Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

I hope they can pull it off. But Michigan and Florida must count.

Oh and I am first... WOO !!!!!

Good Morning Craig, Everyone,

Looking forward to your appearance on MSNBC Joe off, and and Pat B. in studio lol oh brother! Just coincidence?

Sincerely,
Heather

Wow,
Where Carvelle Louisiana native, dem are 'fightin pardner. lol Carvelle not a happy camper with Richardson, I cannot blame him!

wher,s Craig? no mention from Mika Obamab_tch yet-

had car trouble this morning, folks. could not get to the studio in time for Morning Joe. going back to sleep ...

bummer - watched 1/2 of Mika - I feel dirty now.

awwww Craig:
Now I'm depressed I get Matthews instead of Craig on Morning Joe
:-((

--Heather

Hmm, a super-convention. Yes it's going to have to happen. And, it's better than the Supreme Court .

I think it's got to be done something like the College of Cardinals. Lock them in and keep them out of contact with the rest of the world until they come to a decision. Do everything on secret ballots, which they burn daily, then never release the final vote count or who voted for whom, etc., etc.

And Craig, I hope that gets you a limo next time around.

"I hope they can pull it off. But Michigan and Florida must count. -- Posted by: EuroTom"

Just about to go back to sleep but noticed eagle-eye Euro Tom saw that I left out any resolution of the FL/MI mess in today's post. Didn't really want to open that scary box but yes, what to do about FL/MI is not automatically resolved by a superdelegate mini-convention. But if Clinton agreed in advance NOT to try and seat FL/MI in exchange for the "binding arbitration" of a superdelegate mini-convention, that would give Obama an incentive to come to the table for this superdelegate showdown. In other words, each of them would have an advantage going in to a superdelegate vote -- Obama would be get FL/MI completely off the table and Clinton already has a lead amont superD's. Parity of advantage is the stuff of compromise. That's the best I can do on one cup of coffee.

Another Obama pastor under fire for racist talk

"Sen. Barack Obama has been linked to another controversial pastor, this time a declared spiritual adviser who has called white American mayors "slave masters," and referred to black preachers and politicians who "protect" the "white man" as "house n-ggers."

"We don't have slave masters, we got mayors," exclaimed James Meeks,...

A recent Meeks endorsement of Obama is touted on the presidential candidate's campaign website.

In 2006, Meeks informed his church during a sermon he may run for Illinois governor. He was recorded telling the mostly black congregation any "white Christian" who doesn't vote for him is a "racist."

(Yes, I know it is WND.)

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=59735

Just listened to Imus playing Pastor Manning's sermon about Mr Obama and his misuse of his grandmother. Strong words.

(Warren, if you're up this early, I wasn't being sarcastic about grandparents the other evening. If there is any pure love in this world, it's the love of a grandparent for a grandchild. Even bi-racial ones.)

by golly, Flatus, i think you've given me the idea for a video -- SuperD's as the College of Cardinals. Love it. How do you pronounce Flatus? If I do this, I'll give you credit.

sorry to lead you astray this morning, Heather. thanks for trying to watch tho. i'll make sure to get to the studio next time just for you.

will this be the "Flatus heard 'round the world" ?

With a long 'a'. Rhymes with plate-us. Last name is Ohlfahrt.

My cockney grandfather was coming through Ellis Island and the immigration guy asked his name. Grandpa says, in dialect, "I'm Justin Oldheart." The examiner scribbled something down and we've been Ohlfahrts ever since.

ah Flate-us it is then. thought it might be French, as in Flah-too

Mais, non. (But I like it!)

Craig.....
I missed you too.....
did stick around a few minutes to watch some of the political banter between PatB, Mika, and Willie..... they all seemed to agree that Obama is in deep doo doo politically over the Rev. Wright stuff.....

too bad about the car.... if you still have that Lincoln, it must burn a ton a gas.... but it's much safer driving a heavy car like that around the DC area.....

can't wait to see what you do with the idea for a new video that Flatus gave you......

at my family gathering yesterday there was 7 of us..... 4 women and 3 males....... all the women wanted Hillary, but would vote for the Democratic nominee no matter who it is..... one male (my hubby) was in the same camp as the women.... and the other 2 males wanted Hillary, but would vote for McCain over Obama....

I think the mini super delegate convention in June is a good idea.....
but I'm not sure it should be at the expense of not seating FL/MI (although I see you've used the words "not try".... which means that wouldn't be written in stone).....

Obama Defends Trinity: “This is Not A Crackpot Church”

http://thepage.time.com/2008/03/24/obama-defends-trinity-this-is-not-a-crackpot-church/

Superdelegate mini-convention?
Sure. Why not.
We'll just have to change the name of the party, because there won't be anything DEMOCRATIC about it.
This is just one more attempt by the Hillarobots to subvert the will of the people.

.nash ------------------------

"This is just one more attempt by the Hillarobots to subvert the will of the people."

The "people" did not know about Rev Wright when they voted for Obama.

RebelliousRenee, LINCOLN!?!?! I don't drive a stinkin Lincoln. It's a 1997 Mazda

Nash, are you kidding? The Clintonites are not behind this one. They would much rather drag out this fight all summer and take their chances with SuperD's in August, so they've got months to grind them down.

I am so angry I could spit. I was watching MSNBC for just a minute and they gave the Gallop poll, Obama 48 and Clinton 43. That is a lie. I just looked at the latest gallop polls and it was Clinton 47 to Obama 44. How do they get away from it? Telling lies
.http://www.presidentpolls2008.com/

If you guys want to turn another thread into a bash-fest between Clinton and Obama supporters, that is your perogative. It's your blog as much as mine. But doesn't it get a little boring? How about mixing in some discussion about how Democrats find a way to a nominee that doesn't split you apart at the seams.

Hi Craig,
Has anyone followed up with Obama on his church's support of the Black Value System (link from Trinity United's website: http://www.tucc.org/black_value_system.html
I find #8 troubling and wonder if Obama has talked about this.

gallup

Mornin' all.

Flatus, please tell me that none of the women in your family are named Ima. And I know that I'm striving to become a member of the Ohl(d)fart family, too- and am damn near it.

I'll probably be a hit and runner today - I've got stuff that has to be done today. That said, I think a miniconvention of super delegates isa great idea - but agree with ET that the FL/MI issues has to be dealt with before Clinton would endorse such a plan. That, or Obama would need to run the table, which is really unlikely. BTW, anyone think an Obama supporter bought the Illinois corn flake?

well, how DO democrats find a way to a nominee who doesnt split the party apart at the seams? It seems like the two candidates hillary and barack are the only choice in town.....
Is there a way ?

Agreed Craig, this is making me crazy and I am too old for this stuff. haha
I wish I had a thought about how to stop all of this I don't but I do know if Fl and MI do not get seated there will be a split.
I watched Cspan last night and they gave the speech given in Aug 07 regarding the primary date. It seemed to me that the republicans made the decision and the Fl democrats did what the rules said to try and get that changed. In fact the lady specifically spoke to the rules they had followed to no avail. So what is the problem?
I think Hillary and Obama should sit down without anyone else present and come up with a comprimise
If not I would not be surprise the Hillary looks at legal action in Fl. As far as I saw the DP in Fl did what the law said they were to do. The NDP made the decided against the rules they put in place

and they both seem determined to bash the other into submission.......

the "college of cardinals" idea is pretty good, but what chance is there of that happening in this political climate?

It's not like they listen to the voices of reason and cooler heads etc......

I said yesterday that I think this is a good idea - as long as it happens after all the primaries are over and they figure our how to keep FL and MI from being disenfranchised. Splitting those states 50/50 is still disenfranchisement...so they have to figure out something that makes sense and Obama better get on board w/ it because if he wins w/o FL and Mi he'll be an illegitimate candidate just as Bush is an illegitimate President.

"well, how DO democrats find a way to a nominee who doesnt split the party apart at the seams? -- Posted by: sturgeone"

well the point i'm driving today, sturgeone, is that a process that ends the race when the primaries close would at least give Democrats all summer to heal (if they can). otherwise, they come out of a rancorous convention in August with hardly any time to try.

BTW - did anyone hear Mika admit that Wright may be a bigger problem for Obama than she thought. Said she did a little straw poll in PA over the weekend and people were having a real problem with Obama right now.

Even Pat R started fudging his Hillary wins PA by 10 and extending it to "perhaps" a wider margin.

No matter what O' tried to do this weekend or last week, the media is really dwelling on the Wright issue.

Democrats argue.
Republicans follow orders.

This wouldn't be happening if the VERY DIVISIVE CLINTON GOT OUT NOW. Don't forget in the latest polling over 45% of the people polled said they would NEVER VOTE FOR HER. She is a fraud and is unworthy of the Presidency and would be more dangerous than Bush.

craig''' i don't believe clinton supporters would feel the need for obama bashing if your friends in the media
would do thier jobs and report the facts as is 'without the biased toward obama

way to jump on board, Skylark......lol

"This wouldn't be happening if the VERY DIVISIVE CLINTON GOT OUT NOW. "

Maybe she should have dropped out the minute Obama decided to run....in fact, everybody should have and just given it to him right then.

oh well, i tried . . . lol

guess i'll just go back to pondering John McCain's Cabinet choices

Skylark
Thats not helpful to the process of finding common ground.
Trust me as a Obama supporter.

I met Pat B

I meant Pat B - get all those conservative Pat's confused and it's early on the West coast.

sturg, that might work when level heads prevail. Seen any sign of that so far (aside from 10 seconds of sanity in one debate? No, I didn't think so. I'm guessing the candidates will be thrashing each other about the heads and shoulders at least until June, and Craig, buddy, I expect their supporters will be doing the same, but I'm willing to take the pledge - hell, it's a waste of time anyway.

Had to laugh - I got a letter from Jay Rockefeller Saturday thanking me for writing to support something he was doing to prevent mistreatment of our soldiers after serving in Iraq - and of course askjing for my support. Sounded like some sort of infringement of free speech to me - I guess he doesn't know me very well. I think his staff is confused. I did write an e-mail to him bitching about our state Office of Health Licensure failing to grant the brand new veterans' nursing home here an operating license after the state and the VA spent umpteen million dollars and two years to build it. (I sincerely doubt that the new nursing home, which as of yet has no residents so no one could possibly be mistreated yet, actually has problems worse than any of the existing ones - some of which are just f*cking awful - that were granted continuing licenses , but I digress.) I had to deal with those idiots when I was with the local hospital as general counsel, and they are absolute morons, It's on VA property, and I frankly don't understand why the feds don 't tell the state to get the hell off the VA property and open the damn thing.

The people who support Clinton must be divisive too. Just because we don't agree we are divisive? Grow up Skylark. Obama is not running for middle school pres. He is no more ready to be Pres. than I am. He will be made to look weak and inexperienced along with racist in Nov. Face it-the media had to start to finally REPORT some truth. What else is out there? PS my 18 year-old son's friends want Obama because they think he supports legalizing marijuana. The repubs will use that too. More and more baggage.

Dear Craig:

I agree I suppose we are sort of addicted to the squabbling Hillary v Obama its hard though with the cable news shows, particularly MSNBC promoting the fighting, but I will discipline myself.

You lay out an interesting concept half of my likes the idea, but you yourself pointed out the shortfalls

I would venture to say that be an ad hoc rules committee within the mini super-delegate convention that supersedes everything and whose decision is final, no appeals, not very democratic I admit but it would resolve things.

This whole proportionality delegate nonsense stinks it, and the electoral college should go the same way as the dinosaur

--Heather.

why should clinton quit before the primaries are over
why should'nt everyone get a chance to vote either
way ?
besides puerto rica needs thier turn in the spotlight
i had forgotton they were a U.S. territory''' let them vote to

Carol:

MSNBC got it right on the latest gallup-O' did surge ahead yesterday but it is statistically a tie

http://www.gallup.com/poll/105529/Gallup-Daily-Obama-Edges-Ahead-Clinton.aspx

And Skylark...the polls I've seen actually show that 53% of Hillary supporters won't vote for Barack and it's only like 19% of Obama supporters won't vote for Hillary.

Do you have a link to that poll?

Mornin' all.

I like the idea of the mini-convention for superDs.

I'd think of it as sort of a "national supercaucus" (College of Cardinals is pretty nice, Flatus. But puffs of white smoke emerging from this thing might only sharpen the jokes about smoke-filled rooms).

Still...a "national supercaucus" should be seen as no more or no less democratic than any of the state caucuses. And those who meet should be totally free to make their own choice -- with the current vote and delegate tallies not even factored into consideration, no more than caucusers in any individual state would factor them.

Finally, both candidates should get time to work the caucus and make their cases in person over several days...and even superdelegates who come in pre-committed should get the opportunity to switch sides if they want.

Mika is "baffled" by Richardson being accused of taking 30 pieces of silver?

Sweetly naive or so sensitive ... blech! Econsmed that is a perfect name for her.

"This wouldn't be happening if the VERY DIVISIVE CLINTON GOT OUT NOW."

LOL
Don't those Republican trolls just crack you up.

Patsi
Darlin'

Do not feed the trolls!

Jack

To all the Repugs who are determined to fan the flames, the FEDS had to inject another $50Billion into the system last night.
Its symtomatic of the depth of the hole Repugs have got us in.
JMc is running against a raging economic inferno created by his TEAM.
Yes the wounds from the bitter fight may be hard to heal, but the alternative is far worse.... preparing to all line up at the soup kitchen 1929 style.

I was reading FLAT US as in Nebraska. :)

Heather, thanks to you and others for trying. Intra-party hostility can get even uglier than partisan wars, and i am not a big fan of either. Still, Democrats have found themselves in a situation without recent precedent -- two candidates who have no clear path to a nominating majority of only elected delegates. Like it or not, resolving such a problem is one of the reasons superdelegates were created -- the architects knew that proportional delegate allocation could lead to this. Which means that either you wait until August for the superdelegate verdict, or get it done sooner. Obama might just win enough SuperD's and elected delegates to claim the nominating majority and still seat Clinton's FL/MI delegates. If Clinton wins without FL/MI then she'll seat them for sure. But waiting until August for the SuperD vote means that the FL/MI mess hangs in the air all summer -- and what a foul smell that'll be!

I went to see the musical Wicked yesterday and besides being spectacular, it also made me think of the Democratic primary. For anyone who has read the book or seen the musical - , you'll know what I mean when I say:

Obama is "The Wizard"

and

Hillary is Elphaba

Craig...using the word "architects" to describe the people who designed the Democrat primary system is pretty charitable.

I think of them more as Key West drunks with a hammer in one hand and a margarita in the other, slapping together those shacks that get wiped out in every hurricane.

Renee

If those percentages held, almost 1/3 of the Democratic vote could go to McCain. That doesn't bode well for Obama in the GE.

"using the word "architects" to describe the people who designed the Democrat primary system is pretty charitable -- posted by LardassLiberal"

ha, you are right about that LL. and at least two of the Key West drunks you describe were Jesse Jackson and Michael Dukakis in 1988 (i can picture Dukakis in a dorky flowered shirt but he'd still be drinking his beloved mug of hot chowder instead of a margarita, even on a blistering day at the beach). Still, Democrats best not dwell on how they got here, only on how they get out of this spot

Craig, it was a valiant effort. Go take that nap - I think the larger issue is coming up with a process that will bring the 37% of Hillary supporters and 26% of Obama supporters (or whatever those numbers were) who have said they won't back the opposing candidate back into the party.. Frankly, I think it's akin to trying to walk on the edge of a razor blade and I don't understand taking those positions - after all, the alternative is John McNutcase.

The key to this is going to be what appears to be an unqualified endorsement of the winning candidate by the loser, and a convincing appeal to his or her supporters - perhaps as the convention's keynote speaker- to get a grip and understand what's at stake by not supporitng the party's nominee. And it probably can only be accomplished by a face to face meeting between Hillary and Obama, as adults, to come to an agreement. I do not see this happening. The divisions between the candidates appear to be too deep and this has gotten too personal for the supporters of the 2 candidates left. And I lay this at the feet of the party leadership for failing to bring FL & MI into fold by now and fomenting what appears to be anything but a democratic nominating process. My fear is that the party bigwigs won't wake up and do what is necessary to correct the process before the next election cycle.

Craig,
I am a loyal democrat and as such I say this with much sorrow, we deserve what we get. Our party is gutless. Cowardice has become the millstone around its neck. Craig you are 100% right when you state "resolving such a problem is one of the reasons super-delegates were created"

To resolve this super-delegate problem takes courage and someone will get hurt, I say so be it. Lately whether its a resolution on the Iraq War, Schip, FISA etc the Democratic Party reverts to its default position of caving in to Bush Administration demands.
Unfortunately Craig unless the Democrats "courage up" it is going to be a long hot summer.
--Heather

Craig,

mqw did express what has bothered me all along. Do you have anything to say about the sloppy, inaccurate, and partisan puffery of your colleagues that has been a huge part of this farce of an election?

If I could stand it, I would love to sit Chris Matthews down and tie him to a chair with reruns of his shows while slapping him awake to watch again every time he said something either false, fawning or flaky.

Neither on of us would get any sleep.

They could do a mini convention. But it should be SD's only. Send them down to Gitmo, and don't let them leave until they have it worked out. And if they can't, keep them there.

Bowmanc:

LOL! love that solution :-))

--Heather

Wendy

Fall 2008 Something "Wicked" this way comes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npKJs564gWI

One more thing I forgot to add.
The democrats find themselves in this dilemma because for the last 2 decades or so the democratic party allowed it to be hijacked by the extreme radical left elements of its party.

--Heather

Craig: Obama isn't a closer. He didn't cinch the deal after Super Tuesday and he didn't close it on Super Tuesday II. He didn't close even with the complete endorsement/encouragement of the MSM. That's why we're in this conundrum: The American voters refuse to let the media pick the nominee.

My next question probably isn't going to go over very well but I am going to put it out there anyway: Is anyone concerned about the huge divide that will occur in this country is Obama DOESN'T get the nomination? What are the realities of what that day will look like? And as much as we believe Clinton will be the better nominee (and will probably have more votes if we include Michigan and Florida), is it possible that the fallout from Obama not getting the nomination will bring havoc to our country and party that we just can't stomach at this point in history? I must tell you that after the last week I believe we are in for some very difficult days.

Craig:

Great idea!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/03/a-superdelegate-mini-conventio.html#comment-57324

I was actually thinking last night that I wanted to try and come on here - and for just one day - try to remain completely positive.

(Maybe today would be a good one since I have work to do and should not be on here too much anyways.)

But back to my thought about being positive. It was inspired by Gov. Rendell. Hands down, that guy is a great advocate for Clinton. Obviously most of the surrogates repeat the same arguments - but he does it in a gritty and matter-of-fact way that is really convincing.

Alright - back to work...

Jamie, all I can say is that it's only cable, sort of like watching kindergarten play.

Heather:

3 words: Lack of leadership.

6 more words: The inability to tell a story.

You can add those little nuggets to the problems of the Democratic party.

Warren: You are right about Rendell. James Carville needs to be voted off the island. This is back to my point about telling a story. Ed Rendell can tell a story. Carville cannot.

and thank you for trying, Warren. would be lovely to see at least a one-day truce. First steps are always the hardest -- As one who's finally walking on a very sore ankle, I know

Heather:

This years dilemma is different - we are choosing between two great candidates most Democrats are really happy with (at least if you can catch people in a candid moment).

I don't think the same could be said of Gore and Kerry. Most Democrats liked them - because they had to.

A pre-convention superdelegates mini gathering for the purpose of determining the nominee may be a rational, reasonable approach to avoiding the potential
collapse of the party's base, however, that would require that the superdelegates look inward to determine what the goal really is.

Is it to nominate the candidate that would most likely win those states with the necessary electoral votes to win the White House?

Or is their goal to ensure their own self-interest, as in continuing in office in their individual states, regardless of whether the party wins the White House?

And which segment of the party's base would these superdelegates be willing to alienate?

Instinct suggests that it is highly unlikely that the superdelegates, the party hierarchy are capable of subordinating their individual preferences to the goal
of actually having the best chance to win the White House. So far, no one has exhibited a level headed approach, starting with Howard Dean, who has shown
no leadership qualities whatsoever.

Taking a break from politics:
one of my two picks is out of March Madness unfortunately its my alma mater \
:-((
But my other pick UCLA to at least make the quarter finals is still alive and I may upgrade that to the semi-finals :-))
--Heather

Craig,

At some point cable is going to have to take responsibility for the fact that more and more people are getting their televised NEWS from cable.

Anyone with a long commute isn't going to watch evening network news. The AM shows don't do that much political coverage. The nighttime comedy shows are fun but hardly definitive.

CNN is doing fairly well with their "ballot bowl" unfiltered coverage but not all that much analysis. MSNBC and Fox are so slanted as to be useless.

Someone needs to tell them that play time is over, it's time to grow up.

Coreen: In my opinion, the super-delegates will not exercise individual judgment as to who is the best nominee for the general election. Or, rather, their individual judgement will be to go with the votes due to the pressure by the media and the party. So, if the super-delegates vote by their state's result, who would win the nomination? Has anyone done the math so far? And would it be the state the super-delegate currently resides in if they are not currently an elected official? Or would it be the state in which they served? By the way, I think it would need to be by state and not by Congressional District, as not all of the super-delegates are Congresspersons. This starts to get a little tricky, doesn't it? Seems like fuzzy math.

Craig...
my bad.... I must have been confusing you with someone else on the car thing....

"Still, Democrats best not dwell on how they got here, only on how they get out of this spot."

I agree with the above statement 100%. After the general election..... especially if McCain wins.... that's the time to take a good look at the Dem primary and caucus system..... until then the Dems need to get a nominee and figure out how to heal the party.....
and at this point it doesn't look to be much of an easy task.....

BTW.... I feel the same way about the Iraq war....
I don't care who did or didn't vote for the resolution as this point..... all I care about is what a candidate intends to do about the fact we're there.....
and since McCain seems content in keeping us there..... I could never vote for him....

One solution is for BHO to accept Vp position and do it right after the primary. It would solve the problem, giving the solidity to the party, give him the experience he needs, and the democrats the winning ticket. It would save a super delegate meeting. And she could seat the Fl/Mi delegates.

Repubs would still rip him apart in general, however with Hillary on top damage control would be acceptable.

Hillary is on subject of economy this morning. She is having meeting with Greenspan and others.. Solutions is Hillary's creed, and she is good at it..

heather - what a weekend, no? WVU beats Duke and DAVIDSON!!! beats Georgetown? I think we can call those legitimate upsets, no? I'm down to 10 of the sweet 16, so I'm sitting pretty happy that I didn't bet any money on the bracket this year.

A few more thoughts:

What Gore and Kerry both lacked was that fighting spirit - that is ironically that cause of so much angst in the Democratic party. Maybe we all need to toughen up.

Wolfson was effective on MoJo at defusing a very "hot and bothered" Chris Matthews.

And finally, hey gang - perhaps:

"We are the [unifiers] we have been looking for..." Hah!

*warren bans himself from this blog until at least 1 pm*

Okay, so if you take the plan that Craig mentioned today, don't you then end up with a bigger fight because the canidates will undoubtably lobby those SDs? (which personally I find very amusing because the Dems are so anti-lobbying). Can you image the amount of bribes and or threats. flying around? Forgive me for not knowing how many SDs are up for grabs, but it looks like the numbers of the regular Delegates will not change that much by June so really it just becomes a race to gain SDs at this point. Well, not sure if that made sense but what do y'all think?

My thinking on the FL/MI delegates, is that when someone officially gets the nomination, if prior to the convention, they will then invite the delegations to the convention

Heather

Two of my picks: Georgetown and Duke got sidelined. That leaves me with UCLA and NC.

and heather, I forgot to mention - I had Duke in the final against UNC, so half my bracket is gone.

has anyone seen ad for mathews show today
what is that'' clinton as the devil incarnated' all that's missing is a pitcthfork
he was on this morning' done a five minute
anti-clinton' pro obama rant' then said he was'nt
endorsing either candidate

"Is anyone concerned about the huge divide that will occur in this country is Obama DOESN'T get the nomination? What are the realities of what that day will look like? "

Very much so.

And to answer Coreen's question about which part of the electorate the supers will throw under the bus, you can bet it will be Clinton's supporters. They know that the base, the real democratic base, will not ultimately abandon the party. Whereas Obama's will.

Dear Jamie:
You and me are in good company cause I think the finals may just boil down to UCLA & NC

Wow! what a great matchup that would be!

--Heather

"What Gore and Kerry both lacked was that fighting spirit - that is ironically that cause of so much angst in the Democratic party. Maybe we all need to toughen up."

I think you are absolutely right, Warren.

jennBe, all that is going to happen whether the SDs meet in a miniconvention or at the convention. The miniconvention would just move the process up by a couple of months - which for us Dems would be a good thing IMHO. And I've given up on a democratically elected nominee - the process is too flawed to make that assertion at this point.

Jennbe

Getting the nomination without the votes of FL/MI is completely illegitimate. Throwing out the votes of the first and eighth largest states in the nation and then telling them, you can come to the party if you want is hardly solving the problem.

A "Dream Ticket" may end up being the only way to solve this mess. They can hate each other for four to eight years if they want, but if it prevents a McCain win or riots in the streets, it would be worth it.

Aly, Exactly, so many issues have been left with no
solution that it is unlikely that cooler heads will prevail
anytime soon. I sense the melodrama goes on
for some time. All to the detriment of the ultimate
goal.

"One more thing I forgot to add.
The democrats find themselves in this dilemma because for the last 2 decades or so the democratic party allowed it to be hijacked by the extreme radical left elements of its party.

--Heather"

Hey that's what happened to my party! only it it was the extreme right.

"Still, Democrats best not dwell on how they got here, only on how they get out of this spot."- Renees post.

If they come to a solution, then they don't give themselves anything to campaign against- what would be the incentive for either of them to compromise? (besides all the logical ones that would be helpful for uniting the Democratic Party).

The other issue with seating them after the presumptive nominee (Obama) is picked: What if that pushes Clinton ahead in delegate and popular vote totals? How will that be perceived within the party?

Seating them after the nominee is chosen is effectlvely the same as splitting the delegates or not counting them at all. It is disenfranchising the votes of more than 2,000,000 people from states the Democrats NEED in the fall.

See my above post, re: lack of leadership in the Democratic party.

All the super delegates should be asked in public, to explain their votes. These are supposed to tbe the leaders of the Democratic Party.

In general I like Dr. Dean but I think he has failed the leadership test in this case. As for Nancy P. no there there.

I disagree there is a greater loss and problem if Obama doesn't get the nomination. That is just more hyperventilating on the part of Obama supporters.

Too bad Richardson said everyone over sixty should get out of the party. He might have been able to negotiate a peace. I guess that leaves Al Gore and John Edwards as the uaffiliated leaders of the Party.

I think it is better to settle this in June.

Roadside bomb kills 4, brings U.S. deaths in Iraq to 4,000

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/31383.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ftWerL1Wcs

jack

jamie & heather, I think you are exactly right about the final pairing - UNC & UCLA, that is.

As for Obama/Clinton/Obama - I'm just not feeling it, although you probably are right about it being the only way to beat McJohnny.

jamie,did you catch John Adams last night? Certainly a different tone to that episode. I'm not big on puking, amputations and bloodletting. His kid JQA looks about as old as my kid - and I certainly couldn't imagine sending Li'l Pogo to St. Petersburg in the winter (unless it was to FL that is).

Obama's pastor 'crucified' just like Jesus by Romans

"According to Fox News, Rev. Otis Moss III titled his Easter sunrise sermon "How to Handle a Public Lynching," focusing mainly on the media firestorm over the Chicago church attended by the Democratic presidential candidate.

Moss reportedly did not specify Wright by name, but told the congregation at Trinity United Church of Christ
that Wright, who has delivered sermons in which he likened the U.S. to the Ku Klux Klan and saying it is damned for its state-sponsored terrorism, is facing the same challenges Jesus did."

(Yes, I know it is WND.)

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=59700

Go University of Wisconsin Go Badgers

And go Sienna ! Big upset. My father went to school there after WWII.

KGC: Did Richardson really say that? How old is he?

As far as the fallout if Obama doesn't get the nomination, this is coming from a Clinton supporter. I really am worried. The media is perpetuating the idea that if Hillary wins the nomination it will be "stolen" from Obama. And I think the country will be headed down a perilous path if this is the perceived result. I could be wrong but I am starting to doubt it.

well....
I'm not into basketball.....

baseball season is right around the corner.....

GO RED SOX!

dean has got to be the highest paid' most well educated 'idiot in the world. who ever heard of punishing your own constituents for voting?
what a unique concept'

Rciahrdson said it is time to turn over the party to the next generation. He is three weeks younger then Senator Clinton. I assume he will be delivering this same message to Senators Kerry and Kennedy as well.

Here is the WSJ editorial this morning.
The Democrats Super Disaster

Until recent weeks, one of the least understood aspects of the Democrats' primary contest was the role of superdelegates. These are Democratic Party insiders, members of Congress, and other officials who can cast ballots at the party's national convention this summer.

But now these unelected delegates are coming in for a close inspection, because neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama can win their party's nomination without superdelegate support. The big Pennsylvania primary on April 22, for example, has only 158 delegates at stake (each of them will be pledged to support one of the candidates). By comparison, there are a total of 795 superdelegates, none of whom are required to honor the will of the voters of their state at the party's convention.

Sound undemocratic? It is. That the 2008 Democratic nominee for president will be chosen by individuals no one voted for in the primaries flew for too long under the commentariat's radar.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120631654451858227.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

craig
dont you think this race shpuld go all the way to the convention floor......maybe the idiots who make the rules should change the system and get rid of caucus's, open primaries, proportional delagates and super delagates.....and just let the people decide who the nominee should be instead of the old guard of the party (idiots)

I like Ed Rendell and James Carville.

Rendell is a great advocate for Hillary and I hope she chooses him as Vice-President.

Carville,like many of us, is very loyal to Hillary and can't stomach those like Billy Richardson, who shift with the winds. Keep up the good work James.

OMG Renee
I'm crying
Red Sox? :'(
say it ain't so Renee

Sincerely,
still your friend
Heather

Dear Renne:

Girl we are going to have soooooooooo much to discuss this basball season lol
still love 'ya though

--Heather

hillary clinton 'quit'' give up'' give in''' your joking right ?

"Today, the Mainstream Media will try to make Bill Clinton, once again, the focus of Hillary’s campaign, all thanks to his latest comments about Barack Obama.

What is interesting about all of this, aside from the fact that the quote is obviously making a reference to the upcoming “swift boating” that approaches Obama, is that his patriotism IS and has become a serious question. In contrast with the attempts of Obama’s campaign to act “outraged” at these statements, doubts about their candidate’s patriotism spring from Obama’s own unsavory associations, starting with his membership in an unpatriotic church (for 20 years), his friendliness with a domestic terrorist (Ayers), his economic liaisons with an Arab terrorist group (headed by his fund raiser Rashid Khalidi), his wife’s comments regarding her own lack of pride for her Country, and many other instances that legitimately would put his overall loyalty and pride of this Country into question."

http://savagepolitics.com/

They should hold the mini convention in Florida or Michigan

Happy Monday:
What I see happening is the Democrats are proving to the entire country that they are incappable of accomplishing anything. They look like idiots, they are failing to show any leadership at all. They have done this to themselves, and they are the only ones who can undo this mess.

Step One: resolve Mi & Fla - do not go to step 2 until step one in completed. --If they can not accomplish Step One they do not deserve the presidency. Imagine a party that is this twisted and just plain screwed up running our country ?

Step Two: proceed to the convention as scheduled.

Ed Rendell took being vp off the table. I have heard rumors he would like to be secretary of energy.

Heather....
of course I'm a Red Sox fan..... I was born and raised in Massachusetts.....
I now live along the southern border of NH near the town where my hubby was born and raised.....

EdVB is a Yankee's fan and we get along very well on this blog...... even when discussing baseball..... and since you said you live in NY state, I'm assuming you're a Yankee fan too....

I LOVE baseball.....
but I don't take all that Yankee/Red Sox suppose to hate each other stuff seriously..... after all..... we're all baseball fans.....

with that said.....

GO RED SOX!

msnbc is still talking about the Richardson endorsement because they don't have anything else to slam the Clinton campaign with..

I guess Merrill McPeak turned out to be a bigger horse's ass than Bill so they've dropped that line.

if gore or kerry had hillary's guts and fought like she does we would be discussing this race.......we would be discussing kerry= mccain

Pogo,

Most parents today with the prolonged childhood we give our children can't imagine what children were assumed able to do less than 100 years ago.

Quincy was only 11 when he went as a secretary to his father in France and only 14 when he went to Russia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Quincy_Adams

Most children of the period only got about five "baby" years and then started doing chores that we think of as things done by teens. By age 10 - 12, they were expected to be able to carry out adult duties. Unless unusually privileged they would be out of school about that age, apprenticed or working full time in some field

JAMIE I agree. Did you see Matthews this morning? What a rant. All these guys are throwing away their integrity. Is there a broadcast that is fair and balanced and the best political team? I haven't found one. They should be ashamed, but they are to busy patting themselves on the back. Today it was Richardson,Richardson,Richardson, and Clinton's so called McCarthyism. Why were they not offended by damn America, chickens, aids conspiracy etc.

richardson said obama represents the future'' he will get the young vote'well i live in the now' the present'
the obama people have dismissed the older folks
out of hand' politics of the future and all'''
who in the hell do they think keeps this country going
through good times and bad'' who runs the factories
operates the machinary'' deliver the goods ect.'pays the
taxes that funds the goverment' builds the bridges and
roads'the young people there talking about
owes more in credit card debt and college loans than
they are worth' maybe they can use thier xbox skills
to run the country

With all this squabbling over super delegates, convention stalemates Obama this Obama that, racism, and all the frustration
I retreat into my secret escape an when I hear John Sterling passionately yell "An A-Bomb from A-Rod" or "a thrilla from godzilla" [Matsui] Its then my emotion picks up my legs and arms and tendons spring into action fists are clenched my voice hoarse from cheering and at the end I hear that familar chant "the Yankees win" "thaaaaaaaaaaa Yankees win!
thats when I realize just for the moment all is right with the world! :-))

--Heather

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/opinion/19bredesen.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Bredesen&st=nyt&oref=slogin

This is the statement from the gov of Tenna supporting the mini convention.

the people on this blog are way more intelligent then DEAN and the idiots running the DNC........you guys could to a 100% better running this show .....actually even an idiot could foresee that leaving the 4th and 8th largest states out of the election process would cause a train wreck in the primaries and the general election

Dear Renee:
No worries you will always be near and dear to me because we are common allies in the more important things in life, with guys its different, with 'da gals our sisterhood is our common bond

(((((((((((hugs))))))))))
always Renee
Sincerely,
Heather

So much of Craig's commentary this year has read like it was mailed to him from Clinton headquarters -- so if he's for a "superdelegate mini-convention," it makes me wonder why. For one thing, it's changing the rules in the middle of the game again -- creating a new procedure that never existed before, to give Clinton yet one more chance. Another opportunity for uncertainty. Another opportunity to prolong what has become a ridiculous, press-driven "horserace." It's time for Clinton and her media enablers to stand down. We've got a nominee -- let's get on board and head for the White House.

Heather you and renee will have to handle the Red Sox/Yankees situation. I will be way too busy trying to figure out a way to wipe the Giants off the face of the earth.

what really bothers me is the fact that 5 states broke the rules .....IOWA...NH.....SC......FLA and MI.....NEV just got in under the wire or they would have broken the rules also........the first 3 were given waivers and the last 2 got punished .....why no one brings this up is beyond me .....almost smells like the fix was in in sept 07,,,,,,dean is almost as far left as obama and i really believe he is in the tank for obama

Dang, Craig - you note an obvious problem and pose an alternative, and you get me thinking. And it all comes back to SDs. The solution to the problem, as I see it, lies in what the SDs see as they look forward - at the bottom of it, they are effectively choosing the candidate who will live or die by the electoral college - that undemocratic anachronism we are constitutionally bound to. Of course what, roughly 250 of the superdelegates who are in Congress - minus those who are retiring - and the Dem governors are also looking forward to popular elections in their states and districts (the only truly democratic votes in this process) in this or one of the next 2 election cycles, and to that extent have a vested interest in voting their constituents' collective voice when they choose between Clinton and Obama. To some extent I see this as an almost hopeless situation that in the end is most likely to be affected as much by the direction the wind is blowing locally as it is by any other factor, like, say party unity.

We've got a nominee -- let's get on board and head for the White House.

Posted by: TKD | March 24, 2008 11:19 AM

There is only a nominee if you use Karl Rove's math.
There is no nominee until someone gets to the right number. The new politics of Obama look like the politics of voter suppression.

What if Pa, Kentucky and West Va had already voted and Clinton was in the lead and we were waiting for Wy and ND to caucus I think the line coming from the Obama campaign would be entirely different.

Did anyone see Q&A last night on C-Span with Brian Lamb and guest Phil Donahue.Donahue is directing and producing a documentary called "Body of War I thought it was Interesting and heartbreaking at the same time, Donahue made some interesting points during the interview. I do plan to see the April premier in New York when it comes out.

It makes a valid point about what our injured vets have to deal with once they leave Iraq and how they are seemingly abandoned by our government once they are discharged from service, it is truly sad.

--Heather

TKD: Obama? A Democratic nominee who didn't win New York, New Jersey, California, Ohio, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, Michigan and, most likely, Pennsylvania? Yes, that would really be something, wouldn't it?

How about the Super-Delegates follow the rules, as you suggest, and exercise their individual judgement? Because the states Hillary has won put her in a much better position in the general than do Obama's. The general election is all about the Electoral College. It isn't a caucus. This is relevant whether or not Obama supporters like it.

BHO seems to like his pastors who are very vocal.

Heather....
that's why I fell in love with you so quickly....
you obviously have your head screwed on properly..... and your priorities are straight..... you support your chosen candidate without trying to tear down the other side.... I'm sure it will be the same thing with baseball...... it's a rivalry.... one can enjoy it without being negative....

the guys on this blog are pretty friendly about their sports teams.....
we've all always tried to be gracious to one another concerning sports..... too bad it didn't continue with politics....

.....((((( hugs))))) right back atchya.... Heather....
and you too, Jamie....

well Craig.....
you asked us to be nice to each other today....
now you have to tolerate all this sport's talk....... :0)

i know no one answers my posts .....but i hope you are least reading them lol........here's something to think about ....why not poll the states that have already voted to see if there is any buyer remorse out there

TKD, you must be looking at a different blog or are buying a wholly unfair knock on Craig. He has posted comments that have been both positive and negative about all 3 of the remaining viable candidates. If there has been a trend of late, it has been to point out the mo that JMc has picked up as the Dems continue to fight each other, shich certainly is fact based rather than an endorsement of Johnny. IMHO, only true believers in one candidate or another who can't accept observations inconsistent with their vision of their candidate perceive Craig's posts as favoring the opposing candidate.

Looking at the latest polls, Hillary leading in PA by a good margin and the gap is closing in NC, this sends a signal that the voters now are not sure who they want. Let the rest of the states have their say and then look at the results. It's not hurting the party right now to let this play out. It's not been that dirty of a campaign. It's better that things come out now than in October when it's to late to change anything.

All I have to say about the powers that be is that there had better be a woman (other than Claire McCreep) on that Democratic ballot.

Party leaders such as Teddy Kennedy backed up by mediat types like Tweety Matthews pretty well put it out there from the beginning that women need not apply for the job. Since they don't want us to work or vote except as guided by all knowing males, I want nothing to do with them either in campaigning or voting.

Craig,

The idea of a super D convention is a reasonable idea suggested at a time when reasonable minds have not prevailed. Can't foresee a solution for the MI and FLA voters that will be considered fair by all. It appears that whichever candidate is the nominee they will have been chosen rather than have earned the nomination. Lots of disenfrancised and angry voters. McCain is the beneficiary.

How about the super D's voting unanimously for John Edwards in order to bring about party unity? Then neither candidate can win the delegate total needed. Either BO or H would have to step down and give their delegates to Edwards. Neither could be VP as it would continue the contention. He would have to choose someone like Harold Ford, Jr. This would perhaps satisfy the AA voters and prevent the "riots" being suggested if Hillary wins the Super D's to get the nomination. Barack could be appointed Director of a new Dept.of Racial Unity, and Hillary Director of Health and Human Serices.

If some of the people have to feel disenfranchised, better all and a new direction with a fresh new ticket. Then all of the negative baggage the current campaigns have is dissipated. The republicans can't use any of it in the general and the dems win the Presidency.

Edwards-Ford '08

tz - many posts here go unresponded to - happens to all of us. We discussed the 5 states that acted outside the rules some time back - and noted that only FL & MI were denied waivers. In fact, I detailed the # of days that each of those staets were out of compliance. But the waiver issue us a difficult one to argue with - the party has discretion to grant or deny waivers, and although I support Clinton, I don't think the process was exercised to favor Obama. And polling the states that have already voted would be quite the expensive undertaking to accomplish nothing (other than to provide info to the SDs), but it would be an interesting thing to do.

Dear tz:
Please don't feel left out I read all posts here, I'm sure Craig does as well so please never feel like you are left out here :-))

In answer to your post tz it may be because polling is expensive and unless its highly important it will not be done

just my opinion

Sincerely,
Heather

if mccain was in a coma '' on life support' he would still beat obama in most of the states he keeps bragging about winning
blue states will be blue
red states will be red
if you can't win purple
you'll be dead

pogo

thanks for the response and i agree with your assessment
but the fact that 2 states IOWA and NH who have less than 1% of the vote in this country and generally vote republican in the general have so much power in the dem party is also beyond me....
also the fact that the rev wright issue was brought out last august and the media sat on it until fox news (ugh) and abc news brought it to the public is another mystery thats why i was thinking of polling state that have already voted and i agree it would be expensive and probably wont happen

Kate....
I admit to thinking along those same lines yesterday while driving back from my parent's house....

it's obvious now that the superD's will have to pick a nominee.... and if they can't come to a consensus on Obama or Clinton.... or make them run together... then maybe turning to Edwards would be a better alternative..... and if I remember right..... he's only officially "suspended" his campaign..... maybe that's why he's not endorsing anyone yet....

although I'm sure that would set off another firestorm..... there's plenty of an argument to be made that if the voters had wanted him, they'd have voted for him in the first place....

sad but if NH had voted democrat in 2000 we wouldnt have ended uo with BUSH......they should have been punished for that and had their primary in june with PR lol

I like the idea of the super d. mini conv, with some reservations. What I would like to know is in the regular convention, assuming that neither candidate has enough votes to secure the nomination once the first vote is taken do the super d vote then or are the delegates then free to vote anyway they choose?

When do the super ds vote?

tz, that has been a pet peeve of mine for, well, ever since I became aware of the power they have - and I lived in NH and thought it was nuts.

"TKD, you must be looking at a different blog or are buying a wholly unfair knock on Craig. He has posted comments that have been both positive and negative about all 3 of the remaining viable candidates."

Absolutely. Craig has been one of the very few even handed commentators this season.

Good Morning Folks...

Flatus, I thought your name was a take on the Flat earth people...I thought it played up an Creationist view of the US being the center of the earth...I love the CoC idea...

I was checking out Dallas Craig's list this morning and I came across this listing...shall we take bets on how long until these two get divorced? lol

http://dallas.craigslist.org/art/616348606.html

Craig, I agree with your earlier sentiments about this being a daily bash fest of the two Democratic candidates...I will frame things this way, which will transcend the party divide...

YANKEES SUCK!!!!

ManRam read the Secret this off season? He's doing yoga? I love the smell of a repeat in the morning...Since Carville is calling Richardson a Judas, I wonder how long it will take for him to grow out his hair to look more like Johnny Damon? lol

bigotboy asks a great question - I assume they vote when their states do. Anyone know anything to the contrary?

heres something to think about also
USA polls ...just primaries ....clinton leads in popular by 251,000 votes
OBAMA has never won a closed primary (just dems)

supers should look at those facts and figures

Bear, you mean like Johnny Damon looked - before he cut his hair? :-)

bigotboy

For those who have never seen a contested convention, the delegates are only obligated on the first round of voting. If no one goes over the top, let the negotiations, floor fights, dark horses, and general mayhem begin.

They are lots of fun for political junkies.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/politically_uncorrected_conven.html

Yes Pogo...now that dude was a Judas...

I don't know...there is just something about the penis being green that is too...uhhhhh(in a word)....EEEWWWWWW 8~D

If they are going to divorce...maybe she should hold on to it...LMAO!!!!