Hillary Clinton caucuses and primaries, 2008

Hillary Clinton has won many primaries, but lost the Democratic nomination to Barack Obama.

Iowa

In the initial delegate selection event of 2008, she placed third with 29.45 percent of the state delegate selections in the January 3, 2008 Iowa Democratic caucus to Obama's 37.58 percent and Edwards' 29.75 percent. [cite web | url=http://www.iowacaucusresults.com/ | title=Iowa Democratic Party Caucus Results | accessdate=2008-01-23] In terms of the actual number of delegates that would later be selected to the national convention, the difference between the top three candidates was minor, with Clinton possibly ahead of Edwards. [cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#IA | title=Election Center 2008: Primaries and Caucuses: Iowa | publisher=CNN.com | date=2008-01-04 | accessdate=2008-01-04] Nevertheless, in terms of damaging her image as the "inevitable" leader in the race and in giving Obama considerable momentum, this was a major blow to Clinton's campaign. She remained upbeat in her remarks that night, saying that "This race begins tonight and ends when Democrats throughout America have their say. Our campaign was built for a marathon, and we have the resources to run a national race in the weeks ahead."cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/7695.html| title= Obama and Huckabee win big in Iowa | publisher=politico.com | author=Bill Nichols | date=2008-01-03 | accessdate=2008-01-03] The following day, reports described "panic" among some Clinton donors;cite news | author=Karen Tumulty | url=http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1700705,00.html | title=Clinton Machine Shaken By Setback | publisher=Time | date=January 5, 2008 | accessdate=2008-01-05] some Clinton supporters began questioning the soundness of her strategy and the ability of her top campaign advisors, [cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010404002.html | title=Clinton's Supporters Question Her Strategy | author=Anne E. Kornblut, Jonathan Weisman, Paul Kane | publisher=The Washington Post | date=2008-01-05 | accessdate=2008-01-05}] with chief strategist Mark Penn the focus of particular criticism.

New Hampshire

Polling showed a tight race in the days leading up to the New Hampshire primary. While some polls showed a dead heat between Clinton and Obama, January 6 polls conducted by CNN/WMUR-TV and USA Today/Gallup showed Obama jumping ahead by 10 and 13 points respectively after winning Iowa. [ [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/06/poll-obama-jumps-ahead-of-clinton-in-new-hampshire/ Poll: Obama jumps ahead of Clinton in New Hampshire] CNNPolitics.comm, Jan. 6, 2008] [ [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-06-poll-newhampshire_N.htm Poll: Obama, McCain lead ahead in N.H.] USA Today, Jan. 6, 2008] All of the candidates campaigned in New Hampshire during the four days after the Iowa caucuses, targeting undecided and independent voters in the state. [Scott Helman and Michael Levenson, [http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/06/clock_ticking_in_nh_candidates_target_undecided/?page=2 Clock ticking in N.H., candidates target undecided] Boston Globe, Jan. 6, 2008]

At the ABC News/WMUR-TV Democratic debate in Manchester on January 5, Clinton, Obama, and Edwards all battled over who best exemplified the buzzword of the campaign, "change",cite news | url=http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080106/NEWS08/501981878/-1/news08 | title=Change is hot topic at feisty Democratic debate | author=Kevin Landrigan | publisher=The Telegraph | date=2008-01-06 | accessdate=2008-01-06] cite news | url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2008/01/edwards-he-obam.html | title=Edwards: He & Obama share a 'conviction alliance' | publisher=USA Today | date=2008-01-06 | author=Mark Memmott, Jill Lawrence | accessdate=2008-01-06] with Obama and Edwards teaming up against Clinton. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/us/politics/06dems.html | title=At Debate, Two Rivals Go After Defiant Clinton | author=Patrick Healy, Jeff Zelaney | publisher=The New York Times | date=2008-01-06 | accessdate=2008-01-07] In one noted exchange, Edwards said that Clinton could not bring change, while he and Obama can. "Any time you speak out powerfully for change, the forces for status quo attack." He made clear that he was referring to Clinton, adding, "I didn't hear these kind of attacks from Senator Clinton while she was ahead. Now that she's not we hear them." Clinton passionately retorted: "Making change is not about what you believe; it's not about a speech you make. It's about working hard. I'm not just running on a promise for change. I'm running on 35 years of change. What we need is somebody who can deliver change. We don't need to be raising false hopes." At another point, when one moderator asked Clinton why polls showed she was less "likeable" than other candidates, particularly Obama, she joked tongue-in-cheek, "Well that hurts my feelings ... but I'll try to go on."

In the wake of the Iowa defeat, the campaign hoped that Bill Clinton could help salvage a win in New Hampshire, where he had achieved a political comeback in his 1992 presidential campaign.cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/07/us/politics/07bill.html | title=In New Hampshire, Bill Clinton Finds Less Spark | author=Mark Leibovich | publisher=The New York Times | date=2008-01-07 | accessdate=2008-01-07] As he had in Iowa, the former President campaigned intensively, but his New Hampshire appearances failed to draw large or enthusiastic crowds. On the day before the primary, press reports indicated that Hillary Clinton advisers were pessimistic about the immediate future, thinking it was unlikely she would be able to win either New Hampshire or South Carolina. [cite news | url=http://www.mediainfo.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003692273 | title=Pundits Judge Obama 'Phenomenon' and Growing Lead | publisher=Editor & Publisher | date=2008-01-06 | accessdate=2008-01-07]

That same morning, Clinton became "visibly emotional" cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/07/clinton.emotional/index.html#cnnSTCText | title= Clinton chokes up, is applauded, at campaign stop | publisher=CNN | date=2008-01-07 | accessdate=2008-01-07] at a stop in Portsmouth, when after a friendly question from a voter about how she kept going on the campaign trail, she said, "It's not easy, and I couldn't do it if I just didn't, you know, passionately believe it was the right thing to do."

On election day, January 8, 2008, seven different polls led to a win for Obama, by margins from 5 points to 13 points, with an average of 8.3 points. [cite web | url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/nh/new_hampshire_democratic_primary-194.html | title=New Hampshire Democratic Primary | publisher=RealClearPolitics | date=2008-01-08 | accessdate=2008-01-09] Elegies were published on the Clinton campaign. [cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/07/AR2008010702263.html | title=A Candidacy's Prose and Cons | author=E. J. Dionne, Jr. | publisher=The Washington Post | date=2008-01-08 | accessdate=2008-01-09] Weather was good and voter turnout was reported as heavy all day long, with election officials worried they might run out of ballots; [cite news | url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/01/huge-turnout-re.html | title=Huge turnout reported in N.H. presidential primaries | publisher=USA Today | date=2008-01-08 | accessdate=2008-01-09] the large turnout was expected to favor Obama. During the day and into the evening there were reports of a major shakeup in Clinton's campaign staff scheduled for the next day, in the wake of an expected loss. [cite news | url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/08/a_clinton_campaign_shakeup.html | title=A Clinton Campaign Shakeup? | author=Anne E. Kornblut | publisher=The Washington Post | date=2008-01-08 | accessdate=2008-01-09]

In contrast to expectations, Clinton won New Hampshire [Alan Fram, [http://www.newsweek.com/id/89032 Late NH polls missed Clinton upswing] Newsweek.com, Jan. 9, 2008] gaining about 39 percent of the vote compared to Obama's 36 percent.cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/08/nh.main/index.html | title= Clinton and McCain the comeback kids | publisher=CNN | date=2008-01-08 | accessdate=2008-01-08] In her victory remarks to supporters that evening, Clinton said, "I come tonight with a full heart. Over the last week, I listened to you, and in the process I found my own voice." [cite news | url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4103339&page=1 | title=Clinton Wins in N.H.: I 'Found My Voice' | author=Jennifer Parker | publisher=ABC News | date=2008-01-09 | accessdate=2008-01-12]

In the following days, media outlets engaged in self-examinatory listing of the many faults of their coverage,cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/7822.html | title=Why reporters get it wrong | author=John F. Harris, Jim VandeHei | publisher=The Politico | date=2008-01-09 | accessdate=2008-01-11] while pundits advanced dozens of theories to explain the unexpected result. [cite news | url=http://thepage.time.com/theories-to-explain-clintons-nh-polling-behind-obama/ | title=How the world will explain Clinton’s win despite final polling showing her way behind Obama | author=Mark Halperin | publisher=Time | date=2008-01-09 | accessdate=2008-01-12] The reason for the comeback that most captured the public imagination was her humanization in the last days of the campaign, in particular the "likeability" issue being raised in the debate and her moment becoming became "visibly emotional" the day before which resonated with female voters.cite news | url=http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-newhamp10jan10,1,3225221.story | title=Clinton had voters' sympathy — and a message they liked | author=Cathleen Decker, Mark Z. Barabak | publisher=Los Angeles Times | date=2008-01-10 | accessdate=2008-01-14]

Meanwhile, Internet theories sprung questioning the voting and arguing that there were discrepancies between machine-counted votes (which supported Clinton overall) and hand-counted votes (which supported Obama overall). [cite web | url=http://www.electiondefensealliance.org/new_hampshire_2008_primary_analysis | title=UPDATED New Hampshire 2008 Primary Analysis | publisher=Election Defense Alliance | date=2008-01-15 | accessdate=2008-01-18] Fifth-place finisher Dennis Kucinich's campaign paid $25,000 to have a recount done of all Democratic ballots cast in the primary,cite news | url=http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2008/01/16/kucinich_pays_25000_for_nh_recount/6673/ | title=Kucinich pays $25,000 for N.H. recount | publisher=United Press International | date=2008-01-16 | accessdate=2008-01-18] saying "It is imperative that these questions be addressed in the interest of public confidence in the integrity of the election process and the election machinery." [cite press release | url=http://www.dennis4president.com/go/homepage-items/kucinich-asks-for-new-hampshire-recount-in-the-interest-of-election-integrity/ | title=Kucinich asks for New Hampshire recount in the interest of election integrity | publisher=Kucinich for President 2008 | accessdate=2008-01-18] On January 16 the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office began the recount. After recounting 23 percent of the state's Democratic primary votes, the Secretary of State announced that no significant difference was found in any candidate's total, and that the oft-discussed discrepancy between hand-counted and machine-counted ballots was solely due to demographic factors. [cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/24/democratic_recount_shows_little_change_in_nh_vote_tally/ | title=Democratic recount shows little change in N.H. vote tally | work=The Boston Globe | date=2008-01-24 | accessdate=2008-01-28]

Maya Angelou

American poet, author, and actress, Maya Angelou recited her poem, "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993, the first poet to do so since Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961. cite news | last = Manegold | first = Catherine S. | title = An afternoon with Maya Angelou; A wordsmith at her inaugural anvil | work = New York Times | date = 1993-01-20 | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE5D81E30F933A15752C0A965958260&n=Top%2FReference%2FTimes%20Topics%2FPeople%2FA%2FAngelou%2C%20Maya | accessdate = 2007-10-02 ] In January, 2008 Angelou announced that she wrote a poem for Hillary entitled "State Package for Hillary Clinton" for "The Observer". cite news | last = Thorpe | first = Vanessa | title = Maya Angelou's poem in praise of Hillary | work = The Guardian | date = 2008-01-20 | url =http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jan/20/usa.poetry| accessdate = 2008-02-13 ] On the subject of writing the poem, "The Guardian" stated that, "Angelou is steadfast in her loyalty to Clinton. She said recently: 'I made up my mind 15 years ago that if she ever ran for office I'd be on her wagon' [...] Angelou says that she has had many long telephone conversations with [Oprah| [Oprah] Winfrey] on the subject of Obama versus Clinton. 'She thinks he's the best, and I think my woman is the best,' she has explained. 'Oprah is a daughter to me, but she is not my clone.'"On April 30, 2008 Angelou made a public endorsement of Clinton. [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/new-clinton-ad-stars-maya-angelou/ Maya Angelou: Clinton Testimonial] ]

Issues of race

Issues of race came to the forefront as campaigning began for the January 26 South Carolina primary, the first to feature large African American participation in the Democratic electorate. First, in the closing stages of the New Hampshire campaign, Bill Clinton had referred to Obama's claim that he has been a staunch opponent of the Iraq War from the beginning as a "fairy tale," which some subsequently thought was a characterization of Obama's entire campaign.cite news | url= http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/13/clinton.obama/ | title=Clinton: Obama camp is 'distorting' her remarks | author=Josh Levs | publisher=CNN | date=2008-01-13 | accessdate=2008-01-13] The former President called in to Al Sharpton's radio show to personally clarify that he respected Obama and believed in his viability.

Around the same time, Hillary Clinton discussed Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon Johnson in an interview for Fox News. She stated that, "I would point to the fact that that Dr. King's dream began to be realized when President Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, when he was able to get through Congress something that President Kennedy was hopeful to do, the President before had not even tried, but it took a president to get it done. That dream became a reality, the power of that dream became a real in people's lives because we had a president who said we are going to do it, and actually got it accomplished." [ [http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/01/07/clinton-talks-tears-with-fox-news/ Clinton Talks Tears with Fox News] ] Some African-American leaders took this statement as a denigration of the accomplishments of King and the larger American civil rights movement. Hillary Clinton blamed Obama for the controversy, claiming his campaign had fanned the flames, a charge which Obama dismissed as "ludicrous". Shortly before, and during, a January 15 Democratic debate in Nevada, Clinton and Obama declared a truce on the matter, with both making reconciliatory statements about race, gender, and each other.cite news | url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e706e626-c49e-11dc-a474-0000779fd2ac.html | title='Truce' has little impact on black vote | author=Edward Luce | publisher=Financial Times | date=2008-01-17 | accessdate=2008-01-18] However, there was concern that Clinton's support among some African Americans may have been damaged, with SUNY Albany's Debra Dickerson stating "The Clintons have to do something dramatic and symbolic to win back the trust of many African-Americans."

In part the tension resulted from the historical coincidence of the first viable female presidential candidate, and the first viable African American candidate, running against each other in the same nomination race.cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/weekinreview/13leibovich.html | title=Rights vs. Rights: An Improbable Collision Course | author=Mark Leibovich | publisher=The New York Times | date=2008-01-13 | accessdate=2008-01-13] One South Carolina pastor lamented that he had been waiting all his life for either "first" to happen, and said, "I really hate that they had to run at the same time in the same election. It just makes what should be a wonderful situation very stressful for folk like me. I never imagined you could have too much of a good thing."cite news | url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/91795 | title=Letting Hillary Be Hillary | author=Jon Meacham | publisher=Newsweek | date=2008-01-21 | accessdate=2008-01-13] Clinton acknowledged that she understood the situation: "I wish it didn't have to be a choice. I think a lot of people who are torn between us feel that way. But it is a contest ..." Feminism and the civil rights movement had a long intertwined history in the United States, often working in concert but sometimes opposed; while the bitter 19th century split between Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frederick Douglass illustrated the latter, the unified opposition to the Supreme Court nomination of Clarence Thomas had exemplified the former. After the Clinton-Obama tension on this matter, one Democrat interviewed by the "Financial Times" said, "After Iowa, Obama was the post-racial candidate who appealed to all of our better natures. Now he's a black politician and she's a woman. And it is back to politics as usual."

Michigan – maybe

Because of a party dispute over scheduling, the January 15 Michigan primary lost its delegates to the national convention, and all major candidates signed a pledge "not to campaign or participate" in Michigan's primary. The majority of candidates, including Richardson, Edwards and Obama, interpreted the pledge as requiring the removal of their names from the Michigan ballot. Clinton, however, decided to keep her name on the ballot, only agreeing to the "campaign" part of the pledge. Thus, little or no campaigning was done there (in the actual vote, Clinton would win nothing with 55 percent of the vote against 40 percent for an uncommitted slate [cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#MI | title=Election Center 2008: Primary Results for Michigan | publisher=CNN.com | date=2008-01-16 | accessdate=2008-01-16] ) and attention instead moved to the January 19 Nevada caucuses.

Later, in the month, Clinton announced that she wanted a Michigan delegation (and Florida's, in the same circumstance) seated at the convention,cite news | url=http://www.observer.com/2008/clinton-wants-florida-and-michigan-delegates-seated-convention | title=Clinton Wants Florida and Michigan Delegates Seated at Convention | author=Katherine Jose | work=The New York Observer | date=2008-01-25 | accessdate=2008-01-29] saying "I hear all the time from people in Florida and Michigan that they want their voices heard in selecting the Democratic nominee. I believe our nominee will need the enthusiastic support of Democrats in these states to win the general election, and so I will ask my Democratic convention delegates to support seating the delegations from Florida and Michigan." This seemed to contradict her previous statement on NH public radio where she said, “Well, you know, it’s clear, this election they're having is not going to count for anything.” [ [http://www.nhpr.org/node/13858 New York Senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton | New Hampshire Public Radio ] ] The Obama campaign responded that it was clear these contests were for no delegates and that "it seems like Hillary Clinton will do or say anything to win an election."

Nevada

The Clinton campaign benefited from a surge in fundraising after its New Hampshire win, garnering $6 million in new funds.cite news | url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gopmoney13jan13,1,7362218.story | title=Belt-tightening times for GOP campaigns | author=Janet Hook | publisher=Los Angeles Times | date=2008-01-13 | accessdate=2008-01-13]

In Nevada, Obama gained the valuable endorsement of the Culinary Workers Union, whose 60,000 members staff the casinos and resorts of Las Vegas and elsewhere.cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/us/politics/13vegas.html | title=Lawsuit Over Precincts in Nevada | author=Steve Friess | publisher=The New York Times | date=2008-01-13 | accessdate=2008-01-13] Clinton countered by appealing to the Hispanic vote in the state, emphasizing that they were at special risk from the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis. [cite news | url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-dems_jan13,0,6538694.story | title=Clinton makes push for Hispanics' support in Nevada | author=Michael Martinez | publisher=Chicago Tribune | date=2008-01-13 | accessdate=2008-01-13] Meanwhile, a proxy legal battle between Clinton and Obama broke out over the creation of special at-large precincts within nine Las Vegas resorts, which were approved in 2007 to allow casino employees a chance to participate in the caucuses, as many employees could not leave the casinos during voting hours. Clinton supporters said they violated equal protection and one-person-one-vote requirements, and the Nevada State Education Association filed a lawsuit seeking to eliminate the casino caucus sites. The organization did not officially endorse Clinton, but many of its top officials have done so. This led Obama to allege that the suit was filed in order to hurt his chances at the caucuses. "Some of the people who set up the rules apparently didn't think we'd be as competitive as we were and are trying to change them last minute," he said.

On January 17, a federal judge ruled that the casino at-large caucus plan could go ahead. This was seen as a win for Obama because of the Culinary Workers Union endorsement.cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/17/casino.caucuses/ | title= Judge allows casino caucuses to proceed | publisher=CNN | date=2008-01-17 | accessdate=2008-01-17]

To further complicate matters, the major news and polling organizations decided to not do any polls before the Nevada caucuses, fearing the newness of the caucus, the transient nature of Nevada's population, and more fallout from their bad experience in New Hampshire. [cite news | url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jan/11/pollsters-have-plan-nevada-skip-it/ | title=Pollsters have a plan for Nevada: Skip it | author=Brian Eckhouse, Michael Mishak | publisher=Las Vegas Sun | date=2008-01-11 | accessdate=2008-01-13] In one of the few polls that was conducted, the "Las Vegas Review-Journal" reported that Clinton was ahead by 9 points. [cite news | url=http://www.lvrj.com/breaking_news/13871382.html | title=Romney, Clinton Lead in R-J Poll | publisher=Las Vegas Review-Journal | date=2008-01-17 | accessdate=2008-01-17]

Clinton finished first in the caucuses on January 19, winning 51% of delegates to the state convention compared to 45% for Obama. [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22739349/ Clinton, Romney win in Nevada] MSNBC.com, Jan. 19, 2008] After the caucuses, there was dispute over which candidate would send more delegates to the national convention. It appeared that Obama won 13 to Clinton's 12, because the apportionment of delegates is based on county totals. Delegates to the national convention will be determined officially at the April 19 state convention, [ [http://cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002657958 Clinton Cashes In Nevada Win With High Roll in Vegas] CQ Politics, Jan. 19, 2008] and the Nevada Democratic Party said that it was not necessarily true that state delegate preferences would remain the same by that time. [ [http://www.rgj.com/blogs/inside-nevada-politics/2008/01/clinton-campaign-says-obama-is-wrong.html Clinton campaign says Obama is wrong] "Reno Gazette Journal", January 19, 2008.] On January 23, the Obama campaign filed an official letter of complaint with the Nevada Democratic Party charging the Clinton campaign with many violations of party rules during the caucuses, based upon 1,600 complaints they had received.cite news | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,,-7250890,00.html | author=Jim Kuhnhenn | title=Obama Camp Complains to Nevada Dems | work=The Guardian | publisher=Associated Press | date=2008-01-23 | accessdate=2008-01-23] The Clinton camp said the Obama operation was "grasping at straws" and that they had their own complaints about Obama campaign actions during the caucuses.

outh Carolina

The issues of race that came to the forefront had no greater effect than where campaigning began for the January 26 South Carolina primary, the first to feature large African American participation in the Democratic electorate.The January 22 CNN/Congressional Black Caucus debate in Myrtle Beach was according to CNN a "debate punctuated by sharp exchanges." [ [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/22/sc.debate.anlysis/ Sparks fly in most contentious debate to date] CNN.com, Jan. 22, 2008] Clinton criticized Obama for voting "present" on many occasions while in the Illinois Senate. "It's hard to have a straight up debate with you because you never take responsibility for any vote," she said. Obama said that he was working to help unemployed workers in Chicago while Clinton was "a corporate lawyer sitting on the board at Wal-Mart." [ [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iySWjciIrjB8hbu450lIABfnYcjwD8UAM6V82 Clinton, Obama Engage in Bitter Debate] Associated Press, Jan. 22, 2008] He also took issue with statements made on the campaign trail by Bill Clinton, saying "I can't tell who I'm running against sometimes." [ [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hv2KcsUaRi-qaHaiXv1EKOsHIGkQD8UAMMB80 Quotes From Monday's Democratic Debate] Associated Press, Jan. 22, 2008] It was the most-watched primary season debate in cable television news history.cite news | url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/22/cnncbc-debate-breaks-ratings-record/ | title=CNN/CBC debate breaks ratings record | publisher=CNN.com | date=2008-01-22 | accessdate=2008-01-23] In the days after the debate, Hillary Clinton left to campaign in some Super Duper Tuesday states [ [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/hillary-clinton-bill-clinton-south-carolina Hillary Clinton Bill Clinton South Carolina] ] , while Bill Clinton stayed in South Carolina and engaged in a series of exchanges with Obama. [ [http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2008/01/report_hillary_largely_skipping_south_carolina_leaving_the_state_to_bill.php Election Central | Talking Points Memo | Report: Hillary Largely Skipping South Carolina, Leaving The State To Bill] ] Clinton's decision to leave the state was subject to criticism. [ [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-24-sc-bill-clinton_N.htm Bill Clinton Says Race, Gender to Decide S.C. vote] ] Hillary aides responded by stating that criticism directed towards Clinton was created in order to "to undermine the former president". [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/26/AR2008012601018.html?hpid=topnews Obama Is Big Winner in S.C. Primary - washingtonpost.com ] ] Edwards stayed clear of the fray in the debate and later said that he represented the "grown-up wing" of the party. [ [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/01/edwards_makes_his_last_stand.html RealClearPolitics - Articles - Running Third, Edwards Still Dazzles ] ]

Bill Clinton attracted controversy for his participation in his wife's campaign after a series of attacks made on his part against Obama, which many former Clinton supporters felt to be unfair. [http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/michael_tomasky/2008/01/winning_ugly.html Comment is free: Winning ugly ] ] [ [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/26/politics/main3755521.shtml Analysis: Bill Clinton's Lost Legacy, CBSNews.com's Vaughn Ververs: Inflammatory Remarks Tarnish Ex-President's Reputation - CBS News ] ] [ [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/01/bill_clinton_credited_reagan_i.html RealClearPolitics - Articles - Clinton's Depressing Assault on Obama ] ] While some felt the attacks against Obama may eventually pay off, [ [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/01/how_clinton_will_win_the_nomin.html RealClearPolitics - Articles - How Clinton Will Win the Nomination by Losing S.C ] ] others felt it would damage Hillary Clinton's presidential prospects and alienate Democratic voters in the general election if she won the nomination. [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/23/AR2008012303325.html There You Go Again - washingtonpost.com ] ] There was also concern that the former President was overshadowing the candidate on the campaign trail. [ [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-assess_tackett_sunjan27,0,5782634.story For better or worse, Bill Clinton in race - chicagotribune.com ] ] [ [http://www.vanityfair.com/ontheweb/blogs/daily/2008/01/bruce-feirste-1.html VF Daily: Bruce Feirstein: Bill Clinton, Nasty Man: On The Web: vanityfair.com ] ] [ [http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-brooks24jan24,0,1569475.column A Clinton twofer's high price - Los Angeles Times ] ] According to CBS, "By injecting himself into the Democratic primary campaign with a series of inflammatory and negative statements, Bill Clinton may have helped his wife's presidential hopes in the long term but at the cost of his reputation with a group of voters that have long been one of his strongest bases of political support." [ [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/26/politics/main3755521.shtml Analysis: Bill Clinton's Lost Legacy, CBSNews.com's Vaughn Ververs: Inflammatory Remarks Tarnish Ex-President's Reputation - CBS News] ] [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/opinion/23dowd.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin Two Against One - New York Times] ] Some critics accused Clinton of "pulling the race card" [ [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=a86pY4CBoF0U Bloomberg.com: News<] ] [ [http://www.slate.com/id/2182569#obamaescape Obama beats... Jesse Jackson? - By Mickey Kaus - Slate Magazine ] ] [ [http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/627lchzc.asp The Bubba Factor ] ] against Barack Obama.

On January 26, Obama won by a more than two-to-one margin over Clinton, gaining 55 percent of the vote to her 27 percent and Edwards' 18 percent.cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/26/sc.primary/index.html | title=Obama claims big win in South Carolina | publisher=CNN.com | date=2008-01-26 | accessdate=2008-01-26] Bill Clinton had compared Obama's victory to Jesse Jackson's victory in the 1988 South Carolina primary, in which he said "Jackson ran a good campaign. And Obama ran a good campaign here." He would be criticized for these comments because they were widely seen as implying that Obama was "the black candidate [cite news | url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/01/bubba-obama-is.html | title=Bubba: Obama is like Jesse Jackson | publisher=ABCNews.com | date=2008-01-26 | accessdate=2008-03-10] ." Hillary Clinton would later apologize for her husband's remarks in front of the State of the Black Union conference. [cite news | url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/24/clinton-offers-regrets-for-husbands-remarks/ | title=Clinton offers regrets for husband's remarks | publisher=CNN.com | date=2008-02-22 | accessdate=2008-03-01] Clinton had already left the state and gave her concession speech from Tennessee State University, where she said she was looking forward to the February 5 Super Duper Tuesday contests.

Kennedy family endorsements

In late 2007, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. [ [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/11/29/robert-f-kennedy-jr-endorses-hillary-clinton/ Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. endorses Hillary Clinton] ] and his sisters Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Kerry Kennedy [ [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/16/politics/main3623528.shtml Kennedy Family Split On Endorsements] ] (children of the late Senator and United States Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy) announced that they would be endorsing Hillary Clinton.

On 27 January 2008, their cousin Caroline Kennedy (President John F. Kennedy's daughter) announced in a "New York Times" op-ed piece entitled, "A President Like My Father", that she would endorse Barack Obama in the 2008 U.S. presidential election. [cite news |first=Caroline |last=Kennedy |title=A President Like My Father |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27kennedy.html |publisher=The New York Times |date=2008-01-27 |accessdate=2008-01-27] On the same day, her uncle Senator Ted Kennedy announced that he would endorse Obama [ [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/27/politics/politico/thecrypt/main3756412.shtmlTed Kennedy Embraces Obama] ] cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/28/us/politics/28kennedy.html | title=Kennedy Chooses Obama, Spurning Plea by Clintons | author=Jeff Zeleny, Carl Hulse | work=The New York Times | date=2008-01-28 | accessdate=2008-01-28] despite appeals by both Clintons not to do so. Senator Kennedy's endorsement was considered among the most influential that any Democrat could get. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/us/politics/27cnd-campaign.html | title=Kennedy Plans to Back Obama Over Clinton | author=Jeff Zeleny, Brian Knowlton | work=The New York Times | date=2008-01-27 | accessdate=2008-01-27] In particular, it raised the possibility of improving Obama's vote-getting among unions, Hispanics, and traditional base Democrats. It was later followed by an announcement that his son Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy would also endorse Obama. [ [http://www.wpri.com/Global/story.asp?S=7788172 Patrick Kennedy says Obama can galvanize nation to change] ] [ [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gmY_8TWtY5H8uNRYWky_QFzs9p3wD8UF9QVG2 Kennedy Endorses Obama - "Change in Air"] ]

In response to these endorsements, Robert, Kathleen, and Kerry wrote in a January 29, 2008 editorial, "By now you may have read or heard that our cousin, Caroline Kennedy, and our uncle, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, have come out in favor of Sen. Barack Obama. We, however, are supporting Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton because we believe that she is the strongest candidate for our party and our country." [cite news | url=http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-kennedy29jan29,0,1618955.story | title=Kennedys for Clinton | author=Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kerry Kennedy | work= Los Angeles Times | date=2008-01-29 | accessdate=2008-01-29] California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a member of the Kennedy family through his marriage to Maria Shriver commented, "What is surprising is that I think for the first time, the family is not in sync [...] three of them have endorsed Barack Obama and three of them have endorsed Hillary Clinton. I think that's the interesting story there." [ [http://www.my58.com/news/15169868/detail.html Governor: Kennedy's Endorsement 'Interesting'] ] Shriver's brother, Anthony Shriver, is supporting Clinton as well. [ [http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/01/28/clinton-campaign-talking-points/ Clinton Campaign Talking Points] ]

Impact of Bill Clinton

After South Carolina, the Clinton campaign sought to find a "gentler" role for Bill Clinton,cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/28/us/politics/28dems.html?hp | title=Clinton’s Camp Seeks Gentler Role for Ex-President | author=Patrick Healy | work=The New York Times | date=2008-01-28 | accessdate=2008-01-28] whose actions during the South Carolina campaign and earlier was suspected of having polarized the Democrat electorate and harming Hillary Clinton's standing among women, in addition to having contributed to Ted Kennedy's decision to endorse Obama. Congressman Charles Rangel, an outspoken Hillary Clinton supporter, said of Bill Clinton, “He’s got to [pull back] . The focus has got to get back on Hillary. For all that he cares about his wife, this has to be her election to win, and it’s become too much about his role.” By two days after South Carolina, CNN's Candy Crowley reported that there was "a huge wave" of sentiment inside and outside the Clinton campaign that the former President "needs to stop." [cite news | url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/28/clinton-campaign-advisers-bill-clinton-needs-to-stop/#more-4808 | title=Clinton campaign advisers: Bill Clinton 'needs to stop' | author=Candy Crowley | publisher=CNN | date=2008-01-28 | accessdate=2008-01-28]

Bill Clinton did subsequently maintain a lower profile on the campaign, relying on standard talking points and rarely mentioning Obama by name,cite news | url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/08/bill-clinton-reflects-on-south-carolina-dustup/ | title=Bill Clinton reflects on South Carolina dustup | author=Alexander Mooney | publisher=CNN | date=2008-02-08 | accessdate=2008-02-17] or if he did, praising him: "I'm not against anybody. I'm "for" Hillary ... If you disagree, you have another very attractive choice." [cite news | url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/021508dnpolclinton.c39e4e82.html | title=Bill Clinton avoids attacks on Obama in East Texas | author=Bruce Tomaso | publisher="The Dallas Morning News" | date=2008-02-16 | accessdate=2008-02-17] Bill Clinton said that in retrospect, "Everything I have said has been factually accurate, but I think the mistake I made was to think I was a spouse just like any other spouse who could defend his candidate. I think I can promote Hillary but not defend her because I was president."

By late February, with Hillary Clinton trailing further behind Obama, one unnamed senior adviser to her campaign said that in hindsight it had been unwise to use Bill Clinton as much as they had, as “his presence, aura and legacy caused national fatigue with the Clintons.”cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/us/politics/24mood.html | title=Somber Clinton Soldiers On as the Horizon Darkens | author=Patrick Healy | publisher=The New York Times | date=2008-02-24]

Florida – maybe

The Florida Primary on January 29, like the earlier Michigan one, had had its delegates stripped from it due to its jumping too early in the primary season. The Democratic candidates agreed not to campaign in the state, although unlike Michigan all were on the ballot here. Several days before the primary, Clinton announced that she believed Florida delegates "should" get seated at the national convention.

Despite no delegates apparently being at stake, over 1.5 million Democrats voted in the primary. Clinton won with 50 percent of the vote, compared to 33 percent for Obama and 14 percent for Edwards. [ [http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#FL Election Center 2008: Primary Results - Elections & Politics news from CNN.com ] ] Clinton was in Florida that evening and gave a brief victory speech, saying, "You know, I could not come here to ask in person for your votes. But I am here to thank you for your votes today. This has been a record turnout because Floridians wanted their voices to be heard on the great issues that affect our country and the world." [ [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/29/620419.aspx Hillary declares victory - The Body Odd - msnbc.com] ]

uper Tuesday

Super Tuesday took place on 05 February 2008, with twenty-two states holding Democratic caucuses or primary elections on this date. [cite web
title = Presidential primary and caucus dates
publisher = Pew Research Center
date = 2007-08-30
work = Stateline.org
pages = 1
format = PDF
url = http://archive.stateline.org/flash-data/Primary/2008_presidential_primaries.pdf
accessdate = 2007-08-31 ] It was preceded by two events for Clinton. The first was a debate held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles on January 31 which was notable for its civil tone. [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/31/AR2008013104068.html?hpid=topnews Head to Head, Clinton, Obama Shelve Rancor - washingtonpost.com] ] The second was "Hillary’s Voices Across America: A National Town Hall" which was broadcast on the "Hallmark Channel" at 9pm on February 4. [cite web
title = Hillary’s Voices Across America: A National Town Hall
publisher = "Hallmark Channel"
date = February 4, 2008
work =
pages =
format =
url = http://townhall.hillaryclinton.com/
accessdate = 2008-02-11] [ [http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/cabletv/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003705031 Clinton Buys Block on Hallmark] Mediaweek 2008-01-31] During this time, Clinton also announced that she had loaned her campaign $5 million. Of this loan Clinton commented, "I loaned it because I believe very strongly in this campaign. We had a great month fund-raising in January, broke all records. But my opponent was able to raise more money." [ [http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iTwkvkh94yu8LRe5po81AN8aSang Hillary Clinton loans 5 million dollars to her campaign] ]

There were a number of issues at stake going into Super Tuesday, with no clear winner assured in the race. [http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1303806,00.html Economy Crucial On 'Super Tuesday] ] One critical factor was the California primary which was deemed the "biggest prize in the Super Tuesday contest: the state delivers 370 delegates for the Democratic candidates." In the California contest, Clinton had gained three important endorsements: Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. [cite web
title = San Francisco Mayor, A Clinton Backer, Says They're Going To Go After MoveOn Members
publisher = "Wired"
date = February 1, 2008
work =
pages =
format =
url = http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/02/san-francisco-m.html
accessdate = 2008-02-12]

Clinton won nine states on Super Tuesday including important delegate rich ones: the California Primary, 52% to 42%, with 204 delegates for Clinton and 160 for Obama; the New York Primary 57% to 40% with 139 delegates for Clinton and 93 for Obama; the New Jersey Primary 54% to 44% with 59 delegates for Clinton and 48 for Obama;the Arizona Primary 51% to 42% with 31 delegates for Clinton and 25 for Obama; the Arkansas Primary 70% to 20% with 27 delegates for Clinton and 8 for Obama; Oklahoma Primary, 61% to 37%, of which Clinton gained 24 delegates and Obama 14; and Tennessee Primary, 54% to 41%, of which Clinton gained 40 delegates and Obama 28. [http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/dates/index.html#val=20080205 RESULTS: February 5 - SUPER TUESDAY] ] She also won the Massachusetts Primary 56% to 41%, of which Clinton gained 55 delegates and Obama 38. The Massachusetts Primary was described by "The Guardian" as a "symbolically important triumph" for Clinton. [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/uselections08/hillaryclinton/story/0,,2253199,00.html Clinton's win in Kennedy country rattles Obama surge] ] New Mexico had to postpone declaring a winner in order to conduct a recount. [ [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18785663 New Mexico's Feb. 5 Voting Still Inconclusive] ] Clinton was announced the winner of New Mexico on February 14. [ [http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN1449398220080214 UPDATE 1-Clinton wins N.Mexico Democratic presidential vote] ] Obama won the primaries in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri and Utah. He also won all of the states which held caucuses — Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota and North Dakota; among the reasons for this were his campaign's fundraising advantage, which allowed him to procure the costly ground operations crucial to success in caucuses.cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8613.html | title=January yields debt for HRC, cash for Obama | author= Kenneth P. Vogel, Jeanne Cummings | publisher=The Politico | date=2008-02-20 | accessdate=2008-02-21] According to CBS News estimates, Obama won 803 pledged delegates on Super Tuesday and Clinton took 799. [ [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/05/politics/main3794580.shtml Dems Fight to a Draw On Super Tuesday] CBSNews.com, Feb. 6, 2008]

Within a few days after Super Tuesday, Clinton raised $10 million from 100,000 donors. [ [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/09/clinton-raises-10-million-since-super-tuesday/ Clinton raises $10 million since Super Tuesday] ]

Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, and Maine

Clinton competed in Washington, with advertising and personal appearances, as well as in Maine, with Bill Clinton going to Louisiana. [ [http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1711585,00.html Obama's weekend to win] ] In Washington, which had the most delegates at stake, Clinton had the endorsements of Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, but lost Governor Christine Gregoire to Obama.cite news | url=http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/08/washington-state-3-others-become-unlikely-battlegrounds-for-dems/ | title=Sleepless in Seattle: Washington State, 3 Others Become Unlikely Battlegrounds for Dems | publisher=Foxnews.com | date=2008-02-08 | accessdate=2008-02-08] Nebraska was visited by daughter Chelsea Clinton, who talked to students at Creighton University. [cite news | url=http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=7841018&nav=menu606_24_12_1 | title=Upcoming Nebraska Democratic Caucus Attracts Top Contenders | publisher=KPTM | date=2008-02-08 | accessdate=2008-02-08]

On February 9, Clinton lost the Louisiana primary 57% to 36%, the Nebraska caucuses 68% to 32%, and the Washington caucuses 68% to 31%.cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/dates/index.html#20080209 | title=Results: February 9: Multi-state events | publisher=CNN.com | date=2008-02-10 | accessdate=2009-02-10] Across the three states, Obama gaining 84 delegates to Clinton's 45. On February 10, Clinton lost the Maine caucus 59% to 40%. Obama gained 15 delegates to Clinton's 9.Potomac primary", with votes cast in Maryland, the Virginia, and the District of Columbia, was held on February 12.

Clinton made personal appearances in the District,cite news|url=http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/11/654975.aspx | title=CLINTON: TAXATION WITH REPRESENTATION | author= Athena Jones | publisher=MSNBC| date=2008-02-11 | accessdate=2008-02-13] Maryland,cite news|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/02/11/clinton-pushes-green-collar-jobs-in-md-factory-tour/?mod=googlenews_wsj| title=Clinton Pushes ‘Green Collar’ Jobs in Md. Factory Tour | author= Amy Chozick | publisher=WSJ| date=2008-02-11 | accessdate=2008-02-13] and Virginia.cite news|url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/nationworld/dp-news_campaign_0208feb08,0,157843.story| title=Campaign trails run through Virginia | author= | publisher=| date=2008-02-11 | accessdate=2008-02-13] Obama was able to begin his television advertising in the states earlier than Clinton, due to his campaign's fundraising advantage. Clinton lost the D.C. primary 75% to 24%, the Maryland primary 60% to 37% (with 96% of the precincts reporting), and the Virginia Primary 64% to 35%. [ [http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/dates/index.html#val=20080212 February 12 -MULTI-STATE EVENTS] ]

Clinton herself responded to the loss by stating, "I think everybody knew that he was favored there. My husband lost Maryland when he was running in the primary. We go on. We’re ready for the contests that are upcoming. There are hundreds of delegates that will be in play on March the 4th. We are well organized and well positioned." cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/02/13/politics/fromtheroad/entry3826233.shtml | title=Clinton Challenges Obama to Texas Showdown | author= Fernando Suarez | publisher=CBS | date=2008-02-13 | accessdate=2008-02-13] Regarding a response to Obama's win CNN argued, "for the second election night in a row, Hillary Clinton failed to acknowledge or congratulate Barack Obama after he won the day in dominating fashion."cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/12/clinton-still-no-congratulations-for-obama/ | title=CNN Political Ticker:Clinton: Still no congratulations for Obama | author= | publisher=CNN | date=2008-02-12 | accessdate=2008-02-12] CBS, however, quoted Clinton as telling reporters, 'I want to congratulate Senator Obama on his recent victories and tell him to meet me in Texas, we’re ready.'"

On February 14 a national poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs placed Clinton at 46% and Obama at 41%. [ [http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/29881/democrats_2008_hillary_46_obama_41 Democrats 2008: Hillary 46%, Obama 41%] ] National polls from Rasmussen and Gallup were released the same day. Rasmussen showed Obama ahead 49-37, and Gallup had the race virtually even, with Obama holding a one-point lead. [ [http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll Daily Presidential Tracking Poll] Rasmussen Reports, Feb. 14, 2008] [ [http://www.gallup.com/poll/104341/Gallup-Daily-Tracking-Election-2008.aspx Tracking Election 2008] Gallup Poll, Feb. 14, 2008] The same day, Obama passed Clinton in the overall Pollster.com aggregate national poll for the first time during the campaign. [cite news | url=http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/pollstercom_obama_leading_hill.php | title=Pollster.com: For First Time, Obama Leading Hillary In National Polling Average | publisher=TPM Election Central | date=2008-02-15 | accessdate=2008-02-17] NBC News noted that even if Florida and Michigan were included in the tally, Obama led in the total popular vote after the Potomac primary. [ [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/13/661146.aspx First Thoughts: Mr. Front-runner] , MSNBC.com, Feb. 13, 2008]

Role of superdelegates

Following the Potomac primary, the potential role of superdelegates in deciding the Democratic nomination was heavily discussed. In particular, the possibility of one candidate gaining more pledged delegates from primary and caucus wins, but losing the nomination to the other due to the decisions of superdelegates, made some Democratic leaders uncomfortable. The Clinton camp, behind in pledged delegates, advocated that superdelegates exercise their own judgment in deciding which candidate to back; Clinton campaign worker Geraldine Ferraro argued for this option cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/opinion/25ferraro.html | title=Got a Problem? Ask the Super | author=Geraldine Ferraro | publisher="The New York Times" | date=2008-02-25] , with Ferraro stating, "The superdelegates were created to lead, not to follow." The Obama camp, ahead in pledged delegates, advocated that superdelegates follow the will of the voters and back whichever candidate had the most pledged delegates.cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/16/AR2308021602657.html?hpid=topnews | title=Clinton, Obama Dispute Roles of Superdelegates | author=Peter Slevin, Jose Antonio Vargas | publisher="The Washington Post" | date=2008-02-17 | accessdate=2008-02-17] Some party leaders, such as U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, argued for the latter interpretation,cite news | url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2008/02/hillary_clinton_campaign_defen.html | title=Hillary Clinton camp defends superdelegate clout | author=Rick Pearson | publisher="The Baltimore Sun" | date=2008-02-16 | accessdate=2008-02-17] while others such as Democratic National Committee chair Howard Dean argued for the former interpretation. [cite news | url=http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/howard_dean_speaks_out_about_r.php | title=Howard Dean On Super-Delegates: "Their role is to exercise their best judgment." | author=Greg Sargent | publisher=TPM Election Central | date=2008-02-16 | accessdate=2008-02-17]

African American superdelegates previously pledged to Clinton, found themselves under pressure to switch to supporting Obama's historic candidacy; Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. suggested that those staying with Clinton might face Democratic primary challenges in the future. [cite news | url=http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1713596,00.html | title=Black Lawmakers Rethink Clinton Support | author=David Espo | publisher=Associated Press | date=2008-02-14 | accessdate=2008-02-17] MoveOn.org started an Internet petition to urge superdelegates to "let the voters decide between Clinton and Obama, then support the people's choice." [cite news | url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/moveon-to-superdelegates-wait/ | title=MoveOn to Superdelegates: Wait! | author=Sarah Wheaton | publisher="The New York Times" | date=2008-02-14 | accessdate=2008-02-17]

While Clinton was viewed as having an institutional advantage in amassing superdelegates by virtue of her fifteen years of national prominence in party politics. [cite news | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/17/MN99V44MH.DTL&type=politics | title=Many superdelegates delay deciding on a candidate | author=Adam Nagourney, Farhana Hossain | publisher="The New York Times" for "San Francisco Chronicle" | date=2008-02-17 | accessdate=2008-02-18] However, Obama had heavily outspent Clinton in previous contributions to superdelegates through their political action committees. [cite news | url=http://www.capitaleye.org/inside.asp?ID=336 | title=Seeking Superdelegates | author=Lindsay Renick Mayer | work=Capital Eye | publisher=Center for Responsive Politics | date=2008-02-14 | accessdate=2008-02-18]

Wisconsin and Hawaii

The Wisconsin primary and the Hawaii caucuses were next on the campaign schedule. Chelsea Clinton made appearances at four Wisconsin universities: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Madison, [cite web|url=http://www.madison.com/tct/news/271997|title=Chelsea Clinton stumps for Hillary at Memorial Union|author=Judith Davidoff|date=2008-02-12|accessdate=2008-02-14] [cite web|url=http://www.wisn.com/politics/15293484/detail.html|title=Chelsea Stumps For Mom At UW-Milwaukee|work=WISH.com|date=February 13, 2008|accessdate=2008-02-14] University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, [cite web|url=http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/02/13/news/00lead.txt|title=Former first daughter holds low-key forum|author=Reid Magney|work=La Crosse Tribune|date=2008-02-13|accessdate=2008-02-14] and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. [ [http://media.www.spectatornews.com/media/storage/paper218/news/2008/02/14/News/Chelsea.Wows.Davies.Crowd-3210378.shtml Chelsea wows Davies crowd] ] [ [http://www.dane101.com/current/2008/02/12/what_they_are_saying_about_chelsea_clinton What They Are Saying About: Chelsea Clinton] ] [ [http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=21559 Chelsea Clinton delivers at UW-Madison in second Wisconsin appearance] ] WISN-TV noted Chelsea's statement at UW-Milwaukee that, "On the war in Iraq, ' [her mother] would end it the first day (in office) if she could,' but acknowledges that it would take about 60 days to come up with a plan to withdraw our troops and set up a workable plan to leave." [ [http://www.wisn.com/politics/15293484/detail.html Chelsea Stumps For Mom At UW-Milwaukee] ] Chelsea also planned to appear for her mother in Honolulu and in Maui. [ [http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080213/BREAKING01/80213078/1001/BREAKING01 Chelsea Clinton to visit Hawaii this week] ]

Hillary Clinton reduced her already limited scheduled appearances in Wisconsin,cite news | url=http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=719026 | title=Democrats take subtle jabs as Clinton comes to state | author=GREG J. BOROWSKI, CRAIG GILBERT | publisher="Milwaukee Journal Sentinel" | date=2008-02-16 | accessdate=2008-02-17] with her campaign feeling disadvantaged by Governor of Wisconsin Jim Doyle's endorsement of Obama and the fact that independent voters are able to vote in the state's Democratic primary. Clinton made Obama's refusals to add any additional debates to the campaign schedule a primary focus of her messaging in Wisconsin, saying, "I will meet Senator Obama any place in the state. There’s only been one debate between the two of us. This has only been a two person race for a little over two weeks. And I think it’s a real disservice to the people of Wisconsin that you haven’t had a chance to see the tough questions asked and answered."cite news | url=http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/02/16/the-debate-on-debates/ | title=The Debate on Debates | author=Aaron Bruns | publisher=Fox News | date=2008-02-16 | accessdate=2008-02-17] Obama responded by saying, "We've had 18 debates. Eighteen debates!" Obama outspent Clinton 4–1 in television advertising in the state, [cite news | url=http://blogs.wispolitics.com/election/2008/02/obama-outspending-clinton-4-to-1-in.html | title=Obama outspending Clinton 4-to-1 in Madison, Milwaukee on TV ads | author=JR Ross | publisher=Wispolitics.com | date=2008-02-16 | accessdate=2008-02-17] and was able to get on the air earlier than Clinton due to his campaign's greater financial strength. Clinton did air a large number of negative ads against Obama in the final days of the campaign.

The most publicized charge which Clinton used against Obama preceding the Wisconsin primary were accusations that he plagiarized portions of his campaign's national co-chair Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. The lines Obama used were in response to charges by Clinton that his campaign offered "speeches but not solutions." The lines Obama used were almost verbatim from portions of a speech made by Patrick in 2006, stating “Don’t tell me words don’t matter.‘I have a dream.’ Just words? ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’ Just words! ‘We have nothing to fear but fear itself.’ Just words — just speeches!” Obama stated that he borrowed the lines after being recommend to do so by Patrick who had faced similar attacks that he was only offering talk but not action. [cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3392913.ece |title=Hillary Clinton hits Barack Obama with plagiarism allegation|work=The Times|date=2008-02-14|accessdate=2008-03-11]

On February 19, Clinton's losing streak to Obama stretched to ten in a row.cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/19/feb19.contests/index.html | title=Obama, McCain extend winning streaks | publisher=CNN | date=2008-02-20 | accessdate=2008-02-20] Obama won the Wisconsin primary 58 percent to 41 percent, [cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#WI | title=Election Center 2008: Primary Results for Wisconsin | publisher=CNN | date=2008-02-20 | accessdate=2008-02-20] with a trend continuing of Clinton losing support in demographics that had previously been most favorable to her,cite news | url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/803274,CST-NWS-wisc20.article | title=Obama badgers Hillary in Wisconsin | author=Abdon M. Pallasch | publisher="Chicago Sun-Times" | date=2008-02-20 | accessdate=2008-02-20] such as women, lower-income families, and people who belong to labor unions.cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/02/20/wis_win_extends_obama_streak/ | title=Wis. win extends Obama streak | author=Sasha Issenberg | publisher="The Boston Globe" | date=2008-02-20 | accessdate=2008-02-20] That evening, when Clinton's televised remarks did not include acknowledgment of Obama's victory, he started his own victory remarks before she finished, causing the cable news channels' to switch their live coverage to Obama.cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/us/politics/20elect.html | title=Wisconsin and Hawaii Add to Obama’s String of Victories | author=Patrick Healy, Jeff Zeleny | publisher="The New York Times" | date=2008-02-20 | accessdate=2008-02-20] Obama also won the Hawaii caucuses overwhelmingly, 76 percent to 24 percent, [cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#HI | title=Election Center 2008: Primary Results for Wisconsin | publisher=CNN | date=2008-02-20 | accessdate=2008-02-20] in the state where he was born, spent much of his childhood, and still has family. "The New York Times" termed the night's results and demographic trends "grim tidings for Mrs. Clinton," while the "Los Angeles Times" headlined, "Wisconsin: Beginning of the end for Clinton?" and the Associated Press described her campaign as "fading".cite news | url=http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-analysis20feb20,0,5566117.story | title=Wisconsin: Beginning of the end for Clinton? | author=Michael Finnegan | publisher="Los Angeles Times" | date=2008-02-20 | accessdate=2008-02-20] [ [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jld3VILFDbEY6uciu_lp_YgBnGqwD8UTP0LG1 Obama and McCain Win Wisconsin Primaries] Associated Press, Feb. 19, 2008]

Two days later, the results of the worldwide Democrats Abroad primary were announced, with Obama winning by a wide margin and stretching Clinton's losing streak to eleven. [cite news | url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_el_pr/campaign_delegates | title= Obama wins Democrats Abroad primary | author=Stephen Ohlemacher | publisher=Associated Press for Yahoo! News | date=2008-02-21 | accessdate=2008-02-29]

Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont

The Ohio Primary, Rhode Island Primary, Texas Primary and Texas Caucus, and Vermont Primary took place on March 4. The delegate-rich Ohio and Texas primaries were considered to be top prizes for both candidates: Ohio offers 141 pledged delegates and Texas 193. A number of news organizations, most notably cable television network Fox News named the March 4th primaries and caucuses "Super Tuesday II. [cite news | url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,333570,00.html | title=Karl Rove on Super Tuesday II; McCain vs. Obama | publisher=FoxNews.com | date=2008-02-22 | accessdate=2008-03-10] "

In Texas, a Houston rally was held on 10 February in support of Clinton.cite web | url =http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/5530104.html| title = Clinton backers rally for March 4| publisher = "Houston Chronicle"| accessdate =2008-02-12 ] On 12 February, according to CBS, Hillary received a "rock star welcome" when she spoke before a crowd of 12,000 at the University of Texas at El Paso.cite web | url =http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/02/12/politics/fromtheroad/entry3824090.shtml| title = Clinton gets Rock Star Welcome in Texas| publisher=CBS| accessdate =2008-02-12 ]

In Ohio, polls released on 13 February indicated that Clinton had a 17 point lead. [ [http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010026580 Clinton, McCain Ahead Of Rivals In Ohio] ] She gained the endorsement of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland, of astronaut and former Senator John Glenn, and of Akron mayor Don Plusquellic. [ [http://www.ohio.com/news/break_news/15613132.html Plusquellic endorses Clinton; Healy waiting for primary results] ] She also gained the endorsement of the "Columbus Dispatch". In mid February Chelsea Clinton's campaigning for her mother included visits to Cleveland State University, the University of Akroncite web | url =http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=83326| title = Chelsea Clinton: First Daughter for the second time?| work = WKYC| accessdate =2008-02-14 ] Ohio State, and Ohio Wesleyan.cite web | url =http://www.10tv.com/?sec=news&story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200802/2067996882.html| title = Democratic Presidential Campaigns Arrive In Columbus| work = WBNS| accessdate =2008-02-14 ]

In Rhode Island, a 13 February Brown University poll for the state indicated Clinton was the choice of 36 percent of voters surveyed while Obama was supported by 28 percent. [ [http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010026418 Clinton Ahead Of Obama In Rhode Island] ]

As Obama solidified his lead, Clinton shook things up with a revamped message and sharper digs at her party's front man on February 20, 2008.cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/20/clinton.strategy/index.html | title= Clinton looks to stop Obama in aftermath of 10 losses | publisher=cnn.com | date=2008-02-20 | accessdate=2008-02-20]

However, in the February 21 Democratic debate at the University of Texas at Austin, the next-to-last one of the campaign, Clinton generally refrained from attacking Obama.cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/22/debate.schneider/index.html | title= Analysis: Clinton likely didn't slow Obama's momentum | author=Bill Schneider | publisher=CNN | date=2008-02-22 | accessdate=2008-02-22] cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN22536300 | title=Clinton's debate moment: turning point or end game? | author=Jeff Mason | publisher=Reuters | date=2008-02-22 | accessdate=2008-02-22] Clinton's closing statement in the debate drew praise from political analysts and a standing ovation from the audience.A police officer was killed February 22, 2008 in a motorcycle accident as Clinton's motorcade made its way through downtown Dallas.cite web | url =http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/22/clinton.motorcade/index.html| title = Officer in Clinton motorcade killed in accident | publisher=CNN| accessdate =2008-02-22 ] A visibly angry Clinton lashed out February 22 at Obama over campaign literature that she said he knows is "blatantly false".cite web | url =http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/23/clinton.mailings/index.html| title = Clinton tells Obama: 'Shame on you'; Obama fires back | publisher=CNN| accessdate =2008-02-24 ] At the same time, a "New York Times" report portrayed her as still fighting, but philosophical and realistic about the possibility that she would lose the race. With only a week left in the race a February 26 "New York Times" report by political correspondent Patrick Healy stated that Clinton had developed a new "kitchen sink strategy" to confronting Obama which involved a slew of negative campaign attacks on Obama's experience and especially his readiness to be commander in chief. This began with a February 25 speech at George Washington University on foreign policy with Clinton comparing Obama's foreign policy inexperience to President George W. Bush [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/us/politics/26clinton.html | title=Clinton Campaign Starts 5-Point Attack on Obama | publisher=The New York Times | date=2008-02-26 | accessdate=2008-03-10] .

With a week and a half to go, both Ohio and Texas tightened: An ABC News/Washington Post poll taken February 16-20 indicated that Clinton's lead over Obama in Ohio had shrunk to 7 percentage points. [ [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a7uQqWHrwPek&refer=home Obama, Clinton Wrangle Over Trade Before Ohio Contest] ] Another poll, released February 25, projected also a statistical dead heat in Texas between the two. [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/25/texas.poll/index.html Poll: It's all tied up for Dems in Texas] ] On February 25 USA Today/Gallup poll showed that Obama had a double-digit lead for the first time, [ [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-02-25-poll-prez_N.htm "Poll: Obama now seen as most electable"] , "USA Today", 2008-02-26.] and a CBS News/New York Times poll showed an even larger Obama lead.

In the last scheduled debate of the campaign, at Cleveland State University on February 26, Clinton and Obama argued with each other over negative campaigning, health care and free trade. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/26/dems.debate/index.html | title=Clinton, Obama clash over campaign tactics in debate | publisher=CNN | date=2008-02-27 | accessdate=2008-02-27] Clinton personally echoed a theme her campaign had emphasized over the past days, that media coverage on her was much tougher than that on Obama, by making reference to a "Saturday Night Live" skit on the same point from the weekend before.cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/us/politics/27watch.html | title=20th Debate: Reality Show or a Spinoff? | author=Alessandra Stanley | publisher="The New York Times" | date=2008-02-27] "New York Times" writer Alessandra Stanley said that the debate, hosted by MSNBC and featuring grillings from Tim Russert, "did look a bit like the 'S.N.L.' parody."Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama battled for votes over the airwaves and on the ground in Texas on February 29. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/29/democrats/index.html | title=Obama, Clinton battle in Texas just days before key primary | publisher=CNN | date=2008-02-29 | accessdate=2008-03-01] Hillary Clinton met her match while appearing on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" to deliver the show's trademark opening line and provide an "editorial response" to a mock presidential debate. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/01/clinton.snl/index.html | title=Live from New York, it's Hillary Clinton | publisher=CNN | date=2008-03-01 | accessdate=2008-03-02] On March 2, 2008 Hillary Clinton tried to convince Ohio voters they have what it takes to fix the economy as they campaigned before contests that could decide the Democratic presidential nomination. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/29/democrats/index.html | title=Clinton, Obama vie for votes in Ohio | publisher=CNN | date=2008-03-02 | accessdate=2008-03-03] The state's 3.6 million eligible Hispanic voters could tip the balance in delegate-rich Texas toward Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. But they're deeply divided. Clinton relied on a loyal grass-roots network of community leaders. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/03/texas.hispanics/index.html | title=Hispanics a key to Texas Democratic deadlock | publisher=CNN | date=2008-03-03 | accessdate=2008-03-03]

One of the most controversial and upfront moves of the so-called "kitchen sink" strategy against Obama had been an ad entitled "Children" which Clinton aired in Texas concerning a 3 am phone call at the White House during a world crisis and touting Clinton's national security credentials. Many political commentators compared the Clinton ad to one used in the 1984 Democratic primary by Walter Mondale against Gary Hart. Obama responded with a similar ad on the same day claiming that Clinton lacked the judgment to deal with a world crisis because of her vote for the Iraq war. Clinton gave her harshest rebuke of Obama yet on March 3 when she repeatedly stated that she and Senator McCain had foreign policy experience while Obama only had a speech. The Obama campaign responded asking what foreign policy experience Clinton truly had. [citenews | url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/obama-aides-tout-his-commander-credentials/ | title= Obama Aides Tout His Credentials to Be Commander in Chief | publisher= NYTimes.com | date=2008-03-10 | accessdate=2008-03-10] [citenews | url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/03/02/clinton_obama_aides_tangle_ove.html | title = Clinton, Obama Aides Tangle Over '3 A.M.' Ad | publisher=Washingtonpost.com | date=2008-03-02 | accessdate=2008-03-10] Hillary Clinton said March 17, 2008 she is the only candidate who would exercise the leadership needed to end the Iraq war. Sen. Barack Obama holds up his original opposition to the war on the campaign trail, but he didn't start working aggressively to end the war. [citenews | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/17/clinton.war/index.html | title= Clinton says she's only candidate who can end war | publisher= CNN | date=2008-03-17 | accessdate=2008-03-17]

Clinton broke the twelve-state winning streak for Obama with her victory in Rhode Island 58%/40%. The state had Clinton leading in the polls, though her lead had been narrowing in the days leading up to the primary. Clinton also won the Ohio primary 54%/44% and the Texas primary 51%/47%. She lost Vermont 59%/39% and the Texas Caucus 56%/44% with 41% reporting. She will likely lose Texas overall, with fewer delegates than her rival. cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/dates/index.html#val=20080304 | title=RESULTS: March 4 - MULTI-STATE EVENTS | publisher=CNN | date=2008-03-04 | accessdate=2008-03-04] Clinton's wins in Ohio and Texas resulted in large part from her gaining back her core demographic areas of support, such as women and lower-income groups. [cite news | url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/horseraceblog/2008/03/how_clinton_won_tx_and_oh.html | title=How Clinton Won TX and OH | author=Jay Cost | publisher=Real Clear Politics | date=2008-03-05 | accessdate=2008-03-06]

The day after, on March 5, Clinton raised the possibility on several morning news programs of a joint ticket with Obama, saying: "That may be where this is headed. But, of course, we have to decide who is on the top of ticket. I think the people of Ohio very clearly said that it should be me." [cite news | url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/03/breaking-news-h.html | title=Breaking News: Hillary Clinton hints at joint ticket with Obama | publisher=CNN | date=2008-03-05 | accessdate=2008-03-05] Soon after, in Wyoming, Obama explicitly rejected the notion, saying "You won’t see me as a Vice Presidential candidate." [cite news | url=http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hillary_Clinton_presidential_campaign%2C_2008&action=edit | title=Obama: "You won't see me as a Vice Presidential candidate" | publisher=ABCNews.com | date=2008-03-07 | accessdate=2008-03-10]

Wyoming and Mississippi

The Wyoming Caucus was held on March 8, 2008 with Senator Obama winning by 61% of the vote compared to Clinton's 38%. [cite news | url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/03/obama_wins_wyoming_caucuses.html?hpid=topnews | title= Obama Wins Wyoming Caucuses | publisher=Washingtonpost.com | date=2008-03-08 | accessdate=2008-03-09] President Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea had campaigned in the state, and Hillary Clinton made a Wyoming appearance the day before the caucuses. [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/us/politics/09wyoming.html?bl&ex=1205211600&en=c658ee387d0be4f6&ei=5087%0A Obama Wins Wyoming Caucuses] , NY Times, March 9, 2008] The Clinton campaign had continued to criticize Senator Obama's inexperience with what one Clinton aide called the "kitchen sink" strategy - throwing everything at Obama in the days leading up to the March 4 primaries in Ohio and Texas. [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/26/america/26clinton.php Clinton campaign starts 5-point attack on Obama] International Herald Tribune, Feb. 26, 2008] The Obama campaign was seen as "off balance" by former John Edwards campaign manager Joe Trippi in an interview with New York Magazine because many problems mired the Obama campaign after its Ohio and Texas losses, Trippi expressed concern that Obama's negative counter-attack strategy could backfire [cite news | url=http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2008/03/john_heilemann_and_joe_trippi.html | title= John Heilemann and Joe Trippi Discuss the Democratic Primary Race Over Instant Messenger | publisher=New York Magazine | date=2008-03-10 | accessdate=2008-03-10] . Earlier in the week the campaign of Republican nominee John McCain attacked a gaffe by Obama's foreign policy advisor Susan Rice on MSNBC's "Tucker," wherein she said that neither Obama nor Clinton was "ready to receive that 3 am call," referring to Clinton's Texas attack ad [cite news | url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/obama-aide-neither-candidate-ready-for-3-am-call/ | title= Obama Aide: Neither Candidate Ready for 3 AM Call | publisher=NYTimes.com | date=2008-03-07 | accessdate=2008-03-10] . Obama was also hurt by news that foreign policy advisor Samantha Power had called Clinton a "monster" in an interview with Scottish newspaper The Scotsman. Power subsequently resigned from the campaign. [cite news | url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080308/ts_alt_afp/usvote | title= Clinton, Obama face off in Wyoming | publisher=AFP | date=2008-03-08 | accessdate=2008-03-08] . Obama responded to the re-vamped Clinton "kitchen sink" strategy by raising Senator Clinton's reluctance to release her tax returns, with campaign manager David Plouffe calling Clinton "one of the most secretive politicians in America today". [cite news | url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10497045 | title= Obama targets 'secretive' Clinton's tax records | publisher=New Zealand Herald | date=2008-03-09 | accessdate=2008-03-08] Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson responded to the attacks by comparing Obama to former special prosecutor Kenneth Starr. [cite news | url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/ny-usstar075604577mar07,0,1953553.story | title= Clinton camp shoots Starr smear at Obama | publisher=Newsday | date=2008-03-07 | accessdate=2008-03-08]

The Clinton campaign continued to hint that a Clinton victory would entail Obama being chosen as vice Presidential running mate, and on March 8, former President Bill Clinton made known his support of this as a "dream ticket" which would be an "almost unstoppable force" [cite news | url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/03/bill-clinton-ca.html | title= Bill Clinton Calls A Hillary/Obama Ticket An 'Almost Unstoppable Force' | publisher=ABCNews.com | date=2008-03-08 | accessdate=2008-03-08] However, the day before, in Casper, Wyoming, Senator Obama had explicitly rejected this notion. [cite news | url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/03/obama-you-wont.html | title= Obama:"You Won't See Me as VP | publisher=ABCNews.com | date=2008-03-07 | accessdate=2008-03-10] On March 10, Obama noted that he, not Senator Clinton, held the lead in delegates won. "I don't know how somebody who is in second place is offering the vice presidency to somebody who is in first place," he said. [ [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aGAN6X7YzdXc&refer=home Obama Rejects Clinton Suggestion of Vice Presidency] Bloomberg.com, March 10, 2008] He further stated that Clinton's VP suggestion was an example of what he called "the old okey-doke", telling a Columbus, MS crowd that the Clinton camp was trying to "bamboozle" or "hoodwink" voters. [cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/03/obama_clinton_t.html | title= Obama: Clinton trying to 'hoodwink' voters with VP talk | publisher=Boston Globe | date=2008-03-10 | accessdate=2008-03-10] [ [http://www.sunherald.com/306/story/423341.html Obama: VP spot is not for me] Biloxi Sun Herald March 10, 2008] Obama inquired why the Clinton campaign believed him competent for Vice President, but not as President. [cite news | url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jQLfFGt4BeOSjlAhGny8qaGNU3RgD8VAR0MG0 | title= Obama Ridicules Notion of VP Slot | publisher=AP | date=2008-03-10 | accessdate=2008-03-10] [cite news | url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/11/does-clinton-benefit-from-so-called-dream-ticket-talk/ | title= Does Clinton benefit from so-called 'dream ticket' talk? | publisher=CNN | date=2008-03-10 | accessdate=2008-03-11]

The Mississippi Primary was held on March 11, 2008 with Obama winning 61% of the vote to Clinton's 37% [cite news | url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-campaign12mar12,1,3341551.story | title= Obama cruises to easy win in Mississippi primary | publisher=LA Times | date=2008-03-11 | accessdate=2008-03-12] . It was notable that the Mississippi results were largely divided by racial lines with exit polls by CNN showing Obama winning 91% of the black vote while 72% of the white vote went to Clinton. [cite news | url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/11/exit-polls-mississippi-democrats-divide-on-racial-lines/ | title= Exit polls: Mississippi Democrats divide on racial lines | publisher=CNN | date=2008-03-11 | accessdate=2008-03-12]

Ferraro comments and resignation

On March 7, 2008, the 1984 Democratic vice-presidential nominee and Clinton finance committee member Geraldine Ferraro, gave an interview to the small California newspaper "Daily Breeze" in which she said, "I think what America feels about a woman becoming president takes a very secondary place to Obama's campaign — to a kind of campaign that it would be hard for anyone to run against. For one thing, you have the press, which has been uniquely hard on her. It's been a very sexist media. Some just don't like her. The others have gotten caught up in the Obama campaign. If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept." [cite news
last = Farber
first = Jim
title = Geraldine Ferraro lets her emotions do the talking
publisher = The Daily Breeze
date = 2008-03-07
url = http://www.dailybreeze.com/lifeandculture/ci_8489268
accessdate = 2008-03-12] Ferraro justified her statements by referring to her own run for vice president saying that she "was talking about historic candidacies and what I started off by saying (was that) if you go back to 1984 and look at my historic candidacy, which I had just talked about all these things, in 1984 if my name was Gerard Ferraro instead of Geraldine Ferraro, I would have never been chosen as a vice presidential candidate. It had nothing to do with my qualification." [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23590166/ Clinton supporter quits over Obama remarks] ]

By the day of the March 11 Mississippi primary, the comments had achieved wider circulation and she was accused of being racially insensitive. Hillary Clinton rejected Ferraro's comments — saying, "It is regrettable that any of our supporters on both sides, because we've both had that experience, say things that kind of veer off into the personal. We ought to keep this on the issues" — but did not call for Ferraro's resignation from the Clinton campaign.cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/11/ferraro.comments/?imw=Y&iref=mpstoryemail | title= Ferraro: 'They're attacking me because I'm white' | publisher=CNN | date=2008-03-11 | accessdate=2008-03-12] Ferraro rejected apologizing or repudiating her comments once they came under fire from the Obama campaign, and spoke to the "Daily Breeze" again, where she said, "I really think they're attacking me because I'm white. How's that?" [Gene Maddaus, [http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_8533832 "Ferraro defends controversial comments on Barack Obama"] , "The Daily Breeze", March 11, 2008.]

On March 12, MSNBC commentator Keith Olbermann launched an unusually vehement critique of the Clinton campaign, accusing the campaign of using Ferraro as a surrogate to imply that Obama (who was president of Harvard Law Review at Harvard Law School during his time there and is a "magna cum laude" graduate of its law school) was the beneficiary of social and media affirmative action. [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23601041/ Clinton's tepid response to Ferraro is shameful - Countdown with Keith Olbermann - MSNBC.com ] ] Some commentators saw these comments by Ferraro as a coded attempt by the campaign to appeal to race-conscious white voters in the upcoming Pennsylvania primary. [cite news | url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/840277,CST-NWS-mitch13.article | title= Ferraro fails to grasp why she's so wrong | first=Mary | last=Mitchell | work=Chicago Sun-Times | date=March 13, 2008 | accessdate=2008-03-25] Later on March 12, Ferraro resigned from the Clinton campaign, saying "The Obama campaign is attacking me to hurt you. I won't let that happen." [cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/12/ferraro.comments/?iref=mpstoryview
title=Ferraro steps down from Clinton campaign
first=Rebecca
last=Sinderbrand
publisher=CNN
date=2008-03-14] At a campaign stop with the National Newspaper Publishers Association which represents over 200 African American newspapers, Clinton was asked to apologize for Ferraro's remarks and said, "I said yesterday that I rejected what she said, and I certainly do repudiate it." [cite news | url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/clinton-addresses-ferraro-backlash/#more-4507 | title= Clinton Addresses Ferraro Backlash | publisher=NYTimes.com | date=2008-03-12 | accessdate=2008-03-13]

Comments about 1996 Bosnia trip

During her presidential campaign, Clinton had made several references to her March 1996 trip to visit U.S. troops enforcing the Dayton Agreement in Bosnia-Herzegovina, [cite news | url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE3D61139F935A15750C0A960958260 | title= Response by G.I.'s Mixed As Hillary Clinton Visits | author=Mike O'Connor | publisher="The New York Times" | date=1996-03-26 | accessdate=2008-03-26] detailing a harrowing experience. At a February 29, 2008 event in Waco, Texas, with retired Gen. Wesley Clark and remarks at a December 29, 2007 event in Dubuque, Iowa [cite web|last=Thrush|first=Glenn|title=Hillary says she risked life on White House trips|publisher= Newsday.com |url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/ny-usside315521015dec31,0,5515440.story|accessdate=2008-03-27] , Clinton detailed how she had to make a run for it on the tarmac at Tuzla Air Base to avoid sniper fire. On March 17, 2008, during her Saint Patrick's Day speech at The George Washington University, Clinton described her trip to Bosnia:The Associated Press could find no evidence that Clinton had been under extraordinary risk during her landing at Tuzla Air Base. A video of her arrival, released by CBS News, shows Clinton and her daughter Chelsea smiling and waving as they walked at a leisurely pace across the tarmac from a cargo plane, stopping to shake hands with Bosnia’s acting president and listen while an 8-year-old girl read a poem. Clinton shook hands with American troops and posed for pictures with a group of 7th graders who were also on the tarmac. [cite web| title=Hillary Clinton backtracks over 'misleading' Bosnia sniper story|publisher=The Times On Line|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3617816.ece|accessdate=2008-03-27] Comedian Sinbad, who accompanied Clinton on the trip, said, "I never felt that I was in a dangerous position. I never felt being in a sense of peril, or 'Oh, God, I hope I'm going to be OK when I get out of this helicopter or when I get out of his tank.'" cite news| date=March 25, 2008 | work=Fox News | url=http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/25/clinton-admits-rare-error-when-she-misspoke-about-bosnia-sniper-threat/| title=Clinton: I Made a Rare Error When I ‘Misspoke’ About Bosnia Sniper Threat| accessdate=2008-03-26|quote=So I made a mistake. That happens. It proves I’m human, which, you know, for some people, is a revelation.] [cite web|title=Sinbad on His and Hillary’s “Red Phone Moments” In Bosnia |publisher=Rolling Stone|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/nationalaffairs/index.php/2008/03/11/sinbad-on-his-and-hillarys-red-phone-moments-in-bosnia/|accessdate=2008-03-26] [cite news | author=Mary Ann Akers | title=Sinbad Unloads on Hillary Clinton | work=washingtonpost.com | url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/03/sinbad_unloads_on_hillary_clin.html | date=March 11, 2008 | accessdate=2008-03-26] When spokesman Howard Wolfson was asked about her remarks, he said that she "misspoke". [cite news| date=March 24, 2008 | work=The Associated Press| url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iNxTApa2sQRu0Xx99P3jt2bEXw7gD8VK1S181| title=Clinton 'misspoke' on Bosnia trip | accessdate=2008-03-24] [cite news| date=March 24, 2008 | work=Fox News | url=http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/24/clinton-campaign-says-she-misspoke-did-not-land-under-sniper-fire/ | title=Clinton Campaign Says She &"Misspoke," Did Not Land "Under Sniper Fire" | accessdate=2008-03-24] CBS News reported that hundreds of thousands of viewers had by then seen video of the 1996 event that offers evidence of Clinton's exaggeration, with Clinton aide Lissa Muscatine saying the event "was not quite as dramatic as Clinton put it." [cite news| work=CBS News | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/24/eveningnews/main3964921.shtml | date=March 24, 2008 | title=CBS Video Contradicts Clinton's Story | accessdate=2008-03-24] Clinton acknowledged her mistake, saying "I made a mistake. That happens. It proves I'm human, which you know, for some people, is a revelation." [cite news | url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080325.wclinton0325/BNStory/International/home | title=Clinton: I made a mistake | author-Charles Babington | publisher=Associated Press | date=2008-03-25 | accessdate=2008-03-26] The Obama campaign responded by releasing documentation of three other instances in the past in which Clinton had repeated the same sniper fire claim. [Earle, Geoff, "Now Bunko Hill Is Under Fire: Insulted Military Blasts Her Serial 'Sniper' Lies", New York Post, March 26, 2008.]

Campaign finance

The Clinton campaign had $33 million on hand at the end of February 2008, but due to federal election laws, would only be able to spend $11 million of that on the Democratic primary. As of the end of February, the campaign owed $8.7 million in unpaid debts. The campaign has also been slow paying vendors, drawing criticism from small business owners who have provided services to the campaign. [cite web
url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9259.html
title=Cash-strapped Clinton fails to pay bills
publisher=www.politico.com
accessdate=2008-03-31
date=March 30, 2008
last= Vogel
first=Kenneth P.]

A February 08, 2008 article in the Portsmouth Herald stated, "Rochester physician Terry Bennett said he rented a city building to people who worked for Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign — and skipped town without paying the bill. Making matters worse, Bennett said, the convert|3000|sqft|m2|sing=on building at 236 Union St. was left trashed...Realtor Michael Whitney... said he has been trying to collect rent for four weeks. 'I sent about 20 e-mails,' said Whitney. '...I called, but they will not return any of my calls.'" [ [http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/NEWS/802080448 Landlord: Clinton staff stiffed me on rent] Portsmouth Herald, February 08, 2008]

A February 23, 2008 article in The New York Times reported that a caterer, a hotel, and a cleaning service all had trouble collecting money from Clinton's campaign for services that they had provided. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/23/nyregion/23owe.html | title=Small Vendors Feel Pinch of Clinton's Money Troubles | work=The New York Times | date=February 23, 2008 | accessdate=2008-03-31 | first=Michael | last=Luo]

A March 31, 2008 article in The Politico titled "Clinton didn't pay health insurance bills" stated, "Among the debts reported this month by Hillary Clinton’s struggling presidential campaign, the $292,000 in unpaid health insurance premiums for her campaign staff stands out... the unpaid bills to Aetna were at least two months old, according to FEC filings." [cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9274.html | title=Clinton didn't pay health insurance bills | work=The Politico | date=March 31, 2008 | accessdate=2008-03-31 | first=Kenneth | last=Vogel]

After Clinton's April win in the Pennsylvania primary by 9.4%, her campaign released to the media that it had received a renewed national boost, as evidenced by 60,000 donors who contributed a total of $10 million, more than 80 percent of whom the campaign said were first-time donors. An investigation from The Politico, however, concluded that the claim was only "successful campaign spin," and "a case of shaping favorable media coverage by crafting a narrative too compelling to overlook." Politico concluded this because the campaign's claims, it said, were "impossible to independently verify." [Kenneth P. Vogel, "The story behind Clinton's record haul", "Politico", 26 April 2008. [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9889.html Availaable online.] [http://www.webcitation.org/5XO51YLTl Archived.] ] Data released by the Federal Election Commission revealed that the real figure was approximately $4.3 million.cite web | url=http://query.nictusa.com/pres/2008/M5/C00431569/A_DATE_C00431569.html | title=Contributions for Hillary Clinton for President| publisher=Federal Election Commission | accessdate=2008-05-29 | date=May 20, 2008]

A May 12, 2008 Bloomberg News article states that Clinton has "more than $10 million in unpaid bills to vendors and consultants." [ [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=as5a58KS7ky8&refer=home Clinton Deadline Looms for Recouping $11 Million Personal Loan] Bloomberg News, May 12, 2008]

An August 22, 2008 CNN blog entry by CNN reporters Alexander Mooney and Robert Yoon stated, "According to an FEC report filed Wednesday, Clinton's debt as of the end of July stood at just under $24 million — a decrease of only $1.2 million since the end of June. More than $13 million of that total is owed to the New York senator herself, while close to $11 million is owed to individual vendors." [ [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/22/disclosure-reports-show-clinton-still-deeply-in-debt/ Disclosure reports show Clinton still deeply in debt] , CNN blog from CNN writers Alexander Mooney and Robert Yoon, August 22, 2008]

NAFTA position

According to a NY Times article, Clinton said she "raised a big yellow caution flag" against the North American Free Trade Agreement. [cite news | title=Clinton Says She Raised ‘Yellow Caution Flag’ on Nafta | url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/clinton-says-she-raised-yellow-caution-flag-on-nafta/ | work=The New York Times | date=April 1, 2008 | accessdate=2008-04-02 | first=Katharine | last=Seelye] Robert Reich, Secretary of Labor during the NAFTA debate and subsequent passage in 1993, stated "I was in the administration then, and I remember her position quite precisely. HRC didn't want the Administration to move forward with NAFTA, but not because she was opposed to NAFTA as a policy. She opposed NAFTA because of its timing. She wanted her health-care plan to be voted on first. She feared that the fight over NAFTA would use up so much of the White House's political capital that there wouldn't be enough left when it came to pushing for health care." [cite web | url=http://robertreich.blogspot.com/2008/02/hillary-and-barack-afta-nafta.html | title= Hillary and Barack, Afta Nafta | date=February 29, 2008 | accessdate=2008-04-02 | first=Robert | last=Reich] [cite news | first=Indira | last=Lakshmanan | title=Clinton Risks Credibility Gap Over `Fudged' Claims, Stances | url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aN1m3Y9LByD4 | date=March 28, 2008 | accessdate=2008-04-02]

Tax return disclosure

On April 4, the Clintons released their tax returns for the past eight years.cite news | author=Mike McIntyre | title=Clintons Made $109 Million in Last 8 Years | work=New York Times | date=April 5, url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/05/us/politics/05clintons.html | accessdate=2008-04-07] The total reported income for the time period was $109 million, most of which came from Bill Clinton's books, speaking engagements, and other enterprises. The Clintons paid $34 million in federal taxes over the period.

Health insurance story

In early April, the Clinton campaign had problems arising from Clinton's use of a story of health insurance coverage, an Ohio hospital, and a patient's death. Based upon a story Clinton had heard from a Meigs Country sheriff's deputy in Pomeroy, Ohio in February, but had not had fact-checked,cite news | url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/the-nuanced-tru.html | title=The Nuanced Truth About Hillary Clinton's Hospital Story | author=Jake Tapper | publisher=ABC News | date=2008-04-08 | accessdate=2008-04-10] Clinton described a woman from rural Ohio who was making minimum wage at a local pizza shop, was uninsured, and became pregnant. As told, there were complications with the pregnancy and the woman was denied treatment at a local hospital because she couldn't afford a $100 payment; she later was taken to the hospital by ambulance and lost the baby; she was then taken by helicopter to a Columbus hospital where she died of complications.cite news|last=Brusk|first=Steve|title=Clinton drops hospital story from stump speech|publisher=CNN|date=2008-04-06|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/04/06/clinton.hospital/?iref=hpmostpop|accessdate=2008-04-07] Clinton used the story through April 4 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Officials at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens, Ohio, said the woman did have insurance and had not been turned away; they expressed frustration that Clinton’s campaign never called to verify the story, and asked that Clinton stop telling it.cite news|last=Shively|first=Carolyn|title=Clinton Drops Health Insurance Nightmare Story After Facts Are Disputed
publisher=FoxNews|date=2008-04-06|url=http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/04/06/clinton-drops-health-insurance-nightmare-story-after-facts-are-disputed/|accessdate=2008-04-07] [cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/05/us/politics/05woman.html | date=April 5, 2008 | title=Ohio Hospital Contests a Story Clinton Tells | publisher=www.nytimes.com | accessdate=2008-04-07 |last=Sontag |first=Deborah] In fact, the woman had been earlier denied treatment at a private clinic because she owed them several thousand dollars from unpaid previous visits, and so thought she could not go to the clinic again once she became pregnant, even though she now had insurance. Thus she did not seek medical care until she was already in an emergency situation. On April 6, the Clinton campaign indicated it would drop use of the story. On April 11 Paul Krugman wrote a column in the "New York Times" saying the essential point about the poor state of health care in the United States was lost in the media storm about this episode and that Clinton's point about a pregnant woman who died after being turned away was essentially correct. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/11/opinion/11krugman.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin | title=Health Care Horror Stories | author=Paul Krugman | work=The New York Times | date=2008-04-11 | accessdate=2008-04-11]

Pennsylvania

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama would both statistically tie Republican John McCain in a general election matchup, according to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released March 18, 2008. At the same time, daily tracking polls from Rasmussen Reports showed McCain with a lead over both Democratic candidates. [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/18/candidate.poll/index.html Primary Poll: McCain, Obama, Clinton in dead heat in election matchup] ] [ [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll Daily Presidential Tracking Poll] Rasmussen Reports, March 23, 2008] The National Archives on March 19, 2008 released more than 11,000 pages of Sen. Hillary Clinton's schedule when she was first lady. Sen. Barack Obama's campaign has pushed for the documents' release, arguing that their review is necessary to make a full evaluation of Clinton's experience as first lady. [ [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/19/clinton.documents/index.html Archives releases Hillary Clinton's White House schedule] ]

The Pennsylvania Primary will be held on 22 April. With 188 delegates, one Pennsylvania newspaper said that the state is "poised to become decisive in the Democratic presidential nomination." [ [http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080213/PRIMARY/802130302/-1/NEWS04 Primary election in Pennsylvania: The deciders] ]

President Bill Clinton highlighted the importance of the state for the Clinton campaign saying on March 11 at an event in Western Pennsylvania that "If she wins a big, big victory in Pennsylvania, I think it’ll give her a real big boost going into the next primaries... I think she’s got to win a big victory in Pennsylvania. I think if she does, she can be nominated, but it’s up to you." [cite news | url=http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/03/11/757889.aspx | title=Bill: Hill needs 'big, big victory' in PA | publisher=MSNBC.com| date=2008-03-11 | accessdate=2008-03-12] This was a repetition of his tactic before March 4, warning supporters that his wife might not be able to continue if she did not win Ohio and Texas [cite news | url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/bill-clinton-texas-and-ohio-or-bust/ | title=Bill Clinton: Texas and Ohio or Bust | publisher=NYTimes.com | date=2008-02-21 | accessdate=2008-03-12] . Hillary Clinton emphasized that Pennsylvania was something of a home state for her, as her father came from Scranton, Pennsylvania, she and her brothers were christened there and had vacationed near there each summer, and her brothers still maintained the family cottage near there. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/us/politics/10scranton.html | title=Pennsylvania Ties Could Help Clinton | author=Katherine Q. Seelye | publisher="The New York Times" | date=2008-03-10 | accessdate=2008-03-14]

A Feb. 14 Quinnipiac University poll placed Clinton ahead of Obama 52% to 36%. [ [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a5LJt7I95yIU&refer=home Clinton Holds Lead Over Obama in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Poll Finds] ] Another poll, released two weeks later, saw that margin decreasing, with Clinton leading Obama by 6 points, at 49% to 43%. [ [http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1327.xml?ReleaseID=1148 February 27, 2008 - Young Voters Help Obama Narrow Gap In Pennsylvania, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds] ] As April began, Clinton's lead had been virtually wiped out in the state. A poll from Public Policy Polling had Obama two points ahead, while an Insider Advantage poll showed Clinton hanging on to a two-point advantage. Both results were within the margins of error, making the state a virtual dead heat. Another late-March poll from Quinnipiac University had Clinton nine points ahead. [ [http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_43_318.aspx Pennsylvania poll shows Clinton campaign on life support] Southern Political Report, April 3, 2008] [ [http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010519499 Clinton? Obama? Polls Mixed in Pennsylvania] ]

On March 27, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont called for Clinton to withdraw from the presidential campaign and support opponent Barack Obama. The six-term senator, and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee made the statements during an interview on Vermont Public Radio. Leahy stated: "Senator Clinton has every right, but not a very good reason, to remain a candidate for as long as she wants to. As far as the delegate count and the interests of a Democratic victory in November go, there is not a very good reason for drawing this out." [ cite web | url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080328/ap_on_el_pr/clinton_leahy | title = Leahy says Clinton should withdraw | work = Associated Press | accessdate = 2008-03-28] Clinton rejected calls to withdraw, saying "The more people get a chance to vote, the better it is for our democracy...we of all people [know] how important it [is] to give everyone a chance to have their voices heard and their votes counted."Campaigning in the week of April 14, 2008 included a tough debate between Obama and Clinton, who pounded her rival for his recent remark that decades of economic decline had left some rural voters "bitter" and clinging to religion and guns.

On April 22 she won the Pennsylvania primary by 9.2 percentage points, keeping her campaign alive and bringing in a much-needed $4.3 million in new funds over the next 24 hours, although the campaign claimed the figure was $10 million. [cite news | url=http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/2008-04-25-voa1.cfm | title=Pennsylvania Win Helps Clinton Raise Millions, Adds to Obama Questions | publisher=Voice of America | date=2008-04-25 | accessdate=2008-04-25] Weekly churchgoers made up almost 36 percent of the electorate, who went to Clinton by a 56-44 margin. More than a third were gun owners, and they preferred Clinton by an almost-identical margin -- 60 percent to 40 percent, exit polls found out. The victory showed she had the better shot at winning on November 4, 2008, than he, she stated. A total of 158 delegates to the convention were at stake. [ cite web | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/04/22/us.primary.intl/index.html | title = Clinton beats Obama in Pennsylvania | work = CNN | accessdate = 2008-04-14]

North Carolina and Indiana

In a series of political ads and speeches while campaigning in Indiana, Clinton blamed the closing and move of Magnequench in Valparaiso, Indiana, a company that manufactures military-grade magnets used in smart weapons on the Bush Administration. However, the company's sale to a Chinese company was approved under the administration of her husband Bill Clinton in 1995 despite national security concerns. [cite news | url=http://vodpod.com/watch/689199-hillary-clinton-on-magnequench | title=Hillary Clinton on Magnequench Video | author=ABC News/VodPod | work=ABC | date=2008-05-02 | accessdate=2008-05-02] A memo from the office of Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, who is also a supporter of Clinton, revealed that Bayh blamed the Clintons for the closing of the Magnequench plant. [cite news | url=http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/05/evan-bayh-memo-blames-clintons.php | title=Evan Bayh Memo Blames Clintons For Indiana Plant Closing | author=TPM | work=TPM | date=2008-05-02 | accessdate=2008-05-02]

Clinton made her proposal of a summer gas tax holiday a central part of her campaigning. Obama opposed the notion, and it became a major issue between them.cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/03/obama.gas.ap/index.html | title= Obama rips Clinton's gas tax plan | publisher=Associated Press for CNN | date=2008-05-03 | accessdate=2008-05-08] When most economists came out against the proposal, Clinton denounced "elite opinion" and said, "I'm not going to put my lot in with economists." [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN3055017520080504 | title=Clinton dismisses "elite" economists on gas tax plan | author=Andy Sullivan | publisher=Reuters | date=2008-05-04 | accessdate=2008-05-08]

On May 6, a narrow win in the Indiana primary coupled with a large loss in the North Carolina primary, damaged Clinton's campaign's chances and led to speculation about whether she could or would remain in the race.cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/us/politics/07cnd-clinton.html | title=Uncertainties Mark Clinton’s Itinerary | author=Healy, Patrick | work=The New York Times | date=2008-05-07 | accessdate=2008-05-07] Clinton had hoped to score a solid win in Indiana and finish a close second in North Carolina, [cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/07/political.analysis/index.html | title= Analysis: As Obama nears finish line, can Clinton rebound in time? | author=Alan Silverleib, Mark Preston | publisher=CNN | date=2008-05-07 | accessdate=2008-05-07] especially after Obama had endured a difficult period in his campaign due to continuing effects from the Jeremiah Wright controversy. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/us/politics/07assess.html | title=Options Dwindling for Clinton | author=Adam Nagourney | work=The New York Times | date=2008-05-07 | accessdate=2008-05-07] As the results came in from these two states, ABC political analyst and former top Bill Clinton aide George Stephanopolous declared the Democratic race "over", and NBC Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert said, "We now know who the Democratic nominee will be." [ [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/1936435/Hillary-Clinton-refuses-to-quit,-but-battle-'is-over'.html Hillary Clinton refuses to quit, but battle is 'over'] Daily Telegraph, May 7, 2008] The day after the North Carolina and Indiana votes, it appeared that superdelegates and party leaders were beginning to coalesce around Obama. He added four superdelegate endorsements to Clinton's one, and former Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern switched his support from Clinton to Obama. [ [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/07/democrats.race/ Clinton fights on as focus turns to superdelegates] CNN.com, May 7, 2008] Regardless, Clinton vowed that her campaign would continuecite news | url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4804168&page=1 | title=Clinton Fights on After Stinging Defeat in N.C., Narrow Win in Ind. | author=Jennifer Parker | publisher=ABC News | date=2008-05-07 | accessdate=2008-05-07] through the remaining primary states, [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0728376020080508 | title=Hillary Clinton hoping for late comeback | author=Mason, Jeff | publisher=Reuters | date=2008-05-08 | accessdate=2008-05-08] and she loaned it an additional $6.4 million from her own funds.

West Virginia

Clinton expressed her rationale for staying in the race by saying, "I have a much broader base to build a winning coalition on ... [there is an Associated Press article] that found how Sen. Obama's support among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again, and how whites in both states who had not completed college were supporting me. There's a pattern emerging here."cite news | url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-05-07-clintoninterview_N.htm | title=Clinton makes case for wide appeal | author=Kathy Kiely, Jill Lawrence | publisher="USA Today" | date=2008-05-08 | accessdate=2008-05-09] The bluntness of her demographic analysis garnered some attention, and Clinton aides later said she regretted the remarks.cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/10/us/politics/10clinton.html | title=For First Time, More Superdelegates Favor Obama | author=John M. Broder | work=The New York Times | date=2008-05-10 | accessdate=2008-05-10] When Congressman Charles Rangel, a strong Clinton supporter, said "that was the dumbest thing she could have said," Clinton acknowledged that "he's probably right."

Campaigning for the coming primaries, the Clinton campaign was forced to economize in its presentation values. While Internet and conventional fundraising continued, it fell far short of the burst she had received after her Pennsylvania win.

Ahead of the West Virginia vote, Obama took the lead in committed superdelegates on May 9. Obama had picked up seven endorsements from superdelegates since the May 6 primaries. [ [http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4818637&page=1 Obama Takes Lead in Superdelegate Tally] ABCNews.com, May 9, 2008] Recognizing that the nature of the contest had changed, Clinton largely eliminated mention or criticism of Obama from her stump speeches and advertisements.

Clinton won the state by a 41-percentage-point margin,cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/14/clinton/index.html?iref=mpstoryview | title= Clinton: It'd be 'terrible mistake' to pick McCain over Obama | publisher=CNN | date=2008-05-14 | accessdate=2008-05-15] and told supporters that she was "more determined than ever to carry on in this campaign". [ [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/13/wv.primary/index.html After big win, Clinton vows to push forward] CNN.com, May 13, 2008] After exit polls revealed that large numbers of Clinton supporters were planning to vote for John McCain rather than Obama should she lose the nomination, Clinton said it would be a "terrible mistake" for those voters to do so: "I'm going to work my heart out for whoever our nominee is. Obviously, I'm still hoping to be that nominee, but I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that anyone who supported me ... understands what a grave error it would be not to vote for Sen. Obama."

After winning West Virginia, the Clinton campaign claimed a lead in the popular vote. The math behind this claim required (1) excluding the caucus states of Iowa, Nevada, Maine, and Washington; (2) including the disputed Florida totals; (3) including the disputed Michigan totals; (4) alloting 0 votes to Obama in Michigan. By that calculation, Clinton was ahead by roughly 27,000 votes of 33.4 million cast, or 0.08%. [cite news | last=Zeleny | first=Jeff | coauthor=Patrick Healy | title=Obama Expected to Hit Milestone in Tuesday’s Vote | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/20/us/politics/20obama.html | publisher = New York Times | date=2008-05-20 | accessdate=2008-05-20] [cite web|title=2008 Democratic Popular Vote|publisher=RealClearPolitics|url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_vote_count.html] CNN noted that "Four different scenarios of the total popular vote have been kicked around," and that Obama led under all four scenarios. Clinton was ahead only under a fifth scenario excluding caucus states. [cite news | last=Political Ticker | publisher=CNN | title=Clinton campaign: We're ahead in the popular vote | url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/14/clinton-campaign-were-ahead-in-the-popular-vote/ | date=2008-05-14 | accessdate=2008-05-20]

Kentucky and Oregon

Obama continued to add to his superdelegate lead in the week before the May 20 Kentucky and Oregon primaries, and former Democratic candidate John Edwards endorsed Obama on May 14. [ [http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iJhSowPhssEAjdaqWDYv-cK6erJgD90M9VT80 Edwards endorsement pays off for Obama] Associated Press, May 15, 2008] [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/us/politics/15obama.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin Ex-Rival Edwards Throws His Support Behind Obama] NY Times, May 15, 2008]

On May 20, Clinton won the Kentucky primary by a 35-point margin, [ [http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#KY Election Center 2008: Primary Results - Elections & Politics news from CNN.com ] ] while losing the Oregon primary by 18 points. [ [http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#OR Election Center 2008: Primary Results - Elections & Politics news from CNN.com ] ] With the results, Obama gained a majority of all the pledged delegates to the convention. [ [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/21/may.20.analysis/index.html Analysis: Clinton scores a win, Obama nears finish line - CNN.com ] ]

With Obama approaching victory in the nomination process, Clinton continued to avoid attacking him.cite news | url=http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1808470,00.html | title=What Does Hillary Want? | author=Karen Tumulty | work=Time | date=2008-05-22 | accessdate=2008-06-04] The campaigns had not yet begun discussing what Clinton might want in any concession negotiation. Bill Clinton began strongly pushing for Obama to take Hillary Clinton as his vice presidential running mate.

RFK remark controversy

While campaigning in South Dakota on May 23, Clinton responded to questions about why there was pressure on her to leave the race:cite news | url=http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080523/UPDATES/80523037 | title=Clinton apologizes for Bobby Kennedy remark; Read a transcript of the discussion | publisher="Argus Leader" | date=2008-05-23 | accessdate=2008-05-24] [cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/24/us/politics/24clinton.html?hp|title=Clinton’s Reference to Slaying of Robert Kennedy Stirs Uproar|last=Seelye|first=Katharine Q.|date=2008-05-24|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=2008-05-24] [cite web|url=http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/05/23/1058940.aspx|title=HILLARY INVOKES RFK ASSASSINATION |last=Murray|first=Mark|date=2008-05-24|publisher=MSNBC|accessdate=2008-05-24] [cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/23/clinton-kennedy-assassina_n_103319.html|title=Clinton Kennedy Assassination Reference: Raises Bobby's Death To Explain Why She Stays In Race|date=2008-05-23|publisher= HuffingtonPost|accessdate=2008-05-24] cquote|... people have been trying to push me out of this ever since Iowa and ... I find it curious because it is unprecedented in history. I don’t understand it and between my opponent and his camp and some in the media, there has been this urgency to end this and you know historically that makes no sense, so I find it a bit of a mystery. ... I’ve been around long enough. You know my husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere around the middle of June ... We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. Um, you know I just I don’t understand it. There’s lots of speculation about why it is. Clinton's mention of the 1968 assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in the context of her rationale for staying in the race drew a quick storm of national attention, as well as strong criticism from the Obama campaign.cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/05/24/ST2008052400166.html | title=Clinton Sorry For Remark About RFK Assassination | author=Anne E. Kornblut | work=The Washington Post | date=2008-05-24 | accessdate=2008-05-24] By the end of the day, Clinton issued an apology, saying that the Kennedys were on her mind due to the recent medical condition of Ted Kennedy and that she only used the example because of the June timeline, not, as speculated, to imply an Obama assassination. She had made a similar remark to Time magazine in March. [cite web
url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080523/ap_on_el_pr/clinton
title= Clinton regrets RFK assassination remark
firstDevlin
last=Barrett
publisher=Associated Press
date=2008-05-23]

The following day Obama said he would give Clinton the benefit of the doubt, adding, "I have learned that when you are campaigning for as many months as Senator Clinton and I have been campaigning, sometimes you get careless in terms of the statements that you make. And I think that is what happened here." [cite news | url=http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4925145&page=1 | title='You Get Careless': Obama Blames Clinton RFK Quip on Stress of Long Campaign | publisher=ABC News | date=2008-05-24 | accessdate=2008-05-24] Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, the Clinton campaign sought to do damage control over the remarks, arguing more strongly that her remarks had been deliberately taken out of context by the news media and the Obama campaign.cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/26/us/politics/26campaign.html | title=Kennedy Comment Sends Clinton Into Damage Control | author=Katharine Q. Seelye | work=The New York Times | date=2008-05-26 | accessdate=2008-05-26] Campaign spokesperson Howard Wolfson said, “It was unfortunate and unnecessary, and in my opinion, inflammatory, for the Obama campaign to attack Senator Clinton on Friday for these remarks, without obviously knowing the full facts or context.”

Clinton was also criticized for exaggerating the meaningful duration of her husband's 1992 campaign; while he did not clinch the nomination until June of that year, he had effectively won it by mid-March. [cite news | url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hNFiDjYQV_U2yaGth4Qn674nTK9QD90U81300 | title=Fact Check: Clinton and the 1992 campaign | publisher=Associated Press | date=2008-05-28 | accessdate=2008-05-30]

Florida and Michigan resolution

At a meeting of the Democratic National Committee Rules & Bylaws Committee held in Washington, D.C., on May 31, 2008, decisions were made regarding seating delegates from the Michigan primary and Florida primary.cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/31/dems.delegates/index.html | title= Florida, Michigan get all delegates, but each gets half vote | publisher=CNN | date=2008-06-01 | accessdate=2008-06-01]

The Florida delegation was seated by following the results of the primary, but with each delegate having one-half vote in consequence of the penalty for holding the primary too early. This gave Clinton 105 pledged delegates (52.5 votes), Obama 67 delegates (33.5 votes), and Edwards 13 delegates (6.5 votes). The Florida resolution was acceptable to all sides and approved by a committee vote of 27 to 0.

The Michigan resolution was less obvious, since only Clinton of the major candidates had been on the ballot. The same half-vote penalty was employed, then a formulation was devised wherein the Michigan delegation was seated with 69 delegates (34.5 votes) pledged to Clinton and 59 delegates (29.5 votes) for Obama. This gave Obama four more delegates than the primary results would have warranted, assuming that all "uncommitted" votes were for Obama. The Michigan resolution was approved by a vote of 19 to 8. Harold M. Ickes, a strong supporter and representative of Clinton, objected strongly to the resolution, saying: "This motion will hijack — hijack — remove four delegates won by Hillary Clinton. This body of 30 individuals has decided that they're going to substitute their judgment for 600,000 voters." [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/31/AR2008053102355_pf.html "Fla., Mich. Delegates Each Get Half a Vote" The Washington Post, p. A01, June 1, 2008] ] He then announced that Clinton reserved the right to appeal the Michigan resolution to the DNC Credentials Committee and thus possibly to the Democratic National Convention.

The meeting was conducted before a boisterous audience of candidate supporters, mostly pro-Clinton.

Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Montana

The final three primaries took place in early June. On June 1, Clinton won the Puerto Rico primary by more than a 2-to-1 margin. [cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/01/puerto.rico/index.html | title= Clinton wins in Puerto Rico, CNN projects | publisher=CNN | date=2008-06-01] Later on June 3, Clinton won the South Dakota primary and Obama won the Montana primary. This was the final primary of the season.

Obama becomes the presumptive presidential nominee

A flurry of superdelegates declared for Obama on June 3, and that combined with the day's winning of new pledged delegates in the two primaries, meant Obama had gained enough delegates to become the presumptive presidential nominee. [cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/03/election.democrats/index.html | title= CNN projects Obama clinches nomination | publisher=CNN | date=2008-06-03 | accessdate=2008-06-03]

Following the result, after rumors fueled by a misunderstanding of an Associated Press report, the campaign dismissed suggestions that Clinton was going to concede in the speech following the primaries. [ [http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/03/clinton-campaign-confronts-ap-report/ Clinton Campaign Confronts A.P. Report - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com ] ] In her speech after the closing of the Montana polls, Clinton said "I will be making no decisions tonight." She invited Americans to write to her on her website to provide input into what her next steps should be.

Meanwhile, while not officially confirming interest in the vice presidential slot, Clinton hinted at the possibility earlier on June 3. When asked for clarification, her campaign released the statement "Today on a conference call with New York legislators, Sen. Clinton was asked whether she was open to the idea of running as vice president and repeated what she has said before: She would do whatever she could to ensure that Democrats take the White House back and defeat John McCain."cite news
title=Obama: I will be the Democratic nominee
first=
last=
date=June 03, 2008
work=CNN
url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/03/election.democrats/index.html
accessdate=2008-06-03] The vice presidential possibility had been raised by Bill Clinton in the previous month, but this fueled speculation that Hillary Clinton was definitively interested in the possibility.cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24953561/ | title=Clinton hails Obama but doesn't concede: Earlier, she said she would consider VP role to help Democrats win | publisher=MSNBC | date=2008-06-03 | accessdate=2008-06-03]

"The New York Times" described the relationship between Obama and Clinton during the campaign as having "veered between strained and strange", and suggested that the manner in which Obama reacted to Clinton and her supporters would be a major test of the post-primaries period.cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/04/us/politics/04assess.html | title=Next on Agenda Is Clinton’s Role | author=Adam Nagourney | work=The New York Times | date=2008-06-04]

By June 4, several media networks and top Clinton aides confirmed that she had been planning to concede the race for the Democratic nomination and endorse Obama. [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/us/politics/04cnd-campaign.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin Clinton to End Bid and Endorse Obama - NYTimes.com ] ] [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24974674/ Clinton to suspend campaign Saturday - Decision '08 - MSNBC.com ] ] By June 5, the Clinton camp backed away from any suggestion about the vice presidential slot, with Clinton's spokesperson saying " [she] is not seeking the vice presidency, and no one speaks for her but her. The choice here is Senator Obama's and his alone." [cite news | url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20080606/pl_bloomberg/atgujbe3_ah4_1 | title= Clinton Says She's Not Seeking Vice Presidency | publisher=Bloomberg News for Yahoo! News | date=2008-06-05 | author= Lorraine Woellert, Kristin Jensen | accessdate=2008-06-07]

End of campaign

On June 7, 2008, in a speech before her gathered supporters at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.,cite web
url=http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=7904
title=Hillary Clinton Delivers Remarks in Washington, D.C.
accessdate= 2008-06-09
author=
last=
first=
authorlink=
coauthors=
date= 07 June 2008
work=
publisher= hillaryclinton.com] cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24993082/ | title=Clinton ends historic bid, endorses Obama | publisher=Associated Press for MSNBC | date=2008-06-07 | accessdate=2008-06-07] Clinton officially announced that she was suspending her campaign and was fully endorsing Barack Obama. Clinton said:

Clinton also adopted Obama's signature slogan, "Yes We Can", in her concession speech.

Obama responded to the speech in a number of venues. Shortly after she gave it, Obama stated that he was "thrilled and honored" to be supported by Clinton. In North Carolina on 9 June 2008, Obama began his speech by praising Clinton. He stated:

cquote|Before we begin, I just want to take a minute to thank Senator Clinton for the kind and generous support she offered on Saturday [...] She ran an historic race, a historic campaign that shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere who know now that there are no limits to their dreams. What's more, she inspired millions of women and men with her strength, her courage, and her unyielding commitment to the causes that brought us here today -- the hopes and aspirations of working Americans. Our party and our country are stronger because of the work that Hillary Rodham Clinton has done throughout her life, and I look forward to working with her ... to make sure we lay out the case for change and set a new course for this country. cite web
url=http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/06/obama_praises_c.html
title=Obama praises Clinton
accessdate= 2008-06-09
author=
last=Rhee
first=Foon
authorlink=
coauthors=
date=
work=
publisher="Boston Globe"]

Obama also thanked Clinton on his website and asked his supporters to do so as well via a special page designated for that task.cite web
url=http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/thankyouHRC?source=feature_thankyou?source=feature_thankyou
title=Thank you, Hillary
accessdate= 2008-06-07
author=
last=Obama
first=Barack
authorlink=
coauthors=
date=
work=
publisher=barackobama.com ] In addition, at a rally in Michigan on 16 June, Obama defended Clinton as she was being heckled by some members of the audience, stating that "she is worthy of our respect, she is worthy of our honor."cite web
url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/17/obama-defends-clinton-at-michigan-rally/
title=Obama defends Clinton at Michigan rally
accessdate= 2008-06-17
author=
last=
first=
authorlink=
coauthors=
date=
work= June 17, 2008
publisher=CNN]

Vice-presidential selection and convention

After conceding defeat to Obama, Clinton's name was mentioned exhaustively by speculators and party officials as a possible running mate for the Illinois senator; the potential ticket was dubbed "the Dream Team" [http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN0112976020080701?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews] , "the Dream Ticket" [http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Vote2008/story?id=4230183] , and "the Unity Ticket" [http://clinton-and-obama.blogspot.com/] in some quarters. Ultimately, though, Obama selected Delaware Senator Joe Biden over Clinton and a number of other rumored candidates, including Texas Rep. Chet Edwards, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh (an early and prominent Clinton supporter), and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine; the announcement was reported by CNN after midnight (U.S. Eastern Time) on August 22. [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/23/biden.democrat.vp.candidate/index.html]

During the Democratic National Convention, Clinton released her delegates and urged them to vote for Barack Obama. On August 27, 2008, she motioned that Sen. Obama be officially nominated by acclamation.

See also

* Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, 2008
* Democratic Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2008
* Results of the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries

References

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