Further Thoughts on 1968

Even when I was supporting John Edwards for the nomination, and Obama was actually fourth on my list of preferred candidates, I have been concerned about the possibility of violence in this election. I think a lot of African-Americans have that same concern - that would be quite understandable. Consequently, this statement by Clinton really struck a nerve.

I doubt that she gave this comment sufficient reflection; it seems to have rolled off her tongue without a sense of its import - a candid revelation of her innermost thoughts. In a moment in which she was focused on herself, she failed to consider how anyone else might be affected by her words.

Are such candid comments less offensive than carefully planned remarks? I guess so, but they are still pretty offensive.

Besides, the analogy to 1968 really doesn't work - unless you assume she meant that a gunman could still save her otherwise hopeless campaign.

Unlike 1968, we are going into June knowing that Obama will be the nominee. Hillary's campaign continues by the good graces of superdelegates who have held back to permit her a graceful exit - one they seem to feel she deserves. Whether they still feel that way after today is something we will have to wait and see.

The fact is that Hillary is hanging on, hoping for something bad to happen to Barack. Something that would be so bad, the party would have to turn to her. Something so bad that nobody would blame the superdelegates for taking the nomination away from Obama.

Her remarks today were very telling - they reveal how, in her own mind, she justifies staying in the race. It isn't a pretty scenario.

It is time the superdelegates declare themselves.

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