Letters to the Editor
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Why Hasn't This Happened Sooner?
The only difference between this nominating process and most in my lifetime is that a candidate became a pretty clear frontrunner -- despite the fact few of us, let alone real power-brokers, expected him to become the frontrunner. On top of that, his nearest competitor is a formidable, popular figure who is part of the most powerful Democratic political machine in my memory.
Bill Bradley wasn't in position -- financially or any other way -- to say, "I know the numbers favor Gore, but I'm taking this to the convention. It'll be great for the party." The considerable challengers who fell behind John Kerry in 2004, again, lacked the money or the juice to say, "We want to keep the debate alive and go to the convention and let the process play out ... blah ... blah ... blah."
You can't really knock out a political foe who'll spend their own fortune to stay in the race -- and who has 8 years in the White House worth of favors to call in.
I'd like to think, in fact, that Clinton's self-centered view of things would actually shift the power base in the party. It's incredible to hear her say that elected delegates are up for grabs and that she feels that the Florida and Michigan delegations deserve to be seated -- flying in the face of the process she approved to start with.
Now, what, 52% of Clinton supporters say they won't support Obama, while 68% of Obama supporters say they'll definitely support Clinton? The Democrat should still win in November, but not until the Clinton group does everything to intimidate, scare and muscle the Democratic party into giving her the nomination.
I didn't start out with any anymosity toward Hilary. I just liked Obama. She's really trying my patience, that's all, so I can't imagine what others who feel as I do are thinking.
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ceyton
I'm right with you. If Hill pulls it out, however it happens, I'll be voting for her, as will our whole extended family. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of lives, are on the line. War deaths mount daily. Environmental catastrophes of unimaginable magnitude await unless we do a 180 real damned soon.
One article I read yesterday really shook me: there are 650,000 veteran of our twin wars now waiting for their disability claims to be even looked at, much less resolved. and at least 120 Iraq/Afghan vets commit suiced EVERY WEEK. That's over 6000 deaths that don't get added to the bloody price of this war. It must end. I truly believe Obama has the best chance of doing that. We also need at least five more Senate seats and 20 more House seats. that's for starts.
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Those Charlie Brown Democrats never learn!
That mean ol' Lucy is a secret Republican and will swipe away the football at the last minute, AGAIN!
These recent articles aren't the mindset of a winner. They are the mindset of a loser. I plan on winning in November. What about you? I'm going to have to buy a new FUDometer real soon. The current one is about used up.
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It won't last that long
The only way Clinton can win is if the super delegates overturn the will of the voters. Here's why I doubt that will happen:
1) It would piss off a ton of new voters and older Dems are not going to go to McCain in droves if they have one nominee for 5 months.
2) It would create a major scandal that would engender attacks from every corner (even the GOP would chide them for their decision because, why not?) Such a reaction could cripple the party for years.
3) Super delegates need turnout and new voters, and not just in the big states, because most of them are/are tied to elected officials who need to win their own districts. Obama means high turnout in Democratic districts that normally are a challenge.
4) Clinton is not liked by insiders in progressive part of the beltway. This may come as a surprise to Obama supporters out there, but there's a difference between media whores and all the people with close ties to the party in and around DC, and these insiders think Clinton is fucking everything up. Former cheerleaders for her inside the center-left mainstream now curse her, pretty much out in the open with no fear of standing out.
The super delegates will side with the voters and back Obama -- it's done. It will happen right after PR if not sooner. They will not let it linger. If Clinton tries to fight at the convention, she's going to do nothing other than ruin any legacy that she and her husband might have left. Sorry Clinton supporters, but thems the facts.
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Who will win...
People may not realize this, but to win the Democratic nomination you need 2025 delegates. Neither Obama or Clinton can win the nomination without the Supers. This has been the case for awhile now. It should be obvious to anyone following the nomination process that there are issues with either Clinton or Obama. The issues with Clinton have been coming out for years as she has been a favorite target of the Republicans. The issues with Obama have been trickling out slowly as he is a new target for the rabid right.
Since the start of this process the Right have been supporting the underdog in the nominations. First Obama was supported, now Clinton is supported, and I use the term support in a very loose way.
One of the big problems we have at this moment is what to do with Florida. Are we really not going to give Florida a say in this process? Are we that willing to throw Florida to the Republicans?
You can just see the ads down there if Obama is the nominee. " Obama didn't think your vote should count the last time you voted, but he thinks is should count now?"
We have to work this nomination out in a way that gives the perception of fairness to the supporters of both candidates. We have to stop being faux idealists and be the ruthless pragmatists that will be able to kick Republican ass in the fall.
We will not be able to do this if we are a house divided.
Lets get rid of the fanatics on both sides of the Democratic nomination and figure out how to have a nominee that will be able to beat McCain.