Howard Dean Weighs In on Clinton-Obama Battle (NPR just now)

[Muttocracy]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87928836

Audio up later tonight, or NPR usually repeats its stories hourly if your All Things Considered comes on later.

I was focused on other things while it was on, but the part I did hear was talking about having 2 good candidates, a real 50-state primary race, and that you can't change the delegate rules mid-primary. Talked about the FL and MI delegates for a while but I won't try to reproduce here to avoid making any errors.

[DJ13]

1. "you can't change the delegate rules mid-primary"

I take it that was in reference to Florida and Michigan?

Sounds like a no on seating those delegates.


My problem with Dean is that he needs to be a bit more forceful in trying to keep his party from erupting in armed conflict from the negative campaign Hillary has been running, and that may now force Obama's campaign to respond in kind.

He should tell the Clintons to cease that kind of campaigning or face the possibility of a mass super delegate move towards Obama to force her out.

I love what Dean has done for the party, but he needs to get a backbone and play babysitter sometimes.

[Muttocracy]

2. well, like I said, I was only half-tuned in mentally but that was my impression

and yes, that was in reference to FL and MI I though. Will check later for an audio link (usually up after 7pm). Didn't want to put much detail in case I had it wrong!

[wryter2000]

3. His assistant chair on Hartmann

I'm not sure if assistant is the right title, but she was second in command...

She said pretty much they wouldn't be seated. She said they tried to work with the parties to keep them from moving their primaries but weren't successful. She likened it to telling your kids no dessert unless you eat your vegetables and then giving them dessert, anyway.

Not taking a stand her on what ought to happen. Just repeating what the lady said.

(Can I be Howard Dean's second-in-command? Sigh. :loveya:)

[elizm]

5. Howard Dean supporter here in 2004,,,

The Howard Dean I know and love is a fair and smart man and will not give in on something he thinks is right...That's why he is the chair! :)

[BootinUp]

4. He has said more than once a committee will decide the FL, MI delegate issue

he is not the one to decide, or imply anything about a final decision per his own words.

[dansolo]

8. How do you know he's not?

He is the DNC chair. He needs to appear neutral. He will not come out and publicly condemn either side, but I'm pretty sure that he is having discussions behind closed doors. He is actually an excellent DNC chair, and he takes his responsibility towards the party very seriously.

[jillan]

6. I heard him on CNN yesterday, and he said that when the candidates signed up to run for POTUS

they signed on to the rules, and they cannot change the rules now.

He was referring to superdelegates, saying they are a part of the process.

[Muttocracy]

7. too late to edit but audio and summary are up:

March 5, 2008 · Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are locked in a battle for the Democratic nomination, with no resolution in sight. Howard Dean, Democratic National Committee chairman, former Vermont governor and former presidential hopeful, talks to Robert Siegel about the prospect of a protracted fight.

Dean downplays the possibility that the two candidates will rely on personal attacks in the coming weeks, and instead applauds the spirited contest taking place.

He takes issue with the description of Democratic Party superdelegates as party "bosses" or "hotshots," noting that they reflect the makeup of the Democratic Party. He also says it would be "surprising" if the number of pledged delegates determined by the primaries was overwhelmed by the superdelegates.

Dean also discusses the thorny issue of delegates from Florida and Michigan, which held early Democratic primaries in violation of Democratic National Committee rules.

[Muttocracy]

9. listening to the audio

A bit evasive on the superdelegates questions but Dean turns it around to "Senator McCain is a flawed candidate"

To clarify, he talks about how there is a petition process for new delegates / re-dos within DNC rules, but says you can't just change the rules mid-game and go with the existing MI and FL results (would be a clear violation of rules, split the party, unfair to the states who followed the rules and the voters). Open to negotiations on the process as long as they follow party procedures. Sounds good. More detail in the audio.