Precipitous Withdrawal

The calls for HRC to "gracefully" exit the Democratic primary started shortly after Obama's stunningly large wins in the Potomac region. They have become even more pronounced since his decisive win in Wisconsin, particularly as he has gained ground in Ohio and Texas.  While I think it would be peachy if Clinton exited the race at this point, I don't think she has any obligation to do it. In fact, while the mo' favors Obama, if Clinton were able to sweep the final three large contests, she'd have as much a claim to the nomination as Obama. So why quit now?

In truth, I do think it would be better for HRC to quit now.  Not because it's already lost or for the good of the party (which, again, I think are true). I think HRC should drop out for the good of HRC. The long campaign has taken its toll on HRC's credibility as a practical, experienced manager. Her campaign is in serious financial trouble. She's had trouble controlling surrogates from the get-go (Bob Johnson, Bob Kerrey, Billy Shaheen to name three). She was on the brink of firing her chief strategist before New Hampshire. She just fired her campaign manager and replaced her with someone even closer to her inner circle. A number of members of her team have been out there essentially saying certain states don't count (caucus states, states with large black populations, states D's can't win in the fall to name three). Now, she's got wealthy donors putting together a 527 in Ohio to launch a campaign subtly going after Obama. Certainly nothing here helps her image with Americans who view her as willing to do anything (even dirty) to win the nomination.

She started this campaign as an immensely popular Senator from New York. At a certain point, nearly every ad she airs, every attack she makes on Obama, etx will be perceived as a negative (even if she is trying to accentuate her own skillset).  With no intention of exiting public life, I think she needs to manage her image carefully.  She could/should still be a star in the party going forward, including a potential Senatorial leadership post. The last thing she needs is a hit to popularity or being labeled as someone who put the party in peril for the sake of her own personal ambition. 

We're not nearly at this point yet.  Should she not sweep TX and OH, then I think she would step aside. But I'm not betting on it.

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