Comments on: Clinton, Schumer differ on convention battle

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:08:21 +0000

Janet said, "This is all a result of poor planning and underestimating one's opponent. If Hillary did not have such an inflated ego and so many "yes" men around her, she may have anticipated a good battle and planned her finances, strategy, and platform a little better..." How can we expect someone to manage the greatest nation in the world when they cannot even effectively run a campaign for a party nomination?

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:00:20 +0000

It is actually amazing to see how the Hillar-ites are supporting a woman who changes the rules constantly to suit herself instead of Democracy. Obviously the woman has no trust in the process of the American vote for her to steal the nomination which I'm sure she is planning to do at the convention because Obama will be nominated by the PEOPLE...not the Billery machine that has been in place since she waved her hand and said, "Vote for me...I'm a woman!" Give me a break Hillar-ites! Use your intelligence for once. See her for what she is and put the person most suited for the job of President and will make this country a positive and productive force in the world...Senator Obama. Obama '08

By: ANNA

ANNA — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:58:42 +0000

"50 united states not 48 states. Obama shuning FL and MI means Obama loses either way, either in August or November. Not to smart.
Clinton only chance to win in November.
Sorry just a fact."

Dems united..
.I dont think he is shuning FL and Mi. He is just following the rules that were set. Also I have family in both states that said they did not go vote because it didnt matter. So if they are going to do anything they should just have the primaries in Fl and Mi over.

Obama 08

By: Ann, Los Angeles

Ann, Los Angeles — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:58:34 +0000

Tom........you are wrong in your practical theory. Both candidates will do whatever it takes – not just one or the other. Daily there are examples of such behaviour. However, CNN is very bias in their coverage of the campaigns. And I would add just this – we need a leader not a good speaker. I can back this up;

ya know those votes in Michigan and Florida that everyone is just talking all about??? well, Clinton left her name on the ballot in Michigan as would any seasoned political candidate so an not to disenfrancise the Michigan voters (Obama did campaign when they realized the mistake – as in vote for noncommitted)....

So then comes Florida and I guess Obama and Edwards learned from Senator Clinton and left their names on the ballot – geez – smart guys! But to claim there was no campaigning is just flat incorrect from Obama. He did his ads on CNN, and other media of which the Floridians were exposed.

So..........Obama and the rest shunned Michigan and Florida and he wants the voters disenfrancised so he can "win"??? Win what – sounds devisive to me! I suspect Michigan and Florida would turn red in November.

By: Mike Pilotti

Mike Pilotti — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:57:14 +0000

POINT 1: The super delegates should have no say in the nomination process. This should not come down to a back room decision.

POINT 2: The DNC set out rules for the primaries. If the rules were not followed then the consequences must be suffered. You can't change the rules just because you don't like the consequences.

In both cases, DO NOT complain about the stolen 2000 election if you
want to not follow established rules and ethics.

I for one will NOT support any candidate who circumvents the process.
This will put the Democratic Party in jeopardy for the future.

By: addylu

addylu — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:56:07 +0000

It is very telling when Hillary states bitterness is "fun". Time for her to retire.

By: jujub

jujub — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:55:57 +0000

Obama is not shunning FL and MI...he wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan because he, along with Hillary, agreed to the Democratic National Party's ruling that the delegates would not be seated.

Obama is sticking by his agreement...Hillary is not...Clinton politics as usual.

And for Hillary to criticize Obama for his statement that he would discuss the financing of his campaign WHEN he became the candidate is also laughable. She said she would NOT finance her campaign.

If you want ethics, vote for Obama. If you want hypocrasy, vote Hillary.

By: WAYNE

WAYNE — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:53:20 +0000

I think that billary is falling on her sword that is her word. They had all agreed on this turm and now backing away form your agreement.I would have hope to have someone of principle being President with all these promises and salution and the first sign of trouble you op to do things that suit ones self. That is what got us in trouble in the first place,you charge bush as someone who mess the country up and now you are heading in the direction,,POLIT

By: Billary

Billary — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:51:49 +0000

Howard Dean is a weak leader of the Democratic party. If anything he should be the one to get fired.
As far as seating the FL and MI delegates are concerned, the decision not to count the votes was made before the ballot was cast . Changing rules after the fact is simply cheating. DNC must issue an statement just as soon as they possible can and clarify their position on these delegates and close this chapter once and for all.
And yes if Hillary must give up if she is loses to Barack Obama in the pledged delegate count and vice versa.

By: Pat from Michigan

Pat from Michigan — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:51:34 +0000

I am from Michigan and you should know that Hillary put herself on the ballot. Obamba and Edwards did not. Obama followed the DNC rules. Hillary did not. The only other option we had to vote was to vote uncommited. This confused many people. I do not think she should take the majority of our delegates when she cheated and came in the back door.

By: aware

aware — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:51:11 +0000

No deals! This is America the land of the free. Take it all the way! Since when is challenge or competition inappropriate for Americans?

Hillary the HOPE of 08

By: Ray

Ray — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:42:40 +0000

When you don't give your name, your comment sucks cuz it could come from the moon. Try to make your comments relivent and not off a candidates propoganda sheet
The rules were set months ago for Fl and Mi. Whats the problem? Did the candidates sleep when that was delt with and they were not told of the ruling. Act like you know what your doing or talking about and consider the big picture, your country and what it stands for.
I wish you Yanks luck on this one regardless which side your on, from your friends to the north Canada

By: E F G

E F G — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:39:44 +0000

I sincerely hope the upcoming primaries make it clear who the Democratic nominee will be. I'm very concerned that the longer this goes on, the more divided the Democratic party will be. And sadly, I see most of the divisiveness originate from the Clinton campaign. Obama went on the offensive today, but when he does, it's largely in reaction to baiting from the Clintons.

The party, and our nation, cannot afford for the Democrats to lose.

By: Jim Sullivan

Jim Sullivan — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:38:56 +0000

A caucus would be the only fair way to seat the delegates from Michigan and Florida. Everyone that decided not to vote in those primaries made their decision based on the rules of the democratic party, understanding that their votes would not count. I am not voting in Washington today, not because I don't care, but because I know it doesn't matter.

Hold caucuses in Michigan and Florida. Those that care enough to participate will have their say.

By: michelle

michelle — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:38:33 +0000

Everyone I have spoke to says if Obama wins – They will vote republican! At least McCain doesn't have some fascination (Fairy tale dream) that he is going to sit down and have a tea party with countries that odviously want to hurt us!

Maybe if he ever Debates Sen. Hillary – He will tell us all what tea he intends to SERVE!

By: Sabrina LasVegas, NV

Sabrina LasVegas, NV — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:36:59 +0000

After reading some of the post, I can't help but wonder if some of the posters are really neo-cons in dems. clothing. The DNC set the rules, so deal with them. Obama, Edwards, Dodd, Richardson and Biden have all complied, why not Clinton? Stop the tricks and let the voters, from the states that actually count, decide.

GO OBAMA 08!

By: June (California Voter)

June (California Voter) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:36:57 +0000

I don't believe it will go to the convention.
I belive it will be decided by June.
I voted fo Clinton now I'm for Obama.

By: Erik

Erik — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:35:28 +0000

If Hillary wants the votes to count in Michigan and Florida she should be advocating that both states should hold primaries again with both names on the ballot.

To claim that the voters will be disenfranchised if the FL & MI delegates are not counted ignores the fact that the voters were already disenfranchised because Edward's and Obama's names were not on the original ballots. At least give those states a choice before arguing that the current result is valid.

By: Oregon Voter

Oregon Voter — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:32:28 +0000

Obama was wrong and naive to take his name off the ballot of Michigan, and since he was the only one to run television ads in Florida, he really shouldn't complain about the results. If he had won Florida he would readily ask for them to be seated at the convention. How pathetic. The people of Florida weren't stupid. They made informed decisions and turned out in record numbers, this doesn't mean that Obama supporters simply stayed home, it means that the primary in Florida was not only fair but relevant. The results should stand. Oh, and as far as Michigan is concerned... well, Obama can't complain about running radio ads to tell his supporters to vote "Uncommited" because that means he gets no delegates from Michigan. Stupid mistake on his part, that's all.

By: sarah

sarah — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:31:02 +0000

hey, all the candidates AGREED on the plan re: MI and FL, and ONLY HILLARY subverted the plan and campaigned in those states anyway.

Whatever it takes, Hillary, whatever it takes - going back on agreements you've made, playing by only the rules that favor you - all's fair in love and war, right?

WRONG. Why do you think people don't trust you? You care only about Hillary and power. End of story.

Thank God there's another compelling Democrat in the race, so that we don't have to hold our noses and support you against McCain.

OBAMA is the one.

By: Pat, NY

Pat, NY — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:30:33 +0000

I hope the people of FL and MI don't mind being dismissed by the DNC and Obama. Did they get a vote on this rule, at least? Didn't think so. Tom, you ignorant slu-ug ....
Ricky, shouting makes you sound even more stupid...
Can anyone produce the recordings of all these so-called "many times" that Hillary has said she would do anything to win? (Chris Matthews saying it doesn't count.)

By: Pat - NY

Pat - NY — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:30:09 +0000

Over 40% of the registered Democrats in Florida voted. This was an enormous turnout of voters – I believe it was the highest turnout for a primary in their history. No one told Florida voters not to vote – that's why the primary was conducted and 1.7 million of them voted. I really feel sorry for the few that didn't vote – but I will not be responsible for their stupidity. By the way – Obama was the only candidate that campaigned in Florida (TV ads) – the other candidates followed the rules. Michigan is another story – but even then, Obama and Edwards voluntarily removed their names from the ballot – they didn't have to. I'm sure something will be worked out to everyone's satisfaction – do not let the media hype turn this into another battle ground.

By: SlapStick, Florida

SlapStick, Florida — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:30:09 +0000

If Hillary keeps deceiving the public the way she is doing and playing NASTY politics she will alienate herself. She won't need the help of McCain or Obama.

By: jrw34

jrw34 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:29:52 +0000

The Perfect Ticket: Billary/Rove '08

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:28:50 +0000

Hillary Clinton is clearly panicking. She least expected the race to go this far. She is now running out of steam. She is behaving as if the White House belongs to her.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:28:35 +0000

Dems Unite, you are completely off base. It was the Democractic National Committee that set the rules - and one of Hillary's principal supporters, Harold Ickes, was one of the committee members who voted last fall to adopt the rule that any delegates elected by Florida and Michigan in violation of party rules would not be seated. Clinton was all in favor of that rule last fall. Now that she is falling behind, she wants to change the rules. Obama did not "shun" Florida and Michigan - he was simply following the agreement made by all candidates that they would not campaign in states that scheduled their primaries in violation of party rules.

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:28:02 +0000

Obama is change, Billary is old style politics. If Billary continues to run she will become Democrats version of Huckabee, it will show her true self.

By: Ed,Ellenville,New York

Ed,Ellenville,New York — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:27:49 +0000

Obamabots getting all frantic again. I guess you don't realize the delegates make the rules and they can change them anytime. If Obama has the most then why does it matter ? All this garbage about rules and changing them shouldn't affect the leader right? Maybe you're just realizing that Obama is losing? If the delegates vote to seat those delegates that will mean you don't have the Democratic support to win anyway. What's the matter? You don't like voting? Or you only like democracy when it's fixed in your favor? This ain't Chi-town.

By: susants

susants — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:25:01 +0000

At least someone from New York is showing some common sense. Schumer wants the nomonations sorted before the convention as his
job as head of Senate Elections is to get Democrats elected. He does not need a brutal internecine war fueled by the to-the-death junior Senator from New York.

By: Basilynne

Basilynne — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:22:01 +0000

Its such a funny thing that the clintons are the ones with all the negative vibes and releasing ads that are so stupid. She says that she is for the working people and for America. why then does she fire her manager when shes loosing- i though we work through things to fix them. Maybe thats how she wants to run th country, fire any advisors and people that dont agree with her. She says shes tough, lady dont confuse being cocky for confidence. Another thing, we she wins, she sticks around to congratulate but when she has lost 8 straight, she doesnt thank the people that attempted to vote for her. Is that someome who is for the american people or the Hillaryan state? Get real lady and be a lady with dignity and not fighting like a pitbull.

By: Louis

Louis — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:21:45 +0000

So, one thing is not clear to me: when we hear that there will be 4049 delegates at the democratic convention, so that 2025 are needed to clinch the nomination, does this include the delegates from Michigan and Florida, or not?

It shouldn't, or else the entire argument is misconstrued. If it does, then either:
1) these numbers are wrong and the magic number is actually something less than 2025; or
2) it will be extra hard to reach the magic number (unless the party allows the two faulty states' delegates to vote after all, or they hold another, legal vote).

So does anyone know the answer?

By: anthony

anthony — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:20:26 +0000

I have had it with this ! ANYONE who believe they should count the delegates of Florida and Michigan has no integrity and just plain hypocritical. The DNC said no ! so no one competed ! the delegates did not count ! Now you want to twist it by saying they should have their say after the fact, who ever believes this is SPINELESS and a cheater at heart, that is why I am now angry with HILLARY, NO ONE COMPETED WITH YOU BECAUSE IT DIDN'T COUNT, now you want to try to change the rules because you don't think you can win outright !!! you have just shown what type a person you are, SAME OL POLITICIAN. if you want to include FL and MI device a way so that it can be fair competition,but really, the rules are the rules, they were out before it began and should stay out.

By: JohnS

JohnS — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:19:37 +0000

Easy for any HISTORIAN or strong student of basic civics to reason as follows:

The Republicans will chew and spit out Hillary within the FIRST month, if she is ever the nominee.

At that time, Independents like me, will run back to the arms of the Republicans. When will the Dems ever learn??? Or, as the media says, most are just not learned to know the difference!!!

By: Closely Watching

Closely Watching — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:17:48 +0000

Schumer speaks wisely when he worries about the party self-destructing if the primaries go all the way to the DNConvention. Florida and Michigan, like it or not, should not have their delegates seated. Those were the rules set forth by the DNCommittee, and ALL of the candidates agreed to that ruling prior to the start of the primaries. No matter who you fellow democrats support or believe will best benefit from their votes being counted, to change that ruling will only further split the party.

Go back and review the posts we all have left in regard to any story that is about Obama or Clinton. Can you deny that a hatred is growing daily between the Obama and Clinton supporters...to the point where many of US (myself included sad to say) are willing to vote for McCain if our candidate doesn't get the nomination? Here we have history in the making with record turnouts, the first viable woman and African-American candidates to choose from, and a unified hatred of the Bush administration that should all equate to a landslide victory for our party. But sadly, while McCain, Bush, Cheney , Rove and the rest of the GOB (Good Old Boys) laugh up their sleeves at our expense we will, I predict, go down once again as the party who couldn't get its act together.

By: chris

chris — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:12:31 +0000

I live in Canada and have been seeing a lot that goes on, number one i think all votes should be counted. Obama should be saying the same thing about florida and michigan voters. Why would he not back the people of these two states. A true president would back all states. So if he is president I would wonder if he would really be there for all the people in the united states of america. and if it comes to the convention, superdelegates should not switch there votes. If you stick behind obama or clinton then stay on that side. dont backstab the one you voted for. Believe in your candidate. And Obama keeps saying that experience wont matter because he dont have as much. Experience is a key issue. I rather have someone that made mistakes in the past and not playing safe all the time because playing safe will get you into trouble. I would rather one comes out and said, I made many bad decisions but i learned from them instead of coming out and saying I will make mistakes but dont let the voters know of the mistakes he already made in the past. So experience is very important. I think clinton is ready to be presdient. Obama not yet maybe later. I also think clinton will do better on the war then Obama. and go have a debate Obama, thats what we need because I still dont know what change you will bring. Anyone can say change. For the voters go with what you believe in dont jump on the banwagon. Really understand what one is talking about. Some people are just really good at speaking but solving problems is a differnt story.

By: Crystal in CA

Crystal in CA — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:12:21 +0000

Florida and Michigan broke the rules in which ALL democratic candidates agreed upon prior to the primaries. They did this not Obama or the DNC. Hillary knew the rules, but decided that her majesty was above them. I think it would be unfair to Obama if they decided to count those votes. The only fair thing would be to redo the primaries. But that would be entirely too expensive. But this situation was clear from the beginning and you Hillary supporters who are trying to back Hillary up on this need to question what you stand for.

Hillary's "win anyway you can even if it is dishonest" is disgusting.

Rules are rules. Don't attack Obama on this even if it convenient for you.

By: Reg20032

Reg20032 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:12:07 +0000

All you people screaming about how not counting Michigan and Florida is unfair are forgetting that all the candidates, including Hillary, agreed that the delegates from FL or MI would not count as a punishment for the primary date that was chosen. NO ONE BUT HILLARY WAS ON THE BALLOT IN MICHIGAN!!! How can you say that counting those delegates for Hillary is fair now! The best solution would be a "Do Over" for those states! Hillary doesn't want that, though, as she fears she wouldn't fair as well.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:55:30 +0000

Let the delegates from Michigan and florida be devided equally for fairness to prevail.

By: Pherr

Pherr — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:51:24 +0000

The DNC is not dienfranchising the voters of Michigan and Florida. The individual states knew in advance the consequences of moving their primaries up. It is the state parties that disenfranchised the voters. If the rules are not followed in the end, it will be a free for all in the future. If the rules need to be changed for the future, they need to be done after the rules are followed this time around. Shame on the state party heads for causing this problem. As you can see, the race is tight and wherever they were scheduled to primary would have made their votes heard. Also, the two states suffered economic consequences becasue the candidates did not spend the usual campaign cash on media buys etc. No one to blame but state party heads.

By: Danielle, OH

Danielle, OH — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:47:35 +0000

OHIOIANS FOR HILLARY!!!

If you dont win then we will just vote for McCain.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:27:17 +0000

I voted in the Florida election for Hillary, not really knowing what the DNC had recommended.

I think there are a lot of voters in Florida didn't even know about the DNC plan. Her name was on the ballot to vote for, and we voted for Hillery.

Our votes should be a part of this primary.

This is supposed to be America where every indiviual vote must be counted.

By: Peter

Peter — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:24:04 +0000

I am a republican who has been talking to some Hillary democrats. I have heard the same comments. That if Hillary loses they will not support Obama in November but will crossover and vote for McCain. Democrats be careful what you wish for.There may be a backlash in the general election were every vote counts even Florida were Hillary got over 1 million votes in the so called "no count" primary.

By: andy

andy — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:13:32 +0000

Obama should be very careful when turning his back on michigan and florida, in few months he will really need their votes. It is hard to say you votes don't count in february and vote for me in november.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:07:21 +0000

All candidates NAMES were on the ballot in Florida. None of them campaigned there. Also just to clarify something regarding Florida;
1) Hillary did not go to Florida to hold a victory rally until after all the polls closed which is within the rules of the party.

2) Concerning Michigan, Obama and Edwards had the opportunity to leave their names on the ballot but chose to remove them. This was their misfortune and poor political judgement.

By: Mac Ibrahim

Mac Ibrahim — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:04:46 +0000

I strongly believe that the DNC must take rsponsibility of its decision to disfranchise Mitch. an Flor. A new primary election in the two states should be held before it is too late. No more cocuses as some suggests. If it will costs 20 milions or more, the DNC have the resources to cover, and they still have pay for their mistake. I also suggest that Howard Dean should step aside. He made terreble decisions this election. Millions have been difrancised in states where cocuses have been held. Open cocuses and primeries allowed the republicans to vote and choose the democratic nominee they wanted to run against their candidate.

By: CE, Wisconsin, USA

CE, Wisconsin, USA — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:58:56 +0000

Why all the negative campaining in Wisconsin?

By: Vince

Vince — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:54:02 +0000

What a bunch of uninformed losers on this page!

By: JC

JC — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:52:47 +0000

The idea of superdelegates, to me, means some Dems are deemed not intelligent enough to choose the party nominee.

If DNC set the rules last year barring MI and FL from conventions, which was agreed by all candidates, it will be worse to change the rule in the middle of the race. How can this be fun? Presidential campaign is serious business about the people. Hillary should be honest with herself at least once.

By: Dem in Chicago

Dem in Chicago — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:48:19 +0000

Just stop with accusations that CNN is biased toward Obama. How ridiculous! CNN is not biased toward Obama or anyone else. All these accusation of bias are tired and small-minded.

By: Rebecca - CA

Rebecca - CA — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:48:06 +0000

I think Sen. Schumer's suggestion will be falling on deaf ears when it comes to Sen. Clinton. Everyone is aware of her intense desire to win the presidency...she has carefully strategized her career towards this end. Does anyone really think that the "good of the country" or "party unity" will be motive enough for this "fighter" to concede??? She and her husband are used to "winning." If it comes down to who wins, the American people or the Clinton machine, I do not have confidence that she will be woman enough to make the better choice.