http://www.truthdig.com/report/print/20080206_clintons_pragmatic_appeal/WASHINGTON—Kitchen-table worries trumped even the charisma of Camelot. This theme has sounded again and again since the Democratic primary contests began, yet neither the national media nor, apparently, the Obama campaign can hear it.
The deafening buzz that heralded Barack Obama’s supposed surge of support heading into Super Tuesday was drowned out by the quiet casting of ballots. Traditional Democrats gave Hillary Clinton convincing victories in most of the largest states, where votes had to be won among economically and racially diverse groups and where the most delegates were at stake. Obama racked up huge margins in smaller, caucus states, the sort of contests where liberal activists dominate.
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Do not wonder why Obama, despite his own best efforts and that of the media, can’t knock Clinton to her knees. She is not propped up by some menacing “Clinton machine.” She has no overwhelming campaign war chest—Obama’s team now brags openly that he can raise more and outspend her all the way to the Democratic convention. She does benefit from Bill Clinton’s aura, but even he was kept under wraps, or at least forced to stay on message, in the days leading up to Tuesday’s vote.
Hillary Clinton is still standing for the simple reason that she has convinced millions of core Democratic voters that she will stand up for them.