CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS
Aug. 1, 2008 – 6:13 p.m.
Clinton Supporters Wondering: Will She Be Nominated at the Convention?
By Marie Horrigan, CQ Staff
While Hillary Rodham Clinton has not made any final decisions about whether she wants to be nominated for president at the Democratic National Convention, a New York Daily News report said she has asked not to be nominated. But some of her supporters continue to press ahead.
Clinton spokeswoman Kathleen Strand said in a statement Friday that Clinton was “100 percent committed to helping Barack Obama become the next president of the United States and realizes there are passionate feelings that remain among many of her supporters.” Strand said that no decisions have been made but, when they are, “they will be made collaboratively with Senator Clinton and her staff, the DNC and Senator Obama’s campaign.”
Toni Alves, a Clinton advocate, said she attended a Clinton fundraiser Thursday in Palo Alto, Calif., where the senator indicated she thought her nomination would be good for party unity. Alves told CQ Politics that Clinton said she wanted her supporters to have their voices heard and her delegates to have the chance to vote for her at the convention.
Some Democratic activists are moving ahead with plans to finish gathering delegate signatures for a nominating petition for Clinton. Will Bower, co-founder of the pro-Clinton group PUMA (“Party Unity My Ass”), said the organization has 200 of the 300 delegate signatures necessary to qualify Clinton for the ballot. Party rules stipulate that Clinton would have to sign off on her own nomination.
Bower said the Daily News report was an attempt by the media to quash the petition drive. “It’s not true. She wants her name to be placed in nomination but she can’t actively ask for delegates to do it because she has suspended her campaign and that would be campaigning. But we can make sure the petition is in place for her to sign if and when she needs to or wants to at the convention,” he said.
Bower also said PUMA is holding a closed conference Aug. 8-10 in Washington during which activists will meet to coordinate their strategy for the Democratic National Convention and also to try to secure the final 100 signatures necessary to get Clinton nominated.
Heidi Li Feldman, a Georgetown University law professor, co-founded The Denver Group to push a roll call vote on Clinton’s nomination. She says Clinton is in a tenuous political situation, caught between her desire not to undermine Obama’s candidacy or Democratic efforts to win the White House, and giving voice to her supporters and delegates.
The Democratic National Committee and Democratic leadership “has chilled her speech,” Feldman claims. She charges that the Democratic Party leadership spent the entire primary season telling Clinton to get out of the race, “so she has every reason to believe that they’ll start beating that drum again” if she makes any sort of public statement.
Feldman added that she would continue raising money to help Clinton’s nomination “unless and until she says ‘I am releasing my delegates.’”
Jonathan Allen contributed to this report.
Comments
I am a Dem. but will not vote for obama. I think Hillary deserves to be on the roll call. obama will loose, just look at the polls. he has to much bagage and people are no longer in love with him. The true obama is showing and it is not pretty anymore! He has lost the trust of the American people and will never be able to get it back. I am one of the 18 million voices for Hillary and will be heard!!
This strikes me as a move which is poorly thought out. For example: for the sake of discussion, pretend for a moment that the required number of signatures are gathered for a petition. If Clinton were to then sign off on the petition and place her name on the ballot at the convention, and ultimately lose, what are the consequences? Wouldn't she then infuriate the "party leadership," whom one presumes would be important if she wishes to run again in 2012? If Clinton were to win, and become the democratic nominee, then what? Are the results of the Democratic Primary Election just ignored? What would she do about the charges of "stealing the election" or "back room deals" which are sure to arise? In either case, what would the legal repercussions be? Would there be trouble in relation to campaign financing laws? Finally, has such a petition been successfully raised at past conventions, and if so, was the person nominated ultimately elected to be president? Can anyone give an example of a past president for whom such a strategy was used? (I am trying to Google all of this, but not having much luck. If anyone has a suggestion for a site (preferably one without preferential overtones, but that simply relates dry historical fact) I would be interested in research the question.
I agree 100% with B. Russell. I am convinced that Obama can not win. He won the primaries by playing the race card against Clintons. He has tried the same tactics against McCain and how they have come back to bite. Clintons could not call him out but Republicans have no qualms. McCain does not need the black vote to win. I have never voted for a Republican and I never will. However, I cannot vote for Obama. Only thing that will change that is if Hillary was on the ticket.
My dear Jennifer Do you mean BACK ROOM DEALS Like the BDC Meeting where all the Rules were Thrown Out. In Favor of The Oblama. As for the Results of the Primary Election being Ignored. Do you mean like when The afore mentioned RBC IGNORED THE PEOPLE OF MICHIGAN, Broke the rules and gave the chosen one delegates he did not earn. This my dear was in DIRECT VIOLATION OF THE RULES. According to the rules the messiah was not entitled to any delegates from Michigan. NONE AT ALL. As for past times when this has happened. Here is an EXAMPLE IN 1980 TED KENNEDY WAS ALLOWED TO PLACE HIS NAME IN NOMINATION EVEN THOUGH HE HAD ONLY 700 DELEGATES TOTAL. No one asked him to get out of the race even after Jimmy Carter had clinched the nomination. Can you Imagine that Hillary was Being bullied by the DNC an the O bots to GET OUT even though she had AMASSED OVER 1500 DELEGATES. AND YOU GUYS WONDER WHY WE SAY Party Unity My Ass NObama Never This Lifelong dem will vote McCain if the DNC Nominates the Unifier.
Hillary Rocks and everyone else is so scared of her winning. They talk about democracy -- what a load of crap. Scare tatics. They can't fight a fair fight -- only dirty fighting. Americans are waking up.
Jennifer in Texas: #1 Your argument for the sake of discussion supposes Hillary would lose at the convention. #2 You can bet the party leadership be out of jobs, and in the case of Donna Brazile implode, by 2012. #3 The result of the Democratic Primary have already been ignored by making Obama the presumptive nominee. #4 If Hillary won at the convention, there would be no need for "backroom deals". That what transparency means, to have an open vote and have everyone accountable for his vote. #5 You'll be very well educated about the legality of campaign finance laws after the Feds investigate Obama's overseas Internet contributions. #5 For further study please research the Democratic National Convention of 1932 in which Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected. Insert the name Hillary Clinton whenever FDR's comes up.
I also agree with B. Russell and completely disagree with Jenniferfrom Texas. Hillary Clinton supporters are pissed off at the way she was treated during the entire campaign. Her campaign is just as historic as Obama's. She won the popular vote. She deserves to have her name put into nomination. Obama and the DNC don't want that because she could actually WIN and wouldn't the look stupid?!! If there is to be any party unity and that's a long shot, her name must be put into nomination. Obama spent a lot of his supporter's money painting his plane and buying beer and brauts for his Berlin crowd. If he's got any money left he can help her campaign for President.
Her name must be placed into nomination. Her campaign was just as historic although more to me as his was. There will be no party unity (my ass) unless this is done.
I understand the feelings of Clinton supporters but I really wish you people would just get over it and help us in trying to take back the White House in November. This bitter divisiveness will do nothing to Insure that the Democratic agenda is advanced. There is FAR too much at stake. And saying that Obama CAN'T win is asinine, just as it would be if anyone said that about Hillary. To Jennifer: the only election I can think of where such a scenario has happened is in the election of 1912. Link is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election%2C_1912
Jennifer in Texas, instead of googling you should go to your local library and read up on Democratic Party Conventions. Up to now, these have not been simple info-tainments in stadiums, but have been places where issues and platforms have been discussed and candidates fought over. They were places where delegates VOTED and ballots held. Things often got quite heated at conventions. This year neither Obama nor Hillary reached the required number of pledged delegates-or have you coveniently forgotten that? However I'm sure that if you bothered to google you'd find that out too.
Please go to www.hcsfjm.com and listen to the radio show where Toni and Simone made these statement. Also you will see her video posted in our forum. Senator Clinton is back in this fight and you can hear this 1st hand at our web site. Thanks Ed Hale
NEVER BEFORE HAVE WE AS AMERICANS ACTIVELY GONE DOWN A ROAD TOWARD A ONE NAME BALLOT, AS IN THIS INSTANCE, WITH SUCH STUPID GLEE. A ONE NAME BALLOT IS UNAMERICAN AND UNDEMOCRATIC! THERE IS A PROCESS IN PLACE, THE RULES ALLOW FOR THIS AS IT HAS FOR MANY MEN BEFORE HILLARY HAVE DONE. WHY SHOULD IT BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME AROUND, BECAUSE OBAMA IS BLACK?
Jennifer in Texas (August 01, 2008 9:53 PM) SAID: "...If Clinton were to win, and become the democratic nominee, then what? Are the results of the Democratic Primary Election just ignored..." MY RESPONSE: Neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama won enough pledged delegate through the primary process to secure the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. Superdelegates must cast an official vote at the convention to push Clinton or Obama to victory. Let there be a nomination vote by superdelegates. What are the Obama campaign and the DNC leadership so afraid of? Follow a democratic process at the Democratic convention.
Jennifer makes an excellent point. If Clinton wants to continue her potential Presidential aspirations for 2012 ,or hopefully 2016, she would be smart to sit this out. However, if losing the primaries and various challenges to Obama's nomination hasn't been enough for her, it would not surprise me if she should decide to challenge Obama's nomination. By doing that she would be going back on her word to support Obama. But that doesn't matter, politics is politics to the Clintons, and damn the consequeces.
A convention is supposed to be more than a beauty contest for the presumed winner. Historically, we've had conventions that have nominated those who have gone through primary processes, favorite sons, and we've had contested nominations. Barack Obama does not want Hillary's named placed in nomination because it isn't clear he actually won the primary season. Many of the states where he picked up delegates (like the caucus states) and Michigan really didn't support him significantly. I can understand why his campaign has done everything possible to stop this, however, a petition by 300 delegates with her signature is ALL it takes to nominate her. Given his freefall in the polls and racebaiting, I think it's a real possibility that delegates would rethink their support of Obama. Out of tradition, respect for the process, and respect of Senator Clinton and her supporters, her name should be put forward into nomination.
Putting Hillary's name in nomination at the convention could contribute to unity EXCEPT: Her remaining supporters - PUMA - will not accept the outcome unless there is an upset. They have no intention of accepting the outcome as fair. They will continue their complaining about FL and MI for the next 8 years. Hillary knows it too. She just wants a bit show of support so she can parlay that into some advantage for herself in the future. This is not about the party and the country. It's about Hillary. It's shameful.
I would never vote for McCain. The McCain term would be an extension of the 8 year killing spree of the Bush administration. I have a conscience. I will never play a part in the killing for profit of the neocons. This is about our country. It is not about one person, or even one party. It's about our children and their children. A vote for McCain is morally indefensible. People are dying.
I strongly support the move to have Senator Clinton's name place in nomination at the democratic convention. It is a entirely legitimate move and consistent with 'the rules'. She earned this honor and privilege and should not be denied. Recall Ted Kennedy's bold move at his own convention years ago! With such strong-armed opposition by Obama-supporters, I ask you...What is Obama AFRAID OF? It must be that he is truely afraid Senator Clinton would actually WIN and his narcisistic personality could not tolerate such large-scale rejection. His techniques are NOT the kind of change I want or can believe in.
Historically, candidates with delegates have their name placed in nomination. If this is such a "historic" phenomenon why is BO opposed to HRC doing the same thing. This disenfranchised Floridian with 1/2 vote will not vote for Obama unless HRC is nominated and if she is VP. All you youngsters who were so concerned about equal rights, affirmative action, abortion, supreme court, war may need some tough love. It will be from the older "women" and men who fought for these things to make life easier for you. The Democratic Party did not play fair with HRC, therefore, you got what you wanted and it is time for us to leave it all to you. If HRC is not on ticket, I will be voting Mc Cain, I see it as a vote against Obama, staying home will be a vote for Obama. No, I think maybe it is time for all of you who take our 50 years pf progress for granted may need to work a little harder to make up for our slide as Mc Cain selects conversative judges, overturns Roe v Wade ( I don't care, I'm too old for abortion, eliminates equal rights and pay, and affirmative action programs, why should I care, I am not looking for work or an education. Have at, tough love may be the only answer. Don't underestimate the outrage.
Jennifer in TX: You have your facts wrong. Obama didn't have enough pledged delegates to win the nomination. It was the Dean/Brazile/Pelosi cabal who forced the superdelegates to declare their intentions before they actually cast their votes at the convention to state their preferences ahead of time. This is how Obama wins. Letting things play out was just too much democracy for the Democratic Party.
Does anyone think Hillary needs the Black vote to win? If not, go Hillary.
WHy oh Why oh Why is there no website where I can sign up and vote for Hillary on the spot!!!!!!???!!!!!!! Then we could tally our support for Hillary and show the world we are a huge block of ardent loyal supporters ready to vote for McCain if need be, to punish our own party for selecting yet another ruthlessly ambitious power hungry arrested developed little boy to the office of President. Yes, Obama is a brilliant orator but honestly his void of work ethic pales in comparison to Hillary's exemplary record. He voted "present" 100 times instead of making a decisive yes or no. That's no leader. We need a Madam President, not a "Mr. present". Please, can someone tell me where I can go online and vote for Hillary and make my vote count with everyone else's who are committed to Hillary? Is there no one who knows how to make a website where we can all commit to Hillary and be counted as a single voting block/force? I'm ready to sign up. We don't need another chump ass selfish arrogant little punk in the white house. He wants to make history as the first Black man and yet Obama denies the rightful woman to make history as well. It's disgusting. She's earned and he's too cowardly to make her VP because she's more presidential than he is - get over it Obama or you won't be needing a Vice President at all. Show some, grow some Kahoonas and pick Hillary for VP or let's all sign-up somewhere to pledge to vote for McCain and send the link to the Obamazombies!
I think we can all trust Hillary. We help her when we blog about needing a candidate who can win the GE, but how that can happen, I don't know. It now seems unlikely that either Barark or John will win it, they're tied, but neither has hit fifty percent, only Hillary managed to do that. I don't want to wait four years and have John doing whatever he may do, I'd like the candidate to win. this will require party unity, they can't win it with new voters and indies anymore, that window has closed. to win me Barack must show that he can do it not say it. He's for consensus, and half voted for him and half for her. I'd say an open convention and then whichever wins takes the other as VP candidate.
Why do a lot of Clinton supporters think that the democratic national committee was skewed in favor for Obama? I really don't think that the RBC could have foresaw the length of the primary when they voided the Florida and Michigan delegate after they moved up their primaries (and in the process of doing so violating the rules). For crying out loud they are lucky that they are getting any representation at all. Also you may want to remember that she did not make any deal out of the delegates until it became clear that Obama was going to win the nomination. He won fair and square. Deal with it. He won more states and more delegates then she did. Even if Florida and Michigan delegates were counted in full they would not have helped Hillary because she did not get 65% of the vote in either state. That means that she would not have gotten all of their delegates. All of you raging Clinton supporters who are saying that you will vote for McCain, let me ask you this? Do you really want another 4 to 8 years of failed Bush policies? You guys are being childish. Grow up.
I think the country has been through enough, and Hillary should pass on having herself nominated. Time to move ahead; a lot of you might not like it or agree, but Obama is the more electable of the Barack vs. Hillary vs GOP matchup, even while we're all hurtling toward a place never been before, with a candidate of African and American heritage. Forget the PUMA types. They are losers. Hillary Clinton is not a loser. She gave it her best and came up very slightly short. Time to accept that and move along, folks. Sen. Clinton needs to put a stop to this and graciously decline to accept a nomination fight, for the good of the country. Time to present a united front.
Hillary's name must b put in nomination at the convention and there must be a roll call. The super delegates are the ones deciding this because neither Hillary or Obama obtained enough delegates during the primaries to secure the nomination. Obama isn't qualified to be President and he will lose to McCain. Its time the Super Delegates did their job and made sure the DNC has a candidate that is qualified and can win the election. That person is Senator Hillary Clinton.
I will never vote for Obama - under any circumstance, including if he begged HRC to be his VP (please, Hillary, don't do it!!). If Hillary's name is not placed into nomination I will immediately donate to John McCain and vote for him in November. End of subject. PUMA POWER
Stop acting as if this is A DESPERATE attempt to get Senator Clinton as our Democratice Nominee. SHE HAS EARNED HER SEAT TO BE THERE AND WE WILL BE THERE WITH HER.---Why don't you guys GET OVER IT, and respect her enough to give to her, what she accomplished in this primary. Unequivocally, the popular vote.
I refuse to allow the media and the DNC to choose my candidate. Obama is unqualified to be president and in case you haven't noticed his numbers are only getting worse. Her campaign was just as historic as Obama's and please do not foget - she won the popular. She is the people's choice and if the super delegates are paying attention they will throw their support behind her. It will either be Hillary or McCain. There will be no other outcome.
Ari Do your homework. Sally do your homework. Clinton won the poular vote. The DNC RBC rules committee gave Obama delegates in a state where he didn't run and then took 4 from Hillary based on extrapolations from hypothetical exit polls. In addition, Obama was not penalized for fbreaking the rulrs by running TV ads that were seen in Floroida. Tell you what Sally. The country has been through so much! Let's just let Obama be president by self-proclamation. PUMA
Hillary has every right to have her name put in nomination - that won't make it a "fight" it will just show respect for someone who has earned it. I am a PUMA but I hope she is NOT VP candidate. She'll do all the work and Obama will take the credit. Sally: calling someone a "loser" because they disagree with you is childish. I simply will never support Obama, the Democratic version of Bush. I used to think that he would be ok even though I didn't like him because he seemed to be progressive - I no longer think that. He's all out for himself.
What is Obama (and Howard Dean) so afraid of? From time immemorial primary candidates have had their names placed in nomination at the convention. What is so different this year that Hillary must be excluded. Seems to me Obama is afraid to compete.
The only way Obama, won was by back-door deals. If The DNC, had let the news station talk about Obama, in a racist way, like they let them talk in a sexist way about HRC,Obama supporters would be picketing outside of their stations. So who do you think you are, telling us it's time to get over it? This is no longer about votes, this is about a woman being respected, and you young women, better remember this, cuase if they can do it to us, they WILL DO IT TO YOU.
The only reason this is an issue at all is because Barack (worship ME or else!) Obama simply cannot stand to have any other name on the ballot. Witness how he won political office in Chicago-it was by getting all other names off the ballot. He doesn't want voters to have a choice. It's like a Third World Country where the only name on the ballot is that of the dictator. That's why he (through his surrogates) tried to get HRC to stop her campaign during the primaries. Obama is a bogus Chicago thug/politician. NO UNITy behind that!
There are several things to note. I feel empathy towards you hillary supporters, seriously. It's problematic to think this way though. Even assuming Clinton wins a roll call, her reputation is done. Seriously, it's over. The Republicans WILL win. It's guaranteed. If you want to go through all of that effort for the Republicans to win in a democratic year, go ahead. Just remember, the Obama supporters will be livid. Also, please remember that the schematics behind such a "victory" are not there any more. Clinton would have to begin fundraising, pick a VP, start campaigning and begin her campaign anew. Do you know how difficult it is to start a campaign back up? Seriously, it takes an exceedingly long time to get everything up and running (mind you this would have to be done without the support of Sen. Obama's campaign). There is NOTHING more important than putting a democrat back in the white house. The only "fear" that Obama feels is towards the country for fear that no matter who wins, we all lose.
I feel the Obama supporters need to have a reality check. Obama won not on his merits for he was the least qualified of all the Democratic candidates. He won due to caucus manipulation and a media that did not want Hillary as the nominee. The sad part is we could have had a nominee with strength such as Biden, Clinton or Dodd, but settled on someone who lacks leadership skills (voting present 130 times in the Illinois legislature). I will not be voting for him because he is a follower and I do not know who is the power behind his thrust to the top. The problem with our country is we are a bunch of followers who choose not to think for ourselves, but believe what the media spoon feeds us. One thing Obama does have going for him are the bloggers who will say anything in attempts to try and sway voters. I wonder how many of them have really looked into Obama's past history, for if they did, they would see how Obama tells people what they want to hear. He is wishy-washy.
Let her put her name in nomination. She deserves this after such a hard fought battle. The Obama people are not afraid of losing however a floor vote will show just how close this race was. I hope they put her name up for nomination and Obama reconsiders and selects her as his #2.
The NY Daily News article was absolutely factually false! Please CALL them and DEMAND that they retract the story IMMEDIATELY! 212-210-1565 or 212-210-2100 Let them know we will go after their advertisers if they do not. Hit them in the pocket book - that's all that matters to them anyway. Remember, BO supporters would fight like crazed dogs if such falsehoods were printed about him. Moveon.org would galvanize their massive membership to slam NY Daily News. We should do no less!! CALL THEM NOW!!!
It is only democratic to allow Hillary to place her name into nomination and have delegates vote. It is important for party unity to have the nominee be elected, NOT SELECTED. -- or BOUGHT OFF "Money Changes Everything :: Superdelegates Are For Sale" www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLPoV4diMjk
Until the cheating in the caucus states is discussed, http://www.CAUCUSCHEATING.com, and until Barack Obama admits that taking his name off of the ballot in Michigan was purely a political move designed to endear him to Iowa Voters, and until it is recognized that Hillary Clinton won 40 more districts than Barack Obama, there can be no unity. Barack's stroll in Germany just shows his desire to be famous whether or not he has earned it. Please join the postcard movement and mail postcards to the delgates and super delegates., http://www.PROTEST-POSTCARDS.com http://www.POSTCARD-BRIGADE.com
We want Hillary's name on the ballot. We want to preserve the democracy of the Democratic Party. If the DNC help Obama steal the nomination, they will lose our votes forever. PUMA!
I hope Hillary gets the nomination. It would save the reputation of the Democratic Party and would be the best thing that could happen to this country.
Hillary needs to be in nomination and roll call as history tells us. I wonder why the DNC and its elite leaders have the gall to deny such a viable candidate with more popular votes, have the experience, knowledge, tested and transparent. She's is the one who can bring this party together and is the electable one. She can face anyone, anywhere, anytime - just name it. Unlike that noname who choose and picks where he wants to sit. Take it to Denver, millions of us will be there, we need you, the country needs you.
I don't understand why Obama supporters consider Senator Clinton being placed in nomination as such a bad thing unless they know their candidate is on very shakey ground right now. Ted Kennedy was on the roll-call vote and so was Howard Dean during their presidential runs...that is historical fact. That both these men now oppose doing the same with Senator Clinton, who has far more delegates pledged to her than either of them did at this point, is just further proof of the sexist primary campaign that was conducted. The cries for her to step aside as she was winning primary after primary suggests that a "fix" was in with regards to this election. An open and free rollcall is the only way to dispell this scenario. For the younger supporters of Obama, this is nothing new to have a candidate with pledged delegates name placed into nomination. What are you afraid of by giving Senator Clinton the same right to nomination that has been done for years? Your efforts to silence the voices of Senator Clinton's supporters in August will lead to their voices being heard in November. I doubt you will like what you are going to hear.
There has not BEEN a 'primary election.' What has happened has been a backroom deal. An open public vote at the convention is needed to follow the rules. Probably Pelosi and Brazile will rig the convention vote too -- and we 9 million 'Hillary holdouts' (see turndownobama) will continue refusing to vote for Obama and McCain will win. Unless the DNC decides they would like to win, and allows an honest election at the convention that results in a Clinton/Obama ticket. That's the only way to win in Nov. Otherwise it's McCain 2008 and HIllary 2012.
Oh Chris you are so wrong! The most important thing is not putting a democrat in the White House, the most important thing is putting the most QUALIFIED democrat in the White House and that most certainly is NOT Barak Obama. Obama was selected not elected. When Hillary was ahead in super delegates Donna Brazille threatened to quit the party if they were the ones to choose the nominee! Well, what happened? She's still there and neither Hillary or Barak have enough pledged delegates. Is she waiting until the circus .. I mean convention ... is over before she quits?
She was forced out of the race by DNC party leaders, political pundits and, sadly, citizens. Sen. Ted Kennedy challenged President Carter and Kennedy went all the way to the convention with far less delegates than Hillary has and tried to get the SDs to switch from Carter to him. Rev. Jackson went all the way to the convention. Franklin Roosevelt, too. The thing to remember here is that DNC leaders tried forcing her out. She had every right to compete. The actions of the actions of the DNC, the words of the Obama supporters and the words of the male politcal media is a sad commentary on our country. Remove the leaders of the DNC from their positions, raise the consciousness of the citizens on equal rights and render mute the male political media. We have much to accomplish prior to the next woman runining for president. PUt her on the nominating ballot. Anything less is undemocratic.
Sally you said " Time to present a united front." Without a faiir, open and honest convention with HRC being placed in deserved nomination, there will never be any uniity, And if iit proven or perceived that any Clinton delegate is pressured, imtimidated or threatened to "get in line" by the DNC or Obama at that "open" convention, there will also never be unity. I might add that I am a HRC supporter and a PUMA. What I am NOT is a loser. BHO supporters would do well to watch what they say to us ,,,,,or there will also never be unity. Reality is PUMAs can live (though not like it) with HRC not being the nominee IF the process is fair and honest. BHO can not win without a huge chuck of the HRC base. Insulting, threatening and bullying HRC supporters is the perfect way to assure that BHO loses the GE. Why? Because we put Country over party, and have another choice in November.
Hillary WILL be on the ballot! PUMA makes sure of it.To those who wonder, HOW can I help get this, the only candidate who represents MY interestes, elected, join a puma group today! Pumapac.org , for instance or JustSayNoDeal
I could give a hoot less what the party "leaders" think. They don't care what we think. I want to see Hillary get the nomination. She stands a very good chance because Obama is a terrible candidate with many controversial ideas, flip flops, scary associates, etc. Hillary would win against McCain. Obama will not. But the party seems to want to ram this fraud down our throats.
No wonder our Country has taken the low road to democracy, we are afraid to let the process work, instead we put up barriers because of "fear". Not allowing Hillary's voters to be counted, and be heard gives the message that this Democratic party can no longer claim they are the greatest, and stand by "the struggle of we the people". That worries me, not just for what we are experiencing but that other Countries see we are willing to give up "democracy" for who the party wants to have nominated. I wouldn't be willing to stay with this party and go down that road. Bush has done enough to shred our democracy we need to pull ourselves up, not push ourselves further down. Let's get back our Country, our democracy. How can we get it back, let the process work, let Hillary's voters be counted and heard!
Senator Clinton deserves to have her name in nomination. We need to show her respect. She has certainly worked hard and earned it. Why are the Obama supporters and the DNC so afraid of? What is happening to America? We still own our votes. I am A PUMA and proud to believe in Senator Clinton.
Hillary has earned the right to be on the nomination and roll call. She has more popular votes than Obama. Why is the DNC changing the rules when we all know historically that during the convention that is when superdelegates and pledged delegates make their selection know.
this is so insane !!! Hillary must be on that ballot at the convention. This shouldn't even be an issue
Obama is an Arrogant, Radical FRAUD. He is NOT qualified to lead our country - I will not vote for him and Millions of Americans feel the same way. Hillary Clinton is qualified - but - the DNC picked the wrong, weak guy who will never win the White House. Guess McCain is a good 2nd Choice - I will vote for my country - Never the party.
One other thing - SophiaMae...I whole heartedly agree.... WHO IS the power behind his "thrust to the top?" If the press were doing their job, we would know. But I suppose getting the first pictures of the Pitt Babies is MUCH more earth shattering. Perhaps Ms. Horrigan can start on THAT more central and important question than what Senator Clintn's supporters want and believe should happen and report her findings here. After all...if the press is either this complicit or this terrified, we have already gotten way too close to losing the fight. JSND
For those of you unfamiliar with the way Democratic conventions are supposed to be - FDR was 90 delegates short of the nomination in a very tight race in 1932. The DNC wanted a different candidate to win the nomination. It took 4 ballots - meaning four entire votes of all the delegates over a period of days until FDR won the nomination. Imagine what kind of world we would live in if FDR and his delegates had given in to party pressure or worried about party "unity"? That is manipulation of the worst kind. It is the media telling you we must have a nominee now or that our party won't be "unified" if we have a democratic convention - it makes NO SENSE! Obama is acting prematurely presidential in every way in an effort to make people believe he is the only choice. He's not. Hillary must be in nomination or this election will not be legitimate.
Obama's chickens are coming home to roost. None of this would have happened if the whole campaign hadn't been rigged from way before the beginning. Donna Brazile and her buddy, Karl Rove and the playbook tactics that started way back in 2004. Stop drinking the koolaid folks, you are getting denser by the minute. NOT having HRC's name in nomination considering there really is only 100 delegate difference is unheard of. Is The Borg Prince trying to block this nomination like he blocked the revotes in Michigan and Florida because he knows she is going to win? And for "Chris"...do you really think that her whole staff was ever completely disassembled? Put down the cups..... PUMA Independent voting for McCain if The Borg Prince tries to take over the world.
Hillary is the best candidate to run against McCain. The polls prove what I say. She deserves to be on the ballot for nomination. 18 million voters believe in Hillary. I cannot support or vote for Obama.
None of you know how the delagate processes work do you? Obama won more elected delagates than Hillary because he won in traditionally democratic districts and he exhausted his resources alot better than she did, in part due to overconfidence on her part because she failed to anticipate several key flaws in her campain: lack of ground troops in caucus states, assuming she would split or beat her opponent in several democraphics including the afican american vote, and not recognizing and catering to the wants and needs of her electorate:democratic primary voters. I will admit some very impressive gains were made by Clinton especially the later part of the primary season. She rehauled her campain, and came out a better politician. Unfortunatly, for many of you, she was not able to mend the damage her initial failed strategy caused. Thus, Obama was chosen by enough primary voters and superdelagates( who made thier choice because they felt Obama could fire up and organize his base better than clinton) to clinch the nomination. While Michigan and Florida were moved up, the penilization issue is alot more complicated than you think. Republican elements of both state legislatures had alot to do with the early primary dates. So, you all, are taking the bait of a desperate republican pary and buying every lie they spread? Well, as they say, its a free country!
At this point in the game, I guess I could be counted as an Obama supporter. However, before Sen. Clinton suspended her campaign I was an ARDENT supporter of hers. As much as I like to think about the prospect of Hillary making an upset at the the convention in Denver, I can't honestly believe that the notion is possible. The Democratic Party, (with Hillary's support), has already gotten firmly behind Obama in support of his campaign. This means that in the unlikely event that she should clinch the nomination at the last minute, the unity of our party would be seriously harmed. Many Democrats would likely view it as an underhanded trick. Not to mention the fact that the Republicans would SLAUGHTER us in November. Instead of resorting to last minute efforts to place Sen. Clinton at the top of the ticket, lets support her for Vice President. Need I remind my forgetful friends out there that the general consensus, since Hillary suspended her campaign, is that if Sen. Obama lead shrinks to around what his lead over McCain currently is, he would choose Sen. Clinton as his running mate. Cheer up everybody!...... Hillary is very likely going to be our next Vice President, and someday, maybe even our President.
Would somebody please tell the Hillary people that she lost. All you Obama haters can now vote for a 72 yr old man who seems to have one foot over the senile line. The surest way for Obama to lose is to put the name Clinton on the ballet with his. Wake up!
There will not be any "unity" in the democratic party unless Senator Clinton's name is placed in nomination in Denver. We do not just want a pre-planned symbolic gesture, we expect a truly democratic convention, and not an Obama coronation. Hillary is still the one to beat McCain. Obama is currently doing terribly in the polls--he is tied with McCain, and now there are reports that less young democrats are involved. Also, the democratic registration numbers has dropped: these are all Warning signs!!! The warning signs were always there, Hillary won the big blue dem states, the all important purple swing states, all while being outspent (like in PA: 4 to 1), all while her own party big tops and the media tried to shove her out of the race: calling for her to quit since Iowa. And she kept winning and winning and winning. Meanwhile, another major warning sign that Obama was the WRONG democratic candidate to back for the big race: Exit polls showed that MORE Hillary dems would NOT vote for Obama if he were to win than Obama dems who would not vote for Hillary if she won. Sometimes I feel like the DNC and the media did this all on purpose, for the republicans to win, because Obama can NOT beat McCain. Hillary would beat McCain!!!! It's still not too late! The democrats can still win the White House! Hillary for nomination! Hillary for President! Just Say No Deal Puma Pac The Denver Group Real Democrats P.U.M.A.
People, please get over it. Its Barack Vs McLame in November. Vote for whoever you think is right. Enough of this Hilary stuff. We are so tired of the whining and moaning!
MJ...get over it? You mean get over the threats? You mean get over the back room deals? You mean get over the cheating? You mean get over the misogyny? You mean get over the racism thrown into this campaign by Obama? You mean get over the least experienced candidate being "appointed" by the DNC? Just what, exactly, do you think we all should get over? I'm not going to get over it. And, I'm not going to forget what this party did to us, and to Sen. Clinton. I'm not going to forget what the African American community did to the Clinton's who did so much for them. And don't you forget that!
Actually Obama won because he ran a better campaign. The caucus system you complain about and stripping of delegates of MI and FL was something that Clinton and her top level advisors had supported previously. It was only when she was losing that she all of a sudden had problems with the process. Remember Caucuses have been around forever, you may not like them (I don't), but that is the system both parties have and something Bill who won using them and Hillary had no trouble with till they lost. As for Obama losing and showing "his true self", I am not sure what some of you are talking about. All he has done is bring forward issues like; comprehensive energy policy, education, tax cuts for middle class, shifting focus from ill conceived war in Iraq to the war we must win against Al Queda in Afghanistan, support of GI bill and veteran care, protecting Social Security, believing in ethics reform (including passing and/or sponsoring bills look them up) and in general bringing our country together by listening to all Americans not just the ones he agrees with. Try listening to him in interviews, town halls and reading his stances online rather than just tidbits you get from e-mails or blogs. Armed with the facts I think your choice will become clear. If that does not change your mind look at what McCain wants to do with this country. We have had 8 years of disaster under Republicans do we want 4 more?
This is a simple matter of precedence. I am a Hillary Delegate from Oregon. I will cast my vote for her at the convention. I am not Bitter. I do not need to get over anything. I am a Pledged Clinton Delegate and proud to support her. I will not go on about her accomplishments because they are well known. It was easy to be her surrogate here on the North Coast of Oregon, she is so experienced and well tested in many situations. The petition is a matter of providing Senator Clinton with the leverage she requires to work around the process that is in place. We will gladly withstand the pressure. I am honored to stand at this juncture. You can know there is a strong core of supporters within the Clinton delegation. We will not break. I am obviously willing to stake my name on it.
Here we go again with the Hilliary supporters claiming that somehow Hilliary won the primary but was "cheated" by the DNC, and the powers to be. Please, Hilliary LOST the nomination through her own ineptness and poor campaign management. Deep in your hearts you KNOW this and do not want to admit it. Senator Obama was ahead in the delegate count since March after he won eleven straight contests....contests which Hilliary and her campaign described as not counting and unimportant. With that kind of an attitude from the candidate toward these states, why would they vote for her?? Do YOU really think a person who finds you unimportant and as not counting toward his/her nomination deserves to be the leader of our country? Had Obama uttered such words, you would be all over him like a bunch of hyenas ready for the kill and you know it!!
FACT: Hilliary supporters need a reality check FACT: Hilliary lost fair and square FACT: Hilliary ran a fraudulant campaign FACT: Hilliary was running on Bill's accomplishments and experience and not her own FACT: Hilliary had 6 years of experience in elected office FACT: Senator Obama had 11 years of experience in elected office FACT: Senator Obama was about 200 delegates ahead of Clinton BEFORE the superdelegates got on board FACT: Senator Obama won the nomination on his own merits and not by name recognition or by injecting anyone elses merits into his campaign, or by riding a relative's coat tails --- such as did Bush and Hilliary FACT: Hilliary had a dislike rating of 60+ percent toward the end of her campaign; she had a 49% DISLIKED rating coming in. FACT: Hilliary ran a shoddy campaign and poorly managed her campaign funds, she was BROKE by the time she got to New Hampshire and was and still is in the red FACT: YOU ALL NEED A REALITY CHECK AND NEED TO FACE THE FACTS INSTEAD OF DELUDING YOURSELVES FACT: END OF STORY
What exactly has O accomplished? He didn't win the popular vote; neither candidate won enough delegates to secure the nomination; (although Senator Clinton is well within striking distance < 100 delegates behind) so why is he the presumed nominee? It's not about letting Senator Clinton do anything. She has EARNED her right to be at that convention. 18,000,000 MILLION VOTERS say so.. It's Senator Clinton or no Obama no way. We will not fall in line. The Just Say NO Deal Coalition will not follow orders by Obama or party elders; we see Obama for what and who is is. The picture, a corrupt politican. We are democrats who have always been loyal to this party, 35+ years. We are the heart and soul of this party. PUMA's will not quiet down, calm down, stand down, sit down, shut down, wind down, or be put down. NO DEAL!!
Her campaign is suspended. She has pledged delegates, how can her name not be put into nomination?
WHY does Hilliary DESERVE the nomination? WHAT has she done on her own merits to warrant the nomination? WHERE did Hilliary serve in an elected position before carpetbagging her way into becoming a senator of New York? WHEN did she run for elected office and win before she carpetbagged her way into being elected as a senator of New York? HOW did Hilliary earn the "qualifications" to be president?? The only job she had at the White House was to come up with a viable health plan.....she FAILED Her only other "job" was to protect Bill Clinton and herself from the many scandals she and Bill brought with them to the White House and those new ones they created while there, including Bill's sexual abuse of Monica. Hilliary, as First Lady, was not part of Bill Clinton's administration, she was/is his wife, that is all, first ladies do NOT get preferential treatment in a competition for president.....although Hilliary and her EXPECTED she WOULD merely by being married to Bill Clinton. Being First Lady is NOT a qualification for the Presidency.
You Hilliary supporters can rant and rave all day and all night long but all it does is make you look stubbon and silly for not facing the fact: Hilliary lost the primary, the primary is OVER. I think the BEST way YOU can HELP Hilliary is by opening up your wallets and writing a check to her so she can pay off those poor middle-class vendors and business folks who whe has left hanging without payment for the services they rendered to her and her campaign----debts she incurred that are still pending dating back to the first contest in Iowa. Mouthing off and bellyaching about her not winning the primary is NOT helping her, in fact it is hurting her should she run for office in the future. People will remember your negativity, as well as hers and Bills. The BEST you can do is put your money where your mouth is and do somelthing good for her...help her pay off her debt to the people who DESERVE to get paid but have had to WAIT MONTHS to get their money.....people like yourselves and like us working very hard to make ends meet.
Yeah!!! how dare a black man be so ARROGANT as to run for president? this is America where we speak of equality and elect only white protestant leaders. Blacks have other responsiblities in our society. like being scapegoats for our power structure. Seriously, from what rock do you hillary supporters crawl from?
Hallie August 03, 2008 9:07 AM This is a simple matter of precedence. I am a Hillary Delegate from Oregon. I will cast my vote for her at the convention. I am not Bitter. I do not need to get over anything. I am a Pledged Clinton Delegate and proud to support her. I will not go on about her accomplishments because they are well known. It was easy to be her surrogate here on the North Coast of Oregon, she is so experienced and well tested in many situations. The petition is a matter of providing Senator Clinton with the leverage she requires to work around the process that is in place. We will gladly withstand the pressure. I am honored to stand at this juncture. You can know there is a strong core of supporters within the Clinton delegation. We will not break. I am obviously willing to stake my name on it. -------------------------------------- Hallie, you say: "The petition is a matter of providing Senator Clinton with the leverage she requires to work around the process that is in place." In short, by "PROVIDING THE LEVERAGE (YOU think) SHE REQUIRES TO WORK AROUND THE PROCESS THAT IS IN PLACE" you are talking about UNDERMINING THE DEMOCRACY THAT IS IN PLACE. You are talking about a JUNTA and NOT DEMOCRACY. You are talking about OVERTHROWING OUR DEMOCRACY!! That is EXACTLY HOW AND WHAT DICTATORS get to rule other countries. We do NOT need this kind of philosophy in the United States of America. Perhaps all of you Hilliary lovers should move to Cuba and take the Clintons with you, there, YOU can try overthrow the Castros and buld your own dictatorship there. What you and your ilk are proposing is not democratic, it is undermining our democracy to suit YOU and not the rest of America. Shame on you!! You either work with the system in place or get out, you do not overthrow it, period, NOT here, NOT in our United States of America, NOT NOW, NOT EVER!!!
Rita Mary August 03, 2008 9:43 AM What exactly has O accomplished? He didn't win the popular vote; neither candidate won enough delegates to secure the nomination; (although Senator Clinton is well within striking distance < 100 delegates behind) so why is he the presumed nominee? It's not about letting Senator Clinton do anything. She has EARNED her right to be at that convention. 18,000,000 MILLION VOTERS say so.. It's Senator Clinton or no Obama no way. We will not fall in line. The Just Say NO Deal Coalition will not follow orders by Obama or party elders; we see Obama for what and who is is. The picture, a corrupt politican. We are democrats who have always been loyal to this party, 35+ years. We are the heart and soul of this party. PUMA's will not quiet down, calm down, stand down, sit down, shut down, wind down, or be put down. NO DEAL!! --------------- RitaMary, please contain yourself! YOU and athe PUMAs are the "HEART AND SOUL OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY"?? You are being extremely funny!! How can YOU be the heart and soul of the party when you are willing to UNDERMINE the party and vote for a Republican IF you DO NOT GET YOUR WAY?? Sounds more to me like you are "THE HEART AND SOUL OF BELLIGERENCE HATERED, AND RESENTMENT, One thing for sure, YOU ARE NOT the "heart and soul of the party", you are vicious, resentful harpies.
I love the remarks on this page about Hillary supporters...RE: You Hillary supporters need to get over it...being First Lady doesn't qualify her to be President... How stupid and arrogant of the Obama Drama supporters backing the flip flopping candidate... firstly Hillary is and always was qualified (and more qualifed than Obama) to be President...she has been a political leader since Yale...as for Hillary supporters get over it...guess again...without Hillary voters - there will be no Obama presidency...he will get his butt kicked in the general election...the one that counts if a fraction of her supporters vote for McCain... I for one am grateful that the fools pushing Obama are as arrogant as he is... and are so stupid to keep arguing with Hillary supporters...by denying Hillary her spot on the ballot...will tick them off and they will vote for McCainand he will win in a landslide with Electoral votes...the only votes that are counted for a President.
It's responses like NinaK's that make me all the more committed to vote for McCain if I only have barack and John to choose from. "Bellyaching" and "stubborn" and "mouthing off" are terms reserved for people who have no respect for the democratic process. NINA, look into some history and see all the male contenders for the presidency that were not asked to leave a race before the primary. Rev. Jackson, Ted Kennedy, Roosevelt. They were expected to compete. Hillary's candidacy was historic and she had every right to go all the way to Denver. The democratic process should never by thwarted.
Nina you are right in one thing...the primaries are over. Without the superdelegates neither candidate had enough pledged delegates to win the nomination. Do you know what the word presumptive means? Obama is only the presumptive nominee. It is a known fact that superdelegates can change their mind as much as Obama does on any given issue up until their vote on the convention floor. If the DNC wants a unified party they will allow Senator Clintons name to be placed in nomination so her delegates can be a part of the process not excluded to the back of the room with no voice. You talk about us not helping the party. You don't know how many of us have helped the party for years and helped it become a major party. Being in Florida in 2000 and having my vote possibly not count then was a horrible thing to go through as a taxpayer and US citizen. Should the DNC not have stuck up for my vote and said the elections are over, we lost? Should they not have done what they did and took it to court to demand doing what was right for the voters who voted? Standing up for what is right isn't always easy (it's time consuming and expensive) but at the end of the day you know you stood up for what you believe in. I believe in everyone having a voice, don't you? If Hillarys delegates aren't allowed to have a voice at the convention with a vote that will give a whole new meaning to what democracy means to the DNC. I don't think I would want to be associated with anymore that tries to silence those who have every right to be a part of the process under their rules. After all rules are rules, right?
These comments are all over the map! Facts: Hillary got more popular vote than Obama, approx. 250,000 Hillary won more PRIMARY states (general elections) while Obama won more CAUCUS states (outcome determined by much smaller numbers of party activists - with independents, moderates, and even many Dems. not as likely to be participating). Obama's current polling is lousy compared to previous Dem. contenders - both winners and losers - in past 40 years. There's ALWAYS been a roll call vote, with leading contenders in nomination. Why would this year be different (unless Obama campaign is afraid it can't win a roll call). Obama's qualifications have been and continue to be questionable at best. He's unknown and unproven. That's why Hillary supporters aren't voting for him. It has nothing to do with feelings.
Obama's strategy in the primaries was to win the most pledged delegates by winning the most red states and the most caucuses. Unfortunately, that is not a winning strategy for beating John McCain in November. He WILL lose. Hillary is our only hope. She won all the important states. If he is the nominee, I will be voting for JOHN McCAIN, someone that I trust. Who is Obama, anyway? He changes positions every other day, depending on whose vote he is trying to finagle. HILLARY 08, not waiting for 2012! TheDenverGroup
There is no unity in the democratic party. Why do the obamabots keep saying everyone should fall in line so we can put a democrat in the WH? Not this inexperienced, flip-flopping, race-baiting misogynist. No thank you. For the first time in my life, if Hillary is not the nominee, I will vote McCain. At least I know what I am getting and can live with the devil I know, I am not willing to gamble on this megalomaniac. The DNC has destroyed this party, it is a pity. Thanks Howard, Nancy, Harry and most especially the axelrod/plouffe/obamba triumvirate.
I agree with all the Hillary supporters. If she were the presumed nominie the polls would not be even. If you want Hillary, join me in helping to pay off her debt. If a large amount of money comes into her campaign that will be a significant statement. The Obama has done nothing to sway me. I raised 3 dems and together with me that is 4 voters adrift. We are the informed kind of voter. Issues have always been top but now character, personality, judgement and maturity are real factors. An egotistic, immature president won't put the issues first before the persona.
Ted Kennedy, Gary Hart, and Howard Dean's names were placed in nomination. Why is the Obama campaign negotiating this with Hillary Clinton? Could it be at the end of the primary season neither candidate had reached the magic number? Super delegates can imply how they would vote at the convention but there vote is not valid until the convention. Just the same as you or I Jennifer would say we plan to vote for one candidate, then election day actually vote for another. Actually the DNC has perpetrated a fraud on the Democratic voters by stating that Obama was the presumptive nominee of the Democratic party.
Another person posted a great idea. Have someone/CQPolitics put together a site that would allow ALL Hillary supporter to vote. This would show that we are not just a few unhappy supporters. It will show that there are MANY who want the DNC to follow their own rules and put Hillary on the the ballot for normination.
It's no use using the arguments that "this country has been through enough" or anything else that comes from an emotional viewpoint in support of Obama. The plain truth/facts are that according to the charter of the DNC, neither candidate has enough pledged delegates but are in a virtual dead heat and a roll call nomination must be observed if the democratic process is to be preserved. To do otherwise is to start electing presidents like a banana republic. You who would strongly protest stuffing ballot boxes or paying off voters or other rigging of elections, are basically engaging in these behaviors when you try to shout down other Democrats or Independent voters over the issue of these facts. I strongly urge Obama supporters to do a little research on how the caucuses were run and the rules-breaking of the DNC in order to declare Obama the presumptive nominee. What seems to be happening here is not that you don't understand the rules or the facts of the matter, but that you so want Obama as the nominee that you are willing to suspend what is just and honorable in order for that to happen. If this is so, then you have no ground to stand on the next time you think the Republicans have "stolen" an election from us.
I would like to remind the Obama people that they are not doing themselves, their candidate, the Democratic party, or their country any good with all their personal attacks against Hillary Clinton. These personal attacks shows your immaturity and lack of respect for democracy and for two Democratic icons, Bill and Hillary Clinton. Many of you have not earned your stripes in the Democratic party and have gotten involved in party politics for the first time. You need to understand that the Democratic party has a long tradition of being representative of the people and we Clinton supporters are tying to preserve that. You should join us in that effort instead of blindly supporting someone who is not yet the Democratic nominee. You have been tricked by the media and the Obama campaign into believing that Obama is already the nominee. He is not and cannot be the nominee until the official roll call vote takes place in Denver on Aug. 28. Until then, he is a primary candidate, same as Hillary Clinton. The roll call vote must have two names on the ballot so that a winner can be democratically elected, especially in such a close primary contest. All of the delegates, including Superdelegates, are supposed to have at least two candidates on the roll call at the convention to pick from. This is called democracy. This is the tradition of the Democratic party. Instead of being afraid that your candidate will lose, you Obama supporters should fully engage in democracy and join us Clinton supporters to make sure the Democratic party stays democratic. That is the only way Democrats can emerge from this convention united. Based on the results of the roll call vote, our Democratic ticket will be either Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton. If Hillary is not on the roll call, you lose, we lose, the Democratic party loses, and the country loses. It's that siimple.
I agree with Jas. The comment is "right on" with me.
A roll call, a riot or a rout?
Here's a question for Obama supporters, if he won so easily as you put it then why on the last day of The Primaries was there a rush to get enough Super Delegates to get him over the top even before the last votes were counted? You want to know why, because he was afraid of just what is happening now. That come The DNC Convention , HRC could still be in the fight,and she could stiil win. If you don't know this he is not The democratic nominee until the end of August, he is only THE PURSUMPTIVE NOMINEE, do you know that title and ten dollars, might get you a cup of coffee at STARBUCKS.
Brian: How old are you? If you have been around any length of time than you would know that it is not unusual for several names to be placed in nomination at the convention. Honestly, are you so obtuse that you not see how important it is to party unity that the candidate supported by the majority of the popular vote is placed in nomination at the convention? Let's let the process play out according to the rules and then let the chips fall where they may. Then, just maybe, we will have party unity in November.
All I can write and say is "DO NOT DONATE TO BO AND THE DNC. They are using your money to party and making trips overseas. Do they really care? They have their own money. Save the money and use it wisely. NOT for those BS.
Hallie: With delegates like you, I feel confident that the HRC's historic run will be fully recongnized at the Convention. Thank you and thanks to all the Clinton delegates who will remain strong and united in Denver! To the SDs- it's not over til you vote in Denver!
NinaK: FACT: Obama peaked in February. FACT: HRC slammed Obama in the majority of primaries - which are far more representative than caususes. FACT: HRC won the popular vote FACT: HRC won ALL of the major battelground states FACT: The media provided overwhelming free pro-Obama advertsing FACT: Even with unprecedented funds Obama cannot definitively shut down the HRC campaign and STILL cannot close the deal against MCCain OPINION:: Obots are shaking in their shoes and should be - we will likely lose in November
NinaK: Seriosly, hon. You need to get a grip. Having HRC's name in nomination IS the "American Way."
If previous candidates like Jesse Jackson, Ted Kennedy, and Howard Dean were on a nomination ballot at the Democratic convention, moreso, Hillary Clinton should be on a nomination ballot at this year's convention. Let it be so, let it be done! Anything else would be an "Obamanation" of the democratic process!
Elaine Fernandez August 02, 2008 12:30 PM PUMA trolls are good for one thing only, and that's shirt ironing. If you think us youngsters need some tough love with a McCain administration, well your ego might need to have its creases ironed out too. And Ms.FERNANDEZ, be careful, John-Boy might just call you a c*nt too if you don't keep his shirts nice and ironed too! P.S. Vote Obama/Sebelius in 08
ELECTABILITY! The only job of the Super Delegates in Denver is to select the electable candidate to get the Democrats back to the White House, and the only electable Democrat is Hillary Clinton. The ELECTABILITY WATCH (EW) is a no-cost grassroots action to remind the SDS that we are holding them accountable for selecting the electable. To do the EW, please email me at rrlieberma@gmail.com to receive background, sample letters and a list of 18 SDs to contact weekly up to the Convention. GO GO GO!!! Ricki Lieberman
Hillary is no longer running her campaing. In fact, she is encouraging her supporters to vote for Obama. With that in mind, what makes you PUMA's think that the superdelegates will switch to Clinton. Also, Hillary won the popular vote only if you counted out caucus states. Counting those in , Obama won the popular vote. PUMA's need to do a little math. Also chezmadame, Obama was not on the ballot in Michigan because their delegates were not going to count. Remember that Hillary was not going to be on the ballot either? She put her name back on it though. She cannot complain about Michigan. The ads that Obama ran in Florida were run on CNN which is a NATIONAL station. Get over it PUMA's. YOU are the ones undermining the Democratic party. You are not the true democrats that you say that you are if you say that you will vote for McCain this year just because Hillary did not, nor will she, get the nomination.
I believe that if given a roll call vote which I believe is her right. If she were a man she would still be in the race. You bet you she'll have her name in nomination because we PUMA will make sure of it. Then it is butt kicking time for all the hijackers of our Party. The youth will be tossed out with the garbage then the Party will be united.
Maybe Repubs are scared of Hillary. Meanwhile, they'd better get their collective behinds in support of McCain. And if Hillary does get nominated, can you imagine what the anti-Hillary group that Obama's devotees and shills in the wrongly named MSM will be? Either way, McCain wins. With HRC, it's just a much tougher race. And when McCain wins, she'll likely be Dem nominee in 2012 and then POTUS. But who really knows?
I am getting tired of the false reporting about what Senator Clinton does or does not want to do. When you have it on tape exactly what she said and this article still gets it wrong. It make one ask themselves why. Could it be that all of the Obama followers wants to spread lies so that the Clinton supporters will go away. That's not going to happen. All the lies, smears and threats are not going to work. Get off your parade wagon and let democracy proceed!
The Obamabots and campaign are terrified to have a roll call. Hillary is just 110 pledged delegates behind. The super-stupid delegates went to BO because Dean, Pelosi and Brazille, along with other DNC thugs browbeat and strong armed the supers into backing BO. A roll call at the convention would give all the delegates the opportunity to vote their hearts and conscience. A honest-open convention is the last thing the Obamabots want
its called democracy fair and transparent elections its what america is all about one person one vote at this time neither hillary or obama have required delegates its convention time puma
Why shouldn't she be nominated? She did receive more votes in spite of the caucus cheating and the bought and paid for superdelegates. If justice is served she will receive the Democratic Nomination and win the Presidency. There are millions of people hoping they can vote for her so they won't have to vote for John McCain.
ARi. If Obamas name was not on the ballot in Michigan than was was he rewarded with votes. You know he can't have it both ways. And to be truthful I don't think Sen. Clinton ever took her name off the ballot, I don't think John Edwards did either, but Obama got his votes way, because the DNC AND OBAMA ARE FRAUDS.
The Roll Call is just about finalized with Hillary on it. Obama is Pushing for MI and FL to fully count meaning in MI Hillary beat uncommited so Obama has nothing to gain and in FL Hillary beat Obama so her numbers needed to win are far smaller than expected. The fact Obama been burning bridges, flip flopping, and falling apart perhaps the october suprize is gonna happen in Aug
No matter what Hillary Clinton ends up doing, I will back her. I BELIEVE she could and should be the next President of the USA. I will not vote for Obama, I will do a write in if I have to. I'll waste my vote instead of giving it to Obama or McCain. Hillary We Love You ! Untied we stand for Hillary.
i think if Hillary is put on the first ballot, she will win. It's pretty obvious that obama is not cutting it. The dems should be 20 points ahead, but are tied. Hillary would wipe the floor on Mccain, bigger than she did obama. I was never a Hillary fan, until i saw how ready she was. She has all the qualifications to be POTUS. Most Americans believe that now after watching her rise during the primaries. obama was wrong about saying "he was a symbol of hope for America". That symbol my friends is...HILLARY CLINTON
The Obama supporters seem to think that Obama should win just because he ran the best campaign. Earth to Kool-Aid drinkers, Axelrod ran Obama's campaign. So if running a campaign is justification for leadership and that person should receive the Democratic nomination to run for POTUS then why don't I see more AXELROD 2008 bumperstickers? Oh, and just in case you missed it...Mr. Axelrod did admit to Obama race baiting with his Presidents on Money comment...http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/08/obama-race-mcca.html I guess his campaign ain't going so good right now...by Obamanot's standards that must mean that someone else should win...
Hillary Clinton should be the standard bearer for the Dems for POTUS.
VIRTUAL REALITY CHECK Mr. Obama has the support of people who traditionally don't really vote that much. Therefore...
The DNC and Barak Hussein Obama don't want to place Hillary into nomination because they know she will WIN. She is the best candidate and they know it. So, they don't want her there. Obama was SELECTED in 2000 to be the Democratic nominee. for the 2008 election....there is no question about it. We must do whatever it takes to place Hillary's name into nomination. She is the BEST candidate! Hillary 2008 ! PUMA
The fact that there is even an attempt to keep Hillary's name off the ballot is a testement that she has a high chance of coming out of this the nominee. Why would the Democratic Party not want to practice democracy? This was the closest primary of any party with Hillary gathering the most certified votes and Obama taking the most "political" votes. How this is even an issue after Florida 2000 shows the DNC lost their way a long time ago.
Hillary or McCain. Scare of Obama.
Hillary may have said to votefor Obama...but she knows her true supports will not.if we wanted Obama we would have voted for him in the 1st place,,, If Fl and MI get full delegates now.they should go to the winner of thoses states..Clinton.....She DID NOT conceedand still has her delegates.she only suspended.....
NinaK, Why all the animosity? Asking me to move to Cuba? I am a veteran, how dare you. The tone we have been subjected to because we will not cow tail to bullies like you is reprehensible. You think you can win this election without the support of people like me? I don't mean the fringe people, I mean the check-writing, phone-banking, sign-carrying, campaign-staffing people LIKE ME. If Sen. Obama wants the bundler's rolodexes and OUR MONEY (and believe me, he does), he needs to be respectful and so does his "followers". This may come as a shock to you, but he needs more than those $5 checks to make it to the Whitehouse, especially now that PACs and Lobbyists are not welcome. The DNC is up to its eyeballs in debt to Denver. Now why does he want our rolodexes and checkbooks if he doesn't need us, NinaK? He needs all the democrats to come together, that's how we win elections - DUH. I believe Sen. Obama understands this concept better than you do, at least I hope he does. Go ahead insult me and my service to this country. Tell me to go leave this country. That is SO very original. It is my hope the vile spilling from you is not reflective of Senator Obama. People such as you have offended us to this point. I will repeat "We will not break at the convention", for those Clinton supporters wondering what to expect from her delegation at the convention. Sure, some Clinton delegates may go over, for whatever reason, but there is a strong core of support that will not be silenced. We are organized and have a well thought out, tactical plan, which respects the DNC process that has been in place for many years. We are not breaking a democracy; we are merely following precedents that have been in place since the founding of the party. Are we supposed to ignore these in favor of a pretense of "Party Unity"? If you desire party unity, follow your own rules. That is all we are saying. We aren't asking to break the rules, we are asking the DNC to merely follow their own rules. Educate yourself. Look up the rules and by-laws. How is it that Howard Dean was on the Ballot with 167 delegates and when Sen. Clinton comes forward with 1896 delegates she is somehow challenging party unity by not withdrawing her name from nomination? It's patently absurd to even discuss this with you NinaK. All the while, notice, I have not asked you to leave the country... Senator Clinton will have her delegation watching her back. If she chooses to release us, even then, I hear there are many who will vote to Abstain or Present, a vote Sen. Obama should understand very well, as that is his most common form of voting.
Julie-PA The Democrats will not win if Obama is the DNC's nominee. HRC got the popular vote and now the remaining votes have to choose between McCain and Obama. No brainer. All of us Dems, are vooting for Democratic House and Senate and then McCain for President. Democratic majority and Republican President -nothing will get passed. During the four years under the next president, there stands to be nomination of 3 Supreme Court Justices. The majority House and Senate will not let a conservative get selected.
Tadster: do you talk to your mother or grand mother with that potty mouth? And for your information if Obama, picks any other woman as his running mate, other than Sen. Clinton he can kiss this election good-bye. If your were a woman you would know that would be like a slap in the face to her and her supporters. And for all you Clinton-Haters, why don't you go play on another blog that worships Obama, and leave us alone? Maybe we'll go on Obama's blog and bad-mouth him. Oh! I forgot the only way to get on them is to donate money.
Clinton supporters have shown themselves for what they truly are: traitors to the Democratic agenda. They are more loyal to Clinton than putting a Democrat in the White House to undo the Bush non-sense and willing to risk continuing it to save their candidate. Their arguments are without much merit. The fact that she won more popular votes irrelevant (Gore won more than Bush in 2000, the delegates matter more). In Michigan & Florida, some jurisdictions didn't have Obama's name on the ballot. And contrary to what they may believe, she lost because she ran an poor campaign primary because she didn't take this seriously and believed she could walk to the White House without a fight because of her entitlement brought her being a Clinton.
Chris, had Obama,won fair and square without any help from the big-shots with The DNC, I would have been very happy to support him. This is no longer about him or her, this is about doing what is right and what is fair. If Obama had lost by such a narrow margin, and for one minute you thought the the race was taken away from him, through some back-room deals, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? would you just turn around and say, wait a minute this is not right, this is not how The Democratic Party,is supposed towork. Or would you just throw your hands up in the air, and say I really don't care what-so-ever if Obama, got cheated of of the chance to be POTUS,I'll just vote for Clinton, even if she used Back-room politics to win. See I don't really care about right or wrong I just Want A Democrat in the office. take a minute of your time and think before you answer, and be honest not only with us but with yourself.
Why is this even being discussed. Sen. Obama is going to be the Democratic Nominee, like it or NOT. Now if you do NOT like it, as an American you are FREE to vote for whomever you want in November. Me I care too much for my future to dispose off 4-8 years more of Republican Policies so I will be Voting for Sen. Obama and all the Democratic Officials down ticket and pray that they win. I will have my peace of mind after leaving the polling station and look forward to a Democratic Administration ... Democrats '08 and beyond ..
Chris: what are you even talking about? There may have been problems with the Clinton campaign, but she had a platform and she doesn't flip flop every other day - at least you know where she stands on issues unlike the current so called nominee. a crowd of 200,000 who attend a rock concert in Germany and then representing it as a rally for the Almighty - give me a break! Sounds like misleading the public, let alone the world......and what has he done for the people he has represented in his own State of Illinois these last four years - NOTHING! Sounds to me that since he gave the speech as the last convention, he has been doing nothing but campaigning for this moment so if anyone is acting like an entitlement to the White House, I think the Almighty needs to look in a mirror.
NinaK here's a FACT, you need to get your facts straight!!! NEITHER candidate won the primary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never though I would say this, the Clinton supporters are the only sane ones left in the DNC. They also argue logically and politely, nothing like the Mullah Hussein's minions. I hope you PUMA's can take your party back.
go hillary just say nobama
You PUMAs are idiotic and selfish. If Obama lost, at least I'd, you know, GIVE UP and move on with my life, supporting Clinton full speed ahead. The last thing we need is for McCain to make it into office just because people like you couldn't shut up about your obsession with your candidate.
If the Democratic Party does not allow Hillary in nomination, I think this party can forget about 18 million votes either not showing up at the polls or voting for McCain. The Dem Party appears to have been Hijacked and it's time they woke up and elected the right nominee for the job.
Senator Hillary Clinton earned the RIGHT to be nominated at the Convention as 18,000, 000 people spoke. Senator Obama and the DNC are scared because they know that Senator Clinton would get the nomination and they would do anything from stopping her. We have seen latly how Senator Obama has flip flop so much and that is the CHANGE you can believe in!!! I am proud to be a Pledge Delegate for Senator Clinton and I am looking forward to cast my vote for her at the Conventions. Go Hillary! Hillary Clinton 2008/2012
This message is for NinaK: We are Hillary PUMA's, Hillary Warriors and supporters, were here, were voting for Senator Clinton and get use to it! If you don't like it, get out of the kitchen if you can't handle the fire...
I was going to write sometthing here until I read the top post and agree with it 100%. NO OBAMA- NO WAY- Don't make me a Demopublican!!! -I am a Dem. but will not vote for obama. I think Hillary deserves to be on the roll call. obama will loose, just look at the polls. he has to much bagage and people are no longer in love with him. The true obama is showing and it is not pretty anymore! He has lost the trust of the American people and will never be able to get it back. I am one of the 18 million voices for Hillary and will be heard!!
Thank you for writing this piece. I was getting conflicting information on the internet and you answered my questions!
Good luck all you "Hillary-warriors" and PUMA sore-losers. When gas is $8.00/gallon and we are embroiled in 3 or more additional illegal and unnecessary wars, when Roe v. Wade is overturned (McCain already said he would do it) and the SCOTUS is made up entirely of right-wing hacks, America will have all of you to thank. I personally will be cursing you from Costa Rica for allowing the downfall and utter destruction of this country. Haven't 8 years of Bush been enough for you?
TO MJ: That is what we are trying to do, insure a dem in the White House. Hillary is the dem to win the White House. Barack Obama is imploding as we watch. Too many unanswered questions, controversial alliances, flip-flops etc. Hillary is a strong, sincere, vetted candidate...you want a dem in the WH....I suggest you support the one who will win! Hillary '08
Not to allow a candidate who has 40-50% of the delegates at the convention to be allowed to have her name placed in nomination is political suicide for the democrats. You might as well say that you do not respect her or her 18 million voters or her duly elected delegates. I remember that an African American Congresswoman by the name fo Shirley Chisholm was placed in nomination even though she had but a handfull of delegates. It made for an historic converntion. Jesse Jackson Sr. had his name placed in nomination even though he had no where near the number of delgates to win the nomination. Can you imagine the outcry if the DNC or the nominee in those years would have said no to Chisholm or Jackson. Ted Kennedy' name was placed in nomination even though he had challenged a sitting president. Where would all those liberals be today if Kennedy would have been told that he was not welcome to place his name in nomination. If the story out of Denver is to be one of party unity then the Sen. Clinton and her delegates need to treated with respect and honor and in the same manner that the Obama delegates would expect to be treated if the situation was reversed. If not the story out of Denver will be one of disunity because of the treatment of Clinton. The pundits will focus on this story and the Repubblican attack machine will add to its arsenal the narrative that not only is Obama weak and all show but now he is afraid that a woman is more powerful and competent than he and given a chance he would not have won the vote at the convention. What story do you want coming out of Denver???
I'm a military veteran & Texas delegate, and will vote for Senator Clinton at the DNC. It is her right to be put on the ballot & be voted by her ardent pledged delegates.
Here's a question for all of you Obama supporters. If Sen. Clinton had been a Black Woman, how would you have voted?
Kim in Pa. I hope you will be enjoying your trip to Costa Rico. Please don't try and use that lame threat of ROE VS. WADE on us. Many have tried, few have succeded. And if gas goes up to 8.00 a gallon, it will be because people like you voted for someone who has NO EXPERIENCE dealing with issues like this. Just today he flip-flopped again this time on drilling. 'WHY YOU MAY ASK?" BEcause he took a look at the polls, the boy is really slippin.
This so sad, Hillary/Barack, Barack/Hillary, Black /White, are these the issues we should be worrying about? or should we be thinking about what WE can do to fix the problems with the economy, heathcare, eduacation and war? I will vote for Hillary, I will vote for Barack, I will vote for anyone that can truly fix the problem Democrat or Republican, what I will not do is vote for someone else because I'm upset that my candidate didn't win or because of theis color or sex, people we need to wake up our future is now, we can continue these petty spats or fix the problem...what do you want to do?
It seems to me that as Hillary supporters, we have an obligation to make the change she herself has urged of us: http://blog.hillaryclinton.com/blog/main/2008/06/29/164949
Sleepy I agree completely. I sit here, reading through pages and pages of "PROTEST OBAMA" and "If not Hillary, then McCain!" and I have to wonder how so many people could let themselves be cowed so easily. Welcome to the entire plan for the Republican party in this election.. Spread a little discontent here, and a little discontent there.. and get hard-nosed democrats to vote republican out of spite because their nominee didn't get selected. You guys are being beyond childish and you're playing into the exact same SPIN system that has our country's political system being called "The Puppet Show" internationally. For once, please, try to focus on the problems of this country and stop buying into the "celebrity" aspect of this election. There is FAR more at stake here than your foolish pride.. stop letting yourself be manipulated so freaking easily, or, if you're locked into your course.. by all means.. continue, but when we re-elect somebody that is campaigning on policies that continually say "we're on the right road, no need to change it" don't you DARE complain about how it all turned out. Especially if you VOTED for that system based on your bruised ego. I have NEVER called myself Democrat or Republican, I choose to vote for the candidate who's ideals speak to reason and what this country needs. The Republicans had their chance and have fumbled it for 8 years.. time for the Dems to have a go at it.. and when they screw up, like they surely will, maybe we can get back to finding a middle ground and relative balance again. In this upcoming election, I will vote for Hillary or Obama.. because like it or not, they represent the SAME IDEALS and the same perspective that this country needs a change in the way it's thinking and acting. "If Hillary isn't nominated I will send money to McCain" .. what a sad day to call yourself "political".
You Clinton supporters are being USED and you don't even realize it! The organizers of PUMA are REPUBLICANS!!! You are pawns in their political game. You still don't get it, the Repukes WANT to run AGAINST Clinton because they KNOW they can beat her! They have been collecting information against Clinton since she announced she was running for Senator from NY. Back then they KNEW she was just using NY as a stepping stone to the White House. They DO NOT want to run against Obama because they don't know how to run against him, evident from the recent ads from the Repukes. They had their whole strategy to win in 2008 mapped out AGAINST Clinton, then Obama threw a monkey wrench into the works and threw them way off course. Stop being pawns for the Republicans and back OUR Nominee Barack Obama for President!!!
Lampe: Color or Sex had nothing to do with MY vote!! You make it very clear that you are NOT a Democrat. Just admit it... You are a Republican posing as a Democrat!! That's all you repukes know how to do... be POSERS!!
For all of your info, it's stated in today's Huffington Post that Barack is leading McCain by 100 Electoral votes published by Mark Nickolas. You people are seriously pathetic. MENTAL just like HRC. But, guess what!!!!???!!! Hillary WON'T get the nomination nor will she be VP on his ticket. And guess what!!!! She will lose ALL of Barack supporters including 95% of the African American votes. So, you figure out how she's going to win because it WON't happen in a million years. She's such a LIAR, SCHEMER, CONNIVER just like all of you trying to take this from Barack. But, it won't happen. So, good luck. BARACK IS THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE USA!!!! GO BARACK GO
Was it that everyone has to end with, I can't believe people won't vote for him because he is Black. how is that anymore racist, then Blacks voting for him because he is Black. And what makes you people think for one minute, if we let people take away are right to vote or the right for our voices to be heard this time, next time it won't be the same, or worse they'll just put someone in office without having elections at all. If we let this happen this time, we deserve, what ever they give us.
Arliss, I hate to break you bubble. But, I am a 55 year old female, who has been a voting, and a registered democrat since I was old enough to vote. And by my count that means,37 years. So no Iwas never a Repuke, as you put it. See this is the childish stuff that you Obama, supporters accuse us of. Name calling, please do you and me both a favor Grow- up before you vote. I am and will vote for who I want, not because someone is trying to force someone down my throat.
Oh! and Arliss, did I mention I might be Black.
This issue here is whether or not Hillary Clinton should be allowed to have her name placed into nomination at the Democratic National Convention. She got 18 million votes in the primary and has 1500+ pledged delegates and many super delegates. Roughly she has 40-50% of the delegates. Does the Obama campaign want to anger half of the convention by denying the first woman candidate who seriously challenged the nomination. I do not expect delegates to switch allegiances at the convention. Obama will most likely be the nominee. I do not expect him to ask Clinton to be the vp nominee not because he doesn't need her but rather because he wants to be the only star. Obama needs to understand that he may need to share the stage at the convention or he may end up standing in front of half an audience. There are many Clinton supporters who know that to follow her ideas and platforms that voting for McCain is unthinkable. We know that if Obama is the nominee, then we need to support him. But if she is disrespected or dismissed by the Obama campaign publically at the Convention then many Clinton supporters will defect not to McCain but just to the sidelines. This is no different from the Obama supporters who threatened riots if their candidate lost.
To those who think it's not important who the Democratic nominee is -- fine, come get aboard with HIlary. A Clinton/Obama ticket would be instant unity and sure victory and 16 years in the White House. Justsaynodeal, hillarysupporters. Because 9 million of us will not vote for Obama. That is too many votes for you to lose; the margin of victory in 2004 was 3 million votes.
What some of you don't appear to "get" is that this fight for Clinton is not about Clinton per se but about US. OUR Party has been taken over by Pelosi, Obama, Dean, Brazile, and the superdelegates. Obama did not gather the necessary votes from the Primaries, he had to pay the superdelagates to support him. Just look at the contributions he has made to those running for office. He says that the contributions to his campaign were all small doners but in fact over 1/3 of his contributions were for 1 thousand dollars more. As an example, check out how much the pharmaceutical companies have given him. Read about his treatment fo Alice Walker and his ties to Richard Daley. Note his flip-flopping every other day, his "presidential seal", his egotism; . . . these are the reasons we will not vote for him. The only question is; WHY would ANYONE vote for him?
Clinton supporters, I read an interesting piece in this morning papers. If you live in PA. this is something you should know. Chris Matthews, yes you know the one from MSNBC, is thinking about running in 2010, to take a seat on The Senate, the one which might be available because of Arlen Spectors health. Yes, ladies this is the same Chris Matthews who made the sexists remarks against Sen. Clinton. Ladies do you honestly believe that this man should be able to serve in The Senate?
The most important thing is to avoid 4 more years of disastrous Republican policies, and a concrete Republican Supreme Court. For the good of the nation, we need to elect a Democrat...any Democrat. I place the well being of our nation at a higher priority than the well being of the Democratic party. I personally don't care one way or the other if Obama or Clinton wins the nominatation, just as long as McCain is prevented from winning the presidency. He will win by default if Democrats don't unite. Republicans would all get a good belly laugh at our childlike bickering as we cut our own throats.
Mel; exactly how do you think The Dems.can unite? The last thing in the world I want to do is vote McCain, but The DNC, has left me no choice, if we let them get away with a fixed-election, then in my views, we will be no better then The Republicans.
Hillary has the moral obligation to sign the petition for her name to be put on the ballot.Her supporters of 18 million people who voted for her, plus her stuff who worked day and night for her nomination ask her to put her name on the ballot. I hope she will do it.
DW. NY the Huffington Post is the most Pro-Obama sit that there is. If Obama is leading by that many votes, why doesn't he have bigger leads in all the other polls? Today's polls have Obama at 46% with McCain at 44% with about 9 % undecided. I think about really doesn't have as big as a lead,as you might think.
Lampe, 40% of Michigan democrats who voted voted uncommitted. With the only candidate whose name was on the ballot being Hillary Clinton's, who do you think that they were going to vote for? Also, your memory is skewed. The DNC pressured super delegates into making a decision about who to support. NOBODY pressured them to support Obama. It is only the choice of the super delegates about who to support. Nobody tried to influence them.
Ari; sorry to disappoint you, but Clintons name was not the only name on the ballot. that's how Obama got votes that were not his, Edwards name was on the ballot, and because he endorsed Obama , Obama got his votes. Now explain to me why Obama, is now try to get MI. and Fla. to seated and have full votes, at The Convention? I'll tell you why, because this man only does what is best for him at the time. And he knows there are alot of pissed-off voters in those two states, that won't vote for him. So once again depending on the polls, tells you which way Obama, will flop. And The DNC, along with Pelosi, Dean,Brazille and them did everything they could to push this vote down people's throats. They stabbed The Clinton;s and their supporters in their backs.
Alapumacat, here are the results of the primaries that you say Clinton slammed Obama in with regards to swing states and large population states. NH: Clinton 39% Obama 36% AZ: Clinton 50% Obama 42% CA: Clinton 51% Obama 43% NM: Clinton 49% Obama 48% OH: Clinton 53% Obama 45% PA: Clinton 55% Obama 45% TX: Clinton 51% Obama 47% To be sure some of these numbers may be big but they are not what I, or probably most other people, would call slamming. For the record, I would vote for Clinton if she were in Obama's shoes. Its called taking defeat like an adult PUMA's.
lampe, I agree. Traditionally GOP is the big money party, caters to the bosses and the capitalists. The Democrats are the little people's party, the people who need FDR things like Social Security, Medicare, etc. The GOP use money, we use votes. But this time both parties are being controlled by the big money types. Obama is a Wall Street elitist type. If we let the big money people control both parties -- the DNC by corrupt, vote-cancelling means -- then we've lost the two party system. Breaking this control and getting back to the real Democratic party begins by rejecting this elitist tool of Wall Street that Dean, Pelosi, etc are backing; hopefully if Obama becomes the McGovern of 2008, some real Democrats can take back the party and elect a real Dem in 2012.
It's not over yet folks! Join a PUMA group and write those super delegates! TELL them we want the candidate who can WIN in November and truly advance the democratic cause! TELL THEM TO SUPPORT SENATOR CLINTON! You all do realize that, otherwise, we're gonna be stuck with more republican crap, right?
There would be nothing wrong with placing HRC's name in nomination at the conventnion. Actually, in my lifetime (70 yr.) two or more names have been nominated more than singular names. The only possible reason for keeping Hillary from being nominated at the convention is fear on the parts of the BO campaign and Howard Dean. I say put her out there and let the chips fall.
2. Elaine Fernandez - I agree with your comments, especially a NO VOTE IS A VOTE FOR OBAMA. I would like Senator Hillary Clinton on the ballot but knowing the DNC's back room Boy's Club mentality it doesn't seem likely! I will vote for Senator McCain to keep Obama out of the White House. Obama is not a man of integrity – I hope people will see his true colors before it's too late!!!
Never in my life, nor' any history books have I ever seen or read about a person with more devotion to the American people like Hillary Clinton! She has put everything in her being, her soul, mind, heart, body, LIFE, to the American people. This Woman has walked, talked, breathed, slept, spoken, eaten, she literally has LIVED and breathed America! No-one on the Ballot would be more suited for the White House than this Unique Woman of Valor. Skillful and Sly?? Yes, and very strong too! Powerful and meaniful as well. She embodies all I want to see in a President. Obama has NO CLASS at all. You want to know why? He's younger, less experienced, has barely done anything at all in his very super short 1 part time year in the Senate. He could wait a few more years to Season himself and wait his turn. He should step aside and realize in no way does Obama have the experience needed to run this country yet ! He's just NOT ready. He sould step back, let Hillary lead, follow her and learn from her, then run for President later on. When he has more time and seasoning under his hat/belt. He's NOT ready.. Hillary IS READY. That Woman is STRONG! She has taken it and taken it and taken it, and she's still standing STRONG! AMAZING!! Hillary is simpley Amazing to me!! I look at South Chicago where Obama lives and has been, and it's an absolute DISASTEROUS NIGHTMARE!! What exactly has he done besides Vote Yah, to have Rosa Parks likeness put ona Stamp!! PPPPPPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Go back to South Chicago and Clean up that mess first Obama, let the Big Girl handle the heavy weight problems, you ain't ready nObama!!
WE LOVE YOU HILLARY!!!!!!! Hillary you are truly an amazing person. Thank you for supporting a cause bigger than life. We can't let down the millions of people (men and women) whom worked so hard to help our daughters succeed in life. I don't understand those whom think their success came solely because of their own doing. They don't acknowledge the great sacrifice their mother has given. Their mother has not only given them birth, a warm home, love, but has brought home the bacon while fighting to secure their future place in America. God Bless those women and our future men and women in this wonderful land of the free.
Go Hilary go, all the way to the convention! If Hilary won the popular vote, then why doesn't that count in America any longer? If it comes down to superdelegates, just let it happen. The Democratic committee is so afraid that it will all blow up in their faces if Hilary wins at the convention. She is the stronger candidate, and the one with the most experience. I am so disgusted, that even though I have been faithfully voting democrate since I was 18 years old, I feel my vote does not count any longer. The people are supposed to elect a president, and the people have spoken, the popular vote is for Hilary. Obama will not even consider the strongest running mate for VP? Why not? I would vote if Hilary was on the ticket, I will not if she is not there, because it means that as an American, and a democrat, my vote means nothing.
Lampe, maybe I should have said this earlier. I am not against Hillary having her name on the ballot. I just know that she will not be the nominee. Dean, Pelosi, and Brazile did not pressure the super delegates to support Obama. All they did was tell them to make their choice before the convention.
Remember when the media was hysterical over the possibility that the superdelegates would overturn the vote of the pledge delegates and give the nomination to Hillary? At the time, there was little chance of that happening -- in fact, the overwhelming number of SDs were going over to Obama at the time. Yet, it was a sexy story that the pundits kept pushing. I see the same thing happening with the roll call vote. There will be no roll call.
Hello commenters, Today, we posted a new story and a video on our home page: www.cqpolitics.com. Here is the direct link to the story: http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002937428 Thanks much for your lively conversation!
Oh God, a primary fight is all we need. Maybe this would be good, as it would make the convention a lot more interesting and let HRC's supporters have their say. On the other hand, the possibility of splitting the party in a very public fashion is very high. HRC probably knows in her heart what the best course of action is. Regardless of her decision, for the sake of the party II hope that she chooses wisely....
Ari; I also do not have anything Obama, I felt, and still do feel that Sen. Clinton,would have made the better Pres. This has nothing to do what so ever about Obama's race, He could be neon green and I wouldn't care. If Sen. Clinton, had been a AA female, or that matter a male, I would have voted , for that person, because of the what they stand for and what they believe. What makes me upset the most, is people trying to say I'm a racist, you don't even know me. All I'm saying, because so many people voted, for these two candidates, and because there was a woman, and a Black man running,The DNC, has to place both of their names in the roll-call, because History has been made, and demands it. For me this is about what The DNC, is supposed to be about, we are not supposed to be like Republicans, but if you take away or right to have our votes count, or our vooices to be heard then we are no better than them.
I think the best VP candidate for Obama would be Caroline Kennedy! Not a Washington insider, but has the Washington and national name, a woman, bright and with no obvious need for power or position.
Lampe, I do not believe that I have ever called you a racist for not supporting Barack Obam. If I implied that than I am sorry. As I have said before, I am male. You have never said that I was sexist for not supporting Hillary Clinton. I did not mean to, if I did, imply that you were racist. I voted for Obama because I saw in him a chance to make America better. That and John Edwards dropped out before Super Tuesday when Arizona, my state, held its primary. I am 22 years old. I have seen the damage that Bush has done to our country and I just want to make it better. I voted for Obama because I thought he could do that. Granted some of what he has done since then, notably his vote on FISA, has disappointed me greatly. However, I am still voting for him because I trust him more than I do McCain.
Ari; If I offended you, I am sorry. But you said you voted for Obama, because you felt that he could make America better. Well my vote for Sen. Clinton, was because I thought that she would be able to do the samething. What I hate most of all is being called a racist, if I didn't vote for Obama. This man is supposed to bring out the best in people, but when people turn against other people over a vote, how is that bringing the party together? All I ask is that you or anyone else give me the right to have my vote and voice counted, would you want me to say to you, Ari, it doesn't matter how you feel or what you want, this is how it is. If Obama supporters had let things die down a bit, before all the evil comments, things might have gone smoother. What makes me madder than anything is the comments being made about The Clintons, for remarks they made. But Obama, picks a V.P. who made racist remarks about Obama, and said it would be an honor to run with or against McCain, that he would be good for this country, and he also said Obama, didn't have the experience to lead, which is the same things The clinton's said, but no one seems to be angry about Biden's remarks, amd he's not labeled as a racist. Can you explain to me how that's fair? Ari; Thank You for letting me get this off my chest, but I wanted you to get a glimpse, at what I feel in my heart.
Lampe, I cannot explain how that is fair. I was never offended by what you said. I understand why you think Senator Clinton was treated unfairly as I did notice a relatively large amount of sexism in the media during the primary. Admittedly when I heard about his choice about Biden for his VP I was wondering what he was thinking. I remember that rather racially tinged remark that Joe Biden made about Obama. I was actually for HRC being VP. If HRC had won the nomination I would have been in favor of Obama being VP. However, given the brutality of the primary season, I think that there was too much bad blood between them. One thing that I think that we can both agree on is that while we would not like the media to decide who we vote for, they did just that when they did not give all the other democrats who were in the primaries any attention. Dennis Kucinich, John Edwards, Joe Biden, and Chris Dodd were candidates who were also very qualified to be president. However, the media decided only to focus on Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. I voted for Obama, as I said, because John Edwards dropped out before the Arizona Democratic Primary and I liked Barack Obama better than I liked Hillary Clinton. I do have great respect for her and I think that she has made great strides for women by coming very close to being the nominee. I also think that the primaries have gone on long enough and that it is time for us to unite behind Obama to ensure that John McCain is defeated in November.
POST A COMMENT
Oops! The following errors must be addressed: