Philly: Ugly Clinton Victory Rally

PHILADELPHIA-- "This is a Hillary victory party, not an Obama loser party," shouted Mali Kigasari, a Clinton supporter from California. Hillary Clinton's victory rally at the Park Hyatt hotel in Philadelphia Tuesday night came after a long fought battle.

While she delivered an impassioned speech inside, hundreds of people gathered outside and filled the streets with chanting, and cheering.

Many were filled with emotion and some were angry. What will voters do in November if the candidate they support loses the nomination?

"I will not vote [for Obama] period," said Kigasari, who has voted Democrat for the last 25 years.

If Democrats are not united in the fall, Republicans will have another four years in the White House.

"I wouldn't vote at all," said Rasheed, a local reggae artist and Obama supporter.

"Either one would be a victory over Bush," said Eric Markel, a local musician who supports Obama but said he admired Clinton for her strength.

Polls cannot measure the emotion of voters in a historic election with the possibility of the first female president, and the first African American president.

"I will vote for McCain," said M.G. who came to Philadelphia from Georgia to volunteer for Clinton with her sister. Her sister agreed.

Outside the hotel Tuesday, people gathered together for their candidates, and chanted with vigor. As they stood opposite each on the street corner, they were a small visual representation of the possibility of divide within the Democratic Party.

Even though Clinton and Obama don't seem to like each other much, the longer this race continues, the harder it is to repair the damage.

"We're Democrats, we want the White House back," said Amen Brown, an Obama backer who said he would vote for Clinton if she won the primary.

A "dream ticket" may be the only solution?

Comments

[DocJerome]

"Truth In Politics"

The Clintons are responsible for the disintegration of the Democratic Party. To the voters of Hillary Clinton with such asinine sentiments as "if Obama is the nominee I will vote McCain." Four years of senility and profound arrogant-ignorance is not an option or a luxury the country can afford.

Hilliory Clinton is not that iconic nor is she dynamic enough for you to pledge a party suicide pact. You people are utterly ridiculous, and the world will be on their collective asses laughing at the stupidity of the American people.

This has become a clown show.

[kiga]

Clintons responsible for the disintegration of the party? Please! Remember what happened with Jimmy Carter? We got 3 terms of Republicans until Bill Clinton got into the White House x2.

[sandiaview]

Nightmare Ticket is more descript of Obama/Clinton. I wouldn't trust Hillary and Bill as far as I could throw them. They were my ideal team a few short months ago and for so many years. Little did I know that they were more a reflection of that caricature that the vast "right wing conspiracy" painted than I could have imagined. I guess the spector of a Black Man beating her to what she considered her prize was too much to bear. Bill,Hill, Mark Penn and a whole bunch of her supporters turned ugly, mean and no better than the Jim Crow southerners and the polite, covert racist northerners that many African-Americans grew up enduring.
This is why African-Americans overwhelmingly support Obama. First, he is qualified but the pre-ordained candidate, Hillary (and Bill), chose to throw the African-American community under the bus in New Hampshire after her defeat in Iowa. And for those who did not get the message, Bill finished the deconstruction in South Carolina. It was loud and clear: Stay in your place boy! They thought that they could later resurrect and find a pulse for this valuable voting block. What they didn't know is that the community had been under this bus before and knew that this type of politics was way past it's expiration date. And perhap, so is TEAM CLINTON!

[Charmed]

There will NOT be a dream ticket.......I am so tired of people trying to get hillary on the ticket.

[ruscle]

Agreed. It is a cruel trick by the Clinton campaign to muddy the waters and give her supporters false hope. Really sad that this idea is still floating around.

[ndolomar]

""I will vote for McCain," said M.G. who came to Philadelphia from Georgia to volunteer for Clinton with her sister. Her sister agreed."

McCain DOES NOTE support the Equal Pay Bill, in fact, skipping the vote to campaign and telling supporters that it could "encourage" other discrimination lawsuits. These women, who I'm sure include Clinton's gender among their reasons for supporting her, vow to vote for a man who openly states that he has no concern for women's rights (abortion) or women's equality. Whatever planet I accidentally ended up on -- I want off.

[TheyAllSuck]

Who cares if McCain doesn't support the Equal Pay Bill? Do you really think its going to make that much difference in your life? Why do you think more women are getting ahead in the workplace? Given a choice between a qualified male and a qualified female, the employer goes with the cheaper hire. You'll care a lot more about finding work when unemployment hits double digits. I can just picture women streaming to court to assert their rights when that happens.

You Hillary losers don't get it. The only way Hillary wins is if McCain makes more gaffes. You're going to see the most buttoned up, flag waving, unfrank candidate once the Democrats stop hogging the spotlight. Every bible wacko will be beating down the doors to elect a guy they disdain. Because the alternative will be Hillary. And you've just taken out a large chunk of your base in the urban areas. When you're black and poor, life sucks whether its a Republican or a Democrat in the White House. At least with Obama running, there is a motivation. With Hillary running, they get to vote for the person who just ROBBED black people of their chance to get a black man elected president. Yeah, they'll be knocking themselves over to do that.

[RedWilma]

I will not for Hillary if she's the nominee. How do I know what kind of Supreme Court Justices she would appoint or whether she would bomb Iran? She says whatever the he11 will get her a vote or two and she LIES LIES LIES. How do I know she'll be any better or different than McCain??

[TheyAllSuck]

She'll nominate a justice that won't turn over Roe vs Wade. But that's it, in terms of difference. Won't you feel tooled if neither Stevens nor Ginsberg decide to cough up their seat. But everything else will be a lie. You heard her, she'll attack Iran in 10 years. She'll get out of Iraq, eventually. She'll insult Putin, New Zealand's PM, and any other world leader, while sharing her harrowing story about Tuzla. And just picture what the US gov't will be agreeing to with the First Husband being the conduit to every rich interest in the world. "Our ports run by Arabs? No problem." "China want to invade Taiwan? Hey, what can we do? They own us." He'll make Cheney look like a piker. Cheney only got us into Iraq and soon to be $4/gallon gasoline.

[Denni]

STOP with the 'dream' ticket. Only the freakin' republicans are dreaming of that ticket! Clinton is going to try to undo Obama from either the outside or the inside, once he secures the nomination. I'd prefer that she try from the outside and have a harder time doing it.

[w8aminute]

I campaigned in Westmoreland County and there was a Steeler rally for Obama at the courthouse last Friday. The Clinton boosters came and had 'Honk for Hillary' signs when the former Steelers (Franco, Dwight White, Robin Cole) were giving their speeches. They shoved 2 teenage volunteers. But the strangest one was this woman that had a "I'm Not Bitter" sign that screamed at the top of her lungs and truly looked scary. It was nasty. And on election day 2 guys showed up at a precinct with "Operation Chaos" shirts on. On the bright side (sort of - doesn't make much sense), I did have a lot of older women when I went door-to-door that said they were feminists in the 60s and 70s and had to vote for a woman 'at least once' but said that if Obama gets the nomination, they will vote for him.

[SharonB]

"But the strangest one was this woman that had a "I'm Not Bitter" sign that screamed at the top of her lungs and truly looked scary. "

That was Hillary...

[2008andbeyond]

As has been known all along, the projection about "cult" like attitudes does not belong to members of Team Obama but rather those in Camp Clinton. At least if they do follow though with the petulant behavior and vote McCain or sit out, they'll get Supreme Ourt justices & federal judges that take some of their rights away (including Roe v Wade); will go from being the working poor to unemployed poverty; and will continue to lose loved ones in Iraq. Unfortunately many of us will suffer due to their willful ignorance and pride, much like the last eight years, but I firmly believe that the suffering will be worse for those who create the chaos & inequality they claim to be bothered by.

[TheyAllSuck]

I'll grant you Roe vs. Wade, but Hillary will do nothing to get out of Iraq. She needs it as a staging area against Iran. And I don't see Hillary doing anything different with McCain, concerning improving the economy. Investment in education takes 10 years before you see a payoff. And ask any college graduate from South America and Africa how much their advanced degrees helps them in their economically depressed country. How would she reverse the exporting of US jobs? Bill was already in China's pocket, back in the '90's and do you see her standing up to Murdock, Scaife, or the banks?

Here's the difference. Men don't think of McCain negatively. Nor do women. But a huge number of people think Hillary negatively. Why should I vote for a Democrat who acts like a Republican, when I can get a Republican who acts like a Democrat?

[LeftLeanWing]

For all of you Clinton and Obama supporters who state that you would vote for McCain if your candidate is not the nominee think on this.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia
Supreme Court Justice John Roberts
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy

plus one

Just Think !

[SuburbanMalcontent]

Actually, part of me thinks this would be justice for the tactics the Clintons have employed in this election. Since their sycophant followers think us Obama supporters are elitist, then I say let them eat cake. After all, I'm getting tired of caring about the needs of people who consistently vote against their own best interests. The Clintons have done nothing but hurt the middle class, hurt the gay community, and hurt women's rights, either directly or indirectly. But if these groups want to continue to support two egomaniacs, then they deserve everything they get.

By the way, I don't plan on voting McCain but I definitely won't vote Clinton either. She's spent a year insulting me and voters like me. Even if McCain is worse then she would be, they both stink. If she can't offer the slightest ounce of respect towards us progressives then she doesn't deserve my vote.

[mesuki]

A vote for Hillary equals a vote for McCain,there is no difference between them as far as I'm concerened,so he might as well become the next president...because she absolutely will not get my vote! I cannot in good conscience vote for a skeezer like Hillary. wether it's Hillary or McCain were scewed anyway,so what the point.She's promising to bomb the any country that even look at Israel the wrong way with her umbrella policy... and McCain has promised to keep fighting in Iraq and maybe Iran,so what's the difference between the two? I just don't see it. All I see is a continuation of white supremist policies in this country,so hell no I won't vote for...never!

[mjc]

The Supreme Court is already a lost cause, if you are a liberal.

[k6007]

McCain Opposed Alito, and the dem voters that won't support Obama, don't give a darn what happens to the Supreme Court. They probably don't even know what it is.

Thats right, we've got our share of knuckleheads too.

[TheyAllSuck]

I'm a guy. What do I care whether there's abortion or not? Do you realize there is a significant percentage of women in this country who don't even support abortion? (at least, not enough to vote Democrat.)

[CeciliaBertrand]

The Hillary camp does frenzie and chaos very well-- and masses can get caught up in it -- easily, it is a down side to our nature. Another truism is "every cloud has a silver lining" which in this case (after case) with the Hillary debacle is once the circus leaves town -- the cause for pause returns. There are countless citizens who have published and been quoted as being sorry they were caught up in her moment when they had cast their primary vote her way -- because they realize now she is dangerous for the country and the world.

What REAL democrat would become a republican especially in this race? Our lives are at stake. We have two out of three candidates that want to BOMB Iran? Can we get a grip here? Either McCain or Clinton will tell you whatever is needed at the time to win...where is the integrity and leadership in that? Why do we need a dumb president (they both criticize intellect and wisdom)? These people being selected by the unbrilliant media for poll data (geez) must not even know their Bill of Rights??? They must have no clue about the Constitution of the United States..it is obvious they do not research-on their own-their chosen candidate at the most crucial time -- before they vote!!! When you vote - it is your life and your livelihood you are putting ont he line.

[LittleSanityLeft]

"I will not vote [for Obama] period," said Kigasari, who has voted Democrat for the last 25 years."

How can you vote democrat for 25 years and not vote Obama given the chance? Let me guess, " It's her turn!!"

You'd think democratic voter would do what's best for their country and party.

The scab of bigotry and racism has been torn off the democratic party for all to see. If Hillary Clinton wins through back room deals and such it will be the end of the democratic party, literally. If they turn off the next generation of democrats and give the finger to the most loyal part of the party, the black community, it really will be over for the dems in November and beyond.

If dem leaders has any sense of leadership, they would would give Obama the super delegate lead so that a decisive win in either NC, or Indiana would put this race to bed and then the party can take the time to focus on party unity and defeating McCain in the fall.

History will not be kind to the democrats if it all falls apart. I don't blame Hillary anymore, seeing as it has become apparent to anyone who really knows the score that she isn't in it for the good of the party or the country, she just wants the power, pure and simple.

[crossoverwriter]

"Little Sanity Left" I SOOOO agree with you!!!!!!!!!
Hillary will never regain the Black vote. She has trashed Obama too much. And the black vote is a huge part of the Dems power vote. She has no shame, no sense of grace, no class essentially.
He has gained ground with older white women (I'm one) and white men, but she will not, as I said gain back the trust of the black intelligentsia.
She is a power-lusting chameleon who will take on the husk of any stance that will further her cause: slugging back liquor, shooting off guns, "obliterating" Iran, palling around with retired generals.
What next?
GET HER OUTTA MY FACE!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!

[kiga]

if you want to think that i am voting for Hillary simply because she is a woman or because i am a racist, go ahead. I have had Obama supporters say that to me in my face many times, that just shows lack of respect for difference of opinion. i am not going to become an Obama supporter because you called me names. I know this might come as a shock to you, but it is true. But you know what i think is racist? raw data showing that 92% of African-American votes in PA going to Obama, or is it identity politics?
Tuesday night, Obama "supporters" were crashing our victory party and I cannot support a Democrat that inspires anarchist behaviors that I have seen in his supporters. The writer of this blog can tell you how the Obama supporters had gather at the hotel where Senator Clinton and her supporters were gathering to celebrate their victory in PA. You people have to get a hold of how you conduct yourselves and if you truly are Obama supporters, you should be a polite representative of him. Finally, anger is like electricity as the Indian guru had said; it can illuminate or it can burn. use your anger to illuminate rather than burn bridges with a fellow democrat by calling her names. i put my anger to work for Senator Clinton and do my best to help her win the White House.

[hhkeller]

Obamas base barely looks past his dimples and or his practiced pointer finger poses to realize he's done nothing as a Senator and very little as a state rep. Any candidate who support Bushes NCLB Act is a loser in my book. NCLB = Obama = loser.

[LeftLeanWing]

let me see

Obama's supporters who tend to be better educated(smarter) and wealthier, only see dimples and pointed finger;
----------­----------­----------­----------­-
Obama accomplishments in the Senate

** First legislation, the HOPE Act, which increased Pell Grants to $5100, and later joined Senator Kennedy on the Higher Education legislation that passed July 20, by a vote of 78-18. . It also creates the Teaching Residency Act which will create a school-based teacher preparation program in high needs schools to provide each teacher with a mentor, content instruction, classroom management skills, a master’s degree and state certification, and a 2 year follow-up program.

**The Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006
is an act that requires the full disclosure of all entities or organizations receiving federal funds beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2007 on a website maintained by the Office of Management and Budget.
resulted in: www.usaspending.gov

**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act
Authored by U.S. Sens. Dick Lugar (R-IN) and Barack Obama (D-IL), the Lugar-Obama initiative expands U.S. cooperation to destroy conventional weapons. It also expands the State Department's ability to detect and interdict weapons and materials of mass destruction.
Signed into Law on January 11, 2007.

**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill

** The “Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act.

** S116 - Summer Learning demonstration project to provide summer learning grants and encourage new teaching methods.

[crossoverwriter]

You have no idea what you are talking about when you say Obama has doen nothing as a senator. For one thing, he risked being "unpopular" to pass a bill that made it mandatory for criminal interrogations to be videotaped ( to screen abuse). Do your friggin' homework before you shoot off at the mouth. That's partly what's wrong with this country! The most bigoted and judgemental people are the most ignorant.
Which would you rather have in office: a briiliant strategist with a Harvard Law degree or a good ole beer-chugging boy with a GED.
It's a clear choice for me.
Why people prefer down-home dunces to visionary and learned men is an absolute mystery to me. Only in the states.

[mjc]

A brillant strategist....,and how is that going to help the average American, pray tell? That is what many of you just don't get. Don't know also where this title of "Ugly Clinton Victory Rally" came from. What's ugly? The fact that both sides of the primary debate are very committed to their candidate? Obamacons think they are the only ones with the right.

[k6007]

Please, inform us of Hill's accomplishments, in the Senate or anywhere else.

[morgagni]

I guess hhkeller must think Hill is a "loser" then, because this is what she has to say about it on her current Senate page---"I supported the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 and continue to believe in the principles behind the landmark law." It was an extremely bi-partisan law.

[rc1900]

I didn't realize a party that's suppose to be so diverse is racist and apparently women in the party are mad as hell. Obama is not the evil man that hurt you, Counseling Works! What you all should be asking is why the GOP is backing Hillary and why is John McCain denouncing attack ads on Obama. Keep your eyes on the prize people. By the way this dream ticket won't work. Obama needs someone like JIm Webb and Hillary needs someone like Wesley Clark. Who am I kidding BIll will be her Vice President. Are there rules against a former president being a vice president?

[LeftLeanWing]

A two term former president can not become VP. Simply because if needed he/she could not serve as the President again.

[crossoverwriter]

Yeah, why is the GOP backing Hillary? Because they know she can easily be defeated. That Bosnian comment alone will knock her under the table when McCain gets done with her. I think she wants Obama defeated so that she can try to run again in 4 yrs. What a calculating witch. Obama in 08

[combatveteran]

No more needs to be said than TRUST and SNIPER FIRE

[mjc]

You are the one needing counseling. Women are mad as hell because it seems that men, especially black men, do not understand that Hillary Clinton, despite her flaws in judgment, is far better to become the president of the US, has more experience, more solutions, more passion for ideas than any Obama could.

[TheyAllSuck]

While men think: Do I want a decorated veteran to be president, or a woman who thinks she survived snipers at a meet and greet? Do I want a woman with LESS experience than a man with MORE experience? Do I want a woman who lies, and changes her position by day, or a dope who's pretty consistent? Do I want a harpy who HAS to have her way, regardless how other people feel?

[northeast73]

Something I have been saying for M O N T H S.....

Obamas base of Blacks, the young, and ultra lib progressives will NEVER vote McCain....they would all hold their noses and go for Hillary.


Hillarys base of women, latinons, older voters, blue collar dems, and catholics are S W I N G V O T E R S, who have decided election in the last 30 years. Looks like only 53% said they would vote Obama.

Now, tell me again, who has the best chance of winning in November?????

[PuritanDescendant]

This is sheer poppycock. Where do you get 53%? Most exit polls for PA were much higher; one was 85%.

This kind of poll has low predictive value. When you ask someone to hypothetically "vote" (in a poll) against their horse when their horse is still in the race, it's an inherently flawed question. Saying on a poll that you wouldn't vote for the current opponent of your favorite is much much easier than pulling the voting lever to make McCain president.

Might I remind you, Hillary said "yes yes yes" that Obama can beat McCain, and further she herself has said she would support Obama. Obama has said the same. So before reaching your ridiculous conclusion, you need to factor these things in. If you think that in this year 25% of Democrat voters will crossover to McCain, you're insane.

Furthermore, these voters have not heard the arguments against McCain and have not been exposed to the fact that he's very conservative and goes bipartisan only a few unimportant issues, and many of those he now has switched to the conservative view.

These polls about crossover voting are pure fantasy. Sure, some will crossover, but not nearly as much as the polls suggest.

[nestici]

I have heard this chestnut repeated, but as an Obama supporter, I can't buy it. There are a lot of us who think the Clintons are unsuitable, and that McCain has integrity.

I do not think that new Obama voters will vote for Hillary. Why vote?

And these blue collar, right of center voters crossing over from the republicans to vote for Hillary? I've never seen one. Ronald Reagan's lawyer and Richard Nixon's daughter endorsed Obama.

Do you really think we're that afraid of McCain?

I voted for Clinton twice. I'm pretty liberal. I started this campaign thinking Clinton couldn't win due to unfair negative views that independents and republicans have. I no longer think they are unjustified.

I think the Clintons could easily end this by being the most hated political figures in America.

[crossoverwriter]

Obama is gaining among older folks and white men, but Hillary will NEVER regain the support of Black voters after her disgusting treatment of Obama. And Black voters are a HUGE block of the Dem vote.
Think about it.
That's just one of the myriad reasons that Obama should be the candidate.
He is honest and smart and has a vision and ability to inspire people that she totally lacks.

[combatveteran]

You are not wrong.

[LeftLeanWing]

you forgot another source of Barack Obama supporters, probably the largest bloc.

THE INDEPENDENT VOTERS

Nationally, they make up about a third of all voters and Obama is their overwhelming favorite.

In Pennsylvania the Primary was Closed.

In Ohio the Primary was Closed.

[TheyAllSuck]

Good point!

[InD]

So let me get this straight because the Obama base is more principled and focused on the issues and not the person running, you think they will allow themselves to be penalized by NOT voting for McCain when Hillary has not won the nomination (I don't consider brokered backroom deals winning)? You are absoltely wrong on that score. This young black educated women who is an Obama supporter will certainly not vote for McCain but she won't vote for Hillary either if she manages to steal this election.

You have to ask yourself who are the real maniacs? The people who vote on the issues (evidenced by the fact that more Obama democrats will vote the party line than Hillary Democrats) or people who vote based on the cult of personality? Even according to Hillary, her and Obama have the same stance on many (if not most) of the policy issues.

[Dewtrell]

If Hillary steals the nomination, I won't stay home because there are many inititatives on the ballot in CA that do affect me directly, but I won't vote for Hillary or McCain. I'll choose Nader.

[Calinative]

It is really insulting that you make the assumption Obama supporters would "never vote for McCain".

I don't want another delusional liar in the White House. The last eight years have been enough. So let me make it clear: I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR HILLARY!

[PuritanDescendant]

Much ado about nothing.

Hillary winning certain blocs of voters means nothing in the general election. It's proven over and over that primary results are not good predictors of general election.

There's been this kind of passioned support before. Folks come around vote their party. If Obama loses, he'll support Hillary and convince his supporters that she's the better choice than 4 more years of Republican ruination. If Hillary loses, the same.

Don't get all caught up in the electioneering. Hillary is a kitchen sinker. So what -- can you blame her after crap like papers suggesting Vince Foster was murdered?? Obama has a few problems, but does anyone seriously believe he's anti-American or racist??

Think about the Supreme Court, Healthcare, Iraq, balancing the federal budget. Likable or not, McCain will be no help on these issues.

Personally, I'd vote for the devil himself before voting for another GOP president.

[WAstateliberal]

Agreed. Although there is more going on here than just Clinton v. Obama. This race, for many of us, has come to signify the long running disdain that we liberals have for the DLC, and their poster children Hillary Clinton, Joe Lieberman, and Harold Ford, Jr. This is a battle for the party. I am not just supporting Obama over Clinton, I am supporting all liberal democrats and rooting for the ouster of Bush Dog democrats. Brian Baird is my rep in WA 3rd. I am supporting Cheryl Crist over him because he is a Hillary Clinton/Joe Lieberman/Bush Dog dem. He is worthless. I mean come on, he voted for Congressional intervention in the Terry Schiavo case! And he became the poster boy for the surge. We have got to take our party back. We need to acknowledge that a large portion of our party is Republican, but lives under the Dem moniker for brand reasons. After all, that is the whole point of political parties: branding. Most voters are low-information voters who simply look for a party tag. So when they see Brian Baird on a ballot, for example, they vote for him because they are democrats and believe he is one too. In reality, he isn't but nobody takes the time to look. Although I hope the tide is turning. The poor reception Baird got at my county convention gives me hope.

[PuritanDescendant]

I hear what you're saying, but how does it apply to Hillary? Isn't it true that Hillary and Obama have similar positions?