Sheila Jackson Lee's district went 90% for Obama, was boo'd y'day's convention for voting Hillary

[housewolf]

Sheila Jackson Lee Booed By Her Obama Supporting Constituents At Democratic Convention
By - March 29, 2008, 11:59PM

This (http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou080329_tj_jacksonlee.11d275a3.html) can't be excellent news for Sheila Jackson Lee. At her district's convention today she was booed and interrupted continuously by the same people who have been re-electing her. Why? Her support of Hillary Clinton in a district where he received 90% of the vote. This could be bad news for her when she comes up for re-election. This has to have shaken her. At one point she said

"What would I be
if I went back on my word to an individual that I've worked with for
more than a decade and sat down talked to me about her vision for
America,” said Jackson Lee.


What would she be if her constituents held her accountable for not acting in regard to their wishes? She might find out.

Video of the end of her being booed is here (http://www.khou.com/video/news-index.html?nvid=231349).

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/03/sheila-jackson-lee-booed-by-he.php

[anonymous171]

1. REPRESENTATIVE Democracy is a bitch. Especially that representing part.

[bigtree]

12. still waiting for Kennedy to endorse Hillary

[Alexander]

71. Then Cantwell, Murray, Mikulski, O'Malley and Minner should endorse Obama.

For every Kennedy example you can come up with, there are five more I can come up with.

Hillary is behind in delegates no matter how you slice it.

[AllentownJake]

99. Run a Primary opponent against him

Let me know how that works for you.

[Zueda]

115. Oh yeah...

cause we know he'll be trouble when he comes up for re-election.

:sarcasm:

[roguevalley]

25. what would she be? an elected representative obeying the will

of her constituents. I hope she gets voted out, the jackass.

[JVS]

2. Boooooooooooooooo

[Perky]

95. I think it is a missconeption that she is supposed to vote according to the will of her constuency.

There is no need for Super deelgates were that the case/ Notwithstanding that....appearing out of touch with your constituency to that degree is politically hazardous.

SHe might be in serious political trouble should Hillary pull this ou by the slightest of margins.

[NDambi]

113. lol yeah booooooooooooooo..i hope she loses her seat too

[northzax]

ha. Who's running against her this year?

or are those people going I start voting republican? They elected her to vote her conscience, and that's what she did. Unless we already has a challenger, she's safe this year, and only a few bitter deadenders will still care in 2010.

[Kittycat]

5. Wrong. They elected her to represent THEM, not her own interests.

[northzax]

15. nope. Not how the system works

We have a fixed term representative system. Not a referendum based one. Funny, we mock politicians who govern by poll, unless we happen to agree with the poll and they don't. For a congressperson, we pick the one every two years who we think will make the decisions we agree with. We can try to convince the ones in office to change their minds, but the only real recourse is at the ballot box every two years. Otherwise, why have them at all? We can just have Internet voting, or maybe a nice caucus, for every vote.

[cali]

20. that's a view I don't hold.

I don't elect my reps to do what I dictate. I elect them because I think they'll represent me well and use their judgment. By your standards, someone should vote for war because that's what their constituents want. Just ugh.

[journalist3072]

38. Perhaps she believes that by supporting Sen. Clinton, she is representing their interests

Perhaps she believes that electing Sen. Clinton as President would be the very best thing for her constituents.

Get over yourself.

If this is the way you want to play the game, then you need to make a call to John Kerry and Ted Kennedy and demand they support Sen. Clinton since she won Massachusetts.

Perhaps you need to boo Bill Richardson and demand that he retract his endorsement of Obama, since Sen. Clinton won New Mexico.

It seems to me that the Obama supporters don't think people have a right to support Sen. Clinton; that we should all just be blindly getting behind Barack.

Again, kindly get over yourself.

[Joe the Revelator]

21. She can be taken out in a Primary.

She's not the only democrat capable of representing that district.

[tammywammy]

26. The primary was March 4th

It's her versus a republican, John Faulk, for the seat. She'll win reelection.

[Kittycat]

80. Unless a progressive independent pops up.

[tammywammy]

84. Even then, I doubt it. She won last time with 88% of the vote.

[northzax]

117. um, how progressive, exactly?

Jackson-Lee is about as far left as congress goes these days. or are you arguing that Obama's coattails aren't long enough to get a black woman reelected from a ultra-liberal district?

[Joe the Revelator]

83. Yeah, she's cool then.

[northzax]

116. sure, if people are still pissed off enough about it in 2010

but it seems like Texas just had their primary for this year. and you'd think that, since she has been crystal clear on her support for Hillary, if people really cared that much, they would have voted against her on March 4?

[Kittycat]

3. What would she be? A Clinton Representative, and not a Rep of her people

She's already cut herself a deal should Clinton win, because you know she's not keeping her job otherwise.

[northzax]

9. who's going to take it?

you really think that, come November, enough people will still care enough to vote republican?

[Kahuna]

4. Wow. Her loyalty is very misplaced. She just doesn't get it. nt

[dkf]

6. I guess its who you owe more to, your constituents or your buddies.

And when 90% of your constituents are pissed, it is not a good thing.

[SoCalDem]

16. Will someone challenge her this fall?

That could be interesting

[dkf]

28. I rather hope so.

John Lewis attracted a challenger...and it scared the bejesus out of him.

[tammywammy]

31. There's a republican that's running against her

She won the primary. She'll be reelected.

[SoCalDem]

51. EEK.. that would be suicide.. she'll be re-elected

but the handwriting's on the wall for '10..

[tammywammy]

58. Possibly, or this could all blow over down there

[Buzz Clik]

7. I wish we wouldn't act like Republicans. n/t

[Joe the Revelator]

22. How is that "acting like a republican"?

[Buzz Clik]

23. Booing one of our own who exercised her right to endorse a candidate?

Sounds like Dittoheads trashing McCain. I can't stand it.

[PoliticalAmazon]

32. Rights are for everyone, including attendees of a political rally...

...I can't think of a better way to let SJL know that the voters in her district do NOT want Hillary Clinton.

To tell you the truth, if it was my representative, I would be disgusted that she supported someone as unethical, who lies, who uses Rovian campaign tactics, who uses race to divide Democratic Party voters, who doesn't pay her bills, and who is willing to destroy the party in her attempt to get what she wants.

I don't think it reflects very well on Sheila Jackson Lee, not at all. I would not vote for her in the future, if I lived in her district. In fact, I'd make sure voters remembered that she backed Hillary Clinton.

[Buzz Clik]

93. I was not requesting that you give up any rights. However, ...

... when she was booed, those booing were acting like Republicans. That is my one and only point here.

[Joe the Revelator]

85. I would have done the same thing had my rep been as public with her support of Hillary

[elizm]

8. Did she sit down with Obama and listen to his vision for America??

You have to wonder that and what Hillary might have promised her. Too bad for her.

[tishaLA]

10. There's no need to boo her

She represents her constituency very well most of the time. She is allowed a little leeway for personal loyalty AFAIC. If it pisses off people that much, elect someone else.

This too shall pass.

[monmouth]

11. I think Bill Richardson might be able to show her the error of her ways...n/t

[PoliticalAmazon]

13. Will supporting Hillary be the kiss of death for other politicians' political careers?...

...Will politicians find themselves tainted by supporting Hillary Clinton?

I know I regard politicians who support Hillary Clinton differently now than before their endorsement of HRC.

I'm far less likely to vote for a politician who has endorsed Hillary Clinton, especially now that the debts of her campaign go unpaid and credit card fraud is being perpetrated by the campaign against their contributors.

Plus all of the lies about how experienced she is, and the race baiting...she's made herself a poltiical pariah, and may end up taking down other politicians with her.

[Yael]

14. That video was brutal

[dailykoff]

17. Super delegates, take heed.

Next time Bill whispers in your ear at 3 a.m. hang up.

[TexanDem]

78. Isn't she a S.D.?? Anybody know if she's cast her SD vote?

I looked on the SD list on burntorange.com -- but did not see her name.

[powergirl]

92. She is

[KingFlorez]

18. I don't know what they expect from her

She endorsed Clinton long before the Texas primary, so it would look really disingenuous for her to switch her support to Obama at this point. In this case, she's right for being honest and standing by her original decision.

[tammywammy]

19. At the same time, it shouldn't surprise her that she got booed

:shrug:

[goclark]

96. I think she was surprised and being a skilled politician

decided to plow through her speech.

Problem was, she got so excited, pieces of her book flew out of her hand.

She started quoting Maya Angelou(who they knew supported Clinton) because she thought that would calm the audience down and they would magically agree with her --- NOT!
That really got them ticked off...

IMO,she is sticking by her friend, no problem.

It was the way she kept on shouting her speech that really got them riled up.

[journalist3072]

35. Amen!!! eom

[northzax]

118. no, no, no

being governed by polls is what you are supposed to do. well, as long as the viewer agrees with the polls.

[cboy4]

24. What would this be called? Thuggery?

I think so.

[anonymous171]

29. No, it's called democracy. Deal with it.

[cboy4]

36. Lots of Republicans told me to "deal with it"

when I complained about the 2000 election.

:shrug:

[tammywammy]

30. No, it's her constituents showing their displeasure with their representative

:shrug:

[cboy4]

39. Oh I wasn't referring to the constituents. I'm referring to some

of the DUers in this thread.

lol

[tammywammy]

41. Ahhh, okay

[powergirl]

27. I really like Rep Lee

I think the Clinton's backed her into a corner. They sought her superdelegate vote before the actual election and that is not right. Maybe she is afraid of making the Clinton's mad. But I am from the Houston area and I didn't live in her district, but I am familiar with the area. Lee has been a beloved representative and she may not be there much longer. She should support her district's wishes. This was not a close race. Obama won by 90%. That is unheard of.

It's too bad because Lee is a good rep and now the Clintons are taking her down with them. :cry:

[JayFredMuggs]

102. Duh

The last I checked, this Rep Lee is NOT a slave. Nor indentured to servitude to the Clinton plantation.

She doesn't have to do anybody any favors, she should just stand for what is right.

She's refused to do this for months, proving she is a coward, not a true representative of her constituents.

If you like her, think how much MORE you would like her if she grew a backbone.

[dailykoff]

33. She can still change her endorsement.

The convention hasn't taken place yet, and it would help bring the circus to an end.

[Name removed]

34. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tammywammy]

37. She has every right to support Clinton

And her constituents at a democratic event, have the right to show their displeasure. It's not like they threw garbage at her. I'm sure she'll survive.

[Name removed]

42. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[dailykoff]

44. She's a Representative, not a princess.

Her job is to represent her constituents.

[Name removed]

53. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[dailykoff]

55. Apparently her constituents disagree

and they're the ones that choose their Representative. Kerry, Kennedy, and Richardson aren't Reps and I imagine Pelosi has her own problems already.

[journalist3072]

59. Go crawl in a hole somewhere. I'm sick of you cultists who don't believe anyone has a right to

support Sen. Clinton.

And it's amazing that you want one set of rules for the Obama supporters, and another for the Clinton supporters.

I don't hear you bitching and moaning about Kerry, Kennedy and Richardson ignoring the will of their states, who voted for Sen. Clinton.

[SoCalDem]

64. I must have missed the part where Hillary won Massachusetts 90-10

:rofl:

[Name removed]

72. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SoCalDem]

76. How polite of you.. your Grandma would be proud

:loveya:

[dailykoff]

66. Thanks for representing your candidate. (n/t)

[tammywammy]

56. How condensending is that then?

This poster was there http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5316073&mesg_id=5317249

"She then chided everyone and told them how she knew what was best for them."


I'm not saying she should change her vote, but this shouldn't have been a surprise that her constituency would disagree with her choice.

[redqueen]

132. Oh I really hope she didn't say that...

I hope that person misheard. Upthread you said this might blow over by the next go-round. If she talked to those people as if they were little children that she was charged with minding... I doubt it will blow over at all.

[DUyellow]

67. Isn't that how bush thinks? When polls show 75% think something is wrong, he does the other way?

Nobody says she has to, but her constituency has the right to boo her. John Kerry, Ted Kennedy and Bill Richardson didn't say they were voting for Obama because of loyalty, or that they gave somebody (possibly over a year ago) "there word". Also, last time i checked, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy and Bill Richardson are not getting any boos.

[powergirl]

90. These statements are those that I find so incredibly offensive - THIS IS A DEMOCRACY

We don't have minders that tell us that they know better than us. This reminds me of church ladies watching rated R movies and then telling everyone else not to watch them b/c of all the bad words. THE VOTERS DECIDE - not you. You and Sen. Jackson Lee have the gaul to tell constituents that voted 90%- 10% that they don't know what they are doing??? What gives you or her the right to tell them to do something different. This is why Sen. Clinton will destroy the party and this country. I really like Rep. Lee. But Clinton will take her down with her because for Clinton, this is all about her, not this country.

[cali]

60. and that doesn't mean doing everything they demand

If it did, quite a few reps and Senators who voted against the IWR, should have voted for it.

[dailykoff]

68. Reps are in a different position that Senators.

Going back to the Roman bicameral model, their job IS to represent the people.

[tammywammy]

45. "thuggish" behavior

Booing? Seriously? Do you think SJL might not have expected a not to welcoming atmosphere? 90% of her district went to Obama.

They didn't cut her off, you must not at watched the video, she gave her whole speech. They booed to show their displeasure with her choice.

Thuggish behavior would be if they threw stuff at her, which they did not. Just because she's a rep, doesn't mean that her constituents can't voice that they're upset with her.

[cboy4]

40. Yea, lots of intimidation, guilt and threats.

:scared:

[journalist3072]

47. Which leads me to the question: is that how Obama would conduct himself as President?

Because that's how George W. Bush has conducted himself.

What's more: Obama has said that the candidate sets the tone for the campaign. When Bill Shaheen in New Hampshire stepped down from the Clinton campaign for saying that Obama's admitted past drug use might present an issue in the general election, the ever-arrogant and pompous Obama said he talked to Sen. Clinton, and told her the candidate sets the tone for the campaign.

So if his supporters are acting like this, then by his very own standards, that's the tone he has set: a thuggish, arrogant tone.

And so I'm only left to draw the conclusion that if Obama is elected, it will be "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

[Forkboy]

82. Speaking of threats...Journalist says she'll work for McCain to defeat Obama.

:scared: indeed.

[tammywammy]

86. Ahh, I now know who it is...

:)

[DUyellow]

54. Her loyalty should be to her constituency first.

[loyalsister]

43. Elected officials are in an unfortunate position

If they are approaching this decision in a way that is reasonable, it would seem to me that they would have to weigh their conscience and all other factors as they consider endorsements.
If they do that I would think that holding off until after the state has voted so that the vote of the people can be factored would be appropriate.
I personally would not resent a change in endorsement from Ted Kennedy or some sort of statement neutralizing his endorsement as I feel the vote is an important factor. However, his decision to endorse was quite lofty and I believe he has a right to at least try to justify it, as well.
I don't think it is inappropriate for voters to pressure SDs, but I think that voters should respect their decisions.

We have an unbelievably weird nomination process for this cycle. With all of the bizarre factors floating around not to mention the fact that we are having an election of monumental historical significance throws in factors that are undefined and immeasurably influential.

The SDs are having to be a responsible for the end result. I think we should respect the overwhelming task that they are dealing with.

[UALRBSofL]

46. I know exactly what your talking about

Same thing with Kennedy, Kerry and Patrick. :rofl:

[AX10]

48. So when will Kennedy and Kerry endorse Clinton?

[dailykoff]

49. They aren't Representatives.

They're senators.

[AX10]

63. And their state, which they represent in congress voted for Clinton!

[dailykoff]

70. Not in the same way.

Reps represent their district and Senators represent an entire state.

[AX10]

75. HRC won the state 56% to Obama's 40%

Stop with the spinning.

[dailykoff]

77. The point is that Reps are intended to be tribunes of the people.

Senators aren't. In fact if I remember correctly originally Senators weren't elected at all.

[AX10]

104. Senators are elected and they do represent their constituents.

[dailykoff]

126. Thanks for letting me know. n/t

[stillcool]

105. I guess the people in our state..

aren't very upset with them. I'm not! Plus there are 22 more..so?

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegate-list.html

[dogday]

50. Sheila Jackson Lee has more loyalty in her little finger than

most of the politicians I have seen.... I admire her greatly and support her.

[cboy4]

61. Yes, she is the polar opposite of Bill Richardson.

[dogday]

65. Bingo!

someone had to say it....

[tammywammy]

69. .

[Skip Intro]

52. Wonder if Kennedy and Kerry will be booed at any point in Mass?

[journalist3072]

73. My thoughts exactly!!!!! eom

[Beacool]

57. Ahhhhhhhhhh (big sigh), always the same HYPOCRISY

on this board. For all of you who want Rep. Jackson's head, let me remind you that I don't see one of you asking Kennedy, Kerry and Richardson to reverse their endorsements and now support Hillary.

You can't have it both ways.

As for John Lewis, he bowed to the same type of pressure that Rep. Jackson is now being subjected. I guess that no black elected official has the right to make up their own mind and is now obligated to endorse Obama. Imagine the outrage if Hillary's people called every elected woman and demanded their support or if McCain expected every white male to support him.

Yep, it is the silly season.............

[journalist3072]

74. That's exactly the same point I've been making...that the Obama folks want one set of rules for them

and another for the Clinton supporters.

Amazing, isn't it?

[Beacool]

81. Yep, it is amazing................ n/t

[dailykoff]

62. Lee's name is among the Out of Iraq Coalition members endorsing Hillary

so it's more than just a matter of pleasing her constituents. She's helping make hypocrites of the entire anti-war movement.

[pompano]

87. It won't be funny....

to SJL if another Democrat winds up with her seat after the Democratic Party is fractured beyond repair all due thanks to Commando "Corkscrew" Confabulator and the whole army of Limpballbots?

Now, a politician that puts the constituents concerns above and beyond ones own pocket book and power trip, hah! that is like soooooooooo Democracy-ish... and as of late, rather un Murikan?

That power/ money train slows for noone and the most sucessful Washington insiders are the ones that figure it out the soonest.

I am a tad disappointed with SJL. She has been a good Congressperson?

[dailykoff]

97. Yeah it could happen in 2010 just like it happened in 94.

Anti-Clinton backlash and Dems lost both houses including many good Reps and Senators. Not this time baby!

[TexanDem]

79. Isn't she a S.D.?? Anybody know if she's cast her SD vote?

I did not see her name on the SD list at Burntorangereport.com; but surely she is. As much as I wish she was supporting B.O., I guess I have a little sympathy for her situation. Still, she must cast that SD vote for O if that's her constituency if she wants to say in office!

[dailykoff]

98. I think she's stated her preference

but I don't think any SDs are locked into their votes until the convention.

link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superdelegate

[stillcool]

106. She's on the list here:

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegate-list.html

[Ysabel]

88. this is really sad...

she should represent her constituents...

- i've always liked her...

[meow mix]

89. she should be boo'd she practices cronyism instead of represtenting her people

she should be voted out too.

[wain]

91. Agree or not, she is a profile in courage

I have a new respect for Congresswoman Lee.

[dogday]

94. A woman whose name has always been revered on this forum...

I hate to see otherwise... This woman has lived for her constituency, and has been a true Democratic Avenger for many years... I refuse to do this to a good Democrat.... Absolutely refuse to bring yet another Democrat down.. Won't do it....

[EmilyAnne]

103. I hear you, but I understand why her constituents were unhappy with her. I have always liked her.

I spent half of my youth in Houston. I hope she recovers from this, but, like I said, I sure see why her constituents aren't happy. Its a tough spot for her and 90% is phenomenal.

[dogday]

109. So they are willing to drop her over this one thing....

A Black women who stands her ground, works hard for Democracy, and has always though of her Constituents. If they take her apart on this, then they don't deserve her period... And as a fence sitter, I am not please with Obama or Clinton....

[northzax]

119. personally, I think she's a bit kooky

but hey, I'd rather have a liberal kook than any other kind of kook.

but yes, it's amazing how quickly the mob can turn on you, ain't it? and just remember, WE are the ones destorying the Party. the people booing their congressperson who just recieved 88% of the primary vote, they aren't putting in a rift, we are. remember that.

[dogday]

120. No she is not, she is one of the more sensible reps we have..

She does everything with class and style....

[northzax]

121. everyone is entitled to their own opinion

which is of course what this thread is all about. but come on, asking about the flag on Mars? I disagree with some of her other positions, I must confess, but she does hold to them.

[dogday]

123. I agree with her position on Sudan, Darfur and Iraq, and she

actually acts upon her statements.

[northzax]

127. and I disagree with her positions on Venezuela, for instance

but hey, no one is perfect. as I said, I'd rather have her than the alternative.

[dogday]

128. That is correct no one is perfect... But as Reps go, she is really

a good one... I don't agree with everything that Russ Feingold does, but I still support his progressive stances on most issues... Can't have everything....

[pettypace]

100. Lee and Jones Tubbs are the most annoying Hillary backers

Hopefully they'll get the boot Nov 4th.

Lee is about as bright as that other Texas Yalie we all know of.

[JayFredMuggs]

101. That woman is a pompous idiot and the sooner......

we rid ourselves of politicians who have no creative brain power and who act as though they own the world, and as though the world owes them a living..........the better.

Send her back to her district, defeated by a smarter woman, (or man), and don't give her a pension or health care.....let her earn a living like the rest of the world.

[Tatiana]

107. All right, I'm gonna give Sheila Jackson-Lee a pass because I think she's earned it.

She stood up in 2000 when the election was stolen and on countless other issues where, oftentimes, she was one of few voices willing to stand up. And right now, she is standing up and defending her support of Hillary Clinton in the wake of some very angry constituents. That takes guts. She was also one of 31 House members who voted not to count the electoral votes from Ohio in the 2004 Presidential election.

However, it's fair that she has to deal with criticism from her constituents regarding her support for Hillary.

[dogday]

110. Thanks for remembering her achievements...

And I think you know they did not stop in 2000.. She fights every day....

[Ravy]

108. Let's hope Mass kicks Kennedy and Kerry out on their ass, too.

Oh, yeah, and that Richardson guy in New Mexico.

Voting against the way your people voted is just unDemocratic and we should not tolerate it.

:sarcasm:

[shanine]

122. relieved to see

your sarcasm tag!:hide:

[Ravy]

134. I hate to see people turned into villains for loyalty.

Anyone who would boo Shiela Jackson Lee just for her support and loyalty to the Clintons has some real issues.

[Beacool]

131. Kennedy got almost kicked out in 1994 by Romney

and guess who came to his rescue? Yep, the Clintons who campaigned and fundraised for him. One of the reasons why the Boston Globe called him a "backstabber" after Hillary won MA by 17% points.

[DemVet]

111. Superdelegates.....the way Hillary will WIN!

Obama won't have 2025.

Hillary will Win the Nomination.

[cali]

112. lol. Today Senator Klobuchar is endorsing Obama

and the NC Congressional delegation is going to be endorsing him prior to that primary. I have faith in the SDs and that faith is rooted in the reality that over the last two months some 65 SDs have endorsed Obama and only 5 or 6 have endorsed Hill.

[NDambi]

114. One word for you: Delusional!!

[BuyingThyme]

124. Sounds like a sweet reality check.

Very few people in Washington seem to have a clue about how the real world works.

[Seabiscuit]

125. Very classy, indeed, booing Sheila Jackson Lee. Shame on them and shame on you

for posting this and behaving like a typically despicable Obamanoid troll.

[redqueen]

133. Shame on them for posting something from TPM?

I hope you're in every thraed from the "typical Shillary trolls" blasting them for posting smear pieces on Obama from RIGHTWING sources.

[cooolandrew]

129. Jackson lee says in a clip she gave her word to HRC but she gave her word to her constituents first.

Ask her nicely folks who elected her but do make this case pursuade her kindly and sweetly and with enthusiasm.

[beachmom]

130. I'm sure once the dust settles, she'll be fine in her district. nt