No sleep till Denver: Hillary, the unlikely underdog, takes it to the wire

James Forsyth

8 March 2008

Once the shoo-in candidate, Senator Clinton has re-invented herself and forced Obama to bear the heavy burden of frontrunner. This race could go all the way to the convention, says James Forsyth — which will keep a smile on the face of John McCain

So how worried should Obama be? Well, it is still unlikely that Hillary will arrive in Denver able to make this case, but her adroit campaigning over the past few days and Obama’s mistakes have left her with a real chance. Up to now Obama has benefited from far more favourable press coverage, but there are signs that this may be changing. The media are beginning to feel unappreciated by Obama and a little resentful of his treatment of them. For instance, this week, the Obama team denied outright reports that Austin Goolsbee, Obama’s senior economic adviser, had told the Canadian ambassador not to pay attention to Obama’s anti-Nafta rhetoric. Well, it turned out that the story was substantially true — wrong in only one particular: Goolsbee had met a Canadian diplomat, not the ambassador.

This feeling of indignation was magnified by Obama’s atrocious encounter with the media on Monday. With the Goolsbee issue needing to be cleared up, Obama appeared for a rare press conference after an event at a veterans’ home in San Antonio. However, when the questions turned to a tricky subject — the start of the trial of Tony Rezko, a former donor who sold Obama some land — the Senator grew testy. He called on a local reporter to change the subject and then wrapped things up quickly. It was an unappealing performance and one that suggested that Obama thinks that he is above scrutiny. To compound the damage, Obama turned to the angry press corps as he left, admonishing them: ‘Guys, I mean, come on. I just answered like eight questions.’ If Obama has had a honeymoon with the press, it ended with that comment.

Obama is still doing well, but he is making mistakes under pressure. In stark contrast to New Hampshire, where he delivered a brilliant speech after an unexpected loss, on Tuesday night Obama turned in one of his worst performances. Not only was his delivery flat, but the content was off-putting to the kind of lower-income voters whom Obama needs to win over if he is to secure the nomination. He told a story about an old man in Uganda who stayed up late to watch Obama win in Iowa, before urging voters to think about how the world will react. This is not the best way to appeal to a regular American voter. Worryingly for Obama, the crowd was also more subdued than at any other Obama event. The chant of ‘yes we can’ sounded more plaintive than affirmative. One wonders how many of his supporters will decide that change is too hard.

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jacksmith

March 6th, 2008 10:13am Report this comment

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama: Dear Madam, and Sir, A Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama ticket is what we want. And that is what we need to take back the Whitehouse. We want a smart, tough, idealistic, seasoned veteran of many battles fighting for the American people (Hillary Clinton). With a young, passionate, smart, open-minded, hard-working idealist fighting for the American people (Barrack Obama). The DREAM TEAM! You are both fabulous candidates. And we, the American people are very fortunate to have each of you. Taking back the Whitehouse is critical for the American people, and the world at this time. And I think the American people have been saying loudly, and clearly that a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket is the best way to do this. I think the American people have made it very clear that they feel Hillary Clinton is the one best able to lead the ticket against John McCain at this critical, and desperate time in America, and around the world. These dramatic comebacks are testament to Hillary Clinton's skill, and experience as a fighter for the American people. They are also a testament to the strong desire of the American people to have both of you fighting for the American people at this time of midnight in America. Typical of the Clinton's is an uncanny ability to see and understand what the American people want. And then to try and get it for them. Even if they have to go through three political near death experiences to try and get it for the American people. This is classic Clinton's. They are the best I have ever seen. We are desperate out here. Millions of us are suffering greatly. And tens of thousands of us are dying needlessly every year. Men, women, children, and babies. We need help! As Hillary Clinton said "It's not a game". We need the two of you together on our side fighting for us, and for the American dream for all. Not fighting against each other anymore. It's time for you Senator Obama to join forces with Hillary Clinton as her running mate so that we can all focus our energies, and resources on taking back America for the American people. Don't make me hurt you. :-) Sincerely Jacksmith...

Johanna

March 6th, 2008 1:43pm Report this comment

Very difficult for Clinton to win the nomination, if not mathematically impossible. You can check out the different scenarios at http://www.slate.com/features/delegatecounter/ Obama is expected to win in at least Wyoming and Mississippi... Personally I think the world has had enough of the Clintons and Bushes -time for a real change and not Bill II.

PresidentD

March 7th, 2008 1:17am Report this comment

For Obama to get down in the mud with Clinton would be as stupid as getting into a knife fight with Jim Bowie. But that's what he's going to have to do. It would appear that these developments will spare us from both an Obama presidency and a second Clinton presidency. Once again, America will luck out.

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