The PUMA Party has become a small grassroots driving force behind the Democratic party and the current state of party unity. As they put it, Party Unity My Ass.
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PUMA party was formed in response to Hillary Clinton's recent defeat to Barack Obama. The nasty battle that ensued led to a fractured Democratic party, a party still trying to fuse together under Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have been calling for party unity, so much so that Mrs. Clinton will now be campaigning under Barack. The announcement came recently at an event in Unity, New Hampshire. Some Hillary supporters, still feeling betrayed and dissatisfied have responded with Party Unity My Ass, or the PUMA party.
The stated goals of PUMA are to:1. Support Senator Hillary Clinton. 2. Lobby and organize for changes in leadership in the Democratic National Committee (DNC). 3. Critique and oppose misogyny, discrimination, and disinformation in the mainstream media, including mainstream blogs and other outlets of new media. 4. To support the efforts of those political figures who have allied themselves with Hillary Clinton and who have demonstrated commitment to the first three goals.
Hillary Clinton supporters who refuse to back Obama feel they have been left out to dry by the Democratic party, and are being welcomed with open arms by the Citizens for McCain group. PUMA however does not focus completely on support for McCain, some members still will not vote Republican. Some have committed to not voting, others to writing in Hillary's name, and still others looking to third party candidates.
The PUMA Party web page hosts members' blogs as well as a forum for networking. The site is relatively young but is supported by a sister group. PUMA-PAC or People United Means Action a Political Action Committee, has also formed to aid in the protest against the nomination of Barack Obama and the splintering of the Democratic party.
PUMA PAC is advocating the message of the Democratic Party as it used to stand, for the working class man.
From the website:
IF YOU REMEMBER THE VALUES THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY USED TO REPRESENT, AND IF YOU CARE ABOUT THEM STILL, YOU SHOULD BE A MEMBER OF PUMA PAC.
PUMA PAC has felt that the Democratic Party has accused them of not being true Democrats and do not matter to the party any longer. If this is any indication of what the Democratic Party has to look forward to in the coming months, party Unity may be a concept best left in the past.
