Obama Bullying Hillary Out of Convention?

 

 

 

With The Spirit of Seneca Falls Under Our Wings

Excerpt:

Sue Castner of Portland is a longtime Clintonite who was a big fund-raiser for Hillary Clinton and will be one of her delegates at the Democratic National Convention. Nobody was more loyal. Days before Clinton dropped out of the race, Castner told me: “If it comes down to a [convention] floor fight, I grew up in New Jersey. I’ve got brass knuckles. I am not remotely afraid of a floor fight.”

Castner is still coming to terms with the reality of Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee, judging by an e-mail of hers (see it after the jump) that is making the rounds. Castner was in a group of Clinton supporters who met with Obama and Clinton on June 26 in D.C. – and she wasn’t too happy with how it went.

Ms. Castner’s email:
First, let me apologize for not getting back to many of you sooner. I’ve been traveling off and on since being elected as a Clinton delegate at the 1st CD on June 7th. I wish I could answer every question individually. Please understand that the situation has been a dynamic, fluid one making it virtually impossible to keep everyone in a specific loop. That said…
Two Thursday’s ago, June 26th, I attended a meeting in Washington, D.C. with Senators Clinton and Obama. Incorrectly labeled a “fundraiser” by the press, it was supposed to be a small gathering of Hillary’s national finance committee and while there were a few in attendance to write checks to the Obama campaign that night, many did not.
Prior to this gathering, I had had several discussions and meetings with many staunch Obama supporters. These friends have all been exceptionally gracious in reaching out and have been willing to listen to the concerns brought forth. Many have eagerly awaited welcoming HRC supporters on board. So I was genuinely looking forward to the evening in Washington with an open mind, if not an open checkbook. Having already met Senator Obama in Scottsdale several years ago, I was truly hoping to see what my friends had related to me in oh-so many ways. I was hoping to be wowed, not wooed. I wanted to hear something that would bring me totally on board with the many friends and fellow Oregon delegates who support Senator Obama.
The first question during the very brief Q&A period dealt with a persistent rumor about Hillary’s name NOT being on the first ballot in Denver. As a Clinton delegate, I am looking forward to representing the people who voted for me at the 1st CD convention and the 259,000 Oregonians who voted for Hillary in May. I also feel a level of responsibility to the 18 million voters who must be respected, heard, and no longer invisible. Hillary has expressed this sentiment so much more eloquently than I ever could. So I, along with others on Hillary’s finance committee who are elected delegates, wanted to hear that there would be an open convention in which Hillary Clinton’s name is placed into nomination and delegate votes are registered by roll call — as has been the procedure at Democratic conventions throughout modern history.
The people I have been in the trenches with for the last 18 months all feel that Hillary’s achievements as the first woman to present a serious challenge must be recorded for history – especially since convention week includes the 88th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Imagine attending THE convention that celebrates the phenomenal achievements of generations of women in politics! What would be a better way to join splintered Democratic constituencies into a winning alliance? After all, if the sensible shoe were on the other foot, would anyone in his or her right mind even think of suggesting that Senator Obama’s name not be placed in nomination? Gary Hart, Ted Kennedy, Jesse Jackson, Joe Biden, Jerry Brown, Paul Tsongas (among others) have ALL had their names placed in nomination with far fewer than 1,896 delegates.
My friend who begged the question in DC explained that if we, on the finance committee, were expected to put our time, energy, effort, and rolodexes into getting Senator Obama elected, we wanted some assurance that we would be able to vote for Hillary in Denver.
We all thought it was a reasonably benign question with a relatively simple answer. I was absolutely stunned when Senator Obama replied that that there were many issues that needed to be “negotiated” and we would not have a “negotiating session” that night. He did attempt to placate us by saying that Hillary would be “front and center” at the convention. He also told the woman who asked the question that he DID want her rolodex. Answers to other questions about the blatant misogyny and reducing Hillary’s campaign debt were no more satisfying.
My deep disappointment in the entire process and the outcome is not likely to dissipate yet I remain hopeful. Everyone needs to do what he or she is comfortable doing between now and November. And EVERY decision deserves respect. I have yet to decide whether I will write a check to Senator Obama’s campaign. And I am not asking you to contribute at this time – I cannot in good conscience make this request of anyone until Senator Obama commits to allowing a first ballot roll call vote. So for right now, I am focused on making sure that elected Hillary delegates and super-delegates CAN vote for her in Denver.
Another important endeavor for which I will ask assistance is reducing Hillary’s campaign debt to vendors. She is not asking anyone to help pay back the money that she personally loaned to the campaign, which she regards as her own investment. If you haven’t already maxed out to Hillary, please contribute whatever you can (all amounts large and small are welcome):
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/contribute/jsc44
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on all of this. To that end, I will be having a gathering at my house this Saturday, July 12 starting at 2 PM. I simply ask that this NOT be a “bitch” session. I am hoping that any Obama supporters and/or campaign staff and/or other members of the DPO feel free to attend as well. I know that there is a SCC meeting in Tualatin ending at 2 PM next Saturday and attendees are welcome to join us. As with all of the gatherings at my place, I’m sure it’ll go late into the evening. Please RSVP if you can.
I thank you for your continued support.
As always – Sue Castner

http://tinyurl.com/65sezb

According to Will Bower, Hillary’s debt has been greatly reduced without Obama’s help. PUMAs efforts are releasing her from the DNC/Obama stranglehold. Please consider contributing another $5.44 each so Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton can go into the convention STRENGTHENED BY PUMA POWER.