Hillary Rodham Clinton, on stage at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday with daughter Chelsea, acknowledges a sea of 'Hillary' signs borne by supporters. (Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff)
Clinton speech moves Democrats toward unity, but hasn’t clinched it
Her words to the Democratic faithful Tuesday night are a first step, not an end point, toward bringing diehard Clinton fans around to Obama.
By Ariel Sabar | Staff writer/ August 27, 2008 edition
Denver – Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said virtually all the right things in her speech at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday.
She called Sen. Barack Obama “my candidate.” She urged Democrats to unite as “a single party with a single purpose.” And in a plea to her fiercest supporters, some of whom say they will vote for Republican John McCain over Senator Obama in November, she asked whether they were “in this campaign just for me” or for the good of Americans.
Again and again, the crowd inside the Pepsi Center here roared. Delegates hoisted official signs with “Hillary” on one side and “Unity” on the other. But were her words enough to heal a divided party?
Senator Clinton highlighted the goals she shared with the presumed Democratic nominee – to end the Iraq war, to fight inequality, to make healthcare universal. But she did not talk about Obama’s personal qualities. She grew animated when criticizing Senator McCain, the presumed Republican nominee. But at other times, she seemed measured and subdued, a degree or two short of the fire she often displayed on the campaign trail.
“I think she did what she had to do, but I didn’t feel any enthusiasm,” Richard Corriveau, a Michigan lawyer and convention guest who voted for Clinton in the primaries, said as he left the Pepsi Center. He said he would vote for Obama this fall “reluctantly,” because while he opposes McCain he still feels Obama is “more ego than substance.”
Diane Mantouvalos, a founder of justsaynodeal.com, a prominent blog for Clinton diehards critical of the nomination process, said she watched the speech in a Denver hotel suite with a group of supporters who were in tears.
“What it did was it reminded us how incredibly strong a candidate she still is on that stage,” Ms. Mantouvalos said.
Even so, Clinton appeared to give at least some of her most loyal admirers pause.
Will Bower, a co-founder of PUMA, a strident pro-Clinton group, said the speech did not change his mind about Obama but yielded second thoughts about his earlier decision to back McCain.
“I’m committed to not voting for Obama,” he said in a phone interview. “But Hillary’s speech reminded me that I’m not a Republican and I’m not excited about voting Republican. Tonight reminded me that I am still a Democrat at heart.”
If nothing else, the 23-minute speech was another step forward for Democrats after a bitter nomination fight that pitted the strongest black presidential candidate in American history against the strongest female one. Many voters – particularly older and working-class women – saw Clinton as the embodiment of their highest personal and civic aspirations.
So divisive were the primaries that recent polls have found that just half of those who backed Clinton in the primaries say they will definitely back Obama this fall. Winning over those disaffected voters remains one of the Democrats’ chief challenges, and McCain has made clear in remarks and in TV ads that he will make a strong play for them.
In a prime-time address that capped the second day of the convention, Clinton heaped praise on her most ardent supporters, jokingly calling them “my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits.”
“You never gave in and you never gave up, and together we made history,” she said.
She remembered the people who had moved her on the campaign trail – a marine who waited months for medical care, a boy whose mother had just seen her hours cut at her minimum-wage job, a single mother without health insurance who adopted two special-needs children only to learn she had been diagnosed with cancer.
“I want you to ask yourselves, Were you in this campaign just for me, or were you in it for that young marine and others like him?” she said as the arena erupted in applause. “Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible?”
Tuesday was the 88th anniversary of the day the 19th Amendment gave women the vote, and Clinton spoke of the long struggle for equality that reached a summit with her candidacy.
She praised Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, and Sen. Joseph Biden Jr., his vice-presidential pick. And despite – or perhaps because of – lingering tensions between Bill Clinton and the Obama campaign over the former president’s perceived ill treatment during the primaries, Senator Clinton explicitly linked Obama’s priorities with those of her husband’s administration.
“When Barack Obama is in the White House, he’ll revitalize our economy, defend the working people of America, and meet the global challenges of our time,” she said. “As I recall, we did it before, with President Clinton and the Democrats. And if we do our part, we’ll do it again with President Obama and the Democrats.”
The speech “hit all the high points,” says John Pitney Jr., a professor of American politics at Claremont McKenna College in California. Still, he says, “you’re not going to undo a months-long primary campaign with one speech. But it’s a beginning.”
How far beyond words her support will go is an open question. Will she release her delegates to Obama before a floor vote on her nomination Wednesday? What will her husband say in his speech Wednesday night? Will the Clintons, their wattage in the party now dimmed, aggressively campaign for Obama?
Senator Clinton’s speech comes amid new questions about whether her biggest fundraisers, still embittered about the race, will work for Obama. In addition, Bill Clinton gave some the impression that he was speaking of Obama Tuesday when he voiced concerns about the ability of Democrats to “deliver” on “good intentions.”
“This has nothing to do with what’s going on now,” Clinton insisted in remarks to a group of foreign dignitaries in Denver. “But I am just saying if you look at 5, 10, 15 years from now, you may actually see this delivery issue become a serious issue in Democratic debates because it is so hard to figure out how to turn good intentions into real changes in the lives of the people we represent.”
Comments
2. Ben Preisner | 08.27.08
Towards Unity? She was so powerful it upset me that she is not our nominee. What a strong speech! What a powerful message of hope - delivered in a way Barack could not have even pulled off.
I can not and will note vote for Obama. I do not like him. Nor will I vote for McCain.
Hillary 08! Don’t Give Up!!!
3. Bob H | 08.27.08
Hillary proved once again why she should be the nominee. I have been a Democrat all my life and I am disappointed at the choices made by this party. Hillary was right that Obama is not experienced and has done little more of substance than give a good speech. For the first time in my life (and long tenure as a voter) I will vote Republican.
4. gotdemocracy? | 08.27.08
To use a sports analogy - volleyball - Clinton has just given Obama the perfect set. It’s up to him to put it away. Lead, Obama, lead.
6. K Lade | 08.27.08
How does she love herself? Let us count the ways….How many times did she say ‘I’ in that speech last night? WOW!
7. susan | 08.27.08
I’m a democrat and I still will not vote for Obama. He lied to us about wanting changes, remember that was how he got us all excited and voted for him. As soon as Hillary’s out of the race, he picked an oldie for VP. If I wanted an experienced nominee, I would have picked Hillary. I feel so bad for Hillary. We have been lied to and he robbed her of the nomination. Democratic party will never win without her support and that was why she was there last night. Is Obama an example of someone you’d want for President? I say “NO”
8. David | 08.27.08
Even still the media insists on perpetuating this perceived disunity? Please!!! PUMA does not matter. If these people are so shallow and unsure of their own beliefs that they would abuse the right to vote by letting pettiness and vindictiveness decide who they vote for, then so be it. Time to move forward with them or without them (preferably). There are bigger fish to fry like the economy, foreign policy, environment, and energy. Those who would deter the American people from coming to consensus on these major issues should do some soul searching and decide if they want to join the rest of us in creating a compelling vision of the future and working toward making it our reality.
9. Bridgeport | 08.27.08
What unity? Hillary supporters have been inspired by her. They are no going to turn over to Obama easily. Especially as he has done little to get them into his corner. It’s his turn to start behaving like a presidential candidate and not a rock star.
11. D Engler | 08.27.08
Hillary told me one thing last night. “Never give up, never give in”. And I won’t. I will not give up my vote to the Chosen One, to stay within party lines. I will not give in to the consistant badgering of the DNC and vote for their boy. I will, now, for sure, after the way this convention is being orchestrated, vote for McCain. He does not agree with all my views, but at least I KNOW what he will do in office. I cannot vote for an individual that I do not trust. Period.
12. DC | 08.27.08
Love the insight in your article. It is clear the most qualified candidate to create change and not just talk change is Hillary Clinton. The Obama camp dishonored women and half the democratic voters who supported Hillary by not choosing Hillary as Vp. It was a true question in my mind of the intent of the Obamas to not honor the democrats that vote. Half of us wanted Hillary. As always women take a back seat, no matter how qualified. Hillary would have been an asset to the ticket and this country.
This election I will vote for my party, the democrats, not for the candidate
When are we going to get a woman in the white house?
dc
13. Debbie | 08.27.08
I imagine by now the DNC has seen that Hillary should have been the choice. They scramble around trying to find ways not to have a floor vote. Millions of Americans have been kicked to the curb. Hillary, we love you but….Nobama/Nobide/November.
14. mistical | 08.27.08
Hillary Clinton did a remarkable job last night addressing our country. She reminded us of what it means to be a democrat, what we stand for as democrats and what we need to do in order to protect this country from the corrupt measures that the republicans have used the last 8 years.
“No Way, No How, No McCain” has a long lasting meaning right now, and one that I am personally proud to stand behind. The Clinton’s are the strongest Democrats when it comes to standing by the meaning and they are two people who I deeply admire and respect because, of all of the efforts and hard work that they have both placed into our country. Hillary Clinton if not President deserves a large cabinet roll in Barack Obama’s administration she has proven herself tough but, not only as a fighter for what she believes in but, as a Uniter to the party as well.
16. Lynn | 08.27.08
Hillary has done all she needs to ( and more ) for the “Pretender to the Throne”. Obama has failed to reach out to women and “lunch bucket” Democrats and he (hopefully ) will pay the price for this in November. There are about 3 million PUMAs and that is 3 million votes Obama will not have. If he wins this election it will be only by the electoral college ( or a decision by the House of Reps ). He will NEVER have the support of a majority of Americans. It would almost be poetic justice if he does win and then his ardent supporters can see how little “change” they actually get.
17. Jaycee | 08.27.08
The old ‘fall in line, Democrats’ argument won’t work this time. There are many, many reasons Clinton supporters do not see Obama as a viable candidate and will be throwing their support to John McCain in November. Obama’s negatives outweigh his positives.
18. Michael T | 08.27.08
Like Hillary said, if you supported her you NEED to support Obama because they BELIEVE IN THE SAME THINGS! If you voted for her just because she was a woman, get off the train, because we need room for everybody who wants to be on board, and we can’t be carrying any dead weight.
19. hillaryhead | 08.27.08
I am one of many millions of voters who will NOT vote for Obama. I am a member of the JustSayNoDeal coalition with several hundred sites and blogsites. The irregularities of the primaries, the smelly facts about Obama’s behavior in the past, distant and recent, the covert internet tactics his campaign has been using, the association of him with possibly illegal get out the vote organizations making FEC filings, which have been detailed on these sites have pushed me towards McCain and away from Obama. It was absoutely clear to me after listening to Clinton’s SUSPENSION speech that there was no way Obama could win; without her at the top of the ticket, there was no another Democratic candidate that could take it all. He revealed himself too much for the revelations to be forgotten.
Televised news and analysis HAS become entertainment, Obama might make for a good story, if the media buys all he says without checking the truthfullness of it. Print media have by and large signalled their support for Obama; “stories” and “analysis” contain no objectivity, for the most part. It has all bought in to superdelegates having decided who the nominee would be, thay they would stay committed regardless of chances of Obama winning in the general, and that his nomination is a foregone conclusion.
JustSayNoDeal and PUMAPac have filled the void. They have become a cyber gathering space for the millions who question Obama’s fitness to be president. Neither the DNC nor the RNC can control this process of citizens TAKING power in to their OWN hands.
Thank you for writing a piece that is illuminating what is going on outside the official party fence.
20. Arthur Lemay | 08.27.08
It is hard, very hard, to understand why the Obama campaign is giving Bill and Hillary the back of the hand. Why they did not even vet Hillary as a VP candidate and they assigned Bill a “mission impossible” in being a spokesman explaining why Obama is well suited for managing America’s Foreign Affairs. I am sure a former President dislikes being treated like a lackey to an upstart know-nothing like Obama and Hillary detests the idea of being ignored by her own party and one who got almost as many votes as Obama.
This suggests that Obama will fail to unite his own party and McCain’s campaign can say, accurately, “he says he will unite America, yet he can’t even unite his own party.” JFK had a similar dillemma, yet he chose to put LBJ on the ticket, yet we know he detested him.
This says to me that Obama has such an ego that he feels he cannot lose the election and that his “change we can believe in”, and “yes we can” lines will win out — even though people are asking just exactly what will he do. It is not clear that imitating Jimmy Carter’s pitch is a winning formula, but if he keeps making decisions like choosing Biden as VP, and parroting the extreme left nostrums he may find he will win fewer votes than Mondale or Dukakis.
Good luck Obama — keep it up.
21. Rich DeAtley | 08.27.08
Hillary’s speech last night was outstanding, but it doesn’t change the fact that OBAMA has destroyed the best hope the world had to change the lives of women world wide and make them persons who should be valued rather then subjegated and enslaved to their male relativeshusbands. OBAMA’s ego trip is so blinding to him and his wife, that they can’t see the reality of the world. They could not, and can not, do what’s right. They have no steadfast moral position, only raw ambition. Hillary is the one woman who right now would have been a strong President and would have awed the world - making the greatest strides forward more mankind - against the greatest evil still remaining. Those hopes are now dashed and will likely not be met in my life time (age 60). Though a lifetime defender of the innocents (e.g. Liberal/democrat/conservative), we must do what’s right and not what’s convienient. Our question is - is it better to endure 4 more years of disaster, rather than reward a Democratic party who has abandoned mankind’s greatest work, against the greeatest evil, the world currently endures - or - are the next 8 years so important in the survival of mankind’s greatest defender of liberty, individual rights, and the opressed - the US - that we must accept the current lessor - knowing he is most dedicated to becoming President rather than standing where it is important. Those dedicated to this goal must be strong and must pay due diligence to deciding the greater good for mankind. It is not an easy decision.
22. Mac | 08.27.08
Hillary Clinton’s speech last night gave us the opportunity once again to see how dedicated she is to all the concerns of the middle class. Unfortunately Obama missed the mark to unite the Democratic Party in choosing Biden. He sent a clear statement that we cannot believe in change, as Biden is still old time Washington. If we elected Obama, we will have the same old politics as usual as he lacks the necessary experience to impact change.
This country needs reform, just as Hillary Clinton said. But we need a president that has the leadership and experience and can hit the ground running. We need a strong commander and chief, we don’t need Obama who only has 5 months experience as a U.S. Senator. We cannot allow this country to be put in the hands of an amateur who will be a president in training.
We all love this country and want to regain what this country stands for. The Democrats have lost their chance for a strong leader when they corrupted the Democratic process. Now we must all get behind John McCain and elect him our next president.
23. Brian Musah | 08.27.08
Hillary Clinton deserves everyones respect for taking her current stand during the Convention. It shows statesmanship or should I say stateswomanship.She cannot afford to be seen to give even tacit approval to her most die hard and embittered supporters-that of course would be political suicide. If Obama were to,lose the November elections (and I don’t think he will) ,Hillary would likely be the scape goat. In a way her future success is now unavoidably linked to Obama’s. She is therefore shrewdly giving him her fullest support. Besides she could well play a much bigger role in an Obama cabinet more than anyone thinks.
24. LauraB | 08.27.08
As I watched Senator Clinton’s speech last night, I was reminded — yet again — how powerfully she moves people and, indeed, just how superb she would have been as president. I will not soon forget how distorted the media in particular portrayed her throughout most of the campaign, nor will I soon (if ever) forgive the DNC for actions that disenfranchised so many voters. But in the end, I’ll vote for Barack Obama for pragamatic reasons: (1) Hillary is dead-on in noting how horribly represented we’ll be if McCain is elected; (2) If Obama does NOT win in the end, you can be sure the media will twist things to lay the blame on Hillary. She has been their scapegoat for virtually every errant move Obama himself has made in campaigning. The latter is of huge concern, because come 2008? I want Hillary to be in a position to run again. That assuredly will not happen if the perception after the election is that she doomed Obama’s chances. Fair? No. Reality? Oh, yeah.
25. AngelNV | 08.27.08
Say what?? This article smacks of mainstream media sensationalism. CSM is by far one of my favorite reads, in print and online, and has been for years. However, I am disturbed about the increasing tone of corporate media in its political voice.
What truly alarms me about this article is its apparent ignorance of the truth about the PUMA and Just Say No Deal groups. Several media sources have debunked these organizations and exposed them for what they are: a gathering of racists and cloaked Republicans intent on disrupting the Democratic party and steering Hillary supporters to John McCain. Granted, there are a few true Hillary supporters among them, though most have seen the light and fled.
One of the most thorough debunks was the David Shuster Hardball interview with the founders of PUMA and Just Say No Deal. You can see the video of that interview at the website posted.
Please note that I am no fan of MSNBC’s Hardball program and I never watch it. I found this video on a fave political blog.
26. AngelNV | 08.27.08
A repost that contains the video link:
Say what?? This article smacks of mainstream media sensationalism. CSM is by far one of my favorite reads, in print and online, and has been for years. However, I am disturbed about the increasing tone of corporate media in its political voice.
What truly alarms me about this article is its apparent ignorance of the truth about the PUMA and Just Say No Deal groups. Several media sources have debunked these organizations and exposed them for what they are: a gathering of racists and cloaked Republicans intent on disrupting the Democratic party and steering Hillary supporters to John McCain. Granted, there are a few true Hillary supporters among them, though most have seen the light and fled.
One of the most thorough debunks was the David Shuster Hardball interview with the founders of PUMA and Just Say No Deal. You can see the video of that interview at the website: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/26208124#26208124
Please note that I am no fan of MSNBC’s Hardball program and I never watch it. I found this video on a fave political blog.
27. Pieter Blomme | 08.27.08
I’m just wondering,
The program of Obama and Clinton isn’t that different. That of McCain is. Why would any so called democrat vote for McCain if he can get Clinton’s pacakge, only wrapped up a little different. The answer is simple: ego. And your remarks prove once again that Hillary is just as much egotrippery as Obama. Unfortenatly, she doesn’t have his charisma, but hey, that’s life, isn’t it?
28. tlatexaspuma | 08.27.08
Senator Clintongave an excellent speech, which was never a question as a Clinton supporter. She delivered.
However, I am going to follow the lead of Michelle Obama. I am going to do the same thing she stated in her GMA interview, in her evaluation of the Democratic nominee.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp_7nnIvWJM
GO PUMA!!!!
29. Levi | 08.27.08
I watched Hillary’s speech last night and I feel that she did what she was supposed to do. I commend her for taking steps in the right direction because the only way that the Republican machine can be dethroned is by a unified Democrat front. What I cannot understand is how, after she touched on it in her speech, people will switch support from her to McCain and not to Obama or state that they will not vote. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!? The American people REALLY need to wake up and stop being bitter towards Obama when he beat Hillary fair and square in the primaries. Ans as for McCain…being a POW in itself doesn’t make one qualified to run a country. We do not need anyone in office that will make the world’s view of America sink any lower than it currently is.
30. Fred | 08.27.08
This Presidetial election I believe will be decided by the Conservative American voters, the white working class, the blue collar groups, and the Latinos. Obama’s choice of Senator Biden as his VP was a good move. Good luck to both candidates.
31. Phil Hearn | 08.27.08
I was an ardent supporter of HRC for the presidential nomination. I remain a big fan of both her and WJC. I’m amazed that after her speech at the DNC I still hear these supposed Democrats talking about not voting or worse voting for McCain. I always thought they were ignorant, now they’ve crossed the line from ignorance to stupidity. With the combination of bigots and the foregoing we are probably doomed to fore more years of Republican criminality. I’m voting for Obama, Hillary asked me to. She knows how important it is to “throw the bums out”. Party is the only thing that matters. Any Democrat is better than any Republican.
32. Barry Sperman | 08.27.08
I am one of those Democrats who grew up in a household where the synonym for “Republican” was enemy. As I’ve grown older, I’ve grown a little wiser. I know my enemy is he who speaks one way but acts another - no matter what his party. I never have been crazy about Hillary but I must admit that I’ve always felt she spoke with the conviction of her beliefs. As for her endorsement of Obama, does anyone believe she could do otherwise - I forgive her for this weakness. But for me, I must confess that McCain reminds me of Horton the Elephant (I meant what I said and I said what I meant, an an elephant’s faithful one-hundred percent). The man has more sincerity in his little finger than Obama has in his entire body, and his record says it all. He is the guy who has crossed the aisle when he saw the need. Barak just hasn’t (maybe he needs a few more years in the Senate so he gets the chance). Use public funds? No, the system is broken (thanks Sen. Obama). I will not be fooled by Obama’s words. This Democrat is voting for McCain.
33. Tom | 08.27.08
For those Hillary supporters who will sit out the fall election just think about how you will feel when MCaain nominates the next Supreme Court Justice and Roe Vs Wade is overturned and the Supreme Court becomes nothing more than an extension of the Red state mentality.
34. LD | 08.27.08
Seeing and hearing Senator Clinton last night only magnified the foolishness of the Democratic Party for nominating an empty suit who has no qualifications, no experience and no accomplishments. I will never vote for Senator Obama for Commander in Chief. He pales in comparison to Senator Clinton. I hope Dean, Pelosi and all the other Democratic elites who SELECTED Obama are happy with President McCain. “Never give up, never give in.” Thanks Hillary
35. Debbie | 08.27.08
Hillary is correct Obama is not ready to lead. The democratic party is so divided. Nancy Pelosi doesn’t allow Congress to vot on drilling, she closes the lights. Is that what Obama will do if he doesn’t like the answer or you don’t agree with him? The democrats are showing no leadership or class. Mccain is experienced and has class. He is an American who fought for this country and will keep us safe. People better wake up and see that is a fact.
36. Mary McCurry | 08.27.08
The biggest difference between Hillary and Obama is the ability to deliver; to actualize the dreams and promises in a real and tangible way. Clinton has delivery skills while Obama has rhetorical skills. McCain also has the ability and judement to actualize the changes only spoken of by Obama.
And as for Obama’s drum beat of bring people together; of reaching across the isle as if in a constant noble gesture of compromise and collaboration yet when picking the VP he ignored the will of virtually half of his own party by dissing Hilary and her supporters - that’s not getting off to a good start and frankly is quite telling of what is to come if he ever gets elected.
Hilary Clinton supporters would do well to remember that if McCain wins in Nov. the message that Hilary was more electable will be made ever more obvious and the path to her nomination in 2012 will be opened.
37. John | 08.27.08
From someone across the pond in Europe, I think choosing to vote for McCain or neglecting to vote at all as a Democrat is a really horrific move - how could you stand for 4 more years of the Republicans? Why this myopic, divisive attitude?
38. Gina | 08.27.08
So, now Obama and the DNC want to hold the roll call away from the main hall, and stop the vote partially through … just in case Hillary does well, which might embarrass Obama and the DNC. This is what happens when a candidate and a party manipulate the process, and try to force a candidate down the throats of the constituents. Obama might have trashed the Clintons, and gotten over 90% of the black vote, but in the process America has been thrown under the bus.
39. Ricky | 08.27.08
Brian Schweitzer for President ‘08! (or 2012)
you oughta have seen him talk last night
40. marie3548 | 08.27.08
It is not her job to clinch it its Obmama’s party he ran on the Hopey Changey Unity platform he needs to seal the deal, make the close, unify.
OOPS NOT
NObama
Noway
Nohow
November.
41. bmw60 | 08.27.08
Hillary’s speech engendered the idea that we as the voters have been short-changed in the democratic party… notice the small d’s. I have had an epiphany…. words that affect me greatly are found at unbrokencircle.com. On the day of the 88th year of women’s sufferage I found this quote that affects how I and many other women feel, “Unbroken Circles quote that really got me… oh, like an epiphany… this is what I have been thinking all along and couldn’t put into words:
“Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul both made the point that it is up to the party to support women’s issues. It’s not up to the women to support the party’s issues.
If our votes don’t get counted anyway, what impact could we have on ANYTHING in the next four years? If we continue to insist on our voting rights being honored, then we’ll have our voices heard on any issue.”
42. Doug Bancel | 08.27.08
I am blown away by the bitterness and vindictiveness of these hardcore Hillary supporters who will not support Obama. How short sighted they are. How petty. How careless and irresponsible. Obama’s and Clinton’s platforms and values are virtually identical. Don’t they care that the White House shares their own beliefs? Do they want a right wing Supreme Court? Don’t they care that they’re throwing away this rare opportunity for positive change in government? To them I say, break out of your shell and truly think about what you’re doing and why. If you have any non-US friends, try explaining to them what you’re doing and judge yourself by their reaction. Explain to your European friends that you’re voting for McCain or sitting this one out because your candidate lost the primary and I’ll bet their reaction will be one of incredulity and possibly, pity. Vote your conscience, not your heart.
43. Debbie Preston | 08.27.08
As a woman who was the first of my gender in an all-male workplace, I know all too well the “never good enough” commentary that permeates anything to do with Hillary.She had a remarkable run for president, she gave a speech that covered all the bases and yet is vilified for not being “passionate enough,” not “praising Obama enough,” etc., etc.,etc.
If it were a man, what would be “enough?” Somehow, I think the standard would be less. As “warriors,” men would not be expected to completely debase themselves in front of a national audience for the sake of unity.
44. LowlyWise | 08.27.08
Did anyone else notice Hillary’s glaring omission in her opening salvo? Paraphrasing: ‘I stand here as a proud mother, proud this & that, proud American, proud supporter of Barack Obama.” The TV gave the impression that she looked right at Bill and pointedly did not include “proud wife.”
Was this a pandering to her militant-feminist supporters? Was it something she could not say? Michelle Obama spoke proudly as Barack’s wife, the woman not behind but beside, the man. Hillary might have been similarly gracious and acknowledged gratefully his help in her campaign.
45. Janet | 08.27.08
As an independent, I have a very hard time getting excited about either Obama or McCain. Hillary was the Democratic Party’s best chance to win this election, but now they will have to make do with Obama. Still, we’ve had two terms of Republican rule, and it’s not wearing well. It is time for the Democrats to give it a spin. This is what brings balance to our bipolar political system.
46. Thad | 08.27.08
Ready to lead? When Bill Clinton was elected president, he had served two terms as the Governor of Arkansas. As a Clinton supporter I didn’t discount his lack of international experience. And now, I refuse to discount Obama’s experience. I see him as a brilliant, open-minded person that can do good things.
47. lilibet | 08.27.08
K.LADE: So that is what you listened to during the speech, how many times did Senator Clinton use that pronoun “I”! Now your homework is to go to any of the Messiah’s speeches and count how many times he uses the personal pronoun “I”.
48. Oscar P | 08.27.08
Great presidential speech by Hillary ! Is Obama the presumptive nominee? I just found out he is !! I thought it was Hillary giving her acceptance speech, the one she bravely fought to deserve. Just because the Muppet Show ( alias DNC) cheated on the process does not make us part of this circus show. Hillary might have had to show support for Obama, but some other million americans don’t have to. It must be sad for some in the DNC when they compare their “selectee” and Hillary. Although they might never accept it, they know that they sacrificed the country to satisfy their ego.
49. Oscar P | 08.27.08
Tom(#27) stop the emotional blackmailing now!! you are the ones playing with the fear card, if you vote for McCain you will this and that. What about Obama? Change your strategy. Calling people racist is not working anymore because there are many black americans who support and will support Hillary, are they racist? or perhaps they do because they see potential to help us.The DNC has made me vote for a Republican candidate (even if he is better than Obama) something that I could never imagined in my entire life. I have always voted Dems, even for Kerry!!! but not this year. All the way for McCain !
And yes, I am a proud PUMA !!!
50. dan | 08.27.08
I respect Hillary tremendously. I think she would be a great candidate and would support her in a heartbeat. However, Obama won the nomination. Are you all selfish enough to wallow in your disappointment that you would do this country more serious harm by electing another Republican. Haven’t we had enough? It is time to grow up and get serious about winning this election and turning the country around!
51. Dabbie | 08.27.08
Sorry but some of these posts require some seriously high waders they’re piling it on so deep.
REAL Democrats who truly CARE about getting this country on track and fixing the mess the RepubliCONs have made would NEVER vote for McSame since any Dems with two grey cells to rub together know that voting for him is exactly the same as voting for 4 more years of failed and even disastrous Republican policy.
Those claiming to be Dems who are going to vote for McCain are either extremely shallow, stupid or (much more probable) are RepubliCON trolls (paid or unpaid) pretending to be Dems… so don’t believe a word they say. It’s their job to try and spin and lie… they’re no better then their mentors Rove, Rush or Ann Coulter (where some get most of their directives from).
Hillary is my Senator, I admire her tremendously and am proud to have her working for me as my Senator. Although she would not have been my first choice (sadly he didn’t run) I’m thrilled to bits that she went as far as she did but for now.. it’s done and I’ll be voting for Obama in November knowing that he’ll do a great job for this country. Hillary’s speech moving and motivating and carried EXCELLENT advise. So please.. if you care about this country and care about all the things that she has campaigned for, listen to what she said, Vote Obama and say… “No Way, No How, NO McCain”.
If you truly can’t deal with Obama.. either set it into your mind to vote for the Dems party principles that will get this country on track or stay home and sulk. If you vote for McCain and he wins YOU are as guilty of destroying this country as anyone who voted for Bush. McCain is NO “Maverick” he’s just another Bush. For PROOF of that look at his voting record and stances on issues… increasingly he has voted directly in line with Bush and the RepubliCON party.
52. jerry rubin | 08.27.08
Yes she reached all the issues correctly and spoke exactly the words that should have been said. Only the papers want to plant a horse race with this rediculous issue.
53. Ben | 08.27.08
If this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKXNwPfMaRQ) is what you want to vote for then do so with your yes wide open!
54. J.T. | 08.27.08
Hillary and her ardent supporters have an opportunity to play the Ralph Nader card in this election (Nader supporters killed Gore’s shot at the White House and look what it left us with, The Bush years). Quit being babies and vote for the democratic nominee (whether or not you are a huge Obama fan) or we will have another four years of misery under a republican administration.
55. Denis Z | 08.27.08
For Hillary supporters its time to grow up and act like responsible Democrats. Obama won the nomination fair and square by out strategizing the Clinton machine. REMEMBER, its not how many votes you get, its how many delegates you have! Just ask Al Gore. Its silly, foolish and even idiotic to believe in Hillary’s vision for America yet vote for McCain out of spite. If Clinton supporters sit this out or vote Republican, then they must bear the responsibility for a conservative Supreme Court that will overturn Roe V. Wade; see the income gap get larger and larger with the rich enjoying the benefits while the middle class pays for it; more of our young soldiers dying for a Bush lie that McCain supports; no affordable health care and the continuation of selling our debt to the Chinese and OPEC countries.
So go ahead, vote Republican and tell all your friends you were secret admirers of George Bush! Oh by the way, don’t forget to tell your kids that you will be sticking them with all the debt Bush and McCain will accrue.
56. Dave | 08.27.08
As a somewhat libertarian minded independent, I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to pull the lever for the lesser of two evils. The PUMAs need to grow up and realize that this is politics, it’s all about compromise. Deal with it, and move on. I’d love to be able to vote for someone other than Obama, too. Unfortunately, my choice this fall will have to be between him, and McCain - yet another Republican whose foreign policy is mindlessly aggressive as opposed to intelligent, and whose economic policy is written for the crony-capitalists, not for the free market.
57. Rusty Shackleford | 08.27.08
Hillary spent the better part of the spring dividing the party so that she could run again in 2012. This speech was simply to appease the party so she doesn’t get tossed out.
She knows that McCain will make things much, much worse, but she doesn’t care. Her political ambition is greater than her concern for the country. She supported McCain last spring because she knew that it was the only way for her to become president(in 2012). And this is in spite of the fact she knows McCain will ruin us!
To those who wanted Hillary simply because she is a woman, get over it. She is not a feminist and is not concerned about you. Unless of course you think sticking with a cheating spouse because she can use his political power as a springboard is the definition of a feminist. How about supporting a self-made woman? Without Bill you wouldn’t know her name. Someday a woman will be president, and that will be a good day. However, Hillary as president might ensure she is the last for 100+ years.
To those who think the speech was awesome and what was needed can you please explain one thing?
EVERYTHING SHE SAID LAST NIGHT WAS COMPLETELY OPPOSITE FROM WHAT SHE SAID LAST MAY!
Now tell me I should believe her and why anyone would support this sleaze bag?
She agreed to the policy over Florida and Michigan and then when she knew she lost she started crying about it. Is this presidential material?
She has no more experience then Obama. Being first lady does not give one experience for president. It is one thing to work behind the scenes and advise. It is something entirely to be in charge. She is not tested.
Who cares? Bill had no national political experience and did a marginally decent job. Obama has more savvy, ethics and intelligence then Bill and Hillary combined. If Hillary is the better candidate, than why did she get thoroughly beat?
It is always popular to say that the future of the nation is at risk in an election. However, this year it is true. The US is in serious decline, 4 more years of greed, corruption, and war mongering will literally spell the end of the USA.
Is some selfish woman’s political ambition worth that?
58. Douglas Nimtz | 08.27.08
I’m a psychologist with many years of experience. I make my living by evaluating people on many criteria of mental and behavioral fitness. Obama has the personal qualities that define a great leader. No one else in the field of presidential candidates of ‘08 are the same league.
Many of the die-hard supporters of Hillary Clinton for president probably have narcissism among their personality traits. Those who say they will vote for McCain are not thinking rationally. Actually, taking this position suggests a feature of borderline personality disorder in which int contradictions exist between values or beliefs and behavior. For example, consider the woman who professes to value modesty but works as a stripper in a club.
Finally, the Obama camp is not blame for Clinton’s defeat. To be a female holding this position suggests a displacement of rage whose origin is deep hurt inflicted on her by individual males in her lifetime. In other words, Obama represents the men who have hurt her over the years. The reality is that Obama won because he is the better candidate period, and more Democrats saw this than those who were blinded by their neurotic hang-ups and irrationally supported Clinton.
59. Hoss | 08.27.08
Hillary gave a great speech with that said I have been a democrat all my
life and am ashamed at the dnc and liberal dems that destoyed the party
and will never ever vote for Nobama under any circumstance.
60. Ken Cruz | 08.27.08
Hillary showed us just how far we have come towards healing the wounds of sex discrimination in this nation. Her speech was inspirational, moving and presidential. As an American, I am very proud of how far her campaign made it. However, I am saddened by the Hillary supporters who are jumping ship. This fall a non-vote will be just as damaging as an outright vote for the Republicans. Obama may be less experienced than McCain, but his politics, vision and goals are far more like Hillary’s than McCain’s. If you supported Hillary’s mission, it is beyond comprehension how you can support McCain. I hate to say it, but it makes me wonder if race is the issue here. As an American, I was so proud that the Democrats had a woman and an African American running for nomination. Now, I am equally saddened that some who were ecstatic about nominating a woman for president refuse to vote for an African American. We had a chance to show other nations that we are beyond both sexism and racism. Now, I wonder how far we have actually come.
61. Dawn | 08.27.08
My goodness, so many of you sound like sour-graped 10 year olds after you haven’t gotten your way. Yes, I had originally backed Hillary, but changed my mind in seeing (and hearing from friends who had first hand encounters with the Obamas) the sincerity and capabilities of an amazing man (and his talented wife, Michelle). No person can completely heal all that has happened over the disastrous last 8 years, but Obama is THE best person who will come closest. Hillary gets this and did an amazing (and enthusiastically gracious) speech last night. Didn’t you hear what she said?! Please grow up and get over the fact that your candidate lost. Don’t negate what she did for women all over the world by whining all the way to the voting booth or not voting all together. You’re better than that!
62. Ken | 08.27.08
Hillary has so much class. Her speech not only got her points across but showed she is the only choice we have. This primary has turn into good verses evil, right verses wrong. Those that refuse to look at all the voter fraud, the inner party coup, the bought off media can only blame themselves if Hillary does not get the nomination. Mr. Obama is an insult to the integrity of our party. We will not condone thier actions with our vote. We value our country more than our party. Hillary or John or Nader no other choice.
63. Hoss | 08.27.08
douglas I guess you forgot about all of the dem for a day republicans
that voted for the great nobama.
64. Kees | 08.27.08
Will Bower of PUMA is NOT a Hillary Supporter. Calling him such is a tribute to Carl Rove. Rather than asserting a position, Mr. Bower seems to just stand against things.
Any women that believes she’s a Hillary supporter who votes for McCain has no idea what Hillary stands for.
What truly galls me, is the way my republican friends log on to PUMA sites and goad these people into a frenzy. From what they show me, PUMA is essentially a group of republican men misleading democratic woman so that they vote against themselves.
Fortunately, the better informed Clinton supporters aren’t falling for this republican diversion.
65. George | 08.27.08
I am a little somewhat disturbed at the way some of these posts have been written–with pinching comments and hateful words towards either or both sides. If you are truly devout to your religion, would you not respect its teachings and practice being good, kind, open and accepting people–including your debates with others? I hope that this is some thought for us all.
66. Mara | 08.27.08
If you have a Democratic bone in your body think about the Supreme Court alone-
how can you possibly entertain a thought of supporting McCain and not Obama in this election?
For all the high minded talk in all of these comments it really does boil down to something as simple as “who is going to appoint the next Supreme Court Justice?” If you actually believe in women’s rights at all, you can’t possibly think that John McCain is on your side. Obama is not perfect, how many of you are? But I agree with others that he shares the same Democratic ideals of Hillary and of many of us. Do you want to continue to see facism come to this country?
It is coming… unless WE stop it!! Check out how far your civil liberties have dwindled in the last 8 years.
67. John R | 08.27.08
I find you seemingly intelligent people that are going to vote for McCain because you don’t like Obama’s “rock star” status hilarious. You have forgotten what this whole election is about. For the past 8 years the Republican party has flat out lied to us. They have used one of the most tragic events in American history as a means to further their financial gain; we’ve had an EMBARASSMENT for a human being, not to mention a PRESIDENT, to represent us on the world stage and **** off virtually every ally we have; provided us with fabricated evidence to get our troops to invade a sovereign nation for their oil; and lets not forget that they have taken us from having a very substantial budget surplus back to a deficit of monstrous proportions. Is that what “experience” gets you?? I’d rather have someone with NO experience in office then. Half of our states are on the brink of bankruptsy and you people still want another Republican who, as a person who understands the plight of the middle class, has a wife that could buy and sell the middle class 5 times over and still have money in the bank. If you’ll remember, the only reason the American public was upset with Bill Clinton was because he got a little extramarital action in the oval office…we had that luxury then. We didn’t have any bigger problems facing us when democrats had the presidency. Everyone was making money and could afford such BS. So vote McCain if you want. But noone will want to hear your cries when we’re in a worse situation eight years from now cuz you didn’t want a “rock star” democrat to be president.
68. Greg Adams | 08.27.08
I find it hard to believe that anyone who claims to believe in all of things that Hillary Clinton stands for could turn around and not vote. Or worse vote for John McCain. You have so much faith in her. Do you really believe that she would back Obama if she thought McCain would be a better president.
69. wisconsindem | 08.27.08
Please, look at the voting records of McCain and Obama, then decide who you will vote for. I was also disappointed that Senator Clinton did not become the DNC nominee. But I’ve also seen in the McCain voting record the many times he’s voted against my ideals. Obama is far from perfect also, but has in the past voted much more in line with Democratic Party ideals, in my view. Please, please vote for the person who has in the past voted closest to what you believe in. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.
70. Rusty Shackleford | 08.27.08
“Hillary gave a great speech with that said I have been a democrat all my
life and am ashamed at the dnc and liberal dems that destoyed the party
and will never ever vote for Nobama under any circumstance.”
Hillary spent 3 months splitting the party for her own gain.
71. Rusty Shackleford | 08.27.08
“If you supported Hillary’s mission, it is beyond comprehension how you can support McCain.”
IMO, it is just because they blindly supported a woman and either had no grasp of the political issues or didn’t care. They just wanted a woman president. Which is a scary proposition and goes along way towards explaining how total morons like Bush and his cronies could manipulate the populace so easily.
72. cal | 08.27.08
This divisiveness among Democrats could destroy the United States. Another four years of Bush in McCain clothing? Frightening, and a real possibility if intractable Clinton supporters don’t abandon their hard-headed stance and listen to the pleas of the woman they support.
Would any one of them stand face-to-face with Hillary and say they’re going to vote for McCain, or not vote at all? What is that if not a slap in Mrs. Clinton’s face?
One more point: given the current closeness of the race for the Presidency, refusing to vote would be nothing less than a tacit vote for McCain.
cal
73. Darren M | 08.27.08
I just don’t understand. I voted for Hillary and would have preferred Hillary as the nominee, but she isn’t. The nomination was not stolen, Obama built a strategy around the nominating process (caucuses wins and big wins in small states) that was more effective. Should we do away with caucuses, yes, should we look more toward a winner take all position in the future, certainly. But the fact that Barak Obama’s campaign used the messy format to garner the nomination does not equal theft.
A vote for McCain (or just an abstension) is a vote for the following:
1) No choice for women, no equal pay protection for women
2-3 more Scalia Supreme Court members
2) Foreign Policy that ignores other countries (Iraq wants us
out in 3 years, he wants to stay for 100)
3) Foreign Policy that doesn’t even grasp what countries
share borders - Even “W” knows that Iraq and Pakistan
don’t share a border.
Last but not least a vote for McCain is a vote for a man who thinks singing “bomb bomb bomb Iran” is funny, and cracking jokes about Chelsea having Janet Reno as a father is appropriate. I love my country too much, and especially the women in my family too much to vote for anyone but Obama.
74. Barry | 08.27.08
Are you people not broke enough yet? Are you ready to send your children to a worthless war brought on by poor government information by the Bush *** kissers? MC cain will just keep things going down hill allowing only the super rich big business owners the tax brakes while millions of others starve without jobs! If you enjoy real pain, vote for MCcain! I’ll take my chances with OBama! I think he can get it together! Clinton did! And it can be done again! Good luck people! VOTE SMART!
75. registered independent for Obama | 08.27.08
Wow, after reading the comments it seems a lot of folks cared more about electing a woman president than they did about actually turning our country around.
Both Clinton and Obama were outstanding candidates who for the most part have the same policy platform. Either would be a great choice for president and far much better than any republican nominee. Sure they both slung dirt at each other during the campaign, but that’s what politicians do. At the end of the day Obama’s camp ran the better campaign and he won the nomination.
But i’m appalled at the comments on this board, esp by many so-called “Democrats.” Yes I agree that electing the first woman president is important, but i’m led to believe that many of you would have voted for Ann Coulter just the same if she had been running against Obama.
Obama didn’t take anything away from Hillary (or Womankind for that matter) when he won the campaign nor did he slight her when he didn’t consider her for the VP position. He won the campaign heartedly and made a pragmatic choice for VP. Did it ever cross your mind that there are a lot of complications (for example Bill Clinton the egomanic) to consider when selecting a VP? Its not such an easy thing to do to just put Hillary on the ticket.
What matters much much more than electing first woman president or the first black president is electing the best candidate for the job. And for some of you to say you’re Democrats who care about this country, but would vote for Mccain over Obama is outrageous.
Get your head out of your ***** and put your country first. I’m sorry to be blunt but you need to get over it. I have supported Obama from the start but if Hillary won it wouldn’t have been a question to support her over Mccain. I don’t understand why Democrats can’t get their act together, you guys have issues.
76. mike brooks | 08.28.08
I’m now at the point where I truly believe that we will ALWAYS…for better or worse, get what we deserve as a people in our elected officials. Think for a moment if you would on these points:
1. We all intuit that the party system is rigged to exclude outsiders in the name of stability. This allows greater focus, an almost crucible effect to inspect the candidates for flaws of courage, and character.
2. The process of getting elected is harder than the processes of exercising the power imparted by the office elected to (rightfully so), as a means to weed out those unfit to hold the office.
3. With a commanding lead the Clinton org. was out thought, out flanked, and frankly out hustled until the bitter end.
4. We tell our children that “should have, would have, and ought to be” are not valid arguments OR excuses for changing outcomes in real life. When did the rules for adults change?
5. Why in the world would anyone who claims to be a proponent of democratic party ideals, and an advocate for their legislative agenda succumb to the cognitively dissonant idea of “I’m going to take my ball home and not play since my team did not win”, and then later scream and shout when the result is four more years of the lockstep brook no dissent republican world view which is the complete antithesis to your stated goals and aspirations.
There is no point to any of your arguments because the game is over for the democratic convention. Your hysterical ranting for Hillary’s magical ascension is the equivalent of my five year old not being picked for the lead in the school play (but while still holding an extremely important part in the cast), and our extended family screaming from the audience during dress rehearsal that the casting needs to be changed (a loose analogy but apt I think).
She.
Lost.
It happens to all of us all of the time. What matters (as always) is what our parents taught us. What we do after failure is often far more important for the development of our character than if we had succeeded. I’m very proud of Hillary. She stood up and as an adult woman accepted her failure, and honored the implicit contract of the party system of government. To support her parties nominee and move forward constructively to promoter her supporters agendas. That is why it is called “representative” government and for all of you with children this has now a hugely important teaching moment on civility, grace, and ethics.
Barack Obama, like all of those who seek power is a different type of person than most of us. More driven, more polished, more focused on the strategy and tactics of social interaction and persuasion. His resume is fine and he can make an excellent President (see point one and two above).He and Hillary Clinton will be forever linked not by who won the nomination but by who wins the Presidency. I predict that if Obama does succeed in winning the general election, republicans will strip away the independent middle for another generation of two to three presidential cycles. Why? Because no one respects or trusts an illogical person and the support of Hillary now that this contest has been decided is at best counterproductive, and at worst self destructive. And no rational American wants a person elected by demagoguery, and manipulation of the rules. That path tends to lead to cults of personality, and dictatorship. And if you do not believe it could happen here look at the last eight years of republican rule then seek out the definition of hubris.
So please move on, because with or without you everyone else will.
I guarantee it.
77. Al | 08.28.08
You Democrats thinking of voting for McCain: remember what Hillary Clinton - supposedly your mentor - hinted at. What is your motivation for voting for McCain? It is just your ego that is suffering. Think about whether that is a good reason for voting for 4 more years of Bush-ism.
78. Rand Dorsey | 08.28.08
Isn’t it amazing how so many people strain so hard to think of puny excuses for not supporting Obama, the best qualified candidate by far. I’ve never hear so many ****-a-mamie, limp, lame excuses in my life. I’m pround to support Obama bcoz he is smarter and has more ability than 27 of you whiners.
Why do I pick a number like 27? Hey, I would have said 300, but don’t want to be accused of exaggerating… hehehe.
79. scottish jim | 08.28.08
As an interested British onlooker, it seems incredible to me that anyone who would have liked to see Hilary in the Whitehouse next January, myself included, can seriously be considering a vote for McCain and the republicans.
In Britain there is these days arguably much less of an ideological difference between the two predominant political parties and switching allegiance from one to another is perhaps understandable.
In the U.S.A this is most definitely not the case and come Nov 4.disgruntled Hilary supporters will do themselves, their political integrity and the democratic process a great disservice by voting for McCain and another 4 years of neo-consevative, right wing government characterised by the same blunders and short sightedness we have seen under the Bush Administration.
So I urge you, even if you’re not big on Obama, and hellbent on a protest vote, let it be one against Bush and his record in office and cast a positive vote for change, not more of the same.
80. Tim | 08.28.08
Hillary Clinton gave a great speech. But as smart as she is she voted for the war in Iraq and never wavered after all the facts came out. The war and Mark Penn’s not so subtle racist campaign lost her the nomination. Along with this there are a lot of us who feel Bill Clinton’s tenure was not so great for everyday folks. Real wages stagnated, manufacturing and service jobs moved abroad,predatory lending practice started, foreign debt sky rocked, NAFTA ect. Having the same crew back did not seem to be such a good option. In a democracy people lose elections. Hillary lost , not because of some weird conspiracy, but because Obama connected and stood for union rights, taxing the rich, a new foreign policy that emphasizes diplomacy, and very importantly against the war. Failure to vote for Obama this fall is tragic mistake. Unless , of course , you approve of the last 7 year where the rich get richer, war drives our economy, and our constitution is further shredded. Obama is not perfect, nor was Hillary, but John McCain will be the third term of Bush/Cheney. If you can live with that that than forget Hillary’s endorsement of Obama. The choice is fairly stark!
81. Dave E. | 08.28.08
Reading about bitter Clinton supporters, Obama’s mass rallies full of people fundamentally getting fired up like the hairy extras in “Braveheart” before the battle of Stirling, and the inevitable backlash of people voting for McCain out of a need for simple answers, I think of something H.L. Mencken, a great editorialist, once wrote that is as apt now as it was in 1920:
“When a candidate for public office faces the voters he does not face men of sense; he faces a mob of men whose chief distinguishing mark is the fact that they are quite incapable of weighing ideas, or even of comprehending any save the most elemental — men whose whole thinking is done in terms of emotion, and whose dominant emotion is dread of what they cannot understand. So confronted, the candidate must either bark with the pack or be lost… All the odds are on the man who is, intrinsically, the most devious and mediocre — the man who can most adeptly disperse the notion that his mind is a virtual vacuum.’ The Presidency tends, year by year, to go to such men. As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
– Henry Louis Mencken, Baltimore Sun (26 July 1920)
That has been my **** for the last eight years, and I imagine that it will continue whoever wins.
82. John | 08.29.08
Silly me…I thought you Americans were voting for a political ideology rather than some beauty pagent/popularity contest thing. Strikes me that some people would cut off their noses to spite their faces rather than actually think of what you’re voting for.
83. Denis Z | 09.02.08
I continue to read about how Hillary was cheated by a sexist Democratic Party. Why is the arty sexist? Because Obama chose Biden over Clinton. First, since when in our electoral history is coming in second tantamount to the VP nomination. Second, while a women didn’t get the nomination, a black man did! This is history in the making that can only occur in the Democratic Party. Third, lets talk “real” politics; what President would want Bill roaming the Executive halls second-guessing everything you did. The answer — NO ONE! Obama made an excellent choice for VP unlike McCain. Also, consider that Hillary could find herself becoming a Supreme Court Justice in an Obama administration, if she wanted it. It would be an excellent choice and would sail through the Senate. Last, but not least, Hillary supporters need to heed her admonishment at the Convention — “did you vote for me or for what I stand for”? Think about that before jumping ship for McCain-Palin.
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1. Chris in FL | 08.27.08
If anything, she reminded us that Obama can never be the kind of President she would be. I hope the delagates come to their senses today. Otherwise, I’m staying home in November. The DNC didn’t want my vote in the primary - they will not get it in Novemeber.