New Clinton contest

Democrat Hillary Clinton's political shop may have set the bar earlier this year for inventive ways to stimulate grassroots support with its much-touted contest to select an "official" campaign song. But the folks helping her White House bid are not resting on their laurels.

In a news release this morning, her camp announced a drive to "sign up Hillary's one millionth supporter."

The Clinton team already counts more than 981,000 supporters --- which includes not only contributors but those who volunteer, sign a petition for her, blog on her behalf, etc. --- so the race to 1,000,000 likely will be a quick one.

Here's the inducement: "Hillary’s one millionth supporter and a current supporter will be given a chance to hit the campaign trail with Hillary, joining her and her staff for a whirlwind day of campaigning."

Frankly, we would have been more inclined to offer coupons or some such, but we'll yield to the experts. Indeed, with so much money sloshing about in this campaign, it's inevitable that political consultants, media advisors and other aides looking to justify their paychecks increasingly are going to specialize in gimmicks.

We can hardly await what comes next.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[S. Strand]

I have a question for Sen. Clinton...

In the run up to the Iraq War, she was extremely pro-invasion, but did not ask the right questions. I only wish that she, before voting to authorize this war of choice, that she had read the 90 page NIE (National Intelligence Estimate). In not reading this report, she was shirking her most solemn duty...that being sending our citizens into battle.

On the single most critical decision of Hillary's time in the Senate, she did not do her job. What she did do was blow the trumpet loudly to invade Iraq. Let's remember these facts.

Also, when the whole country is burning down under the Busheviks, what does she do? She co-sponsors a anti-flag burning bill. That is pandering... of the worst order. Let's remember these facts.

She understands the soundbyte culture of television and the mass media, and continuously offers up 'red meat' for the audience, rather than thoughtful responses to critical issues. These are really cheap shots to appeal t the least common denominator.

I am still waiting for Senator Clinton to apologize for voting to authorize invading Iraq. She is partly responsible for this mess, as she helped vote for it. Let's remember these facts.

[Jan]

S. Strand, you are going to be waiting a LONG time. Get over it.
She's answered your question.
She's told you clearly that if what you need is an apology in order for her to win your support, she's not your candidate.
She is my candidate.
Those of us who support her are holding President George W. Bush accountable for his horrible policies and for the propaganda that sucked *81%* of the American people in, because the administration hid intel and also sometimes just out and out lied (16 words in the State of the Union).
Any Democrat is going to beat any Republican in 2008.
So, support your own candidate for all your own reasons.
But don't ask Clinton to pander to you, and then complain that she "panders."
And, if you want thoughtful responses to questions, I suggest her web site. She has direct communication with her supporters, and any questions you have can be answered there.

[Cate]

What exactly does the one million supporters represent?

I find it a little hard to believe that over 980,000 people have signed on to her campaign.

Wasn't it the case that she had only approx. 60,000 people donate?

That would make a very weak conversion rate...