Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Caucuses - Some Don't Love 'em

Hillary Clinton had some disappointing things to say about the grassroots of the Democratic Party.
... "These are caucus states by and large, or in the case of Louisiana, you know, a very strong and very proud African-American electorate, which I totally respect and understand."

Clinton has publicly dismissed the caucus voting system since before Super Tuesday, seeking to lower expectations heading into a series of contests that played to Obama's advantage. His campaign features what many consider to be a stronger and more dedicated grassroots organization than Clinton's.

Noting that "my husband never did well in caucus states either," Clinton argued that caucuses are "primarily dominated by activists" and that "they don't represent the electorate, we know that." ... (CNN - Clinton dismisses weekend losses )
Spoken like a true triangulator. I suppose she's just trying to spin her losses, but her comments aren't doing anything to undo her image as queen of the DLC (the corporatist wing of the Democratic Party).

Until yesterday I was all set to get out and work for which ever candidate got the nomination. Now that Hillary has insulted all us "activists", if she does become the Democratic Presidential candidate, I'll certainly make a point of reminding her supporters that they need to get out and campaign extra hard for their candidate.

In other local news:

Representative Rick Larsen (D) has spoken, to politics reporter Sam Taylor, about his stance as a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention; Update on Larsen's pick: There isn't one

In more entertaining news:

WA state Democratic Party Chair Dwight Pelz has offered to help Republican state Chairman Luke Esser with his caucus vote counting problems.

From: Dwight Pelz Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 3:45 PM
To: Luke Esser
Subject: Dean is available

I can get Dean Logan in on short notice.

Esser's problem, if you haven't heard, is that Huckabee wants a recount of Republican caucus votes and that's going to be tough because the WA state Republican caucus was a sham. Maybe those Rossi '04 supporters can find a new use for their "ReVote" signs.

3 comments:

Ozy said...

The re vote signs need to be shoved up the republicans __________! fill in the blank!

Ozy said...

On the Larsen issue I can't pass this up. LOL

How about this?

This is an excellent example of how Rick Larsen continually talks around questions with such divisive rhetoric that is the trademark of politicians & D.C. Insiders.

Rick has a history like many other political insiders of talking a good game depending on the company they are in.

I want to let it be know that I have been a solid Democrat longer than Larsen has worn the title. I am disappointed in his lackluster performance while in office and he has doubled talked time and time again on issues of war, healthcare, foreign policy, economy and Constitutional rights. He is a great disappointment to thousands in the 2nd congressional district in my opinion. I am not going to back up these opinions here but I assure you and Rick Larsen that it will be brought out in the upcoming election cycle.

Rick’s office sends out beautifully written press releases on things he has accomplished for the 2nd congressional and I credit him, in those cases, of doing his job to a performance level which can only be weighted by the scope and importance of his success.

There are many organizations that rate our representatives, which are mostly partisan.

What I get from these is that he has a fair progressive rating in some areas and better than others. He is not rated very high on the congressional food chain and has some juice by being on certain committees in D.C.

He is not controversial in his positions and I feel he is far more concerned about political positioning (his Job) than stepping up to the plate and taking uncalculated stands on highly important issues. He is almost impossible to talk to on top issues and plays rhetoric-games to distract from positions of impeachment, the Iraq occupation and of course communicating with the base on their personal views.

With all his efforts I hope when he decides to move to his next position in D.C. (Lobbying) he gets what he wants because so many of us are sick and tired of his lengthy stump speeches about the things that get the party faithful excited but never seems to go anywhere.

He could have cut the double talk and said to Sam Taylor.

Something like this:

“I will vote for the candidate who wins the delegates in my congressional district in support of those who put my in office.”

Or,

“I will not undermine the wishes of the Washington State Delegates and vote appropriately.”

Or,

How about?

“I will abstain from the vote because I am not a fan of the super delegate process.”

And maybe the best!

“I will not be responsible for undermining democracy in using a vote which will leverage a candidate to a win unfairly through party elite powers that over-ride the wishes of the voter.”

There! That took me at least 10 seconds.

Rick Larsen please lern how to say what you mean and mean what you say?
For once!

News Flash For Rick Larsen. It’s not going to be so easy to win the hearts and minds of the 2nd congressional this time around and it makes no difference whom you are pandering to for donations or support. ‘ You are in the doghouse with a great many of us. Like many of those in congress who have been sharing an approval rating in the low 20’s

It’s past time that we have a new candidate run against Larsen who I see to be nothing mare than an empty suit as far as representing the 2nd congressional and the Democratic Party.

I encourage a good individual to step up and run against this politician.

Sincerely
Rick D Lafave

P.S. I heard a rumor that Rick Larsen wanted to run for Senator some day.
Please! I think I’m going to be sick. I think I personally would rather vote for a Democratic PiƱata!

DrunkenNoodleBreakfast said...

Hillary's comments really angered me and I had the same reaction. I really don't think I could be as devoted to her campaign as I could to Barack's.