The Road Forward for Clinton
07 May 2008 7:20 am by Taylor Marsh
BY TAYLOR MARSH
from Washington, D.C.
Live blog of Clinton conference call…
Geoff Garin: Indiana was a close outcome, but they feel very, very good. First
time Clinton has come from behind to achieve a primary victory. Amidst a huge
amount of spending from Obama, Clinton won. The Chicago media market was over
20% of the state and gave Obama a substantial head start. Eight points down
with 10 days to go, then winning by 2 points, represents "significant progress"
and is a "good victory under challenging circumstances." Obama called
it a "tie breaker state," so we feel good about the victory.
We congratulate Obama on his North Carolina. But that state also represents
progress for us. We were running even with white voters two weeks ago, but earned
a significant win, 24 points. We didn’t do well enough with AA voters. Clinton
continues to run very strongly among likely swing voters in the Nov. election,
blue collar voters, seniors and Catholics. Last night makes the strong case
that she’s the better candidate in November.
The win in Indiana allows us to go on and make the case in West Virginia.
Howard Wolfson: We need to do well in upcoming contests. W.V. is a "critically
important key swing state in November." We are going to set out in the
next days to show real strength in W.V.
We need to work with others to make sure Florida and Michigan are seated. We
believe these delegates should be seated. We need to continue to make the case
the Clinton is a better nominee against John McCain. Clinton today runs ahead
of Obama in Penn. and Florida. Clinton has proved she can win blue collar voters,
and suggests she can absolutely be the strongest nominee against John McCain.
Obama has not proven he can win the key swing states, or the votes of blue collar
workers. That’s the crux of the argument being made to superdelegates and voters
going forward. West Virginia is a critical test and we need to do well there
and going forward.
Questions begin…
REPORTER: Russert said race is over, do you think it’s fair, and will it move
superdelegates?
HOWARD WOLFSON: Pundits have counted Clinton out many times. They’re doing
it today. But the punditocracy doesn’t make the decision, voters do. They’re
more important than pundits, as important as pundits are. Superdelegates are
more impacted by our arguments and who will be the stronger candidate in November.
REPORTER: What about a ticket of Clinton-Obama, in whatever order? Have you
talked to Obama about it.
HOWARD WOLFSON: No we haven’t. Clinton thinks it’s premature. Haven’t heard
her talk about it. She’s focused on the remaining contests.
ANDREA MITCHELL: Money situation; reasons for the loan; what money came in
last night? Superdelegate meeting? Did gas tax help/hurt her?
HOWARD WOLFSON: Clnton gave campaign $5 and 1 million, $400,000 loans, and
is her commitment to the race. Don’t know the Internet campaign total. Campaign
continues to raise money. Clinton knows it’s important to stay competitive and
will again do what she has to, including loan more money.
GARIN: Gas tax helped Clinton. … Came from 8 points behind, talked about
gas prices, etc. Helped. We think it made a difference in both states at the
end of the day.
HOWARD WOLFSON: Meetings will be later with superdelegates on the Hill. Make
the case that Clinton would be the better nominee. Both camps will continue
to reach out. They’re with uncommitted superdelegates. … ..
REPORTER: Question on MI and FL.
PHIL SINGER: If MI and FL are seated, Clinton would get 58 delegates. … ..
