Not your average conference call...

Posted: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:32 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, Clinton, Obama, Primaries

From NBC's Mark Murray
In an extraordinary Clinton conference call -- in which the campaign alleged irregularities in the Texas caucuses -- the top lawyer for the Obama campaign (Bob Bauer) jumped on the call during the Q&A session to rebut the Clinton camp's charges.

The Clinton campaign alleged (among other things) that Obama supporters were confiscating precinct chairman manuals at the caucuses, as well as locking out Clinton supporters from the precincts.

"What is happening tonight is an outrage," said Clinton Texas state director Ace Smith. "It's really disturbing and it's really undemocratic what is going on."

To drive this point home, Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson reminded reporters that it had not held such a call in previous contests. "What is happening in Texas is not typical," he said. "It is quite extraordinary."

But during the Q&A session -- on the second question -- Bauer jumped into the fray. He charged that the Clinton campaign in the past had in fact filed a lawsuit raising questions about the Nevada caucuses. (In truth, however, it wasn't the Clinton campaign that filed the lawsuit; it was a state teacher's organization with ties to the Clinton campaign that did.) Bauer also noted that the Clinton campaign has complained about previous caucus contests.

Wolfson then countered that the Nevada lawsuit wasn't filed by the Clinton campaign, and he added: "This is not about the [caucus] process, Bob."

"Thank you for the question, Howard," Bauer later replied.

Minutes later, the Clinton campaign pointed out that Bauer never refuted the actual charges of irregularities in Texas.

It's also worth noting that the campaign cited irregularities in precincts 18 and 24 in Harris County (regarding the seizure of precinct chairman materials), as well as precincts 1851 and 75 in the same country (regarding Clinton supporters being locked out). But the campaign offered no evidence beyond that.

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Comments

The only real outrage is the manner that this country has been run the past seven years. 2008 is the year of the Second American Revolution......
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/03/04/declaration-of-independence-2008/

Ohg Rea Tone (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:38 PM)

The only real outrage is the manner that this country has been run the past seven years. 2008 is the year of the Second American Revolution......

Ohg Rea Tone (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:40 PM)

Well, call the cops. Stop baseless accusations. It is hard to beleive a liar. So, I will only listen to the Federal Election Commission, not a fear mongering and desperate Hillary Clinton.

Bull the Dog (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:41 PM)

Sounds to me like the same old Clinton's... Complain & run... Complain & run... It is so ugly!! Somebody please tell Billary it's over, & it has been for a couple of weeks now... Before it gets here to PA where 'Dead End' Rendell can throw more oxygen on the fire... & he's on the air now!!

publius mcpeters, pittsburgh, pennsylvania (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:43 PM)

I heard that the letter "C" was removed from keyboards.

nuanced (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:43 PM)

So THATS how Obama wins the caucuses!!!!

Ken Thornton (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:44 PM)

They should probably divulge the evidence that they have. You know, if they have it.

BenjaminAndrewMoore (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:46 PM)

Clinton's people are still underestimating what is going to happen. Obama has held back tremendously so far. I think he will be more aggressive in attacking Clinton going forward, even at the risk of being 'divisive'. The people supporting Obama will not allow Hillary to steal this momentum. Watch.

Jarrett Moore, Inglewood California (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:47 PM)

Racism surfaces again in Clinton camp. Latest attack add against Obama, the Clintons have colored his skin darker, Clinton says just the software used in making the ad, Obama refuses comment, Guess he already know how RACIST the Clintons campaign has become. Check out the daily kos for info

truthnmedia (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:47 PM)

The Clinton campaign where reality meets fantasy when faced with a loss.

Terry C., Rome, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:47 PM)

I made calls to TX people from my cell for Hillary on Saturday and one of them just called me back from the caucus to report problems with the caucus. She said that she had problems with how the caucus was being run and that it needed to be looked into.

Whatisgoingon? (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:49 PM)

FEAR MONGORING

JACKME (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:50 PM)

Why (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:50 PM)

The Chicago machine in operation - this time somebody noticed.

Tim Ryder, Gilbert AZ (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:51 PM)

Pathetic

Dirk Fort Wayne, IN (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:51 PM)

Clinton campaign slinging the mud again!!!! I don't believe anything that comes out of that spin machine.

Toni, Cambria, CA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:52 PM)

Please, I think the Clinton Campaign is playing dirty tricks. I have lost a lot of respect for Hillary this past week with some of the stuff her camp has pulled.

Mary, Denver CO (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:52 PM)

Hillary has this nasty habit of making accusations wherever she looses. The party elders should have shut down her campaign after the 11 straight looses. Now what we are seeing is a party highly polarized because of her antics, her stupid belief that somehow she owns the party and she should be coronated.

JJ, OH (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:53 PM)

Typical Hillary - crying foul while playing every underhanded trick in the book.

This is the campaing that reversed its position on FL and MI delegate seating when it lost the momentum.

This is the campain that reversed its position on Nevada caucus locations when it perceived it was at a disadvantage.

This is the candidate that slips in that Barak Obama is a Christian "as far as I know"

This is the candidate that states John mcCain is ready to lead while Barak Obama is not.

She will stop at nothing, respect nothing.

The claims are nothing.

Scott Wahlstrom, Jefferson, MA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:53 PM)

Let the excuses begin! Ain't America great?

Marine Bugler, Manassas, VA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:53 PM)

As usual... The Clinton Camp spins a way to blame someone else for the Clinton problems..
For example. conservative plot, caucuses, it goes on and on. The Clinton Camp never takes responsibility for their own judgement or lack of judgement, it is always someone elses fault or problem..
I wish this control seeking dynasty would just go away.
As a Democrat there is no way I am casting a vote again for one of the Clinton Dynasty.

Don, Valdosta, GA (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:53 PM)

Please,spare me. Clinton is going to damage the party so much that we might as well declare McCain the new President now.

Barbara (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:53 PM)

OH please hillary, Stop acting like an ass.. You are not queen and not entitled to be president. We as independent women are tired of your stand by your man crying self.. Please, show some pride and take your losses. You were in florida after agreeing not to come here. now you want the votes and you agreed not to let Florida count. Hillary do all of us real woman a favor go home and call janet reno

stacy rush florida (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:54 PM)

I'm a lifelong democrat and an Obama supporter, and it's tactics like this that have made it easy for me to decide that there's no way I'm voting for Hillary Clinton if she wins the nomination. I'll be a McCainocrat. Her sleazy attacks, her recent comments implying that McCain is better qualified than Obama, and her bitterness after losses have been shameful.

CMJ, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:54 PM)

Ok, media - let's see how aggressively you pursue these charges. You can be damn sure that if it was the Obama campaign that was making these charges, it would be front page news: "The Clintons are at it again! They'll do anything to win!"

Pat Kramer, Columbus, OH (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:55 PM)

I live in Nevada. Let me tell you, as fun as it is watching people scream at each other about procedure, the primary is much easier. I tink that, except for areas which have a lower level of people to deal with, the process should be abolished. There were so many allegations flying in my room that I wondered if we were all really Democrats. As for the allegations, I could believe 'em because people got left out of my room.

Nika (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:55 PM)

What the people want is a fair and free election. Yet voters in Florida and Michigan (two of the largest states in the Union) have been disenfranchised.

FACT: The Democratic Party rules do not use the term "superdelegate". The formal designation (in Rule 9.A) is "unpledged party leader and elected official delegates". In addition to these unpledged "PLEO" delegates, the state parties choose other unpledged delegates (Rule 9.B) and pledged PLEO delegates (Rule 9.C). This article discusses only the unpledged PLEO delegates. [wikipedia]

These PLEO delegates should vote their conscience, on behalf of the Democratic Party.

MY TAKE: The problem as it exists is that these primary elections have allowed Independent and Republican voters to skew our Democratic Party's selection process. No "undeclared' and No "undecided" and No "Independent" delegates are allowed at the Democratic National Convention. So why are they allowed to participate in our Democratic Primary? Let them become Democrats and then they can have a say in this Primary.

These PLEO delegates should vote their conscience, on behalf of the Democratic Party. The thinking was that these are the "Democrats Among Democrats." Those individuals that we, as Democrats, have already established as our leadership. They should possess the ability to discern what is truthful come to more balanced informed opinions and would be more likely to vote for the TRUE DEMOCRAT, rather than just hype, hyperbole, and hucksters.

WolfReview, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:55 PM)

this is another desparate attack by the clintons. whatever happened to kucinich's request for a recount in new hampshire? what was the delay in counting the votes in new mexico? i'm sure there will be a clean vote in diebold, ohio, with political thugs like ted strickland. and in pennslyvania, with fast eddy rendell, they'll have a clean election, also. always remember, the famous words of joe stalin, it's not who receives the vote that counts, it's who counts the vote,that counts. hillary would love to have a meaningful do-over in florida. that's the big plum, ripe for deceit and fraud.

ron h. (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:55 PM)

I think it is high time that Hillary back out of this competition. The democrats NEED to unite and focus on beating McCain. I am tired of the fighting. I like both of them, but I am VERY concerned that this ugly campaign is going to reflect poorly on both candidates.

Carol, Rapid City, SD (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:55 PM)

Their problem is that they don't like the numbers right now so they are setting themselves up for a loss and a subsequential lawsuit. They didn't like the polls days ago, then all of a sudden - upbeat. This is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Billary = pew.

Pantsuit Lady (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:55 PM)

more clinton smear. where's the evidence? they're following the bush/rove gameplan perfectly. say whatever you want, just make sure you say it loud and say it often. intimidate the media so they are afraid to expose your lies or even ask you a simple question like, "What in your 35 years of public service qualifies you to answer that emergency call at 3:00 a.m.?" Oh wait. Slate did ask that and received a dead-air answer. I'll now sit back and wait for feedback from the uneducated, 50-plus white female voters.

Earl of Sidgwick (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:56 PM)

This is the same garbage the democrats claimed when they said Bush stole the election when he beat Al Gore in Florida.The Clintons have always been pathological liars willing to make unfounded claims and lie steal and cheat to win at all costs.

robert rysgaard Minneapolis,Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:56 PM)

You know the fact this has been reported in every single caucus to date will not bode well for the dem party in November. I mean Obama's camp has to face reality they can spin it all they want, its happening and those same voters will have a voice in November and the chances they forgive and forget these tactics are slim to none and could cost the dem party the whole shebang since it has happened through out this entire race. You can win the battle with dirty tactics but it may very well cost you the war.

Johnny (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:57 PM)

Watching MSNBC TV this evening it is apparent that the soft pillows are now being set under Clinton. It seems her wining about have the hard questions first has given her nothing but soft balls since. You guys are push overs. Obviously I do not support Mrs. Clinton. I am a Republican for Obama. Should Mrs Clinton win the nomination, I will be a Republican for McCain. Mr. Obama is the only candidate who can attract strong loyalties from both parties.

Julianne Stirling, Fairfield, CT (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:57 PM)

It’s beginning to look like a real “landslide” for Senator Obama. This article demonstrates exactly why I’m glad this primary season is nearly over. It’s been so "unhealthy" for everyone, with all the infighting, misunderstandings, and media fog that has spread almost like a “disease,” obliterating the candidates’ real messages. But now it’s time to “move on” to the real task -- putting forth a clear vision that can unify the party and the country.

For Senator Clinton and the rest of us democrats, it’s time to stop “crying” and start “healing.” Although partisan politics may be “hard to let go,” without healing there will be no victory in November … for anyone.

Congratulations, Senator Obama. Now that you’ve shown you can do it, “I hope you dance” all the way to the inauguration ball ... and always.

Obama ‘08

Amy Andersen (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:58 PM)

I'm not there, so I have no first hand knowledge of anything going on that would be disturbing, but from my experience with the "Obama people", I wouldn't be surprised. No matter who I've talked to, either in person or on the phone, I've found Obama's people to be aggressive, argumentitive, damn near oppresive. This is the promised "CHANGE"?? If this is change, I want no part of it. It's like, you're going to want this change no matter what we have to do to ram it down your throat.

John Rote, Fargo, ND (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:58 PM)

Does anyone recall the "Clinton Caucus Training Materials" - posted DAYS ago on Politico.com

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0308/Texas_caucus_hardball.html

The Dallas Morning News gets hold of Clinton caucus "training materials," in which supporters are instructed to fight for procedural control of caucuses.
The materials say in part, "DO NOT allow the supporter of another candidate to serve in leadership roles."
It goes on to say, "If our supporters are outnumbered, ask the Temporary Chair if one of our supporters can serve as the Secretary, in the interest of fairness.
"The control of the sign-in sheets and the announcement of the delegates allotted to each candidate are the critical functions of the Chair and Secretary. This is why it is so important that Hillary supporters hold these positions."
Some of the moments on the ground in Nevada showed how crucial technical control can be, particularly when -- there, as expected in Texas -- nobody has any idea what the rules are. Really makes you love the caucus process.

Jackie, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:00 PM)

I live in Texas and CAMP OBAMA HAS been a disgrace to the democratic party. What goes around, comes around. OBAMA showed the country his true ability to lead by "ducking" out when questions got tough today.

He is a figment of the imagination. We have been bamboozled by him and his backers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuB_W8o_UsU

mark, dalla, texas (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:00 PM)

quit crying. boo hoo, get over it. another dirty trick
from the aiimighty CLINTONS

BILLY BOB TEXAS (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:00 PM)

Hillary & Co., please stop with your pettiness and lies. It is time for you to step down because you are only further dividing the Democratic party. Stop the denial. Barack Obama is alot more charismatic and intelligent than you and people love him. Your policies are pretty similar so just let the more likeable person go on as our nominee and stop being so selfish!

Jenny Lin, Spring, TX (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:01 PM)

This is no joke It is happening here in Texas and there should e a law against it. My partner and I saw the illegal aspects today. Sue miller

sue miller 243 ridge creek road waxahachie texas 75167 (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:01 PM)

Wait a minute, Bill Clinton already did this exact same thing in Nevada. He said publicly that he saw firsthand union representatives tell members that they couldn't vote for Hilary but offered NOT ONE piece of evidence to prove it. Neither couldn't the campaign when asked and nobody in the media picked up on this lie.

Now we're hearing the same thing in Texas and sure enough, no evidence is available to prove they're laughable claims and probably never will be.

We all knew the Clinton's had to resort to dirty campaigning and lies to win but now they're so desperate they can't even be original. Just quit now while you still have a small bit of dignity left.

Mike, Toronto, Ontario (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:01 PM)

The Clinton "SOUR GRAPES" Campaign Machine is in full swing !!!!
Sen Barack Obama for President of these United States !!!!!

Ken Collins/ Wagoner, Oklahoma (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:02 PM)

Sounds like obama, is nothing but a sore loser. Now he is reverting to down and dirty tactics. So much for his holier than thou charade. He has his little drones out there working it because Hillary is taking a bite.
Get over your arrogant self. (He who doesn't like the American Flag or the National Anthem.)

MJL Redondo (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:02 PM)

And this surprises you how, exactly?

jdona (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:02 PM)

The Clintons have become the Veruca Salt (Willy Wonka brat) of politics. What next, complaints about the Constitution?

I hope the voters reject and denounce Hillar-me tonight.

Randy E (SC) (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:02 PM)

Wow. Sounds like the hardball strategy didn't work out:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0308/Texas_caucus_hardball.html

SD, NC (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:03 PM)

So she's not winning Texas by a landslide like the polls showed three weeks ago, and now she needs to "explain" the close race tonight. Classic...

Sean, Indianapolis (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:03 PM)

CLINTONIAN CRYBABIES!!!! BOO HOO

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:03 PM)

It seems to be a tradition for Obama camp to play dirty tricks and cheating. I tend to belieave what Clinton camp reports.

Johnason, Cleveland OH (Sent Tuesday, March 04, 2008 10:03 PM)

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