Can Clinton's Campaign Be Saved In Ohio?

CBSNews.com Reports: Senator Is In Tough Fight In State Crucial To Her White House Run

(CBS)  This story was written by CBSNews.com political editor Kevin Hechtkopf.

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After a string of 11 straight losses, Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential bid rests on the shoulders of voters in two large, vital states on Tuesday.

"This whole nominating process has come down to Texas and Ohio," no less an authority on the campaign than Bill Clinton said last week.

Both are states where Clinton has built-in advantages. Clinton has done well with Hispanic voters in states like California, where she won 67 percent of that vote, according to CBS News exit polls. In Texas four years ago, Hispanic voters made up a quarter of the Democratic primary vote. But a complex delegate allocation system that mixes a statewide primary with caucuses has complicated prospects for a clear win there.

It's one reason why Ohio may be Clinton's best opportunity for a big victory on Tuesday. But her campaign is facing a suddenly tough fight in a state with large numbers of the types of voters who have favored her in many contests this primary season - women, blue-collar workers and middle-class, lower-educated voters.

Polls taken just a few weeks ago in Ohio showed Clinton with a 15 to 20 point lead. The latest polls have shown that Clinton's lead has shrunk into single digits.

If Clinton is to be successful, she must avoid a repeat of the Wisconsin primary, where exit polls show that Sen. Barack Obama won with union households and with voters across all income and education levels.

Clinton was able to keep an advantage with white women, but her margin of victory with those voters was just 5 percent. Obama split the vote of all women and had the support of 67 percent of men in the primary.

Alexander Lamis, an associate professor of political science at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, said Clinton has reason for concern because Ohio and Wisconsin are actually very similar demographically.

"There was no reason to expect that [Ohio] was to be a firewall, or to now expect this to stop Obama's momentum," he said.

Lamis added that the Wisconsin results and narrowing polls in Ohio fit a pattern seen in several other states, in which Clinton had large early leads that shrunk to single digits or went away entirely.

"With all the things going for his campaign nationally, there's no reason to think those things won't play out in Ohio," Lamis said.

But the Clinton campaign is confident that Ohio will not turn out like Wisconsin.

"Ohio voters are independent," said Luiz Vizcaino, a spokesman for the campaign in Ohio. "Voters will decide on the candidate that makes change, and the change they want is experience."

The campaign is pulling out all the stops in the state, pouring resources into the state for ads, campaign events and organizational efforts. Vizcaino said the campaign will leave "no stone unturned" to reach out to voters.

The campaign's message in Ohio is the economy. Their television ads focus on plans for the middle class and "getting tough on unfair trade deals," including ones featuring Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and another with former Ohio senator and astronaut John Glenn. (Read about the Strickland ad in Horserace.)

At a town hall meeting this week in Lorain, outside of Cleveland, the candidate put the focus on key economic issues for Ohio voters - jobs, trade, health care and especially the home foreclosure crisis.

According to RealtyTrac Inc., Ohio ranks among top states in numbers of foreclosure filings. Last year, there were more than 150,000 filings, a jump of 88 percent from 2006. Four Ohio cities were ranked among the top twenty U.S. cities in foreclosure rates.

Clinton pushed her plan to freeze interest rates and offer help to homeowners. She repeatedly reached out to the crowd by saying she wanted to "help" Ohioans through tough economic times. "I can't help everybody, but I try," she said.

Mary Ann Kretovics, a first grade teacher from Lorain, said after the event she liked how Clinton talked about economic issues and said she thinks Clinton's chances are good in the primary. "I like that she's visible… she needs to keep doing that," she said.

[mcvet]

I wasn''t quite a Teenager when John Kennedy ran for office but I remember clearly the impact that had on the youth. Today having someone like Kennedy run is no big deal but in 1960 having a catholic run for the highest office in the land is EXACTLY like watching Clinton, a Woman, and Obama, a black, do the same. Maybe in my grandson''s future seeing a woman or a black run for office will be no big deal, I sure hope so. Now though I see and am reminded of the evil and dark side of any change that large to some. I admire both Ms. Clinton and Obama. THANK YOU both for having the courage to face the hate and bigotry you have faced and one of you will continue to face. YOU have MADE this Nation and ONE man VERY PROUD!! VERY PROUD INDEED!

[skyk-2009]

I admire both Ms. Clinton and Obama. THANK YOU both for having the courage to face the hate and bigotry you have faced and one of you will continue to face. YOU have MADE this Nation and ONE man VERY PROUD!! VERY PROUD INDEED!


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Posted by MCVet at 08:06 AM : Feb 29, 2008
+ report abuse

Sarge I just don''t know how it can be said any better! Thank you and Semper Fi!

[formrusmcsgt]

Hillary''s biggest problem is that she has no achievements to back up her "experience" claim.

[notbuynit]

Her chances are good in the primary, but ZERO in the national election. Why would Ohio choose to lose?

She cannot win!

[kstar42]

I think the media has made Clinton out to look bad, which is ashame because I really think she would make a great President. Now the dirt will come out on Barack with his association with Rev. Wright and Farrahkan...Personally I feel with that much hatred towards the white people with that type of church could really stir up alot of racism. Barack needs more time to learn before we put him into office at the worst time in America...

[gunshack1]

I''m from the goverment and I''m here to help you. I have just begun to fight. D*mn the torpedos, full speed ahead. I regret I have but one life to give my party. Give it up Hill; your done.

[future_watch]

I, too, am heartened to see both our Democratic candidates'' historic runs for Presidency. I can''t help thinking, though, that Barack is behind Mrs. Clinton in the experience category. He reminds me of a minister when he speaks. One who inspires me on Sunday to go out and look at the world in a better way--see what is possible. But, the bottom line is that as much as I respect my minister, I wouldn''t want him running my business. For all the inspiration, he just doesn''t have the breadth of knowledge needed to do the job at hand. I need him in my life, but not running my business. That is the difference I see between Barack and Hillary. She has got the knowledge, grit, and determination that will get our country back on the right track here at home and abroad. It is as simple as that to me.

[jwind11]

I admire both Chavez and Osama. THANK YOU both for having the courage to face the hate and bigotry you have faced and one of you will continue to face. YOU have MADE me VERY PROUD!! VERY PROUD INDEED!

Posted by MCVet at 08:06 AM : Feb 29, 2008

enough said

[kstar42]

Her chances are good in the primary, but ZERO in the national election. Why would Ohio choose to lose?

She cannot win!
Posted by notbuynit at 08:29 AM : Feb 29, 2008

I don''t believe that for a second...First the media had played Barack up and Hillary down...when you hear that negativity so much...people start to wonder. It''s a game there playing because they know if Barack goes to the election..up against McCain, McCain will win. The people thats for Hillary that has heard nothing but negativity from Barack supporters will not vote or vote for McCain...Thats why people need to be careful who they dog on,because it will smack them in the face when it comes around. On CNN yesterday an 85 year old Hispanic woman was bringing Hillary supporters together to vote for her...The media called this woman all kinds of names...Now take a look at what will happen, these people that decided to vote for Hillary are mad at the media for what they did to the old woman..do you really think they will vote for Barack when the time comes around? I don''t think so.

[vet_sk]

I think you only have to look at how Hillary has mismanaged her campaign to see what a failure of a president she would be. Her senior staff are fighting (bad sign), she ran out of money earlier this month, and she seems like a fake, if it is true or not. She appears to be thinking that she has just not found her niche yet. And that is the point, she does get that she has to lead the country not just a constiuent group she can get support from.

Experience???? George Will recently reminded us about President James Buchanan. He had experience: 8 years as an ambassador, 10 years in the U.S. House of Reps, 10 years as a U.S. Senator, 4 years as the Sec of State. In 1856 he was elected president and in just four years earned the worst president in history award. (The current president may though soon usurp this award). He was followed by a president with only a single 2-year term in Congress. His name was Abraham Lincoln.

[rfcrtl]

Hillary will win Ohio, Rhode Island, and maybe even Texas. She will stifle the rookie senator''s "momentum" We want a president. Not a cult leader!

[truthspeake2]

OBAMA 2008...RIP Hillary and the GOP!

[demslie]

Its amazing how kind Democrats are to Hitlery. If this was a Bush story the hate would rival anything said by an Al Qaeda Terrorist. "President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared on Thursday that Iran was the world''s "number one" power." Why not? If Bush came to an America University to speak, his life would be in danger. If Ahmadinejad came to speak Democrats would worship him and give him a hero''s welcome. And Democrats are the people promising a "new Change in America".

[kenbomc]

Hillary will be an advisor at best. Her message changes daily along with her erratic behavior. Obama won this nomination a few weeks back.

[ianlou]

What I find most interesting is the absolute lack of anyone close to being considered conservative involved in this race at this early stage. (Huckabee not withstanding)

This can only be seen as proof that most of America is disappointed with what the conservatives have accomplished this last decade and want nothing to do with it%u2019s continuation.

The Republican Convention should be fun to watch; NeoCons squirming and scrambling to find someone or something to follow.

[cfin5]

Everyone I''ve talked to here don''t care for Hillary much,....but they absolutely can''t stand Obama. Sounds like they should have had Webb run for President in my opinion. Keep up the good work Louis Fartincan! The only time I want to here your smack is right now.

[rowdytexan2]

Hillary will be an advisor at best. Her message changes daily along with her erratic behavior. Obama won this nomination a few weeks back.


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Posted by kenbomc at 09:18 AM : Feb 29, 2008

Her message has stood fast through this whole campaign. And the buffoon Obama has echoed every one of them.

If Obama gets the election, he will have to have Hillary write it all down for him and put it on a teleprompter!

[athy4]

Articles I read to better Understand Sen. Obama and his Policies. Very surprising and disturbing information, People need to read these before voting.


http://news.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/

http://www.taylormarsh.com/

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803?currentPage=7

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article3080794.ece

http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=aa0cd21b-0ff2-4329-88a1-69c6c268b304

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/26/politics/main3876941.shtml

http://www.salon.com/tech/htww/2008/02/26/obama_s_dangerous_protectionism/index.html


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joe-wilson/battletested_b_86355.html?view=screen


I tried to leave out publications that were sensational in nature and/or provided no real information to help us in our decision, That is-I left out any trashy stuff.Question everything you read for accuracy and slant. If you are not sure about a particular fact, send link to particular website publication out on blogosphere and ask bloggers if anyone can verify or refute certain whatever it is you are questioning.Please do the same if you find any articles (positive or negative ) about Sen Clinton or any other candidate. Also, send more articles about Sen Obama too.

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by herfan at 09:18 AM : Feb 29, 2008

Well said!

[vet_sk]

Yeah, Hillary is a fighter, they say. She tried health care 15 years ago and that was the end of it. She ahd another 7 years in the Whitehouse and seven years in the Senate, and not even one more shot at it. That''s not experience that Washington. That''s exactly what we don''t need.

And Obama will likely surround himself with the best of the best. They''re already talking about Bloomberg being his vice.

[mbcsmith]

Na na na na na na heeeey heeey hey gooodbye. The Clintons are finally seen as the lying no good thieves they really are.

[vet_sk]

Can you imagine Hillary running the executive department. She can''t even run her campaign.

[ianlou]

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that being first lady should be considered presidential experience.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Hillary''s support of free trade and the Iraq war should be overlooked.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you believe that Bill''s sexcapades had no effect on the following election that gave us Bush.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you do not see certain advantages in have a short personnel history with Washington and it lobbyists.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you go around calling people "An Idiot".

[xzonz]

f you think Barack Obama with little or no experience would be better than Hillary Clinton with 35 years experience.


You Might Be An Idiot!

I THINK ITS QUITE VISIBLE AS TO WHO MIGHT BE THE IDIOT FROM THE WAY YOU ARE TRYING TO TOUT HILLARY''S CASE

I BEG TO DIFFER. I WILL VOTE FOR OBAMA-SORRY!

[infoman5]

Since Hillary gets beat in the general election, why would a Democrat vote for her? Why not just vote for McCain?

[xzonz]

ianlou, I BEG TO DIFFER, I WILL VOTE FOR OBAMA. WHAT HILLARY IS PROMISING I KNOW OBAMA WILL DELIVER.

[xzonz]

OBAMA 08!!!!!!

OBAMA 08!!!!!!

OBAMA 08!!!!!!

[crater7]

HER CHANCES MAY BE GETTING BETTER. IT SEEMS THAT THE MEDIA''S PROTECTIVE COCOON IS STARTING TO CRACK. THE TRUTH IS SLOWLY STARTING TO COME OUT ABOUT OBAMA. OBAMA HAS SAID THAT HE HAS PUT THE LOBBYIST ON NOTICE, THEY WILL NOT RUN HIS CAMPAIGN, AND THEY WILL NOT RUN HIS WHITE HOUSE. OBAMA ACCEPTED 1.2 MILLION DOLLORS FROM POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES FOR HIS U S SENATE CAMPAIGN. EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS OF EXELON HAS CONTRIBUTED ALMOST $27O,000 TO HIS PRESIDENTIAL AND SENATE CAMPAIGNS.THERE IS STILL THE OBAMA''S LONG TIME ASSOCIATION WITH NOW INDICTED DEVELOPER NAMED TONY REZKO.
OBAMA CONTINUES TO USE QUOTES FROM THE GREAT MLK,(AND EVERYONE ELSE) YET, HE IS A MEMBER OF A CHURCH, SELF DESCRIBED AS " UNASHAMELLY BLACK," WITH AN EMPHASIS ON AFRICAN CULTURE. THE CHURCH HAS BEEN TARGETED BY CRITICS WHO CALL IT SEPRATIST, RACIST AND ANTI-ISRAEL. THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN AND THE MEDIA WAS QUICK TO PORTRAY CLINTON AS INSENSITIVE TO BLACKS BY REFERING TO LBJ, PASSING THE CIVIL RIGHTS BILL.
OBAMA, HAS USED SEXIST REMARKS REFERING TO CLINTON''S RESPONSE AGAINST NEGATIVE ADS FROM THE OBAMA CAMP. OBAMA HAS SAID HE WILL BRING OUR TROOPS HOME FROM IRAQ, YET, SAID IF THE CONDITIONS WORSEN, HE WOULD SEND THEM BACK TO IRAQ. OBAMA ATTACKS CLINTON AS IF SHE SINGLED HANDEDLY PASSED THE "NAFTA BILL" ACTUALLY ACCORDING TO DAVID GERGEN, WHO WAS AT THE WHITE HOUSE AT THE TIME, SAID SHE WAS EXTREMLY UNENTHUSIATIC ABOUT NAFTA, AND JUST WANTED TO MOVE ON TO HEALTH CARE.

[xzonz]

OBAMA!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!!OBAMA!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!!OBAMA!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!!OBAMA!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!!OBAMA!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!! OBAMA!!!!!!

[oldabeeagle]

Check out the NY Times article about the Clinton campaign:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/us/politics/22clinton.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

If Hillary can not manage a campaign, how can she manage the country?
Take a look at this ABC news story about Hillary on the Wal-Mart board. She looks so sweet, but what did she do for the workers? Healthcare?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc9cSMzcR3g&feature=user

[cfin5]

The Obamatory patients here aren''t much for oratory debate here. Snores me out reading their smack.

[ianlou]

ianlou, I BEG TO DIFFER, I WILL VOTE FOR OBAMA. WHAT HILLARY IS PROMISING I KNOW OBAMA WILL DELIVER.
Posted by Xzonz

Beg to differ with what?
Me Too!

[xzonz]

OBAMA IS HONEST AND I KNOW HE WILL BE ABLE TO DELIVER. BY NOW THERE IS NOTHING THAT WE DONT KNOW ABOUT HIM, ALL OF IT HAS BEEN LAUD OUT ON THE TABLE. I WILL STILL VOTE FOR OBAMA.

OBAMA 08!!!!

[suzieh2308]

I live in Ohio and refuse to vote for Hillary, I do not trust her. She seems very frigid, cold, and dishonest. It infuriates me to see people either voting for her just because she''s a woman or because they want to see Bill back in the white house. If somehow, someway, Obama doesn''t win the nomination, I will vote for McCain, he might be a little crazy but at least he seems honest. OHIO WILL DECIDE ON MARCH 4TH!! GO OBAMA 08!! I have already donated four times to his campain, he is truely inspiring and gives us something to believe in, this country can be great again!!!

[oldabeeagle]

My white conservative state senator respects and admires Barack Obama.

http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2004/05/31/040531fa_fact1

[cfin5]

Hillary might be a socialist,......but that''s nothing compared to being a muslim smoochin'' Obamatomy ****. Louis Farrakhan proves me right again.

[ianlou]

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think all those Republicans voting for Obama in the Democratic primaries, and caucuses are doing so because they think he is a stronger Democratic candidate than Hillary Clinton. :-)
Posted by herfan

I would have thought that they wouldn''t want to waste their vote on any Democrat. Is this why they ended up with liberal John McCain? Oops.

When it comes to Republican Hate, Hillary wins hands down. Too bad this isn''t enough for me to like her.

[xzonz]

ianlou, I AM SUPPORTING OBAMA BECAUSE FIRST OF, I BELIEVE HE HAS POTRAYED A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW SOMEONE RUNNING FOR THE PRESIDENCY SHOULD BEHAVE.IM NOT TAKING SIDES AND NOT REPEATING WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON THE CAMPAIGHN TRAIL BECAUSE I BELIEVE YOU ARE ALREADY AWARE. BELIEVE ME MOST OF US ARE NOT CLOSE AT ALL TO THIS CANDIDATES BUT WE CAN RELY ON HOW THEY BEHAVE IN PUBLIC. AFTER ACCESING BOTH OF THEM IF I WERE TO CHOOSE I WOULD TRUST OBAMA COMPARED TO HILLARY

[ianlou]

ianlou, I AM SUPPORTING OBAMA BECAUSE ........
Posted by Xzonz

Xzonz I support Obama Too. Please stop yelling at me.

[rowdytexan2]

ianlou, I AM SUPPORTING OBAMA BECAUSE FIRST OF, I BELIEVE HE HAS POTRAYED A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW SOMEONE RUNNING FOR THE PRESIDENCY SHOULD BEHAVE.IM NOT TAKING SIDES AND NOT REPEATING WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON THE CAMPAIGHN TRAIL BECAUSE I BELIEVE YOU ARE ALREADY AWARE. BELIEVE ME MOST OF US ARE NOT CLOSE AT ALL TO THIS CANDIDATES BUT WE CAN RELY ON HOW THEY BEHAVE IN PUBLIC. AFTER ACCESING BOTH OF THEM IF I WERE TO CHOOSE I WOULD TRUST OBAMA COMPARED TO HILLARY


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Posted by Xzonz at 09:55 AM : Feb 29, 2008

Oh really? What about the first eleven months of the campaign where he did nothing but spout off smart arse comments? Every third word out of his mouth was some street punk lip.

Too bad Hillary had to come out and play politics his way to get him to back off!

[xzonz]

its hard to believe but Obama really cares. he makes sure he gives Hillary credit when its due because he sees things long term. he knows its important to be civil because as important as the race might be there is only one winner. he has never compared Hillary to the republicans , he cares about the unity of the party did you notice that each time Obama won the conssesion speech was given the next day by Hillary?
i am with Obama, if he is not nominated then i would happily vote for Maccain

[cfin5]

neoconism,....I want Ron Paul as President. Nice try though.

[xzonz]

cfin5, if you have a problem with any minorities then the attitude doesnt help. you as an american instead of complaining should try and find the source fo the problem and not be part of the problem. i hope we try and change this about america, it doesnt help anybody

[ianlou]

am with Obama, if he is not nominated then i would happily vote for Maccain
Posted by Xzonz

I can''t vote for McCain, here''s why.

In the history of the United States of America there have only been two presidents who have hit a Presidential Triple Play being that they got elected, reelected and kept their party in the Whitehouse with the next presidential election. They are George Washington and Ronald Reagan.
George Bush Junior does not belong nor deserve to be part of this exclusive list.
Send this failed president a clear message, Vote Democrat in this election.

[xzonz]

Oh really? What about the first eleven months of the campaign where he did nothing but spout off smart arse comments? Every third word out of his mouth was some street punk lip.

Too bad Hillary had to come out and play politics his way to get him to back off!

Posted by RowdyTexan2

ROWDY TEXAN SO IF CLINTON REACTS THE SAME WAY AS OBAMA ACCORDING TO YOUR POST, HOW IM I SUPPOSED TO SE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM? HILLARY IS OLDER, LONGER IN POLITICS AND SHOULD FIND IT ABOVE HER TO USE CERTAIN TACTICS. TOO BAD OBAMA IS ABOVE ALL THE PETTY POLITICS AS HE HAS PROVED

[bogdog30]

Ears (Shoeshine) in fresh pressed Arab uniform etc calls on the **** for a minstral show he plans to syndicate ...

Will feature Ozone Al at his own mansion and Hippo Hips (the ****) at her post war Malibu place guarded by Kombat Kerry and John john.

Teddy to play hanky head in a speedo.

[cfin5]

Posted by Xzonz at 10:06 AM : Feb 29, 2008-----Then I suggest you call Louis Farrakhan and Obama''s pastor up and tell them what you think. I could care less what color they are as I''m no racist, just an "attitudaphobe".

[hadenufff]

Hey Neoconism, why don''t you try to drag your head out of your ********? You are such an imbecile. McCain wan NOT a mercenary, and you claim he never fought for the liberty of the American people. It just because of people like him that you are able to spew your hatred of this country without me tracking you down and kicking your arse up one side and down the other. Why don''t you people who hate America so much move to oh let''s say, Iran? Maybe there you will be much more appreciated and accepted. As far as I''m concerned all of you idiots who slam this country and the people who fought for the freedoms you currently have, should all be rounded up and disposed of.

[mbcsmith]

I can''''t vote for McCain, here''''s why.

In the history of the United States of America there have only been two presidents who have hit a Presidential Triple Play being that they got elected, reelected and kept their party in the Whitehouse with the next presidential election. They are George Washington and Ronald Reagan.
George Bush Junior does not belong nor deserve to be part of this exclusive list.
Send this failed president a clear message, Vote Democrat in this election.



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Posted by ianlou at 10:09 AM : Feb 29, 2008


That''s it. That''s how you vote. Your choice, but wouldn''t it be better to actually listen to the candidates and make an informed decision.

[xzonz]

ianlou IM sorry i dint mean to shout its just that im trying to get my postings noticed/read since sometimes a topic gets over 500 responses and the propability of my positing being read diminishes as the comments increase. sorry again :)
please do vote for obama!!!