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Let me make a point here (2.00 / 3)

I've just read posts from several people complaining that Obama's not trying to change the rules, or that Obama's not saying that Clinton is trying to change the rules.

I think  you folks are misreading this post.  Look at it a little more closely.  This is a post about Obama's adherents' complaints that Clinton is trying to "change the rules."

Does this happen?  Hell yes.  Just look at Mojo Risen's post a few above this, timestamped 6:42:08 EDT, and I daresay that if you just look around this site you will see it over and over.  Kos is constantly saying that Clinton can only win the nomination by a "coup," which clearly implies that she would be overthrowing the existing regime, i.e., changing the rules, if she wins by superdelegate vote, or if she succeeds in getting the FL and/or MI delegations seated.

Heck, if you don't believe that, then check out this Google search:  177,000 hits for [Hillary ("changing the rules" OR "change the rules")].

Superdelegate votes and credentials fights alike are clearly provided for under the existing rules.  Winning the superdelegates votes or winning a credentials fights are not changing the rules, they're just winning the game with the current rules.

I'm all for changing the game to have better rules, but for right now we're stuck with the game we've got.  For this game, the rules are what they are, and I would be greatly obliged if those who like to complain about Hillary's desire to change them would take some time first to familiarize themselves with what they really are.

Otherwise, feel perfectly free, as Jerome suggests, to argue that metrix X, such as leading in pledged delegates, should be the metric that superdelegates use.  Just please refrain from making the factually incorrect claim that the use of some other metric would constitute "changing the rules."


by Trickster on Mon Mar 24, 2008 at 07:00:06 PM EST

Re: Let me make a point here (2.00 / 1)

Kos' argument is not that the Clinton's are breaking the rules.  He's saying that if the Super Delegates go against the popular vote and the regular delegates, than the party will be broken in two pieces.  That is his prediction.  You might disagree, but the implicit critique of Kos in this discussion is outdated and mis-aimed.

I accept that Clinton can woo the Super Delegates, but it would alienate me from the party if it goes against the popular vote.  I think the Clinton camp is willing to cast aside my vote for the votes of less progressive and more centrist voters.  That is their calculation.  Kudos if she wins, but it seems like a risky strategy that is more about her and less about the Democratic party.  


by cwsaterfield on Mon Mar 24, 2008 at 07:38:26 PM EST
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