Mr. Finemean and those reading your column, Note: ' We're just getting started," also is referential of boundless energy, true committment to a cause, indefagitabiltiy, and (according to The Globe and Mail) being the "Duracell Girl", or a Charlie Chaplin heroine. but according to your brief synopsis the telescope we can use to view Mrs. Clinton in Pennsylvania  also readily imagines her as craven, grasping, an inconvenience, the 'other"; whereas Mr. Obama is simply  the gold standard and "he who is attacked", poor man. I've recently overheard an interesting comment,"If Hillary was walking on water, they would say, Hey, Look, she can't swim." Are you aware of how slanted your take is? I have valued your commentary in the past, but I suppose identity politcs follows into the newsroom. MSNBC, alone may 50 percent responsible for my now thinking  that Mr. Obama, who I originally voted for in the Vermont primary, is a questionable choice. If Mr. Obama had said, "We've only just begun," you would report, Look at his energy, his stamina, his positive message. Also your message that Mr. Obama wants to win, but won't stoop to Mrs. Clinton's level, is an interesting frame. Are you mad? I was, or at least deluded. I now realize, time and time again since Day 1 of this campaign in stump speeches, he has stated, 'some people will do anything to win," OBVIOUSLY coaxing and fostering a message: Hillary Clinton is craven, souless, pure ambition. This is called character assasination. That this is done with great finesse, as if swatting a fly, doesn't change it's blistering attack. The Clinton charge of  him being relatively inexperienced is peanuts compared to the charge that one is ALL EGO, NO SOUL, or is it automatic that if a woman is ambitious , it couldn't be altruistic as well. Mr. Obama's foppish,  off-hand, regal asides, dehuimanize their opponent/target  without a drop of blood showing, in broad interesting flourishesas ithat has mobilized an extremely rabid online following. It is repeated continuously online in chat rooms, amid blogs that Clinton is a monster. I have yet to stumble on a Clinton supporter trashing Obama in this manner. His campaign has given the nod to this type of thinking, byt those broad sweeps of dirt, that now are falling gently and damningly on Mrs. Clinton. Also by stoking the race issue his campaign has triumphed, Mr. Clinton who chose to actually have his offices in Harlem has suddenly become the KKK and Obama becomes the victim, while his supporters online hurl  gutter-type names at Hillary Clinton. Unequivically, I have yet to see this type of vitriol among her supporters. Anyway, shame on you all, if you're unconscious of this. Anyway MSNBC was a beacom of light, during a very dark time. Now, I really wander whose playing with all their marbles??? Are you afraid of being seen as racist if you analyze this race more clearly?  Isn't it just politcally astute to accuse the Clinton campaign of what the Obama campaign is actually achieving: latitude for everyone to throw stones at Hillary, because after all she's 60 feet tall, especially in the masculine imaginations of those reporting the news, and Obama is a welcome change over the last 7 years of the language being torn apart. I'm ok. with him being a rock star and a godsend for activating people of color and people my age, but when it's unchecked it's still monarchistic, it's still one guy being raised up so he can chicken-fight a woman who is a fighter, but doesn't have that more Eastern ability to kill using silk. In this there's an interesting role reversal, where Obama takes the more stereotypically feminine role of playing it behind the scenes and lil Hillary is the one wearing the broad clunky sword out in the open, as some warriors do, and some round tables may have come of it.

I apologize, I just re-read what I posted and would like to change a couple things. When I said,"Did you know he is wanting to outlaw african americans wearing pants down to their knees?" Speaking of Obama, and African American ways....I greatly apologize because I wasnt trying to sound like it was just a problem with African Americans. That is a law he is wanting to make for any race or ethnicity....like I said, I've seen Caucasians wearing pants to their knees...and I think that the law would be great to pass...for ALL races...who wants to see someones rear-end or frontal view...your children see that. Remember that. ALSO, I SAID..."People arent perfect, people are infidel, not every person...but Bill just so happened to be one of those "curious" ones. If he weren't president, then no one would have cared. But instead, we attack him for being human OR perfect for that matter. When we sit at home and do the same thing ourselves."....I meant to say....But instead, we attack him for being human or NOT perfect for that matter...." NO ONE is perfect. Only God above. So, give Bill Clinton a break...and know that if Hilary Clinton got office..thats like having TWO presidents...and GOOD, KNOWLEDGEABLE PRESIDENTS AT THAT!" Thank you and Im sorry for messing it up the first time, but I wanted to fix a couple things before you started to judge my intentions. Thanks again, votehilary2008   -Shawna-

First of all: It is the president who we initially put trust into...to take care of us in a way that we can afford our necessities; gas, milk, coffee, propane...etc. Where I live, gas at the highest in 2007 was $3.62. Put you know what, I'm not even going to complain. There are other states that ran up to $6.00!! Insanity...Milk, remember when milk was $2.39, or for the older crowd, when as far back as you can remember, it was only $.79....insanity. Coffee just went up....I had to move out of my house about a month ago, because propane got too damn expensive! I was paying $450.00 a MONTH...and thats not including, Rent, Electricity, Gas (with the high gas prices), Telephone, and necessities like, diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper. I am disgusted...No one should have to live like that. Racism, another important issue. While everyone listen to Obama speak, all they can think of is, "Oh no! He's black..."THEY" will take over if he becomes president, more gangs, more killings, more blacks. So I will vote for Hilary." What is wrong with the world?! All men/women are created equal. Obama is a good man, he means well. He even spoke of gang violence in one of his campaigns. Did you know he is wanting to outlaw african americans wearing pants down to their knees? He is one of them...He isn't kissing any butts to get all the African Americans to vote for him. If anything, I'm sure they are actually surprised that his is trying to change them in a while that they dress more decent. I, myself, have seen Caucasians wearing pants down to their knees...we are all the same. It's just skin. Our's are white, theirs are black...but we ALL share the same Earth, the same water, the same food, same AIR. We live as ONE. We need to start acting like it!  I have nothing against Obama, if he becomes president...well, good for him and what a hell of a fight he put up. I, personally, will be voting for Clinton for the simple facts as this: I believe her. I believe she will change things...and mostly, she will have Bill Clinton there. Bill Clinton, if you ask me was the BEST president we have ever had. If people would have ignored his infidelity/personal issues, since they are none of his business anyway, then you would see that our world was at peace when Bill was in office. For 8 years, and we never had any life threatening issues arise. People arent perfect, people are infidel, not every person...but Bill just so happened to be one of those "curious" ones. If he weren't president, then no one would have cared. But instead, we attack him for being human OR perfect for that matter. When we sit at home and do the same thing ourselves. Practice what you preach, is all I have to say about that. Believe it or not, no one is perfect....YES! NOT EVEN THE PRESIDENT! But Bill Clinton and what he did for our nation while he was in office, for positive. BUSH screwed us, point blank. I think we all figured that out a long time ago...him nor his father did much good for our nation. He needs to get the hell out of office, and quick. We are all getting back money in June, kind of as a payback for all we've lost throughout the year in high gas prices, etc. Who's giving that to us? BUSH....but we're did he get that kind of money from? He borrowed from China. When does it need to be paid back and who will be responsible for it....haha, NOT BUSH. The next president will be. Bush is trying to create hell for when he's out of the office. He wants to see the next president struggle to pay China back Billions of dollars, cuz then he thinks We, the People...will wish for him back. He is a manipulator, deceitful, awnry, coniving, and a very bad president. Hilary is best for this position I believe. For many reasons...just listen to the differences, between her and Obama. Both speak of good intentions, ofcourse they will they are trying to win. Who in the long run, do you believe has the mind and will power to fix this Earth before it is no longer. Our day will come...and we still have a chance to make our lives here more at ease and less stressful. Don't vote if you have no clue what is going on in the world, because you can create a huge problem for voting for the wrong person. The last thing we need is a GEORGE BUSH REINCARNATED!

I agree with Shilohx7 that the only viable candidate is Hillary! She has the inteligence and fight in her to win. With Obama, the old saying,"if its too good to be true , then it probably is" applies. Yeah he sounds great and if I did not believe so strongly in Hillary's abilities to serously attack the economical & foreign issues affecting our country, then I'd probably vote for him. I just don't like it when politicians take personal shots at the other candidates to gain more voes. They all do it, it is apart of the game. But  in any case, both candidates are a better option than Mc Cain.

The media stink. I think it is possible to report the status and positions of each candidate without partiality.  I am frankly turned off by Obama;he seems like a nice guy, but nobody's as perfect as the media portray him to be.  Hilliary on the other hand has been portrayed as a witch, with fangs.  I have come to the conclusion this Country doesn't like intelligent, capable and analyical representatives, especially presidents.  Even with the Country, seemingly, on the brink of disaster we are having these silly discourses. Wake up folks, don't vote for personality, look at the issues, evaluate them, and make sane decisioins. We may not have another chance to make it right, there is simply too much to lose. We need a fighter in the White House and I honestly believe that person is Hilliary Clinton despite of whatever flaws you perceive she has.

There is no point for Hill and Bill to release their tax reports, because Hill will not be the nominee!

There is no point for Hill and Bill to release their tax reports, because Hill will not be the nominee!

HRC's 35 years of experience:

1. Worked for a corporate law firm.

2. Served on WalMart board and had no issues with the labor policies there.

3. Formulated a disastrous health care plan that postponed universal coverage for years.

4. Had tea with foreign leaders.

5. Voted for the war

6. Scandal after scandal. Why oh why?

7. Within a couple of years managed to lose both the house and the senate due to vindictive and divisive politics

Experience we can count on?

The Democratic party will sort through all of this and the candidate who can and will be the best competitor agains the Republican machine will prevail. This is healthy for the country. The Democratic party is pretty much split down the middle and if Obama eventually emerges as the candidate of choice, he will be very prepared to slug it out in the general election and win. Right now, he hasn't been tested for battle.

It's amazing to me that Hillary wins some states, throw a big party as if she took the lead and the media is calling her the come back kid.  She does not have the lead and from where I come from come back kids means you came in, took the lead and are now running things.  The only thing she is running is a dirty campaign.  She is also trying to get delegates in states that agreed not to have delegates so she can take the lead.  What happened to integrity and keeping one's word.  Apparently, she doesn't know what that means and will do anything to win, even lose her self respect.

Hillary's people were able to use NAFTA-Gate very effectively in questioning Obama's honesty in the Ohio and Texas campaigns, ultimately pulling off some decent wins.

It should be pointed out that the Hillary people adamantly denied this from the start. In contrast, the Obama campaign was much slower to respond — possibly explaining why he got the worst of it in terms of publicity.

The Canadian Press — Canada's domestic equivalent of the AP — is reporting that the original source of the leak was Ian Brodie, chief of staff to Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Brodie's original conversation with reporters focused much more on Hillary as the candidate whose people were reassuring Canada that the anti-trade rhetoric was all just campaign talk.

"He said someone from Clinton's campaign is telling the Embassy to take it with a grain of salt," said one participant in the conversation. The source added, "someone called us and told us not to worry."…..

This kind of Bush/Karl Rove tactic is exactly why I’m voting for Obama.

This is ridiculous. She is running for the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES and acts like a juvenile.  She’s been doing it all along. First she says Obama has no experience to lead—NEITHER DOES SHE and then she claims she is ready to lead on day one as she hijacks his change campaign with her own “change” campaign ( who’s leading who here Hillary from DAY 1?) .  Then she points the finger at him for plagiarizing followed by Hillary plagiarizing John Edwards.  Now she points to “NAFTA Gate”  saying Obama’s stance was just political rhetoric, however, the  Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper stating that the leak of information about Barack Obama's position on the North American Free Trade Agreement was "blatantly unfair" to his campaign. IT TURNS OUT IT WAS HILLARY CLINTON ALL ALONG!!!!

Also, HIllary Clinton and Bill Clinton here with Tony Rezko: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-rezko-clinton-connection/

Take a look at all these scandals the Clintons have been involved in. It looks they have a lot more than tax returns to hide. "Scandals We Can Believe In". You better believe there will be a rough road ahead of her if she wants to play dirty politics.

Copy and Paste in Browser

prorev.com/wwindex.htm

http://www.greaterthings.com/N ews/Clinton_Scandals/index.htm l

http://www.whatreallyhappened. com/RANCHO/POLITICS/scandals_a rc.html

http://www.uhuh.com/clinton/li st-cli.htm

And Because we all  love Youtube videos, check these out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq8aopATYyw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq8aopATYyw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =p7iQifl0dkU

There are a ton, just search Clinton Scandals on www.google.com and www.youtube.com.

Hillary and Camp Clinton made a big deal about Barack Obama returning money from Tony Rezko, at the same time she refuses to return money back from a firm allegedly accused of sexual harrasasment.  Read the report below:

Sen. Hillary Clinton has declined to return $170,000 in campaign contributions from individuals at a company accused of widespread sexual harassment, and whose CEO is a disbarred lawyer with a criminal record, federal campaign records show.

The federal government has accused the Illinois management consulting firm, International Profit Associates, or IPA, of a brazen pattern of sexual harassment including "sexual assaults," "degrading anti-female language" and "obscene suggestions."

In a 2001 lawsuit full of lurid details, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claims that 103 women employees at IPA were victimized for years. The civil case is ongoing, and IPA vigorously denies the allegations.

"This is by far, hands down, the worst case I've ever experienced," said Diane Smason, one of the EEOC lawyers handling the lawsuit. "Every woman there experienced sex harassment, they were part of a hostile work environment of sex harassment. And this occurred from the top down."

Sen. Clinton's spokesman, Howard Wolfson, told NBC News in a statement that the senator decided to keep the funds because the lawsuit is "ongoing" and because none of the sexual harassment allegations has been proven in court.

"With regard to the pending harassment suit, as a general matter, the campaign assesses findings of fact in deciding whether to return contributions," Wolfson said.

From NBC's Lisa Myers and Jim Popkin

Though Obama has also said that he won't take federal PAC and lobbyist money on his campaign, he does take money from state based lobbyists as previously reported by First Read.

Obama's co-chair in New Hampshire, Jim Demers, is a state based lobbyist for the pharmaceutical and financial services industries amongst others.   Michael Bauer, a member of Obama's LGBT steering committee, is a state based lobbyist in Chicago. And in Nevada, Obama's campaign also has three state based lobbyists who play senior advising roles in August last year.

When asked by reporters on the call why Hodges could work with the campaign even though he is a lobbyist, campaign manager, David Plouffe, said the campaign's policy for limiting lobbyists' influence applied to taking money only from federal registered lobbyists and PACs.

Obama also has said that no lobbyists can regulate industries they were working for in his White House for two years and that they cannot work for lobbyists after leaving his White House for the remainder of his tenure.

Well! here what I thing: Senator Obama is a horrid example of a person, to me. In one instance, saying he will accept public campaign financing, then breaking all the records for

accepting donations, puts him right up there with the worst of the

Washington crowd. And leaves him open, for the historians, to being open to

presidential campaign law violation charges.

"The Best Man for the Job is a Woman."

Don't the American people remember what it was like to live through the Clinton Marital Psychodrama?  They've muzzled Bill for the time being, but the boy can't stay away from center stage.  He WILL disgrace himself and her (he can't help it -- negative attention is better than none at all).  These people have no life except in front of a camera, center stage, and running things.  Hillary will do ANYTHING to win this -- whatever it takes -- no matter how ruthless, manipulative, or deceptive.  McCain must be laughing his ass off over the self-destructive Democratic party and its inability to stifle George W or its own ridiculous election system.  (My own state decided delegates based on caucuses.  My primary vote was a waste of time and tax-payer dollars.  Also, Washington State makes you declare that you're in one party or another.  Is that democratic?)

I had my fill of the Clintons the first time around.  Sadly, I think the American people lack any sense of discernment when it comes to who we elect to run this country (e.g., George W's folksy routine that suckered so many naive people -- and Cheney's obvious malevolence).

I give up.  I'm sick of them all and exhausted from the strife.  America is on the downhill slide -- endless and shameful war; enormous debt; sagging reputation worldwide; lousy health-care system; people losing jobs, homes, and self-respect; corporate lobbyists running the Government.  It's all pretty depressing and I've lost what the candidates are trying to sell:  hope.

If Hillary manages to get the nomination. Look for a humiliating defeat and the end of the Clintons. I for one look forward to the day when I never have to hear the names Bill and Hillary ever again.

As far as McCain goes his election will ensure the death of the Republican party. Imagine a guy who says he doesn't know anything about economic policy trying to get the nation out of the mess we're in. McCain says his strategy will be painting democrats as big spending liberals soft on national security. Someone should tell McCain that he just described his party. Trillions of dollars in Republican spending, incompetence on national security and an the absolute failure to fix the AMT or extend their tax cuts when they had absolute control. John get a clue.

The phone rings at the Obama household at 3 a.m. and it is Hillary on the line.

"Okay, so you won. Can I be your vice presidential running mate?

"You know the slash and burn, hack-type politics expected of the No. 2 person comes naturally to me."

Obama: "I said you should believe in hope, not miracles. No way."

Rough road ahead for all, including the biased media that you, I am sorry to say, also represent.

I used to think that you and Obelrmann were the voice of balance and reason at MSNBC. It is clear that your favoritism (along with the shameless favoritism Obelmarmann now openly displays in his show) taints every comment, every word, every syllable that you guys utter.

Whatever Hillary's voice is, certainly carries more depth and meaning that the voice of an empty promise of "change" without of record to back it up. Her pure grit and resiliance is enough to have earned her the respect of so many women (not your typical uneducated broad) who have to endure day in day out the sexism that your reporting represents.

I want someone like that fighting for me. Luckily for AMerica, there are millions that agree. So the show goes on with you as the incesant wound that refuses to close and heal.

Yes, it she does appear to be ready for rocky road politics. And when she is finished, how will she get anything worthwhile accomplished in Washington? The woman is divisive. She screwed up any meaningful bipartisan healthcare reform fifteen years ago and the country still is paying dearly for her blunders. Pray tell, beyond spouse, what ARE her vaunted credentials?

Rtoo,

Your entry is contradictory.

Your criticism of Obama is that his supporters will abandon him and go to McCain.

But you state that you, as a Clinton supporter, would not support Obama if he won the nomination, and would support McCain.

I think you just created an argument against yourself.

I think one of the issues that is clearly making Clinton look devious is the Michigan/Florida issue.

Clinton agreed that the delegates in Florida and Michigan should not count. She is on record.

Now she says she wants them seated.

Well, of couse.  The candidates weren't allowed to campaign in Florida before that primary, and Obama's name wasn't on the ballot in Michigan.

She agreed not to count them, but now wants to count them -- which would clearly be unfair.

Clinton, on this issue, is looking awfully Republicanesque in her capacity to want to skirt rules and not honor her word.

Next she'll hire Karl Rove.

here is a clinton supporter that will not support Obama and I know of several more but they will move MaCain.  Hillary has support that will stick with her for certain through the fall but that can not be said for Barrack many of his supporters will return to their fold and support McCain and the rest will be left to support Hillary or stay home. aif you have been paying attention Hillary has out poled the republicans in all her outtings bay awide margin and that is comming in second in a lot of the Red states.....rtoo in FLORIDA

Is it unladylike for Hillary to push back?  Why shouldn't she want it, and do what it takes to get it.  If it was a man, would you be saying the same thing, or would he just be aggressive.  From what I've seen, she is no nastier than any other politician running.  After all, this is a political race, not tea with the queen.

Yes, things are going to get nastier. I wouldn't have believed it, but now we've seen with our own eyes that Hillary is willing to do anything to win, even if it means falsly painting a Senate colleague as a lying Muslim. This is a great victory for the Republicans. They are waiting to attack Hillary with all the sins she committed during her 35 years of experience--Whitewater, Cattlegate, etc. Against all those failures of character, the so-called man of integrity and media darling John McCain will surely win.

We should start building the bomb shelters now. The man of war, also known as John McCain, will win the White House in '08.

lol hillary won 3 states and now she is in office...pour misguided souls

Tee hee hee. Your sage advice that the little lady should gracefully step aside and leave it to the men who deserve it, once again, looks stupendously silly. what about a followup piece on why Obama should step aside for the good of the party?

  Barack have been trailing in 3 states by double digits and has managed to close the gap but run out of time when suddenly Hill's attack ads took effect on his campaign. While Hill is also enjoying double digits lead now in PA, expect it to be narrowed by Barack as more voters knows him as no phony like Hill. As scrappy as she might be, she won't be able to overcome his advantage in delegate count and what an irony now for her, to HOPE that she can swing the Supers to continue giving her campaign a lease of life ! She brought this upon herself for running her campaign incompetently by snatching defeat from the jaws of victory ! Remember she was supposedly the inevitable nominee and with the biggest campaign war chest, then managed to bankrupt her campaign and finds herself now trailing in delegate count ! With such kind of actual experience we see, why should voters chose an incompetent one even with all her etablishment advantages ?

There's a reason why more educated people are attracted to Obama over Hillary.

For all the Hillary fans... one question... if she has nothing to hide, why not release your taxes?

She'll release it after she gets the nomination?!  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to decipher this stunt!!  

I'll take the "old" pilot to fly the US airship over someone who was "around" to see it flown, and over someone who does not even have his training permit yet.  Experience does count.  Do you hire a brick mason to work on your electricity?? No!  How can we be so blind to let excitement and enthusiasm substitute for experience.  If companies operated that way they would all fail.  If we elect someone without the knowledge and experience then we fail also.

I can only assume that those who are threatening to stay home vs. vote for Clinton in the general election are the youth vote.  Otherwise, I do not understand such childish tactics that are tantamount to having a temper tantrum when one doesn't get what they want.  I will be voting for Hillary in the upcoming PA primary and my hope is she will be the democratic nominee.  And if she isn't, then I'll have until November to decide between McCain or Obama for my vote for president.  If McCain were a democrat, it wouldn't be a hard choice.

However, I'm betting I won't be forced to make that hard choice.  Hillary has proven to be a strong opponent and I think experience will carry her through.  To the potentially disenfranchised Obama supporters, take a stand no matter how the chips fall.  It beats staying home and whining about the outcome for the next four years.

Wamrail,

It doesn't make logical sense to bring up the Electoral Collge at this point.  Just because Clinton has won states in the primaries with many Electoral votes doesn't mean she'd do it in the general election against McCain. It's apples and oranges.

If you're trying to make a point as to the key to the general election for Democrats against the Republicans, it's which potential nominee would run better against McCain in those big electoral states.  The key to those states, as many pundits have said, is not retaining the Democractic base, but picking off some Republicans and Independents.  Plus, when talking about retaining the Democratic base, there isn't a Democrat alive who supports Hillary -- who would then support McCain against Obama. But there are probably plenty of Obama supporters who clearly don't like Hillary that would, in fact, vote for McCain. We've had some comment right here in this blog.

Again, even on this blog, the Democrats are divided and tearing themselves apart.

It comes down to two major points:

1) Which candidate is more likely to beat McCain in the general election.  There are studies, pollls and every pundit (including Rush Limbaugh) has recognized it's Obama.

2) At this point, it's near impossible that Clinton can win the nomination anyway, no matter how you look at the projected delegates.

So, really, this is only an exercise in futility, like so much of what the Democratic Party is known for.  While many on this blog, and across the country, are pulling for Clinton, and tearing down Obama, all they're doing is pulling apart the Democratic party and it's only chance of beating McCain in November.

Clinton has a much better environmental record than Obama. That is why Robert Kennedy Jr endorses her. Read his take on Clinton, Obama and the election at:

http://news.smh.com.au/kennedy-jr-gets-behind-hillary-clinton/20080220-1tdl.html

Obama's LCV 2007 score is a mediocre 67. He voted for Cheney's energy bill. His top campaign contributors are three executives from Exelon, the largest nuclear power company in the country.

If you believe in the environment, then stand behind Clinton. She is a fighter and will crusade for the environment. Obama will get us nowhere.

Footnotes

NYT's article on Obama's connection with Exelon

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/us/politics/03exelon.html

On the Cheney Vote, Conference Report H. R. 6 Vote Summary 2005

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00213

2007 LCV Voting Scores

http://lcv.org/

Crimes Against Nature by Robert Kennedy Jr.

http://www.amazon.com/Crimes-Against-Nature-Corporate-Plundering/dp/0060746882/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203982347&sr=8-1

Hello Obama Suporters look this website about him:

http://www.obamatruth.org/

A lot is talked about Hillary's campaign tactics against Obama.  But, no one talks about Obama's claim that he is an unadulterated African American.  Why does not he speak honestly that he is a mixed race American.  Is it right to forget the genes that he inherited from his mother, particularly when he claims to adore Gandhi's values.  Gandhi, incidentally. stood for truth at all coats.

Second, Ohio is crucial for a victory in November elections.  I have lived in Ohio for more than 15 years.  The midwest people are good, kind, helpful, and yet conservative.  They are friendly to African Americans and the rest of the people.  But, in elections, they (excluding die hard democrats) just will not vote for an African American. In 2006, Blackwell suffered the worst defeat in the election for Governor.  That could happen only when a large number of white republicans do not vote for their own official candidate.

This is an unbelievably biased report.  I agree with several others that you should be (maybe already are) working for Obama.  

" But Hillary just wants to win, and is willing to be as nasty as it takes."

"the Clinton campaign was able to fudge the trade issue by focusing on the errant, pro-NAFTA comments of one of Obama's aides."

I am not a Hillary supporter, but how can you honestly write this and say that you are unbiased.  If you were trying to be fair, you would atleast get a quote from Hillary's camp as a rebuttal.

I predict in the next few weeks, that Obama will start some serious mud-slinging of his own (an extension of his fliers, but...oh, wait, those weren't negative.  Those were  all about "class".) what will you say then, that

"Obama, despite trying to take the high road, was forced to come down and defend himselft against the evil politcal machine.  He has grudgingly decided to fight back.  He is my personal hero."

You're a joke.  

Stop drinking the Kool-Aid people.  Even if there's just a shred of truth about the meeting with the Canadians, isn't that suspicious.  This guy is not a movement, he is a politician like all the others, and he too, will do anything he can to win.  

MSMBC,NBC and Newsweek has done everything they can to derail the Clinton campaign. I have tried twice to cancel my Newsweek, but they still are sending it.I live in Texas and Clinton, against all odds prevailed. Endorsements by all major newspapers, massive media advertising, twice what Clinton had to spend, SEIU, UFCW and Teamsters with their money and manpower, 110,000 paid and unpaid volunteers and a caucus that was organized chaos in some cases by rabit Obama supporters, and Hillary still wins.I can't guess what the Clinton's did to these news organizations, but it must have something really severe to generate this much hatred.

After last night Clinton has a commanding lead in Electoral College votes. For those of you who don't remember, it's the Electoral College that determines the Presidency in November. Not the number of states you win and not the popular vote. (Ask Al Gore that question.) Obama can continue to win small states and territories that don't even have electoral college votes but at the end of the day the Democrats need a candidate who can win in the Electoral College. And right now Hillary is ahead 261 to 193. With 7 more votes she would have the winning number. She is ahead because she wins the big states. Of the 8 states with more than 15 electoral college votes Obama has only won his home state of Illinois, Hillary has won the rest. Let's see Axelrod spin that!

lb078,

I have done a lot of research into Obama's positions. They're almost entirely similar to Clinton's.

I think many have bought into Clinton's rhetoric. Why is she more experienced than Obama? He has more experience as an elected official than she does.  Just because she was First Lady for 8 years?   That's like saying Jeff Gordon's wife could be a Nascar driver.  If anything, the experience issue is a complete wash.

For me, the defining "experience" between the two of them was Obama's rejection of military action in Iraq and Clinton voting for it.

What other experience does Clinton have?  The biggest issue/program she ever took on was the health care issue when she was First Lady, and she bungled that.

I'll concede that Obama doesn't have much meat and potatoes in his speeches. But that doesn't mean he's sketchy on his policies, just that he has chosen, when he speaks, to rely more on inspiration than policy.  

Democractice policy, led by Hillary Clinton, in Washington, against Republicans, is a futile endeavor.

Our only chance is that Obama, with his ability to inspire, motivates Americans to get behind the same policies he and Clinton share to get them though Washington and the Republicans.

This is a very good race and demacracy at work. But what is being lost by the MEDIA,Hillary,OBAMA, is what really going on. John McCain and the Rep. Have there eyes on November now. Hey can let us the Dem. Tear are own party down and lose 3 months of work because of this in fighting. Howard Dean and the DNC Highly need to step in and look at this very close. If not by June the Rep. Will have a strong lead 3 months out,while we the Dem old,youn,white,black,hispanic,educated,uneducated,working,non-working will be stuck with a Rep. come November. And why because we the Dem. can not stop this in-fighting of Hillary and Obama to heal and become united. Gas high and food high no jobs no good education. Howard Dean and DNC wake up.

Obama is a media creation.  How else can freshman senator with zero political accomplishment get to be a contender for president of the USA?  Didn't Newsweek and Times magazine put him on their magazine covers at the same time a year ago for no good reason whatsoever?  Why should anybody be surprised Howard is whining and moaning about the knock-out, dragged-out fight?  I personally think it's great political theater.  Go for it, Hillary.

On his road to White House, Obama's balloon is loosing the most of the air above Ohio state ! Hussein Obama looks to be somewhere before the... termination point ! On other way, MSNBC people and other wrong doing press amatuers will burn with shame !!!

Democrats have the reputation for clutching DEFEAT from the jaws of victory. When it looks like you have chosen a canidate that has inspired the whole country you keep Clinton in the race. If there is a canidate of destiny it now appears to be McCain. Last summer he was out of it. If the democrats put Clinton in through the back door, every democrat that voted for Hillary look in the mirror. You are the one that put another republican in the white house. If Obamma does squeek by you have weakened the only canidate that would have made it no contest. I'm an independant. I really think Bush has screwed up the economy. I would have voted for Obamma in the general election. If Clinton's in the race I'm with McCain. The country is looking for a canidate that will unite the country. That's McCain or Obamma. The republicans took their step by nominating McCain. It looks like the democrats are still clueless.

frustrated,

you really buy into the obama rhetoric.  i haven't heard any real plans on how he wants to accomplish anything.  i'm not a hillary supporter, but it's disconcerting how the media plays obama up without him saying anything of real substance.  anyone can spout "change" and "unity", but does that really quality them to be president?  the most powerful post in the most powerful country.

You Howard Fineman and your gang at Msnbc  are a disgrace to your profession.I thought Olbermann was  honest but he has shown that he is nothing but a hypocrite just like the  rest of you . How much is Obama paying you ? Despite all your trash , Hillary is still standing.I hope that she stays in that race untill every state is counted including Michigan and Florida.What makes you people think that you can decide who becomes the President of this country.This is the same thing you did with Bush and now you want to push that empty suit on us.You so called reporters are so full of it that you are begining to believe your BS.Democrats will decide who becomes their nominee  not  a bunch of Republicans in small caucus states that Democrats will never win in nvember.

I live in one of the small ststes that went for Obama. Now I realize after listening to the Clinton campaign that my vote doesn't count as much as one from a state like California or New York or Ohio. I wish someone had explained this before I bothered to vote. I won't waste my time to vote in a general election. Let the big states decide, and let us know how it turns out.

Hurray for HIllary.   I knew people would finally see the light!   She has been dragged through the Republican (for years) trials, she has recently been dragged through CNN and MSNBC media trials for they were so Obama slanted and don't ask me why.  He didn't know how to vote that one whole year he did vote in the Senate before deciding he was presidential material, he stampters and studders,  he copied her answers - no wonder she finally got tired of answering all the questions first - she was providing answers for him!   That was plain to me!  He has not been around long enough for us to really know if he can respond better than Bush during a crisis.  Bush was a puppet, we sure do not need another one not over seeing what corporations are doing and letting them run amok and ruining our eonomy.   Hillary will over see and make sure all hums right along .. she will conduct and orchestrate like a real prosident should.   She will renegotiate NAFTA where necessary to balance the benefits of NAFTA for all concerned.   She has the knowledge and wisdom to do this.   We need Hillary!  Don't worry - she'll be fine, trustworthy and fair.  She'll create "green" jobs.  She'll make sure you have decent and affordable health care!  Vote for Hillary!

As a life-long Democrat, these are all very frustrating developments.

It's amazing how, with the ton of reporting done on the presidential primaries, there isn't one reporter consistently cutting to the heart of the matter.

First, in terms of yesterday's primaries, Clinton is getting hailed as having a "comeback." It really isn't a comeback if you consider she was holding double digit leads in both Texas and Ohio just a couple of weeks ago.

The headlines more accurately should read: "Clinton Holds On."

Because, again, if you cut to the heart of the matter, that's all she's really doing.

Look at the delegate math and projection (something you can't find in the huge amount of reporting everywhere -- not on Newsweek, MSNBC, CNNPolitics, etc.)

Before Tuesday, Obama led by approximately 100 elected delegates  (not counting the superdelegates, and this is depending on which source you use; but essential by about 100 elected delegates).

Clinton made up some ground Tuesday, approximately 30 or so elected delegates.

So, that puts Obama's lead at about 70.  

So, let's project out what is probably going to happen. It's not hard to foresee.

There are primaries/caucuses on the 8th in Wyoming, with 18 delegates, and on the 11th in Mississippi, with 40 delegates. Obama leads in both, so between those combined 58 delegates, he'll probably make up 5.

So, then, he leads by 75ish.

On April 22nd is Pennsylvania. It's a long way to go until then, but let's conservatively say it goes the same way Ohio did, for Clinton.  Pennsylvania has 188 delegates, and Clinton would claim 107 and Obama 81.  So, she makes up 36 delegates in Pennsylvania.

So, Obama leads by about 40ish.

On May 6th is Indiana and North Carolina, two states Obama leads in currently.   They total 218 delegates between the two of them.  Obama would get 123 and Clinton 95, so Obama gets back 28 or so.  

So, we're back to about a lead of approximately 70 for Obama.

There are then seven more democratic primaries (Nebraska, West Virginia, Kentucky, Oregon, Montana, South Dakota and Puerto Rico).  Obama leads in most of these states, but even if you figure that Clinton SWEEPS them, she'll only make up about 30-40 delegates.

She'll still be short in elected delegates, even if she has an incredible string of wins to finish off the primaries.

So, the Democratic party goes into its August convention brokered, with the nomination riding on the superdelegates, and/or whatever the party decides to do with Michigan and Florida.

And, in the meantime, John McCain sits back, raises money, and lets Obama and Clinton beat up on each other.

It's Rush Limbaugh's dream scenario.  And, of course, the tragic Democratic Party lives up to it.

You know Clinton isn't going to concede after she wins Pennsylvania.  And she'll be even feistier, getting nastier toward Obama and basically ruining any luster he had -- that could have succeeded in building inspiration and momentum -- enough to beat McCain in the general election.

I like Clinton and her policies. I'm a Democrat, I should. But it's been obvious for years that she's unelectable, and the results of the primaries prove it. She can't pull over Republicans, because they absolutely hate her, and Obama has proven in many polls far more capable of pulling in Independents.

Obama is the Democrats' best choice to win against McCain. Many polls have supported that.  But the longer the Democratic nomination is undetermined, and the longer Clinton beats up Obama, the more luster is taken off Obama and the less chance he has to beat McCain.

It's tragic how the Democratic Party continues to be its own worst enemy.  Bill Clinton's dalliances with Monica Lewinsky basically elected George Bush over Al Gore in 2000.  The party couldn't put forth a better candidate than John Kerry in 2004, against a proven incompetent incumbent president like Bush.  Then, for reasons that mystify me, Gore decides not to run in 2008.

The American people predominantly believe in the values of the Democratic Party, but the Party hasn’t been able to find a leader to inspire the American people.  

Now, finally, it has one in Obama, With so many Americans jaded about politics, the only real hope is that a leader steps forth that can inspire.  Clinton, God Bless her, would only bring out the Republican wolves in Washington if she were elected.  Obama could actually have the mandate of the American people and be able to fight the stagnancy of Washington. I'm not naive enough to think he might actually succeed, but at least Obama, for the first time in a long time, gives us hope that someone could.

Somewhere along the line here, the Democratic party powers have to step in and take control of this and not allow the Democratic Party, again, to eat itself alive.

Hopefully,  soon after Pennsylvania and Indiana and North Carolina, the party powers will pressure the super delegates to come out and support the candidate who leads in elected delegates.  As I laid out in the math above, there is really no way it could be Clinton and has to be Obama.

So, if you're a Democrat, and are tired of the disgraceful eight years of the Bush Administration, embarrassed by the image he projects of the U.S. around the world, how he's been a puppet for big business and big oil, and how he has been the most un-American president in the history of the country, one who doesn't reflect the views of his people, you have to help the Democratic Party come together.  If not, the same Bush policies toward the economy, the war and global warming will continue under John McCain.  

Bring the Democratic Party together. Unite behind Obama. He truly is our only hope.

And the crowd goes wild! We are going on and on and on to Hillyville! I'm so proud of her and even more proud of the wonderful, beautiful, intelligent,  savvy, gentle and Smart Americans for making the right decision.  

Watch Obama getting more delegates than Clinton in TX.

LOL!

Hillary will need 70% wins from now on to pass Obama.

NO YOU CAN'T HILLARY!

Rush Limbaugh and the dittoheads are celebrating!

They want nothing more than a long, drawn out race where Clinton will play dirty to win at all costs.

Watch for more Muslim smears coming from the Clinton camp.

Apparently none of her followers can add either.  She needed to win back 150 delegates in 3 states (Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania).  Texas is a wash and she will gain 0 and a 10% point lead in Ohio (a 141 delegate state) means that she gained a whopping total of 15 delegates.  Now she has one state to win 135 delegates plus all of the delegates that Obama will win before and after.  Maybe Huckabee can give you guys advice on the whole "miracle math" idea.

This is the icing on the cake for John McCain on the very night of his becoming the Republican candidate.  He will hardly need to do any campaigning.  All he has to do is watch the Democrats self-destruct.  And in the fall he only has to re-run the Democratic commercials.  Everybody knows which one of the three is most ready to answer the phone at 3 a.m.

When G. W. Bush was trashing the service records of real war veterans, who among the media stood up to say, "This is wrong.  This is a nasty, unwarranted, unconscionable attack?"  Hillary says things like, Obama is inexperienced, Obama is not ready to be president, and the media jumps all over her for fracturing the Democratic party and slinging nasty, vicious attacks at Obama.  Shame on you Howard Fineman and the many, many journalists at MSNBC who have jumped so early onto the Obama bandwagon and take every opportunity to trash Hillary.  I say, "Good for Hillary!"  Congrats on her wins and shame on MSNBC.

kd,

do you have cable?  are you able to read?  i don't care for clinton personally, but i'm so tired of them (the media) painting her as the wicked witch and obama as the second coming of christ that i think it's great when she has a good day.  in fact, i would go as far as to say the media has turned me against obama.  check out their links on almost any of these pages and you can revel about how great obama is and what a turd clinton is.  then post something intelligent.

You Hillary Lovers just don't get it.  Please do the math ... George H.W. Bush 12 years (8 as VP), Bill Clinton 8 years, George W. Bush 8 years ... Hillary ??? 4 years = 32 years of rule by two families.  Enough is enough.  Please vote for change and to move this country beyond the past.  Please.

I think the media is being unfair to Obama and this is why.  Obama was not supposed to win Texas and Ohio. But somehow he mad an extraordinary comeback. He lost Texas by only 3 points, Clinton 51% Obama 48% in Ohio 54% to 44%.  I hardly think that is a mandate for Hillary especially after having such a big lead. If anything it show that people have turned away from her campaign instead of embracing it. Why doesn’t the media, yes I’m talking to you guys, report on Obama’s comeback and not that he lost states that he was not supposed to win in the first place?  Report on his ability to make things close, not on how the Clinton’s are going to spin the results to make people forget Obama’s ability to change the numbers. I can see how many uninformed Americans can just look at one ad and be duped into voting one way or another, but for the media, well educated professionals to buy into such spin is unbelievable. The Clinton’s have you falling for the same thing that many voters have fallen for. As for Joe and Pat, it is so obvious that you two want Hillary to win. Go back and view the tapes on your show and just take a look at the clear partiality you two are displaying. You guys are supposed to be objective and fair but it is painfully clear that you want Hillary to win so that McCain can wipe the floor with her in November.  You guys are acting like Rush L. instead of the true professionals I thought you were. I cannot believe that the Clintons can dupe the media like they have with you guys.  STOP choosing sides and BE FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Keith P in Virginia

I think the media is being unfair to Obama and this is why.  Obama was not supposed to win Texas and Ohio. But somehow he mad an extraordinary comeback. He lost Texas by only 3 points, Clinton 51% Obama 48% in Ohio 54% to 44%.  I hardly think that is a mandate for Hillary especially after having such a big lead. If anything it show that people have turned away from her campaign instead of embracing it. Why doesn’t the media, yes I’m talking to you guys, report on Obama’s comeback and not that he lost states that he was not supposed to win in the first place?  Report on his ability to make things close, not on how the Clinton’s are going to spin the results to make people forget Obama’s ability to change the numbers. I can see how many uninformed Americans can just look at one ad and be duped into voting one way or another, but for the media, well educated professionals to buy into such spin is unbelievable. The Clinton’s have you falling for the same thing that many voters have fallen for. As for Joe and Pat, it is so obvious that you two want Hillary to win. Go back and view the tapes on your show and just take a look at the clear partiality you two are displaying. You guys are supposed to be objective and fair but it is painfully clear that you want Hillary to win so that McCain can wipe the floor with her in November.  You guys are acting like Rush L. instead of the true professionals I thought you were. I cannot believe that the Clintons can dupe the media like they have with you guys.  STOP choosing sides and BE FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She just won three states, Obama won twelve in a row. Obama has more delegates still---what''s all the celebration?

You guys need to stop with the bias thing already. I've seen no one but her on television all week, which is why I stopped watching!

Maybe the over 50 folks are not ready to give us the bus to the junior high students.  Even if the media wants to direct the traffic to Obama's camp.  No free ride to the head of the line!!!

i'm not even a hillary supporter, but congratulations to her for overcoming a biased and it seems unified jounalistic front going against her.

listen to this guy howard cry.  it's alright man.  maybe your biased journalism backfired.

The Clinton campaign has chosen to inaugurate civil war within the democratic party.

Now everything will be fair game.

The gloves come off from now.  

Now that Hillary has won three of four states, she can move forward. She cannot let up. She needs to continue hammering Obama. That is where she failed. She let him in. The real Hillary finally started campaigning. Obama has been having lots of controversy.

He definitely lacks substance. Hey even my pro Obama friends are having second thoughts. His credibility went out the window with the NAFTA deal. He tried to play both ends against the middle. He got caught. I hope he continues with the Iraq war because actually she made the right decision. So did the other senators. Otherwise we would be in war here. National Security is the top priority.

Hillary for President, 2008.

I love the Clinton camp's constant changing the rules and ignoring reality.

When Obama was winning state after state, they said "Well, this contest is about DELEGATES! Not who's winning what state."

The they fell behind in those, too, and then it became "Well, this race is about who's winning what states. Not who has how many delegates."

In the unlikely event that she becomes president, does she think this tap-dancing crap will work as leader of the free world?

Senator Obama said he still has nore delegates than Senator Clinton.  I would want him to return some of the delegates he took away from Senator Clinton in Florida and Michigan to her.  In addition, in all the future debate, please ask him to answer the question first to avoid him copy all the answer of Senator Clinton and add some ideas of president Bush to become his own ideas.  To all Senator Obama supporters, please do not use race to judge all negative comments about Senator Obama.  I am only telling the truth about what I observed in the last couple months.  Last, I still see the press talk like a Senator Obama supporter more than the media.

Hey, Obama supporters, do you not realize that if the DNC had not discounted Michigan and Florida delegates that we would not be in this situation and that Hillary would have more delegates than Obama????? Obama is the one who needs to step aside!!!!!

hooray Hillary!!!

Hooray for Hillary, it shouldn't be over until every state votes.  I won't vote for Barack Obama in the general election and will write in Hillary's name if she is pushed out of this by someone in the Dem's party.  We don't know enough about him and we shouldn't elect someone who's been anointed by Oprah but has no experience.  He is a great speaker and, in 8 years, when we know more about him, he can possibly be elected.

The question I have is whether the Democrats can afford to go for another five or six months of infighting while McCain is riding free and clear.

For those of you complaining that the media is not fair to Obama.....isn't it ironic that you think it is fair for the media to bash Clinton throughout the campaign and for Obama to be the media darling, but, when the voters actually vote, you cry unfair???? The media has actually helped Obama get to where he is by not reporting negatively on his past and passing on his campaign propaganda.

Seems like the voters in Ohio and Texas haven't had their fill of lying, scheming and anything goes politics.  And if they want experience, McCain has more than Clinton ever thought about.  So, if they liked the past seven years of Bush, they'll like McCain or Clinton even more.  By the way, how many of her votes do you suppose were actually Republicans that know McCain can beat her so caste their vote for her and will vote McCain in November? Some people just never learn who and what it is that has taken our country and our constitution down the sorry economic and foreign policy disaster we now have.  As has been written before, voters get what they deserve and this time it looks like the want more nastiness.

The big winner tonight was John McCain. The fact is that Hillary failed to score decisive wins in either state, which leaves the overall delegate math still favoring Obama. Her campiagn will go more negative since it worked so well for her thus far and the result will be a wounded and fractured Democatic party come time to actually pick a delegate. The party won't be able to unify, and McCain will actually stand a fighting chance to take the white house this November.

I think a string of 11 CRUSHING defeats followed by 2 incredibly thin victories doesn't make for a winning campaign. The American people have spoken without the help of the media, I just wish she'd listen before her ego throws the whole game to the Republicans.

I doubt this fight will be one any of us get to witness.  The Clintons will extort, bribe, threaten, coerce, and cheat to get the superdelegates they need, but that will go on behind closed doors.  Its over, she's the nominee, and she should certainly be grateful to MSNBC, CNN, and the major news outlets for helping her spread her lies and innuendo, while insuring that Obama was totally shut out from the news media for these past ten days.  She should give a special nods of appreciation to SNL and Jon Stewart, who helped her leave no stone unturned. She couldn't have done it without their help.

However, she will never be the President. There are a lot us who will stay home rather than put Hillary in the White House.

TIme for the Obama supporters to lick their wounds and  to start focusing on electing some good solid people to the COngress, we'll need all the help we can get to keep McCain from invading Iran.

Thank GOD, we..TEXANS take our election of President seriously...Based on QUALIFICATION..

not the color of skin, age, or gender....

GIVE 'EM HELL HILLARY

The rough road ahead is for the media fools who, one again, have been humiliated by Hillary Clinton and the American voters...and yes, that means you Howard. When is NBC, Newsweek, Matthews, Todd, Olbermann, Fineman, and Alter, going to realize that...they don't decide the nomination...WE DO. Don't worry though Howard, you guys will have plenty of time to screw up again before Hillary wins PA:)

Howard, why don't you just quit your gig as a so-called unbiased commentator and go to work for the Obama campaign, which you make no secret of supporting?

Great... If Hillary wins this primary, we get 8 more years of old-school Republican rule. She'll never win a general election.

Yeay!!!!  

Congrats to Hillary!!

Howard Dean should start looking for a new job!!!!!!