(July 9) A Clinton Protest at Obama's Bundler Unity Event

[GaGirl]

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's joint fund-raiser this evening at the Grand Hyatt may have some unwanted guests.

A diehard Clinton loyalist is trying to organize a picket at the meeting to demand that Clinton delegates not be obliged to declare support for Obama at the Democratic convention in August. A reader sent over one of the daily e-mails distributed by former Clinton campaign volunteer and fund-raiser Ricki Lieberman, who calls for other Clinton loyalists to assemble and protest.

"Wednesday we meet at 45th and Park Ave at 5:00pm. We then march to the Grand Hyatt at 42nd and Park at 5:30. Then we flyer and hold signs demanding that Hillary be on a full roll call," the email begins.

It goes on to cite a bunch of negative newspaper articles about Obama and argues that Clinton is still the Democrats' best chance of winning the White House


http://www.observer.com/2008/politics/clinton-protest-obamas-bundler-unity-event

[writerchick]

Wow, I wish they had called me or posted this somewhere! I live very close - I could have walked down there in 15 minutes! :(

[Destiny]

Obama, Clinton fly to NY with veep vetter
By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer
1 hour 30 minutes ago
NEW YORK - Barack Obama stoked vice presidential speculation Wednesday with an unannounced stop at the Washington law firm of a search team member and then flying on his campaign jet to New York fundraisers with potential pick Hillary Rodham Clinton and a second vetter.

"I'm not going to tell you" any details, the smiling likely Democratic nominee told reporters after spending more than two hours inside a downtown Washington office building where attorney Eric Holder, a member of his vice presidential search committee, has offices.

Obama wouldn't say why he visited the building or whom he saw there, and the two top aides at his side — campaign manager David Plouffe and chief strategist David Axelrod — also stayed mum.

The midmorning stop was one of two that weren't on his public schedule, and aides would say only that Obama had private meetings planned while in Washington. They wouldn't provide additional details, including whether Obama had met with Holder, a partner at Covington and Burling. The firm is located just blocks from the White House that Obama hopes to occupy come January.

Later, Obama was appearing with Clinton, his rival-turned ally who is mentioned as a possible running mate, at two fundraisers spanning two days. Vice presidential searcher Caroline Kennedy accompanied the two on the flight from Washington.

Aides were tightlipped about why the trio traveled together other than to cite the fundraisers. Kennedy is to introduce Obama at one fundraiser Wednesday evening, while Clinton introduces him at a second. Obama and Clinton were appearing together at another Thursday morning.

Obama, an Illinois senator, and Clinton, a New York senator, greeted each other on Obama's plane and chatted in the aisle for several minutes before takeoff, but they otherwise didn't speak. Clinton sat in the first row on the right side of the plane; Obama sat in the second row on the left and slept for much of the flight. Kennedy sat at the front of the plane near the two senators.

Earlier Wednesday, Clinton deflected a reporter's inquiry about whether she has given her former opponent's campaign documents to review as part of the vice presidential search, or whether she's even been asked for them.

Obama also spent part of the afternoon at a hotel near the Capitol. His campaign didn't announce that stop either and also refused to disclose details of it.

In a city that revels in the intrigue surrounding a vice presidential pick, Obama's unannounced stops and traveling companions fueled the guessing game about who he would choose for the No. 2 spot on the Democratic ticket — and whether he met with any of them at Holder's office or, perhaps, elsewhere at another time.

Several people thought to be on Obama's list have indicated they lack interest in the job. The latest was Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, who this week said he had told Obama he intended to remain in the Senate and "under no circumstances will I be a candidate for vice president."

Both Obama and GOP rival John McCain are trying to keep a tight lid on their searches, including only a small handful of top aides in the discussions to make sure the vetting process is as discrete as possible.

Nonetheless, each candidate is believed to be deep into the process of picking a vice presidential candidate. They may even be to the point of asking potentials for records, such as tax returns, financial holdings, medical documents and military files, or secretly interviewing candidates face-to-face.

So-called "short lists" of prospects probably exist, given how long both campaigns have been weighing their options. Obama's search committee, made up of Holder and Kennedy, has been working since early June, while McCain's helper, attorney Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr., has been involved in the Republican's efforts for a couple months.

Time is a consideration for both candidates as they narrow their choices, announce their selections — and hope it produces a bump in the polls.

Typically, careful planning goes into the elaborate, staged "roll out" of a vice presidential pick to get maximum media coverage of what is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated decision a presidential hopeful makes before accepting their party's nomination at the national convention.

Obama is making an overseas trip later this month to Europe and the Middle East, which could make a July announcement difficult. It's also summertime and voters tend to pay little attention to politics, and McCain aides are mindful of that.

The window tightens more on Aug. 8 when the Beijing Olympics opens, running through Aug. 24. The Democratic National Convention in Denver runs Aug. 25-28, immediately followed by the Republican convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul 1-4.

Wednesday's hint that Obama likely is fully engaged in the process began around 9:30 a.m., when his entourage, including a small contingent of reporters, left the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, presumably to head to his Senate office so he could vote on a couple of bills later in the day.

A few minutes later and surprising even some of his staff, the motorcade pulled over and Obama entered the building housing Holder's law offices through a back door labeled "Tenant Entrance Only."

Obama spent most of the day on Capitol Hill for a series of votes, including on a bill overhauling rules on secret government eavesdropping.

By late afternoon, Obama's campaign had disclosed that Clinton and Kennedy would travel on his plane.

I THINK IT'S OBVIOUS THAT CAROLINE KENNEDY (AND HER TEAM) WERE HIRED TO TAKE THE HEAT OFF OF OBAMA WHEN HE ANNOUNCES THAT HILLARY WILL BE HIS RUNNING MATE.

[Brooke]

Never gonna happen.

[JamieKuuipo]

never going to happen

[TheOMustGo]

Not only will it not happen, but it *should not* happen. Clinton would be an idiot to attach herself to this train wreck.

[TheOMustGo]

This song sums up Obama

Bigger Wave

First think of a name
OK
Try to keep it the same
All day
Now go over your lines -> Teleprompter
Relax
And get in the character
Now open an eye
Nice try
Put a foot on the floor
One more
'Cause we're going live in 5...
4...
Get in the character -> self-explanatory

I was thinking we could walk on water -> Obots
And still find reasons to swim inside -> the water is politics (swims deeply inside it, while others think he is walking over it)
Now I'm worried there's a bigger wave
Just behind this one
I was thinking there's a bigger wave
Just behind this one -> The first wave was the Primary, then gets into a new character for the next wave, the General Election. Sound like he will be looking for a *Bigger Wave* if he becomes President? I'm guessing yes. Wonder what *character* he will get iif he goes *live* on that.

[Kbentleyis]

I think he's getting word that he's not upholding his end of the bargin, i.e., funds for the DNC and his percentages between him and McCain are not impressive.

I believe he's getting lots of bad news.

Hillary is way over him. She's just like the other candidates, why would she take second seat to an idiot?

[TheOMustGo]

This should be Hillary's theme song at the DNC convention
Sure You Will

First
I bit you and spit you out
When there was a doubt
Now
I'm calling you when I can -> Hillary gives unity a try
What is a man? -> Not Backtrack Obama

I did it my way
I did it my way
I did it my way on the highway highway -> Screw unity. Do what is right.

Be yourself -> See FISA vote and her career
By yourself -> Dem unity means she must be rejected
Get yourself a little green pasture -> Clinton does not ignore the rural voters, or AMERICANS
Keep yourself
To yourself -> DNC snub again
Save yourself
Sure you will sure you will sure

Give take -> Calling Obama on his flip-flops
Crowd control -> Obots disrepeting her on her ground
Can get in my way when I'm starting my day
Teamwork
Self-control
Was making me blue so I knew what I had to

Did it my way
I did it my way
I did it my way on the highway highway

Be yourself
By yourself
Drive yourself a little bit faster
Keep yourself
To yourself
Sure you will sure you will sure -> Telling Obama "You will save America? Sure you will, sure you will, sure.

[SusanfromPA]

Do you guys realize what a step it is for an AP writer to refer to Obama as the "likely" Democratic nominee? It has been considered such a "sure thing" by MSM that to have an AP writer use "likely" really stands out.

[Borlah]

Do you guys realize what a step it is for an AP writer to refer to Obama as the "likely" Democratic nominee? It has been considered such a "sure thing" by MSM that to have an AP writer use "likely" really stands out.

I love that you caught that!

She's part of the VP vetting process for sure. SHE IS HELPING DO THE VETTING! He is turning to her for advice now just like he did when he first entered the Senate.

[lynfreedom]

Will be interesting...I think he is probably getting pressured now that he might have to have her whether he wants her or not!

[SugnSpicesmom]

Well God forbid that he selects her and she accepts. I'm sorry but I see that as a political suicide move for her. Sen. Clinton is fantastic and she is strong but she will NEVER be able to control Obama. She won't get close enough to even know what he's doing most of the time. If she is his VP, he will simply drag her down with him.

And honestly? Even if she was VP on the ticket, I'm not voting for Obama. I just can't - the guy is too dangerous. His latest stance and idiotic remarks regarding Iran prove that. Oh yeah - let's offer Iran incentives not to blow us off the face of the earth and certainly let's don't antagonize them. What a complete moron.

[freethinker]

I commented on the article!

Bravo to the noble protesters! You speak for millions who reject and denounce the travesty that has been visited upon the electorate by those with nefarious motives who have cynically manipulated autocratic rules.

Words from a Founding Father are as true today as when they were penned:

*To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.

*An elective despotism was not the government we fought for.

*Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.

*When wrongs are pressed because it is believed they will be borne, resistance becomes morality.

Thomas Jefferson

We stand unwavering with you in the demand for democracy, a true accounting and fair reflection of the votes of all the people and freedom from discrimination for all, regardless of race or gender.

[foxyladi]

I commented on the article!

saw your comment very good
puma

[shadow]

I THINK IT'S OBVIOUS THAT CAROLINE KENNEDY (AND HER TEAM) WERE HIRED TO TAKE THE HEAT OFF OF OBAMA WHEN HE ANNOUNCES THAT HILLARY WILL BE HIS RUNNING MATE.


But I agree with you. They are going to announce it at the convention. Hillary is going to be thinking "this is a foot in the door". After Ob's term is up, that has her positioned easily. I personally hope she won't, but I expect it will happen.

[El Cuco]

Well God forbid that he selects her and she accepts. I'm sorry but I see that as a political suicide move for her. Sen. Clinton is fantastic and she is strong but she will NEVER be able to control Obama. She won't get close enough to even know what he's doing most of the time. If she is his VP, he will simply drag her down with him.

And honestly? Even if she was VP on the ticket, I'm not voting for Obama. I just can't - the guy is too dangerous. His latest stance and idiotic remarks regarding Iran prove that. Oh yeah - let's offer Iran incentives not to blow us off the face of the earth and certainly let's don't antagonize them. What a complete moron.


I feel the same way. In my opinion accepting the VP position would be a political suicide for her . I hope she is not accepting it if offered.

[sakonhagakure]

I love that you caught that!

She's part of the VP vetting process for sure. SHE IS HELPING DO THE VETTING! He is turning to her for advice now just like he did when he first entered the Senate.

Who knows maybe she'll do to Obama what Dick Cheney did to Bush. Vet all the VP candidates and name herself as the VP and totally hijack his presidency.