Lone Star state Clinton’s last stand?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Clinton says if his wife doesn't win Texas in a week and a half, it's over. And in case you've forgotten, Bill Clinton knows something about campaigns and elections.
At the moment, polls show Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama practically tied in Texas.
And while she hopes to get a big share of the Latino vote, there are factors in Texas that actually might tend to favor Obama. For example, Texas has its own unique system where two-thirds of the delegates are decided on the primary results. The remaining one-third are based on the results of caucuses that take place that night. Obama has killed Clinton in every caucus state but one.
Texas is also an open primary, which means independents and Republicans can vote. We've seen this type of contest work to Obama's advantage time and time again. Think Wisconsin.
And Texas Democrats have set up a system that rewards parts of the states that have voted heavily Democratic in the past with more delegates – places like Dallas and Houston, which have lots of African-Americans, and Austin, which has lots of white liberals. Advantage Obama. On the other hand, low Latino turnout for Democrats in the past two elections means some of those districts are awarded as few as 2 delegates each.
Here’s my question to you: Bill Clinton says if his wife doesn't win Texas, her candidacy is doomed. Is he right?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Andrew writes:
There is no doubt that Texas is, quite appropriately, Hillary Clinton's Alamo. Not only is she falling behind in the delegate count, the recent primaries in Virginia and Wisconsin have raised questions about the loyalty of her base. If she can't decisively win among Latinos and working-class Americans on March 4, there is no reason for her to continue.
Blake from Texas writes:
I think so. However, I do intend to help get Hillary a Texas victory. I think she is a well-respected leader and has the necessary experience. I think Hillary is in the position she's in, a losing one, because the media in general have focused all their attention on Obama.
Dan from Colorado writes:
Actually, he is wrong, Jack. She has already lost. To go from so far ahead, to be losing at this point in time, makes it clear that she has already lost and is only staying in for her own ego.
Uche from Brooklyn writes:
He's right, Jack. For the first time in this campaign, Bill Clinton is right.
A Texan from Fort Worth, Texas writes:
It's doomed. Texas won't support Hillary. Too many people down here despise Clinton politics and remember Bill for all the wrong reasons. Any margin of error is skewed.
Bibi from Texas writes:
Pretty much. I hope Texans don't drink the Kool-Aid and that they vote for the most qualified candidate. There are too many red flags on the Obama side.
J. from State College, Pennsylvania writes:
Of course. Like they say, everything is bigger in Texas. That includes the stakes for Hillary.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Yes and if Don Meredith was still on Monday Night Football, he would be warming up to sing, "Turn out the lights, the party's over."
Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX
He's right about Texas. However, notice that he's trying to blame the Texas voters if she loses. It's not their fault – it's HIS fault!
Let's put it this way: Hillary's new theme song should be "Bye Bye Bye" by N'Sync!
Yes, if Hillary doesn't win Texas, stick a fork in her as she'll be DONE!
I don't think there's anything Clinton can do at this time. I feel people are picking the candidate who motivates them. I also feel that all the back room cheating, arm twisting and negative advertising she keeps running is working against her and working for Obama because it points out the same old politics. The very thing he’s against and he simply ran his campaign from a voter view. Also he set his campaign up based on, honesty and integrity, he shows that he is listening when we speak, how can you compete against this?
Yes, since Barack Obama is not only catching up with Hillary. But is also increasing his lead with every victory he gets in the primaries and caucuses. People are driven to someone who promises them hope and a vision of what this country can be. Barack Obama is that candidate of hope and he will beat John McCain. Because Obama offers something new while McCain and the republicans offer more of the same.
He is right, as usual. Like Davey Crockett and all them there other heroes, from a Texas viewpoint, she is making her last stand. Like Crockett and all them there other heros, too, her defeat will be long-remembered. Hopefully it can be used to help galvanize the Democrats.
Well Jack, I think he is right. Maybe he has regained his political savvy and is reading the writing on the wall. With so much MO Barack has going it will be very hard for the Clintons to beg, threaten or buy the super delegates.
He also has his own legacy that I think he wants to keep. I don't think he wants the last part of that legacy to be he was part of tearing the party apart. Most politicians are self interest first. The Clintons are prime examples of that.
Charlotte, NC
Jack, I was born in San Antonio, Texas, you know, the home of the Alamo, where there once was a last stand. She should just save what is left of whatever character she has and surrender instead of getting slaughtered like Davey and Jim did.
Hillary is already doomed, I believe that she must win and win at a huge margin. How else could she possibly spin the fact that if she wins but barely, she is still in the race? How do you lose 10 contest and say that im ready on day one? She is not even ready now!! She can not even handle her campaigns finances, how do we put her in charge of our or I should say the country's finances? "WOW" thats a scary thought! She can not even keep her cabinet or camp team together now. Hillary's top people are leaving her camp not to mention the superdelecates! I am sorry she is just not ready, she took this whole campaign for granted, as well as Obama, that in it self tell's me that she is not ready to run this country!!!
I can't beleive that he say a such of thing. Makes feel Texan guilty if they vote for Obama.. Shame on you Mr. Clinton,
By the way Know what Bill , the White House is not yours.
He is right in the fact that it will be the "last nail" to be driven in her political coffin. Custer had his last stand; and Texas will be Hillary's. Her campaign has been serious wounded by the geniuses who are running it. Texas will end her "misery."
Absolutely, her campaign is over now. They are only making a big deal of Texas because it is a bigger state. However, if she loses Texas how do you explain her winning, losing 26 out of 37 states, less delegates, less votes. This will upset the voters and discourage us to show up in November, I personally think they will be cheating if she continues.
St. George Ontario, Canada
Yup.
Smart man.
her candidacy is already "doomed", the Clinton's just will not admit it. she would have to win EVERY remaining primary or caucus by almost 65% inorder to catch Obama.
and if they use these so called "Supers Delegates" or get the rules changed so the Michigan and Flordia rule breakers delegates are counted to steal the nomination from Obama, the Democratic Party will be DOOMED.
MAYBE JACK BUT PEOPLE MAY WAKE UP TOMORROW WITH THE BRAINS GOD GAVE THEM AND SEE WHAT THE CLINTONS HAVE ACCOMPLISHED FOR THEM AND QUIT FOLLOWING A PIDE PIPER FULL OF FANCY TALK MOST OF IT OTHER PEOPLES WORDS,
Jack,
he is right and this is going to back fire for the Clinton's! because she is going to loose and then she is not going to quit the race!!! and she will have to say that it was her "intent" to leave the race!!!
No, Bill bring about Hillary's doom period. If one thing I would have thought Hillary would have learned is NOT to let that husband of hers speak! Yet, Bill continues to clear the path towards Hilary’s demise each and every time. Some voter’s may not have connected the dots that Bill Clinton was her husband… they sure do now! Ugh…
Sherrie F.
Eugene, Oregon
Bill Clinton. Whose race is this anyway? If I was a Clinton supporter..which I'm not....I would want Hillary's input, not the ex-President's speaking for her. It just shows you IF she pulls this nomination off, what we're in for. The 1st Man should stick to quotes like.."I' m really proud of American" and "I'm not upset with voters, I'm upset with the so and so newpaper or TV network" and leave the running of the campaign to herself. Besides, she has to get used to doing things this way IF she want to run this country.
Jack,
This week, yes! But when they lose Texas I'm sure we'll get another reason for staying in it. Clinton is banking on the super-delegates and won't let go before the convention in Denver.
Jack,
Texas is the biggest of the remaining big three. If Hillary loses Texas I believe her current campaign is finished. I just hope that she realizes that as well and drops out if she does indeed lose there or in Ohio (another must win in my opinion). She is a very good candidate and I think will be again if she does exit before fighting a losing battle all the way to the convention. If she does fight all the way and ends up on the losing side I do not think she will have a chance at running again. She will have damaged the Democratic Party but fighting past the time when it has become obvious that the nation has spoken and does indeed want change and Democrats will remember that in the future making it very difficult for her to run again.
She needs not only Texas, but Ohio as well. And she needs to make a powerful statement in both states. Marginal wins may not bring her the prize in Denver. She will not be successful.
BTW, the fat lady is not yet singing, but I do hear her warming up her vocal chords.
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Yes Jack, Bill Clinton is right and to some extent Hillary's self-imposed standard on winning both Texas and Ohio are contributing to it. I respect the Clinton's for finally coming to terms with Hillary's prospects for winning the nomination as by each day it appears gloomy. But at least Bill is willing to say that they wont drag this contest all the way to the convention and if they dont, they will probably retain their respect within the party. We'll see if in fact Hillary loses these states, she'll do the right thing and pack up the tent.
Every pundit on the tube has been saying that the Texas-Ohio tandem is her last gasp. And on top of that, she can't just squeak by. If Obama wins by 10 points or more, she should be gracious and drop out of the race and unite the party. Judging by her delegate count, she would make one heck of a VP; I just hope she doesn't trip over her ego on her way to the convention.
Not only is he right, Jack... Hillary knows he's right.
Perhaps he can also help her to understand that trying to prolong this after March 4th, when she loses Texas, is not only bad for the Democratic party in November... It would also be bad for her political future.
Hillary is getting a dose of humility and reality. She should have fired the folks heading up her campaign after Iowa.
Obama is the only one who can win at this point. If Hillary wins Texas and Ohio, (seeming more and more unlikely) and she brings the fight to the convention, there will be a civil war within the democratic party. In that case, there will be no winners. So again, at this point Obama is the only one who can win.
I certainly hope so.
People still need to have a sense of who Hillary really is. It would be good to hear more details of her plans and less of the same o, same o 'puts me to sleep' quotes! Everyone agrees Hillary is smart, but we also need to feel a sense of trust and a touch of warmth. Chelsea obviously worships Hillary; perhaps Chelsea could help Hillary express those traits to us voters.
Monterey, TN
She's already dead Jack, she just refuses to fall down. After she licks her wounds & sour grapes her way through the "It's because I'm a woman" thing, she will continue to be a fine Senator for the State of New York.
Who are we to second guess the most skilled and gifted politician of our time? (And I don't mean that in a good way.)
I think Clinton said 'Texas and Ohio' Jack, so maybe there's still a little hope. But, who knows what can happen in a few days. Maybe the New York Times is holding back something big on Barack Obama, too. But, then again, if they keep true to form, we won't find out until after we pick him, too.
Oh, well.
Mike in AZ
Clinton's candidacy is already doomed. She's already lost every election since Super Tuesday by landslides. I don't know how she expects TX to be any different. After tonight's debate where Latino voters will become more familiar with Obama, who had better answers on immigration during the last debate, she's going to drop quick.
Jennifer Hernandez
Mossyrock, WA
Yes! I would NOT argue with the Comeback Kid. The nomination is "Slip Slidding Away" from her, say goodnight Hillary!
That is the first time Bill Clinton ever said anything of substance that was accurate. Texas will be a close race but all the people I talked to today at early voting were getting a republican ballot and a republic stamp on their voter registration card. Hillary and Bill have united the Republican party and should be commended. All it took was the threat of Hillary and Bill getting back into the White House to bring us all out in masses in Texas to vote against them.
I believe if Clinton has anything on Obama now is the time to bring it
because Texas is her Alamo.
L.M.,Arizona
Her candidacy was doomed weeks ago, when she decided to ignore the smaller states. Why should people vote a for a person that has based their campaign on larger delegate states? I often hear Sen. Clinton speak of working third shift for the people of the United States. This statement, along with many others made by her, are hard to stomach, especially when she has not (until recently) given any attention to the smaller states. Your actions speak louder than your words. I know opponents of Obama often speak that he is a great orator, but lacks experience. Yes, this may be true, but the reason soo many Americans have become supporters of Sen. Obama is because he gives his attention to all people, no matter the number of delegates their state can boost his campaign. For example, he has visited Kentucky numerous times within this past year, but not once, can I recall, hearing of Sen. Clinton giving time to Kentucky. If she has been here, maybe she sent one of her two puppets (Bill/Chelsea) to do the work for her. I will go on the record, as fact, that Sen. Obama has voters in the state of Kentucky that heavily tap into what Sen. Clinton has deemed as her supporters. Sen. Clinton's ACTIONS do not show experience, instead it shows laziness and dishonesty. And, for these reasons I hope her chance to win the nomination is over. I am sure President Clinton, knows better than us all. So, her campaign ,st be in big trouble-maybe I bet now she believes in HOPE.
-Aisha
Louisville, KY
Hillary is an expert political player. She publicly supports issues that are important to her target voting blocs rather than address the issues that are critical to all voters, such as outsourcing of jobs overseas. She needs to address the critical issues head-on and say what she will do to solve them, instead of telling us over and over that she is the most experienced candidate and therefore should win the nomination.
Well, now that Bill has put his foot in his mouth for the ump-teenth time I'm sure that the Clinton camp will redefine the word 'win' no matter what happens March 4. I can can easily see her winning the primary but losing the caucus or winning the primary but coming out with fewer delegates or losing the primary AND the caucus AND leaving with fewer delegates but still winning because the exit polls show she had 55% of the support of registered Democrats. No matter what the results on Tuesday March 4, Clinton will not 'lose' Texas.
She needs to end it tonight at the debate, announce her support of Obama, pleasantly shock not only the country, but the world.
The balance of the air time could be used to have an open discussion, even including the audience. about the destination of country.
Wouldn't that be an incredibly positive turn of events for the United States of America?
But the concept goes dead against human nature, doesn't it?
His comment lays the burden of her candidacy on the shoulders of Texas and that is very unfair to do. Instead of his negativity why doesn't
he say something positive and uplifting and ...dare I say it...Inspirational? Come on "Come Back Kid"...Get with the program
or don't speak at all.
Jack
Slick Willie is right , he can also take some of the credit for helping her lose this campaign, his attack on Obama several times didnt help her. She had to spend a lot of time on damage control after he he ran his mouth.
Bill is drawing a line in the sand in order to galvanize Hillary's supporters, and that is a mistake. Hillary is an expert political player. She publicly supports issues that are important to her target voting blocs rather than address the issues that are critical to all voters, such as outsourcing of jobs overseas. She needs to address the critical issues head-on and say what she will do to solve them; this will rally support, not threats from Bill.
Absolutely. I don't like her, but I believe she doesn't want to tear the party apart, especially with John "Bush" McCain leading the Republicans.
let's see Texas, where JFK. was killed. That gave us LBJ. who went to congress broke, an emerged as a multimillionaire. Then a governor named Bush and his pal Cheney who had to start out denying that he was from that great state, "no, i'm really from Wyoming. "Too be more important than Michigan and Florida...Texas for once do something right, we're watching..
As a white 71 year old white man who was a life long Republican until George Bush and his divisiveness, corruption and incompetence, I am so pleased to see Barack Obama beating Hillary Clinton. She would have been as divisive as a Democrat as George Bush has been as a Republican. We need some one like Barack Obama who can unite America and bring together Democrats, Independents and even some Republicans.
Art
Cartersville GA
Not far from the Alamo, was a place called Gonzalez, TX where a small community waged war on the attackers of the Alamo. They had one small cannon issued to them by the Mexican govt., and when some of the men from their own community were killed at the Alamo, they took their cannon and shouted for Santa Anna to "COME AND TAKE IT!" So, if I were Hillary, I would say to OBAMA, "COME AND TAKE IT!, because I do not give up without a Fight !
At this point, dignity would ask that she graciously retire. The tide has turned and the balance has clearly tipped.
James Carville who is part of the best political team on television, precisely because he consistently gets things right, also thinks this is it for Senator Clinton. The real story is that she thinks this is it. Look at her body language, the forced smile. I sure hope she doesn't take it personal, because it is political and not at all personal for the majority of American voters.
Too late. It's time to give up the ghost of the Clintonian era. She's not going to win in Texas, and Ohio will surprise her as well. Put the horse to pasture, and ride the wild stallion of the Obama campaign.
He is dead right,but his statement is incomplete.He should have added that the Democrats bid for the White House is also doomed if the Messiah gets the nomination.McCain may have this whole thing locked up before November.
I think it is doomed already. The tidal wave of Obama is drowning Hilary Clinton's message. Her workman like presentation is no match for the charismatic next President Obama. It's time for Hilary Clinton to recognize the fact. I hope she does not have a nervous breakdown.
Joe from Commack, NY
She says Texas is her firewall judging by the way things are going, She's going to need more than an IT guy.
I can see her and Gulianna conversing over tea sometime in the near future.
Yes, Bill Clinton is right, Hillary must win Texas. However, Hillary candidacy is doomed only if they don't change the rules.
if hillary loses texas and the dem.nomination she will quit the senate and become a cnn host and get back at all who crossed her;
Jack, Bill Clinton is right with Obama winning the overseas vote and picking up more political,union endorsements it is the coup de grace for Hillary Clinton!
Actually, this could be Obama's Last Stand.
If you catch the columnists, they're really cooling it .
To quote one, (Cal Thomas) writes, "What commander would put a low-ranking officer in charge of all troops during wartime?" We are close
to making Obama our Commander-in-Chief, with no hint of how he might perform...." Scary!!
We've already seen his plagierism, proving he's no "Honest Abe."
Hilary's campaign appears to be doomed well before Texas. Her campaigns decision to resort to some of the antics that we have seen in recent days leaves me wondering if Karl Rove is on the other end of a phone somewhere advising her. It seems, however that the American voters truly have seen enough of these "swiftboat" tactics and are ready for a message of hope from a visionary messenger.
The real threat to a continuation of the Bush administrations practices over the past eight years might not come from John McCain but from a second Clinton White House
Yes, it's over. I wonder if she believes in HOPE now? But, maybe that would be to Obama of her.
Denise
KY
YEP!!
Yes, it will be over. Obama's gift of insight trumped her policy details. They're both incredibly intelligent, but he understands the emotional needs of a downhearted people for a different kind of empathy than Bill had. You can belittle Barack's pretty talk and lack of smooth policy chat all you want, but in the end, the country longs for a human being whose motives they can trust in the Oval Office, and he appears, no pun intended, to fit the bill.
He should know. He's a good part of the reason she's fallen behind so badly. Blaming anyone but themselves (Bill and Hill) is ridiculous. Negative attacks and distortion and fabrication of facts are not in style any longer. We've heard that for 8 years now. You don't sell yourself by tearing down the competition.
Jack, Bill Clinton is not a quitter, his wife might be, but "Sweet William" will go down only in flames! Their chances of winning Texas are still good , so even if they do poorly ,but,get the win, it will breathe new life into their campaign, to fight another day!!! Earl from Provincetown,Mass.
I hope she knows when to step down. take her hand, Bill, and guide her out of here.
Carol Q.
Michigan
She is done like Texas Toast.
And Bill can take credit for that, since she has been a year taking credit for all his accomplishments.
If Hillary loses Texas and the dem. nomination she will quit the Senate and become an MSNBC host and get back at all who crossed her (Marcus Mt. Olive above).
Jack I'm sure If she does not win it big time I am affraid her tears will be real as she steps aside.
Bill is right. If she can win all the big heavyweight states, Obama will have alot of trouble justifying his argument that "he has national appeal".
Caucuses are great, but big states are better.
Not only is he right, but even if she does win, her candidacy is probably doomed. Obama can afford to lose Texas. His momentum will still keep going. She is going to have to win by a wide margin to turn it around. And I don' t think that is going to happen.
Jack,
Assuming the race plays out slightly in Obama's favor to the convention, Hilary would only need to get all the remaining unpledged superdelegates, plus a few, to nearly have enough for the nomination. By that logic, it's definitely conceivable that it's still a "completely even" race.
Hillary Clinton is an extremely smart woman and a capable debater I wouldn't count her out yet. The Democratic Party has to win the White House in November 2008 as well as The House of Represenatives and the United States Senate. In my opinion McCain is Bush on Steriods! Democrats must come together and support the standard bearer. GO OBAMA.
I appeal to Texans to remember that Bill Clinton eagerly signed the "Assault Weapons Ban" into law in 1994. This was an impotent piece of legislation that attacked gun owners but produced no measurable effect on crime. In fact, the law expired in 2004, and America's streets are no less safe without it. Nevertheless, HRC wants the law back. Please, Texans, let the Clintons know that there are three things a Texan has that no one can mess with: his lady, his car, and his guns.
....Yes!...
No he's a democrat, that would make him from the left and we're all doomed if Obama continues to win.
Don’t hold your breath, Jack. This is just the latest Clinton strategy. After they lose Texas – which they will – the Clintons will claim that Texas didn’t matter, will leave the Lone Star without acknowledging the efforts of their supporters, and will find themselves a new firewall.
Isaiah
Miami, FL.
I can not believe that Bill Clinton would say that if Hillary doesn't win Texas her campaign is over. He, of all people, should know that it isn't over till it's over. He has been down a lot of times but not out and that is where Hillary is now. She is down, but not out.
Well Jack, it seems that Obama has momentum. That is now cliche, but it seems true. If Obama wins Texas, he'll be pulling ahead of Hillary and leaving her in his dust. It's not as if Obama has only won 51% in the last 10 primaries; he's pulling in good numbers and Hillary needs more than Texas for actual support. She really only needs Texas for its delegates, and that's all she's concerned with.
He left out that she has to win with at least 65% of the vote in TX as well as in OH and PA. I think I hear the fat lady clearing her throat.
In this regard, Bill is absolutely right. I find it amazing that after every contest since Super Tuesday she has continuously been allowed to push back her deadline for a win. Let the buck stop here! She needs to put up or shut up and get out of the race. She can't really think that the American people are going to fall for her silly "auto delegate" website and her sound bites about fighting on the Convention floor and in Puerto Rico. To quote a previous writer, stick a fork in her, she's done.
Miami
Wrong, she needs to win huge in all future contest. Bill should look on the bright side of the issue, it will not be a requirement for him to act as the queen in the White House. Oh, that picture of him wearing a dress is not appealing for some reason.
Finally, Bill Clinton speaks the truth. Something we can only hope for!!
Jack, Hillary is done now. Of course she'll be done after she gets crushed in Texas. The only question is, does Hillary Clinton know how to lose with grace? All signs point to a big fat no. I don't think she'll be happy until she rips the Democratic Party in two.
He sure is, and he is partly to blame. She started going downhill when he started opening his mouth. People tend to vote for who they think is a winner, and with Obama at the head of the line right now, I believe this is how people will vote. Too bad for her that negative articles about Obama have not come out yet. I could be a different outcome.
Doesn't anyone else realize that Clinton wants his wife to lose? He doesn't want to spend another 8 years under the public eye – he's just doing this because he owes her one! Anyone with a brain can see that, if this was anyone else vs. Obama, Bill Clinton would be his strongest supporter. Bill Clinton has been dying to endorse a candidate like Barack Obama his entire life!
Don't worry Bill, two more weeks and it will all be over.
Jack...No...let's hope people wake up..I just shake my head and say God...these people voted for Bush ..not once but twice...NOW THAT WAS REALLY DUMB...for these guys to vote blindly for Obama..when on the job training has already showed it's ugly head (BUSH) ...you would think people would learn..
There's still two big states! She can keep Obama from collecting the needed delegates to take the nomination. And then the supers would have to decide! Of course they will pick Obama so that America doesn't burn...
The Clinton campaign is desperate right now. They are pulling at strings that are not there. The Clintons believed that all she had to do was stand on stage and accept her nomination. A win in Texas will not and should not change what so many voters have voiced at the polls so far. She had a commanding lead a few weeks ago and counted Obama out, now that he has taken the lead she has become desperate. Her attacks only fuel his flames, Obama is hot and she needs to realize that. The voters have put him in the lead not his speeches.
Not really. The other guy is only about 70 votes ahead.
When he gets close to the required number we'll talk.
What are the two parties afraid of, democracy at work at the conventions?
Their desire is so strong to win, democracy comes in second or third on their scale of important matters.
Melvin
La Junta,Co
The prevailing wisdom of all the political pundits, and apparently the Clinton campaign, is that this could very well be Hillary's 'Alamo'. If she isn't able to convince voters that she is has the right mix of changing the way business is conducted in Washington and hard-learned knowledge of the problems that we face and the solutions that may fix them, then the delegate math is such that there would be no way for her to stem the tide that Obama has created. However, should she have a convincing debate performance, is able to raise serious doubts about Obama's real lack of experience on the national and international stage, then it could in turn be Obama who begins to see his rhetoric-fueled campaign begin to sputter.
Interesting read on this story by Jack where I do agree that in a scenario where Republicans can vote for Obama, they will ! As Jack says that gives Obama advantage by Republicans. So if Obama is appealling to Republicans that should sound an immediate alarm to ALL Democrats ! Also, President Clinton never said that Hillary is "Doomed" or "Done" if she doesnt win Texas, He more correctly said " Its up to you the voters to support her here in Texas and in Ohio. Most of the recent Polls happen to Show Hillary in front in Texas by 5% and up to 16% – same holds true in Ohio, Im sorry if thats a downer for you Republican Obama supporters – Guess you better not look at Pennsylvania where she's in front two to one. I think you Obama supporters are celebrating way too soon, after all the hoopla this month and his winning streak, he's only up by 69 delegates with a total of 1319. Here's some breaking news for ya – 2025 is the number – we have a long way to go. I think he should talk to Hillary about maybe a staff job in her administration because the advantage regardless of the Cheerleader input is in Hillary's corner.
John
Billl is right but he probably shouldn't have said it in public. He is supposed to be a great politician and that was definitely not a good political answer for Hillary. Bill is hurting her candidacy and obviously she can't do anything about it.
Terry
North Carolina
Hillary has hit so rock bottom that she gotten Bill's thugs to start the American Leadership Project, a 527, to smear Obama. Same old politics that she swears she is going to change.
As for Bill-Everyone in the world knows Texas is her last stand. He must be a genius!!!!!!
Weave
PA
By my count, Hillary lost this election since S.C.
She lost on Super Tuesday both by states and delegates won.
She has lost every contest afterwards.
She has been on a losing streak since S.C.
Were the positions reversed, the media would be jeering Obama right now.
Jack
He is right. If Obama takes away her base voters and takes Texas which goes to the core of her campaign of "win the big states" then she has nothing left to offer.
Yep. And Bill Clinton has already laid the blame for Hillary's loss in Texas when he told supporters that if she loses Texas, "It's on you." If I were a Hillary supporter, I'd be pissed.
Yes. I believe Hillary has to pull out a win in Texas. Unfortunately, with people like Limbaugh and Hannity encouraging Republicans to vote in the Democratic primary against Hillary (for Obama), sabotaging the Democratic vote, it's going to be really tough. Wonder why the Republicans are pushing so hard for Obama...do they know something we don't about Obama?? Something detrimental to his campaign. At least with Hillary & Bill we "know" who we are dealing with. I pray Obama doesn't have any skeletons in his closet that can be used against the Dems in the general election.
Jack,
All I heard Bill Clinton say was that "it" might not happen. I absolutely did NOT hear him say that her chances were "Doomed". Your words not his. His only fault is that he was trying to get the voters motivated by saying that "It was in thier hands". Please Jack, your bias here show through.
By putting the Doomsday label on Texas, team Clinton is setting up their exit as gracefully as possible. By this time tomorrow, they will have both pledged their support for Senator Obama, and Hillary will concede to him as a great campaigner, the best hope for America, etc, etc. I think they will campaign for him and Hillary will continue as a major player in her party going forward. She may be part of a new administration, or she may be a force in the Senate. Since she wants the same things for her country and her party as Barrack Obama, they will be able to put differences aside and work towards their common goals. He might even adopt some of her program details. This primary might also doom Senator McCain's chances.
Jack, It is not just about the win, it is about the margin of win also. Winning 52% to 48% is a dead heat. She has to win 60% to 40% or better for her to claim that she is a viable candidate.
Yes. If Hillary doesn't give Obama a spanking in Texas her dreams of becoming the first woman President are over.
There is no question if Hillary does not win Texas, it is the end. No question. But it is also a defeat for the Democrats in November. Regardless how much change people want, when they get into the voting booth they will vote against the change Obama wants. They are not going to put money on Barack Obama – they will vote for the Republicans. And we will have no change, because Democrats failed to realize how Democrats can only win in an election. Here is the history of Democratic wins since 1900. In 1912 and 1992, Demcrats won when the Republicans were split, or there was a powerful 3rd party. In the electtions of 1932, 1960, 1976, Democrats won because their foreign policy positions were perceived by Americans to be to the right of Republicans. Democrats lose when they are so liberal and to the left in the political spectrum.
Count on it. If Hillary loses, Republicans win.
simple as that.
Absolutely. It is very unlikely that she is going to win with a very large margin in Texas. If she in fact loses by a large defecit, her chances of attaining the nomination are very slim. Ohio alone will not be able to save her.
Her candidacy is already doomed, Bill is just smart enough to know she has to go back to being a senator when she loses. By putting it out there the way he did, it makes it seem as if right now the nomination is a coin flip, and its all up to Texas to decide between Obama and Hillary. When she loses Texas, (or when she wins Texas by far less then then 70% or so margin she needs to stay relevant, which will be the same thing as losing) Bill will be able to run his mouth on her behalf again, blaming Texas for losing her the nomination, a mostly Republican state she wouldn't have won in the general election anyway. This will allow for much quicker healing of her after-primary wounds, for repairing of bridges badly damaged or outright burned during the primaries.
Most importantly for Bill though, is that he is setting up Texas as the scapegoat he'll need to keep the attention from returning to the fact that, despite Obama having been the superior candidate from day one, she still might have won the nomination.... If only Bill hadn't blown it by running his huge mouth in order to (falsely) badmouth Obama, and suck up all available spotlight for full a week before South Carolina, reminding EVERYONE how weary they still are of having any combination of either Bush OR Clinton in the whitehouse. When Obama is elected president next fall, we can all say a quiet "Thanks" to Bill for giving us a taste of what it'd have really been like with "President Hillary" in charge, and for doing it early enough to vote against her in the primaries.
I hope the Democrats are not sleeping on the job! The Republican party is sabotaging the Democratic primaries by voting for Obama - against Hillary. Hopefully the Obama supporters will realize this is why we need the super delegates, we don't want a backlash from Obama supporter's if the super delegates fairly choose our candidate. We can't let the Republicans control our party.
I hope it's over for her as a presidential candidate. More than that, I hope the Democratic majority in the Senate recognizes her fighting abililty and kicks Harry Reid out on his butt to make her the best damn Senate majority leader this country has ever had. Obama as president and Hillary getting the job done in the Senate the way its supposed to be done. Mitch McConnell's worst nightmare.
Hillary needs to win Texas and Ohio to continue her campaign, but she needs to win both by huge margins if she hopes to actually become the nominee. I would hope that, if she loses in Texas, or Ohio, or both, she sees the writing on the wall and drops out.
Unfortunately yes. I think Bill was right to say that. Lets see whether Texas will stand with the right vote by choosing Hilary from ashes.
This is democracy where people choose the government. People have the right to bring down their own nation with their vote choosing the wrong person to lead them. They have done it successfully twice since 2000 and I don't see why the would change the course now. I don't know what would save this country again.
Nuwan from Houston, Texas
Mr. Cafferty,
We have to believe in the candidate we support. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. The Networks can do all the polling, surveys, and opinions that have been quite biased. A conscientious voter would not allow the bias to affect their vote.
Senator Clinton will rise above the situation.
Amarillo, Texas
I think that Bill should realize that a lot of people do not want a "co-presidency" or " two for one" etc.
Yes, he is correct. Carville called it some time ago. Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or forget it.
I do hope she gets to keep running though, I am very concerned about this huge tidal wave of adoration for Obama. He may be a great guy, I don't know. But I will be glad to see him get a bit more scrutiny and for us all to learn more about him.
This country voted for a guy that claimed to be "compassionate', that said he wanted to unite the country and get rid of partisanship, and gee...the voters just seemed to like him and want to have a beer with him. So the result was we got George Bush and turned down men of substance because they were boring and not as "fun".
I hope we don't do that again. I didnt have "fun" with George.
As long as she banks anything close to half the delegates, she, should stay in there and fight, at least until the Pennsylvania primary. Pennsylvanian would like to have a relevant vote. If party leaders feel it is hurting their nominee, maybe they will find a way to schedule primaries in the future that will give voters in all states a chance to have a meaningful voice without “damaging” the nominee. Pennsylvanians have been shut out of having a say in who the nominee is of both parties for long enough.
Besides, if she stays in there, it may lead to a brokered convention where my favorite, Al Gore, comes out the nominee. Wouldn’t that be a catalyst for the leaders of both parties to fix the primary system?
John in Lebanon Pennsylvania
Jack this may be the biggest battle in Texas since the Alamo. Grace is not in the game they will go down guns blazing. I think Bill was right this is the last stand.
A Texan trap north of the red river. You only get to vote once up here.
Jack,
Texas and Ohio could be HRC last chance to inch closer but I have a question. After her loss in Iowa, why didn't HRC try and hustle Florida and Michigan in then? She needed their delegates then just as much as now.
Ree in Virginia
Bill may have been a political genius in "his time", but after his surgery, he doesn't seem to know squat. Hillary will win if she shows SHE is her own person. In short, let Hillary be Hillary, and stop being so reactionary to polls and the media.
Everyone is counting her out...while they all spell the word lose with two o's. What do these uneducated people know?
Hillary will be alright...even if she "loses". She's a lady and she will lose gracefully. However, I'm not ready to concede that she's lost just yet. NEVER count the Clintons out!
I hope so.
Hillary is done with or without Texas. She won't win both Ohio and Pennsylvania, so Texas won't make any difference unless Obama professes his allegiance to Satan himself. Obama is riding a tsunami of support that is based on hope, inspiration and faith in change. As an editorial writer for the Seattle P-I said today, "It's tough to run against a messiah."
Jack
Hillary loses, I stay home. Barack is not qualified.
Bill Clinton is doing what he always does: say and do anything to win. This is merely a guilt tactic, trying to blame the Texas and Ohio for his wife's failing campaign. The truth is she has been losing this thing way before Texas and Ohio came into the picture. The guilt card won't work, the momentum is too much to handle and the Clinton's are on their way out....
Chris of IL
ALL SHE NEEDS TO DO IS BE HER INTELLIGENT,EXPERIENCED,AND COMPETENT SELF. SHE HAS SOLUTIONS TO THE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS. THERE IS NO COMPARISON ON THE TWO. IF I WANT TO BE INSPIRED I WILL GO TO CHURCH.
If she doesn't win Texas, it's very hard for her to win the nomination. However, that math shows that neither candidate is likely to get the delegates needed to secure the nomination before Denver. Jack, it's going to the convention!
Jack, Bill is definetly right. How can she explain to the bigwigs of the party that she can carry the general election in the fall, and that the people in the democratic party want her to represent them if she is constantly loosing. What is her defense? She has won half of what Obama has won. She needs to go somewhere and take a humility pill if she loses, or take the risk of looking like a scorned woman.
Absolutely. The math and delegates required will make it far too difficult for her to catch up. If she relies on super delegates the Democratic party will fracture, and it will damage her career and any chance she has at re-election or a nomination the second time around.
If she loses she should just drop out in order to preserve unity within the Democratic party, and not ruin the chances the Democrats have at the white house.
Probably not, the super delegates know Obama can't beat McCain.
Yes, Bill is right. He already sees that her candidacy is a lost cause. He just doesn't want to be the one to tell her!
Jack,,, sounds like Bill is still a smart man.
Shameful to let it go this far. She should have not come to the state where the Alamo is located. Just sounds to much like a sequel. Give her credit where it's due, she had her chance, and people will lose interest after March 4th if she does not re-write the script..
Jack,
'Doomed' seems pretty final, and if we've learned anything (which is doubtful) it should be that nothing's over until the last vote's cast. While the fat lady may be warming up in the wings, who knows what further surprises await us? Senator Clinton has to walk a tightrope between confidence and smugness. Above all she must NOT play 'dirty pool' with the Florida and Michigan fiasco. As for whether losing in Texas would be the death knell of her presidential ambitions, she needs to take the long view as well as the Longview...
I would tell the Senator to be nice, play fair, stay cool and show lots and lots of CLASS. That way lies the future
What is up with the guilt trip? Only my parents can give me guilt trips President Clinton, not you. What in the world? So now it will be the voters fault if Hillary doesn't win in Texas? That's your brilliant FIREWALL strategy?
Bottom line: Obama is a better candidate and ran a superior campaign and is continuing to OUTRAISE Hillary 10 to 1, has had a steady message. It actually speaks to his competence as a leader. Obama's model will be copied for many years to come.
On the other hand, the more "experienced" Hillary has run a horrible campaign of Giuliani proportions. I guess the difference between reality and rhetoric is more than words huh? The reality is that when a candidate can't even run a campaign, what makes one think she can run the country?
Now she want to change the rules in the middle of the game? Really? And she wants to call Obama's character into play? Really? Using the superdelegates to win the Dem nomination, well that's not representing the people you love, nor the Democratic process.
GOBAMA!
Jack,
Hillary will not get my vote. Mainly because after her husband put his foot in his mouth w/African Americans, she could care less about trying to clean out the toe jam. Instead she just moved on to the Latino vote, which to me seems like she's adding fuel to the fire of division between African Americans and Latino Americans.
If she goes negative here tonight she is over. You can't be humble in a debate in Cali, and then come to Texas with an attitude. It makes her appear to be bi-polar.
Austin, TX
I hope it's NOT Senator Clinton's last stand, regardless of the outcome in Texas. I'm so insulted by the prejudice of the media with their "Clinton bashing", by the stupiditiy of the American voters, who just want to say they were one of those who got on the Obama "bandwagon" for Obama, (and I don't mean that racially at all), and by the conservatives who are attempting to sabotage Clinton's campaign by saying they'll vote for her, if McCain is the Republican candidate. That's only an attempt to get rid of Senator Clinton, because they know she is smarter and more capable than Obama. As Dr. King once said about "climbing the mountain", I hope that Senator Clinton will "climb that mountain" regardless, so that we can all quote someone who knew what they were saying. "Free at last! Thank God, I'm free at last". Of course that's only true if Senator Clinton stays in this race and gives us all a fair choice.
Yes, Bill Clinton is right. Napoleon had his Waterloo, and Hillary will have her Alamo. The demographics of Texas represent the 21st century version of ethnic diversity in this country.
Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Not winning Texas will be the final straw for Hillary. Billy Boy says she'll be doomed, she's been doomed since South Carolina, thanks to Bill Clinton and his negative campaigning. She's suppose to be the "boss", she could have stopped it but chose to let Bill go forward. The American people don't much care for "sour grapes", they should have known better!!!!!
A Day Late and a Dollar Short!
It was over in South Carolina when he showed us he's turned into a desperate, calculating, supporting actor to his wife the drama queen.
JACK
IT THE ALAMO ALL OVER AGAIN AND HILLARY CLINTON AIN'T DAVEY CROCKETT...
R. HOOD SHERWOOD FOREST NJ
Pretty much. I hope Texans don't drink the kool-aid and vote for the most qualified candidate. There are too many red flags on the Obama side.
There is no doubt that Texas is, quite appropriately, Hillary Clinton's Alamo. Not only is she falling behind in the delegate count, the recent primaries in Virginia and Wisconsin have raised questions about the loyalty of her base. If she can't decisively win among Latinos and working-class Americans on March 4, there is no reason for her to continue.
Jack, the problem is I don't think Hillary Clinton would EVER concede to Barack Obama. At this point it looks unlikely that either candidate will have enough delegates to win the nomination. I can easily see Senator trying to use the Clinton Democratic machine to try and wheel and deal her way to a brokered nomination.
One can only hope some of the non-Clinton party elders like Al Gore and Howard Dean understand that Senator Obama's victories indicate the will of the majority of the party and they have a responsibility to Democratic voters to ensure their voices are listened to.
If Bill Clinton says that Texas is his wife's last stand, then I'm guessing he lost faith a long time ago....
Jack- I don't think Hillary will be able to sway the rip-tide from sweeping the bleeding hearts into the hysterical euphoria disseminated by the Pope of Hope- Obama.
For once, in a LONG time, he's right! and she's not going to win Texas, so they better start packing..........
Stick a fork in her Jack. Bills right.
Of course. Like they say, everything is bigger in Texas. That includes the stakes for Hillary.
J. Randall Cooper
State College, PA
Jack, I find it hard to believe that President Clinton said doomed! However, Hillary has to win Texas and Ohio! This isn't 1968 when Humphrey won the nomination without any primary victories. The electorate is very involved this year, wanting change and fairness. If Obama goes to the convention just short of the delegates he needs to win, yet ahead of Hillary, then all hell will break lose if he does not get the nomination because of some back room deals. Whoever has the most delegates from the primary's and caucuses should be the nominee!
Actually, he is wrong Jack. She has already lost. To go from so far ahead, to be losing at this point in time, makes it clear that she has already lost and is only staying in for her own ego. I agree with the person who said the best thing she could do is bow out of the race in the debate and support Obama on National Television. That would galvanize the Democratic Party, shore up her failing image, and for slick Willy, allow him not to worry about his legacy anymore.
Dan
Colorado
Actually, he's late. It's already doomed.
The question should be.... Will Hillary listen to her husband?
He's right Jack. For the first time in this campaign, Bill Clinton is right.
He may be right, but Hillary might possibly be able to afford to lose one more. But she would absoloutely have to win Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Kentucky, and Montana. Shes in to win, and wont quit for anything.
Lets hope so Jack, lets hope so
Absolutely, if it isn't doomed already. She can't compete with the Obama message of change. She remains the same, and loses votes as a result.
Scott
Lakeland, FL
Jack, she's doomed already. Obama is the shot in the arm our government needs right now and the American people can feel like. It feels like 1968.
She will have to do more than just win Texas, she will have to win BIG. I don't think that she can win by the margin she will need. In fact, I don't think that she is going to win Texas at all.
The more interesting question is - will she actually quit if she doesn't win Texas?
It's doomed. Texas won't support Hillary. Too many people down here despise Clinton politics and remember Bill for all the wrong reasons. Any margin of error is skewed.
Can we get that in writing Bill?
I am a Hillary supporter, but yes if she doesn't win Texas she should bow out respectively so that the Democratic Party can get behind a candidate to beat – the lying, cheating McCain.
Sue, NJ
DEAR JACK:
YES IF SENATOR CLINTON LOSE TEXAS, I FEEL SHE SHOULD WITHDRAW .
CONTINUE THE GOOD WORK.
ELIZA
That's a no-brainer.
It is already over.
r
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Jack,
Based on the facts that you just brought out, she doesn't have a prayer in this Republican dominated state.
I think, her campaign is almost done, as is. We're all just waiting for more reassurances to break out the bubbly.
yup-just like the last days ofthe ALAMO.
Its not in the cards--she has a losing hand-next
Of course he's right, but I'm sure after Hillary loses Texas you'll hear her say that what Bill says doesn't matter.
She said the states she lost mattered until she lost them, so why stop this way of thinking now?
I'm sure that the Clinton Camp will have a laundry list of excuses about losing Texas. They can add it to the pile of complaints about the "missing delegates" from Michigan and Florida. Remeber those states? We will be hearing a lot about the poor delegates whose voices weren't heard.
Adam
Fort Worth
If Texas goes down for Hillary , she is done. My true worry is will she step aside or do a Huckabee , and hurt the democratic party as a whole?
Yes he is right, and I have to add that the "Clintons" have to know one very important thing their time to renounce power has come, it's Obama time!!!!
Jack, we can only hope this to be true, although I think this is a clever move on the part of Bill Clinton in order to motivate voters who prefer Clinton to Obama to get out there and vote.
Yes,but being her husband,he should have also the decency and common sense to tell her frankly to give up gracefully if March 4 doesn't come her way.She can't afford to jeopardize her future NY Senat reelection bid.(Unless she doesn't care being called a carpetbagger by her future NY Senate rivals and using NY only for her presidency bid.
Clinton's campaign is so far down it is below the basement in the Alamo. The creation of a 527 to swiftboat Obama is the last act of a desperate woman. The Clinon campaign would rather destroy the party, win the nomination and lose the election in November than put the needs of the country ahead of her own.
Come see Hillary in the 2008 rendition of "Davy Crockett and the Alamo." She's done for...
Her 2008 candidacy might be doomed but not her 2012 or 2016 candidacy. If Obama sweeps Texas and Ohio either we'll have McCain or Obama in the White House. Obama's rhetoric about changing the politics of Washington will have been proved to be delusional by 2012 and he'll be a one-termer just like Mr. Thousand-points-of-light and Farmer Jimmy.
Bill is absolutely right because Hillary not even crying can beat Obama after loosing Texas, and she will.
If Senator Clinton loses in Texas, her campaign will be over. Knowing her, she will find some way to downplay it and continue her doomed campaign for at least a couple more states.
It is time for the Democratic party to move on. Our nominee is Barack Obama.
Clinton needs to concede her defeat and let us get going with the general election.