Found this interesting, Dodd says he won't cut viability deals at the Iowa caucus, because the people working for him put in their sweat to work for him, not someone else:
Dodd: Yea, I'm totally opposed to that and let me take advantage of the interview Andrea saying don't make any calls to my office, any campaigns...I didn't come here and spend a year campaigning in Iowa...working and expect the people who committed themselves to me at my behest and support someone else. They made a decision to be for me and I'm grateful to them.
From Crooks and Liars.
With Dodd polling what he's polling, I have to admit, this makes me a little nervous. With me out here, ready to canvass, there's part of me that wants him to cut a deal if it gets him to New Hampshire. And my inner Machiavelli recoils at not fighting fire with fire.
But at the same time, I have to say that this is exactly what I love about the guy, and his campaign.
He has realized from the beginning that he is representing his supporters -- his supporters are not representing him. He's allowed his volunteers and staff to talk freely with the press, and he's been careful to portray the causes he's taken up not as his own, but as ones he shares with his supporters.
He's truly what I would consider a movement candidate, and that's because he understands it's not about him. It's about our shared goals.
So, reluctantly, I have to concede -- he demonstrated what it is to truly be a people-powered candidate this cycle, and it would be a shame to compromise that on the home stretch.
If he does not reach viability at a location, the only instruction his supporters will have is to do what they think is best.
Damn, I love this guy.
Update, Additional Transcription from the video:
DODD: This is not an auction. And I think that candidates and campaigns that do it just contribute to the cynicism that a lot of people have about politics.
MITCHELL: Well, assuming that the people that want to cast their vote for you in the caucus tomorrow night are really committed and passionate about you, Chris Dodd, what happens assuming you don't reach the 15%. To be realistic, then what do you do on the second round?
DODD: Well, that's their business. That's not my business. And that's the point I'm making here.
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