Recently I wrote a diary about how some Clinton supporters are agitating to have Clinton's name placed in nomination at the convention.
Some of them are doing this because they claim this will show Clinton more respect. Others actually think that Clinton could end up getting the nomination.
Now this same story has been picked up by the Huffington Post which has it as its headline when you go to the page.
So I thought I'd throw this question out there -- Should there be a roll call with both Obama and Clinton as nominated candidates?
Keep in mind that this is a hypothetical question, since those wanting this to happen would have to present the following:
- Lots of signatures from delegates (I believe the minimum is 300)
- With the signatures distributed from a number of different states
- And the candidate (Clinton) would have to sign a sheet saying that they assented to having her name entered into nomination.
If these are not done, then there won't be a roll call.
So, what do you think? Do you think a roll call would be, on balance, more damaging or more helpful to Obama?
I tend to think that -- sorry for the hedge -- it depends. If it doesn't dominate proceedings that are in prime time, then it could be ok. The roll call could be done during the day in various chunks of time. However, I'm not sure even that would be good because (I think but am not sure) that if Clinton was nominated, there would have to be at least one speech nominating her -- and that could be very divisive.
So, I'm perplexed about what would be best. I'm troubled that these folks are committed to pushing this and even think they could convince the superdelegates to switch. But I'm not sure how best to react to this group who I would wish to not go away from the convention feeling marginalized and angry.