Pulling the plug on Clinton

"Whatever happens tomorrow, we're going on." Huh? Not exactly the sentiment of a strong, healthy campaign.

But it is exactly how Hillary Clinton greeted news Monday that she now trails Barack Obama in New Hampshire. He not only has wrestled New Hampshire away from the once Mrs. Inevitable, but he blew past her. Obama gained 11 points on Clinton and now holds a ten point lead, one day before the state's primary.

This surge should not come as a surprise to anyone, it is an indication of both what Obama did and what Clinton didn't do. Obama did win Iowa, and by default collected the momentum that accompanies a Hawkeye state win. But also, Clinton failed to realize that as her momentum faded in Iowa, efforts to save her chances in the state were useless.

Instead of bolstering her efforts in Iowa, Clinton should have shifted her focus to New Hampshire, a state she once led by 20 points. Not only could a shifted focus have helped her save New Hampshire, but it would have had the equally important affect of saving us all from the joke that was the Hill-a-copter.

I realize that many consider it a campaigning taboo to neglect Iowa, after all it is, well, Iowa. But what did Clinton's increased time and resources get her, an opportunity to give a very nice team player concession speech? It appears as if she may get the opportunity to give several more of those.

What Clinton should have realized is that she could sustain a loss in Iowa and still get the nomination, but she could not sustain a loss in both Iowa and New Hampshire. The former is a tough break, but something that a candidate as resourced as Clinton can overcome. But the latter is something that has only been done once. In her defense, the once was by hubby Bill in 1992-so if anyone can do it it may be her.

But, unlike Bill, an unlikeability factor accompanies the princess of pantsuits, something difficult to overcome. It is widely reported that half the country said they would refuse to vote for Hillary, but even beyond the numbers, there is something about her that just makes her hard to like for everyone but established supporters. Maybe the months of front runner attacks have worked, maybe not. But what ever it is, Clinton seems unable to attract new voters at a time when she needs them most.

From the candidate who could not lose, to defending her campaigns ability to continue in the wake of a New Hampshire defeat, Clinton's campaign is on life support. And it now appears that Granite state residents are poised to pull the plug.