Jon-Christopher Bua, Sky News political analyst

Cynical Washington insiders say Hillary Clinton is so desperate to scupper Barack Obama's White House bid that she could back Republican John McCain this time around - leaving her a clear run at the top job in 2012.

The "Kneecap Obama now and get the nomination next time" strategy would see Hills send husband Bill out to convince the uncommitted superdelegates to hold off making their decision until the Convention in August.

Bill's message is "Chill out. This knock-down, drawn-out fight is good for the party and the Democrats will still win in November".

Just this weekend, despite calls for Hillary to leave the race from top party-elected officials like Senators Chris Dodd and Patrick Leahy (both of whom back Mr Obama), she defiantly declared she is in this contest until the Convention. (Her "Last dog dies" strategy).

In the face of seemingly insurmountable mathematical odds, where Barack Obama currently leads in states won, popular votes, pledged delegates, and combined delegates, Mrs Clinton battles on.

Some inside the Beltway think that by reaching into her bag of tricks she has implemented both the "Kitchen Sink" and the "Tonya Harding" strategies, which include a measure of subtle racial innuendo and challenges to the readiness and patriotism of the junior senator from Illinois.

They accuse Mrs Clinton and hopeful "First Laddie" Bill of resorting to pumping up John McCain in hopes of deflating Mr Obama's victory balloon.

They believe the Clintons think that with enough time she can make him "unelectable" by August, forcing him to respond to her attacks and throwing him off his more popular message.

If successful, she and cheerleader-in-chief Bill, along with her team of legal brawlers, will stage an onslaught at a brokered Convention to seat the Michigan and Florida delegates.

She may then also have to win over both committed and uncommitted delegates for Hills to regain "her rightful place" as the nominee.

If for some reason this strategy does not succeed in August, Mrs Clinton may have successfully laid the groundwork for her 2012 run.

She may have irreparably damaged Mr Obama and eliminated his opportunity to use his huge fund-raising advantage to fight John McCain before the Convention.

The more jaded pundits also believe that by constant references to Mr McCain's patriotism and sound, mature judgment over Mr Obama's "other issues", Team Clinton may be sending a not-so-subtle message to the Hillary supporters - white, working-class voters - to vote for Mr McCain so she can run again.

If this is their strategy, Team Clinton must execute it carefully and at the same time appear to be loyal party members committed to a Democratic win in November even if she is not the nominee.

Since Mr McCain's age could mean no second term, perhaps Hills is willing to let the Republicans win one more time, to give her a second chance for the spot she believes she has earned.

Let's face it, in 2012 Hillary will only be 65 years old - a spring chicken compared to John McCain at 78!

Comments

[Neil Plymouth 22 Apr 2008 15:19:11]

Lady Macbeth would be a disaster for the US and the rest of the world. Obama is the only credible option

[David, Belfast 21 Apr 2008 21:32:16]

"There's none so blind as those who can't see". Ive seen all the politicians, and there are none that are clean. Obama is as dirty as the rest and he has not run a clean campaign, he is as negative, if not even more negative than the rest.

I dont care too much about the private lives of the candidates, I care most about what they have done and what they will do.

Hillary talks about the solutions America and the world needs, Obama talks about hope and change, not policies. If you want something done, go to Hillary. She is a workhorse, not an Obama showhorse.

Is Obama the only one to inspire voters and energise them? As you have clearly seen, both Hillary and Obama have energised and inspired the voters.

And yes Hillary mispoke on Bosnia, have you never done it? I have, we all have. Yes there was the threat of sniper fire outside the plane and yes they were told they would have to run. They were also told on the plane that the welcome ceremony was cancelled, only when they got there the ceremony was on and of course there was the threat of sniper fire.

Now look at Clean Obama, he said he didnt know Tony Rezko. He did, for 20 years. He said it was a coincidence they bought neighbouring houses on the same day. Then why did they tour the house TOGETHER!

When you criticise a candidate, you should look at their oponnent with the SAME EYES. Hillary will run in 2012, but for RE-ELECTION as one of the greatest presidents in history.

[Khalid 11 Apr 2008 01:00:21]

Sir
Now thats what I call politics. And who would have guessed it, part of the same team, the White House a common goal, and hey presto, the knives our out before she embarks upon the kitchen.
Whatever her startegy, what on earth is she thinking of backing the opposition? [UB40] I suppose, but sonmehow you cant but fele there is a [Rat in The Kitchen].

[John, Northumberland 8 Apr 2008 19:27:36]

I find it hillarious that she claims to have "experience" and is constantly being found out to be a lier ( sniper fire in Bosnia anyone ??? )

Can you imagine Cherie Blair, Norma Major or Dennis Thatcher going to an election saying that they should be chosen because they have "experience" of such a role as PM, they would be laughed at and ridiculed.

Why anybody takes her seriously is completely baffling.

Oh and by the way, I want McCain to be the next president so I couldn't really give a monkeys who they choose.

[winnie 8 Apr 2008 11:08:16]

Hillary has experience of being a "First Lady" not a president. If experience matters, why not vote for Carter of even Bill? No experience is needed to be a president. Whoever knows how to bring people together and make things get done should be a super president. for that Obama is the best. Open your eyes, these are politics, and politics do not need experience. The experienced politician is just a big LIAR like Clintons no more.

[Emmanuel - Zambia 8 Apr 2008 08:29:38]

if Hilary really want to change America, why didn't she advise bill when he was still in the white house, if she failed to look after her husband while istead Monica did, how is she going to look after the entire US, if you ask me, Hilary just want to finish pumping up her resrves like what she got is not enough, she is acting out of selfishness knowing what she can reap if she's in power again. Obama on the other side is fresh young and wants what best for Americans. If you want to see more people die in i raq put either John or Hilary in white house. Bill seemed to have done well while in the white house, but lets not forget that he was just enjoying what the great ronald has put in place.
Go Obama

[Trish 7 Apr 2008 14:19:02]

John B Sheffield

No John I dont think so, in fact quite the contrary. Hillary is a realist and she knows what has to be done. And as for her husband Bill like I said in my various other postings when he was in the White House all was VERY WELL in America - you cant fault him during his years in office the only fault he had was that he liked the ladies and that was besides the point.

As far as your "squeaky clean" Abama is concerned - I dont think so, plenty of skeletons in the closet you just got to look , - "There's none so blind as those who can't see".

And for the record I have yet to see a politician who is squeaky clean, but the question is whether they get the job done and to that I say yes the only person for the job is H R Clinton.

[7 Apr 2008 03:02:51]

its sad to see all this sure
age is important the younger the most understand let clintons face the truth

[Senor Esteban Kennedy - Oakalla, TX USA 7 Apr 2008 02:05:44]

I believe Hillary is well... done!
The first place they could start changing things would be on the Senate floor that they're already on. Just go and look at their voting records for the last several months and you will find they aren't showing up to vote.You know, the job they campaigned so hard to get by promising
"change," but they just don't have the time.

When presidential candidates tout change, the only thing I see in this country that needs changing is them. Life in America is good and for
those that don't think so, you're free to leave at any time, go to another country of your choice and try to change it.

[Elizabeth, San Diego 6 Apr 2008 23:34:37]

I agree with Bill Clinton, let this play out and CHILL out. There's no way Hillary will quit, that's not her. The MEDIA should back off trying to paint a bleak picture for her and let the process of the primaries proceed without all of this derailing! She's going to win Pennsylvania. YOU GO HILLARY!

[Joe 5 Apr 2008 22:21:33]

No matter who gets the Pres. seat,not much will change,they will follow old non productive means,like all the rest.It;s not (The Pres.)who is at fault for things not getting done,there is the Congrees and the Senate,who will not can not,and do not work together.The people are not being represented,we are just a means for those in Wash. to use(money,money) thats the bottom line to everything.
That whole bunch in Wash.should be thrown out,its time for a voters revolt!!!!!

[John B Sheffield 5 Apr 2008 09:48:06]

Trish

Is it Hillary supporters like yourself that are well and truly being fooled by Hillary herself - Clinton openly admits now the lies she has told and turns into a joke on the TV Chat Show circuit, that is not a future president.

Hillary is now so far removed from real people the voters of America, she has not one clue how they live. Her tax returns released Friday (still no 2007 returns)show what a rich life she leads and the only people she understands are her rich friends and supporters.

All both Bill and Hillary have ever done it is clear is to use the position of office for their own selfish interests of building up rich financial reserves never for serving the People of the USA. This is the reason why Hillary is so arrogant. In recent weeks Clinton has completely destroyed any chance of 2012 or any real future in politics.

Barack Obama has energized Voters of all age group's, gender and race specially young people and has shown Dignity with all that has been thrown at him so much being lies and untrue smears.

[tony 3 Apr 2008 22:01:22]

i wish everybody think the way i am thinking. obama has no exprience america need someone to- rebult that country pleasevote for hillary
remerber what obama wife did to poor family in years back she never deserve first lady

[Sara Slovenia 3 Apr 2008 17:04:22]

Obama is realistic, vote Obama...

[Trish 3 Apr 2008 10:22:51]

John B Sheffield

You will be eating your words mate. If it so happens that Obama does beat Hillary (God help America) then McCain has got it signed and sealed. Time for you to take off your blinkers and see Obama for who he really is not what he wants you to see.

[Don Dublin 3 Apr 2008 09:29:11]

May the best woman win! :)

[mvanrensburg 3 Apr 2008 08:36:20]

hillary as a woman i support you - you are where you are not because you are a woman but you worked hard to
be there - you deserved it - forward to hillary

[Dave, Manchester England 2 Apr 2008 22:05:58]

Is it acceptable to go to any lengths to win. Does the end justify the means or do we expect more from ourselves and less from those that represent us? Why is politics dirty, how do we deal with this? I'm obviously not aligned with politics internationally, I have a simple view of honesty and vision that is internally held and not one based on the latest poles. Sad or what?

[Anita - South Africa 2 Apr 2008 20:41:49]

Oh Whatever! Gosh, have you all forgotten what you are running for - sounds like yourselves and not your country/people/beliefs. You call yourselves a 1st world country - how shameful - I was class mom to a group of 11 year olds and they were behaving in a similar fashion!!!

[John B Sheffield 2 Apr 2008 18:45:24]

I agree this is the escape strategy for Hillary, but is it not far too late, has she burned her last bridges and has Bill once again well and truly put his Foot in it, with his Tirade to Superdelegates at the weekend, Why? because they do not agree and endorse Hillary!

What arrogance! the same Hillary had when she first said the race would be over by February 5th. Recent weeks Voters have started to clearly see The Real Hillary, the Lies and nasty personal attacks.

How has Hillary managed to lose a 26 point lead in Pennsylvania? today polling shows it is now down to a few points! - Young People I am told still energized by Barack Obama and pushing their Parents also to support him, these Parents are now seeing The Truth! and are admiring the dignity of Barack Obama. Hillary may keep crying he does not have experience, how long has Age guaranteed experience? - these Voters now see the can bring about Real Change on the 22 April, no longer is it a one Horse race!

If Hillary had withdrawn some weeks back yes the strategy of destroying Obama may have worked, but she has gone too far now, Hillary is destroying her own Party.

Barack Obama is finally the Democratic Nominee, he can do well in the November Election, no wild claims like Hillary of success.

Has John McCain chance just ten years too late, he is really looking tired and his health does not seem good. McCain like Hillary has Iraq to contend with. If Barack Obama is Elected and does run a good Presidency that leaves no chance for Hillary. In fact if she does not stand aside soon! her political career may be questionable by many!

[LONDON 2 Apr 2008 14:10:44]

Go for it Hilary good luck

[Bernard O'Neill London ENGLAND 2 Apr 2008 12:47:53]

You Americans have got to stop thinking in the "Superpower" mode and get stuck into "The World". Obama is younger, less corrupt and idealistically more sound than the "been through the mill; I'm only in it for the fame and fortune" Hillary Clinton. As the World looks on, the rest of us don't want another CLINTON FIASCO.

[Emma, Ireland 2 Apr 2008 10:24:26]

Any time I listen to Obama all I hear is change change change, this is all well and good but how exactly? What are his policies and how does he expect to maintain them? Hillary should win this campaign, she is realistic about the challenges ahead and well able to tackle them. Obama should step down and go for the next elections when he has a bit more experience, he would be a great leader for America THEN not NOW.

[Darren Dublin 1 Apr 2008 19:16:36]

What america needs is a president with EXPERIENCE.

They will have a hard job cleaning up Bush's mess

Hillary has that experience, obama is all talk.

People feel they have to vote for obama cause they dont want to seem racist.

Vote Hillary

[Trish 1 Apr 2008 16:59:24]

The only person in my books that could lead the super power back to what is was is Hillary Clinton. If all you bloggers are honest to yourselves you will recall the years that Bill Clinton was in the White House, the economy was sound and all was very well in America.

Obama is all talk and no action, and I think he has an alteria motive - who are his backers makes you wonder doesnt it - but I guess most of the public out there are so gullable they will believe anything he says until the ####### his the fan there will be no going back - I think they should think a bit

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 1 Apr 2008 15:36:04]

It ain't over yet. Hillary won all the really important states, and they should give her Florida, what happened to democracy, the people have spoken.
The US democratic party sure know how to make things exciting. What is wrong with waiting until the convention, what's the hurry.
Hang in there Hillary there is everything to play for.

[Sharon-RSA 1 Apr 2008 15:08:36]

I think that Hillary Clinton should throw in towel. I wish that the Superdelegates would make it known plainly to her that they are giving their votes to Obama. He has kept the fight clean and ignored Hilly and Billy Willy. She just keeps having digs at Obama's inexperience and his plans for America. At least he is thinking of the people and what they want. She should stick to being a Senator. As for her praises John McCain. Where's your loyality Hilliary.

[Phil Northumberland 1 Apr 2008 14:45:15]

Married to Bill, Hilary has picked up his worst traits. Her attacks on Obama are little less than racist. Her claims of experience are bogus. With a potential third world war the last thing we need is a leader of the free world blubbing about personal attacks and how unkind some people are. ah diddums!

Obama is restrained, refreshing and realistic.

Clinton is boastful, devious and cowardly.