Don't Sign Hillary's Petition: Updated
Wed Jun 04, 2008 at 03:58:21 AM PDT
On the Hillary Clinton campaign website right now, there is a box that says, "I'm with you Hillary, and I'm proud of everything you're fighting for." I have seen both comments and diaries by people who have signed the box, and then filled the optional comment field with contrary comments.
Now, I know that stuff on the internets can be confusing. But based on the wording, I'm all but 100% certain that the Clinton campaign considers this a petition to stay in the race, and if you sign up in the box below the statement, you are endorsing the statement and therefore signing a petition for her to stay in the race.
In a day or so (maybe today) the number of people who signed the petition is going to become a Clinton campaign talking point. It will probably be a rounded up number. But if you signed your name in the box, you will likely be counted. Even if you signed with a fake name, like "Heckno Dropoutoftherace," I'm almost 100% certain that you will be counted as an individual who signed the petition in the early Hillary talking points about the petition.
Who is the audience for the talking points? Anyone who will pay attention to them. The likelihood of the Obama campaign or Superdelegates really paying attention to numbers on an unvetted petition is small. But do you really want to participate in such an exercise? And not only that, according to thedave25, once you sign, it takes you to a donation page (thanks for reminding me, thedave!)
Some Kossacks have sent Hillary emails through the "contact us" function on her website. I can't promise she or anyone in her campaign will pay attention to such emails, but at least they won't be counted as participation in her petition.
I know we all like to vent. But signing Hillary's petition just so you can vent is not useful.
Update: Also picked up by Wonkette: You Must Give Hillary The Advice She’s Already Written!