March 12, 2008
Posted: 01:30 PM ET
The Obama campaign says Clinton can't compete in key states.
The Obama campaign says Clinton can't compete in key states.

(CNN) — Barack Obama’s presidential campaign manager said Wednesday Hillary Clinton’s campaign had “waved the white flag” in what he said was a potential fall battleground state.

The Clinton campaign responded that Obama’s team was looking to divert focus from the upcoming Pennsylvania primary, where the New York senator has held a significant advantage in most recent polls.

They have pointed out that many of the states that Obama has won by large margins during the primary process are not states the Democratic Party is likely to carry this fall, with senior adviser Harold Ickes telling the New York Times Wednesday that Obama’s victories there would be “virtually irrelevant to the general election.”

On a conference call with reporters, Plouffe did look to lower expectations in Pennsylvania. “We do not view this as a race now solely about the state of Pennsylvania,” he said, adding that the Clinton campaign was “the prohibitive favorite. They should win by a healthy margin given where they start.

“We’ll campaign hard there, we’ll try and get as many votes and delegates as we can, but our campaign will not be defined by Pennsylvania.”

He added that that the Clinton campaign’s contention that a Democrat could not win a fall bout in North Carolina – a state where Obama is expected to do well when primary voters head to the polls in May – “speaks to their weakness in the general election.

“We think we can win the state of North Carolina. Clinton has already waved the white flag… North Carolina will be a central battleground if Obama is our nominee," said Plouffe. The campaign also released an assessment of Obama’s general election chances in some of the biggest states.

Clinton campaign spokesman Phil Singer immediately responded: “The path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue goes through Pennsylvania. So if Barack Obama can’t win there, how will he win the general election?”

– CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Filed under: Barack Obama


fred   March 12th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

AMEN Phil Singer, there is no way Obama can win in November!!

Jim Shimmer   March 12th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Clinton is the worst person ever. She will stoop to any low to win. She cannot win. Almost 40% of the country strong dislikes her and she sure has lost independent and african american votes.

How can we let such a pathetic person run our honorable country???

Please, wake up. She will do anything to win. She represents the same ol dirty nasty politics of washinton.

polly molly   March 12th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Well, I am sure that with the new Clinton Campaign slogan, they ought to keep a low profile, not to mention Eliot's scandal, and we dont know the list of people there, (some client #000 BC ) might be listed as one of the club's clients!!! Lord what a mess.
Clintons new campaing slogan: racism !!!

OBAMA' BAD CONCEPT   March 12th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Simply thinking OBama can beat a war hero..

Simply thinking OBama can carry the republican states..

Simply thinking the Republicans (Goliath) are salivating at their chance to get him..

Flip Flopping already did John Kerry in..It will certainly make Obama look silly again!

Hillary 08!

Mike in Ohio   March 12th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

If Clinton was so strong a candidate, she wouldn't lose the 20-30% point leads she's had in every state since the beginning of the contest. The truth is, voters have buyer's remorse regarding HRC. Once given a clearly better choice in Obama, Clinton's lead begins to shrink and shrink dramatically in EVERY state. I know that superdelegates must be very concerned about this

Carla J   March 12th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

The funny thing is that the latest Rasmussen poll shows Obama 1 point behind McCain in PA and Clinton 2 points behind McCain in PA. Sure, the polls aren't 100% reflective of what will happen, but the idea that in the general election that Clinton will definitely win PA and Obama will definitely lose PA is absurd. The proof is in the pudding.

An Army veteran   March 12th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

The role of the primaries is to see what is the will of the Democrats. There is no historical corelation between states won in primaries vs states won in General Elections. Hillary is just going for the wins where she knows she can get them to appear alive in this race. Anyone with 5th grade math skills can see that she cannot win.

Hillary please bow out with dignity.

Les   March 12th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

THe problem with the Clinton's argument is that they have done well in states that democrats usually win. Unfortunately, that is not enough to win the general election. Obama does better in states that democrats don't usually win and thus has the advantage in the general election in winning those states as well as traditionally democratic states.

VOTER FOR TRUTH AND DIGNITY IN AMERICA   March 12th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Now, Pennsylvania. Do we want change? Do we want our
candidates to make bribes or promises to A man like Rendall
to be named Sec. of Energy when time allows. Hillary is no
different than the Republicans: Bush, Cheney, McCain, she
learned from them.

I DO NOT TRUST THAT WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pennsylvanians, can we hear from you. Is she really that popular
with you? Is Rendall that popular. He has already announced that
he will not run again for Governor. Is that because he knows he
won't win? Let us know, Please?

Retired, Professional w/woman of 63 for real change in Washington.

OBAMA 2008

Laura   March 12th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

I'm a democrat in NC and will vote Republican for the first time in my life if Barack Obama is the nominee.

kevin from alaska   March 12th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Ever since SNL did some skit about CNN the media has been completely bias in favor of Hillary Clinton.

Hillary now dictates what states "matter" and what gets coverage. She says Ohio and Texas matter and Mississippi and Wyoming don't and the headlines are: 'Big wins for Hillary in Ohio, Texas, Obama beaten' and then 'Obama wins as expected (there are a lot of blak people), Hillary ready for PA'

How come Pennsylvania counts for so much and a state like North Carolina, who have almost as many delegates, gets no mention when they vote just weeks after PA? Is it because Obama is leading by double digits there?

Jenny, Rio Vista, CA   March 12th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

And how will Hialary Clinton win without the black vote, without the young vote, and without 50% of the rest of population who despise the Clinton name? If you want to bring out the republican voters in droves, put Clinton on the ticket.

And by the way, I despise the Clintons myself now that they have shown themselves as racist, power hungry, degrading, and downright disgusting,

People talk about how the old women will not vote for Obama, believe me there are a lot more people in the country that wouldn't vote for a CLINTON.

Norma   March 12th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

SHUT UP!!!

Sean   March 12th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Now who's saying that certain states don't matter? Maybe those states that are red are so because candidates like Hillary write them off as unimportant!

Slick Hilly   March 12th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Don't tell Ferraro about that "white" flag comment.

Jesse   March 12th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

The Clinton Campaign is only going to win Pennsylvania because of the high population of prejudice whites. Most of the states she has won in either have a lot of whites that are not to fond of blacks or Latinos that are not to fond of blacks. Clinton's campaign had tried over and over again to make this about race and the media also citing every time Obama won a state with a high percentage of black as if he did not win over a dozen states with a high percentage of whites. What Clinton is trying to do now is really tap into the prejudice of white America and that will be her only hope, to make Obama look like a black man which he has been able to escape and appeal across all racial dividers. Only problem with that is the majority of blacks and the white who are for Obama will not vote for her in the general election because most are already turned off to her and see the type of president she will be just by how runs for the position.

Goooooooo Obama !!!!!

Vince   March 12th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

As a residence of NC I can tell you that Obama is far more popular than Hillary, I expect him to win this state by at least 10 percent.

As for the general election, it'll be tough but Obama at least has a chance to win Hillary has zero chance to win here.

This state has a lot of young people, it naturally favors Obama.

Though the media doesn't recognize NC as a large state, it's just a little bit smaller than Ohio and Penn. in population.

Mike   March 12th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Unbelievable that this is coming from the Obama camp… She has been at every state during her campaign… how can you say she is won't compete in battleground states… all of this negative talk coming from Obama has really told most Americans that he really does not stand for change and unity!!!

Every analyst and democrat has noticed that this race is way too close… if Mr. Plouffe were right on this matter the super delegates would have backed Obama all ready… all of this talk about math… He has won twice as many states but only leads by 125 delegates??? I believe that proves the big state argument !!!

Obama will win the delegate count by a slight margin… he will lose the popular vote… it will come down to the super delegates to decide who is most likely to win in November!!!

Shame on David Plouffe for trying to spin this story !!!

Jeffrey   March 12th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Neither Obama nor Clinton will win in November. They have splintered the Democratic Party like no one ever has. Obama is going to need most of Hillary's supporters to win and Hillary is going to need most of Obama's supporters to win and I do not see that happening at all. As a supporter on one of them (it doesn't matter which one), I have grown to dislike the other a lot and at this point in time will not vote for the other in the general election. That is just how it is, and it is going to take a miracle to reverse this terrible trend in the Democratic and the ultimate loss in the general election for Democrats.

BK   March 12th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Most Florida Democrats will vote Republican in Nov. if their votes are not counted as is. Obama sending Al Sharpton down here to make sure our votes aren't counted is disgusting. This election is nothing more than a Civil Rights Movement. Obama is more racist than any white person ever thought about being.

mk   March 12th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

So the Clinton campaign does not feel that ANY of the States matter unless they are big enough?
Does this mean, if she were president she would only feel obligated to fairly represent those people in the BIG states? She would be the president only for those she thinks matter?
And people wonder WHY Obama is so popular? It ain't cuz he's black, its cuz he ain't HILLARY…Maybe someone needs to call Geraldine and clue her in to this fact.
I am a small state resident who is sick to death of being dissed by Hillary Clinton

OBAMA 08   March 12th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

SHE HAS A BETTER PLAN, FRAUD. IT HAS WORKED BEFORE FOR HER AND BILL, MANY TIMES.

Alex H   March 12th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

So only democrats who live in democrat states deserve to have a say in their candidate?

I don't know how people can't see that Clinton only cares about states that she knows she can win. The rest of you don't matter.

Eli   March 12th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

When did North Carolina ever become a battleground states for Democrats. Obamas team is trying to cover up and get peoples mind off Hillary Clinton winning the large and true Democratic battleground states. Super delegates were set up to watch politics and know who would be best for the country and to vote for who they think would be able to lead this country. If they were suppose to just go with who had the most votes there would be no reason to have super delgates we would just let whoever had the most votes be the nomination. Now if the news media does not want to say this they will be the reason we have conflict and riots when the actual super delegates vote.

Sebastian francis   March 12th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Obama and Racism: A Reality Check
It seems like Obama plays the race card in a very subtle and shrewd way when it is advantageous to him and cries foul when he thinks it is going to hurt him. In Iowa, Wyoming and other white dominated states, he portrays himself as the candidate of unity. In South Carolina and Mississippi where black votes make a difference, he trumps the race card to win. He instigated the blacks in South Carolina by accusing Bill Clinton of racist remark, by taking a quotation out of context. In Mississippi, he accused Hillary of releasing the photo Obama in Kenyan dress when he thought he can gain some votes with the African roots. During the Ohio debate, he told the audience that he doesn’t think that Hillary camp is behind the release. Once he won the Mississippi state, he left the state even without victory rally. Why? Now he is going to Pennsylvania. And you know why? I don’t have to explain. What a hypocrisy? Now he wants to disfranchise the millions of voters in Michigan and Florida because he knows he is going to win them. Do you want a president who wants to disfranchise millions of people and become the democratic nominee at their expense?

Jackson   March 12th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Hillary is winning blue states. Blue. Meaning they historically vote Democrat. So if Obama is the nominee he will be taking those states. It's also nice that he has a strong foothold in the red states too and a generally good rapport with the people. Clinton sounds as if she's saying "Democrats living in red states are dumb; their voices may as well not even be heard. We'll just stick to trying to win a swing state and that's it. Winning by 1 is still winning."

Johnson   March 12th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

If Hillary wasn't there Obama would be winning anyways. Besides, the amount of people voting even when he loses is significantly larger than the turnout that the republicans have been getting. so i don't see this as a big issue.

Illinois   March 12th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Every state is important at this time in the game. And if MI and FL delegates do get seated, Obama will lose his current lead and he will be in second place. But I doubt the pundits or anyone else will be shouting for him to take himself out of the race to "save the democratic party" like they've been doing to Hillary.

What some of you people don't realize is that Obama is just as corrupt as Clinton….he's just better at hiding his indiscretions for the time being.

HH   March 12th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Hillary can not win and will not win states like–

Washington,North Dakota,Colorado,Nevada,Iowa,Missouri,Minnesota,Virginia,Maryland,Wisconsin.

The only states Hillary can brag about winning that are usually republican are-

Ohio,Arkansas,New Mexico.

All the other states are ones democrats will win.

HIllary plays the American people for stupid. You have to think are states like New York California New Jersey really going to be republican.

Lilia, from PA   March 12th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

All the Clinton camp are pathetic liaers. They are blind by the truth.

It doesn't make any difference to them who has most delegates but who wins PA. That is not how you elect a candidate.

Hillay close your tent and go home.

Sarah L, Fayetteville, AR   March 12th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

All states matter. Period. I'm tired of the notion that this country is divided along the lines of blue and red states. It's stupid. Most states vote roughly 45-55% either way. All you have to do is catch an additional 6% to shift the vote.

Also, why is that, any time Obama wins a state, it's expected? But, when Hillary wins a state that had her up by 20 points, it's a come back?

Let's stop counting people out. If Hillary cares about the votes of everyone, shouldn't she care more about the little states?

Ruslyn Schultz   March 12th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Obama will easily win most of the states Hillary has won in the general if it comes to that. McCain has no chance at winning a blue state. It's not like Obama wouldn't win California or New York.

If anything, I think Obama has a better chance of turning a red state blue than the other way around. I don't think Hillary could either in all honesty. He's polarized the youth vote much better in any campaign in recent memory, and that is the key to make the red states blue, or at least very purple.

Peggy   March 12th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Clinton is disrespectul to many states that she deemed unimportant. Isnt she the one saying to NOT disenfranchise voters?!

Too little too late Hillary, your attitude is disgusting.

DeniseGA   March 12th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

This is very true!

!DO HILLARY SUPPORTERS, REALLY BELIEVE NY, NJ, MS, CA, WILL NOT BE BLUE IN NOVEMBER? Please, her argument tht she has won the big states does not fly. She didn't even win big in those states. Obama, has the chance of pulling in republicans and independents. HE WON WITH WHITE VOTE IN ALL THOSE MIDWEST STATES, NOT AFRICN-AMERICANS. Hillary cannot draw republican or independents, and we need to think about what is best for the party. NOT OUR EGOS OR BIRTH RIGHT!

CB   March 12th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Clinton needs to wrap herself in the white flag and jump in a river… her husband is a Liar… guess it runs in the family. Seriously, CNN quit giving this lady airtime…

Tim, NC   March 12th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

After Pennsylvania & NC, there wil be virtually no change in the delegate count and Obama will still be in the lead in the popular vote. FL & MI will be split 50/50. Then, the Superdelegates will have no choice but to weigh in to take President Obama over the top.

Charles   March 12th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

North Carolina will be central battleground? Guess what - winning Florida and Ohio and holding on to PA and MI are a little bit more important and feasible. And how about this: Clinton is out, Guliani campaigns for McCain and how much time and money Obama will have to spend just trying t hold on to NY and NJ. And CA with Arnie who can say that MCCain as President will gvern the same way he did in CA?
Obama guys played a very smart campaign but clearly can't see strategically - if Obama looses the same way Mondale did in 1984 or Dukakis in 1988, his political career will be over.

Haley Rodman Clemson   March 12th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Truth be told, she has won the battleground states. It's Obama that doesn't win the ones that will have the big impact in November.

JJ   March 12th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Now if only people would wake up! Obama won't win in Nov, because of this very reason. Oh well

NYC and ASHAMED   March 12th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

This is exactly the mind set we don't need in the white house. Hillary thinks the people that matter are people in the big STATES. I'm from NYC and a women. I'm ashamed of how Hillary has conducted herself throughout this process. I WILL NEVERRRRRRRRR VOTE FOR HER and will encourage others to do so.

08 for Obama   March 12th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

The Clintons should be aware of the people's voice, instead of going around and telling us what states should or should not count. This woman and company have been beaten over and over again, and if you think I am lying, then look for yourself. Obama has won twice as many states, he leads the popular votes, leads in the number of delegates, leads in handsomeness, attractiveness, electability…This is not an opinion, it is a fact and there is no way Democrats are going to pick a nominee on the basis of nothing (Clinton) or I should say on the basis of a few bigger states! I believe that every state matters, and there is no such thing as bigger or smaller states. Obama is ahead, will be ahead and will get the nomination period. And if you are not down with that, then I got two words for you; STOP HATING!

Hillary unsensord visit youtube. get the picture yourself.   March 12th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Every state should count Hillar campaign management! There is no Big state small state red state blue state avantages, all states is what form the UNITE STATE OF AMERICA.

D in MA   March 12th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Democrats love HRC. Why wouldn't she be able to compete?

Obama's won twice the states, but he isn't twice as far ahead…Why?

The answer's in the numbers- There were more voters for Hillary in my home town of Fall River MA, than there were caucus-goers in the entire state of Wyoming… Hillary Clinton is the Democrats best chance in November!

The caucus system does not accurately represent the "will of the people."

Brian from Los Angeles   March 12th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I just hope that if Hillary is not treated fairly by the democratic party that she and all, and I mean ALL of her supporters put their support to anyone other than Barack Obama as their way to get their true and reaonsed voices finally heard.

Media haven't given her a fair shake, the DNC hasn't given her a fair shake and now that the Democrats realize that the truth of whom hey are likely to nominate, they now realize they just might have proven again that their choice was built on emotion and not achievement and accomplishment. Well democratic party you now have to reap what you have sowed.. All the stars should be aligned for a new party to be elected into power.

Barack believes in change Americans can NOT believe in, higher taxes, bigger governement and less security to our country.

Moderates and Independents throughout this country will vote for the candidate that provides better security, lower taxes and less government. And they won't be voting on who can be the best speech writer of the problems of the past. They will vote for the best problem solver. A concept Barack hasn't considered too much in any of his eloquent speeches, and that is solutions to problems. No higher taxes doesn't lower deficits or improve business.

Mad in Texas   March 12th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

How ignorant can you people be. Why should she waste her time in these state's that are over run with African Americans who are voting for Obama at a 90% rate. You call caucasions racist. Pardon me. But, let me tell you that Obama can not win the election with all the ignorant white people that are voting for him right now. He better be wise enough to know this. If he wins the Democrat nomination all the white vote he can get is the ones he is getting now. That won't be enough to beat McCain. OBAMA & HILLARY have destroyed both camps chance of becoming President. They could have won if they'd joined together way back when. It's Too late now to even consider a joint ticket for the two. I wouldn't vote for them anyway if an OBAMA was on the ticket. He is a fraud and a liar. HILLARY 08

A.Y.   March 12th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Yeah, Pennsylvania's winning in April is the end-all-be-all determinate of how the state will vote in November - if Hillary's not the nominee, EVERYONE knows that Pennsylvania, like New York and California and all the other "big states" will swing to McCain (please note that was said with enough sarcasm to fill Lake Erie).

A delegate is a delegate, if we must seat them all
Then a state is a state, no matter how small.

Ironic how Rhode Island suddenly became so important once it counted as a "Hillary win", being the smallest state in the country.

Michael   March 12th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Whoever the Dem nominee is will win there in November. Does the Clinton camp honestly beleive that because Obama didn't win the California primary, he wouldn't win in in the general either? C'mon, there's zero correlation between the primary and the general election.

Obama support in Iowa   March 12th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Hillary - you are weakening the Democratic party. Please withdraw now before you cause irrepairable harm. Be a gracious loser. Obama supporters will not follow you because you have shown such poor leadership skills. Your judgment regarding campaign tactics lacks integrity and strength of character. You will always have 16 more years of experience because you're 16 years older. McCain will have 12 years over you. Experience isn't the issue. Character is. You need to get out of the race before you ruin our chances in November

New Polling   March 12th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

How is it Clinton get's to define who wins? The winner is the winner is the winner. No matter how much they talk about Pennsylvania.

Black Man in Dixie   March 12th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Why can't Obama win Penn? Not enough of his "base?" Why do they think he'll "do well" in NC?

Balaiso, Everett, WA   March 12th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

WHY DON't YOU JUST POST THE MEMO CNN???????????

CLK from Texas   March 12th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

I don't get the arguments they Clinton campaign is making. If Obama is the nominee, most Democrats (not all) will vote for the Democrat. I can't see a lot of Democrats crossing over to vote McCain. Again, the Clintons are sounding illogical and desperate.

As a Texan, I am a Republican. However, if Obama is the candidate, I guarantee you that my family, myself, and a lot of my Republican friends will cross over for him. We like him. But we will help McCain if Hilary is the nominee.

Austin, Texas   March 12th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

no, you can't

CW in DC   March 12th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Isn't this the same thing Clinton's people said about Iowa, Ohio, and Texas? Pick a state already.. jeez!! They can't have it both ways and say the small states don't count (in essence saying their votes don't matter), but yet try and fight tooth and nail to get MI and FL seated. They make my head hurt.

Kat   March 12th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Apparently, there's a bit of clairvoyance at play here. How can anyone predict whether or not Obama would win against a Rep. candidate in the general election ?? The races , so far, have been Obama v. Clinton…….Mr. Singer's statement makes no sense, as we have no idea of how Obama would do against a Republican opponent . The polls DO have him winning by up to 10% over McCain, should an election be held tomorrow. Hilliary would not fare as well………..

Katherine   March 12th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

So, the democrats who vote for Hillary in the PA primary would vote Republican in the general? That's the argument? Otherwise, it's kind of irrelevant who wins the primary.

therealist   March 12th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Why should Obama be more concerned with the blue states? Like their going to vote red in Nov??

RSL   March 12th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Well that stands to reason. Who cares if Obama won Wyoming. He won't carry the state. Never mind that the state voted for Mitt Romney and Fred Thomsan. They had already dropped out of the race. The Media should try to stop attacking Clinton. However, they should at least be as critical of Obama just like they are of McCain and Clinton.

God help me, I am defending a Clinton.

JA Cook   March 12th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

The only states that matter are the ones that Hillary wins.

All other states are inconsequential and shouldn't count. No one really cares about their votes.

Michigan and Florida should count too. Their votes do matter and their voices should be heard.

wait a minute   March 12th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

I was just in Pittsburgh for a week-long workshop in late 2007.
The consensus I got from the local people was not a very hopeful future.

I was told doctors were leaving the state for other states, jobs were disappearing and former miners were driving buses or waiting tables if they are lucky.

The more important part is that young college graduates want to leave the state altogether, because there is little hope left in the Pittsburgh area. I also watched Governor Rendell's speeches in the hotel as I'd like to know what kind of governor he is for PA. I hope the people have a better opinion for 2008. Which candidate can convince and actually serve PA better?

Goodheart   March 12th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Who is his campaign to talk? What hypocricy. Obama doesn't want a re-vote in Florida or Michigan because he knows he will lose. He wants to play by the rules and steal the nomination.

The less people that vote, the better he does. That's why he's won so many caucuses and ran up his delegate count (not everyone votes in caucuses). Take that with no Florida and Michigan votes, he's hardly the Democrats choice.

Charlotte   March 12th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

If Obama thinks he can win the general election, he is in for a rude awakening. Where a mere fraction of the state voters turn out in a caucus, Obamas tatics won't work in the general election, there aren't any caucuses. In states that held caucuses Obama did very well, in states with a primary not so good. Furthermore, he has yet to win a big blue state. This does not bode well for him in the general election. Maybe he would like to CHANGE the general election to an all caucus election. The older generation and the infirmed cannot stand for hours to caucus, that is the only reason he won most of those. In Nevada, where people could vote at their place of employment he didn't do so well, now did he?

OGA   March 12th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Obama may redefine battle ground states in November if he secure the nomination, but the question is, would that compensate for possible losses in traditional democratic stronghold?

B Palladino   March 12th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

I would like to know if Senator Clinton's staff is clairvoyant, first they predict that you have to win in Ohio to win the presidential election, now they say the path to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave is through Pennsylvania, I'm confused, is it Ohio or Pennsylvania? With this much clairvoyance among the Clinton staff, why do we need the primaries and caucuses, their crystal balls have spoken, forget the voters of The United States of America…..

JD   March 12th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

The problem with OHIO and Texas, is there were many cross over Republicans who voted for Clinton. So I would not take her wins there as laid in stone come the fall . Nobody will energize the Republicans more then Hillary Clinton .

And for all the "quiet" from the Obama Camp on the horror show of the Clintons, Monica, Paula, Jennifer, Whitewater, Vince Foster, Hillary stealing things from the White House then returning them –the Republicans are dying for the Clintons to go down in flames.

foday   March 12th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

The path to 1600 pennsylvania avenue is in Washington not Pennsylvania state. I guess phil singer does not know the names of the street in washington. To remind phil Singer Oboma worn the path to 1600 pennsylvania Ave. show sign of leading to the white house. Phil look for an other respond. If you are saying the path to 1600 avenue goes through pennsylvania you did not know what say because that street is not in pennsylvania state. By the Phil can you tell your campaign to stop dividing the party or we will all become losers to Mccain.

Pon Mao   March 12th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

DNC established a rule long time ago, MI and FL knowingly break the rule, therefore should be punished. If they can get away with breaking the rule without punishment, then where is DNC's credibility? Next time if some other states decide to change the rule, will DNC be able to object to that?

Clinton knows about the rule, and she agreed to it before. Now she's behind in delegate count, and she wants to change the rule to suit her needs? How disgusting!

Eric   March 12th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

that's stupid, i mean how many democrats are going to vote for John McCain over either Obama and Clinton. Losing a state in the primaries doesn't make it automatic to lose in the general election.

CB   March 12th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Undervalue, Underestimate and Marginalize must be the new Clinton Campaign Team's slogan under consideration although, a "Borg" style, “We are the Clinton's, Resistance is Futile" fits snugger. Hillary doesn't want to shed any light on the fact she is getting her proverbial tail kicked in over half the states. She was only won states where she can effectively incite fear and division, expertly manipulating the media. Hillary, the sands of time are not on your side. The bells for change have started tolling for you across America. Get one more choir dance in before your swansong. Like it or not Obama is the People's Choice.

JA Cook   March 12th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

“The path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue goes through Pennsylvania. So if Barack Obama can’t win there, how will he win the general election?”

Democrat versus Democrat is not the same as Democrat versus Republican in the Fall.

Melanie   March 12th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

I really hate how this woman thinks so highly of herself….

Adam   March 12th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Yes Obama, But most of those were Cacuses and we know how fair those can be. Like I missed mine in Denver because I had to work during the time they were going on. Guess my vote did not matter to Obama.

Black Male Dem   March 12th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

I have been reading many comments. I am so shocked to see so many "anyone but Obama" democrats posting messages. For those who don't know Republicans are divided right now because many of them are disenfranchised by McCain. But one thing they all agree on is "They HATE the Clintons". If Hillary is the nominee she will UNITE the Republican party just because of who she is. How will that help her to win Red States???? This puzzles me to no end (along with her phantom 35 years of experience). Obama has many moderate republicans and independents in his corner. Wouldn't that help him in red states?

Also, if you watched the debates you should see that the policies between the two of them are so similar that during half of the debates they are agreeing with each other. So if you like Hillary because of her policies, then you should like most of Obama's policies as well. As an Obama supporter, I would not jump ship and vote for John "Bush" McCain if she won. So why are Hillary supports claiming to be ready to jump ship. I can't say it is racism, but I can say that it sure smells like it.

Adam   March 12th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

There is a huge difference in losing Penn. in a primary and losing Penn. in the general election. I always laugh when I here the Clinton campaign state they have won in states they need to win in the fall. I mean, come on, do they really think that Obama wouldn't carry California or New York in the general election? It is true the Democratic nominee will need to win key states like Ohio and Penn., however, they will be using the Democratic platform against the Republican platform. There is a major difference in those two. I wish this would end soon because it is dividing the party. The campaigns and their followers (myself included at times) have been overly critical. Its time to bring the party together and focus on the common enemy.

Debbie   March 12th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Hasn't the Hillary campaign learned yet that they are not running or driving this election but the people are? And how is it that when she
knows she's going to lose a state she moves on to campaign in another but when Obama mentions future primaries he's trying to avoid something? Listen to her and her campaign. Most of the time
the negative comments to Obama are really what they're feeling about themselves. Be careful counting states (people) out. It will come back to haunt you later. And because Hillary and her campaign counts people out, it lets you know that she is not running to become a president for the people of the US but just like the republicans were
a president for the rich, she'll become a president for specific states.
Listen to her and her campaign. The more she talks the more she
exposes her true self.

dddanga   March 12th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Pennsylvania will end up being around 54-46 Clinton, and she'll end up losing the rest of the states save maybe Kentucky. Is that a good argument? Really? Obama needs to ignore this madwoman and her crazy campaign people because even if he loses Pennsylvania, it won't be by a large enough margin, and Clinton will get to Denver behind Obama in delegates as well as the popular vote. Oh, but she will continue to let her minions (read Ferraro) use disgusting racist remarks and maybe cry some more and possibly say McCain is better than Obama a couple more times. Game on woman, if you want to drag the Party through filth, be my guest. Your legacy as well as your husband's however will be over.

ANTI CLINTONS   March 12th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Obama is right as usual about the coward Clinton. So what else is new.

GO HILLARY   March 12th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

yes, hillary should win pennsylvania b/c it's a DEMOCRATIC primary. dont have independents and republicans to save him. real democrats want hillary. fair weather democrats want obama.

clinton muehlenbrock   March 12th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Geez they are trying to ignore the fact that 60% of hillary's voters will vote for barack if he has the nomination and that guarantees victory in almost every state republican and democrat lol geez. Common sense here guys lol

AJ   March 12th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Again Clinton and her camp fail to realize that this is a battle for the nomination right now. She needs to win by HUGE numbers to gain MORE delegates. This isn't about states won in the primary season. But she would have us believe that its about winning the big blue states now, states that, no matter who wins the democratic ticket, will be won by the democrats.

At this point with the exception of 4 states and the TX caucus, Obama has beaten Clinton by more than 15% of the vote in the states he won. And more than not he has blown her out of the water. Clinton on the other hand, with the exception of 2 states, has not been able to beat Obama by more than 20% in any of the "big states" she won. Including NY and CA!

You can check out any delegate map and do the calculations yourself.

suzy   March 12th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New York expat in Santo Domingo   March 12th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

If Phil Singer is so small-minded to think that if Hillary does win in PA (which is to be determined, which is why we vote in the first place and not merely annoint a nominee), that in the GENERAL ELECTION the Democratic nominee won't win the same state, then he's a political mercinary, not a true Democrat.

Here's the civic lesson CNN should be giving: Primary voters are dedicated voters. As such, those who express party loyalty in a Primary GENERALLY vote in the General Election and GENERALLY vote with their party. THAT is why this has been an exciting primary season, because of the large Democratic turnout which shows an invigorated base. Then, what is desired, is to turn that same enthusiasm up a notch at the Convention and carry it over to the General Election. This is important not only to the Presidential election, but to all Party elections for ALL offices (known as the "shirt-tail" effect).

What has happened this year is that Hillary has brought out some of her own dedicated voters and the Obama "movement" has invigorated a whole new group of voters not previously engaged in the process.

What is at stake now, Mr. Singer, is whether Hillary polarizes the Party such that she'll dampen turnout and hand over the election to McSame. Obama has shown restraint and leadership by not falling prey to the Clinton shinanagins. I hope he is rewarded for it in PA, so Hillary can mull over and think about how her politics of hope turned into politics of shame. For the Party's sake, I hope we take this Primary base, are unified by Obama, rally behind him, and sweep elections in ALL CONTESTS.

And, yes, even though I'm an expat, I am a citizen, I pay taxes, and I vote (in my latest jurisdiction, NY).

esther .   March 12th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Make it happen Obama, we are counting on you. Do not let her, Hillary, get away with even one small untruth that is released to the public.

Fight back, we are behind you all the way.

evans o.oseki, norway   March 12th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

WHY AND UNDER WHAT LEGITIMACY DID THE CLINTON CLAN BASE THE WORTH-LESS-NESS OF SOME VOTES FROM GIVEN STATES? AND THEY WANT TO ACT LIKE UNITERS? PAY ATTENTION THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVEN`T YET VOTED, THIS IS GOT TO BE OVER BY VOTING HER RIGHT OUT. MONSTROUS, DISRESPECTFUL AND PREPOSTEROUS!!!

One America   March 12th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Note to Hillary Camp:

Barack will win the general election with the help of my vote, and millions of other voters. We are quite frankly, tired of the politics of the past from Hillary Clinton and John McCain.

We'll save you a seat at the inaugural.

One America–Obama 08

Kelley   March 12th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

So all the states that he has won are irrelevant? Geraldine has diverted the focus fromt he campaign.I am so ready for Obama to be in NC. One more note is are any of the campaigns actually talking about issues anymore or are they just punching counter punching?

hkitty   March 12th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Obama's strategy in winning in hard-core red states is flawed to its very core!! Dems signing on for him, will see another Rep in the WH in 2009. That's really just a fact.

J   March 12th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

to answer singer: the same way he has been winning the popular vote, the most contests (including texas, yes he won texas) and the most pledged delegates.

Kentucky   March 12th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

True, Hillary did well in the state of Ohio, but not in the county's where There is a large concentration of industry. Pennsylvania like Michigan has an economy based on Industry more so than Ohio. The people that have lost their jobs in those states have not forgotten the words of Ross Perot about NAFTA. He said that if any president supported NAFTA that there would b e a "sucking sound" in this country, it would be all your jobs leaving the country for countries that pay lower wages. He was right and there is no disputing that. The Clinton's supported and defended that trade agreement. They put alot of people out of work when they made that decision. Its now time to put the Clinton's out of work! Sorry Hillary, its pay back time!!!

PeterO   March 12th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Plouffe is correct. I did some calculations based on state polls and the electoral map. Republicans hold 133 electoral votes no matter who the dem. candidate is. Democrates hold 143 no matter who the candidate is. Hillary picks up 6 for swinging Arkansas from red to blue, and Obama would pick up 21 for swinging CO, NV and OR from red to blue. Hillary picks up 33 for swinging MA and PA from swing to blue, and Obama picks up 21 for swinging DE, HI, MD and NH from swing to blue. At this point Hillary should have a solid 182 and Obama would have 185. They both have equal chance at swing states FL, MI, MO, and OH for another possible 75. There are two states that are blue for Hillary and swing for Obama which equal 33 votes, and four states that are blue for Obama and swing for Hillary which equal 21 votes.

The real eye opener is that Obama puts eight otherwise republican states, or 62 votes, into swing vote possibility whereas Hillary only puts five otherwise republican states, or 44 votes, into swing possibility. The end result is that Hillary is in play for a possible 322 votes, and Obama is in play for a possible 355.

When you need 270 to win it's better to be in play for as many as possible.

Wayne   March 12th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Obama is right. This is a NATIONAL campaign. It would be great if only the states you win matter but there are 50 states and in order to win a national election you have to compete in all 50. Obama's 50 state strategy has reeped dividends. He now has won 29 states to Clintons 14. Why is this campaign even going on…he has a 161 delegate lead. There is no way she can beat him in terms of votes.

Roger B from Portland, OR   March 12th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

The Clinton campaign continues to confuse.

First of all, how stupid is that last comment? Hey Singer, the road to the White House also goes through 49 other states…most of which, OBAMA WON!

Look, it is mathmatically impossible for Clinton to catch up. Even if she won ALL the remaining states by margins larger than 20%, there is no mathmatical way she will over take Obama in pledged delegates. This is including revotes in Michigan and Florida (and no, there is no way those elections can be considered valid).

Tom for moving on   March 12th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

so true. Ms Clinton is a desperate candidate and it is time to heal the party and move on. She can only win by dividing the party. Is it worth it?

Angelika   March 12th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

I'm tired of the "only big states matter" argument. Obama can win the White House with or without PA, but come fall, who will they vote for when Hillary's in trouble?

Carlos   March 12th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

If Clinton doesn't win the state the state does not matter.

Obama/Colin Powell '08!

Scott   March 12th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

It doesnt matter that Clinton won the big states of New York, New Jersey and California. Any democrat will win those states in a general election. The only state that she has won that is relevant at this point is Ohio, I do give her a lot of credit for that. But she also needs to show that she can win in other battleground and traditionally Republican states if the Dems are to win the nomination.

Naijaboy   March 12th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Clinton campaign …“The path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue goes through Pennsylvania. So if Barack Obama can’t win there, how will he win the general election?”

that one na yarns?

Jim Kansas   March 12th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Tend to agree with Clinton's people. I really do not see Obama carrying many of the states he has won in the primaries in the general election. But an Obama run for the White House in the general election does help McCain quite alot.

Sridhar Prasad   March 12th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Is Hillary running for the president of America or only the states of PA, TX and OH?

In a democartic process, the final winner of the Democratic party has to be the candidate who has secures more votes and more pledged delegates put together from all the 52 states of America.

Obama's strong wins in states where Democrats have not done well in the past is a plus. In the general elections, there is very good prospect of Democrats winning these states as well in addition to the usual democaritc states, thereby increasing the odds of winning the presidency.

Edd   March 12th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Desperate times call for Desperate measures….

Here's a message to Obama & all his blinded supporters:

Beat us is CA, Beat us in NV, Beat us Ohio & TX, Beat us FL! Beat us in PA! Close the deal! If you can, we will gladly endorse you!!!!!!!!!

How many Idaho or Mississippi can you fit in Ca or Ohio?

Bottomline is: YOU CANNOT WIN IN BIG BLUE STATES!!!!!!!!

Enough of the big speeches, enough of the rhetorics! Meet us in PA!!!!!

Liz in TN   March 12th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Hillary carries the biggest states with the most clout which are crucial in the fall campaign.

Go Hillary!

I TOO HAVE EXPERIENCE   March 12th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

“The path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue goes through Pennsylvania. So if Barack Obama can’t win there, how will he win the general election?”

What a patheticly weak come back by Clinton's thugs.

Obama '08

For Obama   March 12th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

First Plouffe states the following:

“We’ll campaign hard there, we’ll try and get as many votes and delegates as we can, but our campaign will not be defined by Pennsylvania.”

And then Clinton adviser Singer states the opposite:

“The path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue goes through Pennsylvania. So if Barack Obama can’t win there, how will he win the general election?” So which is Hillary people??? Oh I think I know… which ever statement works best for her this week and next???

Double talk from Hillayr once again!!!!!!

Jags   March 12th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

I love how the democrats started out so "supportive" of one another initially to try and show that they were above what the republicans were doing to one another in ads.. then as soon as Hillary and Obama got into a tight spot, true colors showed! The battle continues, the nation gets bitter as they are torn and in the end McCain gets the presidency cause the two sectors cant stand one another enough to enter the same voting booth. bravo

Jbecks   March 12th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Hillary is Hurting her party and country over her and her unloyal husband's own selfish greed.

sascha   March 12th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Oh my God, what are you talking about?? Democrats at its best. Focus on the issues, that's what Americans expect from the next President!!

Richard   March 12th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Obama and his supporter are always crying about something.They should focus more on issues. As a Democrat I will never vote for arrogance. He has divided the party.

Go Hillary 2008!

Cindy   March 12th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I think Clinton is ignoring states that she cannot win… neither the primary nor the general. Obama on the other hand, has the ability to take these states in both the primary and the general, because he appeals to both Democrats and Republicans.

The path to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave goes through "all" states, not just through Pennsylvania.

J Norman   March 12th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

In the most recent analysis I saw done by Ramussen comparing McCain-Clinton vs McCain-Obama in the 17 swing states, Obama’s numbers were better than Clinton’s in 13 of those states.

In the most recent analysis I saw done by SuveryUSA looking at electorial votes, Obama was +88 vs McCain while Clinton was +27 or so.

In both cases, Obama was the stronger candidate than Clinton vs McCain.

What is also often overlooked is that those surveys were done before Obama had campaigned in all of the states – which nearly always improves his numbers. I think those results are likely to get stronger for Obama as the primaries get completed.

As usual, I think the Clinton campaign is blowing some pretty desperate smoke.

Mark, VA   March 12th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Nice try Obama, but I ain't buying it. In fact I am buying less and less from you as the days go by.

Go Hillary!   March 12th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Are you kidding me? Mr.Obama?

You are just a loser who fears to face final results!

2008 Hillary

Bob Stephens   March 12th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Sounds like she is following the Giuliani Method of losing

Arden   March 12th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

From what I have seen and listened to for the past 2 years anything can happen in an election. No one should take anything for granted. This election has become so mean spirited. If it continues the Democratic Party will fall and we will loose another election to someone that should not be elected.

S. Edwards   March 12th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Yes, finally. There are actually other states in this country besides the ones that Hillary Clinton believes to be important. Believe it or not, some of those other states will also be important in fall 2008. Just because Hillary is putting all of her eggs in PA, like she did in TX and Ohio, doesn't mean those are the only states left to vote that count. Oh, and PS—-TX gave Obama more delegates, so I guess it isn't that important anymore either.

Ryan   March 12th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

I don't understand why Obama's win of the Texas caucases, which led him to win the most delegates in Texas, has not been a bigger story. Clinton had suggested she NEEDED to win in Texas just to stay in the race, and now she in fact lost in Texas. No doubt she will continue, but it seems strange that this story is lumped quietly under Obama's Mississippi win. Shouldn't this be discussed more widely as a major win for Obama? The media attention has shifted markedly in past weeks, in favor of Hillary Clinton, after her complaints of a biased media. Now things are starting to appear very biased in the opposite direction. Perhaps there is no unbiased media, but it seems that something strange has been happening.

kmarcus122   March 12th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

As I live in NC, am a precinct vice-chair and a country delegate, we WILL do everything within our power to turn NC blue…from the ground level, we're turning purple already!!!

As for the Clinton campaign, how hard do you expect us to fight with comments like that? Good lord!!

James   March 12th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

hey Phil Singer, last time I checked many presidents have been elected without winning Pennsylvania. As a PA resident, I know this fact. Additionally, just because someone wins the state in a primary is no reflection on the end result in a general election. It can be taken as a sign, but not an absolute. The only thing that is clear is a party nominee usually can count on at least 75% of the voter turnout in a state his or her party received in the primary process.

Obama will probably win PA in a General Election. Hillary will not.

johndimmy   March 12th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

I thought the path to the Wite House was through OHIO, what happened? Just a foolish thought!

Chris McClum   March 12th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

All those Hillary supporters in those big states will rally around Barack when he becomes the nominee.

It makes no sense to claim that winning the democratic primary in Pennsylvania means that the choice by delegates and raw vote count from the rest of the country somehow becomes irrelevant.

Democrats will rally behind Barrack when he becomes our candidate.

Jake, California   March 12th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

The Clinton camp is full of dumb tactics.. Why do they want Obama to measure his campaign success by Pennsylvania? Of course the people of PA are important to the Obama camp but we cannot use them )or any one state )as a deal maker or breaker like Hillary did with Texas and Ohio(both of which she didn't win anyways, Obama got the most delegates out of TX)

It is the person that first reaches the 2024 delegates at the end that matters..not how much you get from one particular state..
If she wins PA with 158 delegates(which i doubt), we'll come close to sharing the delegates 50-50 as usual and we'll trash her in NC(115 delegates at stake) and get more of the delegates here!

The Hillary people aren't smart at all…sorry to say!

Florida Voter   March 12th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Hillary is like the girlfriend that won't go away after you break-up. Can I get a restraining order for the benefit of the State of Florida????

Let us not forget people, as Hillary so eloquently pointed out, pledged delegates do not have to vote according to their pledge. They are under no obligation to vote 'as pledged' and can change their minds at the convention. So, Super-Delegates and Pledge Delegates are still in play.

Thanks for the reminder Hillary … any plans to pursue this strategy now that you’ve pointed it out?

Sean McM   March 12th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Obama, the only flag we fly is red, whit and blue. Since you voted against an ammendment to ban burning our flag I don't expect you to understand that.

Take your liberal socialism back to Chicago.

Debby   March 12th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Obama won't win these so called battleground red states in Nov. The reason he is winning the south now is because of the black vote. When the Republicans come out to vote for McCain in the south it will be in droves and bye bye Obama if he is the nom. If Obama can't win any of the electoral states now, then he will never have a chance of winning an Presidential election.

Obama Guy   March 12th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Oh stop with this Big state madness..come the general election all these blue states will rally behind obama who does this women think she is..I mean the nerve…she's running on borrowed time the super delegates are already starting to speak and they aren't speaking to highly on clinton and her tactics…she will never see the nomination barring some brokered back room deal which would all but seal her fate come Nov Obama has almost a 200 point lead on her now…they will not just hand this election to her based on her "winning a couple big states"…those same states will stand behind Obama.

Chris   March 12th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Wake up America! No matter what Clinton does she cannot win the delegate count. I dare ONE out there person to make the argument that Florida and Michigan should count. They broke the rules and now they want back in the game. If you get kicked out of a basketball game, you hit the locker room and move on.

Again, I dare anyone to make an actual argument for this.

jill   March 12th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Wait and See who wins Pennsylvania primary, will be a surprise for many .

DP   March 12th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Obama will win in most Democratic states and will be competitive in Repulican states. It does not matter who is the nomainee. It is about the party. Obama can also bring more people together.

jill   March 12th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Wait and See who wins Pennsylvania primary, will be a surprise for many including CNN and FOX .

Susan   March 12th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Hillary just needs to quit now gracefully and move on into retirement.

Bye Bye Clintons !!

Thompson   March 12th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

It doesn't matter, the same people who voted for Clinton will more than likely vote for Obama in the fall. So are you saying core democrats will not for for Obama if Clinton doesn't win the nomination? I highly doubt it… DEMOCRATS will win this election regardless of the spin the Clinton camp puts on Obama's electability. It's not about who at this point, it's the changes that are made after being elected. Who is better positoned to make change????

CaliMale4Hill   March 12th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

bla bla bla… we know who will lose PA, another good way to make an excuse for the "buyers remorse" all over

interesting   March 12th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Huh?

I am confused Obama. All camps are competiting. The next campaign is Pennsylvania with a delegate rich state of 158. Just relax. You did well. Fight one battle at a time.

vote   March 12th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

To be objective, Gore and Kerry would have been president if they did not run their campaign on the big state strategy. Small states do matter because it has led to Bush being president twice. Republicans win elections based on winning small states. The theory of small states being irrelevant is not true. If Gore or Kerry won colorado, nevada or virgina which are swing states this year, Ohio and Florida would not have matter. Second, Clinton stated he did not win the democratic big states and therefore should not be the nominee. Her theory is flawed because those states would vote democratic regardless of the nominee. Those large states such as NY or Nj most of the time vote democratic. The question is not who wins the most big states, but who will win the small swing states. Obama's appeal will help the democrates in capturing those votes because of his unity message as well as his primary wins in some of those small states.

franklahai   March 12th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

I thought the road to the White House was through OHIO (and TX as the firewall), what happened here? Just a foolish thought. I guess the OHIO people are now irrelevant!! By June, the PA people will equally be irrelevant; it would be FL or MI. Aren't we tired of using and abusing people for political gains in this nation?

For Catholics, I urge you not only to contribute money, but to say a decade of the Rosary for the anointment of a decent and God-fearing man, such as Obama, to regain the White House. We are a nation of rules and laws, including our basic moral virtues.

PA Mom for Obama   March 12th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

I'm sorry, but the path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue doesn't just go through Pennsylvania, it goes through every single state in the United States. No one state is any more important then another just as no one vote is any more important than another. I am so tired of Camp Clinton trying to convince Super Delegates that she wins "important states". I'm not very excited by a presidential candidate that wants to just forget about 1/2 of our nation.

Republicans for Obama   March 12th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Oba

Hillary 08 Ohio   March 12th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Leave Obama out in the dust, as Hillary she is the TRUE winner anyway!.

Jackstrider   March 12th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Compare and contrast:

-Clinton originally agreed that MI and FL delegates should not count in the primary. Now she says that they must be heard.
-Obama agreed that MI and FL delegates should not count in the primary and has stuck to the DNC rules as agreed by all candidates.

- Clinton says she should be the nominee because she has "won" the bigger states.
- Do the smaller states not count? Obama has not denigrated any state's value in this campaign. He campaigns hard in states large and small, whatever his chances.

-Clinton says that Obama wins in states that have traditionally voted Republican while she wins in Democratic strongholds,
-Obama appeals to voters across groups by party, race and gender.

-Clinton supporters claim Obama is successful because he is Black, but they are not playing the "race" card.
-Obama supporters do not make any appeal or argument based on race or gender, either positively for Obama or negatively toward Clinton.

Which administration do we want to run the Executive Branch?

Jake, California   March 12th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Or I should say: its the person that first reaches the 2024 delegates that matters, not whether you won big states or small states!

josephine   March 12th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Why haven't you posted any comments to this article? Seems sort of fishy to me that CNN always is favorable to Obama.

Republicans for Obama   March 12th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Perhaps that Republicans that "were whispering" can help you as they did in Texas, Ohio, and Rhode Island. Not!

txpoodoo   March 12th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Clinton's fall strategy has been a Gore/Kerry +1; that is win all the states that Kerry/Gore won, but win one more, either Ohio or Fl.

But let us not forget that if Kerry/Gore would have won at least one of the many of the "smaller" states like they should have (AR, TN to name a couple), Ohio or FL would not even have mattered.

McCain is going to appeal to a broader range of voters than Bush. Lets not forget that he is a moderate Republican, states that are swing or purple states are going to be in a Republican playbook. The Democrats need to look past what they have done in the past and create new swing states. States that McCain already thinks he has, make him fight for them, make him spend money on them. One thing that Democrats have going for them this year is a bigger coffer. Make McCain spend money that he was not intending to spend. It will hurt him in the swing states.

I think the Obama campaign realizes this, they are seeing the bigger picture.

JohnLahai   March 12th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

I thought the road to the White House was through OHIO (and TX as the firewall), what happened here? Just a foolish thought. I guess the OHIO people are now irrelevant!! By June, the PA people will equally be irrelevant; it would be FL or MI. Aren't we tired of using and abusing people for political gains in this nation?

For Catholics, I urge you not only to contribute money, but to say a decade of the Rosary for the anointment of a decent and God-fearing man, such as Obama, to regain the White House. We are a nation of rules and laws, including our basic moral virtues.

Murray   March 12th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

I began this campaign being so excited and hopeful for the election this fall. That seems slowly to becoming a dream more than the "dream ticket". It is easy to see why nothing is being done to help the average working person. Our elected government officials are too concerned about power at any cost. I have heard practically nothing about the issues that matter in the last two weeks. Hillary tells non-truths about Obama on the stump in PA about a vote he placed and no news person addresses it. Ferrora can say anything about Obama and she is not reprimanded for it. But please don't let someone call Hillary a monster, that is un-American and the worst thing possible. Here it is, I'm turning off my television and going to let all the lies for what they are worth miss me and my family. I hope it will clean its-self up so I can go to the poles when it comes to NC. By the way Hillary we do matter here and Democrats can win here this fall for the Democratic party.

Cooper   March 12th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Pennsylvania hasn't been on the road to the White House since 1996. Both Gore and Kerry won it but lost the election.

Robert   March 12th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Obama's supporters are fooling themselves if they think Obama will win the presidency because he keeps winning states that have gone republican in the general elections for the past 30 years. Only the large states matter and Hillary is the only one that can carry them. Obama is trying to jump ahead of himself when he should have waiting 8 years to run. All he is doing is insuring that McCain wins the presidency and that we have 4 more years of failed policies.

JB, Boston   March 12th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Don't be fooled by the Clinton machine. EVERY State counts. She is trying to make this a race about CA/NY/PA/FL/MI. The "big" States that they have done well in. So, they claim the other States don't matter due to small populations.???????? Isn't that what the framers were trying to avoid, just a few States completely controlling politics. Hence the Senate, where everyone gets two senators.

Besides, any dem can win the Blue States of NY/MA. Just because Hillary won there doesn't mean anyother dem would lose!

Ann   March 12th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

I can not agree any more with David. With Clintons, there are states that matter and some that don't. How pathetic! Sick and tired…….

bond   March 12th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Blah blah blah, spin spin spin.

Scoreboard Obama

IF CLINTON.. THE LONG LIFE DEM WILL VOTE REP.   March 12th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

That is right., Clinton, only want states that have traditional "dem" voters,.. well i am from VA.. and well we like obama, and we aren't a traditional "dem" state. America is becoming more independent now that bush has destroyed democracy,,,

Rick in Florida   March 12th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Clinton's flawed premise is that just because she beat Obama in some big states, somehow they'll go to McCain in Nov if Obama is the nominee. These are all BLUE states, folks, and they will go with whichever Dem wins the nomination, so saying Obama will lose them to McCain, just because she beat Obama there in the primary, is ridiculous… flawed in its basic premise. DON'T BE FOOLED!!

Gerri   March 12th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Sen. Obama will win by being honest with the people of the U.S. of American.

Rita   March 12th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

I am so sick of the Clinton campaign stating that just because noone has ever won without winning certain states before that it won't be possible to win the election. Clinton wouldn't do well in swing states anyway if it wasn't for Obama bringing so many new registered Democrats out to vote and blowing out the turnout of Republicans. The Obama campaign has done essentially everything different that the way things are usually done and has done amazingly well. All I have to say to the Clinton camp is: THERE'S A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

get real   March 12th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

The I won the big state argument is weak. Realistically speaking most of the big states that Hillary won will go democratic regardless of who the nominee is. The question is can we turn purple states blue, and bordeline red states blue as well. Those are the states Obama has been winning and that is what makes him more electable in the general election. Also note, that while Hillary may have won the big states, she barely won them, but the red and purple states that Obama won, he won by large margins. Hillary is a good canidate, but realistically if we want a democrat in the White house, Obama is the one that can definitely beat McCain.

Curliss   March 12th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

HILLARY AS A INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE WOULD SEND SHRIVERS DOWN THE SPINES OF OBAMA SUPPORTERS.

Clinton has now twice reach out to run on a joint-ticket, so they could end this cut-throat race for the nomination and save the democratic party…Obama rejects/renounces it. Not a good sign, for a man who claims he is a uniter…..he is more like a divider. I HOPE the super delegates will pick the rightful candidate…when you include FLA/MI Hillary has then won just about every big state that matters.

GO HILLARY!!!

Gary Mitchell - Vancouver WA   March 12th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Just as the Bush didn't compete in the Blue States and wasn't the President of them, Hillary would seek to be a fly over President and forget the rest. Comments let go by the Clinton campaign signifies that she is out of touch with mainstream America and a President needs to be President of all the States. That is why the Obama approach of reconciliation is the best. It is about time we sought to heal the fractures that have separated us as a people and find the common ground necessary to move this country forward to a better tomarrow.

Enrique   March 12th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

The path to Pennsylvania Ave for a Democratic nomination candidate is to win as many delegates as possible. Someone needs to tell Hillary that she's behind on that front.

christine   March 12th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Clinton compaign should not choose were to campaign and were not to compaign this is about changing the country so red states or blue states they should compaign hard anywere any states because if you choose were to compaign and call for uniting the country or change the you are not telling the truth to the american people, they need to compete in every state like obama is doing, because is she doesnt and she will loose to mccain all those red states and the indepent votes are needed, We are no longer in the 90's this is 2008, so you cant keep on saying if i win big the big states i should win the nomination, no i think those states no matter who the democrat is in november they will vote for that person so she needs to win in some of the red states get new democrats that is the idea, and obama is doing well in that area

CNNModeration_Post_This_One,NY   March 12th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

I have a question for the Clinton campaign:
If all of the states don't matter what's the point of campaigning in all of them ????
I have the answer : The point is to having delegates
This is what primaries/caucus are about
as they understand they can't catch in pledged delegates, they're making this silly argument, ANYTHING TO GET ELECTED !!!
Listening to them, only states they carried matter

Jim, American in Paris   March 12th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Obama is unelectable and would lose in November.

He has not won one of the biggest states and would lose in Florida to John McCain as well as one or two other states such as Ohio, Texas and perhaps California.

The Democrats will lose the whole thing with him.

On the other hand, Hillary Clinton would certainly win Florida and and most of the other delegate rich states the Democrats need to win in November.

Once again, Obama is dreaming.

Mary   March 12th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

My GPS tells me there is another way you can get to 600 PA ave. Looks like from PA Hillary is going to the white house while Obama has to fight alittle more the remaining states. Clintons are only thinking about why they should win this election. Can someone tell me how rediculus this is?

Ross   March 12th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

The path that Ronald Reagan took to the White House in 1984 was through 48 states and Mondale and Ferraro won two. I think Obama's plan to go to all states is far superior to the Clinton/Bush/Rove/Kerry/Gore strategy of trying to win only certain states. Are all Americans and all States equal? There are not red states and blue states as Obama has said and his working majority includes all demographics. Because you do not win a certain state or a demographic vote does not mean that latinos, white men, senior women, asians and others are not voter for him. So far 13 million Americans have voted for him and they are Amercian voters - regardless of thier Mark Penn demographic and the Clinton plan to pit one group against the other - she and her advisors keep dismissing certain states and caucuses as Red States and not a real vote. 13 million Amercian voters beg to differ.

John, Las Vegas, NV   March 12th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

OK, the rest of the country needs to get this straight. There is one set of rules for the Clintons, and another set of rules for everyone else in the country. Likewise, states that Clinton wins matter, whereas states where Clinton loses do not matter. Hence, in Hillary's mind she is now crushing Barack Obama because his delegate and popular vote lead is only the result of having won in states that do not matter.

Chri