How Hillary can still win

Politico ^ | Updated: February 19, 2008 01:16 PM EST | Ben Smith

[wilco200]

“She never had momentum. Even her comeback in New Hampshire was phony”

Right. can it be called a comeback when there are two contests and you win one?

[goldstategop]

I think this is really her last chance. Obama is everything she isn't: telegenic, likeable, a wunderkind political talent and a newcomer to presidential politics. Any one else - Hillary would have won hands down. In retrospect, the Clinton Machine's big mistake was not to have sabotaged Obama's senatorial candidacy in Illinois.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Dilbert San Diego]

Yep, and thinking back to Obama’s senate campaign in 2004, he got a giant boost when the Republican self destructed over a personal scandal. The Republicans were caught flat footed and brought in Alan Keyes to run against Obama. Obama got about 70% of the vote in an easy election against Alan Keyes.

[rock_lobsta]

She never had momentum. Even her comeback in New Hampshire was phony.

Exactly. New Hampshire was essentially a tie. However, she tried unsuccessfully to call herself Comeback Kid 2™.

Problem is, no one bought it. "Inevitable" candidates don't make comebacks.
Once Obama survived Super Tuesday, it was easy to build momentum from there.

[Lou L]

Its just a matter of time before Hillary realizes the odds are so insurmountable she is going to suspend her campaign. I'm looking forward to see the last of the Clintons in our national political life.

As difficult as it is to believe that Clinton will catch Obama in the race for delegates, it even more difficult believing she'll ever suspend her campaign. She won't have a "Mitt moment," and do what's right for her party.

[OB1kNOb]

Never underestimate what evil will do to obtain power.

[Non-Sequitur]

but, even if Hillary bows out in 2008, might she come back and run in 2012 if McCain wins in November, or gear up for the next non-incumbent election in 2016? I just wonder if she has damaged herself beyond repair or if the Clintons have any residual support for another try in the future.

I think it depends on how she handles it. If she goes nuclear and drags the party down with her then no. If she accepts Obama's win with at least the appearance of grace and at least looks like she's working for his election then I think a McCain win would give her a chance for a comeback in 2012.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Hillary picks up from Chris Matthews:

‘Name One Accomplishment’: Clinton Quick to Tout MSNBC Obama Backer Slam

*****************

[Richard Kimball]

I don't think so. This was her shot. She's not Reagan, who ran a good race in 1976 that built momentum and name recognition. She's a known quantity and WAS awash with cash. She drew contributions and support because people wanted to be on the winning side. She will never be able to build a war chest like this again.

All that remains to be seen is how much clout she has with the party machine. She will, if she is able, steal the nomination. The Clintons are big believers in the scorched earth theory. They know if you don't survive this battle, you can't wage the next one. They'll destroy the party to get the nomination and try to put it back together before the election.

However, this is her shot. If she doesn't get it now, the best she can hope for is to continue being the junior Senator from New York. She'll also have considerably less power in the Senate, as most people deferred to her because they feared she'd be the next president. With the possibility of future retribution gone, she's just another senator. That's what makes her so dangerous now.

[Always Right]

Bring on the Flying Monkeys!

[Long Island Pete]

The Obama people had better start double checking the brakes lines on their motorcade.

[SaxxonWoods]

Hillary is presumed dead, but Huckabee is still alive.

Okaaayyy....

[Snardius]

Here is how I envision Hillary after the Democrat convention...

I think I won...

[Free State Four]

I suggest the following for Hillary’s campaign :

Your list is great, but you forget puddling up. She needs to puddle up.

[AngelesCrestHighway]

To whine or win....it’s yours to lose Hilldabeast!

[GraniteStateConservative]

Watson is just a moron. Obama does have accomplishments as a senator.

This is one of them: http://usaspending.gov/

[Red in Blue PA]

Don’t forget tocome out and say they are going to try to steal pledged delegates. The public will love that.

With all of the nonsense they are doing, I am amazed she is able to get 41% of the vote. There ARE alot of idiots out there.

[Red in Blue PA]

And I hope to God he has a food tester!

[KingofZion]

She is toast.

The only way HRC can win the nomination is if Barack goes hunting with Cheney. And even then I think the party elders would go with Edwards.

[KC_Conspirator]

Maybe she could cry again?