Even in Sweden, Hillary Clinton loyalists are stirred up

We knew Barack Obama would have trouble winning over Hillary Clinton loyalists in places like Columbus, Ohio, and Morgantown, W.Va. and the middle of Pennsylvania where all those bitter, smalltown gun owners live.

But who thought there would be an issue in Stockholm, Sweden?

The Scandinavia problem surfaced when a Democratic political strategist offered an analysis of his party's vice presidential sweepstakes Thursday night to the Democrats Abroad organization in Stockholm.

Kevin Lampe said he didn't believe Obama would choose Clinton or, for that matter, any other woman as his vice presidential running mate.

Lampe’s reasoning, according to folks who attended the...

...dinner over there, was it would antagonize Clinton and her supporters if Obama passed her over and picked another woman instead. (As if Clinton and her supporters weren't already antagonized by simply losing.)

Those comments caused a good measure of consternation on both sides of the Atlantic, partly because guests over there thought they were getting the word from a full-fledged member of Team Obama. The invitation identified Lampe as a "campaign advisor."

However, in an interview Friday, Lampe denied he was working for the Obama campaign -- a point confirmed by Obama’s press office. And Lampe emphasized that he has no special insight into Obama's thinking.

"I’m playing the guessing game like everyone else," he said.

Still, it would be easy to think that Lampe might have the inside scoop. A picture on Lampe’s business website shows him talking to Michelle and Barack Obama in 2004, just before Obama delivered his heralded speech at the Democratic convention in Boston. In the photo, Obama has his hand on Lampe’s shoulder, which might mean something. Then again maybe he had some lint there.

Lampe, who has an office in Chicago, said he's known Obama since before the Illinois lawyer was elected to the state Senate there in 1996.

Many at the dinner took Lampe's words seriously.

“He said he [Obama] wouldn’t choose Hillary and he wouldn’t choose another woman to be fair," said Sandy Mansson, who lives in Stockholm and heard Lampe’s talk. “I guess she [Clinton] is just not a member of the big boys' club."

Mansson added: "I think it would be very good strategy to have her as his running mate because it would unite the party. I know Hillary supporters who will not vote for Obama, which I think is a shame."

Another audience member said he was disappointed to hear Lampe’s analysis. J. Graigory, a 37-year-old writer living in Stockholm, said it would be “ironic" for Obama to take this view given that the convention will take place during the 88th anniversary of the American women’s right to vote.

“He said if Hillary is not given the VP spot then Barack is not going to offer it to any woman because it would be seen as a slap in the face to Hillary," Graigory said.

For Obama to reject Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius "or anyone else because they’re a woman or because he is trying to keep the Hillary Democrats in the fold is wrong," Graigory added.

Still, the Obama campaign advised against reading anything into what's being said about the selection of a running mate. Bill Burton, an Obama spokesman, said: “The people who know anything about the vice presidential process on our campaign are not talking about it."

-- Peter Nicholas

Comments

[aj]

Sorry, Clinton. We don't need a "token."
(Rules out only half the population.)

[Clarence]

So now the opinion of Swedes matter?

The idea that Obama won't pick another female as vice president because of fearing upsetting Hillary supporters is ridiculous and a far cry for what's going to happen. Because the vice president will be Kathleen Sebelius.

Like it or lub it, she's in the sack for VP since Obama rapped up the primary.

The mainstream media is in for a rude awakening when they won't get what they want (Hillary for VP or no other woman)

because again, Kathleen Sebelius will be VP.

[Electress]

Obama thinks by allowing Hillary a symbolic vote at Denver that the party will be united. 18 million souls are saying to him "you're not going to pull this off", and we are not looking the other way. This is a democracy and we will fight for our votes, and our voices to be heard.

[Stewart Nusbaumer]

get real. first, i'm sick of hearing about clinton's bitter supporters. second, the polls show that most of her supporters have embraced Obama. can't you find something more interesting to write about?

[VJ Machiavelli]

I guess that wrestler from Sweden who throw his bronze medal away saying I don't want this I want the Gold One is also a like Hillary Soprano supporters who say "We want the nomination not a speech at the convention.

VJ Machiavelli
http://www.vjmachiavelli.blogspot.com.

[H]

The notion that no woman *except* Hillary can be chosen strikes me as sexist. Also, was there any news in that story? You cite a source and then explain that they have absolutely no inside knowledge and are just guessing.

What's up with that? Can I have a story that says "Random internet nobody speculates that McCain will pick Satan as running mate; Obama to pick Santa"?

Because I... uhh... I have anonymous inside sources! Yeah, but you can't know who they are. Ever. The story would lose its mystique.

[xs]

Of course he can't choose another woman. If he did, Hillary's woman supporters would completely melt down and consider it a personal insult, if not to all womankind. Which of course is irrational, like much of the spectrum of intra-female behavior. Respect it, but don't try to understand it. Guys with Obama man crushes should just keep their mouths shut.

[maggie]

Just for the record - I'm a Hillary supporter who would be happy with Sebelius for VP - though I think Hillary is a better choice if the Democrats truly want to wipe out McCain in Nov.

[Stacy Stacy]

Obama and team are an extremely unlikable bunch. They are the sort of people one cannot bring oneself to vote for even if one agrees with what they say are their beliefs, simply because of the grotesque rhetoric and underhanded ways. After he is defeated in November I will feel a sense of relief and vindication. I am indiferent to McCain but I hate Obama and I am a solid democrat.

[Brendan]

Let's not forget that Obama is an intelligent man with an intelligent staff. He is well-educated and it is evident that his recent changes of position and political posturing are both the result of a desire to attract and give a feeling of inclusiveness to as many potential voters as possible. It is highly unlikely to think that Barack Obama would blatantly snub Hillary Clinton supporters. She was a strong and ruthless force during the primary season, and many of her supporters (I am one of them) are nearly as headstrong as she.
Also, Clarence, this is not a free-for-all. Grammar and punctuation are both two very necessary aspects of talking with the grown-ups : ).

[Alphonso Carponzo]

Will there be a floor fight! Obama seems a bit smug for someone who did not win the popular vote during the primaries. He definitely has to be concerned about his poll numbers. The daily Gallup poll has him neck and neck with McCain. As for Picking Hillary, I just don't know if he can bring himself to do it. However, his other choices seem weak. Finally, what is going on with his Bop Count at the real time poll at http://www.bop-o-rama.com. He is really getting bopped. The "HILLARY EFFECT?"

[karvictho--an American in Denmark]

Some commentators here seem confused about who in Sweden is chagrined about Lampe's statemenets. As far as I can tell it is Americans belonging to Democrats Abroad that are miffed, not the Swedes.

As for Lampe suggesting that Obama would not take a women VP for fear of alienating Clinton supporters---Does he believe Clinton supports are that juvenile? Is Lampe saying their hurt feelings would prevent them from selecting another Democratic--maybe even one who will help America get out of a no win "undeclared" war, reduced the zillion dollar deficit-- restore America to the moral high ground? If that is really the case, poor us.

[Hillary supporter]

I cant stand Obama, he's such an uneducated black male. Who really cares about the future of this country, I wanted hillary for president. So screw the democratic party if I dont get my way I will vote republican. Im a bitter old woman and its our turn! Not some inexperienced black man in a suit!

[Ryan]

Stacy Stacy, Since you lack the basic ability to use a commenting string, I would argue that your opinion most likely lacks merit. I feel like I don't need to point out that if you agree with what a candidate says, then you should most likely vote for him/her. How any sensible American can't get behind Barack Obama is beyond my understanding; disregarding racism, ignorance, and the ever-present American wish to see the successful fail. It's simple; however hard it is to believe, he is just that good. You don't question Michael Phelps conviction to win gold medals.

[clemskids]

Get real. "Clinton supporters will vote for Obama." If Hillary Clinton is not selected for Vice President, this Clinton supporter, and I am sure there are many others, will be writing her name in on the ballot for President.

[Sandy]

Cllinton should be nominated and then all the super delegates should realize Obama will not win and nominate Clinton based on what we have seen of Obama since he got the delegate count. it is not unfair and would save the Democratic party with an exciting win. Wouldn't it be fun? and so sensible. Sandy

[myname]

I simply do not understand why the Clinton supporters cannot accept that she lost fair and square and that's simply how the system works.
They are getting a lot of considerations that would not be made if this hadn't been historic and she hadn't been Hillary. Her name will be put in nomination, there's language in the platform speaking to womens rights (as if there hadn't already been language in support of womens rights previously). She gets to speak prime time "as if" so she can use this in her subsequent bids for whatever else she plans to do.
Their positions on issues are in lock step...she supports Barack Obama and is saying so publically and repeatedly.
For the sake of our country and world...give up the anger would you please?

[john]

Barrack won fair so that is not the question, Most of them are angry at barrack for one reason....

Because he won't stay in his place....

Like McCain said he is "uppity", nobody likes an uppity negro....

[Tom]

I like how the article is about Hillary and Stacy stacy's first comment is " Obama and team are an extremely unlikable bunch"......Stacy...you guys are nothing but whiners and haters!

[mike]

If Obama and his team are "an extremely unlikable bunch", then that puts McCain some where just below Pol Pot on the "like meter"

I have no party affiliation, and the most honorable of all the candidates was Ron Paul.

Too bad he didn't represent ignorance and indifference, otherwise he'd be the nominee!

[Joe Joe]

If Mr. O picks Hillery, he should be ever watchful. Remember what happened to Vince Foster...

[Hillary supporter]

I'm not voting for Obama because I'm a Hillary supporter. It's due to his inability or readiness to be President. As of now he’s an Esquire model with no substance. Allow him to season in Congress and show the American Public if his capabilities extend past delivering well rehearsed speeches. When he speaks off the cuff he fumbles. After being subjected to the Einstein we’ve had in office for the past eight years that makes me nervous.

[Thomas]

My favorite is the 'we will have our voices heard'.

Dudes and dudettes, everyone heard your voices. Everyone heard the voices for Ron Paul, Giuliani, Edwards, Richardson, and Romney too - there just weren't enough of them. Clinton supporters came close, and it's too bad she wasn't able to be the first female president, but seriously. Jesus Christ. There's more important things in this country to worry about, and that's not an idle statement. If you loved Hillary for anything other than her biological parts, and instead for her beliefs, you know that Obama is what the country needs right now.

[Jenna]

Jenna,

You had better get out the tearcloths in November. Your empty suit is going to lose. Badly.

[Think Ahead]

Oh, enough about the VP. Clinton is going to be the nominee. Obama has flatlined and can't possibly win - why is everyone continuing with this Emperor's New Clothes charade? The DNC is broke, the down ticket races are suffering and Obama promised a 15 - 20pt lead that he's not delivering. Not to mention, a large portion of the party no longer trusts the party or Obama. The party doesn't want to lose it's majority and it will if 20% leave.

With MI and FL counted in full, only 30 Super Delegates have to change their minds. You think they won't given the circumstances? The only one who hasn't caught up is the cable news media - what a joke they'll be at the convention, all the pundits blathering on in "shock" at all the "drama" (good for ratings) as Hillary wins the nomination.

Next week will be very interesting.