Obama Could Pull The Plug on Clinton Campaign Tuesday

As of Thursday, 29 percent of Oregon voters statewide had turned in their ballots.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Democratic race for the White House is getting just as hot as the temperatures in Oregon.

In 90-plus degree heat, Sen. Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, stopped their Oregon campaign swing yesterday, for ice cream at Prince Puckler's Gourmet Ice Cream and Coffee a few blocks from the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. Michelle had the traditional Chocolate, while her husband went a different route with Mint Chip and a slice of Green Tea on the side according to the Obama Campaign. After the Eugene ice cream stop, the Obama's headed south, and made a surprise stop in Keizer for the annual Keizer Iris Festival looking to secure the state's 52 pledged delegates, and pull the plug Tuesday on the Clinton Campaign, which most believe is on life-support.

Earlier on Saturday, Obama, during a town-hall meeting in Roseburg hit on several key issues for Oregonians including: doctor-assisted suicide, same-sex marriage, and the need to turn the page on the failed Bush-McCain health care policies. During a campaign fundraiser Saturday night in Portland, Obama said in order for Democrats to win in Novemeber it will require a unified Party and that means all of you have to be nice to Clinton supporters.

Whoever said Oregonains don't know how to throw a great party had better think again.

Sunday afternoon, an estimated 75,000 people -- 60,000 inside the gates and another 15,000 outside -- some even on boats and rafts on the Willamette River -- jammed Waterfront Park in downtown Portland to hear Sen. Barack Obama speak at a rally.

“Hello Portland! Wow. Wow. Wow, this is unbelievable,” he yelled as the huge crowd chanted “Obama!” Obama told reporters when asked if he was going to declare victory on Tuesday after the Oregon vote: “We think we will have a majority of pledged delegates at that point and that’s a pretty significant mark.”

OBAMA GIVES KENTUCKY TO CLINTON - BILL AND CHELSEA TRY TO SWAY MORE OREGON VOTERS:

Hillary, who must win Oregon to have any hope of capturing the nomination, spent Saturday in Kentucky. The Bluegrass State votes on the same day as Oregon, and she is expected to score a blow-out win. She has put all of her hopes on winning in the Beaver State on her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and former First Daughter, Chelsea. The dynamic duo, will hold a rally at the Salem Riverfront Park Amphitheatre on Sunday. The "Solutions for America" event is scheduled to run from 2:45 - 4:00 PM. Beofre the Salem, event, the pair will participate in an "I Have a Dream" Foundation Service Project at Woodlawn Elementary School in Portland. After Salem, the pair will travel south to Ashland for another "Solutions for America" event at Southern Oregon University in the Stevenson Union Courtyard at 5:15 PM.

According to both campaign's, neither candidate will be in Oregon on Tuesday. Clinton is expected to be in Kentucky, while Obama, is scheduled to be in Iowa, the state who's caucuses first established him as a viable contender for the nomination.

As if Hillary needed more bad news, The Associated Press reported today that a vote of more than 2,500 convention delegates broke 55-45 percent in Obama's favor, giving Obama 14 of Nevada's 25 pledged delegates to the National Democratic Convention in Denver this summer to Clinton's 11. Obama also added delegate pickups in Kansas and Maryland.

2,026 delegates are needed to get the Democratic nomination. Barack Obama has 1,904 to 1,717 for Clinton. That means Obama needs only 122 more delegates in the next five contests (Kentucky, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, and Montana) to become the nominee. There are 260-plus superdelegates who are yet to be claimed and are not bound by the outcome of any state's vote.

As of Thursday, 29 percent of Oregon voters statewide had turned in their ballots. In the mid-Willamette Valley, Marion County as of Saturday was at 38 percent; Polk County was at 31 percent, and Linn County was at 28 percent, both of those numbers were last reported on Thursday.

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Hope is possible May 21, 2008 9:13 am (Pacific time)

Obama is stealing the show, he is loved by millions and he is BLACK and there is nothing that a single racist moron is going to do to stop it, so just climb aboard and join the movement!

Alessandro Machi May 21, 2008 9:00 am (Pacific time)

So Barack Obama speaks at a concert and gets credited with all those people showing up. Obama the Flim Flam man, cheated in the caucus states as well. http://www.hillary-wins.com

Henry Ruark May 19, 2008 4:10 pm (Pacific time)

DMC et al: Your rightful suspicions are well confirmed by preliminary results of ongoing content analysis, always performed here in such circumstance. On basis of probabilities driven by computerized comparison of content-words and phrase-usage, among other elements, it is sure-thing to state something very peculiar has been taking place in this open, honest, democratic dialog-devoted channel. Hope to complete this complex task, despite partial-content inabilities now evident, and will report if results deemed worthwhile. Thank you for your sharp insights into such political malarkey, imposed here for obvious malign purposes prior to Tuesday, and impossible to prevent without denying First Amendment-rights to some. SO be sure to vote, if you are Oregonian, as best way to nail down damned strong answer to those so determined to hurt and if possible destroy one of most essential processes to drive any democracy --voting.

Henry Ruark May 19, 2008 4:03 pm (Pacific time)

Rob't, DMC, et al: " "The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie -- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth -- persistent, persuasive and unrealistic." - J.F. Kennedy. With the open or hidden use of both the racist and the feminist "myths" in this hot campaign, this one surely is appropriate today. We are blessed with two fine and strong and highly competent candidates, and can count on considerable rapid and perhaps even radical change sure-to-come from either...but ONLY if we now have common sense enough to get unified for sure defeat of the neocon malignities from which we've suffered since the arrival of that fine actor, Ronald Reagan, in a role far too big for him, as then-future events since have solidly, surely, unequivocally now proven. For some reasons-why, see authorized biography DUTCH, which lays it on the line, and makes highly evident that we should have known for sure what was coming with Bush-II.

RobertJ May 19, 2008 2:41 pm (Pacific time)

The Democratic Party has become the Son of Hanging Chad.

DMC May 19, 2008 9:27 am (Pacific time)

For half of a century, the Democratic Party has been the party that has advocated for the rights of all American citizens; and that the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness was truly possible for all. It is very difficult to believe that many of the meanspirited, deceitful remarks which are posted here are by like Democratic voters in the USA!!

Henry Ruark May 19, 2008 9:14 am (Pacific time)

Dorian et al: Your emotion-based plea re world-view needs misses whole series of dots needed to reach true picture of both events and current realities. Many of us DO appreciate your well-demonstrated

Julie May 18, 2008 10:36 pm (Pacific time)

I believe Senator Obama when he says that he wants to be the president of the United States.

John Michael May 18, 2008 10:17 pm (Pacific time)

Obama should stop assuming so much. This is a man who refuses to debate a woman because she did so much better that he did the last time there was a debate.

Susan May 18, 2008 5:14 pm (Pacific time)

Remember folks, we need smart children to make a strong America. Obama supports

gazzed May 18, 2008 4:09 pm (Pacific time)

I think someone should pull the plug on Obama, no matter what he says or does in the eyes of many Hillary supporters he is a loser and will be one come this November, we will take him out of the election against MCCain, Obama will never win. This is to the good people of Oregon your votes do count, so please vote for Hillary she is still running, she has not given up against all odds. Thank-you.

Henry Ruark May 19, 2008 1:14 pm (Pacific time)

Kathy et al: Your long, somewhat confused cant cometh directly from campaign sources, preliminary content analysis here clearly shows. Impossible to refute except via pages of professionally tested informed opinion drawn from national sources -but will offer easy direct-shot via ID to Editor Tim,to relay to me, response via PDFs piled high here from those sources. Rest assured your obviously propagandizer-prepared effort will NOT go unnoticed by our thinking Oregonians, with its obvious denigrating personal attack self-defeating, even for large check, if you have one now coming. We resent distortion and perversion of our honest,open, democratic channel, which is why I offer ID-and-contact. If you are UNguilty, why not then accept rapidly ?? Best wishes for your next shot, and do not spend check all in one place...

Henry Ruark May 19, 2008 11:21 am (Pacific time)

To all: Here's cogent, potent quote from D.C. --deliberatel NOT-IDd to preserve nonpartisan impact: ""Sometimes, here in Washington, we tend to drink our own bath water and believe our own press releases." Do believe that applies in spades and very directly to some, even most, of comments so far compiled-here. That's the difference defining true informed opinion from belly-button feeling, which reflects "everybody has one, and they are all about the same" -- famed statement from one of Oregon's longtime and strongest newspaper editors. His Edits still cited-quoted for strong, potent, and always "informed" opinions.

Henry Ruark May 19, 2008 10:36 am (Pacific time)

To all: Time now come to react to the realities in this world, not more feeling-driven political propaganda for any candidate. See comment re heavy press domination by corporate ownership, statement by Obama, in lead story above. That's major reality-issue overlooked by far too many in campaign-driven furor, but one which may kill0or-cure what any President can NOW DO.

DMC May 19, 2008 9:09 am (Pacific time)

America Deserves Better: Rather than lifting the spirit of the nation, it appears that there are people determined to 'beat down' a nation of people with the same meanspirited deceitful attitudes that have polarized our country for centuries. I could understand some of these destructive attitudes if this were not America; Politics of personal destruction were not good for America during President Clinton's administration and this is not good for our country now. I could understand some of these meanspirited devisive attitudes if this were not AMERICA; however too many American patriots have risked their lives and fortunes to protect the rights of all American citizens; and so that the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness is truly possible for all. Peace in Oregon and Across America

Dorian Summerlin May 19, 2008 8:20 am (Pacific time)

Sue My son is a vet who served in Bosnia and Kosovo and my 6 year old granddaughter's mom just returned yesterday from her 4th tour in Iraq. Do you not think that I hope and pray that they get some quality time together before she grows up? Hillary supporters are not selfish enough to make McCain President, Obama is. It is very obvious who the Republican's and McCain prefer to run against. Never did I think I see the day when the opposistion would push to have a Democratic winner annoited. Just think about it for a moment. Hillary has faced public scrutiny for decades and regarding Obama the war chest is filled to the rim on what they are going to throw out about him. If this does not convince you, remember Obama's fundemental beliefs were inspired by a minister only weeks ago Obama celebrated as a mentor. Now that public opinion shows that the minister is not well liked Obama says he has defected and I guess years of lessons to lead on were erased from his brain. When you buy a car do you just buy it or do you take it for a test drive? Voting for the leader of the free world, you are willing to accept words over example! And as far as foriegn affairs go I will remind you North Korea is closer to you than I!

Henry Ruark May 19, 2008 8:11 am (Pacific time)

To all: See surely-definitive comment (mine !) under lead story re Obama-crowd --now AP-estimated at 75,000. TV/cameraman son states they were "largest, and by far most enthusiastic I've ever seen" --and he covered Kennedy here years ago.

Anonymous May 19, 2008 1:15 am (Pacific time)

New from Pew Research - 73% of ALL Democrats polled think this race should continue. http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=421

Facts May 19, 2008 12:34 am (Pacific time)

Hillary says there are only 39 states in the U.S.A. ----------------------- 11 states have caucuses: so, in Hillary parallel universe they are not Americans and they don't count toward the popular vote! ------------------------- 50 - 11 = 39 states in Hillary's parallel U.S.A.

Alessandro Machi May 18, 2008 10:24 pm (Pacific time)

Barack Obama's side cheated in some of the caucus state votes. Everybody talks about how great it is to reward all the young people who have become involved this year. I disagree if they are being reward for cheating in the caucus states. Let them start their own party. They are less democrat and more progressive/aggressive. http://www.hillary-wins.com

Cuban-American May 18, 2008 9:52 pm (Pacific time)

SusanL, you are hitting it in the center. Fidel Castro started his Cuban crusade saying that he would bring change and hope to the Cuban people. He also promised that he would end the corruption of the government of Batista (his predecessor). He gave soaring speeches almost every day (I encourage you to look up videos and compare the styles and mannerisms of the two men - very similar). The Cuban media can only say good things about Castro. And, of course, by decree, the Cuban people loved him so much that elections were not needed. I bet that Barack Obama will try to amend the constitution in order to eliminate elections in the presence of a beloved man who would win them anyway.

Hannah May 18, 2008 9:10 pm (Pacific time)

Obama is hoping to push Hillary out before his supporters learn more about him. Hillary - All The Way To The Convention!

Kathy May 18, 2008 8:40 pm (Pacific time)

I am not voting for Obama because I don't like AAs but because I think Obama is a corporate/mob-linked trojan horse. Nothing could make that clearer than the way the corporate media is trying to shove him down our throats. But I have other reasons for thinking this. Obama says whatever he needs to say. He changes his story whenever convenient. He uses the words of others, including their inflections and even pauses. He steals policies from others. He is a total fraud. He’s never really stood up for or accomplished anything-except for voting for giving the oil companies a huge tax break in 2005 (and then accusing Clinton and McCain of being in the pockets of the oil cos. in 2008, even though they both voted against that bill. The Wall Street Journal (Monday May 5, 2008 front page) has an article titled “Obama Says Teamsters Need Less Oversight.” This article explains why the Teamsters are backing him. He wants to do away with an independent review board “set up in 1992 to eliminate mob influence in the union.” Then there’s his support for Blackwater. Says he sees no reason to oppose them and his support for Supreme Court Justice Roberts, seeing no problem with him and not wanting to keep Supreme Court Justices off the court simply for “ideological reasons.” He only voted no on Roberts because his political advisor told him it wouldn’t fly in the Dem. Then there is the misogyny of the media and Obama’s followers. He has a very thin skin when it comes to accusing his critics of racism (an absurd charge against the Clintons), but never bothers to stop his followers online or the MSM (especially MSNBC -”the all Obama all the time network”) from making horribly misogynist comments. They call Hillary a bitch, a cunt, a “Fucking Whore,” and that’s okay. Well, guess what? There are millions of women in this country who will not vote for Obama just for this reason alone. We take this personally and our response to the MSM and the DNC, for that matter, this November, will be loud and clear. I will vote for McCain rather than this fraud. If I’m going to have a Republican in the White House, I’d rather have a real one than one pretending to be a Democrat, whose policies (solving the “social security crisis” anyone?) are no different from those of GW Bush. Our party is being taken over and, if this happens, then Nader is right. There will truly be no difference between the corporate owned parties and all third parties and progressive policies will be shut out. When the corporate media blatantly takes sides, you can rest assured that the public interest is not what they care about.

SusanL May 18, 2008 8:32 pm (Pacific time)

So now Obama is declaring himself the nominee instead of listening to the voice of the people? Folks, this is the first step toward a Totalitarian regime. Don't take his word for it. Speak with your own voice and vote for the one wanting you to have the opportunity to have your voice heard! Go Hillary!

EWard May 18, 2008 8:02 pm (Pacific time)

The only polls that matter happen on election day. Obama does not control the electorate. The big-swing state voters of OH, MI, FL, and PA chose Hillary. It's the map that matters and not the math. Hillary is going all the way to the convention. Obama can declare himself the nominee on Tuesday, but the voters that any Democratic nominee will need support Hillary. Go Team Hillary!

DMC May 18, 2008 7:47 pm (Pacific time)

Maybe It's Truly Time for A Third Party: Why is it that Senator Obama and many of his supporters have supported Democratic candidates overwhelmingly for more than 40 years; but now you have some likely democratic voters backing away from the eventual democratic nominee. If this is the attitude of the majority of Democratic Party, a party that has represented America's magnificent principles and ideas for half of a century, maybe after this electon it will be a time for a Third Political Party, one that can revive democracy, unity, and hope for all of Americans. Peace in Oregon and Across America

Sue May 18, 2008 7:36 pm (Pacific time)

As someone from Illinois I have followed Obama from the start, as I learned more and more about him, I became more alarmed. I am quite aware of Chicago politics and how they work. There is a vicious circle surrounding the entire state of Illinois. The circle includes the Ayres, Wrights, Auchis, Rezko, the governer, Mayor Daley, Jr. and various elected politicians there. They all stem from Rezko. This 38 year Democrat will have no choice but to vote for McCain in Nov. if Clinton is not on the ballot. USA, we have a problem, and Obama is not the answer, run don't walk as far away from him as you can get.

Jerry May 18, 2008 7:32 pm (Pacific time)

I am happy that Senator Clinton is staying in the race. The race is not over until the convention in August - Oh, so much time for the REAL Obama to be revealed.

Robert May 18, 2008 7:29 pm (Pacific time)

Story Reporter, thank you for your reply. My comment was not directed to your story. Earlier on I tried twice to respond to a blogger who called me a white Republican (which I am neither, I am a Hispanic Democrat, very upset with my Party) but my comment was not posted. What I said was in response to Craig's comment and maybe others who indirectly responded to my post. I regret that I used the word "abhor".

Joyce May 18, 2008 7:23 pm (Pacific time)

I'm so tired of the same Clinton bloggers leaving the same, copied messages on blog sites. Please, go vote for McCain. Just stop the shrill whining in public. It's like being in a nice restaurant sitting next to a screaming child. Sure the kid thinks he’s a big deal. But the adults know better. We Democrats have an election to win.

M May 18, 2008 7:13 pm (Pacific time)

Considering that America represents a Beacon Light of Hope for people around the world, it is very unfortunate that race, gender, and religion have tarnished this historic moment in American history. Nevertheless, this historic race between Senator Clinton and Senator Obama has revealed that the consciousness of America is evolving somewhat; that the rights of American citizens are respected; that the pursuit of life, liberty, and justice is truly possible for all. Best Wishe for a Successful Election Process in Oregon!!

Nancy May 18, 2008 7:07 pm (Pacific time)

Obama can claim the nomination all he wants, the nominee won't be official until the Democratic convention in August. Between now and then enough information will come out about Mr. Obama that the delegate votes will go Hillary's way.

Lindsey May 18, 2008 6:59 pm (Pacific time)

Obama said he will debate McCain or Bush but not Hillary. Is he afraid of being shown up?(again)

Story Reporter May 18, 2008 6:51 pm (Pacific time)

Robert - As a journalist I try not to let my political views distract from the story at hand. I would rather give people the straight facts as they are presented to me, and then let you all decide the outcome of the election. I don't think I ever called the Clinton supporters in this story stupid or illiterate. Sorry you feel the way you do. Just to let you know my wife voted for Hillary. Kevin Hays

Robert May 18, 2008 6:26 pm (Pacific time)

Moderator, I know that you will not post my comments and that's fine. It's your newspaper and you are free to choose. However, I would like to tell you, regardless what your political views are, that it is a very bad mistake to think that all the Clinton people are stupid and illiterate and that anyone who says something meaningful against Barack Obama is either a Republican or an extraterrestrial. There are lots of reasonable people supporting Clinton who simply adore her and will not just take Barack Obama. I am not sure that they will take McCain either, and that is why the talk about her running as an independent is growing. Barack Obama is a serious liability for the Democratic Party and it is not because he is black. Have a great evening.

Henry Ruark May 18, 2008 6:26 pm (Pacific time)

MReynolds: Your statement re church doctrine applies well in any direction for anyone with any objection to any church. Why do you think it should be used only vs Obama ? Did you check in mirror for "denial" or other symptoms ?

laurie May 18, 2008 6:25 pm (Pacific time)

Obama '08!

andersen May 18, 2008 6:24 pm (Pacific time)

Has Mr. obama told you he voted for the liquified natural gas facilities along the Oregon coast? Well, he did. Mr. Obama is not what he appears to be. Vote experience and electability. www.hillaryclinton.com. Read up. I did. My vote is for Clinton. She can beat McCain. Obama can't.

Henry Ruark May 18, 2008 6:23 pm (Pacific time)

Linda et al: You wrote: "He won't talk to reporters, sweetie." Happens two of my sons do TV-news; both in contact with Obama AND Hillary yesterday. I can assure you he talked, very well, TO reporters and huge enthusiastic Oregon audiences. In fact, he came over to shake hands with TV-crewmen, including my son with camera on tripod. Re Hillary, same son was on verge of "ive-shot" with only ten seconds to go "to air", when H's crew started to take her away. He protested, and they held up long enough for the live-shot --which I saw at home. So "ain't necessarily so" and his int'vws now stand as historic statements, so seen and critic'd by experienced observers for their clarity and depth of detail. We appreciate comments here but donlt get carried away by political pooperscooper stuff, esp. from those whose line is such as gives-away the show, as many recent ones here. NO, I am NOT Obama-person, have yet to make up mind, and have ballot in hand as I write, ready to mark. BUT I WILL vote and make sure it arrives on time, too. Oregonians have own fair and probing approach, as you will surely see, whichever way this goes. They also appreciate unity, which is what drives the only party train we have left to effect any rescue from Bushie cabal; let's see if H. gets that action right, soon, if so demanded. To act otherwise reveals for all to see which candidate is leader and ready-to-roll for party unity and demanded next step to preserve our national objectives, stated by both.

DMC May 18, 2008 6:11 pm (Pacific time)

No Confidence in Senator Clinton I admire Senator Clinton's courage and intelligence; however, in the last few months, I have lost much respect and confidence in Senator Clinton. I did not like it when the politics of personal destruction were used against the Clintons; and I do not like it when the same tactics are being used in the democratic primary elections. These divisive tactics that have been exploited for political gains are not good the Democratic Party and are definitely not good for the nation.

Sue May 18, 2008 5:45 pm (Pacific time)

A vote for McCain prolongs the war. Are Clinton supporters so selfish and self-absorbed that they will cast a vote that will result in the deaths of more of our young military? Shame on you!

Mike Reynolds May 18, 2008 5:42 pm (Pacific time)

The doctrine of Obama's church is troubling. This is not about Rev. Wright, this is about the teachings of Obama's church laid out in the written word. If Obama's has read his church's doctrine then he is aware of it's racist teachings. If he belonged to the church for 20 years and never bothered to read the doctrine then he is someone who doesn't study facts and therefore will be a poor world leader.

Dorian Summerlin May 18, 2008 5:40 pm (Pacific time)

I am a Floridian who has been forced to forfiet my rights so a untried, unexperienced candidate may impatiently jump to the head of the line instead of working hard to earn his stripes. I still am in shock that the DNC did to us what they did. The unreasonable and impossible to complete demands either demonstrates the arrogance party leaders have for everyday hard working, middle-class people or they did not do their homework and were unprepared ala Obama style. I implore the voters of Oregon to join the people of this totally great country and help us take back our party and return the power to the voter. Oregon along with Kentucky, plays a key role in deciding who shall be this country's leader and that has to be a first in decades. Please! Please! Keep America free and green and our wallets too and give our future a chance. Put Hillary on that ballot and get it dropped off. Thank you, our children's future is so important and really matters! To be honest, without Hillary, I am scared of what is to become of us/US!

SamW May 18, 2008 5:24 pm (Pacific time)

Even if Obama would achieve the needed number of delegates he will only be the PRESUMPTIVE nominee until the Convention in August. That gives the delegates currently in his column plenty of time to find some answers to some of the troubling questions people are starting to ask about this candidate we know little about.

JCM May 18, 2008 5:23 pm (Pacific time)

I'm voting for Hillary Clinton. Her knowledge is as deep as it is wide. The Democrats nominate their candidate in August not May.

Linda May 18, 2008 5:23 pm (Pacific time)

Senator Obama is not a leader. He ran away from debates when he failed. He has had few Town Meetings after repeated gaffes. He won't talk to reporters, sweetie. He went to West Virginia twice and has not set foot in KY after his bitter comments and 41 point trouncing. JFk, a "cerebral man", walked into WV and convinced them to vote for him despite their anti-catholic sentiment. That is a character of a true leader. By contrast, Senator Obama would rather send John Edwards then blame Fox News, and blame the voters. Senator Obama is no leader and does not posses the experience or qualities to run this country.

Lawson May 18, 2008 5:09 pm (Pacific time)

I keep seeing comments about Obama saying he has people spell-bound, or enthralled. Fellow American's, this is not a rock concert. This is life! How many rock stars have people spell bound? Lots, but most of us would not allow those rockers to make decisions for our children! America needs a President to have more than just the idol appeal. We need a President who has solutions for the problems facing Americans today. Vote Hillary! She cares about ALL Americans!

Henry Ruark May 18, 2008 4:51 pm (Pacific time)

Matt, Shirl et al: Thank you for your rapid perception of political gamesmanship being practiced on our S-B channel. Ain't ONLY the GOP noise machine wound-up; sometimes the more malign small-pieces of other-interested parties do so, too, as we have reason to understand well in Oregon. SO, friends, read it all --THEN put on that cap, the one stimulating your full inside-skull/skills, and also listen to your own conscience. That'll do it, every time, if democracy is still at all workable in this nation of ours.

Jim B May 18, 2008 4:50 pm (Pacific time)

Don't forget to drop off your ballot. It's too late to mail it. Vote Democrat in November

teach May 18, 2008 4:50 pm (Pacific time)

Barack has a clean past? Please. Tony Rezko, William Ayers, Louis Farrakhan, Rashad Khalidi, Jeremiah Wright, to name a few. Wake up Democrats!

Henry Ruark May 18, 2008 4:47 pm (Pacific time)

Violetz et al: Your yep phrases reveal you suffering denial, if not other symptoms, from guilt by association, if not something worse. Absolutely parallel charges can be made vs Hillary, if one wishes to stoop low enough to easy-found sources. Re policies, you seem to be missing some of those dots one is required to connect, to see the true larger picture. SO vote as you wish, but please spare us the arrogance of demeaning and derogating a fine woman candidate,who now after fierce struggle must decide whether to act further for herself, or to be true Democrat and unify her full efforts for the chosen party candidate, if that's how all this turns out. That action will make or break, with reality, very much of what's being passed around nationally, via independent effort, on this and similar channels...which is why I wrote that Oregonians will be making THEIR OWN decision, thank you very much, in our own state primary...as should be done in every state, all according to party rule.

Donna May 18, 2008 4:46 pm (Pacific time)

Sen. Obama, My whole family will be voting for you on Tuesday!

Matt Johnson May 18, 2008 4:33 pm (Pacific time)

I think 99% of these supposed "Hillary supporters" are simply white republican men doing anything they can to avoid having a black President who could out think all you people put together. If Hillary supporters dare to insult Barack Obama with the clean past he has, then they are just more repub's faking their way through, pretty gross.

shirl May 18, 2008 4:31 pm (Pacific time)

It is not that some of us are demonizing Senator Clinton as a horror; it is that we are horrified when she sets out to appeal to the worst demons in our society. As in the vote for the war in Iraq, which played on our knee-jerk militarism. As when she fear-mongered in the red telephone 3 a.m. ad. As when she painted herself as bullet dodging alpha male in the Bosnia sniper fire lies. As when she swilled down the whiskey, chased by beer. As when she talked about getting the votes of hard-working white Americans (not so covertly suggesting that a black man can not do so). And so on. Senator Clinton, unfortunately, has demonized herself through her campaign tactics, which is why a senior citizen feminist like myself who had voted for Bill because he was married to Hillary now rejects her.

Henry Clay Ruark May 18, 2008 4:23 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Sorry our system does not reveal from whence many of these comments come, making sure we in Oregon are now instructed exactly how we should cast OUR votes. Be nice to 'see with own eyes" from whence cometh this frustrated screaming. But, being Oregonians, and naturally both hard-headed and clear-eyed ("thinking-types"} most of us will still decide for ourselves, on what we now know. Dialog is decisive, but none more so than what you have with your own consience, when that brain finally doth kick in !!

Jeremy May 18, 2008 4:19 pm (Pacific time)

The majority of people in the U.S. feel that we are going in the wrong direction. A vote for Obama and Michelle will just give us a new wrong direction.

Jean May 18, 2008 4:15 pm (Pacific time)

There is nothing in Barack Obama's life that shows he could even remotely handle the single most important job in the world. We need a president who can work constructively with congress. Senator Hillary Clinton has proved that she has the skills to do so. Senator Obama simply has not done anything to assure me that he can deliver. Senator Obama has no chance of winning the national election in November. His crushing defeats in Pennyslvania and Ohio makes that fact crystal clear. Voters are now questioning whether he has what it takes to do what is best for America. He gives speeches explaining what we need, while Hillary Clinton is fighting her heart out for the American people. There is only one clear choice for me in this election. It is Senator Hillary Clinton. We need her strength, wisdom, and experience in Washinton. As voters, we should not short-change ourselves this election. Hillary is the one!

Saron May 18, 2008 4:15 pm (Pacific time)

Hillary Clinton claims that more Americans have voted for her (has more popular vote) than Barack! This is just getting amazing.... How could that be?..... Well, Hillary counts Michigan (exclusively to herself) AND her maths does not count the Caucus states. I repeat, she does NOT count the caucus states when she is claiming the popular vote lead! What does that say about her? She is not counting caucus states and says she is not disenfranchising voters...Amazing! When did we the people in the Caucus states stopped being Americans? We did not break any rules for that matter? Can someone challenge her with this ...where are the true journalists?

VioletZ May 18, 2008 4:13 pm (Pacific time)

I will not vote for Obama for many reasons, among them, his vote in favor of the Bush-Cheney energy bill which threatened liquefied natural gas plants along the Oregon coast and gave oil companies big profits. Hillary voted against it. Also, Obama said in the PA debate that he wants to raise the capital gains tax to 28%. Currently it is 15%. Hillary said during the same debate she would not raise the capital gains tax to more than 20%, if she raises it at all. According to experts' opinions raising the capital gains tax too much is not good for the economy. Obama keeps saying he wants to give tax breaks to the middle class, but I think his economic policies show just the opposite. Also I think Hillary has a much better health care plan because it is truly universal. Obama's plan leaves out about 15 million people and since it is not mandatory it will mean higher costs for the rest of us because we will have to pay for people who get sick and have chosen not to purchase his health plan. Also Obama proposes penalizing people who get sick and have not purchased his health plan, even though he says it is not mandatory. Apart from specific issues, I will not vote for Obama because I don't trust him and don't like his history of shady associations such as Rev. Wright, Ayers, Rezko, Auchi and the Hamas links, etc. This will not help him if he is the nominee because the Republicans will tear him apart with these issues. I'm not voting for a party. I am voting for the best qualified candidate: Hillary Clinton!

With Love May 18, 2008 4:13 pm (Pacific time)

Bravo Oregon!!! We love you, Salomites! Vote for Barack is Vote for America!!!

Saron May 18, 2008 4:11 pm (Pacific time)

Hillary Clinton claims that she more Americans have voted for her (has more popular vote) than Barack! This is just getting amazing.... How could that be?..... Well, Hillary counts Michigan (exclusively to herself) AND her maths does not count the Caucus states. I repeat, she does NOT count the caucus states when she is claiming the popular vote lead! What does that say about her? She is not caucus states and says she is not disenfranchising voters. When did we the people in the Caucus states stopped being Americans? We did not break any rules for that matter? Can someone challenge her with this ...where are the true journalists?

gayUCCpastor May 18, 2008 4:09 pm (Pacific time)

Women versus African-Americans! Are we REALLY surprised we’ve arrived to this level of analysis? I, for one (as a liberal white man), stand by my sisters. If you review the website for the leading organization for women (National Organization of Women) you CLEARLY see their choices to fight not only for women’s rights, but the rights of African-Americans, gay people, etc (the sections are easily seen and identified). If you visit the leading African American organization’s website (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) you do NOT find clear choices that support women’s rights, gay rights, etc. Their subsections speak of youth, education, etc. but they don’t seem to care for women or gays (not even black women or gays). The choice, while quite regrettable, is simply clear…women have more broadly fought for a range of oppressed peoples while African Americans have not. As a pastor who cares about ALL people (and especially all people suffering from oppression) I must stand by the one who represent the hopes and dreams of women…and all oppressed peoples. I stand by Hillary…Hillary for President for ’08! May God be with us all during this difficult time of discernment.

EngCindy May 18, 2008 4:05 pm (Pacific time)

Hillary Clinton has the SOLUTIONS.....Oregon Compact. Obama is a coward and all of Oregon knows it. No debate, as he doesn't want you to be able to easily compare his record and that of Sen. Clinton. He doesn't want you to compare his Oregon Plan, with her Oregon Compact.....COWARD ! He will try to tell you Tuesday night, that he is the winner....whoa. There is NOT a winner until August, at the Convention. He has many more skeletons coming out and those superdelegates that he has bought, will take his money and show him the door. Superdelegates are pledged to one thing, that is deciding who is the strongest candidate to Win in November. Obama is weak and they know it. He has shown many times, during this campaign, his arrogance and that is what he will show Tuesday. His Marxist, elitist attitude is showing it's ugly head again; you people will come along as you've been told, as I know what is best for you...Bull ! The new grassroots movement is the "No Obama, Not NOW, Not NEVER". Maybe some reporter should report on the buyers remorse that has and is taking place all across this great land. Clinton supporters, the 'other half" of the Democratic Party, WILL NOT UNITE ! Even if Hillary herself tells us to, we have researched Obama and know he is a National Security Risk; that is why you will see the Rebuplicans stay in the White House, unless you vote Hillary ! Elitist, Academia be damned.....I'll take good ole common sense anyday.... Oregon Vote Hillary.

gazzed May 18, 2008 4:02 pm (Pacific time)

Bonny May 18, 2008 3:58 pm (Pacific time)

Vote Democratic however it comes out! Save the spite filled talk for the Republicans.

saren May 18, 2008 3:47 pm (Pacific time)

Obama may think this is over but it is not. There are 50 states not 48. Michigan and Florida must be counted. In Florida Obama has done everything in his power to stop the count or a re-vote. I promise you this if Obama is the nominee, McCain will be pesident if the votes in Florida are not counted.

marshs May 18, 2008 3:44 pm (Pacific time)

Please stand up let your voices be heard.Tell the democratic party who you think is the right person to lead this country.Tell them you support Hillary Clinton.Tell the American people that Oregon dose not won't a person you can not trust.That sat in a church for twenty years and heard I hate America.Please show that the media can not tell us who to vote for.Please vote for Hillary on Tuesday and send Obama back to his church.Thank you so much

Carolyn M. May 18, 2008 3:38 pm (Pacific time)

Oregon, no one died and gave him the authority to declare himself the winner. Vote for Hillary all the way to the convention!!!

Bonny May 18, 2008 3:16 pm (Pacific time)

CNN is carrying Obama's Portland speech. He's got over 50,000 people enthralled. He's just fantastic.

middle class May 18, 2008 3:11 pm (Pacific time)

If the big whigs in the democratic party want to nominate the weaker candidate(Obama).They will be sorry come November. Obama does not relate to middle class values

Craig May 18, 2008 3:06 pm (Pacific time)

Robert, of course you "abhor" Barack Obama- you're a republican! What is your comment worth? You're voting for Bush's boy anyway! It's all about you being on the losing team, not who is playing on OURS. Stick to your own side of the street with your lowly attitude. We'll be busy saving the country that your party has destroyed. Oh, you must be so proud.

Lizben08 May 18, 2008 3:00 pm (Pacific time)

If he dares, BHO will just be driving Hillary supporters away even further. Afraid to let the votes be counted?

Robert May 18, 2008 2:59 pm (Pacific time)

I can't believe how hypocritical, patronizing and offensive this man is "in order for Democrats to win in Novemeber it will require a unified Party and that means all of you have to be nice to Clinton supporters." Is this the Oregon fundraiser where he tells his latte supporters that the bitter Clinton supporters need a good hug and everything will be fine. I abhor Barack Obama. I am sorry for the Democratic Party and the chaos that they brought to themselves.

Lizben08 May 18, 2008 2:58 pm (Pacific time)

Oregon, do you really know who Obama is? I used to be an Obama suppoter until I learned what he is and what he is not. He's not what he preaches and not what I want in the White House! Then I checked out Hillary and learned what the pundits said was not true and the more I learn about her the more I support her. Now I am Hillary all the way to 2008 and 2012!

Charles May 18, 2008 2:56 pm (Pacific time)

It is a ploy to say it is over. Hillary is AHEAD IN THE POPULAR VOTE. Super Delegates are not committed until the convention so don't be HOODWINKED.

endodoc79 May 18, 2008 2:54 pm (Pacific time)

Sen. Clinton is currently leading by about 50,000 votes in the popular vote tally. She is making her case to the people with the last primary contests on June 3. Logic dictates that in a very close race, all voters should have a say. No need to close things down now.

Tim McFarland May 18, 2008 1:30 pm (Pacific time)

Looking at the Marion County Elections website, it looks like 45% of Democrats had turned in ballots by Saturday.

Julie May 18, 2008 2:41 pm (Pacific time)

I am a strong democrat, an Oregonian, and a woman. I absolutely would have voted for Hillary, and planned to for several years. BUT, I found Obama to be a better candidate. I like that he hasn't got so many years under his belt of playing Washington games to get his way. He does stand for many principles that Oregonians hold dear. We take care of our own, our children, the poor, the environment. Hillary IS a good person, and a wonderful positive light that we can still hold high. If Obama wins, I am confident that Hillary will be a pillar in the new administration. We need to hold together, we are the DEMOCRATS and it is up to us as a team to right the wrongs of the last 8 years. There is no negative here, why create one?

Lewis May 18, 2008 2:33 pm (Pacific time)

Good luck with your "being nice to Clinton supporters", I won't take you, Barack Obama, for the world.

Sue May 18, 2008 2:25 pm (Pacific time)

It's not over until all popular votes are counted. And Sen. Obama won't get all of Oregon's delegates. Sen. Clinton has significant support in many Oregon districts.

lv May 18, 2008 2:24 pm (Pacific time)

SHE CANNOT BE SAVED WITH MI. AND FL. They have to punish the states or all others will try next time and will be disaster so they will seat delagates in some sort of way but votes will not count not fair to people who did not vote knowing they were not going to be counted.

Jill May 18, 2008 2:24 pm (Pacific time)

The only plug Obama has any right to pull is his own. Hillary is by far the better candidate. If Obama tries to pull the plug on her campaign, he'd be pulling the plug on democracy.

Barb May 18, 2008 2:15 pm (Pacific time)

Life support!!..Our lives depend on a President who can get in there and start working on day one to rescusitate our country. We need experience and REAL change...Vote Hillary before it is too late!!

Kathy May 18, 2008 2:13 pm (Pacific time)

Oregon calls It is important to let Oregon voters know that the only way to judge what the candidates will do is based on what they have done. BO voted for the Bush-Cheney Energy plan ... ask them in Oregon if they trust the only candidate that approved the Liquified Natural Gas pipeline that runs down Oregon's coast? Hillary voted against it... Bo voted for it. We have to call throughout the whole day and be certain voters know who he is. He has little love for Oregon, but great love for giving speeches. That pipeline allowed eminent domain to occur in order to achieve. by Today at 5/18/2008 5:06:17 PM

BR May 18, 2008 2:08 pm (Pacific time)

I will never vote for OB, He is friends with an unrepented Terrorist "Ayers", Rev. Wright "God Damn America", the thug Rezko by the way he is on trial now, his wifes comments "America is a mean Country", to get to the nomination you need 2210 and Hillary leads now in the popular vote and to be elected that is the will of the people plus she can win the swing states Obama has not even made a dent in that!!!!! #1Hillary So What

wackiekat May 18, 2008 2:06 pm (Pacific time)

We need a leader as our next President, not someone who takes his policies from the most qualified candidate. We need a leader in the White House to fight for All Americans...not call some of them names and ignore others because they are not important to his campaign. We need a leader who values the rights of All Americans, not someone who wil disenfranchise over 2 million of us because it did not suit his campaign ambitions. We need a leader who continues to fight for All Americans, not someone who has already declared the race over and does not need to focus becasue he is "bored" with the primary. We need Hillary Clinton as our next President!! She can tackle the mess that will be left behind by the Bush Administration. She is ready and vetted. It is not a training issue for her, it is the beginning of resolution for the American people. Go HIllary!!

Saron May 18, 2008 2:02 pm (Pacific time)

Barack all the way to the presidency!!!! Oregon Votes Smart! Oregon Votes Barack! My mom lives in Oregon ... She voted for Barack! She Baracked her vote!!!! We love you Oregonians!!!!

Saron May 18, 2008 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

Barack all the way to the presidency!!!! Oregon Votes Smart! Oregon Votes Barack! My lives in Oregon ... She voted for Barack! She Baracked her vote!!!! We love you Oregonians!!!!

Roni May 18, 2008 1:52 pm (Pacific time)

Obama with his vast experience represents "change we can believe" and McCain represents "more of the same"---Clinton, on the other hand is neither left nor right--she represents "ready and able". Tough times right now, we need someone we can count on--Hillary!

hk May 18, 2008 1:47 pm (Pacific time)

Dream on, Obama supporters! A surprise is waiting for him and his supporters!

ellie smith May 18, 2008 1:45 pm (Pacific time)

everyone needs to read this independent ivestigative piece before voting.
Evelyn Pringle is a columnist for OpEd News and investigative journalist focused on exposing corruption in government and corporate America.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/gen...ma___subpl.htm

I had a duty to write the series on Barack Obama

I usually never post comments on blogs for my articles. In fact, I usually do not read blogs, but I get email alerts from OpEd when comments are posted. After reading some of your comments, I felt the need to explain how it came to be that I wrote the series of articles on Obama.

Although I used to write many political articles, I seldom get a chance to anymore and I confess that I have fallen far behind as far as following political news.

When I realized that I personally knew nothing about Obama and it looked like he might become the nominee, I set out to research his legislative history in Illinois to learn what accomplishments led to his rise to political prominence without me even noticing him.

OKMcCain May 18, 2008 1:43 pm (Pacific time)

He can try to pull the plug, but come November we are going to pull his plug!!!! The DNC may refuse to acknowledge us now, but they can't in November.

Kathy May 18, 2008 1:36 pm (Pacific time)

Hey sweeties...vote Obama and be happy with your 77 cents for evey dollar an man makes. You deserve it.

eugene voter May 18, 2008 1:36 pm (Pacific time)

I don't like the media telling me who to vote for and declaring a candidacy dead. Go Hillary - All the way to the White House!

Rose May 18, 2008 1:35 pm (Pacific time)

Hillary or the Highway!!!

Richard May 18, 2008 1:34 pm (Pacific time)

Go Hillary...You are THEE ONE for the USA...!!!!!

Barbara May 18, 2008 1:33 pm (Pacific time)

America Loves Hillary...America Wants Hillary...America Needs Hillary...Hillary the CHAMP...Hillary the BEST to beat John McCain in the Fall and to be the BEST President of the United States...for our Country, for our People , for our World..America Stand By Hillary...She is what is Right and what is Good....GO HILLARY!!!!!!

Mary Lou May 18, 2008 1:30 pm (Pacific time)

No matter what Obama does on Tuesday he won't have the requisite number of delegates to "claim" the nomination. So don't let his campaign fool you - check out HillaryClinton.com and vote for Senator Clinton if you like what she stands for... thanks!

StarDust May 18, 2008 1:29 pm (Pacific time)

How can he do that when he's clearly the weaker canidate he afraid to even debate Hillary when invited to do so. He will so lose in the fall he disrepected me and a lot of other people in Michigan when he removed his name from our ballot to surpress our votes. I will vote Hillary or Mc Cain but never Obama.

JayM May 18, 2008 1:25 pm (Pacific time)

He can declare himself the Presumptive Presidential Nominee of Never Never Land for all I care. It isn't over until the delegates cast their votes at the August Convention of the DNC. The delegates can change their minds. Do not let the press attempt to suppress voters rights. He will NEVER get my vote.

andersen May 18, 2008 1:13 pm (Pacific time)

Life support?? Dream on. The gap is closing and this is not over until ALL VOTES ARE COUNTED. That is the Democratic way.

Jim May 18, 2008 11:49 am (Pacific time)

Sorry I would love to vote for the first woman president but not Hillary. She represents nepotism not feminism

Jim May 18, 2008 11:48 am (Pacific time)

Sorry I would love to vote for the first woman president but not Hillary. She represents nepotism not feminism

Pat May 18, 2008 11:19 am (Pacific time)

Hey you Oregon sweeties - don't forget to vote for Obama come Tuesday

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