Good evening Anderson, Erica and bloggees

Happy Wednesday!!!!

I listen to CNN on my way home everyday on XM and watch on television when I get home. I hear Senator Clinton day after day come up with even more ways to go against the will of the voters to get nominated. This country fought for a long time to hear the will of the people through voting, and now it seems that the popular vote and pleged delegates that Senator Obama has accumulated can possibly be negated due to the numerous persuasive arguments that the Clinton Campaign has surfaced on why she should be the Democratic Nominee. Why even have a tally of these deciding categories if they won't count in the nomination of our Democratic Canidate? The last time I checked, the score at the end does matter!

Whats up guys, hope everyone had a good hump day! Great day by the pool in the hot sun!

Hi Anderson!!! Hi Erica!!!

Greetings from America's Desert Playground! I promise I'm not half asleep tonight and I'll try to keep up.

Meagan O.>I'm counting on you to nudge me when I get off track (like last night).

Good evening Anderson and Erica! Unfortunately I missed most of the primary coverage yesterday, it will be nice to get a catch-up tonight!

I will try my best Casey

Hi Anderson!

Is your Planet in Peril 2nd hour coming on tonight? I want to see that part with the elephants. That looked pretty scary to me.

Hey Jason

If the will of ALL of the voters where listened to, Clinton IS the choice of the people – including Michigan and Florida. Last time I checked they were still on the map as part of the United States of America. Let up a bit!

I'm not staying up late tonight, just wanted to say hi to everyone, Anderson and Erica included

Do or die? Make or break? Oh-oh Anderson, Dan Abrams (CNBC) was on your tail tonight about CNN contining to use these terms after they were denounced by you recently. Dan credited you for cathing yourself. (Better bring Candy and Wolf up to speed.)

Hello Anderson, Erica and Bloggers!
Yay! Hillary Clinton won! That is so cool. I am glad to join Bill S. Last night.

Candy sure has a serious voice when she needs it. Could you imagine having her reprimand you for doing something you shouldn't have?

I am burned out with primary coverage... and all the back and forth.. and pretend momentum.

Senator Clinton is claiming she has the lead in the popular vote ('more popular votes than any campaign in history'). However, that involves creative math which includes Michigan and Florida and Senator Obama wasn't even on both of those ballots. More smoke and less integrity as each day passes. I'm just fed up with this stuff–the general public continues to be treated like we're stupid.

As long as both candidates have the money to continue why would anyone drop out. Guess it should just keep going to it's over. They are running for President. It's not a tv show game.

CaseyJPS – Dan Abrams is pretty cool.

Carl can't be a fair judge. Not after the last book he wrote about the Clintons.

EJ
I brought DVD "Planet in Peril" last night.

Hi Glen Up North – we are honored to have you say hi to us.

Barack, not credible? Guys, didn't Pennsylvania suggest that?

Hello everyone! Be sure to check out the great article about John King and his magic board in yesterday's New York Times.

Hi Erica and Anderson and bloggees,

I am not an American but I am so sick of the elections coverage. I feel for you guys who have to decide who to vote for. Being the cynic I am, a leopard does nto change its spots, the same logic applies to the politicians – dont trust any of the politicians. I shudder to think about the Bill and Hilary show in the White House...cant trust Obama, cant trust McCain... What a quandry !

Good evening, Anderson, Erica, and all!

Hillary didn't make him look elitist, he did that on his own.

Hello Bloggers! Yes, the democratic race continues on. It is always interesting to hear what everyone has to say after a primary.

Hey Chuck

Your right about Candy, she missed her calling as a high school principal.

Did anyone notice during the Clinton speech last night was very positive, and without the attacks, while Obamas speech totally avoided any mention of Pennsylvania.

By the way why does everyone keep saying sees hurting the party. She is doing the Dems a service by vetting a candidate that may not be suitable to win the election in Nov.

Hi Anderson,

Great information about the election. It's really getting exciting.

Lorie Ann>Thanks for that comment about $.

Does this bother anyone besides me? I'm distraught over the amount of money "we" are donating to fuel these campaigns, not to mention the amount of time and energy. Think of what we could achieve in our communities if we focussed this kind of attention and money locally. This is truly disturbing and disappointing.

At risk of deviating from the topic at hand: thanks EJ! I will now behave.

Welcome to AC360! Glen up north.
Nice have you be here this program and join blog with us.

Good evening everyone! Watching AC tonight on CNN HD, gotta love it.

I agree with Lesli. I hope the majority of NC is ready to vote.

Judy
NC

I don't think Hillary should drop out until all the states have voted but if after that she will have to think long and hard about continuing if she is still behind like she is now

Anderson, you may be trying to have an open debate here but this panel is 3 of 4. Bernstein and Toobin and you are looking for any reason to diminish a LARGE win by Hillary. Gloria has been more open minded.

Erica! Where r u?

EJ>...and cute, too.

Lesli, you're completely wrong, not only did he thank the people of PA for their support, he congratulated Clinton on her win.

Sen. Obama should DROP OUT OF THE RACE, not Sen. Clinton.....

Obama has made it clear that he's got serious problems w/ swing voters in swing states (OH, PA, and FL)....

It's now clear Obama cannot beat McCain in Nov w/o those states

Clinton had name recognition, Obama had to build recognition. Closing a 20+ lead down to 10 was a very big feat for anyone. It shows extreme weakness, not to mention a negative female stereotype of being catty, when you scratch and claw your way to the top.

All I know is that she seems to thrive under the pressure. She just keeps going. She is amazing!

What's wrong with you guys? Obama was down by 20% in PA just a few weeks ago. Nobody expected him to win that state. He cut Clinton's lead to under 10% in 6 weeks. She has not "won" PA - she has survived PA.

Why are the commentators falling for her spin?

Why isn't anyone asking why Hillary Clinton "can't close the deal"?

Yes, Megan O.
I agree with you too. I don't think Hillary Clinton drop the race.

I agree Megan. I'm not a Clinton supporter, but I think it's way to close to expect her to bow out at this point. I certainly wouldn't if I was her.

Please talk about the $10 million for Hillary in 24 hours! Lots of us want this candidate to keep going. If you don't believe Pennsylvania – believe the money trail.

10 million dollars in 24 hours, and 60,000 "New" donors??
Sounds like fuzzy math to me.

Last night Clinton said shes not a quitter. Why should she quit? The media (sorry for the reference) would have nothing to talk about. I'm with Sue, November can't come soon enough.

The media's Hillary lovefest is disgusting. According to the Democrat rules, this is a delagate game and Barack is winning.

I didn't realize we were electing a President of the Blue Collar states.

You need to focus on the fact that Hillary Clinton does not tell the truth about anything. Her strategy is just say it–the press will repeat and it becomes true. This is what she is doing about the popular vote.

Why are people only saying that Indiana is important wheh North Carolina has more delegates?

What exactly is 'push polling'?

Sue (from New Zealand)>I'd like to hear more of your perspective. That's interesting and I would have to agree with much of it.

Happy hump day everyone! Congrats to Hilary's win last night!...Let us not count Barack out just yet! It's the 2nd overtime period and still anybody's game!

When you count all the states voted-she does have the popular vote. Wouldn't Obama count those in her place? If positions-as they stand now-were reversed, you can bet Obama would count those votes. Every vote should count and they count for Hillary.

Hillary only mentions states in speeches when she wins them......on a few occasions when she has lost she did not even bother to thank the people who even voted for her. At times she has not been very gracious in losing. Obama has offered congrats to Clinton and a few Republicians at times

I don't think Hillary Clinton should drop out!
I also don't think she could win, but they both need to chill out!
Our goal as Democrats is to beat McCain, and she is tearing the party apart!

AC, give it a rest. How could he close the deal? She has already said that she won't quit until the convention. How can he close the deal? Perhaps winning twice as many states, more populare vote and more pledged delegates is not good enough for you. He is winning the nomination unless the superdelegates steal it away from him. Don't contribute to that. He gained 15% in 6 weeks...that is closing the dea.

Heather, I agree that thriving under pressure is SO presidential. Thank you for pointing that out.

This year belongs to an honest candidate and that is clearly Barack Obama .Senator Clinton just doesnt seem genuine to me at all.She seems artificial ,fake and full of herself.

Will someone at CNN or Anderson Cooper tonight make the correction that Hillary Clinton has not won Pennsylvania by double digits. As of this moment she is down to almost 8.6 % lead. Not all the votes are in in Pennsylvania, yet no one is saying this at this moment. She stressed a double digit lead was important. She has not done this.

Sweet Dem commercial that just came on! So that's how they'll try to keep McCain down while they sort themselves out. A good strategy, I must say.

But really, was Hillary's predictable win such a victory that it's "turned the tide" of the election? CNN said it best, I think: no. What do you guys think?

Casey, The amazing amounts of cash are scarey, but, you have to remember that they are being spent in the states where the campaigns are run. That can't be a bad thing.

I'm more interested in knowing the answer to this question:

If the individual cap is $2,300, Obamas base is poor college students and inner city resdients, (yes, I know he has some upper income supporters, but, 2,300 is the cap), where IS all his money coming from? People that can't afford to give?

Don't you all find this as goofy as I do?

Why not be the first kid on the block to say Hillary lost a long time ago
And stop pretending she has a chance, this just fuels her fire
Announce Barack will be the nominee and lets end this madness
Americans are fed up with this-we know hillary is crazy and won't let go but, all she is accomplishing is to trash Barack and the Democratic Party.
Why let her lead you around by the nose–you the Media have the power to stop this.

I think Hillary's win was a great win. I want to address this negative ad that NC rep want to run against Obama, on the behalf of Republicans. If the democrats want to have that ad pulled they need to pull the DNC ad against McCain now running on CNN. Fair is fair....

Go Hillary, all the way, and You know what once our GOV of CA speaks for McCain a lot of CA would go for McCain over Obama, remember only SF is really his base the rest of the state is up for grabs..(besides hollywood)

There seems to be an assumption that Obama will lose to the same demographics that Hilliary won in. What a rediculous assumption. Those folks are still democrats.

I agree Karen, he was never expected to win and the fact that he closed a 20% gap hasn't even been mentioned today that I have heard.

I keep hearing that Obama cannot close the deal. Please Anderson asks the question, why can't Hillary close the deal? Hillary has name recognition, establishment backing, and a committed voting block that comprises the majority of the population–women. I think the questions or concerns should work both ways.

What will John King do a week after the November election when there will be no more breaking down of the States......he might go through magic wall withdrawls

Ok, enough of the panel – let's get Erica on the tube please!

Chuck in Alabama – they are all elitists, you don't think Hillary and McCain are elitists with their backgrounds? Get real.

When are the candidates and you guys (the media) going to start talking about the issues instead of this nonesense?? I have yet to hear about the issues that are critical to me on this program. Not really.

I asked this before. Is anyone disturbed by all of this money that's being raised?

Please, please, please, I am tired of hearing "why can't Obama close the deal". May I ask why can't Hillary close the deal

It appears Hilary has friends with deep pockets...

I am really intrigued by the new Planet In Peril "Battlelines" ad!

@Chuck in Alabama: Hi! I have to agree with you on that one. Obama has always had an elitist attitude, but the San Francisco comments magnified it.

I wonder why everyone seems to think that when the general election takes place, the primary environment will rule the voter's mind. In November won't the voter be making a decision on issues that are in play then and not be making a decision on whether or not their preferred candidate lost a primary

Hi, everyone - sorry I was a little late logging on!

Congratulations to Senator Clinton on winning by ~ 9.3%. Congratulations to Senator Obama for closing the gap down to that margin. Both candidates did well in Penn. Senator Clinton spent less money, but keep in mind that Senator Clinton has a $10M debt, compared to Senator Obama $0. He raised $40M in March. So, if Senator could have spent more, believe me she would have done that. She could only spend $9M, I understand. Senator Clinton is way behind in delegate counts, but, she should keep going. Let the people decide. Best wishes to both campaigns and candidates. Now, I want to appeal to the campaigns to avoid the personal snipping. The Republicans will take care of that later. Yep, it is politics as usual and some of us are just tired of it. I want a new type of government and a new type of President.

Why is everyone asking the question "why can't he close the deal"? Isn't it actually up to Hilliary Clinton to close the deal? She is or rather was the "inevitiable" candidate. She is the one supposedly holding the "experience and leadership" cards. And an Ex Prez as a Husband to boot!!

So now I ask the right question "Why can't SHE close the deal?"

Hey AC

Everyone was talking about the double digit issue before the primary. Well she made it – barely- but I haven't heard the expression used since. Any explaination?

If Obama can pick up 70 to 80% of Clinton supporters as exit polls have shown if he is the nominee, what happens to her argument "he can't win the big states?"

Hi Blogees, Anderson and Eric!

So how's it looking in Indiana? Who's leading and by how much? Not that the polls are right.

Cool map John King!

Obama has fuzzy math donors too – it is called bundling. It's from the unions (who represent the special interest groups he seems to be against). That is really fuzzy.

Please take Clinton donors seriously. We support her endlessly.

Thanks for the shout out, John King.

Jennifer NC> Do you have to subscribe (on-line) to get that story about John King and the board?

MIchael,
Pushing roll is magic wall election like John King did.

Meagan O

You are so accurate....

Hillary has not won more than 58% of the vote in any state except one. Whereas Obama has won 60% up to 79% of the votes in 16 states. Hillary has proven that she cannot get over 60% of any state except Arkansas. She cannot win without getting over 60% in all the rest of the states. The Fat Lady is at the door.

"10 million dollars in 24 hours, and 60,000 “New” donors??
Sounds like fuzzy math to me."

Yeah I want to see the evidence of that.

I heard that the Clinton campaign HOPED to get $10 million in 24 hours. Maybe that's how they report – on what they hope to get. lol

It's cool seeing John King do his "Magic" on the board via the webcam. Nice to see both the webcam angle and the TV angle.

Indiana and North Carolina should prove to be interesting primaries.

I hope WV will vote for hillary help Hillary win the nomination ......

I love John's map!!!!!!!!! and his info...that really helps us know more about the electtion

vote Hillary 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@CaseyJPS – Obama pulled his name off the ballot in Michigan, he didn't feel Michigan was important enough. He was on the ballot in Florida and had a commercial run in Florida "by mistake" – he lost anyway.

Hi Anderson!!! Hi Erica!!!

I am so happy to see you two!!

I think CNN is getting to racial dividing all these people into categories.

We are all Americans, no matter what we do or what color our skin is.

I heard a comment/question in your show few minutes ago that Obama is not connecting with blue collar workers. I believe he can't as long as Clinton is on the way. He and She are basically having the same policies. Unfortunately it comes down to the race and personality.

I wish they would just settle on a candidate already! McCain is laughing all the way.

Chuck>I've wondered about lower income persons donating to Obama's campaign as well.

I think the question you should be asking is why HRC cannot close the deal.

She has the name, she was ahead from the beginning, she thought that this thing would be over on Super Tuesday in February, Bill has all those Washington ties and people who owe him favors, she has the backing of old-time Democratic party leaders.

SO, why can Hillary not close the deal???

She had everything in her favor, but yet she cannot win.

You guys have the wrong focus and the wrong questions.

I agree with Jason from CA...I am getting a bit irritated with Hillary Clinton. Yes the math DOES count, and it's not about her own personal agenda and her claiming to be a fighter. It's also about being a team player. Obama has helped bring in so many new voters and seems to be not just about the same old politics in Washington. He is leading in this race, there is no way she can catch up, so she should just bow out gracefully and help.unite the Democratic Party.

Hi everyone, just checking in, saying hello, seeing what people want to discuss while I wait for my next panel near the end of the show.

Just wondering, would Hilary be in the lead if the Democratic party assigned their delgates like the Republican Party does (winner take all). Since she is claiming that she won the bigger states, just wondering how that would look as a hypothetical.

Also, did the Democratic party alway have proportional delegate assignment. I don't remember this in past elections or maybe I just didn't watch as closely.

Enjoyed the coverage last weeks. Bring on Indiana and NC....

Does the amount of money really matter when you are going to place your vote? Last I checked, this is America and anyone should be able to run for office regardless of how much they have in their pockets.

Kim P. – last I heard is she won by 9.2%.

As far as the media getting that right – its too late. Its already passed.

Clinton gets to claim double digits even if its 8 or 9.

Question: once a Super Delegate commits to or endorses one candidate or another, can they change their mind & switch?

John King I like your analysis. However, I hope BO presidency is not depending on black votes; we make 12% of the population.

Dude, Hillary isn't continuing cause she's so selflessly doing the Dems a service by running, she's running because she WANTS to win. That's understandable, but the math is against her, which is why people want her to drop. Even if Obama can't win the swing states now, once he doesn't have to compete with Clinton for those votes, he will definitely well in those states if he were the Democratic nominee (because people will vote for him because he is a democrat, if nothing for else).

Tell your numbers guy to point out other demographic votes for Obama. He always shows "African American" vote as if that is all the vote Barack gets.

That feeds the undercurrent of racism and this guy knows it I think.

Dallas, Texas

Vigo County has three universities, yet everyone seems to continuously overlook any contribution from the western side of the state.

Two wrongs will never make a right. The super delegates backed the wrong candidate to go up against the Republicans in the beginning, and now that it has been shown who the American people want as their delegate they are again going to make the wrong choice. We need Hilliary Clinton's fight stamina to turn this country around. She can win against John McCain. She has proved herself over and over. Super delegates, do the right thing and now, or it will be your choice that tears our party apart.

Barbara from Georgia

The democratic rules never said the superdelegates could not consider the popular votes in Florida and Michigan to see who is ahead in the count. It only said the delegates would not be seated. The fact is people in those states did vote for Hillary Clinton and their vote counts were certified by the state and they should be considered. I wish I could get the tapes of all the pundits from back in January who said it should be the popular vote that the superdelegates condider not the elected delegates. The elected delegates are not much fairer considering that in states where Senator received the popular vote she got less delegates. Also please note that Mellencamp is not only an Obama supporter. He is doing a concert for Hillary next week.

Hillary did just as the New York Times said. She took the low road to victory and if I we're one of her supporters I would be ashamed.

We Democrats seem to have it all messed up. It should be winner take all in the state delegates. By splitting these delegates, we're getting what we asked for.
If it were winner take all, (as it should be) we would have an experienced proven leader ahead in the delegate race. Not a "trial by fire" candidate, learning on the go.
I'm one of the ones that simply feels we need proven leadership, even if, God forbid, it's in the form of John McCain.

@Chuck: If Obama gets the nomination the Republicans will be investigating the money trail. In fact, if I am not mistaken, they already are.

Question, to the panel, Obama as the most money, is receiving overwhelming support not only from your panel but the rest of the media as well.

Day in and day out all we hear is how Hillary can't win, Obama is ahead, the math is against her.

Yet she keeps winning, her seemingly very loyal supporter sends her monies and have yet to defect with all the odds against her.

Maybe you guys are missing something? Plus if Hillary gets the nomination why would black voters and other Obama supporter defect but if he wins Hillary's supporter won't defect, this seems to be a one sided reasoning.

Anderson or Erica>Is the Election Center studio actually a different studio apart from any of the shows, or is it "shared" or a quick turnaround rehash of another set?

What is Hillary going to do when Obama wins this and the Republicans start to run ads of her saying he is not elect able because he is an elitist or that her and McCain are ready to run the country on day one and he can only give good speeches.
She has run her campaign to destroy the Democratic party and proves she cares about one thing herself!

Anderson – your tie matches your eyes tonight! Very nice.

Obama backers keep repeating that Independents could not vote in the PA primary. In reality, many of them actually did vote by very easily changing their party affiliation to Democrat in the final weeks of the PA campaign. I saw this first hand, and excitement to vote for Hillary was the driver in at least 2 cases I know of personally. Why do Obama supporters not get challenged on this point? What evidence do they have for their assertion – it is in fact a very misleading contention.

If Sen. Clinton loaned her campaign $5 million, who pays her back?

PLEASE ! Give me a break ... Hillary better not quit! The purpose of the primary is to decide the candidate through the process... let the process run its course.
Where is our party? They wanted every vote to count in 2000, now we want to ignore votes?
They shoud try coming to Texas and investigating all the goings on during the caucus here ... the fact that any delegates were awarded to either candidate after that fiasco defies the imagination.
I hope she fights on ... she has the experience we need to get this country back on its feet again.
What does she lack? An elitist attitude ... thank heavens for that!

Hello Anderson and Erica: I have a question as to why the mainstream media does not focus on the fact that Obama overwhelmingly won the Dems Abroad vote. I was at the primary pre-vote party in Zuerich and it was 10 to 1 supporters for Barack. I think this is important to impress on voters at home.

I also think it makes a big difference how others(Expats) view the race from outside the US.

Anderson ...you know I love you.....it is 4 am here! LOL!

@CaseyJPS.. I answered you.but am still awaiting moderation. Yes, far too much money. It's just a terrible reality of elections.

Hey Terri

I do remember he did thank his supporters in Penn, but I also remember he never used Clinton's name in the entire speech. It was quite noticable.

Last I hear last night the margin was 55% Clinton, and 45% Obama. Looked like a 10 point win to me – by CNN's calculation anyway. I'll take another look at the CNN site to see what the final tally is to date.

Why do people not see this campaign for what it really is? Like it or not Hillary has die-hard supporters just like Barak has die-hard supporters. It's a contest!!! Hillary's supporters just live in the "bigger" states. She needs to stop acting like the smaller states don't count. Obviously they do and that's why Barak is leading in this race. Psychology does not equate to math. The math, fortunately for Obama, reflects the American people's desire for change. Hillary needs to give it up!

So much about John King and his magic board in the new york times. Sometimes he makes it sound as if Obama was running against John McCain in the general election and not Hillary in the way he works his magic board.

Anderson... would love to hear someone explain why Obama is said to fare so well with the more highly educated voters? I see the results by demongraphics and see this to be true... I just don't understand why. Both Clinton and Obama are highly educated. And if it's legit that the more intellectual of us choose Obama... then what does that say about the Super Delagates? I surely hope they intellectual. No comments!!!

I'm torn: I want to thank everyone who's welcoming me (thanks Megan! ) but I don't want to tear up the momentum the blog has right now of pretty much following the appropriate topic. Let's just say I hush up for now and appreciate all the welcomes.

It was stated that Hillary can only win by keeping up the negative campaign. Generally negative campaigning turns voters off. So how is that going to help her ultimately?

I wonder if the numbers were reversed, would OBAMA supporters say that he won PA by 10% or would they say: wow, Obama beat Hillary by 8.6%? : )

No matter who won it, the numbers would still be stated as 10%.

Forgot to say hi to all the bloggers, Anderson and Erica. I LOVE your show:-)

The web cam is great! There is all kinds of activity tonight.

Those donors are crazy to be fooled intosending Hillary money. The Clintons are rich! They are poor. LOL She is smart.

Besides Pennsylvania's demographics, the biggest factor in Clinton's victory was the support of the nGovernor's political machine – worth at least 10 points. Obama would – one would expect – that suuport in the general election should he get the nomination. So, Clinton's victory was by no means a major turn-around.

Hi Erica!
no problem, I am glad see you!!!!!!!

Leslie, How was Obama negative last night? One of the first things he did when he came out to speak was congratulate Sen. Clinton on her victory. I feel that the media is blowing the problems for Barack Obama out of proportion so that the race can continue. One thing that I do like about AC 360 is that things are kept fair and balanced!

I have heard that Hillary Clinton is 9 million dollars in debt, Erica does John King or Bill Schneider know if this is true?. If it is the case then if she made 10 million and she pays her debts (which would be the RESPONSIBLE thing to do) then she has only got 1 million dollars to go for the next 2 weeks. Good luck on that one

Oh the Beat 360 was funny tonight!!!!!

It's only 10 points that Clinton won, look at the map of PA, Obama got almost half the vote with only a few counties. She had the backing of Rendall who is being loyal to his long time friend. But what everyone over looks is the fact just because Rendall supports her, doesn't mean she is the best for this country. The only people supporting her in this state are poor people who are uneducated and old.

Good point on why Hillary can't close the deal. She's losing. No one expects her to settle the issue. The best she can hope for is to keep the nomination open as long as possible - waiting for lightning to strike.

I've been supporting Hillary but I think it is finally time for her to leave this race, someone needs to give her a shot of reality it's not happening. She needs to step aside and finally let the real battle begin if we want the white house in November, democrats need to unite and and let the powers that be know we are ALL going to support Obama!

Love the bear on the trampoline but I really miss Seamanship! C'mon 360, give us some Seamanship for old time's sake!

Not pushing roll, 'PUSH POLLING'

When the primaries started it was understood that the winner of the nomination was the person who got to 2025 delegates. Now suddenly, the Clinton campaign is suggesting that it's not that at all, but who is winning the right demographics. I'm amazed and quite honestly offended by the number of people who appear to buy into that theory. Using that logic, superdelegates have the power to tell 35 million people who came out to vote "thanks, but you were all wrong". If that can really happen, then what the hell was this process all about??? A complete waste of everyones time. Once again the Democratic party leadership is showing how totally clueless they all are. This is a disaster waiting to happen. And all this talk about party unity is nonsense. I am 49, but it doesn't take a genious to know that if Clniton gets the nomination in some back room deal, many of the young first time voters will NOT vote Democrat, simply because their first experience with the process will confirm all their suspicions.

I also dont think Hillary should drop out until every last vote is counted. Some people seem to think this election is all about "the Party"....they would do well to remember it is about the VOTERS! We voters come from all walks of life, some lifelong Democrats, some Independants and some fed up Republicans. The Party seems to want to forget that if Howard Dean had not made such a draconian decision to disenfranchise 2 huge states, we would have a clear front runner by now and there would not be any of this talk about "dividing the Party" and saying someone should be dropping out. It would do the Party well to turn their ire towards the one who created this situation the Party now finds itself in and stop trying to find a way to justify one or the other candidate to drop out to save the Party! If Howard Dean is the CEO of the Party, he should be fired. Instead, the Party wants cover up for his incompetence by continually trying to say this is dividing us. Howard Dean is the one who divided the Party. As a voter, I am not divided at all.

where is the PROOF that Hillary pulled in $10 million in 24 hours? Is all we have to go on the report of some guy from her campaign – the campaign of lies?

I want to see a financial report for the past 24 hours. If they are reporting this, they must have records, right???????

Hello all, I am a little late logging on tonight!

I am so tired of everyone lumping Michigan and Florida together when they speak of the two states that are not yet being counted. They are two very different states and primary elections went very differently in each. I agree that Michigan probably shouldn't be counted because Obama wasn't on the ticket...but I feel Florida should absolutely be counted. Florida had the largest voter turn out in primary history, BOTH candidates were on the ticket and Florida picked Clinton. By not counting it saying that Florida voted early and candidates were not able to campaign there is not a legitimate argument. Most Americans are intelligent enough to follow the national campaigns and make an educated decision without candidates campaigning in their state.

Chuck in Alabama- Obama has the money he has because he has many more people donating to his campaign. I myself have donated 3 times, to Sen Obama. It's not the max amount. I'm not made of money like alot of other supporters. I donate what I can. I think it proves the point that little, but small can make a difference when enough people band together. Thats the idea of the campaign...take back this country.

is part of the reason hillary raised so much money so fast because of her very prominent ad on cnn.politics.com that asks for contributions?

C'mon guys.... We all know who has more experience. I think it's pretty much over for Obama. It was a nice thought that a black man could be president in this day and age. I think it's going to take more time. Let Hillary get started.

I love the debate over the percentages. YOu need to be better at math than I am even to understand the controversy.

Look at Obama's comments about not connecting with the senior voters. Well, we connect with Hillary and we have money. That;s where the $10 million and the 60,000 may come from. And you can count on us to vote!

I agree this election is exhausting and I could not even imagine being on the trail. Hillary did an excellent job and speech last night give her the credit that is due her. Obama was very negative last night. Did he congratulate her?
Can someone explain to me why people keep saying that they hate
Hillary(&Bill). They had more mud slung at them over the years but nothing stuck.
WoW, she even raised $10million, I'd call that momentum!

The reason that Hillary Clinton is in this situation is that she has run a poor campaign. She does not think ahead and plan for the contingencies. She thought the election would be over after super tuesday. She was wrong and this has most likely cost her the nomination. Do we want a president who does not think ahead?

I remember hearing last night from the League of First Time Voters that they were more upset at Obama because he has never showed them what kind of change he can bring them. If he is all about 'change' then why hasn't he tried to change the DNC? Hillary has tried to change the DNC by standing up for the voters in Michigan & Florida. It woke me up and made it clear why I support her and not him.

It would be interesting if each candidate were only allowed to have a certain amount of money and time to run for President. It would be so much better, in my opinion, for the process to be shorter.

Also, if they each had an equal amount of money to run with we'd get a better election. Besides, wouldn't this money be better used in Africa or in poor areas of our country?

Hey Erica

Will there be any discussion tonight that is not about the primaries or the Candidates?

It seems that everyone is ignoring the math. Before yesterday, HRC needed to win 59% of the remaining delegates, including the superdelegates, to win the nomination. Obama only needed 43%. HRC only got 55% so she lost ground. Now she needs even more of the remaining delegates. John King, run the numbers on your wall.

Hi,
Just gave $100.00 to Hillary. To let her a chance .I will support barak in general elections but
alot ALOT middle class will move to Mc Cain and honestly would too if not for WAR .
Mc Cain wins by 10% General election not close and thats shame ..

Hes not electable ..Not because hes black ...just wrong type black alot whites believe he speaks down to them .Regan Democrats move to
Mc Cain ..
Will be interesting to see ..she gets closer than expected inNC ,
she wins Indiana by 10% ..she wins west vrg,kentucky,narrow victory in oregon ,and puerto rica where she wins big and than shes ahead narrowly in public vote ..plus Mich/FLA disenfranchised .

micheal

I would like to hear some discussions about the upcoming congressional races. In particular, how do the dynamics of these races affect the choices of the superdelegates involved?

Maybe not on tonight's show, but sometime.

For 6 weeks we have heard the same question asked over and over: "What does Clinton need to do to win?" Enough already.

I am pittsburgh, allegheny county pa voter. I support Hillary 100%. We are thrilled she won here. If Obama becomes the nominee, I WILL vote for John McCain. I will not support Obama and many, many black and white dems here say the same thing. He isn't ready and the party will lose if he is chosen.

AC, I am a 54 year old woman. Initially I was in Hillary's camp, not anymore. I am behind Obama 100%. Hillary is superficial and offensive. She has many faces, a strong candidate which is great however, she is "brutal" and extremely negative. If the shoe were on the other foot, I believe Obama would have been out of this game long ago.

good evening everyone.. busy night here.

Following the discussion about Barack Obama – one characteristic I've noticed is that he has difficulty arguing/debating with Hillary a woman that I think when all is said and done that he respects as a colleague. A senior democrat that he chooses to take the high road against. His style is not an argumentative and one and the United States should be proud of.
The fact that her campaign has had to stoop so low speaks volumes overall.
A Canadian who is obsessed with this coverage! Thanks, Joanne

Obama's money is coming from 1.5 million donors with an average of just under $100. This would be about $150M. Also, there are several donors who can afford the $2300 max. donation. He has celebrity donors and some of the local affluent people here in Montgomery Co., PA are giving him the maximum donation. There is a steady flow of money. Some people give $25-$50 every pay which adds up to $100-200 dollars a month, per donor. Many are trying to reach the max through incremental donations. Not sure where Hillary's money comes from???????????????

It won't help her Marci. Even in the unlikely event she wins the nomination, there is no way she wins the general – even if Obama ends up as her VP.

No way it will ever happen.

At this point, I think McCain wins the general and that's a very bad thing. He will not turn around the economy.

Oops, my grammar was messed up in my last post... I was trying to watch Anderson and type, and that doesn't work too well.

I have to ask: wasn't there some expose where CNN discovered that a lot of McCain voters are going out into Dem primaries and voting for Hillary because they think she's less electable? Or did I imagine that?

Please stop saying Clinton won by 10% it is not true!!!! She won by 9%

To John King

Thanks for your map information, I hope there is another map that shows counties to scale in terms of number of voters so counties with more voters look bigger than the ones with less voters.

Glen Up North – ok only 39 more minutes, stay up and watch the rest of the show... You can do it. Tomorrow's Thursday (almost Friday.... what the heck..)...

I think at the end of the day the voters will have the say. Labeling all the little groups just isn't proving to be accurate. The pundits don't know much more than the rest of us.

@Marci: I heard that also. I surely don't want to see any more negative campaigning at this point. It makes you wonder what both candidates have up their sleeves.

Hey bloggers, joining a little late tonight and after a few days off – this is so addicting – I've been missing this!

Hi Jeff,

Do you think we shoud do away with the delegate system altogether and go with the popular vote only? I think it's out of date, really.

Jeff: Nice to see you on the blog! I always enjoy your input during the primaries, you are one of the few who is always fair and balanced!

Hi Jeffrey. As the senior legal analyst, I think you should demand a picture.

The Supreme Court has said that you can't limit the expenditures of candidates. It's a violation of their free speech rights.

Obama did congrautlate Hillary last night.....he even told the crowd not to boo Hillary

Obama is suicide for the democratic party. It is obvious to me that many people will never vote for him. It is not because of his race. It is because we have too many questions and feel he has not proven himself in the national scene yet. He has not even served a full year in the US senate yet. When people say Hillary is ruining the party. Check the number of people who partipated in caucuses maybe 1% of the population and those are the only people who really care about party politics everyone else just votes for who they like.

I also keep hearing that Obama can't close the deal. I truly wonder if most political teams on news shows ever played sports. They don't understand that the last man standing with the higher score did close the deal and that will beObama. Even when a basketball team can outscore their opponent by 10 points in the 3rd quarter, the fact they are down by 135 makes that effort irrelevant. Are people really this oblivious?

This election has proven two things:

The DNC needs to wake up and revamp their process.

Polls aren't worth the time it takes to read them.

Someone mentioned above fuzzy math, how 10 million with 60,000 donors, remember those 60,000 was new donors, not all donors, I among many old donors also donated that is how she got to the 10 million.

Go Hillary, the democrats need to remember you need all Hillary supports in November no matter how you spin it, and we don't like Obama, it Obama is the nominee, he needs her as VP and even then some Hill fans may still vote for McCAin because we have big issues with Obama. I feel cheated that all African Americans are going for Obama, and the press is just glossing it over. Its racist talk about people!

I think the super delegates should be done away with, the voice of the people are the ones who should elect the next president, I hope it is not Obama. We need to move on. Our country is in a mess. We are going to lose to the Republicans is this continues.

I completely agree with you Melinda!

I love John King does best magic wall and I agree with Plain Jane! I hope Hillary Clinton will win too!
Hi Jeff Tobbin!

Is it just my tv, or does anyone else notice that the ticker isn't at the bottom of the screen?

"I’m torn: I want to thank everyone who’s welcoming me (thanks Megan! ) but I don’t want to tear up the momentum the blog has right now of pretty much following the appropriate topic."

Oh don't worry about that Glen. Post as you'd like.

The "low road" is definitely not worth the risk. Why can't we be professional and show integrity (and honesty about how we really feel)?

interesting that the mainstream media is making such a big deal out of Clinton winning by 10%. how many times has Obama won in the past primaries by 10%? what about the fact that Clinton was at one point up by 20% in PA?

Glen from Up north

It does matter to Canadians who wins this election. Canada had a great relationship with Bill Clinton, but just yesterday Bush had a meeting with Prime Minister Harper and the Mexican President. In his speech of introduction he never once mentioned Harper who stood right next to him, but six times he mentioned the Pres from Mexico.

Canadians are the major US trading partner. Heck over 60% of the jobs lost in Canada are moved to the states, including my husbands. It does matter who is the Pres of the USA.

The hatrad towards Bill and Hillary started from the Republicans that hate Bill Clinton For Kicking Bush, Sr. out of the White House after 1 term.

Mary H. Yes Clinton would be ahead if the dems did winner-take-all like the Reps.

Come on Anderson-Could you guys stop gushing over Sen. Obama?My question is what is wrong with a strong, smart, woman willing to compete for a job?

Also, it's the people in each state that keep her in the race for the White House–remember politicians are serve the will of the people.

The media needs to stop influencing democracy! The women of CNN should look to Sen. Clinton for inspiration since there is not one show on CNN that has a woman at the helm.

Megan....as a fellow Torontonian I disagree about Hillary. She is working against the best chance the dems have of winning in November....Its long past the time for her to step aside.

This has been a different race once Obama's mask started slipping off! WIll super delegates overlook the fact that Obama accumulated his lead prior to the Wright issue?

Paul Begala has got to be kidding! This is a nightmare for the Democratic Party; they will be lucky to merely suvive this election!

I am so glad that Jeffrey Toobin is on the blog. I have been reading your book "The Nine" it is a great read and gets me through my DC commute!

Good point! Where's my picture? Erica, help me out here . . . .

Anderson, instead of the constant numbers on Hillary voters not voting for Barack – and vice versa – why not just ask us why not?

I am a die hard Hillary supporter. I will vote for Barack if he is the nominee AFTER he convinces me he really knows what he is doing. I am not sure yet.

Why won't Barack fans votes for Hillary?

Henry, I live in Vigo County and Hillary, Bill and even Obama have been here once, but they spend more time in Indy and Evansville.

Denise, the delegate "game" is a candidate has to get 2024 delegates NOT the "most" delegates. There is no way either of these candidates is going to reach that number. That is why this campaign should continue. Those are the rules as set by the Democrat Party. It is some in the party who want to redefine the rules.

So those of us in NC cannot believe it is coming to our territory and we are thrilled. What a fantastic year to have two fabulous candidates. We look forward to it. However, being a business person, I must say that hiring a person with only two years of experience is just amazing to me when you compare to the experience of the Clintons especially in the economic area. Don't we remember the years of economic surplus!!!! Boy, do we need that expertise now.

To Jeffrey T. I see that some people have asked whether or not a super delegate can change their mind and switch even though they have already made their endorsement. The answer is 'YES'.

I started out this seaon energized, happy that I might have a real choice I could vote for without holding my nose. I'm to the point where I'm sick of it. If Hillary manages to pull off a steal of the nomination, I will be voting for the third party candidate since I can't stomach McCain either. I'm also fed up with the negative campaigning she initiates, the half-truths she propagates, and the attention to irrelevant issues. I'm sick of Republican crud, and unwilling to see the Clinton circus back running the country. God help America, we are a country in trouble.

Jeff, what about that $2 you can elect to put in the pool for elections via your tax return. How much does that raise? Has that gone up or down since yr. 2000?

Think about it. Hillary's negative campaign strategy in Pennsylvania should have been an insult. It assumed the voters are fearful racists. Is this how you appeal to older, white, working class people?

As I said before, Clinton is using creative math!

If the DNC and most people agree that the nominee will be chosen based on total number of delgates and that Super Delegates want over turn the voice/vote of the the american peolpe. Why doesn't the DNC and the Obama campaign either make Hillary Clinton the VP and or just go into GENERAL ELECTION MODE!!!!! REMEMBER THE WORD IS SHE CAN'T WIN... PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND....

Why would she quit??!! The people don't want her to quit–don't give up Hillary!!

Hi Jeffrey! Just finished The Nine. It was excellent! I really enjoyed your insight into such an important body of government.

I wish that 360 would do an segment on campaign finance rules as they stand today. It's so confusing to me!

You hooooooo Hillary your vote doesn't count down here.

Why does she keep saying that?

Don't say "fair and balanced"! The phrase is tainted. But thanks.

I do think the caucuses are awful - undemocratic, incomprehensible. But those were the rules,a nd both candidates signed up for them.

Anderson is stirring the pot– love it!

Anderson I think you guys are blowing "can't Obama win blue collar voters" out of proportion. He will win these voters when all is said and done. Why can't Hillary also close the deal?

I agree. Hillary can't claim a Michigan win. It was a beauty contest.

Stacy, you're right! I think the powers that be would give Jeff a pic

Jeffrey – our legal hero! How are you?

I don't think their expenditures should be limited. As we have seen with this election – it is also a way the American people can show whom they support. Maybe in the past it was not but look at what Barack has done online.

I think we should be "free" to give in that way. Barack is not a rich man so its not like he was loaning himself millions like Romney was.

The interesting thing is that the Democratic Party is so undemocratic with the superdelegates. It's as if they are saying 'sure, you can vote, but if we don't like the answer, we the Party will take control and overrule the people'.

Good Evening Everyone, I was just curious, What happens if neither Clinton and Obama make it to the total amount of Delegates that are needed. From my understanding they will go to a SuperDelegate Conference. My question is what happens at this conference, and How many superdelegates make that final desision.

Thank you
Sam

Anderson, exactly! How can Clinton say that with a straight face. She can't count those votes.

Sherry>I thought Clinton was GREAT, and I can't agree with you more. It's just this negative stuff. It's a real insult to the intelligence of the average voter.

Every time I hear Hillary talk about MI and FL, it makes me sick. I wish she wouldn't say that they were fair and should count, it makes her look desperate and pathetic.

For me, the arguement there it that the voters didn't change the dates of the primaries and they should have a chance to have their voices heard.

The penalty for ignoring that many voters will on result in votes for republicans or democrats in those states just staying home in protest.

Any blogger from CNN should have a pic!

Erica you are really great with getting the avartors up I am sure you can help Jeffrey

"If Sen. Clinton loaned her campaign $5 million, who pays her back?"

Bill Clinton will loan her 5 more million.

Let's stick with the rules people! Rules are not meant to be broken!

Jamal, voters DID vote for Clinton and Obama in Florida – just more chose CLinton. Voters DID vote for Clinton in Michigan and Dodd and Kucinich and Undecided knowing it was Obama – just more for CLinton.

Mike – from one SYR native to another I agree w/u!

Why does all this have to be sooooo complicated???

Would Obama being crying if the shoe was on the other foot if he was down right now would he still not want Mich or Flr. to count than and would he be dropping out...

Now that last picture was a bear hug for sure! wow scary

Neither candidate can close the deal because the voters won’t let them. If the voters wanted the deal to be closed they would have come out for Obama in big numbers in PA. He threw 12 million dollars at them and they still said, “no sale.”

Sara,
I always watch news on ticker my tv!!!!!

Jeffrey>Can we get a "permanent" page on the 360 web site that explains the Super Delegates? I can't believe the number of people I speak with that want me to explain how "that" works!

Okay, commercial...So when is Anderson & Erica hooking up ? They are awesome together.

I love James C. and Paul B. They have their own views of the world, and their energy level is great!

hello out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elaine, Obama spent $11 Million to cut that lead from 20% to 10%. He's not going to be able to do that in the general election.

Hey Erica and Jeff,

Question – How much of a factor was "Operation Chaos" in Pennsylvania? Is there any data that indicated how many Republican voters who switched to the Dems voted one way or another?

Hey Jeffrey , legal question: are there and actions an individual citizen can take either against the state of florida or the DNC for not counting a citizen's vote in the primaries?

Is Erica the only computer person? Job security - Erica!!!

Jeffrey and Erica: Yes! I mean, he's the senior legal analyst. What more does a guy have to do?

Has anyone checked for the amount of remorse that may exist among those who voted in early elections, prior to Wright controversy. Will super delegates take that into consideration?

Henry, I live in Vigo County and Hillary, Bill and even Obama have been here once, but they spend more time in Indy and Evansville

In a winner takes it all Hillary would be ahead and when the remaining states have voted the popular vote will shift and shift more to her.FL and MI have to be part of the democratic process and when all marbles fall in place the nomination is Hillarys.

@Michael KS: Wikipedia says a push poll is “a political campaign technique in which an individual or organization attempts to influence or alter the view of respondents under the guise of conducting a poll.”

In other words, say you get a call that asks if you’d be more or less likely to vote for Obama if you knew he was a radical Muslim. Of course he’s not a radical Muslim, but now the idea is in your head. Clever, huh? And very dirty.

Too funny that you are playing "Take Me Out" in the background as Hillary was talking......LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

Wow, what an emotional – energized debate tonight on this blog. Lots of opinions and no one seems to be in the middle.

LET EVERY VOTER HAVE THEIR SAY!

Keep it going Hillary girl!

Florida had a large turnout at their election because they have a vote for property tax cut on it.

Jeff- we need a pic, it's the only way we know you're for real. Speaking of which, you are a lawyer...how are you with real estate law?

Hillary is a strong candidate, determined and hanging in the tough fight for the nomination. America admires real grit like that, she's livin her politics and fighting for health care for all Americans. She'll be there standing after June 3rd. No doubt about it.

Hi Jeffrey Toobin – nice to see you here!

Andersen

Can you ask the Clintons is it fair to count votes in Michigan when votes in 4 causus were never reported. Some estimates are an additional 200K votes in caucus that would favor Obama are not in the popular vote totals, since these 4 states do not report popular votes totals.

Isn't this new metric just a way so that the Clinton who get her supporters to feel that they have been cheated when she eventually does loose?

good job! Stacy,
you are smart! Jeff is coming on picture right now.

Oh, the ticker is back now...It always draws my attention.

I keep asking why superdelegates are allowed to "endorse" a candidate prior to their own state's primary. Their input definantly has effects on the outcome of voting in those states.

Would seem superdelegates "voting" out of turn is equivalent to having a primary out of turn. Why are their "votes" counted when the FL and MI primaries aren't?

Whenever i see that McAuliffe on the television, I think he is the most convincing person in the world.

Hi Jon, Erica, Moderator and bloggers
great show tonite!!!
Go the distance Hillary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As someone who gets accused of being an obama supporter (for the record i dont support anyone) its interesting to hear obama supporters getting upset by the question "why cant he close the deal?" Yes, its an often asked question, but to pretend that he did "close the deal" yesterday does not seem factually correct. Yes, with a massive expenditure of money, he closed in on Hillary Clinton, but her victory last night was substantial and pretending it wasnt doesnt seem like a logical move to me.

Jeffrey: Sorry! Ha! Maybe I should have said that you are the one I believe because if you have a favorite candidate or an agenda I can never tell.

I hope the candidates remember that the general election is not a caucus.

How can Hillary call Obama elites when her only hope is to convince the super delegates the biggest elites group of all to overrule the vote of the people? Seems there is an elites in the race, but it’s her not him

As if Clinton wouldn't be spending that kind of money IF she had it!

"Good point on why Hillary can’t close the deal. She’s losing. No one expects her to settle the issue. The best she can hope for is to keep the nomination open as long as possible — waiting for lightning to strike."

Agreed!

I believe she's waiting for a critical Obama mistake or for something or someone to physically injure him.

I like Senator Clinton. I would vote for her for President. But this year Obama is the one. If Hillary continues this old politics of hate and scortched earth politics, she will not only hurt Obama;, but she will destroy any chance of ever getting elected herself to ANY national office again. She is getting close to become the Ralph Nader of 2008.

JACOB-

Read the statement at the very top!!!

Yes Jana, but when the commentators talk about our state, its primarily Marion Co., Lake Co. and Bloomington. Today I heard that the state would be decided by Marion and Lake Counties.

Money is their free speech right? Is that what jeffrey toobin said. It does seem we could have money held at bay during elections.

I find it curious that folks want to modify the democratic process regarding the delegates, just because Senator Clinton is behind. You cannot change the rules to get the outcome you want. Is it really worth winning if you win at any cost? These ideas are really not democratic. That's how dictators react.

Hillary Clinton does not need to spend a dime to get out my vote. All she has to do is put her name on the ballot. Guaranteed to get me out to vote for Obama.

Here is another Syracuse native agreeing with you Mike! I also want say that I agree "The Nine" is a great book Jeff T. and you must get your pic. up soon.

Exactly! Senior legal analyst. I am tough but fair with the junior legal analysts! Except, uh, there aren't any.

What happens if the FL and MI uncounted votes would make the difference with who wins? Obama keeps saying he's ahead in the popular vote. Not true when FL and MI are counted.

Anderson - we finally agree on something concerning politics!!

Can we please not call each other "stupid?" I mean that in all sincerity. Everyne should feel comfortable commenting, regardless of the opinion.

I think that the President of the US definitely matters to us in Canada, for the reasons that Lesli pointed out. It matters to the whole world really. Look at what having Bush in the white house has done to the stability of the world.

On the other hand, I will miss Bush. What will happen to all of my favourite latenight segments on Letterman and Leno....it saddens me to think that we won't get to laugh at him anymore....

Jeff- so great to see you blogging.

I will take this opportunity thank you for your wonderful book "The Nine". I work in the legal profession too and I have to say that your book was insightful, fascinting and truly taught me much.

Please write more!

Honestly, does anyone feel sorry for the Clintons being financially strapped? $109 million in family income is not poverty so if she wants this thing so bad what's wrong with her funding her entire campaign?

Love the webcam! Wish I could read lips! :}

How about John King picture on blog?

I think asking why Obama can't close the deal is an important question to ask. I think it will be more important come Indiana and North Carolina if he can not get it done then......Hillary was expected to win Pennslyvania by double digits so last night was not a big surprise to anyone.

Anderson you are actually the only one on CNN that does not show favor to any candidate. It is refreshing.

Correction to comment
I meant to say he did not serve a full term (not "year").

Obama is not the peoples choice. The people are seeing him finally for who he is, and not liking what they see. He has been such a dark secret. The need to know more about him, before They try putting him in as a nominee let alone president. I hope Anderson and other news people can help get the American citizens the answers they need.

Hillary has been campaigning in Pennsylvania for 16 years. Obama for 6 weeks. The $12 million was worth it. In my opinion Hillary did not do well last night. She can't get over 60% in any state.

Of all the states that Obama lost he had only 5 states that were below 40% of the vote and the number of states that Hillary lost 22 below 40%.

And you say he can't close...

Why all of the double standards?

Why the fuzzy math?

Why the Black VS White?

Can America REALLY Change when it comes to race?

Casey, I agree. This is the only forum I've found where I get to share an "intelligent" exchange of ideas with others on the issues that affect our world. I am very thankful it's not like the Political Ticker blogs. LOL

@ Christine, BO did not put up his name neither did John Edwards and this is after DNC decided to penalize them. They have a video of HRC talking about if they can't obey the rules then they suffer the consequences( not verbatim). To her credit, she was smart because she new those votes would come out handy for her later.

Why doesn't anyone call Senator Obama on his continued declaration that he did not campaign in Florida? Aren't television commercials considered campaigning? He did run commercials during the superbowl that ran nation wide – including in Florida. So honesty is not just an issue for Senator Clinton.

Anderson you look like you are troubled. Hope everything is OK with you!

Her victory last night was not that substantial. If it was, she would have picked up more than what – 13 pledged delegates?

She needed to pick up way more than that. That's like kicking a field goal, down by three touchdowns in the 4th quarter.

I think Hillary held her own yesterday. Obama may win next time. FIghting each other does not unite anyone. Republicans or Democrats were all Americans.

Anderson: I don't blame you if you're having difficulty catching up with this here. I'M focusing on this more than the show, and am having difficulty myself! Any way we can change our font color to green when we're talking directly to you, to save time? (laughs)

So Anderson, if you say you don't support anyone, does this mean financially or does this mean you did not or are not going to vote for a candidate?

Thank you Anderson for saying that. I have to admit, I too felt that you and probably most of the CNN family were "in the tank" for Obama because I definately did feel there was a bias. You have restored my faith in you by saying that. Thank you again!

Jo Ann Ohio

The race is closed because Obama won a long time ago
Hillary is just chasing the wind because she is not emotionally ready to realize she lost.

@Jeffrey: You have to get an avatar so that we can easily find your comments.

In the big races such as this, hasn't historically been a correlation between money raised and sucess at the polls?

To Michelle in Atlanta – I agree with you wholeheartedly. Clinton only knows the low road..... it's the only road she has left.

I think people see coverage as biased based on who they support. It's natural to think there is too much negativity about the candidate you support.

If you don't see enough positive or negative press about your choice just wait a week, until they misspeak again. Things run in cycles...one week the media slams Obama and then the next Clinton. IT's all based on whatever current controversy there is.

Anderson, as an Obama supporter I agree with you. Clinton did have a big win last night, smaller than originally expected, but big none the less. I certainly wouldn't suggest that he has "closed the deal" yet. It's way to close at this point to say anyone has closed anything. I think asking that question is a good thing, you need to look at any weak points in order to fight back at those.

Andrea, no matter who wins in Nov, you can bet the late-night jokes will continue...no President is safe from those guys!

Jeffrey: Sorry! Ha! Maybe I should have said that you are the one I believe because if you have a favorite candidate or an agenda I can never tell.

I hope the candidates remember that the general election is not a caucus.

I watch this show every night. This is the first time I've added my comments. This is great!
i love the analysis!

Joanne

@ Andrea from Canada

Im gong to miss Bush as well...

for all of his hilarious attempts @ dancing...

Oh Andrea from Canada>There will be a whole new world of late night commedy coming. The difference will be we will be laughing WITH our President not AT our President (in embarrassment).

Anderson, whats that thing that your spinning on your desk. Is it a touchscreen?

Again, Anderson, Hillary's 10 point victory was a bigger reflection of the ability of the governor's political machine to get out their core vote than her actual popularity. What is troubling though is the number of those tranditional Democratic voters who say they would not vote for Obama as I fear that is a racial issue.

I am very frustrated that Obama does not strike back against Clinton. She is only winning because she uses her usual scare tactics on people. Also, today Obama is taking hits from Clinton and McCain. I really belive they are frightened he will be President. I am a 63 year old white woman and will vote for Obama if he is nominated. I was a Republican up until this election. Clinton is as usual playing dirty politics. She is a dirty businesswoman, a bully and quite honestly I am ashamed at being called a woman when she behaves so appaulingly.

Hey Anderson- I have heard you say you don't support anyone in particular before..do you mean you don't do so publicly (which is fine)? I hope you vote when you have the opportunity in which case you must be supporting someone-right?

Let's not kid ourselvs, the media has been covering the 10 point lead victory that Hilliary would have for the last four weeks. Suddenly everyone acts surprised that Hillary won PA. I am not surprised, you guys have been telling the public she would win PA by a two digit margin since she defeated Obama in Ohio.

The money spent on these campaigns is mind blowing. It's obvious the country is ready for change with the record number of dem voters coming out compared to repub...I love the spirit of competition, but I just hope the campaign fighting doesn't later hurt the chance for a democratic win, whoever it is.

Obama has refused another debate next week – he refused to speak to the travelling press for the last 10 days (ended that today). He likes giving speeches to his supporters who cheer him on and don't ask him tough questions. This is not the strength we need in a president. Hillary did an interview on Monday night on another network with a host who has been bashing her for months. She doesn't run from a fight or a tough spot. Which one do we want standing up for the USA?

nice try Anderson-your predilictions for President are very evident! I HOPE you support one of the candidates for President-just don't make it apparant on your program!

Jeffrey, I am interested in Rene's question. I also live in Miami and wouldl like to know if as an individual something can be done about the DNC.

I have such respect and admiration for Hillary – she is such a fighter, doesn't give up (which she shouldn't) and she has ALL my support!

I find it shocking how many people say race matters.

Anderson, you can tell me who you support secretly, I won't tell anyone! Only kidding!

Thanks to the international community for chiming in. It is good to hear what you think of us Americans, our leaders, and our politics.

Anderson,
I agree with Jolene too......

I thought it was decided for the beginning at FL and Michigan would not be counted because they broke some rule or something?

Hey Glen up North-

That's a good idea...color coding along with the pics...

Is that asking too much?

What happened to the votes of almost half the registered democrats? Between them Sens Clinton & Obama raked in about 2.2 million votes, yet we were told that there were approximately 4 million registered democrats.

Bryce K. Dixon: I am an African American and an Obama supporter. But .....should Hillary somehow win the nomination I could not in good conscience vote for her. It is not because I am hog tied to Barack, it is just that I do not like nor appreciate her type of politics. I had a tremendous amount of respect for Hillary and Bill before this whole thing started. I have since thrown their books in the garbage!

They are dirty and underhanded.

I voted for Bush1 (1st time I could vote) because Dukakis was just a nut! So I am not bound by party nor candidate.

Don't worry about race. God is the one who puts up and takes down. God will move upon the hearts of all racists and cause them to see Obama as equal to them. Don't count out the power of God. People want truth and Obama represents that.

Hey on race what about 95% of African-Americans voting for Obama is that not also race voteing?

Jolene>DOn't be silly. Anderson is voting for Ralph Nader (of course)!

Hey Anderson,
Did you notice in Barack's speech last night he quoted you saying "planet in peril"!

I noticed it right away!
Hi Erica!

i dont think the problem is racism, i think the problem is his assocations. I never knew how radical some dems were.

Why do people say Obama can't beat McCain? Clinton and Obama share many ideas. It's like people get stuck on a single issue or the color of the candidate's eyes or something. It's the issues we should be concerned about. If Hillary can beat McCain then Obama should as well. Like Hillary said, "Yes, yes, yes he can." The Democrats should keep in mind that one of these candidates will probably be back in four or eight years. There are situations where swing voters should vote Republican, but this year isn't one of them regardless of who's the Democratic nominee.

I wonder if any of the $10 million was another Clinton loan to get to a WOW number of $10 million. Dig deeper, AC 360.

Oh yeah, I'm waiting for the VP discussion!

Hey Anderson...I've grown up watching CNN and seeing it as the actual "fair and balanced" news channel, but lately, besides you, Candy Crowlee, and a couple others, I feel that may not be the case any more...so that is why I'm posing the question to you...I'm a democrat that likes both candidates very much, and my concern is uniting the party...so why has nobody pointed out the fact that during Obama's speech Tues night, there was basically an Abercrombie and Fitch ad displayed behind him thanks to three, what I would assume are three models...everybody has said for him to bring the party together he needs to connect with blue collar America...in my opinion, this doesn't seem to be the way to do it.

Anyone wonder how Obama is going to react when they burn him in effigy in Iran or someplace else that hates us if he can't take a hard question in a debate? I'm not a Hillary fan, but I don't want a woosie as President.

Yeah, its true: I'm a young voter, so are my friends, and we all love Barack. He's got the smell of hope about him, and despite the well-reasoned arguments for Hillary, that gem of change glitters more brightly and is therefore more appealing. Sounds shallow, and it is, but considering how similar he and Hillary are, that's what it comes down to for us.

Anderson, as an Obama supporter I do not have any problem with the question. But I don't believe it is the right question to be asking. I get more upset when the comments are made re: how Clinton can win because she beat Obama in PA or OH or Tx...or any of the other big states. The PRIMARY election is NOT the GENERAL election. Just because Clinton beats Obama in those states does NOT mean she can beat McCain. Obama is the guy who is raising more money and energizing more people. I would think that is what the Dems are looking at when they think November.

The younger generation (I can't believe I'm saying that!) doesn't seem to have the same issues when it comes to race. Granted there are people of the older generation who don't have an issue with it! (Me for example!) At the end of the day Barack is an American man though isn't he?

If Anderson said who he is voting for, it would have the same effect as when Oprah announces her next "book of the month."

Megan Dresslar

When you bought the Planet in Peril DVD??

Is there going to be a legal problem at the convention with Michigan & Florida?

Anderson – on RealClearPolitics Hillary is leading in Indiana.

I think at this point I'd like to hear what VP each would be interested in. Will Hillary say Obama, and Obama say Hillary? It would be telling to see if they had others in mind and who they might be.

Sandra in Fairmont, WV: I heard about the TV ads that Obama ran in FL. I have been waiting for someone to bring that up.

i enjoy the music coming back from break. way to appeal to the young crowd

@TRACY: thank you. You've cleared up something that has been bothering me concerning his popularity.

Pennsylvania does not represent the demographics of the United states. Obama would have done the same in Pennsylvania on February 5. Nothing has changed. In fact he has shown that with all the blows of the past 6 weeks, he can still pull out 45% of the vote in Hillary land, like he did in Ohio. There's been no change.

Someone asked about the importance of Marion and Lake Counties in IN - they get a lot of attention b/c they account for such a significant amount of the vote for the entire state....

Anderson,

Hi! Your election coverage is excellent, as usual. The primary result last night was what I expected–I think the race will remain competitive until the end. Your web cam was great during the long speeches.

Hillary won big last night good for her we love her but, she cant close the deal either. At the end of the day Obama is going to win the delegate math and the popular vote. Let's see what she cooks up as her argument to win the nomination then.

I am so angry that Bill Clinton gets to tour around, his trips paid for by us taxpayers, campaigning for his wife! An unfair advantage to the Clinton campaign. I am also mad that all 3 delegates are Senators, being paid by us, and they are not at work but out campaigning

Way to go Hillary! Anybody who can withstand the bashing she takes everday deserves to be President. You would think that Hillary supporters don't even exist by some of the comments. Gloria, you are talking about race being a factor but did I hear that 92% of African Americans voted for Obama. Is race a factor here?

I also have respect for Hillary but just don't feel that I can trust her to do the things she say she will.

"She doesn't want to sit around in the Senate...." and do what? Bake cookies?

New beat music? Interesting. Good sounding transition.

Kait in PA>I believe race matters because THE MEDIA has made it that way, including CNN. To say it nicely, I'm highly annoyed about this.

With most colleges beginning summer break around the 3rd week of May. How do you think that will affect the primaries that follow? Without all the students in one local, will the impetus for them still exist?

I like John King standing at his "political weather map"... very "Minority Report"

Jolene,
Me either, I am waiting for Vice president to discuss.

As a NY Giants fan, I see the value of playing all 4 quarters, whether you're down or not!

Obama can't close the deal, because he doesn't want it enough. He's the NE Patriots of the Democratic Party.

I'd love to see Obama and Clinton join up, but it seems like there's too much bad blood between them. It's a better prospect than their supporters going over to McCain or not voting at all.

You'll all be happy to know, Jeffrey Toobin's pic is in the works

Att: Jeffrey Toobin,
I have got a question for you. In the past I have on occasion seen you on Ac360 talking about celebrities from a legal point of view like I the Paris Hilton prision drama.
I was curious if you enjoy doing that sort of thing or is it a job responsibility with cnn? I kind of assumed that you would find that annoying.
Thanks, Jacqui Chan

The Caucus has been phased out because it is undemocratic but used in some states still – note a caucus in a large state won't work either. Look at Texas it was a MESS.

Hillary won the Texas primary "popular vote" by 4% points but because the RULES forced Texas to vote TWICE, she lost that crazy caucus and therefore Obama won 25 more delegates than he should have. Move those 25 delegates from Obama to Hillary and Hillary would be only 60 delegates away from Obama.

Hillary can be VP as long as she does not arrange to hurt him while he's President. Ambitious Vice Presidents are dangerous.

I hope Jeff Toobin blogs nightly more often! He's a great voice to have here. Loved "The Nine," Jeff, and got brownie-points when one of my political science professors saw me reading it before class. *Very* helpful, that!

i say make hillary a supreme court judge, is that a possibility?

He played by the rules, and forcing him to take her was not one of the rules.

LOL! Well, I tried putting in my 2 cents regarding the implications of who's the next president to a Canadian like me... and it turns out it's the only comment that awaits moderation (but isn't the most recent post I've made)... Guess I just don't have my Political Science homework done up to date! (laughs)

Lesli, I DO appreciate what you wrote. And Mary, seems like I'm here until midnight my time after all... again.

Would a union between Obama and Hillary really unite the party or has too much damage already been done?

As a democrat and Hillary supporter, I am confused as to why some cable programs are keeping Hillary possibilities out there alive and some like your rival- not mentioning the cable channel that Countdown is on and surely Obama supporter are or have written her off. She basically has lost- delegates, states won, pop vote etc.
Why then aren't the sup-delegates ending this then? Why isn't the media asking the question? They could come out now, one by one and back whoever they feel would do better and let the chips fall as they may,and end the back room perception. If they really thought the campaigning was hurting the party, never mind the rest of the states. Anderson, I guess I am naive and don't understand unless some of them feel the electoral votes to win is what really matters.

Ok, I've seen it all, Barack's waffle....thanks for the laugh!

Kids, never mess with an animal bigger than you are.

Tracy – the notion of change isn't shallow – it's what this country needs desperately. Great to hear you and your friends are involved voting.

Hi Megan
Where did you buy the Plant in Peril DVD and when was it released?

Interesting discussion on HRC being VP. If I were Obama I'd get a food taster.

Nice Erica-now work some magic and get us some...that would be a feat.

Henry, thanks I hadn’t heard that about those counties.

Good night Anderson and all

Cindy, Clinton fans exist. I get on here a lot and comment. At least, we don't get zapped off – like on Cafferty's blog,

Yea for Jeffrey!

You know, we love you Anderson, but I don't think many of us would want a half eaten waffle from you (or Obama).

obama will loose....the democrats will loose.... look at the electoral map by county...oh by the way howard dean will be unemployeed. i would like to apply for his job. barry

Waffling...lol.

Erica, I love your top! It's very springy! And come to mention it, those ties that the guys are wearing are quite cheerful, as well.

Anderson... I don't think he closed the deal but I don't think it was a substantial victory for her, either.

Clinton is not the underdog. She's an attack dog. Obama closed the gap considerably even with all the attack ads. That was why he had to spend so much money and spend time answering questions that don't pertain to his political position. He didn't throw the sink back at her either.

She most certianly did win the state. If she'd have won by 20 points, that would have been substantial. 10 points was predictable. In my opinion, of course.

ok the thing with obama'a half eaten breakfast is just crazy what is crazier is what it probablly sold for........now that is redneck at its best if i may say.....

Uh oh, Anderson... guess you better make sure to clean your plate! Someone may grab your leftover chicken sandwich and put that on Ebay!

A waffle? Well, Obama didn't do any waffling on his decision to not finish his breakfast. Did He.

Well, it was really intense tonight, lots of good information though. Tomorrow, can't wait til 10.

Animals are animals especially wild animals – they should NOT be trained for the circus, for movies, or any other ridiculous acts. People wonder why they turn on their trainers, maybe the trainers should put themselves in the animals shoes! I'm sure if they could talk, they would NOT want to be there...

Anderson, Do you think the end of the college school year will have an effect on the contests that follow? Seems the student "caucuses" will end.

@ Liseette: It is all academic anyway. After the way these two have destroyed each other and have alienated the Democratic voters against each other it will be an easy win for John McCain in November.

I love beat 360!
Polar baby bear is so cute.
I have go out of town for 2 days.
I hope you have good night! Jeff, Anderson, Erica, and Bloggers.
Have a nice weekend.
See you on Monday!

Erica! You made me laugh out loud tonight!!! Thank you!

How much would people pay for a half eaten waffle by Anderson? Inquiring minds want to know.

Man! I'm sure glad I don't live in Pennsylvania. Based on the democratic primary yesterday is is very clear that much of the state is racist... I wish the old people of that state would have voted for the candidate of the future, Barack Obama rather than the candidate of the past.

OMG – this waffle thing is ridiculous!

Good night Anderson and Jeff! It was fun tonight!

Who are these people who are saying Hillary and Obama are tearing the democratic party apart? Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are NOT tearing the democratic party apart. This race is unprecedented! It's exciting! At my county's democratic convention, the atmosphere was electric. Obama's supporters were chanting and holding up signs. When they fell silent, Hillary's supporters did the same. We had almost three times as many delegates at our convention than ever before. I spoke to strangers who shared my political views, and also spoke to several who switched from republican to democrat for the first time in their lives because of Hillary and Barack's race. Democrats are loving this! Who knew presidential elections could be so exciting! Anderson, keep up the good work covering this election! (I don't have cable anymore, but listen to your show every night on CNN.com!)

bryce k dixon,

You are 100% correct on the race issue but I am white and even I have to take into account why most blacks are voting for Obama. If the country has a particular type of president every term and the candidates who are running represent that same type of president except for one; wouldn't you vote for change if is was leading in the right direction? He can't do any worse. By the way nobody voted for Jackson black or white.

Glad to help, Kayli! Thanks. Off to bid on Barack's waffle!

Glen up North – if you wern't tired, trying to scroll through the blog and read the postings and keep up will do it. I'm beat... Only 6 more minutes. I hope I make it..

Ok, now I am hungry.. Waffles.

Did someone blog about Erica and AC "hooking up".. Ok, my life is boring have not heard that term in awhile...

I agree with you Chuck. I think if you are going to run for office of the President then you decide to quit your job as Senator or Rep or Governor. Just my 2 cents.

@ CNN Shot Person: I thought for sure you would have the FL photo of the woman who had a gator in her kitchen a few days ago.

The negative television ads In PA.
Newscasters have commented that Hillary ran negative ads, but her ads were only counterattacks to Obama's negative ads. Obama ran TV ads that diminished Hillary, Then, I would hope that a Hillary would run an ad defending herself and one appeared. .
We were always barraged with Obama ads. He spent $400,000 ads every day. His ads came on the television every fifteen minutes. During the last two weeks, his ads showed him verbally attacking John McKean, as though he had already won the Democratic nomination and had moved on to the general election.
Maybe he couldn't "close the deal" in Pennsylvania not because he's an "elitist," but because people recognized an ego.

Great show tonight Anderson and Erica.

Great conversation on the blog tonight and thanks for joining in tonight Jeffrey. Hope you had as much fun as we do. (Glad to hear your pic is on the way)

Talk to you all tomorrow night!

Congrats, Jacqueline!

Well, good night everyone! This has definitely been a fun night for all involved with AC360!

I love the video of the trampoline bear. Also, I liked the staff caption better than the viewer's caption

Another great show Anderson and Erica! Ciao!

Wow, Anderson, you are on a roll...very witty at the end of your show!

Gotta love politics! Nite bloggers!

Night All..Happy Wednesday eve..I need an election rest..Night

Half-eaten waffle, EJ? Egad! Am I ever out of the loop here. What's been going on at eBay? I'd rather bid on an evening of conversation with AC than a half-eaten waffle. Holy Hotcakes! (and I'm talking about the food)

Anderson, have you ever read the blogs on Obama's website? They are so nasty and say a lot of terrible things about Hillary Clinton. They even talk badly about older people because they vote for Hillary, especially older women. I wonder if he knows how nasty his supporters are even though he tries to have a positive campaign. Please check out the blogs on his website and see for yourself.

This is some very dramatic narration.

Good night, Anderson, Erica, and all!

Anderson,

I came to this country 11 years ago. One thing I still could not figure out is that in America, it is not a race issue when 90% of Africa Americans voted for Barack Obama but it is a race issue when 60% of white voted for Hillary Clinton. Why?