Posts with the tag Hillary supporters

Grace In Victory For Obama, Sowing Sour Grapes For LesBiGay Leaders

Vanessa Edwards from Houston, TX — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:54:56 EDT

“Well I'll be damned, here comes your ghost again.But that's not unusualIt's just that the moon is full and you happened to callAnd here I sit, hand on the telephone,Hearing a voice I'd known a couple of light years agoHeading straight for a fall” — Diamonds And Rust, Joan Baez

“They were fast-moving opportunists encased in cynicism and proud of it.” — journalist, Jay Carr

For some reason, it seemed like a lot was going on while we were convened in Texas’ Democratic Convention last weekend. The economy tanked. Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign. And for trans supporters, Barack Obama held a conference call with the LGBT community. (No, I don’t get invitations to those things … I just volunteer on the campaign, organize, get others involved in volunteering and win a delegate slot to Denver instead. That’s plenty on the plate, I reckon.)

The Obama Campaign LGBT conference call focused on bringing in (of all people) HRC leaders, as in Human Rights Campaign or Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters – however you want to slice it. Indeed during the conference call, there was apparently some issue with the HRC (the group) focus and how “99% of the issues voiced” were gay or lesbian, while transgender was mostly never heard. For those in Trans America, we know we’re not Johnny-come-latelys and had long ago thrown our support to Obama (knowing Clinton’s gay/lesbian-only propensity).

Some of the trans participants in the conference call expressed surprise, hurt or “dismay” (as Donna Rose noted in her blog) at the focus of the subject matter due to HRC’s prominence in the call. For those who’ve been at this since the 90’s, especially old-line NTAC folk like me, having transgender being an equal part of something HRC-focused would’ve been the surprise. This opportunism and self-focus was classic HRC. If anything, how the conference call played out should serve to remind trans leaders that HRC is still HRC, and is still (as always) gay and lesbian. Period.

Are Clinton Voters who Joined McCain.. Racist?

CB from Hollywood, FL — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:30:34 EDT

Its a legitimate question, truly, considering they have nothing in common politically with McCain and the Republican Party. Hillary's views are even more Staunt to the left then Obama's and I know this because I supported Her to win the Primaries! So.. If you supported her, your views are so far left you can't move right unless there's something deeper seeded within yourself which you would feel justified for when disgracing the very political views you claimed to have based your original support on. As for me, seein that she lost, I quickly fell in line with the rest of my Family in the Democratic Party because My enemies enemy is Most certainly my greatest ally.

For me to Actually betray my party and join with the Enemy is not only a Disgrace to everything I believe in politically but its a betrayal to whats best for my country as a whole. I cannot Fathom casting a Vote for a party that has, for the last 8 years, Completely Destroyed everything my country was founded on, everything that makes us the beacon to the world Economically, Militarily and Ethically.. this is what the republican party has done.. So do I hold a Grudge against my Brother, and the half of my family that supported him, simply because he won a contest to decide who was best to defeat the people planing to destroy our home? Do I Hold a grudge against him and join the people planning to destroy our home and seek shelter with the enemy? What Kinda of person would that make me in their eyes when i agree with them on nothing, yet would switch sides due to a small loss?

I would be, Plainly put.. a Traitor in their eyes..

They could never truly respect me nor my values as A Democratic American who believes in Empowering the little guy so he or she can Empower his or herself. So what would lead me over to their side, aside from being bitter about who should lead the Charge against the Enemy? I don't care who leads the Charge as long as the Charge is made Successfully, & THIS is what those "supporters" of our Hillary are completely missing. I doubt there is that much bitterness in the whole world.. My only logical reasoning is that these supporters who would actually cast a vote for the enemy in spite must not see the issues at hand.. I believe they only see a Black man, not a Democratic American, they see a black man that they would completly disgrace themselves politically by voting against rather then personally disgrace themselves by voting for..

This Phenomenon happening in Our party, the Party of the Great truth seeker JFK is totally saddening, I'd expect such an Anomaly in the republican party due to their party being rooted so deep in the racially divided Southern half of our country.. but in OUR party? Almost 30% of us forgetting why we are democrats in the first place? Because of a mans race?... & Yes, I insist that it must be the ignorant view of his race, because if any intelligence was involved in the decision to vote against our democratic brethren for that of the enemy, that decision would never be made..

As for those of Us who Supported Hillary and Still fell in line with the family when they choose differently, kudos.. Kudos to you for truly holding the Vision of our great party at heart, we are truly the Americans envisioned in our constitution.. In honor of Hillary's words, We will not Forget why we are Democrats.. We will not forget our true purpose here in this election, and for the good our our great country, we will not allow 4 more years.. No way, no how, No McCain.

Obama '08!!

Hillary Inspires Voters, Talks Issues in the Buckeye State

Michael in Ohio — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:04:36 EDT

Northeastern Ohio welcomed Senator Hillary Clinton to the campaign trail today, with her common message of change exciting crowds today in both Elyria and Akron.

The crew at Lorain County Community College were treated to a host of preceding speakers, who all made clear the heightening stakes in this year's election. Dan, the Field Organizer in the area, as well as one of its natives, welcomed Elyrians with a hearty "Bienvenido!" before telling them how they can get involved. A particular highlight was Congresswoman Betty Sutton, who also insisted that everyone volunteer, and for good reason:

Me and you and your friends are going to work to get Barack Obama in office, because we need a president who gets it.

After a few Hillary cheers, coolly mixing with Obama cheers ("Obama, '08, Ohio!"), the Senator from New York took the stage. She talked health care, she talked jobs, and she talked home foreclosures--things that millions of Ohioans are feeling the effects of every day. But most of all she talked about the change that Barack Obama represents--how his story really is the American Dream, and how he'll put working and middle-class people first. And like Congresswoman Sutton, she emphatically put the responsibility of the election on the supporters present--the necessity of talking to friends and neighbors and "working just as hard for Senator Obama" as they might have done for her in the primary. But she had a caveat:

When talking to your neighbors, don't ask "Who are you for?" Instead, ask "Who is for you?" Because the answer is Barack Obama.

Just a few ways YOU can get involved include: using Neighbor2Neighbor to go door-to-door on your own, coming in to your local field office to volunteer, making sure your friends are registered to vote, fighting the smears, texting OH to 62262 to stay up to date, and inviting your out-of-state friends to come volunteer in Ohio.

**Were you at the Hillary event? Were you a Hillary supporter during the primaries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Hillary Supporters

Clint — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:52:56 EDT

I think it may have finally happened. A majority of the remaining Hillary supporters have accepted Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate and more importantly the best candidate between him and McCain. I applaud those of you who have been going through the difficult summer months as Hillary supporters.

Sarah Palin

Melissa U. — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:02:40 EDT

My husband shamed me. After I finished my ranting over McCain’s choice of vice president, offended that McCain, as well as the Republican Party powers that be, believe that women are stupid enough to fail to see the obvious pandering to disaffected Hillary supporters, my husband reminded me that even the most alienated among them are bright enough to eschew McCain’s strategy. My husband is right. I would like to think that women who supported Hillary’s nomination bid (myself included) did so because they trusted her ability to lead our country and they endorsed her views. I would not like to think that these women’s only agenda was simply to put a woman in the White House regardless of platform. Any previous Hillary supporter who now votes for McCain and Palin because of some misguided feminism should not have voted for Hillary to begin with. Hillary Clinton was and continues to be about bringing our country back to reason. This election is not about gender politics. Rather, it is about intelligent and thoughtful choice.

Barack Obama is right: John McCain just doesn't get it.

Hillary Supporters - Pay off the Debt! $1.33 each supporter

John — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:04:53 EDT

Hillary Supporters - Put your money where your mouth is and donate $1.33 each! There is no more money from the Barrack Supporters to waste.

There are just tons of "Hillary Supporters", there are 18,000,000 supporters that will not get up off of a dollar to pay off her debt. What is going on? Are these the supporters that are still wanting her to not be harmed? Then why in the name of "John McCain! " will those supporters not get on their computers and each giver her $1.33 each, so that this nois can go away?

Perhaps, the brilliant senator of New York is wanting to pull money from Barack Obama so that he will not have money to fight off the attacks from the wealthy Republican financiers. Barrack's donors will soon be tapped out and that $24M that he gives to Hillary for making his life difficult will only work to his disadvantage.

Perhaps, the brilliant senator from NY, knows that John McCain will only have one chance and in four years, she has set the stage to be unchallenged, and this is the way that she can be sure that Barrack will fail and not have supporters to go back to to fight off the attacks to finish this race.

Barrack! I hope that you will not go there. My support is to help you. Not a wasteful person that caused us to have to spend money that was unnecessary in the first place.

Hillary Supporters - Step up to the plate and put your $1.33 where your mouth is. If there were supporters and not just Republicians voting for an easy target for the Republicans to beat.

Just $1.33 from each of those 18,000,000 supporters will retire the Debt.

Convention Coverage: Hillary and Her Ohio Delegation Move for Unity

Michael in Ohio — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:23:10 EDT

Last night Senator Hillary Clinton made a historic speech that paid tribute to all those who had struggled to make change before her, and then unequivocally threw her hat in the ring for Barack and his own movement for change.

Hillary clearly outlined the immediate connection between the issues she stands for, and the direction Barack will take the country in. It was a powerful moment of true unity in the party, and with Hillary undeniably on the team, the campaign will now move full steam ahead.

And her delegates from Ohio are following her lead, throwing their support behind our candidate. This article from the Cincinnati Enquirer profiles former Hillary supporters making the transition:

Among the Ohioans, there seem to be fewer Clinton delegates covering their hats, shirts and blouses with Hillary buttons than you see in some other delegations from states won by Clinton.
Alta Beasley, a 2nd Congressional District delegate from Georgetown in Brown County, is a pledged Clinton delegate - although the Clinton delegates expect that this morning they will be asked to sign forms releasing them from their pledge.
Beasley was - and is - an enthusiastic Clinton supporter, but she said she will now throw herself into the job of electing Obama...
"It's time to move on."

Were you a Hillary supporter? Now is a better time than ever to join the campaign, and help get this country back on track. Click here to get started.

Also, there are still two nights left of exciting Convention coverage: Find a watch party in your area for Barack's acceptance speech on Thursday, or check out Joe Biden's speech tonight at one of the many watch parties being held by Irish Americans at pubs across the state:

Cincinnati
Crowley's
958 Pavilion St
7:30 pm

Cleveland
P.J. McIntyre's Irish Pub
17119 Lorain Ave
7:30 pm

Columbus
Byrne's Pub
1248 W. Third Ave
8:00 pm

Youngstown
County Maigh Eo Tavern
706 Steel Street
7:30 pm

From Hillary Supporter to Obama Team Leader

Michael in Ohio — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:48:51 EDT

Ever since June, dedicated volunteers have been hitting the doors and the phones on behalf of Barack in the general election. Through events like Unite for Change parties, and Women to Women meetings, former Hillary supporters have smoothly transitioned to become an integral part of our effort, and they bring a drive and dedication to changing this country that is truly admirable.

Some have even stepped up to become leaders. An organizer describes one such amazing woman, Robin, in Toledo:

Robin was a huge supporter of Senator Clinton in the primaries, travelling to four states, working, in her words, "thousands of hours," to make the change we need in this country. After the primaries ended, Robin was disappointed, but knew that she needed to help Barack...
Over the last several weeks, Robin has held a Unite for Change House Meeting where Hillary supporters got a chance to clear the air and move forward. She has made hundreds of calls to Hillary supporters from the primary, and my friends, I have never seen so many undecideds turn into supporters in my life. Robin is essentially single-handedly unifying her area of Toledo. Several days ago Robin got 5 Hillary supporters from the primary to come to the office, she trained them on Unity calls (as she calls them), and had a three hour Unite for Change phone bank.

Robin...has been an inspiration to me, by helping ensure that Democrats will be united to make history in November. And thank goodness the primaries are over, so I get to work with the wonderful Hillary supporters like Robin.

Are you a former Hillary supporter? Have you had a unifying experience with a Hillary supporter? Let us know in the comments section below!

And to join our movement in Ohio, click HERE.

What We're Fighting Against

Art Martin — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:51:30 EDT

Last night I had the opportunity to try to convince a very dear friend of our family, a very bright and dynamic woman, that she should vote for Barack Obama in November. Normally this would be an easy sell with this very liberal college professor but she seems to be a victim of some very bizarre distortions of just who our candidate is.

This friend was a very commited Hillary Clinton supporter and I think is stilling hurting badly from her defeat in the primaries. Hillary's campaign was her source for information about who Obama was and she will be the first to admit that Hillary vetted Obama viciously. As Hillary faded away, she was left with traditional media sources as her source of information with CNN the primary outlet. Our friend had really no exposure to the online resources that many of us used for a more balanced look at the candidates and issues.

Her primary distaste for Obama stems from the fact that she perceives him as an elitist that is all talk and no action, something that seems to be reinforced from the media portrayal on places like CNN. I'm certain that image began during the primaries since that was one of the messages from the Clinton campaign. She's convinced that his promises to remove us from Iraq are just empty rhetoric and that he's flip-flopped on key issues. She also was greatly upset that "he didn't visit the troops". I explained that she was a victim of the corporate-run media and that CNN was no longer the Ted Turner balanced news organization that it once was and that there was a huge resource of facts on the Internet that would counteract all of her concerns. I showed her a wide selection of online blogs including Daily Kos, Andrew Sullivan, Huffington Post, even MyDD although I know that there's some real Obama bashing still going on there. At least on a site like that she can see how unreasonable some of the hatred looks. I showed the area on this website that answers all the vicious rumors out there. I told her that if she's going to watch television news pundits that she must include people like Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow for a bit of balance.

She's convinced that Obama is going to win in a landslide and dislike McCain immensely but she's still not convinced she can vote for Obama. I think she's much closer after our long talk last night. Oh, and she did make say that Obama's choice for VP is going to greatly influence her vote. I think she knows Hillary is very unlikely but she wants someone strong and experienced in that role. Sam Nunn or Wesley Clark would be very palatable to her.

I have little time for canvassing neighborhoods, making phone calls, or manning booths to help with the campaign but I participate heavily on internet blogs and work hard on my personal contacts with friends and relatives. I think it's a very important step. One person may not feel like much but if every one of us reaches one, it adds up quickly.

My Mother, The Hillary Supporter.

Melanie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:36:44 EDT

My recently widowed, 77-year-old mother and I have always agreed on politics-- even at times when we diverged on other things. She is a lifelong, ardent Democrat. I grew up in a household where my parents expected that their daughters would pay attention to the world, and would fiercely resist the inertia of indifference.

The 2008 Democratic primaries were the first time we'd ever parted ways. She announced her support for Hillary, while I felt passionately committed to Obama. The situation surprised us both, and we had many telephone discussions to examine why and how we had come to different conclusions.

Clearly, people's reasons for supporting Hillary have varied-- from loyalty and yearning for the best moments of the Clinton years; to the desire to finally see a strong, intelligent woman make it into the White House; and countless other issues that relate to policy positions. So it can be daunting to come up with a single, neat set of answers for bringing Hillary fans into the great, unruly and diverse crowd that constitutes the Obama community.

But my mother and I both feel it is essential to draw attention to the reality that Hillary and Barack have substantively far more in common with each other than either has with McCain. This reality has often been blurred in the media—as well as by Republicans who would like nothing more than to exacerbate antagonism and divisions among Democrats to their advantage. We must not allow that to happen.

I'm attaching below an email that I sent this morning to a handful of friends. It features a short film clip from the Jed Report. In the space of a few minutes, this little film reveals one of the most compelling points in this election that should send us united to the polls:

The hemorrhaging of lives and funds in Iraq is an untenable loss that must be stopped.

For my mother and me, this overwhelming point trumps any other perceived differences. So onward then, together: Mother, daughter, and my sister as well. We are voting in honor of my dad who is no longer with us, but who witnessed the devastation of war himself as a young man, and was changed forever.

Woman to WoMansfield

Michael in Ohio — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:12:44 EDT

Ashland and Richland counties certainly aren't the first places you think of when you consider where a progressive candidate, who strongly advocates for women's rights, would have support, as both have voted heavily red in the past. But on a beautiful Sunday in north central Ohio, some truly empowered women gathered in two meetings in adjacent counties to talk about women's issues, commemorate the 160th Anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention, and collectively devote their time and energy towards the candidacy of Barack.

Both forums were marked by their intimacy--by the opportunity for women to speak honestly about how they feel about the issues at hand, the election, and what they think they must do to move forward in the name of women.

In the picture from Ashland above, Louise, second from left, listens to Nikki talk, along with her daughter (next to her), Sandy (on the left), and Mary (second from right). Louise shared the story about how she wasn't very involved in the primary, but her son's enthusiasm for Barack drew her in for the general election.

Here, Kelly talks while Jean listens. Like a few of the women in attendance at these meetings, Jean was a Hillary-turned-Barack supporter. She spoke about how, being a butcher, in what is thought of as a "man's profession," she had to work hard to get equal pay as her male counterparts.

One town over, in Mansfield, in a spacious office, Field Director Jackie kicked off the meeting by telling her personal story and what this election means to her as a woman. Like in Ashland, those present watched a video, shared their own stories, and asked questions about what they could do to help the campaign.

Among those in attendance were Barbara and Emily, whose families' joint political involvement goes back generations. Barbara also was for Hillary in the primary, but has already started to canvas for Barack. Similarly, Carol, second from the far end, was initially resistant to doing voter contact, but has now become one of the staples of the volunteer effort in the area. Local Field Organizer Katie told about how Carol held a house party a couple weeks ago, and since then every single person who attended her meeting has come in to canvas for Barack. Talk about a success ratio!

Unity in Cleveland

Michael in Ohio — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:42:45 EDT

In news this week: Stephanie Tubbs Jones, an Ohio Congresswoman representing the 11th district (aka the downtown and eastern Cleveland area), is hosting a rally on behalf of our campaign next week.

The news is especially notable because Ms. Tubbs Jones was an avid Hillary supporter during the primary. She joins the legion of Hillary supporters joining forces with Obama supporters to help chart a new course in this election.

The public event, and Ms. Tubbs Jones' support, will surely help boost our candidate's already stupendous following in the greater Cleveland area.

Here in Ohio, everyone from community leaders to everyday folks to big name representatives like Ms. Tubbs Jones are making a stand for change.

Gathering Strength in the Heart of America

Michael in Ohio — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:04:36 EDT

The movement for change is gaining speed here in Ohio, where our state has long been known for representing the American electorate as a whole.

This weekend, in addition to the huge number of Unite for Change events, there will be a large-scale Voter Registration drive at ComFest in Columbus. ComFest is one of the city's biggest annual events, with over 40,000 expected to pass through. Voters anticipating change can also bid a fond farewell to the last 8 years in the George Bush Legacy Bus, which will rest its tires at the festival today.

In other news, even our opponent, after an event in Cincinnati yesterday, admitted that the economy will play a crucial role for Ohioans in the election. Incidentally, a Gallup poll was recently released indicating that voters believe Barack Obama would do a better job with the economy, by more than fifteen percentage points.

And finally, there are numerous signs of our supporters and tons of new supporters, formerly for Hillary, coming together. Our movement is becoming doubly strong, through both cooperation and publicly calling for the change in course that America needs.

Thank You, Hillary Clinton

Susan S. Davis — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:09:54 EDT

All along, it has been obvious that though Hillary would fight to the finish; she is also a brilliant woman, who has always known what the bigger picture is. It is essential that we regain the White House so that this country can get on a track of success once again.

Hillary has always known that the best interests of the party take precedence over her own personal goals. Not only has she demonstrated that in many bi-partisan actions in the Senate, but in her personal life, as well. As a pragmatic realist, she also knows the power of unity.

Her exit speech demonstrated every quality about her that has been so often ignored in coverage of her by the media. She went out on her own terms; she earned that and owed it to her loyal supporters.

Just as she stayed strong throughout the gender and media bias during her campaign, she once again, showed some of her most admirable assets. At no other time has it been more apparent and significant, that she understands the ultimate and most important goal ahead: to defeat the Republicans in the coming election.

This was not a speech of defeat. Filled with insightfulness and magnificent dignity, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of unity. As time goes on, people will look to this speech as a template to follow in years ahead.

The core members of society, who support the nation, feel battered, beaten, abused, neglected and ignored. There is only one way to fix that: get a Democrat back in the presidency. I hope that Senator Obama and the vice presidential committee, will find that Hillary is the best candidate for the vice presidential slot, that will prove to be what it takes to unite all of the Democratic voters and ensure that we win in November.

These are exciting and historic times. We finally have the chance to truly turn the country around, by rejecting the status quo and shackles of the past, looking forward to the promise of the future. We should all recognize this, be thankful and proud – and join to create the future that is best for all of us. I hope that my and many others’ dream will come true – and I will be able to put an Obama-Clinton bumper sticker on my car!

Sincerely,

Susan S. Davis
http://www.moviebytes.com/writers/home.cfm?siteID=901

A shout out to "Hillary Transitioner", and all Hillary's supporters

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:59:49 EDT

From time to time I go to Hillary's website. I saw a blog post that so moved me I had to find this person here. He goes by "Hillary Transitioner", and this is for him...

Hillary Transitioner Concerns/Thoughts/Conversations

Hillary Transitioner — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:26:24 EDT

1) Hillary Supporter --> McCain Supporter :: The dynamics of ideals

I being a HRC Supporter am beside myself wondering where, why, how things went off the track. I respect everyone's opinion even if it is starkly different than my own. I do my best to also understand the motives behind the opinion. Not to persuade or break down but to ensure my own reasons are in line with yours. There have been so many disaffected Hillary Supporters that have left not only her camp but have decided to leave the DNC. I honestly do not understand the motives. To go from Hillary's beliefs to McCain's is such an about face that for me, is shocking. I suppose this post is for those who have moved from Hillary TO McCain. I know that you are all on here reading posts. I myself AM a "rebid" Hillary Supporter. However now that Hillary has asked me to transition... I am.

I have looked at McCain's positions on the war, Roe V Wade, gay marriage, economic reform, foreign
affairs, etc. and I know that my ideals are better represented through Obama than McCain. I have
chatted with some Hillary to McCain voters and for some it is not necessarily about ideals it is about
experience. And that is where I can no longer begin to understand.

I have chosen a path of ideals rather than one of experience and I respect anyone's choice to follow a
different path.

You know, I have been on the McCain website reading about his ideals I would invite anyone to do there
and read about what his vision for this country is. For me, they are just not in line with the way that I would like to world to become. I have read where Obama stands on a lot of things and for the most part his ideals and my own are right on (Just like Hillary and I).

While I disagree with anyone's decision to back McCain - I respect it. Everyone has different triggers
that motivate them. And for some it is not so much bout the policy as it is about the experience of the candidate. Which does make sense to me. But I hope that you and I can respectfully disagree and STILL be friends.

2) Extreme Name Calling

I have heard about some of the extreme name calling some have felt from the Hillary side coming from the Obama camp. Some HRC Supporters have stated that since they were not supporting a racially diverse candidate they must be in fact racist, part of the KKK, nazis, so on and so forth..etc.
I have NEVER experienced ANY of that here. And if it were to be projected at anyone - it would MOST LIKELY be me. I think out of most of the outspoken Hillary supporters - my voice is loud, proud and not so mild. lol I can say that I preferred Hillary vs. Obama. NO ONE has ever called me racist or any of those horrible things associated with it. I do not think I have called anyone here a sexist because they were voting for a male... So I am having an extremely difficult time identifying with those alleged victims.

I will NOT say that my presence has not been met with some... resistance. For some Pro-Obama people my "Pro-Hillary Rhetoric" was too much and they told me so. But you know, some of those people are now on my friend list and I respect the fact that they told me - flat out - where they stood and why they felt the way that they did. That is not anything but communication, establishing boundaries and line of proper communication. I respect anyone that is capable of being able to verbalize their position without using words of hate. Even though my blogs have been criticized, here I am, "on the others side." I have not been muzzled or "beat" into submission. I came here right after Hillary asked me as well of all of her supporters to do so. Ever since that moment, I have been fighting for her and all HRC supporters to ensure our place in the Obama Camp. I am here to ensure that the ideals that Hillary fought so hard for are fully represented, respected and the interests she safe guarded will live on through our efforts of uniting our country.

3) Supporting Hillary does not exclude you from Supporting Barack

I stand here today only because Hillary believed in me and I believed in Her. I did as she asked me to do and now I stand beside Barack and His Supports not only as a Hillary Supporter... but as one of them.

I can say with certainty I was foaming at the mouth when the media attacked her. I was so upset I
canceled my cable TV (of which I suggest everyone do as part of the media protest). I have a hard time understanding that while Hillary and Barack were fierce competitors they have always been fighting for the same causes. Fighting for everyone that has been kicked down, counted out, left out, and muted from this and all previous elections. Which brings me to Michigan and Florida. I live in Florida and I did NOT make the change to move up the dates. That was done by the incumbent republicans. Not the will of the voters. I feel that our votes where not fully counted, but by protesting and voting for McCain how does this benefit Hillary, her ideals or her ability to implement new laws?

What I am trying so hard to understand is knowing how Hillary felt (about a lot of things), her ideals, those little things that made her uniquely her... how do they translate to McCain?

Is the rallying for McCain by the HRC supporters, a form of protest or rather a feeling that he has more experienced than Obama (regardless of platform). I suppose that even those that have been cut deepest by the HRC division and have decided to stand with McCain not necessarily because of his principals but rather by refusing to side with Hillary and Obama solely because they feel McCain has more experience.

I am at this point trying to better understand how they feel and why they feel it. I am asking for
anyone's help. I need help in understanding why anyone (as Hillary supporters) would ignore Hillary and side with the one person she has fought so hard against.

4) It's never too late to reconcile the division

Its never too late to listen, to respect one another and to understand. It is only too late for those
who want it to be. I think there is a majority of people that are upset at the way that Hillary was
crucified by the media. But I also belive those people want to reconcile. I also think that a certain amount of that 'anger' is unfairly being directed at Obama and his supporters. We all have said things that was not civil discourse. However, what puzzles me is that I do not see much anger towards the media outlets. They report who said what when and then regurgitate and reinterpret what was meant by it... I came here, the the Barack Camp, because I was asked to by the one person I believed in - Hillary Clinton. Now that I am here I am glad that I put aside my anger. However I will continue to voice my opinion, to work to solve my differences with people and to work together for a unified cause, to make the US a better place for everyone.

I acknowledge that everyone can see the world differently. I see it differently than a lot here and yet, I am embraced. I admit that am a little bitter about what has happened to Hillary. She deserved better. This frenzy of emotion can only be pinpointed to one source - the media? Its a lot easier to report that Hillary's pant suit is ugly that is it about how Barack and Hillary are inline on 99.9% of the issues. We are talking about the SAME people that reported the DAILY happeneing of Britney Spears... Yeah... So whos to really blame here? But you know.. rather than let it fester, I am working as an agent of change rather than casting my ideals aside and believing that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. That is just poor logic and it will never suit my interests.

McCain disliked everything Hillary stood for and for me to side with anyone they must be capable of representing what Hillary stood for. That path does not lie with McCain. His ideals are starkly
different and backward to what Hillary believed. For some breaking away from Hillary is a sign of
protest against the DNC's decisions, for others it is a form of punishment and for a few it is a way to completely divide people from their basic beliefs.

I do not know where each person fits into any of these but what I know, for me, my ideals are greater than any candidate, greater than any document or president. My ideals are eternal and forever. To give up on them is to give away my very soul.

If your ideals have in fact changed then the concept of a divide really no longer exists for you because you were never in line with Hillary to begin with or at least for the reasons she stood for. For those that are upset but still hold the ideals of Hillary close to their hearts I invite them to discuss them here.

It is never too late to reconcile - even if others say differently even it they try to whip your emotions into a a frenzy...even if they are your freinds. I ask you to open your mind to the possibility that we are very much alike and that our ideals can transcend the dirty politics we saw through this primary.

Thank you so much for coming by and I look forward to your responses.

-Scott in Tampa.

Shameful...just shameful

Denise Flores — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:33:29 EDT

I read this yesterday in The Monitor:

For many Clinton supporters in the Valley, anything less than making Clinton the vice presidential candidate will mean a vote for McCain.

"I'm not a Democrat; I'm a Hilla-crat," said Sara Lopez, a volunteer for the Clinton campaign. "They're telling me, ‘You can't campaign for McCain.' It'll be weird, but I'll campaign for McCain and the Democratic people I like."

Lopez is among a group of ardent Clinton supporters petitioning Obama to name Clinton as his running mate. They're getting signatures for a petition, sending mass e-mails and even considering making up bumper stickers with the slogan, "We'll remember in November," a reference to their willingness to vote Republican.

It's people like Sara Lopez that are going to help give Texas to McCain this fall. Her Hilla-crat quote is embarassing and I hope it comes back to haunt her when she's mature enough to realize that her vote for Senator McCain is a horrible mistake. Their willingness to vote Republican is because of all the rumors they've heard secondhand, or baseless emails that question Obama's patriotism, religious affiliation, and background.

I'll admit openly that I was a Hillary supporter until just a few weeks ago when her surrogates and supporters got to be a bit too much to handle. As soon as Obama secured the nomination, I happily donated some cash AND ordered bumper stickers for my whole family.

American 1st

Texan 2nd

Democrat 3rd

Republican NEVER

The inexperience narrative as an excuse

Chase — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:26:16 EDT

One of the most pervasive narratives used in opposition to Sen. Obama's candidacy is his supposed lack of experience. Today on Slate's XX Factor, Melinda Henneberger posted excerpts from an e-mail exchange with a "generous" Hillary donor who is considering backing McCain in the fall.

After reading it, I'm more convinced than ever that "inexperience" is, as Henneberger puts it, little more than "a stand-in for race, or maybe something else I'm missing." Take a look at the e-mail:

Blind Passion

no one — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:40:59 EDT

I spent the last two days browsing hillaryclinton.com and reading over her issues (again) and I also checked out the blog section. Two words regarding the blog: "oh my."

Obviously, I am not naive enough to expect that HRC supporters would immediately jump over to support Obama after he clenched the delegate count. But the comments on her site are just so divisive, cold, and (I hate to say it) blindly ignorant.

When I first joined the BarackObama.com site, one of my earlier blog posts stated that I would vote for a democrat this November, no matter what. Yes, I have major issues with Hillary: her policies, attack-based campaign, initial approval of the war in Iraq - I could go on. But I would have MUCH rather voted for her than John McCain.

When I wrote that in my blog, the comments came in immediately "sorry, but I could never vote for her." Perhaps a few other remarks that, to me, translated into saying "I'm a Barack Obama supporter, not a democrat." ?? Huh?

I realize that HRC supporters might very well vote for McCain. The bloggers on her site are very misinformed. "Obama stole votes." They really believe that. They really believe that Florida and Michigan should have been handled differently (even though the outcome would have not affected the delegate count). They use "new math" to show she has the popular count. These things are SIMPLY NOT TRUE. They think that Rush Limbaugh encouraged people to vote for Obama.

Well, let's take a look (I know it's wiki, but these citations are accurate for this section):

On March 27, 2008, Limbaugh said "The dream end of this [of Operation Chaos] is that this keeps up to the convention, and that we have a recreation of Chicago 1968 with burning cars, protests, fire, and literal riots and all of that, that is the objective here [of Operation Chaos]."[14]

On April 29, 2008 Limbaugh declared an "operational pause" in Operation Chaos, saying that Obama's defeat in the 2008 Pennsylvania primary and fallout from statements from Obama ally Reverend Jeremiah Wright could have damaged his campaign to the extent superdelegates would shift to Clinton's side.[15] Determining Obama had weathered that storm, Limbaugh lifted the pause the next day and renewed his call for his listeners to vote for Clinton in the upcoming Indiana and North Carolina primaries.[16] Obama won the North Carolina primary[17] but was narrowly defeated in Indiana, where Clinton won decisively in rural counties that normally vote Republican in presidential elections.[18]

I realize I'm preaching to the choir right now, but we have a major task on our hands. We can't be rude to HRC supporters. As much as you want to say "it's idiotic to vote for McCain," we need to remind ourselves that it could have been the other way around. I wouldn't have wanted someone calling me an idiot if HRC had won.

Yes, I know that HRC's campaign was a mud-slinging and name-calling event. It was what it was, and nevertheless we are left with millions who are hurt and gravely disappointed. It isn't about winning them over. It's about unity, and what's best for our country. I can't imagine any true Democrat will find that in John McCain. But I really need to try hard to bite my tongue around HRC supporters.

Compete with Grace, Win with Grace

Bringing the Government back to the People~ or "Curious in NC" — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:23:17 EDT

This is a list of positive comments our Obama family has compiled about Senator Clinton. This is our way of letting all new HRC supporters know that we see her strengths and we can concede her positives.

By Sherri from Mundelein, IL I think that she loves her daughter.

By tf_MN I think she is tenacious.

By jayman♦ I commend her for sticking with Bill, as her marriage vows told her to do.

By Michael in MI - Outraged Hardboiled Citizen-Historian Thwacked Giddy with Hope She has a very good grasp of policy issues.
She is smart, articulate, shrewd, and canny.
She knows the layout of the White House like nobody's business!

By Chris from Santa Fe, NM I can't believe I am posting to this but...
I heard she has a sense of humor.

By Middle-aged Woman from WLaf IN I think she is extremely smart. I always like her It Takes a Village initiative.

By Patricia ... used to be bitter and angry now I have Obama-Hope She has a lot of energy!

By Saska --I will not be a part of the distractions-- I really do believe that Hillary wants to do right by the country.

By ❀ Brenda in Richmond, VA ❀ She passionately believes in Universal Health Care.

By Pragmatic Idealist She is a tireless worker

By Liba it is true that she is a fighter....
.

By Kristen in Maine Hillary Clinton has been an avid advocate for women's rights and for children all over the world for decades. She is extremely smart and has an amazing grasp of the issues.

By Amy Hussein Rock Um. Yeah. She's a fighter. I can say that honestly.

By Shea "Hussein"-Louisville KY I believe Hillary is passionate.

By Molly H. Hopemonger in Missouri She thinks quickly "on her feet."

By whisperonthewind I have never seen her appear discouraged. This is a great strength.

By Johan Hillary has a unique wardrobe!

By Erica in So IL Senator Clinton will be a big help in congress helping President Obama pass many policies. As you have said before (Curious in NC) most of their polcies are not that different from one another. With Clinton's, our's and other Hillary supporter's help, there is nothing that can stand in our way and we together can heal this country and the world. I hope this helps.

By NURSE "HUSSEIN"- an EXTREME OBAMOPHILE who is BITTER & MAD but understands that HOPE & ANGER go hand in hand I believe that Hillary has a lot of bold ideas and true grit and would be a great asset in the cabinette somewhere, perhaps a healthcare appointment.

By Goddess Hillary is indeed a remarkable fighter..she never gives up..

By Hope In Texas She is a hard worker.

By April in Austin Hillary doesn't quit..

By praying for obama Hillary knows how to appeal to different kinds of people at different times of the race.

By Carol in MN She's a hard worker.

By Cali-girl I believe that she would love my children like they were her own.
I also love her It Takes a Village.
And that girl can hang on when all others would have abandoned ship (whether we're talking about her marriage or this race, or probably a million other things about which I have no idea); I admire this tremendously.

By Cali-girl I can't believe I forgot these two things that I've been saying for weeks: her skin is beautiful and she has a kick-ass hair colorist!

By Veritas She knows how to work the system. I mean that in a good way. As much as we may hate it, sometimes you need someone who knows how to match a guy like Karl Rove at his game and manipulate the media and all the rest. She is a consummate politician - and sometimes that's what's needed.

By Sharon~Independent for Obama I'm amazed that she has so much energy. I hope when I'm 60 that I will have even half of her energy

By Susan in Denver I have heard that she's a good mom. And, if you've ever noticed the way Chelsea looks at her when she's watching her speak/debate, you can tell her daughter really loves her a lot...so she must've done something right. :)

By Barbara from Rockaway Park, NY Amazing survivor/ will to prevail.

By New Freedom, PA Obama supporter 8 minutes ago Directly and indirectly, she has helped our candidate become a better candidate.

By Georgia Peach She went to China and told them that the way they did not value baby girls was wrong. That took courage.

By !ADAMANTkjoftherock★Breaking the fever of fear! That is what I was going to say: I believe she loves & is motivated entirely by Chelsea.

Hillary supporters go on strike to fight the power of truth.

Michael Tenery — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:35:28 EDT

Colbert said it best, “The truth has a liberal bias.” Thus truthiness gets invented to counter the truth with only true sounding things.

Ask The Clinton’s to release their tax returns and you get some disingenuous comments about eventually, and when I am the nominee as other candidates have done. Recently we hear a promise to release them on or about April 15th. Or how about the old chestnut of, she has released 20 years of tax returns. Sure but that belies the point that 95% of her wealth was accumulated in the last 8 years and we have none of those tax returns. But it makes for great truthiness to say you have released 20 years of tax returns.

Thus I read with amusement that Hillary supporters on the Daily KOS go on strike to get “fair” coverage on KOS. You read the same disgruntled Hillary supporters on Huffington Post, claiming the same media bias.

It’s just another Clinton smokescreen. So if Rezco a past campaign contributor (zero for the presidential run) under trial is a vital interest that Clinton claims that the American people should know about why hasn’t she been asked about her involvement with Rezco, or her involvement Union busting for Wal-Mart, or her husband’s involvement with UAE and China to the tune of millions of dollars both to the Clintons directly and indirectly thru his library, and charity. How about Hsu one of her supporters and contributors in this election who is in jail. Or the Paul lawsuit against her that begins in California court in June.

If the media is in Obama’s court it you sure wouldn’t know it from the pass they give Clinton on her outright non-answer answers. I guess it depends on how you define truth and transparent. If by truth you mean my opinion, then she will give you tons of opinion. If by transparent you mean ignoring requests for the same things her opponents have released, earmarks, tax returns, specific involvement with indicted individuals , etc and equivocating about how transparent she is if you just trust her. Then no we don’t have any sort of equality.

So my amusement turned into a right on moment when kos himself gave the Clinton supporters the smackdown with the blunt instrument of simply, undeniable truth. It is a must read. Click the link below and tell me if you find anything that isn’t true.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/17/12417/1285/527/478498

Note to Superdelegates & Hillary Supporters

Jeremy from Danville, VT — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:30:07 EST

I am supporting Barack Obama because he is breathing life back into lifeless bodies. He has, with the use of language and feeling reinvigorated the people be it Republican, Democrat, Independent and Progressive. The most important of these groups that are coming out to the polls in huge numbers are the YOUTH. We have a candidate that is inspiring the youth more then I have seen in my 33 years of politics and it seems to me that the old school institutional Democrats like Hillary should step aside. The future is for the YOUTH and we need to respect that. We have failed them miserably and it is now time to hand over the reins of government to people who still have HOPE and still believe in their IDEALS of a better world.

Thanks for your time and thought and I hope that you too will do what is right and respect the YOUTH and their future.

PS - I have never seen a candidate that gets so much support from so many different groups including previously non voters. He seems to bring all of these people together. On the other hand I have never seen a democratic candidate that is more divisive then Hillary. I have 3 life long Democratic friends that VOW that they would not vote for Hillary as President. That is just 3 people that I know. To me that speaks volumes.

Push Barack's Issues page

Gabe Small from Media, PA — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:01:40 EST

I've noticed recently that a lot of Clinton supporters have been perpetuating the myth of Obama's supposed lack of substance in places such as reader's comments on online articles. I've been responding with comments such as this:

Just because Obama strikes broad, visionary themes in his speeches rather than droning on about policy details doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a well-defined platform. It’s been in writing all along. It’s deeply thoughtful and meticulously detailed. You can check it out here:

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Thoughts on Carolina and Caroline...

DJ Evans — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:26:25 EST

For me, the stirring Obama victory gave me a sense of cautious hope for the future--there's still significant possibilities in the air along with the challenges to be met heading toward Super Tuesday.

The two most amazing moments for me, other than the speech?

1. News that The NY Times today will be running an op-ed column called "A President Like My Father" written by Caroline Kennedy. (jaw drop. goose bumps).

2. The surprising feeling of empathy I had for Hillary voters and organizers and stumpers across the State, none of whom merited more than two sentences in a press release from her campaign before she abandoned the state entirely--having lost her use for South Carolina.

I think you deserved a little more for your effort; hard-fought and controversial as this campaign was. 140,000 votes isn't chump change, you know...and you deserved to be congratulated in person by your candidate for your efforts.

Politics is politics, sure...but people are people. She could have hung around a few hours and thanked you guys in person, is all--since this was by far the most high profile of all the primaries to date.

Thank you, South Carolina!