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Tensions Remain Among Clinton Donors
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ShareJune 27, 2008 7:40 AM
ABC’s Kate Snow reports: The crowd's mood was but strained but supportive at Thursday’s meeting between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and about 150 of Clinton’s top donors at a Washington hotel.
The former rivals appeared upbeat and spoke supportively and enthusiastically of each other in their 30 minute meeting. They were warmly received by the crowd, but several attendees said they couldn’t help but feel tension, even while they were likely to play supportive roles in Obama's race against Republican John McCain.
One major Clinton donor described it this way: "This felt like when your mom forces you to go visit your Aunt Ida and she has to pinch your cheeks and you're sitting there in an uncomfortable suit and you can't wait to leave."
Another Clinton-leaning person who was in the room said after the meeting wrapped up that there is still "a lot of anger" toward Obama among Clinton's wealthiest fans.
"It was pretty bad," this source said. He said donors were joking that the scene was like "an Irish wake" and that you "could cut the air with a knife" it was so tense in the room.
"He better go back to the internet," said one donor about the Democratic nominee’s fundraising tactics.
"Most people left there feeling he didn't connect," said the person who was in the room. However, when asked if the donors still might write a check to Obama, he conceded that it was entirely possible.
But some Clinton backers told ABC News the evening was a success in that Obama asked the Clinton backers for their support in his race against Republican John McCain and ‘it worked.’
Lester Hyman, a Washington lawyer, said: “It worked. You bet.”
Judith Barnett, also a Washington lawyer, added, “It worked and we’re going to raise money because there’s too much at stake. This is not a rehearsal.”
When Clinton spoke to the crowd, she acknowledged the tough primary battle but urged her supporters to rally behind Obama and the party’s campaign to win the White House in November.
"This was a hard-fought campaign," she continued. "That's what made it so exciting and intense and why people's passions ran so high on both sides. I know my supporters have extremely strong feelings, and I know Barack's do as well. But we are a family, and we have an opportunity now to really demonstrate clearly we do know what's at stake, and we will do whatever it takes to win back this White House."
When Obama spoke to the crowd he complimented Clinton on the race she ran and tried to pump up the crowd about the chances of Democrats winning additional Senate and House seats and winning the White House this fall.
"I recognize that this room shared the same passion that a roomful of my supporters would show. I do not expect that passion to be transferred. Sen. Cinton is unique, and your relationships with her are unique."
But he added, "Sen. Clinton and I at our core agree deeply that this country needs to change."
Obama made a direct appeal for support as he closed his remarks. "I'm going to need Hillary by my side campaigning during his election, and I'm going to need all of you."
Obama did address one of the major elephants in the room -- Clinton's enormous campaign debt, a source of remaining tension between the two camps.
Obama told the crowd that he has told his top financial backers "to get out their checkbooks and start working to make sure Sen. Clinton -- the debt that's out there needs to be taken care of."
That vow drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
Many Clinton donors are anxious to hear more about Clinton's future role in the Obama campaign. For example, will she have her own campaign plane to use for appearances? Will she speak at the Democratic convention in late August and when? They also want to know if Clinton's delegates will be allowed any kind of symbolic vote on the convention floor.
Asked tonight if there would be a roll-call vote at the convention in Denver, Clinton and Obama exchanged looks, with Clinton smiling, and said that was still being negotiated.
June 27, 2008 in Bush, George W., Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (161)
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Posted by: SD | Jun 27, 2008 8:48:48 AM
I have put my money where my mouth is by contributing 50.00 to her campaign two days ago!
Posted by: J | Jun 27, 2008 8:55:23 AM
Hey Champ, did you think BO was going to get a free ride forever. You better go back to MSNBC or CNN if you don't like hearing the truth here!
Posted by: rockthebleachers | Jun 27, 2008 8:56:28 AM
I don't need Obamas supporters respect. But, they may need my Independent vote to win.
As a long time Independent, maybe Obamas supporters need to start thinking independently for themselves. I don't have to "fall in line" behind the party, that's what cultist and lemmings do.
Posted by: Be Independent | Jun 27, 2008 8:57:02 AM
I think it was BO that couldn't put it away. Even after all that money he raised! The DNC forced him on us but I refuse to accept him & will not vote for him! I will not unite.
Posted by: rockthebleachers | Jun 27, 2008 8:47:05 AM
--------------------------
Yes all the king horses and all the kings MEN had a heck of a time getting KING BO to squeak by.
The dirt and mud is on HIM now!!
He still has not closed the deal...the convention will kill him or cure him!
Posted by: HP Boston | Jun 27, 2008 8:59:28 AM
OMG!
A negative story or two about Obama? Say it isn't so!!! (It's about flippin' time!)
Posted by: J | Jun 27, 2008 9:00:22 AM
Nothing good with the democrats can go on with ABC reporting it. Wait until the end of this month and your jaw will drop to hear how much money Barack is raising.
Posted by: carl29 | Jun 27, 2008 9:06:55 AM
Wouldn't be surprised if the big money Republicans hold their contributions until '12. By then, maybe they can get Jeb ready...
Posted by: Champ | Jun 27, 2008 9:11:51 AM
Champ, where is your column at? Seeing you seem to think there is no journalistic credibilty you must be an expert. Pathetic.
Posted by: rockthebleachers | Jun 27, 2008 9:17:50 AM
I'm so sick of the whining Clinton supporters who think they're owed something. I wish Obama would tell these folks to take a hike. He is the only candidate who's ever been asked to apologize for winning.
Hillary and Bill owe him an apology since they campaigned like Republicans. They're the ones who need to make amends, not Obama.
Posted by: Yvonne | Jun 27, 2008 9:24:13 AM
Posted by: Champ | Jun 27, 2008 9:26:45 AM
Obama will have to do more than try to charm his way to the Whitehouse. I for one am a Hillary supporter, and am struggling with not voting for the Democratic nominee for the first time in my life. I am angry at the DNC, and the only way I would vote for Obama at this time is if Hillary Clinton is his VP.
Posted by: Maria | Jun 27, 2008 9:31:22 AM
Paul,
I think that's what the whiners don't get. They believe if Obama loses this time Hillary will just come and save the party in 2012. Well, wouldn't that be something? I do understand that some will vote for any person with a different color than Obama. The fact that they choose Hillary to be their standard bearer will make it almost impossible for Hillary to win the presidency. They must think 17 + million voters will win one the presidency. I could respond to some charges above if the posters were meant to have a constructive discussion. I believe most here are racists coming to vent their rants on the fact that this black Obama may win this thing. While I certainly believe there are true Hillary supporters who felt hurt, when someone says they hope Hillary does anything to keep Obama from the white house, you have to wonder.
Posted by: D | Jun 27, 2008 9:35:31 AM
Obama the Etch-a-Sketch! I like it!!!
Posted by: Melissa | Jun 27, 2008 9:46:48 AM
I made several contributions to Hillary when I told myself that I couldn't complain if I didn't make the effort to get her elected. Even though we didn't prevail, I feel good that I tried and I'll have no regrets going forward and making my choice in November. I just hope the campaign doesn't turn my name over to Obama's bunch as a live one because my average joe wallet is closed to them.
Posted by: tiredtoo | Jun 27, 2008 9:47:48 AM
rockthebleachers says:
>>Thanks Yvonne, hope you remember that come November. The polls mean nothing>
Funny. that's not what you were saying a couple of weeks ago when Clinton was pointing to polls to prove that only she could beat McCain.
Get lost! Obama has the support of the sane members of democratic party. He doesn't need you ridiculous people.
Posted by: Yvonne | Jun 27, 2008 9:51:12 AM
Yvonne...you are evil. When Obama loses, he will have you and millions more like you to thank. Evil...Does it feel good to hate? Is it cleansing to get on here and spew?
Posted by: D | Jun 27, 2008 9:54:57 AM
@ Yvonne:
I'm curious. You spout off your mouth and tell everyone to get lost, but you don't give any support for voting for Obama. Why do you support him? How do you think he will change America? Why do you feel you should be entitled to tell people to get lost?
This is a free country. You like your candidate, we like ours. From reading these posts, I see more McCain supporters and Hillary supporters giving valid facts for their endorsements of their candidates. With you and the other Obama people, I don't see where you have any facts to support why you are voting for him. I'm just curious.....sound's like "flip-flopping" in the making. I think you are still trying to find "substance in that empty suit" of a candidate you are supporting.
Posted by: Melissa | Jun 27, 2008 9:56:17 AM
I give credit to where credit is due! Unlike Chump, oops I mean Champ!
Posted by: rockthebleachers | Jun 27, 2008 9:57:30 AM
I am one of those Hillary supporters who will not vote for Obama unless she is on the ticket! There are hundreds of thousands of us who communicate daily. We are very angry at the so called media for its bias and sexist promotion against Hillary, very angry at the DNC for not doing anything about it and angry at BO for using it! Women in this country are the largest voting block and will make the difference not only for the Presidential election but also for the Congressional and Senatorial elections. WE WILL HAVE OUR VOICES HEARD AND YOU CAN COUNT ON IT!
Posted by: LAW | Jun 27, 2008 9:57:37 AM
Ooh... that hurt my feelings!
Posted by: Champ | Jun 27, 2008 10:00:24 AM
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