Clinton says Obama blocking re-vote in Michigan
As Hillary Clinton holds a rally in Michigan this morning to press for a do-over nomination contest, the Democratic National Committee's rules committee has issued an opinion that the working plan could pass muster.
"Our review of this legislation indicates that it would, in fact, fit within the framework of the Rules if, it were, passed by the state legislature and used by the Michigan State Democratic Party as the basis of drafting a formal Delegate Selection Plan," the memo says.
But Barack Obama's campaign issued a memo of its own this morning that lays out all the problems with a re-vote.
The proposal in play for a June 3 primary would unconstitutionally disqualify voters who cast ballots in the Republican primary in January, which unlike the Democratic primary, officially counted.
The plan would never win approval in time from the Justice Department under the Voting Rights Act, the memo says. There's no way an election can be fairly and adequately prepared in time.
And the idea that private donors, or the campaigns themselves, would pay for the primary could be legally problematic. "It is therefore well within the realm of possibility that such a case will be made, subjecting the party and its candidates to potential liability," the memo says.
The Clinton campaign is accusing Obama of being the lone roadblock to a re-vote. "On February 8, 2008, Barack Obama stood in the aisle of his airplane and told reporters that he would be 'fine' with a new primary in Michigan if it could be done in a way that gave him and Senator Clinton time to make their respective cases and the DNC signed off. Since then, such a plan has garnered broad support from top Michigan lawmakers and the DNC has given its blessing," the Clinton camp said in a memo. "So Barack Obama is on board, right? Guess again. It turns out that his comments about being fine with a re-vote if the above conditions were met were just words."
UPDATE: Obama accused Clinton of being "completely disingenuous" on Florida and Michigan, telling CNN that she didn't show concern for the voters in the two states until "it looked like she would have no prospects of winning the nomination without having them count."
"I understand the politics of it, but let's be clear that it's politics," he said in the CNN interview scheduled to air tonight.
Clinton won the Michigan primary, but Obama's name wasn't on the ballot because Democrats had agreed not to campaign in the state after the DNC penalized the state party for holding the primary earlier than allowed. The DNC also punished Florida, which Clinton also won, for the same reason.
Clinton badly needs the delegates from Florida and Michigan to have any hope of catching Obama in the delegate count.
UPDATE: At the Detroit rally, Clinton said millions of Democrats would be disenfranchised if the two states' delegates aren't seated.
"I think that's wrong and frankly un-American," she said. "We can't let that continue. Every voice should have the chance to be heard, and every vote counted."
Clinton sought to compare the dispute to the fight for voting rights during the 1960s. She said one reason that Democrats will have a historic nominee -- either the first woman or the first African-American -- is because that struggle was successful.
"Clinton badly needs the delegates from Florida and Michigan to have any hope of catching Obama in the delegate count. "
That's the only reason she is there. When will she get off her high horse and stop blaming Obama every time she does not get her way? They voted on it, they said it was a no-can-do...get over it lady! Go fight for the delegates in the states that played by the rules.
I am a Barack Obama supporter. And I support a revote.
Can we get a little rationality? SInce when is raising concerns and asking for important issues to be addressed blocking a revote? Must we do it Hillary's way or no way? Obama's campaign is not blocking a revote, they are raising some issues they would like addressed. And, in Florida the state party officials nixed the revote NOT the Obama campaign.
Obama is a big fake, all talk, no action. He gives good speech. That is ALL. He is the BIGGEST liar out there, and that's saying a lot for politicians. What's with the 8 flags. The guys just an ACTOR. I have come to dislike Obama INTENSELY, whereas before I was neutral kind of leaning toward Clinton. I wonder how many others feel this way now.
Now they are monitoring, I wonder if negatives about Obama will show up on this blog? He's a big FAKE. (hope this isn't too inflammatory to post)!
I feel a revote in reduing the rules. In a race if you jump the gun you are disqualified. Them same principal applies
You know, it's not as though there were any ambiguity in the first place about Florida and Michigan being penalized by the Democratic Party for moving their primaries up. It was clear as day that they would lose their representation this year, and yet they did it anyway.
Why yes, I would love some cake! But can I also take it home with me?
as a mccain supporter, i am against enfranchising the people of Michigan and Florida. Please DNC and Obama, piss them off. The GOP could use the support of those two states in the general.
Obama delivers a subtle, nuanced, stirring, intelligent, and simply inspiring speech on race relations in the country.
Hillary is stomping her feet in Michigan because she wants a do-over.
Who is more presidential?
Obama delivers a subtle, nuanced, stirring, intelligent, and simply inspiring speech on race relations in the country.
Hillary is stomping her feet in Michigan demanding a do-over.
Who is more presidential?
hey, hillary; as a michiganders, my wife, myself & everyone we talk to do NOT want a redo; we all believe we should do as we teach our children: live with your decisions - its how life works; you can not "redo" everything that doesn't go your way; wouldn't it be nice if we could do a rerun every time something doesn't go our way? but it isn't the way it goes. so, live with it; besides, what would you do when it doesn't go your way? tell everyone it wasn't fair and keep asking for a 'redo' until you win? i don't think so. let's move on and stop crying every time someone else wins or has a better hand.
Michigan and Florida ignored the rules and made their choice to hold their votes early, knowing full well the consequences. If they allow them to now turn around and start whining because their votes don't count, it will set the standard for the future to do whatever you want then complain until you get a do-over.
If you go against the rules and regulations, you get penalized, and that is want happened to Michigan and Florida. This applies to any policy that has ramifications for going against the law. I do not feel there should be a revote.
Barack isn't blocking the vote... he's trying to ensure that EVERYONE will be able to revote. There are democrats who voted in the open republican primary because they knew the democratic primary would not have its delegates seated. Obama wants to ensure that they can vote in the re-vote. It's Hilary who want's to block the re-vote - especially of those democrats who tried to make their votes count the first time!
As a Republican-leaning independent, I will vote for Barack Obama if he is the Democratic nominee running against John McCain but I will not vote for Hillary Clinton. The Clintons would have us believe that Hillary and Bill have been thoroughly vetted. If that were true, then why don't we have answers for:
FOREIGN: How will Hillary know whether Bill's advice serves U.S. interests or the interests of his Russian, Chinese, Indian, Kazakhstan, Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Brunei clients?
MONEY: Do the tax records for the Clintons and the Clinton Foundation, Clinton Library and Clinton campaign show a proper accounting for the sources and uses of funds?
PARDONS: Will Hillary "reject" contributions or compensation from persons she pardons unlike her husband Bill who accepted contributions from Marc Rich, partner of Viktor Bout (the merchant of death), and her brother Hugh Rodham who accepted compensation from drug lords who were pardoned by Bill?
The states knew their delegates would not be seated but they choose to hold their primaries early anyway. I say too bad.
Clinton didn't seem so concerned that it was 'un-American' when she agreed earlier on not to campaign there because of the earlier illegal primary. She signed off on that when she was the frontrunner at the time. Now she is singing a different tune. What a hypocrite. Just what we need in the White House.
Explain to me why, after breaking the rules so that they could have a larger say in picking the nominee, Florida and Michigan should now be rewarded with new primaries that will give them a larger say in picking the nominee.
To me letting Michigan and Florida possibly choose the nominee disenfranchises the voters in all of those states that played by the rules.
People, Obama is not stupid. He is not going to help Clinton try and beat him. The timing of the re-vote would work against Obama. His supporters want him to stand is ground against the Clinton Machine. Clinton SAYS SHE WILL FIGHT TO THE BITTER END. CLINTON MAKES EVERYBODY THINK SHE IS STRONGER, SMARTER, AND MORE POWERERFUL THAN OBAMA. RIGHT!!!!! But the fact is Obama has the political muscle. She talks a good game but when the mustard meets the road Obama wins every backroom deal. He out strategized her in Florida (no-revote), Texas (the delegate results will not be delayed), Iowa ( he won 10 extra super delegate and she lost one), His historic speech on race that is being hailed historic and was play in its entirety twice on all the TV stations, Nancy Pelosi says pledge delegates triumph the popular vote ( Nancy Pelosi will be the chair at the convention in Denver) Dean say Florida and Michigan votes will not be seated and Obama has to agree to a re-vote and now, no Michigan revote. We say we want a fighter with political know how, who can get things done. Well everybody should wake up and smell the coffee. Obama is fighting Clinton and he is beating her at her own game. Checkmate!!!!!!!
PS: Just because the all powerful media is not reporting/framing these events in this light doesn’t make this event less relevant. It just proves they are controlled by the Clintons and they will spin for her no matter what the facts present has true.
Obama should support re-votes in both Michigan and Florida. I am a resident of Michigan and I want either my Jan vote to count or to have a chance in a second primay.
Obviously it is not in Obama's interest to have a revote. What with the Michelle-Rezko-Wright controversies, it is doubtful Obama will win in those states.
if Obama is more than just a conventional politician, the way he has been advertising himself to be, he should push for a revote to show that he is above the fray.....but I don't blame him for not -- he is fighting for his survival.
Clinton is blaming Barack for almost everything. Hey Clinton and Co, here's what you need to do - blame those who moved the primaries early. And I am sure Barack wasn't one of them!
Michigan and Florida screwed this up the first time, trying to be more important than necessary. This went against party rules; they should therefore have to pay the penalty. Funny how Florida gets involved in all these election fiascos...I currently reside in MI, and I am an Obama supporter, who also voted for Bill Clinton during the 90s. The re-vote must be fair, so as not to disenfranchise ANYONE, Dems or Repubs. In my opinion, the states should have to pay for an official, "stand at the box and click your choice" re-vote, as opposed to a mail-in or other method.
Hey play that one clip before she was behind in delegates where Clinton was upset over the people being disenfanchised.... Oh wait you won't find it, hmm....
why don" they just split the delegates 50/50 and move on?
If I hear Hillary's catch phrase "were just words" one more time, I'm gonna lose it. Her message is like the alarm clock in the morning that you want to smash :)
Obama's critisism is fair. Many of his voters are independents. Many, when he was not on the ballot voted republican. Those people now can not vote for him.
I support a re-vote, if it's fair, and if enough time is given to both candidates (not just the one with the biggest mouth) to review that it is fair in their minds.
I believe Obama should OK the revote.Of course with him being in a Church that Damn"s America,accuses America of starting aids so African Americans would get it,and bombing our own twin towers,it might be hard for him to win votes.
I would say you cannot be in a Church 20 years without believing what your Church believes.And at first he said he did not know his preacher believed these these things,now again changing his mind.
The only thing he knows is he voted against the war.Well most people did.Bush took it as a time to go rather than TALK first.
But he needs to agree to to a revote NOW.
Naida in Oregon,where we VOTE BY MAIL.
She's just coming off as petty to me
If Hillary was so worried about voters being disinfranchised then why did she sign off on the "punishment" dictated by the DNC before the vote even happened?
Frankly the DNC has no one but itself to blame for the fact that the the FL & MI democratic voters do not count.
The rules are rules and now Hilary is complaining after sighing off on the DNC decision in the fall. If she were ahead in the delegate count she would not be wanting to change the rules. There are two approaches that would be fair: one is to split the delegates 50/50 and seat them ot the other is to follow the rules and not seat them. Anything else is submiting to people who complain only after things don't turn out in their favor.
If the democratic party doesn't do this right they have the chance of tearing the party apart and losing in the election. There is no doubt that the Clintons thought they would have the nomination clinched by now and this wouldn't be a problem. Well that isn't the case so face up to the fact, they are running against a superior candidate who has the stature and intelligence to be our next president. His speech on Tuesday should show everyone his ablity to be in our highest offfice.
We all know the reason Obama isn't supporting the revote is because of the recent controversy surrounding his reverend's comments. He's afraid Hillary would do even better this time and secure more delegates than the 50/50 split he's hoping for from Michigan if there is no revote.
Allowing a revote means that the two states that did not follow the Democratic primary rules will not suffer any consequences. How do you treat states that refuse to follow the rules in the future? Clinton has tried everything she can to win and what is sounds like she is saying now is, "there should be no consequences for breaking the rules, as long as it benefits Hillary Clinton" Will she follow this same approach if she is president? Rules are in place for a reason.
If I hear Hillary's catch phrase "were just words" one more time, I'm gonna lose it. Her message is like the alarm clock in the morning that you want to smash :)
Obama's critisism is fair. Many of his voters are independents. Many, when he was not on the ballot voted republican. Those people now can not vote for him.
I support a re-vote, if it's fair, and if enough time is given to both candidates (not just the one with the biggest mouth) to review that it is fair in their minds.
All votes should be counted. It is wrong of the Democratic Party to penalize voters, wrong for the Democratic Party to punish ANY state. ALL states should count. Florida and Michican are STATES too.
So let's get this right,if your a Republican,you can get 2 votes,one of them to presumelly to vote for the Democrat you think the most likely to lose against against your candidate,Yep true democracy in action.
I support no one and I support following rules and not whining about things when they don't go my way
Hillary Clinton is two-faced; first she said she would be fine with the votes in Michigan and Florida not counting, and now when she needs them, she wants their votes to count again.
What next is Clinton going to want redoes in all the states she lost untill she gets enough votes Michigan and Florida did their promaries and that should be that what is she going to want a redo on the national election if she runs and then loses give me a brake only one chance per state.
I AM INDEPENDANT.THIS ISSUE IS NOT WHO GETS ELECTED BUT ABOUT THE DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLE OF COUNTING PEOLE'S OPINION. OBAMA HAS TAKEN SO MANY DIFFRENT POSITIONS AND HAS BEEN FLOWING IN WIND. THEREFORE I MAY NOT VOTE FOR HIM. OBAMA FORCED VOTERS TO VOTE UNLISTED.HE WANTED TO DEPRIVE NAMED CANDIDATES OF VOTES.THEREFORE HE PARTICIPATED.
MICH AND FLA NEEDS TO BE COUNTED AND SEATED .IF NOT I WILL NOT VOTE FOR DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
DNC HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO SEAT THESE DELEGATES.
If republicans are allowed to vote in the democratic primary in Michigan we can anticipate a replay of the Texas Limbaugh effect.
One man or one woman vote is the democratic principle. Any thing less is pseu-democracy. Getting cacuse vots which is not verifiable and excludes 90% of state voters in one way or another does not make one cometetive.
Give the people thier constitutional right and let Florida and Michigan voters be represented. One can not be above the democratic way.
Regards
I think we need to move forward, no re-vote is needed. Florida is historically screwed up. I don't think it's going to help Clinton and why would Obama do something to help his opponent, would she do the same? I think not!
I support a revote. I agree with Clinton that it would be wrong and unAmerican not to have a revote. What is the problem? Why is Barack Obama against the revote? I am so disappointed in this election in that the media and radio stations have been and continue to be so bias. It is clear, that they all support Obama and that ist a problem.
What frankly is unAmerican is Clinton's blatant attempts to win this nomination. It would not surprise me if the seeds for all of the Rev. Wright brouhaha weren't planted by her camp. Just exactly WHO did post on YouTube?
The rules are rules and now Hilary is complaining after signing off on the DNC decision in the fall. If she were ahead in the delegate count she would not be wanting to change the rules. There are two approaches that would be fair: one is to split the delegates 50/50 and seat them or the other is to follow the rules and not seat them. Anything else is submiting to people who complain only after things don't turn out in their favor.
If the democratic party doesn't do this right they have the chance of tearing the party apart and losing in the election. There is no doubt that the Clintons thought they would have the nomination clinched by now and this wouldn't be a problem.
Well that isn't the case so face up to the fact, they are running against a superior candidate who has the stature and intelligence to be our next president. His
speech on Tuesday should show everyone his ablity to be in our highest offfice.
I support a revote. I agree with Clinton that it would be wrong and unAmerican not to have a revote. What is the problem? Why is Barack Obama against the revote? I am so disappointed in this election in that the media and radio stations have been and continue to be so bias. It is clear, that they all support Obama and that ist a problem.
I am also a Barack Obama supporter and I don't have an issue with a revote. But I do believe that Hillary Clinton only wants this revote in hopes that she can enlarge here delegate count. What baffles me is, if Hillary felt these voices should be heard, why didn't she protest against it originally when the DNC decision was made. It turns things around when you ask for it when you are behind the poles, because it's not for the people, it's for Hillary's own gain.
Where was HRC when the DNC originally came out and said that the Michigan and Flordia delegates would not be seated. That's right, she was in line with the DNC. Now that she despirately NEEDs these votes, suddendly they are being disenfranchised. Just another typical HRC two-facer.
This may have been floated before.
Why don't they just let the Super Delegates vote in Michigan and Florida?
My problem with this is that they knew the rules, they decided to thumb there nose at the Democratic Party and now like little spoiled children that didn't play by the rules we have to let them vote over so they don't cry and throw a tantrum at the Convention.
Will Rogers was right when he quipped. "I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat."
Clinton she first agreed with Michigan and Florida to be penalized ,but now she is seeing that she,s loosing so she change her mind , that says a lot about her.
Not a good example for our children Hillary. Everyday we teach our children to play by the rules. Michagan and Florida did not play by the rules they endorsed and voted for>Now you want a DO OVER this look like something 4 and 5 year old children do. I have seen children do this for years when they don't like the results facing them.
Hillary should just drop out. She can't win. She's just dragging down the party at this point.
What frankly is unAmerican is Clinton's blatant attempts to win this nomination. It would not surprise me if the seeds for all of the Rev. Wright brouhaha weren't planted by her camp. Just exactly WHO did post on YouTube?
Every choice in life has consequences. Why should Michigan get to redo a vote when they broke the rules that were agreed to by the national party.
Perhaps the Michigan Democratic party will follow the rules in the future, however, if they get to have a re-do then next cycle it will be more states going their own way and the party as a whole will disintegreate into an unorganized bunch of lone rangers.
Every choice in life has consequences. Why should Michigan get to redo a vote when they broke the rules that were agreed to by the national party.
Perhaps the Michigan Democratic party will follow the rules in the future, however, if they get to have a re-do then next cycle it will be more states going their own way and the party as a whole will disintegreate into an unorganized bunch of lone rangers.
Obama continues to say one thing and then have to be confronted with the issue again because he "changes" his position. This is the only change that Obama is wanting to make. He need to support his party and agree to what is best for the Democrats and their ability to win the White House. Again he says he wants to be the great uniter but once again it is only words........
I AM INDEPENDANT.THIS ISSUE IS NOT WHO GETS ELECTED BUT ABOUT THE DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLE OF COUNTING PEOLE'S OPINION. OBAMA HAS TAKEN SO MANY DIFFRENT POSITIONS AND HAS BEEN FLOWING IN WIND. THEREFORE I MAY NOT VOTE FOR HIM. OBAMA FORCED VOTERS TO VOTE UNLISTED.HE WANTED TO DEPRIVE NAMED CANDIDATES OF VOTES.THEREFORE HE PARTICIPATED.
MICH AND FLA NEEDS TO BE COUNTED AND SEATED .IF NOT I WILL NOT VOTE FOR DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
DNC HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO SEAT THESE DELEGATES.
I live in Michigan, and I am against a revote. Our stupid state legislators thought it would be a great idea to move the state primary forward, our stupid governor signed off on it, and they're now getting what they deserve. I don't feel disenfranchised. It's just a primary. If someone messes with my vote in the general election, though, *then* I'll feel disenfranchised. Clinton will say or do anything to get elected. You may recall that prior to the discussions about a revote, she was advocating the seating of Michigan delegates based on the January results. That would have resulted in the disenfranchisement of anyone who wanted to vote for Obama or Edwards. She only cries disenfranchisement when it's in her political interests to do so. Enough already.
Maybe Barrack should give a big speech about home important it is to count votes - then the media will forget that he actually is blocking the vote.
I am a Barack Obama supporter. I Do NOT Support a revote. The two ststes in question knew the penalty for their actions going into this thing.If their voters have a gripe they should consider their elected officials. Maybe they should vote them out next time around. these officials are the ones responsible for the problem.
This may have been floated before.
Why don't they just let the Super Delegates vote in Michigan and Florida?
My problem with this is that they knew the rules, they decided to thumb there nose at the Democratic Party and now like little spoiled children that didn't play by the rules we have to let them vote over so they don't cry and throw a tantrum at the Convention.
Will Rogers was right when he quipped. "I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat."
Obama is such a hypocrit. Back off, man. Let the people have their say. He's just worried now because people are starting to see the light and most people know it will be Clinton/McCain in the fall. That will be a good match-up with two good candidates. Obama is just a temporary distraction.
And why shouldn't she want the delgates? If the popular vote of these states do in fact support Hillary, then she (or Obama) should be entitled to the votes and attached delegates. The fact that these states had to mess this up and go outside the norm and hold early primaries is another story plus an issue with the DNC.
What frankly is unAmerican is Clinton's blatant attempts to win this nomination. It would not surprise me if the seeds for all of the Rev. Wright brouhaha weren't planted by her camp. Just exactly WHO did post on YouTube?
Hillary Clinton is a joke and a disgrace to all Democrats. She has lost the race; time to admit and move on.
The rules are rules and now Hilary is complaining after signing off on the DNC decision in the fall. If she were ahead in the delegate count she would not be wanting to change the rules. There are two approaches that would be fair: one is to split the delegates 50/50 and seat them or the other is to follow the rules and not seat them. Anything else is submiting to people who complain only after things don't turn out in their favor.
If the democratic party doesn't do this right they have the chance of tearing the party apart and losing in the election. There is no doubt that the Clintons thought they would have the nomination clinched by now and this wouldn't be a problem.
Well that isn't the case so face up to the fact, they are running against a superior candidate who has the stature and intelligence to be our next president. His
speech on Tuesday should show everyone his ablity to be in our highest offfice.
Clinton wants to win in the worst possible way, and the way she is going about it is the worst way possible. MI and FL chose to ignore the DNC's rules; let MI and FL suffer the consequences.
There should be a re-vote! Why should so many people not be heard because the state made a bad decision?
How do you know it won't be done in time without trying>? Come on use the "better Judgement" you say you have ...do not disenfranchise millions of voters!!
This is Clinton poltics at its worst. She and her people all agreed that the Michigan and Florida primaries would not count. In fact, the head of her campaign is quoted as agreeing with this.
Now that she's trailing Obama, she's changing her mind.
Everyone, including Clinton, agreed to the rules. Now that they're not working for her, she wants to change them.
The Democrats are going to blow an opportuinty to take back the White House with all this bickering. This is what they're good at...eating their young.
Every choice in life has consequences. Why should Michigan get to redo a vote when they broke the rules that were agreed to by the national party.
Perhaps the Michigan Democratic party will follow the rules in the future, however, if they get to have a re-do then next cycle it will be more states going their own way and the party as a whole will disintegreate into an unorganized bunch of lone rangers.
Clinton is pathetic.
How is it Obamas fault that she agreed to rules?
How is Obamas fault that the states knew exactly what the consequences were and did it anyway?
How Clinton supporters how?
I'll tell you how it Obama fault. BECAUSE SHE IS LOSING AND WANTS TO CHANGE THE RULES.
Pathetic
Let Barack Obama's support have time to resurge after the Reverend Wright fiasco. Once his support from the people returns, then rerun the primaries. Lets see if Hillary Clinton is so big on the rights of the Michigan and Florida voters then. Hillary Clinton would not be heralding the rights of the voters flag if she did not think that she would have something to gain by it. She could care less about the 'rights' of the Michigan and Florida voters. She believes now, after Senator Obama's reputation has been trashed, that she can take advantage of the situation, and win the primary. I applaud Senator Obama for standing against Hillary Clinton's devious methods. I only hope he will survive the aweful nastiness that Hillary Clinton will continue to throw at him once she realizes she has lost.
I do not support a revote if not everyone can vote. Voters in MI are not required to register in a party and therefore anyone can vote in either primary. How many (particularly moderate voters who tend towards Obama) decided to vote in the Republican primary because they believed it counted but will now not be allowed to vote in the new primary? That's the problem with changing the rules midway through. Obama is not arbitrarily blocking a revote. He's blocking a revote that doesn't allow all of his supporters to vote. How is that undemocratic?
"just words". She really thinks she has something with that "just words" stuff.
Was the Gettysburg address "just words."
Words matter- a lot.
Clinton is right. The actual voters in Michigan deserve to have their votes counted in this critical process through a full primary election. It is not fair to punish them for the mistakes made by the Michigan's Democratic bureaucracy. The vote that occurred without Obama's name on the ballot clearly is not valid, so what is Obama afraid of??
It is becoming clear that Obama can't win in Nov. his whole campaign has been to bring people togather, and due to lastest out comes that is never going to happen. ( Thanks to our Republican Friends, but guess better now than if it happen in Oct.) We can't stand even another 4 years of a Republican in the White House ,they are going to bankrubt this country. We need to get back to like it was when President Clinton was in Office and have a balanced budget and start paying down our massive debt , before we start doing any of the things Obama or Clinton are promising to do. We Democrates have to have Michgan and Florida to win this Nov. and that is not going to happen if we don't let both states have an active role in picking our Candidate.
Obama: "Hey, let's make sure all this Michigan re-do thing is fair and legal. I don't want to be screwed."
Clinton: "Obama is trying to block your chance at a re-do, Michigan, by bringing up garbage like "fairness" and "legalities". The truth is, he just doesn't want to be screwed. Well that's crap. Rest assured Michigan, when I'm President, I'll never allow anyone to prevent themselves from being screwed by me again. The way it SHOULD be. God Bless America"!!!!
whine 'o whiners!
Let the true democratic process run its course.
Dont deprive people of speaking up their minds into choosing what is best for this country.
Once again, greed at its best.
Those who want it, and those who have it.
This is just hopeless.
The rules should be followed. Clinton signed off on this when she thought she was the inevitible nominee. Now it is her that wants to change the rules when the outcome doesn't suit her. HIpocracy and self-servitude.
Michigan broke the rules set out by the DNC, because they thought that at this stage in the primary season, their primary wouldn't matter. Well, they were wrong. The people of Michigan have their party leaders to blame for this disenfranchisement.
Would Michigan voters be disenfranchised if they split the delegates 50/50? Bottom line: Obama wins this contest without the drama. With the drama, and let's face it, the political system runs best when there's sufficient voter intrigue and interest, Clinton pulls it out. As American voters, we're not even discussing the problems our nation is facing. The "contest" is getting all the media focus.
Clinton wants to win the nomination in the worst possible way, and the way she is accomplishing this is in the worst way possible. MI and FL chose to ignore the DNC's primary election rules; let them suffer the consequences
I'm from Michigan. I was told a vote for a democrat would not count. I was told a write-in vote for Obama would not count. I voted for my 2nd choice - McCain. MIchigan's primaries are, by law, open to everyone - inlcuding independents like me.
I stongly support and contribute to Obama. If someone can tell me how a democratic primary can be re-created with no simultaneous contested republican primary, and without disenfranchising the concerned voters like me who believed what we were told and actutally bothered to vote, I would like to hear it.
Hilary Clinton is big whine bag, all she is doing is grabbing headlines and Blame Obama for every little road block she encounters. I think it's time for her to proceed with the election based on the decisions that were made on Florida and Michigan from the DNC. She is nothing but a slick Willy clone, good job Billy Boy.
OBAMAFASCHISTS: New term for the activist cadre of the Obama campaign who are working night and day to cram their candidate on the Democratic Party and who let no principals stand in their way (a few of the trampled basics: democracy, truthfulness, integrity).
It is becoming clear that Obama can't win in Nov. his whole campaign has been to bring people togather, and due to lastest out comes that is never going to happen. ( Thanks to our Republican Friends, but guess better now than if it happen in Oct.) We can't stand even another 4 years of a Republican in the White House ,they are going to bankrubt this country. We need to get back to like it was when President Clinton was in Office and have a balanced budget and start paying down our massive debt , before we start doing any of the things Obama or Clinton are promising to do. We Democrates have to have Michgan and Florida to win this Nov. and that is not going to happen if we don't let both states have an active role in picking our Candidate.
If Barack Obama is truly about NOT representing all Americans, then certainly he should NOT be President.
it could be obama is doing her a favor; she could get plenty embarrassed by a revote...
put barack obama's name on that ballot, and the results would surely be to his favor...
same with florida - tell the voters their votes WILL count, and you'll see...
just a hunch...
I am hardly a Clinton hater (and am a big fan of her husband). Still, a do-over is on par with election fraud. The Michigan Democratic Party broke their national rules by pushing to get influence by holding an early election. In turn, the national party told the Democrats that their delegates wouldn't be seated. A number of Democrats removed their name from the ballot to honor their party's rules. The major candidate who didn't now wants these votes to count? (She actually has claimed to "win" Michigan and Florida, which technically she has, but no delegates will be seated from either.) Let us not turn into the GOP here and start rigging elections. Let this stay where it is - no delegates seated from Michigan.
Re-vote would be great. Hillary is trying every trick in the book to get elected. I'm sorry but it will unfair to people in Michgan who wanted to vote for Obama and he was not on the Ballet.
Senator Obama seems to change his position on things on a regular basis. I'm beginning to feel he can't be trusted. He switches back and forth to what ever he feels the voters want to hear. He is the same on the deal with his minister, He's known him for twenty years but he doesn't seem to really know him? I feel that the people in Florida and Michigan should be allowed to have their votes counted regardless. No one has the right to throw these voters ballots in the trash and forget about them, not Clinton or Obama.
It is becoming clear that Obama can't win in Nov. his whole campaign has been to bring people togather, and due to lastest out comes that is never going to happen. ( Thanks to our Republican Friends, but guess better now than if it happen in Oct.) We can't stand even another 4 years of a Republican in the White House ,they are going to bankrubt this country. We need to get back to like it was when President Clinton was in Office and have a balanced budget and start paying down our massive debt , before we start doing any of the things Obama or Clinton are promising to do. We Democrates have to have Michgan and Florida to win this Nov. and that is not going to happen if we don't let both states have an active role in picking our Candidate.
Allowing a re-vote at this time is a little like allowing me to bet on the horse race when the horses are at the finish line. Wow, would I love to be able to do that without going to jail!
I am not for either party but, do not understand why they don;t just go ahead and count the votes. It seems to me that our country was set up based on strong state rights and if Michigan and Florida wants to change when they vote then they should be allowed to do so.
It is becoming clear that Obama can't win in Nov. his whole campaign has been to bring people togather, and due to lastest out comes that is never going to happen. ( Thanks to our Republican Friends, but guess better now than if it happen in Oct.) We can't stand even another 4 years of a Republican in the White House ,they are going to bankrubt this country. We need to get back to like it was when President Clinton was in Office and have a balanced budget and start paying down our massive debt , before we start doing any of the things Obama or Clinton are promising to do. We Democrates have to have Michgan and Florida to win this Nov. and that is not going to happen if we don't let both states have an active role in picking our Candidate.
I hope that these states are allowed to vote. They are both critical states for the national election. You know, the one where all of the little states that Obama won don't really matter. I also believe that a great deal of those states he won will ultimately go as red states in the general election. Does anyone honestly think that South Carolina, Mississippi, Wyoming and Iowa are going to determine the next president? A more likely scenario would be states like Ohio, New York, California, Michigan, Florida, Texas and Illinois are going to determine the next president. Hillary either won or competed well in all of these venues with the exception of Obama's home state where he did trounce her. Obama has also put himself in the position of being the cadidate that has to be nice no matter what his opponent throws at him and once the republican machine fires up he'll get shredded over his insane pastor or something like that and he'll try to take the high road and he'll end up going quietly into the night. Clinton is obviously much more aggressive and once the gloves come off I believe that she has the best chance of going toe to toe with the likes of McCain. At any rate, aggravating the democratic voter base of two states that hold a combined 44 electoral votes is going to help Democrats hand the White House over to the Republicans.
Those folks that voted in the primary knew that their votes were not going to be counted. So they should take resposiblity for their actions. Does anybody have to obey rules anymore?
All Barack needs to do is make a Big Speech about how important voting is - then the media will forget that he is actually BLOCKING the vote in Michigan. Big Speeches seem to work well for Barack.
I am a Obama supporter. And I support a fair revote. And I think Obama supports revote, so long as it is fair.
Those folks that voted in the primary knew that their votes were not going to be counted. So they should take resposiblity for their actions. Does anybody have to obey rules anymore?
All Barack needs to do is make a Big Speech about how important voting is - then the media will forget that he is actually BLOCKING the vote in Michigan. Big Speeches seem to work well for Barack.
Why is a Re-vote even being discussed? Why wasn't "disenfranchising the voters" considered before these states went against party rules? Sounds like back peddaling to me. We don't like the penalty so let's just change the rules,...after the game has already started! When there's a Republican in office in '08,..thank yourselves.
I do not believe there should be a revote. The Democratic Party in both states agreed to the rules 18 months ago of no early voting, then the Parties in each of the states disregarded the agreement and did what they damn well wanted. Shame on them. The people of the states need to be upset with their state party for not following the rules, not the DNC or the candidates. If they can not participate as a delegate it is of their own doing and not any one elses. Take and be responsible for your choices , which in this case was, not adhereing to the rules. Also, both candidates agreed, now one candidate is behind and now wants to change the rules - wait isn't that what has been happening in the White House over the past 7 years?!
Michigan broke the rules!! Why should a revote be allowed???????
The DNC should stand by their initial decision. The Primary in Michigan does not count
I am hardly a Clinton hater (and am a big fan of her husband). Still, a do-over is on par with election fraud. The Michigan Democratic Party broke their national rules by pushing to get influence by holding an early election. In turn, the national party told the Democrats that their delegates wouldn't be seated. A number of Democrats removed their name from the ballot to honor their party's rules. The major candidate who didn't now wants these votes to count? (She actually has claimed to "win" Michigan and Florida, which technically she has, but no delegates will be seated from either.) Let us not turn into the GOP here and start rigging elections. Let this stay where it is - no delegates seated from Michigan.
Why should Obama want to revote Michigan. He's already ahead, why take a chance. The decision is already made. I would let it be.
From the Clinton family campaign guidebook:
"If the vote doesn't work your way, then mess it up in court until it does."
.
The Republicans changed the primary date. Why should Democratic voters be penalized?
Everyone in this country has the right to vote. Including Florida and Michigan.
Obama is fighting against a revote because he is worried Hillary could overtake him in the popular vote nationwide if she wins Michigan and Florida.
Even IF Clinton gets the delegates from MI and FL, all she has accomplished is moving the goalpost. Instead of needing 2025 delegates for the nomination, she will need 2208 and while she would get more of the MI and FL votes/delegates than Obama, it's not nearly enough to make up the gap. It still comes down to fun and games with the superdelegates who, if they uphold the election results, must throw their support to Obama.
She agreed to Michgan and Florida not being seated. Now she is going back on that decision. This is the biggest problem I have with Mrs. Clinton. She goes with the flow, until she realizes that the flow is headed for a water fall, then she cries fowl. We do not need another four years or a full grown child as President. Eight years with Bush and Darth Vader playing in the sand and letting this country go to hell in a hand basket…
Hillary should just drop out. She can't win. She's just dragging down the party at this point.
What saddens me is if she wins via trickery or superdelegates, and then carries the presidency, she will be viewed as illegitimate and shall find herself unable to function as president at all. She would loose by winning. I've met Mrs Clinton, shaken her hand, and would be proud at her being president, but not like this. She has lost, just cannot accept it.
A re-vote would be fine its fair to both parties. Michigan lawmakers are moving too slow on this issue. Sen. Obama's campaign has some seemingly legitimate concerns regarding legality and fairness which need to be clarified before authorizing this particular plan for a re-vote. Sen. Clinton too often points the finger and tries to smear Obama. She can pressure him to consent without suggesting he's a lier or a cheat.
I too am fine with a re-vote, otherwise the Michigan delegates should be restored 50/50 since Obama was not on the ballot in the original January primary. As for Florida, since they are not going to re-vote, and since both candidates were on the ballot, and neither candidate had an unfair advantage (because neither campaigned actively in the state), I actually favor restoring Florida's delegates in accordance with Florida's January primary vote. I think this will ensure that Democratic voters in both states don't feel alienated in November. Plus, restoring Florida's delegates in this manner will appease Sen. Clinton and won't hurt Sen. Obama very much in terms of ultimate delegate totals or the national popular vote.
Why is a Re-vote even being discussed? Why wasn't "disenfranchising the voters" considered before these states went against party rules? Sounds like back peddaling to me. We don't like the penalty so let's just change the rules,...after the game has already started! When there's a Republican in office in '08,..thank yourselves.
Michigan and Florida both knew the rules and both broke them by having their primaries early. Giving them a "do-over" is only reinforcing bad behavior and setting a negative precedent for the future. Hillary's here because she thinks Jennifer can get everyone to vote for her (the mole's up for a cabinet position if Hillary gets it, btw - then God save us all from her trashing anything nationally as bad as she's trashed our state.) I support Hillary (just hate Granholm) and I do NOT support a re-vote (and I'm a Michigan resident).
I'm a born Democrat and one off the thousands from Florida who will not support my party in November if our vote don't count!!! This is a DNC problem not a voters problem and we all know the DNC is backing...... Go Mc Cann!!!!
I'm a born Democrat and one off the thousands from Florida who will not support my party in November if our vote don't count!!! This is a DNC problem not a voters problem and we all know the DNC is backing...... Go Mc Cann!!!!
Has everyone forgotten that Clinton supported thier delegates not getting seated? what will happen during the next election if these states are allowed to break the rules and get away with? what kind of message does this send to americans. I bet Lindsey, Britney, and Paris completly agree with the revotes.
I voted for Clinton in Texas,and would consider Obama a very good candidate as well, but I don't see how he wins in the fall if he turns his back on Florida and Michigan. The DNC has screwed this thing up and they don't offer any leadership right now to help things along. Fire the ediot Dean, then get someone in there who will offer solutions and not offer more problems like the ediot.
New York Senator Hillary Clinton should be doing a little work in her own state. She was the one who thought she was guaranteed the nomination and did not plan after Super Tuesday. She was the only name on the ballot before . Just like her and Bill experience in the White House proves: You couldn't do it right the first time and people are not willing to further jeopardize their futures a second time!
In the case of the Florida Primary, it was Republican state legislators, who out voted the Democrats, to move the election date, and a Republican Governor, who signed the bill, so, why should Democrat voters be disenfranchised, when they have done NOTHING, to be punished for??? ~ The original Primary vote should stand!!! ~ Michigan, on the other hand, did not have all the candidates on the ballot, therefore, a "Redo" is needed, there!!! ~ Why is there a problem with that, unless the Obama camp does not want Clinton to win Michigan, again??? ~ The reason stated, that those who voted in the Republican primary would be disenfranchised is totally bogus, because, any other solution would allow them to vote TWICE!!! ~ Now, THAT sounds a bit unfair!!!