Clinton Backer: Healing Will Be A Process

Political Players: Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones Says Time Will Heal Party's Divide

(CBS)  Political Players is a weekly conversation with the leaders, consultants, and activists who shape American politics. This week, as Sen. Hillary Clinton prepares to close down her campaign, CBS News' Brian Goldsmith talked with Ohio Congresswoman-and staunch Clinton supporter-Stephanie Tubbs Jones about how Democrats can come together, whether sexism is more powerful than racism, and why her fellow African-Americans should move past Jones’ initial opposition to Obama’s candidacy.

CBSNews.com: There's been a lot of criticism of that speech Senator Clinton gave on Tuesday night. Many Democrats said that she wasn't gracious enough in acknowledging Senator Obama's victory. How do you respond to that?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: You know what, I thought her speech was a great speech. And I thought she did, in fact, acknowledge Senator Obama reaching a milestone of delegates. You have to keep in mind that Senator Hillary Clinton has been running for president, like Barack Obama, for 15 months. And the expectation that she's going to turn off and turn in on a moment's notice is unrealistic.

Secondly, she needs the opportunity to talk to her supporters. That's 18 million people who voted for her. She needs the opportunity to talk to her supporters, her family, and to prepare them for a transition.

Just like Obama's supporters wouldn't necessarily jump and support Hillary Clinton if she had won, Hillary Clinton supporters are not going to just jump to support Barack Obama solely because she said, "congratulations," and acknowledges the victory. It's a process. And there's no hurry. And I think the dilemma that both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama face is everybody's rushing to have something happen. There's no rush.

CBSNews.com: A number of Democrats--and not just Obama supporters--have asked, why does she want to wait until Saturday to give her speech? Why not embrace him sooner this week?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: Again, think of how 18 million people voted. And there are significant numbers of people in her campaign who she would want to talk to personally before she made a decision. The fact that colleagues were on the phone with her, and then went to the media expressing what she had planned, gave her absolutely no time.

Friday, she couldn't do, because it is the anniversary of the Kennedy assassination. She already caught hell for commenting about a Kennedy assassination in the course of what happens in campaigns. Can you imagine what people would have said about her? Well, why would you do this event on the Kennedy assassination anniversary? So, Saturday was as soon as she could do it. Again, she earned the right to have some time to exhale before she made another move. And people just aren't giving it to her.

CBSNews.com: Do you think the last couple of days have made it more likely that she would be asked to serve as the vice presidential candidate, or less likely? And do you think that that job is even something that she's interested in?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: Senator Clinton has said from the beginning that she is willing to do whatever it is that would allow the Democratic Party to be successful in November. And within that statement, I suppose she's open to the possibility that she could be the vice president.

Other people like to be kingmakers. She's not advocating that she be the vice president. And I don't know whether it helps or hurts. It depends on who you're talking to. I think Senator Obama should give some consideration to a woman who got 18 million votes. But whether he does or not, it's a personal decision. And he has said that she would be on anybody's short list for vice president, which is true.

If people were being reasonable, it would make sense to give Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama time to sit down and contemplate what they could do collectively for the party. They've not had that opportunity, but now they do.

CBSNews.com: Your home state is really ground zero for where the general election may be won or lost. You said repeatedly, during the campaign, that Senator Clinton was the stronger candidate to carry Ohio. What do you think Senator Obama has to do now to bring along a lot of the blue collar whites, the Catholics, the women, the Hispanics who supported Senator Clinton?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: I think that he has to visit Ohio and visit places outside of the traditional urban areas, to give people an opportunity to meet and greet him. I think he has to talk about policies that are important to them. I think he has to reach out to the people of Ohio who did not support him, and seek their support, and ask for their prayers and their encouragement.

I think that Senator Clinton provides him a unique opportunity to get to those people, that Governor Strickland provides him a unique opportunity. But I think he has to do that and decide whether or not these are people that he would want to be his spokespersons in the state of Ohio.

CBSNews.com: Has he reached out to you?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: He has not.

CBSNews.com: And what would you ask him specifically, if he called you?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: I'm not telling you.

CBSNews.com: Let me ask you about African-Americans in this campaign. As you know, for the first year of this campaign, Senator Clinton was leading comfortably among African-Americans. And a lot of people point to South Carolina as a turning point, and what Bill Clinton said there. Do you think that got blown up out of context?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: Well, first of all, I think that the accusations against President Clinton and Senator Clinton in South Carolina were unwarranted and outside the body of their work. If you look at the body of work of Senator Clinton and President Clinton, I mean, he appointed more African-American federal judges than all the presidents lined up before him.

And I think those were unfair accusations. I think in many instances, some of it gave people an opportunity to say, "Oh, yes. He's not going to do anything," or, "He's a racist. So, therefore you ought to vote for Barack Obama." But I also have to say that Senator Obama ran a great campaign. And his successes in states before South Carolina gave African-American voters the belief that he could be president.

CBSNews.com: What do you think Senator Clinton, if anything, should have done differently?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: I'm not able at this juncture to write that little obituary, or do an autopsy on this campaign. There will come a point in time when I believe that I will be able to do that. But at this juncture, I'm not able to answer that question.

CBSNews.com: CBS did a poll this week in which we asked registered voters, "Do you think it's harder for an African-American or for a woman to be elected president?" And by a double-digit margin, people thought that it was harder for a woman. Do you agree with that?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: Absolutely. Absolutely. I mean, Hillary and I laugh about this all the time. We say, hey, when we get up in the morning as a candidate, not only do we have to put our legs in each pants legs-- and she wears pants, and I wear pants most of the time as well--but we also have to see if our hair color is appropriate, if our make-up is right. Do we have the right lipstick on? Is the pantsuit we have on the right color? Or how are people going to perceive this?

And in addition, it's a greater leap for people to be accepting of a woman candidate. Either they accuse us of being too emotional, or if you're strong, then you accuse you of being too assertive. And the list goes on.

But I will say after this election, Hillary Clinton has set the standard for what kind of woman can run for President of the United States, and the stamina, and the strength, and the tenacity and intelligence that it takes to be a successful woman candidate. Because she got as many votes as Barack Obama. I am blessed. I thank God for the opportunity that I had to be a part of her campaign.

CBSNews.com: A number of your fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus who supported Senator Clinton are being threatened by other African-American candidates in their districts, purely because they supported Senator Clinton. And they're facing primary challenges as a result of that. What message do you have to African-American voters in those districts?

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones: I use this term all the time, but look at my body of work. This is my 26th year in public office. I've been the congressperson for ten. I was the district attorney for eight. I was a judge for ten.

But you know me. You know my leadership on the issues that are important to the community. You know what I've done to bring bacon back to the community. And you know that over time, I have recommended to you candidates for public office. On this one you disagree with me. And you're entitled to disagree.

But I have earned the right to my opinion. Martin Luther King fought for me to have the right, not only to vote, to run for office, but to choose who I believe is the best candidate. And I chose Hillary Clinton. And I stand by that decision. I make no apologies for it.

I was in this race before Barack entered the race, before Barack even declared. But I will say to you that I'm more than my support for Hillary Clinton. And I hope that you can see it.

[jack3213]

VANITY IS A SIN- CLINTONS ARE SINFUL. PERIOD

[rufisgufis]

Obama and his clan started playing the race card right before SC.

Posted by croft777 at 11:39 PM : Jun 08, 2008
_________________

Tell me specifically how Obama played the "race card." I just know better.

[rufisgufis]

IF YOU LIKE THIS ECONOMY, LIKE THIS NEVER-ENDING WAR, LIKE PAYING HIGH GAS PRICES, LIKE THE TAX BREAKS FOR THE RICH, IF YOU CAN''T WAIT TO INVADE IRAN, IF YOU LIKE THE UNFAIR TRADE POLICIES THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING OUR JOBS OVERSEAS, IF YOU LIKE THE LOSS OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS, IF YOU LIKE ILLEGAL WIRETAPS, IF YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THE OVERTURNING OF ROE V. WADE. IF YOU LIKE THE FACT THAT THE US IS ONE OF THE MOST REVILED NATIONS ON THE PLANET, THEN YOU''LL JUST LOVE McCAIN.

[croft777]

Why,a healing process? I have not forgotten the racist comments from Bill and Hillary. She can not represent this Country, with that in her heart. Obama came this far without Hillary, and he will continue to do so. People thought Obama would not get this far. But behold. This is a New America. Bigots will not and can not hold Office in this Country any longer. It is not acceptable. More and More people will come out and vote. And Change, the racism that is in this Country.And we will not forget, the people that got on TV, newspapers etc. spreading discord. As for sexism, thats bs, What about the women that supported Obama? We are no less women because we did not vote for Hillary. A Public servant must be for everyone. Not blaming , finger- pointing and being weak. thats why she lost....missglo

Racist Comments? Only racist see those comments as racist. Obama and his clan started playing the race card right before SC. He knew the Clintons were were liked by the African Americans, it scared him. What better way to win the black hearts, what an insult they have been given and they don''t even see it.

[croft777]

Why,a healing process? I have not forgotten the racist comments from Bill and Hillary. She can not represent this Country, with that in her heart. Obama came this far without Hillary, and he will continue to do so. People thought Obama would not get this far. But behold. This is a New America. Bigots will not and can not hold Office in this Country any longer. It is not acceptable. More and More people will come out and vote. And Change, the racism that is in this Country.And we will not forget, the people that got on TV, newspapers etc. spreading discord. As for sexism, thats bs, What about the women that supported Obama? We are no less women because we did not vote for Hillary. A Public servant must be for everyone. Not blaming , finger- pointing and being weak. thats why she lost....missglo

Racist Comments? Only racist see those comments as racist. Obama and his clan started playing the race card right before SC. He knew the Clintons were were liked by the African Americans, it scared him. What better way to win the black hearts, what an insult they have been given and they don''t even see it.

[croft777]

Why,a healing process? I have not forgotten the racist comments from Bill and Hillary. She can not represent this Country, with that in her heart. Obama came this far without Hillary, and he will continue to do so. People thought Obama would not get this far. But behold. This is a New America. Bigots will not and can not hold Office in this Country any longer. It is not acceptable. More and More people will come out and vote. And Change, the racism that is in this Country.And we will not forget, the people that got on TV, newspapers etc. spreading discord. As for sexism, thats bs, What about the women that supported Obama? We are no less women because we did not vote for Hillary. A Public servant must be for everyone. Not blaming , finger- pointing and being weak. thats why she lost....missglo

Racist Comments? Only racist see those comments as racist. Obama and his clan started playing the race card right before SC. He knew the Clintons were were liked by the African Americans, it scared him. What better way to win the black hearts, what an insult they have been given and they don''t even see it.

[croft777]

Lets Put this race Issue Behind us, Obama has. He repudiated Rev Wright. He no longer goes to the church. He doesnt beleive in the Black Theology. He wasnt at church when Rev Wright Said Inflamatory things. He apologised for the Clinging to Gun comment.
Obama is a Uniter and he is for Hope and Change. Obama has the experience and the support to reach over and unite the party. Obama will unite the races. He said in his speech that its time for race dialog. Lets begin the dialog and then the healing. Obama has nothing but good intentions and his so called associates he no longer are friends with. So give Obama a chance he can make this country better than even Jimmy Carter did.


You are joking right?

[obama8years]

Lets Put this race Issue Behind us, Obama has. He repudiated Rev Wright. He no longer goes to the church. He doesnt beleive in the Black Theology. He wasnt at church when Rev Wright Said Inflamatory things. He apologised for the Clinging to Gun comment.
Obama is a Uniter and he is for Hope and Change. Obama has the experience and the support to reach over and unite the party. Obama will unite the races. He said in his speech that its time for race dialog. Lets begin the dialog and then the healing. Obama has nothing but good intentions and his so called associates he no longer are friends with. So give Obama a chance he can make this country better than even Jimmy Carter did.

[tigerjcs]

Obama is sucessful in using his rhetorics, empty promisses and poor judgement in his association with the racist and corrupt friends, to influence his supporters. He is inexperience, his loyalty is questionable, but with the help of the favorable publicity by the press, he won the democratic nominee. It''s time to look beyond and as the Hillary''s supporter, I will vote for McCain. Hopefully, Hillary will run again in 2012. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

[libra127]

I have never seen a person, let alone a woman act in such a self indulgent manner saying how much she appreciates the 18 million votes

Posted by jack3213 at 07:28 PM : Jun 07, 2008

So it is "self-indulgent" to thank one''s supporters ?! LOL. What are you smokin'' ?

"Revolution fades, leaving only the slime of bureaucracy". Kafka Obama will be no different.

[missglo]

Why,a healing process? I have not forgotten the racist comments from Bill and Hillary. She can not represent this Country, with that in her heart. Obama came this far without Hillary, and he will continue to do so. People thought Obama would not get this far. But behold. This is a New America. Bigots will not and can not hold Office in this Country any longer. It is not acceptable. More and More people will come out and vote. And Change, the racism that is in this Country.And we will not forget, the people that got on TV, newspapers etc. spreading discord. As for sexism, thats bs, What about the women that supported Obama? We are no less women because we did not vote for Hillary. A Public servant must be for everyone. Not blaming , finger- pointing and being weak. thats why she lost....

[jack3213]

Clinton speaks so much in vain about her suspended campaign and thanks all the people who gave her enourmous attention to feed her self serving ways. How ridiculous- She was never qualified, and either is Obama. They want the government to rule your life, Tax you to kingdon come, and tell you that you must have health care..Are you a puppet?

[slayrre007]

REASONS WHY HILLARY CLINTON IS LOSING

She believed the American people would be smart enough to see through a fruad like Barack Obama... her biggest mistake.

She was outspent nearly 2-1 in this campaign (some states 3-1)

A lot of Red states (that will go straight to the Republicans during the general election) voted for Barack Obama early on in order to keep Hillary Clinton out

The media protected Barack Obama and refused to expose his "garbage" and the media''''s sexist abuse of Hillary see Kieth Obermann, Chris Matthews, Tim Russert, etc)

Barack Obama%u2019s questionable funding coming from two of the poorest groups in all past elections (college students and blacks)

Blatant prejudice by the black community giving 90% plus of their vote to Barack because his skin color is black DESPITE the Clinton%u2019s 30 years of supporting, working, and fighting for minorities.

The internal push by Democratic leaders such as Pelosi, Reid, and Dean to get superdelegates to support Barack Obama

The UN-DEMOCRATIC Caucus system....

EXAMPLE:

The TalkLeft analysis noted that Clinton won 11 more delegates than Obama in the New Jersey primary, which she won by 112,128 votes, while Obama won 12 more delegates than Clinton in the Idaho caucuses which he won by 13,225 votes.

Similarly, Clinton netted 12 delegates by winning the Pennsylvania primary by 214,115 votes, while Obama came out ahead by 14 delegates by winning the Kansas caucuses by 17,710 votes.

[slayrre007]

BARACK OBAMA ENDORSERS AMERICANS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

Fidel Castro - former President of Cuba

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - Iran%u2019s President

Ahmed Yousef - representative of Hamas the terrorist organization and a mass social, political and religious movement.

Louis Farrakhan - leader of the Black Panther Party and Nation of Islam

Bill Ayers - terrorist radical who helped bombed the Pentagon, the Capitol, and other buildings.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright - former Senior Pastor of the Trinity United Church of Christ

Father Michael Pfleger - the liberal activist and longtime friend and associate of Sen. Barack Obama,

[slayrre007]

I started off this election%u2026like many people%u2026with a fascination for Barack Obama...a new voice in an old system of politics.

I ended this election with total disgust for Barack, the (non)-Democratic Party, and the American people who allowed themselves to be blinded by the rhetoric and manipulation of both.

I have never before seen a candidate with so little experience and so much controversy (Barack & Michell''s racist comments, having racist & America hating friends, and history of corrupt politics with people like Rezko) get such a free pass from both the media and the American people.

There is little doubt that during a time of war and economic woes America needs experience and hands-on-knowledge with both. While the Clinton administration kept us out of war in the 90%u2019s and gave us unequaled economic prosperity....Barack Obama has neither foreign policy experience or a history of improving an economy.

For all his soaring rhetoric about bi-partisonship, unifying America....it seems particularly revealing that he had the most liberal voting record in Congress and worked hard to make sure that voters from both Michigan & Florida were alienated from the voting process (when his lawyers effectively killed a democratic re-vote).

Barack Obama may be a good President but...all indications thus far reveals a man whose loyalties are in question, whose experience is lacking, and whose judgment is very very poor.

[nanging3]

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/removable-of-father-michael-pfleger

Please it is imperative that we get this petition signed !

Father Pfleger must go !

[jack3213]

I have never seen a person, let alone a woman act in such a self indulgent manner saying how much she appreciates the 18 million votes and that she will do anything to support Obama, and all her supporters should as well..WHAT A HYPOCRIT, what a shameful display of self centeredness I have ever seen! NO shame, just ME ME ME ME ME..wow.disgusting.
MCCAIN 2008-2012!

[jghutto]

McCain has this household''s votes! Obama will be defeated; I do not believe that God, in his mercy, would let this country end up with him. He does not have the wisdom of God and I do not believe he seeks God''s wisdom even if he does call himself a Christian. He never has spoken of God as if he "knows" God. Anyone can sit with the Reverend and "thank God for his blessings" but God says he wants us to get to KNOW HIM, and he and the Reverend Wright and the Catholic father all have come short of KNOWING GOD! John McCain might not speak of his "quiet times with the Lord" but he had six LONG years with just God and I believe he got to KNOW GOD and reverences him.

[phillysage]

He was playing basketball to win votes in NC--now he''s going out on the golf course, the sport of all old rich politicos (change, my foot!)--he went out playing golf and didn''t even have the courtesy to listen to Hillary''s speech supporting him. I''m a Hillary supporter who won''t support him if he doesn''t put her on the ticket right away--the longer he takes to make this common sense decision, the more it confirms he''s a ninkompoop---MCCain as I write is doing more to attract us Hillary supporters than Barack is---UNBELIEVEABLE!