Comments on: Analysis: Why Clinton's bid failed

By: Sally M from Virginia

Sally M from Virginia — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:15:40 +0000

I have grown tired of watching the media circus over the presidential election over the last year and a half. I have watched and questioned the candidates capabilities and their promises, possibly one of the few people who didn't make a choice based on the sound bites provided by the media on nightly tv. I believe I made a more educated critical analysis of entire speeches and printed media. I watched as the media described Senator Clinton's "crying episode" in New Hampshire when in fact the complete video showed that her voice shook but never showed her crying. The sound bite implied otherwise. I had friends who watched the nightly news and asked me what do you think about Hiliary's emotional breakdown. I saw many other examples throughout the campaign where the media misinterpreted the facts. I dont know why the media came out so strong against Senator Clinton, why they treated her with such disrespect or why they always saught to characterize her in unflatering ways. As with the stolen Gore election, we will never know what she could have done as President, but I strongly believe the media needs to step up to the plate and take "their" responsibility for the Clinton loss as opposed to blaming in on a War vote 8 years ago. Sally

By: Mike in Calgary

Mike in Calgary — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:00:01 +0000

One only had to see her petulant, insulting and small-minded behaviour in the South Carolina and Texas debates to know that she was not ready for primetime!
She blew it in Myrtle Beach with her intemperate remarks and gratuitous insults..
Mike

By: keke

keke — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:53:49 +0000

The real question is not why Clinton failed, because she came so incredibly close that it could have gone either way, give or take a couple of states and a slight difference in the scheduling of contests. The real question is how did Obama win ? The answer is timing. We're at a time when Change, as a platform, resonates deeply with a huge segment of the electorate. People just yearn for something, someone new in Washington. This is particularly true with the younger people. Obama happens to be the most credible of the candidates on change. He is in fact the embodiment of change.

By: Nowhere Man

Nowhere Man — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:52:55 +0000

The Hillary defeat will go down as the biggest CHOKE by any politician .... EVER! Going into to this she had everything : Name recognition, wife of a popular ex-president, two term Senator, cash flowing into her coffers on a daily basis, "Ready Day One" with her 35,000 years of experience, the Inevitable Candidate, No Worries, just bring on the Rep challenger!

They will be writing books about this for years to come about one of the worst campaigns ever run. The second-guessing, the backroom hysterics, the gnashing of teeth, the finger-pointing will go on for a very, very, very long time ..........

Obama '08!

By: Bridgette - PA

Bridgette - PA — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:52:44 +0000

The first reason is the Caucuses! She only won 3 out of 14. Do you remember her giving interviews downplaying them? I DO! I didn't understand what they were so I read about them right before IOWA and I didn't understand what she was thinking (or not). I still can't believe it. Mark Penn should have been fired right after IOWA.The second reason is SHE UNDERESTIMATED AND MISUNDERSTOOD BARACK OBAMA. How could she allow a charismatic guy without any prior real washington experience sneak in and make history?? My, My......I LOVE IT! I have been thanking her and her campaign since Tuesday night

OBAMA / SEBELIUS 08!

By: Kick Hillary to the Curb

Kick Hillary to the Curb — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:49:31 +0000

Because she ran on false pretenses of 35yrs of experience which everyone knows she has about 7yrs of senatorial experience and Barack has about 11yrs. This platform she ran on was a lie so of course she will not win. Why is no one talking about the "operation chaos' that Rush Limbaugh organized to get republican voters to vote for Hillary. This is about 400, 000 votes. Please bring this key concept up, CNN.

please post.
thanks

By: Debra

Debra — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:45:10 +0000

Hillary campaigned like this was still the 90s, she underestimated the other candidates, especially Obama and never had a constant theme. Obama stayed true to his theme of change. Both these candidates are very similar with thier stances on the issues. Hillary wasn't rejected and should be proud of her accomplishments. On the other hand kudos must be given to Obama and his camp for turning out new voters, especially the youth vote and using the internet. Obama survived Rev Wright, the

By: See ya

See ya — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:45:09 +0000

.... WHY you ask?

Nasty politics
Selfish determination
Undermining her own party
Racism
Sexism (by her own husband)
Greed
Victimhood
Abuse of power
Abuse of finances
Lying
Hypocrisy
Force
Traitor to her own party by working with Karl Rove
Gimmicky
Pandering
"My father worked a fulltime job since the age of 11, and my mother since the age of 13" = MORE LIES, NEW LIES and UNWAVING LIES

and of course.....

Bill

By: shannonL

shannonL — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:44:53 +0000

Her campaign people are morons.

By: Patriot Patrick of Houston

Patriot Patrick of Houston — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:42:26 +0000

Why is the loser getting so much press!!?? She lost! Period. CNN, the clinton news network should really get a grip on reality. The story should be about Obama, the first Black man to do what he's done. Bottom line is if hillary's accomplishment are so amazing, the n barack's accomplishment must make her's pale in comparisom(being the WINNER and all). And the next time anyone complains about unfaiir treatment by the press, remind them that HILLARY's PASTOR was convicted of molesting a 7 year old!!! That case was never given the coverage it warranted. That's outrageous.

By: No McSame

No McSame — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:39:14 +0000

Failure to me lay at the feet of her supporters. They were loud at the DNC meeting but quiet when it came to giving her money. Hillary did not have the financial support that she needed to go up against McSame and the GOP. Obama has more funds than Hillary and the DNC put together. My money was well spent and I will give him more soon and I hope the many of you will follow so that we can beat McSame.

By: franco

franco — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:36:59 +0000

So the establishment in the Democratic Party picked up Obama over Hillary, the strongest candidate to win in november.

Now, as a Hillary supporter, I will vote for McCain. Hillary must endorse Obama because she has to. But I do not have to vote for Obama.

But the way, I am a male.

Go McCain, the American Hero, to protect the American values!!!
God Bless America!!!

By: Antoine

Antoine — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:33:33 +0000

This is a very good analysis of what went wrong. First of all the "inevitable" label that Clinton put on herself turned voters off. People don't like candidates who feel "entitled". Then she failed to see that people wanted change this election season. She choose experience and lost. Finally, she underestimated her opponents. Coaches constantly tell their players never to underestimate their opponents. She figured she'd have this wrapped up in February and made no plans for post Super Tuesday. Obama did and he won 11 straight contests, effectively putting a huge distance between the two. The rest is history.

By: amp

amp — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:32:08 +0000

Throughout this primary season, one thing that came out crystal clear is the political hypocrazy of media outlets like CNN. CNN's election coverage is disgusting. With the pretext of being neutral in their coverage, CNN promoted Obama shamelessly. Hypocrazy in its worst form with their self proclaimed "Worst Ploitical Team on Telivision". They bashed Clinton in every conceivable ways. I no longer belive CNN's public opinion polls. Its only purpose is to influence public opinion in favour of Obama. I was forced to watch CNN as it was the only cable news channel offered by its parent company Time Warner Cable. I'm changing to another cable service.

By: paul

paul — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:31:06 +0000

So what were the three insurmountable advantages that Clinton was perceived to have had? I only counted two.

I hate it when they do that.

By: Only Hillary

Only Hillary — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:30:35 +0000

The media gained up on her and forced her out.

By: Ed, Santa Fe, NM

Ed, Santa Fe, NM — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:29:01 +0000

She failed because she wasn't the best candidate. How's that for a simple answer?

Hillary would also be a lousy VP on Obama's ticket because she is not aligned with his vision of hope for the future.

NO CLINTONS for VP

By: martin

martin — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:28:33 +0000

hillarys failure is due to dirty politicking,and bad manners by her supporters.i hope they all stop their stupid comments,now.im sure some will be idiots,forever,tho.

By: jay

jay — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:21:29 +0000

I don't know if I'm correct. But isn't Shirly Chisholm the first woman to run for pesident. Also the first african american. But I know that she didn't make it far.

By: Ex-Hillary supporter

Ex-Hillary supporter — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:21:07 +0000

Her bid failed because:-
1) She lied to voters
2) She pandered to voters
3) She played the whole deck of cards, race, gender and victim
4) She was too negative, too often, praising McCain at the expense of
Obama
5) She entered this race with a sense of entitlement which she is still
clinging on to.
6) Obama proved himself to be a more worthy candidate.

By: Janet, 60+White Female American via Canada

Janet, 60+White Female American via Canada — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:20:35 +0000

The American People wanted "Out with the Old" and "In With the NEW".

This was evident, even Clintons Camp under estimated!

Evolution of Life took some people by surprise!

By: Obama 08: Female, 60, white

Obama 08: Female, 60, white — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:18:55 +0000

I find it objectionable that the press keeps saying that Clinton "failed"...no one can earn the votes and respect she earned from her millions of supporters.

Best wishes to her and many accomplishments for the country and her party lie ahead.

By: Walt, Belton,TX

Walt, Belton,TX — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:17:45 +0000

Waiting for the third insurmountable advantage................

Duh.....................

Guess now we know the reason she failed. It's like 1, 2, ?

By: GERALD STROTHER

GERALD STROTHER — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:16:32 +0000

BECAUSE THEY LIKE OBAMA MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LIKE TO !!!!!!!!TODAY SHE IS 5 SHORT !! WHY ? OBAMA WOULD DONE IT WEEKS AGO !! ALLL ABOUT HER!!!

By: Larry

Larry — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:15:18 +0000

It failed because the dnc chose who they wanted to back regardless of who had the most votes.. And supers stuck their noses in it and chose who they wanted before it was fairly decided by the voters. You would be surprised by the number of websites being set up to support McCain by the backers of Hilary, who are pretty set in there ways and no matter what Hilary asks them now they will not support BO, MY vote goes to McCain! 08

By: kim

kim — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:14:51 +0000

As much as I'm for a woman president Hillary has been great at kicking in the door for the cause. I just don't think most people want her doing that representing the U.S.

By: Louise

Louise — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:14:46 +0000

Let's hope Hillary speech today will say she will retire and go home you guys talk about the Clintons like they are Gods or they own the world.
Please Obama put as much distance between you and the Clinton as you can, Obama do not need Hillary to clinch the office of President of the United States, just as the reach the 17 millions that voted for him he can and will reach out to those 18 millions who voted for Hillary.
To those 18 millions, if you don't vote or vote for McCain, you will continue to be ignore by your government who you pay your taxes to,your children will continue to die for no cause,and you will continue to see no relief in gas, food prices,more homes being foreclose.
We need change ,please listen with your ears and not your hearts,this is not about making history,this is about your children and your children,childrens.

By: A.J. in Fla

A.J. in Fla — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:11:17 +0000

Very simply and it will cost you nothing, "The past came into play "

By: Chuck in Alabama

Chuck in Alabama — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:04:55 +0000

Media and Misogyny. Next question.

By: DannyCali

DannyCali — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:04:31 +0000

I know why......because the men, young kids and AA'S their have no knowledge no experience to pick the best President so their going to learn in general election if their still throw Hillary under the bus. I think Hillary is better President than Obama and McCain but most of the men in this country just don't want her to get power that's why she lost he bid.

By: Chuck, Democrats United We Stand

Chuck, Democrats United We Stand — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:04:05 +0000

Clinton had a lengthy list of seemingly insurmountable advantages, but three factors in particular made her a lock: One was her husband, the former president who still hovers around the top of the list of most admired chief executives and influential Democrats.

The above statement from your article was her main down fall. Hillary should have run on her own merit and not that of her husbands. This was her greatest mistake in the minds of many Oregonians that I have talked to. Maybe she will learn from this mistake and make a bid for the white house after 8 years of Obama. We really need to keep the republicans out of office for a good 16 – 24 years and keep a democrat in office that continues the platform and direction Obama sets.

By: seah

seah — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:03:53 +0000

Hillary ran against, Obama, the DNC and the Media.

She got the majority of Democrat voters. The sane ones, The ones who cared about the country.

Obama got the votes from the Black community and minorities, IN a vow of Solidarity and the Black movement.

Him getting more delegates was Due to that fact the blacks they took up the high populated areas.

The DNC making public appearances, making statements feeding the media, which influenced voters.

The Dnc Pressuring Super Delegates to go public, influencing voters as they knew it would.

Donna Brazzie threatening Blood in the Streets. Pressuring other super delegates. through the media.

By: An Ohio Oracle

An Ohio Oracle — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:02:59 +0000

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

CLINTON DIDN'T LOSE. The DNC appointed Obama as the current nominee. Clinton won the states with the most electoral votes. She won the most votes cast. She won the biggest states. She won most of the elections since February. So how did Obama get the nod? You have to ask yourself that question. Pure politics, my friend. The usual. It is code, to say, women don't apply again.

*****************************************************************

By: Bill from Cleveland, ohio

Bill from Cleveland, ohio — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:00:55 +0000

Hillary would have won the nomination hands down if all the blacks

would not have voted for Obama. They voted for Obama because he

was black , not because they felt he would be the best canidate.

We are going to loose in November, and now another Bush to look

forward to.

By: After further review,Texas

After further review,Texas — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:00:17 +0000

She failed because she is a closet Republican as was her husband.But not a true republican,a corporate lacky Republican.The real Repulican party was hijacked years ago.

By: Roy

Roy — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:59:59 +0000

I find it sad (and typical of CNN) how incomplete this analysis is.
If her popularity was plummeting so badly, why did she continue to win more primaries than Obama in the last few months despite his dramatically higher budget?
Why is the role of the media being ignored here? Of course, because you are the media and don't want to admit how badly you overstepped your bounds in this race.
Why is the role of the bullying DNC being ignored here?
Every "analysis" of her failed bid is built upon empty rhetoric. So many things say her campaign went so negative and was so horrible to precious teflon obama. I have seen no concrete example.
A complete analysis would recognize the media and DNC's role in bullying and encouraging a mob/cult mentality.
A complete analysis would reflect on how hilarious it is that a political party in this day and age had a choice, and choose the weaker candidate.

By: Shame on you CNN

Shame on you CNN — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:59:25 +0000

One of the reasons HRC lost was becasue of sexism and the biased reporting of news agencies like CNN. The media needs to take responsibility for their actions and their contributions to this loss. HRC worked tirelessly in hopes of bringing healthcare to the millions who don't have it. SO IF YOU HAVE LOST A GOOD THING I GUESS YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE. – except the media staff already have healthcare so what do you care if it helps you sell your rag.

SHAME ON YOU CNN

By: California Voter

California Voter — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:59:03 +0000

Actually, her failure was not in the popular vote, but in the critical delegate votes - and that is what counted in the primary. One of the main reasons her bid failed was that the press was not behind her. Listening to the various news/political analysts, the bias for Obama was only too evident. More importantly, the mainstream press refused to bring out issues that might reflect poorly on Obama when they were first raised over a year ago. Bottom line Obama was an unknown except for his fine speech at the last democratic convention. Another reason for her failure had to do with the republicans who has hated the Clintons forever. And finally, here campaign misjudged the importance of the the momentum Obama gained by winning caucus states. And finally, not having both Michigan and Florida's votes count
was another reason. Oh, and it didn't hurt that Obama outspent her.

By: Nevada Mom

Nevada Mom — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:58:29 +0000

I am sure that Senator Clinton's campaign made some mistakes, but I don't think there was a whole lot they could do to stop the Obama movement.
The unfortunate truth for the Clinton camp is that they just happened to run at a time when change was the motivation for many voters and there was another candidate with a magnetic appeal who embodied change in nearly every way.
It isn't so much that she failed – she did win a hell of a lot of votes. It is more that Obama was just unstoppable.
McCain is about to find out the same thing.

By: The Bush Twins : George and John

The Bush Twins : George and John — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:54:45 +0000

Why Clinton's bid failed, let me count the ways :
1. She got negitive
2.She lied
3.She got caught lying
4.Couldn't control Bill and his mouth
5.Her campaign staff didn't have a clue
6.Couldn't manage her money
7.played the race card
8.played the victim card
9.played the sexism card
10. went into it thinking she was entitled
The list is endless. And no I do not want her on the ballot.

By: Herman In LA

Herman In LA — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:54:33 +0000

It doesn't matter now why she failed CNN, she ran a good race and now it's over ok so let it go.

Hillary you will not be forgotten and Barack will have your back.

Note to all of Hillary supporters a vote against Barack will be a vote against Hillary for Barack to be able to help her like he wished to do.

Democrats we must unite to defeat John McCain’s and George Bush and the republicans so we can take back the white House and our country.

By: Cindy Shelton

Cindy Shelton — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:53:52 +0000

Obama is making history, but all we are hearing about is Hillary. Get off the stage!! The Clintons just don't know when to say goodbye! Does Hillary know what the term "stealing the thunder" means? She is really turning a lot of people off – including myself.

By: Bubba

Bubba — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:51:09 +0000

There is no long winded reason or super in-depth analysis why she failed. Voters saw what she is....untrustworthy. That's THE reason.

By: vic nashville,Tn

vic nashville,Tn — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:48:57 +0000

She didn’t lose the primary , she got 18 millions votes
DNC and mainstream media decide the nominee
With out the support of super delegates Obama can’t win the nomination
This the fact so my vote for Mc Cain

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:47:14 +0000

Why is all the news about why Senator Clinton lost the democratic nomination? Why is it not about why Senator Obama won the democratic nomination. By the coverage it seems like she won and he lost making it seem as if he is being held hostage by the press????

By: Fred O'halloran

Fred O'halloran — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:44:17 +0000

Hillary Clinton lost the nomination because of waaaaaay too many goof-ups in her campaign. This would also include extremely damaging statements made by her husband right before the South Carolina primary. She then makes it public knowledge that she may garnish peoples wages in order to help pay for her universal healthcare plan.

Further, she talks about the sniper fire that she dodged on a trip to Bosnia, and none of that ever occurred. And her lame explanation for that statement hurt her even more. Then there was the continuous shake-up within her own campaign that kept things off balance.

But most importantly, what really hurt her more than anything else, was when she and her advisers, very badly underestimated the impact of a well groomed and organized Obama campaign. They had absolutely no idea that he would win as many states as he did. They were taken by complete surprise and wasn't able to fully recover in the process.

So there you have it folks! The best of the best has won this dramatic finish, and now it's time to move on to the general election.

By: Generation X

Generation X — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:42:45 +0000

Hillary surrounded her self around idiots. LOL...First her husband, Bill.

By: Barrington of Cambridge

Barrington of Cambridge — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:42:42 +0000

She ran an arrogant campaign as if she was the incumbant. She refused to say EARLY that the decision to go to war was WRONG ... again arrogance in that she thought she didn't have to.

Hillary lied toooooooo many times! She whined when things weren't going her way. She froze competition by playing the sexism card (that is just not presidential). Bill Clinton does not have much respect for her and should have been left on the sidelines throughout the campaign. His last name was enough.

She is not presidential material however did prove that women can win that office ... just not her.

Nancy Polosi, the first female speaker of the house is a true female American icon ... no doubt about that! Her integrity has NEVER been questioned. She's a great woman!!!

By: mama coo

mama coo — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:42:01 +0000

Because of the biased media and biased DNC. Obama had the forces with him and they were completely against Senator Clinton. It was okay to be sexist but mention race in any context and it was considered a mortal sin. There was a concerted effort to portray everything Clinton as bad and racist. Small things taken out of context. Double standards for the Clinton's. Republicans playing mischief during the primaries. The Obama camp constantly whining about a regular campaign. The Clinton's are negative whenever they attempted to point out differences. The complete unfairness of caucuses. In Texas, the Primaries and caucuses. Hillary Clinton wins the Primary but looses in the unfair caucuses. The way the delegates were proportioned. You win the state but get less delegates. The length of the primaries. The amount of money needlessly spent. The horrible Obama fans/bloggers.... Senator Clinton was treated worse by Democrats than Republicans ever did. It will be hard to forget.

By: Barrington of Cambridge

Barrington of Cambridge — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:41:44 +0000

She ran an arrogant campaign as if she was the incumbant. She refused to say EARLY that the decision to go to war was WRONG ... again arrogance in that she thought she didn't have to.

She is not presidential material however did prove that women can win that office ... just not her.

Nancy Polosi, the first female speaker of the house is a true female American icon ... no doubt about that. Her integrity has NEVER been questioned. She's great woman!!!