Obama, Clinton Seek Unity In New Hampshire

CBSNews.com Reports: With An Eye On Skeptical Clinton Voters, Former Rivals Hold First Joint Rally Since N.Y. Sen. Left Race

(CBS)  This story was written by CBSNews.com political reporter Brian Montopoli.

---

Contractor Margie Thomas is exactly the sort of voter the campaign of presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama covets.

She’s white. She’s a woman. She lives in a swing state. And she voted for Hillary Clinton.

Thomas is standing in front of Will’s Place, the general store in the tiny New Hampshire town of Unity. On Friday, at the elementary school just down the road, Clinton and Obama will appear together publicly for the first time since Clinton suspended her campaign three weeks ago.

Thomas is not, she explains, much of a fan of the man who bested Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

“There’s certain things about him that I don’t care for,” she said. “He sounds like a gospel - like he’s in church, you know, and that really gets on my nerves. I think Hillary just has really done a lot of good things for regular people, and I just don’t know that he’s done all that much.”

Still, she says she’s going to vote for the Illinois senator.

“Do I feel comfortable? Not totally,” she says. “I feel comfortable voting for Hillary.”

That’s good enough for the Obama campaign, which conceived Friday’s event as a way to help convince skeptical Clinton voters to pull the lever for the presumptive Democratic nominee in November.

The campaign couldn’t resist the metaphorical pull of this town, whose name embodies the Democratic Party’s goal over the last few weeks and whose residents split evenly between Clinton and Obama in the state’s January 8th primary.

Standing outside his station, volunteer Fire Department Chief Bruce E. Baker describes Unity simply: It’s a “very small, rural town,” he said, where “not much happens.” For fun, he added, residents play horseshoes and fish.

“Most of us, I guess you could say, like to stick to ourselves,” added Tim Davis, one of the volunteer fire fighters. “We enjoy the peace and quiet.”

At a youth baseball game in the next-door town of Claremont, Kevin Pare watched as his 11-year-old son lined a base hit up the middle.

“I was actually really pulling for Hillary,” he said, leaning on a chain-link fence. “Maybe she’ll be the vice president. Who knows.”

Pare can’t make it to the rally because he has to work, though he wishes he could. Asked whom he expects to support in November, Pare said, “I’m kind of leaning with Obama right now.”

Most of the other people gathered for the game said they weren’t terribly interested in the campaign event.

”I thought it might be nice to have a woman president,” said Terra Bunten, not taking her eyes off the field. She supported neither Democrat in the primary, and will not, she said, be backing Obama in November.

Bucky Demers, who lives two towns over in Cornish, is a different story: He brought his race car, which has the words “Obama ‘08” painted onto the side in large, white letters, to Unity for the rally.

He races the car every Saturday night at a local speedway. “It’s out there showing to the crowd,” he said.

“I felt good about this guy, and I just said, OK, this is what we’re going to put on the car this year,” explained Demers.

He characterizes his theory as to why the state went to Clinton over Obama in the primary as “simple”: “There’s more women in New Hampshire than black people.”

He is confident, he added, that the state’s residents will come around to Obama in November.

“No more McBush,” said Demers, smiling.

An AP-Yahoo News poll out this week found that 53 percent of the Democrats who backed Clinton now say they will support Obama, up from 40 percent in April. Twenty-three percent said they would back presumptive GOP nominee John McCain.

---

More Coverage From Unity, N.H.:
Clinton Backers Try To Look Past Concerns
A Unified Front For Obama, Clinton
Horserace Blog: Two Clinton Voters On Why They’re Not On Board With Obama
Video: Clinton, Obama Head To Unity

---

Unity is perhaps ill-equipped to become the temporary center of the political universe: The town lacks a restaurant or traffic light, and anyone who wants to get into the rally will have to park in another town, a fact that discouraged more than one resident from attending.

But logistical concerns aren’t stopping Thomas, the contractor, who volunteered for Clinton’s campaign and said she really wanted to meet the New York senator. “And, of course, Obama too,” she added, seemingly as an afterthought.

She explained that while she may not particularly like the presumptive Democratic nominee - “I just think that we don’t know everything there is to know about Obama,” she said - that’s not enough to swing her vote over to McCain.

”I am a Democrat,” said Thomas. “And I will vote Democratic. Even if I don’t love the nominee. I don’t hate him. He just wasn’t my first choice.”

---

Click below to watch some of the scene from Unity:

[jack3213]

Most people are sheep- and if you read the policies Obama advocates you would see that he does not know what he is talking about and would put this country at great risk- he would raise your taxes- and bring unqualified characterisitics to a great country he wants to "change"- The ONLY change is that he changes his mind every minute- That is just scary- crazy.

[jack3213]

The 2006 Census estimate for Unity was 1715 residents, which ranked 151st among New Hampshire''s incorporated cities and towns. Unifying that is easy--lmao.

[acolton1]

Welcome to Unity N.H

President Obama and Vice President Clinton.

[jack3213]

MyOpinion: You said it!!!! Although, regardless of "age" MCCAIN is our NEXT PRESIDENT.

[jack3213]

If you trust a Clinton you are a fool.

If you think Clinton wants Obama to win- you are a even bigger a fool.

[zerosum2009]

Obama could have gotten enough votes to win--but now he has waited soooo long, that even if Hillary Clinton ends up being the VP nominee at the convention...

I am forbidden from saying here what several million people might hope for.

[l00ker]

Welcome to Unity N.H

President Obama and Vice President Clinton.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by acolton1 at 08:45 AM : Jun 27, 2008
+ report abuse


He''ll lose the support of the people who have put him where he is now, while trying to gravel to her supporters, and he''ll lose a substantial number of the former, if he even dreams of this Clinton VP stuff. It''s time for CHANGE, remember, and these Clintons were supposed to have been sent off somewhere, but he''ll rue the day that he slinks along with this Clinton extortion. It''s time for CHANGE indeed, with Obama, or without Obama.

[notmudrose]

I can''t wait for Barack Obama to be our next president. I hope he appoints Senator Clinton to the Supreme Court. These are most extraordinary people. Now, all you weeping republicans out there should have a nice day.

[creeper00]

PUMA

[jack3213]

NUTMUYDROSE_ A SUCKER is born every minute-..LMAO

IN THIS CASE- YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED AND YOU JUST DON''T CARE- READ OBAMA''S POLICIES, MAN, THEN TELL ME YOU WANT THOSE LOSERS.

[antoniof123]

If you trust a Clinton you are a fool.

If you think Clinton wants Obama to win- you are a even bigger a fool.

Posted by jack3213 at 08:56 AM : Jun 27, 2008

Jack this is the reason why the neo cons have destroyed them selves. First of all Hillary has no love for the GOP and the witch hunt they did to HER and HER family. Did you notice the word HER, in fact she would support anyone but a Republican.

So when she is appointed to the Supreme Court you neo cons will be livid and there will be nothing you can do.

With gas prices rising more violence in Iraq (a war of lies), and the economy taking a tank well I think you get the picture.

Good night and good luck.

[callistemon-2009]

no revivals on the white house lawn.

[rwilkens]

Per headline, will someone get them a GPS? I know, there''s no way McCain would figure out how to use it.

[omaar-101]

Posted by jack3213: Most people are Sheep.

Ans: like YOU Voting for Bush Jr. for 2 Terms as President. The USA`s in Great Shape, Huh !!

And if you read the policies Obama advocates you would see that he does not know what he is talking about.

Ans: Oh Yeah, Bush Jr. Knows what he`s Talking About. The Biggest Government Dolling of Funds, in History.

And would put this country at Great Risk- he would Raise Your Taxes.

Ans: You Mean like the Great Risk, Bush Jr. has put the USA...Too Late for that !

Speak No Truths, Ills or Facts about that Incompetent GW.Bush Jr. He`s White...Never.

And bring Unqualified Characterisitics to a Great Country he wants to "change"

Ans: Unqualified !! President GH.Bush Sr. is the only President to have Both National & International Experience.

Bush Sr. was the CIA Director (International) & Rep. VP. for 2 Terms & his A$$ Lasted only One Term as President. He was considered a Wimp and left the Oval Office, with Very Weak Ratings.

His Son George has Topped All Outgoing Presidents.

-----------------
John McCain: The ONLY change is that he changes his mind every minute- That is just Scary-Crazy.

Ans: I Agree with Your last statement about John McCain, he does CHANGE HIS 72 YR OLD, SEMI-SENILE MIND, EVERY SECOND OF EVERY MINUTE.

Note: Name a Year that the Taxes in this Country were Never Rsaised..

[omaar-101]

Posted by jack3213: Most people are Sheep.

Ans: Like YOU Voting for Bush Jr. for 2 Terms as President. The USA`s in Great Shape, Huh !!

And if you read the policies Obama advocates you would see that he does not know what he is talking about.

Ans: Oh Yeah, Bush Jr. Knows what he`s Talking About. The Biggest Government Dolling of Funds, in History.

And would put this country at Great Risk- he would Raise Your Taxes.

Ans: You Mean like the Great Risk, Bush Jr. has put the USA...Too Late for that !

Speak No Truths, Ills or Facts about that Incompetent GW.Bush Jr. He`s White...Never.

And bring Unqualified Characterisitics to a Great Country he wants to "change"

Ans: Unqualified !! President GH.Bush Sr. is the only President to have Both National & International Experience.

Bush Sr. was the CIA Director (International) & Rep. VP. for 2 Terms & his A$$ Lasted only One Term as President. He was considered a Wimp and left the Oval Office, with Very Weak Ratings.

His Son George has Topped All Outgoing Presidents.

-----------------
John McCain: The ONLY change is that he changes his mind every minute- That is just Scary-Crazy.

Ans: I Agree with Your last statement about John McCain, he does CHANGE HIS 72 YR OLD, SEMI-SENILE MIND, EVERY SECOND OF EVERY MINUTE.

Note: Name a Year that the Taxes in this Country were Never Rsaised..

[jack3213]

OMAAR- IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD BUSH ISN''T RUNNING A THIRD TERM-
IT IS OBAMA WHO IS THE NEXT BUSH- NOT MCCAIN -
WAKE UP YOU CLONE

[l00ker]

He doesn''t need her, and he''s a fool if he thinks he does, and will be damaged if he doesn''t stick to what has gotten him where he is now. Talking about snatching defeat from the hand of victory, and ATMs DO run out of money.

[omaar-101]

Posted by jack3213: Lordy, Lordy, White Jesus Above, Please don`t let that Bi-Racial, Black Man, I`m So Terrified of seeing this Happen !!!

Whites like Me are the True Victims Here !!

George Bush & D!ck Cheney are Geniuses and Barack is Bi-Racial, Vote for George Bush for a 3rd Term or The Pure & White 72 Yrs old Semi-Senile John McCain...Please !!!


Obama`s a Marxist, Communist, Leninist, Stalinist, Polygomist, Racist...

He!! Any (Ist Word) I can Think of ...

Whites Only in the White House !!

Oh Please White God, We Are the Only Race, that should be in the Oval Office !!!


Oh Great KKK (White Christians) Aryans, Nazis, White Seperatist, White Supremist Everywhere.

Please Don`t Allow this to Happen, Jesus is White, White People...

PLEASE WHITE GOD...NOOOOOO !!!!!!!

----------------------------

WELL (jack3213) AT LEAST WE KNOW YOUR WHITE RACIST A$$ IS SCARED TO DEATH !! AND EXTREMELY DESPERATE TO HAVE WHITES ONLY IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

[omaar-101]

Posted by JACK3213: OMAAR- IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD BUSH ISN''''T RUNNING A THIRD TERM-
IT IS OBAMA WHO IS THE NEXT BUSH- NOT MCCAIN -
WAKE UP YOU CLONE


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


YOUR ARYAN RACIST A$$ WOULD LOVE HIM TOO, THOUGH.

NO WORRIES, MCCAIN IS NOT GOING TO BE HIS 3RD TERM EITHER.

LIVE WITH IT.

I LOVE TO SEE YOU ARYAN, NAZI, KKK (CHRISTIANS) SO D@MN FEARFUL OF OBAMA...

ITS FUNNIER THAN THE FUNNIEST OF SITCOMS !!

[omaar-101]

Arnold Schwarzenegger slammed `politicians` who support lifting the ban on U.S. offshore oil...
--------------------------------------

I`ve tried to Inform you all, that it will take at least 10-17 years for this Offshore Oil to get to Land and by that Time, we''''ll be either driving Diesel or Electric cars or the Horse & Carriage !!!


ABC News` Tahman Bradley and Bret Hovell Report: In a strong rebuke Thursday of lifting the ban on U.S. Offshore Oil Drilling, California Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger seemed to knock the standard-bearers of his party: President Bush and Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Schwarzenegger, a long critic of his party on the environment, used surprisingly frank language to buck politicians who support lifting the (27-Year-Old Ban of Offshore Drilling)

"Politicians have been throwing around all kinds of ideas in response to the skyrocketing energy prices, from the rethinking of Nuclear Power to pushing Biofuels and more Renewables and Ending the Ban on Offshore Drilling, it goes on and on the list," Schwarzenegger said, per The Saint Petersburg Times.

"But, anyone who tells you this will lower our gas prices anytime soon is Blowing Smoke."

Mr. Schwarzenegger made his remarks in Florida at Gov. Charlie Crist''''s climate change summit. Crist may as well consider himself one of the Politicians that Schwarzenegger was broadly referring to.

An Enthusiastic McCain ally, Crist too Favors Lifting the Drilling Ban.
-----------------

[sillymail08]

2008 white power you should be ashamed.

[jack3213]

Ommar- you are an idiot- plain & simple

[jack3213]

I couldn''t believe the level that pandering has sunk to. Mrs. Obama was stating in her meeting in NH that (I''m paraphrasing) women have to struggle to take care of their kids, deal with $4/gal gas, run a household, care for parents, etc. Guess what Mrs. Obama, that''s called "life". Deal with it.

Bottom line is Mrs. Obama''s speech infuriated me. All she did was pander to the audience and I''d bet that over 3/4 of the audience bought it hook line and sinker. It was disgusting. How dare Mrs. Obama bring up $4/gal gas when it''s a fact that Obama OPPOSES increased drilling in the US and offshore. He opposes new refineries. He opposes nuclear energy too. Unbelievable. Barack said that increased drilling today won''t have an effect for ten years. Well guess what Mr. Obama, we''re still going to need oil in ten years!

Anyone thinking of voting for Obama had better think long and hard about the effect an extreme left wing Congress/Executive/Judicial government will have on our country, our lifestyle, and our taxes. Yesterday''s SCOTUS decision alone is reason NOT to vote for Obama. All it would have taken was one more extreme left wing Justice on the Court to re-write our constitution. Had it been 5 liberals instead of four yesterday, we would not have the 2nd amendment today. Obama is no friend to the 2A. It''s estimated that two Justices may retire within the next president''s term. Do you want our Supreme Court to be far left too? That is just plain scary

[roger_inkart]

It seems that McCain has about reached critical mass in his support. Undecided seem to be leaning towards the Dems, as people are fairly horrified when they see what massive damage and destruction the GOP has wrought on the nation. More of the same is not the answer.

Electing Obama will go a long ways to repairing our damage image in the world. It will be a partial ''mea cupla'' for inflicing 8 horrible years of the worst US president ever on the world. Our allies will return to our side and our enemies will have their arguments blunted.

January 20, 2009 can''t come soon enough.

[jack3213]

Hey Roger- I hope that fantasy life feels good for you- now- soon it will right up your A--

[roger_inkart]

Anyone thinking of voting for Obama had better think long and hard about the effect an extreme left wing Congress/Executive/Judicial government will have on our country, our lifestyle, and our taxes.

Posted by jack3213 at 09:42 AM : Jun 27, 2008

Please. You rightwingers had you chance (remember, you had BOTH houses and the White House) and look what happened to the country. Your side DROVE IT INTO THE GROUND!!!

I wish you were 1/2 as concerned for the health and well-being of your nation as you were saving a few bucks on your taxes.

[jack3213]

The people on this blog are incredibly IGNORANT- PITIFUL.

[roger_inkart]

Hey Roger- I hope that fantasy life feels good for you- now- soon it will right up your A--

Posted by jack3213 at 09:46 AM : Jun 27, 2008

Man, you righties sure have a sick facination with butt-holes. Why is that?

[roger_inkart]

Hey Roger- I hope that fantasy life feels good for you- now- soon it will right up your A--

Posted by jack3213 at 09:46 AM : Jun 27, 2008

Man, you righties sure have a sick facination with butt-holes. Why is that?

[jack3213]

I will not further dignify a response to any of you- time to find more intelligent life- seeya

[rudy654-2009]

I wish you were 1/2 as concerned for the health and well-being of your nation as you were saving a few bucks on your taxes.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by roger_inkart at 09:47 AM

Exactly. What good are tax breaks in the face of a declining value of the dollar and gas predicted at 7 dollars a gallon? Tax breaks for the richest of the rich and we have been paying for it ever since.

[roger_inkart]

The people on this blog are incredibly IGNORANT- PITIFUL.

Posted by jack3213 at 09:50 AM : Jun 27, 2008

It''s actually a message board and not a blog. A blog is more of an online journal whereas this is just random people phasing in and out posting comments.

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by jack3213 at 09:51 AM

yeah, you can post over at FOX now. Oh, and Limbaugh will be on shortly.

[roger_inkart]

I will not further dignify a response to any of you- time to find more intelligent life- seeya

Posted by jack3213 at 09:51 AM : Jun 27, 2008

Ha-ha, see ya loser. When you grow a pair feel free to come back and play.

[omaar-101]

Please. You rightwingers had you chance (remember, you had BOTH houses and the White House) and look what happened to the country. Your side DROVE IT INTO THE GROUND!!!

I wish you were 1/2 as concerned for the health and well-being of your nation as you were saving a few bucks on your taxes.

--------------------

Truth, Truth, Truth

[omaar-101]

Posted by jack3213: Most people are Sheep.

Ans: Like YOU Voting for Bush Jr. for 2 Terms as President.

The U.S Of A is in Great Shape, Because of Bush Jr... Huh Buddy !!

And if you read the policies Obama advocates you would see that he does not know what he is talking about.

Ans: Oh Yeah, Bush Jr. Knows what he`s Talking About. His Policies of the last 7 1/2 Years have Proven their Worth, in America an Around the World.

Note: George W. Bush has been one of the Biggest Government Dolling of Funds, in History !!

Obama would put this country at Great Risk- he would Raise Your Taxes.

Ans: You Mean like the Great Risk, Bush Jr. has put the USA...

Too Late for that !

------------------
Note: Name a Year that the Taxes in this Country were Never Raised Or Increased..

Ans: Never

Its called Inflation..

A$$ 4 A Hole !!!

George H. Bush Sr. Promised No New Taxes an he Lost the Election to BBill Clinton.

Inflation Dictates Taxation, they go Hand in Hand....

Duh !!!

[fstop100]

Seems like they made a pretty shady deal behind closed doors.
This is the guy running for president....We can''t
trust him!!!

[omaar-101]

By All Means, Praise the Incompetent, 2 Term Aryan`s George W. Bush Jr. & D!ck Cheney !!!

Just look at the Great Condition, George Bush & D!ck Cheney, have left Our Great & Prosperous Nation.

Look at the Mortgage Crisis, Look at the Record High Foreclosures !!

No Big Deal !!

Look at the High Outsourcing of Manufacturing Jobs to International Countries and the High Unemployment rate, here in the USA.

Thats OK Bush Jr. has the Utmost EXPERIENCE in National & International Affairs.

Though Bush had No National-International Experience, Prior to becoming President.

Sure his Father Bush Sr. & Bush Jr. have a more than 25 Yrs. Family Friends Relationship, with the Bin Ladens and still are Family Friends of the Bin Ladens.

Sure Bush Jr. gave FBI Clearence to Fly the Bin Ladens & the Elite Saudi`s home just days after (911)..

During a No Fly Zone Period, when Bush could`ve Detained them, until Bin Laden`s Capture or Surrender...

No Big Deal !!

Never mind the Direct Saudi Arabian & United Arab Emirates (911 Connection) to Piloting the Planes.

No Big Deal !!

Never Mind Bush Jr. Allowing the United Arab Emirates Controling All the USA`s Major Shipping Ports, with Help from Bush & Bill Clinton.

Bush Jr. is White, he has the National & International Experience...

Did I mention, George Bush Jr. is White..

Keep the White House...White !!!!

[omaar-101]

Posted by fstop100: i Agree, we can`t Trust, Ole Semi-Senile, Geriatric, Senior Citizen, Mundane, plain & Forever the Same...

Sr. Senator.. John McCain

[omaar-101]

Posted by fstop100: I Agree, we Can`t Trust, that Ole Semi-Senile, Geriatric, Senior Citizen, Mundane, Plain & Forever the Same...

Sr. Senator.. John McCain


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Omaar-101

[roger_inkart]

Seems like they made a pretty shady deal behind closed doors.

Posted by fstop100 at 10:01 AM : Jun 27, 2008

Yes, so let''s keep the White House in Republican hands because they''ve done SUCH a good job! (rolls eyes.)

Sorry, but you''re going to have to do better than making vague accusations about things you clearly know nothing about in order to convince people we should vote for McCain (you could resort to what some other righties are doing here - pretending to be Democrats saying they won''t vote for Obama.)

[mcvet]

Seems like they made a pretty shady deal behind closed doors.
This is the guy running for president....We can''''t
trust him!!!

Posted by fstop100 at 10:01 AM : Jun 27, 2008
+ report abuse

Let me see if I understand you here... because these two people met to unite their party we can''t trust HIM?? You want us to live with the Mess we have for 4 MORE years because these two Senators had a meeting?? How STUPID ARE you?? SIEG HEIL BUSH!!

[wdrussell1]

Keep it up with the unity.
A couple of Americans who understand that the other 95% of us live here also.

[lib_crusher]

Well, I guess if the Dums can''t figure out how to get unity...

they can at least read a map.

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by lib_crusher at 10:17 AM

really weenie comment

[lib_crusher]

really weenie comment

Posted by rudy654 at 10:19 AM : Jun 27, 2008

really weanier comment

[mcvet]

Well, I guess if the Dums can''''t figure out how to get unity...

they can at least read a map.

Posted by lib_crusher at 10:17 AM : Jun 27, 2008

Ya think?? Say what do you think about the Senator for out west.. ran an add saying he liked Obama and WOULD get along with him. Kinda tells you where the fascist have lead the Repigs huh?? Talk about needing a Map?? ROFLMAO I mean folks in MOST states outside the Fascist South the Repigs could hold a convention in a Phone booth... not much need for a map with those losers huh?? ROFLMAO Now lets stand for the salute... Sing it out now!! SIEG HEIL BUSH!! Sieg Heil McSame!! Good bootlicker!!

[faith_in_w]

No need to worry, President Bush has made a deal with Orochimaru to resotre America to its former glory.

[lib_crusher]

Ya think?? Say what do you think about the Senator for out west.. ran an add saying he liked Obama and WOULD get along with him. Kinda tells you where the fascist have lead the Repigs huh?? Talk about needing a Map?? ROFLMAO I mean folks in MOST states outside the Fascist South the Repigs could hold a convention in a Phone booth... not much need for a map with those losers huh?? ROFLMAO Now lets stand for the salute... Sing it out now!! SIEG HEIL BUSH!! Sieg Heil McSame!! Good bootlicker!!

Posted by MCVet at 10:24 AM : Jun 27, 2008

Wow! You sound a little confused today, McFarts. The only fascists in this country bear the Dumpacrap banner. Seig hail! ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cbs4me3]

As a Hillary Democrat, I find it absolutely disgusting for Hillary to be seen in the presence of this nothing. Given Hillary''s long and dedicated service to the United States of America, I would hope Hillary would team with Michael Bloomberg or Chuch Hagel and become the First Woman President of America. Hillary, like Bill, offers Americans genuine hope for peace and prosperity.