May 13, 2008
Strong Superdelegate Backlash Growing Against Clinton (Brent Budowsky)
Behind the scenes, there is now a very substantial anger growing among many senior Democrats and superdelegates towards Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) staying in the race while playing what many Democrats privately now believe is the race card.
The feeling is that the only reason Hillary remains in the race is to use certain remaining states to make the "working-class white" argument that many Democrats, a number of whom have been supporting Clinton, find deeply offensive.
This gives credence to those who believe that Hillary wants to elect Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) so she can run in 2012.
Do not believe the spin; the "white people's" argument has done extreme damage to the Clinton campaign and, if this continues, her future in national politics.
Expect a major surge of superdelegates to Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in the coming days if Hillary does not drop out within 24-48 hours, and expect significant defections from other leading Democrats who support Hillary today, but will not buy into any attempt to undermine the rightful nominee, Obama.
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Once again, you speak the truth, Mr. Budowsky. Godspeed.
Comment by PR — May 13, 2008 @ 3:52 pm
PR, thanks. I am picking up major
backlash among superdelegates. West
Virginia is having the exact opposite
effect of what Hillary expected by moving
supers to endorse Barack and convincing
them she only stays in to hurt Barack
among whites and help McCain. Look for
big action towards Barack after W Va.
Brent
Comment by Brent — May 13, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
Hillary will never run again and she knows it. The public has gotten a good look at her and apparently doesn't like what they have seen, hence her low numbers. No, with the Clintons , it's apparently rule or ruin, at least ruin the competition. Of course, Obama hasn't done much to help himself, appearing to be more and more a bitter Trinity Church racist who probably drives a BMW when he isn't thumping on the black theology of the Trinity Church.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — May 13, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Well, if she leaves the hard-working racist white people will be totally confused.
Comment by Igor R. — May 13, 2008 @ 4:15 pm
Brent-
I agree that she has angered many in the Dem Party, especially the superdels.
The surge is starting as a slow drip but will turn into a tsunami soon after the 20th. The only thing that will give the Clintons pause is the perceived damage to their legacy.
Whether she stays until June 3 is of no concern to me, what I do care about is a dignified exit and a toning down of "white working class" type statements. If she runs a positive campaign from this point, she will actually do Obama a favor by staying in. (Much more embarrassing if she is no longer running)
She also needs to raise 20 mil, if she drops out now–who will pay Mark Penn?–so let her run a positive campaign and provide cover for Obama in WV, KY and PR—then sucker a few more of her supporters to pony up more funds to pay off Penn and Co.
Comment by Theard — May 13, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
Brent,
Of course you're right. HRC's behavior is deplorable; however, the dirty politicking done by the Clinton campaign has provided an oportunity for people in this country to show whether or not we have grown up.
Are most of us still unable to look toward a better and stronger country that provides space for a well-educated middle-class and a safety net for all, a government that does not spy on us, and does not torture; Will we vote our interests, or will we vote our prejudices?
It is important for us to see the answer to this question, now. Then we can move on knowing full well whether we have grown, or are still, as a voting nation, mired in the mantle of white supremacy.
The nomination and election of a Barack Obama may be our last chance to stem the national fire sale of jobs and rights and integrity that has been conducted behind our backs by every White House occupant since Jimmy Carter left office.
Comment by barbara day — May 13, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
Dear Barbara #6, did you say "since Jimmy Carter left office?" It's beautiful that you mentioned President Carter and confident that Barack Obama would continue Jimmy Carter's legacy. I don't think there is a better way for us to describe Mr.Obama than with a strong connection to Jimmy Carter. I hope you have many friends that vote and you could pass this characterization to all of them…
Comment by Misha — May 13, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
Hillary is done politically. She is a bonafide racist, in the most deceptive ways.
In using the terms 'white', 'hard working', 'broad based', and 'electable' in the same argument, she cozied up to white supremacy and racism in America.
Don't be confused: this is an old racist electoral strategy going back to George Wallace, Nixon, and Reagan.
The Clintons are sick for playing this game. Good for America to dump them. Congratulations for picking the first black presidential candidate.
Comment by jim — May 13, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
It seems quite strange to me that eight years as President of the United States was not a personal growth experience for Bill Clinton. Isn't that strange?
Comment by Barry Schwartz — May 13, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
While Hillary is being accused of using the race card this is what the Obama campaign said about McCain's future in Michigan and Florida:
"We're not going to let John McCain wander around in those states unchallenged anymore."
This Messiah who accused McCain of "losing his bearings" and always thanks him for his half a century of service can't possibly be using the age card, can he????
Comment by Igor R. — May 13, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
Obama is showing the way in not bad-mouthing Hillary and her supporters. He knows that these people need to be massaged in order to be as helpful as possible in Obama's presidential campaign. There is no sense in lacerating Hillary and her people now. The game is over. As a Democrat with many qualities as a politician, she deserves to be talked about with great respect - if only out of tactical self-preservation by all those who wish Obama well.
Comment by B. Blogman — May 14, 2008 @ 12:22 am
I continue to be deeply disturbed by clinton's negativity and winning at any cost mentality, and the deliberate destruction of hope …
i despair for our country if she pulls this out through any means needed to get the end she wants …
what gives her the right and entitlement … no wonder the world is so disgusted with america
Comment by jessica britt — May 14, 2008 @ 12:33 am
Thanks, Brent, for your concise analysis. It resonates…and saddens me deeply to see what the Clintons have done to themselves, the positive aspects of Bill's legacy, and to our whole country. Jim's comments (#8, paragraph 2) describe racism in America in one of its ugliest forms. We need to close the chapter on this. Go away Hillary and never come back. A former support who has come to loathe you…
Comment by Christi D — May 14, 2008 @ 12:36 am
I can't match Brent Budowsky's extra sensing abilities to detect the surge of super-delegates to Emir Barack Hussein, but today voters in W.Virginia just trounced him mostly because they believe Baracka shares Rev. Wright's disdain towards America. Kentucky would be no better, and I feel folks in all states that voted in pre-Rev.Wright revelations are quite upset with themselves. The more we look at this "surge" the more it looks like a "rescue" mission for B.Hussein & Co.
Comment by Misha — May 14, 2008 @ 12:43 am
The things change the more they stay the same. I'm and African American. I we know that Mrs. Clinton is playing the race card, and the world is watching. Guys it's time to put a stop to this mess. She shouldn't be allowed to do that, even if her name is a Clinton. My question is to the democrats leaders is someone going to be bold and say enough is enough?
Comment by Louis — May 14, 2008 @ 1:03 am
I am a 60 year old white Vietnam vet.Who has only a high school education.
I made less than 50k last year and am currently unemployed.
I have no health care or dental.
No IRA or retirement plan.
If I turn on my television one more time and see that rich silver spooned millionaire bad actor bobbing her head and pointing to the crowd pretending to be the guru for the working class , I will puke .
Comment by Mike Green — May 14, 2008 @ 1:30 am
It's MORTIFYING that the Supers have waited so long to stand up to the Clinton's racist tactics. It should have been protested LOUDLY when they first started playing the race card - but it wasn't. I'm ready for a 3rd party. IF Clinton manages to steal the nomination, I HOPE Obama will run outside the Dem party. I think he'd beat both Clinton and McCain and he HAS the financial backing to do it.
Comment by ByTheSeaWA — May 14, 2008 @ 2:05 am
What a riot! What most of these posts seem to be suggesting is that Hillary and Barack's long-time pastor, friend, and (now former) member of his spiritual advisory committee have a lot in common, just on different sides of the fence. Both candidates have been playing similar games, albeit w/ Barack's lining up better w/ the PC litmus that prevails w/in the party and the perceived need to alleviate guilt. Racially, Barack is as white as he is black, but that just doesn't sell as well when a candidate is dependent upon a near-monolithic racial block vote in Southern primaries for his candidacy. Certainly, this argument that Hillary is race-baiting provides political and ethical cover for those superdelegates who are running to Barack merely because he looks like the winner.
Comment by Jonathan J. — May 14, 2008 @ 7:24 am
A little history, lest we forget … In the past there was another candidate for the Dem nomination that trailed as a distant 2nd throughout the primaries. That candidate wasn't able to pick up enough delegates either but did win most of the large industrial states, while his opponent won in mostly rural states. Party leaders hounded him to leave the race. Their argument was that he was dividing the party & would jeopardize its chances of winning the White House in the general election.
Sound familiar? It was 1980. The candidate that won in the industrial states was Ted Kennedy. He lost the nomination to Jimmy Carter (the nation's first female presidential candidate!) by conceding on the next-to-last day of the Dem convention. Ronald Reagan won the White House with 489 electoral college votes to Carter's 49. Had Kennedy been the Dem candidate that year (even with all of his "baggage") it might have been a more competitive race.
In my view, the Dems are setting themselves up again for a re-play of the same drama - and the same outcome. Works for me!
Comment by Bill — May 14, 2008 @ 8:27 am
What is sad is that is the best arguement that Obama has going for him. If your are still for Clinton you must be a racist. It may secure the nomination but it will work against us in the fall.
There are still many of us who have dropped lit and knocked doors for other elite losers like Dukakis and Kerry that are frustrated that the assumed nominee of our party doesn't support national health inurance (opposes mandates) and supports a FLAT/consumption tax (the gas tax). It's got nothing to do with race. I caucused for Al Sharpton 4 years ago because I would have rather have lost with someone who had some political guts.
Comment by Chuck R — May 14, 2008 @ 9:03 am
Take a step back. Look at the numbers. We are a nation of fifty-fifty percent R's & D's. Fifty-fifty men and women. Twenty percent of our population is African American who have been voting vote at a rate over ninty percent for Mr. Obama. In my opinion I think it would be likely that a large number of women from all walks will vote for her to have a woman President in their lifetime. This is much larger than the twenty percent of the African American population. That is maybe seventy-five percent of the women vote for Hillary then you have all the male D's.
Look, I know nothing as I am sure many of you will agree and I do not mean to offend as anyone who knows me knows that would me the last thing I would want to do, however…. I am not saying that people only vote their demographic however the large states appear to be doing so. It would appear to me that by the way things are going McCain will be the next President.
Signed - A tired D
Comment by Eddie — May 14, 2008 @ 9:18 am
She seems to play whichever state she is going into. She did her 'whites only' speech before west virginia because she knew there was a racist atmosphere. Notice where she doesn't do these things. I am kind of disappointed in her speech last night because where I thought she would seek to unite the party, she is driven to further divide it. I'm sure this will have serious ramifications in her seat as a senator as well. But you know, no matter how much you think she didn't mean to sound racist, no matter how much you want to say she is not trying to hurt the party, she always does or say something to ensure you that she is. She won a state that will be known for being a low income, white, undereducated state. Who wants to be known like that. What gets me is how they think someone with 109 million dollars can feel their pain? Maybe it's because I went to college that I don't see the rationale. You would want someone who understands your circumstances because they can relate, not someone who has never been in your situation. Sorry, but West Virginia voted race just like she knew they would. That makes me sadder that Obama losing. She could have played this an entirely different way and maybe really turned people around to support her. I am now convinced she will never be president even if she helps Mccain become president this time. People just will not forget.
Comment by Yvonne — May 14, 2008 @ 9:37 am
I just saw on the news that he got 2 more supers this morning.
Comment by Yvonne — May 14, 2008 @ 9:48 am
Hillary has forgotten more information than the other two candidates (Obama & McSame) learned. She can speak to any issue without notes or teleprompters and doesn't have to insert numerous nauseatating pauses just to answer simple questions.
Comment by H D Glueck — May 14, 2008 @ 10:40 am
Just remember: you can't get elected President by winning only the African American & egghead votes. Do the math!
Comment by Bill — May 14, 2008 @ 11:03 am
I've been voting for over 40 years and am not impressed by either Obama nor Clinton. It should be noted that she really does have more experience.
I am disappointed in the Democratic Party - everything is money; the very real qualified candidates, Biden, Dodd, Richardson…Hello?! Enough said.
Comment by Stephanie — May 14, 2008 @ 11:03 am
Bill, to lead a country it would be nice to know if the person was educated about other countries. Even though there are a lot of people that don't make a lot of money, this country would not be as advanced as it is if no one wanted to be educated to do better. It just makes sense, the more you learn, the more you earn. You should not be punished for it. People want change and whatever Hillary's experience is, she has showed that she won't change anything because she's had years to do it. It's going to be interesting to see who she will become in Kentucky.
Comment by Yvonne — May 14, 2008 @ 11:23 am
Allow me to help some of you with this racial thing.
The Clintons intentionally used the race card to marginalize Barack Obama.
Unfortunately, it was the only card for them left to play–the Ferraro and Clinton statements were a concerted effort to ghettoize Obama's candidacy.
Now let me help with some of the racial dog whistles:
Elistism-code for uppity to some.
Electability, white working class, and broad based–code for white folk will not vote for him.
These racist attacks incensed the AA community and drove them to Obama to the tune of 92%…Clinton realizing that she lost their vote, kept up her attacks and became the champion of the white working class–beer drinking, gun toting Annie Oakley Hillary…LOL!! This is a woman who graduated from Wesley College, and Yale law–worked on the defense team of for the Black Panters..LOL
Low info voters lapped up her crap and voted overwhelmingly for her. These voters prob will never vote for Obama and he will need to expand his base beyond lunch bucket bob.
VA, NC, CO, GA, NM, and NV are all states he can make a solid run. VA’s 13 Electoral College votes are equal to WV (5) and KY (8), so he doesn’t need them.
While I am happy to debate substantive issues and policy differences, some of you still prefer to fall back to subtle racial stereotypes. I can deal with “I don’t like Obama because ..
He is too liberal, a dem, his fiscal policies suck, he lacks experience, foreign policy scares me…etc…
What I can’t tolerate are the subtle racist attacks used to stoke the passions of low info voters who will not nuance the tenor of the argument being made.
Comment by Theard — May 14, 2008 @ 11:33 am
Hillary is a former First Lady and corporate lawyer who sat on WalMart's board of directors and has $109 million in the bank. That's not elite? That's a record that appeals to white working-class voters? I'm white and working-class, like almost everyone I know, and I firmly believe Obama's race is the only reason any support for Hillary still exists.
Comment by Dana Hatch — May 14, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Theard, no one is saying there is not racism going on, but for people to tolerate and say she is a fighter for being one is indignant and is saying that people of any other race does not matter. There will be people who will not vote for Obama simply because he is black, no other reason. I personally am glad that West Virginia was called out. But this thing about nobody becoming president unless they win West Virginia is hype. That may have been during Jim Crow, but that's just not happening anymore. Who wants a state like that? Did anyone see the black guy standing behind her when she gave her speech last night? My brother and i almost died laughing. He didn't even realize he wasn't supposed to be there because he wasn't white. Talk about staging. But too late, I don't think she will get the black vote and she cannot win without it. The media which is backing her won't say it, but believe me, it's true. It is not 1940. I knew we needed change, I underestimated how badly we needed it. I have no sympathy for Hillary.
Comment by Yvonne — May 14, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Believe me I have no sympathy for her either…and the black guy in yellow sweater hooping and hollering –and sometimes off cue?…yes, that was classic….but I disagree–he was strategically placed behind Clinton for show..and show he did.
The results of MS-01 showed that the public has grown tired of the GOP brand and its scare tactics. Unfortunately, they are doing poorly on every conceivable issue the American electorate cares about–so the Flag pins, Obama is a muslim slander attacks will not go away.
I've always maintained on this blog that it would take 2 electoral cycles to right the GOP ship to a more centrist platform–but after last night, November just might do it and not a moment too soon.
Comment by Theard — May 14, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Let me ask this. If Hillary had said she was going to cut Obama off at the knees, throw the general election to McCain and run again in 2012, then how would her actions to achieve that outcome be any different from what she is doing NOW??? What has Barack done to deserve all this? The tolerance that the democratic party continues to show for
Hillary's blatant highjacking attempt is deplorable. She has, without shame, fanned the ghastly race card, fanned the 60's "cranky lady" vote, sliced, diced and divided the electorate, and colored in a general election map according to old 90's postulations that falsely favor her. This is all outrageous and Barack has not deserved this.
Comment by Rita1 — May 14, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
It's funny to see the supers stampede to Obama as he is proving himself unelectable. 41 points! But they dare not offend the blacks who now can taste the primary victory, so the fate is sealed. Self-destruction by political correctness! Same thing McCain is doing, only the Dems are doing it faster.
Comment by Igor R. — May 14, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
I cannot express how much disdain I feel toward HRC. Obama has run a clean campaign and won. Hillary cannot accept defeat so she is doing her best to destroy Obama and in the process our country. History will not be kind to her especially if McCain wins.
Iam disappointed with the leaders of the DNC and others for not stopping her from using the race card. Worse little has been written in the media about this. With the exception of Brent and a handful of others. Thank You Brent!
The Supers need to come out in droves to endorse Obama and end this once and for all. I understand Hillary wants to continue and she should, but the more she plays the race card the uglier this becomes. Iam not sure the party will ever come together after this. Many who voted for her are disgusted; They switched to Obama. Even California has buyers remorse according to the polls.
Although I am in her demographic I support Obama, always have. In good conscience I do not believe I could vote for her, not ever. I did not feel this way until Hillary showed her true colours. I dread a McCain presidency. The consequences will be immense. Our country will never be the same. That is why I feel such disdain for Hillary.
Comment by serena1313 — May 14, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
What has Barack done to deserve all this?
The audacity to challenge the Clinton machine and win.
Not waiting his turn.
Did I say win?
Comment by Theard — May 14, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
For starters: SHE VOTED FOR THE WAR. And now she talks about the two wars we're in as if she had no part in it. Hillary's own words only turned me off to her even more so, months ago.
Her words are the words of an egomaniac, win at all costs, change the rules to suit herself. She reminds me of George Bush in many ways, and I cannot tolerate another Bush-style leader.
Comment by Brianna — May 14, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
My, my, my. The liberals in this thread give one the impression that to be a democrat is to eat your young, the attacks are so personal. It reminds one of the "kid's table". It's a good thing (and probably a reason why) they represent only a small percentage of the American electorate. But it is very entertaining to watch. Sort of like watching a train wreck in progress. Implosion anyone?
Personally, I prefer the adult's table.
Comment by Bill — May 14, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
Bill which trainwreck are u referring to?
Repubs lose Hasterts seat in IL
Repubs lose LA seat
Repubs lose MS-01 seat (see a few posts above)
Tom cole RNCC chair:
“I encourage all Republican candidates, whether incumbents or challengers, to take stock of their campaigns and position themselves for challenging campaigns this fall by building the financial resources and grassroots networks that offer them the opportunity and ability to communicate, energize and turn out voters this election.”
I am tempted to take a swipe back, but sometimes you just have to let the facts speak for themselves..LOL..good luck watching in NOV.
Comment by Theard — May 14, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
Obama emphasized once again that he wants to leave Iraq in hurry to combat the real war on terror in Afghanistan. This is from an AP report today:
"South of the capital, a young girl strapped with explosives killed an Iraqi captain and wounded four soldiers Wednesday. Iraqi army Lt. Ahmed Ali said the explosives were detonated by remote control as the girl approached the Iraqi commander in Youssifiyah, in the area once known as the Triangle of Death."
So let me see, strapping little girls with explosive and detonating them isn't terror because Obama says it's in the wrong place. I just love this gentle man of the people!
Comment by Igor R. — May 14, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
We need Obama bad! This incompetent Bush is once again antagonizing the whole world!
http://www.dispatch.co.za/article.aspx?id=201607
Comment by Igor R. — May 14, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
Obama's future unconditional conversation partner is having a bit of a conversation by himself:
http://www.iranfocus.com/en/iran-general-/irans-ahmadinejad-says-israel-dying.html
Comment by Igor R. — May 14, 2008 @ 6:05 pm
White racists attack Obama with T-shirts, but justice will soon be restored:
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1094037&srvc=home&position=recent
Comment by Igor R. — May 14, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
The evil anti-American deceiver is taken to task by some intelligent editorial writers:
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=295659438660017
Comment by Igor R. — May 14, 2008 @ 9:43 pm
Forget the T-shirt, some interesting collection of dignitaries from Trinity United Church of Christ’s, with Obama, Farrakhan, Rev. Wright, and many other "activists" at the link below.
http://www.stoptheaclu.com/archives/2008/05/14/obama-wright-farrakhan-together-on-2006-church-newsletter-cover/
What was this guy thinking? Didn't he know that with Gore's Internet everywhere he'll become radioactive well before general election?
Comment by Misha — May 15, 2008 @ 1:09 am
Here are the 10 points that every member of Trinity United Church of Christ's must agree to:
1. A congregation committed to ADORATION.
2. A congregation preaching SALVATION.
3. A congregation actively seeking RECONCILIATION.
4. A congregation with a non-negotiable COMMITMENT TO AFRICA.
5. A congregation committed to BIBLICAL EDUCATION.
6. A congregation committed to CULTURAL EDUCATION.
7. A congregation committed to the HISTORICAL EDUCATION OF AFRICAN PEOPLE IN DIASPORA.
8. A congregation committed to LIBERATION.
9. A congregation committed to RESTORATION.
10. A congregation working towards ECONOMIC PARITY.
See this URL for more info on how to join and grow yourself spiritually at the Trinity Place:
http://www.tucc.org/about.htm
Comment by Misha — May 15, 2008 @ 1:18 am
Oh my, Misha, you are ranting. Blabber blah blah blah
Does the idea of "President Obama" scare you Misha?
Comment by Martha Vance — May 17, 2008 @ 10:10 am
I see we have a white suprenacist among the posters; Misha. That is some vile stuff there Misha.
Comment by Travis Jackson — May 17, 2008 @ 7:03 pm