A call for unity among us all.

[Carla]

These last few weeks have been tough on me, and tough on all of us. I am emotionally drained from having to deal with issues regarding race and gender. I've been angry and confused. I have thought and said things I have never thought or said before. Knowing that the way Dr. Wright was saying things are wrong, but yet not wanting to adimit it, because don't people have a right to say what they feel? But yet feeling enraged b/c Obama's supporters and the media seemed blind to this part of Obama's life.

I think what was hard to hear was Obama's camp saying Hillary was dividing the party on race because of what Geraldine Ferraro said about Obama. It was hard to watch Keith Olbermann tear apart Hillary, knowing about Dr. Wright.

If you compare Wright to Ferraro, the only comparsion is that they both believe that Obama is black.

Where do we go from here? How do we all calm down? Do we? How do we respond to people who agree with Wright? How do we reach out to disillusioned Obama supporters? Obama spoke of unification tonight. Isn't that what as Hillary supporters have been trying to do by toughing this out? We have been bashed on our on site, and other sites as well.

What is it that we need to say as people and as Hillary supporters to America? How do we get them to listen to us-to hear us say that WE that want to unify and conquer racism and sexism as it exists in the world today? Can we convice Obama supporters that we are not racists for speaking out against Dr. Wright? How we get them to see that Hillary cares about us, and we care about them?

[Frances]

I believe we need to show that yes in the past it has been tough for
women, people of color, and the poor. Right now we are reliving the
very tough times of those who have suffered in the past. We need
to focus on jobs, health care, and we all must be willing to sacrifice for
the good.

[Charlie Brown]

:eek: Any last minute talking points?????

[Charlie Brown]

How do I handle the mew scandle if brought up???? Without seeming I am gloating. It will be hard..just kidding. I have all my food bought..Made party favors of Hillary stickers, 10 reason's to vote for Hillary cards left over from Caucus night also buttons & t-shirts.I figure they will read the card if a button is involved. HEHE...I put together a center piece for the table of flags and flowers. coffee and juice.Muffins,granola bars, and donuts.
But the scandle on BO will be tricky how to handle that. They arent reasonable supporters I have found.

[Carla]

How do I handle the mew scandle if brought up???? Without seeming I am gloating. It will be hard..just kidding. I have all my food bought..Made party favors of Hillary stickers, 10 reason's to vote for Hillary cards left over from Caucus night also buttons & tee-shirts.I figure they will read the card if a button is involved. HEHE...I put together a center piece for the table of flags and flowers. coffee and juice.Muffins,granola bars, and donuts.
But the scandle on BO will be tricky how to handle that. They arent reasonable supporters I have found.

What is the Iowa convention about? Man..what to say..How about at least with Hillary you know what you are getting? lol..wow, that is the first time I've laughed in a while. I think we should stick to the issues and talk about how Hillary is the better candidate regrading the issue-healthcare, security, jobs. Going on about Wright won't win any supporters. People will come to their own conclusion re Barack on their own. They will choose to stick with Obama, or they will choose between Hillary and John McCain. We want them to choose Hillary.

[Charlie Brown]

this is wera we have our convention for the delegates. we still have the oppertunity to talk people over to our side. The edwards delegates and Richardson I believe its 5 out there for grabs. The Clinton campaign has been back in Iowa for over a week now. Im a delegate and very new at this.But determined. Gotta run I'll tell you how it goes later gater.What is the Iowa convention about? Man..what to say..How about at least with Hillary you know what you are getting? lol..wow, that is the first time I've laughed in a while. I think we should stick to the issues and talk about how Hillary is the better candidate regrading the issue-healthcare, security, jobs. Going on about Wright won't win any supporters. People will come to their own conclusion re Barack on their own. They will choose to stick with Obama, or they will choose between Hillary and John McCain. We want them to choose Hillary.

[RayinAR]

Hillary has always fought for children. That is a 35 year history. She has always delivered for families. That is a 35 year record. Hillary has fought for servicemen and women. National Guard now have the same medical assistance as the regular Army. She delivers.

She is the most respected Senator by the military high command. The only one chosen to help rebuild the Military. Why? Her knowledge, her track record and her ability to work across the aisle with Republicans to get the legislation budgeted and passed.

She is a fighter for all of Edward's issues on poverty, universal healthcare, job creation, clean environment, new energy technologies, infrastructure rebuilding, union protection, investment in small business enterprises, tax credits for college students, low interest loans for college students.

No slogans, no speeches, no hype, no elixirs.

She takes a punch and keeps fighting for the people.

She will work wonders in foreign affairs with her vast experience and personal contact with leaders and people in 82 countries.

She will bring fiscal order to the economy and raise 10 million people out of poverty, better than Bill did. Good times are truly just a few more months away.

No skeletons, no hate-mongers in her closet.

She is completely vetted. Who knows what else the Karl Rove machine will dig up on O**a?

She has brought out Republicans to vote for her--8% of the vote in Texas.

She easily is the best prepared, most experienced candidate in 50 years.

I can deliver all of the above without taking a breath. I do it on the phone, and in person. And you know what? There never is a counter argument.

People, conservative, Republican, undecided all agree. They have seen it and heard it in the debates. They know in their hearts she belongs in the White House. Just tell them to think of their kids, think of when they fall into tough times--maybe when grandma is in deep need of healthcare or someone loses their job. Who do they want in the White House then?



Amen Bernie. Great post. I hear this all the time too. In fact my neighbors are republican and said that the only way they would vote for Mccain is if Obama was the Democratic nominee. They will vote Democrat for Hillary....

[Sherry]

Hillary has always fought for children. That is a 35 year history. She has always delivered for families. That is a 35 year record. Hillary has fought for servicemen and women. National Guard now have the same medical assistance as the regular Army. She delivers.

She is the most respected Senator by the military high command. The only one chosen to help rebuild the Military. Why? Her knowledge, her track record and her ability to work across the aisle with Republicans to get the legislation budgeted and passed.

She is a fighter for all of Edward's issues on poverty, universal healthcare, job creation, clean environment, new energy technologies, infrastructure rebuilding, union protection, investment in small business enterprises, tax credits for college students, low interest loans for college students.

No slogans, no speeches, no hype, no elixirs.

She takes a punch and keeps fighting for the people.

She will work wonders in foreign affairs with her vast experience and personal contact with leaders and people in 82 countries.

She will bring fiscal order to the economy and raise 10 million people out of poverty, better than Bill did. Good times are truly just a few more months away.

No skeletons, no hate-mongers in her closet.

She is completely vetted. Who knows what else the Karl Rove machine will dig up on O**a?

She has brought out Republicans to vote for her--8% of the vote in Texas.

She easily is the best prepared, most experienced candidate in 50 years.

I can deliver all of the above without taking a breath. I do it on the phone, and in person. And you know what? There never is a counter argument.

People, conservative, Republican, undecided all agree. They have seen it and heard it in the debates. They know in their hearts she belongs in the White House. Just tell them to think of their kids, think of when they fall into tough times--maybe when grandma is in deep need of healthcare or someone loses their job. Who do they want in the White House then?

This is a great post. You brought me to tears with this one. Thanks I needed that!!!

[Lodi]

Excellent post, Bernie. Really heartfelt, and good to have some of Hill's accomplishments itemized for easy reference. I'll never understand the irrational hatred of her by some.

I think that Churchgate will cause a lot of people to wake from their Obamacomas and start to think clearly.

Can I hear an AMEN!

[bernie gagliano]

Hate Was Driven Out Of The Body Politic Decades Ago.

It's Back!!

And The Retirement Of Its Lead Preacher Is Not Enough.

Hate Is A Federal Crime. It Should Not Have A Federal Tax Exemption.

[tommy]

If I was straight, and met Hillary before Bill, I'd marry her! :)

Honestly I believe, and do hope that after this big issue with Obama and Rev. Wright, that most Hillary supporter will not support Obama in the general election if he ever made it there.

Whats important, is that we will need Obama supporters on our side. I've passing the youtube link of Rev. Wright hatred speech to some of Obama supporters that I know and they were shocked, some are even reconsidering their supports on Obama and some are questioning.

[CGP]

ADMIN APOLOGY!

I tried to move/copy Bernie's great post into a new thread but I made an error & lost it! I have asked Bernie to repost the same contents under a new thread to feature his great comments. And thankfully they are still contained in this thread via the quotes.

SORRY.

[G4Hillary]

Carla,

You said:Can we convice Obama supporters that we are not racists for speaking out against Dr. Wright? How we get them to see that Hillary cares about us, and we care about them?

Why the heck do we have to explain to Obama supporters that we are not racists. I think the burden is on them that they are not racists. After what Obama's pastor said about Hillary. Racism is hate against any particular race not just black. If one doesn't understand that they are plainly ignorant and most likely quite racist themselves.

[Disfranchised]

This is what I will be saying to BO's supporters!
The day Hillary heard that Rev. Wright news will be all over the TV the next day, she approched BO on senate floor and offered him a hand. She asked for both campaign to cool it off. She privately spoke to him and they both agreed that the contrasts between their respective records, qualifications and issues should be what drives this campaign, and nothing else. This is the kind of person my candidate is.
She went on TV and apologized to African American community for any comments any of her supporters have said that was racist which basically means that this kind of behavior is not acceptable by her. In contrast Bo chooses to believe his message is about Hope and his follower are spreading his message of Hope. I have been blogging for few months and I am sorry to say I saw messages of Hate not Hope being communicated by his follower.

[CGP]

Carla, Why the heck do we have to explain to Obama supporters that we are not racists. I think the burden is on them that they are not racists. After what Obama's pastor said about Hillary. Racism is hate against any particular race not just black. If one doesn't understand that they are plainly ignorant and most likely quite racist themselves.

Have to agree with that!

It's hardly "racist" for correctly identifing that some one else IS racist!

So no explanation is required to them. It is Obama supporters who should be doing the explaining - explaining how they can support a man who relies of DIVISION to "succeed" at the polls - who relies on RACISM, SEXISM and AGEISM to score votes. Shameless politics. And not someone who the Democrat party should wish to be associated with.

[Carla]

Carla,

You said:

Why the heck do we have to explain to Obama supporters that we are not racists. I think the burden is on them that they are not racists. After what Obama's pastor said about Hillary. Racism is hate against any particular race not just black. If one doesn't understand that they are plainly ignorant and most likely quite racist themselves.

Hello there G4Hillary!

Your point is well taken, but please don't take my quote out of context. The reason that I too have been a voice on blog against Wright is because I am against all racism, white against black, black against white, etc. I understand what racism is, you don't have to explain it to me. We are going to have to reach out to Obama supporters if we want them to vote for Hillary in the primary and then in the general. You can't say to someone-okay, Obama is a racist, so now you have to vote for Hillary, because they are going to turn around and call you a racist, even though they are wrong. That is reality and that is how people think. Obama Supporters and other people are actually saying Wright is right. That is crazy.

I don't have to justify my opinion to you, and from what I understand, this forum is for ALL of us to express our own opinions without getting bashed by fellow members. We all need to unify together and move forward and get Hillary more votes. That is what I have been doing since January and that is what I will continue to do until Hillary gets into the White House. I've have been posting some angry things and I felt like it was time to sit back and evaluate where I was and have been in the past weeks so that I can move forward with a clear head. I need a five minute break from being pissed off, thank you.

We need to unify and continue fighting the fight for Hillary from all angles, not just the Obama is a racist angle. If the people who are voting for Obama all knew what we knew, and took the time like we did to research and find out about the real Obama, then Hillary would already have the nomination.

If you have a problem with something I say, please either pm me, or ask me why I said it first. Don't put down what I have to say, I don't appreciate that. I have and will be working hard for Hillary, and there is no reason to insult me in front of all the other forum members. Maybe I shouldn't post things after working an 18 hour day. I am meeting Bernie G. tomorrow to plan out things to do to get more people to volunteer for Hillary. I'm traveling to Philly in April to Volunteer. I have been working the phones, blogging and e-mailing people, so my thoughts and opinions are valid. Thank you.

[Carla]

Have to agree with that!

It's hardly "racist" for correctly identifing that some one else IS racist!

So no explanation is required to them. It is Obama supporters who should be doing the explaining - explaining how they can support a man who relies of DIVISION to "succeed" at the polls - who relies on RACISM, SEXISM and AGEISM to score votes. Shameless politics. And not someone who the Democrat party should wish to be associated with.


Don't we have to win first? I cannot believe that I posted something to "unify" people and am getting jumped on. Let's get the Hillary the nomination and then we can call the Obama supporters to task. I was just asking for suggestions as to how we can reach out to former Obama supporters. Give me a break, please. I don't deserve the bashing, thank you.

[Carla]

This is what I will be saying to BO's supporters!
The day Hillary heard that Rev. Wright news will be all over the TV the next day, she approched BO on senate floor and offered him a hand. She asked for both campaign to cool it off. She privately spoke to him and they both agreed that the contrasts between their respective records, qualifications and issues should be what drives this campaign, and nothing else. This is the kind of person my candidate is.
She went on TV and apologized to African American community for any comments any of her supporters have said that was racist which basically means that this kind of behavior is not acceptable by her. In contrast Bo chooses to believe his message is about Hope and his follower are spreading his message of Hope. I have been blogging for few months and I am sorry to say I saw messages of Hate not Hope being communicated by his follower.

Thank you very much Disenfranchised. This is exactly the answer I was looking for, and this is what I will use when I am on the phone from Los Angeles to PA all day and I'm talking to Obama Supporters. This is what I will use when I blog and comment on other sites. This is what I will use when I go home to Philly and volunteer there in North Philly, West Philly and Germantown and every other part of Philly that may be going for Obama. Thank you for understanding what I was talking about.

[wwendiep]

i think you can also say that although hillary leans to the liberal side of issues,she also knows how important it is to be moderate, if obama supporters really want change in washinton they can't have a strict liberal or a stick conservative in office..someone who can look at both sides of issues and find a way to compromise,is the only hope we can have....thats why i think the very liberal senator s jumpped on the obama band wagon,because he too is a strict liberal....

[ProHiLL]

These last few weeks have been tough on me, and tough on all of us. I am emotionally drained from having to deal with issues regarding race and gender. I've been angry and confused. I have thought and said things I have never thought or said before. Knowing that the way Dr. Wright was saying things are wrong, but yet not wanting to adimit it, because don't people have a right to say what they feel? But yet feeling enraged b/c Obama's supporters and the media seemed blind to this part of Obama's life.

I think what was hard to hear was Obama's camp saying Hillary was dividing the party on race because of what Geraldine Ferraro said about Obama. It was hard to watch Keith Olbermann tear apart Hillary, knowing about Dr. Wright.

If you compare Wright to Ferraro, the only comparsion is that they both believe that Obama is black.

Where do we go from here? How do we all calm down? Do we? How do we respond to people who agree with Wright? How do we reach out to disillusioned Obama supporters? Obama spoke of unification tonight. Isn't that what as Hillary supporters have been trying to do by toughing this out? We have been bashed on our on site, and other sites as well.

What is it that we need to say as people and as Hillary supporters to America? How do we get them to listen to us-to hear us say that WE that want to unify and conquer racism and sexism as it exists in the world today? Can we convice Obama supporters that we are not racists for speaking out against Dr. Wright? How we get them to see that Hillary cares about us, and we care about them?

Yes Carla you are right we do need to calm down. This election is getting to be very emotional. I find myself having the same misgivings regarding all I have seen and heard. But we do need to unite. We do need to find ways to repair the damage, real or imagined, between both camps right now. We need to all take a step back and remember who the real enemy is here. The repubs are doing their best to divide this party and we have to resist at all costs. It is not beneficial to the democratic party to have this division. The repubs have been hard at work to undermine Hillary's campaign from the start. They are now only beginning to undermine Obama's campaign. It benefits only McCain if we continue to take the bait and buy all this negative garbage. Obama's supporters have had a good dose of why they should hate Hillary and now we are getting our dose of why we should hate Obama. But we dems do not thrive on hate do we?

[RachachaSharon]

Hey, everyone. The last couple of months have been a rollercoaster. Our feelings are raw; our thoughts are reeling. We KNOW that Hillary is the best candidate, and we want so badly to fight back when we see our candidate treated so unfairly and hear the lies being spread. We feel helpless.

BO's followers are mesmerized by him. But I think one can pull the wool over someone's eyes for only so long before they begin to see through the words to the person behind them. I have always said BO is not what he appears to be. One can only conclude that if someone is as close to his pastor as BO claims to be with Rev. Wright, he cannot persuade us that he didn't know Rev. Wright's message and, if he didn't condemn it, he condoned it. By failing to leave the church or speak out against the message, BO showed, at the very least, poor judgment. Since it has been shown that he has exercised poor judgment on numerous occasions in situations which were totally within his control, thinking people will rethink his fitness for the most important job in the world.

It won't be easy to turn BO's followers around if they believe they have a calling. I think our best approach is wait-and-see. When the time comes (fingers crossed) we'll know what to do because Hillary will know what has to be done. Let's follow her lead.

[G4Hillary]

Carla,
You are right and I understand and agree with your view.

As for your ideas, I think you realize certain ground realities and are being pragmatic. I truly appreciate that.

Once again, I apologize if it sounded like I was criticizing you. Quite the contrary actually. I guess my critique is more of the faulty cultural norms that allow us to believe that racism is only the domain of a particular group while others are always the victims. Where as we all know it is a two way street.

[Sincere]

We are between a rock and a hard place. Coming together will be very difficult after the nominee has been selected.
It matters not which way it goes.
HOW it is decided will also make an impact on whether either candidate will have the support of each others supporters.
If either side deems the selection of the nominee was selected illegally and unfairly the road to togetherness will be rocky and nigh onto impossible.
In my one to one conversations and phone calls, I try to emphasize the positive things about my candidate and choose to say nothing about theirs unless they ask and I need to contrast issues.
HOWEVER I have been on the blogs for weeks trying to make civil contrasts and civil discourse, which ended up in vulgar language from them. The language has gone down hill consistantly even when Obama has been ahead in delegates. They have called Hillary everything they can think of and trashed her thoroughly.
Then, they proceed to get offended if anything is said to contradict and Obama's weak points are mentioned.
In other words they are not civil.
Yes I believe we Hillary supporters need to stay civil and decent, but getting those of us who have been involved in listening to the other side over these last weeks, to actually come together and vote for Obama, will be a feat in itself.
Can't see it happening as most of my family and friends who haven't even been on the blogs say they will not vote for Obama. Instead will vote McCain.
It is really sad as we really wanted to make it happen this year....and thought we just couldn't lose this one.
So we need to just work harder for Hillary.

[LetsHelpAmerica]

Let's all of us stay cool , calm and focused.
Let's make lots and lots of calls and comment
in bloggs and write to more newspapers on why
we want Senator Clinton. Let's be passionate but
focused!
You all have valid comments and you all make
sense. It is sometimes frustrating and difficult to
deal with all the media bias out there but, perhaps the
tide is turning a bit. I believe Hillary has a wonderful
sense of timing........calling for peace between the two
camps......peace so we can go about the business of telling
people how much we want Hillary to be the one answering that
phone at 3 am...... because we trust her brilliant track record and
the experience she brings to her job! The vast majority of military
commanders want Hillary for a damn good reason! They trust her on
day one.....they trust her with that phone call at 3 am... We want Hillary
because she has a 35 year history of substance rather than talk.....substance
in working hard for children, women, for the hard working middle class , the poor,
the abused and neglected! She is a hero, a champion for ALL Americans and
she nows how to get things done!
We trust her to turn this monsterous economy around before a recession becomes a
depression! We trust her to have the toughness we need to protect our country but also be a real diplomat who can work with world leaders and make real lasting changes in the mid-east. We trust her to give ALL of us the health care that each and every citizen deserves. We trust her to give education a real kick in the pants.....
to make sure that every child gets a great education and make schools, colleges, and universities accessable and affordable via student loans and workable programs which create job oppurtunities and superb scientific research.
If we can tell people about these things , I believe we can and will win the hearts of most democrats in Pennslyvannia and elsewhere.
But, I think also, we must remember that the nomination has not yet been won!!!
We do not need to let a biased media twist the truth or lie. We need to correct any wrong messages! We can do that with passion. Let's remember that we can not let up for a moment. And, let's hope the media will take care of Mr Obama ( finally ) so we can get our message out......a message about solutions!

[joeysky18]

How do I handle the mew scandle if brought up???
But the scandle on BO will be tricky how to handle that. They arent reasonable supporters I have found.

My suggestion will be to tell them to judge the facts by themselves. Both sides of the story are out there. So people should get educated and make an informed decision.

The MOST IMPORTANT thing to make it clear that this Wright episode IS NOT a tit-for-tat for Ferraro. If anyone bring that up, tell them that

1. Fox report the story, not HRC campaign.
2. HRC campaign has not made a single statement on this matter.
3. HRC campaign doesn't demand for Wright resignation (unlike Obama on Ferraro).

A lot of Obama supporters are trying to spin this story in the blog as their defense. I'm sure they might bring it up at your meeting.

Good Luck.

[SD]

you all can *trust* all you want but i still will vote for mccain against ob and will fight for mccain every step of the way.

i will not sacrifice my beliefs and morals "just to elect a democrat".

[LetsHelpAmerica]

you all can *trust* all you want but i still will vote for mccain against ob and will fight for mccain every step of the way.

i will not sacrifice my beliefs and morals "just to elect a democrat".

ditto

[mooaks]

I am positive that if you were to pose the question to Hillary about going on an attack mode, she would be putting her foot down and say NO! We can't have such a short term memory flashing back to the days of Bills presidency. While we gave him a free pass, that is most of us did, Hillary, I'm sure, would not want anybody making waves at the moment. Let Fox keep up the message and lets not try to get our candidate bloodied even though she is a great fighter.

I hear all kinds of sexist remarks concerning Hillary at my coffee shop, I try my best to defend her, but those who don't want her always throw Monica up to me. I do have to say, not to them, but to myself, that was a stupid move, beyond stupid and many of us wish that it didn't happen, but it did and it doesn't have anything to do with Hillary, but feelings are feelings and many who don't like her don't like the idea of a two-fer. I love Hillary Clinton and want what's best for her, but right at the moment, she doesn't need any distractions from her goal by us.

We all should realize that Wolfson has not commented on the subject at all. Why? because Hillary probably has told him COOL IT! It is a situation involving
a pastor and his follower, BUT IT IS ALSO A RACE ISSUE. Let's not rock the boat for Hillary. You will not find any mention of this situation on the Hillary.com site. Why! because if anyone goes down and dirty, their blogs will not be posted. KEEP UP THE POSITIVE THINGS, DONATE, CALL, AND HELP.
DON'T GET INVOLVED IN A TIT FOR TAT! IT WILL END UP NEGATIVE AND OUT OF CONTROL. LET FOX LIGHT THE FUSE, NOT US.

[SarahD]

Of course you're confused. BO's campaign has played the race card relentlessly, which includes the misuse of Hillary's statement about Lyndon Johnson vis a vis Civil Rights and Voting Rights. The media screwed up; the only reporter who got it right was Bill Moyers.

Unity's great--but we're still in the primary season. Hillary has no reason to quit. Does Obama. This process is grueling. Maybe more grueling for the bloggers, the thinkers, than it is for the candidates (just kidding!). Take a break. I do. Give money. Think. Write your delegates about why you support Hillary. Call Pennsylvanians.

Let the campaign unfold.

[goodgolly]

These last few weeks have been tough on me, and tough on all of us. I am emotionally drained from having to deal with issues regarding race and gender. I've been angry and confused. I have thought and said things I have never thought or said before. Knowing that the way Dr. Wright was saying things are wrong, but yet not wanting to adimit it, because don't people have a right to say what they feel? But yet feeling enraged b/c Obama's supporters and the media seemed blind to this part of Obama's life.

I think what was hard to hear was Obama's camp saying Hillary was dividing the party on race because of what Geraldine Ferraro said about Obama. It was hard to watch Keith Olbermann tear apart Hillary, knowing about Dr. Wright.

If you compare Wright to Ferraro, the only comparsion is that they both believe that Obama is black.

Where do we go from here? How do we all calm down? Do we? How do we respond to people who agree with Wright? How do we reach out to disillusioned Obama supporters? Obama spoke of unification tonight. Isn't that what as Hillary supporters have been trying to do by toughing this out? We have been bashed on our on site, and other sites as well.

What is it that we need to say as people and as Hillary supporters to America? How do we get them to listen to us-to hear us say that WE that want to unify and conquer racism and sexism as it exists in the world today? Can we convice Obama supporters that we are not racists for speaking out against Dr. Wright? How we get them to see that Hillary cares about us, and we care about them?

Hi, I'm new to this group. Have to confess I originally supported Edwards, but chose to support Hillary after he dropped out.

I've been reading an excellent book, Cracking the Code, by Thom Hartmann, a psychotherapist and advertising executive as well as Air America radio host, available on Amazon.com. In it, he explains how political persuasion is as much about biology as ideology, about knowing how the brain processes information and how that influences the way people perceive messages, make decisions and form worldviews. Some on the Right have become masters at the subtle art of communication (ie, it's a "surge" not an "escalation"). I have been really learning a lot from reading it. I think it would benefit all of us and help us help Hillary's campaign if we could put the concepts into practice in our own lives and in our blogging. BTW, I think Bill Clinton's already a master of it, and probably Hillary too. It's time for more of us on the Left to learn the principles.

[bernie gagliano]

If you cut the agitation, you can concentrate on the work to be done.

Get your wits about you. Shut the TV off.

Look at the front of the HillaryClinton.com site. See where the emphasis should be.

Raise money. Be creative. Find $100 hidden in your useless possessions.

Have you taken one thing out of the garage, out of storage and sold it for funds for Hillary?

How many of you are putting together parties to raise money and have some group fun phoning? Where's the bake sale enthusiasm?

Where is the phone action? What are the scripts for the day?

If you concentrate on what her campaign goals are or should be--huge victories--they you will not get emotionally wrapped up in the nonsense.

I could go form a blog for garlic noses bent out of shape, or rant and rave about it--does no good. I know the sweetest revenge is in defeating the mf'er.

I am putting my efforts in that. One hour of phoning will do more to help Hillary, and Hillary winning does more to get revenge.

YES WE WILL, if we will work.

[jgilmore]

There are a couple of things I need to say to the above comments. First I agree we must secure this battle for the nomination. Then Hillary in her way will show respect to Obama and his folliowers and begin the healing process. Frankly, if the nomination goes the other way around and he gets it, I have no interest in healing the party and beating the Republican.
I have been voting Democratic for 35 years and have been on Hillary's team since the 1980s in Arkansas. I have never voted for a Republican.
However, this year the party has done Hillary dirty in more ways than one. You all know that. They are continuing now to try to pressure her out of the race. They are offering her consolation prizes, Senate majority leader, Governor of New York, etc. Would they be doing this to a male candidate? I think not. Therefore, if we lose this nomination to Obama, I see no loyalty or reason to remain with this party. I don't want to unify with people who have been so hateful. Called me racists, stupid, naive, ignorant, just because I did not support their candidate. And i know they are getting their pointers from the top. So this is my response to all of the above. This is not a race about party, but one about our country. We have to fight for what is right regardless of what the short term consequences might be.

[NotBamboozled]

The Obama camp has played the race card since day one, without shame. I'm not interested in "proving" anything to people who PRETEND to believe the Clintons are racist, all so they can advance their political interests.

Nope, sorry. I couldn't care less about convincing the dishonest creeps.

[Tom Terrific]

This is in response to Carla's initial message, 2 weeks ago, asking where we go from here.

As I see it, Hillary has been outmaneuvered by a con man. He argues that Hillary is contentious for contesting the nomination, as if he somehow is not; and presents himself as a new kind of politician when anyone who knows anything about politics knows there's no such thing. I don't want to violate any forum rules, so I won't say what this makes him; but you can figure that out yourself if you really want to.

Hillary offers competence and solutions, while Obama offers people a fairy tale; and people prefer Obama's message because it's what they want to be true. Everyone would love a "new kind of politics," a leader who loves and cares about us, who will make all our dreams come true, yadda yadda yadda.

Personally, I don't think Hillary is faultless, but at least she doesn't pretend to be the Second Coming. That is what heightens Obama's perfidy, and makes him vile.

I think Hillary is doing what she needs to do: constant, hard, positive, unrelenting campaigning, presenting her message; and I think we need to do the same. She has a vision, and we share it. Personally, I think it's usually better to be positive rather than negative. People don't want to hear arguments; they want to hear answers. They don't want to hear why Obama is wrong; they want to hear why Hillary is right. We know why this woman belongs in the White House, why we believe in her, why she's the right person in the right place at the right time. They want to see what we see; they just don't know it yet. We need to share our vision.

It's just a thought, but I wonder if one way to do this is to present Hillary as someone who combines the best of what the other two candidates offer while avoiding their shortcomings. Obama has the passion of youth but lacks the political experience to realize his vision. McCain has the wisdom of experience, but lacks the vision of what our country needs today. Hillary is the only candidate with the vision and the experience to lead our nation through these difficult times.

Sorry this has been so long-winded. I hope I haven't taxed anyone's patience. This is my first post here, and I've been looking for a place to speak my peace for a long time!

[CGP]

This is in response to Carla's initial message, 2 weeks ago, asking where we go from here.

As I see it, Hillary has been outmaneuvered by a con man. He argues that Hillary is contentious for contesting the nomination, as if he somehow is not; and presents himself as a new kind of politician when anyone who knows anything about politics knows there's no such thing. I don't want to violate any forum rules, so I won't say what this makes him; but you can figure that out yourself if you really want to.

Hillary offers competence and solutions, while Obama offers people a fairy tale; and people prefer Obama's message because it's what they want to be true. Everyone would love a "new kind of politics," a leader who loves and cares about us, who will make all our dreams come true, yadda yadda yadda.

Personally, I don't think Hillary is faultless, but at least she doesn't pretend to be the Second Coming. That is what heightens Obama's perfidy, and makes him vile.

I think Hillary is doing what she needs to do: constant, hard, positive, unrelenting campaigning, presenting her message; and I think we need to do the same. She has a vision, and we share it. Personally, I think it's usually better to be positive rather than negative. People don't want to hear arguments; they want to hear answers. They don't want to hear why Obama is wrong; they want to hear why Hillary is right. We know why this woman belongs in the White House, why we believe in her, why she's the right person in the right place at the right time. They want to see what we see; they just don't know it yet. We need to share our vision.

It's just a thought, but I wonder if one way to do this is to present Hillary as someone who combines the best of what the other two candidates offer while avoiding their shortcomings. Obama has the passion of youth but lacks the political experience to realize his vision. McCain has the wisdom of experience, but lacks the vision of what our country needs today. Hillary is the only candidate with the vision and the experience to lead our nation through these difficult times.

Sorry this has been so long-winded. I hope I haven't taxed anyone's patience. This is my first post here, and I've been looking for a place to speak my peace for a long time!

A great introduction. This is not "long-winded" - actually, can you please write a few more pages?!! Afterall, we are all bombarded with antihillary rubbish in the media daily, and it's pleasurable to read responses that demonstrate an honest understanding of what is really going on here in this campaign!

Welcome. :)

[hillary1]

[QUOTE=SarahD;15696 Give money. Think. Write your delegates about why you support Hillary. Call Pennsylvanians.
Let the campaign unfold.[/QUOTE]

just received my hillary shirt, will head to pa. this weekend to make calls

my vote, time, money goes to hillary, OR IT GOES TO NO ONE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY,

*&*(%*$%8 TO OBAMA, DEAN, PELOSI, AND ALL THE OTHER DEM A** WIPES

[samkm]

Tom Terrific,
That is a pretty terrific capture of what has happened and some very good ideas.

You have some very good ideas. Please submit through the main site, and send to Carla who posted the initial post in this thread; her email is at the bottom of that post.

Informed people will make good decisions and see that Hillary is the genuine one with the best approach and true solutions to today's interconnected set of problems, and that she has the proven ability to deliver on her well-balanced and realistic promises.

Thanks,
SudhaKM