Dianne Feinstein, a big Hillary Clinton fan, wants to talk to her

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California was an early and stout supporter of Hillary Clinton's presidential bid (see this campaign release from July).

Might Feinstein's comments today be a harbinger of the feedback Clinton now can expect from many backers for whom politics is a full-time occupation?

The Times' Janet Hook trolled Capitol Hill for assessments from various Democratic lawmakers on the state of their party's presidential race and reports that Feinstein signaled that, at the least, Clinton needs to provide a renewed rationale for remaining a candidate.

"I have great fondness and great respect for Sen. Clinton, and I'm very loyal to her," Feinstein said. "That said, I'd like to talk with her and get her view on the rest of the race and what the strategy is" for proceeding.

The question, Feinstein continued, is whether Clinton "can get the delegates that she needs."

She added, perhaps most ominously for Clinton: "I think the race is reaching the point now where there are negative dividends from it, in terms of strife within the party."

Feinstein said she placed a call to Clinton the other day, and expects to talk to her soon about the campaign.

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: Associated Press

Comments

[N.E. BosybutHillary]

I personally would like to see Dianne Feinstein run as the Democratic Vice President. She would bridge the gap separating the now two polarized sides of the Democratic party. She would also bring the integrity that was missing from the Clinton campaign.

[N.E. BosybutHillary]

I personally would like to see Dianne Feinstein run as the Democratic Vice President. She would bridge the gap separating the now two polarized sides of the Democratic party. She would also bring the integrity that was missing from the Clinton campaign.

[TGM]

Can you imagine this nation electing two women into the highest office as easily as two men?

I will not be voting in the general, if Hillary doesn't get the nomination. The contest has been too ugly in terms of sexism. And I think it's time this nation had a woman go in. She's clearly the one ahead of McCain, too, nationally.

How much more qualifications does one need beyond the men?

Plus, I suspect the horse accident was rigged by the Dems' good ol' boys. And, seeing how the female reporter was openly harassed on stage at the Press Club by Obama's long-time confidant and friend, was quite enough, for this person. Viewable on youtube. The part you don't read about in the news articles.

[Linda winsh-Bolard]

May all of us be saved from friends like Ms. Feinstein and voters like Jan Hart.

While the first one is bend on pursuing her own career never mind the cost, the second would not vote for a woman whose sin is-saving her marriage and appearing on TV show.

I hope most of us decide to vote on the basis of health care,
foreign policy, taxing of oil companies, maternal leave and economy.

That is where Hilary Clinton is unbeatable.

Despite all the media circus proclaiming, before every election day that Clinton had already lost.

I dread people like Hart, whose own problems shine through their spite of successful women ( it's funny how saving her marriage was always the best female achievement, until there was nothing else to use against the woman who runs for election) and those like Feinstein ,who don't seem to be able to see that the Democratic Party will lose the support of many permanently should it pursue the same course of action as in Florida and Michigan- to take the power to vote from us in order to push through a man whose largest achievement is self promotion. In case Ms Feinstein and her flock have not noticed, we have such man as a president now. Sorry, girls, we have move much since the 1900.

There was to admire in Hilary Clinton's behavior during the relentless Republican pursuit of her husband. She never stooped to cheap or sleazy, did not allow her daughter to be shamed, and instead of braking her child's home and stability, bested her husband with her own career. It takes strength, nerve, courage and endurance to this, and for all us it is so well suited to high heels.

It would serve us better next time should we all vote on the same day. It would also be fair to all involved. It would cost less. Until then, we either all count, even Florida and Michigan, or we no longer have democracy.

[halelani]

The news media has done a disservice to the election process. Day after day, endlessly, we are overwhelmed with spin. I am spun dry. Give it a rest!

[Anne Washington]

Obama again won by the "black" vote (92%) in NC clearly a racial election. So a big win, no not really...look at the white vote. So does the DNC think a candidate that cannot close the deal within his own party, loses New York, California, Texas, Ohio, Florida ---the big states, who has a criminal friends, has the philosophy from a radical black supremacy church is going to win the vote across the US. The democrats are just handing a win to McCain. Vote for Obama who is inexperienced, a 2 year Senator is ridiculous. We need the best for this country...wake up America.

[lina]

TGM,

You aren't very attractive are you? It's okay. There are repulsively unattractive women in all three camps. We'll take you.

Go Hillary!

[TGM]

lina,

Hang on, while I grab the kids, my broomstick, and my girdle.

;-)

[Anee]

The dems are handing the WH over to McCain. When can we vote Feinstein out, she has done nothing in Congress for us.
I hope there is an independent presidential candidate to vote for otherwise I will vote for McCain.
The democratic party doesn't represent me anymore, they are full of hate and elitism.

[Robert Laughing]

LONG over-due, DF!!! This 'woman' is too arrogant, too demanding and NOT what this Nation/World desperately NEEDS, after the Neo-Constipated Bush cabal. As much as I have despised Bush, WHAT do you Dems have to offer? Barney Frank? Kennedy? The goofball from Vegas? YOUR Democratic leadership is an impotent sham! There is NOTHING to turn towards! At least, GET RID OF THAT OTHER CLINTON!!!!

[Robert NO longer in LA]

Let's face it Dianne; the OTHER Clinton (shudder!!!) can't even win with the backing of cross-over Neo-Cons!!! Hillary can't even keep her husband's zipper zipped...and she is to 'LEAD' America????? Oh, BARF!!! SHAME on all of you impotent Dems for tolerating this presumptuous, duplicitous, and evil politician.... leave her in New York, where she clearly fits in with Wall Street and other frauds! And for CRIMINAL FRIENDS, remember, Slick Willie pardoned a FUGITIVE FELON, living the Good Life in Switzerland... such an important message to Wall Street, NO?

[D. Stephens]

I belive that the media is very biased in promoting a male over a female. We have a very competent lady who make a fantastic Madame President. A woman in the White House deserves a chance now!! We don't need another man; they have had their chance.

[robert]

Ms. Clinton is not only a bold face liar, she is also a very poor loser.

I'm glad we (americans) will have to deal with her for 4 years.

In my opinion, she's a female George Bush.

[Marks]

>Posted by: Anne Washington

>Obama again won by the "black" vote (92%) in NC clearly a racial election.

When blacks voted for Bill Clinton in same percentages was that racist?

>loses New York, California, Texas, Ohio, Florida ---the big states, who has a criminal friends, has the philosophy from a radical black supremacy church is going to win the vote across the US

Vote for McCain if your bitter. That blather has so many holes I won't bother to correct your mistakes.

Hillary's list of shady supporters is twice as long than Obama's.

Bill made over $100 Million in 4 and 5 years. Who paid Bill so much money for a speech? He talked NAFTA benefits when the trade program was hemorrhaging jobs in some states? People simply bought access into Clinton's world of influence.

Tony Rezco helped Obama?

Norman Hsu gave Hillary's campaign $850,000 and had fund raisers for her while a fugitive.

In 2000, Hillary made statements wanting to end the Electoral College because Gore won the popular vote over Bush.

Now she tried to use Electoral College reasons for the general election in the primaries!

Plus Hillary says, if Democratic Party had Republican party rules, she would be ahead.

It shows the caucus events ruined Hillary' s chances where she wasn't competitive. The DNC pays for caucus events.

Some states can't afford primaries while having budget cuts. Not every Presidential election has been so involved. Caucus events in =former years with low Democratic party participating, gathered people to discuss the candidates.

Nobody talks in the line waiting to vote in a primary. People going through caucus for the first time enjoyed the event!

Hillary counted on winning the popular vote and never accomplished getting ahead of Obama that way, since he took the lead from her. Obama has had an unsurmountable delegate lead since Super Tuesday!

I like Obama's less years in Congress because we've had former Governor's as Presidents make huge mistakes.

No candidate is more elitist thinking than a former Governor with a political machine at the ready to use in D. C.

We saw the Clinton cabal from Arkansas show up in DC with horrible effects. Bush cronies from Texas, rubber stamped his poor decisions that put America in this weakened position.

McCain has corporate lobbyists running his campaign they will be rewarded with appointed White House jobs?

Obama has to bring together best and brightest from both parties to run his White House. That's Change, America is demanding. Less partisanship from the White House so Congress can vote better on Federal Legislation working together there.

A too partisan White House causes gridlock in Congress.

McCain will lose to Obama, people are tired of the GOP and where Bush has lead this country.

[Liovushka]

In the days of Geraldine Ferraro's VP candidacy I've already heard that the first woman President will be conservative. It was tremendously disappointing to see Segolene Royal of the Socialist Party lose to Sarkozy in France. But I hope Clinton isn't drawing her lessons from them.

This nomination campaign has brought out both the racism in the American feminist movement and the sexism in the Civil Rights movement - both of which were heartbreaking experiences in my years of social activism. Yeah people talk bitterly about the "black vote" as if black people don't have minds of their own. And then they come around and talk about the "white vote" in PA as a nothing more than a strategic issue (e.g. "Can Obama win white votes?") C'mon... listen to ourselves!

The Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party has a realistic chance at changing our country this time! We can't choose a candidate just because some of us think a white woman is "safer" and "more electable". We can't vote on fear! If that were the case then our democracy is in trouble!

[M.A.R.]

The electorate is ready for SOMEONE ELSE FOR PRESIDENT. It will be hard for the Democrats to lose however I feel they will if they go with Obama.

[didi]

You go Diane. Talk some sense into Ms. Clinton. While you are at it, why don't you bring your sister-senator B. Boxer with you. It might help that "REAL" women politicians help her understand the gist of the real situation.

[fedup]

Obama projects himself as a person who has gotten everything he has wanted in life easily without having to work for it very hard. He thinks he has earned it but he has not. Not by his intelligence or insights or work. He has been given much and he has done little. It is a sign of his ego and self serving ambition that he now thinks has any right to be president. It is why many people hate Obama and will continue to whether he wins or loses. But is explains why so many others like him. He represents the dreams of the masses who wish to believe that you can be lazy and stupid and still rise to the top. To all those who struggle hard to get ahead in this world Obama represents all that this wrong. He may be your affirmative action & politically correct president but for many others he will be but a reminder of what is wrong with America. People can still vote for Nader and hope that Obama will be forced out of the race with a scandal from his past. But if he fails to win the democratic party and black supporters will have much to answer for. You should think about that as well.

[N.E. BodybutHillary]

There needs to be a distinction between "a" female presidential candidate and "any" female candidate. America can and will elect "a" female president. It will not be Hillary Clinton. Genitalia alone is a poor platform for either political party. There are women of integrity who have the ability to lead our country. Hillary does not. Senator "More of the Same" from New York did not even manage to run her campaign in a honorable or even a successful manner. Look to the future and for now embrace the change.

[Larry]

We can't afford another 4 years of Bush's policies. I like both Hillary and Barack, and will vote for either over John McBush McCain in November.

I agree with Hillary and Barack on questions of policy - and on the answers to those questions. (McBush says 'you don't need health insurance, or college. When you're sick, go to the emergency room.') I want to end the occupation of Iraq, universal health care, a strong and healthy economy, a secure nation, and a clean, cool and beautiful environment for my children and grandchildren.

Dylan in Masters of War said "for threatening my baby, unborn and unnamed, you aint worth the blood that flows thru your veins."

In '92, Bill Clinton said, "Vote your Hopes, not your Fears."

Today Hillary is saying 'Don't vote for hope. Hope ain't gonna get you thru the night.' That worked for Bush and Cheney in 04 - the Nuclear Bombs will go off in Ohio if you don't vote for us. And maybe John McBush McCain will say that too in October. And maybe a few rubes will buy it in November.

But Obama is saying with hope, vision, and judgment we can win.

That's why Obama is winning.

[George M. Allen]

If I were DF I'd make a couple of points with Hillary about the Clinton Franchise:

My sense is that the Clinton decision to keep going in what Rachael Maddow aptly terms a post-rational universe is much more about maintaining the very lucrative Clinton franchise than about running again in 2012. I think the Clinton calculus all along has been that John McCain is so weak that she could beat him even if the Democratic Party is divided and bitter. But let's not kid ourselves, the worst thing which could possibly happen to the franchise is Obama being elected President. So paying lip service to party unity while launching every possible attack against Obama, especially racist or classist attacks, serves the strategy of trying to prevent an Obama Presidency.

A lot of this is driven by fundamental decisions which emanate more from Bill Clinton's instincts than anything else. Bill's instincts have been that if they could get Obama to be perceived as the Black Candidate then they could separate him from that part of the Democratic electorate which never really cared for either the Civil Rights Movement or for upward mobility for African Americans.

The main problem with Bill's instincts is that they are rooted in an America which has changed very fundamentally from the America of the late 20th Century. Thus being hawkish has turned out to be a liability, not an asset. Thus pandering on the federal gas tax has turned out to be a disaster for Hillary, for two reasons: one, it looked just as phony as it was and, second, it cost the Clintons another precious week of Indiana focus on Reverend Wright.

The Rev. Wright thing was always going to have a relatively short shelf life because portraying Obama as unpatriotic is basically not going to work over any long period of time. But another week of it in Indiana just might have gotten Hillary a clear victory instead of a cliffhanger. And it was in those five hours of the Russerts and the Frankens and the Gergens looking at an Indiana which might, just might, go for Obama when the vote from Gary came in, that her doom was sealed. That was when the pundits looked at the whole thing and said, ok, she's out of money, she's way beyond hopeless on the numbers and therefore there is no rationale other than damaging Obama.

But let's be serious, there really has been no rationale other than damaging Obama since she finished third in Iowa.

So what is the franchise? It's speaking and consulting fees and deals for Bill. That has been worth over $15 million per year in the six year span from 2001 to 2006. And we do not know how much 2007 was worth but probably way over the six year average or they would have disclosed it.

But the franchise depends on the imagery of the Clintons as the premier leadership of the Democratic Party and as the holders of the heir apparent role to running the American government. If Senator Obama is elected President by an electorate which is no longer the electorate of 1992 or 1996, the Clinton franchise will not be ended, but it will be terribly damaged. The next book deal -- about how-we-lost-the-nomination-to-a-freshman-senator-with-a funny-name -- is not going to pay the way the just out of the White House book deals did. And the speaking gigs for hundreds of thousands are going to be harder to come by and pay less well. And the deal-making? The deal-making is tied to a sense that it involves delivering at least the tacit acquiescence of the U.S. government. And that won't be there either.

So is it really about damaging Obama? Yes, and it has been ever since Iowa.

George M. Allen

Telluride, Colorado

[matt in San Diego]

People, please. Will you listen to yourselves? We're on the verge of electing either the first woman or the first black president, and people are saying they'd sit out the election or vote for McCain out of spite?

There are valid reasons to vote for John McCain. Spite isn't one of them. For goodness sake, people are losing their jobs. Children are going hungry. And we have thousands of troops spending every moment of every day in harm's way.

The least we can do is to cast a reasoned vote based our highest ideals, not petty vindictiveness. And it wouldn't hurt to show each other a little more respect in the meantime.

[deborah]

May I just say... the hierarchy of privilege is: white men, white women, men of color, women of color. And if we are being really honest, african-american men and women are at the very bottom of this chain... This means that having an African-American man as president before having a white woman president opens more opportunities faster because the "hierarchy of privilege" would be turned around (it could possibly come undone). This hierarchy of privilege also means that it's easier to get Sen. Clinton into the White House than Sen. Obama. However, she does not inspire me anywhere near as much as Sen. Obama does. Sen. Obama is the better candidate, and if we can end the primaries sooner rather than later, he might have enough time to strategize how to win in a racist country. I love America, I am white (sort of), but this really is a racist country. If I have to choose between Clinton and McCain, I will vote for Clinton, but I will not feel anywhere near as proud.

[donna darko]

It's not spite. The sexism is beyond comprehension. The party is unrecognizable and has lost all its principles for Obama. Many are writing in Hillary's name.

[kathleen]

i agree that there is sexism in the democratic party, just as there is racism. that said, i don't think hillary clinton is the person to carry the post-sexism banner. i am a 66 year old white woman who remembers both the beginning of the feminist crusades and the push for civil rights for what we then called "colored people." so i can tell a feminist when i see one, and hillary is no feminist. she has few accomplishments that are not the result of her ties to a two-term governor and two-term president; she is forever whining about how the men are picking on her--is this how she will respond when in a tough negotiation with putin?
in my opinion, clinton has been quick to play the sexism card on her own behalf even as she attempts to use racism against obama--who is that pants-suited woman out there pointing out she does better with "white working-class voters"?
but to me the deciding factor is how each has run their campaign. clinton started as the all-but-crowned candidate, with near-universal name recognition, $100 million in campaign money, the support of the party establishment and a front-loaded primary schedule that should have made her impossible to stop. she managed to squander all that advantage and is today reduced to whining that elections (in florida and michigan) that she herself agreed wouldn't count should be factored in after all.
obama looked at the rules and figured out how to amass votes, money and delegates within their framework.
to me, this says he has superior executive ability and should be our chief executive.
i am sad that i may not live to see a woman elected president--but i am also confident that there will be a woman in the white house some day. just not this woman--and i am more than okay with that.

[Youth Counselor]

The comments I am about to state are for the boys and girls, husbands and wives of the of the regime / controlling groups / paricular government that preech and support pro abortion and the feminist movements. My comments are not for the reader, nor me, nor Hillary. For years now I've knowned the type of pedistal Hillary give's her sermon on. she has been preaching feminism and pro abortion. She is going to lose her bid for the Presidency because of her past and present positions in those area's. For years now I have been doing in a nice moderate way what ever I can to help break both these position's. I have no empathy for her, its her time to deal with the consequences of her action's and decisions. If a women or man wants to earn the respect of their mate and their boys and girls they damm sure need to get humble and stay humble. One of the main reasons I know this is because I've been their. Adios Amigos

[Audrey]

As a woman, of course I'd love to see a woman as President, but better yet, I'd love to see a superlative person, with integrity (he played by the DNC Rules; doesn't except money from lobbyists or PACs), compassion, intelligence, thoughtfulness, humility and passion, be President. As to who is more electable, the answer is pretty obvious to Rush Limbaugh - with his "Operation Chaos" he asked his listeners to vote for HIllary in Indiana (the Washington Post is a much better source of political news). The African-American vote argument is a complete fallacy. Obama would not have been able to win nearly TWICE as many states, be leading her in pledged delegates AND the popular vote, if his only reliable voting base was African-Americans. I'm an Asian-American, as is my fiance, and we've been with Obama from the start. Among the cabal of my friends here in the D.C., MD and VA area who fervently support Obama, along with my hometown in California, and friends from coast to coast and north to south, we count friends of every color and socio-economic status (though the one common denominator is we all have at least a college education). It's the argument that the Clintons have made, trying to marginalize Obama as "the black candidate." Both Clintons have disgusted me with their Karl Rovian tactics against Obama - resorting to the worst kind of political distraction, gamesmanship and pandering that I thought was only reserved for Republicans. I guess when you come in as the frontrunner ($140 million campaign war chest, unbeatable name recognition, former First Lady), you think the Presidency is owed to you and you get bitter when you're not given it. And that's how she has run the campaign - terrible mismanagement. The first time she's given the chance to management something and she runs it into the ground (well, that and her health care initiatives): not inspiring confidence in anyone that she'd make a good executive. I'm sure she's completely ticked off that this primary was less a coronation and really did become a contest and that this "upstart" senator from Chicago (who has run a superlative campaign despite the ridiculous trivialities of Rev. Wright (whom the Clintons invited to the White House, but no one ever mentions that), and despite the obstacles of race in this country), was able to raise money from the grassroots to rival her and really involve the American people in his campaign, a man who was not given all the political benefits of being First Lady of a state and then of the country, and of having a popular Democratic president campaigning for you. He overcame all of this - a truly inspiring story of everything America stands for (or used to) - achieving something on your own merit.

[jstar]

How is the democratic party full of elitism? Haveyou looked at the platform? Elitism? Universal healthcare? For the elite? Raising the minium wage, is that for the elite? Bankruptsy law reform? Bringing our troops home from this blunder of a war? Yeah, that's pretty elite too.

My goodness, I guess ignorance is truly bliss for some people.

[Reality Check]

I would like the people who are crying sexism offer some sort of evidence to back up thier claims. You are crying wolf and making it hard for victims of real sexism to find justice.Please stop this childlike behavior and accept that Clinton has been refused by the people of the Democratic party.

[lala]

What is all the fuss with Clinton's campaign going south when there are more important things to worry about.

Doesn't everyone know that the Tony Award nominations will be announced soon? For cryin' out loud people!

[Bryon Williams]

As an American first and a black person second, the tone of intolerence in 'MY' country is stunning to me. I'm 38, born and raised in Los Angeles, and I have to admit that I know I've encountered racism overtly and subtly, mostly from White and Hispanic people (yet surprisingly from Black people as well), but I've never seen this sort of venomous overt racism so up close and so widespread. This kind of talk is so hurtful that it makes me wonder that if this is truly the make up of this country, then I really should consider moving my wife and two kids to Europe or somewhere where intelligent and progressive cultural conversations can happen. You can't imagine the disappointment I'm experiencing just reading and listening to this crap. Is America really, truly a great place with this very apparent level of stupidity and intolerance? Are Americans truly happy living in such disgusting hypocracy (let's free Iraq but not strive for racial equality at home)? Unlike Michelle Obama, I can't say that I'm very proud of my country with such silliness so rampant. And this is what this country is built on...? Scary palce if you ask me. Barrack Obama is a human being, Hillary Clinton is a human being, John McCain is a human being... how difficult is it to evaluate three human beings without being prejudiced by their skin color? Is it really that difficult? It is the 21st Century, isn't it? Does skin color still matter that much? There seem to be an awful lot of closet bigots running around here. Close your eyes when listening to them and if you like what they're saying, vote for them. Barrack Obama was right when he refered to some people as being bitter, but I think he had the logic all wrong. They're probably not bitter because of job loss, or immigration, they're probably bitter because he's black. I hope he wins this thing, not because he's black like me as so many short sighted and uniformed individuals and pundits have suggested. But rather I hope he wins to show that honest logic, fair play, hard work, good ideas, and determination is what transforms a good human being into a great presidential candidate. Imagine that... Shed the silly, skin deep shallowness and use your brain to draw conclusions. Unlike Geraldine Ferraro logic, skin color is very overrated.

[mikem]

Here's a question you're not likely hear asked: "Why should the Super Delegates vote for either Obama or Clinton?" Neither candidate could garner enough votes to have enough pledged delegates to win the nomination. That's about as close to a vote of "no confidence" as you can get in the US. Draft Gore/Edwards in 2008 and watch the Blue landslide.

[nic]

The idea that a Dem won't vote for Obama if he's the nominee just repulses me. We can't gamble with our future over petty arguments, or else we're going to lose this thing and continue to destroy our country for another 4 years. I'm an Obama supporter and if for some reason he's not the nominee, I will throw 1000% of my support behind Clinton. Please don't throw this election away!!!

[michaelSS]

HELLO HILLARY FRIENDS!

- What if Obama is in the position of Hillary now; what Hillary and her supporters would say?
- If Hillary want to solve the economical problem of Americans; then why she is not able to solve her own economical problem? (what's the meaning of experience?)
- Why uneducated and old are supporting Hillary? (uneducated mostly separate whites and blacks; not the logical and illogical --- old people still have whites blacks seperation in their mind)
- Why Americans want a drama figure for their president; Internationally she is a joke....ask some one outside US. (“it’s full-speed on to the White House.” what does that mean Hillary ?)

[Mary]

Well, I certainly wish Donna Brazille the best of luck in her new Democratic Party: youth, AA's, and the welathy.

As for me and mine, we're DONE with the Donna Brazille/Barak Obama Democratic Party.

Re-registered as Independents today.

And we were "lifers" for the Dems.

Best of luck, Donna. Those of us you said you no longer needed to win, have gone elsewhere.

C-ya.

[CalifLady36]

Diane Feinstein is only a politician who cares only about herself. She is no better than Teddy Kennedy and John Kerry-Heinz and she will never be. Diane Feinstein has been a Senator for too long and will not be re-elected. The best person to win against McCain is Hillary Clinton, yet the Democratic Party has dumped her in favor of a Anti-American who will achieve nothing during a four year term except veto any programs that go against his plans for changing America that favor his and Wright's agenda. How sorry for America this is. I personally, will vote for McCain and after a life long registered Democrat will be re-registering as an Independent or Republican. I would actually vote for G.W. Bush if allowed because another 8 years with G.W. is better than one month of obama. God Save America if he is elected.

[Txindy]

Hillary started her campaign by bringing forward her plans for programs she would like to see put forth. Most of the time, Barak just spoke about hope and change. I really don't want to drink beer with my president, or hear rhetoric about hope and change without specifics. The Clinton presidency was one I remember as people having work and real hope for achieving security for themselves and their children. Yes, I think I would like another helping of that. Plus, they have worked for ALL people in the past and there was none of this racist blather. I did not hear the 'dog whistle' and I do not think one was intended. In the future, when a black man runs against another man not of the same color, please give us a guide book about what not to say or do, because some of us who are not racist, are oblivious, don't know the "code".

[Anna]

TO MICHAEL SS ------------ I'm a democrat who is supporting Hillary Clinton. I'm not uneducated or old, I am black and I will not vote for Obama. The Obama's, especially Michelle sound too angry to lead this country. Obama lies about everything and has no experience or presidential skills. Here's the meaning of EXPERIENCE (knowledge or practical wisdom gained from what a person has observed, encountered, or undergone in the course of time.)

[Frank]

As a person of bi-racial parents I am deeply hurt, saddened and dismayed at what I hear and see of the American people I call my brothers and sisters.

I am saddened as I am sure many are at what the last several months and blog writers like these have demonstrated and the sad commentary they have documented concerning the REAL state of OUR (every American) country as it relates to the issue of race.

We stand at a pivotable point both on whether we as Americans can truely live up to our creed that all are created equal or whether we will show both fellow Americans and the International community that we are no better than we have ever been when it comes to the issue of race and leadership in America.

Unfortunately, again I read remarks here that say we are not as far along as we proclaim. I hope and pray I am wrong.

[TGM]

Thanks for the supportive comments by posters hoping each of us live out our best as people, at the polls, and on one of the most historic elections in American History. Yeah, I was gonna stay home if Hillary didn't win, but you know what? Reading the kind and hopeful posts, here, I changed my mind. Hell no, I'm not missing out on the general whoever gets the nomination. Barack will have my support too, if he's the winner.

I agree that it's time for Democrats to start coming together in terms of the issues that are most important to us, whoever gets nominated. The war, the economy, universal health care, et al. While the other states finish voting, we can be unifying and getting ready for the changes to come. Making peace with one another and preparing the way for the new nation.

There's so much to be done, and very little time in which to accomplish it. Let's gets started.

[Craig J]

Hillary said it herself that not much separates Obama's policies from her own, so when I hear bitter Hillary Democrats say that they will not vote for Obama, or worse yet, vote for McCain, I can't help but pause in astonishment over this hypocrisy. It is bitterness in the least, and racism at its worst. There really is now other explanation for it. Obama won the overall vote worked hard for it just as Hillary did. People should not compromise their political ideologies just because their candidate didn't win. Oh, and all that talk that Obama only wins the black vote is garbage. Last I checked, Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa, Washington, Idaho, Utah, N. Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, etc weren't overflowing with black voters. It's time to unite as Democrats behind the winner and beat our real enemy, GWBush’s third term compatriot McCain!!!!

[Craig J]

Hillary said it herself that not much separates Obama's policies from her own, so when I hear bitter Hillary Democrats say that they will not vote for Obama, or worse yet, vote for McCain, I can't help but pause in astonishment over this hypocrisy. It is bitterness in the least, and racism at its worst. There really is now other explanation for it. Obama won the overall vote worked hard for it just as Hillary did. People should not compromise their political ideologies just because their candidate didn't win. Oh, and all that talk that Obama only wins the black vote is garbage. Last I checked, Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa, Washington, Idaho, Utah, N. Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, etc weren't overflowing with black voters. It's time to unite as Democrats behind the winner and beat our real enemy, GWBush’s third term compatriot McCain!!!!

[TGM]

Craig, I think what drives people away from the other candidate are the personal attacks, like your own. Are you sitting in the shoes of the people being insulted? At the very least, a "Craig" certainly isn't, as a woman.

Each of us is only human. If you are that interested in bringing Democrats together, I suggest you address the Democratic platform, alone, and not your negative assumptions about other people's character. Or, at the least, when others reach out, you don't visciously assault them, as a response.

Or isn't calling someone a racist a viscious assault? And when, on a forum board, and when you don't even know the color of their skin?

For your information, there are persons of color who have been so attacked in this campaign by Obama supporters that they are not willing to vote for him, either.

Posts like yours are helpful, until you get to the part where you start talking about where the other person is coming from.

[mario]

if obama was smart he will be on ticket with hillary lije vicepresident and win 2016 for president but he is too selfish and arogant , and finnaly stupid becausse he said that usa are having 57 states ???? americans don be stupid like obama, vote smart vote clinton

[iamwoman]

i am extremely disappointed on reading these posts to see that we have not progressed passed basing our judgments on prejudice. " i want a black man", "i want a woman". until we get passed this mentality and begin to base our criteria on.."i want the best person for the job", we will never progress as a country. while i like diane feinstein as my senator..i've come to disagree with her support of clinton. i am a white woman who was leaning toward clinton. clinton and obama's policies are very similar. and i believe their experience is roughly the same ..clinton has been in the senate longer..which was why i was leaning towards her.
what changed my mind to back obama was not racial guilt, but rather the ability of obama to handle policital pressures (like wright) in an open, honest and diplomatic way. something i have not seen from clinton. this diplomatic ability will be critical in mending the wounds that bush has inflicted for 8 years.
i do not vote from fear nor who i think would win (this does a great disservice to the whole process). i do not vote just because someone looks like me. i vote for who i think will do the best job for this country. any other argument is...to put it simply...retarded.

[ob1]

Well, Diane Feinstein, if you're reading the offensive remarks made towards other voters on this board, or caught former head of NARAL's statements equating to Hillary to "any woman" (article in Huffington's now trashy left wing newspaper; closing thoughts on splits in the women's movement), you can understand why the Democratic Party has a bigger problem than they realize. Personally, I don't vote for candidates whose people spit in my face. And I agree with the poster who says that Obama is too arrogant to have Hillary Clinton as a running mate. His unofficial campaign has been pure vitriol. How can he get around it now?