On to South Carolina: Hillary gets back on track
But it’s all still to play for, says James Forsyth. Senator Clinton’s astonishing comeback does not mean that Obama is finished by any means -— and John McCain has injected much-needed energy into the Republican primaries, too
Hillary Clinton has now done something that her husband never managed: she has won a contested New Hampshire primary. In doing so, she has revived her presidential campaign and ensured that the 2008 Democratic presidential primary will be an epic and drawn-out contest. Her recovery from near political death is up there with Truman’s defeat of Dewey as the greatest comeback story in the history of American politics. On the day of the vote the talk was about how much she would lose by, which campaign aide would carry the can — and whether she would soon have to fold her tent for the sake of her own dignity. Not a single poll predicted her victory, and the vast majority had Obama ahead outside the margin of error. According to the Clinton camp’s own polling, she was behind by 11 points. Obama’s people put him 14 points ahead. Now, another Clinton is a comeback kid, and Hillary’s dream of becoming the first female president is no longer on life support.
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K.Vijayakumar
January 10th, 2008 10:39amIf sentiments made a significant number of voters to vote for Hillary in the NH primary thereby ensuring her win,it should be a matter of concern to the male contestants. In the very nature of things, women will be better placed than men to cash in on sentiments. Obama, beware!
Samantha Smear
January 10th, 2008 10:43pmIt seems the lady whose question made Hillary Clinton (weepy in the manner of a child threatened with having its lolly taken away?) went on to vote for Senator Obama because one of his speeches made her weep with emotion. On this form let us pray that when it comes to the wire in November the Anmerican people remember where they are and elect John McCain.
Was this article, by the way, worth publishing? One appreciates that it had to be written or revised in a hurry, but one read better and more stylish analyses in the common prints the morning after.
Robert Sawyer
January 12th, 2008 1:42amAn insignificant "win," in a media, non-event.
Apropos of what was gained. Each took with them seven delegates as this primary goes on and on ad naseum. It's important that we keep in mind, that the Bill Clinton named the "Come back, Kid" was 45 years old, arguably a kid, Senator Clinton is a tired and soon to be worn out, 60 year old woman.
David L Nilsson
January 12th, 2008 9:25amLike everyone in the dead-tree media, Forsyth fails to notice the one candidate who unites rigid respect for America's traditions with a vision of its future that is exciting thousands of real voters, from all parties and none, and attracting millions in contributions from little people. Despite a blackout from the monied interests that are terrified of the consequences to their bottom lines of the USA ceasing to be the world's bully and welfare wagon for immigrants, this candidate got more votes than Giuliani in one state and almost as many in the other. www.ronpaul2008.com