Sunday, January 20, 2008

Hispanics Hoist Hillary


The Democratic Party's Nevada primary was marred by accusations of dirty politics hurled by both the Clinton and Obama camps against each other. The bitter exchanges involved race issues that threatened to split the party's ranks rather than strengthen its unity. A struggle over the Culinary Workers Union had split the group with the officers endorsing Obama, while many of the rank and file opted for Hillary. Hillary Clinton won the primary with 51% of the popular votes, garnering 12 delegates. Obama was 6% behind at second with 45 %, but netted 13 delegates because of the areas where he bested Clinton.

A case was filed by Clinton supporters against the setting up of voting booths in casinos, which was junked by the court. Union workers went against the endorsement by their officers and openly campaigned for Hillary. Earlier, the two senators called a truce on the race issue and offered to run clean campaigns, but apparently, their field supporters were escalating the rift with efforts geared at disparaging the other camp's candidate.

Clinton won on the strength of white voters winning 52% over Obama's 34%. Women voters, comprising 59%, also went with Hillary at 51% versus 38% for Obama. The men votes were evenly split. Catholic voters (27%) chose Hillary too at 58%, while union members (30%) was evenly spread between the two candidates. What carried the day for Hillary was the Hispanic vote which gave her 66% to Obama's 33%, and they accounted for 52% of the voters. What is significant for Obama is the fact that the black voters, who made up 15%, gave an overwhelming 83% support for the Illinois Senator.

Former President Bill Clinton campaigned for his wife at the casinos, where his charisma and the economic gains contributed by his Presidency are well remembered by workers in the State. These visits aided the victory to some degree. The predominance of women is also a big factor for Hillary which is strikingly similar to the voter composition in New Hampshire.

The Democrat primary's next test will be in South Carolina where about one third of voters are black. If Barack Obama's momentum from black voters in Nevada (83%) are carried on in this State, this will pose a huge problem for Hillary. If John Edwards is able to capitalize on his popular support in South Carolina, where he won over John Kerry in 2004; Hillary may even wind up in third place again. Should Obama prevail on the strength of the black votes in South Carolina, the Democratic Party will be witnessing an alignment of forces with the Hispanics going for Clinton, while the blacks standing behind Obama. In delegate rich California, Hispanics make up 20% while blacks are at 6%. New Jersey's Hispanic and black electorate is also an area of interest to see if such a schism will take shape.

Hillary, despite winning two primaries, is credited with a total of only 36 delegates, while Obama has 38. A win in South Carolina is crucial for her since it will provide a strong impetus going into the February 5 primaries in 22 States. Obama too, needs to win in South Carolina to reset his stalled push and regain his footing after back to back losses. For Edwards, a win will give him enough reason to continue, a decisive loss will give him the exit.

The Democrat primaries are becoming more intense in an unpalatable sort of way. If this continues, it will be doubtful if they can win over the Republicans come November, as voters may tire of their bickering and begin to believe that neither of them is worth electing into office. Organization and diligence did it for Hillary in Nevada, a factor that failed for Obama. He seems more prepared for South Carolina. However, if either Hillary or Barack engage anew in politics of the underhanded kind, declaring a clean approach but allowing their supporters to use devious and deceitful tactics, these will work against their favor and the Party's as well. Today, the Democrats hold the higher moral ground over the Republicans. If their front runners continue using and throwing dirt, they will lose this privileged position in the minds of the electorate.

The Democrats should bear in mind the importance of party unity, and skepticism exists about the ability of Hillary and Barack to accomplish this. If they don't mend their ways, things could get really ugly for the Democrats, and the United States for that matter.

Haaaarrrwwwwk...Twwwooooph...Ting!

11 comments:

Kim said...

sounds like the US is headed for one very big showdown....
thanks for your concern on my arm(s)...
I have had help with my blogging (my daughter) and hopefully I will know the full extent of my injury tomorrow when I have the ultrasound and x ray
meanwhile I continue to wash :)
and paint :))

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Sounds like you're a Taurean. LOL!

What I fear is that the US and the entire global economy is headed for a showdown. America is in denial about its current recession.

The Bush formula of tax rebates of 145 billion dollars did not find comfort with investors, and stocks across Asia have tumbled in the last two days.

This is bad news for everyone.

Anyway, you have your arm to think about. Stay well and good luck with the doctors. --Durano, done!

ozegold said...

The recession is here, and the fact is that who ever takes the presidency is in for a rough ride.

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Allan, the US still calls it a slowdown, but the reality is more obvious than their pretense. You're right about the next US President having his/her hands full.

As the recession worsens, the voters will start to really examine the best candidate to lead them out of it. I hope they make the right choice.

Nice piece you did on MLK. --Durano, done!

Kim said...

thanks Durano :)
actually I'm a Leo .... :)
this latest news on the economy is a terrible worry....and I am just about to apply for my super....so I hope the situation doesn't get any worse....

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Yes Kim, for everyone's sake, I hope it gets better. But my charts don't see it that way, not in the next couple of months.

Its really wise not to focus on only one trading partner, but given that other countries trade with the US too, indirect effects are bound to take place.

I am suggesting to my friends to put their money in Gold, when the dollar is down. Or Art pieces, like the ones you create, as these appreciate always with time.

That doesn't mean though that you should strain yourself painting like crazy and doing the laundry! LOL!

By the way, one of the sites I visit is Life in the Fast Lane. Deborah answered my comment and expressed that she's a good friend of yours. I don't know if I've outraged her with my comments on her posts. I just wanted to inject humor in this dreary situation. I've also started hedging on the stocks I have.

How's the arm. Take care of it fast. You have to finish the portrait in 7 days! Stop blogging first! LOL!
--Durano, done!

oldgeezer said...

I hope people will really look at the candidates and not just listen to all the hype the media is putting out. I don't know why so many men do not think Hillary would make a good president. I think she would be great.She is the smartest of them all and the most experienced.

Kim said...

wise suggestions Durano....
I will keep that in mind....
yes Deborah did a wonderful review of my blog when I first started blogging and I did a drawing of her as my way of thanking her...

stop blogging ha...easier said than done ...I will try :) :)

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Oldgeezer, Hillary is perhaps the most defiled US Presidential candidate ever. The men in America I suppose are expressing latent chauvinist tendencies that have somehow been suppressed by political correctness.

Sexism continues to this day in the US, where a majority of the population remains conservative. Gender issues are subtle, can be vicious, and well covered up. Race issues are more prone to exposure and outrage. Sexist attitudes are dismissed at times as jokes or normal red neck reactions. Its actually an expression of violence without physical contact; violence being the absence of reason. --Durano, done!

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Kim, I know blogging can be addictive. So take some precautions! :-) --Durano, done!

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