The graf that really jumped out at me from that Tom Edsall piece at Huffpo was this one …
At the same time, some top independent expenditure groups supporting Clinton have been exploring the creation of an anti-Obama “527 committee” that would take unlimited contributions from a few of Clinton’s super-rich backers and from a handful of unions to finance television ads and direct mail designed to tarnish the Illinois Senator’s image.
If Obama wins big tonight, as the polls suggest, I think the Dems will quickly move to a major gut check on this question. And I don’t think it will be an easy one.
I don’t expect and I don’t think anyone should expect Hillary Clinton to roll over and play dead just because Barack Obama has won two state contests granting only a tiny fraction of the number of delegates needed to secure the nomination. But just how much are they going to tarnish him? And on what issues?
It really is a tough nut because Hillary has millions of supporters around the country, many of whom have contributed money, volunteered time and all the rest. Is it just too bad for them and now they have to get behind Obama? That’s too much to ask and certainly an unrealistic expectation. There’s really no way for Hillary to continue contesting the nomination without in some sense convincing voters Obama isn’t all he’s cracked up to be — that he lacks experience or is wrong on the issues or whatever.
But as I said, how much are they going to tarnish him? Do they bloody the guy who at that point is the probable nominee for an outside chance at a comeback?
It’s a tough question. And I suspect there will be very divided opinions from readers. But Hillary’s future, the general election, the Clinton legacy and a lot else will be in the balance.
