# Handicap the Democrats next 11 days **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 25, 2008, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987 "2008-01-25T18:08:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/181 "2008-02-01T18:21:13Z")
[QUOTE=Shayna] California State Senator Leland Yee [just endorsed Barack Obama](http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/ci_8138194) [/QUOTE] It just keeps gett’in better on both coasts! Read my post a few up thread about the Yale students… ---
**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 1, 2008, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/182 "2008-02-01T18:25:53Z")
Very cool, **Phlosphr**. Did you see mine just above that about the California Service Employees union? I’ll say again, I know it goes against all the polls and pundits, but I’m anticipating a _trouncing_ on Tuesday. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/183 "2008-02-01T18:28:13Z")
[QUOTE=Shayna] Very cool, **Phlosphr**. Did you see mine just above that about the California Service Employees union? I’ll say again, I know it goes against all the polls and pundits, but I’m anticipating a _trouncing_ on Tuesday. [/QUOTE] Yeah I saw that! And honestly, you don’t have to go against any polls or pundits, tides are changing even for them to some degree. Clearly, this country wants change. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/184 "2008-02-01T18:29:00Z")
[QUOTE=Richard Parker] Of course. But how he is perceived as a general election candidate affects him now. [/QUOTE] The concerns about Obama’s electability aren’t based on stuff like this, they’re based mostly on his skin color. The number of Democratic voters who might give him a second look, or volunteer or work for him because of this (a small number) is probably larger than the small number of people who will think “this hurts his electability.” ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/185 "2008-02-01T18:33:38Z")
The last quarter of 2007 fundraising numbers came out today. Through December 31, Clinton raised $118 million and had $38 million cash on hand, and Obama raised $80 million and had $36 million cash on hand. Obama seems to have had a great January fundraising success, and Clinton’s numbers should be out for the same period in the next few days. Even though they are more or less tied on New Years Day in terms of cash, I think this is a pretty strong showing for Obama. Both candidates are blowing through money right now, and although I still have to say Hillary probably retains the safest bet, I’m starting to wonder if my earlier predictions of everything being settled within the next three weeks may be a little too quick on the draw. But no way, no how are the Dems not going to have their candidate not selected before the middle of March. Tuesday’s coming up very quickly… ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/186 "2008-02-01T18:44:57Z")
[QUOTE=Ravenman] But no way, no how are the Dems not going to have their candidate not selected before the middle of March. [/QUOTE] I **hope** you’re right but I fear we might see seven more months of this followed by the first “brokered convention” in many cycles (when was the last one?). ---
**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 1, 2008, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/187 "2008-02-01T19:44:13Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] The interesting thing is I come from the eastern side of the state, though not as wealthy as the Greenwich area, we’re definitely a close second - both of our reps in the eastern portion are supporting Obama - this is big in terms of looking at this whole campaign from only 4 months ago. [/QUOTE] You might be pleased to know that [Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro is set to endorse Obama tomorrow](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/01/delauro-to-endorse-obama-_n_84452.html). > [@](#): > > Rep Rosa DeLauro, a veteran high-ranking Democrat from Connecticut, is set to endorse Sen. Barack Obama on Saturday, the Huffington Post has learned. > > DeLauro will be the third House member from Connecticut in recent days to throw support behind Obama. Reps. John Larson and Christopher Murphy also announced endorsements this week, providing a boost to the Illinois Democrat in one of the 22 states to cast ballots on the February 5th super primary. > > DeLauro is also a superdelegate to the 2008 Democratic convention; she had backed Sen. Chris Dodd – for whom she had once served as chief of staff – before he ended his presidential bid. 😃 ---
**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 1, 2008, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/188 "2008-02-01T20:25:31Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] we have seen a HUGE out pouring of Yale students rallying the Obama campaign here in New Haven [/QUOTE] [Yale Daily News endorses Barack Obama](http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/23248). And they were funny about it, too. . . > [@](#): > > It would seem natural for us to endorse Hillary Clinton for president. > > She attended Yale Law School — the roots of the Clintonian dynasty are here in New Haven — and left an accomplished and well liked alumna. She has led an inspiring career of public service since. > > And indeed, we are grateful for the past 18 years of Eli representation in the Oval Office. Four, or eight, more sounds nice enough. > > \*\*But the time has come to abdicate Yalie rule over America, at least for now. \*\* > > \ > > **His Harvard Law degree notwithstanding** , Democrats across Connecticut and the nation should embrace Barack Obama as the next president of the United States on Tuesday. **Go Yalies!** :D:D:D:D:D:D ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/189 "2008-02-01T20:39:41Z")
LOL!!! :D:D:D:D Nice. ---
**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 1, 2008, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/190 "2008-02-01T21:59:36Z")
Nice, indeed. And there’s speculation that where DeLauro goes, Dodd goes. And more big news out of California. . . **[Los Angeles Times endorses Barack Obama.](http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-dem3feb02,0,3530861.story)** And “strongly”, no less! > [@](#): > > Barack Obama for Democratic nominee > > Endorsements for president 2008 > > February 1, 2008 > > Democrats preparing to vote in Tuesday’s California primary can mark their ballots with confidence, knowing that either candidate would make a strong nominee and, if elected, a groundbreaking leader and capable president. But just because the ballot features two strong candidates does not mean that it is difficult to choose between them. We urge voters to make the most of this historic moment by choosing the Democrat most focused on steering the nation toward constructive change: We strongly endorse Barack Obama. ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/191 "2008-02-01T22:19:45Z")
The Denver Post stuck to their centrist tendencies and endorsed Clinton and Romney. I predict they’ll be wrong about Clinton (I’ll be caucusing for Obama) but right about Romney. I can’t tell if conservatives in Colorado just really hate McCain or if they are moving to the center on social issues and thus like Romney. Colorado is the only state outside of Massachusets that’s going for Romney, and they’re going for him in a big way. ---
**Author:** ![tds1273](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/df705f/32.png) [@tds1273](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tds1273)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/192 "2008-02-01T22:37:51Z")
[QUOTE=Lamar Mundane] The Denver Post stuck to their centrist tendencies and endorsed Clinton and Romney. I predict they’ll be wrong about Clinton (I’ll be caucusing for Obama) but right about Romney. I can’t tell if conservatives in Colorado just really hate McCain or if they are moving to the center on social issues and thus like Romney. Colorado is the only state outside of Massachusets that’s going for Romney, and they’re going for him in a big way. [/QUOTE] What about the Rocky Mountain News? Last I saw Obama was leading the polling by a few points; my home state is making me proud. I’m kind of dissapointed though, I have a feeling Edwards would have done really well in CO. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/193 "2008-02-01T22:38:35Z")
[QUOTE=Lamar Mundane] The Denver Post stuck to their centrist tendencies and endorsed Clinton and Romney. I predict they’ll be wrong about Clinton (I’ll be caucusing for Obama) but right about Romney. I can’t tell if conservatives in Colorado just really hate McCain or if they are moving to the center on social issues and thus like Romney. Colorado is the only state outside of Massachusets that’s going for Romney, and they’re going for him in a big way. [/QUOTE] Lotsa Mormons in Colorado, no? ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/194 "2008-02-01T22:43:58Z")
[QUOTE=tds1273] What about the Rocky Mountain News? Last I saw Obama was leading the polling by a few points; my home state is making me proud. I’m kind of dissapointed though, I have a feeling Edwards would have done really well in CO. [/QUOTE] I don’t get the Rocky, but I don’t think they have made endorsements yet - probably tomorrow. Obama is ahead by 4% in the latest polls. ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/195 "2008-02-01T22:47:52Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] Lotsa Mormons in Colorado, no? [/QUOTE] Not really. 2%. ---
**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 1, 2008, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/196 "2008-02-01T22:57:35Z")
[QUOTE=Richard Parker] [MoveOn.org](http://MoveOn.org) just endorsed Obama. I actually think that hurts more than it helps for a few reasons. [/QUOTE] Well, Ann Coulter [endorsed Clinton](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQODlPrCEok) over McCain and said that she’d campaign for Clinton should McCain get the nomination 😃 ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2008, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/197 "2008-02-02T01:39:18Z")
[Interesting state polls](http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/176603.php) by Survey USA: > [@](#): > > New York – Clinton 54%, Obama 38% > New Jersey – Clinton 51%, Obama 39% > Connecticut – Clinton 44%, Obama 48% [Also released today](http://www.surveyusa.com/electionpolls.aspx) by Survey USA: Missouri – Clinton 48%, Obama 44% Alabama – Clinton 47%, Obama 47% Getting quite interesting. Since the Dems don’t do this winner-take-all stuff, the key thing for Obama is being able to keep it relatively close in places like NY and NJ, so that he can balance those losses out with bigger wins elsewhere. ---
**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 3, 2008, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/198 "2008-02-03T13:52:36Z")
Latest: > [@](#): > > [http://uk.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUKN0345866120080203](http://uk.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUKN0345866120080203) > > **Obama has a slight lead in California** and is virtually tied with Clinton in New Jersey and Missouri heading into the biggest day of voting in a U.S. presidential nominating campaign, with contests in 24 states from coast to coast. On Saturday, Obama was [endorsed by La Opinion](http://www.laopinion.com/editorial/index_en.html), the largest Spanish Language newspaper in Los Angeles, with circulation over 500,000; the late Robert Kennedy’s wife, [Ethel](http://thepage.time.com/ethel-kennedys-statement-on-endorsing-obama/); and [Susan Eisenhower](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/01/AR2008020102621_pf.html), Granddaughter of Dwight D. and life-long Republican. Clinton was endorsed by [Grammy-award winning artist Mýa Harrison](http://thepage.time.com/clinton-release-on-mya-harrisons-endorsement/). 😛 Now if you want to match Grammy winner to Grammy winner(s), on the Obama side there’s [this](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHEO_fG3mm4) “endorsement” that was published yesterday, as well. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/199 "2008-02-03T13:58:09Z")
[Grateful Dead Reunite Monday for Obama](http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=14&entry_id=23943) ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2008, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987/200 "2008-02-03T16:32:40Z")
Obama has [strong support among young voters](http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/02/02/youth_vote_2008/). I believe Obama is going to win, but if he doesn’t, I’m concerned that a Hillary victory might turn a lot of these youthful optimists into cynics. I don’t think these voters would turn out for Hillary in the fall. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-democrats-next-11-days/434987.md?page=11)