Hillary, Sans Q&A

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Tag(s): 2008 Election Presidential Primary; Bucks County; Campaign Strategies Skills Techniques; Clinton-Hillary; Elections_Campaigns; Media Garbage Drivel; Presidential Campaign Democratic
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April 15, 2008 at 10:27:26

Headlined on 4/15/08:
Hillary, Sans Q&A

by Rob Kall Page 1 of 2 page(s)

http://www.opednews.com

This started as an email, in response to an editor who rejected a nasty screed against Obama. Before posting it, another editor wrote me too, commenting on how unacceptable the article was.

* * *

I went to a Hillary rally last night and had dinner afterwards with two friends who are Hillary supporters.

Hillary at a rally in Bristol, PA
Donna, who is one of my "drinking liberally" buddies, asked me what I was feeling, as an Obama supporter, amongst such a throng of Hillary supporters. "Sympathy," I replied.

I know, because we've talked about it, that Donna will get behind and campaign for Obama when he wins. She says "IF." And I know how much more passionate many of the over 50, over 70 women are about wanting to have their first female president. So I do feel sympathy for them, knowing that the odds are so against them. I also understand how angry they are. When they complain about how terribly Obama supporters are bashing Hillary, I know that Obama supporters are feeling the same way. There's a lot of anger out there, on both sides, a lot of indignation. I'm feeling indignant when I see Hilary's attack ad, running in PA, whereas Obama is not running attack ads. Of course, I may be seeing things differently than Hillary supporters.

My other Hillary supporting dinner companion, a guy I went to kindergarten with, could have said the same kinds of stuff as the article writer said. Last time we got together, I insisted we not talk politics. I knew where it would go. I'm used to it. My brother considers liberals to be "wackos," and supported Bush both times. This dinner, there was no avoiding talking politics. My friend said he was terribly offended by Obama having Rev. Wright as a minister, was disgusted by Michelle Obama saying "This is the first time I'm proud of America."

"No, that's not what she said," I told him.

Getting a bit excited, he replied, "Yes it is. I heard her."

"No. You've got it wrong, " I recountered. "She said, 'This is the first time I'm REALLY proud. There's a big difference"

Then after we were discussing Universal health care, which Donna agreed with me on, he asked us, "If you had to pick one kind of government, which would you pick?... "

I knew where THAT was going-- capitalism communist or socialist. I stopped him and I told him I loved him (thinking how we'd been friends over 50 years,) that I know he's brilliant, and smarter than me (he's an inventor who holds several patents) but, using my most, eloquent language, I explained to him, "when it comes to politics, you're a fucking idiot. We both laughed. What the hell. At least he registered to vote in this election, for the first time in 10 or 15 years, he reported. Go figure. What can I say. Old friends come with warts... and I do still love him.

Now about that article, which said, among other things:

I would probably have accepted the article you rejected. There's a lot of that kind of talk out there and its being spoken by passionate Democrats. I don't want to shut out their voices, even if I totally disagree with them.
The people at the Hillary event cheered louder and longer than the people at the Obama event I attended the week before, lapping up the canned stump speech lines Hillary has honed over the recent weeks. But the crowd was much smaller. And for me, the event was very disappointing. I'd come ready to ask a question and Hillary didn't do questions.

Obama did at least a half hour of questions, even though he arrived late. Hillary had arrived at about 7:15, 45 minutes early. That wasn't a problem, since the event was scheduled from 6-9 PM.
So she should have had plenty of time to ask questions.

The thing is, it's safer to skip the questions. When you answer questions, you go off script, off message and you expose yourself to risk-- the risk of making a mistake, a mis-statement, a mis-speaking. I mean real mis-speaks, not ones that are repeated over and over again as part of planned stump speeches. It takes much more courage to answer questions. The big plus of answering questions is you go further , out on a limb, but you also further enable potential supporters to find out who you are and what you are about.

That's why I'm looking forward to the debate at Philly's Constitution Center tonight.

1 | 2

Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as organizer of several conferences, including StoryCon, the Summit Meeting on the Art, Science and Application of Story and The Winter Brain Meeting on neurofeedback, biofeedback, Optimal Functioning and Positive Psychology. See more of his articles here and, older ones, here.

The framed magazine cover, with the word "IDEAS" spelled out in lightbulbs, is based on an article Rob wrote for Writers Digest, telling the magazine's quarter million readers how to come up with and pitch article ideas. To learn more about me and OpEdNews.com, check out this article.

and there are Rob's quotes, here. To Watch me on youtube, having a lively conversation with John Conyers, Chair of the House Judiciary committee, click here Now, wouldn't you like to see me on the political news shows, representing progressives. If so, tell your favorite shows to bring me on and refer them to this youtube video

My radio show, The Rob Kall Show, runs 9-10 PM EST Wednesday evenings, on AM 1360, WNJC and is archived on www.whiterosesociety.org Or listen to it streaming, live at either www.wnjc1360.com or here.

Or check the archived interviews at: whiterosesociety.org A few declarations. -While I'm registered as a Democrat, I consider myself to be a dynamic critic of the Democratic party, just as, well, not quite as much, but almost as much as I am a critic of republicans. -My articles express my personal opinion, not the opinion of this website.

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11 comments

Jeff Wenker is a writer and PR guy living on an island in Puget Sound, Washington. Born in Los Angeles on the day California was admitted into the union (but not the year), graduated from Berkeley with a degree in History (Russian), walked the earth, freelanced in San Francisco, wrote anything to survive, rode the tech boom and bust, now does PR for greentech companies, and writes poetry on the side.
Jeff WenkerJeff Wenker is a writer and PR guy living on an island in Puget Sound, Washington. Born in Los Angeles on the day California was admitted into the union (but not the year), graduated from Berkeley with a degree in History (Russian), walked the earth, freelanced in San Francisco, wrote anything to survive, rode the tech boom and bust, now does PR for greentech companies, and writes poetry on the side.

Friends and brothers

Denounce us as others

the government and the people had a painful divorce

when the rich want action they go straight to the source

Hundreds of millions

Hillians and Billians

Campaign financing

The cash flows around

Dining and dancing, wallet romancing

Writing checks makes hardly a sound

Compared to the cries of the fiscally bound

Two thousand bucks is a mort-gauge payment

We can’t afford this extra rent

Disposable income already spent

Us vassals pay an automatic tax

Stretched to the limit we can’t relax

The war is funded on our backs

Money for networks, CNN and FOX

The cozy circle: donation - an ad buy - the expert talks

Tracking the horse race as the rest of us watch

Complacent then choosing like Goldilocks

Too high or too low or right in the crotch

They kick us and trick us

The show goes on

Til the first Wednesday in November

When the politicians are gone

Then we hope they remember

And this wasn’t a con.

by Jeff Wenker (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 13 comments) on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 11:39:43 AM

I've lived in Ca. for about forty years, I have one daughter who is in the final stages of MS.Since my daughter's illness nine years ago, there has been many challenges, in her short life. I also have grown and developed from helping her deal with this illness.

I really enjoy politics, you probably might call me a political wonk. In February I received my wings, when I had this opportunity to hear Bill Clinton speak in Orange County. I woke up at 2:00AM ready to drive out to Orange ...

to see more of bio, click on member name
dianeb 1123398992I've lived in Ca. for about forty years, I have one daughter who is in the final stages of MS.Since my daughter's illness nine years ago, there has been many challenges, in her short life. I also have grown and developed from helping her deal with this illness.

I really enjoy politics, you probably might call me a political wonk. In February I received my wings, when I had this opportunity to hear Bill Clinton speak in Orange County. I woke up at 2:00AM ready to drive out to Orange ...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Hillary

I had the pleasure of listening to Hillary Clinton speak at Cal State LA, it was wonderful and yes she spoke of Universal Health Care, along with lowering tuition for student loans,and new program's to help peolple not going to College, and so much more.

I gather you can tell I was impressed, like you Rob, i was surprised to note how petite Senator Clinton is, and I now realize she will be our shortest President.

by dianeb 1123398992 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 7 comments) on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 12:08:02 PM

56 years on this jumpin' green sphere. Musician. Own and operate a music store to help kids find a possible life long friend. I believe in the soul and the search. Happily married w/ 2 boys. Published songwriter. play bass, piano and gut string guitar. there are no solutions..only alternatives. Ask questions. Listen. Be fair and don't expect. Baseball is a mirror. Don't ask....unless you have time and a sense of humor. Peace is never easy, but worth it. Always.
mikel paul56 years on this jumpin' green sphere. Musician. Own and operate a music store to help kids find a possible life long friend. I believe in the soul and the search. Happily married w/ 2 boys. Published songwriter. play bass, piano and gut string guitar. there are no solutions..only alternatives. Ask questions. Listen. Be fair and don't expect. Baseball is a mirror. Don't ask....unless you have time and a sense of humor. Peace is never easy, but worth it. Always.

much ado about nothing...

It is what it is. Just a ? for you.

Rob, if you had 3 different landscape contractors biding to correct a water drainage issue on your property and all 3 told you that for the 6 years you've had this problem of soil erosion, with each years runoff worse than the last......and then if all 3 recommended to wait and see how it goes before deciding what to do, what would you do?

I am so fed up with the effort we are spending defending and deriding the 3.

Get a shovel. Dig 2 french drains. Get your buds to help. Dinner and drinks. A little biofreeze for the aches and pains and TaDa..DONE.

Look a what YOU built here. Nuff said.

What the hell are we doing? Giving it away.

peace

by mikel paul (5 articles, 1 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 309 comments) on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 12:55:34 PM

Eric Nelson is free lance writer and spirtual progressive from Minnesota who has become more politically active. The reasons for this should be obvious to most; rising poverty, a broken health care system, and a growing global environmental crisis. Eric is also a web informatics expert.
E. NelsonEric Nelson is free lance writer and spirtual progressive from Minnesota who has become more politically active. The reasons for this should be obvious to most; rising poverty, a broken health care system, and a growing global environmental crisis. Eric is also a web informatics expert.

What Obama was trying to say

It is too bad the talking heads and the Clintons would rather create another diversion then deal with the real issue that Obama tried to raise in a 15 second badly worded sound bite. The fact of the matter is that rural America IS hurting real bad. Rising gas prices, a broken health care system, free trade policies that hurt the middle class, and farm subsidies that predominantly go to the multi-million dollar corporate farms.

Of course rural America is bitter. Who wouldn't be under the current conditions. Obama attempted to start a dialogue to address this because for too long politicians on both sides have tried to distract rural American with wedge issues like Religion, immigrants, guns, and gays instead of addressing the ACTUAL problems.

No one is trying to discount these other side issues but the fact is NONE of these issues will do anything to alleviate the frustrations that rural America is feeling right now.

by E. Nelson (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 40 comments) on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 1:46:36 PM

Born in Philadelphia, grew up on a farm, which my parents lost in the Great Depression. I suppose my political inclination began when I watched Dad ride our horse across snow-covered fields to vote for FDR. Married, three great sons, divorced. Still learning.
L.M. ArndtBorn in Philadelphia, grew up on a farm, which my parents lost in the Great Depression. I suppose my political inclination began when I watched Dad ride our horse across snow-covered fields to vote for FDR. Married, three great sons, divorced. Still learning.

Obama's "bitter" comment

He probably should have said "frustrated," but to me Obama showed, in his comment, an empathy for those, especially in the hinterlands, who have lost out, lost not only jobs but their optimism, not only their quality of life but the bedrock of their history. They learn that their own government has adopted assasination, secret prisons, and torture as official policy. They see their environment trashed, they can't buy anything made in the U.S., their local stores and downtowns disappear. How did this happen? Who wouldn't feel some bitterness?

Hillary would pretend all is well. Obama empathizes. And catches hell for it.

by L.M. Arndt (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 34 comments) on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 10:15:53 PM

A writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Mark SashineA writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name

what is really amazing

is that MSM had manufactured our consent so much that we really discuss what Hillary said, what Obama said, who the pastor was, ... Who cares! The real things, the war, the hijacking of freedoms, the crime against Humanity, the thievery, the looting, the Katrina disaster- not even mentioned, not discussed, not sought. For goodness sake, we have gas prices soaring and.. we still bicker what Hillary says? What a joke!

WHO is behind Hillary? WHO is behind McCain? WHO is behind Obama? Will those WHOs drive us to WWIII? Those are to be the questions to ask, to analyse, to ponder. Boy, we behave like children with lollypops. Only those are lollypoops, people and shit is fed to you.

I am scared with the low level I witness. This is really amazing.

by Mark Sashine (44 articles, 19 quicklinks, 228 diaries, 3265 comments) on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 2:00:39 PM

RE: what is really amazing

Mark. You said it.

peace

by mikel paul (5 articles, 1 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 309 comments) on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 2:07:28 PM

I'm a concerned, middle aged blogger and member of the ACLU. I hail from the Bay Area. I Lobbied congress with the ACLU over the more unconstitutional elements of the USA Patriot Act. Marched in peace protests, lost a former school chum in the world trade center on 9/11.
Michael ShawI'm a concerned, middle aged blogger and member of the ACLU. I hail from the Bay Area. I Lobbied congress with the ACLU over the more unconstitutional elements of the USA Patriot Act. Marched in peace protests, lost a former school chum in the world trade center on 9/11.

Hey Mark,

also note that the major media, while presenting less coverage on McCain is also giving him the most positive commentary. He's a hero, a decent man, not a guy who helped Keating rip-off little old ladies on set incomes.

by Michael Shaw (7 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 304 comments) on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 12:20:34 AM

I am a Musician, political Junkie, Father, Husband, who cares very much about the United States of America and what is being done to the Ideals and citizens of this great Nation.

I want to restore the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to what the founders of this nation intended to protect us from.

I was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y. and I now reside in Florida. I am tired of the media being manipulated by Faux News and right wing propaganda that leading our Democracy i...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Michael ChaversI am a Musician, political Junkie, Father, Husband, who cares very much about the United States of America and what is being done to the Ideals and citizens of this great Nation.

I want to restore the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to what the founders of this nation intended to protect us from.

I was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y. and I now reside in Florida. I am tired of the media being manipulated by Faux News and right wing propaganda that leading our Democracy i...

to see more of bio, click on member name

I am tired

I am tired of Bush’s and Clinton’s unless perhaps we get George Clinton for the inaugural ball playing, the roof is on fire let the Mutha F#$&er burn!!!

by Michael Chavers (41 articles, 0 quicklinks, 11 diaries, 168 comments) on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 4:03:28 PM

i am retired military veteran. i served over 25 years in the Unites States Army. i retired in 1983. i served in the vietnam war. a total of 27 months in that war. i also retired from Boeing aircraft. i am 68 years old. i live in texas. iwork out on my treadmill each day. i am married. i like politics. but i dont like what is going on in our government. we need a better government with politicans that answer to the people of america. after all this is our government. ( we the people) according to...

to see more of bio, click on member name
vincent passiatorei am retired military veteran. i served over 25 years in the Unites States Army. i retired in 1983. i served in the vietnam war. a total of 27 months in that war. i also retired from Boeing aircraft. i am 68 years old. i live in texas. iwork out on my treadmill each day. i am married. i like politics. but i dont like what is going on in our government. we need a better government with politicans that answer to the people of america. after all this is our government. ( we the people) according to...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Hillary

All politicans are worthless and ruthless in Washington D.C. kick all these SCUM-BUMS out and start over with. Politicans thrive while America burns in ashes. whats wrong with you people in America??? WAKE UP ALL YOU BOZZO'S. CAN'T YOU SEE THE LIGHT. we are finished as a nation. were to far gone. All because you let this happen. keep letting these scum balls have their way including that crap as a president and the republican party. its just a matter of time.

by vincent passiatore (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 141 comments) on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 11:25:43 PM

I'm a 64 year-old disabled psychotherapist who is a proud activist/liberal despite my having lived in Pine Bluff,Arkansas amidst extreme conservatives all my life. I was a single father to a now 38-year-old Califonia Energy Policy Analyst and am currently a single father of a 14-year-old budding liberal.Fantasy dinner guests would include Bill Moyers, Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Mark Morford, Frank Rich, Molly Ivins,Jill Hennesey, Rachel Griffith,Winona Ryder,Mia Farrow, Audrey Hepburn,Contess...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Roy MurtishawI'm a 64 year-old disabled psychotherapist who is a proud activist/liberal despite my having lived in Pine Bluff,Arkansas amidst extreme conservatives all my life. I was a single father to a now 38-year-old Califonia Energy Policy Analyst and am currently a single father of a 14-year-old budding liberal.Fantasy dinner guests would include Bill Moyers, Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Mark Morford, Frank Rich, Molly Ivins,Jill Hennesey, Rachel Griffith,Winona Ryder,Mia Farrow, Audrey Hepburn,Contess...

to see more of bio, click on member name

From Bios: Heights of the candidates

Dennis Kucinich is estimated to be 5' 7'' or 5' 8''. His wife Elizabeth Harper Kucinich stands 6 feet tall and she's a natural redhead according to Wikipedia. Elizabeth is also more than 30 years younger than her candidate husband. Interestingly, John McCain is 5'7" which is rarely noted by the media. McCain also reportedly wears 2 inch lifts and proclaims he is 5'9", although his own official biography reports 5'7". Isn't it curious how often Kucinich was constantly demeaned about being so diminutive although he is actually slightly taller than McCain?

Barack Obama Height - Obama's
barack obama was on the david letterman show.they are both 6'1.5 in.tall.both david
letterman and barack obama look about the same height.6'0 tall barefoot ...
www.celebheights.com/s/Barack-Obama-4695.html

Hillary is reportedly 5'6'' which is considerably taller than my own personal observations during my 30+ year acquaintance with her.

by Roy Murtishaw (11 articles, 0 quicklinks, 9 diaries, 78 comments) on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 9:07:42 AM

11 comments

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