Posted on 10/25/2007 11:09:00 AM PDT by SmithL
Memo to the Democratic presidential candidates: You can still beat Hillary Rodham Clinton, but you better act fast.
The former first lady looks more likely to win the nomination every day, showing strength in polling, fundraising and setting the campaign agenda.
She's so strong, in fact, that the race has become about her. And Democratic operatives from presidential campaigns past and present say the only way for any other candidate to win the nomination is to make an even stronger case against her.
"If this were a wedding, we'd be at the 'speak now or forever hold your peace' part," said Steve McMahon, who advised Howard Dean in 2004. "If you're a candidate hoping to get past her, the time for nuance and veiled references has passed."
There is always the chance that Clinton could make an error in the next couple of months that would hurt her chances. Some argue that her vote against Iran at a time when anti-war Democrats are concerned about war there has the potential to damage her standing.
But Democratic insiders, including some working on various 2008 campaigns who spoke on condition of anonymity, agree that barring a major stumble, Clinton is all but sure to win the nomination if she wins the opening contest in Iowa. She is polling well in the states that follow, and no one else would be able to challenge her unless an Iowa loss made her look vulnerable.
"If Hillary wins Iowa, she can practically start shopping for a running mate," said California-based Democratic strategist Dan Newman.
But that's a big if. Clinton has called Iowa her "hardest state," and it's the best — some say only — chance her opponents have to get past her.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
In truth, I don’t have a clue who Hellary’s boy will be, but I wouldn’t want to base a prediction on the premise that today’s Democratic Party won’t do something because it is too radical. Richardson has always been running for VP, and it may be a done deal. At this point though, he doesn’t bring much to the table, and Obama takes a lot away from it, if he leaves. You may be right, and a year ago I thought the same thing, but I never would have guessed that Obama could pull together the constituency of kooks that support him, along with their money. I’m sticking with my Hellary/Obama guess, worthless as it might be.
How does Obama take anything if he sets out the election and pouts? Does anyone think blacks are going to vote anything other than straight dem? That’s MY thinking-the Clintons don’t NEED to take the ‘too radical’ risk of Obama to get the black vote. Richardson on the other hand speaks fluent espanol. And they DO need to make an effort to get that.
But you do have to admit that if Edwards or Obama could find their balls and slam Hillary on her illegal fundraising (see doug from uplandand’s Peter Paul film)and ties to the Chinese, we could all witness their leap frog in the polls. Of course the candidate that does so, needs some extra special forces type body guards.
Obama isn’t just the black candidate, and his appeal to black voters will be a minimal consideration when it comes time for Hellary to make her VP pick. His appeal to the anti war kook fringe and liberals who like a black politician who kind of white like them is where the panic is at, and it is also the road to a lot of campaign donations. Richardson, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to have much appeal anywhere, in any language. Your observation about the liberal lock on black voters is equally true when applied to Hispanics (excluding the Cubans in Florida and the anomaly occurring in Texas). Seventy to Eighty percent of Hispanics are going to vote for Democrats, even if they can’t speak a word of Spanish. Richardson’s contribution isn’t needed, unless he can change minds in Florida and Texas. That isn’t going to happen in Florida, and it seems Texas Hispanics are turning without Richardson’s help. Again, all of this theorizing may be absolutely worthless. Have a good one..
Well, we’’l find out, I guess. It is a little early to worry about it or speculate. Dear God, we didn’t even get a break this time after the ‘06 elections. Went right into ‘08 election mode. I’m about burned out already.
“
“...she dies before November 4, 2008.”
Is that to gain the sympathy vote?”
With you is much humor.
Not true...........I’m 59 and have been hot flashing for 10 years or more.
Poor You!
Hope 60 will be the magic year and the end of them.
the huge sucking sound...
“Clinton Could Lose Nomination If...”
The Sheeple were actually INFORMED of thier crimes and corruption, instead of being admired by press-turned paparazzi?
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