2008 is not 1992
If you’ve heard anything from Hillary Clinton; then you’ve heard that Bill Clinton didn’t wrap up the nomination until June of 1992. Unfortunately for Hillary, this isn’t 1992.
Entering 1992, we had an incumbent President with high approval ratings seeking re-election. That played a strong part in keeping the field clear of strong candidates - so we had an unheard-of Governor of Arkansas, an unheard-of Senator of Iowa, an unknown Senator from Nebraska, an unknown Senator from Massachusetts (also known as “No, the other one.”), the known-but-not-loved Governor of California who were “in it to win it” and the Governor of New York who couldn’t decide if he wanted to be President or not (meaning he wasn’t sure if he could win).
Entering 2008, we had a former first lady whose name recognition approached 100% who was also the sitting Senator from New York. Barack Obama is the Senator from Illinois that has been on the national stage since he addressed the National Convention in 2004. John Edwards was the immediate past VP candidate that had spent a considerable amount of time and money building a national following. Then there were other unimportant candidates, as well. Oh yeah, we also have one of the most unpopular Presidents in history who cannot seek another term. Very different.
In 1992, the Iowa caucus opened up on February 12 with Tom Harkin running unopposed. In 2008, the Iowa caucus was heavily contested and went down on January 3.
In 1992, Bill Clinton (with 25% of the vote) claimed to be “The Comeback Kid” when Paul Tsongas, who lived practically on the stateline, pulled only 33%. In 2008, Hillary Clinton claimed to be “The Comeback Kid” when she managed to allow Barack Obama capture the same number of delegates as she did.
In 1992, Gov. Brown won the Colorado primary while Paul Tsongas won Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. In 2008, only Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have won contests. Tsongas, however, couldn’t manage to raise any money and by Super Tuesday, Clinton was described as being “on the verge” of being named the nominee. In 2008, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama raised mad amounts of money and the story of Super Tuesday was that Hillary Clinton underperformed - badly.
In 1992, Bill Clinton moved forward from Super Tuesday to win every other contest, his eventual nomination never in question. In 2008, Hillary Clinton has lost and lost and lost - she trails in superdelegates, dedicated delegates, number of wins, fundraising, and, if we want to be honest, character.
It’s time for someone to make Hillary Clinton stop, before, like Two Belles, she cripples herself and must be put down for good.
