The protest situation outside the hotel

Posted: Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:12 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
At 7:45 am ET, about 150 demonstrators -- all of them Clinton supporters -- had assembled outside the hotel where the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting will take place today.

The protestors were holding pro-Clinton signs, wearing pro-Clinton T-shirts, and chanting "Count all votes! Count all votes!"

As we were walking into the hotel, the crowd erupted in applause as a car pulled up into the hotel's driveway. Who was in the car? Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, a Clinton supporter.

It's going to be an interesting day.

*** UPDATE *** By 8:30 am ET, the crowd has grown by a hundred or two. It's a sizeable crowd, but not huge. We also spotted a couple of Obama supporters in the audience. One was holding a sign reading, "Change the rules until I win."

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Comments

its sick what clinton is doing, instead of healing the situation she is flaming it, I am more proud of Obama now that before that he has discouraged his supporters to show to support him, he has played a gentle and genuine campain and he is continuing to do so, it feels like he is the last person left who can be a ture US President

john (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:30 AM)

Fanatical Clinton supporters you have done your job. I have now switched to Obama! You are making a negative impact I was a Clinton supporter, but all the fanatical and preposterous statements about the popular vote, etc., from her campaign staff and Clinton, have lowered my respect for her immensely

David Berbert Stuttgart, Germany (Democrats Abroad) (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:32 AM)

So what! If you think that's something--you haven't seen a "protest" yet if this hearing does anything to change the fact that Senator Obama is the nominee!

Senator Obama has won this primary (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:34 AM)

I find it Hillaryous that only about 150 protesters showed up ..

Where are the thousands upon thousands that were expected??

Poor Hillary, can't even inspire that kind of devotion.....

DonnaInMichigan (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:36 AM)

Hillary quitting this campaign is like trying to put a Cat into a box. This rules committee meeting would have been better decided after the elections of Super Tuesday so that Hillary supporters could get used to the idea of losing. Now the DNC is not allowed to grant a full delegation, and the Supporters are going to call for a ruling at the convention which they will lose if the rules stay the same. Only by changing the rules can they prevail and that would be for 2012.
Omama 08

gene eagle bear,tombstone AZ (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:39 AM)

Yes, an interesting day indeed. We already know how it will end. Hillary will not get her way and she will threaten to take it all the way to the convention again. By Tuesday/Wednesday the remaining Supers will flock to Obama's side and he will be the Obaminee (Keith O. rocks!)...she will still try to manipulate the press and inject yet another mathematical scenario/event that could make her the nominee...the woman is mad i tell you!!

Alison, FL (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:39 AM)

Recount Redux

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:43 AM)

How low can her supporters go?

JakeZ, Seattle (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:48 AM)

Poow widdle Hiwwawy will get to stamp her feet and cry a bit to make hewsewf feew bettew.

And then can the rotten wretch get the hell out of the way so the rest of the country can get on with our lives? You had your day in the sun, Hil. Sorry you didn't get EVERYTHING you wanted, but that's life. Get over it.

Marcus, Chicago (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:50 AM)

These are the reasons I cannot and will not ever support Hillary Clinton, or for that matter all the Clintons. I am a Democrate and proud of it...but I really cannot tolerate the "its all about me" attitude they have.
Good Luck getting around today.

jacie, NY (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:51 AM)

David from Germany, tell that to Chuck Todd

Wayne (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:52 AM)

The Obama supporters may really be Clinton 's in Obama shirts. Some have done things like that to cause trouble.

Zoolie (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:52 AM)

Angry bitter women shouting at clouds.

LENI,WESTLAND,MICHIGAN (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:55 AM)

The goon squad arrives to push for an unfair advantage for "Drama Queen" Hillary. This is nothing but political drama and a big sham as both states had a bad case of premature election and broke party rules which requires punishment. No punishment and we'll be going through this nonsense again in the future.

There was never any doubt that the DNC would eventually seat Florida and Michigan and that all the votes would be counted and delegates selected. She's not doing this for the people, she's doing this for herself and no one but herself. Not a single vote or delegate will be counted or seated regardless of whether she quit 3 months ago or 3 months from now.

Time for the drama queen to get over her attention addiction and shove off for the good of the party. The longer she denies the inevitable the longer she helps her BFF "Bush Hugger" McCain.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:00 AM)

Leave it to Hillary and company to turn this into a circus. Glad to see at least one Obama supporter there. Love the sign "Change the rules until I win" how true. The eyes of the world are watching. From the looks of the blogs yesterday, people seem to be pretty disgusted with the Clinton's. If she is able to get her way, I really think there will be a big backlash...

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:02 AM)

If she Clinton is so damn smart, then why is she part of a derailed Congress? Sad part being, she has never done any thing on her own. Being a Washington self serving paper hanger doesn't mean she has the leadership required to be a president! She is hollow and shallow for America, we don't need more masks to cover up our failing government, Bringing false and hidden agenda to the people,is why she is a confirmed liar. She has and has displayed more than immoral conduct, the Clinton's are riddled with immoral conjecture! The DNC made the rules and now when the rules are again being twisted to serve the Clinton's quest. A total shame and the DNC brought it on themselves. Clinton has been defeated and that is written and won't be changed.

This situation is just another reason their party is not going to set in the White house. The DNC is nothing more than an extension of how failed their party is to lead this nation. This election has been about the deplorable and shame Clinton has always served. Hidden agenda, racial banging, shame filled statements that would put the normal person in jail, to even suggest killing another to be self serving abounds respect for humanity. I hope this gathering of idiots falls flat on its deplorable shameful face!

False leadership,, az (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:05 AM)

Living in suburban DC, I was SO tempted to go down there with a sign to protest Hillary's Shrilleries but I have to honor what my candidate, Barack Obama, requested, so here I sit watching MSNBC at home. I trust the DNC will do the most fair thing for the PARTY not for either candidate, no matter how Hillary stokes the fanatical fires. We need to respect their ruling and go forward for the general.

LB, Virginia (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:05 AM)

As if, the Clinton's aren't behind the protest... What an example Hillary is to young girls. It's ok to lie, steal, & cheat to get your way. Change the rules, move the goal post, scream, cry, do anything as long as you win. She is no role model for my kids, or granddaughter. Obama's campagin has taken the high road, but if he gets cheated - Denver will look like the Super Bowl. Clinton & her buddy MCcain could not get a crowd of 75,000 - put together. She changes position on everything including this situation. Cacuas states do count too, so her popular vote stance doesn't hold water... Cheaters never win, winners never cheat. How about it's not if you win, or lose, it's how you play the game. Do management skills tell anyone anything, her campaign is in death throws, Obama's is thriving... Well she has hope, if this doesn't work there is always the assination possible. The Clinton's have no shame!

jackieblu morris Seattle, Wa (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:06 AM)

Some people have no class. "Count our votes" I didn't even vote because they said it wouldn't count and it would have been an uninformed vote.
- How about them Lakers?

FloridaNonVoter, Orlando, FL (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:06 AM)

Obama-Clinton ticket wins landslide victory in November carrying over 40 states. Wake up democrats and get busy winning the election. Obama for President, Clinton for Vice President! The truth will set us all free to be real Americans again.

Vince Allen, Cocoa, Florida (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:08 AM)

Respect yourself HRC. You are a powerful force for all women. In order to gain respect, you first need to give respect. You did not show that you were a woman at no time during the election, you wore pants the entire time. Women wear dresses and skirts also. You gave the impression that you wanted to be treated like a man.

Yvonne (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:09 AM)

It is becoming clearer every day why Bill preferred other women.
If she pulls this off it will show that the Democratic party is as corrupt as any third world government. What a spoiled brat. She will destroy what's left of our country. Thanks fems. You aint no ladies and neither is she.

Real Old white lady (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:10 AM)

her supporters will go the distance unlike alot of Obama people we know about loyalty .It is unthinkable the way she has and is being treated. I hope she goes the distance. These people she has helped have given her no reason to make it easy. Know the difference in class she will work hard even if loser cause she has class and is party all the way. I hope she doesnt have to work for him I never will.He can gather his religous leaders,the new pastor and wright and priest that was on his team. They are all alike yes Obama too now we see.

Mox (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:12 AM)

And yet the founder of WomenCount said in an interview on Newsweek.com that "From our perspective, this is about democracy and our Constitution. It's not about a giant rally for Hillary. Nobody is bringing Hillary signs. We have to get back to the basic principle that lawyers should not be deciding the outcomes of our elections."

Yeah, right. I am embarrassed to be a woman right now.

Hillary isn't entitled to a "do-over" because she's a woman, a Clinton, or she just assumed she'd win.

Lisa T, Columbia MO (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:13 AM)

I cannot believe some people cannot see Hillary's motive behind this protest. Hillary's supporters answer this question - Do you think Hillary would go to such measures if she did not need FL and MI vote for her to win? I believe Hillary would care less; she is using these people to try and get a win not for the good of the party. STOP BEING USED BY HILLARY!

Linda, TX (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:13 AM)

Let the Clinton supporters have their 'protest' today. It is more akin to a funeral, anyway. I hope Hillary Clinton will look back and remember this as the end of her campaign, just like the rest of the campaign: yelling, negative, and ineffectual.

Susan (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:13 AM)

Was there ever any effort to organize an Obama turnout for this event? Or, would they think they should just lay low?

Marilyn Doe, Ohio (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:16 AM)

The Clinton argument - Give me the world.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:16 AM)

"Stupid DNC" What rule could possibly disenfranchise voters. Doesn't seem like Democracy to me.

Sharon MO (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:16 AM)

Senator Obama has won this primary- A threat ? We couldnt get posted with a threat like that but know what prob wont now either but its ok cause those threats are hollow now and if you think you scare anyone those days are over.Isnt it illegal to give earmarks to someone that fund raises for you like the priest at Obamas church screaching about Hillary? Politics from pulpit doesnt that take away tax exempt status???

No Obama for sure!! (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:17 AM)

What's wrong with you people...a peaceful protest...there's nothing wrong with that!! Isn't that what's right about our country?

This is AMERICA!!!

God Bless those people who feel strongly enough about something to stand up for it no matter what other people think....this country is founded on that premise...and they have the right to have their voices heard!!!

Carol, CA (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:18 AM)

I guess her supporters are not carrying signs that say "Count all Votes but not Caucus states". How curious.

Only a Dem in 2008 (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:18 AM)

I am sooooooooooo sick of Clintons. Go away!

Sheri Wichita, KS (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:18 AM)

Hillary doesn't seem to realize this election is about THE COUNTRY, not her legacy. I can't believe she'll have any clout with the party after pulling this divisive stunt.

Hillary will not compromise. If she doesn't get EVERYTHING she wants, I think she'll take this all the way to the convention. If nothing else, that will mean she doesn't have to campaign for Obama until August. She doesn't care about the party. She's got a score to settle, and she will settle it by going scorched earth.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:18 AM)

Any chance of putting up a live feed of today's coverage so those of us away from a TV or (like me) out of the country can see it as it unfolds?

Max, UK (Ex-Mass. resident) (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:20 AM)

The DNC should simply stick to its guns. Any change in the rulings now will open Pandora's Box.
What about those who didn't vote because they were told it wouldn't cout?
Neither candidate did any real campainging in those states, were the voters as informed as they were in other states?
How would Obama's name being on the balot have affected the outcome?
Will the DNC appear weak an unwilling to support it's own ruling in the future?
See how this could go on???

Think Aboutit (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:23 AM)

I'd like to see the reaction of Clinton people if the entire roles were reversed. ANYBODY BUT HILLARY!!!!!! I just hope Obama doesn't do something stupid like put her on the ticket. If I wanted those 2 back in the White House i would have voted for her.

boski (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:23 AM)

Glad to see Hillary is so unselfish, only concerned about the voices of others. What an inspirational leader!

tonybama, grahamsville, ny (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:24 AM)

Asking supporters to come out and protest is such incredibly low, desperate and divisive behavior. Do we want that kind of uncompromising ego in the White House?

jcp southern shores nc (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:27 AM)

'Change the rules until I win'. Pricless.

Now that's an intellegent voter, with wit, and panache!

donna (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:27 AM)

If you want to see a large assembly in protest just wait and see what happens if they try and strip this nomination from Obama. I for one would be on a bus to take part in the protest. Hillary is just plain wrong to try and take the nomination instead of earn it. The rules can't be changed in the middle of the race. She has lost and can only use Hillary math to make her look like she is still in this race. She wants to only add Michigan votes that voted for her but desregard the rest of the voters that didn't. Is it really realistic to say that Obama doesn't have one voter in Michigan?

ben, ca (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:28 AM)

You can tell but the group that appeared to help her that they don't really care, they know the race is over and Obama is our pick. The people of FL and MI know that they will not get full count for their vote and just don't care, well a few do. It was a shame what the state did in behalf of their people but it is over. As long as they get to seat their delegates that is all that matters now.

twinoftwins, WA (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:28 AM)

Don't count FL and MI delegates or votes. Disenfranchise them and watch as Obama loses both those states and the General Election because of it. Haven't we learned by now that every vote doesn't count?

KD (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:28 AM)

Where are the thousands, the "ground swell of supporters" that Hillary's campaign promised?

Interesting that only a few Obama supporters were spotted - the reason? They are all out working Obama's GOTV campaign this weekend instead of standing outside the committee meeting creating more drama.

Lynn Roethler (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:30 AM)

This is so depressing. Hillary is going to stay in until the convention matter what. She's going to divide the party to such a degree that John 'Ass-Hat' McSame will win easily. That way, she can run against him in 2012 after he has effed things up even more than they are now, what with at least two more right wing extremist justices on the SCOTUS. If she does that, she won't get Democrats to vote for her for dog catcher.

Kerry, Toledo, OH (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:32 AM)

she is doing it to look like she was a player all time sucking money from average people to pay penn and rest her bills and replenish her 11million dollar loan thats all its about show hillary the money

gg3164 (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:32 AM)

Obama supporters are waiting until Sunday morning services at Trinty Untied to act like idiots. They don't want to share the stage with Clinton Supporters-this way both sides get to look stupid.

David (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:32 AM)

It is a really shame to see Hilary's supporters act as they are doing now. You can not start the game and trie to change the rule when you are lousing. Shame on all tose peolple who are trying to put shame on America by supporting this non sense argument.

kay from maryland (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:33 AM)

This is almost like a Greek Tragedy. Michigan and Florida move their dates up because "they want to be more important" They were told the votes wouldn't count, people agreed they wouldn't count, and the states said "Screw the rules, it's all about me being more important".

..Hmmm......where else have we heard that lately?

R.L., NJ (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:33 AM)

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