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Swing State Dems: We Got Your Back, Hill
Not the best option for just "the ticket," but "the top" of the ticket. That's what's needed to beat John McCain in the general election, they say. The text of the letter is after the jump.
The thing is, they may be right when it comes to battleground states.
Three simultaneous Quinnipiac University Swing State polls released May 1 show that among white working class voters, Clinton has strong leads over McCain - and runs much better than Barack Obama - in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. If Obama is the Democratic nominee, he's in a tight race with McCain in Florida and Ohio, but takes Pennsylvania.

Quinnipiac pollsters say this is Clinton's strongest overall performance in those three vital swing states in the past two years. This survey also found:
-Florida: Clinton tops McCain 49 - 41%; McCain gets 44% to Obama's 43%
-Ohio: Clinton beats McCain 48 - 38%; McCain gets 43% to Obama's 42%
-Pennsylvania: Clinton tops McCain 51 - 37%; Obama leads McCain 47 - 38%
"If the super delegates are looking at electability, these results could be a shot in the arm for Sen. Clinton," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "No one has won the White House since 1960 without carrying two of these three swing states, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. And she clearly is running much better against Sen. McCain than is Sen. Obama, at least for now."Of course, that was before her narrower-than-expected win in Indiana and her loss in North Carolina. On top of that, ABC News says today for the first time this campaign season, Obama has surpassed Clinton's support among superdelegates.
But I don't think that will have any affect on Clinton. Speaking in Charleston, W.Va., yesterday, she continued the message that she's got more muscle than Obama when it comes to the general election matchup.
"Some call you swing voters. I call you Americans," she said. "Ask yourself who is the stronger candidate to win West Virginia in the fall against John McCain."
Here's the test of the Democrats' letter:
Dear Fellow Democrat,
We are writing to you because of our shared belief in our Party's principles and our commitment to ensuring that we have the strongest possible nominee to lead our ticket against John McCain and the Republicans in November.
The decision about who to support to be our Party's nominee is not one that any of us should take lightly. We haven't. But, after giving this important decision a great deal of thought, we are convinced that Hillary Clinton has the vision, skills and commitment to make the changes our country needs. As Democrats who have run and won in competitive Congressional districts and battleground states, we believe that Hillary is best positioned to successfully lead the Democratic ticket in districts and states like ours around the country.
As you know, Hillary has racked up victories in bellwether states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and now Indiana that are absolutely vital to winning the White House and maintaining our Congressional majority in the fall. Hillary has won the big battleground states by connecting with voters whose support we must have to win the general election. Her victories in Pennsylvania and Indiana were all the more impressive after being outspent by as much as two or three to one.
Pennsylvania was not just a victory for Hillary Clinton. It was also a wake- up call for superdelegates, forcing us to ask ourselves two essential questions: 1) Which candidate can carry the magic 270 electoral votes to win in the fall? 2) Which candidate is most likely to help our fellow Democrats in down-ballot races? We believe the answer to both of these questions is Hillary Clinton.
On the first question, Hillary has shown she can win the all-important battleground states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida even while being outspent. This speaks to her ability to connect with voters we must deliver in the fall, including blue collar Democrats who can sway this election as they have in the past.
On the second question, Hillary has won rural and suburban districts which we as Democrats must carry to maintain our edge in Congress. Of the fifteen districts rated "toss up" by the Cook Political Report, Hillary has now won ten. Of the 20 districts we picked up in 2006 that had gone for President Bush just two years before, Hillary has now won 16. She is strong in the places we must win to hold and expand our majority.
This is a historically close race. The candidates are separated by a mere percentage point or two and the path to victory for each candidate is the same: win in the upcoming states and secure enough pledged and automatic delegates to get to the number required to win the nomination.
The race now turns to the remaining six contests where the focus will be squarely on the economy. Voters in our states and across the country are voting on issues that affect them, their communities and their children's future. We believe that they will decide that Hillary is the candidate who best understands those issues and has the best solutions to address them.
We Democrats are justifiably proud of both of our candidates, and if Senator Obama is our Party's nominee, we will enthusiastically support him. But our responsibility is not to choose simply to support the eventual nominee; it is to help select the nominee who is best for our party and best for our country. Our choice is clear: Hillary Clinton is that candidate. We believe she should be your choice as well.
Thank you for consideration.
Sincerely,
Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24)
Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV-01)
Rep. Marion Berry (AR-1)
Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20)
Rep. Gene Green (TX -29)
Rep. John Hall (NY-19)
Rep. Darlene Hooley (OR-5)
Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (FL-17)
Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH-11)
Rep. Silvestre Reyes (TX-16)
Rep. Mike Ross (AR-4)
Rep. Joe Sestak (PA-8)
Rep. Ike Skelton (MO-4)
Rep. John Tanner (TN-8)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20)
Recent Comments
(Page 2 of 5)victoryzone12:21PMMay 9th 2008
EVEN IF HILLARY AGREES TO TAKE THE VP TICKET,
We the people will NOT play along. We don't want Obama in our white house. We are voting McCain and wait for next time around to win it for Hillary. HILLARY IS OUR TRUE AMERICAN CHAMPION. VOTE HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT.
No muslim Hussein, No racists, No anti-American first lady in our white house.
shirleyA12:22PMMay 9th 2008
Brovo Arco Iris!
This Mexicam American says Viva Hillary!!
Lizzie12:29PMMay 9th 2008
SUPERDELEGATES, HILLARY CLINTON MUST NOT BE IGNORED
AS THE MOST VIABLE CANDIDATE TO DEMOGRAFICALLY REPRESENT THE MAJORITY OF DEMOCRATS IN THE UNITED STATES. THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY OF ALL RACES AND RELIGIONS DEPENDS ON YOUR SOUND JUDGMENT.
THE FUTURE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS ALSO AT STAKE.
DO NOT ALLOW MEDIA HYPE TO CLOUD YOUR THINKING. LET REASON PREVAIL AND YOU WILL MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ALL AMERICANS.
Truth Alert!
Barack Obama is not an elitist.
Barack Obama is not a terrorist sympathizer.
Barack Obama is not a muslim sympathizer.
Most importantly, Barack Obama is not presidential material. What Barack Obama is not, is a lot.
dee12:33PMMay 9th 2008
ATTENTION SUPERDELEGATES
TO REGAIN THE WHITE HOUSE YOU MUST SUPPORT HILLARY CLINTON
SHE IS A TRUE FIGHTER AND GETS THE BLUE COLLAR VOTES, HISPANIC PEOPLE, WOMEN, CATHOLICS, THE ELDERLY AND MOST OF THE BIG INDUSTRIAL STATES
OBAMA CANNOT DO THIS AND THESE VOTERS WILL NOT SUPPORT HIM
HO HILLARY ---NO WHITE HOUSE
TRUE FACT
I FOR ONE OF MANY WHERE I LIVE WILL VOTE MCCAIN IF SHE DOES NOT GET NOMINATED
john.jacobs2412:43PMMay 9th 2008
I guess the DNC is in some trouble here! They are going to cause trouble either way this goes.
If they choose BHO... Then the Clinton campaign will have a right to sue the DNC for not counting votes in MI and FL... as they should. We all know the HRC is the right person for this job... hands down.. experience, not elitist, not racist, and intelligent.
If they choose HRC... The black community will riot in every major city. Al Sharpton already said they would march on WA. I have no issue with a peaceful protest or march... But the reality is that it won't stay peaceful around the county...Take into account LA. We will see a riot like never before.
Of course I personally blame the media. If they would have outed most of this information about BHO in the beginning... he would never have made it this far. The media wanted a Black/Woman race for the dem nominee to gain ratings. Boy with all that is going on in this world... don't they have enough to report on?
So as you can see the DNC has put themselves in a pickle... So my vote will not be "FOR" a president but "AGAINST" BHO even if that means voting for McCain.
PLEASE DON'T QUIT HILLARY... OR DO RUN AS AN INDEPENDANT..FOR ME, FOR MY CHILDREN, FOR AMERICA!
Bob S.12:45PMMay 9th 2008
If the Democrats want to have a Democrat elected President in the fall, the only question the National Democratic Committee should be asking is: Given the way the winner of the presidential election is determined, i.e., given the electoral college system, which of the two Democratic contenders is more likely to prevail against McCain when the general American public votes in November? To focus on anything else is foolish.
Peggy12:46PMMay 9th 2008
I have lived in Nevada since 1961 and it has, for the most part, been a red state. I am proud of my Congressional Representative, Shelley Berkley, for her support of Hillary. It is in strong contrast to the only other democrat to represent my state, Senator Harry Reid. He has formed a shameful alliance with Howard Dean, Nancy Pelosi and other democratic party elders whose sole purpose is to insure Obama is the nominee. I believe Nevada is the only caucus state won by Hillary. And she won it in the face of massive disturbances by and problems with Obama supporters. Hillary had the most delegates at various county conventions and will have the most delegates at the state convention next week.
I have read that Nevada is one of the battleground states Obama feels sure he can win. Not likely. He may take the majority of votes in Clark County because of the strip hotels and number of active union members there. But he cannot and will not win the more moderate democratic votes in the rural areas and northern urban areas. And no registered republican I know will vote for him. Nevada was part of the DNC's so called "purple state" strategy aimed at turning red states blue. By pushing Obama, the DNC and Howard Dean have shot themselves in the foot in Nevada. We have a very strong, capable woman running against Republican Jon Porter for his congressional seat. Unfortunately, Obama will probably take her down with him. And I fear he will do the same with democrats in battle ground states across the nation. He can declare victory, make another soaring rhetorical speech at the Democratic National Convention and spend as much money as he likes in states like Nevada. His arrogrance and total disregard for voters in Florida and Michigan, along with the bully boy tactics his supporters have used in a number of states, will defeat him.
Only one phrase comes to mind at the thought of an Obama nomination. God help America.
ruthe12:50PMMay 9th 2008
hey hey get real you all hated hill way back when now you want her because oh my god should i say it she's white he's black bigotry is alive and well in this country and that saddens me..all you southerners still think you won the civil war forgetaboutit obama won end of report
MichelleG12:50PMMay 9th 2008
Well AMEN! and THANK-YOU LORD! Finally, evidence that some of the Democratic Party get it! Thank-you Liza for this article!
d . mccoy12:57PMMay 9th 2008
While a Republican, I wonder if the national Democratic Party can survive November '08? Which essential voting blocs are the Democrats intent on throwing away come November? Without Obama, the black and youth votes may well stay home.
Without Clinton, many women and white middle class males may switch to Senator McCain.
With exception of So. Carolina, South will not support Obama with anywhere near the votes to win their Electoral votes.
Far left liberal Democrats want Obama, and may hold their nose for Clinton, but thankfully they are no where near a significant voting bloc, despite the best and mis-guided efforts of the national press, who obviously are enamored with Obama.
Voters should, and will, focus on character and courage in selecting their President; and historicslly vote "down the middle", neither far left nor far right. That erases any hope for an Obama victory, and makes it difficult enough with Clinton as the candidate. I do not envy the Democrats the mess they have created for themselves, and all by themselves.
Remember, character and courage are what we really need in our next President. Can there really be any doubt those traits favor Senator McCain?
d . mccoy1:00PMMay 9th 2008
While a Republican, I wonder if the national Democratic Party can survive November '08? Which essential voting blocs are the Democrats intent on throwing away come November? Without Obama, the black and youth votes may well stay home.
Without Clinton, many women and white middle class males may switch to Senator McCain.
With exception of So. Carolina, South will not support Obama with anywhere near the votes to win their Electoral votes.
Far left liberal Democrats want Obama, and may hold their nose for Clinton, but thankfully they are no where near a significant voting bloc, despite the best and mis-guided efforts of the national press, who obviously are enamored with Obama.
Voters should, and will, focus on character and courage in selecting their President; and historicslly vote "down the middle", neither far left nor far right. That erases any hope for an Obama victory, and makes it difficult enough with Clinton as the candidate. I do not envy the Democrats the mess they have created for themselves, and all by themselves.
Remember, character and courage are what we really need in our next President. Can there really be any doubt those traits favor Senator McCain?
Edna1:04PMMay 9th 2008
I am a loyal Democrat who have voted straight Democratic party, but this election year has been very disappointing and disgusting. Why are the Dems so eager to shove Barack Hussein Obama down our throats? The Dems would rather lose the general election, than nominate the most qualified, most intelligent and competent candidate, SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON. Please don't quit Senator Clinton.
If Senator Clinton had been a man, would all the media and pundits ask her to quit? I don't think so. There is a lot more sexism in this primary. I think these people are afraid to elect the first woman president because she will be the best president ever in the history of the USA.
Go HILLARY! (or Senator McCain if Hillary does not get the nomination)
tbus871:14PMMay 9th 2008
"Super delegates," Get your heads out of your asses and look at what the people want, and what is best for "United States of "AMERICA." This is what the
Citizens" of the USA want, not what "YOU" want or what "YOU" think. "YOU" are there to represent "US."
So once again, get your heads out of your asses and do your job the way it's supposed to be done.....
bamalv1:16PMMay 9th 2008
ALL THOSE SUPERDELEGATES WHO VOTED AGAINST THE WILL OF THEIR STATE WILL BE REMEMBERED WHEN THEIR RE-ELECTION COMES UP. THESE TURNCOATS WILL BE OUT OF A JOB!
bamalv1:20PMMay 9th 2008
ANYONE NOTICE HOW THIS LETTER TO THE SUPERS FROM OTHER DEMS HAS BEEN BURIED. IF IT WERE FOR OBAMA IT WOULD BE THE HEADLINE. IF THEY BOTHERED READING POSTS FROM THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THEY WOULD KNOW THE MAJORITY OF US WILL NOT..I REPEAT..NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA IN THE GE.IF THEY THINK WE WILL COME AROUND IN NOV., THEY ARE SORELY MISTAKEN. IF WE DONT WANT BO NOW..WE CERTAINLY WONT WANT HIM IN NOV. ARE U LISTENING SUPERS???
Twocentsworth401:44PMMay 9th 2008
I will not vote for Obama reguardless!
1)His word about Wright doesn't mean anything to me, the facts show different. He didn't ditch the Rev. until it wasn't politically correct for him!
2)He criticized small-town America (which I am part of) Don't bite the hand that feeds you idiot!
3)His word doesn't mean anything to me concerning his questionable friends. This world is too messed up to take the word of anybody. . .Especially the word of an unknown slick talker whose middle name is Hussein!
4)Everytime Obama has had any objection toward his being the nominee, accusations are thrown at the Clinton camp and the people who support her for being racist. Look at their past history for helping those of all races, then took at Obama's mentor, Louis F. and the group of people he has helped over the years! Not to mention the fact that his wonderful race speech has done nothing but divide everyone!
5) Read the speech. . .he said that the black church and community were shockingly ignorant, ashamed they can't support their families, and said that welfare has been the cause of the erosion of the black community. It isn't just my class of people he look's down upon, wise up, he looks down on poor black people as well.
6)Look up what the "Born Alive Infant Protection Act" is and check into Obama's senate record to block it in Illinois. It didn't get passed until he left the State Senate. . .Do you think that the Repubs. won't use that one??? Not to mention, what kind of monster doesn't think that babies who survive abortion shouldn't be treated humanely for the small time they have, after living through that???
Nope, I will vote for McCain this fall. I have not one ounce of respect for the man, I have no problem with his color! As a matter of fact, Michael Nutter would be a great running mate for Hillary, He would make a great future President!
mark1:55PMMay 9th 2008
Im a 19 year old male and a young voter who is interested in politics. I support Hillary as do many of my younger friends. We will not vote for Obama. My generation sometimes has lost track of what qualities a real canidate needs to have to become president. If Obama wins the nomination I and my friends will vote for McCain.
Ruth1:59PMMay 9th 2008
At least some representatives know who should br on the democratic ticket.
RUN INDEPENDENT SENATOR CLINTON YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH SUPPORT WHEN THE REPUBLICANS GET DONE WITH obama.
Just write Senator Clinton as your candidate. I will also vote for HILARY IF SHE RUNS AS AN INDPENDENT. GO HIlARY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am afraid if obama would win we will have so much trouble in AMERICA we won't have time to fight a war anywhere else.
Superdelegates that are running in the fall for re-election are afraid if they don't back obama they will not win their election.
WHAT A WAY TO WIN BACK SOMEONE YOU WERE NOT GOING TO BACK TO START WITH. I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR obama EVER, EVER.
Howard Dean just is looking out for himself, don't let him lead a dog much less the democratic party.
HILARY DON'T STOP TILL THE VERY END. STAY IN THROUGH THE CONVENTION PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR OBAMA. WILL JUST WRITE IN SENATOR CLINTON FOR MY VOTE.
OBAMA HAS HAD HELP CHEATING THE WHOLE WAY, NEWS MEDIA AND ALL.
DID ANYONE SEE HIS EYES TUESDAY NIGHT WHEN HE SPOKE?
HE LOOKED LIKE HE WAS STONED, GO FIGURE AFTER WHAT HE WROTE IN HIS BOOK, I WOULD NOT PUT ANYTHING PAST HIM.
HE CAN'T BE ASK TO TAKE A DRUG TEST, BUT I SURE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM PASS ONE.
WHAT ABOUT PUERTO RICO AND HIS GAY FRIEND AND THER DRUG INCOUNTER .
THEY ARE SURE TRYING TO KEEP THIS QUIET, HIS GAY FRIEND SINCLAR.
DON"T WANT TO PUBLISH THAT MIGHT NOT LOOK GOOD FOR OBAMA.
JUST SWEEP IT UNDER THE RUG LIKE ALL THE OTHER THINGS HE HAS DONE.
TJ2:05PMMay 9th 2008
LIZA PORTEOUS, THANKS FOR A REALITY CHECK...
THE DATA SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.
A GOOD DAY FOR THE PUNDITS AND BLOGGERS AND LEFT-WING MEDIA AND THE CIRCUS...
HILARY SUPPORTERS, REMEMBER THAT ITS CLINTON OR MCCAIN.
NO MATTER WHAT HILLARY SAYS: "PARTY UNITY" AND THAt crap. HILLARY OR MCCAIN.
NO MATTER WHAT THE DNC FORCES HER TO SAY IN PUBLIC. WE WILL ALL STICK WITH
HILLARY OR MCCAIN
DO NOT FORGET THAT WRITE-IN VOTES DO NOT COUNT. THEY MERELY MAKE A STATEMENT.
JUST VOTE HILLARY OR MCCAIN
MAKE IT A REAL VOTE NOT WRITE-IN.
MAYBE THEY WILL HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR US IN THE FUTURE.
HILLARY SUPPORTERS WILL GET THE LAST LAUGH..YET!
THE DEMO PARTY IS LED BY A BUNCH OF IDIOTS AND DREAMERS..
HOWARD MOOOOOOOO DEAN AND NANCY BAAAAAH PELOSI AND TED KENNEDY..
OXOXO
TJ, THE OBAMAMANIA BUSTING GOES ON.
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JayJay12:20PMMay 9th 2008
I saw the worst and most sickening display of "pandering" during Obama's trip to the legislature; the "ass grabbing; back slapping; the already assumption that they had their "BOY" as the next president!
What was more dusgusting was Matt Lauer and John Edwards actually enjoying Hillary's "fall" and the putting of women in their "place". These assholes just couldn't stomach the idea of a woman playing in their "arena". John Edwards you are a typical example of a "loser" - has Barak Hussein Muhommad Oslama promised you the Vice Presidency??? Or a "ride" in the back seat of a Limo w/Larry Sinclair?
Matt Lauer - pay attention to your own rocky marriage - or is kicking Hillary in the ass your way of getting a slug at your wife who is ready to kick your sorry ass to the curb? Clean up your own house before you start dirtying up someone elses.
I would not vote Obama even if (and I hope she does not) Hillary is offered (which she will not be although the Old fart Dems will try to push Obama to put her on the ticket) the Vice Presidency she tells Obama where he can shove the offer!
He is not going to win because Hillary has taken all the big states and could have won them against McCain. Obama cannot win against McCain because a goodly number of voters that voted for Hillary and feels she has been cheated (Florida and Michigan - sounds like 2000 with Gore all over again) we will vote McCain. That's not a threat - that is a promise.
What goes around comes around Barak Hussein Mohammad Oslama!