I'd like to buy the Democrats a Coke and teach them harmony

Rumors of Democratic infighting and below-the-belt antics may not be greatly exaggerated. The Texas Democratic Convention (county) begins bright and early tomorrow morning. A few minutes ago the head of the Texas Democratic party sent a little heads-up/warning note:

In recent weeks, the Texas Democratic Party has seen an unprecedented surge in participation, particularly in our Convention process.  Thanks to our two outstanding candidates, Texas saw up to a million people participate in their Precinct Conventions, and we are expecting historic turnout at tomorrow's County and Senatorial District Conventions.

. . .

Unfortunately, that enthusiasm may sometimes lead people to act irresponsibly.

 What irresponsible actions have the Democrats uncovered?

 

We have heard reports that misinformation is being spread about tomorrow's County and Senate District Conventions, perhaps using the name of the Texas Democratic Party. Some delegates have reported receiving emails saying that conventions have been cancelled. We have also heard unconfirmed reports that someone is placing robo-calls, claiming to be from the Texas Democratic Party, suggesting that county or district conventions have been cancelled.

The Texas Democratic Party has not been informed that any county or district convention has been cancelled or postponed. 
 

. . .
 

As we begin the next step in the convention process, all eyes are once again on Texas, watching and waiting to see the outcome of our Conventions. I am confident that the vast majority of Democrats will conduct our convention business in the fairest, most professional, and most impartial manner possible, as we work to convert the enthusiasm driving the convention process into Democratic victories from the County Courthouse to the State House to the White House.

Your friend and fellow Democrat,

Boyd L. Richie  

This is the second heads-up we've gotten (although the first official one). My husband got a notice prior to the caucus that Hillary Clinton's precinct volunteers had received instructions that would have interfered with fair caucusing. We paid close attention and sure enough, those supporting Hillary Clinton tried to block those supporting Barack Obama from entering, among other antics.

When suspect and questionable instructions come from the campaign (allegedly), it's possible people don't realize that they are at the least unethical maneuvers or at the worst illegal. I'm appalled to learn that some people have let their enthusiasm and passion lead them to actions that subvert the Democratic process.

Campaigns need to be extremely responsible in the instructions they provide to their volunteers. But more importantly the heads of the campaign---the candidates---need to be careful to not fan the flames of contention with backbiting and low blows.

I've been very impressed with the instructions the Obama campaign has provided to the volunteers and delegates. Communication has been clear, clean, concise, and focused on doing the job properly. The other elected delegates and I are organized and prepared for the responsibility we fulfill tomorrow as we represent our precinct.

At the end of the day, it's most important to get a Democrat in the White House, so we're all on the same team. When we resort to these immoral tactics, it creates a divide that could prevent that.

Both candidates offer a great deal to the U.S. Let's keep our eyes on that prize.

If I can find any kind of wireless access, I'll try to report from the convention tomorrow, so check back over the weekend.

When not acting like a schoolmarm begging for everyone to play nice, or representing her precinct as an elected Democratic delegate, Julie Pippert also writes at Using My Words.

Comments

[cynematic]

Geez--play to win, but play fair.

I hope there aren't any strange occurrences tomorrow. Good luck at the convention, Julie!

[Daisy]

"...it creates a divide that could prevent that." That's what worries me -- no, scares me, about the negativity that these tactics can spread.

[Jenn]

Just an FYI, even according the Obama's site, some had to change days.

Due to Logistical issues...
***The Collin County Convention is on Sunday, March 30th***

The original location was not big enough and they had to move it. So please, please double check when and where you need to be if you are a delegate. This freaked me out thinking that I was being lied to. In my case, it is true.

But that ANYONE would intentionally keep another voter/delegate from being where they need to be or horrific and horrible.

[Nicole]

I have a question. I'm not quite sure how it works in the US. I am Canadian, and here, your vote is secret unless you choose to divulge it. I can sort of understand not having secrete votes at party conventions, but this isn't the first I've heard that people's votes aren't secret, either at conventions or election. What is up with that? The secret vote is one of the foundations of democracy.