Support for Hillary

[MANative]

Just wanted to stop in and introduce myself. I'm a strong supporter of Hillary and hope (expect!) that she will make the decision to run. If she does, I'll work my tail off in my little neck of the woods to carry her banner. I campaigned for her in '08 and I'm more than ready to do it again. I've been around DU for almost 10 years (November, 2005), even if my relatively low post count doesn't necessarily reflect that longevity.

I know that there are lots of people at DU clamoring for Elizabeth Warren to challenge (or defeat) Hillary. While I like Elizabeth, I think she's serious about not running. I also think that the recognition factor would be a much higher mountain for her to climb. I do think that some challenge in the primaries would make Hillary even stronger in the General. Others love Bernie and want to see him run. I love Bernie, too, but I think that there are far too many who view him as "on the fringe" to make him a serious contender in the General. I don't see anyone else in the bench who could come within a hundred miles. Bottom line, I'll support whomever the party selects, but I want that candidate to be Hillary.

Hoping that this group will be a source of good information and strategy ideas for local support!

[riversedge]

1. I think a good primary is necessary for the Democrats.

Hi back to you.

[MANative]

3. I agree. I think that will hone the message.

Hillary hasn't campaigned in that way in a few years. It'll sharpen her approach further.

[leftofcool]

2. Welcome to the Hillary Forum

[MANative]

4. Thank you!

[FarPoint]

5. Well said...

I myself will do the same with such sentiment. I will always try to keep the focus on the Democratic Party mission as it goes.

The flock of anti Hillary threads run rampant here...Discussion is healthy but parroting right wing propaganda is NOT. I will focus on diminishing their message and redirecting the focus on reality verses projected speculation.

[MANative]

8. Thank you!

I get that there are "purists" who won't ever forgive or forget things they view as less than 100% progressive. I'm a bit more of a pragmatist, as I think is also true of Hillary. It's better to get something done than to wear the cloak of righteous purity to the cause and accomplish exactly zip. My ideals are as progressive as they get, and that doesn't mean that I won't continue to advocate for them. Leaps forward are awesome, but the real world doesn't usually work that way. Progress always wins, but most often in steps.

Discussion is healthy, but vitriol is counter-productive on all sides.

[Thinkingabout]

6. I view the primaries as a time to air the DNC agenda and expose the public.

We don't need the GOP TP type of primary. I listened to O'Malley and though they tried to get him off on the email crap he did not go there, this is the type of question and answer sessions which is needed to bypass the crap and get with the issues important to Democrats. I am backing Hillary, hope she runs, she has the experience and ability to handle the office of president. I will be there for her.

[MANative]

9. Well said!

My hope for primaries is finding common ground and common messages that resonate with voters. O'Malley did the right thing with his responses. I hope to see more of that. Let the Republicans do the internal tearing-apart for once.

[misterhighwasted]

7. Happy to have your input . Your past involvement with the 08 campaign..

..will be of interest to all here. Especially as we get into the heart of the campaign.
I do agree with you as to other challengers.
I love the heck out of Sen Sanders. He is genuine & a true Statesman supporting this Nation.
And E Warren is bright & spot on with her challenging the financial industry.
Her strength is in that area & will be a necessary force for good. It is impossible to disrespect her .
And the Dem presidential win still lies with Hillary Clinton.

What a powerful team she could assemble as President. One that holds the Hard Right to account and diminishes their ability to move so freely about as they do.

Much more to discuss so please do lend your insight to our Group.

[MANative]

10. I'd love to see how Hillary would include both Bernie and Elizabeth in her administration.

Of course, it's possible that they might be most valuable exactly where they are, advocating for progressive legislation in the Senate. Either way, the three of them are all inspirations to me.

Looking forward to contributing in any way I can! Waiting for that announcement, too.

[misterhighwasted]

15. Word is around April 1st. But nothing confirming an exact date.

As with everything Hillary is forced to do nowadays, out of sheer self protection, it is necessary to play her cards close.
Seeing the feeding frenzy with the email story, that has amounted to a big non-story, it is obvious why she & her staff must remain so guarded in every move she makes.

I wish her safe passage as the intensity of what is at stake in 2016 becomes a fight to the finish.

I had the pleasure of working many hours for the Wendy Davis for gov campaign here in Texas.
It is a whole different game being so close to the inner workings of a campaign.
That one was wearing & exciting and I would do it again.

In your case with Clinton's campaign I can only imagine the intensity you are due to enjoy as this high stakes contest goes forward.
Do stay in touch with us as your limited time will allow.

Yes MANative, I too can feel the excitement building & can't wait to get started.
Very good to meet you.

[MANative]

17. I don't want to mislead. I wasn't that intimately connected.

I did some canvassing and phone-banking, but I wasn't at the center of anything at all! I am hoping to be more involved this time, but we'll see if and how they wish to use my services/skills.

April sounds like a good bet. We shall see!

[hrmjustin]

11. As one of the hosts of this room I welcome you to our gang!

[MANative]

12. I'm feelin' the love already! Thanks!

[OKNancy]

13. Of two minds about a primary

Others have mentioned the benefits, but without much of a primary the candidate can save a lot of money.
Unfortunately money plays a big part. As long as the candidate still puts together a ground game, then the lack of a primary has benefits as well.

[MANative]

14. That's true. I don't think money will be Hillary's biggest problem, though.

There's no doubt that it's better not to have to raise double funds, but I think there'll be plenty available for her.

I hope they'll truly revive the 50 state strategy, and use Barack's team for metrics and GOTV.

[OKNancy]

16. absolutely

You know, there are some who say they don't think she will win in the general.

If you look at the states/electoral college, I just don't think she will lose blue states at all.
Maybe Florida if it is Jeb, and maybe Wisconsin if it is Walker, but neither is enough to lose the election.

I think she will pick up the 2008 states that Obama won too. Maybe... even pick up Arizona, Georgia and Arkansas.
Not impossible.

[MANative]

18. Agreed. I don't think she's "unbeatable" but...

I think she has a much easier path than any of the republican hopefuls. Early polling shows her over the 50% mark and at least 10 points ahead of the nearest competitor in the general. We know that will tighten, but I still think she's the odds-on favorite.

ETA: People often forget that Democrats garnered more than a million more votes than Republicans in the aggregate for congressional races. Those votes become far more important in the Presidential contest when it's not carved up district by district. That adds up to a nice little advantage that should be fully exploited.