Michigan: Clinton v. Uncommitted
By Sasha Issenberg, Globe Staff
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – As Michigan Democrats go to the polls today, a Detroit consultant working to keep down Hillary Clinton’s share of the vote -- her only competition on the ballot is “Uncommitted” -- says the results should be seen as a referendum on her campaign’s handling of racial issues.
“If the Clintons don’t get at least 60 percent of the vote, I think it would be a total rejection of her candidacy,” said Sam Riddle, an adviser to Detroit city councilwoman Monica Conyers.
Conyers and her husband John, a U.S. congressman – both backing Obama -- taped radio ads urging voters for “Uncommitted,” which has become a consensus alternative for supporters of Obama and John Edwards. Riddle said a weeklong back-and-forth between the Obama and Clinton camps over the legacy of the civil-rights movement and Obama’s own drug use will galvanize black voters in the urban centers of eastern Michigan to deliver a no-confidence vote to Clinton.
“That type of stuff has no place in the campaign but it shows the Clinton desperation,” Riddle said. “They’re demeaning Obama and folks in Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Pontiac don’t like it one bit.”
With the campaigns respecting a Democratic National Committee boycott of the primary, the election-day ground game has become a proxy war between local supporters. Clinton has some of the state’s most prominent elected officials working on her behalf, including Governor Jennifer Granholm and Senator Debbie Stanbenow.
“’Uncommitted’ does not the get-out-the-vote apparatus that the Clintons have,” Riddle said. “We did talk radio, hit the churches -- much like you would with a candidate, except the candidate is ‘Uncommitted.’”
What a joke- these guys are desperate- Just because they are all black? Isn't that racism? When Oprah came out for Obama when we needed her to support a candidate back in 2004 it makes you wonder if there is only one issue at play with these folks- We're talking about the most important job in the world- If we were hiring a CEO we would require more than fancy words- a resume of depth and breathe is a must. This IS rocket science. Obama can be the future- let him do the hard work required- we are not voting for American Idol even though the media would like to have those ratings- Our children's future depends on this.
This Hillary Clinton hatred is contemptible, pathetic and it makes the American people look very bad world wide. Believe me...it does.
I think Clinton is very capable and smart. also experienced. Has a strong support behind her is Bill Clinton.
I think she is better choice to others.
I don't think that our teenage years should have anything to do with these Campaigns. Weather it was youthful mistakes that Obama or Bill Clinton made or the political folly of “Goldwater Girl” Hillary Clinton's opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Amendment, it should not matter. The teenage years are the time when people discover themselves. Of course when we have shows like Bob Johnson's BET's "106 and Park" social figures such as Bob should take a little more social accountability for the influences they have on these teenage mistakes. Obama to his credit called on the Hip Hop community to show more responsibility which I'm sure did not reflect so brightly on BOB.
That is nonsense. Look up the word 'realized' which she used, (usu. be realized) give actual or physical form to : the stage designs have been beautifully realized. In other words his dream was realized by LBJ.I would be more concerned about Obama's church affiliation and folks better wake up to a church doctrine that states, "A congregation with a non-negotiable COMMITMENT TO AFRICA." The word 'non-commitment' does not promote a belief system of the global united Obama thinks he is. Wake up people. This is not child's play. We need a President that is seasoned not an activist. Obama has used race from day one in his campaign by inciting the emotions of this Country through the MLK legacy. That is history as is every other influential character in our Country's past. He set ever American up from day one for the racial issue to surface and Hillary had the where with all to educate Americans that it is not just Activism that passed a change, it was the President of the United States. Obama says he agrees she was not racially motivated yet disagrees that it takes marching, pickets and ensuing violence upon America's youth to get the Government to change things for the commoners. That type of socialized uprising will place every American backwards and show we are just like all the other radicals- that are throwing stones, words, and blood across the globe. The way the commoner gets things one is to get involved at the State level in a ig way--not to go against the Whitwe House. This guy is dangerous and he is a predator of emotionalism. I look foreward to going to Washington next January and watching the first Madame President be inaguarated. She is a woman and she is
qualified. Besides get a grip people--Obama is a farce--He is not a black---He is both black and white--so to claim the black vote is an insult to the white people.
If the primary is so damn important, why did you guys let your candidate take his name off the ballot in the first place??????????? He did it to please Iowa and new Hampshire voters, now he does not want to take the consequences. You cannot have it BOTH ways! I hope the Michigan voters are smart enough to tell what you are: a bunch of hypocrites!
I totally agree with Kathryn. In my eyes, Obama's technique is that of a kindergarten student pitching a fit as if to lure the teacher into getting his way. This guy doesn't even have the credentials to be president of the United States and his political experiences are only a very small fraction of the experience that Hillary Clinton obtained. I can't believe that someone would vote for someone else just because of their skin color anyway, to me that is a pretty damn scary! There are some really naive and indecisive people in this country and that is very scary as well. As Earl Pitts says "Wake Up America"! I have no political affiliation, I just vote for the candidate that is best for the job and I don't think that Barrack Obama could wipe himself effectively much less turn this G.W. battered nation around.
I agree with point 6. How can anyone still have viable faith in the other democratic candidates, because when there is no gain for themselves, they decide not to show interest in Michigan at all. Did someone say democracy?
Best of luck, Hillary!
All you have to do is listen to know that Hillary Clinton is the best/smartest candidate running on either side.
Pleaseeeeee folks we need to get the right folks in office, our country depends on
it.
The Clintons are bad and old news. They have a history of corruption and will not bring our country together. They appear to put themselves first and put our country last. Hillary seems more concerned with repaying and being financed by the corporations and special interests than with the people. I think they want power,control and money for themselves. Obama seems like he really cares about our country.
OBAMA 08!!!!
Vote "Uncommitted".
Ron Paul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think we can all agree that Hillary is more than qualified. She was married to the president. Just think, pretty soon Laura Bush can move somewhere (other than Texas), become Senator and suddenly be qualified for president in 12 years.
I'm also excited about the prospect of having Clinton elected, so we can add to our 20 years of only two families running the country.
Hillary won Michigan with 55% of votes. Media would not tell you this. Vote for Hillary. She is not as bad as what the media wants you to believe.
Hillary was the only runner in Michigan. So, she didnt win 55%. She lost 40% to her 'uncommitteds". Edwards and Obama kept their names off and set in motion a non-committal campaign for her as a vote of no-confidence. Dirty.
Get with the program people. You want Romney, the republican victor in michigan in the white house?
Hillary is my choice. The blatant lies and insinuations don't distract intelligent, credible individuals from seeing that she's the best prepared and most experienced of all the candidates. Obama needs to wipe his nose on some rough tissues before calling himself qualified. Go get 8 more years experience and then try again.
I WANT TO FIX HILLARY CLINTON FOR STAYING WITH BILL WHEN SHE SHOULD HAVE DIVORCED HIM OVER:
1. HIS ANTIMASTURBATION
2. HIS CHEATING ADULTERY
ALSO IM AGAINST HER NOT LISTENING TO ME ABOUT VOTING AGAINST THE ANTI POKER BILL (PHONE CALLS, LETTERS) AND RECEIVING FUNDING FROM HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES WHEN THEY ARE ALREADY OVERCHARGING AND AGE DISCRIMINATING. I ALSO BELIEVE LIKE JOE LIEBERMAN THAT BILL CLINTON SHOULD HAVE BEEN IMPEACHED AFTER ILLEGALLY CHEATING ON HIS WIFE.
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