But her people don’t seem to be in the mood for unity:

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s most loyal delegates came to the Pepsi Center on Tuesday night looking for direction. They listened, rapt, to a 20-minute speech that many proclaimed the best she had ever delivered, hoping her words could somehow unwind a year of tension in the Democratic Party. But when Clinton stepped off the stage and the standing ovation faded into silence, many of her supporters were left with a sobering realization: Even a tremendous speech couldn’t erase their frustrations.
Despite Clinton’s plea for Democrats to unite, her delegates remained divided as to how they should proceed.

The article goes on to report the reaction of some of her supporters. They interviewed supporters who intend to move on and vote for Obama, a supporter who intends to work really hard to get McCain elected, a supporter who will work for her Congressman but not Obama, and supporters who don’t know what they’ll do.
The article also points out the devotion of her supporters:

Clinton said Tuesday night that it is Obama’s convention. But many of her supporters came here exclusively to honor her. One group traveled from New York and built an impromptu museum commemorating Clinton’s historic campaign. Another lighted thousands of candles in a park to symbolize her widespread support.
On Tuesday morning, hundreds of loyalists formed a 200-yard parade and marched through downtown. They shouted into loudspeakers and beat drums, creating a cacophony that echoed across the blocks. As they began marching, some of the supporters chanted, “We want a roll call.” Many of them wore their opinions on T-shirts: Country Over Party. Damn, We Wish You Were President. Still Making History. Democrats Left Behind.
At the front of the parade route, one banner summarized their message: Hillary. Who Else?

“A lot of people came here just because they wanted to celebrate Hillary,” said Elizabeth Fiechter, a New York City lawyer who helped organize the parade. “We get criticism because there’s this idea that the election should move on and just leave her behind. We’re not going down that quietly.”

We may knock Obama for his devotees but it seems that Hillary has her own group of worshipers.
If McCain does win this election and it’s the Clinton supporters who put him over the top, he better broaden his base because he will have a hard time going against Clinton in 2012. These women will not be denied 🙂 and four years will only strengthen their resolve.

More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad