A closer look at what went wrong

[one...two...tree 2,762]

As Hillary Clinton wraps up a 17-month, historic, nearly-successful presidential campaign, the inevitable "what went wrong?" question is still very much on the minds of the political world. I've seen more than a few lists, detailing various mistakes and misjudgments, but surprisingly enough, they're all pretty similar, and point to a near-consensus about missteps that led the one-time frontrunner to come this close to winning, before coming up short.

In the Wall Street Journal this week, Jackie Calmes had a piece that was arguably the best of the lot.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, once positioned to be Democrats' "inevitable nominee," won't be. On Tuesday, Sen. Barack Obama won enough delegates to claim the party's presidential nomination.

Inside the Clinton campaign and out, the finger-pointing has begun. The bottom line is this: She called the biggest plays, and she got them wrong.

Conversations over months with dozens of Clinton staffers, advisers and supporters suggest that over her 17-month campaign, the second-term New York senator and former first lady was smart, substantive and tireless. The surprise was how good a campaigner she grew to be.

Still, these people say, Sen. Clinton is responsible for what one confidant called "grievous mistakes." Those help explain why Sen. Clinton — the best brand name in Democratic politics, and an early favorite to be the first female nominee in U.S. history — lost to a relative newcomer who would be the first African-American major-party nominee.

Following up on an item from the other day, it's foolish to look for the one event or error that doomed the campaign. It's rarely just one thing, which if avoided, would have meant certain success.

But when pulling a list together, a surprisingly straightforward picture emerges.

http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/

Edited June 7, 2008 by Jabberwocky

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Bad strategy based on bad calculations. This 4 second clip sums up what went wrong.

[nana_356 0]

I think what went wrong is simply obama was under-estimated.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I think it was based on pitty! hmmm ya know hmmmmm ya know ya know hmm ya know

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I think it was based on pitty! hmmm ya know hmmmmm ya know ya know hmm ya know

Yeah you would think that. A one track mind on a one-way trip to Dicksville on the Bull$hit Express.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I think it was based on pitty! hmmm ya know hmmmmm ya know ya know hmm ya know

Yeah you would think that. A one track mind on a one-way trip to Dicksville on the Bull$hit Express.

Look whos the engineer! Choo choo

Nice try skippy!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I bet your occupational therapist says that to you at the end of every session.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I bet your occupational therapist says that to you at the end of every session.

Does your pinky have a infected hang-nail today Six? You seem a bit irratable.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Geez....you two should get a room and be done with it! You guys bicker like a married couple...holy moses!

[nana_356 0]

I think it was based on pitty! hmmm ya know hmmmmm ya know ya know hmm ya know

Wow racism is live and well! Constant ugly comments by and ugly person.

Geez....you two should get a room and be done with it! You guys bicker like a married couple...holy moses!

You always bring sense to a conversation, thanx

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Yeah the whole White Guilt b/s is getting pretty tired. But its good to know that you can apparently secure a presidential nomination on sympathy alone.

Yep people supported Obama because they felt sorry for him. Whatever

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Its all in fun for me! Cant speak for Six. I think we would prolly get along okay.

[Amby 490]

you two should just kiss and make up. I will be the referee if anything starts to get messy

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

you two should just kiss and make up. I will be the referee if anything starts to get messy

Im not shakin his hand until he takes off that pink fingernail polish!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

you two should just kiss and make up. I will be the referee if anything starts to get messy

Im not shakin his hand until he takes off that pink fingernail polish!

Or until you put your ####### away and wash your hands