Following Tuesday’s events, Sen. Barack Obama has won a majority of pledged delegates in the race for the Democratic nomination. He returned to Iowa, where “it was in this great state where we took the first steps of an unlikely journey to change America.” He won the majority of the vote in Oregon, while Sen. Hillary Clinton enjoyed success in Kentucky.
Barack Obama’s victory speech in Iowa
“Tonight, in the fullness of spring, with the help of those who stood up from Portland to Louisville, we have returned to Iowa with a majority of delegates elected by the American people, and you have put us within reach of the Democratic nomination for President of the United States,” Obama said.
He moved closer to becoming the nominee, but he did not declare victory. He even praised and congratulated Sen. Hillary Clinton:
“In her thirty-five years of public service, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has never given up on her fight for the American people, and tonight I congratulate her on her victory in Kentucky. We have had our disagreements during this campaign, but we all admire her courage, her commitment and her perseverance. No matter how this primary ends, Senator Clinton has shattered myths and broken barriers and changed the America in which my daughters and yours will come of age.”
Hillary Clinton’s victory speech in Kentucky
Clinton has said she will stay in the race until June because she believes she can be the nominee. In her victory speech in Louisville, Ky., Clinton told her supporters she would keep campaigning until there was a Democratic nominee — “whoever she may be.” She commended Obama and his supporters and added, “While we continue to go toe-to-toe for th is nomination, we do see eye-to-eye when it comes to uniting our party to elect a Democratic president in the fall.”
Clinton’s advisers say her popularity could lead Obama to incorporate some of her policy positions into his platform, but they she her staying in the race is not part of a larger bargaining strategy. Clinton claims she’s won the popular vote if Michigan and Florida are counted and is hoping to persuade party officials to put the states back into play when they meet later this month.
Since neither candidate is expected to gain the 2,026 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination, the election will likely be settled by superdelegates at the Democratic convention in August.
Ty21, CL does have a lot of Obama supporters, so many probably don’t want to support Hillary b/c of her tactics. She has played dirty. Many people don’t trust her. I do agree that she should continue the race. Why not? She owes it to herself and her supporters, and frankly I don’t have a problem with people voting for whomever they choose. I’m only responsible for my vote, and it’s for Obama.
@Ty…who said anything about her being a racist? I’m not sure if she is one, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she is… I know one thing as factual, she is a race bater… Meaning she pulled the race card for people to think that White Hard Working Americans would not vote for Obama if he is the presumptive Nominee… That is FACT.
Another fact is, because of statements such as race bating; she only divides the democrats. Because some listened to her arguments and made decisions based on them, and others are disappointed by which way she chose to get on top. And after all that, she is still trailing, and will not WIN….
At this point I don’t care whether she backs out of the or not…the outcome will be the same.
Blacks being racist??? I think blacks can be prejudice, but racist? Some blacks are definitely prejudice, but racists I would not say so for the majority of blacks. And you have to keep in mind if a black man wasn’t running for office, the majority would get behind who they fill is the best qualified candidate and the majority of blacks usually vote the same way (meaning 80%, 85%, 90%)….so to try and twist this argument around is pointless to me because we mostly vote the same way no matter what…
When ever she panic’s she pulls the race card. She just stated that she won her last state because of “middle class, hard working voters, white voters.” Yet another statement that she had to apologize for.
Yeah I’m sure thats the way to go, just bow down to Obama, it would be something totally different if she was getting blown out than I’m sure she would concede. So she is doing good and making history too and making strides for women. So this nomination process is gonna run its course and for all who dont like it deal with it. She can only lose when he wins, until than keep going Hillary.
@Serious…you can not use the argument that the media stopped talking about Michelle because Obama said she is off-limits because it is the republicans that have been creating clips on Michelle… Not the media. And if you think Michelle will not be used in the future because Obama said Off-limits, then you are naive, and need a wake-up call. They are going to put Michelle and Obama on blast soon…just wait.
I personally think it is sick. The issues are not being addressed because of personal attacks.
Also, where have you been? Obama still to this day receives backlash because of his past affiliation with Rev. Wright.
If you are not going to say it is wrong for any candidate to be smeared in the media on subjects not pertaining to the issues, then your argument is no longer valid…
It is wrong no matter which candidate receives it….and I didn’t hear any Hillary supporters outraged by Obama being attacked over Rev. Wright…
@ Ty21
You still are not seeing what’s at stake. Because of the ferocity of her campaign; if she doesn’t help unite the party under the platform of Obama the entire democratic party will lose. You don’t get that??
Shawn08 -It is wrong no matter who the candidate is. I personally hate the attacks on family members no matter who it is. Yes, I was upset over the Rev. Wright issue. I thought it was crazy-stupid, but I haven’t heard Rev. Wright’s name lately. By the way, I did not call you naive and say you needed a wake-up call so why would you attack me??? I understand the need for debate, but we can do it without attacking each other – who knows, we could learn from each other.
@circa-81
Oh well than dont blame it on Hillary drop some blame on the DNC, its their fault for having such a shitty system
The truth of the matter is that Hillary and Obama really do have similar views. But will she stand on those views once elected?
My issue is that Hillary is now trying to get Florida and Michigan counted because she’s losing! Originally, she didn’t care about the people and their voting rights in those states and agreed that the votes should not be counted. She’s retracting that statement now because she’s behind. To me, that’s MAJOR. If she’s already retracting, what will she take back once she gets in office? I originally said I would vote for any democrat, just as long as they would bring the troops home. But is she going to change her mind on that too?
At least McCain, the third of the Bush trilogy, (Big Bush, Lil’ Bush, and now [Mc]Bush III) is letting us know up front that he plans on killing more of our people as he persists in war. We already know if he’s voted in, the war will continue and gas and food will continue to go up, we will continue to get surcharged for all of our goods, and he will continue to let our people die due to war.
To me, there seems to be only one choice…and Obama is it.
If Hillary is such an advocate and leader for the “better cause;” she will take this premise into her own hands. That is what leader’s are suppose to do. The entity of the D.N.C. is not going to be nominated as president but one of it’s candidates will.
@Serious, I heard the Rev. Wright mention just yesterday. And if you took my statement the wrong way, I am sorry. I am just trying to get you to see that you are only focusing on what is happening to Hillary, when in fact it has happened to both candidates. So, there should be no anomosity towards one candidate because you feel only one side is being treated unfairly. They both have been and will continue to be trreated unfairly, and it is truly unfortunate.
Furthermore, for her own selfish agenda she is continuing her campaign knowing that she is delaying Obama from actually running for president. This issue is what will hurt him most.
If this was Barack in her shoes, than I know black people on here wouldnt be telling a black man thats running a close race for president to step aside. No way would that happen and you guys know that. Another reason why its good for her not to step aside is because if she quits, do you think her supporters want a quitter, people that voted in Kentucky last night do you think they want to see her quit, nah I’m sure they dont, and none of her other million supporters dont either. Contrary to popular belief there is some good that can come out of this, maybe even bring the party closer to know that they have two candidates, that are able to lead the country.
Shawn08 – I hear you. I must have missed the Wright story yesterday – and trust me, I watch the news religiously – so my fault. I guess we all have our views and support our candidate full force. I will not put Obama down and again, will vote for him in November. I just hope he picks a running mate with some sense. It’s unfortunate that the media is turning this political race into a monster of it’s own. I agree that Hillary has made some huge mistakes, but that’s what they were. I still believe that she’s smart, and can get this clean-up job done – As well as Obama can. So, the bottom line is will Obama be our first black President of the US, I think he can win this. But, he must not choose a foolish running mate.
@ Ty21
Like I said “for her own political motivations to be a viable force within politics”. As for the voters: whoever will negate the other candidate because their hopeful is failing is a weak link withing the Democratic Party. If it was Obama then I would patiently wait for him to lose and then place my vote with Hillary. More is at jeopardy than race and gender milestones; this is about trying to repair the country. This isn’t sports.
@Serious, I totally agree with you about his running mate. I’m sure he will make a wise decision. I am truly hoping he chooses Hillary. I really think that will re-unite the democrats, and make it hard for McCain to win in November.
If Hillary and Obama would become running mates. This will sure a democratic victory in November. And this is the only way there will be a sure win for Obama.
@Serious, first, I do know there are other media outlet than Fox News, but I’ve seen a lot of Hillary sentiment on most news stations and blogospheres. Just this Sunday, Shawn Hannity did a drawn-out segment, not on Pastor Wright, but now the new pastor of Trinity. After that, I turned it off. I respect anyone’s choice for a candidate, but I really believe the media is privy to Hillary. Everything he or Michelle say or do are scrutinized. Well, I’ll tell ya, this is only the beginning. It’s going to get ugly.
*secure a democratic vicory*
My spelling is all f#$cked up right now.
Why won’t somebody tell Hillary to go sit down somewhere, she’s WACK!
HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT!
@ 24 SICK AND TIRED
You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!!!!!
Obama All The Way!!!!
Hillary too shady, don’t trust her.
@#76 An Obama/clinton ticket would be the deathnail to his campaign for two reasons.1) It would contradict his views for the need of change in Washington,to have the Clinton Brand Name as his VP,that in itself would cut into his support base.2)Obama has a serious problem with the southern voting public.Clinton will not solve this problem,although many throughout the south voted for Clinton,but their support of Team-Clinton was based on the fact that she has a black opponent,something they do not want,and in a general election all of her supporters would move toward McCain…Obama needs a well known southerner that will put white minds at ease,and Clinton is not that person.
I don’t really care for politics, but:
Hilary Clinton has sat on hey ugly ass accusing a well-educated black man of being inexperienced and incompetent, and undeserving (sound familiar?) to the point of suggesting that a senile old crank from an opposing party was more electable than someone on her supposed team. They disparage and try to belittle a respectable black man running an excellent campaign and ridicule him for being, ironically, just as ambitious as her own husband was about 16 years ago, and it’s OK. They’ve called an empirically viable black candidate everything from an empty spokesman to a stealth terrorist Muslim to an unpatriotric outsider, yet some blacks fail to see the writing on the wall. I’ve heard the most racist and downright hateful things come out of Hilary supporters. At the end, these people always show their true colors. Yet you see brainless blacks still vying for acceptance from these rotten bigots. How anyone can condone such hatred towards their own own kind is beyond me.
My question is: When is someone going to start a cult for self-loathing, white-worshiping coons like VELVETJ so we can all watch their mass-suicide on the channel 9 news?
#25 said it all, and
# 50 said: “If Obama was the same man mentally with different skin physically Clinton would have lost a long time ago. Racism is what gave Clinton such a huge support. Clinton supporter’s should know they are inadvertently supporting a racial endeavor.”
And that is all that really needs to be said.
I keep thinking it will be over, and my man Obama will be on top. clinton’s persistence is making me crazy. It’s like coitus interruptus. You think your gonna get your satisfaction as soon as the next primary is over, but no, she draws it out, and ya just get frustrated. Please, Hill, let Obama finish the job so we can all relax and then begin winning our country back from the neocons and the coldhearted judgmental and none too bright evangelical crowd.
HILARY CAN YOU PLEAZZZZZZZZZZZZZE SIT IT DOOOOOOOOOOOOOWN!!!! IM EXHAUSTED JUST LOOKING AT YOUR OVERBEARING,OVERACHIEVING, ARROGANT,DERANGED FACE!!!!! YEAH OBAMA!!!!!!!!
In Tampa today, Obama rallied 15,000 Floridians and directly confronted John McCain on lobbyists…
Now, we need a president who sees the government not as a tool to enrich friends and high-priced lobbyists, but as the defender of fairness and opportunity for every American. And let me be fair about this. Now, John McCain has agreed with me on some of the steps we need to make our government more ethical and accountable. Almost a decade ago, he offered a bill that, in his words, would ban a candidate from paying registered lobbyists. Let me repeat that. This — ten years ago, John McCain offered a bill that said he would ban a candidate from paying registered lobbyists. And he did this because he said that having lobbyists on your campaign was a conflict of interest. This is what he said ten years ago.
Barack continued…
Well, I’ll tell you that John McCain then would be pretty disappointed with John McCain now, because he hired some of the biggest lobbyists in Washington to run his campaign. And when he was called on it, his top lobbyists actually had the nerve to say, ‘The American people won’t care about this.’ Well, I think the American people do care about it and I know they have a clear choice in this election: we can either have a election in which we are taking on the root causes of special interests dominated politics in Washington or we can ignore the problem and we can wake up four years from now and still be talking about an energy crisis and still be talking about a health care crisis and still be talking about a tax code that’s not fair to you. I don’t want to wake up that way, neither do you. That’s a choice we’ve got in this election. We’re going to change how politics is done in Washington.
@25, you sound militant. Perhaps you have a good message, but sometimes anger and frustration gets in the way of the message.
@37, Do you not know of the threats against obama’s life just becuase he is black. do you not know of the pure hatred and threats against this man’s life and the life of his innocent family. his wife has been threatened with rape. do you not believe that the history of blacks in this country justifies our behavior, do u not know the history of blacks in the south watching black men hanged and their dignity denied them in the face of white men. do u not understand what this means to many blacks. segregation was only 30 years ago. Do you not understand the inspiration and pride that is felt by blacks. Do you not understand the major significance in this country of a black men winning the presidency. THIS IS HUGE!!!! You should be ostracized, there is something plainly wrong with your psyche.
Our history is what makes us who we are. If you ever forget, read any slave diary, read the history of jim crow. You people have the audacity to wonder why blacks support Obama. You wonder why black Clinton supporters garner hate and threats? If you wonder, read, read and read again. But a black president, has the ability to change the african american perspective in america. I am not talking about policy changing that will take place, because it wont happen. BUT DO YOU KNOW THE POTENTIAL THIS WILL HAVE FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES IN THIS COUNTRY. I MENTOR, I HAVE WATCHED YOUNG BLACK MALES LITE UP WITH PRIDE WHEN TALKING ABOUT OBAMA. THey believe. Any ways Go SPURS, BEAT THE LAKERS
I think Obama will be a great president! I’m not sure about Hillary. If Obama lost, I would listen to what Hillary has to say about it and also if Obama endorses her, I would probably consider voting for her. Something they both have in common: similar views for our nation. I think all democrats should unite and vote this November.