Clinton counts herself in

Posted: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:26 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
DENVER -- When Hillary Clinton utters the words "Count Me In," unity-focused Democrats might tend to feel their stomachs churn a bit.

Tonight, Clinton happened to be referring to a reception for a women's organization called "Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence," a group that grants support to female-owned microbusinesses.

But the irony was not lost on the senator from New York.

Noting her banter earlier in the day with a colleague who asked about her plans for the first night of the convention, Clinton said that she replied, "I'm going to count me in!"

Per Clinton's story, the friend replied incredulously, "Are you talking about the roll call?"

The joke, which wasn't followed up with a particularly vehement denial from the smiling senator, was met with cheers and giggles from the crowd of several hundred -- mostly women -- who clamored for a glimpse of Clinton at the nighttime event at the Denver Art Museum.

(Yet as the AP reported last night, the Clinton and Obama camps have agreed to limit the roll call vote. "The deal would allow some states to cast votes for both Obama and Clinton before ending the roll call in acclamation for the Illinois senator. Clinton herself may cut off the vote and recommend unanimous nomination of Obama, according to Democratic officials involved in the negotiations.")

Despite the reference to the possible lingering intraparty tensions signaled by the Clinton upcoming roll call vote, the former presidential candidate offered up words of praise both for both a newly-minted political rival and for the wife of one-time opponent Barack Obama. Clinton lauded Obama endorser Senator Ted Kennedy's "fighting spirit" after his surprise appearance at the DNC despite a dehabilitating brain tumor. "And didn't Michelle Obama do a wonderful job tonight as well?" she added.

Without mentioning the name of her former rival and his new vice presidential pick, Clinton also noted the support that the Democratic ticket would have for programs like "Count Me In."

"It's very exciting that we have a chance to elect a president and a vice president who will help us make the dreams of so many Americans come true again," she said.

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Comments

What a bunch of liars. Faking the roll call. Yep, that's really appeasing. What's the matter, Obama, afraid to let it go all the way because they might dump you?

Dems fake it again (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:36 PM)

Did anyone but I see Jim Leach's speech last night? A Republican from Iowa calling for the need for change. I was so impressed by his clarity, reasoning and yet how his speech seemed to fall on deaf ears. We need to hear such speeches, consider such thoughts and forget the arguments about PUMAs, egos and demographics.

Rick Kirkeeide Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:38 PM)

I have supported Obama all the way. However, I'm as excited to hear Hillary speak tonight as I was to hear Michelle.

Go Hillary! (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:39 PM)

Vanquishing Hillary was agenda number one for many primary voters and also conservative pundits such as Peggy Noonan. She knows well how to cooperate with a man who has dashed her hopes (tutored by Bill Clinton) and will now have no choice but to support Obama. Her adoring women will follow. Obama '08

Hermine Clouser (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:42 PM)

Hillary is doing what she can to help obama as to WHY ?
As for us former Supporters we are "getting over it and moving on " But we're moving on to McCain.

Former Dems (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:42 PM)

Michelle Obama's speech last night led me to believe that she doesn't want women to be independent, economically or otherwise. You're supposed to be a wife and mother.....uh, I mean Stepford Wife.

Sick of Obama in MI (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:44 PM)

I hope this is Hillary's final speech!!!!! I am sick of this woman!!!!

Sue in La (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:46 PM)

Party Unity! Go Hilary, prove every skeptic wrong. Take the White House back Dems.

Joyce, ny (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:47 PM)

If and when Hillary Clinton (and Bill)can get behind Obama I'll be very happy. I frankly haven't seen the professional ability to suck up defeat like we saw from other candidates displayed by Mrs. Clinton. She's just appeared hollow speaking for Sen. Obama compared to fighting for herself. Surprize me Senator Clinton...I really hope you do. Vote Obama.

bill, okla (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:48 PM)

What is the point of this roll call vote, again? Why bother?

Democrats drop the ball, again (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:49 PM)

I read an article recently that said that PUMA's are Republicans who changed their party affiliation in the primaries to vote against Obama, and these are the ones causing a ruckus. In the end, Dems will back Obama.

Debra, Denver CO (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:49 PM)

Hey Rick,

I saw Leach last night, too and thought he was great. At first, he didn't seem to be getting much attention from the delegates but then he reeled them in. I think they should have made a bigger deal out of having a Republican speak, you know, to counter Joementum speaking for the Republicans.

You must have been watching on PBS or C-Span because the stupid networks didn't bother to go to the speech. I guess they think their Pundits have more to say than the speakers.

Kerry, Toledo, OH (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:52 PM)

You quote the AP like you can trust its reporting. With Fournier at the head, you never know whether it's fact or opinion.

pedestrian (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:52 PM)

just read how McCain used the POW card while defending his not knowing how many houses he owns....

we need a 527 to come out and say

"John McCain has a tendency to use his POW card quite a bit... we think its because he is as out of touch now, as he was then!" Then show him hugging Bush!!

POW this.. (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:53 PM)

What I'd like to see is an end to backhanded compliments & timely video leaks by the Clintons. If Obama loses she find out who really got 18 million votes & who was used by the republicans.

I also notice the press never mentions that her supporter aren't paying off her debt.

A Charles, LA, CA (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:53 PM)

Man, Hillary needs to seriously pass out the flier to all of her supporters that 23/6 put out. Effective, funny. www.236.com

Morgan Walker, Waltham, MA (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:54 PM)

I truly hope "Count Me In" is not construed by her rabid supporters sublimely as a signal.

Ted Kennedy really inspired me with his of hope.“I am strengthened by family and friendship;” said Ted Kennedy. And I am strengthened by your stewardship and members of your family who just like have fought the good fight. Most of all senator Kennedy, I want you to stay well and don’t over-exert yourself; because “the dream lives on” thru you.
Stay well senator Kennedy so we’ll see you in January.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:55 PM)

We love her deeply and can't wait to hear her tonight. Relax all you crazed Obama people - she can deliver the Democrats the White House like no other - and she will be as good as gold. She is a brilliant serious woman with a profound command of policy and gneuine concern for everyday peple. Time to stop the name calling and focus on the failed Republican agenda of the last eight years. If we do not do this now - I fear we are in for more Republican Power. Unite G-d Damn it!

Charley (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:56 PM)

HELLO!!!!!!!

Obambi is DROPPING in the polls.

By November it will be over.
Another lightweight, another loser, you should have goe with Hillary instead of a symblic phony.

SUCKERS!!!!!!!!

wise man, NY (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:57 PM)

Newsweek reports that three "white supremacists" were arrested with weapons in Denver, with some reason to think they were planning to do some damage. And now the Hillary supporters are wearing white wristbands. How did they pick white? They probably don't even realize what is motivating their anger against the man who won the nomination fair and square.

Michael Burken, Tempe, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:57 PM)

Please stop the Hillary bashing. It is mean and counter productive. The woman is a US Senator for God's sake.
As for the former Hillary supporters who say they are going to support McCain, can you tell me why? Hillary and Obama agree on 90% of the issues. Obama is a clear surrogate for her. Did you support Hillary because of her positions or because she is a woman? If you are supporting McCain are you doing so because you agree with his positions that are clearly counter to Hillary's or becuase you fall into the emotional stereotype. No one has dared answer this for me. Please explain.

Todd M (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:59 PM)

That woman scares me with her hints and innuendos. If she causes trouble for the legitimate nominee, the Party wil shun her, and man of us will never vote for her for as much as dog-catcher. I'll buy a big bumper sticker that reads, "Don't Blame Me---I Voted For Obama!"

Class Warriorr, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:00 PM)

I started looking at the pics of two of the idiots arrested in the plot against Obama... and the police should let them go.... they look smart enough to shoot one another.

wax on (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:02 PM)

Former Dems:

Since Senator Clinton's stances on the issues are more similar to those held by Senator Obama than to those held by Senator McCain, how do you justify voting for McCain? If the issues that are important to Senator Clinton were so important to you that you supported her so strongly, why would you not support Senator Obama since his election would provide a better chance for those proposals espoused by Senator Clinton to be enacted?

Senator McCain's views differ greatly from those of Senator Clinton, yet you would vote for him. Why?

Dorothy, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:02 PM)

A little perspective from Denver. Do not listen to MSNBC's coverage of this event. It is a completely false representaion of what is happening here. There is nothing short of electricity in the air. There is NO DRAMA HERE! The PUMA's are running around in small, loose packs screaming like lunatics. People are not even paying attention to them. They scream Republican smears at the top of there lungs. People just walk by and laugh. The vibe of this place is hopeful and intelligent. People really know the issues here and the conversations I've had with complete strangers are incredible. I repeat there is NO DRAMA HERE! I have not watched the coverage seeing that I am here but a friend in Seattle called me last night and told the entire coverage by MSNBC yesterday was solely based on creating drama out of thin air. I am very excited to see Hillary tonight. All of you people who are wishing for a story here will be proven wrong when she speaks. Her speech tonight will squash all this media created bull. What will MSNBC talk about now? God forbid you focus on issues! I encourage you guys to watch PBS. I've been told they are focusing on the convention itself. I'll try to check in again and give you the real story from Denver.

Mark,Seattle (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:03 PM)

Hillary/Warner 2012!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:03 PM)

Sen. Clinton has done a great job, and tonight will continue along this path. I would bet money that she never wanted the VP slot. I believe if Obama is elected he will give her an extremely important cabinet postition or Supreme Court nomination. I hope her supporters understand she can do much more good for women and this country in that capacity.

Lisa, Baltimore (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:03 PM)

The Democratic leaders have got to be some of the biggest fakes that have ever walked down the road in this country. What a facade the Clintons are putting up. Lets be real, Bill hates Barack, period, end of story. He thinks Obama is nothing more then a kid that never paid his dues and just got lucky. And Bill is right. Hillary doesn't like Obama either. Never has, never will. She put in the time, money, and effort to get her chance at the Presidency, only to have it take from her by a rookie senator that managed to get extremely positive coverage out of the MSM. I don't blame the Clintons. They built the Democratic party up from nothing, and now some inexperienced flatlander has taken the spoils.

Divided are the Democrats.

Divided We Fall (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:04 PM)

I used to love and respect the Clintons but this is pathetic and ridiculous. They should realize that this moment is not about the Clinton's and their personal quest for power. This is about America and Democratic ideals. This is about ending George W Bush's legacy of failure on all fronts. If they are willing to throw away this great moment of opportunity because of their selfishness then their legacy will be tarnished forever. I truly hope they do not try and steal the show!

And Clinton supporters that would rather support McCain show they have no real ideals, and are just bitter. McCain is the polar opposite of what Mrs. Clinton stands for (supposedly anyway). Go ahead and support McCain, we do not need sheep like you in our party!

Obama/Biden/America '08

Danielle, SLC UT (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:04 PM)

Just for the record, I've been a Democrat for my entire adult life (and I am 55). There is NO way I will vote for Obama/Biden. If Obama had had the sense to at least have Hillary as Vice I would have gone with it. But this last move is more than I can stand. Is there anyway we write Hillary in?? If not... oh well four more years of Republicans I guess.

Elizabeth, Knoxville, TN (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:04 PM)

All of you above need not worry about us former Clinton supporters. She is done ! But on the other hand we are too with the Dem party this year.
Time to pick up and try to save this counrty from Obama. Hillary was the first choice McCain is the second.

Former dem (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:08 PM)

There's a practical reason not to go through the entire roll call. The target audience for these messages is the just-tuning-in voter, and the networks those folks watch aren't doing gavel to gavel coverage any more. So the end of the roll call must take place by around or just after 10 PM Eastern time (8 PM Mountain time) when the main networks open their window of coverage.

Personally, I think it wouldn't hurt the Dems to go through the entire roll call with building cheers throughout for both camps, ending in a vote by acclamation at the end and a "Yes We Can, Yes We Will" moment of unity. But it's not like this is an unprecedented move, nor is it a gratuitous slap at Sen Clinton supporters.

Banzai, VA (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:10 PM)

I heard that the arrest of the people for the alleged asassination attempt had to be released because it was a warrantless search. And we know how Obama opposes those kinds of searches.

Sick of Obama in MI (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:13 PM)

Hillary is doing what she can to help obama as to WHY ?
As for us former Supporters we are "getting over it and moving on " But we're moving on to McCain.
______________________________________________

If you are voting for mcCane, then you never heard her message and you don't care what she stands for...

jp, miami, fl (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:14 PM)

I'll be watching intently tonight to see how Hillary handles herself. How she behaves will base my decision on whether to vote for her reelection as Senator here in NY. If she and Bill don't do the right thing for the Country and the Party by throwing themselves whole-heartedly and SINCERELY into supporting Obama, thenthe legacy they are so worried about will be one of betrayel and shame.

Christine, Hadley, NY (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:14 PM)

you know PUMA's This is not about Hillary or Bill Clinton. Its not about Michelle Obama. Its not about John McCain or Barack Obama.

Its about my kids and yours. Its about their future and their America. Its not about blowhards and egos. Its about whats best for this country. SO use your vote wisely.

frank, NC (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:15 PM)

Elizabeth... go ahead and vote for McCain. That way in 2012, after Roe v Wade is overturned and women's rights have been put on the back burner you can look in the mirror and blame yourself. Hopefully you have a daughter that can thank you later.

All these so-called Dem's threatening to vote for McCain, please, feel free. The damage that will cause won't be reversed during your life-time or your kids.

That'll teach Obama!!

dumb idiots for McCain (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:17 PM)

To Hillary supporters to are voting for McCain: While I understand your disappointment, I do NOT understand this backlash effort to elect McCain. If you get him elected, I hope that you are wealthy enough to keep your kids out of the draft he will implement when he starts yet another war. I hope you are rich enough to do without tax relief because he will he giving relief to the wealthiest Americans. I hope that you are rich emough to pay for gas and groceries for the next four years. I hope you don't care how women how treated because he is against your having the right to choose and he married the rich and beautiful Cindy only 30 days after divorcing his first crippled wife. What a champion for women he is!!

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:19 PM)

I'll start with the fact that this is my first year as a registered voter.

I've never considered myself a Republican or a Democrat. Folks seem to be concerened with Senator Obama's resume, on if he has enough experience, enough grit, to pull the country up by the bootstraps...I for one say anyone who can go toe to toe with the Clintons can.

The Clintons have dominated the Democratic party for better than 15 years. Sure they want to secure their legacy, anyone in their position would. However, they need to come to the realization that being noble and, dare I say, humble at this juncture will go much further in doing that thain painting the picture that the party is meat they just don't want to take their claws out of just yet.

Bill, Hillary, do the right thing. The "just" thing. Ask your supporters that if they truly do support you as vehemently and deeply as they say they do, that they'll make sure the country ends up in Democratic hands in November. Legacy becomes MUCH more impressive when you have a major hand in ushering in change than having a minor hand in defeating it.

The Clintons are full of pride, and that's not always a bad thing. But now? What's more important? Pride in yourself? In your own personal accomplishments? Or Pride in knowing you helped shape the future and put your party back on top instead of the smug pride of knowing that you held it back?

Clinton supporters, please, enough with the "I'll take my bat and ball and go home them" attitude. It negates any credibility you have for wanting a better counrty, and it dishonors the person you so stringently threw your support behind.

McCain runs attack adds that are either distoring the truth or outright lies. Why? Because he knows he doesn't have to focus on the issues. All he has to focus on is the continued rift the Democrats (with the help of the media, they are not blameless here) continue to create.

If the Clintons and their supporters can learn some mild humility and see the bigger picture, McCain will be left to think on his own and face the issues, and he'll have no chance.

Put aside your pride for yourself and put it in your Country, and lets make sure we get a Democrat in the White House in November.

R.L., NJ (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:19 PM)

Watch PBS for the best coverage. The other networks are trying to generate false drama and their pundits are way too full of themselves, except for Rachel Maddow. Scroll up to Mark, Seattle above for the real perspective.

LA Alameda, CA (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:21 PM)

This type of stuff is so amazing to me. The fact that this is "news". It's sort of like when you go to a movie that someone told you was great and you leave the theater like wtf?!? You take out of it what you brought to it. What ever the Clintons say, at this point, will be interpreted by whether you think they are still "salty" about Hillary not getting the nomination. It is what it is. Let's take the Clintons for thier word. Quit fueling the "republicans" wish to drive a wedge between Hillary supporters and the democratic party.

Thed Weller, Bessemer, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:22 PM)

Sick of Obama in MI (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:44 PM)

Michelle Obama's speech last night led me to believe that she doesn't want women to be independent, economically or otherwise. You're supposed to be a wife and mother.....uh, I mean Stepford Wife.
========================
How long did you watch Michelle’s speech. Or do you have attention deficit disorder? Michelle is a working mother, managing her household, works for Univ of Chicago Hosp, and is now helping with her husband’s campaign.
Nobody but Obama
Obama/Biden 08/12
===========================
What’s up with the Clinton’s not allowing Obama’s campaign to vet Hillary’s speech? Please don’t commit political suicide tonight, Hillary.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:23 PM)

My sister has had a bad breakup--the guy was abusive. She also got downsized out of her job recently, after years of hard work there. She is really for Hillary, and I told her that I think she has adopted Hillary as her game piece in the big game. She wants Hillary to win or get some respect just as she does for herself--at any cost to others. So more bombs will fall, Roe v. Wade will fall, universal health care will fall, and the very environment that sustains us will fall. When I put it to her like that, she looked a little crazy, but she said, "something like that." I can't think of anything more monstrously selfish, but it does come from a wounded place, and I think we baby boomers are pretty selfish folks. And a lot more prejudiced than we will ever let on.

michael Burken, Tempe, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:24 PM)

I don't understand how ANY Hillary supporter could possibly vote for McCain. Didn't you listen to what she stands for? ALL of her causes would be defeated if McCain wins! Think about it!

SUPREME COURT
HEALTH CARE
ECONOMY
ENERGY

How in the world could you possibly vote for McCain if you supported Hillary?

Krissy (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:26 PM)

I want to THANK Senator Clinton for her continuing support of the Obama/Biden ticket. She's a great Senator and will play a major role in the coming administration.

Don't let the Republican covert operatives fool you. They hire folks to post as PUMAs and disgruntled Dems because they would like to USE American women to win.

America, particularly its women, are far smarter than that. So, THANK YOU Senator Clinton... we love you and respect you and know you will give a great speech tonight endorsing Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Things that get said in a primary fight are just that... words in a battle. Senator Clinton had the fight of her life and she's STILL the woman of the year! Those of us who back Obama truly appreciate her gracefulness and her strength and her endorsement. We NEED you Hillary.

Can't wait to watch you tonight!

D. Casey (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:26 PM)

I continue to be amazed at the Hillary supporters who say they are going to vote for McCain. Don't they believe in what she stands for? There is a clear distinction between her views and those of John McCain, and minimal differences between her views and those of Barack Obama. I understand it's difficult to let go, but being a one issue candidate (I'm assuming it's women rights) tells me they aren't really interested in what's happening in this country, just their own agenda.

Sandy (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:26 PM)

For 'The Real Truth', posted August 26 @9:28 a.m.:
I wondered when the first threat of race riots would come-you Obama supporters are predictable-and frightening.

Donna, Lincroft, NJ (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:26 PM)

Why is it that none of you Hillary supporters who are going to vote for McCain can explain your reasons? Shouldn't you honor Hillary by voting for someone who shares her beliefs and is a champion of women rather than the opposite? This is too important an election to be thrown away by bitterness and racism.

MDA, Port Jefferson, NY (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:26 PM)

ANY DEM WHO WOULD VOTE AGAINST DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND PRINCIPALS BECAUSE THEY ARE MAD ARE JUST STUPID

Nj (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:26 PM)

All I can say to this article is "Count me in" as another lifelong democrat who will be voting McCain.

This party has crossed the line so blatantly, and as a dem, I cannot stand by and credify it's poor principles. Not even watching the circus effort to woo the naysayers - first time ever missed.

McCain has enough independent reasoning ability for me, and will certainly be a far better choice than Obama in many ways, though I may differ with many of his ideas. And that's coming from someone who ADORES Biden, which breaks my heart - he's deserved a seat in the White House for a long time.

Take heed DNC. This isn't what the dems are about. You're on your own without so many of us, and as closely divided as this country is, it will only take a handful to swing the election to the Republicans. I cannot fathom how you can keep hiding your head in the sand about this.

It saddens me to say it, but as a true democrat, I will vote my conscience, and that means NOT the Obama ticket. Indeed, "Count me in".

California Democrat (Sent Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:27 PM)

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