In Bernie Sanders statement on Nevada here are a few things he did not say:
(1) That the 400 Sanders delegates who did not show up for the Nevada State Democratic Convention were impeded from coming.
(2) That of the 64 Sanders delegates initially ruled ineligible, the 50 that did not show were impeded from coming.
(3) That the delegate allocation in Nevada was unfair to him.
(4) That rules were changed at the Convention.
What did Sanders actually say about it?
At that convention the Democratic leadership used its power to prevent a fair and transparent process from taking place. Among other things:
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- The chair of the convention announced that the convention rules passed on voice vote, when the vote was a clear no-vote. At the very least, the Chair should have allowed for a headcount.
- The chair allowed its Credentials Committee to en mass rule that 64 delegates were ineligible without offering an opportunity for 58 of them to be heard. That decision enabled the Clinton campaign to end up with a 30-vote majority.
- The chair refused to acknowledge any motions made from the floor or allow votes on them.
The chair refused to accept any petitions for amendments to the rules that were properly submitted.
Now look at the squirrellyness of this statement.
On the voice vote, Sanders does not and can not say that Chair’s actions violated the rules, changed or otherwise. While Sanders argues the Chair should have done it different, he does not and CAN NOT say the Chair violated the rules.
On the 64 delegates, 14 were offered the opportunity because they actually came to the State Convention. 6 were accepted and 8 were rejected. What happened to the other 50? They did not come to the Convention. Sanders certainly does not deny that. In short, Sanders’ statement is a lie. But even while lying he does not deny the central point — the 50 excluded Sanders delegates DID NOT SHOW UP!
On motions and amendments, Sanders criticizes the Chair but does not and CAN NOT claim the Chair violated the rules.
But the ultimate point is this — on delegate allocation, Sanders does not and CAN NOT claim that their were ANY irregularities on this point.
Clinton won Nevada, under the rules and consistent with the vote of February 20.
Say what you will about the Chair about her decisions, but DO NOT say the delegate allocation was “rigged” or in violation of the rules.
Not even Sanders says that.