Conflicting imperatives: Clinton staying in: benefits vs. consequences

[Lerkfish]

Clinton, and Nader, are/were within their right to continue.

However, as in all things, there are consequences.

The consequences are:
1. the continued quixotic tilt at the windmill saps direction and energy from the other primary candidate.
2. it allows the republican candidate to continue to campaign without interference or opposition.
3. it forces the party regulars to choose sides that can be lose/lose instead of win/win
4. By not dropping out and coming in support of the eventual nominee, it renders that move impossible later. No one will ever believe, at this point, a Clinton support position of Obama.
5. It narrows the strategic window of the eventual nominee to reorganize and implement a general election plan.
6. It damages both candidates, but it damages the loser more in terms of later viability.

Now, the conflicting parameter is: are those potential consequences worth or of equal weight to a less than 10% chance of victory?

[Mike Nelson]

1. Why would she leave the race?

She wants to win.

[Lerkfish]

3. my argument and answer are the OP

I'm assuming you read it.

she obviously can stay in the race, but there can be consequences.

Dole also wanted to win. Simply wanting something badly does not make it occur.

[Mike Nelson]

6. I did.

I still think they (Obama and Hillary) will have a "unity" moment after the Nom is chosen. It will be an uphill fight after that, though. I wouldn't expect Obama to stay out 'cause it looked so much like Hillary. I don't expect her to leave now, when she is favored to will PA. The reality is neither of them are able to reach the delegate count during the primary season... I can't see how any of the candidates would "get out'. they want to be President. It's a big deal to these pols.

[Lerkfish]

7. ah, thanks for the clarification. it was *I* who needed to reread.

I thought you were asking why "should" she quit, but you were saying why "would" she quit.

very different.

Clinton's campaign reminds me a very great deal of Dole's run at the white house. He felt the presidency was "owed" him after all his years of service.

that sense of priveleged entitlement was how her campaign started. They apparently didn't have a plan B.

[KoKo]

2. I don't support eithe Candidate but want them both to stay in for Brokered Convention...

That's where I am these days.... :shrug:

[Cha]

4. Rec'd!

Number 6 is stellar and the best reason for not calling(since she's not moving her loser ass, anyway) her to drop out.

"It damages both candidates, but it damages the loser more in terms of later viability."

Very well said, Lerk.

[Lerkfish]

5. thanks.

I'm just tired of people not looking at or ignoring the butcher's bill.

there will be consequences, like it or not.