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Hillary Clinton Returns to Senate Amidst Cheers

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:49:59 PM EST
Tags: Hillary Clinton (all tags)
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Hillary Clinton returned to the Senate today. She's back to her day job, promising to roll up her sleeves, get to work, and yes, help Barack Obama become President.

Two hundred journalists, interns and others awaited her arrival at the carriage entrance outside the Senate chamber yesterday. A Senate official tried to keep order among the cameras, boom microphones and shotgun-wielding cops: "I need media credentials out! I need a space for her!"

...."Heads up!" somebody called out. The interns erupted in a cheer as soon as the leg of Clinton's turquoise pantsuit appeared though the doorway of her Lincoln Town Car.

The cheers continued at a private Senate luncheon. [More...]

as Clinton entered a private luncheon in the Capitol, these colleagues greeted her with cheers, hugs and high-fives. "It's great to be here among my colleagues," Clinton teased, "just another regular, plain old superdelegate."

Her colleagues told her how much they needed her. They also need her supporters:

Indeed, they need her 20 million supporters -- and they were tripping over themselves to make nice to the fallen candidate. "Hillary Clinton is a great, stalwart Democrat and a friend of mine," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced to reporters, with Clinton at his side.

After Clinton's brief words to her colleagues at the lunch, Reid and other Democratic leaders formed a procession to escort Clinton toward the reporters outside. Reid described "one of the most emotional caucuses I've attended," complete with tears.

Hillary had this to say:

"I come back with an even greater depth of awareness about what we have to do here in Washington," she said. She spoke with vagueness about her new role ("to be the very best senator I can be"), her plans ("I'm rolling up my sleeves and getting back to work") and her vice presidential ambitions ("I am not seeking any other position"). And she repeated the requisite promise to "work very hard to elect Senator Obama our president."

Welcome back, Hillary. The news has been dull in your absence.

Update: Greta Van Susteran took some nice photos.

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    Hillary Clinton Returns to Senate Amidst Cheers | 204 comments (204 topical)
    The Times (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by andgarden on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:52:57 PM EST
    has a great picture.

    I liked Kerry's advice to her (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by ruffian on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:18:36 PM EST
    that they quoted under the picture : "Ah, compartmentalize".  I imagine she does a lot of that to get through the day. Probably has for a long time.

    Parent
    she learned how to do that decades ago. (5.00 / 6) (#44)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:21:05 PM EST
    so maybe kerry is well meant in his comment, considering everything, it is a rather clueless comment.

    Parent
    I'm sure he was remembering his own race (none / 0) (#69)
    by ruffian on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:32:49 PM EST
    He had some unfair treatment to deal with too, as I recall. I've been as mad at him as anyone this primary season, but I think he knows what he is talking about in this area.

    Parent
    all true! but the clintons have dealt with the (5.00 / 13) (#79)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:38:06 PM EST
    hate and slime for a very very long time. considering kerry's conduct at several points in the primaries, i find his comment today clueless.

    Parent
    I was puzzled why Kerry would be quoted... (5.00 / 1) (#211)
    by magisterludi on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:26:20 PM EST
    then i remembered- he was the dem candidate in 2004.

    A mental block or is he that unremarkable? Both, probably.


    Parent

    Oh, thank you John Kerry. (5.00 / 17) (#52)
    by Shainzona on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:23:22 PM EST
    What would HRC do without you?

    Parent
    With all due respect (5.00 / 12) (#177)
    by ghost2 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:55:21 PM EST
    She doesn't need his advice.  She has shown that she deals just fine with whatever life throws at her.  She is truely larger than life.

    Bet you quotes from all the usual crowd, who accused her of every thing possible and not under the sun, will be now coming fast and furious.  You hear she is a role model, blah blah...

    Once a woman doesn't threaten their place anymore, she is worthy of praise.

    I should stop here.

    Parent

    yes (5.00 / 2) (#221)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:41:02 PM EST
    everywhere I went people started talking about the woman differently the very moment they knew for sure she was defeated.

    Parent
    Hillary Clinton needs Kerry's advice? (4.93 / 15) (#141)
    by bridget on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:19:03 PM EST
    As if ....

    and btw. compared to Hillary he practically sleepwalked thru his own primary and presidential campaign. Too much compartmentalization I guess.

    I know, I know ... but I am not happy with all these Big Dems anymore. And to top it all of ... I can't think of one person I still respect right now. Not a single name comes to me right now ... None.

    They betrayed Hillary in a big way. The showed us what disloyalty looks like without batting an eyelid. They didn't support her and speak out when it was important to do so. They didn't dare defend  a legendary Dem like Geraldine Ferrarro and ignored the blatant sexism in this campaign. They didn't speak out for ME. That's what they didn't do cause they didn't think women were important enough.

    Not even someone like Barbara Boxer who lost my vote, too. Turns out that even Diane Feinstein showed more heart in the end than Boxer.

    They all couldn't betray both Clintons fast enough. For what?

    P.S. And Reid et al? grrrr.....

    Parent

    You Can... (5.00 / 3) (#258)
    by JimWash08 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 05:24:23 AM EST
    Watch a video of her arrival here.

    I really wish I'd known, and I'd taken off from work to join in the festivities. Politics ON TV is such a bore without her. Not just the snarking, but the balance of intelligence and vigour to the campaign goings-on that she brought against the two nitwits we have now.

    Parent

    Times Caption: sameo, sameo (5.00 / 4) (#265)
    by cal1942 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 08:58:27 AM EST
    "Hillary Rodham Clinton emerged today to claim her well-paid, perk-laden consolation prize -- a return to the United States Senate, a place she has barely seen for the last 16 months."

    Simply more of the same.  What a crappy tone; cite the Clintons for what is routine and 'understandable' for anyone else.

    She earned her second term in the Senate by a landslide but the best we get from the Times' "writers" and "editors" is a suggestion that somehow she had been awarded a "perk laden consolation prize."

    Disgusting.

    Parent

    Great pic (4.80 / 20) (#36)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:16:45 PM EST
    but ugh, sorry, Kerry being 'proud' of her makes me want to vomit.

    And could the NYT stop being snarky and anti-Clinton for just one day?:

    Hillary Rodham Clinton emerged today to claim her well-paid, perk-laden consolation prize -- a return to the United States Senate, a place she has barely seen for the last 16 months.

    Parent

    Kerry (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by MichaelGale on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:41:53 PM EST
    told reporter that what he had to say to her was "compartmentalize".

    ?

    Parent

    obama is lucky Bill even acknowledged (5.00 / 14) (#109)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:58:17 PM EST
    him after the underhandedness displayed by obama and his campaign.

    Parent
    My guess would be that (5.00 / 5) (#140)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:18:54 PM EST
    as far as Bill is concerned, they can whistle for it.

    But that's just a guess.  ;)

    Parent

    Isn't that the truth (5.00 / 1) (#194)
    by bridget on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:07:44 PM EST
    I would never acknowledge him ever again but that is why Bill was president for eight years and I am not ;-)

    Parent
    Both Clintons have showed remarkable (5.00 / 9) (#200)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:13:24 PM EST
    moxie, class and forebearance during the long primary campaign...hell for the last sixteen years!

    Parent
    look the clintons can never do enough for (4.71 / 14) (#65)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:28:16 PM EST
    obama. they could shine both shoes at the same time and someone would criticize. so hold your powder and wait for another day appears to be the rule of the day. it is obama's to win or lose.

    Parent
    This was my favorite line from (5.00 / 12) (#81)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:39:22 PM EST
    a different article about her return.  In response to the VP question, she said:

    "This is totally Senator Obama's decision."

    And so it is.  So glad she's throwing up the firewall against any 'it's Hillary's fault' stuff early.

    Parent

    what was snarky about that? (none / 0) (#39)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:19:17 PM EST
    U.S. Senator is a hell of a job, and good money says she'll be in the leadership structure in the next Congress.

    Parent
    I think it's the best job in the world (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by andgarden on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:20:32 PM EST
    If she doesn't want it, I'll take it. :D

    (I can't actually; you've got to be 30).

    Parent

    Go ahead, rub it in (5.00 / 6) (#73)
    by ruffian on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:34:44 PM EST
    Something to look forward to when you grow up ;-)

    Parent
    chattering probably (2.33 / 3) (#55)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:24:22 PM EST
    I love the Senate and it's a personal dream of mine to work for that institution. I don't have the personality or the acumen to actually win an election, but I'd kill to be even close to the incredible minds that make up that body.

    That's why I never understood those who were attacked for suggesting Clinton didn't exactly have a bad thing to fall back on.

    Parent

    Oh my, (5.00 / 7) (#67)
    by pie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:29:38 PM EST
    but I'd kill to be even close to the incredible minds that make up that body.

    Like Inhofe, Coburn, Sessions...?

    Parent

    Ha - those minds would at least (5.00 / 6) (#75)
    by ruffian on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:36:02 PM EST
    make good scientific experiments. I'd like to get close to them with a scalpel and a few electrodes.

    Parent
    Kind of reminds me of the AB(normal) (5.00 / 3) (#103)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:53:16 PM EST
    brain picked out by eyegore (igor) in Young Frankenstein...gotta wonder about some of those minds...

    Parent
    X-nay on the onster-may! (none / 0) (#261)
    by suki on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 08:19:58 AM EST
    My favorite line. I love that movie.

    Parent
    Some minds are more incredible than others (4.00 / 2) (#72)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:34:33 PM EST
    :)

    Parent
    C'mon, pie, some of those minds really ARE ... (none / 0) (#84)
    by Ellie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:41:00 PM EST
    ... incredible!

    Parent
    Incredible. (5.00 / 4) (#93)
    by pie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:44:51 PM EST
    Okay.  I guess that adjective works.  

    I want one with a more negative connotation, like stupidest men ever.  :)

    Parent

    Those minds are really... (none / 0) (#251)
    by Grace on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 01:14:27 AM EST
    uplifted?  (Like right out of their skulls?)

    unusual since they possess large voids that will produce echos if you yell at them just right?

    (I'm trying to help you here...)  ;-)


    Parent

    with all that has not been done for (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:47:31 PM EST
    americans since 06 i am sorry to say i no longer agree. i didn't always feel the way i do now. i have lose confidence in the so called great minds of the senate.

    Parent
    moe....if obama can make it, you can... (5.00 / 6) (#101)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:50:48 PM EST


    Parent
    Thanks! (5.00 / 0) (#104)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:55:12 PM EST
    If you're comparing me to a cum-laude graduate of Harvard Law, a past president of the Harvard Law Review, a constitutional law scholar, a U.S. Senator and the next President of the United States, I must have made a hell of an impression on this blog :)

    Parent
    Let's not get crazy... :) All those things (5.00 / 3) (#134)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:13:00 PM EST
    don't count if you don't use them in a positive, for the good of America way.

    Parent
    I'm sorry (none / 0) (#136)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:17:33 PM EST
    that you can't see the positive things that Obama has done for his community and his nation. Obviously he's younger than Hillary and hasn't been active in the public sphere as long but he's done a lot in his own right and will make a good president. I had my own issues with the way the primary was run, on both sides, but I would have voted for HRC in a heartbeat.

    Parent
    moe....voting for Hillary would be a smart (5.00 / 7) (#144)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:20:56 PM EST
    thing to do.  And, I can appreciate you are backing obama; however, the more you delve into his record, the more you see it is mostly superficial and lots of underhandedness involved.  Yes, many politicians use underhanded tactics, but not the ones touting themselves as the new coke, the person of hope and change, when clearly he is not.  We will just have to agree to disagree on this one.

    Parent
    Don't be discouraged, Moe... (5.00 / 1) (#234)
    by oldpro on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:53:43 PM EST
    ...get a good education, volunteer/work on campaigns...apply for a job with a Senate office or committee.

    It's not that hard to get there but it's extremely hard work, so staying there can be the problem!  Long hours and lousy pay but great experience and good connections.

    Parent

    Sorry, is this the new line (5.00 / 8) (#54)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:24:19 PM EST
    to make Clinton supporters feel better?

    Just whose place is she going to take in the leadership?  Who's going to step aside for her?  Not Reid, certainly.

    Parent

    for some reason my reply to this was deleted (none / 0) (#77)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:37:28 PM EST
    but I wouldn't at all be surprised to see her as DSCC chair, and I wouldn't be shocked if Reed didn't run for leader in January.

    Parent
    Reid has stated he's not going anywhere (5.00 / 22) (#102)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:51:39 PM EST
    and he and Pelosi tried not only to push Obama to the finish line but push Hillary out of the race, starting in February. They're part of the fancy 'new coalition' in the DNC, the one that doesn't want anything to do with Clinton or her base (those uncouth working class, low information voters.  Oh yeah, and women, 'cuz they're such a problem).  They will not lift a finger to help her to any position of power, and if it were up to them, I'm sure she wouldn't have her Senate seat still.

    I don't believe all that NYT baloney about Hillary having a 'secret list' but I do believe she knows who her friends are, and Reid isn't on the list.

    JFK said: "Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names."

    Parent

    is it possible for you guys to post (none / 0) (#124)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:06:14 PM EST
    without using all that invective?

    That's the first I've heard of Reid's assertion that he's going nowhere...got a link?

    Parent

    Google is your friend. (5.00 / 6) (#142)
    by Inky on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:20:19 PM EST
    Try it some time.

    Here you go:

    May 12, 2008

    Sen. Harry Reid on Monday brushed off the notion that he has any plans to cede his Majority Leader title once Hillary Clinton returns to the Senate full-time.

    Asked by The Huffington Post about reports that Clinton may be eyeing Reid's spot if (as seems likely) her presidential run is unsuccessful, the Nevada senator at first offered some humble niceties.

    "I do this job the best I can, with the full support of my senators," he said during a small breakfast with reporters. "I feel very comfortable with where I've gotten."

    Link

    Parent

    You first. (none / 0) (#137)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:17:40 PM EST
    Where's the link that she's being considered for DSCC chair? Hmmmm?

    Parent
    He said... (5.00 / 3) (#147)
    by Alec82 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:23:18 PM EST
    ...he wouldn't be surprised, not that he was aware of any such action.

     And since you all prefer to snipe at one another rather than provide links or look it up...

     From Bloomberg:

    The immediate consolation prize of a leadership job seems unlikely; Reid said in an April interview that the idea of him stepping down as majority leader in favor of Clinton was ``sheer folly.''

    And an overthrow of Reid isn't likely. ``That position isn't open,'' said North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan, when asked about the possibility of Clinton taking over.



    Parent
    Actually, (5.00 / 4) (#267)
    by cal1942 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 09:12:50 AM EST
    anyone expecting a shakeup at the top of the Democratic "leadership" in Congress hasn't been paying attention.  

    The "leadership" got their cave-in candidate, they've consolidated their power. There will be no change at the top just more of the same. That's what the Orwellian campaign was all about - Change that really meant NO Change. Up is down, war is peace.

    Parent

    Greta (none / 0) (#243)
    by CHDmom on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:20:02 AM EST
    Did you see her interview with Pelosi tonight? Interesting. there is a video at Gretawire fox it's 2 parts, the part about Hillary sexism and Obama and his church are the 2nd video

    Parent
    It's up next if anyone wants to watch (none / 0) (#247)
    by nycstray on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:30:26 AM EST
    aka NOW!

    Parent
    She would be so far superior (5.00 / 6) (#112)
    by riddlerandy on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:00:06 PM EST
    to Reid

    Parent
    Even w/out Reid, there are others (none / 0) (#182)
    by Joan in VA on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:59:33 PM EST
    with seniority ahead of her.

    Parent
    Ain't gonna (none / 0) (#269)
    by cal1942 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 09:15:50 AM EST
    happen. Reid will remain Majority Leader or yield to one of his crowd.  Hillary Clinton is not in his crowd.

    Parent
    Because it's not a prize for 2nd place. (5.00 / 5) (#161)
    by Joan in VA on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:42:26 PM EST
    It's a job she won long ago. They infer that she's derelict of duty for running. Obama hasn't been there either but no mention of that.

    Parent
    uhhh... (none / 0) (#190)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:05:07 PM EST
    I read no such inference, and why would they make a comment about Obama in a caption of a photo of Clinton?

    Parent
    lotsa commentary (none / 0) (#224)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:45:07 PM EST
    for a caption.  Why bother?

    Parent
    Reading comprehension (none / 0) (#270)
    by cal1942 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 09:38:59 AM EST


    Parent
    She also put in her most direct unity pitch so far (5.00 / 0) (#8)
    by cannondaddy on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:58:54 PM EST
    "If you care about the issues I care about and the future that I outlined in my campaign, then you really have to stay with us in the Democratic Party and vote Sen. Obama to be our next president."
    I respect her and admire her (5.00 / 17) (#91)
    by MichaelGale on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:43:55 PM EST
    and I vote "no".  Sorry Hillary.

    Parent
    Still Here (5.00 / 15) (#132)
    by Athena on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:11:45 PM EST
    I still support Clinton - but not her endorsement.

    Great to see her again - yes, Jeralyn, it has been real dull for weeks.

    Parent

    Then (5.00 / 0) (#260)
    by cannondaddy on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 08:06:22 AM EST
    you're not being supportive... If you truly want the same things she does, if you share her beliefs at all, you'd take actions that support them.  You are no longer a supporter, just a fan.

    Parent
    I love her...but I won't. (4.80 / 21) (#13)
    by Shainzona on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:02:04 PM EST
    No.  Can.  Do.

    Parent
    Shainzona....I wrote her today taking (5.00 / 6) (#115)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:02:38 PM EST
    referencing that quote....I said you can ask us to do a lot of things, we love and support you and we realize how much America needs you.  But, please do not ask us to vote for obama...it won't happen.

    Parent
    I can, IF she is VP....otherwise (4.37 / 8) (#61)
    by Aqua Blue on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:27:32 PM EST
    it's a protest vote for me.

    I will ruin my record of a sraight Democratic ticket in every election for more than 25 years.

    Parent

    Who the heck is Ovah? (5.00 / 7) (#83)
    by pie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:40:18 PM EST
    The lollipop brigade needs to have a nap.

    Parent
    I think THEY think it works like Google bombing (4.50 / 8) (#126)
    by Ellie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:06:43 PM EST
    Or Pepsi points. After a certain amount of mojo piles up equivalent to 1000 cans of sody pop, you get a key chain or a Happy Meal Toy.

    But if a pest downrates you with 1's ... NO TOY FOR YOU!!!!

    If it were Big Girl Toys I might go for the brass ring, which I heard is a really great toy. (Just sayin')

    Parent

    Really big girls (5.00 / 1) (#257)
    by Grace on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 01:50:07 AM EST
    like things with batteries...

    Like new digital cameras and those fancy new cars that don't need any gas...

    ;-)

    Parent

    I agree (5.00 / 9) (#9)
    by sas on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:59:32 PM EST
    am still heartbroken.

    She should be the one....

    Leave it to the interns to know what's right! (5.00 / 6) (#10)
    by Shainzona on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:59:38 PM EST
    Oh, and they're not 60 year old over-the-hill women, either.....hmmmmmmm.

    Were we expecting (5.00 / 20) (#17)
    by Coldblue on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:06:00 PM EST
    otherwise?

    Her fellow senators sold her out, but now that they need her...

    Just sayin'

    I'm used (5.00 / 3) (#19)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:06:37 PM EST
    to it and I really don't care. It reflects poorly on the rater more than anything else.

    Parent
    sold her out? (5.00 / 0) (#198)
    by tben on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:12:18 PM EST
    hows that? Was she somehow entitled to their support?

    Parent
    Yes, you see, how it's done in politics (5.00 / 4) (#207)
    by Cream City on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:20:25 PM EST
    tben, is that people helped along the way return the favor.  But it's clear from your comments here that you don't quite grasp human/political interactions.

    Parent
    absolutely (5.00 / 1) (#219)
    by tben on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:37:37 PM EST
    Finally, something we can agree on. I absolutely do not quite grasp the concept of supporting someone for the highest political job in the land, and the leadership of my party, based solely on what favors the various candidates have done for me.
    I would have no respect for someone who threw their support to someone on those grounds only. If those grounds were a tiebreaker, then sure. Those grounds have a role in the calculation in any case, becuase obviously one has a level of trust for people who have been helpful and freindly. But is that the determinitive factor? Absolutely not.

    We do see politicians for whom that IS the most important factor - George Bush is legendary for the importance he places in loyalty and the byzantine webs of obligation that spawns. You see the kind of administration that results from that, and the behavior that results when loyalty becomes a central tenet of ones ethics.

    Parent

    Amazingly (5.00 / 5) (#223)
    by Cream City on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:44:01 PM EST
    it's really not all about you, tben.

    Parent
    oh gee, really? (none / 0) (#233)
    by tben on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:53:09 PM EST
    was that your attempt at snark? Pfft!

    Somehow your (lack of) response makes me suspect that you know that I am right. That you really do accept that politicians, like everyone else, have a right and (especially for them) a responsibility to put the interests of the country ahead of all other considerations, including personal friendships and loyalties, when making decisions of such importance.

    I know it must be hard. People you otherwise respect come to different conclusions than you did. Actually, I am not sure why it is so hard. You dont sound like you lack confidence in your own decision - something that often lies beneath a lashing out at those who decided otherwise. So what is it? Is it totally beyond your ability to even imagine that someone like Ted Kennedy might actually think Obama was the best person for the job?

    Most people would find it a lot easier to respect you for your opinions if you could show yourself capable of respecting them for theirs.

    Parent

    when the only form (5.00 / 5) (#237)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:59:46 PM EST
    of loyalty you can imagine is the kind that exists in the bush white house, then its hard to respect your opinions.

    Same for obama when he equates ALL preconditions as bush-lite.

    Parent

    thats a rather ridiculous statement (none / 0) (#241)
    by tben on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:10:44 AM EST
    the only one I can think of? Is it not obvious that it was simply the most obvious, and telling example?

    Is this REALLY what you look for in your politicians - that they make monumental and consequential decisions based on who thier friends are, rather than making a judgement on their own as to what they think best for the country?

    I am not sure I understand what your second sentence means.

    Parent

    you're still doing it (5.00 / 1) (#246)
    by Edgar08 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:27:30 AM EST
    creating a false choice between who your friends are and making good decisions.

    Parent
    would you care to expalin what you mean? (none / 0) (#249)
    by tben on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:42:24 AM EST
    Obviously the two can overlap, but that is obviously not the case under discussion. What happens when they dont overlap?

    Parent
    You think (none / 0) (#250)
    by Edgar08 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:57:57 AM EST
    you got to decide what was being discussed, all on your own,eh?

    Parent
    Well, (none / 0) (#248)
    by tree on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:37:36 AM EST
    Most people would find it a lot easier to respect you for your opinions if you could show yourself capable of respecting them for theirs.

    Think outside the little box you're in. Assume for a second that other people might actually see things differently than you do and still not be "ridiculous". It might help your understanding.

    Parent

    Oh, tben, you want to know what it is? (5.00 / 2) (#238)
    by Cream City on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:02:01 AM EST
    It's that you're just a joke here, tben.  And thanks, but I don't look to anonymous youngsters on a blog to fill up my respect quota.  I get plenty from more credible sources, who even sign their names.:-)

    Parent
    now thats not very nice of you (none / 0) (#240)
    by tben on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:06:52 AM EST
    except that I do thank you for the "youngster" line - its been a few decades since I was on the recieving end of one of those!

    Parent
    I don't think the comment was intended (5.00 / 2) (#244)
    by tree on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:20:23 AM EST
    as snark. Your post prior was filled with your reaction, your party, what you would approve of and could therefore comprehend. Cream's comment was a simple invitation to look at the issue from any other viewpoint than what YOU think is the only valid one to have(which, unremarkably, is the very one that you believe in.)

    Most people would find it a lot easier to respect you for your opinions if you could show yourself capable of respecting them for theirs.

    If ever there was a poster who needed to head his own statement, you are that poster and this is the statement.

    Parent

    I predict that she will return (5.00 / 16) (#31)
    by athyrio on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:14:32 PM EST
    in 4 years stronger than ever as almost 18 million of us have voted for her and have a vested interest in her which is far more popular than she started out this primary season....She will be a power to behold....:-)

    well she needs to be a leader for (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:23:07 PM EST
    her supporters during the upcoming period. how to do that within the party should be interesting. i would recommend just supporting those things that are good for all americans. that alone will continue her popularity.

    Parent
    Oh, they sure love her now (5.00 / 23) (#48)
    by Steve M on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:21:49 PM EST
    Considering the lack of courage displayed by the Dem caucus in general, I'm surprised some of them have the guts to look her in the eye after the disrespectful way they treated her during this primary.  I wonder if Sen. Kennedy thinks she's noble enough to be back in the Senate chamber.

    If Kennedy never steps back into the chamber (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by andgarden on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:26:43 PM EST
    I won't be surprised.

    There's a potential transition here worth pointing out, even if he acted like a you know what.

    Parent

    Well (5.00 / 5) (#71)
    by Steve M on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:33:53 PM EST
    It goes without saying that I wish Sen. Kennedy the best of health, regardless of all that other stuff.

    Parent
    Amen to that. (5.00 / 2) (#183)
    by A little night musing on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:00:03 PM EST
    I haven't been so happy with Teddy recently, but no one has been a better friend of the poor and forgotten in the Senate.

    Some Kennedy (John Jr., I think) wrote about all that money being of value so that they could do public service. And they have. They have.

    That's great legacy.

    Parent

    I would be surprised (none / 0) (#68)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:31:43 PM EST
    although I have no basis for that.  Maybe just because the Kennedys have made such a bit deal about showing how recovered and well he is.  (Although maybe that's really just the media).

    If he steps down, doesn't Deval Patrick get to pick the replacement for the remainder of his term?

    Parent

    Nope, (4.50 / 2) (#80)
    by andgarden on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:38:29 PM EST
    He is required to call a special election. The Dems in the state legislature made sure of that in 2004 so Mitt Romney couldn't appoint a Republican.

    Parent
    That is correct (none / 0) (#146)
    by befuddledvoter on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:23:07 PM EST
    but the buzz in the legislature is to file another bill to return the authority to the governor.  

    Parent
    who is doing that and why would be an (none / 0) (#179)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:56:30 PM EST
    interesting read don't you think.

    Parent
    Are they afraid (none / 0) (#197)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:11:26 PM EST
    a Republican would win an open seat in a general election?  The only person I can think they'd be afraid of is Mitt, but seeing how few people were sad to see him leave the governorship, I don't think he's really a threat.  Unless there's some other carpetbagger out there... maybe I'm just not creative enough.

    Is this something really being buzzed about in the legislature, or is Deval Patrick pushing it?  I'm sure he'd like the power back.

    Parent

    i have read that the gov is not so popular (none / 0) (#218)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:36:37 PM EST
    these days.

    Parent
    He's not (none / 0) (#225)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:45:22 PM EST
    Last time I checked (which was several weeks ago) his approval ratings were around 40%.  And he'd just lost a big protracted fight with the legislature over casinos in Mass.

    Which is why I was wondering if the 'buzz' is really in the legislature, or coming from him.  Or maybe from his supporters in the legislature.

    Parent

    who would he favor? (none / 0) (#228)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:48:29 PM EST
    and as i read earlier would't there be a special election?

    Parent
    Special Election, yes (none / 0) (#252)
    by Valhalla on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 01:20:36 AM EST
    There would have to be a special election under current law.  But befuddledvoter said he/she had heard buzz that the legislature was thinking of giving that power back to the governor.

    From what andgarden said upthread, the Mass. legislature only went with the special election option so that had Kerry won in 2004, Mitt Romney couldn't replace him with a Republican.

    So I was just wondering where the buzz is coming from -- really from the legislature, or ultimately from Patrick, who I assume would rather have the power in his hands.  Not many governors wouldn't prefer to have the power to appoint interim Senators/Reps, I'm sure.

    Parent

    Senator Kennedy (none / 0) (#268)
    by samanthasmom on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 09:12:59 AM EST
    would like his wife, Vicki, to complete his term if he is not able.

    Parent
    Glad that she's getting kudos (5.00 / 9) (#59)
    by blogtopus on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:26:30 PM EST
    from somebody nowadays.

    I think she's a powerful politician and she'd make an amazing Senate Majority Leader. I don't think she's out of Obama's hair as much as he thinks she is; hopefully she'll keep his and his fellow DINOs' feet to the fire while in the Senate.

    Should the unthinkable happen, and Obama loses the election, I don't think there will be any words more looked forward to seeing than 'Hillary Clinton kicks off second run for the presidency' in February 2011.

    Did Harry Reid Really Cry? (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by catfish on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:27:45 PM EST
    After Clinton's brief words to her colleagues at the lunch, Reid and other Democratic leaders formed a procession to escort Clinton toward the reporters outside. Reid described "one of the most emotional caucuses I've attended," complete with tears.

    I wonder who it was that cried...

    men cry also. they are just as emotional (5.00 / 2) (#74)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:35:07 PM EST
    as women though some might not want to admit it. we are all on the same boat together.

    Parent
    Were they crying in joy or in pain (5.00 / 6) (#116)
    by catfish on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:02:49 PM EST
    like
    1. why, god, why didn't this dynamic, radiant, brilliant woman win the primary?
    2. please, Hillary, please forgive me for stabbing you in the back
    3. isn't it great to see her ... now I'm getting verklempt


    Parent
    Crocodile tears don't count !! (5.00 / 5) (#129)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:08:40 PM EST


    Parent
    smile! a big grin! (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:27:14 PM EST
    but very true and good insight!

    Parent
    Thank you ma'am! (5.00 / 1) (#162)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:43:45 PM EST


    Parent
    Jame Gumb (5.00 / 1) (#166)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:45:57 PM EST
    Cried.

    Parent
    I cry every time I think of Reid... (5.00 / 6) (#153)
    by Shainzona on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:31:53 PM EST
    and Pelosi, and Kennedy, and Kerry, and Dean and Brazile and, big wails of horror when I even hear the name Barack Obama.

    Parent
    Ellie, you're the bomb! (5.00 / 8) (#64)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:28:09 PM EST
    You always, always make me laugh, even at my most bitter.  Bitter laughter, often, but laugh nonetheless.

    I think I got nuked (5.00 / 6) (#100)
    by Ellie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:50:37 PM EST
    In the ether, then:

    An oPest Said: HRC would have to work hard to earn back her rep.

    Another Pest (me) said: I heard in Gym class that she puts out n/t

    Just so you don't get a rep for disembodied @ss kissing :-)

    Parent

    I'm glad she is back to work (5.00 / 2) (#82)
    by roadburdened on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:39:30 PM EST
    but I could do without the unity talk. I don't think I could have voted for Clinton, so I don't expect her supporters to vote for Obama just because she wants them to.

    Reid came across as somewhat classy.

    Welcome back Senator. (5.00 / 4) (#87)
    by AX10 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:42:19 PM EST
    I still am voting for McCain though.

    Jeralyn (5.00 / 5) (#105)
    by CoralGables on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:55:54 PM EST
    I don't envy your job going through these comments lately. Even a very positive post on Hillary has the ability to get off track into an anti-Obama rant.

    It's good to see Senator Clinton back in the Senate where she does great "policy wonk" work and I still hope to see her on the ticket in November.

    the anti-obama comments (5.00 / 0) (#110)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:58:53 PM EST
    aren't the ones being deleted

    Parent
    personal attacks (5.00 / 5) (#123)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:05:48 PM EST
    drive by snipes, insults and posts calling either campaign or candidate racist are what's deleted. And yes, most of those deleted have been anti-Obama.

    Disagreement is one thing, name-calling and attacks are another.

    And no, I no longer am monitoring comments like I used to. I don't have the time.

    If I get an e-mail or see an objectionable comment while briefly perusing the thread, I delete. Those that remain just mean I didn't see it.

    Parent

    Jeralyn, you deserve a rest from this (5.00 / 2) (#188)
    by Ellie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:03:44 PM EST
    Put up a bat to hire an intern to learn specialty blogging from IMO a couple of of the best and we'll get the dough together.

    You do far too much as it is.

    Parent

    True that (5.00 / 6) (#212)
    by Jane in CA on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:26:40 PM EST
    Thank you for the great post, Jeralyn and the great blog. I left here out of respect once you declared for unity, but find there isn't a single other site out there that offers the intelligent posts and discourse on timely issues that this one does.

    In short, you, BTD, and all the exceptional commenters here have spoiled me for the other blogs :)

    The civility is largely what keeps the conversation so stimulating, and that does appear to be more of a problem now than it was when I posted on a relatively regular basis. So ... I agree with Ellie.  I'll happily chip in for an intern to help you with moderation if that's what it takes to maintain the respect and civility that keeps so many of us coming back.


    Parent

    why i'd even cash in my milk bottles. (5.00 / 1) (#232)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:51:17 PM EST
    just kidding! i'd contribute. jeralyn has to have time or her career and herself like the rest of us. i include btd and chris in that also.

    Parent
    you must check out these (5.00 / 5) (#113)
    by NJDem on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:00:21 PM EST
    pics  (warning, Greta/Fox link, but it's worth it).

    I looked at this crowd and thought "miss her much?"
    (hypocrisy aside)

    And I always like to point out that during this primary season neither presumed nominee was able to sponsor a bill in the Senate, she sponsored four!  

    Can't wait to hear her take on FISA...

    Thanks for the link! (5.00 / 4) (#173)
    by nycstray on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:52:51 PM EST
    Looks like a nice reception she had there.

    Not only did she sponsor 4 bills, I was following her news page on her site. She was very aware of what was going on in "our world" and didn't fail to make a statement, policy proposal etc. She was generally the first (or only) and often most thorough.  I've got "my agenda" for her which includes some of the issues she addressed on her site.  :)

    Parent

    Absolutely, (5.00 / 3) (#186)
    by NJDem on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:03:05 PM EST
    on her site she'd even put out statements for meat recalls, etc.  

    And did you see this

    From Politico:
    Clinton Gets Royal Treatment Upon Senate Return

    Talk about rolling out the red carpet...

    "Clinton even went through the rarely used east door of the Senate on the second floor--strolling in just below the large glass US Senate emblem around 1:10 p.m.--fashionably late for the weekly Democratic policy lunch. It's a door that not even the vice president uses when he makes his weekly visit to the Senate GOP luncheon."

    She used a 'secret' door that even Cheney doesn't use!

    Parent

    Oh oh, now Cheney will read about it (5.00 / 1) (#208)
    by Cream City on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:21:59 PM EST
    and want to use it next time.  Darn, we made it all these years without anyone tipping him off to it.

    Parent
    Yup. And her food safety policy (5.00 / 2) (#236)
    by nycstray on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:58:17 PM EST
    is something I would like to see along with her product/import safety. Apparently she's also been leading in the senate on reducing antibiotics in factory farms. Those are a couple of issues on "my agenda". I'd like to hear her reaction to the FDA in their current quest to find the toxic tomatoes (if they exist) since April 10th. heh.

    I'm glad she was well treated (even if it was false by some) and I love that she used "the door" :) I liked the pictures of the "average" citizens out front that were there also. I will say, it was nice living in NY while she ran. Didn't have too many turncoats here every time the calls for her to drop out rose. And now I have her back as my senator, atleast.

    Parent

    Greta did a decent job (none / 0) (#148)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:24:10 PM EST
    describing Clinton's arrival, and those pics make me happy!

    Parent
    Yes, those Greta pics are great (none / 0) (#213)
    by bridget on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:27:55 PM EST
    I enjoyed them a lot - esp. since I don't watch TV these days.

    I have never been on Greta's blog but I used to watch her show when she was still on CNN. I liked her a lot and missed her when she went to Fox.

    Parent

    "She was evermost beautiful (5.00 / 4) (#122)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:04:53 PM EST
    Defeated," sayeth the man.

    yes, that was the intended outcome (5.00 / 2) (#135)
    by Josey on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:15:44 PM EST


    Parent
    Yeah... (5.00 / 16) (#139)
    by Jackson Hunter on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:18:06 PM EST
    Let's be just like MyDD, where if you don't worship the ground Sen. Obama walks on your troll rated and actually publically outed.  Yeah, that would be a swell idea.  Sorry, I'm not speaking for anyone but myself, but we don't drink koolaid here Moe.  Oh, and traffic has dropped WAY OFF at that place because so many people have been intimidated into silence that it has been turned into an intellectual wasteland.  And before you say "prove it or retract", I refer you to DK and the "We Have Your Back, Barack" diary where the author of that diary admitted she had waged "guerilla war" on other websites for Obama.  But I'm SURE she was the only one, right.  It wasn't a coordinated effort or anything by his supporters, right.  (And note that I said supporters, not Obama himself, so you can't use that dodge.)

    Jackson

    and anyway (none / 0) (#150)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:27:11 PM EST
    I'm referring specifically to the comment interface, not whatever editorial policy you dislike.

    Parent
    Its a lousy idea for (5.00 / 2) (#156)
    by tree on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:34:49 PM EST
    any blog. It leads to bullying. Jeralyn's got a good system. I'm sure if you would review your deleted comments you'd find that you probably did insult in some way. I've had a few of mine deleted over the course of time I've been here and in just about every case I realize that I had slipped into insult mode.

    i think it works okay (none / 0) (#160)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:39:49 PM EST
    on blogs where the distribution of supporters is fairly even-handed. The system works great on MyDD now that it's about 50-50, but when it was a little more lopsided to Clinton the HR abuse was remarkable. So yeah, point taken.

    Parent
    Here's a snippet from Hillary's response to my (5.00 / 4) (#167)
    by Newt on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:46:47 PM EST
    FISA email yesterday.

    Thank you for writing about the National Security Agency (NSA) domestic wiretapping controversy. This is an issue of grave importance not only to residents of New York, but to all Americans.

    As I have long maintained, protecting the security of our citizens and our homeland is the most important responsibility I bear as a U.S. Senator. I firmly believe that the government must have the ability to use every legal tool necessary to root out terrorists so that the United States can prevent another terrorist attack on our soil. But that commitment to our national security does not mean that we must sacrifice the rule of law and our Constitution. We can be both safe and free.

    Now, the Bush Administration has vowed to block any surveillance legislation that does not provide retroactive immunity to telecommunication companies. I believe that granting retroactive immunity under these circumstances is wrong and undermines accountability. To that end, I supported and co-sponsored efforts to strip this provision from the FISA legislation. I was discouraged to see that amendment fail the last time it was considered in the Senate. In the weeks to come, I will continue to work with my colleagues to pass an improved bill, one that takes the needed steps to defend our homeland while also defending and respecting our Constitution, our laws, and our privacy.




    it's amazing how much better (5.00 / 3) (#216)
    by DandyTIger on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:34:12 PM EST
    a politician Hillary has become during this primary, especially over the last 6 months. I'm really impressed. Not only does she have 18 million people behind her, but she has gained great skills on her journey. I mean seriously, look how she did in the last four months of the primary. Wow.

    Me personally, I think she's going places. That could mean one of the top senators down the road, or it might mean president in four years, or it might just mean power behind the scenes, but I think there is a lot of potential there.

    i hope she works to maintain her (none / 0) (#220)
    by hellothere on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:39:36 PM EST
    core supporters. it sounded like kerry was trying to say that wasn't for her to be doing now. i think they are afraid of her now.

    Parent
    I hope she does too (5.00 / 3) (#229)
    by DandyTIger on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:48:50 PM EST
    And yes, I think they are very scared she'll hold on to the power she has now. Of course, it's politics, anyone would hold on to that power. But for a woman, it will be different and somehow they probably think she should give up that power and those followers.

    I wouldn't be surprised if we hear more about how she should do what's best for the party, and the big thing she could do is to loose power and throw her supporters under the bus. Something they didn't get or expect from Ted as he gained more power after his 1980 presidential run. Yet again, the difference will be glaring. But I have no doubt she'll handle that. We'll see how it all plays out, but watch for the double standard.


    Parent

    Kerry and Clinton (5.00 / 4) (#230)
    by OrangeFur on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:50:16 PM EST
    It's amazing the contrast between the two. One came out of his campaign greatly diminished. Democrats at best felt sorry for him; nobody thought of him as a party leader afterwards. The other is now a huge political force, and the clear leader of half the party. People don't feel sorry for her--they can't wait until she tries again.

    Parent
    Clinton was a bigger force than Kerry going in (5.00 / 1) (#254)
    by Valhalla on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 01:33:25 AM EST
    I think.  I was pretty surprised when he got the nomination in 2004, and he's my senator.  He's voted the right way on many, many things over the years, but I never had the impression that he was a mover and shaker.

    Maybe I was just misinformed, or maybe it's years of being in Kennedy's shadow.

    But Clinton definitely had more national presence before the campaign started, so it's not surprising she has it coming out.  That being said, I think she has even more now.  If Obama were to lose the GE, I can't think of any major Dem right now who would stand a chance against her in 2012.

    Parent

    We Hillary supporters are... (5.00 / 2) (#256)
    by AX10 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 01:49:01 AM EST
    not going anywhere.  I laugh in the sad face of John Kerry if he thinks he is going to tell us what to do.  I remember the 04' campaign.  Kerry was my last choice for the nomination.  I stood with him because I wanted Bush out.  However, Kerry went sailboarding instead of campaigning.  Kerry is basically the schmuck of a schmuck, a zero, a nothing.
    HRC most certainly has a strong presence now.
    If things go a certain way, she will the choice for 2012.

    Parent
    Kerry (5.00 / 2) (#259)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 06:11:48 AM EST
    can eat a sock for all I care. He's a huge part of the problem. I hope they are afraid of her.

    Parent
    What could have been... (5.00 / 7) (#226)
    by OrangeFur on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:47:45 PM EST
    That she won't be the nominee isn't her loss, it's ours.

    What a tremendous president we could have had.

    I wonder if Obama (5.00 / 3) (#231)
    by Left of center on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:51:03 PM EST
    will get a similar reception when he returns to the senate after losing in November.

    Such Silliness (5.00 / 0) (#242)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:17:32 AM EST
    That is exactly the type of comment that many see as inane. Thank goodness Hillary is classy as there is always the occasional supporter in all campaigns that lack that trait.

    And I continue to hope she is on the ticket because I would like to see Hillary as president someday. With the Dems likely to steamroll in November, the VP slot is the perfect place to be next in line. And with the most recent poll (LA Time/Bloomberg) putting Obama up +12, I'd love to see an Obama/Clinton landslide.

    And to answer your question, They always cheer the incoming President.

    Parent

    how much time do you spend (5.00 / 1) (#253)
    by Edgar08 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 01:32:22 AM EST
    per day scolding obama supporters for being classless?

    10 minutes?  15?

    Parent

    Edgar (5.00 / 0) (#262)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 08:33:00 AM EST
    My post wasn't aimed at you but since you were obviously somewhat offended that someone would take issue with a post that sarcastically wanted to know how a defeated Obama would be treated by his Senate colleagues in November, I'll answer you.

    Talk Left was a predominantly Clinton stronghold during the Primary season. There would rarely be any reason to scold a "classless" Obama supporter here as those posts would usually disappear quickly. On this thread I saw one repeatedly, and most of his posts were incinerated. (and rightfully so). In fact, he took a potshot at one of my posts and Jeralyn handled it so fast I was left with a "post denied" message trying to respond to something that had already gone to the great trash can in the sky.

    We are reading a site called Talk Left. My candidate was narrowly defeated and now Obama is the nominee. I have and will always support the nominee of the Democratic Party over any choice the Republican Party puts up since the DEM Party far better represents my views on the issues. Taking a potshot at Obama isn't being pro-Hillary anymore, it's being anti-DEM. Politics can be like hand to hand combat but the Primary is over.

    And I stand by my response as to how Obama will be treated in his return to the Senate. The President Elect will be applauded In November in the same exact fashion as Senator Clinton would have been applauded should she have been the Democratic nominee.
     

    Parent

    oh (5.00 / 3) (#264)
    by Edgar08 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 08:47:21 AM EST
    And I don't think TL was much of a Clinton stronghold when one half of TL thinks Bill Clinton is a race baiter.

    Critical of obama does not mean Clinton stronghold.

    A Clinton stronghold doesnt assume the worst about clintons rfk comment, either.

    Parent

    none of that (none / 0) (#263)
    by Edgar08 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 08:43:16 AM EST
    addressed my concern.

    Parent
    I suspect that would be more like Kerry (none / 0) (#235)
    by DandyTIger on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:54:32 PM EST
    in his return. Just a guess though.

    Parent
    Before Denver (5.00 / 1) (#274)
    by chopper on Thu Jun 26, 2008 at 12:03:53 AM EST
    I just hope Obama is exposed before Denver and the supers correct their mistaken votes and Hillary is our experienced and qualified nominee who easily becomes our next president.

    The alternative is Obama is exposed after Denver and loses to McCain.  Then the supers will feel like fools, but too late to matter.

    Welcome back, Hillary! (4.93 / 16) (#66)
    by Esme on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:28:48 PM EST
    I definitely missed seeing her in the news. She has become my favourite public figure, and I'm very glad to see her back in the Senate!
    I hope she can take more of a leadership role, and become a big force in national politics.

    On another note, I guess I'm still "bitter", but it's hard for me to understand how some of her fellow senators can even look her in the eye after willfully participating in her public shaming. I wonder how these people can sleep at night.

    I find it (4.82 / 23) (#4)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:53:50 PM EST
    interesting that everybody seems to want us--Reid, the other senator and even McCain treats us with respect. Everyone except the presumptive nominee. It's wierd that way.

    I posted this on an earlier thread and I could (4.77 / 18) (#1)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:51:24 PM EST
    not be happier.  My only disagreement is with her wanting us to vote for obama since she is out....won't happen...sorry.

    Ditto! (5.00 / 6) (#45)
    by tek on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:21:12 PM EST
    Harry Reid has certainly changed his tune, now that he's gotten his way.

    Parent
    Nice to see her "back to work". (4.55 / 9) (#32)
    by Shainzona on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:14:41 PM EST
    It seems Obama doesn't see any need to show up for the People's Important Business.

    Parent
    Lurking trollrater OVAH....how about coming (5.00 / 9) (#99)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:49:19 PM EST
    out and joining the discussion?  Or are you afraid to??

    Parent
    So nice to see (4.77 / 18) (#20)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:07:41 PM EST
    It's funny how often we were assured by various Obama supporters that Hillary would be persona non grata in the Senate when she came back, scorned and tarnished and labeled a race-baiting loser.  I think someone even said no one would want to sit next to her.

    That was always cr@p. (5.00 / 3) (#23)
    by andgarden on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:09:17 PM EST


    Parent
    Yes, complete cr@p (5.00 / 7) (#41)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:19:56 PM EST
    And I don't even think the Obama supporters peddling it believed it, it was just another test-tpm they were slapping against the wall.  Or they actually are as naive as some have painted them.

    I'm glad she returned to cheers (hey, shouldn't we all get cheered at once in a while?), but can't shake the feeling it's kind of odd, like 'Yaay!  You lost!  We're so glad you're not any better than us!'

    Parent

    She has power (5.00 / 9) (#47)
    by andgarden on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:21:29 PM EST
    There are 18 million people looking to her now.

    Parent
    There are (5.00 / 5) (#58)
    by pie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:25:37 PM EST
    at least as many people looking at Obama.

    Hmmm.  Or maybe not as many.

    Parent

    No (5.00 / 1) (#209)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:22:31 PM EST
    They are looking at Obama.

    They think Clinton is just fine.  They are looking at Obama.

    Parent

    Remember that? (5.00 / 2) (#56)
    by catfish on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:24:26 PM EST
    I posted a comment that was probably hidden, but it was complete sarcasm: "she's going to have a lot of work to do if she stays in this race and continues to tear the party apart." Tear the party apart? By staying in the race? When you still could win?

    Parent
    It is also going to be interesting to see how (4.69 / 13) (#5)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:54:31 PM EST
    sucking up goes on in the senate chamber.  I am confident Hillary has her scorecard up to date...

    There are quite a few I'd like to see (5.00 / 15) (#7)
    by Joelarama on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:58:24 PM EST
    groveling before her, after the deafening silence in the face of the insults and sexism that she has endured.

    Parent
    McKaskill (5.00 / 3) (#120)
    by catfish on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:04:33 PM EST
    If we can pick who we'd like to see groveling, I'd like to see McKaskill.

    Parent
    I think it will be a tough competition (5.00 / 6) (#202)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:16:04 PM EST
    if we start voting on whom we'd like to see grovel most.

    Parent
    I want to see her defeated at all costs. (none / 0) (#255)
    by AX10 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 01:43:03 AM EST
    in 2012.

    Parent
    Umm, she is just (4.66 / 3) (#12)
    by sarissa on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:01:36 PM EST
    junior Senator from New York, at least until Obama loses.

    Parent
    She's never been just the junior senator from (5.00 / 11) (#131)
    by Joelarama on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:11:09 PM EST
    New York.

    Parent
    Here are two who have taken her (5.00 / 0) (#49)
    by Shainzona on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:22:14 PM EST
    positions as their own and failed to even acknowledge that the ideas were HRC's and not theirs.

    "Democratic Senators Debbie Stabenow, of Michigan, and Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, the latter of whom had arrived a few minutes earlier..."

    Parent

    Looking forward to hearing her stance (4.33 / 3) (#2)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:52:02 PM EST
    on telcom immunity.

    Good for Hillary, she's a great Senator (none / 0) (#107)
    by riddlerandy on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:56:53 PM EST
    and will continue to establish a great Senate record in coming years

    Gosh maybe a Woman can run for President (5.00 / 13) (#152)
    by Ellie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:28:21 PM EST
    ... someday and not have her partisan rival foment egregious bigotry against her, the media assail her with a historically unprecedented barrage of vitriol and her own party shred her votes and strip her of delegates so the less qualified, experienced, talented or deserving man could "win".

    A girl can dream!

    (Seriously, HRC will be the next Dem President of the USofA. IMO Obama will be the most expensive landslide loser in history.)

    Parent

    Seriously (3.00 / 2) (#155)
    by Alec82 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:34:45 PM EST
    Do the jabs ever stop? Plenty of Senator Obama's supporters, primary and GE alike, post here and are very respectful of Senator Clinton and party members who supported him.  You seem to go out of your way to attack him.  You are even cheering for his loss, which, frankly, if you cared about the issues Senator Clinton cared about, is both kind of sad and alarming.  So much hatred for differing viewpoints.

     Also, this is note a site from which you should be rooting for a McCain victory.  You might be more comfortable doing that elsewhere.  You can be upbeat about Clinton without attacking Obama (and vice versa), their party or their supporters.  

    Parent

    These jabs aren't Obama's fault (5.00 / 1) (#164)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:45:18 PM EST
    But it's why he won't be able to unite the country let alone the party.


    Parent
    I'm predicting his loss which will be all on him (5.00 / 9) (#180)
    by Ellie on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:58:14 PM EST
    Party leadership -- explicitly Rahm Emanuel -- typified HRC supporters as bitter old women who stayed home knitting on election day.

    Other Dem leaders and Obama's campaign said we weren't necessary anyway with all the new voters, so our apathy is mutual.

    I wish all of you good luck in your future endeavors.

    My vote and mind continue to be mine unless cast or lost.

    Parent

    Um, typo or weird Freudian slip? (5.00 / 10) (#203)
    by FemB4dem on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:16:19 PM EST
    "Plenty of Senator Obama's supporters, primary and GE alike, post here and are very respectful of Senator Clinton and party members who supported him." (my emphasis). I think you mean "her."

    Seriously, like many of the other posters you reference, if the election were held today, I would "be rooting for a McCain victory."  However, it is only June, and I am a long time Dem who takes no particular pleasure in the idea of voting for a repub, even if I do, on occassion, enjoy a good snark against Obama. I keep participating on sites like TL because I respect the moderators, and still kind of hope someone can convince me I really don't have to vote for McCain.  Who knows, maybe that will be you, Alec82.  But it won't be you, or anyone else, if you succeed in sending me (and others like me) elsewhere.  Is that what you want?  To lose my vote and all the other voters I (and those other sites) might convince that this is a LOTE* election and Obama is not the LOTE?  There really is a lot that can be said in favor of split government.  Do you want me to make those arguments to people and at places where you (and others who agree with you) have no way to refute them?  Honestly, I don't understand the attraction of a site where everyone who comments agrees and is pulling for the same thing all the time.  If that's what you want, shouldn't you comment on the Obama website? Come on, cowboy up, convince me I'm wrong.  I really hope you can.  

    *Lesser Of Two Evils    

    Parent

    I certainly don't hold it against Hillary (3.00 / 2) (#172)
    by riddlerandy on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:51:00 PM EST
    McCain is having some of the same problems with Ron Paul supporters.

    Parent
    Unfortunately, Hillary didn't vote (none / 0) (#133)
    by roadburdened on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:12:04 PM EST
    on FISA legislation earlier in the year (according to Project Vote Smart). I'm curious what she'll do.

    hate to be a party-pooper (5.00 / 0) (#143)
    by moe21885 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:20:38 PM EST
    but there's little to suggest that she'll vote much differently from other Congressional Dems...unless her new fighting spirit has changed some stances of hers, which would be a welcome thing.

    We'll see.

    Parent

    Fair point... (5.00 / 3) (#154)
    by Jackson Hunter on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:31:54 PM EST
    and if she votes for FISA then I'll blast her too, it would be a terrible vote.  Hopefully, the filibuster will gain some momentum and it will be defeated, it is just another craven collapse by a Party that has really disappointed me lately.  What is the point of having a majority when all they do is rubberstamp Mr. 28%.  I sincerely hope that Sen. Obama will get behind the filibuster as well, it will definitely help him get my vote.

    Jackson

    Parent

    Having not obtained the nomination (3.00 / 2) (#175)
    by riddlerandy on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:52:54 PM EST
    it frees her to more openly express her views.  It will be interesting to see how she does.

    Parent
    I figured that would happen (5.00 / 4) (#204)
    by nycstray on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:17:45 PM EST
    if she got the nom/WH. One of the reasons I supported her. You can see flashes of that in her and she also showed it during the debates. She also said she was laying out her plans because she wanted to be held accountable. I expect to see more of this in the senate now.

    Heh, methinks some Senators may regret their wishes, lol!~

    Parent

    So... (5.00 / 2) (#210)
    by santarita on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:25:48 PM EST
    does this mean that since Obama got the nomination he is not free to more openly express his views?

    Parent
    Really? Here's her statement in January: (5.00 / 5) (#159)
    by Cream City on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:38:37 PM EST

    Today, I will vote against Republican efforts to shortchange the debate on the FISA Amendments Act, important legislation that would modernize our surveillance laws and give our nation's intelligence professionals the tools they need to fight terrorism and make our country more secure. Rather than allow the Senate the opportunity to consider important amendments to this vital legislation, Republicans are instead blocking meaningful debate on this bill by playing procedural games, choosing instead to score cheap political points at the expense of our Homeland Security.

        This legislation deserves a thorough debate. Several provisions - including those which would have a profound impact on the civil liberties of Americans - need to be the subject of careful deliberation. For example, the bill under consideration gives telecommunication companies blanket retroactive immunity for their alleged cooperation in the administration's warrantless wiretapping program. I continue to believe that a grant of retroactive immunity is wrong, and I have cosponsored Senator Dodd's amendment to remove that provision from the bill. The Bush Administration has blatantly disregarded Americans' civil liberties over the past seven years, and I simply will not trust them to protect Americans' privacy rights. With the temporary Protect America Act set to expire on February 1st, I strongly believe that we need to pass balanced legislation that protects our civil liberties and the rule of law while giving our law enforcement and intelligence agencies the tools they need to protect our country.



    Parent
    Sounds like she voted against it (5.00 / 3) (#176)
    by RalphB on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:54:40 PM EST
    to me.  I expect that to happen again.


    Parent
    From what I can tell (1.00 / 1) (#201)
    by roadburdened on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:14:41 PM EST
    She didn't vote on the FISA Amendments Act of 2007, the Striking Telecommunications Companies' Civil Immunity for Surveillance amendment, or the FISA as Exclusive Means for Conducting Electronic Surveillance amendment. These votes took place on February 12th.

    I got this info from http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=55463

    Parent

    It was the cloture vote (5.00 / 1) (#214)
    by Cream City on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:29:17 PM EST
    that was the test, one of those cases -- and she voted nay on cloture.  (As did Obama.)  

    Parent
    she probably issued a statement (none / 0) (#138)
    by Josey on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:18:02 PM EST
    re her position on the legislation.


    Parent
    This was her statement back in February (5.00 / 2) (#165)
    by tree on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:45:22 PM EST
    I believe we need to modernize our surveillance laws and give our nation's intelligence professionals the tools they need to fight terrorism and to make our country more secure. At the same time, smart, balanced reform must also protect the rights and civil liberties of Americans. In my opinion, the FISA Amendments Act of 2007 falls short of these goals, and for that reason, I oppose the bill.

    As I have maintained for months, I oppose the provision contained in the bill that grants blanket retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that allegedly cooperated in the administration's warrantless wiretapping program. I believe granting retroactive immunity under these circumstances is wrong and undermines accountability. To that end, I have supported and cosponsored Senator Dodd's strong efforts to strip this provision from the FISA bill, and was discouraged to see the amendment fail by such a significant margin.

    Over the past seven years, the Bush Administration has blatantly and systematically disregarded Americans' civil liberties. It cannot be trusted to protect Americans' privacy rights. That is why I strongly believe we need to pass balanced legislation that protects our civil liberties and the rule of law while giving our law enforcement and intelligence agencies the tools they need to protect our country."

    I haven't seen a statement from her yet about the current incarnation.

    Parent

    Thanks (none / 0) (#187)
    by roadburdened on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:03:20 PM EST
    I still wish she would have voted in February.

    Parent
    I don't think it would have mattered (5.00 / 2) (#205)
    by nycstray on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:19:17 PM EST
    much like when Obama passed on the Iran vote. She did show up when her vote was needed.

    Parent
    I do too (5.00 / 1) (#206)
    by Valhalla on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:20:01 PM EST
    but I thought the February vote was the one where they were certain to lose (those opposed to the bill, that is).

    Parent
    That's true (none / 0) (#217)
    by roadburdened on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:34:57 PM EST
    FISA as Exclusive Means for Conducting Electronic Surveillance was rejected 57-41 (Obama voted for it).

    Striking Telecommunications Companies' Civil Immunity for Surveillance was rejected 31-67 (Clinton and Obama were both co-sponsors, Obama voted for it).

    FISA Amendments Act of 2007 passed 68-29 (Obama skipped this one too).

    Parent

    Were those all this year? (none / 0) (#222)
    by nycstray on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:41:14 PM EST
    I can't remember which one it was, but they were both there. The news reports weren't about the bill, but their brief conversation on the floor. One of the votes was closer and we were all emailing/calling. That's the one she was at.

    Parent
    That was the pre-FISA cloture vote (none / 0) (#227)
    by Cream City on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:48:05 PM EST
    as I recall, and both were there, and both voted (correctly).  One of those cases where the cloture vote was more the test?

    Parent
    They were in (none / 0) (#245)
    by roadburdened on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:22:28 AM EST
    February. Greenwald wrote extensively about the vote on January 28th (Clinton and Obama were both there): http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/01/28/fisa_debate/

    Parent
    What? (none / 0) (#171)
    by coigue on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:49:47 PM EST
    I thought 1s were for displaying extreme disagreement. I've both given and recieved them. Can you show me that in the rules please?

    Per Jeralyn (5.00 / 1) (#184)
    by waldenpond on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:01:01 PM EST
    It's been written a few times, here's one... 1s.

    Parent
    Thank you Jeralyn (none / 0) (#239)
    by DandyTIger on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 12:04:23 AM EST
    I just noticed how many comments there are here compared to the comment number of later posts. That must mean there is a lot of work clearing out the not so nice stuff. Thanks for all that work.

    Now back to program already in progress...

    So happy for her (none / 0) (#266)
    by Lil on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 09:12:06 AM EST
    looks like she got a hero's welcome, and I loved your line: "Welcome back, Hillary. The news has been dull in your absence."  So true!

    A little humor to close out a thread (none / 0) (#271)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 09:52:46 AM EST
    And to prove that it is at times possible for sides that disagree to come together, I may have found the mountain top of common ground by receiving 5 ratings from both Tben and Ellie on the same post earlier on this thread. (hope one of them wasn't a typo). We aren't the Pogo Party at all. For all those that may have come before me, and those that come after me, in accomplishing this same fete, I salute you.

    damn spell check (none / 0) (#272)
    by CoralGables on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 10:07:55 AM EST
    feat fete feet...spell check should be able to decipher the literary purpose in this day and age to bail out the poor preview proofreader.

    Why Hillary Deserved the Cheers (none / 0) (#273)
    by WakeLtd on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 06:11:32 PM EST
    If we all put aside our feelings about which Democratic candidate we preferred to get the nomination, we can see one thing objectively:

    Two Democrats proved they were fighters until the very end. And it was the closest primary season imaginable. And both candidates inspired incredible amounts of enthusiam among their supporters. And both candidates helped to register millions of new Democratic voters.

    And now the candidate who is not the nominee has pledged support for the nominee,  and the nominee has expressed gratitude for that support.

    On an objective political level, it is a win-win situation for the Democrats. Some hard feelings still remain. But for the Senate: I can see why they would give Hillary a rousing welcome back.

    Howard Dean once said that the loser of the primary campaign would end up being the most important person to the upcoming general election. That would be Hillary.

    Whether you supported her or not, she proved that Democrats can be fighters & can find common ground once the internal campaigning has ended.

    Hillary Clinton Returns to Senate Amidst Cheers | 204 comments (204 topical)