In grassroots efforts so far, the only ones for Senator Clinton are Bush supporters

[zulchzulu]

I've mentioned in the past about efforts doing tabling for Obama. It's been fascinating to see how people are really interested in the race so far. Of course, having a table at a venue like the Madison Farmers Market with 10,000+ people walking by helps. Add Obama signage and a few people mingling around to get people curious and want to walk up and see what's going on. People from all over the World transverse by. I've met people from all over the States, many parts of Europe, Asia and Australia. As far as the local people, many are not from fairly progressive Madison. There are a lot of people from more conservative areas of Wisconsin that come into Madison to have fun and be tourists. I mention this so that people would realize that it's not just a bunch of hippie dippy satanic worshippers (as Bill O'Rielly has indicated) that go to this popular weekly event.

There have been quite a few of Progressives/Democrats/moderates who are for either Obama or Edwards, some for Kucinich, others looking at Richardson and nearly all Democrats expressing concern about the Bush administration and the Occupation (although they usually call it the "war"). I met one Biden fan who was visiting from Delaware. This past Saturday, many talked with relief about how Obama and others had voted against the recent supplemental. It certainly made the day go by easier. The only other Presidential candidate table is one for John Edwards. No other candidate is represented so far.

What has been interesting that, despite some national polls, there is zero support so far for Senator Clinton in conversations at this location. In terms of support, I mean people who walk up to the Obama table and engage in a discussion about their support. The only comments so far are from loyal Bush supporters who chuckle about her candidacy and try to rail on Bill Clinton, as though any of the people at the Obama table are avid fans. Personally, I'm not a huge fan...mostly, it was because the other choices in the 1992 and 1996 elections were so dismal. I supported Bradley in 1992 until he dropped out. Perhaps Senator Clinton's supporters don't want to engage in conversations about their preference openly.

It's been a subject here before, but I find that Senator Clinton's possible nomination would certainly be the greatest unifying force for the Republicans, who, as I have said before, could nominate Carrot Top and GOP loyalists would still vote in huge numbers. And add that it would be a fairly dysfunctional choice for Democrats, especially if the decision is made early in the primary season. But, after looking at the trends in Iowa, her support when it really gets down to measuring candidacy strengths and viability will be more analyzed.

If anyone who has been doing any grassroots work in the streets (not blogging on the net) and have any other reports, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Deja Q]

1. Which seems bizarre that she would be the candidate of choice.

Maybe she is the best candidate for both sides to vote in... but given her past record, one would think Republicans would be denouncing her a communist with socialized medicine and everything...

On edit:
------------------------------------------------

It is because she is attached to a husband who had passed some nice economic packages. Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/05/conservatives_for_hillary.html


And LOL, imagine that - a "Clinton Conservative".

[zulchzulu]

3. Maybe you missed my point...

The Bush supporters that I've encountered want her as the nominee...for exactlly the wrong reasons one would want. They see her as a unifier for their party to get out the vote.

[nevergiveup]

2. I see the same thing every day

and I am only a couple of hours from you. There is no enthusiasm for Hillary here in the midwest. Obama and Edwards are both popular and the interesting thing is that most of their supporters have little problem switching to the other guy. I have also found that there is little interest in Gore as a candidate. There is much respect for him but most folks I talk to have the attitude "been there, done that".

[TwilightGardener]

4. I see the same as you out here in the midwest. Not much support

for Hillary, and NONE for Gore. DU must not be anywhere close to representative in terms of Gore-love. Myself, I like and respect the guy, I voted for him, but I too have the "been there done that" attitude for him. One conservative Repub I work with is intrigued by Obama and asks me lots of questions about him--I think he'll have the best crossover appeal.

[nevergiveup]

5. Yep!

I also see this with Obama and there is some crossover appeal for Edwards. It sure would be nice to have a "likable" Democratic presidential candidate and both of these guys have this going for them. Surprisingly there is also some midwestern loyalty for Obama.

[DemDem07]

6. I agree with both of you inre. the Midwest.

:kick:

[JI7]

7. i have asked about this before

in Iowa in 2004 i remember reading about personal on the ground stories of what was going on with Kerry. it gave me hope despite what the national media was saying. there were similar things on other candidates.

these days i'm reading about events with Edwards , OBama and some others. but haven't read from anyone about a Hillary Clinton.

to the people of Iowa, what can you tell me about her campaign there. does she have less campaign presence than the others ?

how about the other states ?

[w4rma]

8. I talked to a Republican on Friday who said that "Hillary is the best weapon that Republicans have".

Him and his wife *hate* Hillary (he was literally cursing about her) and are staunch Republicans. They both say they hope that Hillary wins the Democratic primary.

[zulchzulu]

9. I've talked with a GOP operative here with national ties and he'd love to have...

....Senator Clinton be the nominee. He said it would be the easiest "sell" to get people mobilized. With her ties to Murdoch funding her, it sure makes you wonder.

He still (wrongly in my opinion) that it's going to be Gore vs. Romney, with Gore winning...

[w4rma]

10. I have no doubt that the Republican operative you talked to said what most of them are thinking.(nt)

[blm]

11. It's a win-win for GOPs. Either she gets beat or she wins and they can use her to rebuild

and strengthen their party just like they did in 93-94. GOPs are always strongest when they have a clear target, and in this case it would be a President Hillary Clinton.