Why This "Hillary Holdout" Is Backing Barack

On June 7th, my heart was broken. The candidate of my lifetime and my dear friend Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton suspended her historic Presidential campaign.

Over the past two months I have become the poster-child, in the press, for the so-called Hillary holdouts; Hillary Clinton supporters who were angry and frustrated with the way she was treated in the primary and post-primary and weren't ready for unity. I was frustrated at the incredible amount of misogyny in our political process and in our media. And I was embarrassed that my party, and its leadership, never came to her defense when she faced a barrage of attacks based on her gender.

I still bear some wounds, but I've thought long and hard about the issues I support and that I believe in and Hillary has led me to understand that Senator McCain supports little of what I champion.

The turning point for me was the Democratic Convention in Denver this week. I saw how Hillary was treated by the Obama campaign and his supporters and I saw how President Clinton was greeted as a hero in our party and our country.

This was not an easy decision, not because I dislike Senator Obama or think he's not a good public servant, but because I so strongly believed that Hillary was the stronger candidate.

I will never forget about Hillary and will continue to honor and support her -- Hillary's grace and commitment will always guide me and my convictions. Her campaign was a turning point in my life and in my activism. And after working many months on her campaign, there was no doubt in my mind that Hillary would provide the leadership that we needed in these daunting times.

After eighteen months and 18 million voters, she is so much more defined, known and respected by voters across America and opinion leaders of the world. People have seen how brilliant, compassionate and dedicated she is to her country and I think we can all agree that she came into her own during this campaign. But part of losing is looking back and using your mistakes as lessons. We must never allow misogynistic attacks in the media or in our political process ever again. In May of 2008 I co-founded WomenCount (www.womencount.org), a political action committee dedicated at that time to encouraging Hillary to stay in the race and not bow out under pressure. Now we have turned WomenCount into a 527/PAC dedicated to battling the gender bias in our media and political process. I like to think of it as a Moveon.org for Women. And its most important work will serve to protect women like Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain, and Hillary Clinton from misogynistic attacks. I know that Hillary's most important work is yet to come and I know with a President Obama, her dream of Universal Health Care for all Americans will come true. Senator Obama has done the right thing; he has honored her and her policies in the way they deserve to be honored. Do I wish she were at least Vice-President? Absolutely, but that's water under the bridge. We live in dark times and we need the kind of leadership that can take on our problems head-on and I know Senators Obama and Biden will do just that. So I hope everyone will join me and Hillary in saying, NO WAY, NO HOW, NO MCCAIN.

For more Huffington Post coverage of the Democratic National Convention, visit our Politics @ the DNC page, our Democratic Convention Big News Page, and our HuffPost bloggers' Twitter feed, live from Denver.

Comments

[Weasie16]

My vote is going with Sen. Obama.....­always was, if Hillary lost the nomination. But that doesn't mean I'm skipping to the polls come November. I feel disillusioned by our Party and embarrassed for having defended the "fair" journalism of the liberal media all these years against so many Republican accusations. But the worst part, is watching Sen. Obama take on Hillary's populist views to fill up his poll numbers... choose a running mate who's vote for war was somehow less damaging than hers... and now, everyone is championing his new found "meat and potatoes". Doesn't anyone realize he just swapped dinner plates with Hillary? Did he get the recipe too? Or is this our last supper? Because we're going to need a steady diet of "meat and potatoes" to be strong enough to face the mess that Bush left behind. Then there's McCain ... running Hillary ads and has now chosen a female running mate. Wow!

Lesson learned from election year 2008: It's ok to be Hillary, as long as you're not Hillary. How silly. How shallow. How sad. Two men using a woman's blueprints to win the Presidency­....but the woman isn't good enough to win it herself. Such "iron"y.

I'll be on board with Obama/Biden with all my might. But I can't promise it will be with all my heart, because some of it... is too broken to make an appearance.

[jerryny]

How pathetic and sad. There always winners and losers in a primary. Despite all her name recognition and money at the outset, she lost and he won. Get over it already. I can't count the number of times my favorites in these races have lost including Gene McCarthy, Bill Bradley and Howard Dean.

It's time for people like this to get a life already.

[JBS]

Think back 6 or 7 months to when it was Obama's partisans who were threatening to bolt the party if he didn't get the nomination; and realize just how offensive lectures on party unity are coming from those same partisans now.

[Weasie16]

No more pathetic than trashing a person for giving their opinion. I didn't insult you, it wasn't necessary for you to insult me.

[meta]

Sorry you couldn't somehow see that Obama was always fighting for those who had no voice. HRC doesn't own these issues, but if that's the way you feel, so be it. Please read Obama's own Blueprint, produced months ago, and see if you can support his platform.

[Scarllatti]

Thank you for your wise and courageous decision. I am an independent supporting your party, the Democratic party. I want you folks to consider folks like us who are looking up to the Democrats to deliver for us.
Your decision to support your party nominee today is one reassuring step for those of us who are sick and tired of the Republican bandits who have ravaged this nation.
I feel personally that this decision you have made today will reassure those of us hungering for change that all hope is not lost.
I know that the good Lord will heal your heart eventually.
Thank you

[lizinatl]

welcome aboard! - time will heal your heart and together we can all heal our nation!! You've made a wise choice!

[hipocampelofantocame]

I fully agree in principle with all of the above comments. I'm in Germany
and had to stay up from 4 to 6:15 AM to see Mr. Obama's speech live
on CNN. It was certainly worth it. Now. I need a nap. TGIF. hipo

[thedirtman]

Thank you. Extremely well said throughout. This work shows the authenticity of a genuine person. We all knew Hillary was exceptional - nothing has changed in that department.

Hillary still has some debt to retire unless something has changed recently (did I miss something?). Obama supporters would retire some of that debt as asked. I must ask this... What does this article say about Hillary supporters that abandon the Democrats to John McCain? Leave the debts to the Democrats to retire? Let's give our money to McCain? How would these people run the government?

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Conventions/story?id=5676191&page=1

[greginwva]

thank you very much.

[biglover]

I donated to her campaign the night of her speech and I intend to give her some more when I can. I appreciate what she did and I have no ill feelings towards her even though I resent the fact that she dug up Reverend Wright and Bill Ayers and now her dirt is being used against Obama. I think she went too far but I am not beyond forgiving and forgetting.

[fairnbalancedcalifornia]

are you kidding? you said "I intend to give her some more" "even though I resent the fact that she dug up Reverend Wright and Bill Ayers and now her dirt is being used against Obama." What are you thinking? Is this the kind of person and politics you actually want running our country? Use your mind - we want the first woman vp or pres to do a GOOD job - not leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the voters!!

[ewj1]

I am a Obama supporter and donated to HRC campaign a few weeks ago and again on Tuesday. The best and easiest way to retire her debt is to get Obama elected. If we have a Demo President, it becomes much easier to retire her debt. Clinton and Carter helped their adversaries more after they were in the Presidency.

[lizinatl]

welcome aboard - now let's work together to heal our nation!!!

[Bettysdad]

1- "Candidate of a lifetime?" Her positions were identical to others; some worse. I guess it's because she isn't a man.

2 The party didn't defend Mrs. Bill Clinton's . Did you demand they defend Kerry when his military service was demeaned? When Gore's clothing colors were ridiculed? Oh, but they're men. And in an age when women can do anything, they're still the victims and need protection.

4- "The turning point for me was the Democratic Convention in Denver this week. I saw how Hillary was treated by the Obama campaign and his supporters and I saw how President Clinton was greeted as a hero in our party and our country." So the fact that Republicans would further destroy this country is trivial compared to your girl being treated well.

5- "not because I dislike Senator Obama or think he's not a good public servant, but because I so strongly believed that Hillary was the stronger candidate.­" Since the candidate you thought was strongest isn't the nominee, you'll help elect the person she would work to defeat.

6- You've formed a group " to protect women like Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain, and Hillary Clinton from misogynistic attacks." Cindy has received misogynistic attacks from John. The man you were going to help win. A man who votes against women's issues every time.

Important issues, at least, to the one's who are politically aware.

That leaves out a lot of Clinton supporters. But at least they're women

[JeanPaulSatire]

Your analysis is as unassailable as your counting.

[Bettysdad]

You girls must be so proud of yourselves for catching a few typos at 5:00 AM.

Try harder and maybe you can put forth a cogent argument to my points.

[EmmaViolet]

"Important issues, at least, to the one's who are politically aware."

If your grammar was not so completely diabolical, I might have credited you with an ounce of intelligence. As it is, you come across as poorly informed, narrow minded, and unnecessarily argumentative; you needlessly attacked this writer - someone who was brave and open minded enough to really think about the issues at hand.

She also puts all her apostrophes in the right places. Please, get yourself a spellcheck.

[UnknownSoldier]

becareful when you critize someone's grammar on a message board. "was" is the past tense, the writer's bravery did not leave her, and the writer is not dead; so therefore, the writer is somone who IS brave enough and open minded enough....­..

I hate grammar, it's stupid

[LarBear]

Bettysdad
QUOTE: "So the fact that Republicans would further destroy this country is trivial compared to your girl being treated well."

You told me all I needed to know of you, when you referred to "YOUR GIRL"....

I realize narrow minds don't have enough Freedom and Belief to Percieve a WOMAN of POWER, but thank you for making that clear... Is Barack "YOUR BOY"???

Defend "Mrs. Bill Clinton's" ??? Is that like Mr Michelle Obama's???

"Since the candidate you thought was strongest isn't the nominee, you'll help elect the person she would work to defeat." ??? OK, you want them to NOT vote for, and NOT back, YOUR BOY"???

Enough said... Anyone who doesn't get this, may never....

[uheardme]

I'm right there with you, but I guess we have to move on.

[DaOne]

We are all on board and we're taking our country back in November.

Our Nation, Our Time!

Obama-Biden 08

[customgreen]

Every person has their reasons for what, why, and who when it comes to politics. You are excepting the truth of the situation and not biting off your nose to spite your face. You are a fine example of true friendship and beliefe in your candidate. I do find it curious how much is written by women regarding misogyny, but never a word on racism. Both are a scurge on our society, and both need to be addressed, by supporters of Clinton and Obama.

[PrairieDog]

You are excepting
---------
"accepting"

The GrammOr Police

[gigi09]

Welcome aboard to the Hillary supporters! In reading the article, I can't help to take a minute for clarify some things. First, there are a lot of Obama supporters that love the Clintons. Being the politcal junkie that I am, and being able to watch/listen to the coverage all day at work, and I cannot recall one time that Obama was disrespectful of Hillary, and before the Clintons went negative, WE the other 18 million plus voters were torn between Obama/Hill­ary...for we (AA) were the original dreamers of the "Dream TEAM." It breaks our hearts to see McCain use the ugly things she said about Obama during the time that she belittled him to nothing but a speech as she glorified McCain. The "truth" will set us free. If the Clintons are really trying to unify the party, they MUST address this at some time, maybe not now, but as she continue to pursue her political career. Obama-Biden 08!

[iyamchazz]

Welcome aboard Susie! Nice to have you.

[partyofone]

Hillary is History. The Clintons are the past. Let's move over, under, around or through them into the future. Enough Clinton reporting.

[lemekid]

I agree with you. We need to put the past behind us. This is the twenty first century and we need leaders with twenty first century mindset. Barack Obama has that and I am very optimistic about the future with him as president. Imagine, I'm a foreigner saying that.

[marykins123]

I have been an Obama supporter from day one, but I do not think Hillary is, or should be, history. She and Bill are part of the greatness of the Dems. President Obama will have a great supporter in the Senate with Hillary. If anything, I think that Hillary should replace Harry Reid.

Go Obama/.Bid­en Go!

[Scarllatti]

Be gracious partyofone,
Put yourself in the shoes of Hillary supporters who are coming home to the Democratic party and give them the respect they all deserve for this decision.

[SeamusOB]

Thanks for "baring your soul", fine Lady: I'm going to have my lovely Italian wife - of 45 years this month - read it. She doesn't even vote, but has been in such terrible angst & a deep funk - since our mutual friend and much admired TRUE Lady, in every respect, was so ungraciously diddled out of her opportunity to service us all - she could barely watch the convention. I'm sure your take on events - as close as you've worked with/for her - will make these comments even more credible and soothing.

Our entire family had the great pleasure and honor of sharing a late night dining experience with Bill & Hillary, in a West Ireland Castle, several years ago; actually, just a week prior to his heart surgery. Any warmer, more gracious & totally unpretentious people one would be hard pressed to find; at ANY level of society.

For new PAC, one high priority agenda item I'd encourage at least taking a strong look at tackling is: Concentrated control of major media/their terribly distorted FREE use of publicly owned airwaves. "Talking Heads" are controlled­/motivated by owners; NONE of whom particularly favorably disposed towards Demo Principles­/Policies. Too many major media - especially "Fair and Balanced" (chuckle, chuckle) Cable flacks - became just raw meet hatchet job reporters, rather than approaching being serious analysts. Some now seem hell bent on chewing each other up, without H/BC to kick around any more. But the system must be fully reformed,

[Gunfighter]

Diddled out of the nomination? How?

[Heidfeld]

Nice to see that even when someone writes an article like this... you Obama people still cant resist turning the screws. And yes, this (along with your leaders weaknesses) does play a part in keeping holdouts like me... a holdout. And no, I'm not voting for McCain, don't worry about that. But I'm still not convinced about Obama, and absolutely want no part of a campaign or movement or cult that is filled with people like those that continue to post anti-Hillary messages.

Oh, and by "diddled out" I think the commentor was talking about the unfair/illogical nature of the "democratic" primary system. All objective and rational human beings recognize this. If you don't, well...

[fistbump]

She was the frontrunner who squandered her chance by running one of the worst campaigns in modern history. She took an overwhelming lead, in votes, support and funds and blew it.

Sorry, but Hillary only had herself to blame.

[Jqburt]

I am a former Hillary supporter who worked hard for her in Nevada. I did not think I could be turned and ever vote for Obama. It was a tough primary. Although I am not completely onboard, after Obama's speech tonight, I may be getting my suitcase out of the closet soon. That was an Obama I had not seen before. The speech was not just roaring oratory which we know he could do, but it had substance and strength. It may be hard to get all he wants done, but why not at least try. It pays to dream big. Do you Obamaniacs have room for another broken-hearted Hillary supporter who has always beleived that the nation could not afford four more years of Bush/McCain/Cheney?

[sherbug]

Yes, we do. Thank you Jqburt. Hillary has a place in history and will play an important role in Obama's Administration. I so appreciate what the Clintons did to bring unity and I personally welcome you to the Obama camp. We cannot afford to let the Republicans finish the destruction of the country we all love.

[Gunfighter]

There is always room for more on this train.... and we aren't stopping until we pull up in front of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

[Geoffreys]

I supported Edwards before Obama so I know a little of what you speak.

After he withdrew, I considered both Clinton and Obama and spent some time waffling between the two. They're both great choices. Since I saw him speak in Texas and since watching how he responds to his critics and tries to overcome his detractors with a grander vision and not a bludgeon, I've come to the decision that I made the correct choice.

He's not the perfect dream candidate matched 100% to my personal politcal philosophies nor is he the perfect candidate to represent me as a gay person. That said, no candidate could be. Obama is the best candidate I've seen in years - I'm filled with as much hope for the future as I was when I first voted for Clinton in '92.

[PrairieDog]

I voted for Edwards & I am sorry his populist message is being washed under by his personal failings. If I was a HRC dead-ender I might be wailing like a banshee about the "unfair" media attention. I'm disappointed but he brought it upon himself.

[speechteach]

We absolutely have room for all Hillary supporters, disappointed Republicans, and undecided Independents! I do not believe Obama/Biden will let any of us down. I do believe that Obama has Hillary in mind for a position in his administration, if she wants it. Just my guess, but that way he has access to her strengths and wisdom without having to vet Bill's contributions. Obama is smart. I trust his judgement.

[PrairieDog]

HRC will have a lot more power in the Senate. I don't think she ever wanted to be considered for VP.

[XME]

"I still bear some wounds, but I've thought long and hard about the issues I support and that I believe in and Hillary has led me to understand that Senator McCain supports little of what I champion."

I think this sentence says it all...I only hope that other holdouts will think long and hard about the issues before it's too late, and decide they care MORE about those issues than do about any resentment or wounds they may be nursing.

[wheresthebeef]

"...Hillar­y has led me to understand that Senator McCain supports little of what I champion." So it took Hillary Clinton to point that out to her? And they accused Obama supporters of being in the sway of a cult of personality? Sheesh.

[XME]

Yeah, I know...but at least SOMETHING will sway them to care about more than just Hillary. I'm LMAO because McCain chose a woman for his VP for no other reason than she is woman. That has GOT to be a slap in the face of Hillary supporters if he honestly thinks that will win them over. Hillary's supporters cared about her, and felt she should have been the nominee because of all her "experience" (debatable to me, but whatever).­..and he seems to think any woman will do, fit to be Commaner-in-Chief or not! Considering he's 72 and has had cancer twice, seems to me this choice will scare a LOT of people. My mother was on the fence (an avid Hillary supporter) and when I spoke to her this morning, she said she's definitely voting for Obama. Folks have to assume that something could happen to McCain at any time, and Sarah Palin would be in charge of wars, etc. Pretty scary!

[ewoman]

Susie, although I did not support Hillary, I do understand the grief you have been through. But, after Obama's speech tonight, when he referenced equal pay for women - that he wanted his girls to "earn as much as your sons," I cried. My 19-year-old daughter just entered her first year of college, and in four years she'll graduate and we'll enter another election cycle. I want her to have more than I have, and I hope that she will graduate with more opportunities than I ever had. There's much to do in those four short years.

But, if Obama doesn't win, every woman who wants equal rights and the ownership of her own body will grieve again. If McCain wins, those four years may seem like a lifetime.

Thank you for your public support for Obama.

[MarcInCA]

Love it Susie. Its so nice to have the family back together again.

[didleijoe]

Hillary laid the ground work for next time. Obstacles have to be broken down in steps. At least people believe now. When MLK said what he said, I don't think nearly as many people actually believed.
Plus I think Barack will do his part to pass any bill Hillary sends him ;-)