Hillary Clinton Shows Depth at California Democratic Convention

Both addressed Iraq and resonated well with the convention, although some still harbor feelings that Clinton should have apologized for her initial support of the war. California Democratic Party spokesperson Bob Mulholland who is strictly neutral in this race and has nice things to say about all Presidential candidates said after her speech that “She spoke to the people of California and the delegates very effectively. Like others, she spoke about Iraq which is very important.”

At the press conference, I was able to ask her whether she would support the ballot proposition proposed by Senator Don Perata which calls on President Bush to immediately and safely withdraw all troops from Iraq. She gave a lengthy answer that detailed the many votes she has cast in support of ending the war, and the triggering dates in July and October in those measures, but did not address the proposition that may be on the February 5, 2008 Presidential primary ballot. She knows how to stay on message.

I was very impressed with Clinton’s answer to a question about the money raising that all of the candidates have to focus on. She said that she has always been a strong supporter of public financing of campaigns and said “I will see if there is any way under our Constitution” that this can be done. She cited Supreme Court decisions equating money in campaigns with free speech and said if effective action cannot be taken to curb abuses that a constitutional amendment may be necessary.

Nunez, who introduced her to the press assemblage, and who is now a national cochair of the Clinton campaign, referenced his roots “as a kid a few blocks away from where we are today in Logan Heights” an impoverished neighborhood of San Diego. He asked “Who would have thought that I would be introducing the next President of the United States?” He lauded Clinton for her position on global warming laws, child foster care, health care, and other issues California is dealing with, showing that she will be well briefed on what is on the minds of the voters of our state. Clinton showed depth here as she complemented Californians on our efficient use and low consumption per capita of energy.

A funny moment occurred when Clinton was asked whether we would be getting a “two-for-one” deal with her Bill Clinton in the package. Nunez said from his position next to Clinton “woman in the driver’s seat” and without missing a beat Clinton said “and who would be asking for directions?” She said “I’d give my advice to my husband when he was President. Sometimes he’d follow my advice and sometimes he didn’t,” indicating that this would be her pattern as President.

Following the public events, Clinton met with Democratic National Committee (DNC) members and delegates in private meetings, with her eye on the prize. All in all, very disciplined, on message, and with a professional campaign apparatus that leaves no stone unturned. If nominated, she will have strong help from these convention goers including those who are supporting other candidates.

Yesterday, there were no less than 21 speeches to the convention attendees, including other Dennis Kucinich and Chris Dodd who are Presidential candidates. Today we hear from Senator Edwards and Governor Bill Richardson. In the early afternoon, unless the convention runs over, those with strong endurance, many of whom care strongly about the official positions of the California Democratic Party will debate and vote on a dozen or so resolutions and the hall will empty.

Attending these conventions, one is in a cocoon of sorts. While you get in person information, direct contact with candidates, their campaign staffs, and a mass of Democratic humanity, it is difficult to keep up with the outside news and to gain perspective. It is also grueling to attend multiple events, process all the information, and write somewhat cogently.

With a full tape recorder of interviews, speeches, and statements, paper handed to me, and a bit of thought, I will have more to report later today and during the week.

You can watch the convention online. For the live webcast, click here.