A Rested Clinton Tells NYC Women Obama "Is The One"

"I've been trying to exercise a little bit, which I'm told does wonders for a person."

With that line, Sen. Hillary Clinton drew the first of several laughs from the largely female crowd in attendance at her joint appearance with a comparatively less energetic Barack Obama Thursday morning at the Hilton Towers in New York City. Hosted by Women for Obama and the DNC's Women's Leadership Forum, the event was another pit stop on the "unity" tour that kicked off in New Hampshire two weeks ago.

And, at least as a speaker, Sen. Hillary Clinton proved that she is currently in tip-top shape. After noting that Obama told her she looked "rested" at an event last night, the New York Democrat admitted to reaping the benefits of a non-campaign schedule, but also showed she is still willing to bring some partisan fire and enthusiasm whenever she is invited to join him on the trail this fall.

On issues ranging from education to abortion rights to global warming, Clinton pointed to Obama as the superior candidate for women. On climate change, Clinton took a moment to mock President Bush by accusing him of just discovering the issue months before leaving office. "Gosh, this is a problem, and I sure hope the next president does something about it," Clinton said while impersonating the president -- adding, in her own voice, "well so do I!"

But beyond the yucks and the fired-up phrasing, the former presidential candidate did also take a moment to talk about the still-raw wounds dating from the primary season.

"Now I've had countless conversations since the end of my campaign," she began. "And I know how difficult it is for people who have invested their time, energy and emotion -- just their entire being -- into any campaign or cause. ... When it is over, I know how difficult that is ... how challenging it is to turn on a dime. It is a process. It does take time for people to take a deep breath, to go forward. ... But anyone who voted for me has so much in common with those who voted for Barack. ... It is critical that we join forces. The Democratic Party is a family -- sometimes a dysfunctional family -- but it is a family. We care about what is going to happen to health care [and education], and in Afghanistan in Iraq. ... That work cannot be done if we do not have a Democratic president in the White House!"

As she wrapped up her remarks and began to introduce Obama, Clinton said, "this is the man -- this is the one -- we should be voting for. ... Do it for your children. Do it for your jobs. Do it for the education of future generations."

At which point, the crowd of women (and a few scattered men) took up the "Yes We Can" chant. With close to 2,000 people paying $250 per head to participate in the latest display of unity, that meant a cool half million dollars in one morning's work for the Obama campaign.

UPDATE: Some AP video from the event:

Comments

[HHarvey]

Hil has redeemed herself in my eyes. I would like to see her on the ticket because if anything should happen to Obama then the VP would be our next president. The only problem is Bill and if he can stand down. Also, I believe there is an issue of opening up their pandora's box of worms and from what i've heard Bill doesn't want to do that. So.... that leaves sebelius and I would really rather see Hill.

[nclayla]

I think Hillary will redeem herself if she can remain loyal to Obama through November and when she does her very best to straighten out the PUMAs. I agree that Bill would be an insurmountable problem, but I think the PUMA types will see any woman other than Hillary being tapped for VP as a slap in Hil's face. I have every confidence in Obama's ability to select the best person to work for him as his VP and will support whomever he selects.

[macbabe]

MANY would not vote if she was on the ticket, it won't happen!

[joshrox]

Many wouldn't vote if she is not on the ticket.

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

And many more of us won't vote for him if she's NOT on the ticket. Guess a poll is needed to see which number is larger.

[pleeezzze]

Thats obviously a lie . Everyone who adores O bama would vote for him even if he picks minnie mouse .
Remember ....anything to win , is his motto !

[4wehttam]

No way. Give Hillary any other cabinet post she wants, just not VP.

[presto]

There is the minor matter of winning. She cannot be appointed to the cabinet if Obama does not win. If she is on the ticket he will have no trouble winning.

[debrouillard]

Wow!
So u honestly think Hillary has changed a dime?
If anything she has gotten even more bitter and conniving. She is where she is now is because Barack continues to out smart her at every turn she tries to take. If she really was over it,then she wont be holding on to her delegates. Because she is doing just that,then technically,the nomination fight is still not over yet.

[presto]

No, she has not changed at all. She has been consistent about her positions and they are valid ones. There is nothing unusual about a close contender hanging onto their delegates. Kennedy did against Carter and he had no where near the same support. If you let the process work without all the resentment, it will all turm out just fine. Clinton would be a very effective vice president.

[coloradosiren]

Wow! Imagine that, HRC out womaned BHO. The crowd was hers to dazzle so BHO let her work her magic. Out of thin air a half million appeared.

[macbabe]

Good for him for being a gentleman and stepping aside to let her shine in the spotlight for a bit. I am by no means a Clinton fan any more, but you can still show respect the way most of us were taught to do!

[caldarone]

If your honest about it, Obama has ALWAYS SHOWED HER RESPECT, even in the primaries when she won , he congradulated her, when he won, she dissed it. She has no class, and in my eyes it going to take a lot to redeem herself.

[olivia]

With him, it is not always only about him. That's what I like about him. She could learn something from it.

[nclayla]

Yes, from this report is certainly sounds like Hillary did very well and kept her pledge to support Obama. I am both thankful and grateful to hear this.

The event was given by the DNC's Women's Leadership Forum and Women for Obama. If Hillary had not been able to do well with her key and consistent base - Democratic women - it would mean that her brand had been tarnished beyond repair.

[Bettysdad]

"Out of thin air?"

It was a fundraiser, for god's sake.

What do you think will happen?

[presto]

Well...when he did the same he came up with nearly zilch. We did not think that would happen.

[WFV]

I wonder what her cut of the $250 each was. No mention of that, I noticed.

[presto]

Nothing whatsoever. You need to get up to speed on campaign financing laws. It would be the height of absurdity for either one of them to violate the law at a high profile event like that. Or any event, for that matter.

[olivia]

Are you saying he has to buy her support?

[SanityClaus]

I donated $50 to retire HC's debt the day of the Unity NH rally. I'm glad to see her out campaigning for O as she said she would.

Now, if she would only call out those HC dead-enders like PUMA by name and scold them for their childish behavior and demand that they stop using her name or likeness on their websites, I would give her more $$$.

[allhailmary]

I wouldn't vote for Obama if Hillary, Bill, and the Pope showed up on my porch and did an Irish Jig, and if Hillary says one word to PUMA, a group of which I am a member, she will never get my vote again.

[gvc]

Please explain to me what policy of McCain's you prefer over Obama's.

[chriss0114]

She certainly didn't get any of your money either it seems

[MissT]

Hatred is very unbecoming and also misdirected.

[Chillinout]

Something all you PUMA people don't seem to understand. If O'bama were to somehow lose in November, millions of people would blame Hill for that loss, and rightly so. She would instantly become one of the, if not THE most hated person in this country. She would never hold an elected office again. So if you are willing to destroy this country and your "candidate" then go for it. The only solace to take from all this is your "organization" is tiny and insignificant.

[olivia]

Your position is not logical. You don't seem real. Operation Chaos?

[oscarp]

SanityClaus, ever heard of the word CONVICTION? Well, we at PUMA have it. And Hillary has not asked to represent her, nor she would ask us to stop our fight, becuase we are in no way or shape attached to Hillary. We are against everything that happened in this electoral process, we are against the DNC decision to select a nominee rather than let the people speak their voices, we are against the coward attitude of many Democrats that have sold their souls and pockets to someone who is, infortunately, unelectable. Someone who sold himself as someone who he is not, and I hope that some at the DNC is regretting not supporting Hillary after these past weeks of flip flopping.

[DDeBlaine]

Did anyone see Carville on CNN last night issuing threats to the Obama campaign over the New York Times donor article yesterday? He was deadly serious and it made me wonder what they are up to. Where's Bill anyway?

[northeast73]

I notice your not concerned about Carville stating that the Obama "kids" were making ameutuer mistakes and leaking stories that have no value.

That doenst concern you. No no...some "conspiracy" amongst clintonistas concerns you....not Obama camps mistakes.

Jeesh.

[debrouillard]

Talking about making mistakes,i wonder why that. Could it by any chance that,trying to intergrate some of the Clinton people in to the Obama campaign might just be the problem? Just a thought.

[riley85]

Hillary supporters may back Obama but she will always be number one to us.

[joeyp404]

You said it riley. I love her more each passing day.

[bish66]

It is a real pity that she is out of the race. She truely would have changed Washington.

[edwarvir]

joeyp404 I hope you feel that way in the fall when you see the ad
the REPUBS have made using her own words trashing him. I wish
she would go away and leave him alone.

[StephenDedalus82]

I'm with you. I supported her because she gave Democrats the opportunity to have an international star at the top of the ticket, one with an actual resume, one with progressive principles, and a woman to boot. Now I'm forced to vote for someone I feel is totally unqualified and undeserving of the presidency because I cannot vote Republican. Obama's supporters refuse to admit that Clinton inspired just as many people just as passionately, but she did, and will continue to do so.

[barackobama4prez]

just like Obama is not the first choice for those who wanted Edwards, Richardson or Biden.

NO THREATS NO DRAMA

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008-2013

[truegreen]

Hillary is auditioning to Barack Obama's VP

[HowietheScreamer]

Maybe, but the Director shouted "NEEEEXT" a Loooong time ago.

[Northlite]

Somewhat to my own shock, I find myself thinking that an Obama Hillary ticket would be fantastic. It would truly unify all but the most conservative or liberal folks in the party, bring oodles of money, help us get over the womens' "issue" as well as the black "issue". Would the Hillary-haters of the right have a field day--yes, but they will anyway with Obama.

[Independent voter]

I don't like Clinton, but I give her credit for having the courage to vote NO on FISA

[Bettysdad]

It was imply expediency.

If she was, or hoped to be, the candidate she would have voted "yes."

Just like the Iraq war. You do remember that, don't you?

[BOISATOOL]

The only progressive liberal candidate we had left and we chose the red state Republican. She was the only one on left side on the issues, how did he win?

[Chillinout]

He got more delegates, votes, etc.

[kennedy]

Hillary has more votes and she will use them. More people came out and voted for her. And you thought Obama was the popular one. What a load.............

[oscarp]

votes????? how's your math?

[olivia]

She was always a neocon and has voted to prove it. We knew that about her before the primary race began.

[kennedy]

Obama is the neocon, not Hillary. She kept her word on FISA and Obama lied. And he betrayed all Americans. Obama Mr. Anti-War has voted to fund the war over and over and over and over again. Obama is a liar and a coward. Open your eyes to the con Obama.

[presto]

Clinton is not a neocon. Sheesh.

[Sabreen60]

You need therapy.

[olivia]

What do you mean "we" ? You never supported him:

I will never vote for Obama and anyone but Clinton. My vote goes to Clinton then McCain. Clinton 2012 :) posted 06/27/2008 at 03:27:31

She was always a neocon at heart.

[Deaninphilly]

Olivia, his last vote speaks volumes of being a neocon. Perhaps if you're going to continue with the same BS that you've been shoveling for months you actually look at what your messiah is doing and saying.

[Speakchic]

That is specifically why he won. You are part of the DIVIDED America. We are ONE America. The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

[kennedy]

Obama is the one that has ripped our once great DEM party apart. And he will lose.......we will make sure of that. Real DEMS don't vote cult!

[robjh1]

And many thought she wouldn't back him 100%. Ah...the taste of victory with the media eating crow.

[olivia]

She needs him because she's in debt, and because he's going to be president.

Don't make too much of it.

She hasn't done a thing about PUMA, she hasn't released her delegates, and the convention is still an unknown.

[presto]

Releasing the delegates is immaterial. They can vote however they choose. It is traditional for someone with the kind of support she had to be honored on the first ballot. Most people here have no interest in honoring her, but that also is immaterial.

[olivia]

100% ????????

What has she done about PUMA?

Why hasn't she released her delegates?

[presto]

She has no involvement with or responsibility for PUMA. Nor does Obama have any responsiblity for the thugs at his caucuses or the vileness of his blogosphere supporters.

[barackobama4prez]

NO THREATS NO DRAMA

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008-2013

[DRaymond]

So, at an event whose whole purpose was to highlight to her key constituents how much Hillary is behind Obama Hillary takes the spotlight. Umm, isn't that exactly what you would WANT to occur at an event with that purpose?

[presto]

I think His supporters really believe He does not need the big bucks from the big Clinton donors. It's a complete lack of understanding of the system.

[southafrica4obama]

Outshines NONSENSE

[sheikwil]

Yea, I don't get the headline either. The women who supported Hillary need to let it go and move on for the betterment of this country because with John McCain in office, these same women will be cursing themselves if he gets in. Their sons, daughters, hubands, their homes, jobs, food and everything else is at jepordy with another Rep, who has voted with Bush 95% of the time back in office. McCain is not willing to leave Iraq, when they asked us to leave and sounds like he's ready to get us into another war with Iran, so they may be getting drafted to go into the military because we are stretched so thin as it is now. It we have a disater her in America, we are in trouble, because we don't have enough troops home as it is. Get over it, Hillary is not the nominee, lets move on a in November, this should be our main forcus.

[olivia]

HuffPo headline writers are terrible.

[DrToketee]

Where Clinton really outshown Obama recently is that Obama voted for FISA immunity and Clinton voted AGAINST it. Enuf said.

[EinChicago]

Shhhhhhh. The Oba-ma Kultists will hear you and say grass is blue and sky is green as usual.

[edwarvir]

EinChicago Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh I see Snipers, I see bill collecters

[GuyFawkes]

And Clinton would have voted for it if she were the nominee.

Triangulation is a Clinton trademark, remember?

[Bettysdad]

If she were the candidate, she would have voted yes.

It takes no courage to vote a certain way when your vote won't make any difference. That's how McCain appears to be a moderate. He votes with Democrats when Republicans are guaranteed to win. And Republican-lite Hillary votes with Democrats when Republicans are guaranteed a win. Fools a lot of people. Like you.

It was pure political expediency to use against Obama.

She will cause huge problems at the convention, and destroy the party. She has no problem with that.

[DrToketee]

"Fools a lot of people. Like you."

Ah ... so you're a Republican. You were too obvious.

[punkingale]

How in the hell would you know how Hillary would have voted? Are you Carnack?

[toby25]

How pathetic is it that Hillary Clinton is looking people in the eyes asking for money to help her pay off her debt...and with no shame. Also how sad is it that Barack Obama is basically having to buy her support. She doesnt want him to be elected president.

[presto]

Don't know much about campaign finance law, do you?

[edwarvir]

toby25 that's team spirit he's not buying her support. It's tradition that the
winner always helps the loser in both parties settle their debt . The part that makes me
sick with her is how foolishly she spent her money. She did not have to
stay in the best hotels. or continue on with her campaign wnen she knew her
money was depleted. She is a horrible person I DON'T TRUST HER AT ALL