What if Clinton endorses a candidate before the convention?

[Clark4Prez]

I enjoy "what if" scenarios and yesterday my wife and I had this discussion about Clinton.

I envision 3 possible events:

1) Clinton and the DLC fight back against the Dean attacks and endorse #2 who ever that may be, for the purpose of discussion, assume it's Clark.

2) Clinton and the DLC decide that it's best for a unified party and bury the hatchet and endorse Dean, thereby ending the Dean vs. DLC war

3) I'm full of crap and neither of the above will happen.


In the case of event one, does it help Clark (or whoever is chosen under this theoretical scenario) in the Primaries to have Clinton's endorsement? How about the GE, is the Clinton name "baggage" that has to be dropped to win the GE?

In the case of event two, does it effectively end everyone else's campaign. What would the long term fallout be? Would supporters of the other eight pick up where Dean left off on DLC bashing or would ABB prevail.

In the case of event three, well it wouldn't be the first time.:dunce:

[Padraig18]

1. Although I doubt it will happen, ...

Clinton's endorsement would be a huge boost to Gen. Clark; it would also be the final nail in the other 8 campaign's coffins, if Gov. Dean got it.

I don't think you're full of it; stuff like this is interesting to consider, if only theoretically.

[Dagaz]

2. Neither

Presidents don't endorse before there is a clear nominee. Clinton needs to be in position to campaign for whoever wins.

[patricia92243]

13. Re:Perez don't endorse before nominations..Bush came to N.C. to raise money

for Elizabeth Dole even be for she was the nominee for the Republicans - of course that went over like a lead balloon with the other pub candidates - but it shows a Pres DOES endorse be for nomination

[Droopy]

3. I've heard that Clinton won't endorse before the convention

So I think this is just going to be purely an imaginary scenario.

[windansea]

4. Clinton and DLC can "endorse" thru 527's

and probably will before the convention.

Dean vs. the 527s? Here's an obvious, extremely non-trivial example of how an "independent" expenditure of money to influence a campaign--even if it involves big bucks--might not be very effective at actually helping a candidate: Call it Howard Dean vs. the 527s. ... Supposed Howard Dean wins the nomination by March, in part by continuing to snipe at the Clinton years. The biggest "independent" Democratic fundraising groups--the so-called 527s--are, its been noted, controlled by Clintonites. The Media Fund, for example, which is trying to raise $95 million for an ad campaign, is run by former Clinton aide Harold Ickes. National Journal notes Ickes' plans to run ads during the period between next March and the summer convention in which the winning primary candidate often runs out of funds. Does Dean really want the party's message in this crucial period shaped by the very faction of the party with which he's picked a fight

http://slate.msn.com/id/2093002/

[sallyseven]

5. If Dean is

sniping at Clinton years he loses my vote. I cannot vote for such a dumb person. Clinton will wait until the convention before he endorses anyone. Dean should watch out he is pretty full of himself.

[YEM]

6. It is ok to question SOME of Clinton's policies.

I love Clinton, but that doesn't mean I had some gripes over the years. I have no problem with Dean pointing out things he would do different.

[Padraig18]

8. Same here.

I loved Bill Clinton, but I had disagreements with some things he did; I seriously doubt that the Big Dog is as worked up over Gov. Dean's criticisms as some of us here are--- he's got thick skin. :)

[stickdog]

11. Please produce any Dean snipes against the Clinton years.

Dean praises Clinton and wants Bill to be a big part of his administration.

The "Dean bashes Clinton" meme is 100% horseshit. Dean & Clinton are two peas in a pod. In fact, my only problem is Dean is that he's too much like Clinton.

[mouse7]

7. Doubtful scenario, and media would shred it if it did happen

Clinton has said he will not endorse until it's obvious who the nominee would be.

If Clinton changes his mind, you can be certain the media will talk only about the suits Clinton and Clark are wearing while the endorsement speech is happening, and afterward will do nothing but talk non-stop about why Clinton didn't call Howard Dean's barber to warn him, and what an embarrassment to the American political system it is that Bill Clinton didn't warn Howard Dean barber.

[robbedvoter]

9. Clinton is a statesman - will stay above the fray.

Criticizing Clinton - sure it can be legitimate - but how wise is it to do it when campaigning ...FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION?
I'd pick a better strategist to consult than Al Gore.

[stickdog]

10. He'll be seen as a desperate manipulator. (nt)

[IndianaGreen]

12. The only thing the Clintons care about, is the Clintons

Big Dog will do whatever gives him a better chance of returning to the White House, even if it is as the First Mate.