By Rick Pearson
PHILADELPHIA--Sen. Hillary Clinton is sounding confident of winning today's Pennsylvania primary, but isn't setting the bar for a victory. Instead, she's maintaining "a win is a win" and questioning why Sen. Barack Obama "can't close the deal" with his financial advantage.
Speaking to reporters outside a polling place, Clinton refused to be drawn into a controversy over comments by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who told a Philadelphia radio station that Obama played a "race card" in response to the former president trying to diminish Obama's South Carolina victory by noting that the state also was won previously by Rev. Jesse Jackson.
And Clinton says her warning that the United States would "totally obliterate" Iran in the event of an Iran nuclear strike against Israel don't reflect a change in her strategy of refusing to discuss hypotheticals involving military tactics. Instead, she said it reflects a policy of deterrence against Iran.
Unlike her appearances on the last big primary day, March 4 in Ohio, the Clinton campaign displayed little apprehension about their expectations for a victory tonight. But Clinton, herself, says she doesn't need a victory of double digits over Obama to gain momentum or to demonstrate to convention nominating superdelegates that she is a better choice as the Democratic candidate.
"I think a win is a win and, maybe I'm old fashioned about that but you run a very competitive race at a considerable financial disadvantage and I think maybe the question ought to be, 'Why can't he close the deal?' with his extraordinary financial advantage," Clinton said. "Why can't he win a state like this one if that's the way it turns out?"
Clinton said a victory for her in Pennsylvania will be "one more in a long line of big states--states that Democrats have to win," even though Obama leaders her in the number of elected pledged nominating delegates and in the popular vote.
But Clinton had little response to an inquirty about her husband's comments Monday to WHYY radio in Philadelphia. The former president was asked about statements he made in regard to Obama's January victory in South Carolina that noted Jackson's past victory there and were perceived by critics as raising the issue of race.
"I think that they played the race card on me. And we now know, from memos from the campaign and everything that they planned to do it all along," Bill Clinton told the Philadelphia radio station.
He added that he "was stating a fact and it's still a fact" about South Carolina and that his comment was "used out of context and twisted for political purposes" by Obama's campaign.
Asked about her husband's contentions, Hillary Clinton told reporters, "I think that we're going to stay focused on what voters are talking about."
But Clinton defended her comments made to ABC's "Good Morning America" in which she said, "I want the Iranians to know that if I'm the president, we will attack Iran (if it attacks Israel)." She also told the show, "In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them."
Clinton has generally refused to respond to hypothetical questions involving military response and has criticized Obama for a too precipitous attitude on foreign policy, such as when he said he would back a unilateral U.S. military strike against Osama bin Laden in Pakistan if he had credible evidence and did not believe Pakistan leaders would react.
"It is important that Iran understand unequivocally that the United States stands against their continuing desire to obtain nuclear weapons and we will do everything in our power to prevent that," Clinton told reporters. "But were they to be so reckless as to use them against Israel or the United States or in any other way that would destabilize the world, that they would have to pay the consequences."
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Comments
Clinton has to win Pa by at least 20% to even remain "somewhat" competitive in this race.
Clinton should clean up with the toothless white trash redneck voters in middle Pa, the same one's who are to stupid to know that she's a liar. Those are the people she calls "her base".
However, here's how Clinton CAN win the nomination:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBGyuYKlxIg
Posted by: John E | April 22, 2008 1:53 PM
Would we "totally obliterate" Israel if it used nuclear weapons (which it actually has) on Iran?
Would we protest at all if Israel nuked Iran? Would there be any consequences to that act?
Posted by: Victor | April 22, 2008 1:59 PM
A win is a win, I agree, and Obama has won 28 to Clinton's 16. I think we know who the winner is.
Posted by: Paul | April 22, 2008 2:40 PM
if Obama dont get the nomination,how will hillary win the general election? most Blacks will not vote for her.
I rather vote for McCain than to vote for hillary.
Posted by: Eddie boyd | April 22, 2008 2:57 PM
The numbers, by all counts, show a race that is dead heat. Yet many folks in the media and these so called party elders keep calling her to bow out or introducing new definition of a 'win' such as margin. It is nothing short of bullying and sexism!
Even if Clinton wins by 1 vote, then she should be the nominee because the big question is that Obama failed to deliver yet again, another big state considering that he is outspending her by 3 or even 5 to 1, same thing that he did in Texas and Ohio.
He can't buy the voters and can’t connect with the base - he will loose in Nov. It is that simple.
Posted by: vote4thebest | April 22, 2008 3:19 PM
She's right. All that cash and Obama still can't close the deal. He's a deeply flawed candidate even within his own party. He's weak. And why is it that Obama hasn't taken questions from journalists traveling with him on his plane for the last 10 days? Obama is like a frightened child. If it's not on a teleprompter, he freezes up, hides or deflects (as he did yesterday in the restaurant when asked a foreign policy question). These are not the characteristics of someone who is truly a leader or uniter. These are the characteristics of someone who is weak and trying to hide something.
Posted by: Kyle Roget | April 22, 2008 3:19 PM
Clinton is so insincere, it's almost unbelievable, trying to cast Obama's financial advantage as another argument for his elitism, when, in fact, it's a sign of his grassroots strength, given that the financial advantage comes largely from small donations. She has turned into a disgusting caricature of the dirty politician and has made it difficult for this liberal leaning voter to imagine voting for her in November, especially now that, in the desperate last throes of her campaign, she's trotted out a foreign policy that includes the option of "obliterating" other nations. That's not even Bush-lite, that's just straight up Bush. It would be difficult, in good conscience, to vote for someone who does not hestitate to side with the hawks when it seems politically expedient, but, when does anything she offers not seem done purely for winning's sake?
Posted by: BJ DuPont | April 22, 2008 3:27 PM
Hilliary did not lie! All she did was try to make the playing field between herself and a true American hero a little more even. That makes her perhaps envious and a little devious, oh what the hell a little lie isn't that bad. But it does show a tendency to exaggerate the truth if you don't care or think you can't get busted or nobody would believe a Clinton would lie. Or would they?
Is it an optical illusion or is Hilliary’s nose getting longer after each time she is interviewed about her personal and political experiences as well as the timely direct hit remarks she directs to Barrach’s stupid remarks. All in all she is doing a great job in getting John Mc Cain elected to be our next president.
Posted by: John A | April 22, 2008 3:27 PM
Um, he can't "close the deal" because he refuses to sink to the Rovean levels that Hillary has sunken to in order to smear her back.
He can't "close the deal" because he recognizes that the country does not benefit from a mudslinging contest.
He can't "close the deal" because our fellow countrymen and women are so easily manipulated by oversimplified and irrelevant "issues."
He can't "close the deal" because critical thinking and analysis have become relics of a distant past in which people actually discussed issues and relied upon evidence rather than screaming at each other over flag pins and preachers.
He can't "close the deal" because our MSM needs a bloody battle to the end to capitalize on ratings and ad revenue that would be absent for a few months once the nomination is sealed up.
He can't "close the deal" because despite being up by 20 points with 1 minute to go, Hillary keeps fouling him and sending him to the free throw line.
Posted by: chad_broski | April 22, 2008 3:34 PM
What a bunch of losers you HRC sheep are.
Obama can't close the deal; give me a break. Hillary had a 20+ lead in Pa. six weeks ago and had the powerful Gov. Rendel machine behind her.
She has been a disaster as a candidate and managed her campaign miserably. If she doesn't win Pa. by more than 15% she should bow out. We all know she won't go and we will have to wait until the superdelegtes give Barak the number he needs after N.C. and Indiana primaries.
Posted by: John A | April 22, 2008 3:40 PM
Hey Kyle... if she's right, and he's such a weak candidate why can't SHE close the deal? You want to talk about a mis managed campaign???? All you have to do is look at the money my friend. Whose making donations to him and wh's making donations to her.
And maybe the fact that he's been attacked for his choice of words several times, might be the reason why he is reluctant to answer questions right away. After all, as sad as it is, this is a popularity contest, not a primary. And each candidate is conditioned to worry more about who not to offend than to speak their mind.
Posted by: Bones | April 22, 2008 3:52 PM
You can't blame Hillary for continuing her campaign. She knows that ignorant racists will vote for her even if she publicly claims she has denounced racism in the past. She is counting on people's racial hatred overriding their common sense and defeating their need for economic relief. That's pathetic coming from a woman I once respected and thought was a pursuer of noble causes.
When she loses the Democratic nomination to Obama, she can become McCain's running mate. After all, she knows how to employ rotten Republican tactics as well as the Republicans. She also does NOT care about the average American just like the Republicans don't. And last but not least, her racist tendencies have been exposed. I guess she is returning to her roots. Did everyone forget that Hillary was a member of The Young Republicans?
Posted by: Viv | April 22, 2008 3:54 PM
If Clinton wins tonight she would have beaten Obama in all the big states except Illinois. But Obama did well against Clinton in the smaller Caucus states.
What will happen in the November in the big states if Obama is the nominee? Can he beat John McCain in those states? It is six months until the general election and in politics that is eternity. Although Obama is confident he will carry those states Republicans have carried them in the past. And at least three, Ohio, Florida and Texas, will probably be in the GOP column. Unless the Republicans self destruct like the Democrats have been trying to do the last two months, it may be a big night for John McCain and the GOP.
Posted by: Depot Jim | April 22, 2008 4:00 PM
What the hell is she talking about? Her husband WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR 8 YEARS. She is such a freaking joke. Money has absolutely nothing to do with it. Most people are voting for her because of BILL CLINTON! IT'S NAME RECOGNITION!
Posted by: Rainy | April 22, 2008 4:05 PM
he can't close the deal because we are the dumbest industrialized nation on earth, and as such, our thirst for gladiator battles far outweighs our interest in "boring" politics. if voting was limited to those who understand the constitution, how our government works, basic economics, and basic foreign policy, he would have been the nominee after super tuesday. in other words, if you had to get a "b" or better in 12th grade civics to be allowed to vote, this thing would be long since over.
Posted by: tb | April 22, 2008 4:18 PM
obama should do the right thing and get out of the race now. he cannot close the deal and will not be able to do so in the fall. we democrats are going to end up losing because we are not heeding the many warning signs each big battleground state is sending us. it was a nice ride barrack but now it is time to read the writing on the wall and do what is right for the party and wait eight years for another opportunity. save your credability for your future.
Posted by: kevin | April 22, 2008 4:27 PM
A quote from Michael Moores web page regarding the Famous Reverend Wright and the Clintons:
" Finally, I want to say a word about the basic decency I have seen in Mr. Obama. Mrs. Clinton continues to throw the Rev. Wright up in his face as part of her mission to keep stoking the fears of White America. Every time she does this I shout at the TV, "Say it, Obama! Say that when she and her husband were having marital difficulties regarding Monica Lewinsky, who did she and Bill bring to the White House for 'spiritual counseling?' THE REVEREND JEREMIAH WRIGHT!"
But no, Obama won't throw that at her. It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be decent. She's been through enough hurt. And so he remains silent and takes the mud she throws in his face.
That's why the crowds who come to see him are so large. That's why he'll take us down a more decent path. That's why I would vote for him if Michigan were allowed to have an election. :
Posted by: Ken | April 22, 2008 4:35 PM
I doubt that Obama could carry Illinois in the general election. I certainly do not think he can win in the southern States. He probably would not even get 25% of the total vote. Just an opinion.
Posted by: Kathleen | April 22, 2008 4:39 PM
obama should do the right thing and get out of the race now. he cannot close the deal and will not be able to do so in the fall. we democrats are going to end up losing because we are not heeding the many warning signs each big battleground state is sending us. it was a nice ride barrack but now it is time to read the writing on the wall and do what is right for the party and wait eight years for another opportunity. save your credability for your future.
Posted by: kevin | April 22, 2008 4:27 PM
Kev Kev,
We could say the same thing about Clinton's chances in North Carolina next week. If she's so viable and so much more popular that the supers should overturn the will of the voters, then she can surely win North Carolina in two weeks, right? If not, why not?
Posted by: John E | April 22, 2008 4:41 PM
Kyle - if Obama can't deliver in Pa and you think he should bow out, then by the same logic, Billary should have bowed out after losing 11 states in a row. Ridiculous argument, but in drinking the Billary 1990s Kool Aid, you're already recognizable.
See you at the McCain inauguration in January with the rest of the downtrodden and squeezed middle-class Americans. We'll be laid off so we can attend, but we should all car-pool with the price of gas at $4.00
Thanks for sticking to your guns though - just like Billary when she was out shootin with her Grandpappy and duckin Sniper fire in Bosnia.
Posted by: karl | April 22, 2008 4:41 PM
It's not the point spread, it's not the winner, it's the TREND.
The trend has been moving steadily in favor of Obama, and no excuse Clinton can come up with changes that fact.
Posted by: Tom J | April 22, 2008 4:42 PM
Kevin -
What planet do you live on?
Posted by: chad_broski | April 22, 2008 4:49 PM
Blacks4Barack Announces:
The 'WE WILL NOT BE CHEATED'
Phone Campaign To DNC !
Realistically speaking, it is a fact that even if Hillary wins Pennsylvania there is absolutely no way she can get enough delegate votes to defeat Obama and win the Democratic nomination. WE CAN'T LET HAPPEN IN PA.....AS DID IN OHIO !
In Ohio's election, 15 of the polling locations in Cleveland ran short of ballots. It just so happened that all 15 of these locations were in the black community. Once the shortage was 'discovered' (at 7:15 pm....after polling locations had closed) it was ordered by a regional judge to keep polling places open longer....actually until 9pm. Problem was that the workers at the locations had already closed up and gone home.....so the locations were not re-opened. Although there is a supposed investigation taking place, we want everyone to take note that these cheating tactics will not be tolerated ! If ANY cheating occurs in this Pa. election, we must DEMAND that legal actions be taken and the facts (culprits) revealed.
Hillary Clinton's coniving tactics will end up ruining the Democratic Party. Now is the time to let Howard Dean, Donna Brazil, Harold Ickes (both members of the DNC Laws & Bylaws Committee)and the entire DNC know that if Hillary wins through ANY methods deemed trickery (which is the only way she can win the nomination) WE....THE PEOPLE WILL NOT SUPPORT HER IN THE GENERAL ELECTION !
We are asking EVERYONE to call the DNC at 202-863-8000 to let them know 'We Will Not Support A Cheater !
We need 50 thousand Americans of all ages, races and creeds to FLOOD THE PHONES !!! Call Today !!!! 202-863-8000. Say It Loud....WE WILL NOT SUPPORT A CHEATER.....PERIOD!!! Tell everyone you know to make this call. The Time Is NOW....for the Re-Birth of America !!!!
NOTE: The Media refuses to inform America that OBAMA WON TEXAS.....Pitiful !!!!!
Visit: www.Blacks4Barack.org
(A Multi-Racial Organization....Dedicated To Truth !)
Posted by: Greg Jones | April 22, 2008 5:00 PM
Great posts chad_broski and tb. You two are dead on. OBAMA will win.
Posted by: Joey | April 22, 2008 5:13 PM
hey john e north carolina is NOT a big battleground state in the fall. it will go republican anyway. we might be able to win with hillary, but we SURELY will lose with obama.
Posted by: kevin | April 22, 2008 5:18 PM
does anybody proofread the articles they write anymore? reading through the typos and incorrect verb tense in this was a challenge.
Posted by: spellchecker | April 22, 2008 5:19 PM
Hillary would be ahead now if they were fair about florida and michigan but no obama would rather cheat . he will not debate hillary in nc because he cant answer questions only give a good speech.our country needs someone who can handle pressure not uh uh uh.
Posted by: kim | April 22, 2008 5:31 PM
How Hillary Can Still Win
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBGyuYKlxIg
Posted by: Walter | April 22, 2008 5:35 PM
It's all about the delegates. If no candidate has enough to be the nominee, it will go to the convention and be settled there. Just because a media full of Republican hacks keep saying this is bad for the country doesn't make it so. This keeps the Democrats in the spotlight and the voters engaged. And although the Republican media will say a convention fight will be bad for Democrats, I think it will be historic and powerful and help the party, and I can't wait to watch it! Just relax and let the system work.
Posted by: Paul | April 22, 2008 5:42 PM
Obama will be crushed in the general election. After Obama gets the nomination, Hillary supporters will go to McCain. White people will not vote in large numbers for a black man who is supported by jeremiah wright. Wright is a racist anti-white, anti-American. If Obama thinks white people will go to the polls in November and support him, he is as wrong as wright. Obama do the right thing, Get out now.
Posted by: Jerry | April 22, 2008 5:56 PM
Obama will be crushed in the general election. After Obama gets the nomination, Hillary supporters will go to McCain. White people will not vote in large numbers for a black man who is supported by jeremiah wright. Wright is a racist anti-white, anti-American. If Obama thinks white people will go to the polls in November and support him, he is as wrong as wright. Obama do the right thing, Get out now.
Posted by: Jerry | April 22, 2008 5:56 PM
Gee - could this be Jerry White from Springfield, by any chance? Do you get paid to spout this ridiculous drivel and perpetuate the smears and slander and stupidity? or is it just a hobby?
Spread the lies about Reverend Wright again and appeal to racists. Way to go, Jerry - at least you always show your true colors.
Posted by: cj | April 22, 2008 6:14 PM
Chad.....stop kidding yourself...he can't close the deal because people see right through the thin veneer of him positioning himself as a "uniter" when in fact he is a race baitor of epic proportion...
Posted by: Karl G | April 22, 2008 6:17 PM
I hear Obama,again and again,that he wants to end the Washington politics.YES? and what kind of politics he will bring to the WH.?the Chicago politics of Rezko,Blagosovici,the corrupt republican and democrat politicians? The maffiot style politics?Give me a break.Chicago, I'm sorry to say,but is one of the most politically corrupt city.I, better prefer to stay with the Washington politics,instead to have one other Rezko in the WH .One other remarc, please,let the people,who are outraged about the possibility of the superdelegates to turn toward Hillary,that the superdelegates were "born" to help Jessie Jackson,who run for presidency 20 years ago. NOW,because one other black candidate is running for presidency,the superdelegates must stay with Obama.It's is a perpetum for Obama.He was against the revote in Florida and Michigan,because it didn't suit him,he was sure he will loose.Stupid DNC,who is playing along on Obama's song. DNC,deserve to loose the nomination.Many of us in Florida and MIchigan,will vote 100 %for McCain,if you DNC,think that in the end we will change our mind, and vote for Obama,you are wrong,wery wrong. NO Chicago mafia in the WH,better McCain,no question about.
Posted by: Lisa/Fl. | April 22, 2008 6:19 PM
Hillary, why couldn't YOU close the deal on Super Tuesday like you originally predicted? Obama's endured the worst weeks of his campaign and is still polling ahead of you nationally and gained ground on you and picked up twice as much in contributions.
Posted by: KPO'M | April 22, 2008 6:52 PM