Well, This is a Surprise

HAHAHA. (0.00 / 0)

I've been noticing the Politico play more and more the "authority" on our primary stuff, while they continue to make up nonsense.

Great catch, and a fantastic example of the tradmed (disguised as New Media) abhorring a vacuum and just making things up.

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 04:50:49 AM CDT

another update (0.00 / 0)

Ben Smith has updated his column in response to a comment I posted and an e mail I sent him; I don't think it goes far enough, but since this partly about me, I am not objective. What do you all think? Should I be satisfied and let it go, or should I continue to chew at this like a dog with a bone?



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 09:32:41 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

pllbbh. (0.00 / 0)

He writes ans article about the early primary helping Hillary. He cites your name in the article.

You write a note saying that makes no sense for reasons well known here.

He then publishes hey I never said there was a conspiracy response.

No, Ben, you just said the party insiders are pulling for Hillary, Hillary would be helped by a December primary, and it's good to keep that "in mind", wink, wink.

Or maybe the article was a set of randomly generated facts, and as reader we weren't supposed to tie any of them together?

I think you have a right to be upset. On the other hand, I don't know that you'll hve any influence on Smith since he doesnt really have an insteret in telling the truth, and he can't even get his innuendo straight.

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by: Mike Caulfield @ Fri Oct 19, 2007 at 11:26:41 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

As with Novak (0.00 / 0)

I give the Republico some credence when it reports on what is happening in the GOP, since it is well connected there.

When it speaks about Democratic Party internals, I just scratch my head and wonder, "What Democrat would be talking to these people?"

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by: elwood @ Fri Oct 19, 2007 at 17:10:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

In Michigan it's well known (0.00 / 0)

Granholm is a Clinton supporter and changed an originally planned much later and MUCH CHEAPER caucass where it was envisioned to be dominated by Unions (UAW, SEIU etc..) to a more expensive (10 million for a state that can't balance it's budget) primary at an earlier date.

It is viewed as a move to help the NY Senator.

similarly the democrats in florida are for Clinton so it's not outlandish thinking to see NH follow the other states

"time to ask Americans to be patriotic about something other than war"- John Edwards

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by: inevitibility @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 18:31:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

In NH, it is well known... (0.00 / 0)

That Michigan Senator Carl Levin has been pushing to put a Michigan primary in front of NH since the 1980's. You need to do your homework.

Energy and persistence conquer all things.


Benjamin Franklin


 

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by: Kathy Sullivan @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 18:58:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

And that he (4.00 / 1)

fights environmental legislation that would compel the American automobile industry to actually compete - e.g. CAFE.

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by: elwood @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 19:17:28 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Let's also note this other idiocy: (4.00 / 1)

one of the things the establishment gets to do is to decide on things like election days.

There isn't one nationwide establishment here. There are 50+ statewide establishments. In Florida Republicans control the legislature and the Governorship - therefore the Republicans can change their primary date. The wishes of the Democratic establishment carry minimal weight there.

The notion that there is a single Illuminati-like "establishment" controlling the primary calendar nationwide is the sort of tinfoil paranoia one expects on third-rate political blogs.

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by: elwood @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 06:09:52 AM CDT

DiStaso has a good roundup of the calendar issues (0.00 / 0)

today.

I suppose absentee ballots can be printed and distributed as soon as the filing period ends - Nov 2nd IIRC. No need to wait until the date is set.

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by: elwood @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 06:21:57 AM CDT

No Brainwashing (0.00 / 0)

Interesting, but Bill Gardner certainly can't be brainwashed by anyone, and I think Kathy's integrity is beyond question.  She believes in what she says, and none of us involved in advocating on a date -- or not -- of the primary would be doing so on behalf of a candidacy we choose.

Nevertheless, that is one of the reasons I wrote into the law so long ago a "one-call" arrangement where the Secretary of State and he alone would have the say, based on what other states do.  The "power" is limited in that he has to wait until he sees what the other states do indeed do (Michigan and the Iowa Democrats are the hang-ups right now), AND he must set the primary "...7 days or more..." before a "similar" election -- and "similar" does have some flexibility of interpretation.

Bill Gardner is showing once again his ability to have the patience needed to wait until the other states play out the shuffle, and by making it clear that December IS indeed an option under our state law, we are encouraging other states' powers-who-be to make their decisions now.  Nevada has, and is staying on January 19th instead of moving up.  Iowa Republicans have agreed to January 3rd.  All that is shaping up, depending on Michigan and the Iowa Democrats, to leave a good window on or about January 8th for New Hampshire. 

About the "death" of the New Hampshire Primary, I've been hearing that for decades, and we do very well.  I heard it two years ago.  We're doing very well.  We'll maintain our lead-off status in 2012, and the candidates will come here, and it probably won't have to be in December that year because of the reality-check that this cycle has given to the Democratic National Committee, which this year (the Republican National Committee has done similar things in the past) has created this problem by trying to control the states.

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 08:09:19 AM CDT

Yes. To be clear, (4.00 / 2)

the brainwashing bit was a joke because the fact that that's what it would take for Kathy or the Clinton campaign to affect the date is one of the several things that shows how wrong this guy got it.

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by: Laura Clawson @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 13:39:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you! (0.00 / 0)

Jim, thank you for sticking up for me!  Especially since we have been at loggerheads over December 11!  You are a good guy for defending my honor.




"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 14:28:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you (0.00 / 0)

Laura, thank you for findng this - I am so mad I am spitting nails! First, I am mad because this jerk would claim I was doing something without checking with me first -really bad journalism. Second, because he is claiming falsely that my candidate, or her supporters, are engaged in a conspiracy involving the primary.  Third, because I hate this speculative, factless based "journalism" that promotes rumors, falsehoods and the like.

GGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, I feel better, but now I am off to the Politico to see if they care about the truth.



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 08:16:50 AM CDT

"Third, because I hate this speculative, factless based "journalism" that promotes rumors, falsehoods and the like." (0.00 / 0)

Such as the farce that is the media's reckless exclusion of all but three candidates--their job is to cover the election, not to decide who the "real" candidates are.  Until the polls close in New Hampshire, it's irresponsible and reprehensible for the media to give any less credence, respect, and coverage to the likes of Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, etc than they do to the likes of Hillary Clnton.  The MSM's blant disregard of certain candidates is dangerously undemocraitc.

By the way, in case it's not clear, I'm agreeing with Kathy, not going after her for supporting Hillary; she's been fighting for a real contest as much as anyone and this Politico crap borders on libel.

--
"Act as if ye have faith and faith shall be given to you." -Aaron Sorkin

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 09:53:16 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

A diarist at Daily Kos (0.00 / 0)

had a diary saying this, but not linking Politico, and when I replied pointing out the facts, s/he pointed me to the Politico piece.

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by: Laura Clawson @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 13:38:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Update (0.00 / 0)

I posted a comment at the Politico, and have written to both Ben Smith and one of his editors demanding an apolgoy and a retraction. Let's see how committed to accurate journalism them they are!



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 08:41:51 AM CDT

If BlueHampshire can be referenced by front-pagers in The Washington Post... (0.00 / 0)

Surely, Politico, a blog, should know to check these things with the blog that is widely known for having regular postings by NH Primary giant Rep. Jim Splaine, other Reps, the immediate former NHDP Chair, the current NHDP Chair, every Presidential campaign staffer and their mother, and some of the most active activists in the state where people talk about politics like baseball.

Shameless plug, the immediate former NHDP Chair's immediate predecessor is supporting Richardson.

--
"Act as if ye have faith and faith shall be given to you." -Aaron Sorkin

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 09:42:16 AM CDT

Establishment Cannibalism (0.00 / 0)

What we are looking at is the death throes of "conventional political thinking".

All this "primary schedule" banter is elected reactionaries and insiders bending under the weight of an awakened electorate.

All the "newbies" to the political arena, care not about the "rules of the game", for better or worse. I'll concede that a choatic, disjointed process is poisonous to our Democracy. Forcing energy into maintaining the status quo may defer an adjustment of "political equilibrium" on a national scale, but to do so is refusal to admit that change is coming.

Or, by defering the shift, the establishment is given the time it needs to catch up to the mindset of the awakend citizenry.

The big question is not simply answered by pointing at the "evil Sen. Levin". ya know, at some point we run out of "evil doers".

Lets elevate above the gory details and go meta.

The Sleeping Giant Dreams of America!


SGS is Jack Mitchell of Lowell, MA. The symbolism of the "sleeping giant" is based on my HOPE for America.

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by: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 09:47:56 AM CDT

Senator Levin (0.00 / 0)

has become such a huge villain in this; it's unfortunate, because he's very good on most things.

But that's not to say he doesn't deserve the blame for spearheading this Michigan thing that damages the whole process; he absolutely does.

By the way, there's something to be said for only small states being Primary states.  How are the candidates with less early funding and name recognition supposed to compete in states like Michigan and Florida?

For the record, even aside from the cultural and political advantages that lend our state to having an early contest, New Hampshire is the smallest "Primary state," both in population and physical size.  At the same time, it's likely less costly to get office space in Manchester than in whatever city would host campaigns' state headquarters in Florida, transportation costs are fewer, it's a state full of activists, statewide advertising costs can't hold a candle to Michigan, Florida, California, etc, and quite importantly, people in New Hampshire are loyal to ideas, not parties--we have an open primary and 44% unaffiliated voters.

Also, though I can't cite it, I believe we have an 80% turnout for the primary.  I could be wrong on that, though...

--
"Act as if ye have faith and faith shall be given to you." -Aaron Sorkin

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 10:17:31 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Think... (4.00 / 2)

I think that with all this discussion about a "December Option," there's some positive movement in Michigan to get both parties there to promise they will not jump further back with anything before January 15th, and that Democrats in Iowa will join their Republican neighbors by having their caucus on Thursday, January 3rd.  Anyone who can help in that regard should...

...then that leaves Tuesday, January 8th open for New Hampshire without that "Squish Effect" that I've mentioned, or maybe even Wednesday, January 9th or Thursday, January 10th -- thus allowing even more time after Iowa. 

Any other dates to suggest?  This discussion nationwide about a December possibility might be working.  Stay cool.

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 14:43:03 PM CDT

The 10th, please!! (0.00 / 0)

Seven days after Iowa would be great!

Energy and persistence conquer all things.


Benjamin Franklin


 

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by: Kathy Sullivan @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 18:15:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Seven Days In January (0.00 / 0)

would be perfect, maximizing nh effect and avoiding the disaster of december. While I dont necessarily believe in the divine right of New hampshire to go first, it is critical to what remains of our democracy to have small states at the beginning so that there is some hope of overcoming the power of the moneyed interests.

"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  

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by: Paul Twomey @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 19:19:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

New Hampshire is a small state (0.00 / 0)

IMHE we shall overcome the power of moneyed intesests.

"This is not an auction." John Edwards to Tim Russert

Next time, there may be no next time.

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by: Jon Bresler @ Fri Oct 19, 2007 at 23:46:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

BIG JERK! (0.00 / 0)

Why didn't you put this on my open thread?

My feelings are hurt, Jon.

Why'd you play me like that, bro?

SGS is Jack Mitchell of Lowell, MA. The symbolism of the "sleeping giant" is based on my HOPE for America.

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by: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Sat Oct 20, 2007 at 11:03:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sounds like a title (4.00 / 1)

to a great documentary... "Seven Days in January" how one candidate beat the odds to win the NH Primary.

Hope > Fear




Create a free Blue Hampshire account and join the conversation.

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by: Mike Hoefer @ Sat Oct 20, 2007 at 10:55:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Starring Jimmy Smits as Bill Richardson (0.00 / 0)

Someone had to do that, it was too easy, haha.

--
"Act as if ye have faith and faith shall be given to you." -Aaron Sorkin

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Wed Oct 24, 2007 at 09:47:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

If Gardner can put it on the (0.00 / 0)

10th that would be great.  A full week of reaction time.

This reminds me of the rule in baseball that the time between pitches correlates to the effect of the previous pitch on the batter. 

Where do we go from here?

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by: Gavin @ Fri Oct 19, 2007 at 10:27:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

would any later than the 8th be legal? (0.00 / 0)

Go 'Bama!

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by: alexwill @ Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 22:14:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes (0.00 / 0)

If the Secretary of State finds that  states after the 8th are not similar.  One of the things we have discussed here in the past is whether Michigan is "similar".  I don't think it is, because the Democratic candidates aren't campaigning there, and its event is just a beauty contest. 

Energy and persistence conquer all things.


Benjamin Franklin


 

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by: Kathy Sullivan @ Fri Oct 19, 2007 at 19:45:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"On behalf of bloggers everywhere, I'd like to point out that while Ben Smith officially has a "blog" at the Politico, he is in fact a traditional media type." (0.00 / 0)

I concur.  With the exceptions of Kos and Atrios (not to praise them, but they are exceptions), if your blog makes enough money to support you, it's not a blog.

--
"Act as if ye have faith and faith shall be given to you." -Aaron Sorkin

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Wed Oct 24, 2007 at 09:37:20 AM CDT