Possible Clinton Coup at the Democratic National Convention

Karen,

It was someone who is with PUMA, who video tapped this.  They also have been Picketing Obama  with signs that say,  "Obama Selected, Clinton elected" (sound familiar?)  I have said many times I wouldn't put anything past the Clintons.   Keep a close watch and see possibly the first coup in American Politics.  Please don't bring up 2000.. Please 

Oh for those who don't know what Puma is, Party Unity My Ass.

None of this just couldn't have anything to do with 'how many people DON'T like the Precious." Now could it?

I didn't bring up 2000, you did, Al! But, let's see if the Democratic Party, in this case, allows a coup to occur within its own body.

The rationale of a search for a possible strategy is so much you know what. It makes no sense that, assuming some form of scenario hinted at by Senator Clinton takes place, that after those Clinton delegates are allowed to cast their votes for her that somehow, that promotes healing. All this will do is cause commotion at the Democratic convention.

All throughout the primary, the Clinton campaign, and I make the distinction between Democratic Party operatives acting within the Clinton camp, and front line supporters, with the supporters taking their cue from the operatives, kept muddying the water with disingenuous characterizations of the numbers, creating false expectations of the ability for Senator Clinton to win.

The primary would not end until June but, it was settled in March that there were not enough pledged delegates to allow Senator Clinton to pull ahead to clear that first hurdle by claiming the majority of pledged delgate votes but, she continued on, making statements that implied she was winning and she could win, statements that were untrue, that is untrue that she could win the pledged delelgate count. Neither had enough pledged delegates to be named Democratic nominee. That's how the Super delegates came into play. But, Senator Obama succeeded in winning the majority of pledged delegates.

As already stated, Senator Obama, as of the early morning hours of June 4, 2008, the total delegate count, pledged and Super, was 2,156. The number of delegates needed to be named presumptive nominee was 2,118. This count included the Democratic Party's apportionment decisions regarding Michigan and Florida, another can of worms used by the Clinton campaign to muddy the water.

After June 4, 2008, Senator Obama picked up even more support from Super delegates.

The point being lost in all of this is, the pledged delegates represent the votes cast by the individual voters during this contest. They are pledged delegates because they are charged with voting the will of the citizens that cast their votes in whatever states they were in. That leaves the Super delegates, who have the option of changing their vote.

Even if the claim that Senator Clinton won the popular vote is interjected, a claim that you wrote about, Al, that requires some creative calculations, the rule is the winner is determined by the delegate count. 

Again, this latest contemplated action is a continuation of the already cultivated dissention in the Democratic Party mainly because, there is no logic or proof that somehow, after taking some fashioned strategy to the convention floor later this month, that the Clinton supporters will now be prepared to fall in line under the Democratic Party's national leadership, which was assumed by Senator Obama after he became presumptive Democratic Party nominee.

This no longer is a popularity contest. There was a process in place that all Democratic candidates were privy to when they signed on to participate in the 2008 Democratic primary and someone emerged victorious under the rules that everyone was aware of and agreed to.

The more this is dragged out, the more disgruntled many will become, thinking again that somehow, this is supposed to be a 'fight' to be hammered out on the floor of the Democratic convention.

If this turns out to be an attempt by Senator Clinton and her supporters to wrest Super delegates away from Senator Obama, because the pledged delegates are charged to vote as the voters in the districts they represent voted and the Democratic Party usurps those pledged delegates' charge to shift the delegate count by allowing the Super delegates to be the deciders of a Democratic nominee irrespective of those pledged delegates, because the Super delegates ARE the only ones that can do so, the Democratic Party will be plunged into total chaos.

Like that line made famous by the late, great Bette Davis as Margo Channing says, " Fasten your seatbelts. It's gonna be a bumpy night!"

Well, this was released by both Senators Obama and Clinton:

Joint Statement from the Clinton and Obama Press Offices

“We are working together to make sure the fall campaign and the convention are a success. At the Democratic Convention, we will ensure that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected and our party will be fully unified heading into the November election.”

Who knows what that means and this, from part of Senator Clinton's web ad for her web chat:

"... Your continued support has made such a difference as we continue to champion universal healthcare, an economy that sustains the American dream, and especially as we work together to elect Barack Obama President of the United States so we will be able to fulfill the goals we care about so deeply. ... .. "

- Senator Hillary Clinton

Problem is you can't unring the bell or put the s**t back in the horse on this one, given all the earlier Clinton campaign posturing meant to create the exact outcome that it has, supporters for Senator Clinton unwilling to unite no matter what she says needs to be done for the Democratic Party.

I find it difficult to believe she wouldn't have envisioned this scenario as a possible outcome as she took the primary race down to the wire.

Yes, I read the Joint statment and did not add it here is because it is spin.  Damage control by the crisis management folks.  Like you related.. Its like me calling you and awful person and then the next day get a few folks to say how great you are.  It is politics are usual.  Now with Hillary, if she trys to disrupt the convention, it will show beyond any doubt that she cares about one only, Clinton.  I feel sorry for her being so self absorbed.  On the other hand look at Romney a man who for all proactical purposes understands the economy.  Had a very diffiuclt time with McCain.  When asked about anomosity or anger.... he says, look, "McCain beat me", I want to unite the party"  While Romney was not my chice, I respect a man like that.  You can lead if you cant serve. 

Enjoyed being on the same side of an issue on this one.. Have a great night

Al

Thanks Karen, for rounding out this article. 

You are most welcome, Al.

In addition, my article, The Parable of the Baby, summarizes the Democratic Committee's decisions regarding Michigan and Florida.