Clinton Campaign Alleges Dirty Tricks in Iowa and New Hampshire

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The Clinton campaign is alleging that some serious dirty tricks are starting against Senator Clinton in Iowa and New Hampshire. In an email to supporters, campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle gives some details and asks for corroboration. It will be interesting to see where this goes.

Also of note, the Clinton camp implicates the Obama campaign in all this, claiming, “In both Iowa and New Hampshire, we have heard that Obama staffers are berating Hillary supporters on the phone with negative attacks against her.” The actual examples included only allege malfeasance by Obama’s campaign in Iowa. How will Obama, who is getting better and better at handling stuff like this, respond?

Dear Friend,

I wanted to let you know immediately about reports our campaign has received about possible dirty campaign tactics in Iowa and New Hampshire — and ask for your help.

In Iowa, we have heard reports that Hillary supporters are getting calls that tell them incorrect caucus locations. Supporters have also told us about push polls — when they tell the pollster they support Hillary, they are given negative talking points about her and asked which attacks are the most effective.

In both Iowa and New Hampshire, we have heard that Obama staffers are berating Hillary supporters on the phone with negative attacks against her.

Here is one report we got from someone who received a push poll in Iowa:

I do want to let you know, Saturday afternoon, I had a phony pollster call from “an independently owned polling service” … With my first choice as Hillary and undecided 2nd choice. I was asked if I approved of the direction the country was taking. The question then shifted. “Which of these three options best defines your candidate? 1) Inconsistent on major issues. 2) A weak contender in the general election. 3) Not able to bring change to Washington.” I told them I would not answer because it was not a polling question … I asked where they were calling from. Repeatedly the response was that they were calling from the United States and it was paid for by an independently owned polling firm.

Here is another report from a letter to the editor in an Iowa paper:

The bullying coming from some of the other Democratic candidates is childlike and not what the Democrats stand for. I even had some guy call me from the Obama camp and start bullying me over the phone when I said I supported Hillary. He started arguing and got aggressive on the phone. I did tell him his behavior was not appropriate.

And here is a report from New Hampshire:

When my father informed them that he was supporting Hillary they proceeded to talk to him about her failure to reform health care when she was First Lady. He said it sounded like they were reading something that was already prepared.

These reports are invaluable to our campaign! It is vitally important that we know about any unethical tactics our opponents may use. And as one of our best supporters in Iowa, you are in the best position to keep us informed. If you or any of your family, friends, or neighbors receive negative push poll calls or any misleading information about the election, please contact our Iowa headquarters immediately to let them know. Here is contact information: