Why do some Clinton supporters want to derail Obama?
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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
PUMA is an acronym that stands for "Party Unity My A–." It's the rallying cry for a group of disenchanted Democrats – "PUMAs."
Many are supporters of Hillary Clinton who just can't quite get over the fact that she lost and Barack Obama won.
A humorless group, they accuse the party of rigging the primaries to favor Obama, saying that the DNC unfairly punished Michigan and Florida. Others say Obama isn't qualified enough to be the party's nominee or competent enough to lead the country. But he won, so a majority of Democrats obviously think he is.
Now Clinton called on her supporters to vote for Obama after losing the nomination in June. She is not supporting these PUMAs, and she says the stakes are so high that anyone who voted for her has more in common with Obama than John McCain.
But the PUMAs aren't listening. The head of the group estimates there are 250 PUMA-related web sites and 2.5 million supporters online. They are supposed to hold a conference next month in Washington to plan for the Democratic Convention in Denver in August.
They want Hillary Clinton's name placed in nomination so delegates get a chance to vote. In the "cut off your nose to spite your face" category, we find a bunch of these people who insist that if they aren't successful at the convention – they'll vote for McCain instead of Obama in November.
A recent poll showed more than 4 in 10 Democrats still prefer Clinton as the party's nominee. But, Obama leads McCain in general election polls. And it's likely that as Clinton continues to show her support for Obama, more of her backers will decide to vote for him.
Here’s my question to you: Why do some Hillary Clinton supporters want to derail Barack Obama’s nomination?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ray from Florida writes:
I think they realize if Obama wins and Hillary isn't on the ticket, she has almost no chance of being president! On the other hand, if he should lose, the Clintons can run again in 2012.
Al from Lawrence, Kansas writes:
The bigger question is "Why doesn't Hillary denounce and reject them?"
Teshome from Haymarket, Va. writes:
Because we believe in Hillary, but thanks to you and your likes she lost the primary. Now, if Obama picks her as a V.P., he will get our vote. If not, John McCain will be the next president.
Susan from Georgia writes:
Republicans in Democratic clothing!
Karen from Tennessee writes:
They are like little children having tantrums, screaming and pounding their fists on the ground, and screaming, "NO! NO! NO!" because Hillary Clinton did not receive the nomination. Sadly, their idol is off somewhere doing exactly the same thing.
Zoe writes:
I am proud to be a “PUMA.” I will hold my nose and vote for the Democratic candidate, whoever it is. But I have every right to prefer someone else. That doesn’t make me racist, or stupid, or stubborn. It means I think about my vote and the leader I give it to.
Nancy from Jackson, Ga. writes:
Clinton supporters and others who are trying to derail Senator Obama are unhappy with their own lives. Mr. Obama is confident, intelligent, and knows how to galvanize the population. And for that reason, unhappy folk don't get it, but surely you do Jack: Misery loves company.
Tom from Avon, Maine writes:
Not every child in the playground learns to play well with others. We need to increase Head Start funding for the emotionally challenged, who can't get past “I'm taking my ball and going home!"
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Jack some of "Clinton supporters" are actually mcLames supporters posing to divide Obama and Clintons supporters. A lot of his supporters switched over and voted for Clinton after McCane clinched his parties nomination. This is just a ploy to divide us democrats. McLames supporters are as dirty as he is
They still have not given up. Remember, her campaign has been suspended, not ended. There is an ongoing whisper campaign encouraging her supporters to "believe".
And she continues to fund raise. Any money she gets, whether from Obama or anyone else, goes towards her still active campaign.
As in the Aesop's fable, it is "sour grapes."
Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas
It is hard to give up a dream that you believe in. I wasn't one of Hillary's supporters, but took some pride in seeing how well she did in the "man's world" of presidential primaries. My candidate got knocked out early by lack of media coverage, but, depending on his conduct from now until the election, I'm voting for youth and idealism rather than wornout rhetoric and borderline senility.
I think the better question isn't about the Clinton supporters who won't vote Obama. The better question is: Why isn't Hillary doing anything to stop them? If Hillary was behind Barack 100% then she would be out there every single day talking about what a great guy Obama is. Instead she's giving token milquetoast statements of support you'd expect from a run-of-the-mill congressional red state Democrat and not the most successful female politician in American history.
They swore they would never give up. Of course, are we sure Hillary has really has given up ?!! Her husband does not act like he has given the fight up yet either. Giving this type vialed allusion just keeps those Hillary supporter's fires burning.
Maybe they realize that Obama is just an empty speech. I never thought he was ready for prime time, but anything, even a rudderless ship is better than what McSame promises. Without a rudder you have at least a 50-50 chance of not running aground. But if you have a captain hell-bent on destruction and is driving the boat full speed at the rocks, there’s only one outcome.
Perhaps they believe if they can derail Obama, their 'Mighty Spouse' candidate can come to the rescue and save the day.
Jack,
Because some people just can't take no for an answer. Evidently they have never been denied anything and damned if the Democratic Party or anyone else is going to say no to them and not give them what they want. They are just spoiled brats trying to get their way.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
answer me this Jack what would happen if we lived by the constitution only. no other laws except that. that is why we have a split in the party that is why some will derail the party that is why Hillary people want to derail Obama.
It's really quite simple Jack a lot of people don't share the affection for this man that you and most of the rest of the media do.
They're racist.
I think it is because some Clinton supporters just do not like Obama, or trust him. Hmmm..
What kind of question is this? If people support Hillary, of course they would want to derail the Annointed One – that is how nominees have been chosen for time immemorial.
But this time it's futile: the DNC decided years ago that Obama would be the 2008 nominee, and nothing will stop them in their determination to make the Ultimate Politically Correct Statement. Winning in November? That is not important – the statement is.
More than 80% of them support Obama, but the remaining few are sore losers. Obama and Hillary policy is almost 99% similar, but the only similarity between Hillary and McCain is that they are both Caucasian.
Since the differences between Hillary and Barack are minor, there can be only be ugly reasons such as jealously, rage, anger, and resentment.
sore losers for one, not able to accept the fact that Hillary did not win...and because the Clintons still feel they are rightfully entitled..they are out of touch with reality and cant except the fact that she lost
Because they are sore losers.
J
NY
There's a variety: pick the one you like. A) Some of them have legitimate concerns about Obama's perceived lack of experience, despite the fact that he has four more years in elected office than Hillary does. B) some were people who would normally never, ever vote Democrat in the first place but voted for the first woman president instead. And finally C) some of them, if not overtly racist, are vocally 'uncomfortable' with the thought of a black man in the white house.
They use words phrases like: can't trust, too conservative, too liberal, might be Muslim, and not like us. They won't say it, but they don't want an African-American president.
There are a multitude of reasons Jack, Most of which have been listed above. But one reason is they are not living in the real world.
It just goes to show that they are not thinking / voting the issues. All they know is that they wanted the first female president to be Hillary and they wanted it to happen this November. And, if they really feel they are better off now than they were 7.5 years ago, then they should vote for McCain, but don't complain about the results. Remember that old saying, "be careful of what you wish for."
They seem to be acting out Hillary's grief for her. PUMA, it is too late to make a difference.
Because they are the only ones that see Obama for what he really is; i.e. a manufactured icon. One term as an Illinois Senator and less than one term as a US Senator. That is tantamount to a foreman on the Toyota Camry assemblt line becoming a shift supervisor and then CEO. Obama scares me.
If they were really supporters of what Hillary Clinton believes in, then they would not be trying to derail Barack Obama who holds very similar views to Hillary. Otherwise, they are just a bunch of selfish, bitter people who do not have the best interests of this country at heart and Hillary should be ashamed to claim them as her supporters.
Are you sure these people are Clinton supporters? Don't forget that Rush Limbaugh sent his listeners to the polls to vote for Hillary.
However, I find this question interesting, because McCain claims many in the media are shills for Obama, and he seems to be correct. (e.g., MSNBC, Olbermann, Matthews).
I can't want for November and this election to finally end. Then the Clintons can go back to whatever they do, Obama can get his kids a dog, and McCain can retire.
People who care this much must have a very stilted perspective. Hilary and Barrack are not very far apart in their approaches to the problems that face America. I can only conclude that people bitter enough to let the GOP oversee another four years of corporate lawyers packing the courts and pandering to the rich while 90% of us feel like the tubes we are going to go down are just around the next bend are people who lack reason. They're nuts. cy gardner arlington va.
Because she dodged so much sniper fire in Bosnia – they want to see her in the WH where she's protected by Bill..
Jack – they are ignorant racists. No other reason.
Thanks
They're manhaters?
Because they are Democrats and are good at whining and being sore losers.
Because they feel that the nomination should have went to Hillary because she is a Clinton dispite the fact that Obama won fair and square.
Clinton supporters who are trying to derail Obama obviously did not care much for the issues just their candidate. They are no better than low information voters who vote race or single issue like religion over country. They suffer from the delusion that they matter more than this country's need to get back on track domestically and internationally.
They're a bunch of spoiled brats who can't accept reality and move forward...if I wasn't so worried about the future of our country, I would find them mildly amusing.
Wake up, Jack. These people are Republicans in sheep's clothing. No true Democrat would cast a vote for McCain and risk having Roe v. Wade overturned. I smell a rat and it's name might be Rove.
Jack
It makes no sense but there are some "true believers" out there who just flat can't stand the idea that Hillary blew her shot.
If Obama can be beaten, then she could get another chance in 2012. If Obama wins; Hillary is history. Odds are he would stand a good chance of being a two term President. By 2016 Hillary Clinton will be almost as old as John McCain is now.
It's insane, but then that's the trouble with fundamentalists of any kind.
Pablo in Arlington Texas
Many of the Clinton supporters feel disrespected by the Obama people. Obama supporters talk about Senator Clinton staying longer than THEY fell she should have. Well what would happen if Sen Obama was trailing and people said he should get out of the race? You would hear all kinds of screaming of racism, etc.
Who cares? He's garnered enough support from Republicans and Independents to make up the difference.
Why must everyone "fall in line"? I reserve the right to ask that Barak Obama demonstrate to me in the campaign that he is worthy of my vote....just as I would expect McCain or any othercandidate to do.
Most of the Hillary supporters I knew want the same. We are not sore losers. We are not racist. We are not saying we will vote for McCain.
Rather, I simply want to engage in the same process I did when I chose a candidate in the primary. I want to look at their positions, watch how they perform, and evaluate them appropriately. It is over three months until the election. The world changes quickly and I will make my decision about a candidate as this campaign evolves.
I do not apologize for not feeling confident in or excited about either candidate being put forward by our major parties. And neither has revealed a Vice Presidential selection at this stage.
Quit trying to make out Hillary's former supporters to be vindictive or difficult. Why not hold out the option that we do not all move strictly according to party lines? Why not let us make the kind of considered decisions all voters should be making?
I suppose for the same reason some of them say they'll vote for McCain – because they are more feminist, or independent, or stubborn than they are American or Democrat. They are of the "I'll show THEM" mentality. Or maybe there's some racism involved??
they may think that this would be pay back to Obama for not letting Hillary win. they may not realize that it will Hurt Hillary for any future run. They need to think that a Obama win will actual help her in any future run for president which is why she is backing him.
I do not believe that any Clinton supporter refuses to support Obama. Those we inadvertently refer to as Clinton supporters who are tying to derail Obama are those who voted for Clinton to stop Obama for what ever reasons they may have. If they were true supporters of Clinton, then it may need some explaining why they have stopped supporting her by sabotaging the person she now supports. The truth is that just like so many blacks supported Obama because he is Black, So many too supported Clinton because she is White and those ones may do whatever they deem necessary to stop Obama because he is black, and they simply do not qualify as Clinton supporters. We need discernment.
The majority of people who say they are Hillary supporters are in reality just the spawn of Rush Limbaugh. There will be a few legitimate Hillary supporters who likely won't support Obama but then most of them likely won't vote at all.
The truth is there aren't any big lop eared easter bunnies out there who will bring them prosperity or end the war so if either of these are a concern then not voting for Obama is the same as cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Many of those so called Clinton supports were Republicans in disguise, put up to it by Rush Limburgh. Now they want to ruin it for Obama. I say, go ahead and try. We REAL Democrates will still win in November.
Jack, maybe, just maybe they like millions of others they think that someone who just paid off his college loans needs some more seasoning before tackling the toughest job on Earth.
Obama can NOT be held responsible for internet bloggers or the decision of the DNC. All you PUMAs out there need to understand that. You don't like the blogs...fine. That is NO excuse for throwing OUR future away by voting for McCain or writing in Hillary. YOU ARE ALL BEING RIDICULOUS.
Those that continue to try and derail are just plain sore losers. If Senator Clinton had won Senator Obama supporters would have been on board without question or quibble. Jack, I guess there are some people out there who don't mind suffering right along with the rest of us if my some chance Senator McCain wins.
One word Jack.... "bitter".
Brian, Cincinnati
I wonder why.
There's some creative Republican-party "dirty tricks" going on here and I hope the media ferrets them out before the election, not after.
Carol, Lompoc, CA
Why do people punch walls, tell their boss off or start a bar fight???
Because the immediate satisfaction of losing their temper over-rides their common sense, Jack
there's a couple reasons, Jack:
1) The way that Obama's diciples treated them during the primaries make them extremely hesitant to back him
2) Like the rest of us, they don't beleive that such a single-minded fervor is a very good political idea. Look at what happened with the USSR and Lenin and Stalin.
Jack, why are we even discussing this? It plays right into Rush's plan. If Hillary really had all these supporters they would have paid off her debt so she could try and get the nomination from Obama in Denver. She is going nowhere with 25 million dollars in debt.
Some of them must be the uneducated people over 65 in the Appalachian states that will only vote for Hillary. (and how insulting is that?). Its time to give up. But they aren't giving up hope, and I think Hillary's supporters are continuing to hang on because Hillary herself is not doing her part as a Democrat to support the Presidential candidate. We saw her twice on stage with Obama. Why isn't she campaigning actively for him as the Democratic Nominee. I wouldn't have liked it if Hillary had won the nominee, but I would have rallied behind her and voted for her. Because I happen to believe in the things the Democrats want to do and will do. the differences between McCain and Obama are major differences. The differences between Hillary and Obama are minute.
Simple, 2012!! If the world falls apart between now and then, too bad!! They'll just sit back and gloat over our misery believing that we deserve it because we didn't vote for the heir apparent!! It was her turn!! As if we just take turns as President like children playing a game!
Stupidity comes to mind. If the roles had been reversed, Obama would have had the good sense to leave the game, weeks earlier, with money in is pocket, but, good sense is not a Clinton trait, nor her followers.
Anyone who supported Hillary would logically be supportive of another Democrat. But those who would like to derail Obama see defeating him as an achievement rather than as the small minded and bitter effort that it actually is. Some of these voters are women who not only wanted to see a woman elected but are willing to sacrifice the integrity of the process rather than building on the gains Hillary's campaign made. Bottom line, campaigns should be about creating a better American government rather than advancing one theme or one person's interests at the cost of the national greater good.
Because they want a Democrat to win in November. But not just ANY Democrat; one who is capable of the job. Obama's senate history or state legislature tenure show little that convey confidence that he can do more than give pretty speeches; and community organizing doesn't qualify him to be President.
What will happen the day the media become disillusioned and turn on him, asking tough, detailed questions about his positions? He already flounders and stutters through softball questions, given hard ones I just can't see him being able to respond in an intelligent manner. He will have to stick to his canned pre-written and obtuse answers.
Jack
Hillary has done very little to bring in all her supporters, and get them all behind the democratic partys presidential canidate. It really doesnt matter who the canidate is whether its Obama or Cafferty this is their selection and its up to all the democrats to " rally around the flag " She will never pay off her 25.5 million debt like this.
Why do some Hillary Clinton supporters want to derail Barack Obama’s nomination?
Sour Grapes!
Those so called Democrats that refuse to back the Democfratic nominee are nothing more than "DINO's" – Democrats In Name Only.
Jenna
Roseville CA
jon has it correct , but i don't see why people think hillary is such a everyday person. she couldn't work a coffe machine or pump gas. wake up she's not like you
The whiners are like little children who respond to Hillary's losing a fair primary campaign by yelling at Obama, "It's your fault we didn't win!!"
Let me guess, could they be embarrassed because they can't payoff Hillary's debt and too proud to ask Obama.
Jack, I really think that they are taking a cue from hillary's never give up campaign and taking it beyond the campaign. There are groups like PUMA who are trying to make Hillary the nominee but dont they understand how much damage that would do to the entire process. I dont actually beliee they were ever Hillary clinton supporters of they would support someone like McCain over Obama with no real reason why.
They are lost in the sea of competition. Either:
1) They were focused a person 'they like' to win, instead of the party's victory.
2) They still can't deal with his race. "How dare a black man win!"
3) They can't get over the 'WOMAN' didn't win. All about gender.
It IS ONE OF THE THREE, as ugly as that may be.
Florida
Sore losers. Jealousy. A pipe dream about a revival for Hillary in 2012. Take your pick, it really doesn't matter.......Obama will be the next president.
having read this blog during the primary i would guess that they will not support a candidate who along with his supporters disrespected hillary and her supporters so badly. name calling, telling them to shut up and get out, trying to abort the democratic process. just a theory but if you want universal support for your candidate, perhaps you should not try so hard to offend and marginalize them.
Jack: Hillary Clinton was given the opportunity of showing greatness of character and she did not seize the Democratic nonimation. Her supporters silently will never forgive her for that. So instead, they would rather get even instead of get ahead and getting even is always the weak pleasure of little and narrow minds. An eye for an eye only makes the world blind.
I honestly don't know. Why would they set back the women's movement with a vote for John McCain? He will derail every advancement women have attained these past few decades. Not everyone is born an heiress.
Because they can't grasp the fact that we're in a two-party system and if Obama doesn't win, then McCain wins. Why Clinton supporters think that McCain is more like Clinton than Obama continues to baffle me. But maybe they don't think that and are just idiots putting their own petty disagreements over the good of the country. Maybe they should channel their sulking into something useful, like campaigning for a third party candidate. Lord knows they need the help, and one of them might be able to actually create change in Washington.
So, Hillary can get the nomination?....DUH!
As I do, I believe the best person for the job did not win the nomination. With change comes fear. Truthfully, both candidates scare the hell out of me. One is a maverick with a temper, predictable, and can't think straight. The other is just too inexperienced and therefore, unpredictable.
Wildwood Crest, NJ
I was a Hillary supporter, but I don't think I am trying to derail Obama. I don't like Obama's superior attitude, but I keep listening. By election I hope to be able to accept him as our next commander in chief. We can't take another 4 years of Republicans in the White House. There were 18,000,000 democrats in this country supporting Hillary Clinton. We have a right to take our time coming around to Obama. I wish the news media would take off their rose-colored glasses and take a good hard look at both candidates and be fair and balanced as some would like us to think they are!
Linda in Indiana
Jack – when are you going to get off of Hillary;s back. It is clear that you hate her and I for one am getting tired of you trying to go after her at every chance. She lost – it is over – Now please get over it.
Guided missiles are programmed to self-destruct when they go off course. People have a lot in common with missiles don't you think?
Jack,
Some Hillary supporters want to see Sen. Obama fail, so their 'girl' can run in '12 and win! But....... I have a 'feeling' that the rest of us, mainly Independents, will decided this election and many of us, like Sen. Obama's brilliance, ideas, vision......... and yeah, hope for change!
they are just mad 'cuz he's prettier than hillary.they think the election should not be based on beauty ,alone.it obviously has nothing to do with REAL issues.their under-shorts are bunched up ,or something.
Most of these people are probably Rush Limbaugh Hillary supporters.
In other words right wing fanatics. No way they were going to support a Democrat anyway.
Some Clinton supporters want to derail Obama's nomination because they're like little children. They didn't get their way during the Primary so now they would rather soil themselves before actually admitting that politics is a grown-up game that requires maturity.
So she can run in 2012. If Obama wins this thing there is no 2012 for her, and her time will have passed. It is that simple, and it is just that pathetic. They must be in bed with Wall Street. The nation does not come first, personal gain is all that counts.
Because Jack Obama has flipflopped like a duck in heat. He stated on TV in 2006 and we all saw that wherein he stated "we cannnot have a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq". Now he sees the opportunity as McCain's surge worked.
I'm for truth and not even for McCain.
Obama is an opportunist.
Jack C
Minneapolis, Mn
They are sore losers. Hillary and her supporters thought the nomination was hers for the asking. They along with the Republicans underestimated Barack Obama. What Obama has accomplished is nothing short of amazing. They can't stand that they were out worked, out funded, out manuvered and now out of luck.
Those Clinton supporters that want to derail Obama are what, 2%?
There are many more Clinton supporters that wil vote for Obama, including me, even though he doesn't blow my skirt up.
A better question would have been, "Will these fringe groups that want to derail Obama have any effect on the general election?"
I still don't understand why Obama wouldn't want the most powerful woman in the US, with 18 million votes in her pocket, for his VP.
I don't know a single person that could bring more votes to Obama. Just my humble opinion.
Has it occured to you that maybe they just don't like him?
They are like little children having tantrums, screaming and pounding their fists on the ground, and screaming, "NO! NO! NO!" because Hillary Clinton did not receive the nomination. Sadly their idol is off somewhere doing exactly the same thing.
Clinton supporters and others who are trying to derail Senator Obama are unhappy with their own lives. Mr. Obama is confident, intelligent, and knows how to galvanize the population. And for that reason, unhappy folk don't get it, but surely you do Jack: Misery loves company.
maybe they figure electing obama is like hiring the mail clerk to be the ceo. with a resume that thin he really is not qualified for the job.
Because they are not very bright or they were not Democrats in the first place.
I will vote for Barack Obama in November, not because he is my first choice for President, but because he will be the Democratic nominee.The same would hold true if Hillary Clinton had been the nominee. My first choice (and second choice) was knocked out of the race early because of lack of coverage from the media.
I have hopes that those that were backing Sen. Clinton will look at this election as I do. We need to rid the White House of George Bush and anyone that even slightly resembles him.
Jack-
The Hillraisers will obviously not get a return on investment and are furious that Billary will not be in office. I guess when you raise $100,000s you want to get some favors in return and feel important. They are bloody idiots if they consider themselves democrats and vote for McCain just to make a point. This should not be about the future of Hillary but about the future of our country. I long ago decided not to be affiliated with any party – neither dems nor reps work for me at this point in time. Come November I will be voting for Obama because he has shown great leadership and has a positive message for moving America in the right direction.
All of those so called Hillary Clinton supporters that want to derail Barack Obama’s campaign were never her supporters in the first place....they just wanted her on the ballot because she would have been an easier opponent for McCain.
That can be the only explaination since there are vast differences in McCain's and Clinton's positions on the issues.
2012
How many of those "supporters" were crossover Republicans either as "spoilers" for the primaries or women merely voting for a female candidate.
Obama is leading in all but one battleground state listed on Real Clear Politics and is presently tied in Florida. He is doing just fine!!
Personally, I think that Hillary and Bill have done little to discourage her supporters from causing havoc in the party. Whether this is a way of forcing herself on the ticket or undermining Barack so that he can lose in 2008, allowing her to run with a "clear conscience" in 2012, it all remains unclear right now. Either way, the party and this country needs to continue to move forward and the best way of doing that is supporting Barack.
Because Jack they are as foolish as those who voted for W. They clearly don't get that this election is about more than Republican v. Democrat, rich v. poor, etc. This election is about where we are going as a nation. How are we going to clean up the mess left by Bush and reclaim the respect we once had in the world. They need to let go of their divisiveness and be realistic. If you are a Hillary supporter you are no doubt a staunch Democrat. If that's the case there is nothing McCain offers that is even close to Hillary's stand on anything or even remotely resembles the ideals of the staunch Democrat. Obama's plans are almost identical to Hillary's. If they are about the issues they need to vote for Obama – he will be the nominee. Quite frankly, I keep wishing the Patriots won the Superbowl but but wishing won't change the outcome!
Ann in NH
For the same reason those supporters continued hammering even when it was obvious Clinton wasn't going to win the nomination....because they're not concerned with the larger picture but are focused on a narrow, politically correct agenda.
It's BEEN ugly out there for a long time, Jack. Probably going to get even uglier. You should write a book about it sometime.
Jack, because, to them, Hillary Clinton was next in line in the Bush-Clinton Dynasty. We do, after all, live in a plutocracy, don't we?
We know why it isn't. They have similar positions on health care, tax policy, reproductive rights, privacy rights, economic policy, and foriegn policy with regards to Iraq and Afghanistan. So we know it isn't about policy issues, which is the only thing that elections should be about.
The only other reasons for it are frankly, too stupid to ennumerate.
Seems like stupidity is one commodity that never runs low.
I think they realize if Obama win's and Hillary isn't on the ticket, She has almost no chance of being president! If he should lose on the other hand the clinton's can run again in 2012.
Thats an easy one – So Obama will lose in November, allowing Hillary to try again in 2012. If she doesnt win in 2012, she never will as she will be too old in 2016.
The bigger question is "Why doesn't Hillary denounce and reject them?"
They want Hillary to win in four more years so she can end the War in Iran started by President McCain.
Why just single out Hillary, it looks like the good reverends Wright and Jackson have been trying to derail Obama as well. Racism? No, maybe Old Guard vs. New?
It's pretty simple. Some Clinton supporters are so self-absorbed that they would allow someone who has nothing in common with them like McCain to be elected to Hillary can come back and save the day in 2012.
Jack, I'm female and always thought I would vote for Hillary if she ran for President. However, she said too many things that went against my thoughts and feelings regarding fair play, decency and what is right and wrong.
Personally, I think that the Hillary supporters who won't vote for Obama, much less anyone else, only care about whether a woman is in the White House or not. They could care less about what is right for the country.
It's pure and simple, Jack. Barack Obama is black. It is surprising how much influence that fact has on people's decisions. Unfortunately, prejudice works both ways, and emotion prevails. Hopefully, one day we all can learn to get along.
Because they're stupid.
I think this group believe if they keep up the pressure, Obama will put Clinton on the ticket. This is not going to happen and once they know that, the ones who are either women or demcrats will come to the Obama side.
The ones who are republicans, which in my view are the majority of puma members, will likely stay home instead of voting for John McCain and wait until 2016.
Because they aren't Democrats. They supported Hillary either because of her gender or as part of Operation Chaos, not because of progressive Democratic values.
Boise, ID
Let's face facts if McCain wins he hasn't really supplied any answers to our current problems plus he would be dealing with a democratic congress so in four years we probably won't be any better off then we are now. McCain will be seventy-six just right for a republican challenger then a sitting duck for a democrat nominee who would probably be Mrs. Clinton with a I told you so message.
If the shoe were on the other foot, and Clinton had received 52% of the pledged delegates to Obama's 48%, how many African-American voters would refuse to support Hillary?
Republicans in Democratic clothing!
Razicudlo (Las Vegas)
Loyalty is a fleeting commodity, but difficult to muster for the one who has handed you defeat. Whenever hope remains, no matter how slim, one is reluctant to "pull the plug".
Jack,
I guess they want to look like bitter McCain supporters and not work for the best chance for Democracts in 8 years even though the last election spun to insure a Bush second term.
Paul
Round Rock, Texas
Jack, because they are trying to come up with a way to hijack the convention and besides they are sore losers.
Just like Bill Clinton, they're poor loosers
Jack,
I do not think these people actually supported Sen. Clinton, they might have been some of the operation chaos army of Rush. I believe any serious minded supporter of Sen. Clinton that loves this country will not want to allow what has been happening in the last 7 years to continue.
The PUMA people are doing everything possible to ensure Barack Obama loses the election. They figure if McCain wins the election, Obama will be damaged goods in four years, giving Hillary another chance. Although twisted, these folks have also received a lot of subliminal guidance from Hillary–their mother ship. Why else would she have remained in the race to the bitter end without any chance of winning the nomination?
Jack,
If they are, in fact, true Clinton supporters and not Limbaugh neocons, then they are truely selfish, self-centered, egotistical people.
Nancy Pelosi came out and said what Hillary should have been saying. This election is greater than any dissapointment you may have over your candidate not winning the nomination.
Considering that Obama and Clinton are 99% identical on policies, and John McCain is Bush 3rd term, you would think that any self-respecting person ,claiming to be a Democrate, would stand tall with Sen Obama, the Presidental Nominee of the Party.
Because they wanted the first female president. Too bad. My candidate has never won an election. The only reason I won't vote for Obama is because I am scared I will jinx him if I do.
After the Clintons turned the primary race into the heated and often ridiculous contest that it was where most Democrats found themselves loving one candidate and hating the other, why would anyone expect all the losers in that contest to now pretend to like Obama? Do these PUMAs realize that if Obama loses against McCain the majority of the country will blame Clinton for another four years of hell?
they believe all the lies they told about obama.
Jack,
Mostly they want to see Clinton on the ticket...to be honest if he gives into them he is proving he will negotiate with terrorists. Hhis choice for VP is the most important decision he will make before he becomes President and it certainly should not be one he makes with a gun to his head.
Jack I am not worried. If 60 percent of clinton supporters back obama then hes going to win.
Obama/ Hagel 08
Their resentment is a "hangover" from the Primaries, planted in their minds by Bill and Hill. Hill had been crowned the Democratic nominee, and the Clintons and her supporters did not see the Freight Train Obama coming down the track. They need to decide which is worse: Voting for a Democrat who shares Hill's vision for America or voting for an old republican, who represents a continuation of George W. Bush. Staying home is not an option-it's a vote for McCain. I applaud the Clintons for trying to move on!
Because Obama is not qualified and doesn't deserve the nomination.The liberal activists helped him win caucus states early on and that was a brilliant strategy-but not representative of the people as a primary is-a couple of thousand vs a million.Like so many highly qualified women who were passed over-Obama skipped actually being a senator and went straight for the presidency. I can't respect that. I will vote for the other qualified person-McCain!
There are 2 reasons:
– Republicans who switched after McCain gained the nomination.
– An African American becoming president is something that some of Hillary Supporters didn't see coming.
They are people just like the Clintons, who think they are entitled to
whatever they want. Tell them to vote Republican and SHUT-UP!
We're tired of hearing it.
Jack; CAn we ever fully or sufficiently explain foolishness? They are probably right wing conspirators. Remember Hillary has been plaqued by them in the past. Rush and his crew of loud mouth think they know more than everyone else conspirators.
The reason why Hillary supporters want to derail Obama is because of Hillary Clinton. When the numbers were clearly against her, instead of gracefully bowing out she chose instead to do everything she could to tear Barack Obama down. The scene at the DNC rules committee did nothing but pour gasoline into the fire. Hillary should be responsible for the repair work that has to be done but instead she is out begging and strong-arming for money when Mitt Romney clearly set the standard by swallowing all of his debts.
Jack, if you think about the people that we're talking about here, it could just be that they are not willing to vote for a black president. It also may be just another way to focus selfishly on themselves instead of on what's best for the country. I know, that's how we're ALL supposed to look at an election; but there really are some folks out here who are more concerned about the conditions in the world and in this country than with their own personal needs.
Jack isn't it obvious, she wishes to keep her options open. After all if Obama doesn't pick her for VP then McCain still might. Imagine that ticket McCain/Clinton. Have a nice day!
Jim
True Democrats would not create a condition that would allow McCain to win the Presidency. Trying to derail Obama out of bitterness is adolescent behavior. The Democratic Party really needs to get it together and stop these internal divisions. It's part of the reason we were graced with Bush's presence for 8 years.
Some of the Hillary supporters know that the media is selling the American voters a big con-job...we are in real trouble when the media elits decide who will be president...god help us.
Jealousy, Jealousy and Jelousy. Not to mention an enormous debt that seems to keep growing.
Judging from the few local examples that I've observed, they seem to act more like "personalty cult groupies" than supporters of a political philosophy . Gender and personality seem to be the overriding reason for their support of Senator Clinton, not her stands on political issues.....
C in New Mexico
It is clearly another attempt to place her in the spotlight. If she had the support of the majority she would have won. In the beginning she was favored to win. She lost due to her inabililty to bring in voters. I can say seeing her and her supporter they are not a group I would ever want to be a part off. I guess the GOP is not the only group that has clowns.
This question should be, how many friends of different nationality, race or gender, creed and age do each of the PUMA members have? If they can give you an exact number, you can see why groups like these exist. No matter how far we believe we have overcome our prejudices, we are still generations away.
The 40% don't believe Obama can handle the job. Have you seen his interviews? He reads a good script but cannot answer a question. Watch a few and then tell me you don't know why he doesn't like town hall meetings with people asking question and doesn't like the press to close. Couric ended up making him look like a teenager trying to get out of trouble. The rest feel like he and Dean didn't play it straight and are trying to steal the election.
Because when Obama then loses the Fall election Hillary will be the obvious Presidential candidate for 2012. They're willing to sacrifice the next four years to get their preferred person into the White House. It isn't about integrity. It's personal vendetta.
these clinton supporters who claim they are for womans issues are a joke. they make all us other woman get a bad name. i don't vote for a person just because she is a woman. this is what alot of clintons people did. they are mad that obama is not kisses their butts. if they don't vote this election or vote for mccain they desire exactly what they get. they better not complain once about the things that will be taken away from them.
jack,a answer in one word"jealousy"
Remember, its only a poll until the roll call. Why is Obama and the DNC afraid of an election.
Childish behavior just grown older.
Jack, they are democrats for Heaven's sake can't you answer you own stupid questions!
Jack, have you ever heard of sore losers? These sore losers would blame you, me, and everyone else except for the fact that their candidate did just about everything she could to lose the race. Go figure!!
Simple, they have nothing better else to do. Sore loosers !!!
Clinton/Reagan Democrats are on the fence. They have similar thought process, hummmm!
They're just not willing to give up. That's respectable, I guess, but they certainly can't claim to be Democrats or even truly care about the issues of this election. I think they're brats who need to suck it up and move on.
This is exactly what the prolonged primary created. ..PUMAs. Look at how the McCain camp is complaining about less-than-Obama press time....straight from Hillary's playbook. Some of the accusations his Campaign is using against Obama, come straight from the Clintons.
The best is yet to come...TRUST ME.
Go Barack!!!!!
Jack, there is an old tradition in the Democratic Party. No matter how good it may look for 'our'candidate, we just can't resist shooting ourselves in the foot!!!
News flash to all PUMAs..............SHE LOST !!! It's over already, get over yourselves and learn to be part of a team.
It is a mistake to think that Obama's opponents are women. We have not forgotten that Hillary's voters were the male blue-collar racists of the backwoods and the rustbelts.
It must be difficult for Obama fans to understand this, but those of us who don't GET IT, really don't get it. To many of us he is unready, unknown and unaccomplished. He is no more qualified than George Bush was, and look what happened with him! I am shrugging as I write this – there is no THERE, there! Even Dan Quayle was more qualified.
Of course Hillary supporters want to prevent his nomination, why is that surprising or wrong? Looking back in my own lifetime, Eisenhower derailed Taft (1952), JFK derailed LBJ and Stuart Symington (1960), Goldwater derailed Scranton (1964); McCarthy and RFK derailed LBJ (1968) and on and on. Were they all evil? No, they were behaving rationally.
It's like Greatful Dead music – either you get it or you don't. I never got that, either.
Their logic escapes me. They would forsake everything Hillary stands for and vote for a third Bush term in order "to get even". What a sorry bunch of losers.
The are really Republicans.
So much emotion was poured into this Democratic nominating process! A woman with a chance to get the nomination! A black with a chance to get the nomination! It's not something to be turned on and off like a faucet, but while some won't get over it, most will! The more people hear John McCain double talk, the more people will support Senator Obama.
It"s like the mad little kid that says if I can't have it then you will not either. They are Clinton supporters that happen to be Democrats and not Dempocrats that are Clinton supporters. The fact that many of them are willing to put the country in the hands of McBush III is sad. I just hope they get sober before election day. I didn't know they were drunk until Bush told me.
Jack,
They are jealous and not as educated as they want us to believe.
A number of reasons come to mind, they are sore losers, their brain dead, and its not about country, its about Hillary.
My question is, with 2.5million backers in this organization, why don't they pay off her debt or ask for donations from their site. a few dollars a piece will surely pay off penn's money.
Idiots
After seeing and hearing what is going on, I don't blame them. Obama already has himself as President before we even get to the voting booths. What audacity!
Those individuals still beating the war drums for Hillary Clinton will continue to dwindle in group size until all that are left are the ones who would never have voted for Obama in the first place. You know, the ones that say he is "too different" or "not like us"- illegitimate euphemisms to blanket an uglier prejudice.
Seems to me that anyone who supports Hillary Clinton, as I do, does so on the grounds of her tremendous experience as First Lady, and currently as Sen. of NY. I would have loved to see Sen. Clinton win the primaries, but unfortunately, she did not. I do not want the Dems to revert back to the Dems of 2000 when Mr. Gore lost. They cried an injustice then, and some are crying an injustice now. But, unlike 2000, we have a chance to eject fresh ideas into Washington D.C. And to allow candidate favoritism to give rise to 4 more years of war, and a total lack of concern with domestic issues will do much more than sour the party. It will destroy the country.
Did it ever occur to anyone that they simply don't like Obama? I have many friends and relatives that supported Clinton and would have never voted for Obama. The Dems have a long way to go to attain party unity especially if Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are still in control, they have helped to destroy the party.
Rose
Glendale, AZ
Hillary Clinton rallied a great following – it is very understandable that her supporters would be disenchanted with her loss to the rookie senator. However, Hillary has thrown her support behind Obama and I think it's time that they begin weighing in on the issues. Obama is much closer to Clinton on the topics then McCain and it becomes a question of values over ideology. If they truly hung on to her every word wouldn't they jump on the Obama train with her?
I too would have cringed had Obama lost, so I empathize with the Hillary supporters, who are still wallowing in “irrational” self-pity. That’s the why!
Now recognizing that we live in a real world, most thoughtful voters will take a deep breath, look clearly at the McCain option; then along with Hillary & Bill, do the right thing by wholeheartedly supporting Obama this Fall.
Simple- we do not think he is the best candidate... we think and know that HRC is, but Oprah, Caroline, Obama, his cult, the media and the DNC decided... no matter... we will install his as the nominee anyway.
They can try to derail Obama, but they need to realize they are derailing Hillary too. They are ending her life as a public servant. She will not get re-elected to the Senate for New York. They need to stop and think. They are ruining any chance for a woman to be president of this country. If we as a country can elect an African American, its only a matter of time before we elect a woman. The PUMA's need to work towards the future and not a past-tense, failed primary campaign. Look forward and not back.
It's one of these two things Jack, they are either crazy or racist.
Any Hillary Clinton supporter that would derail Obama's campaign and throw support to McCain is not really a Hillary Clinton supporter. An individual cannot say "I am a Hillary Clinton and John McCain supporter." That's an oxymoron, either you will vote for the man with 99% of the same views as Hillary or you will vote for a man with 99% of the same views as the current idiot in office. This should be a no-brainer!
P aranoid
U neducated
M isguided
A mericans
Jack,
A PUMA website with 2.5 million subscribers and plans to go to the Democrat Convention and force a decision from Obama for Hillary as his VP choice?
As far as I know, the Clintons have been totally silent on the subject of the PUMAS. Before you just mentioned it, I didn't know the PUMAS existed.
I was 50/50 on Obama and Clinton when they were running but I smell a Clinton behind the scnes power play. If that's the case, I'm gland they lost and hope Obama tells Hillary, Bill and the "PUMAS to take a hike.
Jack – Las Vegas
Hi Jack,
I enjoy hearing you tell it like it is.
The only reason Hillary supporters would vote for McCain is that they
have to be Rebublicans in disguise. I can see no other reason why a Democrat would vote for a man like McCain "Bush clone" other than they are truly Republicans.
Bill from Orange Park,Florida
Jack, It sounds like the "angry and bitter" comment would better be applied to zealous Clinton supporters. They may say that Hillary is the better candidate, and that is their right to believe that. But they shouldn't call themselves Democrats if they would rather vote for a 3rd Bush term rather than Obama. When even Hilary Clinton herself decries and rejects the PUMA's, they are left with nothing more than a wasted vote and old "Hillary" T-shirt.
I like to think that has nothing to do with the color of his skin but the content of his message.Obama has done nothing but try to bridge the gap with the Clinton supporters and still they run him into the ground.Why cant the pumas just reallize that Obama won a fair camaign and if they want to vote for McCain well do it big just dont start crying when McCain makes them look bad
Lets get real and call them LIONs "Let's Ignor Our Nation". People who will cut off thier noses to spite their faces...or, do we start to believe that Clinton was not about change... but about a different flavor of the same old Washington politics. In the end it's a "catty" way to behave.
Jack Cafferty, Re Obama's "win", I would like to correct your statement that "a majority of Democrats think so." The majority voted for Clinton, only the self-serving 'delegates' voted otherwise. I gues the public vote and the public opinion does not count any more.
I have always thought that Senator Clition is the best person for the job and Obama is not even a distant second. That is why I will do something that I have never done before, vote for a Republican. Between the the two remaining candidates McCain is certainly the better choice, even if I do not agree with all of his policies.
Dennis
Sour grapes from mostly women who thought only of a Clinton election entitlement! Get over it gang your candidate lost fair and square because of her constant under estimation of Obama and his political organization. Ladies, you are giving credence to the outdated notion of female vindictiveness. The female spicies is better than that. It's time to start demonstrating your abilities to rise above defeat. Keep trying, and eventually we will have a female president. But unfortunately, not now! Get over it.
How about we would like a Democratic process for the convention. It is in the DNC rules to have Senator Clinton's placed in nomination. I didn't know following the rules for an election process was such a problem. We criticize during the 2000 election for this and turn around and try to pull the same garbage ourselves. This isn't undermining Senator Obama. It's called having an honest election. Country before Party – PUMA