Money Pours In For Clinton, Obama

Something has lit a grassfire under the hind quarters of Democrats who support Hillary Clinton.

In the 24 hours since polls closed on Super Tuesday, as more than $4M in donations from 35,000 new donors have poured into Clinton's campaign, according to a senior campaign official. (As of 11:00 am, the total is nearly $5M.)

Aided by MoveOn.org';s Obamathon, Obama's campaign has taken in 7.2M since Tuesday.

(Note: a MoveOn adviser says that none of the MoveOn money has been transferred to the Obama campaign, so the 7.2M is all indigenous.)

Both campaigns say that the pressure from the spigot shows no signs of abating.

Some of you Clinton skeptics may be taken aback at the numbers coming from the Clinton campaign in part because they are so discordant. Generally, you don't discover a small donor base overnight...unless you are the Obama campaign. And the question remains for us longform journalists: how did the biggest fundraising machine in history with the reportedly most brilliant campaign ever end up in this situation?

But I've no reason to disbelieve the Clinton campaign today. If they're raising this much money online, their major donors will feel pressure to work harder to bring in the larger donations. If they are nervous, those in their networks get nervous, and when they are bucked up, the ripple effect is the same.

Comments

7 mil + for Obama since Tuesday? Amazing. The grass roots support is what will keep him going through the April contests.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

Posted by matt | February 7, 2008 11:02 AM

All she had to do was work at it. I have no idea why they haven't tried to organize donors online up until now, because her supporters can afford $10 here and there as well, but now that they are focusing, I'm sure she'll be just fine with money. If anything, it's probably them low-balling expectations yet again.

Posted by evie | February 7, 2008 11:06 AM

Her campaign has been poorly run, to say the least. She's the head of the campaign, right? For someone who keeps talking about 35YEARSOFEXPERIENCE and READYONDAYONE, she certainly seems to be weak at the helm of a $100 million ship. She reminds me of other recent leaders who had no Plan B.

Posted by TrueBlue | February 7, 2008 11:22 AM

TPM Election Central has just reported that the 7 million Obama raised *does not* include MoveOn's fundraising. The amount MoveOn raised will be reported later today.

I hope there'll be a correction.

Posted by NoahB | February 7, 2008 11:39 AM

Per TPM Election Central, none of Obama's 7.6 million has come from MoveOn. Which means that there is a whole other bucket of money with Obama's name on it that he hasn't even started counting yet.

Posted by BobJ | February 7, 2008 11:39 AM

The math isn't hard to figure out.
Millions of people have already invested their hopes and votes in her candidacy.
Those that have voted for her want the chance to vote for her in November.
Those in later states want to help her get to their state.
people give when urged to katrina and obama and move on and now Hillary.
I am way more likely to give money than put up a lawn sign.
Obama supporters who throw money away at starbucks are willing to throw money away on political donations and the same is true of hillary supporters.

Posted by Michael C. | February 7, 2008 11:40 AM

Damn you NoahB!

Posted by BobJ | February 7, 2008 11:41 AM

Oh, please. Do not call yourself a journalist. You are anything but that.

Obama is a bubble.

Posted by BeFair | February 7, 2008 11:42 AM

Has Bill been online? Or maybe a friend from Kazakhstan?

Posted by Penny | February 7, 2008 11:42 AM

Is HRC's money primary money? She has 35,000 new donors, sure, but is any of the $5M from people who already maxed out their $2300? She seems to have major problems on this front.

Posted by JDo | February 7, 2008 11:44 AM

Odd how Clinton's fundraising numbers are coming via unnamed and unofficial sources while Obama's showing his right on his website. The only reference I find on her site is Wolfson's claim on her blog this morning: "The response has been overwhelming - stay tuned for more."

Posted by Guy LeCharles Gonzalez | February 7, 2008 11:44 AM

Uh oh.
The Clintons are pawning Bill's sax.
What's next ... ambassadorships and pardons?

Posted by Melanie | February 7, 2008 11:48 AM

Hillary has run a very conventional top down, big state campaign - that is who she is - a conventional politician with conventional backing and ideas.

But she is tapped out and hit a ceiling - it did not take her where she needed to go ( a Sper Tues knock out) - so she has regrouped to try a hasty Plan B - She will raise money - perhaps enough to keep her afloat and bring in enough to compete in Ohio and Texas.

But all this goes to confirm that she is a candidate of the past that has been forced to get up to speed in the 21st Century. She is not leading. She is following, trying to keep up. She may get through, but it isn't confidence building to say the least.

Posted by C.B. | February 7, 2008 11:48 AM

Well, I find it hard to be "taken aback" that Clinton has all of a sudden had a cash transfusion from donors. Telling your supporters that you have to lend your own money to your campaign and that your staff is working for free is a pretty darn good incentive don't you think?
The real issue here is that Obama has never needed the impending financial collapse of his campaign to light the fire under his supporters. In January he raised twice as much as she did although CW dictated that he would be done on Feb. 5th.
Oh yeah, please do focus a little more on "how Hillary got into this situation in the first place". She is the only candidate that can defeat the Republican machine? This being the candidate that has to remake her image every week, put down fires started by surrogates and loan her own campaign money?
Please!

Posted by Rontrel Johnson | February 7, 2008 11:48 AM

Generally, you don't discover a small donor base overnight...unless you are the Obama campaign.

...or unless you announce that your campaign is broke during the most important stretch of the primary season. Her untapped supporters responded when it looked like their candidate is on the ropes.

Seems rather straightforward to me.

Posted by Ryan | February 7, 2008 11:51 AM

I am just starting to feel strange about this Obama wave. It is feeling like a cult. Girls crying, people saying he is GOD?? People voting the other night going I don't care what he stands for or about what - we just want him to win. IT was like a game to them. Please stop and take a breath of fresh air. This is serious business. Not a game.

Posted by Faye | February 7, 2008 11:55 AM

http://islamichope.org/
Feeling strange? Have a look and you'll know why!

Posted by Cindie | February 7, 2008 12:00 PM

Hillary boasts of being a public servant for 35 years. Also she started out with nothing, so that is not, in my opinion, a positive few on what kind of servant she has been that enabled her to loan her campaign 5 million dollars. How can you be a servant and amass that kind of money?

Norm Landis
Ocala, Florida

Posted by Norm Landis | February 7, 2008 12:01 PM

faye. i have seen this wording before, the cult thing. interesting. are you on clinton's payroll? because, *whisper* you may not get paid.

Posted by navi | February 7, 2008 12:05 PM

Cult followers always send alot of money to their preacher. Obama even addresses his supporters as 'believers'.

Posted by Jillian | February 7, 2008 12:05 PM

Cults are also known to gather together in large groups!
And chant slogans in unison!
In matching shirts and hats!

The more you contemplate the parallels, the more terrifying it becomes!!!

Posted by sb | February 7, 2008 12:17 PM

"Cult followers always send alot of money to their preacher. Obama even addresses his supporters as 'believers'." - Jillian

I'd rather belong to a cult where the members chant "Yes, we can" instead of "Yes, SHE can". I know a lot of people are scared to see the Obama "cult" - fear is exactly what Hillary is counting on to keep you as a member of the Clinton "dynasty".

Posted by Rontrel Johnson | February 7, 2008 12:32 PM

I am from the Philippines and I've just donated $100.00 to the Clinton campaign! I think those who are donating to the Obama camp are Republicans who wants him to face off MaCain! They think Obama can be easily buffeted, devoured, scrutinized by the Republicans afterwhich the Obama camp won't know what hit them. Clinton has been ridiculed, maligned, trumped by the media and yet She is still standing tall. Never ever put a lady down! Pres Barack Hussein Obama? You will be the laughing stock of the world! Talk about enhancing US image!

Posted by merryweather | February 7, 2008 12:36 PM

Those that are trying to push the "cult" meme - please educate yourself on all insurgent and populist movements - they speak to the people regarding their needs - in this case the deep need to change the status quo of how our government operates.

But to overcome the entrenched powers and realign the political spectrum in this country - people must be infused with the belief that it is possible. It must be an overwhelming belief or the change does not happen. All movements for change come with idealistic participants and charismatic leaders or they don't come at all. See FDR and JFK.

You may not want a change of this kind or may think the government will somehow change itself. But many think the change is long over due for us to deal with the problems we face now and will face.

Obama, for many, is a REAL opportunity that comes along once in a generation or two. No wonder people are a little enthusiastic and the status quo more than a little scared.

Posted by C.B. | February 7, 2008 12:36 PM

When Bush leaves office, he's going to leave a big mess for the next President. Obama said in one of the debates that he's disorganized. His wife says she has to pick up after him. Do we really want someone like this running the country?

Posted by goldenstate | February 7, 2008 12:52 PM

Maybe Hillary got that money from Mark Penn. Maybe he donated his own campaign salary. After all, he's also pulling down a hefty salary from his "full time" job at his labor bashing firm.

Posted by Nancy | February 7, 2008 12:58 PM

Marc: So you've got no reason to disbelieve Clinton and take everything she says at face value, but you doubt MoveOn's assertion enough to put it in parentheses. Because, God knows, the Clinton campaign never lies. Just like the time they swore to you that Ted Kennedy was not going to endorse anyone.

I don't know, man. Most people, they get burned once, they're smart enough not to touch the stove again.

Posted by Fred App | February 7, 2008 1:00 PM

Emily's List sent me an email solicitation for HRC donations this morning. Perhaps that explains how she's raised so much on the internet all of a suddent. That's a pretty strong counter to any complaint of MoveOn's solicitations for Obama...

Posted by Sara | February 7, 2008 1:04 PM

goldenstate:

What do you think a President does? Sort laundry into the correct bin? There will be plenty of people to keep track of his papers and files and calendar and slippers. He's there to bring people together, view a variety of opinion, use consensus and judgment to make decisions, and dictate policy.

You have to be smart, inspiring, insightful, and decisive to be a leader; you don't necessarily have to be tidy and organized.

Posted by notred | February 7, 2008 1:09 PM

merryweather...are you one of those whacked out, self-hating, Filipinos who gets defensive anytime the word "maid" is used? You have some nerve speaking ill about the US and any of our citizens when you and I both know that the Philippines is an absolute hellhole.

Say hi to BongBong for me.

Posted by Jay | February 7, 2008 1:14 PM

I am a big Hillary supporter since last summer, and I had signed up to give $10/month to her campaign automatically since that wouldn't break my budget.. I work at a university which doesn't pay a big salary and have student loans and a super high cost of living here in DC... When I heard the news about Obama's big fundraising haul and Hillary's team needing money, I went to her site and gave another $50, and will try and give another $50 or $100 soon. It's only a drop in the bucket, I know.

But I actually didn't know she was in a crunch until this news broke, and since she is, I decided to at least find a little more money to give. I figure if I give extra now, that is a very small cost to help elect a president who is absolutely committed to getting us universal health care, which is invaluable to me.

If people are complaining about the Clinton campaign's budgeting, well, take a look at Obama's burn rate and think about what he's done with donor funds sometimes, like renting a huge arena in New Jersey the day after the Giants played in the Super Bowl and only filling 1/6 of the seats, and dumping huge amounts of money into a race in South Carolina that wasn't going to be close since the Clinton camp mostly pulled out of the state in December.

Posted by dg | February 7, 2008 1:23 PM

Jay, some of my best friends in the world are from the Philippines. Their parents are civil servants and doctors and in the service (US Navy). How dare you speak to Merryweather like that.

We may well be a laughing stock with Obama, not because of his name or who he is, but because he has no experience and will be an ineffective leader. Look at what happened when he gave a speech about Pakistan. Does not inspire confidence.

Posted by dg | February 7, 2008 1:30 PM

DG...evidently you've never been to the Philippines. It's a hellhole: corrupt, polluted, overcrowded, crime infested, completely dysfunctional. Give me a break.

Obviously you've never been there and have no clue. I could have inferred that simply by your choice of presidential candidate, but your ignorant post confirms it. Go back to lah-lah land. I'll speak to that little tart however I see fit, thank you.

Posted by Jay | February 7, 2008 1:35 PM

I'm an Obama supporter. I gave to him once in early January and then again after polls closed on Feb 5. Then I saw Hillary's cash trouble. My wife supports her. Together we decided to match what I contributed to Obama, and give it to Hillary.

I want to do my part to make this a fair fight. The two candidates are too good.

Posted by Dan | February 7, 2008 2:00 PM

Uh oh...two people using the tag DG? Or rather, one "DG" and one "dg"...probably best to use more than my initials...

Posted by DG | February 7, 2008 2:02 PM

And the question remains for us longform journalists: how did the biggest fundraising machine in history with the reportedly most brilliant campaign ever end up in this situation?

Marc: I don't think it's the case that the HRC campaign "ended up in this (bad) situation." They've done fine by any reasonable historical standard. It's just that the Obama campaign has been staggeringly effective (the combination of lots of affluent, politically active liberals and the internet are a powerful force; we saw evidence of this in '04 with Dean, and I'd be willing to bet lots of Obama contributors contributed to Dean's campaign).

It's also not surprising that Hillary's campaign has finally, at long lost, begun to turn on the cash spigots; undoubtedly a lot of Clinton supporters -- I'm imagining lots of mature, successful career women -- realize it's now or never. The threat of failure has a way of concentrating the mind.

Posted by Jasper | February 7, 2008 2:09 PM

The threat of failure has a way of concentrating the mind.

Wow, neat phrase. Make that up yourself?

Glad to see you've come out from your shell shocked hole after predicting that Obama would win 3-4 states on Tuesday. Yours was some of the worst prognosticating I've ever seen.

Posted by Joe | February 7, 2008 2:40 PM

The most amusing thing about Team Obama's money is that they can spend it at three times the rate that Hillary spends her and still come up only to a draw. And Obama in the last debate actually claimed to be a good steward of his money. Amusing.

Posted by Mike Meyer | February 7, 2008 3:03 PM

Yours was some of the worst prognosticating I've ever seen.

I didn't predict Obama would only win three or four states; in fact, I distinctly recall on one of Marc's threads disagreeing with a fellow Hillary supporter on this score (I reckoned he would win more like seven or eight). I did correctly predict Hillary would win the popular vote; would emerge as the delegate leader; would clean up in the northeast; would win California; would utterly dominate the Latino vote; and would emerge with momentum.

Although not flawless (I had neglected to properly take into account Obama's reliance on and dominance of the less inclusionary caucus states) I think that's a pretty good record. Obama's drubbing by Hillary in California was an especially devastating blow to his campaign. With Hillary rapidly erasing the financial gap, and with the calender turning to her favor in March, it's obvious she's on her way to ending up with a plurality in both the popular vote and in pledged delegates. Obama's record in big states has been abysmal, and there's no apparent trend that would change this scenario when it comes to Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

I see very little prospect superdelegates will vote against candidate with the most popular votes, and that's why I'm confident she'll ultimately take the nomination.

Posted by Jasper | February 7, 2008 3:04 PM

GO, HILLARY GO!!!!!!!!! I have never felt so strongly about a candidate as I do this woman. She has what it takes to get us out of this mess. Go HILLARY GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Glynis McCants | February 7, 2008 3:04 PM

We just sent another $100.00 to Hillary.
You Go Girl.

Posted by ND Rider | February 7, 2008 3:22 PM

notred:

Obama voted present many times when he was an Illinois senator. He's not decisive. He's wishy washy. Everything you said about Obama can be applied to Hillary except he's better at making speeches. Hillary's accomplishments are far more impressive than Obama's. Take a look at their bios on their websites and see for yourself.

Posted by goldenstate | February 7, 2008 3:32 PM

Not only did Hillary Clinton oppose the passage of the Civil Rights Act, for which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life (as a Goldwater Girl, Hillary was against Lyndon B. Johnson, the president she credits for Dr. King getting to the mountaintop), to make matters worse, New York Senator Clinton was the first 2008 presidential hopeful to invoke the memory of 9-11 during her loosely paraphrased speech, taken straight from the base of the Statue of Liberty, on Super Tuesday.

“Help Make History! Paid for by Hillary Clinton for President.” It’s as if Hillary's current interpretation of the events of 9-11 parallel that of her Civil Rights stance(s). Now Hillary says she’s loaned herself $5 million dollars, of which she asks only $3 million from you in return, in three days. Is that too much to ask? But I remember Hillary’s last invitation to help make history; the call came in California in 1995, and we’re still paying the price: http://theseedsof9-11.com

My 2 cents: Hillary Clinton, always feathering her own nest, always on the wrong side of history. Ps. Send me all your money – yours always, Hillary

Posted by Peggy McGilligan | February 7, 2008 3:47 PM

I was going to contribute to Emily’s List until I found put its name is the acronym, Early Money is Like Yeast. I find this a disgusting, negative reflection on women. I cannot bring myself to give my hard earned money to a woman who touts YEAST as a womanly thing. I am so grossed out!!

At least Obama is in a loving, supportive relationship which is a great example for us all especially our children. Maybe HRC chose Yeast because its what Bill brought home!!

Posted by susan | February 7, 2008 3:53 PM

That's a lot of nights in the Lincoln Bedrooms those Clintons are promising to us!

Posted by Chinese donors | February 7, 2008 4:24 PM

Hillary will do fine, she will continue!

Posted by qster | February 7, 2008 4:37 PM

I just donated to Hillary's campaign, and will continue as I can.

Posted by ShirleyD | February 7, 2008 5:16 PM

Sure...the Dems have all the heat. What been eating away at my mind is...

Mitt Romney. Presidential candidate, or time-traveling android?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz2xwTNTUNU&feature=user

The Romneybot looks like what our future robot overlords imagine we humans want in a president after researching hours of "The West Wing."

Posted by Sammy | February 7, 2008 5:25 PM

Faye, you have it right. It is like a cult following. Many young people and others want to get on the bandwagon. It seems to be join now and think later...or don't think.

Obama is a great orator with no substance. This country is in such shambles with all the travesty of the last seven years we need someone who knows Washington. Hillary Clinton is that woman. She can get to the problems more quickly.

She is getting very little help. The media has piled on her and photos and stories are ten to one in favor of Obama. But she is still standing.

That is the kind of strength we need.

I have been a registered Republican for only God knows how many years. I live in Arizona. I am voting for Hillary Clinton.

Nicki in Arizona

Posted by Nicki | February 7, 2008 5:25 PM

>I was going to contribute to Emily’s List until
>I found put its name is the acronym, Early Money is > Like Yeast. I find this a disgusting, negative >reflection on women. I cannot bring myself to give >my hard earned money to a woman who touts YEAST as >a womanly thing. I am so grossed out!!

That has got to be one of the dumbest comments
I have ever heard for not supporting Clinton.
Oh Susan, hello-oh, yeast, bake bread, make
the dough rise. Just what is unwomanly about
a woman baking breads and pastries for her
family. Are we back to stereotyping housewives
as lesser people than career women?

Posted by Fazzel | February 7, 2008 5:41 PM

just gave $2,300 to HRC. hope she beats the pants off the empty-shirt candidate with a name that sounds eerily like many of the country's past and present enemies. Barack Hussein Obama

Posted by havilland smith | February 7, 2008 6:24 PM

Just donated $300 to Hillary. She's my choice for the Presidency. Will continue to donate. Go Hillary !!!!

Posted by Terry | February 7, 2008 6:32 PM

"Just what is unwomanly about
a woman baking breads and pastries for her
family. Are we back to stereotyping housewives
as lesser people than career women?"

Um, no, Hillary Clinton already did that.
I agree, though, with the assertion that the conclusion taken about the yeast thing was weird. It's an odd world when a woman of any age doesn't associate yeast with bread.

OBAMA '08

Posted by Laura | February 7, 2008 6:48 PM

Susan,

Emily's list is a very worthwhile organization and raises money to support women running for office. The acronym Emily comes from the complete saying

Early Money Is Like Yeast, it raises the dough.

The reference is to making bread and how a starter helps the dough rise. Emily's List starter money helps the money come in for campaigns. Women are traditionally under funded and have a tough time raising the dough.

You don't have to like Hillary Clinton or vote for her. But you might want to get your mind out of the gutter. Just because you have personal problems involving trying to get rid of yeast from your personal "encounters", don't assume everyone else shares your personal woes!

Posted by Ann L | February 7, 2008 7:02 PM

Hillary is Amazing! We little people are giving small bucks - but they added up!

This is awesome. I will donate too. Prob less $ than most people... wish I can afford more. :-(

Posted by FJ Stratford | February 7, 2008 8:42 PM

Obama getting money via the Net is not a surprise. His base is liberal yuppies with cash to burn. Check out those exit polls based on income. The small states like Idaho and Colorado supporting him are the wealthy class making over $100,000 a year.

Clinton's donors are now those who really may not be able to afford that $50 or $100 donation. Her support is from

Posted by John | February 7, 2008 9:22 PM

Clinton's donors are now those who really may not be able to afford that $50 or $100 donation. Her voting support is from those making

Posted by John | February 7, 2008 9:25 PM

Clinton's voters (and possible donors compared to Obama's big-bucks base of academics) are now those who really may not be able to afford that $50 or $100 donation. Her voting support is from those making

Posted by John | February 7, 2008 9:25 PM

Fellow American Voters (and Michigan and Florida voters who are apparently denied that right) Barack Obama's theme song is Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours. I shudder when I hear that song after one of his speeches because it implies Barack HUSSEIN Obama is for sale to the highest bidder, like Bush and McCain (the frightening
new Bush clone) Obama has sliced and diced himself into many portions which he serves to the corporations, lobbiests, senators and celebrities who back him financially and politically for the good of their own agendas. Perhaps those agendas have nothing to do with positive changes for this country. Perhaps those agendas have nothing to do with human rights, civil rights, national security, or ending the potential McCain 100 year war. On Jan. 20, 2009, if Obama wins the Presidency, he WILL be signed, sealed and delivered into the hands of his constituants who have honed their considerable skills on G. Dubbya and are eager for another eight years. God forbid. Wake up, voters. I have never considered the race card an issue, but at this historic time, when our country is literally crying out for hope, Barack Hussein Obama declares that
race IS an issue and then proceeds to make it one. Who is this man? Really? What has he ever done to improve this country or this world?

Get the facts. Go to his website:
http://www.barackobama.com On his site, Barack Hussein Obama DOES NOT list one credential that qualifies him to be the leader of the free world. He DOES NOT list his agenda for change. He DOES NOT list one single goal, not one single promise which he has made to his supporters or to the American public. NOT ONE. The prominent feature of his website? I regret to say it is his grinning face. Mr. Obama, please prove this wrong. Put your agenda, your goals, your financial supporters, your credentials on the record for the world to review. Voters, this time around, for the sake of your future and your children's future, demand full disclosure. You have been conditioned to accept the desecration of our constitutional rights and civil liberties by the Bush regime. It's time this country reclaimed its heart and soul. Go to: http://www.hillaryclinton.com Read for yourself the difference in these two candidates and in Hillary and McCain. Hillary Clinton clearly and permanently states for the record on her extensive website every goal, every agenda, every single promise she has made to the citizens of this great country that she loves. She has devoted her life and her career to these causes
worldwide. She has nothing to hide. She lists her qualifications. She lists her supporters. Hillary Clinton admits that her campaign needs
financial support from voters. She just raised 6 million dollars + from everyday Americans who sent what they could afford in the 24 hours
after super Tuesday. She asks for as little as one dollar from each of her supporters. When she wins, to whom will Hillary Clinton owe her victory? American citizens from every state who lifted their dispairing heads, wiped tears from their weary eyes and reached into their
pockets to support Hillary Clinton's vision for a shining new America. Grassroots Americans, white Americans, black Americans and Hispanics of all ages rose to Hillary's call and united to make a difference. Deny that, Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama. Why won't Barack Obama opt for full disclosure on his website? Because he is famous for NOT leaving a paper trail that one could follow and disprove. He is renowned for straddling the fence, voting "present" and playing it safe politically. He is an expert at dodging issues, shifting support, recreating himself to fit the current status quo. Who will be the status quo, the privileged few, if Barack Hussein Obama is elected President? Think about it, then go to HillaryClinton.com and make your voice heard once again. Yes, we can, chants Obama. Then do it, Mr. Obama. Step aside and let a proven leaderm and humanitarian, Hillary Clinton, restore America as the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Posted by Let Freedom Ring | February 8, 2008 4:40 AM

As an historian I have been concerned by Obama's continual rejection of the past. I would like to remind him and his followers of the motto over the entrance to the National Archives which
enshrines our great liberty documents, "The past is Proloque." Judi S

Posted by Judith A Sughrue | February 8, 2008 3:54 PM

Please read Obama's positions and reasoning, and you will see why I would rather vote McCain than Obama. One comforting thing about Hillary is that she is able to explain her reasoning. One can see an active mind at work. She may change positions, but the reasoning is clear. Now, compare this to the "hope" (or is it "hype"?) speeches of Obama. In fact, he sounds like the "Compassionate Conservative" when he was running in 2000.

Obama has nothing to show for his stay in the senate except probably for voting "present". About Iraq... Obama's opinion then was as good as mine. Both of us could not vote for anything. Therefore, he never had a vote to talk about.

Something can be said about age, maturity, wisdom and intellect. I am a recent convert, but GO Hillary!!!

Posted by CP Cooke | February 8, 2008 5:35 PM

To "Let Freedom Ring"...Never played the race card? I find that VERY hard to believe! Repeatedly typing "Barrack Hussein Obama" with Hussein in all caps is a nasty extreme right-wing Republican smear tactic. YOU need to get the facts, and quick! Go to Obama's website and click "Learn" - "Know the Facts" - "On Barrack Obama's Religion".

Barrack Obama is not Muslim, never was, and never attended "Muslim School"!!! "Smear Emails" were circulated back in November by the extreme right wing of the Republican Party. What you're trying to insinuate with "Hussein" in caps is that Obama is somehow connected to terrorism and/or or radical Islam, which is a dirty lie, as proven by NEWSWEEK, THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, PROMINENT JEWISH LEADERS (INCLUDING U.S. SENATORS), AND MANY OTHERS.

Barrack Obama is more than qualified to be president, and he is the ONLY candidate who stands for real change. That's why people send him money, vote for him, and cheer when they hear him speak.

Hillary is OK, and I (like most Democrats) will settle for her if I have to, but I know that she will NEVER be able to inspire people and unite the nation the way Brrack Obama can! Although she is the more slick/polished Democratic candidate, she lacks Obama's sincerity/likeability, clear-cut superior stance on Iraq, and ability to inspire and unify the country.

The biggest issue is NOVEMBER!!! Barrack is infinitely more electable! He can beat McCain! If Hillary gets the nomination, McCain and the Republicans, once united, will destroy her in the general election (and she will have been THEIR uniting force). The Republicans will snap back together in an "enemy of my enemy is my friend" sort of way that will make your head spin!

I DO NOT trust Hillary Clinton! In the CA debate, she was very polished and slick, as always, but she struck me as cold, insincere, and untrustworthy. She spoke with authority about healthcare, immigration, and the poor, but used divisive/misleading scapegoating techniques to make her case. Also, she claimed to want to run "on her own merits", but constantly tried to make the case for her husband's administration and invoked his name to make the biggest "zinger" of the night, the now-infamous comment about a Clinton needed to clean up after a Bush.

What I mostly see/hear from Hillary Clinton is opportunism, greed, and hunger for power/influence. Of course, she can do a better job than Bush, but that’s setting the bar too low. All she wants to do is restore "The Clinton Dynasty" at a time when it is more important than ever to LOOK FORWARD and not look back through rose-colored lenses and long for the "way we were."

Obviously, I support Barrack, and I can't stand all the lies that you and others have tried to spread about him. These lies were first circulated by by evil, rich, white, racist fat cats who are threatened by a handsome black successful politician and his lovely wife, both of whom started with nothing and worked their asses off to earn Ivy League degrees (Columbia, Princeton, Harvard) and go on to achieve success in a white male-dominated society. Barrack and Michelle Obama are the embodiment of the American dream!!! Sort of like the Clintons, but with real values, and without the corporate corruption.

You need to get your facts straight and stop with all the hate speech! It's exactly that kind of talk that drives people like me toward Obama. We're sick of all the hate! We want SOMEONE WHO IS DIFFERENT!!! You may not be ready for change, but he is, and he's not alone!

I don't give my hard-earned money to radical Islamic extremists, and I've given quite a bit to Obama. I'm white, female, Christian, and happily married! I've no "crush" on Obama! Politics isn't a silly game ruled by who is the "cutest" - not for me anyway! And I'm no cult member!" I want change, I've studied the issues that matter to me, and like so many others, I believe Barrack Obama can make a difference!

GO, OBAMA!!! YES, WE CAN!!!

Posted by Mia | February 8, 2008 5:54 PM

I gave 1,500 to Hillary and will probably give the max before the week end is over.

She will win and I want to be part of that.

I think all of her supporters thought she had plenty of funds. At least that was what the media touted from day one - Hillary's warchest.

Posted by Lou | February 8, 2008 7:33 PM

I gave 1,500 to Hillary and will probably give the max before the week end is over.

She will win and I want to be part of that.

I think all of her supporters thought she had plenty of funds. At least that was what the media touted from day one - Hillary's warchest.

Posted by Lou | February 8, 2008 7:34 PM

The Clinton supporters just silently give without making noise like the Obama supporters. You do not underestimate how Hillary inspire people. My friend's 88 year old mom gave $100.00 when she saw in the news that Hillary needs money and she will be giving more. I haven't given anything to a campaign before but I am and will continue to do so until I max out. Why does Obama and his supporters have to worry where Hillary's $5 mil came from? Trying to look for issue to debate after he refused debate in Washington state? Why not explain why he ran TV ads in FL when he is not supposed to?

Stick to the issue that is good for the country?

My officemate thought we already killed "Hussein" in Iraq?

Posted by Alicia | February 8, 2008 8:54 PM

The Clinton supporters just silently give without making noise like the Obama supporters. You do not underestimate how Hillary inspire people. My friend's 88 year old mom gave $100.00 when she saw in the news that Hillary needs money and she will be giving more. I haven't given anything to a campaign before but I am and will continue to do so until I max out. Why does Obama and his supporters have to worry where Hillary's $5 mil came from? Trying to look for issue to debate after he refused debate in Washington state? Why not explain why he ran TV ads in FL when he is not supposed to?

Stick to the issue that is good for the country?

My officemate thought we already killed "Hussein" in Iraq?

Posted by Alicia | February 8, 2008 8:54 PM

WAKE UP DEMOCRATS:

THE REPUBLICANS ARE TRYING TO BEAT CLINTON DOWN BECAUSE THEY HAVE A BETTER CHANCE WITH OBAMA. LOKK AT THE STATES THAT HE WON? THOSE WILL GO TO THE REPUBLICANS IN THE GENERAL ANYWAY. BUT LOOK AT THE STATES THAT HILLARY WON? THOSE ARE KEY/SWING STATES. IF IT IS OBAMA, FOR SURE MCCAIN WILL GET NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS, OH AND FLORIDA. THESE STATES WILL NEVER GO TO OBAMA. I HAVE TALKED TO A LOT OF ASIANS (VIETNAMESE, FILIPINOS, CHINESE) WHO ARE REGISTERED REPUBLICANS IN CALIFORNIA. THEY ALL WILL BE VOTING FOR HILLARY IN NOVEMBER BUT WILL VOTE REPUBLICANS IF IT IS OBAMA. HE WILL NEVER CARRY CALIFORNIA ADD TO THIS ARE THE LATINOS. THEY WILL SWITCH TO MCCAIN EASILY. SO, IF YOU WANT TO END THE REPUBLICAN ERA, BETTER USE YOUR HEAD AND NOT YOUR HEART

Posted by Amelia | February 8, 2008 9:10 PM

I AM GLAD JAY IS NOT A HILLARY SUPPORTER. HE IS A LOSER

Posted by Alice | February 8, 2008 9:17 PM

"Hillary Lends America Money to Get Her Universal Health Care Plan Going"

How's that for a headline from the future?

Posted by Kathleen Eaton | February 8, 2008 9:32 PM

have just donated to hillary clinton and hit up family & friends to do so too. this is way to important to just stand idly by. hillary clinton needs our support to withstand the republican money being poured to the obama campaign so they can trash him with is sins in the presidential campaign.

Posted by mikel | February 9, 2008 4:26 PM

have just donated to hillary clinton and hit up family & friends to do so too. this is way to important to just stand idly by. hillary clinton needs our support to withstand the republican money being poured to the obama campaign so they can trash him with is sins in the presidential campaign.

Posted by mikel | February 9, 2008 4:26 PM

I just donated 100.00 to Hillary. It is the first political contribution I have made in my 60 years and very happy to do it.

The more I observe the two, the more I am for Hillary and more uncomfortable I am with Obama.

Charisma is exciting, but we need solid substance right now and we need it desperately.

My preference is to see a Hillary and Obama ticket. I think Obama would learn what he needs in the position of VP to prepare him for what he is now aspiring to.

Currently he just lacks the breadth and depth needed for the role of an extremely powerful leader when as a country we are at a tipping point.

Posted by Ricky | February 10, 2008 4:56 AM

Hillary is getting dough from conservatives so she can beat BHOb - then get wasted by McCain in the G.E. this info from my eleven year old niece.

Posted by JBurgess | February 26, 2008 6:27 PM

Hillary is getting dough from conservatives so she can beat BHOb - then get wasted by McCain in the G.E. this info from my eleven year old niece.

Posted by JBurgess | February 26, 2008 6:27 PM