Politics and religion in Defiance, Ohio

Welcome to Defiance, Ohio.

I was born and raised in northwestern Ohio, and I'm not surprised that conservatism, both religious and political, still prevails in the city of Defiance, located in Defiance County.  Rosalind S. Helderman's article in yesterday's Washington Post, headlined GM is alive in Defiance, Ohio, but Obama’s hopes here may not be, caught my eye:

In DEFIANCE, Ohio — For more than 50 years, the economic fate of this tiny town in northwest Ohio has been inextricably linked to the health of General Motors, its largest employer.

And so when two local lawyers put up a billboard in the cornfield across from Defiance’s GM plant with a picture of the GM logo above the word “alive” and a photo of Osama bin Laden above the word “dead,” you might have expected nods of approval.

Instead, in this deeply conservative corner of the state not far from the Indiana border, the billboard — and two others posted in town — have proved highly controversial. 

For Democrats, this may be the town President Obama helped save with the auto bailout. But, in a twist, Defiance and places like it could end up saving Mitt Romney in all-important Ohio.

That’s because Obama won Ohio four years ago in part by peeling off support in Republican-leaning parts of the state such as Defiance. Now, Romney is making a play to get those voters back, hoping that, here on the brightening side of the recession, the election is not all about the economy, and that juiced GOP turnout might swing a state that no Republican president has ever lost.  

Read more:

Ohio Daily Blog: Clinton Supporters Deserve Respect

I just checked in on an entry at the Ohio Daily Blog by Jeff. He's written very sensitively about the growing demands by outraged Clinton supporters for attention and respect.

Jeff reports:

"As I commented yesterday in connection with the NARAL Pro-Choice America endorsement of Obama, "[s]witching from Clinton to Obama is going to be painful for women and feminists solidly in her camp ... and for good reason, having waited so long for representation in our highest elected office and having such a powerful champion get so close to that goal." That was confirmed immediately and dramatically by the announcement in Columbus yesterday by the new group called Clinton Supporters Count Too that they are prepared to campaign against Obama in November in protest of sexism inflicted on the Clinton campaign. And that is followed by a report today that a newly formed PAC called WomenCount has raised $170,000 in jsut 48 hours to run ads in major newspapers to call on Hillary Clinton to stay in the race until all women's votes have been cast. "

Jeff makes other connections:

"There are active discussion threads about Clinton Supporters Count Too around the Ohio blogosphere, including here and here. The tone of many of the comments is alarming. Sexism is real and prevalent in our society, as is racism, and both have been on display in the Democratic presidential nomination contest. [UPDATE: Thanks to Jill for alerting me to this column by Marie Cocco in the Washington Post, recounting examples of misogyny directed at Clinton from all sides.] Yet a number of commenters are responding to the anger and frustration of Clinton's disappointed supporters by minimizing or ridiculing their objections."

And Jeff ends his post on a plea for healing:

"This is a time for healing. The message of these women must be heard and respected, because their concerns and their frustrations are real. It is true that the Democratic Party is clearly superior to the Republican Party in elevating women to positions of power, and that electing John McCain would be a disaster for women's issues. That is not the point right now. The Democratic Party isn't free of sexism and must re-commit to eradicating it, and it must take part in confronting the sexist coverage of Clinton in the media, and it must otherwise rise to the occasion by listening to and respecting what these Clinton supporters are saying. That is what is required for healing and unity among Democrats."

Clinton Supporters Count Too Holds News Conference in Columbus, Ohio

Catherine Candisky in the Columbus Disaptch describes a news conference held at Broad and High Streets in Columbus, Ohio yesterday where Clinton supporters said the New York senator has been pounded by sexist insults, her superior credentials ignored while Democratic leaders have remained silent.

‘“Our party has been witness to the most outrageous display of misogyny and sexism in modern campaign history,” said Cynthia Ruccia, a former congressional candidate from Columbus and Clinton supporter. “If Sen. Barack Obama is our party's candidate, we will actively campaign against him.”& amp; amp; lt; /p>

“Mary E. Davis, a 65-year-old retired judge from Pittsburgh, said she will vote for Republican Sen. John McCain, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, if Clinton is not on the November ballot.

‘“Davis said Clinton's credentials have been disregarded as party leaders try ‘bullying her out’ of the race.

‘“One candidate is well-qualified. The other candidate is not well-qualified, but the qualified candidate happens to be a woman,’ Davis said, referring to the Democratic contest between Clinton and Obama.

‘“I will take four years of John McCain rather than have a candidate not prepared.’

“While Clinton trails Obama in the delegate count, her supporters argue that she has won several key states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania.

‘“To be told at this point to sit down, be quiet, get with the program and take a back seat to an opponent with a clearly weaker resume because the party thinks it can take our loyalty for granted is a supreme insult,’ Ruccia said.

It appears the outrage at the sexism and misogyny that has been simmering below the surface in this campaign for months is rapidly coming to a head, and Democratic party leaders had best pay heed.

To read more of Candisky’s article in the Columbus Dispatch, go here.

Growing Backlash From Women in the Democratic Party

In reference to my previous post, Dems to Women: “Sit down, shut up, and get with the program,” I’ve exchanged a couple of comments with a reader identifying herself as Jill, who rightfully expressed reservations about the threats a group calling itself Clinton Supporters Count, Too, has made regarding the general election.

My original information on this story came from Ben Smith’s blog at Politico. And as I explained to Jill, I wasn’t convinced the group was seriously threatening to actively work against Obama if he becomes the nominee.

I’ve since found more detailed information on Clinton Supporters Count, Too, as reported by Rick Klein at ABC’s Political Punch. Here are a couple of paragraphs from Klein’s post:

"We {Clinton Supporters Count, Too} have a plan to campaign against the Democratic nominee," the group said in a press release Thursday. "We have the (wo)manpower and the money to make our threat real. And there are millions of supporters who will back us up in the swing states. If you don’t listen to our voice now, you will hear from us later."

Ruccia tells ABC News that she believes "millions" of women share her group's views, though they have only begun to make contact with like-minded women. They're disgusted, she said, that Democratic Party leaders haven't more aggressively denounced sexist media comments and coverage in the campaign, and are angry at the drumbeat for Clinton to get out of the race.

As I explained to Jill, I disagree with the group’s plan to actively oppose the Democratic nominee; however, I consider the stand the group is taking against the horrendous onslaught of sexist and misogynist abuse leveled at Hillary Clinton throughout the Demcratic primary a wake-up call for Democratic party leaders.

It’s way past time to speak out loudly and firmly against the ill treatment Clinton and her followers have received from Democrats, the media, and Obama supporters.

For example, how many times during this campaign have the good old boys ganged up on Clinton to try to force her out of the race? Most recently, the week following her win in Indiana, the drumbeat became intense. Keep in mind, folks, Indiana was Clinton’s fourth win out of the last five state primaries: she’d previously won Ohio, Texas, and Pennyslvania; Obama had won North Carolina. Clinton followed up by thumping Obama by 42 percentage points in West Virginia.

A respected second-term U.S. Senator from New York, Hillary Clinton is arguably the better candidate in the Democratic race. It shouldn’t be asking too much from the media and Demcratic party leaders to offer Clinton fair treatment and a level playing field until a nominee has been officially declared.

Dems to Women: “Sit down, shut up, and get with the program”

Politico’s Ben Smith cites his colleague, Beth Frerking, on the growing backlash among women in the Democratic Party who are fed up with the rampant sexism targeting Hillary Clinton since the day she announced her candidacy.

Frerking reports on a group that calls themselves, Clinton Supporters Count, Too:

“Organizers Cynthia Ruccia, 55, and Jamie Dixey, 57, both from the Columbus area, say they’re coordinating women, men, minorities, union members and others in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Michigan – all important swing states next November – to impress upon Democratic party leaders what they think has been outright discrimination – and not of the racial kind.

‘“We have been vigilant against expressions of racism, and we are thrilled that the society has advanced that way in accepting Obama as a serious candidate,’ Ruccia said. ‘But it’s been open season on women, and we feel we need to stand up and make a statement about that, because it’s wrong.’

“With growing calls for Clinton to leave the race,' she said, 'women feel like ‘we’re being told to sit down, shut up, and get with the program.”’

I know the feeling, and I’m very proud of my “sisters,” back in Ohio where I was born and raised before making Minnesota my permanent home several years ago.

My thanks to Politico's Ben Smith for getting the word out.

Clinton Gains Second Ohio Superdelegate in Two Days

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of northeastern Ohio has announced his support for Hillary Clinton for president. Ryan joins Congresswoman Betty Sutton as the second Democratic Ohio superdelegate to back Clinton in two days.

In announcing his support, Ryan said, "The people of the 17th (Congressional) District overwhelmingly voted for Senator Clinton in the Democratic primary. I look forward to working with her to see that our community is the beneficiary of her economic policies."

Clinton’s Campaign Gets Major Boost from Quinnipac University Poll

Jon Cohen’s post at the Trail (Washington Post) details the good news today for the Clinton campaign in the latest Qunnipac University Poll.

Cohen reports:

“Hillary Clinton holds a nine-point lead in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. But it is the survey's general election numbers from three key swing states that may do more to bolster the New York senator's campaign.

“In hypothetical match-ups with presumptive GOP nominee John McCain, Clinton outperformed Barack Obama in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. In each of these states, Clinton is propelled by solid support among female voters, and Democrats -- particularly white Democrats -- in all three are less likely to defect to McCain with Clinton atop the Democratic ticket.

“Overall, Clinton is up nine points over McCain in Ohio, while Obama runs about evenly with the Arizona senator. Clinton also has a more sizable edge in Pennsylvania and is competitive in Florida, a state where McCain is up nine points on Obama in the new poll.”

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Hillary Wins Rhode Island, Ohio, and Texas

Photo Credits: Getty

It’s nearly midnight here in Minnesota, and Hillary Clinton has won in Rhode Island and Ohio, and she’s still hanging on to a slim lead in the Texas primary. As she gave her victory speech in Columbus, Ohio the crowd went wild, interrupting her several times to chant “Yes, we will,” the more determined version of the Obama camp’s “Yes, we can.”

(Watch the video of Clinton’s speech here.)

According to CNN, we may not know the final results from Texas until morning.

Oops! I just checked a couple of online news sources and discovered the networks have projected Clinton the winner of the Texas primary.

And minutes ago, I found this message from Hillary in my Inbox that says it all:

It's a pretty incredible feeling, isn't it? After our victories tonight we have the momentum, thanks to your will, determination, and hard work.

Some people were ready to count us out. But you and I proved them wrong, just as we have every time they tried to declare this race over prematurely. And we're going to keep showing them exactly what we can do.

We're going to do it for everyone across America who's been counted out -- but refused to be knocked out. For everyone who's stumbled -- but stood right back up. And for everyone who works hard -- but never gives up.

I hope you enjoy our victories tonight as much as I am. We won this one together, and that makes it that much better. Thank you so very much for all you have done for our campaign.

Let's build on this remarkable momentum. Each and every one of you can make a statement tonight by going to www.hillaryclinton.com

Thank you so much for everything you did to make this night possible.

All the best,
Hillary

What a day this has been for Hillary Clinton, her campaign staff, and her supporters around the country.

Clinton Seizes Momentum in Texas and Ohio

Photo credits: AP

Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor of the Boston Globe, reports:

“The latest round of polls out today suggest that Hillary Clinton might have some momentum heading into Tuesday's crucial contests in Ohio and Texas.

“The Ohio surveys, which were all completed Sunday, indicate that Barack Obama is no longer closing the gap and that Clinton might have rebuilt a double-digit lead. For instance, a SurveyUSA survey of 873 likely voters gives her a 54 percent to 44 percent edge. Meanwhile, a Public Policy Polling survey gives Clinton a 9-percentage-point lead.

“The Texas polls, also finished Sunday, suggest that Clinton is catching Obama after he overtook her in recent weeks. The SurveyUSA survey of 840 likely voters gives Obama a 49 percent to 48 percent edge, well within the margin of error. The Public Policy Polling survey says Clinton now leads in Texas.”

Clinton Opens Solid Leads in Both Texas and Ohio

Public Policy Polling's results from today's polls for Texas and Ohio show Clinton with solid leads in both states:

Texas:
Hillary Clinton 50
Barack Obama 44

Ohio:
Hillary Clinton 51
Barack Obama 42

New Ads and Potential Wild Card for Clinton in Crucial Primaries

Photo credits: NBC's Today Show

Senator Hillary Clinton has three new TV ads out today; two appeal to Ohioans, and the third reaches out to voters in Texas. (To view the new ads, go here, here, and here.)

The new ads bolster Clinton’s campaign in the face of tomorrow’s crucial primaries described by John Harwood in today's post in the Caucus (NY Times) as a decisive moment in the Democratic primary.

Harwood notes:

“the hinge could still swing either way. If Mrs. Clinton carries the behemoths of Ohio and Texas — despite her opponent’s momentum and financial advantage — Mr. Obama may rue this week as both an end and a beginning.

“Specifically, Tuesday could be the end of his coronation as Democratic standard-bearer and the beginning of a wrenching springtime struggle. With Clinton victories on Tuesday, neither political realities nor “delegate math” would preclude it.”

Continuing his analysis of Clinton’s prospects, Harwood first mentions a potential wild card in her favor and three reasons she might prevail:

“One wild card both campaigns are weighing: sympathetic supporters could vote in large numbers to save her candidacy from extinction. 'She has a shot' at carrying both Texas and Ohio, said her husband’s onetime strategist, James Carville.


“'If she does, Mr. Carville said, 'This thing is going on.'


"There are three reasons that could happen.

“The first is financial. Trailing candidates usually quit for lack of money. Yet the $35 million Mrs. Clinton raised in February — even if dwarfed by her opponent’s total, which some Obama aides peg at about $60 million — suggests that she’ll have the means to continue, especially if she starts winning.


“The second concerns delegates. David Plouffe, the Obama campaign chief, painted a daunting picture of his candidate’s edge in pledged delegates, which ranges from 134 to 159 depending on who’s counting. To erase it, Mr. Plouffe noted, Mrs. Clinton would have to win more than 60 percent of the pledged delegates selected after Tuesday.

“What he didn’t say was this: Even if Mr. Obama wins more than 60 percent, he won’t have enough pledged delegates to reach the 2,025 needed for the nomination. Unless Mrs. Clinton quits, either candidate will need votes from the so-called superdelegates.

“Which leads to the third reason: Mrs. Clinton could make a case to superdelegates that she wins the biggest battles, while Mr. Obama rolls up delegates in states like Idaho, Utah and Nebraska that matter little in the general election.

“‘That’s a great line if it’s true,’ said Bill Carrick, a Democratic strategist. With earlier victories in California, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, and a good chance to win Pennsylvania on April 22, taking both big contests on Tuesday would bolster that argument.

“It would also increase pressure on the Democratic Party to schedule do-overs in Michigan and Florida, both stripped of delegates for accelerating their primaries. Both states went ahead with nonbinding votes, most of which went to Mrs. Clinton.”

To read Harwood’s complete article, go here.

Ohio Congresswoman Affirms Her Support for Clinton

Photo credits: Kent.edu

Despite pressure in the run-up to Tuesday’s primary, Ohio congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones has affirmed her support for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton:

In yesterday’s edition of theRoots.com, Jones declares:

“Many people do not understand what it means to truly support a candidate. It is more than a bumper sticker, or a yard sign, or even attending a campaign event. By supporting a candidate, you are making a commitment to that candidate. I made that commitment to Hillary to support her through thick and thin, not to be a fair-weather friend only to leave her when the going gets tough.

“I have spent over 26 years in public office working for the people of Ohio and working within the Democratic Party. I have gone door-to-door handing out pamphlets for candidates, stayed up late making phone calls and raising money for candidates - including Barack Obama's Senate campaign through the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. After 26 years in public office, I would hope that my constituents would respect my judgment and my choice to support Hillary Rodham Clinton, just as I respect their decision to support the candidate of their choice.

Jones, who represents Ohio’s 11 Congressional District, which includes Cleveland, concluded her remarks with these strong words:

“In politics all you have is your word. And I have never been one to fold when the cards are not being played in my favor. True integrity is measured when the times get tough. There is no doubt that Hillary's campaign is facing tough times, but I made a commitment to her, and I will support her all the way.”

To read Jones’ entire statement in theRoots.com, go here.

Clinton’s Electability Onstage in Iowa

Photo Credits: Reuters

Jeff Zeleny in today’s NY Times reports Hillary Clinton’s answer to questions from reporters in Iowa about electability. Clinton began by responding to Obama’s claims that he can unite the party and win back the White House for the Democratic party:

“He {Obama} can make his argument, that’s clearly his prerogative. I’ve been around awhile. I’ve seen a lot of elections come and go and whoever our Democratic nominee is will be subjected to the full force and effect of the Republican attack machine.”

“What you know with me is that I already overcome it,” she said. “I have withstood it and not only survived it, but thrived over the last 16 years. So there is very little guesswork.”

Clinton was accompanied by Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio, who has endorsed her candidacy. Zeleny noted that Governor Strickland reminded voters here how critical his battleground state would be in the fall election.

With Gov. Ted Strickland at her side – and a giant American flag behind her – she {Clinton} offered a few examples of the Democratic elected officials who support her candidacy, including the governor of Arkansas and nine senators.

“They are not on a political suicide mission. They are professionals,” Mrs. Clinton said. “They are assessing each and every one of us and they are concluding No. 1, I would be the best president and No. 2 that I am the Democrat that is most likely to be elected.”