Unity Day in the Bay Area (w/Clinton and Obama delegates)

[dana_b]

The local progressive radio station held this event. It was hosted by Thom Hartmann, the local radio personality Angie (don't remember her last name) and they had one Clinton and one Obama delegate. The idea of the whole thing was to promote Democratic unity. They had lots of Obama delegates to choose from but evidently had a hard time getting a Clinton delegate because they thought that they were going to be torn apart.

Each delegate told us about themselves and how they becme a delegate and then Thom asked them to each 1) talk about the other candidate in positive terms and then 2) talk about their own candidate without insulting the other candidate. To be honest, the Clinton delegate was more articulate but they were both very passionate about their support. The Clinton supporter said that she thought Obama was sharp, inspiring with his speeches, and had good policies. The Obama sipporter said that Clinton was determined, experienced and also had good policies (fair assessments but I found my mind drifting).

They spoke of how they thought the rest of the primaries and the summer would pan out. Pretty much what you'd expect and the Clinton supporter said that she hopes CLinton takes it as far as possible(gulp). The Obama supporter thinks it will be over in a few weeks.

All in all it was good, but I thought they missed a couple of things. 1) the media - it's hard or people to be positive when we're being blasted from all sides with "he said, she said, he sucks, she sucks" attitudes. 2)the convention - if it goes to the convention, will unity still be possible and how do we do it? 3) no real answers, just don't bash the other candidate. Fair enough. I'm a skeptic sometimes so I have to be taught the basics. ;-)

Thom said that he gets 500-800 e-mails a day and a few months ago there was a lot from people supporting their candidates. Now it's people supporting their candidates and then bashing the other candidate. Sacry stuff.

There were around 200+ people and the majority were Obama supporters. Again, I think the Clinton supporters were worried about being scorned. There was none of that.

There were a few outside of the conference room holding a huge "Count all the votes" signs along with Hillary and "Florida and Michigan count too" signs. Everyone seemed polite to them - no problems. I guess they should have come on inside as ALL were welcome.

[SeattleGirl]

1. Thanks, dana!

Wondered how that event went.

[Why Syzygy]

2. Good for them!

thanks for the report

[Kittycat]

3. Cool, sounds like a good time.

Thank you for sharing.

[crickets]

4. Thanks for this. Nice to hear the positive for a change. -nt

:dem: