Hillary Clinton’s base eroding?
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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
In politics, the base is everything… and Hillary Clinton is losing hers.
Suddenly, in the Potomac Primaries this week, Clinton started to lose advantages she'd held up until this point among groups like women, whites, older and working-class voters. It's an ominous sign, and if it continues her dreams of being the next president could be doomed.
Exit polls show that Clinton is losing ground with groups that have been strongholds of her support. In Virginia and Maryland, she got the backing of only about four in ten women and three in ten men. She got the votes of 45% of people 65 and over and just more than one-third of people earning less than $50,000 a year or with high school degrees or less.
Obama won huge margins among African-Americans, young voters, higher income and better educated voters, and that didn't leave Senator Clinton anywhere to turn for support. Thus the lopsided victories for Obama. If this trend continues in the upcoming primaries in Texas and Ohio, it's pretty much over.
Meanwhile, a Time Magazine piece asks the question: "Is it too late for Hillary?" It explains how the Clinton campaign was built on inevitability, calling it "a haughty operation so confident it would have the nomination wrapped up by now that it didn't even put a field organization in place for the states that were to come after the megaprimary on February 5."
The article says while Clinton was busy running as a "pseudo incumbent", Obama seized on the theme of change and built a fundraising and ground operation that has topped Clinton's in almost every way.
Here’s my question to you: Why has Hillary Clinton suddenly started to lose her advantages among women, whites, older and working-class voters?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Fred from New York writes:
Just look at South Carolina and you could see the worst Clinton elements surface. The public has responded in kind, with rejection. The large states she won, N.Y., California, etc., are attributed to great organization and hard-core, loyal devotees, a throwback to machine old-time politics. The Clintons’ mythology has now been exposed and destroyed. Everyone, including the committed superdelegates, will bail out.
Chris from Greensburg, Pennsylvania writes:
The reason Hillary is losing her base, if she is, is because the media keep pushing and pushing hard for their candidate, Barack Obama. Every time I turn on the news, all I hear is what a loser Hillary is and what an inspiration Obama is. Can I ask: what does he inspire everyone to do, specifically? Since Obama doesn't answer in specifics, don't count Hillary out.
David writes:
I think there are two answers here. The first is that as Obama has become better known, voters who'd identified as Clinton supporters have been convinced by Obama's rhetoric. It seems clear that the longer he's out there on the trail, the better he is known, the better are his fortunes. I also believe that voters in those 'contested' blocs–minorities, lower-income voters, etc.–have been turned off by the campaign tactics of the Clinton machine–marginalizing Obama as the 'race candidate,' Hillary's self-donation of $5 million dollars to the campaign, etc. None of this has been consistent with her message, and I think people are taking notice of that.
Andy writes:
I feel people are seeing Hillary for what she is. A power-hungry monger who is staying with her philandering husband to promote her future plans. I don't trust her and I feel Obama is seen as a more trust-worthy alternative with a good family who would make a good president.
Adam from Canada writes:
Didn’t you Americans have a revolution 200+ years ago because you were sick of dynasties?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Yeah, well, the part of her base that was me eroded away already. Probably wind erosion from all the hot air.
You bet. Barack Obama has been chiseling away at her base by doing what he does best. He has a message that almost compels us to believe in him. And once he is elected President, we will finally know whether or not he is legit. Since Hillary is a known quantity, she will not be able to tell us what we don't already know about her. That's beginning to backfire on her, because it suggests that she has nothing new to tell us. Therefore, she can't bring in new voters. She can only try to keep the ones she already has. Unfortunately for her, Obama is stealing them away from her.
As 7 polls in the past 2 weeks have shown, Senator Obama has the best chance of defeating Senator McCain and preventing GEORGE BUSH – THE SEQUEL. Al Democrats know that snatching defeat from the jaws of victory this time would be treason.
Because we always fall for the smooth talking nice looking guy who smiles all the time and when he burns us we go back to our mother and cry about how stupid we were.
In my opion she has in some states but not in every state i think that each state is different so you cant base that she is losing all of these people in every single state in the United States.
Clinton
Kentucky
I have no idea frankly. She has spoken consistently to the people who rarely get listened to and yet everyone is moving to Obama. He is a very good pep rally speaker but I don't see how he's going to get anything done really. I think the propaganda has spread enough that make people think if they vote for Hillary: A) the repubs will come out of the woodwork and B) she can't win against McCain.
Well, Democrats out number Repubs and only very rich independants would vote for McCain because that is who the repubs stand for.
I think if people would really listen to the BS spewing from McCains mouth they'd realize he is all fear mongering and war mongering.
Fear and breaking our spirits and backs is what got us the nutjob we have now and got us into a war we didn't plan out. Don't do that again!
I think working-class voters are starting to realise that the Clintons brought us NAFTA which has been a disaster for American workers. she also voted for anticonsumer/antiworker measures like bankruptcy "reform" while in the Senate and that is blowing back at here.
Yes. She does seem to be having a hard time getting up and sitting down lately- figuratively and literally. But she can still walk and talk.
because the press is googly eyed over obama's talk, and they are not asking
the tough questions, just like the run up to the war. the media is failing to seek out the whole story,
bowling green,mo.
It could be because the media people (such a yourself) are saying so. It is easy to get discouraged from voting (or otherwise being involved in the process) when you are told by the media what is likely to happen in advance. I hope I live to see the day when the direction of our elections will be decided by the voters alone and not the talking heads on television and that the excitement of each caucus and primary . etc. will remain right up to the end and keep the voters, who really matter, interested and involved .
I'm Hispanic, and we need to wake-up and understand the Clinton's always bring scandal into the Whitehouse.... Time to move forward not go backward... Now the Clinton's are showing their true colors by going negative, how sad.... Obama is at least honest, progressive, and cares about the country... The Clinton's are too divisive... I want a leader that truly cares and goes against the status quo... We need to stop voting the same scandalis people back into office. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!
Jack, that is not so simple for most people, but we have been watching this historic event from the beginning. Many times there have been people, including women say, "I don't trust her". The blinders are starting to come off and people are seeing the entire forest instead of a tree in this game of life and the big picture is that the Clinton's are not trustworthy nor should they be back in the
White House. Not only that, she may say that she cares about people, but she is a slick Willie politician; which means that she is a paid self-servant. Hillary cares about Hillary.
If the Republicans want to win, then they had better start voting for Hillary.
Larry from Georgetown, Texas
Jack, I guess because most Americans finally have realized how ruthless and calculative Hillary is. She is far more dangerous than Rupublicans. She wants so much to be the Commandar of Forces. Well, maybe she is planning to start some new wars if she becomes President. That would not surprise me. And all her talk about supporting working class is just one of her many lies. I hope that people don't let her deceive them any more and vote for Obama who is honest, peace loving and honorable.
Jack she cant loose something she never had guess I will just stay at home that
day have no intentions of voting for Obama or (Bush Jr.) McCain.
As Obama started to look like he could win the election voters realized they didn't have to choose between the worst of two evils. Obama is as close to a third party as we will have in this election and change no matter how uncertain is better than what has been offered before.
Perhaps it is because they see Hillary Clinton for who she really is – Hugo Chavez in a pants suit.
Simple. Her message is old and tired. Her message represents the status quo of the Democratic party. Meanwhile Barak has a new and positive message, a message he delivers with the kind excitement and ebullience that we have not experienced in many years. Barak is the portrait of a leader. Hillary is little more than cariacature of a person who does not quite have what it takes. Oh, Bill has hut her too.
Hillary has moved too far to the right, she is beginning to sound like Margeret Thatcher. Abraham Lincoln once said "you can fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time but, you can't fool all of the people all of the time". Pay attention to those who got you were you were 4 months ago.
Jay Wayne
Escazu, Costa Rica
You're smart. CNN as rule is smart. So surely you remember enough Psych 101 to recognize 'the power of suggestion'.
If Hillary's tenuous grasp on the Democrats couldn't be eroded enough by the former President Clinton's antics (both historic and recent), media headlines proclaming the desperation of her campaign and the prophesy of her defeat ought to do it. She is neither my favorite candidate nor the last on my list of favorable candidates.However, she deserves to be accorded the same rights Mr. Huckabee seems to be gleaning: allow the voting public to decide without undue media warning that a vote for Clinton is a vote wasted.
Jack, if the Democrat voters felt Obama was a danger to winning the White Houlse, they would dig ditches and wash cars if necessary to give Clinton the necessary money, as well as their support, to successfully win the Presidential candidacy. However, people want to see an end to the Old Guard andObama must be doing something right, for he continues to gain support and his war chest grows. Clinton's only chance is to win future primaries and convince the voters that her experience is more important than his promises.
Jack,
Because she is The Past!! she does not represents CHANGE and Honesty! She voted for the war, she gave the arms to G.W. Bush to attack Iran, she supported NAFTA, she gets money form lobbiest, she has a shady past full of scandals, she has the worst fake smile and Because people have been getting to know Barack Obama!!! at the beggining every body knew the name Clinton... but know they know Barack Obama... and clearly the option is, like you say, a no brainer!!!
I feel like these groups feel used. They worked hard for her in the last spate of contests, and although she lost, that doesn't discount her supporters. After each loss, she has turned her sights to the next state, without a heartfelt thank you to those who worked so hard for her. Those in the losing states are seeing this, and those in the upcoming "rockstar" states are also seeing this. No one likes to feel disposable. Hillary's "anything to win" tactics are backfiring on her. Soft supporters are drifting to the opposition, and her base is beginning to feel abused.
MAYBE SOMEMORE FOLKS ARE WAKING UP;
WHOA !!!! The nomination for President is not over. You ain't seen nothing yet !! You are about to see how picking your states can get you the nomination, and it will be women to put Hillary over the top. I made you a wager about 2 months ago that was that McCain, and Clinton would be the nominees. I offered to bet you a $10.00 bill against a donut that would be the outcome, but you never took me up on it. Wanna double it?
It's very simple: Hillary Clinton, while accomplished and plugged in to the power circuits, does not have what America or its people as a whole need or want right. Americans are facing problems that are bigger than life, and they know she won't be around to save their world; they're smart enough to know there's not a politician alive who can or should lay claim to that. They know that after the hoopla and the general election, they're on their own. Again.
To bother getting out of bed one more day to deal with anything, people needs HOPE. Hope that things can change, and that they have the power and energy to change them. Barack Obama is giving them that, along with a sincerity (real or well-acted) that they can believe in. As for inexperience, he is surrounded by wisdom and experience and he does not use "I" when he talks about change; he talks about "we" and the American people can believe in that. It's absolutely wonderful to see them taking back their democracy. That can only help the rest of the world in these critical times.
Terri Cormier
New Brunswick, Canada
Yes, her base is eroding. As more people become educated about Sen. Obama. Listening to her speech the night that Obama swept the Potomac states, I could see and hear that she was upset.
Thing is this, Jack, people want CHANGE, and another Clinton in the White House is not change.
I am a 54 year old, woman, Latina, who is a registered Independent, I support and have donated to Sen. Obama!
Simply because she has been sending us up to two fund-raising letters a month ever since she left the White House. I've been sending her $10 or $20 a month since she was running against Rick Lazio. Republicans told New Yorkers not to vote for Hillary because she just wanted to be President by 2008. Polls said she would be President if she ran. I wanted her to be President. Now, it looks like we were wasting our money. Today, I got a fund-raisiing not asking for a gift of another $100. She sure knows how to write a good fund-raising letter.
Jack I think Hilary has started to lose her momentum amoung women, whites, etc because people young, old and of all races are finally starting to unite under one common thing – they want change. Hillary is stale. Her ego is huge. She can't be trusted. And believe me, coming from a 16 year old girl who lives her daily life surrounded by talented lying girls, I would know. Take it from me Jack. I would have been behind a Giuliani presidency, but McCain can't cut it, Hillary can't cut it, and Huckabee makes me laugh uncontrolably. Obama is the only sensable choice in this race. He is the movement that will change the face of this country. People are finally starting to unite behind that in mass numbers. You remember that. Love the blog Jack.
The answer is simplier that it would first appear, Jack. Even her now-former base has woke up and realized that she is an establishment figure, with an establishment husband who no one believes for one second will be a quiet "First Husband." We're not Argentina you know. Does anyone think that adding another four (or eight) more years to the twenty years of the Clinton-Bush "dynasty" is a good idea? Enough already. It's time to move on to new blood!
I just posted regarding Hillary's supporters feeling used and abused. I forgot to add my state and city. I'm from Madison, WI.
well, they finally remember that she is a calculated politician who will do anything to win an election. She is not to be trusted, she is not as authentic as Sen Obama. Also, i think they realize that she is done, she has no chance of beating Sen McCaine in the general election, Obama has shown signs of leadership, and a change in how the washington should be ran. Aslo, they realize that they both have similar plans except for going by it in a different direction. He has a stronger chance of winning the independent vote which is necessary to win these election. It will be a tragedy for the democrats to select another polarizing figure that may increase any chance for the republicans to win the white house again and put a finishing touch to the destruction that Bush has done. I think the damage is enough, its time for a real change.
Aruba,
Hillary Clinton's base is eroding because people are starting to realize she is not electable. Her biggest problem is that she lacks charisma and substance together. The differences in policies between Clinton and Obama are minor, and that is why Obama is winning. She will not be able to win against John McCain, if she becomes the democratic nominee. The war in Iraq will be the big issue, and she voted for it.
Go Obama!
Because people are starting to wake up and pay attention to her same old song and dance tune. I am hoping that my fellow Texans will wake up and vote out the same old rhetoric people. We need to go in an entirely different direction that we have been down the last 8 years.
I think Obama is picking up a lot of Edwards supporters. With Edwards out the only candidate left who represents real change is Obama. Most reasonable people believe if you really want change you have to start with something brand new.
I believe that by her ignoring all of these small states and the people in them. Has caused people to see her as so many others have since the beginning. Also after she loses she never thanks the people that did vote and support her.
Although many people believe Hillary Clinton would make a fine and very effective leader...they are also beginning to see that what we may have with Barack Obama is something special–something our country hasn't seen or felt since the 60's. After the last several years, our country needs to be united now more than ever and Obama seems to have the vision and certainly the voice to do it. I am a 46 year old white man and a still undecided voter...and whether someone is a white male, white female, hispanic, or whatever their gender or persuassion...when something special, like what this man seems to be creating comes along, the American people will want to join in!
The Clinton brand is stale. Too much baggage. Too much "two for the price of one.". Too many political debts. Too divisive.
It's just too late. Their moment has passed.
Jack
I think the pundents once again are jumping the gun. She had one state where the demographics shifted. That is not enough to say she has lost her advantages with her base voters. I am not a fan of Hillary but I see a rush to judgment to anoint a candidate by the pundents just as they did leading into New Hampshire. We all know what happened then.
Lets wait and see if she is really having a problem with Wisconsin. If that has changed then the pundents will have more to write on but it is way too early to call an end to Hillary yet.
Well today the real Hillary came out, she fired almost half a dozen shots across Obamas bow..but Hillary look out,Obama has ammunition to fire,and his is liable to land amidship!
You Wish!!!!
Nina Tyler
Arkansa
They are beginning to see through the facade and realize that nothing has changed. Just saying, "ladies, vote for me because I'm a woman" simply doesn't cut it, except for hardcore loyalists. She has not proven why she is not the only woman running for the job, but rather the RIGHT woman for the job. She couldn't get her big healthcare plan through the first 8 years and she won't now, not with those mandates. Her experience is strongly tied to Bill's Presidency, rather then her individual accomplishments, weakening her claim. Further, were she to run against the Republicans, every old scandal and piece of dirt would be brought back out, things Obama won't bring up but the Reps. will with salacious glee, true or not won't matter. Many of us don't want to face that embarrassment again. She has the shadow of Bill hovering over her shoulder, as if she cannot do this alone, and that does not generate an appearance of strength, but rather the "little woman" scenario. Her campaign wasn't handled well economically and now there is in-fighting going on, which infers poor management skills. But for me, the kicker was that she tends to reward blind loyalty rather than merit (her now finally defunct campaign manager is a case in point,) and that is far too reminiscent of the current administration, a very scary thought. When she started, it was a fun and thrilling concept, finally, a woman President. Then the shine wore off and stark reality is setting in.
Mr. Cafferty ,you never cease to amaze me with your pithy questions,Bravo! The answer is Sweet William and his attacks on Obama, he basically turned me off, and from the polls, the rest of the country. There also was the way, Hillary shunned Obama, and brushed him aside as one of her, "lesser " contempory's thruout her campaign. This my friend, has left a bad tasts in the publics mouth, and that ain't good, especially for the Queen's Coronation. As we say in Florida, "The Mighty Obama Hurricane", has caused some serious Beach Erosion, to the "Clintonion's Barrier Reef". Earl from Provincetown,Mass.
Clinton's base was Democrats united to defeat the Republicans in 2008. Now they see an alternative to Hillary who could possibly win against McCain. Same base, but for a different candidate.
Hillary won Super Tuesday
Hillary won Florida
Hillary won the Last Debate
Hillary was winning up to the last 3 primaries.
Hillary won in spite of Kennedy supporting her in Massachusettes
Hillary won in California inspite of Oprah
Hillary is still winning super delegates
Please....make her a star once in a while ... You should have Hillary on your show to answer these questions. You wouldn't do that though. It's easy criticizing someone when they have no way to defend themselves
I agree with you Jack about the air of inevitability we watched last year. And I think she did really well in the beginning once things got rolling. And then she fumbled in the debate at Drexel University, at that point, Bill came charging. She gained some momentum with him, and then things deteriorated with his remarks.
It seems since Bill's back behind the scenes, Hillary is lost. I also believe that she never imagined she'd ever find herself in this position – and she honestly has no idea how to rebound without Bill. She can't bring him out now and expect the voters to believe she's a competent candidate.
Tough situation. But what's the worst that could happen, its not like she won't have a job. If only the many unemployed Americans had her problem, right?
I'm not sure you can cite the Potomac Primary results as an indicator of what the base of remaining states will do. Most people around the beltway just don't like the Clintons. Wasn't that always a given? Come to think of it, there are alot of folks from their past who don't seem to like them anymore: Dick Morris, David Wilhelm, Ted Kennedy, etc.... Seems like a pattern to me, Jack.
Clinton will be out on the attack. Watch how ugly it will get with her desperate need to win, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin & PA. Hopefully people in those states have been watching Obama win the last 8 states and by large margins!
This registered Independent is voting for Obama. Because I want CHANGE, and change IS NOT : Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton. How can open-minded, clear thinking, intelligent people vote for Hillary when she VOTED FOR THE WAR?! Are you nuts?
Sen. Obama....... YES YOU CAN! Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin & PA...... join us, in the rest of the nation in sending a message to the "old politicos" ........ WE WANT CHANGE!
The Clinton Machine was rusty from the get go. They should have had it serviced before they hit road. It's time to park it.
President Clinton and Hillary are a team we should be blessed to have as truly experienced. We would be getting two people loved by "countries". Our economy was in the best shape when President Clinton was in offifce.
Don't knock these guys. They have handled our economy and international policies for years and don't have to be trained.
Our country is at war. Our economy is a disaster. I can't imagine hiring an inexperienced guy for minor decisions in my small business, why would any American hire a guy without any experience to handle the biggest financial problems and the war decisions.
It frieghtens me that Americans can't see that.
Let Obama be Vice President until he learns the ropes.
She lost me when she gave way to a low level of attacks. Not to mention her husband has lost some of his approval ratings because of it as well.
Tammie
MI
It could be that she was on the Board of Directors for Wal-Mart, or that her idea of experience is eight years as First Lady, or that her main campaign contributors are lobbyists, or that she comes across as disingenuous, or that her husband can't keep his stallion in the barn. But I believe that it is because America is waking up to the fact that Obama talks the talk AND walks the walk regarding his vision for America.
I don't believe she is. Look at the polls out today. Just because you want her to go away Jack does NOT mean she will.
Debby
Tulsa Ok.
Jack,
You stated exactly why she's doing all of this scrambling to get votes from her strongest demographic...she's on the verge of potentially losing the primary. As a registered non-partisan voter, I plan on voting for either Obama or writing in Nader yet again if Obama loses the primary. I liked some of the things Bill got done, but I think their baggage is getting far too cumbersome to bee effective in the oval office again.
Jack,
Voters exhibit their gag reflex when inundated with promises of being "Day-One-Ready" by Hillary while her journey to nomination stumbles into oblivion.
Perhaps Senator Clinton's arrogant New-York-State-Of-Mind big state fixation, the type that sank Giuliani, offends people.
The phenomenon we're witnessing occurs when tired, haughty and ineffective strategies are used over and over.
Jack, the media and the Obama campaign can use these exit poll statistics to fool the American public, but they're not fooling me. I know better.
These factually inaccurate statements about Hillary losing her base have no foundation. First of all, in Louisiana, three days before Maryland, Virgina and DC, the exit polls looked exactly like the exit polls from the last month. And all of a sudden, out of no where, Obama is cutting into her base. Are you trying to argue that Obama was able to do this all in 3 days? Yeah right.
These factually inaccurate statements about Hillary losing her base have no foundation from an empirical perspective. How can you compare the results of closed primaries to open primaries? You can't, there are different groups. If you take out the independents that voted and the Republicans that voted, the exit polls look very similar to the ones in past elections.
In the words of Bill Clinton: give me a break. What is this, 1984? With Obama's consistent contradictory statements in his speeches, and the media lieing with statistics, it's certaintly starting to look like it!
I'm an "Older American" Jack, so I'll give it a shot. I'm 57, and my wife and I both were Hillary supporters. Quite frankly, it's not that I don't like her, as so many appear to.
For my wife and I, it came down to Barack.
We weren't that familiar with him when the campaign began. However, once we took the time to listen to him, visited his website to see where he stood on the issues, and then started seeing how he was engaging all kinds of Americans (not just a specific group) – Whites, Blacks, Latinos, Asians, Young, Old, Rich, Low and Middle Income... Well, the more we saw and learned, the more we liked.
We believe that with Barcack in the White House, our children and grandchildren can see a great America again – If our vote for Barack helps make that a reality, that's what we're gong to do.
It amazes me that Clinton finds time to attack Obama because it's the only way she knows. When will the American public start seeing through her special interest and her obvious lack of knowledge about American politics. Ever notice she has no real answers to the issues. She only says repeatedly "I'm the most qualified for the position".
Her campaign needs to implode, WAIT!! It is!!!!!!
12 years of Bush + 8 Years of Clinton =Need for Change = Obama
She's losing women because the 'don't vote for me because I'm a woman' strategy backfired. She's losing whites because the 'it's not about race' strategy works. She's losing older voters because are the ones who can really remember her eight years as first lady where she completly failed to acheive universal health care, not to mention her 'stand by your man' attitude during Bill's shenanigans, as well as many other questionable dealings as a couple (whitewater?, travelgate?, filegate? anyone?). And it's those 9-to-5 work-a-day voters who make their decisions, at least in part, by who sounds best in the 30-second sound bites on the evening news. I think we all know who that is.
Jack, she might be losing some of her base simply because Americans are so used to listening to commercials and buy whatever the commercial tells them is the best thing since sliced bread. I believe the media has been selling Obama as the next best thing and frankly it concerns me. I would think all of these educated voters voting for Obama would look a little deeper than an inspiring stump speech or fresh face (yes, one very educated person I know voted for him because he was a fresh face). Just because you're educated it doesn't mean you have any sense.
I agree with your BEST POLITICAL TEAM .Once people know who and what Obama stands for after they give him an ear ...they realize that Hillary is just throwing gold dust in their eyes.I hope America is smart enough to dodge this very dangerous wicked with of the west
Good question Jack,
its only in the parts of the country where life is more comfortable than in others. In the Mid Atlantic we have become soft, life is good here the economy is great and the future is going to be bright no matter who's elected. I think most of us would like to make an attempt to right some old wrongs in our benificent way. Tuesday we had the choice to right one of two historical inequities and most chose one over the other. I think some time in the future we will be able to vote based soley on the policies of the candidates.
I dont think Hillary is losing them as much as Barrack is gaining them. Sen Clinton was well-known, as were her positions when, and before she entered the race. Those groups would still be with her if Barrack was not in the race. They were ready to support her against the Republicans, but after seeing Barrack Obama for a while, they are showing that they prefer him.
Hillary Clinton is exceptionally intelligent, has vast experience, and has gone out of her way to prove that she is a fighter. On the other hand, she has been unable to convince enough voters that she will lead a scandal-free Administration that TRULY is inclusive and treats everyone with fairness. A recent example was her refusal to congratulate Barack Obama after his wins this weekend, doing so ONLY after receiving intense criticism for the omission the next day. There is no doubt that how one behave under pressure, even in the seemingly small things, is who they REALLY are.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to trust. Senator Obama's wins indicate that more people trust him than Senator Clinton. The Electorate is willing to swap slightly less content for a LOT more hope and integrity; division for harmony; and the Old Washington Secret Handshakes for a fresh approach.
As a newly minted Obamacan, I can assure you that there is NO chance that Clinton would receive my vote in the General Election, should she become the Nominee. She simply brings too much baggage and an even larger sense of entitlement. Frankly, the population that holds similar views is MUCH larger than is currently believed.
Jim,Kansas: I get many fund raising emails from Obama's camp! So much for that argument.
Clintons base isn't eroding as much as the party has been split in half by two wonderful candidates. They both deserve our support.
And Jack, Psstt...don't tell no one. I'm off to send Hill another grand. Shhhh....
I viewed the district by district map, color coded for Clinton and Obama. I was surprised by the 50/50 nature of it. Why was I surprised? Because the media and pundits have written Sen Clinton's obituary again! This race is far from over by any calculation – remember the aborted victory celebration by Obama in New Hampshire. We've got a way to go. It would serve the public well if we count the votes first and discontinue the editorializing and prognosticating.
Kitty Hawk, NC
It's because of the "news" media, Jack. They've crowned Obama, given him a “free ride”, and positive TV coverage. Everybody wants to side with a winner, and you guys have certainly made him into a "winner". Start giving Hillary fair and equal coverage and watch her numbers go back to what they were before your slaughter. Then, maybe you all can start giving fair and honest coverage of both candidates!
hey jack the only thing i see eroding is the hair on your head. don't worry clinton be the next president. i don't know why everyone is saying obama would make history (hes just another man) quit playing the race card...clinton would sure be history( first woman president) and good one at that..shes been tortured by the media for years .shes one smart, tough lady. mccain better pull his boot straps up and get ready for her. the (women) will put her in . it takes a man to vote for her so i guess you'll be voting for obama. clinton 08........
Because the inevitability factor was all she ever had going for her. It works great until the media starts calling it into question every time you turn on the TV!
As people get to know more about Obama, the better they like him. The erosion has happened because she has totally given up on certain states. You have to fight for each and every vote, not just the votes in the bigger states.
What do you mean jack? I thought her run for the presidency was already over consider the way you and the media are reporting it. Yes Clinton's base is eroding, how could it not from the constant negative reporting on the Clinton's campaign while Obama is portray as the second coming of Jesus. Good work Jack.
Most people are puppies, they follow where they are either lead to or lead from. McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Arby's etc. all use the same color red in advertising. Perhaps something about that shade of red makes your mouth water when you see it. Perhaps something that Obama said makes you want to listen to it. Will the American public stop and ask themselves if they are really hungry or if they are being subliminally lead to believe they are hungry? Probably not considering all of the obese people living here.
Maybe because the horns on her head that was holding up that halo is starting to show, and I know that people in Texas, Ohio, and Pittsburgh are not that blind to see it or maybe they have forgotton that fact that it was her husband and her that supported the NFTA, she voted for war, whitewater and we should not forget the Monica L. that is three to many strike to me and their are more things with Clinton. I think it take common sense first to bring the people together first, all types and thin talk about the issues that faces all of us and thats what it looks like he is doing, once she get in that Whitehouse the true devil will appear.
Vic
Phoenix Az
It's a combination of old-style political strategy and the public's initial unfamiliarity with Obama's brain, charisma, and power to uplift people. Hillary's strategy was based from the gitgo on traditional Democratic politics: run for the senate, cultivate relationships across the aisle she could later call in for chits, and use quasi-Rovian whisper tactics to discredit Obama.
Bill's early mistakes lost them the black vote, but more importantly showed the country is now hip to Rovian tactics and doesn't get sucked in to them anymore. That left the Clinton campaign bereft. Obama's strategy is based on a community organizing model applied to the country, where you activate public outcry for policy change, thereby forcing legislators through political pressure across the aisle to bolster a blocked Democratic majority.
As Obama has became better known, his power to arouse positive emotion has begun to override old Clinton loyalty. On a visceral level, I think people–even those who like her–are tiring of Hillary's droning on policy specifics or anything else, and are asking themselves if they'd rather listen to her or Obama for four years. And that's a tough contest to win.
You see what I can’t stand about Democrats, the entire time Bush has been in the White House Democrats all over the country have been begging Hillary Clinton to run for president. They beat the presidential drumbeat until she relented and decided to run for the office. Now in typical fashion democrats have turned their back on her after stabbing her in her back, what a bunch of panty waist. I can only say if she is not the nominee you will see a resurgence of the Reagan Democrats except this time they will be the McCain Democrats of which I will be one.
Is her base erroding? I sure hope so. She talks about 35 years of "experience". Well look where we are with 35+ years of the same old thing. If i remember correctly it was just a few years ago she just made Senator in NY. Maybe if I could pad my resume like that I would have a job now.
The old Democrates or old Republicans win and it's the same old same old. We need a real change. Obama may not have this experince that "The Clintons" keep talking about and I see that as a plus. Maybe a fresh vision of how the government should work for the "people', you know..us common folks, is exactly what we need.
I see leadership in Obama. If anyone is going to be able to put together a staff that will force change it is he. Hillary seems to be the type that will only put in position those that will say yes to whatever she says and sing Hail to the Queen as she walks in the room. I want change! No more same old same old.
Obama in 08.
Hillary's campaign messages are as stale as she has proven to be and people are beginning to wake up and smell the coffee! Her ties with Corp. America and special interest groups are evident, the same with Billy Boy. Other than health care she doesn't cover any of the real issues.
she distances herself from illegal immigration but has stated there's no illegals in our country, just people!!! That did it for me and I'm sure for others!!!!!! Joy, Morrisville, N.C.
Machivelli said " That politics has no relationship to moral or values."
Hilliary Clinton has disapproved his saying. If there is no change, their is no growth. TImes are changing and America has to move forward.
People finally figured out that she's a Democrat in name only (DINO). She voted for the war in Iraq with the Republicans, favors giving citizenship to all the illegals with Bush, and voted with the Republicans on Iran. She is the female version of Joe Lieberman.
I keep hearing in the press that the more people see and hear Obama
the more they like him. I also think that the more people see and
hear Hillary the less they like her. I am one of those people ( white
woman) voted for her husband and planned on supporting
Hillary, but I am now Obama all the way! and amazingly so is my
Republican Dad!
Rhode Island
Clinton is in a downward spiral. I do not think that she will recover. It is too late to re-invent herself. Even amongst Latino voters she is no longer No 1. Texas may be the end.
I think a lot of people went with name-recognition at first on picking out a candidate. Many people knew of Hillary and not of Barack, so stuck with something safe.
But now people are getting to know Barack, really do want change in the White House, and would rather not have another Hillary/Bill Clinton administration again.
It was a nice novelty, Hillary, but now people are waking up for some real changes...and that ain't you.
Jack,
Don't make a big deal about the Virginia & Maryland votes. Both candidates split the vote. The deciding factor was the African-American voters. Their vote led to Obama's victory. I am still confident that she will be the nominee and she will show you how to come back from behind! Just wait and see!!!
Michigan
As more people see & hear Barack, it is easy to switch, his charisma is incredible. Her lead was not entirely from name recognition, but a lot of it was, remember Rudy leading for so long. Also there's kind of a desperate feeling coming from her side.
BJ from Florida
To some degree it might seem that way. I guess it depends on who you ask. She has a lot of supporters out there. I wish her well on this.
I support her.
The people that are pulling for Obama, they have a different view on things than others. I don't agree with Obama. I don't buy into his speeches.
MaryAnne
Connecticut
She is losing support because people have been witnessing her callous treatment of states and supporters that don't deliver for her. Her belittling attitude towards those that "don't count" is what's causing her drop in the polls. No one wants to follow a leader that continually tells hi/her how worthless they are.
Jack,
I have two words to say........ NAFTA ... NAFTA, We have forgotten about that,
Now her so called base voters are starting to see that.
Megan
Fairfax,Virginia
Hillary is loosing her base because she believed that this was OWED to her. Her attitude has been that base has always been there and always will be so she can focus on latino, asian, and black votes. She says talk is cheap, but her actions haven't been any better in this campaign.
Hillary is to much of a politician. She has a lot of, " experience" but that doesn't remedy into being a great people. Now the people are starting realize that one big quality about being a great leader is to inspire people and Obama is doing that.
I agree with George Wilson earlier. It's not over yet.
Mrs. Clinton has pretty good leads in some big states to come. And she's taking off the gloves now (not in a negative way, I think – though I thought the ad in Wisconsin was cheap) and she's going to continue to fight for every vote.
I think it will be very close and the coming debates and speeches will really help the remaining undediced Democrats decide in the coming weeks.
Let me ask you this George – is the wager still $10 for a donut on Mrs. Clinton beating McCain in November?
BTW: I've decided – Go Obama.
Hillary Clinton had the built-in advantage of her last name. People who didn't follow politics closely just supported her based on name recognition and/or memories of her husband's administration. But the more time Obama has to introduce himself to the people, the more people are drawn to him and away from the Clintons.
Read the latest polls for Ohio & PA.
The hysteria surrounding Obama & his empty promises is ridiculous.
Hillary is losing because she isn't as good a salesman like Barack. People have to remember he is a Politician and a lawyer, not the Messiah. He'll tell us whatever we want to hear to get elected, just like any politician. At least Ralph Nader, who isn't a politician, is getting in the race. Michael A. Chicago
I am not sure if the base would be eroding ... I think Hillary Clinton will be crying again on March 3rd and restore a good chunck of her base. I'd also not be surprised if she'd bring her mother out again in the commercials. On top of all that we will hear every promise you ask for and every false alligation you can imagine. The lid came off (again).
Jack, Hillary was a great first lady but that doesn't qualify her as our next President. Since she’s been on the campaign trail her message has changed, just to keep up with Obama, that’s why she’s losing her base. American’s are finally starting to wise up, we don’t need the same old thing. Any person supporting change & hope will be better than this guy (Clown) in office.
I don't know if Hillary will win the nomination or not but |I do believe that she would make a strong and experienced president. Perhaps Obama would be a great president also. However, I have listened to both of these candidates speak on numerous occasions and without a doubt, Hillary has a PLAN. I think the voters can indeed hold her accountable. Obama is an incredible speaker. He has the ability to incite passion and yes, even hope, but what does he ever say speciffically. I find that he speaks far too often in generalities. Even when he sometimes becomes more specific about his visions, I find that he seldom explains the "how" of it. Perhaps, this is due to lack of actual experience. I hope American voters think long and hard about their decisions. YES, the time is NOW to bring Hillary to the Whitehouse.
Hillary is to much of a politician. She has a lot of, ” experience” but that doesn’t remedy into being a great leader. Now the people are starting realize that one big quality about being a great leader is to inspire people and Obama is doing that. Obama is also a better match up vs McCain because they are different and McCain and Clinton are pretty much the same.
If Hillary get the nomination I'm voting for John McCain. I trust Hillary about as far as I can throw her. Enough of the Clintons.
Perhaps Hillary's supporters are realizing that it will take someone with charisma and eloquence to beat a moderate Republican like McCain. Obama seems to fit that bill. Plus, Clinton's harping about Obama's "inexperience" could be backfiring. Inexperience is always prefereable to bad experience, and she and McCain have plenty of the latter..
Momentum and the sense that Senator Obama is more electable may be the reason her base was eroded in the Potomac Primaries. Prior to Super Tuesday, there seemed to be a direct correlation between widespread coverage of (a) Senator Obama's endorsements, and (b) the general election poll projections which showed him outperforming Senator McCain, with (c) his performance in polls against Senator Clinton. The combination of his primary/caucus wins to date, along with reports of greater electability in the general would seem to be fueling some of his most recent gains among Senator Clinton's base. Additionally, some voters may just be acquiring an increased comfort level with Senator Obama the longer this race continues. There are regional differences among the states, so I'm not sure if this erosion will be reflected in upcoming primaries.
Regardless of why this erosion occured, I truly hope voters are exercising due diligence. The drastic swings in polls from a few weeks ago seem indicative of voters that can be easily swayed from one candidate to another. Now is the time when we are quickly passing the point of no return, and it is essential for investigative journalists to make sure the public has been provided with indepth and accurate information. Perhaps I'm an anomaly, but I still think much of the coverage has been superficial (the same limited number of questions and issues have been addressed repeatedly, but the coverage has never broadened in scope or depth).
Sharon
Trafalgar, IN
It's actually quite simple Jack. People are now beginning to realize that Hillary felt it was her right to be President. She doesn't care about the people, but only the power that comes with the White House. She was quick to write off FL and MI, but then when she realized she needed them, she claimed to be concerned about the ingored voter (BS). Later she completely ignored SC (and her staffers), because she didn't care about the people. Then it was every caucus State, and any Primary that she lost. Saying those States don't matter. The funny thing is, the States she claimed that mattered were bluer than blue. MA and NY would vote for Kucinich if he got the nod.
The bottom line is, she cares about nothing other than power. No thank you Mrs. Clinton.
I am 22 years old, my entire life, there has been a Bush or a Clinton in office, either as President or as VP. The more I think about it, the more I realize that it is time for change. I feel that more and more people, from all walks of life, are realizing that Hillary Clinton may be better than G.W. Bush, but she'll still be more of the same Washington insider we have far too much of for the last quarter century.
Perhaps her base is not eroding. Don’t forget Jack, Obama is telling people about a fselect few of her past votes. What he won't say is that at least she voted 'aye' or 'nay, and not just 'present' like he did so many times as an Illinois Senator. I suppose he was afraid to take a stand that could cost him in future elections. Also, Jack, you can’t ignore the recent groundswell he’s gotten on the African American votes. Could those votes be racially motivated, maybe?
If Hillary did not think it was important to campaign after Tuesday when half of the country still had yet to vote, then its because she left her base, not the other way around. Clinton just assumed the other states would automatically fall in line for her. After February 5, Obama was still going out to who ever would listen to explain him self and his message. He is appealing to all Americans not just half of America. And America is listening.
I think she was doomed from the start, no matter what anyone told her. Her husband did nothing signifigant, and even her base knows she will do the same nothing if allowed to serve as President.
Jack,
Folks are so tired of what's going on – and primarily NOT going on in Washington, that they're ready to find something new. Some hope of change. That's what Obama is offering. A new view, a creative and INTELLIGENT view from someone who cares.
Colleen
Madison, WI
Maybe that is why we go through this process a year or more before the election. We get to see how each person runs their campaign. What kind of organization they surround themselves with because that will be an example of how they will organize their staff in the white house. What can they bring out of those who work for them. What can they bring out of the American people. Those qualities are things you have to see over time. I believe initially people went for Hillary because they knew her better; had seen her more often; knew and respected Bill. Some because she is the best chance to have a woman in the white house. But those are superficial reasons and once the campaigns have gone on long enough someone begins to shine for reasons that are not superficial and that is what Barack has done. Begun to shine....his organization is exemplary and his ability to bring out the best in those around him is essential.
Jack,
She's losing her support because people don't believe she's the inevitable nominee anymore. People like to be associated with winners. Now that it looks like Obama is a winner, people are jumping on the bandwagon. If you recall, she used to have the black vote as well until Obama started winning and blacks realized he had a shot. Now the rest of the voters are coming along as well.
Most Americans are beginning to realize that Hillary has little chance of defeating Mccain in November, while Obama will trounce him.
Simple – they're finally waking up and expanding their minds to the possibility that life in the good old US of A doesn't have to include a Clinton.
Consistency is a powerful force. Obama started his campaign with change as a theme, and it is still his theme.
Hillary was the candidate of inevitability
Then the candidate of experience
Then the candidate of change
Then the candidate for the economy
Every time you switch messages you lose credibility. Do it enough and you lose your support.
Jack you surprise me riding the wave of political emotion is unlike a seasoned pendent. Hillary is ahead by double digits in the Ohio and Pennsylvania polls released today the Potomac Primary was unique wait until after March 4th, then ask your question.
Dwayne
Michigan
Well, when the rats are jumping off the ship, the sailors follow. Its going down, and everyone knows it.
I don't think she is losing ground. The nuts are coming out to vote for Obama. He attracts the wrong kind of voter and we will all have to pay the price if he wins.
Problem is that the more you see of her, the less you like her. Obama is a pleasant contrast.
Clinton is starting to lose her advantages because people are finally starting to realize that she is in fact nothing like her husband when it comes to politics. The band wagon is shifting over towards Barack's side of things and she should hop on while she still can.
I think it's because the more you know about Hillary the less you wish you knew. Here is a woman who wants the minimum wage to be $9.50 along with her expensive health care plan. Clinton is hoping that the American people will see the purpose of this medicine and take it while ignoring the horrific likely side effects. What the Washington elite seem to forget is that America isn't totally stupid.
She's lost her support because people are sheep! Obama is a fad and by the time people figure out he doesn't have any substance, it will be too late. I wondered how the Democrats were going to find a way to screw up this election, and by golly, they managed to find a way.
Because her support was ALWAYS a mile wide but an inch deep - and that never shows up in polls, due to the way they ask their questions. Bruce in San Diego.
Hillary Clinton has done such a poor job running her campaign, people are now realizing it is the same job she will do from 'Day One' with the presidency!
I think it is obvious: they are getting to know Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama better. They are looking deeper into both of them, and they find Mrs. Clinton shallow and power-hungry, where they find Mr. Obama to be a true public servant with the best interests of all at heart: not just the audience he's talking to at a given moment.
Jack
Hillary will continue to turn off electorates who are tired of her devisiveness and her bickerings. Americans need unity and what Hillary is offering is he complete opposite
Didn't you Americans have a Revolution 200+ years ago because you were sick of dynasties?
Adam from Canada
Two things come to mind. The first one is that the Clinton's have always robbed the middle class and rich to feed the poor. I call that the Robin hood syndrome. The poor can not get you elected. The second thing is that Hillary Clinton has said little to nothing about illegal immigration. She is campaigning in a border states with lots of legal voters who think illegal immigration is pretty dammed important. If she loses Texas it is all over but the crying for the Clinton's. Illegal immigration is killing our economy and she has turned a blind eye to it.
People want to back a winner, Jack!
What trend? It happened once, although on a few states. Obama victories during the weekend made part of her 'base' jump on the bandwagon. Clinton's base has no knowledge of the issues, however. Some not even sure who is running. I was talking to this 58 year old Clinton fan who thought Bill was running but decided to let Hillary do the talking this time.
Because Obama has one ingredient that Hillary cannot produce with all her pleading and tears... sincerity.
Martin – Taylorsville, NC
Without a doubt she is losing ground beneath her feet. It was obvious from the antics of her husband which just proved she does not have a strong enough presence to over thake her husband. Don't get me wrong I loved Bill, but Hilary, man I cannot stomach that at all.
I disagree with your analysis. Obama has benefited from the hype of the media and the constant negative press that you give to Hillary. And yet, she is still hanging in there and we shall see if you can influence even more people by the half lies and innuendos that you and Obama keep repeating. If the democrats end up electing Obama, he will lose just like McGovern. Obama cannot win the general election, so if you are successful, then we shall see Pres. McCain, because Obama is all talk and just another slick politician, sort of reminds me of Bill Clinton in that regard. Hmmmm? Its really the men who don't want a woman to be Pres because they probably know a woman would do a better job.
Its simple Jack, Clinton has completly polarized the Democratic base by telling them that she was the only choice. She played the election as a game already won and voters didn't bite. Once Obama demonstrated a passion for change, people found something they wanted to hear and stuck to it like herpes to a hookers lips.
This election will go down in history for all the wrong reasons. Sen. Clinton is still the target. I am beginning to think that Sen. Obama is not in any danger of having a bad spot done on him.Why is that? This guy takes the lead, and still the question is about Hillary. The people deserve way more than their getting. We can do this. Together we can.
Well, her base is eroding because people are finally starting to see who the better candidate really is, as I've known all along.... Obama will be taking the oath come next January, not Clinton.
Well gee, Jack the answer's simple:
The voters are finally seeing the light and want to vote for change, not another 8 years of the same two-family dynasty; Bush:Clinton:Bush. They're ready for a new kind of politics.
Go Obama!
Very simple Jack. The American people start to understand that Hillary is not electable. Hillary does not have a strong case to prove to the American people that she can be the Commander in Chief. Unlike Mr Obama, he has what you can call the capability and intergritty. The American people see a future when it comes to Mr Obama. I,myself,see fondamental change when it comes to him. I personally think that Hillary should set aside and let the Commander in Chief proceed w/his mission
She is losing votes because people are finally seeing her for what she is–a part of our past, not our future. Also, I don't believe a single words that comes out of her mouth. I think she would do anything to get into the White House. Anything. The only thing she cares about is the power. Not people.
Those of us who fit under one or more of those categories are starting to realize that Hillary stands for "politics as usual". We are seeing Obama in a new light. A light of change. And what we crave right now is definitely change.
SIMPLY................CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.......YES WE CAN!!!!!!!
Jack, you said it all! The Hillary campaign was designed to get re-elected as an incumbent! Her natural constituency (Women and party line democrats) noticed the fact that – once 10 defeats stacked up it became obvious to all that the Empress was wearing no clothes...
The more she talks voters hear the same old hot air coming from each candidate; Democrats are going to elect McCain!
I think people are finally realizing what a Hillary Clinton administration would be like. More of what we have already seen from the Clintons. It became painfully clear in South Carolina. It's time to move on and Obama is our only chance of doing that.
Hilary and Bill lost me when they just got so negative and ugly and Obama sounded so hopeful and positive. He made me feel good again to be an American. It reminded me of that Hilary and Bill circus from the 90's.
Just look at South Carolina and you could see the worst Clinton elements surface. The Public has responded in kind, with rejection.
The large states she won, NY,California etc, are attributed to great organization and hard core loyal devotees, a throwback to machine old time politics.
The Clintons mythology has now been exposed and destroyed. Everyone, including the committed superdelegates will bale out.
Jack, Hillary is losing votes because of what she did not do when she lost the primaries or caucuses. She FAILED to even mention or thank the voters of the states where she lost. She did it again when she lost the Potomac primaries. I regret voting for her and would take my vote back and give it to Obama, if I could. She promises to work her heart out while her heart is simply interested in power to boost her own ego. I will vote for the war hero McCain if Hillary wins the nomination.
As a 60 year old woman whose mother and mother-in-law, sister and daughter, blue-collar husband and military son are all Barack supporters, I have an answer. We never were Hillary's base! Seriously, we resent the idea that a "machine" thinks it owns our votes.
Jack, I think that everyone is just following the "Hope n Change" theroy, or that magic dust everyone is picking up. Yet you guys said the same thing about Obama, McCain, Huckbee, & Ron Paul..Ron has been way out, yet he's there to make a point. So let's see?, can't wait. Democrates 08/09.
I think it is only a matter of voters finally getting to know Mr. Obama. There is a better candidate in the running, and that is no fairytale.
The voters are simply selecting the candidate they think can win the race to the white house, and it is not Mrs. Clinton. She represents the past. Obama is the future.
I believe America has serious problems at home and abroad. The problems can only be addressed with intelligent solutions as well as an ability to be able to listen to the other side and not demonize them. While both Hillary, Obama and John McCain offer intelligent if differing alternatives, only two – Obama and McCain offer them without the vitriol and demonization of the other side. It's time to move beyond Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton so as to make A,erica both great and feeling good again
Tom Kilian
Ogdensburg, NY
I think there are two answers here. The first is that, as Obama has become better known, voters who'd identified as Clinton supporters have been convinced by Obama's rhetoric. It seems clear that the longer he's out there on the trail, the better he is known, the better are his fortunes. I also believe that voters in those 'contested' blocs–minorities, lower-income voters, etc.–have been turned off by the campaign tactics of the Clinton machine–marginalizing Obama as the 'race candidate,' Hillary's self-donation of 5 of her 35 million dollars to the campaign, etc. None of this has been consistent with her message, and I think people are taking notice of that.
Hillary is losing these vote(rs) because she is opening her mouth more and more, and more and more the wrong things are coming out. I knew she would eventually bury herself, and she is succeeding in doing just that - with Bill's help, of course. He also needs/needed to keep his politically [in]correct mouth shut!
Clinton is losing out now because people are waking up to the fact that the same old political players won't change the game in Washington. Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton. What is this a monarchy? Are these our royal families? It is time for a change. It is time for new blood. Obama might not really do all that he inspires but he does represent a REAL change and that is what people are hungry for. In other words Obama may be a mistake in the end but at least he is a NEW one.
Sure we're ready for a woman to be leader. Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi and Golda Meir were leaders. We just aren't ready for a blonde.
Jack, maybe people finally began to realize that what Senator Clinton was touting with her "experience" and "ready on the first day" approach would not work with today's issues. She offers universal health insurance but can she do that without congressional approval?
She offers experience to deal with terrorists but wasn't she part of the Clinton team that let Bin Laden get away in the first place? Maybe it's time we finally had somebody who wasn't locked into the past, or who didn't feel the need to pander to get votes.
If November is McCain vs Obama, it will be a fun fall.
PS Absolutely loved the book.
Terry Hansen
If Senator Obama got the criticism and scruitiny that Hillary has gotten, you may not be asking this question! Let face it, the press and networks have given him free ride! Apparently all the negativity has taken it's toll on a qualified candidate!
I hope the voters in TX, OH and PA will take charge of this election and turn the tide! Wonder how the press will handle a Clinton sweep in these States!
Let's face it, for all the talk about "change and hope", Senator Clinton is the only remaining candidate that can actually make it happen!!
Hilary is loosing to the sexism. Most men will not vote for a woman because they have that mentality that a woman does not have what it takes to be a commander-in-chief. I don't think that her husband has anything to do with it. Hee situation just happens to be unique. Who does have an expresident as a spouse? I never believe that Mr. Clinton's comments were racially motivated. Saying that Jessie Jackson did win SC was a fact, and such allusion was made for many previous candidates. I think Hilary has to go around in Wisconsin and talk about her experience, the economy, health care, education. I cannot send my son back to school because he lost his financial package from Penn and we still cannot find a way around his past bills to go back to school. He has to come up with the $15,000+ before he can return. I am afraid to go to the doctor–I have health coverage from Illinois State–because by deductible/copay is too high. I am not comfortable to see my family doctor because I own him money. I cannot even go for my routine tests or exams because by deductible is too high. My hospital bills now are way too high and we cannot pay them. She is the best candidate to bring changes. We don't need any puppet in the white house. We need a candidate that can be a president on the FIRST DAY!!!!!!!!!
Jack, people say Obama is a uniter. When I go to his website he has a section called people and you click it and a list comes down of what race you are and you are suppose to click there and find out how Obama has helped that group of people. I am a white male and white males are not listed. Asians, African-Americans, and Women have a section but not the white male. Should he put a white male section on his website? No, he should have not areas for race groups. He is a divider or maybe he is a uniter but it appears he does not want to include the white male. I know in these days it is not PC to talk about the plight of the white male but here it is. Clinton's base is not eroding but Obama's will if he is elected President and everyone finds out he does not know how to perform his job duties. Did GM get an outsider with no experience to be CEO or does anything other company do this? No and being President is just another job that requires experience and more than smooth. No amount of his smooth talking will stop the war or obtain health care.
Hillary is supposedly the favorite among lower-income voters, Barack is supposedly favored by upper-income voters. Yet the vast majority of Obama's campaign contributions have been from small-dollar donors, people like me who have given several times in smaller amounts, because I can't afford to do more. The advantage of that kind of fundraising is two-fold: one, as you have momentum on your side as Obama does now you can keep asking your donors to contribute more because they haven't maxed out like Hillary's have; and two, you have greater numbers of people feeling personally invested in the campaign. It's a formula that Hillary, for all her 35 years of experience, is just figuring out now, and it could very well burn her right out of this race.
I think part of it could be the nature of the primaries. Ever since Iowa, it has been apparent that independents prefer Obama by a wide margin, and that this preference supersedes any other demographic characteristic (such as race, age, etc.). Virginia was a completely open primary, so there was a much greater proportion of independents (and even Republicans) voting in the Virginia Democratic primary than there was in (for example) California. In addition, the Republican primary was all but sewn up when Virginia voted, and in favor of the candidate that independents prefer, so there was even more incentive for independents to vote in the Democratic Primary.
Does this observation explain everything? Probably not, but Clinton can't be happy that Texas (like Virginia) has an open primary.
I believe Hillary's campaign is doing the right thing by focusing on the larger more delegate rich states. Winners win right? However, Obama is showing integrity by going to every state to spread his message of change, to get young and new voters involved in the process.
He's looking for the win, however at least he's not making it obvious like Hillary "Lets skip 3 states." Clinton.
Yes, Jack, Hillary's losing her edge. She and Bill are arrogant, haughty and vain. They deserve each other. We will see no difference between her performance, if elected, than we have received from George W. She kissed off the Potomac primaries. We all watched and we will remember. In 2006, I asked the democratic leaders if they had a plan. No one answered, Jack, not even "Smiley Face" the former Vermont governor. Ugly? Jack it's going to get downright mean. That's the only way the Clintons know how to play. The Cat's out of the bag!
Dr. Lyman Baier
Pleasant Hill, TN
karen in Fairfax
get your facts straight, Obama is runninf a classic karl Rove campaign he is even rehashing the same promises Bush made Lets see “Changing Washington and the way things are done in Washington” to “Unite us as a country” to “End partisan politics and gridlock in Washington” and to “Bring Honor and Integrity back to the White House” seems like the last time I heard that we got George W Bush.
Hillary's decline among these groups of voters is due to 1) Obama's visibility in rock-star like gatherings that are usually televised throughout the state as well as on shows like CNN, et al; and 2) Her campaign organizers failure to realize that name recognition and visibility are two separate things, with visibility being more important.
Hillary base is not eroding; it is were it has always been, strong. Clinton runs on real experience while Obama just talks with no record to back up his vision. Hillary's base is still strong in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania judging by polls that came out today (Quinnipiac University poll). I think the real problem lies in the democratic penalties imposed on the states of Florida and Michigan. Why can't their voices be heard? Both states that went to Clinton.
I suppose that they are buying into the promises of Obama,listening to the half truths of his voting record and "jumping on the band wagon" wanting to be part of something that all the pundits harrold as inevitable you have all sceded the nomination to Obama. I would prefer someone like Hillary who at least have an idea what she will be facing than someone who takes support from the very people he says he is against.Give the lady a break Jack ,she's the best one running. Webb Lacarne Ohio
because I love my son, I support the candidate who will be able to do what she promises, and as soon as possible, because there are many Americans who are facing real dangerous or precarious situations on a day to day basis and can't afford to wait for their President and Commander-in-Chief to learn on the job
Jack,
The reason Hillary is failing is because the news and media are bashing her all the time If Bill or Chelsa campaign for her the press are always negative but i9f obams or miclelle campaign they get about five minutes of praise
The only states that will get a positive election are Florida and michigan both canidated promised not to campaign in the states.
Hilliary won both states She went to Florida AFTER the elections to thank the ones who voted for the media reported she went there to CAMPAIGN But obama ran ads there and rode all over Florida in cardboard cut outs DID WE HEAR THE MEDIA SQUAK I THINK NOT That is one reason why Hillary falls GIVE FAIR COVERAGE AND LET THE BEST PERSON WIN
Jack, I think the people see the kind of "Clintonian" campaign she's running and conclude, not this time. Been there, done that.
Judith C.
Denver, CO
Hillary Clinton is loosing her so-called base because people are starting to really think about the World ahead with foreign policy. We need someone who can bring people and maybe the world. People who have been tuned into the news would know is best between Senators Clinton and Obama. People like understand where the U.S. needs to go and "Change". Senator Barack Obama is the only candidate I feel could succeed at this.
Carroll
Washington, D.C.
Let's look at reality for a change. Obama is the Pied Piper – grabbing up the young kids and offering nothing more than a pep-rally for change. CHANGE FOR WHAT? WHAT KIND OF CHANGE DOES HE HAVE OFFER? What do these kids know about mortage foreclosures? What do these kids know about health insurance? Are they even aware that insurance companies are constantly turning down Rx's that the doctors write? What do these kids know about trying to pay the bills when you're on a limited income and prices of everything keep going up, up, up? What do these kids know about how poor kids have a disadvantage in this country? Maybe, just maybe, you in the media could start asking the tough questions rather than glamorize the new kid on the block and give Hillary some credit. She is NOT Bill...get over it!
Don't mistake pundits attitudes for candidates attitudes. No one in their right mind believes the polls. Sen. Obama is taking these votes as his message is gaining more coverage. Sen. Clinton has a strong organization, but Obama has put together a good campaign strategy and has himself grown stronger over the campaign. Media attention drives public opinion, but Iowa proved that personal attention by candidates drives votes which then begets media attention.
Jack,
Hillary "I'm ready on day-one" Clinton asked us, over and over and over again, to look at EXPERIENCE. So, for the past few months we have.
Voters have seen an arrogant, entitled, pseudo-incumbent, formerly front-running campaign which peaked months ago and has been sliding ever since. She simply cannot grow her base. Voters see Hillary still "seeking her voice" while firing staff and replacing them with more old cronies.
When voters see her pretend that the last three primaries simply didn't happen, they must wonder what she will do in a national crisis. Simply pretend it didn't happen and move elsewhere? Send her husband to patch it up? Maybe just beam negative attack ads at them.
Voters outside Illinois barely knew Barack Obama until a few weeks ago. While labeled "untested," he had a plan, articulated his plan, and has taken his $100+ million business and run it with class, style, consistency, and ever-increasing growth.
The contrast in leadership style is glaring.