Hillary's Run

Giffords: Hillary Clinton Will “Stand up to the Gun Lobby”

April 18, 2016 by Inside Press

— The (former) Congresswoman inspires Hillary Clinton Supporters during a 4/17 visit to Westchester for Hillary headquarters
— Captain Kelly urges voters to “deny the acceptance of failure.”

By Kristin Lore

Ahead of the New York Primary on Tuesday, April 19th, Westchester County is working hard to Get Out The Vote for Hillary Clinton.

The White Plains headquarters for the Clinton campaign was honored on Sunday afternoon to have Captain Mark Kelly and (former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords on hand to inspire volunteers.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords in White Plains Photo by Jessica Meller — (Former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords in White Plains Photo by Jessica Meller

Turning their personal tragedy* into action, they are as passionate about this election as they are about gun control.

Captain Kelly spoke about the progress that has been made under President Obama, “If we want progress to continue and not rolled back it is very clear that we need somebody that has a record of standing up to the gun lobby… and elections matter and Tuesday is a big day!”

As the crowd roared with applause and excitement he continued, “I often think of these elections like a rocket launch… it takes an army of people to prepare for that day…to have all the details in place and one of the details is what you guys are doing…getting people to get out and VOTE.”

Captain Kelly introduced Gabby to a crowd that yelled out, “we love you Gabby!” He described her as “somebody who continues to fight for all of us and reminds me every day to deny the acceptance of failure.”

(Former) Congresswoman Gabby Giffords with Captain Mark Kelly and Westchester field directors Izzy Bugatti (left) and Hannah Fine at the White Plains Westchester for Hillary headquarters Photo by Jessica Meller

As Gabby Giffords began to speak, she spoke loud and clear about her support of Hillary Clinton. “She will fight to make our families safer and she will stand up to the gun lobby.” She went on to say that speaking is hard for her but come November, “I want to say these two words, Madam President.”

Gabby and Mark graciously remained as long as it took to shake hands, take pictures and give hugs to every volunteer that filled the room.

Kristin Lore is a mother of three and a psychotherapist in private practice in Armonk, NY. She has a great passion for politics and volunteering on campaigns.

*On January 8, 2011, U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords and eighteen others were shot during a constituent meeting held in a supermarket parking lot in Casas Adobes, Arizona, in the Tucson metropolitan area. Source: Wikipedia

Leading up to the New York Primary

April 16, 2016 by The Inside Press

Produced by Grace Bennett

A brief look back at various events in Chappaqua and in Westchester surrounding Hillary’s historic run for the Democratic nomination…leading up to the New York primary.

A Visit to HGHS on the Campaign Trail

Hillary Clinton’s anticipated presence created such a buzz throughout the student body at Horace Greeley High School on Thursday, March 31, that it was tough to maintain the students’ focus and attention in class that day! But, can you blame them? It’s not every day that the former First Lady, Secretary of State, and current Democratic Presidential Candidate comes to their high school to speak in one of their social studies classes. It was a memory that I’m sure the students will never forget, as she walked through a maze of adoring students and teachers alike all craning necks to shake hands, share an encouraging anecdote of support, or snap a quick picture with their cell phones. –Timothy JH McHale (HGHS ’11, actor, and also substitute teacher in the Chappaqua Central School District)

“My Inspirer in Chief”…Kind Words of Support

“You are my inspirer-in-chief. You are that to many people in the United States and around the world.” Tracy Stein to Hillary Clinton preceding HRC’s talk to hundreds gathered at her home; an impromptu meeting with Clinton at Le Jardin du roi prompted Stein to pursue a Master’s degree in global affairs. “Human rights is my passion,” Stein noted. HRC opened her talk highlighting what’s at stake in November. “It really is one of these crossroads/consequential elections… it will set the stage for the next four to eight years–and probably for the next decade or two–in how we conduct ourselves as a nation, how we treat one another, what goals we set, how we lead and how we are viewed in the world.”

Marco Masotti and Tracy Stein before introducing Hillary Clinton

At SUNY: A Test for “Any Candidate”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey on the podium with HRC rallying supporters

You know, that moment when you actually MEET her! Randee Glazer, while volunteering

An early stop on the New York campaign trail included a rousing speech to SUNY Purchase students, faculty and supporters county wide. HRC included, as she has in many speeches during this campaign,
her criteria for the presidency: “One, can you deliver results that actually improve people’s lives? Two, can you keep us safe? That may be more personal for New Yorkers than other folks…and people who don’t know how to talk about it, who view it as an afterthought, have no business being in the Oval Office. And three, can you bring our country together?…”

Westchester for Hillary Opens!

The early April grand opening of the Westchester for Hillary headquarters at 188 Martine Avenue in White Plains has spurred a great deal of momentum for signing up and volunteering.

Volunteers from the grass roots Chappaqua Friends of Hill group offered hands on support and/or donated supplies.

Westchester field organizers Hannah Fine and Izzy Bugatti greet a volunteer at the White Plains HRC campaign headquarters grand opening.

Geri Shapiro, who held the position of Westchester County Regional Director for then Senator Hillary Clinton, rallying volunteers too.

Millennials Rally

michelle kwan 1 — While Bernie Sanders’ supporters may boast (justifiably) about widespread support among millennials for his campaign, the hundreds of thousands of millennials who support Hillary Clinton have been steadily rising above the radar. Olympic skater Michelle Kwan rallying a youthful gathering at the Royal in New York City.

A Friend in Carole King

April 15, 2016 by Inside Press

Article and Photos by Grace Bennett

After an appearance on Morning Joe, the much beloved singer-songwriter Carole King arrived in White Plains to rally delighted supporters on behalf of Hillary Clinton; she also lead those gathered in singing You’ve Got a Friend, a classic from her timeless Tapestry album.

King described once sitting at a table with Clinton impressed with “her breadth of knowledge” but also her expertise in communication. “She’s just so smart and explains things in a deep way but in an understandable way.”

King also noted Clinton’s skill in finding common ground from across the political aisle, specifically citing adoption legislation she passed together with Republican Tom DeLay, then the Senate Majority Leader. “She is going to do the right thing for the people she represents and she is not going to let anyone get away with doing what they’re doing wrong. And she has a record of doing that.”

Prior to King’s taking the mic, several public officials heaped praise on the recording superstar* and also rallied a group of supporters gathered by a private GOTV (Get Out the Vote) invitation to the Westchester for Hillary headquarters.

White Plains Mayor Tom Wolf, speaking of King: “The bar was set high for me and all of us to hear such beautiful music sung in such a genuine fashion,” he said. “When you hear a person singing words that matter, the effect on you is tremendous.”

Assembly woman Shelley-Mayer, who introduced King, said her music “changed our lives. She took our personal tales and made It a story of strength and confidence; we had a voice. The songwriting combined with singing awoke us to the power we have. Very few people in the history of songwriting have transformed generations.”

Congressman Eliot Engel after commending King for her activism for the environment, reminded everyone: “Every democratic Congress member in NY is supporting Hillary Clinton.

“Wherever she goes, she’s greeted like a rock star, because she is. Let’s make sure New York goes for Hillary by double digits, then it’s on to victory in Philadelphia.”

Finally, state Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins recalled Hillary Clinton’s support “when I first had the audacity to run for Senate. “Go figure, a little woman like me beating this guy who’d been in for 28 years.” She called on supporters to “just do the work. Be vigilant. We have to work every day untill we celebrate the victory.”

*King’s album “Tapestry” is still considered one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 25 million copies sold worldwide.

Rally for Hillary Clinton Outside Grafflin: 7 a.m. on Primary Day

April 14, 2016 by Inside Press

Volunteers for the Campaign Offer Passionate Statements Regarding their Support

A rally to support voting for Hillary Clinton will take place outside the Grafflin Elementary School at 7 a.m. on the morning of the New York primary. Chappaqua Friends of Hill (CFOH) has organized the event and are inviting supporters to turn out in as large a number as possible. The Clintons both vote at Grafflin too.

Marie Hollinger Short, a volunteer with the grassroots group, said CFOH mobilized to help canvass and make phone calls throughout Westchester because of “what is at stake…our reputation as a true global superpower for good, our national security, our relations with other countries, our safety and response to gun violence.”

Hollinger Short called Hillary Clinton “an extraordinary human being…and also the candidate who can best run our country and understands its needs. I can think of no better role model for my two daughters than a woman who has been attacked nearly every day of her adult life, and yet keeps plugging on and doing good in the world because she feels a duty.”

CFOH volunteers Randee Glaser, Marie Hollinger Short and Jason Lichtenthal at Chappaqua Station recently to recruit volunteers for phone banking and canvassing for HIllary's campaign in Westchester. — CFOH volunteers Randee Glaser, Marie Hollinger Short and Jason Lichtenthal at Chappaqua Station recently to recruit volunteers for phone banking and canvassing for HIllary’s campaign in Westchester.

Lori Gowen Morton, also a CFOH volunteer, told the Inside Press that the legislature has become increasingly ineffective, and even quite recently, seems prohibitive to governing. We need a leader that can be most effective in restoring a collaborative environment.

“Additionally, I believe there has been a backsliding on civil rights issues, and a growing permissive environment for xenophobia and fear. I want a future in which my daughters can feel confident that their work is equally rewarded, their bodies are their own, and their friends need not fear discrimination or limited opportunities. I want a leader that will not only set a positive tone for our children’s future, but has a plan of action to protect it,” stated Gowen Morton.

“Hillary Clinton has been my candidate because beyond rhetoric, she has outlined specific and detailed plans to move the country forward, on all fronts: social, economic and diplomatic.”

Gowen Morton described her first experience with Hillary Clinton. “It was at a campaign speech at my college during Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign in 1992. I was so impressed with her expertise on the issues and her presence…as a woman who was a force to be reckoned with in her own right, not simply window-dressing and a cheerleader for someone else.

“I remember thinking “She should be running!” I have been a fan ever since.She’s been a kind and generous neighbor, and well known locally for “behind the scenes” advocacy for those in need. I was so proud of her efforts to globally address women and children’s issues during her time as Secretary of State I believe that she has literally changed the world, shining a light on inequity, empowering women and families to fight for change, and increasing the pressure for reform in more oppressive countries.”

The discourse in this campaign has been so hateful and divisive, Gowen Morton also noted. “I continue in daily disbelief at the chauvinist, racist, discriminatory and simply offensive statements coming from other campaigns. I respect Hillary Clinton for continuing to take the high road, keeping the dialogue on topic, fighting her battles with fact and plan, rather than outburst and insult. I started supporting her because of my deep respect for her, but my commitment has been solidified by my belief that the country is in serious peril, and there is simply no other candidate with equal promise to be a sensible and effective leader.”

How Some Coverage of Hillary Clinton Lacks Basic Respect

April 1, 2016 by Inside Press

By Bobbi M. Bittker
Photos by Grace Bennett

I realized there was a problem when my husband said, ‘how was your rally? I heard on the news Bernie supporters interrupted it.’ What? That’s what was reported?! Read on…

Commentary on yesterday’s Hillary rally at SUNY Purchase from someone who was actually there:

Why am I reading myriad articles reporting on the 40 minute speech with headlines, ‘Hillary Clinton rally interrupted by 20 Bernie supporters’ as if this is THE story? It’s not even A story.

Fewer than a dozen college kids, standing in the back, heckled her with ‘You Win We Lose’ for about 5 seconds, if that, and walked out. Hardly impactful, nor impressive. Seconds of no-substance interruption by a few almost-adults became the focus of media reporting on the packed, line-out-the-door, people-had-to-be-turned-away, Westchester County rally of a former FLOTUS, NY Senator, Secretary of State, front-runner Democratic Presidential candidate.

I’m wondering how they will lose if she wins. As Senators, she and Bernie Sanders voted together 93% of the time. That’s neither here, nor there. It’s simply a fact.

Hillary Clinton spoke to rousing cheers about a concrete plan for affordable college–free community college and debt-free public university; expanding full human and civil rights for workers, women and LGBT communities; clean water for all; expanding the job market and growing the national infrastructure with domestic jobs; raising wages; combating climate change; quality education for every child regardless of zip code, a focus on early childhood education; continuing the success of the Affordable Care Act; reigning in drug costs; restoring voting rights; ensuring gun safety protections. She talked about action and a proven record of accomplishment.

Controversy sells. Anger sells. Dissension sells. Bad behavior sells. It’s about clicking the almighty link. A candidate making promises she backs up with action, experience, plans and a room full of well-behaved supporters doesn’t garner the attention the media wants. But a strong candidate like Hillary Clinton IS exciting. Being in the room with her and the passionate supporters WAS exciting. Voting for her on April 19 will BE exciting.

Yet, the focus is on a sophomoric peanut gallery demonstrating disrespect as Clinton replied with cool aplomb, “We’re very sorry you’re leaving!” As if that’s all that happened. Forget the spirited women with the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester banner, the parents anticipating history being made with their children in tow, the crowded room, the cheers and the loud, wild applause for a solid candidate. The people trying desperately to touch her, shake her hand, speak to her. The energy and zeal people think is reserved for the Senator from Vermont, only something that can be conjured up by the most angry of college students was IN. THAT. ROOM. But who will know?

Congresswoman Nita Lowey embraces Hillary Clinton after rallying for her right before her speech to supporters.

Westchester field Organizers Hannah Fine (left) and Izzy Bugatti

A recent article said Hillary supporters are the most enthusiastic, contrary to the image portrayed of the populist Trump/Sanders proponents. We are the sleeper enthusiasts who no one acknowledges. We are happy with our candidate. Not aggressively angry. Not poorly behaved, engaging in negative behavior. No one knows we are here, but we are and we are politically active and we are voters! But there’s no story in that.

Take the focus off the disrespect. Take it off the bad behavior in political discourse today. Not all of it is coming from Trump and his cronies. The media can craft its narrative but these are FACTS. Or should I just be thankful they’re not reporting on her hair and clothes?

Information is best gathered first-hand. Go to Hillary’s speech website for the full video.

#imwither
#Hillary2016

Bobbi M. Bittker is a Stay at Home Mom and Attorney, on the Board of the Bedford Community Theatre, member of the Chappaqua Friends of Hill Group and a vocal supporter of Israel, Gun Safety and LGBT, Women’s and Civil Rights.

Hillary's Run

Giffords: Hillary Clinton Will “Stand up to the Gun Lobby”