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When Bill Richardson recently pledged his support for Barack Obama, he acted in contradiction to his previous statements that superdelegates should vote as their constituents voted. When asked about it, he had this to say:
Responded to John Roberts’ question about his reversal in going against his previous position that he would vote as a superdelegate as his state voted by calling Roberts’ position “technical” and saying the closeness of the race there (won by Clinton) gave him some “flexibility.”
Bill Richardson is now saying that a close vote entitles superdelegates to be "flexible" in who they vote for.
I have to say, that's a bit of a surprise.
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Zed
Hi Jane!
Great new photo btw.
Jane! Bill is now on Tweety!
I think Bill Richardson is looking for a VP spot or a cabinet spot. He waited on this endorsement until it was fairly clear that Obama was going to be the dem candidate. Nothing admirable about it at all.
Where is Edwards in all of this? Is he a superduperdelegate?
Do I detect a little sour grapes, Loo Hoo…? ;-)
Edwards and Gore both.
Maybe he forgot to send in his $10.00 superdelegate fee.
Yeah, enquiring minds want to know.
That’s interesting, both Jane and Bill R. have less hair in their photos than expected…
Hi Jane!
Actually, I’m not too happy with Hillary’s campaign these days.
whoops, my enquiring minds thingie referred to MaryMc’s question about Edwards. where does he stand?
Hmmm… isn’t this like having flexible ethics? Relative to the situation? Sometimes good, sometimes not so good? Good if I do it, not so good if someone else does?
By the way, Jane, nice new photo. I’m dyin’ to say - you saucy wench.
I have a faint memory of an earlier report John Edwards was not a super delegate and more recently saw a news item stating he was withholding his endorsement until after the primary.
his previous statements that superdelegates should vote as their constituents voted
No, he said that super delegates should listen to their constituencies. And in that same original interview he said his state was very close. He also didn’t set a timeframe on when the voters stop speaking.
The Clinton campaign has been repeatedly arguing for various ways of determining who should get the nomination. Including the latest lame ass attempt by Evan Bayh saying we should be looking at the primary through the lens of the Electoral College. Where are the complaints about this?
Bill just said the Clinton staff has a sense of entitlement about them, that is, if you served for him you must vote for her…!
Nothing admirable about it at all.
Sure, if that’s true. But Richardson said it was a tough decision for him and the behavior of each campaign affected him.
What good is an endorsement after the primary?
Has Edwards turned into a chickensh*t?
Actually, I think this was fairly obvious from the Wolfie interviews quotes posted last week.
“saying we should be looking at the primary through the lens of the Electoral College. Where are the complaints about this?”
Complaints? Are you serious? The whole purpose of the primaries is to pick a candidate to win the general election and the only way to win the general election is to win the Electoral College - OF COURSE we should be looking at the primary through the lens of the Electoral College!! Not doing so would be the height of stupidity and negligence.
Don’t let the interests of your candidate make you take your eye off the real target…
I don’t think it’s a surprise, because I agree with Katrina Vanden Huevel just now on David Gregory’s show: Richardson is going to be Obama’s Veep. He’s a bridge to the Clinton people (or at least those who didn’t burn the bridges with their “betrayal” comments last week, Mr Matalin).
It also backstops Obama with some serious foreign policy credentials as viewed inside the Beltway; puts the Non-Coastal West back in play; and makes for a truly historic ticket: a Hawaii-born biracial man and a Citibank-born biracial man.
I frankly don’t think Richardson would have made the endorsement without the Veep deal. He’s just that kind of politician, in my view.
More likely not particularly enthralled with either choice so not worth the grief he would receive from the supporters of the one he doesn’t endorse.
My $.02
Could it be that there is no one he wants to endorse?
At the Portland rally last Friday, Richardson specifically pointed to the personal impact of Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech in Philadelphia addressing race.
While I think it’s important that superdels stay attuned to their constituents’ choice, I can understand the importance of rewarding courageous acts as well.
There is nothing preventing Clinton from setting a landmark example of her own and gaining the support of inspired individuals.
To me at least, this kind of support is easier to accept as opposed to bucking your constituents through personal patronage.
.
brilliant minds, dakineo1.
I don’t think a lack of endorsement makes him that. It’s his choice to make, and if he chooses not to endorse anyone, so be it.
Superdelegate has turned into a comedy. I have no idea what rules apply when and by whom. I thought it was something simple like superdelegates were independent of popular votes and could choose a candidate independent of primaries/caucuses. Guess I just read the wrong rules.
Even more confusing, the rules keep changing more than my nine year old granddaughter changes game rules. I thought she was the master game rules changer. Nnnoooooo! Our venerable candidates, past and present, operate with the best nine year old rational.
Did you ever read game rules manufactured in a foreign country, writen by someone who doesn’t speak English and is using an English Language book for the American consumer?
Interesting…! They’re a nation unto themselves, eh? ;-)
:})
“Has Edwards turned into a chickensh*t?”
I find it hard to imagine he has lost his courage - am hoping & praying he will be tapped by the new president-elect, i.e. VP, Attorney General etc. et al.
And would help Obama with the Hispanic vote, which he seems to be having some trouble with.
Neither am I. Hill and Mac are starting to melt into one with Hill being the melter and Mac the meltee.
A superdelegate can do whatever he wants. Richardson imposed his own rule on himself with a previous statement he should not have made. A superdelegate can change his mind about his decision if he wants to do so. Maybe Richardson changed his mind. I know I did.
The Clinton campaign keeps using different arguments for why the pledged delegate count should be overridden. Saying certain states are “insignificant”. Saying the Texas caucus results don’t matter. Saying caucus states don’t matter.
Where is the indignation about all these hypocritical attempts to ignore the rules after the game is over?
That’s my take, too! The Latino-Black divide is very real…! 8-(
1,791 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND…
Citizen Hamsher:
This horse yer beatin’ is stiff and cold…come on, let poor old Bill Richardson off the poor nag here. I don’t have a problem with a local politician super delegate supportin’ who he thinks better represents his constituency and would help more Democrats down ticket as long as the popular vote was close enough to argue about. And I would also say that if an Obama super delegate in Texas switched to Mrs. Clinton-McCain…but ya know what’s interestin’, none of the switches are from Obama even after the Reverend Wright brouhaha…doesn’t that tell ya sompthin’ Sister Jane?
KEEP THE FAITH AND KEEP YER EYES ON THE TARGET!!
Well, there’s an argument to be made there, since Richardson wasn’t very successful getting anyone’s votes and couldn’t manage to stay in the race until states with sizable Hispanic populations voted.
New Mexico’s a swing state, though, and if having him on the ticket helps our Democrats there downticket as well as winning the Electoral votes, I’m all for it.
i must be missing something, because i don’t see what the big deal is.
if richardson had made a commitment to senator clinton and then went back on that promise, she has every right to be pissed.
if richardson had made a commitment to the voters of NM during a campaign for office and then went back on his promise, the voters have every right to be pissed.
but that’s not what happened… richardson said one thing during an interview on feb 25, and then did something different a few weeks later. where’s the betrayal in that? maybe he just changed his mind?
i agree that the whole superdelegates thing sucks, but i don’t get what richardson did that was so uniquely out of line.
hoping someone will explain it to me….
Well, I don’t know about the Vice Presidency, but let’s just say it were true–an Obama-Richardson–midwest/southwest, Black/Latino ticket–imagine not from New England, not from the South, not from CA or NY, but Chi-town and New Mexico, not white and utterly anti Iraq war…on the surface at least quite a change–well then, wouldn’t they have a lot to live up to?
Does anyone know how Elizabeth Edwards is doing? I was concerned because there is a lot of stress in campaigning and she was out there. I hope she is resting and rebuilding her strength. It takes its toll.
I am glad John Edwards has stepped back from the fray.
richardson says-paraphrased-”So ?!?” /s
OT
wanted to make sure people know about this-
description of what the show covers is on the site info page below.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/…..escription
2 part frontline/bush’s war on pbs tonight and tomorrow night. old footage from 40 shows and new footage.
they are streaming shows online, now, too.
they have a show about tibet on the main page.
“You don’t need a Richardson to tell which way the wind blows.”
the AM yak shows will suffice.
Can’t remember which commenter said it:
Go Calvinball!
“Sooner or later, all our games turn into Calvinball“
Sadly, as is the Asian-Black divide.
Richardson was the only major Democratic candidate to commit to not leaving residual troops in Iraq. I’d be happy to have him holding Obama’s feet to the fire.
*shrugs* I can’t be indignant at a attempt to “ignore the rules” until I see one. Everything you mentioned was an argument (admittedly some of them very BAD arguments) to win over super delegates WITHIN the rules.
But regardless of whether you like the carousel of reasons, the fact remains that the naming of a candidate who can win the Electoral College is THE reason we have primaries. Period. End of story. So it’s just insane to object to THAT particular argument. In my opinion. You’re free to disagree.
I think a better VP choice for Obama would be Wesley Clark. He has broader national security chops than Richardson, plus having endorsed Hilary early he would also be a peace offering to her supporters. Furthermore, being from Arkansas, he has southern and border states appeal. Finally, he’d probably make a pretty good president if need be.
I forgot that Elizabeth might not being doing well. Now I feel bad about my chicken remark.
I’m sorry John!
He doesn’t have the charisma to be the front man, and unfortunately that’s a requirement. He’s a proven diplomat which serves the role as VP well I believe. I have no problem with him as VP.
Wow.
I hope this will help bridge the divide.
Wow Teddy - certainly rings true & makes me optimistic to imagine the bridge building between Hispanic and Black Americans Richardson could achieve in the general election as part of the Democratic ticket and beyond.
I’ve really been thinking that he wants to be part of the arbitration process that’s bound to happen. It increases his stature to do that rather than get with bareknuckles and bully super delegates….
No, but I did have a way-too-small hat with a tag that said “one size fits most, made in China.
It’s his creative rational that is abrasive. He could just say, “I changed my mind.” That works.
There’s no mind changing allowed in politics. You make your decision (or if you are Bush, you are told what your decision is) and you go with it in spite of unfolding events. It may make you an unfit leader, but it makes you a great politician (or, if you are Bush, a great puppet).
Then what the hell are all these primaries and caucuses for? Why are we wasting our time? Why didn’t we ask Senator Clinton before this whole thing started which states don’t count so all of us could have saved all the trouble?
As far as the Electoral College, that’s asinine. Clinton is running against a Dem, not a Republican. Using this same argument, McCain could point to all the states he won! I guess our super delegates should vote for him!
No reason to feel bad. Just send good thoughts their way. That works well.
1,791 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND…
Citizen Minnesota Chuck:
“I think a better VP choice for Obama would be Wesley Clark.”
Oh no…Clark was a stalkin’ horse for Mrs. Clinton-McCain and Obama doesn’t need ANYone with even a scent of Clinton on ‘em. No I think Obama needs someone who has some chops and could not only sit in the big chair if called on but would serve as a very effective political emissary with congress on various issues…I think Al Gore would insure a Democratic victory up and down the ticket.
KEEP THE FAITH, YA CAN’T PLAY THIS GAME AFRAID!!
woof, talk about changing rules. a certain demographic group in SF bay area were all for quotas until they didn’t need them…
do you mean his statement on “flexibility”?
it’s not like we have any clear-cut winner…it would be one thing if there was some kind of statistically significant winner here…i think its the role of the superdelegates to look at the electoral college and decide who has the best shot against mccain at this point
I think there’s been plenty of blowback about Clintonistas telling us which states count and which ones don’t. Of course the ones she wins are the most important. Keeps things simple. I’ve heard plenty on radio and TV about her changing the goal post, etc.
Dude, you must be working pretty hard to have missed it!
*g*
nice new pic Jane. :)
I think Hil would rather be McCain’s veep than Obama’s. Just sayin’…
The parsing of Richardson’s words on superdelegates is a non-issue for me, mainly because there are clear rules that say superdelegates can do whatever they want. He’s probably trying to influence other superdelegates which all the Clinton supporters have been doing as well. If we really want to highlight contradictions a la Timmeh Russert, we could spend countless threads on what Bill&Hill THEMSELVES have said, let alone their supporters.
Curious why there’s been as much made about this as there has. So many people “just want the primary season to be over now,” and “wish we could focus on the issues,” yet the flames of pettiness are often stoked even around the Liberals blogs.
BTW, have people seen the news the Lynn Woolsey is considering switching from Clinton to Obama? The rumours are starting to fly around:
http://ruralvotes.com/thefield/?p=932
I think she’d like a heavy weight, period. Wasn’t he considered by J Kerrey and he almost switched to being Dem in 2001 remember? I don’t think she’d want “HIM” just some with some heavy weight creds.
“flexibility” - hmmm. Probably the answer to why Edwards didn’t endorse.
Cute ‘do, too, Jane, looks sassy. Appropriate.
that has been my opinion for several years.
Norske, I agree Gore would be an excellent choice but sadly that ain’t gonna happen! Why would he do it when he didn’t even try for the presidency this time around…?
Jane - I had to go back and have a re-look at the new you. Is that you? It’s a great look!
Maybe Bill R. “declared” so the phone calls would stop…
I agree with bonkers…is this really a big deal?
where’s the new jane pic everyone is talking about?
My pick for Veep is Howard Dean. Just imagine two terms each.
Obama/Dean
Paradigm Change
Selise, try the FDL home page…
i love your reasoning
I like that idea!
OK, don’t shoot me but what about Biden as veep. he has foreign policy creds out the ying yang, doesn’t he? Just pulling that one up the flag pole…
On the front page.
Yes! And Howie Klein taking over for Dean as DNC chair.
I’d love to see a Obama/Richardson winning ticket just so I could watch Pat Buchanan’s head explode.
kirk at 40–from the calvinball links-
” or zones, which are governed by a set of rules declared spontaneously and inconsistently by players. Zones may be appear and disappear as often and wherever the player decides. Zones are often named for their effect.”
=============
sounds like here sometimes * g *
and when it is, we should do this–
================
1.7. Songs are an integral part of Calvinball and verses must be sung spontaneously through the game when randomly assigned events occur. These random events will be named and pointed out after the player causes the event.
===========
I’d be very surprised if Gore would sign up for another four more years as VP, especially with someone nearly a quarter of a century younger than he at the top of the ticket.
I don’t buy your McCain-stalking-horse theory either. My guess is that he signed on 1) in hopes of positioning himself either for the VP slot or a high national security position (SecDef or SecState) and 2) based on his recent book I suspect he is genuinely impressed with Hilary and Bill. That’s not saying I support her; I don’t, mainly because I believe she’s less electable and also that her coattails will prove more frayed.
any of the afore mentioned works for me
Dang, bonkers, don’t bogart that joint yer smokin’…! ;-)
And Lou Dobbs’!
But seriously, that would be a strong ticket.If neither one of them kissed the Pukes’ ass in the general election campaign I would vote for them in a heartbeat.
Sorry, Jane. A comment about personal appearance. Hair gone! Hair white! The shock almost turned my hair white! Richardson’s a pill.
Speaking of which, it’s really not too early to have that discussion.
Who really will be the next DNC chair, and how do we ensure they get the chair in spite of the machinations of the Carville-types?
I’d just as soon have another 4 years of Dean given the success of the 50-State Strategy, but he might be fed up with the in-fighting and be ready for something fresh. Who do we need instead that will champion and advocate for the grassroots/netroots/populist/Democratic wing of the party?
dick C - left you a reply at #71 last thread in epuville downstairs.
it would be one thing if there was some kind of statistically significant winner here
Obama is something like 170 pledged delegates ahead. Clinton picked up a net of only 9 delegates in her “big win” in Ohio. A difference of about 17 Ohios is significant!
The other day I read at TPM that Hillary’s campaign is basically out of funds. That is at least substantial. The question this thread is pursuing is just beating a dead a horse for a third time . Not policy, not substance; just process. This is just about as unproductive as anything I’ve seen, since there is nothing we can do about it anyway. One superdelegate has made a decision; I say, so what! Who the hell cares! Move on or be left stuck in a ridiculous, useless rut unnecessarily. I know that’s what I’m going to do.
DING!
(((((bonkers))))) ((((((howie)))))
So who’s the hottie on the front page?
…Jane?…Swoon!
Oh so that means a super delagate who happens to lean towards Hillary but her state went for Obama can switch to Hillary…Oh Billy you are so confusing….With friends like this who needs enemies…I’m voting for McCain if Obama is the Dem candidate.
I mean, just imagine Obama and Dean goin all “Good Cop/Bad Cop” on teh Gopers. It would be glorious.
and Peggy Noonan.
a thousand points of light.
What do you want to talk about, March Madness? (I’m game!)
but we’re not going to win any of the southern states…so primaries there are just beauty contests, as an example… states like Il, CA, OH, MO, MN, we need to look at those more closely
How about Matt Stoller..? 8-)
Can’t she take out a loan from the FEC?
Obviously you weenies haven’t seen the Janesters FB album, she’s had that doo for a while.
That is plain silly and strange.
Who cares
Please tell me you are kidding.
I like Obama/Dean! I, sorry to say in 2008, think it would be a mistake not to have a white person down ticket. Anyone with hidden race issues would have a great deal of trouble with voting for an Obama/Richardson ticket. We might lose…
Rock Chalk Jay Hawk
That’s Mr. Weenie to you.
I heard a clinton campaigner say California takes too much time and is pretty big (code: we can’t afford it, so we’ll skip it.) on the radio. sorry no link or anything.
Sheesh, I hate being jilted like that while Florida gets to flip everyone the bird.
selise, I had to go out and come back in to see the new and beautiful pic of Jane.
depends on where you live. i don’t think that it would have been possible for LA and many other cities that have large hispanic populations to have had elected black mayors, representatives, etc. had there been a black/hispanic divide.
Oh, and what happens to the black hispanics? Are they caught in the middle?
I see where you’re coming from, but I think that pairing would be very vulnerable on the national security front against a gooper ticket with McCain at the top. This will especially be the case when the Cabal pulls off the October ratf**k that they’re probably dreaming up as we write.
I wasn’t speaking of you specifically, that’s how come I said weenie(s)!
Bill Richardson is a good guy. I’m sure he thought long and hard about his decision. Give him a break. *g*