Oregon Superdelegate Jenny Greenleaf: I'm for Obama
By Jenny Greenleaf of Portland, Oregon. Jenny was elected as Oregon's DNC Committeewoman in 2004. In 2006, she contributed, "Will you have Howard's back?"
The netroots is my political home and where I got started, so I have chosen to announce my endorsement here on BlueOregon.
The voters of Oregon have spoken, and I have listened.
I will be supporting Senator Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in August. Senator Obama has the vision and leadership ability to move this country forward and to undo the damage done by the Bush administration. I am proud to support him in this endeavor and will do whatever I can to make sure Oregon's electoral votes are Democratic this fall.
Our Democratic Party of Oregon will be the hub for the presidential campaign in Oregon. I hope you will join me in volunteering with the DPO to turn Senator Obama into President Obama.
I have the utmost respect and admiration for Senator Hillary Clinton. She has run a great campaign and has contributed much to our national debate. She deserves our thanks for her service, her leadership and her candidacy.
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May 23, 2008 |
guest column | Comments (136 so far)
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Comments
Posted by: Mark F. | May 23, 2008 10:08:31 AM
Very welcome and excellent endorsement! Let's go kick McCain's butt!
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | May 23, 2008 10:09:02 AM
Yes, thank you, Jenny! It's great to have a DNC member from Oregon who comes from the netroots. Thank you for everything that you do.
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | May 23, 2008 10:10:59 AM
BTW, Jenny, I loved this quote in USA Today yesterday:
Superdelegate Jenny Greenleaf said she'd been getting calls from luminaries associated with both campaigns."I am really looking forward to crawling back under my rock," she said. "Once this is over nobody will pay any attention to me again."
Your rock is waiting for you... all nice and cozy.
Posted by: carla | May 23, 2008 10:13:14 AM
Well done, Jenny! It's awesome that you announced here...NETROOTS!
Btw..I love that cozy-under-the-rock, thing. :)
Carla--Netroots Outreach, Jeff Merkley for Oregon
Posted by: Eve | May 23, 2008 10:14:12 AM
This is terrific news - thank you, Jenny, for coming out with your support of Senator Obama! He's truly a once-in-a-lifetime candidate and I'm so proud of Oregon for recognizing that so overwhelmingly.
Now, let's get him elected president so we can start taking this country in the right direction.
Posted by: Steve Bucknum | May 23, 2008 10:17:12 AM
Not that it matters - but Jenny - you have my 110% support on this!
Least we forget, Blue Oregon was about a week old (I exaggerate) when one of the first things of substance that happened was a discussion of the race for the DNC National Committee woman position. Mary Botkin had failed to answer questions regarding her position on rural issues, and Jenny stepped up and addressed those concerns. A great deal of that discussion happened right here - and well - Jenny got elected nearly 4 years ago. My how time flies!
So, it was a very good choice to announce here!
Posted by: torridjoe | May 23, 2008 10:19:33 AM
Great job, Jenny! The race is over; let's get it officially wrapped up. Although I wonder if your TV is broken in order to have the utmost respect for Clinton and her "great campaign." I'd rather roll naked through smashed Coke bottles than give kudos to race baiting and smear-mongering...but that's just me I guess.
Posted by: Chris Guy | May 23, 2008 10:39:50 AM
Congratulations on your outstanding decision. You can't see me right now, but I'm giving you a standing O.
Posted by: Chris Lowe | May 23, 2008 10:43:51 AM
Jenny,
Thanks for deciding to cast your vote with the Democratic voters of Oregon, and letting us know. IMO that's the right way to go, barring something catastrophic on a scale that is much larger than anything happening in the current race.
Second-guessing "electability" just isn't on, despite the sometimes smeary efforts of the Clinton campaign to make it an issue, given Hillary's rising negatives, now up to 53% nationally (though this may be skewed geographically toward states Obama wouldn't win either).
I have to say I'm a touch concerned by this quote from Meredeth Wood Smith from the USA Today article Kari linked:
"The holdup is absorbing what the results are, and where we are nationally in the race," she said. "We are thinking about who do we feel would make the best president, who would be best for the Democratic Party."
This is in tension, at least, with something else she was quoted as saying recently about paying close attention to how Oregon Democrats would vote in the primary, which is the right criterion IMO.
I hope Ms. Wood Smith takes into serious account the high degree of alienation that overturning the will of the voters would cause, as she assesses what vote would be best for the party.
Very high degree of alienation.
Posted by: Christi D | May 23, 2008 10:47:05 AM
Jenny,
Thank You, Thank You, you are truly honorable and a great democrat.
Obama will be fantastic president and it is so important for the party to stop the division. So happy you made the right decision.
Posted by: Vishous | May 23, 2008 10:47:27 AM
Thank you and the state of Oregon for clinching the pledged delegate majority for the next President of the United States.
Posted by: Chris Lowe | May 23, 2008 10:53:57 AM
Also, if Hillary's people mob the May 31st meeting as is being reported as their intention, in a move that sounds reminiscent of the Republican mobbing to influence the Florida election outcome in 2000, I hope that the Rules Committee will not allow themselves to be intimidated.
And I hope that superdelegates will respond to any such efforts by endorsing Senator Obama. I specifically call on Governor Kulongoski to switch to Obama if the Clinton campaign makes any such intimidation attempt. We should prepare to bring organized pressure on him to do so, if they really try anything like that.
If her campaign actually does that, the incongruous ironies of Senator Clinton's idiotic Zimbabwe remarks will be redoubled. Though even so, nothing in this race is remotely like Zimbabwe and neither of the candidates is remotely comparable to Robert Mugabe, in person or in position.
But it was a stupid thing to say. And any efforts to intimidate the Committee should be made to backfire.
Posted by: Anita W. | May 23, 2008 10:53:59 AM
Thank you Ms. Greenleaf. I am from California, but am very happy for your decision. It's time for our party to come together and put our country back right.
Posted by: Bear Wilner-Nugent | May 23, 2008 11:03:54 AM
Jenny, I am delighted to hear this. Thank you for announcing it here!
Posted by: torridjoe | May 23, 2008 11:07:39 AM
Also, if Hillary's people mob the May 31st meeting as is being reported as their intention, in a move that sounds reminiscent of the Republican mobbing to influence the Florida election outcome in 2000, I hope that the Rules Committee will not allow themselves to be intimidated.
Seems you and I are in full agreement, right down to the evocation of the 3-piece mob in FL. I believe the best way to support that committee's ability not to be intimidated is to deliver a full 2026 delegates or more to Obama in the next eight days. Currently DemCon has the number at 56; 7 add-ons happen between now and then, all in Obama states. Six OR remain, sounds like neither Wyden nor Bradbury plan to talk before then, but there should be four more next week from the party officers. Would love to see Ted bolt, but I doubt it.
You're already under 50, and there are a lot of Obama-state or Obama-district people still out there. Over 200 in total.
So strong thanks to Jenny for leading her team a little closer by going first. Sometimes final unity can only be gained at the presentation of a fait accompli.
Posted by: Regina | May 23, 2008 11:08:15 AM
Ms. Greenleaf, I am sorry to hear this. While Obama is a promising figure in American politics, he just isn't ready. I am depressed that you chose him over Sen. Clinton. Please exert some independent thought.
Posted by: Trish | May 23, 2008 11:11:06 AM
Thanks for announcing it here, which is cool. But I have to disagree with you. Hillary Clinton is the best candidate who has truly progessive positions on health care. She will work for universal health care, and I'm just not convinced Obama cares much about the issue. I wish you had withheld your support until Obama agrees to put her on a fusion ticket of Obama-Clinton, perhaps where she gets to work on health care as VP. He and his campaign have been extremely dismissive of her for the last two months (and other 'sweeties' in general), and as a Clinton supporter, I am depressed generally and unhappy with Obama's behavior. Please don't reward his behavior with your endorsement.
Posted by: DH | May 23, 2008 11:14:38 AM
Thank You so much. We will win in November and more importantly, the American public and people of the world will benefit. It won't be easy. Mistakes and challenges lie ahead. But we will keep our eye on the prize.
Posted by: Laurie | May 23, 2008 11:14:49 AM
Ms. Greenleaf, My Oregon cousins thank you as well as Austin, Texas supporters.
Posted by: backbeat, woman | May 23, 2008 11:21:15 AM
Jenny, thanks for this endorsement, and for taking my call a few years ago. You're the best!
Posted by: Alycia | May 23, 2008 11:24:25 AM
Jenny, thanks for stepping up and casting a vote. I hope other uncommitted Oregon superdelegates will now do the same. The primary in Oregon is over. It's time to start unifying the Oregon Democratic party.
Posted by: Christopher London | May 23, 2008 11:27:56 AM
Bless your soul Ms. Greenleaf. While I was not a supporter of Senator Barack Obama from day 1 and have evolved to support him, I believe that many thinking Americans recognize he is the right choice. We need to do our best also re-inform that misinformed who have been duped and deceived through fraud about the true nature of Obama's character. His qualifications are simply a keen intellect, a profound perspective about the state of our country and the common sense to seek out the right decisions and partners.
Posted by: Jenny Greenleaf | May 23, 2008 11:28:21 AM
Thanks, everyone. I'm just relieved to be able to do this today.
Posted by: Ethel | May 23, 2008 11:29:04 AM
Mrs. Greenleaf, while I understand you have to make a choice at some point, I am disheartened that you did not go for Clinton. Oregon did vote for Obama, but there are a lot of Clinton Democrats (like me) in this state too. Will you pledge to support an Obama-Clinton ticket? I hope so.
Posted by: Jenny Greenleaf | May 23, 2008 11:42:44 AM
Ethel, I will support the Democratic ticket, from the top down.
I would like to thank everyone for being so engaged. I started my political odyssey back in 2002 because I didn't like the way things were being done. I know there is a place for working both from within an organization and from outside, and I chose to get inside the organization to see what I could do. Others have worked to establish blogs, think tanks, and volunteer efforts separate from the party.
While it's hard to turn a barge, the renewed activism of Democrats and Howard Dean's 50-state strategy have strengthened our party immensely. I hope all of you will be out this year knocking on doors, making phone calls, and writing checks!
I look forward to beating McCain in November and taking back our country for the people. What this is really all about is getting out of Iraq, providing healthcare, strengthening education, and all the other things Democrats stand for. And while the presidential race is critical, it's also important to give our president a more Democratic congress to work with. So let's make sure we all support Jeff Merkley and Kurt Schrader.
Posted by: Janet | May 23, 2008 11:48:05 AM
Jenny, thank you for reflecting the will of Oregon Democrats with your endorsement of Barack Obama! we'll win with 'real' not imaginary numbers...
Posted by: Bill R. | May 23, 2008 11:51:00 AM
Breaking story- The SD tsunami begins-Rep. Cardozo of CA is the first of 40 Clinton SDs in California to flip:
http://ruralvotes.com/thefield/
Posted by: jclempet | May 23, 2008 11:51:39 AM
How about briefing Sen Obama on Hanford and finding out why he voted for Dick Cheney's energy bill? Don't be a low demand supporter like many of Obama's.
Posted by: lestatdelc | May 23, 2008 11:52:22 AM
Thank you Jenny.
I have known Jenny since the Dean campaign, she is a 'gate-crasher' and one of the good guys/gals and so her endorsement doesn't surprise me, but rather confirms she is working hard to remake the party (for the better) from the inside out.
Posted by: TroyB | May 23, 2008 11:53:25 AM
Thank you, Hopefully the other Oregon Super's will follow your lead soon.
Posted by: Dan | May 23, 2008 11:55:48 AM
Thank you! There are others we hope will join you promptly.
Posted by: jason | May 23, 2008 12:00:53 PM
As one of the "activist" young folks who are energized by the current election, I am very motivated that we are finally coming together as Democrats. I live in the state of NY. Hillary Clinton is my senator.
However, I moved here from the South, where most are brainwashed into blindly voting for Bush and now perhaps McCain. I was Republican before, but I could not vote for Bush even then.....Please America you know the right thing to do, so let's do the right thing!!!! Let's all come together and show our unity. We must practice what we preach to others!!!! Let's change this country for better, for once!!!!
Posted by: Stephanie V | May 23, 2008 12:02:47 PM
Jenny, nice pick. Thanks.
I know all that neutrality was wearing on you!
Posted by: Kevin Hayden | May 23, 2008 12:03:01 PM
Good for you, Jenny. For any Clinton supporters, I can say that the reason Jenny likely waited this long is because of the amount of thought and due diligence she's given to the two candidates. Anyone who knows her would never accuse her of not thinking independently or of jumping onto a bandwagon solely for the company of any crowd. I recall when she first became a delegate for the 2004 race and how much effort and intelligence she's brought to the position ever since.
Someday, her successor is going to find they have some pretty big shoes to fill.
Posted by: Pat Ryan | May 23, 2008 12:03:51 PM
Jenny,
Let me add my thanks to the chorus, but also thanks for having held your ground, staying neutral until after the primary and maintaining your good humor in the face of the hate mail, hysteria and hype.
I fully expect that some of our party leaders will be coming out in favor of Clinton in the coming days, and that's all good too. The discipline shown by our supers (excluding natioinal office holders and the governor) has been wonderful to watch and reenforces our decision for a new direction for the state party in the wake of the Dean candidacy.
We'll still be able to find you under that rock and we will come knocking.......
Posted by: Gary | May 23, 2008 12:05:07 PM
Just finished watching Obama's speech at the Cuban American celebration in Miami, in regards to experience and being ready for the office; his command of the big 'world' picture is impressive. From that position he makes obvious and straightforward policy proposals that I find both logical and inspiring. The ability to motivate and energize a country to think big and global is a strength that trumps years of experience. One only needs to look at the wealth of 'experienced' individuals in Bush's cabinet to question at least some of that argument. (Rumsfeld, Cheney, Wolfewits (sp?))
Also, Hillary bashing should end, like Nancy Pelosi says "Let's all be patient and let the primary season come to a conclusion", however that shouldn't stop Obama from making speeches similar to the one he gave today.
Posted by: mcbush is a phoney | May 23, 2008 12:07:26 PM
I especially think Obama has some clear contrasts in energy policy, smart growth, smart trade, which will only be accentuated in the general with more of the same from McBush, i.e. iraq, vouchers, NCLB, and more things which do not work, have proven to not be viable, are disastrous and yet are still advocated for....mccain will continue wasteful policies, saying all of a sudden he is "green" but then saying we will be in iraq 100 years..if we are going to scrutinize policies, let's START scrutinizing mccain's rambling, such as how an endless war in the WRONG COUNTRY for the WRONG REASONS to enrich ALREADY WEALTHY will make us safer or more secure...
Have we already forgotten how Halliburton has moved all its' staff and headquarters to Saudi Arabia???? Yet all but one of the hijackers were saudi arabian!!!! I thought that is WHY WE WENT TO WAR!!!! not to help halliburton (and blackwater) get more contracts!!!Even bill clinton recently status as much...if we forget even recent history, of course we are doomed to repeat it....mccain just had to fire staff associated with myanmar's junta...maybe one article mentioned it....
Posted by: naschkatzehussein | May 23, 2008 12:32:57 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jenny Greenleaf!
Posted by: Ethel | May 23, 2008 12:48:03 PM
To Gary: The Hillary bashing shouldn't just end. It should never have occurred. I have no problem hard-nosed contrasts on policy, but I have been appalled at some of those in the netroots and their response to Hillary Clinton.
Jenny, I am glad you are supporting the Democratic ticket. I would still like to know if you would push Obama to choose Clinton as the VP nominee. That is what a lot of us want. I like both of them.
Posted by: Matthew Sutton | May 23, 2008 12:51:06 PM
Thank you so much Jenny!!
Its time for Obama and Clinton supporters alike to start pulling together!! Let's focus on beating McCain, not beating up on each other.
Posted by: Susan Shawn | May 23, 2008 12:53:01 PM
Good job, Jenny. Thank you. I've been an Obama supporter since the last Democratic convention. 3 1/2 years ago.
I would like to encourage you to consider what someone else posted here: please talk to Obama about nuclear power, how we shut down Trojan, and why. If you get to speak to him, please encourage him to move away from nuclear power. It is not clean power; in fact, it's downright dangerous. Encourage him to invest in other alternatives.
Thank you.
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Posted by: Jeff Alworth | May 23, 2008 10:02:01 AM
Who hoo! Very cool that you announced here, Jenny. Very cool.