May 2, 2008
Posted: 04:03 PM ET

From
Clinton is looking for an upset in North Carolina
Clinton is looking for an upset in North Carolina

HENDERSONVILLE, North Carolina (CNN) – Hillary Clinton returned to North Carolina on Friday, looking to close the gap with Barack Obama ahead of Tuesday’s primary by trawling for voters in the state’s more rural areas.

“There’s power in them there hills,” said supporter North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley, warming up the crowd at a rally in the hilly western part of the state. “The mountains of North Carolina have about 10 percent of the vote in this state. It’s no accident that Hillary Clinton has been up here as many times as she has.”

Earlier in the day, the New York senator was joined by two of her upstate constituents who praised her support of the agriculture industry at a rally at a John Deere sales center in rural Kinston. Clinton and her surrogates often tout her success in New York’s conservative upstate farming counties as proof that she can not only work with Republicans but that she looks out for small town USA.

“[I’m] just feeling so much at home because small towns - whether they’re in North Carolina, New York or Arkansas - are really the base of this country,” Clinton told the large crowd outside the Hendersonville courthouse. “Small towns gave us our values, small towns give us so much of the texture of our lives and we’ve got to make sure we never lose that.”

Clinton is neck and neck with Obama in Tuesday’s other contest in Indiana, and has chipped away at his lead in North Carolina since her win in Pennsylvania. Today she told supporters she needs “a big, big vote here in North Carolina.”

“This primary election on Tuesday is a game-changer,” Clinton in Kinston. “This is going to make a huge difference in what happens going forward.”

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Small-town U.S.A. is what it's all about!   May 2nd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

It's NOT about Michelle and Barack Obama suddenly "claiming" some God-given right for their run for the presidency (because they are "black" and somehow de-marginalized). They've had PLENTY of advantages, but still they play that race card. Small-town folks actually understand that it's not about color — it's NOT about being "black" — it's about being "GREEN," like Obama — and that's not something our country can afford!

Now go do the right thing, Indiana and NC, and vote for the candidate who's not even the least bit "GREEN" — Hillary Clinton!

Toni   May 2nd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Senator Clinton should join the United States Olympic gymnastic team. I'll give it to her, she can do backflips so quick, she has confused so many people, including members of her campaign, but we all know she can't land on both feet and throw her arms in the sky. Ya see, even I'm confused writing this comment.

Older W/Woman for Obama   May 2nd, 2008 9:06 pm ET

I would like, for once, to be able to vote in a general election for the RIGHT candidate instead of the usual choice of BAD and WORSE. The democratic party can give us an opportunity to do that right now.

If the Democratic nominee turns out to be Hillary, then the choice becomes DEPLORABLE or DECREPIT. I'm gonna go with DECREPIT if those are my choices.

Jake   May 2nd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

being a NC resident, i can proudly say that clinton support is NOT growing enough to have her win here or come much closer to him than she is now. She is a liar and should drop out. The whole rev. thing with obama is different, sure it may not have been the best thing for him to do but at least he didn't lie about anything…

anti-clinton now to the point of voting for McCain instead of her.

girl texas   May 2nd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Hardest working candidate ALIVE! Give 'em Hill!

HILLARY '08!!!!!!!!!!!!

Voter   May 2nd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Hillary is out with her lies again.

One more lie for the road uh Hill…

susie   May 2nd, 2008 9:02 pm ET

We don't even know the REAL Obama. He flip-flop on his preacher when he realize he would lose votes, and he was supposely "uncle".

Oregon has Hope and wants change   May 2nd, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Hey Guam votes tomorrow!!

Let me Guess, Huckabee Hil is also from there, or her long lost cousin grew up there, or her mom delivered her there when they were on vacation, she seems to be the local gal every place they have not voted yet……………….

I am in Oregon, I am waiting for her to come here and say she was the first person whoever recycled in our state, since we are so green

Come on people, let's stop fallling for this, according to Hil she has done everything everywhere, and it usually is a lie.

North Carolina   May 2nd, 2008 9:01 pm ET

George, Los Angeles, I will vote Clinton: Tuesday is the day! Support here is growing as more of Obama becomes known. DNC, Dean, Pelosi, Reid listen: cease your attempts to force your candidate upon us.

Sue in MI   May 2nd, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Guess what? It's NOT over, and she is closing the gaps, and leading in some polls. I think Obama is the one who should bow out now, before she overtakes him and it becomes obvious that she is the only one to take on McCain. Go Hillary!

He's got the "Educated" vote... HA!   May 2nd, 2008 9:00 pm ET

A large majority of people who voted for Obama are now regretting it. Sure, he can win the nomination… The only problem is that he shot himself in the foot over and over! Now, everyone's hoping that the rest of the voters vote Clinton. It may be too late. McCain will win the election… and then we will be doing this all over again in '12!

Faye of Ohio   May 2nd, 2008 9:00 pm ET

As a former North Carolinian for most of my life and now a resident of Ohio, I can only hope that North Carolinians from the mountains to the coast cast their votes for Barack Obama. I was a N.C. teacher for 34 years, and I hope that I instilled in students the same values that Barack Obama possesses. He is not his former pastor! The good thing about him is that even though he has been attacked by Hillary Clinton so much, he has not attacked her on the many issues and situations in her life that have been unbelievably deceitful and dishonest. Obama's message of hope is REAL; please believe in it and vote for him, North Carolina!!

carlo   May 2nd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

George, if I were you, I wouldn't bring up bad decisions with a statement throwing support behind the Clintons.

lady Sam   May 2nd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

CNN has become the Clinton News Network, you are only reporting on Hillary, stop being biased and report on all candidates.

Andrew, Indiana   May 2nd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

GO CLINTON GO!

We're still rooting for you here in Indiana.

richard   May 2nd, 2008 8:58 pm ET

Hillary no doubt understands small town America. Her plans to help the struggling people are sound. Hillary is the President America has been waiting for.

Susan MO   May 2nd, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Go Hillary Clinton GO!! In the beautiful state of North Carolina!

Hillary 08 :)

Tony, Miami   May 2nd, 2008 8:56 pm ET

No to Bush- Clinton, Clinton-Bush, Bush Clinton
Clinton- Jeb Bush, J Bush - Chelsea Clington
Are we in America? We can't find better than that. Is the press right by saying uneducated goes for Clinton? If yes we should educate them.
What Jeb did for Florida it's equal to nothing.
Chelsea lied by omission by not correcting her mom.

There is hope with BARACK OBAMA
YES I'LL VOTE FOR HIM

Mauri   May 2nd, 2008 8:55 pm ET

To George of Los Angeles, this is to say that we agree with you one hundred percent. Hillary Clinton as our president is our only hope.

Ex Clinton Supporter   May 2nd, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Get smart everyone.. She'll never have the numbers!
She's wasting your time and $$$

aware   May 2nd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Hillary Clinton the smart choice 2008 and 2012! :)

Small town America take charge. Vote for Hillary the smart choice and a winner in the General Election!

Obama, the freshman senator, is too inept, too dishonest, too elitist and lacks judgment/credibility. He keeps some very questionable company and says some very questionable things behind closed doors. He is extremely slow to respond - 20 years? Also, for a campaign with a mantra of unity, his bloggers/supporters are just plain mean!

The far left media doesn't get to decide for America on their far left choice!

America is centrist and will vote accordingly in the General Election!

Kentucky   May 2nd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

I hope everyone saw the movie. You will never vote for her if you do.

Susan MO   May 2nd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Who is elitist and out of touch?

Hillary saying to Bill O'Reilly, "Rich people, God bless us. We deserve all the opportunities to make sure our country and our blessings continue until the next generation."

Formerly for Hillary

Obama in '08

Ralph   May 2nd, 2008 8:51 pm ET

I've been an Obama supporter, but I think he has proven incapable of reaching the necessary demographics. He seems in over his head.

I think the Democratic Party would be very smart to elect Hillary now, get Obama as VP, and let him simmer for a while. He's spent his life so focused on chasing power that he doesn't seem to have taken the time to define a philosophy beyond talking across the aisle.

Dennis, NY   May 2nd, 2008 8:50 pm ET

I hope to God that Indiana and North Carolina do the right thing and vote for Barack Obama on Tuesday. I can't take it with Clinton and her bad decisions anymore. And she's not even in the White House yet! What a terrible tragedy that would be.

Now a strong Obama supporter.

Hillary Clinton is a superb leader!   May 2nd, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Elizabeth Taylor just said it about Hillary Clinton: "I like the way she thinks. She is very savvy and a smart leader with years of experience in government, diplomacy and politics." These are my sentiments, exactly, regardless of whether or not they come from Elizabeth Taylor.

Now go do the right thing, Indiana and North Carolina — and vote for someone who is NOT merely a "snake oil salesman," but a proven leader!

As for you, "R2," YOU are dilusional!

Maya   May 2nd, 2008 8:49 pm ET

Smart move Mrs Cliton what a contrast to Obama who thinks they are bitter and cling to their guns and religions, God bless you Hillary and God bless America.

angelina st paul mn   May 2nd, 2008 8:49 pm ET

cnn: clinton news network

the royal media to the queen and king who will not have their throne back…………..

Chris in Va.   May 2nd, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Rural NC voters, ask about her success in rural upstate New York where during her senate campaign she promised those folks 200,000 new jobs, only to lose 35,000 jobs. If you call that success and want that for your community then by all means vote for Hillary Clinton.

Don't be fooled   May 2nd, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Where was small town U.S.A. when you and your husband were out in Los Angeles swindling folks out of millions in campaign contributions? Better air now CNN because you won't be able to hide it much longer. Regardless the outcome your subscribers deserve to know what's going on! It seems as if there's a concerted effort on the part of media as a whole to keep this story under wraps. Everyone, google search Paul vs Clinton to get some insight into what's happening sense CNN is afraid to do it.

David, Paducah, Kentucky   May 2nd, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Its amazing to me how the voters in these small states are suddenly important to Hillary and "she is one of them". If I remember correctly, at the beginning of her campaign they were not important and didn't even factor into her gameplan. She was going to be the presumptive nominee by Super Tuesday, this primary season would be over, and their votes were not even going to matter. Obama had a 50 State strategy and treated all the States as important to his campaign. Evidently a lot of people have forgotten that. And Hiillary has the gall to try to label Obama as an elitist! And now with this gas holiday thing she is taking it for granted that we are all stupid and will take everything that comes out her mouth as the gospel and vote for her instead of Obama, the candidate who is treating us like adults and respecting us enough to tell us the truth. Shame on you Hillary!

NOT YET COMMITED   May 2nd, 2008 8:44 pm ET

You know what makes me wonder and I am sure other people are also wondering why Clinton did not beat Obama since super tuesday even though she has major big wigs including her husband campaigning for and talking all this 'good stuff' on her behalf. The rate at which Former successful US president Bill Clinton is campaigning, Hillary should have had this thing long ago. The fact that she still does not have it says alot about her. I dont think people like her. She is forcing herself on people and it is wrong.

Bcarlisle   May 2nd, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Go Hillary all the way to the white house. Come on NC give her the win she needs! You too CNN don't be jealous that Bill O'reilly's ratings were almost 4 times yours when Hillary was on Fox! Go Reagan Democrats!

Tony B B.C.Mich   May 2nd, 2008 8:43 pm ET

COME ON NORTH CAROLINA………………. THE HILLS DO HAVE EYES…………..EARS AND LIVE IN THE PRESENT DAY?………………………………. DON' T LET THE HILLITARIANS CORRUPT YOUR FOCUS ON CHANGE, RURAL AMERICA DOES UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS THE TIME OF THE OBAMA NATION:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STEP INTO THE LIGHT PEOPLE……………………….. OBAMA 08.

Ed Russell   May 2nd, 2008 8:42 pm ET

More proof why Hillary is the stronger candidate for the general. Shes done this everywhere and has built a strong support system with the voters we need to win.

Florida Obama has already lost for denying our vote and blocking a revote

Penn 47% of Hillary supporters wont vote for Obama

Ohio, Obama is losing to Mccain and Hillary is up (8% difference), Democrats should be leading at this point. Especially considering the money Obama spent in Ohio

Hillary carried Tenn vs all republicans. She almost beat Mccain straight up in Arizona and beat Huckabee in Arkansas

Dems vote Hillary if you want the White House

Shame....   May 2nd, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Oh Snap!

Hillary was just boo'ed big time….. for a LONG time… at the North Carolina Democratic Party Dinner.

Dal   May 2nd, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Hillary will you step out if you loose both Indiana and north Carolina?

Ex Obama Supporter   May 2nd, 2008 8:40 pm ET

"Targets?" Why such a negative verb?

alice2   May 2nd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

ARE YOU STILL OUT BEGGING FOR VOTES HILLARY?? DISCONTINUE YOUR EFFORTS, IT'S OVER, & GUESS WHAT? YOU LOST.!!!!!!

honkey white guy from cali   May 2nd, 2008 8:37 pm ET

BLAH BLAH BLAH Go away! I can not wait to see what happens because If she does find a way to steal this election away from the one who won it playing by the rules! She will not win in November! because the most loyal base of the party will not show up and neither will all the young people brought in by Sen Obama.

farley   May 2nd, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is succeeding because James Carville is running her campaign. The sound bites , the policy announcements , the demographic plays are all Carville, he is the puppet master. Unless Obama competes hard and gets his message out there, and not sound so boring when not giving an inspiring speech he is losing momentum. I was also wondering if Hillary has the same hairstylist as Michael Douglas. Politicians have to be telegenic but apparently Hillary doesn't.

C. Vandenberg   May 2nd, 2008 8:34 pm ET

Bill Clinton was impeached by the house of representatives as a sitting President. There should be a rule that FORBIDS impeached Presidents or their immediate family members from ever occupying the White House again.

Tjaye   May 2nd, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Why is CNN only reporting productivity from Clinton and negativity from Obama? I'm beginning to think there is no place to go for impartial news coverage. We get it! You want Clinton in.

Obama just had a wonderful rally in IN…you could have mentioned it is an aside.

Obama O-8!!

George, Los Angeles   May 2nd, 2008 8:32 pm ET

I hope to God that Indiana and North Carolina do the right thing and vote for Hillary Clinton on Tuesday. I can't take it with Obama and his bad decisions anymore. And he's not even in the White House yet! What a terrible tragedy that would be.

Now a strong Clinton supporter.

R2   May 2nd, 2008 8:32 pm ET

She. Is. Delusional.

Obama '08

DAN   May 2nd, 2008 8:31 pm ET

She's everywhere, never tires, a real fighter, exactly what people need.

Sandie, NC   May 2nd, 2008 8:31 pm ET

North Carolina you hold the power to put this bat back in her cave. Let's put the power of government back in the American people hands. Remember "birds of a feather flock together" and Hillary has flock to McCain side. Obama is the only Democrat in this contest.

VOTE OBAMA NOW!!!!!!!!!!

Del   May 2nd, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Superdelegate Andew did the right things. Please lets unite the party and stand against Republicans. McCain should not be given a lead no matter who picks up nomination. Its time to make up minds and pick the right candidate.

Brian   May 2nd, 2008 8:29 pm ET

She is the one candidate that changes positions more than underwear. Flip-flop, Flip-flop, Flip-flop, Flip-flop, Flip-flop, Flip-flop, Flip-flop, Flip-flop

Connie Sturgeon   May 2nd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

If Pennsylvania was the last big state why are the Clinton's spending so much time in the little ole states of Indiana and North Carolina.

Connie from Indiana

edmond   May 2nd, 2008 8:26 pm ET

she still going to lose by double digit

sing a song   May 2nd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

I love hillary so much, but I hate hate hate the way she dresses. I wish I could pick some clothes out for her.

oh well…. its the brains not beauty that make a great leader.

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