March 31, 2008
Why Should Hillary Drop Out? (Bill Press)
Good for Barack Obama.
Late last week, from prominent Obama supporters, there was a drumbeat of calls for Hillary Clinton to drop out of the race. Bill Richardson, Patrick Leahy, Chris Dodd, Dick Durbin and others all chimed in with the same chant: He’s ahead. She can’t win. She’s only hurting the party. She should drop out.
They’re dead wrong, of course. Yes, he’s ahead. But she’s still in the game. Yes, it looks like he’s the winner. But he hasn’t won yet. And you never know what’s going to happen. There’s no more reason for Hillary Clinton to drop out of the race than there is for Barack Obama to drop out of the race.
This nomination is too important to hand to anybody just because he or she is ahead at the third quarter. The only way for Barack Obama to win the nomination is not for Clinton to drop out. It’s to do so well in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Indiana and other remaining states that superdelegates have no choice but to make him the nominee.
Barack Obama himself knows that. Over the weekend, he said Hillary should stay in the race as long as she wants to. Good for him. Now he should just tell his supporters to zip it.
Visit Mr. Press's website at billpressshow.com.
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Hillary can and should win. The truth is only just beginning to come out about Obama. See:
http://miraclesdaily.blogspot.com/
Comment by Christian Prophet — March 31, 2008 @ 11:40 am
Bill;
Hillary's "kitchen sink" strategy is wearing a bit thin. She started off with name, money and the inevitable factor yet she lose 11 in a row after super Tuesday and 15 of 17 ( Obama beat her in Texas). If the shoe was on teh other foot, I feel that the Obama camp would have graciously bowed out. Her continuing is like a spoiled child, standing in the doorway screaming "mine Mine mine". It has gotten old and tiresome.
Comment by Mike Coleman — March 31, 2008 @ 11:54 am
We are in the fourth quarter with just 2 minutes running on the clock. Hillary's chances of winning are about 4%.
In ALL previous primaries, the nominee was pretty much a GIVEN by March. Kerry and Gore were both declared winners after Super Tuesday. Bill Clinton had it bagged by April.
Hillary Clinton and people like you Bill, are only hurting our Party by pushing this.
While Obama may be OK with Hillary running - I am not. If she continues to push this past PA — she and Bill will lose ANY respect I ever had for them….and I voted for Bill twice and would have voted for Hillary this time if she won — but not now.
I don't care of Obama were to drop out right now. I would not vote for Hillary. She and Bill have proven to be exactly what the Republicans always claimed. Sadly.
Comment by Coonsey — March 31, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Hillary needs to stay in for the truth about the Democrats to come out. When is the Mainstream Press ever interested in anything damaging to a Democratic candidate unless another Democrat's interests are involved?
The Democrats can only win if they hide their true intentions. But not this time, the truth is coming out loud and clear. It's only the "my Obama, right or wrong" true believers that don't care about anything other than winning at any cost.
Comment by Igor R. — March 31, 2008 @ 2:08 pm
Despite the risk of loosing Coonsey's and Mike Coleman's respect, Hillary should press on. Just recently it was improper to mention Obama's middle name. Now, we discover fascinating facts about Barak nearly every week and I don't think it's Republicans that are doing the digging (if they were, we'd hear words like racists, dirty-tricks, mud-slingers, , . Before I vote for Obama, I'd like to learn much about 3 remaining candidates. Keep going Hillary!
Comment by Misha F — March 31, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
Come on, Bill. If you were non-aligned in this debate, you would see the foolishness of your argument.
Hillary cannot match Obama's pledged delegates, popular vote or total states won. The math is done: Obama won the numbers.
The only way for Hillary to get the nomination is for super delegates to override the public vote as expressed within the parameters listed above. Do you, a long time vet of the Dem party, believe they will overturn the popular vote when that vote is the first for an African American candidate? (I can help you with this answer if it's too painful for you to say.)
Hillary's remaining in this campaign has potential benefits. It toughens Obama and flushes out those issues that might raise their head during the general. But both of those benefits seem to be have been addressed adequately. A third benefit is that it might increase turnout in November. Might. But at what costs?
I attended a Texas county convention this weekend. I spoke to numerous Hillary supporters, women who've waited a lifetime for this moment. One said to me, "This is the last time I will have the chance to vote for a woman as president." She continued sternly that she will not vote for Obama. Period. I'm sure the sentiments of that woman and the other women I met are reflected nationwide among a group of women who are adamant that this should be their time.
There is a cost to Hillary's continuation. It is the alienation of working class women. And without adequate time to heal, that price will be paid by Obama and other general election candidates in November.
As a Democrat, I want the presidency back in reasoned hands. In support of that, I want Dean's 50-state strategy to be assisted as much as possible by a beneficial primary, so that we can successfully elect not only Obama, but Democratic governors, senators and congress people (state and U.S.), commissioners, judges, sheriffs, plus every other possible down ticket candidate so that we can begin to build the foundation for a renewed Democratic majority. If we are to accomplish this, we need to quickly begin mending the wounds this race has created.
Hillary needs to exit this race the day after she wins PA. It will give the party time to get on track for November, and it will make her a martyr. And let's face it, Bill, even the presidency cannot compete with the power of martyrdom.
Comment by Rowland — March 31, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Misha F;
What good can Hillary do by staying in the race? You mentioned that more and more is coming out about Obama but you failed to link to any credible news source while it is being reported that Hillary is stiffing small businesses and her campaign worker's health plan. If you have any credible information that would discredit Obama and they are not smears, please post them so that we can evaluate them. Otherwise Hillary staying is a waste of time and money.
Comment by Mike Coleman — March 31, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
Igor;
You know that once our nominee is selected the fire is going to be trained on John McCain and his illegal campaign. He committed to public financing when he needed it and once his campaign started to take off, he renege on his pledge. At this point he is spending more than he is allowed in violation of the McCain-Feingold Act. How sweet is that! Also his lies about his lobbyist partner and his gaffes on Iraq and Al-Qeada is going to make headlines.
Comment by Mike Coleman — March 31, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Apparently Bill didn't major in math. Obama has an insurmountable lead. It is over. Hillary and Bill have been sent back to where ever they came from.
Brian
http://www.politicalinaction.com
Comment by Brian — March 31, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Da, she cannot win. She just lost TX deleget count. If this were the other way around you would be the last person to say "stay-in" to Oboma. The Hilary machine wouldn't allow you to say otherwise. Her staying is based on another election run in 4 years. This one passed her by months ago…
Comment by mike varner — March 31, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
Mike, I'm for all the truth being out there. I have confidence that NYT will print the dirt on John McCain regardless of who his opponent is. I have no confidence that once the Democratic nominee is selected there will be any news on Obama or Hillary, only ringing endorsements. That's why it's important to keep the two Democrats in the race in order for the truth to come out.
Comment by Igor R. — March 31, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
I am so disappointed in the Democratic party as a women who works on Wall Street and is in her 30’s and is the main breadwinner in the family. I find it very odd that the press keeps saying only poor, uneducated and older women support Ms. Clinton. My friends and I are almost all former expats, ivy educated, Gen X’ers who support Ms. Clinton and if she is not nominated we will throw our support and money to Mr. McCain! Ms. Clinton is more qualified and experienced to be President than Mr. Obama. Her voting record is more conservative and we had eight years of economic prosperity coupled with moderate liberal policies under Mr. Clinton.. Considering our image abroad Ms. Clinton/Mr. Clinton are a team that world likes and know and they could get things done! My defining moment as someone who is a fiscally conservative and socially liberal female democrat was the lack of outrage when Mr. Obama told Ms. Clinton she was whining in a debate. Then the next day another very senior democrat was on TV explaining how none of Ms. Clinton’s experience as First Lady mattered because she was just First Lady and how could any of this experience be relevant! After all she was only his wife and how could anything a wife do matter. He also said it was highly unlikely she learned anything either again implying that wives / first ladies are incapable of learning. What a put down to women everywhere! When the Democratic party is this insensitive to the rights of 50% of the population they can expect a huge backlash as in I am voting for Mr. McCain. Its an unfortunate fact of life but women are still discriminated against in particular in higher paid professions such as banking. I was very hopeful and inspired that I might in my lifetime see a serious Democratic contender for the White House even if she didn’t win. I also thought it would be a wonderful inspiration to my daughter later on. The Democratic party is totally ignoring the Clinton democrats because they are pandering to the extreme liberal elements in the party right now who have been jealous of the Clintons success for a long time. This is going to have serious consequents for them in the general election and in the longer term.
P.S. Why are women in particular professional career women including Peggy Noonan and Maureen Dowd so hard on Hilary Clinton. Even a Clinton supporters such as myself admits Hilary is not prefect and has certainly made mistakes in the past but so have most politians. Lets face its been much harder for Hilary to get where she is today as a woman. Instead of applauding her for being aggressive and showing leadership ability we are attacking her and holding her to a higher standard than Mr. Obama. He has lied in the past as well. He just went on National TV and told us that he never heard his preacher say any of very damaging statements that everyone nationwide saw the video clips of. To me as an America they were very offensive. Then Mr. Obama came out a few days later with the statement well yeah I did it hear and just sat there and listened but I don’t agree comes off as very weak.. There are hundreds of good churches in Chicago so why didn’t he switch churches. He is running for President of the US and to come up with the excuse I just sat there to me shows zero leadership ability. If I didn’t agree with a church I would have enough backbone to a.. stop going or b. if I really wanted to go to church I would church shop and find one to my liking. Why isn’t Peggy writing harsh columns about this. We could also speak about Michelle Obama comments on how she was not proud to be an American! If I cant have Hilary give me John McCain any day and I will donate! At least he is a war hero with demonstrated leadership capabilities who loves America.
Comment by Ann — March 31, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
I agree with Bill and many in this post that Hillery should stay in the race but for very different reasons. She would listen to no one and cares not a twit about the party. She MUST run this to the ground herself and she is doing a great job of it-between the lies, poor management skills- her campaign, Bosnia, Kosovo, Ireland, her lumpen dogged personality, the Iraq war vote and using her daughter- one is hard pressed to see her as a leader of the even local VFW.
Here is another example:
Leading The News
Ex-congressman disputes Clinton boasts on medical leave legislation
By Sam Youngman
Posted: 03/27/08 07:00 PM [ET]
The former congressman who shepherded the Family and Medical Leave Act through Congress sought Thursday to debunk Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D-N.Y.) claim to the legislation, saying she “never had anything to do with it.”
Former Rep. William Lacy Clay, Sr. (D-Mo.) is circulating an email disputing Clinton’s claim that the law is one of her more meaningful domestic accomplishments. The presidential candidate says she helped lobby for the bill’s passage and signing in 1993.
But Clay, who was joined by Senate sponsor Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), said the bill had already passed by large margins when it passed in 1990 and 1992 before it was vetoed on both occasions by former President George H.W. Bush.
“All we needed was a president to sign it,” Clay said. “The president signed it, and we’re grateful for that but there was no lobbying by him or her.”
The Hill has obtained a copy of the Clay email rejecting Clinton’s claims to have been instrumental in bill’s becoming law. The former congressman writes, “If Hillary played a role in its passage, it was without my knowledge.”
Clay conceded that Clinton might have helped Dodd in the Senate, but given the large margins by which the bill had passed before, Clay said Dodd “just wouldn’t need” the help. Dodd could not be reached for comment.
“She never had anything to with it,” Clay said. “I just don’t think you ought to play games with that kind of stuff.”
Comment by Docb — March 31, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
I am an independent without a horse in this race yet Hillary's claim to experience is being whittled away every day. and if she is not the experienced candidate who is she? Presidential Spouse- not good enough.
Comment by james d granata — March 31, 2008 @ 5:43 pm
Coleman, once again you don't know what you're talking about. McCain's campaign is as "illegal" as Barry Obama's is. And what lies did he tell about his dealings with a lobbyist? At least he admits to dealing with lobbyists, unlike Obama. Obama, hypocrite that he is, claims not to take PAC and lobbyist money — yet he FEC filings show that he has taken both. Also, during his senate campaign, most of his money came from lobbyists and PACS. Does he think those good people will forget that he owes them??
Comment by John Simmons — March 31, 2008 @ 5:50 pm
Hillary Huckabee has made it official — she will never drop out of the race. She will filibuster the vote at the convention. She will cut off the electricity to the convention hall. She will fake a heart attack. She will take Chairwoman Pelosi hostage. She will take Sen. Obama hostage. She will go to court to enjoin the convention and have the primaries declared unconstitutional. She will continue to throw the kitchen sink and scorch the earth. She will cry. She will throw tantrums. She will tell more lies. She will cut off the hands of the ballot counters. She will crown herself with the crown of Charlemagne. But Hillary Huckabee will never drop out. A monster indeed.
Comment by Gene M. Simon — March 31, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
I have invested in Hillary and I'd be furious if she would drop out of this race. The only way I would condone her dropping out is if she were to continue running as an independent. She is by far the superior candidate for president than either Obama or McCain. I wouldn't vote for either of them.
Comment by nonna — March 31, 2008 @ 9:10 pm
Democrats, some food for thought with no end in sight till August. How effectively both Hillary and Obama are representing the people of New York and Illinois respectively? How many important votes have they missed in a Senate? Why don't they get recalled by their constituents? Is it fair to draw salary from a public payroll for the work that is not done? ("Yes" answer on the last question qualifies you as real democrat).
Comment by Misha F — March 31, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
Dear Mike Coleman,
Are you concerned that someone who taped Rev. Wright during his hate filled sermon is not a "credible news source"? The video with pastor spewing poison and black church members in a frenzy of white hatred seemed credible to me, although I fear for his safety. Myself, I don't have any credible information discrediting Obama as I spend most of my days working and paying taxes to support growing welfare rolls.
Comment by Misha F — March 31, 2008 @ 9:27 pm
Ann,
What a marvelous commentary and all of it true. I'm not an executive, but I am a woman and feel the same way as you!
If Hillary does not win I will vote for John McCain, for like you I agree he is honest and a war hero. I will be proud to vote for him.
Although I must say, I have never voted for a Republican, but that's alright there is always a first time, right Ann?
This country needs change but honest change and from what I can see about Mr. Obama he quite simply is not honest.
There is so much that the media will not discuss about Mr. Obama, so many lies, so much corruption, so much deceit.
Federal Income taxes from 2006, Rezko real estate deal, corrupt caucuses where he was bus loading people from other States to Nevada, Iowa and Texas, the intimidation was fierce and many elderly voters left and these young people would vote.
Yes, knowing what I know, I could never vote for an individual whose run for President is attempted at any cost. Never, John McCain here I come!
Comment by diane b — March 31, 2008 @ 11:18 pm
There is such rancor in the Clinton and Obama camps in New Hampshire that many on each side is not talking to each other. This can affect the offices farther down the ballot and give them a chance to get back into power. The winner is this case will be the Republicans, not Clinton and Obama. Is this what we really want?
Comment by Bill Siroty — April 1, 2008 @ 12:32 am
Personally, I'll vote for Cthulhu before I'll vote for four more years of GWB (which is what McCain is promising).
That said, a statewide poll was released today in KY. HRC 58% BHO 38% (or therabouts). I'm given to understand the numbers are similar in PA.
Counting only pledged delegates, neither Barack nor Hillary can win - they each will need the help of the superdelegates.
The race is far from over.
Run, Hillary, but please - no more sniper stories …
Comment by Randall — April 1, 2008 @ 12:34 am
Operation Chaos is working. Rush Limbaugh is more powerful than either Democratic candidate. They stand for nothing.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — April 1, 2008 @ 8:46 am
Ann,
You spoke for many, many of us women who feel outraged by the events in the democratic primary. I hope Hillary keeps running, and I bet some from the early primaries are having "buyer's remorse"!
Comment by math — April 1, 2008 @ 8:47 am
So Hillary can win because… Bill Press says so? How 'bout some evidence? Why don't you paint a plausible scenario in which Hillary wins the nomination? Oh, that's right. None exist.
The fact is Mike Huckabee had better odds of winning the nomination, thanks to McCain's actuarially meaningful chance of death.
But if you're a pundit I guess you can get away with calling it the "third quarter" as if it were a close football game.
She needs to pack it in.
Comment by lowellfield — April 1, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
Misha F;
The one thing that I don't do and neither should you is comment on someone's personal religion. I don't subscribe to any one religion, so how a person worships is up to them. I noticed that you refered to a 15 second piece of the Rev. quoting someone else or did you know that. If you are basing your support on a 15 second slice of you tube then I'm glad you're not a supporter of mine because you can be swayed not by the words of the candidate but by the words of someone else, for that I think you are a small minded person.
Comment by Mike Coleman — April 1, 2008 @ 3:18 pm
John Simmons
You have again shown your stupidity. John McCain when his campaign was tanking took out a loan using public financing as the source for payback. He also used public financing to get on the ballot in several states. He now wants to exceed the public financing limit, which he has and that makes it illegal. Boy you are dumb!
http://minx.cc/?post=256359
here is more;
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/02/21/fec_poses_fresh_problem_for_mc.html
and more;
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/21/mccain.fec.ap/
So you see John, McCain tried to game the system and is now locked in, the more he spends the worse it gets for him.
Comment by Mike Coleman — April 1, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
Mike, I payed attention to the Church long before the Reverend became famous. The Church was founded on hate and espouses hate through it's very principles. No amount of double-talk will turn it into a force of tolerance and understanding. You're talking down to people who don't believe in the tooth fairy by saying that just because they've never seen it there is no reason to discount this well-known childrens' favorite.
Comment by Igor R. — April 1, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
Ann,
So, you support Hillary mainly because she is a woman? Rather superficial! Gender or race are not good criteria to judge a candidate by. Much better indicators of a person's ability to be President would be character, knowledge, leadership experience, and political views, among others.
p.s. I don't support Obama either!
Comment by Joe Momma — April 1, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
Ann and Diane
I'm glad you'll vote for McCain over Obama despite both of you being self-proclaimed democrats. That's smart of you, as you have been confused thinking all along you were democrats when in fact you are both republican neocons. The democrats want your unimformed, neocon pesons out of the party. Hillary and Lieberman are good reasons why too.
Comment by Lester — April 2, 2008 @ 12:06 am
To the posters who will vote for McCain IF Hillary is not the nominee, I say "get a grip". I too was thrilled to pieces that a woman had a real shot. I supported her monetarily but I didn't at the polls. By the time I got there, I was tired of her and her husband and found that she reminded me of a child who was a spoiled brat no less. She has come into this feeling it is her "do" and that she is entitled to the nomination. Well, she's not. To vote for a candidate because she is a woman is absolutely assanine. You vote for the best candidate. If taking huge amounts of corporate money and then blowing it, not managing your campaign in an efficient manner, degenerating her opponent in the party, whining about being a woman, not making good decisions when she had the chance, does not in my mind make for a good president who has to mop after a misbegotten administration which has been corrupt, incompetent and hypocritical. Hillary Clinton will NEVER be president even if she does wrest away the nomination. The republicans are salivating at getting "at her" for all the baggage she carries on her back.
Comment by Judy — April 5, 2008 @ 5:52 pm
As far as I know, the magic number for the Democratic nomination is 2025. Obama can't reach it and Clinton can't reach it. It is going to take Super delegates. So how can the race be over. Anyways without Michigan and Florida voting, this nomination is a farce. I am now hoping Obama does win. He will then proceed to lose Michigan and Florida and with the GOP nailing him constantly about his pastor, the Dems will once again find a way to lose an election. I am seriously thinking of becoming an Independent. How can a supposed bunch of smart people do so many stupid things. Thank you Howard Dean, Florida and Michigan have never been really important in previous presidential elections so it was a really smart move to disenfranchise their voters. Good move. McBush-4 more years 4 more years
Comment by Greg — April 9, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
I think anyone voting for a candiate based on hear say, gender, or race alone is small minded and the reason the gov't has the morons there now. To vote for McCain if Clinton loses is childish and petty. I am suprised that an educated person would make such a statement, if you vote for Clinton simply because she is a women shows you must not really care about the country…4000 killed in Iraq for what!? Bin Landen still running free 7 years later..!!!! yet vote for McCain out of spite…?
Comment by Kevin — April 9, 2008 @ 9:48 pm
Hillary should stay in. I want to hear him whine after he loses the PA. vote. The longer she stays in the more we are going to find out this guy. He is just not trustworthy.
Comment by Lois — April 22, 2008 @ 4:50 am
Well since Obama has declared himself the democrat nominmee— we shouild all fall down? As far as I can tell there are still people who haven't voted, and as a matter of fact nither has enough votes to win the nomination,Let it play out as the system, was set upto do in this kind of a situation.I say it's up to the people of this country who they want, not the news media or reporters!
Comment by Sherry Scott — May 23, 2008 @ 10:56 am