Hillary’s people are just now learning about the Texas primary rules? Update: “Second-class delegates?”
posted at 3:40 pm on February 18, 2008 by Bryan
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I tossed this story in headlines but then the thought occurred to me that it might be evidence of one of the Hillary campaign’s problems. It might be evidence that one of Hillary’s core tendencies, which is to promote people to power based on gender and personal loyalty as opposed to competence, has come around to bite her. Check this out, from the WaPo:
Supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton are worried that convoluted delegate rules in Texas could water down the impact of strong support for her among Hispanic voters there, creating a new obstacle for her in the must-win presidential primary contest.
Several top Clinton strategists and fundraisers became alarmed after learning of the state’s unusual provisions during a closed-door strategy meeting this month, according to one person who attended.
Read the rest and you’ll see that these aren’t new rules; they have been in place for years.
How long did Hillary Clinton consider herself the inevitable Democrat nominee? The last three, four years? How long before that was it obvious that Hillary planned on running for president? Forever? And didn’t the Clintons compete in a Texas primary back in 1992? Isn’t Hillary supposed to be the smartest woman in the world?
Yet Team Hillary is just now looking at the rules governing the primary in the country’s second most populous state? They’re just now finding out that those rules might favor their opponent?
That strikes me as a serious failure to plan. Team Hillary may have expected that they would have coasted to the nomination by now, but at least after Iowa it was obvious that the process could string out longer. Someone should have looked ahead, but evidently no one did. The story getting out also strikes me as a serious failure to manage information. It blows a major hole in Hillary’s “experience” card. She has been campaigning on her criticism of the Iraq war as a failure to plan, but it turns out that she didn’t even plan her campaign very well. That gets us back to the opening sentences of this post and whether this failure to plan is a symptom of how Hillary values gender and loyalty above performance. Shouldn’t former campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle have had someone on this issue a long time ago?
We’re not hearing stories that Obama’s team is just now learning about the Texas primary rules. Either they boned up on the rules a long time ago and knew what was coming, or they’re better at managing negative stories that can damage their candidate’s basic appeal. Obama’s camp runs a tighter ship, either way you look at it.
Update: HRC ally says red-state Democrat delegates are “second class delegates.” That’ll help in Texas, a state Hillary needs just to stay alive.
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Team Hillary probably assumed that they would have the nomination wrapped up by now so they never bothered to investigate the Texas primary rules.
Queasy on February 18, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Hey Hillary… to paraphrase the boss: Suck. It. Up.
Califemme on February 18, 2008 at 3:46 PM
She could be putting people in power that are incompetent and/or it could be pure arrogance. She/they thought she’d have things in the bag after Super Tuesday and had no plan or organization if it didn’t happen. It’s been discussed Ad nauseam by the pundit talking heads.
TheBigOldDog on February 18, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Team Hillary DID expect to have it wrapped up by now according to the PR they spewed when they replaced her campaign dir recently.
Ahhhhh, c’mon. Who cares? This is just words. What matters is solutions-DOH! She doesn’t have a solution?
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
scottm on February 18, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Ha! Don’t mess with Texas, Shrillary! Especially if you haven’t bothered to learn the rules.
When used in conjunction with the Clintons, “boned up” would have an entirely different meaning.
ReubenJCogburn on February 18, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Exactly. The “insider” pundit types have been pointing out for weeks she was in trouble because her campaign had no plan or organization for the day after Super Tuesday. She didn’t think it was necessary and she’s been busy playing catchup ever since.
TheBigOldDog on February 18, 2008 at 3:49 PM
I believe she was addicted to watching soap operas and spending campaign funds. There aren’t enough hours in the day to take care of every steenkeeng little detail. That’s what the hired help is for.
a capella on February 18, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Doh!
Ordinary1 on February 18, 2008 at 3:53 PM
This is hilarious…now the Mexican (Hispanic for all of you PC types) are counted as only a portion of the vote. Is there any party that holds minorities to such a low level of acceptance?
Unbelievable…who was in charge of this Sen. Byrd?
right2bright on February 18, 2008 at 3:56 PM
I suspect they’ve known the rules a long time. They’re just pushing these stories now so the press can talk about how effed up the Texas rules are, to warm up HRC’s talking points about how UNFAIR they are to Hispanics, etc. And because she cares about the people she’s gonna keep on fighting for them!
BuzzCrutcher on February 18, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Just as I said when she had to loan her campaign $5 mil – If she can’t manage the finances of her campaign how can she manage those of the country?
Ann on February 18, 2008 at 3:58 PM
You nailed it, Brian:
1) Staff is clueless on the rules for a must-win contest.
2) Negative info leaked by someone who was there!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH!
(draws breath)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
(wipes tears from eyes)
Anton on February 18, 2008 at 3:59 PM
She’s doomed. One day, when the full story of her campaign disaster comes out, it will make for great reading. Still, I’m sad she couldn’t put up more of a fight and at least wound Barry. Now we’re stuck with BHO going into the general election as the Annointed One, covered in Glory. It’s too much to stomach.
Vote Sauron 08 on February 18, 2008 at 3:59 PM
I’m sure these “rules” are more complicated then, I don’t know…being leader of the free world!
Squarestate on February 18, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Anton on February 18, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Future Headline:
President Hillary Funds Economic Stimulus Package with Personal Loan
Ordinary1 on February 18, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Probably the correct answer. Goes along with the Florida and Michigan delegates not counting.
“She would have won but if…”, may be her only chance at the convention.
right2bright on February 18, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Actually, i read somewhere that the Obama campaign knew the rules, and had people on the ground a month ago, with powerpoint presentations educating their poll workers. The writer of this actually said that he went to one of these, so he is sure.
The person thought it was actually funny that Hillary’s team didn’t know about this. Pretty dumb if you ask me.
Chudi on February 18, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Yeah. Looks like the white mans’s vote is worth 2 or 3 times that of the Hispanic. And, depending on the racial breakdown of the Michigan/Florida primaries, the same type thing could occur. Both candidates get to cry “unfair”. Good opening for McCain,…be worth a new campaign slogan about the donks.
a capella on February 18, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Texas two-step primary. Not too tough if yer wearin’ yer boots on the dance floor! Looks like Hillary is caught flat-footed.
Ordinary1 on February 18, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Rules? They don’t need no stinkin rules!
Les in NC on February 18, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Give that man a cigar.
Bryan, not Bill.
fogw on February 18, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Yet another consequence of Texas not having mattered to anyone in the primaries for decades. We ALL understand the stupid, archaic, bizarre methods of Iowa and New Hampshire. Why would anyone care about the system of the second-most populous state?
aero on February 18, 2008 at 4:13 PM
These rules have been this way here in Texas- both parties- for decades. It shows Hillary had no one of any authority from down here in her camp. But, hey, she’s now a New Yorker; they ‘know’ Texas doesn’t matter.
We still need her to do well here, so her nastiness in fully applied to the Messiah right up to the end.
michaelo on February 18, 2008 at 4:13 PM
I say she gets a pass. But for Bush not knowing the intricacies of the New Orleans or Louisiana Hurricane Disaster plans, he should be impeached.
/sarcasm
scenebooster on February 18, 2008 at 4:14 PM
As much as I enjoy watching Hillary’s campaign unravel, I still think we would be better off with her being the Dem nominee because McCain can beat her. I don’t know if he can beat B. Hussein Obama or not.
txsurveyor on February 18, 2008 at 4:16 PM
I agree that Texas hasn’t mattered as a primary state…but hell the Rappaport family…a BIG name in the Dem machine (VA and TX)…is from Waco! I can’t believe they let their golden girl, and she is their darling, let this slip by. I bet there are a bunch of arms getting twisted around here right about now.
Limerick on February 18, 2008 at 4:17 PM
E-V-I-T-A-B-L-E!
jukin on February 18, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Since when did rules apply to the Clintons and their allies? The fact that large states Michigan and Florida were to be punished by not seating their delegates was crystal clear before the primary season even started. Clinton kept her name on the Michigan ballot and actively campaigned in Florida (both against the rules). Now Clinton needs those delegates and is out there calling them “disenfranchised.”
highhopes on February 18, 2008 at 4:21 PM
I was surprised that both Clinton and Obama opened their state campaign HQs in Austin just a few days ago. Seems so late in the game to be setting up an HQ, doesn’t it? Yet the local news in Austin covered it with giddy excitement instead of the harsh mockery and sense of insult they should have had.
The local news is mentioning Dem voters’ outrage over the closed debate, though. If people outside Texas haven’t heard, there are only 100 debate tickets open to the general public, and they are being chosen lottery-style from tens of thousands of applicants. Dude. Texas Democrats should be so ticked off, but they’re acting like the ugly girl who finally gets asked to dance instead.
aero on February 18, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Sure they are. Seen Harold Ickes anywhere?
fogw on February 18, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Agreed. I was just expressing a little bitter sarcasm over the messed up nature of our primary system that allows candidates to virtually ignore the second-most populous state in the nation. I’m not overlooking the fact that our own Republican presumptive nominee gets to ignore Texas yet again. At least the Dems are having to dance with the ugly girl for once this time around.
aero on February 18, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Yep…I’m having a good giggle over the thought of Hillary’s Ivy League staff getting on the ground here and realizing East to West, North to South, it is 830 miles to the next state. Hope they bring their gas cards.
Limerick on February 18, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Another one of those liberal myths.
JammieWearingFool on February 18, 2008 at 4:30 PM
I’m not sure that HRC doesn’t want it publicized in advance that the Texas delegate selection rules are complicated, even if it makes her look bad to those watching closely.
Everybody’s talking about the question of “letting the people decide.” Obama supporters especially coming down on the side of letting them.
She may be building an argument in case she wins the Texas popular vote but, as in Nevada, gets fewer of the delegates.
There was that other story to which Instapundit http://instapundit.com/archives2/015533.php linked today where some HRC supporter estimated, based on exit polls, that HRC is from 392,000 to 678,000 votes ahead of Obama among votes cast by self-identified Dems (excluding votes self-identified as independents and Republicans) in the primaries so far. She comes up 129,000 behind only when non-Dem votes for her and Obama are included.
ForNow on February 18, 2008 at 4:34 PM
It wasn’t like the pundits weren’t saying this all last week on the news after she decided to go immediately there from Virginia (before the Potomac primary was over they were saying this about Texas). And even then, just learning about it last week is no excuse for the candidates. Just goes to show they really thought Super Tuesday was it for them and it is all they planned for. they deserve to lose just for that stupid oversight and arrogance alone.
Such shortsightedness is definitely not “Presidential” :-) (And I also don’t have warm fuzzies that she or Bill is capable of picking a winning team to support them in the WH being the micro mangers that they are).
TOPV on February 18, 2008 at 4:34 PM
I thought we learned our lesson about “exit polls” in 2004…not to mention New Hampshire.
TOPV on February 18, 2008 at 4:36 PM
I’m sure she knew! She’s just pulling the “poor little me” routine again. Tears at 11.
PattyJ on February 18, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Yeah, it kinda boggles some northeasterners’ minds when they realize you can drive for 12 hours at 70 mph without stopping and still be in the same state.
I saw on the news that both campaigns are mobilizing huge numbers of volunteers to spread across the state on their behalf, like little worker ants in UT sweatshirts. Not nearly the same as the candidate doing a personal appearance in every little town like they do in Iowa and NH, but I guess that’s all they can pull together at this late date in such a huge state. I hope they wear themselves out trying.
aero on February 18, 2008 at 4:40 PM
I suspect that if the exit polls are weighted afterward in accord with actual vote tallies, they may give better information. I don’t know about the HRC supporter who compiled the numbers. The folks there seem to think that he’s proven some other things that I never heard were proven, so maybe he’s just a moonbat.
Anyway I’m talking about a pattern developing of building an argument that HRC really is the “choice of the Dems.”
ForNow on February 18, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Maybe, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take pleasure in watching her fail, either. It’s just too bad that she’ll still be Senator instead of vanishing in a cloud of disgrace.
Hollowpoint on February 18, 2008 at 4:41 PM
I think Hillary is more than 129,000 votes behind when all are counted:
Obama Clinton
Popular Vote 9,534,440 8,830,610
Popular Vote (w/FL) 10,110,654 9,701,596
TOPV on February 18, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Or maybe they’re just laying the groundwork for more excuses about why she didn’t win when it’s all over. She’s had an excuse for every loss so far–perhaps it’s just habit for her people to start looking for the excuse early.
aero on February 18, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Then the HRC supporter has different numbers and maybe they’re bad, maybe not, I’ve never gone through the numbers. Anyway, my point is the pattern of an argument being built, not that the argument is sound.
ForNow on February 18, 2008 at 4:47 PM
On second thought, I think you’re right. This is about the superdelegates. The argument that the people actually want Hillary, even if she doesn’t have the delegates to show for it, is what will persuade some of the superdelegates to stick with her at the convention. I don’t think it will work, but I think you’re right that it’ll be part of her Hail Mary strategy.
aero on February 18, 2008 at 4:47 PM
It’s just not fair dammit. She’s only a woman. Give her a break.
Akzed on February 18, 2008 at 4:48 PM
It’s not likely to work if Obama stays on a roll. If it stays close to even I think you guys are on to something. Best part is, if she can make a strong enough argument she is more likely to tear the Dems apart.
Ordinary1 on February 18, 2008 at 4:50 PM
Second-class delegates for a no-class candidate. Seems appropriate to me….
Master Shake on February 18, 2008 at 4:55 PM
He’s right. That’s why Texas Dems are so excited about all this, even though they’re being treated like crap. This is the first time they’ve felt like they mattered in the slightest for decades now. They know they’ll be completely ignored again come March 5th, so they’re making the most of it for the next few days.
Of course, Texas Republican delegates don’t matter much, either. No one has to court Texas Republicans–our candidate has already been chosen, and always has been by the time Texas votes. Plus the party leadership can take it for granted that we’re a strong red state and they’ll get our electoral votes in the general election without ever having to say or do a thing to please us. They need to be careful with that assumption, though. The population in Texas is changing rapidly, and it won’t be long before our rapidly growing left-leaning Hispanic population makes us purple and then blue.
aero on February 18, 2008 at 5:00 PM
A divisive Dem Convention is what I’d like, though it’s still seems too much to hope for, a Convention filled with Hilzilla’s roaring shrieks and Obamadon’s thunderous groans, with the amazing shrinking Howard Dean screeeeeaming from the stage for order! order at the Convention!
Could it happen? Well, they’re talking as if it can happen. “This is a battle of the titans and we’re probably going all the way to the convention” – Antonio Villaraigosa, L.A. mayor and a Clinton supporter.
Of course I keep thinking of the WWI Germans’ letting Lenin through to Russia, in terms of maybe GOP voters should try to help put the kibosh on one of the candidate in some further primaries, but which of the Dems is the Lenin? So I’m hoping for divisive convention and a third-party run by whoever loses.
SO: All Dem activists in the 50 states, elsewhere in the Americas, and overseas need to make their travel plans NOW for the Denver Convention so that they can all get there, have places to stay near the Convention hall, and make darned sure that neither candidate tries any funny business or makes a false move. They need to be milling around outside the hall, ready for action at the drop of a hat, bandanna, whatever. Dems activists! Won’t you please all go to Denver, no one else can take your place!
ForNow on February 18, 2008 at 5:03 PM
OMG! The Clinton Machine is going to LOSE! Hillary will need psychiatric care….Bill will need ICU.
kcd on February 18, 2008 at 5:04 PM
heh
heh,heh
heh,heh,heh
BUWAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHH
franksalterego on February 18, 2008 at 5:05 PM
They didn’t care about the rules because they just assumed us stupid black folks will always vote for them.
But then again, we see exactly why the Democrats have not been in power in Texas for years.
There must be some sort of voters vote ordinance forbidding someone having to caste their vote twice.
Zaire67 on February 18, 2008 at 5:10 PM
LOL…..beers on me Zaire67. Plenty of room in the foxhole too.
Limerick on February 18, 2008 at 5:15 PM
I think Hillary has more to worry about than Obama “plagerizing” words… you think?
kcd on February 18, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Does that mean they’ll have to sit at the back of the convention?
Actually, if that shrieking harpy is going to be there, I’d prefer to sit in the back. And behind a post. Or out in the parking lot, even.
ReubenJCogburn on February 18, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Get out of Texas, Hill and Bill, and take Barack Hussein
with you.
gary on February 18, 2008 at 7:04 PM
Failure to plan? Is this the same thing she is accusing the President of in the war? No plans to get Iraq going again after the invasion was over?
It is exactly what a lot of you are saying here – the queen thought she would be coronated after super tuesday and therefore didn’t have to plan anything after that day.
Her accusations against Bush ring a little hollow with this revelation.
Bottom line – she is not the smartest woman in the world, but she may very well be the dumbest. She is certainly the most irritating !!
OBX Pete on February 18, 2008 at 7:27 PM
“Second-class” delegates? I’m not really sure that I follow that. A delegate from American Samoa has the same vote as a delegate from New York (in either party). The Republicans seem to treat delegates from blue states with “second-class” status for that matter…states that voted Democratic receive fewer delegates than those that voted Republican (and vice versa).
mark on February 18, 2008 at 7:43 PM
This seems like a contradiction. Her campaign is calling Dems in Red states second class delegates because those Dems aren’t likely to come out and vote in large numbers in the general (or matter for much, at least).
And then Texas is calling certain Dems there second class (and thus, apportioning them less delegates) because they actually didn’t go out and vote the last time they had the chance. My fiance pointed this out to me.
Which way do they want it?
Vagueperson on February 18, 2008 at 7:46 PM
Bryan makes a good point. Hillary, for whatever reasons, does not rank competence high in the list of qualifications for her staff. This monumental screw up is just the latest example of this. What’s frightening is what it portends in a future Clinton administration.
student on February 18, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Isn’t this essentially the same problem Romney ran into when trying to win California delegates?
tom on February 18, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Selected, not elected……bwhahahahahahahhaha!!!!
On a different note, Obama is coming to Corpus Christi on Friday. We haven’t had this much attention in, well, FOREVER. I think i’ll try to go to the rally so I can faint on national t.v.
he he he he he he he.
pullingmyhairout on February 18, 2008 at 8:56 PM
Its amazing to me how a state like Texas gets either ignored or taken for granted. Or both. 34 electoral votes, 2nd only to CA. The gop has taken it for granted for so long and refused to secure the border, hence Tx is purpling and I predict it’ll go blue on 11/4/08. And that John Cornyn will lose his seat in the Senate to Rick Noriega (D). If Hillary plays her cards right, Tx could be hers.
I sincerely hope I get proven wrong about this. DD
Darvin Dowdy on February 18, 2008 at 9:32 PM
I am crossing over to nullify one Clinton vote in the Texas primary.
Obama v McCain 08 alanche
TheSitRep on February 18, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Since he’s the new Messiah, will they have to change the name to Corpus Obami?
ReubenJCogburn on February 18, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Either could be plausible, but I get the feeling they are just happy to be in the race so late in the game (and the frontrunner, no less).
Rick on February 18, 2008 at 11:08 PM
SitRep, you’ve got it wrong; we need Hillary around and a contested convention to do the most damage. Which means not only voting for but caucusing for the Queen Witch of the Universe. Texas won’t win it for her, but will be enough to keep her in it and keep the mud slinging.
michaelo on February 18, 2008 at 11:08 PM
KCD, it’s not too late to cast a vote in the Hillary Divorce Poll.
michaelo on February 18, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Really not all that surprising since Bill seemed only dimly aware that weapons and effective intelligence gathering are needed by armies.
snaggletoothie on February 18, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Suggested Headline: Estrogenius Strikes Out.
Dr. Charles G. Waugh on February 18, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Let’s get this straight. According to Hillary, or her minions, caucus states really don’t count, red states really don’t count, large Black population states really don’t count. Ultimately, according to her logic, it seems the Democratic candidate should be determined by one vote only — that of Bill Clinton, our past President, and her husband.
Let us try to envision this dramatic event right now. His vote is cast. The box is opened. The lone ballot read. And the winner is announced. Oh, my golly! It’s Gennifer Flowers.
Dr. Charles G. Waugh on February 19, 2008 at 12:11 AM
I heard Bill was determined to sleep with all the women superdelegates — sort of a Nail Mary strategy.
Dr. Charles G. Waugh on February 19, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Good one Dr. W !!
OBX Pete on February 19, 2008 at 3:31 AM
New Texas campaign shirt:
“Hillary Clinton: too cool for rules”
NightmareOnKStreet on February 19, 2008 at 7:31 AM
heh. We’re the site of the second coming…
That’s a stretch. I doubt Texas will go blue and Cornyn has a TON of money in his coffers. Noriega is a long shot for Senate.
pullingmyhairout on February 19, 2008 at 8:20 AM
Mark my words, the influence of Hollywood in this year’s elections will not be denied. For best picture we have the August debut of Denver’s “There Will Be Blood”, followed in September by MSP’s “No Country For Old Men”. Poignant?
OkieDoc on February 19, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Add this to that — Hill didn’t even empanel a complete slate of delegates in PA. It’s immaterial except that it shows a lack of being on the ball in what may yet be a key state.
Pretty stupid.
DrSteve on February 19, 2008 at 11:15 AM
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