Here's a fascinating video of Hillary Clinton speaking to her supporters at a private fundraiser in California (second half here). Clinton suggests that the Obama people haven't grasped how hard it is for her supporters to turn round and support him, and even hints that her name ought to be placed on the ballot at the convention, as a symbolic gesture. It confirms veteran Clinton-watcher Karen Tumulty's report (as well as Bill's recent comments) that the Clintons are far from over it. Having said that, Hillary Clinton, to my ears, doesn't sound as if she's in denial, or crazed with bitterness. She says her piece quite calmly, albeit with passion, arguing that the party will be more united during the campaign if there is a moment of catharsis at the convention. Sounds reasonable.
The other thing that strikes me is just how at ease Clinton is these days speaking to an audience, albeit a small and friendly one in this instance. Speaking off the cuff, she's fluent, warm, and even funny (as when she pretends to grab the microphone off a questioner in the second half). She's a different politician from the one that announced her candidacy eighteen months ago.
I feel like I've been waiting and waiting for Obama to announce his VP. I thought he would decide right away, and I was at the ready to set up a bi-weekly donation to the campaign if it was Hillary Clinton. I would have remained so engaged, inspired and excited. Instead, I feel like all the energy of the primary just died.
Posted by: lizriz | August 07, 2008 at 05:53 PM