January 29, 2008
Posted: 08:26 PM ET

(CNN) — Democratic primary voters in South Carolina who made their presidential pick in the week before voting overwhelmingly chose Barack Obama. In Florida, according to exit polls, those last-minute deciders went for Hillary Clinton.

All the major Democratic candidates had pledged not to campaign in Florida following national party sanctions that rendered the contest irrelevant to the presidential nominating process. None of the candidates have visited, except for private fundraisers, and none have advertised in the state.

But over the past few days, the Clinton campaign called for the Democratic National Committee’s decision not to seat Florida’s delegates at the party’s summer convention to be reversed; announced several major state endorsements, like U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson; and revealed plans for a major election night celebration in the state featuring a visit from Hillary Clinton herself – all factors which may have helped sway late-deciding voters.

Among all voters who made their decision in the last three days (including those who made their decision today), 37 percent went for Clinton and 34 percent went for Obama in early exit polls.

Among voters who made their decision on Election Day, the gap was even larger: 35 percent supported Clinton, 31 percent John Edwards, and 27 percent Obama. When those last minute-deciders are removed from the equation, Obama regains a 5-point edge over Clinton among just those voters who made their decision over the weekend, 45 to 40 percent.

The votes in Florida will not count towards the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

–CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Filed under: Exit Polls • Florida


Luke   January 29th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

In a very close race… it all boils down to Delegates. The media won't cover this win like South Carolina's win.

matthew   January 29th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

I can't wait until Florida's delegates are reinstated!!

Hillary 2008!!

joe   January 29th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

IM FROM FLORIDA

CNN/OPRAHAMA NETWORK…COME ON

HOW STUPID DO YOU THINK WE ARE IN FLORIDA?

THE KENNEDY ENDORSEMENT DID NOTHING FOR US….WE VOTED FOR

CLINTON FOR HER EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE VERSUS OPRAHAMA

WHO STILL NEEDS MORE TIME…HE IS TOO NEW FOR THE ISSUES ON THAT

DESK AS PRESIDENT…HE IS NOT READY

OPRAHAMA IS ALL BLAH, BLAH, BLAH

HILLARY O8

HILLARY 08

HILLARY 08

mitch   January 29th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

well Rebecca Sinderbrand
U guys are trying to make her look like a winner right? she is a looser… trust me Bush is much better than her

N   January 29th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Sounds like a Bush move to me….change the rules to fit what I want.

Marilyn   January 29th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Of Course because it shows that she cares about the people of Florida.

tomdavie   January 29th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

This is funny

Everyone who wanted to vote for Obama MAGICALLY changed their mind because Clinton said she would ask to seat the delegates AFTER the nomination was decided.

This article is quite the SPIN. Everyone is a ZOMBIE who just does what the media tells them to.

geoff - olywa   January 29th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Um…msnbc just reported the opposite of what your story says. Fact check time…

tomdavie   January 29th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

Did your TAP DACNING exit pollsters ASK if her comments changed their minds?

I guess not huh.

lc7196   January 29th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

I was a late deciding voter - I had planned on voting for Obama, but when the Kennedy's endorsed him, I switched to Clinton. But that is only for the primary…. Since the DNC thinks so little of Florida, I will vote Republican in the general election.

B.W.   January 29th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Yahoo!!! Go Hillary Go….

Connie Lin   January 29th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Yeah! Hillary..! The people in Florida speaks their minds tonight and it is no beauty contest mr.Obama!

Christine Atlanta, Ga.   January 29th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

ObamaNation… say what you will. Hillary has won Florida big time!

carlo   January 29th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Watching Hillary having a "victory" speech in a state where delegates don't count is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen in a presidential campaign. She pushes for their votes to count right before the primaries, which made people vote for her, thinking that she is "for" them, when she agreed with the other candidates not to count the delegates. If the Florida voters voted for Hillary based on her "routing for them", they are the dumbest bunch of people in America.

If these delegates are counted, I'm becoming an independent.

Peggy   January 29th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

why doesnt Florida just listen to the DNC…they're dumb

Ed   January 29th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Obama did advertise in Florida. He ran TV ads! I don't buy the "could not exclude Florida because the ads were national ads" explanation. Very crafty. And if that were the case, he could have waited until after the Florida primary. It was already very clear that he would win in SC.

lara   January 29th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

obama supporters try to deny a blow — whites will vote for hill and so will hispanics…blacks alone will not win this for him

she beat the crap out of him

deal w/it

Frank   January 29th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

This isn't exactly surprising. Hillary broke the rules and campaigned there in the last week because her floundering campaign needed a win. Looks like she was rewarded for her pandering.

A   January 29th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

The decision of the Democratic Party can be challenge in a court. I do not think the party can go over the will of the people and do not allow them to express their opinion in an election. I think this will not stop here.

Al, Los Angeles, CA   January 29th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

If not for them, Al Gore would be president. 2004 thousands of minority voters were mysterious removed. Then moving up their primaries. They should be on suspension for a decade for the good of the country.

Ariel   January 29th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

What you are not saying is that 53% of the votes were counted prior to Obama's momentum

inkrun   January 29th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Well, I do hope the media covers this as they should. We are all voting citizens interested in this outcome. Obama doesn't own all the media does he? I mean I know that the 24hr nets are owned by Republicans, but why would they push Obama on us so much? Really odd don't you think? I mean they push him almost as much as the BORING Republican race.

gman   January 29th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Congrats to Billary on winning NOTHING!!! Man how desperate must you be to throw a celebration party to say you won nothing. How Pathetic!!!!

twinmom48   January 29th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Your reporting suggests that Hillary Clinton didn't observe the rules prohibiting campaigning. It fails to note that Obama advertised in Florida in violation of rules endorsed by the candidates. While Clinton may have gained local endorsements, the airwaves have been filled over the last two days with Kennedy family endorsements for Obama.

Where's the fairness? Significant numbers of voters turned out. They deserve to be heard. Report on that issue!

Paul DEM GA   January 29th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

It is really sicking how CNN tries to down play the Florida voters. People voted and should be recognized wether CNN think so or not. Stop being bias… be fair reporting these voters are US citzens, you should recognize the voters.
Your signaling the late vote is stupid.

Bill   January 29th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Its not right of Clinton to come to florida

Mr. T   January 29th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

The media won't cover this win in FL because it is meaningless just like the Michigan win, the delegates won't count. Hillary keeps racking up meaningless primaries and still down with with delegate counts.

Emmanuel Obi   January 29th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

How the Democratic Party handles the issue of delegates for Michigan and Florida will have a definite impact on the general election.How can the dems disenfranchise voters? Will Howard Dean's leadership lead the democratic party to ruins and allow the Republicans remain in the White House?

Mike   January 29th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Delegates matter, of course. However, this is a momentum retriever for Hillary Clinton. She already has large leads in all the major states on Super Tuesday. Do not underestimate the ability of the Clinton's to pull this nomination out, despite all the liberal so-called establishment Democrats who desparately want to nominate another Michael Dukakis in Barack Obama. JFK? Please! As Sen Clinton said, JFK had a track record of making significant change through legislation, he was a war hero, and wrote books like Profiles in Courage. Barack Hussein Obama is NO John F. Kennedy.

Hillary Clinton understands how the Republican swiftboaters work, and she will dismantle them. Go HILLARY!!

donna   January 29th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

This is a great win. Even though there are no delegates, Democrats turned out in almost the same numbers as Republicans and took the race seriously. Just becuase they did not campaign here, doesn't mean we are not up on the issues. Give the voters some credit!!!!

Jonathan Adams   January 29th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

What a joke.

We already know that Hillary Clinton has more name recognition than Barack Obama. That is all that this election in Florida was - a popularity contest. Barack Obama has shown that when he gets the chance to show the people who he is and what he stands for, he converts voters who thought they were strongly pro-Clinton.

Shame on the Democratic Party for creating this situation in Florida and Michigan, two of the most important states in the national election. If a Republican wins the national election, most of the blame lies with you.

This speech by HIllary is a joke by the way. YOU DIDN"T WIN ANYTHING BUT A POPULARITY CONTEST.

Tom   January 29th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

for all the Obama supporters who will now come on here and say it does not matter since there are no delegates…..then why did the Obama campaign make a big deal out of all the uncommitted votes in Michigan (which also has no delegates this year)….it sure looks like Obama will lose this state in votes much, much greater than he won South Carolina in votes….so it does matter in the long run…..

wsberlin   January 29th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

The Clinton campaign conducted a artful, yet decietful, shadow campaign (in FL) which transparantly violatated the purpose and intention of the DNC ruling that all canditates pledged to abide by. Someone willing to cheat and decieve at all costs to gain advantage would not serve America well. I hope that the recycled, tired and toxic politics of cadidates who desire power more than they love their country will come to an end, or at least lose sway, someday soon.

some guy   January 29th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Typical biased against Clinton in CNN.

Nowhere in the article was it mentioned that Obama's campaign have been airing ads in Florida.

Leah   January 29th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

The race DOES NOT count!
No delegates will be seated and should NOT be.
People need to play by the rules.
If it had been a true race in Florida then the 'poor' people would have shown up at the polls not only those Democrats that went to vote because of the property tax issue that was on the ballot. You can not look at the results and think that they are what they would have been if the 'counted'.

Obama '08

irma   January 29th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Obama pulled his ad after the Clinton camp called him on it. Why are you saying none of them advertised?

Elizabeth   January 29th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

I don't understand how people are not outraged that she recently attended fundraisers there and sucked up to voters after SC. I like a candidate with integrity. She would gain more respect sticking to the party rules; she has not been such a supporter of rules… i.e. Nevada caucuses. And I know she didn't personally launch the lawsuit but she didn't come out and say, "No, this goes against what we already agreed upon…", etc.

We support female leaders, but we also support leaders who lead and don't change positions not even one month within the primaries.

Edwards and Obama did not set foot in Florida for fundraisers and to make speeches. Will anyone give them credit for this?

This Indepedent voter is SICKENED by this and at my open primary, I will note vote for HIllary.

Michael   January 29th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

GO HILLARY GO!!! Here is a true test of how Hillary will win the Democratic Nomination and in November 2008 the Presidency! Obama cannot win the big Democratic states. He has the minority black vote. Not the popular vote for the majority of Americans. The ultral liberal side of the Democratic Party is making a big mistake in endorsing Obama. HILLARY can and will win!!! Florida proves it! GO GIRL GO!!!!

Black Women in Florida for Hillary   January 29th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

President Hillary Clinton '08

Chris, NY   January 29th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

wow..is this woman shameless or what? I will NEVER EVER vote for someone who is desperate to achieve anything. She has no dignity.

Awg   January 29th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

I don't think the Independents voted in Florida. This Hillary win is sooooo off base.

manubi   January 29th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

The dog and pony show of the Democratic primary in Florida is now over. As an independent, I was very enthusiastic about the candidates from the Democratic party. After all these nonsense between the Clintons and Obama, I think it is time to energize Michael Bloomberg's base for a real change!

Bloomberg 08!

Tim   January 29th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

1. The big counties have not reported according to the Department of State here in Florida, so I would be cautious about picking Clinton early.

2. It is our belief that the property-tax amendment was the big draw and cause for today's turnout. Given that many young people don't own property, is it possible that Obama didn't get the normal turnout of younger people for this primary?

irma   January 29th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

I would love to see HIllary as President. Thanks for asking…..

Benjamin   January 29th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

I don't care what the Florida Politicians did to lose the delegates in Florida (And Michigan), but it's an injustice to the American People that their votes in these states are virtually worthless when it comes time to choose the Democratic Presidential Candidate.

Wasn't it Florida that had the final say when Bush was elected President on 2000? But now, let's drop their votes into the trash can when they leave the voting booth.

Very disappointing. Obama turns his back on Hillary at the State of the Union, and if he has a slim margin over Hillary when 5 FEB is over, he'll certainly snub her again along with the voters from Florida and Michigan.

Dana   January 29th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

She's doing such a phony thing…why?? Her "winning" speech, ongoing as I type, is such a sham. There are no delegates from this. She's acting like there was a real campaign waged - and won! - in Florida. Does she think we're all stupid? I'll have a hard time supporting her if she wins the general, no kidding.

Mike   January 29th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Is it me or was a former federal judge who was impeached by a Democratic Congress, and who's cohort was pardoned by Bill Clinton, on stage and a part of the team that introduced Hillary? The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Young Liberal   January 29th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Of course she wants them to count the delegates, she won. Typical Clinton hogwash.

Obama 08

Jr.   January 29th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

I listened to Hillary speaking in Florida and she stated once again that she has 35 years of experience!?! How long will she keep up this blatant lie?

Jon, NY   January 29th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Obama and Edwards - we respect you both for standing by your decision not to campaign in Florida. Unlike some one who loves to hog the limelight without any shame.

BobW   January 29th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Hooray! Hillary wins the Ms. Florida contest. Obama supporters, send Hillary a tiara!

spdubois   January 29th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

obama did run ads on cable. In fact Lou Dobbs & Wolfe laughed about it earlier. We will deliver California one week from today to Hillary Clinton.

Ari   January 29th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

I'd denounce the fact that Hillary has practically cheated to "win" Florida and Michigan….but that's how George got his second term. She learns from the best.

I only wished that Obama or Edwards won, only to see how fast Clinton would drop her campaign to have the votes count. Oh that would be amusing.

pam Eugene OR   January 29th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

John Edwards: Please, I beg you please go home and throw your support to Obama. You are just a spoiler at this point and I will never forgive if you give this election to the Republicans. I will never vote for Hillary. NEVER

Maria, Memphis   January 29th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

CNN, is this an attempt to justify your having the Democratic numbers on the bottom of the screen throughout your coverage?

This is anything but journalism. What a joke.

I will NEVER vote for this woman. EVER. She represents everything that is the worst in our politics currently. For those who wonder why her negatives are so high, open your eyes.

B Smith   January 29th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Hillary Clinton continues, steadily, to win the races and the polls! She WILL prevail in the end, and be stronger for the race that she's endured already!

Nebraska Dem   January 29th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

This makes me ill. She signed a pledge thinking that keeping the other candidates out of Michigan and Florida was to her advantage, but knowing she would break it if it proved beneficial later on. I dislike cheaters.

cathy   January 29th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

So why does it not surprise me that FloriDUH bought Hillary's ploy to demand delegates be seated and vote for her?

Jeff   January 29th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

If Barack Obama received 50% of the vote in Florida do you know how many Obama supporters would be saying that it proves Obama is strong in this critical swing state ! The press would be awash in articles about how strong Obama was in Florida. We'll see how Super Tuesday plays out, but please — all Obama backers (including the national media) can you at least admit for ONE SECOND that you are willing to ALWAYS argue that everything he does is right and EVERYTHING Hillary does is wrong. Thanks for listening.

wow   January 29th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

If she gets her delegates seated from Florida, it will prove that she OWNS the party. Democrats deserve to lose FOREVER if they fold to her…

Chad   January 29th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Elizabeth fails to note that Hillary was ahead in Florida for some time. Obama has also attended fundraisers there and he's run national adds that appeared on prime time in Florida. She did play up Florida because she was going to win. Obama played up his coalition in South Carolina although he came in third among whites and second among Hispanics.

Stop the bitter name calling and consider qualifications, experience, and ability.

CDH   January 29th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

How can you win something that you and your party said was not going to be a contest. Hillary is a joke!! Everyday that become more and more clear. She is on TV all smug! Still more than 50 percent of the people voted against you.

Mike   January 29th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

In the comment by David all I can say is, there they go again. Of course Clinton is going to piss off Conservative Republicans. He was the one successful Democrat to get the presidency twice in over 30 years. I can gauge how well Hillary Clinton will do, and how afraid neo-conservatives must be, when there is a flood of anti-Clinton comments online. I have a feeling they are deeply afraid of how badly Hillary Clinton will trounce them in November 08, and they will have to eat crow when once again a Clinton will have to clean up after a Bush. Obambi would be a dream come true for them to keep the White House, and they know it.

Here's one military officer who is happy for Clinton's victory in Florida!

Sheri   January 29th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

Elizabeth, the candidates were allowed to have fundraisers in Florida. And I believe all 3 Democratic candidates ran ads across the state. So Hillary is no different than Obama in Edwards in that respect.

Alice   January 29th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

If the DNC allows these delegates to be counted after Clinton, Edwards and Obama all agreed not to campaign in FL and that the primary results would not be used to apportion delegates, then we deserve whatever the GOP serves up. This arguably is the sleaziest of the Clinton moves in the last few weeks…and there is lots of competition…This is from one of the NH voters who received a flyer with the inaccurate accusation that Obama is not pro-choice. I am thoroughly disgusted although, according to demographics, I should be one of the people in Hillary's camp.

Aidyn   January 29th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

That is an exit poll that I want to hear!!

Don   January 29th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

Elizabeth, all the canidates were allowed to fundraise in Florida, including Obama and Edwards. Do your research. Clinton has broken no rules. Obama did, by running ads in Florida. Oopp, he didnt know..lol

Voters do count. This is a democracy after all. Your just upset that Clinton won a very diverse state, and she did it without trying. This is what happens when you do not have the media spinning misleading information.

If anyone is wrong in Florida, its Obama, who had the same playing field and lost. He broke the rules, where is the outrage.

Clinton 08

Michelle, AL   January 29th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Watching CNN's report from the Obama headquarters in Florida, I am shocked to hear Suzanne Malveaux say, when asked what Obama thinks of Clinton winning in Florida, that Obama "basically laughed it off." She also said this was a "meaningless" victory.

Is he serious? Right now, 41% of the vote is in, and Clinton has almost half a million votes. Half a million votes is meaningless? Those people came out to support their candidate just so their voice could be heard. They don't care about delegates, why should Obama? Shouldn't he care about what the PEOPLE who actually live in Florida want?

Clinton could well end up with nearly 3/4 to a million votes, and right now she's got almost double Obama's total. Laughing it off, indeed. Obama is so arrogant and thirsty for power. You think he really cares about ALL Americans, or just the ones who are voting for him?

s.positive   January 29th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

This is making a hill out of a road bump…

Matt   January 29th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Ingnoring the delegates for a minute….

It is amazing how South Carolina is trumpeted as a "huge" Obama win….despite its demographics being unrepresentative of the nation as a whole.

FL….much more respresentative of the nation's population, and indeed a very god sign for Clinton.

robert   January 29th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Florida should count…every state should have a voice.

Don't listen to Obama and Edwards tell you it didn't matter to win here.

Ayanna   January 29th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

All the Democratic candidates pledged not to campaign in Florida in protest of the Florida democratic party's decision to withhold delegates. Just days before the primary, Hillary starts bad-mouthing Obama for "not paying attention to Florida voters", huh???? Then she announces endorsements, celebrations in the state and fundraisers??? Excuse me, but what is the difference between this and campaigning?

Billary doesn't stick to her word. This has insulted the intelligence of voters and she should be ashamed of herself. How can she be trusted to represent the American people as President when she can't resist the opportunity to get ahead on the backs of Florida voters who have been disenfranchised in this primary?

Benjamin   January 29th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

@ Young Liberal (and young you must be to be so naive): and of course Obama DOESN'T want these votes counted, HE LOST!!! BIG!!

shaun   January 29th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

If there's any doubt what hillary clintons about, then this political stunt should clear the air. This woman will stop at nothing to win the nomination, even if it goes against the interest of the party. She lost S.C, and lost it big, so to try an get publicity for something as meaningless as this is a joke.

Dell   January 29th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

This was not a contest since there was no ability to fairly campaign by Dem. candidates. Hillary's claim of victory is more of the same bullying tactics that the Clintons' are famous for. My only concern is that more people don't see this.

Thelma Leyva   January 29th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

I would love for Hillary Clinton to win!!!
We need good change.

Thelma Leyva From El Paso, Texas

Michelle   January 29th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Hillary is going to be our next president! She's the one to count on for better economy and true globalization. That was wonderful! Super Tuesday will prove it.

John ny, ny   January 29th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Regardless of what pundits or obama supporters say however this does tell you what feb 5 is going to be like.
go hillary

Bik   January 29th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

This is about the slimiest thing I've seen. can you like someone who, after AGREEING TO THE RULES IN THE BEGINNING, clamors to change the rules when the game isn't going her way? Okay, now back to politics…HRC wants to win so bad she is willing to throw her own party under the bus. If she had such a huge problem with this setup, she should have made the case out the outset…the Clinton campaign has officially lost it…

J.J. Forbes, an independent thinker   January 29th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Big win huh Hillary? Nope.

Of course the late-deciders voted for Hillary. She campaigned in Florida (under the name of a "fundraiser".)

Obama did not campaign in Florida. That radio ad? Obama checked with Democratic Party leaders to make sure it did not violate the rules. He only pulled it because he did not want any doubt concerning whether he was breaking the rules or not.

Jeff, Miami, Fl   January 29th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

LOL!
Obamanites, suck it up!
It's not gonna get better from now on!
The more media is trying to sell us St. Obama, the more voters reject it!

horatio   January 29th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

Obama didn't pull his ads, I saw one TODAY.

rvormwald   January 29th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

For the record, both Obama and Edwards ran ads that blanketed the state, Hil didn't. In addition, all the candidates had private fund raising events in the state. Hil just did a much better job. She has the integrity of a competent woman who knows how to win a campaign.

Rathibon   January 29th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

All the candidates raised money in Florida. Only one candidate cheated and broke his pledge and that is Barack Obama. He is the only one who broke his word with the voters and ran TV ads.

Why isn't anyone calling Obama out on breaking his word? My God, if Hillary did what he did it would be front page news for two days and end up in every article about Florida.

Obama tried to cheat and he still lost. For the life of me I can't understand how you all can while like a victim after what the Obama campaign did.

irma   January 29th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

Wow how quickly you change your tunes. Forcing people to vote in front of a Union that supported Obama was totally fair. Having the people in Florida vote privately for who they want, not fair. Interesting. I think the DNC needs to run decisions like this past the DNC citizenry before going ahead with such a move.

william   January 29th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Hillary won a hug victory in Florida and I expect her to repeat the process on super-duper Tuesday next week on Feb 5. She has the hearts and minds of the working Joe across American supporting her, because she supports them. I predict Hillary will be our next president.

tomdavie   January 29th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

For the final time

Clinton never said she wanted them to COUNT TOWARDS THE NOMINATION.

She said AFTER THE NOMINEE WAS PICKED, YES, GET IT. AFTER IT WAS PICKED.

THATS RIGHT. IN CASE YOU ARE ALL SLOW. AFTER THE PROCESS IS OVER. ONCE SOMEONE HAS THE 2000 DELEGATES. THEN SHE WOULD HAVE THEM SEATED SO THEY CAN GO TO THE CONVENTION. NOT TO COUNT THEM TOWARDS ELECTING THE NOMINEE

And by the way. Obama is the one who broke the rules.

The Obama folks wanna SPIN IT. why???

Obama got his butt kicked and they KNOW how PRECIOUS THE MEDIA SPIN CAN BE . After all, the Obama camp uses SPIN every day in the media.

Bottom line is that none of you Obama people CARE IN THE SLIGHTEST ABOUT US FLORIDA PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HAVE OUR VOTE.

It doesnt work for OBAMA, so why should you care?

Carolina Solis   January 29th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Why is it that Wolf asked how the Hillary campaign would "spin" the results but simply stated "what is the Obama camp saying"? The biased tone that is used is appalling. There is no "spin". She won. Delegates counting or not. We should be focused on what people are supporting. Not just what Obama wants to hear or not talk about. Since when is 51% to 30% (at the moment) a tie? I guess math is not his strength either.
And the candidates did agree not to campaign in Florida. However, we all know Obama violated the rules. We all know stations will block out what they want. Who is he kidding? And why is that not all over the news? If Hillary had done that, she would have been blasted for days on end. Let's be real.
When will CNN get back to just "reporting" the news. We're all adults and relatively intelligent. Just give us the facts, and we'll take it from there. Isn't that what the voting process is supposed to be about?

PETER   January 29th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

She did not violated any party rules. She did not campaign there which the party barred all candidates. THE PARTY DID NOT BARRED CANDIDATES FROM RAISING FUNDS THERE.
I just want ELIZABETH to get this right.
She is going to win no matter what some of us do.
It is time for a woman to occupy the White House.
My vote definitely is for Hillary.

Kay   January 29th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Just a preveiw of Super Tuesday. GO HILLARY!!

oblahblah   January 29th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Obama campaigns in Florida by having commercials - CNN Fails to cover this.

Hill Could possibly win by 20% in a critical state - no delegates or not, this is a HUGE win, yet CNN of course will not cover it.

Why? Because CNN has lost its objectivity.

Cnn, you are better than this.

Jeanie   January 29th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Okay so in New Hampshire Billary almost shed a fake tear. In Nevada, Billary declared that no woman was illegal. Now in Florida, she's going to try and get the DNC to reverse itself on Michigan and Florida.

Billary will be just as unethical if by some chance, some fluke America puts the sleaziest couple in American history back in the White House.

Alexandra   January 29th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

How hilarious was Clinton's "victory" speech??!! Someone told her to smile as wide as she could and make it look like she actually won something. I am offended that she thinks the voters are that dumb. Now she wants the delegates seated. It didn't take her long to go back on her word. Lies! Deceit! Is she really any different from Bill??? A vote for Hillary is a vote for the Republicans in November. Congrats to Hillary on her "win". What a joke.

ken   January 29th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

It's funny how the Obama supporters can be such sour grapes when Hillary wins. It is you all who are sputing the hogwash not the Clintons.

Antonios   January 29th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

She won my ………………..in Florida, by the way I am white, wow are you surprised!!!

Micah, Canon City, CO   January 29th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

I wish Florida would just fall off the continent or something.

It would make our elections so much simpler.

Casey   January 29th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

I wonder what the article "trouble for Clinton in Flordia's insignigicant win" is going discusss. How do they minimize almost a half million people coming out to vote as not extraordinary? However, I am optimistic, and maybe they will report this win as what it is: an amazing win!

Hillary 08!

Dem08   January 29th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Voters count. How can anyone say the people of Florida are irrelivant? Hillary knows the delegates don't count, she is thanking the people who voted for her. Its amazing that you can not let this women enjoy a victory. She has played by the rules. Obama has even said the Florida voters matter. This election was up for grabs and if the Obama movement is so strong, he should have walked away with a victory. This win says many things, will any of you listen.

Hillary Clinton is not the evil politician that you make her out to be. We owe her respect because she is committed to the American people and our future. She will be a great President and this will be a great moment in history for our country.

observer   January 29th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Funny, on one of the news coverages I seen one of those Change banners. Obama knew he would get double digit beat. Since when as Americans, do some of us not count? Hillary has shown everyone she is a people President. I look forward to refering to her as Madam President. Obama is getting quite areputation of snubbing, that's what he did to 2 great states, Fla. and Mich. Hope that is not the change he has in mind.

Peggie   January 29th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

You, be the one to tell darn near 500,000 people so far in Florida, and 50 percent isn't even in yet, that "it's hog wash. The writing is on the wall. and on certain papers. People, us average little people, aren't as dumb as some think. Delegates? That's all it's about and you're basing your indignation on? …I can't hardly wait until the shoe on that drops in August. Better brush up on you law and political know how…folks. LOL.

Sue (Seattle, WA)   January 29th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

She wants to have them count now? Why, because CNN is predicting her as the winner. Speaking of which, CNN, haven't you learned your lesson on 'predicting the winner' yet? 37% reporting and you predict her as the winner? No bias there…

Jean   January 29th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Did Obama's running of TV ads violate the no-campaign pledge in Florida? Why does CNN not include this information? Why does CNN belittle a Clinton Landslide in Florida where the population if far greater in number than the population of any of the previous primary elections? And why does CNN give a Kennedy endorsement of Obama excessive airtime and NO coverage of the Obama-Rezko relationship on the same day Rezko is sent to jail?

pj (non-partisan independent)   January 29th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

if American voters fall for this rediculous move from Hilary and vote her in, and if the Democratic party is week enough to fold under her pressure, and if CNN is soft enough to cover her so called victory and not rip it apart for the sham that it is, then we deserve to have a venimous snake like her as president. God save us all if her and Bill take their cunning lies to the White House.

Saundra   January 29th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

You can't dismiss the fact that a half a million Floridians voted for Hillary tonight. It counts.

Matt   January 29th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Obama wants to disenfranchise voters in Florida and Michigan. It's disgusting and goes against all that the Democratic Party stands in. More Democrats voted today in Florida than voted in Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, Nevada, and South Carolina combined! And Hillary is leading Obama by nearly 200,000 voters. This cannot and will not be ignored. It is a clear mandate for Hillary going forward!

And to the people who are bashing her saying "do you think we're stupid?" Apparently it's Obama who think Floridians are stupid. He think they're too stupid to read a newspaper and tune in to national coverage of this campaign. He thinks they're too stupid to watch the debates and determine where the candidates stand on the issues. He thinks they're too stupid to make up their own minds without having had the gracing of his presence in their town halls and school gyms and senior centers and local churches. If that's is how he thinks about the American people, he can keep his politics of "hope" and "change."

jess   January 29th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

It's sad that the powers that be in Michigan and Florida chose to move the primary up. It's equally as sad that those residents did not pay attention when this was NEWS. But its not fair to reinstate the delegates because its slanted at this point. In Michigan, Clinton only got 55% against NOBODY. In Florida, the younger voters (and many others) stayed in because they were told their vote didn't count. To reinstate now would be to an injustice to potential voters. Maybe this should be warning to PAY ATTENTION.

The DNC will not reinstate however, they have made that clear. The Supreme Court has made it clear that the DNC has the power to run the campaign how they wish. So in others words, its not really worth arguing about. Go out and support your candidate for Super Tuesday!!!

Cerbere   January 29th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

From France.
The problem is not to know if it is fair or unfair to rip the FLs of their votes. The point is that decision has been made and should have been respected. Hillary Clinton did not respect her pledge and that's shameful….

Dav In Dallas   January 29th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

I have watching cnn on presidential race and Hillery arrived way before she was projected a winner were as Barack Obama didn't even show up why because there was no delagates. I believe what Mrs Clinton did for Florida was even though the state of Florida means nothing for the elections according to the commitee who took away the delagates. The People Florida means something to Mrs Clinton even though I get no delagates. So that tells me that Mrs Clinton cares for people even though she gets nothing out of it. It says the People mean alot. where as Mr Obama says what all the hoo-pla for Mrs Clinton you didn't get no delegates for the victory. seems like Mr Obama don't care if he dont get anything out of it

Rodney Dallas, TX   January 29th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

Leave it to a Clinton to claim a victory when nothing is at stake. I guess that pledge she signed about not participating in the primary does not men anything. Do the Clintons ever tell the truth?

Diane   January 29th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

The Clintons don't play fair. This is evident from their campaign. All the democrat candidates agreed to the rules re no campaigning and no delegates in Michigan and Florida. Now, the Clintons are against the sames rules they agreed to. If DNC agrees to overturn this decision then this primary process is fraudulent.
CNN seems to be spinning this to the Clintons as usual and do not have objective reporting. I will never support the Clintons and their underhanded tactics.

Bob Fisher   January 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

I was happy to see the sanity return and give Hillary such a tremendous victory.
Florida, unlike South Caroline is a microcosm of the entire country. Florida has the transplants from the north, as well as the latino population, the poor the wealthy and the retired, and the those affected by the mortgage crisis.

Matt   January 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Elizabeth, fundraisers were always allowed. This in no way broke the rules and all candidates were free to host and attend fundraisers.

Diane P   January 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Go Hillary!!!! You are a true winner & the BEST candidate for the Presidency!! The rest are sour grapes that continue to bash you!! The Florida win shows what is really going on — a very diverse population!!!! Go !!!! Go !!!!!!!! Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Obama is a very charismatic candidate, but, does not have the experience to go with it. You have our full support!!!!!!
Bob & Diane Patterson

Jayna   January 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

If I lived in Florida I would be very angry that my vote doesn't count particularly when I have been thrilled to finally have a viable female candidate for President.

joe   January 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

I LIVE IN FLORIDA

DNC RULE…NO TV ADS IN FLORIDA

OBAMA VIOLATED THE RULE AND RAN TV ADS IN FLORIDA

LARGEST VOTER TURNOUT AND HE STILL LOST!!!!

WATCH OUT FEBRUARY 5TH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patricia   January 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

I am very concerned at the bias CNN reporters seem to have regarding Clinton's success in Florida. Yes, no deligates won but all I heard from CNN was that the votes meant nothing. The turnout and the work that went into having their voices heard was to make a statement . This means something and the tone in your reporting it is an insult to the people of Florida. You should be ashamed of yourself for insulting the democates in Florida. You are obviously Obama biased.

Justin   January 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

You realize that she has only made the argument against the Democratic party's decision AFTER she knew that she would win. Had she lost either Mich. or FL she would not be asking the party to change their mind. She knows she will need those states to win after the recent key endorcments for Obama.

Cindy   January 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Guess what…we Floridians do own televisions and do read newspapers…for all of your pundits to downplay Hillary's win here because "No Democrats campaigned there" is rediculous. We nitwits in Florida are certainly very much aware of Barack Obama, John Edwards and Hillary Clinton and voted accordingly. Please give us a little credit. And by the way…our votes never seem to count here so we are not surprised that the DNC is disenfranchising us now.

Mark F   January 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

HILLARY WON!!! HILLARY WON!!! HILLARY WON!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY HILLARY!!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN.

Nap time... Cookies later.   January 29th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Actually, Elizabeth… The other candidates did indeed fundraise in Florida. Not sure why CNN is forgetting to report that in these articles. You know if Obama would have won Florida, they would be tooting his horn, and so would he be.

Carolyn   January 29th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Hey CNN - you covered Huckabee's speech in its entirety but cut off Hillary after about 30 seconds. What gives?

Beren   January 29th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Here are some sick remarks concerning the Democratic voters and what they mean to Obama -

"Obama described the primary as a 'beauty contest' Tuesday, and his campaign issued a statement declaring the race a tie in the delegate count: 'Zero for Obama, zero for Clinton.'"

I don't think the Florida voters would agree that their opinions in government leaders are worthless.

NO candidate campaigned in Florida. Clinton attended PERMITTED private fundraisers.

But that doesn't stop the Clinton haters from trying to cry foul at nothing but fair play. All they care about is ensuring the win for Clinton doesn't count.

Jim Mihelcic   January 29th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

It's time to be fare to Hillary Clinton. Like it or not, her victory in Florida
is important,; and I'm disappointed you didn't have the courtesy to cover her whole
victory speech. After all the coverage you gave to the Kennedys, I don't think it's
asking for too much.

Juan   January 29th, 2008 9:05 pm ET

IRMA: Billary complained that Obama aired commercials on CNN. They objected because since CNN is a national network, the ads aired in Florida. Obama stopped the ads after Hillary's complaint apparently. By the by, after this flack, what did I see run on CNN when I watching the Situation Room today? An ad for Hillary. What did I see when I was watching when the polls opened this morning? You got it, an ad for Hillary Rodham Clinton! He didn't attend fundraisers in the state, like Billary. Nor did he seek endorsements, like Billary.

Katie   January 29th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

of COURSE Obama doesn't want these delegates to count…HE LOST!!

Ray   January 29th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

She thanked the voters of Florida, whats so wrong with that? Did Obama do it..NO, he turned his back on them also.

Lori, Lutz, Fl   January 29th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Thanks Benjamin. I thought her speech was great. I am a registered Rep who had to vote Rep today; but I can't wait for the general election to vote for her. I like the way the Clintons ran the economy. Yes I think they were a team. My dad is 76 years old & has never voted Democrat in his ENTIRE life. He said he cannot go along party lines this time though & will cast his vote for Hillary. His reasons are the war & the tax cuts for the rich. He also likes the leadership of the Clinton economy.

David Pipkin   January 29th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

It seems that the ENTIRE CNN cast of reporters/commentators got it very wrong by giving unquestioned support to the Bush invasion of Iraq…not one negative voice at the time. The same fools now throw in unison all their might in an unquestioned support to Obama. It should be embarrissing that as a group of supposed news reporters that you are so openly biased. You are a bunch of fools with power…..gee where did we hear that before.

CaliforniaDem   January 29th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Gets the facts of the ban before you write a word. The ban EXCLUDED fundraising. The ban was broken by Obama when he ran ads in Florida on cable. Clinton did not set foot in the state to campaign. But - let's put all that aside and talk about the 2.5 million Floridians who have just been told by the media, Howard Dean and Obama - that their votes don't count. You don't support women - you have no problem in gutting them - and their supporters who have had to deal with the fact that women were the last to get the vote - a half-century after black men. No one talks about that - no one talks about the violence against women - no one has a debate or forum about women's issues - but raise one question about Obama - and you are called a racist. What is it that you hated about the Clinton years - was it the peace, was it the prosperity, was it the way we were held in high esteem internationally (I know, I traveled over 100,000 miles internationally during those years). What did you hate – was it Hillary saying women’s issues are human issues – what did you hate? What did our mothers fight for all these years – we are resurrecting the dead to endorse. How the heck does anyone know what Caroline Kennedy’s mother or father would feel about this – that is only a comment an idiot would make – we are as bad as the Republicans who are trying to raise Reagan from the dead. Yes, I am mad – I am mad as hell that this campaign has turned into a race where it is OK to “beat up” a woman – but we can’t ask one question of a man – wake up America – wake up American women – this election is about you – and we will not have another chance for a very long time -

Kathy   January 29th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

This IS important. Anytime America votes it is important. Voters went to the polls and voted for the candidate they believe will be the best for the job. They don't care about who won the last primary, who endorsed which candidate, or what the media has to say. They know the issues and they voted for the candidate who will best represent them. I predict the results of next Tuesday's primary will be the same as today's in Florida.

Ayanna   January 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

There is no victory! The votes do not count. The Democratic Party in Florida says they are irrelevant. They are refusing to choose a candidate for the party, which means the votes don't count.

Linoq   January 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

It is so ironic to see the inevitable nominee trying to get some media attention in Florida, as it counted for anything…… Hillary I hope your phoniness and selfishness are over, and a new chapter starts with an strong and united America!

bob   January 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Delegates or not.. still real people voted in Florida. That's what counts. I think this Obama fever is just that .. a fever. There's no substance to his grand Oratory. When it all cools down, and the dust settles down, I hope Hillary is the next President. She will be good for the country.

Amy, Kazoo   January 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Anyone want to wager a guess as to why Obama and Edwards didn't leave their names on the Michigan ballot but they did so in Florida?

rl   January 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

What a bogus win! No one campaigned there. It's all name recognition! The fact that she's celebrating only shows how shady and deceptive the Clintons are..

RGV for Hillary   January 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

I am so glad Clinton won. I hope they give her the delegates she deserves. I really hope CNN takes this victory for Clinton and make it a positive story tomorrow. CNN seems to only show negative stories on Clinton and give positive PR to Obama. CNN isn't fair. I wish Americans would just see that Clinton has the experience needed to run this nation. Americans need to see that Obama is nothing but a preacher. He is all talk and no action. Change and hope isn't going to help America. It isn't going to help the millions of uninsured Americans, or the economy. We need Hillary Clinton in the White House.

observer   January 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

The numbers are significant, which is interesting in light of the fact that there was no filth that comes with the both campaigns. Hillary should take this into account going into Tuesday despite some obvious double standards.

Eric   January 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

The Florida race was a level playing field as NO candidate campaigned there or had field operations there. Obama might have even had an advantage due to his national TV ads playing there.

Boogie   January 29th, 2008 9:08 pm ET

The great uniter insults Florida calling it a "beauty contest".
The only reason Obama says that is because he got SPANKED in Florida…Clinton only attended approved fund raisers and so far is 51% to Obama's 30% with 45% counted.

If he had a lead over Clinton…he'd be whining that it's NOT FAIR!

So, I guess…as long as he WINS…he backs the people of that state…everyone else can go get tickled???

This is ridiculous…this guy is a two headed baby.
and his supporters need to spend more time listening to EVERYTHING he says…not just the stump and sound bites.
He really wants it both ways.

Derrick   January 29th, 2008 9:08 pm ET

You really can't take anything from this primary as to the candidates did not put their campaigning efforts into the state. So as far as advertising and the stumping to get their word out, that wasn't done. Alot of Edwards & Obama campaigning is the stump work in the neighborhoods that is very crucial. Hillary knew the rules, why is she trying to change them or influence change in the twelth hour? If she is not willing to abide by party rules, what makes one think that she would abide by our government rules if chosen to govern our great country? Just a thought.

rl   January 29th, 2008 9:08 pm ET

What a bogus win! No one campaigned there. It's all name recognition! The fact that she's celebrating only shows how shady and deceptive the Clintons are..

Rose   January 29th, 2008 9:08 pm ET

While the vote may not give Hillary delegates, it should serve as a message that Hillary is not going to roll over. 51% of the vote to Hillary - I call that a "thumping". It will be repeated on Super Tuesday, where the delegates will count.

Harrier   January 29th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

Hey Dem08, Obama didn't win because HE DIDN'T CAMPAIGN IN FLORIDA.

Hillary Clinton's last name is the same last name as a very popular former Democratic president, who also happens to be her husband. People know her name, and they know it more than they know Obama's name.

She won by NAME RECOGNITION. Coasting on the Clinton legacy, as she's done for the past decade.

jp   January 29th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

WE HAVE HAD A NUT WITH NO EXPERIENCE THE LAST 7 YEARS, WHY NOT VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO RUN THE COUNTRY, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT OBAMA DOESN'T HAVE. WE CANT STAND TO HAVE ANOTHER PRESIDENT LIKE THE LAST ONE. NO EXPERIENCE. AND WE THE UNITED STATES IS A LOT WORSE FOR IT.

Mary   January 29th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

I find it so funny that the Obama supporters are so nasty when they don't win. Obama had his commercials on in Florida but lets face it, he knew he wasn't going to win in Florida so this just gives him one more excuse to make about why he didn't win.
When he wins, it's all about him and how great he is, but when he loses it's because those darn Clinton's are being mean to him again or their cheating or what ever other excuse he can come up with. I am willing to bet that if he had won Florida, he would be playing a different tune. Also, if Hillary would have acted like Obama did, at the SOTU, she would have been crucified by the Obama's camp and the press. Oh well, Hillary is tougher than Obama and she can take it. Go Hillary!!!!!

Bliss   January 29th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

As an independent voter, I am also sickened by Barack Obama's tactics used in South Carolina.

I am equally sickened by CNN's role in the South Carolina primary in terms of race vs. gender questions. Issues and the future of this country are what is at stake!

Therefore, I have decided to vote for Hillary Clinton in the primary.

Dave   January 29th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

I live in Pennsylvania, which has its primary in April. Because of this my primary vote has essentially never mattered, because by that time the front runner has always been decided. Florida should still feel good about at least having a voice in the Republican primary, as opposed to no voice at all. And Pennsylvania is a so called swing state as well!

Benjamin   January 29th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

Wow….Would ONE, just ONE Obama supporter give Florida and it's citizens some respect and the rights they deserves as American Citizens?!!

You want your votes counted when it's Obama who wins, but not when it's someone else…

What if it was YOU who voted for Obama in your state, and he won, but they said thpppppppttt to you and your vote??

DANNY MATOS   January 29th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

GO HILLARY GO. YOU NO NEED THE KENNEDY FAMILY TO WIN, YOU REAL SUPPORT IS ALL PEOPLE IN AMERICA, AMERICA IS VOTED FOR YOU.

AMERICA SAID NO NEED THE ENDORSEMENT TO WIN, HILLARY WIN WITH THE REAL VOTES, AMERICA NEED THE EXPERIENCE HILLARY IS HAVE EXPERCIENCE YOU IS NEXT PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DONT MATTER OTHER PEOPLE SAID. GO HILLARY GO 2008 IS YOU

Gene   January 29th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

Big yawn to Hillary. All Democratic candidates pledged to not campaign in FL following the ruling of the national party commitee. This was a beauty contest, a name recognition contest and nothing more. If the candidates really campaigned it might have been completely different. Edwards might have won.

Matt #2   January 29th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

Matt (9:01 posting).

I agree with everything you wrote.

Obama's people are calling FL a "beauty contest"…that it "means nothing," etc. This from the "uniter"?

Most polls have about 1,000 participants. FL had over a MILLION participants, and its results are a striking reminder that despite the lopsided media coverage, Clinton is still doing quite well with the voters.

SJ   January 29th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

I'm sorry CNN, but your "expert" panel of old men (yes, even Gloria or whatever her name is) SUCK…….Do you really think that NO ONE in Florida has been watching the DEBATES AND NEWS COVERAGE OVER THE LAST MONTHS?????????? They don't need to go to a rally to see what the candidates stand for!

Young kids love Obama……..Older people and those who have lived a little longer than college age LOVE HILLARY!!!!!!

Get a grip on your "best political team"
SOOOOOO BIASED!!!!

Pamela   January 29th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

That there are no delegates is not the fault of Hillary. As well, she is at a 21% lead over Barak, just as he had his enormous lead in SC. The fact is, these Americans DID vote today and votes count at the very least, symbolically..it still shows a landslide victory, so YES, she should give a speech. As should have Barak if he had won. It is GRACIOUS to thank those that have supported you and YES, she DID win the state, even with no delegates. And there is a very good chance those delegates may still be seated, by the time the convention comes up.

By the way…I hear media pundits mentioning that Barak didn't get a chance to campaign in Forida, or his numbers would have been better. Well, let's be fair….neither Clinton NOR Edwards were able to campaign either…and that she held a closed fundraiser the very night before the election…this had absolutely no effect on today's election.

So those of you who hate Clinton…why don't you just start out with that line and save the rest of your responses…because it is so sorely obvious that you all think her mere breathing is a negative…and that Barak is all the glory. I like Barak….but thus far, the only thing I hear from him at all is that we are one people and the dream is still alive. I would LIKE to hear him talk about his policies, which I have yet to hear over and above talk of hope and the dream.

Dana   January 29th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

Dear Demo08, nobody's saying the people of Florida are irrelevant. We're saying your candidate and Obama and Edwards all had an agreement with the Democratic Party about not seating delegates from the Florida primary, and Hillary is the only one who has now chosen to go back on her word (flip-flopped?). She's unprincipled as a result, and her "celebration" party tonight would be laughable if her latest scandals with Bill and South Carolina weren't so shameful and sad. Democrats like me are now just beginning to understand the hatred many Republicans have for her and her husband. And that's the saddest truth of all.

Sandra Buttrey   January 29th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

Why is CNN acting like the Dem voters in FL do not have a voice? Its likely that you fear Hillary will become the Dem nomination and since you guys are backing Obama you have alot to lose. You will not give Hillary a break and at every turn you try to bring her down. And whats up with one of your "News Casters" stating that FL voters were not informed about Obama so thats why Hillary won, do you really think people in FL have not watched their TV's in the last 3 weeks? Please stop acting like Fox and get back to being CNN.

AAAAA   January 29th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

The older, mature people of Florida are NOT drinking the Obama Kool Aid……..they understand that if you get sick, you go to the doctor NOT the snake oil salesman who will tell you that they have a cure with their snake oil.

Dave   January 29th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

I am completely amazed that I am hearing that Hillary is faulted for claiming a victory in Florida, or that the votes there don't count. As of right now, approximately 1 million American citizens living in Florida have cast their ballots, and more than 50% of those have been cast for Hillary. If this fact cannot be deemed a victory, then send me the latest revision of Webster's, because some new definition must be in the works.

Fred   January 29th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

WOW! How is the only one campaigning in this state only taking half the vote? Is it because the other half respect those who followed the rules? This is a trumped up non-win and Hillary should be ashamed at herself for breaking rules and then trying to spin it like she won in a landslide. I was undecided until recently, Hillary is not going to get my vote now.

Johnny Peace   January 29th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

Hillary was not forced to sign on the dotted lines months ago that she will not campaign in FL; she was there and nodded along as the DNC decreed into their laws that MI & FL will not be seated at the convention.

She agreed then, signed the dotted line, but she have changed her mind and want the delegates to be sitted.

Well too bad, they will not be sitted, everything that happen in the Dem side tonight in FL is just a beauty contest and the Queen of the contest was in attendance; presidents do not attendance beauty contest.

The only way the delegates in FL will sit if a winner emerges before the convention, that nominee either Hillary or Obama or Edward will request that the delegates sit, but then they will not be use to determine the actual nominee.

oh please   January 29th, 2008 9:14 pm ET

Hillary thinks the rest of the country is stoopid, and that they won't see through her transparent tricks.

If Obama was expected to win FL, do you for a second think Hillary would be "fighting for the rights of Florida delegates to be seated" at the convention? LMAO

Just like Nevada. She was just fine with the caucus rules until the Culinary Workers endorsed Obama; then, her surrogates tried to change the rules that had been agreed to by everyone 10 months prior.

Hillary will say anything and do anything to win. She's not out there for "us". She's "in it to win it" for herself.

She epitomizes the status quo and will, like her hubbie, be a polarizing barrier to getting anything good done.

Dave   January 29th, 2008 9:14 pm ET

Also, in support of Obama, the ads of his that were run in Florida were national ads, not aimed at Florida. I feel this is not publicized enough. There would be no way for Obama to pull this ad from only Florida, as it is broadcast on nation wide networks.

caesar   January 29th, 2008 9:14 pm ET

Is she triumphing for dancing on the face of the DNC's decision, or not getting the delegates, or what?… I don't get it.
What there is to be happy about.
The voting is clearly biased, and she's happy about that? What gives?

kori   January 29th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

BOOO HOOO BOOO HOOO… It looks like the Floridians were just extending some Floridian hospitality to OBAMA.

Concerned Voter   January 29th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Why is it that the 4th place Republican received more tv air time than the winner of the Democratic primary tonight? I don't care if no delegates are awarded from Florida or not. The fact of the matter is that Hillary Clinton will have received over 1 million votes by the end of the night. That is incredible considering that no one campaigned there. Shame on CNN for being so one sided. If Obama were winning 51 to 31 CNN would be hailing it as the another example of Obama's unstopable momentum. Since it is not your media darling who is winning you are censoring the winner. Shame, shame, shame.

KimSC   January 29th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Oh there was PLENTY at stake, Obama was trounced in FL. No one campained in FL including Hillary, she only arrived to acknowledge her victory. This is the beginning of what he will have to look forward on super Tuesday.

Go Hillary!

kirt   January 29th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Americans, why voting for Obama who had least experience and nothing to prove of his achievement while Clinton had much experiences and is talking facts about what she had done being a former first lady and as Sen of New York. Obama is hiding so many things and just good with talks.

Julie, Binghamton, NY   January 29th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Obama and Edwards supporters can disregard Hillary's support for Florida having delegates as self interest, but if she wins the nomination, this will definitely help the Democrats win the Presidential election in Novemeber. These "disenfranchised" Democrats will all remember how she supported them when no one else did and they will come out and vote for her. Remember how close Florida was in the last two elections? Well this could help turn things around…. what Obama and Edwards fans see as an annoyance can become a blessing in November.

Paula   January 29th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Obama came to Sarastoa Nov 6, 2007 for a fundraiser. It was a private fundraiser, he did not address the press as they are not allowed to campaign in Florida, but they were allowed to have have fundraisers. Also there may not be any delegates for Florida but we will vote in November and they will count, so the state of florida right now will vote for Hillary

Boomer   January 29th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Obama did campaign in Florida. CNN needs to get their facts straight. Talk to the people there. Obama was running TV commercials all week, and that was against the agreed the rules.

Scott   January 29th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Hillary is an opportunist, and a smooth operator. She always has been. I'm surprised that so many people seemed surprised that she will say anything, and do anything to put herself over. This has been her MO ever since the early 90's. The fact that she does things contrary to what all the other Democratic candidates do, just goes to show she has never been a "team" player and is always out for her own ends. I consider myself a moderate, mostly voting in the past for Republicans. However, I voted for Obama for Illinois Senate and I am completely prepared to vote for him in the presidential elections and I know many other Republicans willing to do the same. I can tell you this, if she gets the Democratic Nom, I will be voting for McCain or staying away from the polls. In fact I believe she will polarize many independents and moderates back to the Republicans. I hope the Democratic establishment is taking that into account. Speaking as a moderate I know Obama can reach across the aisles to Republicans. Full speed ahead Senator Obama!

tomdavie   January 29th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Dem08, we don't owe Hillary anything. Way to play with Floridian's feeling. The other candidates would have come if DNC had not banned the Florida vote. You are too much of a rouge candidate to trust. NOT MY VOTE HILL.

Texan   January 29th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

NOT TRUE CNN AND YOU KNOW IT. OBAMA RAN TV ADS IN FLORIDA ON YOUR NETWORK.! SHAME ON YOU CNN.
Is this why you network is pimping him so much?

jess   January 29th, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Joe,

quit spamming the boards. Your a child.

Hope   January 29th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Bill January 29, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Its not right of Clinton to come to florida

I guess then that it's right for Obama to run TV ads in Florida. Get real.

Marie   January 29th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Don't think for a minute that Hillary's win in Florida doesn't count. The people of Florida have spoken as to whom they want for their next president.

Great job Hillary!

observer   January 29th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Wow, only 55% in and 550,000 people beleive in Hillary, now that is news worthy. Looks like Hillary may hit close to amillion people that also know they count! Congratulations, people of Fla., you surely count! That's alot of people Obama "turned his back on"

Kathy   January 29th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Thank you Hillary for being true to the voters that supported you Hillary. Even though it may be a hallow victory for the time being.

The state of Florida has determined the president of the United States in the past.

The DNC is its own worst enemy, Democrates say every vote counts and you pull delegates from states for wanting have a say in who the Democratic nominee.

I live in Washington state and many times my vote seems to be worthless in past election.

I remember I went to vote in Nov. 1983 at approximately 9:00am Pacific time and they annouced Reagan was president.

I was discouraged and felt my vote doesn't count. I contiue to vote because when you don't participate you can not champion or complain about what is going on politically that effects your life.

Pamela   January 29th, 2008 9:20 pm ET

By the way…all of you who think Hillary is audacious because there were no delegates…and how dare she???? You should all be attacking the DNC, because yet again…YET AGAIN….Florida doesn't get a real vote. ALLLL of these people actually went out to the voting machines…and just like in 2000, they are the victim of a poor choice from the DNC. Again, this doesn't change that Hillary won by a landslide and the DNC is really something to have pulled the delegates.

FL retired vet   January 29th, 2008 9:21 pm ET

It's more than a little irritating that the media says because democrats didn't stump in Florida, Floridians voted for the name they recognized. What? We don't have televisions or radios. Apparently we don't read newspapers or magazines either. Most of us are well aware of who they are and where they stand.

It's also irritating that my vote as a Floridian doesn't count. So much for them saying all Americans will be heard. Well, some of you may laugh at us now because there are no delegates, but wait until the Presidential election. As usual, all eyes will be on Florida.

Jayna   January 29th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

It's interesting how no one comments on the sexist term being used to describe the democratic primary election as a "Beauty Contest". This strikes me as ironic given that the only women running for president has won the most votes in total of any candidate in either primary election in Florida. It's also interesting how the pundits choose to ignore this fact and appear to be particularly biased against that female candidate. Hmmmmmmm?