Clinton Speaks To Supporters: No Mention Of Obama

Hillary Clinton just wrapped up a private fundraising event for WomenCount.org, a group founded late in the primaries by a handful of major Clinton donors, and one that is shifting to become, according to one organizer, the "MoveOn.org of the women's movement."

Clinton's remarks reflected the extent of frustration and resentment over the presidential race among the few hundred gathered attendees, mostly women. Clinton didn't mention either Barack Obama or Joe Biden by name during the roughly 10-minute speech -- she referred once to "the nominees."

And the New York Senator's unity argument seemed to be aimed specifically at supporters who were considering abandoning the Democratic ticket and backing John McCain.

"I believe that with all my heart that the Democratic Party represents a much better future for everything we believe in and care about," she said, "and I will be making a very strong case tonight that we stand behind our nominees in order for us to keep pushing progress forward. We cannot be deterred, we cannot be diverted."

Conversations with attendees found much of the widely-reported anger over the Democratic primary.

One Clinton delegate from North Carolina, Marc Friedland, recounted his convention hall confrontation with DNC Chairman Howard Dean. He said he pressed him to explain why Clinton-backing delegates were being, in his view, blocked from supporting their candidate on the convention floor.

Some griped about Obama's outreach efforts -- "If he'd actually say what he stands for, maybe I could get behind him," said one -- while two major donors claimed that while they were willing to support Obama, they viewed the message from his campaign as, "Get on board, you don't have any other choice."

Comments

[Samirah1368]

what he stands for???? I thought it was hillary who didn't have any clear message which is why she is not the nominee...­go figure Ms gas tax break

[KDelphi]

Huh??? Keep it up. I'm out of here--think of McCain as "Mr. President". Dumbasses.

[Samirah1368]

breathe dude. breathe. Keep it up...OMG what are you two.

[greejambri]

Bye bye. Don't let the door hit your a__ on the way out.

[dsifso]

Right on Samirah
HE has the right plan for getting gas prices down. Offshore drilling is so much better than gas tax relief...a­nd this will reduce prices not just for the summer , but for as long as the drills can keep getting oil out.

[Active]

This is still a great outcome for Hillary. She now has a solid base AND with those GOP ads, admission from the Repubs that she's HONEST and READY TO LEAD! She could use those same ads in 2012!

[navy62802]

Just a question..­.What do you guys think of PUMA?

[KDelphi]

PUMA (I dont know them personally--any of them, nor talked to any of them) is WIERD and SMALL! WHY DONT YOU LET THEM GET IT OUT AND OVER WITH! YOU ARE DESTROYING WHAT YOU CLAIM TO CARE ABOUT_---I thih k you guys woudl rather lose to McCain then give anybody any credit but Obama--he is JUST A GUY!! A person! HE says that WE have to do it! I wonder if alot of you can do anythig withotru guidance. If you gusy lose this one--this is why!

[Active]

While you Obamabots keep attacking, the GOP is welcoming these disaffected Democrats. Keep it up, we all know getting votes is through insulting the very people who are voting.

[peachfuzz]

Seems that they are conflicted about Democratic issues.

[LiberTLover]

People with no self esteem and even less sense. Like shooting your foot off because you don't like the shoe someone gave you after you lost your own.

[ShamusNYC]

They make a great pair of sneakers at a great price. I got some great soccer sneakers late last year for $30 (full retail!) and they've held up very well.

Highly recommended.

[renatam]

What do we think about Republicans masquerading as Democrats, leveraged by a former Democratic President and sitting Democratic NY Senator -- AGAINST the Democratic Party and Democratic voters? Oops -- I forgot, our former Democratic VP Candidate, Senator Lieberman -- fused with John McCain? What do we think about Rush Limbaugh fusing with Hillary Clinton -- and her tacit acceptance of his support -- for votes to game the Democratic Primaries?

Not much. But, it won't work...and­, Bush/Cheney and Clinton/Lieberman will be held to account when Rush stops funding the PUMAs.

[navy62802]

You know what would be nice...if Hillary and Bill Clinton turned their ire on the Republicans. They could perpetrate a heinous attack on the right if they wanted to. Instead they turn the hate and discord on the Democrats. I do not understand the logic...ou­tside the context of self-interest.

[KDelphi]

Yes, cause Obama doesn tseem to have the balls to do it yet. You guys hate her so much--yet she MUST tak ecareof McCain for him!! Whats is he going to do? Stop talking aobut change until you can say what is going to change. I'm not going to watch anymoer nor read anymore--its so ridculous. The DNCV never fails to screw things up---thsi shoudl be a landslide year. They have a police state in Denver,they are heavy into corp. (almost puts the GOP to shame) , people are just going to flee the DNC for Independen­ts....

[navy62802]

Well I'm also confused that NO ONE in the party has really lashed out at McCain. I mean, I'm just a lowly voter, but McCain's whole platform and belligerent stance toward the world enrages me as an American. He would be an utter loss for the average Jane Doe or John Doe out there.

[navy62802]

Also, you sort of raised another issue that bothers me in our country. Why are there only 2 legitimate parties in the US? It's one extreme or the other for people like me who enjoy thinking for themselves. The repressing of those protests in Denver are indicative of the general nature of our political culture today. Whenever there's a dissenting voice out there, the power-wielding parties in this country stifle it in the blink of an eye. Why can't there be a party for those who agree with some Republican ideals AND some Democrat ideals?

[virgowoman]

I agree. All he talks about is Change, but never about anything concrete. Hillary had real plans, now what.

[4gloria]

I didn't get a sense of "hate" in navy's comment. I think it's important to ask the question whether the Clintons doing enough to support our party's nominee. To speak privately to supporters and not mention Barack by name isn't worth getting upset about. To perpetuate the drama of the primary though, that won't earn the Clintons any of the love we're expected to have for her after a bitter and protracted primary season.

Frankly, the only "haters" I see on here frequently are wingnuts and HRC supporters who refuse to move on. I really hope that after the convention we can all be responsible Americans and contribute positively to the cause and not be lazy and say you don't know what our nominee stands for. If you're unsure of Barack's plans for change, visit his website and download the extensive documentation of his proposals.

[windy123]

You need to get over it an move on. Either you will vote for Obama or you won't. Frankly, there is nothing more the party could or should do to try and appease you. I think the attitude of some hillary supporters is over the top. If you don't support the democratic nominee, don't vote for him. If you actually think that you and your family would be better off if John McCain is elected, by all means, knock yourself out! But rest assured, no one owes you anything!

[NoSandwiches]

I don't want to see Hillary nor Bill go after McCain the way they did Obama. I want every attack to be against the positions and record of the man and not against the character of McCain. I want Obama to continue to take the high road. That is his strength. It is a gentle strength, but it is stronger because it is based on a firm foundation of truth and integrity.

Remember integrity? That's when you remember that you are still part of the Party. That's when you don't contract services that you know full well you will not pay for unless and until by some miracle you come from behind and win a race that you cannot seem to see you have already lost.

[disconcerted08]

While I think that Chris Hitchens has strayed from the farm in recent years, it would still be worthwhile to read his book "No One Left to Lie to." It provides a lot of insight as to why the Clintons are much more comfortable attacking Obama than they are attacking the right.

[missjabez]

I'm not watching the Convention. I'm an Obama supporter, and I am going to vote for him, but I am sick of the whole campaign, and wish it were done. As far as the Clintons would go, it would be nice if they would disappear after the election, but they are such egotists I doubt we will ever be rid of them.

[StillAmused]

They probably would disappear, if they had as much of their lives invested in Democratic politics and the future of the nation as you do -- y'know... NOTHING.

[missjabez]

Bah! The Clintons represent corrupt, old-style politics at its worst;they are so 20th century. You might want to retake English Composition. Using "y'know" is weak writing.

[ritenow]

DELIVER US FROM THIS PAIN IN THE A$$

[navy62802]

AMEN!!

[KDelphi]

I do not understand why she is being covered so heavily--a tiny fundraiser?? Youre just making people angrier.st­op insulting people, if you possibly can control yourselfd--speaking of hte fate of the country--stop actin gliek babies, just because PUMA is...or, maybe yu are all 18-21 yrs old....gro­w up!!

[greejambri]

A-F__KING-MEN!!!

[imani1107]

WHICH PAIN IN UR ASS IS THAT...THE­RE COULD B MANY??

[rachen engel]

Hillary Clinton for the Supreme Court ?
Now I do realize that everyone wants to be exceptionally "nice" to Hillary, but Supreme court justice?
Really? I'm seriously having a hard time imagining that. The confirmation hearings would be an absolute riot, high drama & high ratings for Faux News & Rush Limbaugh..­. Classic Clinton.
Even if one was to overlook all of Hillary's past, and the Clinton scandals, one would at least expect a Supreme Court Justice to be "Honest".
Somehow it seems to me that all her so called "Mis-speaks" or "Mis-Remembrances" be it Bosnian Sniper fire, bringing peace to Northern Ireland, Duck hunting and playing with Firearms or all her extensive "White House Experience" that is sealed from public view by her husband's "Presidential Library" and it’s list of "Secret Donors" ECT ECT...may just perhaps disqualify her from that position? (Thank God).
Ok, so "Let's be "Nice" but honestly, She should return to The Senate like Kennedy and Kerry did after their failed bids.(If she can get re-elected that is)
Speaking of which... where is John Kerry’s Or Ted Kennedy’s “Special Consolation Prize” for losing?

[renatam]

Never. Plus, Bill would have to have is $1 BILLION in DEALS - vetted and he wouldn't be able to kick the can resisting and simultaneously pretend "poor Hillary" wasn't being vetted -- as their ongoing VICTIM PR/Narrative.

[curocat]

Better yet, Clinton for AG... That will get some repubs shaking...

[virgowoman]

Obama should have picked Hillary for his VP running mate if he really wanted to unite the people and put the democratic party in front of his own personal feelings. This would have insured having a democratic President in the white house.

[KDelphi]

STOP IT!

[navy62802]

Hey friend, you misspelled "insured".­..it should be "ensured" with an E not an I

[virgowoman]

more concerned with what is good for our country, not a spelling error.

[renatam]

NO WAY would Barack Obama have chosen to bring divisiveness and dysfunction INTO a Campaign he fought hard from a running start w/out an organization and/or money -- to CHANGE POLITICS.

Both Clintons have demonstrated they do not want that CHANGE. The majority of voters and the Democratic Party want CHANGE.

We are colliding and Clinton Inc. won't back down or be sated. This is not the VP Barack needs or wants. Those of us who have been working since his first day announcement -- w/no money or organization -- would not accept it. Our voices have been muted to a large extent during this three-month HILLARY-FEST -- excepting the blogs, but there is no way we would have accepted Hillary (and Bill) as the dysfunctional VP.

The Party Leadership -- and Al Gore -- support this decision.

[KDelphi]

BIDEN is CHANGE?! You guys just dont like her--alot of peole dont--so just shut up. I dont realy get it--but i dont get thinking OPbama is a savior, either. God, theyre both just fricking senators. Theyre just people. But they can veto and sign bills--we wqant that to be a Democrat.

[virgowoman]

Choosing Joe Biden isn't "CHANGE", he is a good and smart man, but I feel that Hillary would have been the clincher to beat McCain. Now it is neck and neck until November. "Change" should be more than a "word". It should have great meaning. Obama should have thought "outside" his box and "Changed" his way of thinking and feeling. He should have really considered Hillary as his VP. That would have "Changed" the way I and many others view him.

[ALHayes]

If Obama picked Hillary they'd LOSE the White House. She has way too much negative for McCain to run against.

[KDelphi]

You gusy are idiots if you think this is the way it works. The "first time voters" need to talk to their [arents about hwo politics works. Why dont you just skip campaignign and just kick everybody's ass thazt doesn agree with you?

[Pollitrix]

Why, Why, Why. As if John McCain aren't already using her campaign antics against O'Bama already. Bill, hurt her chances I don't here you Hill supporters boohooing him.

You do not have to pick the loser if you do not want. Put yourself in his shoes, would you have had her by your side.

We still don't know about the library
Bill is making his money from Dubai, Saudi and others
Rumors still says he sees other women
Bosnia Lies
Vote for the war
Negattive Campaign against him
poorly run campaign
Sean Hannity, Bat Buchanon, Bill Bennet, Joe Scarborough - thought she would be a great candidate

A few reasons why she could not be on his ticket. There are more.

[cattletracks]

Both Hillary and Bill need to take responsibility for how this has shaken out. Hillary seems to support Barack only half-heartedly, and Bill speaks criptically, acting like he just can't bring himself to support Obama outwardly. They also have to acknowledge that there was a huge drive to get Republicans to cross over and vote for Hillary in the primary just to screw with the Democratic primary. Not all those that voted for her even had any intention of voting for her in November. Hillary conducted a scorched earth campaign that did irrepairable damage to Obama, handing all the ammunition to use against Obama to McCain on a silver platter. The Clintons not only "lost" some of these supporters to the other side, but lost a great deal of respect from solid Dems themselves from the ruthless campaign they waged against a fellow democrat. Their arrogance has not only hurt the party, but hurt them as well.

[KDelphi]

STOP IT!

[greejambri]

NO!

[Pollitrix]

Exactly.

[ARBOC2]

"Ruthless"­....what bulls..t. You are about to see ruthless on a scale beyond imagination in the next few weeks. Hillary is used to the scandalous right wing slander, but it may destroy the new kid.

[navy62802]

It truly baffles me that people can't see through the thinly veiled egotism of the Clinton family. Wherever they go, controversy follows. This controversy has turned alot of would-be Democrats away from the party. However, I believe that this whole thing about women's rights and feminism has been blown way way out of proportion by a media that is starved for attention. Without something outrageous to cover, they'll lose the audience numbers that they need/want.

[danoj]

You mean her ego wouldn't allow her to mention O or his VP choice. Shocking.

[renatam]

Hillary still speaks of Barack as "my opponent."

Not VP material.
Not Senator material (from NY, anyway).
Not Supreme Court material (unless she divorced Bill, which we know she won't and needs him
for her career, unfortunately).

[mjc]

Just an opinion that will immediately be denounced by the Obamacons I see on this thread but the donors were absolutely right. Obama himself has to get those who still don't trust him on board. Being told that it is all up to the critics to just get on board because "you have no other choice" is really the pitts of persuasion; I know, the words didn't come from Obama and came from his deputies but they reflect the boss they work for.

[Revelation]

As it ever occured to you that for some folks, no matter what Sen. Obama does, he will not be able please everyone.

[TellMeSumn]

The article says nothing of what Obama's "deputies" say. What you quoted is the view of the donors interviewed. They absolutely have the right to misconstrue the message from his campaign, delibrately or not.

[nanasimma]

I am sick to death of the Democratic party snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Those women who wish to punish us by voting for McCain are welcome to do so. Only don't come crying to us when their daughters can't get birth control and will also be forced to bring a rape pregnancy to term When you cut off your nose to spite your face breathing is much more difficult.

[BAM47]

More creationism, lawyers from Falwell's university, faith as a requirement for employment, neocon appointments to the Court, and on and on. Look at the ages of the Court justices! If McCain is elected he may get three appointments. That would create a neocon Court for many years to come.....n­o matter who the president is who is elected down the road. More borrowing from China, increased debt by the folks who put everything on the charge card, permanent tax breaks for the rich, and decreasing access to health care for everyone. If these are less important than having Hillary four years from now, then vote for McCain and prepare to take the blame.

[imani1107]

BRAVO!! EXCELLENT COMMENTARY!

[in4success]

what everyone should know (keep in mind cheney is in georgia "the country" as i'm writing this ramping up the conflict with russia): http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/08/25/like-a-flamethrower-in-a-fireworks-factory/

so all you hillary pumas and obama freaks shoudl know one thing: THIS ISN'T ABOUT THEM -- IT'S ABOUT US AND THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!


so stop arguing about your little, petulant, selfish feelings and WAKE THE HELL UP ALREADY!!!!!

oh yes -- one more thing: if any of you spoon-fed, conservative SLOGAN MONKEYS believe for a nanosecond that we won't be fighting this crew "over here" you are more ignorant than you act.

[renatam]

We know what Bush/Chene­y/McCain/L­ieberman are attempting to do. We know why Biden was asked to go to Georgia, by their President -- caught w/his pants around his ankles. We know Russia recognized the breakaway Provinces.

We are fighting for Obama/Biden -- and marginalizing the Clintons, because it is THEY who have seemed to forget what's at stake, irresponsibly. Or, maybe -- like their friend Joe Lieberman -- they know and have another agenda fused w/the Neocons and other DLC members.

[in4success]

i've got news for you -- they KNOW EXACTLY what's a stake -- they are part of it and their job now is to neutralize obama -- they are neo-con, lieberman-espue moles -- the dems are bleeding with them. ---

[joefazio]

Good grief, give this woman a break! She millions in debt,
worked her heart and soul out on this past primary and
have said on numerous times that she would like
her supporters to support Obama.

Her ever word is being parsed according to the writer.
What the hell else do you want from this woman!

Yes I am a Hillary supporter and now will vote for Obama.
However I'm getting a bit weary about the "winners side"
still complaining. Stop yappin', get out and work and
get this guy elected!

[lizabethj2]

I agree with everything you said EXCEPT "she's millions in debt." There are reasons that she's millions in debt, Joe. Her campaign was poorly run - and yes, the buck does stop with her. She extended the campaign even when she knew that there was no chance of being the nominee. Which not only put her further in debt, but kept her supporters perched on the edges of their seats for a "miracle" which she knew was not going to occur. Not to mention the further division it caused to the Dem party.

It's true that I have been and am an Obama supporter, but more than that, I'm a supporter of the truth. The truth will set us all FREE.

Let's all try to be as objective as possible. Seeing the inconsistencies in ALL of our government representatives.

I understand the frustration of the people who supported Hillary. I understand how much they may dislike Obama, because I dislike Hillary. BUT I WOULD'VE VOTED FOR HER. Absolutely. Because this is not about any ONE person. Lives are literally at stake in this election. People will die if they don't get access to healthcare. People will die if the war in Iraq continues under John McCain.

I believe that it is an act of TREASON against your country and against your fellow Americans to vote for an administration that you KNOW will continue policies that favor the wealthy and the corporations. It's traitorous.

[BAM47]

By being millions in debt it means someone who extended their business to her campaign is not getting paid. This is because she refused to throw in the towel when it was obvious Obama had the votes. So, like Bush, she continued to run up the charge card and now she wants Obama to help pay her debts. If I were him, I would tell her no money would be coming her way until after the election. This way she either supports him with enthusiasm or she gets nothing. If she really shows the support he deserves as the one with the delegates, then she gets assistance.