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A leading indicator of a doomed candidacy
Today's headline in the Washington Post, "Clinton Vows To Stay in
Race To Convention," is very reminiscent of Romney's, Giuliani's &
Huckabee's similar declarations, just before they withdrew from the race.
And DKer, JedReport, makes that simple, yet powerful point in his blog today:
Today's headline in the WaPo:It was a beautiful thing to see -- because the moment a presidential candidate is forced to vow that he or she isn't quitting, you know they are toast.
In recent history:
Feb 5: Romney Vows to Stay in GOP Race
[snip]
Feb 4: Huckabee vows to stay in race
[snip]
Jan 24: Giuliani Vows to Stay in the Race
[snip]
Jan 6: Edwards vows to stay in race to convention
read more | digg story
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Comments (7)
Also here:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/03/a-leading-indicator-of-a-doome.php
March 30, 2008 8:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Did see that. Didn't even know Jed posts on here. You learn something new every day!
Thanks for the info.
March 30, 2008 8:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
They may vow to stay in part to raise whatever last bit of funding they can raise, so they don't go out in debt. Another possible reason: to discourage staff from leaving a sinking ship before the candidate is ready for them to leave.
March 30, 2008 9:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
God, I hope you're right! ;-)
March 30, 2008 10:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would be interested to see just how many days or weeks it was after the above statements, that they then dropped out of the race. What's the average length of time?
March 31, 2008 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm pretty sure it was soon after for each.
March 31, 2008 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I have a different reading on this. Hillary will not necessarily follow the pattern of the other candidates mentioned. Why? Those other folks, as misguided as they may have been about their credentials to become president at least had some ability to connect with reality -- they were not afflicted with what Peggy Noonan aptly called Hillary's "cognitive dissonance."
Hillary has lost touch with reality. Not a good thing for the next president to do, since we already have one like that.
I am not saying at some point she will not drop out. But it will not be because she has read the tea leaves and decided it's not in her future to be president ... it will be because the people around her will put their collective feet down and say, "Enough, Hillary."
March 31, 2008 6:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
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