She actually has a better chance of winning than Mike Huckabee, so does that mean anything?
Bill is behind it all, he can’t let go.

Is the Clinton campaign being realistic about Hillary’s chances?

I think some within her campaign are realisitc, they’re focusing on the donuts and pizza.

she is in the right universe it is the obama news media like you and all the rest of the fair and balanced stations that are keeping her down,ARE ALL THE NEWS REPORTERS SCARED TO ASK A BLACK MAN ANY REAL POLICY QUESTIONS,KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK JACK,,,,,

This is exactly the reason why young Democrats won’t vote for Hilary: Out of touch, out of sight….with her self, and most importantly, with the voters.

No, they aren’t. Even if she wins Ohio and Texas, she will not catch Obama in pledged delegates. Hillary will have to rely on superdelegates and a messy floor fight at the convention over seating Michigan and Florida to be the nominee. Unfortunately, she won’t put the party over her personal ambition.

By the way, if the tables were turned and Obama had lost 11 contests in a row and was behind in the pledged delegates with no chance of catching up, everyone would be calling for him to drop out of the race. The media would be talking about how he had no chance to win and had only won a handful of primaries. The double standard being afforded to Hillary is sickening.

Surreal? Disingenuous? Alternative universe? Spooky? Jack, what’s new? It is policicians talking politics - not reality.

Maybe now you can see the appeal of Obama. Just change it, whatever it is.

Clinton is behind in the polls in Texas among Democratic voters who have land lines. That leaves out young people who only use cell phones, Independents, and Republicans. All of those groups tend to go for Obama by large margins. Once you factor in all the likely voters I would expect a 15 point loss for Hillary in Texas at this point. The chances are slim.

Anybody who supports Clinton would have to live in an alternate universe, given her record on the important issues.

Yes she still has a good chance of winning. Why else would Obama’s camp have released that picture and blamed it on her camp?

Of course they are living in denial, which is not a river in Egypt. I have found that when people get real angry when confronted like Mr. Singer that they are lying, just like Bill got angry at the media once upon a time when he shook his finger and lied to all Americans on national TV. Besides if they were realistic, they would be working for Mr. Obama and would have from the beginning, but they know which side their bread is buttered on.

Jack,It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings!

Though Clinton does still have a chance at winning, the campaign is certainly not being realistic about it. Stating again and again that they are ‘on the way to locking the nomination down’ after 11 straight losses is positive thinking, but not realistic thinking.

Hill doesn get it, that it doesnt take 35 years to understand that the ways of Washington has to CHANGE for anything menaingful to obtain.

For this to happen, it doesnt take rocket science to understand that Hill lacks the capable to bring about that CHANGE - being the most polarizing figure in modern United States politics.

Jack, is Milbank trying to imply that the press should have the authority to determine the outcome of an election? I’m sorry, I thought we lived in a democracy where people vote to determine their leaders, not have that decision dictated by the oligarchy. The SNL skit was dead on; Obama is spouting reducing the power of Washington lobbyists when it is clear to this voter that we should be more concerned with reducing the power of the media. You’ve all took the idea of responsible journalism and threw it out the window. It’s so hard for me to even to turn on CNN or read its headlines online without getting a headache in anticipation of reading a story that makes Obama look like the second coming of Jesus Christ and Hillary look like the most evil human being that ever existed. I’m voting third party in November if Hillary loses just to stick it to the oligarchy in this country who thinks they can decide who wins an election.

I believe they are being realistic. It isn’t over until the votes are cast and it is also an example of the fighting spirit of America. I am sure that during the Revolutionary War our prospects may have looked slim to none to some but they obviously didn’t give up, and neither should Hillary.

Hillary2008!!!

Dear Jack:

Hillary’s campaign, has been out of touch with main stream America for a long time. She is counting on the female vote, to take her to the Peoples House and if they vote for her, just because of that, her being a woman, then, were in deep trouble.

Hillary could care less about the middle class. Time and time again, she has flopped on issues, still goes into the dark on issues, changes her tune to suit her needs. All she represents is more of the past and her and Bill, should stay there.

It is time that we tried something new, instead of the same old thing.

Alternate universe? Um, that’s where Obama and his voters have been since he decided to run in this election.

The race isn’t completely over, but nearly so. Clinton’s team is certainly not being realistic about the situation, nor do they seem to be aware of/care about the fact that drawing out this contest is doing nothing but damaging the democratic party. Not that this is surprising since even adamant Clinton supporter Tina Fey (from Saturday Night Live) referred to her as a b**ch. - McLean, Virginia

Hell No, Jack.

Seems to me that Hillary is surrounding herself with the same “yes” people , as President Bush.

How anyone can look at Hillary’s campaign as being successful or see her chances of wrapping up the Democratic nomination is beyond me.

Only George Bush exceeds her in the ability to stare at the truth and report the exact opposite.

Cafferty - be a fair journalist this election is a very, very serious election. America has many enemies and moment we bring down our guard down who knows what could happen.

American needs a strong President, not Progressive or Liberal or Conservative. Let us all never forget 9-11.

Yes Jack they are being realistic. You are out of touch. The Hillary campaign plans on winning next Tuesday. Millions of people have been empowered to donate money recently that do not donate. Millions of people have been motivated to call using the Hillary Clinton website and Millions of people are calling on their friends and neighbors ….to vote for Hillary….Why, because no one understands why CNN wants to elect Obama so bad. You have upset millions of people, why you will not comment nor report on the one sided bias that you and CNN have created….Go online, look at the blogs, your blogs are selective to what you allow on, but other blogs are openly able to discuss the media and what role they are playing in this election. Everyone is wondering why???? Therefore, you have empowered not only WOMEN but all voters and the public will not allow you to hijack this election. You KEEP that big DREAM going that you are going to elect Obama…more power to you Jack and CNN.

I think the Clinton campaign is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and has yet to come to terms with the fact that she didn’t get the nomination the second she entered the race.

JACK,
REMEMBER “BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS” HOW MANY WELL SPOKEN ORATORS HAVE LED THEIR COUNTRIES DOWN THE WRONG PATH??
WHO WILL OBAMA HAVE IN HIS CABINET TO ADVISE HIM?? BUSH HAD CHENEY!!! I HOPE ALL OF YOU PEOPLE ARE WRONG AND HILLARY CLINTON MAKES A SERIOUS COMEBACK FOR THE SAKE OF OUR COUNTRY

yes they are,it is almost imposible for hillary to campain against the news media that steadely cuts her down and builds obama up,have any of you reporters got the guts to ask a black man any questions that amount to any thing instead of just trashing a good woman,you are a joke jack,

They’re not being honest, but neither are you. It IS a close race. That much isn’t denial.

The Clinton campaign has been in denial for quite some time. I can’t help but wonder how leaders from other countries view her tactics. Could they be the next getting her finger poked at them, saying Shame on You or being mocked as children mock each other. I think the world leaders would give her a rough time, much more so than Obama and that scares me.

I would hope our country sees into what is really happening with the Clintons. Or will Christopher Dodd be referred to as delusional too!

Jack, for the last 8 years people have been paying attention to late night comedians because they’re the only ones who have been making any sense! What makes them great is that they have the ability to think outside the box and see things as they are when no one else can- and they make us laugh about it! SNL was dead on- sorry CNN, you need to stop drinking the Kool Aid, this whole thing is just a little too creepy.

Hope sucks, cynical rants attacking a fellow Democrat rule!
Vote for real change:
bush(vp), bush (vp), bush, clinton, clinton, bush, bush, H Clinton- thats Real change.

JACK CAFFERTY- in an alternate universe?

“this is called denial”

erm… no jack. it’s called PR. it’s also an election campaign, in which a lot has been invested.. in case you hadn’t noticed.

it’s sad to see the american criteria for president is still a bag of red herrings that’s seemingly enticed even the entire media. now we’re really doomed.

Yes, he may be out of touch, but why don’t you ask the real question. “Is the media entirely in Obama’s court?” Come on. You ahve to admit the SNL skit just valiadtes the state of things between the Media and Obama and the media and the Clintons. If my guess is right, this comment probably won’t even be posted since it’s kinda anti-Obama and anti-media.

Take that Bill Clinton! Now THIS is a fairytale.

-Chicago IL

I think the statements made to the media by Mrs. Clinton’s campaign advisors are representative of the type of entitlement their candidate comes across as having to the American Public in general. It is partly because of this perception which has contributed to Obama’s momentum. To suggest they are leading this race is certainly delusional.

Dennis Sean
Chatham, NJ

Jack, are you and the rest of the media being realistic about this campaign? You have given Sen. Obama a pass on everything and have blasted Sen. Clinton at every turn.
This process of nomination is far from over. She should stay the course and in the process show the country what a strong leader she will be.
I am a Democrat and will vote for whomever our party finally selects. That being said, I wish that you in the media would give her a fair chance. I am tired of hearing your one sided comentary. Sen. Obama needs to be vetted and let us see how tough he is. The “Rovian” republicans will make mince meat out of him if everything negative (and there is bound to be some) does not come out before the general election.

They are truly living in denial…Unfortunately both candidate and her staff are becomming so negative as to be dangerous…

Yes Jack the Clinto Campaign is being very realistic.
You and the American need to realize that the Clinto Campaign plans on stealing the Nomination through bribes and promised white house jobs to Superdelegates , that are flocking at her feet like vultures in a corps.

Clinton said in an interview sometime back. I already know I am going to win.

Is it a question of whether the campaign is being realistic or whether the media is determined to sink the campaign. The press is clearly influencing the voters against Clinton while continually praising Obama. He gives lofty speeches and is appealing, neither of which would make him a good president. Clinton is a doer & has been since her days in Arkansas. Her health care initiative as first lady was foiled by the efforts of the health care industry in order to protect their excessive profits. New York has been pleasantly surprised by her ability to get things done. They gave her 67% of the vote 2nd time around. For my money, she knows how to get things done. She’s tried and true. She’s more than just talk!

What else are they going to say? If they’re in the race they’ve got to talk like they’re going to win. Who would vote for someone who says they’re not doing so hot?!

Oakdale, CT

Hello Jack,

Is it me or are we witnessing the end of a political dynasty unfold before our eyes. The truth is, it seems as if America is ready for a Mccain Obama lineup and quite franckly I’m looking forward to it. This is going to be good!

In a word, No.
Hillary’s campaign is suffering from multiple personality disorder, they don’t know what they are talking about. First they paint Hillary as the kind, loving senator holding hands with Barack, and then she’s the wicked witch of the East scoulding her opponent.
On March 4th, the writing will be on the wall and expect Hillary to drop out that night.

I think that Cafferty is on the side of Obama and has been all this time and wish the news media would stop saying “Yes we Can” to not being neutral and instead say “Yes we Can” to being neutral.

Jack come on now, of course they are not being realistic, the Clintons have never really lived in our world. In there world this country belongs to bill, and we are simply a gift he planned to give to hillary, to make up for all the affairs throughout there sham of a marriage!

I’ve got some bad news, and some worse news for Hillary.

The bad news is that she’s on the ropes.

The worse news is that she’s not Muhammad Ali.

I feel sorry for her, because there’s no way she could have seen this coming a year ago. Who would have thought that a skinny little kid, with a funny name, would humiliate her like this? I mean, Obama outsmarted both Hillary and Bill, and the entire Clinton machine. That’s something that has never been done before.

Now, she’s reduced to begging for money, screaming at anyone within earshot, dissing the media, dissing the small states, whining, crying and throwing tantrums.

There’s a fine line between showing your human side, and showing your stupid side.

The Hillary group is in denial. It is obvious to me that even if Hillary wins Texas and Ohio, it will not be good enough to eek out a 2-5 point win. She needs to win big. Obama has won like 20+ states to her 11. Americans want change and it is not Hillary. No matter what they do or say, this thing was over two weeks ago. Hillary does not connect with americans plain and simple. Can we please move on to Obama and McCain?

Dear Jack,

I sure is nice to be hopeful, but hope is not a message that Hillary or her campaign is familiar with. So, she must be hopeless. She needs to be more realistic in where she stands at this point. She doesn’t even ackowledge her opponets wins or people who come out to vote for her in states that she loses, that end up not mattering.

She can still campaign, and get a message out there (if she in fact she could pick one)…but you can’t ignore the facts. It says alot about her ability to “give it to us straight” if she werePresident…you would never know where the country stood! Her reality is far different from the rest of America.

Hillary’s people are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing, Jack; backing their candidate. I would give my candidate nothing less. In light of recent endorsements and polls, it’s probable that the game is about to end unfavorably for Hillary, but loyalty is one characteristic that every team player must possess.

Hillary has boxed herself into a corner where her only options are to either quit or come out slinging mud. By quitting, she can retain some political viability for the future. By coming out slinging, she only damages herself and she provides fodder for the Republicans to use in the fall campaign. Time to face reality Hillary, this is just not your time. Obama’s message of hope and change has carried the day.

At this point The Clinton Campaign is behaving only slightly more realistically than The Huckabee Campaign.

In a word, No.
Hillary’s campaign is suffering from multiple personality disorder, they don’t know what they are talking about. First they paint Hillary as the kind, loving senator holding hands with Barack, and then she’s the wicked witch of the East scoulding her opponent.
On March 4th, the writing will be on the wall and expect Hillary to drop out that night.

Michael, from Toronto, Canada.

If you abolished the electoral college vote, and did away with delegates and super delegates, who would be ahead in the poles?
Wouldn’t it be nice to give that decision to the American people and take that power away from the wealthy and corporate world?
One last thought pertaining to foreign trades, if all of the big corporations have gone overseas then what do we have left to trade?

Jack, if you were getting paid what Clinton’s advisors are getting paid; you’d want to keep the fairy tale alive as long as possible just like they are.

Hillary needs to understand the Obama express is under a full head of steam and leaving the station. She either gets on board now, or misses it forever.

Jack,
Hillary may well lose, but it should be the voters decision, not the press. One quote from Mr. Milbank is infurating “To keep the press from declaring the race over”. Can the press just declare Barack as the winner and that’s it! The press has had it in for Hillary from day one and all of you gleefully report on every little aspect of the Clinton campaign that has negative connotations. The press is supposed to be fair and objective, but it has been anywhere but fair when it comes to Hillary. The good old boy network just can’t see a woman in a position of power and will do just about anything to tear her down.

It’s not over yet, Jack. The Clinton campaign is being hopeful, optimistic, or, perhaps, they just “xeroxed” that attitude from Obama’s campaign.

We have had 8 years of management ineptitude from an indifferent Republican administration - whose sole goal seemed to be - let’s see how bad we can make the image of government, so nobody will want it anymore. The result - jobs an factories shipped overseas in droves: more mine safety accidents than anytime in the past 50 years; lead tainted toys; more food recalls than anyone can remember (beef! its not for dinner anymore!); drug recalls (can you spell Vioxx); inept response to Hurricane Rita - and an overall ignorance of the current state of economic affairs in general, specifically the highest fuel costs EVER!!! We’re all sick of it.
Unfortunately, Hilary could have positioned herself as the voice of responsibility and the steadying hand on the till of government. Instead, she and her “high priced consulting team” have absolutely blown it by lowering herself to the political dregs that we haven’t seen, well, since her husband was in office.
At the start of this, my wife was and is a diehard Hilary supporter and a former Republican. I was sitting on the fence. My wife is now a very disappointed Hilary supporter. I am still sitting on the fence (I liked Richardson and Romney for their competence and don’t care about the color of their skin or their religion). I cannot support McCain because of his stance of the war. He needs to wake up. On the other hand, Obama is very, very, very, very Green. (i.e. inexperienced). But it looks like the Green Party is going to carry the day.

Jack,
Even Blitzer has said “don’t count her out yet.” Why do you insist that it is an ‘alternate universe’ if they still feel they are in this race. Let the rest of the states vote for Heaven Sakes. Just because your ‘reality’ is that you don’t like her. (I actually think that may YOU fall into the category that Dobbs touched on last night in his piece with Bill Schneider…white men voting against the posibility of a female president).
Won’t you feel silly when Bill Richardson endorses Hillary Clinton and that is all it takes for her to get that BUMP for sucess in Ohio and Texas. You should really make a slight attempt to seem impartial, Jack. It is killing your once loyal viewers to watch you attempt to fill their heads with your anti-Hillary message via the Obama slant that you give to everything. Seriously, PLEASE come out of the transe that you are in and come back to being a JOURNALIST….have someone pour some cold water on you or something…

The Clinton campaign has continually underestimated their opponents, to the point where they are no longer in reality. She is getting desperate, and as a result, is flinging mud everywhere and is trying to paint herself in the most positive light, but it is not working for her. Her attempts to show Obama as a candidate who is not worthy to run have fallen amiss, and one could even say that she has been running the negative campaign, not him

-Baltimore, MD

It is unfortunate that a couple of politicians of the past are in such a state of desperate denial. From the voting results, it is abundantly clear that a majority of democratic voters want to end the Clintons’ era and move on to something different and hopefully less embarrassing and if we get lucky, a whole lot better. All along this election cycle, it has been clear that “It is not the campaign, it is the Candidate, stupid!”
- Happy to be on the verge of a more respectable Democratic party.

Hillary’s tough side is showing her true colors — desperation resorting to pettiness. Only the most die-hard follower would not see her embarrassing, Deaneskian descent.

Jack
The Clinton campaign is in rough shape, you can see their tactics have become “try anything ” if it works lets use it and beat it to death. Hillary is a different person every other day and uses a different approach, she has become desperate. Lets end this thing so the party can unite and focus on winning the election.

I think that the cool -aid that they are drinking these days needs to be checked. Desperate times call for desperate acts, it’s over for the Clinton’s, even if they managed to beat Obama, Hillary would get killed in the Election by Mc Cain. All her negativity has turned the Democratic party against her and with Nader in there now, well she would get crushed. You are not going to be president acting like a 12 year old!

Of course Hillary’s campaign is being unrealistic about her chances. She has lost the last 11 contests and the polls consistently show her to be dead even with Obama in her must-win states, Texas and Ohio. If her campaign thinks she is on the way to “locking this nomination down,” they must be in a shock-induced denial about Obama’s winning streak and his new front-runner status.

San Jose, CA

Even though the media tries to pump up Obama as the “the new political messiah” he comes across as empty and without substance. We are talking about having a nominee for the most important and vital job of the world. The world has lost 8 yeras with the Bush experiment and cannot afford to have another experiment with a “populist cheerleader” for 4 or 8 years.
Hillary is better and competent , i.e. a real PRESIDENTIAL candidate!

This is a competitive campaign and the Clinton camp is in it to win. However, the last few days have shown that they have reached a point of desperation. Comparing Obama to Karl Rove? Ridiculous. If Clinton loses either Ohio or Texas it is time for her to step aside. That is when we’ll see if she is willing to make a wreck of the Democrats chances this fall, or if she really cares aout change in our time. Obama isn’t simply about rhetoric. He has some good ideas about how we can change our nation’s course, and Clinton’s support is going to be needed in the fall campaign.

What happens if Hillary wins Texas and Ohio. Bill Richardson endorses Hillary. Later she win PA. What will you be saying then? Also a lot of Obama skeletons have started coming out of the closet. What will yo be saying then? My advise is - let us not rush and count anybody out. Stop the neagive Clinton publicity. Be fair with Hillary.

Dear Jack,

Ever since Bill Clinton uttered the words “I did not have…” (you know the rest) the Clintons have been in a state of utter denial of the real world. What’s even worse is that her supporters who have all been with her for the past 20 years have allied themselves so closely to them that their either caught up in the denial cycle or shell-shocked from Obamania obstructing her “right” to the presidency that they don’t know what to do next. People need to realize that these are the same people she would bring to another Clinton white house. Eight years of blind loyalty and cronie-ism is about all this country can afford. It’s time for Hillary to step aside and let a new day dawn for this country.

Take care with your commentary, Jack, lest you face a torrent of accusations of gender bias, and/or de facto anti-Hillary bias, and/or CNN-sanctioned Obama worship, and/or some other bias or ‘ism’ still to be named.

On the other hand, should you denegrate Senator Obama, rail against his supposed experience deficit, and in so doing pay gratuitous homage to Senator Clinton, you’ll surely be a revered pied piper, a balanced, intellectual reporter who gets it.

The drumbeat of “Woe is me” from the “CNN is biased against Senator Clinton” is exhausting.

It is hard to imagine what they are thinking. I know it is necessary to keep up a strong front before this debate and before Texas and Ohio. I use to think Obama had no chance in Texas and now I look around me and can’t believe what I am seeing and hearing. He is on fire! I think the more negative campaigns coming out of the Clinton camp the worse it gets for them. I hope Hillary will not hurt the democratic party by hanging on too long, but if she ends up being the nominee I hope Obama will do the right thing too. He is so gracious I feel he will do that.

Is the Clinton campaign being realistic about Hillary’s chances?

um…..no…..

and were she to find a way to win the nomination at this point it would be a Pyrrhic victory. Her recent behaviour between sarcasm, outrage and blame assaults has gone beyond losing her support. It has created resentment among so many voters that she could not possible win a national election any time soon. There are too many who never want to see any of that from a President.

Time to act a bit presidential. No, I guess it’s too late for that. Time to walk away, leaving us embarrassed.

Hi Jack,

The Clinton camp is being about as realistic about winning this nomination as George Bush is thinking that the American people will elect a GOP president.

Jack,

Why do you hate Hillary so much? You all over there at CNN are looking like a bunch of jerks. SNL seems to be thinking in the same vein as a lot of us viewers. Why don’t you guys wise up and start reporting the news. Leave your bias views at home with friends and family because that is where they belong. And yes they are being realistic. This race is close. There are still many out there who want to cast their votes. And many from MI and FL who want theirs to count.

Jack,

I think it must be difficult for the Clinton campaign to admit defeat after
years of expectation and hope. Also because of the reputation of being a fighter I believe this also contributes to the campaign having
unrealistic expectations about the future. I think now would be a
good time to end the campaign before potential embarrasing defeats
in Ohio and Texas. Time to unite the part and move forward.

Tom L.

Jack, no one is being realistic about “Clintons” chances not event Hillary herself. The next thing you know after Texas and Ohio will be battle on Michigan and Florida’s delegates. This whole thing may end up being dragged to the DNC’s floor in August. Let’s how hope Al Gore steps in before that ugly day!!

Honestly, when, in the past 20 years, has a political campaign ever been based in reality? Everything is spun to death, remolded, sugared, and packaged for the American voter. Politics IS an alternate universe; it has long diverged from any semblance of realism.

Let’s imagine, for a moment, that Obama is the current leader not only because he attracts the most voters and therefore garners the most state delegates, but also that he is the darling of the party establishment. This race would be over. Instead, he’s in the middle of what appears to be a come-from-behind victory. I understand Clinton’s position. You play until the buzzer when the young neophyte is about to pull an upset. But, this is politics, not sports. There are things to consider other than winning when that win has the potential to destroy the party. To switch back to a sports example, Cubs fans would rather the Cubs not win the World Series if it meant another Chicago fire wiping out the city. (Maybe that’s a bad example.)

-Dave Denver, CO (but still a Cubs fan)

Are you serious?? Blah blah blah…it sure is getting old.

Yea they’re realistic and you’re going to find out why on March 4th when they win 4 out of 5 states.

I’m from Texas and have voted early for Hillary. Luckily, I get to do it AGAIN March 4th at the caucus!

It doesn’t matter. The only question Clinton and her supporters should be asking themselves is, “What is the continued fight for the nomination going to do to the party?” Even if her chances are realistic, in order to win, this thing will go down to the convention. We all know that gives the Republicans a good six months head start in unifying their party and solidifying their platform.

Hey Jack,

Are you kidding? After Senator Chris Dodd’s endorsement she doesn’t even have the argument over who’s experienced to lead foreign affairs. As an experienced veteran he picked Obama over Clinton. What a slap in the face! More and more of the presidential rivals, super delegates and pledged delegates (including recent polls in Texas and Ohio) show that it’s time to get behind Obama for the sake of the party. Clinton needs to do us all a favor and get out of the way. She’s old baggage and makes the party look weak. Obama is ready to go against McCain and win the presidency

Rick
from Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA

Is the Clinton campaign being realistic about Hillary’s chances?

Hell no. That’s the difference between Hillary’s false hope and Obama’s true hope for our country.

Kev
De Pere, WI

Hi Jack,

The Clinton camp is being about as realistic about winning this nomination as George Bush is in thinking that the American people will elect a GOP president.

They are so far from reality it’s just sad, but we forgive them for they know not what they do. Thank God and God bless America for that We just couldn’t survive another four years of a Clinton. Barack Obama/John Edwards 08 Yes we are…

Where do the media get their information from? The Clinton camp vehemently denied the allegations that it sent out that picture…and not until late last night! Unbelievable CNN…..

Dear Jack
after Hillary’s love feast last Thursday Her current attitude reminds
us older married men of our wifes post manopausal stress
Ed

I think they need to call in Doctor Phil or somebody!!! Sen Clinton’s behavior at the end of last week’s debate left me hopeful that the party could heal itself. Well, that all went to you know where in a hand-basket on Saturday, Sunday and Monday!!! What nut in her campaign came up with the idea to send his photo to the media? If they didn’t know why does’t they say that those involved will be let go? That sends a message to all minority groups. Shame on You Hillary! Be careful, when you sling mud, you get dirty!!! Just look at Cindy McCain, judging a minority woman’s stuggle reconsile with the past and current practices by some in this country!!! Shame on her, too!!!

Jack,

I think it must be difficult for the Clinton campaign to admit defeat after
years of expectation and hope. Also because of the reputation of being a fighter I believe this also contributes to the campaign having
unrealistic expectations about the future. I think now would be a
good time to end the campaign before potential embarrasing defeats
in Ohio and Texas. Time to unite the part and move forward.

Tom L.
Charlottesville, VA

Absolutely not! The tactics that the Clinton campaign uses proves this. It also proves how out of touch they really are. I’m a democrat that planned to vote for Clinton until the stunt that they pulled yesterday. Now, if Clinton finds a way to win, I will vote for Nader. If Clinton had won 10 straight, they would’ve tried to pressure Obama out of the race a week ago.

Jack, I personally feel a strong personal dislike for Obama and his wife. However, I’m trying to think positive. McCain will crush him in November and after GOP is done with Obama, his political career will be over. On the other side, if Clinton wins the nomiantion, he’d have a reasonable chances in 4 or 8 years. So this is good. Then, on Nov. 05 Clintons and their supporters will go after people who owed them so much but betrayed them - not black community (impossible), but Kennedy, Dodd, Kerry and other ultra-liberals from the party. They’ll say “We’ve been warning you for the whole year! This is all your fault that you we’ve lost an election we were obligated to win”. After that I hope there will be a major overhaul in Democratic party leadership and we’ll look for Hillary or Al Gore for 2012.
This is my prediction - too bad that we can’t have HRC as a President now.

Jack,
They are not being realistic, they seem to be living in the past, right before people stared to vote, and they are dividing the pary and they are running people into fighting each other… yesterday a Hillary supporter stab a brother in-law who is Obama supporter after an argument over the tactis of her campaign. It’s getting REALLY ugly out there…

No Jack,
they are just dreamers who are looking back at their dream with nostalgy denying the reality…

Love your reports,Jack.
Soon we will hear that Black out in Florida is Hilary’s fault too.
you seems to be forgetting ,that Realistic her chance or not is not for you to decide
Media has done more than it suppose to do without your caustic comments.

Hi Jack,

The Clinton camp is being about as realistic about winning this nomination as George Bush is in thinking that the American people will elect a GOP president.

james Cincinnati, OH

The words”realistic”,and “Clintons”, should not even be spoken in the same breath. Was it realistic to think that we, the people, would let the office of the president be passed from one family member to another again. We tried that expieriment, and it failed.

Well jack.
it looks like mccain just picked up a whole-lotta support, since claire macaskel, and the other limbo’s don’t have a clue!!!!!we the people didn’t give them the power to spit in our faces,with obamania, and i hope you read this on air maybe by chance the demogogs will be listening, by the way have a good day jack!!!!!!!!!

Of course not, but neither is the media. It is in the realm of possibility, that Sen. Obama could make a mistake between now & the end of the primaries (and before hitting the magic number of delegates needed to win).

Is it likely, NO. Is it possible? Yes…but the problem is the cost to the party & the nation if she wins the nomination at the convention after so many losses in a row. In the world of politics, perception is reality. And the perception of most of the country is that IF she wins, it will not be a “presumptive coronation” but a smoke-filled, back room theft of the nomination from the people. IT WILL ENSURE THAT WE WELCOME SEN. JOHN MCCAIN AS OUR NEXT PRESIDENT.

Jim N.
Kansas City, MO

Maybe they know something we dont? If my math is correct she will need huge wins on Tuesday and then some pretty significant wins in the remaining states plus some superdelegate help. Or maybe they are saying they are getting all they expected from the campain. Or maybe the are trying to keep their less educated supporters on board.

Jack,
Realistic? Depends on your point of view, I suppose. If your someone in the “mutiple personality” state of denial that Sen. Clinton and her supporters live in, then certainly, they just may well be on the verge of capturing the nomination. My question, though, is this..If the proverbial shoe were on the other foot and Obama had lost the last 12 contests straight and Sen. Obama took the “Jekyll and Hyde” approach to his opponent, admiring her one minute and berating her the next, would anyone in the main stream media even begin to give his campain a chance? I think not. They would have called this one a long time ago. So much for the press being biased for Obama- I think Hillary has been given quite a pass on this for several weeks. Anyone else would have been counted out a long time ago.

Portland, OR

Hillary’s problem, isn’t as much a lack of realism, as it is a lack of perspective. She has forgotten the lesson of New Hampshire, where she was calm, personal, and relatable. Until she gives up on this, more-of-the-same, slash and burn political attacks, she will continue to loose states by bigger and bigger margins.

Jack, please explain to me how Clinton can call Obama followers “dillusional” when people in her own campaign are saying things like they are “on the way to locking this nomination down” and the race is “tight as a tick”? She preaches that it’s time for a reality check, but she’s the one who cleary needs it. Since when is a 153 pledged delegate lead “tight as a tick”? Since when is losing 11 contests in a row considered being on the verge of “locking this nomination down”? If you ask me, she’s the one who’s dillusional, not the voters.

Talk about drinking the koolaide. I fear Hillary is receiving terrible advice.

She’s even to down in Texas and losing ground in Ohio… it’s time to think of the future. Our country’s and hers.

She should take the high road… put herself in position to help make this country a better place… I fear she’s ready to do herself irreversible harm. This next week may be a very sad thing to witness.

I hope Hillary can gather herself and understand that her time was four years ago. This isn’t her fault. Obama is where he is because of a perfect political storm. Bush’s horrendous presidency, the country’s emotion as it pertains to war and peace, the younger generation’s desire and ability to stay engaged.

Imagine what would have happened in 1968, and where we would be today, if we could communicate then the way we do today.

Hillary needs to take a deep breath and position herself to do her country good over the next eight years.

I hope she does not go down the road I believe she’s contemplating.

I have never seen such a coward, who is telling you what to ask Jack, some Fat guy up there screening you………………

Wow what journalism is that, thats called trash reporting…………………

Come on Jack be a man and tell the truth about both these canddiates and the groups they belong to behind close doors

Come jack put the booze down and spew some truth for a change instaed of this stupid ass comments and wanting opinions on them, ask a real question like how many of you think these candidates are known liers or crooks

the clinton clan obviously think it`s easier to see things sleeping with one eye open. A one-eyed man being the king in the land of the blind doesn`t apply in this situation. I can`t re-call Her Royal Highness being so lady Mcbeth when His Highness played the cigar game!!

It is a difficult thing for someone who has been planning for this for so many years to accept the reality of the situtation. I think many understand it is a human characteristic not to give up and sometime avoid the writing on the wall. But how can her advisors continue acting so foolishly? The action of her campaign managers suggests that like Nixon pre and post Watergate, she has surrrounded herself with “yes-men” who only tell her what she wants to hear and only say what they want the reality to be.

The Clinton campaign is so unrealistic. They have no crossover base. I am a 60 year old, upper middle class, caucasian, who, has always voted republican and donated to the RNC. I have donated 5 times to Obama’s campaign. I spoke for him at our democratic caucus, and was elected a delegate. I am working hard for Barack.
I have never been attracted to her campaign. 4 yrs. of Bush Senior, 8 yrs of Bill, 8 yrs of George Bush, and then what, 8 yrs of Billary, That’s not change in my book. My message to Hillary, Quit now, use your unused funds to support the needy and save your dignity.

Fired up in Seattle

I’m home with the stomach flu…but I’m not sure if it is a virus or just the image of the would-be first woman president behaving like my 15 year old. First, was the stamping of her foot and whining “enough with the speeches and the big rallies,” sounding just like my teen when she isn’t invited to the next big “party” at school. Then came the sarcasm about the clouds opening up and the celestial voices, again, just like any teenager mocking the popular when they don’t get chosen. Only thing missing was the curled lip and the hand on the hip. At this point, her chances of being invited to the big party should be nil to none. And they’ll figure it out once they stop passing out the “yearbook” photo of Obama in the silly hat. Grow up and pull up your big girl panties. You’re embarrassing every woman trying to take real leadership in this country.

Hillary isn’t stupid - she knows that she’s behind in the delegate count, she knows that she’s behind in the national polls, and she knows that none of the trends are going in her favor. She knows (and Bill has admitted as much) that she needs to win both Texas and Ohio.

Hillary knows that she’s behind, and that things don’t look good for her campaign. She seems to think however (and someone with as much campaign experience as Hillary’s ought to know) that if she admits the weakness of her position she will turn her already probable defeat into a certainty. Therefore, taking her campaign to an alternate universe - one in which she’s winning - is her only hope of prevailing in this one.

The report about breakfast talk is realistic and quite normal, if they are not motivated and certain belief of victory than they better quit. Also reporter probably picked and choose some comments; sounds more a casual breakfast, and pump and motivate each other to start a new day. Nothing wrong with that. And last time watched polls the next primaries are dead heat.
Qua pic of Obama dress- drudge report has not showed any facts where pic came from. Very simple, examiner published iin beginning of february, and was on the web a while longer (date pic was 11 sept 2006) so nothing extraordinary pic was public domain.
Reaction of obama camp gives more a question why so super-sensitive and rattled.

Dear Jack,
Denial , as you say is the word. The Clinton campaign started with denial that there was any possibility of anyone but Hillary winning, They denied the resylts of Iowa, Super Tuesday and the 10 and 0 since then. They will still be in denial when they throw in Florida, Michigan and the super delegates and LOSE.
Populus
Houston Texas

You got to know when to hold up…
know when to fold up.
know when to walk away, know when to run…

She’s spent too much money, made too many promises… to walk away from the table. It’s a bad hand, Hillary… just let it go.

Jack, please explain to me how Clinton can call Obama followers “dillusional” when people in her own campaign are saying things like they are “on the way to locking this nomination down” and the race is “tight as a tick”? She preaches that it’s time for a reality check, but she’s the one who clearly needs it. Since when is a 153 pledged delegate lead “tight as a tick”? Since when is losing 11 contests in a row considered being on the verge of “locking this nomination down”? If you ask me, she’s the one who’s dillusional, not the voters.

I would not go so far as to say, Jack, that this race is over, but the window is closing and there’s quite a bit of baggage for the Clinton campaign to yank through it. What’s disappointing in of all this, is that Senator Clinton is a formidable candidate who is as qualified for the job as anyone currently or formerly in this race, but her campaign is being run by political snobs who believe the people should lay down and accept a coronation of sorts for their candidate. I have great respect for the Senator, but this campaign has been arrogant and mismanaged from day one, working under the assumption that the nomination was a foregone conclusion. Had they shown humility and flexibilty in the beginning, there would have been a real possibility that the race would be over, as they expected. Instead, Sen. Clinton has been made to look petty and petulant, and has thus been unable to create the kind of excitement that Senator Obama’s grassroots campaign has. There is little hope for Senator Clinton to win the nomination at this point, but given large wins next week (I put little stock in the polling data that is circulating) there is still hope. But then hope is only for those without substance, right?

NO! She seems to think that the country owes her this nomination just because of who she is and who her husband is. She went into this from day one thinking and expecting to be the nominee. Face it Hillary you have lost 11 primaries in a row thats not a winning campaign, that called loosing. The country is tired of politics as usual and that is what she represents.

Port Huron MI

Jack,
The very idea that Mrs. Clinton’s campaign is in the midst of some kind of upsurge is not reflected in the current polls nor current comments in the blogosphere. In fact, it seems that more and more it is narrowing down to a fight over ideology between McCain and Obama–Hillary isn’t in the conversation. Unlike her campaign staff I think most of us have pretty much discounted her relevance already.

Of course they’re not. But they’re being optimistic, which is the only way they know how to be. They want to be winners, and they won’t win by “giving up”, which is I think what they’d consider recognizing how tight of a situation they’re in. If they go on to win, they’ll of course rewrite the history in their minds to consider this just a bump in the road. I’m not sure how they’re going to rationalize it if they lose.

“Hope” and “optimism” is not only for the Obama campaign. It is a virtue that we all should possess. Unfortunately, I think in the case of the Clinton campaign, they are truly being unrealistic in describing their present situation. At best, Texas and Ohio will be close races. It is also very questionable whether Hillary will win both states. To that extent, I think Hillary needs to prepare to exit the race and put more support behind the front-runner in order to save herself and the Democratic party from destruction.

Columbia, SC

Most likely only a few thousand voters got the “shameful” mailers from Obama’s campaign. By trying to make a mailer into a maelstrom the Clinton campaign just came off as childish and petty. She’ll most likely lose Texas and win Ohio by such a small margin it won’t even matter. Put a (pitch) fork in her, Jack, she’s done…

I feel a strong personal dislike for Obama and his wife. However, I’m trying to think positive. McCain will crush him in November and after GOP is done with Obama, his political career will be over. On the other side, if Clinton wins the nomiantion, he’d have a reasonable chances in 4 or 8 years.So this is good. Then, on Nov. 05 Clintons and their supporters will go after people who owed them so much but betrayed them - not black community (impossible), but Kennedy, Dodd, Kerry and other ultra-liberals from the party. They’ll say “We’ve been warning you for the freaking year! This is all your fault that you we’ve lost an election we were obligated to win” After that I hope there will be a major overhaul in Democratic party leadership and we’ll look for Hillary or Al Gore for 2012.
This is my prediction - too bad that we can’t have HRC as a President now.

Realistic according to whom? Should the campaign determine its path according to what the media says to do? Even more to the point: should the media be attempting to guide the progress of the election? What ever happened to letting the people decide without the influence of the media?

Jack, Americans love the underdog. We, here in Ohio, are not counting her out yet!

Mansfield, Ohio

No I do not. You cannot count the Clinton’s out ever after the “fat lady signs,” as we have seen in the past. they have more than 9 lives.

She can still win this. The media has already begun to dig dirt on Obama with the intended effect of slowing him down while Hillary picks up points. That just keeps the horse race going. If one of them wins too early, the talking heads will have nothing to talk about.

And please enough with Bill, i’m positive he has better things to do with his plush retirement, than worry about a third term.

It is as If I’ve seen something like this before. A star with a bright career falls off the deep end. Hillary Clinton is the new Brittney Spears.

How can a campaign staff that has lost 11 in a row have any credibility? It always seems when your losing to blame someone else. The Clinton campaign controlled the media before voting started and had no complaints about bias. Now that they are losing, everyone is biased against them. They sound like the typical politicians, it is always somebody else’s fault for all their problems. I guess Hillary used the same judgement about her campaign as with the vote to go into Iraq. Her vote was the fault of faulty intelligence or believing the president was more responsible. If she gets elected, I fear we will have another 4 years like the last 15 full of dissatisfaction and always someone else’s fault.

Yeah, she is, the people in control of the mass media are the ones who aren’t being realistic. You guys think that all Americans think like you- well guess what, they don’t. Stop pretending that Obama has a huge Democratic mandate! Half the Democrats in this country still support Hillary. Unfortunately most of those people are less wealthy Americans and don’t control mass media, so their voices remain silent. I think it’s sad that this election is going to be decided by rich, upper class people who have nothing to lose from a failed universal health care plan. The people who actually do have the most to lose from it- they don’t want Obama, they think Hillary has the best plan for them. Doesn’t that tell you guys anything?!?

Good job guys, give yourselves a pat on the back. The voices of the less wealthy whose livilihoods are most affected by economic policy are overlooked again.

Simply put, the Clinton campaign is living back in the 90’s when it is 2008. They simply don’t get it.

While it may be premature to say that Clinton is on the verge of nailing down the nomination, I don’t think it is unrealistic for them to say that the race isn’t over yet. The anger over the photo was misplaced. If they had simply denied circulating the picture, they could have put an end to the discussion. Instead, they respond with cryptic quotes and press releases saying, “we won’t be distracted by this.” That just kept the focus on them.

Uh, no. It’s their fault, by the way. If they had not been so arrogant and blindly relied on inevitability, maybe things would be different. She had no plan, no money, and no support for post Super Tuesday, and now they are running around like hyennas on speed to come up with a strategy. I

In addition, if I were Clinton’s strategists and were being paid the enormous fees they were being paid, I’d probably tell her she had a chance until they dragged her off of the convention floor. She should ask volunteers who aren’t being paid if she has a chance, and she might get a more honest answer.

Definitely not. Even though confidence in your campaign is key, rationality is even more important. If they are already blatantly ignoring the actual state that they are in right now, what would it be like if Hillary actually made it to president? Admitting and acknowledging a situation or mistake might be hard - but it’s a responsibility you should be willing to take when you’re running for president.

Thomas
The Netherlands

I can understand how the Clinton campaign has made the mistakes they have made. I can also understand that they are hoping against hope that people will vote for Hillary in Texas and Ohio. What is hard to understand is how they refuse to see that the more people see of Barack Obama, the more they seem to like him. She has not lost the last eleven primaries and caucuses by a little bit, but by a lot in all states.
Perhaps they feel that for the future it is not good that she is perceived as someone who gives up easily. Perhaps the are calculating that Obama may not be able to win against McCain. In that case she would actually be running in the 2012 primaries, not these.

They show an outward optimism, but deep down inside thet know the end is near. It is not an enviable position to be in. Its sort of like the basketball team down by 8 points with 20 seconds to go; They still have to play defense and act like they are still trying to win the game for fear of being called quitters.

The fact that Hillary Clinton and her campaign are trying to become the ‘comeback kid’ is just depressing. Her tatics and statements in the past week show her grasping at straws, her campaign is slipping down the drain, and she is clearly trying to make it seem like it isn’t. Even worse, she is using tatics of the politics she says she can change in Washington D.C. It might be best for her to bow out gracefully now, before she makes a fool out of herself.

-Bill
Queensbury, NY

The Clinton campaign is being as realistic as you would expect in a derailed campaign, similar to what you would call a disfunctional family.

Jack: I am not going to count Hilary out until she actually says she is. I don’t trust the Clintons at all. I also wouldn’t say the advisers are in denial either, I mean how can they say to the media that they think Hilary is going to lose Texas and Ohio. I wish they would, but then Hilary would have to come out and say “Shame on you advisors… meet me in Ohio so we can have a debate”.

“Realistic” in the same sentence as “Clinton Campaign”… Jack what were you thinking? Since the phony moment at the close of Thursday’s debate to the diatribe in Ohio on Saturday, there is NOTHING realistic about the Clinton campaign. We have seen Clinton go from the “inevitable one” to the runner up, and I believe strongly that is due to the fact that every single time she speaks or appears, everything she says is calculated and seemingly insincere.

Troy, MI

What else are they going to say? When stuck between a rock and a hard place there aren’t many options other than denial or despair.

Jack:

Perhaps Senator Clinton see the sky opening and hear the celestial choir singing and has come to the conclusion that everything is okay.

What do you think? Can you hear the celestial choir singing? If you can hear them, are they saying “everything is gonna be alright?” Isn’t this delusional?

Emma

The sad part about politics is a lot of people think it is like picking the Super Bowl. They want to pick a “winner” as opposed to picking the candidate that best suits them.

Chicago, IL

If Hillary can pull off wins in Ohio and Texas - both very possible - then she will tighten the race. Then this thing could drag out to the convention. That’s where Geraldine Ferraro and other out-of-touch super delegates may do their best Katherine Harris impression, and steal the nomination for the candidate a majority of the American people DIDN’T vote for. Apparently Ferraro - and most of the Democrats in my beautiful, but delusional home state - inhabit that alternate universe too.

Chris
Pembroke Pines, Florida

I am a Canadian, who has been closely watching the democratic campaigns. I do not think that the Clinton campaign is being realistic about Hillary’s chances. However, they must remain positive and try to convince people that she is going to win, it means more pizza, more high powered consultants, better hotels, etc. etc. which she can argue as economic stimulation. Her childish outbursts, her gradeschool mocking tone, etc. are all positive strategies to ensure a continuation of the Obama momentum!!!.

I think that the members of the Clinton campaign are doing what is expected, remaining optimistic in uncharted territory. It wouldn’t be the smartest idea to back out now before Texas and Ohio votes, however the Clinton campaign should start considering the bigger picture and not depend on super delegates if things don’t turn out in Texas & Ohio. The key being Texas and Ohio. An avid Obama supporter. Glendale, Ca.

Hillary is the Britney Spears of Politics.

Has anyone called Dr. Phil yet??? I am serious! Someone in that campaign needs help!!!

Jack, while Hillary’s campaign might not be realistic about Hillary’s chances, they are just doing their job. They’re supposed to be spinning things in Hillary’s favor. As you might have noticed by know, they don’t appear to be very good at their jobs.

Jack,
There is nobody more anti-Clinton than myself. The Clinton’s are part of the politics of old that have systematically destroyed the interior of this great nation. But with less than 100 delegates separating Obama and Clinton and national polls showing how unreliable they can be, even I think it’s presumptuous to assume defeat until the entire county has had there say in this primary fiasco.

While I am a Hillary fanatic, the grim and tasteless attacks used by her Husband have cost her this election. She didn’t get the right people on board (James Carville), and she doesn’t have the support of the full democratic constituency - i.e. Kennedy, Kerry, Gore, etc. Where did that go? That should be the question to everyone - what happened that makes everyone out there want to support an “unknown” to go up against McCain? Tell us, please!

I certainly would not characterize being on the losing end of a 91 delegate difference as being “on the way to locking this nomination down”. Unless, of course, I had a closet full of smear tactics and an impeccably timed attack campaign in my back pocket. Perhaps
Harold Ickes knows something we do not. (yet) .

In my estimation, this election is about words, it is about change, and it is about character. In the end, we must ask ourselves this: who would you rather be in the presence of the morning after they lose: Barack or Hillary? Based on Hillary’s recent, seemingly bipolar behavior, I’d say Barack would be much better company, which is why he’s getting this white, thirty-nine year old white female Rhode Islander’s vote.
Jane
Wakefield, RI

Jack,
Not at all, team Hillary is living on a hope and a pray in Texas. If the Clinton campiagn fails to win in this state they can kiss the party’s nomination goodbye… It looks good for her in Ohio, however her campaign needs this state plus Texas in order to have any realistic chance at winning a spot at the top of the party’s ticket… This is the reality of the situation for team Clinton in the real world…

C.I., New York

Jack, the Obama campaign will close out the Clinton campaign with either a win in Ohio and/or Texas! The grassroots support for Obama has been amazing! Go Obama!