunate divisive and reprehensible statements directed towards Sen. Obama in the past, can choose to help heal this party, by demonstrating public leadership through some semblance of unity that suggests a willingness to correct, heal and rectify previous damaging remarks.

It is outrageous that the founder of BETV, would suggest that he is in any position to provide "suggestions" to our party's leader concerning who to choose for his VP candidate.
People have the power to choose ethics and integrity over acts of divisiveness, misrepresentation and destruction, even as they have the power to choose which media outlets they will engage in financial relationships with.

The time for healing is now. Rangel has demonstrated a willingness to engage in unifying the party. But more is going to be required and needed if this party is to succeed, and the time for action is NOW.

[Grannysue]

She isn't doing this willingly, apparently 23 congressional people who had supported her and at least eight Senators, including Charlie Rangle, had a telephone confrence with her and told her they weren't too happy with her all about me speech on Tuesday evening and she needs to quit and start backing Obama. You just had to know this woman wouldn't leave unless it was kicking and screaming!
Hopefully, after she quits she will go quietly and let Obama get on with the general election, I highly doubt he's going to pick her as VP, that wouldn't be wise, many people have told him that. Give her some cabinet position and make sure her office is far far away from the oval office!

[bbbear]

If I'm correct, and this is Billary's last ditch attempt to control the democratic faction of the Republicratic party, Hillary won't actually quit or actually endorse Obama. In the end, regardless of We The Sheeple, Billary will do what's best for Billary.

[nosecretwhoiam]

She's throwing a big party? I thought she was broke. Where is she getting the money for this?

[gladys46]

It's "... MY MONEY .." She gets it from off-shore bank accounts that she & Bill have spirited away!!

Tacky to beg her poor hard-working base for more cash .. that's why she counldn't concede ... very early on in that disgusting speech she told them to go to Hill.com ... give $$$!!

But, then who are we discussing!!? Consider the source!

[truthskr]

Well, although I have been a hardcore Obama supporter since early February, I have still elected to received e-mails for Hillary's campaign, you know, just for the sheer entertainment they never fail to provide, and the one that she sent out yesterday informing all of her supporters of her decision to suspend her race and endorse Obama still included her big, fat red CONTRIBUTE button. Wow. What idiot is going to click that button now? Then again, I know that I sure don't want any of my contributions that I made to Obama to find there way back into her pocket should he decide to help her out with her debt.

No one who contributed to her campaign are getting any of their money back, so why should she? To let go of the $12M loan she made herself (and then on top of that pay off the additional $8M+ of debt her campaign owns with some of she and Bill's own money) instead of insisting that it be paid back by her supporters, the DNC, and/or Obama, might indicate to those of us who have come to believe otherwise that she has at least an ounce of integrity.

[enoughalready]

As a woman and a life long Democrat I am stunned at Hillary Clinton's behavior this week. This primary was an historical leap for not only our party but all of America and I was so proud it was my party, the Democrats that put both Obama and Hillary up for the highest job in our land. My husband and I sat together watching Obama's speech from St. Paul and we both were so proud and so enthusiastic for the general election to begin.

We both have wondered what is up with Hillary. She knew one would be the nominee. She knew Obama has been leading the way and she knew on Tuesday night that Obama went over the top in delegates and did secure the nomination. With all this knowledge she then behaves in the most ungracious way of ignoring the facts and having to have her collegues in Congress push her to do the right thing. This morning reports are that she is still considering whether to release her delegates and not giving up her right to be nominated on the floor of the convention. She is telling all Democrats that it is all about Hillary and not winning in November. Unity in our party is critical and she has to move and support that unity, NOW.

She is showing the worst side of herself and she must stop.

[KarateKid]

And we can all see how she brings out the worst in her supporters, too.

[Beckinspate]

I agree--if I can set aside how big the ego must be of someone so brilliant and so thwarted and once so powerful as "First Lady"--then I can perhaps tap into my own rages as a boomer feminist at what I thought I SHOULD have--feelings which have some reality as well as self-deception. She needs to meditate on the story of Eli and Samuel about new prophets arising and the vocation sometimes of the old just to get out of the way. Very difficult for us especially as women to give way to the next generation when we still smart from our own battles and failed hopes, but there is no other sane step. And in all this, how amazing Obama continues to be in his vision and example of inclusion. She didn't lose to Biden or Edwards, and probably Chelsea was right that she is better than Bill in intellect and heart.

[Spesabsquemetu]

I am disgusted with what I have seen with my own eyes from Hillary, Bill, members of THIS PARTY. Disgusted that a NY State atty. general could make the most disgraceful remark towards a fellow democrat, or a Penn. governor could suggest that some of his constituents might not be able to vote for Sen. Obama because of the color of his skin.

Disgusted that the BETV founder who knows the shackles that racism and deceit create, could suggest the most dishonest misrepresentations of a young man who overcame the ravages of what poverty, racism and indifference inflict upon the human spirit, to become one of the most profoundly inspirational and unifying leaders this nation has ever seen.

Disgusted by media outlets that would suggest that such disgraceful commentary over whether the nation is "ready to vote for a black man" - is somehow - reasonable to consider.

REASONABLE? All people are created equal and endowed with the same human rights, regardless of skin color, gender, race, religious beliefs or sexual preferences – to name a few issues viciously used to isolate and denigrate people and deny them their fundamental human rights.

The fact that a GOVERNOR would suggest skin color could prevent votes, suggests this party has a great deal to address regarding what they would dare promote as their PLATFORM of BELIEFS, come August.

The time for unity is NOW.
No more divisive CONDUCT through words that claim to be “unifying”.
ALL DELEGATES TO OBAMA - NOW.

[kfs]

Exactly where do you get your information? I received a letter from Clinton today and she is bowing out and urges support for Obama. She said she plans to fight hard for his candidacy and wants her supporters to do the same. What else do you people need?

[thecanadian]

If I were Obama I would shut her down like this.

Okay Hillary, you want to be VP, put your name in and let us REVIEW &: VET yours and Bills past!

Then, we all know how devious they are. ....he can then announce that "she didn't pass the security and scutiny" to become VP.

[Bill3rdterm]

Oh yeah, that's a great way to go about it. Dolt

[KarateKid]

nice nic. says it all. describes the problem.

[k6007]

I think it is brilliant. Bill will NEVER be able to pass the vetting process.

[brainstrain]

Why are you here?

You've yet to repsond to any inquiries as to why you are trolling around here if you've got nothing substantive to add. Upset? Offer solutions. Disenfranchised? How can we bring you into the fold? Be aware, however, that it is NOT all about H's supporters. We DO want you to come along for this historic ride, just not at the price it may cost. Patience springs not eternal. You have your time to grieve and recombobulate yourselves, and then pick yourselved up, dust off, and hit the bricks with the rest of us. Adapt or be left behind. That is nature's way, and politics is no different. Would the mammals have wanted the dinosaurs to win? haha Well, we can't let M c Ca ne win either.

[Harinama]

wow, yeah you wouldn't want to review and vet a vp candidate like HRC the same way as other vp options? Why should HRC get any preference or kid gloves over others? She'll be lucky to be offered Secretary of State..

YOU are the DOLT, go troll somewhere else.

[Kremfresch]

He's here to wait around for the occasional gloating, sexist remark, then he can feel vindicated that ALL Obama supporters are assholes, and that the poor, poor Clintons have been victimized once again.
The Clintonian Culture is ALL about defering blame.

[Fabienne]

Obama's committee WILL vett (sp.?) the Clintons and they will not pass.

[Dane1911]

They did, Bill dont want to release his library to Obama to do research on them. he is hiding some things that he dont want the public to notice. Obama is very smart. Thats why he is our nomiee....

[KarateKid]

I can see it already, if he chooses her. Headline stealing. High Profile. Loose Cannon. Pushing Programs. And that only covers Bill.

They don't know the there is no "I" in team. Fuggeddaboudit. Even if it causes him to lose the election. Besides, there's no guarantee her supporters would ever vote for an African American, anyway.

Do it your way, Barack. Don't cave to the egomaniacs.

[Bill3rdterm]

WOw an obvious egomaniac projecting. nice.

[KarateKid]

Wow, an obvious sore loser projecting. nice.

[KarateKid]

Thank you. It was intended to reach your ilk and it worked.

[gladys46]

It's absolutely hillarious to listen to all these pundits ... so much sheer speculation! Their operative words are always "I think that!"

While Obama takes care of HIS business damn well, better than well!

I just like that man O so much, 'cause he has demonstrated that he knows how to WIN and who to WIN with and for!!

[NotMcCain]

He's a brilliant manager, who seems to choose and lead outstanding teams. I can't wait to see his Cabinet choices.

McCain, on the other hand, seems more lead than leader these days. That speech on Tuesday really said it all to me about his advisers, his judgment, his ideas (nothing new, and the motto cribbed from Barack). I just hope he lasts through the general election because he's a stunningly weak candidate to go up against someone as skilled as Obama.

[gladys46]

Exactly! Just try to imagine the visual of O somewhere next to Mc on any platform! O is not only equipped with the language but, his energetic prance like a gracious flamingo gives anybody pause!

This is what the repubs have to offer ... all due respect to Mc's service but, these are two US senators (both)!! O starts out quiet and then look the hell out!! Read a great article re O, geez ... he's more than just some notion!

[BigBen]

Does throwing his best friend,(Rev. Wright), his church and under the bus define taking care of his business?How about th 58 states?This guy really knows his business.A­s Richardson gets browner,How about the beard,real mexican! No? Obama gets whiter a la Michael Jackson.Th­at is what I call taking care of business.A­s they say Bush and Chaney were a real ugly couple.

[IAM4CLINTON]

Harriet Christian said it right today (check out on You Tube)- Obama played the race card and the DNC followed suit- with awarding Obama almost 50 % of the delegates from Michigan when his name was not even on the ballot.
I will join Harriet Christian in voting for McCain- unless and until Barack and Michelle Obama recognize, celebrate, and respect the best Democratic President in 40 years-Bill Clinton. Until they stop glossing over the boom years of the 90s and dismiss off Bill Clinton (Michelle wanted to rip his eyes out per a recent interview)- they will NOT get my vote. I will contribute my $$s to the Democratic Congressional candidates and vote for McCain

[KarateKid]

You certainly have a sense of self importance. Who cares what you and your ilk do? It's evident you are voting not with your brain, on the issues. Go ahead, cut off your noses to spite your faces.

[BigBen]

They may have different goals but the style and behavior of the left and right wings sure are similar.

[RantingTommy]

In other words, you're a closet right-winger.

Got ya.

Now please move aside as progressives are running the show now.

[Pammy1151]

You go girl!!! Vote against women's rights and to send the young to die in war and so much more. Shows you are selfish as she is.

[amiblueyoubet]

How many are there of you in California? 40 maybe. Good luck with that.

[BigBen]

How many ? Be patient. You will find out in Nov.

[Fabienne]

I presume, if you are voting for McCain, that you support remaining in Iraq, tax cuts for the wealthy, conservative anti-choice Supreme Court justices, a hardline foreign policy, health care as it is now, and the rest of the Republican agenda. Voting for him would make absolutely NO sense otherwise.

[bodo]

Obama would need his head examined if he picked Hillary for VP. He would lose many of his own voters who had been hoping for change, nor would she be able to deliver her white racist voters to him. Instead the two Clintons would drag all their old cronies back into the government, and any hope for change would go out the window.

What Obama needs as VP is a true friend and partner who could take over on Day One, a supporter who will bring strong experience in defence and foreign relations, a person like Biden or Nunn who could counter McCains strong sides. What he does NOT need is Hillary whose foreign experience is just imaginary sniper fire.

[Deparis]

Your first paragraph is spot on. People like Lani Davis and his ilks don't give a darn about the Party or the change the country is crying for. All this so called support and petition to pressure Barack to pick her for VP is just a means to push their own self-centered and egocentric interests. They understand that their influence is threatened by the prospect of an Obama presidency, especially with such a progressive movement behind him. I say throw all the corrupt bunch out.

[SteveS]

She's out of the race and yet here's another article and hundreds of comments in an anti-Clinton mold. The attacks just can't seem to stop.

At least half of the Democratic party loves the Clintons. I don't understand why the other half can't stop attacking them, even in an article where she is dropping out of the race.

[gladys46]

Ah, because they attempted to win at the expense of our democratic party ... because they did this thing, this divide and conquer, this disrespectful demonstration of very bad loser act!

But, hopefully we're all still americans right! Forgive and forget is that it ... or, remember history thus you wont repeat it! Especially when it's just awful!

[vsign]

I thought at one time that the thrill of beating "the white man and his no good wife" would quiet things down. Now, I think the racism is so focused on the Clintons that nothing will stop it. Is it that some voters think a President should solve all their problems and be a King/Dictator? I don't get the general feeling of all the attack comments either.

[k6007]

There must be a LOT, of 'racist against whites' in Mo., Ia, and, Mn.

[Gmoney1]

Race has nothing to do with why many dislike the Clintons - they were tremendously disliked by the republicans for many years starting in the 1990s - all the blacks loved the Clintons and backed them overwhelmingly in the 1990s - what happened - Hillary began to personally attack her black opponent - she made insulting remarks and treated him as if he was a joke - she began to win the many remaining primaries because she used the race card by telling blacks and other minorities that she was winning the white hardworkers as if other americans were not suffering and hardworking - Hillary became the divisive candidate - she remains to be divisive and it continues to show as of this date -

[Fabienne]

I think it is highly unlikely that half of the Democratic Party "loves" Clinton. Many of those who voted for her are heartily sorry they did so now, especially after her behavior this week. She will not be Vice President and she will never be President. Nor is it the Party's responsibility or the voters' responsibility to worry about what she wants.

[gladys46]

Is she really out!!?? Promise!

[aflurry]

when she concedes she's out.....st­ill waiting.

[ResearchGuy]

Senator Clinton now appears to be into a passive-aggressive phase, drawing out her exit, not actually ending her campaign, leaving open the possibility of disrupting the convention, and most immediately, stalling until (at least -- stay tuned) Saturday her (doubtless well hedged) statement of "support" for Obama.

[ddanaan]

The best post for Hillary (even better than VP) is the one Obama can promise but not offer outright.; a seat on the Supreme court.. She is a much better lawyer than either a politician or administrator (which is by no means an insult) and would both give her an incentive to work her heart out for the Obama and down-ticket campaigns and a career where she would have a much greater impact than a VP, cabinet official or even NY senator. As relatively young (for a justice) she could conceivably be on the SCOTUS for 30 years. I'd heard Bill floated around for a seat but he's a better politician than lawyer and his dis-barment would be a killer.
Ginsberg (75), Scalia (72), Kennedy (71) and Stevens (88) are all over 70 so the odds are the next President will be naming at least one member, possibly more. Who knows, having to work with Hillary might make Scalia choke on his own bile.

[Gma11]

I thought I read somewhere that she flunked her first bar exam.

Personally, I don't think Hillary is suitable to be a Supreme, too much history of personally and professionally "skirting the law" (to be kind).

I prefer the next Supreme to be someone ethically sound. I'd consider Edwards. I'm sure there are also MANY qualified women to be considered. It's simply not an area in which I have much knowledge.

[janeadams]

I believe that she took two different state bar exams and flunked one of them. This is not uncommon as bar exams differ widely. That said, I think that SCOTUS would bore her. She makes a better politician.

For the record, I am an Obama supporter, but I refuse to go along with Hillary hate.

[Dadoodaman]

Here's the thing: while she should certainly be a SCOTUS, it's simply foolish to promise that without completing a real "job search." There are, I'm sure, a dozen or more solid candidates of equal or greater competence.

[NotMcCain]

I'm completely opposed to her as VP, but could see her doing fine on the SC. There are better choices, definitely, but I think she could distinguish herself as a good moderate judge, not unlike O'Connor was.

It would be very interesting to see Hillary, such a creature of politics for 35 years, in a position that was the ultimate "above politics" role.

[dawlishgal]

Another advantage for us if she is promised the supreme court positon is that it would force her to campaign for Obama with some sincerity and genuine effort....­.things she didn't do for either Gore or Kerry (when it was obvious that she and Bill tried to keep the seat warm for her for next presidential elections rather than elect a Democratic candidate.

If Obama doesn't win, she doesn't get that supreme court slot. Ever. Because she has already set herself up to be blamed for his loss (because she has encouraged the stubborn negativity of her supporters).

I don't think she has enough party loyalty to campaign without a HUGE carrot. And the SC might be the only big enough one that appeals enough to her narcissism to snap her out of her narcissism.

[ResearchGuy]

If she is dropping out, why, as of a couple of minutes ago, is her campaign still soliciting volunteers to contact voters, raise funds, host events, and so on? Send a comment to hillaryclinton.comn.com and see what comes back at you. (It does not matter what you say. No one will read it.)

[nonofyabusiness]

Because...­..Light's on but nobody's home......­.(kind of like hil or terry)

[Bill3rdterm]

Listen to the pure hatred and vileness of you idiots. There is something seriously wrong with you peeps.

[thecanadian]

Snake in the grass. Another Switch for thinking women

WOMEN AROUND THE COOLER.

Hillary clinton movement just lost another 16 female white supporters. This was told to us by a member with a large family in the U.S.

Our faith in working Women is absolutely right. They are not pawns nor are they unthinking just because they are in low paying jobs who Clinton thinks are hers.! Good for "Thinking Women"

[Gma11]

Hill has demonstrated that she will, if at all possible, make her own rules.

[Pammy1151]

she wants their money. Those "stupid" supporters will probably send it to her.

[Bozwellian]

The consequences of allowing McCain to take the CIC title and a continuation of Bush/ Cheny policies (and with a flip flopper like McCain to boot) well, no time to take such a chance , NOT if you really are concerned about the basics and the future of this nation for selves and the future generations(their children/e­tc...) REALITY CHECK TIME, and time for the Clintons to get a grip and realize they truly have indeed lost and it was theirs to lose which they did by squandering so much due to arrogancy and misplaced inevitibility and bad guidance and bad decisons--mostly due to arrogancy!