What thrills me about this political brawl is that it greatly resembles the contests that completely unmade the Democratic Party in 1896 and 1912. Those years gave us the left-liberal / "Progressive" Democratic Party, a 180-degree turnaround from the libertarian, Constitution-respecting Cleveland Democrats. A similar shattering in 2008 could produce equally dramatic changes.

Of course, major changes in a major political party need not be for the good, as the 1912 convention clearly indicates. But at least there's a chance that the major-party duopoly -- "We care more!" versus "We'll do it cheaper!" -- will be shaken up in a way that creates opportunities for lovers of freedom.

I think Hillary has a lot a favors to call in. We haven't seen the last of prominent Democrats falling on their sword.

I wouldn't really call them favors as much as Hillary knows where the bodies are buried. Either from famed FBI files or just in house gossip, it doesn't matter.

I can't say the thought hasn't cross my mind concerning Spitzer, who reluctantly got onboard with Hillary after leaning towards Obama, looks like he got in trouble all of a sudden in January in connection to behavior that went back years thanks to a bank that decided to squeal on him. Its a massive leap, I know, but he timing is interesting.

I liked what you wrote about Hillary Jay. It's why I've said before that were she to win the nomination I'd either vote for McCain (not sure yet) or write in someone - maybe you Jay.

Ayn Rand illustrated two types of people who seek election by socialist parties: idealists and thugs. People with high convictions and wrong methods, and people who are in it for the money, power, fame, and who fiddle as Rome burns. I shouldn't have to explain why I brought this up.

"Further, I am convinced that, in her heart of hearts, Hillary Clinton believes that she is "owed" the presidency for her years of standing by ..."

I think the Obama's have the same entitlement mentality; they think they are owed the office as payback for a 'mean and racist' America.

OBAMA's pastor is going to eventually do damage to him. He sat under this racist's teachings for 20 years and Obama says he is his own man, whatever that means. Also, Mrs. Obama thinks men are idiots including her husband. Obama is getting the soft treatment because he is black. Hillary is Hillary. Everyone knows the package their. McCain, he will probably win if he picks a great running mate.

Overall, I am loving watching the dem's take each other on regards to race, gender, experience, qualifications, etc. ww

How do the "Breck Girls" Delegates factor in?

Hill-A-Bee Clinton is not a "Monster", although her campaign is quite monstrous and poorly run.

Hill-A-Bee is a Machiavellian, opportunistic, calculating egotist.

Her bid to be President at all cost and by any means is clearly the one true purpose in her life.

Are they gonna wash that man right out of their hair?

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 03/13/2008 A short recon of what's out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.

Wow! Someone else that thinks like me. I have been telling anyone I can that Hillary believes she is entitled the job. Yeah Right.
It has been obvious to me that there is room in Hillary's heart for for Hillary and her rise to power. That Mr. and Mrs. America is all she cares about.
Two things come out of Hillary's mouth, lies and treason. Pick the order, it's all the same.
As for the empty suit Barack, it's pretty much the same.

It is amazing how Democrats always want a do-over when things aren't going their way.

I'm no fan of Hillary, but she won in TOTALLY LEGAL primaries. They were 100% legal because election rules are set by the states, not the parties.

Anyway, not a single candidate in the Presidential race is worth looking at.

Obama is just a sleazy car salesman that can talk pretty as long as he is rehearsed. Asking a simple question about an unrehearsed topic and watch him struggle. He has no clue about most things, yet he pretends he knows what he is talking about and many idiots believe him. Also he has NO EXPERIENCE ON ANYTHING. His record as a Senator is none existent (because he is done nothing).

Hillary is an impressive woman, with real life experience. But her "social ideas" (like universal health care) are based on having the middle class pay for everything. She is the typical "socialist" who believes that the working class should pay for everybody else.

McCain is an old f@rt with old ideas. Sure he is less risky than the other candidates, but safe is not necessarily a good thing. We need new ideas that can stimulate the long term economy ... and that takes risks.

I am loving watching Hill-a-bee hold on to thin hope with white knuckles and then seeing the demo-rats implode. More reason to keep giving to the GOP: Just donated another buck to acitesting

"There was a brief moment when one of his staffers called Hillary "monstrous," and was promptly fired."

Yes, that might have also been some PR for Obama. It does make him look more ethical, doesn't it, though? Someone says what he really thinks, then they cut him loose. Really, I believe there's political scapegoats everywhere. Do I sound cynical, Jay? ;)

WackoE, I don't think you understand elections.

You state:

I'm no fan of Hillary, but she won in TOTALLY LEGAL primaries. They were 100% legal because election rules are set by the states, not the parties.

You are correct that the primaries in Michigan and Florida were "legal". However, the Democratic party has no obligation to recognize the delegates at its own party convention. None. Zero. Zip. The states cannot tell the parties how to hold a party convention.

The rest of your comment belies your claim that you are "no fan" of Hillary. Comically so.

So it's going to take something really spectacular to head off a brokered convention.

I think all it really takes is for enough super delegates to swing to Obama to put him over 2,025 before the convention. Given the delegates still out there in the remaining races that he'll get he will need about 130 more superdelegates to pledge for him (there are still 346 undecided).

I think you're right that Hillary is trying to bait Obama into making some kind of a shrill attack on her. Then, she'll play victim (maybe shed a tear or two) and then whine about how Obama's attacks contradict his basic message of hope and bringing change.

She's a clever one but she's running out of time. I can't believe the events of the past week will convince many superdelegates that she's the one to lead the party against McCain. Just look at how haphazard and disorganized her campaign has been with all the infighting.

Did it ever occur to you that maybe these people (Shaheen, Kerrey, Ferraro) saw that Hillary would lose, and wanted out of her campaign?

Something to think about, maybe ...