Clinton Deputy Campaign Manager Steps Down
EmailABC News’ Eloise Harper reports: Clinton’s deputy campaign manager, Mike Henry, stepped down today. Henry is, of course, famous for the leaked memo he wrote suggesting that Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., skip Iowa.
Henry was also loyal to former campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle. His departure follows hers by just two days.
Here is the e-mail he sent the staff today:
February 12, 2008
Hi everyone.
I just wanted to let you know about a decision I’ve made.
Yesterday, I made the decision to leave the campaign. Out of respect for Maggie and her new leadership team, I thought it was the best thing to do. As someone who has managed campaigns, I share the unique understanding of the challenges that the campaign will face over the next several weeks. Our campaign needs to move quickly, to build a new leadership team, support them and their decisions, and make the necessary adjustments, to achieve the winning outcome for which we have all worked so hard for over a year now.
I also want to thank everyone for the opportunity to work with each one of you, establish friendships, and I will always fondly remember the camaraderie that I have built with so many people on this staff. You all are so talented, and it has been a pleasure to work with you. You have made this journey so much fun and rewarding. Thank you.
It has been an honor to work for Sen. Clinton on her presidential campaign. I remain steadfast in my belief that Sen. Clinton is the most qualified and most prepared person to be the next president of the United States, and my support of her candidacy remains as strong as ever.
Good luck, and I hope to see you soon.
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Posted by: Jideofo22 | February 12, 2008, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm
Good for him. Too bad the media is hill bent on MILKING this in the most negative way possible.
Will Clinton win the nomination? If she can win ohio, texas and Pennsyvania she can.
If obama wins Ohio or Pennsylvania , he is the nominee.
Posted by: tom | February 12, 2008, 9:10 pm 9:10 pm
I think a blogger on usatoday put it best:
J. Thomas wrote: 13m ago
Another aid throw(n) under the Clinton Likeability Tour Bus.
Thank GOD in november ’08 NO one else will ever have to suffer being destroyed by the clinton-bush evil genius ‘treason is an excellent ingredient in the future bakery’ squad
Posted by: Liam Brent Kelly | February 12, 2008, 9:12 pm 9:12 pm
This is very good for Hillary’s campaign. I wish Mr. Henry the best in a new position but believe we are going to see some very positive results in the time ahead due to Maggie William’s influences. She is an extraordinary woman with great insight and a good heart!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 12, 2008, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
Her claws are starting to come out. She is not a likable person and the more things don’t go her way, the more the real Hillary will surface. Bill and her were embarassing before and I am so glad Obama came along. I am afraid Bill will do whatever and if he gets caught she will pardon him.
Posted by: Ann | February 12, 2008, 9:18 pm 9:18 pm
Dear Latino/as __ in the face of what’s happening, if you vote for Hillary, you are basically loudly advertising that you are very very very guilable! We need the President we all can be proud of, who has honesty, honor, and integrity. Thank you all the people out there who voted for him.
Posted by: Sean, NY | February 12, 2008, 9:22 pm 9:22 pm
Fifteen years ago when everybody was demanding universal health care, what qualifications did Mrs Clinton have to be put in charge of such a difficult project?
Posted by: Joan NY | February 12, 2008, 9:39 pm 9:39 pm
It’s rather sad it has to end this way for Mrs Clinton. The reality is that Obama looks much more likeable than she does. I have support the Clintons all my life but I think I must face the reality that she can not undo the Obama fever. I wish her all the best.
Posted by: Nathan | February 12, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
So when does Hilliary get to fire… HERSELF!!!
Posted by: cba | February 12, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
Time for Sen. Clinton to step aside.
For the good of the party. Its time to unite behind The Big O!
Posted by: mike | February 12, 2008, 9:47 pm 9:47 pm
A 60 year old “girl”. Uh, if she aint a woman by now, just when is the “transformation” going to take place??? Curious. Folks, please lose the “girl” talk. This woman’s been through menopause, right? Just checking.
Posted by: cba | February 12, 2008, 9:53 pm 9:53 pm
Since when do we need a “likeable” president? The leader of the free world has to be a nice guy to get your vote? How about someone with experience? How about knowledge of the job? What about relationships with other countries and other leaders? How about someone who shows up and makes a decision instead of an excuse? You can’t just be “present” when you’re the president, you have to stand up and be counted. If Obama gets to be president, which I doubt will happen, he can’t beat McCain, it will be just like the Carter years all over again – and we will get another 20 years of the Republicans in charge as the backlash of his single term.
Posted by: Barbara | February 12, 2008, 9:58 pm 9:58 pm
Although obama is ahead now of tonight…duh?? Hillary will WIN in the end. obama is nice and friendly…however; PLEASE, to run the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on his 3 years in politics…..what’s his change all about…I hear him talk about change…HOW???? Please inform us what change……and please….obama will be put down by the media sometimes in the near future…god forbid he does??? DUH???….
Go HILLARY …
Posted by: Judi | February 12, 2008, 10:03 pm 10:03 pm
Felipe – I read that Obama was now polling within 10 points in Texas, and I suspect it will continue to tighten.
Clinton has a tough path now. She not only has to win Texas and Ohio, but win convincingly. But I also know she’ll come fighting out of that corner she’s backed into. No one is taking anything for granted.
Best of luck to you, but its starting to look more likely that she might not be able to pull this one out.
Posted by: Paul | February 12, 2008, 10:05 pm 10:05 pm
All Obama has to do is be competitive in Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania. He doesn’t have to win. The delegate assignment in the Democratic party is proportional. That means Clinton has to win convincingly in those contests. It can’t be 55% to 45% in Clinton’s favor in those three contests because right now Obama is crushing Hillary in the last 8 contest after battling her to a draw on Super Tuesday.
So, with Wisconsin and Obama’s home state of Hawaii upcoming, Hillary better destroy Obama in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. A 60-40 split in those three states may not be enough to save her campaign…….
And what one journalist has mentioned about the Super Delagates, many are still uncommitted waiting for a clear front runner in the election. The delgate count right now (before tonight) is in Hillary’s corner including the Super Delegates who can change their opinion at any time.
Hillary better have a DOMINANT showing in some states, any state, very soon or those Super’s may abandon her very quickly. Especially the unpledged Super Delegates who haven’t made up their minds. It will be tough for them to side with Hillary if Obama has more pledged delegates and has won more states……
Posted by: Tyler | February 12, 2008, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm
Judi: Obama has 7 years of experience in the Illinois state legislature, as well as his time in the US Senate and before politics as a community organizer. It is often forgotten but Clinton is a junior senator as well and has passed/co-sponsored relatively few bills.
His changes include drastically reducing government corruption by cracking down on lobbyist bribes, adding transparency to government spending (so senators can no longer earmark money for personal air strips and resorts), healthcare reform, energy reform, fixing our terrible international reputation.
Obama’s campaign does not take lobbyist money and is funded by the people. Clinton speaks of what she can do, Obama speaks about what our nation can do. He will accomplish his goals by getting the parties to work together (which he has an excellent track record of accomplishing) rather than fighting for that 51% majority.
America is tired of our politicians squabbling and wallowing in corruption while the major issues in our nation – healthcare, economy, foreign affairs, immigration – are all left unresolved. Obama will unite our goverment, drastically alter the landscape of politics and finally get some things accomplished.
Posted by: Zachary Tong | February 12, 2008, 10:40 pm 10:40 pm
For anyone in Texas, Ohio and Penn. who is think of voting for Obama please visit Detroit. Get the picture? That’s what his extension of welfare programs can do for your city to!
Posted by: Jeff | February 12, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm
There is an old African proverb. It goes like this: “In a running contest, never confuse between the first runner out and the first runner to reach the finish line. The two are not always the same person.”
Posted by: Emanuel | February 12, 2008, 10:47 pm 10:47 pm
Felipe, please speak for yourself. I am a Texan and WILL NOT be voting for Hillary. Barbara, are you serious? It is important to have a likeable president. Welcome to 2008- America can’t just steamroll through the rest of the world. Having good diplomatic relations is becoming increasingly important in this global economy.
Posted by: Jen | February 12, 2008, 10:59 pm 10:59 pm
let us move to TX and Ohio to support Sen. Hillary
Posted by: mike | February 12, 2008, 11:02 pm 11:02 pm
Elsie: You are absolutely right. It’s very sad for all the women.
Posted by: fcykc | February 12, 2008, 11:18 pm 11:18 pm
And that is the only case for Hillary’s candidacy. It may not be enough. She inspires women but Barack inspires us all!
Posted by: Alan | February 12, 2008, 11:28 pm 11:28 pm
Obama says he is the “uniter” and will bring the Dems, Repubs and Independents of Congress together to work for ONE AMERICA . Hmmm, how will he do that? He has already been in the US Senate for 2 years and what extraordinary efforts has he made to do this already? Or do we have wait till he is president before we get to witness this special magical power he claims to possess. How is he going to “inspire” the factions in congress to work differently than they have been in the past?
Posted by: Cilantro | February 12, 2008, 11:31 pm 11:31 pm
Elsie – You are creating your own reality. Good luck with that.
Posted by: Julianne | February 12, 2008, 11:33 pm 11:33 pm
I am sick and tired of people talking trash about the Clintons. I know I am not perfect and maybe it is for this reason that I don’t totally throw them under the bus. I think Hillary must have some intelligence if she has put herself in this position and so does obama. But for people to put him on a pedestal I think you will soon find out he will fall hard. When he talks about change what does he mean and what can he do? Is he going to throw out the Connstition and the history of our country. I think the problem right now is that we have lived under the leadership of an idiot and a man that should have never been there in the first place. Do we want to do that again. Someone who should not be there there. Great America keep on making stupid decisions. I don’t need a motivational speaker to be the president I need and experienced leader. Next thing you know Obama will be in the white has, everyone will be wrapped around his finger and he will be trying to make think things have changed when it will all be the same.
Posted by: angel | February 12, 2008, 11:43 pm 11:43 pm
Have been in Texas for a while. I believe Texas is Clinton country.
Posted by: fcykc | February 12, 2008, 11:43 pm 11:43 pm
Elsie – You are creating your own reality. Good luck with that.
Posted by: Julianne | February 12, 2008, 11:45 pm 11:45 pm
Angel – The Clintons are tied in with the Bush family via tax exempt hedge funds. Bill Clinton makes $5 billion a year along with George senior thanks to the Saudi Arabian involvement. The Bush family wants Hilary for President so nothing will change. Vote Obama. I promise. I have studied this very thoroughly. Please. Thank you.
Posted by: Julianne | February 12, 2008, 11:55 pm 11:55 pm
Alan, since when do YOU speak for all of us? Thanks pal, but I’ll speak for myself. Barack inspires us all? Oh, really? He doesn’t inspire ME — just so you know. I find nothing likable about him whatsoever. Voting for President is not about voting for who you like — but who you think will do the best job. If a candidate embodies both, all the better. I believe that Senator Clinton truly has a command of the issues and also has the solutions for them. Speak for yourself…
Posted by: Laura | February 13, 2008, 12:42 am 12:42 am
They replaced her campaign manager and then tonight another one resigns. Those poor people are taking the blame for her poorly run campaign.
It’s not their fault. You have to put out a product, (Hillary) and sell it. You buy it if it’s something you want. It can have all the bells and whistles (Hillary’s experience, ready from day one) but if it not appealing, you just don’t buy it.
What added to the fire is when Bill lashed out against Obama and made it sound racial in tone, it made the product unattractive. Now the governor of PA said on record that the PA white residents won’t vote for a black man, all credibility went out the window.
Too bad.
Posted by: JerryZ | February 13, 2008, 1:38 am 1:38 am
Obama is so phony with his Change Mantra. He wraps himself in Ted Kennedys old Washington, pretends to be the heir to JFK from the 60′s, claims to have a “hands off management style” like George Dubya, and tells us that’s change. ——– I Don’t think so ——- We don’t need another Laz-E-Boy like Dubya, and don’t need a JFK without JFK’s wisdom tempered by combat. Don’t get me wrong, JFK and his brother Robert did great things for civil rights. But they were hands on leaders. They did not just inspire, they planned and acted. —– JFK took a hands on approach, and yet still gave us Vietnam, the Bay of Pigs, and brought us to the Brink of Nuclear Annihilation with the Cuban missile crisis. If JFK was not hands on, and let his advisors have their way, like Obama and Dubya, the shooting war would have started in Cuba, and ended in the Soviet Union and US with Mushroom Clouds. ————- We are finally getting rid of Hands Off Laz-E-Boy Bush, listening to idiots Cheney and Rumsfeld, and don’t need another. Just say No to Laz-E-Boy Obama. He’s no Change – Been there done that, no thanks.
Posted by: John D | February 13, 2008, 2:09 am 2:09 am
First – contrary to Obamarama supporters, There have been no independent polls in TX, PA, and Ohio. —- Second, From the posts, I have seen, and belive me, I’ve looked at them all, the posts from TX, Ohio, and PA favor Clinton by a very conservative 5 – 1. ———— The Only Texans that like Obama are the freaks in Austin, Crack Heads, and the Exstasy crowd. Obama does not have the support in these states. ———– Contrary to Obama posters. Hillary will only need to win by small margins to overtake Obama. Texas has more delegates all than the Potomoc. And guess what, Obama did not get all the Potomac Delegates. ———- In the end, the Super delegates will not go to a candidate that can’t carry Ohio, PA, NJ, NY, MA, and CA. Those states swing and matter a hell of a lot more that the Red States. And, Florida and Michigan will have their delegates at the convention. Those states matter too. ————-
Posted by: John D | February 13, 2008, 2:25 am 2:25 am
Obama has a key to new America, new Americans dignity internationally and he has a desired respectable and electable drive within America and at the international vision. He will lead US into a new status thrown apart by Clinton & Bush negligent ownership in Washington politics. Americans now are voting for the best restoration. HOPE and CHANGE from OBAMA, the only inspired figurehead.
Posted by: Paul | February 13, 2008, 2:52 am 2:52 am
Its better for Hillary to step down too…she will end up in self demotion morally and politically. No room for tricks as she dynamically behave so as she can ‘win at any cost’. Politician like Her are easily spotted our as we see Her campaign Manager & Deputy quitting the camp. They have clearly spotted the lies! They were dragged to non-direction! Hillary should better quit the race to give a way for Dem to finish McCain…the ‘outdated and unpromising future old boy’
Posted by: Paul | February 13, 2008, 3:05 am 3:05 am
Being someone who lives outside the US, I find this entire brouhaha on Obama v Clinton ridiculous. Both are inexperienced in their own ways. Hillary does have Bill at home to consult – which could be good or bad. Obama has no one – and he will need a good team. Seems to be that the US would do well with either – certainly better than McCain. However both will struggle against him – as this would be a first – either way.
I think it’s time for people to realise that they eventually on the same side as democrats and show that statesmanship.
Posted by: Ajit | February 13, 2008, 3:40 am 3:40 am
AJIT
HILLARY WAS THE PRESIDENT …
SHE CONTROLS BILL CLINTON 100%
Posted by: J.C.T. | February 13, 2008, 4:17 am 4:17 am
IS SO SAD TO SEE A GOOD AFRO AMERICAN MAN, BEING USED AS A CLOWN BY THE KENNEDY’S..WHY EDWARD KENNEDY DON’T ENTER THE RACE TO PRESIDENT?
A LAKE IS IN FRONT OF HIM EVERY SECOND.
Posted by: J.C.T. | February 13, 2008, 4:22 am 4:22 am
IF HILLARY WILL LOST?
YOU KNOW WHO WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT?
A REPUBLICAN MC CAIN..
MANIPULATED BY THE BUSH FAMILY
A DEMOCRAT BARACK OBAMA
MANIPULADED BY THE KENNEDY’S CLAN
WAKE UP AMERICANS..
WHY ANY KENNEDY OR JEFF BUSH ARE NOT RUNNING?
Posted by: J.C.T. | February 13, 2008, 4:28 am 4:28 am
Hilary is at the mercy of Latinos, she is at the verge of extinction.
History will remember Hilary as a great politician who lived with a infidel husband for the hunger of power!
Hilary said she has nothing to hide, then, WHY she is hiding her TAX return?
WHY she is hiding her failed HilaryCare documents?
Go figure!
Posted by: Hooka | February 13, 2008, 5:47 am 5:47 am
(correction)The March 4th hybrid primary-caucus in Texas produces 126 delegates chosen at the ballot box and 42 at-large delegates chosen through thousands of precinct caucuses. An additional 25 pledged delegates are selected at the state convention in June with the remaining 35 designated as super delegates for a total of 228 Texas delegates. The Texas firewall that Hillary is depending upon may not be possible due to the issue of proportionality. The 31 Texas senate districts are allocated delegates based upon several factors including the district’s voter participation in the 2004/2006 presidential and gubernatorial elections; this works against Hillary because certain Hispanic districts recorded low voter turnout in those years. If Dallas, Tarrant, and Harris counties support Obama, this will dillute the Hispanic influence and Hillary could be in real trouble in Texas. Austin will likely go with Obama. Remember, the proportionality equation in Texas makes it unlikely that either candidate will have a crushing win come March 4th. Hillary is hopeful that a Texas firewall will save her campaign; I suspect it may be her Alamo. Regardless, the candidates will split the Texas delegates so do not look for Texas to save the night for Clinton.
Posted by: Sloan | February 13, 2008, 7:08 am 7:08 am
John D – “Second, From the posts, I have seen, and belive me, I’ve looked at them all, the posts from TX, Ohio, and PA favor Clinton by a very conservative 5 – 1.”
You’ll have a hard time convincing me that counting messages on a blog are an accurate indicator of anything.
Posted by: Paul | February 13, 2008, 7:44 am 7:44 am
I agree with Sloan. Many are doubting Hillary’s last stand strategy in Texas. There are already signs of trouble there. Several recent high profile endorsements for Obama including some Latino leaders and several major newspapers have endorsed Barack. Also, the Latino vote is not guaranteed. Last night Obama won the Latino vote here by about 10% in the Potomac primaries. If that translates to Texas, Hillary is toast.
Posted by: Bob, DC | February 13, 2008, 7:57 am 7:57 am
I wonder what Latinos are thinking now that Patti Solis has been ousted as Hillary’s campaign manager.
Posted by: sher | February 13, 2008, 9:07 am 9:07 am
Look how the Clintons treated their loyal African Americian vote. As soon as they received the opporunity, they wanted African Americans to turn against one another. They could have continued to debate the issues, but, they made a concious choice not to. It was their intention to rob Obama from the African American American bacuse they have thought that they were ENTITLED to our vote. The Obama’s have been grateful for every vote received. Win or lose, they publicly thank the state for the votes received. When Hillary loses, she moves on to the next State withought saying thank you for the votes received.
As for Latino-Americians, do you think that Hillary is ENTITLED to your vote? What would you do if you were treated like tyhe Clintons treated the African American supporters?! Ask yourself…then allow your heart to lead you!
Obama ’08
Posted by: J Mba | February 13, 2008, 7:23 pm 7:23 pm