I predict the likelihood of Senator Obama selecting HRC as his running mate is Zero. Since he has to agree with the DNC opting to pay her $20M campaign debt. The bargaining chips are in his hands to pay off her debts and have her accept something that will garner her support, while not creating a distraction in the general election. I am CERTAIN that this will happen for one simple reason. His #1 concern in selection of top advisors, after brains and political chops, was that they were non-drama.

In a phone conference call with media, superdelegate Roy Romer, a former Democratic National Committee chairman appointed by Bill Clinton and also former Colorado Gov—stated that superdelates have a responsibility to the candidate and to the party to let the nominees know where their thinking is so the candidates can make their plans. We are not ‘forcing’ a candidate out of the race, he said, “The ISSUE IN A PRIMARY is, IS IT POSSIBLE for a candidate to get the nomination. When IT’S NOT POSSIBLE to get the nomination —the individual needs to make a decision but the party also needs to make a decision. In looking at the map, and I’ve been over it again and again, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE for Senator Clinton to get there. And it’s important for her to know where we are so she is not misled. Adding that THE RACE IS OVER. Rep. Tom Allen of Maine, a six-term congressman and superdelegate pledged to Obama, said the time has come for a “graceful end” to the nomination fight. “I believe the process of reconciliation, the process of unifying this party, should begin sooner rather than later,” Allen said. “It should begin in May and not in June.” “It’s over,” Anna Burger, secretary-treasurer of the 1.9 million-member general-election strategy of the Service Employees International Union. “Barack Obama is going to be the next nominee … and the next president of the United States.” The union will spend $85 million on presidential and congressional efforts this year. “He’s winning and he will win, and it will be up to her to decide when it’s over. If this were my campaign, it would be over.” She said Democrats need to pull together and focus on the general election. “We are all spending a lot of money in these states that could used for the general election.” Adding that union workers are on the ground aiding Obama in West Virginia, Kentucky, Oregon and Puerto Rico. West Virginia votes today. Kentucky, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Montana and South Dakota following. With Senator Clinton’s overwhelming lead in W Va she’ll win that minor victory. Even if Obama only wins half of the remaining six contests—he’ll still be ahead in the popular vote. He has picked up 26 superdelegates in the past week. According to the AP, Obama has 1,871.5 delegates, not including superdelegates where he leads at this moment at 282 to her 271. Clinton has 1,697 delegates. Obama is 153.5 short of delegates to win the nomination at the convention in Denver a little over 3 months away. There are 217 delegates at stake in the six remaining primaries. And 200 undecided superdelegates remain, another 42 will be selected at state party conventions through spring. Obama has claimed more than 80 percent of the superdelegates since Super Tuesday on Feb. 5. He now leads in states won, pledged delegates won in primaries and caucuses and superdelegate endorsements. Even if the DNC rules and bylaws committee reinstates the delegates from Florida and Michigan, stripped from the contest because they violated party rules by holding primaries before Feb. 5, neither candidate campaigned in either state and Obama removed his name from the ballot in Michigan. Under the best case scenario for Clinton, Obama would still be left with a lead of about 100 delegates. From the London Guardian piece, “Slowly but Surely, the Secretive Super Delegates Opt for Obama”: This has been one of the most hotly contested campaigns in US history, and now rests on the superdelegates. “The reality is that most have decided privately on Obama, seeing him as the best chance to beat Republican John McCain in November and raise their chances of re-election in Congressional elections the same day. The momentum has been with him since the SuperTuesday contests on February 3. Since then, he has picked up 113 of the undeclared 250 superdelegates to her 22.” Obama is the presumptive nominee. ____________________ Finally, “It’s Over for Clinton” by Will Durst (political writer/Radio host] “In politics, anything can happen. Except for what needs to happen for Clinton to secure the nomination. I’m not saying Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s historic presidential run is toast. Finished. Down the drain. Caput. Washed up. History. A memory. In the archives. Defunct. Extinct. Artifacto. Took a hike. Sleeping with the fishes. Part of the vast past tense. Joined the choir invisible. Totally obliterated. Entering Sidekick City. Sheer finito. Thoroughly through. Down goes Frasier. Swept away by the Tahiti Express. See ya: Wouldn’t want to be ya. So long and sayonara sweetheart. Became an ex-presidential run. Experiencing fossilization. Stick a fork in her — she’s done. Game over, man. Say bye. “No. No. No. That’s not what I’m saying. What I’m saying is that it’s down to the wire but that wire is starting to unravel. She’s hanging by a thread, down to her last dime and the wheels are coming off. It’s two outs, two strikes, nobody on, bottom of the ninth and she’s behind by about 142. Got her back up against the wall because an elephant is standing on the couch with the remote. It’s closing time: and she don’t have to go home but she can’t stay here. The window of opportunity has slammed shut on her fingers while hanging outside onto the sill 12 stories up. Her time clock has been punched by a mob of boxing kangaroos. Half of her team is handing her a white flag to wave and the other half is throwing in a towel on her behalf. “She’s down to the last banana in the bunch and even though that one is pretty bruised up, the tarantulas won’t let her go there anyway. She’s going down for the umpteenth time in high seas. The 2-minute warning was a minute fifty ago and it’s 4th and 97. The undertaker is walking this way pulling out a tape measure while whistling to the jingling of the nails in his pocket. The horse she rode in on can smell its stall and is starting to gallop. The fat lady has adjusted her horn helmet and is reaching for the throat spray. Could that be the referee looking at his watch with the whistle in his mouth and he’s starting to pucker? Why yes, it could. Not to mention the train has pulled out of the station and the conductor is waving a lantern from the railing of the caboose. “They say that anything can happen, and it can, except for what the Junior Senator from New York needs to have happen, and that, my friends, simply can’t happen. Or could it? A week is a year in politics. The moon could fall out of the sky. Pigs could sprout wings and fly to Mars. Jeremiah Wright could have another attack of the talkies. Who knows? Bill could rustle up the Arkansas Calvary to ride to her rescue. Look. Up in the sky. It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s a flock of Superdelegates. Is that a light at the end of the tunnel? Unh, no, sorry. It’s Obama with a flashlight directing her to the shoulder and he’s repo-ing the Clinton bandwagon. The math just doesn’t work. We’ve moved from the eminently possible to the minorly theoretical. Unless, that is; something really, really odd happens. Which it very well could. At any moment. But then again, probably not. Oh yeah. It’s over.”

Carol L, When you cite a poll please embed the link. I did a search and could not find such a poll, but did find a “Hillary Death-Watch” on Slate with less than a 10% chance. And on politically uber-savvy Salon this comprehensive piece that shows her odds something akin to hitting an oil gusher in kitchen sink: http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/05/12/end_game/ Here’s a boots-on-the-ground former Clinton constituency poll. The Republicans spending $82 Million to investigate and impeach Bill Clinton did not change my support one bit. In fact it spurred me to attend anti-impeachment rallies in Justin Herman Plaza, San Francisco, etc. Not only have the Clintons lost the support of me and every died-in-the-wool liberal I know….if Obama fails to get the nomination—I will NOT under any circumstances vote for HRC or McCain. And I know plenty of folks who feel the same…and we are [were] her natural demographic.

Joan, Senator Obama’s win of the WH will be looked upon as historic in many ways. But first to answer the questions: 1) Yes, there is absolutely race baiting. The NYT’s recent editorial “Low Road to Victory” called for superdelegates to select the nomination specifically due to Clinton’s extra-dirty tactics. Clips from various news organizations supporting this follows below. 2) No, sexism isn’t a show stopper. The right woman can become the Democratic nominee. 3) Nancy Pelosi’s 8th District is a bellwether in this election. San Francisco was Clinton country and HRC’s to lose. The 8th District is diverse with 50% female, double the national average income, educated, 50% white, 25% asian, 15% hispanic, 8% african american. It went 70% Obama. A poll of Californians, who elected a Republican Gov, reveals the state would go for Obama today by 7 points, same with New Jersey. He is wearing better, and different voters vote in primaries than in the general elections. http://liberalvaluesblog.com/?p=3254 4) In this Age of Transition, the Environment, and Technology. Senator Obama is one of six Ill State Senators with a 100% voting record from the Ill Environmental Council. Obama’s campaign raised a record breaking $58 million during the first 6 months of 2007 exceeding all previous records. In the first month of 2008, his campaign brought in $36.8 million, the most ever raised in one month by a presidential candidate in the primaries. HRC is $20M in debt, while Obama is bringing in $1M a day. He has a 50-state, 6-month voter registration/volunteer drive underway. All the top progressive political and anti-war blogs are on his side representing tens of millions of techy activist. Obama’s campaign is a master of the Internet. He has the best, most dynamic and nimble structure and is building on it daily. 5) Senator Obama has started a youthquake in the US. And is a rock star in Europe, where people compare him to JFK. They are excited and avidly following the race on TV, and buying his books. He is especially favored in the EU as with 1/2 the US Democrats for his unambiguous stance on the war. 6) With a VP that balances the ticket with decorated military experience like Rhoades Scholar and former supreme head of NATO, four star general Wesley Clark, Obama has everything he needs to beat McCain, and bring aboard disaffected Republicans. 7) According to a Frontline investigation and the History Network, the factors that predict presidential success are: a) Communication. The best presidents were FDR, JFK, and Clinton. Obama is in the caliber of our greatest communicators. b) Organizational capacity. c) Political skills. d) Vision. e) Cognitive style: absorb, process, strategize. f). Emotional intelligence. I could write a separate paper on why Senator Obama has superior skills compared to the other two candidates, but the fact that he is where he is and so popular around the world already proves these points. 8) The presidential oath of office is very clear: The president swears to uphold, defend and protect the Constitution and faithfully execute his office. Senator Obama, like JFK, reveres the Constitution and taught constitutional law for seven years at the University of Chicago Law School. He headed the prestigious Harvard Law Review, and was voted most likely to become US president by his Harvard Law School Class. 9) Red States and Independents are souring on HRC. “I believe that Obama is the most electable, both in Virginia and elsewhere,” said Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine. “To win you gotta get independent votes….Independent voters like people who they don’t believe are defined by political orthodoxy.” More on Senator Obama, whose voting and legislation record, and service on committees is as distinguished as HRC’s: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama I am extremely proud to be supporting Senator Obama and will be working hard on his campaign. A HUGE list of his endorsements including many Clinton close associates: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Barack_Obama_presidential_campaign_… 10) His voting record meets or exceeds Hillary Clinton. He was re-elected twice as State Senator of Ill: ________ MEDIA QUOTES ON HRC’S RACE BAITING INCLUDING FROM NY TIME’S EDITORIAL: NY Time Editorial “The Low Road to Victory” April 23, 2008 The Pennsylvania campaign…was even meaner, more vacuous, more desperate, and more filled with pandering than the mean, vacuous, desperate, pander-filled contests that preceded it.Voters are getting tired of it; it is demeaning the political process; and it does not work. It is past time for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to acknowledge that the negativity, for which she is mostly responsible, does nothing but harm to her, her opponent, her party and the 2008 election. If nothing else, self interest should push her in that direction. Mrs. Clinton did not get the big win in Pennsylvania that she needed to challenge the calculus of the Democratic race. It is getting to be time for the superdelegates to do what the Democrats had in mind when they created superdelegates: settle a bloody race that cannot be won at the ballot box. Mrs. Clinton once had a big lead among the party elders, but has been steadily losing it, in large part because of her negative campaign. If she is ever to have a hope of persuading these most loyal of Democrats to come back to her side, let alone win over the larger body of voters, she has to call off the dogs. _____________________ NY TIMES: “South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, one of the most influential black leaders in Congress, and a superdelegate, said the Clinton’s racially charged comments over the course of the presidential campaign have “incensed” the black community. and almost unanimously believe the Clintons “are committed to doing everything they possibly can to damage Obama to a point that he could never win.” _____________________________________ From Capitol Hill Blue, the paper of Capitol Hill Hillary Clinton’s racist appeal April 25, 2008 - By DOUG THOMPSON One expects racism from Republicans. The party of the elephant could merge with the just about any white supremacy group and not miss a beat. Hell, most people wouldn’t see any difference. But overt racism from a Democrat is something else, although it should not surprise anyone that Hillary Rodham Clinton would use racism in her anything goes quest for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Hillary Clinton won Pennsylvania because she pandered to the overt racism that exists among blue collar whites…She won because the bulk of her appeal comes from the less-educated, the less-tolerant and the less-intelligent among us. If you’re a stupid, illiterate, gun-totin’ white hick you probably voted for Hillary. And so did your ignorant, baby-popping, big-haired wife as well as that bleached-blond bar maid that you’re seeing on the side. __________________________________________ Eugene Robinson- Prominent Washington Post Writer’s Group reporter “….Clintons took it as a sign of African-Americans’ unconditional fealty, they were mistaken. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that black Democrats nationwide now support Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton for the presidential nomination by nearly 2 to …It’s surprising that the Clinton campaign has been so aggressive in keeping the race issue alive.” Keith Olbermann called Clinton’s actions “unacceptable” and “unbelievable.” Newsweek writer Howard Finneman, appearing on Olbermann’s show, said Clinton has clearly “broadened her kitchen sink” attack strategy to play the RACE CARD and has escalated the level of nastiness in an already dirty campaign.. My generation of black voters is politically savvy and well educated. We couldn’t care less about outdated notions of party loyalty. We are not our grandmothers, and no amount of candidate appearances at black churches is going to influence how we vote. We will certainly not sit back and allow Democratic candidates to engage in Willie Horton-style tactics, even if the tactics are Willie Horton lite. Marjorie Valbrun, Washington Post _________________________________ From the Black Star News 
 The Black Star News excoriated Senator Clinton for her ugly tactics for months. “Senator Hillary Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton have used the most despicable, reprehensible, crude, ugly and dishonest tactics: The Clintons used race-baiting, by appealing to some white peoples’ fears about Black people, to tarnish Senator Barack Obama” Black Star News:
”2,025 delegates are required for nomination and Senator Clinton can’t surpass Obama’s insurmountable lead in delegates of 1,681 to 1,544. 
We have advice for Senator Clinton, Pack it up.”

Renata- another great post “to do their civic duty and MANAGE the Government to serve the American people, instead of commoditizing it.” You’re a terrific writer, with an exceptional grasp of the political nuances. I posted in this thread out takes from several media sources of Clinton’s race baiting. really atrocious. I went out for a late lunch with an atty. friend who was a law prof at a top law school, she is AfAm…..we’ve known each other a long time…very wonderful person…so talented…has been devoted to the Democrats working every election. She was angry to the point of tears talking about the betrayal she feels by the Clintons. “First Black president” indeed. What a croc and we all not only believed it, but spiritually kind of thrived in that farce. I’m really ticked.

Cynthia—I don’t respect either of the Clintons any more—used to be big fans—-just want them to go. But I agree…to salvage some of his legacy that they’ve trashed as a team…grace in leaving would be a good thing….like NOW.

Plain Jane—“Obama is a man of his time and it has come! We need him more than he needs us so I look with hope to the future.” I totally agree!

Cynthia—-I agree on all those choices..how many go into the cabinet or top slots depends on if they’re more valuable in the Senate. But all good people.

Oh Cynthia, I’m really so sorry and identify. When my sister called to tell me our father was in ICU and what the situation was I was reduced to a five year old wanting my Dad. I sat down and cried and pictured all these little scenes flashing from our life. All the great things he’s done. He and I email back and forth every day…it’s been very empty not seeing his name among the morning emails. It’s the worst to have a parent critically ill and the uncertainty. We’ve had some encouraging news, and my thoughts are with you…hoping for improvement very soon. All best.

Josepha— While I don’t agree that it is the main reason Obama shot out of the gate like the champ at the Kentucky Derby…..I do agree that at least half the democrats and extremely tired of HRC and want her to go away.

Tinka— As an Obama supporter I thought earlier that a joint ticket might be pragmatic to win, even with other serious reservations about HRC, but after reading a great many sources about her race-baiting I definitely do not agree. The New York Times in it’s recent editorial “The Low Road to Victory” called for the superdelegates to step in and decide. She is hoping that with her low-ball tactics she can win in W, Va. and perhaps in other races, even though Obama has an insurmountable lead, OR with her dirty tactics can force the superdelegates into making the decision and in that case, she sent a Powerpoint Proposal to them on Friday making a case for the SDs to go to her. Her are but a few of an avalanche of pieces on Clinton’s race-baiting which is dividing the party, dividing the nation, embarrassing us in the world, and providing ammunition to the Republicans for the general election: NY Time Editorial “The Low Road to Victory” April 23, 2008 The Pennsylvania campaign…was even meaner, more vacuous, more desperate, and more filled with pandering than the mean, vacuous, desperate, pander-filled contests that preceded it.Voters are getting tired of it; it is demeaning the political process; and it does not work. It is past time for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to acknowledge that the negativity, for which she is mostly responsible, does nothing but harm to her, her opponent, her party and the 2008 election. If nothing else, self interest should push her in that direction. Mrs. Clinton did not get the big win in Pennsylvania that she needed to challenge the calculus of the Democratic race. It is getting to be time for the superdelegates to do what the Democrats had in mind when they created superdelegates: settle a bloody race that cannot be won at the ballot box. Mrs. Clinton once had a big lead among the party elders, but has been steadily losing it, in large part because of her negative campaign. If she is ever to have a hope of persuading these most loyal of Democrats to come back to her side, let alone win over the larger body of voters, she has to call off the dogs. _____________________ NY TIMES: “South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, one of the most influential black leaders in Congress, and a superdelegate, said the Clinton’s racially charged comments over the course of the presidential campaign have “incensed” the black community. and almost unanimously believe the Clintons “are committed to doing everything they possibly can to damage Obama to a point that he could never win.” _____________________________________ From Capitol Hill Blue, the paper of Capitol Hill Hillary Clinton’s racist appeal April 25, 2008 - By DOUG THOMPSON One expects racism from Republicans. The party of the elephant could merge with the just about any white supremacy group and not miss a beat. Hell, most people wouldn’t see any difference. But overt racism from a Democrat is something else, although it should not surprise anyone that Hillary Rodham Clinton would use racism in her anything goes quest for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Hillary Clinton won Pennsylvania because she pandered to the overt racism that exists among blue collar whites…She won because the bulk of her appeal comes from the less-educated, the less-tolerant and the less-intelligent among us. If you’re a stupid, illiterate, gun-totin’ white hick you probably voted for Hillary. And so did your ignorant, baby-popping, big-haired wife as well as that bleached-blond bar maid that you’re seeing on the side. __________________________________________ Eugene Robinson- Prominent Washington Post Writer’s Group reporter “….Clintons took it as a sign of African-Americans’ unconditional fealty, they were mistaken. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that black Democrats nationwide now support Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton for the presidential nomination by nearly 2 to …It’s surprising that the Clinton campaign has been so aggressive in keeping the race issue alive.” Keith Olbermann called Clinton’s actions “unacceptable” and “unbelievable.” Newsweek writer Howard Finneman, appearing on Olbermann’s show, said Clinton has clearly “broadened her kitchen sink” attack strategy to play the RACE CARD and has escalated the level of nastiness in an already dirty campaign.. My generation of black voters is politically savvy and well educated. We couldn’t care less about outdated notions of party loyalty. We are not our grandmothers, and no amount of candidate appearances at black churches is going to influence how we vote. We will certainly not sit back and allow Democratic candidates to engage in Willie Horton-style tactics, even if the tactics are Willie Horton lite. Marjorie Valbrun, Washington Post _________________________________ From the Black Star News 
 The Black Star News excoriated Senator Clinton for her ugly tactics for months. “Senator Hillary Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton have used the most despicable, reprehensible, crude, ugly and dishonest tactics: The Clintons used race-baiting, by appealing to some white peoples’ fears about Black people, to tarnish Senator Barack Obama” Black Star News:
”2,025 delegates are required for nomination and Senator Clinton can’t surpass Obama’s insurmontable lead in delegates of 1,681 to 1,544. 
We haveadvice for Senator Clinton, Pack it up.”

Renata- “The CONTROL is QUALITY.” Yes, and to comprehend that as it relates to blogging apparently requires a certain cognitive style, suggests a UCLA/NYU Neurocognitive study that correlates liberalism or conservatism to brain chemistry and the cognitive style of each. Researchers found that liberal or conservative leanings may come down to cognition rather than conviction. College students from across the political spectrum were tested on a computer monitor while an electroencephalograph recorded brain activity. Data showed that students who identified themselves as LIBERAL scored HIGHER FOR ACCURACY and were almost five times as likely to show activity in brain circuits associated with A STRONG CAPACITY FOR DEALING WITH CHANGE AND NOVELTY. WHILE CONSERVATIVE students FAVORED STRUCTURE AND CERTAINTY. This can explain why LIBERAL BLOGS dominate the biosphere. Technoratti tracks and rates 112 Million Blogs. Liberal political blogs top the charts. #1 blog of the 112 Million is Huffingtonpost.com 2-9 are niche blogs unrelated to politics, mostly Internet tech #10 is DailyKos Among the next 40 top blogs, of the ones that are politically oriented four are liberal, one conservative. LIBERALS the UCLA/NYU study suggests, can excel in a fluid structure and whre there is conflict. The Right-wing has dominated the radio shows like Rush-Savage-Coulter-O’Reilly…because it is the same format, passive taking in of information that is structured along known limited lines.

Rachel B- “I’m worried about listening to so many put down the first woman leading this country.” Well, perhaps Mrs. Clinton shouldn’t provide so much fodder—-here’s the NY Times calling for the superdelegates to make the decision, and others on her race-baiting— NY Time Editorial “The Low Road to Victory” April 23, 2008 The Pennsylvania campaign…was even meaner, more vacuous, more desperate, and more filled with pandering than the mean, vacuous, desperate, pander-filled contests that preceded it.Voters are getting tired of it; it is demeaning the political process; and it does not work. It is past time for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to acknowledge that the negativity, for which she is mostly responsible, does nothing but harm to her, her opponent, her party and the 2008 election. If nothing else, self interest should push her in that direction. Mrs. Clinton did not get the big win in Pennsylvania that she needed to challenge the calculus of the Democratic race. It is getting to be time for the superdelegates to do what the Democrats had in mind when they created superdelegates: settle a bloody race that cannot be won at the ballot box. Mrs. Clinton once had a big lead among the party elders, but has been steadily losing it, in large part because of her negative campaign. If she is ever to have a hope of persuading these most loyal of Democrats to come back to her side, let alone win over the larger body of voters, she has to call off the dogs. _____________________ NY TIMES: “South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, one of the most influential black leaders in Congress, and a superdelegate, said the Clinton’s racially charged comments over the course of the presidential campaign have “incensed” the black community. and almost unanimously believe the Clintons “are committed to doing everything they possibly can to damage Obama to a point that he could never win.” ____________________________________ From Capitol Hill Blue, the paper of Capitol Hill Hillary Clinton’s racist appeal April 25, 2008 - By DOUG THOMPSON One expects racism from Republicans. The party of the elephant could merge with the just about any white supremacy group and not miss a beat. Hell, most people wouldn’t see any difference. But overt racism from a Democrat is something else, although it should not surprise anyone that Hillary Rodham Clinton would use racism in her anything goes quest for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Hillary Clinton won Pennsylvania because she pandered to the overt racism that exists among blue collar whites…She won because the bulk of her appeal comes from the less-educated, the less-tolerant and the less-intelligent among us. If you’re a stupid, illiterate, gun-totin’ white hick you probably voted for Hillary. And so did your ignorant, baby-popping, big-haired wife as well as that bleached-blond bar maid that you’re seeing on the side. __________________________________________ Eugene Robinson- Prominent Washington Post Writer’s Group reporter “….Clintons took it as a sign of African-Americans’ unconditional fealty, they were mistaken. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that black Democrats nationwide now support Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton for the presidential nomination by nearly 2 to …It’s surprising that the Clinton campaign has been so aggressive in keeping the race issue alive.” Keith Olbermann called Clinton’s actions “unacceptable” and “unbelievable.” Newsweek writer Howard Finneman, appearing on Olbermann’s show, said Clinton has clearly “broadened her kitchen sink” attack strategy to play the RACE CARD and has escalated the level of nastiness in an already dirty campaign.. My generation of black voters is politically savvy and well educated. We couldn’t care less about outdated notions of party loyalty. We are not our grandmothers, and no amount of candidate appearances at black churches is going to influence how we vote. We will certainly not sit back and allow Democratic candidates to engage in Willie Horton-style tactics, even if the tactics are Willie Horton lite. Marjorie Valbrun, Washington Post _______________________________ From the Black Star News 
 The Black Star News excoriated Senator Clinton for her ugly tactics for months. “Senator Hillary Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton have used the most despicable, reprehensible, crude, ugly and dishonest tactics: The Clintons used race-baiting, by appealing to some white peoples’ fears about Black people, to tarnish Senator Barack Obama” Black Star News:
”2,025 delegates are required for nomination and Senator Clinton can’t surpass Obama’s insurmontable lead in delegates of 1,681 to 1,544. 
We have advice for Senator Clinton: Pack it up.”

RE: THE CLINTONS RACE BAITING-NY TIMES CALLS FOR SUPERDELEGATES TO DECIDE THE RACE. [Mugsy 5/12 9:39PM “Using race to disadvantage is wrong”] HUH? With their race-baiting the Clintons are damaging the party, They are opening wounds in the country most believed were healed. They are providing fodder for negative ads in the general election. They are humiliating the United States in the world that is watching. Follows are a few newspapers/commentators on Hillary Clinton’s race-bating. NY Time Editorial “The Low Road to Victory” April 23, 2008 “The Pennsylvania campaign…was even meaner, more vacuous, more desperate, and more filled with pandering than the mean, vacuous, desperate, pander-filled contests that preceded it. Voters are getting tired of it; it is demeaning the political process; and it does not work. It is past time for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to acknowledge that the negativity, for which she is mostly responsible, does nothing but harm to her, her opponent, her party and the 2008 election. Mrs. Clinton did not get the big win in Pennsylvania that she needed to challenge the calculus of the Democratic race. It is getting to be time for the superdelegates to do what the Democrats had in mind when they created superdelegates: settle a bloody race that cannot be won at the ballot box. Mrs. Clinton once had a big lead among the party elders, but has been steadily losing it, in large part because of her negative campaign. If she is ever to have a hope of persuading these most loyal of Democrats to come back to her side, let alone win over the larger body of voters, she has to call off the dogs.” _____________________ NY TIMES: “South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, one of the most influential black leaders in Congress, and a superdelegate, said the Clinton’s racially charged comments over the course of the presidential campaign have “incensed” the black community. and almost unanimously believe the Clintons “are committed to doing everything they possibly can to damage Obama to a point that he could never win.” ______________________________ From Capitol Hill Blue, the paper of Capitol Hill Hillary Clinton’s racist appeal April 25, 2008 - By DOUG THOMPSON “One expects racism from Republicans. The party of the elephant could merge with the just about any white supremacy group and not miss a beat. Hell, most people wouldn’t see any difference. But overt racism from a Democrat is something else, although it should not surprise anyone that Hillary Rodham Clinton would use racism in her anything goes quest for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Hillary Clinton won Pennsylvania because she pandered to the overt racism that exists among blue collar whites…She won because the bulk of her appeal comes from the less-educated, the less-tolerant and the less-intelligent among us. If you’re a stupid, illiterate, gun-totin’ white hick you probably voted for Hillary. And so did your ignorant, baby-popping, big-haired wife as well as that bleached-blond bar maid that you’re seeing on the side.” __________________________________________ Eugene Robinson- Prominent Washington Post Writer’s Group reporter “….Clintons took it as a sign of African-Americans’ unconditional fealty, they were mistaken. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that black Democrats nationwide now support Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton for the presidential nomination by nearly 2 to 1…It’s surprising that the Clinton campaign has been so aggressive in keeping the race issue alive.” _______________________________________________________ Keith Olbermann called Clinton’s actions “unacceptable” and “unbelievable.” Newsweek writer Howard Finneman, appearing on Olbermann’s show, said Clinton has clearly “broadened her kitchen sink” attack strategy to play the RACE CARD and has escalated the level of nastiness in an already dirty campaign.. ____________________________ My generation of black voters is politically savvy and well educated. We couldn’t care less about outdated notions of party loyalty. We are not our grandmothers, and no amount of candidate appearances at black churches is going to influence how we vote. We will certainly not sit back and allow Democratic candidates to engage in Willie Horton-style tactics, even if the tactics are Willie Horton lite. —-Marjorie Valbrun, Washington Post ____________________ From the Black Star News 
 The Black Star News excoriated Senator Clinton for her ugly tactics for months. “Senator Hillary Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton have used the most despicable, reprehensible, crude, ugly and dishonest tactics: The Clintons used race-baiting, by appealing to some white peoples’ fears about Black people, to tarnish Senator Barack Obama…2,025 delegates are required for nomination and Senator Clinton can’t surpass Obama’s insurmontable lead in delegates of 1,681 to 1,544. 
We have advice for Senator Clinton: Pack it up.” _________________

Catherine…..That’s right….Viva la France!!! Now and Always!!!