What Role for Hillary Clinton at the Democratic Convention?
Consideration of a symbolic delegate roll-call vote stirs tensions
Barack Obama still has a big decision to make regarding the Democratic National Convention later this month: Whether to allow Hillary Clinton to have a roll-call vote with her name placed in nomination, or try to block it.
Many Clinton supporters want the roll call to demonstrate the extent of her support in the Democratic primaries, where she drew 18 million votes and fell just short of catching Obama in the delegate count. Obama strategists are concerned that such a roll call will only stir up hard feelings. "And he doesn't want to remind people how close the race was," says a veteran Democratic adviser who is in close contact with both the Obama and Clinton campaigns.
But Clinton loyalists say it would be even more divisive if the Obama forces denied her a chance to show her historic level of support as a woman candidate. "Then there would be open warfare," says the Democratic adviser.
One solution might be for Clinton to voluntarily remove her name and urge all the delegates to vote for Obama, but it's not clear whether she will choose that course.
For his part, Obama has been conciliatory, reportedly giving Senator Clinton the coveted slot of keynote speaker on the second night of the convention.
Reader Comments
As a former Hillary supporter, I sent the following letter to Senator Clinton today. I would hope that it reflects the position of responsible Clinton supporters everywhere. I'm appalled to see this pathetic PUMA phenomenon, which I strongly speculate is make up of closet racists (you'll never admit it) and fueled by Republican operatives.
Senator Clinton,
My wife and I were strong supporters of you from the beginning of your campaign. Now, I'm sad to say, we're very disappointed in you and President Clinton for your lack of demonstrated support to unify Democrats behind Senator Obama. Watching you now, jockeying to gain some kind of personal political advantage, is a sad sight to behold.
We believed in you, Hillary. Please show us now that our belief was rightly placed. Speak & demonstrate your support for Obama-Biden loudly, clearly, unequivocally. Do whatever's necessary to shut these PUMA people up. The very best political move you can make right now is to overwhelmingly support Obama.
Loyal Democrats are expecting nothing less from you.
Sincerely,
Craig Mathews
I have not voted in years this would have been my 1st
The only question I have to ask is there a write in on the ballot..........................if the convention wont recognize her supporters maybe we as AMERICANS should if it is there I will write hern in.
Hillary Clinton support
As you will read I am a Hillary supporter. Those of you pointing out Bill's flaws and holding them against Hillary are just ignorant. She is intelligent, hard working, and my idea of a president. If you care to point out Bills flaws why not point out how well she handled the situation... bottom line that has nothing to do with her qualifications. Why not look at her work on health care,her education,and her experience. She deserves the count. BOTTOM LINE maybe not this time watch out in 2012...that is if Obama doesnt mess things up where a democrat could not win in that year. HILLARY I WILL BE WAITING TO CAST MY VOTE FOR YOU IN 2012...
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