When Hillary eventually drops out --- the Obama/Edwards race will dramatically change

[RiverStone]

Obama and Edwards are splitting the anti-Hillary vote and of course gathering the pro-Obama or Edwards votes respectively.

IMO, Hillary will be dropping out - maybe before Super Tuesday, but more likely in the week after.

I'd wager 75% of Hillary supporters would lean to Edwards.

In fact, her timing on this could make or breaks Edwards chances to win the nomination. She stays in late, Obama wins. She leaves earlier, Edwards wins. One voters analysis...

Either way - our nominee will be Obama or Edwards! I'd be happy with either, though think Edwards is more competitive nationally across all demographic groups.

I know, Hillary supporters will beg to differ; but it's the primaries after all. :hi:

[maddiejoan]

1. I'm a Hillary supporter

and giving the extremely unlikely event of her dropping out (I think she can still win)

I'd be more inclined to throw support to Obama than Edwards.

[emilyg]

20. Hillary supporter here

I'd go with Edwards.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

2. Here you go... good luck

:evilgrin:

[RiverStone]

5. What's a little heat among friends?

Lay it on me...it's cold outside!:)

[SammyWinstonJack]

16. ...

:spray:

[LostInAnomie]

3. She's in for the long haul, I'm afraid.

She's got high hopes for big states. She just wants to stay in the running until then.

[RiverStone]

11. If she does NOT come in first in NH, SC, or Nevada...

That will make 4 states (incl. IA) the M$M's presumptive nominee did not win before super Tuesday.

I think that scenario is likely.

And what does that say about Clinton's chances or popularity?

By then, it will be clear she is on a slippery slope of no return.

[davidinalameda]

4. Edwards will go before Hillary

he'll go after the Feb primaries if he's not competitive

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

6. Problem is, Edwards has to stay alive until all this plays out.

[Ravy]

13. Edwards stayed alive a LONG time in 2004 with public financing.

Only winning one state. He dropped out a month after Super Tuesday when Kerry had enough votes to tie it up. If Clinton/Obama each win a fair share of primaries/caucuses, and the debate becomes polarized between the two (where in states where Obama is strong, Edwards is second, and in states where Clinton is strong and Edwards is second, then Edwards mathematically could be ahead in the delegate count without winning a state.

[Rosemary2205]

7. Hillary is just not a quiter.

I'm no Hillary fan but I'll be SHOCKED if she quits -- seriously shocked. If Murdock himself asked her to quit she'd tell him to kiss off. IMHO.

[Ravy]

8. If all three stay in, my bet would be on a brokered convention,

with Edwards being the most likely choice (at this point in time).

[RiverStone]

15. That happens --- here come Gore, Kerry, and Kennedy to make an endorsement...

Those three would finally weigh in on one candidate.

It would be high drama!

An unlikely possibility, but a very intriguing one.

[Bitwit1234]

9. Bullshit

Hillary Clinton is going to be the next president of the USA. And Obama will be shoveling the shit right along with bush.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

12. Ummm you may prefer HRC to Obama, but why the apparent bitter hostility? Hmmm?

[onehandle]

10. All three will be in it through the primaries. Possibly up to the convention. nt

[OHdem10]

14. I support Edwards and would love to have him win.but

Hilary will be in this fight for a long time and still can be
our nominee. My second choice is Hilary.

The first time Regan ran he lost 7 states.

As the serious pundits say/ Obama had not get too arrogant.

[Yael]

17. No way she drops out before Feb 5th

[morgan2]

18. you think there is any chance she'd quit before super tuesday?

even if she loses every primary before than, shes staying till then. Thats when she has the biggest advantage.

[RiverStone]

19. Like I said in the OP, probably not...but,

Imagine Hillary entering 2/5 without ONE victory? I think that will happen.

Her momentum will be shot. He vulnerability exposed. Oh, she is beatable afterall....

That's not the position her or her camp ever envisioned.

By then, even if she wins a couple of states on Super Tuesday, the dye will have been cast.

IMO, the math simply won't add up on 2/6 to give Hillary a viable chance (without an extreme stumble by Obama/Edwards).

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

21. A result much to be hoped for.