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Hillary Clinton's Message On Endorsement of Obama

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Other Politics
Posted on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 07:59:36 AM EST
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I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have been privileged and touched to witness the incredible dedication and sacrifice of so many people working for our campaign. Every minute you put into helping us win, every dollar you gave to keep up the fight meant more to me than I can ever possibly tell you.

On Saturday, I will extend my congratulations to Senator Obama and my support for his candidacy. This has been a long and hard-fought campaign, but as I have always said, my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans.

MORE . . .

I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party's nominee, and I intend to deliver on that promise.

When I decided to run for president, I knew exactly why I was getting into this race: to work hard every day for the millions of Americans who need a voice in the White House.

I made you -- and everyone who supported me -- a promise: to stand up for our shared values and to never back down. I'm going to keep that promise today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.

I will be speaking on Saturday about how together we can rally the party behind Senator Obama. The stakes are too high and the task before us too important to do otherwise.

I know as I continue my lifelong work for a stronger America and a better world, I will turn to you for the support, the strength, and the commitment that you have shown me in the past 16 months. And I will always keep faith with the issues and causes that are important to you.

In the past few days, you have shown that support once again with hundreds of thousands of messages to the campaign, and again, I am touched by your thoughtfulness and kindness.

I can never possibly express my gratitude, so let me say simply, thank you.

Sincerely

Hillary

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    Hillary Clinton's Message On Endorsement of Obama | 201 comments (201 topical)
    Respectful and honorable remarks, (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by Elporton on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:04:28 AM EST
    nothing less than has been demonstrated in her campaign for the nomination.

    However, it will still be a sad day for the almost 18 million voters that were with her until the end.

    Millions are still with her, present tense (5.00 / 4) (#200)
    by Cream City on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:37:00 AM EST
    and may still be with her, future tense, in the fall.  And that is what the party has to worry about . . . but I get the sense that it is so run by Obamans now that they won't get that, as they keep saying that we'll just fall into line.

    I sincerely doubt it.  Sure, many and maybe even most of the 18 million may do so.  But if the race comes down to even a couple of million votes -- or even a couple thousand in crucial states -- then the party will remain in the past tense.

    Frankly, the Dem party as I knew is past tense.  So I don't care if it dies from its corruption now.  It deserves to do so and could be best for the country, replacing it with a new party that might bring back those millions of voters who are, present tense, disgusted with the "new" Dems.  There's nothing new about them to those of us who know Chicago politics.

    Parent

    I wonder if that will be good enough for (5.00 / 8) (#3)
    by Joelarama on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:05:18 AM EST
    Jeffrey Toobin.

    That's what I was thinking (5.00 / 3) (#5)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:06:30 AM EST


    Parent
    Let's just say (5.00 / 4) (#48)
    by madamab on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:30:04 AM EST
    that Bob Somerby has job security that everyone in America can envy.

    Parent
    Godspeed, Senator Clinton (5.00 / 10) (#7)
    by Radiowalla on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:06:35 AM EST
    You ran the race of your life, stayed on track, and refused to cede the way in spite of so many raucous calls for you to step aside.

    I'm proud to have supported you.

    Well said (5.00 / 6) (#8)
    by sleepingdogs on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:07:17 AM EST
    and convincing.  Still sad, though.  

    Unless something really miraculous happens, the best I will be able to do in terms of "supporting" Obama is to NOT vote for McCain.  Before you O supporters all 'pile on,' I'm in a thoroughly blue state.  So hush yourselves.......  

    I hope all the people who are saying this (5.00 / 6) (#13)
    by Joelarama on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:11:24 AM EST
    are (a) in safe states and (b) will channel their work and money for a good progressive Senate or House candidate.

    Parent
    Not part a) (5.00 / 10) (#32)
    by Fabian on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:22:12 AM EST
    I'm in the swingiest of swing states - Ohio.

    (This time around we won't be able to blame Blackwell for anything since we canned his GOP butt.)

    Those SDs may want to think long and deeply about how the swing voters in the swing states will vote come November and why.  In fact, they may want to fund a few polls and focus groups to get some actual data to work with.  Might want to talk to those older white women and those working class folks.

    I'm only responsible for my vote.  They are responsible for selecting the candidate that I may or may not vote for.

    Parent

    Keep Hoping (5.00 / 13) (#92)
    by angie on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:47:54 AM EST
    I'm in an alleged "swing state" -- NC -- I've changed my registration to Unaffiliated -- nothing personal against Obama, per se, but I can no longer associate myself with the Democratic Party after witnessing what they did in FL & MI & the debacle where they not only gave delegates to Obama when he wasn't on the ballot, but actually took 4 away from Hillary. Furthermore, the Democrats not only did not stand up to but took part in the disgusting sexism spewed against Hillary. I'm a woman first, an American second, then party affiliation comes into play. No self respecting woman should work or wish for the success of a party that ignores her self.  

    Parent
    the party... (5.00 / 15) (#93)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:48:06 AM EST
    the party doesn't want good progressive candidates for the House and Senate -- they want sheeple that will follow the lead of the less-than-progressive party leadership.

    the reason I'm leaving the party is because of its corruption.  No super-delegate who was fulfilling his/her duty to the party and the country would have signed on with Obama after Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, etc. etc.  

    Obama had a two-week winning streak followed by three months of extremely serious losses in key swing states -- and devastatingly bad margins in places like Kentucky and Puerto Rico.  Yet, throughout this series of losses, SDs continued to flock to Obama -- this tells me that the corruption of the party leadership is so endemic that trying to "fix" it from within is pointless.  Sometimes a building is so structurally damaged that it must be torn down and rebuilt -- and the Democratic Party has shown that it needs a wrecking ball, and that the efforts of good people to fix the party will only be used to further empower the corruption of the party itself.

    Parent

    I've always enjoyed your Posts (5.00 / 7) (#168)
    by ccpup on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:19:43 AM EST
    and absolutely agree with you.  My family -- all long-time Democrats going more than a few generations back -- will be sitting this one out or, at the very least, not be voting for the Top of the Ticket.

    The DNC has made it nearly impossible to explain to younger members of my family why they should work to become "the best" when corruption can easily swipe it away from you and give the "win" to someone who didn't get as many votes and used the twins of racism and sexism in his campaign.  They now figure "why bother?"

    At one point in her life, Oprah was fond of saying that "excellence is the best deterrence to racism and sexism".  I wonder how she -- looking at how her guy continued his long history of gaming the system (Alice Palmer anyone?), lost more Democrats than he won, alienated  huge swaths of Democrat demographics with his arrogance and had this win given to him by the Powers That (Wanna)Be -- feels about that quote now?

    The Democratic Party is on the verge of extinction and they're too blinded by Obama's smile to realize it.  Perhaps they will when he ends up winning only a few States in the General and we watch yet ANOTHER Republican President inaugurated.

    But I doubt it.

    Parent

    I think that "families" is where (5.00 / 7) (#190)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:31:45 AM EST
    a lot of damage will be felt.  I know that I personally convinced members of my own family to vote for Democratic candidates in years past -- to get them over their "I just don't like Kerry" nonsense and vote based on rational considerations.

    And all of them are sick to death of Bush (even my Rush-loving brother in law) and COULD be convinced to vote for Clinton over McCain (except, probably said brother-in-law).... but I can't in good faith make an argument that Obama is the better choice.  I just can't.

    And I suspect that the same dynamic is going to be found in a lot of families -- the people who have always argued for the Democrat are going to be silent because they can't support Obama... and McCain is going to win because of that.

    Parent

    "Lower than that (5.00 / 3) (#206)
    by Mary Mary on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:40:49 AM EST
    ye shall not drag me!" :-)

    Yeah, I have no problem voting for Obama but will not be verbally supporting him in any way. I just can't.

    The best I can do is say he'd be better than McCain.

    Parent

    Red state here (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by Molly Pitcher on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:59:54 AM EST
    and no down ticket possibilities, unless I resurrect Fritz.  Put my voter reg. card away yesterday.

    Parent
    Nope, I'm in the closest state in 2004 (5.00 / 5) (#208)
    by Cream City on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:41:53 AM EST
    and I'm only voting downticket, for the first time in my long life.  No way the pastor disasters will allow Obama to win my Wisconsin, anyway.

    Btw, I'm only voting Dem downticket this year because my governor and my Congressperson aren't up for another two years.  When they are, if they even run again, they will not get my vote or my donations this time.  But then, when Obama loses, maybe the party will figure out not to run his supporters again, as they'll all be tarnished by him by then.  They already are with me for their behaviors toward Clinton -- and her supporters, whom they have taken for granted for too long in this state that has a higher turnout of women voters than almost any.

    Parent

    I'll look at individual candidates, Reps and Dems (4.50 / 8) (#34)
    by MMW on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:23:01 AM EST
    I can't promise support for any. I may just sit it all out (huge possibility). I meant it when I said, my values are not represented. I'll look at 3rd party candidates especially hard. I'm in a state that could go either way this year. But the best he'll get is that I not support McCain too.

    The only way to get consequences and change the system is with support and votes.

    And I'll also be looking at McCain. Obama's the only one I won't consider.

    Parent

    We need a Dem President. Please!!! (5.00 / 2) (#170)
    by BeckyF on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:19:54 AM EST
    What I find so sad about your comment is that people like you would rather have 4-8 more years of Bush.   That is not what Hillary would want you to do and you know it.  It's not what she stands for and not what she has been fighting so hard for in her campaign.  All her hard work down the drain if you do what you say you will do esp. vote for McCain.  That is what would kill HC.  I lost a son in Iraq and the only way we are going to stop this war is to vote DEM.  The only way.  Please for all of us that have lost sons, daughters, husbands and wives stay behind HC and do what she says.  We need to get this war stopped that was so unnesessary.  I have 2 more sons over there and I can't, I just can't lose the rest of my kids.  We must get a DEM into office and that is what hillary wants.  Don't think of yourselves.  Think of our hero's and the family that loves them.  We just want them home.  Many of us have lost of children and a vote for McCain and we lose so many more.  Please don't do that to us.  Our hearts are so broken.  I know you loved Hillary but do what she wants to.  She wants a Democratic president more that anything in the world.  Then in 4-8 years Obama will do everything he can to get her elected.  We must get this war stopped and a Democrat is the only way to do it.  Please don't think of yourself think of our soldiers.  Think of me as a mother who lost my son.  PLEASE.

    Parent
    See (5.00 / 1) (#191)
    by Emma on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:33:19 AM EST
    I really thought Bush wasn't running again.  My bad.

    Parent
    First, I almost didn't get past your - (4.00 / 4) (#199)
    by MMW on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:36:18 AM EST
    "That is not what Hillary would want you to do and you know it."

    Hillary is not my God. Sheet, I ain't got one. She is the candidate I support for President. And she is the only one who could get the troops out of Iraq.

    Sorry for your loss but I'm not responsible.

    You should have written the super delegates who gave you Obama. His advisers have already stated that he most likely will not get the troops out of Iraq in the timetable he's given.

    The congress has had 6 years to get your children home and they have done nada, why don't you start a leter writing campaign to them.

    I never supported this war, so go blame someone else.

    Parent

    You know (5.00 / 3) (#203)
    by Steve M on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:39:24 AM EST
    It really wouldn't kill you to be a LITTLE more sensitive.

    Parent
    So ya think everyone in the world (5.00 / 8) (#15)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:12:53 AM EST
    Who compared her to Lieberman and said she was only in this for herself will apologize and admit they were wrong now???

    I'll consider fulfilling her wishes if they can.

    The Obama movement is the standard bearer for the party now regardless of the speeches.  

    "Obama Movement" (5.00 / 12) (#21)
    by Joelarama on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:17:09 AM EST
    We've had (have) the Civil Rights Movement, the Womens Liberation Movement, the Gay Rights Movement, the Anti-war Movement . . .

    Can anyone recall a political "movement" in our Democracy that centered around a single personality, rather than a set of common goals or ideals?  

    Is that what this is?  If it is, it makes me uncomfortable.

    Parent

    Louis Napoleon? (5.00 / 4) (#27)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:19:45 AM EST
    Nah, that's not quite fair. Obama will have to get a mandate from the American people over issues. He can't get elected on a personality cult.

    Parent
    it's been over a year (5.00 / 13) (#37)
    by Josey on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:25:03 AM EST
    and Obama still doesn't have a mandate from Democrats on the issues.
    He's gotten this far on 'personality cult' because of a media and press mesmerized by his rockstar appeal for the corporate dollar - not his ability to lead the nation.

    Parent
    I think the real issue is (5.00 / 3) (#181)
    by ccpup on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:27:43 AM EST
    that the Media wants a McCain Presidency and propping up Obama in order to vanquish the only Democrat who had a strong shot of winning was the only way to ensure that outcome.

    We will see what we've always seen in General Elections:  the Democrat gets hammered in the debates with gotcha questions, issues that ordinarily wouldn't matter will now dominate the news in order to put the Dem on defense and the Republican candidate will never have to answer for past inconsistencies or outright lies.

    And poor Obama thinks he has the Media in his pocket.  I almost feel sorry for the guy -- almost -- when they turn on him with a vengeance and he's left reeling, the whole World looking at the dirty laundry and asking themselves "this is who the Democrats want us to vote for?  No thanks".

    It'll be a blow-out in the GE and the Dems will have no one but themselves to blame.  And, for once, I won't be a part of it.  Let them win the White House without me ... and the millions of others who have been embarrassed and disgusted by the overt, public corruption and ignorance of the DNC and Superdelegates.

    Parent

    Yeah (5.00 / 8) (#64)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:37:34 AM EST
    but when are the issues forthcoming? He's wasted months on character trashing and not much more.

    Parent
    Well, we shall see (5.00 / 5) (#76)
    by madamab on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:42:03 AM EST
    if he can campaign on the issues against McCain.

    He was apparently unable to do so against Hillary for some reason - perhaps her Devil Powers stopped his mouth.

    I have no doubt that he will campaign the exact same way he always has, however. Michelle Obama said as much.

    Parent

    Yep (5.00 / 6) (#81)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:45:15 AM EST
    He's not going to campaign on issues. He's going to continue having rallies, not trying to reach out to voters (they're all racist you know) and register voters. He's general election campaign is going to be "I'm not John McCain" and that's about it.

    Parent
    well, at least (5.00 / 1) (#188)
    by ccpup on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:29:50 AM EST
    we can count on his winning Illinois in the General, right?

    The rest of the Country?  Not so much.

    Parent

    No (5.00 / 8) (#28)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:20:42 AM EST
    It's not even a movement for Obama per se.

    It's a movement for Markos, Marshall and Arianna.

    I know some people consider these people friends, but I have no idea who they are and I only judge based on what I've seen in their blogs.

    It's their party now.  My side lost.

    Parent

    I think very few people know who (5.00 / 0) (#31)
    by Joelarama on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:22:05 AM EST
    Marcos, Marshall, and Arianna are.  

    Parent
    On the internet (5.00 / 2) (#38)
    by Fabian on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:25:34 AM EST
    no knows if you are a dog, a GOP troll, or a Pakistani astroturfer.  

    Parent
    Maybe (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:25:46 AM EST
    But some of us do.


    Parent
    Marcos, Marshall, etc (5.00 / 3) (#57)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:34:38 AM EST
    are a syptom.  not the disease.

    Parent
    whats the disease? (5.00 / 1) (#132)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:04:51 AM EST
    just wondering.

    Parent
    CDO (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:08:06 AM EST
    chronic civility disorder

    Parent
    oops (5.00 / 1) (#148)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:09:00 AM EST
    CCD

    Parent
    true (5.00 / 1) (#159)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:14:57 AM EST
    but to me there's more to it than them just being rude.

    Parent
    That won't stop them from taking credit. (5.00 / 6) (#84)
    by Burned on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:45:34 AM EST
    And I give them some, but not the good kind.
    They didn't do it by building Obama up, but by tearing down a proven democrat and proven survivor of the republican attack machine.
    And it's still happening.

    Digby on the other hand, is a beacon of truth as usual.

    Parent

    Ah, Digby. She never let us down. (5.00 / 7) (#141)
    by Joelarama on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:06:43 AM EST
    Jeralyn, BTD, Wolcott, Corrente, Shakesville . . . I can think of only of few off my old blogroll whom I still respect.

    It used to be "us against the stupid media" as much as against the Republicans in the blogosphere.  

    Now the media critique is shot to h*ll.  The boy blogz are in bed with the Olbermanns, the Braziles, the Chris Matthewses, the Finemans.  No credibility.

    Parent

    IMO That Is Exactly What It Is (5.00 / 8) (#33)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:22:47 AM EST
    It is the Obama "movement" and the Obama party. It makes me uncomfortable as all get out.

    Parent
    there is a lot to be (5.00 / 4) (#63)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:37:13 AM EST
    uncomfortable about.
    check out this quote from a UK paper:

    Test for the U.S
    By GEORGE PASCOE-WATSON
    Political Editor
    BARACK Obama's victory will put modern day America to the test.
    And the world will find out if the US has dealt with its explosive race problems.

    **

    there you have it.  its a "test".  are we all prepared?


    Parent

    I'm studying, (5.00 / 3) (#77)
    by kmblue on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:42:29 AM EST
    Captain! ;)

    Parent
    you know (5.00 / 3) (#85)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:45:41 AM EST
    if we start seeing a lot of this from outside the country I dont think it will help Obama.  quite the opposite.
    people do not being told how to vote or that their vote will (as this quote suggests) will reveal if they are a racist or not by anyone.  but particularly by furrerniers.

    Parent
    Yup (5.00 / 7) (#90)
    by kmblue on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:46:47 AM EST
    bad enough I'm being called a racist and an old biddy by my fellow Amurricans.

    Parent
    You know what's truly weird (5.00 / 9) (#107)
    by MMW on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:52:07 AM EST
    In a post racial world, people are judged or voted for or against, not on the color of their skin but on their resume, experience, character. The whole MLK Jr - "content of character".

    This "test" statement implies that racism is absent if one votes for a black man. Is it just me or is true racism - voting someone unqualified because of the color of their skin (black or white)?

    To pass a racial test - we'd have to vote on experience, resume, and character, not for skin color.

    Parent

    that statement is insulting (5.00 / 9) (#115)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:56:48 AM EST
    and idiotic on so many level its hard to know where to start.
    first of all it completely discounts the possiblity that a person, possibly even (gasp) a black person, might find McCain more qualified for the most important and powerful job in the world.
    but no.  heck with that.  we are either voting for Obama or burning crosses.


    Parent
    very true (5.00 / 3) (#155)
    by Josey on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:12:32 AM EST
    and it's interesting that any discussion of Obama's embrace of Black Liberation Theology is dismissed.
    BLT focuses specifically on the political and theological aspects of Christianity - not the spiritual.
    And yet, for the past 8 years Dems have been screaming about Bush fusing religion and government. sigh

    BLT perpetuates racism and victimhood because whites are constantly painted as racist, even with no evidence. That's the reason Obama played the Race Card against the Clintons over and over and over - promoting "victimhood" among his followers. We now see that mentality on Obama blogs - all will be well when Obama defeats evil white Hillary.

    BLT is scary S**t!!  we dismiss it at our own peril.

    Parent

    it wont be dismissed (5.00 / 4) (#163)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:18:11 AM EST
    for long.  the primary is over.  buckle your seat belts.  its going to be a bumpy ride.

    Parent
    however (5.00 / 2) (#166)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:19:17 AM EST
    you should read UK newspapers.  didnt you know you are only a racist if you do not vote for Obama.

    Parent
    I've voted for many Black candidates (5.00 / 2) (#192)
    by Josey on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:33:29 AM EST
    but none were indoctrinated with BLT!
    Obama exudes BLT ideology.
    Scary!


    Parent
    'Club Obama' isn't a movement. It's, well, a Club (5.00 / 3) (#112)
    by Ellie on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:54:33 AM EST
    The Creative Class wanted clout but they have a little hangout for themselves, as shown by putting more thought into slapping teh groovy- lable on their claque.

    They thing that as their role in kingmaking gives them access into the NuDems and puts them in line for gigs in Punditstan.

    dKos, TPM, Arianna and other pro Obama blogs who are dancing hardest around this "victory" will be sucked of marrow: for GOTV, fund-raising and media pestering when the media/GOP Rethuggernaut starts hurling the serious stuff Obama's and Dems' way.

    However, those polibloggers will have little clout other than to wrangle votes, potential donors and fill the databases with spam-targeted email addresses.

    I suspect the Obama campaign and the Dems will need to iron out some of these issues with the Creative Class and who has the clout.

    The 'people power' phrased bandied about at Cheetoh HQ wasn't actual power or input: it was GOTV:STFU and here's where to send the jack, kids.

    Parent

    You (5.00 / 7) (#162)
    by Mary Mary on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:17:28 AM EST
    wear spike-heeled boots, don't you?

    Parent
    Obama spent 20 years absorbing (5.00 / 1) (#173)
    by Josey on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:22:24 AM EST
    Black Liberation Theology! and he regularly demonstrates its tenets and beliefs.
    There's nothing in McCain's history or voting record that remotely compares with the twisted ideology of BLT and ramifications for the nation.

    Parent
    I know I shouldn't feed trolls (5.00 / 7) (#204)
    by HenryFTP on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:40:05 AM EST
    but I keep seeing this errant nonsense pop up everywhere and my head is just exploding.

    Hillary did not "lose the election" on Tuesday. Barack Obama did not then, does not now, and will not have, legally binding pledges of a majority of the delegates on the first ballot of the Convention. He simply didn't win enough pledged delegates in the primaries and caucuses.

    As has been pretty clearly the case for months, both candidates needed to persuade the superdelegates, but the superdelegates are not legally bound to vote for anyone on the first ballot, no matter what their expressed preferences are.

    Even the biased media reports conceded that Obama was making his victory claim on Tuesday on the basis of privately expressed preferences of superdelegates.

    As someone who has contributed as much of my hard-earned cash as I could to Hillary Clinton's campaign, and in view of the support she received from approximately 18 million other Americans, it was the least the Clinton campaign could do to canvass the superdelegates themselves before conceding.

    I know the "ungraciousness" meme has already become Worldwide Conventional Wisdom, but I for one am not ready to abdicate my citizen's right in our republic to our unelected, unaccountable and irredeemably corrupt corporate media.

    Parent

    it's the entitlement generation (5.00 / 8) (#60)
    by boredmpa on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:35:12 AM EST
    They want their post-partisan, post-racial, post-classist, trojan-brand horsie and they want it now.  It's as simple as that.


    Parent
    Well (5.00 / 12) (#17)
    by Emma on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:15:54 AM EST
    I really admire Hillary.  I respect her decision and I'm sure she's a better woman than I.  But I'm still not gonna vote for Obama.  And the more people tell me I "have" to, the closer I am to voting for McCain.

    The Unpersuasiveness Movement (5.00 / 11) (#65)
    by Valhalla on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:37:38 AM EST
    Me too, for cryin' out loud.  Esp. every time I hear some talking pinhead on tv say "oh, everyone always says they won't vote for the other candidate, but they always come back."  Not me, not coming back, not to Obama, and not to the DNC.

    Parent
    welcome to the right side (1.00 / 7) (#73)
    by Lupin on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:41:19 AM EST
    There are millions of folks who'll vote for McCain, including some really decent people.

    There's nothing intrinsically wrong in voting for the candidate of your choice.

    But please then stop calling yourself a Democrat, a Liberal or even a follower of Hillary Clinton (or Bill Clinton for that matter) whom obviously you do not respect.

    If you root for the Red Sox to lose, you're no longer a Red Sox fan. It's that simple.

    Parent

    I wonder (5.00 / 7) (#79)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:43:25 AM EST
    if you think you are persuading people by telling people who are probably life long democrats that they are "not democrats"?

    Parent
    didnt quite get that (none / 0) (#109)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:53:13 AM EST


    Parent
    OH NOES!!! (5.00 / 8) (#103)
    by Emma on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:51:07 AM EST
    I'm not a democrat!  How will I live!!!  Woe is me.

    Parent
    "Supporters," not "followers" (5.00 / 8) (#108)
    by angie on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:53:10 AM EST
    only Obama has "followers" -- and that is why he doesn't get my vote. I think for myself.

    Parent
    Not your business how I vote or define myself (5.00 / 8) (#127)
    by Ellie on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:00:40 AM EST
    What's your standing or interest in demanding this, or telling people they have to adhere to your arbitrary standard.

    Are you King Dem or something?

    Individual voters do have the right -- and duty, IMO -- to demand such a thing of public officials, but individuals have no right to thug around individuals in this manner, demanding that they fulfill this or that or else.

    Parent

    You know (5.00 / 9) (#130)
    by Steve M on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:02:28 AM EST
    You don't have the right to define membership in any of those categories, and it's extremely arrogant of you to presume otherwise.

    I'd suggest you worry about your own business.

    Parent

    It's time to say goodbye for Hillary, and this (5.00 / 13) (#19)
    by carmel on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:16:49 AM EST
    supporter respects her for supporting Obama, but will respectfully decline to follow, so it's time for me to say goodbye to the democratic party. Unfortunately, I have yet to see anything in Obama that inspires me or causes me to hope or think he will improve this country for the better. Since all the blogs are now Obama only, I will say goodbye as well. Apparently, no difference of opinion that is against Obama is allowed in Obama land.

    Of course not! (1.00 / 8) (#82)
    by Lupin on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:45:24 AM EST
    There is a great number of Republican blogs where you'll be welcome: Red state, Captain's Quarters, Protein wisdom, scrappleface, etc.

    Parent
    heres one you might like (5.00 / 3) (#94)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:48:06 AM EST
    Link

    Parent
    Yes (5.00 / 5) (#122)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:59:08 AM EST
    I've visited some of those sites myself, and they feel much more reasonable than KOS, AmericaBlog or Keith Olbermann.  You guys have really gone off the deep end, and it may have fatally wounded your candidate.

    Parent
    Classy remarks as usual but (5.00 / 10) (#20)
    by smott on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:16:52 AM EST
    ...there's not a thing she could say or do (outside of guaranteeing UHC) which will make me vote for him now.

    So sad (5.00 / 10) (#22)
    by befuddledvoter on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:17:28 AM EST
    I have never felt this badly about any candidate.  The MSM constant criticism was horrible.  It was personal, sexist, ageist, racist.  Even the latest on Bill Clinton.  All this to choose Obama?  Hope he is worth it.  NOT!

    Feeling better now (5.00 / 13) (#24)
    by Dr Molly on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:19:12 AM EST
    Having realized that I'm no longer a democrat, and that feels very right. They just don't align with my principles. I don't know why it took me so long to see it - when it comes right down to it, they're no better than the republicans. Bigotry, dirty machine politics, hypocrisy. I really can't see the difference anymore. Nader was right.

    I won't vote for him even though Hillary will.

    I agree with you about the party affilliation. (5.00 / 9) (#66)
    by hairspray on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:39:14 AM EST
    The Democratic party has allowed itself to be run by a bunch of "Hacks" and made a royal mess of the nomination process. Of course Axelrod took advantage of the loopholes and gave us a candidate voted for in the most unethical way by an inordinate number of indpendents and Republicans.  These open primaries are a travesty.  By conducting closed primaries and open GE's we will get the real party choice:  the one who stands up for its values and has worked for its goals over time, like Hillary.  That is the main reason I am leaving the party and becoming an independent.

    Parent
    I feel the same way. (5.00 / 3) (#113)
    by Mari on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:56:07 AM EST
    I'm no longer a Democrat. I feel sad. I don't have a political party anymore. Should I vote for McCain? Maybe. I don't know, but like many longtime Democratic voters I won't be voting for Obama. At least, McCain stood up for women when Pfleger's video came out.

    Parent
    He (3.00 / 2) (#167)
    by Mary Mary on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:19:18 AM EST
    only did that because he wants you(r vote). He doesn't really love you. :-)

    Parent
    I feel the same way (1.00 / 1) (#214)
    by BeckyF on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:48:27 AM EST
    I feel sad for you.  You'd rather have more Bush/Cheney.  More of our brave soldiers killed over what?  Oil?  Ok so McCain stood up for women but he also wants 100 more years in Iraq.  Doesn't take a smart person to know where their vote should go! I've never seen such sore losers in my life.  I've been a coach for 30 years and I've seen plenty of sore losers but never, never nothing like this.  Young men and women killed every day in a war that shouldn't have happened but no, you don't think of that do you.  You'd rather get mad because HC didn't win and now decide your no longer a democrat and vote McCain who will have us in a war forever. We'll,  I lost one son and have 2 more over there and I'll be damned if I'm losing them.  I'm fighting my heart and soul to get Obama in as we need NO MORE WAR. and that is exactly what Hillary wants too.

    Parent
    And because this seems to be the place (5.00 / 5) (#30)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:21:40 AM EST
    to say it, I'm renewing my commitment to support Obama here. He will be the Democratic nominee, and I want a Democrat in the White House come January.

    dem in January (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by noholib on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:57:57 AM EST
    Like andgarden, I also want a Dem in the WH in January and I abhor the prospect of another Republican administration.  

    The Republicans have damaged this country so much, under GWB and even before that starting with Reagan's anti-tax, anti-Washington mania. I have not forgotten this despite Senator Obama's obscuring of these inconvenient truths in his single-minded (almost obscene IMO) effort to woo indies and repubs by dissing the Clintons and falsifying history.

    One of the things that I never liked about Senator Obama was his anti-Washington mantra. I think that's so disingenous whenever a pol uses it.  In fact, I want to elect people who know the ways of Washington or of their state capital because experience counts in every area of life. I detest the icon of the savior-lone outsider riding in on a horse to save the republic. It's another expression of excessive American individualism.

    Which brings me back to political parties and fundamentals: the general election is not just about the individual at the top; I am filled with sorrow and anger at how Democratic Party leaders treated Senator Clinton (at least Al Gore kept quiet, to his credit)and at the resurgence in prime time of sexism and misogyny; BUT I know that I don't want a Republican administration, period!

    We all need a time-out to recover some equilibrium. For the longer-range future, I know I want to support Senator Clinton in her efforts to serve the public in significant ways; I want to fight the sexism and misogyny that is truly alarming; and I want to promote traditional liberal, humane, and constitutional values.  

    Parent

    Dude, take a pill, and go lie down (5.00 / 4) (#180)
    by MMW on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:27:32 AM EST
    If you were not gifted with any comprehension skills, remain silent but never ever type and remove all doubt.

    None of the people you listed are left wing radicals. Left wing radicals have balls. All of the people you listed have rolled over and allowed the Repubs a back shot.

    None of them have ever put forward left wing legislature. Get off the net.

    Parent

    A very nice message from (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by TomP on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:24:07 AM EST
    Senator Clinton. She ran a great race.

    And I think she will be an advocate for real universal helath care in the Senate.  Next year, she can lead passage of a universal health care bill with mandates.  Obama will sign it.

    I'm not hopeful that the Senate will accomplish (5.00 / 6) (#52)
    by Joelarama on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:31:12 AM EST
    universal coverage without leadership from the President, which will not be forthcoming, apparently.  Even with Senator Clinton's leadership.

    I seem to remember the Senior Senator from New York downplaying expectations in advance on this very issue, within the past month.

    However, I DO like the image of Hillary as lioness to Ted Kennedy's lion of the Senate.

    Parent

    All the Party bigwigs (4.81 / 11) (#61)
    by madamab on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:35:25 AM EST
    have already said that UHC is dead in the water.

    Perhaps Hillary, as Senate Majority Leader, can push it through. I know that she has twice the spine of any of 'em, and it's an issue she obviously is very passionate about.

    Parent

    If there's an example of Washington being (5.00 / 7) (#71)
    by Joelarama on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:40:59 AM EST
    unresponsive to the American people, and listening to lobbyists, that's it.

    Ironic that Hillary catches so much flack for her "lobbyists are people too" remark, when she (and John Edwards) were the candidates who were willing to stake their campaigns on controlling health care costs and and universal coverage.

    It's the inevitable cost control aspects of universal coverage that scare the health care lobbyists most.

    Parent

    Yup, UHC is dead (5.00 / 9) (#80)
    by Robot Porter on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:44:50 AM EST
    I think even Hillary would have had a tough time getting it.  But, with her, we at least had a shot.

    As Krugman has said repeatedly with Obama we have no shot.

    Parent

    Dems Won't Do Anything On Health Care (5.00 / 7) (#56)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:34:20 AM EST
    next year. Dems politicians backed away from any real changes during the primary. The best you will be able to get will be an expanded S-Chip Program.
    Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), a member of Senate Democratic leadership and a key Hillary Clinton ally who also sits on the Finance Committee, said he is "not sure we have the big plan on healthcare."

    "Healthcare I feel strongly about, but I am not sure that we're ready for a major national healthcare plan," Schumer said.

    Schumer said he would focus "on prevention above all and cost cutting until we can get a national healthcare plan."

    "You don't want to rush and do something and do it incorrectly," said former Sen. John Breaux (D-La.), who helped negotiate the Medicare law.

    Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.), a Clinton supporter who sits on the House Ways and Means Committee, said "the money is not necessarily there right now" to enact the plans and said calls to end the war in Iraq might consume Washington's attention. The healthcare proposals are a "really good start," he said, but any promises that the next Congress would enact the healthcare plans "at even the beginning of next year to mid-next year would really be political talk at this point.

    "I hear on the campaign trail, `This is what I'm going to do,' as if there is not a Congress here with feelings and experience on this issue," Meek said. "I think it's important that everyone takes that into consideration and that this is not a kingdom, this is a democracy." The Hill




    Parent
    Sad. Well, this is because Obama (5.00 / 7) (#67)
    by masslib on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:39:40 AM EST
    is the nominee and he ran against UHC.  If you don't push it in the first 100 days, it won't happen.

    Parent
    another reason (5.00 / 6) (#83)
    by boredmpa on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:45:24 AM EST
    the dems have failed.

    From both a management and a compassion perspective, universal healthcare is a clear win.  It saves lives , billions of dollars a year, and will lead to increased revenue in the long term.

    But don't take my word for it, you can always read the lewin group's analysis of the Cali single payer plan.  Unfortunately, the watered down, pro-insurance plans being pushed just aren't as compelling cost wise or imho to the general populace--we're not being clear enough about what you'll pay for or what you'll get.  

    And as long we have separate lines of care for poor vs middle class, I don't see us getting anywhere in terms of public health.

    It's sort of the same gotcha situation as transit investment--no one wants to ride it except those that have to because the service sucks.  the service sucks because no one wants to ride it except those that have to (and thus no funding).

    Parent

    Obama does not support mandates (5.00 / 3) (#124)
    by Democratic Cat on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:59:35 AM EST
    I don't think she can get a bill with mandates passed. Her fellow Senators will not go along.

    Parent
    I hope so (none / 0) (#43)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:26:42 AM EST


    Parent
    It seems somewhat sad ... (5.00 / 18) (#44)
    by Robot Porter on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:27:24 AM EST
    that we live in an age where taking a legitimate fight to the convention is tantamount to storming the Bastille.

    Had she taken her fight to Denver, what would that have really entailed?  A bunch of people meeting in a room and voting.

    But we can't have that, now can we?

    Hillary better make sure to use the right fork at dinner, because you never how people might react if she uses the salad fork for her main course.

    It's (5.00 / 12) (#62)
    by Emma on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:35:33 AM EST
    the age of misogyny.  It's not the floor fight that's the issue.  It's that it's a giiiiiirrrrrrlllll who wants to do it.  Girls don't get to do anything boys do.  And if we want to, we must be doing it because we're girls, not because we have a point.  And if we try to, we must be smacked down at every opportunity.  Every girl who's ever been on a playground knows this.

    Parent
    Yup. (5.00 / 7) (#70)
    by Robot Porter on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:40:45 AM EST
    That's a big part of it.

    What's that sound you hear?  That's Hillary's head hitting the glass ceiling.

    Parent

    I think (5.00 / 7) (#74)
    by Emma on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:41:45 AM EST
    it's more like the glass ceiling being dropped on Hillary's head.  Repeatedly.

    Parent
    Oh no (1.00 / 1) (#86)
    by Molly Bloom on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:45:51 AM EST
    She hit it as hard as she could and she cracked, God bless her.

    Whatever you think of this campaign she made easier for the next.

    Parent

    should read cracked it (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by Molly Bloom on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:46:08 AM EST


    Parent
    She smashed the glass ceiling (5.00 / 5) (#131)
    by HenryFTP on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:03:27 AM EST
    but the Party Establishment and the Corporate Media stabbed her in the back with the broken shards.

    Parent
    YOu have seriously (5.00 / 5) (#134)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:05:13 AM EST
    got to be kidding me.  What woman in her right mind would run for president knowing this media climate?

    Parent
    The brave. Politics is not for the feint-hearted (1.00 / 1) (#161)
    by Molly Bloom on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:16:46 AM EST
    Why did you (do you) like Hillary? I admired her, not just for her positions, I admired/admire she's brave, because she had fight and spirit. That's not going to change. She may run again someday or not. I guarantee you another woman politician will pick up where she left off.

    Parent
    HRC has a glass ceiling and Oie, a glass floor (5.00 / 2) (#169)
    by Ellie on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:19:53 AM EST
    It's so sad because the imposition on Sen Clinton was to limit her reach. Obama's ascended prematurely and his influence (and nebulous alleged "movement" won't help the Dems downticket nor do much for the party generally.)

    Time will tell if this pays off, but I've seen enough of the campaign to recognize that the kind of support Obama got for personality points was the kind of "organizing" that's very temporary and transient.

    It doesn't actually sell a brand so much as a temporary product or transient groovy thing, like a movie or flavor of the month, hence the Glass Floor.

    The Dems see a new generation of voters out of this, or whatever has Donna Brazile, Howard Dean and other Dem powermongers slobbering over young flesh.

    Presumably they and the Creative Class have visions of being impelled forward by obedient new helper bots that can be deployed en masse to pester whomever -- after turning over their moolah.

    It'll be interesting to see who's going to be doing more of the yelling and pestering, and who's going to be doing more of the sitting back waiting for sh!t to happen.  

    Parent

    Work it Sara F (5.00 / 8) (#184)
    by kmblue on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:29:09 AM EST
    I promote you to Unity Ambassador Phase 2! ;)

    Parent
    OMG!! (5.00 / 8) (#189)
    by Emma on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:30:12 AM EST
    You WIN!! Sexism is dead!! How could I have missed it?  I guess I'm just clinging to my victimization.  It's so much more comfy wearing a hair shirt.

    Parent
    Hillary (5.00 / 6) (#47)
    by Mary Mary on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:29:05 AM EST
    Clinton is doing what she feels she must and her voters will do the same, now and in November.

    We also sent her some $$ on Tues, but I figured it was for retiring debt and don't begrudge it at all.

    This chapter will close, but for some reason I don't think we've closed the book on this primary season. Denver is a long time away.

    Key to healing (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by samtaylor2 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:30:29 AM EST
    I think the key to healing is to have a solid week of both sides discussing in positive ways the historical importance of both these campaigns.  And more importantly, what we can do to go forward.  I thought some of the most interesting op ed pieces recently about Douglas vs. Stanton, and the fact that only one group could get what they wanted.  It is sad commentary on this country that only one historically subjugated group can bask in success at one time.

    Key to healing (5.00 / 10) (#75)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:41:50 AM EST
    Obama making clear and unequivical apologies for his smears against both Bill and Hillary. He must do this publicly. Otherwise, McCain will continue to have the upper hand with Hillary's voters.

    Parent
    If he admits to it (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by Burned on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:48:24 AM EST
    I'm going to throw up. Every time I see him.
    To vote for him I just need to wash it from my brain.

    Parent
    He won't do it (5.00 / 4) (#135)
    by Valhalla on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:05:40 AM EST
    and if he did, I can't imagine it would be sincere.  How could it be?  He would need to show me years of sincere and genuine work for the issues I care about (and living in a not-misogynistic society is one of them) before he'd be minimally credible on this count.

    My hope is that if he does, folks will see it for what it is.

    Integrity's about what you do when it might cost you something, not when it costs you nothing, or worse, when you just want something from someone.

    Parent

    It won't be sincere (5.00 / 2) (#137)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:05:57 AM EST
    if he says it just to woo voters.  

    Parent
    I don't get this Healing thing (5.00 / 5) (#182)
    by Ellie on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:27:55 AM EST
    I'm not being snarky in your direction.

    I know this primary felt long because it was close, but I'm where I was before HRC suspended her campaign.

    I'm where I was when the Dem lineup was winnowed down to two candidates.

    I'm where I've been since '04, '06 and, well, last night.

    Namely, A. Voter and an activist who's still interested in the issues I've supported all my voting life (and before, but that's me). My number one "issue" -- now a radical one apparently -- is global human rights and franchise.

    As an individual, I'm a pest about my own franchise.

    The idea that anyone has to Heal after a fight is weird to me since this is the nature of democracy and, although this had ugly aspects -- the bigotry behind the treatment of Sen Clinton requires HUGE amends -- this is what modern politics has become in the Rove era.

    I'm not broken. The Dems aren't broken -- they're simply not answering to their voters as the party should.

    Healing? We need fewer Heels in the party and that'll heal me fine.

    Parent

    Name the smears please (1.00 / 3) (#149)
    by samtaylor2 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:09:02 AM EST
    Name the smears Obama has said about Hilliary or Bill.  Please provide reference.

    Parent
    If I were Hillary I would just suspend (5.00 / 3) (#51)
    by Exeter on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:30:53 AM EST
    But, I suppose, either way she will be a fallback candidate if Obama falters in some sort of major way.

    LOL (5.00 / 6) (#78)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:43:02 AM EST
    Posts like this make me glad I'm leaving the party.

    My take away (5.00 / 12) (#89)
    by suisser on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:46:16 AM EST
    is that HRC may just be the only grown-up in the room.  

    The DNC, the MSM, the SD's have all behaved badly and their childishness and greedy short sighted  self serving acts have landed us here.  It would be nice if she could have been afforded some modicum of the respect she deserves.  But kids will be kids.  

    I find this very depressing.

    Another Unity Ambassador (5.00 / 5) (#99)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:50:27 AM EST
    Good job. Your persuasion skills are truly excellent. I'm sure that Obama truly appreciates your efforts on his behalf.

    sadly (5.00 / 11) (#102)
    by samsguy18 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:51:04 AM EST
    My heart is very heavy today. Never in my life time have I witnessed such an undemocratic selection process.I spent many hours viewing many sites over the last eight months. Jeralyn and BTD thank you for allowing many of us non-legal types the opportunity to participate in a balanced forum.Re Obama and his supporters... I am very worried and very uncomfortable. Their mean spirited disrespect for all those who did not support their candidate unconditionally is disturbing. I've lived in Chicago for twenty years and I participated in all the elections since 1996. Politics is big business here in Chicago. Again thank you.

    A truly outstanding memo... (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by Lupin on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:51:59 AM EST
    ...and I'm convinced that Sen. Clinton will further expand on her convictions on Saturday. I'm looking forward to it.

    I remain entirely convinced that she will play a major role in the coming Obama administration as she and Obama appeared to share a friendly professional relationship while in the Senate.

    No one doubts Clinton's abilities and command of policies; and she comes out of this campaign a leader.

    In Dante's Circles of Hell (5.00 / 5) (#110)
    by Valhalla on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:53:29 AM EST
    Sore winners are lower down than sore losers.

    I don't want my money back (5.00 / 10) (#116)
    by herb the verb on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:57:02 AM EST
    And I haven't decided if I will vote for Obama. At this point I don't think I will.

    What I need to see before I will vote for him:

    Evidence beyond lip service that he will fight for universal health care, will not tinker with Social Security, will not pursue this ridiculous "unity" garbage.

    A stark admission by him personally that Hillary and Bill Clinton and their supporters were FALSELY AND UNFAIRLY accused of racism. That elements of his campaign was guily of that and he apologizes.

    A stark admission and acknowledgement by him personally that Hillary Clinton was subject to UNFAIR SEXIST attacks by the media, the blogosphere, elements of the Democratic party, some of his supporters and elements of his own campaign and he apologizes to her personally for that.

    A direct appeal to her supporters that he will fight for their issues, that he respects them, that there is much he could learn from Clinton and her campaign, that he will strive to earn our trust and needs US to defeat McCain and lead the country.

    A recognition by him personally that he did not have a "sweeping victory", that he realizes he has work to do to solidify his position and that includes helping Senator Clinton find the leadership position she is most suited for in accordance with HER wishes.

    Publicly admitting that the primary process was flawed, and he will work to change that system and now that he has the lead thanks to super delegates he will acquiese on seating Michigan and Florida and the other pledged delegates which were basically stolen from Clinton.

    Publicly reach out to Clinton to get her opinion on the VP selection.

    He will fight behind the scenes to remove the present leadership in congress and within the DNC and will do that with elements which are NOT his fan base. Pelosi and Reid have proven they are ineffectual incompetents, as has Howard Dean.

    If Barak Obama did all of these things, it would show me he has the temperment and judgement to be president (if not the experience). I could then consider voting for him in good conscience.

    I have little hope he will do even ONE of these things.

    Keep it up (5.00 / 7) (#117)
    by Steve M on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:57:12 AM EST
    Always nice to hear thoughtful input from our unity ambassadors.

    the welfare of the country... (5.00 / 6) (#118)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:57:13 AM EST
    is more important than the welfare of the party.

    And while I won't be voting for McCain, I think we have to respect those who choose to vote for someone they think is at least qualified to be President, even if they don't agree with his policies.

    I 'settled' for Hillary because she was the best choice for the country because Obama simply did not have the qualifications (let alone the character and temperment -- those deficiencies did not become glaringly obvious until after I'd settled for Clinton) and I respect those who will vote for McCain because its better that nation have competent leadership even if one does not agree with the direction he'll take the country.

    Good Job (5.00 / 4) (#120)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:58:14 AM EST
    I'm sure that Obama appreciates your efforts on his behalf. Good to see such talented people speaking for him and being such a good example of exactly what his candidacy is all about. Keep up the good work.

    I don't define (5.00 / 13) (#133)
    by Lena on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:04:57 AM EST
    myself primarily as a HRC supporter - though I loved her health care plan. I always saw myself more as a Wes Clark Democrat.

    But after watching both the Obama and Clinton campaigns in the minutest detail over the last few months, I decided to support HRC, mainly because of the aforementioned health care plan. I came to love her courage and grit, something sorely lacking in Democrats, including Obama.

    Today I no longer consider myself a Democrat, SOLELY BECAUSE of the Democratic party's corrupt and cowardly ineptness and Obama's campaign methods. So there truly is nothing HRC can say to convince me to vote Democrat.

    Like Dr Molly above, I feel comfortable with leaving the party. As a party, we've been on a downward trajectory for at least the past 8 years, and Obama's campaign (to me) represents a nadir in the party. I've tried letter writing, contributing to what seemed to be courageous candidates (ha!), and funding Democratic issues groups (ugh- goodbye Moveon). The party remained lifeless and spineless, and their impotence culminates with Obama's nomination at the behest of the party insiders and the media.

    I'm a pro-civil rights, environmentalist, single-payer health care supporter. Clearly not a Democrat. Hello, independents!

    Man (5.00 / 5) (#140)
    by Steve M on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:06:30 AM EST
    The unity ambassadors are sure coming out of the woodwork today.

    I can only guess (5.00 / 2) (#146)
    by Burned on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:08:19 AM EST
    But I'm thinking the reason you have to keep trashing is because you're a little insecure about the narrowness of your 'win'.

    Not a win for a candidate that you really believe in. Just a win.

    When Bush (5.00 / 5) (#150)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:09:46 AM EST
    took the presidency in 2000 in an illegitimate election, did you want to turn around and vote -- for BUSH -- 5 months later?

    Well neither did I.  And that's how we feel about this election.  The scales were tilted so that Obama would win and that the candidate who was tied with him would lose.

    And now the talk (not that a VP-ship works for me) is that it would be GAWD-AWFUL to have that woman as a VP!  And that talk is just as ugly and just as hideous as the rest of the campaign.

    Yeah, no votes for the Messiah for me.

    Given that Hillary is devoted to the (5.00 / 3) (#151)
    by Anne on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:10:11 AM EST
    party, and has said all along that she would support whoever was the nominee, her announcement of a show of support does not surprise me; she is clearly a better and bigger person than I am, because I cannot pivot as neatly or as quickly as she can.

    Today, I cannot see myself voting for Obama.  Today, I don't think having Hillary on the ticket changes that.  But, I would be kidding myself if I said there was nothing that would change my mind - a lot can happen in 5 months.  If the backlash from the primary campaign is such that the party would realize that it cannot just dump millions of voters over the side of the ship to keep it from sinking, and address it in some way that is more than "just words," then I might be able to be persuaded.

    How Obama handles the VP selection, who that person is likely to be - these are things I will be looking at.

    I have not completely given up on the idea that between now and August, it could become painfully obvious that Obama cannot win in November, and the party could turn to Clinton, but given the lousy decisions the party has made up to this point, I am not confident that's how they would choose to handle impending disaster.

    For now, I'm disconnecting, dialing back, going into observer mode - and we'll see what happens.

    Actually (5.00 / 8) (#154)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:11:56 AM EST
    Obama sabotaged healthcare with his Harry and Louise ad.  Healthcare was a huge issue for me.

    Regarding Iraq, he isn't going to get us out of Iraq.  Samantha Powers shared this reality with us a couple of months ago.

    Obama is rated lower on the progressive meter than Hillary.  If you think you're getting a progressive administration, I think that you're living in a farcical denial.

    Support for his candidacy (5.00 / 4) (#157)
    by Valhalla on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:13:04 AM EST
    I'm not sure what that means.  On Fox last night they said she was 'suspending' her campaign and one of the folks even talked about her holding her pledged delegates.  But this letter doesn't sound like that.

    I think she'll hold on to most of them (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:21:03 AM EST
    She'll have to decide before the convention if she wants the roll call to be unanimous.

    Parent
    You know (5.00 / 11) (#165)
    by Steve M on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:18:46 AM EST
    it's awesome that you believe all those things about Obama, but a lot of people just don't.

    Uh? (5.00 / 1) (#186)
    by Steve M on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:29:25 AM EST
    "He's better than McCain" is not the argument you made in your post.

    Parent
    Well (5.00 / 5) (#209)
    by Steve M on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:42:30 AM EST
    Saying it's a two person race has nothing to do with whether the party's agenda has become more progressive.

    It would be a two-person race right now whether we nominated Obama, Clinton, Zell Miller or the man in the moon.

    Of course Obama is better than McCain.  That doesn't make him Paul Wellstone.

    Parent

    Well done by Hillary (5.00 / 1) (#179)
    by flyerhawk on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:26:41 AM EST
    I give her high marks for putting up a great fight and bowing out when she knew the party needed her to.  Very classy on her part.  After Saturday it will be up to Obama to continue healing the wounds.

    It'd sting less if a worthy candidate won (5.00 / 5) (#193)
    by davnee on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:34:16 AM EST
    When you have no respect for the person selected it kind of makes it hard to make nice.  And when it is the insiders, who could have chosen on any "metric" they wanted that made the choice, it makes it all worse.  They deliberately went with the candidate that was less experienced, less capable, more corrupt, less progressive and less electable.  Seeing the superior candidate, and a woman no less, bow down before and kiss the feet of this poseur is painful.  I know she has no choice but to go out classy.  I'd really expect nothing less.  I do hope that she suspends only, because it is going to be a long hot summer.

    I'm sure you will agree with the fact that (2.00 / 0) (#210)
    by Mreddieb on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:43:02 AM EST
    there are also a lot of folks who would have felt  the same way if the shoe was on the other foot. So in that case how would you have wanted them to behave. Would you ask them to join you in supporting your Candidate? I think you would.

    Parent
    Here is what Obama thinks of Hillary supporters - (5.00 / 0) (#207)
    by gabbyone on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:41:09 AM EST
    In a second report today, Roger Simon of Politico
    said that Obama is not going to be wasting his time trying to bring Hillary supporters into the fold.

    It has been a hard-fought and sometimes bitter campaign, but Obama is not, one of his senior advisers assured me Tuesday night, going to spend a lot of time in the next few months wooing Clinton supporters whose feelings may be hurting.

    "I think there are always immediate feelings of disappointment and anger," Anita Dunn said. "But in the months ahead, he must appeal not just to the constituency groups who favored her in the primaries, but those he wants in the general election, and that includes independents and Republicans."

    Another Obama adviser, who asked not to be identified, said that he was not worried that Clinton supporters would stay angry.

    Obama has become the Macy's of Chicago when they took over Marshall Fields. They also were not going to try and woe the Field's customers and they are tanking here.

    three words.... (5.00 / 4) (#213)
    by sas on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:44:51 AM EST
    I am heartbroken.

    I will support McCain in the fall (5.00 / 1) (#216)
    by BigB on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:07:38 AM EST
    What this probably means is that I prbably wouldn't be welcome in sites like Talk Left and Taylor Marsh which I have supported in the past and will continue to support in the future.

    I cannot get over the hurdle that Obama is unqualified. Bush Jr. was the last time we elected an unqualified man to be President and that brought us the Iraq war, Katrina, and the current economic conditions.

    I cannot support another unqualified candidate for president just because he is our unqualified candidate. I hear the arguments on choice, supreme court,etc. As long as there is a Democratic congress I am not worried about any of these issues. McCain is not an extremist on these issues like Bush. And, dividend government has worked the best for this country.

    Comments now closed (5.00 / 3) (#217)
    by Jeralyn on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:25:40 AM EST
    And to Big B, all points of view are welcome here. It's how they are expressed and whether you comply with our comment rules that determines if they stay.

    I will (5.00 / 0) (#219)
    by tek on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 11:06:31 AM EST
    never say anything bad about John McCain because he was elected fairly and squarely in an honest primary contest where he was not the media choice.  Obama will never be legitimate and I will never vote for him.

    IMO, it's not possible to reach a legitimate end through an illegitimate path.

    Obama will be in the WH and he will be no better than Dubya.

    Well there you go (4.80 / 5) (#1)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:04:10 AM EST
    It's was the longest campaign for anything that I can remember.

    I look forward to hearing what she has to say on Saturday.

    Me too! (5.00 / 5) (#6)
    by bjorn on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:06:30 AM EST
    It sounds like she will spend some time talking about how to support Obama.  I wonder if we will hear in talking heads saying she made the right decision to handle it this way...will they give her any credit?

    Parent
    Well She Pretty Much (5.00 / 7) (#87)
    by talex on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:46:03 AM EST
    said everything we needed to hear above didn't she? All else she can is just window dressing for the most part. Other than a surprise mention of concessions she got out of Obama for 'dropping out', which is effectively what she is doing no matter what else she might call it, there isn't much more to say. Basically Saturday will a final farewell to her candidacy. I suppose we can keep on 'Hoping' that she gets the VP slot but we know how empty "Hope" as proved to be so far so I am not expecting it.

    I am deeply disappointed at what she said above. And for all the support and agreement that I gave Clinton for the last year and a half I do not support her dropping out and I certainly cannot support standing by her in supporting Obama. She has a duty I suppose as a figurehead of the Party. I have no such duty. My duty is to follow my heart and to follow what is the best choice for our country. We have no best choice this year. That dream is gone - stolen.

    Not much will change with either Obama or McCain. They are both middle of the road Pols who will bow to corporatism and trade and continued destruction of our environment in favor of profits. So given that I will start to work today on down ticket people who represent our values and will work at the state level in California so that our state may continue to influence the rest of the country as we often do.

    I hope Hillary can rise to a new level of leadership in the Senate. I hope she is not shunned in the way many of her colleagues have shunned her to this point in the nomination race.

    All I can say is that in November how can we have choice when there is no choice?

    Parent

    McCain (none / 0) (#187)
    by Claw on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:29:45 AM EST
    is anything but "middle of the road."  He's shrewdly carved out a "maverick" niche for himself by breaking ranks with the GOP when it doesn't matter.  Please, please don't be fooled by the same kind of lazy journalism that slammed Clinton.  Someone or some group (memory is failing here) did a study on how many times (per article) the maverick label was used to describe McCain. It was off the charts.  If you mean that McCain is middle of the road compared to, say, Pat Robertson, then I'm with you.

    Parent
    If you check McCain's voting record (none / 0) (#201)
    by talex on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:37:16 AM EST
    he is no Tom Delay et al. I could go through a whole list of moderate positions he has taken over the years but I won't because if yo really wanted to know what they were you would look them up for yourself.

    I'm not endorsing McCain - I'm just saying that he is a moderate the same as Obama is. And he is a flip-flopper just as McCain is. and as such McCain has a good chance of beating Obama on a whole host of issues.

    What will be interesting is watching McCain run to the center and then to watch Obama run to the Right as he did with AIPAC today so he can prove he is tough. Threatening Iran with "everything' today puts him in the same league with Bomb Bomb McCain and that is a bet Obama will lose.

    Parent

    Did I miss something? (5.00 / 2) (#194)
    by BackFromOhio on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:34:16 AM EST
    Isn't she expected to "suspend" on Saturday, while acknowledging Obama as winner? -- Meaning: She holds on to her delegates while she & Obama campaign figure out (if the campaign is willing) how to "transition" "her supporters."  

    I have to say that I felt Candy C on CNN has been the most charitable of the commentators. Also watched discussion last night on CNN among her, Gergen, Rollins & AA woman whose name I do not recall -- insightful commentator.  Gergen thinks there's a "rising" chance Hillary will be selected as VP; Rollins says she will not be selected, but he thinks she has much to bring to the table.  Gergen, instead of railing against Bill's conduct during the primaries, took the historical view and pointed out how dealing with past presidents is always a problem for the President, and gave the example of Carter's going off message when asked to get involved by Bill Clinton.  At least this panel attempted an objective analysis without going into Hillary & Bill bashing.  


    Parent

    Massive credit from me (none / 0) (#72)
    by riddlerandy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:41:04 AM EST
    She handled it with grace and class.  Anyone criticizing her for waiting a day is being silly at best.

    Parent
    But it was outrageous (5.00 / 8) (#9)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:07:57 AM EST
    That it came on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.

    Or so I am told.

    Parent

    BTD, (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by sleepingdogs on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:10:30 AM EST
    PLEASE tell me you are being snarky here or quoting some crazy pundit?  Seriously, she didn't deserve ONE day to think about it and frame it correctly for her supporters????

    Parent
    Of course she deserved a day or three... (5.00 / 3) (#25)
    by Rictor Rockets on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:19:24 AM EST
    seriously. I was more Anti-Hillary than Pro-Obama, and even I think she deserved a few days of cooling down and taking stock, before figuring out the best way to step aside for Obama.

    I'm rather annoyed at folks who knock on Hillary for not conceding or suspending immediately. This was the longest, bitterest fought primary in the history of ever folks, give people a little slack, for crying out loud.

    Parent

    Deranged Narcissism, no doubt (5.00 / 4) (#12)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:10:57 AM EST


    Parent
    heh, read the "note from the votemaster" (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by boredmpa on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:23:09 AM EST
    On electoral vote

    I mean I realized when the site rigged obama to have ohio (two+ weeks ago) that it was either biased or playing the unity spin obama can win game...

    but sheesh "It makes her look like a sore loser. "

    Parent

    His political analysis (none / 0) (#41)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:25:55 AM EST
    has always been iffy. I go for the maps.

    Parent
    is there another option (none / 0) (#136)
    by boredmpa on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:05:42 AM EST
    528 and mydd are too kind with the tossups and the ohio polls on ev should have been a tossup imho.

     maybe i'm just missing an option for a more conservative estimate of 528 because I have most javascript turned off.

    Parent

    EV Analysis on Map Still Iffy for Obama (none / 0) (#211)
    by BackFromOhio on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:43:28 AM EST
    Obama needs Hillary:  The states shown to be "barely Democrat" include Ohio, NMex & Mo., while "exactly tied" states include West VA & Indiana.  Is there any doubt Hillary would help Obama in these states? The percentage of total votes in Missouri has quadrupled this year, & while only 4%, could be a swing vote.

    Parent
    The media (5.00 / 0) (#55)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:33:57 AM EST
    and the democratic establishment is doing everything possible to make sure that Obama loses in Nov. They just can't seem to help themselves.

    Parent
    Women's suffrage day (5.00 / 12) (#59)
    by angie on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:35:07 AM EST
    Yesterday was the anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment (not to mention it was also Hillary's mother's birthday). I would like to believe that the msm are collectively too ignorant to know about the anniversary because even they would not be so disgusting and insensitive as to continue to demonize the candidate who actually got the popular vote and had her delegates taken from her if they had known what day it was, but sadly I know better.  

    Parent
    women's suffrage day (5.00 / 4) (#128)
    by noholib on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:00:54 AM EST
    Angie,
    thanks for the reminder. Fitting and inspiring.  we've still got a lot of work to do.

    Parent
    Yep -- although it must be said that (5.00 / 9) (#172)
    by Cream City on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:21:19 AM EST
    passage by the Senate was just the start of the next phase, the long battle for state ratifications, so "woman suffrage day" usually is considered to be the day that the last ratification was received, and the 19th Amendment became law more than a year later -- August 26, 1920.

    Btw, it probably is worth remembering that when the Senate finally passed the 19th Amendment 89 years ago, it was only by one vote -- and that was only because one dying Senator came from his sickbed, and another came from his wife's deathbed (returning home too late, and only to bury her), but it was her dying wish.  And when the last state did finally ratify, that also was only by one vote -- by a newly elected legislator who did so at his mother's wish, and he never could get re-elected again.

    And even in 1920, women had to raise funds again to fight for years all the way to the Supreme Court to get the 19th Amendment accepted by some states that, to this day, have refused to ratify.

    But we don't teach this, of course, because we live in a land of equality.  So we don't even need the ERA.  It is, as the saying goes, so self-evident . . . if we buy into the myth rather than the reality, if we refuse to teach realities.  Check your kids' and school districts' textbooks and see whether they're teaching reality.  Until we do, we will continue to see sexism win.

    Parent

    The longest I can remember was Ted Kennedy's (5.00 / 7) (#10)
    by Joelarama on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:08:40 AM EST
    challenge to Carter, which went all the way to the convention (IIRC since I was like 12).  Of course, that was before you were born.

    Again, I was young, but I read the paper and don't recall the same screeching level of demands for him to get out of the race.

    Parent

    Yup, hence "that I can remember" (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:14:03 AM EST
    And I can't remember 5 years before I was born, alas.

    Parent
    primary (5.00 / 11) (#46)
    by bobbski on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:28:24 AM EST
    Too bad you cannot remember, or obviously have not researched, the 1960 campaign.  At the convention it was a fight between JFK & LBJ with Stevenson trying to horn in again, as if 1952 and '56 never happened.

    It was a classic, knock down, bitter fight that made this primary contest look like a Sunday school picnic.

    I was 19 at the time and have seen more than a few primary seasons come and go since then.  This current one was notable for the obvious bias shown by the media and the continuing rancor against all things Clinton.

    One old man's opinion.

    Parent

    The last of the excitement (5.00 / 4) (#123)
    by BarnBabe on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:59:31 AM EST
    The conventions use to be worth watching. Now, everyone has the speech ahead of time. We know who the Nonimee is and who the VP is and everyone comes together on the stage and holds hands as the confetti drops. Obamaites will enjoy this year. Clintonites will not except for the night she, Bill and Al give a speech. Otherwise, they are now boring, including many of the speeches. I too remember the floor fights and the wheeling/dealing on the floor. Less time to get emotional when done within a 3 day get together. I fell in love with politics when my Mother was a die hard JFK fan. I stayed up most of the night waiting for California totals to come in. In the morning we still did not know who won. It was fun to watch.

    This primary taught me that Cronkite, Rather, David and Chet, and many other really good newsmen were the best and the current crop are all ratings and personal ego. I adored Keith for so many years as he was a defender of Bill during the M thing. I thought Markos was my hero and could do no wrong. I am disappointed at how they turned. Hillary will give a excellent speech as a true Democrat. Apparently she has not gotten the memo that some of us are the party of the old and not the new. She is the party of the old and if they did not need her right now she would be sitting in the nose bleed section with the rest of us.

    Parent

    Ah, I also kept thinking, if only Cronkite (5.00 / 9) (#185)
    by Cream City on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:29:21 AM EST
    and Huntley and Brinkley were with us yet, as I watched the DNC meeting last week, and especially as I watched the crapola fest in the media on the last day of primaries this week and the self-coronation at the end of what only one newsman, Abrams, called out with a laugh as "the end of the media primary."

    Cronkite, Huntley, Brinkley, et al., would have had such sardonic fun with the self-coronation -- so much so that, frankly, Obama wouldn't have dared to even try to do it, knowing it would be shot down by media who knew a pseudo-event when they saw it.

    And they certainly wouldn't have gotten in bed with the bloggers -- they would have called them out, too, because a previous generation had seen what the mobbing mentality and McCarthyism could do.  So now, we have witnessed it again.

    The media and blogosphere disgust me, frankly.  The voters were smarter, but far less powerful.  If that isn't enough to worry us all, what is?

    Parent

    It may be because of how badly 1980 (2.00 / 0) (#96)
    by riddlerandy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:48:31 AM EST
    turned out that folks feel differently this time out.  I also think that there may have been more of a push for him to get out than we recall now.

    Parent
    primary fight (5.00 / 1) (#139)
    by bobbski on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:06:27 AM EST
    1980 turned out badly because of the economy, the hostage situation and the charisma of Reagan.  It had nothing to do with Teddy.

    Also, it would do well to remember that the democratic establishment considered Carter an outsider, a country boob even after he won the presidency.

    Parent

    I spent 6 months working on Ted's campaign (5.00 / 1) (#147)
    by riddlerandy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:08:32 AM EST
    and do not agree.  There were a lot of folks, including myself, who did not vote for Carter after the primary fight.  I hope we do not repeat that again this year.

    Parent
    Carter lost in a landslide (5.00 / 2) (#164)
    by Valhalla on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:18:32 AM EST
    because of the economy, the hostage crisis, and because however great a man he is, he was not a good  President.

    I have no doubt the Kennedy fight didn't help, but it was hardly the great cause of Carter's loss that one might think, reading the selective histories from the Obama side.

    Parent

    That was the first year I voted, (3.00 / 0) (#202)
    by sander60tx on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:37:34 AM EST
    and the only time I have voted for an independent candidate.  My vote had nothing to do with the primary fight.  Carter was a weak president and I just could not vote for Reagan because of all his tough talk about the nuclear arms race.  My father, a lifelong democract, voted for Reagan (only one time) and reaped financial gains in the 80's.  The economy was bad and there had been a gas shortage.  I remember only being allowed to buy gas ever other day and the lines were long!  Reagan made people feel better and things did get better during his first term.  The young people who are voting for Obama are about the same age as I was back then.  But Reagan didn't give me hope and unfortunately, neither does Obama or McCain.  I guess I am a bit of a pessimist (or maybe just a realist), but not pessimistic enough to think that Obama would be worse than McCain.  

    Parent
    It almost sounds like (4.00 / 4) (#29)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:21:27 AM EST
    You were looking forward to her losing.


    Parent
    that's the feeling i always got. (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by MMW on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:25:52 AM EST


    Parent
    Please, feel free to circle the wagons (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by andgarden on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:27:54 AM EST
    if it makes you feel better.

    What you say is false, though.

    Parent

    Makes me feel better? (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:30:29 AM EST
    LOL.

    Just the impression I had.


    Parent

    How silly (1.00 / 2) (#53)
    by Mary Mary on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:31:15 AM EST
    Some people are more analytical and less emotional than others, that's all.

    Parent
    Great (5.00 / 5) (#54)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:33:30 AM EST
    Now the Clinton supporter is just being emotional.

    OK.  I see where this is going.

    Someone once worried about this becoming an Obama blog.

    I've been given the "If it makes you feel better?"

    And now I'm just being emotional.

    I see.  I see.  I now where I can go for more of that.

    Parent

    x (5.00 / 0) (#144)
    by Mary Mary on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:07:07 AM EST
    Don't read what I didn't write. It's possible to recognize and appreciate different styles without condemning one or the other. You were condemning andgarden, unjustly IMO, but I was not condemning you, just your comment.

    You guys have been in this together for this whole primary season (and maybe longer, I've been reading here for less than a year) and there is no reason to start lashing out at others now.

    Parent

    Well don't make snide remarks (4.00 / 3) (#58)
    by Molly Bloom on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:34:41 AM EST
    if you are that sensitive to the responses you get.

    Parent
    There were no snide remarks made (5.00 / 2) (#100)
    by Dan the Man on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:50:40 AM EST
    but I'm not surprised you would see one where there isn't because Obama supporters can be such sensitive creatures.

    "Once in a while you get shown the light In the strangest of places if you look at it right"

    Parent

    You must be new here (5.00 / 2) (#174)
    by Molly Bloom on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:23:04 AM EST
    I have consistently said I will support the Democratic nominee, regardless of who it is. I have consistently said I will not sit out, I will not vote for McCain under any circumstances.

    I was  at Talkleft before the nomination fight, I will be here after the election. Old timers here- Andgarden, BTD, Oculus, MilitaryTracy, Squeaky, Kdog  (to name a few) will tell you sensitivity is not among my traits.

    Parent

    yeah, I got that email this morning... (4.66 / 3) (#18)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:16:14 AM EST
    and now i have to figure out how to get back the money I sent her Tuesday night.

    I didn't send it to her to help her pay off her campaign debt, I sent it to help her continue to fight on -- and in my message I made it clear that I could not support Obama.

    So if she's throwing in the towel, while I respect that decision. I want my money back.

    *****
    BTD, at what point does TL revert to a "party-line" blog?  I'm going to be a refusnik when it comes to Obama, and I know that will become unacceptable here at some point (i.e. advocating sitting out November.)  

    And I respect your right to revert to a "party--line" blog, and thank you and Jeralyn for all the work you have done in creating a space where the questions raised by the primaries could be discussed intelligently.  

    And it is out of respect for the work you have done that I'm asking at what point will  the "refusnik" perspective no longer be welcome.

    Exactly (5.00 / 6) (#23)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:18:27 AM EST
    It's fair to ask about the direction of TL going forward.  Obviously, my opinion of Obama isn't going to change until he can do some things he's incapable of doing (because he agrees with the Clinton hate).

    Parent
    donations made yetserday (5.00 / 7) (#42)
    by sleepingdogs on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:26:27 AM EST
    I had done the same and struggled with wanting it back.  The way I'm looking at it now is this:  

     I would have given the money before if I had it at the time.  So yesterday's donation is still a contribution to the fight, even though it's now in the past.

     

    Parent

    I'll still donate to her what I can to retire her (5.00 / 7) (#69)
    by MMW on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:40:21 AM EST
    debt. She did a lot more for me, in terms of how I view myself, than I ever imagined. I'm thankful for that. I can't follow her into the voting booth. I won't vote for Obama - there isn't a circumstance under which I would. But I'm thankful for what she's done and what I've learned.

    Parent
    since I'm having a very hard time... (none / 0) (#104)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:51:27 AM EST
    finding out how to get my money back, can you send me a check for $100 and we'll call it even? ;)

    Parent
    Ok, I'll get your address and bank info from (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by MMW on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:59:06 AM EST
    google. No need to send it. :)

    Parent
    I answered you in a new post (none / 0) (#178)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:26:23 AM EST


    Parent
    I bet McCain (3.00 / 0) (#218)
    by pnut butr on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:51:56 AM EST
    is reading this page & laughing his A off.  Come on, people!  Remember the issues that got us involved -- for Clinton, Obama, Richardson, Biden, whomever -- in the first place.  If you don't think this is the most important election since FDR, then I hope you & your grandchildren enjoy the new Hundred Years War.

    McCain has problems uniting his party, too, & he has easily surrendered his sometime independence to the televangelists, the union-busters, the war profiteers & the polluters.  Like the Bush team, he may be cynical about the "religious right," but he will kiss their feet to bring them out in November.  Where will he invade -- first?  Whom do you imagine he will appoint to the courts?  What interests will energy policy serve?

    I believe an Obama-Clinton (or a Clinton-Obama)administration would be a gift directly from heaven.  It may happen, it may not.  But honestly, to say you can't distinguish between either of them & McCain is just crazy.  Yes, our heroes have spent over a year picking at each other, but they can see that time is over.  Follow your leader, whoever s/he is.  Take a few deep breaths, shake hands, & let's go!

    In the end waiting a day will matter (2.00 / 0) (#106)
    by riddlerandy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:52:00 AM EST
    not at all. She ran a great campaign, and will make a great speech on Saturday supporting Obama.  How about we now focus on beating the hell of John McCain?

    The available evidence (1.00 / 0) (#160)
    by cardcarryingmember on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:15:20 AM EST
    indicates that a lot of people here don't give a flying rat's ear about beating John McCain - they seem to be perfectly happy to have the Republicans in office for another 4 years. I was never a very strong supporter of Obama, and only voted against Clinton because of her war vote - and even then I would DEFINITELY have voted for her had she been nominated.

    Parent
    We have to focus on Healing (1.00 / 1) (#101)
    by Mreddieb on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:50:45 AM EST
    I have been put in the middle of many family fights. Each sibling demanding I take a side. When I do I expect a lot of anger from the"Loser". I have spent their life times teaching them that Passions are great but family is greater! That how I feel now. This will all work out fine for Hillary. We know she is no sore loser or defeatest she deserves our support in her wish that we all come together as a Democratic Family. Why? Because Family is greater!

    Urghhh (5.00 / 6) (#156)
    by suisser on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:12:36 AM EST
    Why is is so very difficult for some people to understand, this ISN'T about Hilary the person. This is about HILARY the President.
    Good god - yes, of course she'll be fine! But we WON'T be. Our Nation won't be fine.  Unlike Obama's her fight was not about HER! It has ALWAYS been about AMERICA! About a better future for our COUNTRY.
    Is that so difficult for the cult of personality infected population to get it's collective head around!???

    Parent
    Ok then just (1.00 / 1) (#197)
    by Mreddieb on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:35:35 AM EST
    replace Hillary with America. The fact is America is about to choose a new president and if you care about your country you should accept reality. Even though you are RIGHT you have to now decide if you want MCsame to be your next President or not. If you believe in all the things Hillary believes in then you should join her in working to defeat McSame.

    Parent
    Clinton... (5.00 / 5) (#212)
    by p lukasiak on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:44:49 AM EST
    won't be fighting for what she believes in.

    She'll be fighting to defeat McCain.  The party elders have made it clear that Clinton's priorities are not the party's priorities -- that the only priority of the party leadership is ObamaDollars.  

    Parent

    Do you think Obama (none / 0) (#14)
    by cannondaddy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:12:05 AM EST
    will join her on Saturday or will that "moment" come later?

    I have hope now!!! :-) (5.00 / 4) (#26)
    by sleepingdogs on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:19:38 AM EST
    My hope is that he will wait to join her on stage anywhere until later.  For now, I see this as a conversation between Hillary and her supporters.  Let her have it, let us supporters listen.  She is a compelling speaker to us.  His voice at the gathering will turn me off.......

    Parent
    I hope not (5.00 / 3) (#129)
    by Democratic Cat on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 09:02:09 AM EST
    I have no interest in hearing him run his yap.

    Parent
    There has never been an election this close (none / 0) (#126)
    by riddlerandy on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 08:59:54 AM EST
    so comparing how this one was handled to previous elections doesnt work.  Any unjustified notion that she is a sore loser will be eliminated on Saturday.  

    mccaveman is name calling! (none / 0) (#215)
    by hellothere on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 10:03:55 AM EST


    This Country Needs a Democrat (none / 0) (#220)
    by Max P on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:08:40 PM EST
    I find it really disheartening that this group of progressives is so absorbed in attempts at self-righteousness that many would be willing to either vote for McCain, or even worse, not vote at all.

    A vote for McCain is a guarantee that the war in Iraq will continue through at least 2013, as promised by the "Maverick" himself in his crystal ball speech.

    With an average of 2 American soldiers being killed in Iraq each day, that would be 730 soldiers killed each year. So, if McCain's plans for winning the war in Iraq went through his predicted date of 2013, another 2920 soldiers would be killed.

    This is what is at stake in this election. We need to get past our stubbornness, cynicism, and pride in order to realize that this election is greater than ourselves.

    Barack Obama has proposed plans to remove all combat soldiers from Iraq with 16 months. Compare this to McCain's prediction of winning in Iraq in 48 months.

    If we approach this election with only apathy and retaliation, we must never expect our country improve.

    This election is much more important than grudges against Barack Obama or the Democratic Party. If you cannot get behind the candidate himself, get behind the issues.

    Petty arguments and non-constructive comments do nothing to further understanding, and are far too common on this website. If you feel compelled to respond, please do so with some effort and seriousness.

    Obama support Hillary later? (none / 0) (#221)
    by Amiss on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 03:35:55 PM EST
    "Then in 4-8 years Obama will do everything he can to get her elected."

    Do you really believe this? I dont believe that Obama, once he gets what he wants will lift a finger to help Clinton with anything, cuz we all know that Michelle wears the pants in that family and know how much she detests Senator Clinton.

    I couldnt disagree with you more on that statement.  

    focus (none / 0) (#222)
    by Amiss on Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 04:27:10 PM EST
    "focusing on victimization is no way to change things."

    Worked pretty well for Obama.  

    Hillary Clinton's Message On Endorsement of Obama | 201 comments (201 topical)