11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign

11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign
By BRAD DAVIS (AP)
Associated Press
(snip)

When Hatfield presented former President Bill Clinton with a check for $440 after Friday's rally at the Williamson Fire Station, the man who was once the leader of the free world seemed to nearly come to tears.

"You sold your bike to get this?" Clinton asked the McAndrews, Ky. native.

The reply was "yes" and a whole lot more.

Hatfield feels so strongly that Hillary Clinton should be the next president he not only sold his bicycle, but video games and anything else he could find that "I could make money with" to donate to the former first lady's bid for the Democratic nomination.

"I was thinking one day how could I make money for the campaign," he says. "And I just went through my closet and found things I didn't need."
(snip)

The result was a donation that for the most part left the former president, who is known as a great communicator, speechless.

LINK HERE

No one dare tell this young man the primary is over or that his state doesn't have a say.

I am guessing that President Clinton would like to give the young man a bike, but of course he can not legally according to campaign law.  And on the other hand, letting children sacrifice for what they believe in is a great life lesson.

Update [2008-5-12 12:56:34 by TeresaInPa]: In a not so shocking side note, the Obamafans and paid bloggers are taking this opportunity to mock a young man with comments about paying off Penn's debt. How sickening.

Display:


what a great kid (2.00 / 10)

what great parents he must have to let him make this  sacrifice.  It is a character builder.


For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!
by TeresaInPa on Mon May 12, 2008 at 11:54:35 AM EST

wonderful kid (2.00 / 7)

and great story.  REally, it gave me goosebumps.  The excitement that is generated by HRC's campaign is really inspirational. Thanks for this story!!!


by 4justice on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:08:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's a set up.. (none / 0)

Does anyone besides me think this is a set-up by the Obama campaign to tag the millionaire Clintons as heartless scoundrels preying on the working class? It sounds a lot like that phony story Michelle Obama tells about the 10-year-old girl in her stump speech.  I would never have accepted that check after hearing the narrative that accompanied it.  And now Sen. Clinton has recounted it in her victory speech on national television.  With their backs against the wall, the Clintons (whose efforts are laudable) have been so enmeshed in this election cycle they no longer can see the forest for the trees.  


by Factcheck2 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:56:06 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: what a great kid (2.00 / 4)

Wow, now this is what America is about. What a good kid.


Senator Obama will be formally nominated on August 28, 2008 - the 45th Anniversary of Dr. King's "I Have A Dream Speech."
by brimur on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:41:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Once Upon A Time... (1.40 / 5)

Once upon a time, there was a young boy whose best friend was dying of cancer. His friend desperately wanted to go to Disneyland before he died. No one else in the neighborhood seemed to care.

The boy decided to raise money for his friend. He worked long hours, and sold his most cherished possessions. Only the very day that he earned the last dollar he needed, he learned that his friend had died.

The next day, he went down to the travel agency and bought a non-redeemable Disneyland package in his friend's name. He took the paperwork to the funeral home and slipped it into the coffin just before the lid was nailed shut. The townspeople all praised the boy for his generosity.

Afterwards, a foolish and wicked man said, "You know, that was heartwarming to watch, but really he's just given his hard-earned money to a large corporation, for services that they'll never provide. Giving to charity is a noble thing, and it speaks well of him. And it is his money, and he's entitled to spend it however he wants. But surely there are other dying children who also want to go to Disneyland. If he had given a vacation package to one of them, wouldn't that have been a better way of honoring his friend's memory?"

The townspeople were furious at his cynicism: "How dare you say that it's wrong to give money to charity!" With that, they troll-rated him into oblivion.

And they lived happily ever after.


by mazement on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:03:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Once Upon A Time... (2.00 / 1)

What's great about this is the additional irony of this comment being troll rated into oblivion. It's the allegory that keeps on giving.


by Tatan on Mon May 12, 2008 at 06:51:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.56 / 16)

That's a bit sad. I mean, if this had been early on, I'd think it was great, that he wanted to be involved and was willing to sacrifice for it. But that money will probably end up paying off Mark Penn the millions they still owe him.


by BlueGAinDC on Mon May 12, 2008 at 11:57:45 AM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.50 / 8)

If Penn is still billing $350K per month it comes out to 10 minutes of his time.


by parahammer on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:01:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

his donation means a lot more (1.16 / 18)

than the donation of an Obamabot with a credit card Mommy and Daddy pay for.


For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!
by TeresaInPa on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:03:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh shush now (1.37 / 8)

This diary is how a little boy is going to be quickly disillusioned with people whom he thinks of as heroes, not about your view of Obama supporters as trust fund kids.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:05:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Oh shush now (2.00 / 5)

is that how you'll feel if your candidate loses?  This is sweet, a kid that young getting involved. She's inspired a lot of different people, all ages, both sexes, all races, all income brackets, but she's mostly for those who don't have a voice of their own, those too poor or too young, those who really need a president on their side.

So, how will you feel if your candidate wins the loses the GE?  What would you have to say to this child then, or to your own children?  This one is too important to lose.  She'll keep fighting, she's positioned herself to in the GE too, and that's what's going to matter.  


what a relief
by anna shane on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:16:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Oh shush now (2.00 / 3)

"those who really need a president on their side"

More of this?


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:22:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Oh shush now (none / 0)

this is real, it's not a game.  We need to thoughtfully chose the one that can best beat McCain, or we might get McCain.  None of the assurances Barack's supporters give about how he'll get elected sooth me. Kerry didn't, and he was running against the full Bush, who we all hated by then. I'll be fine, I'm close to retirement, I own my own home and it's paid off, I can afford insurance, I don't need government services. I don't have kids fighting in Iraq, although that doesn't protect me from caring, none of it affects my lifestyle, none of it is personal to me. As far as me, we could have pugs for the next hundred years. I like Barack fine, now that he's less arrogant and has noticed he needs people like me and he can't keep on offending us and expect we'll all vote for him anyway, but it's a decision that has to be made not by popularity but by who can beat McCain.  That's not up to me or you, it's up to our party leaders, and I hope they make a wise choice. It isn't over.  


what a relief
by anna shane on Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:00:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Draco to kid: don't try in life (2.00 / 2)

you might be disappointed. Cmon you are better than that.


by catfish1 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:51:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I admire the kid (1.60 / 5)

I just know that, if I were Bill Clinton, I would give him the money right back and tell him to wait on it and see if she's the nominee, or to follow Hillary's entreaty that people open up their pocket books to help the suffering Burmese people.

That money won't help her become the nominee by this point.

If I were Hillary Clinton, I would value a bike or a vacation for this child more than a drop in the debt bucket.

I have never in my adult life asked for something I didn't deserve.  By my own principles I could not take this boy's money if I were in Clinton's position.  Adults who understand the position I'm in, sure, but not an 11 year-old with stars in his eyes and hope in their hearts who will almost certainly be disappointed within the month.

I'm not trolling here.  I'm sorry if you think I should be better, but I'm not.  I identify with the kid and admire him, but I can't justify the Clintons taking the money.  

Can 11 year-olds even legally donate?


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:24:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I admire the kid (2.00 / 1)

Under federal law, you have to be 16 or 18 to donate. This is set up that way so that parents don't donate the maximum in each of their children's names and thus sidestep the federal maximum of $2300 per person.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Mon May 12, 2008 at 06:37:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I admire the kid (none / 0)

So you think that Bill and Hillary should keep his money when she loses? A simple yes or no will do. After the Obama gets the nomination that money should be returned with a thank you note.


by eraske on Mon May 12, 2008 at 09:47:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Oh shush now (2.00 / 5)

That is a completely unamerican way of acknolwedging a good deed irrespective of who it helps.

I hope you are ashamed of yourself unless you have no meaning of what America means.


by Sandeep on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:15:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I know about America, thanks (2.00 / 1)

I'm taking a principled position here.  See above.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:33:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Oh shush now (2.00 / 1)

What does this incident or the subsequent praise or criticism of it have to do with being American?


by Pravin on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:06:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

yeah...you are nto a troll at all. no no (2.00 / 1)


-- be excellent to each other
by kindthoughts on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:05:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (1.66 / 6)

Which candidate has raised more from many, many donors in small amounts?

That would be Senator Obama.

              *****

Which candidate has raised more money from fewer donors in larger amounts, including a fair number who are maxed out at $2300 in primary donations?

That would be Senator Clinton.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:06:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

so you go this low? (2.00 / 4)

oh come on.  A little boy.  A great gesture.  Now  you've got to tell us how great Obama is?  Or how much more money he's raised from small doners?  That is sad and laugable.

Can't you be positive for once, and move forward?  Or is the reason for your existence to bash HRC?


by 4justice on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:12:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

see context (1.75 / 4)

My comment was a response to this:

"This diary is how a little boy is going to be quickly disillusioned with people whom he thinks of as heroes, not about your view of Obama supporters as trust fund kids."


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:20:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Listen to yourself. (none / 0)

That is sad and laugable.

[...]

Can't you be positive for once, and move forward?

Do you really not see the incongruity in your words?  Or should everyone try to be positive but you?  

Of course you will troll rate me for questioning you, as you do to anyone who disagrees with you, no matter how positive they are.  A quick review of your rating history confirms this.  


by semiquaver on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:28:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (2.00 / 2)

My son gave $10 of his own money to Obama, legally since he is 16.


by parahammer on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:07:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (2.00 / 2)

tell us the story, how did he earn it, how did he donate it, in person or did he send cash in the mail.  Tell us his story?  


what a relief
by anna shane on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:18:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (2.00 / 6)

how immature of you to troll rate downthread people who actually feel bad for the kid and have a different opinion of you, but in your own comment use "obamabot" and insult every hard working supporter of Obama by belittling us as spoiled brats.

this deserves a troll rating, which I would give had my ability not been taken away.


by BlueGAinDC on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:29:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Can't-do attitude merits a TR (1.75 / 4)

This is about a kid who apparently wants to be president meeting a former president.

If this can't-do attitude is pervasive in the country as it is in this diary, we are sunk.


by catfish1 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:55:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can't-do attitude merits a TR (2.00 / 3)

No, it really doesn't. That is not what a troll rating is for.


by BlueGAinDC on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:04:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (none / 0)

How about next time you just call them Obama supporters and quit defusing your on arguments with name-calling...?

Just a thought.


"If you ever post anything on that website again, I will shove a motherboard so far up your a$$...!" C.J Cregg
by JenKinFLA on Mon May 12, 2008 at 07:14:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (1.00 / 1)

If Hillary managed her finances better and didn't keep Mark Penn on for so long(and in fact, has it ever been clarified whether Penn's firm is still making money off of the campaign), you wouldn't have Hillary voters who find a $25 gas tax savings to be such a lifeline finding a way to donate money similar to what this kid is doing.


by Pravin on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:50:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (none / 0)

YEAH!!! Take on those oil companies, by eliminating taxes on their principal product!!!! GO HILLARY!!!

(yawn)


by amiches on Mon May 12, 2008 at 09:13:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (2.00 / 2)

I am a hard working single father of 2. My donation was paid for by me and me alone.

Your affiliation with the rest of the Hillary Followers makes them all look bad.


Hell yeah we did.
by Darknesse on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:29:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (1.50 / 2)

than the donation of an Obamabot with a credit card Mommy and Daddy pay for.

Yeah. The Clinton can repay themselves their eleven million with it.

PS- Nice strawman you've constructed there to justify your resentments. Were you this hostile before this primary? Something tells me you were.


by BlueinColorado on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:41:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Really? (2.00 / 5)

I'm an Obama supporter/donor, and I didn't realize that meant my parents should be paying my credit card bills.  I'll get on the phone right now and make sure they start forking over.

Hmmm, I wonder if I can get them to kick in back-payments for the last 25 years that I've been living on my own... or can I only go back as far as I've been an Obama supporter.  Just wondering.

Thanks for tip!  :)
/snark


by protothad on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:04:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (2.00 / 1)

You sound...... Bitter.


by Rick in Eugene on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:55:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (none / 0)

Troll-rated...

You know for a FACT that is not the typical Obama donor, but decided to post that comment anyway.


"If you ever post anything on that website again, I will shove a motherboard so far up your a$$...!" C.J Cregg
by JenKinFLA on Mon May 12, 2008 at 07:13:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's a mindset like that.... (none / 0)

that lost Hillary the campaign.


by eraske on Mon May 12, 2008 at 09:41:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: his donation means a lot more (none / 0)

And his donation means a lot more tha the donations of the oil company execs too! Fighting for what is good and right is a lesson some never learn! This young man has learned it early and well.
"And the little child shall lead them."

by ProudMilitaryMom on Mon May 12, 2008 at 10:27:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.60 / 10)

your comment is sad.  This young man has character, your snarky remark puts yours in question.


For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!
by TeresaInPa on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:01:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 2)

The best thing Hillary could have done for this boy, that would still let his donation mean something is to earmark it for the General Election.

That way, he gets it back if she doesn't get there, but he gets to still have done his part.

Does anyone disagree with me on this?


Hell yeah we did.
by Darknesse on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:32:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That would be a good compromise. (2.00 / 0)

I agree.  If she gets the nomination, she'll have earned that money.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:35:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What's sad (2.00 / 5)

is your lack of compunction in demeaning an 11 year old's interest in politics to the point of depriving himself to help elect someone he believes in.


by phoenixdreamz on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:03:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

ask yourself (2.00 / 6)

how you would respond if the little boy instead gave Obama that money, because he totally beleived in Obama.  Wouldn't you be responding a little differently, rather than, for heavens sake, dissing a child?  Does your snark know no bounds?


by 4justice on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:06:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ask yourself (1.75 / 8)

Clinton will be using that money to pay back her debts and herself after she concedes.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:13:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ask yourself (1.75 / 4)

And you this how? Typical rubbish being sprouted based on hatred and no logic.

Do you live your life based on hatred?


by Sandeep on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:19:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ask yourself (1.66 / 3)

The basis of $20 million dollars in campaign debt?


by kyle in philly on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:08:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ask yourself (1.66 / 6)

you are absolutely correct. i would not be responding the same way if he gave it to Obama, because money given to Obama will help register millions of new voters, help end the war in Iraq, help bring about health care reform, improve our economy, and, overall, save us from another Bush third term.

I am not dissing a child. I feel bad for the kid (hence the word sad), because he probably doesn't realize that either Hillary Clinton will be out of the race in a few weeks and his money will go to paying off debts (like Penn's), or she will continue her campaign and the money will go toward further attacks on our presumptive nominee.


by BlueGAinDC on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:19:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That comment is downer city (1.80 / 5)

Oy campaign Obama is lucky to have you NOT.


by catfish1 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:58:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ask yourself (1.00 / 2)

Do you know the money you donate to Obama goes to pay off Hillary's debt and Penn's salary?

If you dont know that, then you dont know much about Obama anyway.


by Sandeep on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:21:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You have no idea (2.00 / 3)

The legal limit for one campaign to provide to another is $2000. The money supporters give to Obama goes to his campaign and his campaign alone. The only way for Obama to provide help to Clinton is through joint fundraisers and soliciting his supporters to donate to the Clinton campaign's debt relief.

You really ought to get your facts straight before spreading misinformation.


by bookish on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:36:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Would your reaction... (none / 0)

be the same if the donation was to Sen. Obama?


by tonedevil on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:24:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ask yourself (1.66 / 3)

I actually have gone on record asking people not to donate to either campaign until the primary is over. I dont think Obama would have spent that much money in recent weeks had he not been this flush with cash.

If Hillary can't balance her campaign budget despite years of experience of her friends and family on the campaign trail, how is she going to curb spending in the government?


by Pravin on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:53:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ask yourself (2.00 / 1)

Who is dissing the kid?


by Pravin on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:55:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.71 / 7)

That was my first thought.  

The poor kid sold his bike to help Mark Penn get paid.  I hope there is a bike shop in KY that reads about this and gives the kid a new bike.  


Consider that everything which happens, happens justly, and if thou observest carefully, thou wilt find it to be so. -Marcus Aurelius
by Blue Neponset on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:10:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

TR for unamerican comment (1.33 / 3)

Quitting is unamerican, sorry.


by catfish1 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:49:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

seriously? (none / 0)

wow.


by BlueGAinDC on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:54:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Land a man on the moon within the decade (2.00 / 2)

France laughed their asses off at Kennedy. It was a near mathematical impossibility.


by catfish1 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:59:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

apples and oranges (none / 0)

Democratic primaries have happened many times before.  Statistically speaking, the position hillary is in is likely to fail based on historical data.

There was no data at the time to suggest mathematical impossibility for going to the moon.  In fact so far, the odds that any given JFK will be correct when he predicts going to any given moon  are 100%.


by semiquaver on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:38:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Land a man on the moon within the decade (none / 0)

Yes but everyone was in support of going to the moon.......


by JimmyJames01 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:00:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

You deserve those TRs.


by Montague on Tue May 13, 2008 at 01:23:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I can see why Bill was left speechless (2.00 / 4)

He was probably choked up like I feel at the moment. Wow, what an incredible and uplifting story. Thanks so much for reporting it Theresa.


by phoenixdreamz on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:00:05 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 4)

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.


Wisdom Is The Reward For Listening Over A Lifetime
by gunner on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:03:02 PM EST

Sometimes courage also means (none / 0)

shutting the hell up when you have absolutely nothing positive to say, in fact nothing even remotely relevant, for weeks on end.  That would be courageous.


by McNasty on Mon May 12, 2008 at 05:27:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That poor kid (1.71 / 14)

I hope this gives pause to the Clintons and brings them back to reality in their continuance of the campaign.

This kid sacrificed his vacation funding on the fleeting hope of a Hillary Clinton nomination because she routinely overrepresents her chances.

Now this boy's donation will probably go to pay Mark Penn or to counter Clinton's loan to herself.

To be sure, I never argue that Clinton should drop out early, but issues like this strike home.  I don't want impressionable kids getting a bad impression of politicians seven years before they can vote.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:03:53 PM EST

Re: That poor kid (2.00 / 5)

wish i could uprate you, but i lost that ability long ago. If you speak the truth here, you get troll rated, usually by the same people over and over again (the diarist loves to troll rate me).

Unless you are one of the 5 people left in this country who actually believe Clinton is still tied with Obama, you should understand that at the very least her campaign would need something huge to happen in order for her to stay in the race.

But with the constant spin attempting to paint this as a race that is contested, this kid probably got the wrong impression and thought that his money has a good chance of actually helping Clinton win.

If this were a few months ago, it would have been great to see a kid getting involved like this. But she's 20 million in debt, his money is going to be used to cover that and I feel bad for him because of that. Apparently, feeling bad for a kid means you and  I are trolls.


by BlueGAinDC on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:25:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

There is one way. (2.00 / 2)

If the Clintons specifically earmarked it to pay back their small vendors, then I would feel better about it.

Not much better, but better.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:29:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: There is one way. (2.00 / 2)

Or earmarked it for the General so she could give it back with honor after she unamericanly drops out.


Hell yeah we did.
by Darknesse on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:35:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Cuz kids need more video games (2.00 / 2)

Too bad he sold his and got to meet a former leader of the free world.

He'll be sorry this Saturday when he can't play Grand Theft Auto. Poor kid.


by catfish1 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:01:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That's not the point and you know it. (none / 0)

$440 is a lot of money even to an adult in this economy.

This is more about being a responsible steward of this child's donation than anything else.

If she wins the nomination, she'll have earned it.  If not, she should give it back.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:39:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Graciousness is accepting gifts (none / 0)

given to you with kindness and appreciation.

To reject this gift would be an insult to the child, to say "oh sorry but you're just a little kid and I cannot accept this."


by catfish1 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 09:39:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: That poor kid (1.66 / 3)

What a faulty irresponsible logic. Do you know that your money will pay off Clinton's debt? Do you know Penn's salary is going to be paid by your donation?

I am just amazed about the brazenness of some Obama supporters in their hatred of everything Hillary. Makes it look like you are in the political process for the first time. Well then, what's the difference between you and the kid for whom you have so much pity?


by Sandeep on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:30:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't hate Hillary (none / 0)

I wanted Hillary to be president before the primaries started.

She's run a reckless and fiscally irresponsible campaign and has promised too much money to people who don't deserve it (Penn, for example).

A compromise was mentioned above, that she should earmark that for the general election and give it back if she's not the nominee.

If she wins the nomination, she'll have earned that money.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:38:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

what is elitism (none / 0)

Makes it look like you are in the political process for the first time.

What is elitism if it isn't showing utter contempt for new voters?  I understand it's frustrating that 90% of them do not support your candidate, but new democrats are a good thing for any democrat.  Don't bite the newcomers.


by semiquaver on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:44:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Quit spreading the dumb, Sandeep (none / 0)

Obama's campaign money can't go to Hillary's debt. It's illegal and you're spreading misinformation.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/200805 12/pl_bloomberg/as5a58ks7ky8_1

Federal election law prohibits Obama from directly aiding Clinton through his campaign war chest; nothing stops him from asking his donors to do so.


by bookish on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:50:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.70 / 10)

I hope Bill refunds the money. I respect the kid but not Bill for taking it.  


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:04:22 PM EST

that's pretty low PM (1.12 / 16)

go troll for your 8 bucks an hour on some other diary.


For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!
by TeresaInPa on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:06:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: that's pretty low PM (2.00 / 5)

You think he's getting paid to do this? Really, your ignorance knows no bounds. I suppose if an Obama supporter did this, you'd roll your eyes- your "trust fund" comment upthread would indicate that's true.


Serious question- Is This Snark?
by ragekage on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:12:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: that's pretty low PM (2.00 / 6)

I'm a 50 year old woman and I blog for my own interest and amusement.

And, yes, I do think it's horrid that Bill would take that money.  They really should refund it.  The kid probably doesn't get that this is no longer a competitive race and that his money will go to pay Mark Penn and his overpaid, incompetent associates.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:15:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Is $8 all you get? (2.00 / 2)


by dystopianfuturetoday on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:20:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Weird definition of trolling (none / 0)

you've got there TIPpy. This is a discussion about the morality of one of the candidates; there are regularly discussions about Obama's morality, so I think this is easily fair game.

I agree with pm; Bill knows good and well that any money they have is going to pay for past campaign failures  and that his wife is done anyway, so he should've given the money back. 2-3 weeks from now the campaign will be over and the kid won't have Hillary or a bike.


by bookish on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:54:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.16 / 6)

Boy I`m glad this crowd was not around during the second world war. We would all be speaking German right now. What a bunch of whining brats.


Wisdom Is The Reward For Listening Over A Lifetime
by gunner on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:12:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 2)

I was gonna let that pass, but it's one of my biggest pet peeves...this notion about Americans speaking German.

It totally disregards any understanding of WWII. It's nothing more than a baseless threat.

Germany couldn't even successfully invade Great Britain across a tiny channel and yet people throw around the notion that they would be able to cross the Atlantic Ocean and be successful.


by PSUdan on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:22:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.25 / 8)

Don`t talk to me about the WW2 because I was a young child over there then. I remember running to the air raid shelter at the top of the street. Oh and by the  way Britain stood alone because of people like you who did not want to get involved. Thank God OBAMA was not in charge then.


Wisdom Is The Reward For Listening Over A Lifetime
by gunner on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:40:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

Good think FDR was elected in 1932 or else we never would have got involved in WWII.  


Consider that everything which happens, happens justly, and if thou observest carefully, thou wilt find it to be so. -Marcus Aurelius
by Blue Neponset on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:43:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

We didn't join WWII until 1941, almost 1942. FDR was one of the fence sitters the above commenter was referring to.


by PSUdan on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:08:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

I know.  I was being facetious.


Consider that everything which happens, happens justly, and if thou observest carefully, thou wilt find it to be so. -Marcus Aurelius
by Blue Neponset on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:09:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

Ahhh, my fault.


by PSUdan on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:31:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Er, what? (2.00 / 1)

Obama has repeatedly said that he's not against all wars, just unjust, stupid wars.

He would have probably have intervened in WWII sooner rather than later.  Impossible to know, because he wouldn't have had a shot to become president back then.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:45:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

I made no comment whatsoever about being for or against joining WWII in whatever year.

I was commenting about the absurd notion that we would be speaking German. And it is, in fact, an absurd notion.


by PSUdan on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:06:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Since you were a child, (none / 0)

you can be forgiven for not paying attention to the details.

"In a chaotic world, only BRITAIN soldiers on!"  Ha!


by McNasty on Mon May 12, 2008 at 05:26:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 7)

What an amazing child!  He may not be old enough to vote yet but he's already done more for his candidate than most folks ever will.

Well done T - HIGHLY REC'd!


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:17:33 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.75 / 4)

It's great that the kid already has an interest in Democratic politics.

But this is why children don't vote.


by PSUdan on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:23:34 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 2)

But the kids are backing Obama right? Maybe the voting age should be raised to 30 when real life sets in


by rossinatl on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:25:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

Well maybe you should write to your Congressperson to get the voting age changed to when real life sets in.

Of course, this would probably be terrible for Democrats in the long term,  but good for Clinton in the short-term so go ahead!


by PSUdan on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:12:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 3)

I think its sad that people had to turn this diary into another moan session. Leave the kid alone


by rossinatl on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:24:54 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

I agree, it's not like this action will turn me into a Clinton supporter.  But there is no reason to turn around and make snarky comments about Penn's salary.

Contrarian in me would end that it is also not a reason to trash Obama supporters as using "mommy and daddy's credit card" or changing to voting age to 30 "when real life kicks in."

Its the shame of primary season that even a great story like this has to quickly devolve into attacks and the recirculating of dumb talking points.

Bravo to this kid, may he stay interested in politics and avoid the cyncisim that infects so many of us as long as possible.


by labor nrrd on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:40:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 2)

if this were a while back, the mark penn comments would be snarky and rather annoying. But this is now the reality of the situation, and when I made that comment upthread, i for one was not being snarky.

Clearly, Clinton's campaign is nearing its end. Her campaign is $20 million in debt, and we know a significant chuck of that is owed to Penn. I really do think its sad that the kid believes his money will be helping elect hillary, when in reality is is most likely to go to paying off the debt.

This isn't about belittling the kid. What he did was great. I just think a lot of people, i.e. the Clinton campaign, his parents, etc., gave him the wrong impression that the money would be used for her to fight on and I just don't believe that's true.


by BlueGAinDC on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:47:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It is amazing. (2.00 / 1)

That is amazing from an eleven year old.   It would be very interesting to follow this kid as he grows.   I admit I had no such cognizance of the political world at 11.  I also admit I'd be hard pressed to allow my kids to toss money into either person's coffers.  

Think about what this may mean:    The idea that money talks and BS walks is already in his young head.  

Oh yeah.  Teresa, please lose the sig.  It discredits you.


by drowsy on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:24:56 PM EST

droswy's right, twice (1.50 / 2)

great comments about the youngster.

and thanks for this:

"Oh yeah.  Teresa, please lose the sig.  It discredits you."

yes, it does. it makes her sound like a racist ReThug. the speed at which some so-called Dems have embraced ReThug talking points on "reverse racism" is just disgusting.


the time to rise has been engaged.
by catchaz on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:31:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

show me where I ever said (2.00 / 1)

anything about reverse racism.  Think before you type.


For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!
by TeresaInPa on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:54:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

right here: (none / 0)

"NC, a victory for the politics of division."

what the fuck does this mean if not that Clinton lost because of "reverse racism"?

(not to mention it insults the entire state of North Carolina.)

your signature is a ReThug lie. are they paying you to put it on every post? they should be.


the time to rise has been engaged.
by catchaz on Mon May 12, 2008 at 05:37:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

just pathetic (none / 0)

that this is the only interpretation you can think of.  
Now see if you can come up with another one and you might get it right.
For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!
by TeresaInPa on Mon May 12, 2008 at 06:39:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'll bite. (2.00 / 1)

I'm stumped.  Lots of signature lines are cryptic.   I'm afraid any more guessing won't be flattering or fair, so cut to the chase and enlighten us.


by drowsy on Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:43:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 3)

Anyone find it weird a parent would let their kid give that much money away? I mean, I don't think I'd let me kid spend that much money on anything, except maybe a charity.


by DamnYankees on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:29:44 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 3)

not at all, civic responsibility is important and a value not enough people pass on to their children these days.
Having a great president is as important as any charity.  In fact if more people got involved in making government work for all of us we would have a lot less need for charities.
For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!
by TeresaInPa on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:50:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.33 / 3)

If Mark penn didnt charge millions and actually had the same spirit of volunteerism and charged a less than obscene rate, maybe kids like this wont have to donate their bike money to rich people.


by Pravin on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:58:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.75 / 4)

That $440 donation would have done a lot more good if it had gone to one of the relief agencies trying desperately to save lives in Myanmar.


Let the children lose it Let the children use it Let all the children boogie
by toyomama on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:12:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

Clinton supporters should buy him a new better bike.  This is really really kind...and the dead should be returned.


Matthew25Network.com
by cardboard 1 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:31:24 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 7)

I think it's great this kid did this. But I would definately hope that the Clintons return the money. Not that they have to. Or should. This was the kid's choice with his family involved, I'm sure. I'm glad for him.

Still, it's one thing to see a kid doing all this for, say, Burma relief. But this is a political campaign at its last legs, and there is ample media evidence (take that as you will) that the Clintons are trying to recoup some of that investment. Even someone with $100+ million would hurt losing $11 mil. But the impact is likely harder on the kid.

I'd hope they'd say, "that's okay," and return the money, but there is no reason they SHOULD do that other than my own view of political contributions and their use.

I'm not saying this is a bad story, or that the kid was wrong. And the idea that Obama supporters are trust fund kids is stupid and makes anyone who says it stupider. The data doesn't bear it out.

Both Hillary and Obama are trailblazers for a new kind of public participation, and are bringing more people to the polls than ever before -- people of all backgrounds and classes. It's telling that the democrats are doing this while the GOP is trying to limit participation. I'm totally awesomed out by all that.

But at some point, the reality has to set in. I'm proud of this kids' committment to participation -- even if the money was going to Mike Gravel. But in this case, at this time, it is a little sad. Kids need their bikes. If only to leaflet for Clinton before Tuesday.

It's an interesting conundrum.


Fight the Smears!
by Lettuce on Mon May 12, 2008 at 12:32:53 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

The kid is going to be completely heartbroken...  He'll probably be so jaded, he'll never participate in politics again...  I know I would have been if I was in the same situation...  just another casualty of the unnecessarily prolonged primary campaign.


"This was never part of our arrangement, Specter" "I am altering the deal! Pray I don't alter it any further!" "This deal keeps getting worse all the time!"
by LordMike on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:05:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 4)

This really is an inspirational story.


by nikkid on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:10:11 PM EST

Hey Kid... (1.50 / 2)

I hate to tell you but "the primary is over and your state doesn't really have a say."

And Hillary should have told you that, before you sold your bike.

Now Hillary should lend her campaign 440$ and buy this nice kid a bike, and start telling the voters the truth.

The truth is, she is only staying in now to pay her debts.


by Silence Do Good on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:16:32 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.00 / 3)

This story is so fake it's ridiculous.

Just like that letter Hillary "recieved" saying It's not over until

the lady in the pantsuit says it is. Give me a break.

The Clinton campaign is trying to sway public opinion (an reinforce sentiments among followers) by using an 11 year old and his bike.

It's pretty pathetic if you ask me.


Yawn.
by spacemanspiff on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:22:10 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

Dude, it's an AP article.  Criticize the content or the intent, but don't whine about the veracity of it.


by The Distillery on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:42:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.00 / 1)

Dude, I'm not whining.

It's a plant and a fairly obvious one.

That's my opinion on the article.


Yawn.
by spacemanspiff on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:48:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.00 / 1)

It would be sadder if it wasn't a plant.


Yawn.
by spacemanspiff on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:49:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's a great story. (2.00 / 2)

I think it's great this kid is getting involved in politics and government at such a young age.  It does make me sad that he is doing without $400 to fund a campaign that is $25 million in debt now.  I think a better use of his resources would be to donate his time to GingOTV and educating people about his preferred candidate.  I do hope his recent sacrifice translates into a greater sense of philanthropy for society at large.  One can hope.

For comparison's sake, while not required by FEC regulations, a contributer must be at least 15 years old to donate to the Obama campaign.


by The Distillery on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:29:38 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 2)

theresa, hope you are well and that you see this note.  i would say see you in sept but can't see myself coming back to scranton unless hillary is the nominee or vp...we are not giving up here in upstate NY..a lot of us are making calls...and sending what we can...take care and thanks for the diary


by ulsterdem on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:50:37 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.80 / 5)

Hi friend.  If Hillary is the nominee I will see you in sept.  If Obama is I will not be doing any campaigning.  I can't see a repeat of 2004, breaking my ass for a candidate I do not like to watch him lose.
If they just hadn't played the race card after NH it would be different.
For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!
by TeresaInPa on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:59:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

Can we at least count on your vote to keep McCain and the neocons out of the whitehouse?


by protothad on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:30:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

Theresa is a lost cause.


by Rationalisto on Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:04:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Hey, I'm an Obama supporter... (none / 0)

I'm into that hope thing.  :)

Hey, I don't expect all the Clinton supporters to suddenly rush to Obama and donate and volunteer... but one can at least hope that most would take a rational look at the candidates and realize that Obama is way better choice than McCain in regards to advancing the issues that Clinton stands for.  Hold your nose and vote... thats all I ask.


by protothad on Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:54:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This reminds me of Kerry's (2.00 / 1)

first post-general-election e-mail, thanking his supporters.  He mentioned the founder of Kids for Kerry (another 11-year-old) and one who broke his piggy bank to donate.

I don't get emotional very often, but gaah.  Rage frustration despair sorrow, that message hit all the chords.

Good on candidates who can inspire such selfless behavior in young people.  It bodes well for what kind of adults they will be.  And I hope the politicians remember these stories when they're planning their campaign expenditures.

Teresa, for once you had a good diary going.  Then your "update" ruined it.  Too bad.


by corph on Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:56:47 PM EST

too bad corph (2.00 / 1)

blame the update on the behavior or Obamafans who make some really scuzzy comments here.


For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!
by TeresaInPa on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:01:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You turned a heartwrenching story (2.00 / 1)

into a partisan snipe with one line.  The comments you refer to appear in all diaries, don't tell me you're surprised.  Could you not have let it stand as written?  I thought the Penn comments were off-topic and tactless, but then you had to dive into the mud with them.


by corph on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:11:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

Bill should know better than to accept money from an eleven year old.

From the Clinton campaign website :

  1. This contribution is made from my own funds, and not those of another.
  2. This contribution is not made from the general treasury funds of a corporation, labor organization or national bank.
  3. I am not a Federal government contractor.
  4. I am not a foreign national who lacks permanent resident status in the United States.
  5. I am at least 18 years of age.
  6. This contribution is made on a personal credit or debit card for which I have the legal obligation to pay, and is made neither on a corporate or business entity card nor on the card of another.


by hebi on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:10:04 PM EST

Well that's for online donations. (none / 0)

I don't see why it would be illegal to pay cash, for example.

Anyone know if FEC rules require donors to be of legal voting age?


by corph on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:12:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm not taking that tack (none / 0)

It's way too similar to when TD and TIP were throwing hissies about Obama signing an excuse for the students who skipped class to go see him. It's admirable and comforting to know that some kids these days are engaged in their political system. If this one's parents had been equally informed about the financial state of the Clinton campaign, they may have held him back. Unfortunately, like all of their other financial disclosures, this one was late and underperforming.


by bookish on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:37:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Your so funny (none / 0)

Of course the 18 year rule is not just a rule for online donations.
What the FEC says does not mather, they've not drawn up these rules for nothing. At least their own rules should mean something.
by hebi on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:18:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

This is a great story and deserving of a Rec, despite your own shameful and belittling update, couldn't resist the temptation to throw in a gratuitous attack on Senator Obama and his supporters?.


Proudly joining the legions of people and states that don't matter on May 20th.
by Obama Independent on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:21:57 PM EST

Give the kid his money back... (1.50 / 2)

Jesus christ...how could you take that kid's money?  I'm sorry, I respect him for wanting to do that but I just couldn't in good conscious take money from a kid.

I don't fault former President Clinton for accepting it as I think it would be very hard to refus without absolutely devestating the kid.

You folks should find out who the kid was and buy him a bike.


by jaywillie on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:35:47 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.50 / 4)

In a not so shocking side note, the Obamafans and paid bloggers are taking this opportunity to mock a young man with comments about paying off Penn's debt. How sickening.

Why is this sickening?  It's simply a fact that any money Hillary gets right now will go directly into Penn's or the Clinton's bank accounts.

Objectively speaking, the act of this child is, indeed, inspiring and beautiful.  Sadly, the fact that Clinton is only staying in the campaign to replenish her personal bank account by taking money from people like this is what's sickening.  It is, in fact, the beauty of this child's act that makes her acceptance of his money so disgusting.  She should donate it to his school or some charity more worthy than Mark Penn or herself.  Who do you think deserves the money more?


John McCain the flip-flopper...
by chinapaulo on Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:49:16 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

Wow, I got two TRs for this comment, but not a single reply.  Talk about TR abuse...

I guess that's what some Clinton folks do when someone disagrees with them and they have no response.


John McCain the flip-flopper...
by chinapaulo on Tue May 13, 2008 at 04:53:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

His donation is illegal. He is too young to be giving donations.


by sweet potato pie on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:02:24 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

that's exactly what I thought whenever I read the title.


by mnl1012 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:35:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Perfectly legal... (2.00 / 1)

See this WaPost story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con tent/article/2007/10/23/AR2007102301882_ pf.html

Obama voluntarily declines to accept donations from anyone under the age of 15, but there is no technical age restriction on giving. It would only run afoul of regulations if it was being used as a way around maximum giving limits.


by rebop on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:25:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Barack Obama is his new bicycle (2.00 / 1)


by JJE on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:16:20 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 4)

Great story! The kid has got heart. He was willing to give up his bike and video games to support his candidate. To all you naysayers, stop whining and give the kid some props for determination!


by grlpatriot on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:27:14 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

In a not so shocking side note, the Obamafans and paid bloggers are taking this opportunity to mock a young man with comments about paying off Penn's debt. How sickening.

I wouldn't mock the kid for doing what he thinks is right and for being politically active.  That's great!

I hope his money helps pay off a debt much more worthy than Penn's cut.


Torture me once, shame on you; torture me and get away with it, shame on us all.
by freedom78 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:49:05 PM EST

11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

This is a very sweet thing to do and very heartwarming, but I couldn't take the money.  I don't usually like to rain on the parade, but this does kind of boil by blood after reading this piece over at the Politico, http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0 508/Clintons_debt.html#comments.


This administration is not sinking. This administration is soaring! If anything, they are rearranging the deck chairs on the Hindenburg!
by venavena on Mon May 12, 2008 at 03:56:56 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

We don't know if the campaign kept the money, but it was the point that Hillary has all kinds of supporters, from all walks of life.

Of course the Obama followers would put it down.  So much for unity.


by stefystef on Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:27:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (1.66 / 3)

It is wonderful that people are involved.  But when I see something like this, I hope the Clintons see it as a reason to get out of the race, not stay in it.  She is just draining herself and her followers, in order to do what?  Make the arguement that the DNC, and Superdelegates should go against the primary results?  He only needs 17% of the vote in the remaining contests and he will have the majority of pledged delegates won.  I hope that boy's donation really hit home for Bill Clinton, and he understands how the continuation of this race is hurting the people that loves him and his wife.


Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. ~ Sun Tzu
by Tumult on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:19:14 PM EST

cloying (1.00 / 3)

Is this a political website or Reader's Digest?


Stop H8
by mikeinsf on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:26:24 PM EST

Dear Little Kid... (1.00 / 4)

It's over and Hillary lost. As you get older, life's disappointments will sting less. I promise.


by rebop on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:28:09 PM EST

What a sick thing this kids parents are doing (1.25 / 4)

That is really disgusting. They should never let a kid get this emotionally invested in something that he clearly cannot fully understand.

It is one thing to encourage him to get informed and involved, but it is really sick of them to let this kid sell off his stuff to support any campaign, let alone THIS campaign.

I will refrain from defining why this campaign is so wrong and how much this kids parents are clearly brainwashing him...if you can't see it now you won't see it based on what I have to tell you.

Suffice it so say this kid should not be encouraged to become that invested in anything at that age.


Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages. ~Thomas A. Edison
by mattjfogarty on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:33:56 PM EST

Re: What a sick thing this kids parents are doing (none / 0)

And the thought that Bill or Hillary Clinton would actually take this money...oh god, I can't even think about it without my head exploding.


Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages. ~Thomas A. Edison
by mattjfogarty on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:34:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

Not mocking.  I don't think legally he can give money to the campaign.  I'm pretty sure you have to be 18.  I love that he did it though.


by niksder on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:37:22 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

Answering my own question: From a Post article: Although campaign finance laws set a limit of $2,300 per donor per campaign, they do not explicitly bar donors based on age.

So cool!


by niksder on Mon May 12, 2008 at 04:43:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 2)

That's awesome!  It is nice to see kids that have conviction.


by Rick in Eugene on Mon May 12, 2008 at 05:15:03 PM EST

I guess the kid will get it back in gas tax breaks (1.00 / 1)

by the time he retires.

Sure, it's a sweet gesture.  And yes, the kid made his own decision.  And I'm sure Hillary will make a big deal of such a sweet gesture in her next few speeches.

I agree with upthread suggestions she earmarks it for the general so she can give it back after she loses the nomination, but that's something she can easily do after the fact.  Maybe if ALL of Hillary's supporters matched the kid's donation she wouldn't be 20 mil in the hole right now.


by darthstar on Mon May 12, 2008 at 05:55:12 PM EST

Somebody please (1.66 / 3)

tell me how Teresa's update ruined this diary?
She was only pointing out all of the obama kids that have hijacked this diary with their cynicism, arrogance, attitude and stupidity.

I sure WISH and HOPE that the obama kids will CHANGE someday and UNITE to follow the "words", not necessarily the actions, of the Obama campaign - Hope, Unity, Change, etc, etc, etc.


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 05:55:56 PM EST

Re: Somebody please (none / 0)

Kids?

Riiiiiiight.


Yawn.
by spacemanspiff on Mon May 12, 2008 at 06:11:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Somebody please (1.00 / 1)

yeeeeeeesss.


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 07:13:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Somebody please (none / 0)

I've posted comments and I'm no kid!  I'm a half century old.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Mon May 12, 2008 at 06:42:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Somebody please (1.00 / 1)

The "kids" comment comes from how some of the Obama supporters act.

Look at your comments and see if they fall into this category.


Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 07:11:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Somebody please (1.00 / 1)

We can go back and forth on this troll rating. Remember, you started it.


by Pravin on Tue May 13, 2008 at 12:06:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Somebody please (none / 0)

She was only pointing out all of the obama kids that have hijacked this diary with their cynicism, arrogance, attitude and stupidity

and from Teresa upthread:

than the donation of an Obamabot with a credit card Mommy and Daddy pay for

Why do people keep pushing the idea that the Obama supporters are the ones full of hate?

My first thought when I read the article was "wow, that's really touching.  But it also sucks that he's giving away so much of what he cares for to pay off her debt."

Does that make me an arrogant, stupid trust fund Obama kid?

For the record, I make under $30k a year, I have no trust fund, and me and my wife have decided not to make any primary contributions because we support different candidates and we don't want to start a donation war.


by randomscientist on Mon May 12, 2008 at 11:54:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

where the money's going (1.00 / 1)

Wolfson acknowledged on Fox yesterday that she owes about $20 million yesterday, an eye-popping figure that she can only repay with primary dollars.  Which is to say, I would hate to be one of her vendors. (That's not all owed to Indiana caterers: More than half of the money is owed her, and about half of what's left is owed Mark Penn's firm.)
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0 508/Clintons_debt.html
We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Mon May 12, 2008 at 06:40:55 PM EST

Hold on a sec... (none / 0)

So I guess this kid's parents were probably McCain voters.  I'm sure they had no influence on his decision whatsoever.  

Oh, but he's too young to donate to a campaign.  It had to have been in one of his parent's names.

This is ridiculous.  Child indoctrination?  


by broncoelway on Mon May 12, 2008 at 07:39:21 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

That really is tear-jerking. I'm not sure what to think about the fact that a kid is selling his stuff to give the money to Clinton, when the Clintons made $100m in recent years and are pursuing an absolutely quixotic bid for the nomination at this point.

Admirable dedication, but the willingness to accept it would sicken me.


by mattw on Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:10:51 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

A 10 year told me I should vote for Obama. I'm going to wait for advice from an 8 year old who can break the tie before I make my final decision.


by xdem on Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:27:31 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

You Obama followers are so nasty and so self-righteous.

Just reading such negative comments proves to me that Obama will lose in November.

Sometimes, a society gets the government it deserves


by stefystef on Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:32:53 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (2.00 / 1)

A message to some of the Barack supporters on this thread:

Your comments are very very nasty. Look, your guy already has it won--this is a positive message and it should be taken as such. Why do you feel that you have to ruin a moment? I've been pretty even handed with everything in the last week but the kind of comments I'm seeing here really piss me off. It certainly doesn't speak to "unity", that's for sure.


Hillary supporter for Barack Obama in 2008
by zcflint05 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 10:02:34 PM EST

I actually (none / 0)

think the story is a little disheartening and makes me question the motives of the parents. Here you have a little kid entrenched in his closet looking for items he can sell for Hillary's dying campaign? It would seem to me that instead of having the child sell his own memorabilia, the parents might have encouraged him to do extra chores around the house, or mow a neighbors lawn,etc.

I guess I'm not that fond of parents allowing their children to sell items that they may miss later on in life for totally political reasons...especially for a candidate who has as much chance of winning the nom as I have of seeing God tomorrow morning.


"Beauty, more than bitterness, makes the heart break." Sara Teasdale
by april34fff on Mon May 12, 2008 at 11:04:47 PM EST

Re: 11-year-old gives $440 to Clinton campaign (none / 0)

This Obama supporter thinks this is a pretty cool story.  As someone noted above, it should make us proud to be an American.


by chewie5656 on Mon May 12, 2008 at 11:33:11 PM EST


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