January 15, 2008
Posted: 09:50 PM ET

(CNN) — Hillary Clinton's campaign said Michigan's Democratic primary vote for the New York senator sent a clear message — despite the fact that she was the only major presidential candidate on the ballot.

“Tonight Michigan Democrats spoke loudly for a new beginning," said campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle in a statement sent to reporters shortly after the polls closed in the state. "You spoke out for an economy that would honor the middle class, not punish it. You spoke out for a president who will fight to create good paying jobs at a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet.

"You spoke out for an end to the war in Iraq. You spoke out for a quality, affordable health care system that works for all Americans. For that, we thank you. Your voices matter. And as president, Hillary Clinton will not only keep listening, but will make sure your voice is always heard."

The other major Democratic contenders pulled their names from consideration in Michigan, and none have campaigned there, following the national party’s decision to penalize the state for defying its instructions not to hold its primary in January.

–CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Filed under: Michigan


shaun   January 15th, 2008 9:55 pm ET

Give me a break…I'm about to loose my dinner. Hillary runs against no one and that's a major victory for team clinton…Get a life hillary

stefanowitsch   January 15th, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Clinton barely gets a majority, being virtually the only contestant on the ballot … what does that say?

mb   January 15th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

YES!!
the message is clear: Team Hillary is insane. If you are a Hillary supporter, you must be hanging your head in shame at this.

oh wait what am I saying?!?!
i want Hillary to win the nomination so a Repub (except Guiliani) will win.
let me rephrase: This is clearly the beginning of a landslide run to the nomination for Hillary.

Amazing   January 15th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

LOL

John, boston, MA   January 15th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Are we supposed to believe all the rubbish that comes out of Hillary camp. A major victory speech will be delivered in some time. Actually she should be saying I was given a tough fight inspite of being only one on the ballot. The fact that so many came to poll in as Non committed speaks highly of the resolve of American people of not seeing Hillary past fFbruary.

Matt Davenport   January 15th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

obama, and Edwards supporters voted uncommited, and we still on manage (1/3) of the vote.

Clinton should of got 40% max.

RECOUNT

Len, Fallbrook, CA   January 15th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Kind of like voting in the old Soviet Union or the former Iraq, only one candidate.

I WON! I WON!

Depressing…………….

Sean CA   January 15th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

She barely gets a victory, and not everyone knew about the uncomitted vote. She lost big time, it's sad that the Clinton camp doesn't see that, they even went so far as to claim a big victory, c'mon thats sad.

s.positive   January 15th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

You must be deluding if you think the smart ones amongst us will buy the so called clear message…

steve wilmington   January 15th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

umm…they spoke out for Clinton strategy…they spoke out for manipulated political verses for press releases…for more dirty politics…the Clintons should be so proud.

marina   January 15th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

I don't think it was the wisest choice for Hillary to stay on the ballot when the other democrats pulled out…but it's still looking pretty good for her. Love her, hate her; she's running a shrewd campaign.

Stevo   January 15th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

Sorry, but all these things are starting to remind me of the current administration.

MARY   January 15th, 2008 10:09 pm ET

SHE IS WINNING BY 50000 votes! Uncommitted is both edwards obama! She would have won either way !

Dean   January 15th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

The democratic party threw their thumb at the entire state.
The results are thus sketchy and meaningless.
There is no credibility to the results.
They shouldn't even bother reporting a democratic "winner".

Instead they should have made a big stink on how everyone was shafted out of their right to vote.

I call redo!
Everyone's vote should count or lets just chuck the whole folly of voting and live under the helm of kings and queens again.

Eric   January 15th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Actually, what it says to me is that there isn't nearly as much Hillary Hatred among the voting public as bloggers would have us believe. Both the Edwards and Obama campaigns encouraged their supporters to vote non-committed in this primary, but combined that ended up under 35%. This primary could have had the potential to be a real embarrassment to Hillary Clinton given the close nature of the race. One would think that a combined John and Barack vote would have eclipsed Hillary's support. Not so. It also showed a very strong commitment by Hillary supporters to come out and support their candidate even when it didn't matter. Think about that one.

jan   January 15th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Hillary is so much a part of the democratic family, untill she left her name on the ballot. The governor of Michagen was upset with the Democratic party, and praised Mrs. Clinton for leaving her name on the ballot,said she was encouraging people to vote for her. Her victory could have been out of spite! She appears to be a republican in Democratic cloths!

Matt A.   January 15th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

It says that there were still people dumb enough to vote for her… lol

Jeff   January 15th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Haha. The Clinton campaign makes me laugh.

Poli   January 15th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Why didn't Hillary honor the wishes of the Democratic party and withdraw due to the state moving it's primaries?

The only "clear message" is that this woman is ruthless in pursuing her goal to be the first "Boo Hoo" president!

What's the point if no delegates attend the primaries?

As of the moment, there are 37% of the Dems voting basically "none of the above".

I hope Shillary didn't spend a lot of campaign funds in Michigan for this. :)

PS I wonder if Hillary's DUI campaign staffer was the one who rear-ended Edwards daughter in SC? Wouldn't that be "Hillaryous"? :) (Pun intended)

Adrian   January 15th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

Pathetic… the crybaby won against nobody! You go girl! Does this mean that we are on our way to another Clinton Tabloid Presidency? Maybe she'll celebrate by invading Iran…

Karen   January 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Hillary was the only democratic on the ticket, and didn't win an overwhelming majority, AND they want to declare victory???!! HA HA HA!! Cackle, Cackle! This is Hillary-ous.

Don't forget to add that many democratic voters stayed home. This is laughable. The Clinton campaign is really insulting the intelligence of American voters.

Kelly   January 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Looks like the "uncommitted" campaign flopped! It didn't even flip…. just flopped.

If all of the non-Clinton voters voted non committed, this would mean that Clinton had a landslide.

Clinton '08!

Amy   January 15th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

The Hillary voters only came out because she was on the ticket. The only one on the ticket. She could never win Michigan because it was the Clintons who created NAFTA and sold our jobs overseas.

Matt A.   January 15th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

"It also showed a very strong commitment by Hillary supporters to come out and support their candidate even when it didn't matter. Think about that one."

No, it just showed that the people that went wanted to vote for someone, and also Obama and Edwards' supporters probably felt like, "If my guy isn't on the ballot, and I'm not allowed to write them in, then why should I go? Especially since we don't even have any delegates…"

Ray   January 15th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Yes it is a big sign. You Hillary haters will never admit your wrong. Everyone was pushing to vote uncommitted and it did not work. IT DID NOT WORK. It might not mean anything, but given the week Hillary has had and all the HATE by Obama fans, It means a lot.

Im sure had uncommitted won, then I bet it would mean something then!!

Anybody but Obama!!!

As Predicted   January 15th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

Yeah, ALL of Edwards/Obama supporters voted uncommited. If you really think they all came out and that this was an actual representation of the voters of Michigan, you are one of the most idiotic people in the world. This literally say meant nothing, and there shouldn't even be news coverage of it.

Edwards and Obama both had the dignity for one another to take their names off the ballot in respect to the Democratic Party's decision there. Hillary, however, did not.

The fact that so many people actually came to vote for their candidate in a way of non-commited speaks louder than those who did come out to vote for Hillary.

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Hillary. I'm an Obama supporter, but I respect and believe all 3 would be great presidents. That said, I was telling me friends that my worst fear about Michigan was that Hillary would try to paint it was a huge victory, and those who are uninformed would believe it. Maybe I should go into fortune telling or something.

andrew k   January 15th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

major victory???

laughable..

clinton is lame,

congrats hillary, you won against the uncommitted voters. is this the comeback you were talking about?

Carrie   January 15th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Thanks uncommitted voters!!

Kim, Dallas, TX   January 15th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

What an unbelievable joke. LOL No one really understood the uncommitted vote, as moving up the date was setting a new precedent. Winning a few votes with only one real name on the ballot is fooling yourself. Many democrats ended up voting for McCain and even more stayed home since there wasn't a real race. Get real with the news CNN. Anyone with an ounce of common sense knew that the Michigan vote was a charade for the Democratic Party with no delegates even being awarded. Of course HIllary would stay on the ballot, she will stop at nothing if she feels it will increase her chances, even if it meant going against the DNC.

Anonymous   January 15th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

I think it's more telling that, despite the lack of choice and incentive to vote, forty percent of the Democratic voters would brave the cold just to vote against Hillary. Also, Democrats made up 7% of the Republican primary vote. Sixty-five thousand Democrats would rather vote for a Republican than Hillary.

balto nancy   January 15th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

I think it was a real smart move by Hillary to stay on the ballot, da#$ it folks the
people of Michigan are drowning in loss of jobs, income, houses, and the rest
of us don't see it? If you don't get it, Hillary made a statement bucking the
DNC by staying on the ballot to say Michigan, I am with you, and like it or
not the voters will remember that , when they vote for her to be president!

cowards- the other Dem candidates, they should have stayed on, and said
Michigan 's voice needs to be heard.

ps why is Obama visiting and fundraising in FLA when they were forbid
to do that , since FLA, also has been taken out of the primary and its delagates?

do some more reading before you crucify Hillary.

Sean, Detroit, MI   January 15th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

hahahahahaha

Hillary is beating "UNCOMMITTED", by a 57%-38% margin! the only "message" sent here is that she's pathetic

Tim   January 15th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

This is a major victory for Hillary supporters in MI. The votes may not count but America heard their voices. MI wants Hillary to represent them. Not Edwards+Obama=Uncommitted. Shame on Obama & Edwards.

Christian, Tampa FL   January 15th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

I'm not so sure that they even spoke out at all, to be frank. It seems that a lot of Democrats went for the GOP primary and probably a number of others just stayed home.

Barbara   January 15th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

I support Hillary as she is strong in her commiitments, she shows that she can take all the darts and keep on with her promises. She also shows that she can be tender . Also she would not grab social security from our people for support for the Bush war and endeavor to bring our boys home before they can not be deprogramed from all the terror they are involved in. She is made of the good stuff and will do her best to get this country back on it's feet. You have my vote, Hillary.

Anne -Detroit, MI   January 15th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

Keep in mind, Michigan is against NAFTA big-time. Bill Clintonstarted NAFTA, immediately sending good-paying American jobs to Mexico and beyond. Hillary acts as if she is, but she's no friend of the unions.

K., VA   January 15th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

I think it's more telling that, despite the lack of choice and incentive to vote, forty percent of the Democratic voters would brave the cold just to vote against Hillary. Also, Democrats made up 7% of the Republican primary vote. Sixty-five thousand Democrats would rather vote for a Republican than Hillary

thomas   January 15th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

Granholm showed no class, I would expect nothing less than for her to vote for Hillary, shes the only one running that would be crazy enough to give Granholm a job when shes done as gov. Hey maybe she will allow her to drive the country into a depression like shes done here in Michigan, what a joke. OBAMA 08

Mirta   January 15th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Looks like the Obama "tidal wave" couldn't muster up enough "uncommited" votes to make a statement. You would think that people would have voted to prove a point that Michigan would support him in the general election. Just the opposite is true. Clinton supporters were heard even if the party officials will ignore it. Michigan knows the difference between a qualified candidate and one with just fluff (Come to think of it, so did New Hampshire…). Go Hillary!

Stop the Hate   January 15th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

To Ray and all other hate spewers,

Let's keep this civil, for heaven's sake. I'm an Obama supporter, but if he dosen't win, I certainly will support whoever is the nominee. All three of these candidates are almost in total alignment on the issues. I would prefer Obama over Hillary, but that dosen't mean I'm going to start yelling, "Anyone but Hillary", or make a cute little phrase like "No Billary", similar to "NObama". If you want to see true change in this country, you need to stop the hate mongering and rally around the ideas and ideology you have, not the hate that the media is fueling.

SecondSage   January 15th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

All the democrats voted for mccain. ouch for the general election

Barbara   January 15th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Hillary is a strong woman who shows she can take the darts and come out on top. She will try and get this country back on it's feet. She will take her oath on the Bible not the Koran . She will not be against any race or creed and will not agree to combine church and state. She can show her tender side as well as her agressive side. She knows what it is to go through embarrasment and come out the winner. May she be our next president., God willing.

Joe Boyer   January 15th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Clintons are playing very smart!!?? I am sure they will play the same game in Florida to "win" another state??!! Thanks to Clintons that November elections will be a landslide victory for Republicans. More they push nonsense like this, more hatred they trigger. Clintons are ironically becoming the biggest obstacle for a United America. "United We Stand" but not under Clintons! Since Clintons show time and time again that they only stand for themselves!! Independents and moderate/common-sense Democrats should watch the Republican nomination closely. It seems that noone, including Clintons themselves will survive Clintons induced bloodbath in Democratic party!

thomas   January 15th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

I am 29 as is my wife we voted uncommitted, we have never voted for a dem before but weve seen enough. But here is a more interesting fact, my parents who were firm right wingers today voted for uncommited. they have seen enough and are leaning towards Obama. If Hillary wins the Nomination my presidental vote will be for a Republican. Why? We recieved BUSH part 2 and look how that turned out. OBAMA 08

tacobell   January 15th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

This is a Major victory for HRC!

Every single Edwards&Obama supporter cast their vote for Uncomitted.
Not one chose to vote in the republican primary since they couldn't vote for their specific democratic choice.
Every single one of them made sure not to use the 'write in' candidate line since their vote wouldn't be counted then.

So now Hillary can claim a Major Victory and take those MI delegates!

…oh wait….

Seam, Philly, Pa   January 15th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

I'm actually dissapointed to see people in Michigan actually voted for Hillary, considering her latest behavior. I guess there are people in Michigan that prefer status quo - keep the family dynasties alive! I know it's cold, and really depressing in Michigan, but you guys need to get fired up!

Obama 08.

Seam, Philly, Pa   January 15th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

MARY January 15, 2008 10:09 pm ET

SHE IS WINNING BY 50000 votes! Uncommitted is both edwards obama! She would have won either way !
———————————————————————————————————-
Mary, are you delusional?

Jonathan   January 15th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

I agree with the above post. I hope the drones don't hop on the bandwagon after the "claiming victory" "clear message" brainwashing attempt.

No hate for Hillary. The only downside to her is that she is wrapped around the "pinkey" of big business. We would not see the overhaul of govt. under handedness that we would with Obama. I sincerely hope that the other delegates go to him.

Jen, New York, NY   January 15th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

The campaign manager should look at the exit poll numbers a little closer because when people who had voted for Clinton were asked who they would vote for had all the candidates been listed on the ballot, 37% of the people who had voted for Clinton said they would have voted for Obama, and 12% of them would have voted for Edwards. So what does that tell you? Again, she captured the rural, less educated, and lower income group (could this be a pattern…).

a faithful michigander   January 15th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

this is NOT a major victory for hillary. i respect the woman and what she does, but it is simply ridiculous for her supporters to tout this as a victory. she flagrantly disregarded the rules and wishes of her party and was the only candidate on the ballot.

being the only candidate on the ballot would obviously entice her supporters to come out and cast the vote for her. this is pretty obvious. it was a cold and crummy day in many parts of the state, and not having the candidate you support on the ballot probably dissuaded many democrats from voting at all. the mere fact that such a large precentage did come out just to cast that uncommitted vote should send a message of warning to the clinton campaign, that michigan democrats are not in her pocket. its simply ludicrious that its being touted as a victory. there was no real competition and yet she only managed to pull 60% of the vote.

i'm trying not to lose my respect for the woman or her campaign tactics as well as her supporters, but its difficult. even if this was the candidate i support, i would not count winning michigan as winning a landslide victory.

its time for change. obama '08!

Jim   January 15th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

McCain is the best of the GOP options.

Smart people for Obama.

PG   January 15th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

Democrats in Michigan voted for Republicans over Sen. Clinton and the Clinton Campaign is parading a one person win in a meaningless contest. Well CONGRATULATIONS you have captured the only 24 delegates which can't be counted. Nearly 200,000 people in freezing cold Michigan temperatures went to the polls to vote UNCOMMITTED rather then for Sen. Clinton. If that's not a demonstration for change I don't no what is!

Independent Marcus Moore   January 15th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

wow….so when it doesn't "officially" count, the Obama and Edwards cults decide to stay at home and dismiss the results? Is that what happened? Is that why the uncommitted votes did not surmount to a greater number than that of Clinton's?

That's just stupid. If you want to talk about "change" and wanting to be a part of "change," you should march all the way in the cold to VOTE for "change" or uncommitted…. and try to make it obvious that Clinton is not the one for Michigan…. that didn't happen at all…

Clinton wins and just because of that people are trying to say she wasn't opposed…. uhhh yes she was…. you were all told to vote uncommitted…that is opposition - duh…. and she still won… people went out in the cold to be heard and to vote for who they believe in.

Some votes are out of spite you may say? Michigan is just being nice to her for keeping her name on the ballot and punishing the others for withdrawing? I seriously doubt it, but even if it were true, that's the fault of Obama and Edwards. They should have kept their names on the ballots to give Michigan a voice…but simply because they didn't invest in Michigan and were afraid of uninfluenced results…they walk away…. that's just sad. It wasn't to speak against Michigan for moving up their primary and not waiting for Super Tuesday… they were just afraid of losses. Especially Edwards, who should be gone by now.

Lets say Uncommitted ends up w/ 40% …we all know that at least 10% to 15% would have gone to Edwards… so it seems that Obama would have had 25 to 30% at the most…. WEAK. If the votes end up counting, Clinton could get a large amount of delegates…

The results are not sketchy or meaningless…on the contrary, the results show people who want change have Clinton on their minds as the next president.

Michigan is worried about the economy….and these results show that Hilary CLINTON is their answer and that of the country's.

Thomas Gazi   January 15th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Clinton can claim nothing, I would have gone out and voted today, but Obama wasn't on the ballot. How many more are out there like me?

Prayu   January 15th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Major victory for Hillary? Dodd has 1% of the vote, and he's not even running anymore.
The only meaning in this vote, was that the uncommitted option receive at least 15% of the vote so that delegates could be sent later. That has been more than accomplished, so its actually a major victory for Obama and Edwards.

Democrats and Independents mostly just stayed home because they know its meaningless. And not everyone knows about the uncommitted option either. But it still got more than what it needed.

Matt   January 15th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Sounds like alot of Republicans leaving comments in here tonight, looking at the Hillary Glass Half empty instead of half full. I think it speaks greatly of Hillary in MI she would have won easily even with the others running

Neal Rosette   January 15th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Hillary Clinton, and especially her campaign spokesperson must really think the living and breathing American public can't see through the absolute nonsense of this supposed WIN in Michigan. It just goes to show that if she were elected President, then it would be business as usual (big business) in the beltway! Cmon America–don't be fooled to think that Hillary will bring about "CHANGE" in this country–especially in the health care arena as her largest campaign contributors are the health care industry. Don't you think they may want a return on their investment? I'm a staunch Democrat but if she's all that's left–I'll vote Republican!

Robert Bell   January 15th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

I guess that is the only way Hillary can win - in an election where she is the only name on the ballot.

Isn't that how CASTRO runs elections?

REMIND ME AGAIN why the other candidates took their names off the ballot in Michigan and Florida and Hillary did not?

I guess she forgot. Or something.

I'll will BET YOU than by the time the Democratic Primary rolls around, the party will decide to "forgive" Michigan and Florida and count their delegates - for Clinton.

The fix is in.

That the Clinton team would claim this as a "victory" is digusting.

Anthony, Los Angeles, CA   January 15th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

I am a Clinton supporter but I agree with those saying that there's no way to know how this vote would have been different if all names were on the ballot. It's good that she has a majority of the votes cast, but there is no way to know which Edwards and Obama supporters stayed home rather than put forth the effort to go out and vote "uncommitted." Based on the polls, I believe Clinton would have still won Michigan but similarly to the way she won New Hampshire, with Obama in a close second place, but that's simply my opinion. Obama will likely win in SC and I believe it will be a close three way race in Nevada. Either way, it's an interesting race!

Clinton/Obama '08!

mossie   January 15th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Even if the boys were here, Hillary would have easily won this one! Like it or not Hillary is our nominee. Start accepting this very simple arthmetic!

Mo, San Jose, CA   January 15th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

English is not my native language, so please explain how Michigan sent a message if there is no major competitors there?

Mark   January 15th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

LOL @ Hillary!!! LOL!!!

Independent Marcus Moore   January 15th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Anonymous, if you are saying: "Democrats made up 7% of the Republican primary vote. Sixty-five thousand Democrats would rather vote for a Republican than Hillary"

then add that 65 to the uncommitted votes to make yourself happy….CLINTON still wins over both Obama and Edwards combined…

thanks for pointing that out!

Cheers.

Mo, San Jose, CA   January 15th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

Oh and why only 35% voted uncommitted if Obama and Edward urged their supporters to vote so? because who would wanna go out to vote "uncommitted" if they only see Hillary runs? Who would wanna go and vote if they see that primary as almost meaningless? 35% voted uncommitted is HUGE because these people went out in cold weather just to vote uncommitted and to vote against Hillary

Donne   January 15th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

Oh! others pulled out but she remained and contested against herself. This a clear indication that she remain a divider, working against her party" s decision.

Is she lord over others or what. What impectus?, what audacity?, what kind of person is she? refusing to obey party order. Americans should not submit themselves to such a candidate who do not obey a party order.

Bravo mrs Clinton for winning against yourself..

How I wish you obey your party.!

timbob   January 15th, 2008 11:08 pm ET

A victory?????
What a scam!! I have been following this primary and its outcome since the MDNC made the blunder. UNCOMMITTED

Hillary "couldn't" remove her name by the proper deadline, but " I won't campaign in Michigain" UNCOMMITTED

Ironically she didn't inhale, but got all the ————- media publicitity and the electors should the DNC change its mind. UNCOMMITTED

A good portion of my friends didn't vote because their canidate was not on the ballot…….. go UNCOMMITTED

The Republicans are allowing 1/2 of the delegates as punishment. ALL of thier NAMES were on the ballot.

UNCOMMITTED UNCOMMITTED UNCOMMITTED

Benny Lava   January 15th, 2008 11:09 pm ET

This was a tough race for Hillary. How could she play the victim strategy when no one was standing against her?

Nick. S.   January 15th, 2008 11:09 pm ET

Go Hillary! This shows that she would have beaten the Obama in a landslide!

AmahoroShalom   January 15th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

WOW!
Clinton should learn from this "MI VICTORY", she'll WIN 'overwhelmingly" only if there's no republican candidate….otherwise she can't beat nobody…no wonder why Carl Rove wants her as the democratic candidate…

Karen, NYC   January 15th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

WOW!!!! This is deep !!!! LOL!!!!!

Mike   January 15th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

Hillary tried to pull a Bush move tonight on the MSNBC debate, saying America should be more worried about an attack if she is not elected.

I just won't be able to vote for her if she ends up the Dem candidate…and will not vote for the GOP candidate unless it's McCain.

Tyler in Raleigh, NC   January 15th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

So Hillary winning is like:

North Korea's election
Russia in the communist era
Iraq under Hussein
Cuba voting for Castro

CONGRATS HILLARY!!

You won the US equivalent of a sham vote! And you speak like Castro, Sadam and the Russians claiming a great victory when you are the only choice on the ballot!!

Welcome to the new USA, soon to be split into Bushtakistan and Clintopia.

matchu   January 15th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

Less than 90% of precincts are in and her lead has SHRUNK 17% with uncommited almost garnering 40% of the vote….how sad for Hillary and how wonderful for the rest of us :].

David   January 15th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Obama and Edwards's lame attempt to divide the Democrats by urging them to vote uncommitted didn't work. Haha, Hillary still won. Get over it.

Major Man, Petersburg, VA   January 15th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

HRC kept her name on the ballot to prepare for a lawsuit when she loses the nomination to Obama.

Over 110,000 people braved the Michigan cold just to vote "uncommitted"…surely, there were many who decided to not vote at all. Personally, I'm impressed at the Get-out-the-vote efforts for "uncommitted."

BTW, most voters don't spend time reading blogs.

OBAMA '08!

Major Man, Petersburg, VA   January 15th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

Self-correction: Over 200,000 voted "uncommitted" 40%

OBAMA MAMA Twin Cities, MN   January 15th, 2008 11:26 pm ET

WOW!!! Hillary won against herself!!! That's Great!!! If only every state had their primary that way she might have a chance….!!!

John Smith,N.H.   January 15th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

THIS IS A BIG VICTORY FOR HILLARY EVEN THOUGH NO DELEGATE WILL AWARDED. OBAMA AND EDWARDS CAMP CLEARY URGED THEIR VOTERS TO CAS UNCOMMITED VOTE. BUT STILL SHE WINS WITH OVER 50,000 VOTES. SHE WILL HAVE WON ANYWAY. I THINK THIS IS CLEAR MESSAGE FROM MICHIGAN.

Maria   January 15th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

I was conflicted at first regarding the MI Democratic primary. What did it say to have Obama and Edwards abstain from the race? What did it say about Hillary for remaining on the ballot? What I realized is that we as bloggers and citizens are unable to defend our ground. Obama and Edwards withdrew from the ballot in a stand against the Democratic party who stripped MI of its delegate representation yet, over the course of the last week and a half we have widely criticized the split that has arisen among Democrats; a split that should not be as defined within a party. Now we are strongly reprimanding the fact that one candidate remained unified with their party and affiliation while the others clearly separated themselves to draw the distinction. How are Senator Obama's and Edwards' actions, along with those of dignitaries that support these candidates and advocated voting "Uncommited" as a means of opposing Senator Clinton unifying the Democratic party?

John Smith,N.H.   January 15th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

THIS IS WHAT I CALL COMMITTMENT!!!! OVER 200,000.00 PEOPLE CAME OUT TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO HILLARY EVEN THOUGH THE DNC IS NOT AWARDED A DELEGATES. SHE BEATS OBAMA AND EDWARDS COMBINED.BE CAREFUL PEOPLE HILLARY SUPPORTERS ARE VERY COMMITTED PEOPLE.
SHAME ON OBAMA AND EDWARDS.
GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!

Nick   January 15th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

Ha ha ha!!! That means 2/5ths of Democratic voters went out of their way to vote AGAINST Clinton. If there were many Obama and Edwards fans who like Hillary but just happen to prefer Obama or Edwards, perhaps they would have also voted for Hillary. But instead, they refused to put their name on the ballot for her or didn't even bother to show up.

Think about this: 2/5ths of Democrats won't vote for her, and almost no independents or Republicans will. Hillary supporters are deluding themselves if they think she's electable - half the country hated her before she started severing ties within her own party. Now she's even in trouble with her own party, and her tactics have made a lot of people decide never to vote for her. I'm not a Democrat, but I'd vote for Obama - never, ever for Hillary. It's good that the Democrats are finally seeing the side of the Clintons the Republicans warned us about. Looks like if she gets the nomination, we're going to be with a Republican for another 4 years. I really hope Obama takes this corrupt, power-hungry politician down hard. He's got the best chance of any candidate from either party at winning the presidency - if he can just get past Hillary, who is obviously still deluding herself that she can win.

Mart from Chicago   January 15th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

hey Hillary haters, can u READ?? It is not Hillary who said it AND no one said it was a major victory for her!!! And for those who are not from Michigan, dont even complain, coz their voices should be heard! The Dems should have just slashed the number of delegates like what the Republicans did. And to see that at least 300k Democrats voting for Hillary says something about her support from the voters… And btw on a unrelated ticker, if u pro-obama ppl believe CNN so much (since they are pro-Obama), read the other ticker earlier in the day… there are groups in MI that are basically created by the Obama and Edwards campaigns to tell & Encourage their supporters to vote uncommited just so that Clinton wont get all of MI delegates if the Dems changed their ruling. So if MI is that unimportant, why tell people to vote for uncommited?!? And if its not important, why u all pro-obama ppl complaining Hillary wins this state? geezz.. just leave her alone… she have done nothing but gives to this country, just like Obama or Edwards.

Besides, CNN and other pro Obama news would play down the win anyways, why u guys so worried about Hillary winning MI state? And a recount? HAH!!! seems like pro-obama supporters has a dumb person in their group… (Just to make apoint to "MATT A" earlier, that Clinton's supporters are not dumb ppl. We have a voice, we have a preference, and if you dont like it, just be quiet about it coz not everyone thinks like you. Because you are basically sayin 300,000+ people in MI, 100,000+ ppl in NH, 29% of Iowa who voted for Dems, n a lot more people in other parts of the country are DUMB… if the polls are right, ur saying about 50% of all people in the US are dumb… hmmm.. think before u comment!!)

Jean   January 15th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

I am sick of all you who act like school kids harrasing other kids talking about Hilary boo-hooing . There was no crying , the media as well as the other pundits just distorted that.Apperantly you people have no consience. Have you ever thought that she was probably tired from campaining and had little rest and when she was asked a question that seemed to have some concern for her feelings , she was a little over whelmed, but she didn't cry- She has been accused of alot that she is not guilty of , if you people would listen you would know the truth , you shure won't know it from the media.

Micahel Guinn, Ventura, CA   January 15th, 2008 11:41 pm ET

paleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze! There's enough hot air to trim someone's heating bill back East! The clear message is -"This meant NOTHING."

we need change!!!!!!   January 15th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

message? there was no stinking message! PULEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!!!!!

OBAMA4EVER   January 15th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

Oh God….the billary campaign never seizes to amaze me with their asinine comments!

OBAMA 08!

James Carpenter   January 15th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

Simple for Democrats…

Like old school dirty politics, vote Hillary

Like clean politics, vote Barack

Bella Girl Chicago, IL   January 15th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

Hahahahaha!

Obama flops again!

zack   January 15th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

She didn't win you-know-what. She was the only one running. Oh wait, she did beat Kucinich. As of now it looks like uncommitted was 40% vs hillary's 55%… that's surprisingly close for someone who was basically running unopposed!

MARYLOU JONES   January 15th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

BOO HOO WHAT A BUNCH OF SORE LOSERS. ALMOST 200,000 DEMOCRATS HAVE COME OUT IN THE SNOW AND ICE TO VOTE FOR HILLARY CLINTON! THAT SHOWS THAT PEOPLE HAVE HEARD HER MESSAGE AND THE ONES THAT HAVE UNDERSTOOD HAVE VOTED FOR HER! THE REST OF THE VOTES WERE SPLIT BETWEEN THE OTHER CANDIDATES. WHICH MEANS, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO NEED A REFRESHER COURSE IN MATH, AT 59% OF THE VOTE, HILLARY BEAT THEM ALL COMBINED! AND SO NOW YOU CRY, "RE-COUNT". A LOUD AND CLEAR STATEMENT FROM THE VOTERS IN MICHIGAN! THANKS YOU MICHIGAN! HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT! 2008

Leah DiMarco   January 15th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

Let's see - the way that I understand this if I am not mistaken - in order for the uncommitted vote to work it needed to be at least 15% which it was - so now the delegates from Michigan can go to the convention and they will have a 'voice'. So Hillary did not win anything at all by a landslide - she did not even come out of this with 'one' delegate and the delegates can now vote for Obama or Edwards at the convention. YES WE CAN!

Jim, S.C   January 15th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

The uncommitted would be both Obama and Edwards togather, looks like a landslide for Senator Clinton. Not her fault Michigan messed up there Delagate Count. Both Edwards and Obama are on the Florida Ballet, knowing it too was suspended like Michigan. Senator Clinton is the best candidate for President. A Clinton / Obama ticket would be unbeatable. My gut feeling tells me that Clinton can win without Obama, but I do not feel Obama can win without Clinton. This team would be so GREAT for America.

"Senator Clinton for President of the United States 2008″

Nicholas   January 15th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

I agree with stop the hate. If you watched the debate in Nevada tonight, the candidates really banded together to say they cannot stop the message of their overzealous supporters. This process becomes so much about who everyone hates and criticizes rather than listing specific reasons for why you support someone else. The candidates themselves agreed on nearly every issue tonight and all said they would be proud to see any of the others in the White House. If you are a Democrat you should feel the same way. We are the party of hope and all support a CHANGE from Bush regardless of which candidate you support. I WILL vote Democrat in 08 and it is not conditional!

James Brown ( Independent )   January 15th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

LOL………….Clinton wins with 15% over "NOBODY"…………..That tells me she is totally UN - ELECTABLE !

Obama is without a doubt the Democrats best shot at winning the General election.

snowandrain   January 15th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Hillary Clinton -Republican for president. I love the fact that the GOP will end up nominating someone to the left of Hillary, not that is an extreme position by any means. 45% of likely voters said they will actively vote against her in the election. Contrast that with McCain's cross-party appeal. McCain will beat her like a drum. You heard it here first.

Robert   January 15th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Sent a message like dictator's "elections" do.
I'm the only one on the ballot. I won. ??????

I can't believe how many voters picked undecided personally.

Jeffrey   January 15th, 2008 11:55 pm ET

Thank you, Stop the Hate. Finally, a voice of reason!

Brad   January 16th, 2008 12:01 am ET

I can't believe no one has pointed out that it says something that Obama and Edwards pulled their names out…hmm, maybe because they knew they would lose anyway and had nothing to gain from Michigan, regardless of whether Michigan was allowed delegates???

Obama was not going to win Michigan. I agree that the results of this primary are pointless and don't mean anything significant at all, but be honest with yourself about why Obama and Edwards really pulled their names out. They knew Hillary would own them there. And it is obvious that Clinton was not the only Dem that kept her name on the ballot in Michigan.

Mariann Pepitone   January 16th, 2008 12:02 am ET

The biggest mistake Hillary would be taking her name off the ballot. That was a smart move keeping it on and a dumb move for Obama and Edwards. I'm happy they took their names off. Too bad they don't do that more often, maybe then we can get rid of both of them. Obama and Edwards are not presidential material and never will be. They are just dreaming about it but will not win it. The uncommitted votes were 40% to her 55% which means the 40% would be split between Edwards and Obama, she would win anyway or can't you figure that out. Hillary outshined both of them in the debate and that comes with experience and intelligence to answer the questions correctly, not think about the answer. Hillary hater's can say all they want about her and when she does wins the nomination and possibly the presidency you can drink yourself dry. By the way how much did you accomplish in your lifetime?

Stevo   January 16th, 2008 12:06 am ET

I read somewhere that George Washington hated the idea of campaigning for president.

rw   January 16th, 2008 12:06 am ET

Thank you Michigan Dems. Even though you will not send delegates, your voting was followed by many of us. And the message you sent is clear.

larry sampson   January 16th, 2008 12:07 am ET

To say she would have still won is crazy talk….for a couple of reasons
1) only hillary supporters had a reason to show up….obama people stayed home…and that is why only 40% voted uncommitted
2) people didnt know what uncommitted really meant and voted hillary because she was the only name…..

Kathy   January 16th, 2008 12:13 am ET

This is a "win"?

The emperor has no clothes.

Ross Lippincott; Davenport Iowa.   January 16th, 2008 12:13 am ET

Hey isn't she the one talking about we're democrats we need to stay united against the republicans? Seems to me she needs to look up the word unity in the dictionary.
And that didn' even count the number of voters that stayed home.
And another thing, her deligates are commited now which means they WON'T be attending the convention!
The rest are up for grabs and not for her.

OBAMA /EDWARDS 08!!!!!!!!!!!

makeba Houston TX   January 16th, 2008 12:14 am ET

There would have been more turn out if there were more names on the ballot…that is clear. Hillary gets the Dem faithful, clear. So of the Dem faithful (her block) she got 55% now.

To me that is a slip.

And to have that many show up and vote against her….I would not claim victory.

Gee, it is going to be a really long month.

Lucky ,atl   January 16th, 2008 12:15 am ET

Team Hillary ,are you happy for the sos called win ?/ Well what kind of speech will Hillary give tonight. Those Divisive politics is dirty politics,character assasination is dirty politics,Gender card, is dirty politics,race card is dirty politics. American are watching your game
Just like Senator Barack Obama is doing is decent, clean and without any sort of dirty under pinings.,No race ,gender, or class.Remenber that the POWER belong to the people, and that we are in DEMOCRACY and NOT THEOCRACY.Americans? we have many choices to make from.

Marvin, Dallas, TX   January 16th, 2008 12:17 am ET

To Major Man, Petersburg, VA,

You are SO right! Hillary will sue to use those meaningless delegates if she is within striking distance of an Obama win. ALL this States Primary moving around stuff was for Hillary’s benefit. Iowa NH, MI, SC. All of it.

The students being out of school was to hurt Obama and the rest of the moves was to give Hillary firewalls or fall back for lawsuits when she loses to Obama.

Notice that ALL the Primary moves took place AFTER Obama entered and After ALL states had already agreed to the previous Primary Calendar. Make no mistake it is just THAT CORRUPT. But even all that cannot stop Obama if he has a decisive enough victories to over compensate for the schemes.

Edward Russell   January 16th, 2008 12:17 am ET

Today the Obama campaign put out a memo that Florida was unimportant to their campaign and they would not come to our great state.

This is an unbelievable outrage!!!!!!!!! To deny us access to a candidate shows how opportunistic this man is. Hes not coming here because he doesnt care about our views!!!

We are the 4th largest state in the country. We are clearly the most diverse state in the country. We have a large black and latino population. We have major cities that vote democrat, We have major cities that vote republican. We have a state capital in a very conservative deep south values and Miami a socially progressive city with international appeal (only NY and LA compare). Clearly we are the most diverse electorate

Obamas campaign has just said DROP DEAD FLORIDA!!!

He is a candidate who talks of all this equality. To treat a state that in 2000 was disinfranchised is completly hipocrytical to his message of equality.

Edward Russell   January 16th, 2008 12:27 am ET

The uncommited vote was clearly outlined in Michigan. Over christmas break I was there and saw much coverage about the uncommitted vote and what it ment.

This is a big win for Hillary. Edwards and Obama only got 40% and Clinton got 55% and most of her supporters stayed home because her victory was basically assured.

Obama and Edwards took their names off voluntarly. Same situation in Florida but no uncommited vote youll see their measly numbers on the 29th

kembura   January 16th, 2008 12:29 am ET

Clintons have been in office for too long, they are part of the old ways of doing things. They are not for change? They are for status quo!!

Cozy   January 16th, 2008 12:29 am ET

My concerns about Hillary,are she acts as though she is the only one entitled to this office, like black america owes the clintons something, i feel they owe us all for putting up with all the scandal and allegations before and during Bill's presidency. Let's face it , black people looked the other way. I have a problem with our leadership being passed back and forth between the Clinton's and Bush's, for the past 24 years. It is time to do something differrent in this country. Since Edwards and Obama are saying the same things there is not much difference.
Hillary 's relationship with republicans has not been one of cooperation thus more gridlock ahead should she win. As for Bill, was'nt he Impeached on two counts?, he should 'nt even be able to vote.

MT   January 16th, 2008 12:35 am ET

The clear message…team Clinton has a fab sense of humor or they are just plain crazy…they must be falling on the ground with laughter at their attempt to spin even this. To think that people came out in the cold not to vote for someone but to vote "uncommitted" says a lot about how much she is despised, even by people voting in a Dem primary. THAT is the clear message, team Clinton!

Jamie   January 16th, 2008 12:35 am ET

There are reports of voting machine problems that have caused perhaps 20% or so of the uncommitted votes to not be reported at all. That could swing things quite a bit in the totals, if it's true. People are too quick to gloat.

Beth   January 16th, 2008 12:37 am ET

She wasnt up against herself. The voters could of voted uncommited unless your calling the people in MI stupid for not knowing the difference.Hillary would of won, she was up by 15-20 points by the polls anyways..I agree this isnt a victory for anyone but come on saying she was running unopposed is so untrue, they had a choice "uncommited"

Once again...   January 16th, 2008 12:39 am ET

Uncommitted–Ha. What an accurate reflection of Obama and his campaign.

Edward Russell   January 16th, 2008 12:41 am ET

OVER 500,000 people Voted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More than iowa and NH. More people voted uncommitted than supported the 2 candidates in NH and Iowa.

It wasnt unopposed EVERYBODY IN MICHIGAN KNEW WHAT UNCOMMITTED WAS.
Obama and Edwards both poured resources into the uncommitted movement to sink Hillary.

Obama and Edwards are disenfranchising voters. They are telling 2 states that you dont matter because we dont want to hurt Iowa and NHs feelings.

Its total crap. Hillary was the only one who refused not because she would win but because ITS WRONG TO GIVE THE VOTERS NO CHOICE which is what Obama and Edwards did. The only reason they didnt go is to win the nomination in NH and Iowa. They both MADE A CHOICE that Michigan and Florida arnt important.
they only did it because Hillary was going to win both (notice the first 2 Big states) and notice Hillary is even in Nevada (another big state)

Hillary thinks thats wrong

Gil - California   January 16th, 2008 12:41 am ET

LOL

Vitorrio B   January 16th, 2008 12:45 am ET

Umm, for all you people who think that Hillary's win is significant, you are honestly fooling yourself. Not only do a small portion of party supporters even vote in a primary, but in our primary(Michigan) on a cold Michigan day, when none of our vote will count, and we have to stand in line in the cold and choose between old mean lady-Clinton, and uncommitted, the average Michigander is going to stay home.

Had this been a real primary, Hillary would have been crushed. Trust me, I'm a political junky, and I saw no reason to get out there today and vote in a pointless primary.

a faithful michigander   January 16th, 2008 12:47 am ET

this discussion is absolutely ridiculous and completely besides the point at this particular juncture in time, because as of right now it doesn't MATTER. michigan is not currently sending ANY delegates to the national convention. the fact that it ended up being 40% uncommited to 55% clinton is a very telling sign that people are NOT satisfied with hillary clinton. when will her supporters see that she is MUCH too polarizing when it comes to a general election? not only do nearly all republicans harbor a deep dislike and distrust of her, but a significant percentage of her own PARTY would not vote for her in a general election, not to mention the independents who would run in the other direction? she could never unify the country.

GD   January 16th, 2008 12:54 am ET

Apparently the media isn't the only place to get distorted views…as if the electoral college wasn't flawed enough, now some suggest calling the election based upon what happened in Iowa, New Hampshire, now Michigan. And this is what our fellow Americans or dying for in Iraq?

James   January 16th, 2008 12:57 am ET

Interesting posts here, I am undecided on who I will vote for, but I can say this, breaking ranks with the party as Senator Clinton did, could go two ways, she is willing to sale out the party to win, or she is willing to break ranks when its in the best interest of the people.

I am really looking for real talk, little pandering, and substance from the candidates, I trust advisers will sway policy from time to time, so over committing can be a problem because when they cant deliver, it appears that they lied about the promises, just to get in office.

For Clinton, honestly, experience scares me, with all the experience in Washington, America now is in the second worst condition it has ever been in.

For Obama, Certain Change also scares me, because I don't know what he intends to change, I like the fact that he opposed the war during projection, but supported comprehensive immigration before projection, which turns out would have been a failed policy.

Edwards, I feel his passion, and even the anger, lobby money has controlled our elected officials for so long, they have become numb to the cries of the people they were elected to represent, but I don't blame lobbying, I blame the officials that allow it to sway their vote.

Case in point, FREE TRADE, not allowing Americans the right to buy food imported, and now cloned. No president alone will be able to change this paradigm, it will take uniting government, to stand up for the best interest of the AMERICANS.

And that is my perspective

aisha naeem   January 16th, 2008 1:04 am ET

go hillary .u won against two candidates together holding 36%or so and that too after they begged and ordered and distracted voters in race issue and told them not to vote for hillary but vote uncommited .what a shame for other two .go hillary u will win

anewdaypost.com   January 16th, 2008 1:11 am ET

Nobody’s second place finish in Michigan

On Tuesday, With no other major candidates names on the ballot, Hillary Clinton was able to get 55% of the vote in the Michigan Democratic primary, but the real story on Wednesday should be the 225,506 + who left their house and went down to their precinct, knowing their state had been striped of its delegates, and voted uncommitted.

When “nobody” runs against her, “nobody” starts with 40%. And “nobody” didn’t even have to campaign. “Nobody” spent no money in this race. “Nobody” didn’t even run one add. What happens when you add John McCain or Rudy Giuliani in place of “nobody”?

As democrats we have to think long and hard about nominating a candidate who is so divisive. We shouldn’t spend these preciously important years ahead re-fighting old fights or addressing political grudges. If we are what we say we are than we must love our country more than this, and choose a leader who can bring Americans together. Our society’s needs are too great, the time to pivotal, for anything but fundamental change backed by broad-based support from the American people. Senator Obama proved in Iowa he can do this, and nobody proved it on Tuesday.

johnohara   January 16th, 2008 1:11 am ET

This is ridiculous. Truly.

The clear message is that the nation is voting for change.

OBAMA '08

Gane, Canada   January 16th, 2008 1:12 am ET

Americans, Americans, Americans…
You really deserve what you get
You HAVE NOT learned your lesson. You vote for "The likable" Bush and end up with 7-8 years of misery going deeper and deeper, but that is not enough, go with the "other likable" guy and UNITED go even deeper.
Because counts how CAN ! He is steel very yang, let him get mote experience and then.. why not?
All you , how do not like Hilary, could you please tell me at least 3 reasons? Or you do not like yourself any more? Your well being is on the stake!
I am observing you politics for 17 years and trust me on it : SHE is you answer considering the american international, economical, political and social situation write now.

concerned citizen   January 16th, 2008 1:14 am ET

"uncommitted" meant that those votes either were Edwards or Obama, so if you logically think about this, Clinton literally outshun both Edward and Obama. ANd she didn't even campaign and the Obama and Edward encourage people to vote for uncommitted but still, Clinton won. She is the strongest democrat to run against a republican during the general election.

Sean, Detroit, MI   January 16th, 2008 1:16 am ET

Hillary beats "uncommitted" by only 15%!!!
HAHAHAHA

BWAHAHAHA

HA

lisa   January 16th, 2008 1:19 am ET

The Democratic party made a huge mistake in pulling delegates from Michigan. Obama and Edwards also made a mistake in taking their names off the Michigan primary ticket. Basically what they did was silence the voices of people in Michigan, as if it didn't matter what they said or who they wanted because there wasn't anything in it for them. Every vote matters. Every single one. The Democratic party doesn't have the right to silence anyone's voice. I applaud Hillary for staying on the ticket and showing the people of Michigan that she cared enough about their voice. Go Hillary!

Bryan, Illinois   January 16th, 2008 1:33 am ET

It looks like Hillary just nearly won, and she was essentially running unopposed…except for Kucinich. What we are seeing here is a 40-45% disapproval rating among *democrats* for Clinton. What will her disapproval rating be among the nation as a whole in November. Obama is clearly the better candidate for November against the eventual Republican nominee.

That said, this non-election of a Democratic primary certainly is a bit of an oddity. The loss of the Michigan Democrats' vote is a shame, with much blame to pass around. I know for certain than in this year of all years, I would be one angry person if I was a Michigan Democrat!

Angela   January 16th, 2008 2:05 am ET

Congrats to Hillary!!!!!
The clear winner of Michigan.
End of story.

Hillary 08!!!!!!!!!

Ted   January 16th, 2008 2:05 am ET

Can Hillary supporters think about this. For the first time since the nomination process began. Republicans actually got more total votes than the democrats with Hillary name being the only one on the list. This should sent a message to all democrats for November.

Go Obama.

aware   January 16th, 2008 2:07 am ET

Flash! To all Obama supporters - Barack says he is a uniter. Why don't you fans call a truce and reflect his position?

Obama for VP 08 - Hillary for President 08

Carl L.   January 16th, 2008 2:10 am ET

I like that - Hilaryous.

Vote ABC !

Wilhemina   January 16th, 2008 2:28 am ET

To all of those who see Hillary as the victory, it maybe a bitter sweet gasp! Here is the bummer…many dem's have decided to vote republican, because they think Edwards, and Obama do not have a chance against Hillary. It is becoming more than a possibility that the Presidency will go to the Republicans.

DP   January 16th, 2008 2:33 am ET

This is a major victory for Hillary. The uncommitted vote was effectively a combined total of all other candidates.

The only reasonable argument one could make against this would be if there was proof Democrats stayed in, but with all the hype in the past week urging Edwards and Obama supporters to vote uncommitted this seems to be untrue.

I hate to say it but if as a voting adult this isn't clearly evident then you don't have the requisite intellect to vote responsibly.

The bigger issue at hand is whether the DNC should have penalized Michigan the way it did. Michigan is in serious economic trouble, and they deserved to be moved forward in the electoral process. Regardless of how one feels about that move, punishing the electorate in that state is just plain wrong, and the fact that the process allows for such action is further testament to the fact that the electoral process in this country is fundamentally broken.

The primaries and general elections should both be straight-forward popular vote-based, pure and simple. Every vote should count equally, and states with a greater population deserve more of a say in who gets elected. No one can propose an intelligent argument against this.

Nancy, Dallas TX   January 16th, 2008 2:34 am ET

'Clean politics' is an oxymoron. There is no such thing as 'clean politics'. Never has been, never will be. Take a reality check. Politics is about working the system. A squeaky clean image is just that - an IMAGE, period. A squeaky clean image is a calculated approach to getting as many [naive] supporters as possible. It is scary to see people buying into the vague, gaseous rhetoric of The Obama Show.

Tom Davie   January 16th, 2008 2:35 am ET

i cant believe the SPINS on this thread.

Lets get the facts straight. The national Democratic party did NOT order or ask the candidates to take their names off the list. That is just a lie.

They stripped the state of its delegates, and told the candidates not to campaign there.

Here is another SPIN DOCTER lie I would like to set straight.

ALL the candidates were on the ballot EXCEPT Edwards and Obama

Kusinich was ON the ballot .

You love the guy for the RECOUNT, but NOT now? Spin one way, spin the next?

Here is the bottom line.

Hillary actually CARED about the voters. Edwards and Obama could have left their names on there to let the people of Michigan know they can vote for them in SPIRIT. Even if it didnt count.

They didnt CARE about the voters. How would YOU like to be from Michigan and not be able to have your vote ? Smybollic or not .

At least Clinton CARED enough to leave her name on there so the people of Michigan could SHOW THEIR SUPPORT.

Bad move for Obama and Edwards.

No wonder the uncommited only got 40% combined.

Anonymous   January 16th, 2008 2:38 am ET

If Obama was on the ballot, Hillary would have beat him by over 100,000 votes.

Trudy   January 16th, 2008 2:42 am ET

The Deomoncrats debate in Las Vegas is clear that Ms. Clinton is more knowledgable and has the ablity to get the job done. She is clearly the candidate that has experience and knowledge of the political issues that is facing the American's today. Hillary shows that she can lead and get things she trying to accomplish done!!!

Please look at the Democrat record and the Republican record over the last 16 years and your would have to GIVE the Democrat's the right to say the country was much better off in all aspects that American have to face daily.

EX: health care, jobs, the economy etc.

The American's had hope - that is clearly being lost under the Republican party!!!

Sam IA   January 16th, 2008 2:44 am ET

My, aren't we getting a bit nasty. The last time i checked Hillary and Obama where both democrats. I think I sense some hate radio addicts sticking thier noses into the wrong party!!! Romney has 13 articles on todays blog. Go play in your own romper room.

Nicole   January 16th, 2008 2:45 am ET

Give me a break… Obama and Edwards had their supporters in Michigan.. as they did in the other states…Hillary would have beaten Obama in Michigan by over 100,000 votes had his name been on the ballot. YOu want to talk about dirty politics.. what about Obama's camp canvassing out in black neighborhoods in Michigan to get them to vote "uncommitted" as a vote for Barack. Obama's campaign has chosen to play the race card, because it will benefit them in a state like South Carolina, but that divisive strategy wll fail long term. A candidate who is supoosedly all bout change sure is relying on the same old tricks and tactics of division and race baiting.

Another Steve   January 16th, 2008 3:16 am ET

I would say that an "Uncommited" vote also is something many voters would avoid. They want their vote to count towards a candidate of their choice. Did this help any of the Republican candidates with votes, since the Democrats basically didn't run?. Oh that's right ,one did. The one that doesn't seem to work well with others when personal agendas are on the line. ONCE AGIAN, Edwards and Obama took the high road and supported the Democratic party rules and pulled their names. I have seen somewhere that the original ballots had Hillary already listed and that was why she appeared. I don't know. She certainly made a point of winning?? I can't believe that 45% of the Democrats voted the "Uncommited". This isn't astonishing? When has anyone ever seen 45 % of the Democratic voters choose to not vote for anyone? Not only choose this, but go to the polls and write this in, and not the candidate's name. I am impressed. Way to go Michigan.

Another Steve   January 16th, 2008 3:33 am ET

Oh Maria, I read your blog and your facts are ass backwards. The Democratic party rules state that no state is allowed to move it's primary up earlier than Feb. 5th . Michigan legislators did this and the voters had no say. Obama and Edwards were following Democratic party rules. HILLARY was the one still on the ballot even after stating she would not campaign. I've heard she was on the original ballot, I'm not sure, but Edwards and Obama were taking the high road here and working with the party. They are the ones that should be commended.

What really matters   January 16th, 2008 4:07 am ET

Even if Edwards and Obama were on the ticket, and she won, the press and a lot of you would have found a way to put a negative spin on it, just like in New Hamphsire! She won fair and square in spite of 6 polls saying Obama had it wrapped up. Instead of congratulating her, they asked why he didn't win. I guess they under-estimated our ability to think for ourselves.

I did the math for you…MICHIGAN RESULTS…100% counted…

Uncommitted……236,723
Kucinich…………… 21,708
Dodd……………………3,853
Total………………..262,285 45% Hillary……………328,151 55%

Difference of 65,866 10%

What color do you think the other 65,866 are? It doesn't matter.!!!! Analize it all you want the numbers speak for themselves. Like it or not.

Since when can we put uncommitted on the ballet anyway and actually count the votes? That's like voting for your imaginary friend! I'ld like to see them pull that trick on the Presidential ballot. Maybe we can get an Obama/Uncommitted as running mates. If you are the least bit honest, you would have to admit that if it had been Obama or Edwards on the ticket instead of her, the media and a lot of you would have said hooorayyyy!!!! After her obvious win in N.H. they didn't even show her victory speach. I had to watch it on the British Broadcast station.

This is mass media manipulation and way too many are falling for it. Do your homework and read each candidates website. You'll see that they all have good and bad. What it all comes down to is each individuals preferance. The only thing that really matters is the actual vote. Not race, gender, polls, reports or media opinions. I can't believe that Obama and Edwards suggested they vote for the imaginary person and over 250,000 people actually did it.

Festus   January 16th, 2008 4:41 am ET

If the National body of the Democratic Party decided to penalize Michigan State and not hold Primaries there, and Clinton went ahead against that Party's decision and put her name on the Ballot, that to me sounds like disrespect of a constituted governing authority. What do you think fellas?

Jimmy, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl   January 16th, 2008 5:11 am ET

I would have been happier if Obama and Edwards got everyone to vote for Kucinich in MI just to beat Hillary. The candidates should have given this one to Dennis just to really spite Hillary.

oh and to all you Hillary supporters why do we hate hillary so much you ask
She is untrustworthy in many eyes far more than any other dem out there. Does that not mean something to you when an overwhelming number of people just do not trust her. Do you not remember the scandals from her law firm then got one of her assoc in jail and another killed himself.
Why does she not release the notes from the archives from that time??
We do not want someone with such baggage staying any longer in Washington.
That alone is a serious enough issue to not vote for her. GET IT

Oh and the DNC are idiots for skipping MI and Fl just you wait till Nov rolls around. We will not forget this.

Jaymes Garcia   January 16th, 2008 5:18 am ET

You Jerk off People who talk to much crap about Hillary have your head screwed on the wrong way.. The Clintons did so much for this country when they were in office must we forget that they managed to get this Country out of Debt and we had a surplus!! Now everyone is struggling why??? Because all you dumb screw balls voted for BUSH!!!! and where did that get us millions of americans are jobless, thousands have died in a war that was based on lies!! Jobs have been outsourced to China and Mexico and Inidia and millions of americans will soon be homeless because they are losing their homes. We have the largest deficit ever and who is to blame BUSH BUSH BUSH!!!!!!! It all comes down to stupid Americans voting for the wrong person!!! Barak Obama and John Edwards didnt even give Michigan people the chance to VOTE for them because they were more concerned with the VOTE tally and not getting any delegates regardless they should have kept their name on the ballot , However they chose to ignore their supporters!!! GREAT JOB I want them as my President Ignore the People Policy like BUSH!!! Regardless if they were on there or NOT Hillary would have still WON MIchigan and most of the Country is SMART Enough to know that!!! Peace out Losers!!!

Mike, (MD)   January 16th, 2008 5:32 am ET

Unfortunately this woman must been hitting the bottle to think an uncontested race is some sort of a major victory. Despite the fact that those who voted uncommitted and those who didn’t bother to vote because of this having no impact on the Democratic primary. I think it says much more to the fact that Obama and Edwards who also didn’t campaign here and who abided by the Democratic Party’s decision to forgo a primary here were more victorious, considering the number of votes cast against HRC.
But I’m sure Hillary will blame someone for this as she always does.

Tim Calhoun '08, Moreno Valley, CA   January 16th, 2008 6:33 am ET

Yes, congratulations Hillary on your major "victory"…over Dennis Kucinich.

Only the Clinton camp would spin a non-story like this.

Jay   January 16th, 2008 6:54 am ET

Apparently some people who read and post to this blog neither have the intelligence to express their opinion without resorting to foul language or name calling nor have a clear memory of the 90's where the advent of "Outsourcing" began and ran rampant under Bill Clintons watch.

I'm not defending Bush at all, but people seem to forget that Bill Clinton signed and supported NAFTA which is one of the biggest lemons ever sold to the American people. NAFTA is why Flint , MI looks like a ghost town today. All those auto jobs waived "bye bye" and moved to Mexico thanks to Mr. Clinton. Outsourcing and vast foreign trade deficits went unchecked under the Clinton administration.

Yes we all benefited from the initial economic boon, but the bottom eventually dropped out and now here we are.

Yes Bush has practically and single handedly brought this nation to it's knees, but you Clinton romantics need to get a grip and recognize that Bill Clinton played his part in the mess we have now and that Hillary represents the "old school" baby boomer politics. The baby boomers have sold this country down the river to big business for 30 pieces of silver.

The country just suffered thru eight years of a "Father knows best" administration I don't think we can afford another four years of a "Mother knows best" administration. We don't need another Bush and we don't need another Clinton we need a change from the last 20 years. It's time to take this country back and stop living in the past; the 90's are over and they're never coming back.

Steve   January 16th, 2008 7:09 am ET

The must all be " inhaling " at the Clinton camp.

What really matters   January 16th, 2008 7:09 am ET

I'm not sure who made the actual decision to change the date in Michigan, but I'm sure they didn't hold a special election from all the voters. That being said, the actual punishment was that they lost their delegates, which is a pretty big consequence. It is my opinion that all the individuals that have been rallying behind Obama and Edwards deserved the chance to see their candidate in person. Instead, they chose not to show because there wasn't anything in it for them, so they spent their "money, time and energy" in a place that would serve them well. Especially since Hillary was up north being loyal to her supporters. They took advantage of the situation. Oh, by the way Mike, (MD), They didn't vote against HRC, they voted "FOR" an invisible man…

Anna D.   January 16th, 2008 7:19 am ET

It doesn't really matter when the primary is held. Each candidate had the same opportunity to campaign. No one candidate had one day longer than the other. If Michigan had not been a priority for some of the other candidates and they wanted to whine about it….let them. Stripping the delegates was irresponsible and makes the voters feel inconsequential. Obama are Edwards are just too immature to take the licking they knew they would get in Michigan because they had not focused on that state. Thank you, Hillary, for sticking with the race. You just became my number one.

AJ; Montpelier, VT   January 16th, 2008 7:54 am ET

If I were HIllary and I became President, I would keenly remember the "undecided" vote in Michigan and where it came from.

colorblind   January 16th, 2008 8:20 am ET

I THINK THAT IF THE OTHER MAJOR PLAYERS WERE ON THE BALLOT THIER SUPPORTERS WOULD HAVE COME OUT………. THATS A NO BRAINER…. BUT WHATS SCARY IS THAT PEOPLE CAME OUT JUST TO VOTE AGAINST HER… OUCH!

Al in Wpg   January 16th, 2008 8:33 am ET

Gane, Canada…
your vocabulary is exactly what one would expect.

AJ, IL   January 16th, 2008 8:39 am ET

Someone explain to me how Hillary's name was the only Democratic candidate left on the ballot. I mean the Democratic National Committee (DNC) penalized the Michigan Democratic Party for moving up its primary by nullifying Michigan Democratic delegates, then all the other Democratic candidates, Obama, Edwards, Biden, Dodd, Richardson, Kucinich, and Gravel pulled their names off the ballot. Why did Hillary keep her name on the ballot when her fellow candidates withdrew their names? It looks as though the Hillary campaign thumbed their nose at the DNC.

But what is more disturbing is that Hillary won a meaningless primary by only 6pts over the "uncommitted vote", which means people went out in the cold and snow to vote against Hillary. Hillary should have easily won the Michigan primary by 40+ pts based on her being the only candidate on the ballot.

Chris, Columbia, SC.