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Clinton Rips Casino Caucuses

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January 16, 2008 7:26 PM

ABC News' Teddy Davis and Sarah Amos Report: While campaigning in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, former President Bill Clinton defended a lawsuit challenging the Nevada Democratic Party's decision to permit casino workers to join presidential caucuses at their workplaces, even as he denied that he or his wife's campaign had anything to do with the litigation.

"Do you really believe that all the Democrats understood that they had agreed to give everybody who voted in a casino a vote worth five times as much as people who voted in their own precinct? Did you know that?" Clinton said in a testy exchange with Mark Matthews of KGO, ABC's affiliate in San Francisco. "What happened is nobody understood what had happened. ... Now, everybody's saying, 'Oh they don't want us to vote.' What they really tried to do was to set up a deal where their votes counted five times, maybe even more."

If turnout were incredibly low in the casino caucuses and incredibly high in the regular precinct caucuses, Clinton would be right in warning that votes cast in the at-large casino caucuses could be worth "five times, maybe even more" than votes cast at regular precinct caucuses, according to Bill Buck, a consultant to the Nevada Democratic Party.

Clinton is being disingenuous, however, when he makes it sound as if this feature of the Nevada caucuses was only recently discovered. It's been known for months.

What has changed is knowledge that the Culinary Workers, the union which represents the casino workers, is backing Barack Obama.

Clinton also criticized the casino causues saying: "This is a one-man, one-vote country."

What Clinton left out, however, is that it's not just the at-large casino caucuses which is at odds with "one-man, one-vote."

The regular Democratic precinct caucuses in Nevada are also at odds with "one-man, one-vote."

In rural parts of Nevada, five people are needed to produce one delegate.

In Clark County (home to Las Vegas), 50 people are needed to produce one delegate.

Democrats in Nevada and Iowa structured their caucuses this way in order to encourage candidates to campaign in rural parts of the state.

A federal judge has set a hearing for Thursday to help determine the legitimacy of the at-large casino caucuses.

The Nevada caucuses themselves take place on Saturday.

January 16, 2008 in Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (96)

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What they should have is a primary not a caucus. To have this on a Saturday also means that Seventh Day adventist and Jewish people would not be able to participate. Also I would think the casinos would be busy on a Saturday, who picked a caucus on a Saturday any way, a primary on another would be better.

Posted by: Kardasia_Prime | Jan 16, 2008 7:38:59 PM

The Clintons better hope the judge throws this out. Being viewed as blocking the vote, a famous Rove maneuver, would be frowned upon from here on out.

Posted by: Jack | Jan 16, 2008 7:39:01 PM

Clinton can NEVER defend trying to deny the rights of union members who don't support her to vote, What happened to the Clinton cry when Bush won about every vote counting?

Posted by: Patriot2008 | Jan 16, 2008 7:49:47 PM

Bill is pressing hard for Hillary. This is not his election but Hillary's. He should understand sensitivities and avoid this very muscular approach which will lead nowhere, all in all this is a fight in the same party. Go Barak, Go, God blessings with you with OForceOne.

Posted by: BKMC | Jan 16, 2008 7:50:51 PM

An even more shameful thing is the Democratic party ignoring Fla and Mich, and no one is speaking out on it! Time the Party leaders got it together and realize this whole system of electing a Party Candidate is not fair, and should go to registered party memebers vote for the candidate and one person one vote period! Then percent of delegates is divided by percentage of state vote, geez that is fairly simple isn't it!

Posted by: me | Jan 16, 2008 7:51:22 PM

Bravo Mr President (and next First Spouse)!
Your 'parsing' of words, the meaning of 'is', 'the biggest fairytale', 'I want you to know I did not have ---- with this woman' are becoming legends.
Keep 'em coming.

Love it!

Posted by: Cantab94 | Jan 16, 2008 8:03:19 PM

Bill, you are so full of it! Since the caucuses are being held on a SATURDAY, how exactly are teachers disadvantaged with respect to culinary workers that are actually working that day?

The Clintons say they want a race- and gender-blind campaign; clearly what they meant is a morailty-blind campaign, and clearly they think we are all idoits.

They are trying to defeat the would-be first black President of the United States by supressing the minority vote. It's rather stunning.

Posted by: Daley | Jan 16, 2008 8:14:58 PM

WHO IS RUNNING FOR THE PRESIDENCY ANYWAY? Hilary Clinton? Or Bill Clinton for an illegal THIRD TERM? . . . . Bill Clinton is using his wife to get another crack at White House interns. . The Clintons' fouling of the White House and undermining of the US Presidency is what cause the nation to have the bungling bush, the UNPROVOKED Iraqi war, the emptying of the national treasury, and the destruction of the economy. . . . The Clintons are self-destructive. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED NEAR THE WHITE HOUSE!

Posted by: Gobama | Jan 16, 2008 8:15:03 PM

He proves more and more every day that Hillary can not stand on her own.

He's doing most of her campaining, and he's constantly defending her stupid mistakes and statements.

She is clearly riding on his coat tails and quite frankly, not making any kind of statement for "women", since her biggest credential and 'experience' are Bill's. Enough already. He needs to step back and let the world see who she is without him. She's nobody without him -- and has only made it as far as she has by being married to the cheater.

Yuk on the both of them!

Posted by: hklm21 | Jan 16, 2008 8:28:42 PM

What an embarrasing display for a former President. Not right on the facts, not right on law, manipulating public opinion through the press, getting testy with an interviewer....this is getting beyond "Rove" territory, more like "Hugo Chavez" tactics.

Disappointing.

Posted by: J Woods | Jan 16, 2008 8:39:38 PM

well, i betcha if the union had backed Hillary they wouldnt have said a word. interesting - Hillary has a campaign doing the same kind of stuff that Rove used to do.

I'm voting for Obama because I'm tired of the divisiveness. Hillary is smart, intelligent but no hope on uniting anything except the republican conservatives against her and Bill.

Posted by: vmcgreen | Jan 16, 2008 8:41:25 PM

So many things are demeaning for the candidates right now. The news, asking more questions about what the candidates say about each other than what they say about the issues. The candidates themselves (some of them) pulling transparent political tricks because they believe there are no consequences, and us, for putting up with it. We are saying to the candidates: "I will vote for one of you, but not based on my reasoning"

Posted by: laura | Jan 16, 2008 8:48:58 PM

Bill Clinton is Hillary's husband. He's also a former POTUS. He sides with his wife. That's what husbands are supposed to do.

Posted by: patrioticgrrl | Jan 16, 2008 8:50:14 PM

Well, you can't have one vote counting for 5 inside Las Vegas. Now, in all due fairness it's possible that they knew about this a year ago, but hey, who cares???? There isn't a statute of limitations on changing your mind! LOL.

Jack- I think you could be right, but hey, Bush was appointed Pres this way, and went on to win another election. Clearly, Hillary will not be a Bush.

With all this being said, if Obama is going win this one, she should let him, hell, she's going win the nomination regardless of the Nevada results.

Posted by: Rude2u | Jan 16, 2008 8:51:42 PM

The Clintons are thoroughly corrupt. They got an 8-year pass from the media, crediting BC with Reagan's economic gains and ignoring and even abetting their corrupt behavior.

Posted by: Stephen Coen | Jan 16, 2008 8:53:44 PM

35 years of experience? Hillary would be nobody if it wasn't for her last name. She wouldn't have been first lady of Arkansas or of the U.S. She only won elected office in her own right after Bill left the stage, and now Bill is involved every step of the way in this campaign. How would Clinton supporters react if Bush 43 didn't make a decision without 41s consent? Obama is at least standing on his own two feet.

Posted by: Jorge | Jan 16, 2008 8:53:46 PM

Bill and Hillary didn't care about this before the Culinary Union endorsed Obama a week ago! I guarantee if they had backed her they would not be saying a word!!

Doesn't the country see right through them?!?

Posted by: Kenny | Jan 16, 2008 9:04:22 PM

What I have noticed here is that Bill never really was grilled by the mainstream media in his years in office--it was the right-wing media that gave it to him. Now, he is more universally recognized for some of his past improprieties, and the mainstream press seems to be making up for letting him get away with things before. Bill has always played fast and loose, but now he's being called on his misrepresentations, and he is ######. It is just so typical of him to try to get away with trying to disenfranchise union workers like this--making believe he's out for 'one man, one vote', when Clinton Democrats set up the system, and Clinton allies filed the lawsuit. What Bill has not been used to, though, is getting raked by Conservative, Moderate, AND Liberal reporters. I tell you, the Clintons can't see that the calendar--and the electorate--have come a long way since 1992.

Posted by: SteveW | Jan 16, 2008 9:06:00 PM

Do the Clintons deserve my vote? Hell Yeah! I'll vote for a team (Hill-Billy) that consistently kicks right-wing-hate-nut-jobs down the street all day long.

The tables will turn, in more ways than one.

....And ....you'll see a gain in the stock market on the very day that Mrs. Clinton takes office. Certain!

Posted by: patrioticgrrl | Jan 16, 2008 9:07:27 PM

The problem is the caucus mantality. it should be done away with and all states have a primary instead.

Posted by: robert kellogg | Jan 16, 2008 9:08:24 PM

Is this the same clinton campaign that criticized Iowa's caucus procedures because of voter disenfranchisement? Really, how stupid do they think we are?

Posted by: K | Jan 16, 2008 9:09:39 PM

Bill needs to keep his mouth shut. He is only casuing more and more trouble and damaging the party. It is getting sickening.

Posted by: Bob, DC | Jan 16, 2008 9:12:06 PM

"If turnout were incredibly low in the casino caucuses and incredibly high in the regular precinct caucuses, Clinton would be right in warning that votes cast in the at-large casino caucuses could be worth "five times, maybe even more" than votes cast at regular precinct caucuses, according to Bill Buck, a consultant to the Nevada Democratic Party."

I read the complaint - I'm not sure Bubba and company did their math right with regards to their Equal Protection issue. It doesn't effectively change the proportion with which delegates are assigned to have them given out per casino rather than for casinos as a whole. 1 delegate for every 50 voters times 10 casinos does not equal 1 candidate for every 5 voters - it's still 1 delegate for every 50 voters.

What are they talking about ?

Posted by: Sam | Jan 16, 2008 9:16:50 PM

Sam,

Here's their explanation. Though, honestly, I doubt there will be low turnout at the casinos; however, if I were to caucus with my boss, I would be intimidated:

If you only have 400 show up at every special precinct, that’s 9×80 delegates = 720 additional. Since Clark County contributes somewhere around 7k, the casino precincts are the extra 10% everyone refers to.

Posted by: patrioticgrrl | Jan 16, 2008 9:24:53 PM

I have a feeling that ABCnews is bias favor of Obama.

Posted by: tom | Jan 16, 2008 9:37:11 PM

Bill Clinton is one of the most self-centered gasbags on the planet. Like many other Americans, I have come to see him as a recurring bad joke. Some folks know when to shuffle gracefully off the stage, but as long as there are a few more first-person singular pronouns left in his ditty-bag he'll hang on to the spotlight as long as he can. Too bad for us, but at least we can still extract a few laughs from his robust obnoxiousness.

Posted by: Colfax | Jan 16, 2008 9:39:56 PM

Why does it feel like its Bill running? Am I the only one sick of it? Maybe people should start asking him about his policies since its him running!

Posted by: Tony | Jan 16, 2008 9:40:43 PM

So, ABC, what happened to the video link on the home page for Bill's angry tirade against a student's question abou their campaign sueing to get the casino caucus's shut down? Did it make your candidate look bad? We all know he has a terrible temper and cusses up a storm like any sailor. He is so sick and slimy but oyu guys want to promote your establishment candidate(s) (the Hill/Bills)!

Posted by: sam | Jan 16, 2008 9:41:19 PM

I would not want to vote with all the people who belong to a Union that supports a certain candidate. If I support another candidate, no way would I feel safe in that caucus. You are surrounded by union members of a Union who made a decision for you already. So much for the "Right to Vote." The whole caucus thing is social pressure. We feel we have a right not to share who we vote for, yet here are these people having to. at work no less, with the Union. Sounds completely wrong and UN-American.

Posted by: irma | Jan 16, 2008 9:43:41 PM

Oh Defenders of Civil Rights, Equal Rights and Human Rights, please let the poor people vote.

Posted by: Disenfranchised Voter | Jan 16, 2008 9:46:57 PM

Funny how no one thinks it's a trick to round up all the Union members to vote where they can be watched by other union members. You're defending your forced Obama votes. No one is naive enough to believe anything other than that fact.

Posted by: irma | Jan 16, 2008 9:55:34 PM

One would tend to think that a former Governor, past President, and a current U.S. Senator who spouts 35 years of experience, (actually only seven as an officially elected U.S. Senator), would have lodged THEIR (I used their, because it appears Bill & Hillary are both running for president), complaints, when these documents were sent to each announced candidate in March. Why wait till less than two weeks before the caucus. This is rather reminiscent of a statement I've heard somewhere before. Seems to have something to do with the "Authorization to Use Military Force in Iraq" I think it was something like this. "I voted for the amendment, I didn't actually read the full intelligence report." How many more documents and intelligence reports will not be read till the last moment, and even then, by someone else.

Posted by: gc | Jan 16, 2008 10:05:37 PM

"I'll vote for a team (Hill-Billy) that consistently kicks right-wing-hate-nut-jobs down the street all day long."

patrioticgrrl, that way of thinking is really alarming. You've clearly become such a wing nut yourself that you've lost perspective on what's truly right for the country. It's not okay to win at all costs, and if you haven't noticed, the Clintons aren't just dividing the nation along party lines now- they're even bitterly dividing the Democratic Party because of their gross lack of politcal ethics.

If you care about uniting the country (rather than further tearing it apart), please consider voting for Barack.

Posted by: Evan | Jan 16, 2008 10:18:24 PM

"If you only have 400 show up at every special precinct, that’s 9×80 delegates = 720 additional. Since Clark County contributes somewhere around 7k, the casino precincts are the extra 10% everyone refers to."
Posted by: patrioticgrrl

But doesn't Clark County encompass the strip, meaning that the precinct locations are still subject to the 1 to 50 assignment? The precincts get 1 delegate for every 50 votes. If 400 show up at every casino, they get 8 delegates apiece. For 9 precincts that means there are 72 delegates coming from 3600 caucus goers - the proportion would still be 1 to 50.

Posted by: Sam | Jan 16, 2008 10:22:34 PM

One other thing I meant to post in conjunction with the prior post, is the fact that not only was this Nevada plan sent to each candidate as early as March, but keep in mind the credentials of the candidates the documents were sent to. Three presently hold law degrees, Hillary, Obama, and Edwards. I didn't include Bill, because I'm not sure if he applied to get his license back in the state of Arkansas after his five year suspension, to avoid criminal prosecution, ended. I'm pretty sure he has never applied for a New York license. Besides that, he's not an officially declared candidate, (who can tell),so he wouldn't have been sent a copy. But, I would almost wager all of our money in China, that Edwards and Obama read the document.

Posted by: gc | Jan 16, 2008 10:26:34 PM

patrioticgrrl, thanks for answering my question though!

Although when I read the complaint it sounded like they were claiming that because there were 9 separate precincts then the 1 to 50 was then reduced to 1 to 50 multiplied by 9 which would become 1 to 5. If that's what they were saying that means their math is wrong.

Posted by: Sam | Jan 16, 2008 10:31:12 PM

Why do Obama supporters only use insults against the Clintons and their supporters as a reason for voting? Oh yeah, there's the "He's a uniter" and "He represents change." Well good job parroting media propaganda. What else have you got, besides insults?

Posted by: irma | Jan 16, 2008 10:35:21 PM

I read about this on another blog from a lady in NV about 5 days ago, but the media didn't bother to explain this. I am really starting to see that there is a greater agenda going on in the news. They keep omiting very relevant information that would allow voters to grasp the whole picture.

Posted by: Maris | Jan 16, 2008 10:37:40 PM

Clinton, Obama, Edwards, anybody is right in protesting this controlled setting for caucuses. They are being pressured to vote for Obama. I don't want Obama so fight it! You would be fools not to do the same were the shoe on the other foot. So stop pretending everyone!

Posted by: irma | Jan 16, 2008 10:44:24 PM

Sam, the thresholds of people versus delegates is determined by the number of people who show up at each of the 9 casinos. So...

If only about 400, or 10 percent of the voters at each of the 9 Strip precincts show up, that could represent 80 delegates for each one, or (80 times 9) 720 delegates out of the about 7,200 alloted for Clark County. That's a hefty 10 percent right there.

But if the Culinary turns out just 20 percent of the voters in those Strip precincts, they could win about 1,450 delegates, or about 20 percent.

That is far and away a significant number, a magnified one that other areas of Nevada don't get.

According to the rules set out by the Democratic Party, the threshold for having an at large precinct location was 4000 workers who might caucus and couldn't get to their home precint.

That is the only number that can be used in court. 4000 caucus goers per precinct divided by 30, as the rules state, times 9 sites is 1197 delegates. 1197/10446 (other delegates) is 11.5% a significant amount of delegates selected in a manner that can easily be called INTIMIDATING and certainly NOT by any standard be considered NEUTRAL. The only number that could be used in the law suit is 4000 per precinct because we dont know how many will turn out.

If that proves the winning difference for Obama, you will have a big, big dispute...which means Big Media (ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, Fox, etc) will make even more millions on covering this crap.

Just scrap it and start doing secret ballot primaries that go for a complete day.

Posted by: patrioticgrrl | Jan 16, 2008 10:54:19 PM

Wow! Bill Clinton Raging??
He should be more soft spoken, a little kinder with his words- a little more considerate like-- Karl Rove was while speaking out about Hillary Clinton.

Posted by: Angela | Jan 16, 2008 11:26:33 PM

patrioticgrrl, thanks for your help - I went and reread the complaint and understand what you were trying to say.

Okay, I see the argument they're trying to make. However I do think it hurts the case that it wasn't filed until the people affected by the precinct caucuses endorsed her rival. Because the fact that the delegate count and proportion are different from before doesn't in itself demonstrate that they're disproportionate and therefore unfair, which is reinforced by their failure to act sooner. And many of the people voting might actually live in counties where the delegates are handed out in proportions of less than 1 to 50 which means that the complaint may not have included enough data for the judge to conclude that voters are being effectively disenfranchised.

Furthermore, the whole reason the precincts were created was to give casino workers who would otherwise be disenfranchised a vote. Thus the program was designed to give Clark County greater weight overall as a more accurate reflection of the voters and actually therefore makes the system more fair rather than less.

Finally, the teachers union didn't ask that the Court to have the delegates granted based on the overall vote total of the 9 precincts. Instead, they're asking the court to disenfranchise the casino workers. Is hard to argue disenfranchisement when a complainant is seeking themselves to disenfranchise others.

If the judge grants any relief, I could see him/her ordering in equity that the precinct votes be bundled AT BEST on the equal protection claim (which is what Bill has been complaining the loudest about apparently - I guess he sees that as their greatest chance). However, I really think that would be a miscarriage of justice imo

Posted by: Sam | Jan 16, 2008 11:36:53 PM

Up till a few months I honestly held Bill Clinton to a VERY high esteem. I am beginning to lose respect for this Man. His continous divisive and calculating moves and statements are really bothering.

I hope Americans open their eyes to see what is actually going on. It soooooooo disgusting!

Posted by: Uba | Jan 16, 2008 11:49:07 PM

the caucuses in vegas ARE NOT just for casino workers; they're open to any worker with in a 2-1/2 mile radius of the casinos where they're taking place. it's disgusting -- four of the suit's plaintiffs help secure the arrangement last year, but NOW, after mrc. c didn't get the culinary workers' endorsement, they wanna change the rules?! ugh, the clintons are absolute garbage and disgraces to the democratic party. i'm definitely switching parties if hillary gets the nomination. plus they don't seem to understand that even if the judge -- a dubya appointee -- rules in their surrogates' favor, the blowback will be crushing! there are just no words, i swear ...

Posted by: sickofitall | Jan 16, 2008 11:50:11 PM

Question.

Why don't you ask Barack Obama if he is telling the truth about his positioning on Iraq?? Ask him about his healthcare idea?

I feel like the press is giving Barack a free ride and I am not sure why. Can someone answer this?

Wow, does this take the liberal darling of the media to a whole new level

Posted by: Brian | Jan 17, 2008 12:09:07 AM

sickofitall: Don't leave the party, just vote for the right candidate. Uba: I'm glad your eyes have been opened. I hope you join in opening many others.

Posted by: gc | Jan 17, 2008 12:18:09 AM

hi, gc -- no, friend. i can't do it. i love the democratic party; been voting it for 22 years strong and never missed an election. the clintons are running the party into the ground with their vile campaigning and underhanded tactics. if they're rewarded for it, if more democrats buy the garbage they're peddling (and not just 'cause i believe my choice, barack obama, is peerless in the race) and the clinton co-presidency is what the majority of party members want, there's no way, in good conscience, i could remain a democrat. i'd turn independent the day mrs. c secures the nomination, i swear. it'd break my heart, but hell, that's happened before.

Posted by: sickofitall | Jan 17, 2008 12:38:07 AM

Posted by: VPNNathan | Jan 17, 2008 12:15:16 AM

To answer your question, I would vote for Donald Duck. I would vote for anyone but Hillary......

Don't you think for a minute they wouldn't have a field day with "someone" else too.....

The Clintons are old news. There are two candidates to select from other than Hillary. And if Dems. want to win, they will select anyone but her. Otherwise, it will be a massive blow out because you see, the Clintons have masterfully divided the party.

The only problem is - there will be no coming together come November - that will result in a win for her....

In other words, they, the Clinton's will reap what they sow.....

Posted by: Angela | Jan 17, 2008 12:49:46 AM

Haha Mighty AMERICA, we are waiting to see who wins the dems presidential nomination: power deperatees, change or a low profile candidate? The least blonder again, u gonna be counting urselves as the "former super power of the world".The world is watching u. Be wise.

Posted by: Eric Appi | Jan 17, 2008 1:30:03 AM

The teachers union named in the lawsuit didn't vote on whether to take part, and some of them have come out against the participation because they believe it's hurting their students.


Posted by: Sam | Jan 17, 2008 1:36:16 AM

Way to go Bill Clinton!!! This ABC news guy tried to accuse Bill Clinton about the teacher's lawsuit against this unfair caucus practice, and Bill kicked his butt. Good for you, Bill!!!

Posted by: tom | Jan 17, 2008 1:37:38 AM

Laura said "Bill Clinton is Hillary's husband. He's also a former POTUS. He sides with his wife. That's what husbands are supposed to do."

Yes Husbands are supposed to side with their wifes. Thats how she sided with him while he was in the white house abusing women.

Only a stupid woman could vote for Clinton because she was an accomplice of Bill Clinton raping and abusing women at the white house and yet she claims today she is defending the rights of women. Where was Hillary when Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky, Gennifer Flowers, Kathleen Willey, Juanita Broaddrick were being abused in the white house. Americans wake up.

Posted by: Christian | Jan 17, 2008 1:37:43 AM

Didn't they call this man "slick willy" at one time.

Posted by: BTL musings | Jan 17, 2008 2:36:49 AM

You are spot on Supernova. Well said. The Clintons are destroying the Democratic party.

Posted by: Bob, DC | Jan 17, 2008 3:35:49 AM

The REAL story is all of the endorsements and support (especially from Red State Dems) for Barack Obama since his 2% "loss" in NH. Since last Wednesday the endorsement count is: Clinton–ZERO; Obama…so many it's hard to keep up!

Two more overnight!!

This says that only Obama can unite the country, win in the Red States, and actually get something done for ALL of America…not just the Bush-Clinton-Bush dynasty!

Obama is winning this thing.. DEAL WITH IT

Posted by: Rubiconski | Jan 17, 2008 3:44:17 AM

Its always about the spin. Just report the news don't put abc's spin on it. Your video byline says 'Bill Clinton's Rage'. I watched it and I don't really classify that as Rage. Perhaps slightly annoyed but not rage. Maybe you should have wrote "ABC wants Obama to win so we'll bash Billary and try to make news every chance we get" People are on to this nonsense. All I know is that the Bush whitehouse has put this country in the poorhouse.

Posted by: lucy | Jan 17, 2008 4:15:21 AM

Nobody could have said it better, Supernova. I am an American living in the Netherlands and that is also what I see. I'll gladly take the 2 hour train to Amsterdam and vote for Obama/Edwards !

Posted by: carmen | Jan 17, 2008 6:51:03 AM

Is there just No End to how low the Clintons will go! This is just what we Americans are tired of.Its plan to see Obama scares them.

Posted by: Listen Up | Jan 17, 2008 7:52:25 AM

Strange that it seems to always be Democrats that struggle with such an easy task as punching holes in paper or counting votes.

Posted by: kerry | Jan 17, 2008 7:59:56 AM

Dang, Bill looks old, doesn't he? I don't think he is aging gracefully.

Anyway, my question is about his claim the the casino votes count FIVE TIMES more. What is the point of that? Wouldn't his argument be more effective if he shared his real concern which is I believe, that those getting to vote where they work are more likely to caucus...and those voting in casinos are more likely to caucus for Barrack. It bugs me that the Clintons are now claiming that the Democratic party in Nevada didn't know what they agreed to when they came up with this plan. Wonder what Harry Reid has to say about all of this?

Posted by: Alox | Jan 17, 2008 8:03:43 AM

how about making it a PRIVATE vote in this super casino votes. Lou Dobbs has already touched on this as have others.

Its not about obama getting the endorsment. Its about having to vote in front of your boss in a 'show of hands' . Your vote is ripped away because you HAVE to vote for Obama . Its taking peoples votes away from them.

This caucus approach is so easy to rig it isnt funny. This is what the uproar is about. Its not so people cant vote.

Want to make it FAIR? Where there is no conflict of interest to vote for the same person as your boss?

Keep the super polling stations and make it a PRIVATE VOTE.

Surely obama cannot object to that. Neither can clinton.

Posted by: tom | Jan 17, 2008 8:10:15 AM

Good thing the lawsuit wasn't filed months ago. It's not an accident that once the union decided to go with Obama that it went forward. Bill can set there and say "I didn't have anything to do with it.", but everyone knows he's a huge liar. His wife is too, so they have no credibility to begin with. Had the union chosen to endorse the Clintons, you can bet that no lawsuit would have been filed. Everything the Clintons do is calculated,opportunistic, and dishonest. I'll never vote for a Clinton.

Posted by: TexBork | Jan 17, 2008 8:21:40 AM

Bill is right, every one has the right to vote. And should one men one vote. The media favor Obama, but Hillary is stronger. And also it should be private not public to face your boss.

Posted by: allan | Jan 17, 2008 8:47:30 AM

It doesn't take too many smarts to know the Clintons are behind this lawsuit fiasco. Good grief, I've said before--they will do ANYTHING to get what they want. Billy acts like a spoiled brat. I can't imagine him "Sticking up" for Hillary. He certainly didn't think of her when he was dabbling with Monica and all the women. And I agree, he is not growing old gracefully. He looks like he could have a stroke any minute. I just cannot and do not have any respect for the CLintons. I am sick of them, too.

Posted by: CS3539 | Jan 17, 2008 9:19:50 AM

This gives us a hint of knowing what the next Clinton presidency would be like. It's not that much different from GW Bush. Disenfranchisement of voters who she might not get the support of because their union endorsed Obama--sounds like another hanging chad/Florida/2004 Ohio Bush maneuver.

The caucus system is not one person one vote....get real. If the Culinary workers had endorsed Clinton, this lawsuite would never be happening!

Posted by: Peter | Jan 17, 2008 9:25:49 AM

Bill is hot over the law suit by the teachers union claiming voting at casinos gives casino workers and unfair advantage. He says nothing about polling places in most of the country that take place at schools, and give teachers an on job voting advantage. Could that be because the teachers union endorses Hillary?

Posted by: Mac | Jan 17, 2008 10:13:12 AM

The Clintons didn't oppose the caucus plan when it was first proposed because they never dreamed that someone else could actually get the union endorsement. Her getting that endorsement was just one more stop sign on the road to her coronation. Now that the endorsement has gone to Obama, suddenly the at-large caucuses are a bad idea? To quote the former president himself, "Give me a break!"

Posted by: Jim | Jan 17, 2008 10:17:08 AM

The culinary union workers are mostly hispanic, how many of them are registered voters? Besides the bottom is falling out in the united states. The ecnomey is low, jobs are lost, people are losing their homes. We need a president that can get this country up and running again and I believe Hillary Clinton Is the person that can get that done. I think she gets a lot of critizisem only because she is a woman.At least she dont run off in a corner and cry because people are bashing her all the time, she is a very tough person. This country was In a whole lot better shape when Bill was in office and I'm sure Hillary can do just as good a job as he did.

Posted by: Jeanette | Jan 17, 2008 11:53:26 AM

I just heard on Fox that the plaintiffs claim they're now just asking for the precincts to count as one, and not asking for the precincts to be shut down. Unless they actually amend the complaint they're lying to the public AGAIN!

Posted by: Sam | Jan 17, 2008 12:08:51 PM

With all due respect, Jeanette, I have no problem with Hillary's being a woman. I voted Mondale/Ferraro in 1984, and I'd do it again. I have no problem with a woman president. Just not this woman. I'll vote GOP before I'll vote for Hillary.

Posted by: Jim | Jan 17, 2008 12:10:28 PM

THE CLINTONS ARE DESTROYING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

IS IT CONSTITUTIONAL FOR BOTH BILL AND HILLARY TO RUN TOGETHER? WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT HILLARY, THAT SHE CAN'T RUN OWN HER OWN, SHE NEEDS HER HUSBAND TO RUN TOO. IF SHE WANTS TO PROVE THAT SHE CAN RUMBLE WITH THE BIG BOYS, SHE NEED TO PRESENT HERSELF, BY HERSELF.

Posted by: antiprocrastination | Jan 17, 2008 12:32:13 PM

The Clinton campaign better hope that this gets thrown out -- blocking a vote so blantantly is dangerous after all the manuvering that Rove did for Bush -- people know it and the rest of the country will go in the opposite direction of Hillary and FAST.

Posted by: Paulet | Jan 17, 2008 12:32:25 PM

The Clinton campaign better hope that this gets thrown out -- blocking a vote so blantantly is dangerous after all the manuvering that Rove did for Bush -- people know it and the rest of the country will go in the opposite direction of Hillary and FAST.

Posted by: Paulet | Jan 17, 2008 12:33:03 PM

Notice Bill Clinton called "MR.PRESIDENT" in the live video. Love It!!

Posted by: Jeanette | Jan 17, 2008 12:45:12 PM

laches - that's the term I couldn't remember . . . if the judge is fair, he will likely rule that the at-large precinct caucuses go forward because the time for them to be challenged on fairness grounds has passed

Anyway with all the brouhaha wouldn't you think Hillary's going to probably lose whether they count or not?

Posted by: Sam | Jan 17, 2008 1:08:23 PM

Tom says, "and Bill kicked his butt. Good for you, Bill!!!"

--This is an excellent case in point why the Clintons are so despised by so many. They remind us of that bullying brute bravado that is not only rude adn disgusting, it shows a love for fights and division. Tom, you are an excellent voice for your candidate, sorry.

After reading through most of these posts, it seems pretty clear at least with engaged voters like those of us here that there is very little credibility left with the Clintons, even among many Dem voters. (Maybe she can pull the wool over the eyes of the uninformed Dem voter but not the majority those who avidly read and are engaged in the process.) The animosity and very real distrust towards the Clintons reminds me of the other side of the coin of those who hate Bush for the same reasons, right or wrong.

Don't you think it's time to move on, past the age of so quickly and easily vilifying and discrediting 'everyone' who stands against you at which the Clintons have thrived? Regardless of what Clinton supporters might think of all of Hillary's "merits," they really need to seriously consider if they truly relish another 4-8 years of the same divide and animosity across platform lines as we've had in the last 15 years? Is that really the best for the US, going forward, let alone a series of family dynasties ruling the WH? Howe does that in the end help our democracy? I'll give Obama a chance but if he's not nominated, then I will, invariably, stick with the Repubs. Whoever the candidate might be, they would be more unifying than the Clinton gang, and won't have the same history of questionable baggage to lug around.

Posted by: Dennis | Jan 17, 2008 1:23:54 PM

There's nothing the Clintons (BilHillary) wouldn't do to get back to the white house. Oh my God! can you people tell me who's running for president here, is it Bill or Hillary? Please guys, America need to stand up and stop this for happening. Do we live in a Bush-Clinton monarchy? George Bush-Bill Clinton- George W. Bush-Hillary Clinton and tomorrow it will be Jebb Bush threafter Chelsea Clinton and so forth. Is this the sort of country that we really want to live in?

Posted by: germain | Jan 17, 2008 1:42:57 PM

That is why we want a president who will brink us together.thank you.

Posted by: peter terat | Jan 17, 2008 2:00:09 PM

I don't understand Bill Clinton's statement that the casino workers' votes are worth five times more than anyone elses. Can anyone tell me what he means by that? Sounds like they are trying to squelch the Obama vote to me.

Posted by: LongT | Jan 17, 2008 2:20:52 PM

The Clinton should be ashame of themselves.What if the Culinary Workers Union had endorsed Clinton?Would there still be a lawsuit?And Mr.Clinton with all due respect,this is not your race.

Posted by: danny | Jan 17, 2008 2:40:47 PM

THE JUDGE JUST RULED AGAINST THE TEACHER'S UNION!

now what, bill & hill? more anger and tears?!

Posted by: sickofitall | Jan 17, 2008 2:41:44 PM

This proves that Hillary cannot stand on her own feet.

Posted by: alan | Jan 17, 2008 2:49:07 PM

I thought the 22nd amendment prohibited someone from more than two presidential terms? Sounds like Bill is campaigning again.