The Three Groups (Please Read)

[H2O Man]

I want to take a moment to remind DUers of something important to keep in mind when we watch political events. In this case, it is helpful in appreciating the significance of Senator Hillary Clinton's speech.

There are always three groups that a politician/campaign targets: {1} Those who support them; {2} Those who oppose them; and {3} The "undecided." Let's look briefly at each of these groups in the context of the democratic primary, although in the opposite order.

{3} The "undecided": Senator Clinton's speech made clear why it is extremely important for all democrats to work for the democratic ticket this year.

{2} The "opposition": As Brack Obama supporters, I think we should recognize that not only is Senator Clinton a strong and capable leader, but that she is dedicated to democratic victories this year. In fact, I would hope that all Obama supporters be willing to consider the advantages of her on the ticket, regardless of if it happens or not. We need to be open-minded today in order to make advances.

{1} Her "supporters": This speech was primarily for the benefit of Senator Clinton's supporters, as it should have been. The speech was, in my opinion, as good -- if not better -- than any other that I have heard her deliver. I was impressed by the part about how her campaign has been a positive contribution towards making our society recognize a range of issues involving women. I was equally impressed by her statements that her campaign supporters have an obligation to support Barack Obama's campaign for president.

This was an important day for promoting unity within the democratic party. Thank you, Senator Clinton.

[NanceGreggs]

1. Perfectly put!

:kick: and REC'D!

[H2O Man]

12. Thank you.

This has been a heck of a primary season, eh? Must be sad to be a republican these days.

[grantcart]

2. k and r

[H2O Man]

13. I know that you

are enjoying this day. Glad to have the opportunity to be on the same team with you here.

[bleever]

3. It's a good day for the Democratic Party.

That was a speech that transcended politics to be a shining example of statesmanship.

Thank you, Senator Clinton.

[H2O Man]

14. Well said!

It really was statesmanship. We don't hear this quality of presentation often. I have to say that I am reminded of the "Golden Age" of the US Senate. We have the potential to be there again. And Hillary Clinton can be a unique leader in that.

[fight4my3sons]

4. k&r

[Me.]

5. Beautifully Done

She exceeded my expectations

[H2O Man]

8. It was a highpoint

in the 2008 season.

[Me.]

9. Yes

They must've worked on it all night. Did your girls watch and what did they think?

[Tatiana]

6. I think she put herself on the VP list with this speech.

Now we'll have to see what she does through the rest of this month.

Finally, Hillary set aside the opinions of her advisers, stood tall on that podium, and spoke from her heart with a passion and CANDOR that I haven't seen from her.

We should all be proud Democrats. There are some that will never vote for Obama. But she moved a significant number of her supporters from that middle "undecided" column to voting for the Democratic nominee.

I thank her and I have an enormous respect for what she did and what she has done in this race.

Hillary's chapter is only beginning.

[speedoo]

7. K&R. Thanks for posting this.

As always, well said, H2O Man.

[intaglio]

10. Kick and Rec to Mister Waterman n/t

[mzmolly]

11. Adding my thanks and agreement

H20 Man.

[tbyg52]

15. Hillary rocks!

:yourock:

[eleny]

16. A couple of things impressed me

First, when she said the glass ceiling had the millions of cracks with light coming through. That neutralized her earlier remark about Obama - how the skies would open, the sun would shine and angels will sing.

Second, she got into this sort of mantra by ending a couple of paragraphs in a row with Obama's name. It reminded me of how she'd say Hillary Clinton dot com and get the crowd to join in. This crowd didn't join in but it was a familiar thing that she does that she transferred to him.

To me, little things like that mean so much toward bringing her supporters along. She didn't do a 180. She hopped a parallel track. I'm grateful for it.

[frickaline]

17. K&R, nicely said as always, h2o man

[rosesaylavee]

18. I haven't heard many of her other speeches...

but I would say that that was one of the best speeches I have heard this past year. I was amazed and incredibly grateful for her graciousness in defeat AND her inspiring words on what lays ahead for the struggle.

Thank you Senator Clinton!

[ms liberty]

19. I thought she did a great job...

She did so well that I felt sympathy for her and her supporters, and I forgot completely why I was angry with her.
She impressed me more yesterday than any other day of her campaign. She showed a committment to the greater good, and an immense amount of grace and statesmanship.

[Bluenorthwest]

20. Faith

I heard Rep Neil Abercrombie stump for Obama this cycle. He's a great guy and an energetic speaker. He closed with a quote I wish I could remember exaclty(note to self, self old, make notes) but the essence of the qoute was that 'a movement means having faith in strangers'...I've meditated on that cncept for months now. It means having faith in our fellows, and also in those who are rivals, and it also means we have to instill such trust in strangers, our one time rivals, even Republicans if such miracles are possible.
So many supporting Obama had zero faith on dispaly in regard to Hillary, and that is not what was needed. The opposite of course is true too. Story from my life: I attended a slew of campaign events this cycle. The speeches I heard were nothing at all like what the media was reporting. A friend who backed Obama like mad refused to speak to me for days because I said Chelsea Clinton was very engaging and had more facts at her disposal than any political speaker I'd ever heard. "That's as maybe, and you can go listen to these traitors all you want if it makes you feel good, go hear McCain too, maybe you will be impressed with him." Dig that. McCain. A long term friend, who I prevented from voting Nader in 2000. Attacking me for saying Chelsea was smart. This man knew I had no intention of voting for Hillary even then. But I said something nice. He used words like Billary. He and his wife nearly broke up. She detested the Energy Bill and thus backed Hillary who did not vote for it. He said she was a racist, ok? " There is no reason to support Billary other than racism! And sexism does not exist!"
Those of us who were not on a slow drip from the media saw a different campaign than the rest of you. The speech yesterday was exactly what I expeted, it was exactly how her campaign has been all along. But millionaire employees of major war profiteers painted a different picture, and most followed that story. Sad to me. I hope people actually listened to Hillary for once.
This speech is not as different as her former opponents think it is. I suggest that those who are suprised by it were never listening to her at all, rather taking the characterizations of her by the media as truth. People took gossip as fact instead of listening.
I heard her and all of her surrogates and Obama and all of his. They were fantastic, both of them and all of them. They were both brave, strong and shining. I feel badly for those of you who saw only half of the Primary due to filters and right wing templates. I saw the best polticians of my life this year, and they were Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. So glad they are Democrats. Glad you are too, waterman, for what that is worth.