Are Democrats Planning a Rigged Election in Denver?

After all the buzz yesterday about the Obama camp’s agreement to allow Hillary Clinton’s name on the ballot – according to the rules, it’s Clinton’s right – Heidi Li’s post offers a sobering take on what might be shaping up for the Democratic Party’s convention.

Heidi Li writes:

“As I have been saying for months now, as an individual and as co-founder of The Denver Group, a rigged election is no election - at least not as understood by anybody who takes democracy and the franchise seriously. There is no such thing as a "symbolic" vote. There is either a vote or there is not a vote.

“At the time of this writing, neither candidate, nor the DNC, has formally said that a deal has been cut to ensure having a roll vote will not disturb a predetermined rigged outcome. But neither candidate, nor the DNC, has said a word as more and more major news outlets interpret the statement issued today as one that evidences just such a deal.”

Read more.

Joint Statement from Clinton and Obama on Denver Ballot

Below is a joint statement from the press offices of Senators Clinton and Obama announcing that Hillary Clinton’s name will be on the ballot in Denver:

Since June, Senators Obama and Clinton have been working together to ensure a Democratic victory this November. They are both committed to winning back the White House and to to ensuring that the voices of all 35 million people who participated in this historic primary election are respected and heard in Denver. To honor and celebrate these voices and votes, both Senator Obama’s and Senator Clinton’s names will be placed in nomination.

“I am convinced that honoring Senator Clinton’s historic campaign in this way will help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion,” said Senator Barack Obama.

Senator Obama’s campaign encouraged Senator Clinton’s name to be placed in nomination as a show of unity and in recognition of the historic race she ran and the fact that she was the first woman to compete in all of our nation’s primary contests.

“With every voice heard and the Party strongly united, we will elect Senator Obama President of the United States and put our nation on the path to peace and prosperity once again,” said Senator Hillary Clinton.

Senator Obama and Senator Clinton are looking forward to a convention unified behind Barack Obama as the Party’s nominee and to victory this fall for America

Agreement Near: Clinton’s Name Will Be Placed In Nomination in Denver

Marc Ambinder reports this morning, Aug. 14, 2008:

“Reports of strife between negotiators for Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama are exaggerated and the two sides are nearing an agreement on how Clinton's delegates will participate in the formal nominating process at the Democratic National Convention, according to advisers to both Democrats.

“Although Clinton had resisted pressure from donors, allies and supporters to accept demands to allow her name placed in nomination, she and aides to Obama seemed to realize independently that doing so would be the best way to incorporate and welcome Clinton's supporters into Obama's general election campaign, both symbolically and practically.”

Read more.

Video Shows Hillary Wants Her Name on the Ballot in Denver

Photo credits: NY Times

After watching Hillary & the Ballot on Youtube, we can only conclude today’s story in the NY Daily News reporting that Clinton doesn’t want her name on the ballot in Denver is bogus. The video shows Clinton at an event in San Francisco answering questions from her supporters about what she would like to see happen at the convention. With warmth and grace, Clinton explains why she feels it will more likely unify the Democratic Party if her delegates are given the opportunity to vote for her if they wish to do so. Watch the video here.