From an ex-Hillary supporter; Obama supporters here have been wonderful in their kindness and praise

[Tom Rinaldo]

Since Hillary Clinton's speech yesterday, I really have been moved by all the heartfelt expressions of admiration and respect shown toward Hillary Clinton and her many supporters on Democratic Underground. It goes well beyond any political necessity of saying something positive about Clinton for the sake of political unity. The sincerity of so much of the emotion expressed immediately shines through.

I particularly wanted to note one aspect of the graciousness many Obama supporters are now showing. It's true that much of the political spotlight this weekend has focused on the loser of the incredible race for the Democratic nomination, Hillary Clinton, rather than on the winner, Barack Obama. I can imagine how that could seem all wrong. But in reality it is alright, and I believe that Barack Obama himself is fine with it. From this point forward what Hillary Clinton does in public this presidential year will all be done for and about Barack Obama, which is as it must be for Democrats to win in November.

A great and shining moment approaches us all in Denver, where the entire Democratic Party will gather with the whole world watching to pay overwhelming tribute to an amazing man and candidate; Barack Obama. Those few days will belong to Obama and his supporters in a core and critical way that Hillary Clinton's supporters can now no longer look forward to experiencing for their woman. The media will spend at least a week focused on the significance of an African American man running for President as the candidate of a major party, the Democratic Party. That whole time will center on Barack Obama, and all of America will share in it.

It has been both kind and wise of Obama supporters to allow this weekend to largely focus on Hillary Clinton's historic candidacy, as the first woman in America to reach the brink of winning the Oval Office. Starting Monday the work begins for a unified Democratic Party to defeat John McCain behind Barack Obama. The appreciation being shown Hillary Clinton this weekend is helping all of us reach that end.

[Adelante]

1. Thanks, Tom - well said nt

[grannylib]

2. Very nicely said, and I agree. This was truly an historic process

for women and for African Americans, and she does indeed deserve credit for that, and some positive limelight. I don't begrudge her that in the least, and never gave a thought to "Where's Obama?" during this week, other than to hope he's been able to chill a bit, enjoy his family and some down time, and we'll surely be seeing a LOT of him in the weeks and months to come.

I hope that all of us, whomever we supported at various stages in this long process, can focus on what Senator Clinton rightly identified as high stakes:
We MUST return a Democrat to the White House, and I hope we can all join together in common cause and help make that happen.
We deserve it; our kids and grandkids deserve it; our nation deserves it; and God knows we NEED it.

I'm fired up! I'm ready to go!
As you all feel able, I hope you'll be able to get to that point too. :grouphug:

[yourguide]

3. Thank you Tom.

[Tinksrival]

4. Yay!

I've been hoping for a wise Tom post this weekend!

Thanks buddy for keeping us on track!

[DenverDem23]

5. Hillary supporters and Obama supporters agree on more than

they disagree upon. For us, it's mainly a question of style and personal preferences, not a matter of race or gender. So it is natural and right that we Obama fans should give credit where credit is due to Hillary and her fans for supporting Obama in the end.

I'm glad you feel welcomed and we are happy to have you join us!

[Captain Hilts]

6. Except on the Internet! In real life, both campaigns knew they had a lot in common. nt

[Tom Rinaldo]

8. Yes, except the divide between the internet and real life is getting thinner

It's still there, but not as solid. The internet increasingly is important to growing numbers of people, which is obvious from how the dynamics of fundraising have changed. I agree that many people let it rip while posting on the internet who are much more even tempered in person where they are less likely to feel like they are engaged in some type of important and meaningful duel. We are not exactly a representative cross section of voters. Still, what gets said on the internet is starting to influence the tone of national debate and main stream media coverage. So I am pleased to see the tone displayed on Democratic Underground this weekend.

[Captain Hilts]

12. I mean discussion boards, which still skew younger and more male than 'voters'. nt

[FloridaJudy]

7. Thank you. eom

[DeepModem Mom]

9. K&R

[Donald Ian Rankin]

10. Is this post intended ironically?

The response of a (large) minority of Obama's supporters on DU to Clinton's concession speech made me feel ashamed to be supporting him.

That said, the man himself has behaved very graciously indeed, as have a (non-overwhelming) majority of his supporters on DU.

[Colobo]

13. I agree with Tom.

[Tom Rinaldo]

15. I focused on the positive, because it is clearly there to see

There has been a relaxing of battle stances on many poster's part here this weekend, on both of the former "sides". No it isn't total, sure many posters have also given Hillary faint almost begrudging praise at best, if not worse. But many have also really reflected on what she has accomplished and what she must be going through now. Many sincerly hope she will remain a leader in our Party now making contributions they can be proud of. I don't think Obama supporters have any obligation to worry about Hillary Clinton's campaign debt for example, but a whole lot of Obama supporters felt moved this weekend to contribute funds to her. That is a very meaningful symbolic action, a voluntary step taken out of respect for her and the role she is playing for Democrats now.

It's the little things I have noticed, the comments about misty eyes, and the real compassion being expressed. It's a real shift around here and I wanted to note it. And though some have "complained" about the attention Clinton has gotten this weekend instead of Obama, not so many actually have. That's really what I noticed the most.

[sandnsea]

17. I've seen mostly praise

In fact, I went and watched it myself because of the praise of a few Obama supporters who I've known for many years here. It was a terrific speech and I'm glad they said so. I saw a couple of people be crabs about it, but the majority were very supportive.

[Window]

26. I only saw a couple of not-so-nice posts and a few don't-hand-me-no-damned

-olive-branch-after-all-you-Obama-supporters-were-so-mean-to-me posts.

I'm glad the OP chose the positive route. The others neither deserve nor should they receive a response. Weds. noon cannot come fast enough.

[Radio_Lady]

54. I innocently talked about accepting Obama in one store...

She had her reasons, but when I tried to explore and explain them on another thread, we were both taken down very quickly into the darkness.

Let's get to the Election forum, and then (hopefully) things will be more cohesive.

Thanks for your post.

Cordially,

Radio Lady Ellen Kimball in Oregon

[Window]

56. Yes, I saw that thread. You just can't please some people.

It is a fact that we have much work to do, and stubbornly sticking our heads in the sand about it simply will not work. This is a discussion board for heaven's sake.


Peace:thumbsup:

[Radio_Lady]

70. Thank you for your acknowledgement. I do appreciate it.

Cordially,

Radio Lady in OR

[Window]

75. You are more than welcome Radio Lady.

Peace:thumbsup:

[grantcart]

34. 87 % of DUers thought the speech was outstanding giving it atleast a 7 out of 10

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6314056&mesg_id=6314056

[SoCalDem]

51. I was busy and have still not seen it, but I am glad it's been done

I think I'll just look at the snippets that will be shown for a while..

Hopefully, the media will now start to focus on our candidate, and not the ones who used to be candidates..

I am just happy that the primary season is finally done :)

[MaraJade]

43. Yessss indeed...Obama supporters have been gracious in their behavior. . .

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=144921&mesg_id=144921

That's why our family is voting repuke for the first time in history. :mad:

[Emit]

47. You can't be serious

A new poster with a low post count posts a juvenile video on an anonymous discussion board and that is going to tip you over the edge to go out and vote for McCain?

Seriously?

I honestly can't comprehend that.

[LaurenG]

57. Unfortunately there will always be negative people.

Good luck to you and your family! :hug:

[Colobo]

11. Thanks, Tom. You are a wonderful poster.

[Eurobabe]

14. I'm glad it's over, let the healing begin.

We can ALL be family again. :grouphug:

We've got alot of work to do, McCan't is not allowed to win in November. :hi:

[slinkerwink]

16. Thank you, Tom.

[Hope And Change]

18. Beautiful post Tom.K & R!

[Undercurrent]

19. Thank you!

[Mme. Defarge]

20. Merci, mon brave!

Hillary and her supporters are great warriors, and together we will prevail over the malevolent forces of the status quo.

GOBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Umbram]

21. K&R(nt)

[Sparkly]

22. K&R

:kick:

[hisownpetard]

23. Nice post, Tom. Thanks!

:hi:

[Duder]

24. Hey you're okay

Have a latte...



Seriously, graciously stated.

[Window]

25. K/R.

:kick:

[mloutre]

27. Thank you, Tom. And right back atcha, too.

There's a whole lotta healin' goin' on, goin' on...

...a whole lotta healin' goin' on.

There's a whole lotta healin' still left for us to get to, mind you. We all grok that.

But if this OP, and the other similar posts what you & those like you have been posting in the course of these last several days -- and if the mirror-image type posts that have been made in the course of these last several days also, are any indication...

...then in his own tiny way, yr hmbl otr crspndnt feels awfully good about the way we are all of us collectively moving on and looking towards a future when neither the color nor the shape of a person's skin has a least little damn thing to do with whether he and/or she gets to be the next President of these United States.

We're not gonna get there overnight, mind you. But we're closer to that now than we have ever been.

And, from here on out, as my friend Howard Rheingold is fond of pointing out:

WHAT IT IS --> IS UP TO US

[Marrah_G]

28. Most of the posts after the speech were positive

Or at least the ones that I have seen. It was refreshing.

[Citizen_Penn]

29. I'm proud to be alive and a Democrat during this historic

year.

We ran two amazing candidates. Historic candidates.

Compare our best to the opposition's best. We outsparkled 'em, folks.

And let's not forget those who also ran. Edwards, Kucinich, Biden, Richardson, et al.



What an amazing year!

[lisa58]

30. She did a great job - and I am very grateful to her.

[Rowdyboy]

31. It was an amazing campaign....the most exciting I've seen in decades....

and I'm VERY glad its over.

[TexasObserver]

32. great to hear it!!

[TBF]

33. She gave a great speech, Tom, and earned our respect. We get all over

people when they're wrong, so I think it's only fair to commend good works. :)

[MaraJade]

44. Isn't it just wonderful. . .

all of the lovely comments now that the B!&*% is out of the way! Kinda reminds me of
people who have nothing at all good to say about a person until they die.

[TBF]

52. If you'd like to believe Hillary's loss is due to sexism that is your perogative,

but I believe you are wrong.

[40ozDonkey]

74. Still better than people who have nothing good to say at all.

<cough>

[grantcart]

35. I wanted there be a poll to put into the record how DU received the speech - results are here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6314056&mesg_id=6314056

[Danger Mouse]

36. The long nightmare is nearly over, Tom.

And all of...together, are going to share in that victory.

[goclark]

37. We'll aim to do even better

this next week. :hug:

Great post.

[Mezzo]

38. I agree with you Tom. Great post.

[mhoran]

39. Thank you!

I'm so glad to be here for the family reunion!

[cbayer]

40. Let's keep it positive!

There are a few that are having trouble letting go of the negative messages from the past, but as Clinton said:

"Every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward."

[awoke_in_2003]

59. That was the best line in a great speech. nt

[MessiahRp]

41. After her speech I got the following text message from the Obama Campaign

"Sen. Clinton just announced her support for Barack. Our party & our country are stronger because of the work she has done.
http://my.barackobama.com/thanks"

Not too shabby.

For the record I have been incredibly anti-Clinton since her campaign went negative (and also because I loathe the DLC) but her speech was way better than I expected and she did her part with that speech to unify the party. I only hope she hits the campaign trail and helps out even more.

Rp

[MaraJade]

45. After all, that IS the only proper place for a woman. . .

following after and SUPPORTING a man.

[Mrs. Overall]

50. Well, several times this evening you have been posting that you are voting for McCain--

Glad to see you are following after and SUPPORTING a man.

[kelligesq]

42. HRC supporters I know have not had the same experience nor

has the rudeness stopped.

[MaraJade]

46. I've had horrible experiences so far. . .

The arrogant whooping "YOU GOT PWNED!" sort of immature garbage. I am NOT impressed.
I feel very bitter and enormously angry and so are many of my friends.

[Marrah_G]

62. I haven't seen that, but then again I have all the nasty ones on ignore

[thevoiceofreason]

48. Tim Rinaldo for VP

I was at the Texas Democratic Convention this weekend. We had a blast. I had on all my Obama gear, plus my Obama special red floor leader hat. After Hillary's excellent speech, I sought out a Hillary delegate with a bright yellow Hillary hat and swapped with him. We put it all together. Mark my words, Texas is in play and McNuts will have to spend money here.

[calimary]

49. Well, what else could we do? She really was magnificent! And rather presidential.

Obama supporter here - who would have been just as delighted to celebrate a Hillary Clinton win.

It's just that law of physics - two objects, not being able to be in the same place at the same time. Well and evenly matched, two equally strong and terrific contenders. It does remind: WE HAVE BENCH STRENGTH. MAN, do we have bench strength! She's certifiably the most prominent woman in American politics, surpassing Nancy Pelosi. She's a bona fide heavyweight. She went out with grace, class, and elegance. AND, I'm still marveling at the way she did so with great strength and feeling. I would have been a puddle on the floor. When Barbara Walters left the "Today" show, she prerecorded her farewell remarks, fearing that if she tried to do it live she "would surely cry." Hillary Clinton was as solid and commanding as can be. Shit, girlfriend... I turned to my husband, slack-jawed, and said - "DAMN, she's good!" Those who supported her so loyally and worked so hard for her - please! Come and help us! You're exactly what we need!!!!

To Hillary Clinton: :toast: :patriot: :headbang: :applause: :hug: :thumbsup:
To Clinton supporters: :toast: :patriot: :headbang: :applause: :hug: :thumbsup:

[azmesa207]

53. Kindness and praise

from the Obama supporters was wonderfull what a crock they have been nothing but a bunch of creeps They and parts of the democratic party are a disgrace for the slander that they used to attack Hillary and Bill Clinton on this and many other sites. I will vote for Obama but not because he,s the best only because he is just one step above McCain.

[quickesst]

55. The joke forum.....

has made the greatest page. Just this morning I read a post that exemplifies O fans sincerity concerning unity. Makes one feel proud to join such a classy group.

(comparing to Sebelius)
"And the best part is, she doesnt Look or Act like an
Insane Clown thing..

Always is albeit a little boring, on an even keel, not bulging out her eyes, screwing up her mouth and pointing to people like she knows them really well when there's no one there, or its an Aide..

That Clinton was one freaky person.."

Now that's genuine Obama fan sincerity. This thread exemplifies exactly what I have been saying for some time. They will woo you, praise Clinton, and extend a hand, but the other, the one behind their back still clinches a fistfull of hate and resentment that won't rear it's ugly head again unless Obama loses. Then it will all be Clinton, and her supporters fault. I say vote democrat, but the only good reason would be because McSame is unacceptable under any conditions. Thanks.
quickesst

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

58. Classy.

Using one jerk to paint an entire group of people as jerks.

[Weevlitz]

64. No it is not!

That is ONE Obama fan's sincerity...one idiot I might add. Please don't generalize millions based on the actions of a few...it is quite offensive to those of us who have done our homework and chosen a candidate that we believe is the best for the job. Are there childish Obama supporters? Absolutely! You've found one there in your post! But the way I see it, as obnoxious as they may be...they have a vote...and they are giving it to the democrats! After the last 7 years...I will take any vote we can get...no matter how idiotic that person's path to that vote was. Now that Hillary has bowed out about as beautifully as a person could, those immature Obama supporters that you disdain don't have her to kick around any more...so they'll either start focusing on McCain, or just not post here anymore.

So to sum up...It's a win, win, win situation! We get there votes! They start to leave Hillary alone and attack McCain! Or...they stop posting all together!! WIN, WIN, WIN!

[Tom Rinaldo]

65. My reply to you is below. Post #63 n/t

[RB TexLa]

60. Now, that is fucking funny! Are you a professional comedy writer?

[meowomon]

61. Hey, we loved her before

That speech on Saturday was heartfelt and moved me. And if she chooses to run in '16, I may just be on her team.

[Tom Rinaldo]

63. This thread was a shout out to those Obama supporters

...who paused in their celebration of Barack Obama's primary victory to stop and notice Hillary Clinton this weekend; who she is and what she did both this weekend and this election cycle to promote inclusion in our Democracy and now unity in our Party.

I intentionally left out the word "some" from in front of the phrase "Obama supporters" to make it a more positive statement. Obviously not every last Obama supporter, or every last Clinton supporter, is currently acting graciously to help heal the wounds in our party I am not blind. I know that sniping and ugliness continues and likely will for some time. That in fact is the very reason why so many Democrats and party leaders were anxious to reach a resolution of the nomination struggle after the last voters voted but BEFORE the Democratic convention in August. Healing takes time, it can only be rushed so far, mostly it takes time.

And I haven't developed amnesia either. Most of us here at Democratic Underground have plenty of what we feel are very valid grudges that can be held if we choose to over our how our candidate has been treated both here and in the outer world.

The simple way to explain this thread, for those Clinton supporters who still see disrespect shown Hillary Clinton daily, and who are not likely to quickly forget or even forgive some very ugly things that have been said in the past, is this: There is an odd but encouraging mirror reality that I noticed here at DU over the weekend. Hillary was more passionate in her support of Obama than many Obama supporters here expected, and a lot of Obama supporters were more sincere in their appreciation of Hillary Clinton in response to that than I expected.

I expected most Obama supporters to react to her speech sort of like this: "good, I'm glad that Clinton finally endorsed Obama. Now I am willing to stop attacking her, but she is really going to have to redeem herself over the next few months working for Obama before I will have much of anything nice to say about her." Sure there was some of that, and worse. But there was also introspection, and sincere emotional reactions to both Hillary's words and demeanor and strength she showed during her speech. While a lot of Obama supporters found themselves unexpectedly positively moved by what Hillary said, I found myself unexpectedly positively moved by how many Obama supporters here reacted that way in return.

The bottom line for Clinton supporters is this. She wants us to now get behind Barack Obama. The fact that more of Obama's supporters are now acknowledging some of their more positive feelings toward Hillary Clinton is bitter sweet, but that is a part of the healing of our party that Hillary Clinton herself seeks to now promote; the recognition that we are all on the Democratic team.

This thread chose to focus on the positive, but not because of a lack of negatives that I could have focused on instead. It was my conscious choice to do so. We all have choices like that to make now.

[Weevlitz]

66. I'm with you...accentuate the positive!

As an Obama supporter since that fateful day in Springfield, when he announced his candidacy...I found Hillary's speech to be incredibly moving! The first time she said "and that is why we must elect Barack Obama president," I felt my eyes well up a bit. I found her endorsement to be completely genuine...even when some close to me remained skeptical. They cited things like..."well, she never smiled when she said we should elect him." To those friends, I said that is because she is SERIOUS! She's not happy that she lost...but she recognizes that winning this election is far more important than the candidates themselves. I would have not believed her had she been smiling while she endorsed. She wasn't scowling, or frowning, she just looked serious! She meant what she said. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Hillary...and that speech was a home-run for both her, and the party.

Tom I appreciate very much what you are doing with this thread. I appreciate that you acknowledge that not all Obama supporters act like children. I can only hope that the Clinton supporters who maintain that they'll vote for McCain will realize that to punish over 300 million Americans based on the actions of a few imbeciles is not something that I believe Hillary Clinton would EVER do. Because that's what a vote for McCain is...it's not a punishment to Obama supporters...it's a punishment to ALL Americans...and I think after the last 7 years...we've suffered enough!

[happygoluckytoyou]

67. hillary taught democrats how to stay in a fight...laugh maybe... but if GORE or KERRY....

[TexasLady]

68. In spite of some anger downthread after having read through it

thank you for noticing that not ALL of us Obama supporters were mean or poked fun, etc. I felt that many many times HRC supporters were much more angry at supporters of Obama than Obama himself. and that goes BOTH ways for both sides. I can't count the number of threads that I would read through and just think..'oh no, not gonna add to THAT one'... and I'd bet there were a lot of people that did likewise on both sides. I toyed many many times with wondering if I could back Hillary, and realized that I definitely could, so long as I was with other fellow Dems fighting the Republicans through Nov.

For me, it was knowing that eventually we would all be sharing a common candidate, no matter who it was, and burning primary bridges in my favorite forum just wasn't sounding too good for the summer.

Here's to appreciating you and everyone here who comes in unity to whoop McSame's butt this November. :toast:

[RedLetterRev]

69. I promised from the start

of the primary season to vote for a Democrat. Kucinich and Edwards didn't last, so I did take a long, hard look at Sens Obama and Clinton. Sen Obama has won me over handily with his graciousness and poise. Don't get me wrong, I still adore the Clintons (aside from DOMA and DADT, which did figure into my "equation"). The graciousness of the majority of both Clinton and Obama supporters gives me a lot of hope for the General. I'm ready to lock elbows with whoever to get a Dem in the WH and a Dem majority in Congress. Thanks, Tom, for the healing post.

[cseper]

71. Dowd is still mad at Hillary.

Again, in my paper today is a column by Maureen Dowd, bashing Hillary Clinton. Why does Dowd hate Hillary, so much and doesn't she known Obama won. It's over... Dowd and her crowd did their job bashing Hillary and helping Obama get the nomination. Enough already!

[Tom Rinaldo]

73. Yes. This shout out was NOT to Maureen Dowd. n/t

[wryter2000]

72. Thank you

With spirit like this, our convention will lift the roof off America.

[TexasObserver]

76. K&R