Clinton Protest Voters for McCain

I was the first to warn this was coming. Clinton supporters are ticked. I've been getting emails for months. Yesterday, NARAL made it worse.

There is something else that I've been thinking about for quite a while, which came into the forefront with the Edwards endorsement. Immediately upon this event people started talking about Edwards as a vice presidential choice. Talking heads on cable began their projectile analysis that we were now witnessing the political Butch-Sundance team that would lead the working class voters to Democrats and the Party to victory in November.

There's only one problem.

It's huge.

No, gigantic, in fact.

What would an Edwards vice presidency say to all of Hillary's millions and millions of women? I won't print the answer on this blog, but it begins with "f" and ends with you.

Oh, and for the record, Claire McCaskill, Kathleen Sebelius nor Janet Napolitano will do. Ask a Clinton supporter ready to cast a protest vote for McCain. She'll tell you.

As I've said many times recently, I will work hard to defeat John McCain if Obama is the nominee. If Clinton pulls it out, I will work tirelessly for her. I hope everyone is clear about the distinction. The ideals and principles of the Democratic Party mean too much to me, even if the Party elite are acting like thugs.

However, make no mistake about it, the Democratic Party has sent a signal to women that Hillary's candidacy isn't historic. They're nonchalance over her fight about Michigan and Florida, as well as the undemocratic nature of caucuses, not to mention their breezy attitude about pushing her out before this race is through has wounded a lot of people. Ted Kennedy took his fight to the floor with far less of a case than Hillary Clinton has today, yet she's being screamed at to get out. The Democratic elite seem to be saying that the little women got their play in the political pond, but let's get serious, shall we? With the proclamation that Obama was the "presumptive nominee" ready to declare "victory" on May 20th, the women of the Democratic Party were once again proclaimed invisible and expected to fall in line for The One.

Try winning in November without them.

But taking this further, what does this Butch-Sundance storyline say about the traditional media and the Obamabot world, which obviously doesn't get that if Clinton and her female supporters are not respected, they have the power and could stand up and walk out on the Democratic Party to send a message that will reverberate for months and years to come. That message will result in a McCain presidency.

For anyone who doubts this could happen please start reading the comment sections on the Hillary Clinton blogs. Some are over the top, but most people are coming from thoughtful political perspectives from activists who are very serious about what's now unfolding in the Democratic Party. These Clinton supporters who are threatening a protest vote for John McCain are large in number, many of whom are regulars on my blog and in the comment section, with hundreds of emails from lurkers to me every day saying they will not vote for Obama if he's the nominee. The disrespect for Hillary Clinton has been too wide and too deep in the Democratic Party, and they're not going to support it anymore.

Memo to the Democratic leadership elite: Consider yourselves on notice. Hell hath no fury. Believe it.

Taylor Marsh LIVE! can be heard from 3-4 pm eastern - 12-1 p.m pacific, Mon.-Thurs, with podcasts available.

Follow Taylor Marsh on Twitter: www.twitter.com/taylormarsh

Comments

[loungestar]

I've heard it said many times that more gets done when the President is of one party and the majority of Congress is the other. So, if Hillary is sucessfully pushed out of the nominee position, a vote for McCain may not be a bad thing. Don't get me wrong....I would prefer a GOOD, EXPERIENCED Democratic candidtate.

[frustratedinohio]

Thank you Taylor. You always seem to write about what is on my mind and you're a gutsy gal to post it out here at HuffPo.

I comment out here several days a week. There are a handful of us (Hillary supporters) still here. We usually get verbally beaten up for what we say, but I think my fellow commentors need to know that certain dems feel this way and there are enough of us to shut down their candidate in the fall. I can tell you they don't take us seriously. Their candidate doesn't take us seriously. If they did they would be nicer. If Obama took us seriously he wouldn't say he's confident we'll that all dems will unite. Really that comment inspired me to send money to McCain. You know Obama really not good at bringing people together like he says he is.

Anyway, I have been a dem since my first vote. My Dad was a dem and on his deathbed in October of 1976 he asked me to be sure to vote for Carter. I told my 8 year-old son that there were only two words he was forbidden to say. The "n" word and the "'r" word (republican). So it is with a heavy heart that I will vote for McCain. It sounds terrible, but I have been deeply wounded by the way my candidate has been treated by this party. So for now I don't consider myself a democrat.

[CommittedDem]

I understand you completely. The Democratic party and a large contigent of its backers have made it clear that they don't want people like you and me anymore. They want to replace us. I'm done. After years of dedication and fighting for causes, I've been vilified and have had more hate thrown at me by Obama supporters than any human being should ever have to deal with.I'm done with it and I'm done with the party. It truly pains me to say this, but I' tired of being vilified for my beliefs.

[tISHA]

The Democratic Party that we knew is not the one that it supporting Obama. Its time to separate the radical left wing of the Party to a more centrist one. I suggest now is the time to make the break. I sense a great backlash out there , if we form a centrist Independent Party, by 2012 we will have a voice to reckon with. In the mean time if Hillary is not on the ballot, write her in. And don't be afraid of Roe vs Wade, the Senate will be veto proof, and can over ride any right wing Judge nominations from McCain. Don't compromise your integrity by voting for McCain. Just don't vote Obama. Lets stay strong if we as a voting block do we can bring about real change.

[4wehttam]

"He's confident that all dems will unite." = Hillary said the SAME thing, is she wrong?
"....that comment inspired me to send money to McCain." = So your AGAINST unity? Smart.
"Their candidate doesn't take us seriously." = No? How hasn't he taken women seriously?
"If they did they would be nicer. " = What are you FIVE years old?

You have a child and are willing to turn your back on OUR PRINCIPLED BELIEFS to spite him, yourself and all other AMERICANS by voting for someone who believes women don't deserve the same right as men, the same pay, someone who is willing to overturn Roe v Wade and set our agenda backwards, someone who doesn't believe in a woman's right to choose EVEN in the case of RAPE and INCEST? All this OUT OF SPITE, are you mad?????

[donkat]

I wish I knew what you people are referring to - how, exactly, was your candidate badly treated? it seems she and her people are the ones who have been dishing the dirt and hate.

[Massconfusion]

So you'll vote for McCain and poison your son's future? When does he turn eighteen - by then the draft will be instituted and he'll be fighting in Iran.

You will vote McCain and have a Supreme Court that will remove a woman's right to choose forever?

Obama has not disrespected you - you disrespect yourself by voting for McCain!

[LeoMarvin]

This is coming from a former HIllary supporter who will still vote for her if she's the nominee. The fact that you genuinely feel hurt by the setbacks of a candidate you care so much about doesn't mean somebody did something terrible that demands revenge. What's driving your defection to McCain isn't in anything Obama said. It's in the mirror.

[FlowerGirl]

Since I was never a vagina voter anyway, it will come as no surprise that I find this silly behavior ludicrous and shameful. Obama won because there are more important qualities to consider when choosing a president than the candidate's gender. Honesty is one, Intelligence another. And on both of those counts, It is Obama and not Clinton.
Those are a couple of the reasons he has beaten her. But because some pro-choice group rates him better, we hear a big protest from her partisans. Silly. Because her dirty tactics were not good enough to beat him, her fans get sore headed. Silly.
Fortunately that is not typical feminine behavior. Hillary is not a typical woman. She lies more than most, is more selfish than most, and more divisive than most. And she is less intelligent than many.
One day, we will have a woman president. And I hope that she is as intelligent, honest, and high minded as Barack Obama, who will serve all of us well.
But if you feel like being silly, vote for McCain, who is much like Hillary: he isn't smart either & finished at the bottom of his Annapolis class after getting in because of his family connections. For his other qualifications you might check the "G" wordpress.coms.com for the article "John McCain the most flawed presidential candidate in history." He seems like a poor choice to follow the worst president in history. But then some people like to break records.

[loungestar]

I really get very angry with the anti-Clintonites' low ball comments. I as a woman and a liberal, truly resent how she and we, her supporters, have been treated. If Obama is shoved in as "the choice" by the DNC, I will vote for McCain, because he is the second best choice to lead our country. I will also leave the Democratic Party, as will the rest of my family. We will leave it because there is not a thing democratic about the party. I am totally disgusted with the DNC and it's manipulative ways. And the comments regarding the less educated and older folks voting for Hillary...these are the people who are better judges of character and actually care about the issues and crises facing them and the country. We don't need a "dreamer/visionary" in the White House. We need a pragmatic, hard working, dedicated, strong woman. From all I've read on Obama, he is backed by big business and Wall Street and from his history, he'll be an open hand to every lobbyist who walks into his office. So where's the change??? This man is just a sham and America is just about to be cheated once again, if he's the nominee.

[JackieW]

So that you can make an EDUCATED and INFORMED decision about who is "backed by big business and Wall Street", how's about we take a look at 12 of McCain's biggest donors (compliments of George Will http://www.newsweek.com/id/136308):

"[McCain's] top 20 contributors include this dozen: Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Credit Suisse, Lehman Brothers, Bank of New York Mellon, Morgan Stanley, Wachovia Group, Bridgewater Associates, Blackstone Group and Bear Stearns."

There's a fashion rule all voters should follow: Don't wear your ignorance on your sleeve.

[chriss0114]

it is the voters who are "shoving" him in - more votes, more states, more delegates. It has been democratic - people have voted.

The "less educated ..." supporters are her demographic supporters. That does not mean she is not getting support from others who are highly educated - and some blue collar, less educated are supporters of Obama. These are just facts.

As far as lobbyists are concerned, both McCain and Hillary have taken more money from lobbyists and have had their campaigns staffed and run by lobbyists. So what is your point with that? Where do you get your information?

Do you not care about women's rights? How about the right to live (the soldiers in Iraq)?

[jvarga]

Pretty much every point you made is completely invalidated by your support of Senator McCain. Enjoy your tour of duty in Iran.

[donkat]

Good luck in your new party. I'd still like to know how Hill has been mistreated. It's a mystery to me. She's responsible for her own failure. She started with a huge advantage and then, through bad judgement, surrounding herself with incompetent people, she frittered it away. She has no one to blame but herself. Through the entire process, she took the low road. Time and again she played into any negative innuendo about Obama (he's not a muslim, as far as she knows). She and McCain have experience (Obama does not). And from Bill she and McCain are patriotic (Obama isn't). She, of course will take no responsibility for the failure of her campaign. She never does, just like Bush.

[BassMent]

I especially love the "feminist" voters who are supposedly going to vote for McCain because of the NARAL endorsement. These must be some really intelligent, principled people. They're not only throwing over the candidate endorsed by the organization they belong to (or used to belong to), but they're throwing over all of that organization's ideology as well.

Have you ever seen a group of people who were pro-choice suddenly decide they are against women's reproductive rights so quickly? I mean, I always thought reproductive rights were a core issue for feminists.

It'll be kinda funny when abortion and contraception are illegal, and the children they're forced to have are being drafted into McCain's Pan-Islamic Crusades. But not really that funny.

[donkat]

It's sad, they're not really feminists and so they will vote for against their best interest. The Clinton women are by and large, angry about the way they are treated (or think they are) by the rest of the world and will vote for any woman, evidently. They moan about the way their candidate has been treated but give no facts for it.

I am a woman. I make my own way in this world and I judge people by their honesty, integrity and character - sex and race have nothing to do with my assessment. I don't blame anyone for my own troubles. It seems many of Hill's supporters aren't able to take responsibility for their own lives, if they could, they might see beyond sex to the issues that really count.

[mortrefuge]

Hillary's only argument since Super Tuesday has been that Obama is unelectable. Because he's an empty suit, because he doesn't have enough experience, because he is not White and now because Hillary's supporters will not support him. Self fulfilling prophesy? If he loses in November, a lot of the blame will be placed on Hillary and her supporters. What will this country look like after 4 years of McCain?

[DaDawg]

Wait, Hillary is being disrespected? She and her supporters has every chance to stated their case. And they lost. Fact is Obama needs only 17 delegates to win the pledge delegate contest per the rules of the game. He leads in Superdelegates currently. So like most basketball game, the contest will play itself out, but winner will be known before the final buzzer sounds.

Now one is free to support which ever candidate they wish in the General Election. However saying you were disrespected because you lost, is rather childish.

[JavaCityGal]

I really don't understand this. Obama is winning fair and square. Sorry if you don't think caucuses are democratic, but the process was in place before we begun this race and we all knew it, including Hillary. It's not Obama's fault that he was well prepared and Hillary conceded whole states. It's not Obama's fault that Hillary expected a coronation on February 5th and she didn't have a feasible long-term strategy after that.

I also resent the constant crying wolf and victim mentality and whining about sexism. Sure sexism exists, but you and your followers have become so overly sensitive that you frankly see it everyone, even where it doesn't exist. As a woman, I want to perceived as strong and capable, and accountable for my mistakes. Hillary too --- should be accountable for her mistakes in running her campaign. Trying to cover for her mistakes by blaming others of sexism doesn't change the facts. My state has two female senators and a female governor, and none of them complain about sexism, ever. They do a great job, and that speaks for itself.

[notthistime]

Good point JavaCityGal - I want to add that sexism goes both ways. Obama has been on the receiving end from some Clinton's supporters.

[allonfla]

Why Hillary Lost! Pleas no

http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=f7a4a380-c4a4-4f84-b653-f252e8569915te:

[COwoman]

I fail to understand the logic or the reasoned decision to back a man that has called his wife a c***.
This is like saying the n word to me. If my husband called me that in private, I would be sleeping alone for a while. If my husband called me that in public, he would have to go extraordinary lengths for me not to file for divorce.

I fail to understand a vote for a man that WILL put forth justices that WILL overturn Roe v. Wade.

You are cutting off your nose to spite your face if you think that this is the way to protest sexism.

Anger and expression of that should not hurt your own best interests. It is short-sighted.

Think about that and look at your daughters and decide if you are going to give them women's rights in reality and if you are going to give them a real chance for equal rights and equal treatment. If you want to change the male mindset then work within your community and change it!! You have a huge voice right now, use it judiciously and effectively. Don't lash out. This is a conversation that we should have, but nothing will ever be accomplished through anger and revenge.

[chriss0114]

If you are OK with a man calling his wife that as well as other derogatory terms like "trollop," then by all means one should vote for him.

Those are what John McCain calls Cindy in public when he is yelling at her with his well known temper.

Who knows. maybe that temper will get us into another unnecessary war where more of our treasured youth will die and be maimed.

[fedupcitizen]

I disagree with you.
I disagree with your supporters.
I disagree with Hillary.

You agree with Hillary.
You and Hillary supporters threaten the country with supporting McCain.

Same style, tactics and vote for the war.
Perhaps you should offer Clinton up as VP for McCain.

This woman is for Obama!

[CommittedDem]

Do you honestly think you can win an election without Hillary supporters?

[Zanti]

They don't, but unfortunately they couldn't think ahead far enough to anticipate any reaction from us at all. We're dealing with cluelessness on a galactic scale. You can tell by their inconsistent, long-winded replies that they don't know what to do, nor are they completely sure what's happening. But they know it's not good.

We've stirred some dim awareness in them, and they don't like being conscious. They're not used to it.

[PSpringer]

"Do you honestly think you can win an election without Hillary supporters?"

Absolutely not. Obama will need every Hillary supporter he can get. With that said, I think you'll find that many Hillary supporters will support Obama (even if it's reluctantly) because his stand on the issues is virtually identical to Hillary's. Obama is a far, far, far better alternative than McCain.

[B1uBall00n]

The fact that women supporting Hillary would rather vote for McCain is so silly to me I don't even understand it. Are you really willing to give the republicans more time in office to screw even more stuff up, just because Hillary won't be president? Please explain to me, as a woman, what is so damn special about Hillary Clinton. Because honestly the woman makes me sick. And the reason I'm not a fan of Hillary's has nothing to do with her private parts, but everything to do with her being a Clinton. So why is Hillary, our women savior. Because honestly I haven't seen her do anything for women. But I sure as hell have seen her bash other women when it suits her needs. Is it guilt, cause Bubba Bill cheated on her? Is it because the right-wing was mean to her? Please! She made pretty much all of her messes herself. Her campaign is in the tank because of her own doing nobody else's. She had everything handed to her, and lost to a newbie. But hard working women around the country should feel sorry for her. I don't think so. Give me a break, Give me a real woman, who climbed to the top on her OWN. Please don't pawn Hillary off to me, that she represents women.

This woman is going to vote for the candidate that reflects my beliefs and values and that's Obama. Hillary in my book doesn't even come close.

[PorkBelly]

Take your best shot.

[tiredofwaiting]

The DNC need to take this VERY seriously. The voting block they make up is considerable. If their voices are not heard, the so-called Democratic Party will and should pay the price. They will not have some newbie, ajaxed and white washed wanna be shoved onto them by the Big Meda, DNC and Special Interest groups.No matter the Plan, this bunch of would be King makers, are gonna have a major wake up call when November rolls around! Thanks Taylor!

[nomobull]

and you do not represent the entire block of women voters and neither does ms marsh. and the entire block was not voting for hillary. and these tactics are probable turning more toward obama and away from hillary. because the right to choose means making choices based on something other than shared gender.and these tactics insults the intelligence of women .and increases resentment.and proves what exactly that you can bully people.

[batgirl71]

I'm confused. Trust me, your voices are heard, loud and clear. What we hear is nominate my candidate or else. What we also hear from you tiredofwaiting is clear racism: "They will not have some newbie, ajazed and white washed wanna be.." We will not be threatened by a bunch of children who lost the game and therefore want to punish the world. Just a reminder that world also includes your sons and daughters, grandchildren, siblings and friends. Guess you don't care if you f*ck them over!

[BJMS]

"shoved onto them by the Big Media, DNC and Special Interst groups?????"

Actually, I think VOTERS had something to do with it...How about respecting Obama voters??? You demenad respect for yourself and then in the same breath accuse OVER HALF of Democrats of just blindly voting for someone they know nothing about. Did it ever occur to any of you that maybe we analyzed the candidates and came to a different conclusion???

[111]

YOU DO NOT SPEAK FOR EVERY WOMAN IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY!!!!!!

Sorry to raise my voice but you Hillary worshipers don't seem to hear my voice when I have said I don't agree with your choice.

You truly reflect Hillary's personality - use bullying tactics, name calling, threats all you want.

Hillary and her DLC need to leave the Democratic party, none of you are true Democrats. Join the Republicans, go away.

[jvarga]

Wait so someone who wants her candidate to be crowned the democratic party nominee (who cares about the whole primary thing) is complaining about the DNC king makers? You need to work on your argument a little. Or a lot. Or just stop.

[indianadem]

As a white, middle class, 'hard working', non-college educated, mid-western, American woman, I will say again, Taylor Marsh...you are full of it. Don't make threats. If these Hillary supporters are STUPID enough to leave and vote for John McCain, because they don't get their way, then let them. We don't need them in our party either. Good luck with that. You all should have told Hillary not to be so presumptive in her coronation, and maybe they would have run a better campaign and they would have been prepared to win. It's no one's fault BUT Hillary's.

Obama 08. Obama 08. Obama 08.

Denial, grief and anger are pre-cursors to acceptance. We'll wait - but not for too long.

[Zanti]

The media started hammering away at the "Queen Hillary" theme even before it decided to turn itself into one long campaign ad for B.O. It knew that the average voter would accept its various spins uncritically. This is why we're hearing these very spins over and over and over in this thread. And the people parroting these ideas are convinced THEY came up with them.

As far as threats are concerned, the women in question are simply announcing what they intend to do. This is a free country--they can vote for whomever they choose. Hopefully, you haven't forgotten about that important aspect of our democracy.

Besides, if you don't need them in "your" party, then obviously they have no power to threaten anyone. That is, either their votes count or they don't. Make up your mind.

[BookDesigner]

"The media started hammering away at the "Queen Hillary" theme..."

She did that to herself when she announced at the start of her campaign that she WOULD be the Democratic Party candidate. Hubris.

When Senator Clinton suddenly found herself behind she started displaying her real character, or lack thereof. Lies, vindictiveness, sniveling, blatant pandering... the list of reasons to dislike her is endless, and not one of them has anything to do with her gender.

[ddharder]

It would be hillariously ironic, if, however, disgruntled Clinton voters voted in McCain and Roe v Wade were to be overturned as a result.

You Clinton supporters have no sense of the big picture and come across as childish Eric Cartman on the playground who wants to just take his ball and go home.

[111]

It's because they are worshipping Hillary and never saw the big picture. This is also why they were unable to see her weaknesses and flaws. Actually, now that I think about it they are cultlike in their devotion to her. Taylor states that no other woman will do, it has to be Hillary or no one.