Top Clinton Backers Threaten Pelosi -- top dems call it "brazen", "stunning"

[JMDEM]

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080327.htm

Thursday, March 27, 2008

CAMPAIGN NEWS

Top Clinton Backers Threaten Pelosi

The Washington Post reports this morning that 20 "top fundraisers" for Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign yesterday "upbraided" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for suggesting last week that Democratic superdelegates "should back the candidate with the most pledged delegates and urged her to respect the right of those delegates to back whomever they choose at the end of the primary season." The AP reports that in a letter to Pelosi, Clinton's supporters "said superdelegates 'must look to not one criterion but to the full panoply of factors that will help them assess who will be the party's strongest nominee in the general election.'"

The New York Times adds that the letter, "which carried threatening overtones in noting that many signatories were major Democratic donors, highlighted the deepening rift inside the party among supporters for Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama." Roll Call reports the "donors also pointedly noted their own contributions to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. 'We have been strong supporters of the DCCC. We therefore urge you to clarify your position on super-delegates and reflect in your comments a more open view to the optional independent actions of each of the delegates at the National Convention in August.'"

"Brazen" Move Said To Have "Stunned" Democrats The New York Daily News reports that the "brazen move by Camp Clinton stunned veteran Democrats, particularly because at least eight of the letter's authors have not donated to" the DCCC since Pelosi became speaker. One unnamed Democrat is quoted saying Clinton "looks desperate. There is no way they should have threatened to do this. It is terrible. ... I am sure Obama is raising money off of it already."

[leftofcool]

1. Nancy didn't hedge her bets quite right

she should have kept quiet

[JMDEM]

3. So you agree with this intimidation? nt.

[leftofcool]

6. All I agree with is that Nancy should shut up

[Bullet1987]

9. So you agree with intimidating a House Speaker...disgusting

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[JMDEM]

23. So in your mind anything goes to keep the "bad guy" from winning?

I think you are in the wrong country.

[JMDEM]

29. This is a perfect example of why I intensely dislike Hillary and her supporters

It's not her positions, its not her policies (except the Iraq war vote and NAFTA)... She and Obama are about 10% different... so what?

The "so what" is the fear, intimidation, blackmail, and coercion that Hillary and supporters feel is fully justified in winning an election. Win at all costs -- even if it destroys the Democratic Party.

We've lived for 7 years of that type of leadership and can see its disastrous consequences daily. We don't need another 4 - 8 years of that.

[slinkerwink]

39. wow.

[powergirl]

43. Nothing justifies extortion

in an election ,ever. Why did't these folks try to persuade her based on Sen. Clinton's "merits?"

[phrigndumass]

44. Con artist? You mean Obama?

How is Senator Obama a con artist?

[sniffa]

59. He's black?

[phrigndumass]

66. ssshhhh, we're supposed to keep that a secret until the GE ...

Hopefully they won't figure it out until we've conned them out of the White House.

:sarcasm:

[dionysus]

45. smug and condescending much?

oh you wise sage you....

:rofl:

[Cheap_Trick]

55. any signs of polyps in your colon yet?

with your head so far up your ass leftoffool, I figure you should know.

[TragedyandHope]

57. If we were smart enough to be racists

...we would have kicked Obama to the curb long ago, right? What a wonderful argument in support of your candidate. :sarcasm:

[Forkboy]

69. Wow....talk about insane.

[Lucky 13]

18. Why should she shut up?

She's one of the most influential, powerful women in the party. She has a right to her opinion...WHY should she shut up?

[leftofcool]

21. Oh, you mean "impeachment is off the table" influential?

[Lucky 13]

27. You didn't answer the question...

WHY should Nancy Pelosi shut up? Why should she?

[roguevalley]

54. so extortion is okay.

[ClassWarrior]

7. Apparently she wasn't a manipulative enough politician for some people.

Is that really what Tonya's followers want? More political manipulation and game-playing??

NGU.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

8. NANCY should have kept quiet?

Nah, I think the 20 big mouths who threatened her should have kept quiet.

[Kittycat]

32. So you think that the only people in this party that matter are the rich?

So to inform you, but have you checked out the tally of $109 avg donors that Obama has racked up in the primary season alone?

And WTF is this? The republican party? No, sorry - you and the "think they're entitled" can shut the f*ck up.

[Kittycat]

35. The fact that 8 of them haven't even donated, and had the nerve

to sign their names - only shows their arrogance.

[HereSince1628]

2. These donors actually understand things perfectly

This campaign is about the DLC losing control. And that means that these rich folks are seeing P/E ratios on their investment in the suck-up side of the Democratic party threatening to get out of hand. A market correction is on the horizon. Something must be done to preserve the priviledges of all those who have risked so much to end up having so little influence.

[Ichingcarpenter]

12. That's how I see it also

It is a battle for the soul of the party and the DLC crowd are losing
and took this brazen step to bully by extortion

[yardwork]

15. I agree, and I'm glad that Nancy Pelosi publicized this.

[phrigndumass]

4. The big money folks want guaranteed access ...

... which they will only get with a Clinton nomination or VP slot.

[jhain]

11. DING! DING! DING!

We have a winner!

[samdogmom]

5. She's come off the tracks!

She's scary! Wow!

She needs to go away! Far...far...away!

My advice: Get some rest, Hillary--it will help, trust me!

[Bullet1987]

10. I agree, that there is an underlying war going on here between the people

who fear Obama's small donor support (and their power waning if he became President) and Obama's supporters.

[havocmom]

40. Sure seems like some fat cat donors are terrified of grass roots democracy

Heaven forbid they should have just the same pull on the Hill as the rest of We The People! ;)

The not-so-civil war going on in America is NOT DEM v GOP. It is not black v white; not female v male, not young v old, not urban v rural. Those are the illusions the real culprits want us to believe.

The real civil war is a class war. The top 1% want to make sure that no matter which party gets the WH, they have one of their puppets on the throne.

I hope Pelosi goes to Dean and humbly begs forgiveness for DLC trespasses and then asks his help in REALLY getting grass roots help across the board for DEMs on the Hill. They have to change their ways and get back to representing THE PEOPLE or they will be unemployed. If the uber rich are threatening them and the common folk have had enough of not being represented, they are obsolete. DEM Congressional leadership needs to get that picture clear and start working for the people again.

We The People need to make damned sure they hear us and remember who they are employed by.

Lobbyist reform or we boot their asses!

[samdogmom]

60. Off subject a bit...but did you get the "Dinner with Obama" email?

Wow! What a clever way to fund-raise--a contest to win dinner with "the man"! My daughter went crazy when I got this email plea--she begged me to make a contribution so she could be in the running for a seat at the table.

I made my third contribution to his campaign...just because I like his approach and my daughter will love me forever if "we"/she (one person only) "wins" a spot at his table.

[otohara]

22. Frightening How Far

they are willing to go - I hope Speaker Pelosi addresses this letter.

On edit: Pelosi responds.

(The Politico) Brendan Daly, a spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), responded late Wednesday night to a letter by supporters of New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton urging his boss to stop making comments about the superdelegates respecting the will of Democratic primary voters and caucus-goers:

“Speaker Pelosi is confident that superdelegates will choose between Senators Clinton or Obama -- our two strong candidates -- before the convention in August," Daly said. "That choice will be based on many considerations, including respecting the decisions of millions of Americans who have voted in primaries and participated in caucuses. The Speaker believes it would do great harm to the Democratic Party if superdelegates are perceived to overturn the will of the voters. This has been her position throughout this primary season, regardless of who was ahead at any particular point in delegates or votes.”

The Clinton supporters had asked Pelosi, who remains neutral in the presidential contest, to refrain from making comments that could influence undecided superdelegates to back the candidate with the most votes - who, at this point, happens to be the New York senator's rival, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. But Daly's comments suggest the speaker will not be backing off of her stance any time soon. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/27/politics/politico/thecrypt/main3973134.shtml

[madfloridian]

13. Why weren't they shocked when some of these donors threatened Dean

with holding back money if he did not resolve the FL situation?

Why just be stunned about Nancy? It is a pattern being repeated.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/1925

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/1918

They had lunch with Dean to get him to do something about Florida or they wanted all their money back.

They were Clinton's big Florida donors...Patricof was one.

[azmouse]

14. Please SD, end this.

Hillary cannot be allowed to destroy the Democratic party.

[Araxen]

16. Good for Pelosi

If she backs down I'll be really disappointed in her. Obama doesn't need them for fund raising. Once he gets the nomination officially he'll be raking in the cash and the DNC will prosper from it also. Pelosi should have NOTHING to fear here.

[susankh4]

19. This is but one clue to the seriousness of the war

within our party. And it isn't going away soon. In part because we have no proof that we'll always be able to field "American Idol" candidates like Barack. And we... the Dem party... may rue the day that we turned on our larger donors.

If you don't know what I am talking about try this:
http://ascrivenerslament.blogspot.com/search?q=cash+cow

Remember... there are many downticket Dems, as well, relying on party fundraisers. This has got to make them nervous too. We have no guarantee that Mr. Obama, once elected, can continue to bring in money for the party as a whole. Or that he would even want to.

[DUyellow]

20. I bet the DCCC has raised more money in the last 24 hours then they have in the last month.

[ima_sinnic]

24. She's come undone / She found a mountain that was far too high

And when she found out she couldn't fly
Mama, it was too late

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun
She's come undone . . .

------------

I hope this backfires on her BIG TIME!
I mean, if I were one of those SD's, I think I'd be feeling kind of cool toward HRC right about now for pressuring me and suggesting that my obligation to be ethical and free of influence could be compromised just because she "said so."
Now, if SD's go in her favor, they risk looking vulnerable and weak, as though they are just her lackeys to be shoved around :rofl:

[BootinUp]

25. Nancy needs to eat some humble pie. nt

[dionysus]

46. so let's get this straight.... hilly's fat cat donors should be able to strongarm the speaker of the

house?

hooookay that's real democratic of you... :eyes:

[BootinUp]

74. I don't care who reminds her of the party rules, she should have read them

before opening her trap.

and a snide remark from you is like a badge of honor, thanks. :)

[CaptJasHook]

26. Marc Aronchick and the Hsu connection

At the top of the donor list is Marc Aronchick

Check out this link:

http://www.strategypage.com/militaryforums/89-56149.aspx

Here is the full text of the letter.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/03/in_letter_a_dozen_top_clinton.php


We should track these people down.

[Independent-Voter]

28. Veruca's supporters have no shame whatsoever

[SoonerPride]

31. Nice reference

[CaptJasHook]

30. Clarence Avant. Seems okay.

Clarence Avant is a music executive who is widely renowned for his sincere dedication to pioneering opportunities within the recording industry. During his 40 year career, Avant has represented the likes of blues artist Little Willie John, rock and roll pioneer Tom Wilson, and jazz producer Creed Taylor. In the late 1960s, Avant successfully engineered the first joint venture between an African-American artist and a major record company. Under his own record companies, Sussex Records and later Tabu Records, Avant signed recording artists Bill Withers, Dennis Coffey, The Presidents, in addition to playing a key role in the successful rise of Grammy winning producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

Acknowledged as a father figure by numerous performers and producers, Avant has been honored publicly for his positive contributions to society. In 1993, Avant was named Chairman of Motown Records and, four years later, he became the first African-American to serve on the International Management Board for Polygram. Today, Avant is president of his own publishing companies, Avant Garde and Interior Music Corp. Clarence Avant also serves a member of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Pepsi-Cola African-American Advisory Board. Avant was recently awarded with an honorary doctorate from prestigious Morehouse College. Avant had the February 11, 2006 issue of Billboard magazine (with him on the cover) dedicated to him for his birthday, which was filled with congratulations from a long list of celebrities and entertainment industry giants.

[CaptJasHook]

33. Susie Tompkins Buell is actually cool

A 90's Clinton corporatist. But she moved Esprit in the right direction.

Susie Tompkins Buell was the founder and co-owner of the Esprit clothing company, which was known for its revolutionary fusion of corporate mission with social responsibility. The Esprit Foundation was created in 1990 and supported a variety of organizations in areas such as at-risk youth, AIDS awareness and direct care, women’s issues and the environment.

When Susie Tompkins Buell left Esprit de Corp in 1996, she took the Foundation with her and eventually renamed it the Susie Tompkins Buell Foundation. The Foundation retained the original mission and areas of funding, including a “women and girls lens”, which screened organizations for their inclusion of women and girls, not only as recipient of services but also for their representation on boards and staff.

Today the Susie Tompkins Buell Foundation carries on the original spirit of innovation and social responsibility in its grant making interests and practices.

[4themind]

34. The DCCC is the lifeblood of house superdelegates

there's no mistake who this letter is also directed to...

[CaptJasHook]

36. Sim Farar Clinton Shill

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1999_Sept_9/ai_55702522

[Larkspur]

37. John Alter on Keith's show said that this letter doesn't carry as much weight

as in the past because of the army of small donors Obama has on his side.

[quiet.american]

38. Long story short -- they're asking her to anoint Hillary as the nominee, regardless.

Call it DLC, call it more of Bushco-type tactics, etc. -- this stinks.

[powergirl]

41. This is another Bush/Cheney tactic - trying to use extortion

to buy the election. same ole same ole

[TacticalPeek]

42. Maybe they should have demanded her recall, or some primary opposition.

That was the prevailing attitude of many DUers, until they found a new use for Pelosi.

Self-serving hypocrisy is where you find it.

:shrug:

[redqueen]

71. This is about fatcats trying to bully Nancy into backing Clinton's

most recent desperate tactic.

Not voters being disappointed because they didn't like something she did.

Are you of the opinion that if a politician does something you don't like, that you just just toss them under the bus and hate them forever and take all your toys and go home?

[Elidor]

47. "We're going to take our moneyball and go home!"

If only they were sincere.

[tabasco]

48. Posted here as well.

Many of these people gave money to Lieberman(I) against the Democratic candidate.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5280195&mesg_id=5280195

[madfloridian]

49. I just saw the list of names in one post here....Now I can't find it.

Help.

[2rth2pwr]

50. The poor "stunned" Dems crying over this "brazen" attack.

Good grief, they said the letter had "threatening overtones".



'We have been strong supporters of the DCCC. We therefore urge you to clarify your position on super-delegates and reflect in your comments a more open view to the optional independent actions of each of the delegates at the National Convention in August.'"

Yeah, sounds like hate speech.

[JMDEM]

52. Is that the entire letter? Or are there major parts not in your post?

These are jaded politicians... if they are stunned I'm sure there's good reason for it.

Or is the Democratic party "dead to you" now, along with Olberman, Huffington, Buzzflash, and a major chunk of the liberal-leaning commentators?

I'm sure that would be the icing on the cake -- "The Democratic Party is dead to me now".

[2rth2pwr]

53. The dramatics used are hilarious, "brazen".

This is a typical change of subject ploy. This way they don't address what the letter was intended to address

which is Pelosi's responsibilities as Speaker.

[JMDEM]

56. Hopeless... nt...

[2rth2pwr]

65. Coming from an Obama supporter?

Hopeless?!?


it can't be.

[JMDEM]

67. Ah yes...

All Obama supporters are wrong, and all Clinton suporters are right.

Is your sole purpose disruption?

[Forkboy]

70. Yes, that one's sole purpose is disruption. Check the posts it makes.

[Warren DeMontague]

51. Time to write a check to the DCCC.

Between this and FISA, Nancy's been doing o.k. lately.

[redqueen]

72. Hear hear!

Love that idea. :thumbsup:

[CaptJasHook]

58. Kick

:kick:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

61. Who are these 20 assholes?

Have they got businesses that can be boycotted?

[OzarkDem]

62. Wish Nancy fought Bush as hard as she fights Hillary

When Clinton is elected, I hope she pressures Pelosi out of her job. What a miserable failure she's been.

[Hugabear]

63. Apparently they haven't read "How to Win Friends and Influence People"

Something tells me that threatening top party officials isn't in that book.

[Justitia]

64. Gee, I guess buying influence just isn't what it used to be. -eom

[Seabiscuit]

68. Complete misuse of the words "threaten" and "intimidation". I call bullshit.

These fundraisers merely told Pelosi they disagreed with her idea about superdelegates. Period.

[book_worm]

73. I'm sure Nancy won't take any intimidation.