The DNC: Democrats Going for McCain

I was lucky enough to get one of the coveted purple wristbands at the "Women Count" event put on by a newly-formed PAC of the same name.  The PAC was founded after the primaries, seemingly in response to the outcome for Hillary Clinton.  It didn't take a genius to know I was out of place.  But Senator Clinton herself was reportedly going to make an appearance, and, never having been in her presence I really wanted to be there to see her up close.

The eight Obama-related buttons on my jeans jacket drew a lot of attention, and I wanted not to appear confrontational -- after all, though I'm an Obama delegate I have great respect for Hillary Clinton and all that her campaign achieved -- so I removed all but one of the buttons.  But then I found myself feeling incognito, like I was lurking or infiltrating.

Try as I did not to stand out, I did stand out for reasons I cannot hide.  Of the 600 or so people gathered, 15 or 20 tops were of color.  It was the whitest event I've been to in a long, long time.  Maybe the women of color had other places to be.  Maybe the ticket price was out of the range of a lot of women of color.  Maybe the outreach to those communities just hasn't happened yet.  But no matter the reason, the fact was incontrovertible.  And I felt it.  And it made me wonder.

The speakers were all good, and the crowd was upbeat, but as the minutes wore on I was struck that, though we were in Denver and the Democratic National Convention is taking place all around us, no one was mentioning Barack Obama.  The urging was toward electing women, for the sake of electing women.  The loudest cheer came when a speaker referred to the "sexist caucus process."  I'm not even sure what that means.  But the crowd knew, and cheered their hearts out. 

About 20 minutes into it, my friend Elspeth whispered that the guy next to me was wearing a "Noobama" sticker.  I turned to look and saw it on his upper left lapel.  I asked him if I could take a picture of it, and he let me. 

When Senator Clinton finally came on, she spoke of the importance of unity and of the need to ensure we don't have four more years of Republicans.  It was so much more unifying than anything to that point, and it was perhaps as much as those gathered could take.  But, infiltrating incognito that I was, it wasn't enough for me. 

At the end I went up to the "Noobama" man and his wife.  They are from Houston, TX.  We talked.  I asked them if the "Noobama" concept meant they would vote for McCain.   The woman responded, "Well I'm not voting for Obama, ever."  We then had a pretty lengthy conversation, one which I will not relay here except to say it is so clear that this woman and I come from such different perspectives that we will probably never agree.  I tried to bring up the issue of race with the woman and was promptly informed that she has black grandchildren and that black people need to stop acting like victims. I hope those black grandchildren saw Michelle Obama speak last night.

After the woman from Houston, I encountered two Oregonians who are going to vote for McCain.  (One, historically an Independent, the other, historically a Democrat.)  They said Obama has zero experience and is a "racist radical" due to the church he was affiliated with for 20 years.  We reached an impasse quickly and they just turned and walked away. To her credit, the woman from Texas was much more cordial.

I don't think Hillary would have been comfortable with any of this.  I am certainly not trying to attribute these opinions to her.  But it was interesting to meet and hear from people who are probably the fringe element of Clinton supporters.  It brought to mind Hillary's self-proclaimed triumphant victory in West Virginia which John Stewart and others have caricatured as being "proud to have the white racist vote."  I couldn't tell if any of that was present today.  There was a lot that was really unclear. 

On the way back to the hotel in the free trolley bus that takes you from one end of the main thoroughfare to the other, while wolfing down a dry sandwich, I met Carl, also from Texas.  Carl, an African American, is an actual Clinton delegate (the others I've mentioned above are not delegates).  Carl is in fact a proud Clinton delegate.  But he is also a Clinton delegate who believes in the importance of Democratic unity, and who will be supporting Obama through this convention and into November.  I thanked Carl, having learned in these past two days not to take such things for granted.

I wanted to get this out quickly, but now I'm late for the Pepsi Center, where after hours of other people speaking Senator Clinton will finally get her turn.  I want to be in my seat for that historic moment, so, I'm signing off for now.

 

Comments

[Donna]

Wow, Julie. I have such a hard time understanding people like that. I noticed it was a Clinton crowd, but if their support was based on issues, there's no way they can vote for McCain. Very disturbing.

[Trisha]

yeah, I don't understand it either. I don't understand a lot of what I've been hearing lately though.

[Gunfighter]

It isn't difficult to understand people like that.

People who call themselves Democrats that plan to vote for McCain because their candidate lost the election fall into one of two categories: The first category is that they are a bunch of sore losers who can't admit that their candidate lost... and it was her own fault... not "sexist caucuses" or anything else. If they need to blame someone, they should blame Hillary Clinton for being so weak and stupid as to actually vote to authorize the invasion of Iraq. The second category is: Republicans/Independents (d really, the so-called independent characteristically votes Republican... which makes them... Republicans.

They need to get over themselves and get on board. If they can't get on board, go vote for Johnny Walnuts, and be damned.

Obama doesn't need them to win.

[Jo-Ann]

Except he does need them to win, at least most of them. We are losing ground every day and I'm starting to get hives over it (not really, but I wouldn't be surprised if I wake up with them tomorrow.) And unfortunately the anger and name-calling in your comment, gunfighter, isn't going to win them over. Nevermind calling Hillary Clinton stupid. This comment leads me to believe that if the roles were reversed and Clinton were the nominee, you may have had a much easier time understanding "people like that," as you may very well have been one of them.

As for me, I am perplexed as well. But from those of you at the Convention, I really need to know the answer to this question. Are the Clinton supporters who refuse to support Obama on the fringe or is this really of movement of some magnitude. I've been blaming the press for focusing on the few holdouts, but it's beginning to appear like this story has some validity. As a Hillary supporter who has embraced the Obama campaign, please tell me it isn't so.

[ilinap]

Wow, I've heard of such people but have yet to meet one. How did you keep it together in their presence? I would have resisted the urge to clock 'em. But that's just me being an impatient issues girl. Vote for the damn issues, people. It's time to get this party restarted!

[Daisy]

The "no obama" attitudes worry me. Obama and Clinton are much, much closer on the issues than McCain and Clinton will ever be. If voters look at substance, they'll eventually turn to Obama. How do we help turn them, that's the real question...

-a pro-Hillary voter, now supporting Obama

[Interested American]

I think the issue of why Hillary voters won't support Hillary runs deeper than just sour grapes. Obama really is a candidate with no experience, and Hillary's supporters felt he played the role of usurper. I think most of them would rather see him lose now so she can win in four years instead of letting him win and show his inexperience, which would assure a Republican White House four years later. After all, what's four more years of Bush policy, as long as the Democrats can hold on to the Congress?

It would really help the Democratic Party to make itself over if this election went against Obama. Clearly the party has become splintered and it needs to find common ground again if it is to survive.

[NObama]

As a person who didn't vote for Obama in the primary, I have a real problem with people who pull out the race card. It seems like Democrats pulled out that card way more than anyone else, and Obama mentions it most of all. If he really doesn't want race to be an issue, he should just stop talking about it. People don't want to vote for someone with no experience, and definitely not someone who changes his tune so much. It's too bad Hillary didn't get the nomination. A lot of people just can't bring themselves to vote for Obama.

[Kristin]

McCain has a lot of experience -- experience limiting women's right to choose, experience advocating for war, experience being homophobic and anti-working class, experience ensuring women continue to get paid less than men. Yeah. He has a lot of experience.

Too bad all of it sucks.

I apologize, Julie, on behalf of all Oregonians.

[birdgal]

"Experience" is relative, as Kristin pointed out. How much "experience" did GW Bush have when he won the White House? Did any of his so-called "experience" progress our nation forward into a new century? I would have to say no. And Dick Cheney, who has "experience" in spades, has successfully helped to steer our country in the absolute wrong direction (in this commenter's opinion anyway).

While Hillary supporters will point out that her "experience" is different from the current administration's (and I don't disagree), I can't believe that they would think John McCain's "experience" is that different from what they loathe (GW Bush and friends). I just don't see how they could, in good conscience, vote for John McCain.

Hillary is not stupid. Hillary just allowed her campaign to be mismanaged and let a sense of entitlement woo her into thinking the primary campaign would be over (in her favor) by February. She lost. By a slim margin, but the fact is, she lost. If some of her supporters can't come to grips with that, well, that's their problem. Personally, I think the whole thing has been overblown by the media latching onto a 'juicy' story. I just hope I'm right come November!

[NObama]

Maybe the media has come out of their love affair with Barack and realized their mistake in getting him nominated. Or maybe they're actually reporting for a change. Either way, it's ironic that Obama supporters complain when the media actually shows something that doesn't favor him but don't see Hillary's complaints about his annointing.

[Jo-Ann]

I am so ready for this discussion to be over. Hillary hit the nail on the head when she asked what people believe in, her or what she stands for. (did you do this for me or for the marine home from war...). Politics should be about issues, not idol worship. This is about what these people stand for and let's face it, Obama and Clinton are more alike than they are different when you look at them in those terms. I'm ready for this conversation to be over and I think Hillary is too.

[NObama]

I think Hillary is quietly glad this is happening because she'd rather be president in four years than see Obama ruin the office for Democrats in that time. She's making nice for the party and the camera, but secretly she's furious.

[Jo-Ann]

NObama, your comments lead me to believe that you're purposely fanning this fire. Dubya, are you playing on the computer again?

[jm]

Those who say that Obama lacks experience have no idea what they are talking about. He has 25 years of experience in grassroots community organizations, practicing in and lecturing on constitutional law, serving in the Illinois State Legislature, and the serving in U.S. Senate. If you think that the U.S. Senate can't get anything done and can be a complex mess? Then you just don't know ANYTHING about the Illinois State Legislature and I think he did an extremely good job there. He was elected as the Harvard Law Review's first black president in its 104 year history. He completed his J.D. degree magna freaking cum laude. He has more experience than MANY past presidents who have been elected to this office. And I like his perspective on the issues that matter to me, personally. These might not be the issues that matter most to you and that is fine.

Again, I'm not alone here. As another blogger explained: I've done enough research to be able to make a decision. His background tells me that he is dedicated and understands how to build social efforts from the roots of the community to national political office. He has dedicated his life to this work, he has an excellent education and the most far-reaching upbringing, and he never seems to tire or lose sight of what's important. I truly think that it's not politics that drives him, but rather the value of putting real solutions to work for people. Unlike just about every other candidate, there is nothing you can say about him that makes him look slimy, underhanded, dishonest, Machavellian, conniving or opportunist, because he hasn't ever lived his life that way. He's the real deal. But he said that he wouldn't want to run again if he loses this time, because Washington will eventually change him in a way that will compromise his purpose, like it does everyone. That sort of honesty and understanding of the corrupting influence is what puts me in his corner. I fully believe he only intends to stay as long as he is doing some good, and not remain as a political careerist parasite on the system. And we'll see. But I'm convinced.

The "no experience" mantra is dead. Let it go.

[Nobama]

You're absolutely right: Obama is very experienced at campaigning. But no, he's not really experienced at running anything like a country. Hillary at least got to observe a lot of what would be necessary as the first lady, and many people feel like she already was a co-president. No one refutes Obama's academic pedigree. Dubya graduated from Harvard, too, so what does that really mean? The point is, Obama lacks the experience I'd like to see from the person about to take on dealing with Russia, China, the Middle East, our own economy, and all the mess we're in right now.

I'm not sure of any presidents who had less experience than Obama. I'd love to hear a list.

There are several people who have come forth and demonstrated that Obama has been very conniving and even Machiavellian. He throws anyone under the bus when his relationship with them becomes damaging, including a person who he once asked "what stances should I take to become president?" I can't imagine Hillary ever asking anyone that. I found it pretty crummy that he leaked his own note at the Western Wall to the press.

He does get tired a lot. Anytime he flubs and says the wrong name of a town or the wrong number of states in the union, he blames it on being tired (just on his comments after his wife's speech he said he was in two places and confused his poor daughter). The presidency will wear him out, because he won't have any cue cards to read. Hillary can think on her feet. She knows what she stands for. I'm not satisfied Obama does. No way I could vote for him. I'd rather vote for no one, or a third party candidate, than ever vote for him.

[adjon]

Well if you don't want to vote for Obama, then don't. It doesn't mean he won't win. Everyone has the right to choose their candidate, and really, based on whatever reasons they might have. Your choice. Think about these questions; How does a person gain experience? Will four or eight years of Replubican reign matter? If Obama was white with no experience would the comments be as they are?

I won't answer those questions myself, but I will say that everyone... everyone... with interest in the presidential election factors in RACE!...because when people look at Obama, that is the first thing that comes to mind...he's BLACK... not WHITE... Instead of admitting that he is Black and there is a problem with that... people use other things like "lack of experience"... huh... it is time to change the history again... Clinton or Obama will do... it just so happens to be Obama... Women's Sufferage again on hold after all these years when Katy Stanton and Susan B. Anthony fought for the rights of women, and black men were allowed the rights first... history repeating itself... but thanks Hilary for backing Obama and helping change history again... without Hilary there might not be an Obama... now that's the truth!

[Nobama]

I have NEVER factored in race when I look at Obama. I find such logic despicable. If he firm stances I could agree with on issues that matter to me, then I could see voting for him. But he changes with every person who asks him a question it often seems. I don't doubt that he is educated, but I don't believe he has principles that guide him in every decision he makes. Otherwise he'd be more ready to answer these questions he keeps changing on. He'd also stand by his word.

It's offensive to think this has anything to do with race. And it's offensive you are admitting YOU consider race when deciding about candidates.

[Rick]

I think it's quite obvious that Obama lacks experience, especially that experience which would be useful for being the president of a nation as powerful as the United States. We live in an age of marketing, and it absolutely amazes me how many people fall for the "packaging" of Obama. We are not electing a talk show host, but a president. And it's not about race, either. Do people forget he's only part African American. He would not be the first "black" president because he is racially mixed. Let's stop being mesmorised by the wrapping paper, and see beyond the empty rhetoric, and see who is more quallified. Let's become educated by reading about the real issues as stated from many perspectives. Do your homework.

[Nobama]

Thank you, Rick. I think you really drove home the point. Obama is a package - and inside the package their seems to be a lot of fluff, not so much substance. But because the package happens to be a certain color, his defenders throw "racist" or some other colorful attack towards anyone who dares to question Barack Obama. On the merits, he just doesn't have it. It's as simple as that.