by Rick Pearson
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--Sen. Hillary Clinton traveled to Wake Forest University for a "conversation" with noted poet, author and supporter Maya Angelou on Friday night, but even as the New York senator promised an extensive campaign across North Carolina, her top strategist acknowledged it would be a miracle for her to win.
Averell "Ace" Smith, one of Clinton's most dependable state campaign strategists in the lengthy Democratic nomination, told reporters it would be "one of the upsets of the century" if the New York senator won or even got the race close against rival Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois when North Carolina votes on May 6.
Smith said Obama's lead over Clinton now is in the 10-to-15 percentage point range and acknowledged his effort was one of trying to knock that margin down to "single digits."
During the Angelou-Clinton conversation, the poet and educator, who delivered a poem at Bill Clinton's 1993 inaugural, said she watched a Hillary Clinton as First Lady who was "a woman in stress, in difficulty. I watched her as she was on the front pages of every journal in the world. And, I watched her stand."
Angelou acknowledged she has a daughter who is supporting Obama's candidacy.
"She is serious thinking and she has found that person who she thinks would be the best to run, lead and help us to develop our country," Angelou said of her daughter. "I appreciate that. I respect her for it. I have found the person I think to be the best president of the United States of America."
Angelou has previously taped radio ads targeted for African-American audiences in South Carolina. She also said she has hosted similar "conversations" at Wake Forest with Harry Belafante, Oprah Winfrey and Geena Davis, called Clinton a "long-distance runner."
"And however the odds may go and the polls may show, from day to night to tomorrow morning, I know she's in it for the long run," Angelou said. "I am honored to say I am with her for the long run."
• 
• 
• 
Comments
Thank you Maya Angelou ... Thank you for your wisdom, for your heart, and for your support for Hillary.
Posted by: Meg | April 18, 2008 8:46 PM
Thank you Maya Angelou ... Thank you for your wisdom, for your heart, and for your support for Hillary.
Posted by: Meg | April 18, 2008 8:46 PM
To All Clinton Supporters -- don't waste all your time on these go nowhere blogs ... take a few minutes away from here and write the Party instead!
Write the Democratic National Committee and tell them how you feel. Here is the link: http://www.democrats.org/
It's clear that one-half of the Democratic Party needs to make the Party understand where you stand. Then tell your friends of like minds to do the same. Don't let yourselves be overlooked or railroaded. Use the power of the written word to make a difference ... which, on the blogs, it doesn't ... but if you write the Party, it will.
Posted by: SM White, Irvine, CA | April 18, 2008 9:33 PM
The rivers will undulate /
grains of wheat will lactate /
in the realm of Ezkiel's chill /
cactus and prarie dogs kneel /
the deal is sealed /
The Clintons are back /
That's a fact Jack.....
My little special Maya Angelou elegant faux paen, just for the dems. Feel free to plagiarize it any way you can, the next time you go in for some Starbucks swill.
If Hillary should win, there will be copious quantities of this crummy stuff to have to listen to from M.A.
Posted by: Scott - Houston, Tx | April 18, 2008 10:56 PM
I have nothing but the utmost respect for Maya Angelou..and that will not change. But I personally have difficulty saying Maya Angelou and Hillary Clinton in the same sentence.
I am the father of 3 beautiful daughters and a mentor to tens of other young women and men that I hold in the highest esteem I teach a Maya inspired lesson where I emphasis that: "They are the HOPE of their ancestors and that Content and Strength of Character are two important considerations when evaluating themselves and others.
Hillary has revealed her true nature for all to see and therefore, no commentary on her is required of me.
I do wander how a person with Maya's intellect, perception, and sense of her owe history and legacy can endorse Hillary.
Posted by: Frank | April 19, 2008 4:12 AM
Great support for Hillary:
"I am honored to say I am with her for the long run.". I agree.
Hillary is strong ... She is the best choice ...
the Caucus isn't finish ..
Go Hillary ..!!!
Posted by: Nuccia | April 19, 2008 5:26 AM
I'M WITH HILLARY FOR THE LONG RUN TOO.GO HILLARY!
Posted by: brigitte | April 19, 2008 11:27 AM
Maya, you and our Barbara Jordan, our inspirations forever.
Posted by: Sister 1510 | April 19, 2008 12:22 PM
Barbara Jordan - like her fellow texan Molly Ivins - were true democrats
They would be appalled at Hillary Clinton's behavior through this nominating process
Posted by: alison | April 19, 2008 6:10 PM