Clinton supporters express cautious optimism at rally
Hillary Clinton supporters expressed cautious optimism -- and defensive pride in their candidate -- during a downtown party Tuesday night attended by campaign volunteers, Chicago area friends and a large media contingent.
"I'm really nervous but also very enthused that the country seems to be viewing things the way I think they should," said Robyn Golden, a Clinton volunteer from Chicago. "She's absolutely brilliant and knows the issues inside and out, and I can't believe how negative the press has been about her."
It was a sentiment echoed time and again Tuesday night, as Clinton was eclipsed at the polls in her native state by Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who has assumed the image of hometown candidate.
"It's amazing that people would think of him as more of an Illinoisan than her," said Emilio Cici of Burr Ridge. "But we're all keeping positive. She's really creating some momentum."
About 150 supporters, wearing Hillary shirts and waving Hillary signs, ate, drank, and kept their necks craned to the dozens of televisions broadcasting election-night results. A brief cheer of "Hillary, Hillary, Hillary," erupted after campaign organizers made a speech thanking volunteers. But the crowd was mostly subdued, and unwilling to prognosticate until the final votes were tallied.
Arlington Heights resident Betsy Ebeling, one of Clinton's childhood friends from Park Ridge, greeted campaign staffers and friends, without taking her eyes off the television sets.
"I'm all over the board. It depends on the minute. This is a huge day, an exhausting day," said Ebeling, who says she last spoke to Clinton the Friday before the South Carolina primary. "I want people to hear the person I know as my friend. I want a fair hearing."
The night's loudest cheers came when the news outlets named Clinton the winner in Massachusetts. The second loudest came when a television pundit asked whether Clinton's victory was an embarrassment to Sen. Ted Kennedy, who endorsed Obama.
"So far she's doing great, and Massachusetts, that's really excellent," said Chris Lebed of Downers Grove. "I'll be curious about the South, and if the East Coast will line up for her."
Suburban residents braved nasty roads and a winter storm warning to be part of Tuesday's celebration.
"This is the most important election ever, a lot because a woman's running," said Mount Prospect resident Mary Winkler, who volunteered by passing out fliers and making phone calls on Clinton's behalf. "This is history. I wanted to be here to see it."
Homer Glen resident Andrew Bochantin was selling Hillary buttons and an "official Bush countdown clock," measuring the minutes until Bush leaves office at Tuesday's party.
Bochantin said Super Tuesday had him "biting his nails," which he figured was good for America. "It's great for the democratic process and the Democratic Party that people are nervous and excited."
Supporters emphasized they didn't expect anything to be decided Tuesday night.
"I'm a realist," said Chicago resident Darlene McClendon. "There's not going to be a knockout punch."