Obama Downplays Expectations in W. Virginia
EmailABC News’ Sunlen Miller reports: Sen. Barack Obama downplayed expectations for West Virginia in his second visit the state before Tuesday’s primary.
“There is an election here tomorrow,” Obama reminded a crowd of veterans in Charleston, “I’m extraordinarily honored that some of you will support me, and I understand that many more here in West Virginia will probably support Senator Clinton.”
At a stop later in South Charleston, Obama played pool with veterans and continued to tell press about his expectations for the state, using former President Bill Clinton’s barometer as a guide.
"I think President Clinton said he thinks they will get 80 percent of the vote, so we’ll take him on his word." Obama said by Clinton’s definition that a good showing would be "better than 20 percent according to President Clinton."
Obama said although Clinton will likely win in the state, he is confident that the Democratic party will unify behind whoever is the nominee.
Obama’s second, and last public event in West Virginia was an attempt to woo the veteran heavy population of West Virginia and addressed the issue of patriotism, an area where he has been challenged with in the past, due to the controversies of his former pastor, his background, and his decision to not wear a flag pin.
“At a time when we’re facing the largest homecoming since the Second World War,” Obama spoke of the Iraq war as he sported a rare flag pin on his lapel, “the true test of our patriotism is whether we will serve our returning heroes as well as they’ve served us.”
The senator, who sits on the Veterans Affairs Committee, said that the conditions at veterans hospitals like Fort Bragg and Walter Reed are a betrayal to troops.
Obama’s only criticism during his speech was saved for presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain’s opposition to the 21st Century GI Bill, a bill introduced by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., to provide veterans with more options for college affordability without harming retention.
“John McCain is one of the few Senators of either party who oppose this bill because he thinks it’s too generous,” Obama said, “I couldn’t disagree more.”
In response, McCain’s spokesman, Tucker Bounds said, “It is absurd for Barack Obama to question John McCain’s commitment to America’s veterans, when Obama himself voted against funding our nation’s veterans, and troops in the field during a time of war. Voters need a leader with uncompromising judgment, and will reject Barack Obama’s decision to vote against funding our troops in the field, after he said it would be irresponsible to do so.”
McCain supports the Graham-Burr-McCain bill for improving education benefits for veterans.
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Don’t you just cringe a little when Obama speaks about patriotism? Every time he says something like this, I can’t help but think of Rev. Wright and all the other associations.
Posted by: Susan | May 12, 2008, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Just like Obama and his supporters have no respect for either of the Clintons, Obama doesn’t respect McCain and the feeling is, I’m sure, likewise mutual.
Posted by: Susan | May 12, 2008, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm
McCain’s version of the GI Bill will be substantially greater for amazing American VETS. As usual Obama is pandering and lying. He knows nothing of patriotism.
McCain 08!!!
Posted by: rey | May 12, 2008, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
Typed too fast.
“shold” = should
“ever” = every
Posted by: Krissy K | May 12, 2008, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm
Just how many veterans turned out for Obama? I hope they were at least polite to someone who has dissed them at every occasion.
I think W. Virginians can recognize a phony when they see one.
Posted by: reagan Democrat | May 12, 2008, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
He should also downplay any expectation of real change too.
Posted by: Mack | May 12, 2008, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
The true will prevail in G.E.
Obama will be defeated in november
by a landslide.
No ultra left wing anti-american liberal
ever won the white house.
In november the blacks,the radicals
NO longer will control the agenda.
Americans IN G.E. will say NO OBAMA.
Posted by: Nicholas | May 12, 2008, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm
Nicholas, you can’t face it man, that we will have a Black President for the first time in the USA….Everyone will say YES to Obama to be part of this HISTORY, so do not miss out on this man…..
The question about patriotism is absurd..We call ourselves PATRIOT, yet we destroy other people’s lives in other countries. Rev Wright was a marine and served this country, but when he tells the truth about the policies of this country’s administration he is UNPATRIOTIC…Do you guys here ever wonder why so many countries hated America, and for all your patriotism, you cannot change this????????????????
Posted by: Kissoon | May 12, 2008, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm
It is really sad to me that so many of the Obama supporters are reverse-racists. No matter what our stated reason is for not voting for Obama, we’re accused of being racist. Well, I’ll tell you, I am in an interracial relationship and I will NOT under any circumstances vote for Obama. We’ve already had one Presidential candidate tell us one thing in the primaries and then do the exact opposite once he got into power. I am a lifelong Democrat and I will vote for McCain over Obama, at least with McCain, we know we’re getting a centrist. Superdelegates: beware, people like me are a growing majority! Go ahead and call me racist…that’s what the Obama campaign likes to do. Well, you can scream it from the top of your lungs…but that still doesn’t make it the truth.
Posted by: David | May 12, 2008, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
Which Democratic candidate is more electable?
Consider this:
This is how the Electoral College stands as of April 23, 2008, showing strengths of Clinton vs. Obama, based on their performance thus far.
This assumes a winner-take-all primary/caucus vote takes all Electoral votes for each state. The totals immediately below are WITHOUT any consideration of the states of Florida and Michigan.
Clinton 261
Obama 181
But with Florida and Michigan:
Clinton 305
Obama 181
Assuming the following victories, based on current polls, with Clinton winning Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Obama winning North Carolina, South Dakota, Oregon (which is doubtful), and Montana, the totals would then be, still without Florida and Michigan:
Clinton 285
Obama 209
Even with a victory for Obama in Indiana, the totals would be, still without Florida and Michigan:
Clinton 274
Obama 220
Please note that it takes 270 Electoral College votes to win the General Election.
Whether or not the vote turns out as indicated, I firmly believe the above analysis more than amply demonstrates which of the Democratic candidates is in a better position to be the stronger candidate in the General Election.
Posted by: Yavo Lem | May 12, 2008, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
Popular vote as of May 12, 2008
These figures INCLUDE Florida and Michigan, as they were fairly and legitimately earned by Senator Hillary Clinton, and have been validated by the respective Secretary’s of State.
Obama 16,506,455
Clinton 16,418,979
Total Diff. +87,476 (Obama)
Pct. Diff. +0.26% (Obama)
So, why SHOULD Hillary quit NOW?
Who do you think will be leading after next Tuesday?
Hint – See below:
Combined population of Oregon, Montana and South Dakota = 5,173,438
Combined population of West Virginia, Kentucky and Puerto Rico = 9,894,803
Posted by: Yavo Lem | May 12, 2008, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm
You cannot claim that Obama would not win any states that HRC won in the primaries. It is not true.
Any DEM count win NY and CAL. After all, HRC rigged the NY election. Look it up. He won zero votes in 82 precincts, in NYC, including HARLEM!!!
No one believes that election was not rigged.
The police who entered the data said in their defense, ummm, we must have made a mistake. Sure.
You cannot claim that either candidate who won a state in the primary would carry that state in the fall. All you have is that MICH and Florida dont count because HRC’s people voted in the DNC committee NOT to count them. If HRC had approved MICH to count, everyone would have run heated contests there and the same is true for Florida.
Why do HRC’s people prattle to you about counting MICH since they voted months ago, not to count it?
Could it be that changing the rules is the only way they can win now? Too bad. Sore losers.
Try this on and see how it fits:
THOU SHALL NOT BEAT FALSE WITNESS.
Posted by: bruce becker | May 12, 2008, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
FIXING TYPO’S
You cannot claim that Obama would not win any states that HRC won in the primaries. It is not true.
Any Dem might win NY and CAL. After all, The party machine rigged the NY election. Look it up. He won zero votes in 82 precincts, in NYC, including HARLEM!!!
No one believes that election was not rigged.
The police who entered the data said in their defense, ummm, we must have made a mistake. Sure.
You cannot claim that either candidate who won a state in the primary would carry that state in the fall. All you have now is that MICH and Florida DO NOT count because HRC’s people voted in the DNC committee NOT to count them. If HRC had approved MICH to count, and the vote to stop MICH and stop Florida had failed in the DNC committee, everyone would have run heated contests there and the same is true for Florida.
Why do HRC’s people prattle to you about counting MICH since they voted months ago, not to count it?
Could it be that changing the rules is the only way they can win now? Too bad. Sore losers.
Try this on and see how it fits:
THOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS.
And why is NH first anyway? Wanna know?
So you dont have to be rich or famous to be in the race. That’s in the document HRC’s people signed when they voted not to count MICH.
Stop helping them to lie about MICH.
It is unseemly. Thou shall not bear false witness.
Posted by: bruce becker | May 12, 2008, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
Yavo. You are wrong on the facts. The votes of supers are votes, one each, not endorsements. And presently Obama has more super’s pledged votes than HRC and after May 20th or maybe after June 3rd, he will have a lead she can never catch in elected delegates too.
Why do HRC’s people prattle to you about counting MICH since they voted months ago, not to count it?
Could it be that changing the rules is the only way they can win now? Too bad. Sore losers.
Try this on and see how it fits:
THOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS.
And why is NH first anyway? Wanna know?
So you dont have to be rich or famous to be in the race. That’s in the document HRC’s people signed when they voted not to count MICH.
Posted by: bruce becker | May 12, 2008, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
Hillary and McCain both voted for Bush’s unjust war that has costed thousands of American lives and billions of dollars. Hillary has blatantly lied to voters. McCains involvement in the Keating 5 scandal costed taxpayers 3.4 billion dollars. None of your strategies, statistical numbers or racist undertones for Hillary or McCain mean more than these facts.
Obama ’08
Posted by: Matt | May 12, 2008, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
I just remember the words of Rev.wright , The white rich people run this country,..
I think if Obama becomes the president, it would be the same.
All billionaires are behind him, his contributors come from rich people.
The only different is he is the president.
Posted by: blue Irish | May 12, 2008, 4:41 pm 4:41 pm
I am a first generation immigrant. The home country was/is run by a dictatorship regime.
Every time they wanted to gag the opposition they’d say they are not patriotic. They’re enemies’ spies and other nonsense of that kind.
It’s funny that here in US we have the same problem. Criticize the US government wars then you’re labeled unpatriotic.
Same nonsense, different mobs.
People know better. Don’t waste your time.
Posted by: fooled_once | May 12, 2008, 4:42 pm 4:42 pm
Yavo Lem,
Excellent post..
Hillary 08!
Posted by: blue Irish | May 12, 2008, 4:47 pm 4:47 pm
Joe,
If we are talking about whose problem related to race, it’s never end.
Think about this, majority black people don’t vote for Hillary.
If you think WVA,KY don’t vote for Obama and is not his problem, that should be the same case to Hillary.
Posted by: blue Irish | May 12, 2008, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
Hillary has run a very respectable campaign and has received a very respectable amount of votes.
That is without the 92% of the black votes.
That tells you that Hillary doesn’t need all that crap about the black votes.
When OBAMA brags about the new voters that he brought in, it actually pales in comparison with Hillary. He is out of touch with the world.
OBAMA’s world is of 57 states and MAMA’s world is of 50 states.
The only way that OBAMA can get his popularity is from the +7 states that he brought to America.
Posted by: John_Lai | May 12, 2008, 5:04 pm 5:04 pm
If gas is $4.00 a gallon, If the Iraq war is still going bad, if we are in a recession, If President Bush’s approval rating is at 30%,let’s look at the rising National debt, the shrinking of the dollar, Who really cares if McCain is too old, lost his bearings,whether he voted for Bush or not, whether he can’t tell sunni from Shia, Whether or not Reverend Wright or Ayers will hurt Obama, or that Hamas wants Obama to win, or if Obama wears a lapel pin (Neither Clinton nor McCain wear one) or whether he misspoke of 57 states,whether we care if Clinton came under fire in Bosnia. People are worried about the real issues: Gas Prices, The War, The economy. The people will want CHANGE!!!!
Posted by: Don Hannaford | May 12, 2008, 5:20 pm 5:20 pm
Yes – he is going to lose WV. Good thing that (according to him) there are 56 other states.
No, you can’t….
Posted by: ch | May 12, 2008, 5:26 pm 5:26 pm
What Mr. Bounds is attempting to say is that since Barack Obama voted against the war in Iraq, he is unpatriotic because he didn’t ‘support’ the troops. Well what is less patriotic; sending American soldiers into an unwinnable war, or keeping them out in the first place? If we hadn’t entered Iraq in the first place, no one would have died, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out, Mr. Bounds.
Listen, McCain is a smart guy, and a great war hero. But he has a militaristic attitude about this War in Iraq and will only push us further into a second Vietnam, just like President Johnson did. Dont base a vote on flag pins.
Posted by: Ben | May 12, 2008, 6:00 pm 6:00 pm
No amount of bot posts is going to win the election for McCain. He’s been put up as a throwaway candidate by the Republican party. If the Republicans thought they had any chance of winning, do you think they would be nominating someone their old guard can’t stand? They want McCain to take the loss. Watch and see what happens. Too many people are too mad at Bush and his cronies.
Posted by: nazcalito | May 12, 2008, 6:20 pm 6:20 pm
Yavo Lem, I love your math, and I love your logic. It ain’t over. Being one of the “Deliverance” Dems from Kentucky, I plan to vote twice, thereby increasing Hillary’s side of the ledger. Then, when Hillary reduces the cost of student loans, I plan to go back to college and become an elitest. Might even move to the Northeast, or Illinois and get a good job.
VOTE FOR MAMA, NOT FOR OBAMA!
Posted by: georgia | May 12, 2008, 6:40 pm 6:40 pm
I feel sorry when I hear some ordinary people’s ideas when they say unexceptable words either each of the democratic candidates. No matter who is the nominee. they will be united.
Posted by: jimmy | May 12, 2008, 8:45 pm 8:45 pm
there are some racists who still think the same way as back as the early 1900s.
Presidency is not a monarchy. the next president will be Obama.
Posted by: jimmy | May 12, 2008, 8:50 pm 8:50 pm
Congregation of bad losers!
I’ll rather call this forum, a congregation of bad losers! Keep deceiving yourselves about clinton’s chances.
She would make the stars fall from the skies, the celestial choir would sound their trumpets and the mighty angels from heaven would turn popular votes into the parameter for clinching the nomination and they won’t stop there. They would put on the clothes of mere mortals and would descend to the earth in their millions and vote for clinton, thereby, making it possible for her to have the popular vote…..
Dream on bad losers, dream on!!!!!
Posted by: dew5050 | May 12, 2008, 9:03 pm 9:03 pm
Jimmy Carter was on Tavis Smiley last week. You all need to hear what he said in regards to the youth vote….I loved it!
Posted by: irma | May 12, 2008, 9:03 pm 9:03 pm
christopher writes, Hillary must be really proud of herself, she is reduced to being the favorite of uneducated, in-bred, racists. But hey they are hard working white Amerikkkans. perhaps they should all show their love not only with their vote but by paying off her massive campaign debts.
christopher, that’s a great way to get Clinton supporters to vote for Obama. You had better change your ways if you want Obama to win.
Posted by: Tina from Florida | May 12, 2008, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
Anderson Cooper just reported that if Obama wins the nomination, over 50% of white women will vote for McCain. Almost 60% of white blue-collar voters will vote for McCain. Nationwide, the African American population only make up 13%. If Obama loses West Virginia tomorrow night by more than 15% (Clinton projected to win by 30%), and he loses Kentucky (Clinton projected to win by 25%), then his campaign and nomination will be in trouble and cause SuperD’s to rethink. According to Cooper, the SuperD’s are worried that if Clinton doesn’t win the nomination, she will run as an Independent, therefore the GOP will win the White House. Obama is in trouble and the delegates are getting nervous. He’s making a trip to Florida and Michigan, so you know his camp is concerned. However, Karl Rove stated that if obama is the nominee, he will not carry Florida and Michian. Added to this, Fox stated tonight that there is some BIG negatives about to be unleashed on Obama. I think we are seeing the calm before the storm. Hillary will still win the nomination. 52% of Democrats say she is the stronger candiate to face McCain in the fall.
Posted by: david from texas | May 12, 2008, 10:58 pm 10:58 pm
The media is spreading the myth that Sen. Obama has already won the Democratic nomination. And he aslo will win against John McCain.
But Sen. Clinton is ahead by 43 points in WV! She’s up by 30 points in Nebraska! Florida and Michigan is still unresolved! Sen. Obama has not won even one single major battle-ground state, like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Texas, New York, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts and so on and on.
You can figure out for yourself, which Democratic candidate is stonger and more electable?
Look at how the Electoral College stands as of May 08, Clinton vs. Obama.
This assumes a winner-take-all electoral votes for each state. Florida and Michigan is not considered.
Clinton 261
Obama 181
Include Florida and Michigan;
Clinton 305
Obama 181
Lets say with Clinton winning Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Obama winning North Carolina, South Dakota, Oregon (which is too close to call at this time, and Montana, would then be, even without Florida and Michigan:
Clinton 285
Obama 209
Even if you give Indiana, to Obama, the totals would be, still without Florida and Michigan:
Clinton 274
Obama 220
We all know it takes 270 Electoral College votes to win the General Election. This shows which of the Democratic candidates is stronger and better able to win in the General Election.
Therefore if Sen. Obama is the Democratic nominee, it would be a big mistake! I am sure the Republicans are going to make Rev. Wright his running-mate in the fall. Having manipulated the caucuses with small groups of zealots, but now not in play for the presidential election, Mr. Obama is going to find himself stuck! Sen. Clinton would make a much stonger candidate to face Republican John McCain in the general election. Sen. Obama is too weak to win the presidency for Democrats!
Posted by: EPICTETUS | May 12, 2008, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
Of course he is downplaying WV. He is an elitist and is already going to declare after May 20th in Oregon. Why does Obama still think that Oregon and Alabama states totally outrank the KEY DEM states like FL, OH, PA, and IN? He is SOOOOO confused.
Posted by: Darla | May 13, 2008, 12:04 am 12:04 am
Considering the mainstream media has done nothing but do their best to give Hillary a bad time through out the campaign, the lady is doing good! Especially as Dean has let his personal fight and petty feelings of the Clinton’s affect his judgement…smacks of total unprofessionalism to me!
Everyone knows that Hillary will win most, if not all, of the remaining states, she will call for FL & MI to be acknowledged and make a clear case of being the most electable, with the ability to win and become the next President! So come on Super delegates, ignore the negative bias of the press and DNC, Obama has too many corrupt connections and cannot be trusted! Further more, the Repulicans with use all the skeletons in his closet to prove their case, making good press, but very bad for the country.
Posted by: Di | May 13, 2008, 7:00 am 7:00 am