8.27.2008

From Hillary's viewpoint

" ‘If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.’

“And, even in the darkest moments, that is what Americans have done. We have found the faith to keep going.”

As she evoked Harriet Tubman’s rescue of slaves escaping to freedom along the Underground Railroad, it was clear to me that Hillary Rodham Clinton had just described her public life before and during her run for the presidency.

In her address last night to Democrats gathered in Denver, Senator Clinton, with these words, evoked for me so many memories of a pack of media mad dogs at her heels.

Incredulously, the rabid right was joined in the pursuit by Simon Legrees of the left.

No matter what her critics dished out, she maintained her dignity. And, she never let me down.

In my inbox this morning:

Dear B. J.,

Standing on that stage tonight in front of 20,000 Democrats unified behind Senator Obama, I saw a bright future for America. I saw millions of people across the country working as one to elect the next Democratic President. I saw a new President and a new Congress giving a voice to the voiceless. I saw America, the land of endless potential, regaining its role as a leader in the world.

I couldn't be prouder of our party, of our nominee, and of all the work you and I have done together over the course of this campaign on behalf of the American people.

I knew that as I stood in front of that podium, I wasn't alone. I had you, and everyone who has supported me, standing right up there with me. And that means the world to me.

Thank you again for everything you've done. Now, let's get to work helping elect Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and all of our great Democratic candidates!

Sincerely,

Hillary

Many times as a blogger I attempted to extol the merits of this great American only to be met with comments such as:

“Now, for some fun, the next time you see Mrs. Clinton prancing around a stage, wireless microphone in hand, turn down the sound and begin to sing ‘The hills are alive. . .’ "

At the outset of the Democratic primaries, I wrote that my support of Hillary had nothing to do with gender or race, but was a decision made after many years of following this amazing woman’s life choices.

Last night as she exited the convention stage, Hillary passed through a room full of Obama staffers who rose in unison and gave her a standing ovation.

Obama supporters want Hillary’s faithful to come into his camp. I hope, in turn, they will come to realize this woman has something neither money nor votes can buy – class.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

(sp?)Laura Ingrahm, on your beloved "Imus in the Morning," said today that "she looked like a highway cone" in that orange pants suit. Frodo would have preferred the aquamarine. However, when there is nothing else to attack, fools make fun of a persons' appearance. It was a masterful speech, and helped to ensure that both wisdom and civility will be restored to the land we love.

Anonymous said...

What grace! What generosity! What a leader she is! I am prouder than ever to be a Hillary supporter!
Faye

Anonymous said...

I thought her orange suit was striking and she looked radiant! Her speech was meaningful, eloquent, and just what was needed. Hillary is a winner!

I supported her in the primaries and will now support Obama. We MUST get the Bushies out of the White House.

Anonymous said...

To me the most important and definitive lines in her speech were when she asked if we were in this for her or for the people, the American people. When all is said and done that's what it's all about. OBAMA must win for America!

B.J. said...

The “b.j.” comment above is from a Nebraska friend with the same initials.

Frodo mentioned Laura Ingaham’s comment on Hillary’s attire, and I cannot resist sharing this: David Brock, creator of mediamatters.org, in his book “Blinded by the Right: Confessions of an Ex-Conservative” paints a very colorful scene with Laura Ingraham, clad in a leopard-skin mini-skirt crawling across the floor at a D.C. cocktail party – dog drunk. David and Laura were young right-wing movers and shakers hired as hatchetmen to spread dirt on the Clintons. All the vivid details are in the book.

By the way, the only thing worse on TV than Bill O’Reilly is Laura Ingraham substituting for Bill O’Reilly!

Thanks for all the comments! BJ

Anonymous said...

I have to give the highest praise to Senator Hillary Clinton for her eloquence and grace during her excellent speech last night. Also today when she nominated Obama, by acclamation, to be the candidate for next president of the United States.

Her nay-sayers during her campaign were singing a different tune about her after her eloquent delivery last night. I wondered if past remarks by Chris Matthews and Keith Olberman stuck in their craw as they gave accolades to Senator Clinton last night.

Keith and Laura Ingraham used to date each other. A 1995 cover of The New Yorker Magazine shows Ingraham clad in her leopard-skin miniskirt. 'Nuff said.

Watch for Senator Clinton to forge new inroads for the masses of the American people in the coming years. She is a shinning role model for women.

Anonymous said...

I am only hoping that Senator Clinton holds on to her "edge", her dignity and her truly masterful abilities. In other words, now is the time to go and work at the job she's being paid for in NY State, continue to support Obama and the Party. And not take that fateful step to becoming a Tabloid personality that needs to be on the front page every day, contributing to the diviseness and detriment of everyone. She actually could make this bad step, and I really hope that's not the case. I know the temptation is probably great, but it would be a sad thing. I do hope this was a single moment in time, not today's news. She's a brilliant woman, and can do so much. Hoping she doesn't waste it: The media pull is strong. Months to go to get Bush out of the scene.

B.J. said...

Sorry, Betty Joe! This is getting Tonfusing. I'm B.J. You're B.J. The person who left the third comment usually signs BBJ. Alphabet soup, huh?