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Unity

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Media
Posted on Sat May 03, 2008 at 05:38:07 PM EST
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In the face of some surprising and disappointing endorsements of divisive and false smears, it is important to remember the candidates themselves are much better than some of the activists and bloggers who seem intent on ripping the Democratic Party apart:

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    Unity | 221 comments (221 topical)
    Good stuff (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by andgarden on Sat May 03, 2008 at 05:47:59 PM EST
    Obama's closing comment about W not being on the ballot seems out of place, but overall this is what I like to hear.

    Maybe there's a chance yet for us to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat--from the jaws of victory. :-D

    sounds to me (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Kathy on Sat May 03, 2008 at 05:50:13 PM EST
    like O has a new tune here--am I wrong?  I admit I don't usually listen to him, but my partner is on the phone and Tivo is paused so I thought why not, and the stuff O is saying seems like he's moving toward the middle, maybe cutting his losses and making it known he'd be willing to take the number two slot.  Or am I just making that up?

    From my recollection, the last JJ dinner at which he spoke, he mostly talked about how wonderful he was and bashed Clinton a little, then was gone in a puff of smoke.

    [ Parent ]

    I think you're just making it up ;-) (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by andgarden on Sat May 03, 2008 at 05:51:56 PM EST
    Though I have rarely heard him talk about Democratic unity before, so that's a welcome change.

    [ Parent ]
    It's not a new tune. (none / 0) (#9)
    by Faust on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:04:24 PM EST
    It's just that a lot of good things that these candidates say gets tuned out by the opposing side.

    [ Parent ]
    Obama has bashed the Clinton admin (5.00 / 7) (#14)
    by Josey on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:33:54 PM EST
    repeatedly. And now his young impressionable supporters believe the Clinton admin was evil and did nothing for the Democratic Party, America, or the world.
    Obama has given the GOP many ads.


    [ Parent ]
    I don't entirely disagree (none / 0) (#21)
    by Faust on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:55:33 PM EST
    I think Obama went too far with his "everything has been the same forever" lines.

    Both sides have given the GOP plenty of fodder. Both camps regularly spew right wing talking points when talking about the other side.

    "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" has produced many ironies and strange bedfellows this primary season.

    [ Parent ]

    I disagree with this part: (5.00 / 4) (#54)
    by eleanora on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:31:24 PM EST
    "Both camps regularly spew right wing talking points when talking about the other side."

    Whenever I ask an Obama supporter to supply examples of how HRC has done this, they tell me her questioning Obama's qualifications is just what the RW will do. Well, yeah... but he has to get through his Democratic opponents doing that first, just as Kerry, Edwards, Dean, Clark et al did last time. That's what primaries are designed for, to pick the best qualified candidate.

    Contrasting experience and qualifications isn't the same thing as using anti-Democratic talking points like Harry&Louise, Reagan was the best president, Republicans are better on National Defense and the economy, and "Social Security is in crisis."

    And nobody ever gives the GOP fodder; they find it or make it up all by themselves.

    [ Parent ]

    Exactly (5.00 / 1) (#218)
    by JavaCityPal on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:52:21 AM EST
    and Obama feeds that entire scenario.  He displays annoyed impatience when asked about his experience, qualifications, plans for change, connection to people who are not considered good for the safety, security, and attitude of this country.  These aren't unfair, unreasonable, or negative questions.

    He spent months screaming for disclosures of the Clinton's tax returns, earmarks, Bill's library donations. Not because they needed to release them, but because he intended to paint them as dishonest, untrustworthy, hiding illegal activities, etc.  Nothing surfaced to support that, but those negative numbers on Hillary sure did stick.

    [ Parent ]

    "I will have to think about it" (none / 0) (#204)
    by Leisa on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:08:56 PM EST
    Michelle O did say that when asked if she would support Hillary if she were the nominee.

    I think that Obama is getting some pressure to be VP.  His and Michelle's body language after the loss in Penn has shown much...  That is also when his tone changed.

    Anyway, I think that the smartest thing Obama can do to prove he is a man of his word would be to accept the VP spot on the ticket.  They can win and Americans will have a greater opportunity to get to know and trust him better.

    To me, this is the Republicans worst fear and the strongest ticket the Dems can offer.

    [ Parent ]

    He also admitted (none / 0) (#205)
    by cal1942 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:14:40 PM EST
    that there are significant policy differences (like him being generally annoyed about having to have policy positions at all) between he and Clinton.

    One difference here is that he spoke after Hillary and could hardly resort to his usual tactics after her call for unity.

    I also understand (via corrente) that his supporters erupted in an Obama chant while Hillary was speaking and booed when she acknowledged Governor Easley who endorsed her.

    http://www.correntewire.com/stay_classy_obamaites

    Not shown in the clip was whether he admonished his supporters for the classless treatment they gave Hillary.

    If he didn't then he's revealed yet again that he is unsuited to high office.

    [ Parent ]

    He never does (5.00 / 3) (#207)
    by Leisa on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:18:14 PM EST
    admonish his supporters for anything.  That is why they behave the way they do.  

    Hate feeds the machine.  It is volatile and explosive...  Just the tool he needs.

    [ Parent ]

    It is (5.00 / 1) (#221)
    by kenoshaMarge on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:48:54 AM EST
    actions like this by his supporters that make it so hard to separate a dislike for some of his policies or issues and a rabid dislike for his supporters. It ends up all running together to the point that some of us, many of us, can no longer even bear to listen to him.

    I also think it was sheer unadulterated stupidity on the part of those of his supporters that booed a popular "Democratic" Governor simply because he supports Hillary Clinton. Isn't there some cliche about all politics being local? And isn't booing a popular local pol kinda dumb?

    [ Parent ]

    What? (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Cate on Sat May 03, 2008 at 05:55:32 PM EST
    Obama says he hopes Hillary supporters will support Obama "supporters" ?? Did I hear that correctly?

    Again with the hope (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:40:37 PM EST
    He better do a little more than hope we support him.  He better give me a good reason to do so.  VP Hillary Clinton would be a good start.

    [ Parent ]
    VP Hillary? (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by sas on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:56:07 PM EST
    No it must be Hillary with VP Obama.

    Why would she accept 2nd spot to an inferior candidate?

    [ Parent ]

    I would much prefer that (none / 0) (#25)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:58:51 PM EST
    but the more I see of Dean and the SD's idiotic decision making processes, the more I am convinced they will never let her be the nominee.

    [ Parent ]
    I don't think she should (5.00 / 3) (#28)
    by themomcat on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:04:07 PM EST
    accept the VP spot if it is offered and I really don't believe that Obama would offer. I think that she would be more affective in the Senate as Majority leader.
    / "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." Macbeth, Wm. Shakespeare
    [ Parent ]
    That's also true (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:06:01 PM EST
    I'd be happy with that too. But I think she has more luck with actual voters than with the  Dem power structure right now.  The same senatorial SDs who are not supporting her for pres may not support her for Sen Majority Leader either.

    [ Parent ]
    but if we can get rid of that (5.00 / 3) (#61)
    by DJ on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:37:52 PM EST
    particular democratic structure?  Whatever democrat wants to run against pelosi and group, please speak up..I will write out a check right now.

    [ Parent ]
    God yes (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:07:48 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Hillary (5.00 / 2) (#122)
    by AnninCA on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:47:21 PM EST
    will never be VP.  She's heads above him.  She'd go crazy, first of all, watching him screw it up.  

    She's alpha.  THAT much even the men have gotten in this election.

    I'm guessing a lot of men are starting to understand Bill a lot better.  LOL*

    She's definitely alpha.

    [ Parent ]

    Hillary (none / 0) (#123)
    by AnninCA on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:47:21 PM EST
    will never be VP.  She's heads above him.  She'd go crazy, first of all, watching him screw it up.  

    She's alpha.  THAT much even the men have gotten in this election.

    I'm guessing a lot of men are starting to understand Bill a lot better.  LOL*

    She's definitely alpha.

    [ Parent ]

    i would hope that (5.00 / 7) (#24)
    by misspeach2008 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:58:14 PM EST
    she would refuse.  The more highly-competent woman playing second fiddle to the less-experienced man would not sit well with many women.

    [ Parent ]
    I would rather see Hillary (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:01:29 PM EST
    than some even less qualified conventional white guy. I think she would take it, and I think she should.  She would be a very powerful VP, with her own built-in constituency.  She is the only one who can stiffen Obama's spine on the issues we care about.  She cannot be ignored.

    [ Parent ]
    If Obama (5.00 / 7) (#33)
    by misspeach2008 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:08:01 PM EST
    needs Clinton to "stiffen his spine", then he shouldn't have the job. She wouldn't need him to stiffen hers.  But I like "spineless" as a adjective to describe him.  It fits.

    [ Parent ]
    In my head it goes without saying (none / 0) (#38)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:12:39 PM EST
    that he shouldn't have the job!

    I'm just playing out worst case scenarios.  I must be feeling morbid tonight.

    [ Parent ]

    Really? (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:16:46 PM EST
    You think this completely arrogant guy would listen to anything from Clinton?  Only if (as he's doing here) he realizes HE is on the line, but I don't think it would happen a minute until then.

    [ Parent ]
    I think Pelosi want this slot.. (none / 0) (#206)
    by Leisa on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:15:03 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    There Is Only So Much I'm Willing To Do (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by MO Blue on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:28:46 PM EST
    for my counting and supporting Obama supporters like those who interrupted Hillary's speech with shouts of Obama and booing Gov. Easly is not one of them.

    [ Parent ]
    That behavior has happened too many times (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Cream City on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:34:26 PM EST
    at caucuses, from what I read -- and again at the National Press Club for Rev. Wright there.  Their hosts, the media, were pretty appalled, and especially by the behavior toward the young USA Today reporter/moderator by Wright and his audience.

    [ Parent ]
    The media was appalled? (5.00 / 1) (#166)
    by kenosharick on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:25:19 PM EST
    I thought they were cheering and then went back to writing stories about Obama's "juggernaut" "insurmountable lead" and planning where they will build the first statue for "saint barack"

    [ Parent ]
    Replacing Bush Thugs With Obama Thugs (4.66 / 3) (#66)
    by MO Blue on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:47:30 PM EST
    is not something I find appealing.

    [ Parent ]
    Edit - Need New Glasses (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by MO Blue on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:45:19 PM EST
    should read

    There is only so much I'm willing to do for my country

    [ Parent ]

    Stuttered (none / 0) (#12)
    by rangerkeeper on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:21:49 PM EST
    He kinda stuttered with that line, just didn't come out correctly, I wouldn't read anything into it.

    [ Parent ]
    Some people say... (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by wasabi on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:07:53 PM EST
    "They say, boy this campaign has been going on a long time, and maybe we're getting divided.  Will the Obama supporters support Hillary, or will the Hillary supporters support the Obama supporters?"

    Where have I heard this before?  Questioning whether one's supporters will back the other candidates in the general?  Hmmm.

    But good to see that they are both singing the same tune now.  It's about time.

    Unofficial results from Guam.  Obama by 50.1%.

    CNN (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by sas on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:27:47 PM EST
    says that Obama wins Guam by 7 votes.  7 votes?

    I guess I did not misread it if you sat he got 50.1%.

    After he was supposed to cruise there?

    He was up in Indiana by 5 not too long ago, and now trails by about as much.  NC is tightening.

    Maybe he does see the need to talk unity if things are really getting this close.  Is the writing on the wall for him?


    [ Parent ]

    it could be an omen (none / 0) (#32)
    by diplomatic on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:07:32 PM EST
    Clinton practically didn't even try in Guam.  I am surprised by her "bounce" out of Pennsylvania.

    [ Parent ]
    Ah, but Bill called a radio station in Guam (none / 0) (#39)
    by Cream City on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:13:08 PM EST
    -- I read about it, and it was a hoot.  Great excitement in Guam, headlines in the print media, too, because Bill actually picked up a phone and called Guam last week!  And stayed on talk radio there for a while, as Bill does like to talk. . . .

    The story said that no president or former president had called Guam before.  It sounded like none ever has gone there, either.  Terrible treatment of our territories.  I want both Clintons in Puerto Rico!

    [ Parent ]

    They've both been there already (none / 0) (#42)
    by diplomatic on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:17:15 PM EST
    Chelsea was just in P.R. last week and Bill was there last month.  woot.

    [ Parent ]
    Excellent! I do wonder why Obama (none / 0) (#48)
    by Cream City on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:24:14 PM EST
    went to the Virgin Islands on his vacation, instead of Puerto Rico.  (Frankly, I couldn't figure why he went on vacation at all, with the Pennsylvania primary looming.  Not the time to take a week off.  Clinton used it well. :-)

    [ Parent ]
    That did seem a little retro Bush. n/t (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by Lil on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:29:04 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Wonder If He Becomes President (none / 0) (#86)
    by MO Blue on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:20:07 PM EST
    if he will try to  break Bush's record on number of vacation days.

    [ Parent ]
    I woudn't begrudge him (none / 0) (#87)
    by themomcat on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:20:39 PM EST
    a vacation. He does have young children that need to see their dad once in awhile.
    / "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." Macbeth, Wm. Shakespeare
    [ Parent ]
    I don't begrudge (none / 0) (#151)
    by misspeach2008 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:03:45 PM EST
    him the vacation either, but what if a female candidate took a few days off to spend with her kids?  Guess we have to wait until we get "old" to run.

    [ Parent ]
    Voting Rights (none / 0) (#175)
    by halstoon on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:42:28 PM EST
    Clinton made quite a pitch to Guam. And it would seem PR, DC, everybody? How many new states would she add?

    [ Parent ]
    7 CAUCUS votes (none / 0) (#95)
    by zyx on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:26:00 PM EST
    whatever that means--it is gibberish to me.

    I had heard that Obama was favored there, but not how much or why.  I doubt that there was much (any?) polling done.  Was he favored because Guam is nearer to Hawaii than to New York?  

    [ Parent ]

    He Expected To Win By 10-11% Per (none / 0) (#142)
    by MO Blue on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:58:04 PM EST
    his spreadsheet.

    [ Parent ]
    Ha. (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:38:51 PM EST
    'Some people' meaning him and his wife.

    Glad to see him changing his tune.  Guess he felt like Hillary was scoring points by singing this tune louder recently.

    [ Parent ]

    So, let me get this right (5.00 / 8) (#11)
    by MichaelGale on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:21:44 PM EST
    The candidate knows what he reads in the papers, hears on television and what friends read on the internet and he says we need party unity? He's scared; that's why he is mouthing these words.

    I am supportive of all who decide to vote for him but I think it will be difficult for women to follow this rhetoric. Sort of like an abused woman. I forgive the blogs for their sickness in bashing women but that's ok. For party unity, I'll vote for him. Oh...I also forgive Donna Brazill and the DNC for setting it up so I didn't have a vote in Florida for the primary and for manipulating the election.

    A ..huh.  When h*** freezes over.

    I think hell (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by misspeach2008 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:43:55 PM EST
    is experiencing global warming, too.

    [ Parent ]
    good point (none / 0) (#78)
    by AnninCA on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:06:01 PM EST
    there.  Some things are more important than my pride, I suppose.

    signed.....

    but I still insist I'm Independent!

    [ Parent ]

    Was it Obama supporters on the DNC (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by Josey on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:46:49 PM EST
    that decided FL and MI would lose all delegates rather than 1/2 as the rules state?
    Guess they knew he couldn't win either state.

    [ Parent ]
    Bingo! (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by cal1942 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:56:10 PM EST
    You're right on the mark Josey.

    [ Parent ]
    Why, yes, yes it was Obamans (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Cream City on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:26:36 PM EST
    who sponsored the amendment to change the party roolz, who spoke forcefully for it, etc.

    And it was good Don Fowler, one of the loyal folk who worked for the party in the Bill Clinton years, who was the only one at the meeting to speak up and say that amending the rules to strip all of the delegates from FL and MI would be unwise of the party to do.  He was, of course, entirely ignored by the fools.

    [ Parent ]

    Like this? (none / 0) (#180)
    by halstoon on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:49:54 PM EST
    Does this guy qualify as one of the people "intent on ripping the Democratic Party apart"?

    [ Parent ]
    I didn't listen to this (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by kayla on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:36:04 PM EST
    because I cannot stand his voice.  But I did happen upon some live video of him today on CNN and he sounded good.  Changed the stump speech a little and spoke about real people and real issues.  I was impressed.

    I'm glad he has a more unifying message, even if I can't stand to listen to it...

    Can we have make-up sex now? (5.00 / 1) (#134)
    by lambert on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:53:48 PM EST
    I don't care about a speech on unity.

    Ask for my vote on POLICY. Fixing his broken health care plan would be a good start.

    And internally, his campaign could find out who's ratf**king Hillary with doctored videos, and get them to stop.

    FIne words butter no parsnips.

    [ Parent ]

    Me too (none / 0) (#163)
    by Edgar08 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:21:21 PM EST
    His speechifying cadences is, we don't need a preacher in the White House.


    [ Parent ]
    You are in good hands with AllState.. (none / 0) (#208)
    by Leisa on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:22:39 PM EST
    That is the voice I hear.  His voice makes me feel sleepy or content, knowing that all will be ok regardless of the tornado hitting my home...  I am in good hands  ;)  Yikes!

    [ Parent ]
    What about Michelle? (5.00 / 6) (#20)
    by karen for Clinton on Sat May 03, 2008 at 06:53:28 PM EST
    She said on Larry King she didn't know if she could support Hillary.

    Unity, count me out Obummer.  I passed the I will "hold my nose and vote for him" option some time back in January.  I wouldn't vote for him now if I they payed me to.

    Yes, (5.00 / 3) (#35)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:10:15 PM EST
    I'm still smarting from the:

    (paraphrasing) "I think her voters will vote for me, but mine won't vote for her" garbage.  Hillary never said anything like that.  And praising Republicans at the expense of Democrats is another unforgiveableness.

    He reminds me of my bratty nephew who thought he could treat people any way he wanted and they'd still treat him well. Relatives started giving him a rough time and suddenly he became nicey-nicey.  Many of the bridges were already burned.  He would have to redeem himself a whole lot more before his own sh*t-upon relatives would respect him again.

    Back to Obama:
    I think this speech should have been given in January/February, rather than the words I paraphrased above.

    Now, sorry, big guy Obama, the bridges from your own behavior are already burned and you have nobody to blame but yourself.

    [ Parent ]

    Wasn't that GMA? (none / 0) (#27)
    by lilburro on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:04:04 PM EST
    or is she saying it in other outlets?  I know she said it in January on Good Morning America.  I would be unpleasantly surprised to know that she is still doing so.

    [ Parent ]
    She hasn't said it again, I suspect, but (none / 0) (#51)
    by Cream City on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:27:50 PM EST
    until she rescinds it, and she ought to apologize for it . . . it stands.  So I haven't changed my stand on the Other Obama saying it, and it tells me what to do.

    [ Parent ]
    she ought to at least say she misspoke. (none / 0) (#56)
    by Lil on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:32:56 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Larry King (none / 0) (#219)
    by karen for Clinton on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:30:39 AM EST
    She was much more direct on GMA.

    On Larry King when asked about the first strong female candidate she said something about she believed with all her heart that Obama is the ONLY person in this contest that could unite the country or the party or something like that.

    Don't remember if Edwards was still in it then.

    They were pushing the Unity theme that week. The Judgment theme was also short lived.  

    They were always giving backhanded compliments and never showed a drop of respect to Bill or Hillary that I saw.  

    The remark that sums up his "boneheaded" off the cuff nasty remarks is "you're likable enough."

    [ Parent ]

    Paid you? (none / 0) (#185)
    by halstoon on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:54:57 PM EST
    Not even for like $5? ;o)

    A wise man said "it is important to remember the candidates themselves are much better than..." well...you.

    [ Parent ]

    Is the new definition of "Unity" (5.00 / 9) (#31)
    by LatinoVoter on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:06:29 PM EST
    Hillary getting shouted down by chants of "O-Buh-MA! when she's talking and the mention of the NC Gov getting booed by Obama supporters and Obama making no mention of the behavior of his people in the audience?

    Hrm.

    Stay classy, Obamaites!

    He does have an extremely high percentage (5.00 / 2) (#46)
    by Joan in VA on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:23:00 PM EST
    of the immature amongst his supporters. The new average age of commenters at DailyObama seems to be about 13. This crowd in the vid was also extremely rude as well. Not a good combination.

    [ Parent ]
    Speaking of classy, this one made me laugh (none / 0) (#47)
    by ding7777 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:24:05 PM EST
    It's a fact that most of Hillary Clinton's supporters are lower class, un-educated, and never went to college (Dailykos.com)


    [ Parent ]
    My, such a classy diarist (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by Cream City on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:32:05 PM EST
    that -- check the history -- s/he had a first diary disappeared there.  It seems, from its header that remains, to have reported that McCain has cancer.

    Classy punctuation, too, in said diarist's detritus.  A friend of mine used to describe such overuse of the exclamation mark as "sorority-style writing."

    [ Parent ]

    well there are four degrees (none / 0) (#60)
    by DJ on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:36:01 PM EST
    between the two of us (clinton supporters) two bachelors, one masters, one phd, 41, and 40, but one of us is a woman guess that discounts us both.

    [ Parent ]
    And there (none / 0) (#69)
    by sas on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:50:23 PM EST
    are three degrees here held by 2 Clinton supporters a Master's and a Bachelor's.

    Let 'em say what they want - calling us dumb ticks us all off all the more....they'll need us later though, ....OOPS!...too late.

    [ Parent ]

    3 degrees here (none / 0) (#113)
    by Cream City on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:44:00 PM EST
    through doctorate -- after three previous careers, including in media -- and a post-doc since, too.  And my research involves politics, race, and gender.  And I've been an activist in politics for decades.

    But yeh, I'm so dumb, so low-info about it all, that I really need some diarist at the orange place to tell me what to do with my ballot.   And my bucks -- I just got another call from Clinton's campaign, and I just gave another donation.

    That donation is in the faces of the fools who don't know how to behave before fine public servants -- plus national tv.  I actually hope they're just Dems for a Day, as I sure don't want them on tv from Denver, too, disgracing the party.  And their candidate.  Does he ever tell them to represent his campaign and his purported party better than this?

    [ Parent ]

    love you. n/t (none / 0) (#181)
    by DJ on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:51:26 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Obama rules re: college degrees (none / 0) (#188)
    by noholib on Sat May 03, 2008 at 10:03:56 PM EST
    I guess the Ph.D. degrees of many Clinton supporters don't count, because according to Obama rules, we're all uneducated and bitter. We simply haven't seen the light yet and come to the savior.  

    [ Parent ]
    The media is not focusing on people like you. (none / 0) (#199)
    by halstoon on Sat May 03, 2008 at 10:33:23 PM EST
    Not in support of Hillary. Right now it is about how the poorest white people are voting, and they don't have degrees, don't read blogs, and might not even be online. They are susceptible to the worst tricks, and they are not predisposed to vote for Obama. They are, however, being touted as the one nut Obama just can't crack and thus he cannot win. That is how the media--of which you are an expert--portrays it, imho.

    The post being commented from DKos looks as though it were written by someone with a similar education level to those voters, only in this case the voter is black, and people here pounced with great joy; you piled on, strutting your own feathers in the process.

    I would expect better from you, Cream.

    [ Parent ]

    and love you too n/t (none / 0) (#182)
    by DJ on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:51:55 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Don't you know (none / 0) (#167)
    by lilburro on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:25:33 PM EST
    all Obama's college student supporters already have degrees???  Or...something???

    [ Parent ]
    Ummmmm (none / 0) (#115)
    by AnninCA on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:45:24 PM EST
    I don't think he could scold them or should.

    These are adults.

    [ Parent ]

    Really? (none / 0) (#153)
    by misspeach2008 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:06:34 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Just words, imo (5.00 / 4) (#34)
    by diplomatic on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:09:10 PM EST
    I'm not buying it anymore, quite frankly.

    Too many speeches contradicted by actions.

    Me neither.... (4.50 / 2) (#94)
    by p lukasiak on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:25:53 PM EST
    Mr. "post-racial" is allowing the most despicable kinds of race-pimping imaginable -- its everywhere, including mainstream outlets at this point (Becky Reed at The Nation, some guy at the Times, etc).  

    There is simply nothing more damaging to racial reconciliation and "getting over race" than false accusations of racism, and right now Obama's supporters are doing it in droves, and he doesn't seem to mind one bit.

    And its why I think he's unelectable -- while I think that Obama can probably get most of his supporters to vote for Clinton simply by telling them to, much of the support that Clinton is now getting are people who will not vote for Obama in the fall because of all the race-pimping they see.  

    [ Parent ]

    The minute they started that (5.00 / 1) (#148)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:00:04 PM EST
    before SC, I kissed Independents goodbye in the GE. They may be able to guilt some Dems and win primaries with the phony racism charges, but Independents will just walk away in the GE- especially if they have their so-called Maverick hero McCain greeting them on the other side.  Nothing is more toxic.

    [ Parent ]
    Surprise!!!!!! (none / 0) (#136)
    by lambert on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:55:04 PM EST
    Obama's taking the high road!!!!!!

    Film at 11.....

    [ Parent ]

    Too little too late (5.00 / 5) (#36)
    by mm on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:10:28 PM EST
    Get back to me when he gets on his knees and apologizes to President Clinton.

    Unity anecdote (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by magster on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:15:31 PM EST
    At the Colorado 6th Congressional District convention, the two factions were unified by boredom and ineffeciency into removing from the agenda the Clinton and Obama speakers so we could move to vote.  During a long delay, an Obama supporting pilates teacher gave an impromptu yoga class to a bleacher section of Clinton and Obama supporters alike.

    I certainly didn't see the blogosphere rancor amongst real people.

    We nominated Hank Eng (great guy) to run for the seat being vacated by Tancredo.

    And I found out I won't be going to the national convention as a delegate.  :(

    That's too bad, magster :( (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by eleanora on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:46:21 PM EST
    I'll bet you would have done a great job advocating for your guy. But I'm glad to hear your convention went well! Seems like the caucus problems depended on where you live. I have Clinton supporting relatives in three districts in WA, one district in NV, and two in ID-- some had a great time, others left in fury after being shouted at and derided, and my cousin and his partner ended up helping a new Obama supporting chair run their usual voting place smoothly and easily. Big turnouts for the caucuses seems to have thrown a lot of people off this year, lots of newcomers who changed the usual chemistry.

    [ Parent ]
    I'll say only this... (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by white n az on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:22:48 PM EST
    why did it take him this long to say this?

    What took him so long? (5.00 / 3) (#139)
    by lambert on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:56:28 PM EST
    He'd never experienced the fear of losing, and he never needed to until now.

    Now he wants to appeal to loyal Dems from the base, instead of Republicans and independents, so he wants to shift his message.

    "Honey, I've changed!"

    [ Parent ]

    More like "Honey, I shrunk the base!" (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:01:16 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    Although I don't agree with the Clintonites (none / 0) (#155)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:07:30 PM EST
    in the polls who say they won't vote for him if he is the nominee, I'm glad they answered the polls that way. I hope it is just a reflection of the heat of the moment, but it does seem to have put the fear of god into him.

    [ Parent ]
    which g-d? (none / 0) (#159)
    by white n az on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:10:22 PM EST
    the Christian one or the Muslim one?

    ;-)

    [ Parent ]

    Whichever one is in charge (5.00 / 1) (#165)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:22:43 PM EST
    of d**ning America.

    [ Parent ]
    Money where mouth is (5.00 / 3) (#62)
    by Foxx on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:41:41 PM EST
    If he backs this up by advocating for seating FL and MI NOW not later I'll pay attention.

    This ship has sailed for me (5.00 / 2) (#70)
    by miguelito on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:51:41 PM EST
    It's too late for me.  The only thing I know for certain in November is that I will not be voting for Obama.  More because of Dean, Pelosi, Kennedy and their ilk (who escaped blame on BTD's post) than Obama's ineptitude.

    His (5.00 / 3) (#90)
    by sas on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:22:23 PM EST
    back is to the wall.  He knows he is damaged goods and needs every vote he can get.  So now he preaches unity?  He wants to win us over.

    Puh-leeze.

    Bingo (5.00 / 1) (#157)
    by lambert on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:08:31 PM EST
    When your opponent's drowning, throw him an anvil.

    [ Parent ]
    Unifying people is what he brags about most (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by ruffian on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:50:52 PM EST
    So let's see what he's got. From the looks of this thread he's got a long way to go.

    I agree with those who say he needs to start by talking to his own supporters, not the Clinton supporters. He has (at best) turned his back and benefited from the utter disrespect they have shown Clinton. This is what has caused the most anger and solidified her support among many of us. I really don't know what he can possibly do to fix this at this late date.  We will know it is insincere if Kos and the rest start changing their tune.

    Typo? (none / 0) (#214)
    by lambert on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:01:32 AM EST
    "Insincere" or "sincere"?

    [ Parent ]
    I wish to remind people that like in unions (5.00 / 1) (#154)
    by Florida Resident on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:06:59 PM EST
    the leaders of organization such as NARAL, Planned Parenthood, etc. are not always making their decisions based on real data but on what they think is politically convenient for them.  That is why SEIU and others backed Obama when they thought he was a shoo-in to win, even though he called Unions Special Interest Groups and derided them.  The same way NARAL and Planned Parenthood backed Lieberman even though when it counted during the attempt to filibuster Alito's confirmation he voted the wrong way.  

    Salvation by works (5.00 / 1) (#217)
    by lambert on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:16:27 AM EST
    Rhetoric from Obama on unity means nothing, since rhetoric from Obama means nothing, by definition. I mean, that's why a lot of us are here, right?

    So, how about something we can verify? I can think of three suggestions for Obama to lead the party toward unity, instead of meta-leading the party to talking about unity:

    1. Something concrete on policy. Rather than running Harry & Louise ads, why not have Obama fix his broken health care plan? If he's got issues with how the mandate's implemented, than fix the mandate's implementation and stop demagoging.

    2. Alternatively, get the OFB under control. The doctored "War Room" video was a true "dirty trick" in the Nixonian mode. Against a Democrat. [Please, OFB, STFU about the 3AM ad or whatever. That's just a hard hit, not even a foul. This is cheating.]

    When Obama talks unity and dirty tricks happen, he's p*ssing on me and telling me it's raining.

    3. Alternatively, propose a fair resolution of MI and FL. Hint: 50/50 isn't fair.

    Fine words butter no parsnips.

    Sorry, but sitting it out is unacceptable (4.75 / 4) (#50)
    by pluege on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:26:49 PM EST
    anyone who thinks either Obama or HRC aren't leagues better than more years of destruction, fear-mongering, endless war, lawlessness, ignorance, and plutocracy under the breathtakingly stupid, duplicitous, and disingenuous chief republican loon mccain is staggeringly and sadly disconnected from reality or has cognitive defects beyond repair.

    But more than anything, not supporting either Obama or HRC... not supporting the democrat to defeat mccain is just pure unadulterated callousness for the thousands that will die unnecessarily under 4 or 8 more years of republican rule.

    Everyone that has an ounce of consideration for humanity needs to just stuff their egos, hold their nose if they have to and vote for the democrat - their is no other option.

    You (5.00 / 3) (#72)
    by sas on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:54:48 PM EST
    do what you want.

    I don't need to be lectured about what to do.  I have voted for Democrats through thick and thin since 1971.  

    From now on, the Democrats have to earn my vote.

    [ Parent ]

    I'll second that! That was the year I cast my (4.66 / 3) (#111)
    by DeborahNC on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:43:41 PM EST
    first vote, and I have never voted Republican, ever; but, the manipulation and bias that is evident in this primary election is a bit more than I'm willing to accept. It seems to me a large coalition of Dems are holding a big grudge against the Clintons and are using the voters as chips in their little game. It's unconscionable for party leaders to disenfranchise voters in two states. And, it is petty and undemocratic.

    Further, Mr. Unity is riding that wave to the shore. If that behavior is supposed to represent unity, I want no part of it!

    [ Parent ]

    And so is decades (4.20 / 5) (#57)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:33:06 PM EST
    of more disenfranchisement of voters (ala Fl/Mi) okay?  Don't you think the garbage the DNC has pulled this time could eventually get really dangerous if we say, "oh well, we'll vote for you anyway?"

    There is no guarantee that any candidate will get us out of Iraq any time soon.  There is no guarantee that Obama wouldn't do anything McCain would do given that he praises Republicans (did so last Sunday) for things that people like Krugman find absolutely abhorent.

    [ Parent ]

    What if the Prince gravels to the Queen? (none / 0) (#68)
    by feet on earth on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:49:20 PM EST
    "He who blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher, must thereafter fall with the greatest loss." --Niccolo Machiavelli, the Prince

    [ Parent ]
    But the DNC has proven that they are (none / 0) (#71)
    by Joan in VA on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:53:59 PM EST
    incapable of learning anything in defeat. I don't think they're going to get any "message" when/if  O loses.

    [ Parent ]
    That would be true (3.00 / 2) (#59)
    by misspeach2008 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:35:34 PM EST
    if I believed that Obama is a Democrat, but I no longer do.  

    [ Parent ]
    I second that (5.00 / 1) (#63)
    by dissenter on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:44:11 PM EST
    No vote from me.

    [ Parent ]
    Then you are in plain disagreement (none / 0) (#67)
    by andgarden on Sat May 03, 2008 at 07:47:52 PM EST
    with your candidate. Maybe you should consider why.

    [ Parent ]
    We aren't campaigning (5.00 / 2) (#98)
    by Coldblue on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:32:11 PM EST
    ...pretty simple, don't you agree?

    [ Parent ]
    Hillary Clinton (4.00 / 4) (#85)
    by misspeach2008 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:19:02 PM EST
    is a member of the Democratic Party establishment, and although they have treated her in a way that deserves contempt, her party loyalty is important to her. I owe no such loyalty to the party.  I have been voting for Democrats since 1972, and this year they have shown me that my vote is irrelevant.  If I really believed that Barack Obama would be a better President than John McCain, I would vote my own self-interests this time and consider my options for the future.  But the God's gospel truth is that I DON"T believe that Obama would be a better choice than John McCain so this is the year to draw the line in the sand. I don't believe that the Republicans are better at regulating business as Obama does.  I don't like Obama's connections to the nuclear power industry. I believe that a bandaided health care policy instead of full universal care will prevent us from doing it the right way for a long time to come.  I don't think that we should privatize social security. I think our children deserve good public schools and real sex education, etc, etc, etc.  . Will John McCain try to do things that I don't agree with?  Most definitely, but it will be a real Republican and not a faux Democrat doing it. Long term I believe that McCain will do less damage, and it won't keep us out  of the White House in 2012.

    [ Parent ]
    This is what it comes down to for me: (5.00 / 6) (#93)
    by Kathy on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:25:30 PM EST
    I can easily see Pelosi et al supporting anti-choice but otherwise liberal judges (to "grow" the party) that Obama might nominate, but I see them fighting tooth and nail to stop an anti-choice but otherwise conservative McCain nominee.  

    With a republican as their common enemy, the democrats can unite and fight.  Especially if Clinton takes over in the senate and actually moves her agendas forward.  The current dems in power have basically laid down in the street for Bush and waited for the steamroller to come.

    Clinton would change all of that on either side--as president or as senate majority leader.  She's not going to stop fighting if she loses the nom.  She will keep pushing for dem values and pushing for the dem party.

    Does anyone think Obama will do the same when he loses the nom?  He'll just go back to being the junior senator from IL?  I predict he'll call in the rest of his term, then go back to being a professional board member.

    [ Parent ]

    This (none / 0) (#96)
    by andgarden on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:28:45 PM EST
    But the God's gospel truth is that I DON"T believe that Obama would be a better choice than John McCain
    Is beyond idiotic. You need only look to the Supreme Court to understand why.

    Hillary gets this, and you do not.

    [ Parent ]

    Has (5.00 / 4) (#104)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:37:25 PM EST
    Obama said that he would put pro choice judges on the bench? I haven't heard him say that and I think that he's too afraid to say something like that. I've asked Obama supporters on other blogs and they haven't been able to come up with an answer. So unless he actually comes out and says what he'll do we really can't bank on it then can we? If he's into unity he might want to please the GOP and put a pro life judge on the supreme court. Frankly, I just don't know where he stands on most things. I've never had these doubts about a Dem before.

    [ Parent ]
    Wait a minute (1.00 / 1) (#106)
    by andgarden on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:42:01 PM EST
    You're from Georgia and concerned about an inner-city dem from Chicago on choice?

    [ Parent ]
    IMHO you should quit while you're ahead (5.00 / 1) (#143)
    by RalphB on Sat May 03, 2008 at 08:58:50 PM EST
    or, since you're not ahead, while you still have a head.  Lots of people are not blinded by the D after a name.  It makes for a more open mind.  Try it you might like it.


    [ Parent ]
    Naderite claptrap. (none / 0) (#149)
    by andgarden on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:00:33 PM EST


    [ Parent ]
    I guess it must be all that (none / 0) (#161)
    by Florida Resident on Sat May 03, 2008 at 09:17:48 PM EST
    </