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What does the Clinton campaign think it is doing?

James Forsyth

Tuesday, 19th February 2008

Hillary’s press people regularly send out emails reminding journalists to read various stories that are favourable to their candidate. In recent days, these emails have often featured articles defending the role of super—or unelected—delegates in the process. This is bizarre as it hardly serves the Clinton cause to regularly remind folk that she might win the nomination in a way that lots of people consider undemocratic. Pushing this line feeds into a general sense that the Clintons will do anything to win

Equally, one wonders what on earth purpose Clinton sources think they are serving when they tell the Politico about plans to go after the delegates that Obama has won in primaries and caucus if things remain close. They don’t seem to realise how off putting this kind of win at all costs approach is to most people.

Update: The Clinton camp clearly realise how much damage this story is doing and have now issued a statement saying that they aren’t trying to poach delegates and never will. Still this whole flap has allowed Obama to get back on the front foot after losing a couple of news cycles.