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Dems Have Uncertain Path Ahead

Much depends on Clinton, who seems resolved to defeat

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 31, 2008 10:18 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Hillary Clinton made a very public point of keeping her options open—with Harold Ickes angrily reserving the campaign's right to appeal today's delegate decision—but she seems increasingly resolved to defeat, the New York Times reports. Instead of taking the fight to the convention, close associates think she'll drop out at some point after next week's results and endorse Barack Obama. Just don't bet the house on it.

Given the fireworks at today's rules committee meeting, the party's prospects of healing depend heavily on which route Clinton takes. “In order for us to be successful in November, the runner-up is going to have to go all out in support of the nominee,” said one party leader. Still, don't rule out a long summer. Despite her own growing pessimism, Clinton continues to insist to aides, albeit in a more subdued way, that she's the better candidate.

Joh Winkleman of Sunnyside, N.Y., yells in protest after a vote by the Democratic National Committee during the meeting in Washington, Saturday, May 31, 2008.
Joh Winkleman of Sunnyside, N.Y., yells in protest after a vote by the Democratic National Committee during the meeting in Washington, Saturday, May 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Clinton senior advisor Harold Ickes, Jr., center, former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard, right, and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, left, talk with reporters Saturday, May 31, 2008 in Washington.
Clinton senior advisor Harold Ickes, Jr., center, former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard, right, and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, left, talk with reporters Saturday, May 31, 2008 in Washington.   (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws committee member Alice Germond of West Virginia, speaks during a hearing, Saturday, May 31, 2008 in Washington.
Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws committee member Alice Germond of West Virginia, speaks during a hearing, Saturday, May 31, 2008 in Washington.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Member of the Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws committee raise their hands to vote on what to do with Florida delegates Saturday, May 31, 2008.
Member of the Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws committee raise their hands to vote on what to do with Florida delegates Saturday, May 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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