April 22, 2008
Posted: 11:45 PM ET

From


(CNN) —
Shortly after Hillary Clinton claimed a decisive victory in Pennsylvania Tuesday night, staffers for Barack Obama’s campaign sent reporters a memo in which they tried to argue once again that her win in the state had left the status quo fundamentally unchanged.

“Tonight, Hillary Clinton lost her last, best chance to make significant inroads in the pledged delegate count,” they wrote. “The only surprising result from Pennsylvania is that in a state considered tailor-made for Hillary Clinton that she was expected to win, Barack Obama was able to improve his standing among key voter groups since the Ohio primary.”

They said that Clinton’s lead over Obama with white voters had narrowed slightly, and her advantage among seniors had shrunk by nearly half — but that gap remained significant, at 24 percent. They pointed to Obama’s strength with Independent voters, a group that did not participate in Tuesday’s primary vote.

“The bottom line is that the Pennsylvania outcome does not change dynamic of this lengthy primary,” they wrote. “While there were 158 delegates at stake there, there are fully 157 up for grabs in the Indiana and North Carolina primaries on May 6.”

The Obama team had made similar arguments in the days leading up to Pennsylvania's primary, in which Clinton was favored despite being significantly outspent by the Illinois senator's campaign.

Filed under: Bill Richardson • Hillary Clinton


Montana is Obama Country   April 23rd, 2008 12:18 am ET

YES… WE… Can…

Yes.. We.. Can…

YES.. I … WILL>>>>>>>> $$$$$… right NOW…

I am making my 4th donation immediately..

Amy   April 23rd, 2008 12:20 am ET

They're right. Tonight really made no difference, no matter what Fox News is trying to say right now. You know they want this thing to drag on and on.

Dems, get smart. Stop voting for this woman. A vote for Hillary is a vote for McCain at this point.

Debby   April 23rd, 2008 12:20 am ET

Talk about sour grapes she won and it was a double digit win get over it. If Clinton wins, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Puerto Rico, they give her Florida and split Michigan she wins the popular vote and I bet the superdelegates flock to her.

Debbie   April 23rd, 2008 12:23 am ET

I think the Obama campaign should worry about why their guy can't win the big states that he would need if he wins the nomination!

fran   April 23rd, 2008 12:23 am ET

11 million dollars in tv ads and he still lost by 10 points. I would try to spin things too. He can spin all he wants, but the truth is he cannot win the blue collar votes, the Reagan democrates. Without them on our side in November, we loose big time.

Cindy,CA   April 23rd, 2008 12:24 am ET

Great win Hillary!!! I thought Obama was above the fray in the realm of negative spin. I was wrong.

John in KY   April 23rd, 2008 12:25 am ET

Time for OBAMA to get REAL WORRIED about being ELECTABLE in NOV 08!!

GO HILLARY!

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky   April 23rd, 2008 12:25 am ET

Obama and his supporters are quibbling, Obmama's advisors are professional to cook up a good excuse, all of his supporters are just same as Obama and his advisors, they made me laugh everyday.
Obama is inexperienced and naive, so he doesn't know how to lose, he and his supporters thought they can buy the voters with money, but no way with PA voters, where is Obama's JUDGEMENT?

Sue   April 23rd, 2008 12:25 am ET

True That!!!! Let them spin it however they want to, but that's the bottom line. Like it or lump it.

alice2   April 23rd, 2008 12:25 am ET

OBAMA DID A GREAT JOB TONIGHT. Clinton was expected to win by a LARGE MARGIN. & she just barely made it. Obama has won 30 & Clinton has won 15. Hillary is a BIG LOSER. Keep it going Hillary.

Pepou62   April 23rd, 2008 12:25 am ET

She was supposed to win by 20 points. she barely won 10. So what has changed ? She won 3 more delegates ? What a joke …

female grad student, NYC   April 23rd, 2008 12:25 am ET

oh course they're trying to diminish her victory, politics politics politics. but i guess they're just doing their job.

GREAT WIN HILLARY!!!!! KEEP IT GOIN AND GOIN STRONG!

10 PERCENTAGE POINTS, and they said she needed a double digit victory - well we got it!

Joey   April 23rd, 2008 12:25 am ET

Tonight once again shows Obama can't seem to win the battleground states like Ohio, Pennsylvania despite outspending Hillary in ads 3 to 1. Questions should be raised about Obama's electability.

deidre   April 23rd, 2008 12:26 am ET

Since Feb. 20, Hillary has won states with 70 electoral College votes representing 48.9 million voters.

OH 20

TX 34

PA 21

RI 04

Obama can brag about Vermont’s 3 electoral votes and its 750,000 voters.

VT 03

Joe   April 23rd, 2008 12:26 am ET

Put your hoods on and Vote for Hillary 08′

WILL Even Vote for BUSH but Never Obama   April 23rd, 2008 12:26 am ET

Obama and his guys need to stop crying foul… Doesnt he remember Win is 50 plus 1.

HILLARY …'08.. Keep going.. you are going to make it….

Luis Mejia   April 23rd, 2008 12:27 am ET

Sore Losers…. Such hypocrisy

Real Dem   April 23rd, 2008 12:27 am ET

Ok, Big deal. He spent more money than she did whoopie!!! But his money spent narrowed him below a 10 percent margin which was supposed to be 20 percent or more. So who is the winner here? Lets see how closer she got to O'bama in delegates……I really don't see a big difference at all. This continued farce is very very bad for the democratic party.

Jacob   April 23rd, 2008 12:27 am ET

Not even the Bush admin can spin a defeat faster and harder than this. Funny but now the Obama camp is starting to sound a little bitter themselves.

Robert in Albuquerque   April 23rd, 2008 12:29 am ET

comments like those from Obama's team just add to the negative tone of this election season. BOTH Obama and Hillary are too negative and are to blame

bill in Oklahoma   April 23rd, 2008 12:29 am ET

Well I belive counting all election returns, clinotn leads in the popular vote. I guess that does change the dynamic

Ladyleo   April 23rd, 2008 12:29 am ET

I agree, is does not look like Hillary is going to damaged Obama delegate lead.

eric from canada   April 23rd, 2008 12:29 am ET

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT NO MATTER WHAT HAPPEN OBAMA WILL BE THE NOMINE HE STILL LEAD

LennyInDelaware   April 23rd, 2008 12:32 am ET

Oh yeah???

You are good at making someone look bad when if we have to trace the where the trouble lies from it will turn back to your camp.

Yeah play that innocent "I did not do such thing. I do not know who did it. I did not do it."

merle 7   April 23rd, 2008 12:32 am ET

Obama will show Hillary what a landslide win is in NC.
OBAMA 08!

Jenny, TX   April 23rd, 2008 12:32 am ET

It is pathetic argument. Obama will never ever win the general election. This nation needs a doer not a talker.

Julio   April 23rd, 2008 12:32 am ET

Exactly, now it's time for clinton to get out while she can save some face. She has a 0% chance of winning the nomination now.

Manuel TX   April 23rd, 2008 12:33 am ET

That's rich.

Clinton has won 4 of the last 6 primaries.

It's clear who has the momentum. If what is known about Obama now was known at the beginning of the campaign, this would be over by now.

:)

Gary in Tucson   April 23rd, 2008 12:33 am ET

Clinton won in PA today. I am not for either Obama and Clinton. But, why we don't hear about Obama showing his finger to her during his speach? I did see several YouTube videos about it.

kayln   April 23rd, 2008 12:33 am ET

I think I have to agree with Obama today

I am so UPSET with Hillary today. This was her last chance to kick that Obama away…

bernice   April 23rd, 2008 12:34 am ET

loser!!

Micheal   April 23rd, 2008 12:34 am ET

So, a 10-point-victory is not convincing enough?. I don't even know Obama and his people are talking about!.. The BEST SOLLUTION for them and for this country is Obama should consider to drop out of this race!. Who's going to vote for him in November anyway?. Not me and never be me!

dwayne   April 23rd, 2008 12:34 am ET

This state was made for her campaign and she could only manage a 10% win. Do the math; she is still behind by all counts. Remember she AGREED NOT TO count Florida and Michigan originally. My parents raised me to believe that a person's ability to keep their word defines their character

JT   April 23rd, 2008 12:34 am ET

Obama's boys must be on drugs.

Hillary will keep on winning.

Hillary 08!!!!

Marc   April 23rd, 2008 12:36 am ET

What a joke. Obama can't close the deal and is getting thumped in the states you must win.

Caucuses aren't in the General Election and the big chip states make or break elections.

Obama can't win the must win states, in the Democratic Primary. It only gets worse in the Republican General Election run-off.

bernice   April 23rd, 2008 12:37 am ET

Can you smell what the Barack is cooking??

Clinton or McCain, but NEVER obama   April 23rd, 2008 12:48 am ET

Too chicken to debate. obama I wouldn't vote for you for dog catcher.You're too unfit.

April in Texas   April 23rd, 2008 12:48 am ET

Go Obama! Your supporters will work harder for you as we like to be the underdogs. You still have money which I can say Clinton does not shes in debt…

Obama 08

AnnAlohaFairMediaPA   April 23rd, 2008 12:48 am ET

Crybaby attitude…
America deserves better.
12 million spent and the Pro-Obama Media and he still couldn't deliver.
Just Say "No" to Obama

Penn state   April 23rd, 2008 12:48 am ET

Wow!! Obama's camp are some serious haters. Clinton wins and they just want to attack her. They should just get off of her and focus on their own campaign. Obama lost fair and square.

Des,Toronto   April 23rd, 2008 12:48 am ET

This is the first democratic primary race where it is openly said on a daily basis that the loosing candidate's supporters would support the candidate from the other party instead of the winner. The other party being the one led by George Bush. Why is it so because Barack Obama is african american(actually half white),despite his message of hope and unity and an end to an illegal/immoral/unjustified and costly war. Let me ask you this then. If it were Hillary Clinton and John Edwards and John was the winner, would her supporters desert him? I don't think so, so it confirms my suspicion that Hillary and Bill are purposely and openly playing the race card to the benifit of John McCain and to the detriment of Sen Obama and the democratic party.Now if you loose all of america knows why..shame on you!!!

Obama 08 and 12

Anee   April 23rd, 2008 1:00 am ET

Talk about negative.
Everything has changed!

Julian   April 23rd, 2008 1:10 am ET

Yup. She's in it to spin it. Cause she certainly can't win it. The best indication that this contest has long been over for Hillary is the fact that to McCain, she is invisible. John McCain hasn't directed a single comment towards Hillary in the Last month. The Republicans have focused all their attention on Barack because they understand that he has the nomination. Hillary needs come to the same realization, step down and focus on getting Barack into office.

Florida voter   April 23rd, 2008 1:12 am ET

Last best Chance? I believe it was a very significant victory for her. I mean being beaten 3-1 in spending, she managed to pull off a 10 percent lead. This gives her momentum to win Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Puerto Rico at least. Obama has more to prove, he just cant cross the finish line.

JerryDTX   April 23rd, 2008 1:14 am ET

Clinton just lost her last, best chance…..BAH……

Clinton was David to Obama's Goliath millions of dollars and she still won by 10%. Outstanding.

Senator Clinton's supporters are not swayed by the spin of the Obama Campaign. We hope that the media will wake up and smell the voter's coffee and ignore the continuous drivel of the Obama campaign.

Senator Clinton for President….the best REAL hope for this country!

Leticia   April 23rd, 2008 1:15 am ET

Barrack needs to drop out of the race after this huge defeat.

anonymous   April 23rd, 2008 1:15 am ET

I hate to say this, but to me it looks like Senator Obama's campaign is desperate at this point. I am not a wizard in marketing, and I only have a B.S. in Public Relations, but to me it looks ridiculous to go after the winner and say that they "lost a chance to win". It just damages your image. You no longer look like winners, you now look like loosers. I am an undecided voter, but maybe you should over look your tactics. Your claim to bring in more young people may look affective, but saying that when you lost, you won is wrong and shows your weakness. It will help people decide to support Senator Clinton. A good politician or a speaker does not say that he lost, but he still won. Sorry, but you just made a grave mistake. Good luck.

Bonny   April 23rd, 2008 1:17 am ET

I agree with that, Hillary should have won by big margin given her popularity in that PA state, but Obama have narrowed the gap. The result have shown that, Obama have done well so has H. Clinton.

Obama 08

Jean   April 23rd, 2008 1:18 am ET

Obama has not shown that he can win the white working votes or the Catholic votes. This is a troubling sign for November if he is the nominee.
This is a big concern for me and many orders.

Jean
Florida

Sandra Lai Lee   April 23rd, 2008 1:18 am ET

Hillary needs to get out the race and she is not going to made the nomination. She is very negative in the DNC and she is not get the respect as a persident because she is a liar. We won't trust a leader will liar to the American people.

Godbolt777   April 23rd, 2008 1:18 am ET

(Zzzzzzzz) As if we did'nt know that her family roots in Pa. would be her only advantage to win. Well Hillary you just barely made it so don't get too cocky. You better quickly get over your small accomplishment and wake up to realize you are still in the back of Senator Obamas smoke!
Keep your political mask on because up here in the Obama stratosphere you have to learn how to breath in the truth and exhale honesty. Deceit and bravado along with cronyism do not exist. John M. and you represent pretty much of the same ( wars and rumours of war). I hope you can stand the heat from the fire you have started.

Jon   April 23rd, 2008 1:19 am ET

To Camp Obama:

The good senator still has my vote, but it's apparent seeds of doubt are sprouting up across the land. Time to do away with the one-size fits-all speeches and roll up the sleeves. In other words, focus on making connections with voters–instead of making history.

Barb in TN   April 23rd, 2008 1:19 am ET

Here we go with the Obama spin again! Geez! She won. Deal with it and move on Obama cry babies! He out spent her 3 to 1 and she still whipped him good! He can't even buy a win. Maybe people are finally beginning to question his judgement.
She is gaining on him in the popular vote big time! There is only a 1% difference in popular vote.
Yeah Penn! Lots of good hard working smart people live there is Obama downing them and their opinion again? Sounds like it to me.

Voice of Reason   April 23rd, 2008 1:19 am ET

She had a net gain of, what, 3 or 4 delegates?

North Carolina will be won by 15-25% … not 5%.

That's more than she won in PA.

She's a loser.

Charlotte   April 23rd, 2008 1:19 am ET

Congratulations to Senator Clinton! But, I must say "this is still not a victory because she only received 52 pledged delegates to Senator Obama's 47″. This win told the world "she needs to be on the winning ticket as Vice President", but, she is not the front runner and it is impossible for her to be.

If she does not accept being on the ticket as Vice President, she is definitely out to destroy the reputation of Senator Obama and the Democratic party. In playing "Russian Rulette", she could also damage her name with the Democratics going forward.

Obama, Mr. President, and Hillary, Vice President 08 - WE CAN NOT LOOSE WITH THIS TICKET!!!

SVCAN   April 23rd, 2008 1:20 am ET

Forget about President, Clinton just lost her last chance for a VP position.
I would rather not vote, if Obama chooses Hillary as his running mate.
There are so many well qualified and energetic men and women in the democrat party to be Vice President.

Nina Bathy   April 23rd, 2008 1:21 am ET

Barack Obama and his campaign have done an amazing job. I would say it's one of the best run campaign I've ever seen in my life. Hillary should have won Pennsylvania by double digits, and I mean 15+ and she didn't. The more people get to know Barrack, the more they like him and trust him. According to Chuck Todd, after PA, Hillary has NO CHANCE to win the nomination with pledged delegates. Her only hope is to overturn the will of the voters by getting superdelegates to vote for her. A sad, sad case for the 'inevitable' nominee. No matter what people say, even though Obama is the frontrunner, he is still the underdog in this campaign. He's had to prove himself over and over and over. And I say to Barrack, GO KICK MCSAME TO THE CURB AND CLEAN UP THE WHITE HOUSE!!!

Mario   April 23rd, 2008 1:23 am ET

Clinton has won, good! All we want to know is where she got the experience she is claiming over Obama. Wife of a president can not claim experience in dealing with American problems. In fact, I see her crying instead of answering the 3am phone call.
I forgot Clinton has one experience.The experience is how to lie about snipper shot. American people should know that a presidential candidate who has short-term memory and a snipper shot at her, will forget that unemployment and poverty hovering around low income families.
Let us not forget the name Clinton; let us not forget that any more Clinton in the White House will be a glorified "third term" tenure. American people need a new person in that White House. No more, old Politicians who always promise us heaven and earth, only to spend 8yrs causing troubles and scandals.

MJ   April 23rd, 2008 1:25 am ET

These guys are a joke! First of all, Obama had 6 weeks to sway all of these voters his way, to no avail. He significantly outspent Hillary Clinton by 3-to-1 margins in advertisements. By the same argument, I guess it's safe to say that Obama's demographic states are those with black voters, who will vote for him not matter what. The argument goes both ways. Additionally, who do you think these blue collar, older white voters will vote for if Obama's the nominee?

Chris in Iowa   April 23rd, 2008 1:25 am ET

It makes me ill to see this woman doing whatever it is she does to cheat/rig elections. I have felt she has done this since New Hampshire. When they said she needed to win by 10 tonight I knew she would do it. How exactly does she do that? It makes me ill to think there are so many twisted people in this world that can not see through her and actually vote for her. Scary! She has caused so much damage and I would never vote for her ever…
Barack, just keep doing what you do best and don't sink to her level. You are a man of integrity (not a word in her vocabulary). Keep fighting.

Marc PDX   April 23rd, 2008 1:26 am ET

Is it just me, or does anyone else see the polish wearing off of the Obama express?

Barb   April 23rd, 2008 1:26 am ET

Shame on CNN. Obama was NEVER projected to win in Pennsylvania. Why are you hyping this so much? Compared to Senator Clinton, First Lady for eight years, and her husband, President for eight years, he was not nearly as well known in Pennsylvania.

Not only was she ahead by 25 points, she had the formidable resource of Governor Rendel and the mayors of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh campaigning for her. All Senator Obama ever hoped to do was try to narrow that gap of 25 points. And he did that pretty effectively.

Unfortunately, Senator Clinton's hysteria and her desperation rubbed off on all of you media types. You did a lot of the heavy lifting for her in Pennsylvania. You never highlight her lies as much as you do Senator Obama's miscues. It makes you look petty and out of touch, frankly.

Since she has won a state she was expected to win, where is your story. What is the point of all this hype. You will be talking about this for the next two weeks. Talking about turning a corner, lifting your script right out of her playbook. Obama still leads in delegates, funds, primaries won, and popular vote. I

have noticed a huge difference in the way you cover the Obama campaign. You aren't even subtle. Maybe you need to read the New York Times editorial for Wednesday, April 23rd.

Elizabeth   April 23rd, 2008 1:27 am ET

Well if Hillary was not in-debt close to $10 Million and running out of money, she would also be spending money to actually beat Obama on her own turf.

The guy is calculating for spending money on a state he knew she will win, just to slow her financially,which means he can spare millions more 2 beat her @ Indiana and NC. I'm disappointed she was ahead of him by 29% and now she managed measle 10% where she only has 3 more delegates out of Pen victory while he still leads in delegate and popular vote?

Senator Clinton is winning the usual blue dem, but Obama is expanding on Independent and moderate Republicans who are the swing voters in this election.

linda-Texas   April 23rd, 2008 1:27 am ET

Outspending Senator Clinton nearly 3 - 1 Senator Obama still lost his last chance to win a BIG state primary.

CONGRATULATIONS HILLARY!

Ben   April 23rd, 2008 1:27 am ET

Hillary has really shown she is really willing to do anything to win. Is this really someone who is concerned with the leadership for the people or the leadership of power?

DB, San Francisco   April 23rd, 2008 1:28 am ET

And let's not forget (because the talking heads on CNN mostly did) that Clinton, just weeks ago, was up by twice the number she won by today. Yes, she won by 10 points, but she lost 10 points to Obama's campaign. And she needed that 10 points desperately. When all is said and done, PA will have made barely a dent in Obama's lead and the bloodying of the Democratic Party will march on.

Roshawda   April 23rd, 2008 1:29 am ET

She won Obama– be graceful and accept that– also accept the FACT that voters have changed their mind about you. I'm one of them. I supported you til I found out who the REAL you was… You won't have my vote anymore!!!!!

Leanza   April 23rd, 2008 1:29 am ET

Obama does not have the margin to claim the nomination. He his only a few delegates ahead. The party system was organized for the superdelegates to elect of best between the two.

Nunya   April 23rd, 2008 1:30 am ET

I am sick of the pundits going on and on about what horrible problems Obama has in not being able to beat Hillary in certain demographic slices of the voters. You don't hear ad nauseum about how Hillary has problems among the demographics Obama has been winning. The treatment is imbalanced.

There are people who prefer her over him, but that doesn't mean they're going to prefer McCain over him when it comes to the general election. There are many thousands of those people who supported her but will vote Democratic regardless of which one wins. There are many thousands of people who liked both of them well enough that they didn't decide which to support until the day of the primary.
The same holds in reverse if she were to win the nomination.

The results do not imply that he has huge problems in getting the support of blue collar Democrats (or Catholics, or seniors, or whomever) when it comes to the general election - it merely means that if they had their choice of the two, they would prefer her.

gerry   April 23rd, 2008 1:32 am ET

Obama is right, Clinton blew her last chance to catch him. She needed a 30 point win, not 9.

All she gets out of this win is about 12 delegates, which Obama will more than erase in the upcoming contests of Guam, NC and Indiana-3 primaries, he enjoys a lead in and support from the local democratic machines.

So where are the super delegates, do they not want to win in November. It's time to jump on the Obama bandwagon, while there's still a chance for the democrats to win the fall election.

MikeH   April 23rd, 2008 1:33 am ET

I think this proves that you can't BUY an ELECTION.

WAKE UP SUPERDELEGATES, ENDORSE HILLARY!!!!!!

HILLARY 08

Independent voter PA   April 23rd, 2008 1:33 am ET

Nice try at trying to spin your loss.

You cant win key states and that is why you are unelectab.

I am a conservative independent and I will never vote for someone as liberal as you. At least Hillary is a moderate that is liberal towards some things and conservative towards other.

Anybody but Obama '08

Ron   April 23rd, 2008 1:34 am ET

I give the Clinton camp one week before they make the announcement. Go out on a winning note is what Hillary should do. Go Obama.

Frank   April 23rd, 2008 1:34 am ET

Obama beats McCain and Clinton in a three way match up forget the superdelegates! You Clinton people are dreaming in color

Jeffrey Pees   April 23rd, 2008 1:34 am ET

Unelected people to choose who is the best? Really, is that how it should be? We're losing steam as democrats and this in-fighting. We deserve a republican president because simply put, we cannot get our leather together.

Ronnie...Charlottesville, Va   April 23rd, 2008 1:35 am ET

This give the voters more time to discover the real Obama.
Oh yes…and the superdelegates….and maybe delegates in general.
She knows what she's doing.

Temitayo Gidado   April 23rd, 2008 1:38 am ET

Congratulation Hillary, in life we all win some and lose some. With that being said, u and barack will still win some more and lose some more states BUT Barack will be the democratic nominee. Mark my prediction!

OBAMA 08

Jackie   April 23rd, 2008 1:38 am ET

so funny. obama the loser.

Angela Dailey   April 23rd, 2008 1:38 am ET

no, no, no; everyone on cnn was pointing out that he had been very far behind in Pennsylvania to begin with, but then caught up. What they left out on ccn was that he did not freaze in closing the gap, but actually went backward. he was down some 20 points, caught up to around 4 or 5 behind, then lost by 10. not to mention that obama spent a lot of time and money in that state, but still lost. he outspent her 3-1 and he still couldn't pull it out. she is going to make significant in roads in the pledged delegate count as well as the popular vote and voters are going her way, so that increase will continue to go up. she's winning the blue states and the blue states and by significant double digit margins. the democratic base is on her side and the super delegates realize that.

Demetrius   April 23rd, 2008 1:39 am ET

Hillary's margin in PA means that any chance of her winning the nomination outright died tonight. Expect her to be even nastier in races to come - as damaging Obama beyond electability is her only hope of ever becoming POTUS. She makes me weep for our party.

edwin   April 23rd, 2008 1:39 am ET

Yes, she won the Penn state as expected…..but…..the delegates
that are still pending have a majority for Obama, and thus
by math the total delegate count will be for Obama. At the
end Mc Cain will win !

terrence   April 23rd, 2008 1:39 am ET

The only reason Clinton was outspent by Obama is because he could.
He has 3-4 times the number of people throughout the country sending him money.
He has raised 3-4 times that of Clinton.
If Hillary had the same amount of money to spend as Barack you can guarantee that she would have spent every single dime.

This is a ridiculous argument put out by the long term losing side.

If the super delegates go into the convention and change the democratically cast popular vote from Barack to Hillary this process will be no better than Bush stealing in 2000. It will be a sham of democracy.

Tessa   April 23rd, 2008 1:39 am ET

Leanza do you reallly think that his over 100 delegate lead is just a "few". Wow?!? She needs to get out now for the sake of the party.

Lucas Hart   April 23rd, 2008 1:39 am ET

Hahahahahahahahah!!!
These Obamorons are funny in a sad way!

Walls   April 23rd, 2008 1:40 am ET

Lets face it, the Democratic party is stupid as far as these primaries go. Why don't they do like my party, the Republicans, and just give the winner all the delegates? It shows that Hillary Clinton would be ahead of Obama. :-)

Formerly of PA   April 23rd, 2008 1:40 am ET

"The party system was organized for the superdelegates to elect of best between the two" — omg just when I thought I heard it all, someone comes out with something like this. Helloo out there Leanza — go buy a Politics 101 book and start reading. Superdelegates don't go against the popular vote — WHICH OBAMA HAS WON.

Hillary The True Leader!   April 23rd, 2008 1:40 am ET

Obama you lost in my state Ohio, and now PA start packing your campaign your done!

Ron   April 23rd, 2008 1:40 am ET

Obama is leading in every category of cumulative result. And people want to write him off already? The same people who say they admire Clinton for continuing to tilt at windmills?

The escalating negative tone that has come from Clinton will only hurt all democrats this fall.

Obama is ahead and she can't catch him. What part of that is so hard to grasp?

NO-BAMA   April 23rd, 2008 1:40 am ET

Obama "LOST" me a long time ago

when on Feb 1st, he tried to speak for me and say that I would certainly endorse him had he won; and his supporters would Not endorse Clinton had she won…

…talk about AUDACITY

MR. OBAMA - YOU HAVE MY 100% SOLID WORD THAT I WILL NEVER, EVER VOTE FOR YOU.

I WILL PROTEST AGAINST YOU SHOULD YOU WIN

AND I WILL FIGHT TO MAKE SURE YOU LOSE.

HENRY   April 23rd, 2008 1:43 am ET

Indiana and North Carolina will balance any gain and improve
his Delegate count even further. She cannot win, she shot her last
best chance. It's over.

Joe world   April 23rd, 2008 1:43 am ET

It is fine that all this is what american want, but one thing is that usa as a chance to regain the trust of the world again. By not voting the person people think that he can help to bring the world together it will domage the usa credibility around the global you people you don't see it but people around the world are looking at you. The other thing is that the big machine of the devil is now working more than ever, they want to stop Obama.

Don Fitzgerald   April 23rd, 2008 1:43 am ET

i think she may have lost more than that! I think she may have lost the respect of a good many, good Democrats and gained the admiration of a lot of Republicans. To make such a statement, as; We would be able to totally obliterate them., is a statement I would expect from President Bush or Vice-President Cheney, not from Senator Clinton! Never, in a hundred years! I sure hope she isn't consulting with Senator Lieberman and entertaining the idea of running on Senator McCain's ticket, if she loses the nomination!! I don't really know how far-fetched that thought is, I hope it isn't too far-fetched!!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.

Unshrub   April 23rd, 2008 1:43 am ET

I can't believe that Clinton's cult is saying this is a big win. She won 6 more delegates then Obama. Why are all the news making this sound like a big win. At this rate she will need to win 30 more states to catch up to Obama. Everyone says she needs to win by 20% to catch up and she never gets half of that, but the DNC lets her keep going to destroy Obama. It must be the DNC death wish.

Don   April 23rd, 2008 1:44 am ET

All this Obamanista talk about the superdelegates “giving” it to Clinton is a farce. The SD will have to give it to either Obama or Clinton because neither will have the pledged delegates necessary. So which one can beat McCain should be the issue. If the DNC gives it to Obama, then McCain wins. The DNC will deserve to lose the White House and the Congress because they stupidly allowed New Hampshire and Iowa to extort them to disenfranchise voters in Florida and Mich. If those two states counted as they should, Clinton would have this wrapped up. Also, the DNC stupidly allowed the first "official" primaries or caucuses to be in Iowa, NH, Nevada and South Carolina, all states that lean to red in general elections. The small pockets of Dems in those states are lefty-lefts, so they went for Obama, a person who will get trounced by McCain. Clinton polls better than Obama in large populous states that are needed to win in November.

American   April 23rd, 2008 1:44 am ET

Loser Obama.

Hillary for President.

jon   April 23rd, 2008 1:45 am ET

Typical Hillary stuff: only the votes for Hillary count, etc. While it may be cathartic for her supporters to give lip service to the notion that she is only "e few votes" back, the reality is much less kind. She hopelessly behind, and this is a pyrrhic victory if there ever was one, similar to the 4 primary Tuesday preceding this one. With victories like this, who needs losses?

khaemba   April 23rd, 2008 1:45 am ET

obama is doing great. besides the negative publicity against him during the campaign period, he managed to get very reasonable support from the voters.

angela   April 23rd, 2008 1:46 am ET

After spending millions of dollars more than Hillary he still can't win a major state over 40 percent of her votes will not vote for Obama in the election if he is the nominee.Obama is unelectable against MCcain

gamechanger   April 23rd, 2008 1:46 am ET

Clinton now leads in popular vote, if FL and MI are counted:

Popular Vote (w/FL & MI)**, as follows

Obama has 14,954,773 or 46.9%

Clinton has 15,076,842 or 47.2%

WHOA!!!! The game has changed!

ashish   April 23rd, 2008 1:47 am ET

if they split the remaining delegates (likely), clinton needs 72% of the undecided supers to break her way just to tie it up..

think about it

Rohit Singh   April 23rd, 2008 1:47 am ET

Stop the Drama, Vote Obama

Magdalena   April 23rd, 2008 1:48 am ET

Obama keeps telling us that he is "winning". So why hasn't he won, already? He isn't and he can't and he won't win without superdelegates. He and Hillary are pretty much in the same boat.

bigdog   April 23rd, 2008 1:48 am ET

140 delegate is more than a few she needed to win and win big and she didn't not to mention their is still Indiana and North Carolina if she losses both you can't agrue that Obama should get the Nominee. He was graceful and congradulated her and if voters changed their minds about him then what happened to her 20 point lead. An Hiliary isn't bad she lied members of her campaign where making deals with the Columbians, oh and not to mention she supported Bush in invading Iraq my bad she is a saint

Neutral   April 23rd, 2008 1:49 am ET

Obama MUST admit to the fact, they've OUTSPENT Hillary 3:1 and LOSE big time in PA!

Your money Obama can't buy you votes!

Tanis   April 23rd, 2008 1:49 am ET

Blah, blah, blah, I am so sick of these two democrates–I am voting for McCain, he has some manners and would make a pretty good president.
Obama needs a lot more experience in the senate or whatever.
Clinton needs to be a senior Senator.
Bill Clinton needs to shut up.
I am moving back to Canada

Jordan   April 23rd, 2008 1:49 am ET

Leanza - Obama is up by more delegates than are even total in the state of PA. I like how Clinton likes to say not to disenfranchise voters, yet then when you look at the vote count as it stands, she says superdelegates should look past the delegate count.

Joe MN   April 23rd, 2008 1:49 am ET

You need to check your math Leanza … 130+ is more than "only a few"!
The 8 or so she won tonight is "only a few"

R.H. East Bay Area, CA   April 23rd, 2008 1:50 am ET

I do believe that if Hilary had not won PA tonight, a concession would be in order. But that did not happen. And she's in it to win it! I myself will vote for her since I value experience and ingenuity over talks of hope and "change". Give it up Barack, your days of preaching "change" are over and you should prepare to jump on Hilary's ticket as a VP.

Terry   April 23rd, 2008 1:50 am ET

Clinton can't win. She has to win 68% of the vote the rest of the way out to overtake Obama. If roles were reversed, Obama would be forced out by the party leadership.

nmt   April 23rd, 2008 1:50 am ET

ITS FUNNY HOW HILARY SUPPORTERS SIMPLY DO NOT GET THE MATH……IT DID NOT CHange the delegate count!!!!!!Can you people, figure that out????all hilary is doing is denting obama's image so that supporters like you who have little infomaTION CAN RALLY BEHIND HER. THE TRUTH IS SHE REALLY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU GUYS, BUT OBAMA, DESPITE THE FACT THAT YOU DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM DOES1!!!!!!!!

Tim   April 23rd, 2008 1:50 am ET

Do the MATH, Obama wins the nomination.

Hillary needs 80% of the rest of the pledged delegates.

She needs 75% of the superdelegates.

It just isn't going to happen. Obama won the Democratic Primary, just be graceful and accept that.

Say no to McSame!!

ash   April 23rd, 2008 1:52 am ET

clinton needs 80% of undecided supers to break her way to catch up

highly unlikely

Darryl   April 23rd, 2008 1:52 am ET

What a shamefull statement from the hope king.

Michelle   April 23rd, 2008 1:52 am ET

She lost her shot months ago, it was called Iowa.

Matt, Austin Tx   April 23rd, 2008 1:53 am ET

I disagree with the Obama campaign. This result shows that although Senator Clinton was outspent 3 to 1 by her opponent, she still managed a 10 point victory. This is amazing.

She has shown strength, courage and determination. All of these qualities are exactly what you want in a President. Throughout this
campaign, she has never given up.

I hope everyone watching this election sees this win in Pennsylvania for what it is: a great accomplishment against great adversity.

Obama be da Prez!   April 23rd, 2008 1:54 am ET

Roshawda…she wasn't gracious when he won. She wouldn't even acknowledge, let alone congratulate. You don't mind a woman who has lied to you, played the woman card, fake cried before New Hampshire, she made accusations about him with NAFTA and Canada, which Canada said were untrue, but Columbia admitted they weren't sure if Penn was not there for Clinton, she has been dishonest in so many ways. Used the race card and been dishonest about the issues with Florida and Michigan and you support her??

Really?

And Leanza…he is ahead by 129 delegates and over 500K in the popular vote and won twice the states. It's hypocrital to accuse Obama of disenfranchising the Florida and Michigan votes when SHE was in agreement with that decision when she felt she was a shoe in THEN to openly demand the Superdelegates to disenfranchise the voters to rule in her favor. Its also hypocritical of her to claim the states HE won are not important, but insist the primary race continue because she feels all state are important and should be counted. Which one is it?

You guys prefer lies and hypocracy?

Honestly, this is why men joke about women voting. Who can respect us when women like you vote just because she is a woman and disregard behaviours and issues that you would not disregard in a man.

Obama Supporter   April 23rd, 2008 1:54 am ET

It figures that Clinton won Pennsylvania, that backward, uneducated, racist state. They are looking backward like their backward, dishonest candidate to the "good old days". But it is a credit to Obama's campaign that she won only by 10%. I don't feel sorry for those thousands of people in Pennsylvania who lost their jobs. They need to get a grip and get up to date in the 21st century and read the fact checker — reality conflicts with their illusions.

Lisa   April 23rd, 2008 1:54 am ET

I think I know why Bill Clinton is trying to bring up HIS racial slurs in South Carolina on the day of the Pennsylvania primary and prior to Indiana/North Carolina…to forget HER nasty comments. If we remember Bill Clinton's fantasy and Jesse Jackson remarks, maybe the media won't replay Hillary Clinton's clips of "words don't matter" and "it took a white president, Linden Johnson to get Civil Rights inacted." 92% of Pennsylvania's black voters seem to remember.

Hazel , an American in London   April 23rd, 2008 1:54 am ET

It's clear that Obama will be the Democratic nominee. If Hillary wants the Democrats to win the next general election then she should go now.

Obama is the best choice - for the USA and for the world.

SC for Hillary   April 23rd, 2008 1:56 am ET

Obama, If you could turn your whinning into votes, you would be smoking, face it you cannot win the big States, you are a weak candidate, you are a HORRIBLE debater, because you are inexperience, you have no substance, just an empty suit, You entered the Senate Yesterday and today you are running for president. You are the AUDACITY OF HYPE instead of the AUDACITY OF HOPE. You spent 12 million dollars and you could not BUY yourself a win in Penn. You Don't get it. People are on to you and Rev. Wright, go back and get some experience so that when you debate, you will be prepared

Terri   April 23rd, 2008 1:58 am ET

GO…OBAMA!

Terry   April 23rd, 2008 1:58 am ET

Polls are just polls till the results are in. Clinton won by 10% which is what it took to make an impact. Obama outspent her 3 to 1 and STILL lost! In almost all parts of PA Clinton won by huge margins except Philly and he won in Philly because 90% of African Americans voted for him which is mostly the race of the people in Philly! Obama can't win most of America in the Presidential election where Republicans, Independents, and Democrats vote because most of America is not made up of the group of people who vote for him! He just doesn't appeal to the broad base of ALL voters in a Presidential election! He keeps saying I have more this, I have more that. Add Florida's voters where both Clinton and him were on the ballot and see where he stands.. Let Michigan vote again and then see where they both stand. Dean really screwed this election up disenfranchising voters. If the Democrats want to win in NOVEMBER in the election that REALLY counts, they will need have a nominee that has a chance against McCain and that simply isn't Obama if you REALLY pay attention of the dynamics out how everyone will vote in a general election. Bush won in 2004. Who thought that was possible?!?! Hillary is the only one who stands a chance against McCain..

vf   April 23rd, 2008 1:58 am ET

the only reason obamas ahead is because florida and michigan have not spoken

Mauri   April 23rd, 2008 1:58 am ET

I just made a discovery. Obama does not live up to his slogan as an instrument of CHANGE. While he talks about "changing" the way Washington works, he continues to brag about all those well seasoned politicians/superdelegates who continue to endorse him. Another reason we can all see that this "change" tactic is a bottomless talking point — and nothing else — is his continuing to surround himself with former cabinet/staff members of President Bill Clinton. So while he was busy running down the Clinton presidency in his "concession" speech tonight, just a few days ago came a highly publicized endorsement from Robert Reich, Clinton's Secretary of the Treasury. Go figure!

Peter Damoah-Afari   April 23rd, 2008 1:59 am ET

Obama is still leading despite a 10 point winning margin. Hillary is going to face sounds in NC. Indiana will be a balanced, She will cry again. Blue-collar vote is finished for the primaries. The remaining contests will be determined by salaried, young and rational voters.

Go Obama!!

ginnyaz   April 23rd, 2008 1:59 am ET

On the Anderson Cooper political wrap up Roland Martins commets on Hillarys victory in PA. "she won because blue collar, uneducated, workers voted for her" Well that sounds like Obama faux pas.
I know she won because American voters voted for her.True,not all Americans have a college degree
True Americans work hard so their children can get a college degree.
True the American Army- Marine Who was just killed in Iraq may or may not have a college degree.
And the Amerian mother or father of those killed may or may not have a college degree.
We need a president who will represent ALL AMERICANS not just Americans with a college degree.
My mother used to tell me "you are know by the friends you choose"
God bless you mom you are right again.

Ben   April 23rd, 2008 1:59 am ET

And they're right…

Yesterday, 28% of the remaining delegates became accounted for…and Hillary closed only 7.5% of Obama's pledged delegate lead.

Stated another way…

Before PA, Clinton needed 65% of the remaining delegates to catch up. After PA, Clinton needs 69% of the remaining delegates to catch up.

She won. But by not enough.

It's comparable to being in the 25th mile of a marathon…and trailing the leader by two minutes. And during that 25th mile, you shave off 10 seconds of his lead.

It might feel good, but it's just not enough.

Bill   April 23rd, 2008 1:59 am ET

Yes, Roshawda, I "accept the FACT that voters have changed their mind about you (Obama)" they sure did, They swung TO OBAMA by another 10 points in just the last 2 weeks!!! PA was always gonna be a Hillary win, just like North Carolina is considered one for OBAMA. This is NOT a swing to her, she was up nearly 30 POINTS a few months ago in a state made for her demographics. She had to win BIG to make a dent in the 157 delegate lead he has, she did not succeed. The spin about this being a surprising win, and a tide-turner is just that, spin. I'm SICK TO DEATH of the pundits talking about these results like each race is with the same folks/demographics, so each result can be compared…NO NO NO. Just like there are RED states and BLUE states, there are always going to be states where one of the candidates is expected to win thru demographics, PA was one. She was up by 30 and Obama cut it back to 9.5. The momentum is with him.

Scott   April 23rd, 2008 1:59 am ET

Based on fact Hilary did win but at this rate it is technical impossible for her to win the nomination without the super delegates overriding the current and eventual results. If the super delegates were to override the delegate count, it will put the country into complete disarray, raises significant questions around the structure of our democracy and potentially lay the foundation for a civil war. This isn't about whether it is Obama or Clinton, this is about our collective people as a society that we are in control of our destiny.

bob toano   April 23rd, 2008 2:00 am ET

It looks like her final tally will be closer to 9% rather than 10%. Not a major change other than Hillary didn't hit double figures. If she somehow does get the nomination I don't think the pundits have any idea of the level of scorn there is for the Clintons in their own party.

Dick in Sioux Falls   April 23rd, 2008 2:01 am ET

Because of the nature of Hillary Clinton's campaign in Pennsylvania, I fully expected her to win by a 20 point margin. Apparently her motivation is to destroy Obama to such a degree that even if he wins the Democratic Nomination, he will be so bloodied that he will even have a difficult time beating McCain. I don;t really believe he will lose to McCain, but Clinton won't mind if he does, because then she can come back in 2012 and say, "See, I told you so." I am ashamed of the women who so blindly vote for a woman candidate that they shut their eyes to the kind of person she is.
I sincerely believe that Barack Obama is a once-in-a-lifetime presidential candidate whom we may not see again in this generation. His innate decency prevents him from really getting into the gutter with this woman, and as a result, either he will lose or the Democratic Party will be so badly splintered that we may lose in November. Tragic!

Mauri   April 23rd, 2008 2:01 am ET

Tonight, Obama spoke about how throughout each presidency in former years, much was promised, but nothing changed. How does he propose to bring about change when he continues to surround himself with for president Bill Clinton's former staff/cabinet members?

William Kasel, Carbondale, IL   April 23rd, 2008 2:01 am ET

Obama knew coming into Pensylvania he was not going to win. He said it on a news interview earlier this week. He pulled off a great run at PA even tough the Clinton campaign continues to show tactics that hint more towards the right. Obama will be getting the nomination.

Jerry   April 23rd, 2008 2:01 am ET

My hope, and I have "The audacity of Hope", is that the 'Billary' crowd sinks down to their earned level of respect. The thought of the two of them slinking around the WH is my worst nightmare. With Hillary's latest promise to nuke Iran in oblivian, she ranks with McCain and Bush. Idoits! Anything to get a vote. As a white male,age 72 and a retired Marine officer my vote is for Barrack!!!

Linda   April 23rd, 2008 2:01 am ET

There is a very telling Washington Post article in which a few native Pennsylvanians articulated their reasons for not voting for Obama. Among them were comments like "Is he even an American?" and concerns about his father being from "Nigeria [a.k.a. Kenya]."

So way to go, Hillary. Way to work that uneducated white male vote.

(Let's not discount that Pennsylvania was dubbed "Ohio on crack," and yet the margins of victory are much lower. Those facts, while soft, and those numbers suggest an exponential loss of support for Sen. Clinton.)

Steve, PA   April 23rd, 2008 2:01 am ET

Change change change, that's all Obama talks about, what has he DONE about change?

OBAMA = WRIGHT
OBAMA = REZKO
OBAMA = AYERS

Same old corruption.

Lady 49   April 23rd, 2008 2:01 am ET

IT is AMAZING how much Rosh…and Lean…don't know what they are talking about. Percentage points means thousands of voters.
If you are going to spout off and try to have an OPINION, try to be correct! Ar least read information for yourselves.
Clinton would have to win 65% of the remaining states to get close to Senator Obama's lead. After all the hoopla she STILL ONLY NETS 6 delegates. WHY DO YOU THINK ALL THE SUPERDELEGATES ARE GOING TO SENATOR OBAMA"S CAMP? He is the strongest candidate and he beats McCAIN by 10 points when compared to Clinton.

Who runs the best financial campaign? OBAMA
Who never looses a staffer due to frustration? OBAMA
Who raises twice the campaign funds? OBAMA
At least use your brains when it comes to the elections. The media throws you out a 'sound bite that Carl Rove cooked up and you lap it up like little mindless puppies.
IF she was going to catch up with him in delegates she neede to win by 65:36 margin. She didn't.
With the traceless, paperless, RENDELL OWNED voting machines(this is a fact) how could the outcome be any different? Do you think that fire at the Clinton Headquarters burned the records of the foreign donors to the Clinton libray by ACCIDENT?

Someone   April 23rd, 2008 2:01 am ET

Obama is overly arrogant. All he's good for is speak. He tells you that he has plans to change things, but now HOW he hopes to accomplish those plans. Clinton may not be able to clinch the needed number of delegates in time, but neither will Obama. His true inexperience and his true character are starting to show and he's starting to fall apart and the American people are starting to see it. In another article something was claimed about the "wheels of his wagon" aren't coming off. The truth of the matter is, they are. The screws keeping the wheels on the wagon are starting to get loose and he's starting to break down. Clinton is still standing strong.

Indiana & NC for Obama   April 23rd, 2008 2:02 am ET

Obama did amazing tonight. The $12 million was worth it. Hillary has been campaigning for 16 years and she only got 55% of the vote. Obama in six weeks got 45% of the vote. Out of 2.2 million votes Obama came away with over 1 million. He has large support in every demographic. Hillary needs to show good judgement by dropping out, stop wasting time and money by asking people to give to a losing campaign.

Venus The Super star   April 23rd, 2008 2:02 am ET

She won fair and sqaure, I mean come on he out spent her in every possible way and he still lost.

Yalie   April 23rd, 2008 2:03 am ET

If the superdelegates overturn the results of the pledged delegates AND the popular vote, there will be riots in this country. How difficult is it for people to understand that an overall majority of individuals who have voted in these various primaries prefer Obama to Clinton? If you take out the Republicans who are voting for her, that margin grows even larger!

7 delegates? That's all she gets in her huge victory? Wow… way to drag it out.

yes   April 23rd, 2008 2:04 am ET

Clinton can deliver big swing states that matter. Obama only small Republican strongholds.

Jay   April 23rd, 2008 2:04 am ET

"Hillary Clinton lost her last, best chance to make significant inroads in the pledged delegate count" period.

Kimberly Davis   April 23rd, 2008 2:04 am ET

After all that, you're telling me she gained six delegates? Really? That's all? You'd think it was the second coming of HRC. Give me a break. I can't believe I was actually upset about Obama losing. Six delegates?

Mark   April 23rd, 2008 2:05 am ET

Leanza - only a few delegates ahead??? I guess thats how you count to 100 plus….lol… if 100 plus is only a few we truly need to work on our education system…

Diana Hamilton   April 23rd, 2008 2:05 am ET

Roshawda,
You fell for the politics of divisiveness. I feel sorry for you.

Bob   April 23rd, 2008 2:05 am ET

She can win few more states but that is not going to change the dynamic of the primary. Obama will prevail and will be the nominee. Older folks wont change and will not change this country.That is bad for the younger generation. The country will slideto few centuries back. See the dollar value compared to Euro. It is time for the change. I hope the superdelegates are not stupid enough to elect the same old folks of DC.

jimmy vekmen   April 23rd, 2008 2:05 am ET

I THINK OBAMA IS A SORE LOSER. NOT ONLY THAT HE DOES NOT REALIZE THAT HILLARY WON THE BIGGEST STATES WITH THE MOST ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES . AND IN THE GENERAL ELECTION, HILLARY WILL WIN THOSE STATES, WHILE OBAMA IF HE BECOMES THE NOMINEE WILL LOSE THEM,BECAUSE THE STATES HE WON ARE LEANING REPUBLICAN.
THE NOMINATIOIS FAR FROM OVER AND OBAMA DOES NOT HAVE A LOCK ON IT , OR AS THEY SAY IN THE MEDIA, WHY CAN'T OBAMA CLOSE THE DEAL? HE OUTSPENT HILLARY BY 3 TO 1 IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND YET LOST BY TEN POINTS. THE MEDIA AND OBAMA'S CAMP THAT THE PA PRIMARY WOULD BE CLOSE AND IN THE LOW SINGLE DIGITS. NOBAMA IS NOW SCARED.

Diana Hamilton   April 23rd, 2008 2:06 am ET

Leanza,
Maybe if you keep saying that as much as Hillary does, you might begin to believe it as well.

Math 101   April 23rd, 2008 2:06 am ET

Well Mrs Clinton did it. Not by 20 points but by a significant 10. With this victory she will net a total of about 16 delegates thus closing in on Obama's 160 lead. She has bought a few more weeks at least.

sandra   April 23rd, 2008 2:07 am ET

Someone please explain to me how someone with so many odds against him can come into your own backyard or table and cut such a large piece of your pie and walk away with it? I dont understand –all he had to do was have trustworthiness,a good message and some money–you are in big trouble Hilary–and you wont win–i know the Clintons dont accept defeat well but when the superdelegates start endorsing Obama she will get the message–this should not go to the convention to be decided –its clear who is in the lead from here on out

Tiffany   April 23rd, 2008 2:08 am ET

As an Obama supporter, I'll concede to the fact that she won. She won Pennsylvania…just as Obama was supposed to win Illinois and Hawaii. The only defining factor is that it was a "big state". She has lots of family ties there, and I couldn't understand why she would lose at all…I'm light-hearted about a 10 pen margin.

DB, San Francisco is correct..she barely put a dent in the Obama campaign. Being that presidential campaigns can turn up neck and neck, I would say that a 138 delegate lead all while planning to sweep over half of the remaining primaries is sufficient.

With that stated, Clinton is "playing catchup". Even if the remaining primaries we're a wash, she would still be down. Plain and simple…numbers tell no lies. (But Hillary Clinton does…)

Obama 08′….

Raphael Houston Tx   April 23rd, 2008 2:08 am ET

Obamas campaign is a bunch of sore losers. The Obama camp is just confused how they can break records and spend 12 million dollars on tv ads and still lose by 10%..

The reason why is: OBAMA can not win the BIG STATES.

CNN analyst King: "Obama was Thumped in Pennsylvania even though he out spent Hillary 3 to 1."

Texas - Ohio - Pennsylvania. three HUGE wins in a row..

Go Go Go Hillary

Diana Hamilton   April 23rd, 2008 2:09 am ET

I'm really surprised at how easily the HRC message changes as she fails to make sufficient gains. She blew off Florida and Michigan until she thought she needed them. Now the super delegates will save the day. We lead in popular votes, states, pledged delegates….What do you REALLY think the superdelegates will do?

Dick in Sioux Falls   April 23rd, 2008 2:09 am ET

I noted that the exit polls showed that 2/3 of the voters believed that Clinton was unfair in her attack ads on Obama. Just another example of decrying negative campaigning, at the same time as you allow yourself to be swayed by it.
She lied in Ohio about NAFTA, and won that state; and almost won as many delegates in Texas as Obama, even though she won the popular vote.
Admittedly, Obama needs to take off the gloves and show elitist Clinton for what she is. She pretends to know what working blue collar America is facing - she never missed a meal or worried about the rent or the groceries in her entire life. Obama needs to communicate more transparently with blue collar America. Hillary was born with a silver spoon in her mouth in Park Ridge or Lake Forest, ill. Now she is a multi-millionaire who can't balance her checkbook.

F Hitlery   April 23rd, 2008 2:10 am ET

This is the beginning of the end for Obama. As much as I want to see Obama win, Hillary will become the nominee and the next president. It is inevitable by the will of GOD himself. She is GOD's chosen one and will fulfill her destiny.

Ted van Tol   April 23rd, 2008 2:10 am ET

Come on Obama.
Stay who you are
talk about issues
ingnore attacks
invite new voters
on the train of change
and you will win in the end.

Ted. The Netherlands.

Dennis   April 23rd, 2008 2:10 am ET

it's over Hillary….

KA   April 23rd, 2008 2:10 am ET

I think obama supporters should take the defeat sportingly and just shut up. they think only they can think and rest of PA consists of fools.. enough of crying kids..

Linda Seaton   April 23rd, 2008 2:10 am ET

I want to address the Catholic and Jewish question, posed tonight:

I believe that Catholics are used to Aristocratic and Corrupt Ethics, thereby easily sliding into a Clinton constituency.

I left the Catholic Church (metaphorically) at age 13, in a life long search for truth. I am a Barack Obama supporter.

Canadian Neighbour   April 23rd, 2008 2:11 am ET

A few delegates ahead ????
By CNN count the lead is 138 delegates ahead

LT for Obama   April 23rd, 2008 2:11 am ET

Leanza - Barack holds more that 140 delegates ahead. Do the math.

Let's see how Hillary fares after her fraud trial starts on April 25th. You know, the one no one wants to talk about, the Peter Paul vs Hillary Clinton trial?

"Paul claims Rendell directed various illegal contributions to the DNC and Hillary Clinton's campaign and failed to report to the Federal Election Commission more than $100,000 given for a Hollywood event for Gore's campaign and the Democratic National Committee in 2000."

CNN why are we not seeing any investigative reporting on this one?

Jim   April 23rd, 2008 2:13 am ET

The difference between Money Clinton raised and Obama raised are not that large, but she is now in financial debt. How is that possible ?Even though Obama raised little more he also spent more on advertisement compared to Clinton. So based on Income and Expense ratio Clinton still should have Money.

Ed   April 23rd, 2008 2:13 am ET

are you people retarded?

of course obama is going to win, he is leading and that's all there is to it.

Hillary can argue allshe wants that this was the greatest primary victory of all time but she is still LOSING

Tom,des moines   April 23rd, 2008 2:14 am ET

Hussein Obama,stop whining,crying,moaning and except your defeat loser. Go Hillary 08!

simon   April 23rd, 2008 2:14 am ET

I wonder why Clinton thinks that she has what it takes to be commander in chief, to confront Osama and all other claim she is making. Where did you get that experinence Hilaryriri. From where I stand the only visible thing is that you would do or say anything to get another four years in the White House. Aren't you afraid of ghost?

tiff   April 23rd, 2008 2:14 am ET

Hillary is making in hard for me to say I'll vote for her in November even if she does win the nomination. Obama seems to be the lesser of the 2 evils. Her campaign tactics have just turned this political process into a cestpool.

Wake up America!   April 23rd, 2008 2:14 am ET

I agree with DB.

As for the other two entries. Hillary won a contest, not the nomination. Obama has already congratulated Hillary on PA and showed his grace. We can plainly see that Hillary, with her negative attacks, isn't showing any.

As for the party system…it was designed to counter the popular vote if insider felt the need, or wanted, to do so. She knows how to work the system after all. She's got an argument for everything Obama is trying to change. Then she has the unmitigated gall to say that even pledged delegates can vote their conscience. So much for our vote. Did you pick up on that? Or are you just another blind devotee? She's even had defections from her superdelegates. That says a lot.

Bottom line…Obama will be heading into the convention with the most pledged delegates and the edge in popular votes. Will Hillary and her supporters act with grace then? We can already see the venom spewing now. Looks like McCain is already getting some of those votes. And once again, the American people get duped into electing another Corporate America panderer. Wake up.

birdie   April 23rd, 2008 2:16 am ET

well im for one glad that mess is over. Hillary keeps showing her true colors .yes she won - but her lies and- OH i was tired and mis spoke were such a joke-.we are a bunch of the grey hairs that she thinks she has in her cornor.. wrong if she wins this none of us can stand her so i guess we wont vote or we will go with the GOP
anything but another
Clinton to have more sex in the WHITE HOUSE.
and she will be up to 200 MIllion when she doing good for all the lobbist
you all vote for her i sure as HELL wont

Vote Hillary   April 23rd, 2008 2:18 am ET

Re:
DB, San Francisco
Remember the POLL that says she was up 20 pts, was just that a Poll! Not real Numbers!I think Hillary did a great job Pennsylvania made the right choice i just hope the supers make the right choice also.Clearly Hillary has the popular vote (Floridaians..and michigans votes included) Supers need to step up and support HILLARY she is the best chance democrates have against Mcain.Rember Rezko's trial is long from over ,So much time!So Much to learn about Mr. Obama DONT RISK IT!! VOTE HILLARY VOTE SMART!

BHO   April 23rd, 2008 2:18 am ET

Super delegates must back the winner of the primaries and not the loser. In this case Obama will get the endorsement from the super delegates.

Clinton cannot bridge the gap between her and Obama in delegate count even she wins other primaries.

If super delegates support/reward nomination to the loser, American democracy will be in question.

Linn   April 23rd, 2008 2:19 am ET

This whole thing stinks. Keep it up, Dems, and Mc Same will be your next president. Enough, already. Create a joint ticket…..and put away the soapboxes….or the next eight years will be a continuation of our present political nightmare.

Because of your blessed inaction, we may be forced to endure yet another eight nightmare years.

Wake up and smell the coffee. And Hillary, you grow less appealing by the minute. Why on earth you were endorsed by the New York Times remains a mystery.

Happy in Hawaii.

James   April 23rd, 2008 2:19 am ET

I suggest people check the delegate calculator available on cnn.com. Unless she gets something like 65% in ALL the remaining contests she cannot catch up to Obama in number of pledged delegates.

Calling Obama an "elitist" has got to be the most ridiculous thing I have heard in this whole campaign. When he made the "bitter" comment he was simply trying to explain that the Democrats need to find a way to convince rural voters that they care about and will do something about their dire economic circumstances to counteract the Republicans appeal to issues like religion, guns, and anti-immigrant sentiments. That is not "elitist", it's just the truth!

Jesse   April 23rd, 2008 2:20 am ET

~~

If this is Clinton's back yard and she could barely come out 8 pts ahead…

Mmm… Clinton used 911 and Bin Laden… and still only 8 pts

Time for the party to tell her to get out before she destroys the party

I will never vote for Clinton now!

Lisa   April 23rd, 2008 2:20 am ET

Get a clue. Hillary Clinton was suppose to win PA. by a landslide, but it didn't happen because people are starting to get the real picture. She barely won and that is because she used every dirty trick she could think of. Wow that says a lot about her character, NOT!!!! Now since people seem to keep voting for her, she has taken her campaign to all out lows with no conscience about it. Why does it seem as though she is untouchable when it comes to her flip flopping on issues, her pastor, her relations to certain shady characters. Hillary has way more dirty laundry that is factual but the only thing the media constantly focuses on is manufactured nonsense about Obama. People should wake up and recognize that all this hoopla goes way against what is in our best interests.

Obama 2008

Daniel L   April 23rd, 2008 2:20 am ET

Let's not forget who our real enemies are: The republicans. Lets see only positive comments from everyone. If you would like to make an argument, and legitimately want to have an affect on those that don't already share the same opinions as you, then provide support for your statements.

We, the people, are to blame for the increasing negativity of BOTH campaigns. We're the ones that respond to it. If we were all to collectively denounce such mindless tactics then we can eliminate them. Instead of immediately grabbing at the latest gossip or half-baked attack from the candidates, their constituents, and the media; lets instead demand investigation. We, the people, are intelligent individuals and would appreaciated to be treated as such.

Deny hostility. Deny ignorance. Deny belittlement.

Demand evidence. Demand investigation. Demand proper insight.

Again lets see only positive and intellectual comments.

I support Obama, but I will vote for Hillary over McCain or any republican any day.

Kat   April 23rd, 2008 2:20 am ET

Leanza, a "few delegates ahead"? How are you counting? Obama is the MOST electable democrat between the two. The "REAL" Clinton is the LYING and MUDSLINGING Clinton, the same old politics Clinton and the newest one, the "War monger" Clinton.

Give me a break. Hillary supporters need to OPEN THEIR EYES please, just do it. She is a hypocrite and is deceitful. Please recognize. Your eyes are closed if you support Hillary. Rather, you're putting a vote for McCain if you are putting your vote for Hillary. Obama is the ONLY ONE WHO CAN BEAT McCain.

Lashanda   April 23rd, 2008 2:21 am ET

I am sorry Obama fans, you will have to gracefully and smoothly back out of this race, as this is for grown ups. We need a strong President, and a Democrat. Since Hillary Clinton is the only other alternative to the young and dreaming Barack Obama, we need to choose her to lead our country out of this disaster. SHE CAN DO IT. I HAVE NO DOUBT. I'd suggest that we all black people rally behind her and give Barack time to ripe until next term. He'll be able to grow wiser and the country to learn more about him in the meantime. Let's do it. Let's not leave the Republicans win this. They'll get their pockets even fatter than they have them and the rest of us, we will all leave in misery

Linda Seaton   A