by John McCormick
AUSTIN, Texas – Sen. Barack Obama's campaign manager said today it will take double-digit wins in Texas and Ohio for Sen. Hillary Clinton to gain any significant ground in the battle for pledged delegates.
"They probably need to win both of these states by over 20 points," said David Plouffe, speaking to reporters the morning after a sizable primary win in Wisconsin for Obama.
Following wins in Wisconsin and Hawaii on Tuesday, Plouffe said Obama now holds a 159 pledged-delegate lead. "They are going to have to win landslides from here on in to erase it," he said.
If results in the March 4 primaries in Texas and Ohio are within 5 points or less, Plouffe said the victor would likely only gain a net of about three delegates.
Plouffe called Obama's 17-point win in Wisconsin a "very strong night," then noted that he won the white vote and tied Clinton for the women's vote.
Obama's campaign said there have now been 36 primaries and caucuses and Obama has won 25.
Asked about the likely Republican nominee, Plouffe said he expects Obama to keep most of his focus on Clinton.
"We obviously are still in the middle of a nomination fight," he said. "Sen. Clinton is a strong competitor and we've got four contests ahead of us."
Still, Plouffe suggested Sen. John McCain of Arizona would offer a "third George Bush term," with "the same policy on the economy, the same policy on tax cuts."
Obama is preparing to fly to Dallas, where he will hold a midday rally. His schedule is light in advance of a debate with Clinton Thursday night in Austin.
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Comments
Bears and Packers Fans agree something.
Should I be scared?
Naa
Go OBAMA
Posted by: Scott4Obama | February 20, 2008 11:21 AM
I no longer care if Obama loses. He's done an incredible job in trumping Clinton and the legendary Clinton team. His only missteps were his angry wife and his authorized use of someone else's words. Not major missteps but potentially troublesome down the road.
Now Clinton can steal the nomination if she wants, but in doing so she will lose the election and forever damage the Clinton legacy.
I am proud of Barack Obama. Those that criticize his speaking talents never once complained about Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton. I find that interesting.
Obama might not have a legislative legacy, but Ted Kennedy does and none of Obama's critics are rushing to endorse Ted for president.
Obama is simply right on most issues and he offers our best - though, admittedly, not only - hope for restoring America's standing around the world.
So complain if you must, Swampees. But at least acknowledge that Obama's judgment - even in HOW TO dismantle the Clinton machine - has been pretty darn good.
Posted by: Resident Genius | February 20, 2008 11:22 AM
Hills,
OK baby, it's time to sit down and have a heart to heart.
You're done for, kid. It's time to leave with grace. Bow out with class. I would have voted for you, but it looks like 'Bama is it.
Posted by: C.Morris | February 20, 2008 11:25 AM
Hillary is not done yet. Not by a long shot. However, she needs to stop talking about "rhethoric", and start talking with the people, instead of to the people.
The Clintons are best when their back is against the wall. I expect to see her come out of this victorius.
Posted by: Mike, Texas | February 20, 2008 11:58 AM
"Now Clinton can steal the nomination if she wants, but in doing so she will lose the election and forever damage the Clinton legacy."
RG,
Tend to disagree. We, Democrats, need to stop trying to win by losing.
I agree with your statement re. Obama's speaking ability. It's important. If Churchill spoke like Bush we may have lost WWII. Ditto Roosevelt.
Posted by: C.Morris | February 20, 2008 12:05 PM
I think it's time for Hillary to have a public cry again. It's so much fun to see her twisted desperation.
Posted by: JO | February 20, 2008 1:14 PM
Yes Hillary needs to bow out and walk away with dignity and pride. She is a good senator with good ideas but she is not what America wants. Obama is everything we want and need and more. He excites people and gets them involved, something I haven't seen in my adult life. He is a WONDERFUL speaker. He has good ideas from his heart. Clinton thinks only with her head, "How can I win this election?". Obama has lead an incredibly strategic campaign, every vote counts. Clinton needs to go away because she will split the democratic party because she is too proud to say ok they want him, they like him. Its just part of the game. You win some you lose some. The people like him more. Hillary move over you are making a fool out of yourself. If Obama would have lost 10 states in a row he would be done. The media would give him no chance nor would Clinton. I think Clinton would be formally asking him to withdraw. But because Hillary has the head of a bull she won't give up that easily. I think after Obama wins Texas, she will have no choice. Ohio may even show how the trend is following. 20,000 people came to the Obama rally in Houston!! Hillary is in big trouble. Obama is the real deal and not even the Clinton machine will turn that into something its not. America is speaking. Hillary is only speaking against them. GO OBAMA MY FAITH IN AMERICA AND POLITICS IS RESTORED. VOTE OBAMA 08!!!!
Posted by: Jessica | February 20, 2008 1:24 PM
I agree that if Obama had lost 10 consecutive states, he would be strongly encouraged to leave the race for President by the Democratic leadership and the Clintons. Billary will not concede and will continue to attack Obama instead of addressing the issues. Had Obama not run, I would have previously supported Hillary. After watching her in action, I am happy to have a better choice. I am not sure that I would support her candidacy in the General Election based upon my observation of her during the primary race.
Posted by: geraldine marvel | February 20, 2008 1:52 PM
The International Association of Whiners Manipulaters and Backstabbers announced their valuable endorsement of Sen. Shrillary Clinton today!
When told of the endorsement, Sen. Clinton paused. bit into a habenero pepper and then faced the cameras with tears streaming down her rigid unsmiling face.
It is time for the Senator to mount her broom and fly off into the land of obscurity.
Posted by: remus | February 20, 2008 2:53 PM
I've been a life-long dem until this primary fight, listening to the billary-shrillery-sexist hate for months, now. And the clever covering up for what it is. And whose leadership's it's under.
I would have otherwise, like a loyal Dem, voted for any of frontrunners. But at this point, thanks to my fellow Dems for showing me what the party is really about, Obamarma will have to make it without a lot of us.
In his unite America (except for a lot of women on brooms) campaign.
Posted by: Ruth B. | February 24, 2008 4:26 AM
Go football team. Go fraternity club.
(ballot box - check - mccain)
have fun in iraq, fellas.
have fun with your new supreme court appointments.
have fun with r v w overturned.
Posted by: Ruth B. | February 24, 2008 4:29 AM