Today is the kick off of the Texas State Democratic Party Convention. Texas was the only state that both candidates won... and in the end, I couldn't think of a better place for Unity to start. Three Reports from BOR for celebration on this Unity Friday.
Tonight, Chelsea Clinton is expected to call for Unity while thanking supporters
On Friday night, Chelsea Clinton will address the State Democratic Convention in Austin. She is expected to thank her mother's supporters for their hard work and to call for Democratic unity in November.
In what will be the largest gathering of Clinton and Obama supporters likely this week, things are going smoothly
All in all, though, civil. A few folks still seemed to have not read the memo about "everyone showing unity and coming together" but they were in the vast minority, at least from what I saw. I didn't see or hear about anything offensive, serious, or in any way troubling, and I think that bodes well for what is sure to be a packed convention.
By and large, a great start to the first day.
And in a nearly Poetic Posting, a Clinton Delegate and Texas/Montana Volunteer answers the question: What's a Clinton Delegate to Do (this is one to forward to Clinton Supporting friends)
We finally have our Democratic nominee, Barack Obama, for whom I will proudly volunteer for in the coming months and vote for in November.
But at this weekend's State Democratic Convention, as a delegate from SD14, I will cast my vote for Hillary Clinton.
To Obama supporters, do not interpret those of us who vote for Hillary as anti-Obama voters. This has been a long primary process and while the healing process has begun, it has not completed. Bullying the most loyal of Clinton supporters to cast a vote for Obama at the convention will be counter-productive. Encourage and welcome them to the Obama campaign but do not disparage them for standing up for the candidate that they believe has been standing up for them is the campaign. If the tables were reversed, I hope we would be respecting your right to stand by Obama as well.
Let me end with a definitive statement: a vote for anyone other than Barack Obama in November is a vote against everything that Hillary Clinton stands for.
If you allow your personal resentment to manifest itself in a vote for John McCain, you are doing your party and, more importantly, your country a great disservice.
I have great respect for any Clinton Delegates attending the convention this weekend. They've certainly earned their right to express their vote as they see fit. It's incumbent upon the Obama delegation however to treat their friends and neighbors with supreme utmost respect. Texas is possibly in Play this fall, and together, Clinton Supporters and Obama supporters can drive turnout up amongst Hispanics and Blacks, youth and women to help turn Texas Blue...
We have Senate Races that are hot, House races that are attracting superstar fundraisers like Wes Clark and Kathleen Sebelius, and certainly David Axelrod will be back in the state the next several days fundraising and strategizing.
A Huge Unity Hug this Friday Morning... and again, David's words, not mine... a Clinton Supporter whose done much more to express that support than your average online poster at no quarter and such
Let me end with a definitive statement: a vote for anyone other than Barack Obama in November is a vote against everything that Hillary Clinton stands for.
This statement couldn't be more Clear. An Timely.