"I don't mind superdelegates."
What I do mind... 'Stop the Harassing Phone Calls'
California Superdelegate Writes Open Letter to Bernie Sanders: 'Stop the Harassing Phone Calls'
As Bernie Sanders supporters cry foul over the role of superdelegates in the nomination process, one addresses the senator directly.
Los Alamitos-Seal Beach, CA
By Paige Austin (Patch Staff) - April 18, 2016 1:41 pm ET
Editor’s Note: A debate in the democratic primary over the role of superdelegates boiled over this month when a Sen. Bernie Sanders supporter launched a website initially called "Superdelegate Hit List.” The site listed the personal information of superdelegates so Sanders supporters could pressure them to switch their support from Hillary Clinton to Sanders.
Many of Sanders’ supporters believe that unbound delegates, better known as ‘superdelegates’ and comprised of elected and party officials, should have to vote at the Democratic convention for the candidate chosen by the popular vote in their state. When the “Superdelegate Hit List” launched, its creator Spencer Thayer took to Twitter calling on like-minded voters to "harass" the superdelegates. Subsequently, many superdelegates complained of threatening or profanity-laced phone calls from some Sanders supporters.
In response, superdelegate Bob Mulholland, a Democratic National Convention Member elected by the California Democratic Party's Executive Board, wrote an open letter to Sen. Sanders published here.
Dear Senator Bernie Sanders,
I have heard many complaints from other unbound Delegates to our National Convention in Philadelphia (my hometown), about getting harassing emails, Facebook postings and phone calls, even to one woman at 10:30 at night, from some of your supporters demanding that we support you. We would expect this type of bullying tactics from Trump supporters. Roger Stone threatened on April 5th- he will send angry Trump supporters to the hotel rooms (Cleveland) of any delegates who betrays Donald. Do you have a similar Plan?
I have seen you on TV stating (demanding to many of your supporters) that Superdelegates should vote for the candidate that won their state. Really? Where is that in the National Delegate Plan that former Vermont Governor Howard Dean must vote for you? Congressman Raul Grijalva, a supporter of yours, who represents the 3rd district in Arizona, a state that voted 58% for Clinton and Grijalva's own district voted 61.7% for Clinton has not switched. Where is your letter to Congressman Grijalva, instructing him to shift his support to Clinton? Look in the mirror- you'll see a political hypocrite! From what I hear, Congressman Grijalva, when asked if he is shifting his support to Clinton, his response- drop dead. That is his right- he is a Congressman, thus a delegate.
Society has been trying to deal with High School bullies and the same Rule should apply to your campaign and your supporters. Us active Democrats enjoy healthy discussions and debates at meetings, Caucuses and Conventions but it is unacceptable for us to get harassing communications from bullies. As a Clinton supporter, I have not received harassing phone calls but it does appear women DNC Members are getting the brunt of the threats. Professionally, campaign staff and representatives should be the ones calling delegates. A 12 year old child answering the phone at home should not be hearing threats.
Most of us DNC Members have been in the Democratic Party vineyards for years, as have the Clintons. For me it has been over 40 years. I became disillusioned with the war in Vietnam (I had volunteered for the Paratroopers and Vietnam), after being wounded in March 1968 (101st Airborne), it was the beginning for me to turning to politics. So those of us with callouses on our Democratic Party hands (something lacking with you, not even going to our National Conventions to vote for our nominees), we notice things, such as not one US Senator is supporting you. Not even Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. We noticed what you said to Rachel Maddow (March 30, 2016) when she said that Secretary Clinton has raised millions for the Democratic Party (DNC, DCCC, DSCC and State Parties) and asked you- will you do the same? You said, "We'll see." I fell off my chair. The Koch brothers announced a $900 million dollar plan against Democrats, and we have a big ticket from Governors to Congress to races in all states and your answer- we'll see. Our nominee for President has to help raise tens of millions of dollars all over our country. We cannot afford a selfish nominee.
I would urge that you and your staff publicly state that you want all harassing communications to DNC members to stop. In 2008, I received a phone call from a US Senator, urging me to support Senator Obama - a very professional and courteous call.
Sincerely,
Bob Mulholland
DNC Member
Chico, CA
P.S. In case no one clued you in- that NY Times piece (April 4, 2016) with Jeff Weaver and Tad Devine providing "background material," is a standard practice by some consultants. They are getting very nervous. They are laying out the "DNA evidence," that the candidate (you) will lose and it is your fault, not theirs. A suggestion for you- you need to be better prepared yourself- you're coming across as shrill.
P.P.S. Secretary Clinton has received about 58% of the vote so far, thus ahead of you by 2,400,000 votes and 250 Pledged Delegates. We also notice that the Base of our Party is voting overwhelmingly for Secretary Clinton.
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