Being an optimist, and certainly one to generally ignore conspiracy theories, I doubted others' claims that Clinton was poised to challenge pledged delegates. However, within the last two days, we have received several robo-calls from the Clinton campaign (with Hilary's voice and all) asking for our support on Saturday. Now, let me be clear, Clinton's people had to look us up on caucus rolls to have done this, being that we pay to unlist our number. And there is not reason for them to make random calls to the state, since our primary is long past. Thus, the only conclusion I can come to is that we (and other elected delegates) were identified and contacted by the Clinton campaign specifically, and for the purpose of poaching Obama's rightfully elected delegates. Ironically, I'm watching Countdown tonight, and sure enough, her campaign is now making no effort to dispel that they are after PLEDGED DELEGATES. Mind you, this is vastly different from courting Super Delegates, who by rule our free agents.
Both my wife and I have been elected delegates to represent Obama in our county conventions this Saturday in Texas. Our precinct caucus was one of many in Texas marred by Clinton supporters alleging fraud, bringing up any possible issue to delay voting, and claiming (wrongly) that rules were violated. Nonetheless, I am happy to report that the Obama campaign has been thoroughly organized in preparing us for the process; our Mock convention this week helped us understand the strategies Clinton's folks might use to challenge a delegate, and we were encouraged to come early.
Being an optimist, and certainly one to generally ignore conspiracy theories, I doubted others' claims that Clinton was poised to challenge pledged delegates. However, within the last two days, we have received several robo-calls from the Clinton campaign (with Hilary's voice and all) asking for our support on Saturday. Now, let me be clear, Clinton's people had to look us up on caucus rolls to have done this, being that we pay to unlist our number. And there is not reason for them to make random calls to the state, since our primary is long past. Thus, the only conclusion I can come to is that we (and other elected delegates) were identified and contacted by the Clinton campaign specifically, and for the purpose of poaching Obama's rightfully elected delegates. Ironically, I'm watching Countdown tonight, and sure enough, her campaign is now making no effort to dispel that they are after PLEDGED DELEGATES. Mind you, this is vastly different from courting Super Delegates, who by rule our free agents.
I have seen others pledge that they will not, in any circumstance, vote for Senator Clinton this fall if she happens to muddy her way to the nomination. However, I myself have not been moved to such, simply because the alternative is grim. Nevertheless, this attempt at poaching, combined with the Clinton campaign's increasing proclivity to utilize Machiavellian tactics are beginning to cause me unrest. I have a hard time thinking that the Gores, Edwards, Pelosi's of the world are really just watching from the sideline. Is this cowardice? Are they themselves so entitled that they feel the need to be sufficiently courted?
Nonetheless, my primary message in this diary is to publicize that the Clinton campaign is, in fact, attempting to poach pledged delegates - and other delegates in Texas and other states need to be prepared come your particular convention date. Know what to expect, and how to counteract delegate challenges.