Hillary Adviser Tells Surrogates To Refer To Super-Delegates As "Automatic Delegates"

[KittyWampus]

Source: Hillary Adviser Harold Ickes Tells Surrogates To Refer To Super-Delegates As "Automatic Delegates"
By Greg Sargent - February 12, 2008, 11:43AM

In a sign that the spin war over the significance of super-delegates is underway in earnest, Harold Ickes told assorted Hillary supporters on a private conference call yesterday that the campaign wants them to start referring to super-delegates as "automatic delegates."

A person I spoke to who was on the call paraphrases Ickes, who is spearheading Hillary's super-delegate hunt, this way: "We're no longer using the phrase super delegates. It creates a wrong impression. They're called automatic delegates. Because that's what they are."

The worry appears to be that the phrase "super-delegates" implies that "they have super-powers or super influence when they don't," the source says, describing Ickes' thinking. In other words, the phrase suggests that they have greater than average clout and that they have the power to overrule the democratic process, giving it the taint of back-room power politics.

The new term "automatic delegates" appears to be ostensibly a reference to the fact that these folks are super-delegates automatically, by virtue of their office or position.

I haven't yet seen any evidence that Hillary surrogates are following Ickes' directive, but if we start hearing the new term, we'll now know why.

[Yael]

1. If I am an SD -- I am pissed at this

It is right back to the "assumption" she made in Iowa about voters, and we see how well that worked out for her.

[Kittycat]

2. OH Brother.

I tell you what... When the DNC officially changes their title from Super Delegates to Automatic Delegates - then I might consider it. But here in IL, one super delegate has the power of some 16,000 votes - and that my friend, is wrong.

[Jim Lane]

29. "Superdelegate" is not an official term

You write, "When the DNC officially changes their title from Super Delegates to Automatic Delegates...."

The DNC's call them "party leader and elected official unpledged delegates" (see Rule 9.A). You can see why the media wanted a catchier term and so invented "superdelegates".

"Automatic delegates" is actually a better term because they become delegates automatically. "Superdelegates" suggests that they have extra votes or some other special abilities, which isn't the case.

[Occam Bandage]

3. Well, much like with "islamofascist" or "Homicide Bomber," this will only serve as a shibboleth.

[HeraldSquare212]

4. Caucuses = undemocratic; superdelegates = democratic.

Up is down, black is white.....

[cooolandrew]

6. Oh Hillary's America is going to be so much fun. *sigh* Ok, ok, ...

... I'll support her. I'll support her if she gets it what choice do we have.

[babylonsister]

5. How can they possibly be 'automatic' if they can change their minds and

votes? Her hubris is showing. :eyes:

[KittyWampus]

8. they are "automatic" because they automatically just go to Clinton.

[TwilightGardener]

7. Ain't nothing "automatic" about them. Nice try with the rebranding.

[frazzled]

9. Geez, "automatic" is even worse

Makes them sound like automatons. Or that their votes are automatically disbursed. Or that they "automatically" lock in to one candidate or another (not so).

If we are truly seeking a more neutral term, how about non-pledged delegates or, simply, party delegates (most honest).

[Bread and Circus]

10. Now, remind how a Clinton Presidency is going to be different than..

a Bush Presidency?

Because that sounds like a page from the Karl Rove play book.

[jgraz]

11. Another step in her efforts to change her title from "Presumptive Nominee" to "Former First Lady"

:eyes:

[1776Forever]

12. Control - Control - Control - Hillary and Bill love it and Secrecy too!

They have not opened up the Clinton Library files yet or showed their tax returns. The people that still want to vote for her deserve this type of Bush Speak! She is trying to spin a lot of things right now and hopefully those that are on the fence or those with an open mind will reconsider what they are going to get from the Clinton's! The 1996 Communications Act that Bill supported is one of the things that need to really be looked at! It gave Murdock the chance to control what we hear, see, and read! Murdock has given parties for Hillary and given her money! Is that what the HRC supporters really want? Let alone NAFTA!

[tridim]

13. Not a good way to win over voters Senator.

There is no upside to this, it's a HORRIBLE move. Why is she doing this?

[Vinca]

14. How about

"automatic-delegates-who-are-free-to-change-their-vote-at-the-last-minute-depending-on-how-the-wind-is-blowing?" AKA "we-could-be-really-fucked-delegates."

[rodeodance]

15. "A person I spoke to who was on the call paraphrases Ickes" heresay

[rodeodance]

16. "A person I spoke to who was on the call paraphrases Ickes" heresay

[Stephanie]

17. that's so Rovian

WTF is it with her campaign? why do they twist themselves in these absurd knots?

[newmajority]

18. No, that passes Rovian and goes straight into Orwellian territory.

WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH. CORPORATISM IS DEMOCRACY. SUPERDELEGATES ARE AUTOMATIC.

[MindMatter]

19. "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is."

Genetically wired to spin things. When you combine that with a charismatic smile and tone of voice, these people can be really scary.

[closeupready]

23. They are doing this, because they know they've lost momentum,

Obama is ascendant, and if they have to win by pulling a few rabbits out of their hats, they will do that.

[goodhue]

20. well his term is more accurate, but bespeaks to desperation

they are super in that they become national delegates automatically; once delegates they have no particular exalted powers except of course that they are unpledged unless they pledge themselves. Interestingly there are a few number of unpledged add-on delegates in most states who are not super in that they are not automatic but who do arrive to unpledged.

[harun]

21. Hillary is going to try and steal the nom with Super Delegates

[closeupready]

22. I don't know, but certainly, this tells us they are talking about super delegates, so

they must figure into a new, evolving stategy, since they have apparently assumed so much importance, that they have taken time out of campaigning to deal with such minutiae.

[KittyWampus]

24. pretty messed up this is one of their last hopes

[closeupready]

27. Yep, and you know something, it's kind of funny how karma works.

By that I mean, there are lots of stories about how the Clintons tried to work against Gore and Kerry both so that a Republican could win in 2000, fill out a second term in 2004, letting Hillary run in 2008. The funny part is that, if true, their strategy worked but to the benefit of their competitors! Oh, the best laid plans of mice and women. :evilgrin:

[JVS]

25. Good, We'll be able to recognize the bullshitters by their use of "automatic"

[Alexander]

26. I wonder if it has something to do with this article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/us/politics/12clinton.html?ei=5065&en=b91d90e079601f95&ex=1203483600&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print

[HeraldSquare212]

28. New Obama Slogan: "Automatics for the People!"

apologies to REM.