Democrats Shift Focus To Wisconsin, Texas

Obama Hopes To Continue Winning Streak In Midwest; Clinton Seeks Rebound In Big States

(CBS/AP)  Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton labored to revitalize her restructured political operation Wednesday, testing a new line of criticism against presidential rival Sen. Barack Obama and voicing confidence in the face of challenging weeks ahead.

"I am in the solutions business," she told more than 4,000 supporters in a packed fairgrounds here. "My opponent is in the promises business."

A day after suffering lopsided losses in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, Clinton acknowledged Obama's victories, but offered a taunt as well.

"I want to congratulate Senator Obama on his recent victories and tell him to meet me in Texas," she told reporters in McAllen. "We're ready."

It was bravado talk for a candidate whose campaign has been staggered by defeats since the Feb. 5 Super Tuesday contests, who is behind in fundraising and who has reshuffled her campaign staff. Clinton is now looking to be competitive in the Wisconsin primary on Tuesday and then prevail in Ohio and Texas on March 4.

Obama has been lavishing attention on the historically independent voters of Wisconsin. Clinton is moving belatedly to make a contest of next Tuesday's Democratic presidential primary. Obama, the junior senator from neighboring Illinois has spent more time in Wisconsin than the former first lady. He drew 4,000 people at a rally last October and beat Clinton back to Wisconsin this year.

Speaking before a crowd in Waukesha, Obama sounded like a man warming up for the general election, CBS News correspondent Dean Reynolds reports.

"If you want the same as we've had the last seven years, then I think John McCainn is going to be a great choice," he said.

At Janesville, he lumped both McCain and Clinton together in a derisive union.

"Politicians like John McCain and Hillary Clinton voted for a war in Iraq that should've never been authorized," he said.

But Clinton hasn't conceded the 74 delegates at stake in Wisconsin even though she has already begun campaigning for the larger delegate prizes offered in Texas and Ohio on March 4. Her advisers say the New York senator may not win Wisconsin but can't afford another of the lopsided defeats she suffered in three mid-Atlantic primaries Tuesday.

Clinton campaign advisers said Wednesday that her fundraising was rebounding after Obama outraised her 2-to-1 in January and predicted that her hunt for delegates to the national nominating convention would catch up to Obama on March 4 when Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont vote. The Clinton camp is especially counting on victories in Ohio and Texas.

Her history in Texas, her institutional support among Democrats in the state and an affinity for the Clinton name among Hispanics, one of her most loyal voting blocs, all attest to her firewall strategy in the state.

But a complicated delegate selection system, Obama's momentum and erosion in Clinton's traditional support coalition could deny her the kind of decisive win in the state she needs to reverse her post-Feb. 5 slide.

"You go on," she said at a news conference. "Some weeks one of us is up and the other is down, and then we reverse it. ... It's a long and winding road."

Following his Tuesday victories, Obama now has a 66-delegate lead over Clinton - 1,251 to 1,185, according to the latest tally by CBS News.

Clinton needs strong performances in Texas and Ohio to close the gap with Obama. Obama campaign manager David Plouffe told reporters in a teleconference call that Clinton would have to win both states by more than 20 percentage points. "And we certainly don't see any evidence of that," he said.

Clinton political and field director Guy Cecil said that after March 4 he expected the race will be in a virtual tie, with the candidates within 25 delegates of each other.

He said the campaign is opening offices and hiring staff in all remaining states that are left to vote, from Wyoming to Montana, Mississippi to Pennsylvania, and even in Puerto Rico.

Clinton's stepped up criticism of Obama was part of a campaign strategy to challenge him directly on the economy and health care on a day when Obama proposed to spend $210 billion over 10 years to create jobs in construction and environmental industries.

"I have solutions to these economic challenges; the question today is does Senator Obama?" she said. "A plan that fails to provide universal health care, fails to address the housing crisis, and fails to immediately start creating good paying jobs in America again will not turn the economy around."

[rfcrtl]

AMERICA NEEDS SOLUTIONS!
HILLARY OFFERS SOLUTIONS!
OBAMA TALKS!
TALK IS CHEAP!

[kstar42]

hillary clinton launches negative ad saying barack doesnt want to debate her in winconsin WHAT A JOKE she is not even in winconsin she ran off to texas.i was a hillary supporter but i now know this woman doesnt care abt people she only cares abt power.i am voting for barack period.

Posted by kem4uall at 09:44 AM : Feb 14, 2008

WHEN YOU DEBATE THAT TELLS ALL! BO IS A PUSS

[b-easy63]

HEY!!! Hilary!!! Tell Wisconsin what you just promised Hawaii if they will vote for you. lol, also, tell them why you have strong ties to Hawaii--(you visited the Islands 5 times since 1993)

Maybe you could claim "close ties" to Wisconsin too--if you actually went there instead of sending Aids and Bill. LOL

[clovisbuford]

"Playing down expectations, the Clinton camp says Wisconsin''s primary electorate is liberal and well-educated - the kind of voters who have strongly supported Obama". Clinton is saying if you are liberal and well educated you tend to vote for Obama ,imagine that, dayumn educated voters. and as usual the boards are full of trolls totally off topic .

[b-easy63]

"I am in the solutions business," she told more than 4,000 supporters in a packed fairgrounds here. "My opponent is in the promises business."


Hilary does not believe in promises. That is why, when she makes them--she does not keep them. lol

[b-easy63]

Now Hilary is pitching that she will get rid of special interest and that candidates must not be beholden to corporations, charging that Obama is and she is not--further, she proposes to do everything in the Universe for each state (esp. Hawaii and Wisconsin--because they are voting soon--and to use the plans of Obama and Edwards and make them even better. the more she talks--the more she comes across as a very desperate LIAR.

In other words, as usual--Hilary will say, do and promise ANYTHING to anyone to get elected--then like she did to the DLs for illegals and the pledges she signed to the DNC--when it is convenient for her--she will RENEGE on all promises, as usual. LMAO

[sierra20071]

We are going to have another Native American Reservation in the country. Wonder what the True Native Americans will think of this. Look for Hawaiian Casinos in Hawaii! Wonder how O plans on handling this situation.

Obama said in a statement released Tuesday he supports federal recognition for Native Hawaiians because they are an important part of the local culture. The bill would fulfill the promise of "liberty, justice and freedom" for Native Hawaiians and ensure they are not left out of the state''s progress, he said.

"The process set forth in this important legislation empowers Native Hawaiians to explore and address the long-standing issues resulting from the overthrow of the kingdom of Hawaii," he said.

The legislation known as the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act would give Native Hawaiians the right to form a governing entity similar to those of Native Americans that could negotiate with state and federal governments over control of natural resources, lands and assets.

[quetzal0666]

If The Democrats can Undo what
Tom Delay did to Redistrict us in favor of Televangelripublicans...
maybe we have a voice.....
or a Choice....
but as it Stands, Republicans did a number on Democrats, they really have no shame..

[tibu987]

"NOTICE TO THE DEMOCRATIC SUPER DELEGATES".

Many of the "Super Delegate" votes are in the hands of women who feel an obligation to vote for Hillary for the simple fact that she is a woman. How ludicrous if it weren''''t so important.

My concern now is the course the "Super Delegates" will take. They had best honor our votes and give their "Super Electoral Votes" to the popular vote of the people. Our voices, our votes, had better be taken seriously or I see a rise in revolt against, the Democratic Party, the electoral system, and the politicians that used their votes against our choice.
Should Obama NOT receive the Super Delegates vote if he wins by plurality, I will vote for the Green Party candidate and protest loudly against the obvious lack of honesty with the electoral process.
I suggest that we begin a groundswell against the use of "Super Delegate" votes and return to the popular vote only. Makes sense, doesn''''t it?

[alanrobisch]

What happen mommy not potty train you right...




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Posted by pepperp1 at 09:59 AM : Feb 14, 2008
You have such depth of understanding. I am truly awestruck by your inciteful comments. May I pass them on.

[chitown639]

Is the rumor true..is Obama the anti Christ ??..people need to give this some thought...


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Posted by PSEUDO19

Obama, the Anti-Christ??? Now thats the biggest ''FAIRTALE'' Ive ever heard!!!!

[pseudo19]

Is the rumor true..is Obama the anti Christ ??..people need to give this some thought...

[craigh9]

Now Hillary declares herself in the "solutions business" - once again I ask anyone - ANYONE - to provide any solution she provided to anything. Any major initiative she has undertaken as been met with FAILURE - not solutions. I''''d much rather give the opportunity to someone with less experience that might be able to make a difference versus someone that has shown zero ability to accomplish anything in "her 35 years of experience".

[strangepols]

If Clitory Hilton is successful in her run for US Pres, she should be afforded access not only to the highest, the most powerful, the most influential, the best and most brilliant MINDS both in and out of the DC Loop, but she should also have equivalent access to the BODIES of her favorite staff for that needed, ''distractive romp'' to relieve the pressures inherent in holding the highest US office. It is further recommended that an ample supply of clean, healthy toy boys be made readily available for her genuine, womanly, recreational requirements.
Will former chief Bill have much to comment on such situational developments? We don''t think so.
Any restrictive arrangements regarding Clitory''s in-house activities and liberties that would not be the equivalent of those hubby Bill once enjoyed in that same lightly-colored house, should be considered highly unfair and scandalous!

[pepperp1]

hillary clinton launches negative ad saying barack doesnt want to debate her in winconsin WHAT A JOKE she is not even in winconsin she ran off to texas.i was a hillary supporter but i now know this woman doesnt care abt people she only cares abt power.i am voting for barack period.

Posted by kem4uall at 09:44 AM : Feb 14, 2008

They''''ve already debated 18 times and will twice more.

Hillary is running out if money and wants all the free time she can get.

Obama can pay his way.



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Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:46 AM : Feb 14, 2008


True and your guy looked like the bumbling no experienced nice naive bonehead he says he is


................AND WE KNOW It....

Again love hearing from the RNC poorly potty trained momma haters


Cluck, cluck cluck cluck he also dosent take question from his followers or the Press hmmmmmm wonder why........could it be he is Clueless

[pepperp1]

Hillary is a downright insult to one''''s intelligence.


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Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:38 AM : Feb 14, 2008


What happen mommy not potty train you right...

[pepperp1]

yes barack the orator,pple made us believe he had no policies well i went to his site and voila issues upon issues i think hilary clinton supporters should stop deceiving themselves,she is courting hispanics just bcos she needs thier votes,she uses people and when she is not winning she dumbs them[her campaign manager]even if she lost the potomac primaries people voted for her there and they deserve her thanks no matter what.i for one would go for honesty and intergrity.ialso thot she was more experienced but its all her husbands resume.she is a junior senator afterall just like obama.


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Posted by kem4uall at 09:53 AM : Feb 14, 2008


Ah yes we are all familiar with the rantings and ravings and rationale of why not a Women its a self defense Mechanism.

Yes yes the wicked B yeah



................ Believe your own fear and loose in Nov%u2026.


And its always nice to hear from the RNC bloggers by the way

[kem4uall]

yes barack the orator,pple made us believe he had no policies well i went to his site and voila issues upon issues i think hilary clinton supporters should stop deceiving themselves,she is courting hispanics just bcos she needs thier votes,she uses people and when she is not winning she dumbs them[her campaign manager]even if she lost the potomac primaries people voted for her there and they deserve her thanks no matter what.i for one would go for honesty and intergrity.ialso thot she was more experienced but its all her husbands resume.she is a junior senator afterall just like obama.

[shutupnvote]

YOu mean the you can live with Insane McCain for More of the Same for 4 years, but America can not. Conservatism is tried and broken, and is on its way out the door in American politics for generations to come. YOu could always move to Israel if you are not able to tolerate a better America than we have now.


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Posted by neoconism at 09:31 AM : Feb 14,



Nah, we will just add a massive infusion from the left and help McCain create a new base and not sure what your bias is on Israel 75 percent of People who are Jewish voted for Dems ...................If the social conservative hate McCain all the better%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026.we will create a new party of moderates in the middle and injoin Women, Hispanics, working people and the elderly,%u2026you guys can have the Latte grape and cherry crowd maybe the Christian Right and Neo Cons will come join to complete youe new fringe messianic Party.

Look you go ahead and nominate your Dem reincarnate no experience, ethically challenged boneheaded judgment Prince who inspire you unitl your a goosepimply and the rest of us the majority will have divided government which is also preferred see we all win, I don%u2019t think they will kick Obama out of the Party when he looses in Nov and cant carry down stream Dems, some of the Liberals I am sure will still be inspired by the light that is O

[formrusmcsgt]

hillary clinton launches negative ad saying barack doesnt want to debate her in winconsin WHAT A JOKE she is not even in winconsin she ran off to texas.i was a hillary supporter but i now know this woman doesnt care abt people she only cares abt power.i am voting for barack period.

Posted by kem4uall at 09:44 AM : Feb 14, 2008

They''ve already debated 18 times and will twice more.

Hillary is running out if money and wants all the free time she can get.

Obama can pay his way.