Americans Away From Home

Pssst! Want to hear what Hillary Clinton thinks of grassroots workers in the Democratic Party?

Turns out Hillary's not so delighted with all the new voters and grassroots workers that have been helping Democrats.

Hillary Clinton attacked "activists" in the Democratic Party, and MoveOn.org in particular, in an audiotape made at a small closed-door fundraiser after Super Tuesday. Clinton blamed what she called the "activist base" of the Democrats for many of her election defeats, accusing activists of flooding state caucuses, intimidating Clinton's supporters, according to an audio recording of the event released by The Huffington Post.

"We have been less successful in caucuses because it brings out the activist base of the Democratic Party. MoveOn didn't even want us to go into Afghanistan. I mean, that's what we're dealing with," Clinton continued.

Do you believe Clinton would say this? No? Hear it for yourself, as Hillary Clinton attacks party grassroots workers.
(Huffington Post story and audio here)

Howard Wolfson, communications director for the Clinton campaign, confirmed that the audio is authentic. When asked if Clinton's statement suggested dismay over high Democratic turnout and elevated activist energy, Wolfson replied: "I'll let the statement stand as is."

It's highly unusual for a presidential candidate to attack grassroots workers for the party.  Most candidates would be happy with high voter turnout by members of the party and activists.  Clinton's statements stand out in attacking what most candidates would compliment.

Clinton contradicts her own statements in praise of this year's higher turnout in primaries and caucuses. She appears to blame her caucus defeats on newly energized voter groups, where in the past she's called them "lively participants" in American democracy.

MoveOn's Executive Director Eli Pariser had a strong reaction to Clinton's comments. "Senator Clinton's attack on our members is divisive at a time when Democrats will soon need to unify to beat Senator McCain. MoveOn is 3.2 million reliable voters and volunteers who are an important part of any winning Democratic coalition in November. They deserve better than to be dismissed using Republican talking points."

Looks like there's no one Clinton won't attack in her grab for power, including people working hard for her own party's success.

This may be the start of something very big.  Or rather, the end.

Carole