Texas Caucuses: Confusing And Conflicted

Clinton And Obama Supporters Wrangle For Delegates In Lone Star State's Raucous Caucuses

(AP)  Texas Democrats packed into county conventions Saturday as supporters of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton fought again to win delegates in a complex and long-running presidential caucus system.

Early results tallied by The Associated Press showed that Obama had 839 delegates selected to go on to the state convention, compared with Clinton's 833 delegates. That's out of about 7,300 delegates expected to be selected at senate district meetings across the state.

Because of the huge Democratic turnout in Texas' primary and caucuses on March 4, just registering delegates took hours at some conventions. At large conventions in Houston, Dallas and Austin, which were expected to last into the night, arguments erupted and confusion set in as complaints were lodged about the legitimacy of some delegates.

Hundreds of increasingly irritable and bored delegates at the Senate District 23 convention in Dallas stood in lines snaking around four hallways as they waited to receive a delegate credential. Police kept people from jumping out of turn. Several called the process "chaos."

"People are so confused," said Michelle Powell, 18, five hours after she arrived at the convention. "Nothing is organized."

Jacqueline Bell, a precinct chair, said, "The democratic process is messy."

Credentials committees heard challenges against the way certain delegates were selected at precinct caucuses in early March. Frustrated delegates shouted at credentials committee members in Dallas.

Many of the challenges were brought by Clinton supporters questioning the validity of Obama delegates. The Clinton campaign said it wouldn't lodge any challenges itself but that it was helping supporters who would. The campaign previously said it was aiding supporters with legal advice and guidance on their challenges.

Obama was also lodging challenges in some counties over the complex formulas used to determine delegate counts, said campaign spokesman Josh Earnest.

"This math gets pretty complicated pretty quickly," he said.

But Earnest said that unlike the Clinton campaign, the Obama campaign wasn't challenging the seating of particular delegates.

"They're engaged in a coordinated strategy to challenge our delegates and we're not," he said. "It's disappointing to see the Clinton campaign throw up these obstacles."

As he drove between Democratic conventions in Georgetown and Waco on Saturday to rev up supporters, Clinton adviser Terry McAuliffe said that the Clinton campaign has "not raised any of the challenges. A lot of our supporters have."

McAuliffe said in some cases handwriting on sign-in sheets at the March 4 caucuses was obviously the same handwriting but for different names. One woman in a wheelchair wasn't let into a caucus, and one Clinton supporter was told she didn't have to stay, he added.

"It disenfranchises people," McAuliffe said, comparing the Texas caucuses to Michigan and Florida voters being disenfranchised.

Heading to senate district conventions in Austin, some delegates got fed up waiting at least an hour in traffic to reach the Travis County Expo Center. Some abandoned their cars on the side of the road and walked the rest of the distance.

Travis County officials extended the morning sign-in period because so many of the thousands of delegates hadn't gotten the chance to register.

Jenny Magar of Austin, a 47-year-old delegate for Obama, was not put off by the waiting or by the organization of her convention.

"The old-timers are going to be prepared for it, and the new-timers are going to be curious," she said.

Clinton supporter Winston Nguyen, 21, felt discouraged at the largely pro-Obama Senate District 13 convention in Houston. Nguyen said he planned to protest the results because he didn't think the delegates' credentials were properly checked. Some Clinton backers broke into tears because they were not treated right, Nguyen said.

"I think they feel that the party is getting ripped apart," he said.

Two Obama supporters at that Harris County convention, 54-year-old Adib Saafir and 29-year-old Katrina Moore, said they each received text messages before the convention telling them to wrongly go to a caucus at a school in Fort Bend County. They said the note was signed "Ken the planner."

By the time they found the right convention in Houston, it was too late to register.

"I just want to participate, that's it," Saafir said. "I signed up to be a delegate and I wanted to participate, but when I got here I was too late."

Obama has fared better overall in caucuses this year, winning 13 to Clinton's 3.

Texas Democrats hold both a presidential primary and caucus. Clinton won the March 4 primary with 51 percent to Obama's 47 percent, earning her 65 national convention delegates to Obama's 61.

The state's caucus began immediately after polls closed primary night and quickly devolved into chaos in many parts of the state after an unprecedented estimated turnout of more than 1 million Democrats. An incomplete and unofficial count by the Texas Democratic Party showed Obama was leading Clinton in caucuses 56 percent to 44 percent on election night.

A total of 67 national convention delegates are ultimately at stake in the Texas caucuses.

[popstom1]

Leave it too the state who gave us 2 bush

[tucano2]

It appears to me Mrs. Clinton is made of sterner stuff than her husband, and certainly the scrambling, fighting, "never give up" attitude is 100 percent American. I like that attitude. Mr. Obama comes across as an "Empty Suit" who learned most, but not all, of what the actor Robert Redford''s character in "The Candidate" learned, or not, in that movie, asking his handlers after a victorious vote "What do I do now?". Harry Truman had the "right stuff", and it seems to me Mrs. Clinton learned a lot from him, rather than from a character in a movie.

[jedi08]

The Clintons are trying to block delegates, change the rules, have supper delegates overturn the will of the people. How pathetic are they. This is great, I love watching hillary die this slow painfull death.

Whatch out for that sniper fire Billary!

Liar Liar suit pants on fire

[whitepicks2]

Caucuses separate the wheat from the chaff. Our precinct''s caucus chose all its delegates for Obama, as Hillary didn''t make the 15% threshold. She would of, as I later found out, but didn''t because several people who came to vote thinking it was a primary were too ashamed to allow their vote to become public. Hillary would have gotten their vote if they could''ve sneaked in and hidden behind a curtain -- hence the disparity between primaries and caucuses for her.

[jedi08]

Clintons will try anything to win.

Watch out for that sniper fire Billary

Liar Liar Pants suit on fire

[tulcak]

clinton needs to drop out now and support Sen. Obama. its the right thing to do for our country. so far, clinton is acting very, very selfish... she just wants to win the nomination at ANY cost. If she wins the nomination, mccain will win. Sen. Obama on the other hand will soundly beat mccain; the issues: Iraq war and the economy, but more importantly, America is ready to finally be one nation (and not under god either)

[usmcvn2]

Clintons will try anything to win.

Watch out for that sniper fire Billary

Liar Liar Pants suit on fire


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

Posted by jedi08 at 03:08 AM : Mar 30, 2008


What are you saying???!! You are going to shoot
Clinton???

[sblake63]

Its embarassing to know there are any pro abortion, anti family, anti values & anti American democrats in the same state as me. I was wondering what the smell was from the north wind lol. Oh well thank God they are a minority in this state.

[seah5]

The should give up on caucus voting.

Seems many are intimidated and or threatened when voting in open forum. many blacks and minorities where told prior who to vote for and if they did not, they would pay for it.

Not what way to run or win an election.

[omega39-2009]

Blah blah blah blah blah Wright blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah typical white woman blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah racist. blah blah blah blah garlic nose.

[prof_s]

Another example why the United States is rated 28th out of 28 full democracies in the world for free and fair elections. What a joke for the rest of the world to enjoy.

[joyous88]

confused and conflicted and designed to keep the power

withen the party powerfull,

just exactly like to idiot , and un american republiCons

[downsteamjim]

Here''s an idea, use the secret ballot or change name to the UnDemocratic party.

[timdgrim]

How come Republicans don''t know the proper use of the English language?
TO Stupid,is actually TOO STUPID!!! You''re just like your DECIDER!

[jgunther7]

Texans don%u2019t like liars, and as they get to know the candidates better there is a big shift to Obama. Viva Obama

[ringading3]

In the end, the Clintons will deliver the nomination, the fix is in!

[clovisbuford]

I am a texan democrat that participated in one of the largest county conventions yesterday .I see lots of Bs posted by lots of folks . The numbers you should focus on in Travis county we had 7000 democrats show up for a convention on saturday , republicans at their conventioon numbered about 700. Come november we as democrats are all gonna show up no matter who the candidate is.See how the water is pulling back first , the tide retreating , it presages that tsunammi fixing to hit republicans come novenmber. Republicans run on your record , we have 8 years of yourrecord as president , 12 years of republicans controlling the house . Run on that doubling of the deficit , run on the Iraq war you thinks its such a winner . Look at the subprime mess and the banks collapsing because of mirky derivative deals that even wall street doesnt understand and hollar about "less regulation". Republicans have had years to work on health care, better now than when they took office? If results matter Republicans have shown us results $4 a gallon gas, a recession , a war that has lasted longer than WW2 and is slated to cost 3 trillion. You know a man could go on and on ,at some point actual results matter , and republican results are all around us ,we are living them.

[clovisbuford]

Texans don%u2019t like liars, and as they get to know the candidates better there is a big shift to Obama. Viva Obama
Posted by jgunther7

"unfortunately the biggest political liar in modern history camer out of texas" ainttaken
ainttaken you have a point there , but if you are suggesting GW Bush is an actual texan , you beter check your reseach

[clovisbuford]

"I find it very difficult to believe that an intelligent, energetic, and very political man like Obama is perpetually ignorant about what goes on in the church to which he devotes so many of his resources. If he does get to the White House.... "obamma 8 years . I find it difficult to believe you werent aware of these comments by jewish senators"An Open Letter to the Jewish Community:
Over the past several weeks, many in the Jewish community have received hateful emails that use falsehood and innuendo about Senator Barack Obama''s religion and attack him personally. We find it particularly abhorrent that these attacks arc apparently being sent specifically to the Jewish Community. Jews, who have historically been the target of such attacks, should be the first to reject these tactics.
We won''t dignify these falsehoods by repeating them in order to refute them. Instead, we will express our outrage at these tactics, which are being used to demonize a good and
decent man and our friend and colleague. Attempting to manipulate voters into supporting or opposing one candidate or another based on despicable and fictitious attacks is disgraceful. These false and malicious attacks should not be part of our political discourse..Sincerely,Carl Levin,Barbara Boxer,Ben Cardin,Russ Feingold,Frank Lautenberg ,Bernie Sanders,Ron Wyden
so troll who ya voting for?clinton supporter , Mccain ? not voting but smarter than all of us?

[grekiwi]

I''m perplexed by Hatpin Hilary''s claim to "experience".

Would you fly in a plane piloted by the pilot''s wife?

Would you drive over a bridge built by the engineer''s wife?

Would you let the doctor''s wife operate on you?

Now, if you''re a women''s libber, don''t get your toga in a twist; the pilot''s husband might be flying the plane, and the doctor''s wife might be a doctor herself. The point is, she was in the dining room making sure they used the right china, while he was chatting with the chief of state.

[obama8years]

youtube.com/watch?v=LIe4d9Nmg9k

Obama is backing muslim extremist!

badbarack.org

obamatruth.org

OBAMA TIES TO HAMAS

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency today reports that the Wright, Jr., long-time pastor of Obama, published an op-ed piece signed by a Hamas leader. The item appeared in the July 22, 2007 edition of his Trinity United Church newspaper on the "Pastor''''''''s Page." Justifies attacks on Israeli civilians, and carries a supporting introduction by Mr. Wright.

Obama issued a statement strongly condemning these views of his pastor. "I certainly wasnt in church when that outrageously wrong [Hamas] piece was re-printed in the bulletin.


Obama is a long-time member of Trinity United, and his financial contributions to his church are reported to be substantial ("All told, the [Obama] couple gave $27,500 to [Trinity United] in 2005 and 2006," according to the New York Times of March 26). His moral support to the church has been unwavering. As more and more and more details of the extremist political positions of the church are revealed, Obamas response has been to distance himself from these, but also to repeat, over and over, that he didn''''''''t know, that he wasn''''''''t there.

I find it very difficult to believe that an intelligent, energetic, and very political man like Obama is perpetually ignorant about what goes on in the church to which he devotes so many of his resources. If he does get to the White House....

[omahagma1]

TracyM_organ, Obviously it bothers you that Obama has more class, more education, and more intelligence then you-no wonder you have to make such ignorant racist comments to make yourself feel better.
get a brain!!!!!!!!

[whitepicks2]

From the new numbers creeping in, it is likely the 67 caucus delegates will end up breaking 40 to Obama and 27 to Clinton -- eclipsing the 4 delegate lead Clinton got from the primary, and earning Obama a 9 delegate overall advantage in TX.

[sgtrds]

The body of a bro of all vets, Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin, was identified in the Iraq war. He is a hero. I just checked his story and saw only one RIP. Come on bro''s, he deserves better and so does his family. We stand together.

[atayr]

The Clinton''s (and Mr. Nader), have shown us they crave attention to a point that repeatedly demonstrated negative issues concerning self-centeredness and poor jugdement. Sen. McCain has proven that he insists on remaining on a path that has led our country into harms way and on to the brink of self-destruction. What we need is someone who is of the people,(selected) by the people, and (authentically) for the people. Can we, the people, deliver someone like this to lead us out of this mess? Yes we can!

[eshaneua]

UPDATE FOR TEXAS CAUCAS: Senator Obama''s total delegate count-3789; Senator Clinton''s total delegate count-2981. The delegate spread has now increased to 799 in Senator Obama''s favor.

Senator Obama-55%
Senator Clinton-44%

88% of precincts reported...

Nothing confusing about that at all...

[termtex01]

"UPDATE FOR TEXAS CAUCAS: Senator Obama''''s total delegate count-3789; Senator Clinton''''s total delegate count-2981. The delegate spread has now increased to 799 in Senator Obama''''s favor.
Senator Obama-55%
Senator Clinton-44%
88% of precincts reported...
Nothing confusing about that at all...

Posted by eshaneua at 07:44 AM : Mar 31, 2008"

Wait til the Clinton lawsuits start, then it''ll really get confusing.

[termtex01]

"UPDATE FOR TEXAS CAUCAS: Senator Obama''''s total delegate count-3789; Senator Clinton''''s total delegate count-2981. The delegate spread has now increased to 799 in Senator Obama''''s favor.
Senator Obama-55%
Senator Clinton-44%
88% of precincts reported...
Nothing confusing about that at all...

Posted by eshaneua at 07:44 AM : Mar 31, 2008"

Wait til the Clinton lawsuits start, then it''ll really get confusing.

[obama8years]

youtube.com/watch?v=LIe4d9Nmg9k

Obama is backing muslim extremist!

badbarack.org

obamatruth.org

OBAMA TIES TO HAMAS

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency today reports that the Wright, Jr., long-time pastor of Obama, published an op-ed piece signed by a Hamas leader. The item appeared in the July 22, 2007 edition of his Trinity United Church newspaper on the "Pastor''''''''''''''''s Page." Justifies attacks on Israeli civilians, and carries a supporting introduction by Mr. Wright.

Obama issued a statement strongly condemning these views of his pastor. "I certainly wasnt in church when that outrageously wrong [Hamas] piece was re-printed in the bulletin.


Obama is a long-time member of Trinity United, and his financial contributions to his church are reported to be substantial ("All told, the [Obama] couple gave $27,500 to [Trinity United] in 2005 and 2006," according to the New York Times of March 26). His moral support to the church has been unwavering. As more and more and more details of the extremist political positions of the church are revealed, Obamas response has been to distance himself from these, but also to repeat, over and over, that he didn''''''''''''''''t know, that he wasn''''''''''''''''t there.

I find it very difficult to believe that an intelligent, energetic, and very political man like Obama is perpetually ignorant about what goes on in the church to which he devotes so many of his resources. If he does get to the White House....

[popstom1]

Well when strong arm tactics are used you know like
strong armed robbery Obama supporters seem to be good
at it

[whitepicks2]

If you call being active and informed strong arm, then that''s exactly what''s been missing from Dems when Texas'' village idiot was elected TWICE. http://precinctconventionresults.txdemocrats.org/election08district - real time TX results.

[craigh9]

How can anyone back the Democratic Party - they can''t get Florida or Michigan to play nice, and now they can''t get Texas to finalize a numbers weeks and weeks after the primary/caucas'' - what a bunch of unorganized and out of step idiots. There was absolutely no way the Republicans could get re-elected to the White House - but it seems the Democrats will find a way for them. - Ridiculous!

[clovisbuford]

I find it very difficult to believe that an intelligent, energetic, and very political man like Obama is perpetually ignorant about what goes on in the church to which he devotes so many of his resources. If he does get to the White House.... "obamma 8 years . I find it difficult to believe you werent aware of these comments by jewish senators"An Open Letter to the Jewish Community:
Over the past several weeks, many in the Jewish community have received hateful emails that use falsehood and innuendo about Senator Barack Obama''''s religion and attack him personally. We find it particularly abhorrent that these attacks arc apparently being sent specifically to the Jewish Community. Jews, who have historically been the target of such attacks, should be the first to reject these tactics.
We won''''t dignify these falsehoods by repeating them in order to refute them. Instead, we will express our outrage at these tactics, which are being used to demonize a good and
decent man and our friend and colleague. Attempting to manipulate voters into supporting or opposing one candidate or another based on despicable and fictitious attacks is disgraceful. These false and malicious attacks should not be part of our political discourse..Sincerely,Carl Levin,Barbara Boxer,Ben Cardin,Russ Feingold,Frank Lautenberg ,Bernie Sanders,Ron Wyden
so troll who ya voting for?clinton supporter , Mccain ? not voting but smarter than all of us?

[clovisbuford]

the number of people that respond to democratic news that arent democrats republicans just stirring the waters tells you .. they smell that tidal wave coming november.Republicans will talk anonymous about how democrats are all talk . but the deal is Republicans should run on their records . Defic it doubled in 8 years , earmarks up a 1000 percent from 1994 to 2006, from 1400 to 14,0000 . The war in iraq . health care ? they have had 8 years to start on a presidientila level 12 on a congressional level , did they? republicans handled the katrina response. the collalsed miines, the chinese toy recall .republicans lookign after you .. the current fiscal melt down . let my top execs go free .with a golden parachute.let republicans run on what they have done .we have had 12 years of promise