The coronation is on hold
This night was supposed to be Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s coronation. Months ago, when she had the pedigree and the name recognition, the money and the endorsements, it seemed a lock that Super Tuesday would be the day she wrapped up the Democratic presidential nomination.
Clinton herself predicted as much in December, at a closed-door reception for donors in Sacramento.
It didn’t happen.
Sen. Barack Obama won more than enough states Tuesday to prolong the fight.
When she took the stage in Midtown Manhattan, Clinton seemed subdued. She wouldn’t be giving a victory speech. She dutifully read from the printed pages sitting on the lectern, looking not so much triumphant as determined. Determined to keep going in what has already been an exhausting campaign that has taxed her vocal chords, campaign coffers and stamina.
One line in her speech stood out. It was a tacit admission that Obama, a freshman senator unknown to the country until four years ago, has mounted an unexpectedly strong challenge.
She congratulated him on his victories and then said the race would go on -- an admission that the Feb. 5 prediction had crumbled.
“I look forward to continuing our campaign and our debates about how to leave this country better off for the next generation,” Clinton said.
Late Tuesday night, her campaign sent out an e-mail message. It thanked her supporters and included a link inviting people to make a campaign donation.
The contest that might have been over Tuesday was still alive -- with no quick end in sight.
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