Obama Has Edge In Montana, Poll Says

The Illinois Senator Has Done Well In the Rocky Mountain States; Montana Could Put Him Over The Top

(AP)  The Rocky Mountain region represents friendly terrain for Barack Obama, who is angling to add Montana to his string of victories on Tuesday.

Demographically, the state would seem to suit rival Hillary Rodham Clinton almost perfectly - overwhelmingly white and rural. But political observers and a statewide poll suggest Obama has the advantage here.

The Illinois senator has outperformed Clinton in Rocky Mountain states, winning contests in Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Clinton won Arizona and a cliffhanger in New Mexico.

Only 16 delegates are at stake in Montana's primary, but depending on several other factors - what the Democratic National Committee rules panel decides this weekend about seating Florida and Michigan delegations and Puerto Rico's primary Sunday - the state could put Obama over the top for the nomination. He was about 40 delegates shy of victory on Friday.

South Dakota holds its primary the same day, but Montana's polls close an hour later, giving the state bragging rights to the finale in an epic marathon that has stretched from Jan. 3 to June 3, pausing in every state and spanning the globe as Americans living in dozens of countries cast ballots.

Clinton hopes wins in Montana and South Dakota will help persuade some of the nearly 200 yet-to-be-claimed superdelegates - elected officials and party leaders awarded a vote at the Democratic National Convention by virtue of their positions - to side with her and carry her campaign to the convention in August.

Three of Montana's eight superdelegates have endorsed Obama, while the rest say the outcome of the primary will help shape their decision.

More than 90 percent of Montana's residents are white and less than 75 percent have completed at least four years of college. The largest minority, American Indians, comprise about 7 percent of the population. Those are similar to demographics Clinton owned in earlier primaries.

But voters here may not fit the mold of the rural, working-class voters that backed Clinton in Appalachian and Rust Belt states. A recent poll showed Obama with a 17-point lead in Montana, although 13 percent of likely Democratic voters were still undecided.

Obama hopes a Montana victory will convince doubters that he can sway rural, white voters and compete against Republican John McCain in the Mountain West, where guns and the economy are key. Some political strategists contend Democrats have an opportunity to move three Rocky Mountain states - Colorado, Montana and New Mexico - into their column in the general election.

"The West shows in great contrast that Obama does appeal to this demographic they claim we don't do well with," said Obama state director Gabe Cohen.

Clinton's campaign has again turned to small towns, a strategy that has worked well in other states. Former President Bill Clinton has made five trips across Montana, stopping in places such as Havre and Lewistown that have never experienced such attention from a high profile political figure.

"If you add all the undecideds to her column, then you've got something approximating a dead tie in Montana," said Kenneth Bickers, a University of Colorado political analyst who has been tracking the race. "And at this point, she can't just tie. She has to beat him."

Clinton supporters are quick to point out that she does much better in primaries than in caucuses. And Clinton could benefit from her appeal to more conservative voters, another demographic she has courted.

Montana has a high percentage of gun owners, although it's hard to say who that would help - or hurt.

Gun owners remember, generally with disdain, the gun control measures of the Clinton administration. But Obama has gun control baggage of his own, which resurfaced after he was heard saying rural voters in small Pennsylvania towns "cling to guns and religion." In recent weeks, he has been trying to convince Western voters that "sensible" gun control won't get in the way of their traditions.

Political scientist Craig Wilson of Montana State University-Billings said he thinks Obama's comments about rural voters could be damaging in Montana.

"Some of that took a little luster off that big charisma," Wilson said.

But Obama may benefit from an early start in the state: He was first to open local campaign offices and was alone running TV ads until Clinton recently launched her first spot in the state.

The primary is open to all voters, and the Democratic race is expected to attract crossover Republicans and independent voters.

"It will probably be the independents who decide which way it goes," Wilson said.

[trishab4]

CBS: Obama hopes a Montana victory will convince doubters that he can sway rural, white voters and compete against Republican John McCain in the Mountain West, where guns and the economy are key.

-Yes he can, and he will!

[trishab4]

CBS: Clinton supporters are quick to point out that she does much better in primaries than in caucuses. And Clinton could benefit from her appeal to more conservative voters, another demographic she has courted.

-And Clinton could benefit from her appeal to more conservative voters
-And Clinton could benefit from her appeal to more conservative voters
And Clinton could benefit from her appeal to more conservative voters
And Clinton could benefit from her appeal to more conservative voters

-We knew she would better fit into a Repukon frame!

[trishab4]

CBS: Political scientist Craig Wilson of Montana State University-Billings said he thinks Obama''s comments about rural voters could be damaging in Montana.

- That''s a deceptive way of blaming Obama for Damages to economy done by the idiot in chief Liar935Bush''s detrimental administration!

-Americans are not such dumb not to see the double language, the Repukons speak. In fact they destroyed what President Bill Clinton built in 8 years of Democratic rule, and dragged the US economy down the ground and enetered in two infamous wars, causing America to bleed with its daughters and sons'' blood!

[naucoming4u]

Out of the 10 Democrats in the state of Montana...

...I am sure Obama will do well.

[jedi080808]

To say that Hillary does better with Rep. is commical.

She is the most hatted person among Republicans. If the dems want the republicans to come out in force and vote for McCain all the have to do is nominate Billary.

[naucoming4u]

What do you call a Montana resident who has less than 10 guns in his or her collection?


A Democrat.

[agog2]

Black is wonderful. Tan is grand. However White is the color of the big boss man

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by NAUcoming4U at 02:17 AM

Get over your big bad self! What, you got 10 guns big man? Are you another Clint Eastwood? Think you somebody important with your guns? What a laugh!

[samthetvcat]

Anybody else scared the voters might not be ready to let this primary end? Just because every time Barack''s been on the cusp of clinching the nomination, whichever State is up to bat votes against the polls to give Hillary one last shot - NH, OH/TX, PA . . .

Because who knows - people might be thinking that if they give her a boost, maybe she won''t win but she''ll have more leverage to bargain for VP or something like that . . . I don''t know, just speculation . . .

PS Anybody know if Barack and Hillary''ll be at that rules committee meeting tomorrow? With the stakes so high, I wonder if it''ll be really dramatic or what . . .

[haoli25]

Don''t get too excited. In Montana they think an "Obama" is a sheep.

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by haoli25 at 02:26 AM

Lonely men, Montana and sheep! What a combo.

[samthetvcat]

Oh no wait, forget it that was dumb - Barack doesn''t need to win in Montana to get the nomination, he just needs enough delegates (pledged or super) to put him over the top . . . hopefully those Supers will finally get off the fence :)

[agog2]

If Obama would win. Hillary Clinton would never stoop that low as to run as his VP. Never Happen

[hdinsight]

In order to win a general election, one that goes beyond Democratic Primary results, we need a candidate who a MAJORITY OF AMERICANS WILL VOTE FOR. That candidate is clearly Clinton. Anyone else is simply the poster child for another Democratic defeat.

[sean5002]

*****************************

In order to win a general election, one that goes beyond Democratic Primary results, we need a candidate who a MAJORITY OF AMERICANS WILL VOTE FOR. That candidate is clearly Clinton. Anyone else is simply the poster child for another Democratic defeat.


Posted by HDINSIGHT at 03:43 AM : May 31, 2008

Oh really!!! . SO how come at one point she LOST 11 STATES in row to him.

I guess you are watching these primaries from another universe.

3 republicans already lost their seat, you can put a kitchen plant come November, John McBush is going to get beat, we talking double digit here .

In a few months coming up to November.. then the general election fever starts.. and more people become aware and interested; So when they see its another 4 more years of Bush or a change in policies and direction with Barack. People will get the message this time.

[eezzzee-2009]

Hillary will continue fighting her lost cause regardless of what the DNC determines about seating the FL and MI delegates or the outcome of the remaining three primaries. She sees light at the end of the tunnel; unfortunately (for her), it%u2019s an oncoming train with Pelosi and Reid driving and fueled by Super-Delegates!

Hillary, the Queen of Spin and a Legend in Her Own Mind!

http://klintons.com

[crater7]

THE GOOD PEOPLE OF MONTANA WILL CONNECT THE DOTS OF THE OBAMA PATTERN OF ASSOCIATIONS, CONNECTIONS, AND ENDORSEMENTS FROM QUESTIONABLE RELIGIOUS, FANATICAL AND EVEN SELF ADMITTED TERRORIST, AND TERROR SUPPORTING COUNTRIES, AND LEADERS. OBAMA HAS AND STILL SUPPORTS A RACIST CHURCH. HIS FRIENDS, MENTORS, UNCLES "SUPER HERO''S" AND EVEN HIS WIFE HAVE SPOKEN OUT AGAINST WHITE AMERICA AND THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. OBAMA WILL BE HIS OWN DOWNFALL. WORDS DO MATTER. AND AMERICA WILL VOTE WITH WISDOM AND NOT BLIND ACCEPTENCE TO THE KING OF CONN.

GOD "BLESS" AMERICA. NOT "G D" AMERICA.

[woodjd42]

crater7
I suppose you''re in favor of the religious right that calls for the assasanation of world leaders. Or in favor of bush/chaney that use lies to runin this country. Or Clinton who lies to gain polictal advantage.
If you think any of these people care about what happens to America or its people, you are saddly mistaken. They are only interested in what is in it for themselves.
Wake up!!!

[crater7]

woodjd42;

HMMMMMM, SO, YOU AGREE WITH MY COMMENT?

GOD "BLESS" AMERICA. NOT "G D" AMERICA.

[woodjd42]

In my opinion, the problem in this country today is we have no one in office, congress or white house, that cares about anything but their own personal greed. This country needs to wake up and vote out every one in office and start over again.

[rudentesty2]

In order to win a general election, one that goes beyond Democratic Primary results, we need a candidate who a MAJORITY OF AMERICANS WILL VOTE FOR. That candidate is clearly Clinton. Anyone else is simply the poster child for another Democratic defeat.


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Posted by HDINSIGHT at 03:43 AM : May 31, 2008

Let''s do some math.Half the country is republicans,and Clinton is a four letter word to them,so count them out.Half of the democrats are Obama supporters,and they are sick of Hillary,and her fast and loose politics.With Obama having the delegate lead,the nomination of Hillary would turn them against her.Hmm,looks to me as if 3/4 of the country wouldn''t **** on her if she were on fire,let alone vote for her.I know I wouldn''t.

[idnnsg]

crater7, everything you say about Obama is false, based on a deliberate campaign of lies by neocon tools such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O''Reilly, FAUX News, and other repug propaganda outlets. Either you know this, and you are a part of the smear machine, or you lack the intelligence to discriminate fact from fiction. Either way, I for one and growing quite tired of your repeated "shouting". If you can''t stop lying, please at least consider turning off your caps lock key.

[broncfan1661]

crater7
I suppose you''''re in favor of the religious right that calls for the assasanation of world leaders. Or in favor of bush/chaney that use lies to runin this country. Or Clinton who lies to gain polictal advantage.
If you think any of these people care about what happens to America or its people, you are saddly mistaken. They are only interested in what is in it for themselves.
Wake up!!!
Posted by woodjd42 at 06:38 AM : May 31, 2008
__________________________________________________
If you actually think Obama is any different, you are sadly mistaken.

[mcvet]

In my opinion, the problem in this country today is we have no one in office, congress or white house, that cares about anything but their own personal greed. This country needs to wake up and vote out every one in office and start over again.


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

Posted by woodjd42 at 06:52 AM : May 31, 2008
+ report abuse

That is just NOT true and the record shows it! We fell for a bunch of Southern Fascist some years ago who, instead of running elections as they were supposed to be run, decided to start slinging mud and using Attack Ad''s because they HAD no idea''s. They were funded by greedy CEO''s who ALWAYS want something for their money. Obama HAS ended that cycle and has run his champaign on contributions from OVER a Million American''s. He caught the Clinton''s off Guard and THAT is saying a lot. IF we are EVER to get back to being America, IF we are to ever put behind us the WORST in our history we HAVE to stop putting everyone in a box and branding them. People are People and AMERICAN''s are American''s. You can''t find ONE, not ONE of them that totally agrees and are of the same mind. When we worked, when we moved forward, we entered the process with THAT knowledge. The attitude of the Southern Fascist of "You are either with us or against us" may work well for them but it does NOT work well for American. Sieg Heil Bush

[mcvet]

If you actually think Obama is any different, you are sadly mistaken.


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

Posted by broncfan1661 at 07:08 AM : May 31, 2008
+ report abuse

You FASCIST have GOT to make up your minds here. One day you are saying we can''t elect him because he''s outside the "mainstream" the next you are saying he is no different. I''ve come to the conclusion that YOU say whatever about him that justifies your position at THAT moment? SIEG HEIL BUSH

[broncfan1661]

With Obama having the delegate lead,the nomination of Hillary would turn them against her.Hmm,looks to me as if 3/4 of the country wouldn''''t **** on her if she were on fire,let alone vote for her.I know I wouldn''''t.
Posted by RudenTesty2
_______________________________________________________
Can''t you Obama people comment without using langusge like that. It shows your ignorance.

[broncfan1661]

You FASCIST have GOT to make up your minds here. One day you are saying we can''''t elect him because he''''s outside the "mainstream" the next you are saying he is no different. I''''ve come to the conclusion that YOU say whatever about him that justifies your position at THAT moment? SIEG HEIL BUSH

Posted by MCVet at 07:12 AM : May 31, 2008

You sir (and I use the word loosely) are an idiot!

[jesterbelle]

Anyone else is simply the poster child for another Democratic defeat.


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Posted by HDINSIGHT at 03:43 AM : May 31, 2008

Think about it,the damage Hillary has done by staying in so long,splitting the party,the ammunition she has given the republicans for November,perceived lies and cheating about MI.,FL.,and the popular vote lead.If anybody is going to end up as the poster child for the blame in a dem. loss,I''d have to put my money on her.It''ll end her career if she is perceived as the cause.I''d say you clowns had better start beating the tom toms for Obama if you don''t want to see Hillary relegated to the political scrap heap.

[jesterbelle]

With Obama having the delegate lead,the nomination of Hillary would turn them against her.Hmm,looks to me as if 3/4 of the country wouldn''''''''t **** on her if she were on fire,let alone vote for her.I know I wouldn''''''''t.
Posted by RudenTesty2
___________________________
____________________________
Can''''t you Obama people comment without using langusge like that. It shows your ignorance.


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

Posted by broncfan1661 at 07:14 AM : May 31, 2008

Well excuse the hell out of me,Andy Rooney!What''s wrong,wife pee in your Wheaties?

[woodjd42]

You have a valid point here and I dare say that I may agree that Obama is propably the only one that does have fresh ideas.
My point however is there is only maybe a handful in congress that realy cares about what is good for the country. They only take stands on something that would help them be re-elected or give them some other benifit. We need people that will do what is best for the country and its people. Getting rid of bush/chaney is the first step!!!!!!

[woodjd42]

My last comment is in response to ;
That is just NOT true and the record shows it! We fell for a bunch of Southern Fascist some years ago who, instead of running elections as they were supposed to be run, decided to start slinging mud and using Attack Ad''''s because they HAD no idea''''s. They were funded by greedy CEO''''s who ALWAYS want something for their money. Obama HAS ended that cycle and has run his champaign on contributions from OVER a Million American''''s. He caught the Clinton''''s off Guard and THAT is saying a lot. IF we are EVER to get back to being America, IF we are to ever put behind us the WORST in our history we HAVE to stop putting everyone in a box and branding them. People are People and AMERICAN''''s are American''''s. You can''''t find ONE, not ONE of them that totally agrees and are of the same mind. When we worked, when we moved forward, we entered the process with THAT knowledge. The attitude of the Southern Fascist of "You are either with us or against us" may work well for them but it does NOT work well for American. Sieg Heil Bush


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

Posted by MCVet at

[myshiba]

who cares about o? mccain is my man if o is the dem. nom. he''ll never make it to the white house . . never.

[myshiba]

nomobama!

[renonv5]

A 17 point lead, with 13 undecided leaves him with a 4 point lead. Let''s not put the cart before the horse. Anyone who would vote for him after the new pastor''s remarks should have their heads examined. Those racist, bigoted comments are part of who he is and what he believes. Change?? Careful what you wish for.

[tootall10142]

HERE! HERE! mcvet! butgreed is strong corner stone to what will become later a weak structure.As we all are watching crumble beforeour feet.

[pepperwood2]

Playing the Great White Hope Card. Hillary & Bill have bitterly bashed Obama, Rev Wright & the African American People since day one of her campaign.

Whining, pissing, & moaning using her warped reverse psychology and always trying to make it look like Obama is to blame. Along the way she has managed to say it''''s ALL about me. This is fun, I''''m just warming up! Telling Gov Richardson when he came out to support Obama "Obama cannot, will not & must not win"

Father Pflegler is only presenting reality by speaking the truth when it comes down to it and Most of us already know. Hillary is good at playing this card on the white, blue collar, low income anglo saxon, catholic & protestant voters that have been easily manipulated & exploited to vote for her.

This is part of the Old Guard Democrat process that has been indelved, imbedded & is alive & doing well in the Old Guard Clinton politics. The Clintons are quite proud that former Sen. J. William Fulbright, a racist & segregationist, was their MENTOR & FRIEND.

It''''s has worked so well for them that why would they change now. It''''s a sad scenario, but Hillary is hoping that most of us won''''t have the intelligence to realize this until its over. Pretty Slick Trick! If it works?

[alexma50085]

Clinton is such a sore loser. She cannot win, but yet she stays in the race. Everyday she gets more pathetic, if she steps down now, maybe she can save what little face she has left.

[downsteamjim]

To Alexma: Why would she want to save that face?

[downsteamjim]

I agree with the headline. Obama has been getting edgy.

[cbs4me3]

As a Hillary Democrat, I hope to elect Hillary as the first Woman President of the United States of America. Hillary has the experience, record of accomplishment, and the trust of the American people. The security of our Nation is paramount in this election. Peace.

[rowdywicca]

My last comment is in response to ;
That is just NOT true and the record shows it! We fell for a bunch of Southern Fascist some years ago who, instead of running elections as they were supposed to be run, decided to start slinging mud and using Attack Ad''''''''s because they HAD no idea''''''''s.
----------------------------------
----------------------------------------
------

Posted by MCVet at

Continue to be deluded. Obama''s million people are mostly oil and energy company executives! This grassroots BS is the biggest hoax and lie ever pulled!

And what''s this krap about the southerners...some kind of snot nosed yankee talk??? See what happens when bigotry enters the picture?

So you''re saying because Obama is a yankee from Chicago we''d be better off with him? This Marxist hoax?

[alexma50085]

To Alexma: Why would she want to save that face?

Posted by downsteamjim

LOL!!!

[alexma50085]

As a Hillary Democrat, I hope to elect Hillary as the first Woman President of the United States of America. Hillary has the experience, record of accomplishment, and the trust of the American people. The security of our Nation is paramount in this election. Peace.

Posted by CBS4me3

You say she has the experience, but on that logic, we should be able to elect Laura Bush as president. She''s been a first lady for 8 years, that means she should know what happens in the white house.
Clinton has little experience for being president, but I''m sure she could plan a d*mn good dinner party.

[omega39-2009]

If anybody is going to end up as the poster child for the blame in a dem. loss,I''''d have to put my money on her.It''''ll end her career if she is perceived as the cause.I''''d say you clowns had better start beating the tom toms for Obama if you don''''t want to see Hillary relegated to the political scrap heap.

Posted by jesterbelle

if it costs Obama the White House but destroys Hillary it will be worth it.

[singingrick]

Go Obama!

[formrusmcsgt]

Today, Hillary''s charade will come to an end.

She''ll be told that her trick of leaving her name on the MI ballot while Edwards and Obama withdrew their''s, per their pledge, will not work....

[formrusmcsgt]

As a Hillary Democrat, I hope to elect Hillary as the first Woman President of the United States of America. Hillary has the experience, record of accomplishment, and the trust of the American people. The security of our Nation is paramount in this election. Peace.

Posted by CBS4me3

Hillary loves to tout her 35 years of experience yet has no accomplishments to brag on.

What she should say is that for 35 years, she''s been around people who have actually accomplished something......

[whatinthewld]

I say, hang in there Hilary. You aren''t finished yet. You haven''t completely split the democratic party yet............so hang in there and keep spending your personal pocket money on this campaign. It is money well spent for a good cause. GO HILARY!!

[ljb6599]

cbs4me3....Whom are you trying to fool.The only people whom trust Hillary Clinton are he core democratic supporters.Independents and Republicans will not vote for her.

[omega39-2009]

Hillary loves to tout her 35 years of experience yet has no accomplishments to brag on.

What she should say is that for 35 years, she''''s been around people who have actually accomplished something......

Posted by formrusmcsgt

Experience has become synonymous with business as usual, that more than anything is why she couldn''t peddle it and why McCain is going to have such a tough time in Nov.