‘Texas is the Place to Watch’
February 10th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Joe Trippi on Face the Nation this morning posited that Texas could well be the end of the Hillary Clinton campaign. The former John Edwards and Howard Dean adviser noted Texas’ peculiar primary system that includes both a primary and a caucus. The Obama campaign has had a lot of luck with caucuses, which often measure enthusiasm. Trippi noted that Obama is sending in its successful Iowa team to Texas to organize. The campaign plans to open 10 offices around the state and is already buying up as much television time as possible. If the Obama people can run the table in the late-night post-voting caucuses and do well in the major cities there is a chance for a surprise upset.
This is not lost on the Clinton campaign. Much has been made of the Clinton strategy to make Texas a fire wall. Hillary is already starting to devote considerable time to Texas, particularly along the border, where she is expected to do well. On Monday she will be in El Paso and will have a rally at the University of Texas-Pan American in McAllen on Wednesday evening. Bill Clinton is already on the ground.
Meanwhile, the Obama campaign is trying to manage expectations, saying that Clinton has a significant advantage in Texas.
It is going to be a fascinating few weeks and we here at the Observer will try to bring as much of it to you as possible.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:49 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kica8hmSdAM
I am proud of the young people of America. Many are getting involved and becoming active and aware.
February 10th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
When Obama learns that Canada has a prime minister, and not a president (as he said in one of the debates), then I’ll feel more comfortable supporting him.
Hillary has contributed to so many things that impact our country, including:
-As first lady–created and got the support necessary for SCHIP, a universal children’s health care program (and people say she failed on health care! Millions of children and their families would disagree)
-Creating the VAWA (Violence Against Women) office to provide resources nationally to victims of domestic violence
-Health care for national reservists
-Speaking out forcefully for human rights in China (while in China), and these are just a start.
While I find Obama likable, I don’t see that as a sufficient reason to support him. I would like to see him do something in the senate before we promote him. I have great hopes that he can do a lot for Dems. in the position he currently has.
By the way–thinking that Hillary has greater negatives against McCain? I strongly disagree. Imagine McCain vs. Obama if there is a national security crisis. Dems will lose for sure. Imagine Obama being schooled on substance by McCain. Republicans won’t be so easy on him. Hillary, on the other hand, knows the issues, has the experience, and has been vetted.
I am including this article, which speaks to Hillary’s ability to work and gain the respect of people across the aisle:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/30/nyregion/30hillary.html?pagewanted=print
February 10th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Your concerned is duly noted. McCain/Hillary schooling Obama on foreign affairs is laughable. Both have proven bad instincts in the domain. Obama understands nuance and how to best leverage our superpower status to for long term global stability. Read his book. He is by no means perfect. He is simply the best choice. Hillary’s time has past. She should step aside. Texas show her the door.
February 10th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Great post given this historic moment in Texas and in our country.
After sending Bush and DeLay up to Washington to screw up our country and our planet, Texas has a chance to help elect someone who will hopefully be able to mitigate the god awful mess we are in.
I am happy to see that the Texas Observer will be in the thick of things. I will return again and again between now and March 4th to get a look at what is really going on in the Texas Democratic Primary.
February 11th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Oy. The only thing more frightening than Texas republicans is Texas democrats.
February 11th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
The primary is all about ensuring I have the best choice come November… I’m leaning republican, but out of Hillary and Obama… I would much much rather Obama being one of the possible choice for president in November. Obama has my vote for the primary, then I’ll decide come November.