Top Clinton Backers Tell Donors: Stop Whining

TPM:

In a sign that senior Democratic officials remain deeply concerned that post-primary bitterness could imperil Barack Obama's chances, two top Democratic officials have emailed a sharply-worded letter to major donors and other leading Dems confessing "fatigue and irritation" at those withholding full support from Obama and demanding that they get behind him "without conditions or demands."

"I supported Hillary Clinton and am proud and pleased that I did," reads the email, which was written by Donald Fowler, a former DNC chair and DNC member-at-large who was one of Hillary's most prominent supporters. Alice Germond, the Secretary of the DNC, is also a signatory.

"But she lost," continues the email, which was sent our way by a source. Barack Obama won. It's over."

Read the whole story: TPM

Comments

[ChiGuy]

I'm so sick of people pulling this stuff. PUMA is the worst of the bunch.

B.i.l.l at the Harkin Steak Fry in 2003:
"First you fall in love, then you fall in line..."
It's high time both Klin-tons took a strong stand and heed the big man's words.

[abby4ever]

Would it be too off-topic to ask when H and B are going to campaign for O in earnest? Are they waiting until after the convention?

[pupbayer]

My guess is they are doing what he's asked them to do.

[abby4ever]

All right, I'll buy that.

[suzyku]

Good for them!

[CaptainVideo]

Leaders of the Democratic party who supported Hillary but are now supporting Obama because they want to win this election need to pressure Hillary into releasing her delegates and declaring that she will not let her name be put into nomination at the convention.

And Obama supporters should not contribute one cent to paying off Hillary's campaign debt until she does so.

[WeCanFixThisMess]

What's so sad is that the Hill supporters just can't get out of fight mode. That was the problem in the primary. They were hitting first and hardest with "politics as usual" and couldn't sense that the majority of the country had moved on and wanted a different kind of President. Someone who would lead rather than fight tooth and nail against their own people.
They are trying to right slights from the 90's while the rest of us are trying to move on to the next four years. Needing to make Obama their enemy just shows how out of touch they have gotten. There is nothing sadder than someone who, for all the right reasons, totally loses their way.

[abby4ever]

***What's so sad is that the Hill supporters just can't get out of fight mode.***

That is the best description I've heard. Fight mode. How could we convince them to get out of it, what could we do? Or have we already done all we can?

I ask you, not them, I know what they want: her debt paid off, #2 on the ticket, apologies...

To all three I say No.

[pupbayer]

I don't want money, her as VP on Democratic ticket, or apologies. All I want is the Democratic Party to straighten out their chaos which they call a primary process. Even that doesn't matter much since I've left the party and won't be voting in any more primaries...at least not in the near future. They've taken an election that should have been a no-brainer and a landslide and turned it into a disaster. There is no excuse for that and the country as a whole will suffer. That is unforgivable.

[pupbayer]

I don't want money, her as VP on Democratic ticket, or apologies. All I want is the Democratic Party to straighten out their chaos which they call a primary process. Even that doesn't matter much since I've left the party and won't be voting in any more primaries...at least not in the near future. They've taken an election that should have been a no-brainer and a landslide and turned it into a disaster. There is no excuse for that and the country as a whole will suffer. That is unforgivable.

[WeCanFixThisMess]

I think this Donald Fowler letter is a good start. If more powerful people like him come forth then the crazy Clinton supporters out there using bullying blackmail-speak will be told to shut up.

It's weird, I've heard the reason the Repubs went after Clinton so hard and nasty in the 90s was because his winning cut them off at the knees after 12 years of raising through the ranks. He ruined the career advancement of the people at the bottom of the Reagan pyramid scheme.
I can't help feeling like something similar is happening with the Hill people.

[adm4peace]

I think the DNC needs to send another letter and have the SuperD's sign it and maybe then they will get a clue.

[Americanium]

Big-money Democrats who could have expected to be named U.S. ambassadors by a President Hillary Clinton realized that they would get nothing from a President Obama. The train had left the station, and they were not aboard............................................

All Obama needs to do is promise them Ambassdorships and they'll step up. Talk about elitists.

[pupbayer]

I've noticed how O's supporters are laid back, reasonable, and noncombative.

[olivia]

That's true, when you guys are out of the room.

[water57]

The problem is Hillary's supporters think they can hold the Democrat party hostage with their combative stance. However, their action will backfire on them, because they will need Obama supporters if Hillary plans to run in 2012. Just like they plan to vote for McCain instead of Obama, well Obama's supporters will gleefully administer a paid-back in 2012. Her supporters need to do their homework before they commit political suicide. Democrat party needs all different factions of their party to win, because in last several elections Democrats have not carry the white vote. Therefore, If Hillary plans to run in 2012, she will need more than white vote to win. She will need more than Latino vote to win. She will need the youth vote, and the African American vote to win. If her supporters think their behavior will be forgotten in 2012, they have miscalculate and delusional. They will see how sweet paid-back is.

[jspivey]

"The problem is Hillary's supporters think they can hold the Democrat party hostage"

Hostage for what?

I think Obama should consider our votes as already lost.

[Fabienne]

I wonder what kind of social life those who are diehard loyalists to the Clintons have?

[Tropiholic]

how's that debt coming along?

[closetodemfection]

You'll hear next week.

[eden4barack08]

Weren't you saying that last week too?

[truthskr]

What??? You've been chastising everyone all of this entire last two weeks on every other thread that we need to get with it, that the debt's been settled for a while by all of HRCs supporters, that we're idiots for even discussing it. So...you were wrong? Big shocker.

This was the problem with HRC's entire campaign. It was always threats of "just you wait (until tomorrow/next week/until date "x")...unfortunately, tomorrow came, will never come, and always just keeps getting rolled forward. Now there are no more tomorrows for the campaign, just a collective yawn from all of us who long ago figured out that her debt, her holdout PUMA/Hillraiser supporters, and her chances of VP will have no real negative effect on Obama's chances at the presidency.

[joeyp404]

Why does that concern you?

[rebeccaj]

HRC and WJC need to send out emails -- not "backers."

[closetodemfection]

The DNC, O, HRC, and WJC together can't force anyone to give them money. If the donors don't believe in the candidate, too bad. They'll donate elsewhere, to other causes they believe in.

People here need to get over that.

[JackND]

That's the best reason I've heard yet why Obama supporters shouldn't throw even a penny at Hillary's campaign debt.

[abby4ever]

I agree. H and B are shirking their responsibility to the party.

[pupbayer]

Perhaps they respect everyone's individual right to their own opinions. Most thinking people don't like to be told what to think and how to act.

[Deaninphilly]

Don't recall O asking them to do anything aside of get her donors to give money. He's too busy throwing our civil rights under the bus and touring Europe playing an agent of "change" rather than just the typical politician and presumptive nominee he is.

[dadele]

And the country

[WWJD2]

Their responsibility is to do what's best for the country ; not for the party. If I had to support Barry, it would feel like being forced to go to the dreaded holiday dinner at the inlaws you despise.

[jspivey]

Maybe they feel -- as we do -- that the party needs to take a flying leap.

But it seems to me they are doing what they can for Obama. They can ask us to vote for him, but they really can't force us.

[JackND]

One of my favorite tactics that the PUMA/Hillarite types use is to criticize young voters as "voting for American Idol" and "not having been out in the world yet". Now, for some that might even be true, but the criticism does not help your cause, and is sure to backfire, because it fires up those same young voters to turn out rather than growing complacent.

So I guess what I'm saying is...keep up the criticism for he next fifteen weeks.

[joeyp404]

Funny how Hillsry is so much of the equation of O's electability isn't it? Shocking, really.

[JackND]

Hillary, no. She's putting on a show of supporting Obama (though she's mostly behind the curtain so far).

Hillary's supporters, definitely. Their bitterness is the fuel that keeps Obama's supporters vigilant.

[LisainNYC]

Not really. He's beating McCain in PA, OH, WI, MI, NM, IA, NJ and CO. And he's tied or very close in IN, VA, NH and NV.

So, no, she's not much of the equation at all.

[pupbayer]

They're just laying the groundwork to blame her if he loses. It could never be his fault, you know. If he is this wonderful leader and great uniter, he should be able to take care of this himself. So far all he's done is tear apart the Democratic Party and the German government.

[Fabienne]

No one out in the real world is talking about Senator Clinton. It is only here on the blogosphere that she is mentioned at all.

[joeyp404]

Not all PUMA's are women. Watch out.

[CtJean]

Sorry j o e y, but if you act like one, you are one.

Check your privates lately?

[truthskr]

Stupidity has never discriminated on the basis of gender. Point proven.

But thanks for the warning...I will indeed "watch out" since I worry that if I so much as blinked I'd missing the influence of PUMA on this election.

[Americanium]

O Ohhh ....I wonder who lit the fuse on the PUMAs' tampon??

[Tropiholic]

rofl good one!

[pupbayer]

No, it wasn't. It was low class.

[joeyp404]

Not all PUMA's are women. Watch out.

[abby4ever]

Yes, watch out, for they are noi all women, nor all men; they are all children, though, or at least they act that way.

Children of the Damned.

[bobkat]

"Not all PUMAs are women," but do they all like to double post? Maybe they just like to hear themselves talk. and talk.

[truthskr]

Stupidity has never discriminated on the basis of gender. Point proven.

But thanks for the warning...I will indeed "watch out" since I worry that if I so much as blinked I'd missing the influence of PUMA on this election.

Every pointless double post deserves another, although I feel mine if far from pointless.

[murphysgirl]

This letter won't do anything. The PUMAS have lost all logic. The Democratic Party has moved on, and they're still in primary-mode...

[Justsaynodeal]

. 'Donald Fowler, a former DNC chair and DNC member-at-large.... Alice Germond, the Secretary of the DNC,"

The fact that this letter had to be sent out in the first place makes it a reality that the PUMA's and other Hillary supporters are making a big impact. For my part, I return each letter saying, not one cent for Obama....others do the same, and we all know that the DNC is hurting for donations. The thing the DNC doesn't realize is that Hillary has no control over these people who are not supporting Obama. It is a matter of principle for most of us, who feel the DNC manipulated the primary vote to insure an Obama win, and we won't accept that. Not after the GOP screwed us in 2000 and 2004 with corrupt vote counting and gave us 8 years of Booosh.

We voted for Hillary because she was the best qualified candidate, and we felt that Obama's resume did not qualify him to lead this country. Why the DNC shilled for the Obama campaign, I don't know. I do know this; I will never vote for him.........

[Kynn]

How was the primaries manipulated?

Most of the people that came up with the schedule were Clinton's people.

[midknightryder13]

I keep waiting for a sound reasoned explaination as to how the primaries were 'manipulated' so that HRC would lose. I have yet to see one.

[biglith]

Nobody cares fool!

[jspivey]

I won't vote for him either.

[abby4ever]

Thank God, there really IS some sanity left out there. It's a great email, hope it yields some positive results.

[orangepetal]

It is not having much impact in PUMA land.

[abby4ever]

I know, but it was worth a try. It's not as if very many of us can stand much more of the sour grapes, bitterness, threats to vote McCain, demands for H to be on the ticket, orders to pay off her campaign debt, etc.

The name should be PUMA:WATPOB, for Party Unity My Ass: We Are The Personification Of Bitterness.

[Maury66]

"PUMA land"

Not trying to be mean, just realistic...I doubt there are enough Pumas for a whole "land" ...maybe Pumatown or Puma village...and ladies....its a little stuffy in here, maybe open a few windows and turn on a fan.

[olivia]

PUMA land: that black hole where only people who agree 100% are allowed to join the discussion.

Are you proud of that?

[RiseHillary]

I doubt it! 0-man can move right to left and up to down to get more votes, but it is a matter of principle not to support him. Some people have principles.

[abby4ever]

Yes, but those Democrats who threaten to vote McHopeless because H lost, don't have many, if any. That is a dishonorable thing to do, and so childish.

[TXOBAMAGIRL73]

Scrrew all you ILLhazier..You can't stop this all you can do is hate this.

[edwarvir]

RiseHillary What flavor CROW will you be eating when the Senator is
sworn in as POTUS.

[CaptainVideo]

It's a matter of principle not to support a candidate whose position on the issues is very close to Hillary's, when McSame's position on the issues is very different?

What kind of weird, twisted principles is this?

In truth, this is sulking, not principles.

[Fabienne]

Why would anyone with principles support a Clinton?

[pupbayer]

LOL! Perhaps no one gives a sh*t what this guys thinks.

[MrsPeel]

Right back atcha, pup.

[pupbayer]

And my experience has been that NO one whines like O supporters.

[orangepetal]

perhaps we do not care what you think...
PUMA POWER into the election booth in November, Democrats voting for a republican. Oooh what did the party do this time?

[closetodemfection]

Um, manipulated an election? Doesn't sit well.

[RiseHillary]

They thought this was such a sure thing that they could select their choice of a nominee.
Lets see what sure thing Democrats winning in 2008 is? Voters have brains, they just don't march in step with the party wishes.............not this time.

[edwarvir]

orangepetal I put GOD up against your puny little PUMA power any day
so bring it on. Senator O CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST
WHO STRENGTHENS HIM. PHILIPPIANS 4;13 SEE YOU IN NOV

[olivia]

All 20 of you will be dearly missed.

[RiseHillary]

The fact that the DNC felt they had to send a letter indicates that the PUMA and others are making a big impact. What they don't realize at the DNC is that this has nothing to do with Hillary in the election sense, but it is about an honest process to nominate the nominee for the Democratic party. Because of that, I will speak only for myself, Hillary will have no influence upon my vote in the GE. The process was manipulated to insure Obama would be the nominee, and although I don't know why, I know it was. After going through 8 years of Booosh because the GOP was able to manipulate the 2000 and 2008 elections, there is no way I can support having my own Democratic party do the same to our primary process. For me, It is a matter of principle..... I know I cannot support the DNC in what they have done, and I will not vote for Obama. I didn't vote for Obama because I don't think he is qualified for president, and I still don't think he is qualified.

[jspivey]

Great post. I agree completely.

[Seattlelite]

I hope they sent this letter to Bill. His lack of public support has been shameful. If I were O I'd most surely be keeping a list of whose been nasty and nice.

I wonder if this nonsense doesn't actually help O. I know every time I hear about these spoiled rich bratty Hill supporters giving him the finger I make a donation. Another $50 on the way O.

[RiseHillary]

Bill has no control over what HRC's supporters will do. If I were BC I would tell the O's to go to H***, because after what the Obama campaign did to all three Clintons, they owe him squat. And go ahead and pour money into the campaign, but it certainly will do nothing to convince the PUMA's and their peers to vote for him. Maybe they can register more people from Forest Lawn, out there is Chicago to vote for the 0.

[LadyTee]

RiseHillary you stated: "Bill has no control over what HRC's supporters will do. If I were BC I would tell the O's to go to H***, because after what the Obama campaign did to all three Clintons, they owe him squat. "

You're correct, Bill doesn't owe Obama anything however on the other hand Obama is not obligated to assist with paying off Hillary's over 20 million dollars bills she left behind during her campaign. Why? Because Obama ran an intelligent well managed financial campaign with no bills left behind. I've prided myself in following all of Obama's speeches, so please tell me what Obama's campaign did to all three Clintons, perhaps I missed something in the translation of his many speeches.

[PoliJunkie]

You are beyond reason and logic and you call O people "Kool-aid" drinkers. Have you really listened to yourself or even read any of your posts? Quite embarrassing.

[RiseHillary]

Bill Clinton doesn't owe Obama or the Democratic party a d*mn thing....in fact the party owes him. But Bill is a good Democrat and will do what he needs to do. Frankly I wish he was a PUMA.

[CtJean]

Actually he isn't a p u m a$$ he just "does" them?

How does it feel?

[truthskr]

Yes, a proven lifelong womanizer, very passive aggressive anti-feminist behavior, as a PUMA...that would be the ultimate final hypocrisy of the campaign.

[RiseHillary]

" Another $50 on the way O"


You think the #1 hit song isn't "Money can't buy you love." But I guess every bit helps because he was outspending Hillary 4/5 to 1 in the primaries and she was winning, including Ohio, Pa, Tx, WV, Ky, ..............why he couldn't even win Ma. with his mirror twin gov. supporting him along with Kennedy and Kerry.

That last one was due to buyers remorse tho.

[LadyTee]

RiseHillary, you posted that Obama outspent Hillary 4/5 to 1 in the primary and she was winning states such as: OH, PA TX, WV and KY. Although he apparently outspent her, he paid his bills and could acutally account for the money he spent.

Since Hillary claimed to have had 1.7 voters, if I were one of her contributors I would definitely ask for an accounting of where my money went.
My questions would inclue:
1. Why is Hillary still in debt?
2. What did Hillary spend her supporters on?

And my all time personal favorite are:
1.Why should Bill and Hillary expect Obama to solicit online supporters to bail Hillary out of a financial bind she chose to put herself in by not knowing when quit?
2. Why not let her wonderful die hard supporters bail her out of the totally unnecessary debt she acquired because sheer stupidity?