Iowa Newspaper Endorsement Reboots Clinton Campaign

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The Des Moines Register’s endorsement of Hillary Rodham Clinton could well be remembered as the moment when the New York senator began to lock down the Democratic presidential nomination. Expectations were running high that her main party rival, Barack Obama, would bag Iowa’s largest newspaper as the closing chapter for an emerging narrative that Clinton had lost her luster.

Instead, Obama-mania suffered a major blow. The Register’s pragmatic editorial backing Clinton minced no words about what the newspaper sees as the Illinois senator’s “relative inexperience.” Even if Obama wins the Iowa caucuses, this endorsement likely guarantees that Clnton will do well enough to maintain her lead in bigger states down the road.

But the Iowa newspaper's hard-hitting rationale for its endorsement might just persuade undecided voters to give Sen. Clinton the margin for victory in the state's Jan. 3 caucuses. The Register not only backed her candidacy. It's supporting editorial concisely ratified her campaign’s closing argument – that she is prepared for the presidency, and Obama is not.

 

    Comments

  1. Two interesting pieces this morning...the Wash. Post says Ron Paul raised over SEVEN million dollars yesterday, a 24 hour period of time.

    Also, in the NY Times Paul Krugman takes on a recent Obama/Edwards flap, and comes down on Edwards' side.

    Posted by: Patsi | December 17, 2007 6:13 AM

  2. Frank Rich:
    The answer is simple. Mr. Romney didn’t fight his church’s institutionalized apartheid, whatever his private misgivings, because that’s his character. Though he is trying to sell himself as a leader, he is actually a follower and a panderer, as confirmed by his flip-flops on nearly every issue.

    Posted by: sturgeone | December 17, 2007 7:12 AM

  3. Oops...I gave Ron Paul a million too much....just looking back over that article and it says he raised almost six million yesterday.

    Posted by: Patsi | December 17, 2007 7:15 AM

  4. He'll have it by tonight, though.......

    Posted by: sturgeone | December 17, 2007 7:18 AM

  5. Ron Paul is the six million dollar man?

    Posted by: Corey Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 7:21 AM

  6. Hillary is doing well on Morning Joe even with cross questioning between Joe and Mika. Big focus of course Health Care and Energy.

    Posted by: Jamie | December 17, 2007 7:26 AM

  7. I think it'd be a real treat if the republicans were faced with a choice between Hillary and Ron Paul......

    Posted by: sturgeone | December 17, 2007 7:26 AM

  8. "Back home from my brother's wedding...it was lovely and fun! And now my sister-out-law is my sister-in-law. I'll kinda' miss her old nickname...I liked it!"

    Give her my congratulations HW.

    Posted by: Jamie | December 17, 2007 7:33 AM

  9. Jamie, I was slightly concerned when Mika asked the "have you ever teared up" loaded question. If Hillary had answered yes, then she's a weak sister...if she said no, then she's a brittle bitch. Wisely, she made it into a joke about getting up at 4:00 a.m. to be on the show.

    Speaking, of course, of tearing up....Mitt Romney is without a doubt the biggest phony on the planet.

    Posted by: Patsi | December 17, 2007 7:53 AM

  10. Patsi,
    "I was slightly concerned when Mika asked the "have you ever teared up" loaded question."

    No need to be concerned. Nobody watches MoJo ;-)

    Ok, full disclosure. I accidentally clicked on MoJo this am when Hillary came on. I thought she did pretty well. She gave the stock answers, but that's ok. She gets asked the same questions over and over.

    The only thing she needs to work on is with some of the questions, her mouth was smiling but her eyes were saying "I'm not happy."

    I'm surprised they didn't ask about the Bill Clinton statement to Charlie Rose that it'd be a miracle if she won in Iowa.

    Posted by: dnd | December 17, 2007 8:09 AM

  11. Patsi,

    It concerned me as well. That Hillary was deft enough on her feet to gently sidestep it was a mark in her favor.

    Posted by: Jamie | December 17, 2007 8:09 AM

  12. I've been "tearing up" since 2000.

    Posted by: sturgeone | December 17, 2007 8:14 AM

  13. zoey,
    "In a local interview John Edwards was asked if he would consider another VP run or what would be next for him if things didn't go his way? He smiled and said it was going to go his way. Hmmm, does that mean he thinks he is the King and is inevitable. He better watch out or the press will mock him and call him on his statement of inevitability just like they did Hillary."

    All candidates say it will be them. The difference is that Edwards smiled. Hillary sighed when asked that question. Here it is at about 2:59 into the clip:

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=07BPFPy6tkE&feature=related

    Posted by: dnd | December 17, 2007 8:25 AM

  14. "I've been "tearing up" since 2000."

    I wish Hillary had said that!

    Sturg for President!

    Posted by: dnd | December 17, 2007 8:32 AM

  15. If nominated, I will not accept; if elected, I will not serve

    Posted by: sturgeone | December 17, 2007 8:55 AM

  16. but now taking donations at sturgeone for president dot calm............

    thank you, thank you, and next time you must come to my house......

    ---Robt. Heinlein

    Posted by: sturgeone | December 17, 2007 9:11 AM

  17. Sturge....you have my vote. GREAT line....

    Posted by: Patsi | December 17, 2007 9:17 AM

  18. I'm wondering if the DSR endorsements help McCain more than Hillary. Since McCain hasn't spent a whole lotta time in Iowa, this could be a boost, and possibly allow him to spend more time in NH and SC.

    I don't have a clue what the impact of the Lieberman endorsement will be.

    Posted by: dnd | December 17, 2007 9:40 AM

  19. dnd -- I heard someone speculate that Lieberman's endorsement might remind many hard core Repubs that McCain is "suspect." But, like you, I have no idea what it might really mean. I think this whole thing depends on two quest: can Huckabee raise the money and put together a national campaign....and who does the powers behind the Repub machine support? Is it Romney? If so, they may bury Huckabee like they once did McCain.

    By the way, I couldn't believe I heard a newswoman on c-span saying that Huckabee's kid hanging a dog shouldn't matter. If he's such a righteous man, how the hell did he wind up raising a boy who -- at 17 -- would hang a dog?????? Sounds like a serial killer in training to me. Can you imagine the furor that would be going on if it were a Democrat candidate? The entire news cycle would be devoted to all the reasons liberals are evil and can't parent.

    Posted by: Patsi | December 17, 2007 9:56 AM

  20. morning peeps.

    Posted by: Brian In NYC | December 17, 2007 10:14 AM

  21. mornin' all.

    Damn, sturg, you were just about to get drafted.

    dnd, I am sure the DSR endorsement helps McCain more than Hillary, and I doubt that Holy Joe's endorsement will do much - other than ensure that Hillary wins CT. patsi has a good point - Politico thinks it cements his image as a moderate - and god knows the Repug base doesn't like moderates. Apparently losing the dem nomination for Sen. has been a liberating experience for Holy Joe. His new book is coming out next week - The Road to Red.

    Happy to see the Saudi king pardoned the rape victim and lengthened the sentences of the perps. At least one person in SA has his head on straight (for a moment, anyways).

    The competing versions of the updated unconstitutional wiretap bill come to the floor today - should be interesting to see what happens.

    http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/15/politics/main3622108.shtml

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:15 AM

  22. Huckabee's kid shoudl be rooming with Michael Vick, and the news media should be asking Huckabee "Just what the hell kind of father are you, anyway, raising a sadistic little shit? And you want to be President?"

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:18 AM

  23. the same son who tried to take a loaded gun on a passenger airpane.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 10:21 AM

  24. Did anyone find out what the track record is for the Register's endorsement is?

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:24 AM

  25. Here's a foreshadowing of what we've created in Iraq.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2228690,00.html

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:27 AM

  26. The Des Moine Register track record was posted in one of yesterday's threads.,,,and it is a useful endorsement and will help Clinton.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 10:28 AM

  27. kgc, I believe that woould be correct. Speaks volumes, doesn't it?

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:29 AM

  28. I think the biggest story is the Plunger is stopping campaigning in NH and probaby is pretty much done.
    His hope for Florida is fading fast. Despite the lies of the media...goopers don't ike him. And he isn't socially liberal, he is just a creepy creepy guy

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 10:30 AM

  29. Patsi,
    Those are two very good questions. I think you're spot on.

    Sturg in '08!

    Posted by: dnd | December 17, 2007 10:31 AM

  30. Cool NJ abolished the death penalty today, 1 state down, 49 to go.

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:32 AM

  31. OK guys, you will have at me for this one:

    have any of you focused on the composition of the DMR editorial board?

    Carolyn Washburn, Editor
    Carol Hunter, Editorial Page Editor
    Laura Hollingsworth, Publisher

    With initial website post, there were 1-2 other individuals involved too, at most one with a masculine name.

    (Little blurb at end of original post on Saturday night identified editorial board outright; it's not MIA.)

    http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771215020

    Plus, it's DMR's history to go with, usually, the establishment candidate.

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:32 AM

  32. Typo! Make that: the blurb identifying the editorial board members is now MIA -- cannot easily find it.

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:33 AM

  33. pogo
    yeah and the gun incident was just last April
    you don't see any of that son on the campaign trail
    somewhere on the internets is a Christmas card from the Hucksters when he was gov and still fat...the boyz are all wearing vertical stripes and this is when you know despite fashion claims...they are not slimming

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 10:34 AM

  34. what about the gobe's record of endorsement

    and the DMR endorsed Wdwards last time
    not the estabishment candidate

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 10:36 AM

  35. Will it help enough to overcome the last 7 weeks? Only time will give us the answer!

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:39 AM

  36. kc, RFLMAO

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:39 AM

  37. Brian
    your obsession with Clinton is blinding you to the facts on the ground.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 10:41 AM

  38. Just found the blurb with editorial board makeup:

    "The Register's editorial board members who participated in the endorsement process were: Laura Hollingsworth, publisher; Carolyn Washburn, editor; Carol Hunter, editorial page editor; Linda Lantor Fandel, deputy editorial page editor; Rox Laird, editorial writer; and Andie Dominick, editorial writer."

    from article, "The Register's Caucus Endorsements"

    http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071215/NEWS/71215016

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:42 AM

  39. Just read about Dan Fogelberg in the last thread - very sorry to hear it. I kinda liked his music even though it was a little tame by my standards. Another Auld Lang Syne is a classic.

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:43 AM

  40. Sr and Sra Horsedooty hereby propose the name change of the Morning Joe Show on MSNBC to The Rickey Bobby Show.

    Meeting adjourned!

    yo soy Horsedooty!

    Posted by: horsedooty | December 17, 2007 10:44 AM

  41. KGC: you're right re Edwards endorsement in 2004; so I take back the "establishment" remark.

    Spinning another way: well, the 2004 endorsement was not necessarily predictive...

    I wish Edwards had won Iowa; think he could have beaten Bush since Kerry didn't connect with people and seemed aloof. Yes, Edwards would have been swiftboated too, but he's faster on his feet.

    PLUS: we'd have had 4 years of Elizabeth as First Lady. What a lost opportunity.

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:46 AM

  42. dog -- Ms. Washburn was questioned on the gender issue during her c-span appearance. She says that all three women on the editorial board were almost overly cautious because of just that question. But obviously she'd say that....who knows?

    Posted by: Patsi | December 17, 2007 10:49 AM

  43. And if the "girlz" on the editorial board did lean to Clinton...I think it is a sign of where women voters will go,.

    as long as we are reading campaign entrails

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 10:51 AM

  44. Brian, it did wonders for your boy the last time around. It doesn't take a lot to swing these things when the top 3 are essentially tied. Of course, most polls show Johnand Hillary a few points behind Obama, so it will be interesting at least. I'd hate to have to sped the next 2 weeks in Iowa - it's damn cold there, and getting colder.

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:51 AM

  45. a full one third of Obama'ssupport have never voted before....I don't think I woud want to count on that for a victory

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 10:53 AM

  46. dog, in '04, the endorsement lifted Edwards from a distant 4th or so in single digits to 2nd. Could John E have beaten Bush - we can all say yes - it don't cost nuttin'.

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:56 AM

  47. Did any of you catch David Frum's column yesterday? Serious schaudenfreude material.

    He takes Huckabee and Ron Paul to task, but gives a pass to his beloved George W Bush, who fits Frum's bill of complaints far better than its intended targets:

    "...Huckabee and Paul have not the faintest idea of what they are talking about. The problem is not that their answers are wrong -- that can happen to anyone. The problem is that they don't understand the questions, and are too lazy or too arrogant to learn. But say that aloud and their partisans will shout back: Elitism!

    On its face, this retort is ridiculous. How exactly is it elitist to expect a candidate for president to be immune to obvious flim-flam? Or to submit his ideas to criticism--and change them if they cannot stand up?

    ....
    Here's the lesson to learn: It's always important to respect the values and principles of the voters. But politicians who want to deliver effective government and positive results have to care about more than values -- and have to do more than check their guts. They need to study the problem, master the evidence, and face criticism."

    http://www.nationalpost.com/story-printer.html?id=169952

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 10:58 AM

  48. http://firedoglake.com/2007/12/17/being-a-patriot-is-something-that-you-do/#comments

    if you are interested in following the FISA fight
    I wished I liked Chris Dodd a litte more

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 10:59 AM

  49. PS: if you read Frum's column, and it's short and opaque, you will see his main complaints about Huckabee are falling for a national sales tax (Frum says this plan "was originally drafted by the Church of Scientology") and R Paul for self-taught monetary views, negating everything taught by "modern economists" from Alfred Marshall to Milton Friedman".

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:02 AM

  50. Want to know how good the polls are -or aren't? Last week's poll results from NH show a 12 point swing from one poll to the next between Obama and Clinton, with Obama ahead by as much as 3 and Clinton by as much as 9 with Edwards trailing by 10-15 or more points behind those 2.

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:06 AM

  51. Sturgeone

    "next time you must come to my house......

    ---Robt. Heinlein"

    Do you copy Heinlein and put your hand on your wallet whenever you are too close to a red headed man?

    Posted by: Jamie | December 17, 2007 11:07 AM

  52. Thanks for the link pogo. I doubt the endorsement will do anything to revive McCain's campaign in Iowa or elsewhere.

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:10 AM

  53. dog,
    Great investigative reporting. Shame we don't have that with the MSM.

    Posted by: dnd | December 17, 2007 11:14 AM

  54. Leno and O'Brien will return January 2 - Private arrangement with the Writers' Union.

    Posted by: Jamie | December 17, 2007 11:22 AM

  55. Brian, who knows? It may be more worthwhile when the endorsee is relatively unknown. What the hell could anyone learn about McCain that they don't already know? I'm just happy to hear that Rudi is losing his lead in FL - he scares shit out of me.

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:22 AM

  56. pogo that's my sentiment about the Hillary endoresment.

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:24 AM

  57. The endorsemenet lifted Edwards from 7% to 20+ % in the Iowa polls.

    I think McCain is going to get a second look from a ot of people now. Especially since the Plunger is in the tank,

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 11:25 AM

  58. December 14, 2007
    POLL: Fox New Hampshire Survey

    A new FOX News/Opinion Dynamics statewide survey (story, results) of likely primary voters in New Hampshire (conducted 12/11 through 12/13) finds:

    Among 500 likely Republican primary voters, former Gov. Mitt Romney leads Sen. John McCain (33% to 20%) in a statewide primary; former Mayor Rudy Giuliani trails at 16%, former Gov. Mike Huckabee at 11%, Rep. Ron Paul at 8%.
    Among 500 likely Democratic primary voters, Sen. Hillary Clinton leads Sen. Barack Obama (34% to 25%) in a statewide primary; former Sen. John Edwards trails at 15%, Gov. Bill Richardson at 6%.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 11:28 AM

  59. A lovely Christmas greeting for all to enjoy...no matter your holiday persuasion....

    http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=QS30253287

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 11:29 AM

  60. Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:30 AM

  61. hw, very nice card - thanks

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:34 AM

  62. As much as I wish Edwards would be the Dem candidate, the field is so good that almost any of them would please me. On the Republican side, I really prefer McCain. I'd rather see someone I at least believe is an honorable man in the WH, in case something happens to cause a Republican ascendancy between now and 11/08, than any of their other candidates.

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 11:35 AM

  63. You're welcome, pogo. I think it's beautifully done....

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 11:36 AM

  64. The Register is owned by Gannett. Check it out, of course they are not going to endorse Edwards.
    http://www.gannett.com/about/company_profile.htm

    DUH!

    Posted by: iowarick | December 17, 2007 11:37 AM

  65. Senor Dooty

    I concur with your motion and laughed a lot
    I thought that movie was pretty funny and am looking roward to "Walking Hard"

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 11:37 AM

  66. Beautiful holiday card; especially liked the swans aswimming.

    And agree with you on your 11:35 post re McCain being the best of the bunch. Will be interesting to see how he fares, since he's anathema to so many of his party. Which would not vote for Goldwater again.

    So glad Giuliani is tanking. Any guesses on how long his candidacy will last?

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:42 AM

  67. Thank you, iowarick, for making that point! All MSM outlets, including newspapers, are owned by BIG CORPORATE INTERESTS. None of them will EVER endorse an Edwards presidency...not in their perceived best interests. But it sure the hell would be in OUR best interests if Edwards became our next president. What he's saying isn't angry, and it's silly to keep calling it angry. It's honest and forthright, and it's impossible for me to imagine that any of us can be blind to what's been done to this country...hell, to this world! By big business and the politicians they've bought.

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 11:44 AM

  68. If there's a God, dog, Guiliani's bid will last about three more minutes...then end with a whimper. Geez! He's a nasty little man!

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 11:46 AM

  69. Senor dooty...It's belated, but many congratulations to Jake on his fine rodeo performance!

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 11:47 AM

  70. How long will the Plunger last?

    If he finishes less than second in Fla he should get out then. Currently I think he is third.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 11:50 AM

  71. I hope Edwards' message about corporate interests is getting out.

    So much economic unrest, and the crows coming home.

    This is the year people may listen and believe.

    Why can't we have capitalists with a conscience and compassion? Capitalism and the good of greater society do not necessarily have to be adversarial, but for the greed and short-sightedness of Wall Street and too many CEOs, present and aspiring.

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:51 AM

  72. *L* @ horse.

    tt

    Posted by: tiptoe Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:55 AM

  73. I heard a comment over the wekend that I thought was right - the first campaign to drop out is the first campaign that runs out of money. I doubt that Rudi is on the ropes quite yet - but then again... compared withthe dems he might facee in the general, he's drivin' a chevy.

    http://opensecrets.org/pres08/index.asp

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 11:55 AM

  74. Dooty -- harbor's post reminded me that I'd not offered Jake congrats....that's impressive. Rodeo ain't an easy life.....my old pal Chris LeDoux had the scars to prove it!

    Posted by: Patsi | December 17, 2007 11:56 AM

  75. I know the Register's publisher is a woman, do we know the makeup of the rest of the paper's editorial board? Could this be a hit job by the Estrogen Mafia?

    *snickers*

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:05 PM

  76. iowarick: thanks for info on Gannett, owner of the Des Moines Register.

    Gannett has almost 50,000 employees and properties in US and abroad; paper and electronic press.

    Yeah, they're going to be responsive to an appeal against corporate interests.

    It is such a tragedy, the sale of newspapers to companies who regard them as profit centers, and drive for ever more profit.

    On the good side, the internet has spurred some interesting new hybrids; maybe in the future we will have more Talking Points Memo type blogs that pursue investigative reporting.

    Would be great if we had some "The News Hour" type investigative blogs; puts up a story and provides competent, intelligent analysis along with all the original links so readers can look at the source material. (Analysis at least to include fact-checking of the claims presented.)

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:07 PM

  77. Brian: reposting re DMR editorial board:

    "The Register's editorial board members who participated in the endorsement process were: Laura Hollingsworth, publisher; Carolyn Washburn, editor; Carol Hunter, editorial page editor; Linda Lantor Fandel, deputy editorial page editor; Rox Laird, editorial writer; and Andie Dominick, editorial writer."

    from article, "The Register's Caucus Endorsements"

    http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071215/NEWS/71215016

    Rox might be male, or short for Roxanne (and a great dog name)? Andie sounds like a female name...

    Anybody know actual genders for Rox and Andie?

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:09 PM

  78. Wow talk about heavily weighted!

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:11 PM

  79. "Why can't we have capitalists with a conscience and compassion? Capitalism and the good of greater society do not necessarily have to be adversarial"

    What gets me is that all the creeps who praise "Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations" always seem to have skimmed past that part of the theory and the moral component necessary for Capitalism to continue to exist.

    Posted by: Jamie | December 17, 2007 12:11 PM

  80. My guess is that they are all female...but I don't think female's are incapable of endorsing males when they think they're the best candidate. I'm just sayin'....

    Brian...Are you trying to stir this pot again? ;))

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 12:13 PM

  81. if you don't stir the pot the sauce will burn!

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:13 PM

  82. Aagh! My kingdom for an edit feature...and no, Craig, I didn't preview my last post! Please...in your mind's eye...delete that apostrophe in female's....

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 12:15 PM

  83. The DMR board is all women and there was a lot of talk that they would be likely to pick Clinton because of gender. However the speculation at the time of the endorsement was all about Obama

    If they did endorse her ONLY because she is a woman so what. It means that is how women are thinking. So no matter how you try to spin it -- it is good news for Senator Clinton.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 12:15 PM

  84. *L* @ Brian...then I'll just sit back and watch the pot get stirred...or the sauce burn...whichever.... ;))

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 12:16 PM

  85. BTW was the woman who moderated the debates last week the publisher of the Register?

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:16 PM

  86. Editor

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 12:18 PM

  87. And she did an excellent job...the best I've seen so far!

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 12:18 PM

  88. Was just over at Fox News site trying to find info on their editorial board.

    No luck with first scan, but they had "Obama Fights Muslim Internet Rumors Sweeping Internet" as main headline with helpful photo of black suspect at immediate right with headline: "Terror Suspect: I was hunting "Nessie."

    http://www.foxnews.com/

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:20 PM

  89. Well that explains a lot.

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:20 PM

  90. Yeah, am not saying DMR editorial board is incompetent. At all.

    And they outlined some solid reasons for supporting Senator Clinton. I just do not agree with their choice.

    Just saying that they are not very representative of your usual editorial board. "Pink boardroom" replaces "pink ghetto."

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:23 PM

  91. I think it certainly has an effect on their choice, not saying the only factor, but certainly one of them.

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:26 PM

  92. because the usual editorial board is old white men

    which is so representative of the public

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 12:26 PM

  93. dog...I wasn't at all suspicious of what you were saying regarding the DMR editorial board's competence. I tend to think they're more swayed by their corporate interests than by gender, if they're swayed at all....

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 12:27 PM

  94. Yes KC, and if the board was a bunch of old white man I would expect that to be a factor too. Do you really expect us to believe the fact that the board is entirely made up of woman didn't have weight in their choice?

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:33 PM

  95. KGC: actually, I would guess most editorial boards are heavy on white males but big papers go for more "diversity." Some sincerely, some so they won't get sued or targeted by affirmative action groups. (There's a lawyer affiliated with Jesse Jackson who regularly reviews employment data and sues well-heeled media entities.)

    I am not saying editorial boards are necessarily representative of the public -- or even of their local readers, just that this one leapt out as being unusual.

    FYI from WaPost, list of 1988-2008 Des Moines Register endorsements

    2004 DEMS: Edwards
    (Kerry winner, Edwards 2nd)

    2004 GOP: Bush was unopposed

    2000 DEMS: Bradley
    (Gore won)

    2000 GOP: Bush
    (Bush won nomination)

    1996 DEMS: Clinton unopposed

    1996 GOP: Dole
    (Dole won nomination)

    1992 NO ENDORSEMENTS -- interesting

    1988 DEMS: Paul Simon
    (Gephardt won, Simon was 2nd)

    1988 GOP: Dole
    (GHWBush won nomination)


    (Dole, Pat Robertson was 2nd)

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:34 PM

  96. Brian
    and I already said if they did let gender be a factor then it is good news for Clinton because it is an indication of how women are deciding.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 12:37 PM

  97. Correction to my chart:

    in 1988 Dole won Iowa caucus, Pat Robertson was second, and GHWBush was nominated.

    in 1996, Dole was endorsed and won the GOP Iowa caucus.

    (I misread WaPost data; they presented Iowa caucus winners and not necessarily the eventual party nominee.)

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:37 PM

  98. KGC,
    "If they did endorse her ONLY because she is a woman so what. It means that is how women are thinking."

    I'm curious. What if was Kay Bailey Hutchinson that was running and got the endorsement ONLY because she is a woman, would you feel the same way?

    Posted by: dnd | December 17, 2007 12:39 PM

  99. dnd
    You are missing the point.
    Some are arguing the endorsement means less because they only endorsed her because she is a woman. Since where old white woman vote is an issue in this election, this is a pretty good indicator of how they are making that choice.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 12:42 PM

  100. I don't think anyone is saying it means less, just saying it helps explain their choice. Lord know Hillary needs some good news, and this is certainly good news for her.

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:44 PM

  101. Well...this old white woman will vote for Hillary only if forced to....

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 12:46 PM

  102. Harbor: that's what concerns me too.

    No one should assume women will support Hillary solely due to gender.

    She's got high negatives, some gifted upon her by her rightwing detractors, some of her own making due to her personality and views.

    It appears she attracts less independents and men than several of her competitors.

    No one should assume anyone can win the presidency solely with Democrats, and solely with Democratic women.

    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 12:55 PM

  103. Did any of you see that Chris Evert and Greg Norman got engaged? To each other? Once...roughly 8,000 years ago...I batted a tennis ball back and forth with Chrissie for awhile...one of my brushes with fame, I guess. She was still an amateur...winning lots of tournaments, but turning down the winnings in order to remain an amateur until she turned 18, as I recall.

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 12:55 PM

  104. I need to qualify my 'old white woman' remark. Force, in the case of voting for Hillary in the 2008 election, merely means that she's the Dem nominee. The only Republican I even remotely like is McCain, and I agree with NONE of his positions...so Hillary will get my vote if she's the Dem nominee.

    I am an independent, but will vote Democratic this time...and maybe for the foreseeable future.

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 12:59 PM

  105. I should also say that the more I listen to Hillary, the more substance I see in her. She could make a very good president.

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 1:00 PM

  106. the candidate with the highest negatives in the race is John McCain

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 1:01 PM

  107. Yeah, harbor, that was interesting re Norman-Evert.

    ====

    interesting comment on value of endorsements from WaPost political chat this morning:

    a 2006 candidate told WaPost reporter Matthew Mosk that endorsements can help if they come early (confer legitimacy) and if they come late (give a boost of momentum).

    But, ,of course, voters make up their own minds.

    No editorial board can sell an unappealing candidate.


    Posted by: dog's eye view Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 1:02 PM

  108. John McCain: Definitely would, 12%; Would consider, 39%; Definitely would not, 47%

    As you can see, McCain has edged higher than Hillary in the "definitely would not" category. WaPo comments that McCain "has become significantly less acceptable as a general-election candidate. A year ago, 28 percent of Americans said they 'definitely would not vote' for him if he were to become the Republican nominee." That's a jump of nearly 20 points.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 1:05 PM

  109. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll is even worse for Romney: 26 percent favorable to 34 percent unfavorable, which is absolutely remarkable given his lack of name recognition,” writes Klein. “He's also the only one of the big six candidates in both parties to have a net negative rating. Giuliani has the highest rating: 64 favorable to 28 unfavorable. So in other words, more people have an unfavorable view of Romney than Rudy--even though 40 percent of people don't know enough about Romney to have an opinion, while only 8 percent have no opinion on Rudy.”

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 1:08 PM

  110. You know...I've watched Romney a lot this fall, and I think he's a sleazebag. But if I'd never seen him before, his performance on MTP yesterday would be enough to rule him out, in my book. I don't think he gave an answer to a single question that sounded like anything other than what it was...an effort to say whatever would get the most votes.

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 1:13 PM

  111. Well this old white man has to go out to a client, but I'm sure the Estrogen Mafia will keep things hoping in my absence.

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 1:20 PM

  112. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...making a pot of Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili...you're all invited over for lunch!

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 1:22 PM

  113. that's right Brian
    the girl gang is going to sneak into your apt while you are gone and kidnap Tucker and hold him until you admit we are right.

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 1:26 PM

  114. Question - did Gannet buy the DMR since '04? I doubt that Edwards was any less the anti-corporate control of Washington crusader he is today when they endorsed him in '04.

    To expand a bit on dog's comment, and to rbut any suggestion to the contrary, no one will win any race solely with voters of their party, race and gender, and no one will get voters of only their party, race and gender. If that were the case, explain how Obama registers even a ripple in Iowa and NH. I seriously doubt that the fact that 6 of the 7 members who voted on the DMR pick did so because of their plumbing and hormones - my sense is that they take that endorsement much more seriously than that.

    And McCain is right up there with the highest negatives in my book. From what I've heard o fhis Senate career he has a natural capacity to be a mean bastard warmonger who knows to smile when the cameras are rolling. We need another one? I think not.

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 1:27 PM

  115. Tucker has been taught to grown and snarl at the very mention of Hillary's name

    Posted by: Brian In NYC Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 1:32 PM

  116. Tucker has been taught to grown and snarl at the very mention of Hillary's name

    kind of like Tucker Carson..

    Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 1:34 PM

  117. Tucker has admitted that he has a thing for Hillary. I'm guessing it's some kind of bdsm deal involving her putting on stilettos and then stepping on him.

    *hands over the brain bleach*

    Posted by: Julia | December 17, 2007 1:47 PM

  118. Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | December 17, 2007 1:57 PM

  119. harborwoman,
    "Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...making a pot of Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili...you're all invited over for lunch!"

    I'll be right over!

    BTW, I made some and substituted butternut squash for sweet potato since that's what I had on hand. Not bad...

    Posted by: dnd | December 17, 2007 2:02 PM


  120. NEW THREAD

    Posted by: Craig Crawford Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 2:03 PM

  121. pogo...Edwards wasn't voicing his opposition to the corporate ownership of our political ship of state in 2004...at least not loudly.

    Posted by: harborwoman | December 17, 2007 2:04 PM

  122. kc, amazing, ain't it? Check out the last page of comments to see what so much of that issue is about. - 5 comments in a row from one of the anti illegal immigrant posters over there. It has a familiar ring to it - sounds like what the white guys said about the black guys in the trades in Alabama when I was a kid.

    Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | December 17, 2007 2:06 PM

  123. Craig, I realize journalists are very important people, but if you really think the opinion of a few editorialists in Des Moines will swing the votes of people in far-off states, you need to get out of the tank more often.

    Posted by: david | December 17, 2007 2:45 PM

  124. NEW THREAD

    Posted by: Jamie | December 17, 2007 3:19 PM

  125. Craig Crawford,
    Your RAGING Obama envy will finally be resolved when your dark wishes for the Senator get buried, AND PERMANENTLY, in the frozen grounds of Iowa. I just can't wait to see you burn.

    Posted by: ejthompson | December 19, 2007 9:08 PM

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