Florida Democrats Begin To Unite Against McCain

MIAMI -- Florida Democrats turned to the airwaves and cyberspace to pummel the presumptive GOP nominee while, aware of the state's potent position for November, many of them also nourished the possibility of a unity team for November.

Twenty-seven electoral votes! A swing state which could go to either candidate! These are the comments heard time and time again as once again, Florida -- which had been sidelined in the nomination process -- took center stage, or more accurately, center in "the eye of the storm."

It was preparedness for natural storms, however, that brought Democrats together in Miami this week to protest Sen. John McCain while he spoke to a group of newspaper editors. In addition to the protest signs and placards, TV viewers up and down the peninsula were being reminded by a new commercial that McCain had opposed a national catastrophe insurance fund while all Florida Republicans and Democrats in congress and the cabinet support it... even Florida's GOP governor Charlie Crist, supposedly on McCain's veep list. And Democratic bloggers and party officials burned up the Internet reminding Floridians about McCain's "storm position."

"McCain's policy positions and his disregard for the people of Florida are a disaster waiting to happen," is the analogy presented by the party chiefs in Tallahassee in an email blast. The messages reminded voters that McCain's position on the flood insurance fund is exactly the same as President Bush, who also opposes the bill. Proponents say it could "ease the pain inflicted by a major storm."

Meantime, Florida's party big whigs -- now, certain Sen. Obama is the nominee-in-waiting -- made a strong show for him while unleashing an effort to induce the Illinois senator to put Sen. Clinton on the ticket as his vice president. They repeated the belief that "this dream team" would be the best means of securing Florida's important electoral vote in November

Even Jon Ausman of Tallahassee, the highly regarded activist who brought the case to give punished Florida delegates a half-vote -- as a superdelegate -- cast his for Clinton even though Obama had already reached the magic number to become the nominee. He said it was just a symbolic gesture to show how the party could be united if both senators were on the ticket.

Newspapers reported this week that state-wide polls taken the end of May -- prior to Obama campaigning in Florida -- had him losing to McCain while the same poll had Clinton beating the GOP standard bearer by a few percentage points. Sen. Obama did a quick stopover in South Florida last week to talk to seniors in the West Palm Beach area.

The protest while McCain was in Florida was aimed at all 50 states. "A national catastrophe fund is a common sense, bipartisan solution that would strengthen Florida -- and all 50 states -- before and after a disaster, from hurricanes to tornadoes to terrorist attacks. It's a measure that would stabilize insurance costs once and for all, but McCain loves to brag about his opposition. That's unconscionable." That was one of a handful of messages which hit the Internet.
Florida -- because it held an early primary -- was punished, receiving half a vote but it was too late for an impact in selecting the nominee. Clinton had won Florida by a huge margin in the January primary.

But unity has been the dominant Democratic theme the past few days as McCain barnstormed Florida for money and votes and was met everywhere with protests. Some old-timers reflected that the protests were reminiscent of the 2000 "stolen election" when the Supreme Court refused to count all Florida votes and gave the presidency to Bush, an event which caused demonstrations nationwide.

"It won't happen again," one activist said.

Despite the realization that Obama will make his own decision regarding a vice presidential running mate, there were indications Floridians were letting everyone in earshot know that Clinton is the one person with political supporters ready to jump on a dream team bandwagon. Indeed, talking to Floridians, it's as if the term "dream team" has come to stand for Obama-Clinton.

"Sen. Obama has a lot of ground to cover...and with her on the ticket, she would help him make up the ground rapidly, " U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz of Weston told the Miami Herald.

Of particular note, several newspapers reported viewpoints that the state's heavy Latino and Jewish populations would be enthusiastic to have Clinton on the ticket. Sen. Clinton carried both constituencies in Florida in the disputed January primary when a record 1.75 million voted.

Headlines in major South Florida papers concentrated on the Obama nomination and the importance of Clinton to the party. The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel -- with a page one banner -- "Women Speak Out" -- noted that Clinton's run for the presidency came close to choosing a woman and that her candidacy inspired women of all ages.

Meantime, McCain tried to steal a little of the spotlight. He is expected to remain in Florida for a third consecutive day and scheduled to appear with Gov. Crist to discuss energy and the environment with the Everglades as a backdrop.

Political pundits, however, seemed to be paying most attention to the growing number of superdelegates reportedly endorsing Obama. These include such prominent names as former Sen, Bob Graham, U.S. Rep Ron Klein of Boca Raton, 10 of the 13 Florida delegates which had been pledged to former Sen. John Edwards, as well as County Party chair Mitch Caesar and state Committee Woman Diane Glasser, considered the two key players in the state's most Democratic county -- Broward (Fort Lauderdale).

Many others like former Congresswoman Carrie Meek and U.S. Rep. Wasserman Schultz were considered Clinton supporters but spoke highly of Obama as he was named the nominee.

But dozens of email blasts indicated Obama still has s lot of work to do in the Sunshine State.

Some seniors who had been visible in the Clinton campaign said that they might vote for McCain rather than support Obama. They were encouraged, however, when news reports erupted Thursday evening that the Clinton and Obama were meeting privately in Washington.

"We might change our minds, if she is the V-P nominee."

Comments

[Teritt]

"We might change our minds, if she is the V-P nominee."

This isn't a beauty contest, and so the runner-up does not automatically get second place. Hasn't anyone ever noticed this in prior elections? Don't pout, have hissy fits or be bitter. You wanted Sen. Clinton to be your leader, right? Well she is trying to lead you to vote for Obama. If she can't lead you to vote for him, and you are a true supporter, how in the world would she have ever led the Republicans in Congress that despise the Clinton brand to ever follow her lead?

She said she isn't seeking the VP! How do you know she isn't trying to broker a deal with him to become a Supreme Court Justice nominee? That job would last longer than 4-8 years, and she'd have a lasting effect on our nation's laws. How do you know she doesn't want to be the Secretary of State or another cabinet position where she can have more worldy power than sitting there and being the VP? Enough with your selfish 'reasons'...you can't have unity by blackmail. And if you do NOT want our country to continue down the path we're on, with all the Republican dishonesty & greed, you are going to have to vote for the Democratic nominee. Otherwise you'll just be voting out of spite, and Hillary's chances of being relevant in a Republican controlled White House will be nil.

[bygollymissmolly]

"We might change our minds, if she is the V-P nominee."
----------­----------­--------

I am going to ask a couple of honest questions and I would like an honest answer from C.linton supporters.

First, why would you vote for O.bama rather than Mc.Cain if C.linton is the VP? What would make O.bama qualified if C.linton was on the ticket and not qualified if she is not?

My second question is, why would you vote for Mc.Cain knowing that O.Bama's positions on issues are almost identical to C.linton's and Mc.Cain's are diametrically opposed to C.lintons.

I am not asking these questions to start a cat fight. I am asking them because I am genuinely bewildered by H.illary supporters saying they would vote for Mc.Cain.

[crossoverwriter]

Yes, to an Obama win in Florida.
No to Hillary on the ticket.
There are other "dream tickets" that are far, far "dreamier!
Try Obama & Webb.
Webb is a vietnam vet with a purple heart, yet he's no hawk. He's a centrist and understands the white working class. He can totally deliver VA to the Dems in Nov.
Hillary would turn-off a few of Obama's key constituents: namely Blacks and young people. To say nothing of many educated folks.
Hillary is just too full of BS and lies. And don;t get me started on Bill. Total lia-BILL-ity.
Obama & Webb in 08.

[wrabbitt]

Hillary will retire someday and all the baggage will go with her, Hillary i hold no hard feelings toward but, Bill is another story, she will follow the money and go to the Caymens, and forget what Florida and Michigan was all about. The Clinton era is over, no more will we hear about how Hillary was disrespected from the person who disrespected her the most. We here in upstate NY need to find a way to get her out of here,

[kassandrasduplex]

Boy, it's like you just missed the entire point of this article. Some of you Hillary bashers really are out of touch. But while you all still gloat over the defeat of your nemesis, do any of you ever think about the caging schemes and voter suppression the Republicans have been quietly pursuing in places like Florida and elsewhere. According to investigative reporter Greg Palast, more than a year ago (!), the Republican Party has already stolen the 08 election by caging millions of Americans right out of their votes. You all have much bigger worries than if Clinton is on the ticket. Compared to what you need be thinking about, Clinton on the ticket is a relative blessing.

[bygollymissmolly]

According to investigative reporter Greg Palast, more than a year ago (!), the Republican Party has already stolen the 08 election by caging millions of Americans right out of their votes.
----------­----------­-

Part of the Democrat's strategy needs to be making sure everyone is registered to vote, along with registering new voters. They need to start an advertising campaign encouraging everyone to verify with their Registrar of Voters that they are truly registered to vote. If they start this now, the Republican's caging operations will be for not. I have made it a habit to call my Registrar at least a month before the final registration date to make sure that I am still registered.

[MaureenSharkey]

So the Floridians want Hillary on the 'dream team' ticket?!

Obama supporters have long expressed their hatred of Hillary and all her evilness. They can't possibly come out and support that; they're too immature. They're just college kids, afterall.

I'll bet anyone a million dollars the democrats lose in Nov. And they'll lose because of the hatred the Obama supporters spued against Hillary for the last 17 months. Nothing can unite the party after the HuffPost and everyone else worked their darndest to divide it.

[PAposter]

Why so bitter?

[bygollymissmolly]

Obama supporters have long expressed their hatred of Hillary and all her evilness. They can't possibly come out and support that; they're too immature. They're just college kids, afterall.
----------­----------­------
I am a 60 year old hard-working White American who is firmly in Obama's camp. I originally supported Hillary, but she lost me after her 3 a.m. ad. I don't hate Hillary, I hate what she became and how she ran her campaign.

The Democrats will win in November because no self-respecting Democrat would ever vote for McCain. There may be a few who will vote for McCain for an "I'll show them" vote, but those are low-information voters who would probably have voted for McCain in the first place. We don't need them in the Democratic party.

[crossoverwriter]

Maureen Sharkey, it wasn't the huffpo that curdled folks' to Hillary and Bill. It was Hillary and Bill who did that all on their own.
No dream ticket!!!!
There are better dream tickets.

[TheOneironaut]

I cant WAIT until these Hillary Supporter realize that giving Clinton a Veep spot is a dis-service to her!!! She has enough poise and power to be in a position with far more weight to it than Veep like majority leader or Supreme Court justice, a job BTW that doesnt end with the administration! Step away from the hype and look at it for what it is! To list all of her historical accomplishments this primary season just to make your case for Veep is counter productive...SHE OVER-QUALIFIED FOR THE POSITION!! She needs to be in a place where her polices that resonated with the electorate can still be brought to the table!! Im an avid Obama supporter but I love Clinton as well and I know her well enough to know that veep is below her! Her campaign already stated that she didnt want the position! If you trust her judgement...then honor it!!

[edwarvir]

Thank GOD that the vp position is beneath her, now after tomorrow maybe she will
take her delusional sniper seeing bullet crazy self and go away. Mars is nice
this time of the year

[grumpygranny66]

You are absolutely right! She would be perfect for one of the vacancies in the in the Supreme Court. This way she can put those other jerks in their place, and fight for Women's Right. And she can also, keep Bill under control. he would never know who will be watching him..

[grumpygranny66]

You are absolutely right, Hillary would be perfect for one of the vacancies on the Supreme Court. This way she can fight for Women's rights, and at the same time she can keep those other jerks in line.

[crossoverwriter]

Yes, she would never fit in as veep. She would hog the spotlight and create a constant MELODRAMA. One of Obama's rules for his campaign workers was NO DRAMA. Hillary & Bill could never follow those rules. They suck all the air out of a room when they walk in.
Hillary, stay in the senate and keep working on health-care. Bill, go somewhere else to chase young women! Try some better dream tickets:
Obama & Webb
or
Obama & Richardson

[KarlaElisa]

Florida better clean house of those faulty election practices that f up every election for the rest of us.
Ohio too. They need to be using a paper trail system PERIOD. That the makers of these faulty election stealing machines that are made by the same guys that make ATM machines that DO give paper verification is unbelievable.
Floridians have got to get it together and fast. Perhaps voting classes to teach them how to properly respond to the ballot in their respective precinct...I dont know. I'm not trying to slam the good folks of Florida but they have an important state and we need them to be ready this year. It's sort of our last shot at turning the Titanic around before we hit the iceburg.

[biglover]

Check this story out my Obama friends. It is a good one
Maybe FirstShirt might read it too

http://www.alternet.org/election08/87225/?page=entire

[TomInJax]

What flawed reporting. He starts out how in Florida we are uniting against McCain, which the progressive talk radio here in Jax is pushing, but then goes on about Hillary as a VP. That may appease some, but what a disaster for a country needing change. This guy is a Hillary supporter and just pushing the dream. As a Floridian I say do not even think you are speaking for me. With or without Hillary I think a majority of Dem's in Florida will come around. I see a blue November in the Sunshine State, even if it is only a pale blue.

[LorinM]

If John Ausman is typical of Florida Democratic party leadership, it's not surprising they have a Republican givernor and legislature. This guy goes to his own party and tells them they can't take away his superdelegate vote while smiling like the cat who ate the canary.

I suppose it's no worry to him that it's the people who were disenfranchised by his bad decisions and inability to move the primary: the party big whigs should still have their votes. I guess under his leadership the people can fend for themselves.

There's a better way to say it. Tell the committee you don't think that they can take the votes away. Tell them that you understand that they might question the results of the primary, and that it's the superdelegates' role to speak for the people when they can't speak for themselves.

Instead Mr. Ausman couched his argument in the priveledge of the party bosses.

It's this kind of baloney that makes a lot of folks despise the Clinton team and want to make sure Obama does not take her as VP. Why put the female John McCain on the ticket?

[ToddG]

A combo ticket is a pipe dream. Because of the way Hillary played out the end of her campaign, he can't take her without looking like a wimp. She put him in a bad position and she should have known that.

That said, people who say they will vote for McCain if she is not the VP will eventually get over this if she endorses him properly. It is silly to vote for a President because of their VP choice. Also, the idea that Obama is somehow acceptable if Hillary is his VP but isn't acceptable is she is not is just silly. The policy difference between Hillary and Obama is so small as compared to Obama vs McCain that once the dust clears and people are thinking more clearly, the HIllary supporters will come around... as long as she is willing to let go and endorses Obama like a good Democrat would do.

Let's see if Hillary is more about Hillary or more about doing great things for this country. We will know on Saturday.

[amcg50]

I am a Floridian and the idea that any intelligent or thoughtful Democrat could or would choose to vote for McSame makes no sense.

The question to those thinking of doing this should be.

What about Iraq?
What about Health Care?
Supreme Court nominations?
A Woman's right to choose?
A decent GI Bill?

Etc...

[jupitor]

What about the legacy they leave Senator Clinton and all women with, if they vote Mccain over the party of Senator Clinton herself? If he lose's this because of her supporters, History will say Senator Clinton Polorized her supporters and filled them with such hate against the party and the Very First Black Presidential Nomanee that she lost the party not only the bid for the white house, but distroyed History itself! Is that what Senator Clintons supporters want? To damage women running for the highest office in the land, and distroy thier chance's at more Goverment office to hold?It's time the Clinton supporters decide how to honor the lady they say is every thing to them! Because they will be the one to Destroy her career and Her legacy and that of all women, includeing their own little girls in thier famililes! This isn't only about them, and how selfish they can be or what harm they can do just to get thier own way! this is about a whole country, A womans legacy and History and her career and that of women for years to come! Think about it!

[biglover]

Don't forget McCain also wants to privatize Social Security and considering the huge population of seniors in Florida, I can't imagine they would want him but stranger things have happened. Let's hope they realize what they have to lose.

[kellygrrrl]

I sure hope the good people of FLA
are seriously ready to Clean House

the State Leadership has proven time and again to be disgraceful

time to get busy, FLA