Clinton campaign sends volunteer to Obama

[jefferson_dem]

Clinton campaign sends volunteer to Obama
August 25, 2007

I came to Iowa as a die-hard Hillary Clinton supporter/volunteer, who was ready to help elect the first woman president of the United States.

I had extra time to spend in Iowa before a trip to Fargo, so I decided to volunteer for a week before I went to Fargo and for two weeks afterward.

Within the first couple of days of arriving, I had seen three field workers cry because of the abuse they took. The volunteers were segregated and treated like second-class citizens. I left after my first week, hoping things would change, but they did not.

I was ignored, even though I asked many people for work to do. So I decided to leave the campaign as a volunteer, knowing that I have been supporting the wrong candidate.

As a former state president of College Democrats and having worked on numerous campaigns, I have never seen people treated so badly. I have officially changed my views: I believe Barack Obama will be the best president of United States.

- James Henson,
Oklahoma City, Okla.

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070825/OPINION04/708250312/-1/SPORTS06

[draft_mario_cuomo]

1. Wow, HRC angered 1 volunteer while BO sent out a memo smearing an entire ethnic group

Hmmm...tough call? I guess I would rather have the former.

Jeff_Dem, what are the "rules" on posting negative threads? You seem to shift like a reed in the wind on that based on whether it is anti-Obama or anti-Clinton/anti-Edwards. It is amusing to see one who whines about threads critical, or even merely questioning, of Obama post threads like this about Clinton.

[jefferson_dem]

6. This is an editorial written by a volunteer and published in the Des Moines Register...

which is the most influential paper in all of Iowa.

Granted, it's only the author's personal experience and his own perspective and I offer no broader inferences (in the form of in-text commentary) about either Hillary or Obama.

Yesterday, at one point, you had six blatantly anti-Obama threads on the GD-P front page. Not sure anyone can top that.

[creeksneakers2]

15. How do you know its a volunteer and not a fake? n/t

[jefferson_dem]

27. Because he says he's a volunteer.

I have no reason to dispute that. Seems the burden is on anyone who has evidence to the contrary.

[draft_mario_cuomo]

47. So the Jeff_Dem rules is if someone else wrote it then it is kosher?

Got it...

[AX10]

2. James Henson was most likely an Obama volunteer...

from day one.

[draft_mario_cuomo]

3. Shh...don't state the obvious about another ham-headed effort to smear Clinton from the BO campaign

[AtomicKitten]

5. With just a teensy bit of insight --

you would realize you are complaining about the very thing you do here at DU every waking hour.

[catgirl]

61. Great picture AtomicKitten!

I love the idea of a Gore/Obama ticket. What a great impact they would make.

[jefferson_dem]

7. Do you know that for a fact or are you just projecting maniacal motivations on Obama again?

:shrug:

[Capn Sunshine]

17. If your only frame of reference is maniacal motivations

That's how you're going to view everything in a campaign.
To a lonely man with a hammer the whole world becomes a nail

[durrrty libby]

19. My heart goes out to James

Obviously, he was tormented by heartless Hill vampires

Clearly, the deep psychological damage and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder he developed from his week of agony and suffering forced him to abandon his deeply held beliefs. He simply had no choice but to switch camps and record his trauma , so the world would understand his angst-ridden reason for such sacrifice :cry:

[saracat]

39. Why don't you bother to substantiate this and if true help correct it

instead of just trashing a kid that other posters have made the effort to prove actually does exist and may have been treated badly? This is not uncommon treatment of volunteers and not limited to Hillary. His knowledge suggests he knows what he is talking about, which is more than I can say for some!

[DURHAM D]

51. What knowledge is that? eom

[saracat]

64. His description was typical of many volunteers in these campaigns, particularly the repeated asking

You would probably not know that unless you had experienced it. It is a chronic complaint among the volunteers in many campaigns.

[jefferson_dem]

49. Thanks for providing more evidence for the sort of nasty demeanor of Hillary's "people" that

James talks about.

You do nothing but help confirm his shabby treatment. Your candidate would surely be proud.

[durrrty libby]

55. And Thank You for showing yourself as typical of the small petty BO slime machine

[cboy4]

4. You're able to change candidates just like that because of

the way campaign workers are treated?

Interesting.

Does Hillary know about this? Is it one bad campaign worker apple in the bunch that's spoiling the bunch?

I'm not questioning your experience.

But I find it hard to believe she would condone the abuse of people who are trying to help her win.

[ccpup]

11. no, she didn't condone the "abuse"

of campaign workers when I was part of her team in 2000, but that doesn't mean people don't leave disappointed and frustrated for reasons that, truly, have nothing to do with her. And for this person to place the blame at Hillary's doorstep is a little disingenuous. That's like saying if I were to go to Obama's campaign, stand there for 5 minutes for some campaign info and be ignored by the Front Desk staff, that somehow that's Obama's fault? It's called Reality of a Busy Campaign and someone needs to grow thicker skin.

[rodeodance]

33. It was ugly to write a LTTE about it as this man did.

[Colobo]

8. I don't trust this story. Not that it's not true, it might be...

but I'm suspicious.

[BeyondGeography]

9. Well, there is a real James Henson of the Oklahoma College Democrats

He is listed as a participant at the 2006 College Democrats of America Convention:

http://www.laurenwolfe.org/a/2006/07/supporters.php

MyDD also reports the story without questioning its veracity:

http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/8/25/131543/641

[rodeodance]

29. nice to know

[ccpup]

10. when I worked with Hillary

in her 2000 Senate campaign, we often got volunteers who really, really, REALLY wanted to be part of the campaign who would then leave, after a week or so of helping do mass mailings, make countless phone calls and basically do work they found unglamorous, tedious and unexciting, feeling as if they had been treated shabbily or badly or something. I trust many of them came in believing they'd work hands-on with the Candidate and, when it became evident that wasn't the case and there was little chance they'd "move up" to something more glamorous, they left in disgust, bitterly complaining as if somehow it was the Candidate's fault.

Is this Hillary's fault? No. Is this probably the unacknowledged norm in political campaigns? You betcha! The reality of a political campaign sucks, especially if your expectations are even a little bit high and you find yourself stuffing campaign literature (flyers) into envelopes.

[rodeodance]

30. 'volies' as they are called are in the celler of lots of campaigns. I worked as

a volie for Kerry----skud work, it was called. I felt good about it though.

[OKNancy]

12. I have to laugh at the irony.

My daughter was a part of the Oklahoma College Democrats for a while recently ( she is a Senior at OU ) She quit. She told me, "they are the biggest losers ever, the most un-organized, un-friendly bunch of bullshitters I've ever met." I can't wait to call her and ask if she knows this person.

[ccpup]

13. that could be very interesting

very interesting indeed :-)

[rodeodance]

31. and do let us know. thanks

[saracat]

14. Democrats notoriously treat volunteers badly.

That being said it is often a reflection of the particular candidate how volunteers are treated on the grassroots .It takes a special effort to ensure quality treatment of volunteers. I have had some first hand experience with the Hillary campaign and while I admit I do NOT support her, I believe this volunteer assessment is accurate. The Clinton Campaign is very Traditional and has a class system firmly in place and volunteers are the lowest of the pecking order. I do not appreciate this in any candidate.From what I have witnessed the concern and gratitude of the Hillary Campaign is limited to big donors and those with influence.It is true in most campaigns but the Hillary Campaign doesn't even make the effort to make it look fair.Flame away! This is just my personal observation.

[Colobo]

16. I have to say Republicans are quite cool with their volunteers

I worked for Bush in 04, and even though we worked like mules, I can't complain about the treatment we got or anything. In fact, they made our effort worth it, as pathetic as that sounds.

It seems like Obama's people are really cool with volunteers.

[cboy4]

21. You should be ashamed of yourself for working for Bush

in '04.

[Colobo]

25. Believe me, I am.

[derby378]

45. So, if you don't mind my asking...

...what caused you to switch?

[alteredstate]

44. I'm working as a volunteer with the Obama campaign

The Obama staff is great and we're treated like family.

[cboy4]

20. That's a pretty broad statement, don't you think? Democrats

notoriously treat volunteers badly?

I've worked for Democrats and I wasn't treated badly.

I'd be interested in learning which data you're using to base your statement that Democrats (not some Democrats), but "Democrats notoriously treat volunteers badly."

I don't believe that. Sorry.

[saracat]

35. My experience working on campaigns in 3 states over many years..

This is a frequent topic of conversation when some of us "old timers" gather! My current state office has made erratic attempts to correct this but not enough.We recently lost quite a few hard workers as a result of their treatment. It is actually tought to volunteer.You almost have to push yourself in peoples faces to get them to let you volunteer.They almost never return phone calls and direct you to where you might be useful.Presidential campigns are a bit easier to get hooked up with but even they place the volunteer on an almost disposable level.Too many in "middle managemwent" think too much of themselves apparently.And it happens in both parties!

[cboy4]

42. Alright fair enough. I don't doubt your experiences, but I think it

was important to mention what you just said, and that was: "And it happens in both parties!"

That way you're not making it sound as though it's exclusively a problems with Democrats. :)

[kenfrequed]

22. That is a pity

This is a problem all campaigns should consider.

[ccpup]

24. not a flame by any means

but are you telling me that a Campaign should just let anyone off the street -- a stranger, in fact -- sit in on strategy sessions, walk hand in hand with the Candidate and be privy to sensitive information, ideas, strategy, etc? I don't think that's what you're saying, but a volunteer is just that: a volunteer. They're donating their time to assist the campaign and do the things that the candidate and the candidate's close staff really don't have the time to do.

I don't believe the Clinton campaign has a "class system" (your words, not mine), but they also don't operate under the illusion that a volunteer is a stranger they know little about. Senator Clinton's close staff are people who've often been with her for years, who she knows do their jobs well and she knows can absolutely be trusted. If a volunteer -- after several campaigns -- has shown themselves to be trustworthy, ready to be at bat in a moment's notice and has skills that could aid in her continued success, then they could be offered a position with her Office. Hardly a "class system".

That having been said, I question your memories of the Clinton campaign volunteers being treated with a lack of concern and gratitude. We were often reminded to pitch in and help when we could and to always show our appreciation and respect. And those times she was actually in the office, the volunteers often got a sincere thank you, a smile, some laughter, questions answered, etc. We were taught that without the volunteers, it would be much more difficult getting our message out and keeping Mrs. Clinton on-schedule. So, treat them well because they're integral to the eventual success of the campaign.

Again, not a flame. I just have a hard time believing that other campaigns don't delegate responsibilities and attention between the different levels of their campaign staff the same way the Clinton campaign does. And I trust there are disgruntled volunteers from other campaigns who are quick to blame the candidate for their own shattered illusions.

[saracat]

34. Whoa. I never said volunteers should be"sitting in strategy " sessions.

I meant the level of "gratitude" varied. And I am speaking about the current Clinton campign not the Senate race.An example might be, and this I witnessed on an election night(Not Clinton) the people who worked the polls handing out lit all day and made the phone calls arrived at a candidates "party" to be offerenothing but peanuts and water.Food had to be purchsed at an expensive hotel.Meanwhile a luxorious suite was set up for the "donors and staffers" while the actual workers went hungry.I have witnessed circumstances in which the volunteers of the Hillary Campaign are treated as "less than" and the complaints that the young man has are rampant among Dems in general.I can give endless examples of this but suffice it to say besides the candidates, I think volunteers should be treated as the most important people we have.They are NOT PAID and don't HAVE to be there. They are our greatest resource and ought to be treated as such.But that is JMHO.

[ccpup]

36. volunteers the most important people we have?

I agree that they are very, very important, but the MOST important? Do they know how the votes broke down in Alabama, District 27 - 32 in 2004 with african-american women aged 24 - 38? Do they know what District 22 in Michigan's chief concern with the economy in their home city is? And can a volunteer get the Mayor of Anaheim, CA on the phone to discuss what he (or she) believe the citizens of that city are truly in need of?

The close staff of a campaign -- and I'm not teaching you anything new here as I trust you're a politically savvy, bright individual -- DOES know those things and can get the necessary answer in no time flat. A volunteer has an important job to do, yes, but to try and argue it's the most important might be stretching it.

I do get the point behind the exaggeration, though, and I agree with your core idea that volunteers should be treated well. And my experience with her campaign in 2000 was that, yes, they are treated well.

As for the big donors and big money people, I trust the other campaigns are rolling out the red carpet for their big money people just as much as Hillary is.

[saracat]

40. As Harry Truman said" first you have to get elected" and

the boots on the ground are what make that happen.Those "boots " are the volunteers and yes, I think they are the most important people we have.Most of the campaign staffers are not really that bright and Democratic consultants like Shrum are worthless.They can have data but interpeting it is another. They are stucki n glue and most of the "staffers are "political jobs"'given to someones kid or as a bone to a community and they don't know squat. Many of the volunteers do know the breakdowns of their precincts and states and some can get the mayor on the phone! Just saying.

[skyblue]

56. Type A works best. Democrats need many quality volunteers. Don't be scared off.

I agree with the tight ship approach. Long as there's coffee and donuts. or homemade cookies.

[DURHAM D]

52. You have confused me.

Aren't you working for one of Hillary's rivals? What are you doing at one of her events?

[saracat]

54. I attended as a favor for a friend.I have gone to many events for many candidates!

I have attended many events for many candidates in a variety of capacities.

[DURHAM D]

50. So you live in New York? eom

[saracat]

59. I used to.I am a born and bred New Yorker. I am from Westchester

County.But I also lived at 86th and Central Park West in the City.

[niceypoo]

18. The whole, "Clinton said, Obama said," issue is pathetic and makes me wanna puke

It makes me want to vote for neither of them and it makes fools of people simple enough to get bent out of shape about it on the DU.

[ronnykmarshall]

23. Did a cow shit in here?

[Colobo]

28. No, a bull did.

That some bullshit right there. :)

[ronnykmarshall]

32. a big one too!

[rodeodance]

26. well, that was short and ugly.

[Skip Intro]

37. oh brother

:eyes:

[Harper_is_Bush]

38. This is a letter to the editor. It's meaningless, and possibly not even true.

n/t

[AtomicKitten]

41. I agree.

Careful of the ammunition lobbed during this primary.

From what I can tell the way it is used here at DU, we are doing the GOP's dirty work for them.

[populistdriven]

43. these hillary supporters are as fervent as the rabid bushfundies in 2000 were

People need to relax and take heart. We will soon have a Democrat in White House and he/she will make ALL of us PROUD!!!!

[skyblue]

57. Relax. I see we're winning against every republican in the polls???

[populistdriven]

62. I'm pretty much ready to write off this country if another puke gets elected.

For example, I don't think the German Jews ever thought they could get rid of Hitler. That said, I have HUGE doubts a puke will get elected in 08. I will go door to door again just like 3 years ago. It helps you sleep at night. That you tried.

[skyblue]

66. Still very close

This is reality so far wh08gen

I volunteered also. Gets expensive to do some things but more expensive to have pukes in control. Have to volunteer again. It's not enough that we alone understand ourselves why we need to cut overseas costs and not use average workers as scapegoats. Otherwise Chimpy would be out of power. That he is still in power reflects poorly on our ability to perceive Rathugs as they really are.

My candidate is acceptable to all types and an excellent speaker. He will be listened to. He has an excellent book out "Promises to Keep". He has a commercial showing out in IA, and I think he will break through. It's tough tho' you do have to spend alot of money on commercials.

Lots of seniors and tri-state NYrs go to Florida and that is to his advantage. Some baggage of course but less baggage than the other 3 candidates.

[MonkeyFunk]

46. Funny headline

the clinton campaign didn't send him anywhere.

How about "Whiny punkass bitch quits Clinton campaign in a snit?"

[zulchzulu]

48. As much as I like the news, the volunteer needs to have a thicker skin

Follow the candidate you want. Volunteer if you need to. Or want to.

But never equate what the campaign staff this new in the campaign does with the candidate. Campaigns go through a few changes and sometimes even complete purges until the right mix of people is formulated.

If you are a volunteer and have the great fortune to have a campaign office to go to, just sit back and wait for orders. People in charge usually have a relatively decent idea about what needs to be done.

If you are a grassroots volunteer on your own, you are obviously not waiting for the official Cavalry to arrive. You are on your own. Actually I personally prefer that in the early stages.

If the volunteer in the article likes Clinton so much, he or she will get their own table, get their own merchandise and get out on the street all by themselves and with no one to answer to. That is the purest way to support a candidate in my view.

So, for the volunteer who left the Clinton camp for Obama's, don't expect a red carpet greeting and a special assigned desk with your name on it. If you expect special treatment, find yourself another candidate to support.

[DURHAM D]

53. My guess is he wanted a paying job.

I mean really - a Dem from Oklahoma. Look at their national delegation. What a success story.

[Stephanie]

58. I have heard that her press corps is treated badly as well.

I have heard reporters complain about that.

[durrrty libby]

60. Well of course you did

:crazy:

[Stephanie]

63. In fact I did.

They complained of being kept in holding pens waiting for hours for her. You can believe whatever you like, of course.

[SoxFan]

65. Not an isolated incident

I've heard from several people who have stopped by the Manchester Clinton office, only to be put off by the air of arrogance and hubris that oozes from the place. The campaign in NH is run by long time "machine" pols, and they have a bad habit of treating newbies with suspicion and occasional contempt.