Nightline's Daily Line

Behind the Scenes at Nightline: Sneak Peeks, Updates, and Observations

Nightline's Daily Line is our blog, where you’ll be the first to find out what stories we're working on each day. Plus, our anchors, correspondents and staff share the latest behind-the-scenes information from the newsroom and the field.

January 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
        1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31

« Previous | Main | Next »

Obama's Secret Weapon in Florida: Hillary Clinton

October 20, 2008 4:17 PM

"Nightline" co-anchor Cynthia McFadden reports:

After five extensive interviews with Sen. Hillary Clinton over the past couple of years, we met up with her again this morning backstage at a Barack Obama rally in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. It was the first time I had talked with Clinton since she lost the primary in June.

Clinton was met by an enthusiastic crowd of a thousand or so supporters in outdoor Huizenga Plaza. Undaunted by a sudden rain shower, Clinton called on the crowd to support Sen. Barack Obama:   "Help him as much as you helped me," she said.

"The question is," Clinton continued,   "Who is for you? Barack Obama and Joe Biden are for you, which is why I am for them."

Florida,  with it's 27 electoral votes,  is an important swing state,  and today marked the first day of early voting.

As testimony to the state's importance, Clinton and Obama will appear together in Orlando for an outdoor rally at the Amway Arena. Although Clinton has made more than 50 appearances for Obama since losing the nomination, tonight's rally will be the first time the two have appeared together since June. Clinton told me they had been "trying to cover as much ground as possible."

"Nightline" will be there,  and we'll have a full report from the campaign  trail tonight.

Backstage this morning,  Clinton and Florida Sen. Bob Graham said they believed that Obama may well win Florida,  despite Bush's win in the state in 2000 and 2004.

"What," I asked Graham, "can Clinton do for Obama in this state that Obama can't do for himself?"

"Hillary Clinton is the most popular national politician in Florida today," said Graham. "She won this state,  and she can help Obama win it."

October 20, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (20)

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/433071/34761383

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Obama's Secret Weapon in Florida: Hillary Clinton:

User Comments

Obama didn't want Florida and Michigan delegates fully counted.

Why do we want to count Obama?

Posted by: golfgirlusa | Oct 20, 2008 4:35:17 PM

Obama's secret weapon: The middle class

ONE THING IS CLEAR to anyone who saw the last presidential debate. John McCain is mainly concerned with those making more than $250,000 dollars. Barack Obama is mainly concerned with the middle class.

QUESTION:

How many people earn more than $250,000?

QUESTION:

How many middle class Americans will receive a tax break under Barack Obama's tax proposal?

Posted by: John | Oct 20, 2008 4:36:32 PM

PS. The DNC ruled that the delegations from FL and MI would be cut in half, as penalty for stepping out of turn.

Obama intervened to restore the FULL delegations in FL and MI, just before the convention.

Remember the state chairs in FL and MI made the choice to go before New Hampshire knowing the penalty before hand.

Posted by: John | Oct 20, 2008 4:50:03 PM

When O B A M A loses. Ten predictable liberal reactions - 10) Alex Baldwin says he's leaving the country but never delivers. 9) Madonna gets more creepy looking while b, c and d list actresses like Cybill Sheppard figure attacking Sarah Palin will get them work in Hollywood. 8) Bill and Hillary Clinton make love like they were in college again. 7) Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez and comrades in the US media blame racism in America. 6) Chris Matthews, of course, blames racism and fires off 349 questions in five seconds to some conservative guest. 5) MSNBC's Keith Overdork has a head popping hissy fit blaming voter suppression by evil Republicans. 4) HBO’s Bill Maher continues to shout down one conservative with the help of three liberal panelists and 100 audience members. 3) ABC's The View (see # 4) 2.Oprah blames racism and decides to officially run - for the bathroom. 1) after making love all night long, Hillary and Bill suddenly consider a future problem – Sarah Palin.

Posted by: PhillyR | Oct 20, 2008 4:57:46 PM

You can hate the man all you want but remember that you are not voting for him, you are voting for his policies. So ask yourself: 1) do you make more than $250,000/year and if not 2) why on Earth would you vote for McCain/Palin?

Posted by: FactCheck | Oct 20, 2008 4:58:51 PM


John:

I agree with you 120 per cent.
Middle Class does not exist in a vocabulary of McCain.

Posted by: FM | Oct 20, 2008 4:59:45 PM

golfgirlusa: "
Obama didn't want Florida and Michigan delegates fully counted.

Why do we want to count Obama?"

John McCain's republicans did NOT count the full Florida or Michigan delegations, they only got half votes. Why would Florida possibly want to count McCain - at least Obama ultimately did give Florida and Michigan a full voice. Once again, golfgirlusa proves the Republicans are the Party of Ignorance.

Posted by: jhw539 | Oct 20, 2008 5:07:28 PM

golfgirlusa wrote: "Obama didn't want Florida and Michigan delegates fully counted.

Why do we want to count Obama?"

Oh, horse-pucky - your state democratic parties brok the "rules" after being warned of the consequences - nothing more.

There's no crying in baseball - get over it.

Posted by: 12_angry_men | Oct 20, 2008 5:10:58 PM

OBAMA WILL NEVER WIN FLORIDA, AND JUST LIKE EVERYTHING HILLARY HAS DONE SINCE HER CAMPAIGN FAILED, SHE'S BACKING THE WRONG HORSE..
I WAS HER AREDENT SUPPORTER BECAUSE SHE IS CENTRIST
HILLARY MUST QUIT PARADING WITH THESE EXTREME LIBERALS WHO WANT TO "SPREAD THE WEALTH AROUND
IN AMERICA WE CALL THAT COMMUNISM

HAD HILLARY EVER SAID SUCH A THING, I WOULD NEVER HAVE SUPPORTED HER
OBAMA IS USING HILLARY
THE DNC IS ABUSING HILLARY JUST LIKE THEY DID IN THE PRIMARIES.
HILLARY, GO AWAY... NOW
STAY OUT OF THIS!

Posted by: TJ, THE CLINTONITE | Oct 20, 2008 5:16:52 PM

12_angry_men: "There's no crying in baseball - get over it."

Give her a break - golfgirlusa is a Republican. The party lives and breathes to take offense, pass the buck, and whine.

Posted by: jhw539 | Oct 20, 2008 5:19:52 PM

OBAMA SCHEMED HILARY'S FLORIDA VOTES AND NOW SHE IS IN FLORIDA ASKING THEM TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNIST CONMAN

WE ARE NOT LISTENING, HILLARY
GO TAKE A VACATION OR SOMETHING
LEAVE US TO DEAL WITH THE SOCIALIST OBAMA..
MUSLIM, HE IS INSIDE
REZKO
ACORN
JEREMIAH WRIFGH
FLEGER
AYERS.
NEVERENDING STORY OF ONE SHADY CHARACTER AFTER ANOTHER.
HE WOULD NEVER PASS A SECRET SERVICE TEST TO WORK FOR US GOV..
SO WHY IS OBAMA VYING FOR PRESIDENT?

Posted by: TJ, THE CLINTONITE | Oct 20, 2008 5:23:20 PM

OBAMA SCHEMED HILARY'S FLORIDA VOTES AND NOW SHE IS IN FLORIDA ASKING THEM TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNIST CONMAN

WE ARE NOT LISTENING, HILLARY
GO TAKE A VACATION OR SOMETHING
LEAVE US TO DEAL WITH THE SOCIALIST OBAMA..
MUSLIM, HE IS INSIDE
REZKO
ACORN
JEREMIAH WRIFGH
FLEGER
AYERS.
NEVERENDING STORY OF ONE SHADY CHARACTER AFTER ANOTHER.
HE WOULD NEVER PASS A SECRET SERVICE TEST TO WORK FOR US GOV..
SO WHY IS OBAMA VYING FOR PRESIDENT?

Posted by: TJ, THE CLINTONITE | Oct 20, 2008 5:23:22 PM

It seems that within the last eight years that you have not accomplished an education, learn to use you computer for something worth repeating other that a message of misinformation.

Posted by: educated-one | Oct 20, 2008 7:26:54 PM


McCain needs to answer on the story below! Why in the world would he select someone so dangerous to run with him!

Breaking News: The Terrorist Group AKA Alaska Independent party Calling on Russia to help secede from the Union

Extremists Mark Chryson and Steve Stoll former leaders of the Alaska Terrorist group AKA Independence Party and friends of Sarah Palin are calling on Russia to help them gain independence from the United States.

Watch video of Sarah palin addressing The Alaska Terrorist Group also known as The Independence party. They are calling for a civil war against the mainland.

www.chilitoz.com

Posted by: heather | Oct 20, 2008 8:15:20 PM

My God Hill you dishonor yourself and those who voted for you here in Florida. During the campaign you stood up and called Obama what he is a liar, cheat and a socialist, The democratic party disrespected you and left you to fight for the delegates you earned. Then all of those super delegates moved over to Obama leaving you with your pants down and taking it where no woman should have to take it.
Your visit here on his behalf didn't serve you or the people who supported you. Hill I love you but I will never vote for him.
Everytime you speak his name it brings back the dishonest way he won the race. You should be the person running for president not him. There is nothing you can say to change my mind. No Obama, John McCain is the man for Florida. Tell Obama to spend spend spend and watch him lose. You should know here in Florida a vote cannot be bought it is earned. Hill in 2012.......

Posted by: Connie | Oct 20, 2008 9:11:45 PM

I AM GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF NIGHT LINE BUTT KISSING OBAMA. THE MAN IS A FLAKE, LIAR, MUSLIM, AND NOT EVEN BLACK.

Posted by: texasbluedarter | Oct 20, 2008 11:45:39 PM

Oh, wow. He called his enemy to help him in Florida. And when all is said and done, he'll drop her like a hot potato and toss her under the bus with everyone else, like his white grandmother who reacts like any other white person around a black person (his own words, by the way, look it up in 2007). This was just a stunt to make him look more likable for the foolish voters who he will tax the minute he finishes the oath of office. If you believe what he says about the taxes, watch as everything goes up because of his "tax cuts". And for all the hunters out there, say good bye to your guns, we will lose them right after the tax hikes because "the government" will say you don't need them. Of course, they don't pay my car insurance or deducable for the damage made by the deer. If you want examples of what a Democratic government can do, look at the state of Michigan. We were in a recession before the rest of the country caught up to us due to the irresponsiblity of the Democrats you want to keep in office.

Posted by: Rachel O | Oct 21, 2008 12:58:59 AM

TO ALL,

SHAME ON YOU JOHN MCCAIN, AT A TIME WHEN OUR COUNTRY NEEDS HEALING AND AT A TIME WHEN THIS COUNTRY HAS LOST SO MUCH IN SO LITTLE OF A TIME, YOU RUN AROUND DISRESPECTING AND PUTTING OBAMA DOWN.

WHERES THE RESPECT FOR ALL OF THOSE FAMILIES WHO LOST THEIR KIDS AS A RESULT OF THIS WAR, THE SAME WAR YOU VOTED FOR WITH OUT READING THE NIE REPORT.

JOHN MCCAIN IS RUNNING AROUND THIS COUNTRY WITH AN SELF RIGHTIOUS ATTITUDE TOWARDS OBAMA SAYING AND STATING THAT HE'S UN AMERICAN.

WELL, DURING THE KLATRINA ORDEAL, WHEN PRESIDENT BUSH AND JOHN MCCAIN IGNORED AND FLEW THE PLANE OVER THOUSANDS OF DYING AND SUFFERING PEOPLE WHO LAID ON THE SIDE OF THE STREETS IN NEW ORLEANS.

THE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAD TO SWIM IN DISEASED AND INFECTED WATERS JUST SO THAT THEY COULD GO AND FIND WATER FOR THEIR BABIES.

HE DIDN'T LOWER THE PLANE SO THAT HE COULD THROW WATER TO THE THIRSTY AND BREAD TO THE HUNGREY, NO, YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT HE DID, HE WENT TO CELEBRATE JOHN MCCAIN'S BIRTHDAY AT THE AIRPORT.

YES THAT'S RIGHT, JOHN MCCAIN RATHER PARTY WITH PRESIDENT BUSH, THAN GO AND HELP THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS.

THAT'S HIS LITTLE SECRET. HE DOESN'T WANT ANYONE TO KNOW THIS. KEITH OLBERMAN WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO CALLED HIM OUT ON THIS SECRET. THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA HAS NOT REPORTED THIS STORY AND I HOPE THAT YOPU GUYS WILL.

JOHN MCCAIN NEEDS TO LET THE AMERICAN PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THIS INFORMATION.

HE WALKS AROUND AS IF HE'S THE ONE.

WAKE UP AMERICA, TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, THEY DON'T DESERVE THE WHITE HOUSE.

KNOW ONE WAS HELD ACCOUTABLE FOR THE LIVES WE HAVE ALREADY LOST IN THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.

KNOW ONE WAS HELD ACCOUTABLE FOR THE 12 BILLION TAX PAYERS DOLLARS, THAT WAS SHIPPED TO IRAQ AND 10 BILLION WAS LOST OR STOLEN AND KNOW ONE DID ANYTHING ABOUT THAT.

AND NOW JOHN MCCAIN TALKS ABOUT OBAMA WANTS TO GIVE AWAY SOMETHING, JOHN MCCAIN HAS BEEN VOTING FOR GIVEAWAYS FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.

IF THERE A SOICALIST IN THIS COUNTRY, IT HAS TO BE GEORGE BUSH AND JOHN MCCAIN.

I FEEL THAT IF YOU VOTE REPUBLICAN THIS TIME, THEN THOSE WHO JUMPED OUT OF THE WINDOWS OF THE TRADE CENTERS, AND THOSE WHO DIED ON THE SIDE OF THE STREETS IN NEW ORLEANS, AND THOSE KIDS WHO DIED IN IRAQ, AS A RESULT OF A LIE, WOULD HAVE DIED IN VANE.

WAKE UP AMERICA
PATRICIA

Posted by: patricia ward | Oct 21, 2008 3:31:21 AM

As a former teacher of English, I am amazed that some people still think Obama is a Muslim and is closely connected to Ayres. Don't you people read? Or listen?
And Obama is not such a flaming liberal as some think. He will govern quite moderately and very thoughtfully. As to Hillary supporters, remember the alternative. Think about the Supreme Court appointees, our role in the world, and our financial state. Do we really want another war hawk leader who will bankrupt us by wasting our $$ in the sand?

Posted by: Liz | Oct 21, 2008 4:18:16 PM

Please allow me to say--neither McCain or Obama can change this nation by himself-we the people have to chose to change if we want this nation to rise from this place we have put ourselves.
My heart bleeds for America. As I read all of these comments from all different people, it is so obvious this nation is filled with hate and has either forgotten the principles it was founded on or has never been taught them. Freedom does not now and has never come cheap. I am so sorry that any life has been sacrificed for my freedom but at the same time I am so thankful and grateful that someone loved this nation so much they were willing to die for its freedom. Our soldiers dying on foreign soil is tragic. Mothers, fathers losing their sons and daughters and children losing their parents for our freedom is not the real tragedy--the real tragedy is after they have died for our freedom-we squander it by allowing all of this hatred to live in our hearts to the point we have no respect for our differences; we don't even try to use this blood bought freedom for good but we are constantly fighting among ourselves, disrespecting each other and destroying the very nation our men and women are fighting to keep alive.
I do not agree with Obama and the thought of his becoming the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces causes much dread for this nation of America, but i chose not to hate him. No i do not want to "share my wealth" with people who are simply too lazy to get out and work. No i don't want to be forced to hire people i don't want working for me and i don't want to be forced to go to a doctor i have not chosen. Do i believe America will be in much much deep deep trouble should he become president--yes, yes, yes. But i chose not to hate the man.
do i agree with everything McCain says--no. do i believe the nation will be better under his leadership--yes.
it is not my place to degrade another person simply because they do not agree with me. were i to do this, i would be degrading myself and telling others that i am "ignorant" "brainless" and "unintelligent" -- therefore, you are free to vote your beliefs after all this is still for a while at least a free country where people can do whatever they please and say whatever they please without fear of reprisal.

Posted by: CAM | Oct 29, 2008 1:10:35 AM

Post a comment