Robert Reich neglects to mention one salient fact. Back in March 2008 (CNN "Pledged delegates up for grabs, Clinton Says") the Hillary Clinton campaign revealed something to the general public that it now desperately wants forgotten.
Even pledged delegates for Clinton are not beholden to Clinton. That's right. Under Democratic Party rules (in most states), they can support anyone they wish and can reject any candidate they choose.
Naturally, such a decision to reject the people's bidding is not made lightly nor is it easily condoned. But when new information comes to light about a candidate which casts doubt on that candidate's character and qualifications for high office, then pledged delegates are not just free to reassess -- they are morally obliged to do so. In Hillary Clinton we have a "presumptive nominee" who was neither indicted by the FBI nor exonerated. For all intents and purposes, she was found to be a felon based on a straight reading of 18 U.S. Code § 793 (f) -- which lacks reference to "intent" -- and on the preponderance of evidence, if not evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.
So what Reich is missing is this: the very real opportunity for a contested convention based on the awareness among pledged delegates that they can -- and MUST -- reassess the nomination of Hillary Clinton for President.
Particularly if they agree with the statement: "one Nixon is enough. "
Even pledged delegates for Clinton are not beholden to Clinton. That's right. Under Democratic Party rules (in most states), they can support anyone they wish and can reject any candidate they choose.
Naturally, such a decision to reject the people's bidding is not made lightly nor is it easily condoned. But when new information comes to light about a candidate which casts doubt on that candidate's character and qualifications for high office, then pledged delegates are not just free to reassess -- they are morally obliged to do so. In Hillary Clinton we have a "presumptive nominee" who was neither indicted by the FBI nor exonerated. For all intents and purposes, she was found to be a felon based on a straight reading of 18 U.S. Code § 793 (f) -- which lacks reference to "intent" -- and on the preponderance of evidence, if not evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.
So what Reich is missing is this: the very real opportunity for a contested convention based on the awareness among pledged delegates that they can -- and MUST -- reassess the nomination of Hillary Clinton for President.
Particularly if they agree with the statement: "one Nixon is enough. "