Obama: Hillary "Can Run As Long As She Wants" - "She is a fierce and formidable opponent"

[kpete]

Obama: Hillary "Can Run As Long As She Wants"
By Eric Kleefeld - March 29, 2008, 10:53PM

Barack Obama told reporters today in Pennsylvania that he was not involved in yesterday's call by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), a big supporter of his, that Hillary Clinton drop out of the race. "My attitude is that Senator Clinton can run as long as she wants. She is a fierce and formidable opponent, and she obviously believes she would make the best nominee and the best president."

Obama might be trying to dial back on the Hillary-should-drop notion that's been going around — such as in his own line yesterday that the Dem race is like a good movie that's gone on too long — perhaps because it could end up alienating voters in the remaining states.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/03/obama_hillary_can_run_as_long.php

[sendero]

1. If only...

.. she were a fierce and formidable leader, she'd be the next president.

[DFW]

2. Good for him

Whether he is getting some good advice, or thought that one up on his own,
it was by far the cleverest thing he could have said.

[madaboutharry]

3. What else can he say?

It isn't like he can actually say: "She needs to get out." He has to be polite. :(

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

Exactly. Imagine if the shoe was on the other foot.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

11. Good for Obama.

[JackORoses]

4. he didn't say she 'should' keep going, he said she 'could'

She has the right, but that doesn't make it right.

Watch as the media spins this as proof that Hillary should continue.
They need to make her appear viable so they get their horserace.

[NeedleCast]

5. Very smart move by Obama

Even though the race is pretty much over barring landslide wins in all remaining states for Clinton, it's a great move by Obama. He looks magnanimous and can distance himself from the controversy of whether or not she should drop out and at the same time there's an undercurrent of his confidence that he's going to win.

[UALRBSofL]

6. Good for him, I mean what else can he do?

Lock her up in a health spa. I mean, after all, she is a woman and as such not worthy of the presidency.

[Kokonoe]

7. This is a campaign for the History books.

I never imagined all the time and energy people have invested so far.
This will be good for democrats.

[bigtree]

8. I've been half-joking that I wish he'd take that up as a mantra

. . . because voters in these upcoming states are really excited about weighing in on this contest. One of the political 'wisdoms' that doesn't get said often enough is that a campaign shouldn't get too cocky before a vote. It causes some voters who would have come out, to assume they're not needed, and others, to take offense at their vote taken for granted.

[Orsino]

9. Very diplomatic.

Suggestions that Clinton drop out should not come from him.

He may be wrong, though. The fierce infighting will one day reach a point where it will hurt the Dems in November, if it hasn't already. Even then, though, the most Obama should do is cool it on statements like that in the OP.

[MethuenProgressive]

10. He Hath given democracy His permission to carry on!

All Hail His proclamation from on High!

[rosesaylavee]

12. ...

:rofl:

Nice dose of humor there. Thanks for the laugh!