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Hillary Clinton wins in Puerto Rico but Barack Obama closes in on Democrat nomination



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Published Date: 02 June 2008
BARACK Obama appeared to be just days away from becoming the first black presidential nominee of a major US political party today.
A landslide primary win in Puerto Rico by Hillary Clinton did little to revive her failing campaign.

The victory yesterday will not keep Mr Obama from winning the nomination, but his string of defeats at the end of the primary campaign, such in We
st Virginia and Kentucky, have highlighted his weaknesses among white working-class and Hispanic voters that could undermine his hopes of defeating Republican John McCain.

Mr Obama is 45 delegates short of the 2,118 needed to win the nomination. Aides predicted he could clinch the nomination as early as tomorrow, as Montana and South Dakota mark the end of a bitter and hard-fought primary season.

The former first lady enters this week with a strategy not only to win over undecided superdelegates but to peel away Mr Obama's support from those party leaders and elected officials who already have committed to back him for the nomination.

"One thing about superdelegates is that they can change their minds," she said yesterday.

Mr Obama displays no signs of worry, looking toward the November general election against Mr McCain. Some of Mrs Clinton's own backers are saying the time is near for her to fall in behind him.

Mrs Clinton won a lopsided but largely symbolic victory in Puerto Rico – a Caribbean US territory that votes in the primaries but does not participate in the presidential general election.

With 31 delegates at stake tomorrow, Mr Obama could close the gap further and cue undecided superdelegates to come to his side. He picked up two more superdelgates today.

Mr Obama, campaigning in Mitchell, South Dakota, confidently predicted Mrs Clinton "is going to be a great asset when we go into November."

"Whatever differences Senator Mrs Clinton and I may have, those differences pale in comparison to the other side," he said.

He has made up most of the ground he lost on Saturday when the national party's rules committee agreed to reinstate delegates from Michigan and Florida.

Mrs Clinton's decision to battle on, if prolonged, is not likely to sit well with party leaders and some of her own supporters. Democrats House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have both called on the contest to end shortly after the final primaries.

Tom Vilsack, the former Iowa governor and a national co-chairman of Mrs Clinton's campaign, said yesterday: "It does appear to be pretty clear that Senator Obama is going to be the nominee. After Tuesday's contests, she needs to acknowledge that he's going to be the nominee and quickly get behind him."



The full article contains 463 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 02 June 2008 2:32 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: US elections
 
1

Sandi,

San Diego 02/06/2008 17:47:54
Hillary Clinton has over 17 million supporters who want her to take this to the Convention. More people have voted for her than for any other candidate - ever.

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid-two worthless people- ought to be making sure that the process is followed through to its proper conclusion at the Convention. They have no business trying to force Clinton to drop out. Of course, that is how Obama wins elections, he uses legal technicalities to force his opponents out of the race, leaving him alone on the ballot. That tactic won't work with Hillary Clinton.
2

Ninian Reid,

Edinburgh 02/06/2008 20:28:15
Sandl , with your feet solidly entrenched on U.S soil, I bow to your superior knowledge on matters pertaining to the mysteries of the Democratic primary election process. But I will say this: any serious rift that continues into the summer heat of the party Convention will herald in another Republican presidency. I think the point has been reached when Hillary should walk away, head held high , and allow Obama's Coronation to take place - unimpeded.The world wants Obama...indeed the world wants to love America again. But Hillary will have earned her corn. Vice President ? Probably not because of Bill's lingering legacy. But a high profile Cabinet post, certainly.
3

Dekester,

Canada's westcoast 02/06/2008 21:14:54
Sandi. I can,t vote in U.S elections but really follow the process.It is truly facinating. Yes Obama is a fraud, and did very well in his congressional district too oust the incumbent, and other challenger. That has always been the Chicgao way. The party cannot not nominate Obama, nor an they now go for Clinton. The Republicans will win the White House in a canter. In a two horse race,they would have been third in had the democrats not fallen on their sword. Bet the farm on it.

Clinton is getting found out, and it is terrific. The talk shows have been on her for months and years. Her whole time in Arkansas was a sham. Look at her history, how many " suicides" have followed her trail these last few decades.

All the best.
4

Sandi,

San Diego 03/06/2008 00:28:08
#2

Hillary has earned the right to have her name put in nomination at the Democratic Convention. That is the process.
5

right of center,

Chicago 03/06/2008 03:09:23
1 Sandi

"Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid-two worthless people- ought to be making sure that the process is followed through to its proper conclusion at the Convention"

I could not have said it better myself.
6

Stuart 2,

Pennsylvania 03/06/2008 03:12:47
As most know the United States are made up of both large and powerful states and small and not so powerful states. To protect the rights of the smaller states the electorial college was incorporated.

Now each party also uses a form of the electorial college to elect their delegates to the convention. They also set the rules for voting and the time frame for the states to hold their primary election.

Florida and Michigan disregarded those rules. Hillary used, in fact I think she thought of it, the opportuntity to gain delegates. Now they want the rules changed. Typical Clintonion tatic.

Under the guide lines we use Hillary has not earned the right to the nomination. I am not saying she should conceed either, best wait until after the last primary for any decisions. She won't though, she will use any method to meet ther goal.

If she choosed to make a big deal at the convention it will cause the party more harm and may cost them the election.
7

right of center,

Chicago 03/06/2008 03:18:31
3 Dekester

"Clinton is getting found out, and it is terrific"

Are you talking about the new Vanity Fair article that describes Bill Clinton's new adulterous affairs since he has left the Whitehouse?

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/07/clinton200807


 

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