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<h2 class="post-title">Rendell on an Obama-Clinton Ticket</h2> <p class="post-author">By <span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/author/kseelye/" title="Posts by Katharine Q. Seelye">Katharine Q. Seelye</a></span></p> </div> <div class="post-content"> <p>SCRANTON, Pa. — Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania, a big backer of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, told reporters tonight that he would be happy with the so-called “Dream Ticket” of Mrs. Clinton and Senator Barack Obama — even if it meant that Mrs. Clinton was No. 2. </p> <p>“It would be great,” he said. “Either way. I’d be for it either way.” </p> <p>Asked what he meant by “either way,” he said: “Whether it’s Senator Obama for the president and Senator Clinton for vice president or vice versa, I think it would be great.” </p> <p>Mrs. Clinton has made allusions in recent days to a potential joining with <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/us/politics/11clinton.html?ref=politics">her Democratic rival</a>. She has not specified their order, but she has in no way hinted that she would accept the number-two spot.<br/> <a id="more-4489"></a><br/> Mr. Rendell said tonight that he would prefer she be the presidential candidate but would be fine either way because the party needed to come together. For him to say that he would be fine with her in the number two spot could raise questions about his commitment to her campaign for the top spot, although he has endorsed her and<br/> has said he would use his political capital, especially in the Philadelphia suburbs, to get her elected. </p> <p>He also predicted that Senator John McCain, the putative Republican nominee, would pick Mitt Romney as his vice presidential candidate. </p> <p>Here’s a transcript of his comments by The New York Times. The subject of the “Dream Ticket” came toward the end of a 15-minute chat with reporters standing around in the gym of Scranton High School <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/clinton-at-home-in-scranton/">after a Clinton rally</a>. </p> <blockquote><p><em>Q: What do you think of the “Dream Ticket?” </em><br/> Mr. Rendell: “It would be great. Either way. I’d be for it either way.”<br/> <em> Q: What do you mean by “either way?” </em><br/> Mr. Rendell: “Whether it’s Senator Obama for the president and Senator Clinton for vice president or vice versa, I think it would be great.”<br/> <em> Q: You would be happy either way?</em><br/> Mr. Rendell: “I would be happier if she were the presidential candidate, but I think it would be a good thing _ we need to come together, and I think it would be a good thing. We’d have some inevitable questions. ‘Senator Obama you said Senator Clinton wasn’t trustworthy, how can you make her vice president, one heartbeat away?’ ‘Senator Clinton, you said Senator Obama is not ready to meet the challenge of national security, how can you put him one heartbeat away?’ But you know, I think John McCain is going to pick Mitt Romney and they’ve said worse things about each other than…<br/> <em>Q: You really think he’ll pick Romney? </em><br/> Mr. Rendell: “Sure. The economy’s the issue, and he’s the strongest Republican on the economy. You can’t pick someone who doesn’t have, in my judgment doesn’t have something to offer on the economy. Because Senator McCain by his own admission has a problem.”<br/> Mr. Rendell then discussed the 1960 Democratic primary. He said Kennedy and Johnson had the “bitterest of primaries, much worse than anything in this campaign,” but when Kennedy got the nomination he said the Democrats couldn’t win without Texas and took Johnson. Johnson didn’t want it because he was already majority leader but accepted in the interests of the party.<br/> <em>Q: Would Hillary accept V.P.?</em><br/> Mr. Rendell: “I can’t speak for her, but I think she’d give it some serious consideration, as I hope Senator Obama would if the roles were reversed.”<br/> <em> Q: And you’d be fine with that? </em><br/> Mr. Rendell: Absolutely. You know, much happier with Senator Clinton as the presidential nominee, but I think we need to come together.”<br/> <em>Q: Some people say this is a ploy by the Clinton campaign to diminish Obama, by suggesting he should be vice president. </em><br/> Mr. Rendell: “No, I think it’s responding to what they hear out there. The most comments I get from rank and file Democrats…” </p></blockquote> <p> At this point, Mr. Rendell turned to two young men who were standing there listening to the chatter and asked them: “Would you guys like to see Senator Clinton and Senator Obama on the same ticket?” </p> <p> One replied: “As long as Senator Clinton is the president.” </p> <p> There was much laughter all around. </p> <blockquote><p>Mr. Rendell: “I know, I know… All I hear from Democrats out there, whether it’s young Democrats, older Democrats, ‘We’re for Hillary, but get them on the same ticket.’ So I think Senator Clinton is responding to the will of Democrats. I don’t think it’s a ploy, gosh.”<br/> <em>Q: Has she told you she’d be okay with vice president? </em><br/> Mr. Rendell: “No.”<br/> <em> Q: Is Obama qualified to be vice president? </em><br/> Mr. Rendell: “Would I consider Obama qualified to be vice president? Sure, again, LBJ had zero foreign policy experience when he became vice president. For that matter, JFK had zero foreign policy experience. I think there’s a value to experience and when you’ve got someone like Senator Clinton who’s been on Armed Services for seven and a half years, who’s been in 80 different foreign countries on her own, I think that’s valuable but it isn’t absolutely mandatory.” </p></blockquote> <p> He laughed to himself. “I was about to say, ‘What foreign policy experience did Governor Bush have?’ But we know where that got us.” </p> </div> <div class="post-tools"> <ul id="post-tools-4489"> <li class="comments-tool"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/rendell-on-an-obama-clinton-ticket/#comments" class="post-comment" title="Comment on Rendell on an Obama-Clinton Ticket">Comments (115)</a></li> <li class="email-tool"> <form method="post" name="emailThis_4489" id="emailThis_4489" style="display: inline;" enctype="application/x-www-form-urlencoded" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://www.nytimes.com/mem/emailthis.html"> 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I guess he forgot to drink the kool-aid today. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Blake </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746261"> <div class="index">2.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746261" title="">8:55 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>At this point, Mr. Rendell turned to two young men who were standing there listening to the chatter and asked them: “Would you guys like to see Senator Clinton and Senator Obama on the same ticket?”<br/> One replied: “As long as Senator Clinton is the president.” </p> <p>There was much laughter all around. </p> <p>Mr. Rendell: “I know, I know… All I hear from Democrats out there, whether it’s young Democrats, older Democrats, ‘We’re for Hillary, but get them on the same ticket.’ So I think Senator Clinton is responding to the will of Democrats. I don’t think it’s a ploy, gosh.”<br/> Q: Has she told you she’d be okay with vice president?<br/> Mr. Rendell: “No.” (the article)</p> <p>I understand the number-argument made by Mr. Obama for an Obama-Clinton ticket. Mr. Rendell seems to see nothing wrong about this option.</p> <p>I am not convinced that the Dream ticket is a very good idea in the long run. You are giving the adversary two easy targets, Mrs. Clinton (for a set of reasons) and Mr. Obama (for a different set of reasons) and you are reducing the importance of the only distinctive feature of the Democratic platform, the universal health insurance promise by Clinton.</p> <p>It’s a new, Hollywood-type idea. It looks, sounds, feels good right now. </p> <p>The pecking order cannot be determined only on the basis of numbers. Undoubtedly Mrs. Clinton is older, more experienced than Mr. Obama and a woman. All vitriolic and other comments forgotten, as they should be when everything is said and done in the ranks, the only distinguishing features are those: leadership qualities, age, gender and race. Age, gender and race have to be discarded as superficial and irrelevant factors in this century.</p> <p>People will understand Mrs. Clinton first, and will be openly and covertly upset if it is otherwise.</p> <p>Politics is compromise, but compromising on valid principles for short-term gains is not wise. Mrs. Clinton should and will refuse to be the lower nominee. Most women will understand, and most men too.</p> <p>If Mr. Obama was closer to Mrs. Clinton, the answer could and should be different, but he is not. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Andrew B (AB) </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746262"> <div class="index">3.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746262" title="">8:55 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Look, Democrats must come together or the presidency will be lost. A Clinton-Obama ticket won’t happen, and an Obama-Clinton ticket is unlikely. The best hope for down-ticket candidates in most constituencies is a ballot headed by Barack Obama, for he will not only unify the base but also bring along younger voters — holding the Party’s future — as well as provisional Democrats who have called themselves independents and in some cases Republicans. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by ET </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746263"> <div class="index">4.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746263" title="">8:55 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>“Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania, a big backer of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, told reporters tonight that he would be happy with the so-called “Dream Ticket” of Mrs. Clinton and Senator Barack Obama — even if it meant that Mrs. Clinton was No. 2.”</p> <p>Spoken like a true Democrat and a gentleman. Thank you Governor Rendell. Barack Obama and his supporters are you listening?</p> <p>This is what being a member of the Democratic Party is about — putting the ideology of the Party above the ambitions of the individual candidates. A true Democrat would know this, and a uniter would not thwart it. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Maurice </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746270"> <div class="index">5.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746270" title="">8:58 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>All i can think to say is WOW!<br/> if Clinton makes that ticket she really will have proved how stupid people really are….WOW!!!!! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by keela </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746288"> <div class="index">6.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746288" title="">9:05 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>“We’d have some inevitable questions. ‘Senator Obama you said Senator Clinton wasn’t trustworthy, how can you make her vice president, one heartbeat away?’ ‘Senator Clinton, you said Senator Obama is not ready to meet the challenge of national security, how can you put him one heartbeat away?’”</p> <p>Wow, suggesting that those two attacks are similar must be difficult even for the PA governor. Her de-facto endorsement of McCain for commander-in-chief is astonishingly malicious to her party, a record-breaking low. That was chilling to all Democrats- let us move beyond more fear-mongering. Vote Obama. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Alice </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746290"> <div class="index">7.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746290" title="">9:06 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Well, Rendell’s been talking to the wrong people. Everyone where I’m from wouldn’t vote for Hillary. The only chance she’s got is Obama. Obama 08! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Jaime </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746309"> <div class="index">8.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746309" title="">9:10 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I agree with Governor Rendell. I wholeheartedly support a dual-ticket, but would strongly prefer Hillary on top. If Obama does win the nomination (though I feel Hillary will as she will likely win the popular vote though Obama will win pledged delegates), and does NOT offer the VP role to Hillary Clinton, I will likely throw my support to Ralph Nader (a man who I still hate from 2000, but like some of his policies) or John McCain (a true leader who stands up for what he believes in and goes out and gets it; he also has some very democratic stances on key issues). I just can’t see Obama winning without at least offering the VP spot to Clinton.</p> <p>And yes, before you say anything, I do like parentheses a little too much. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Anthony </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746330"> <div class="index">9.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746330" title="">9:17 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>The Clinton campaign could learn a thing or two from this guy’s comments. They seem sincire and geniune unlike what we’ve seen of late from her and her other surrogates. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Randall </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746331"> <div class="index">10.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746331" title="">9:17 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>ED_RENDELL_FOR_PRESIDENT - OMG, I think I love this guy!! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Elena </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746348"> <div class="index">11.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746348" title="">9:22 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Obama is lucky Hillary is even offering the VP slot to him. I certainly wouldn’t after the trash he has been advising his surrogates to attack her with. Why can’t he fight his own battles? Who will fight his battles if he is elected president? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Jeff Kelly </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746365"> <div class="index">12.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746365" title="">9:26 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>“All I hear from Democrats out there, whether it’s young Democrats, older Democrats, ‘We’re for Hillary, but get them on the same ticket.’ ”</p> <p>That’s the most selective focus group ever. Did Mark Penn set it up? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Deborah </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746374"> <div class="index">13.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746374" title="">9:30 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Give it up Gov. Rendell ! It will never happen.</p> <p>Sen. Clinton is manipulating the minds of the<br/> American voter. Vote for me and there’s a good chance that Sen. Obama will be my running mate.<br/> Forgetting the fact that only she and McCain are experienced and Sen. Obama only made a speech in 2002.</p> <p>Sen. Obama is the Leader in all areas of importance<br/> and has earned the right if he is the nominee to make his own choice for a running mate.<br/> He would not choose someone who feels he is lacking in all areas.</p> <p> Would you ? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by G. Stern </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746383"> <div class="index">14.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746383" title="">9:35 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I think it is inaccurate to say that Mrs. Clinton has not specified the order. After Ohio elections she made the following statement which clearly specifies order in case of “Dream Ticket”</p> <p>“That may, you know, be where this is headed,” she added, “but of course we have to decide who’s on the top of ticket. I think that the people of Ohio very clearly said that it should be me.” </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Perm </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746385"> <div class="index">15.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746385" title="">9:36 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Wonder whether Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania is being used by HRC to send a trial balloon to test obama’s reaction to this ‘Either way’ proposal. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Arun Mehta </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746418"> <div class="index">16.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746418" title="">9:48 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I agree showing support for the “Dream Ticket” should be considered for the good of the party by both candidates </p> <p>Whether it’s Senator Obama for the president and Senator Clinton for vice president or vice versa, I think it would be great. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Chrystal </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746419"> <div class="index">17.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746419" title="">9:48 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>This guy is a gaffe machine. Gotta love him.</p> <p>I think party elders should press Hillary to accept VP and put an end to all of this. </p> <p>But would Obama be in danger? Imagine if he were assassinated and Hillary became president. She would truly be like her hero LBJ. </p> <p>On second thought, Obama should pick someone he trusts for VP, not the dangerously meglamaniac Clinton. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Kate </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746430"> <div class="index">18.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746430" title="">9:50 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>If they’re going to end up together, Obama-Clinton is the only thing that makes sense. </p> <p>As Obama said, how is it that someone in second place goes around talking about adding the frontrunner as HER running mate?</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://iwillwalkaway.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://iwillwalkaway.blogspot.com</a> </p> <p><cite>— Posted by The Zug </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746431"> <div class="index">19.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746431" title="">9:50 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Here’s what I, as a Democrat, think: I think Ms. Clinton has shown her extreme arrogance with all of this dismissive and degrading talk of Sen. Obama being her VP. I was undecided until I heard about her latest sleazy, disrespectful move. Now, on April 22, in spite of Rendell’s support of Clinton, I will vote for Obama. And, since Clinton and McCain are basically the same candidate, if Clinton maneuvers into the the nomination, I’ll vote for McCain as the more genuine of the two. VP choice has never made a difference to me and it certainly won’t now. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by mark </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746438"> <div class="index">20.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746438" title="">9:53 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Gee thanks Rendell. Fact is though, most of us aren’t too keen on having Clinton in the white house in any capacity. Why doesn’t she run for governor of NY? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Brendan </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746441"> <div class="index">21.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746441" title="">9:54 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>On second thought( first being an Obama/Clinton ticket since he IS ahead), the ticket providing the best fit for Senator Clinton would be as John McCain’s running mate. Afterall, it was a week or so ago she herself made the point that the two of them were oh so much alike. But alas, she has flip-flopped on even this issue. What is poor Hillary to do?…..I’ve got it! Take husband Bill as her running-mate and once in office, cede the presidency to him! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Bruce Taylor, Berkeley/Sacramento, CA </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746472"> <div class="index">22.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746472" title="">10:04 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Ed Rendell is a fine man and has been a great governor for PA. I am proud to say I working on his re-election team. I agree with everything he said, but like him, I think Hillary should be the presidential candidate. So Obama might have to wait 4 or 8 years to be president. What is so bad about that? Just 4 years ago, he is on record saying that he was just learning the ropes in Washington and wasn’t experienced enough. Now, suddenly, he is ready to be commander-in-chief? All those Obama people and supporters who think that all the Hillary voters are just going to come to his side in November, need to think again. It has now reached the point where either they are both on the ticket or someone else is chosen by the delegates…..like Al Gore or John Edwards. I know I am not voting for Obama in November. You can take that to the bank! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Jan Z </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746474"> <div class="index">23.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746474" title="">10:05 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Obama is being too nice - he IS the leader and will get the nomination and he should choose someone like Bill Richardson as his running mate.</p> <p>Please let’s get rid of the Clintons for once and for all. They don’t deserve the White House. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Joan Baldwin </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746488"> <div class="index">24.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746488" title="">10:09 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Why would Obama (Who is in first place in delegates, votes, and states) offer Clinton VP? That’s my problem with Hillary backers. They feel as though its “owed” to them. Nobody owes them anything. And after today, Obama would have won 30 states. Get your mind around that. 30 out of 41 contest. He’s one more primaries and caucus. This debate is silly. Obama is the winner. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Jason </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746489"> <div class="index">25.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746489" title="">10:09 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>This is never going to happen and it shouldn’t. These two candidates are not running to be each other’s VP. That is clear. After what Hillary did to Al Gore in the WH while HE was VP, not her, Obama would be mad to even consider it. Thankfully, he has stated very clearly that he is not interested. As many people, including Tom Daschle, has stated…”It is strange that the person running second is offering the second spot to the front runner.” Only in American politics. What nonsense. Hillary must realize that she simply cannot win on her own, at least I hope that she sees this. I doubt it, though.<br/> Obama should stay as far away from Hillary as he can get. She is toxic.</p> <p>We need a clean break from the past, and move on to turn a new page in history. The old order is destroying America. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Peter G. </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746533"> <div class="index">26.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746533" title="">10:23 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>This is a cynical ploy by Hillary and Bill and nothing more - they in fact will never offer Obama the Vice Presidency even if Hillary is able to claw her way to the top. This effort to send Obama to the back of the bus is despicable. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Stafford </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746537"> <div class="index">27.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746537" title="">10:24 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>First Hillary wanted Cynthia McKinney as her VP choice, but the Green Party said not VP but Presidential material. Now, Hillary can turn to Eliot Spitzer, who will be needing a position. She can retain his superdelegate vote and conveniently grant him a full pardon (in the well-documneted Clinton tradition) as her first official act as President. Perhaps her brother could pick up another $200,000 for handling the arrangements?</p> <p>When she releases those tax returns, White Hous records, lists of donors to Bill’s foundation and to his Presidential Library, her aspirations will be toast anyway. We Republicans can only hope that she continues to stall until the nomination is sealed - whichever position she holds it will be fully toxic. She can take down Obama equally well from the second position. Bring it on! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Shirley Snootsworth </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746544"> <div class="index">28.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746544" title="">10:26 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>To #11:</p> <p>Trash HE’S been advising his surrogates to attack HER with? You do realize the darker-skinned one is Obama and not the other way around, correct? Hillary Clinton is the older white female. I believe you’ve gotten your candidates mixed up? The only trashing that’s been going on has been coming out of the Clinton camp. That’s the basis of this article after all. Clinton’s latest attempt to tear down the leading candidate, Barack Obama. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Yanos </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746568"> <div class="index">29.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746568" title="">10:32 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Hillary for president is certainly not all he’s hearing from Democrats as I am a PA resident and have personally sent Rendell several emails urging him to switch his allegiance to Obama.</p> <p>And why Obama should be a gentleman and put the interests of the party ahead of his own ambitions is beyond me; Hillary is the one who is damaging the party with her negative campaign and endorsement of McCain.</p> <p>And again, castigating Obama’s staff for attacking Hillary with “trash” is just plain silly; their comments have been substantive and issue-based compared to the racist, bigoted, and personal attacks launched by the Clinton campaign staff against Obama. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Rebecca Pollak </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746570"> <div class="index">30.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746570" title="">10:33 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I think we can see who the Hillary supporters are based on their, “OMG Hillary must be on top!!!” comments. While I agree that Hillary is the more “experienced” candidate, I think that hurts her more than it helps. Personally, her experience speaks of politics as usual, with the added take no prisoners, divisive overtone that she is using to try and win the nomination. </p> <p>I want change, I want to hope for a better government. If Clinton wins the nomination I will not vote, and the democratic party will lose its slim majority, not because people vote against it, but because many will be disaffected by how an establishment, status quo candidate used negative, divisive tactics to bully her way to the nomination and will choose to sit out because the Democratic party is broken. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Charles Park </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746581"> <div class="index">31.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746581" title="">10:38 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>RACISM IN POLITICAL CLOTHING.<br/> This is politics/racism at it’s sophisticated best. Clinton knows Ohama will not take this as a compliment so in rejecting the idea will be seen as ungracious, and uncompromising. Also, she and Bill know that it plants a seed of doubt that many voters are waiting for to help them vote for Hillary in good conscience. In other words: “Barack, people like you around here. You’re educated, you speak well, you didn’t support the war, you’ve inspired thousands of voters across the nation, you’ve rewrote the book on how to run a democratic campaign, you’ve reminded us that every state counts, but lets be realistic. The country aint ready for a black president. You need to get in line and wait your turn. Run when we tell you to run. So, we’ll tell you what. How about we give you a nice title, like vice president? Hows that sound? Who knows, maybe after another 200 years of living together, fighting together, and dying together in every war, it could be your time. Thataboy.” Hillary strategist are only attempting to sway the vote, and are counting on the American people not being smart enough to recognize her insincerity. These tactics are about as transparent of the play acting in professional wrestling. Sadly, the American voter won’t be much better than the audience. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by petet </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746589"> <div class="index">32.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746589" title="">10:39 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I am an undecided PA voter…either Clinton or Obama will suit me just fine….both are up to the task and very similar in all their positions….</p> <p>but this one is Obama’s to lose….the uniting of the part and the dream ticket solution will guarantee a win over McCain….for him to dismiss it may cost him votes in the remaining primaries here and after PA….</p> <p>keep your options open Barack….the democrats need you as much as the country does…<br/> infighting will hurt both…..</p> <p>JanK </p> <p><cite>— Posted by JanK </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746593"> <div class="index">33.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746593" title="">10:41 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Are Hillary Clinton’s dirty tactics are putting the Democratic party in Jeopardy.?</p> <p>Ok, for the astronomical cost of all the money and lives lost in Iraq, here’s the clue:</p> <p>“I think you’ll be able to imagine many things Senator McCain will be able to say,” she said. “He’s never been the president, but he will put forth his lifetime of experience. I will put forth my lifetime of experience. Senator Obama will put forth a speech he made in 2002.”</p> <p>Answer (in the form of a question): What are things that a person who is running to be John McCain’s Vice President might say?</p> <p>Ding, that’s correct. We also would have accepted, “What are things a Joe Lieberman Republican might say.” </p> <p><cite>— Posted by g english </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746601"> <div class="index">34.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746601" title="">10:42 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I agree with much of your comment #2 but I think Hillary is planting this idea of a joint ticket because she wants people to get comfortable with the notion so she can be Obama’s VP. She would still be the first female VP in history and could implement a lot of her policies. Unfortunately, if he were to select her he would anger a lot of supporters who think she has been nothing but ungracious, and it might show terrible judgement on his part. I would love to see the ticket either way. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by E </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746615"> <div class="index">35.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746615" title="">10:47 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Re; #8</p> <p>I just can’t see Obama winning without at least offering the VP spot to Clinton.</p> <p>And yes, before you say anything, I do like parentheses a little too much. </p> <p>— Posted by Anthony </p> <p>I agree and disagree. Mr. Obama should have remained quiet on this one and let events unfold. His previous statements (last two debates) were conciliatory enough. </p> <p>He has galvanized his troops to continue their fight (open and tacit warfare), but he did slip from the higher road. Diplomacy is clearly not his forte.</p> <p>I hope you don’t mind my parentheses. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Andrew B (AB) </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746618"> <div class="index">36.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746618" title="">10:48 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>God what’s with the hypocrisy… I’m glad the governor of my home state at least shows some sense, but I wish Clinton would at well. And what’s with her supporters (*ahem* Maurice)? They’d almost make sense if you swapped the words “Clinton” for “Obama”. Let’s try again:</p> <p>“Hillary Clinton and her supporters are you listening?</p> <p>This is what being a member of the Democratic Party is about — putting the ideology of the Party above the ambitions of the individual candidates. A true Democrat would know this, and a uniter would not thwart it. “ </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Aaron </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746635"> <div class="index">37.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746635" title="">10:52 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Hillary doesn’t need Obama. He will be whining after Pennsylvania blows him back and then she re-takes FL and MI. Indiana will follow Penn for Hillary. I know we are realists in IN.</p> <p>Obama will be stuttering big time when June rolls around and they will be down in the popular vote. The amount of pop votes he might have gained in WY and MI will be trounced by the number she will win in PA alone. When FL and MI jump in there will be no comparison.</p> <p>So, O-maniacs … if the popular vote which means more people in America actually voted for a candidate and want that candidate, are you going to spin it some way to say that person cannot be at the top of the ticket?</p> <p>Start thinking with your heads and you will get it eventually. Too many lattes I guess.</p> <p>Hillary 08. If not, I will vote for McCain. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Cheryl </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746664"> <div class="index">38.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746664" title="">11:02 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>If the Gov. Rendell had floated the idea before Sen. Clinton cynically hinted that she — mathematically incapable of overtaking Mr. Obama for the nomination — would offer Sen. Obama second place, I think the Dream Ticket could have happened.<br/> Since the Clintons started this as a way to diminish Sen. Obama and try to wean away his supporters (”Two for the price of one,” as we heard before) no way.<br/> Too bad, because it would have been a good idea. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by JR </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746666"> <div class="index">39.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746666" title="">11:03 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I voted for Ed Rendell last time around. But, I can assure you, that if he keeps this up, I will not vote for him again. How can anyone endorse Clinton, except for political gain. Do we not learn from the past? Does everyone forget all the underhanded things that Hillary and Bill have done? She and he are as crooked as it gets. My middle aged, white, central PA, vote is going for change of old politics. I can’t stand for someone who will say anything and tear down her own party to get the power that she despertely wants. By the way, all of my Independent and Democratic friends here in central PA, feel the same. This whole mess she’s brought on is really unbelievable and indicative of the type of person/politician she really is and has always been. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Chris </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746705"> <div class="index">40.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746705" title="">11:12 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I was born and raised in PA and I have to say that I find Governor Rendell just basking in all the attention he is getting by supporting Hillary. Do you like the national spotlight Mr. Rendell? I know Bill and Hill did some favors for him and now he is returning it! So Clintonesque. In fact, I bet The Clintons did every politician in “the big states” a big old favor over the past 8 years… mmmmm </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Millie, NYC </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746706"> <div class="index">41.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746706" title="">11:12 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>There was a time where I was pretty sure the Democratic ticket would read Obama/Clinton, or Clinton/Obama. Now, I just don’t see it happening, as I personally feel Hillary is the more polarizing candidate, what with her campaign’s recent mudslinging efforts. As an ardent Obama supporter, I had a lot of respect for Mrs. Clinton, at least until about a month or so ago. Not so anymore. I can’t imagine him picking her after her the attack campaign she has run against him.</p> <p>This is essentially Hillary realizing that if by some crazy turn of events, she wins the nomination, she will basically have to pick Obama, or the party will be ripped to shreds, because it will kill all the momentum and excitement among young people, who by and large have tilted towards Barack. Also I must ask, by what crazy scenario is Hillary going to end up with the lead in the popular vote? She is behind now, and aside from Pennsylvania, she may have real trouble winning any of the remaining states. How does that math work…adding the fake election numbers from FL and MI? Well that certainly is convenient but to actually think those would be the totals should the vote be held say, today, or even a month from now, is just a general insult of my (and many others) intelligence.</p> <p>Here’s hoping Barack picks a true person of integrity as his VP, and the REAL champion of the middle class, by the way, if that’s what you’re voting on, John Edwards.</p> <p>Obama/Edward’s 08</p> <p>(I tried to be fairly civil here, although I want Obama to win, as a Democrat I have to vote Democrat after the destruction waged on America by Republicans. I hope you will all do the same–this is about the future of our country, not YOUR candidate) </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Chris </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746722"> <div class="index">42.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746722" title="">11:18 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Govenor Rendell hass already been quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer as saying he does not believe the country is ready for a black president:<br/> “You’ve got conservative whites here, and I think there are some whites who are probably not ready to vote for an African American candidate,”Rendell told the editorial board of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in remarks that appeared in yesterday’s paper. </p> <p>It is irresponsible of the press to give this transparent idea a voice, especially through Governor Rendell. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by peter </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746752"> <div class="index">43.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746752" title="">11:26 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>The horrible fact of the matter is, is that there is a real danger to Senator Obama. Those of us who lived thru the killings of President Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King know that inspirational leaders are always targets.</p> <p>Hillary Clinton is unfit to be President. Having her in the VP slot is unthinkable under these circumstances. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by trudy </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746768"> <div class="index">44.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746768" title="">11:30 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>They should have a new contest: Battle of the Campaign Surrogates.</p> <p>I’m not sure if Rendell ever says exactly what the Clinton campaign tells him, and you never know what you’ll get, but at least (in these comments) he didn’t put his foot in his mouth to the extent of Samantha Power or Geraldine Ferraro. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Christine </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746775"> <div class="index">45.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746775" title="">11:32 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>“Hillary 08. If not, I will vote for McCain.”</p> <p>“Obama 08. If not, I will vote for McCain.”</p> <p>Great “Democratic” campaign slogans! Way to go! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Billie </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746786"> <div class="index">46.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746786" title="">11:33 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Yes, I love it! Please, Ed Rendell, please keep talking up the Obama/Clinton ticket with Mrs. Clinton in the #2 spot. The more you do it, watch Hillary’s head explode. </p> <p>She will never, never denigrate herself to accept the #2 position to anyone (other than her husband for so many years). Her whole psychology is that she is owed. She is owed the Presidency for putting up with nonsense for so long. For putting her own career on hold for her husband’s. For abiding by Bill’s extramarital shenanigans. For the vast Right Wing Conspiracy. She is owed!</p> <p>So please, Mr. Rendell, please keep talking it up. See how she reacts at the prospect that VP is all she’s ever going to get. I suspect she will not react well. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Pupster </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746796"> <div class="index">47.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746796" title="">11:34 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>RE -#35<br/> I agree and disagree. Mr. Obama should have remained quiet on this one and let events unfold. His previous statements (last two debates) were conciliatory enough. </p> <p>He has galvanized his troops to continue their fight (open and tacit warfare), but he did slip from the higher road. Diplomacy is clearly not his forte.</p> <p>I hope you don’t mind my parentheses. </p> <p>— Posted by Andrew B (AB) </p> <p>Very well said. I feel we are in agreement. Again, I like them both, but feel that because the process has gone on the way it has, the only logical choice will be a joint ticket. Leaving 1 off runs the risk of alienating 13+ million voters. Granted a majority of those 13 million will back the eventual Democratic nominee, imagine 3-4 million of those voting for McCain. That might just be enough to push him over the top. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Anthony </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746797"> <div class="index">48.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746797" title="">11:35 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>The real dream ticket is McCain/Clinton. Might as well get two peas from the same pod.</p> <p>Is it really HRC’s “time”? It seems that alot of these supporters of Hillary think Obama will be ready in 4 or 8 years to be president. How nice of you to be whatever you’re trying to be….you know she will only be 68 in 2016, not to old to run for president by any means.</p> <p>Or she could become the republican she really is and run against Barack in 2012 at the age of 64…</p> <p>We don’t want to wait 4 or 8 years for Obama to be president. We need him now.</p> <p>Yes we Can!</p> <p>Joe in Jax </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Joe in Jax </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746811"> <div class="index">49.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746811" title="">11:39 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Andrew B (AB), Diplomacy is clearly not Obama’s forte? That is a pretty bizarre thing to say. The overwhelming support of the people living all over this planet suggests that you are just a tad off. Yes, support from other countries does have a bit to do with diplomacy.</p> <p>Obama is vastly, vastly more popular than Hillary in virtually every country except Israel, and he is popular there. The UK used to favor Hillary, but now even they are on board with Obama.</p> <p>Perhaps the global coalition of non-American Obama supporters might be an informative link: <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://www.theworldwantsobama.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.theworldwantsobama.org/</a></p> <p>On George Bush’s Africa trip, everywhere he went people mainly wanted to talk about their admiration for Obama.</p> <p>Hillary may be popular with Israelis, but she is literally one of the most despised people in the Islamic world. That animosity would guarantee that our world would be trapped in a cycle of terror.</p> <p>By far, the single most important concern for America is to win the hearts and minds of the Islamic world. George Bush tried the attacking them into submission strategy, and we all see where that got us. </p> <p>Obama is by far our best chance to repair our relations with the Islamic world. He is already far, far more well received there than Hillary could ever be. With Obama as President we have a realistic hope for peace. With Hillary, we don’t.</p> <p>Not only is diplomacy Obama’s forte, he may well be the best ambassador to the world that our nation has ever seen. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by g english </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746868"> <div class="index">50.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746868" title="">11:49 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>To Millie @ #40:</p> <p>Rendell has already been in the national spotlight, well before the Clinton’s run for president. As a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, he is a well-known, national figure in the party. He’s not basking in anything that wasn’t there already. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by JT </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746882"> <div class="index">51.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746882" title="">11:52 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I agree with Kate. Hillary is not trustworthy. She is in this game for herself, for her own self-aggrandizement. She sold her soul a long time ago. Recommended reading: Matt Taibbi’s latest column, “Hillary’s Last Stand,” in Rolling Stone Magazine. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by John B </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746899"> <div class="index">52.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746899" title="">11:55 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>To Peter @ #42:</p> <p>You are unfairly misrepresenting Rendell’s remarks by claiming that he “does not believe the country is ready for a black president.”</p> <p>That is not what he said at all. Read the quote you posted. He is accurately describing the reality in which some voters are prejudiced and will vote according to those prejudices. It’s wrong, I know, but it happens. Many black voters have said they are voting for Obama simply because he’s black. Isn’t that also prejudice? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by JT </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746902"> <div class="index">53.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746902" title="">11:56 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>You guys, the idea of Obama P / Clinton VP ticket is completely unrealistic. When it comes down to it it is the presidential candidate’s choice. Look at how Barack Obama has conducted himself throughout this entire campaign. This is not someone who would tap Clinton in a million years. </p> <p>When someone writes in “dream ticket Obama/Clinton” I think they are as clueless as someone writing “Condi for VP” or “Al Gore.” </p> <p><cite>— Posted by corinne </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746910"> <div class="index">54.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746910" title="">11:57 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I think Hillary has a broader support than Obama.<br/> She appeals to every voting demography including the African Americans.</p> <p>Obama’s base of support is limited to African Americans and the young voters (high school seniors and college kids).</p> <p>If Obama becomes the nominee, the chance of loosing the presidency to the Republicans is very high. One possibility is the Latino voters (15% of the U.S population) prefer to vote for McCain than Obama because of several reasons.</p> <p>First, McCain has introduced the Immigration Reform Bill to the Senate though it did not pass. That is why the Latino community looks favorably to McCain. </p> <p>Secondly, people try to minimize the differences between the African American community and the Latino Community. The reality is different on the grounds of urban areas in LA, New York, Miami, etc,. Because of these confrontations the majority of Latinos prefer to vote for John McCain than to Obama.</p> <p>If Democrats want to win the White House, their best bet is to nominate Hillary Clinton not Barrack Obama. </p> <p>Hillary Clinton not only has the experience to become the U.S. President, she can also stand toe –to- toe with the Republican nominee, John McCain and she can bring all the democrats together.</p> <p>Hillary ‘08! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by AL </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746915"> <div class="index">55.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746915" title="">11:58 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>So much has been made out of Clinton’s response to interviewers’ questions about whether she would consider Obama as VP. Obama acted like she had made a formal offer and came off looking pompous and self-serving.<br/> Clinton, on the other hand, looks like she is open to ending the impasse the Democrats face. It is likely that she will surpass him in the popular vote by the end of the primaries, and she has the very strong support of several demographic groups critical to a Democratic win in November. Whether or not these supporters would automatically back Obama is questionable.<br/> McCain is going to be a formidable opponent, and Clinton and Obama would be wise to team up. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Carol </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746921"> <div class="index">56.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746921" title="">12:00 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I’m hearing again and again that Obama has more delegates and that he should get the nomination. Obama supporters act as if Hillary has zero support when actually their numbers are nearly the same. On top of that, Obama has run one of the most negative campaigns in recent years which has pushed many people away from him. People have to realize that this is a primary, the candidates are running for the nomination from the Democratic party, not for the president. If you get the most delegates, the party can still decide whatever it wants. In fact, the rules of the primary system say that neither Obama or Hillary can get enough delegates to win the nomination. The reason the rules are in place is so the party comes out with a strong front runner that the people can rally behind. Having 100 more delegates is not going to cut it. At this point we’ve heard so much Hillary bashing that it would be impossible for many of us to support a ticket that doesn’t include her. That would be a terrible loss for Obama Democrats to lose so many voters in states that the Democrats might win in November. But Obama has shown that he is unwilling to compromise. A call for unity by Hillary is only met with more personal attacks. If Obama gets the nod in the end, millions of Hillary supporters will be lost and several key states will have their support cut out from underneath. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by pha </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746924"> <div class="index">57.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746924" title="">12:00 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Obama will win, and he will not put Hillary on his ticket. And rightly so. Who could trust her and Bill as far as you can throw them? </p> <p>I still think he should pick Jim Webb as his VP to up his national security cred, but he may instead pick Kathleen Sibelius, governor of Kansas and rising star in the Dem Party. And she has crossover appeal (Kansas being a mostly Red state). Hopefully, that will soothe and satisfy the ladies in the country, if not thrill. Sibelius is a great choice — she is calm and strong without the paranoia and baggage Hillary drags along with her. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by brklyn </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746926"> <div class="index">58.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746926" title="">12:00 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I think they are force to run a a joint ticket at this point as it will be the only way to heal the wounds. obama/clinton versus mccain/crisp. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Mark </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746941"> <div class="index">59.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746941" title="">12:03 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>According to the PEW Research center, the vast majority of Democratic voters say they would support either Obama or Clinton over McCain. But in an Obama-McCain matchup, 14% of Democratic voters say they would support McCain, compared with 8% who would do so if Clinton is the nominee.</p> <p>I would advise Obama supporters to rein in your sneers, gloating, and grandiosity. You may just need Hillary on the ticket, and people like me in the voting booth, to win — that is,if your candidate is the nominee. I say “people like me” rather than just plain “me” because you’ve already lost my vote. I like your candidate OK, it’s the crowd he attracts, the beyond-shocking venom they spew forth, their fascistic intolerance of any dissenting opinions, their smugness — all in the name of a candidate who promises to bring us all together. Ghandi (not Obama) urged people to “be the change you seek to see in the world.” BE the change, embody the change, show the world what change would look like. I don’t like the looks of “change” I see in these blogs. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Carolyn </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746953"> <div class="index">60.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746953" title="">12:05 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>This whole notion of a “dream ticket,” however unfeasible, is meant to unite the party behind either candidate ultimately.</p> <p>No matter who ends up being the nominee, I will vote for her/him in November. I support Clinton now, but I will vote for Obama if he is the nominee.</p> <p>I fail to understand the venom and hatred coming from many of the Obama supporters over the notion of Clinton serving in any capacity, be it as President or VP. In these comment forums, it seems that Clinton supporters are far more likely to back Obama in November should he be the nominee than Obama supporters would support Clinton should she be the nominee. Are you Republicans in Obama t-shirts? Would you really choose McCain/a Republican/a continuation of Bush over Clinton? If so, why are you in the Democratic Party at all? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by JT </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746980"> <div class="index">61.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746980" title="">12:09 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I think Obama’s response to the Clinton hints at a “dream ticket” should be that he is looking for someone with more experience. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by matt </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-746998"> <div class="index">62.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-746998" title="">12:12 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I believe Hillary Clinton would be an ideal vice-president. She is very good in the attack dog role, and that’s what we need. Obama is great in seeming presidential and above the fray. </p> <p>A dream ticket isn’t just about names, it’s about getting the names to fit the appropriate positions. Obama-Clinton is really the way to go!!</p> <p>I hope Clinton(s) can swallow her/their pride to make this happen. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Anonymous </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747036"> <div class="index">63.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747036" title="">12:17 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>You’re going to have to confront the issue of sustainability at some point. I hope there is something else left alive on this planet besides algae by the time you get around to it. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Steve Bolger </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747073"> <div class="index">64.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747073" title="">12:25 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I think there have been several examples over the past several days of people blatantly playing the race card, and I don’t mean Gov. Rendell. Numerous bloggers here (and NY Times headlines) have implied that when Hillary talked about the prospect of a Clinton/Obama ticket, she was essentially telling him to “take a seat in the back of the bus.” Huh? Why evoke images of Rosa Parks and the struggle for civil rights in this context? Does anyone really believe that was Hillary was being racist? [I have to say, I think this was one instance where Obama would have done better to stay on the high road, and say something like, “I appreciate Sen. Clinton’s vote of confidence, but I intend to win the nomination,” rather than dismissing it contemptuously; that just isn’t going to win over any of Hillary’s supporters down the road, when he needs their support, and like it or not Obama bloggers, he’ll need their vote in November]. The other example was today’s opinion in the Times by Orlando Patterson. He draws on his expertise regarding subtle signs and images of racism in our culture to suggest that Hillary’s 3 AM ad had a subtle but real racist sub-message, namely that a black man cannot be trusted to protect us from terrorist threat. Huh? And I thought she was trying to highlight his relative lack of experience in foreign policy and defense issues. </p> <p>Both of these examples are such a strained stretch that I have to conclude they are rather clumsy attempts by the Obama campaign and his supporters to fan the flames of racial tension — and just before the Mississippi primary, what a coincidence. How exactly does this bring us together? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Carolyn </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747111"> <div class="index">65.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747111" title="">12:32 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I am not sure why Hillary is even proposing such a thing, when she has lost more states, has less delegates, and her experience is questionable at best, especially voting for a war, that was not substantiated by fact, and especially with her favoritism for McCain. It is a rather silly for a person in second place to suggest to the person running in front, that they would offer them the VP ticket. Almost like in a marathon, the person who knows they are second, offering the person in front, the second place ribbon. Wow. If this is the kind of logic we can look forward to when she is dealing with world leaders, I sure hope that she doesn’t get the nomination or the second place on the ticket. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Patricia </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747195"> <div class="index">66.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747195" title="">12:49 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Mr. Rendell: “Would I consider Obama qualified to be vice president? Sure, again, LBJ had zero foreign policy experience when he became vice president. For that matter, JFK had zero foreign policy experience. I think that’s valuable but it isn’t absolutely mandatory.” </p> <p>He laughed to himself. “I was about to say, ‘What foreign policy experience did Governor Bush have?’ But we know where that got us.”<br/> Yes but sadly shrub really wasn’t the president, CHENEY was and he had with him all the collective experience of rummy, rice and rove!!! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by SIENA </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747385"> <div class="index">67.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747385" title="">1:29 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>One other thing that delusional Clinton supporters seem to not understand, and that is probably why they are voting for her.</p> <p>No one who is supporting Barack Obama wants the Barack Obama who would come out of Clinton’s White House 8 years from now. Experience in the brand of politics he is running against only taints him.</p> <p>He doesn’t need any more experience in the particular way/system of governing currently in place to change it.</p> <p>Unrelated question, but…do Clinton supporters believe the ends justify the means? In general or just for her? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Herb </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747398"> <div class="index">68.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747398" title="">1:31 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Hey, calm down people! This is politics. Fight for Obama, fight for Clinton, then vote for the winner, not John “100 years in Iraq, overturn Roe v Wade, etc, etc, etc” McCain. Think about it!</p> <p>Reality check </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Reality check </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747400"> <div class="index">69.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747400" title="">1:32 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Has anybody stopped to think about how the most-liberal senator is going to win the presidency? Republicans are going to use that line heavily against Obama if he is the nominee. This will cast enormous doubt in Obama, and runs the risk of costing the Democrats the White House.</p> <p>It’s interesting nothing is being made of how close the General Election head to head matchups are in a year that should overwhelmingly go to democrats. Depending on the survey, Clinton and Obama are only leading McCain by 2-4 percentage points. And this is before the Republicans launch their attack on the democratic nominee. Expect those leads to dwindle/evaporate unless a joint ticket is announced. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Anthony </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747436"> <div class="index">70.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747436" title="">1:40 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Senator Obama should as Governor Sibelias to be his VP. There’s an older woman who has paid her dues in politics. She did it without being married to a man who had power first. Wow, that kind of looks like real feminism as compared to a woman who made political moves only after her husband became famous nationwide. How far do you think Hillary would have gotten without Bill?<br/> I doubt she would have been able to run for her seat in New York and win. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by jen </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747445"> <div class="index">71.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747445" title="">1:42 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Answer for JT #60. Question was why Obama backers are less likely to support Hillary than the other way around.</p> <p>Some probably are independents, moderates or recovering Republicans running from Bush, but the main reason is this- </p> <p>Hillary supporters main objection to Barack is that he is guy in her way and they cling to a lot of spurious reasons to object to him that will be easy to dismiss against the thought of McCain continuing the Bush era. </p> <p>Obama supporters main objection to Hillary are fundemental character flaws that she possesses. Winning at all cost for personal glory no matter who suffers as a result is something Republicans value, Democrats do not (the real question is how or why Hillary supporters can support her even in the wake of comments like pledged delegates don’t have to vote for who their states elected, etc etc). The fact that she is willing to destroy the party to get the nomination is unforgivable. </p> <p>I have waited for so so long for the Bush years to end. The idea that I would not vote for the Democratic candidate, ANY of them, even a month ago would have been unthinkable to me…and yet here we are. </p> <p>If, by some miracle, she manages to get more of the popular vote-very likely and its impossible for her to overtake his lead in delegates unless he paid $4300 for a hooker and we find out today-and can make a legimate case to the supers, maybe, maybe I can overlook the greasy stuff she has done in the past month to beat the GOP. Maybe.</p> <p>But, if she is behind in delegates and popular vote and somehow take the nomination anyway, I will not vote for her. I couldn’t do it. I doubt I would vote for McCain. Why? But I would most certainly vote for Obama or Edwards in protest. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Herb </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747455"> <div class="index">72.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747455" title="">1:44 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Comment: I am an independent in NY. I did not vote for Clinton or Obama in the primary. I am a Hispanic with two professional degrees who tries to be impartial. It caught my attention, the deal that Obama did with Rezko to buy his house in Chicago. He says that it was the most boneheaded thing he has done. I do not think it was boneheaded at all. Obama made a windfall of about USD 250,000.oo He bought the home for 300,000 below the asking price and the deal was made because Rezko’s wife bought the lot next door for over 600,000 which was about 300,000 more than the market price. The precondition for the sale was that both properties have to bought at the same time. Later Obama bought 1/6 of the lot next door for about 107,000 (not for 45,000 which was the market price…look 45,000 x 6 about 275,000 market price for the all lot). Why Rezko’s wife had to buy a lot about 300,000 above market price???? In fact later Rezko’s wife sell the 5/6 of the lot remaining for a price close to the market price, she did not make a dime on the all business, on the contrary she took a loss. She did not have the money, it seems that the money was provided to Rezko by an Iraqi corrupt person. In conclusion, for me this was a favor to Obama in which he got approximately. a 250,000 windfall. For me it is not boneheaded at all. This is a very smart scheme not to give the impression of doing something wrong. The fact is that Obama get a windfall and I do not think it was disingenuous. I think that Obama is extremely smart to come out with that scheme. It seems that he wanted that home badly. Ironically I think he may be qualified to be president, but I do not think he is completely honest as he preaches. Similarly, I think that Hillary is also qualified to be president, but I also think that she is not completely honest. Anyhow, I will vote for either one of the two who gets nominated. It will be good if both get in the same ticket. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by John Martinez </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747459"> <div class="index">73.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747459" title="">1:44 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>RE #2 Andrew AB:<br/> You say gender shouldn’t matter, only leadership qualities should. But then you say “most women will understand”, as if Hillary’s losing the #1 spot would necessarily or obviously be the result of sexism (and which women would easily detect.) I concede that there has been some sexism in the coverage of Clinton. But this is far from the only — or the determining — factor in why people prefer Obama (including some older feminist women, like myself.) How does assembling a campaign organization in which many of the principals can’t even talk to each other — and then letting that listing ship sail along toward the reef of super-Tuesday without any oversight or redirection — indicate that Clinton has any “leadership skills” (let alone skills superior to Obama’s)? Women — and, yes, feminists too — will make a decision in this campaign that factors in all the complex and important considerations. And many of them will see that Obama legitimately deserves their support, despite any unfair hurdles Clinton has faced as a woman. I would love to see a qualified and accomplished woman become president; Clinton is certainly accomplished and impressive in many ways. But why should even feminists support a woman whose accomplishments are outweighed by the distracting and tired baggage from the 90’s that she brings, AND by her demonstrated lack of leadership skills in running her own campaign, AND by the deceptive, manipulative, racially tinged spin and gamesmanship that she and her crony senior supporters have resorted to? A Canadian Observer. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by B. </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747476"> <div class="index">74.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747476" title="">1:49 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Mrs. Clinton states that Barack Obama is not fit to serve as President. Yet she and Mr. Rendell are comfortable floating the idea of Mr. Obama as a VP candidate on the ticket with Clinton. What hypocrisy! As VP, Obama is “one heartbeat” away from the presidency.</p> <p>The problem is that voters are too busy trying to make ends meet and therefor unable to sift through all the details of this campaign. Otherwise, Mrs. Clinton would have lost Texas, and Ohio would have been much closer.</p> <p>By manipulating this campaign with her negative tactics, Mrs. Clinton is atagonizing the very same party that has languished under Republican rule for way too long. These past eight years may well be known as “Bush asleep at the wheel”. Americans are paying dearly for his failures both domestically and abroad. He has stacked the Supreme Court with right wing zealots that will leave an indelible mark on the constitutional freedom of generations to come.</p> <p>Mrs. Clinton’s agenda would be largely a blueprint of the Bush regime. Increased Executive privilege, more Government intervention into peoples private affairs and a return to the Clinton crony system of secret government.</p> <p>As stated earlier in this comments section, the country needs to elect Barack Obama to open up the windows of the WH and disinfect the malignancy that has choked off the lifeblood of this once free democracy. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by egg whisperer </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747478"> <div class="index">75.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747478" title="">1:49 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Mr. Obama should not even consider Mrs. “Cut-Throat” Clinton as his VP. She is nothing more then an elephant with a donkey mask that brings bad blood in the party.</p> <p>The real Dream-Ticket would be Obama/Edwards. A team that consists of two real Democrats.</p> <p>Obama/Edwards 08!</p> <p>Greetings from Vienna, Austria! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Manuel Eder </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747480"> <div class="index">76.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747480" title="">1:50 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>JT,</p> <p>When all is said and done,if Clinton ends up with the most delegates, and the popular vote,and does not win the ticket; I will vote for McCain in November. Or, if Obama ends up with the most delegates, and the popular vote, and Hillary wins the ticket; I will vote for McCain in November as well.</p> <p>However, if Obama has the most delegates, and the popular vote, and wins the ticket; I will vote for Obama in November. Or, if Clinton ends up with the most delegates, and the popular vote, and wins the ticket; I will vote for Clinton.</p> <p>I am not a Republican, but I will vote Republican if there is any cheating involved on the Democratic side. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Deborah H. </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747498"> <div class="index">77.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747498" title="">1:52 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Gov. Rendell I’m surprised you suggest this since you said your constituents wouldn’t vote for a black man. Why should you suggest Hillary put BHO on her ticket? </p> <p>Rendell is just shilling for Hillary and does not have any interest in a joint ticket. He wants to be on that ticket himself, or in a cabinet post, and will say anything to get there. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by jemd </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747510"> <div class="index">78.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747510" title="">1:55 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Look (#69 above), this most liberal senator stuff is just Clinton spin based on some funky rating. And that rating has Clinton as being rated similarly liberal as compared to Obama. </p> <p>When you factor in all of the right wing hatred for Clinton, Obama is a much better choice. He really will be a uniter. There is no doubt that the three words that will most mobilize the right wing to vote for McCain are “Hillary Rodham Clinton.”</p> <p>Rendell is just spitting out Pro Clinton disingenuous banter that no one should listen to- unless, of course, he will support Obama as President.</p> <p>Go Obama Go </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Doug M </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747558"> <div class="index">79.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747558" title="">2:06 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/us/11rezko.html?ref=politics" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/us/11rezko.html?ref=p olitics</a></p> <p>Why is this story buried deep in your web site? If it was Sen. Clinton you would would have it front page above the fold. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by it'saboutime </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747563"> <div class="index">80.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747563" title="">2:07 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>hmm..I meant to say it was very UNlikely that Hillary could overtake Obama in popular vote. Important typo. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Herb </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747568"> <div class="index">81.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747568" title="">2:08 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>WE (THE HILLARY CLINTON VOTERS) ARE ON A WINNING TRACK. WE’LL BUILD THINGS UP FURTHER ON APRIL 22ND IN PA.</p> <p>Before I get to my home state of Pennsylvania, let me cover a few important items as “set up”.</p> <p>It looks like progress is being made to admit delegates from Florida and Michigan, either through a re-vote, or seating those already selected in the recent previous votes.</p> <p>I do object to words of “pressure” I am hearing, that the Democratic Party should go into the August Convention with the nominee already chosen, and if not, we may be just opening up the door for Senator John McCain to walk in from the November vote.</p> <p>I doubt very highly that this will be resolved by convention time. The rules allow a process into the convention, and if that is where the delegate math is at that time, we will proceed along that course.</p> <p>I have seen some confusion on the Florida matter, and I want to add what I know from researching some of the actual newspaper reports from that time.</p> <p>It was the Republican Governor and Republican controlled legislature that moved up the date of the primary, knowing full well in advance that the state’s Democratic Party delegates would not be seated. The Democratic Party did not agree to this. It was not their idea. It was “forced” down their throats when the Republican controlled legislature tacked it on to some critical legislation that had to go through at the end of the session. The Democratic people tried to have it separated and voted on separately, but the Republican Party who was in control said no, and muscled it through. That was not fair, and now we (people in all 50 states) are only trying to play by the rules as they should have been, and correct what unfairly happened.</p> <p>It appears what we had above was remnants of the earlier George Bush/Kathryn Harris Republican Party of Florida up to its ole tricks; but now we can correct that.</p> <p>I am a resident of PENNSYLVANIA, and I am asking all voters throughout this great state (border to border) to join me on April 22nd, pour out to the polls, and give Hillary Clinton a massive record breaking win on that date. That is something that we can control, and we need no advice from anybody on that. Let’s do all we can to give her a major massive record breaking win, and lawfully (at the ballot box) squish down this Obama noise of fake and hyped up euphoria that no one can put on their kitchen table.</p> <p>Let’s show the rest of the country we are here, we’re proud of it, and we can help by substantially keep building up the momentum from Ohio and Texas, and jack it up to where it should be.</p> <p>Thank you for your attention.</p> <p>Common Sense - Bruce </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Common Sense - Bruce </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747592"> <div class="index">82.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747592" title="">2:14 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>First, Hillary is a divider, not a leader. A policy geek who actually is probably in a perfect position for her talents right now, if not her ego. And McCain runs much better against her.</p> <p>My solution is that the candidates go into the convention very, very close in popular vote with Obama ahead in delegates. The Supers try to push him into VP. He says, NO (given the real VP will be Bill and he might be tarnished by any Clinton administration given their history) </p> <p>and if party bigwigs that favor the Clinton machine force the issue, he will either endorse Nader or tell his backers not to vote for the same old lies, scandals and Washington politics….</p> <p>Hmmm. a compromise..Al Gore the Nobel, Oscar Green guy gets even for 2000 and can choose either Hillary or Obama as VP..a real dream ticket </p> <p><cite>— Posted by PatrickNYC </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747612"> <div class="index">83.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747612" title="">2:19 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Obama has said a lot more about not wanting to take second spot on Hillary’s ticket than she’s said about wanting him there. One place I read that she had ‘’hinted'’ at it, but I’ve never heard her actually say that she wanted him to be her vp. He’s sure allowed her to change the subject though. He’s so busy rejecting her ‘’invitation,'’ that he’s forgotten all about ‘’change.'’ </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Patricia Barry </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747696"> <div class="index">84.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747696" title="">2:38 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Hey Maurice,<br/> Remember your words when Barack is giving his acceptance speech. The nerve of Clintonistas to offer the VP to the FRONTRUNNER. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by larendt </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747778"> <div class="index">85.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747778" title="">2:59 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I’m sorry, but why would Obama choose Clinton as his VP? What would he gain from that? Hillary supporters will all vote for Obama before they vote for McCain, and she’s not creating new votes from young Dems, independants, and “Obamacans” like he is. </p> <p>If Obama is on the ticket, the Dems have a chance to turn out new voters and steal this election. Whith Hillary on the ticket, Republicans are sure to turn out in droves, not just making the election more contended but also possibly losing Democrats some of the congressional seats they took over in 2006.</p> <p>In short, she has countless reasons to choose him VP — he has none to choose her. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Joe </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747784"> <div class="index">86.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747784" title="">3:00 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Re: Doug M #78 </p> <p>Wow. If you had read anything about the report, it was conducted by an INDEPENDENT research group. No Clinton ties whatsoever. Second, it pegged Clinton as a middle-of-the-road or “moderate” democrat, not in the top 20 or even 30 most-liberal senators (I believe she was #36 or something like that). How that puts her on par with Obama is beyond me.</p> <p>I suggest you take a step back and realize that BOTH Hillary Clinton AND Barack Obama are going to be polarizing forces for the Republican party. Both candidates are going to face a large Republican turnout that does not want candidates who promote universal health care, increased taxes, etc. to be in the White House. The idea of any candidate, especially one with a last name of Clinton or the most liberal senator in the country (Barack Obama, if you haven’t picked that up yet), being a uniter of Democrats and Republicans alike is a grandious idea that will not play out in November. Come November it will be Democrats vs. Republicans, AKA Politics as Usual, and the Democrats need voters to turn out in key swing states (such as Florida, where polls show McCain beating BOTH Clinton and Obama in November) in order to win the nomination.</p> <p>Finally, I almost don’t even need to point out how ignorant your suggestion is that people should only listen to Gov. Randell if he decides to support Obama. That just illustrates comments Clinton supporters have been making that SOME Obama supporters have such a biased view of their candidate that anything bad about their candidate is discounted the same as anything good about the other one. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Anthony </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747792"> <div class="index">87.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747792" title="">3:02 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>After Eliot Spitzer (is that last a nickname?) only gave one of these candidates one diamond, it is unlikely that that candidate will either be on top or on bottom.</p> <p>For someone who puts so much value on loyalty, I guess that it only applies when the loyalty is directed towards her coronation.</p> <p>It is time to show support for Gov. Spitzer who has been steadfast for his Senator (notwithstanding the driving license gaffe) in her time of need. How about a little kindness from the Senator here? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Hank Parkston in PA </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747795"> <div class="index">88.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747795" title="">3:03 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Is the following story correct?</p> <p>Did Obama win Texas?</p> <p>Blog_hstrange_2Was Hillary Clinton’s declaration of victory in Texas last week a tad premature? With the caucus results finally trickling in, it appears it might have been.</p> <p>Signcrop According to the latest figures, Barack Obama is on course to win the caucus - which decides one-third of the state’s delegates - by 56 to 45 per cent, a large enough margin to tip the overall contest in his favour after a narrow 51 to 47 per cent win for Clinton in the primary. Now roughly half the caucus results have still to come in, but, if the current trend continues, Obama is set to take 38 delegates to Clinton’s 30, putting the final delegate count for the state at Obama 99 - Clinton 96.</p> <p>This has got little attention in the mainstream media - NPR is the only major news outlet to have reported it so far - but it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Obama campaign, which has put a little blue Obama logo in the Texas spot on its frontpage map of primary contests. It is a little more optimistic in its delegate projections, totting up 99 for Obama against 94 for Clinton. Meanwhile on Clinton’s site, the Texas delegate split is notably absent.</p> <p>Following the NPR report the figures were picked up by a number of reputable blogs, including the Daily Kos and Daily Dish, yet the Obama campaign has so far made little attempt to correct the impression of a stunning Clinton victory in the state. This may be because the Clinton camp is threatening to take legal action over the caucus results, or because the delegate counts will not be officially confirmed until June due to the very convoluted caucusing process (the delegates chosen last week go to county conventions where they pick delegates to the state convention, where the delegates to the national convention are finally selected. Phew.) Or perhaps because Clinton can still lay claim to the popular vote in the primary - but then Al Gore can still claim the popular vote in the 2000 presidential election.</p> <p>You would think, with Clinton touting her Texas “victory” as evidence that only she can win key battleground states, Obama might want to make just a little bit more noise about this one. The real prize for Clinton in Texas was momentum, and correcting the record at some distant point in the future won’t take that away from her. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by paywahun </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747821"> <div class="index">89.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747821" title="">3:10 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Dear Carolyn at #64,</p> <p>First and foremost is the fact that Senator Obama does not need Hillary Clinton as his running mate to beat John McCain in November.<br/> Fan the flames of racial tension? You must mean Bill Clinton’s remarks regarding Jesse Jackson in South Carolina.<br/> Your logic or lack thereof is quite stifling. But then again that has been your candidate’s most potent offense.<br/> As Rolling Stone magazine aptly suggests this week, Senator Clinton has constructed a ’self-martyrdom’ to propel her campaign. It worked for her husband too even though he sullied the office of the presidency to the point where the nation would elect George Bush because he appeared righteous and a moral person. Such are the ebb and flow of presidential politics and the determination of the victor.<br/> What this nation needs now is a good deep breath of itself, a look to the past, a look to the present, and move clearly forward. The candidate to move the nation forward is not Senator Clinton or John McCain. There must be a reassessment of ourselves, an embrace of the future, not a new past. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Bruce Taylor, Berkeley/Sacramento, CA </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747878"> <div class="index">90.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747878" title="">3:22 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Rendell is a long-time Clinton supporter, mostly Bill Clinton though. For the Clinton-camp to be throwing out a VP ticket for Obama when he leds in all significant categories is very audacious of them. Hillary has high double-digit lead over Obama in Pennslyvania currently. The demographics favor Hillary to win Pennslyvania. The popular Pennslyvania Gov. Rendell and Philadelphia Mayor Nutter as well as some other Pennslyvania Democratic leadership that support Hillary make Pennslyvania an easy win scenario for Hillary. If Obama loses to Hillary by less than 10pts with a record turnout, Obama still comes out looking good. </p> <p>Obama in 08! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by AJ </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747888"> <div class="index">91.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747888" title="">3:24 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Obama’s supporters will split the Democratic Party with this whole movement. This is American Election, not American Idol. I’be very happy to see Obama in the White House, but stop hating Hillary Clinton, she is Democratic too. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by André from Brazil </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-747930"> <div class="index">92.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-747930" title="">3:35 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>To jemd @ #77:</p> <p>You are also misrepresenting Rendell’s remarks. You make it sound like he said none of his constituents would vote for a black man, and that he is condoning such closed-mindedness. That is not at all the case. He merely stated that some people in Pennsylvania would not vote for a black man. That’s true in any state. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by JT </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-748270"> <div class="index">93.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-748270" title="">4:45 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Frontrunner? With a campaign as close as this one, there isn’t really a ‘frontrunner’; NPR has even labeled it a tie. Interestingly, G. W. claimed a mandate after both his presidential ‘wins’ - disenfranchising half the U.S. population. Having such a narrow margin in any election is not a mandate. </p> <p>I find it even more intriguing that not only is our country strictly polarized between Parties but that the Democratic Party now appears to be a sub-polarization. </p> <p>Regardless, this is an incredibly exciting time for our country. Not in my lifetime have more people turned out to vote in the primaries than have voted in the previous general elections. At least the American people are waking up! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Sandra </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-748335"> <div class="index">94.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-748335" title="">4:59 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Bill Richardson (N.M.) is the smart pick for Obama not Clinton. Hillary’s offer to Obama is a false one and frankly stinks of condescension. I think she knows that she is likely to lose on delagates so she wants the idea out there that Obama should pick her for VP. Sorry Hillary our camp is too smart. We would probably go for someone like Richardson whom you and Bill have been courting. He’ll bring foreign policy experience and the Latino vote. Richardson is the smart pick for Obama not Clinton. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Brice </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-748455"> <div class="index">95.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-748455" title="">5:24 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Re: #49. March 11th,2008, 11:39 am</p> <p>Andrew B (AB), Diplomacy is clearly not Obama’s forte? That is a pretty bizarre thing to say. The overwhelming support of the people living all over this planet suggests that you are just a tad off. Yes, support from other countries does have a bit to do with diplomacy.</p> <p>Thank you for your comment. </p> <p>We don’t mean the same thing by diplomacy. I mean by “diplomacy”: the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations. (Webster, first meaning). You mean: the skill in handling affairs without arising hostility. (Webster, second meaning)</p> <p>For first-meaning examples, think Condolezza Rice, Kissinger, Metternich, Talleyrand or books like Machievelli’s Prince.</p> <p>For second-meaning examples, think Mr. McCain, Mr. Obama, Mrs. Clinton or books like Dale Carnegie’s How to Make Friends and Influence People.</p> <p>Experience-wise, Mrs. Clinton is closer to the first category than the other persons mentioned. </p> <p>First-meaning diplomacy is international politics, not a field for amateurs. People you deal with are not always as pliable as worshipping crowds. Think of people like Hitler and all guys covered by the Axis of Evil umbrella, think about poor countries…</p> <p>This is not a Miss or Mr. Congeniality contest. But I will grant you one point: experts are available in the Department of State and elsewhere. The experts chosen by Mr. Obama seem somewhat green. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Andrew B (AB) </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-748463"> <div class="index">96.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-748463" title="">5:26 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Sandra I appreciate your excitement over the enthusiasm of the primaries, but you are plainly wrong in your contention that there is no frontrunner. There is a very clear frontrunner, and it is Barack Obama.</p> <p>Go over the numbers for yourself. Go through all of the remaining contests and award each of the candidates their likely delegate takes. Feel free to err a little in favor of Hillary. You can even throw in thirty points for MI and FL if you want, which is far more generous than is actually likely.</p> <p>What you will find is that even if Hillary does better than expected, she will not even come within a hundred delegates of Obama. Don’t take my word, add up the numbers for yourself. </p> <p>There is simply no realistic way that Hillary can win the nomination without hijacking the will of the voters. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by g english </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-748684"> <div class="index">97.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-748684" title="">6:18 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I would like to see a dream ticket. It is the best chance for a Democratic Presidency.<br/> Either way would be fine with me, because I am a Democrat, and a realist. The good of the party (and the nation) depend on a unified party. Obama supporters would be wise to realize that we need to come together. (Clinton supporters already get it.)</p> <p>It is probable that Sen. Clinton will take Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan and Puerto Rico. (perhaps more…). Gov. Rendell himself has pointed out that Sen. Clinton will take his state. When the pledged delegates are counted after June 10th, the difference between the candidates either way will be a tiny fraction of the electorate. Right now the difference is 107.5, out of over 4000. After Mississippi, Obama will be slightly further ahead. But he is still not a clear frontrunner. It’s bizarre to hear him brag that he has won twice as many states when the real difference is so small. Pride before the fall?<br/> Clinton was smart to offer the VP spot. Obama would be wise to answer with the same offer, instead of pretending that he is way ahead. He’s not. </p> <p>This is the situation that the superdelegates were designed to handle. Pick the more viable candidate. Sen. Obama will win only 3 of the 15 biggest states, and hence is the weaker candidate. His supporters who post don’t generally seem to understand how the system in the general actually works. </p> <p>The problem is the “new” politics. Many Clinton supporters regularly post that they will support the nominee either way. Many Obama supporters regularly post that they won’t support the democratic nominee, even based on pledged delegates if it happens to be Clinton. If Clinton is chosen by superdelegates, the response is worse. Sen. Obama has done a great deal to divide the party in recent days. An offer to include your opponent as VP is inclusive. To mock the offer is divisive. </p> <p>Look at the last couple of weeks on this blog. Entries about McCain get little traffic. Weird, given that we know he is the GOP nominee. Any item about Obama attracts huge numbers. The people posting often seem to be caught up in the “movement” but fail to show interest past the junior Senator from Illinois. Take the long view.</p> <p>This election is a long way away, and Sen. McCain will use everything he can to win. It would help if we could get our Democratic house in order. Both candidates would do well to offer the other the opportunity for VP. It would change the debate, and make a friendly contest, instead of a fight to political death. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Holcombe Hurd </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-748711"> <div class="index">98.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-748711" title="">6:27 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Hey Ed, check this out….</p> <p>In her Iowa stump speech, Clinton also said, “We used to say in the White House that if a place is too dangerous, too small or too poor, send the First Lady.”</p> <p>Say what? As Sinbad put it: “What kind of president would say, ‘Hey, man, I can’t go ’cause I might get shot so I’m going to send my wife…oh, and take a guitar player and a comedian with you.’”</p> <p>The Clinton campaign doesn’t seem amused by Sinbad’s commentary or his recollection of the 1996 Bosnia trip as more depressing than harrowing.<br/> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/03/sinbad_unloads_on_hillary_clin.html" rel="nofollow">http://blog.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/03/sinbad_un loads_on_hillary_clin.html</a> </p> <p><cite>— Posted by DJ&Chip </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-748748"> <div class="index">99.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-748748" title="">6:42 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Someone should hire a vehicle similar to the ones they use to carry big panes of glass, put huge posters on each side saying “When Hell freezes over” in huge red letters and drive it all over Pennsylvania for next six weeks. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Observer in Vancouver </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-748803"> <div class="index">100.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-748803" title="">6:57 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>#95 Andrew B (AB) Thanks for your thoughtful response. </p> <p>I think the two uses of diplomacy that you cited are necessarily entwined in such a way that the first is useless without the second. That is perhaps my biggest contention with Hillary. She just can’t seem to get that. She’s made a career out of triangulation, which may occasionally work in the short run, but always leaves polarization and animosity in its wake.</p> <p>That is why she is literally the most despised Democrat by the right wing, which would be a tragedy for our country. The nonstop obsession of the right wing with Hillary for the last 16 years has not been an arbitrary accident, as she portrays it. She can’t seem to figure out the lesson that if you constantly step on people’s toes, they aren’t going to support you when you need it.</p> <p>That’s part of what makes her such an ineffective legislator. One of the main reasons that she has such abysmal success with getting legislation passed and with getting cosponsors, even from her own party, is that she steps on too many toes.</p> <p>Even though a coalition of the nation’s foremost healthcare policy experts has pleaded with her to take the mandates out of her plan because it is inconceivable for it to ever make it through legislation in that form, she refuses to recognize their pleas. If she doesn’t win bipartisan support, there is virtually no chance of passing meaningful legislation.</p> <p>It’s true that Obama’s foreign policy advisors are a little younger, but I also think they are a whole lot better. Here is a quote about the difference between the two teams from the Foreign Policy in Focus think tank:</p> <p>“On balance, it appears likely that a Hillary Clinton administration, like Bush’s, would be more likely to embrace exaggerated and alarmist reports regarding potential national security threats, to ignore international law and the advice of allies, and to launch offensive wars. By contrast, a Barack Obama administration would be more prone to examine the actual evidence of potential threats before reacting, to work more closely with America’s allies to maintain peace and security, to respect the country’s international legal obligations, and to use military force only as a last resort.” </p> <p><cite>— Posted by g english </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-748883"> <div class="index">101.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-748883" title="">7:15 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Dear Clinton supporters,</p> <p>In the name of fair play and debate, gather yourselves together and demand the resignation of the great advocate of racial and gender equality, Geraldine Ferraro, from your candidate’s campaign.<br/> Apologies are not enough. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Bruce Taylor, Berkeley/ Sacramento, CA </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-749037"> <div class="index">102.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-749037" title="">7:53 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I think Senator Obama should choose Senator John Edwards as his running mate, and offer Senator Clinton the position of Secretary of State. Put that foreign policy experience to good use. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Natalee </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-749079"> <div class="index">103.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-749079" title="">8:05 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I wouldn’t like to see Obama as Clinton’s Vice President. He has no credibility now and wouldn’t have any as Vice President. Has anyone seen what Obama has said about Lou Dobbs and the illegal immigration situation? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by LMR in Mo. </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-749263"> <div class="index">104.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-749263" title="">8:54 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>#101, “In the name of fair play and debate, gather yourselves together and demand the resignation of the great advocate of racial and gender equality, Geraldine Ferraro, from your candidate’s campaign.<br/> Apologies are not enough.”</p> <p>Apologies would be diplomatic and polite but are otherwise unnecessary, Geraldine. The mocking, condescending tone of a misguided set of folks hoping to become a newly defined “moral majority” ought to apologize to you. Truth is . . .</p> <p>Race, unfortunately, *is* an issue in this campaign, and both of the candidates’ camps can accept some of the responsibility for this.</p> <p>The Obama camp accepts the benefits of it when they can and denounces (”rejects,” whatever) race as an issue whenever it hurts them. I am tired of this hypocrisy, along with a growing number of Americans, and I think that this is what is underlying Geraldine Ferraro’s remarks.</p> <p>Playing the “race card,” my fellow Democrats, is wrong no matter who deals the card and for whatever purposes it s dealt. That said, there are some things Barack Obama and his supporters are getting away with that Senator Clinton and her supporters could never get away with.</p> <p>If Senator Clinton belonged to an unashamedly All White Church with a non-negotiable commitment to Caucasian Nations, do you think that this would *not* be seen as racist by the press?</p> <p>If Senator Clinton was getting 80-90% of the White American vote, do you think that this would *not* be seen as racist by the press? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Maurice </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-749376"> <div class="index">105.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-749376" title="">9:17 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>I think a winning ticket would be Clinton-Gore, again!</p> <p>It would be nice if Clinton considered Al Gore to be Vice-President. People liked Gore and he was cheated out of his votes. Give him a chance Clinton. Bring back Gore! We won’t have to change our bumper stickers… I think he should be eligible to be a VP a 3rd time… It’s got a nice ring to it… </p> <p><cite>— Posted by CHJ </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-749527"> <div class="index">106.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-749527" title="">10:09 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>“Either way, it would be great.” Gov.Rendell re: “Dream Ticket”–</p> <p>Fact check: Rendell said last Wednesday, “We want a candidate who’s ready to be CIC on day one, not one we hope will someday be ready.”</p> <p>4 days later, on Meet the Press, he said Obama would make a “great” VP. Asked to square that with his statements from Wednesday, Rendell (absurdly) revised his evaluation by saying, “Well, he’s ready, just not as ready as Hillary is.”</p> <p>Now, in another PR move, Obama looks good to Rendell as VP OR President! “Either way”. How disingenuous and, more important, transparently nonsensical?!</p> <p>Clinton and surrogates make less and less sense in their attempt to win the PR wars and pitch electability to the super dels.</p> <p>BTW, Obama has now(via Miss. and Wyoming)gained back as many dels as he lost last week. The Clintons know the math is on his side. They’re waging a reckless and dangerous PR war to make him appear unelectable and weak for the general. Unfortunately they are damaging the Democratic Party in the process. (South Carolina, Ferarro remarks, virtual endorsements of McCain, saying Obama is less ready than GOP candidate, ridiculing small states Dems need, ridiculing the caucuses etc.)We deserve better than desperately ambitious and divisive Clinton, and the ultra-hawkish McCain ain’t the answer! Obama ‘08! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by PD </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-749546"> <div class="index">107.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-749546" title="">10:13 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Wow, the Pennsylvania Governor is eroding a handful of the latest Clinton “stop-gap” arguments: (1) Obama is not ready to lead, but he will be ready by the time the Convention ends, (2) “Hard core” foreign policy experience is the deciding issue (he said it is not mandatory, and neither JFK nor LBJ had such experience), and (3) The party can survive a convention fight (he said the party needs to come together).</p> <p>I can envision Obama singing right about now: “Come together, right now, over me!”</p> <p>Really though, it is refreshing to see a politician that has not left himself sidelined by his commitments - he has shared his opinion, despite the fact that it might contradict a few statements by the Clinton campaign - and proved his first commitment is to win control of Congress and The White House in November. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Michael Barnes </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-749840"> <div class="index">108.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 11th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-749840" title="">11:54 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>This so-called “dream ticket” looks to me more like a bear chained to a bull in the Roman Coliseum. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Steve Bolger </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-750014"> <div class="index">109.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 12th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-750014" title="">1:15 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Dreams are for romantics. We are dealing with math and the probability at this stage of the contest. Everyone please take a virtual step away from what you feel and search for what you know is fact. Obama will win this by delegates alone unless a huge block of super-Duds go against the majority of voters. I know this is unlikely because many of them have to get re-elected within the next four years and you know that few will risk losing their jobs by rejecting their own constituency. This is about ballots in the box and delegates in the column. Obama ‘08 and ‘12. Richardson ‘16. Now I am back to feeling again…:) </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Brice </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-750153"> <div class="index">110.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 12th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-750153" title="">2:58 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>A letter to young dreaming Obama supporters:</p> <p>We support your dreams. We are dreamers too. We encourage you to hope. We hope too. But we hope that you protect your dreams and not hand them over to someone who is masquerading as a dreamer when he is really a king maker, a dream stealer, and a carefully presented politician.</p> <p>For anyone in the Obama camp to call Clinton supporters racist is unbelievable. This is the generation that marched beside blacks, that fought our own parents on behalf of the cause. Obama is leading that charge and he better than anyone should know the history of these women who you like to call bitter. </p> <p>We were not considered bitter when we marched beside them while they spewed anger at the “white machine.” We were not considered bitter when we stood up to our parents and families to stop racist speech and actions.</p> <p>We are only bitter when we dare to stand up for ourselves. Funny, how no one ever describes men as bitter. Is bitter something only women are capable of? </p> <p>Be careful who you hand your dreams to, they are too precious to be wasted. Who do you trust more with your dreams, your mothers or Obama? </p> <p>We would give our lives for your dreams. Some think we will be a drain on the next generation as we retire. We will also be handing over the greatest transfer of wealth in history to your generation. We also paid a fortune into Social Security but the administrations of our fathers truly misspent that fortune.</p> <p>Don’t stop dreaming and hoping, but make sure who you hand your future to really can be trusted with your dreams. We taught you to dream and we encouraged you to hope. When your dreams have been broken who did you run to? Listen to those who have always been there for you. When all of the politics is said and done, it for your dreams that every fight is won.</p> <p>We are not bitter. We are still dreamers trying to make one last dream come true.</p> <p>You may say I’m a dreamer<br/> But I’m not the only one<br/> I hope someday you’ll join us<br/> And the world will be as one -Imagine by John Lennon (a baby boomer who changed the world) </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Susan </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-750162"> <div class="index">111.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 12th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-750162" title="">3:03 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Hillary let us see those Tax returns, WJC donors to his foundation and his library. We need to see them if you expect votes. What are you hiding. You and Bill do not have a good history on openess and honesty.<br/> The CA Supreme Court is allowing a $17 million fraud lawsuit go forward in October. The lawsuit is breing brought by Peter Paul, a donor to Hill’s 2000 NY Senate campaign. Besides Bill & Hill and Chelsea who are going to be asked to testify, several Democrattic leaders have been involved. Paul claims that Rendell directed various illegal contributions to the DNC. Other democrats named somehoe being involved are Al Gore, Terry McAuliffe and Harold Ikes. Howard Wolfson told the Washington Post that he was aware $1 million donation. i doubt that this lawsuit is going to go away and the Republicans are not going to let this go. Things are going to get nasty. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Ann S. Dellaira </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-750187"> <div class="index">112.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 12th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-750187" title="">3:21 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Yes, let’s talk about whether Obama or Hillary won Texas. As a Texan who attended a caucus and is an attorney, let me explain what happens here.</p> <p>Hillary won the popular vote by 100,000 votes. Barrack will probably win the caucus votes, but they are not counted yet. </p> <p>To win the caucus he had to get more people to return that night after voting to caucus. He did get a lot of people, so did Hillary. His people are being investigated by the Democratic party for numerous violations of the caucus process. I can tell you from personal experience that his people resembled mob bosses strong arming the whole procesd, at least in my precinct and in many others so I hear.</p> <p>Anyway, the official Democrat party website is not counting caucus results until the convention on March 29. The NYT shows that 41% of the precincts have reported. Of those approximately 5,300 more people supported Obama.</p> <p>What this means is that 5,300 people are hijacking the will of over 100,000 people who voted in the primary but not necesarily in the caucus for whatever reason, elderly, sick, old, had kids at home, had to work, etc.</p> <p>Maybe Obama can call that a win, but I think even his six year old could tell him that the math is not fair! </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Susan </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-750430"> <div class="index">113.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 12th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-750430" title="">7:23 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>#49 Please send your message to news organizations and super delegates because a lot of them are not aware of it. I knew it. It’s an important factor to be considered in selecting President, especially when both Senators McCain and Clinton seem to believe that they are better qualified in national security. I’m Japanese living in the US and I’ve always felt that they are culturally blind in that they seem to be able to see the USA only from inside the country. The fact that Mr. Obama lived in Indonesia, and Hawaii, an ethnically diverse state, has provided him with deeper understanding of the world and the inter-connectedness of its people. His mother, an anthropologist, further helped him understand and respect other peoples’ views and ways of life. He will not see the world in black and white, us and them, as President Bush and Senators McCain and Clinton do. America will be much safer under President Obama<br/> By the way, an overwhelming majority of the Japanese want Mr. Obama to be President of the USA.<br/> Senator Clinton is so divisive that probably Mr. Obama would not want to team with her in any capacity. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by nn </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-750585"> <div class="index">114.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 12th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-750585" title="">9:40 am</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Re: Mr. Rendell’s comment and Mrs. Ferraro’s commment</p> <p>Both statements read together - redacting Mr. Rendell’s comment that both ticket options are fine as politically correct language, one gets the following message:</p> <p>a- a joint ticket or best of luck (Rendell); and<br/> b- the size and quality of your army is known (Ferraro). </p> <p>As the first Roosevelt did not say: You speak softly but you don’t carry a big stick, we do. </p> <p><cite>— Posted by Andrew B (AB) </cite></p> </div> </li> <li class="clearfix" id="comment-754896"> <div class="index">115.</div> <div class="commentmetadata"> March 13th,<br> 2008<br> <a href="#comment-754896" title="">4:26 pm</a> </div> <div class="comment"> <p>Clinton Polarization of America by Race and Gender.</p> <p>Bill and Hillary are polarizing Americans once again this time through their surrogates (Geraldine Ferraro). </p> <p>Obama if he were only white, or black and female, things would be different. Now race and gender are both being polarized by the Clintons.</p> <p>Not long ago Bill and Hillary said that it took a white President to put into law the activist activities of a black man (Martin Luther King Jr.). </p> <p>When will Bill and Hillary admit that a black man has what it takes to unite America? </p> <p>Isn’t the Clinton attempt to polarize Americans obvious? Will there be a backlash? Will Americans both white and black, male and female say no to race-baiting and gender-bashing? Shame on you Bill and Hilliary!</p> <p>By the Clintons’ attempt to polarize America, will Americans both white and black, male and female, defeat the “Clinton Dynasty” attempt? </p> <p><cite>— Posted by robert olson </cite></p> </div> </li> </div>  <div id="add_comments"> <h3 id="respond">Add your comments...</h3> <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://thecaucus.dblogs.nytimes.com/wp-comments-post.php" method="post" id="commentform" onsubmit="return CommentsValidator.validateForm()"> <ul id="warnings" style="display:none"></ul> <label for="author"><span>Name</span> <input type="text" name="author" id="author" value="" size="22" tabindex="1" maxlength="255"/> <span id="author_info" class="required"><em>Required</em></span> </label> <label for="email"><span>E-mail</span> <input type="text" name="email" id="email" value="" size="22" tabindex="2" maxlength="100"/> <span id="email_info" class="required"><em>Required (will not be published)</em></span> </label> <label for="comment"><span>Comment</span> <textarea name="comment" id="comment" cols="30" rows="10" tabindex="5"></textarea> </label> <input name="submit" type="submit" id="submit" tabindex="6" value="Submit Comment"/> <input type="hidden" name="comment_post_ID" value="4489"/> </form> <p id="disclaimer"><em>Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. 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<li><span>March 14<br/>14 comments</span><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/mccains-london-fund-raiser/" title="View post McCain&#8217;s London Fund-Raiser">McCain’s London Fund-Raiser</a><br/><p>John McCain will expand his pursuit of campaign donations at a $1,000-a-plate lunch at the 18th century Spencer House in London. </p> </p></li> <li><span>March 14<br/>296 comments</span><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/obama-condemns-pastors-statements/" title="View post Obama Condemns Pastor&#8217;s Statements">Obama Condemns Pastor’s Statements</a><br/><p>Barack Obama called the statements of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. “inflammatory and appalling.” </p> </p></li> <li><span>March 14<br/>45 comments</span><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/mccain-says-he-is-worried-about-pre-election-iraq-attack/" title="View post McCain Says He Worries About Pre-Election Iraq Attacks">McCain Says He Worries About Pre-Election Iraq Attacks</a><br/><p>Campaigning in Pennsylvania today, John McCain also said the state would be hard for him to win in November. </p> </p></li> <li><span>March 14<br/>87 comments</span><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/nearing-a-deal-in-michigan/" title="View post Nearing a Deal in Michigan">Nearing a Deal in Michigan</a><br/><p>Democratic officials in Michigan say there is a possibility of a state-run primary in early June, which would not use any state funding. </p> </p></li> </ul> </div>  <div class="side_tool"><h4>About The Caucus</h4><div style="margin-left: 5px">The Times's politics staff on the 2008 presidential elections and other political news from around the country. <br><br> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/politics/politicaldesk.html" target="new"><b>Who’s Who on the Political Desk</b></a><br> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/caucus-chatter-2/">Caucus Chatter: A Q&A; on reader comments.</a></div></div>  <div id="blog_marketing_module" class="side_tool">  <script language="JavaScript">  </script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080315014126/http://www.nytimes.com/adx/bin/adx_click.html?type=cookie&pos=Box1"><img 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