Just Let Her Have 'Em

Recently, Clinton has been backing off her campaign's previous claims that this will all be over shortly after the last primaries on June 3rd. She has been publicly pushing (again) the idea of taking the issue of the currently unseated FL and MI delegates to the convention. Here is a quote from a recent speech give by Clinton

"Now, I know that Senator Obama chose to remove his name from the ballot in Michigan, and that was his right. But his choice does not negate the votes of all those who turned out to cast their ballots, and we should not let our process rob them and all of you of your voices. To do so would undermine the very purpose of the nominating process. To ensure that as many Democrats as possible can cast their votes. To ensure that the party selects a nominee who truly represents the will of the voters and to ensure that the Democrats take back the White House to rebuild America.

"Now, I’ve heard some say that counting Florida and Michigan would be changing the rules.I say that not counting Florida and Michigan is changing a central governing rule of this country - that whenever we can understand the clear intent of the voters, their votes should be counted. I remember very well back in 2000, there were those who argued that people's votes should be discounted over technicalities. For the people of Florida who voted in this primary, the notion of discounting their votes sounds way too much of the same."

I know, I know. This gets many people's nerves all in a tussle. But lets try to maintain perspective. Of course I think it is incredibly hypocritical of her to be pushing for this now that it suits her - especially after she said that is was clear that the Michigan primary wouldn't "count for anything."

Before we get ourselves too worked up, though, lets think about what the potential outcomes realistically are. Huffington Post contributer Brendan Farrington wrote today, "But trailing Obama by almost 200 delegates, even seating both Florida and Michigan delegations in the way most favorable to Clinton would still leave her behind the Illinois senator." So regardless of what happens with MI and FL we know that Obama will still have a majority of delegates. Which means we also know that Obama will be our nominee. The only thing that is being fought for know is recognition.

So what we are concerned about now is preventing this from going to the convention and beginning as soon as possible the process of reconciliation. As for the former, the only thing getting worked up about Clinton's new agenda will do is give off a feeling of panic. Panic is the last thing a candidate with the majority of pledged delegates, superdelegates, popular vote (by most everyone's count outside of Clinton's campaign), and states won should feel. And, of course, Obama doesn't.

And as far as the latter, I would argue that Obama has been doing quite well on that front as well. If you listened to his speech from Iowa last night he is almost exclusively focusing his attention on McCain and simultaneously praising Clinton for what she has brought to the race and how greatly she has contributed to and altered our political history.

Now Obama has been showing lately that when necessary, he packs a pretty good punch. He has fought back effectively against attacks from within the party all primary season long and I think his deft handling of the 'appeasement' attack demonstrates how effective he will be against John McCain in the general election. I believe in fighting when necessary. But I think Obama should concede this issue of FL and MI for several reasons. Even though doing so would mean the rules didn't really mean anything, it would allow Obama to yet again claim the high road. And it would not change the fact that he maintains the delegate lead which is, according to the DNC, the means through which we elect a nominee. The only reason Clinton brings up the popular vote is to convince superdelegates to support her over Obama. It has absolutely no direct impact on the selection of our nominee. And it's not exactly like Clinton's popular vote argument has been persuading any supers to side with her. Obama has been racking up superdelegates by the dozens even after big Clinton wins (WV, KY). It would also win him points with voters in those states - states that are completely contestable come November.

This is of course all contingent upon the result of the May 31st meeting in which Dem rule-makers will decide whether to count delegates from Florida and Michigan. I don't think Obama should say anything until after they have made their decision. But if they agree in favor of upholding the current disqualifications of FL and MI and CLinton still vows to take this to the convention, then I think Obama should agree to seat those delegates according to the voting.

I really don't know if Obama will go this route but if he does concede this one, what will Clinton possibly have left to argue. He will have given her everything and she will still be behind.

(Thievery Reference - Clinton Quote found on Andrew Sullivan's The Daily Dish)