We're about to torpedo the Democratic nominee over four (4) delegates? Really?
It was in stunned disbelief that I watched Mr. Ickes and the Clinton supporters threaten to derail the Democratic Party's nominee (whoever this turns out to be) over a dispute that comes down to four (4) delegates. Elevating this to a constitutional issue is inflated hyperbole of the highest order.
We'll go the Credentials Committee and maybe trigger a Chicago '68 in the streets of Denver '08 over four (4) delegates? Really?
I can understand the idea of standing on principle, but come on now.
What about other principles -- like ending the war, addressing the economy, heath care, the basic civil and constitutional rights which have been systematically eroded by the Republicans, global warming, education -- what happens when these principles are in conflict with the question of who gets four (4) delegates?
Do notice, and make no mistake, we are again seeing the process hijacked into irrelevancies. Instead of addressing substantive issues, instead of pulling together to insure we avoid a third Bush term, instead of talking about the things that actually matter to the public and to the future of our country and of the world -- instead of doing something that matters -- we are talking instead about four (4) delegates.
And we have at least a handful of people willing to work as hard as they can to get those four (4) delegates, even if it means voting for someone who is opposed to everything they say they stand for.
It's enough to make you wonder whether the chants of "Denver! Denver!" weren't organized by the McCain campaign committee. But no, single-issue zealots have always been willing to stab themselves in the heart for the sake of their single obsession.
A modest proposal -- Mr. Obama, your people get to pick the delegates who are going to the convention in your name. Announce -- today -- that four (4) of those delegates, from Michigan, will be pledged to Clinton. Take this absurd discussion off the table. Force the pundidiots to talk about how classy you are, about your ability to slice through an issue and to offer the other side a reasonable resolution that also pulls the rug out from under them.
Clinton's supportors want to force us to avoid real issues, want to do damage to the Democratic Party, want to hand the election over to McCain, even want to vote against all their real interests, over the question of four (4) delegates? Really?
Make the whole thing moot. Give them what they want. End the drama, and let's get back to putting a Democrat into the White House.