CQ Politics | Craig Crawford's Trail Mix - McCain Wins Super Tuesday, while Clinton and Obama Wait for California

McCain Wins Super Tuesday, while Clinton and Obama Wait for California

By Craig Crawford | February 5, 2008 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (164)

Super Tuesday has a winner – John McCain won enough states and nominating delegates tonight to begin locking down the Republican presidential nomination.

“I think we have to get used to the idea that we are the Republican Party frontrunner for President of the United States,” McCain said moments ago in Phoenix. “And I don’t mind it one bit.”

Even if McCain loses California to Mitt Romney, they will split delegates proportionally instead of winner-take-all, as in other GOP races around the country. Mike Huckabee’s victory in Georgia and other southern states gave him a bigger public relations advantage than anything Romney has produced so far this evening.

Still, the lopsided nature of the Republican race avoids the mind-boggling debate about to ensue over who won Super Tuesday among the Democrats.

Barack Obama’s aides are already on the phone spinning away their losses in Massachusetts and New Jersey – states they worked hard in the last few days, prompting many news commentators to hint that Hillary Rodham Clinton would be pushed out of the race by losing those states.

The Obama camp is now trying to convince the news media in conference calls that they are leading in delegates so far (not counting California), hoping to downplay what looks like a big night for Clinton in the popular vote for most of the contested major states.

Comments

woot!

Posted by: zoey | February 5, 2008 11:48 PM

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 5, 2008 11:48 PM

OK. Here's the soundbite you will hear over and over again tomorrow...

"Our time has come"
-Barak Obama

Posted by: nash | February 5, 2008 11:49 PM

You are still awake...

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 5, 2008 11:49 PM

OK. Here's the soundbite you will hear over and over again tomorrow...

"Our time has come"
-Barak Obama

OMG, I hope not! I''m sick of hearing that!!!

Posted by: nannymm | February 5, 2008 11:50 PM

Geez...my carpet is begining to look like a political map.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 5, 2008 11:50 PM

B: can't sleep...

Obama is a much better speaker than Hillary,

He sounds like MLK.

Posted by: nash | February 5, 2008 11:51 PM

Our time has come and gone
--Barack Hussein Obama

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 5, 2008 11:52 PM

YEAH, CRAIG... Obama, speaking right now, is not as convincing as Hillary was a hour or so ago.
He 's got the choir singing , but tonight he took a step back from post-South Carolina.

Posted by: Dexter | February 5, 2008 11:53 PM

Isn't the "not at dime from lobbyists" a bit of a stretch?

Posted by: labber | February 5, 2008 11:54 PM

McCain = 1/2 of my prediction.

Posted by: tiptoe | February 5, 2008 11:54 PM

Lush -- yep - time has come and gone.

Posted by: labber | February 5, 2008 11:55 PM

And McCain doesn't have the right temperament to be Pres., IMHO.

Posted by: tiptoe | February 5, 2008 11:57 PM

one thing for sure, we are going to keep hearing about McInsane's 100 year war in Iraq.

And cut tax breaks for corporations...free college, a rosier world all around?

OFF OIL? On biodiesel and wind? We'll see....

Posted by: Dexter | February 5, 2008 11:57 PM

yes, Barack...this all will sound better in 2016!! :)

now please stop talking and go to bed...you have a big day tomorrow. :)

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 5, 2008 11:58 PM

Obama is sort of flat tonight. Sounds like a normal stump speech - not the soaring rhetoric I am expectinig from him.

Posted by: labber | February 5, 2008 11:58 PM

I really liked both speeches..but I particularly liked Hillary talking about her Mom.. that got to me..

Posted by: tylenol | February 5, 2008 11:59 PM

now he sounds more desperate than inspirational....

Posted by: Dexter | February 5, 2008 11:59 PM

Craig.. please.. if you are ever in the same room as Joe Scar..please.. slap him around..

Posted by: tylenol | February 5, 2008 11:59 PM

BO has always been a better orator than HRC, but that is it...message will get stale by Sept.

Craig, I just mailed you an old MAD mag back cover...I really did spill the wine by the bookcase and it did get a few drops of the old vine. But, how fitting is that? My inlaws are so freaking excited about HRC...they want Edwards for AG and Bill Richardson for the UN. They were so sweet to call...and I was so blonde to dump my wine glass on the carpet.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:00 AM

steel plant?

if he says his Dad was a mill worker...I am gonna LMAO!!

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:00 AM

Yea keep going Obama -- 2016 is going to be your time -- keep going until then

Posted by: labber | February 6, 2008 12:01 AM

those "boys" threw rocks at cars on the Chicago Skyway and caused havoc for months. Glad Obama saved 'em

Posted by: Dexter | February 6, 2008 12:02 AM

BHO is getting sleepy...his accent is changing...next thing you know he will be sayin' "ain't"

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:02 AM

Okay, BO...enough already.

...I am very interested in the California vote...so far Asian and Hispanic for HRC...White and Black for BO.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:02 AM

a tad overconfident...Hillary has GOT to be snickering right now....

Posted by: Dexter | February 6, 2008 12:04 AM

BO's accent changes by state...as does HRC.

He sure is a chanter.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:04 AM

"if he loses california, he loses the night "
--Craig

"when he loses Cali, he loses the night"
--Linda

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:04 AM

an "A" for exit music, however..now get to work, Obama, you got a hard row to hoe

Posted by: Dexter | February 6, 2008 12:05 AM

OMG..MNBC has driven me to CBS...
hellllllp!

Posted by: Gidget | February 6, 2008 12:06 AM

from last thread:

Hey Bear....good to see you back even if we disagree...:):)

I'm just saying that this whole "he does well among rich people" and the "low class Hillary supporters V top shelf Obama people" is starting to wear thin on me....

Blonde -- I haven't had a chance to check on your question about TN Dems....just turned the computer back on because of the storms....but Hillary might have a chance to turn TN back blue....

Posted by: Patsi | February 6, 2008 12:06 AM

Brain in NYC

The unfairness of it all!

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:06 AM

So.. i couldnt sit glued to the screen tonight.. what's the actual count? when I got home and caught pieces of MSNBC, they were all so excited i thought Obama had a big night.. he didnt?

Posted by: tylenol | February 6, 2008 12:07 AM

Missouri is even...very interesting.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:08 AM

Interesting demographics...BO does well with the high income crowd...what did Delaware wear?? Most large corps used to incorporate in Delaware because of their corporate law.

Where is the gay vote here? My BIL is gay and for BO...Cheney for BO....any insight?

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:11 AM

the obama folks hyped up the media into thinking they'd make a dent in hillary's big-state strategy tonight -- and unless they win california, they haven't done it

Posted by: Craig Crawford | February 6, 2008 12:11 AM

I meant to type daughter Cheney is for BO.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:12 AM

California for Hillary....YESSSSSSSS!!!!

Posted by: Gidget | February 6, 2008 12:12 AM

well, what about Missouri? that is not in yet, right?

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:12 AM

NOW its official -- Obama loses the night.

Posted by: labber | February 6, 2008 12:13 AM

HRC wins AZ

56 delegates

What about NM???

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:14 AM

YAY!!!!!! Si se puede! Viva California! Viva Massachusetts!

I just returned from a primary watching party and we've been whooping it up all night.

Now on to the Cheaspake primary next week -- OMG -- we have a lot of work to do!

Posted by: Divalicias | February 6, 2008 12:14 AM

for your listening pleasure...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vPIuIwSJ41s

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:16 AM

geez, when will St. Louis learn to count? i want to go to sleep, but once again we're waiting on Missouri

Posted by: Craig Crawford | February 6, 2008 12:17 AM

latest tornado news:

http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN0523054120080206

Posted by: Dexter | February 6, 2008 12:20 AM

Imagine how much better Hillary would be doing tonight if media coverage had been fair.

Posted by: GORDO | February 6, 2008 12:20 AM

nanny! upstate went HRC all the way!

Posted by: tylenol | February 6, 2008 12:20 AM

Brain in NYC

I think the BO bashing has been from the demcore...my FIL is retired judge and worked with BR as a congressman. BO appealed to the independent and young voter, but left the demcore cold. After Bush Fatigue, who needs another "uniter or agent of change?" BO sounds very repug in his message. Just like Joe Leibermann. His message is very evangelical, but not demcore. Long time dems do not warm to him.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:21 AM

Clinton = the other 1/2 of my prediction. She has a better temperament than McCain.

Posted by: tiptoe | February 6, 2008 12:23 AM

tylenol. she won every county in ny except one.!!! i dragged 7 friends to the polls today. even hauled one out of the grocery store. LOL it's a really good day in upstate ny!!

Posted by: nannymm | February 6, 2008 12:24 AM

Clinton wins California

Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | February 6, 2008 12:26 AM

Gordo - great point. Although I almost think toward the end it could have helped her a little. It was just too too much. With all the Hollywood folk falling all over themselves to endorse Obama, I was thinking - this could be used against him by the repugs.

Posted by: labber | February 6, 2008 12:26 AM

CNN now predicts Hillary will win Calif...MO (MIssouri) not the wife, still waiting. Are you sleeping on couch, Craig?

MO for McCain....narrow win for him. The repugs sure love winner take alls.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:28 AM

I really think the voting public has finally grown up... MSM says "oh look..Obama's going to win".. MSM says "McCain shouldnt be Reps nominee" and everyone goes 'pfffffffffffft"

Posted by: tylenol | February 6, 2008 12:30 AM

BO will not win MO by a landslide, that is the truth.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:31 AM

Romney better put a hold on any checks he has written to his campaign.

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:31 AM

'pfffffffff'

tylenol, I'll have to remember that.

Posted by: tiptoe | February 6, 2008 12:31 AM

uh oh...no Joe?????

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:32 AM

:) use it in good health, tt

Posted by: tylenol | February 6, 2008 12:33 AM

i agree, tylenol. voting public is just SICK of MSM trying to force the outcome they want as opposed to what the people want.
btw....doesn't tweetie look like he's sucking on a lemon? LMAO!!!

Posted by: nannymm | February 6, 2008 12:34 AM

Well, slap my face. I just tuned over to Fox and decided to hear what that SOB Karl Rove had to say....and let me tell you, I understand why Rethugs listen to him. Compared to Chris Matthews and Co Rove's analysis of the votes was overwhelming. He a complete a-hole, but smart.

Posted by: Patsi | February 6, 2008 12:34 AM

Well, Jack Nicholson was right.

Posted by: Blonde wino | February 6, 2008 12:34 AM

I feel bad for Mika. JS is going to be very grumpy tomorrow.

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:35 AM

Intrade Missouri Presidential Futures update:

The market is calling Missouri Democratic race for Obama.....

Posted by: spike | February 6, 2008 12:36 AM

Patsi - you are so brave to watch Fox. Would make me sick. But yes, Rove is smart -- that's why he is an evil genius.

Posted by: labber | February 6, 2008 12:37 AM

that whole MSNBC team has looked bad... that's what happens when you hire ex politicos to host programs.. i'm not talking about commentators, pundits or campaign managers.. you expect them to have a bias.. i'm talking about anchors.. that's just shoddy journalism..

Posted by: tylenol | February 6, 2008 12:37 AM

First, the market IS calling THE Missouri Democratic race for Obama....Jeez

Second, Craig, don't forget, we haven't gotten to Ohio yet. Better get some sleep..

Posted by: spike | February 6, 2008 12:38 AM

Spike -- Missouri may be technically in the Obama column - but it is so close its really a tie.

Posted by: labber | February 6, 2008 12:38 AM

focus on BHO's middle name?

didn't one of the Obama supporters here suggest that people use his middle name?(I can't remember who it was exactly).

racism? rants? firearms? I don't know about any of that

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:40 AM

Ah, Craig keeps spinning for Clinton.

Posted by: alpha1906 | February 6, 2008 12:40 AM

so, all the states are in...right?

next Tuesday, the circus comes to VA...woodeehoo!!!!

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:42 AM

what about new mexico? still no winner there.

Posted by: nannymm | February 6, 2008 12:43 AM

How about that MO!!

I might complain about it being so rural ( I'm trying to strike a better tone!) and I don't really like tip toeing through the cow patties..................

But I do love my state!

Posted by: truebeliever | February 6, 2008 12:44 AM

I just wish my candidate would have won by 1%.

Bet you the tornado's we had down in the southern part of the state hurt Hillary. I know that she was very strong down here.

Posted by: truebeliever | February 6, 2008 12:46 AM

NEW THREAD - nite all

Posted by: Craig Crawford | February 6, 2008 12:47 AM

OK.. Chuck is saying Obama won by 4....so maybe JS won't be so grouchy after all :)

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 6, 2008 12:51 AM

Super Tuesday was HUGE!

So..I'm just thinking...there is a strategy for Mitt Romney coming out of a day like today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAOJ36T-HYM