Clinton sends letter to supporters: will formally step down on Saturday.
June 5, 2008 by maddy
Filed under Business News
Hillary Clinton has, in an email (PDF) sent early today, let her supporters know that she will be ending her bid for the 2008 Democratic Nomination.
She will host an event for supporters on Saturday, at which time she will formally endorse Barack Obama as the Democratic Candidate for President. She will ask for party unity.
It is, at this time, uncertain what she will “do” with her delegates. She has the option to retain the delegates up to the convention or to “free” them to (presumably) endorse Obama.
One reason why she might “keep” the delegates is to have more of a voice during the convention, both on the floor and in platform discussions; most likely this would be to promote her position on universal health care.
However, a “freeing” the delegates would be a symbolic gesture to promote the reunifying of the Democratic Party.
Senator John McCain (R), has been publicly appealing to Clinton supporters to vote for him in November.
it’s about time
The language that Clinton used in the letter is very interesting — she’s suspending her campaign, rather than ending it. While the actual effects are the same, it makes it sound like she can start back up again at any time.
Democratic leaders, even staunch Clinton supporters, spoke out this week that Clinton needs to step down, and do so quickly and completely. It seems as though “gracefully” is not an option at this time.
Some pundits (and politicians) have said very unflattering things about senator clinton (and her husband) today - as if they’ve just been waiting for an opportunity to do so.
Even Ed Rendell has said that Hillary needs to end it - and shouldn’t broker to be VP. All very interesting.
The point of “suspending” the campaign is that she can still raise money until the convention to pay off her debt.
There are ways to raise money to cover campaign debts without claiming to still be in the race, though. When Giuliani left the race, he didn’t do it by half measures, despite having significant campaign debts.
I thought it was very telling of the DNC climate that Rendell even said she shouldn’t bargain for VP. I am hoping for a real concession and an enthusiastic endorsement. The party needs it and the country needs it.
There’s a lot of rules and requirements for campaign contributions - Hillary can solicit donations to her presidential campaign as long as she’s “in it” (but no later than the convention) - she can, however, carry over her debt to another “campaign fund” (ie for a Senate race and/or a possible NY governor race) -
The debts to vendors do need to be paid back - so that they do not (effectively) become donations from corporations.
Hill and Barry are, reportedly, talking today behind closed doors - one can only wonder what they say to each other.