by Jim Tankersley
The nomination clock is ticking toward midnight. The odds of winning appear increasingly stacked against her. It is, daughter Chelsea reports, "critical decision" time for Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.
Yep: Time to pick a new official campaign T-shirt.
Superdelegates, small-state primaries and the DNC Rules Committee, eat your heart out. The Clinton campaign is in the final stages of a great shirt design contest, Chelsea Clinton told supporters in an e-mail (subject line: "An important decision...") on Tuesday. "We need your help to make a critical decision," the message begins; it ends with a thank-you for "everything you're doing to help my mom."
The five finalist designs include a riff on Hillary Clinton's signature pantsuit, a tribute to "everyone who's ever been counted out but refused to be knocked out" and a declaration that the Democratic presidential candidate "was for universal health care before universal health care was cool."
You can see the whole gallery here. Note: When you choose a favorite and enter your contact info, the link takes you - surprise - to a fundraising request.
Obama fans, here's the link to a variety of campaign-sanctioned shirts for you.






Comments
Go Hillary!
(And, yes of course I'll vote Obama if he's the top of the ticket--just as the Obamanuts will vote for her if she's the top--don't believe the 'polls')
Posted by: Dems who wanna win in Fall 4 Hillary | May 28, 2008 7:26 AM
Nixon in a pantsuit. I like that one!
Posted by: ericmiami | May 28, 2008 7:27 AM
This is a great way to have Hillary's supporters assist her with her huge campaign debt. My daughter, a staunch Hillary supporter, who has wanted her for 2 years, realizes that this is over. She's sad, but realistic.
Posted by: Theresa S. | May 28, 2008 7:36 AM
Exactly... nothing more than a fund raiser to lessen her debt.
Here opening line...
"I remember a few weeks ago people thought I should quit..."
... is not only getting tired, but also coming true. She should have considering the outcome.
Posted by: Greg | May 28, 2008 7:46 AM
Hillary is a fighter; Nobama is a hussy.
YES SHE CAN!
Posted by: navin | May 28, 2008 7:50 AM
It is unfortunate that a presidential candidate would "use" their child to get a vote. It is an indication of how desperate she is and how she is relying on emotion rather than reason. What emotional group is she appealing to? What a politician! (Ugg) Certainly not a path I would trust. She may be smart but other "attributes" that "flower" during desperation indicate a lack of presidential qualities. Hopefully the recipients of the Chelsemail will see through the emotional (“my mommy”) desperation and vote for party unity. The Clintons are just too wrapped up in self.
Posted by: Jane Kant | May 28, 2008 7:52 AM
No way will I vote for Obama-I will vote the independent ticket!
Posted by: Anonymous | May 28, 2008 8:02 AM
If we have to pick a design then I would have to say Hillary's logo should be Cracker Barrell since that is were most of her voters are from...
http://politicalgraffiti.wordpress.com/2008/05/21/starbucks-or-cracker-barrel/
Posted by: David Donar | May 28, 2008 8:16 AM
The horror, the horror!
Posted by: Deborah Beasley | May 28, 2008 8:17 AM
Oh God, must we go on to the bitter end with this insanely ambitious person?
Her campaign is going to make terrific material for a satirical review or even a satiric play.
There's a rich vein of lunatic remarks, ghastly claims, ridiculous antics, and just plain viciousness to mine for laughs.
The woman failed in having any foresight, underestimating Obama, and she's made countless tactical and verbal errors - all of which screams that she really is not well qualified for the office.
But she does have, almost exactly like the late Richard Nixon, an iron rear end, an ability to tune out reality, and an unquenchable ambition to no purpose but personal achievement.
The longer she goes on the bitterer will be the end, leaving us with exasperated, nasty-pieces-of-work like Geraldine Ferraro who won’t even support their own party.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | May 28, 2008 8:25 AM
Hey "Dems Who Wanna Win", please speak for yourself. The polls say what they say for a reason.
I am one of many Obama voters who will NOT vote for Hillary, no matter what. We want change and she ain't it.
Thanks.
Posted by: Get Real | May 28, 2008 8:42 AM
That can't be Hillary's pantsuit- the bottom is not big enough-
Posted by: George in Chicago | May 28, 2008 8:43 AM
Glad to see that we have so far avoided the Hillary and Obama baiting that some seem to love on these pages. Regardless of the outcome of the race, this election is critical with the Supreme Court in the balance. Everyone knows this. Regardless of who wins this, I'm voting D this time, and I'm not even a fervent Dem.
Posted by: Pilsen Dave | May 28, 2008 8:48 AM
When this started my heart was with Barrack, but he hadn't beaten anyone. Alan Keyes is no one and other than that he beat up on Tom Hynes in a local Illinois match. Now, he's been in a cat fight with a with real wildcat (named Hillary) and emerged victorious. I have no problem backing him in the general, because I ever wanted was a democratic winner, and that apparently is Barrack Obama.
Posted by: Tony | May 28, 2008 9:17 AM
An empty suit? How typical for her tone-deaf campaign to not see the irony in that image.
Posted by: mg | May 28, 2008 9:21 AM
Watching her these days is like watching Jerry Springer...doesn't she realize that she's embarrassing herself. I fear she's harming her chances to win future races.
Posted by: I like her, but | May 28, 2008 9:26 AM
The empty pantsuit seems about right.
Posted by: Paul | May 28, 2008 10:10 AM
Empty suit.....empty promises....empty head.....glad to see she is finally getting the message....
Go McCain!!!!!
Posted by: Rabbitinred | May 28, 2008 10:14 AM
The "critical" t-shirt decision e-mail was intended to be rather light hearted and--like everything else--it was blown out of proportion by misogynistic media. This tone seems to reflect the opinions of some (many?) small minded Americans. If Hillary is nominated, I'll gladly support her. If Obama is nominated, I'll gladly support him. They are both well educated and more than qualified. If you can vote for one, you should be willing to vote for another unless you are really a republican at heart.
Posted by: Kimberly | May 28, 2008 10:17 AM
How appropriate that the pantsuit is empty - like Hillary - no substance.
Posted by: LEN | May 28, 2008 10:27 AM
Hillary needs to take her shirts and hang them up ... this thing is over.
Posted by: BM | May 28, 2008 10:29 AM
If Hillary isn't on the ticket, no Dem vote from me.
Posted by: kris | May 28, 2008 10:44 AM
This would be perfect if the shirt whines when pressed on anything important.
Posted by: Shelby Kazoo | May 28, 2008 11:08 AM
I thought it would have Obama in a gun sight or with a target on his chest.
Posted by: Lee | May 28, 2008 11:21 AM
I am a disillusioned Republican and cannot stomach McCain. McCain would have to name one heck of a VP for me to vote for him.
I would vote for Obama for president, but would never vote for a Clinton. However, I might vote for a 3rd party candidate, if he is Alan Keyes,
Posted by: Disillusioned Republican | May 28, 2008 11:32 AM
The empty pantsuit is appropriate, huh? How about the vague and empty promise of "change," "hope," and "optimism." Barf. Show me a woman who can talk about real issues without referring to CliffsNotes; she's got my vote.
What's Obama's t-shirt got on it? A $5.00 Starbucks latte held by a hipster in a Prius. Pleeeese.
Posted by: lucky77 | May 28, 2008 11:38 AM
What are adult Americans missing? You do not vote for personalities. You vote for your issues. You vote for your country's safety and your children's future. Start organizing around your issues and force candidates to express how they might address the issues. But please stop all this I am not voting for dude simply because he beat ole girl or I am not voting for ole girl because she insulted someone in my race.
Posted by: Joe | May 28, 2008 11:48 AM
If Hillary isn't on the ticket, no Dem vote from me.
Posted by: kris | May 28, 2008 10:44 AM
Enjoy throwing your vote down the tube for a bitter angy old man with no new ideas. You belong in the GOP with all the other dead-end kids. I feel sorry for our country knowing people like you have a vote. Anyone who votes for McCain is traitor. Bush, Cheney and McCain have sold our country down the river.How many dead and wounded American will it take for you the stop defending the indefensible. How much will the price of gas have to be for you zombies to WAKE UP! John McCain is a bitter twisted old man. He isn't the anwser, Not now. Not ever!
Posted by: Anton Chigurh | May 28, 2008 11:50 AM
Looks like a Helen DeGeneres suit. In fact, a 100 lb DeGeneres would look just like Billary!
Both are a joke!
Posted by: Rob | May 28, 2008 11:56 AM
Go to www.electoral-vote.com and tell me again that it is Hilary that should be quttting. If the presidential campaign were held today, an election between Obambi and McCain would be a down to the wire, a la 2000, election again. However, an election between Clinton and McCain would have Clinton blowing out McCain. The fact is, Clinton would win the election, while Obambi has peaked. He isn't going to get any more attractive as a candidate.
Posted by: Stephen Johnson | May 28, 2008 12:33 PM
possible shirts:
McCain = To Liberal
Hillary = Stupid Liberal
Obama = Liberal but Palatable
Alan Keyes = The only True Conservative
based on the issues that is how I would vote.
Posted by: Disillusioned Republican | May 28, 2008 12:37 PM
Hillary has more guts than Obama will ever have.
Posted by: George | May 28, 2008 12:44 PM
I made my choice a long time ago. Hillary!
Posted by: brigitte | May 28, 2008 12:54 PM
How about a t-shirt that says... I'm a sore loser! or just I'm a loser!, or better yet a t-shirt with a hand point to the right and it says I'm with Bubba!
Posted by: Mike | May 28, 2008 12:58 PM
I am so sick and tired of this particular presidential campaign.
I'm sick of Clinton.
I'm sick of McCain.
I'm sick of Obama.
I don't want to vote for any of them.
Posted by: Kevin | May 28, 2008 1:04 PM
QUOTEThis would be perfect if the shirt whines when pressed on anything important.
Posted by: Shelby Kazoo | May 28, 2008 11:08 AM END QUOTE
Sorry Shelby, Obama owns the trademark on that design already.
Posted by: Obama Nanny State | May 28, 2008 1:40 PM
As a Hillary Supporter, I will NOT vote for Barack. The man has NO experience and is very arrogant. Sadly most of the voting public is uninformed and racist. Most blacks who are voting for Barack are only voting for him because of race. Let’s just be honest here! Stack up Hillary’s accomplishments against Barack’s accomplishments and you’ll clearly see who is the most qualified….HILLARY!
Posted by: Craig | May 28, 2008 1:45 PM
Thank God she's out of it.
Posted by: Billy Republic | May 28, 2008 1:56 PM
I've got one for the Contest :)
Planet Hillary:
The only place she can win!
Posted by: Kevin | May 28, 2008 2:00 PM
And to think they thought the shirt with Obama as curious george was offensive, when in fact it's inaccurate - he should just be portrayed as a weasel
Posted by: noneoftheabove | May 28, 2008 2:22 PM
It should say ' Hillary is unelectable but may the next woman win!'
Posted by: Denise | May 28, 2008 3:07 PM
I was just watching PBS's American Experience series about President Truman. He and his supporters didn't believe the hype about Dewey, and neither should we believe that Obama is destined to win. I hate to sadden the numerous pundits in the media, but Hillary has a huge following whose voices will not be silenced. In fact, there's a huge Hillary rally on Saturday in Washington, D.C. to protest the DNC's disenfranchisement of Florida & Michigan. She will win the general election in November. As Joe Namath said, "I guarantee it." And as Yogi Berra said, "It ain't over 'til it's over." And I think all the t-shirts are great! Amen.
Posted by: Gilbert Vela | May 28, 2008 3:13 PM
I saw Hillary making a speach today and boy did she ever seem depressed. I think the fact that it's over for her has finally sunk in. Nice try Hillary. She showed herself for what she is, a deeply disturbed person with little character and a MASSIVE EGO!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | May 28, 2008 3:20 PM
The Sisterhood of the Pandering Pantsuit is almost at an end. So get your souvenir T-shirt to remember it by! Come October, Hillary will be selling peanuts in Wrigley Field, claiming she was always a Cubs fan!
Posted by: Fat Lady | May 28, 2008 9:51 PM
Uggh. What does this augur for the end date for the Clinton campaign? A signal that they're going to be running all summer? Hillary's next hurdle in the high class/low class race is what she does when Obama clinches the delegate race--probably next Wednesday.
Posted by: Michael | May 29, 2008 8:12 AM
A Flickr site with comments turned off, ditto FaceBook and the rest. . . Hillary is just a relic from yesteryear . . . she does not get it, and these T-shirt designs, every last one of them, are more of the same. How many times have we watched her "message" shift? Jokes about her pantsuit are only funny on her campaign plane.
Posted by: EthanPDX | May 29, 2008 9:05 PM