April 23, 2008
Posted: 08:45 AM ET
 Was John McCain the real winner Tuesday night?
Was John McCain the real winner Tuesday night?

A few months ago, the only people who talked about the possibility of a contested Democratic nomination fight extending all the way to the party's convention in August were hopeful pundits, desperate Republicans, and Chicken Little Democrats.

Most of the rational world looked at the political landscape and foresaw a smooth ride to victory for Democrats. They had, after all, the wind at their backs from the 2006 midterm elections, and a Republican President with record-high disapproval ratings thanks to an unpopular war and a tanking economy. The dueling landmark candidacies of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama seemed an embarrassment of riches, fueling record-breaking fundraising and bringing a flood of new voters to the party.

Full story from TIME.com

Filed under: John McCain


franco   April 23rd, 2008 1:52 pm ET

The REAL winner will be HILLARY R.CLINTON in the general election.
Senator Clinton is truly the "tigeress" this country desperately needs
at this time, someone with solutions, not just speeches. Now that
Hillary has won another large state, perhaps Obama should consider
quiting the primaries, "to save the Party". That is the same tactic his
supporters suggested in earlier primaries, isn't it?

M.S. Indiana   April 23rd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

and McCain will win how ?? on the war issue, or on getting us out of debt, or health care, or taking care of the veterans ????

Like lifting the federal tax on gas is going to do anything, it will be eaten up in greed in a day…

Maybe if his VP is smart there is a chance in case he slips…

aliou salam FL   April 23rd, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Before we go to why mcCain can't win, I need us to look at this.

"Most of the rational world looked at the political landscape and foresaw a smooth ride to victory for Democrats. They had, after all, the wind at their backs from the 2006 midterm elections, and a Republican President with record-high disapproval ratings thanks to an unpopular war and a tanking economy."

Hillary was headed to be the nominee. Then things changed.

She didn't and none of her campaign staff thought the skinny havard law professor from illinois, the son of a single mom, and a half white, half black kid, would raise the money to sustain a campaign in 52 states. After all, the clintons commanded the Democrats money and political machine. This was the royal family of the Democrats besides the Kennedies.

No one predicted that the simple message of hope and change will resonate through out the nation as the battle creed for million of young, old and not so old voters, first timers or not.

No one predicted that Whites and blacks alike, latinos will overcome name recognition, elitism, status quo, and mudslinging to support that outsider Barack Obama.

What more, The miracle of surfing the wave of media guilt and greed, clinton whinning, lies, and racial divide with ease and just brush all of that off his shoulders like Barack Obama did, was something new in our political landscape.

Something really revolutionary was happening under our watch and we didn't even know it. We watch everyday as the smiling black and white orphan of both mother and father take solace in wife and children, in our $3 dollars, 25, 50 donation and carry our prayers, our hunger for change to the pundits. As he challenges all and every rule of the establishment.

Something extraordinary if not a miracle was pushing our children to stalk us from day to dusk, to vote for Obama, to support and donate to the internet, …., The internet? I never met the man, yet I gave, using my credit card on the internet for the first and probably the last website in my life, to pay for a political party's activities, be it presidential elections.

I believe too. and millions with me. So McCain may be surfing the temporal respite, but come november when the Hillary distraction will be over, We will all take a breather and decide if we want 100 more wars and years of wars, or we will finally find out that America's and Americans' interest is right here in our large and prosperous nation, and vote Obama for our next president.

kp   April 23rd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

If you want more war, higher gas prices, a more divided country, health care for the wealthy, an environment that is uninhabitable, and more tax cuts for the wealthy vote McCain!!!

Tell It Like It Is   April 23rd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

It is hard to believe that the GOP and the DEMs cannot put forth more qualified candidates than these three. This does show that the country may be ready for more than two parties in our political system.

***AMERICAN***   April 23rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

McCain in 08

Yes he McCan!

Obamacan   April 23rd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

MCCain win? You mean Americans want another 100 years of "bomb, bomb, bomb"-ing America's enemies?

McCain won't live to see the end of his 4 year nomination IF he does win (which I highly doubt). The man is two-faced, is a HORRIBLE orator and has not the slightest idea of how to run a country in economic shambles.

As for the Billaries on this forum: YOU NEED TO SMELL THE ROSES. Billary is not going to win the nomination, and even if she does, she will be second-place (running as VP, which I highly doubt with her "elitist" she will accept).

And if it DOES come down to the SD and they vote for Billary, consider it the start of Civil War II.

OBAMA '08 and '12! :)

Rick in California   April 23rd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

I never been more disappointed and depressed in the choices. Frankly I am growing more and more apathetic. I see dark days ahead for working people and small business owners and bright and bountiful days for multi millionaires, billionaires, oil companies, government insiders, lobbyists, CEO's, military suppliers, private mercenary armies. You should not be fooled Mr/Ms Average American, the only time the Republicans give a toss about you is once every four years on election day!

I sure wish I was wrong but I don't think I am. More of the same, less
justice for all, erosion of quality of life. I'm sure glad 70% of my life is behind me but I feel very sorry for my kids and grandkids. I'm encouraging my kids to look outside of America for peace and happiness and despite the flag waiving wackos claiming how great this country was (and is) there are places to consider that are pretty terrific.

Rex, Toledo, Ohio   April 23rd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

If Clinton wins the nod, McCain WILL get my vote. I refuse to vote for a criminal, a liar, a conspirator and a thief, democrat or not.

chrome_daddy   April 23rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Doesn't matter which of either Hillary or Obama wins, they both lose in Nov. Too many of you emotional Dems will have your feelings hurt from being disenfranchised and you'll sit this one out.

McCain 54-46 in Nov.

Mary   April 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Hillary said she will do anything to win and that a bad sign. She has lied, negative ads against her own party and a trial of debt. Anything is'nt good enough what ever happen to having standards.

Obama gets my vote!

NJ Dem   April 23rd, 2008 11:50 am ET

This way of thinking is currently popular but, in my opinion, is totally wrong. The reality is that the Republicans have nominated an old, ethically-challenged candidate (remember the savings and loan scandal?) who wants to continue the failed policies of a president with a 28% approval rating; even worse, he has stated that he is willing to keep troops in Iraq for another 100 years. The economy is in shambles, and many people are worried about their jobs. Once the Democrats have chosen a candidate, the majority of the American people will wake up and realize that change is long overdue, and it won't matter if the candidate is Obama or Clinton – anyone will look good by comparison! At least I hope so…..

Ben   April 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

I remember a comedian who said the democrats should be congratulated because they found the only man on planet earth that could not beat George Bush in 2004
Even Kerry could beat McCain in2008″
So why are you sky falling democrats saying Obama can't win????????????????????????????

Chanda-Cincinnati Ohio   April 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

OBAMA IS STILL IN THE LEAD BY MORE THAN 100 DELEGATES…..WHY DOES HE NEED TO GO? WHEN 6/3 COMES AROUND AND HE IS STILL IN THE LEAD, WILL ALL OF YOU HRC FANS FINALLY TELL HER ITS TIME TO STOP DIVIDING OUR PARTY?I GUESS YOU ALL HAVE BOUGHT INTO HILLARY'S SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT TO THE NOMINATION. THE NY TIMES HAD HER PEGGED DEAD TO RIGHT THIS MORNING. SHE KEEPS CLAIMING SHE CAN WHEN THE BIG STATES, WELL FLORIDA AND OHIO WILL NEOT ELECT A DEMOCRAT IN THE GENERAL ELECTION NO MATTER WHICH ONE OF THEM WINS. AND FOR HER TO KEEP CLAMING MICHIGAN AS A WIN IS RIDICULOUS. SHE WAS THE ONLY VIABLE DEM ON THE TICKET, AND SHE STILL ONLY GOT 55% OF THE VOTE.!!! GET REAL!!

Chicagoway   April 23rd, 2008 11:44 am ET

Come on people!! There isnt a chance in hell that Mccain wins the general. Just think what will happen when Mccain actually is thrust into the spotlight after Hillary finally gives up. Mccain will look horrible debating Obama. Dem party will unite and destroy Mccain.
Also, CNN and other networks report double digits to highten drama. Networks are a bussiness and they have to push their product. Hightening the drama gets better ratings.

Maybe this one will be posted unlike my past posts. CNN cant handle people talking about their organization.

kathleen retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 23rd, 2008 11:43 am ET

PA. Made a big, big mistake. The Republicans are waiting for
the Clinton's Past. Hannity and Limbaughs tactics are working.
Hannity is obsessed with trashing Obama. EVERYNIGHT!
Common sense tells us that the Republicans want Hillary to
win. Google the Clintons. You will see clearly why they want
Hillary to win. The Clinton's past tells it ALL.

LifeLongDemocrat   April 23rd, 2008 11:03 am ET

TIDE IS TURNING FOR HILLARY… TO WASH HER AWAY

GO OBAMA

MD   April 23rd, 2008 10:40 am ET

If McCane wins the general election, Hillary Clinton should go to jail for it.

Mike   April 23rd, 2008 10:34 am ET

I think McCain being declared the real winner is going a bit too far. However, Mrs. Clinton has clearly demonstrated that she will go nuclear to win the nomination, no matter the consequences for the party.

Tom   April 23rd, 2008 10:31 am ET

I agree. Mc Cain benefits a lot from the Democratic race and he will win in November…

Jay   April 23rd, 2008 10:25 am ET

Stop The Drama, Drop Out Obama!

Sandra   April 23rd, 2008 10:24 am ET

WE CAN ONLY THANK HILLARY FOR DESTROYING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

Julie M   April 23rd, 2008 10:24 am ET

Time to count MI and FL Howard Dean and Nancy Pelosi! AND then resign, you have both shown very unamerican views. You both are a blight on the Democratic party,

After further review,Texas   April 23rd, 2008 10:19 am ET

But thanks to the media,it has become a three ring Circus and selling alot of news papers and Ad space.Well done.Helping the economy is such a noble cause while you screw the electorate.

ibextati   April 23rd, 2008 10:18 am ET

Here is the official results from PA Secretary of State

Clinton 54.3% 1,237,696

Obama 45.7% 1,043,174

Spread 8.6% 194,522

The question is why is the media reporting double-digit?

Scott, Wichita   April 23rd, 2008 10:18 am ET

Keep fighting Dems!!!
McCain is going to pull off an underdog win in November, because the Democratic Party is imploding from those two. While they continuous try to prove why the other can't be President, McCain will surf the wave of indecisiveness to victory in '08

DAN   April 23rd, 2008 10:18 am ET

NOT IF HILLARY'S THE NOMINEE. GET USE TO IT, OBAMA HAS TO GO,

Veterans for Obama   April 23rd, 2008 10:15 am ET

Why did you vote down the GI Bill John? Don't send us to war and then forget about us.

Not a hero in my book!

jw, canadian,ok   April 23rd, 2008 10:15 am ET

No TIME, the democratic party could nominate Elmer Fudd and McBush would still be a loser.

Veterans Against McCain   April 23rd, 2008 10:14 am ET

Go to our website Vietnam Veterans against Mccain to see why this guy shouldn't be considered for President.

Mary   April 23rd, 2008 10:13 am ET

Both Fox and CNN had commentators this AM who said that Hillary cannot get the nomination because of the Party's fear of disenfranchising black and young voters…so no matter what else happens, Obama is your nominee….just one more reason why McCain will be elected.

Obama will be President   April 23rd, 2008 10:13 am ET

No country for old men!

Sharon Minnesota   April 23rd, 2008 10:11 am ET

Could be.

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