Hillary Clinton: Unifier

In an interview with CNN, Hillary Clinton is signaling even more strongly her intention not to use the final weeks of this campaign to take Barack Obama down, as some had feared. For one thing, she reiterated strongly her opinion that it would be a mistake for her supporters to support John McCain in November in the event that she is not the nominee, calling it a "grave error."

"Anybody who has ever voted for me or voted for Barack has much more in common in terms of what we want to see happen in our country and in the world with the other than they do with John McCain," Clinton said on CNN's "The Situation Room."

"I'm going to work my heart out for whoever our nominee is -- obviously I'm still hoping to be that nominee, but I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that anyone who supported me ... understands what a grave error it would be not to vote for Sen. Obama."

In addition, Clinton has taken to defending Obama against a McCain attack rather than amplifying it or remaining neutral with a "well, that's up to voters to decide..." as she's done in the past. Via Josh, here she is on the subject of McCain's "Hamas endorsement" attack:

BLITZER: Here is what McCain said about Barack Obama and I want to get your reaction. He said, "I think," this is McCain, "I think it's very clear who Hamas wants to be the next president of the United States. I think people should understand that I would be Hamas' worst nightmare. If Senator Obama is favored by Hamas, I think people can make judgments accordingly." McCain was referring to a statement by the North American spokesman for Hamas endorsing, in effect, Barack Obama. Is McCain right?

CLINTON: No, I think that that's really an overstatement, an exaggeration of any kind of political meaning and I don't think that anybody should take that seriously.

I'm glad to see this shift. As we saw from the results last night, Clinton still has a compelling case to make to superdelegates for her own electability, but she appears unwilling to pursue the line of argument at the expense of the likely nominee. I can only hope that now her most ardent supporters will follow her lead.



Display:


Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 3)

Good, keep it up Hillary!


by BlueGAinDC on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:38:25 PM EST

Now if only Obama would make the same pledge (2.00 / 2)

for if Hillary wins.


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:33:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

He has (2.00 / 1)

And despite the noise from some Obama supporters, most of us would gladly support Clinton over McCain if she was the nominee.


by protothad on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:07:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 1)

Thank you, Hillary.


by DeskHack on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:40:56 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 1)

She was really great, and I'm no Clinton fan (although I'm not a hater either).


by DPW on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:41:02 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

I read on CNN that she got emotional when talking about Hillary.  Of course some Obama fans will jump all over this and call it a stunt on her part.  UGH there is no limit to the level some people will stoop.  Makes me absolutely ashamed and disgusted by my party, even moreso than I was in 2000.


by JustJennifer on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:42:24 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Oops I meant when she was talking about Chelsea.


by JustJennifer on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:42:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 2)

How about you wait until somebody says that before you get angry over it. The only person I have read that suggested that it's a stunt is you.


Voting for John McCain is not God bless America.
by SFValues on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:44:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Saw comments posted on cnn.com about it already.


by JustJennifer on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:47:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

And look here:

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/5/14/1626 18/776


by JustJennifer on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:50:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The Horror! the Horror! (none / 0)

that's a million time worse than anything Richard Mellon Scaife has ever said about Hillary.


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:52:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Horror! the Horror! (none / 0)

What the hell does that have to do with anything?  

Attacks on someone for showing her feelings about being a mother are pithy and juvenile and they totally turn of those of us who can relate to her on this level - you know, the old hag white women who don't matter to your candidate?


by JustJennifer on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:55:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Horror! the Horror! (2.00 / 2)

Ya, that makes sense.

One a-hole writes some mean stuff about Clinton on a blog and therefore Obama hates older white women.

Seems logical to me.


Voting for John McCain is not God bless America.
by SFValues on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:56:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Horror! the Horror! (2.00 / 2)

Where exactly did Obama say "old hag white women" didn't matter?

Oh, wait. He didn't. He never did, and he never will. You just made that up, and chose a lot of ugly words to project your feelings onto Obama.

Carry on, then!


should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?
by Firewall on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:57:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Horror! the Horror! (none / 0)

Please don't project your own derogatory self image on either the opposing candidate or on other women your age. In fact, I'd say you owe them both an apology.


Avoid the word "socialism" when conversing with me, and I'll avoid the term "ignoramus" when responding to you.
by Sumo Vita on Thu May 15, 2008 at 12:26:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Why get ugly? (2.00 / 4)

Damn. I'm an Obama supporter, and am very pleased to see Hillary say this, why do you have insinuate Obama folks will attack? Come on.
GeauxBama!
by DailyKingFish on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:46:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

no. you got it right the first time. (none / 0)

Freudian slip.


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:46:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: no. you got it right the first time. (none / 0)

Yeah you are right.  She doesn't care about Chelsea either.  She only cares about herself.  <rolling eyes>


by JustJennifer on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:48:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 3)

Please try not to preemtively smear us. I, and the VAST majority of Obama supporters, have no issue with Senator Clinton loving her daughter.


John McCain
by Mandoliniment on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:56:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 6)

This thread is about unifying, and you go and drag it in the mud.  There are plenty of obnoxious supporters of both candidates.  Ignore them.


I voted for Hillary!
by deepee on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:03:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 1)

I usually ignore the comments that are rude unless they strike a personal chord with me.  This type of stuff bothers me immensely because it goes right to the heart of the double standard that women have to live with every day - if we are emotional about our lives, our children, our marriages, etc.  we are weak and pathetic.  If we never show any emotion at all we are frigid and bitchy.  Either way we, or rather in this case she, can't win no matter what.  


by JustJennifer on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:15:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

It's becoming increasingly apparent to me that those offensive adjectives you just chose to describe women with are demonstrably your OWN opinion, one that you routinely project on others.

Because no one here, not even the random blogger you targetted with your earlier grievances, has ever insinuated that Hillary's emotional behavior was "weak and pathetic". His allegation, valid or not, was that it was politically motivated.

I recommend further introspection before any further knee-jerk responses to perceived "attacks".


Avoid the word "socialism" when conversing with me, and I'll avoid the term "ignoramus" when responding to you.
by Sumo Vita on Thu May 15, 2008 at 12:41:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Don't let a noisy few... (2.00 / 1)

give you the wrong idea.  Most of us share the same ideals and don't harbor that sort of animosity toward fellow Dems.  It is just that the 'haters' seem the most motivated to be heard.  I suspect most of that filth comes from only a few people... some of it might even be redstaters and freepers trying to divide us.  Don't loose faith in your fellow progressives... its what the other side wants.


by protothad on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:13:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Well, if we've learned anything in this campaign, it is that there is 'no limit to the level' to which Hillary will stoop.

That much has been made abundantly clear.

So, did she almost turn on the faucets again? It worked for her in New Hampshire...


by John Poet on Thu May 15, 2008 at 01:27:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

It would be nice (none / 0)

if some of her supporters would take the same tone...

Not going to happen around here most likely though.


Oh Mammy Dear, we're all mad over here livin' in America
by JDF on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:42:27 PM EST

Re: It would be nice (2.00 / 4)

I think her unequivocal statements today will go a long way to cooling tensions and passions on both sides.
GeauxBama!
by DailyKingFish on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:48:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

hey (2.00 / 1)

I have seen you around since Don won.  thanks for blogging about his race.


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:59:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: hey (2.00 / 1)

More than happy to do it. Don's a great guy. Looking forward to blogging about LA-04 and LA-07 this summer and fall, along with LA-06 and LA-03.
GeauxBama!
by DailyKingFish on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:34:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It would be nice (2.00 / 1)

I sincerely hope you are right!!


Oh Mammy Dear, we're all mad over here livin' in America
by JDF on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:06:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Some of us Obama supporter are just as bad (none / 0)

I suggest we all try to be forgiving of those people who let their enthusiasm trump their manners, regardless of which candidate they support.  Just let the nomination process run its course.  It only has a few weeks left at this point.


by protothad on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:17:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 5)

I don't think anyone has the slightest problem with Clinton running from now to the end of time if she runs this way.  It's good to see this.  Hopefully we can unite soon.


But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
by thezzyzx on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:42:48 PM EST

It's less problematic, for sure (none / 0)

But there is still the issue of getting her most ardent supporters to come back to the fold. That's what's in the balance here, I think.



McCain
by Black Anus on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:00:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 1)

This is classy, important, and the first of many (I hope).  We are in this together.  She knows this.


by the mollusk on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:43:18 PM EST

I'll see it when I believe it. (2.00 / 2)

She's played this song and dance before. Actually, some of the ugliest things from this campaign have come right after she praised Obama in public spheres.


should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?
by Firewall on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:43:26 PM EST

Re: I'll see it when I believe it. (none / 0)

Exactly.... let's see what happens, here..


"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 Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:51:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 2)

Two very good statements; haven't seen the whole interview but I'm happy to see her say this.


John McCain
by Mandoliniment on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:43:54 PM EST

So Hillary disagrees with her hardliners (2.00 / 1)

So Hillary disagrees with her hardline supporters who want her to wage a fight on the convention floor.

Good for her!


"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!
by Al Rodgers on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:44:17 PM EST

From Todd to God's ears to all Democrats ... (2.00 / 2)

"I can only hope that now her most ardent supporters will follow her lead."
I can only hope that supporters of both Hillary and Barack can find it in themselves to argue only over how to count FL/MI delegates, and promote their candidates' policies, rather than tear down the opposing candidate.
GeauxBama!
by DailyKingFish on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:44:24 PM EST

Re: From Todd to God's ears to all Democrats ... (2.00 / 3)

Agreed.  

I would also hope that both sides could start from the following places:

Obama supporters acknowledging that Michigan and Florida should be awarded delegates in some fashion, and that those delegates should be related to the vote totals, not simply evenly divided.

Clinton supporters accept that Obama would have gotten votes in Michigan had he been on the ballot, and that most of the "undeclared" votes were votes for Obama.  (After all, if your argument is "count the votes" it seems hypocritical to add "but not the votes of the people that wanted a candidate other than Hillary but were denied that opportunity because he wasn't on the ballot")  And that, therefore, Obama shouldn't get 0 delegates in Michigan.  

That may be too much to ask for, of course.  


Saxby Chambliss
by bosdcla14 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:54:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Argument Trumps Math (none / 0)

Hillary's argument re: electability trumps "the math," so I'm not surprised that she is "conciliatory."

I would be in a no-sweat mode, too, if I knew that the decision for electability was left up to those who deal with elections all the time.


by Zeitgeist9000 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:45:04 PM EST

Re: Argument Trumps Math (none / 0)

So you think superdelegates are going to start breaking for Clinton? You wouldn't want to bet on that, would you?


by Mullibok on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:48:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Argument Trumps Math (none / 0)

No; I only make bets I know I'm going to lose.


by Zeitgeist9000 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:53:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Argument Trumps Math (none / 0)

You should get a job with the Clinton campaign.


by Barrett Brown on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:13:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Argument Trumps Math (none / 0)

She'd better be sweating.... 'cos the supers ain't buying it... and they don't like the clintons... they fear them, but once that fear is gone... it will be a deluge.


"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 Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:49:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't think it's that at all (2.00 / 2)

The supers have other reasons for holding off.  I wouldn't read too much into it.

If Clinton keeps this tone and ends on a high note, she's in a much better position.  We're all in a much better position.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:07:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Its about perception (none / 0)

The supers don't want to be seen as being the deciding factor before the voters have had their say.  That is why most of the remaining SDs will wait until after the primaries are done and a FL and MI compromise is worked out.  This needs to unwind in a way that most of the Dem electorate accept.  Note that 'accept' is entirely different than 'totally happy with'.


by protothad on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:29:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Argument Trumps Math (none / 0)

Could you explain why you think the Supers hate the Clintons - 25 words or less -- in your own words, please?


by pan230oh on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:15:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Class Act in the end - Senator Hillary Clinton (2.00 / 4)

Here is a person who understands what is at stake, no matter how hard I have railed against her and some of her supporters.

Alegre?  LittleOtter?

Are you listening to your candidate, or do you disrespect her?

-chris


Motley Moose: Progress Through Politics
by chrisblask on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:45:14 PM EST

Re: Class Act in the end - Senator Hillary Clinton (2.00 / 1)

They're too busy arguing Obama's 100% pro-choice rating is somehow worse than Hillary's 100% pro-choice rating.


should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?
by Firewall on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:51:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Class Act in the end - Senator Hillary Clinton (none / 0)

I can't wait to rec Alegre's first pro-Obama diary!

:o)


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:32:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh, you will wait... (none / 0)


Motley Moose: Progress Through Politics
by chrisblask on Wed May 14, 2008 at 10:54:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

The lady has a lot of class.


Voting for John McCain is not God bless America.
by SFValues on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:45:33 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 3)

Wow.  That was really good of her, defending Obama from rightwing attacks.  Time for mydd to follow suit.


by Skaje on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:46:29 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

You know, MyDD has actually calmed down quite a bit recently.  I can't remember the last Wright/Ayers/Rezko diary on the rec list.


But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
by thezzyzx on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:49:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 1)

Yesterday on the front page Obama was called the Democratic Bush, so this site has a ways to go.


Voting for John McCain is not God bless America.
by SFValues on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:50:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 2)

Ok, there is that, but in my defense, I pretended it didn't happen ;)


But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
by thezzyzx on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:53:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Fair enough lol


Voting for John McCain is not God bless America.
by SFValues on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:54:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 1)

That's very nice of her. I do appreciate her saying those things.

I might be tempted to send her campaign money, after seeing this.


Obama/Warner 2008
by MissVA on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:47:37 PM EST

wow- Hillary isn't really Satan after all... (2.00 / 3)

Of course she will back up Obama now that the campaigns are getting close to the end.  She's a politician, not some Evil Wizard.  She's a Democrat- and she and Obama have a lot in common.  Just because Hillary has been tough on Obama does not mean that she won't get behind him IF he's the nominee.  Now that it's closer to the end- I think both candidates will be careful not to attack each other too harshly.  At this point- everyone knows what they need to know in order to vote.  Obama's strengths/weaknesses vs. Hillary's strength/weaknesses.  I honestly believe that at the end of the day it's about demographics for these 2 candidates.  Hillary is strong on her turf- and Obama strong on his.  I personally think he's gonna have a seriously challenging time beating McCain.  I mean, this will be way way harder than it was for even John Kerry.  Obama will need Clinton's legions BIG TIME if he's the nominee.  Same with her- she will need his legions too.  Blah, blah- I'm rambling.


by easyE on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:48:46 PM EST

ditto (none / 0)

absolutely. I wrote a diary on this, because the Clintons own the other half of the party, who'll they will loan Obama, and he better pay them back good.


"there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right in America"-William Jefferson Clinton, forty-second President of the United States
by DiamondJay on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:17:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 2)

I'm not a Clinton supporter, but these are welcome words.


by NewOaklandDem on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:50:14 PM EST

I caught the change of tone last night (none / 0)

and I'm glad for the shift.  Clinton obviously represents a large faction of the Democratic party and should have a voice in making their concerns known, but that's hard to do in the middle of intercine sniping.


by Rorgg on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:51:17 PM EST

Re: I caught the change of tone last night (2.00 / 3)

I support any Democrat getting behind our nominee and keeping the party strong.


by Reeves on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:57:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 2)

As an Obama supporter all I can say: Well said Madame Senator. May we all heed you words.


Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.
by jsfox on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:57:33 PM EST

If it was the same interview... (2.00 / 2)

... she also said she agreed with Rangel that her comments about "hard-working" Americans were the dumbest thing she could have said. Good to see her stepping back off of that ledge as well.


"Mom, baseball, apple pie, and a unified Democratic juggernaut."
by Purplepeople on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:01:34 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Those are great words.  When is Jerome going to start talking like that?


I voted for Hillary!
by deepee on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:05:28 PM EST

Yeap it was unifying (2.00 / 1)

And it was everything I wanted to hear.

Way to go Hillary. You hit a home run late in the game (against the Republican Party and McCain).


My thoughts on McCain: I have no desire to let that idiot fulfill his desire to "Bomb Iran"
by Otaku Saru on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:06:59 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

It's a great interview.  Sen. Clinton showed off her best attributes: firm grasp of policy, deep intelligence, strength of character.  I thought she was unconvincing on the gas tax holiday--she seemed like she didn't have faith in her own argument.  

But she's an extraordinary Democrat and I look forward to the time when she and Sen. Obama join forces--either as Pres/VP candidates or through support and fundraising--against Sen. McCain.


What is The October Protocol?
by Koan on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:07:10 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 2)

You know, watching that interview reminds me of how much of a better candidate she could have been had she stuck to her classy instincts and not listened to Mark Penn.


by thewrath on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:13:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeap (none / 0)

And that is the story of the 2008 primary season.
We should all blame Mark Penn, and throw rotten eggs at him whenever we see him.
My thoughts on McCain: I have no desire to let that idiot fulfill his desire to "Bomb Iran"
by Otaku Saru on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:18:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Agreed.  It was a shame when she went "kitchen sink" after that debate where everyone jumped on her so-called "elegiac" closing statement.  I think she let Penn and others convince her that being classy and issues-oriented wasn't working, and that she needed to go demagogic and negative.  Remember the look on her face when she said the "Xerox" line?  It looked like she gagged on it.  She's always been better than that.

She's going to be a powerful asset for the Dems this November, and an absolute lion in the Senate.


What is The October Protocol?
by Koan on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:46:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I hope sincerely that this is the case. (2.00 / 1)

This is the kind of person I want as a Democrat in the Senate... perhaps even Senate Majority Leader (Reid's passive aggression drives me nuts... fight, damn you!)

I said in an earlier diary that I think that the best way to counter Obama's weakness in Appalachia is to set loose the Clintons.  If anyone can get Obama's message (which is largely Clinton's message, too) through to West Virginians, it's Hillary and the Big Dog.

Chelsea can just hang out with me and heckle the Republican National Convention here in the Twin Cities.


You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:12:39 PM EST

Re: I hope sincerely that this is the case. (none / 0)

This is the kind of person I want as a Democrat in the Senate... perhaps even Senate Majority Leader (Reid's passive aggression drives me nuts... fight, damn you!)

I've become convinced that he just doesn't know how. Reid seems to think it's his job to get along with everyone all the time, and he couldn't be more wrong. Sometimes you have to hit the other side in the teeth, and he's not up to it.


"It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety". Salvor Hardin
by Denny Crane on Thu May 15, 2008 at 12:31:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I hope sincerely that this is the case. (none / 0)

Getting along and getting slapped around is what most congressional democrats do best - not just Reid.


Avoid the word "socialism" when conversing with me, and I'll avoid the term "ignoramus" when responding to you.
by Sumo Vita on Thu May 15, 2008 at 12:53:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I hope sincerely that this is the case. (none / 0)

Very true, unfortunately.


"It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety". Salvor Hardin
by Denny Crane on Thu May 15, 2008 at 09:07:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 1)

I voted for Obama, but I hope this means she's gotten a concession on UHC-- her plan is so much better.


by redwoodsummer on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:13:57 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

We will see.  I want to believe, I really do.  Her actions will speak louder than words come the GE campaign season.


'The only people for me are the mad ones, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing ...'
by stryan on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:18:14 PM EST

She's damn well unifying this blog (none / 0)

Clinton is a very, very strong candidate. I am certain that the assertion that she is a unifier, is a correct one.

Again I will reiterated what I wrote previously. Clinton and Obama enter the room, and they dominate. In the races after Iowa, 76% of the vote went to either Clinton, or Obama.

Clearly, the electorate had two great choices.


by Trey Rentz on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:21:41 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 3)

As a current Obama supporter and a former Clinton supporter, I would say:

1. Well said. She has been a great fighter and a strong opponent who has sharpened and toughened Obama's message, which will produce results in the general election. I hope that all of the Clinton supporters here and elsewhere take her words to heart. Better a Democrat in the White House that you have some differences with (and can work with) than McCain, who will take the country even further into the cesspool.

2. Yes, her health care proposal is stronger. With this and Edwards' possible endorsement, Obama may shift some of his emphasis on his. Remember, though, any campaign proposal is only the opening card to be played in a long, long process. Don't imagine that any candidate will just march to Congress and have adopted the plan of his or her choice.

3.  With the Clintons behind Obama, I feel better already (and I know that she will keep her options open until the actual convention vote). We need a united party in November. This means that Obama supporters start treating their counterparts with respect and common purpose, and vice versa.


by anoregonreader on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:31:36 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

It won't make any diff. for who I vote for. I have long ago decided to vote against Obama.


by bsavage on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:41:05 PM EST

Uh Huh (none / 0)

So you decided to become a Republican, why?  

You honestly believe that four more years of Bush is better than Obama?  Did he quietly steal your children? burn down your house? steal your last pop tart?  Really, I don't get it.  I can't understand what's so abhorrent to people about this man.  I don't think he's the messiah, but he seems pretty damn alright, smart, and qualified to me.  

Have you not been paying attention to what's been going on the past 4 years?


by thurst on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:26:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Uh Huh (none / 0)

Are you really trying to engage this person?  If not, that's fine. But if you are, the smart-ass routine probably isn't the best way to go about it.


"It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety". Salvor Hardin
by Denny Crane on Thu May 15, 2008 at 12:34:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Uh Huh (none / 0)

Why is the burden of engagement only on one side? What is with this entitlement attitude about how one side "needs" the other?

His supporters aren't about to win anything more than every last citizen of this country will. There will be no buying of loyalties, and no groveling for it either.

Those that are sensible will vote out McSame, and with him all and any semblance of the past nightmarish 8 years. They will do so because they recognize that it is in their own interests to do so.

Those that don't, won't. No amount of groveling or soothing of ruffled feathers will make a difference.


Avoid the word "socialism" when conversing with me, and I'll avoid the term "ignoramus" when responding to you.
by Sumo Vita on Thu May 15, 2008 at 01:06:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Great.  Democracy is wonderful, and you can vote for whomever you like, for whatever reason.  Seriously, I do respect that, and I'm not kidding.

That being said, why are you still here then?  


by Reaper0Bot0 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 10:15:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

You mean the unfounded and vicious accusations thrown at Clinton by the Inspired ones have been proven to be false?

You don't say!

This campaign has been a farce from the start.


by Juno on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:43:38 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Follow your candidate's lead.  Be classy.


What is The October Protocol?
by Koan on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:49:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Obama supporters have no business accusing anyone else of lacking class.

She proved you wrong, and I'll call you out on it.  I didn't like it when Bush won via false accusations toward his opponents, and I don't like it now.


by Juno on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:57:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Seriously, this is a UNIFYING diary, why are you trying to start a dust up?


by shalca on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:02:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

Please.

Okay, we'll set up a rule that we all must march lockstep behind Obama from now on, no criticism allowed, and everything will be about unity when the news is happy for Obama, and we'll go back to bashing Clinton when Obamans decide unity moment is over.

No, I'm not trying to start a dustup.  I merely pointed out that a very nasty mantra that was repeated over and over by Obama supporters proved to be FALSE.

I am tired of Obamans thinking they can dictate the converstation.  The hubris is breathtaking.


by Juno on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:13:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (2.00 / 1)

Please, most of us Obama supporters never believed the sort of garbage spewed by those noisy few.  We were just too busy phone banking and canvasing and such to police what the kids were doing on the interweb.

If you make judgments about all Obama supporters based on the actions of just the trolls, you risk falling into the same sort of trap of generalization that is at the heart of sexism and racism and intolerance of all sorts.  I am an Obama supporter and I have never engaged in Clinton trash-talk.  MOST Obama supporters have never done it.  It is only a small (but unfortunately noisy) slice of us that are guilty of that kind of immaturity.  It is not unique to us... Clinton and other candidates have their share also.  Let also not forget that some of those people could just be freepers trying to divide us.

Peace


by protothad on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:53:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

"She proved you wrong, and I'll call you out on it."

Could you explain this?  Me?  Or, like, the unified bloc of Obama supporters?  Who exactly are you calling out on what?

I'm watching Sen. Clinton on CNN again right now and she is a paragon of class.


What is The October Protocol?
by Koan on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:20:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This is an unfortunate part of human nature (none / 0)

Our tendency to reduce groups of people into monolithic blocks that we can assign a label too and treat like a single person.  Our primate brains have the capacity to comprehend only a finite number of individuals (on average about 150), so we resort to symbols and abstractions to deal with larger groups.  This is how stereotypes are formed.  It is at the heart of most bigotry.

The number of supposed Obama supporters that trash talk on the tubes is a vanishingly small percentage of the 1 to 2 million active volunteers/donors, and an even smaller percentage of the people who have voted for him... yet is evidently enough to convince some people that ALL Obama supporters are like that.  Of course the same analysis is true regarding Clinton supporters (the HillaryIs44 crowd has not helped in that regard).

How about we all try and be a bit more evolved, use a bit more of our primate brain, realize that not all Obama or Clinton supporters are jerks, and remember that the Neocons are the real enemy.

Peace, Unity, Victory in November!


by protothad on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:10:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (1.00 / 1)

Come on we can all agree that BO supporters will never stop smearing her and demeaning her supporters as they try to take over the democratic party and kick out the clinton's as us.

david


by giusd on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:54:57 PM EST

This was snark, right? (none / 0)

EOM


by protothad on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:14:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Come on now - (none / 0)

I was beginning to think all of Hillary's supporters had fled the site


by pan230oh on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:17:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Come on now - (none / 0)

You were wrong.


"It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety". Salvor Hardin
by Denny Crane on Thu May 15, 2008 at 12:38:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Stay Classy Hillary Clinton (none / 0)

This is the second time in this campaign that I can truly say that Hillary Clinton is being particularly classy.  I also heard that she said that her "working, hard-working Americans, White Americans" statement was a dumb mistake.  This is the first time I've heard of any type of apology for it and I'm grateful she's done this.  It really goes a long way to mending my view of her, and will do the same for the African American community.

I will say though that the first  time I was moved by Clinton was during a debate where she said that she and Obama would be friends after the election.  Unfortunately, she killed all my warm feelings the following day with her "shame on you" moment.


by shalca on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:01:20 PM EST

Hillary has class (none / 0)

I'm an Obama supporter, but I never doubted her loyalty to the Dem party and the American people.  She understands how important it is that we work together to defeat McCain and the Republicans.


by protothad on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:05:10 PM EST

Nah. (none / 0)


formerly bookgirl
by masslib1 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:29:00 PM EST

Obama, Clinton agree to DNC fundraising agreement (none / 0)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Democratic Party has reached an unusual joint fundraising agreement with both its remaining presidential candidates, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

The agreement, announced Wednesday, creates a new entity, the "Democratic White House Victory Fund" -- a move which will allow both candidates to fundraise for the cash-strapped Democratic National Committee, and to help shoulder some of their primary and general election expenses. John McCain has already created his own Victory Fund with the Republican National Committee - but those funds are usually created after a nominee has been decided.

Obama and the DNC had come to an agreement several weeks ago.

"In signing this agreement, Senator Clinton and Senator Obama are demonstrating their commitment to unifying our party and ensuring that we have the resources needed to win the White House, no matter who the nominee is," said DNC Chairman Howard Dean in a statement. The message is clear. Democrats are unified to put a Democrat back in the White House so we can get our economy back on track, bring our troops home and finally do something about our ailing health care system."


by Jeter on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:29:30 PM EST

Take example (none / 0)

And give back the REC privledges that were taken away.


Unable to rec or rate

Read this: http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/5/15/1427 30/254

by GeorgeP922 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:31:07 PM EST

Re: Hillary Clinton: Unifier (none / 0)

I find this whole exchange (16:37 EDT through 19:19 EDT) quite amusing. First of all, the "harmony" you find in this post is mostly Obama supporter "groupthink" - Attempts at real discourse on this site have been significantly stifled by sophomoric rudeness and disrespect. As there appears to be no room to consider the facts of the matter (ie: there are still two viable candidates in the race), many folks have taken their thoughts elsewhere.
The other observation is one of complete irony - here we are entering the last phase of the primary season and the person that actually acknowledges that pulling the party together is going to require some WORK (notice I didn't say HOPE) and takes the first step towards honest reconciliation is Hillary Clinton. She gets my vote as the UNIFIER and LEADER of the DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
by pan230oh on Wed May 14, 2008 at 07:26:47 PM EST

I have been mostly ambivilant... (none / 0)

...about this primary.

I was originally an Edwards supporter and when he dropped out I was never really drawn to either Clinton or Obama.  I figured either would be just as good as the other.  I didn't even vote in my state's primary for that reason.

but I have always been of the belief, of both candidates, that it was less important WHO won or lost but HOW they won or lost.

I have thus far liked how Obama has been winning, and disliked how Clinton has been losing.  I do look forward to a more graceful Clinton and hope we can come together before November.


by DawnG on Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:00:52 PM EST

it is Obama supporters that need to make this (none / 0)

pledge of unity, that is abundantly clear


by Molee on Wed May 14, 2008 at 11:37:30 PM EST


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