Eighteen Million Cracks in the Presidential Glass Ceiling
A few days ago, standing front row, right, in a strangely barren room at a Boston hotel, I watched Hillary Clinton walk onto a stage with a rather lonely American flag, and again capture the admiration and imagination of every person in the audience. But this group was 80 of her closest New England supporters. Before and after our ovation for her, our voices were hushed. We all felt like we had walked into a wake.
I thought back a few weeks, watching my friend end her campaign. I was among millions of women who literally cried. No, not millions. Tens of millions. I've been working abroad a lot. Colombia to China, Lebanon to Liberia, Moldova to Mongolia, women have pulled me aside and insisted, "She must win -- for us."
Among the 18 million Americans who supported her presidential bid, none will be more important to a November win than women. So what's with us?
I've known Hillary since her husband's 1992 campaign. She obviously had the right stuff to be president, but few of us imagined she would take the plunge into politics. That year, our "Serious Issues, Serious Women, Serious Money" symposium in Denver became a template for women's engagement that has been replicated over the years, most recently by Hillary herself. She has brought women into the political process with an intensity not seen since the early 20th century, when women campaigned passionately for suffrage. For many, the Hillary Clinton candidacy called forth a similar passion.
The hurt many of us supporters now feel is understandable. What happened to our candidate is what countless women have experienced. We in the "sandwich generation" finally position ourselves for The Big Job after years of taking care of others (including the families of our men) only to have it given to someone else (the next generation's man).
That pain is real, and it's deep. But what is Hillary asking us to do in the face of this political, and personal, loss?
Focus on our broadest goal. Mine wasn't to get Hillary elected. In fact, hers wasn't to get herself elected. It was to create a more just nation. A more secure world. We both believed she was the best to deliver on that goal. She didn't win first prize, but meanwhile, she's moved women light years ahead. At the end of the primary season, polling indicated widespread acceptance of a woman as commander-in-chief. As Hillary noted in her magnificent concession address, how remarkable that previous barriers to women's presidential leadership became "unremarkable."
She may not be commander in chief, but she's asking her troops, in no uncertain terms, to get behind the Obama candidacy. It's time for serious conversations with ourselves, and with others, about What Really Matters Now. There were precious few differences between the two Democratic contenders; they lined up on women's rights and a host of other issues. We women who supported Hillary know that Barack Obama is brilliant, talented, and visionary, and that he carries our brief.
That's at a rational level. But at a gut level, we were long past ready for a new era of women's leadership. So we need a personal rigor to return to the issues, to recognize the clear choice that faces us in November. To stay home, or to vote for John McCain, is a betrayal of all we, and Hillary, have stood for these long months.
If we can't heal from this loss, how long will we be suffering from the damage of more Republican policies? So to my Hillary sisters, I say: campaigns are highly imperfect animals. Maybe they haven't found you, but the Obama supporters are doing a lot to reach across the divide. As of this writing, they've contributed well over half a million dollars to retire Hillary's debt, and I've been in one meeting after another in which we've been not only invited but warmly welcomed. Sure, sexism played a role in her loss, but that was not an Obama strategy. In fact, Hillary pointed out to our group (as Geraldine Ferraro said about her own vice presidential run) that there were also advantages to being a woman. The underlying question is, can we women, known for loyalty and steadfastness, switch our support without feeling as if we've betrayed our hero - and ourselves?
For many of us most closely drawn to Hillary, these conversations are exquisitely difficult. Her success would have been vindication of gender-based power struggles throughout our lives -- with fathers, bosses, brothers, colleagues. So with her loss we're wounded all over again.
Recrimination is a strong temptation, but it will be deadly, literally, to give into it. Instead, let's follow Hillary's lead. Forget the admonitions that we "move past," or "move on," or (oh, please) "just get over it." We're women, and we know how to deal with loss: Take it in and carry it forward inside of us. Then -- paradoxically -- we'll have the power to unify our party and win an election critical to our children's, our grandchildren's, and, yes, our own future.
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Thanks for the letter, Ms. Hunt.
Sure I wanted Hillary to get it. I'm really tired of the more violent sex running/ruining the entire world.
But, frankly, I don't get grown women having such a tantrum that we didn't get our way. We are surprised? After thousands of years of giving in to men because we "love" them, that they are not going to hand us the gold?
Please, Let's grow up and vote for our COUNTRY for once. Maybe we can slowly work our way OUT of this bully boy mentality and stop enabling the men to ruin us, our children and our planet.
Voting for Barack will be another step along the way. If we don't, we will surely descend into the fascism the right has insinuated into America and the absolute loss of the women's rights we have fought for for a hundred years and longer. We may even lose the vote altogether.
I am firmly convinced that the "Reagan Revolution" was targeted not only at the deregulati
Stop voting against your best interests.
Senator Obama wasn't responsible for the $100mil blowout pre-Iowa by Hillary Clinton and Mark Penn/Howard Wolfson. African-Americans weren't responsible for the BOSNIA LIES, over and over and over again.
We are only responsible for Hillary's bills -- while she parties back in NYC. Sweet (selfish) deal.
http://www
This petulant, dysfunctional, selfish and destructive pity party needs to STOP. It is unworthy of strong and talented American women.
Thank you for the clarification, "renatam", I hope they're listening.
You make some good points but I have to disagree that these women are having a tantrum because they didn't get their way. I think this is far deeper than not having your candidate win. I believe the anger and the hurt is not about that at all. It is about how she was treated and how they were treated by those "bully boys" and "meangirl" supporters of Obama.
The media was outrageous in their blatant support of Obama (until the Wright controversy) but that might have been tolerable if their had been some solidarity with and support from Obamaites. By the time the Wright episode hit Clinonistas had had it and were less forth coming in their outrage against the way the media blew it up. Some of us did voice our anger at the media, signed petitions, emailed the stations and newspapers etc. I know I did- something that NEVER came from Obama supporters in return, in fact they parroted the media which in itself was a clue to how biased the media was.
I have much more I could say. I have been thinking and analyzing this throughout.
It has been a sad and sorry lesson for many.
At times the media did seem to favor Senator Obama - but for how many months before the primaries even started was Senator Clinton referred to as the "frontrunner", the candidate to beat; there were many admiring portraits of her work in the senate, her prodigious fundraising skills, and the deep and focused campaign staff. The compressed primary schedule was designed to quickly hand the nomination to the early frontrunner in order to prevent the sort of protracted fight we saw this spring; that schedule was set by the DNC when the frontrunner was Senator Clinton.
Am I saying there was no sexism? Are you suggesting that Senator Obama faced no racism?
The race was run, Senator Obama finished first ... Time to come back to reality and deal with the choices that lie before us.
I want a good president, regardless of physical characteristics. I used this philosophy when casting my vote in the primary. Now there is a presumptive nominee and the question is this: who do you think will be the best choice for president? Martyrdom is not helpful.
See Swanee Hunt's Profile
You know, as I read these responses, including yours, I think I must have been too subtle or tried to cover too much in my piece.
At the heart of it,I was trying to describe a phenomenon very different from martyrdom. It's about the extent to which women, who have played on an unlevel field, feel invested in the victory of a woman not only because she's competent, but also because she represents them. I don't think that's whining. I don't think that's immature. I don't think that's stupid. It's the human condition. We live through our own experiences, of course, but also through others.
It makes sense to me that women as well as men should support the candidate who can be expected to best represent them. The choice every American woman voter is presented with now is: Will McCain represent me better than Obama? Very many will in good conscience, with their perceived best interests in mind, choose McCain. To choose McCain just to flex female electoral muscle is an entirely different kind of act.
If McCain squeaks into office with a fraction of a percent more votes from Democrat women than expected, will it be remembered as an historic victory for women, outweighing the cost of the demise of reproductive rights for another generation of women, etc, etc.? I don't know. Will it be remembered as one more vindication for slash-and-burn divisive tactics in national politics? I think so.
To paraphrase Elvis Costello: "What's so feminist about the-enemy-
Maybe sexism wasn't an Obama strategy, but racism was. Can you believe that after the lifelong
support from both Clinton's for the black community, the Obama campaign had the nerve to try to portray the Clintons as racist, not to mention all of their supporters. I supported Hillary because I thought she was the strongest, smartest candidate, the one most ready to be president. The fact that she was a woman was a bonus for me, but not the deciding factor. I did not vote for Barack Obama because I don't know whe he is, and with all of the flip flopping he has been doing, or "shifting"
as the media now calls it, I haven't a clue what to expect from him. Voting is a responsibility, not a game. I have not yet decided how I will vote, clearly from my profile, I keep changing my mind. But Obama has not yet convinced me he is going bring this country back on it's feet after the horrors of the last 8 years. To tell you the truth, Obama reminds me more of George Bush that McCain does. Immature and lacking substance.
Please tell me what exactly the Clinton did for the black community?
-Played sax on Arsenio Hall Show
-Moved his office to Harlem
-Went to black Churches
-Stabbed long time friend Marian Wright Edelman in the back
@ Allabout ME. LMAO. LMAO. for the original poster: You revealed your cards in your second sentence. The Obama campaign didn't try to portray the Clintons as racists. The Clintons made a series of remarks/comments that I felt were inappropriate.
Its funny, when Bill was running, no one questioned Black peoples' ability to think for themselves since we obviously made the right choice in voting for him, but as soon as we call him out on his foolishness, then we must be brainwashed by the Obama campaign, the punditry, or any other bogeyman you and others try to blame it on. The truth of the matter is, despite several racial hiccups, it became clear to me that I couldn't vote for HRC because a) she was uncomfortable being a woman, and b) she was ready, willing, and able to use low road tactics to win.
"To tell you the truth, Obama reminds me more of George Bush that McCain does. Immature and lacking substance.
Yes, McCain's campaign of late has been terribly mature and substantive. Voting, as you point out, is not a game. Whether or not your candidate of choice is in the race, you have a responsibility to pay attention to what is *actually* happening in the race.
Excuse me -- I want to make this point. African-Americans are not POSSESSIONS of Bill and Hillary Clinton -- despite their friendship with Jesse Jackson, Bob Johnson and Vernon Jordan.
We are not longer COMMODITIES and CURRENCY with which certain people can barter and trade.
Please STOP proffering this Mark Penn/Howard Wolfson million dollar false narrative.
African-Americans are Americans and taxpayers. They are entitled to the same rights, service and protections as any other American from their President.
I don't OWE Bill and Hillary Clinton anything. As the Junior Senator from the great State of New York -- a job she was given despite a total LACK OF EXPERIENCE -- SHE OWES ME.
Women should separate themselves from this Clinton CURRENCY narrative -- as well.
Let the Clintons stand on their own two feet and stop triangulating interests -- for their own ambition and dealmaking agenda(s).
Thank you.
could not agree more, well said...
Oh, brother. Did I make you feel like a possession
Hillary lost because she ran a negative campaign that backfired not to mention it was the worst managed campaign in history with an unprecedented 20 million in debt that boarders on fraud. The black community was the Clintons base it was not the other way around Clinton did not rescue blacks as much as blacks put him in office. t kills me when people who have been pulling the democratic lever for 20-30 years all of a sudden wanna vote for McCain when a black man gets the nomination. Then have the nerve to say they are not racist sorry but you are.
Accusing others of being racist when they offer reasons why O hasn't won them over is one of the most off-putting aspects of the new Democratic coalition.
It sure doesn't make me want to get under the big tent.
There you go, playing the race card. It has nothing to do with his skin pigmentation, I voted for Deval Patrick in Massachusetts. This race thing really infuriates me. And this is what I mean by the Obama team constantly playing the race card. Every time someone accuses me of being a racist, makes it more likely I will NOT vote for Barack Obama.
The Obama campaign NEVER accused the Clintons of being racist and I ask you to give me one quote in which they did so. And if you think Obama's even temper is immature compared to McCain's volubility, then your standards are different than most people's. As for substance, apparently you can;'t read, as his energy policy, released yesterday, is filled with substance, as has been his ideas for education, health care and rebuilding the infrastructure, among other things. The "empty substance" criticism only works with those who are unwilling to do research or are unable to read or hear.
If you're so close to Hillary, ask her why she claimed twice McCain was ready to be president more than Obama.
I vote with my brain, not my uterus and Hillary's character is lacking. So is her husband's - and I didn't want to have to suffer that man walking around The White House for 8 more years.
The rabid Hillary supporters have misplaced political priorities. We all want a woman president as well, and it will happen. But we want one with character and - to the rest of us - she came up short. I don't know why you can't see that.
Amen...
Chris Matthews has said many times on his show "Democrats fall in love; Republicans fall in line." And now that the general election is looming upon us, it is time for the supporters of Senator Clinton to fall in line. That may not be what you want to hear, but that is what you need to hear.
Make no mistake about what is coming. McCain will continue the presidency of Bush. And with the possible appointment of two more Supreme Court judges, everything you worked for could be gone. Make no mistake about John McCain. He is no more concerned about women's issues as he is with ending our dependency on foreign oil. Make no mistake about McBush. His attempt to reach out to you Hillraisers is only cosmetic. If he really cared, he would not have been sent into shock when he was asked about insurance paying for Viagra and not birth control.
The choice is yours. I hope that you join all Democrats in supporting Senator Obama.
Do you not recall the many Obama supporters who swore they wouldn't vote for Hillary if she won the nomination?
NO
Yup. I'm one of them. And now that its all over, I've taken a deep breath, calmed down, and even donated a bit for Hillary's dept. Have you taken your breath and commited to supporting the candidate who's positions are closest to Hillary's?
Also, now that I've calmed down after the primaries, Hillary will most likely again get my vote to be my senator...
We all must vote with our heart. I would hope first that you would read the issues and decide what is best for you as a woman. That is what I have been doing. I have for the first time really taken note of issues and policies. Trying to do this with a sense of calm intelligence.
To not do this and recognize what is infront of us is a sad commentary reflected back at all women. We have two major choices and to vote a third party, or for a candidate that goes against everything you normally believe in is a dishonor to yourself and all of the women from every economic level that are relying on a vote to help women's rights and a place in this country.
I am sorry that so many women feel a sense of betrayal but please do not punish myself, my daughters, nieces, and granddaughters because you feel scorned.
So how do we fix, what we consider to be, a broken DNC? If we feel the DNC was trying to push Hillary out prematurely, if we believe the DNC was unfair in giving delegates earned by Clinton to Obama, if we feel Obama placed the race card aginst Clinto with the approval of the DNC, what are we to do? Vote for the guy the DNC wants in? How do we get the DNC to right itself? We if give in and vote for Obama, will the DNC change it's ways? If we write in Hillary's name on the ballot in protest, will the DNC change it's ways? I believe in my heart of hearts that the DNC will not change if Obama wins. And frankly, he hasn't said or done anything to make me feel he would be a good president. His flip flops on FISA, abortion, drilling, just to name a few have me questioning his values and beliefs. His lack of fighting McCain's attacks shows me he's a wimp. Can't take on McCain and think you can take on Amoundinajad? Obama's selection is a diaster for the Dems thanks to the DNC.
By any attempt at an objective measure, Bill Richardson is far better qualified to be President than either Obama or Clinton. Go ahead, compare resumes: http://www
Two questions:
The Democraticic party gave Richardson very short shrift. Should Latino Democrats sit this one out, or vote for four more years of Bush/Cheney just to "get even" with or "send a message to" the guilty democrats?
Who here thinks that Richardson could advance the political causes of Latinos in this country by attempting to elect McCain rather than McCain?
These are not meant as rhetorical questions. I would like to understand the position taken by Democrat women currently campaigning for McCain. Please respond with as much specificity as you care to to each of the above questions.
This is a lovely gesture by Amb. Hunt, but doomed to rejection. The HRC holdouts don't want reconciliation, they want the rest of the world to suffer as they feel they've suffered.
On their Web sites, they build shrines to HRC, but decline to emulate her. They insist on being taken seriously, while embracing the most hare-brained conspiracy theories and crackpot speculation. They call themselves "Democrats," while echoing the most perverse and disingenuous GOP memes. They rail against "bullying" behavior, while bombing superdelegates with belligerent, accusatory emails and threats of mass-defection. They claim to be Defenders of Democracy, while dismissing the OTHER 18 million Dem primary voters as "fools" and "robots." They deride the "cult of Obama" with an almost comical ignorance of their own fanboy beatification of the Goddess HRC. And they are absolutely unwavering in their desire to see the DNC and BO humiliated, repudiated, rejected and ground into dust, even if that means destroying themselves and HRC in the process.
I wouldn't extend a stick to these people, let alone my hand.
You can use that unextended hand to scratch your head on Nov 5th, wondering "Darn, who else could we have reached out to in order to prevent yet another presidential loss and 4-8 more years of Republican executive control?"
I'm watching Barack Obama, looking for something to be inspired about, other than just "falling in line". No, I won't vote Democratic just to put (D)-Anyone in the White House. It doesn't mean I'll vote for McCain, because he's against what I stand for in all areas. But I have my principles and I have my standards, and so far, Barack Obama is falling well short of the promises he's made in the primaries, both about the campaign he'll run and the type of candidate he'll be. "Shifting" IS the new flip-flopping, and he's done so much of it lately, I can't help but wonder who he is anymore.
Rotwang, if you want to be disrespectful and whatnot, feel free. Just don't expect people who supported Hillary Clinton to allow the Barack Obama supporters to blame it all on her when his half-baked, inexperienced effort fails. Because it will fail, if Clinton supporters suddenly aren't worth reaching out towards. I won't stand for that, especially after the primary treatment. You can't have it both ways.
Thanks for proving my point.
i won't fault you for not being inspired by obama. but what exactly was so inspirational about hillary? what precisely did she proffer that obama is unable to live up to (besides the difference in genitalia and skin color?) i'm presuming hillary ran a squeeky clean campaign, didn't she (check her out in various republican attack ads and attacl rhetoric..
look, hillary was treated shittly, no doubt. but in your rage about that, don't forget that so was obama, and very often by hillary and her own campaign. she had the gall to dismiss obama's entire c.v. - which is pretty solid, if you ever want to learn more about it - in favor of her 8 years in the white house!! obama has (proportionally) way more experience working on civil rights issues than she does, but while she touted her own "i worked for women and children and health care..." she had the audacity to dismiss obama's experience as inexperience!
i'm not sure why clinton voters are entitled to the special treatment of being reached out to. sure, you should be reached out to just as any other American voter should, based on issues. but based on your being a hillary supporter? so hillary's your most important issue?!! geez... are you part of this country or not?
Reaching out is a two way street. Maybe you should try leading by example.
Welcome to the general election. Flip-Flopp
This is the BEST thing I have read from an ex-Hillary Supporter. it actually warmed my heart to read this. She has the right idea, Things were said that should not have been said but by both candidates and the ultimate goal should be to win the election. To not vote for Obama is like losing the battle and then sitting out the war because you lost the battle. What would have happened if Lincoln quit after the many losses during his career and during the civil War? what would have happened to the US if we had quit after pearl Harbor? What would have happened if Bobby kennedy quit, when his brother died?
Was the press unfair in some cases, you bet! But our candidate was far from perfect and now we have a new foe and that is John McCain. Bush has done everything he could to roll back our rights, our liberties, and our country. John mcCain has signed on for more of the same, our party needs to get out of this if my candidate did not win, i refuse to participate mood. we are hurt and felt Hillary was wronged,we have a legitimate argument, but you are sadly mistaken if you believe that Hillary would want us not to vote democratic, use those 18 million voices to elect a democrat and then use those voices to voice our opinions. we would have a better chance of access with obama than with McCain. Democrats UNITE!
You said "Things were said that should not have been said but by both candidates and the ultimate goal should be to win the election."
While it is not hard to start a list of unfortunate HRC remarks, tell me, what things did O8ama say that should not have been said?
Would SOMEBODY please provide links to evidence of the sexism Hillary's supporters are still prattling on about? I've read again and again of Mrs. Clinton's supposedly being treated unfairly because of her gender, but I still, to this day, haven't seen anything backing up this absurd belief. I've seen plenty of race baiting, but have yet to see something blatantly sexist come from ANY campaign that competed against Mrs. Clinton's. It makes me sick to think that this is a core belief of Hillary supporters, one would hope they're smarter than all that...
There aren't any links. I think some pundits commented on her emotional press conference in New England. Otherwise, it seems to boil down to BO saying "You're likable enough" in one of the debates, and a video clip where BO wipes his forehead with the "wrong" finger. BO's campaign went out of its way to be respectful and even deferential, despite the low-rent attacks and insinuations from surrogates of Team Cl*nton.
"Sexism" is the default explanation for "My candidate lost."
You are in some serious denial. Just type "H illary" and "sexsim" into a you tube search box. You'll find plenty of video compilations to enlighten you.
Didn't Jesse Jackson Jr. say when Hillary got misty eyed in New Hampshire that 'she didn't cry over Katrina'? Yup, the Obama campaign was off to the races after that. Who was the audience for that remark?
Of course you don't see it. You can't see bacteria either, can you?
As a former Hillary supporter who supports Obama, I applaud the article, but knew it would trigger more arguments about the two candidates. The comments so far demonstrate that.
If you want examples of sexism, how about the laughter about McCain supporter asking, "How do we beat the b***h?" Would anybody have laughed, or the media been silent about a racial slur? Another example is Maureen Dowd's constant portrayal of Hillary as a "dominatri
I see your point, and I am not trying to play the "who's the biggest victim game." But it has come from both sides. Maureen Dowd criticized Hillary and Obama equally--with HRC it was the "dominatrix" and with BHO it was "Bambi." The MSNBC guy's comment about "pimping out Chelsea" and Pat Buchanan calling BHO a "Black hustler." Chris Matthews saying HRC is where she is because of her husband, Geraldine Ferraro repeatedly saying BHO is where he is because he is Black.
This tit for tat can go on forever if we let it, and for some it will.
Completely agreed, but I believe the question is why this is Obama's, or the Democratic Party's, fault and why must we, their fellow Democrats, be made to pay? Hillary's supporters, along with the rest of us who deeply deplore sexism, as well as racism, should be directing our frustrations and calls for change to the MSM as well as the Republican Party, but instead we're all very busy pointing our fingers at one another while McCain slips in the back door.
See Swanee Hunt's Profile
Actually, I had a whole paragraph in my piece that I took out, that made the point you make in your second paragraph. I had a lot of comparisons. Took them out because it was so offensive to even write them.
But I agree with you -- that's battle for another day, or at least a different field.
Exactly so. All they seem to cling to is discussions about her wardrobe (something they do with Obama as much or more), commentary on a moment when she cried (something accepted to have done her far more good than harm) and one guy holding up a juvenile "Iron my shirt" sign and we don't even know where this idiot came from.
HRC did not face significant gender discrimination, she ran a bad campaign after leading a politically divisive life.
Some of the comments here are really difficult to read, and make me wish that voting in the 2008 presidential election could just be limited to those between the ages of 18 and 50. This "sandwich generation" nonsense is nothing short of irritating. Guess what, "greatest generation" and baby boomers? You ruined the country. Look what we have to deal with now.
And that's how you Obama supporters win over Hillary's supporters. Don't whine and complain if he loses.
"Don't whine and complain if SHE loses." There. Fixed it for you. Invoice to follow.
Did you ever stop to think that the glass ceiling was cracked and not broken because of this attitude of "if you don't vote for Senator Clinton we're going to hold our breath until you do" that so many of you are inflicting on the rest of us?
Preach
Never ever ever ever ever! I have been a reliably democratic vote in every single primary and general election, at every level from prez to dog catcher, since 1984. That all ended this spring. And I know dozens of people who feel just like me. Cynthia McKinney in 2008!
Then vote for the GOP! This hand holding has to end. We have bigger tasks ahead.
Well, take your marbles and go home. Just don't complain when you don't have a park to play in when you are ready to be a good sport again.
way to throw away a vote, you really think that by voting for someone that has no chance to win you are making a statement??? please you are making a fool out of yourself and as a former Hillary voter, you are only subjecting us to the very things you claim to hate.
He is doing better than Kerry did, and you still say he has no chance of winning? I don't know where you get your information, but it's not based in reality. All of you so firmly believe that he is nothing, yet everything points to the opposite conclusion, so I don't know how to take you people. I feel sorry for you in a way.
2000 & 2004 many for their own maniacal reasons voted for Nader and that landed us with Bush. Now for one of the most famous questions in recent elections. Are you better off today than 2000?
If your answer is YES, then by all means throw away your vote.
BUT is you see that body bags are coming home, that young soldiers are being courageous standing up to fight in an unjust war, that milk, bread, p-b & j are taking more of your budget, Back to school is pinching your pockets like never before and jobs are scarce like never before.
Look in the mirror and say YES this is right. seeing soldiers families attacked from all sides, big money greed has led to shoddy electrical work so soldiers are being electrocuted and it is being covered up.
If you can be happy allowing JSMc to pick the next judges, continue his lobby led march destroying our way of life, outlawing a woman's right to choose, then YES vote for Cynthia McKinney and make sure you are proud of that vote; make sure you have the courage to tell everyone that your scorn overruled what was best for the nation even in the face of immediate history you are willing to let the house burn around you because you little girl did not have things go your way.
HRC I am sure will be really proud of you and more importantly the person in the mirror will be proud
"2000 & 2004 many for their own maniacal reasons voted for Nader and that landed us with Bush."
That is one of the biggest LIES ever told.
First, Nader was virtually a nonfactor in 2004.
Second, on the Florida ballot in 2000, besides Bush, Gore, and Nader, there were 7 other candidates for president. All received more than the 543 votes that separated Bush and Gore, many thousands more.
Third, 12 percent of Florida Democrats, more than 200,000 people, voted for Bush.
Fourth, half of all registered Democrats in the state didn't even vote in 2000.
Try expanding your mind, rather than blindly accepting myth.
Why? Specifically? What did O do to you or your candidate?
I am still horrified at the blatant sexism both the "press" and Obama's camp showed towards Senator Clinton during her campaign. And because of Obama's arrogance and obvious dislike of Senator Clinton, along with his inexperience, he will not be getting my vote.
I will be voting for Cynthia McKinney of the Green Party. And because I live in Texas, my vote will not harm the not-ready-
Additionally, know that, every day, my daughter (who is black), just shake our heads in complete and utter amazement over the fact that Bill Clinton is still having to fight charges of being a racist. I don't think that either Bill or Hillary are perfect, and I was very upset with Hillary's vote on Iraq. However, both Hillary and Bill are very intelligent people who have helped this country, not harmed it. I don't understand this spewing of hate from the left towards these two people. It's like you've jumped into bed with Rush Limbaugh. What? Did he offer you some free hillbilly heroin?
Because of the odious beliefs held by Republicans, I will wish against McCain. However, I don't have faith that Obama can handle the mess that he'll be inheriting. A Clinton/Obama ticket could have handled the horror left to us. Obama/Bayh? - I don't know.
Did you say "intelligent, experienced woman"? I thought you said you were voting for Cynthia McKinney, in which case, all 3 of those claims are questionab
It is completely blind to assume that Obama dislikes Hillary. Where was the warmth shown by Hillary toward him? Why the double standard. I have read of more than one very specific personal interaction between the 2 in which Obama attempted to smooth waters with politeness and warmth, only to be angrily snubbed by Hillary. That's a fact.
If Obama isn't ready to be president, then you must also believe that Bill Clinton and John Kennedy weren't either.
With a degree from Columbia U in international relations, a distinguished Harvard Law degree, years of effective community organizing, commendable legislative experience (including clear advocacy for women's rights), the ability to bring millions of new people into the process, and the clarion call by the international community for his election, I think it's tough to make the case that Obama is not ready to lead.
You may not be ready to accept that your heroine lost a fair fight, but it happens, even when 2 highly qualified people are vying for the same position. One qualified person wins and the other moves on. An intelligent voter, rather than an adoring fan, will come to that conclusion eventually.
FURTHERMORE, to accuse Obama of "obvious sexism" while shaking you head over accusations of Bill Clinton's racism represents a total lack of objectivity. Period.
We see things as we are, not as they are. - Anais Nin
"Horrified?" LOL, grow up.
Specifically, what "blatant sexism" did "Obama's camp" show HRC?
Specifically, in what way was Obama arrogant?
Why do you hold him responsible for "liking" HRC? Did you hold her responsible for "liking" him?
You ask the question: can women known for loyalty and steadfastn
There you have it. This is a perfect example of some Hillary supporters. They don't support her because of her issues, they support her because she is a woman, and if a woman isn't going to be elected I WONT VOTE! Brillant!
Yeah, just "Brillant!"
This is what you think is best for the daughters of the nation? Those who fought and died for the rights of women and blacks to vote deserve better. Look to the future, the past is no more.
No Compromise is the very thing that is breaking our current political system. Very sad.
Now that Sen. Obama is the apparent nominee, the new buzz isn't sexism, it is racism. Prior to giving my support to Sen. O-Bama I observed that both "isms" were at hand, but supporters of Sen. HRC didn't see the the ism being directed towards Sen. O-bama and vice -a-versa. Each supporter for their chosen were more concerned about how their candidate was being painted instead of being concerned about both "ism" . The supporters became enemies to each other instead of unifying to fight against these "isms" regardless of who it was directed towards. The end result is that it gave power to those against these "isms" Presently issues concerning fairness to both groups, seemingly are on a fast track in congress to derail any progress, or protection against these "isms" and a few states are trying to eliminate affirmative action. How easy one forgets that women's rights and civil rights go hand and hand, because both are fighting for equality and respect instead of being treated as an afterthought. You can continue to sit on the sideline, but as the author suggests this lack of support only hurt the cause of women's rights and essentilly says whatever efforts and strides Sen. HRC made meant nothing.
So, in your view, Sen. Clinton is more important than the future of the United States.
Interesting.
You're push a myth. Obama polls better now, and will do better in Nov. among women voters than Kerry or Gore did. His problem is with male voters.
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