I don't agree with all your "final thoughts" but overall a nice post.

In much the same way that the MI and FL voters should be angry at their *state* rather than their *national* parties for possible "disenfranchisement", it's clear that much of the frustration for the current campaign should not be directed at HRC, but rather be leveled at a timid MSM (who is so brilliantly played by the Clintons -- right down to the self-doubts of "picking on them") and some of the electorate that has given over to their worse inclination of fear.

Of course, both of these charges can also be applied to the very same groups for how they reacting for the last 7 years to the GWB White House, so in a sense, it is nothing new.

What we can level on HRC is her notion of putting herself before her party and before her country.

It's safe to say that, whatever the outcome of this election, Hillary Clinton is not a noble person or, lowering the bar, even a noble politician.

Should Obama be elected president, the fears that Hillary Clinton put into the uneducated electorate (particularly those concerning his religious background) will elevate concerns of assassination. Also, by trying to set Obama apart using religion, she shows that, in her view, the Dems are not an inclusive party because clearly Muslims aren't desirable.

But, I agree, Hillary has demonstrated a clever ability to turn people's darkest impulses to her advantage.

Historians also recognize that Hitler was a brilliant orator.

Good points. I'd actually combine #3 and #4, and just say that she's succeeding in moving the focus of this contest. Earlier, she was desperately trying a kitchen sink strategy, since nothing seemed to derail the Obama campaign. But some of that stuck, and now she's forcing everyone to her own gameplan, leaving Barack Obama to play defense. It's been effective, if too Republican for my tastes.

However, she's lost my support, now and forever. I do NOT want her on the ticket, even as vice-president. Her negative campaigning, her lies and distortions, her attempted dirty tricks (like trying to seat the Michigan and Florida delegates), and her effusive praise of John McCain, comparing him favorably to Barack Obama, has shown me that she's a Republican at heart. I used to excuse her Senate votes, but I guess I was just naive.

She must know she can't win, so she seems to be trying to ensure a Democratic Party loss in November, just to position herself better in 2012 (Reagan's strategy on his first try). And that 'shared ticket' nonsense is just part of that. As the V-P nominee on a losing ticket this year, she really WILL be the heir apparent in 2012. With her egotism, her ruthlessness, her overweening ambition, and her complete unconcern for anything but winning, she really should be a Republican. At any rate, please do NOT keep repeating this idiotic idea of rewarding her negative campaigning with the V-P slot. I've learned my lesson, and I won't support Hillary Clinton for ANY position under ANY circumstances.

The above comment was general, and not in reference to you Urbinato!
WHY can't we edit on this "new" site?????

>>>Although I want to see Obama get the nomination, I have no doubt that Hillary would pick up where Bill left off.

Whenever I hear this (or think it - sometimes I do think it) I remember a comment I heard a very disillutioned Republican friend make:

"I didn't know a lot about George Bush ['43] but was pleased to vote for him and optimistic about his tenure. I was sure that it would be at the least a continuation of his father's presidency and possibly something better. It never occurred to me that it would be .... well, what it's turned out to be."

Is it safe to assume that a Hillary presidency would be at least a continuation of Bill's time in office. Actually, it's already dramatically different, in ways that won't change. We're only halfway through the primary season (Dear God Help Us!), and the party is fracturing in ways that won't heal quickly, or at all, if she is the nominee. And was, perhaps, that 'slick' but very real charm of Bill's an absolutely essential ingredient to his successes?

Your number one comment is wrong... although the mainstream media didn't report it... Obama actually won Texas when the caucas numbers were added in. This unfortunately takes longer to do than the primary counts, but reflects more of the Democratics in Texas as it was an open primary. Of course you won't see the Clinton campaign talking much about it as they want to put the best spin on it for themselves and for that reason haven't mentioned caucases since they haven't done well in them at all. I believe he's won 13 of them already... you have to count them some way in the popular vote too. So your premise is somewhat flawed in that she said she had to win two, but in realilty didn't. He still again received more delegates too when adding in the caucas win.

Just a note...please excuse my spelling typo's... I really do know that caucas is spelled caucus.

I think it will be hard for Hillary to convincingly support Obama for Prez since she has now repeatedly said he isn't qualified for CIC and his entire experience is "one old speech." And that seems to also make it difficult if not impossible for a ticket of Hillary/Obama. Too bad.

OK. I am just going to say it. While most of the posts here and at other sites express surprise and dismay at the Clinton's campaign tactics, there are some voters who are not surprised at all. Those voters are African-Americans who have seen this coming since February 10, 2007 (the day Barack Obama announced his candidacy).

People keep expressing surprise and dismay that Obama does not seem more excited or aggressive about the attacks, the moving goal posts, the racial, ethnic, and religious slurs. For crying out loud people. He is a 47 year old African-American male. None of this is new to him. As a professional, as a politician, as a black person trying to make it in America, he has had to deal with Hillary Clinton and worse while keeping his cool because black men who can't keep their cool while living through the daily insult to the psyche that is African-American life in this country DON'T SURVIVE.

The very best thing about this campaign, the very best thing, is how it has caused millions of white voters to closely identify themselves, and their hopes for the future with an African-American leader. You are living vicariously through him and the experience outrages you. And I think that is just the most wonderful thing that has ever happened in my political life. Because you see, under the radar screen, away from the glare of political campaigns, millions of people live with the reality of working hard and playing by the rules only to have the rules changed on them just as it seems they might succeed. Not only black people, but all people of color and also people who don't enjoy economic privilege or status.

We know, we have always known that the probabilities were against Barack Obama. Many argued that there was absolutely no way he could ever win this game. The game is fixed. And whatever is required to keep him from the Presidency is what will happen. But for many of you, this is your first real taste of what it means to live without white privilege. I know, it usually doesn't feel like privilege. You still have to struggle and work hard for everything you get. The difference is that when YOU struggle and work hard, the odd's of success are in your favor. You know what the expectations are and what the criteria for success are and if you can perform at that level, you will succeed. And all I can say to you now as you express frustration and bewilderment is welcome to my world. Now that some of you have some idea of how this works and how it feels, maybe we can change it together.

Here is why I support Barack Obama. I support him because I admire his courage. He knows this game as well as anybody and he knows the fix is in. But still, he decided to challenge the Powers That Be, to expose this crooked game and hope the people might prevail. Everyday he is risking his life. And all of this talk about his religion and his name only increase the danger. Every day he walks in the valley of the shadow of death. And every day he wears a smile and goes into crowds of strangers, reaching out to touch and be touched. And I support him because he shamed me into it. I had given up on this party after 2004 when the students at Kenyon College here in Ohio stayed in line to vote until 3:00 am and yet John Kerry conceded the election before their votes were even counted. But Barack Obama refused to give up. He determined to run a campaign based on the premise that everyone matters. He got my children energized and involved in politics and he has made them believe in this electoral process. He has made it impossible for me to look them in the eye and tell them this is all a waste of time. And so, reluctantly, I have come to support Obama because my children are so sure that rules are rules and that anyone who works hard and follows the rules has as much chance to win as anyone else. And I support Barack Obama because he is a stronger person than John McCain and Hillary Clinton are on their best days combined. A lifetime of experience makes him stronger.

I am working on this campaign as I have NEVER worked before. My children's future is at stake. Their political lives are at stake. And if this election turns out to be just like all the others before it, I don't know how I will face them. And so, I join my children in this important work. I support Barack Obama because I support them and their determination to change this country.

If being unaware of a handful of facts makes one uneducated, then I suppose we all are, including clear thinker. What any of us don't know far exceeds what we do know.

I mean, seriously, would you HRC supporters think it's just harmless rough housing were Obama to say publicly, "I have the integrity and character to qualify for the Presidency of the United States. Senator McCain also has the same qualities of integrity and character to become the President, but as for Hillary Rodham Clinton, well....she has Whitewater." I mean, seriously? Should Obama do this to "vet" HRC's record, to "toughen" her for the Republicans' onslaught?

I will only be ready to concede that Hillary ran a great campaign when she loses.

"Obama actually won Texas when the caucas numbers were added in."

Since you had to vote in the primary to participate in the caucus, logic tells us that the supporters of both candidates were already heard from in the primary. It's illogical to count caucus votes as part of the popular vote, becuase caucus voters were in fact voting twice.

GREAT post Urbinato.

Imho this should be the STARTING point of discussion on policies and plans, and anything beneath this (character attacks, animosity) should be rejected by both candidates and their subordinates as well as followers.