March 4, 2008
Posted: 10:48 AM ET
Clinton is starting the day in Texas, ending it in Ohio – both states key to her presidential chances.
DALLAS, Texas (CNN) — Expressing optimism about her chances today in Texas and Ohio, Hillary Clinton told reporters the Democratic presidential contest is "really just hitting its stride." "This is a very close race," she told reporters outside a Houston polling station. "We're just taking it day by day. It's a long road to the nomination and I feel good about where we are." Clinton dismissed the suggestion that a protracted battle for the Democratic nomination woud hurt the party in the fall, presumably against John McCain. "This is one of the most civil and positive primary campaigns that I can remember. There are contrasts and it is imperative that those contrasts be drawn because voters in Democratic primaries have to decide who they think would be both the best president and the best nominee and you can't do that unless you put out your record and what the differences are," she said. "There is no doubt we're going to have a unified party behind our nominee. Obviously I hope that nominee will be me." Cinton was greeted at J.P. Henderson elementary school in the East End of Houston by a small group of supporters, local pols and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Many of the assembled supporters said they had never caucused before and had been busily trying to educate friends and neighbors about today's primary and caucuses. The Clinton campaign is handing out literature across the state at polling stations explaining the "Texas Two-Step" process. The New York senator has openly criticized the caucus system since her loss in Iowa saying the set time for the contest disenfranchises those that are out of town or who have to work. When asked how she felt about today's Texas caucuses she said when the "dust clears from this campaign" Democrats will have to sit down and figure out how to let those who want to participate in the process do so. "As for now we're going play by the rules that we have and play to the best of our ability," she said. Clinton said she will wait until tomorrow to "look forward" and decide whether she would schedule travel to Wyoming and Mississippi, two states with upcoming contests. "I believe in taking one day at a time in politics as well as life," she said. Clinton will make a retail stop at a Dallas restaurant before heading to Columbus, Ohio for an election night event. Related: Clinton discusses her key issues in Texas –CNN Senior Political Producer Sasha Johnson
Filed under: Hillary Clinton |
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