Do Texas Republicans plan a surprise for Clinton and Obama?

Actually, we heard rumors about this a few days ago. But now the Dallas Morning News has found some.

They are tricky Texas Republicans. They have a choice in Tuesday's presidential primary election between Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who seems to have pretty much wrapped up his party's nomination with about a 700-delegate lead over former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas.

So if there's no real point in confirming McCain or throwing it away on Huckabee, is there anything else to do besides stay home? Yup. Go vote in the Democratic primary.

It's no big deal paperwise to switch over for a year or two. And this way -- wait for it -- these Republicans could vote for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Yes, that one.

Now, why would Republicans cast a ballot for a woman they've loved to hate for oh so long? The point would be to give her ...

... a Lone Star victory over Sen. Barack Obama and prolong the increasingly bitter Democratic struggle until, say, at least late April's primary in Pennsylvania. Or potentially even until the August convention in Denver.

That not only gives McCain more essentially uncontested pre-convention time to unify a GOP with a doubting wing of conservatives. It also reduces that low-key run-up time for a Democratic nominee by some six weeks and maybe boosts the lingering hard feelings among Democrats on the eventual losing side. Polls also indicate McCain doing better against Clinton come fall than against Obama.

It's not that easy to get sufficient hard-core partisans of either party to break their usual habit and switch over to join, say, the Democrats for a day in sufficient numbers to affect the outcome of the election.

But there's been some publicity about it now. "Don't do it!" pleads a news release from Chris Peden, a city councilman challenging Rep. Ron Paul in the 14th District's GOP primary. Peden needs all the Republican votes he can get to unseat Paul, who's simultaneously still running for the Republican presidential nomination as well.

But advance voting has been under way awhile in Texas. You won't likely hear Clinton make any overt appeals to Republicans, although she didn't need to in order to already get the early vote of loyal Republican Ryan Murphy.

"The optimal outcome," said the college student, would be "to create more tension on the Democrat side and hopefully push it to the convention."

On the other hand, given Clinton's slide in the polls and the precariousness of her political position if she loses both Texas and Ohio on the same day, you probably won't see her getting all picky and turning away any votes that come her way.

In a political season that has produced more than its share of surprises, wouldn't that be something to have loyal Republicans help push Hillary Clinton to her party's nomination? What an amazing campaign!

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[willams]

see Obama and NATFA, HE is saying one thing and doing another thing. how can you trust him?

if you track his vote record in senator, you will know him, the truth Obama.

you cannot judge somebody just by his words. more important you should track his action.

[NinaK]

It is mostly conservative Republicans who have been voting for Mr. Obama. Why? They cannot stand McCain and they definitely cannot stand Clinton. It is that simple.

I have voted Republican but this year I switched to Democrat. Why? Mr. Obama is extremely intelligent; he wants to UNITE our country. He wants "A GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE AND OF THE PEOPLE". He has had more LEGISLATIVE experience than Hillary and has accomplished much, much more of substance in his two (2) years as a U.S. Senator than she has in six (6) years. He exemplifies INTEGRITY, HONESTY, WISDOM, STABILITY, outstanding judgement, and UNITY. He has superior leadership and managerial skills and a keen knowledge of economics; all you need is to do look at at the superb campaign he has run and compare it to Hillary's.

Hillary has run a chaotic campaign, full of lies, distortions, and smear tactics. She overspent funds and did not plan accordingly. She failed to pay her bills to small businesses for expenses she and her campaign incurred in Iowa and New Hampshire. She didn't pay them for at least a month, and, then, only because one of those businesses went to the media and the others stepped forward to say they had NOT been paid either. Indeed, Hillary DOES NOT care about the regular working class!

Hillary talks about her 35 years of experience, but as Bill Clinton, himself, pointed out yesterday, Hillary has not had any elected or appointed positions until she was elected as a New York Senator, 7 YEARS! Her other "experience" began when she was 25. Hillary is 60 years old and much older than Mr. Obama, so of course, she has more life experience than Mr. Obama, she is 14 years older than him! Mr. Obama began working with the poor in the south side of Chicago when he was 23. He has a total of 11 years as a Senator of Illinois and about 3 years as a U.S. Senator. There again, I would say Hillary's life experience has been chaotic and unstable, perhaps that is why she is so bitter and hateful and thinks we owe her the Presidency. Ironically, it is the very man whose coattails she clings to that is responsible for her deep pain of rejection and disrespect with all his extracuriclar dalliances during decades of their marriage.

It is Mr. Obama who is the best person to lead our our country. He is younger, he is past the babyboom era, and is fully capable of being a great leader, President, and Commander-in-Chief. He comes to us with a clean slate and not with a history of corruption and crime; he comes to us fresh, enthusiastic, and full of energy, not as an embittered, angry, worn, tired, and unstable person like Hillary who cannot seem to accomplish anything without fighting and trash-and-burn tactics.

I cast my vote for Mr. Obama; he will deliver with confidence and surity, diplomatically and peacefully!

[Ana Sarca]

Why Mrs. Clinton hasn't sewn up the nomination:

It's Michigan and Florida's fault.
It's Bill's fault.
It's the voters' fault. (they are too stupid to know who is best.)
It's the press's fault.
It's Texas' fault.
It's the Republicans' fault (they are voting for Obama.)

Recycled bits from previous Clinton campaigns, Now vs. Then:

Obama News Network vs. CNN = Clinton News Network
"They are just avoiding the issues. (aimed at Clinton)" vs. "They are just avoiding the issues. (aimed at Obama)
Hillary's fearmongering vs. Hillary is the candidate of hope, not fear.

At some point, Mrs. Clinton needs to accept that there are thinking people out there voting against her. She also needs a new staff. I'm actually embarrassed for her.

[Eric]

HRC..
1) I Served on the Board of UNION HATING Wal-Mart
But I am Pro Union.

2) I voted for the war in Iraq
But I am against Iraq War

3) I Voted for Kyle-Lieberman to extent the war to Iran
But I will bring soldiers back home in 60 days

4) I will provide universal health insurance
But I will force you to buy it to boost insurance company’s profits.

5) I Supported NAFTA
But now I oppose NAFTA

6) I am a strong woman and a fighter
But I cry and complain when I can not win

7) I can stand the republican heat
But I cannot stand the Democratic heat

8) I am the most experienced candidate
But I have no clue how to run a presidential campaign.

9) I hate Bush
But I try to copy his politics of fear and division

10)I am the most vetted candidate in the race
But, no I won't show you my tax returns

12)I support drivers licences for the undocumented people in New York
But I changed my mind after the MSNBC debate when you guys made fun of me

13)I voted for the bankruptcy bill
But I hoped it wouldn't pass

14)I voted for the Credit card interest bill
But I think 30% interest is fair!

15)I am honored to be with you Barack Obama
But Shame on you Barack Obama

[Richard]

Hillary finally has a proven track record of leadership...her campaign! A disaster that can only be compared to the Bush presidency in so many ways. The bulk of her experience remains hidden from public scrutiny as she continues to hide her White House records. And what is in her income tax statements she is so reluctant to reveal? Hillary has become a joke.

[julescator]

For of you knuckleheads that are playing the "trick" by voting for Obama then switching in Nov to McCain. Be careful of the web you weave. In case you haven't noticed, the cancerous lump on John McCain's face is not getting any smaller. Doctors are worrying that his cancer has returned. I think he knows he is ill ( notice how subdued he is; on the campaign trail. I don't will him ill, however, at 71 with several cancer operations, it certainly is a possiblity. If he has to drop out - you little trick could backfire! Just think about that one while you are plotting. Always good to have a Plan B!

[ScottL]

I think that many older women supporters of Hilary are showing their colors. They are not voting for Hilary because she is the better organiser, the better speaker, the more inspiring candidate or because they want the Clintons to return to the White House or that they are convinced she can beat McCain.They are voting for her because they see her as the only chance to have a woman in the White House. Bad reason. It won't be long before that happens, but choose the better candidate - Obama. Don't vote for him because he's black, either. Vote for him because he's the best candidate with the best chance of winning and bringing change.

[aleks]

I'm sure Republicans are itching to see Senator Experience run against McCain. I wish Obama had more experience, but Hillary doesn't have any more to justify her bragging. What little she's done (Hillarycare, voting to empower Bush to invade Iraq) have been disasters for the country and the Democratic Party. As we saw with the Kerry Catastrophe, you can't effectively run against a war you supported. The media umpires award an automatic three strikes for flip flopping.

[stinkerthinker]

The Republicans know that their best chance this fall is against the polarizing Hillary. Thus the plan to cross lines in Texas.

[Kelly, Lenox, MA]

The premise of this story is deliberately false. In fact, a front called "Repbulicans for Obama" is encouraging Texas republicans to vote for Obama, not Hillary, because the group recognizes her as a much greater threat in the general campaign. Nice try, though, LA Times. Try reporting the truth for once (link to Republicans for Obama story, below):
http://woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=23901

[jen]

I think people are sick and tired of what they've been getting for the past 16 years. Bush, Clinton, Bush and NOW another CLINTON? These past years have been a nightmare..we need new blood, not more of the same..
McCain is more of the same. I don't think I could take any more fear mongering. In my book, fear in our society is failure. Washington needs to take care not to assist in the delcine of American priniples and the American way of life..NAFTA has been good for Corporations, but not for the American people, OR Mexicans for that matter, and we can blame Bush, Clinton administrations for that.

[cm]

I would also think the dynamic works in the other direction. I have heard of Republicans who are crossing over to vote against Hillary, due to their intense dislike of her. Many Republicans believe they may not win in November, and that she must be stopped now for the good of the country.

Also, many Republicans do like Obama and are crossing over to vote for him.

I'd say so far the vast majority of crossover votes have been Republicans who geniunely support Obama.

[VOTER 08]

Sen. Clinton is the best Democratic Nominee for U.S. President in 2008. The Republican Party has been attacking her for the last sixteen years. Obama is a clean slate the Republican machine will not be as soft on him as the media has been, they will eat him alive. BEWARE DEMOCRATES! If you allow Obama to win the Democratic Nomination than John McCain will be the next U.S. President and he will have my vote for sure and I'm not the only one. I think the Republicans want Obama as the nominee because, they can't wait to start the feeding frenzy. Change is not always a good thing, I remember Jimmy Carter we wanted change then too.
By the way, I am an Independent voter who is educated with an income of over $50,000. Put that in your polls next time.
So, you Democrates keep voting for Obama because a vote for Obama is a vote for John McCain for President in 08. If that's what you want keep on giving it to the Republicans.

VOTE FOR HILLARY 08

[Bettybb]

That is why in many States Republicans do not allow independants to vote in their primaries.

But if all parties primaries had to be open to all voters, we might get more middle of the road politicians elected, and avoid a government of extremes.

[Beverly]

Republicans voted in such large number for Obama in Virginia, that precients ran out of ballots. Republicans have been voting since the beginning.

[Bettybb]

Everyone hear about Obama's lies?

Canadian TV reported that Obama's campaign contacted the Canadian governement and told them to ignore his public criticism about NAFTA, it was merely campaign rhetoric. The Obama goes out and tells the American people he will have a tough renegotiation of NAFTA and even threaten to pull out if need be. Obama has confimed the Canadians were contacted but says the conversation was not as bad as it sounds,.

(Ed. Note: See note below. This is false.)

Really, this whole election is about NAFTA/SPP.

If it continues, we have integration wth Mexico and Canda and lose our language, culture and nation. The free trade "elite" reaps windfall profits.

When he was here a couple of weeks ago, President Calderon made it clear that it is a done deal, integration is coming so American just better get use to it.

McCAin, Clinton and Obama are all free traders, pro integration, good bye America.

That is what amnesty is all about... integratiaon by evolutionary stealth as Bush puts it.

The only way we survive as a country is to elect Congressmen and Senators and Governors and State reps that are pro rule of law.

This is urgent. If you talk to the candidates let them know you are on to their integration plan, that preferntial amensty for illegals, 80% hispanic is racist and violates our constitutions anti discrimination and equal protection clauses. All Americans should have equal rights to bring in the family and race.

And vote for Sentator and Congressemen who will fight to the death for the United States of America and not hand it over to Mexico and the "Amensty Americans".

IOur nation is on the line, and there is not much tame left. Integration by "evolution stealth" is proceeding rapidly and Bush is pushing hard. The latest is Stepping Stone Amnesty where illegals get 5 year renewable visas now. We have to put a stop to this.

If we lose, all there will be left to do is ask the last person in the country we once called America to lower the flag one last time.

(Actually, this Canadian story, which was based on an unnamed source, was immediately shot down by Canadian authorities, who said no one from the Obama or any U.S. campaign had been in touch with them. And rather than confirming such a contact, the Obama campaign has also denied any such contact.)

[Jake]

I just wanted to say for the democrats here, I see a lot of you are either directly attacking Obama or directly attacking Clinton. The fact of the matter is lots of Republicans are voting Democrat in the primaries. Whether or not it has good intentions or not, it is something to be wary about. I just wanted to say PLEASE if either Clinton or Obama wins PLEASE don't be SORE LOSERS. Continue to vote Democrat and don't give up your vote out of contempt. I really don't want another republican as our president for the next 4 years. No offense to Republicans, but these last 8 years have been crap. Say what you want about Bill Clinton, but America as a whole was doing well with him as president. If Obama wins, those on the Clinton side: would you choose Obama or McCain? If Clinton wins, those on Obama side: would you choose Clinton or McCain? Please don't be sore losers. If Democrats turn out to be sore losers we will lose the general election AGAIN!

[Texas Democrat]

I am a Texas Democrat.
Two things
1) Republicans were voting for Obama in past Primaries and not because "he has got them to unite" with him

2) Being a Dem in Texas, I assure you I get plenty of feedback. Basically, many say if they had to choose between the two for President of the United States, they would rather have Hillary Clinton anyday. And believe you me, they say this with conviction. If they actually voted for her, I have no way of knowing. But I have had this comment made to me literally 100's of times. Many are friends and family members so I can trust them at their word, some are strangers so I have no way of knowing. But it seems to me that as much as they may have disliked or despised Hillary Clinton, it is nothing compared to their attitude toward Obama. It is total rants! They literally hate him.. There is no "uniting" going on down here in Texas!

[Anwer]

Obama is born as muslim, but his parents converted him to christianaty. This is the fact.

[Bruce]

Poor "Texas Democrat", so Texans "literally hate" Obama yet they line up for four hours waiting to hear him speak. I suppose the 1000 faculty and students who marched together last week from Fairview A&M University to vote for him are also among these Texans that you refer to. The Texas Democrats who have endorsed him publicly, those are not Texans, right? What nonsense are you talking about? Why don't you simply say; "where I live in the Rio Grande valley most people I know are like Adelfa Callejo. They literally hate Obama because of his race." Instead of speaking for all Texans.
So many goons on this forum. look at Anwer, for instance. "Obama is born as muslim, but his parents converted him to christianaty." Beside the poor spelling, is that stupid or what? If he was born muslim, why would his parents convert him to Christianity? They were responsible for bearing him muslim, according to you, right? Geez! Where do they find these people?!

[cathy]

Of course Rush wants to keep Hillary alive, as does Karl Rove. Why??? Because they know Hillary will not beat John McCain.

[Mike, TX]

Oh yes, We republicans can stomach voting for Hillary in order to help our candidate. I already did in the early voting. C'mon Obama is a phony. He bragged about being tough from the south side of Chicago in a speech in Mansfield, Texas this weekend. Are you kidding me?
He went to Punahou Prep School in Hawaii. Colombia university and then Harvard. Seriously, because he moved to Chicago after he graduated law school, that makes him "from" the south side of Chicago?
I say keep Hillary fighting until the end, and then when they are all tapped out, let the country see what a risk she would be as well.

[Bill]

Ryan said,
"What a surprise. Republicans are acting like immature high school drama queens"
=================================
Yes it is a surprise, this is usually the type of political "strategy" done by the Democrats, such as Harlold Ickes. In Michigan, in the past, the Democrats would run radio ads promoting cross-party voting.

[Daniel Cochran]

This exchange is just sad.

You want a strong steady record, then there is only one candidate left in the race.

Dr. Ron Paul - Strongly supports the Constitution and the Rule of Law, no Income Tax (what part of that are ya'll having trouble with? You like the IRS?), and getting us out of a non-declared War.

McCain - He changes (evolves) his stance for how the wind is blow'n that meeting/day. Does anyone remember Keating Five? His election laws destroy the First Amendment.

Clinton - She's had her two terms, and should not be allowed to run. When married your a 50/50 partner in debt, land, house, and such it should apply to the 22nd amendment too.

Obama - Is he even 35? *snicker*

Huckabee - Where did he go?

[Henry WENER]

Barack is a great orator but so was Hitler, Stalin and more but trhey collapsed at the end