"This campaign has taken all of us into uncharted territory as a party, as a nation, as individuals"

[bigtree]

9 minutes ago



NEW ORLEANS (AP) {snipped}— HILLARY Rodham Clinton strongly defended her husband's record on civil rights Saturday at a forum in which she acknowledged "painful moments" in a presidential contest pitting the first woman candidate against a pioneering black contender.

Questioned by Smiley about her husband's efforts in South Carolina, the former first lady said many of the 5,000 people attending Saturday's conference were personally acquainted with the former president and that they "know his heart."

"My husband mended, so as to avoid ending, affirmative action. My husband had in his White House, Cabinet, and his administration, many of you I see here," she said. "We know that when he was president, we had a rising tide and we lifted more people out of poverty than at any time in America's recent history."

But, she added, "If anyone was offended by anything that was said — whether it was meant or not, misinterpreted or not — obviously I regret that."

In her remarks, Clinton acknowledged the historic nature of her campaign against Obama and praised "all who struggled, sacrificed and risked everything so Senator Obama and I could be where we are today." But she said the campaign had also forced difficult choices for many voters.

"This campaign has taken all of us into uncharted territory as a party, as a nation, as individuals. And yes, I think we can be both proud and grateful that we are breaking barriers and changing history for the good," Clinton said. "But there have been some painful moments, too."

She added, "Those of us who fought together for decades to right wrongs and break barriers cannot let differences in our choice of who should be elected undermine our fundamental unity to change the course of this country."

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gHOdJ2WITR4K7_P1h4ynxhcjABRgD8V0C1U80


Hillary Clinton holds hands with Tavis Smiley during the benediction at Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union symposium, Saturday, Feb. 23

[zabet]

1. K and R

:bounce:

[thunder rising]

2. "who fought together for decades" ... you see that's the problem right there, it's not working.

After decades it's time to try something new. gooooooooObama!

[Straight Shooter]

4. It certainly is working; otherwise Obama would not be a candidate. n/t

[robbedvoter]

17. Beautiful!

[Straight Shooter]

3. Very well done. What's all this crap about Hillary always says "I"?

Note the significance of the inclusive pronouns:

"Those of us who fought together for decades to right wrongs and break barriers cannot let differences in our choice of who should be elected undermine our fundamental unity to change the course of this country."

Thanks, bigtree. You always find the gems. Love that pic. :hi:

[bigtree]

6. I like her inclusive tone.

and this:

"Those of us who fought together for decades to right wrongs and break barriers cannot let differences in our choice of who should be elected undermine our fundamental unity to change the course of this country."

. . . so much for all of this talk of dividing the party.

[GoldieAZ49]

5. I am afraid America is going to be seen as still to racist and sexist

when the dust settles.

[Thrill]

10. I think if there was a strong Repuke candidate

I would worry. I just think when all McCain's BS is called to the carpet, there will be a clear choice for even the biggest racist or sexist

[robbedvoter]

18. it's not a reason for pride to have these 2 candidates but rather of shame

WTF took us so long? - one of the few instances I agree with Bill Maher

[LadyVT]

7. I always really appreciate your posts. Thank you.

[bigtree]

9. you're welcome, LadyVT

It is, of course, my pleasure to advocate for Hillary Clinton here.



--Hillary Clinton campaigns at Wayne High School gymnasium in Huber Heights, Ohio, Saturday, Feb. 23

[JohnnyLib2]

8. Nice post, thanks. She points out lessons of the past (and my adulthood)

and the age-old warning about ignoring them.

Recommended.

[bigtree]

13. "difficult choices for many voters"

a wealth of difficulties.

[Beacool]

11. Nice post, thanks!!

I like the pic of Tavis and Hillary holding hands during the closing prayer, very symbolic.

[bigtree]

12. she held the hand of a member of the audience with the other

Tavis did a great job holding it together for another year.

[Beacool]

14. Yes, it was very interesting.

I watched about half an hour of it before Hillary's segment. I didn't know it was on or I would have had tuned in earlier.

[UALRBSofL]

15. I watched most of the day. Dyuss(sp) was really pounding his message

and Dick Gregery was cutting it up. Waters was really good as well, and, you could tell from the style or her speaking she was a Hillary supporter. Tavis Smiley held it together pretty well. Hillary ended it with her well thought out statements of inclusiveness. I really enjoyed it. I don't know if C-Span will re-air it or not. Anyone know?

[bigtree]

16. I enjoyed this one more than others

always nice to see and hear Cornell West