McGovern Urges Clinton to Quit Race
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Former Sen. George McGovern, an early supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton, urged her to drop out of the Democratic presidential race Wednesday and endorsed her rival, Barack Obama.
After watching the returns from the North Carolina and Indiana primaries Tuesday night, McGovern said it’s virtually impossible for Clinton to win the nomination. The 1972 Democratic presidential nominee said he had a call in to former President Clinton to tell him of the decision, adding that he remains close friends with the Clintons.
“I will hold them in affection and admiration all of my days,” he said of the Clintons.
McGovern’s announcement comes a day before Clinton was scheduled to travel to South Dakota to campaign. The state holds its primary June 3 with 15 pledged delegates at stake.
McGovern said he had no regrets about endorsing Hillary Clinton months ago, even before the Iowa caucuses.
“She has run a valiant campaign. And she will remain an influential voice in the American future,” he said.
But Obama has won the nomination “by any practical test” and is very close to a majority of the pledged delegates, said McGovern, who is 85. Obama moved within 200 delegates of clinching the nomination with his split decision on Tuesday of a win in North Carolina and a narrow loss in Indiana.
It’s time to unite the Democratic Party, he said.
“Hillary, of course, will make the decision as to if and when she ends her campaign. But I hope that she reaches that decision soon so that we can concentrate on a unified party capable of winning the White House next November,” he said.
Hillary should not get out? I am disgusted by the media and all the dirty politics going on here. If they think that her supporters in Florida are going to vote for Obama they have another thing coming.We will continue to support the best and fight till the end
The fact that Obama has won so many delegates and states so far just proves the fact that American Society has become so shallow that all it takes is a good speaker for people to line-up like Lemurs ready to plunge off a cliff. Anyone with a brain would recognize that Hillary is one of the greatest politicians, diplomats and experienced leaders of our time. Obama knows nothing, except how to talk.
I agree with Barbie. Both candidates platforms are 99% the same and wether it was Hillary or Obama, the chosen candidate would make history wether black or female. If you are a true democratic voter , you should tow the party line and vote for whomever is elected from the party. We truly don’t want another four years of right wing politics.
McGovern calls for her to quit? Dukakis, Kerry, and Kennedy want her out too? Why should she listen to you bunch of losers. We need a candidate with huevos and Hillary’s got ‘em. Obama better fight for the nomination and include FL and MI. Are you going to have a convention of 48 states and then go beg the missing ones to stay faithful to the Dems? If Obama were ahead in those states-they’d all be for inclusion. Hillary better keep fighting - the Dems are losing my support and I may switch if she caves into these elitist losers.
1st of all, I don’t understand these folks that support the candidate in the beginning & then turn their backs on them when they struggle. That is when they are needed the most. That is not a friend by any means.
Mr McGovern has some nerve to call himself a friend of the Clintons.
Senator Clinton needs our support, win or lose.
MCGovern wants her out, Bill Richardson wants her out.
hmmm
america wants her in.
Obama is McGovern vs. McCain.
Even McGovern knows that.
Clinton would be the greatest president .
I will never vote for Obama, He knows nothing about this countrys problems. His only goal is to be the first black president. That statement came from his mouth at the beginning. If he wont’s change he needs to start at his own door. I will never vote for him.
I was wondering when the super delegates were going to step up to the Plate. The truth is we have two wonderful candidates. I was one of those die heart Hillary supporters but in the recent months with an open mind I listened to Obama. I will support him all the way. I don’t want to tell Hillary to drop out but if your campaign is having problems financially this it’s time to make some tough decisions. People say they are not going to support Obama but many of those people are the Republicans that cross the line anyway per Russ’s request. All I know is we can’t go another year with our country under these type of conditions.
Why should Hillary get out of the race? I suggest she move further to the right. The more conservative she appears the more electable she gets. Plus, staying in shows how tough she is.