Can't stop change

A Paris apartment building glimpsed through branches of spring blossoms.

No matter how the Clinton campaign tries to spin the reality, in the concrete terms of delegate numbers, Obama emerged from Tuesday's primaries and caucus still very much the leader. The most likely outcome is that Hillary Clinton gained 187 delegates and Obama gained 183 - a difference of only four delegates! Obama's expected to chalk up wins in Wyoming and Mississippi this weekend, increasing his large delegate lead.

"This election will come down to delegates.... Again and again, this race has shown that it is voters and delegates who matter, not the pundits or perceived 'momentum.'" - Mark Penn, chief strategist for Hillary's campaign, Feb. 13, 2008.

"When the dust settles from today's contests, we will maintain our substantial lead in delegates. And thanks to millions of people standing for change, we will keep adding delegates and capture the Democratic nomination.

We knew from the day we began this journey that the road would be long. And we knew what we were up against. We knew that the closer we got to the change we seek, the more we'd see of the politics we're trying to end -- the attacks and distortions that try to distract us from the issues that matter to people's lives, the stunts and the tactics that ask us to fear instead of hope.

But this time -- this year -- it will not work. The challenges are too great. The stakes are too high. Americans need real change.

In the coming weeks, we will begin a great debate about the future of this country with a man who has served it bravely and loves it dearly. And we will offer two very different visions of the America we see in the twenty-first century. John McCain has already dismissed our call for change as eloquent but empty. But he should know that it's a call that did not begin with my words. It's the resounding call from every corner of this country, from first-time voters and lifelong cynics, from Democrats and Republicans alike.

And together you and I are going to grow this movement to deliver that change in November." - Barack Obama

Update 11:15 p.m. Paris time:

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is giving new meaning to the term "blood sport" in politics. She's wasted no time today in stepping up the nasty, mean-spirited campaign tactics she's adopted within the past week: making false or misleading statements; absolutely outrageous race-baiting and trying to rip apart the Democratic party by siding with the Republicans. Apparently she cares only about winning the nomination, never mind that the math shows that's nearly impossible. Funny how she's so intent on "throwing the kitchen sink" at another Democrat, yet as senator, she hasn't expended even a fraction of that effort standing up to George Bush's threats to the Constitution or our civil liberties. She didn't even bother reading the intelligence reports, before voting to send our troops to war in Iraq.

And being First Lady while her husband was president does not mean she has "experience." On that basis, AmericaBlog makes the excellent point: would Laura Bush be qualified to be president?

It's also odd that Hillary spends so much time trying to distract attention from her own lack of transparency and accountability. She and John McCain are the only presidential candidates who have refused to release their tax records, nor has Clinton been truthful about the White House's release of the Clinton papers. According to the White House press secretary, the papers have been ready since Jan. 31 for a Clinton representative to pick them up. Maybe there's something in those records Hillary Clinton doesn't want voters to see.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times and Talking Points Memo report Clinton has received some questionable campaign donations.

Comments

[studio wellspring]

besides her horrible campaign tactics, i'm afraid if hilary wins her entire campaign's promises will be gone with the wind as soon she takes office. so many people on both sides of the aisle are against her {but esp the rep's} that it's likely she'll never get anything done. it seems obama has more integrity and more likeability, and he will have more advocates who will listen to him once in office so he can actually get some change to happen.

[Becca]

There is so much at stake with this election, and I have never been more fearful of an outcome (i.e., McCain). I know the Democrats must run the strongest candidate they can in order to prevent any more disastrous years.

[tangobaby]

You are so right about Hilary. I haven't been able to tolerate the sound of the Shrub's voice for many years now, but I'm getting to the point where I can't even stand to watch or listen to Hilary either.

She is proving once again that the business of politics turns people into ugly caricatures in an instant. Ugh.

[Tammy]

I am a little nervous I must admit but I'm keeping the faith. I loved the Laura Bush statement. lol Can you do a post on "super delegates?"

Thinking of you!

Love
T

[stephanie]

I'm still holding hope for BIG CHANGE....we'll see if the polictical machine lets this happen.

[Jeanie]

Spring in Paris! I love that glorious tree. It's 25 here (but the sun is out -- that's a start.)

I am getting so very weary of election things. At this point, I almost don't much care who wins, as long as one of them beats McCain. Their basic principles are much the same, it's the style that is different. (Although I have to say that Hillary's most recent negatives could be pushing the envelope in my book.) While there's part of me that longs for a nice, beat-em-all-up convention where we don't know anything is a given (so rare in my lifetime!), that's selfish and just for sport, just because I'd like that process engagement. But I also think that could rip the party apart, especially if they get too angry in these last weeks of primaries, and no one wants to give JMcC any more ammo than necessary. I keep trying to refrain too much from politics till I know I have to dive in full force and get active. (It doesn't help that our Michigan delegates won't count...)

I'd rather think about beautiful flowering trees in Paris in the spring!!

[rochambeau]

Dear Tara,
I'm still under the impression that more people are in the Obama camp. This is based on talking to people and my sixth sense, not the media!!
Love your real pink blossoms! Still wintry here!

xox
Constance
Hope you are well friend!!

[My Melange]

Oh Tara,

I hope yours and Obama's words are correct. I do still hope and pray that Obama pulls it out in the end. But I must say..I am now concerned. Hillary's negative tactics and spin the last few days seemed to have worked for her...much to my dismay. I don't know why, and quite honestly it breaks my heart that people are still chosing her, her negativity, smear tactics and smoke and mirrors. I will be very dissappointed if the attacks continue and she winds up benefitting and wins the nomination. I will have lost my faith in this great country and it's people. It will seem that not enough of us wanted change....and then it is time for me to give up. It would be a sad day.

[Melanie-bd]

Sweet friend Tara, I am afraid you and I are not on the same wave. Hillary is the one to beat the old man. I like Obama well enough and in eight years as vice Pres. He will take the White House. If Hillary should loose, it will be 4 maybe 8 more years of War an the Rep.'s in charge. Obama just does not have the experience he needs to turn things around. Last night Hillary won big in Ohio and will take Texas as well.
I hope that you well forgive me for being on the other side.
I love your posts and look forward to them.
I have asked my sister to go to Paris this summer with me. How I will do this I am not sure. I may have to max out a credit card but then you only live once.
If I do come Tara, may I visit you? I would love to see you and maybe you could tell me of places to stay that are not to dear.
Ever your friend no matter who wins, love, Melanie-bd

[materfamilias]

I agree with Di, your earlier commenter -- we're holding our breath in Canada as well, looking for better times coming out of these elections.

[Di Overton]

Someone should tell Hilary Clinton to stop NOW. She is doing more harm than good by going on. The UK Media is reporting that she is looking good to win. I do hope not!
Not only Americans need the change so does the rest of the world. It is such a shame how people's views of Americans have changed since George W took hold of the reins.