Starting Gate: For Clinton, Mission Unaccomplished

By: Vaughn Ververs
Topics: Starting Gate

(AP)

Hillary Clinton got the kind of debate conditions she wanted in Philadelphia last night. A heavy focus on Barack Obama's problem spots in the campaign (such as those "bitter" comments and Rev. Wright) dominated the entire first half. There was even a "surprise" twist thrown in when Obama was grilled about his relationship with former Weather Underground radical William Ayers.

This was the ground of Clinton's choosing, a debate as much about the issue of electability as the issues of the day. And Obama withered a bit in the spotlight. Clearly prepared for the "bitter" debate (and the piling on from Clinton), he seemed taken by surprise as that segued into more discussions about Jeremiah Wright and Ayers. About the only "skeleton" kept in the closet was indicted Chicago developer Tony Rezko.

It was in so many ways almost a perfect setup for Clinton's remaining argument in the Democratic primary contest – that she is the most electable. That's what she is trying to convince voters of in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia. More importantly, it's the argument she'd like to convince those all-important superdelegates of before this process is over.

Two things worked against Clinton in that drive last night. First, for the first time (in at least a very long time), she emphatically agreed that Obama could defeat John McCain in November. When first asked the question, she tried to dodge it, talking about her confidence that Democrats would win in November. But when pressed about whether Obama can win, she said "yes, yes, yes."

But what may hurt Clinton most is the one thing working in her favor – Obama's stumbles. She didn't appear elegant in piling on last night but she didn't exactly overplay her hand either. But the sight of the front-runner sweating under the spotlight may lead to an increased desire among Democratic leaders to get this nomination process over with quickly. And the only way to do that is for Obama to win it and avoid an August convention fight.

If there is lasting damage to the party's ability to unify for the general election, it's far more likely to come from a Clinton nomination. Obama has generated genuine excitement and opened up a flood of new donors to the party. His support is passionate and comes from two groups – blacks and young voters – likely to be most turned off should they feel the nomination is somehow taken unjustly by Clinton (i.e. superdelegates). He leads in delegates, the popular vote and total contests won.

Party leaders do not want to find themselves in a position where they appear to be handing the nomination to Clinton after all that's happened in this race. The damage to the party in that case might last far beyond November. Events like last night's debate might increase the sense of urgency to put this primary process behind them.

Royalties Welcomed: Obama released his 2007 tax returns yesterday, showing that he and wife Michelle earned $4.2 million last year, mostly income from the sales of Obama's two books. Income from the sales of "Dreams From My Father" and "The Audacity of Hope," both written previous to 2007, accounted for about $4 million of the couple's total income in a year spent mostly on the campaign trail. Obama earned just over $157,000 from his salary as a U.S. Senator and Michelle Obama earned over $103,000 in her position as a vice president at the University of Chicago Medical Center. The couple paid $277,431 in federal taxes and their charitable donations included $26,270 to Trinity United Church of Christ, the former church of Rzev. Jeremiah Wright, whose controversial statements have caused problems for Obama's campaign.

Delegate Count Update: Just because we haven't had a primary contest for five weeks or so doesn't mean that the delegate counts have remained static. Here's the most recent count from the CBS News election and survey unit: Obama leads overall in CBS News' delegate estimate, 1,637 to 1,495 (2,025 total are needed to win the nomination). Among "pledged" delegates won in state contests (excluding Florida and Michigan), Obama leads 1,411 to 1,243 with 566 remaining to be won in upcoming contests. Among "superdelegates" who have declared support for a candidate, Clinton retains a narrow 252 to 226 lead with 317 who have yet to decide.

Around The Track

In a meeting with Jewish leaders in Philadelphia yesterday, Obama criticized former president Jimmy Carter's plans to sit visit with leaders of Hamas during an upcoming trip to the Middle East. "We must not negotiate with a terrorist group intent on Israel's destruction," Obama said. "We should only sit down with Hamas if they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist and abide by past agreements."

John McCain responded to Rep. John Murtha's suggestion that he is too old to be president in an interview with CNN yesterday. Murtha, who at 75 is four years older than McCain, said that the stresses of the job were too much for someone their age. ""All I can tell you is that I admire and respect Jack Murtha," McCain responded. "Speak for yourself, Jack. I'm doing fine. Thanks."

Michelle Obama spent another day fighting back against the perception that her husband is an elitist who is out of touch with small town Americans. Stumping in Indiana, the candidate's wife said he understands the frustrations that exist. "We
shouldn't be surprised that people are cynical," she said. "There is a level of cynicism that comes when you feel like no matter how hard you work, no matter how much you do, you never catch up and you certainly can't get ahead. So you don't believe that politics can do anything for you, you lose hope. Naturally, you fold your arms in disgust of the process."

Executives at ESPN have put the kibosh on a discussed interview by popular columnist Bill Simmons and Obama, saying that the network does sports, not politics. "Fans don't expect political coverage on our outlets," said ESPN public relations exec Josh Krulewitz.

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by haydenlh-2009 April 19, 2008 4:05 PM EDT: I have read a few of these comments. First note is that Hope and Change are common themes in a change election. George W Bush was pushing the Dubi port deal. The anti-christ would be more of a Osama bin Laden but has trace evidence that it was Nero of Italy that they were describing. Hilary is doing damage to the Democrats and it looks to be out of greed, she knows she can''t win and is trying to damage Obama so she can run a I told you so campaign in 2012. I personally would never vote for Hilary! What is funny is that Hilary has been lying like crazy with the Bosnia and Ireland claims. Misspeaking is saying a few sentances wrong not an entire false story to decieve voters! I think we should have the vote now, evicte Bush and his crew and let Obama start early!; Reply to this comment


by davthewav1 April 18, 2008 10:19 PM EDT: The three positive things that Hillary Clinton is doing for the Democratic Party is (1) that she makes a decent sparring partner for Obama to get him ready for the fight with McCain after the primaries. (2) She is bringing more people to the Democratic side, (only if they don''t vote for McCain out of spite if she doesn''t get the nomination). (3) More states get to be involved in the process the longer the fight goes on . Unfortunately her increasing negativity toward Obama is hurting the party in whole to the point that any positives are outweighed by the damage she is causing to the party. If she wants to be more popular to the Democrats, she should spew her venom towards McCain instead of Obama, a fellow member of her party.; Reply to this comment


by eroosevelt08 April 18, 2008 8:30 PM EDT: As I understand it, only half of Senator Obama''s fundraising has come from small donors. The other half has been raised by fat cat bundlers and their friends. However, even the fat cats will have only one vote in the end.; Reply to this comment


by nanging3 April 18, 2008 4:34 PM EDT: Classy Obama shooting hillary the bird at the debate...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNO58WdUptU; Reply to this comment


by omaar-101 April 18, 2008 12:06 PM EDT: Posted by (nanging3)

According to The Book of Revelations the Anti-Christ is:
The Anti-Christ will be a Man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM Descent

Answer: Obama is of African & Caucasian Descent. Obama is not of Arab Blood !!

Who will Deceive the Nations with Persuasive Language.

Answer: You mean like causing the American Society to Crumble, via the (NAU) War & a Very Devalued Dollar...Thats George Bush Jr. your Preesent President.

Answer: And have a MASSIVE Christ-Like Appeal....the prophecy says that people will Flock to him and he will promise False Hope and World Peace, and when he is in Power, hewill Destroy Everything.

Answer:People did not Flock the Other (White) Presidents..Huh

Note: Reagan, Bush Sr. Bill Clinton & George W. Bush did not Preach Hope, World Peace..Give me and the Free World a Break !

Is it OBAMA ??

Answer: No, thats George W. Bush and hes already done all these things, without being Articulate or Charismatic & You Voted for his Lame A!! (Twice) !!

4009 Killed US Troop & 100,000 Innocent Iraqi Death, A Very Bad Economy, Devalued Dollar, High Foreclosure Rates, High Unemployment & 12 Billion $ Per Month Failed Occupation of Iraq

1. Ronald Wilson Reagan (Mr. 666) himself was supposed to be the Anti-Christ !!!

His Bel-Air Address was #666, but was CHANGED to #668 by Nancy Reagan !!; Reply to this comment


by omaar-101 April 18, 2008 12:00 PM EDT: Hillary Clinton & Bill Clinton have so much Arab Money, coming and going, its not Funny..Anymore.

Bills Dubai Ports Deal, His 10 Million $ per year from The Royal Saudi Arabian Family, Qatar, Kuwait and other Arab Nations..

The Clintons might as well be Muslisms !!

CBS News estimates. Includes super delegates.

Source: CBS News

Who won the Democratic debate in Philadelphia Wednesday Night?

Hillary Clinton:
25.08%

Barack Obama :
74.92%

Until Hillary Clinton EVENS or SURPASSES Barack Obama in this (D) Race...

Youre All Blowing Sand out of Your A!!''''s

Source: CBS NEWS.COM

Total Delegate Count

Democrats | 2,025 Needed to Clinch

OBAMA 1,637
CLINTON 1,495
EDWARDS 18

Republicans | 1,191 Needed to
Clinch

MCCAIN 1,241
HUCKABEE 231
ROMNEY 149; Reply to this comment


by omaar-101 April 18, 2008 11:59 AM EDT: Source: CBS NEWS.COM

The new poll suggests that much of her problem is with men.

Nearly two-thirds of men said Clinton is not honest and trustworthy (an increase of 19 points), compared with 53 percent of women (up 12 points). Democratic men, in particular, have shifted:

About four in 10 now do not believe Clinton to be honest and trustworthy, nearly triple the percentage saying so in 2006.

The percentage calling Clinton honest has dropped steeply among whites with higher incomes and levels of education.

And while majorities of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents across demographic lines said she is honest and trustworthy, the class divisions remain:

The percentage of white Democrats without college degrees calling Clinton honest hardly budged in two years, while those with college degrees have dropped off significantly on the question (from 82 percent to 53 percent).

Among whites, the percentage saying Clinton is honest and trustworthy has declined 10 points, compared with 26 points among nonwhites.

That number has declined more sharply among liberals (down 30 points) than among moderates (down 13) or conservatives (down 4 points).

Head to head with Obama on honesty among Democrats, Clinton faces a 23-point deficit overall, 17 points among whites and nearly 50 points among African Americans.; Reply to this comment


by omaar-101 April 18, 2008 11:57 AM EDT: Source: CBS NEWS.COM

The new poll suggests that much of her problem is with men.

Nearly two-thirds of men said Clinton is not honest and trustworthy (an increase of 19 points), compared with 53 percent of women (up 12 points). Democratic men, in particular, have shifted:

About four in 10 now do not believe Clinton to be honest and trustworthy, nearly triple the percentage saying so in 2006.

The percentage calling Clinton honest has dropped steeply among whites with higher incomes and levels of education.

And while majorities of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents across demographic lines said she is honest and trustworthy, the class divisions remain:

The percentage of white Democrats without college degrees calling Clinton honest hardly budged in two years, while those with college degrees have dropped off significantly on the question (from 82 percent to 53 percent).

Among whites, the percentage saying Clinton is honest and trustworthy has declined 10 points, compared with 26 points among nonwhites.

That number has declined more sharply among liberals (down 30 points) than among moderates (down 13) or conservatives (down 4 points).

Head to head with Obama on honesty among Democrats, Clinton faces a 23-point deficit overall, 17 points among whites and nearly 50 points among African Americans.; Reply to this comment


by onceagirl April 18, 2008 11:55 AM EDT: After all these years..I have come to the conclusion that our current President is not very bright...just a cog in the Bush Oil machine...I really believe that our candidates should have to take an IQ test even before they try for the nomination...that would separate the wheat from the chaff...at least we would know that our leader is not a dummy!; Reply to this comment


by blackspirit3 April 18, 2008 11:13 AM EDT: GUILT BY ASSOCIATION
1 ATTEND A CHURCH AND A COUPLE GAY PEOPLE ATTEND THE CHURCH,SO THEREFORE I SUPPORT GAYISM?
I ATTEND A COUNTRY CLUB AND THEIR ARE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE STOLEN MONIES FROM INVESTORS, SINCE I ATTEND THE SAME COUNTRY CLUB - I TOO MUST BE A THIEF?
I WORK FOR A COMPANY WHO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST HIRING PEOPLE OF COLOR, BECAUSE I WORK FOR THAT COMPANY, I DISCRIMINATE AGAINST THEM AS WELL?
I SIT ON A BOARD OF 30 PEOPLE AND ONE OF THEM SAY "AMERICA CAN GO TO HELL" IF I STAY ON THAT BOARD, I SUPPORT THAT INDIVIDUALS IDEA''S ABOUTM AMERICA?
SOMEONE HELP ME DEFINE WHAT THE HELL IS GUILT BY ASSOCIATION, BECAUSE ALL AMERICANS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH IDIOTS.; Reply to this comment