Were other messages sent from Hillary Clinton's Saturday surrender?

Nobody's complaining here, but did anybody else notice a couple of unusual things about Hillary Clinton's weekend "event" where she suspended her own one-time, sure-thing presidential campaign and endorsed her more successful Democratic presidential rival, Sen. Barack Obama?

Obama himself couldn't make it to the Washington unity event. The victor had the day off in Chicago and was seen heading out with his golf clubs. Aides said he watched the speech on a computer.

Who knows, maybe he wasn't even invited. Clinton and Obama have exchanged some pretty sharp barbs in recent months and that's going to take some time for each of them to pretend to get over. They'll no doubt have some kind of friendly joint media event in the near future. Ten gallons of gas says they raise clasped hands.

Clinton said all the right things in her speech, mentioned Obama 15 times by name. It was, not surprisingly, a moment for her people and mostly about her campaign. You can read The Ticket's account of her remarks and the full text here. (There's also a new retrospective photo gallery of her historic campaign available here.)

"Today, as I suspend my campaign," she said, "I congratulate him on the victory he has won and the extraordinary race he has run. I endorse him, and throw my full support behind him. And I ask all of you to join me in working as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me."

The clear words were delivered dutifully with a strong voice and we'll all no doubt see them repeated many times in coming weeks by the Obama campaign, which must desperately find a strategy to hold the crucial Clinton supporters in the Democratic column on Nov. 4. Clinton says she'll help with that.

But watch the video here. And look at Clinton's face. Are those

teeth clenched? Because that face is sure not smiling warmly as she carefully reads verbatim her heartfelt words of admiration and endorsement.

The other thing that had escaped our notice until we got a message from loyal Ticket reader Michelle and heard about a heated debate going on over at Facebook is, look a few seconds at the Clinton family in this photo from Saturday.

Notice anything?

The Ticket usually leaves celebrity sartorial observations to our fellow bloggers at LATimes.com. But check out the Clintons' wardrobes for this celebration of a remarkable, genderly historic and narrowly defeated campaign and the earnest endorsement of the party's new Chosen One.

All three of the Clintons are perfectly dressed -- for a funeral.

Nothing wrong with that, of course. It was a death of sorts. Personal choice rules. But in major national political campaigns, where appearances are so important because television images are so important, such things don't happen by accident.

Perhaps these simultaneous wardrobe selections are not symbolism or a silent statement or an unconscious reflection of their feelings after all these months and millions of dollars of useless campaigning.

Three dark suits all at once is probably just a coincidence. What do you think?

(To see some of Sen. Clinton's other color preferences during her campaign, click on the Read more line below.)

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo Credits: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

It's true we pay less attention to the dark suits that male candidates wear like uniforms because a) dark suits are boring and b) they wear them like uniforms.

When Obama went with the open collar, that was carefully noted, however, as was his on-again-off-again-now-on-again-because-the-general-election-campaign is starting flag lapel pin.

Who could forget thorough coverage of Obama's uncoverage last fall on his Hawaii vacation when he was photographed not wearing any shirt?

And, let's be honest, if John McCain or Rep. Ron Paul ever did show up in a salmon-colored two-piece or a tailored, bright blue knit jersey outfit with matching scarf, chances are you'd read about it somewhere.

The Clintons were not into much clothing color for Saturday's official public recogniton of the end (for now) of a political dynasty that never really began.

But here are some other examples of Sen. Clinton's color preferences during her campaign:

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Photo Credits: AP; CNN; NBC; Stan Honda / AFP / Getty Images

Comments

[blondshag]

Barack Hussein Obama is the presidential nomination THUG produced by the Superdelegates, NOT the Voters. Hillary Rodham Clinton is the right president for America.

As 1 of the 18,000,000 voters and supporters for Hillary Rodham Clinton, my association with the Democratic Party DID CRACK THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING and my November vote is very secure with John McCain now.

'HOPE' the other 17,999,999 voter for Hillary Rodham Clinton will do the very same thing and vote for John McCain in November. If I am not voting for Hillary Rodham Clinton in November--just why on earth would I be voting for Barach Hussein Obama. Get Real!

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON is the GREATEST campaigner in American History!

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON is the BETTER of the two Democratic Presidential Candidates!

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON is ELECTABILITY!

~~~~'HOPE' that the Superdelegates have time to do some serious soul searching before the Democratic Convention and change the Endorsement to Hillary Rodham Clinton--the Candidate that Can Produce the Democratic Presidential WIN for America....and the Candidate that Can Get America Back On Track with opportunities for All People.

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO JOHN MCCAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NO HILLARY =
NO VOTE FOR BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA.
NO HILLARY =
YES-VOTE FOR JOHN MCCAIN.

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[S U Atkinson]

As always, Hillary is alwyas being dissed. If it isn't her hair it's her clothes. She was gracious in her speech but you had to find fault. I refuse to vote for the other guy and will vote for McCain this year.

[Hirotomi Takemitsu]

I think you're nit-picking. Clinton has a very serious face when endorsing Obama. It's not something she wanted to do, so I wouldn't expect her to be all "happy-clappy" about endorsing Obama! But she's not clenching her teeth as if saying the endorsement is killing her!
I think her endorsement and what she said was alot more than I expected....from her. I was pleasantly surprised.
As for the clothes....to make such an observation is ridiculous. So what about what they wore. It doesn't mean anything!
Look at Clinton's mother. She had on bright clothes.
So what they wore means nothing!
Just be happy she's not the Democratic nominee!!

[MyDug]

Oh my god! You can't even let the woman lose with dignity! Quit picking on her! Just picking. That is all you are doing. Nothing here is substantial, it is just picking picking picking. What's the problem? Are you so afraid of strong women that you can't let one stand you have to instead try and tear her down?! Try is all, 'cause you failed... she is seen as having more grit and more grace and being more human than ever after this campaign.

[Char]

you're kidding, right?

[Wm Tate]

Other messages were sent as well. Hillary "suspended" her campaign; she didn't end it. Nor, to my knowledge, has she freed her delegates. It is still telling that, at her Tuesday night event, they played the Tom Petty song, "I Won't Back Down," which probably reflects the Clintons' true feelings.
-Wm Tate,

(Let's be fair. Suspending is SOP. Edwards did it. Huckabee did it. Romney didn't. It gives them some bargaining chips for better treatment at the conv., maybe future admin. jobs for supporters, etc. Not particular to HRC.)

[Tom J]

I don't know what the Facebook corwd is saying, but...

The dark clothing may have been intended to help subdue the crowd by implying a serious, sober occasion. There was concern about how much booing and catcalling towards Obama would occur. Clothing helps set the tone.

As the photo shows, Bill wore a birght yellow tie and Hillary wore a bright blue top under her dark suit, so they weren't totally color-deprived. This was not a victory celebration, and the dark suits also showed some respect for what Clinton's supporters were feeling.

[L. Smith]

She was wearing brown and aqua, the colors of one of the popular t-shirts in the campaign. If you take a closer look into the crowd, you'll see some of those t-shirts. It's interesting how people try to make something of nothing. Perhaps you should just try to stick with what she said and quit using your biases to create something entirely different.

[Pamela E. Foster]

So glad you addressed the Clintons' group wardrobe choice for this big day.

[benda russell]

ISN'T IT TIME TO STOP WITH THE HILLARY BASHING
OR ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING BAD TO SAY.
FOR GODS SAKE, ARE YOU A PYSCIC??? DO YOU
THINK IT IS TIME TO USE THAT ON THE OBAMAS??
PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE THE REASON SHE LOST AND
WHY PEOPLE LIKE ME ARE SWITCHING PARTIES!!!
GET A LIFE !!!!!

[Laura]

You mentioned funeral and I am still mourning over Hillary not being our Democratic canadidate. I thought of not voting at all unless Hillary became running mate but I could not consciously do that. I have NO CHOICE but to vote Obama but I do it just to assist in making sure McCain does not get in. I will not be spending anymore of my time focused on this campaign. All I can say is if he gets in I better see some ACTION. Do yo hear that Obama? Action, because I have not seen your strength. Get Hillary on the ticket or say good bye to your opportunity to UNITE us.

[dot sparer]

another thing to notice: when hillary talks about herself and her campaign, she looks up smiling at the end of the sentence. when she talks about obama, she looks down with no smile at the end of the sentence
dot sparer, athens, georgia

[Steven]

You all are really reaching, here. A yellow tie like that at a funeral? A turquoise blue blouse? I'm not sure what kind of funerals you've attended, but...

[Mira]

I praise Senator Clinton for the most moving, gracious surrender speech. Stop criticizing the Clinton's for every little thing that means nothing.
Senator Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, and daughter Chelsea are all very brilliant minds, and they have so much good to offer our Country. We need the Clinton's! If Obama becomes our President, he needs to bring Senator Clinton and Bill Clinton into his political circle and work together for world peace!
The Clinton's are highly respected throughout the world! As far as their choice of color that the three Clinton's wore, they all were fabulously dressed.
Shall we start in on Michelle Obama, and her choice of clothing, color, and style?!?!
Lets face it, Senator Clinton and family all have CLASS!

[BJ]

Their clothes were obvious subliminal statements.

No need to expound on it... but Hillary supporters get the message.

NO WE WON'T!!!

Obama does have a problem in November... several, I might add. While he can count on the Black votes, I wonder how many "young" votes will actually get out.
He can forget about Hillary supporters, altho a few may join, the majority will either stay home or vote McCain. He will also have a problem with middle class votes. I sincerely think, the DNC has turned off quite a few Democrats this election. I don't remember any primary being this divisive. So many people are aware the DNC had made it's decision long before the voting even started. They wanted Obama, and to hell with Hillary.
We know this, and we will respond to it.

[Christopher Franklin]

I think you need to judge facial expressions more accurately. My view is she kept a straight and serious face on her at the time to let her fans know she is serious and not fooling around.They all could have decided to dress like like they would at a funeral because her campaign DID DIE that day...

[Jenni]

I believe that the Clintons wore black to symbolize that they are stepping out of the limelight now and finally acknowledging Obama as the spotlight winner.

[l]

Here is another omission to PLEASE take note of: Mrs.Clinton never mentioned John McCain in her Saturday speech--as in, "We must help Sen. Obama defeat JOHN MCCAIN in November." I believe she was sneding a signal to her supporters that while she would give full-throated lip sevrice to supporting Obama they could with good conscience go and sign up for McCain.

[Marin]

will you people ever be happy?

[PacificGatePost]

The strange hypocritical world of politics now finds Hillary supporting Obama ---

http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/06/inevitable-hypocrisy-of-politics.html

[Billw]

HOW OBAMA "WON"

Even though Obama's past reeks with associating with shady characters, terrorist supporters, and a racist anti-American “Pastor”, sexism, race, and the “Wright baggage” not being known during the first 11 primaries overrode Clinton's support of more astute people. Then the media in effect gave Obama millions of dollars worth of free advertising by mostly giving him a free pass. This because they did not want to risk being accused of playing the race card. Also Obama outspent Clinton by far on ads, and he still beat her by only 2%. Without the above Clinton would be the nominee today.

That Obama received the above support to achieve the position of democratic candidate for the Presidency does not speak well for the democrats or even for America. Too bad.

[Toon Moene]

Did you noticed this one (Obama's reaction on Clinton's Saturday speech):

In response, Mr Obama said Mrs Clinton had "shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams".

I (a white male) noticed it immediately: His daughters - not his wife.
I'm quite sure this is entirely by chance, but this is what makes women furious.

[meohmy]

VERY NOTEWORTHY OBSERVATION!!!!!

[kat]

You know what I notice here? One of the best examples of anti Hillary media bias I've seen yet.

This woman did everything everyone asked her to do. She graciously bowed out, thanked everyone, had no bitter words for her oppenent, she endorsed him and asked her supporters to back him. Yet the media is desperately trying to find fault with her speech.

I have seen and read attacks on Hillary's body language, choice of words (why did she say his name so many times) her facial expressions and her gestures. Now this. Now the L.A. Times is giving ink to some idiot who thinks the Clintons were disprespectful in their wardrobe choices by looking like they were on their way to a funeral. So? What if they felt that way? Is it a slap to Obama? Or something they are going through?

I've personally never seen Bill Clinton in a light colored suit and Chelsey's outfit seems pretty consistent and appropriate. If Hillary wanted to bury her campaign and move on then let her. If she feels like she's at a funeral then that's her business- she has the right.

[Thomas Snow]

There are two major kinds of prejudice that have inflicted suffering in the United States, as well as the rest of the World, racial and gender. Supporters of Obama seem to forget that the one involving gender is longer standing and more powerful. After all, did Obama face hecklers like Clinton did that were telling her to go back to the kitchen? Hillary said it beautifully when she said the "biggest glass ceiling had yet to be broken." If Obama wants us to over come one form of prejudice had he and his followers not practice yet another? Is it not a form of hypocrisy to practice one kind of prejudice and yet expect others to overcome another?