CNN

can the Democrats heal the wounds of an ugly primary battle before the general election?

Yes if the right canidate is the nominee.
No if the devisive one is selected.

Jack, I don't think they can. I am a boomer and I thought we had moved forward as a nation regarding diversity. I am so ashamed at how Penn and the Clinton campaign has thrown race and fear of differences into this campaign.

The world is looking at America right now. I also believe there is a chance for Change with Obama. But Hillary Clinton is causing a deep division in the Democratic party that may never heal in our time. I don't the GOP could have ever done so much damage.

I'm really not too concerned with the fighting Democrats right now. Once the nomination is settled (superdelegates or not), there will be plenty of pressure for them to kiss and make up.

That should give us a few months of party unity (which is remarkable, given all that has happened so far).

Look, I'm sure there's so much animosity towards the Bush administration, that the democrats will go to vote in November for either Hillary or Obama.
We all know despise everything said, that we need a change in the white house, and no the continuation of Bush's policies and war in Iraq.

Look at the economy, the war in iraq, how we have managed to create more enemies instead of friends around the world.

It doesn't mater what happens now, democrats will be together in November. This is just controversy invented by the republicans, to spin the situation.

Maria, from Michigan

Jack, the only way is to push that whoever is chosen candidate for President unites the party and all Democratic voters against the Republicans. We prepare for more mud-slinging between Obama and Clinton than we have sewen before, so perhaps reminding disgruntled followers of whoever is not chosen that another Republican victory will bring more Bush-style leadership and ignorance of the true needs of our country here at home will help unite all Democrats.

Jack, the democratic campaign turned ugly and nasty, due to the standard Clinton campaign tactics. The Clinton machine has always relied upon cheap shots, innuendoes, swiftboating and out right lies, to win elections and there's no change, in sight. As a wise, handsome man once said, "It's getting ugly out there" and sadly, it's just going, to get worse.

Jack,
We can elect Obama now, since it is inevitable that he will get the nomination anyway!! If there is any bitterness in the Democratic party, its because Hillary had to drag this race out for a long time and just wouldn't quit gracefully, she wants to go out ugly.

Obama Richardson 08!!!

Jack,
The way I see it there are only two options. Both candidates can come together and focus on McCain or Hillary can drop out and allow Obama to continue focusing on McCain without anymore attacks coming from his own party. The longer this democratic primary goes the more popular McCain gets.

Three words. HILLARY HILLARY HILLARY. For a Yale graduate, she sure can't do math.

In a word NO. Our political system is in a bigger mess than any other aspect of American society. Both major parties in this country behave more like spoiled three year olds throwing temper tantrums over a toy than anything else.

Hillary simply cannot win the delegate race at this point. She is in far worse shape than she was prior to the Ohio and Texas primaries, which everyone acknowledged was pretty close to the end of her political rope, and yet the press acts as if she is somehow resurgent. She is further behind in every measurable statistic- pledged delegates, overall delegates, popular vote, etc., than she has ever been- and she has fewer states in which to make up the difference. In the last month, Obama has still won more delegates, votes, and superdelegates than Hillary. She simply cannot catch up to Obama's delegate total- and even her campaign is starting to admit this.

So in essence, she is staying in the race for a last ditch effort to try to manipulate some sort of back room deal to get the support of the superdelegates she needs to win this nomination. Anyone who is paying any attention at all (including the superdelegates) can see this. It is obvious that there are only a few reasons she would be staying in this race:

1) She has a hard time accepting reality and simply refuses to quit.
-or-
2) She is holding out hope that she can somehow convince enough superdelegates to overrule the will of the American voters and vote for her, despite the fact that she will definitely be behind in pledged delegates when this is all over.

Does anyone really believe that she can win upwards of 70% or more in every remaining contest? She hasn't done that yet… not once.

Why wait? The superdelegates and the American People should just ask themselves right now- "Is it alright with us that a candidate for the highest office in our country would be so willing to forsake the simplest principle of democracy- government by the people for the people, in order to overturn the delegate count- and likely the popular vote- in order to win?"

No need to wait everyone, the cards are already on the table…

Superdelegates- No need to wait, and to see your party wage a bloody and potentially costly civil war. The writing is on the wall. The longer you wait to commit, the more damage is done. The decision isn't going to change much.

Of course the demos can't recover from this (much to Rush Limbaugh's amusement). Clinton, who has been losing the primaries, has adopted a SCORCHED EARTH POLICY, whereas she and her camp are deliberately sabatouging the November election for Obama.

Why do I say this? Well, she has already endorsed McCain over Obama, and her lackey has injected the race card into the primary, which only serves to polarize everyone.

Clinton's thinking is that is she can win the presidency, neither will Obama. She has no problems thowing the entire democratic party under her bus.

This is how the Clintons are, and let the world bare witness to it all.

I really thought the Democrats would take the White House in November, but now the Democrats of old have revealed themselves. As it stands, I do not believe that Hillary can win, and Obama can win only if the party is unified.

I know it's unlikely, but Obama as the nominee with Hillary as the VP is the only way the party can unite and win in November. The other way around would be a dud. Hillary should do her party a service by dropping out NOW.

There will not be enough time to heal all the wounds. Sure Dems will probably stand behind thier selection for President, but the damage has been done. There is too much negativity being spewed on both sides now and there is too much bickering. Clinton and Obama need to reel in thier supporters and start talking about the issues again. All they do with this silly arguing is giving the Republicans more ammo to defeat the Democratic Nominee. I blame Clinton for starting the entire negative campaign, she felt entitled to the nomination and acted like spoiled child when she did not get her way. Obama now has to stay on the defensive side, and neither candidate has really discussed the issues and tried to seperate themselves from the Republicans as a unified Democratic Party. It's been only about themselves and what they will do. It should be about what the Democractic party could do for us as a unified party.

Healing? Not possible. I think the Democrats should be worried about Obama's Pastor's comments more than anything else. That is a very serious issue right now.

Consider the following scenario:

all year: an Asian land war divides the country

winter, spring: an insurgent candidate energizes the Democrat party

summer: at a convention held in the midwest, a badly split Democrat party chooses the establishment candidate

fall: the Republican candidate wins

The year was actually 1968, but if the Democrats continue as they are currently going, history will repeat itself in 2008.

Jack,
It is possible for the Democractic party to unite prior to November. One way to do this would be for Clinton to drop out of the race now and endorse Obama. She could spend the remainder of the time until November campaigning on his behalf.

They would have to call in DR. McCoy from star trek. Brian Fairfield, Ohio

I don't think democrats will have a problem coming together the problem is overcoming their candidate being a woman or black is the majority of america voters ready for either.

Jack,

Looks like I am the real minority here but I think that if Senator Clinton wins the nomination she can win the White House. I think if Senator Obama gets the nomination he will loose the bid for the White House. Frankly, there are issues that do separate them and Senator Obama wouldl loose to McCain.

No one has the power that the Obamaites credit Senator Clinton with. Let's just have it that Senator Obama can do his lolly-pop koolaide and all will be better.

Jack,

The party will come together when the deadlock between Obama and Clinton is resolved with the winning Gore/Edwards ticket. Only by turning to the reliable choice of Al Gore will the party heal and defeat John McBush and the rest of the republicans. Clinton and Obama will do well to return to their senate seats and work to support the Gore administration.

Why is everyone being so soft?

This is the normal primary proses. It's important for the candidates to be tried and tested before becoming the nominee, anything else would be suicide. Obama has a little to loose, cause of his unrealistic and fake assertions that he's running a positive campaign. He has been doing nothing of the sort, since the start.

Once the candidate is, chosen all hell and brimstone will be opened up and directed at the republicans!

As Democrats, we can only hope that Pennsylvania will do the right thing and vote to end the Clinton campaign. After everything she has thrown at Obama over the last few weeks, I would be terrified to see what they come up with next. A defeat in Pennsylvania will end this race before it gets even worse (Even though I have no idea how it could). Come on Pennyslvania make the right call- vote for Obama.

It's just a fight for the nomination. All this nonsense about tearing apart the party, yada yada yada, is being fueled by the Repubicans, the media, the few feeble and the weak-kneed delegates who are scared of themselves & bowing to the pressures. When all is said and done, Obama and Hillary will be fine, and so will the rest of the Democratic party who didn't begin as cowards and wusses, and stood solidly for the person they knew would be the best candidate. Only the see-sawers will be seen in a negative light, and then they will really feel beat up. But you reap what you sow... they'll have to live with their cowardice, prejudice, sexism, or whatever views turned them into followers, not leaders. The leaders of the party, including the candidates, will all be fine.

Hillary Clinton's Plan B is to make it as tough as possible for Barack Obama to win the presidency. If he wins, he is automatically the democratic nominee in 2012. If he loses, Clinton can run again in 2012, and not take the nomination for granted that time (i.e. actually have a strategy to win the nomination).

Jack,
It's getting late really early. The chairman, Howard Dean has let it go too far already. At this point, it seems either side would rather see John McCain win than to see their guy (or girl) lose the nomination. This was suppose to be a cake walk, sure thing election for the Democrats and now it's beginning to look like the final two weeks of the Mets season last fall. Defeat is on the horizon.

I don't think it can be repaired. I am an Obama supporter, but truly believe that if Hillary is the candidate I cannot vote for her. To use her words McCain is capable of being the Commander in Chief and I believe he can lean close enough to the left to serve our country.

By just saying to yourself, and to everyone else one four letter word. BUSH, BUSH, BUSH !!!!

I think it is going to be difficult unless ALL democrats start with the idea that the supporters of both candates have equal importance. There seems to be an undertone that only the alienation of Obama's supporters can have an negative impact on the outcome. I think it is naive of us to assume that the voters who truly support Clinton can't feel eqully alienated by this political fight and thery don't have just as much of an inclinatiomn to stay home if they feel that this process was not fair. We must learn to acknowledge that gender and race play are part in decision making if yuo consider all other things equal.

Yes if Hillary quits. She can't win, the popular vote, the pledged delegates, she can't take over in total delegates, and she can't catch up to him in the amount of states won. If I were to say this about anybody other than Hillary Clinton people would be shocked that this individual is still in the race, kind of like how people were shocked Huckabee was still in the race. Her back-handed way of getting the nomination is to force the democratic party to allow Florida and Michigan to recast their votes so she can gain there. The only problem is that this is against the rules. What other competition let alone the competition for the nomination for the President of the United States would you change the rules over 75% of the way through; this is absurd.

Jack – I am suprised that you and other journalists seem that it is o.k. to rewrite the rules. A year ago when she was being crowned the next President nobody cared; now that it won't happen we have to change the rules. What does that say about our Democracy, our electoral process? Who are we to tell others how to run their countries? We can't even follow the rules here at home. If the people of Michigan and Florida are upset that much there is an election in November vote the decision makers out of office so in four years your votes will be heard.

If CNN posts this I have a question for you Jack and everyone else – How do you see Hillary Clinton getting this nomination without severely damaging the Democratic Party/Barack Obama??

It hasn't gotten Ugly yet. A little nasty maybe but a long way from ugly. Once the Super Delegates are seated those that actually make it that far it may get uglier yet. Right now Obama is in the lead all the way around and gaining Super Delegates by the day. Keep in mind none have to do what they say they are going to do. That is the problem. How many Super delegates are saying we love Obama today and come Super Delegate seating time will cross over to their long time friends Bill and Hillary. When that happens things are going to explode across this Nation. If Hillary is awarded the nomination even though Obama won the popular vote and had more Delegates going in that may be the end of the Democratic party as we know it. Things could get a whole lot worse then Ugly.

Sorry Jack but NEITHER of the Democratic would be candidates is qualified to run this country. Add to that the race and gender factors which contrary to what Obamabots want to believe are being injected by BOTH sides and you have the ingredients of another devastating Democratic train wreck. The smirk on Karl Rove's face must be incredible.

Draft Richardson/Edwards-08

Jack,
I'm afraid the Clinton attack machine will destroy the party with their "kitchen sink" strategy. The only way they will win the nomination is to destroy their opponent–in this case, Sen. Barack Obama. Hilary Clinton campaign started tearing down Obama prior to March 4th and the plan to destroy Obama will not stop until they accomplish their objective–Republican presidency. After all Hilary endorsed Sen. John McCain for president.
George, Dallas, Texas

The Democratic party and the superdelegates need to realize sooner than later that the biggest enemy to the party right now is Hillary Clinton.

And the sooner they can get her out of this, the better the chances that the democrats can begin to win back the White House. They will never be able to do this with the serious damage that Hillary and her polarizing tactics have inflicted.

Once the candidate is chosen, there will be plenty of time to hammer the opposition. Due to the passions now in play, there will be some voters who will still be unhappy even in November. But the Republicans have set themselves up as a pretty good target. Even in the primaries, they were running on a platform of tax cuts (for you-know-who) and national security. That leaves the Dems in charge of all the other issues, and the GOP trying to defend the tax cuts thus far and a crappy homeland security record. Since Obama has drawn followers from a wide spectrum, some of his support might defect if Clinton is the nominee, but I dont's think the Clinton support would ever consider McCain as an alternative, even if they don't care for Obama. And then there's that pesky war problem.....

Jack, I would strongly suggest to both canidates to get back to the issues such as economy. They both have agreed that comments have been made which they don't agree with. Lets move on to the issues at hand and how to fix our current situation in the world.

Obama '08

Austin Texas

I think that if Obama wins, there will be a more unified effort among the Democrats to elect him. If Hillary wins there will be too much resentment among many of the Obamaists (myself included) to jump on her bandwagon. Hillary does not equal Bill. I plan to write in for Obama if he's not the nominee.

Jack,

I think it has become quite clear that the Clinton campaign totally miscalculated the extend of the 2008 presidential nomination. The Clinton campaign knows though that Hillary Clinton has only a chance to compete to win when the Democratic Part stands 100% united behind her because of polarizing (multiple) personality.

Under ideal conditions she could win 51% of the voters in a general election. The way she campaigned against the unexpected rise of the Obama movement eroded the possibility of the full support of her party in the general election.

In my opinion Hillary Clinton is preparing today for her 2012 nomination campaign by 'legitimately' destroying the chances for the Democrates in 2008 by creating as much of a devide within the Democratic Party as possible

Frank

Jack: I'm not sure the wounds can be healed at this point. In all honesty (and I have no dog in this fight...I'm a Republican voting for McCain) the only way the Democratic party can recover by November is if Obama wins the nomination. If Hillary wins, the African-American community and all of the young, first-time voters who are turning out in record numbers will stay home in November. Obama will be able secure a larger number of Hillary supporters if he wins the nomination versus Hillary wooing his supporters if she wins. I have now watched for the last couple weeks as the pundits continue to run the numbers game on the delegate count and there is no way she can win without destroying the party in the process. The super delegates will need to follow the will of their electorate and that means with Obama ahead in states, popular vote total and pledge delegates that he should win. If she wins, we have Bush v. Gore all over again and this time within the same party that claims the election was stolen from them back in 2000.

The uglier this campaign gets, the harder it will be to unite. Party leaders with a lot of political clout should step in and stop this mess. Both Clinton and Obama should be hammering away at Bush and McCain, especially with the talk of a war with Iran, the tanked economy, etc. They need to unite against a common enemy – McCain – and stop fighting each other.

Heal self inflicted wounds....you are too kind. I'm hoping for a totally disfunctional democratic party ...oh we already have that, look at leader Queen Bee Polosi and Dingy Harry Reid...what a laughable bunch the lefties are!!!

Well Jack, If the party leaders would grow spines and take Hillary aside to show her that numbers are numbers then we wouldn't be having this problem.

Jack,
Both candidates have got to stop this nonsense. Seems that Hillary's folks started this in SC...then the little Latino women in Texas...Then Gerry..etc. The divisiveness is not fun anymore. I think that both candidates are s-o-o- close on issues that it has now become a popularity contest with no regards for OUR COUNTRY... you idiots!! The passion of the voters has been channeled from the issues to race and sex issues and preferences. I'm a white well educated male voter who supports Obama...........but I'll stay home if that is what it will take. I hate to punish my candidate ....but rather than offer my agreement with Sen. Clinton and what has occurred since she switched campaign managers I'll just not vote. Maybe that's what yhe Clintons want.

It is so sad that the party started off with sooo much momentum for BOTH candidates! The minute Hillary turned it into a negative campaign, everything went straight to hell!!

Hillary needs to rally her supporters around Obama (they are so hateful now, and have got this whole idea about race in their head)!!

And vice versa if Hillary is the nominee (given the math, it is unlikely, and picking her will cause MORE uproar).

If the candidates return to positivity, then we can ALL return to positivity!

STOP THE HATE, VOTE OBAMA 08!!!!!

...The Dems can heal the wounds by getting the person who is mostly responsible for those wounds to go on TV and appologize to democrats everywhere. She could start by saying she is so sorry for going negitive and she now sees that her actions have hurt working famillies all across this nation..

No, it has gotten too personal and the DNC or any other democrat of standing has the guts to intercede. They seem to think that if they ignore this it will simply go away. They are out of touch and in a time warp.

I mean honestly, can anybody really say that they hate Obama? He has stuck to the facts and the high road of politics. He has taken blow after blow from the Clinton campaign and remained standing. It's like he's Ali and she's Frasier. She's basically punching herself out. If and when he becomes the nominee I feel wholeheartedly that he has the charisma to bring the democratic party together. I can see if Hillary gets the nomination, her pleas of unity will fall on deaf ears to alot of people because of her cut throat methods. She's thinking too short term. She's doing everything to tear the Dems down just to pry her way onto the nomination. Nobody wants to see somebody who can't win with some grace, some honor. How else are you gonna beat somebody who is a decorated ex-military with mounds of experience over you. Simple...you just can't.

We need a good protest at the Denver Convention to wake things up. Things have become too mundane. Sad thing is we, the boomers have become what we said we would not become. The only saving grace is that some one will win enough votes and the other will bow out gracefully but I am turning blue so hurry up.

Two words: Clinton-Obama. It's that simple.

Each has strong followings that the other will probably not get after this primary season.

Obama brings blacks, Independents (the biggest swing vote that plays kingmaker), and young voters.

Hillary brings white working class males (Reagan Democrats), Hispanics, and older white females (the largest voting bloc).

I really don't think it is as "ugly" as the media claims it is.

Before either candidate does or says anything, they should ask themselves, "Is this for the good of the Democrats or simply for the good of myself?"

The Democrats will unite and get over their bitterness by November.

John Kerry and Al Gore both wrapped up their nominations easily by early March, and look what good it did them- the GOP had a full 8 months to attack them directly. So an ongoing primary process doesn't have to be a bad thing.

Jack, If history is any kind of teacher, we will not have to worry about the party coming together... Mr. McCain will be back in the Senate this time next year. The country is ripe for change. The Clintons need to step aside now. You are about to see a landslide bigger than the 1984 election. Mr. Obama is a rock star and the show is about to begin!!! Yes we can!

The only way the Dems can fix this mess is to push both Hillary and Obama aside and nominate someone who can actually win in November, such as John Edwards or Joe Biden. Either of these gentlemen are FAR better equipped to survive the coming smear attacks; Obama would drown in them and Hillary is so hated by the media and Dems programmed by the media to hate her, that either would lose in November. I don't think the two sides are reconcilable; the media have done their work well.

But if the Dems run Obama or Hillary, McCain will win. It's that simple.

Jack. They both need a vacation with their famlies, and while there:

1. Take a deep breath and relax
2. Visualize if they have that ability, another 4 years of the same status quo of out of control governmental spending and the economy free falling into oblivian (worst case senerio).
3. Think of more deaths in Iraq, and a prolonged war because those in power are inept and unable to draw the people of Iraq to a united cause of Freedom and demoracy
4. Then ask themselves if their in fighting, bickering and all the back stabbing, grand standing and self assorb attitudes that seem to be running rampid with in the democratic party at this point is worth the end result of handing the keys to Sen Mc Cain

The only hope of healing the wounds that continue to be exposed on an almost daily basis is time. The healing period can only begin when the nominee is selected, the sooner we do this the better the chances of healing and uniting the party. There is no logical way for either candiate to win the nomination without the vote of the Superdelegates. These supposedly wise individuals who are supposed to make a decision for the good of the party must see this and should in the interest of the party make their decision sooner rather than later.

Keith – Texas

Obama is fairly successful at doing what he promised, changing the political "game" and tone. I can't see why he is taking even half the blame for the underhanded in-fighting. He is calm and non-offensive. And as far as his staff's comment...did we ever DEFINE "monster"? How can we heal? I don't know, but Hillary will always be remembered for trying to desperately and selfishly kill the best enthusiastic movement we had since RFK.

Unfortunately yes they can and probably will. That just means folks like myself, who are starving for a viable third party in this joke of a political process, will just keep starving. That's a bummer.

If Democrats are going to unite in November, this race has got to be decided NOW! I urge all superdelegates to make your move ASAP and if you have a name that we recognize, go on the tube and let the world know you're doing it. If this mess goes to the convention, a half of all Democrats are going to be furious. Neither candidate can afford to have that happen and heaven knows the country can't afford another 4 years of rule by a Bush clone.

Ok. I think personally that democratics will win this race by a landslide. Because McCain just wants to hold world war 3 so I disagree strongly with Bush dropping the keys into McCains hand I dont think it will happen. And second I will agree that the attacks on both people have been pretty substantial. I think they just need to forget about the past and move on. Because they both want to represent a great cause to help this country out.

Go Democrats.

Brock Hammons

I am a 47 yr old white Democrat and I would like to scream ENOUGH!
I have been reading the blog sites and I find it incredibly depressing how this election process has gone for the democrats. I admit that I am an Obama supporter but please give me a chance Hillary folks.
I don't see how Hillary or Barack will win this election. I know that the Hillary supporters feel very strongly about their choice and rightfully so. Hillary is a VERY savy candidate and I'm sure that she is a fine person in spite of how she is portrayed. I have no doubt that she wants to do good things for this country.
I am convinced that Barack Obama is an honest man wanting to change the direction of this country for the good of all people and I have no doubt that given the chance he would be able to point us in the direction of becoming a better country. It would feel good to be able to take pride in our government again.
That being said, the facts are that both candidates are now so damaged by the other and the supporters are so polarized, we will not be able to come together as a party.
Hillary supporters. Do you really believe that the young vote and African Americans will vote for your candidate? Obama supporters. Do really think you can win a general election without the older white vote or women?
Just read these blogs! We show a level of disrespect for each other that will not go away because of a couple of speeches at the convention. So we are destined to have John McCain as the next president.
I see only one way out of this mess. We as the voters begin a campaign ourselves. We unite and use these blogs to come together as one voice demanding a clean debate of the issues, a refusal of smear tactics, and a determined avoidance of finger pointing. Lets begin healing now.
We will need each other and if the candidates are not ready yet we are, and we can make a statement that although we may be flawed as individuals, together we can create a pure-hearted force to change America.
I know it's not as much fun as slinging mud and insulting each other but this is important to all of us.
Good luck to the Hillary supporters. And Obama folks, I'm still actively on the bandwagon!

In order for the Democrats to heal the wounds of an ugly primary Hillary should stop degrading Obama and McCain.

Hillary should spend more time and effort telling America how she plans to: repair our image, stop the global war, prevent future wars, improve the economy, save the housing crisis, resolve the NAFTA situation, and improve healthcare. Notice that this list does not contain the words "degrade the opponents or belittle their capabilities". There again since I don't want her to be our next President maybe she should continue her current strategy which is working wonders for Obama and McCain's campaign.

Candidates who sling mud may temporarily hurt their opponents' progress but in the end the mud-slinger, the Democrats, and America pays the price.

All candidates should focus on rebuilding America. They should win the election on their own merits, not on the so-called "flaws" of their opponents.

Greg

Greg

There is only one way–Hillary needs to drop out now before she damages Obama any further. The only way she could win at this point would be to convince the superdelegates to go against the will of the people. If this happens, the party will surely lose in November as a result of over half of the democrats staying home on election day out of protest of her unfairly being given the nomination. Since she can not win fairly at this point, what is her reasoning for staying in? Is it her goal to hurt Obama so badly that he loses in November, just so she can tell the American people "I told you he couldn't compete in November"?

For the good of the country, she needs to bow out now.

I think that Obama would rather just focus on the issues, but if he ignores Clinton's attacks the press questions his toughness, and also gives her great air time, showing the attacks again and again. If the press would only focus on reporting what the candidates are saying about the issues the race would once again become far classier and less divisive.

I do not think these wounds will heal in time for the General Elections. The major problem is that the Clinton campaign has already thrown the White & some Latino voters to McClains side, if Hillary doesn't win.

REMEMBER THE OLD SAYING, YOU MUST VOTE FOR OUR KIND BEFORE YOU VOTE FOR THE OTHER INDIVIDUAL.

I personally don't care if the democrats heal their wounds- I can live with McCaine as President. I'd rather have Hillary though

Obama is an obama-nation I dispise that Hilary is receiving all the blame for the woes of the Democratic party. She has merely done what is the eyes of some- id unpardonable- shown that the rock star candidate has feet of clay

if Obama had been as much of super star candidate as people thought he was he would have finished her off. He had three golden chances to do so (New Hampshire, California and Texas) and failed. He won't be at the convention with enough delegates to get the nomination so he himself has failed

if he can't knock out one measly opponent, if he can't win a single big state save his own home state how can you argue he will be an effective candidate?

polls are already showing that he does only one point better than Hillary in the general election so much for the superstar

If the Democratic party mentions how McCain in joined at the hip with George Bush, (you know McSame), I'm sure things can be overcome. But Hillary needs to stop the dirty campaigning.. Obama has out-classed her in every way. Obama is one of the most impressive and intelligent candidates to come along in many years. I sincerely hope people see thru Hillary's rhetoric..

For one, the Democrats need to stop acting like children and start acting like responsible and respectable adults Do we (the younger generation) need to put the Democrats in time out?
They need to focus on America issues and not themeselves. The longer they stay focus on the gossip from the media and non-related campaign issues that seems to be falling deeper into to race, and religion category, the longer and more difficult is going to heal the wound. I have already slowed down watching the politics news because it's no longer about the campaign and the issues of America. Mr. Jack, I believe the Republicans and Democrates need a time.

Hi Jack,

I was looking forward to a democrat in the White House for the next 8 years but that looks like an impossibility.

It looks as if Obama is going to be the democrat candidate. If everyone thinks the Clinton machine is rough on Obama just wait until the Republican machine begins to play Obama's pastor's messages that he has been supporting for the past 20 years. Not to mention other problems he has.

We will have a new President but it will still be the same party in the White House.

Well, it appears to me there is one rather "easy" way for both Democratic candidates to avoid hurting the party and each other.
Just stop talking about their "differences" which are minor and go into attack mode against McCain and the Republicans.... Simple really..
Just like the potential revote in Florida and Michigan.... As Wolf Blitzer said last night to Rep. Wasserman... "see this piece of paper? Give one to each voter and let them write the name of their choice and put it in a box.... Shoot, I'll volunteer to go help count them. IF the Dems in FL can EVER get their act together.. Mary from Sarasota, FL

Clinton's meeting with African-American journalists and apology over the racially insensitive remarks by her husband and Ferraro is a good start, not only in normalizing her relations with African-Americans, but also in uniting the party. Her comments about McCain being more ready than Obama are excessive and I don't see how that damage could be repaired unless Obama somehow becomes her #2, which isn't (and shouldn't) happen.

Jack, if you will give me the address of the people that will do it, I'll contribute a case of DUCT TAPE to shut Hillary and her surrogates up. The slime is coming from the Clinton camp and even after eight years of Bush, we can only stand so much before we tune the whole mess out. She needs to shut up, quit or both. At this point she is beyond becoming America's Choice for President. It sure has gotten ugly out there.

I don't think they can heal their wounds. It'll be very difficult for either candidate to overcome the negative campaigning that has tired so many voters. Whoever the winner is will face a strong Republican candidate, and an uphill battle with all of the baggage now revealed from both Obama and Hillary's campaigns.

They need to relax after Puetro Rico. If they can avoid cheap shots after that race then the party can heal.

Today, I doubt that the Democrats can win in November after today. The challenges are too great. The party is canabalizing itself. That is Hillary's fault.

Folks, this is politics after all. There is no repair if there is no damage. As a Hillary supporter, I think the media has already decided who the nominee should be. Obama's rhetoric of change is not in the front lines anymore however! He and his close supporters are coming up with uglier attacks on Hillary, yet it all gets swept under the rug. Meanwhile media unashamedly called Ferraro basically a racist!!! What about the remarks of Obama's pastor? Is this what we want for America?
If Obama gets the nomination, my vote goes to McCain... Pure and simple; experience will win!

To finish the last sentence: The Republicians and the Democrats need to be put in Time Out.

It is as plain as the mud on her face: drop out of the race and start backing Obama now.

I can not see how the Democratic party can heal the wounds. Clinton has had a chip on her shoulder since Iowa and when she failed to capture the nomination on Super Tuesday she just got plain nasty with her politics. The Democrats had this election in the pocket and as usual has found a way to blow it and any clear minded individual can see the Clinton's and their cohearts are to blame.

Florida

Democrats may unite and in the end vote for the nominee. But the enthusiasm can be significantly diminished. As is right now, somehow the one falling behind tries hard to twist the logic in a way to spin into nomination, despite the obvious. But the problem is their supporters may buy into that arguement so much and become desiluted if the other side does win, which is more than likely.

Started from Clinton side who questioned Obama's readines, it has now quickly evolved into a bashing contest. This can never help.

Clinton has more or less been pushed by her campaign, her strategists and surrogates to fight on. But she should have her reality checked. I feel she is delusional now. She should be in charge of the direction and strategy, not her pollsters and so-called strategists. Remember, those were the same people who made the whole mess in her campaign. Now, they are making mess for the whole democratic party. Her campaign stuff has taken control, which is really unfortunate.

I think that Obama would rather just focus on the issues, but if he ignores Clinton's attacks the press questions his toughness, and also gives her great air time, showing the attacks again and again. If the press would only focus on reporting what the candidates are saying about the issues the race would once again become far classier and less divisive.

Waterloo, Indiana

Jack, this situation will be repaired only when we as the American public step up and quit falling for negative campaigning. It only happens because we allow it! Let the change that Senator Obama calls for start with each of us! We can do it!

EUNICE: " I think the Democrats should be worried about Obama’s Pastor’s comments more than anything else. That is a very serious issue right now."

McCain gave it a pass. "McCain's senior adviser Charlie Black told MSNBC's Morning Joe that he would give Obama a full pass on the Wright rhetoric, echoing McCain's view that candidates should not be held responsible for what their supporters and endorsers say."

By reminding everyone that electing John McCain would be like having George Bush for a third term. That should scare the hell out of all Democrats and Independents alike.

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX

The Democratic party was never stronger and more unified than it was five months ago. We were unstoppable and full of hope and ideals. Blessed suddenly with the enthusiasm that we could move out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance and Reformation. That was not a goal, though, for one of the candidates. The only way one of them could win was to try and destroy the other. ANd in her speech today, given moments ago....she was still doing it. I do not see it as possible when it is not one of the goals for one of the candidates. Her goal is to divide and conquer....a Republican goal. The only way she could win would be to knock him off his game, move him from his focus, make him look like a lesser person. Make his dreams and his supporters feel foolish for their inspired vision. How do you unite when the primary goal of one of the candidates is to divide and conquer. I do not forgive Hillary for this transgression against a good and descent person and against the DNC.

All is fair in love and politics – I guess. Right now the Democratic Party is too strong and too hungry for a win to allow primary infighting lead to its' selfdestruction. I plan to vote for WHATEVER Democrat wins the nomination. Just to oust the money mongrel Republicans out of office. If a Democrat does not win in 2008 there will no longer be an American Dream for anyone to aspire to anymore.

Jack, I hope so but I doubt it. The "kitchen sink" approach has been working with some voters. When this race began, I was torn between the two candidates. I am an African American woman, so naturally I connected with both candidates. However, as the race went on and I listened to what the candidates had to say, all I heard was Hillary attacking and Obama responding.

At this point, I feel wholeheartedly that if the Superdelegates steal the nomination from Sen. Obama, I will vote for Nader.

And lastly Jack, I wanted to add to the race discussion. I understand that 90% of African American’s in Mississippi voted for Obama. But 18% of Ohio voters said race was an important factor in their vote and of that group, 3 of the 4 voted for Hillary. So please it is not only African Americans that consider race. Let's add that to the discussion!

Thanks Jack,
keep’em coming

KC
New York City
Obama 08'

Jack, Obama claims to be a uniter, to avoid divisive politics, but when it comes down to it, the divisive problems the Democrats are having now are Obama's fault. He came into this election critcizing not just the Republicans, but all Democratic officials in the last 20 years. That's uniting the party? I don't think so. Further, anyone who takes the words of people who fought for civil rights out of context and makes them look racist in order to win votes- well that's one of the most divisive things a person can do within his own party. The only comfort I have is that history will be fair to Hillary and her supporters, and eventually when all this dumb hype is over and the Kool Aid has worn off, people will see Obama's race bating for what it is.

What's worse- being divisive with the Republicans or being divisive within your own party? I'll stick with Hillary- at least I know she'll fight for Democratic values.

Since they are undeniably smart people who must realize they can’t win the Democratic nomination this year it’s becoming clear what Hillary and Bill Clintons strategy is. They intend to bash Obama to the point where he will be unelectable in the general thus giving the election and the White House to their friend, John McCain. McCain has already stated that he most likely won’t run for re-election in 2012 because of his age setting the stage for a 2nd Hillary run. She will enter the Democratic primary that year saying “see, I told you so, I tried to warn you that Obama was unelectable.”

The Clintons understand that the typical voter has a poor memory so they are banking on the hope that everyone in the party will have forgotten her campaigns antics this year and the unfortunate consequence for Obama in the general election.

It’s a sad day when a person, or in this case a couple, is so driven by cynicism and a thirst for power that they are willing to sacrifice the good of the Country for their own ambitions and glory. If McCain is elected and we face another four years of Bush style leadership from the White House, both in foreign relations and the economy, the results will be disastrous. The Clintons undoubtedly understand this and see it as an opportunity for Hillary to ride to the Country’s rescue on a white horse in 2012.

By coming together for the good of all ~ either Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton. This can be a win-win. Whomever gets the oppotunity to be Vice President will be in a prime position for a future Presidency.
The historic signifiance of a combined ticket may transcend the divisiveness that exists currently.
This is my dream. And as Walt Disney says, "All our dreams can come true."
Janet, Issaquah, WA

The DNC need to step in and stop the maddness. The sooner it ends the better. McCain is getting his party behind him. The Decmocrates needs to end this and get the party behind one canidate. November will be here before we know it.

I think the Dems can still win in November but it will be up to the "loser" to unite the party not necessarily the winner. It is the one who is not chosen as the nominee who will need to reach out to his/her supporters to continue their support for the party and vote for the nominee.

I don't think there is a need for a healing process. I believe that the Democrats will rally whoever becomes the nominee. In order to make it fair why is the media insisting that the super delegates go with the person with the most delegates? I don't see a mandate here so why should they? How could someone with a 120 delegate lead say thats a mandate? That is where the confusion begins. I say seat Florida because none of the candidates campaigned there, but they were on the ballot and Michigan have a do over.

Whether or not the democrats can heal before December depends upon how deep the wound is coming out of Denver. Because of the math, Hillary seems desperate, and appears to be the catalyst for the ongoing conflict. The sooner Obama can put her out of her misery, the less serious the wound that needs to be healed.

The way to heal wounds before Nov., is for Hillary to concede and help Obama win in November. I would hope that all Dems would unite, no matter the candidate. Please let's not have another Bush in office.

Denise
Louisville,KY
Obama '08

Here's the thing Republicans have figured out and Democrats seem to struggle with: Democrats represent roughly half of the population. Right now, they have a HUGE advantage because Republicans already have their nominee. That nominee represents the rough thinking of the other half of the population. What did they say? "We want a moderate." When you consider how delegates are apportioned (more going to very strongly conservative states on the Republican side), McCain's victory required the equivalent of an electoral land slide in the early states. Knowing that, why wouldn't Democrats just migrate to their more moderate candidate (Clinton)? Picking a very liberal candidate (Obama) is not going to win points in the general and that seems to be the larger, more present concern.

There is only one way for the healing to begin and that is by ending the hostility now. Since Hillary won't end the debunked falsehoods or slanderous inuendos regarding race, religion and experience and she definitely won't withdraw from the race, the healing rests in the hands of the superdelegates. They could put an end to all the divisive, bitter campaign rhetoric that could hand the White House over to McCain in November. All they have to do is hop on board the Obama train before it's too late.

Sure they can Jack; these candidates are professional politicians, if there is such a thing. Clinton and Obama have no permanent enemies or permanent friends, just permanent interest. They’ll both be maneuvering for the pole position, better than a NASCAR driver by convention time. They will both be a little tired and sweaty but, ready to rumble with the Republicans afterwards.

CB in Wright, Florida

When economy goes down and gas prices go up people will easily forget about these silly politics played during this primary season. American people will want relief from evil Bush policies. Can they eat anger ? No. So they will have no choice but to forget these things.

Nuwan from Houston, Texas

Yes IF Hillary Clinton were forced to reveal her private WH papers, tax returns for the last six years along with her Senatorial earmarks, then she would be eliminated by her own core constituencies well before Pennsylvania. Were she ACTUALLY vetted thoroughly, the climax of Clinton's candidacy would be clean, concise and surgical. And the party would unite around the BETTER candidate quickly, easily and naturally. The only real question in ALL of this is: do the Democratic bigwigs have the courage to stand up to her BEFORE she completely destroys the party AND poisons her own chances in a general election entirely? (And I guess we'll just have to wait and see.)

Yes! the people arguing now are poltical professionals or volunteers. For the rest of us, when it comes time to vote in November we will vote for what we perceive as our best interest – with the economy and the war – that will be the party not in the white house today.

No matter who wins in the delegate count when all is said and done in Denver the candidates who loses must placate to the masses and rise the winners hand in victory then get back to the Senate and lower tax to help the economy.

All I can think of is a joint ticket. Supporters of whoever would be on the bottom might feel cheated, but it would be better than their preferred candidate not being on the ticket at all. However, Nancy Pelosi is saying a joint ticket is impossible. I don't really know what else they can do. Plus the Democrats also have a huge headache with Florida and Michigan. I'm just glad it's not my job to figure out what to do. But if they don't do something soon they may as well not even bother nominating anyone.

The democrats can heal the wounds if they come together behind John McCain to do what is best for this country.

Yes. Obama just needs to ignore Clinton and her childish tactics, treat them as the joke they really are and get back to talking to the public about issues and how he intends to govern the land. Personally, I am disgusted by all the recent garbage about race, gender, and what church someone attends and how their supporters might think or act. If we all thought we were perfect and only hung around with "perfect" associates, we would all be very lonely.

Answer: Hillary for President, Obama for VP

It is truly amazing how all the Obama supporters claim the only way to bring the party together is for Hillary to drop out. Since when is dropping out the thing to do when the country is clearly torn between the two? If people wanted Hillary to drop out, then Ohio and Texas would have voted for Obama, but they didn't. They gave her the victory loud and clear! This could be the only time in my lifetime that all 50 states could actually weigh in and choose our nominee. If Obama is ahead in delegates and popular vote then I agree he should be crowned. HOWEVER, if Hillary gets the Popular Vote then there is no denying her the seat at the top of the ticket. It's true democracy at it's best. These CAUCUS states is not true DEMOCRACY when poor and working class voters don't participate cause they have to work or are uneducated about the processes. The Wealthy Liberal voters should not be allowed to disenfranchise the people who truly need a president - and those people are behind Hillary.

No, it's not getting ugly, it has always been ugly. Barack chose to ignore the viciousness, Hillary wants take it to new heights, or should I say lows.

I can't wait to cast my vote for Barack Obama, inspite of this "silly season". She will never be my president because she doesn't deserve the honor.

This kind of nonsense will bring out more voters for him.

Obama 08

By coming together for the good of all, especially the many who have supported each one ~ either Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton. Whomever gets the opportunity to be Vice President will be on the path for a future Presidency. Imagine!! The historic significance of a combined ticket may be able to transcend the current negativity and "provide hope with results".
This is my dream. And as Walt Disney always said, "All our dreams can come true." Perhaps Tinkerbell can spread some of her magic dust on each one ~ come together combining the bright light of each one for a glorious rainbow.

Jack,

Yes, I believe the democratic party will be united by November. It would be helpful, though, if the Clinton campaign reviewed the math, and come to the conclusion that unless the Obama campaign completely implodes (a la Eliot Spitzer), there is practically no way that Clinton can win the nomination. The sooner the democrats have a nominee, the sooner the party can work on its message an retake the White House.

I wonder if it is possible. The negative campaigning now being practiced by both parties (though unquestionably begun by the Clinton campaign) is simply providing fuel for the Republican party. No doubt they (Republicans) are keeping a checklist of points of attack brought to the fore by the two competing democratic parties, and are ready to hit the ground running as soon as the nominee is finally named. I am also concerned by how easily democrats seem to be swayed by negative campaigning and fear mongering. If that trend continues be certain that Clinton cannot win a general election. For all that Obama has joined in the negative campaigning he is most definitely pulling his punches. Think about it – how much have you really heard about Whitewater, Filegate, Travelgate, etc. They are not forgotten and buried. Be sure that the Republicans will bring them up in all their lurid detail, and bring them up to a crop of voters too young to be familiar with them, who may rightly be so horrified by them they vote for McCain.

I think Hillary is willing to do anything to get the nomination, even if it means taking the Democratic party down with her. It seems that Obama doesn't want to go negative but must respond, in kind, because the negative politicking can be effective. I think a split-ticket is the only thing that could salvage the bad blood, which seems impossible at this point.

Clinton's sharp mouthed surrogates have succeeded in leaving a deep gash into the back of the Democratic party. Verbal fisty-cuffs have been thrown by the Clinton and Obama Campaign, leaving the Democratic Party with a black eye and a disfigured dentition. As the wise man Jack Cafferty once said, “it’s getting ugly out there,” and it sure is. To heal the Democratic Party wounds early enough before the main elections, falls in the laps of the superdelegates of the Democratic Party. If they are wise, the need to make hay while the sun still shines to step into the hustle and tussle of the two candidates, Clinton and obama, and vote the popular nominee with the highest delegate count and the popular vote – we know who he is, don't we? This will then give the Democratic Party enough time to heal. Anything contrary to this will be four more years of the Republican Party ruling in the United States with Sen. John McCain at the helm of affairs. A word is enough for the wise.

If the voters and the super delegates can line up and settle this thing as soon as possible, party unity will happen. On the other hand, if the super delegates override the will of the people as expressed in elected delegates, the popular vote and most states won, you can forget about it.

If this primary continues to drag on when Hillary Clinton knows she can't win unless the super delegates annoint her, it can only lead to ruin for our chances in the fall.

Jack,
This thing could have been very interesting and beautiful had the candidates focused on how they would do the job. Obama clearly was going in this direction.
But today, he has had to spend more time on defending himself than what he wanted to do because Hillary Clinton must have it at all all cost!

Obama can re-energize democrates and defeat McCain if he is the nominee. The republicans fear him. With Hillary, the republicans will have a lot of fun butchering her and the democrats because all they need to do is raise her negatives high enough and she will be out! She can't defeat any republican candidate by winning just a few states as she has done in the primaries/caucuses!

Jack, the writing on the wall is clear...or was before Billary started "Clinton-izing it". Americans want a new broom. We need and want "a new direction". LISTEN to Obama's early message...before the nusiance distractions. When he spoke of change he said "WE..." to let the voters know that where ever we choose to go, it is WE that must make the journey. He was clearly stating that WE citizens are and will be an important part of the Obama administration.
In her speeches of the same time, Hillary's pitch was always "I will do this..." and I won't do that". Review the tapes from Texas and before. The message is still there, in this Democrats and Republicans alike can trust.

Jack,
This party still has a chance to unite but it must be done quickly without all the punches & jabs. Many of the news reporters and some campaign people believe this is good; however those beliefs may not be shared by the majority. Maybe a polls should be taken as to how many people think that the Democratic will not be able to unite if this continues.
Personally, the more punches & jabs are thrown the more people actually get turned off with the entire contest! The campaign with the most negativity may end up losing the race...
Note to Hillary & Barack, we need to be able to unify in the end so please stop with all the negativity and focus on the main issues. And Hillary, please stop making it appear that you are Cherry picking the states you want to campaign in and having your campaign say things like he can't win the big states. All states do matter!!

As a first time voter at the age of 50. I knew that each candidate would use the fear card and the emotional blackmail card, but if Obama wins the nomination I knew the republicans would use the race card. I never thought that the democrats would? The answer to your question is – There is not enough time between now and November for wounds to heal.

Simple make Barack Obama the nominee and Hillary the V.P.

Time wounds all heels. The Democrats have to get this settled before the convention. One of the candidates, probably Hillary , has got to drop out for the good of the party. If this is done soon enough the wounds will heal themselves and both the winner and loser can make rousing speeches at the convention. The sooner this happens the better.

Just watched CNN's interview with Iraqi troops. Even Iraqi soldiers want change, and they like CLINTON.

The Dems need to include Florida and Michigan and bring this party together over the strongest candidate – Clinton.

There's still almost three months left until the last vote is cast in the Democratic primary and Hillary will hold on by her fingernails if she has to. At that time Hillary must finally concede defeat. Hillary and her supporters will have to campaign loudly and vigoursly for Barack Obama and take back every bad word they ever said about him. The 'dream ticket' will not happen but I think Obama should, in return for her endorsement, propose a place for her in a prominent position in his Admin (Sec'y Health & Human Services?, Something?) That way the healing can take place between June and August so that Dems can present a united front in the months leading to the election.

I am getting more and more disgusting with this whole situation as the days go on. In the beginning I wanted Hillary as the nominee because she is a woman, but after I listened to the various debates and clips of Obama on CNN, I have really become energized and desire the CHANGE he speaks about. In recent weeks, I have become disappointed in Hillary's behavior as a candidate. The whole mess about FL and MI really shows that she will do anything to be the nominee. She knew that those votes would not count in the beginning and signed that she understood that, but now that she has won those two states (even though no one campaigned there) ,she wants voters to not feel disenfranchised (Yeah right ,it is all about the delegates). If Obama had won those two states and roles were reversed, we would not be even having this conversation, instead she would be finding ways for his votes not to count. She has been overly negative and even sometimes siding with the Republicans comparing her so-called "experience" as Senator Obama put it as "co-president", but one should question her "experience". I commend Senator Obama for showing class and responding to these negative attacks with dignity.Just visiting 80 countries doesn't count as experience, just as making a good speech prepare you as commander in chief. Who is going to answer the red phone now? If the DNC doesn't find a resolution, it will be John McCain Bush III.

Jack, the Democrats are going down a dangerous path. My mother is a staunch Hillary supporter and I am pulling for Obama. We are hardly talking now. I don't blame the attacks between the two candidates so much as I do the length of time it is taking to get the nominee picked. The longer it goes on the longer one side has to scorn the other. The resentment will drop off some when we turn toward the general election, but it's getting so ugly out there that we do stand a chance of losing the General Election. I wish Hillary would step aside and just vie for the position at a later time.

Decide now that Florida and Michigan broke the rules and watch the superdelegates squirm into "popular vote compliance", in their bid for their re-election.
By the way this does mean Obama for President because they(superdelegates) cannot vote white and keep any semblance of the "Demon-cratic" Party together.

Besides the candidates, the media can go a long way in healing the rift in the Democratic party. The media should be neutral, but it is far from that. Many people believe that whatever they hear on the T.V. must be gospel truth. Either the media, like many others, has been stricken with Obamamania, or else they are being careful not to be called racist, but any idiot can tell . They let things that are done by the Obama campaign slide, but they are continually twisting things said or done in the Clinton campaign. Is this the Clinton's thanks for giving us a better life than we had under Reagan and Bush? I'm not asking the media to be anything but FAIR and UNBIASE
ELLY MT. LAUREL, N.J.

Jack, I am very disappointed to see that Obama is trying to run a clean campaign and the Clintons are doing everything that they can to drag him down into the mud. I am an African American and I’m angered by the daily attacks on Obama. We are tired of these attacks. This is why we want Obama to win. He can and will bring true change to America. We need and want change not experience.

John

Short of doing a re-vote, nothing is going to fix this problem created by the DNC!
The DNC is too divided to make any kind of decision to resolve this issue.

The dems may be able to heal the wounds...but the Superdelegates need to get with the frontrunner NOW, before do-overs and before more blood-feuding from the Clinton camp.

Hillary's win at all cost mentality may cost the democrats their most winnable election in decades.

But she'll be there to feed on the pieces in 2012, bet your behind.

What was once a harmless lack of preference for the Clinton's has become a healthy dislike. They don't represent the country I want to live in...or a political party I really want to belong to anymore...that's how deep these wounds are getting.

Yes No, maybe so.... if the one with the most delegates is selected. As Nancy Pelosi has stated no dream ticket....because of two much divisive campaigning. But Blame HRC if they lose!

No it cannot be fixed. Nobody in the Democratic party has the balls to stop the insanity so McCain is the next president.

And He doesn't have to lift a finger or even say much . They are in self destruct mode and I don't expect it to stop.

The Democrats will have lost both the youth and the black vote for a long long time . And those old women who support Hillary .. they are a dying lot so I expect there to be a Republican party and some Independent party at the next election .

Untiil then
Endless war
Endless recession

YES if Hillary recognizes defeat.
NO if Hillary continues to play a dirty, nasty, ugly and arrogant campaign.
The longer she competes, the better she helps McCain win in the genral election.

Jack, the dems have two problems. One, a New York Governor who steps down in disgrace and two, a New York senator who can't admit when she's beat. But there's a real simple solution to all this.

I'd like to be the first to endorse Hillary Clinton as the next Governor of the State of New York.

P.S. I'm only half kidding.

There are a lot of folks out there who are none too happy about the state of our wonderful union, and are going to vote for the democratic candidate, regardless. And since the Clintons' tactics have become glaringly obvious, I don't think the wounds run as deep as suggested.

If Hillary becomes the nominee after all her divisive tactics I personally will have nothing to do with the democrats. She is not a change agent she wants to perpetuate the Clinton Bush dynasties. This is too long for two families to control the White House. The world is not in the same place as it was in the 90's . It is going to take a new approach not the same old tired one.

Since Bill Clinton said "Hillary MUST win Texas and Ohio to win" and they have lost Texas, Why is she still in?????

Yes, only if Obama is the nominee.
Unlike Hillary who will burn down the village or sell her first born child to win the nomination, Obama has tried to keep his arguments about the issues. Hence, most of Hillary's supporters do not have a deep resentment towards him.
As for Hillary, she has crossed every line out there, and has attacked Obama and his supporters personally. It will be very difficult for them to forget and forgive Hillary if she wins the nomination.
I suggest she does herself and the democratic party a favour and get out of the race now.
I am ready to bet my next pay cheque that if she some how wins this nomination. The US is looking at another 8 years of an extended Bush regime.
Obama/Edwards '08 for a united Democratic party

Jack, when children fight, a parent often steps in, orders a time out, and demands that the kids get along. Eventually, after hours of sulking, the kids get distracted by something else and start playing together again. Unfortunately, the Democrats headed by Howard Dean are worse than a room full of 2 year olds with no parent in sight. They fight, they sulk, they sling mud, and they threaten to take their voters and go home. Fine. Time out! McCain wins!!!!!! If they can't figure that out, then they deserve to lose even though losing this time means the entire country loses more. So to both candidates, I have two words of advice: GROW UP.

If all the Obama supports think that Hillary dropping out will heal the party you are grossly mistaken. I for one will vote for McCain and many of my fellow Democrats will vote the same. Obama has been playing just as dirty politics it just his followers are so blinded they think he walks on water. Hint how did a comment to a crowd of 300 or a single reporter get to be a full blown fiasco. This against a woman that was the parties first female nominated to the ticket and one whoses entire political careers was about fighting discrimination. Obama's team is just as dirty as Hillary's and the Democrats have once again proven even when everything is set for them to win they will screw it up and lose.

I don't think they can heal for this particular election. I am an avid Obama supporter and have grown a strong disdain for Hillary Clinton. I am almost more against her than I am for Obama. If she wins the Democratic nomination, I will NOT vote for her. No matter what Obama suggests. I believe her to be unethical and very selfishly motivated. I will either not vote at all, or vote for McCain. Damage is done for me...

I hope so, but I don't think so. There is so much resentment building it will seriously hinder the Democratic party in the general election.

It does NOT matter who is in the White House because Americans are in the POOR HOUSE with any of these candidates.

This is politics at its best. There is nothing wrong with having the whole country choose the best nominee, instead of just Iowa and New Hampshire. And if a little mud gets slung then so be it – just a warm up for the general.

And the democrats will unite once the dust settles. Either that or give the White House to the republicans for another 4 years – does any democrat really want that??

Jack,

They may be able to heal the wounds, but they better start now.

I for one will not vote for either of them if this insignificant tit-for tat
doesn't quit soon.

What happened to the issues? Remember health care, the economy, the war? Where is John Edwards when we need him?

Karen
Florida

If the Democrats could settle this in April, they would have some time to take care healing the party. However, the way things are going, it won't be decided until the convention, which gives the nominee very little time to campaign for the presidency.

The other problem with the infighting is they are providing plenty of ammunition for John McCain in the actual presidential election.

So no, it is very unlikely they will heal the party in time.

Isn't it obvious? The people need to accept their candidate. There will be great opposition towards either at first, but more so towards Hillary Clinton. This will probably come down to backroom deals and superdelegates and I would place my money on Clinton in that situation any day over Obama. We as democrats need to come to the realization that we might need to vote for the candidate we dislike because its either that or Bush Round 3

I don't know if you can heal these kinds of wounds easily. I know that it's been a miracle that a Back American Man found his way, on his own terms to run for President. I know that it's been a miracle that a Woman found her way, on her terms to run for President. But, they have hurt each other, & I just wish that they had both stopped & considered what they wanted the country to learn about themselves & what campaigning for such an important job should have meant for this country.
I know this, being a Black American Man with the high ideals that Sen. Obama wanted to put forward to this Nation will be hard to get to because of how he was used. I also know that as a Woman Sen. Clinton will not be able to put forward what her ideals would have been for this Nation because of how she was used. It's sad Jack, very.
Patricia,
Palmdale, Ca.

Mr. Cafferty-
The Democrats need to solve Michigan and Florida. I have an answer. It's not pretty, but, it would work. My solution would avoid a re-vote, it would allow the delegates to be seated, and it would give each candidate a percentage of the delegates appropriate to their support in each of the two states. Please read this!
Both candidates must have an accurate list of their financial contributors in each state. Why not have some agreed upon audit agency count the total number of contributers (yes, financial) to each campaign in (for instance) Florida. Add Clinton's and Obama's contributors (whether the contributor gave $1 or $10,000 – each contributor counts as one 'vote') and get a sum total. Then, determine the percentage of the total contributor count that each candidate got. Finally, use that same percentage to divide up the number of delegates in Florida.
My solution does not equate money with voting. It simply uses financial contributions as a way to determine the percentage of support. It allows Florida and Michigan to be included and seated. And it means there's not need for a re-vote.
There's no need for a re-vote! Just determine a percentage from the contributor count and apply that to the total number of delegates in each state.
Then, the news and the candidates could get on with the campaign and resume their discussions about important issues.
Randy Laird

I can not see how the Democratic party can heal the wounds. Clinton has had a chip on her shoulder since Iowa and when she failed to capture the nomination on Super Tuesday she just got plain nasty with her politics. The Democrats had this election in the pocket and as usual has found a way to blow it and any clear minded individual can see the Clinton’s and their cohearts are to blame.

Florida

I do not think that the candidates are harbouring any personal ill will toward each other. I also do not think that they are personally attempting to fan the flames of race vs. gender.

The media has to stop hyping these comments (Ferraro, Obama's Pastor, etc., etc.). The only place where there is a gender or race war right now is in the media. The candidates are not waging one. But if the media does not start taking cues from the candidates and stop dwelling on inflamatory comments, the electorate will BELIEVE there is a race or gender war going on and the party will divide itself.

If the candidates have moved on, the the media should move on.

Dear Jack,

Thanks your insightful and unbiased analysis of the democratic race. You are the main reason why I watch the "Situation Room".

I think it will be very difficult for the democrats to heal the wounds caused by the nasty tactics and the determination to win at all cost. The Clintons were almost 100% certain of their quick victory. Unfortunately, the reality being what it is, some of their supporters have become very bitter, angry, and ready to do or say anything to win.

The party lacks an independant leadership to call for a time out.
I really feel sorry for them.

There is no hope for there to be peace in the party. Especially when the Obama kids whine about everything said about their candidate and whatever they say about Hillary is thought to be fair game. They can call her "a monster" but let one of her people say that race is helping him and they cry all over the place. My friends and myself are voting republican for the first time this year because we won't vote for a man who says one thing on the campaign trail and his supporters say we don't mean it when they go out of the country.

Jack, Barack Obama and his supporters didn't make the wounds. The Clinton's and their radical misinformed supporters made the wounds by thinking they had the right to try and steal the nomination. The Clinton's just can't accept the fact that there are Americans who want our country back.

YES WE CAN!

Jack,

I have been insulted as an American voter almost daily.... according to HRC I am a liberal political activist, who drinks lattes and chardonnay while I revel in my college degree and my big salary, lamenting over my state's undemocratic caucus voting system...I live in a state that "doesn't matter", and I do not represent an "average" voter.

I am a stay at home mom, with no college degree, never participated in politics before in my life, who would choose black coffee or a microbrew. My state and my vote DO count.

If any "healing" is to be done, the party leaders need to step up and lead and this Primary needs to end. The window of opportunity to undo the damage to voters is quickly closing.

After the comments Hillary has made about how only her and McCain are qualified to be the next president, how can the democrats come together. If you support Hillary than you believe what she is telling you is true. I think for her it is either I win or we can just let John McCain have it, atleast that is the way she sounds lately. I don't see her concern for the democratic party in any of her ramblings. I have to wonder why she is so bitter.

Jack if the nomination is fair and square I don't think the party will have any problem healing their wounds. The thing that will divide the party will be the Clintons getting desperate they have already tried some of the Republican type tactics I think that most of the people in the party have had all of this kind of campaign they want.

Honestly, I think more responsibility lies on the shoulders of regular, everyday voters. We daily tear each other a new one in defense of our preferred candidate, we twist media spun articles to suit our agendas, we continually berate each other and have the single most divisive hand in this whole deal. It's commonplace for campaigns to partake in that, but aren't we, the American people, better than this? Or are we just puppets in this big charade?

When rather than how sould be the question of demorcrats healing any wounds from the primaries. Neither candidate can amass enough delegates to win the nomination out right.

To suggest that Hillary Clinton drop out is just stupid. I'm in Oregon and our primary is in May and I want to be able to have a choice and a voice in that primary.

There are voters in other states as well who have yet to be heard.

Healing will come after the primaries and the convention in Denver, when in all probability the nomination will be decided by the super delegates.

Unlike the independent and cross over republican supporters the true demorcratic party will heal and unite to support our candidate in the general election. They will then have to go someplace else to raise hate and discontent.

Well, most of us are reasonable thinkers and in the end we should all agree that either would be better than McCain. My hopes are that, in any occasion, both are involved in the November election *Cough*Cough*, but i would drag myself to the voting booth in November even if it's only one in the end.

Maybe with our modern technology, we can pump in ice to hell by November because when hell freezes over then the healing will begin.

get rid of the two faced pant suit queen!

Maybe Hillary has a charismatic pastor that can lay hands on the party and miraculously heal the wounds.

The only way that the Dems can unite their party is if Sen. Obama, the clear frontrunner, secures the nomination. This arises from the fact that Clinton's only hope to win the nomination is through the same Rovian politics which have divided the nation for eight years. She's dividing the party the same way that George W divided us and should she steal her way into Denver, I expect it will cost the Dems the White House.

With all due respect, memories seem awfully short. The Democratic party has been through far worse than this year's campaign. To see a party truly divided, I'd advise everyone to look at 1968. After a sitting Democratice president decided not to run, the rise of Gene McCarthy as the anti-war candidate, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, riots in major cities across the US, a far more divisive war with far more casualties than Iraq (as bad as it is), the party was fractured and that was before they got to Chicago and the riots broke out in the streets as well as fistfights on the convention floor. This is politics and it's hardball. The media more than anything has fueled the perception of the campaign as ugly and divisive because they want a good story so they exaggerate comments of people who apparently aren't particularly careful about the language they use. Everyone needs to calm down, ratchet down the rhetoric and the hyberbole and let the nomination process play out. The Democratic party is going to be just fine.

Elizabeth, Arlington, VA

The democrats have 2 clear options.
Option 1. Realistically bring together as many as possible under a powerful, dictatorial and inside Washington focussed leader. This will be enough to win the general election.
Option 2. Bring opposite points of view together under a collaborative, transparent and change focussed leader. This will also win the general election but more than that it will positively change the world.
waltham, ma.

I think the candidates need to focus on the issues
people are unemployed,jobs are going overseas,gas prices
are outrageous and health care is far too costly. I hope the
next debate in Philadelphia has a focus on the issues and
that the candidates make peace

There will be no healing. The media has made it impossible for Hillary to win. Even if Obama wins in Nov. his ineptitude will hand the keys to the White House in 2012 back to the Republicans without having accomplished a single thing, think Jimmy Carter. The Dems had a chance to hold the White House for at least 16 years until the people with no understanding of politics went to the polls. When will America realize that voting for someone based on how much you like there personality is a recipe for disaster, look what the last guy that won for that reason did to this country....BUSH-whacked. Experience in the political arena is the only way to affect change and anybody that thinks just because they sit in White House they will have the power to administer change is...again think Carter.

Jack,
How can the democrats heal primary battle wounds, simple – get a republican faith healer. They have so many over there, I'm sure one could be talked into spending five minutes with the "liberals"

A sign that the Democratic party is in deep trouble is when Hillary Clinton has been pushing to seat the delegates of Michigan (where Obama was not on the ticket) and Florida (where nobody campaigned) as per the meaningless primary results. If she cannot be pragmatic and unbiased on this issue, how would voters expect her to reach out to Republicans when she is polarizing those within her own party?
Voters need to take a good look at how the respective campaigns have been handled by the candidates because it will be a microcosm of how they will run the country. Voters should also realize that presidential candidates can sell several issues such as NAFTA and Healthcare but need the gift of being able to persuade and reach out to Republicans to fulfill these aspirations.
Finally, Ms. Clinton has shown herself to be very erratic in her campaign. One day she is yelling "Shame on you, Barak Obama", and the next, she is promoting the dream ticket with Obama as VP. Voters beware – if you see an erratic candidate during the campaign trail and you vote for them, chances are – you are going to get a very erratic presidency. Barak Obama on the other hand (aside from the few extreme voices from his campaign) has led a very restrained and consistent campaign. The world is shaking its head at Americans considering Clinton as a President, especially after electing George W. Bush to two terms in office.

Sincerely
Robert J
Oakville Canada

The only way to heal the Democratic party is when Democrats realize that Hillary Clinton will do whatever it takes to assure her candidacy and that includes dividing the party. She thought in the beinning that she was a shoo-in and is entitled to the nomination and would win hands down. She did not think that anyone would seriously challenge her because she, in her own mind, is entitled to win. When she finally realized that Senator Obama is a viable candidate, she decided to use whatever tatic necessary including lies and innuendos regardless what she was doing to her party. Typical arrogance showing from the Clintons and their sense of entitlement will ruin this party.

Jack,

No I don't believe the rift can be smoothed over. The whole dynamics of this primary season really speak to the birth of a new Third party. It has to be done and there are enough people who want drastic change damn the torpedoes to make it work. All three main candidates for consideration have the votes, the money and the leadership to pull it off. The only thing left is what to call it. I vote for the "Global-Crat-Ricans". Or the Independence party. We'll announce on the 4th of July.

Bill H. Long Isalnd, NY

Hi Jack.
I believe the wounds are mere flesh wounds, that can be mended with band aids. As Democrats we know how important it is to not have a BUSH 3. I mean if any Democrat remember that is the Supreme Court that made W president in 2004, and then the republicans milked 911 to get this massive mistake elected for the first time in 2004.

This country have been on a massive spiral out of control course for almost 8 years, its time to go in a direction that is productive. I could care less if the nominee is Clinton or Obama. We better get it together for all Americans.

I am calling for all who think straight, DEM's REPS's, IND's and all affiliations. Please Vote for the Democratic Ticket. Hillary is not liked for a lot of unnecessary reasons, and it has nothing to do with her abilities to lead this nation. Obama is well liked until the Republicans can paint him in the same light as Hillary,

I would vote for FIDO if he was the Dem nominee

Jack,
I think healing will begin when Hillary gets a clue and withdraws from this race. All of the mud slinging her campaign can muster is not going to win this race for her. She needs to get out while yhe getting is good.

Shirl
North Carolina

damage done... the party is split. I didnt think that the dems could blow it again, especially by countering 00,04 with 3 strong, viable candidates.

Once the electability and electoral college "logic" emerges its pretty much game over. Obama supporters arent going to show up for hilary in November and true-blue hilary supporters wont be showing up for Obama. forget 1984 ... its 1988 all over again.

Clinton's assertions that she is all but guaranteed the nomination smacks of hubris. No amount of money, privilege, mastery of deception or crocodile tears will suffice to allow her to garner the support of Obama's supporters in the unlikely event she were to win the Democratic nomination.

The same can not be said of Obama. He has managed to keep his integrity intact during the barrage of mudslinging practiced by the Clinton campaign. His is a political and personal aura capable of repairing wounds inflicted during the Democratic campaign and, consequently, uniting an otherwise fragmented constituency. Furthermore, this ability – or talent – is one that will serve him well when it comes time to repair the rift inherent in the aftermath of a general election.

Clinton can boast of no such ability as she has proved herself a divisive agent during the course of this primary.

Hillary Clinton has certainly shown that she will stop at nothing to secure the nomination which certainly tells me that this is all about her attitude of entitlement. Obama has alway taken the high road and conducted himself in the a manner expected of someone running for the highest office in the country. I used to be in Hillary's corner, but she has totally turned me off. If she keeps it up the Democratic Party will be devided. Should she manage by hook or by crook get into the White House I will not vote at all. She is not to be trusted.

Maybe if they would start beating up on MCcain and George Bush instead of each other. Shouldn't they call for Mccain to denounce and reject George Bush for invading Iraq, killing thousands of innocent Iraqi's and killing or maiming thousands of U.S. Servicemen and women, spending trillions of dollars on a war based on hatred and lies. Shouldn't all Republicans and Democrats denounce and reject this President. Could it be some of them have had their hands bloodied in this deceitful endeavor? I ask which is more appalling the horrible deeds of George Bush or the hateful words of Rev. Wright.

Please hear me out," ole wise one"? There have been racial undertones in this country since it's inception, whether you agree or disagree,and gender surpression since the beginning of time, you choose your poison, their's plenty to go around! Remember, this is all new territory for the country to comprehend. This being the first Woman and, Black candidate ever to run for America's highest office. So let's cool our jets and let this ugliness get some make-up from the admiringly tone-deaf public to sort it out. We all seem to get caught-up in a frenzy, by the political pundits overstimulating us,"for what ", their political theatre careers? Finally , these two ,"class act candidates" will make it all seem like yesterday ,when whomever becomes the nominee, coalesce their differences for the good of the Democratic Party! The Eternal Optimist

Don't think so, if Obama wins, I rather vote for McCain just to make angry an Obama fan and the press. I hope this reflect the feeling of Hillary's supporter...never seen so much hate as a person. I would have vote for Obama, but looking at the foundation of his base and how all his image have been manipulated by the press tells me that there something hidden behind all this so-called movement.

This in-fighting within the Democratic party candidates is really, really getting to me, and a lot of other people in this country; I am sick and tired of it, and I am hoping that it will be stopped IMMEDIATELY. By now, the Democratic nominee should have been chosen and we should be focusing on the convention and beating the heck out of the Bush-cloned McCain in November.
Instead we see all of these mud-slinging tactics, not only by Clinton's campaign, but by Mr. Obama's as well. Now, Obama is being ostracized for having a relationship with his pastor, who clearly said very inappropriate and outright evil things from his pulpit. Having an 86-year old father who is also a pastor, my Dad too has said very unsavory things in past sermons about Whites, homosexuals, etc., just expressing his opinion. I do not agree with what he has said, but I will not disassociate myself from him or leave my church because of it. My Dad is an extraordinary human being. This 'pastor' thing with Obama is ridiculous, the G. Ferraro thing, crazy, and all of this rhetoric and innuendo by both campaigns should be put to bed NOW.
Clearly, Hillary Clinton, although behind in the delegates, is either hoping for (or has already planned out) getting the super delegate vote at the Dem. convention and getting the nomination despite Obama being ahead in numbers. If that happens, it will be holy hell at the convention, and the DNC knows this. It will also infuriate thousands of Obama voters and they may not vote at all in the General election.. I hope that Hillary will think of the party, bow out, and let Mr. Obama be the front-runner so we can get rid of the heinous, repulsive Republican machine forever and get this country back on track. I believe Mr. Obama will be the one to do just that.
OBAMA! OBAMA! YES WE CAN!

Patricia D. Walton

I think the DNC has to put some pressure on Hillary to quit the race. 95% of all the nasty stuff comes from her side. For a smart woman she sure has difficulties doing the math. She just can't win the majority anymore. So why doing all this damage to her own party? She should do the right thing and drop out. Unfortunately she does not have the integrity to do so and the longer this is draging on the more people will either get more divided, switch sides or simply stay at home in November! What a shame! I do hope that Hillary will come to her senses.....

Jack,

It seems like things are too hot to cool down right now, but believe me, they will. John Kerry and John Edwards were staunchly against each other in 2004 and they not only unified the party but they made a formidable bid for the White House together. When Obama wins, he will not offer the VP spot to Hillary but will instead offer it to another bright spot in the Democratic Party, someone like Sebelius, McCaskill or Napolitano, and the party will forget all about Hillary.

Without Clinton in the game, things will immediately turn toward the better for Democrats. Thus far her campaign has been the sole contributor to lies, smear-tactics and deceit. When she realizes the truth of the situation and drops out, things will go back to normal almost overnight.

Brian
Idaho

Fixing this will depend on how the candidate that doesn't get the nomination handles their supporters.

Right now, if Obama doesn't get the nomination, I will stay home on Election day. Hillary will not get my vote. I read many Clinton supporters saying that if Obama gets the nomination, they will vote McCain. To me, that means, McCain will win. Will Clinton supporters cheer that? Will Obama supporters simply, not care?

One thing for sure.. Rush Limbaugh and Rep. Steve King will be laughing and dancing in the street.

Jack,

I am a huge supporter of Obama, but I thoroughly dislike the Democratic party. I guess it's a win-win situation for me. If Obama loses (god i hope not), then the party will go down in flames. Then it will be a simple matter for McCain to walk into the White House and take the keys of our nation from Bush. If Obama wins, history will be made not because he's black, but because he'll be another uniter of our country, just like Lincoln.

I don't think they will be able to heal the wounds. The Clinton attack group continue to offer mis-truths and seem hell bent on making Barack Obama to look like an inexperienced, ineffectual politician.

If Hilary gets the nomination, I for one will sit out this election only because of the dirty tricks she, her husband and her campaign have released on to the American public. She needs to get REAL!

I'm not worried about the democratic party as such. I'm worried about all those student running for Obama right now. They are able to believe in change in increasingly desperate times. What if their hope goes down the drain. They are gone need mental care when Hillary wins the presidency. Hope her healthcare plan will indeed cover them all.

I wonder what the Hillary Clinton campaign mean by "Pennsylvania will show that “Hillary is ready to win" what about all the states Obama has already won? Check out all the wins she got apart from Arkansas, all her wins are below 60%, does that really show her as an accepted future president? Is she going to be president only for some selected important states like Pennsylvania and Arkansas, or the president of all American States? I think for any healing of the party Hillary most accept the fact that Americans have said yes to Obama with only a few exceptions.

It is nearly impossible for Obama and Clinton to go all the way to the Democratic National Convention without tearing each others heads off. McCain however has to deal with the fact that just about everyone hates Bush and do not want to side with a Republican. If you and Wolf started to do the same thing that the Democrats are doing then CNN could be in jeopardy and trying to heal those wounds.

Dan
Arizona

Unfortunately they will not be able to heal the wounds before the election. Since this is a historic year with having both a woman and an Afro-American running for the nomination emotion and excitement for the candidates is high. I am afraid no matter who gets the nomination , the other side will be so disappointed, especially if it's left up to the superdelegates, they will not support the other candidate.

It may be too late Jack, the Bill and Hillary show had done a lot of damage and encouraged the other side to help. Let's be clear when the other side thought it was going to be her and Rudy, they were piling on her. Because she is easier to beat against McCain, they are helping her to bring down Obama. They will make people stay home in November.

Gale, MD

Hey Jack,

I have to say, the only way this thing is not going to go all the way to the convention is if Clinton stop's her onslaught, thinking that she can get to the Convention and turn the Tide.

Im an Obama Supporter have I have been for awhile now, I have watched CNN project all the way out (including Michigan and Florida), and the only way she can win is going to come down to Super's IMO.

In other words, if Clinton does not win on april 22nd by at least a 70-30 margin, then she must step down so Obama has the time to heal the wounds.

And on a side note Jack, If Clinton pulls the bunny out of the hat and takes the nomination, Im an Independent. And I will vote for McCain! But I pray that it doesnt come down to that

Obama '08

Torrey
Washington St.

If Obama is the nominee, then yes! If it's Hillary I don't think so. Right now with the math she is not going to be the nominee unless she wins by big margins from now on, which is impossible. The DNC leaders need to take her to the side and help her with the math. Let the rest of us just pray that she'll get it!

Hillary is the single most divisive element of the current Democratic Party Crumbling Syndrome (DPCS) She needs to begin working on taking over the Senate Majority Leader spot and realize that either the Obama/Edwards, or Obama/Dodd, or Obana/Richardson teams along with her hleading the Senate will reunite the party as never before. She says she is a fighter. What better place to get things done than the leader of the Senate, working with the President. It would also keep Bill out of the Whitehouse spotlight.

Jack,
I hope they can heal the breach that is becoming wider every day. They need to stop the bickering and back biting and start speaking about the issues. There is a war that we should not be fighting, young men and women dying or being maimed every day, an economy that has tanked, and health care that is getting so expensive that even the well heeled cannot afford it. . . and what do they want to talk about?? Only their own big egos.
Think I'll just forget about them,turn independent and vote for our buddy, Lou Dobbs!!

I can remember when Mccain complained about all the dirty tactics that the Bush campaign was using against him when they ran against each other in the primaries. Now they are pals with their arms around each other and telling each other what a great job they done. That's what Obama and Hillary should do when one of them gets their party's nomination. Just act like old pals as if nothing ever happen.

I like OP's comment above – she's right about the need to turn the hate down. Please, please read your comments before posting them, people, use the old old test – would you be okay if someone said the same thing about your candidate?

I think the Democrats just love all the DRAMA. The 'superdelegates' are going to decide this race, we all know this is true now. If those 300 came forward and declared as one who they will vote for, IT WOULD BE OVER. But these 'leaders' want to be kissed up to a little while longer, which proves why they don't deserve to have that much power... So sad really..

The longer this goes on, the less likely it is. Instead of digging up dirt against the opposition, the Democrats are slinging it at each other. If you ask those in the Blogosphere, it's already over, or, as I have seen it put, "Humpty Dumpty will never be put back together again."

I don't think it can Jack. At this moment I don't want vote at all. I mean I will because people fought & some died for me to do so,but I really don't think we(the demorcratic party) can win. I hope I am wrong.

Jack,
I think things can be turned around with 2 actions:
1. Barack's and Hillary's CAMPS need to stop going after each other and focus on McCain. There is plenty there to attack.
2. Hillary's camp needs to stop suggesting every conceivable way to bend the rules to their advantage. Most people see this for what this is, and will not be able to support her if she somehow gets the nomination through legitimate means. She will definately split the party if she pulls a superdelegate end-run.

Any hope that was left for healing was dashed when Hillary said John Mccain will be a better commander in chief than Obama. If Obama loses the nomination, I don't think the majority of his supporters will ever go back to politics let alone vote for Hillary.

Kelly, Atlanta GA

They can heal wounds by getting it over with fast. I know that neither will drop out, but this is the best thing for the Democratic partie. Time is what will heal the wounds. If they go to the bitter end, the wounds will be too fresh to heal fully!

Jack, the only wounds I'm worried about healing are the ones that will be inflicted upon the American people if either one of the democrats become our next commander and chief. Wounds like, amnesty for illegal aliens, and sky high taxes like we've never seen before, to fund all the "new government programs" that we "so desperatly need". Both of them proclaim that their snake oil is better than the other guy's.As far as I can tell, a vote for one, is the same as a vote for the other. God bless America ! we're gonna need it. DEAN. Halifax, Massachusetts

Jack,
Maybe the party should lower the required delegate count to 1,842. This number has MI & FL delegate count removed from the 2,025. It would help name a winning canidate sooner than later. This will stop all of the mud slinging which does not help our country.

MPeterC

i dont even think their wounds would ever be heal...but there is still one question we would like to know in europa.......is Hilary clinton running for president to change the country and the country image outside or she is running for presidency because of power...privilege... command ...mark and the life they use to get those years when the husband was president?

The Democrats are undermining the chance of either candidate taking the White House as this personal attack goes on...and on...and on. How can they "kiss and make up" to support the eventual nominee after so much negativity and hostility? It will be viewed with much suspicion. All signs previously pointed to a Democratic Presidental victory ; those signs are rapidly waning.

Jack,

There are three core questions here.

1. Can the Democrats unite the party ahead of the convention? Of course they will.

2. Will the eventual Democrat candidate be able to rally the vocal supporters of the other? Much more doubtful, and if large numbers of the losing candidate stay home, McCain may be able to sweep in to the White House.

3. If either Democrat candidate defeats McCain, will he or she be able to rally a Congress that will be undoubtedly divided over the legitimacy of either of them? THAT is the biggest question.

~ Nathan, Los Angeles, CA

The healing will not occur..... the Clintons deep sense of entitlement to the White House and the scorched earth campaign of say anything and do anything to get elected has precluded the Obama supporters in the same numbers that currently support him from uniting behind Clinton should her tactics prevail.

If Clinton is the nominee there will be a drop off of 25-30% of those currently supporting Obama in the nominating process either voting for someone other than the Clintons in November or not voting at all....... either way it is a recipe for disaster unless the candidate is Senator Obama. While the Clintons will only publicly endorse him, but privately deride him, most of her supporters will end up voting for Senator Obama. My prediction is Obama and the American people win in November!

Yes, but it is time for Hillary to step aside and let the front-runner focus on the National Race in the fall. She says she is an agent of change and yet continues with negative politics as usual. She is also showing everyone why she has been labeled 'divisive' and not the person to unite the party. Why are we even talking about revotes in Michigan and Florida? You can't change the rules midstream because you are losing the race. Hillary should step aside for the good of the Party and let's get on with the McCain/Obama race.

It means that if Hilary doesn't get out of the way, she's going to be crushed by the stampede.

Wendy
San Rafael, CA

"Sticks and stones can break your bones but words can never hurt you" So unless Obama and Hillary meet at Wrestlemania I am not worried.

Our only hope is that the Men in Black are real and they zap everyone with their short-term memory erasers after the nominee is selected!

Let's be honest, the only thing Hillary is doing in the campaign at this point is trying her best to ruin it for the presumptive nominee. Simple math shows that, even with Florida and Michigan, she still cannot have enough delegates without a very large majority of superdelegates switching to her side.

The only thing I can think of is that she is setting him up to lose in November so that in four years, when McCain drives the country into the ground, she can step forward as savior.

The only way to unite this party is for Hillary to WAKE UP and smell the coffee....There is just no way for her to win this nomination. It was hers to lose and she did by underestimating Barak Obama. She needs to step aside for the sake of our party, this country and the world!

This just isn't your time Hillary!

I have seen a lot of years when it was feared that the nomination struggle would hurt one part or he other but only one – McGovern – when it seemed to actually happen.

The democrats need to stay on the issues and stop tearing each other down in the mud. A joint ticket could have healed the wounds but there's no way they can share a ticket when you have Obama saying that she can't be trusted and she's too polarizing and she's politics of the old, you can't come back from comments like these.

This negative campaigning always starts with Hillary throwing a punch and than ends with Obama counter punching. Hillary is the one who has got to stop. Obama has to counter punch, or he will look weak. The back and forth bickering needs to stop now. I don't think a material amount of people will remember in November what happened in March, but I think they will remember what happens in August during the DNC convention.

High-powered superdelegates need to come forward and endorse the candidate they feel will best UNITE the Democratic party and put an end to the racial, gender, big state-little state, socio-economic divide - too many are withholding their endorsements for fear of losing personal political advancement (i.e., cabinet positions). Undeclared, RESPECTED superdelegates, such as John Edwards, Bill Richardson, and Joe Biden, need to have the courage to send a message: PEOPLE over personal political gain! Until they do that, the party will continue to be divided and the harm could be irreparable.

Jack,
I think the wounds are overstated in one sense since a majority of Americans will not focus on the election until the fall. One the other side it isn’t that candidates we should be focusing on but the rabid supporters on both sides who denigrate and insult one another on Blogs like this each day. The media isn’t responsible for this but perhaps it would be helpful if they didn’t get so drawn into the spin cycle quite as easily.

jack, i think hillary already convinced smart and educated people like me that she cant win the nomination by any means, but she is teaing a part by campaigning for john mccain when she says, " mccain is ready, so am i, but not obama" i therefore, will appreciate if she takes v.p and start campaigning whe the man that inspired many. believe me jack, i am into politics since obama joined he race.

This is about Cafferty saying "It's getting ugly out there"

Why does everyone keep saying that there is mud slinging on both sides. It appears to me that the mud starts to sling everytime "The Clintons," (not Hilary Clinton) get behind. And by the way, the reason I say "The Clintons" is everytime I hear Bill on the stump he sounds like he is campaigning for himself. Anyhoo, Senator Obama has not been slinging mud. I am glad he has not stooped down in the slop pen the way some other folk campaigning has. It is sad. Sounds like it has moved away from what "We the people " want and become more about as Hilary Clinton so unelqoquently put it, "Me doing whatever I have to, to win." Hmm I pray that the person with a true heart for the need of the people will win the presidency. Who is with me?

If this goes all the way to the convention, Democrats may need to turn to a tanned, ready, and rested unity candidate who hasn't taken part in the mudslinging of the past year. I know this guy who recently won an Oscar and Nobel Peace Prize that might be interested...

James
Washington, DC

EASY, campaign on the issues & take the HIGH ROAD. In the end give the nomination to the candidate with the most elected delegates...Seems like democracy.

PA will go to Hillary and I will be helping every step of the way. Motivational speeches will never solve real problems and as long as Obama continues to fill buildings with emotional children swept up in the moment who have no understanding of reality, there is no hope for this party or this country.. If this country continues to pick such poor leaders, it is time to do the ultimate "vote with the feet" and leave the country before it completely implodes in on itself. Once we get rid of this antiquated two-party system I might consider coming back.

They may recover so long as the person who eventaully loses the nomination does not engage in the notion of " I am going down but you must go down with me too". Its that simple.

jack, i think hillary already convinced smart and educated people like me that she cant win the nomination by any means, but she is tearing the party a part by campaigning for john mccain when she says, " mccain is ready, so am i, but not obama" i therefore, will appreciate if she takes v.p and start campaigning whe the man that inspired many. believe me jack, i am into politics since obama joined he race.

Jack,

I think the only way that we can heal and get the parties to come together and I mean the only way is if the candidate who is not elecrted decides to support the candidate that is. She or he would have to be quite adamant about making sure that their supporters now supports the elected candidate. It's the only way that the Democrats can win this election!

Anyone who lived through the clinton's last years as president have wounds that have been re-opened every time we see her. She is a good candidate, but her history is really what is keeping americans from embracing her. If she gets the nomination, I fear those wounds will never heal. Obama has conducted himself with the dignity of a true leader. Not someone who has learned this from experience, but really seems to have been born to it. I think we have a better shot at bringing people back together if he is the one we choose to lead us.

Jack, the answer to your question is yes. The party can heal its wounds; however such will happen after Hillary Clinton concedes her campaign. Even yesterday in a close door session, Hillary was noted as saying that she could not surpass Obama's pledge delegate count, popular vote count, and state count, yet felt she could convince the super delegates she was entitled to the nomination. In Hillary's opinion, the super delegates need to pick the best candidate for the fall election; however with all due respect is this not the decision the voters are entrusted to make and do the results not reflect such a decision in favor of Obama. I realize it is tough to admit you lost; however nothing will be gained from a continued campaign that can not hope to succeed.

We have two very intelligent people vying for the nomination in the democratic party I am holding out hope that this will all play out and each will get tired of the fighting. There is only one way to solve this, and that is to build community, not disunity. Hopefully each canidate will see that this only serves to divide and, not unite,. My opinion is that Obama sticks to his game plan, and continue to" make nice ",

Jack is so right about the cut and run party spiraling down to where they belong... on the street with a Republican in office. The Dems came in to power in 2006 and said we will show everyone how civil we can be and all the Republicans do is figure out ways to screw the people. Well Dems and your robotic supporters, look at you 2 stellar candidates for President. You have Hillary who touts her presidential experience and she is "tested" well so was the White House garder, head chef, and butler who have more experience than her (how do we get them on the ticket?), and a man who has for the past 9 months said nothing more than hope, change, hope, change, uh how will I fix the economy? change... lots and lots of your CHANGE from the billions in taxes I will propose but not tell you right now about them because I HOPE nobody asks me specifics. McCain will win but what will that get us too? Amnesty deals in the dark crafted by La Raza, open borders except for those guarded by menacing cardboard cutouts of border agents, and McCain-Feingold for everyone!!! Wow, Canada, here I come.

I think the party can still get back together, but only if they stop now. To be honest, I think, it is Clinton, for far, the one that should slow down. The great majority of the attacks came from her campaign.

But even more. I think that if Clinton wins the nomination (hopefuly won't happen), I could say for sure that McCain is our next president. I don't think Obama's followers are with him for the same reason Clinton's followers are with her. Obama's followers love him and his message, and the fact that the country can go back to the greatest times. They will feel more deeply if Obama looses, and the lost is seen as a unfair one. They probably won't vote for McCain, but they won't vote and period. And Clinton with out a great African American vote, and young people, she will loose. Plus, regardless what the Reps say about Obama being very liberal, THEY HATE THE CLINTONS. They will get united, and crash Clinton.

No comments please, let's wait and see.
In the other hand, if Obama is the nominee, sooner or later Clinton supporters (except for a few) will join Obama

It sounds crazy, but I am getting pretty immuned to the attacks and I now take them with a grain of salt. The only issue is who is going to be the nominee. We have two great ones, and they both have good views on the issues, although I think CNN should do a better job of tracking their actual stances on education, energy, taxes, the war, and the economy. Also, how about a commentary from experts on the pros and cons of each candidates plans and the reality of getting these plans passed through Congress.
The candidates respective views on the issues are, for the most part, in sync and Democrats will get behind that. We just have a difference of approaches by the two candidates.

I am a discouraged democrat.

I hope so. However, I am so shocked and disappointed with Hillary Clinton, her husband and her suppoters that I question whether or not I can vote for her. I find John McCain and the prospect of another 4 to 8 years under the republican less frightening than I find the Clintons.

Obama will probably have no problem mending fences if he's elected. However, Hillary Clinton and Bill's legacy , will be tranished in my mind for a very long time.

They seem to want to win at any cost. They (the entire campaign) seems to be focues on Hillary now - or Hillary after McCain - but not on getting a democrats in. I think she is trying to destroy Obama to ensure that if she doesn't win - McCain does - so she won't have to wait 8 years to get back in the race.

The media is as much to blame for the division as Clinton. Obama seems to be the only person that doesn't owe America an apology.

I understand the temptation to sway so many people when it is within the media's power to do so, but responsible journalism plays as much a part on this. Ferraro's comments were too ridiculous to smear all over the news. For one thing, Ferraro would never know what Obama's chances would be if he were white. The only white guy Obama has been compared to is John Kennedy, who, in fact, did make it to the White House. Hillary supporters say Obama is riding on the race card, as if he can somehow control the color of his skin. How do you argue with these insidious remarks. This whole Clinton tactic has gotten ridiculous. Clinton's arguments are beyond sophomoric. She makes stupid predictions like she's trying to use the psyche out theory on Obama. This isn't some game of Horse, where she can say, okay, then two out of three. Everyone knows that a voter is a voter no matter where they live. If certain states don't count, then why are they voting. Someone give her the rule book, please and let's end this thing.

Time heals all wounds, and there is still much time left. Let's get it right in Michigan and Florida, select a nominee, and win in November. That's the gameplan. It's that simple.

Rules are Rules. Changing them as you go is just undemocratic and wrong. Certain members of the Democratic party are becoming the very "monsters" they have been complaining about all these years. Stop with the games, stick to the rules, fair is fair. If they can do this, then maybe our party has a chance at being salvaged.

The only solution is to have them both on the ticket, nothing else will work. However, Hillary has shown exactly what she can do for this country, and it isn't pretty. She offers more racial, gender, and partisan division, and we're sick of it.

Jack,

Have you ever heard of the old saying, "It's impossible to push a rope. You have to lift it up to lead it." There has been so much devisive talk and calculated misrepresentation being 'pushed' into this debate that I'm afraid the Democrats won't be able to "lift" the people and lead this country where it needs to go. The media shares some blame by dignifying these distractions as 'news worthy'. I know the "kitchen sink" mentality seems prudent at the moment, but whether they win or lose the battle, they may be dangerously close to losing the war.

Yes Jack we need more debates on different issues
real issues like poverty,economy, Iraq and Iran
and please leave the universal dead horse out of it this time!

I would also like to hear from Obama his explanation as to why his family belong to such a church as Trinity? And why should we vote him in as our President with beliefs such as these.

How can they heal the wounds? Clinton can drop out. Right now.

Why don't she point out her strength and why she is a better candidate
than showing how racist she and her husband are and deceive the American people with in accurate information about Obama and her experience. None of them was a President. None of them are going to do
it by themselves, they will be surrounded by experienced people to help them make good decision.
If Clinton takes the nomination while she has less delegates than Obama,
it will be shame on Dems and shame on American politics

Jack –

There's only one way the wounds will heal - and that's if the media agrees to stop scraping the scab off. Do you think that is a likely thing to happen?

Mike in AZ

I´ve no doubt that Barack Obama is a shooting star in the world of modern politics, but at this hour of time we need someone more than being a shooting star. We need someone much more experienced in world politics to head one of the most influential country in the world. Therefore, though I respect Mr. Obama, without any bias I think Hillary Clinton qualifies much better to lead USA into 21st century.

In my case, they can't. I get livid every time I hear that Obama gave a speech in 2002. I will either vote for Obama this fall, or not at all. End of story

Oh Jack, they haven't had 20 debates one-on-one.... about 3.
They should at least have a couple more.

Also Jack, you come across disingenuous when you claim that the drivers’ licenses incident was most memorable. Most folks had forgotten about that way back. Clearly just an attempt to connect Hillary to Spitzer. When Clinton clarified her position she disagreed with him in any case, so it's a bit of a non point.
Hillary's Standing ovation was probably the most memorable!

I'd be more focused on Obama's very close friend and confidant Rev. Jeremiah Wright, a fanatical bigot whom Obama holds in great esteem!

Yes,if both campaigns can stop with all these attacks from their supporters and agree to support the winner.It's pretty easy Jack,the enemy in this election isn't Hillary or Barack,it's McCain.The thing is we can come together and usher in a Democratic revolution like Newt did in 1994.See it isn't that we can't unite,it's that some here don't want to.

Can we even call these "wounds"? If people are passionate in their advocacy and support of a candidate, does that creat unnecessary divisions and wounds? No, because the Democratic Party is just that - democratic, where everyone gets their say. Why shouldn't Hillary be aggressive in her differences with Obama, and vice-versa. This race for the Democratic nomination is far from over, and the people deserve to know their candidates.

Its 3 AM, who do you want answering the phone... McCain.

Jack,
Who is this wise man you talk about in this question's story. The Democrats will heal the wounds of the primary before the general election. One way, the winner of the party's nomination for President picking the loser to be his/her's Vice President. If not they not win the Presidency...

C.I., New York

There is a Civil War going on right now in the Democratic Party. If one side completely annihilates another before the convention than we may be able to gather our forces in time to meet the threat posed by the Republicans and McCain. I don't think McCain is a strong enough opponent to withstand a united Democratic offensive, but he's certainly more than willing to take advantage of this infighting. If Hillary and Obama don't unite in an alliance, and soon, then McCain will be our next President.

Jack,

Of course they can heal the wounds but time is running out. I don't think the Democrats can afford further divisions or a Bush v. Gore type of debacle at the conevntion.

Someone needs to change Hillary's kitty litter.

This is all part of the deal jack. After all is said and done and the people of the United States are left feeling wounded then they have no business participating in this process. We are trying to pick a leader...and with what we've had for the last 7.5 years is any indication of what we DON'T want...then by golly, let's pick these cadidates apart; try to break them to see who is standing in the end.

Jack the democrats can heal the wounds of an ugly primary battle by simply reminding The public of the ugly wounds left behind after 8 years of bush/cheney. Over four thousand dead american soldiers,tens of thousands wounded american soldiers and the contempt of millions worldwide let alone the economic disaster we are facing make the name calling and one upping of this primary season absolutely irrelevent.

The first step in healing the wounds is not to cause further wounds or deepen the already existing wounds. This means, conduct the rest of the campaign on high ground, and eliminate all negative campaigns from now on. Bring class and culture back to the campaign. Discuss policy differences in specifics, put forth differences in style and how and why they matter. Focus on leadership, the ability to inspire and lead the country and the rest of the world to do better things. Hold back the surrogates. Take a week moratorium to begin with on negative comments and accusations. Sincerely believe and convey a "building together" as opposed to "tearing down" approach. Conduct politics with principles.... These are some of the things I'll ask BO and HRC to consider.

Jack:

Regrettably, the Democratic Party nomination process has not yielded the "best qualified" person to lead this country – that would be Al Gore. Nonetheless, I believe the Party will ultimately come together under Obama, despite the low ball and obviously desperate tactics of the Clinton campaign.

Jack I think its simple by Hillary coming forward and apologizing to the party and the nation for the underhanded methods she tried pulling off and then pulling the plug and her and Bill riding off into the sunset back to the empire state and try to mend fences up there after what spitzers screwup did.

this IS the point of all this: clintons are old time polictics and obama is change. i am a republican and i am going with obama because i am sick of politics and need to clean the diapers in dc as robin williams said. clinton cannot say she has experience by being married to the president and when this is really understood obama will get the nomination and my time and money will help him unite the country not just the DNP.

As always everyone seems to play the blame game... when will it stop...

Obama sent out a flyer that started this disaster... Clinton ran a 3am ad... Canada talked about NAFTA... Obama's camp attacked Ferraro... ABC and Hannity started running Wright's videos...

Everyone has got a hand in this mess!!! We call ourselves a great nation... what an example we set for the rest of the world!!!

I think both candidates should drop out... Where is John Edwards??? He might be the only thing that can heal the wounds!!!

Jack,

I will vote for Obama if he wins the nomination. I will vote for McCain if Hillary wins the nomination. I doubt I'm alone.

this is nothing compared to if Obama is nominee and McCain and
Republicans go after him.

Healing will not occur for those who vote for the wrong reasons. However those concerned about the nation will not have a problem with the democratic nominee.

Let the voters decide! The only thing I'm interested in is the real facts, so I can make a good choice. I'm done with rhetoric, and hope and change. Just the Facts!

Short answer, they can't. This is what happens when people vote based on emotion and popularity rather than issues. You wanted a historic candidate in a historic campaign? Congratulations America, you got the most divisive nomination process in recent history. And saying this is all Hillary's fault because she won't step down makes about as much sense as saying this is all Obama's fault because he wouldn't wait his turn. This is your fault America. This is what you get when you vote based on anything but the issues. You got rid of Edwards for this? You said no to Dodd for this? You dismissed Richardson for this? You rejected Biden for this? The democrats had their choice, and they chose poorly, and now they have to live with it.

In order for the democratics party to recover from the negativities; the media needs to stop reporting negative stories and start reporting only stories that addresses the real issues such as economy, security, healthcare and education. Americans has been through so much over the past 8 years;starting with 9/11 to war in Iraq and to the strangling economy.
the negative attacks are turning a lot of young voters off as well as the independent, and leaving them with no where else to turn.
At this point, nobody is right any more.

Talk about shame.

If Barack Obama is not the nominee for the democratic Party there will be no healing for me. I will vote McCain in retribution because the only way Clinton can be nominated at this point is by double-dealing and rigging by the Democratic National Committee. I have seen the election ripped away from Gore and from my governor in AL by republicans. Why should I care or even vote anymore, no one has any decency or plays by the rules. I will not stand for my own party doing what the republicans have done. I couldn't do anything to relieve my anger then but if Hillary is on the ticket I can Vote mccain.

Obama 08

I think its very significant, Jack. What would be more significant would be if they got together and ended this thing before it turns into a disaster. The Clintons will stop at nothing to win the nomination, even if it means destroying the Democratic Party. If the pundits are correct, it is very unlikely that Hillary can win more deleates, states, or popular votes than Obama. Pull the plug now while there is still time to heal before November. This election should have been a slam dunk for the Democrats. If the carnage continues, it may be a significant loss.

Jack, I have no doubt the Dems have the smarts and wisdom to heal those wounds by November....of either 2009 or 2010. November of this year they're toast.

Jack, the damage is done no taking it back. The thing is that is those who surround them who is at fault, even though the truth hurts this wound has been bleeding since the Europeans came here. Obamas ' Peacher-man ' can tell you all about it.

I believe that the Dems will let by gones be by gones, all of this mud slinging back and forth is just to keep the news interesting, eventually when they get to the convention in Colorado then the superdelegates and delegates will decide on the nominee. And we all know that the people want Obama, enough said.

Si se puede Obama 08

Atlanta

I think it is strange that the media thinks the Obama campaign is responsible for the ugliness of this primary. It is the Clinton campaign tactics that are pulling this race down. If Obama doesn't respond, he isn't tough enough according to the media. If he defends himself, it is labeled an attack. Clinton has been a polarizing figure since the 90's. If she is the nominee, then we will see only more division. If Obama is the nominee, this nation has a chance to heal. It is up to us. I am only voting for Obama. If he is not the eventual choice, then I will turn off to the nasty race that will ensue. I am tired of the manipulations of politicians who use such negative tactics, and McCain and Clinton are those types of politicians.

Jack,
Just this morning have received two forwarded national emails captioned "I'm Scared & Be Afraid." Both are talking about Barack Obama being muslim and we should be afraid of him being elected. Also stating that Obama HAS TO BE STOPPED. These emails scare me due to the lack of intelligence from whom ever is creating and sending them. Honestly thought American society had come a long way, but I'm wrong.
Bill

The Democratic Party will not be healed, If Clinton is elected there will be a gender/racial split, If Obama is elected there will be a racial/gender split.

The party can tell you all they want about how we will come together, but that is more their wishful thinking and attempts to make it so.
But they would need a miracle to save this one this time around.
The DNC has certainly screwed America over once again Jack

We [Americans] should of known better that to be led down this path of racial/gender divide in such desperate times. Your right MSM it will be a "history making election" indeed!! too bad it will be at the cost of America

I do believe that Obama will need to carry the BLUE states and some of the SWING states to beat any Republican. I know that Clinton has won the blue states and the swing states and can beat any Republican, and I believe that the Democratic Party will win who ever our candidate will be just on our issues. I believe that the negativity is brought on by the 24/7 news media and I think it is a shame. As far as the race comments from both parties Shame on both of them

Things were civil until Obama began to destroy Hillary in the delegate count.

Now she is doing everything she can to destroy his reputation, discredit him, and just plain destroy him in an attempt to win the nomination.

If anyone is to blame it is the woman who is far in second place.

The party needs to coalesce around Obama and end this fight that simple math says she can't win.

Hell hath no fury...

Hillary is not the divisive candidate in this race for the nomination, Jack. It is Obama. Obama and his campaign portray nearly everyone who criticizes him as racist - Geraldine Ferraro made a political observation and was denounced as a racist, despite her history of standing up to discrimination; Bill Clinton was condemned as a bigot in South Carolina, despite being widely considered to have been the greatest President in recent history to improve the condition of African Americans. Hillary has also earned more Republican support for proposed bills in the Senate than Obama (53 to 24).

This question comes up every Presidential election cycle and they always come together. So why does the media make such a big about this?

who would have imagined a year ago that we would be entertaining the thought of the democrats loosing in the general election. however, any loss will not just be due to the continuing race between the presidential candidates, but also b/c the democraticaly led senate has done very little to improve things. is it any wonder at all that the approval rating of the senate is in the teens when those boneheads failed to pass the earmark moratorium proposal.

That's easy, jog people's memory till they remember every single failure this country has had since the Bush Administration and then remind them which candidate plans to continue us down that path.