Chelsea Dines with Superdelegate

[William Haskins]

Jason Rae is a typical junior in college.

He spends several hours a day in class at Marquette University in Wisconsin where he is majoring in history and political science. He is closely following the Marquette basketball team and has the Golden Eagles' schedule memorized.

But not many 21-year-olds start their Monday with a personal breakfast with Chelsea Clinton, as Rae did this morning at the student union at the nearby University of Milwaukee.

Rae got the one-on-one treatment from the former — and possibly future — first daughter because he is a Democratic National Committee member from Wisconsin and thus a "super delegate (http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4261986&page=1)," one of the 796 free agents who can back any candidate in the race for the Democratic nomination.

Never Voted Before

Rae may be a typical college junior but he is certainly not the typical DNC super delegate.

He is only 21 years old — he has never voted in a presidential election because he turned 18 after Election Day in 2004.


http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4273078&page=1

[SpookyWriter]

Is there any possibility this was a date? Ok, not likely. But has she dined with any other super delegate before or is this situation unique? What are the implications as to age or any affiliations? Just asking questions.

[William Haskins]

i guess, for me, even though his age is admittedly atypical, he could be in the position to cast a critical vote (perhaps counter to the people's will) on who the democratic nominee is. and he's never voted in an election.

[SpookyWriter]

The age got me. How did he become a super delegate? I thought those slots were reserved for political cronies? Can you help explain, please.

[blacbird]

i guess, for me, even though his age is admittedly atypical, he could be in the position to cast a critical vote (perhaps counter to the people's will) on who the democratic nominee is. and he's never voted in an election.

And the fact that he's obviously interested, enthusiastic and energetic enough to get involved in a political campaign in this matter says he's probably a hell of a lot better informed about the issues and the candidates than 95% of the American people whose sole participation in the democratic process is to go to the polls and vote once every four years. And 99.99999999% better informed than those who don't even do that.

caw

[donroc]

Son of someone important?

[William Haskins]

yeah, i have mixed feelings about it. no need to be whipping out 10-digit decimals on me...

[William Haskins]

sounds like a go-getter...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Rae

[WendyNYC]

That wiki entry says that he's also being wooed by Obama.

[William Haskins]

yes, make no mistake about it. superdelegates are courted with phone calls and dinners every day by both campaigns.

[mscelina]

I just found it interesting that Chelsea understands the importance of a super delegate whereas Obama.....not so much. ;)

[WendyNYC]

Funny how she's singled out....

[William Haskins]

Funny how she's singled out....

she wouldn't have been singled out if hillary hadn't told the kid that it was $40 and that, upon chelsea's return, "bitch betta have mah money..."

[JoNightshade]

How are superdelegates selected?

[robeiae]

sounds like a go-getter...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Rae
Looks like he's being pimped out by the DNC.

[William Haskins]

How are superdelegates selected?

superdelegates are all DNC members in the state, democratic members of congress, democratic governors and "distinguished party members" (ex-presidents, ex-vice-presidents, ex-congresscreeps).

so he got in by virtue of being elected to the DNC, the campaign for which is explained in the wiki article.

[My-Immortal]

Is there any possibility this was a date? Ok, not likely. But has she dined with any other super delegate before or is this situation unique? What are the implications as to age or any affiliations? Just asking questions.

Her dad is a superdelegate so I'm betting she's dined with him a few times. I wonder who he's voting for...?

:)

[billythrilly7th]

I can't believe Hillary is pimping out Chelsea in this manner.

[small axe]

http://lonewacko.com/images/chelsea_clinton.jpg

Oh, too easy ... too damn easy ... ;)

[TheGaffer]

What's too damn easy?

[small axe]

... assuming she's right handed? :partyguy: