Many have stridently criticized Senator Clinton for remaining in the race, even as it becomes increasingly clear that Senator Obama is set to clinch the Democratic nomination. From late night talk shows to comedy sketches, the prevailing perception is that Hillary has become delusional. I disagree - despite her rhetoric to the contrary, I believe that Senator Clinton understands very well the dubious odds she’s facing and will probably drop out of this race very soon. Nevertheless, there is one move by Clinton which compels me to ask, “What is she thinking?” It is her attempt to legitimize her continuing campaign by arguing that despite Obama’s lead in overall delegates, she is still winning the popular vote.
The 2000 race for the White House stands as one of the most painful memories for faithful Democrats. Al Gore defeated George W. Bush in the popular vote, but still lost the election when the electoral votes were counted. This was a devastating loss for the Democrats as they saw themselves largely marginalized for the first six years of the Bush presidency, shut out from real governance by an increasingly hostile partisan environment. Under our current system it is the electoral vote, not the popular vote, that ultimately decides elections. By focusing on the popular math, rather than delegate math, hasn’t it occurred to Hillary that she might be reopening some old wounds?
Senator Clinton certainly isn’t dumb, and I believe she’ll parlay the enormous influence she currently wields on the fortunes of the Democratic Party to secure some serious favors. Nevertheless, making statements which hearken back to the most painful defeat in recent Democratic history probably isn’t the smartest strategy for increasing this leverage. It is not only in the best interests of the party, but her own as well, that she cash in this influence sooner rather than later.
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May 20th, 2008 at 8:59 am
[...] BushwickBK.com wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt Many have stridently criticized Senator Clinton for remaining in the race, even as it becomes increasingly clear that Senator Obama is set to clinch the Democratic nomination. From late night talk shows to comedy sketches, the prevailing perception is that Hillary has become delusional. I disagree – despite her rhetoric to the contrary, I believe that Senator Clinton understands very well the dubious odds she’s facing and will probably drop out of this race very soon. Nevertheless, there is [...]
May 20th, 2008 at 9:10 am
[...] Steven Waldman - wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt Many have stridently criticized Senator Clinton for remaining in the race, even as it becomes increasingly clear that Senator Obama is set to clinch the Democratic nomination. From late night talk shows to comedy sketches, the prevailing perception is that Hillary has become delusional. I disagree – despite her rhetoric to the contrary, I believe that Senator Clinton understands very well the dubious odds she’s facing and will probably drop out of this race very soon. Nevertheless, there is [...]
May 21st, 2008 at 7:59 am
I would like to believe that Hillary is thinking that she is going to lead this country in a prosperous and positive direction (concurrently). I do believe that Hillary has a plan, has had a plan since long before day one, and that she can and will make that plan work.
Re: The People’s Party post (Hillary’s Voice)
If the Democratic Party does not support the majority of the American
people and the Republican party does not support the majority of the
American people. WE NEED a new Party, the PEOPLE’S PARTY.
America needs leadership that will follow the best interests of the
American people - America needs Hillary Clinton. Democrats and
Republicans need America in order to continue to exist, America does
not need Democrats or Republicans, particularly the sort who are
manning the helms through and creating the great divide that American
is becoming.
At one point it may have been next to impossible to overcome the
Democratic and Republican powers that be in order to bring America to
a place that we can only imagine as long as they reign, but, with the
support that Hillary Clinton has behind her at this incomparable
point in history, WE CAN BRING CHANGE, together. Together we are
stronger than any Party. Together, we - the American people - have
the power to change the world. We must start using that power right
here, right now. We have the dream, we now have the opportunity for
the leadership that will enable us to follow that dream. Hillary
Clinton can lead the People’s Party into a new era of liberty that
we’ve almost forgotten we ever had.
Together, we - the American people - have the power to change the
world. Together, we - the American people - have the power to change
the world. Together, we - the American people - have the power to
change the world.
This is not just rhetoric or empty words, we know that. Let us use
this power to benefit humanity, starting with the United States of
America.
(planeojain aka me 05/22/2008)