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

[Paul Peete - Huffpost Blogger]

I read so many women saying they are hurt, men are different. We don't even admit our hurt when we are and our anger implodes on us. Let them express their pain, let them heal. If they feel like we listened, we cared, they may come around. If they become bitter and go to McCain, it is no different than all the good ol boys who went for bush because he seemed like one you could drink a beer with.

this is it, folks, our last chance to change the direction the ultra-rich corporatists have set. We need everyone on board. Fellas quit being so insensitive to their anger and frustration, it is part of being feminine. I know many women don't react like that, but they know many women who do. Look go out and get new people registered, be kind, learn the reasons we need to explain, the hot buttons needed to convince your friends, family, co-workers. This is it for all of us. Let's do THIS!

[renatam]

Sometimes you have to tell your children -- ENOUGH.

As an AA, I shudder to think of what would have happened if we conducted ourselves like this every time we had a major disappointment. As a woman, who also happens to be an AA, I am still miffed -- because we boomer women ALL broke the glass ceiling over the last 40 years -- and we didn't do it LIKE THIS. We suffered humiliation, setbacks, sexism and worse -- with dignity and grace -- pushing carefully for our daughters, who are beneficiaries they don't work in a "Mad Men"
world.

I am fascinated younger women aren't having these hysterics, lasting for months. I don't want THEM to think this is an acceptable standard for handling life's challenges. It is NOT.

Women are not men, and we should not have to react like men. However, ANYONE who becomes obsessed and cannot/will not let go and manage life with ACCEPTANCE, with the certain knowledge you did your best and life sometimes is not fair -- but try another day -- is immature to the extreme and unworthy of the Presidency.

Consequently, Hillary Clinton's epitaph will include this world class hissy-fit. That should not make ANY woman smile. We are better than THAT -- and function daily in a world not our own -- w/out THAT STANDARD.

[Revelation]

Amen to that

[navy62802]

From the male perspective, I see it as mighty presumptuous of Hillary Clinton to put herself on such a high pedestal for supposedly having broken through so many barriers. Granted, she did bring the issue back to the national spotlight, but what about all of the pioneers that came before her? It's all about her and what she's done...why doesn't she pay homage to the pioneers of the women's rights movement over the past several decades?

[imani1107]

WOW!! GREAT WRITER! I AGREE WHOLE-HEARTEDLY....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[CocteausTwin]

You were thoughtful enough to qualify a subgroup of women who feel hurt, it would be nice if you would do the same when referring to men. I was brought up in an atmosphere where I was taught the ability to express and understand my feelings and those of others. So please use words like "most" or "some" when referring to men in your future writing if you would.

[TN]

You don't have to be a woman to stand up for women and children and women don't vote for a woman just because she is a woman. Women for women, blacks for blacks, gays for gays, mexicans for mexicans, jews for jews, this could go on and on and what do you have, nothing. How about people for the advancement of the poor, middle class and wealthy based on fair minded legislation for all.

[imani1107]

GREAT POINT!!

[hbhawaii]

How in god's name did this woman become the embodiment of feminism?

[Justsaynodeal]

I can't believe you feel the need to continue to bash Hillary. What is your problem? It doesn't do your candidate any good, and if he loses are you willing to take your share of the blame.

[hbhawaii]

I'm not bashing H. I just happen to believe that feminism is one of the most important forces in our society, and I worry that it is being suborned for a relatively unimportant thing -- Hilary Clinton's political ambition.

What Hilary is doing could be very damaging to feminism in the long term.

[renatam]

WE let her -- and we should be vocal she is not.

[missjabez]

Yeah, she's the perfect feminist: she got where she is because of her husband!

[CeeLee]

These ANGRY Whining Repubican/HRC Support Groupies/ PUMA's are what they have always been
Self-Entitled Pedestal Hugging sour feminists.

The world owes them EXACTLY what they want. "Fatal Attractionists" They aim to destroy what they DIDN''T GET.

[Justsaynodeal]

Another basher...........go for it

[Enid]

Just turned the TV too CNN and its funny they are covering themselves covering the convention.
Oh and then the advertisements.
DISTERBING INDEED

[CitizenInformed]

These feminists act like women are so mistreated in America. But they don't seem to mind Bush's b*tch-slapping the US Constitution, his appointment to the presidency, the shrinking of the middle class, a preemptive and unwarranted war, our frailed international relations, US war crimes, etc., etc., etc.

[renatam]

They are hypocrites, as are the Clintons themselves.

[Enid]

lets not blame all of that on women.

[truthmachine]

These PUMAs are not feminists in any valid sense of the word; they are immature and self-centered, and do not represent women or feminists generally.

[chrisincalif]

I'm wondering if some are really part of "Operation Chaos" ~ that is, Republicans. No real feminist would vote McCain, especially older women, who are getting blamed for this nonsense. We *remember* coat hanger abortions. Feminists are just not that stupid or illogical.

PUMA people are certainly neither feminist nor Democrat.

[MedMunky]

Are PUMA women all unemployed? If not, why on earth would they vote for a man who does not support equal pay for women? What feminist would go for that?

[CocteausTwin]

These are not feminists.

[sjm55]

Every time I hear about these Clinton people who are threatening to vote for McCain, I seethe at their ignorance. This could cause us untold problems for years. If McCain should win and we continue in this abyss we are in, I do NOT want to hear one peep from any of these so-called "only-Hillary" people on how awful the country is being run and how women may lose some of the rights we have fought for so hard. They will have absolutely no ground to stand on; in fact, if they vote for McCain and cause Obama and us to lose this chance to make a better country, we should open up the ground from under their feet and bid them "So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye!!" I'm an Independent (my Democratic parents are turning over in their graves at this very moment!); but, I'm smart enough to know that putting McCain in the White House would be a disaster for our country.

[useyourbrain]

Gosh, maybe we should put them in re-education camps or just eliminate them. Why didn't Rahn Emmanuel mention the "Clinton administration" who left office with a huge surplus that Bush wasted and the 23 million new jobs created? What he did was say the "previous administration". Seems like the DNC wants to wipe out anything to do with the Clinton contribution to the party and the country.
Unlike Emmanuel and the Obama team, who will walk if they don't get their way, Bill and HIllary will continue to devote a good portion of their lives to the Party -- like they have done for over 20 years.

[mjc]

Re-education camps are next I am sure, especially if some of these Clinton haters have anything to say about it.

[renatam]

We all would -- if we could amass $1 BILLION in less than 7 years, totally unvetted by the US Government or anyone.

Now the DEALS won't be consumated, "investors" who gave Hill her initial $100mil war chest -- while Barack had zero -- want blood or for Clinton Inc. to force Barack to honor their DEALS.

HE WILL NOT.

So, we now have Operation Chaos and Clinton DRAMA, leveraging Rush Puma's.

[peterdangit]

This is getting annoying and sad at the same time. What else do they want? It seems like everyone is trying to kiss their behind and they get more and more adamant about their stand. I don't know about you, but my patience is running thin. If you're willing to vote for McCain you're not a Democrat, stop claiming that you are, you're not. Go vote for McCain and leave us alone, arrrrrrrrrr!

[renatam]

Not only are never sated -- and acting as if THEY won the Nomination -- but, they will never be sated and are indignant whenever they are denied -- ANYTHING.

The foundation of this is their feeling they are SUPERIOR to the Obamas -- on a human level. You will have to ask yourself WHY they feel they are, what the basis of this knowledge is...and, whether in America we believe "All men are created equal..."

or, did the Clinton White House change The Constitution while we weren't watching?

Nevertheless, the framework is Barack is unentitled, not equal, cannot deny them -- whatever they want -- because THEY ARE AUTOMATICALLY SUPERIOR.

That was the essence of "Jim Crow" ladies and gentlemen.

Live with it.

New York will have to rethink our Junior Senator.

[missjabez]

When is Hillary up for re-election? I don't live in NY, but is there anyway I could volunteer for the other candidate?

[mjc]

New York will be happy to have Hillary as a Senator when she runs again, in 2012, and she will have no trouble winning. Do you now control New Yorkers?

[useyourbrain]

So Hillary is at a meeting for "WomenCount" and organization to push women's issues before the public and she didn't mention Obama/Biden by name. She only referenced her support for the nominees. I guess that isn't enough.

Okay, but Rhan Emmanuel just got off the platform talking about "the previous administration" left the first surplus in history and created 23 million jobs, etc...." Why is it that he couldn't bring himself to mention the Clinton administration? Just what is wrong with Obama and his circle that feels that in order to push their candidate up they have to tear down the Clintons. After all, Bill Clinton was the first Democratic President since FDR to serve two terms. A great accomplishment. So was the surplus and job creation. Why does the DNC not refer to is as the Clinton administration.

This seems like a small thing, but it's telling and it's part and parcel why so many Clinton supporters are upset. The anger expressed in these posts over the past 8 months towards her is another -- the names she was called were awful and supposedly from Democrats and Obama supporters who proclaim a new kind of politics. I am a HRC supporter but am voting for Obama, as 99.99% of Hillary supporters are.

[BAM47]

Yes, you're correct...it is a small thing compared to what is going to happen if McCain is elected. So get on board.

[Justsaynodeal]

You know, I am going to get out of here as soon as I make this comment..........If your candidate loses, I hope you are ready to take your share of the blame. You do more for party disunity than any Hill supporter on HP. I can't believe your arrogant need to bash HRC, feeling you don't need her supporters support and obliviously ignoring the polls and the possibility that Mr.0 might lose in the GE.

[Masterhook]

She did not need to talk about Obama right now. What she needed to do is try to get them to understand that its about the party and about not picking for 4 more years of the same. This is what she needed to do and to think becose she did not bring up his name thats its a big deal kinda misses the point. She did just what she needed to do and tonight she will keep it up and do a hell of a lot more.

[jazzman]

Isn't this pathetic. Only these out of touch rich donors could stand around and play dilletante with the fate of America's future. We all know what Obama stands for; universal access to health care, affordable education, tax breaks to strengthen the middle class and working class, alternative and green energy, job creation through driving innovation in transportation and energy, intelligent and competent governance within our agencies, a comprehensive strategy for creating a pragmatic foreign policy based on strength and negotiations. So if they don't know what he stands for, it means that they aren't listening, don't care, are racist or a combination of all three.

[dsifso]

Universal healthcare....if you don't count the 15 or so million that the plan is expected to leave out

[chelliza]

I think it is very sad that we are still hearing about Clinton supporters opposed to Obama supporters. The primary is over. Their stand on the issues was almost identical. Now it is time to decide to be an Obama supporter or a McCain supporter. That is the only choice. McCain stands for everything we are against and is against everything we are for. I was first a Clinton supporter and I can not understand how we can go against what she believed which is what we all wanted her for. I can not see how voting for McCain is anything but turning our back on all she stands for.

[peterdangit]

Thank you!

[truthmachine]

One can support the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate; those are the only choices. And the Democratic candidate will be Barack Obama. That there are people who think he came by that unfairly is largely due to Hillary Clinton's own dishonest attacks on him throughout the campaign.

[julescator]

If this is the way women are going to act when defeated, I fear that people will think twice before putting a woman up for nomination again. The fear is that the women act like sore losers and become disruptive and disgusting. I am a woman and think that HIllary and her "girls" did women no favor. Hillary seems to be missing a "character" chip while it appears that Obama got more than one chip. I hate that his is happening. It is apparent that this is a hard working brilliant man who really cares about this nation. He gets it from all sides including his own party. They Clintons need to know that they have been put on NOTICE!!!! Their behavior will not be forgotten!

[lafrance]

who cares. Only the media and the pumas.
The Clintons are so yesterday and part of history.

[smayhew]

And the Pumas count in the millions .... be careful who you 'bots keep insulting!

[BAM47]

And how many Obama supporters will be willing to support your candidate if she runs in 2012? Do you really think they will forget the way you acted? So, can HRC get elected president with the number of votes she got in the primary? No. She could only get elected with support from more than those who voted for her. And do you think they will after listening to day after day of this line about having been denied the proper respect? Get real!

[oaklynne]

Tonight all the "harridans for hillary" will shriek with joy when their "leader" stands before them and basks in the glow of her followers while pretending to act supportive of Obama. They have actually set back the women's movement a few decades. As a woman, I am embarrassed by their unwillingness to do what is best for the Party and with their continuing campaign to make sexism the issue, so much so that they are willing to go over to the dark side and vote Republican (those famous lovers of women's reproductive rights) to make a point. What a bunch of crybaby losers.

[smayhew]

And the conned, Guilty White Liberals will weep with joy at their Elmer Gantry's empty rhetoric.

We aren't losers - the 'bots are - we will actually win in November - just keep insulting us and see how you like a McCain presidency!

[DIMPLES]

oh go all ready you just underminding all hillary fault for

[TrueThis]

I think Hillary supporter are being selfish when it comes to this country and the willing being of the children of our future. The status quos need to grow up. If you're not going to vote for Obama then don't we don't care.

[Teas]

I agree 100% If they can't get on board then go away.

[lafrance]

Alot of them are rich old women who came into power and influence with the Clintons and depend on them staying in power to be influential.
Now that the Clintons are not, they have lost their influence and are no longer the movers and shakers.
It's now Obama's party, Obama's time and Obama's era.

[smayhew]

Keep it up... PUMAS are reading this

[mjc]

lafrance, you and others of course assume that he is going to win. But the polls are telling a different story. Maybe a little humility????

[Mildmannered]

Praise the Lord that Hillary (and Chelsea) were able to heroically and safely dodge the sniper fire in Bosnia.

[smayhew]

And Obama finally 'remembered' that he knew the felon Rezo and that Wright did say some mean things....
Get a grip - you people are Jonestown!