Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Feminists for a Day
I was able to attend the Republican National Convention the evening Palin spoke. It is old news by now that her speech was a masterful performance. What tickled me were the speeches before Palin's, which may or may not have been covered by news outlets. I had no idea that Republican operatives were such feminists. Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman, and Rudy Giuliani talked about sexism. They were appalled that Palin was being criticized and pointed to a double standard that male politicians could be fathers aspiring for high office without being criticized for being bad parents. Move over Gloria Steinem, Meg, Rudy, and Carly have your back. It is fascinating that feminism is now back in the public discourse because of Republican rhetoric! But it really is a return to social feminism. Yes, they advocated that women have the right to participate in the public square but also embraced traditional gender relations. It is a backward vision. Palin did not present herself as anything but a Mom, a tough hockey Mom, but a Mom nontheless.
McCain's Advisors
I attended a conference at the Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota, "America's Future:Conversations about Politics and Policy" during the RNC last week. Many of the presenters during the four-day conference are current advisors to John McCain. I know there has been a great deal of speculation about McCain's approach to foreign policy. Will he make a rightward shift in the same way he has on domestic policy? Or, will his foreign policy be less ideologically driven and more realistic? If the sessions I attended on the future of foreign policy are any indication, McCain's approach will be the latter. I learned last week that many of McCain's top foreign policy advisors held posts in the George H.W. Bush administration and tend toward realism. Even Obama has praised the first Bush's foreign policy. Indeed, compared to the aggressiveness of the current administration, McCain's policy advisors seem downright left-wing. Most were reluctant to impose a Western worldview on the world and criticized current policies. The only McCain advisor with ties to the current administration, Rob Portman, U.S. Trade Representative, is a staunch free trader but very moderate. If there was any running theme of the sessions it was a blind faith in the power of free markets. They are Republicans, after all. Still, the comments were measured, thoughtful, and backed up with research and experience. If McCain is elected president, I don't think we have as much to fear on the foreign policy front. Domestic policy is another matter.
It was very clear to me after listening to luminaries such as Joseph Liberman, R. James Woolsey, Rob Portman, and Henry Kissinger that foreign policy will no longer be part of a political calculation but instead will return to careerists in the State Department. And I predict that Joe Liberman will be Secretary of State in a McCain administration.
If Rob Portman, Joe Liberman, Henry Kissinger and others are active surrogates for McCain during the next couple of months, Obama will have some explaining to do about his foreign policy goals and will be hard-pressed to make clear distinctions between his approach and McCain's.
It was very clear to me after listening to luminaries such as Joseph Liberman, R. James Woolsey, Rob Portman, and Henry Kissinger that foreign policy will no longer be part of a political calculation but instead will return to careerists in the State Department. And I predict that Joe Liberman will be Secretary of State in a McCain administration.
If Rob Portman, Joe Liberman, Henry Kissinger and others are active surrogates for McCain during the next couple of months, Obama will have some explaining to do about his foreign policy goals and will be hard-pressed to make clear distinctions between his approach and McCain's.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Protests and the RNC
I was very involved in several events related to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul and even managed to attend the convention on Wednesday and Thursday night. I was the guest of the Republican National Committee! So, there is a lot to report. I'll try to post a part of the story each day this week.
First, I want to weigh in on the protests during the convention. The arrests of so-called anarchists has been reported. Unfortunately, the actions of a few people intent on destroying property (I saw broken windows at one of the downtown department stores and a sheriff's vehicle had a broken window) and their subsequent arrests has dominated the media coverage. What a shame. The protest against the war in Iraq on September 1 was not covered. An "Iraq Veterans Against the War" group marched along with families of veterans. Several people held photographs of loved ones who were killed or wounded during the war. With the exception of Cindy Sheehen, who was also in St. Paul at a Ralph Nadar rally, the families of soldiers and veterans actively protesting against the war have largely been ignored. I can tell you that their presence in the march was something to see, and it is terribly unfortunate that more attention hasn't been paid to soldiers who are actively against the war. The protest marchers were incredibly diverse, old and young and people of all races. A group a women wearing burkas participated. Some people brought their kids. I wish more attention was paid to this in the national media.
There were reports that members of the Connecticut delegation were harassed by protesters. Frankly, I don't see how that was possible. There were barricades everywhere so that anyone without credentials couldn't get close to any entrance. Since I had a pass on Wednesday and Thursday, I was able to move around and get a clear sense of where people without credentials could and could not go. A protest space closest to the convention center was reserved for people engaging in a counter protest with signs saying "Support our Troops." There was definitely a double standard when it came to issuing permits. The protest route was quite circumscribed to the point that we seemed to be marching in a circle.
From what I saw, I believe the so-called violence during the convention was exaggerated. I know there were a couple of incidents in Minneapolis that I did not witness, but people need to know that the protests on Monday and Thursday nights near the convention site in St. Paul were very well organized. Volunteers from the ACLU and Lawyers Guild were present to insure that people were treated fairly.
All I can say is that you should have seen the riot gear the police and members of the National Guard had on. They were loaded for anarchists. I was standing near a group of police officers at one point and looked over to see that each person had a gun, a taser, a pellet gun, a tear gas gun, pepper spray, a night stick, and plastic handcuffs. With all of the protective gear they had on as well, I was surprised they could move.
I witnessed an officer using pepper spray, and, in my opinion, his use of anything was unnecessary. Yes, a few people dressed ominously in black with their faces covered tipped over newspaper stands and threw debris in the street, but I don't think that form of acting out warranted arrests or defensive action.
First, I want to weigh in on the protests during the convention. The arrests of so-called anarchists has been reported. Unfortunately, the actions of a few people intent on destroying property (I saw broken windows at one of the downtown department stores and a sheriff's vehicle had a broken window) and their subsequent arrests has dominated the media coverage. What a shame. The protest against the war in Iraq on September 1 was not covered. An "Iraq Veterans Against the War" group marched along with families of veterans. Several people held photographs of loved ones who were killed or wounded during the war. With the exception of Cindy Sheehen, who was also in St. Paul at a Ralph Nadar rally, the families of soldiers and veterans actively protesting against the war have largely been ignored. I can tell you that their presence in the march was something to see, and it is terribly unfortunate that more attention hasn't been paid to soldiers who are actively against the war. The protest marchers were incredibly diverse, old and young and people of all races. A group a women wearing burkas participated. Some people brought their kids. I wish more attention was paid to this in the national media.
There were reports that members of the Connecticut delegation were harassed by protesters. Frankly, I don't see how that was possible. There were barricades everywhere so that anyone without credentials couldn't get close to any entrance. Since I had a pass on Wednesday and Thursday, I was able to move around and get a clear sense of where people without credentials could and could not go. A protest space closest to the convention center was reserved for people engaging in a counter protest with signs saying "Support our Troops." There was definitely a double standard when it came to issuing permits. The protest route was quite circumscribed to the point that we seemed to be marching in a circle.
From what I saw, I believe the so-called violence during the convention was exaggerated. I know there were a couple of incidents in Minneapolis that I did not witness, but people need to know that the protests on Monday and Thursday nights near the convention site in St. Paul were very well organized. Volunteers from the ACLU and Lawyers Guild were present to insure that people were treated fairly.
All I can say is that you should have seen the riot gear the police and members of the National Guard had on. They were loaded for anarchists. I was standing near a group of police officers at one point and looked over to see that each person had a gun, a taser, a pellet gun, a tear gas gun, pepper spray, a night stick, and plastic handcuffs. With all of the protective gear they had on as well, I was surprised they could move.
I witnessed an officer using pepper spray, and, in my opinion, his use of anything was unnecessary. Yes, a few people dressed ominously in black with their faces covered tipped over newspaper stands and threw debris in the street, but I don't think that form of acting out warranted arrests or defensive action.
Friday, August 22, 2008
My Blue Heaven
In 2006 I made a commitment to do whatever I could to turn the Midwest blue.
I worked on Amy Klobuchar's campaign for U.S. Senate in Minnesota and contributed to the campaigns of rising political stars Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Claire McCaskill in Missouri--I was able to attend a McCaskill rally in Kansas City featuring Barack Obama. All three candidates won in 2006 and have solid progressive voting records. You can check their voting records on govtrack.us. The Midwest is where Democratic leaders are coming from these days. We can't quit now. Minnesota is considered a purple state, with a Republican and a Democrat in the Senate and a Republican governor. Of course, as you know, Missouri and Ohio are also considered important swing states.
2008 is our chance to change the political landscape in the Midwest. That is one reason why I am working for Al Franken for U.S. Senate in Minnesota. I met Al Franken at a "Women for Franken" event in St. Paul last week. Of course, I knew he was funny, but I came away from that meeting with a positive impression of his grasp of the issues and his commitment to social change and political reform. I am also more enthusiastic about working for Franken now that he has hired Stephanie Schriock, a Hillary supporter and former chief of staff for Montana Senator Jon Tester, as his new campaign manager, and has hired Natalie Volin from the DFL Feminist Caucus to work with him on policy issues. At the event he implied that Natalie was giving him more guidance and information on women's issues. The crowd of about fifty women seemed to be similarly impressed. I was standing with a group of academics (we can be pretty cynical and critical) who all seemed to be on board.
It is going to be a very close race; current polls have incumbent Republican Norm Coleman with a slight lead. I'm sure he will get a slight bounce with the Republican convention in St. Paul and an even bigger bounce if Minnesota's Governor Tim Pawlenty is McCain's VP pick. Coleman is also help from outside interest groups, especially from a mysterious group spending millions of dollars for anti-union political ads that are currently running in Maine and Minnesota. See the August 21 article in the New York Times. Coleman has adopted a Roveian campaign strategy. In other words, his is going negative with simplistic ads that attack Franken's character. So, it will be an up hill battle to elect Al. I'll be working in the campaign office, helping with fundraising, and registering voters in South Minneapolis. Both Franken and Obama need record voter turn out in the Twin Cities to win in Minnesota.
I'll keep you posted on the campaign.
I worked on Amy Klobuchar's campaign for U.S. Senate in Minnesota and contributed to the campaigns of rising political stars Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Claire McCaskill in Missouri--I was able to attend a McCaskill rally in Kansas City featuring Barack Obama. All three candidates won in 2006 and have solid progressive voting records. You can check their voting records on govtrack.us. The Midwest is where Democratic leaders are coming from these days. We can't quit now. Minnesota is considered a purple state, with a Republican and a Democrat in the Senate and a Republican governor. Of course, as you know, Missouri and Ohio are also considered important swing states.
2008 is our chance to change the political landscape in the Midwest. That is one reason why I am working for Al Franken for U.S. Senate in Minnesota. I met Al Franken at a "Women for Franken" event in St. Paul last week. Of course, I knew he was funny, but I came away from that meeting with a positive impression of his grasp of the issues and his commitment to social change and political reform. I am also more enthusiastic about working for Franken now that he has hired Stephanie Schriock, a Hillary supporter and former chief of staff for Montana Senator Jon Tester, as his new campaign manager, and has hired Natalie Volin from the DFL Feminist Caucus to work with him on policy issues. At the event he implied that Natalie was giving him more guidance and information on women's issues. The crowd of about fifty women seemed to be similarly impressed. I was standing with a group of academics (we can be pretty cynical and critical) who all seemed to be on board.
It is going to be a very close race; current polls have incumbent Republican Norm Coleman with a slight lead. I'm sure he will get a slight bounce with the Republican convention in St. Paul and an even bigger bounce if Minnesota's Governor Tim Pawlenty is McCain's VP pick. Coleman is also help from outside interest groups, especially from a mysterious group spending millions of dollars for anti-union political ads that are currently running in Maine and Minnesota. See the August 21 article in the New York Times. Coleman has adopted a Roveian campaign strategy. In other words, his is going negative with simplistic ads that attack Franken's character. So, it will be an up hill battle to elect Al. I'll be working in the campaign office, helping with fundraising, and registering voters in South Minneapolis. Both Franken and Obama need record voter turn out in the Twin Cities to win in Minnesota.
I'll keep you posted on the campaign.
Stephanie Tubbs Jones
I am sure you were as shocked I was by the news of the death of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. I signed the online guestbook sponsored by the Cleveland Plain Dealer with a note about seeing her speak at a Clinton rally at the University of Pennsylvania the day before the Pennsylvania primary. As a former Ohio resident and confirmed Buckeye, I was excited to see her. She was amazing! She had the most dynamic presence of anyone I have seen in politics. I can't believe she's gone. Below is a note about Tubbs Jones from Hillary Clinton. I'm sure Clinton will refer to her good friend in her speech at next week's Democratic National Convention.
Dear Kathleen, Yesterday, we lost a colleague, a friend, an inspiration, and a champion for all of us. I am deeply saddened by the death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She was my friend and my sister. She made me laugh, smile and fired up my spirit when I needed it most. She had a light that shone for the world to see within her and a fighting spirit safely stowed behind her disarming smile. Stephanie had so much integrity and a fiery intelligence that enabled her to become a one-woman force for progress in our country. Stephanie was a tireless worker, giving a voice to the voiceless and always combating injustice. Stephanie spent much of her life fighting for all Americans and to ensure that everyone had the most precious right - the right to vote. All of us who were lucky enough to know her and love her can only strive to be as much like her as we can -- to be as passionate, as loyal, as hard-charging, and as joyful every single day. Stephanie was one of a kind, and we will miss our friend forever. My family's deepest condolences are with Stephanie's son, Mervyn, her family, and her many loved ones, friends, supporters, and her beloved Ohioans. It is during this tough time that we look back and remember all the memories and blessings that Stephanie brought into our lives. If you have a thought, a story, a prayer, or condolences you would like to share, you can visit our website today so we can rejoice together in the friendship and love that we have for Stephanie. All the notes and memories we gather will be sent to her family on behalf of our extended family.
Dear Kathleen, Yesterday, we lost a colleague, a friend, an inspiration, and a champion for all of us. I am deeply saddened by the death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She was my friend and my sister. She made me laugh, smile and fired up my spirit when I needed it most. She had a light that shone for the world to see within her and a fighting spirit safely stowed behind her disarming smile. Stephanie had so much integrity and a fiery intelligence that enabled her to become a one-woman force for progress in our country. Stephanie was a tireless worker, giving a voice to the voiceless and always combating injustice. Stephanie spent much of her life fighting for all Americans and to ensure that everyone had the most precious right - the right to vote. All of us who were lucky enough to know her and love her can only strive to be as much like her as we can -- to be as passionate, as loyal, as hard-charging, and as joyful every single day. Stephanie was one of a kind, and we will miss our friend forever. My family's deepest condolences are with Stephanie's son, Mervyn, her family, and her many loved ones, friends, supporters, and her beloved Ohioans. It is during this tough time that we look back and remember all the memories and blessings that Stephanie brought into our lives. If you have a thought, a story, a prayer, or condolences you would like to share, you can visit our website today so we can rejoice together in the friendship and love that we have for Stephanie. All the notes and memories we gather will be sent to her family on behalf of our extended family.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Devoted Hillary Supporters Plan Actions at the DNC
One of my friends from the Clinton campaign sent along this post. I've received calls from friends asking me to go to Denver and participate in events organized by Hill'raisers. I can't go to Denver because my fall semester begins on August 25, but I would be reluctant to do anything divisive in any case.
Plans for Clinton convention rallies intensify
By Bob Cusack
Posted: 08/10/08 11:37 PM [ET]
Frustrated supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) are planning multiple rallies at the Democratic convention in Denver, coupled with television and print advertisements.
The disenchanted Democrats want to express their disappointment with the party’s presidential primary process.
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The Denver Group, formed a couple of months ago by two Clinton backers, says it has filmed a television commercial and is looking to air it soon. The fledgling group adds that it has received such a strong response to its scheduled Aug. 26 reception in Denver that it had to book an overflow room.
Meanwhile, another pro-Clinton group called “18 Million Voices” is organizing a march on Aug. 26 in Denver “and nationwide to support Sen. Clinton and advocate for women’s rights worldwide.” It will also be holding “a celebration in a beautiful Denver City park during the day, and throughout the evening on Aug. 26,” according to the 18 Million Voices website.
Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) campaign has been in contact with Clinton aides to come up with a plan that will unify the party as well as honor Clinton and the roughly 18 million people who voted for her during the presidential primary.
But any compromise is unlikely to satisfy Clinton’s most ardent backers.
For example, some of the Denver Group’s goals are contrary to the Democratic Party’s. Its goals include: an open convention; Clinton's name placed in nomination with no symbolic roll call vote; speeches allowed by supporters of Clinton on behalf of her candidacy; a genuine roll call vote with Clinton as a legitimate candidate; and “no coronation.”
Asked about Clinton last week, Obama said, “As is true in all conventions, we’re still working out the mechanics, the coordination.” When pressed if he would favor a roll call for Clinton, Obama responded, “I didn’t say that.”
Heidi Li Feldman, co-founder of the Denver Group, said, “There is going to be a steady stream of activities for the first three days of the convention” and predicted thousands of Clinton backers will appear at the events.
Feldman said her group has raised between $30,000 and $40,000, enabling it to buy six print ads and produce one television ad. The TV ad is scheduled to run on CNN and during a local news broadcast in Denver the week before the convention begins. The ad strategy for convention week has not been finalized.
[The Denver Group is planning on advertising in The Hill.]
One print ad that ran in Congressional Quarterly showed a picture of Franklin Roosevelt and asked, “Would Howard Dean and Nancy Pelosi have kept his name off the ballot?”
The ad noted that Roosevelt went into the 1932 Democratic convention short of the necessary delegates to clinch the nomination and subsequently won on the 4th ballot.
Regardless of any accord Clinton and Obama come to, the planned rallies could become a focus of the media’s attention instead of the heavily scripted themes of the convention.
The Denver Post recently reported that Clinton backers will hold signs that read, “Denounce Nobama's Coronation.”
Clinton and many of her backers believe that, if there is a strategy of recognizing the New York senators’ delegates at the convention, it would be a cathartic experience and lead to a more unified Democratic Party.
During a recent fundraiser in California, Clinton stressed that Democrats must unite behind Obama and said talks are ongoing with the Obama campaign and Democratic National Committee about her role and the role of her delegates.
Clinton, whose appearance at the fundraiser was posted on YouTube, did point out that putting her name in nomination and a roll call vote “are the usual kind of process that occurs at conventions.”
Feldman said many Clinton supporters “were reassured and relieved” by the former first lady’s remarks, especially after a media account reported that she had asked not to be nominated at the convention.
Clinton is expected to address the convention on Aug. 26 while her husband, former President Bill Clinton, will speak the next night.
Marc Rubin, the other co-founder of the Denver Group, said Clinton supporters will “absolutely not” be appeased by the speaking slots.
Rubin said there is “palpable anger” at the Democratic National Committee.
Jenny Backus, spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee Convention, said the party has become more unified and cited Clinton’s strong support of Obama as the strongest signal of that unity.
“Sen. Clinton is one of our biggest assets,” Backus said.
While Obama and Clinton have said their bitter primary battle is behind them, there is still animosity between the supporters of the two senators.
The person who posted the Clinton You Tube video indicated that he or she had disabled some viewer comments, stating on the site that “Obama trolls have started to post horrible negative comments regarding Hillary Clinton and her supporters.”
Meanwhile, Feldman said she has received nasty e-mails since launching the Denver Group. Feldman, who is a college professor, said one e-mail she received at work was reported to the FBI.
Feldman said she is not disgruntled or bitter, but she has an objection to the Democratic Party’s process. And she stressed that she will not be voting for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) this fall.
“It would be a tragedy for Democrats to lose this year,” Feldman said.
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Plans for Clinton convention rallies intensify
By Bob Cusack
Posted: 08/10/08 11:37 PM [ET]
Frustrated supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) are planning multiple rallies at the Democratic convention in Denver, coupled with television and print advertisements.
The disenchanted Democrats want to express their disappointment with the party’s presidential primary process.
");
//-->
The Denver Group, formed a couple of months ago by two Clinton backers, says it has filmed a television commercial and is looking to air it soon. The fledgling group adds that it has received such a strong response to its scheduled Aug. 26 reception in Denver that it had to book an overflow room.
Meanwhile, another pro-Clinton group called “18 Million Voices” is organizing a march on Aug. 26 in Denver “and nationwide to support Sen. Clinton and advocate for women’s rights worldwide.” It will also be holding “a celebration in a beautiful Denver City park during the day, and throughout the evening on Aug. 26,” according to the 18 Million Voices website.
Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) campaign has been in contact with Clinton aides to come up with a plan that will unify the party as well as honor Clinton and the roughly 18 million people who voted for her during the presidential primary.
But any compromise is unlikely to satisfy Clinton’s most ardent backers.
For example, some of the Denver Group’s goals are contrary to the Democratic Party’s. Its goals include: an open convention; Clinton's name placed in nomination with no symbolic roll call vote; speeches allowed by supporters of Clinton on behalf of her candidacy; a genuine roll call vote with Clinton as a legitimate candidate; and “no coronation.”
Asked about Clinton last week, Obama said, “As is true in all conventions, we’re still working out the mechanics, the coordination.” When pressed if he would favor a roll call for Clinton, Obama responded, “I didn’t say that.”
Heidi Li Feldman, co-founder of the Denver Group, said, “There is going to be a steady stream of activities for the first three days of the convention” and predicted thousands of Clinton backers will appear at the events.
Feldman said her group has raised between $30,000 and $40,000, enabling it to buy six print ads and produce one television ad. The TV ad is scheduled to run on CNN and during a local news broadcast in Denver the week before the convention begins. The ad strategy for convention week has not been finalized.
[The Denver Group is planning on advertising in The Hill.]
One print ad that ran in Congressional Quarterly showed a picture of Franklin Roosevelt and asked, “Would Howard Dean and Nancy Pelosi have kept his name off the ballot?”
The ad noted that Roosevelt went into the 1932 Democratic convention short of the necessary delegates to clinch the nomination and subsequently won on the 4th ballot.
Regardless of any accord Clinton and Obama come to, the planned rallies could become a focus of the media’s attention instead of the heavily scripted themes of the convention.
The Denver Post recently reported that Clinton backers will hold signs that read, “Denounce Nobama's Coronation.”
Clinton and many of her backers believe that, if there is a strategy of recognizing the New York senators’ delegates at the convention, it would be a cathartic experience and lead to a more unified Democratic Party.
During a recent fundraiser in California, Clinton stressed that Democrats must unite behind Obama and said talks are ongoing with the Obama campaign and Democratic National Committee about her role and the role of her delegates.
Clinton, whose appearance at the fundraiser was posted on YouTube, did point out that putting her name in nomination and a roll call vote “are the usual kind of process that occurs at conventions.”
Feldman said many Clinton supporters “were reassured and relieved” by the former first lady’s remarks, especially after a media account reported that she had asked not to be nominated at the convention.
Clinton is expected to address the convention on Aug. 26 while her husband, former President Bill Clinton, will speak the next night.
Marc Rubin, the other co-founder of the Denver Group, said Clinton supporters will “absolutely not” be appeased by the speaking slots.
Rubin said there is “palpable anger” at the Democratic National Committee.
Jenny Backus, spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee Convention, said the party has become more unified and cited Clinton’s strong support of Obama as the strongest signal of that unity.
“Sen. Clinton is one of our biggest assets,” Backus said.
While Obama and Clinton have said their bitter primary battle is behind them, there is still animosity between the supporters of the two senators.
The person who posted the Clinton You Tube video indicated that he or she had disabled some viewer comments, stating on the site that “Obama trolls have started to post horrible negative comments regarding Hillary Clinton and her supporters.”
Meanwhile, Feldman said she has received nasty e-mails since launching the Denver Group. Feldman, who is a college professor, said one e-mail she received at work was reported to the FBI.
Feldman said she is not disgruntled or bitter, but she has an objection to the Democratic Party’s process. And she stressed that she will not be voting for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) this fall.
“It would be a tragedy for Democrats to lose this year,” Feldman said.
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Monday, August 11, 2008
Hillary's Web Chat
Hi all--
I've returned to my blog to post comments from Hillary's live web chat with supporters last week. You might be interested in the exchange.
FYI: I'll be reporting more consistently now that the conventions are almost underway.
I'll report on the protests at the Republican National Convention, of course, but will also let you know how Hillary's ardent supporters react to the Democratic National Convention. I'm sure I'll here from them. Also, look for a post this week on the Franken campaign--I'm attending a "Women for Franken" event in St. Paul on Wednesday to talk about the issues.
Here is the web chat post:
I want to thank everyone for joining me here today for our live chat. I'm so grateful to all of my online friends for the amazing support you continue to show me. Your kind words mean so much to me, and you have been instrumental in working to help retire our campaign debt. I'll never forget all you've done for me. It has been great getting back to work in the Senate for the people of New York. And now that the Senate is in recess, I'm very excited about getting back out on the campaign trail to help elect Barack Obama and grow our Democratic majorities in Congress. With the Democratic convention coming up, the excitement and curiosity is certainly starting to build. I want to assure you that Senator Obama and I are working together to make sure it's a big success. We will ensure that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected and our party is fully unified heading into the November election. While no decisions have been made yet, I will make sure that we keep you up to date and involved with all of the Convention activity. It means so much to me to know that no matter what the coming months and years bring, you'll be working right by my side. With your help, 2008 is going to be a great year for Democrats.
Now let's chat! Click here to ask me question or comment below and let's get started!
Editor's Note: Please continue to refresh the page to see all the latest questions and answers. We are experiencing high traffic and receiving lots of great questions! It may take some time for your comment to appear. Please do not re-post your comment.
Editor's Update: We started taking questions last night.
Question #1: What are you working on now? by Emily (via email)
Answer: A lot! Tomorrow, I am hitting the campaign trail for Senator Obama in Las Vegas, Nevada for a voter registration rally. I have talked so many people about the current economic situation, and what we can do to make the economy work for middle class families again. We have to deal with the cost of energy, both gas and home heating fuel. As you know, I believe we should have a Strategic Energy Fund to invest in developing alternative fuels, and I've now introduced legislation to help families deal with rising prices for home heating oil. Education costs are another concern: I'm glad to report that Congress just passed the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which includes several provisions from the Student Borrowers Bill of Rights I introduced to protect students and their families. And I'm working closely with business and elected leaders in New York to support projects around the state and it has been great to be back in New York again.
I'm especially proud of the work I've been doing with my friend Senator Patty Murray to stop the Bush administration from further restricting women's access to birth control. They're trying to redefine certain types of birth control as abortion, and it could prevent women from getting the care they need. I know many of my online supporters have been a big help on this issue, and I really appreciate it. And earlier this week , I called for an investigation into disturbing reports about inadequate response to sexual assaults by the Department of Defense . I'm going to keep working on the issues you and I talked about so much during the campaign -- ending the war in Iraq, making universal health care a reality, achieving energy independence, creating new green jobs, and putting the economy back to work for the middle class again. I'm continuing to work on the issues that matter to the people of New York and helping my constituents in any way I can.
Question #2: What goals do you have for yourself during the next four years both professionally and personally? by Carole (via email)
Answer: My goals include being the best Senator I can be, and to go on fighting every day for the issues I care about, helping America’s working families, and ensuring a better future for every child. I believe in the next fours years, we must ensure every American has healthcare, and our economy once again works for middle class families. As the war in Iraq comes to an end, we must restore America’s relations with our allies and our leadership around the world. I will continue to be an advocate for our troops and our veterans.
I look forward to working with President Obama on these important challenges, working to rebuild a government that once again works for the people, follows the rule of law and respects the constitution.
Question #3:
Hello Mrs. Clinton
My name is Ivanna Pincilotti and I am 16 years old from Davis, CA. First of all I want to say that you’re my hero and an inspiration to me. You are strong, powerful, and an undefeated woman in my option. You have opened so many doors for girls like me such as becoming president. I have two questions to ask you Mrs. Clinton. The first one is I want to go into law one day as my major what is the best piece of information you can give me? The second one is what wanted you to go into politics?
by Ivanna at 8/7/2008 11:54:51 AM
Answer: Thank you so much, Ivanna, for writing in. I have met so many wonderful young people all across this country who are so active and engaged in politics. It so important that young people get involved and stay involved because you are the future. As you look toward law school, learn all you can about the American constitution, which has served this country so well with its system of checks and balances and protecting the rights of every individual. My path in politics grew out of my commitment to public service and helping others. I realized that I could be most effective in helping to make a difference by becoming an elected official. It was actually a young woman who urged me to "Dare to compete." That is a piece of advice I now pass on to you.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 12:27:12 PM
Questions #4:
Hey Hillary you are such a great person I went to a rally of yours during the primary in New Hampshire & did some campaigning for you here in albany ny you put a smile on my face every time I saw you whether in person or on tv. You are a strong women don't give up keep fighting for whats right. I hope our country can take a new step in the right direction once Barack Obama is president. I want to say if he does ask you to be his VP you should and you would make a great vice president Mrs. Clinton:) God Bless Larry D. Albany ny
by lawrenced78 at 8/7/2008 12:14:54 PM
Answer: I have said repeatedly that I will do whatever Senator Obama asks me to do. I am really focused and enjoying being back in the Senate and working on behalf of my New York constituents. This is Senator Obama’s decision and his alone and I am going to respect the privacy of that process by not discussing it.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 12:38:11 PM
Question #5:
One of the main reasons that I voted for Hillary is her plans for healthcare. Can you make a comment on how healthcare carried out in the next administration?
by RichardA OH at 8/7/2008 12:02:43 PM
Answer: I am so pleased that Senator Obama shares my commitment to universal health care. Once he is elected, I will be working closely with his administration, members of Congress, health care advocates, and others -- to help develop a plan that ensures access to health care for every American. I know how important this issue is and it will be my top priority.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 12:45:10 PM
Question #6
Special thanks to you for your leadership in the birth control issue! What is the prospect for the paid family leave bill the house is taking up?
by HoustonAnne at 8/7/2008 12:11:28 PM
Answer: Thanks for your comment on birth control - as you know HHS is considering draft regulations that would restrict access to birth control. Many of you have joined me in opposing this act and we are continuing to monitor this situation closely. I am a strong supporter of extending the Family and Medical Leave Act which has made such a difference for millions of Americans. I was very pleased that the House voted to adopt paid leave for families and hope we can get action in the Senate. This is a good example of smart, pro-family policies we need - helping working families meet their responsibilities at work and at home.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:02:23 PM
Question #7
Hey Hillary,
My 12 year old daughter and I are sitting here, waiting anxiously, for each reply. Love you!!!!!!
by k12kyle at 8/7/2008 12:39:24 PM
Answer: Thank you, I was so pleased to read your comment. I remember when Chelsea was 12 and what a special time it was. I hope both of you continue to stay engaged and perhaps we can meet along the trail.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:09:10 PM
Question #8
As a college student (one of your biggest student supporters; Go Hillary!) I am wondering what you and Senator Obama feel is the best course of action to deal with rising tuition costs and continued cuts to the higher education budget. (It's gotten really bad here in California-thousands of teachers losing their jobs, tuition costs rising, funding disappearing).
Thanks so much Hillary!! And thanks for your facebook page, i love it! And one final note: COME TO CAL STATE FULLERTON!! WE LOVE YOU!! :)
Richard H., 19, Temecula, CA
by lunchtableguy at 8/7/2008 12:18:29 PM
Answer: Senator Obama and I agree it is so important that we make sure that college education is affordable. Our country needs more educated young people if we are going to meet the challenges before us. Congress has just passed the Higher Education Bill which includes a number of proposals including several that I sponsored as part of a Student Borrower's Bill of Rights. We should be doing more to increase funding to increase Pell Grants and other financial support. I also believe we should reduce student loan repayment for students who enter public service.
P.S. Glad you like my Facebook page!
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:12:05 PM
Question #9
Are you truly supporting Senator Obama and encouraging your supporters to do the same or are you just saying what you have to?
by JR4Hill at 8/7/2008 12:46:53 PM
Answer: Let me first say, I am so grateful for all the support that I have received. To answer your question, I am completely committed to helping Senator Obama become the next President of the United States and urging all of you to do the same. We share a commitment to universal healthcare, bringing an end to the war in Iraq, and getting back to an economy that works for working families again. I believe so strongly that if we want to see real progress in our country and finally break away from the failed policies of the past eight years, we need a Democrat in the White House. I am going to continue to do whatever I can to help Senator Obama and Democrats across the country win in the November.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:15:38 PM
Question #10
As a college student who is participating in his first presidential election, your candidacy really brought to my attention to and energized me about the great things that can be accomplished through our political process. Now that, unfortunately, your candidacy is over, and since you (reading your biography) were able to accomplish so much during your collegiate years: What would you suggest college-aged Americans do to become more involved in the American politcal system, aside from voting?
by ChrisMIA at 8/7/2008 12:42:12 PM
Answer: Thank you, I am always glad to hear from young people who want to stay active in politics. I so appreciated your enthusiasm and energy throughout this campaign. This is a great time to be active in politics at every level. Every campaign I know is looking for volunteers who can help with reaching out to voters, and I can tell you that personal contact is so effective. I suggest you look at the campaigns that are taking place near you and sign up for one. The friends you make in these early campaigns are likely to stay with you throughout your whole life.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:18:49 PM
Question #11
Good Morning Senator Clinton: Thank you for taking time to chat with your supporters. Is there any possibility of your name being placed in nomination for President at the convention? This would at least give your supporters a voice in the choice for the party's nominee.
by alrd1950 at 8/7/2008 12:07:51 PM
Answer: I know that there have been a lot of questions on this subject. Senator Obama and I share the goal of ensuring that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected. I want to assure everyone that we are working together with Senator Obama's campaign and the DNC, and I am confident we will have a successful and unified Convention in Denver.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:21:17 PM
Question #12
Hillary, I hope that we will be able to talk with you at the Convention in Denver! Please consider meeting with us -- YOUR supporters!
by ginamc at 8/7/2008 12:31:24 PM
Answer: And, I love Texas! I am looking forward to seeing and talking with as many people as I can during the Convention. I will have a very busy schedule, and I am really looking forward to it. Thank you so much for your continued support.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:24:04 PM
Thank you for sharing some time with me today and for the great questions -- I'm sorry I couldn't get to all of them! This was a lot of fun, and I hope we can do it again soon.
And thank you again for all your support. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate all that you do for me. I'm hitting the campaign trail tomorrow in Nevada for Senator Obama - stay tuned and let's stay in touch!
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:27:12 PM
Discuss (534 comments)
I've returned to my blog to post comments from Hillary's live web chat with supporters last week. You might be interested in the exchange.
FYI: I'll be reporting more consistently now that the conventions are almost underway.
I'll report on the protests at the Republican National Convention, of course, but will also let you know how Hillary's ardent supporters react to the Democratic National Convention. I'm sure I'll here from them. Also, look for a post this week on the Franken campaign--I'm attending a "Women for Franken" event in St. Paul on Wednesday to talk about the issues.
Here is the web chat post:
I want to thank everyone for joining me here today for our live chat. I'm so grateful to all of my online friends for the amazing support you continue to show me. Your kind words mean so much to me, and you have been instrumental in working to help retire our campaign debt. I'll never forget all you've done for me. It has been great getting back to work in the Senate for the people of New York. And now that the Senate is in recess, I'm very excited about getting back out on the campaign trail to help elect Barack Obama and grow our Democratic majorities in Congress. With the Democratic convention coming up, the excitement and curiosity is certainly starting to build. I want to assure you that Senator Obama and I are working together to make sure it's a big success. We will ensure that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected and our party is fully unified heading into the November election. While no decisions have been made yet, I will make sure that we keep you up to date and involved with all of the Convention activity. It means so much to me to know that no matter what the coming months and years bring, you'll be working right by my side. With your help, 2008 is going to be a great year for Democrats.
Now let's chat! Click here to ask me question or comment below and let's get started!
Editor's Note: Please continue to refresh the page to see all the latest questions and answers. We are experiencing high traffic and receiving lots of great questions! It may take some time for your comment to appear. Please do not re-post your comment.
Editor's Update: We started taking questions last night.
Question #1: What are you working on now? by Emily (via email)
Answer: A lot! Tomorrow, I am hitting the campaign trail for Senator Obama in Las Vegas, Nevada for a voter registration rally. I have talked so many people about the current economic situation, and what we can do to make the economy work for middle class families again. We have to deal with the cost of energy, both gas and home heating fuel. As you know, I believe we should have a Strategic Energy Fund to invest in developing alternative fuels, and I've now introduced legislation to help families deal with rising prices for home heating oil. Education costs are another concern: I'm glad to report that Congress just passed the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which includes several provisions from the Student Borrowers Bill of Rights I introduced to protect students and their families. And I'm working closely with business and elected leaders in New York to support projects around the state and it has been great to be back in New York again.
I'm especially proud of the work I've been doing with my friend Senator Patty Murray to stop the Bush administration from further restricting women's access to birth control. They're trying to redefine certain types of birth control as abortion, and it could prevent women from getting the care they need. I know many of my online supporters have been a big help on this issue, and I really appreciate it. And earlier this week , I called for an investigation into disturbing reports about inadequate response to sexual assaults by the Department of Defense . I'm going to keep working on the issues you and I talked about so much during the campaign -- ending the war in Iraq, making universal health care a reality, achieving energy independence, creating new green jobs, and putting the economy back to work for the middle class again. I'm continuing to work on the issues that matter to the people of New York and helping my constituents in any way I can.
Question #2: What goals do you have for yourself during the next four years both professionally and personally? by Carole (via email)
Answer: My goals include being the best Senator I can be, and to go on fighting every day for the issues I care about, helping America’s working families, and ensuring a better future for every child. I believe in the next fours years, we must ensure every American has healthcare, and our economy once again works for middle class families. As the war in Iraq comes to an end, we must restore America’s relations with our allies and our leadership around the world. I will continue to be an advocate for our troops and our veterans.
I look forward to working with President Obama on these important challenges, working to rebuild a government that once again works for the people, follows the rule of law and respects the constitution.
Question #3:
Hello Mrs. Clinton
My name is Ivanna Pincilotti and I am 16 years old from Davis, CA. First of all I want to say that you’re my hero and an inspiration to me. You are strong, powerful, and an undefeated woman in my option. You have opened so many doors for girls like me such as becoming president. I have two questions to ask you Mrs. Clinton. The first one is I want to go into law one day as my major what is the best piece of information you can give me? The second one is what wanted you to go into politics?
by Ivanna at 8/7/2008 11:54:51 AM
Answer: Thank you so much, Ivanna, for writing in. I have met so many wonderful young people all across this country who are so active and engaged in politics. It so important that young people get involved and stay involved because you are the future. As you look toward law school, learn all you can about the American constitution, which has served this country so well with its system of checks and balances and protecting the rights of every individual. My path in politics grew out of my commitment to public service and helping others. I realized that I could be most effective in helping to make a difference by becoming an elected official. It was actually a young woman who urged me to "Dare to compete." That is a piece of advice I now pass on to you.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 12:27:12 PM
Questions #4:
Hey Hillary you are such a great person I went to a rally of yours during the primary in New Hampshire & did some campaigning for you here in albany ny you put a smile on my face every time I saw you whether in person or on tv. You are a strong women don't give up keep fighting for whats right. I hope our country can take a new step in the right direction once Barack Obama is president. I want to say if he does ask you to be his VP you should and you would make a great vice president Mrs. Clinton:) God Bless Larry D. Albany ny
by lawrenced78 at 8/7/2008 12:14:54 PM
Answer: I have said repeatedly that I will do whatever Senator Obama asks me to do. I am really focused and enjoying being back in the Senate and working on behalf of my New York constituents. This is Senator Obama’s decision and his alone and I am going to respect the privacy of that process by not discussing it.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 12:38:11 PM
Question #5:
One of the main reasons that I voted for Hillary is her plans for healthcare. Can you make a comment on how healthcare carried out in the next administration?
by RichardA OH at 8/7/2008 12:02:43 PM
Answer: I am so pleased that Senator Obama shares my commitment to universal health care. Once he is elected, I will be working closely with his administration, members of Congress, health care advocates, and others -- to help develop a plan that ensures access to health care for every American. I know how important this issue is and it will be my top priority.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 12:45:10 PM
Question #6
Special thanks to you for your leadership in the birth control issue! What is the prospect for the paid family leave bill the house is taking up?
by HoustonAnne at 8/7/2008 12:11:28 PM
Answer: Thanks for your comment on birth control - as you know HHS is considering draft regulations that would restrict access to birth control. Many of you have joined me in opposing this act and we are continuing to monitor this situation closely. I am a strong supporter of extending the Family and Medical Leave Act which has made such a difference for millions of Americans. I was very pleased that the House voted to adopt paid leave for families and hope we can get action in the Senate. This is a good example of smart, pro-family policies we need - helping working families meet their responsibilities at work and at home.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:02:23 PM
Question #7
Hey Hillary,
My 12 year old daughter and I are sitting here, waiting anxiously, for each reply. Love you!!!!!!
by k12kyle at 8/7/2008 12:39:24 PM
Answer: Thank you, I was so pleased to read your comment. I remember when Chelsea was 12 and what a special time it was. I hope both of you continue to stay engaged and perhaps we can meet along the trail.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:09:10 PM
Question #8
As a college student (one of your biggest student supporters; Go Hillary!) I am wondering what you and Senator Obama feel is the best course of action to deal with rising tuition costs and continued cuts to the higher education budget. (It's gotten really bad here in California-thousands of teachers losing their jobs, tuition costs rising, funding disappearing).
Thanks so much Hillary!! And thanks for your facebook page, i love it! And one final note: COME TO CAL STATE FULLERTON!! WE LOVE YOU!! :)
Richard H., 19, Temecula, CA
by lunchtableguy at 8/7/2008 12:18:29 PM
Answer: Senator Obama and I agree it is so important that we make sure that college education is affordable. Our country needs more educated young people if we are going to meet the challenges before us. Congress has just passed the Higher Education Bill which includes a number of proposals including several that I sponsored as part of a Student Borrower's Bill of Rights. We should be doing more to increase funding to increase Pell Grants and other financial support. I also believe we should reduce student loan repayment for students who enter public service.
P.S. Glad you like my Facebook page!
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:12:05 PM
Question #9
Are you truly supporting Senator Obama and encouraging your supporters to do the same or are you just saying what you have to?
by JR4Hill at 8/7/2008 12:46:53 PM
Answer: Let me first say, I am so grateful for all the support that I have received. To answer your question, I am completely committed to helping Senator Obama become the next President of the United States and urging all of you to do the same. We share a commitment to universal healthcare, bringing an end to the war in Iraq, and getting back to an economy that works for working families again. I believe so strongly that if we want to see real progress in our country and finally break away from the failed policies of the past eight years, we need a Democrat in the White House. I am going to continue to do whatever I can to help Senator Obama and Democrats across the country win in the November.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:15:38 PM
Question #10
As a college student who is participating in his first presidential election, your candidacy really brought to my attention to and energized me about the great things that can be accomplished through our political process. Now that, unfortunately, your candidacy is over, and since you (reading your biography) were able to accomplish so much during your collegiate years: What would you suggest college-aged Americans do to become more involved in the American politcal system, aside from voting?
by ChrisMIA at 8/7/2008 12:42:12 PM
Answer: Thank you, I am always glad to hear from young people who want to stay active in politics. I so appreciated your enthusiasm and energy throughout this campaign. This is a great time to be active in politics at every level. Every campaign I know is looking for volunteers who can help with reaching out to voters, and I can tell you that personal contact is so effective. I suggest you look at the campaigns that are taking place near you and sign up for one. The friends you make in these early campaigns are likely to stay with you throughout your whole life.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:18:49 PM
Question #11
Good Morning Senator Clinton: Thank you for taking time to chat with your supporters. Is there any possibility of your name being placed in nomination for President at the convention? This would at least give your supporters a voice in the choice for the party's nominee.
by alrd1950 at 8/7/2008 12:07:51 PM
Answer: I know that there have been a lot of questions on this subject. Senator Obama and I share the goal of ensuring that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected. I want to assure everyone that we are working together with Senator Obama's campaign and the DNC, and I am confident we will have a successful and unified Convention in Denver.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:21:17 PM
Question #12
Hillary, I hope that we will be able to talk with you at the Convention in Denver! Please consider meeting with us -- YOUR supporters!
by ginamc at 8/7/2008 12:31:24 PM
Answer: And, I love Texas! I am looking forward to seeing and talking with as many people as I can during the Convention. I will have a very busy schedule, and I am really looking forward to it. Thank you so much for your continued support.
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:24:04 PM
Thank you for sharing some time with me today and for the great questions -- I'm sorry I couldn't get to all of them! This was a lot of fun, and I hope we can do it again soon.
And thank you again for all your support. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate all that you do for me. I'm hitting the campaign trail tomorrow in Nevada for Senator Obama - stay tuned and let's stay in touch!
by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:27:12 PM
Discuss (534 comments)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Update on Hillary Supporters
The "I Own My Vote" petition below is another effort to use Hillary Clinton's historic campaign for the White House as a means to accomplish permanent social and political changes. I have received a request to sign a petition calling for the Obama campaign and the DNC to recognize Clinton's contribution to the Democratic Party. I continue to be astonished at the extent of the political activity the Clinton campaign has inspired, especially among women. The petition seeks to formally recognize Clinton and her supporters. There is a concern that Clinton's supporters will be shut out to the convention process. I don't think this is just sour grapes or paranoia. I submitted an application to both the DNC and the local organzing committee in Denver in early March to volunteer at the convention as a Clinton supporter. My application was accepted, but, to date, I haven't received any confirmation that I will be given a volunteer assignment. Interesting.
On an alarming note, I also received a request today to contribute to a newspaper ad, "Hillary Supporters for McCain." YIKES. I will sign the "I Own My Vote" petition, but I will not support any effort to suggest that Hillary supporters vote for McCain.
Here is the "I Own My Vote" petition:
Bring us together by seating 100% of the Florida and Michigan delegations in Denver with 100% of their votes, allocated in accordance with the popular vote of each state.
Bring us together by adopting policies on the Platform Committee that Hillary Clinton has championed.
Bring us together through reform of the primary and caucus system to reflect the basic principle of one person/one vote.
Bring us together through outspoken denunciation of all gender bias, racism and other forms of discrimination.
Bring us together by fairly and respectfully including Hillary and her supporters at the Democratic National Convention in Denver by, among other things, placing her name in nomination for President, conducting a roll call vote, and providing her a prominent speaking role during prime time on August 26th, the 88th anniversary of women’s suffrage.
I own my vote. It does not belong to any party. It does not belong to any candidate. It does not belong to any mob that would impose its will on me. Only I can decide how to use my vote, and I can decide based on any criteria I choose. Therefore I pledge not to give my vote to anyone who does not earn it.
On an alarming note, I also received a request today to contribute to a newspaper ad, "Hillary Supporters for McCain." YIKES. I will sign the "I Own My Vote" petition, but I will not support any effort to suggest that Hillary supporters vote for McCain.
Here is the "I Own My Vote" petition:
Bring us together by seating 100% of the Florida and Michigan delegations in Denver with 100% of their votes, allocated in accordance with the popular vote of each state.
Bring us together by adopting policies on the Platform Committee that Hillary Clinton has championed.
Bring us together through reform of the primary and caucus system to reflect the basic principle of one person/one vote.
Bring us together through outspoken denunciation of all gender bias, racism and other forms of discrimination.
Bring us together by fairly and respectfully including Hillary and her supporters at the Democratic National Convention in Denver by, among other things, placing her name in nomination for President, conducting a roll call vote, and providing her a prominent speaking role during prime time on August 26th, the 88th anniversary of women’s suffrage.
I own my vote. It does not belong to any party. It does not belong to any candidate. It does not belong to any mob that would impose its will on me. Only I can decide how to use my vote, and I can decide based on any criteria I choose. Therefore I pledge not to give my vote to anyone who does not earn it.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Why Obama Should Choose Ed Rendell VP
Even though I signed the "Vote Both" petition, I don't think Obama will choose Hillary Clinton as his running mate. He should choose one of her strongest supporters, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, instead. Rendell's support for John Kerry in 2004 was the key to Kerry's victory in Pennsylvania in the general election against George Bush. Obama has to winPennsylvania to beat McCain, but his loss to Clinton in the primary does not bode well. I can tell you from first-hand experience that Obama is going to have a difficult time winninig PA. Obama's campaign could use Rendell's populism among working-class voters to win over that group.
It is also significant that Rendell was General Chairman of the Democratic Committee during the 2000 election. His connections within the DNC and his loyalty to Clinton make him the ideal unity candidate.
I know that Rendell has already announced that he is not interested in the VP spot, but he has been at the forefront of Democratic presidential politics for almost a decade and would be sorely tempted to join Obama's ticket.
It is also significant that Rendell was General Chairman of the Democratic Committee during the 2000 election. His connections within the DNC and his loyalty to Clinton make him the ideal unity candidate.
I know that Rendell has already announced that he is not interested in the VP spot, but he has been at the forefront of Democratic presidential politics for almost a decade and would be sorely tempted to join Obama's ticket.
Did Media Bias Cost Clinton the Nomination?
My friends from the Clinton campaign in New England are still sharing their feelings about the campaign and remain bitter about the result. Their bitterness is understandable, but we should also critically evaluate Clinton's campaign strategy. Media bias aside, the Clinton campaign made several costly miscalculations. Most importantly, the campaign did not make adjustments after Obama won several caucus states. In a previous post, I reported on a "Conversations with Hillary" event in Boston, where Hillary unapoligetically and defiantly defended her strategy to focus on populus "blue" states. I reported at the time that I belived this attitude would cost her the nomination.
Why didn't Clinton change her blue state stategy after Obama won the Iowa caucuses? She had plenty of time then to compete in remaining caucus states. I'm not sure why the campaign didn't treat Obama's victory in Iowa as a wake-up call and make adjustments. The great irony of the primary campaign is that Clinton had the support of a significant number of state and local officials across the country but did not effectively organize this support to ensure that her surrogates represented her in caucus meetings. For example, Massachusetts State Representative Ruth Balser went to a Maine caucus site to represent Clinton (In Maine you don't have to be a resident to speak at a caucus). The caucus meeting Ruth attended supported Hillary, but the Clinton campaign did not have surrogates at each caucus site, which might have made a difference. Clinton's losses in caucus states, to be sure, cannot be attributed to her campaign alone. The caucus process, I believe, disenfranchises women for two reasons. Firstly, caucuses require a time commitment that many women cannot make because of work and family responsibilities. Secondly, the debate-style caucus deliberation process can be intimidating. I reported in March that young, white male Obama volunteers were fairly aggressive in Maine. Did the Obama campaign silence women? I believe so.
Even Howard Dean conceded when he meet with a group of female elected officials from Massachusetts in early May that the caucus system was undemocratic. Dean told the group that one of his goals as DNC chair was to try to encourage all states to adopt an open primary system. It is my guess that one outcome of this past primary season will be the end of the caucus. Good riddance.
Another miscalculation was the decision to keep too many paid staff in the Northeast. (She also spent too much time in the Northeast. I know that she needed to come through Boston and New York to raise money, but she should have spent far more time in the Midwest before Super Tuesday). The campaign had a well-organized volunteer group led by elected officials throughout the Northeast, and, in my opinion, could have relied on volunteers to do the organizing in certain areas. She did not need five staff in Rhode Island. Maybe the campaign did not have the money to send staff to crucial primary states a month or two before each election, but I think that would have made a difference. Campaign offices in crucual primary states weren't set up early enough. She did so well despite this because she could rely on the field staff of governors supporting her. This was especially crucial in Ohio and Pennsylvania where she could rely on Governor Strickland and Rendell's political networks.
It is understandable that Hillary supporters remain angry about the sexism in full display during the past year. However, let's keep in mind that Clinton missed opportunities to turn things around. She refused to change her strategy or her message. It is tempting to make Hillary a victim but to do so ignores the power she had to make changes.
Why didn't Clinton change her blue state stategy after Obama won the Iowa caucuses? She had plenty of time then to compete in remaining caucus states. I'm not sure why the campaign didn't treat Obama's victory in Iowa as a wake-up call and make adjustments. The great irony of the primary campaign is that Clinton had the support of a significant number of state and local officials across the country but did not effectively organize this support to ensure that her surrogates represented her in caucus meetings. For example, Massachusetts State Representative Ruth Balser went to a Maine caucus site to represent Clinton (In Maine you don't have to be a resident to speak at a caucus). The caucus meeting Ruth attended supported Hillary, but the Clinton campaign did not have surrogates at each caucus site, which might have made a difference. Clinton's losses in caucus states, to be sure, cannot be attributed to her campaign alone. The caucus process, I believe, disenfranchises women for two reasons. Firstly, caucuses require a time commitment that many women cannot make because of work and family responsibilities. Secondly, the debate-style caucus deliberation process can be intimidating. I reported in March that young, white male Obama volunteers were fairly aggressive in Maine. Did the Obama campaign silence women? I believe so.
Even Howard Dean conceded when he meet with a group of female elected officials from Massachusetts in early May that the caucus system was undemocratic. Dean told the group that one of his goals as DNC chair was to try to encourage all states to adopt an open primary system. It is my guess that one outcome of this past primary season will be the end of the caucus. Good riddance.
Another miscalculation was the decision to keep too many paid staff in the Northeast. (She also spent too much time in the Northeast. I know that she needed to come through Boston and New York to raise money, but she should have spent far more time in the Midwest before Super Tuesday). The campaign had a well-organized volunteer group led by elected officials throughout the Northeast, and, in my opinion, could have relied on volunteers to do the organizing in certain areas. She did not need five staff in Rhode Island. Maybe the campaign did not have the money to send staff to crucial primary states a month or two before each election, but I think that would have made a difference. Campaign offices in crucual primary states weren't set up early enough. She did so well despite this because she could rely on the field staff of governors supporting her. This was especially crucial in Ohio and Pennsylvania where she could rely on Governor Strickland and Rendell's political networks.
It is understandable that Hillary supporters remain angry about the sexism in full display during the past year. However, let's keep in mind that Clinton missed opportunities to turn things around. She refused to change her strategy or her message. It is tempting to make Hillary a victim but to do so ignores the power she had to make changes.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Vote Both
I just signed a letter to Barack Obama urging him to choose Hillary Clinton as his running mate. Lanny Davis, a former member of Bill Clinton's administration, is leading this effort.
It seems that some Hill'raisers are shifting their attention to advocating for a "dream ticket." I think it is highly unlikely that Obama will choose a woman, especially Clinton. However, he needs to know that Clinton and the issues she represents mean a great deal to many Democratic Party activists. For more information, go to voteboth.com.
It seems that some Hill'raisers are shifting their attention to advocating for a "dream ticket." I think it is highly unlikely that Obama will choose a woman, especially Clinton. However, he needs to know that Clinton and the issues she represents mean a great deal to many Democratic Party activists. For more information, go to voteboth.com.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
I Played One on TV
I thought you might be interested to know that my efforts on behalf of Hillary Clinton included appearing in an ad urging the Democratic National Committee to seat the delegates from Michigan and Florida. I played a committed Democrat, hardly a stretch. My friends from Team Hillary, John and Jenny Doggett and Kathy Hughes, created a PAC to raise money for an ad that ran on CNN and during ABC News in the Washington, D.C. market. They were able to get studio space at the local cable station in Newton, MA for the shoot. I showed up just to lend support but ended up in the commerical. They were looking for regional diversity with my Midwestern accent! I couldn't believe these intrepid campaigners created a PAC and produced a commerical. That is really the story to tell. So many people involved in the campaign extended themselves in ways they probably couldn't have imagined a few months ago. The dedication of the people I volunteered with was so inspiring. It was such a priviledge to meet and work with such passionate and committed people. I learned so much from them.
Al Franken
Al Franken received the Democratic Farmer Labor Party nomination for U.S. Senate at the state convention in Rochester yesterday. Franken comes to the nomination with a lot of baggage, primarily his work as a satirist and comedian. My congresswoman, Betty McCollum, suggested that Franken would not be the best nominee for the State of Minnesota because of his long history of offensive comments and jokes, especially a piece he wrote for Playboy some years ago, and did not appear with him as he accepted the nomination. Senator Amy Klobucher, who remained neutral, did embrace Franken at the convention. Franken apologized in his acceptance speech, but he will have to continue to be contrite during the campaign. It is notable that the chair of the DFL Feminist Caucus resigned in protest. There could be trouble ahead. The Party leadership, of course, is predicting a victory in November, but I believe it will be a very close race because Republican Norm Coleman, the incumbent, has been distancing himself from the Bush administration for months.
I am going to turn my attention away from presidential politics to work for Al Franken. I am hoping that Hillary Clinton will be the next majority leader of the Senate.
I am going to turn my attention away from presidential politics to work for Al Franken. I am hoping that Hillary Clinton will be the next majority leader of the Senate.
I'm Not There Yet
I received an invitation to Hillary Clinton's concession speech yesterday in Washington, DC. I wish I could have been there to experience some sort of closure. Instead, I watched the speech from a live feed from the Clinton campaign. Clinton's gracious and inclusive speech really explains why I worked so hard for her in six states during the past five months. She mentioned gay and lesbian rights and women's rights with conviction, and she has a record of service to back up her statements. It was both heartbreaking and empowering to watch her yesterday.
My friends from Team Hillary have been emailing like mad these days, sharing their feelings about the outcome, and a few have made pronouncements about what they intend to do in November. A couple of friends are so angry with the Democratic National Committee that they changed their voter registration from Democrat to Independent. Some have made it clear that they are not voting for Obama, while others are urging unity.
I'm not there yet. I have already been inundated with emails from Howard Dean, the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Missouri Democrats, Sen. Sherrod Brown, (D-Ohio) and the Democratic Farmer Labor Party in Minnesota calling for unity and asking for contributions to Obama's campaign. I am using these opportunities to press the case for women's issues.
I want to see more discussion about the virulent sexism that Hillary Clinton had to endure during the past year. The Democratic Party should not take my vote for granted.
My friends from Team Hillary have been emailing like mad these days, sharing their feelings about the outcome, and a few have made pronouncements about what they intend to do in November. A couple of friends are so angry with the Democratic National Committee that they changed their voter registration from Democrat to Independent. Some have made it clear that they are not voting for Obama, while others are urging unity.
I'm not there yet. I have already been inundated with emails from Howard Dean, the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Missouri Democrats, Sen. Sherrod Brown, (D-Ohio) and the Democratic Farmer Labor Party in Minnesota calling for unity and asking for contributions to Obama's campaign. I am using these opportunities to press the case for women's issues.
I want to see more discussion about the virulent sexism that Hillary Clinton had to endure during the past year. The Democratic Party should not take my vote for granted.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
How We Are Fighting Back
WomenCount Pac placed a full-page ad in yesterday's New York Times emphasizing that Hillary Clinton is still very much alive in this race. I am proud to report that I was of the contributors for this ad. There is a spontaneous movement to confront the sexism behind the assumption that Obama will be the nominee. Groups across the country are creating websites and blogs and raising money to purchase ads. WomenCount is just one of many. I am working with a PAC in Newton, MA, CounttheVotes, to place ads in regional papers. Women are mobilizing to lend support to Hillary Clinton, whose campaign is becoming a feminist issue. I have pasted below a statement about the ad from WomenCount Pac and a letter by Dr. Lynette Long about the politics of race and gender. I could paste much more information, as I am receiving several notices a day about new efforts to fight back!
Team Hillary - please read the email below and if possible please send acontribution by following the directions below. Kay Khan _____ From: Susie Buell [mailto:susie@buellofficesf.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:38 PMTo: Belinda V. Munoz; Baribeau, ElizabethSubject: Today's New York Times, page 9 Dear WomenCount PAC Supporters: Have you seen the ad on page 9 in today's New York Times? It's been another HUGE day for WomenCount PAC and the work we're doing forHillary and her supporters around the country. Our "Not So Fast" ad ran thismorning in the New York Times, and once again the response has beenenormous. Already today the ad has been featured on The Today Show, GoodMorning America, and CNN. We have interviews lined up with ABC, FOX, andothers. It's all over the web and print press and the calls are still comingin. All of which ONCE AGAIN underscores the passion, the strength, and the sheerforce of the voices of women all around the country. Now, WE MUST NOT REST.We must continue to spread our message that every vote must be cast, andevery vote must be counted before this race is over. In addition to the NewYork Times, our ads have also run in USA Today and local papers throughoutKentucky and Oregon.We are currently working on new ads to run at the end of the week. We willkeep you updated about the content and placement of those ads. For now, weneed your support to keep our message going by supporting the costs of theseads. WILL YOU HELP US? PLEASE DIG DEEP AND CONTRIBUTE TO WOMENCOUNT PAC sowe can shout out to the world that our voices count and must be heard. Wehave attached a contribution form. Just print it out and fax it back withyour credit card information. It's so easy. You just need to do it! To contribute using a credit card, please fill out the attached form withyour signature and fax it back to: (415) 732-7701To contribute with a check: please make it payable to WomenCount PAC andsend it to:WomenCount PAC c/o: Megan AsmusThe Sutton Law Firm, PC 150 Post Street, Suite 405 , San Francisco, CA 94108t: (415) 248-7825; f: belindavm@buellofficesf.com Here's some more exciting news. Our web site is up!!!! Check outwww.womencountpac.com <http://www.womencountpac.com/> . Thank you for your continuing support for this very important effort.Last but not least, below is a letter by Dr. Long that we'd like to sharewith you. Read it if you want to be moved into action! (NOTE: The lastparagraph of this letter has been omitted.) From: Dr. Lynette LongFirst I want to thank each and every one of you for writing to me. I wantto apologize for sending a group email, but I got hundreds of letters. Iwant you to know you are not alone. There are millions of women who feel asyou do, that the Democratic National Primary Campaign uncovered thepervasive and insidious sexism that runs rampant through our country. ThatHillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate, and that she is beingcheated out of the nomination by the good old boys network, the DNC and theMainstream Media. You are angry. You are in a rage. I am too. Underneath that rage is sadness, sadness that we are second class citizensin a country where we are the majority. What's especially disquieting to meis that many young women are blind to the sexist nature of the world inwhich we live. It's our job, each and every one of us, to educate them.Economically, women earn seventy-seven cents on the dollar for the same workcompared to men. Women are in significantly fewer managerial positions, areless likely to own a business and more likely to live in poverty.Politically, women comprise fifty-two percent of the population and an evenen larger share of the voting public yet only sixteen of the current onehundred Untied States Senators are women. Similarly, only sixteen percentof the current members of the House of Representatives are women. There isonly one female Supreme Court Justice on a nine member court and mostremarkably America has never had a female president or presidential nominee.Women did not get the right to vote in the United States until 1920. Theglass ceiling is real on both economical and political fronts. Men wantparity for their daughters and granddaughters but not for the women sittingbeside them. They are not going to give us the power that should be ours,we have to take it. Are we ready? Women have no sense of their own power. White women are the largestrace/gender voting block in the country. White men compose the secondlargest voting block, black women the third largest block, and black men arethe smallest race/gender block. White and black women together womencomprise more than fifty percent of the electorate and if were fullycommitted to a single candidate, we could determine the outcome of anyoffice in the country. It is our turn. Are we ready? I am sad that black women do not support Hillary in greater numbers. Manymembers of the black community wrote to me and said they were afraid tostand up for Hillary. They explained how black radio is pressuring it'slisteners to vote for Barack Obama. White men and women alike wrote me andtold me that they were called racist for supporting Hillary Clinton. I wantto remind each and everyone of you that, in 1969, Shirley Chisholm the firstblack woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives said, "Of my twohandicaps, being female put more obstacles in my path than being black."The impact of the "handicaps" of race and gender has not changed in the last40 years. As women we need to come together, and take the power that couldbe ours. Racism and sexism are both terrible barriers, but one is notworse than the other. On average, a black man with a college degree earnsmore than a white woman with the same degree, and a black woman earns lessthan both. Black male physicians earn more than white women physicians, andblack male professors earn more than white female professors. Yet ninetypercent of black women voted for Barack Obama indifferent to the impact ofgender on their struggle or how electing a female president might help them. I want to change the world. I think we can. I think by electing femaleleaders we can create a gentler America. We need to be counted. We needto stand up and let the DNC know we will not get in line. As one woman whowrote me so eloquently put it, the DNC thinks we will vote for Obama becauselike abused women we have nowhere else to go. To be removed from this list, please send an e-mail with "remove" in thesubject line.The Office of Susie Tompkins Buell & Mark BuellP.O. Box 29921San Francisco, CA 94129-9921t: 415.248.7820 f: 415.441.6381
Team Hillary - please read the email below and if possible please send acontribution by following the directions below. Kay Khan _____ From: Susie Buell [mailto:susie@buellofficesf.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:38 PMTo: Belinda V. Munoz; Baribeau, ElizabethSubject: Today's New York Times, page 9 Dear WomenCount PAC Supporters: Have you seen the ad on page 9 in today's New York Times? It's been another HUGE day for WomenCount PAC and the work we're doing forHillary and her supporters around the country. Our "Not So Fast" ad ran thismorning in the New York Times, and once again the response has beenenormous. Already today the ad has been featured on The Today Show, GoodMorning America, and CNN. We have interviews lined up with ABC, FOX, andothers. It's all over the web and print press and the calls are still comingin. All of which ONCE AGAIN underscores the passion, the strength, and the sheerforce of the voices of women all around the country. Now, WE MUST NOT REST.We must continue to spread our message that every vote must be cast, andevery vote must be counted before this race is over. In addition to the NewYork Times, our ads have also run in USA Today and local papers throughoutKentucky and Oregon.We are currently working on new ads to run at the end of the week. We willkeep you updated about the content and placement of those ads. For now, weneed your support to keep our message going by supporting the costs of theseads. WILL YOU HELP US? PLEASE DIG DEEP AND CONTRIBUTE TO WOMENCOUNT PAC sowe can shout out to the world that our voices count and must be heard. Wehave attached a contribution form. Just print it out and fax it back withyour credit card information. It's so easy. You just need to do it! To contribute using a credit card, please fill out the attached form withyour signature and fax it back to: (415) 732-7701To contribute with a check: please make it payable to WomenCount PAC andsend it to:WomenCount PAC c/o: Megan AsmusThe Sutton Law Firm, PC 150 Post Street, Suite 405 , San Francisco, CA 94108t: (415) 248-7825; f: belindavm@buellofficesf.com Here's some more exciting news. Our web site is up!!!! Check outwww.womencountpac.com <http://www.womencountpac.com/> . Thank you for your continuing support for this very important effort.Last but not least, below is a letter by Dr. Long that we'd like to sharewith you. Read it if you want to be moved into action! (NOTE: The lastparagraph of this letter has been omitted.) From: Dr. Lynette LongFirst I want to thank each and every one of you for writing to me. I wantto apologize for sending a group email, but I got hundreds of letters. Iwant you to know you are not alone. There are millions of women who feel asyou do, that the Democratic National Primary Campaign uncovered thepervasive and insidious sexism that runs rampant through our country. ThatHillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate, and that she is beingcheated out of the nomination by the good old boys network, the DNC and theMainstream Media. You are angry. You are in a rage. I am too. Underneath that rage is sadness, sadness that we are second class citizensin a country where we are the majority. What's especially disquieting to meis that many young women are blind to the sexist nature of the world inwhich we live. It's our job, each and every one of us, to educate them.Economically, women earn seventy-seven cents on the dollar for the same workcompared to men. Women are in significantly fewer managerial positions, areless likely to own a business and more likely to live in poverty.Politically, women comprise fifty-two percent of the population and an evenen larger share of the voting public yet only sixteen of the current onehundred Untied States Senators are women. Similarly, only sixteen percentof the current members of the House of Representatives are women. There isonly one female Supreme Court Justice on a nine member court and mostremarkably America has never had a female president or presidential nominee.Women did not get the right to vote in the United States until 1920. Theglass ceiling is real on both economical and political fronts. Men wantparity for their daughters and granddaughters but not for the women sittingbeside them. They are not going to give us the power that should be ours,we have to take it. Are we ready? Women have no sense of their own power. White women are the largestrace/gender voting block in the country. White men compose the secondlargest voting block, black women the third largest block, and black men arethe smallest race/gender block. White and black women together womencomprise more than fifty percent of the electorate and if were fullycommitted to a single candidate, we could determine the outcome of anyoffice in the country. It is our turn. Are we ready? I am sad that black women do not support Hillary in greater numbers. Manymembers of the black community wrote to me and said they were afraid tostand up for Hillary. They explained how black radio is pressuring it'slisteners to vote for Barack Obama. White men and women alike wrote me andtold me that they were called racist for supporting Hillary Clinton. I wantto remind each and everyone of you that, in 1969, Shirley Chisholm the firstblack woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives said, "Of my twohandicaps, being female put more obstacles in my path than being black."The impact of the "handicaps" of race and gender has not changed in the last40 years. As women we need to come together, and take the power that couldbe ours. Racism and sexism are both terrible barriers, but one is notworse than the other. On average, a black man with a college degree earnsmore than a white woman with the same degree, and a black woman earns lessthan both. Black male physicians earn more than white women physicians, andblack male professors earn more than white female professors. Yet ninetypercent of black women voted for Barack Obama indifferent to the impact ofgender on their struggle or how electing a female president might help them. I want to change the world. I think we can. I think by electing femaleleaders we can create a gentler America. We need to be counted. We needto stand up and let the DNC know we will not get in line. As one woman whowrote me so eloquently put it, the DNC thinks we will vote for Obama becauselike abused women we have nowhere else to go. To be removed from this list, please send an e-mail with "remove" in thesubject line.The Office of Susie Tompkins Buell & Mark BuellP.O. Box 29921San Francisco, CA 94129-9921t: 415.248.7820 f: 415.441.6381
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Sexism No One is Reporting
I have been meaning to publish a post about my encounters with sexism as a volunteer for Hillary Clinton. I have been involved in visibility actions throughout New England and in Pennsylvania. "Visibility" refers to standing at busy intersections with Hillary signs waving at passing cars. I've spent days doing this, encountering thousands of people driving by busy intersections in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. No matter where I've been, whether in very progressive Newton, MA, or in Pennsylvania, white men have screamed the most vile invectives at me about Hillary. The most humorous rant, which I've already reported in my blog about campaigning in Bristol, PA, is worth repeating here: "Gold-digging, carpet bagging, bitch." Occasionally, comments have been extremely mean-spirited and misogynistic, and a few comments have combined sex and violence, with vivid references to rape. The most common and far more frequent negative comments refer to Clinton as a "bitch," a word I must have heard a thousand times. A couple of times men have tried to spit at me from their cars. Why someone would try to spit at me from the Mass Pike on a windy, wintry day is beyond me. Some reactions to Hillary signs have been extremely aggressive and threatening.
I have also encountered aggressive behavior by Obama volunteers, especially at Maine caucus sites, where I witnessed voter intimidation. (I have already mentioned that there is a clear gender gap among volunteers; active Hillary supporters on the ground are overwhelmingly female, but Obama volunteers tend to be white and male.) One Obama campaign worker, a young, white man (I believe he worked for the campaign because he was giving instructions to Obama supporters) in Maine, called us and the women entering the caucus at Lewiston High School "girls." The same volunteer pulled male Bates College students aside to tell them to "pressure" the "girls." A Maine State Representative, at the site to greet participants and to get his re-election petitioned signed, took this young man aside and told him to stop acting so badly. The elderly male state rep. told the young man that he shouldn't refer to women as girls.
Obama volunteers organized counterdemonstations at Clinton events in Philadelphia in an effort to intimidate people standing in line to enter rally sites. Obama supporters also picketed the entrance to the hotel where Clinton's victory party was held in downtown Philadelphia. It would have never have occurred to us to go to an Obama rally with the purpose of shouting down his supporters. Of course, the behavior of male volunteers in Obama's campaign hasn't been covered by the media. They have taken our signs down on many occasions--I experienced this first-hand in Maine and PA and have heard reports from reliable sources about voter and volunteer intimidation in Texas, Iowa, and Indiana. Should the Obama campaign be held accountable for this? YES! The Clinton campaign organizes frequent training sessions with canvassers and visibility volunteers. We know that we are representing the candidate and have been instructed by the campaign staff to stay positive at all times.
Below is a nice overview from one of the few journalists seriously reporting on the sexist treatment of Hillary Clinton by the media.
By Marie CoccoThursday, May 15, 2008; A15As the Democratic nomination contest slouches toward a close, it's time to take stock of what I will not miss.I will not miss seeing advertisements for T-shirts that bear the slogan "Bros before Hos." The shirts depict Barack Obama (the Bro) and Hillary Clinton (the Ho) and are widely sold on the Internet.I will not miss walking past airport concessions selling the Hillary Nutcracker, a device in which a pantsuit-clad Clinton doll opens her legs to reveal stainless-steel thighs that, well, bust nuts. I won't miss television and newspaper stories that make light of the novelty item.I won't miss episodes like the one in which liberal radio personality Randi Rhodes calledClinton a "big [expletive] whore" and said the same about former vice presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro. Rhodes was appearing at an event sponsored by a San Francisco radio station, before an audience of appreciative Obama supporters -- one of whom had promoted the evening on the presumptive Democratic nominee's official campaign Web site.I won't miss Citizens United Not Timid (no acronym, please), an anti-Clinton group founded by Republican guru Roger Stone.Political discourse will at last be free of jokes like this one , told last week by magician Penn Jillette on MSNBC: "Obama did great in February, and that's because that was Black History Month. And now Hillary's doing much better 'cause it's White Bitch Month, right?" Co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski rebuked Jillette.I won't miss political commentators (including National Public Radio political editor Ken Rudin and Andrew Sullivan , the columnist and blogger) who compare Clinton to the Glenn Close character in the movie "Fatal Attraction." In the iconic 1987 film , Close played an independent New York woman who has an affair with a married man played by Michael Douglas. When the liaison ends, the jilted woman becomes a deranged, knife-wielding stalker who terrorizes the man's blissful suburban family. Message: Psychopathic home-wrecker, begone.The airwaves will at last be free of comments that liken Clinton to a "she-devil" (Chris Matthews on MSNBC, who helpfully supplied an on-screen mock-up of Clinton sprouting horns). Or those who offer that she's "looking like everyone's first wife standing outside a probate court" (Mike Barnicle , also on MSNBC).But perhaps it is not wives who are so very problematic. Maybe it's mothers. Because, after all, Clinton is more like "a scolding mother, talking down to a child" (Jack Cafferty on CNN).When all other images fail, there is one other I will not miss. That is, the down-to-the-basics, simplest one: "White women are a problem, that's -- you know, we all live with that" (William Kristol of Fox News).I won't miss reading another treatise by a man or woman, of the left or right, who says that sexism has had not even a teeny-weeny bit of influence on the course of the Democratic campaign. To hint that sexism might possibly have had a minimal role is to play that risible "gender card."Most of all, I will not miss the silence.I will not miss the deafening, depressing silence of Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean or other leading Democrats, who to my knowledge (with the exception of Sen.Barbara Mikulski of Maryland) haven't publicly uttered a word of outrage at the unrelenting, sex-based hate that has been hurled at a former first lady and two-term senator from New York. Among those holding their tongues are hundreds of Democrats for whom Clinton has campaigned and raised millions of dollars. Don Imus endured more public ire from the political class when he insulted the Rutgers University women's basketball team.Would the silence prevail if Obama's likeness were put on a tap-dancing doll that was sold at airports? Would the media figures who dole out precious face time to these politicians be such pals if they'd compared Obama with a character in a blaxploitation film? And how would crude references to Obama's sex organs play?There are many reasons Clinton is losing the nomination contest, some having to do with her strategic mistakes, others with the groundswell for "change." But for all Clinton's political blemishes, the darker stain that has been exposed is the hatred of women that is accepted as a part of our culture.Marie Cocco is syndicated by the Washington Post Writers Group. Her e-mail address is mariecocco@washpost.com .Post a CommentView all comments that have been posted about this article.
I have also encountered aggressive behavior by Obama volunteers, especially at Maine caucus sites, where I witnessed voter intimidation. (I have already mentioned that there is a clear gender gap among volunteers; active Hillary supporters on the ground are overwhelmingly female, but Obama volunteers tend to be white and male.) One Obama campaign worker, a young, white man (I believe he worked for the campaign because he was giving instructions to Obama supporters) in Maine, called us and the women entering the caucus at Lewiston High School "girls." The same volunteer pulled male Bates College students aside to tell them to "pressure" the "girls." A Maine State Representative, at the site to greet participants and to get his re-election petitioned signed, took this young man aside and told him to stop acting so badly. The elderly male state rep. told the young man that he shouldn't refer to women as girls.
Obama volunteers organized counterdemonstations at Clinton events in Philadelphia in an effort to intimidate people standing in line to enter rally sites. Obama supporters also picketed the entrance to the hotel where Clinton's victory party was held in downtown Philadelphia. It would have never have occurred to us to go to an Obama rally with the purpose of shouting down his supporters. Of course, the behavior of male volunteers in Obama's campaign hasn't been covered by the media. They have taken our signs down on many occasions--I experienced this first-hand in Maine and PA and have heard reports from reliable sources about voter and volunteer intimidation in Texas, Iowa, and Indiana. Should the Obama campaign be held accountable for this? YES! The Clinton campaign organizes frequent training sessions with canvassers and visibility volunteers. We know that we are representing the candidate and have been instructed by the campaign staff to stay positive at all times.
Below is a nice overview from one of the few journalists seriously reporting on the sexist treatment of Hillary Clinton by the media.
By Marie CoccoThursday, May 15, 2008; A15As the Democratic nomination contest slouches toward a close, it's time to take stock of what I will not miss.I will not miss seeing advertisements for T-shirts that bear the slogan "Bros before Hos." The shirts depict Barack Obama (the Bro) and Hillary Clinton (the Ho) and are widely sold on the Internet.I will not miss walking past airport concessions selling the Hillary Nutcracker, a device in which a pantsuit-clad Clinton doll opens her legs to reveal stainless-steel thighs that, well, bust nuts. I won't miss television and newspaper stories that make light of the novelty item.I won't miss episodes like the one in which liberal radio personality Randi Rhodes called
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Not So Fast
The PAC WomenCount has purchased ad space in USA Today, Thursday, May 15, and in this Sunday's New York Times as well as two newspapers in Oregon to set the record straight. The ad, "Not So Fast," emphasizes that Clinton is still very much in this race.
Here are the numbers from the NY Times website politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/votes/index.html
The total primary votes are: Clinton, 17,492,003; Obama, 17,181, 783. Clinton leads in the popular vote in primary states by 310,220. Only 521,630 people voted in all caucus states combined! Obama's caucus lead is 248,317. If you add the caucus and primary votes, Clinton leads by 61,903. This number includes the popular vote in Florida, votes that were registered by the Secretary of State and cannot be voided. There you have it.
Why, then, has the media pronounced that the race is over? Why have several male leaders of the Democratic party asked Clinton to drop out? This is an outrage. Gee, no one demanded that Edward Kennedy drop out against Jimmy Carter even though he had only 795 pledged delegates.
Women are organizing to address the blatant sexism at work here. A group from Massachusetts, Massachusetts Women Democratic Leaders, met with Senators Kennedy and Kerry and with Howard Dean. They asked Dean to show some leadership and address the misogynistic attacks on one of the leading Democratic candidates. I went to a meeting on Monday to discuss where we go from here and heard several women who attended the meeting with Dean talk about his unwillingess to do anything to address the concerns of women in the Democratic party. The DNC is going to pay a price for allowing the punditry to hand the nomination to Obama. Dean did not win any friends when he stated that he finally understood women's concerns when two of his staff burst into tears. I guess we have to cry to get attention.
According to one person at the meeting, women have been tearing up their voter registration cards and sending them to the DNC. I might do the same. This isn't over.
Here are the numbers from the NY Times website politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/votes/index.html
The total primary votes are: Clinton, 17,492,003; Obama, 17,181, 783. Clinton leads in the popular vote in primary states by 310,220. Only 521,630 people voted in all caucus states combined! Obama's caucus lead is 248,317. If you add the caucus and primary votes, Clinton leads by 61,903. This number includes the popular vote in Florida, votes that were registered by the Secretary of State and cannot be voided. There you have it.
Why, then, has the media pronounced that the race is over? Why have several male leaders of the Democratic party asked Clinton to drop out? This is an outrage. Gee, no one demanded that Edward Kennedy drop out against Jimmy Carter even though he had only 795 pledged delegates.
Women are organizing to address the blatant sexism at work here. A group from Massachusetts, Massachusetts Women Democratic Leaders, met with Senators Kennedy and Kerry and with Howard Dean. They asked Dean to show some leadership and address the misogynistic attacks on one of the leading Democratic candidates. I went to a meeting on Monday to discuss where we go from here and heard several women who attended the meeting with Dean talk about his unwillingess to do anything to address the concerns of women in the Democratic party. The DNC is going to pay a price for allowing the punditry to hand the nomination to Obama. Dean did not win any friends when he stated that he finally understood women's concerns when two of his staff burst into tears. I guess we have to cry to get attention.
According to one person at the meeting, women have been tearing up their voter registration cards and sending them to the DNC. I might do the same. This isn't over.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Run, Girl, Run!
Once again, Hillary Clinton had to explain why she is not dropping out of the race. During a press conference this afternoon in West Virginia she provided several reasons for not conceding the nomination at this point. As always, she marshaled the evidence to support her point of view, explaining to reporters that the dramatic increase in voter registration, a result of this exciting race, was good for the Democratic party. She also mentioned that her supporters have asked her to stay in the race, and that they "have an investment" in her candidacy. Of course, this comment can be characterized as the usual campaign spin. But there is some truth in her remarks. I sent Hillary an email this morning urging her to remain in the race. You bet I have an investment in her campaign! She has done extremely well despite biased media coverage and vicious attacks from the media and Obama surrogates, and while being out spent. Obama hired people to canvass in Ohio and Pennsylvania (the New York Times reported on this in Ohio). On the other hand, Hillary has inspired women to travel from state to state to campaign. Why should she step down?Octogenarian George McGovern decided to pile on, switching his endorsement from Hillary to Barack Obama, with a plea for her to drop out. I don't think a male candidate would be asked to leave the race this way. Really, would Bill Richardson or George McGovern ask John Edwards to drop out of a close race? I don't think so. Hillary Clinton has run a flawed but marvelous campaign and deserves more respect and recognition from the men in the Democratic party. From the beginning Hillary was treated as a less than legitimate candidate. See Chris Mathews. She has had to prove herself over and over again.Run, Girl, Run!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Data on Voter Registration
The following study from the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota confirms my impressions on the campaign trail.
The Big Mobilization: Increased Voter Registration in 2008
The 2008 contests for the Republican and Democratic Party presidential nominations have been a boon for American democracy. The intense competition for nomination combined with investments in mobilizing voters for primaries and caucuses has fuelled an historic surge in voter registration compared to its level during the 2004 nomination contests. A study of official voter registration records by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute reveals the following:
Record voter registration was produced in 43 out of the 44 states for which there are official data during comparable periods in 2004 and 2008.
North Carolina registration in April 2008 is 14 percent higher than in the comparable period in 2004 and Indiana is up 20 percent. The unusually wide-open competition for the Republican and Democratic presidential nominations has fuelled this remarkable jump in voter participation.
About a quarter of the new voter registration records were set in purple states, perhaps altering the electoral landscape in these states since 2004.
Although Democrats fear that the battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton may weaken their Party’s chances in November by alienating some voters, it may also have helped by increasing voter registration. Seventeen of the 43 states set records during primaries or caucuses that were held after Super Tuesday when the Republican contest largely came to an end. These voters may be a new and important pool of voters for Democratic candidates to recruit in November, offsetting perhaps voters that they lose because of lingering ill will. The study was conducted by Lawrence R. Jacobs (Director, Center for the Study of Politics and Governance) and by Melanie Burns (Research Analyst). A full copy of the study can be found at: http://www.politicsandgovernance.org/reports/2008/The_Big_Mobilization.pdf Contact: Professor Lawrence Jacobs (612) 625-3384
The Big Mobilization: Increased Voter Registration in 2008
The 2008 contests for the Republican and Democratic Party presidential nominations have been a boon for American democracy. The intense competition for nomination combined with investments in mobilizing voters for primaries and caucuses has fuelled an historic surge in voter registration compared to its level during the 2004 nomination contests. A study of official voter registration records by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute reveals the following:
Record voter registration was produced in 43 out of the 44 states for which there are official data during comparable periods in 2004 and 2008.
North Carolina registration in April 2008 is 14 percent higher than in the comparable period in 2004 and Indiana is up 20 percent. The unusually wide-open competition for the Republican and Democratic presidential nominations has fuelled this remarkable jump in voter participation.
About a quarter of the new voter registration records were set in purple states, perhaps altering the electoral landscape in these states since 2004.
Although Democrats fear that the battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton may weaken their Party’s chances in November by alienating some voters, it may also have helped by increasing voter registration. Seventeen of the 43 states set records during primaries or caucuses that were held after Super Tuesday when the Republican contest largely came to an end. These voters may be a new and important pool of voters for Democratic candidates to recruit in November, offsetting perhaps voters that they lose because of lingering ill will. The study was conducted by Lawrence R. Jacobs (Director, Center for the Study of Politics and Governance) and by Melanie Burns (Research Analyst). A full copy of the study can be found at: http://www.politicsandgovernance.org/reports/2008/The_Big_Mobilization.pdf Contact: Professor Lawrence Jacobs (612) 625-3384
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Real Grassroots
The Buck’s County Courier-Times endorsed Barack Obama because of his ability to inspire voters. Hillary Clinton’s ability to attract a diverse coalition of volunteers remains unrecognized. I can report here that there was a coalition of gay men, lesbians, middle-aged heterosexual women, men and women of color, and middle and working-class white men volunteering for Hillary in Bucks County. The group working from the Bristol, PA office was incredibly diverse. I canvassed neighborhoods in Bucks County everyday for four days with a different partner each day. I canvassed in Newtown with Marguerite, a lesbian physician from Maysville, Kentucky, who drove to Bristol to volunteer. Marguerite, a daughter of immigrants from working-class background, has a B.A. from Cornell, a Ph.D. from Duke, and a M.D. from SUNY-Stony-Brook. Ellen Friedman, another “carpetbagger,” came in from Cambridge, MA to volunteer. Ellen, a retired professor and European historian, and I had a lot in common. On the other hand, I also volunteered with Bobbie and her husband Randy, Bucks County residents living on disability, who offered to drive canvassers to neighboring towns. I went to Bensalem with Bobbie one afternoon. Bobbie and Randy are very proud of the fact that both of their children are attending college in Pennsylvania; their daughter is attending Temple, and their son is at Drexel. I spent another afternoon canvassing in Bristol with Christine, an accountant from Brooklyn with two grown sons.
I met Ishmael, a gay man from Bensalem, in the Bristol office a couple of days before the primary. This soft-spoken guy never canvassed before but went out to talk to voters with Mickey. I met Chang, another fellow from the area, while doing visibility the day of the primary. Christine Samuelson, another volunteer from Newton, MA who has also campaigned in several states, and I were holding up a huge Hillary sign in front to a polling station on Mill Creek Rd. in Bristol. Chang came by to help and told us that he lived in a nearby town. When a man drove by and yelled, “gold-digging, carpet bagging bitch,” Chang looked at me and said, “I guess they are referring to me.”
I met Christine White in the Bristol office and went to the Clinton rally at the University of Pennsylvania with her the day before the primary. Christine spent quite a bit of time with our group from Newton. John and Jenny Doggett, veteran campaigners throughout New England, and I went out with Christine a couple of times at the end of long days of campaigning. Christine stopped by the volunteer for Hillary and quickly became an honorary Newtonian! Christine and I became fast friends, although our lives could not be more different. She had to drop out of high school when she became pregnant with her first child at 15 and is a 45 year old grandmother. Evangeline, an African-American mother of three, canvassed with Christine the day of the primary, and both Evangeline and Christine joined our Newton group at the Clinton victory party in Philadelphia.
Our Bristol group admitted to the Clinton victory party included Chang, a massage therapist from Bucks County; John and Jenny Doggett, a venture capitalist and pediatrician respectively; Evangeline and Christine, local volunteers; Anne, a lesbian venture capitalist from Jamaica Plain, MA; Christine, a former Newton alderman, and Emelia a retired attorney and former staff of the Department Labor Department. Christine and Emelia were able to volunteer in Bristol for three weeks because Laurie, another member of our group, and her partner were willing to share their home with out-of-state volunteers. Got grassroots?
I met Ishmael, a gay man from Bensalem, in the Bristol office a couple of days before the primary. This soft-spoken guy never canvassed before but went out to talk to voters with Mickey. I met Chang, another fellow from the area, while doing visibility the day of the primary. Christine Samuelson, another volunteer from Newton, MA who has also campaigned in several states, and I were holding up a huge Hillary sign in front to a polling station on Mill Creek Rd. in Bristol. Chang came by to help and told us that he lived in a nearby town. When a man drove by and yelled, “gold-digging, carpet bagging bitch,” Chang looked at me and said, “I guess they are referring to me.”
I met Christine White in the Bristol office and went to the Clinton rally at the University of Pennsylvania with her the day before the primary. Christine spent quite a bit of time with our group from Newton. John and Jenny Doggett, veteran campaigners throughout New England, and I went out with Christine a couple of times at the end of long days of campaigning. Christine stopped by the volunteer for Hillary and quickly became an honorary Newtonian! Christine and I became fast friends, although our lives could not be more different. She had to drop out of high school when she became pregnant with her first child at 15 and is a 45 year old grandmother. Evangeline, an African-American mother of three, canvassed with Christine the day of the primary, and both Evangeline and Christine joined our Newton group at the Clinton victory party in Philadelphia.
Our Bristol group admitted to the Clinton victory party included Chang, a massage therapist from Bucks County; John and Jenny Doggett, a venture capitalist and pediatrician respectively; Evangeline and Christine, local volunteers; Anne, a lesbian venture capitalist from Jamaica Plain, MA; Christine, a former Newton alderman, and Emelia a retired attorney and former staff of the Department Labor Department. Christine and Emelia were able to volunteer in Bristol for three weeks because Laurie, another member of our group, and her partner were willing to share their home with out-of-state volunteers. Got grassroots?
Monday, April 28, 2008
Canvassing in Bucks County, PA
I spent several days campaigning for Hillary Clinton in Northeast Philadelphia and in Bucks County, from April 16 until the primary on April 22. Our group from Newton, MA worked from Clinton's campaign office for Bucks County in Bristol and also participated in visibility actions and attended rallies in Philadelphia, about 30 minutes away. Bristol is a picturesque town on the banks of the Delaware River, the place where Washington crossed the Delaware.
I talked with voters in primarily African-American and Hispanic neighborhoods in Bristol and the neighboring town of Bensalem, and I spent one afternoon in the more upscale area of Newtown. I knew after the first day of canvassing that Hillary Clinton would win Bucks County by a huge margin. In poorer neighborhoods people raised concerns about the economy and told me that they were either leaning toward Clinton or planning to vote for her. I was not surprised when Hispanic voters told me they voting for Hillary, but I also encountered African-American men and women in Bristol voting for Clinton. There were Obama strongholds here and there, but it was clear to me that he was not doing well in areas around Bristol among any group. What was stunning was the number of women on the voter lists. I visited many households throughout Bucks County where women were registered Democrats but other members of their households were registered Republicans. I canvassed between 30-50 households a day for four days--it is a small sample but an interesting one. Page after page of the voter lists given to me by the campaign were dominated by women.
I would love to find out how many women voted for Clinton in Bucks County. 79,000 voters switched their voter registration from Republican to Democrat in Bucks County in order to vote for either Obama or Clinton. From my experience it seemed clear the women were changing parties and voting for Clinton. The local paper, The Bucks County Courier-Times, endorsed Obama because "he is able to bring in new voters." Well, that did not turn out to be true. Clinton was the candidate who inspired voters in Bucks County. She won Bucks County by 24 points!
Canvassing is an interesting experience; you knock on doors armed with literature hoping that people will talk with you about the upcoming primary. It is a curious negotiation. The most common experience is a quick 30-second speech about Clinton's candidacy and a quick question that attempts to determine which way the household is leaning. Most voters do not want to talk. I canvassed in New England in the middle of winter, and, as you can imagine, people did not want to spend a great deal of time out in the cold talking about the primary. I also found that people in New Hampshire were genuinely undecided. Early in the process voters were still trying to become familiar with each candidate. I firmly believe that a significant number of voters in New Hampshire did not make decisions until the day before or the day of the election. Voters in later primaries in Ohio and Pennsylvania had two candidates to consider and were far more willing to let me convince them that Clinton was the better choice.
The people in Ohio and Pennsylvania were very open to engaging in discussions, and many voters in both states asked very challenging questions. I spoke with Ohio voters on the phone while I was working at the reception desk at the main headquarters in Columbus and met with Pennsylvania voters at their doors, but the responses were about the same. In both cases I felt that I made a difference. Voters seemed to relish the attention and really made me work hard for their votes.
I loved talking with people in Pennsylvania. I learned so much from my conversations with voters, especially about their concerns about the economy and health care. Occasionally, someone would ask me to come in and talk. In Newtown, Dominic and Janet were very gracious and willing to spend time talking with me, even though they had just returned from shopping. Passionate Democrats, they expressed a concern that McCain would win in November. Janet was clearly supporting Clinton; her husband Dominic was for Obama. As retired members of the military, they had a unique and important perspective on the campaign. Their neighbor, Margaret, wanted me to explain Hillary's "mandatory" health care plan. I'm not sure I convinced her that Hillary's plan made the most sense, but I did my best! But Margaret took my literature and told me that she would review the plan on Hillary's website. Fair enough. Janet saw me talking to Margaret and yelled across the street, "Are you voting for Clinton?" Gee, I think people are engaged!
Nelson Hernandez in Bensalem asked me to explain the primary process in detail; he was a bit unsure about the purpose of the upcoming primary, although he let me know that he was considering voting for Clinton because, in his experience, "women take care of business." He, too, was very concerned about the economy, directing my attention to all of the houses for sale on his block. He implied that the houses with for sale signs in front yards were foreclosed properties.
I could go on with more stories from the campaign trail. It is very exciting that so many people are engaged in the Pennsylvania primary, many for the first time. Voters paid attention to both candidates and didn't seem to mind all of the attention.
I talked with voters in primarily African-American and Hispanic neighborhoods in Bristol and the neighboring town of Bensalem, and I spent one afternoon in the more upscale area of Newtown. I knew after the first day of canvassing that Hillary Clinton would win Bucks County by a huge margin. In poorer neighborhoods people raised concerns about the economy and told me that they were either leaning toward Clinton or planning to vote for her. I was not surprised when Hispanic voters told me they voting for Hillary, but I also encountered African-American men and women in Bristol voting for Clinton. There were Obama strongholds here and there, but it was clear to me that he was not doing well in areas around Bristol among any group. What was stunning was the number of women on the voter lists. I visited many households throughout Bucks County where women were registered Democrats but other members of their households were registered Republicans. I canvassed between 30-50 households a day for four days--it is a small sample but an interesting one. Page after page of the voter lists given to me by the campaign were dominated by women.
I would love to find out how many women voted for Clinton in Bucks County. 79,000 voters switched their voter registration from Republican to Democrat in Bucks County in order to vote for either Obama or Clinton. From my experience it seemed clear the women were changing parties and voting for Clinton. The local paper, The Bucks County Courier-Times, endorsed Obama because "he is able to bring in new voters." Well, that did not turn out to be true. Clinton was the candidate who inspired voters in Bucks County. She won Bucks County by 24 points!
Canvassing is an interesting experience; you knock on doors armed with literature hoping that people will talk with you about the upcoming primary. It is a curious negotiation. The most common experience is a quick 30-second speech about Clinton's candidacy and a quick question that attempts to determine which way the household is leaning. Most voters do not want to talk. I canvassed in New England in the middle of winter, and, as you can imagine, people did not want to spend a great deal of time out in the cold talking about the primary. I also found that people in New Hampshire were genuinely undecided. Early in the process voters were still trying to become familiar with each candidate. I firmly believe that a significant number of voters in New Hampshire did not make decisions until the day before or the day of the election. Voters in later primaries in Ohio and Pennsylvania had two candidates to consider and were far more willing to let me convince them that Clinton was the better choice.
The people in Ohio and Pennsylvania were very open to engaging in discussions, and many voters in both states asked very challenging questions. I spoke with Ohio voters on the phone while I was working at the reception desk at the main headquarters in Columbus and met with Pennsylvania voters at their doors, but the responses were about the same. In both cases I felt that I made a difference. Voters seemed to relish the attention and really made me work hard for their votes.
I loved talking with people in Pennsylvania. I learned so much from my conversations with voters, especially about their concerns about the economy and health care. Occasionally, someone would ask me to come in and talk. In Newtown, Dominic and Janet were very gracious and willing to spend time talking with me, even though they had just returned from shopping. Passionate Democrats, they expressed a concern that McCain would win in November. Janet was clearly supporting Clinton; her husband Dominic was for Obama. As retired members of the military, they had a unique and important perspective on the campaign. Their neighbor, Margaret, wanted me to explain Hillary's "mandatory" health care plan. I'm not sure I convinced her that Hillary's plan made the most sense, but I did my best! But Margaret took my literature and told me that she would review the plan on Hillary's website. Fair enough. Janet saw me talking to Margaret and yelled across the street, "Are you voting for Clinton?" Gee, I think people are engaged!
Nelson Hernandez in Bensalem asked me to explain the primary process in detail; he was a bit unsure about the purpose of the upcoming primary, although he let me know that he was considering voting for Clinton because, in his experience, "women take care of business." He, too, was very concerned about the economy, directing my attention to all of the houses for sale on his block. He implied that the houses with for sale signs in front yards were foreclosed properties.
I could go on with more stories from the campaign trail. It is very exciting that so many people are engaged in the Pennsylvania primary, many for the first time. Voters paid attention to both candidates and didn't seem to mind all of the attention.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Team Hillary in Newton
I attended a Team Hillary party on Thursday night where we talked about the campaign in Pennsylvania. Several people involved in the Team Hillary group from Newton, MA., a group initially organized to volunteer in New Hampshire by Massachusetts State Representatives Ruth Balser and Kay Kahn, is going to Pennsylvania from April 17-22. Kay and Ruth's group of volunteers has been active in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island. The Clinton campaign asked Kay and Ruth to "adopt" towns in New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Of course, we worked in Newton for the Massachusetts primary. (Obama won Newton by only 19 votes, which was considered a tremendous victory for Team Hillary since Newton was considered Obama territory.) We worked out of the Salem, NH office for the NH primary and adopted Warwick, RI for the primary onMarch 4. Team Hillary-Newton has adopted Bucks County, PA for the Pennsylvania primary on April 22; we will be working from the campaign office in Bristol, PA.
I don't know if state and local politicians in other states have been asked by the campaign to organize a volunteer corps to adopt a particular location, but it is a model that should be used for the upcoming primaries. Kay's and Ruth's extensive networks have put together a formidable volunteer movement. Hillary's decisive victory in the Salem and surrounding areas in New Hampshire was possible in large part, I believe, because of a very effective collaboration between experienced state and local politicians and the young campaign staff. In my opinion, the staff in Columbus, Ohio needed guidance from experienced local and state politicians--see my entry "Buckeyes for Hillary"for a discussion of the organizing effort in Ohio. I didn't see evidence of any supervision in Ohio.
I hope that political scientists and historians studying Hillary's historic march to the White House will consider the significant role played by local and state politicians in organizing and leading a grassroots volunteer movement.
I don't know if state and local politicians in other states have been asked by the campaign to organize a volunteer corps to adopt a particular location, but it is a model that should be used for the upcoming primaries. Kay's and Ruth's extensive networks have put together a formidable volunteer movement. Hillary's decisive victory in the Salem and surrounding areas in New Hampshire was possible in large part, I believe, because of a very effective collaboration between experienced state and local politicians and the young campaign staff. In my opinion, the staff in Columbus, Ohio needed guidance from experienced local and state politicians--see my entry "Buckeyes for Hillary"for a discussion of the organizing effort in Ohio. I didn't see evidence of any supervision in Ohio.
I hope that political scientists and historians studying Hillary's historic march to the White House will consider the significant role played by local and state politicians in organizing and leading a grassroots volunteer movement.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Meeting Bill Clinton
I attended a reception with Bill Clinton this evening. I was surprised by the small number of people at the event, about 200. It was great for me because I was able to meet the former President and hear his remarks to the faithful. At the same time, I was disappointed and somewhat surprised that he was taking time out of his schedule to meet with such a small group. I talked with Tom Dwyer, a close friend of the Clintons', after the event who told me that they raised about $200,000, which is pocket change these days. Tom believes that Hillary is going to have a difficult time raising money during the next few months because her base is more or less tapped out. Tom's assessment was confirmed by Bill Clinton's plea to us to ask our friends to contribute anything they can. And that is certainly true among the volunteers I've been working with. Most of the people I've met in the campaign make under $75,000 a year and have contributed about $1,000 or more over time. I went to the event with my friend Mansi; we were able to attend the $1,000 reception for a small contribution because we are getting to know people in the campaign. Mansi and I just can't afford to contribute that much these days. Still, Tom told me that Hillary will return to Boston before the April 22 primary in Pennsylvania. It is very clear to me that the campaign is relying on fundraising in the Northeast.
I have to say that even in these cynical times it was thrilling to hear Bill Clinton talk about the campaign. I saw Bill and Al Gore several times in Ohio when they were campaigning in 1992 but there is something about listening to the former President of the United States. His comments came from such a wealth of experience this time around. He launched into a tutorial about the mortgage crisis that took my breath away. I wish I could have taken notes. It was an amazing performance. He is so brillant yet manages to connect to the audience in a very sincere way. He said that he spent time attending "little ol meetings in West Virginia and looked in people's eyes and knows that people will support Hillary." You believe him! He said that people "like Hillary" in Florida, West Virginia, and elsewhere and then made a case for her candidacy that was very convincing. Still, I also got a sense of how easily he gets into trouble. He is very free with his criticism of the Obama campaign and makes everything very personal. He told us how he danced for joy when Hillary won so convincingly in Massachusetts despite endorsements for Obama that were supposed to be so influential. He didn't mention Kerry and Kennedy by name, but it was clear that he was thrilled by the result of the contest and that it was very personal--and competitive. Far more than Hillary, he is very emotionally invested. He said that even if we didn't contribute so much to see him that night, he still would've have come to Massachusetts to thank us for such an important victory. He then called out people by name to thank. It was fascinating to hear him talk about the campaign in such personal terms.
I noticed how he lapsed into mentioning "our" campaigan and talking about "us," which I have to admit makes me nervous. While he focused on discussing Hillary's ability to lead the country, you couldn't help but see that this is a joint effort. I'm not sure what to make of it. I was convinced after several intemperate remarks he made about Obama that he was a detriment to the campaign, but after seeing him make such a passionate and articulate plea for Hillary, I'm not so sure. He's great but needs boundaries!
I stood about ten feet from Bill and was entranced by his oft reported charisma. When he looked around the room and pointed to us and said "we're counting on you to go to Pennsylvania, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Indiana," the crowd yelled back that we were going to PA. He did a wonderful job keeping us inspired and invested.
I'll say more about this event and the Team Hillary meeting I'm attending tomorrow night in the next post.
I have to say that even in these cynical times it was thrilling to hear Bill Clinton talk about the campaign. I saw Bill and Al Gore several times in Ohio when they were campaigning in 1992 but there is something about listening to the former President of the United States. His comments came from such a wealth of experience this time around. He launched into a tutorial about the mortgage crisis that took my breath away. I wish I could have taken notes. It was an amazing performance. He is so brillant yet manages to connect to the audience in a very sincere way. He said that he spent time attending "little ol meetings in West Virginia and looked in people's eyes and knows that people will support Hillary." You believe him! He said that people "like Hillary" in Florida, West Virginia, and elsewhere and then made a case for her candidacy that was very convincing. Still, I also got a sense of how easily he gets into trouble. He is very free with his criticism of the Obama campaign and makes everything very personal. He told us how he danced for joy when Hillary won so convincingly in Massachusetts despite endorsements for Obama that were supposed to be so influential. He didn't mention Kerry and Kennedy by name, but it was clear that he was thrilled by the result of the contest and that it was very personal--and competitive. Far more than Hillary, he is very emotionally invested. He said that even if we didn't contribute so much to see him that night, he still would've have come to Massachusetts to thank us for such an important victory. He then called out people by name to thank. It was fascinating to hear him talk about the campaign in such personal terms.
I noticed how he lapsed into mentioning "our" campaigan and talking about "us," which I have to admit makes me nervous. While he focused on discussing Hillary's ability to lead the country, you couldn't help but see that this is a joint effort. I'm not sure what to make of it. I was convinced after several intemperate remarks he made about Obama that he was a detriment to the campaign, but after seeing him make such a passionate and articulate plea for Hillary, I'm not so sure. He's great but needs boundaries!
I stood about ten feet from Bill and was entranced by his oft reported charisma. When he looked around the room and pointed to us and said "we're counting on you to go to Pennsylvania, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Indiana," the crowd yelled back that we were going to PA. He did a wonderful job keeping us inspired and invested.
I'll say more about this event and the Team Hillary meeting I'm attending tomorrow night in the next post.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Bill In Boston and on to PA!
I'm beginning to think that the road to the White House is going to go through Boston.
Hillary has been in the city several times and now Bill is on his way. It is my guess that Massachusetts and New York are leading states in fundraising for the Clinton campaign.
I plan to go to Bill's event on March 26 and will report on his comments. I'm sure Bill Richardson's recent endorsement of Obama will be a topic of conversation.
The next day, March 27, I'm going to a Team Hillary party in Newton, MA. I'm sure we will talk about going to Pennsylvania to volunteer. I will report on the mood of the volunteers and our plans to work for Hillary next month. I plan to go to Pennsylvania for several days before the April 22 primary.
Hillary has been in the city several times and now Bill is on his way. It is my guess that Massachusetts and New York are leading states in fundraising for the Clinton campaign.
I plan to go to Bill's event on March 26 and will report on his comments. I'm sure Bill Richardson's recent endorsement of Obama will be a topic of conversation.
The next day, March 27, I'm going to a Team Hillary party in Newton, MA. I'm sure we will talk about going to Pennsylvania to volunteer. I will report on the mood of the volunteers and our plans to work for Hillary next month. I plan to go to Pennsylvania for several days before the April 22 primary.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Red State Strategy
Hi all--
Here is a post from a fellow volunteer in Massachusetts, Mansi Saboori.
The Red States: The central strategic argument of theObama campaign is flawed. Senator Obama argues thathis success in Democratic primary contests held inlong-time Red States means he will carry those statesin a general election. In reality, there are no “RedStates” in a Democratic primary – there are onlyDemocratic voters who live in Republican states andrepresent a small percentage of the general electionpopulation. Of the eleven core Republican states that have gone tothe polls, Sen. Obama has won ten: Utah, Idaho,Nebraska, North Dakota, Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, SouthCarolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. John Kerry lost eachof these states by fifteen points or more. The last time a Democratic nominee won Utah, Idaho,Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas, and Alaska in thegeneral election was 1964. Even if Obama is “transcendent,” as his campaign hasargued, the historic electoral trends and the currentpolitical environment suggest that translating thoseprimary wins into November success will be close toimpossible. In short: Hillary is better positioned to carry thebattle ground states that Democrats need to win inNovember and Obama’s victories in deep red states donot....hillaryclinton.com
Here is a post from a fellow volunteer in Massachusetts, Mansi Saboori.
The Red States: The central strategic argument of theObama campaign is flawed. Senator Obama argues thathis success in Democratic primary contests held inlong-time Red States means he will carry those statesin a general election. In reality, there are no “RedStates” in a Democratic primary – there are onlyDemocratic voters who live in Republican states andrepresent a small percentage of the general electionpopulation. Of the eleven core Republican states that have gone tothe polls, Sen. Obama has won ten: Utah, Idaho,Nebraska, North Dakota, Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, SouthCarolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. John Kerry lost eachof these states by fifteen points or more. The last time a Democratic nominee won Utah, Idaho,Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas, and Alaska in thegeneral election was 1964. Even if Obama is “transcendent,” as his campaign hasargued, the historic electoral trends and the currentpolitical environment suggest that translating thoseprimary wins into November success will be close toimpossible. In short: Hillary is better positioned to carry thebattle ground states that Democrats need to win inNovember and Obama’s victories in deep red states donot....hillaryclinton.com
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Buckeyes for Hillary
I volunteered in Hillary's central headquarters in Columbus, Ohio for five days.
I showed up at the headquarters and started answering the phone at the reception desk and did not stop doing that until I had to leave on Monday. It was a fascinating experience as people for all over the world called the only phone number for the Ohio campaign on Clinton's website. The calls varied from crank (and abusive, sexist)calls to calls from people offering to come to Columbus to volunteer. Close to 600 people came to Ohio to volunteer on the campaign. What astonished me was the number of people calling to give Clinton advice. Callers asked me to either call her to the phone or to take down their suggestions. It was clear to me that many of these people thought I had a direct line to her. I'm sure I talked to at least thirty people from Canada calling to tell Hillary to draw attention to Obama's approach to NAFTA.
From the reception desk, I was able to talk to Ohio voters. The Clinton campaign called voters with a recorded message from Hillary, leaving the campaign headquarters number. People called back returning Hillary's call! I believe that many people thought that she would come to the phone. I would launch into a discussion about why I supported Hillary and tried to convince people who called in to vote for her. Many people told me how much they were struggling economically. I heard several very compelling stories from unemployed and uninsured Ohio voters. People are really hurting.
My impression after talking with people for several days is that Clinton won because of the economy. I don't think that Ohio voters were convinced that Obama had viable economic plans. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland's support and organization didn't hurt either. Strickland had strong support in southern Ohio when he ran for governor; Clinton did very well in southern Ohio.
I also believe that Hillary's army of surrogates made a difference, too. Madeline Albright joined a contingent of female politicians at a women's history event at the University of Toledo with Chelsea Clinton. Former Maryland Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend appeared with Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Stubbs-Jones.
Bill and Hillary both kept up a frantic pace between Texas and Ohio during the week before the primaries. (We had their travel schedules at the desk for the media.) It wasn't unusual for Hillary to appear at four events in Ohio, then leave for Texas the same day. I was glad that she decided to come back to Ohio just before March 4; the staff wasn't sure she was going to get back to Columbus. The campaign scheduled events in Westerville (a suburb outside Columbus), Austintown, Akron, and Cleveland on Sunday, March 2. Hillary asked that a few of the volunteers from Columbus join her on her campaign stops for that day. Mel (short for Melanie, I believe) the volunteer office manager I worked with at the reception desk, was thrilled to be chosen to go. Mel worked at the reception desk from the day the campaign opened an office. There were so many dedicated volunteers in Columbus, primarily women.
The tension between the campaign staff and the volunteers I witnessed in Maine and New Hampshire was clearly present in Ohio. The young staff (from ages 22-28) were dismissive and disrespectul at times. More importantly, volunteers would call the headquarters to complain that the staff in southern Ohio did not deliver canvass lists in the timely way and were unresponsive to volunteers. Staff members would not return phone calls and at times failed to show up at meetings. At times I felt as though I was engaging in conflict mediation between the staff and the volunteers. Mel and I tried to commuicate their concerns to the staff many times. I started answering the phone because I encountered the staff hunched over their computers while one person was trying to answer several phone lines! I answered the phone for eleven hours on Saturday, only taking short breaks. I arrived at 8:30am and did not leave until 9:00pm. I didn't want to leave because I was able to talk to so many Ohio voters. At night I would access the voicemail box and take down messages. The technology is great, but the campaign also needs to follow through when people call. We experienced this problem in Maine, too. People were given a phone number to call for information only to hear that the voice mail box was full. Several people told me that they were going to vote for Hillary because they were able to take with someone (me!) and tired of hearing recorded messages. Technology is not going to win elections. Of course, I'm old. I don't think the young staff would agree with me.
I'll be in Pennsylvania in April. I think I'll skip Mississippi, but I'm tempted to go!
I showed up at the headquarters and started answering the phone at the reception desk and did not stop doing that until I had to leave on Monday. It was a fascinating experience as people for all over the world called the only phone number for the Ohio campaign on Clinton's website. The calls varied from crank (and abusive, sexist)calls to calls from people offering to come to Columbus to volunteer. Close to 600 people came to Ohio to volunteer on the campaign. What astonished me was the number of people calling to give Clinton advice. Callers asked me to either call her to the phone or to take down their suggestions. It was clear to me that many of these people thought I had a direct line to her. I'm sure I talked to at least thirty people from Canada calling to tell Hillary to draw attention to Obama's approach to NAFTA.
From the reception desk, I was able to talk to Ohio voters. The Clinton campaign called voters with a recorded message from Hillary, leaving the campaign headquarters number. People called back returning Hillary's call! I believe that many people thought that she would come to the phone. I would launch into a discussion about why I supported Hillary and tried to convince people who called in to vote for her. Many people told me how much they were struggling economically. I heard several very compelling stories from unemployed and uninsured Ohio voters. People are really hurting.
My impression after talking with people for several days is that Clinton won because of the economy. I don't think that Ohio voters were convinced that Obama had viable economic plans. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland's support and organization didn't hurt either. Strickland had strong support in southern Ohio when he ran for governor; Clinton did very well in southern Ohio.
I also believe that Hillary's army of surrogates made a difference, too. Madeline Albright joined a contingent of female politicians at a women's history event at the University of Toledo with Chelsea Clinton. Former Maryland Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend appeared with Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Stubbs-Jones.
Bill and Hillary both kept up a frantic pace between Texas and Ohio during the week before the primaries. (We had their travel schedules at the desk for the media.) It wasn't unusual for Hillary to appear at four events in Ohio, then leave for Texas the same day. I was glad that she decided to come back to Ohio just before March 4; the staff wasn't sure she was going to get back to Columbus. The campaign scheduled events in Westerville (a suburb outside Columbus), Austintown, Akron, and Cleveland on Sunday, March 2. Hillary asked that a few of the volunteers from Columbus join her on her campaign stops for that day. Mel (short for Melanie, I believe) the volunteer office manager I worked with at the reception desk, was thrilled to be chosen to go. Mel worked at the reception desk from the day the campaign opened an office. There were so many dedicated volunteers in Columbus, primarily women.
The tension between the campaign staff and the volunteers I witnessed in Maine and New Hampshire was clearly present in Ohio. The young staff (from ages 22-28) were dismissive and disrespectul at times. More importantly, volunteers would call the headquarters to complain that the staff in southern Ohio did not deliver canvass lists in the timely way and were unresponsive to volunteers. Staff members would not return phone calls and at times failed to show up at meetings. At times I felt as though I was engaging in conflict mediation between the staff and the volunteers. Mel and I tried to commuicate their concerns to the staff many times. I started answering the phone because I encountered the staff hunched over their computers while one person was trying to answer several phone lines! I answered the phone for eleven hours on Saturday, only taking short breaks. I arrived at 8:30am and did not leave until 9:00pm. I didn't want to leave because I was able to talk to so many Ohio voters. At night I would access the voicemail box and take down messages. The technology is great, but the campaign also needs to follow through when people call. We experienced this problem in Maine, too. People were given a phone number to call for information only to hear that the voice mail box was full. Several people told me that they were going to vote for Hillary because they were able to take with someone (me!) and tired of hearing recorded messages. Technology is not going to win elections. Of course, I'm old. I don't think the young staff would agree with me.
I'll be in Pennsylvania in April. I think I'll skip Mississippi, but I'm tempted to go!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Conversation With Hillary
I attended a "Conversation with Hillary" event last Sunday in downtown Boston. Both the conversation event and the rally afterwards were sold out; I'd say about 1,500 people attended the events. She is doing very well on the fundraising front, which is another aspect of her campaign the media hasn't covered.
In her opening remarks, Clinton mentioned Saturday Night Live's sketch about media bias in favor of Obama. She might be anticipating a shift in media coverage.
During the Q&A period, Clinton mentioned her campaign strategy to focus on bigger states and on blue states. This decision may cost her the nomination. It is clear that Obama's team bought into Howard Dean's "fifty state strategy." If you are interested in Dean's strategy, the plan is posted on the Democratic National Committee website.
The conversations turned quickly to the Obama campaign's literature in Ohio claiming that Clinton has been an unwavering supporter of NAFTA. He is also making claims about her health care plan. Someone from the audience mentioned that the factcheck.org clarifies Clinton's record on NAFTA and disputes Obama's claims about her universal health care plan.
As I have already mentioned in previous posts, Hillary is terrific at campaign rallies. In the conversations setting on Sunday, her sense of humor really came through. Someone asked her about energy, and she said, "Well, if you are referring to the energy it takes to run for president, I need renewable nutrition and renewable sleep." She then launched into a complete discussion of energy policy, placing energy policy in the context of the Bush administration and then referring to the tremendous opportunity Democrats have to go in new directions--she practically jumped in the air when she mentioned this. I have to say it does surprise me to see her so excited about policy!
What was really surprising were her sharp comments about Ralph Nader's announcement that he plans to run for president again. She stated that Nader is the reason we have George W. Bush in the White House.
At both events she focused on health care. In my opinion, she needs to broaden her message at this point. Anyone paying attention to the debates knows about her position on health care, and it is time to stop going into the details about her differences with Obama, which she does over and over again. I think she would be better served in both Texas and Ohio discussing economic policies and reform. Her message hasn't changed hardly at all during the past month. I hope she can set a different tone in Ohio and Texas.
I'm off to Ohio tomorrow.
In her opening remarks, Clinton mentioned Saturday Night Live's sketch about media bias in favor of Obama. She might be anticipating a shift in media coverage.
During the Q&A period, Clinton mentioned her campaign strategy to focus on bigger states and on blue states. This decision may cost her the nomination. It is clear that Obama's team bought into Howard Dean's "fifty state strategy." If you are interested in Dean's strategy, the plan is posted on the Democratic National Committee website.
The conversations turned quickly to the Obama campaign's literature in Ohio claiming that Clinton has been an unwavering supporter of NAFTA. He is also making claims about her health care plan. Someone from the audience mentioned that the factcheck.org clarifies Clinton's record on NAFTA and disputes Obama's claims about her universal health care plan.
As I have already mentioned in previous posts, Hillary is terrific at campaign rallies. In the conversations setting on Sunday, her sense of humor really came through. Someone asked her about energy, and she said, "Well, if you are referring to the energy it takes to run for president, I need renewable nutrition and renewable sleep." She then launched into a complete discussion of energy policy, placing energy policy in the context of the Bush administration and then referring to the tremendous opportunity Democrats have to go in new directions--she practically jumped in the air when she mentioned this. I have to say it does surprise me to see her so excited about policy!
What was really surprising were her sharp comments about Ralph Nader's announcement that he plans to run for president again. She stated that Nader is the reason we have George W. Bush in the White House.
At both events she focused on health care. In my opinion, she needs to broaden her message at this point. Anyone paying attention to the debates knows about her position on health care, and it is time to stop going into the details about her differences with Obama, which she does over and over again. I think she would be better served in both Texas and Ohio discussing economic policies and reform. Her message hasn't changed hardly at all during the past month. I hope she can set a different tone in Ohio and Texas.
I'm off to Ohio tomorrow.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Information on Delegate Count and Campaign in OH, RI, and TX
I have pasted below information from the Clinton campaign sent to me by Massachusetts State Representative Kay Kahn about the current delegate count and the status of the campaign in upcoming primary states. I was canvassing in Warwick, Rhode Island yesterday. What surprised me was how infrequently people mentioned Obama's momentum. The voters I spoke with were either supporting Hillary or still undecided. When we finished the day with a visibility action at a major intersection, women especially were honking their horns and giving us thumbs up signs. Every where I go I encounter women enthusiatically supporting Hillary.
Only a Handful of Delegates Separate the Two Campaigns49% of the Delegates Needed to Secure the Nomination Still up for GrabsThe race between Senators Clinton and Obama is currently a virtual tie,with the campaigns now separated by a small handful of delegates - lessthan 2.5% of the 4,048 delegate votes to be cast at the DemocraticConvention.1 And 16 states and territories have yet to vote - including OH, TX, andPA - which means that 981 pledged delegates are still at stake. To put that in perspective, those 981 pledged delegates represent 48%of the 2,025 delegate votes needed to secure the nomination. To stay up to date and compare fact vs. fiction on delegates and thenominating process, visit our new site www.delegatehub.com. This contest is far from over and our campaign is prepared to go thedistance with its strong political, field and communications programs.Here's a snapshot of key highlights and what we have going on in thestates:$1 Million A DayIn the first 15 days of February, Hillary's supporters contributed $15million to the campaign, and we are already up with full ad buys inTexas, Ohio and Vermont. Hillary Leads in the PollsNew SurveyUSA polls show Hillary ahead of Sen. Obama in key March 4thstates.In Texas, Hillary is up by 5 points among all voters (50-45) and leads2-to-1 among Latino voters (65-32). In Ohio, Hillary is up by 9 points among all voters (52-43) and leadsalmost 2-to-1 among women voters (62-34).Texas - March 4th12 Clinton Campaign Regional Field Offices Open - 11 more opening soon.Over 125 full-time staff on the ground.With over 41,000 volunteers who have signed up online and at localevents, we are building an unmatched grassroots mobilization effort.Field staff and volunteers are making calls and canvassingneighborhoods throughout Texas to get voters to turn out over the 2week early vote period and on March 4, Election Day. In fact, if youread one thing today, check this out: "Hillary drives up turnout onfirst day of early voting, say officials" in Texas. Read more.Recruiting 8000 precinct captains to carry Hillary's banner throughoutthe state.Hillary, President Clinton and Chelsea are barnstorming Texas withReps. Henry Cuellar, Gene Green, Ruben Hinojosa, Silvestre Reyes,Sheila Jackson Lee, and Solomon Ortiz.Ohio - March 4thOpened 20 offices and phonebanks across the state, and have deployedover 100 staff. 26,000 volunteers are hard at work for Hillary in Ohio.Local phone banks, canvassing, and surrogate events are all part of ourlocal grassroots effort. Working closely with Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, John Glenn,Governor Strickland and his political team, Hillary will be travelingthroughout Ohio, and we will be there every step of the way, signing upnew supporters and volunteers. Daily surrogate events in every media market.Rhode Island - March 4thOpened an office in Providence.Deployed 25 staff across the state to focus on Get Out The Voteprograms. Working closely with local Clinton supporters, including SenatorSheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Jim Langevin. As in Texas and Ohio, we will also be running aggressive mail and phoneprograms.And there's more. the Clinton campaign is contesting every state. We have offices and staff in Wyoming, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. Wewill also be announcing new office openings soon in Mississippi, WestVirginia, Kentucky and every state that has yet to hold their caucus orprimary. Finally, there is a way for everyone to get involved. Our campaign hascombined the latest in cutting edge technology with the tried and truegrassroots tactics that have served our party for decades. EveryHillary supporter can log on to HillaryClinton.com today to make phonecalls to targeted voters in Texas, Ohio, and elsewhere.CNN: Obama 1,319 / Clinton 1,250; AP: Obama 1,351 / Clinton 1,262; ABC:Obama 1,361 / Clinton 1,268; CBS: Obama 1,357 / Clinton 1,260.
Only a Handful of Delegates Separate the Two Campaigns49% of the Delegates Needed to Secure the Nomination Still up for GrabsThe race between Senators Clinton and Obama is currently a virtual tie,with the campaigns now separated by a small handful of delegates - lessthan 2.5% of the 4,048 delegate votes to be cast at the DemocraticConvention.1 And 16 states and territories have yet to vote - including OH, TX, andPA - which means that 981 pledged delegates are still at stake. To put that in perspective, those 981 pledged delegates represent 48%of the 2,025 delegate votes needed to secure the nomination. To stay up to date and compare fact vs. fiction on delegates and thenominating process, visit our new site www.delegatehub.com. This contest is far from over and our campaign is prepared to go thedistance with its strong political, field and communications programs.Here's a snapshot of key highlights and what we have going on in thestates:$1 Million A DayIn the first 15 days of February, Hillary's supporters contributed $15million to the campaign, and we are already up with full ad buys inTexas, Ohio and Vermont. Hillary Leads in the PollsNew SurveyUSA polls show Hillary ahead of Sen. Obama in key March 4thstates.In Texas, Hillary is up by 5 points among all voters (50-45) and leads2-to-1 among Latino voters (65-32). In Ohio, Hillary is up by 9 points among all voters (52-43) and leadsalmost 2-to-1 among women voters (62-34).Texas - March 4th12 Clinton Campaign Regional Field Offices Open - 11 more opening soon.Over 125 full-time staff on the ground.With over 41,000 volunteers who have signed up online and at localevents, we are building an unmatched grassroots mobilization effort.Field staff and volunteers are making calls and canvassingneighborhoods throughout Texas to get voters to turn out over the 2week early vote period and on March 4, Election Day. In fact, if youread one thing today, check this out: "Hillary drives up turnout onfirst day of early voting, say officials" in Texas. Read more.Recruiting 8000 precinct captains to carry Hillary's banner throughoutthe state.Hillary, President Clinton and Chelsea are barnstorming Texas withReps. Henry Cuellar, Gene Green, Ruben Hinojosa, Silvestre Reyes,Sheila Jackson Lee, and Solomon Ortiz.Ohio - March 4thOpened 20 offices and phonebanks across the state, and have deployedover 100 staff. 26,000 volunteers are hard at work for Hillary in Ohio.Local phone banks, canvassing, and surrogate events are all part of ourlocal grassroots effort. Working closely with Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, John Glenn,Governor Strickland and his political team, Hillary will be travelingthroughout Ohio, and we will be there every step of the way, signing upnew supporters and volunteers. Daily surrogate events in every media market.Rhode Island - March 4thOpened an office in Providence.Deployed 25 staff across the state to focus on Get Out The Voteprograms. Working closely with local Clinton supporters, including SenatorSheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Jim Langevin. As in Texas and Ohio, we will also be running aggressive mail and phoneprograms.And there's more. the Clinton campaign is contesting every state. We have offices and staff in Wyoming, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. Wewill also be announcing new office openings soon in Mississippi, WestVirginia, Kentucky and every state that has yet to hold their caucus orprimary. Finally, there is a way for everyone to get involved. Our campaign hascombined the latest in cutting edge technology with the tried and truegrassroots tactics that have served our party for decades. EveryHillary supporter can log on to HillaryClinton.com today to make phonecalls to targeted voters in Texas, Ohio, and elsewhere.CNN: Obama 1,319 / Clinton 1,250; AP: Obama 1,351 / Clinton 1,262; ABC:Obama 1,361 / Clinton 1,268; CBS: Obama 1,357 / Clinton 1,260.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Last Night's Debate
Hillary Clinton continued to press her case for universal health care last night, at one point insisting that she be allowed to have time to discuss it further. She mentioned that people she has met on the campaign trail have urged her to fight on their behalf. Viewers might dismiss this plea as the usual campaign hyperbole, but I can tell you that people attending her rallies do ask substantial questions and health care and the economy. I must admit that I was somewhat surprised by the absence of questions about some of the things the media has been emphasizing about her campaign. No one cares about Chris Mathews at these rallies; they are there to talk about the issues. Her rallies include a town hall format that allows people to ask her questions. These discussions have been quite extensive and substantial. After spending so much time and effort discussing the issues, I can understand why she is frustrated by the focus on Obama's charisma and momentum at this point in the campaign.
Hillary usually stays around for about a half an hour after her rallies to continue to talk with people. I believe she is sincere when she talks about fighting for people as "her reason for getting up in the morning." As David Gergen mentioned in his commentary after the debate last night, she needs to convey that she is a fighter. I hope she does.
It will be interesting to see her again in Boston this Sunday. I'll report on the mood of the crowd and whether or not she is adjusting her message in response to last night's debate.
I hope you will post your thoughts about last night's debate.
Hillary usually stays around for about a half an hour after her rallies to continue to talk with people. I believe she is sincere when she talks about fighting for people as "her reason for getting up in the morning." As David Gergen mentioned in his commentary after the debate last night, she needs to convey that she is a fighter. I hope she does.
It will be interesting to see her again in Boston this Sunday. I'll report on the mood of the crowd and whether or not she is adjusting her message in response to last night's debate.
I hope you will post your thoughts about last night's debate.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Campaign in Rhode Island
Hi all--
I went to an organizing meeting for Hillary Clinton in Providence, Rhode Island yesterday.
The meeting was attended by over fifity people; at least half of whom were from Hispanic and African-American communities. Rhode Island state senator Juan Pichardo attended and spoke as well as Congressman James R. Langevin and Mayor of Providence David Cicilline. Roger Lau, director of Hillary Clinton's campaign in New England, expressed confidence that she would win Rhode Island. I'll continue to canvass primarily Hispanic neighborhoods in Providence next week. More later.
Kathleen
I went to an organizing meeting for Hillary Clinton in Providence, Rhode Island yesterday.
The meeting was attended by over fifity people; at least half of whom were from Hispanic and African-American communities. Rhode Island state senator Juan Pichardo attended and spoke as well as Congressman James R. Langevin and Mayor of Providence David Cicilline. Roger Lau, director of Hillary Clinton's campaign in New England, expressed confidence that she would win Rhode Island. I'll continue to canvass primarily Hispanic neighborhoods in Providence next week. More later.
Kathleen
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