# Handicap next Tuesday's "Potomac Primary" (VA, DC, MD) **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 7, 2008, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725 "2008-02-07T21:08:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2008, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/41 "2008-02-11T23:05:26Z")
Survey USA’s latest is that Obama’s up 60-38 in VA, 55-32 in MD. Sweep city. ---
**Author:** ![Whiteknight](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whiteknight/32/4962_2.png) [@Whiteknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whiteknight)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/42 "2008-02-12T13:29:31Z")
I had the pleasure of attending Obama’s rally in Baltimore yesterday and I even got to shake hands with him both as he entered and as he left the arena. There was certainly no doubt about which way those 13,000 votes were going. I really can’t even fully describe the moment when he came out, but the image of it is going to be burned into my memory forever. The U2 music comes up, he walks out, waves, people go absolutely nuts, and he walks right up and shakes my hand (along with many others). Not to mention the speech… It’s something I’ll tell my grandkids about. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/43 "2008-02-12T13:40:46Z")
[QUOTE=Whiteknight] I had the pleasure of attending Obama’s rally in Baltimore yesterday and I even got to shake hands with him both as he entered and as he left the arena. There was certainly no doubt about which way those 13,000 votes were going. I really can’t even fully describe the moment when he came out, but the image of it is going to be burned into my memory forever. The U2 music comes up, he walks out, waves, people go absolutely nuts, and he walks right up and shakes my hand (along with many others). Not to mention the speech… It’s something I’ll tell my grandkids about. [/QUOTE] I have goosebumps! Same reaction in Hartford a couple weeks ago. Isn’t it absolutely amazing to see him in person? Sometime I don’t even think _ **he** _ can believe the crowds and fanfair. I think this reaction by every crowd he gets in front of is indicative of a country who has been ready for a president like him, and who are ready for the kind of change he is going to bring to the US Gov’t. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/44 "2008-02-12T17:50:12Z")
[QUOTE=Whiteknight] I had the pleasure of attending Obama’s rally in Baltimore yesterday and I even got to shake hands with him both as he entered and as he left the arena. There was certainly no doubt about which way those 13,000 votes were going. I really can’t even fully describe the moment when he came out, but the image of it is going to be burned into my memory forever. The U2 music comes up, he walks out, waves, people go absolutely nuts, and he walks right up and shakes my hand (along with many others). Not to mention the speech… It’s something I’ll tell my grandkids about. [/QUOTE] [Wow. Sounds awesome](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLVN3Trs5VQ). (hoping he makes his way back to SF soon…) ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/45 "2008-02-12T18:23:35Z")
Personally, on Saturday I thought Hillary had the edge in Maine and Virginia would be pretty even. Maine was a caucus, though, and that does seem to favor Obama. Now, with some momentum on his side, I think there’s a good chance of an Obama sweep today too. Anyone know where the next primaries are after this? ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/46 "2008-02-12T18:29:51Z")
Wisconsin and Hawaii. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/47 "2008-02-12T18:44:22Z")
[QUOTE=Whiteknight] The **U2** music comes up [/QUOTE] That’s it, I’m not voting for him :eek: :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/48 "2008-02-12T18:46:09Z")
Unless there’s a surprise in Virginia, Wisconsin represents Clinton’s only chance for a Feb win (outside of Super Tuesday). Hawaii is Obama’s birth state and expected to go easily to him. ---
**Author:** ![MilTan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@MilTan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MilTan)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/49 "2008-02-12T18:55:26Z")
[QUOTE=Jophiel] Unless there’s a surprise in Virginia, Wisconsin represents Clinton’s only chance for a Feb win (outside of Super Tuesday). Hawaii is Obama’s birth state and expected to go easily to him. [/QUOTE] [Wisconsin isn’t looking so hot for Clinton anymore…](http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/02/obama_mccain_le.html) ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/50 "2008-02-12T19:38:07Z")
Latest: > [@](#): > > [http://www.politicalvoiceblogs.com/2008/02/12/congresswoman-eleanor-holmes-endorsed-barack-obama-for-president/](http://www.politicalvoiceblogs.com/2008/02/12/congresswoman-eleanor-holmes-endorsed-barack-obama-for-president/) > > Chicago, IL – Today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton endorsed Barack Obama for president. > > Below is Congresswoman Norton’s statement: > > “I met with my good friend, Senator Barack Obama today, to say that I would be happy to endorse him. I believe that Barack will be an exceptional president and that he is the president that our country, our party and this city needs at this turning point in our history. I had expected to announce my endorsement much closer to the general election, as I always have done in the past. However this year’s primary has raised new issues. As a super delegate, I decided I had to speak up now to separate myself from the idea that is afoot for the first time that super delegates, especially those who have not announced their choice, could or should decide our nominee under some circumstances. The notion that a candidate who has not earned delegates could become the Democratic nominee for president is at odds with the democratic principles of our party reforms. Super delegates were never intended to allow the return of smoked-filled room, behind the scenes selection of our candidate. I have carried a banner for a democracy of the District of Columbia too long to depart from principles of democracy within my own party. > > \ ---
**Author:** ![tds1273](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/df705f/32.png) [@tds1273](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tds1273)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/51 "2008-02-12T19:48:36Z")
It should also be pointed out that while Clinton is campaigning in Texas, Obama was in the Senate today voting ‘Yes’ to strip the telecoms of their immunity. Unfortunately the amendment didn’t pass, but this will only help him and hurts Hillary in the voting record debate. I guess, Mccain, who voted ‘No’ could try and argue with Obama on this as a National Security measure, but I don’t think that allowing the phone companies to break the law against the American public and get away with it will fly too far. The msm has been quiet about this whole thing for forever and a day now and I doubt they will want to bring it up later either. ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/52 "2008-02-12T20:13:40Z")
As it increasingly looks like Obama is cruising in February, the “word” is that Clinton’s only hope to stop the bleeding is in Ohio and Texas. But I cannot find any recent polling in either of those states. Conventional wisdom appears to have Clinton with an edge in Ohio due to it’s heavy “working class” voting block, and an edge in Texas due to Hispanics. I’d love to know how true that still is. On [www.electoral-vote.com](http://www.electoral-vote.com/) , the latest poll from Texas is Jan 31, an age ago in this election. And the latest from Ohio is from early December! That may as well be last century. FTR, they have it at from those dates at: Texas - Clinton 48%, Obama 38% Ohio - Clinton 45%, Obama 19% Why the hell are there no more recent polls? (Or, if there are some, someone please post them!) ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/53 "2008-02-12T20:27:08Z")
[QUOTE=ShadowFacts] As it increasingly looks like Obama is cruising in February, the “word” is that Clinton’s only hope to stop the bleeding is in Ohio and Texas. But I cannot find any recent polling in either of those states. Conventional wisdom appears to have Clinton with an edge in Ohio due to it’s heavy “working class” voting block, and an edge in Texas due to Hispanics. I’d love to know how true that still is. On [www.electoral-vote.com](http://www.electoral-vote.com/) , the latest poll from Texas is Jan 31, an age ago in this election. And the latest from Ohio is from early December! That may as well be last century. FTR, they have it at from those dates at: Texas - Clinton 48%, Obama 38% Ohio - Clinton 45%, Obama 19% Why the hell are there no more recent polls? (Or, if there are some, someone please post them!) [/QUOTE] I like your Username BTW **ShadowFacts** - Are you a Tolkien fan or just like horses? Anyway, if you’d like to see how Obama is doing in Texas Check [this](http://blog.texansforobama.com/) out. Incredibly organized and well funded, his network is a machine. WOW. As for Ohio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Akron major news papers are endorsing Ohio…no stats to show though, I’ll keep digging. ---
**Author:** ![stolichnaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bcef8e/32.png) [@stolichnaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stolichnaya)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/54 "2008-02-12T20:48:35Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Akron major news papers are endorsing Ohio… [/QUOTE] I wouldn’t get too excited about that, they have an obvious pro-Ohio bias. ---
**Author:** ![LilShieste](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9f8e36/32.png) [@LilShieste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilShieste)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/55 "2008-02-12T20:57:18Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] As for Ohio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Akron major news papers are endorsing Ohio… [/quote] Ohioans for Ohio! 😉 [Here’s a poll that was posted online on 2/4/08](http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/02/04/daily3.html), but I can’t figure out the dates on which it was actually conducted. Clinton: 44% Obama: 28% Edwards (?): 17% ---
**Author:** ![MilTan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@MilTan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MilTan)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/56 "2008-02-12T21:00:18Z")
[Here’s a SUSA poll released today](http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportPopup.aspx?g=d557457d-00cb-4628-9549-16029e76b808&q=45558). It shows Clinton over Obama 56-39. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/57 "2008-02-12T21:01:13Z")
[QUOTE=LilShieste] Ohioans for Ohio! 😉 [/QUOTE] Aw, who cares what **they** think? “O-H!” “I-O!” “O-H!” “I-O!” etc. They **live** in that state and the dumbasses don’t even know when to stop **spelling** it! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/58 "2008-02-12T21:16:53Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] I like your Username BTW **ShadowFacts** - Are you a Tolkien fan or just like horses? [/QUOTE] Oh, just a Tolkien fan who likes a little wordplay. Thanks for the compliment! 🙂 [QUOTE=Phlosphr] Anyway, if you’d like to see how Obama is doing in Texas Check [this](http://blog.texansforobama.com/) out. Incredibly organized and well funded, his network is a machine. WOW. [/QUOTE] Don’t take this the wrong way, but that site didn’t do much for me. Too busy and disorganized for me to glean much. I must be getting old! 🆒 [QUOTE=Phlosphr] As for Ohio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Akron major news papers are endorsing Ohio…no stats to show though, I’ll keep digging. [/QUOTE] Thanks, I appreciate your effort. I had heard (probably from **Shayna**!) that the Cleveland Plain Dealer had endorsed him, so that’s good news. ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/59 "2008-02-12T21:29:52Z")
[QUOTE=MilTan] [Here’s a SUSA poll released today](http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportPopup.aspx?g=d557457d-00cb-4628-9549-16029e76b808&q=45558). It shows Clinton over Obama 56-39. [/QUOTE] That’s going to be a substantial lead to overcome. Not that he cant do it, but I had been hoping that it would be within 10 at this point. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2008, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725/60 "2008-02-12T21:53:30Z")
[QUOTE=ShadowFacts] That’s going to be a substantial lead to overcome. Not that he cant do it, but I had been hoping that it would be within 10 at this point. [/QUOTE] Oh he’s looking at a clean sweep most likely today, I’d think he’s got quite a timeline to campaign in Ohio, and if Clinton is going to do what some of us think she is [continue the downards spiral] it may not matter the spread in TX and OH - Obama will already be the clear leader. Obama is going to make a great showing in both states, and two more wins for Clinton (unless they are complete blowouts] won’t mean too much. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-next-tuesdays-potomac-primary-va-dc-md/436725.md?page=4)