Alexandre

"My theory is that she is staying in the race to purposely hurt Obama in the Fall. If he wins she has no shot at ever getting the nomination because in 2016 she would be 68+. If she impedes his campaign and keeps his focus from McCain so that Obama loses then Hillary can run in 2012.

I would not put that scenario past her."

Sadly, I would not put that scenario past her either. However, if she does cost Obama the presidency, not many Democrats will forgive her the next time around, and her chances of winning the Democratic primaries in 2012 would be next to nil. Either way, her presidential career is over.

Hunt

That would be a reasonable plan, especially if she lays off the attacks on Obama. It would allow people to speculate that she's running for Vice-President (although she probably isn't). Note that people didn't get too mad at Huckabee for staying in so long, because he didn't say too many mean things about McCain.

PrimetimeMom

It's time for her to go now. Unfortunately, she does not recognize this fact.

1sokkermom

Alexandre,

Many of the Clinton supporters are speculating that her presidential career is not over, and that she will be back in 2012.....

Maybe she and Rush will now both start campaigning for McCain.

Consolation

I cannot believe that anyone would seriously suggest that she is still in the race out of spite.

Has it escaped your notice that in fact the race is very close and that MANY Democrats have chosen to vote for her? Do you think that all of those people want her to just drop out, or do you think they want her to stay?

Perhaps it is Obama who should bow out, since his poll numbers are sinking as people become more familiar with him (And with his wife, who doesn't like H's "tone." By now, she's found out that there are people who don't like HER "tone" either. She's gotten just a very, very small taste of the barrage of hate that H was subjected to throughout her husband's candidacy and presidency. Just wait, Michelle.)

I can certainly understand the desire to have it be over and move on to the major goal. But ascribing such motivation to H is sickening. Way to do the Republican slime machine's job for them!

Hunt

Consolation, it's obvious that Hillary would still like to get the nomination, and that her supporters would like for her to get it, but barring the revelation of an Obama love child, it essentially can't happen now. That's what makes people speculate about what her true motivations might be. I agree with you that it's probably not spite, but it also can't be a realistic expectation that she can still win.

1sokkermom

I mentioned it on the other related thread. Hillary has loaned the campaign at least $11.5 Million of her own money. She may simply make an attempt to appeal to her loyal supporters for sympathy contributions in an attempt to repay this debt. That could be her rationale for "staying in the race", even though she and her advisers know that she has absolutely no chance at this point in securing the nomination.....

xiggi

Out of spite? Isn't that what Clinton is all about? Will she ever get over that a virtually unknown has shattered the promise of an easy campaign for the "entitled" and that her "own" people are soundly rejecting her message and personality?

This is what happens when you build your entire career on polarizing the electorate. Divide to conquer only works for one who is worthy of the victory.

razorsharp

If nominated, Obama cannot win the general election. Clinton can win it. She knows that and so do the superdelegates. Unless Hillary Clinton actually runs out of money (from whatever source), I don't see her quitting any time soon.

zoosermom

Huckabee is also personable and amusing. Clinton, not so much.
I don't see the net gain for Obama of bringing Clinton onto the ticket, I really don't. She brings no new states to speak of, doesn't substantially differ on the issues, and has many negatives -- not the least of which is her husband. Said it before and will say it again, if I were Michelle Obama, I wouldn't want my husband standing between Hillary and the presidency. I hope he makes a different choice. On a purely personal level, I actually like Obama a lot and am a sucker for cute kids.

1sokkermom

I am interested to hear how you think Clinton can win? She has yet to be vetted by the republicans who would not be afraid to expose her skeletons. In addition, she couldn't even win big in a state (Indiana) that had the demographics in her favor.

In addition, she also had the Rush Limbaugh "Operation Chaos" advantage going for her in Indiana!

marite

Why is it assumed that Obama cannot win the general election but Clinton could? What are the demographics behind this assumption? Thanks.

xiggi

Obama is neither dumb nor naive enough to offer the VP role to someone who wil consider it a repeat of a co-presidency.

Also, while one might consider the "advantages" of an Obama-Clinton from the democrats' perspective, voters at large might focus on the negatives of a unique race/gender ticket. Depending on one's point of view, this could be a miraculous ticket as well as a ... disastrous one. You have to factor the fact that Clinton is almost universally despised by the "other" side and will bring many votes to McCain if she were to adorn the Obama ticket.

Hanna

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...

The only person in the world who can unite the Republican party behind John McCain is Hillary Clinton.

Hunt

I agree, it's not happening, but the press will talk about it anyway.