Clinton Jabs West Virginians On '00 and '04 Election Votes
(CBS)
LOGAN, W.V. -- During a campaign rally in a small town on the western part of the state, Hillary Clinton pointed out that had West Virginians voted for the Democratic nominees in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, the country could have been spared 8 years of a Bush presidency.
“West Virginia has a record of picking presidents. West Virginia made it possible for President Kennedy to become president of the United States,” Clinton told hundreds of supporters who packed a local gymnasium.
“West Virginia in the general election votes for the winner and if West Virginia had voted for our Democratic nominee in 2000 and 2004 we wouldn’t have had to put up with George Bush.”
Clinton has been traveling across the state with one clear message: that she is the best candidate to beat John McCain in the general election.
“This election we’ve had, this primary contest has been close and exciting – the closest one anybody can remember. But the goal is to nominate someone who can beat John McCain in November. I wouldn’t be in this race I wouldn’t be going up and down West Virginia having a wonderful time – you know, it is ‘almost heaven,’” Clinton said referring to the famous John Denver song, "Take Me Home, Country Roads," written about the state.
Historically, West Virginia has voted for the winning presidential candidate more often than not. Clinton told the enthusiastic crowd, “West Virginia is a real indicator on which way the political winds are going to blow come the November election.”
Clinton implied that unlike her two opponents, she is comfortable in the White House. “I don’t need a guided tour of the White House, I know my way around,” Clinton joked drawing laughter from the crowd.
Despite being down in pledged delegates, down in superdelegates and trailing in campaign contributions, Clinton is running here like she’s the party’s frontrunner. She has been seeing large and enthusiastic crowds between her campaign events today and yesterday. New polls show Clinton is expected to win by a large margin in tomorrow’s election.
But one enthusiastic supporter who introduced Clinton said “You think this crowd’s noisy. Just wait ‘til we win like 80-20," he said. “We’ve got to give her a vote tomorrow of 80-20 or 90-10. Let’s get the national media’s attention."
