Crowd erupts during Obama speech -- but it's over mention of Clinton

An interesting and surprising little thing happened Sunday while Barack Obama was speaking (in English) to the National Council of La Raza in San Diego.

It was, according to The Times' Louise Roug, a fairly standard Obama stump speech before the crowd of more than 2,000 members in the Convention Center, where the Republican Party nominated Sen. Bob Dole 12 years ago.

Obama said the gorgeous weather reminded him of his native Hawaii. He criticized the current stand on immigration reform of his Republican opponent, John McCain, who gets his chance to address the group Monday morning when he will stress his economic growth proposals, especially for small businesses, and criticize Obama's plans to raise taxes.

The crowd was very respectful of the Democratic nominee-to-be, who easily leads among Latinos, according to polls. And Obama also talked about giving tax credits to small businesses that provide health insurance for employees.

It was then that the crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause and warm cheers. But not over Obama's policy proposal.

What ignited that outburst was the mere mention by Obama of the name Hillary Clinton, his vanquished party opponent.

She wasn't there, of course. But in absentia the Democratic Party's loser got a noticeably warmer response than the winner, perhaps a reflection of that lingering party unity thing that was taken care of up in Unity.

Or maybe they were just being spontaneously friendly.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Photo credit: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

Comments

[CC]

Or maybe Clinton planted people there. It isn't like she hasn't done it before...

[Earthbound]

Get a clue, please, LAT. Every single time Obama compliments Clinton, the Democrats cheer at the show of unity. Try to get that, and quit trying to make it seem like we Latinos don't adore Obama - we do. Don't read or report on polls if you don't believe them, sheesh!

[bb]

We'll see if Obama is secure enough in his slim resume and his ego under control enough to allow Hillary Clinton, the candidate with the popular vote, on the ticket-
Just because it would be good for the country and the party doesn't mean Obama, the ulitimate politician, will do the right thing.

[J. Marroquin]

Many Latinos don't trust Obama - or other black candidates, for that matter - because Latinos and blacks tend to spend a lot of time keeping score, to see which group has a larger piece of the pie; everything from corporate executive positions and public office to gang turf is scrutinized. When the going gets tough, It's not hard to imagine that Obama's social policies may favor those of his own cultural background at the expense of Latinos. The poll numbers you cite notwithstanding, it is widely perceived that Anglo politicians such as the Clintons and McCain will not favor one group over another.

[mshill]

I honestly believe that he is jealous of the Clinton's like the rest of the establishment in Washington...Why is that do you suppose? Is it because the Clintons have tried to do for the common man, that the rest of them can not do...

I have figured with what the Republican senator said about us we was a country of moaners...I believe he spoke for the rest of them when he made that remark...The Clintons especially Bill, knows what it is to struggle...And Hillary came along, and became a champion of the poor or middle class...

The rich loves being rich! They do not want anyone else to have anything..Champion of causes never receive awards from their peers...but gossip and tales...

Obama is an elitist....His ego is to big for him..When you go up, you must come down, and what goes around, must come around...He is to young to have such ways..

He should have stepped down and said to Hillary, I will be your VP...let me learn from you...I will follow you, and then let me be president....that would have been the wisest choice Obama could have made...But the Media swelled his head beyond what is normal, and we are going to be stuck with another Bush elitist....When we got McCain and Obama, we got two more Bushes made from stick and stones, or the same egotistical pea brains.....Big is not better...

[Masha]

Oh Hillary, we sure miss you! Te queremos...

[LawrenceNY21]

Hispanics wont go for McSame, especially when Hillary is going to be campaigning for Obama. And if Hillary is chosen to become VP, FORGET ABOUT IT!

[BringHillaryBack]

The DNC needs to WAKE UP and realize they backed the wrong horse!

Obama peaked too early, his credibility is shot, and he's shown in the last 6 weeks he has no idea what he's doing. We need the most qualified candidate as our nominee!

[Patrick]

They approved the mention as they approve the unity in the party that it represents.

[kp1]

Hey DNC, are you *sure* you've got the right candidate???

[Catherine]

Obama has that “new boyfriend” syndrome. Lots of excitement and he looked damn near perfect in those early days. You know, when you get to project on him all those traits you’re looking for beyond cute and smart - character, depth, humor, a moral center.

As time goes on, he’s no longer the shiny new thing. He disses your best friend (behind her back of course), you begin to see his smarminess when he sucks up to your boss and he just doesn’t fit in or get your family’s zany, noisy humor - and he’s stopped trying. The ultimate deal breaker - you learn that he’ll do or say anything to get what he wants.

You know the type - you’ve dated him or perhaps it’s your daughter or a good friend. He just never lived up to the promise of those first, early days. Best to heed the advice you’ve given or gotten - Lose him quick and move on.

So many of us miss Hillary Clinton.

[Wyoming X Dem]

A crowd of less than 200 and Hillary CLinton gets the acclaim. When is the DNC (that should be the poverty-stricken DNC) going to get their heads out of their, well...you know and figure out that this GUY is never going to get elected. They have sold their souls and thus far...the Devil has not brought in much money , has not obtained a "Double Digit" lead that every pundit on TV said he MUST have after Hillary "Suspended" or his campaign would have to be considered to be in big trouble and oh yeah... that "UNITY" thing? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[shampoovta]

This is why the DNC dose not want a roll call at the convention in Denver that may reveal what is really up, Doc.

Thats what the foot ball stadium crap is about. BO and the DNC are staging the unity they can't actually acquire.

[eliana]

Hillary Clinton's recent announcement that she'll be peddling $50 tee shirts with an obnoxiously inspirational/bitter slogan is both annoying and pathetic. Besides, if she's got to sell stuff, it might as well be cool, or practical, like a Husband GPS Tracking System to keep an eye on Bill, or a handy watch that tells you when it's time to concede...
http://www.236.com/news/2008/07/13/hillary_clintons_20m_mental_re_7691.php

[SadStateOfAffairs]

I don't know where your getting your information that Barack "easily" leads in the Latino community. I live in the area, was at the convention center and I saw a scant and pathetic turnout for the "presumptive" nominee. In fact, the media reported "thousands lined the streets". I would estimate the crowd outside between 200-300, many of whom were protesters. San Diego is Hillary country. Party Unity My A$$! PUMA!

[JTurner]

Go Hillary! Support The Denver Group for an honest Democratic convention in Denver.

[sjtruth]

The excitement is still there for Hillary Clinton who is the better choice for Democratic Presidential nominee, and the only candidate who can win for the Democrats.

Obama was "selected' not elected, by a DNC kangaroo court. Senator Clinton has only suspended her campaign and still retains her delegates.

Puma is a group of Democrats and former Democrats who "Just Say No Deal" to Obama. We are growing, we arre strong, we are organized and our number one goal is to elect Senator Hillary Clinton the next President of the U.S. Our next goal is to deny Obama and the corrupt DNC the hijacking of the election.

Join us at justsaynodeal.com, clintondems.com or one of the hundreds of other sites that have organized in this common goal.

[yvonne]

Viva La Raza!
The only chance for the Democratic Party to win in November is for SD's to elect Hillary as the nominee in August.
As a latina, I and mi familia and amigos will NOT be voting for NObama, we cannot trust him or his racist associates.
This article proves that the people still want Hillary!

[Always4Hil]

Of course they cheered louder for Hillary(just the mention of her name)..they like millions of us would still prefer Hillary Clinton be our nominee, she was elected while Obama was selected! Hillary in 08 or McCain in 08..never flip flop Barack! Go PUMA's:-)

[toby]

You guys REALLy love calling Clinton the "Democratic Party's loser".

That's the third time I've read that on this blog in a week.

.

[susan blaco]

Until I saw your photos, I assumed your Ginger Rogers comments were due to you being young. I guess you're too old or too male to understand Hillary's analogy. Although Fred got most of the credit and acclaim, Ginger did everything Fred did except she did it backwards and in high heels!

(Yeh, right. But that's been written so often. Life goes on.)

[Shtuey]

One in three Democrats polled have said they won't vote for Obama, that's up from 1 out of 5. The number of Democrats who want Hillary on top of the ticket (according to CNN) went up from 35% in May to 43% in June, and that is continuing to trend up. Hillary supporters, and members of the PUMA/Just Say No Deal Coalition raised at least $10 million for Hillary in a week to help retire her campaign debt. That's more money than twice the amount of money the DNC has in the bank for the general election. Down ticket Democratic candidates are distancing themselves from Obama.

We want the elected candidate, not the DNC/RBC selected fraud Obama. WE WANT HILLARY!

P.U.M.A.! I am one of 2.5 million PUMAs (and growing) JUST SAYING NO DEAL to Obama.

[ScarletRed4Hillary]

This is what happens when the DNC selects a candidate of their own choosing instead of listening to the will of the people. Hillary has the most popular votes contrary to the DNC's efforts to change the rules to suit their chosen one. Hillary is the peoples choice and naturally will receive a greater response than the one who is being forced upon us. I wouldn't be surprised if cheers at the mere mention of Hillary becomes the wave of the future. It seems like there is trouble ahead for OB and the DNC. Delegates and Super delegates please take notice.

[Lana]

Louder and louder, the PUMA roar. How come only the DNC isn't hearing it?

[LAMusing]

Obama has flip flopped on FISA, NAFTA, public financing, etc. He'll toss anyone under his big bus. So his position on immigration (like every other position he states) is likely to change.
Why settle for a Hillary wanna-be? It's not over until the convention. There is no legitimate nominee. Check out The Denver Group for info. And go to justsaynodeal for hundreds of Democrat websites that do NOT support Obama.

PUMA!!

[DWPforHILL]

La Raza knows a winner when they hear her name. I notice they were also courteous to Senator Obama, unlike many of his followers when they hear Senator Clinton's name.

By the way, the unity pony was eaten... by PUMAs!

Just Say NO DEAL!
PUMA!

[serena1313]

Latinos are just getting to know Obama. But he already bests McCain by 20 - 30 points.

While McCain co-authoured the immigration bill, he voted against the it. He is a walking contradiction. He wants to have his cake and eat it too.

[kcowley]

Keep the democratic party democratic! The super delegates haven't voted yet- there is still time. Join the PUMA democrats! Please visit justsaynodeal.com. Heidi Feldman of The Denver Group will be on Fox today- Neil Cavuto, please watch! There website is very informative and explains the process well. thedenvergroup.blogspot.com There is still time! Roar!!!!!

[Hillary1st]

Hillary is the winner,the DNC just gave it to Obama.That's why when all the Hillary Supporters vote for McCain,Obama and his Supporters can JUST GET OVER IT!

THE BYLAWS COMMITTE VOTE UNFAIRLY IN THE EYES OF MANY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1whezcwSrQE

[Mary Lou]

Any readers in the Latino community who would still prefer Hillary Clinton as your nominee, please realize that the nomination is not wrapped up until the Convention in August.
Hillary's name belongs on the ballot as an official nominee there - people are working to make sure this happens,
but the Democratic National Committe is trying to block her inclusion in order to
pretend there is UNITY.
Please continue to lift Hillary up in your thoughts and prayers. She loves Latinos, as she does ever other person of every other minority in this country. She is the best candidate to lead America out of it these troubled economic times...

[SMG5208]

That may be Earthbound, but don't convince yourself that Obama enjoys the same support among Latinos that Hillary did/does. That's why she won Peurto Rico by 40 points and why she was able to take Texas in the last inning and why California decidedly went for her. She consistenly won the demographic by a wide margin, and now Obama has to deal with that.

[shestheone]

Everyone knows Latinos and Latinas prefer Hillary
to Obama. She connects with them
and he doesn't.
Obama is the only one who brings people in from other cities and states
to try and pump himself up. But he's sprung a permanent leak and the hot air is coming out faster than it's going in now.

[Minina]

Earthbound, speak for yourself. There are plenty of Latinos (myself included) who saw through Obama's charade from early in the primaries; the fact he's a Democrat does not make less vulnerable to criticism from Hispanics or anyone else. I personally won't shy away from critiquing him as much as required, especially given his flip-flops on issues that matter (you know, other than immigration).

[Puma-SF]

Obama is not qualified to be president and he should not be nominated. It is not too late for the super and pledged delegates to do their job. Senator Clinton is the most qualified person and she has a 100% chance of winning. We need to kick this phoney to the curb and nominate Senator Clinton.

[Susie Devine]

CC & Earthbound, how unifying do you think you are being when you bash a reporter or another blogger for expressing facts as they see them or their 1st Amendment protected opinions.

Continuing to assualt Sen. Clinton by making outlandish claims that stem solely from your wishful thinking imagination does nothing for party unity.

Are you really Republicans in disguise? Because it seems to me that your divisive rhetoric only serves to further John McCain's cause. If you are not, then you are stupidly shooting yourselves in the foot.

Sen. Clinton collected almost 18 million votes. Even if 45% of us decide to boycott Sen. Obama's run for President, and that looks like the current number, he will lose. You will lose.

I think the key for you might be to stop being so touchy every time Sen. Clinton is afforded the honor and recognition she deserves; admit she deserves it; and realize that there's enough honor and recognition for Sen. Obama to have as much as he wants, too.

[Ann]

Come on, Latinos! Don't fall for this unqualified candidate just because he has a (D) behind his name! Be smarter than that! He trashed the both Clintons during his campaign - denigrating President Clinton's record and playing the race card against them - knowing that the Clinton's have never been and would never be racists. They have fought all their lives for equality for all people, especially African Americans and Latinos. The DNC decided they wanted Obama and wanted Hillary OUT and expect you to fall in line. Country before party this year! This man has sat in a church for 20 years listening to anti-white, anti-semetic, anti-American hate-filled rhetoric and did nothing until he was busted by the media! This disqualifies him for the presidency! Sit this one out or vote John McCain! With a Democratic Congress to keep him in check, he can't do anything to harm the U. S. anyway! The LA Times is firmly in the bag for Obama, so don't believe everything you read.

[Hillary1st]

I as a Hillary supporter will not vote for Obama because he don't respect Hillary.I think that is because he knows Hillary is the better choice. Hillary is the one that wanted to help people,Obama just wants to be president.With Obama it is all about me me me me me

[Don]

Would certainly hope that if Sen. Obama would offer the VP slot to Sen. Clinton she would be smart like Sen. Webb and turn it down. I know the media and the pundits all have said that basically Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton were pretty much the same on the issues. Maybe so during the primaries, but I think a gulf has opened up in respect to that similarity since Sen. Obama started flip-flopping on so many issues. IMHO Sen. Clinton is far smarter, and far, far more experienced than Sen. Obama (sort of what has been going on in our country for a long time; i.e., let the more qualified female train and teach the replacement, or even boss, so he can get the credit while the better qualified female employee gets pushed aside. Also, I do not think it would be helpful of her resume for possible future presidential runs to be seen as the VP candidate on a losing ticket (and possibly a ticket that will lose in a lopsided landslide - I honestly believe once the conventions are over the republican campaign machine will kick in and Obama will be faced with having to respond to attack after attack after attack).

In any case, I will not vote for any ticket Sen. Obama is on. And as a protest of the DNC's rules committee actions (awarding a candidate delegates when that candidate voluntarily took his name off the ballot in Michigan does not set well with me at all -- rules committee used some argument about the intent of those who voted uncommitted on the ballots. Well in that case how about awarding Edwards, Clinton, Biden, etc. more delegates for the intent of those who were unable to make it to a caucus to vote but had wanted to vote for one of those candidates? Got to where the DNC now is able to determine the intent of voters. Why even bother with voting let the DNC select our candidate for us; oh, my bad, that is what they pretty much did isn't it?) As a former life-long democrat I am now a a registered independent. From now on, I choose my own candidates and support those I choose not the party's choices.

Like Sen. Obama, being historically the first black nominee (well probably will be in August if he and Gov. Dean are able to prevent a roll call vote for Sen. Clinton, of a major political party, it will also be historical for me as it will be the first time ever that I have voted for a republican candidate for president (I just turned 67 a short time ago).

Clinton '08

McCain '08

PUMA

[rockrooky]

Party unity? You must be joking? When his lead fell from 11 points to 3 points in about one week? 3 points is nothing in statistics.

There is a crisis in this campaign and hiding heads in the sand is not the solution.

[Anna]

Only Hillary Clinton can solve the crisis in this country today. She is the best of all for president. She must be FIRST on the ticket, or not at all.. Barack Obama, what a joke. If we don't get Hillary, I must vote John McCain.

Another Former Democrat.

[Lynn]

Obama is acting like he's already the nominee. Statistically both McCain and Clinton are more popular with Hispanics than Obama is. However his ego probably assumed that the applause was for him. After all when he appeared after a Rock Concert he acted as if all the people there had come to see him. By the time he's done with his flip-flopping he may only get 2 votes in the general election; his and Michelle's.

[FT]

Latinos respect what you do, not what you say. Latinos honor keeping your word. Latinos respect loyalty. Latinos respect courage.

Enough said.

[charley]

I don't care if Obama is black, white or a purple dinosaur - he is BORING us to tears -the establishment candidate of the Democratic Party - a compromising soul - go along to get along. I will support him relunctantly - but Hillary is the brilliant one - with genuine concern for everyday people - she was the colorblind candidate - and they continue to label her supporters as "poor and uneducated" - Really?? and so what if they all were - Barack is the candidate of people who don't need government . The faculty lounge and idealisitic ivy leauge students- Wake me when it's over

[Old Democrat]

Guys, I know Obama looked like a good idea. But he's had a month-long test drive of the nomination, with Hillary campaigning for him - and it's just not working.

If we want a Democrat in the White House in November, we'd better choose Hillary at the convention Aug 25. She has already offered Clinton/Obama.

This gives the Dems -- and Obama -- four terms in the White House. He gets two terms of bully pulpit with no read demands -- then a clear shot at the nomination in 2016.

A real election Aug 25 is still possible; only about 175 delegates switching back to Hillary would get us a landslide ticket.

[DiamondTiger]

Cheering Clinton when she isn't even in attendance is a sure sign of gumby's approaching demise. When the DNC selected Obama over the people's choice they created PUMA and I personally would like to thank the DNC for their incredible stupidity. They have created more patriotic spirit and questioning minds than the RNC ever could.

If Clinton's name is not put into nomination and Obama gets her off the ballot, just like all his other opponents in Chicago races, PUMA will grow even faster. We are at the tipping point....

PUMA
Just Say NO DEAL!!!!

[Jose M Rivera]

Obama has not been truthful about his accomplishments on immigration legislation. That man is a fake,according to Donna Brazille,we latinos are not longer part of the democratic party coalition.
Clinton Democrat
Mccain 2008

[earthkeeper]

What excellent posts!
Wake up Super D's & Delegates!
We want Hillary Clinton nominated!
The Democratic Party will have hell to pay if her name is
not on the ballot for nomination!
Hillary was ELECTED!
Barak was Selected!
WE AND HILLARY HAVE BEEN ROBBED !
No Hillary the DNC will Fall.
We will remember all that stabbed Hill in the back and
states who voted for Hill and elected officials did not follow.
We will SELECT TO NOT ELECT YOU!
Its time to stand strong with Hillary. There is to much
at stake. We need Hillary. She'll clean up this mess.
Its not to late to save our planet and our futures.
HILLARY, HILLARY, HILLARY!!!!!!

[Sheltiemom]

Earthbound and CC: Right, I could see how much more the Latinos loved O than Hillary during the primaries - especially when she thumped him so badly among that group of voters.
NOway. NObama. NOvember. NOtever.

PUMA - When we growl, we mean it.

[JerzyErnie]

Madame President Hillary Clinton, we have not forgotten you support the Denver Group for a fair and honest roll call at the convention.America it is to Importnant that we get the proven candidate for president, Hillary Clinton for president 2008. GO PUMA POWER!

[ipotter]

WE WANT HILLARY!!!! WE WANT HILLARY!!! WE WANT HILLARY!!!

DNC take note, only Hillary at the top of the ticket will get my vote.

NOBAMA