Hillary's Ignominious Finale

All in all, it was a rather ignominious, belittling way to almost certainly close out the Clinton Era. Hillary would have done much better to spend the 90 minutes of Tuesday night's Ohio debate by repeatedly reading and re-reading her valedictory, closing remarks from last week's Texas match-up during which -- for a few shining moments -- a Good Hillary seemed to radiate with the grandeur of an honored First Lady and potential president of the United States.

But with her national poll numbers now slipping into a double digit lag behind Obama, with her last-ditch firewalls in Ohio and Texas rapidly crumbling, her political future quickly eroding, it was the Bad Hillary who dominated in what could very well be the final presidential debate of the season.

Thirty-five years of selfless public service, if we are to believe her campaign rhetoric, deserved more than this tin-pan finale. Clinton, in her best moments, is certainly capable of something more than a torrent of peevish, petty, picayune, and intellectually dishonest bickering and parsing.

Instead, Senator Clinton chose to remind us why she is losing the nomination that she was once so very sure would inevitably be hers. The smell of a loser permeated the entire low-energy event as Clinton tried to pick apart this or that phrase uttered one time or another by her rival.

Obama's been on a wild tear, continuing to surge and streak and -- to dip into the conventional wisdom -- it's hard to see anything that Clinton did Tuesday to stem his rising tide.

You'd think that Clinton could leave the national political stage with some larger, meaningful gesture. But, unfortunately, the only memorable line that she spoke tonight was a poorly constructed joke, surely written by a staffer.

It's taken me a decade and I'm still stumped trying to figure out what the meaning of "is" might really be. And yet Hillary tossed us the latest Clintonesque head-scratcher during the debate when she asked me -- and the millions watching -- to ponder the "difference between denouncing and rejecting."

I'm not sure which one of these acts of contrition her rival Barack Obama engaged in when asked by the moderators his view on the Reverend Louis Farrakhan. But whichever one it was, it was apparently the wrong one -- according to Senator Clinton.

Likewise, when it came to universal health care. Though Obama has adamantly campaigned on that promise from his first day on the stump, he was actually opposed to universal health care. At least, according to Hillary who belabored the point (to not say she beat it to death) for the first, torturous sixteen minutes of the debate.

And after repeatedly ignoring pleas from moderator Brian Williams to curtail her health care harangue, after extending and re-extending her remarks, Clinton then portrayed herself as a hapless victim of media bias by comparing Williams' questioning to a satirical sketch that aired over the weekend. "Well, could I just point out that in the last several debates, I seem to get the first question all the time? And I don't mind," she said with a grimace. "You know, I'll be happy to field them but I do find it curious. And if anybody saw Saturday Night Live, maybe we should ask Barack if he's comfortable and needs another pillow."

Rimshot!

Or was that a car crash?

Either way, time to bring in the mop-up crews. It's over.

Comments

[RichLiberal]

It is becoming apparent that Obama will probably end up winning this thing thanks to the non-stop smears on Hillary Clinton by the press, the Republicans and the Left Wing Democrats. It is the country's loss, not hers.

America has shown that has no limit to its ignorance of what its government is all about. We now have nearly a 40 year history of demonstrating that we, as a people are incapable of understanding and acting in our own best interests. From the 49 state landslide of the obviously corrupt Richard Nixon, to the election and re-election of grade B movie actor Ronald Reagan, to the election and re-election of the obviously incompetent and tunnel-visioned George W Bush, America has elected leaders as if they were selecting a cast for their favorite TV show.

By rejecting Hillary, who with her obvious skills and commitment plus a good understanding of the White House, who actually has a prayer of beginning to clean up this mess, America is deciding that it's someone else's turn. Let's try this guy with zero national or international experience, even less than GW Bush, and lets try to "work together" in Washington. Is there any recognition of what forces there are to "work together" with in Washington? Obama gave a hint last night when he said Exxon was not likely to give its profits up easily. Oh, is that right? Well, Barack, I am sure if you and your followers just ask them nicely they will be happy to comply.

The American odyssey of oblivious flailing around in the dark continues. Obama used an appropriate metaphor of the bus running into the ditch last night. Handing the wheel to Obama is like handing the wheel to your 10 year old child while travelling 90 mph on a busy interstate highway.

[NoMoFearNoMoHate]

what?

now we were dating her and broke up and it's our loss, thanks, we've found a better date.

oh, the fruitless words of the scorned and rejected - hope it makes you feel better.

then again, you could join us and if you have so much to add to the country and Obama is a 10 year old (I started driving at 10, on the highway - never had a problem) then surely Hillary will make the most wonderful drivers ed instructor ever. :)

[FJRinLA]

"By rejecting Hillary, who with her obvious skills and commitment plus a good understanding of the White House, who actually has a prayer of beginning to clean up this mess, America is deciding that it's someone else's turn. Let's try this guy with zero national or international experience"

....Wrong, wrong, and extremely biased toward your personal preference.

Where and how have these "skills" you reference been on display? In her management of her campaign budget and finances? In the management of her campaign message and media? In the mobilization of the millions of women like yourself who were and remain are eager to help her even more to make history for women? No it is not found in any of those measures; when if it had been in just one, she would be winning and not losing.

There is no questioning her commitment to being the first female President, but what is that worth without sufficient competence to manage the organization and the process to getting there. If she couldn't bring about this change, with all the advantages she had over Obama including the Clinton machine, her husband's popularity and time before his announcement, then she is not worthy of our confidence.

America and the process is not flawed, your candidate is.

Your view is biased because the 12-year on-again, off-again GOV of Arkansas in 1992 had no national or international experience either other than having been a Rhodes Scholar in the UK in his youth. Obama easily trumps all that with 8years in the State Capitol of IL, a more relevant state, and one term in the US Senate.

As a fellow beneficiary of progressive movements to empower women and people of color in this country, I remain offended at Hillary's sense of entitlement with so precious little in the way of demonstrable skills, talents, and/or accomplishments that are sincerely her own and not owing to/from who she married.

Obama was and remains gracious when he stated accurately that he never questions the legitimacy of her claim that 8 years as First Lady provided relevant experience as a potential President/Commander in Chief. But you must know that many Americans take exception to that and the REPS would have eaten her alive with just a critical analysis of her "35 years" without ever having to invoke Whitewater.

But like your candidate, I see you mistake grace in not critiquing it as ignorance or foolhardy acceptance of every claim she makes. No, we know she is bereft of this experience and these "skills" you claim, as if her performance in this campaign since November is not proof enough. Like Obama, we will just continue to extend her an open hand so she can keep her dignity and we can have unity going forward.

Now if she and her supporters would only stop slapping that hand, we may be able to get onto McCain and teaching the entire nation the lesson Barack Hussein Obama just taught The Clintons and the DEMS since McCain seems content to mimic The Clintons in their attacks on Obama and denials of the people's stated preferences.

[Project4NuBostonTeaParty]

Make that one-half term in the U.S. Senate.

[JKZANG]

RichLiberal - yours is a great posting. I'm in complete agreement with everything you said. I'm afraid our elections have become popularity contests as you indicated and I am really afraid for our country if the untested and rather arrogant Obama becomes president.

[7NoTrumpXX]

Love it. I needed a good laugh. You are correct.

The American public is more interested in "African-A­merican-Id­ol" than they are facts.

Independents and Republicans should NOT be allowed to vote in the Democratic Primary!! That's ludicrous.

People forget that President Clinton LEFT office with a 65% Approval Rating, the highest approval rating of any president since "approval ratings" were polled.

He even beat the Teflon President Ronald Reagan by 2%.

I still think Hillary can get the nomination especially if the Florida votes are counted. It would be a tragedy if the Florida voters are disenfrancised for something the Democrats in Florida were helpless to change. The Republican Governor and Republican legislature set the Primary Date.

[sickofhypocrisy]

amen, richliberal. amen.

[getrealalready]

Hillary Clinton will extinguish her chance to be President simply by being herself, all of her selves. She's white-water rafting while Obama's sculling. McCain is still putting his life jacket on...

[Paladin2]

Nice analogies, but you've left out the probable end. There's a tidal wave coming and both unqualified chosen for you choices you're being offered as a Democrat will be listed as lost at sea. McCains body will probably be located on a beach somewhere, but he too will drown. As will the American Empire, started when Lincoln dissolved the much talked about and never heeded Constitution in order to create the monster the government has become. The writers of the original Constitution would not recognize nor accept the blame for what we have let "We the people" become "We your rulers". This blog has become more of a cult worship center than an actual information exchange. "Go Hillary!" "Go Obama!". Yea, go to hell the both of you, and take McCain with you.

[LewisWalsh]

I mostly agree Paladin2. The US is quickly becoming the worlds bankrupt pariah. It seems as though the American Empire is in the throws of what will lead to its demise. It will be impossible to go forward depriving citizens while spending lavishly for its imperial ambitions. 600 Billion Dollars for military when the next highest spending country for military (China) spends 65 Billion Dollars. I'm supporting Obama not because of what he has done, but because of what he has not done.

[Dajo]

Marc said,

"""after repeatedly ignoring pleas from moderator Brian Williams to curtail her health care harangue"""


What a mis-read of the facts. The simple fact is it is the moderator's job after point counterpoint , rebut,etc.,to say next topic. Williams did not cut it off properly and allowed Obama to continue to argue.
Hillary, recognizing this fact, took the matter in to her own hands and was not going to let Obama get away with mis-directed and unfounded non-facts.Hillary was not about to let Obama off the hook until his weakness was exposed to the point that even a "Moron" could see it. Obama clearly showed his weakness on the issue of Health Care. After Hillary exposed him I was hoping he would have came clean and admitted the well known fact that a Universal Plan is more cost effective than a voluntary plan like he proposes. He almost came clean at one point and when he showed his weakness on this issue for all to see, then Hillary allowed him have his weak last word on the subject and then allowed Williams to go to the next topic.
If Williams had done his job Obama might not have been as clearly exposed.In that respect it benefited Hillary and all the American People.

I predict that after the dust settles, regardless which Democrat is elected President,the Health Care Plan that passes Congress and is signed into law, will be a Universal Plan and Hillary and the American people will win a great victory.

[FJRinLA]

DUELING HEALTH CARE PLANS

I wish Obama had elaborated more on his differentiation between Universal "Healthcare" that he proposes and Universal "Healthcoverage" that Hillary actually promotes.

He did a little when he said that the Insurance Companies like mandates because they force everyone to have "COVERAGE" which is not the same as "HEALTHCARE".

I hope we all get real serious out here, celebrate The Clintons for their record, and work state-by-state to elect the Senators and Congressmen Obama will need to form his governing majority. Then, Obama may be able to go back to what he has always said was his preference: a single payor system which could negotiate lower prices like Medicaid/Medicare and truly provide UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE at affordable prices, without making more families customers/victims of private insurance companies.

[HeadScratcher]

Your comments here point out exactly why Hillary has fallen so far.

The continuous parsing of these plans and concentration on terminology get lost on the American people. The fact is, their plans aren't that far apart to begin with. We don't have anything NOW that approaches either of those plans. I believe the voters know that either candidate will strive for a better health care system, so relatively minor differences between the two just don't turn people on.

The specific differences between the two are issues that are worked out during the legislative process.

Hillary and her supporters just don't understand that most Democrats are looking at the bigger picture - especially the new and young voters that are registering and voting in record numbers.

[Dajo]

I fully respect the fact that many people are looking at the bigger picture and therefore might overlook the big flaw in Obama's Non-Universal Plan. After all, Obamas positions are vastly superior to any republican.
I am also looking at the Bigger Picture, that is why I will actively support either Hillary or Obama in the General election.
I hope that should Hillary win the nod, the wonderful young people who have been inspired to participate in the process in record numbers, will also look at the Bigger Picture and support Hillary.

[kramskoi]

she still has'nt mentioned the amount of subsidies or the enforcement mechanism...now why is that?...she exposed nothing because their plans are more similar than they are different...

Obama used Massachusetts as an effective example of the pitfalls of such a system...he parried nicely all night...everytime Obama counterpointed she continued to try and have the last word...she was absolutely brutal to watch...Williams had to cut her off to go to a commercial break...

she is a fighter, i'll relent...but Obama used it against her, arguing that she ended up fighting everyone, including members of her own party over her failed attempt at universal health care in 1993.

The "well known facts" you expouse should be followed by a link to said comparisons of each plan...

[papau]

rejecting means rejecting the votes of the members of the Nation of Islam's support/votes - which Obama does not want to do since it is only because of the success of his playing the race card (implying Clinton controlled supporters until his supporters got out of hand and the idea was "no longer operative as Nixon would say) moving a 70/30 AA split to 90/10 that has given Obama his wins. Denounce on the other hand is just a strong disagreement - so you can still vote for me. As usual Obama wanted it both ways - a plus for Jewish votes without losing AA vptes - Obama has the strong center of values of a puddle of water.

Meanwhile we get a fellow that wants to give corporations a 5% tax cut and less regulation - and whose econ advisor told Kudlow that those promises of programs for the left are nothing to worry about since it was just campaign words and the don't expect to pass any of them.

Thanks guys for Obama - I really wanted the weakest person to oppose MCCain - and the weakest commitment to a program for the left in the whitehouse should we win.

[accountability]

papau.
Glad other people saw that race thing.
That is what pushed me out.

Lets not forget that he was pro Palestinian until he began his run for the US Senate. He spoke out strongly against Israeli policies. He doesn't mention it now.
He has become much more pro aipac.

I wonder why the media do not ask about this- either in the debates or in "analysis"

We have not heard anything about Israel/Palestinian plans or policies the candidates are into.

I mean we hear them say they are committed to Israel and we have a special relationship but he has never said that the Palestinians need their own state and Israel should go back to the old territories that I have heard. He did hold this view pre US Senate.

[richardsgirl]

"Glad other people saw that race thing. That is what pushed me out."

What race thing? Was it a race thing when 90% of African Americans voted for President Clinton, or when a majority of African Americans supported and voted for any other white Democratic candidate over the past fifty years? Was it a race thing when 90% of African Americans did not support the candidacies or vote for Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, or Alan Locke when these men, also black, ran for president? Senator Obama has won the majority of the popular vote in the Democratic primaries and caucuses. If the majority of these Americans have found clear and substantive reasons to support Senator Obama, beyond the color of his skin, why is it so difficult to believe that most African Americans have also found clear and substantive reasons to support Senator Obama beyond the color of his skin? Do you also call it a "race thing" that many white Americans are not supporting Senator Obama solely because he is black, and has this "pushed" you out as well? Or is it only a race thing when blacks have the audacity to be independent thinkers and informed voters in par with their white counterparts? Exactly what race thing are you talking about?

[abot]

Obama wins with the word denounce which is more applicable to use when you find someone's positions distasteful.

reject -a verb used as an object...
1. to refuse to have, take, recognize, etc.: to reject the offer of a better job.
2. to refuse to grant (a request, demand, etc.).

denounce -verb (used with object), -nounced, -nounc�ing. 1. to condemn or censure openly or publicly: to denounce a politician as morally corrupt.

[Project4NuBostonTeaParty]

You are absolutely correct, papau. This guy is a projection screen, he's all things to all his followers.

I'm worried that with all the banking money behind him, not to mention the nuke industry, that we are going to be going down some privatization roads and searching for more Yucca mountains...

[Denni]

Oh good lord... To the person who said that Obama's message was 'too upbeat': I'll bet Mother Theresa secretly loathed the poor and was drawing them in just to mock them... MLK was just a glee club member who couldn't think of anything else to do with his time, and RFK was just a rank cheerleader gone bad!

What is it with the anti-Obamaists? He's too upbeat? He's too hopeful that we can make a change?

Also, the only people, IMO, who think that Obama is 'too inexperienced' are people who don't know his record (and oddly enough, people who supported Bill Clinton who had less experience than Obama). Go figure.

[RichLiberal]

We are not anti-Obama. He appears to be a fine fellow. He should gain more experience before jumping in over his head at the deep end of the pool.

The people on this HuffPo site have shown they have no understanding of what government is about, what the issues are, what the challenges are, what the threats are. All they know is "Obama's the one".

This is truly pathetic. I suppose if you were sick in the hospital you'd want Obama to be your doctor and perform the surgery while chanting for hope and change.

The Obama "legions" have only shown that they recognize that there is a problem in Washington, which is correct. They have not shown one iota of understanding what that problem is about and what needs to be done to address it. The American people listened once and accidentally got the message that "It's the economy, stupid". Unfortunately, they never woke up and understood what that meant.

Good luck chasing the next windmill, I'll continue to batten down the hatches to prepare for whatever fiasco your movement and candidate discover is your "reason" for doing whatever you are doing.

[kramskoi]

so educate everyone here my friend...since you are the fountain of infinite wisdom on governmental affairs, both domestic and internatio­nal...perh­aps you should seek the office of POTUS since you have it all figured out...

maybe the reason the pool is so deep is the current cadre of "experienced" players in Washington, the same players who brought us Iraq and all the consequences that have followed...

[LewisWalsh]

RichLiberal, MrLiberal53 or whatever you're calling yourself these days in you shill capacity:

If I were in the hospital, I would sooner trust a young surgeon, then a surgeon with vast experience who couldn't manage his own office or, a surgeon who had more than nodding acquaintance with the medical examiner.

[sweetreason]

Hillary Clinton is just an awful leader--look at what a terrible campaign she has led. She ran practically unopposed in New York State--check into the particulars. Speaking of New York State, I saw in several places the news that there was some monkey business that occurred in New York--there were precincts in which Obama supposedly got "0" votes! A New York election official announced that they had determined that "vote fraud" had occurred. Why hasn't more been made of this, I wonder? Could it be that the press has not been as "unfriendly toward" Billary as they like to let on?

[MizLiz]

I've wondered about this as well. Of course, I also wondered why all the so-called 'journalists" didn't jump all over Dubya's horrible Viet Nam-era "war" record. Not a word was said....it drove me absolutely nuts. I was sure if the truth only came out, people wouldn't vote for that demented criminal. But they did.

[accountability]

Some people did try, and got pushed out for their troubles:
Dan Rather.

[democraticjack]

Why do you suppose she ran "practically unopposed" in New York?
Even the press is doing stories about the unfair treatment of Hillary and the free pass that Obama has received. Sad to say, they like McCain better than they do Obama.

[Owlygirl]

I agree she's the ONLY one responsible for her campaign failures. I don't care how many pieces of advice Hillary's been given, it's up to her to make the final, sound judgment. Isn't that what a leader does? Is that so hard? Apparently, for Hillary - YES.

One other thing we've noticed: The fact Obama has been giving Hillary consistent free passes with every debate. Whether it's because he refuses to play the smear games and stoop to that level, or it's just plain old integrity, Obama has not really challenged her the way she ought to be challenged. Hillary has morphed, wavered, and stuck her foot in her mouth so often he could easily have called her on it - and yet chooses not to. Nice guy. Takes a lot of discipline and class IMO.

[accountability]

ahhhahahah­ahahahahaa­aaa

[momforfuture]

I agree with Taurus on the reasons I am voting for Obama. I am 50, and I remember what RFK did more than JFK. I voted for Bill twice but I don't want a co-presidency making it 16 years of Clintons. I listen to people who were high schoolers during the Clinton era and all they remember is the Lewinsky episode--is there any guarantee that as 1st husband (Or worse as co-president). Who the heck is going to be vp to his co-presidency? This is important since no one's life expectancy is guaranteed and a weak vp is a real possibility. Twice on her giving Bush too much power--was she laying the groundwork for her own presidential term since she is/was so sure she would win? Her campaign tactics are what they are--maybe she believes that it is worth risking any positive legacy to hold on. Anyway, we don't need to attack each other for who we support. (I must confess confusion on some of the support. It is not with those who see the Billary ticket--I get that, they remember the positive things. But the Hillary as female/feminist icon I don't get. If a male candidate for an office ran and laid claim to experience that he got as a co-partner of a woman serving as a senator/go­vernor/may­or, etc. many would cry foul, saying he was essentially saying that his wife had been a puppet, had been unable to make a decision without his input/blessing/etc. However, Hillary's claiming that decisions (only the positive ones) made during the Clinton era were just as much hers as his does not seem to dim the enthusiasm for her claims of experience. A female president without such baggage who rose up through the ranks (how many people can go into New York state with no government experience of their own in state legislature, local government, etc. and no name recognition and no deep pockets and no real ties to the state and become a state senator) and will not stir up historical cross-references to a well-publicized WHITE HOUSE/GOVERNOR'S MANSION sexual/marital scandal best forgotten will take a shot at the White House.

[Star2000dancer]

I just received an email from MoveOn. They're supporting Barak & are going to hold a huge bash in Buffalo, NY. Bring your cell phone, because they're going to call 400,000 Texans to explain to them how they can load the ballot box by voting double. Sweet, huh?

[BrianMT]

I'm 90% sure you're being sarcastic. And I can't tell whether don't you know this or know it but disapprove of the system, but voters are encouraged in Texas to both caucus and vote in the primary. That's Texas for you. But for what it's worth, it's more than just legal, it's the accepted way of determining a primary in the Lone Star State. Bill Clinton was on the road in Texas all last week encouraging people to do just this and making (actually sort of funny) jokes about how it was everyone's "one chance to vote twice without going to jail." So, you know, easy on the vitriol there.

[accountability]

yeah, they are doing it in Neptune, NJ too.

[JudeWright]

There aren't 400,000 in Buffalo. Moveon does not have a high membership in Buffalo. Buffalo bashes have to have chicken wings and beef on weck and Labatt's Blue beer or nobody will show up. Buffalo and Erie County in western New York State is Hillary country. And there are myriad other reasons why this will be a pointless waste of everyone's time. Buffalonians don't care about politics until September. They care about the NHL Sabres. Additionally, they're probably going to hold the stupid thing at The Church On Delaware, which is Ani DiFranco's recording production studio and arts center, and the entire building only holds 600 people - Fire Codes, don't you know, and the main room - once the church part of the church - only seats 300. I should know, I live in Buffalo. So don't get your hopes up for anything approaching the lunacy that you wrote about.

[riverhouse]

Hillary isn't seeing what the rest of us are seeing: it's over for her. She's not going to be the nominee. She's not going to be the president. I know the entitlement factor is deeply entrenched in her psyche but it's not going to happen. She assured herself of this rejection by voting the neocon agenda, thinking the middle of the road would take her where she wanted to go. But it won't. It's a fraud. Americans very clearly want change, not more of the Bush agenda. They want out of Iraq. They want to talk to Iran, not bomb them. They want jobs and fair wages, not anti-union regs and tax breaks for big corporations. They want health care but they don't want their wages garnished when it leaves them without sufficient bucks to feed the kids. And they want someone in the Oval Office who doesn't run through money like drunken sailor. Been there, done that with GWB. Hillary is wasting our time and some fools money. She needs to go back to the Senate and try to hold her seat. Rudy and Bloomberg are eyeing it as we speak.

[universala]

riverhouse....

Sorry but millions of American want Hillary to stay and win and we will hold on and support her as LONG as that might take and as difficult as that fight might be. The only entitlement factor is coming from your phoney candidate. If you don't want the Bush agenda then why are you voting for Obama...he's another Bush in the making. He is as ill prepared and inexperienced as Bush was when he took office. It was the same CHANGE...love him..mentality that voted him into office. As far as bombing goes....your candidate wanted to bomb Pakistan so how is he any different?
You are right about one thing, America does want jobs and fair wages. Guess who is leading the charge on that... Senator Clinton. In regards to the anti-union regs and tax breaks, you need to talk to your candidate. This is the same candidate who labeled unions as special interest groups with too much influence in Washington, D.C. He has been asked by the Maytag workers to stop using them in his speeches because he never helped them. In regards to Health Insurance you are going to pay regardless. You can choose to be on Hillary's plan that will cover everyone. Her plan will make it affordable so that you can have insurance and the insurance companies won't be able to deny you anymore due to previous illness or cherry picking. She will also provide assistance to those who can't afford it through subsidies. OR you can choose Obamas plan which leaves out 15 million people and those of you that do have insurance will have to pay more to pay for those that didn't buy insurance. Because eventually they will need care at some point. Insurance companies will be able to deny you due to previous illness. Additionally if you don't have insurance Obamas plan calls for you being fined once you show up at the ER room so either way you pay. So keep on going Hillary all the way to the convention if need be...we are behind you. Go HILLARY!!!

[democraticjack]

If the Obama supporters are so cocksure about their candidate, why do they want his competition to bow out of the race without a fight? They cannot stand the heat, bitch and moan about anything, anything, negative said about him and then attack Hillary when he screws up. It really is cult-like and pathetic.
He caved on the reject/denounce thing and then when Russert threw a tossup question about Putin's successor out there, you can see him turn and look at her and then say "what she said". It's a joke.

[universala]

riverhouse....

Sorry but millions of American want Hillary to stay and win and we will hold on and support her as LONG as that might take and as difficult as that fight might be. The only entitlement factor is coming from your phoney candidate. If you don't want the Bush agenda then why are you voting for Obama...he's another Bush in the making. He is as ill prepared and inexperienced as Bush was when he took office. It was the same CHANGE...love him..mentality that voted him into office. As far as bombing goes....your candidate wanted to bomb Pakistan so how is he any different?
You are right about one thing, America does want jobs and fair wages. Guess who is leading the charge on that... Senator Clinton. In regards to the anti-union regs and tax breaks, you need to talk to your candidate. This is the same candidate who labeled unions as special interest groups with too much influence in Washington, D.C. He has been asked by the Maytag workers to stop using them in his speeches because he never helped them. In regards to Health Insurance you are going to pay regardless. You can choose to be on Hillary's plan that will cover everyone. Her plan will make it affordable so that you can have insurance and the insurance companies won't be able to deny you anymore due to previous illness or cherry picking. She will also provide assistance to those who can't afford it through subsidies. OR you can choose Obamas plan which leaves out 15 million people and those of you that do have insurance will have to pay more to pay for those that didn't buy insurance. Because eventually they will need care at some point. Insurance companies will be able to deny you due to previous illness. Additionally if you don't have insurance Obamas plan calls for you being fined once you show up at the ER room so either way you pay. So keep on going Hillary all the way to the convention if need be...we are behind you. Go HILLARY!!!

[rmetz74]

The fact is that no primary candidate from either party has ever lost 11 races in a row and gone on to win the nomination.

You don't have to like him, but he is the nominee. It's just a matter of time before it's official.

[accountability]

Universala. I'm with you except that I think if Obama gets the right people around him he might make a good President, particularly if he can actually bring these hate filled Obamatons into a conversion of rhetoric and away from HuffPo and into action.

On the other hand people voted for the idiot king because they thought they could have a beer with him. He was likable, you know he could tell a dirty joke, ride a horse and clean brush. A six pack with the guy could be pretty enjoyable so the stopry goes.

Now we have Obama, a gorgeous, lithe, elegant guy with a smooth and relaxed demeanor and a way with words that could talk you into just about anything. It would be great to share a bottle of wine with him and let jhim make his magic while you discuss the world.

[inwonderland]

How Presidential Barack Obama was in light of the last week's harranges of all sordid sorts..by the press, the Clintons, Hillary's sarcasm, rage, rant, pictures of Obama in ceremonial robes.

If not a word was spoken, the aplomb and restraint of Barack Obama assured many undecideds that he is ready to lead this nation in a productive not destructive discourse and to reach out to the skeptical worldview that AMERICA is BACK.

The parsing by Mrs. Clinton about how to characterize the reprehensible character of Minister Farakahn...was a view into her pettiness, her school marm shaming, and her desperation to win at all costs.

Barack Obama used the word denounce instead of reject because rejecting would have implied that support had been given to him by Farakahn.
Obama has become a deft and thoughtful debater.

If he brings that kind of nuanced responses to the challenges we face nationally and internationally, we are really in for the change he promotes. He embodies that change. He inhabited that change in the face of all kinds of barbs and barrages.

I honor Mrs. Clinton for her lifework, but her sense of entitlement that the title of President was hers and no one else's may have cost her what she coveted so vociferously.

And if I spelled the above adjective wrong, I am sure a Hillary type will type me the correction.

If this country is ready to turn the page from the old stories, the old tactics, the old entitlements to power, then can we get ready for a new kind of leadership in Barack Obama?
(you knew it was coming, right?) YES WE CAN!

[Numbskull]

You honestly think biting your tongue at criticism shows presidential savy. The media is on an Obama Blitzkrieg to drive Clinton out of the race. People mesmerized by Obama's affable, warm persona. I don't buy it, he's a politician with an ambigious upbeat message. It's nice that you can point to the lofty places above, but if you don't even have an idea how to build the ladder to get there, then what purpose does it serve. Inexperience equals 4 more years of inexperienced leadership. You don't think McCain and his boys are sitting at the starting gate waiting to pounce. A 30 some odd year senator with a proven track record of voting how he believes against a freshman rockstar? I'll admit he's got a lot of people with starry eyed visions of the future, but he's going to get thumped in a general election. The college voting pool has never driven a candidate home (thank god) so this revolutionary movement is (a) without substance (b) doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past. Put out that Obama is suspicious of white people (not me, from his own account) and see how far that goes in a general election. Starry eyed dreamers only get so far. If it worked I would have seen Jerry Brown do it 12 years ago.

[democraticjack]

You struck a chord with me. In Virginia 17 year olds were allowed to vote. The sight of little boys wearing their pants around their crotches going into the polling booths was bizarre to say the least. They weren't voting for Hillary in case you wondered.

[CarolaBen]

I beg to differ with your remarks with regard to Farakahn. It seems to me one can denounce another's words and still accept their money, but if one rejects another, they don't accept them in any way whatsoever. I did not find it petty; it was exactly what I and many like myself needed to hear. Tim Russert asked the question & Obama was lukewarm in his reponse, which did not assure me of his leanings and or position on the matter. Fortunately, Hillary was astute enough to push the matter.

[rmetz74]

And Obama answered by confirming that he both denounces and rejects Farrakhan's support, for those who feel there's an important difference.

[abot]

excuse me you need to show proof that he took money form Farakahn.

[richardsgirl]

Minister Farrakhan said some kind words about Senator Obama and declared support for his candidacy, just as many Americans have done. But there was never any mention of money. In fact, Senator Obama clearly stated that there is no official/formal or unofficial/informal relationship between his campaign and Minister Farrakhan. Hillary wanted Obama to REJECT Minister Farrakhan's "words," which is to somehow magically give the words back. Senator Obama tried to explain that his denouncement of Minister Farrakhan's atrocious comments against Jews was not only a stronger rebuke but a more appropriate one. But to accommodate Senator Clinton's silliness, he both rejected and denounced. By pushing the matter, Senator Clinton only opened herself to more embarrassment as well as reminding the voters of her own hypocrisy based on similar circumstances.

[rshrink]

After watching this debate, I listened to Chris Matthews and Tim Russert. From their comments, I wondered if they had listened to the same debate! It almost seems to me that they sleep through the responses, probably thinking they already know what they need to know and are thinking about going to get coffee and donuts. Perhaps their level of cynicism is so great now that they can't imagine people with different ideas and motivations. Or perhaps they were so taken in by Bush and his mafia types that now they think everyone is going to sneak up on them and be corrupt, so they are acting like they are on top of things. Who knows? All I know is that I don't think they see the talents and abilities which exist in both of these candidates. They are trying to second guess Obama and the truth is, it appears to me that he is much smarter than they are capable of imagining. He is a deep thinker and someone who is capable of listening and making necessary adjustments. As a president, I think he would be able to relate to leaders in other countries. I think he has the ability to convey respect, whether he agrees with someone or not, (which is so different from Bush) and that was evident in his manner and dialogue with Clinton. I think Senator Clinton will not be able to help but like Senator Obama, even if she is not nominated. It would be hard to not like him and also hard to not admire his steadiness and ability to connect with people in a positive manner. This is a lot of what I saw in the debate, but it appears that the commentators missed most of this.

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

this blog and website is now infested with Clinton-haters and infiltrated with Republicans. I can't wait to see your heads blow up when Senator Clinton wins :D

[rmetz74]

Reality check - No primary candidate, from either party, has ever lost 11 races in a row and gone on to win the nomination.

[abot]

if its either Shrillary or McCrazy I am leaving this country to enjoy my single payer healthcare.

[Covenant]

If she wins the nomination, I'll put my saber away and donate her some money, and hopefully another million or so of us will as well. I think Obama's the better guy, but as he's said Hillary is a lightyear farther better than McCain.

[realistic2008]

Hillary is not the culprit you know nor a victim, the culprit is Bush and the victims all of US for we have experienced the worst presidential era in history. I respect her willingness to take a job where chaos, lies, crimes against humanity are so engrained in the administration that it will take a miracle worker to repair the damages.

[Garvagh]

I agree that Hillary Clinton did herself a disservice when she departed from the elevated posture held at the end of the previous debate.
Bill Clinton knows the damage to the Democrats from pettiness on the part of his wife is most unwelcome right across the country (and in the UK).

[democraticjack]

This damage to the party talk is a talking point and a myth. The Democratic party will survive.
The only people who are offended are Obama supporters, Republicans and the yuppie wing of the media. And they are not offended, they just want their boy to be handed the keys to the White House at all costs. They are the ones doing damage, if such a thing were even real. The Democratic party is not some ethereal entity hanging on to life by a thread.

[way out left in san francisco]

Great Post. I feared Obama had lost the debate because Hillary Clinton came out punching trying to prove that she would make be the "Toughest" negotiator on the world stage. She tried to make Obama look weak. Instead she proved that she is experienced in "Battle" a real "Fighter". Inadvertently she reminded people why we do not like her or trust her because all we will get with her as president is ceaseless fighting, a fractured government and no change - just endless fight because she is a warrior. I used to "love" the Clintons. But their thuggish behavior on this campaign coupled with revisiting their history has made me reassess my "love". The Clintons are in love with power not the people. They will do anything to retain power even if it means tearing apart the Democrat Party which they already turned into the moderate Republican wing. Now I can't wait to see both Clintons gone from the political scene. The lies, the unfulfilled promises, the coverups and the re-writing of history for their convenience - BE GONE. 35 years of experience... most of which has been spent in mansions paid for by the public or the Clinton cronies. Can anyone site a singular brave stand, speech or piece of legislation that Hillary Clinton can list as an accomplishment? I can find nothing but excuses.

[balanga]

'...its over' and then who are you jackasses going to go to for support in the general election.! Because of pea brains like you Cooper, millions of Democrats and independents are going to sit this one out!!...No love fest is going to be forthcoming after the vitriol and hate that has been espoused on sites like this over the last few months. The Demoratic lefts trashing of HC is going to lead to another humiliating defeat in november!!

[dm92]

Obama has nothing to do with the Clinton - "hate-fest". Have you been ingoring those 50% negatives every poll has shown over the last seven years? Stay home - I'll just keep my friggin' tax cut!

[transformer08]

Some supporters on each side are guilty here. One of them (Obama or Clinton) has to drop out in the next week in order to stop the "vitriol and hate". That is the only way to reunify the party, this primary cannot continue like this for weeks and months.

You could argue that Obama should drop out, but he has 1 million more votes in the primaries so far and won many more states -- so it falls to Clinton to do the right thing and drop out.

Petition - "Sen. Clinton, please withdraw now from the race"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/clintonwithdrawnow/

[accountability]

What makes you think the vitriol and hate will stop if Clinton drops out?
The people who spew this malignant hate have been doing it for years and years, long before this election. They won't stop because she dropped out. If anything there will be even more bile in the form of self righteous gloating, as if they did anything besides repeat neo-con talking points and hate.

No, sorry, this is America and while I would prefer the primary doesn't go to the convention it wouldn't be the first time and why is it so bad? I'm not sure why. Maybe they all should have to go to convention... maybe we should get rid of conventions and have 1 vote for 1 person and get rid of the electoral college.

That won't happen though because the delegates, the supporters, the endorsers get their power and their appointments through all of this.

No, the vitriol and hate won't stop. There are some people, usually ideologues who must be against something in order to be confident in their ideology have to hate. It gives them their identity. Anyone who hates this much will not let it go willingly. You will have to pry it from their cold, dead hands.

[roneckley16823]

Sorry balanga - if the democrats have another humiliating defeat in November, blame Hillary. She just lost eleven states in a row, the people speak and Hillary's still screaming poor me. The country doesn't like her, and we do not want her, which should be obvious by now. It's time for her to pack it up.

[rmetz74]

And what's the basis for believing "millions of Democrats and independents are going to sit this one out"?

Is it the skyrocketing Democratic voter registration numbers? Or record-breaking Dem and Indie turnout in every state primary? Or Obama's record-breaking fundraising numbers?

[kimbari]

ONE MILLION DONORS as of today!

Sweet!

[ARBOC2]

It does seem that we Democrats are about to wrench defeat out of the jaws of what once was a sure victory. Oh,well we liberals take pride in this sort of thing. The only thing that really bothers us is winning. What would we have to grouse about for the next four years; probably another eight?

Even the unlikely likes of McCain will make it when Obama is nominated. While we hate to face it and most of us do, the racist element of our society, which is a hell of a lot larger than generally suspected,or admitted to, will deal him out when they get to the secrecy of the poll booth.

Hillary could have made it if given half a break by the vast right wing conspiracy with its disgusting drum beaters such as Tim Russert and the other network purveyors of hardly hidden Clinton hatred.

Having voted twice for Adlai Stevenson I know how the mass of young idealists will feel when their Obama is soundly rejected by a landslide in November. I have never entirely recovered from the knowledge that Stevenson was declared unfit to be preaident becase he was "too smart". By those standards we should consider a Constitutional amendment making Bush president for life.