In almost every other state, the caucuses have been a total fiasco.

I would be furious if, after I stood in line in a primary, then I had to go out that night into a crowd of confused people because I needed to vote again.

Should some questions have been raised before now? Of course they should. But does that mean that we all just shrug our shoulders and say, "oh well, that's the way it is".

However, Clinton's objections ring a bit hollow to me.  She had plenty of time to figure out how to best this forum.  I don't know if the "sue Texas" stuff is true (I have my doubts), but that would be unfortunate for her and make her look like a poor loser (if she loses...can't see her challenging the Texas system if she wins).

The dual system, poll and caucus, has been in effect in Texas for twenty years. It is actually exciting to see so many people involved in the process.

I presume that Clinton's lawyers' threats to somehow stop the caucuses wasn't done for safety concerns but rather because they believe that Clinton will lose those caucuses.

Come back tomorrow and follow the commenting rules.

Obviously we can't predict what will happen in TX.  But speaking generally, in a sociological (not prejudicial, and I hope BTD agrees with me) way, Latinos are, by and large, a very family/communal/group oriented people.  

Now I understand why the Clinton camp was so upset --- the rules are not merely confusing, but contradictory.   I would strongly suggest that anyone who attends the caucus print out at least pages 22-26 of the Official Rules of the Democratic Party of Texas that currently appear on the state party website, familiarize yourself with them, and bring them with you to the caucus.  Since these are the official rules of the party, they should be the determining factor in how the caucuses are handled.

Under those rules....

1. the meeting is called to order at 7:15 (or when the last voter has voted at the precinct, whichever is later) by the temporary chair.

2. The "temporary roll" is prepared where people enter in their names, addresses and presidential perferences.  

3. A Permanent Chair, Secretary (and any other 'necessary officials') are elected.

4. The election of Delegates to the county convention is announced.

[page 22]  Rule 6 B
....Persons arriving
after the list of participants is completed
and who are otherwise qualified to participate
shall have their names entered on
the list and may participate in proceedings
subsequent to their arrival. Such persons,
however, may not vote on matters previously
voted upon or on which a vote has
been called for by the Chair. Their political
preference shall not cause a change in the
proportional allocation of Delegates if the
same has been announced at the time calling
for the election of Delegates and Alternates
in the Order of Business prescribed
by the Rules.

[page 23] rule 10 Election Procedure in Presidential Years.
In presidential years, as all qualified participants
enter their names, residence addresses,
and cities or towns upon the Temporary Roll
of the Convention, they also shall indicate their
presidential preference or uncommitted status.
When it is time in the Order of Business to
elect Delegates and Alternates to the County or
Senatorial District Convention, the procedure shall be as follows:
(a) The Convention Chair shall announce the
number of eligible voting members on the
roll, the number of Delegates and Alternates
the Convention is entitled to elect, and the
number and percent of each presidential
preference or uncommitted status reflected
on the roll.
(b) On the basis of such determination, those
preferring each presidential candidate and
those who are uncommitted shall caucus
separately to elect the same proportion of
County or Senatorial District Convention
Delegates and Alternates as their group
represents at the Precinct Convention.