The Charlotte Observer has the (biased) story:
About two dozen Hillary Clinton supporters, some carrying signs saying "Dump Dean," shouted down Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean during an appearance Friday in Charlotte.
.....
The demonstrators, mostly women, .... (Earth to Charlotte Observer- the Democratic Party is mostly women - hello?).... were protesting a rumored decision not to put Clinton's name in nomination at next month's Democratic convention in Denver. At one point, Dean was drowned out by shouts of "I own my vote!"
"I'm gonna let these folks shout a little bit because I can't hear you folks," Dean said, pausing.
We appreciate you giving us permission to speak, Howie. Too bad your masters, the Obama campaign, won't extend the same courtesy to ordinary Democrats who want their votes counted.
Read up on the Charlotte PUMA website - they had 24 PUMAS at the rally compared to 70 Obamazoids - that's pretty healthy representation!
Howie got testy when the PUMAs dragged him back to reality...
Shouts of protest continued intermittently. When Dean mentioned what he called "the biggest job for President Obama," they hollered, "He's not president!"
...and his bitterness showed. He went back to the cheeto/Obamazoid disinformation that characterizes the 40% of the Democratic party who don't support Obama as bitter, post-menopausal crypto-Republicans.
Speaking to reporters later on his bus, he dismissed the protesters.
"I'm not sure all of them are Clinton supporters," he said. "Some of them are having fun at the Democrats' expense. I think shouting through somebody's speech is low-class."
NOT a winning strategy for November, Howie. Viewing 40% of the Democratic party as the "dark matter" in the political universe puts you at a BIT of a disadvantage in the general election. But hey, you're the chairman... and you have Obama's permission to say so.
For now.
Hey, Howie, have you heard from Obama lately? I bet he never calls anymore ;-)
More from the Charlotte PUMAs' blog:
Keep in mind that the Observer reported 150-170 Obama supporters. We counted. There were 70 at the tops including politicians and reporters. There were about 24 Pumas gathered.
Yes, Howie, we are your low class, gun toting, religion-clinging, bitter Democrats.
Howie, you are also in denial. We are Democrats....Real Democrats...who refuse to vote for someone so unqualified as Obama.
You see, it is statements previously made by Obama and Dean that proved to us how a radical segment of the Democratic Left have no respect for Hillary or her supporters. In fact, Dean and his troopers have said much nastier things to us than I ever heard from the Rovian Republicans of years gone by.
On the other hand, maybe it was the "Dump Dean" signs that sent our buddy Dean over the edge one more time.
U P D A T E :
There was some action in Raleigh, too...
However, not everyone at the (Raleigh) rally supported Dean and Obama. About half-dozen women were there holding signs, protesting against the Democratic Party and Obama.
The women said they were Democrats, but plan to switch their party affiliation to independent if Hilary Clinton is not the Democratic candidate.
"I won't get over it," explained protester Vivian Bailey. "They say unity? No. It's not going to happen. There are too many people out there that feel the way I feel, the ones here with me today and millions more."
They were on Howie like flies on arugula...
Dean's largest opposition at the event came from Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters. Activists for the former Democratic presidential candidate said they were upset at how national Democrats have treated her candidacy.
The activists greeted Dean as he exited the bus and were last to wish him off. They stood with signs throughout Dean's speech.
"We need a president, not a rock star," said Dr. Judy Wish, 64, of Fayetteville. The lifelong Democrat got into brief arguments with Obama supporters at the event. She said she plans to change her party registration and will likely vote for McCain.
Here's another funny - Howie looked out into the crowd of PUMAs in Raleigh... and saw his own 2004 state campaign chairman ;-)
Not everyone at the event was cheering.
A small group of Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters from Durham and Fayetteville held up signs that said "No-bama" and "18 Million Voices -- Hear Us Now." They called for Clinton's name to be submitted as a candidate at the national convention.
Early childhood educator Stewart Asbel, 39, of Durham said he still thinks Clinton could win if the convention delegates voted. Otherwise, he's considering voting for Republican John McCain.
"Barack Obama does not speak for me," he said.
Dean said he was not concerned about the Clinton supporters at the event, incidentally noting that one of them handled his own 2004 presidential campaign in North Carolina. |
