W.Va. Gov. In No Rush To End Race

Political Players: Gov. Joe Manchin Says Primary Has Been Good For The Party

(CBS)  Political Players is a weekly conversation with the leaders, consultants, and activists who shape American politics. This week, as the Democratic contest heads to West Virginia, CBS News' Brian Goldsmith talked with Gov. Joe Manchin about Tuesday’s primary and the future of the race.

CBSNews.com: Governor, your state is obviously holding a primary next Tuesday. Senator Clinton is heavily favored. But do the results even matter at this point?

Gov. Joe Manchin: Oh, absolutely. I truly believe so. And it's an exciting time to be a Democrat in the United States of America. And we have so many of them here. They're all excited about our primary. Myself, I'm up in the primary election. So, we're all geared up for this. And having both of the candidates come to West Virginia adds that much more excitement to it.

CBSNews.com: You’ve remained neutral in the contest between Clinton and Obama. As a superdelegate, will you vote for the winner of your state?

Gov. Joe Manchin: I am inclined to do that. But I also wear two hats. I'm chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. And there are twenty-eight Democratic governors. Twenty-two have already committed. There are six of us still uncommitted. And if I can be in that position -- to do whatever I can that will help heal the wounds, and bring all of us back together for the most important thing we have to do, which is to win the election in November. But I wanted to definitely wait until the people in my state of West Virginia spoke on Tuesday and got to vote.

CBSNews.com: But do you disagree with the consensus that Senator Clinton will win your state very comfortably?

Gov. Joe Manchin: Right now, it looks that she has a strong support base and a strong advantage. Of course, you know, they're no strangers to West Virginia. President Bill Clinton spent a good bit of time here. He's been good to our state. And we've worked with him closely. And Senator Hillary Clinton has been here a few times herself. She’s well-received and well-supported.

Senator Barack Obama came two years ago and spoke to our Jefferson Jackson Day dinner and had a tremendous crowd. So we'll just have to see. But right now, it does look like it's favoring Senator Clinton.

CBSNews.com: The Democrats, as you know, won West Virginia for a generation, up until 2000, and then lost again in 2004. And the voters who defected to the Republicans--mainly white, working-class voters--are exactly the people Senator Obama seems to be struggling with most. Do you think he has something to prove in West Virginia?

Gov. Joe Manchin: Well, let me speak about both candidates, as far as what we'll identify as personal issues. One of them would be guns. That's a big issue in the rural states, in the states that have basically a culture and a tradition of teaching young boys and girls the joy of the outdoors and love of nature. It's so prevalent in this state.

So, you know, we're very defensive on that. And the Republicans have been very good at getting people excited and worked up about these personal issues, if someone might take your guns, someone doesn't agree on your decision of a pro-choice or a pro-life position.

Well, let me tell you in West Virginia, I'm a Democrat. And we have many Democrats in West Virginia that might not have the same philosophical belief on personal issues as some of our candidates, or both of our candidates.

There's a lot of Democrats, myself included, who have supported right-to-life. I'm a lifetime member of the NRA. But I can assure you with all the checks and balances that we have in government, the candidate is not going to do that, whether it be Hillary or Barack, infringe on those personal issues and personal rights that you have.

CBSNews.com: But are you concerned that there might be a relationship between Senator Obama's performance in the primary on Tuesday and his ability to carry the state if he's the nominee in November?

Gov. Joe Manchin: You know, I sure hope not. And if Senator Clinton wins, or whatever the outcome may be on Tuesday, we all have got to work together. We've all got to be on the same team for the same purpose and cause, for the sake of the next generation to follow us, for the sake of the United States of America and really, for the sake of the world. We have an awesome responsibility to right this ship.

CBSNews.com: What advice do you have for Senator Obama? What more could he do to reach out to the voters who are so drawn to you, but have not embraced him?

Gov. Joe Manchin: I just think, you know, when we talk about a politician, I think a person has to be themselves. Let the voters see the real you. And you know, if you are what you are, and your beliefs and your desire and the passion, in West Virginia, like all these rural states, people have to see it and feel that passion, your commitment.

My grandmother had a great saying. It always stuck with me: People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. They've got to see it and feel it. And it's for real. And that's all. Be who you are.

CBSNews.com: At what point do you think your party has to rally around a nominee?

Gov. Joe Manchin: Well, everybody keeps saying the quicker the better. I keep saying that I believe with the excitement that's been going on, and the amount of new people we're bringing to the fold, they have to understand they're coming because they're excited about the changes that need to be made in this nation and our government, and the policies that need to be changed, and the different levels of leadership throughout the federal government, that needs to be turned over.

You know, many of these campaigns have not been settled, when you look back in history, until the convention. But all of a sudden now, we've got to settle them six months before. And I'm not so sure I subscribe to that. So, it's just great to be a Democrat.

A lot of excitement is coming here. It's the first time in West Virginia that anybody that's registered as an independent can go in and ask for a Democratic ballot and vote in our primary. 150,000 registered Democrats in West Virginia. And we'd like to see 100,000 of them show up for the primary. We have no clue what direction they're going.

CBSNews.com: Do you oppose the pressure on Senator Clinton to get out?

Gov. Joe Manchin: I think that's an extremely personal decision that her and her family, her husband and her daughter will make together. And I'm certainly not putting any pressure, nor do I think it's appropriate to do that. I think that when a person puts their heart, and soul and their resources for the period of time that she has done that, she deserves the leeway to make that decision on her own, with her family.

CBSNews.com: And more broadly, what do you think about the tone and tenure of the campaign between these two candidates?

Gov. Joe Manchin: Well I'm in a state where the super majority is Democratic. So, you can imagine, our primaries are hot and heavy, if you will. They're quite contested. And with that being said, this is not bad at all, as far as what we've seen. And I think they'll be fine. I don't think there's going to be a bit of a problem reuniting those two candidates behind the nominee when that happens.

CBSNews.com: Finally, what more can Democrats do to learn from the lessons of 2000 and 2004 in West Virginia? What do the Democrats need to do to be more successful in your state come election day?

Gov. Joe Manchin: Well I've evaluated this. You know, we have, in ten of the top states now, we have governors that are Democrats now, and not Republicans. And these governors are successful in the so-called red states. That means that they're crossing over party lines. And people appreciate the quality of service and the leadership they're giving.

If I were a presidential candidate, I would go into those states, whether it be Ohio, in Virginia, in West Virginia, and the states that maybe in the last election or two that the Democratic governor has won, but on the national ticket they have not been able to do it. And I would ask that person to take the lead for me. Let's work together as a team. And we will give you the support on the national level. And I think I can best help us navigate the waters, so that people can hear the truth and see the real candidates. That would be my advice to any of them, either one.

[craigh9]

Once again Hillarys'' ability to keep the blue collar, lesser educated americans afraid of change will result in a large victory for her.
Here''s hoping that the good people of West Virginia send her a message that you no longer buy into her fear mongering antics and that you also feel that politics as usual doesn''t work for anyone anymore and that you support change - vote Obama!

[blkpresident]

Yawnnnnnnnnn, the hillbillies are voting again on Tuesday, so we''ll wait until May 20th to declare victory. Why these fools would waste their vote on a woman while our nation is at war is beyond me. Must be something in the waters of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

[eddynewhope]

A vote for McCain is a vote for another 100 years in Iraq, war with Iran, tax breaks for the rich, supreme court appointees that will overturn Roe v. Wade, etc. etc. You think that Roe v. Wade is secure? That was before Alito and Chief Justice Roberts. They are 1 vote away folks from overturning Roe v. Wade. Now I dare you to go vote for McCain in November.

[eddynewhope]

"Obama is a terrorist sympathizer, and could be classified as a terrorist himself."

Posted by anappleadae

Wow - That is possible the most retarded statement I''ve ever seen on this blog, and I''ve seen some pretty *** retarted stuff posted. You are clearly a frightened individual who has bought into the neo-con assertion that the world is out to get you. You must be one sad, frightened, hateful little guy.

[anappleadae]

Hillary is the only chance Dems have of getting the Presidency. Obama is a terrorist sympathizer, and could be classified as a terrorist himself. During a time of war nothing maters except National Security, because without it nothing else maters.

If not Hillary then the baton goes to McCain to ensure National Security.

[ranger1948]

Anyone seen obamawhamma ? I have been looking under every rock and can''t find that snake.

[jockh]

Hillary Clinton has raised more then $198 million dollars for her campaign and yet is $25 million in debt.

This goes to show why she is unfit to be President.
$25 million in debt and she claims to have passed the Steward of the Economy test.

But Hillary made LOANS to her campaign and now she will want that money repaid so all you Hillary Supporters like RowdyTexan, you better increase your donations to Hillarys campaign (or should it now be called the Hillary Loan Repayment Fund)

But please remember Hillary will get ALL her money back, because its a LOAN; you however will only have your memories and a smaller bank balance.

Hillary relies on suckers like you to GIVE your money, while she cleverly LOANS hers.

When this is over she will have a bath in 100 dollar bills because all her 110 million dollar fortune is still there ! But don%u2019t worry she will be thinking of you and your kind donations !

[omaar-101]

Obama is going to Agree to allow Clinton to have her (Mich.-Florida Votes) and he`s still going to WIN and the (D) Party, he`ll still WIN and Hillary Clintonites will have No More Excuses..

Obama has said Clinton should run as long as she wants to...Several Times...

No Excuses Clintonites...Hillary has played these hands Long Enough.


He`s Officially Beating Hillary`s A!!

The Confirmation, is coming Soon...I Mean ''''Officially'''' !

Numbers don`t LIE...BIAS PEOPLE DO...

BUT, NUMBERS NEVER LIE !!

Obama is going to give her the (Mich.- Florida Votes) and still WIN this thing and he will NOT have her as his Running Mate as VP...NEVER


Fmr. Clinton Advisor: David Gergen said
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''If Obama chooses Clinton as his VP, he had better Hire an.. Official Food Taster''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Hillary is Toast !!!

Total Delegate Count

Democrats | 2,025 Needed to Clinch

OBAMA 1,858

CLINTON 1,690

EDWARDS 18

Republicans | 1,191 Needed to Clinch

MCCAIN 1,328

HUCKABEE 231
ROMNEY 149

CBS News estimates. Includes super delegates.

[klpetty44]

I sure hope Clinton isn''t hoping that WV will propel her to the White House. Let''s go back to Jimmy Carter''s bid for a second term. He only won two states against Reagan. That''s it, only two. Those two states, you guessed right, Georgia and West Virginia. So if Hillary is looking at WV as some sort of barometer, she''ll be sadly mistaken.

West Viriginia is NOT ready for a black president. I grew up there, I know. It''d be great to be wrong though. But this is why Clinton will do so well in WV - because it''s a very white state, and in Rural communities such as Sissonville and Witcher''s Creek, forget it. A black man''s chance of getting a vote there are not very good. Again, I''d love to be wrong, but being a West Virginia native, I''m not optimistic.

Oh, and while I''m on it. Clinton and her people suggest that she is most electable because she''s won the big states, or in their words, "The states that matter." What does this say about the other states? What, they don''t matter? I thought all 50 states mattered, even MI and FL. Hmmmm.

Anyway, WV can''t anymore save Clinton than it saved Carter against Reagan.

Let''s Goooooo Mountaineers!!!

[thegoodtexan]

The Clintons are history; they should gracefully and quietly fade away. An ugly and distasteful exit will not serve them well. The fear is, they don%u2019t always act in good taste. Hillary Clinton supporters should find something else to talk about.

[rowdytexan2]

The vast majority of the people who supported former Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton will vote for the party nominee simply because they won''''t be able to bring themselves to vote for McCain knowing he''''ll get 2 or 3 Supreme Court appointments to load the court up for decades to come with ultra-right wing nuts. Also they don''''t want the blood of the soldiers who''''ll die for nothing in Iraq (and Iran) on their hands.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by SgtRDS at 10:23 PM : May 09, 2008

No, they won''t! The economy is top of the list, and people won''t vote for a shill that will suck the life blood out of this country for a tax dollar!

It''s that simple.

[prudentvoter]

The Obama team is looking past Clinton, how refreshing. The whole campaign already has a more pleasant, more upbeat and more well mannered. It is amazing how the Clintons could bring the whole campaign down to such a crass level. They had a way of imparting an acrimonious atmosphere. Hillary is History, she should just go away.

[thegoodtexan]

All you Hillary supporters should send your money in to Hillary to pay back her loan to the camapign. We can''t have Bill and Hillary spending their own millions on this foolishness. They didn''t get rich giving it away to people like you. Look at their tax returns, they have set up their own tax deductable Clinton Charity Fund. A charity for the poor, indigent and indignant Clintons. Maybe you can contribute to that as well.

[lindaredtail]

I don''t know what Hillary is thinking. How can she be given all the delegates for MI? She can''t be. He was not on the ballot there and neither should she have been. She violated the rules. The MI and Fla. delegates should be split evenly to be fair and seated. That doesn''t help her because it is over. This site says he picked up 7 delegates but the NYTimes says 9 and that more are to come soon. And her comments to USA Today are deplorable. I really wish that the good people of WV would send her a message loud and clear. We will not allow you to define us as being racists.

[intheshade-2009]

Florida & Michigan are a mute point, as Clinton is out of the running. She was all in favor of excluding them when she was ahead and wanted to close out the election. She wanted to grab the nomination before anybody could oppose her. Too late now. However, I am sure Barack Obama will campaign in those states, and by time of the convention, he will have their unanimous support. So for all those wishing to have Florida & Michigan seated and counted at the convention, they will see their dreams come true.

[jgunther7]

Bill and Hillary are on the run. The people who paid all the kick back moneys for NAFTA favours and outsourcing contracts will be looking for their money back. They paid for influence and the Clintons can''t deliver. The money might be banked in the Turks and Caicos Islands where it is said that the Columbia NAFTA money was deposited in a special Clinton Charity Fund and where the Bushes keep a lot of their money. Run Hillary, Run!

[tigerjcs]

GO HILLARY. W Va. needs you! They can detect the phony Obama.

[omaar-101]

Clinton is a LIAR

Finally, there''s the stubborn little fact that Clinton completely opposed recognizing Michigan and Florida until after the primaries--i.e., when she realized she might need their delegates to win the nomination. "It''s clear that this election they''re having [in Michigan] is not going to count for anything," she said during an interview with New Hampshire Public Radio in October 2007. She wasn''t alone. Two months earlier, Clinton adviser Harold Ickes actually voted to strip the rogue states of their delegates as a member of the DNC''s Rules and Bylaws committee--"to prevent the gaming of the system," he said. Later than fall, Patti Solis Doyle, then Clinton''s campaign manager, pledged not to compete in either contest--and was unequivocal as well. "We believe Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina play a unique and special role in the nominating process... and the DNC''s rules and its calendar provide the necessary structure to respect and honor that role," she said.

[omaar-101]

Hillary is a LIAR & CHEAT !!!

Of course, the Obama campaign has its fair share of objections. For starters, there''s that pesky, old-fashioned, admittedly absurd notion known as "following the rules."

The Democratic Party prohibits any state other than Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina from holding its primary before Feb. 5. So when Florida and Michigan threatened in late 2007 to pull the trigger on Jan. 15 and Jan. 29, respectively, the DNC gave them a choice: reschedule--or lose your delegates. They refused, hence their current no-delegate status. According to critics, reinstating those delegates now would undermine the DNC''s authority over the nominating process; who will stop Guam, they say, when it schedules its primary for Thanksgiving 2012?

The second reason: last winter, both Clinton and Obama deferred to the DNC and agreed not to "campaign or participate" in either election; Obama even removed his name from the Michigan slate.


So while Clinton "beat" her rival 50-33 in Florida and trounced "uncommitted" 55-40 in the Great Lakes State, one can''t help but suspect that not campaigning and/or not appearing on the ballot somewhat affected Obama''s showing--not to mention that turnout has a way of declining when voters are told that the election doesn''t matter.

[sgtrds]

Oh, if our candidate concedes...John McCain looks better and better.

McCain is better than Bush, Obama is WORSE than Bush!

Posted by RowdyTexan2 at 07:40 PM : May 09, 2008

The vast majority of the people who supported former Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton will vote for the party nominee simply because they won''t be able to bring themselves to vote for McCain knowing he''ll get 2 or 3 Supreme Court appointments to load the court up for decades to come with ultra-right wing nuts. Also they don''t want the blood of the soldiers who''ll die for nothing in Iraq (and Iran) on their hands.