Hillary Reveals Back-Channel Talks With Obama Camp

Greg Sargent of Talking Points Memo reported this weekend that Hillary Clinton "held a private rally-the-troops conference call with her super-delegate supporters...urging them to believe that 'this race is not over,' vowing to them she'd promote Dem unity after the primary, and conceding that she knows what they and the party are going through 'is not easy.'"

Somewhat tantalizingly, Hillary also claimed that there were back-channel talks of some kind going on between the two campaigns, possibly about how to maintain Democratic unity after the primary. Asked by a super-delegate whether there were discussions going on between the two camps about what would happen after the voting concluded, she said:

"There's a lot of communication between both of the campaigns all the time. I don't know how specific it is, but we have very open lines of communication...I know that both Senator Obama and I are committed, and the campaigns are as well, to making sure that when this is resolved" we will do everything we can to "unify the party." She didn't elaborate further.

Read the full report here.

Comments

[XME]

I'm for a Obama / Hagel ticket. Obama doesn't need to make her his VP to win, and many have said that with Hagel it's a winner. Besides, if he made her his VP, he'd have to spend at least 4 years watching his back with her AND Bill. It wouldn't be a unified ticket...you can bet they'd have their own agenda.

If HRC's most ardent supporters are stupid enough to vote for McCain if they can't threaten supers in to picking her, the Dems don't need people like that (as Brazille said, "So I believe you're ready to not only destroy Roe versus Wade, voting rights, civil liberties and civil rights. Perhaps adding trillions more to the deficits through non-stop tax cuts to the wealthy and 100 more years in Iraq. Yes, please join Rush and McCain asap. The train has left. Catch it."). They're not helping by trying to threaten and sending ransom notes (for their votes) to supers...all they're doing is smearing Hillary!

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Wow! Do you have any facts to substantiate your outrageous allegations? Fox news is the only place I enjoy unsubstantiated smear as entertainment because it's a blueprint on the gop strategy.

How moderate is Hagel?

The general election will be determined by how willing Obama is to discarding the passive use of race and elitism in his campaign coupled with reaching the moderate voters.

We've had eight years of extremism, and the moderates don't want any more. If Obama can't reach the moderate voters (OH/TX/IN/KY) then he's doomed.
This isn't about race, and as sooner the liberal left realize the better their chances in November.

Like it or not Clinton is right about the Reagan democrats. They're moderates and they're tired of extremists.

[Justtellthetruth]

She is the antithesis of everything that I Admire and hope for in an Obama nomination.

If he chooses her as VP, he invalidates much of what I find appealing about him as a candidate.

Shes a sellout. Shes a war monger. Shes despised by the majority of the people of this country.

Her veiws on middle eastern peace are damaging to any prospect of acheiving a workable peace, and I honestly believe that she would work AGAINST acheiving the peace that is so despreately needed in order to shore up support for her own presidency. We would NEVER see an end to the war on terror in our lifetimes if she or McCain are allowed anywhere NEAR the whitehouse in any capacity.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Once I reached 'antithesis' I knew what the rest of this comment was going to be, 'blah blah blah blah blah.'

If you'd like to includet some facts in with your Vitriolous blatherings it'd be a start.

Until then I see nothing but a blue faced blow hard.

Hyperbole much?

[Justtellthetruth]

Since you asked so nicely, Here are the facts that inform the opinion stated above.

She has actively participated in starting the wars in Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon.
She virtually campaigned for support of the war in lebanon, and did so even after it was clear that it was, like Iraq, a pointless bloodbath. Now look at the situation that she helped create there.

She has come out in favor of having Jerusalem be the undivided capitol of Israel, a position that is so whacky right wing and neocon centered that most Jewsih americans and Israelis do not support it. It would be an absolute non starter for peace, and would ensure that the blowback terror that has Hit Israel and now the US would continue for decades to come.

Her remarks about obliterating Iran are indicative of her broken and sold out veiws on US foreign policy. She is george bush in a skirt regarding anything in the middle east, and most of our current problems stem from incompetenet and visionless people like her whose dreams of hegemony have led the entire nation astray.

What else can I help illuminate for you?

[ProgressiveBum]

Couldn't have said it better myself! Thank you!

[snesich]

If Hillary on the ticket makes it more likely that Obama wins in November, I'm all for it. If Hillary on the ticket makes it less likely Obama wins in November, I'm against it.

Hopefully she---and her supporters---feel the same way.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Honestly, I don't. It'd weaken her position. Let Obama fall on his own merits. His supporters deserve it.

McCain will wipe the floor with BO in November. Everyone knows it. HRC has been stating it quite clearly, as have the exit polls.
America does not want extremist. We've had eight years and that's quite enough, thank you.

We need a moderate, and if McCain is the ONLY MODERATE on the ticket, then he will be getting a lot of votes.

Remember, the neo-cons dislike McCAin because he Is a Moderate.

That's a good thing...

[ProgressiveBum]

Now really, moderates only call themselves moderates because they are spineless and too emotionally insecure to take a stand that might bring up controversy. Moderates are what got us to this point. Look at getting and staying in Iraq, the current recession, failing public schools, failing healthcare, failing retirement plans, and most importantly, the failure to address global warming. Quite frankly, I've had it with moderates!

[utd]

Hahaha, McCain a moderate?? Maybe 10 years ago man, but this guy is about as lock step to the right as is humanly possible right now and you f-ing know it. Feel free to explain any of his moderate views at any time.

[JackLivigni]

I think we Obama supporters need to stop being closed minded and consider the fact that Hillary Clinton could be the VP nominee. We need to simply stop being driven by negative emotions and focus on the agenda of the Democratic party. If Obama has a greater chance at being elected with Clinton as VP, then by golly so be it.

Obama will be smart enough to measure these things and figure them out, and it is our job as party members to get past our stupid animosity and high school rivalries and focus on the future of our country.

I have had my share of negative feelings and despise for Clinton, but hell, I care more about healthcare, education, Iraq, and defeating the pro-fascist forces that have checked my emails, library book loans, etc., and want to squash civil liberties. Get real folks! Take some pragmatism lessons from Barack.

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

On the other hand, I also think it's important that we communicate, to anyone who'll listen, how we would feel about Clinton being on the ticket. We don't want Obama to cave in, thinking that it's what most people want, if that's NOT what most people want.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

I don't want HRC on a BO ticket. Moderates must not cave to extremists.

The candidate who is the most moderate this fall will win. At this point, in a McCain/Obama g.e, McCain will get the nod.
It will only strengthen HRC's position in the next election. Once she's taught the elite extremists about a silly little thing called 'reality.'
It's time for the children to grow up, and just as in parenting the best lessons are the ones learned the hard way.

[cuzkate]

NO NO NO NO !

[pooppoop]

I don't think it's a case of being closed minded. I think it's a case of credibility. She's said he can't beat McCain, he's not ready to be commander in chief, he's too inexperienced to do the job, his bid is based on a speech. How can she credibly join the ticket as VP nominee? The republicans would have a field day with all of that.

[ProgressiveBum]

You gotta be kidding, with her high negatives on the same ticket? The general election would become the anti-Hillary-all-day show.

[ImpressedByHonesty]

somehow this board has technically lost its ability to reply to a particular specific post properly. Maybe a staffer can recognize and fix accordingly.

[ImpressedByHonesty]

smokin' comment meant for NoSpinZone O'reilly ditto head.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Haha! So my posts are now immune to replies? Oh how I wish!

Well Impressed by dishonesty what smokin' comment are you referring to?

Please, I'd prefer it if we stay away from insults. Some don't know how to, but I'd prefer to stick to the issues.
Hey, if I'm wrong about something, I'm more than interested in learning the truth.

Anyways... I await your forthcoming ditto head comment.

[kiga]

More than 16 million people voted for Hillary during this year's primaries. If she is not on the ticket, many of us will not vote for Obama. I have been on the ground in many states and can tell you first hand that the DNC does not want to find out how many will not vote for Obama if he is the nominee come Nov. The Black leaders are scaring us with having their folks not vote if Obama is not the nominee, try Hillary supporters!!

[Midnightrain]

That threat is self-serving at best, and childish at worst.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

But it's also true. How many exit polls stating that >50% of HRC supporters would either: 1)Stay home and not vote, or 2)Vote for McCain
do you need to see an obvious pattern?

Whether or not it's spur of the moment emotion is the question. To dismiss it casually is irresponsible at best, and naively ignorant at worst.

[mystic]

You have an excellent point. You grasp the essence of why Hillary should win: If she doesn't win, then we won't be able to bomb Iran, and we will not be able to continue our successful genocide against the Palestinians. Two excellenbt reasons; Also people will not be able to continue tax fraud, which will be such a shame as she has been so successful at this (just ask Peter Paul, or anyone associated with cattle futures insider trading) .

[cdavis]

But here you are saying the same thing you are accusing Obama supporters of saying. Sometimes you just don't get what you want and you have to come to terms with it and move on. I really don't understand why Hillary supporters have to think Obama is the most horrible person ever to be supportive of Hillary - it makes no sense. Hillary is polar opposite from McCain - why would you even think about voting for McCain? It would defeat your whole purpose of supporting Hillary - you are supporting her for her policies, aren't you? I voted in our caucus for Obama, but if Hillary is the nominee I will be disappointed but I would NEVER vote for McCain - I would back Hillary. Why can't you as a member of the DEMOCRATIC party support Obama.

[johnsnakecusak]

Im a Hillary supporter, but I agree 100% with you.
There are so many people saying that if their candidate doesnt get the nomination they will support McCain.
Which is just total insanity.
I have come to the conclusion that most of these people are McCain Trolls, or that their reasons for supporting their candidate is not based on the platform they are running on, but rather on specific side agendas.

[vincie]

BECAUSE OBAMA IS INEXPERIENCED, IS A RACIST, HE AND HIS WIFE ARE RACIST, JUST SITTING AND LISTENING TO REV WRIGHT FOR 20 YEARS TELLS YOU THAT. HIS EXPERIENCE IS IN THE SENATE IN ILLINOIS, A PART TIME JOB. WHEN HE HAD TO VOTE HE PUSHES THE WRONG BUTTON, AND THEN SOMETIMES DECIDES TO VOTE PRESENT, NEVER MAKING A DECISION. THIS MAN IS AN EMPTY SUITE. AND I DON'T WANT HILLARY ON HIS TICKET. I WANT HIM TO FALL ALL BY HIMSELF. I WILL NEVER SUPPORT OBAMA.

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

I'm confused: this comment must feel good to some ardent Clinton supporters, but how exactly does it help Obama beat McCain?

[JackLivigni]

Kiga, somberly put... don't screw around with our children's future... get over your ego and stop being dumb.

We have much more at stake than our stupid ego... and if you can't see that, then you are not a loyal supporter of Hillary Clinton, because last time I checked, people were supporting these candidates for what they believed in. If in fact you are supporting Hillary Clinton for some other reason then by all means go vote for whomever the hell you want.

[BoThomasReed]

Hillary staying in the race is good for Obama. He's going to lose West Virginia and Kentucky, probably by significant margins. Better to lose like that with her still in the race than to be the unchallenged nominee. Give Hillary her wins in West Virginia and Kentucky and let her withdraw from the race with at least some credibility.

Obama '08

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Yes,
The shrill choir needs show some respect. Respect that it demands for itself, yet seems unwilling to give to others.
Barring anything unusual HRC is done. If she handles it gracefully she will probably have a good shot in 2012 or 2016. If not then she might have trouble keeping her seat.
Like it or not Obama needs HRC's supporters to beat McCain. He is a shrewd, experienced politician. A highly decorated soldier, a former pow, and one of the few republican voices that strongly opposes torture in any form.
He also has a huge head start.

Obama's going to have to solidify his flip flopping on international policies, he's going to have to run a clean campaign. That's his best strategy.
McCain's already beginning to attack his inexperience in dealing with terrorists, and that's a bad sign.
It will be an interesting contest, to be sure.

But how HRC plays out will have a significant impact on the results. Both HRS and BO know this.

I'm looking to see the tone of their speeches change. That will be the first signal to how this will play itself out by mid-June.

[mystic]

From your mouth to god's ears. She has as much chance of winning in 2012 as Bush does (Paraguay says they will consider letting him run a campaign from his Blackwater guarded bunker).

[GravitonX]

At this point, it's up to Clinton and their supporters. It's time for some soul searching and realism.

[Bill3rdterm]

Just when I'm getting close to throwing my support with Obama for the general, I come to Huff Po and read the disgusting vile comments from OBama supporters directed at her and her supporters. Sure makes me want to join hands and help,,,,,,,,,,,,NOT

[Repub4Obama]

Put your vote with the PERSON, not the bloggers. All sides have nutjobs wasting their days posing up here - including me - and it shouldn't really sway you.

[prittfumes]

Bill3rdterm, I know exactly what you mean. Thanks.

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

So GravitonX asks the supporters of the losing candidate to do some "soul searching", and you see it as "disgusting vile comments"? Some Clinton supporters have sworn to back McCain over Obama, or to stay home, which will let McCain make the Supreme Court 9-0 Republican and eliminate 43 years worth of civil and privacy rights. Don't you think those people -- who are willing to sacrifice not just Roe v Wade but also gay rights, birth control rights, etc. on the altar of personality -- need to do some soul searching?

[skepticalindenver]

Your handle says it all...the woman cannot win on her own merits. Bring in a talent competent female candidate and I'll vote for her everyday of the week. Bring in Hillary and I'll show her the door.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Dear Wanjiru and THB,
Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability.

1. How does Obama's flip flopping on international politics, and pro-FISA position make him a desirable candidatet?
2. Why is deregulation a bad thing?

There are more, but since both of you have dodged these repeatedly, I figured I might as well start slow. At a speed you both can handle. I t h i n k y o u c a n ?

Cheers!

[ImpressedByHonesty]

Your first point, you need to specifiy what you truly are talking about. On the 2nd, deregulation was a precursor to the S&L crisis. I worked for the RTC back then. Deregulation was the precursor to the Enron scandal. Deregulation was the precursor to the current housing crisis. Deregulation has ruined our press, since now reporters are pressured by economic interests that favor their parent conglomerates, and the news organizations are driven by profit and ratings, rather than professional journalism. This is a fundamental flaw that eats at our pillars of democracy.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Deregulation occurred 20 years before enron. This falls under Bush's watch, not deregulation.
The press have lost their spine, that's the problem. They're looking for ratings and shock value, and are too lazy to do the proper journalism.

look at Dinsmore's debacle if you'd like further proof...

[Midnightrain]

Deregulation is why the value of the dollar is plummeting.

[lmatthe]

1) How does a candidate that uses racism to her advantage make her the best candidate?
2) You want to talk flip flopping? Do you really want me to rehash the illegal immigrant drivers licence deal from the 1st debate? Or, Would you like me to bring up Clinton apologizing for her Iraq vote, then turning around and voting for Kyle/Lieberman? And you really don't want to talk NAFTA in Canada do you?

I S T H A T E A S Y E N O U G H F O R Y O U?

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

Please don't remind us about Clinton and NAFTA; the plight of America's whiskey producers makes me too sad.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/m.s.-bellows/taverngate-hillarys-forei_b_97863.html

[NoSpinTruthZone]

Once you answer my two questions, that I created this thread for, then I'll answer yours.

Until then I'll assume you're a twit.

[drurylane]

My main concern, at this point, is that unless Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama { and also, their strong base of supporters, who obviously play a huge role in the course & decisions these two candidate hopefuls decide upon} can find some much-needed "accord" -- & quickly -- we may be facing another probably highly-disastrous Republican presidency.

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

Clinton and Obama don't need to find "accord." One of them needs to be acknowledged the winner. The other one needs to show sufficient grace and selflessness to accept that fact and do everything in his or her power to ensure that the other wins vs. McCain. There's nothing the winner needs to do other than be courteous in victory -- that's why it's better to win.

Put differently: they're not negotiating compromises on a party platform; they're selecting the nominee, of which there is only one.

[TiffanyHusseinBanned]

To NoSpinTruthZone,
“A real democrat doesn't use post 9/11 'unpatriotic' rhetoric to try and devalue their opponents position.
That is a tool of the neo-conservatives. Does this make you a neo-conservative?”
I think you are on your way to a meltdown.
What does your response have to do with anything I have posted thus far? I have not attacked anyone’s patriotism. I only asked you to outline the pertinent experience that Hillary and John bring to the POTUS.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

You dodge questions and fling insults and insinuations. Your pettiness is showing.

How about answeing some of the questions I've asked? Is that too difficult for you?

Should I simplify them? Or should I type slower so that you c a n k e e p u p ?

[NoSpinTruthZone]

You said, 'Not sure how a real Democrat would reconcile that, but whatever. It is your vote.'
The inference is that one wouldn't be a 'real democrat,' is different in what way from the post 9/11 rhetoric coming from the neo-cons? (if you don't support this invasion you're not a patriot).

Please.. I'd love to know...

shrug..

[Bjorkian]

I would suspect another lie. On Morning Joe this morning, Terry Mc said that there have been no discussions between the 2 camps about money or VP status. Someone is not telling the truth. I volunteered on Saturday for the Vote for Change voter registration drive. I was so encouraged as there were over 2000 people there. We rocked not only Manhattan ( we met in Harlem where supposedly in over 60 districts Barack recieved NO votes in the primary-more shennanigans in election fraud no doubt), but all 5 boroughs. Everyone represented and the most telling was families with babies, Mothers with daughters and even a French man!!! Talk about a rainbow? I'm not even giving up on WV as there were some of them there representing and said that their friends and family were coming out for Barack.Trust, people couldn't wait to register, and even though we were not promoting Barack, all save for one were on board. Keep the faith. We got this one.Remember that polls only count those Democrats who have already voted. It's on.

[vippy]

I am glad that Obama will talk to the various organization we declared the terrorist organization.
Do we always agree with our government? Think not. I believe Obama will do the right thing.
Hamas was voted in democratically and has a good reputation among its people. Then we would
also have to go deeper and find out why we even have terrorist organizations. What creates the
need for them. Fleece the middle class here in the US some more and see if we can't come up
with something to fight the government. What right to they have to give tax breaks to those who
can afford it and never notice it to someone who is faced with buying a loaf of bread or pay the
taxes.

[TiffanyHusseinBanned]

To NoSpinTruthZone,

“She has propped up a candidate that really isn't ready for the role of POTUS, while systematically destroying all of the other credible candidate.”

Now tell me about building number 7. Geez.

Does Hillary’s inevitable loss have anything to do with her? Or her campaign? Or her message? Or that Obama is a better messenger and had a better message than her?

We can blame Arianna, Matthews, Anderson Cooper, Olbermann, or whoever else that was supposedly “in the tank” for Obama, but why can’t we agree that Hillary was ultimately her own problem?

[robynuva]

Also to NoSpinTruthZone, who it seems is immune from replies:

McCain and Obama have exactly the same stand on Hamas. But, if the Grand Wizard of the KKK says he wants McCaiin to win, I will not hold that against the Senator. I am sure quite a few disgusting racist will vote for McCain, but that is not his fault.

And, we can thank de-regulation for our current lending crisis. You know, Republicans have had 7 years to try out their theories on regulation, taxes, and international relations, and all have failed miserably.

What it comes down to is that if keeping gay folks from getting married and women from getting abortions is more important to you than the war, the economy and your civil liberties, by all means, vote for McCain.

[NoSpinTruthZone]

First off... deregulation is not the cause of our 'lending crisis'. A lack of transparency and the devaluation of the dollar, coupled with the global inbalances are the real culrpits.
Transparency, not regulation is what's needed. The government would do a bad job at regulating markets.

secondly... why are you racist? At least be honest about it. It's one of the most despicable things I can think of, yet here it is. You need to put down your racism, it's truly repulsive.

third... McCain's military experience and economic platforms undermine your lame argument. Again... you're using spin as facts. Neo-conservatives used fear to push Bush over the top in '04. Today you're using racism and fear.
This makes you different from a neo-con how?
You talk about civil liberties as if you know something, yet Obama voted for fisa and NOBODY seems to have a problem with this loss of civil liberty.
Yet, you bring it up here..

how quaint...

[vincie]

THE PROBLEM WAS THE UNDEMOCRATIC CAUCUSES AND FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN. YOUR MAN DIDN'T WANT A SECOND VOTE BECAUSE HE WAS GOING TO LOSE BIG TIME. THIS IS NOT A FAIR ELECTION, THIS IS A TRAVESTY.