NC Governor To Endorse Hillary Clinton

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:37:41 PM EST
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This seems significant:

A person close to North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley tells The Associated Press he will endorse Hillary Rodham Clinton for president. Easley is a Democratic superdelegate who has served as the state's governor for two terms. His decision comes despite several recent polls showing Clinton trailing rival Barack Obama ahead of the state's May 6 primary.

I know nothing about NC politics and do not know if Easley has a lot of juice. But this seems like an important endorsement.

(By Big Tent Democrat)

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NC Governor To Endorse Hillary Clinton | 96 comments (96 topical)

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The NY Times. . . (5.00 / 2) (#1)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:40:28 PM EST

has an article up speculating on endorsements by the Edwards -- and stating that Elizabeth may endorse Clinton (we'll see what happens to Markos' crush on her if that happens!)

Link? (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:41:30 PM EST

Would like to add that to this post.

Parent

I see (5.00 / 1) (#6)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:42:52 PM EST

this. Haven't read it yet, though.

Parent

That's just talk (5.00 / 2) (#9)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:45:44 PM EST

We all know Elizabeth prefers Hillary.

But knowing that is not he same as publically saying it.

Parent

Right (5.00 / 3) (#13)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:46:54 PM EST

I still think they'll stay out of it.

Parent

what have you been right about so far? (none / 0) (#72)
by diplomatic on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:56:50 PM EST

Always hedging your bets, and being wrong anyway.

Parent

That's a little hostile (5.00 / 4) (#75)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:12:29 PM EST

Overall my predictions have been pretty good.

I called PA 55/45, for example.

Parent

: But It Was Only 9.2% :) (none / 0) (#77)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:23:28 PM EST

Parent
: More than a little hostile. (none / 0) (#96)
by oculus on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 01:40:08 PM EST

If SUSA is the gold standard, what is andgarden?

Parent

I love her to endorse Clinton (5.00 / 4) (#43)
by ghost2 on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:14:56 PM EST

But, Elizabeth may think that she may get more attention to her signature issue, Health Care. She said as much in an interview, saying that she rather use whatever political capital she has on this issue.

Parent

that is just talk (none / 0) (#41)
by delacarpa on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:12:53 PM EST

This isn't talk though, NC governor will endorse Hillary Clinton. That is big IMO.

Parent

So... (none / 0) (#83)
by djcny on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:48:58 PM EST

why isn't this newsworthy, I'm not hearing it on any of the news channels.

Parent

: Obama Roolz (none / 0) (#90)
by angie on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 09:37:25 PM EST

only endorsements for Obama are newsworthy. Endorsements for Hillary are ignored.

Parent

Oops. . . (none / 0) (#21)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:49:59 PM EST

managed to post the answer in a separate comment -- see the bottom of this post.

Parent

There would be wailing and gnashing of teeth (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:24:58 PM EST

on Dkos if Edwards endorses Clinton.

Parent

wow (5.00 / 4) (#2)
by Capt Howdy on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:40:46 PM EST

some good news.
I almost forgot what it sounded like.
if she actually won do you think there would be calls for him to drop out?

Maybe The Perfect Storm Is Brewing... (5.00 / 1) (#52)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:29:58 PM EST

Clinton Wins Indiana
Clinton Wins North Carolina
Wright Seriously Damages Obama

Conclusion: Obama is out

Parent

: if she wins in NC (5.00 / 2) (#56)
by Capt Howdy on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:31:29 PM EST

we have a whole new ballgame.
if she wins in Indiana we may not have a whole new ballgame but we definitely got overtime.

Parent
: She's Not Going to Win NC (5.00 / 2) (#70)
by BDB on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:52:15 PM EST

If she stays under 10, I'll be amazed.

Parent

CNN confirms this, Carville says "Yes!" (5.00 / 3) (#5)
by Cream City on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:42:37 PM EST

Blitzer just confirmed it, Carville is a guest on already, and he is gleeful -- says that the governor has great influence there.

Well. I live in NC. Easley is very popular. (5.00 / 5) (#10)
by derridog on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:46:07 PM EST

I think this is a good thing.

Parent

: Well, he's also known as (none / 0) (#81)
by angie on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:33:39 PM EST

"Crazy Easley" - but his endorsement (and vote as a SD) sure doesn't hurt. ;-)

Parent

This good for Hillary (none / 0) (#35)
by oldnorthstate on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:05:30 PM EST

But it won't change too much. The person that said white voters are the group that will be helped here is correct. We may see this shave a few more points off the final deficit, I doubt it will do that much. I'm guessing Obama wins by 14 or so, but Hillary is hot right now and may get to about 10.

Parent

easly won (5.00 / 3) (#14)
by isaac on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:46:59 PM EST

going away in 2000, when just about every other dem, including al gore, got run. he is very popular in the state, this cannot hurt

On the. . . (5.00 / 4) (#18)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:49:13 PM EST

front page. Quote:

Mr. Edwards has hinted to friends that he will not offer an endorsement before the North Carolina and Indiana primaries on May 6.
. . .
On the other hand, Mrs. Edwards, her husband's closest and most trusted adviser, has made it clear that she favors Mrs. Clinton; aides said she has recently tried to persuade Mr. Edwards to do the same.
Even if he remains neutral, her endorsement would carry weight, some voters suggested.

Now that's a change (5.00 / 4) (#29)
by stefystef on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:58:28 PM EST

I understood that Elizabeth didn't like Hillary. But that has changed. I think it's because Hillary has kept her promise to John Edwards to keep the issues of poverty and health care in the front.

Obama was always mocking to John, you saw it in the debates. Obama's arrogance would be covered by his race because some liberals didn't think a black man could be arrogant. Instead they left their hate/jealousy for Hillary.

But now, I think Elizabeth realizes that it was irrational obsession with Obama by the corporate press (that Rev. Wright criticizes) caused her husband to not get the kind of coverage that he deserved. John Edwards was supposed to be the candidate against Hillary, not Obama. Her op-ed in the NYTimes says it all... the corporate, MSM press spent more time falling in lust with Obama and his empty words than discussing the issues.

Oh there's change coming.

Rise Hillary Rise.

Parent

Heck yeah there is. (5.00 / 4) (#32)
by rooge04 on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:01:59 PM EST

I can smell it!

Parent

For the first time in a long time (5.00 / 5) (#39)
by bjorn on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:09:26 PM EST

I started thinking today, maybe, just maybe Clinton can pull this off...still very cautious.

Parent

I'm with you... (5.00 / 2) (#44)
by stefystef on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:15:44 PM EST

on your thinking about this campaign.

Change is a-comin'

Parent

Bill Clinton (5.00 / 3) (#48)
by eleanora on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:23:45 PM EST

said if she wins Indiana, she'll get the nomination. If she wins there and keeps it close in NC, I think he's right. He also said that the primary would be much harder for Hillary to win than the general. I've never gone wrong betting on his political judgment :)

Parent

: I think I agree (5.00 / 3) (#53)
by Capt Howdy on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:30:18 PM EST

with all of that.
Bill is a pretty smart guy.

Parent

Health care was ALWAYS at the front for Hillary. (5.00 / 3) (#59)
by ahazydelirium on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:32:33 PM EST

That issue, for her, has nothing to do with Edwards.

Parent

Mrs. Edwards Endorsement Would Be Gold IMO (5.00 / 3) (#51)
by MO Blue on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:27:34 PM EST

Everyone likes and respects Elizabeth. Would love to see her at rallies talking up the Edwards/Hillary Health Care plan.

People here in MO according to the most recent poll buy into Hillary's plan or at least trust her on this issue. The same cannot be said for Obama. Hillary trounces McCain on the issue of health care and McCain is within 4% of Obama on this issue.

Parent

An Elizabeth Edwards (5.00 / 5) (#64)
by oldnorthstate on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:35:25 PM EST

endorsement might be more meaningful in NC than a John endorsement.

Parent

I agree. (5.00 / 1) (#73)
by lilburro on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:00:07 PM EST

People really do love her. I work in Wilmington, NC and people were chatting about how great she is today in my office.

Parent

: Absolutely! (5.00 / 1) (#80)
by Terry M on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:30:42 PM EST

Elizabeth Edwards' endorsement would be an amazing break for Clinton. The fact that she has inoperable cancer - and I am not being cynical here - gives her so much credibility on the health care issue. She is an incredible person - smart, brave, and utterly believable. I am trying not to get my hopes up.
She forever won my heart with her endorsement of gay marriage even when it coyld have hurt her husband and she did it in that town where Obama would not even get his photo taken with the mayor.

Parent

This is big... (5.00 / 3) (#19)
by stefystef on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:49:28 PM EST

I hope the Edwards would stay out of it even before the NC primary. I am happy the NC governor is endorsing Hillary. I am listening to Rev. Wright and I can see this not playing well to whites in NC or NC or KY or any other state waiting for the primary.

I am also glad that Hillary is moving away from the Rev. Wright situation. She should not have anything to say about it. Let the Obama implosion happen on its own.

Of course, they will blame Hillary, but women are always blamed when men screw up. And Obama is screwing up big time. Axelrod and company are trying to spin as fast as it can.

Obama needs to run from Rev Wright, but it's too late. Please read up on Shelby Steele and Obama's role as a "bargainer", to make an agreement with whites to not bring up the race problem or blame them for the conditions of blacks in the country if they support him. And Obama did. For a while.

Now comes Rev. Wright again, pontificating ad nauseum and this will NOT play well in NC. The change is going to come... and it's going to be for Hillary Clinton.

Hillary '08! Real Solutions for Real Change.

: Correction (5.00 / 4) (#25)
by DaveOinSF on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:52:29 PM EST

Obama needed to run from Wright. Like a month or so ago. He does now, no one will think it's sincere.

Parent

Hmmmm... (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by madamab on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:49:50 PM EST

verrry interesting, and happy, news. :-)

I should write my friend in NC and see what he thinks...

: Here's The Good News.... (none / 0) (#79)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:30:09 PM EST

APNewsBreak: NC Gov. Mike Easley to endorse Hillary Clinton By BETH FOUHY and GARY D. ROBERTSON, Associated Press Writers
2 minutes ago April 28, 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Hillary Rodham Clinton has won the endorsement of North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley, a surprise boost to her candidacy in a state where Barack Obama is heavily favored to win the Democratic primary.
Easley was expected to announce the endorsement Tuesday morning in Raleigh, the state capital, one week before North Carolina's primary on May 6, according to people close to the governor and to Clinton. The individuals spoke on condition of anonymity because the formal announcement was pending.
With its liberal white enclaves and large population of black voters, North Carolina has been viewed as exceptionally favorable to Obama. Public polling in the state has him leading the former first lady by 10 points or more.
But Clinton has contested the state in hopes of an upset. Short of that, her campaign aims to peel off enough pledged delegates to stay competitive with Obama.
...

Parent

I get the sense... (5.00 / 5) (#45)
by OrangeFur on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:19:13 PM EST

... that an endorsement from a state's top Democrat can really help, but only if that person actively campaigns actively for a candidate.

My understanding is that Govs. Ted Strickland of Ohio and Ed Rendell of Penn helped Clinton a lot by endorsing her early, filming commercials for her, appearing everywhere with her and calling on their allies to help her. They became part of the public face of the campaign, not just a one-day story. This involves a certain amount of risk--if Clinton had lost, Strickland and Rendell would have lost a lot of prestige and credibility.

Will Easley do the same? I feel like it's already a little too late--the primary is in a week, so there's not enough time to do all of those things. And given that NC is likely to go for Obama, Easley may not want to go too far out on a limb. I agree with others that his biggest contribution may be not endorsing Obama.

For what it's worth, I get the sense that Evan Bayh is pulling out most of the stops for Clinton in Indiana. He's not the governor now, but I get the idea he's still the top Democrat in Indiana.

: Very Helpful (5.00 / 3) (#71)
by BDB on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:56:00 PM EST

Because in addition to vouching for her, he can make appearances when she's in Indiana and make separate appearances in the media. So it helps double her exposure.

Parent
: Evan Bayh (none / 0) (#92)
by nell on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 09:54:08 PM EST

is indeed the top Dem in Indiana. He is not the current governor, but he was previously an extremely successful and popular two term governor in IN, which is a very red state. He was reelected with overwhelming margins.
Though he cannot help with organization and ground game the way a governor can since he does not control staff or purse strings, he he is using the political capital he does have to help her win.
I visited home this weekend in the northwestern part of the state and saw no signs of either candidate anywhere, which was kind of strange. According to my niece (a smart Hillary girl =), based on what she hers at school, our area is Obama central, but my dad feels pretty strongly that Bayh will be able to pull out a narrow win for her and help more in the rest of the state.
Also, my niece mentioned that a lot of kids at school were saying Hillary is bad because she wants nationalized health care and wants to force everyone to get health care...which was weird, and kind of worried me because kids are usually a filter for their parents. Sounds like some of them are picking up the right wing talking points promoted by the Obama campaign.

Parent

Anyone who reads Hillary's accomplishments (5.00 / 4) (#46)
by hairspray on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:19:45 PM EST

over the years will see a solid record of work on behalf of women, children, and all of the disenfranchised in our society. How can anyone not see that? I always thought that John and Hillary were more alike on that score and is one of the reason I started out supporting Edwards. IMHO Elizabeth began to look at Hillary more closely after John dropped out and saw what most of us have always known, a body of public service that would be hard to duplicate by anyone. I am simply baffled by endorsements by some people I admire, like Janet Napolitano and Russ Feingold.

: Janet (none / 0) (#49)
by Lahdee on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:24:33 PM EST

may be hedging her bets
She spoke to the anxiety at the national level among Democrats who fear the protracted battle between Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) will make it impossible for the eventual nominee to carry the win against favorite son Sen. John McCain.
"We are going to come out of this process united and take the White House in November," said Napolitano to an enthusiastic crowd of some 500 party members, including party officials from every county and legislative district. Otherwise, she said, "All we're going to see is the same old economic policies, the same old foreign policy" as under Pres. George W. Bush.
Source

Parent

The NC governor rejects "The Math" ? (5.00 / 3) (#74)
by diplomatic on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:04:55 PM EST

That is the most significant thing about this endorsement, imo. Serves to remind everyone that Hillary is still viable and that it's "ok" for white men especially to go out there and support her, vote for her, etc.

I also agree with BTD that it makes me wonder what may have happened behind the scenes. Could some part of the Democratic establishment be pivoting and trying to help keep Hillary close enough now that she can get the nomination without too much of an uproar? I believe the writing is on the wall and that Clinton has to be the nominee so the question may now be... how do they pivot.

: Obama refusing the NC debate (5.00 / 3) (#84)
by Cream City on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:53:28 PM EST

may have been a factor -- it cost the state party $300,000 in estimated revenue, and it cost a lot of opportunity time already expended in setup for an event that didn't happen. I read that Easley wrote a "pleading" letter to Obama in recent weeks to get him to agree to the debate, but Easley got the brush-off.
That said, the story also said that Easley is only the second super-delegate in NC to declare for Clinton, while six have come out for Obama. So it's still his state, it seems.

Parent

Good for Easley. (none / 0) (#3)
by sweetthings on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:41:27 PM EST

I don't understand the logic that says Supers must vote they way their constituents do. The whole point of having Supers is that they are free to disagree with their constituents.

I'm just glad to see Supers making a decision, one way or the other. More of them need to follow Easley's example.

If the SDs had to vote the way their (5.00 / 3) (#8)
by litigatormom on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:45:19 PM EST

constituents did, Kerry and Kennedy would have to vote for Clinton!

Parent

So would Bill, Judas, Richardson! (5.00 / 3) (#27)
by vicsan on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:54:20 PM EST

Hillary won NM.:)

Parent

And so would (5.00 / 2) (#28)
by Grey on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:57:21 PM EST

the Governors of Arizona and Oklahoma.

Parent

And Senator Bingaman, NM... (5.00 / 2) (#30)
by alexei on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:59:21 PM EST

although I really don't understand how he could endorse Obama today after the Wright meltdown.

Parent

: Endorsements before the Wright speeches (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by stefystef on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:03:01 PM EST

Don't worry, the Obama followers will spin the endorsements and Rev. Wright to support Obama.
But now, I think the superdelegates are really going to stay away from endorsing right now. With more pressure from Dean, Reid and Pelosi, i think the supers will go in a direction that they will NOT expect.
Quoting Rev. Wright: A Change is Coming...
Rise Hillary Rise

Parent

As MA voter (5.00 / 0) (#42)
by Coral on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:13:02 PM EST

I am really angry that Kennedy and Kerry have made this decision.

Parent

: Doesn't Mean They Will Stick To It.... (none / 0) (#62)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:33:40 PM EST

you know Kerry's reputation as a flip-flopper...

Parent

Add Madame Speaker Pelosi (none / 0) (#98)
by oculus on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 01:44:17 PM EST

in CA.

Parent

And frankly, I wouldn't get too (none / 0) (#7)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:44:31 PM EST

excited about this. The one thing it might do (might) is make white men more comfortable voting for Hillary.

well that sounds (5.00 / 2) (#15)
by Lil on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:47:11 PM EST

like something to get a little excited about, or at least encouraged.

Parent

agree (none / 0) (#89)
by jedimom on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 09:28:42 PM EST

I am escited about it too
I hear Easley is well regarded and drove a Nascar car into a wall doing 100 and walked away?
a walking urban legend Governor...

Parent

: that's funny! (none / 0) (#91)
by Lil on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 09:52:40 PM EST

Parent

Well, it won't hurt (5.00 / 2) (#17)
by litigatormom on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:49:12 PM EST

But you're right to be cautious. I'm not sure that Carville is the last word on whether the governor has a lot of clout. And even if Easley is very influential, he has to turn around a 10 point or more lead.

Ed Rendell, of course, had a LOT of clout, but he was helping Hillary to hold a lead, rather than trying to turn the state around.

Parent

There are still lots of conservative Dems (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:51:24 PM EST

left in NC. I would guess that Easley could help with them.

Parent

agreed (none / 0) (#26)
by Lil on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:54:17 PM EST

but imagine if he endosed Obama.

Parent

: Remember Richardson's Rationale (none / 0) (#69)
by DaveOinSF on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:50:48 PM EST

The 1% popular vote margin and the 7% delegate margin were "close enough" for him to flaunt the will of the voters of New Mexico. Sounds like a standard has been drawn.

Parent
: Not Going to Happen (none / 0) (#76)
by daryl herbert on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:13:34 PM EST

First, everyone who fell in love with Obama during the "honeymoon" period has already endorsed him.
Second, at this point in the campaign, that's tantamount to endorsing Jeremiah Wright.
Until Sen. Obama deals with the good right Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, he isn't going to pick up many endorsements from elected officials.
The ads attacking the Dem governor candidates might be silly in large part because of the chronology (and also, the idea that downticket Dems are responsible for affirming or condemning everything that happens in the races above them), but the charge will stick to future endorsers.
There is only one direction for Sen. Obama's campaign to go: down. The question is, will he fall far enough, fast enough, before the convention? I think he will.

Parent

And yes, I think it could hurt (none / 0) (#31)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:01:45 PM EST

because it could rejigger expectations for Hillary in a state I think she's destined to lose.

Parent

Hmm (5.00 / 2) (#34)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:03:47 PM EST

I doubt that.

The real question is is there some political organization behind the endorsement.

Parent

Anecdotally, (none / 0) (#37)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:06:35 PM EST

I hear that Ed Rendell kept Hillary on the air in PA. He raises money like no one else.

I wonder if Easley has a donor base to tap?

Parent

I think Hillary has the money now (none / 0) (#38)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:08:25 PM EST

Does he have an organization is the real question.

Parent

: Good question (none / 0) (#40)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:10:07 PM EST

I'm skeptical that organization matters a great deal in an election like this.
The Hillary + Obama total in PA was pretty close to what Al Gore won in 2000.

Parent

Exactly (none / 0) (#61)
by MO Blue on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:33:26 PM EST

If he has a machine in place that can go to work on Hillary's behalf, it could help decrease the margin of victory in NC.

Parent

no way (5.00 / 1) (#36)
by Lil on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:05:58 PM EST

IMO, His endosement helps more than it hurts and it would have killed her if he endosed Obama.

Parent

Are you really permitted to type (none / 0) (#97)
by oculus on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 01:42:58 PM EST

"rejiggered" here?

Parent

Well (none / 0) (#12)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:46:36 PM EST

do you have a secret store of NC knowledge?

Parent

No, I'm speculating (none / 0) (#16)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:47:31 PM EST

Those are the swing voters left, it seems to me.

Parent

but (none / 0) (#22)
by Capt Howdy on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:51:18 PM EST

wasnt something like 20% undecided?

Parent

SUSA should have a new report (none / 0) (#24)
by andgarden on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:52:03 PM EST

tomorrow.

Parent

: IMO (none / 0) (#78)
by lilburro on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:27:15 PM EST

Hillary has a decent organization down here in NC. She should not lose too badly. Locally she has Easley going for her and the subtle support of Elizabeth Edwards. Clinton's appearance in NC was on very short notice - I found out about it Saturday; her event was on Sunday. It still drew 5000 people in the beautiful open air on a very nice evening. If she, Chelsea, and Bill keep plugging away throughout NC they should be able to do fairly well. The impression I got from attending and volunteering at her campaign event was that people were very curious and excited to see her and are truly energized by their sudden importance. I think she may win the latte liberals of Wilmington.
I don't know what Raleigh is like. Registered Democrats and Independents can vote in the NC primary and I think it is possible she wins Independents in this state.

Parent

Catholic I believe (none / 0) (#11)
by Salt on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:46:17 PM EST

Thank goodness (none / 0) (#47)
by Lahdee on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:20:03 PM EST

Libby Dole is still irreverent.

Apparently (none / 0) (#54)
by cmugirl on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:30:42 PM EST

They are talking on MSNBC right now about how this is a good endorsement, but might hurt her (raising expectations, etc.)

Didn't hear it first-hand - someone at work who is listening to it told me.

Middle Names (none / 0) (#55)
by makana44 on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:30:48 PM EST

Why is it OK to refer to Hillary as Hillary Rodham Clinton but not to refer to Obama as Barack Hussien Obama? Aren't those their real names? Where is the unwritten rule?

Umm (none / 0) (#60)
by phat on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:32:46 PM EST

Rodham is her maiden name.

Parent

If he referred to himself that way (none / 0) (#63)
by Democratic Cat on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:33:59 PM EST

then it would be fine. She calls herself HRC. He doesn't call himself BHO.

Parent

Rodham is Hillary's maiden name (none / 0) (#65)
by ahazydelirium on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:36:16 PM EST

not her middle name.

Parent

Because it has become (none / 0) (#82)
by standingup on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 06:34:06 PM EST

a popular pejorative for Republicans to use his middle name as a tactic to scare people by playing on their fears of Islamic radicals.

Parent

: I'm also sure (none / 0) (#85)
by BrandingIron on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 07:13:43 PM EST

Obama doesn't want to draw attention to the whole "I was named after my grandfather", i.e., the same African grandfather (Hussein Obama) who wrote to the Dunhams that he

"didn't want the Obama blood sullied by a white woman" (exact words, from Dreams from My Father, pg 126)
No way to spin that one out of the MSM. Obama...such a bad choice for president, if you have to hide everything he's written in the past 20 years (and this wasn't even 20 years...more like 12, and he was well past his "young and fanciful" years).

Parent

Oh my. (none / 0) (#57)
by pie on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:31:45 PM EST

This is sweet.

This endorsement (none / 0) (#58)
by DaytonDem on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:31:58 PM EST

couldn't hurt her, but Rendell in Pa. and Strickland in Ohio helped more because, demographics aside for a moment, they endorsed early and criss crossed their respective states for Clinton. Take my word for it Ohio is not a "machine state" but Strickland beside Clinton at all those rallies was a powerful image on the local newscasts and local papers for days even for those who did not attend the rallies themselves. Little to close to the vote for the NC gov to knock this race off of it's expected course

: It Can't Hurt.... (none / 0) (#66)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:36:30 PM EST

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Won't hurt-- (none / 0) (#67)
by candideinnc on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 05:44:04 PM EST

--but I don't think it will help much, either. The black vote won't change here regardless of endorsements. That will be big this year. Blacks are 22 percent of the state population, and I believe over 30 percent of registered Democrats. If demographics remain the same, that is 90 percent Obama.
Edwards' (or his wife's) endorsement would make a significant change in the percentage of progressive whites, I think, going for Clinton, but like the other writers, I doubt it will happen before this primary, which is a shame, because I think it is his last chance to affect the outcome of this election year.

: The AA vote isn't everything (none / 0) (#86)
by stefystef on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 08:19:56 PM EST

especially in North Carolina. The African American population is larger in South Carolina than North Carolina.
Yes, Hillary will not win the AA vote, but Obama will not make inroads in white voters. I also think he's going to lose Independents and moderate conservatives.

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I have not heard a word about (none / 0) (#87)
by kenosharick on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 08:39:22 PM EST

this endorsement on the cable news channels- every time Obama get any little sd they blast it from the rooftops. Also they are all still continuing as though he already has won the nom.

Sorry if this is a little OT (none / 0) (#93)
by ChrisO on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 09:58:58 PM EST

but it seems relevant. Did anyone notice that Howard Dean on Meet the Press yesterday said that the supers will vote based on who's most electable, rather than necessarily who has the most pledged delegates? And even more stunning,he said "This is essentially pretty close to a tie here."

To me this is huge. He seems to be clearly backing away from the Obama spin, which makes me wonder if he isn't paving the way for the big change he sees coming. Maybe I'm just looking too hard for positive signs, but I don't think so.

: Yes, a sea-change (none / 0) (#94)
by andrys on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 12:47:37 AM EST

Dean seems to have set the stage, almost unnoticed, for changed assumptions and expectations by making sure the superdelegates know now that electability over McCain will be the main focus, in his own mind. They are free, he said, to use whatever reasoning they want, but his new focus was one that would help the party as a whole.

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I ;iked and still do (none / 0) (#95)
by Jlvngstn on Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 09:06:07 AM EST

Easley as the VP for either BO or HRC. Doesn't surprise me in the least this endorsement, it is a safe one for him.

NC Governor To Endorse Hillary Clinton | 96 comments (96 topical)

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