Why Electing Hillary in ’16 Is More Important Than Electing Obama in ’08

[one_voice]

I hear you’re still not Ready for Hillary.

I get it. I didn’t start off as her biggest fan either. During the 2008 campaign, I wrote plenty of less-than-complimentary words about Hillary Clinton in my role as Barack Obama’s speechwriter. Then, a few weeks after the election, I had a well-documented run-in with a piece of cardboard that bore a striking resemblance to the incoming Secretary of State.

It was one of the stupider, more disrespectful mistakes I’ve made, and one that could have cost me a job if Hillary hadn’t accepted my apology, which she did with grace and humor. As a result, I had the chance to serve in the Obama Administration with someone who was far different than the caricature I had helped perpetuate.

The most famous woman in the world would walk through the White House with no entourage, casually chatting up junior staffers along the way. She was by far the most prepared, impressive person at every Cabinet meeting. She worked harder and logged more miles than anyone in the administration, including the president. And she’d spend large amounts of time and energy on things that offered no discernible benefit to her political future—saving elephants from ivory poachers, listening to the plight of female coffee farmers in Timor-Leste, defending LGBT rights in places like Uganda.

*snip*

Most of all—and you hear this all the time from people who’ve worked for her—Hillary Clinton is uncommonly warm and thoughtful. She surprises with birthday cakes. She calls when a grandparent passes away. She once rearranged her entire campaign schedule so a staffer could attend her daughter’s preschool graduation. Her husband charms by talking to you; Hillary does it by listening to you—not in a head-nodding, politician way; in a real person way.

This same story has repeated itself throughout Clinton’s career: those who initially view her as distrustful and divisive from afar find her genuine and cooperative in person. It was the case with voters in New York, Republicans in the Senate, Obama people in the White House, and heads of state all over the world. There’s a reason being America’s chief diplomat was the specific job Obama asked Hillary to do—she has the perfect personality for it.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/26/why-electing-hillary-in-16-is-more-important-than-electing-obama-in-08.html

This is a nice piece. Sometimes it's nice to come here and just read something nice. Everything doesn't have to be ripping throats out.

I enjoy reading & posting nice pieces on both our candidates.

I hope someone else enjoys this.

[EdwardBernays]

1. I'm not ready

To vote for a corrupt and dishonest person.

That is true.

[one_voice]

3. It was posted to try and change minds..

as I said, I just thought it was nice.

[Attorney in Texas]

2. I voted for Obama's platform. Hillary's platform is "it's my turn, goddamnit!"

[katmondoo]

7. That's why we have Trump

No one is willing to even believe one word that doesn't disparage Hillary, not one word of teeny tiny praise. So live with the Trumpers be happy

[peace13]

63. Aaaa no it's not.

[Live and Learn]

72. + a gazillion. nt

[anotherproletariat]

4. It is nice to read thoughtful political pieces...something that is clearly becoming much more rare.

Thanks for posting!

[MaggieD]

5. I want Obama's legacy to continue

Bernie has spent a lifetime dissing Democrats and many years dissing Obama. I have been a Democrat for 38 years - my entire adult life. I am not voting in favor of tearing down my party.

I am more than happy to vote for the candidate that IS a Democrat, and who will continue Obama's legacy. In fact, I can't wait to see her has our next president.

[eridani]

69. I prefer someone who values the Democratic Party platform n/t

[rock]

6. An honest piece

For an honest lady. Thanks!

[UglyGreed]

8. Daily Beast

http://iac.com/about/leadership/board-directors/chelsea-clinton

http://iac.com/brand/daily-beast

[bigtree]

14. this is an article by Obama's chief speechwriter

...not Daily Beast.

Not surprised to see a Sanders supporter here unaware of a difference between a rw sponsored article and one by a respected Democrat.

[UglyGreed]

17. The source is the Daily Beast

[bigtree]

37. tough shit

[UglyGreed]

18. Oh and a little slander to go with

the denial. Classy, just like Hillary did at the NV town hall, Sanders wasn't really a Democrat' before presidential run. she got booed pretty badly there. It's true...it's true

[bigtree]

38. classy

...like the anti-Hillary brigade here.

Sanders is a fair-weather Democrat. An opportunistic Democrat.

[moondust]

23. There it is.

Well played, UG.

[UglyGreed]

24. .

[BernieforPres2016]

31. Laughing at the Hillary people peddling puff piece articles

on Hillary written by IAC companies with Chelsea on the Board of Directors. What the heck are Chelsea's qualifications to sit on the Board of a major company other than her last name?

If Hillary becomes President, look for Chelsea to move into politics and inherit the Democratic Party from her parents.

[Spazito]

9. Very nice OP...

Interesting perspective from someone who started out with a negative view of Hillary Clinton until actually seeing her behavior and personality in person.

Thanks, it is an good read, imo.

[Amimnoch]

33. Not the first. Notice how many of the character attacks made by others here on those who

support Clinton are attacks because the supporters know Clinton. Have worked with or for Clinton. Are in some way connected to Clinton.

Maybe it's because I'm not so young, but I've always seen it as a positive sign that the people who have worked with someone.. know someone, or are connected to someone thinks highly of that person.

The BIG question is how Bernie.. who after decades in the US congress can get 0 senators, and only 4 House members to back him?

Personally, I'd feel pretty darn slighted and embarrassed if I ran for something and all of my co-workers of decades runs to support my opponent almost unanimously.

[Spazito]

51. The responses are what I expected, sadly...

A decent OP attacking NO ONE seems to be a problem in GDP.

[MADem]

64. Really--this was First Person Praise from someone who was once opposed.

And this thread is TELLING.

What it says about people who feel a need to pile on and snark about this kind of essay, I don't dare articulate in the current environment.

[Spazito]

65. "I don't dare articulate in the current environment."...

Yep, best let the responses speak for themselves as they are very telling for sure.

[Avalux]

10. "Love and kindness, eh?" It's obviously conditional.

Plenty of women and children died in the Iraq war - a war based on lies - Hillary gave her blessing to Bush and trusted he would do the right thing, saying it was "probably the hardest decisions I've ever made". I've said this a thousand times....so many of us knew what was going on, why didn't she? Why did she conflate Saddam Hussein with 9/11 on the floor of the Senate that day?

All I can do is laugh at the notion that Hillary Clinton is all about love and kindness.

[farleftlib]

11. When you know her record

and her unapologetically hawkish ways, things like this puff piece only make her look hypocritical. It really doesn't help.

At first I laugh, then I get sick.

[BlueMTexpat]

12. Great piece! Thanks for posting!

[jeff47]

13. It's so warm and thoughtful to send children back to Honduras to die. (nt)

[peggysue2]

15. Good piece

And a long overdue public apology from Favreau. I remember that stunt with the cardboard cutout and was ticked off. Too reminiscent of a frat boy prank and highly disrespectful to Hillary Clinton specifically and women in general.

But I've let those grudges go and I'm glad to see this in print. I means Favreau's has grownup as my own sons have, putting away childish things and attitudes. His positive message about Hillary Clinton seems sincere and echoes other personal stories from those who know Hillary the person as opposed to Hillary, the cardboard cutout.

So, bravo. Public apologies aren't easy. And thanks for the positive post, one voice. Appreciated.

[Lucinda]

22. It is beautifully done. That stunt could have cost him a lot. Everyone moved on instead,

and he got a chance to see what many of us already knew. She is pretty terrific.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

16. She certainly didn't find it difficult to "cooperate" (aka collaborate) with Republicans.

[djean111]

19. No, I will never be "ready for Hillary". I am a Democrat. A liberal, Progressive Democrat,

and she is the Third Way. Never going to happen, no matter how much I am condescendingly instructed to do so.

[Vinca]

20. Electing a Democrat might be more important, but I don't see Hillary being that person.

Trump is going to make mincemeat of her.

[Lucinda]

21. Wonderful piece from someone on the opposite side in 08

Thanks much for bringing it to GDP!

[azurnoir]

48. Did a DUer write it?

[Lucinda]

50. No. He was a Obama speechwriter in 08. Do you remember the guy who fondled

the Hillary cutout? That guy.

[azurnoir]

57. ya that was after the '08 election, sounds almost as though he was preparing for '16 or something

[Lucinda]

58. I'm not sure what you mean... He was pretty much saying she could have killed his career, but didn't

and he eventually figured out that she was actually pretty awesome.

Anyway, i've been trying to get out of here for a good hour or so, and I keep clicking on things. We have a little break in our bad weather, the sun is actually shining, and my pain has finally leveled off enough that I might be able get some things done!

I hope you have a great afternoon, or whatever it is, where you are!

[azurnoir]

59. it was after the election and she had already been anointed for the SoS position

she had bigger fish at the time

[noamnety]

25. Holy Crap! She gives out birthday cakes!

This changes everything.

[BernieforPres2016]

32. I really like when Hillary laughs with delight and points to an imaginary person in the crowd

It makes her seem so genuine.

[merrily]

52. That's one of my favorite moves, too. And you just know it's not part of the script.

You can feel it in your bones.

[one_voice]

41. ok

[merrily]

53. Only if they've chocolate with strawberry frosting, Sheldon Cooper's favorite.

Otherwise, I'm voting for the guy who's been worrying about the 99% all his life.

[loyalsister]

70. A lot of people are kind in nonthreatening situations

I am under the impression that she comes across as warm in small circles or one on one situations. A national campaign is exactly not that and she just can't handle being put on the spot without coming across as defensive, condescending, or arrogant. She can't undo my perception that ordinary people matter only if they can further her agenda. And she especially can't unsay one of the most chilling things I have heard from a politician, "we came, we saw, he died." I am most certainly not ready for Hillary. She actually frieghtens me.

I was instantly reminded of this TED talk that adds some additional context. Sally Kohn said, "Conservatives are really nice. Sean Hannity is one of the sweetest guys I've ever met. He spends his free time trying to fix up his staff on blind dates. And I know that if I ever had a problem, he would do anything he could to help. "

[peacebird]

26. It's as relevant as articles about which candidate I'ld like to have a beer with.

Someone who loves monsanto, GMOs, outsourcing, H1B visas, Kissinger, neocon military hawks... Probably not someone I am "ready" to vote for as president.

[one_voice]

40. ok

[insta8er]

27. Hi everyone! I'm not ready also...

As warm and fuzzy this may sound, I am not ready for her until she stops taking money from special interests.

[one_voice]

42. Hi there. Welcome.

[Trajan]

28. So, this is from a publication managed by Chelsea Clinton?

Um ... Yeah ....

Right

[CentralMass]

29. Flashback...

[daleanime]

30. If she that trustworthy....

she should just release the transcripts.....Oops, if she was trustworthy it would have already been done.

[one_voice]

43. awww...right back acha

[TM99]

34. I was not ready for Obama,

the moderate 1980's Reagan Republican in 2008.

I am definitely not ready for one of the co-founders of the New Democrats neoliberal cancer who also is greatly loved by the co-founder of PNAC. We get a two-fer with Hillary Clinton - a neocon AND a neoliberal.

No thanks!

[OZi]

36. +1

I agree and couldn't have said it better. Thank you.

[one_voice]

44. Love me some Obama!

I'd vote for him again if I could.

[TM99]

46. Not me!

I am looking forward to having a real traditional progressive as our next president. I don't hate him or anything, I just don't like New Dems. Their policies have failed the people while they have enriched the elite.

[TIME TO PANIC]

56. My sentiments exactly.

[OZi]

35. Pure fluff through and through.

And people are fine with the TPP? People would be fine with raising the retirement age on SS or whatever her position is on it this week? People think Dodd-Frank is all the regulation Wall Street needs? People think the only problem with our campaign finance system is the "dark money" part?

[one_voice]

39. Two threads on Bernie...

Two different types of replies. I find this very interesting.

Two threads on Bernie.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251868475

another nice thread on Sanders.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511123324

[noamnety]

49. I appreciate that you are posting on different topics

but this article is so bizarre and sexist - the headline is about how this is such an important election! and the substance makes it sound like she's running for head of the PTA in the 1950's.

[one_voice]

60. I guess I was assuming too much...

figured with all the other threads in GDP; how I framed this; it might be in good taste to just pass by.

I don't go into threads and say nasty things if I know the intention behind the thread was it was posted as a positive thread. I leave for the people it was intended for.

Before you say it, I know this is a discussion board. That doesn't negate my point. Sometimes, less is more.

Anyway, another day in GDP, right?

[noamnety]

62. That's fine.

I'm just trying to make it clear that I'm mocking the article, not you.

(unless you wrote it!)

[Starry Messenger]

45. I remember cardboard-gate and the discussion that ensued.

That election seems like Disneyland on DU now, comparatively. Nice to see Favreau and Clinton working together now.

[Fearless]

47. Ready? Don't make me laugh.

[DesertRat]

54. k&r

[truedelphi]

55. I, like a lot of others, will never again vote for the lesser of two evils.

Eating two shit sandwiches a day is better than being forced to chow down three.

But it is still a lot to chow down on.

Have no idea of what to do about friends who really really like Bernie, but they are in continual fear of Trump.

Metaphysically speaking, if you focus on fear, you end up with that which you fear. I try to tell them that, but they are so convinced, despite Bernie's berning it up pollster-wise, of needing to be for Hillary, to avoid Trump, that I am at a loss.

[Calista241]

61. So, is it ever going to be not as important as the last election?

I hear this same crap every 4 years. If someone wants my vote, they have to earn it. I will not be goaded by "so and so is worse" arguments.

[NastyRiffraff]

66. A great piece

Of course, the usual suspects are crapping on it, by reflex. It's like Pavlov's dogs: they see something complementary of Hillary Clinton and they need to shit all over it.

Thanks for posting, one_voice

[aikoaiko]

67. After "I didn't see Bernie" and "They shouted English Only" I don;t trust HRZC supporters.

Sad to say, too many lies.

[FrenchieCat]

68. Great Piece! Thank you!

[Live and Learn]

71. I find her and Bill too cooperative with the Republicans.

Forget about us wanting a fair shake and economic equialiy for our kids, how about our children living?

Hillary is a war hawk. I see no denial of that on DU.

She also, almost completely ignores climate change and I can only surmise that has to do with the money she takes in. If she doesn't even care about the environment her grandchild will live in what makes you think she cares about the rest of us?