Toss them OUT OF THE PARTY!: Clinton Advisers Skipping Obama Speech

[Barack_America]

Clinton Advisers Skipping Obama Speech

By Matthew Mosk
A number of Sen. Hillary Clinton's top advisers will not be staying in Denver long enough to hear Barack Obama accept the nomination for president, according to sources familiar with their schedules.

Clinton will deliver her speech Tuesday night. She will hold a private meeting with her top financial supporters Wednesday at noon, and will thank her delegates at an event that afternoon. Former president Bill Clinton will speak that night. Several of Hillary Clinton's supporters are then planning to leave town. Among them, Terry McAuliffe, Clinton's campaign chairman, and longtime supporters Steve Rattner and Maureen White. Another of Clinton's top New York fundraisers, Alan Patricof, did not make the trip to Denver.

Robert Zimmerman, a Clinton supporter who is trying now to navigate between the two camps, will be staying for Obama's speech. But he said in an interview that it would be unrealistic to expect there would not still be some tension between the two camps -- he noted that the same was true with supporters of Gary Hart and, to a lesser extent, Howard Dean.

"This convention provides a very important opportunity for the Obama campaign to bond with the constituencies that supported Hillary Clinton," Zimmerman said. "It's not about Barack or Hillary. It's about bringing in the people here who voted for Hillary Rodham Clinton. Senator Obama and Senator Biden are, without question, qualified to do that."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/08/25/clinton_adviser_to_skip_town_b.html


Hillary has asked them to bury the hatchet. Why do they persist? Do they intend to make her look weak as a leader?

[LisaM]

1. Uhhh.....this is the DEMOCRATIC party. You can't "toss them out".

Besides, they said it wasn't that unusual, so please don't persist with this divisive chatter.

[geek tragedy]

8. Who said that staging a walkout wasn't unusual?

The reason they're leaving is that they no longer call the shots, so they're no longer interested in working on behalf of the party.

[LisaM]

15. Leaving town before a speech is not "staging a walkout".

Please stop trying to stir things up.

[Barack_America]

16. And they're willing to trash Hillary's career in the process.

Her status in the Democratic party directly relates to her ability to control her supporters.

So far, not so good.

[question everything]

22. Obviously, they do not consider this "trashing" her career

The torch is being passed from Clinton to Obama. Thursday will belong to Obama and his advisers. It will be quite appropriate for the old guard to cede. And... get a head start of seats on the planes..

[LynneSin]

31. The only ones 'trashing her career' are people like us who assume one needs to stay in Denver....

all 4 days.

They want to go home. These are not Biden's Advisors nor are they Obama's advisors so after Hillary has done her speech, made time for the press then her day is done. She is staying for unity but there is no reason for her staff to hang out the entire time. And that's the same way for many many many other convention goers too.

[question everything]

50. Well said. Thanks (nt)

[highplainsdem]

20. "Staging a walkout"? How melodramatic of you. Not to mention inaccurate.

They'll probably be able to see and hear the speech better on TV anyway than in a stadium.

Now if they chose to go to Invesco and try to stage a dramatic protest walkout partway through the speech, that would be silly. It wouldn't ever happen, either.

You're really overreacting.

And this is the Democratic Party, and they're Democrats.

If you get to a point where you feel someone has to sit through a speech in a stadium to show loyalty, you're getting a little authoritarian.

[geek tragedy]

23. Pretty clear that they're Clintocrats, not

Democrats.

[LynneSin]

28. Pretty clear you don't know how conventions work either

It's not like Denver has been locked down by a giant glass done that prevents people from coming and going.

If anything, the big nights they want as much space available to bring all the democrat supporters, people like us, to be able to attend the convention and see the big 2 speeches. These folks probably would be doing nothing more than sitting around in their hotel room running up the hotel bar bill and have been told if they wish to go home they can.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. They are just showing themselves as the true assholes that they are. NT

[Metric System]

3. Give it a rest.

[Barack_America]

6. They're the ones who need to give it a rest. And get on board with the Democratic ticket...

Or recuse their positions in the party.

[Jim Sagle]

14. They don't NEED to do squat. YOU need to REALIZE it.

[LynneSin]

27. Absol-fucking-lutely

Some of the key democrats may not even show up til the end of the convention for when Obama comes out. Are we badmouthing them here at DU for not being in Denver the entire 4 days?

[LynneSin]

17. Oddly enough one is not required to stay the entire convention

Have you considered that this is just another attempt to make Hillary look bad by saying "Advisors are leaving after Clinton's Speech". So fucking what - let them go, this isn't a class they are attending - there is no test at the end of the convention to see if they attended the entire convention and actually listened.. They aren't Obama's advisors, they aren't delgate and they are are thousands of people dying for tickets to see Obama speak the last night that won't get them because what, we have to save seats for advisors? Maybe one of them has a sick mother in the hosptial or their daughter's birthday to celebrate. Mabye these advisors have been working 80hr weeks advising Clinton and just want to relax a few days with their family.

Who gives a fuck they aren't staying. This has nothing to do with the price of tea in China but I guess it's DU we better tar and feather then before they leave early

[rebel with a cause]

85. Take this as the joke it is meant as.

But for the reasons why they need to leave, perhaps if you said that they might need to start looking for new jobs, those who want them to be there for the whole time will accept it.

Much to do about nothing as far as I am concerned. As long as they cause no problems and do not do anything to cost us the election, I could care less whether they stay there or not. All I care about now is ending this occupation of the White House by a government that does not represent the people, not even the ones that voted for them. Got to leave this subject alone because I am beginning to tear up. Michelle speaking so beautifully is not helping me stay dry eyed either.

Oh man, Joe Biden is a silly goose. I think he is going to grow on me. I sure hope he does on everyone.

[geek tragedy]

4. Let's hope the scummy sycophants don't return.

I've come around on Hillary. Her DLC flunkies and big money poohbahs can go Cheney themselves.

[zanne]

5. Professionals don't do thtings like that. nt

[Barack_America]

7. Indeed. Exactly right. nt

[LynneSin]

9. Why do they have to stay the entire time? This is total bullshit

I mean there are alot of democrats not staying the entire time - should we toss them all out of the party.

These advisors have been working overtime since Hillary started this campaign, don't think they deserve a break too. Hillary's speech is done and personally, there is no reason for any of them to stay in Denver.

[Barack_America]

19. Unless they want to be loyal Democrats...

And present themselves as models for unity.

[LynneSin]

25. But this is done every single convention

No one is required to be at the convention the entire time other than the delegates. And it's common for some people to fly in, do their job and then leave when done. This isn't Hillary or Bill leaving after her speech, this is a couple of staffers who have probably been working their asses off for Sen. Clinton and probably deserve a few days off. And it's not like Hillary has a whole lot of need for them for the rest of the convention.

[LisaM]

29. Thank you, LynneSin

I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

[LynneSin]

I just can't believe we're making an issue about this

I've met people who have gone to the convention and unless they are delegates, many of them did not stay the entire time. This is a nothing story once again being blown out of the water because Clinton is attached to it. In some ways Rush Limbaugh's 'Operation Chaos' is being kept alive by DUers

:grr:

and thank you too!!

[dano81818]

71. they should stay b/c it would be a powerful symbol of support

the goal is to beat john mccain and have control over all 3 branches of federal power so we can begin to undo the damage of the booosh years... maybe leaving town early doesn't say much, but STAYING would certainly say alot! how much would acting enthusiastic as barack takes the stage to accept the nomination be worth? what, they have something more important on their schedule?

[dano81818]

72. why do DU-ers, who are acutely aware of the need to win in this election, making excuses for the

clintons? i dont get it.

[goclark]

10. My my my

Can't their LEADER tell them that is tacky and not appropriate?

[LynneSin]

21. Perhaps we should tell that to all the other folds who leave early and come late

I mean Joe Biden isn't in Denver today - let's go crucify him too.

:grr:

[MiniMe]

11. I'm glad McAuliff is leaving. I think that he and Mark Penn are the ones

who are causing all the trouble.

[wvbygod]

12. The speech is a formality than can be watched remotely

Perhaps they have business at that time? Mor ethan 99.9% of Democrats can not make it
to Denver to hear the speech. Many will watch it live and I doubt they should be tossed
for not making it to the speech.

[yourguide]

13. way to fucking unify...

:grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr:
:grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr:
:grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr:
:grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr:

[SurfingAtWork]

18. Wow! They are Teh Klassy!

[LynneSin]

24. ARE YOU PEOPLE FUCKING NUTS!!!! SERIOUSLY!!

Who gives a flying rats ass if these people leave early?

Every convention thousands of convention goers not only come a few days late to the convention but some of them leave early too. THis is not a class where there will be an exam at the end of the convention. Hillary probably told her staff that they were welcomed to leave after her speech. And knowing that some of these people have been working overtime to support her this is a great chance for them to go home and take a break. These people are NOT delegates and there are still thousands of democrats out there that would love to get seats in the convention. Why waste them on people not needed who perhaps are just ready to take a break from the hectic pace.

Thing is, this is a NON-ISSUE once again to create divide that 'ooo bad hillary isn't unifying the party' Well, you folks are doing a damn good job of adding fuel to the fire by having a hissy fit over something as STUPID as this. There is nothing tacky with going home early, get over it.

[LostinVA]

82. Yes, they are -- Clinton Derangement Syndrome

Get pissed off and outraged at the silliest, most innocuous, normal thing. I'm 43, and have honestly never seen anything like it, not through decades of elections and not after being online since the early 90's.

[Arkansas Granny]

26. Give it a rest. You are looking for things to be outraged about.

It really doesn't matter in the long run and their presence isn't needed. The media keeps giving out these little tidbits in an attempt to fill a 24 hour news cycle and keep their audience interested.

[yourguide]

73. Oh please!

If the tables were turned every other thread would be flaming about this.

[democrattotheend]

30. Fine. Let their seats go to grassroots Obama supporters who really want to be there.

Why waste the seats on political hacks who don't even like Obama and don't want to be there. I'd be happy to take one of their seats.

[LynneSin]

32. Damn, you think??!!!

These are not political hacks - these are people whose job is done on Tuesday. They, along with hundreds of other Convention goers will come & go at will. I wonder if Ted Kennedy will stay the entire time - perhaps he'll need to get home to be tended to. If he leaves early will we rip him to shreds, call him a hack and toss him out of the party too.

[democrattotheend]

37. Perhaps "hacks" wasn't the best word

I just meant that they are insiders who have seen conventions before and probably don't care much about being there. If they don't want to be there, that's fine with me. Let their seats go to grassroots supporters for whom it would be the opportunity of a lifetime. I was defending these people, not attacking them.

[LynneSin]

39. Thank you - and I agree 110%

Hillary's major job is done on Tuesday. Why should she be paying for these people to stay extra days if they aren't needed. I'm sure she gave them the option to stay or leave and a couple just opted to go home.

And you're right - those seats can be used them for the real fans, the people who helped put Obama where he is today.

[Arnold Judas Rimmer]

59. Ted Kennedy has a medical reason for not sticking around

He wouldn't be doing it just to be an asshole.

[Captain Hilts]

33. It just doesn't matter. Really. It doesn't. nt

[LisaM]

34. My mom was a delegate in 2004 and didn't attend every single speech

She's worked fervently for the Democratic party since the early 60s, sat on the executive committee in our county, held 12 years of elected office, run for a state legislative seat, and been a precinct delegate more times than I can name. She even went as a "Dean delegate for Kerry" in 2004. And she didn't attend every speech!

Should she be kicked out of the party?

[democrattotheend]

40. I have no problem with them not attending

In fact, I would prefer that the seats go to grassroots Obama supporters who really want to be there. But if the Clinton advisors who are skipping it went out of their way to make it known to the media that they won't be there, that sucks.

[LynneSin]

43. Did they make it known or did the media look for anything they could dig up

I mean the media and republicans are doing their damndest to say we are a divided party and will take anything they can find to fuel the fire. And hell threads like this are just dumping napalm on the fire now. This is nothing more than 2 people leaving early just like many many others have done in the past - the only reason this is 'news' is because they work for Clinton. Anyone else wouldn't have gottent the time of day.

[nc4bo]

35. F 'em, jot down the names on a piece of paper and file for later use. keep it moving ya know? nt

[LostinVA]

83. Niiice -- making a list -- where have I heard that before?

Is that YOU, Tailgunner Joe?!

[Beregond2]

36. Please.

Who is even going to notice or care? They are yesterday's news.

[polichick]

38. Good - let the cry babies go home. They won't be missed.

[LynneSin]

41. So anyone who leaves the convetion early is a cry-baby

You realize there are alot of people who leave the conventions early and/or show up late - are they all cry-babies too? Or perhaps these people, veterans of many conventions, have completed their assignments for the week had have been told they could stay or go if they like - just like many many many other staffers & advisors to other politicians have been doing.

They are not cry-babies, they are humans who perhaps have been working long hours and would just prefer going home and watching it all on the TV with their families.

[polichick]

42. Only the ones who are leaving because they're sore losers - obviously.

[apocalypsehow]

45. Spot-on.

:thumbsup:

[LynneSin]

46. So you're checking with everyone who leaves early to confirm that

You assume they are sore losers.

Me, I assume they are people done with their job and really have no need to be there after Hillary's speech and opted to go home where they can relax and be with family.

And hundreds of other folks just like them are doing the same exact thing but the media isn't concerned other people do this.

We are doing nothing more than buying into this MSM smear that Hillary isn't supporting the party. WE are doing it. Little seeds like this are planted in hopes that we can help build the frenzy that 'Hillary supporters' are abandoning the party. We're doing it - this thread is doing it, we're doing job the republicans want us to do.

Think about it.

[polichick]

49. It's pretty clear from the op what's going on.

[seaglass]

66. WE aren't doing it Lynn, certain DUers who have been driving

this division at DU throughout the primary season are doing it, they just CAN'T stop. And most of them have no idea what they're talking about - they jump from one shiny thing to another.

[LynneSin]

77. BTW - my guess is Ted Kennedy is heading home after tonight

I wonder if DUers will scream that he's not supporting the party and we should toss him out

That comment is about stupid as this entire thread getting bent out of shape over 2 advisors to Clinton.

[Barack_America]

44. They could demonstrate loyalty to the party by staying. They've chosen not to...

And the Democratic party should note that.

These are not just your "average Democrat" skipping out early. These are Democrats that engineered and ran a campaign that threatened to tear this party apart. They have a lot to make up to the party, and noticeable and total support for Barack at the convention would have gone a long way.

Shame.

[LynneSin]

47. They would probably be sitting in the hotel room watching the convention

you do know seating is limited

Why can't they show family unity by going home and watching it with their families instead.

[LisaM]

48. Keep trying. Maybe someone will hear what you are saying.

Though I doubt it!

LOL.

:eyes:

[4themind]

51. The most recent former head of the democratic party

will be sitting at home during the nomination speech at his own party's convention? Supposedly not due to health issues but because he came for the FIRST part of the convention but left before the nominee's speech... would there be any recent precedent for this for a man of his status? How would that look, especially now in this media age vs. conventions past when no the MSM and the repubs are looking for ANY signs of disunity? How do these actions help the cause of unity? How much do they care (on both sides to be fair)? And it may very well be possible that he can show family unity by having his family AT the convention, if he/they desire it. I would think that it serves Obama's interests to have prominent members from Hillary's group there in addition to his own supporters to try and unify the party and voters for a november rout, and honestly I think that the co-chair of her campaign and former head of the party would qualify enough to get seats IF he wanted them, but people can disagree on that.

Ask yourself this, how would it look if hillary didn't show up? You could use the argument that "well people enter and leave the convention all the time", but even if you're right what effect would that have if a person of her status decided to do that? How would that help. now terry isn't on hillary's status with respect to this campaign, but my concern is that he's high enough that the MSM will seize on it (just one more thing for them to seize on). Arguably posts like mine only draw further attention to the problem but maybe it'll add a small part to the outcry/desire among democrats for increased showing of unity (from ALL sides) to help us achieve our common goals where they are, and to convince THEM of that before it's too late (if they're planning on not going)

[Barack_America]

52. Good point. nt

[LynneSin]

54. And that STILL means nothing to me

You're helping to divide the party just as much as this person is.

Is that what you want. Or perhaps it's best to ignore these shit so these media stories die as quickly as they find them.

[4themind]

61. Sorry but I disagree

unless you can define "dividing just as much" because I'm not a person with a national audience so the effects of my dissent (what ever you believe them to be) I would argue would have far less of an effect on voters than what this action has and may cause in the future. The goal of my dissent is to add a small piece to the voice that will hopefully persuade Terry to reconsider his actions, and I'm willing to risk it being perceived as "disunity" to help avoid what I think will have far greater effects on "unity". But you're free to difer

[LynneSin]

76. Then the republicans just love people like you

cause you're doing their job and quite nicely

[dano81818]

74. how about staying and making themselves available on TV to rebut romney and guiliani?

leaving just says they dont give a crap about the democratic party if they dont get to call the shots

[LostinVA]

84. Don't bother with this one, Sissie -- impossible -- they think the sky is red

[GoesTo11]

53. Would it hurt for Hillary to ask them to stay to show unity?

Sure, they're free to leave. But it would make a nice statement if there was complete unity and support for the Obama ticket from the Clinton camp. Obviously she still has influence with them, and if she asked them to please stay on an extra day, they would do it. They could take a nice hike in the hills during the day if they're bored, then go to the speech at night.

[rucky]

55. Don't leave, Terry! Don't leave us!

on second thought...

[TexasObserver]

56. Good riddance to them. They're not Democrats, anyway.

McAwful did more damage to the party than Karl Rove over the same period.

[Pathwalker]

57. Does that include Ted Kennedy, too?

If you feel so strongly about it - you could leave the party in protest.

[Diamonique]

58. I don't see anything wrong with them leaving before Obama's speech. n/t

[tbayum]

60. we don't toss people out

[Vinca]

62. Childish and rude. nt

[jenmito]

63. TERRY MCAULIFFE won't stay for Obama's speech??? He was on tv cheerleading Obama and saying how

united the party is and will be by the end of the Convention! :wtf:

[Heather MC]

64. This is good news, it means they are not planning a coup de ta

let them leave
if they can't handle the fact that their horse lost. it's best they so the room is filled with Obama Supporters

THIS IS HIS CONVENTION and the DEMS PARTY Convention, It should be this much about the Clinton anyway
they should have gotten One day Bill Then Hillary on Tuesday then let them Leave
It's bad enough they got 2 nights

[Hutzpa]

65. This just narrows it down to what would

have happened if she had won, looks like she is not
in charge of these people and she cannot control them.

Imagine the impact this would have had on Democrats.

I say to those folks, a big FUCK YOU!!!!

That'll be all....

[RB TexLa]

67. Who cares when people go home?

[Pathwalker]

68. Operation Chaos thanks you for your help. Your check is in the mail.

In your case - it's a big one!

[paulk]

69. more faux outrage from the hate brigade

pathetic

[Honeycombe8]

70. Ah, well....their loss, really. They will look back years later & say they left before witnessing

a truly historic event. If their 'tude isn't right, best they're not there, I guess.

[RollWithIt]

75. This is just one more article that does not directly name the advisors or supporters....

The ONE person they name in the article is staying for the speech.......

The BIG BAD HILLARY WORKERS WHO ARE LEAVING????? "according to sources familiar with their schedules." WTF, is this deepthroat?

[kiva]

78. No, I think Deep Throat swallowed...

these unnamed advisers spit.

[bvar22]

79. This lends another layer of proof to the accusation....

...that the "support" from the Clinton Camp is lip service only.

[davidpdx]

80. Sorry, I think this is being overblown by the media

For Clinton's advisors there is nothing left to do. It is also possible they may be doing advance work for Clinton to do rallies.

[Colobo]

81. They should go to hell and stay there.