Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread

John King on CNN: "Expect a very positive address from Senator Clinton. Don't just look for her to endorse Barack Obama but look for her to enthusiastically make the case of why it is so important that her supporters to get behind Barack Obama." Also, "Senator Clinton will make the case of why it is so important for Democrats now to come together and take the campaign against John McCain into the fall."

6,000 tickets were distributed online to attend Clinton's speech today.

Anyone else think it's funny that the cable news networks are stalking Hillary Clinton's home to get the shot of her leaving for the National Building Museum?

Update [2008-6-7 12:0:34 by Todd Beeton]:Some more speculation about what to expect from Hillary Clinton's speech from Richard Wolff on MSNBC: "I suspect that...what really matters here is that this is a call for Democratic unity. She has to show some leadership in taking her supporters to the issues that are at the heart of Obama's agenda, to say their issues and his issues are the same and that's why they should work together."

Update [2008-6-7 12:10:6 by Todd Beeton]:If you're not at a TV, CNN.com will be streaming the speech live. The speech is not expected to start before 12:30pm EDT at this point. From the cable networks' SUV cam at casa Clinton, the Clintons haven't left their house yet.

Update [2008-6-7 12:18:14 by Todd Beeton]:OK, I think I'm going to have to go back to CNN. Keith just asked Timmeh whether Al Gore's concession speech is the model of the modern day concession and Tim of course pretended that the US would have ceased to exist as we'd known it had Al Gore challenged George W. Bush instead of conceded to him. "One of the most extraordinarily gracious comments in American political history, absolutely. What could have happened on that day if Vice President Gore hadn't been so magnanimous in understanding the need to unite the country." Umm, pray tell, Tim, what exactly would have happened? Christ. How does Keith talk to this guy with a straight face? See ya MSNBC.

Update [2008-6-7 12:26:39 by Josh Orton]: Things aren't much better on CNN. Instead of going over the same conventional wisdom again and again, would it kill cable news networks to maybe find some Hillary Clinton supporters and interview them about how she inspired them? Or how Clinton brought them into the political process? Probably don't have the resources for that. Better to stick with the stakeout of Clinton's house and pointless banter with the same pundits saying nothing useful.

Update [2008-6-7 12:32:28 by Todd Beeton]:Breaking: the Clintons are on the move.

Update [2008-6-7 12:32:28 by Todd Beeton]:The rehabilitation of Bill Clinton in the media is underway. Wolf Blitzer has been asking what Bill Clinton's role in the upcoming election will be and the consensus is that he is uniquely able to appeal to certain segments of the population and has a unique skill at framing issues that could help Barack Obama in the fall, but clearly he will not be nearly as visible in the general as he was in the primary. I like that Wolf asked Donna Brazille why she and Al Gore decided not to use him more in 2000 and she said "We used him strategically to turn out the base...We saw in our polling that Al Gore needed to appeal to independents and Bill Clinton had lost some support among independents."



Display:


Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (2.00 / 1)

If at first you don't concede...


by Shaun Appleby on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 11:57:08 AM EST

I love the National Building Museum (none / 0)

It's my favorite museum in Washington. It used to be the US Pension Office designed for Union Civil War veterans. It was designed to accommodate soldiers with canes and wheelchairs.

It is the first modern office building in world history. Prior to the Pension Office, most offices were held in townhouse style buildings. The Pension Office had an elaborate message system and was designed to handled hundreds of employees at a time.  It is also the first major office building to accommodate the handicapped. Great site for this rally.


by elrod on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 11:57:36 AM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

Nothing the media does in covering HRC would surprise me any longer.  This is just one more element of the ridiculousness.  


by steveinohio on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 11:59:56 AM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

The type of speech here is why some of us didn't like the HRC campaign (style or duration).  It seems unlikely that  she can give a speech that seems sincere that "enthusiastically make the case of why it is so important that her supporters to get behind Barack Obama" when she's spent the last  ~5 months saying the exact opposite ("the kitchen sink strategy", as opposed to why we should vote for her).  While I believe she can make a legitimate argument on "why it is so important for Democrats now to come together and take the campaign against John McCain into the fall" that will likely just come off as party politics.  That may be sufficient to bolster the party base, but it'll have to be a very good speech focusing on the latter, and the absence of a convincing former (which I don't believe at this point she can deliver) will mean her independent supporters will be less inclined to be convinced.

Anyone else think it's funny that the cable news networks are stalking Hillary Clinton's home to get the shot of her leaving for the National Building Museum?

Yeah that is bizarre.  Were they invited by the Clintons?  Or is it that she doesn't have her media contingent now?


McCain = Iraq. John McCain = overturn Roe.
by PantsB on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:01:21 PM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

She hasn't uttered one syllable and you're jumping down her throat accusing her of being insincere?


by usedmeat on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:30:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

I've heard her speak a time or two.  Sincerity isn't her strong suit, and its tough to appear sincere when there are hours of tape of you saying the exact opposite very recently.


McCain = Iraq. John McCain = overturn Roe.
by PantsB on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:46:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

blah blah blah


by colebiancardi on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:48:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

And you got your psych degree where?


by usedmeat on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:01:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Live feed (none / 0)

Watch it live here: http://www.cnn.com/video/live/live.html? stream=stream2

Crowd is already fired up :) I expect a fantastic speak from a fantastic politician.

(Mic check, 1,2,3,4.. what do you think?) ;)


by standd on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:01:55 PM EST

Re: stalking Hillary Clinton's home (2.00 / 1)

It's funny in a typical MSM kind of way, lol

But I'm glad they did it. I'd never seen her D.C. home before, and think it's a lovely example of stately, traditional georgian architecture.


by phoenixdreamz on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:02:12 PM EST

Re: stalking Hillary Clinton's home (2.00 / 3)

There is something neat about seeing the homes of politicians, as it humanizes them.  

Back in the days of Lincoln, and even Garfield, campaigns (as we know them today with all the travelling ans stumping) were considered "beneath" the candidate.  Supporters and potential voters would frequently visit the candidate's home (where they were welcomed with food and drink)to discuss their issues, concerns, etc.

Can you imagine?


I'm as strong as a bull moose, and you can use me to the limit. - Teddy Roosevelt
by fogiv on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:09:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

what!? She's not gonna endorse him? Sigh...it never ends for her.


by mecarr on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:05:40 PM EST

What? (2.00 / 1)

Where did you get that? She is endorsing.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:11:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What? (none / 0)

No, read what Todd said in his blog. It says that she will not endorse him, but urge supporters to go with him.


by mecarr on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:18:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What? (none / 0)

'Don't just look for her to endorse Barack Obama...'  You had me worried there for a moment.


by Shaun Appleby on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:26:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What? (2.00 / 1)

exactly. I think John King was pretty clear.


by Todd Beeton on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:35:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What? (none / 0)

And we know Todd sees all and knows all. </snark>


by usedmeat on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:31:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Read more carefully. n/t (2.00 / 1)


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:34:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Can some shut tweety up (2.00 / 1)

please.


by parahammer on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:07:54 PM EST

Re: Can some shut tweety up (none / 0)

I agree. He is so damn offensive and I just don't understand MSNBC allowing him to continue with his rants.  He talks about ethnic groups as if he is Archie Bunker and I am quite appalled.


by sweet potato pie on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:09:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The magic of Tweety... (2.00 / 1)

He pissed off people on all sides of every argument equally.  God he sucks.


Let's elect a Dem President!
by SpanishFly on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:10:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Don't watch Tweety. (2.00 / 2)

Watch CNN.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:12:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah, they're so on the money (none / 0)

Damned if you do and damned if you do with the teevee coverage of politics.  

Matthews is exceptionally nutty though.  There's little doubt of that.  


by Sun Dog on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:16:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (2.00 / 4)

Hey, I have an idea.  Everyone should watch the speech first.  Then you can start lamenting about what it was lacking.  Just sayin'


by JustJennifer on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:08:08 PM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (2.00 / 1)

Agreed.


I'm as strong as a bull moose, and you can use me to the limit. - Teddy Roosevelt
by fogiv on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:12:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Novel idea! (none / 0)

I think folks are a bit nervous about this one.  

Gotta hand it to Hillary for building this up to such an extent.  The irony of it all is that as frustrating as it is to Obama supporters, the more tension there is around this, the more effective it could be in terms of helping us win the White House.

The Democrats are dominating the stage for months on end and Hillary is a big part of that.  It's coming time that Obama takes center stage to a greater degree, but he's being launched towards that convention.  


by Sun Dog on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:20:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

Why should obama supporters let facts get in the way of their preconceptions.


by usedmeat on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:33:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

As hot as it is today... (none / 0)

Let's hope the crowd is able to keep cool.  I see people using papers as fans already.


Let's elect a Dem President!
by SpanishFly on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:08:12 PM EST

Yeah, it's hot everywhere (none / 0)

It's in the mid-to-upper 90s in East Tennessee, and our weather is about the same as DC (farther South but higher elevation).


by elrod on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:16:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

SUV Cam - disgusting (none / 0)

It really does bring out the difficulties these celebrity politicians face.  We can criticize them for living in a bubble sometimes, but really, what other choice do they have?


John McCain is a Bush ally on Social Security.
by John DE on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:18:06 PM EST

Don't be too surprised (2.00 / 1)

If she ditched the paparazzi again and is taking another route.  They might still be watching that SUV and she'll be walking onto the stage.


by Sun Dog on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:23:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That would be *so cool*! (none / 0)

Go Stealth Hillary!

I would love to see that become a trend.  Reporters scurrying around trying to find their asses with both hands...

:-)


Motley Moose, Troll Free Blogging
by chrisblask on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:27:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: SUV Cam - disgusting (none / 0)

It's like they are waiting for Britney Spears.


by JustJennifer on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:23:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

None (none / 0)

Fame sucks.


Motley Moose, Troll Free Blogging
by chrisblask on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:25:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

Man....the world awaits and she's 20 minutes late and hasn't even left her house yet? I wonder if Bill's trying to talk her out of it at the last minute (just kidding);)


by animated on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:19:46 PM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

Maybe someone saw the speech last minute and realized she was about to give Tuesday's speech over...


should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?
by Firewall on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:21:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

Another sore winner? Or is it whiner?


by usedmeat on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:39:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

They are on Clinton time.  They are notorious for being late.


by JustJennifer on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:24:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

hey frankleyO

what your comment says really?

"row faster"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMBeKmViV lA


"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"
by nogo postal on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:21:39 PM EST

One of the biggest lessons I have learned through (none / 0)

all of this is the people on TV and just people, on TV.

There are some folks on TV who spend a lot of time thinking about this stuff and have interesting opinions on what will happen before it happens.

There are some folks on blogs who spend a lot of time thinking about this stuff and have interesting opinions on what will happen before it happens.

Niether group knows a damn thing about what will happen before it happens.  Some just have cameras pointed at their faces.

-chris


Motley Moose, Troll Free Blogging
by chrisblask on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:23:28 PM EST

people on TV *are* just people, on TV (none / 0)


Motley Moose, Troll Free Blogging
by chrisblask on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:31:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: people on TV *are* just people, on TV (none / 0)

No, they are people who couldn't make a living at stealing house pets for medical research.


by usedmeat on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:41:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's going to be a very interesting speech (none / 0)


by slinkerwink on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:25:07 PM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

How do you even accrue $30m in debt?

Under federal law, a campaign can only be lent money by the candidate unless its secured by verified campaign assets: furniture and computers, anticipated matching funds, market value of the mailing list. Theres' no way a campaign could have a mailing list worth $19m (allowing for the 11m she lent herself).

The only logical explanation is that its debt owed to vendors. A lot of that would have to be PSB (Penn's firm). Why not just forgive the debt, and Hilary could forgive the debt owed to her by the campaign, rather than have Obama raise money that could otherwise go to electing Democrats.


by desmoulins on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:25:10 PM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

oops wrong threat. my apo;logies.


by desmoulins on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:26:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

thread.


by desmoulins on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:26:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

This has got to be one of the most difficult days in her political life.  I feel for her.  And I am nervous and sad for her.


by JustJennifer on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:26:12 PM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

Tuesday night was kind of a reasonably bitter
"damn right I'm pissed off I lost..."

Today, will be something else. It will be elevated. It will demonstrate that IF she would have won..we would be ok. It will dispel the BS from the sexist media..it will demonstrate to Obama supporters why so many supported her.
It will also sound the death knell for the GOP in 2008...

The Party United, can never be defeated!


"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"
by nogo postal on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:27:27 PM EST

Why do stations like (none / 0)

CNN and MSNBC allow Buchanan to come on their programs and yap? No one cares what that racist thinks.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:33:29 PM EST

Re: Why do stations like (none / 0)

I agree. It is beyond the pale that this man is given a microphone. He just goes off on racist and hateful rants regardless of the facts.  No one wants to talk about how gallup shows Obama doing BETTER among Hispanics than John Kerry and yet  Pat is allowed to talk nonsense about how he can't win latinos.

It is disgusting.


by sweet potato pie on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:35:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Al Gore's concession, etc. (2.00 / 1)

Yes.  It's one thing to concede with grace when your opponent has won fairly and squarely.  And I have to say there are more than a few Dems who are not convinced the Obama has won this thing fairly and squarely.  Giving him Uncommited delegates, for instance, smacks of entitlement.

Also, I think now that the pundits and Dem elite are getting what they want, they ought to leave Hillary alone.  It's not on her shoulders to win this thing for Obama.  He's the candidate; he's got to win it.  He's got to attract unconvinced Dems and Independents.  For months, they've been pressuring Hillary to give it up.  They got what they want, and now it's sounding like they want her to win the freakin' election for Obama.  He's the one.  He's the one who will stop the sea levels from rising. He's the one. Yes, he can.


by moevaughn on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:34:36 PM EST

Re: Al Gore's concession, etc. (2.00 / 1)

Obama won fair and square. He would have won without the uncommitted delegates from an unsanctioned primary.  To think otherwise is ignorant of the facts.  He played by the rules and won.


by sweet potato pie on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:37:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Al Gore's concession, etc. (2.00 / 1)

If you consider having the media in your corner parroting what ever smear obama supporters put out there, then yes, he won fair and square.


by usedmeat on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:49:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Uncommitted (none / 0)

I wouldn't call giving Uncommitted delegates to someone who chose not to put his name on the ballot "playing by rules".  It's not Obama's fault that the DNC gave them to him, but many people feel it was wrong for them to do that. Blatent entitlement; DNC is the Enabler. Uncommitted means Uncommitted.  And since he didn't need them, maybe he could have shown how gracious he could be and not accept them.  Same with Florida:  since it wouldn't affect the outcome, as you say, why not show some grace and support FL delegates having full votes?  Oh maybe he'll do that at the convention, but then the damage has already been done.  It'll be too little, way too late.


by moevaughn on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 02:26:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Al Gore's concession, etc. (2.00 / 1)

I agree that it is his to win or lose.  I also think they will find a way to blame her if he loses.  She didn't drop out soon enough.  She didn't do enough to bring her supporters over to him.  She didn't do something...  


by JustJennifer on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:38:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Al Gore's concession, etc. (none / 0)

Being Obama means never having to say you're sorry.


by usedmeat on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:43:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

I think Wolf Blitzer should ask Donna Brazile why she likes to present herself as an expert when she was part of the biggest clusterfuck in political history.


by JustJennifer on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:36:11 PM EST

Don't do it Hillary (2.00 / 1)

This is just like Gore's 2000 concession speech. I want to yell, "Don't do it Hillary." MSNBC's thought that America would implode if the votes were fully counted in Florida in 2000 were just as silly as MSNBC's thought that the Democratic party would implode if all the votes were counted in Florida in 2008 and a citizen in Florida was considered a 100% human being.  Conventions are where such close races should be worked out. That is what conventions are for.


by maxstar on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:36:24 PM EST

Re: Don't do it Hillary (none / 0)

You aren't a democrat then. I said that no matter who wins I would support the democratic nominee because I am a democrat.  Please tell me the last time that a fight went to the convention and we won in the fall. Stop for a moment and think about what would happen if this went to the convention. I can guarantee you that neither Obama or Hillary would win if there was a fight.


by sweet potato pie on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:39:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Don't do it Hillary (2.00 / 1)

oh please.  can we stop with the "you aren't a democrat then" BS?

when did we turn into freepers?


by colebiancardi on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:46:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No. (2.00 / 2)

She needs to do it -- for the sake of the party, the country, and herself. She's doing the right thing, just as I knew she would.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:41:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

anyone want a funny video to watch instead of pre-game?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC8qBFl6I ps


by nwodtuhs on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:37:37 PM EST

;( :( SAD DAY! (2.00 / 1)

Hillary thank you!


DEMOCRATIC 08!
by rigsoHC on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:47:21 PM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (1.50 / 2)

A great day. She is cementing her place even tighter within the Democratic party. She's is not going anywhere. She's got half the party. Real unity will only be achieved once this is recognized. Politics is the art of compromise as Mr. Obama is about to learn.


by superetendar on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:09:00 PM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

Mojoing this to counter ridiculous troll rating.


John McCain: Extending SCHIP would be an "unfunded liability."
by Fuzzy Dunlop on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:14:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

Now PMSNBC is saying HRC has reinvented herself. Even in conceding they have to stick her. Why iss it so important for some to get that one last kick?


by usedmeat on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:34:49 PM EST

Re: Pre-Endorsement Speech Thread (none / 0)

Gotta hand it to Hillary for building this up to such an extent.  The irony of it all is that as frustrating as it is to Obama supporters, the more tension there is around this, the more effective it could be in terms of helping us win the White House.


Flashlights rc helicopter video game
by anasky123 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 01:53:42 AM EST


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