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.

Comments

[qdemn7]

Once again Democrats are poised to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. For no other reason than simply because of their endless backbiting and recriminations. If Democrats would take half the energy they spend fighting amongst themselves and used that to fight Republicans, then Democrats would consistently win at the National level.

And here's some tough love for the "sandwich generation­"....No matter what you might believe you are not "owed" a woman President". Not by any stretch of the imagination. I don’t care how much you believe in your hearts of hearts you are the victims of endless terrible sexism.

And I say this as a 51 yr old white male, if any one is owed anything it is black men. They are ones who were denied the franchise longer than white women. They were the ones who were lynched trying to exercise their rights. They were the ones who volunteered in every war this nation has fought in an attempt to gain respect as men, as blacks, as equals.

Too many Feminists (that means middle and upper class WHITE women) conveniently forget American history, and the history of Feminism. I mean the part where white Suffragettes opposed allowing blacks the franchise because it might dimish the Suffragettes chance at the franchise.

Get a woman running as a candidate for President who is not riding her husband’s coattails, especially the coattails of Bill Clinton, and you will have a much better chance of having a woman elected President.
.

[Pupadup4oBama]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!

(37 female)

[DTGB]

do you keep your wife in the barn or basement? no movement to lift people up should diminished and let's not forget that women have been oppressed for ALL of history, not just American history and nevermind the torture that women even is this country suffer at the hands of men.
let's be clear, oppression and inequality is unacceptable regardless of who it is directed towards.
i believe the point the writer is making is that its time for those women who have resisted taking the nxt step in this election year to take it, move forward, let go of the past and embrace the future. if not, it will be a 72 year old WHITE male who has voted against ALL OF OUR better interests that will continue to drive this country into the ground.
We simply can not allow McCain to win, it's that simple. I supported HRC in the primary, but the primary IS OVER!! i gave myself 6 days to stew in my own self pity and on the 7th day, i sent Obama my 1st contribution, bought yard signs and car magnets and moved on to the next phase of the campaign. any HRC supporter who HASN'T moved on, i urge you to do so. She's not the nominee and if you care about womens rights, the country, your children's future, then it's time to let your anger and dissappointment go. Support Obama, do it for HRC if you have to but DO IT.

[CyrusBeaucephus]

Great Post!!

[fishsandwichesr2good]

"if any one is owed anything it is black men" What a pathetic way of looking at the world. I find it hysterical how the liberals on this and other websites rant on about racist white men while at the same time, they lump, categorize, sort, and judge people by their sex, religion or skin color as if these groups are each homogeneous, monolithic, and predictable entities.

[renatam]

Bill Clinton is more in-sync w/John McCain's messaging this week (triangulation) than with Senator Obama - the VOTERS' chosen Nominee. His passive-aggressive comments are a constant distraction and destructive as they were during his wife's entire Nomination Campaign -- validating our choice not to vote for Hillary Clinton. Bill Clinton's inability to function outside the scope of his personal universe of interests has been a CONSTANT -- and, while that is Hillary Clinton's CHOICE to bond with this standard, American voters have a right and -- an obligation -- to move on and make other choices for the good of our Nation. Let's put an end to the Clinton drama and soap opera, America. They clearly aren't interested in doing what is best for America -- if it challenges their AMBITION and DEALS.

A woman will rise who will not compromise her own ambition and talent by permanently fusing with this standard and asking women to take it or leave it -- as some kind of faustian loyalty oath.

[HarryTheHat]

Thousands of words on this thread, many full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

There is a choice. John McCain or Barack Obama.

What's happened in the past cannot be changed. Your vote changes the future.

If you agree with the policies put forward by John McCain, vote for them.

If you vote for John McCain because of what happened to HRC in the primaries, don't complain when he enacts the policies you voted for.

If you vote for John McCain thinking that this will give HRC a free run at the Democratic nomination in 2012, consider that 4 years is plenty of time for a new star to rise. And she or he won't have a divisive legacy to contend with.

But it's your vote. Use it wisely.

[MsDoc]

You are so right in what you have said.

I am 65 and I was so hoping that I would see a woman President in my lifetime. The disappointment is intense, but that will not stop me from voting against John McC.

There is clearly no choice for me. I have three daughters and two granddaughters and a vote for the Republican candidate could (would) deprive them of many of the rights I fought for all my adult life.

Barak O'bama is a good man. His values and concerns are the same as those espoused by Sen. C'linton. There would be no backward step for women in his election. Rather, the door that has been opened by Sen C'linton would remain open. The election of Sen McC would slam it shut.

[RButler]

There were countless comments on this site from Obama supporters saying they wouldn't vote for Hillary if she were the nominee. Don't you remember? If Obama loses, a large part of the responsibility should be placed with some of his supporters.

[UShudKnow]

You can keep trying to play Dems against each other in these comments, but its pretty clear to anyone reading that your goal is not to enact the policies of Hillary or Obama, but rather those of Bush and McCain. No one believes you're progressive, so why don't you tell us which of McCain's policies are going to help Americans, as opposed to the passive aggressive mischief.

[Swanee Hunt - Huffpost Blogger]

Harry, you put it quite succinctly. Thanks.

[Yappa]

I'm not so sure how much Hillary's candidacy helped women in politics. Geraldine Ferraro's 1984 vice-presidential run was supposed to be a breakthrough, but then women were shut out again for another 23 years.

In addition, the anti-woman bias against the Hillary campaign that is still denied (or at least poo-poo'ed) by most media pundits was so blatant that it in a sense legitimated the bias against women in politics. Many people may have previously held private, vaguely formed biases against women candidates, and now all those biases have gone public: powerful women are ball-breakers, shrill, hypocritical, shadows of their husbands, ugly, and so on.

Finally, the reason I didn't support Barack Obama is because I don't think he's qualified to be president. In 8 years he would be stupendous; now he doesn't have the skill set to deal with the huge range of messes and deferred crises that Bush is leaving behind. I don't want a Republican president, but I'm not sure I can vote for an unqualified president. Or should I say another unqualified president.

I am absolutely flummoxed why the DNC pushed Obama now. Hillary as president and Obama as veep would have been a dream ticket and could have guaranteed 16 years of excellent governance. Obama in 2008 is iffy. I don't want to stay home on election day but I'm troubled as to what to do.

[Heavenhelpusall]

With all due respect, I am perplexed by this constant reference to Hillary's experience. Years do not equate to useful experience, just time. The POTUS manages a team. The leader is only as good as the team.

What if New Yorkers had measured Hillary on years spent in NY before electing her to the senate? What do you attribute to her success? Name recognitgion or experience?????

[renatam]

You can be sure in 2012 we New Yorkers will have a REAL RECORD -- beyond First Lady scandalized by her spouse (who wouldn't know the TRUTH if he saw it) -- to make our decision. Hillary Clinton will NOT win New York again. Take that one to the bank. If she runs for President again, she will have to do so independent of the support of New Yorkers -- and well she knows it. What we have seen -- and are seeing from the triangulating Clintons -- is damaging the Democratic Party and validating John McCain in every way.

We GET it, Hillary. No more pity votes -- out of New York. We KNOW you now.

[kyunschooler]

", , the reason I didn't support Barack Obama is because I don't think he's qualified to be president. In 8 years he would be stupendous; now he doesn't have the skill set . .

You repeat talking points that permeated Hillary's campaign and now permeate the Republican attack machine. I don't see any facts to back up this opinion and you do not define this "skills set".

Obama possesses the required skills in depth: openness to dissent, grasp of complexity/ nuance in understanding issues, calmness/evenness of temperament, understanding of power and how it works in government and society, understanding of self-interest and how it is intrinsic to understanding negotiations, empathy with the concerns of everyday Americans, deep grasp of the U.S. Constitution, superior skills in communicating with people. I don't see how anyone can deny that Obama is gifted in all these areas. 8 years in Washington would not improve these skills, but would instead only make him more cynical and remove him further from his natural self--all politicians by necessity lose part of themselves as they have to play their role. Obama is more than ready now and his unique experiences bridging between academia at the University of Chicago and political life have given him a particularly unique set of skills that we don't typically see in a politician.

Show me an exact list of so-called necessary "skills" that he has objectively failed to demonstrate or this argument is nothing more than Republican talking points.

[jorydozier]

He had the "skill set" to get the nomination. VOTE OBAMA 08

[Swanee Hunt - Huffpost Blogger]

Oh, I think you're right about Obama's strengths. Plus I look at the advisors whom he has attracted - many of the best domestic and foreign policy minds around, with decades more experience.

He is brilliant himself and is surrounding himself with some more experienced policy giants. Governing, after all, is a group effort.

[edwarvir]

Hillary could not manage her campaign properly. Poor money management. Can't
pay her bills on time or at all. What experience? She is not the example I would
want my daughter to follow. She lost because Senator Obama ran a much better
campaign. He didn't demean her when he could have. He didn't hit her below
the belt like she did him. He's more than qualified. He didn't lie or try to cheat
Hillary did all of the above. Don't vote for him because you don't want to but stop
fooling yourselves Hillary is not capable of being POTUS.

[CalliDem]

Hillary DID NOT LOSE ... they stole votes, lied, cheated and tried to beat her and her supporters into the ground and now you want OUR support? We will not support a system that uses these tactics aganist women and then has the political gall to declare themselves 'Winners" ...LOL

NEVER ... The DNC will be forced to look and take responsibility for their OWN dishonest and brutal behavior. Clinton and her supporters did not lose this election..­. The DNC lost it.

PUMA

Hillary 2012

[ruthinking]

Stole? She LOST it, because she did not know that California was NOT a winner-take all; because she did not count the caucuses. Because she was cauight in a bare faced lie. Because she was rude and condensing to Obama in the debates. Remember, she was AHEAD, she was the presumed winner. FInally, she planned to win over the superdelegates by claiming that a black man could not win. Too bad the superdelegates looked at her debt, her unfavorables, annd went for Obama.

[WFV]

Wake up and smell the coffee! She DID LOSE. The rules were set and agreed to prior to the start of the campaigns and she was not the winner.

Her inability to reign in her former supporters and act like an adult will make it impossible for her to maintain her senate seat, let alone make another run for the Oval Office in 2012. Big picture, kids. Big picture.

[CyrusBeaucephus]

Good luck with that. Do you think that the needless War she helped start will be over by then? I'm just curious why you think President Hillary would be less of a disaster than Senator Hillary.

[edwarvir]

CalliDem Donna B said it best, you don't change the rules when you are
losing at the end of the game. ITS CALLED CHEATING AND I KNOW YOU
WOULD NOT WANT HER TO CHEAT TO WIN

[TwlightZone]

I think Hillary's loss had more to do with the speech skills of Obama, the media infactuation, and his oppisition to the war than anything else. The liberal and conservative media combined forces to paint Obama as a golden boy and pound Clinton as often as possible. A lot of her supporters haven't forgotten that and the fact that Obama is black doesn't help matters any.

[Heavenhelpusall]

HIllary ran a poorly managed campaign. End of story. She had everything in her favor and she made poor choices (judgment) in her team and strategy.

[Bettysdad]

I'm curious, Ambassador:

Were you one of the 25 or so major Hillary supporters that met with McCain surrogate Carly Fiorina a few weeks ago in Westchester?

As I said, just curious.

[Mesaywar]

"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)."

I found the above interesting. Peace, love, harmony and working together,.­..after not so subtly implying that the job (the nomination) was given to Obama.
He didn't run a more disciplined campaign (from message to money) run by people chosen for competence, not loyalty; no, he was given the job.

Obama's success had nothing to do with understanding the rules better than the presidential capaign veteran who reportedly ran her husband's campaigns, and running a more fiscally disciplined organization; no, he was given the job.

Thanks for the information.

[Bettysdad]

For months I've been asking a simple question:

Why did the DNC want Obama to be the nominee over Clinton?

No one's ever responded.

[likeicare]

bettysdad --

It's very simple --

1) He got the most votes (and please, don't go with that intelligen­ce-insulti­ng argument about FL & MI)

2) The Rethuglicans were drooling over the prospect of running against another Clinton, especially Hillary, in the GE b/c they knew it would be a slam-dunk win for them (my Bush-fanactical relatives in TX even followed Rush Windbagbaugh's pleas & voted for her in that primary -- but couldn't bear to stand up for her at the caucuses)

3) Barack's seen as a clean break from the past -- just what voters are craving this time around

Some advice for hardcore Clintonistas: too much stress only ages you prematurely, inside and out -- it's how you handle the changes life throws at you that determines your true character. Don't prove that old fallacy that men have always used against women right -- that women are too emotional to be intrusted with the vote. Use your head.

[Geral]

I'll Respond

Because the DNC has become frightened of the power of the Progressives. THEY ran this campaign, not Obama. No Candidate could ever afford what was given to him freely!

The Progressive Movement has put together a very heavy infrastruc­ture... AirAmerica, HuffPo, Moveon, think tanks in Washington (that's where Rachael Maddow hails from)
who is now MSM, tons of bloggers. This is POWERFUL. They chose Obama as their candidate long before the DNC did. And now they want him to keep in line. Remember Arriana's advice to him recently? The Progressives have become what I hated about the republican party... INTELLECTUALLY DISHONEST! AirAmerica is limbaugh in liberal. What do you think would have been said about Nancy Pelosi had she backed Clinton. Now add AirAmerica to the mix. She's been ineffectual as speaker, but she is given a free pass by the Progressives, because she fell into line. They have the ability to affect careers. That's WHY the DNC complied.

Hey, they got the democrats to HATE Bill Clinton! THAT'S POWERFUL. It was their first move in beating Hillary. Our best president in 28 years by a long shot, and he was treated by the Progressives worse than by those assy republicans who spent 8 years trying to destroy him. That accomplishment alone scared the pants off the DNC. The PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT the power (with this infrastructure) to destroy anybody.
They proved it with Bill, and the DNC has fallen into line.

[Pupadup4oBama]

I've been asking myself...

Why can't the Clinton supporters see past their own noses and vote for the DEMOCRATIC nominee? They are virtually one and the same - Obama just ran a better, more disciplined campaign.

[clevelandchick]

Because he appealed to a larger more diverse group of people, he polled much higher with independents.

[Mesaywar]

After everything that everyone with a working internet connection knows by now, do you really still have to ask?

[Swanee Hunt - Huffpost Blogger]

I'm glad you wrote this. I'm not sure if you're addressing you comments to me, the author, or to the mindset i'm describing.

If it's the first, I don't in any way, shape, or form think that Obama was given the nomination. .

You sound like a thoughtful person. I imagine you get the point I was making.

[jdizl]

I have a favor to ask Hillary supporters!
Look to the children's children and decide
on Nov 4. how you would like history to judge your vote.

That's all I ask!
I believe in all of you that you were drawn to Sen. Clinton because
of her unique character, resilience, and intelligence. All traits which
have made many great Americans over the centuries. And let's not forget,
Hillary is one of those great Americans in history.

But let there be no doubt that your vote still symbolizes the same mission
and drive which propelled Hillary and beyond. And let
it be known in history that you were the enablers of great change because
or your will to acknowledge progress and continue the journey.

[Pupadup4oBama]

Beautifully said!

[jeremyemilio]

What you really mean to say is not "Look to the children's children" but "look to the children's sons." That's how it's always been; that's how it continues to be. First women need to wait their turn, then they need to step aside because someone else is finally being given HIS turn. The same thing happened with suffrage. The misconception is that blacks got the vote before women. The reality is that black MEN got the vote before women. It was a hollow victory then, and it's a hollow victory now. It's fantastic that black women can now tell their sons they can grow up to lead the nation... but what do they tell their daughters? An Obama presidency would be an important step forward for black men, but a Hillary presidency would have been a step forward for women of all races and creeds. Zora Neale Hurston said it best when she wrote that "The black woman is the mule of the world." Gender matters.

[ohmercy]

Well Ambassador, I am reading the comments and once again no surprises.

the Hill Haters are out.

"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 ...

We sure as hell better, it seems Obama isn't able to and his supporters on HP, KOS and the like are worse than useless.

Will Obama be a good President?
I have no idea. The brink we are teetering on is dangerous and we don't know what is coming to meet us from the future. He cannot be any worse than McCain at any rate and hopefully much better.
His recent shift to the right has been disturbing though and the company he keeps- the Washington insiders, most of which are less than what a Progressive would wish for and certainly less liberal than Clinton- is distressing as well.

[Pupadup4oBama]

"His recent shift to the right has been disturbing though and the company he keeps- the Washington insiders, most of which are less than what a Progressive would wish for and certainly less liberal than Clinton- is distressing as well."

Obama has always maintained his positions - he has not moved to the middle, he has not moved to the left, he has not moved to the right. If you read "the Audacity of Hope" it explains perfectly where he stands, how he gets things done, etc. It even describes the thought processes of what he goes through when he comes across a bill that might be helpful in some ways but he's not thrilled about in others.
Obama has brought out more people to vote than at any time in history - I'd say that's pretty unifying.

[Charmed]

Ohmercy, you people kill me....tayl­or marsh has a daily dose of Obama isn't good enough so why don't you go over there if you don't like Obama's supporters on HP and Daily. If hillary supporters donated as much money to retire her debt as they spend time complaining because she lost, then maybe she would be out of debt. This entitlement thing from hillary, bill and her supporters is just sickening.

[JimHancock]

If the economy and the war are not good enough reasons to vote for Obama, here are 5 words for you:

Supreme Court, Roe v. Wade

A Supreme Court stacked with a couple more picks from McCain will end up looking alot like a clan meeting.

Hillary put up a hell of a fight and she should be very proud ...but she lost.

Stand up, shake it off ...and do what you know is the right thing to do.

[lboucher]

CALL your super delegates and tell them you expect them to push for an Open Convention with Hillary’s name in nomination AND for them to VOTE for her. Get the phone numbers for your Super Delegates HERE. Do it today — it is easy and free — and it will make you feel GOOD!

We WILL affect the outcome of this election, and the DNC ignores us at their peril. Raise your voice!

[TXOBAMAGIRL73]

Yeah and they will have to give all that money Obama has raised back and pay off her debt ...good luck with that!!

[JailNeoconVicts]

I kinda think you missed the point of this artice. I voted for Hillary. I love her. But she lost.

And we will ALL lose if we repeat the Ted Kennedy/Jimmy Carter fiasco.

Hillary now supports Obama. If you choose not to, you betray her. And yourselves.

[Geral]

JailNeoconVicts

Who would have been the better president in 1976, Teddy Kennedy or Jimmy Carter?

WE will never know, but maybe, just maybe, Teddy knew.

Jimmy Carter gave us 12 years of republican rule... a time when they set in motion all the policies repubs fight for to this day... Reganomics garbage.

Their reign was ended, thankfully, by Bill Clinton.

Sometimes we don't do the right thing, I believe this is one of those times. I wish we weren't so afraid... that was the mistake of the Democratic Convention of '76.

[Notthistime08]

Have you ever had an original thought? Your entire little rant was copied and pasted from the puma pac page. Sad that you guys are wasting your time and energy, you will not effect the outcome of this election. Your best case scenario is that you will run Hillary Clintons political future into the ground.

[Pupadup4oBama]

Please do not raise your voice against the party that we need in the white house. Raise your voice against the party that has done more to damage this country in 8 years than at any other time in history. Raise your voice against THEM - the ones who would seek to overturn Roe v. Wade, the ones who don't think two men or two women loving each other should be recognized, raise your voice against the party that raises gas prices - only to start lowering them the closer the election gets. Raise your voice against the party that wants to drill for more oil - even though we should be using that money to invest in alternative fuel sources (and before you "raise your voice" about Obama agreeing to the offshore drilling - read about his reasoning first!)
We need all the help we can to beat the Repugs. Please don't let your anger blind you.

[ohmercy]

Thank You

I'm a bit jealous that you have this friendship.
I have read much about Hillary Clinton's capacity for friendship, her loyalty to her friends, her steadfastness and selflessness to friends in need.

One of the most striking stories I remember reading was about the foundation her friends David Axelrod and his wife were starting for epilepsy research- their daughter being epileptic. Hillary had promised she would participate in a fundraiser for this. Apparently when the date for the fundraiser rolled around so did the beginning of Bill's Impeachment.
No one expected her to show up, rightfully imagining what hell she would be going through. But she did. She had promised to be there and she showed up and was, of course very effective.

These are the kinds of things that finally pulled me to Hillary. I did a lot of research on the candidates---(in fact started as an O. supporter) and the more I learned about Hillary the more I liked and admired her . As I weighed her pros and cons, along with Obama and Edwards I began to see what kind of strength, resilience, work ethic, loyalty, kindness, commitment and decency she is made of. I came to understand that she had the right stuff, the real goods that we needed in a President. Frankly, I was surprised giving the ugly neocon rhetoric that has been around for years and that, to its great shame the left has adopted about her.

[ohmercy]

PS

You ask what is wrong with us... I think because those of us who researched her, knew real things about her, spent real time making a decision came to know someone far different than the cartoon character the media and Obama supporters turned her into. Using weapons from the neocon arsenal their intent was obviously one of destruction. What is wrong with us is we are angry at those ill informed thugs as well as the cynical who knew better that employed such hateful and ugly distortions, lies and malice, who maligned someone so viciously with so little justification, who employed the politics of personal destruction and used rhetoric out of a middle school playground and who cannot stop the division---which I am sure the comments to your entry will illustrate. The hatred they have within far outweighs any desire for Obama to win.

So what is wrong with us is really what is right with us.

We are loyal to those we care for and about and, as many women do, we have a compelling visceral response from deep within to protect those who are being treated unjustly. Whether we know them or not... whether we like them or not.

[HypeFreeZone]

Wow - -- we are angels! We know no sin!

[Swanee Hunt - Huffpost Blogger]

I wrote some about my experiences with Hillary in my book Half-Life of a Zealot. You might enjoy it.

[ohmercy]

Thanks.
I will look for it!

(again, thanks. I love reading your responses to commenters as well. very diplomatic. I wish I had half the restraint you have... and Hillary of course!
LOL
Go have a shot of whiskey with her for me, and give her one big girly sister hug.
I have grown to really love her.

[russpix]

I have yet to hear one good example of Obama being "sexist" during the primaries. What I did hear (and it continues) is a chorus of squeals over tough questions Hillary was asked (that any candidate would have been asked), unison screeching when anyone called her out on a mistake, and wailing over disagreements with her policies or statements. All were regularly deemed sexist by her most militant supporters. One real head-scratcher followed her "is he a muslim?" answer. Some pundit said she knew better, and was instantly labeled "sexist." Huh? Did he mention gender? I remember shaking my head in disbelief.

What I DO consider sexist; anyone who prefers her because she's a woman. Holding a preference based on gender is the definition of sexism! Gimmieabreak.

Had Hillary won the primary, I would be doing everything I could to see her elected, even though I have supported Obama from the beginning. Why? Not because she's right on everything, or because he's African American, or because Bill was president or McCain is a confused old man or because "it's time for a woman." I will support the Democratic nominee because the Republic party (not a typo; if we're the "Democrat" party, they can be the "Republic" party... have it your way, morons) is all about greed, selfishness and unbridled power. Any Hillary supporter who votes for McCain out of bitterness over "sexism" threatens to doom America to more of the same. Yeah, that'll show 'em.

[GrkAm]

russpix . . . Good, good post. This country is composed of so many diverse opinions, religions, geography and everything else that makes this country the "melting pot" upon which we have been founded on.

What other group is holding the democratic process hostage? This not only will threaten our country, constitution and way of life, it COULD be damaging to Hlllary Clinton herself. First of all, she won more votes in a primary that any other women ever has. That is remarkable, but she didn't win the process of the primary election all the way down to the last day!

A McCain vote just as a protest is sad. Voting is a privilge that also makes up the US fiber. Don't waste it, or throw it away!

[Bettysdad]

Her loss is ascribed to sexism, because there can't possibly be a legitimate reason she lost.

[Geral]

Bettysdad

If Obama loses will the "legitimate" reason be racism, or will the "legitimate" reason be because he the public did not prefer him on the merits of his candidacy?

[Pupadup4oBama]

There are many reasons she lost - and sexism was the very least of them.

[Cloud7Raymaker]

Honestly, I think Hillary's loss says more about her political personally than anything else. I was an Independent that voted as a Democrat for the first time in my life this year. I didn't vote for Hillary and it was because of some of her Republican-enabling votes, not limited to but including THE vote for war in Iraq (and her refusal to admit it was a mistake that she would not have made knowing what she does today). Her support of Bush's far right Supreme Court nominees, the silly gas tax holiday, and so on. Let's not forget this is a Senator with name recognition and years of political experience. She could have made a real difference in the last 8 years by standing up to this awful Republican-run government even if she lost a few battles in the process.

There are a few others in the Democratic party that have pulled the party too far to the right for me to ever vote for them. I can only imagine how much of the Democratic base must feel these days. I think the day we'll see a successful woman presidential nominee is not so far away, but she'll have to stand for something more than just being a woman politician. It would be refreshing to see a woman presidential nominee that cares so much about her party that she's willing to fight the tough fights on behalf of her constituents.

[ohmercy]

Apparently you didn't do much research, at least not in any depth.

"Republican" votes?

Actually www.govtrack.us rates Hillary very liberal, all the way on the left of the spectrum, while Obama is called a "rank and file" Democrat.

They come to their conclusions by analysis of all votes, committees, bill sponsorship and co sponsorship etc .

They even report on absenteeism. Very interesting site. Completely independent, non partisan analysis ov everyone in Congress.

The link is above though I have very little "hope" anyone will actually take a look.
Don't want to topple that Hated Hillary myth I guess.

[Bettysdad]

govtrack.us is a website created entirely by ONE guy.

It has exactly zero credibility or value

How could you actually think that a neutral website could rank people across the spectrum, when there is no definition for the spectrum?

If Hillary is "far left" then supporting cluster bombs is "far left." How does that work?

Most likely, this is a Republican hit machine.

[kevinw]

You mean like voting for FISA, Offshore drilling and things like that.

[hbhawaii]

Um .... Boy, it sure sounds like you're saying that ladies have a hard time controlling their emotions, so even though, rationally, they know they should back Obama, they just can't bring themselves to do it. Please understand that Hilary set this whole dynamic up, with typical Clintonian cynicism. And the fact she's not driving a stake through its heart is all about her surviving delusions about 2012.

Please also understand that in the struggle for a fair society electing a man of color into the Presidency is an enormous achievement that will change the status of ALL under-represented minorities forever.

Here's what I'd like to see happen: Obama cuts a deal with Hilary to somehow get Bill out of the picture (Ambassador to Vanuatu?), and then asks her to be his VP. And Hilary learns to put the good of the nation ahead of her personal ambition and becomes Obama's point person for Health Care and Social Security.

Could happen....

[swoosie1]

Oh please...s­he has a job. She does not need to be installed in some psuedo-job so that the new guy can learn on the job. Nope. He needs to be defeated in November. He is nothing but an empty suit. I for one am working to make McCain president and then will get my vote on in 2012 for someone who is actually qualified and who might have something that we call "core values" which Obama clearly lacks. He scares me, and it is not because he would look different on the dollar bill, but because he is is who he is---a lightweight.

[hbhawaii]

Empty suit, you say?

And do you really think McCain is a man with "core values" -- the guy who abandoned his first wife (who stood by him when he was in Vietnam but had an inconvenient auto accident that ruined her looks) in order to shack up with an heiress whose daddy funded his first campaign? Does a political heavyweight use Paris Hilton in his ads for goshsakes? Do you really believe a man who's abandoned everything he ever stood for (opposition to Bush's tax breaks for the very rich, for instance) in order to appeal to the bonehead right of his party is qualified to be president?

Come on, admit it -- you're nothing more than a shill for the GOP.

[Darsan54]

So where is the vaunted school for Leader of the World? Everyone learns on the job in this One. Obama has already shown more judgement (voted against the War when it still was a risk) and "coolness" under fire, from his own party. He developed a strategy, followed it and won pure and simple. Same thing he will do with this election and then for the country. Under McCain you and your children will be cannon fodder and a money well, drained for his corporate friends. Think twice about what he called his wife. Then think of what he will call you.

[HypeFreeZone]

Can you please define "core values"? Could it possibly be any of the following?

Calling your wife the C word?

Joke about the woman that found being ra ped by a gorilla pleasurable?

Abandoning your crippled wife for a younger and richer heiress?

The Keating five?

Refusal to release your military records?

Refusal to pay property taxes?

Making derisive remarks about your opponents children?

Using the children of contributors to your campaign in negative ads?

Now, don't get me started...­..

[TXOBAMAGIRL73]

Is core values code for something else ...Stand up for what you mean !!!

[TerryFL]

.

Go ahead and vote for McCain. You have yet to articulate which specific policies of McCain you endorse, only that you are "scared" of Obama. Are you opposed to choice? Pro Iraq War? Pro war with Iran? Pro offshore drilling? Pro big oil? Pro Bush economic policies? Pro Lieberman, Graham, McConnell? Pro Rev. Hagee? Pro involvement in the Schiavo case? Pro politicization of the Justice Department? Pro torture? If you believe in these ideals, then McCain and his allies will welcome you.

The bottom line on Mrs. Clinton is that she had a 52% to17% lead over Obama at this time last year. In addition she had the most money, operatives, and a popular ex-president for her husband, yet still managed to lose. She ran a poor campaign and the results bear these facts out. Voting for another Bush term will not change her history.
.

[Pupadup4oBama]

Great post - although I have to disagree with you about Obama cutting the deal w/ her. I think she burnt her bridges. I will accept her as VP if that is whom Obama chooses, but I am very wary of what she will bring to the table (and she'll need to keep Bill on a VERY SHORT leash - I voted for him twice, but I have to say his actions as of late have been reprehensi­ble.)

[Swanee Hunt - Huffpost Blogger]

I get your first point about the ladies. Allow me to redeem myself: Richard Wrangham, the head of primate anthropology at Harvard, talks about "the emotional sex" - by which he means men. Pretty irrational, to start a war. Now there's a temper tantrum.