How Hillary Clinton blew a sure thing

McClatchy Newspapers ^ | February 21, 2008 | Steven Thomma

[kingattax]

WASHINGTON — She had everything going for her. The most famous name in politics. A solid lead in the polls. A war chest of at least $133 million.

Yet Hillary Clinton now finds herself struggling for political survival, her once-firm grasp of the Democratic presidential nomination seemingly slipping away.

What happened?

Barack Obama, for one thing, a uniquely gifted speaker with a face that appeals deeply to the Democratic Party. He also had a better-organized campaign.

But Democrats say that Clinton, whose central theme is her readiness to be president, also made blunder after blunder. She chose an inexperienced campaign manager, crafted a message that didn't match the moment, fielded poor organizations in key states and built a budget that ran dry just when she needed money most.

"She got outmaneuvered," said Mark Mellman, a Democratic strategist who isn't aligned with any of this year's candidates. "Her campaign allowed her to be outmaneuvered on several fronts."

"To think that someone named Clinton with $130 million could end up here is amazing," another neutral Democratic strategist said. He spoke only on the condition of anonymity to permit more candor, as did many party insiders quoted here who dare not offend the still-powerful Clintons.

Clinton isn't out of it yet. Aides this week dismissed talk of mismanagement and mistakes and said that she can fight back in Ohio and Texas on March 4 and in Pennsylvania on April 22, and win the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in August.

"People have made the mistake of writing off Senator Clinton before," campaign spokesman Phil Singer said.

Yet it's undeniable that the New York senator has fallen awfully far awfully fast.

One factor is Obama, an Illinois senator.

"You've got to give credit to Barack Obama. He is a once-in-a-generation politician," Mellman said.

[DainBramage]

"He is a once-in-a-generation politician,"

aka "Car salesman of the decade"

[AmericaUnited]

But Democrats say that Clinton, whose central theme is her readiness to be president, also made blunder after blunder.

The "smartest women in the world" actually is dumber than a box of rocks. So, on the only two "big" things she has tried to manage in her life, i.e. the health care task force and her potus campaign, she has been utterly inept!

[kjam22]

Her biggest mistake was when her husband began injecting RACE into the contest. That’s when the the party bigwigs dumped her.

[gov_bean_ counter]

He spoke only on the condition of anonymity to permit more candor

and prevent any questions from strangers concerning the health of their pets or children,

There, fixed it.

[RichInOC]

I would be deeply surprised if Hillary has ever blown anything in her entire life.

[snowsislander]

"You've got to give credit to Barack Obama. He is a once-in-a-generation politician," Mellman said.

Well, it has been a generation since the Democrats nominated Senator McGovern. ;-)

[Doogle]

...she over estimated her ability top hide the reality...she’s not well liked

[gov_bean_ counter]

She puts the term “carpetbagger” in an entirely new context.

[Doogle]

top=to

[ballplayer]

Right ,He is for CHANGE ! Well Move-on.org has endorsed him , The AFL_CIO, all the abortion factories,the teachers Unions ,he is paying Homage to the trial Lawyers and he has voted 4 times to not recognize a Baby who survives an abortion as a real person ! Now that sounds like real change and a platform to bring all of Us Americans together with HOPE for our future!

[fortheDeclaration]

She never expected that she would actually have to campaign to win the nomination.

Her own arrogrance brought her down.

Now, watch to see if the Clinton's put Chelsa up to run in a safe Democratic District.

[fortheDeclaration]

"Every decision that was made — whether it was spending or the message or what states to invest in — was a collaborative process," the other strategist said. "It's unfair to Patti to blame her. It was a ministerial position."

Maybe that was the key problem, no one was really in charge.

[sagmanagain]

How will "Evita" leave the stage? With a "Don't cry for me," bitter honesty, I'd say:

"Now just back off, all you peons;
The truth is, I've never loved you,
I've just been using you
Because you needed me
To bring back welfare, and even health care.
I'd've kept my promise;
Now, you keep your distance."

[dfwgator]

“It’s the candidate, stupid.”

Hillary isn’t likeable, period. That’s why she’s failing.

[Neville72]

“Her biggest mistake was when her husband began injecting RACE into the contest. That’s when the the party bigwigs dumped her.”

I continue to believe that Slick did this on purpose knowing it would torpedo her campaign, which it did.

Imagine the inner angst the woman is feeling knowing the public humiliation she’s indured from Bubba over the last 30 years....all to get to this point.

Expect the divorce proceedings to start shortly after she acknowledges her life-long quest has foundered on the rocks and is over.

[johnny7]

She’s f _ _ ked-up everthing she’s ever done... but his time, she’s going to bring her party down with her.

[PGalt]

FReeper comments eclipse article BUMP!

[rod1]

Excellent point...the dynasty must continue one way or the other.

[dfwgator]

You nailed it. There is no way Bill wants to play “First Husband.”

They’ve only stayed together because of Hillary’s POTUS ambitions. Now that it’s over for her, there is no longer any reason for them to stay together and keep up the facade.