Joint Statement from Clinton and Obama on Convention Unity
07 August 2008 1:15 am by Taylor Marsh
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This should come as no surprise to anyone who’s been following the stories circulating since a video surfaced last week, with people conjuring up convention “confusion” and unnecessary drama out of it where there is none. That ABC News pushed the story, as did Chris Cilizza of the Washington Post, uploading the video, is another tale entirely.
I refused to offer the video, as some readers know who read the comments on this post, though it was loaded in Hot Topics, which is how that section is to work, because it’s your section. But whatever spin people offered as explanation for the video, it was not news, though this statement by Clinton in the video was seen as some sort of sign or signal:
“I happen to believe that we will come out stronger if people feel that their voices were heard and their views were respected. I think that is a very big part of how we actually come out unified,” she said. “No decisions have been made. And so we are trying to work all this through with the DNC and with the Obama campaign.” – Senator Clinton
Clinton has leverage and a lot of supporters. She knows it and respects us all. So does Barack, but Hillary also knows the bottom line, which is any move on the convention is a mythical idea that neither Obama, Democrats or Nancy Pelosi, who controls the convention, will allow. Nevertheless, this story has now jumped into the traditional media, because none of the people reporting on it have any impulse control whatsoever, plus everyone is all in on pushing the Democratic disunity theme, which helps no one but the Republicans. So, since this was made into news yesterday that went everywhere, days after the video was first pushed, both camps released a joint statement late yesterday, complete with each camp’s email spotlighted, so there could be no confusion that the statement indeed came sanctioned from both Hillary and Barack:
Joint Statement from the Clinton and Obama Press Offices
“We are working together to make sure the fall campaign and the convention are a success. At the Democratic Convention, we will ensure that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected and our party will be fully unified heading into the November election.”
To emphasize, the above statement came through both Hillary and Barack’s offices. Doubtful that some will hear the message, because people have other plans, regardless of reality. But both camps are being positively clear.
In addition, here’s part of what Clinton said in a web ad publicizing her web chat today, which will be at noon, eastern time.
“… Your continued support has made such a difference as we continue
to champion universal healthcare, an economy that sustains the American dream,
and especially as we work together to elect Barack Obama President
of the United States so we will be able to fulfill the goals we care about
so deeply. … .. ” – Senator Hillary Clinton
On another convention note, a federal judge has upheld the Denver convention protest zones, which Jeralyn has written up. This should give you a fuller perspective of just how serious the Democrats are in making sure the convention is choreographed to send the right message. Nothing spontaneous is going to disrupt the proceedings or cause any embarrassment to Barack Obama which could damage our chances in November.
Nobody doubts that Senator Clinton does indeed have the power to mount a fight to put her name in nomination. But if she did, considering the closeness of the nomination finale, her career would o-v-e-r, because pandemonium would likely break out, either in public or behind the scenes; something that would bring Republicans absolute delight, but Democrats would never forgive. Clinton is negotiating many options in Denver, but career suicide isn’t one of them.
