Deep in the Political Heart of Texas

[Samantha]

Tim Russert just brought out a nice statistic. He went back and reviewed the African-American vote from the 2004 race. That percentage of the vote was 21%. Russert commented the Texas vote might be a lot more fertile for Obama than originally anticipated.

Add that to the increased percentage of white male votes Obama is achieving, it going to be a very interesting race in Texas -- a real shoot-out.

[TexasObserver]

1. Obama will win Texas by 15 points.

Obama will win men, win white voters, win blacks, and split Hispanics.

[Samantha]

2. I believe Russert said he was doing better with the Hispanics

but I didn't quite catch the exact words. Looks like Barack is really poaching a lot of her base.

[TexasObserver]

3. Obama is doing better with younger Hispanics, and half of those voters are under 28

The median age of Hispanic voters in Texas is 27. So Hillary is strong with OLDER Hispanics, not younger ones.

[Jennos20]

21. You don't even know how wrong you are..

about the hispanic vote in Texas, especially in South Texas. She will win the majority of the hispanic vote. Trust.

[TexasObserver]

29. I know how right I am, and you would, too, if you paid attention to the facts.

Obama is winning a majority of young Hispanics, and the voting electorate is very young. Their media age is 27.

Clinton will win the valley, no doubt, but she won't win the urban centers with young Latinos - Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas. Stop repeating some meme someone told you. Hillary will lose Texas, and she'll lose young Hispancics, just like I said. Bet on it.

[Jennos20]

39. Well I am a young hispanic (23)

and so are all my friends and WE are voting for HIllary. I am not "repeating some meme someone told me" because unlike you I don't get my facts from stupid internet polls and the DU. To assume that young hispanic people are going to carry OB to victory in Texas is naive.

[TexasObserver]

51. It's factual and based upon polling by the Austin American Statesman.

It's not naive, it's factual and based upon polling by the Austin Statesman. Your evidence in anecdotal. They had a Latino journalist from that paper, one of longstanding, discussing it earlier.

[Jennos20]

74. Ok so you are getting your facts

from a polling done by the Austin Statesman? I have lived in Austin for the past 5 years,and I love it, but how can you honestly think you can get evidence from a paper that represents a city that does not usually represent the majority of Texas? The hispanic community in Austin does not even compare to the communities in the other large cities in Texas like San Antonio or Houston, so using this poll as your source does not prove anything.

[TexasObserver]

83. Yeah, you're still new to this.

I've put together massive GOTV efforts in every major Hispanic community in Texas. I've been involved with the party a long time. I gave you a citation to something you could check yourself, because I hoped to educate you a little. But, like many Hillary supporters, you're not open to information, and love listening to the sound of your own voice.

I know you think you're invested with great knowledge, but you mainly know what's happening in the small group you live and work in.

Austin will go for Obama, too. Stick around and maybe you'll learn something.

[Jennos20]

87. Well it looks like you got me..

I guess all your efforts in every major hispanic community in Texas makes you the expert on how they will vote. Give me a fucking break! You obama people are exactly like him, arrogant and in complete denial of what is going to happen. Come March 4th maybe you will learn something.

[TexasObserver]

91. Yes, I'll learn that Hillary's candidacy is over, just like you will.

[cloud75]

84. There's no way Obama wins the Hispanice vote in Texas

The Clinton's roots to hispanics Texas go way back.

[crispini]

86. The Hispanic vote in Texas is not monolithic.

Many major Hispanic elected officials in Texas have already endorsed Obama. There's a list of endorsements in the Texas forum.

[TexasObserver]

94. Indeed. Younger Hispanics break for Obama. Older for Hillary.

Obama is picking up some quality endorsements among top Hispanic politicians in the state. Hillary still has the disgraced Henry Cisneros and a few others.

[TexasObserver]

92. Nice meme, but young Hispanics make up over half the Hispanic voters

And they break for Obama.

If you'll notice, I've repeatedly said he will split the Hispanics, that he has neutralized the big advantage she had in Hispanics a month ago.

The only demographics Hillary has any chance of winning in Texas are Hispanics over 40, Whites over 60, and Blacks over 70. We can watch and see, eh?

[NMMatt]

116. I live in Las Cruces, NM - near El Paso

And though I fully expect her to take El Paso, it won't be by the same margin she got in LA. The young Latinos are plugged into Obama around here much more than apparently was the case in California. The older establishment and women are where she draws her Latino support.

If Obama gets Souther AA vote percentages as opposed to California percentages, look for Texas to be very close.

[TexasObserver]

118. Correct. Hillary with do well in El Paso, Laredo, Eagle Pass, McAllen and Brownsville.

She should do well in Corpus Christi and reasonably well in San Antonio.

She should win some rural pockets, too, where old white people are strong and there aren't many blacks.

But that gives her maybe 7 or 8 of 31 Senatorial districts, and none are winner take all. All the heavy Hispanic districts combined won't give her a net gain of 10 delegates. Those will easily be offset by the black enclaves in Houston, Austin, and Dallas.

Obama will slaughter Hillary in all the college towns - Austin, Houston, Nacogdoches, Huntsville, Waco, Dallas, among others.

You're right about young Hispanics breaking for Obama, and they have big numbers.

[BringBigDogBack]

115. You got it.

[MindMatter]

4. I don't think so

The only way this will be a shoot-out is if Texas could vote sometime in the next 3 or 4 days. By March 8, it will be over. Obama will win Ohio and Texas by at least 10 points.

The reason is simple. Nobody wants to back a loser. By the time March 8 rolls around, Obama will have about 12 landslides in a row and a commanding lead in the delegate counts.

It is all over now unless somebody has some pictures of Obama sleeping with a young boy or farm animal.

[TexasObserver]

5. Yes, it's over. The next two event will be the embalming, and Texas will be the viewing.

[Samantha]

7. Thanks for that!

I needed it.

Could it possibly be DU's General Discussion: Primaries Forum is actually regaining its sense of humor? I hope so.

Hillary is on MSNBC campaigning in Texas right now - I think she might be trying to change the discussion. She's in El Paso ....

I WANT TO THANK MY HUGE, TEXAS SIZE STEERING COMMITTEE, she just said.

[Samantha]

16. Ironic you say that - you have the most HEART of anyone on

this thread.:-)

What would the truly heartless say?

Sam

[TexasObserver]

31. I have been repulsed by the methods used by the Clinton campaign.

I'm angry about all the times for 15 years I defended them, even when I knew they didn't deserve it.

Time for them to leave the scene, and let the party repair itself of their legacy.

[Samantha]

43. Hey, TexasObserver, I was talking about your Valentines ....

it was meant to be a compliment.

But it's obvious from your response you are upset with Clintons. I understand how you feel. (Oh, my God, McCain just said he was fired up and ready to go on MSNBC) With any luck, Obama will be our next President and we can all start to heal. One can heal a broken political heart, it just takes time and the right candidate.

Thanks for your response.

Sam

[TexasObserver]

49. I knew that, but I have to continue my current thoughts.

I'm self medicating for OCD. I got a fever ... and the only thing that will cure it is ... more posting!!

[LucyParsons]

6. I think he has a chance here

But I fear that a large urban/black/youth/educated turnout will be offset by typical Dixiecrats (especially in East Texas, who must vote in the Dem primary by default, because that's where the real election happens for local offices) voting *against* a black man.

I could be wrong.

*edited for spelling

[loveangelc]

10. Texans hate Hillary. I use to live in Dallas and visit it often. Of course some LOVE her but

the white men in TX i feel will not vote for her, not to mention republicans may cross over and vote for obama. blacks will turn out in tx, i believe. its ok if republicans come out and vote for obama in tx because neither have a chance of winning anyway...

[Samantha]

11. I will tell you what has been bothering me and perhaps you can

dispel my fears.

Bush* must have a lot of influence over the Texas machinery. Have you noticed the types of Republicans who are coming out and making complimentary remarks about Hillary. Newt Gingrich, for instance. Karl Rove. Senator Warner (from Virginia).

The whispering has it Bush* is very comfortable with the idea of Hillary succeeding him. He believes she will continue his Iraq policy (I do as well).

I am wondering if he and his cronies will help throw the election in Texas toward Hillary? Can he do that?

[crispini]

17. In order to throw the election, he'd have to get specific counties.

Not just statewide. Don't forget, each county has their independent elections administrator, and each county has different voting standards and equipment.

It could be stolen, but there is no one point of failure where you could adjust the whole thing. Some counties would be easier to do than others, but it'd be a big project, you'd have to do at least the top 6 counties, maybe more. I have my doubts.

[Samantha]

19. My Republican brother came over tonight to talk about the

election. We discussed if Hillary should prevail (pre Potomac primary results) that some Dems would move to McCain. He mentioned Kay Bailey Hutchinson being on the short list for McCain's number 2. I had previously heard that but had totally forgotten. I totally cannot stand this woman. She is not impressive in the least, why does she do so well in Texas? And what would that do to McCain's chances? I think it would damage him.

But if Barack does prevail, perhaps it could be a good thing for KBH to be McCain's number 2???? What is the inside Texas story here?

Sam

[crispini]

26. I have no idea why KBH has such appeal.

Never underestimate the stupidity of the general election voter. Especially the GE voter in Texas.

In Texas, you've got the R base, the D base, and the large, independent, middle. The R base breaks down into the Evangelicals and the fiscal conservatives. I am not entirely sure how the R base will feel about McCain come November. Some of them may stay home, but I think equal numbers will fall into line. The D base will probably turn out quite well for either Obama or Hilary. The R base is probably bigger than the D base, but that is shrinking.

So that brings it down to the middle. I predict that no matter who we elect, the Texas middle are going to go for McCain. They like his "maverick" independent kind of talk. They are kind of libertarian here. Of course I think the big weak point with McCain is that he's promised to stick with the war. Everyone, but Everyone, is sick of the war.

How's that for a nice waffle answer? :D

[Samantha]

28. I think it's a GREAT answer - I am going to have to come back

here in early March to revisit it. I think the war will be be at the forefront of the discussion then and hopefully, if you are right, that will help Obama.

Also, Barack is attracting many, many Independents, he can challenge McCain for that vote, so in that regard the I's of Texas might be upon him!

Thanks for your input. I hope we hear more from you as Texas draws near.

Sam

[Hill_YesWeWill]

56. the libretarian comment is very true, but

the people I know who are Republican/libretarian (pretty much my whole family!) they can't stand McCain, they call him a Rino, so they're all voting Obama in the Primary and will probably just sit out the General Election if I cant get them to vote. Originally they were very strong for ron paul, you have to remember he's from Texas, so he had a Huge backing here.

[WolverineDG]

66. It's the helmet hair

Gotta respect a woman who can spray her 'do so much she can stand in front of a jet engine's exhaust & have not one hair out of place.

dg

[crispini]

80. Well, we know how important hair is in Texas.

Governor Goodhair. :eyes:

[Oskie]

113. I live in Dallas. Not certain if I will vote for BHO or HRC yet.. so you're

dead wrong about Texans hate Hillary. You hate Hillary? Why not save that for Bush and the Repubs who've screwed us for the past 8 years and Reagan before that. He opened the door for Bush/Cheney style fascism. The '90s with Clinton were much better than the '80s with Reagan. It pisses me off when anybody including Obama gives kudos to Reagan! Do you really think the Repubs and their $$$ backers will co-operate with Pres. Obama? Get real. At least Hillary knows what they'll be up to.

[TexasObserver]

114. Texans do hate Hillary. Older Hispanics and Older whites are the only two demos she might win.

She'll probably win white women over 45, Hispanic women over 45, and white men over 60, and bust out on the other demos.

[NoBorders]

8. He also said the black vote rivaled the hispanic vote in Tx

And with Obama, there would likely be a significant uptick in those numbers. So the vote could come down to other voting blocks.

[Samantha]

9. That's what I thought I heard him say

but I wasn't sure.

I sure hope you are right.

Sam

[NoBorders]

12. That is what he said. Don't know if he's right though

I doubt he's wrong though.

[Hill_YesWeWill]

23. actually districts where blacks are had higher turnout in 04 so they will get more delegates nt

[Samantha]

13. I know why she is doing this

She is sending a very loud message tonight that she will not be bowing out after her Potomac Primary defeat. That's exactly why it was important that her message be aired tonight.

Tom Brokaw is saying she came dangerously close to saying Barack Obama is "all hat and no cattle...."

[Cha]

72. When irony of ironies..it's

hilary who is lacking in anything that is real.

[MagickMuffin]

14. Great post in TX forum about newspaper endorsements and the Latino voters

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=180x48044

There are plenty of links to these articles:

San Antonio Express 2/9/08
Editorial: Obama better choice for Democratic nod

Austin American Statesman 2/2/08
Time is right for his unifying vision: Yes, Obama can

El Paso Times 2/10/08
It's Obama: Illinois senator is better choice


Daily Kos diary 2/9/08
Chairman Mex-Am Caucus Texas endorsed Obama


They are adding to this post with other endorsements: Check it out!

[Samantha]

15. Thanks for the info - what's your prediction? n/t

[catagory5]

18. Sorry but Texas or it's men don't hate Hillary

I work for a Refinery (Shell) in Deer park, Texas and that is simply not true. She has the backing of our Union and 'most' of the people I work with are going to vote for Clinton. My wife is a teacher and everyone there is supporting her. So don't fib. Obama is doing just fine without some people who have to say things that are 'stretching' the truth.

[Samantha]

24. What did I fib about - and I don't hate Hillary either

I just don't support her or agree with her positions. That does not automatically translate to hate.

[WolverineDG]

34. My brother works at that plant

but doesn't fall in your "most" category. :) Just the mention of any Clinton's name is enough to make him go all Linda Blair in Exorcist on your ass. :rofl:

:hi:

dg

[MagickMuffin]

27. I guess I don't have a prediction for you,

TX is a :crazy:.......batshit state, if you know what I mean.

Obama might really become a viable candidate here, and he's opened up several offices. If he continues to campaign like he's been doing then I could see him gaining more support.

This is turning into a real exciting time for Texans. We have been ignored for a very long time. No one ever campaigns here:-(

I soooooo wanted John Kerry to campaign here, but alas, it was not meant to be. I want to be a SWING state.

It would be sweet if Kerry came here to campaign with Obama?

I'm beginning to think the Democrats could win in November.

[Samantha]

30. I think the Dems will win in November

and I hope for your sake John Kerry does travel to Texas for Barack. Start emailing your Texas DNC chair and ask when he's coming!

[MagickMuffin]

37. I'll call the DNC to see if he's coming to the DFW area.

And I'll beg for them to get Kerry here. As you can tell, I'm a Kerry supporter and admirer.:blush:

[Samantha]

38. That would only be a good thing if you were successful

I think it would be a refreshing difference for some in Texas to hear Kerry and compare his refined, civil logic to that of Texan politicians of the past! Might start a liberal revolution of thinking.

[MagickMuffin]

48. I watched every Kerry campaign rally C-SPAN covered

I was always impressed by his speeches. And the crowds, I knew Kerry was going to WIN, which he did, but the Bush Regime was too organized. Of course the machines helped, especially with NO PAPER TRAIL, no way Kerry could've challenged the results.

It really drove me crazy when people made fun of Kerry speaking in complete paragraphs. I was amazed by his comprehensive ideas, and a lot of what he was talking about is making its round in this campaign for all our candidates.

I checked your profile to see what state you're in and noticed you didn't have anything listed. If you don't mind telling me that would be kewl. Of course it isn't important if you don't want to say. But perhaps you could let me know if you've voted yet.

[Samantha]

54. I am in MD - check my post below for MD results tonight

It's so exciting. What a fascinating race this has become. But Texas might seal the deal for Barack Obama. I will keep in touch with what Texans have to contribute, and thank you so much for your input, because our political culture here is so different, it's been very educational.

Sam

[tammywammy]

32. Obama better be coming to DFW

I got a vacation day all ready to use to hear him in person. :woohoo:

[MagickMuffin]

35. Me, tooo........ I would love to go and see him, especially if Kerry was with him

Let's cross our fingers.

I'd even go see Hillary if she comes here.

[tammywammy]

41. I don't think he'd skip Dallas

:)

[yellowdogintexas]

85. ooo that would be so cool, meetup at the speech. Hope we can do that

no chance he would come over HERE, twice in the same evening talking about having to go to Dallas to do something interesting

[tammywammy]

95. Woo hoo

That would be awesome. My boyfriend, a McCain supporter, even said that he'd be interested in seeing Obama speak at a rally.

BTW, before Obama's website's server got too busy, I saw there's a Women for Obama event in Arlington at the end of the month. Hopefully tomorrow I can get back on and see what's what with that.

[yellowdogintexas]

99. let me know, please. I would enjoy gaining some knowledge. still on the fence

which I do find a little uncomfortable for sitting.

[Hill_YesWeWill]

20. Plus the delegates awarded for each district is based on the turnout in 04

and the districts that are weighed the heaviest have a large number of black voters. Also, the districts in the valley are weighed less because they didn't have that great a turnout in 04.

[Samantha]

33. That's a really important point

I am so glad you pointed that out. I hope as that Texas vote draws nearer, you will remind DU of this.

Also, someone above touched on this.

I am really loving this thread because I am getting so much inside info about Texas. Thank you.

Sam

[crispini]

40. A couple of more Texas tidbits for you:

Texas has a mixed caucus-primary system.

126 delegates will be determined on election night by the primary.
42 at-large, caucus-chosen, that come up through the caucuses on election night, but must also be elected at higher levels.
25 pledged "party delegates" allocated by the presidential preference of delegates attending the State convention.

It's actually pretty loopy -- there's a good explanation here:
http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4877

With the numbers so close, this stuff could actually be important. LOL!

Now, with such a complicated system, does this favor the old-guard, that know how to work it? i.e. the Clinton supporters, at least in my area? Or, since the Obama campaign has shown that they are good at caucuses, do *they* have the edge? Hmm......

[MindMatter]

46. Obama can't win mixed caucus-primaries

Everybody knows that.

[Samantha]

52. Well, here's what was just said on MSNBC

62% of of the union vote went to Barack in MD tonight
8 out of 10 said they would be happy with Barack as the party nominee; only 2/3 said the same of Hillary. Looks like Barack is getting some of the Edwards' support; hopefully this will carry over in Texas.

This has been an extremely informative thread about inside the heart of the Texas vote. Your contribution has been extremely informative. I am going to add this to my Journal and come back and review what Texans have contributed tonight as that date of the vote draws closer because its very valuable info to we outsiders.

Thank you so much.

Sam

[crispini]

62. It's been a good thread!

Thanks for starting it!

My congresswoman, Eddie Bernice Johnson, is a superdelegate and has already pledged for Obama. I was surprised because she can be a very conservative Democrat at times (although I do love being represented by her). She's also very canny politically. So that is an interesting thing to me as well. :D

I'm totally stoked, actually. :bounce:

[Samantha]

68. I am totally stoked too!

It's really hard to keep a thread going without a lot of adverse interference in GD - Primaries these days. We have had none. How nice.

I am really grateful to all the Texans who contributed such insight to how the voting will work on March 8. I am counting on that state to put Obama over the top.

And I coined a new phrase tonight from the jargon one of our Texas posters contributed:

The "I's" of Texas are upon us" - meaning the Independent votes. This has been fun.

Sam

[tammywammy]

82. March 4th, honey, March 4th

:) Not the 8th.

[Samantha]

101. Thank you - it's confusing - I had in mind March 4, March 4 and

heard tonight on MSNBC March 8, so I thought I had it wrong. Maybe everyone was just tired and momentarily confused. Okay, now I have March 4 back on my brain. I am going to come back here and read that fine link posted above talking about the 3 types of delegates that will be awarded. I do not understand the mixed primary/caucus system. What I don't understand is this: can a person go out and vote and also participate in a caucus? I would think that would not be allowed but simply attending a caucus does not equate to a literal vote. I do understand the 25 delegates being awarded simply as a result of the presidential preference at the convention, but I need to figure out the first part.

This is why I have loved this thread. I learned a lot from Texans about a political culture but I also learned a lot about the mechanics of what will happen and what probably will not (it would be pretty hard to steal ...)

I hope people who have participated in this thread will meet again for a follow-up so we can get a feel about what the true insiders think might happen MARCH 4. You guys are GREAT.

Sam

[MagickMuffin]

89. EBJ was supporting Edwards, and had to switch, I was impressed with her supporting JRE

You're lucky to have her.

[crispini]

42. Another tidbit:

Laredo is not El Paso. And neither one of them is the Valley. (Rio Grande valley)

And Dallas is not Houston, and neither one of them is Austin.

It's a big flipping state. :D

[Hill_YesWeWill]

53. I know all that, I'm texan born and raised!

I've been studying up on this, and my opinion is that with a good ground game, Obama could carry the state. In any other state with high numbers of latinos and blacks, Obama brings out more blacks than Hillary does with Latinos. Add to that the fact that Obama pulls in 50% whites attracts younger latinos, he can definately win!

[Samantha]

58. This is Texas great chance to work towards redemption in

giving us the great gift of George W. Bush*. Are you on that redemption train? :)

Sam

[Hill_YesWeWill]

76. Hey, he was not born here! plus, I voted against him both times,

and I even cried the second time around, as I'm sure many on here did as well!

But, in answer to your question, most of the republicans here who could not be deterred from jumping on the Bush bandwagon, they all regret it, and yeah, I think some of the more independant of them are looking at Obama.

[Samantha]

102. It's to their credit if they regret it and don't mind saying so

Thanks for the info.

[MagickMuffin]

93. Oh No we didn't........... ;=D

The US supreme court gave US the Mad king Boy George.

But to your credit he was groomed for several years before anyone cast a vote for him.

Scalia and Cheney duck hunting. Several area judges proclaiming Bush WAS going to win.

BIG, BIG MONEY down here.

I'm still pissed off he's coming back here after he leaves office:puke:

[Samantha]

103. A couple of years after Bush* started occupying the Oval Office

I was walking down K Street when these ungodly sirens started going off. I turned around and watch police car after police car speed through the intersection. Then came men with automatic weapons seated in subsequent vehicles with the guns pointing straight up to the inside roofs of the cars. Finally, along came a large, dark sedan and guess who was seated in the back? I truly couldn't believe the fanfare. The noise at first had startled me to the point I thought DC was being attacked again. After I realized all that was for nothing but George W. Bush*, I was totally disgusted. I have seen Presidential motorcades pass that way before but never with that many cars, weapons in the open, noise outrageously. It was so childish.

If you live outside of the Beltway, you might not realize that prominent people are often spotted on the streets of DC. I came along one day when Dan Quayle was VP and saw him exiting a bank, from where it had just done some routine business. He waived to those of those on the street, and we smiled and waived back. No hoop-la. And that's the way it often is - I go into Borders on L Street and see many prominent people -- no hoop-la -- they are acting just like the everyday person.

I had a large overdose of disgust in 2000 when I realized George Bush* would actually be living and working near me for four years. I did not think I would make it through those four years. Some months later, I was reading something about some remarks he had made and thought, George Bush is going to get us all killed. Little did I know how close to reality that random thought might move -- until 9/11 happened.

It's been really difficult facing up to the additional four years that Bush* somehow acquired through the Ohio shenanigans in 2004. Truthfully, I am amazed I have almost made it through this.

Here's the point -- we have taken our turn -- and now it's yours. If it's going to be as difficult on you as it was for me, talk him into relocating to South America (where exactly did the Bush* family buy that land - Paraguay?). Just please get him out of my back yard -- I don't care to where you deport him!

Sam

[MagickMuffin]

105. Deport his sorry Ass to GITMO...........PRONTO

Dallas is already having to build his damn LIEbrary.:puke:

And please don't forget we've had to tolerate him way WAY longer than you.:evilfrown:

[Samantha]

106. Could you do me a favor?

I was wondering if anyone would come back to this thread tonight because I am kind of put off by something. In that context, I am wondering if anyone else active on this thread likewise would be put off by this or perhaps already knew this. So I would like to use you as a test, since you did come back tonight. Could you check out my comment regarding the All Hat No Cattle remark (I think it is in number 104) and let me know your thoughts?

With regard to your GITMO remark and Bush*s damn LIEbrary, I now consider that my suggestion for Texas to take Bush* back has been properly rebuffed. Why don't you start a PREEMPTIVE PETITION against the library and suggest it be built in Connecticut. I only say this because I personally would love to watch the ensuing fireworks. He has embarrassed the State of Texas, why should not the State of Texas embarrass him back?

Okay, please let me know about 104 if you can.

Thanks.

Sam

[WolverineDG]

70. El Paso is really East New Mexico

so says my friend who lives there.

Laredo is NOT the Valley. The Valley is NOT Laredo. Neither of them are San Antonio.

:)

dg

[NMMatt]

117. Very true... El Paso has a lot more in common with Southern NM...

Than the rest of Texas. Latinos in Texas are actually quite spread out compared to other states, such as California or Nevada. But the border cities are where they are most concentrated and they share many of the same issues, most prominently being, having to live under Xenophobic Republican rule. In that regard, they are most similar to Arizona.

[tammywammy]

77. And don't forget Ft Worth isn't Dallas

:)

They maybe close geographically, but they're really different.

[crispini]

79. Oh, lawd, yes.

Just for fun:

[tammywammy]

81. And I live smack in between Dallas and Ft Worth

:crazy:

But hey, we got a really cool football stadium going up. :p

[MagickMuffin]

90. Yee........... Hawww, Fort Worth "Where the West Begins"

Our differences are not all that different, although we need to live down the Cowtown theme.

[democrat2thecore]

22. If she loses Texas AND Ohio (if she can afford to last that long) -- it's over -nt

[Samantha]

25. One of her superdelegates anonymously said to the NYT today

if she loses either, she's out.

This is fascinating, isn't it?

[loveangelc]

36. OR. not and.

[MindMatter]

47. IF she can afford to last that long

That is the question. It isn't a question of money, because you can limit the burn rate on ads.

But the real calculation is whether she wants to take a trouncing -- whether she will see a Texas trouncing as fatal to her future political ambitions. If she comes to that conclusion before March 8, she will gracefully bow out, which will make the results much less damaging.

I hope she stays in and deals her political career a fatal blow. I'd really like to see the country move on from the generation of Bushes and Clintons. We need to turn the page for Chrissakes.

[Samantha]

55. Very interesting

Hillary Clinton is 60 now; I have been wondering if she would run again if she does not prevail this time. I only say that because of how excruciatingly painful the campaign itself is. But McCain is 72 so perhaps age is not a factor in the stamina arena. I do agree though we need to turn the page on both the Clintons and the Bushes. I am more than ready for a change.

Whenever I hear someone say McCain might choose Jeb as his number 2, I really can't stand the thought. Do you think there's any truth to this? I think if he did, it would tremendously damage his appeal to Independents.

I am also not a fan of Kay Bailey Hutchinson. What do you think of her?

Sam

[MindMatter]

69. Jeb as VP

That might not be a bad move for McCain compared to other options available to him.

I don't think it would be a winning move. I think it is very risky because it would serve to reinforce the emerging realization that the Obama revolution is really a watershed moment of generational change for the country. If we wanted more of Bush/Clinton, we would have nominated Hillary.

So I would like to see that McCain/Bush ticket. I'd like the opportunity to royally trounce the next Bush in line before his national career ever gets started.

As his brother might say, "Bring 'em on".

[Samantha]

100. Your last line is pretty funny - never thought the threat of a Jeb

Bush vice presidency could make me laugh, but you phrased it in such a wonderful way. Perhaps it would put to bed finally the last of the Bushes in and around the Oval Office, and that would be a wonderful thing.

Sam

[karynnj]

88. I really doubt that she would run again if she loses

I could be really wrong, but you don't see the true joy and enthusiasm in campaigning that you see with many others who have run many races.

Also, she started this race with EVERYTHING in her favor. It also looks like the Democrat nominated will win. If she couldn't win as the party favorite how could she pull off a primary challenge to Obama? If McCain wins, she has a little more chance, but it would be a long shot and Bill will be seen as less an asset than when she started this time.

[Blue_Roses]

44. It's hard to say how it will go...

Remember when Ron Kirk, mayor of Dallas, ran for US Senator against John Cornyn? As I recall, even though Cornyn won, Kirk did okay--considering all that was going on. Austin will definitely go Obama, big college crowd.

BTW, I live in DFW and I saw a middle-age, white man driving a huge SUV with an Obama sticker on his car. It was the first one I've seen here so far.

Perry is endorsing McCain and asking Huckabee to nod out, but Huckabee has Chuck Norris here for him;)

This is the most fascinating political season.

[OzarkDem]

45. Ann Richards country - Texans like women in charge

One thing to their credit is they elected one of the greatest women governors ever...

Who would Ann Richards endorse?

[Blue_Roses]

57. ...some, women...

Kay Bailey Hutchinson is not on that list.

[tammywammy]

59. Hillary Clinton is no Ann Richards

[Samantha]

64. I was thinking that but didn't want to say it

But Ann Richards was a one of a kind. Gender aside, she was a heck of a politician in anyone's book. We will not forget her any time soon.

Sam

[tammywammy]

67. No, we won't be forgetting Ann anytime soon.

"Poor George. He can't help it - he was born with a silver foot in his mouth."

:rofl:

[Samantha]

71. WHAT GREAT PICTURES - THANK YOU SO MUCH

And I will never forget the Silver Spoon line. It's now a classic. And talk about personality. She literally dripped it. If she's watching this race from the Great Beyond tonight, I am sure she's loving it and wishing she could contribute her two cents. Thanks again.

Sam

[Samantha]

104. I KNEW I HEART THAT PHRASE "ALL HAT AND NO CATTLE"

IN A POLITICAL SPEECH SOME TIME AGO, SO I LOOKED IT UP. LOOK AT THIS:


"I once heard Ann Richards describe her opponent in the Texas Governor's race as All Hat No Cattle. Her opponent was George W. Bush. When I needed a name for this website, that phrase immediately came to mind."

from: http://www.allhatnocattle.net/what_does_it_mean.htm

You know what prompted me to search Ann Richards name with this phrase (I know it's often used)?
I watch excerpts of Hillary's Texas speech tonight and immediately thought from her gestures she was trying to emulate the Late Great Ann Richards. Now that is a lost cause. There was only ONE Ann Richards and I do not believe anyone will get far trying to impersonate her in Texas (of all places), because any impersonation would fall far short ....

Truly, this politically irreverent.

Sam

[Samantha]

107. That should read "heard" not "heart" - too late to edit

Sorry, I was excited when I typed this. Chalk one up for Valentine's Day!

[crispini]

108. Well, everyone uses that phrase down here.

I mean, it's common enough that, although it's associated with Ann, it's also pretty much in the vernacular for a lot of people.

Hillary may be trying to associate herself with Ann a little bit, but Ann herself had such a distinctive style, she'd have to go a lot farther than just one phrase to do it. I didn't think immediately of Ann when she said that, FWIW. :hi:

[MagickMuffin]

109. Well as I stated earlier there can only be ONE Ann Richards and ONE Molly Ivins

Hillary just doesn't have the personality to pull it off. I'm not trying to demean her or anything, but come on, no comparison.

And I do truly believe she was trying her best to be funny, some people may have thought it was funny, some maybe not so much.

Now if Hillary could learn to ride a Harley like our Dearest Ann, then she would definitely be getting a little closer to Ann.

[TexasObserver]

110. Hillary Clinton is nowhere near the person or Democrat Ann Richards was.

I'm proud to have worked in every campaign she had, from the 1970s through the 1990s.

[Samantha]

111. Here's my belated impression - but I do not live in Texas

When I heard that line Tuesday night from her speech in Texas, distant bells started to ring. Since I don't live in Texas, as many here do who have posted on this thread, I do not hear that phrase often. I thought I have heard that phrase in a political speech before but could not immediately "pull it up."

Wednesday night walking by a television set from afar, I saw Hillary. It struck me immediately because of her extremely animated hand gestures, the darkened stage with the fireworks in the background (very theatrical and not often seen here in the East)and the spotlight shining very directly on her blond hair (a little more bouffant than usual), from a distance there was a projected resemblance to the Ann Richards formula for a lively campaign speech. Even her voice inflections carried deeper pitches and were louder in projection. Additionally, not being from Texas, I do not know if it habitual there (it's not here) but I have seen Ann Richards standing on the stage with a bouquet of flowers given to her for the occasion, and there was Hillary holding a boutique of flowers! When I saw the whole presentation from a distance, the lightning bolt hit. Someone in her campaign has studied the amazingly popular Ann Richards and sent Hillary out to do a performance speech reminiscent of the late great First Lady of Politics. Subtle in some ways, but extremely studied and obviously present. Go back and take a look at it again, and if possible compare the presentation style of that speech with speeches Hillary has given here in the East.

Once I had that distinct visual, I remembered the verbal distant bells from the previous night and immediately did the search. Once I hit on Ann Richards attack on George W. Bush (all hat no cattle) and I made the visual connect with the verbal, I was immediately convinced this was not a coincidence. Hillary Clinton was attempting an Ann Richards emulation. Slick but inappropriate. Ann Richards WAS a one of a kind, and any attempt to emulate would inevitably backfire.

My thought: it would take a huge ego for any female politician to walk out on a political stage in Texas and make any attempt whatsoever to emulate Ann Richards. Because of these similarities I have enumerated in this post, I am reasonably sure that was the intent; perhaps those posting here from Texas will disagree. Culturally speaking, what strikes one here in the East as a political "lightning bolt" might not emit even the slightest of glimmers deep in the heart of Texas ... just different perspectives in play.

Sam

[Hill_YesWeWill]

119. As others have said, she is no Ann Richards nt

[Samantha]

60. I truly loved her

Her passing was such a great loss. Who do you think she would endorse?

Sam

[TexasObserver]

112. Ann Richards would support Obama, no doubt about it. She was a real Democrat.

I worked in all her campaigns, including the first one for County Commissioner of Travis County, and including her Treasurer's race.

[MagickMuffin]

65. Good question, unfortunately we'll never know, but Molly Ivins was against Clinton

I'd like to make it clear to the people who run the Democratic Party that I will not support Hillary Clinton for president.

Enough. Enough triangulation, calculation and equivocation. Enough clever straddling, enough not offending anyone This is not a Dick Morris election. Sen. Clinton is apparently incapable of taking a clear stand on the war in Iraq, and that alone is enough to disqualify her. Her failure to speak out on Terri Schiavo, not to mention that gross pandering on flag-burning, are just contemptible little dodges.

The recent death of Gene McCarthy reminded me of a lesson I spent a long, long time unlearning, so now I have to re-learn it. It's about political courage and heroes, and when a country is desperate for leadership. There are times when regular politics will not do, and this is one of those times. There are times a country is so tired of bull that only the truth can provide relief.

If no one in conventional-wisdom politics has the courage to speak up and say what needs to be said, then you go out and find some obscure junior senator from Minnesota with the guts to do it. In 1968, Gene McCarthy was the little boy who said out loud, "Look, the emperor isn't wearing any clothes." Bobby Kennedy -- rough, tough Bobby Kennedy -- didn't do it. Just this quiet man trained by Benedictines who liked to quote poetry.

http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0120-30.htm


edit: typo

[Samantha]

75. What an elegant, thoughtful post

Perhaps you should start a separate thread with it so all can read it.

It's always wonderful to be reminded of our political history so those too young to have experienced it can read about it and learn from it.

Sam

[MagickMuffin]

98. Well I would start a separate thread, but I don't feel like being flamed....

But if you want to start one then feel free to do so:-)

[tammywammy]

78. I miss Molly Ivins.

x(

[moc]

96. Are you trying to compare Clinton to Ann Richards?

:rofl: :rofl:

[Arwennick]

50. Don't forget the Katrina peeps that are still in Houston

They could sway the vote also to Obama's favor,not that he wouldn't take Houston anyway.

[Samantha]

63. Well, his references to Government responses in times of

natural catastrophes and his taking on the poverty issue and highlighting it even more in his platform (at Edwards' behest) should make the Katrina survivors take even closer note of him.

Thanks for the reminder.

Sam

[Samantha]

61. Chris Matthews just referenced "Deep in the Heart of Texas"

I think he is multi-tasking in discussing tonights results and reading DU.

[yeswecan08]

73. Obama will win big in Texas - thanks to blacks and whites and latinos

[TexasObserver]

97. Si Se Puede!! Yes, We Can!!

And we will in Texas.

[Samantha]

120. Friday morning 2/15 New Texas Credit Union Poll just released

Clinton 49%; Obama 41. McCain and Huckabee statistically tied.

Sam