WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama!

Sure, Hillary was expected to win big in West Virginia.

Sure, those of us who support her, and those that don't knew she would have a good day yesterday in West Virginia.

Sure, the polls had indicated that winning West Virginia was squarely in Hillary's column.

BUT...

Did anyone expect Hillary would win each and every country in the state of West Virginia?

This is not simply a win, this is a message sending win!

Yes Hillary won West Virginia by 41% over Obama, and yes that is an incredible margin, but more important is the message it sends. And bare with me, the message might be convoluted, and can surely be interpreted a thousand different ways...But...

How can anyone deny that Hillary is more electable in November when she wins, and tightens so many of these late races in the primary season? How can anyone deny that Hillary has broad based support when she is able to pull out Indiana, narrow North Carolina, and blow West Virginia clean off the electoral map? How can anyone deny the appeal and the power of this candidate when she, a woman, wins every county in a state primary? Rural voters, those often thought of as "red" voters are voting for Hillary Clinton, and there is no way this doesn't speak to her electability over John McSame.

As I have said before, and I say again now...There is no more reason for Hillary to drop out of the nomination process than there is for Barack Obama to do the same. Don't believe the hype or the hate of the pundits, main stream media, or blogs from either side...This race isn't over yet, and there is no good reason for it to end early. Every state that Hillary & Barack touch turns blue! They both (though many don't attribute equal credit -- so selective the media is in its "fair & balanced"..."reporting") are registering record numbers of voters to the Democratic party. They are both bringing young people to the process. They are both motivating minorities, seniors, independents, and recovering Republicans to join the Democratic party. None can deny the power of this protracted race to the nomination. Shame on any that would believe it beneficial to end it too soon. The nation is for once invested in the process, the outcome, and the candidates. When can any recall so many willing to engage in political discussion? When can any recall a public so energized for change? When can any recall the legitimate interest of America in electing either a woman or a black man for the highest office in the land?

America is paying attention. Every American wants their chance to the DNC who they see as the best Presidential candidate for fall 2008. We aren't seeing people become disinterested in the protraction of this race. Voting numbers aren't going down, they are going up! We aren't seeing candidates walk away, we are seeing them step up!

We are witnessing history! We are participating in our own history in record numbers, and this wave of change will sweep the corruption from the White House as surely as a hurricane can change the topography of a nation. We are a storm on the horizon for the Republicans which they can't get out of the way of. For this we owe thanks to both Senators! This nation is mobilized because neither has given up, gotten out, or moved on.

It is for the glory of America that they two fine American leaders continue to fight on.

It is for our future that they both wish to lead.

It is for our betterment that they both stay in this race right to the end.

Nothing is determined at this date. What we know is that 50 percent or so of the Democratic voters prefer Barack Obama, and 50 percent of so of the Democratic voters prefer Hillary Clinton as next President of the United States. Neither is so far ahead as to claim a resounding victory. Neither is so far ahead as to be sure to win on November.

But one candidate, in my opinion is showing strength when everyone has counted them out: Hillary Clinton!

How, if this race is over and the nation has decided on the nominee, can she win EVERY county in West Virginia? How does she win Pennsylvania by 10%? How does she win Indiana, or will she will Kentucky? If the race is over, and all is decided, then she shouldn't win anything? Right?

Wrong.

She continues to win, as does Barack because this race is not over, and we all care too much to just pick one...We want the best one! That is what the best of Democracy has to offer, and it is the best responsibility of each of us to decide. There will be a winner, as surely as there will be another sunset on the horizon. But it won't happen until the votes have all been cast, counted, and logged for history. This nomination is too important to end prematurely.

The nation is turning blue, and for that we can only thank and continue to support both Senators!

Obviously, I see Hillary as better prepared on day one. Obviously, I see Hillary as better experienced. Obviously, I see Hillary as more ready. That is my privilege and it is how I cast my vote. You each have a vote too, cast it and wait. A winner will be determined. We will all be considered. Our votes do and will continue to matter no matter the ultimate winner. So long as John McCain is cast out with a stellar defeat, then we will all win!

My hope still remains that the mystic "dream ticket" will emerge. I honestly don't care who is #1 or #2 in this scenario. What I see is an incredible leader in each roll. One to shape and sign policy as President, and one to guide and shape policy as the President of the Senate. Imagine what impact either could have in the Senate? If you really want to see change in the money of Washington, think on that eventuality? If you really want universal health care, imagine the impact if the person crafting the legislation is also the person with the most power to make legislative change?

I have to tell you, I do prefer Hillary for President, but secretly...I want them both! And ya know what, I think the divide of the votes, delegates, states, and the rest all speak to the fact that everyone else wants both too!

UPDATE:  The Edwards endorsement speaks to my 50/50 point...He is one half of a powerful political alliance and though he is supporting Obama, the considered force of his wife belongs in the Clinton campaign.  They are like the rest of us...Perhaps more so...They feel the power of both candidates, and wish only the best for America in their personal choice of leader.

I have to say I think that Edwards is pandering for the VP nod, which I believe would be a huge mistake.


Poll
Does the Edwards Endorsement Matter?
Yes
No
Maybe

Votes: 32
Results : Vote Link : Polls

Display:


Re: WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama! (none / 0)

Oregon and Unpledged delegates -- are you watching?


by pan230oh on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:29:09 PM EST

so? (2.00 / 7)

Clinton didn't win one county in Vermont, and she only won ONE county in South Carolina, and even then with a plurality.


The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:30:22 PM EST

facts, eh? (none / 0)

you win this round!


by Slim Tyranny on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:31:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I love how facts get trolled (2.00 / 5)

here another fact...she won Travis Childers' district and despite the demonizing of Obama in the district by the Republicans, Childers still won by an 8% margin with the help of Democrats who voted Hillary but weren't turned off by Obama ads.


The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:37:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

heh, well (none / 0)

there's no honest way to combat facts, so all that's left is trollage.  You got trolled by a troll, you should consider it an honor.


by Slim Tyranny on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:39:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Obama's AURA of 'invincibility' was broken AGES (none / 0)

ago, and since then, the Obama folks and the MSM have been trying in their shrill, almost hysterical way, to browbeat us into thinking its still there.

Not a good omen for the next four years if Obama should win :(

Shock and Awe - NOT


Health Care: WHY do we pay MORE and GET LESS?
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/con tent/full/hlthaff.28.1.w1/DC1
by architek on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:57:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Only after Clinton's aura of inevitability (2.00 / 1)

was shattered into a million pieces by the good people of Iowa
and South Carolina
and Connecticut
and Delaware
and Alabama
and Georgia
and Minnesota
and Illinois
and North Dakota
and Colorado
and Utah
and Idaho
and Alaska
and Washington State
and Kansas
and Nebraska
and Missouri
and Maryland
and Virginia
and Wisconsin
and Mississippi
and Wyoming
and Louisiana
and Washington State again
and Vermont
and North Carolina
and Nebraska again
The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:40:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: so? (2.00 / 2)

don't forget Washington, she didn't win a single county in Washington!


John McCain hates terrorists, except the ones that hate women. Those are just swell.
by terra on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:40:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: so? (none / 0)

She might win all the counties in la-la land.  If she does that, she'll clinch the nomination.  

THE VOTES IN LA-LA LAND MUST BE COUNTED!

DON'T DISFRANCHISE FANTASY VOTERS!!!!!


by Bargeron on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:43:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: so? (none / 0)

Vermont is WAY to the left; The United States of America as a whole isn't.


by soyousay on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:12:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: so? (none / 0)

Obama won every county in Washington state.


by Rorgg on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:39:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I didn't want to start a (none / 0)

"Caucuses are undemocratic" war, so I pointed out the primaries.


The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:41:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

When it's all said and done...I want BOTH! (2.00 / 2)

I don't care as much about the title, but I want both Hillary & Barack in charge!  That is a tide of change that can't be denied!

Strength and power in numbers.  Imagine how big the win for them, and the other wins at the state, local  and federal level for Democrats across this nation.

I want unity...And it starts with them!


Pride & Prejudice...The American Way!
by FISG on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:30:30 PM EST

They should be grafted together.. (none / 0)

like theBorg.

Just kidding..


Health Care: WHY do we pay MORE and GET LESS?
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/con tent/full/hlthaff.28.1.w1/DC1
by architek on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:58:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

and for the record (2.00 / 2)

yes, I did expect Clinton to win every county in West Virginia...I'm sorta amazed he nearly won Jefferson County.


The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:31:25 PM EST

Re: and for the record (none / 0)

I predicted a 40 point margin myself.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:33:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Whaaaaaaaaaa.... (none / 0)

Try to keep up with the times.  You're so three hours ago


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:32:43 PM EST

Re: WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama! (2.00 / 2)

Why is WVA so crucial? This comes in the face of Clinton voters saying that ID, NE, UT, CO, ND are not important. What makes WVA so different? Comparable size and just as culturally conservative as the other states. Is it merely because Clinton won?


by irish09 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:35:59 PM EST

Re: WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama! (2.00 / 2)

I think you may be onto something


by Bargeron on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:37:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama! (2.00 / 1)

Yes.

This has been another edition of simple answers to simple questions.


Saxby Chambliss
by bosdcla14 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:38:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama! (none / 0)

No big surprise, esp. since Barack was up against this reality:  25% of Clinton's supporters voted for her because of race!  And 7% voted for John Edwards.  Hard to make a dent in such neanderthal conditions.


by Bargeron on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:37:23 PM EST

FAR more black people are voting for Obama because (none / 0)

of race than white people are voting for Hillary because of race. (I have yet to meet a single white person who says the crap that people, probably Obama supporters or Freepers in disguise, come on here to say..)

People are voting for Hillary BECAUSE SHE IS SMART AND SHE KNOWS HOW TO GET THINGS DONE.

And she is not like Obama.. THANK GOD....

It has nothing to do with race.. However, for many black people, according to the Obama-fans, do vote for Obama because he is half black.

They are not being color blind. Do people accuse THEM of racism? NO. People have a right to vote for whoever they want.

Trying to apply some kind of QUOTA-based logic to a job like the Presidency GIVES THE RIGHT A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOOT DOWN DEMOCRATS THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING IMPORTANT AND ITS POLITICAL SUICIDE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

If I were Obama, or black, (in fact, I am white and I AM) and would be, MORE concerned about THAT than his own candidacy.

Things like that TRANSCEND RACE.. and indeed, they will drag us all THROUGH FOUR MORE YEARS OF HELL.

By the time a Democrat gets into office, we will probably have been through another war with its attendant costs and shit, there goes not only universal healthcare but also Social Security and Medicare, and public education.

We will be back to where we were in 1919 when women first got the vote..


Health Care: WHY do we pay MORE and GET LESS?
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/con tent/full/hlthaff.28.1.w1/DC1
by architek on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:08:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: FAR more black people are voting for Obama bec (none / 0)

There is a big difference here.  Black Americans, male and female, have had to overcome huge obstacles like, for example, not being considered a person by the constitution.  

So, shame on  you for equating the two.  White racism is real and it is made heinous by the reality of white supremacy.  


by Bargeron on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:23:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Here's where your wrong (none / 0)

Racism among whites is racism by definition...it's about white supremecy over blacks. It's about whites being a superior race, THAT is racism.

Among blacks, it's about banding together to become equals, not become superior to whites.


The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.
by nrafter530 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:36:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Exit polls contradict that (none / 0)

In every close election that's been exit polled, more whites have said they voted on race than blacks.


by Rorgg on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:40:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama! (2.00 / 2)

Barack Obama won EVERY COUNTY in WA state?

We are a lot more diverse and all across the age, income and race demographic then WV?

Also, since the Rev Wright fluff, Obama has INCREASED his poll lead here over Mccain, while McCain is catching up to Clinton?

Why can't Hillary Clinton do well in WA State?
(that's a snark, by the way...)

If all you have is WV, I think it's too little to late a talking point.


On Nov 4th, Barack Obama officially ends the Southern Strategy....
by WashStateBlue on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:39:31 PM EST

Re: WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama! (2.00 / 1)

Did anyone expect Hillary would win each and every country in the state of West Virginia?

Yes, many people did.

How, if this race is over and the nation has decided on the nominee, can she win EVERY county in West Virginia? How does she win Pennsylvania by 10%? How does she win Indiana, or will she will Kentucky? If the race is over, and all is decided, then she shouldn't win anything? Right?

Wrong.

Definitely wrong. The race is over, but she can continue to win. It's sort of like if I say, "Let's flip coins to see who wins a dollar. Best 6 out of 11 wins."

If I win the first 6 flips, can you not win any more flips? Of course you can - you can win the other 5, in fact. But the contest was over after 6.

Hillary's not really out - it's more like she's down by 50 runs at the bottom of the 9th.


by mattw on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:43:08 PM EST

Maybe, but Democrats ignore these messages at (none / 0)

their peril.. because if the Democrats are not Democrats, and dont support Democratic issues like universal healthcare, people will start a new party and everyone who cares about these things will join that. Then maybe the Republicans and Democrats and the poor Obama masses who think they won the election and sadly wont know why they still aren't getting heard will merge into the Grandiose Democrats or something like that..

They will be the irrelevant ones.. not the populists.


Health Care: WHY do we pay MORE and GET LESS?
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/con tent/full/hlthaff.28.1.w1/DC1
by architek on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:15:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Maybe, but Democrats ignore these messages at (none / 0)

Obama isn't ignoring the people of WV or their concerns, and neither are (most) Obama supporters.

Hillary lost every county in Wa state, but no one ever suggested that she was ignoring northwestern coastal liberals.

It's time to put an end to the dramatic hyperbole and be concrete. Instead of concern trolling, if people want to diary WV and what it means for the presumptive nominee, then it's probably a good idea to add something constructive, not just be concerned.


by mattw on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:38:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama! (none / 0)

I have given the nature of this demographic contest a great deal of thought.  Clinton supporters are Democrats, as are Obama supporters.  They represent the two halves of the party, which until now had not really been distinguishable from each other.  

Obama represents post-boomer America, itself split in half.  One part educated, cultured, unapologetically liberal, upper middle class and dripping with social consciousness.  The other part is the entirety of the African American community.

Clinton represents boomer America.  Solidly middle class to working poor, suburban or rural, socially conservative, company men/women of the blue collar type, baseball/hot dogs/apple pie/Chevrolet, with church on Sunday.

Each of these halves have little comprehension of the worldview of the other, although we have pretended we did for a long time now.  Having lived among both groups over the course of my life, I see the differences clearly.  Obama's supporters dismiss Clinton's supporters as out of touch, as Clinton's supporters do Obama's.  Each group fears that the other's candidate is doomed.

Obama supporters can look at a region like Appalachia and think, wow, we aren't doing so well there, what is their problem?  Don't they understand the transformation that Obama is going to bring to their lives?  Well, no, they don't.  Clinton's voters value experience, competence, continuity and  stability over all else.  Her voters, conversely, look at Seattle, San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York (the seventh circle of Hell itself!) and think, wow, those limousine liberals don't have a clue about what America is really like in fly-over land.  Well, no, they don't.

We have been united against a common enemy for a generation.  Having two strong candidates that are so similar on policy has allowed this campaign to be about style rather than substance, which is never a good thing.  It will be up to the two candidates to put the party back together, else the much vaunted coming realignment will not look anything like we hoped it would.


No politician ever lost an election because he underestimated the intelligence of the American public. - PT Barnum, paraphrased...
by jarhead5536 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:44:42 PM EST

How about this (none / 0)

the most democratic area in our nation (a blue entity still it was allow to vote) Washington DC.  It has been blue longer than even my homes state of MN which has been blue since before I was born.

Clinton didn't win a single precinct in DC.  She was crushed by over 50%, how can she win the presidency with performances like that?


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:47:35 PM EST

Oh I forgot the snark tag (none / 0)

with that post I apologize for not including it...


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:48:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

For some reason manypeople voted against their own (none / 0)

economic interests.. some inexplicable reason..

Somebody who picked the Democratic electorate apart and identified its main weaknesses PLANNED this out, I will give them that.

There ARE IMPORTANT lessons to be learned but they are NOT the ones the Obama-nots are telling us.

I think 'welfare reform' in the 90s has something to do with this. And the 'family cap'.


Health Care: WHY do we pay MORE and GET LESS?
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/con tent/full/hlthaff.28.1.w1/DC1
by architek on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:18:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: WV: Not One County...Not One...For Obama! (none / 0)

good for Hillary!!!


by woodinville on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:48:22 PM EST

WA: Not one county....Not one county for Clinton.. (none / 0)

Here is the CNN political page for Washington.  Does this matter? No.  She would win Washington.  The cognitive dissonance on this blog is amazing.


John McCain wants you to be poor!
by nklein on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:52:50 PM EST

Cognitive dissonance? Pot, Kettle, Black.... (none / 0)

EXCEPT....

Obama WAY outpolls her, she is much closer to McCain?

You ever BEEN to the PNW? I have been in politics for the last 30 years here.

She will have a fight on her hands here, yes, she would probably win. Obama would ROMP here.

Fact number one: More people in the greater Seattle Area have graduate degrees then any place in the US?

If WV is at the bottom the educated voters, we are at or near the top (that sounds egotistical, but I think it's one of the main reason Obama does SOOO well out here? It's been shown, the more educated, the more they favor Barack?  That makes WA a slam dunk for Obama?)

So, as much as there is this sturm und drang about why can't Obama win White WOrking Class People, NO ONE of the Clinton crowd seems to want to answer Why can't Clinton win people with College Degrees and Higher?

And, SHOW ME THE PROOF Sentator Clinton wins WV in the fall over McCain.

Look, the cognitive dissonance, the folks whos brains are putting 1 and 1 together and comng out with 3 are those who think WV is going to help Senator Clinton convince ANYONE except folks who can't see the forest for the Trees......


On Nov 4th, Barack Obama officially ends the Southern Strategy....
by WashStateBlue on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:03:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Please, calm down... (none / 0)

Check out my history.  I'm on your side.  I was just pointing out that she didn't win a single county in Washington.  While I have not yet been to the PNW (I hope to while I'm going to school in SF since its closer than L.A.), I understand tha region is very environmental and very anti-war.  With those two issues being prominent in most PNW voters mind, I doubt they will vote for McCain (whoever is the nominee).

I understand it can be exasperating dealing with the Clinton supporters engaging in the most blatant cognitive dissonance, but I'm not one of them.  And it was the diarist cognitive dissonance to which I was referring.  I don't think Clinton can win WV.  The most recent poll I've seen showed her down by 12.

With the Edwards endorsement, this race is basically over.  Hopefully these are the last throes of Clinton's supporters' cognitive dissonance and we will all be on the same side against McCain soon.


John McCain wants you to be poor!
by nklein on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:19:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

GLaDoS (none / 0)

loves your update as it is in her spirit


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:54:54 PM EST

This would be a game changing election (2.00 / 1)

If they were fighting it out for Governor of WV.


by highgrade on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:42:08 PM EST


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