Hillary: Lunch in D.C. Donation 'Contest'

[oldbookguy]

First there was Obama (I know DW we disagreee here) and now there is Hillary'a 'Lets Do Lunch' campaign donation 'contest' / lottery.

To me, this is a lottery, no different than the one ran by my state of W.V. Buy a ticket and take a chance to win the prize.

Anyway, from an E-Mail: "We're going to choose one supporter to come to my house in DC, along with a guest, to share lunch and talk. And if you contribute between now and midnight Friday, September 7, it could be you."

The link and notice the designation in the URL 'lunch'which designates this contribution from regular contributions.

contribute.hillaryclinton.com/lunch.html?sc=1321&ta=&utm_source1321&utm_medium=e

(the https:// removed from link)

Seems the Dems like gaming, at least online lotteries.

How about we send an E-Mail campaign ASKING her stance on Online Poker?

CONTACT:
http://hillaryclinton.com/help/contact/

my letter:

Senator,
Thank you for the chance to enter your online lottery contest to have lunch with you.
Though it is a nice offer, I am more interested in simply knowing your position on allowing me to play Poker on the internet in the privacy of my own home, the same as you are allowing me to enter your online lottery in the privacy on my own home.

If you positions are the same, I will gladly enter your online lottery, if not, can you please explain the difference?

obg

[meleader2]

i don't like the idea of lumping the words "lottery" and "poker" together, but its an idea i suppose.

[Grasshopp3r]

This is a clear violation of the UIGEA and she should be prosecuted along with the payment processor.

[suppasonic]

Whats the difference between a lottery and a raffle?

[oldbookguy]

Much the same, the important point here, it is being conducted Online in Interstate Commerce.

obg

[TruePoker CEO]

Plenty of poker players "donate" online every day, is that also an act of political speech ?

[oldbookguy]

what?

obg

[whangarei]

How can you be 0 for 2 on these silly posts? First with the Obama campaign, where it is more reasonable to assume that the "winners" of the contest are chosen based on the contributor's demographics and self-described "story."

Now with the Hillary campaign, you did not read the Official rules and restrictions (https://contribute.hillaryclinton.com/lunch.html?sc=1321&ta=&utm_source1321&utm_medium=e #). If you did you would see that "No purchase or contribution necessary to enter."

[oldbookguy]

It may be free, however, the come-on is 'make a donation' and enter.

Folowing is the entire e-mail sent to all who ask updates from the campaign (NO, I am not a fan, simply keeping up):

Dear XXXX,
Let's do lunch. Let's talk, you and me -- about whatever you'd like. Our hopes. Our goals. Our work. The weather. Maybe even politics.

I think it would be fun to have you over for lunch, at my table, in my home in Washington. You and I both know that we need a serious change of direction in this country. So let's sit down for a meal and talk about exactly the best way to make that change a reality.

Of course, that change can't happen if we don't win. So I'm asking you today to demonstrate your commitment to real change by supporting my campaign with a contribution. We're going to choose one supporter to come to my house in DC, along with a guest, to share lunch and talk. And if you contribute between now and midnight Friday, September 7, it could be you. <emphasis added>

Click here to make a contribution.

My favorite part of being on the campaign trail is talking to people one-on-one, in their homes or their workplaces, learning about their lives and the challenges they face every day.

I recently had a chance to share dinner with Las Vegas nurse Michelle Estrada and her family in her home. We talked about her long hours at work and her concerns for her daughter, who is heading off to college this fall. (I sure remember that feeling!)

I had such a wonderful time eating, talking, and laughing with Michelle and her family. There's so much I want to do as president for families like Michelle's: help them pay for college and protect the basic American dream of owning a home.

Now I want you to come to my home, share a meal, and tell me about your life, your family, your concerns, and how we can work together to change America.

But first I need to ask for your help. I cannot win this race without you, without your support and your commitment to our campaign. There is no better way for you to get involved today than to make a contribution to my campaign.

If you contribute by Friday, you might just have lunch with me at my home in Washington. <emphasis added>

Click here to make a contribution.

I wish I could invite every single one of the more than one million people who are supporting my campaign -- but I don't think you'd all fit!

Besides, we're building this campaign through person-to-person contact -- not just the conversation I hope to have with you, but also the conversations you have with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers everyday. Together, we're making history.

Will you help my campaign make history today? Make a contribution by Friday, and you and I might be sharing a meal. <emphasis added>

Click here to make a contribution.

I'm really looking forward to this conversation. I'll pick up the groceries before you get there. Let's sit down and talk about how to change America!

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

P.S. Labor Day is when the campaign hits high gear -- we have entered THE critical phase of this campaign. I know you're ready for change, so let's work together to make it a reality. Please make a contribution today.

[ QUOTE ]
How can you be 0 for 2 on these silly posts? First with the Obama campaign, where it is more reasonable to assume that the "winners" of the contest are chosen based on the contributor's demographics and self-described "story."

Now with the Hillary campaign, you did not read the Official rules and restrictions (https://contribute.hillaryclinton.com/lunch.html?sc=1321&ta=&utm_source1321&utm_medium=e #). If you did you would see that "No purchase or contribution necessary to enter."

[/ QUOTE ]

Granted, the FINE Print tells you that an entry can be made free, .......

However, is that the come on? You read the e-mail in total above, then let me know.

obg

PS - IM me an e-mail address and I will forward it to you for accuracy.
obg

[TruePoker CEO]

Sorry, too oblique ... ignore it, I was thinking out loud about why a clearly gambling transaction might be deemed ra political "donation" instead.

I, personally and not in a company capacity, was invited to two fundraisers this weekend for a Dem candidate, but it would be a gambling transaction, probably, for me or anyone to sell chances to go in my place. .... even if all the proceeds were ultimately donated to the Candidate.

[whangarei]

I'm just saying make sure it actually is a lottery if you are going to make a pro-poker argument based on it being a lottery. You are 0 for 2 so far.

I did get a kick out of this from Hillary's email: "I'll pick up the groceries before you get there." Yeah, right ...

[Uglyowl]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm just saying make sure it actually is a lottery if you are going to make a pro-poker argument based on it being a lottery. You are 0 for 2 so far.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well it is advertised as a lottery and if Hillary wants to respond "Well read the fine print" then so be it. I think there is some validity to the argument about political stance, but of course it wouldn't hold up in court that Hillary's is legal, so poker needs to be.

[oldbookguy]

And what do you call a 'contest' where you enter and the winner is drawn at random?

as to 0 for 2, no.

Going back to Obama, even IF, and it was not a consideration, your personal story was a choice criteria, the fact remained, you HAD to donate to enter, so either way.

As to Hillary, maybe, maybe not, even after clicking the e-mail link there is no mention of 'FREE', not until you go to another page nor is it in the initial e-mail, she really has no intention of promoting a 'FREE' dinner, only a 'PAID' dinner and one that will come from proceeds of donations to pay the winning award with.

Perhaps we will let her play the Bill card in this, what is, is or what ever that odd difference was he hung his, er, never mind.

obg

[whangarei]

[ QUOTE ]
Going back to Obama, even IF, and it was not a consideration, your personal story was a choice criteria, the fact remained, you HAD to donate to enter, so either way.

[/ QUOTE ]

Either way what? A lottery requires entry fee + chance drawing + prize. If there is no chance drawing with the Obama dinner, which is likely, then there is no lottery. And the point you are trying to make is dependent on there being a donation lottery. So your point is moot.

[oldbookguy]

Moot? There was 1 criteria - make a donation.
The page, and you read it too, stated, Your Story 'OPTIONAL'.
So, an entry fee and a selection from those entering.
And how was a selction made, there would only be one way since there were no other criteria.

Here, again, is the Obama page, note that there are NO criteria except the donation, selection method not mentioned.
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/dinnerforfive?source=20070607_ND

NOTE: Page updated and reads:
Our Dinner for Five fundraising drive is now closed. If you did not make a donation before 11:59 pm EDT on Wednesday, June 13, you are not eligible for this effort.



[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Going back to Obama, even IF, and it was not a consideration, your personal story was a choice criteria, the fact remained, you HAD to donate to enter, so either way.

[/ QUOTE ]

Either way what? A lottery requires entry fee + chance drawing + prize. If there is no chance drawing with the Obama dinner, which is likely, then there is no lottery. And the point you are trying to make is dependent on there being a donation lottery. So your point is moot.

[/ QUOTE ]

[whangarei]

[ QUOTE ]
Moot? There was 1 criteria - make a donation.
The page, and you read it too, stated, Your Story 'OPTIONAL'.
So, an entry fee and a selection from those entering.
And how was a selction made, there would only be one way since there were no other criteria.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ahhhh ... No. I can't believe I have to say this, but is it possible they would only choose from those who shared a "story", with the selection criteria being demographics and "stories" that demonstrate Obama's diverse appeal?

You seem to have an analytical blind spot when it comes to these supposed campaign lotteries. You may want to focus on other issues.

[oldbookguy]

[ QUOTE ]
Ahhhh ... No. I can't believe I have to say this, but is it possible they would only choose from those who shared a "story", with the selection criteria being demographics and "stories" that demonstrate Obama's diverse appeal?

You seem to have an analytical blind spot when it comes to these supposed campaign lotteries. You may want to focus on other issues.

[/ QUOTE ]

No, the actual issue is online wagering.

It really is no different than the Class Action pending in California(?) over the NBC show Deal / No Deal. Yes, you can enter free however, the ads stress paying. In these 2 cases (one paying an only option no matter the selection criteria) and the other entry the primary and advertised entry method is paying.

No where do I read in the online lottery section of UIGEA or other gambling laws it is ok to accept paid entries as long as you also accept free ones.

Even Mccain violated the Amateur Sports Protection Act last spring, NO lotteries may be offered with prizes on Amateur Sports. He ran a 64 Team Bracket Contest for prizes as part of his campaign. You had to beat him in the contest and if so you won hats and shirts if I rember correctly.

Really, the point is, what is good for the goose SHOULD be good for the gander. Gambling, is, well, gambling.

I do not see the DoJ cutting slack to NT, BoS, WSEX and others off shore, so why should the presidental candidates get one?

Heck, we play poker, a 'contest' by the NJ ruling (SNG's / MTT's), the above do not even meet that liberal reading.

obg

[DeliciousBass]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Going back to Obama, even IF, and it was not a consideration, your personal story was a choice criteria, the fact remained, you HAD to donate to enter, so either way.

[/ QUOTE ]

Either way what? A lottery requires entry fee + chance drawing + prize. If there is no chance drawing with the Obama dinner, which is likely, then there is no lottery. And the point you are trying to make is dependent on there being a donation lottery. So your point is moot.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not to hijack but...the Obama "lottery" is why I'm all done with financial contributions to candidates this cycle. I'm not saying I expected to get dinner with him, I was just under the impression that I had a chance. Following the TR of the dinner it was very clear that I (along with thousands of others) did not.

I can't imagine that this Hillary Dinner is going to be much different. With that in mind make your picks.

I'll take:
Black, middle-aged male/against the war/has a son in Iraq on second tour (3 units)

Hedging with:
Minority female student/preferably Louisiana college (assuming Bill is not close by) (1 unit)