New York Democrats unmoved by Hillarys announcement
Hillary Rodham Clinton entered the presidential race Sunday to a stunning cold shoulder from Mayor Bill de Blasio and few signs of genuine enthusiasm from other top New York Democrats, who want to see her espouse a far more liberal agenda.
The lack of enthusiasm for Clinton made clear to the nation Sunday by de Blasios refusal to endorse on Meet the Press ranges from far-leftist progressives allied with de Blasio, who prefer a Wall Street-bashing populist like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, to Jewish voters worried by President Obamas Mideast policies, to union activists taking their lead from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who want Clinton to face a primary challenge to force her into stronger stands on issues vital to organized labor.
And the lack of passion for Clinton was also seen on the local level Saturday at the Ready For Hillary gathering in Manhattan, where a mere 200 people and virtually no A-list Democratic officials attended a final fundraiser before Clintons announcement.
Democratic activists here really want progressives like de Blasio, Melissa Mark-Viverito, people like Elizabeth Warren, not someone as close to Wall Street and the big-money people as Hillary, said a prominent Democratic consultant.
Many Democrats also describe Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was once seen as a potential Clinton alternative for president, as surprisingly unenthusiastic about Hillarys campaign.
He seems distant and detached from Hillarys effort, perhaps because its not his, said a senior Democratic Party leader.
While Jews have always been a bedrock of Democratic support, a surprising and little-noticed Siena College poll found that while Clinton, a former US senator from this state, was viewed favorably by an overwhelming number of New York voters (59-38 percent), she had a negative rating (44-50 percent) among Jewish voters.
Thats a figure thats not been lost on such powerful New York Democrats as US Sen. Chuck Schumer, insiders agree.
A prominent union insider told The Post, Hillary isnt close to sealing the deal with labor. Many union leaders are afraid that without a primary, Hillary wont have to address labors concerns before she is nominated.
And some of the unions are also hoping for an undefined alternative, while others prefer Elizabeth Warrens economic approach, he continued.
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New York Democrats unmoved by Hillarys announcement