Deal sets stage for Hillary Clinton roll call vote at Democratic conventionThe nomination of Hillary Rodham Clinton for president at the upcoming Democratic National Convention could mollify the New York senator's ardent supporters and rally them around Barack Obama.
At least that's what most party leaders hope will happen.
Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton agreed to place her name in nomination at the convention after weeks of negotiations between their respective aides. The two sides made the announcement Thursday.
Some delegates, however, including a longtime Texas Democrat, say
anything but a staged show could hurt Mr. Obama by fueling lingering bitterness felt by some Clinton loyalists and turn Mr. Obama's coronation into a circus.Democratic National Committee member and former Texas Democratic Party Chairman Bob Slagle said he'd write to fellow Clinton delegates and urge them
not to push a legitimate roll call vote.
He also said he wanted to curb festering anti-Obama sentiment with some Clinton supporters.
"I need to try to stop the infection," Mr. Slagle said. "Hillary Clinton is no fool. She's a very smart, bright woman. She always said she's for Obama and would do anything he asks. Anything he asks doesn't mean screwing up the convention."
Mr. Slagle of Sherman said Mrs. Clinton's name may go into nomination, but he didn't think there would be a dramatic roll call vote.
"They may have it
choreographed where there is some stage play," Mr. Slagle said. "She could go up there and give a flowery speech and then ask her supporters to vote for Obama. I don't know why
she would want a roll call vote and then go down in flames."