May 10, 2008
Posted: 11:18 AM ET

From
Sen. Hillary Clinton campaigns in West Virginia.
Sen. Hillary Clinton campaigns in West Virginia.

CHARLESTON, West Virginia (CNN) — West Virginians will head to the polls Tuesday for the state's Democratic primary between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. But what will the vote there really mean after new delegate totals show Obama with a sizable lead?

Some say it could send a sobering message to Obama's Democratic supporters.

West Virginia is expected to go for Clinton big time — and the polls show it.

Clinton has a 43-point advantage over Obama, 66 percent to 23 percent, according to a survey from the American Research Group released Friday.

The poll was conducted after Tuesday's primary results and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

"This state is really Hillary Clinton's wheelhouse. It's an older population, socially conservative, blue-collar workers," said Kennie Bass, a political reporter for WCHS in West Virginia.

Read the full story

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton


nate   May 10th, 2008 11:22 am ET

We at Camp Obama recognize the tremendous support HIllary has and we recognize her impressive capabilities. Our policies and goals are virtually identical and therefore respectfully request all Dems come together around the nominee.

Jeanne   May 10th, 2008 11:22 am ET

It won't mean anything. Clinton can only win the nomination by superdelegates over ruling the pledged delegates & popular vote, where Obama has the lead, and it doesn't look like this is going to happen.

Paul   May 10th, 2008 11:22 am ET

It means nothing, just like her promises.

fred   May 10th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Go Hillary!!

If not Hillary…then McCain!!

honkey white guy from cali   May 10th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Hey Clinton News Network It means nothing duh!!!!!! He Has already won this one

yappy   May 10th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Who cares ? She is acting wierder and wierder. I think she may have a break down before this is all over. Amazing that the young ,charasmatic black man is taking down a giant. Who would have known ? This Alaskan is extremely happy about that. I am tired TIRED of the Clintons.

lou from iowa   May 10th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Let her go out on a couple high notes. I wasn't supporting her, but I sure feel sorry for her when I see her campaigning anymore.

jo   May 10th, 2008 11:25 am ET

basically West Virginians won't vote for a black guy. shocker.

Todd Parks   May 10th, 2008 11:28 am ET

I'm writing here because CNN closed their forum on a previous article related to West Virginia and the upcoming primary but I find it so offensive that because Hillary Clinton is up considerably in West Virginia that it means we (West Virginians) are obviously inbreed, redneck, and racist. Because we are voting for Hillary Clinton by a majority, many Obama supporters are blogging that we hunt from the back of pick up trucks and attend klan rallies…its so degrading…we cannot vote for Hillary just because we want to apparently…I am a 23 year old graduate student getting my masters in English Education and I was raised by a registered nurse and a coal miner. I come from a family of hard workers who have enstilled me with good morals that are not racist or redneck. I find it so offensive that when my state gets a say, many people in the United States play up on a stereotype which is so offensive…I know Sen. Obama isn't making these comments but I find it offensive that he's not working to win votes here…and I don't appreciate many of his supporters degrading myself or Appalachian heritage. I am going to step off of my soap box now.

After further review,Texas   May 10th, 2008 11:28 am ET

I know folks in the Bluefield area and we joke about the perception out of staters have and they tell me dont believe the polls.They do know panderers when they see them but they also have hope for a more prosperous West Virginia.They have been lied to for years and they want Change and change in their pockets.

John Pittsburgh   May 10th, 2008 11:28 am ET

Why do you keep stringing the Hillary fans along? It's like when you act like you're throwing a ball for your dog but you don't really throw it. …It's sad.

Reality Time Hillary   May 10th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Question….. Hillary has ridden on the coat tails of her husband's presidency. Obama, a virtually unknown, has ridden on hope and inspiration and carries a little more than half of the country. Why is that she could not close the deal?

Rob   May 10th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Get a clue Clinton News Network. She is done. Start reporting on some real political news.

Educated Clinton Supporter   May 10th, 2008 11:29 am ET

What it will show is that Obama doesn't have a chunk of Democrats that he will need in November.

Obama doesn't think he needs these voters or he will be trying to court them. If Obama or his followers think that they will change their minds come election time, it shows they are living in kool-aid land.

Don't think for a minute that the DNC isn't worried about this.

Tina   May 10th, 2008 11:30 am ET

It means nothing. It is a prime demographic for Hillary and she has been expected to win WV all along. She's just trying to move the goal posts yet again…her win here will be cancelled out by an Obama win in Oregon, nothing that happens from here on out can put her in the lead.

It's over.

@americans   May 10th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Well, the polls show Hillarious closing in on Obama in N.C and leading in Indiana. What did the results turned out to be at the end of the day? DEAD WRONG!

So, CNN go ahead with your polls. Hillarious can win 100% WV votes and delegates and it wont make a dent on Obama's lead in popular votes, most pledged delegates, and his increasing super delegates count!

At this stage in the game, Hillarious is irrelevant! GAME OVER!

OBAMA WON!!

YES WE CAN!!!!!

Ardnuas   May 10th, 2008 11:30 am ET

It means this women is a NUT, and she is trying to DESTROY the Democratic Party. The Clintons' have NO SHAME…..NONE!!!!!
Obama/Edwards08

Sick of Her   May 10th, 2008 11:31 am ET

It will mean she will keep crowing about how she is the only one who can win "hard working" uh "white hard working" American voters. That just isn't true. Obama didn't get here with just the black vote. I am a hard working w/woman who strongly supports Obama.

HD   May 10th, 2008 11:32 am ET

West Virginia is important to the democratic party. Every state is important in the big picture. In the current race between Obama and Clinton (which is over by the way), this state is worth 26 delegates. She is spending all of her hard earned money on this state and will likely net a total of 10 delegates. He still leads pledged delegates by 150+.

Obama announced 6 superdelegates yesterday. This in itself erases the benefit in delegates that she will gain from West Virginia. More superdelegates will follow.

So bottom line is that a state that is one of the oldest and lacks social progression is obviously a great state for Hillary. It is 95% plus caucasian and lots of those rural folks won't vote for a black man. Period. So should those value reflect the values of the democratic party as a whole? I don't think so but everyone has an opinion.

If she wins by 44%, then she will only gain 10 delegates because he will get around 8 and she will get around 19. That is soooo small given the demographics in the area, the amount of money she is spending (which by the way her campaign is broke) and there are only two other contests up ahead where she will likely win….Kentucky and Puerto Rico (which has more delegates than New Hamphsire or Kentucky for some weird reason b/c Puerto Rico does NOT get votes in the general election….c'mon Howard Dean).

Ken @ Charlotte, NC   May 10th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Although I have never lived in West Virginia I have traveled and worked extensively in state. I am acutely aware of the reason there are few African-Americans there. This state is 100 years behind all others in many areas. If Hillary wins West Virginia as expected I would say it was because her temperment was a close match for the people who live there.

Edward   May 10th, 2008 11:34 am ET

I'd like to see a poll of who people would vote for if all three candidates ran for President of the United States: Obama (Democrat), McCain (Republican) and Clinton (Independent).

david   May 10th, 2008 11:34 am ET

In short - it means nothing. As a democrat, I'm willing to part with WV's five electoral votes, in order to have a candidate that is more than the lesser of two evils.

Hillary can milk her racist white base in WV and KY, and then what? The people have spoken. Hillary should concede and then start immediately sucking up to Obama and the party. Personally, I think she's a horrible choice for V.P., but that really is her last shot - Hillary '16. I think she'll be 69 (ha)

Norm   May 10th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Why can't people see a Hillary/Obama ticket that gives the dems the house for 16 years………. when has that happened? Obama still young he could use the experience. ..Hello!

mike from texas   May 10th, 2008 11:35 am ET

CNN showing the poll, but they never show the how many delegate in
West Virgina. It is not the perfect report .

Ex-Hillary supporter   May 10th, 2008 11:35 am ET

It means Clinton's racist remarks the eve of West Virginia's primary were deliberate and timely and will bring her a win she craves.
Fortunately, the rest of the country is more enlightened, Obama will be the nominee and the country will benefit from a well deserved break from the Bush/Clinton years.

Frank, Dayton, Ohio   May 10th, 2008 11:36 am ET

It only shows that West Virginia really is a backwards state. But they have a right to their vote.

JN   May 10th, 2008 11:36 am ET

She can have WV. She still ISN'T going to WIN the presidency. As much as she wants to send out hate e-mails, brag about how she can be president because of the WHITE vote, still be very deivisive, etc, her chances of winning are rapidly deteriorating!!! Take a look at the march today for "voters of change"! That ought to tell you about change we need in America! Go Barack…Don't worry, she can win the next six contests and never catch up with you!

This WHITE, 42 year old married female is very PROUD of you Barack and can't wait til the day she conceeds the race. I will be waiting with baited breath until she makes that announcement .

gerald strother   May 10th, 2008 11:36 am ET

NONE DO THE MATH IT IS OVER FOR HER !!!

David Lynch   May 10th, 2008 11:36 am ET

CNN. Stop using Carl Bernstein as a political consultant when talking about the Democratic primary. Its obvious he never says anything good about Hillay. Instead he comes off like an Obama hack. Boy, has he fallen from his former days. In order to be "Fair and Balanced"
cut out his commentary. It makes CNN, my favorite network look really biased.

Otherwise thanks for the great job you are doing on political coverage.

Jon, Los Angeles   May 10th, 2008 11:37 am ET

In short, West Virgina is a bastion of cavemen. We are in 21st century but if they are stuck in time they would vote for McCain. I cannot find one reason why a Democrat would not vote for Obama other than racism and vote for McCain so that we remain in Iraq for 100 yrs and jobs shipped to overseas. Those Dems would be voting against their interest. But again, if one is stuck in 16th century anything can happen at the polling box.

No Reservations   May 10th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Obama supporters are going to wake up and realize on November 5th that blacks, college students and hard left radicals are the only ones who voted for him!

Shirley Armstrong   May 10th, 2008 11:38 am ET

wake up people Obama can say anything and get away with it he is saying he does not use under handed politics. Just listen to him he sure does and he gets away with it WHY because the media is in awe of him. he WON THE SENATE BY DEFAULT HE HAS NO EXPENICE HE BASHES HILLARY AND GETS AWAY WITH IT. HE HAD AN AFFAIR THE MEDIA WONT COVER IT. WHAT ABOUT THE PASTOR HE HAS THE SAME VEIWS AS HIM HIS WIFE HATES AMERICA WHY WHY WHY IS HE STILL THE FRONT RUNNER

Indiana man   May 10th, 2008 11:38 am ET

yea, we are dumb, low income blue collar workers here… and most of us are white and know enough not to vote for the bosnia snipper gal.
and we also get the magazines that other towns get. does that surprise you ????
we have been reading the GLOBE magazine may issue.
it tells us more than we really want to know about hilary..
local grocery and gas station convience stores have plenty of them to sell to.
to bad the clinton regeme didnt get them all bought up… ha ha.

HD   May 10th, 2008 11:38 am ET

She will win West Virginia, Kentucky and Puerto Rico.

Obama will win Oregon, Montana and South Dakota.

Obama will continue to pick up more superdelegates than Clinton.

Michigan and Florida will be settled and she will pick up about 20 more delegates than Obama.

With this, she can not catch him in pledged delegates and the Superdelegates will confirm his appointment before she and McCain have a chance to destroy him further.

Then Obama will pick John Edwards as his vice-presidential candidate which will help Obama win white rural voters in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, etc.

David from Bremen   May 10th, 2008 11:39 am ET

IT MEANS CLINTON IS WASTING TIME AND MONEY ! NO MORE NO LESS !!!

gerald strother   May 10th, 2008 11:39 am ET

TAKE A LOOKS A REAL POLLS <Rasmussen Reports
5/4/2008
N=840

Hillary Clinton 56%
Barack Obama 27%
Unsure 17%
Source

double standard   May 10th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Why is it wrong or racist to say that WV is full of hardworking white voters? Isn't that true?

Wasn't SC full of hard working African American voters?

Tee   May 10th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Does this mean the people of WV are racist?

josh   May 10th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Hey guys was just wondering do you think Hillary should run as an independent. She could and she could possibly win. What do you all think?

Indiana man   May 10th, 2008 11:40 am ET

be like me and others in west virginia
buy a copy of GLOBE magazine this weekend and find the real hilary clinton..
the list goes on and on….
happy reading folks

JC   May 10th, 2008 11:40 am ET

WV will never vote for a black man. That's the bottom line. Older voters are racist and everyone knows it. That's why Hillary takes them.

leon   May 10th, 2008 11:41 am ET

TO ALL HILLARY SUPPORTERS!!!!

Let's start a ride to vote for McCain or do not vote. Let's show we will never support Barck Obama who has painted himself as false politician as someone he is not. He is an average politician who is moved by his political ambition and will say anythng to confuse voters and create a false image.

OBAMA go home! GO to Illinois with your whole family and try to fix your state first. Do really something for teh African-American community but something for real and then came back.

Fishers, IN   May 10th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Barack Hussein Obama will never be elected President of the USA.

Think about it!

Enough said.

Hillary Clinton '08 & '12

Marc in DeKalb, IL   May 10th, 2008 11:42 am ET

1.) 43 points was the result of the latest ARG poll. It was 15 points the time before that. The polls have been WILDLY fluctuating in WV, indicating it is unlikely they mean anything. Still, Clinton *WILL* take the state….

2.) It will mean nothing. 28 delegates are stake. She is behind significantly more than that. Even if she pulls off a 40 point lead and gets most of the delegates, it is too little too late.

The O   May 10th, 2008 11:42 am ET

it just means that there are alot of uneducated people in WV. Oh but I jest, "WINK WINK" it does not mean a thin. Does it put here in the lead of any of the numbers NO!!!!!!!

BARACK THE VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!

Jack   May 10th, 2008 11:42 am ET

It is wonderful to be back in Oregon,” Obama said. “Over the last 15 months, we’ve traveled to every corner of the United States. I’ve now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it.”

The video below is submitted for your enjoyment. You just know that of Sen. John McCain had said this, they’d have shipped him off to a nursing home…

Dana Mulder   May 10th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Whatever happens,Obama must go and campaign in West Virginia.
Otherwise he'll be criticized for not caring for the small states after he's sealed the deal..his most wins has come from small states..so he must show up there..
By the way…
Go OBAMA 08 !!

Mike   May 10th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Let's not forget they're also mostly white. Just like North Carolina is mostly black. Why is the "race issue" the pink elephant in the room that you Democrats refuse to address? I suppose it wouldn't be politically correct, would it? It's going to be fun to sit back and watch your party implode.

just asking   May 10th, 2008 11:42 am ET

When low income, uneducated African Americans ( the black equivilent of blue-collar white workers) support Obama- that is a good thing, and not racist (even at 90-95% rates).

When low income, uneducated white Americans ( the so-called blue collar workers) vote for Clinton at rates of 60-65% it is considered racist.

Can someone explain this double standard to me?

Terry H   May 10th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Hillary could win the last few states by 100% and the party leaders will STILL refuse to GET IT! Americans, true americans, people who want to save their country, want HILLARY! Well, the party may screw Hillary in this primary but the patriotic democrats will screw the party come November. NO OBAMA! NOT NOW NOT EVER!

why the racist labeling?   May 10th, 2008 11:43 am ET

I'm confused:

When low income, uneducated African Americans ( the black equivilent of blue-collar white workers) support Obama- that is a good thing, and not racist (even at 90-95% rates).

When low income, uneducated white Americans ( the so-called blue collar workers) vote for Clinton at rates of 60-65% it is considered racist.

Can someone explain this double standard to me?

sue   May 10th, 2008 11:43 am ET

So she wins West Virginia! It doesn't change the math. OBAMA is the presumptive nominee. Hip Hip Hip Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ding   May 10th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Hey..is she still running ????

Des,Toronto   May 10th, 2008 11:43 am ET

What do you expect with her most recent statement that Obama cannot get the white votes and how they are flocking to her. She plays the race card against her opponent ,who by the way is in the same party. She is extreemly divisive. In any event Obama is not revengeful or vindictive and will be president for all the people, whether or not they voted for him.

Obama 08 and 12

PD from CA   May 10th, 2008 11:44 am ET

What will it show? Nothing. Obama isn't even campaigning in the state. He's moved on to a national campaign against McCain. There have been Hillary states… there have been Obama states. That will continue until June. The point now is that regardless of how well Hillary does in any upcoming primaries (barring some impossible sweep of all upcoming primaries), she cannot win the nomination unless she has enough superdelegates committed to overriding the voters' choice. And that's not going to happen. The "Hillary states" just weren't enough to give her the win.

peter   May 10th, 2008 11:44 am ET

West Virginia kows that she will not win the nomination even the result is 100 to 0. They are clever people and they dont want to swim in a dry river. They will go to Obama.

Joan   May 10th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Hey CNN, It means that YOUR candidate Hillary Clinton will win the nomination. Won't you be happy?

what it means   May 10th, 2008 11:45 am ET

It means that the race card Obama played in SC and has continually OVER played is now coming back to haunt him.

You cand not be a uniter and then use racial division for your own political gain as Obama did.

It proved him to be a lying, hypocrit

Looking towards November   May 10th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Not a thing!

D Taliga   May 10th, 2008 11:45 am ET

West Verginaen how cane you vote for Hillary whom made politics from your children blood and sent them to Iraq to be killed 30,000 wounded and killed as well trillions of USD you pay.that it was popular.She supported the war just to be the next president.
it is her judgment.also whom finance her all corruption of lobbyist.
She stop to be Democrat when a Democrat will concide alone

poyoray   May 10th, 2008 11:45 am ET

This means if the superdelegates choose now, then this will be one of the most undemocratic primaries in history. It means that some of Hillary's strongest states are being taken away from her.

It means the supers are not waiting to decide until everyone votes and after more than 40 contests, they get to be the ones to tell voters that their votes don't count.

It is dividing the party by deciding on a nominee until everyone gets a chance to vote. The best way for them to unite the party would be to let everyone vote and see what the results are and then make a decision.

SLDV2000   May 10th, 2008 11:45 am ET

It means that West Virginia will for the first time in the states history be able to decide anything consequential in it's Primary history. They should mark this date down in their history books…oh that's if they could learn to read and write.

Indiana man   May 10th, 2008 11:46 am ET

it means that us dumb -low income– stupid white folks - who work our hearts out are smart enough not to vote for a liar and panderer.
the lady has a mental problem'
go back to arkansas if they will have ya.

Ludovic   May 10th, 2008 11:46 am ET

It will mean the same thing then Hawai, missisipi, NC or any other state obama won with a similar margin.

Media Blackout May 15th   May 10th, 2008 11:46 am ET

I saw The Gimmick Candidate last night. She did a terrific job in dividing the Democratic Party even more during her speech. Why, as a matter of fact, she laughed it up when the Gov said he will place Obama's picture on a milk carton citing: "Where in the world is Obama'. Sounds like a movie coming soon to a theater near you huh Hillary? Another reference to the Middle East and you just laughed…… and laughed….. and laughed……. I'm glad you had a great time with that joke….

I particularly liked her comments around Obama didn't care for Kentucky because she was the only candidate there. But the one that grabbed my heart the most is when the Gimmick Candidate said her base was right there in the audience, which was filled with white older voters.

Thank you Gimmick Candidate for showing the world the type of racist you are. I guess you never had to show your real side because you and your Gimmick husband always thought you had black folks in your hip pocket, but now you're under stress the real side comes out with ease without a blink of an eyelash.

Pack up your trash Gimmick because NYS will NOT be reelecting you for ANYTHING!

Mohammad, Los Angeles CA   May 10th, 2008 11:47 am ET

This evil woman will never give up.

Marty   May 10th, 2008 11:47 am ET

west virginia means nothing race is over

Bill - Charlotte   May 10th, 2008 11:47 am ET

It will mean a lot to "Hillary in Wonderland."

end it.   May 10th, 2008 11:47 am ET

w. virginia likes hillary. okay, but even if she wins 100% there and then 100% in kentucky, she still won't have more delegates than obama nor will she have won the popular vote.
it's funny how she says she's won the "important states" but when addressing w. virginians she says every state is just as important…
but her argument for nomination is that she can carry the "important states" in the fall….
end it hillary, get out now and let us unite!

L   May 10th, 2008 11:47 am ET

It really won't mean anything. Just like all the states that Hillary dismissed after she lost - she lost DC by 50%. Obama losing WV, even by a large margin, isn't a big deal, he has still won double the contests.

mud   May 10th, 2008 11:47 am ET

it has no bearing at all!! When will you, the press, realize that you have done enough damage to the democratic party already by making people think Clinton has had any chance at all since April. She coil win the rest of the states by 70% and STILL MOT HAVE ENOUGH DELEGATES!!!

It's OVER, get it through your thick skulls!!!!!!!!!!

charlize   May 10th, 2008 11:48 am ET

It doesn't mean much really. Say the voting is 66 percent to 23 percent, as mentioned in the article above. Even so, WV has only 39 delegates at stake, so it would be 25 Clinton, 10 Obama; a net gain of only 15 for Clinton, which won't help her much, both in delegates and popular vote. Even for statistical purposes, she couldn't say either, that after WV she got the biggest beating in the race, since Obama has beaten her by much higher margins IN A GREAT NUMBER OF STATES, for example in Idaho she beat her 80 to 17 (63-point lead); in Hawaii it was 76 to 24; in D.C. it was 75 to 24; inj Kansas 74 to 26, to only mention a few. Even though it would be her highest-percentage beating over bama ever, IT DOESN'T MEAN MUCH REALLY, AND THE MEDIA SEEMS TO AGAIN BE GIVING HER TOO MUCH IMPORTANCE AND KEEPING HER IN THE RACE IN ORDER TO KEEP HIGH RATINGS, that's all.

Joseph Adewole   May 10th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Nothing!! She has outlived her usefullness to The Americans; you only need to go to Google website and find out about Hillary; those people supporting her now are the people that want to divide America. Hiillary cannot deny the fact that she made a donation to a terrorist organisation, what of watergate and others to say a few. the Clintons even have the gut to visit and campaign in America Universities when no University is good enough in America for Chelsea……Are Americans really God loving? Otherwise Black and White Americans should live together as brothers and sisters so that the world outside America will be a better place; if we all look unto Americans as leader and the Clintons are engaged in what they are saying and doing about White voters Black voters, where is your leadership quality?

Jonathan of Tampa, FL   May 10th, 2008 11:48 am ET

She will do great in this state. The problem is this state is not a snapshot of the entire United States of America, it's not diverse enough.

Julie   May 10th, 2008 11:48 am ET

The Dems CANNOT win in November if they cannot carry states such as West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, and Indiana…. all states that Hillary Clinton has won.

Yes, Obama has won more states, and also leads in the popular vote, but we need to remember these are the primaries, and in order to win the white house in November, we NEED the big swing states that Hillary has won.

It's time to seriously consider a "dream ticket," for without one, McCain will easily win. Let's get our act together people!

Matt   May 10th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Not much at this point in the game….run the numbers. Hillary has to get 85 percent or more of the remaining vote to win the popular vote… not a chance…I dont think that the Superdelegates are unwise enough to go against the popular vote in a a nomination of this historic magnitude.

I guess the thing that amazes me the most is that West Virginia is behind Hillary…..It is largely a blue collar state….How in the heck did she convince them that she is on their side when she and her husband have made millions on the exportation of blue collar work? Is West Virginia so
narrow minded that all that they are concerned with is coal? I would hope that most Americans would have more integrity than that.

Concerned Canadian   May 10th, 2008 11:48 am ET

It means there are large pockets of the population that are in the Democratic base that will vote for Hillary Clinton and not Barack Hussein Obama.

This means head to head , straight up guts poker style election versus McCain, Obama will lose. I'll bet anyone on this. I'll even give the person 3 to 1 odds. Any takers ? No. I thought so.

She carried the big states in the primaries..Obama didn't. In a general election Obama won't be able to duplicate that result in the big states versus McCain. If anyone is talking about the math that really really really counts and I mean really count….Hillary Clinton is the person for the job to go up against McCain if the Dems want a realistic chance to regain the White House.

Gee..I must be a political genius for saying this. So proud of myself. The DNC should hire me as chairman….I will do a 100 times better job than that screaming heehaw guy Howard Dean. What a piece of work that guy is. If I were him I'd start putting applications in all over the place because he's losing his present job pretty soon.

D.   May 10th, 2008 11:48 am ET

I've said it before and will say it again, that region of the country is not just socially conservative, it's big time Klan territory. Which is not to say that everyone in West Virginia is a gap toothed idiot, as I'm sure some people unfortunately think… I actually like the state myself. But the point is that there are enormous numbers of people who do live there who would die before they saw a black man in the Oval Office.

James, Wichita, KS   May 10th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Hey GENIUS… what was the percent for Obama in Kansas, Idaho, Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, Georgia, etc… all 65%+ wins by Obama.

West Virginia means very little at this point.

DrFill   May 10th, 2008 11:49 am ET

What might WV mean?
Uh…..nothing
DrFill

no race card   May 10th, 2008 11:49 am ET

It means the Obama campaign screwed themselves by playing the race card to secure the African American vote. It was hateful and created a division in the party.

Now they are stuck with calling everyone who does not vote for Obama, a racist.

It isn't true.
Low income, uneducated African Americans are Obama's black base. They are the equivilent of Blue-collar white voters.

Dawn   May 10th, 2008 11:49 am ET

It means nada. This will not do anything and CNN knows it!
tHis is the reason for all the West Virgina stories. You want to make it to something. She can keep going all she wants. Obama needs to focus on Mccain and ignore Mrs Clinton. She wants attention. We the America people have decided! Obama 08! Tell her to continue her race baiting.
Obama should never consider the Clintons for any position.

dave in RI   May 10th, 2008 11:50 am ET

….and this is news why? Isn't there already a story on the ticker based on Clinton's huge lead in WV. At least her lead matches something……her ego

Scott C   May 10th, 2008 11:50 am ET

The main stream media will do anything to make this race look like it isn't over.

Since Tuesday they have called the race for Obama and said it was over. They said West Virginia was going to go heavily for Clinton, as was Kentucky, but it didn't matter, because she still couldn't win.

Now here we are half a week later, and they must be worried about their ratings, because it is now time to sew doubt about Obama again to get people to tune back in.

A black guy just plain isn't going to win in West Virginia and Kentucky… It has nothing to do with policy that they are voting for Clinton, they are a VERY rural, red neck, hillbilly place, and they are racist. In the little time I have spent in West Virginia I heard more racial slurs than anywhere else I have been in the country.

West Virginia means nothing, they are, and always were going to go to the Republicans in November.

Let it rest CNN, stop picking at the wound of the Democratic race while it is trying to close.

Brian   May 10th, 2008 11:50 am ET

It will be the same as the losing team scoring a hail mary TD in the losing seconds of a blow out. The only winners are the bookies.

john q public   May 10th, 2008 11:50 am ET

This primary will not influence outcomes at all. It is pretty meaningless.

Gatsby   May 10th, 2008 11:51 am ET

All this primary will do for Hillary is confirm that she still has support amongst the same voters she always had support from.

s.positive   May 10th, 2008 11:51 am ET

nothing much, The matrix is against her

robert jones   May 10th, 2008 11:51 am ET

IT'S OVER HILLARY CLINTON!!!!

Joe, Maine   May 10th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Once again…CNN (Clinton News Network) can spin all they want. The race is over.

Bubble Burster   May 10th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Give it up CNN, it's over. For one, ARG is a joke, you know it, I know it, the world knows it. I can conduct a better poll then the pirates at ARGGG.

Second, no matter what the outcome is, the race is done. It's just a matter of going through the motions until May 20th.

Third, I comfirmed today that both Obama and Clinton got the support of 200 Superdelegates each sometime before the month started. Yeah I caught that "comfirmation" garbage you tried to pull in yesteredays story about picking up Superdelegate support.

You are shameless and transparent at this point. Go back to reporting the news instead of creating it. That's what Fox is for.

Fred   May 10th, 2008 11:52 am ET

That dishonesty is not important. All that matters is that they are white

Rob - Georgia   May 10th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Like it or not, Obama cannot win the general election with the African American vote alone. Not enough of the white Democratic base support him and will go for McCain. I know blacks will support Obama until the very end but it just won't happen in November. If these so called "educated" people support him you would think they would be smart enough to see that. Obama winning in November is a pipe dream. We must have a Obama/Hillary ticket or a Hillary/Obama (even better) to win the White House.

Moses   May 10th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Note to CNN, know one cares about the West Virginia hill billies, the race is over already.

Democrat 08

Susie   May 10th, 2008 11:53 am ET

I pray every day and night for a miracle that will make Hillary the nominee. If only I could believe the Democratic Party has not lost its bearings and, once more, will nominate a candidate who cannot be elected. I am one of the most liberal people I know. I was totally against the Iraq war from the beginning. I have voted for every Democratic nominee since Carter. I was sure Kerry could never be elected before his nomination was confirmed (I was right) but I knew he was qualified just too liberal to be elected. I cannot vote for a candidate as inexperienced and uninformed about the issues as Obama.I don't know if I will stay home or vote for McCain but I know I cannot vote for Obama. This is not spite nor is it racism; I simply do not believe Obama is qualified to be President.

kay, NM   May 10th, 2008 11:53 am ET

WV primary is irrelevant. Important states are: IO, ID, AL, AK, MO,MS, SC, VA, WY, IN, WI, ND, SD, TX etc. where Obama will win landslide in November!

MR. AMERICA   May 10th, 2008 11:54 am ET

MR. AMERICA thinks them West Virginians is clingin to them guns, bibles, and white candidates….

There is a lot.....   May 10th, 2008 11:54 am ET

There is a lot to be said about this article. But to imply that Hillary Clinton is the only way the Democratic can win West Virginia, is a heck of a statement. Truly, is there no other good running mate that Obama can select that would increase the chances of getting West Virginia? I think when it comes to selecting a VP, all this will factor into it and we will just have to see who he picks!

Jason Means   May 10th, 2008 11:54 am ET

What does it mean…? Sadly it means that the good God fearing people of West Virginia are easily fooled by shady politicians.

Obama will loose by large margins in the "Mountain State" because he stands for change (something old crusty WV voters just don't want) and because he's black.

And before everyone starts hooting and howling about my commets - let me remind one and all that I live in WV, and have to put up with its crusty welfare population every day. I can't even tell you how many times people have approached me at work or on the street to tell me that they're voting for Hillary because they think Obama is a sleeper cell Muslim - or, that they just couldn't vote for anybody who's name rhymes with Osama.

With that type of insane logic, Obama doesn't stand a chance. All I can say is that I wish him luck in the general election and hope that the rest of the country doesn't pay too much attention to this upcoming WV primary… I'm embarresed enough as it is.

ColinBeau   May 10th, 2008 11:54 am ET

What does it mean? It might mean that sje picks up a few points and then Barack will crush her in Oregon and get those points and more. I hope that he gets it– I voted Republican the last few times for president, but I feel that we can't have the same status quo in there… She won't accomplish anything– talk at work is also that the US is so convoluted right now, that regardless of who gets in the white house, it will be so difficult to bring about change that any one in there will only be setting the stage for success or failure for the person who is in there down the road– Clinton (Bill) only looked successful because the aftershocks of Reaganomics were still eeking out huge capital gains… he was no better than George Senior. FACT. I think Obama will make lots of mistakes and screw up, but no more than Hillary or McCain– it's the team he has that will enable change— He has a greater potential to get people in his cabinet who are willing to take an educated, well thought-out risk rather than the "we know what the people want to be fixed, and we know how to do it!" kind of attitude.
She will win West Virginia, but c'est la vie, I am hoping to God, Buddah, Allah, and/or Vishnu that this will end soon— Good luck Mr. Obama and don't let WV sweat you any…. I believe he can do it!

walli   May 10th, 2008 11:54 am ET

simply put; absolutely nothing!!!

sozzi   May 10th, 2008 11:54 am ET

It will mean that White Working Clas voters will only vote for a White Candidate, Which is NOTHING.

Obama Supporter   May 10th, 2008 11:55 am ET

West Virginia wake up, a vote for Hilary is a vote for higher gas prices, no healthcare resolution once again, high food prices, no advances in alturnatives fuels, high insurance rates, more NAFTA, bad goods from China, nothing will change. She is bought and paid for by oil and other lobbyist. She is broke and in debt, niice way to run a campagine, good going Hilary. Is this the way you will run our country? You are no Bill Clinton!

She is old school Washington business as usual. West Virginia is doing well to want more of the old ways of Washington.

She can not win!!!

TimeToUnite   May 10th, 2008 11:55 am ET

it is clear that Obama is doing minimal campaigning in West Virginia and Kentucky. He is focusing on Oregon and the general election. Today is Obana's 50 state voter registration drive. It's a movement. Obama supporters please go to his Website and find locations near you to help! Obama's campaign is a movement…a truly amazing time in our lives to see Americans of every corner pull our country up! Sorry CNN we have all moved beyond the Clinton's failed quest to capture the nomination. With 9 delegates supporting Obama on Friday, it looks like Washington is looking beyond as well. Please post!

john   May 10th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Clintons Last gasp. maybe a net 15 pledged delegates immediately nullified by 17 supers declaring for Obama.

This last gasp is all about Hillary's ambitions maybe the vice presidency and the Clinotn legacy it is not about the electorate the party or the Country.

Susan Missouri   May 10th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Hillary is still be in the race!

She is very intelligent, for the people… all the people, experienced, and a fighter.

We feel she will win the democratic nomination!

Hillary 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David   May 10th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Hillary should run as an independent.

Hillary/McCain   May 10th, 2008 11:55 am ET

I'm a Hillary supporter but I'm not so sure she will win this big time. The main stream media has already kicked her out of the race. Many people in West Virginia who were orginally going to vote for her and are listening to the news, may not vote for based on what the main stream media has been saying. Then when she doesn't win West Virginia big time the main stream media will claim that this is proof that more and more people want her to quit. It goes to show you the power of the media in dictacting what happens in this country and world. The main stream media has been trying to kick her out of the race since January and it's depressing.

peter   May 10th, 2008 11:56 am ET

What happened? Obama suporters lost their voice? Usually there is a lot of hateful comments in everything about Hillary. They don't get it
Regardless who is the nominee, Hillary has given voice to millions of people. I am one of them. GO HILLARY

Jonas   May 10th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Its a nice day out here in New Jersey. I was just thinking about buying myself a sandwich. So is there anything interesting in the news today? How about the gas prices around the country.

faye, NV   May 10th, 2008 11:56 am ET

It has been said by Obama that Billary will win and by large numbers. She wants to prove how white she is and that whites will not vote for a black man.

So sad to how low she will go. I see America people are still with slavery thinking. This country will never change and people like the Clinton's should not be in any office.

This campaigne has made me sick.

andrew   May 10th, 2008 11:57 am ET

A big win in West Virginia will not mean a thing to the nomination.

What it might mean otherwise is that the media will continue to fuel Billary's delusions, giving them time to stay in the news some more.

With each day she remains in the race I am donating funds to an account that will go to support her Democratic challenger in the next Senate race. Her race-baiting pandering is, as P. Noonan wrote, "vulgar." This is what Senator Kennedy was referring to regarding her lacking the character to be considered for VP.

stacy   May 10th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Go Hillary, save us, stay in.

Caroline   May 10th, 2008 11:57 am ET

What will it mean? If she keeps her lead, it means that West Virginians would rather elect a provably corrupt lyiing pandering divisive white woman than a decent man of mixed race.

Nothing particulary against West Virginians; one could say that about any person that has thus voted for Clinton, and I can't figure out why anybody votes for her.

I couldn't figure out why anybody voted for Bush either. And especially the second time.

I would never in a gazillion years vote for that horrible woman!!

An American in Canada   May 10th, 2008 11:57 am ET

I hope they come out and vote for her by 90 points or more…

That would be marvelous… Thanking you in advance, West Virginia!!!

The DA Enforcer   May 10th, 2008 11:57 am ET

This just goes to prove that there are still bigoted, hatred-filled, and Hell-destined Americans. For somebody not to like anybody else who is not native-born white, this speaks volume of their evil nature. God commanded us to love everybody. And for somebody to dislike somebody just because of their skin color is a fact itself that the bigots have no place in America.

Vote for a candidate based on your conscience and not skin color.

I am not even a black by skin color but this is what we ,the whites, should do - follow our conscience.

In my job, I would prosecute you to jail whether or not you are black, white, blue, or whatever.

Outsider   May 10th, 2008 11:58 am ET

If this is a reflection of a significant part of American voters, then Obama's supporters should avoid confronting them, otherwise the former may be absebt or vote for MCain in the election

Mike   May 10th, 2008 11:58 am ET

This just shows that outside the black community Obama has minimal support. He only goy 1/3rd of the white vote in his 'blowout' in NC. Blacks make up 12% of overall voters. They always vote Democratic anyway, so Obama as a candidate doesn't bring any new demographics to the table. McCain will appeal to the mainstream voters and independents much more than Bush ever did. He'll get the conservative vote, because they have no other tolerable choice. He'll get a lot of the Reagan Democrats. Unless the Dems nominate someone with broader appeal (i.e. Clinton), they will be toast in Nov. If it's one thing the Democratic Party excels at, it's snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. They always default to the most liberal choice, and most Americans aren't that liberal.

An Outsider's Perspective   May 10th, 2008 11:58 am ET

If I were a West Virginian, I would be incensed with my persona being labeled as "uneducated", "those who did not attend college", and so on, proclaiming to the world at large that 66% of my state belongs to this category!

It would be bad enough that the Newsmedia were creating this label as it analysed the demographics of my nation and found this statement to be true.

It would be infinitely worse that someone who wanted my vote would define me as uneducated and driven by my closedminded inability to absorb and become part of the world at large - or even the mosaic of my country, America! I would consider that the candidate was insulting me - implying that if it wasn't for my lack of education, my ability to analyse not being present, this candidate could easily hoodwink me into voting for them.

If I was American, I would be ashamed that in the world's largest superpower a single state could hold this large a percentage of its population unable to grow with the advanced strides that humanity has made as it hurtles off to conquer new worlds. This would not be something I would want to parade day in and day out in the news.

I would want West Virginians to hold all their traditions dear and gain from education in this current age!

As a Canadian onlooker it is good to see that you as a country can elect a woman or a black man. You have come a long way America. Hopefully, you will be able to say that your people are educated, that your people are healthy, that your people have ideals, dignity, and integrity and that you truly are a just society.

This will happen someday, if not today or tomorrow.

Roland   May 10th, 2008 11:58 am ET

It will show that Clinton has connected with her sheet-wearing base . . . WV and KY (the home of the Klan). Remember, she should win these by a tremendous margin because of all the racists who live in these two states.

(Shame on you CNN. All I have done is clarify what you are too scared to put in print . . . you pandering bunch of weenies.)

vic nashville,Tn   May 10th, 2008 11:58 am ET

race is not over

jo jo   May 10th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Apparently, older, socially conservative, less educated, non-black blue-collar workers are a scary bunch of critters….. and 70% of them in WV have a gun. Yikes! Sounds like the Appalachians are the great divide for racism. Virginia didn't have such a problem in giving Obama a win. Hill Billy must have a nice ring to it in WV.

Hillary can use WV and Kentucky as feel good states for her and make the descent of her campaign plane more comfortable. She can then put on her coal miner outfit and stump the states to win them for Obama iin the fall — ha ha — fat chance as there will not be much in it for her then.

Steve   May 10th, 2008 11:58 am ET

It will show that Hillary's poorly-worded statement about her "base" is correct. She is very popular among poorly-educated, blue collar workers. They will vote overwhelmingly for her, mainly because they actually think she's a blue collar gal, based upon what she's told them. Anyone who wears blaze orange "deer hunter" pantsuits MUST be blue collar, right???

Unfortunately for her, (and fortunately for the rest of the US) this particular segment of the population isn't very big. If it was, she'd be in the lead, now. Thought the Clinton machine, as broken and creaky as it is right now, will try to make a very big deal of this win, it really doesn't mean anything at all, on a national scale. Perhaps, when she loses her job as New York Senator, she can get a job as Senator from West Virginia, representing the people who she seems most closely-aligned with in philosophy and outlook.

Marc - don't be fooled WV   May 10th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Hillary and Bill are multi-millionaires. Hillary does a good job of making you all believe she is there for you when in fact she is only there for herself and her huge EGO.

Just ask upstate New Yorkers IF Hillary kept her many promises to them. The answer is NO. Vote for hope and a new change of direction and philosophy in Washington. Vote Obama and get this thing over with.

started   May 10th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Obama started a really hateful, bad divide when he played the race card to secure the black vote. He was exploiting race for his own advancement. Now it is backfiring on him.

It was wrong to call the Clintons racists.

We all know that they are not.

So now he is the one responsible for the lack of unity in the party.

It will not unite in Nov.

Karen   May 10th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Clinton is showing her true color: if not the party nominee, then the VP; if not the VP, then split the party; if cannot spilt the party, then damage Obama for her ambition in 2012.

I'm sure Limbaugh and Hannity are appluding her effort; she is their gun.
That is why Obama is fighting on both fronts. In fact, fighting this ego-driven Clintonism is more challenging then fighting McCain. If you still do not realize it, then face it now: this primary is the main battle field in this election year, simply because political cancer emboddied by Clintion is too pervasive and too deep in our system.

Wake up, Clinton voters. Given the high turnout this primary season, I do not see how McCain can win even if half of you vote for him. You can stick to Clinton and lose, or vote for Obama and win the election. It is your own choice.

linda-Texas   May 10th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Senator Obama's in not an accurate representation of the majority of voters in this primary election. With the voters of two state being disenfranchised by the DNC and the questionable results of the caucuses, the primary election is a complete farce.

The true majority will have their votes counted in the general election. Senator Obama may win the nomination but I would not put any money on him winning the general election.

Bitter Surburban voter   May 10th, 2008 11:59 am ET

It shows Obama's race will be a factor in the general election.

Juan Carlos(Vegas)   May 10th, 2008 11:59 am ET

It means that even some Democrats will not ever vote for Obama, so He is going to lose on November. (I meant the corrupt media is going to lose on November)

CNN is a Joke   May 10th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Wait… so after Tuesday's primary you couldn't WAIT to pronounce the race over and call the remaining contests meaningless, but now West Virginia - a state there has NEVER been any question would go to Hillary decisively - could send a "sobering statement" to the Democratic party.

You idiots never cease to amaze me. What happened to "journalism"? It's all sensationalism. You're as bad as Fox "News".

GO OBAMA!

Kirk   May 10th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

It Means Obama Can Not Win The White Lunch Bucket Folk !!! He Can't handle The pressure , Look At What Obama said

Obama 57 state strategy:
Whoops, Obama in Oregon today:

It is wonderful to be back in Oregon," Obama said. "Over the last 15 months, we"ve traveled to every corner of the United States. I"ve now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it."

The Times' conscientious Robin Abcarian thought she heard something different there. She checked her tape recorder. It had captured what he had actually said — 57 states now.

He even paused before he said "57″ as if he was thinking about the number

Wow this is funnier than any Bush fowl-ups

Hillary 08 ,

B, USA   May 10th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

NOTHING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After all according to HRC small states don't matter

We have a NOMINEE already

Just another trick up their sleeves to say HRC won by large margin. It's over and better luck next time.

A Sobering Message?   May 10th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Right now Obama is ahead by 164 delegates. Even if West Virginia reduced the gap by 14, Obama would still be ahead by 150. How could that send "a sobering message" to Obama? Ridiculous.

Dems2008   May 10th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

I doesn't show anything.

Once Clinton leaves the race, we will all coalese behind our democratic candidate. Obama could't have lead the way without a big portion of the white vote and we all know the differences between Clinton and Obama were minute–it explodes when you compare McCain and Obama.

Once women realize that McCain will do his best to overthrow Rowe v. Wade, replacing retiring judges with overly conservative one and expanding tax breks for the wealthy (do you like crumbs)?

This race was exciting to say the least– but its now a done deal!

Lucy   May 10th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Hillary would be getting even higher numbers if Republican women were allowed to vote for her in this state.

OBAMA CANNOT WIN IN NOVEMBER!!!   May 10th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

IT MEANS OBAMA CANNOT WIN THE LARGE STATES NEEDED FOR THE GENERAL!

WE WILL BE GETTING McCAIN!

HILLARY IS OUR ONLY SAVING GRACE!

IF SHE IS DENIED WE ARE DOOMED!!!!!!

right to vote.   May 10th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

It means EVERYone- even poor white people have the right to vote for the candidate of their choice, without being branded racists.

It means that the racial divide Obama created to fuel his rise will work against him in Nov.

He chose to divide by race.

Mary   May 10th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

West Virginia is holding firm because has made this a race war. It is a shameful way to get votes in difficult times like these. He 'new-base' is listening to her and so is the media.

Steve   May 10th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

who cares? it's over. she is doing more harm to the dems than anything at this point.

nyangena   May 10th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

There is a demographic group that will not vote for hilary or Obama in any election (ferminist vs racist).but lets face it out of the two, Obama attracts a larger constituency .

Josh   May 10th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

What might West Virginia's primary mean?

Nothing.

Paul   May 10th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Tell us something we dont know…!!

It wont make any difference! Even Obama has admmited that
he doesnt have a chance in WV..

He is too far ahead, Clinton is as good as gone!

Robert   May 10th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Go Hillary..Show em that this race is NOT over!

Glenn, Cary, NC   May 10th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

So now the Obamabots will say:

1) Insulting things about West Virginia and West Virginians
2) Insulting things about supporters of Senator Clinton
3) That Senator Clinton and her supporters and West Virginians are racists because they are white
4) That it doesn't matter because Senator Clinton has long been favored in West Virginia (never mind that Senator Obama was always favored in NC, that one counts because he only lost half of his early lead)
5) That it doesn't matter because Senator Obama has already won (not true)
6) That it doesn't matter because Senator Obama is going to win anyway (could be, you never know, have you kids ever heard of a man named Thomas Eagleton?)
7) That CNN is biased because they occasionally say something about Senator Clinton that isn't nasty

Just thought I would save you all the trouble of reading all the other comments.

Michael in MO   May 10th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Media mavens have decided that Barack must be the nominee - not the voters. Unfortunately, we are a 30″ sound bite/video clip culture, and tend less to think/research the truth. It is long overdue for all of us to finally stop playing the American Idol game and acknowledge the hypocracy of Obama. He is an empty suit - a proven racist, and a pathological liar. He does not offer this country leadership in any tangible sense - he offers words. He offers hope. We don't have time to "hope" for "change." For someone who touts not being a part of the Washington system, his "change" platform is one of the oldest politcal dog-n-pony shows known.

Both Senator Clinton and Obama represent a unique opportunity via race or gender. The difference lies in experience and tenacity, which Senator Clinton offers in volumes. If Obama were white, older, and lacked the orator skills he has, he would have gone the way of Dennis Kusinich months ago, as he is no different - admirable for change, but not leadership material. This man has no vested interests in the needs of Americans and the betterment of our country, domestically and internationally. He is in this for one thing only - Obama. For the country's sake, please get real and vote for Hillary. Research the facts and positions – educate yourselves. Without question, you will find Hillary to be the obvious choice for president.

Demian   May 10th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

God help us , if Obama puts Clinton on the ticket. With a Clinton in the White House, it would be an inside plotters heaven. Also,

Maybe W. Virginia will surprise all of us by keeping the expected Clinton victory to a smaller margin.

Ken   May 10th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Obama can not and will not win in November.I have been a registered Democrat for over 20 years.I have always voted for a Democrat.But what I am seeing now,with in the Democratic Party sickens me,I will register as an independent.
Go Hillary,fight the good fight.

PJ Boise ID   May 10th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

It will mean with Hillary's help, Obama will be the next president (not as a vp though). If Hillary keeps attacking him she can run against McCain in 2012.

Haneefah   May 10th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

This is just what most people are talking about, Senator Clinton is really playing the race card and a lot of white people are falling for it also. She is really telling White people to show their racism and let the world know that they will not tolerate any other race in the White House but White people. Senator Clinton said it herself that the only hard working people are White people and White Blue Collar workers. She did not say that their are Black, Latino, Asian, African, etc. Blue Collar workers. I am an African American woman, I teach and I am insulted that she feels that white people are the only people that work.

Haneefah
Stone Mountain, GA

Joss   May 10th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Even if she wins 100% it still won't help her towards becoming the nominee. If she cares about the future of the democratic party and of Obama's chances at becoming the next president over McCain then she needs to drop out before West Virginia.

You lost Hillary. Sorry - face it.

Jim Nammack; Kentucky   May 10th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Why is it that Sen. Clinton is the only one that needs to do the math? The way things are going now, she will not have the 2025 delegte votes needed to win her party's nomination on the first ballot. But, the way things are going now, neither will Sen. Obama have the 2025 delegate votes needed to win his party's nomination on the first ballot. So why doesn't CNN and the rest of the media hop all over Obama and ask why is he still running, what is his exit strategy, why can't he do the math, and so forth and so on?

CNN seems to think that it is a case of the candidate with the most votes winning the Democratic nomination. Totally wrong. It is a case of the candidate with 2025 delegate votes winning the Democratic nomination. That will not happen on the first vote taken at the convention. After that first vote, in which neither candidate wins, the pledged delegates become unpledged and can vote for whomever they please. And they will. It will become a free-for-all. With her expected big wins in West Virginia and Kentucky, Clinton will have a good chance at winning more total votes among the general public than Obama, and she will try to use that to sway delegates to vote for her on the 2nd and 3rd ballots. If, after a few convention votes take place and neither candidate has gone over the top with the required 2025 delegate votes, the delegates will start considering compromise canditates, such as Al Gore.

Don't expect to learn any of this by watching CNN.

Kevin M   May 10th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

WV & KY will offer Hillary an opportunity to exit on a high note. Hillary and the media will magnify the significance of 4 ECV in the fall to overwhelming significance. Hillary will have a week to argue that she is more electable. Obama will likely have a majority of the pledged delegates after Oregon and will continue to campaign against McCain until the superdelegates put him over the top by June 6th at the latest.

Brian from Iowa   May 10th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

A friend of mine — an Obama supporter, nonetheless — told me in the kitchen we work in last night that the "…[fanatical] supporters are beginning to show themselves for the general election."

Indeed. Post-partisan politics, I think not.

Let the PEOPLE have their votes counted: do NOT force a viable candidate from the race until every voice has been heard!!!

super irony   May 10th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

It means that Obama can not seal the deal with the people so the superdelegates must decide who the democratic party nominee is.

The superdelegates are the old Washington Insiders that Obama rants against. They are responsible for the broken Washington.

Ironically Obama must now appeal to the old Washington insiders who broke Washinton, in order to secure himself the nomination.

How sad for the candidate of change.

Kirk   May 10th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Can Obama Handle The Stress ?

Obama 57 state strategy:
Whoops, Obama in Oregon today:

It is wonderful to be back in Oregon," Obama said. "Over the last 15 months, we"ve traveled to every corner of the United States. I"ve now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it."

The Times' conscientious Robin Abcarian thought she heard something different there. She checked her tape recorder. It had captured what he had actually said — 57 states now.

He even paused before he said "57″ as if he was thinking about the number

Wow this is funnier than any Bush fowl-ups

Hillary 2008 , Ready To Lead On Day One

Dinah   May 10th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Its a tragic end to the Clintons..
They're trying to end this in a higher note by winning big.
So,a 46-year-old, 1st term Black senator could topple the clinton dynasty…
Do we need any more proof
about his ability to make WORLD a better place for all??

Dems2008   May 10th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Not much… WV will probably go to the republicans if thy don't get concrete solutions to their poblems. They don't need to be pandered to or scared into thinking Clinton is the ONLY answer to their problems.

David, Paducah, Kentucky   May 10th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

A win in West Virginia, regardless of the margin means absolutely nothing. The overall spread is too great and its too late in the primary season. The States demographics are custom made for her, just like some of the other States were custom made for Obama. The primaries in all of those States refelcted that.

DELMARVA   May 10th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Hillary could win 200% of the vote in West Virginia's primary and she still wouldn't win the nomination.

walrusk1   May 10th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Who cares? This race is done.

Alex in MA   May 10th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

What might WV primary mean?

NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! IT'S OVER HILLARY. LET'S MOVE ON!

LINDA,FL   May 10th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

It does not mean more , than MS and WA for example.
Please, add those to Your picture to make it complete.

CNN, It is not a fair in this article.
And that makes people upset.

Fred   May 10th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Oregon will make up the differance for Obama. We have been right on picking the Presedent. And believe me we didnt vote for Bush. 1st or 2nd term. What a bad pick that was . Any body that voted for him should blame them selfs for the way this country has gone.

JerzyMD   May 10th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

It means she won West Virginia. Its amazing how we come up with so many spins and twists to something that is very simple, whoever has the most votes wins. It doesn't matter who has the most votes in the third quarter because at the end of the game whoever has the most points wins. END OF STORY.

Its the Math stupid!   May 10th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Lets see….
NC Obama 65 /Clinton 50
IN Obama34 / Clinton 38
Total from Primaries Obama 99 / Clinton 88
Say she gets 75% popular vote in beautiful WV
WV Obama7 / Clinton 21

Here's the REAL message

Today Obama 1861 / Clinton 1698, currently at a 163 deficit with only 217 delegates to go, which will always be split….something to think about while discussing messages

Mich   May 10th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Nothing.

Its all decided now that RACE played a big role, and Obama was beneficiary of it.

He is winning superdelegates from all over the muslim world, his distant cousins. Dems aer hell bound seeing Rezko and Wright in White Hosue dining with OhBama.

BV   May 10th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

West Virginia? 28 Delegates? Demographics that overwhelmingly favor Clinton?
Wow, what significance. If WV is such a big deal, why wasn't Mississippi a big deal?
Mississippi has slightly more delegates and demographics that HEAVILY favored Obama. Nobody questioned Hillary's ability to 'win the black vote' in the general election after Mississippi. Double standard much?
Quit trying to add significance to any remaining state primaries. The math hasn't changed since March. I know you media types are aching for this endless Christmas present to keep on giving, but its just getting silly.
OBAMA is the Nominee. Sorry, true story.

Marty   May 10th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

It means nothing in the grand scheme of things. Obama is the nominee. I know CNN favors Hillary, but it's time for you - and especially Hillary shill Wolf Blitzer - to let her go.

Obama 08

Amy   May 10th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Hillary has shown more interest in West Virginia than Obama. She has been making stops in this state since last summer. I have yet to see Obama come to WV.

Bobby tray   May 10th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

It doesn't say a thing as it was expected. . . Only the media is going to make a big deal about it. Talk about creating news.

Hal   May 10th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

It is my sincere hope that the people of W. Virginia do not live up to the stereotypes of them put forth by the media but I would not be surprised if in a two person race between a OMG "black" man and a white lady that the results are out of line with the rest of the civilized world.

The oldest, whitest and most poorly educated state in the Union. Hmmmmmmmm I wonder why Hillary will win there. It is not like they will vote for the Dems in the general election anyway. So this is hardly a bell-weather state for the DNC to be looking at.

Hamilton, Kansas City   May 10th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

It will show that even with all of the lies, double-talk, smearing, and pandering that there are still many racists in this country who would vote for Hilary over Barack Obama.

Chas   May 10th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

The results from West Virginia will be irrelevant. Obama has already locked up the nomination, and we already know that he doesn't do well among supporters of Sen. Clinton. But Obama could put other states in play (e.g. Colorado) that normally vote Republican, and he's also attracted many new voters. He may not win the election, but I think it's time that Democrats tried a different strategy and gave up trying to out-Republican the Republicans.

Kelvin   May 10th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

It will mean absolutely nothing, just delaying the inevitable.

Obama 08′

isn't it ironic   May 10th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Obama the man of change… who speaks of a broken washington… and of the old washington insiders who broke it- must NOW ask those old washington insiders to GIVE him the democratic nomination.

Ted Kennedy and the superdelegates are nothing but old washington insiders. Now they will vote and select the party nominee- NOT the people.

Obama should be shunning and denouncing them- instead he is courting them. What a hypocritical liar.

wakethehellup!!!!!   May 10th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

This mean don't cound Hillary our and the SD's need to wake up!

very smart lady   May 10th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Good for West Virginia. Somebody better wake up and smell the coffee. Ob