Capital Commerce

Merrill Lynch: Is Hillary Sabotaging Obama?

By James Pethokoukis

Posted: May 21, 2008

This from David Rosenberg, the North American economist at Merrill Lynch (bold is mine):

Barack Obama moved closer to the DEM nomination after yesterday's victory in Oregon (despite Hillary's resounding victory in KY, Obama went into yesterday's primaries needing just 17 delegates to garner a majority and the way the DEMS allocate votes, he came out with more than 100 new delegates yesterday evening, putting him over the top). We're not going to claim to be political junkies, but all this is highly reminiscent of the intense battle between Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan back in 1976 that also went all the way to the convention (Ford ended garnering barely more than 52% of the delegates)—and what happened when all was said and done was a Jimmy Carter victory as the GOP was still in healing mode during the presidential campaign (maybe this is why Hillary wants to take this to the finale—Reagan took the White House in resounding fashion in the next election in 1980).

No Stronger Faith

There is no faith stronger than that of a bad-tempered woman in her own infallibility. -James Branch Cabell

Hillary Clinton put her campaign on hold, but is holding a rally in Washington DC for her supporters this coming Saturday. According to her, she’ll determine the best way forward for her 18 million voters, and the party. So, I’ll believe Hillary strongly backs Barack Obama when I see it. The DNC told Hillary to concede by Friday, but I rather suspect she has another of those “comeback” moments planned for Saturday. Anyway, Hillary invoked the memory of 9-11. She said that while the twin towers were gone, Lady Liberty was still standing – a testament to the resilience of the American people. I couldn't help but think it a testament to the Clintons, that throughout the process, this never came to light: http://theseedsof9-11.com

Peggy McGilligan of VA @ Jun 05, 2008 13:21:44 PM

yes, Hillary is sabotaging. She is mean spirited, in the sense, that when she campaigns she really does play to "All" the crowds. She has played the "why is everyone jumping on me card", the "media is too soft on Oboma card", the "the hasn't been vetted card", the "sexism card", of course the "race card - to her benefit", the "I voted not to include FL and MI, but I didn’t mean not to count their votes card", or yeah, and the latest, the " ZIMBABWE card." Yet, it is everyone against her. I agree, the media seems to have made its mind up that she has lost, "poor Hillary" in much the same way it had spun and re-spun the Rev. Wright comments. (Happy Hillary). I remember what her husband said, "If you can stand the heat...do what." So, she will do everything to keep her name up in the forefront at the expense of the process, which is why so many people dislike her. Can you imagine Barak continuously playing the race card, or saying that the Democrats can't win without the black vote (which they can't). Oh, he wouldn't be leading right about now. So the heck with cries of double standard BS. I was one of those who supported Hillary (over Obama). So I am not an Obama loyalist. As a matter of fact I liked Edwards. I simply pray that we don't expect things to change over night, regardless of whoever gets in, because all of these candidates are carrying a platform by committee, and it is that committee that really runs the white house.

J of @ May 22, 2008 17:18:44 PM

Hillary's position

Hillary is quite capable of handling this messy business! The Democratic Party needs to take a close look at the right candidate to win in November! I do not think that it should be a slam dunk for Obama because he has some real issues with the voting groups that count in November! I think that Hillary is the stronger candidate but if the Democratic Party wants to take a big chance let Obama try with Hillary on the ticket because he does need the strong base she can provide! If not take your chances and see what the GOP does with the new comer alone! As for me I stand with Hillary all the way to the white house one way or another! Good Luck !

toni payan of CA @ May 22, 2008 02:00:07 AM

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Capital Commerce

Capital Commerce

U.S. News business reporter Matthew Bandyk examines the issues, people, and debates that shape the nexus of political and economic life in the nation's capital.

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