MyDD :: 2008 NH Dem Convention

2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura

by NewHampster, Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:07:03 PM EST

Today I was a delegate at my New Hampshire Democratic State Convention. As the Chair of Vice for my town Democratic committee, I am an Automatic Delegate. Cool huh?

But before I get to my day at the convention, I'd like to wish Ted Kennedy well. He is a lion of our party and as a fellow Democrat I must say the news of his illness hit me in the gut. I was reading the news on my Treo while crazy Democrats were trying to tack all kinds of amendments onto the party platform. Like most of these meetings the hard work is done ahead of time and the schedule is tight. Dean was due at 1 and Jeanne Shaheen was also coming in to speak. When I read my Treo I went up front and grabbed Ray Buckley, our chairman. I told him about Kennedy and that I thought he might want to tell the assembly, knowing that he was looking for a way to stop the useless bickering. He shut us up, had us all stand and told the news that he thought really was a little more important than our bickering. The meeting moved along just fine after that.

So, I sat in on a session about using new media. The Panel was Dean Barker and Laura Clawson of Blue Hampshire and Nate Thames of Act Blue sitting between them. Laura is of course Miss Laura of dKos fame.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh146 /NewHampster/Photo_051708_002.jpg

More of Laura and Howie Dean on the flip side.

That's Miss Laura and I have to say that she was one of the best panelists I've ever heard. Dean did a wonderful job explaining blogs and how the newbies in attendance could get going on a place like blogger with no technical skills. But, Laura (a teacher) related her introduction to blogging as a means to promote then candidate Paul Hodes in his run for Congress. With a few touches of humor and really conveying the conversation aspect, Laura, I think, left the clueless in the room with a lot more comfort in this cyber world some of us take for granted. Laura and I may differ in our politics, but I have nothing but respect for one, how she manages Blue Hampshire and two how she gives of her time and knowledge to help the Democratic Party of New Hampshire.

We had the expected rallying and cheering. Speeches by Congreswomen, Governors, state reps, Democratic State Senators and Speaker Norelli. Mostly women.

But the 800 pound Gorilla was in the hall.

This was the first statewide get together since the primary and it became obvious that making nice was the order of the day. Kathy Sullivan, co-chair of Hillary NH and her counter part from the Obama campaign both asked us to come together for the nominee in November. Kathy went so far as to have us all stand and raise our right hands and pledge to vote for the Democratic nominee.

I'm sad to say that I remained seated. I'm not ready to swear allegiance just yet and as a life long dem it hurts.

Anyway. I'm sure I'll get crap for that but I'm trying to be honest rather than the BS nice nice I'm seeing here from the other side lately.

We also had some protest. As Howard Dean entered the hall to cheers I heard some definite booing. There were also two state reps holding signs throughout his remarks. State Reps. Ricia McMahon (D- North Sutton) and Eleanor Kjellman (D-Hopkinton) held signs asking that Dean seat Florida and Michigan delegations at the national convention.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh146 /NewHampster/Photo_051708_014.jpg

What is really telling about this entire primary season is something I suspected but had proven today. Remember, Hillary won the NH Primary by 3% but here in a room with 800 or so party insiders I felt like a stranger. The party regulars, the town committee members throughout the state are mostly Obama supporters. When Kathy Sullivan said "I know some of you supported Hillary Clinton in the primary" there was cheering from less than a third of the room. When she said "and I know some of you supported Barack Obama", the cheers and screams were deafening. For all the sales pitch, Obama is the chosen candidate of the party insiders, the party elite. But the people want the upstart woman, the one who has real plans to improve their lives.

If New Hampshire was a caucus Obama would have won hands down because the insiders, the extroverts and people who are used to speaking up support him. Hillary is the people's choice, Obama is the party choice.

The people want the lady who toured the distillery of the gods today. The lady who knows great bourbon when she sees it.

Makers Mark, my sip of choice.

Update I remembered something else. It was really cool to have numerous people ask me if I was NewHampster. And in the new media session I asked a question and introduced myself as NewHampster. Laura and Dean both smiled and said hi and a couple of others acknowledged me. Here I thought I was just some jerk writing to get things off my chest, but today I learned people actually read it. One old acquaintance, a lovely town Chairwoman I see once or twice a year at party events, asked me out of the blue, "are you NewHampster". I said yes and got the biggest smile and little hug. She said said she often reads my posts when she needs some sanity in her life. Damn that made me feel good. Update 2 The recognition also brings to mind something Laura said. She said that she was basically a shy person and blogging was a way for her to contribute to the Hodes campaign without knocking on doors. That sort of describes me too and I wonder how many bloggers are not the most sociable in rl. Hmmm?

Tags: President, Hillary Clinton, 2008, New Hampshire, Miss Laura, Convention, NHDP, Howard Dean, John Lynch, Kathy Sullivan (all tags)

Permalink :: 79 Comments :: Post a Comment

Tips for Miss Laura and Dean Barker (2.00 / 11)

Bloggers we all should learn from

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:08:01 PM EST

what's an automatic delegate? (none / 0)

How does an auto differ from a super?

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:54:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm soooooo tricky! (none / 0)

I have alot of tricks up my sleeve

But only cuz I have long sleeves.

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Sun May 18, 2008 at 01:27:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

nice diary - recommended (none / 0)

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:55:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

retracted (2.00 / 1)

I was with you, until you said Obama "might" be worse than a 3rd Bush term (McSame).

even Jerome doesn't fell that way.

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:20:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah, McSame is the bomb (2.00 / 1)

♫ Bomb, bomb, bomb,... bomb, bomb Iran...♫

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Sun May 18, 2008 at 01:23:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

"news on my Treo" (2.00 / 2)

elitist!

I read the news the old fashion way - at the local Edison telegraph station

☺

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:57:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

picture request (none / 0)

got anymore of Howie?

also, take it from me, I have found, BIG pictures (610 pixel width) are fan favorites..

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:59:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

These are off my treo (2.00 / 2)

so the resolution sucks. follow the linkage for the big ones. Nothing better of dean but I may post an awesome shot I took in 2004.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:04:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 4)

Thanks Hampster, a very nice diary.

by durendal on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:11:23 PM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 11)

Excellent, Hampster. Thanks for the honest report and for sticking with Hillary. She's damn lucky to have you.

-- td

PS - what's most important about Fla and Mich is not the seating of the delegates per se, because whoever gets the nomination will of course do that -- it's letting 2.3 million people have a voice in choosing the nominee.

TexasDarlin blog

by TexasDarlin on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:15:30 PM EST

I tried to speak to Dean but had no luck (2.00 / 13)

I wanted to tell him about my 87 year old mom in Florida who keeps asking why her vote doesn't count, again.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:18:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: tried to speak to Dean but no luck (2.00 / 2)

I wanted to ask Dean the same question (my mom is 79 tho) and hung around the entrance door hoping to shake his hand and get his ear. When he arrived though he was surrounded by half a dozen guys serving as a shield who very quickly wisked him through hall. (maybe Dean's taking a lot of heat these days?) What a contrast with Jeanne Shaheen's entrance/exit -- she talked with everyone she met.

btw, Wasn't Jeanne's speech great? -- loved the "one vote does count" theme.

by moevaughn on Sun May 18, 2008 at 07:55:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (1.50 / 2)

These are the states that didn't even matter in 1992:
April 28: Pennsylvania
May 5: DC, Indiana, North Carolina
May 12: Nebraska, West Virginia
May 19: Oregon, Washington [primary]
May 26: Arkansas, Idaho [primary], Kentucky
June 2: Alabama, California, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio
June 9: North Dakota

Every Presidential Primary their are some states who end up not mattering. Same thing this year.

"In the primary you should vote with your heart, but in the general, you should vote with your head" Bill Clinton

by venician on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:07:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

How does that make it (2.00 / 8)

OK or right this time around? What a terrible argument you are spamming every diary possible with.

by linc on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:20:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: How does that make it (1.00 / 1)

Those are the FACTS. The only reason clintonites even care is because they think Mi.and Fl. will give hillary the nomination. Sorry, but it's over. Michigan and Florida will be seated so what's your problem now?

"In the primary you should vote with your heart, but in the general, you should vote with your head" Bill Clinton

by venician on Sun May 18, 2008 at 12:38:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Good for you (2.00 / 4)

you know the FACTS. Still don't get it, but for some reason, I don't think you do either...

by linc on Sun May 18, 2008 at 01:45:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: How does that make it (2.00 / 4)

I get your anger. I also get how some elements of this diary probably made your blood get hot (it did mine). But you know, sometimes we can be right without having to rub it in. Kos' delegate counter has Obama's delegates needed count down to 118. Meanwhile, Hillary's seems to be growing. The party will find a way to seat delegations from MI and FL, and it won't change the results.

It sucks really damned bad when your candidate doesn't win. It makes you angry and makes you say things that are sometimes over the top. I was ready not to vote for Kerry after Dean lost in '04. For the most part this was a positive diary. Let's give them a little time and save the fight for the Republicans and the McCain advocates.

No McCain in '08

by Renie on Sun May 18, 2008 at 02:26:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

gee thanks for being patronizing (2.00 / 3)

about a victory you don't have.

For Obama it now becomes: Faith, hope and CHANGE! And the greatest of these is Change!

by TeresaInPa on Sun May 18, 2008 at 01:47:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (none / 0)

Hillary Clinton, the "upstart woman" fighting the "party elite", who entered the contest with a triple-digit lead in superdelegates AKA party elite.

I'm dizzy, and need to take a break or something. Thanks for writing a relatively reality-based diary, I guess.

by amiches on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:16:55 PM EST

Can't you see how we were snookered (2.00 / 9)

She never had that super lead, that was just MSM conjecture and BS.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:19:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can't you see how we were snookered (2.00 / 2)

Oh man. I'm going to be charitable and let you retract that. Kind of like a do-over in chess. Because that comment is about as divorced with reality as I've ever seen on this site.

by amiches on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:21:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Here's my WORM (2.00 / 6)

I retract and renounce anything I may have said that was a misstatement or misunderstood by sensitive eyes and ears.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:28:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Is this snark? (none / 0)

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2 008/05/12/1011366.aspx

Please don't rewrite history. As late as Febuary 5th, she was leading in SDs 260 to 170. Obama didn't take the lead until less than a week ago.

should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?

by Firewall on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:21:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can't you see how we were snookered (none / 0)

That's very interesting and I'd like to subscribe to your newsletter. Do you have any source for that, or is that yet another of your insights that keep you up at night?

"I'm all for the delegate battle, and now that Obama's campaign is too, I'm all giddy. It's going to be the supers as kingmaker." J.Armstrong 01/19/08

by obscurant on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:12:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 1)

"I'm trying to be honest rather than the BS nice nice I'm seeing here from the other side lately."

Nice. Jeez.

by mady on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:22:29 PM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (none / 0)

Yeah, I had some issues with some of the comments in the diary like that one, but overall I thought it was a good diary.
I'm also a fan of Miss Laura, I avoid Dkos for the most part, so I miss many of her diaires.

by skohayes on Sun May 18, 2008 at 08:27:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 7)

Thanks New Hampsters. I'd rather be honest than being a hypocrite. I would do the same.

by JoeySky18 on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:41:44 PM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 7)

Very nicely done, Hampster. Thanks for giving us a view into the process.

by Nobama on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:43:38 PM EST

more thanks and (2.00 / 3)

to the elite: "Remember, Hill won NH"

To refresh everyone's memory on Obama guys' behavior in run up to NH primary, here's a post from Time's Swampland. nota bene: the poster's prediction turned out WRONG! Also don't forget those guys with the Iron My Shirt signs at HRC gatherings.

Obama Supporters Boo Hillary at NH Dem Dinner

January 4, 2008
Posted by Jay Newton-Small |
If the New Hampshire Democratic Party's 100 Club dinner is any bell weather - Barack Obama will handily win here. When Obama, the dinner's last speaker, took the stage the crowd surged forward chanting "O-bam-a" and "Fired Up, Ready to Go!" So many people pressed toward the stage that an announcer asked people to "please take their seats for safety concerns."

By comparison Hillary was twice booed. The first time was when she said she has always and will continue to work for "change for you." The audience, particularly from Obama supporters (they were waving Obama signs) let out a noise that sounded like a thousand people collectively groaning. The second time came a few minutes later when Clinton said: "The there are two big questions for voters in New Hampshire. One is: who will be ready to lead from day one? The second," and here Clinton was forced to pause as boos from the crowd mixed with cheers from her own supporters. "Is who can we nominate who will go the distance against the Republicans?"

The dinner held in the Hampshire Dome in Milford is the largest political dinner in New Hampshire history, Republican or Democrat. More than 3,000 people attended.

------------
THOSE BOOS WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT THEM.
------------

http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/ 01/hillary_booed_at_nh_democratic.html

by moevaughn on Sun May 18, 2008 at 08:39:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Actually, Obama didn't win because Edwards (none / 0)

and Richardson hadn't dropped out yet.

He'd have gotten the lion's share of their votes.

by bobdoleisevil on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:46:51 PM EST

Not Ready? Get Ready. (2.00 / 9)

I support Hillary Clinton, and I am pretty shocked that you can't commit to support the Democratic nominee. Iraq? Voting rights? Health care? I'm not happy that Hillary Clinton may not be the nominee, but I will be a lot more unhappy if McCain is elected. We don't need a third Bush term. Life isn't always fair, so get over it. Listen to Hillary Clinton, who has said she will work as hard as she can for the ticket if she is not the nominee.

by nascardem on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:47:01 PM EST

I have listened and I keep listening (1.88 / 9)

but something inside me thinks there is one thing that might be worse than a McSame presidency. An Obama Presidency.

But that is for another diary.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 09:55:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Don't share that one (2.00 / 3)

You should resign from your post if you can't support the nominee.

by nascardem on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:01:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That;s the plan if I continue this way (2.00 / 2)

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:05:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: That;s the plan if I continue this way (none / 0)

Okay, you've had too much of the makers, haven't you? You are talking like a crazy person.

"I'm all for the delegate battle, and now that Obama's campaign is too, I'm all giddy. It's going to be the supers as kingmaker." J.Armstrong 01/19/08

by obscurant on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:06:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: That;s the plan if I continue this way (2.00 / 9)

Right. People with doubts about an Obama candidacy or possible presidency are all drunk and/or crazy.

Frankly, aside from being insulting, that assertion exposes a lack of critical thinking skills.

Good job, Hamp.

by Tolstoy on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:26:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The point is (2.00 / 1)

if you are an official delegate to your Democratic State Party covention, you should not publicly advocate voting for a Republican.

k/o: politics and local blogs

by kid oakland on Sun May 18, 2008 at 10:45:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The point is (2.00 / 2)

Aren't you a long way from your natuaral orange habitat? Bored there in the OOOOO echo chamber?

by Tolstoy on Sun May 18, 2008 at 03:29:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

oh, that's very sad, indeed (2.00 / 5)

saying obama "might" be worse than a 3rd bush term is quite sad.

even Jerome doesn't believe that.

Bush is by far the worse president in US history, and McSame is running as a carbon copy.

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:14:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I am waiting with bated breath (2.00 / 1)

I would actually like to hear your arguments to support this statement. As an Obama supporter, I will donate money to Clinton if you can write a decent argument as to why an Obama presidency would be worse than a McCain presidency.

I will not accept an argument for making a 2012 Clinton run possible. Only arguments as to why McCain would actually be a better president than Obama.

by jontabb on Sun May 18, 2008 at 08:11:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Thanks, NH for saying that. (2.00 / 1)

You're absolutely correct. A President BO is actually the worst thing I can think of for this country.

Keep up the great work and keep the faith!

by Shazone on Sun May 18, 2008 at 11:34:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

The worst, huh? (none / 0)

Actually, I can make sense of your comment if you change it to :

"A non-Hillary President is actually the worst thing I can think of for this country. And I'm really mad at Obama for beating her."

I guess Hillary's "in it to win it" slogan was misinterpreted by some of her followers as "Hillary or Gotterdammerung".

by corph on Sun May 18, 2008 at 05:06:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (1.50 / 2)

You are a Democrat in name only if you seriously won't vote for the Democratic nominee. Take your marbles home and make yourself a big, fat pity sandwich. Then, get with the program!

by NYWoman on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:07:12 PM EST

Well, with due respect.... (2.00 / 2)

Obama and Hillary are very similar on the issues. McCain is so far removed from the principles that drive the Democratic Party that there is no rational explanation for a die hard Clinton supporter to say they prefer McCain to Obama. Grow up.

by nascardem on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:11:43 PM EST

I am really sick of people telling me to grow up (2.00 / 5)

I have been a loyal dem since working for McGovern in '72. I have won a few and lost most.

This time is different and if you can't accept that then maybe you should be a republican who toes the line.

I do not think Hillary and Obama are any way near the same on policy but that is besides the point of my problem.

I don't give a crap about abortion. I've raised two adopted kids and thank their natural mothers every day. Whoa! Does that mean I'm not a Democrat because I don't toe the line?

I also have very serious, scary issues with the Obama and I will diary it when I've finished my research. I am 57 years old and have never been so scared in my life. Not upset for Hillary, she'll be fine and not upset for myself. I am scared for our country and the world.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:19:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I am really sick of people telling me to grow (2.00 / 1)

What are you afraid of?

"I'm all for the delegate battle, and now that Obama's campaign is too, I'm all giddy. It's going to be the supers as kingmaker." J.Armstrong 01/19/08

by obscurant on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:08:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I am really sick of people (2.00 / 3)

It might be that people who tell you to grow up, are just echoing what their mother just said to them on their way up to bed.

by Scotch on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:35:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Families and candidates (none / 0)

NH, didn't you mention that your wife supports Obama, or am I confusing you with another poster? If so, isn't her judgment enough to make you at least consider voting for him?

Also, if he chooses her as his running mate, assuming he gets the nomination, would you vote for that ticket?

I can understand your feelings about Obama because for a while I really was upset at Hillary (during the Ayers stuff), but my mother is a strong Hillary supporter and I listened again until I realized my intransigence was not a good thing.

by mady on Sun May 18, 2008 at 12:20:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Yes my wife is among the followers of the Obama (2.00 / 2)

She spends all her time arguing the process with me.

I gave up about 2 months ago. I don't listen to pundits like tweety who only report on the process because they are too lazy to study the issues and look, really look at the candidates and what they stand for and who they are.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sun May 18, 2008 at 12:33:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes my wife is among the followers (2.00 / 1)

I do understand that, I suppose. I had to vote for Bill Clinton in the second term holding my nose, after his inaction on the genocide in Rwanda. I was tempted to vote for Dole, after all he had sponsored the ADA and foodstamps and seemed decent, but I did come home to the Democratic Party, although reluctantly that year.

Theoretically I support the right to choose though am personally anti abortion, so this is not high on my list of concerns. The death penalty is, and no candidate ever agrees with my stand on abolishing that, except John Kerry.

I've come around to thinking if he wins she is the best VP, and wonder if you could support that kind of joint ticket?

by mady on Sun May 18, 2008 at 12:46:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Sad. Selfish. And beyond the pale. (2.00 / 1)

So YOU don't crap about a woman's right to choose?
Because it's about you, right? You don't care about women's rights because it's about YOU. Just like you don't care about the Democratic Party and it's nominee. Because it's about HILLARY. Not the future of our country. Not about our party. It's all about YOU and HILLARY. That's all that matters.

This is sickening. And you DO NOT deserve to be sitting on any any party chair or representing the Democrats. You need to resign immediately, and go join Joe Lieberman in trashing and destroying our party. Because that's what you're doing when you say you will support John McCain.

I support our nominee President Barack Obama - and the Admins can't stand me, so I can't rec or rate. This is very mean if you were to ask me.

by TheFullBerry on Sun May 18, 2008 at 09:08:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I am really sick of people telling me to grow (2.00 / 2)

"I don't give a crap about abortion. I've raised two adopted kids and thank their natural mothers every day. Whoa! Does that mean I'm not a Democrat because I don't toe the line?"

Just to be clear, pro-choice people also support adoption. You can still be pro-life without resorting to offensive republican talking points.

by catalysis on Sun May 18, 2008 at 11:14:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I am really sick of people telling me to grow (2.00 / 2)

"I also have very serious, scary issues with the Obama and I will diary it when I've finished my research. I am 57 years old and have never been so scared in my life."

You really are a sad little man.

by Rumproast on Sun May 18, 2008 at 11:39:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - Nice to see you (2.00 / 4)

Hey New Hamster. Nice to see you today. Thanks for the lovely Town Chairwoman compliment but I'm actually one of only ten County Chairs here in New Hampshire.

I agree that the activists are for Obama more than the greater number of people-who-work-on-their-feet who voted for Hillary and brought her to victory here in New Hampshire.

I was pleased to see your picture of Ricia and her sign about counting Florida and Michigan. I simply cannot understand how the Democratic Party can countenance not counting them - Florida especially.

My name here is not what I told you today. I use the other one in New Hampshire.

I'd write more but I have a cat on my lap. LOL ;-)

by jfashwell on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:19:42 PM EST

It was a fun day (2.00 / 2)

Sorry 'bout the town or county chair but in reality a county in NH would be a town in most other states.

Whatever, you are a good hard working dem and that's what I meant to say.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:22:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

beautiful diary! (2.00 / 4)

and i am social in RL, just stuck at home at lot with a newborn.
rec'd.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Plato

by canadian gal on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:29:44 PM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 1)

Thanks for a neat diary. I hope you don't regard me as one of the propagators of BS nice nice.

If you do, I'd welcome any constructive criticism of what I've done. My goal is to show that Obama supporters can show respect.

by Falsehood on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:30:06 PM EST

You have always been a good person (2.00 / 1)

I think you mostly respect good discussion.

I have a theory that some of us could have a fun evening by doing the old debaters trick and switch sides. I wouldn't do it while the fight is still good but it would be fun to reverse sides and take the other's argument.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:34:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You have always been a good person (none / 0)

We sure ain't perfect, I'll admit to that gladly.

Re Switching Sides, that sounds fun, though its be tough to keep everyone informed as to what was going on.

What I will do, should Obama get the nomination (as in if Clinton drops), is post a massive diary of every single compliant I've ever heard against Obama with the correlating defenses.

by Falsehood on Tue May 20, 2008 at 01:24:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 4)

For all the sales pitch, Obama is the chosen candidate of the party insiders, the party elite. But the people want the upstart woman, the one who has real plans to improve their lives.

Yeah, that Hillary, she ran a grassroots organization, really reached out to the people. She hooked into what the people wanted, because she's one of them...hardworking, doesn't quit, needs gas money. What she lacked were the high profile endorsements, none of the party elites supported her like they did for Obama.

She's always been the peoples choice. All those superdelegates that signed on at the beginning...they are people, too.

How do I know this? I'm self-appointed cospeaker for the people, right beside NewHampster.

"I'm all for the delegate battle, and now that Obama's campaign is too, I'm all giddy. It's going to be the supers as kingmaker." J.Armstrong 01/19/08

by obscurant on Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:58:11 PM EST

I didn't know (2.00 / 4)

Glad to meet my other equal

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:11:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 4)

Hamster speaks for me. I second his appointment.

by Scotch on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:31:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 2)

How did Dean react to the protest, and what did he have to say for himself in regard to how screwed up things have gotten?

by Scotch on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:33:33 PM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 3)

Wonderful diary! Thank you! :)

by Hurdy Gurdy on Sat May 17, 2008 at 11:58:32 PM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 4)

Great diary NH. Thank you for so much effort and sharing of it.

Cool that you got some recognition for all you do. That's nice and deserving.

It's hard to imagine you being shy, you're such a greeat people person, as today's event even showed. But I do know what you mean.

...Hey, and I thought it was grea how Hillary specifically mentioned that she didn't know that each bottle of MM was hand dipped in that [infamous] red wax. She looks like she got an absolute kick out of it. :)

by LindaSFNM on Sun May 18, 2008 at 12:51:05 AM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 3)

What a cool diary! I really enjoyed learning about the process and seeing some of the faces behind the keyboards.

by OtherLisa on Sun May 18, 2008 at 01:32:13 AM EST

What? (1.33 / 3)

Hillary is the people's choice, Obama is the party choice.

You really have to be pissed off and not in complete and proper control of your faculties to actually say such thing.

_____________
PUMA: Perverse Undemocratic McCain Adherents

by lizardbox on Sun May 18, 2008 at 03:03:39 AM EST

This person didn't vote Clinton... (2.00 / 1)

That must mean that me and everyone else that voted Obama are some kind of secret superdelagte.

Awesome. Free trip to Denver!

Users who are excessively bashing the Democratic Party, or being Republican trolls, will be banned.

by Massadonious on Sun May 18, 2008 at 03:47:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (none / 0)

Since NC/IN Sen. Obama finally scaled the 100+ Super Delegate lead Sen. had before Iowa. He now leads with double digits.
It is clear his campaign is coordinating when his Supers/Important Dems announce. Watch for this Wed
and see what Supers/Important Dems announce for Sen. Obama and what Supers/Important Dems announce for Sen. Clinton.

A little Sunday morning choir music
Peace/Dance/Vote Dem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxNf2uCxd 3E

"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"

by nogo postal on Sun May 18, 2008 at 07:49:39 AM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 2)

If New Hampshire was a caucus Obama would have won hands down because the insiders...

The word "caucus" is in the dictionary, but it should be listed as the worst example of Democracy. Caucuses are for the party insiders. When I caucused in Texas, even though I was not alone as a Hillary Clinton supporter, I felt like an outsider as I watched this strangely tight-knit group of Obama supporters "take over" the whole game. Everyone of them seemed to know everyone else, and that's definitely not a typical example of my precinct.

by zenful6219 on Sun May 18, 2008 at 09:02:33 AM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 1)

Nice diary but still I don't get you on two points.

1. You say that Obama is the party's choice. I seem to remember that HRC began this race with 200 superdelegates in her pocket, to BO's 100. That seems to indicate that the party was choosing her, not him. It is only as Obama won more and more states (and very often by very wide margins) that the superdelegates moved his way.

So I would rather say that the party sensed which way the people were going and reacted by accompanying the choice of the people, in a gradual and suitably cautious way. Besides, how can one reasonably argue that Obama had more influence over the party than the Clintons? If Obama gained influence, it was through his success during this campaign. What's wrong with that?

2. You say you fear that an Obama presidency might be worse than 4 more years of Bush. I'm looking forward to your explainations, but frankly, what could be worse than a President who

- waged an illegal war and produced fake evidence to justify it (which is a war crime according to international law - the kind of crime which belong to the same category as genocide, and for which there is no time limitation for prosecution);

- publicly justified the use of torture, engaged his administration in a policy of massive torture and was the head of a conspiracy aimed at distorting american law so as to make torture appear legal?

What on earth will BO do that may be worse than that?

by french imp on Sun May 18, 2008 at 09:48:05 AM EST

Re: 2008 NH Dem Convention - I met Miss Laura (2.00 / 1)

I think I would call the people at the NH Democratic Convention the party activists instead of the party insiders. The activists attend their town and county weeknight meetings. They spend five or six Saturdays a year at NH Democratic Party meetings. They go to the dinners and fundraisers and they will hold signs at events. They are the people who have the time and money to do what interests them.

Hillary did have the support of a lot of elected officials in New Hampshire but they are usually not party activists. They are people who ran for office because they cared about some issues and they could live with the $100-a-year salary. Their motivations and interests are very different, in many or even most cases.

Most Democrats in New Hampshire don't have the time and money to be party activists - or serve as elected officials - but they vote, and most of them voted for Hillary Clinton.

It was disconcerting to sit in the NH Democratic Party Convention and realize that it is so unrepresentative of the Democrats who voted in the primary.

by jfashwell on Sun May 18, 2008 at 12:54:35 PM EST

Thanks ash for a better explanation (2.00 / 2)

than I was capable of. It is so hard to explain what I've seen in NH over the last year. Everywhere I went all I saw was love for Hillary, except at my town committee meeting and the state party events I attended. It became obvious that activists as you say were for Obama but the people were for Hillary.

I wish some of the posters above would think about that instead of the MSM and Obama talking points they keep throwing out.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sun May 18, 2008 at 04:01:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Activists (none / 0)

are people too. Why not give some extra influence to those who are so committed to their candidate that they're willing to blow a whole evening caucusing? I like a process that favors the engaged of the line-up-and-pull-a-lever crowd. It's not like anyone was barred from caucusing, either.

by corph on Sun May 18, 2008 at 05:13:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You missed the point (none / 0)

These are year 'round activists. They were active before Obama came on the scene. They love politics and politiking. They are comfortable in a caucus, used to the chatter, experienced as opposed to the majority of non-extroverted Americans.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Sun May 18, 2008 at 05:33:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well, all the better. (none / 0)

Bush got elected President twice because of, to put it bluntly, stupid voters. NOT drawing a parallel with Clinton primary voters; I'm making a point that making it easy for any half-interested Tom, Dick or Harry to vote in a primary is not necessarily a good idea. And primaries are more vulnerable to the Limbaugh effect.

These activists are more likely to know the issues and candidates better than the common voter. They're less likely to be misled by spin. Sure, they effectively discriminate against those with less flexible schedules and less free time, but there is no absolute right to vote in a primary anyway. I like the idea that some of the contests (caucuses) favor the more committed primary members.

by corph on Mon May 19, 2008 at 01:48:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well that is so (none / 0)

Elitist of you.

I didn't believe in god before the primaries and I still don't.

by NewHampster on Mon May 19, 2008 at 02:36:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well, I guess the elite (none / 0)

picked the right candidate. I would imagine the loser's committed supporters might feel a little bitter about that.

by corph on Mon May 19, 2008 at 02:52:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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