CNN

Look, if we're going to throw the rulebook out the window, then all the other rules go with it. If Michigan and Florida get to re-do their primaries, then who's to say that the super-delegates should still be the ones to make the decision about who gets to be our nominee at the convention if neither candidate gets the 2,024 delegates needed to clench the nomination? Either these two states re-do their primaries, and at the end of the day the one with the highest delegate count in June gets the nomination, or we don't let their votes count and let the super-delegates decide.

Personally, I think that voters in Florida and Michigan will remember that the DNC didn't count their votes come November, and that could definitely be devastating to the Democratic party. I also agree with what you said, Wolf, that both states could benefit financially from the attention they'll be getting from around the world, and if they wanted to find the money to pull off a re-do, I'm sure they could.

But if the Clinton camp can get the party to accept do-over primaries in these two states, then the Obama camp has the right to push for the delegate count alone choosing the nominee, as opposed to the convention choosing the nominee. I don't think it would be good for the party to keep fighting amongst itself until August, because that would give McCain a lot of time to campaign nationally. But I also believe that choosing the nominee through a national convention is a very improtant aspect to our democratic system.

I'm sorry, I agree with Mr. Dean on this one. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game. I don't think the DNC should have to pay for anoher primary; that responsibility should rest with the individuals who went against the regulations set. If anybody is to blame for this outcome it is that group of people. You can't break the rules, and then cry about the consequences!

Charlie Crist blabs on about democracy and seating the Florida delegates, but he neglects to mention that he and his Republican legislature were responsible for this fiasco by signing the bill moving the primary in violation of DNC rules. He wants the DNC to pay for it, thereby reducing the amount of money that the Democrats have available for the general election. What a ploy – could it be more Machiavellian?

Lets get the story straight! Sen. Clinton DID NOT "WIN" MICHIGAN or FLORIDA! You can not win a fight or a race or an election if the the hosts choose not to follow established rules!

Wolf,

An oddball idea for you on how to finance possible primaries in FL and MI. Why not have both of the candidates share the cost of holding the elections. They have the money. Each state would contribute in-kind with its elections staffs, and perhaps the DNC could also share in the cost.

If both candidates think that a "revote" is a good thing, then let them pay for it.

It doesn't matter how you slice it,

THERE IS NO FAIR WAY to let Florida and Michigan have "do-overs" without favoring one candidate over another.

If you allow them to have primaries, you open the door for Hillary to say, "I was the only one who stayed on the ballot the first time, so I'm the only one who cared about you, even when your votes didn't count."

Unfair advantage to Clinton.

If you allow them to have caucuses, Clinton will get her butt kicked by the Republicans and Independents who will vote not just FOR Obama, but AGAINST Clinton.

Unfair advantage to Obama.

IT'S WRONG.

No other way to slice it…IT'S WRONG TO LET FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN HAVE DO-OVERS.

Right now the Democrats are handing the Republicans the gift of two key states in the November election. Whoever wins the Democratic nomination, they will be poisoned by this issue, at least in these two states and maybe more. Anyone remember Chicago in 1968? Think about a whole bunch of voters from Florida and Michigan on the streets of Denver chanting “every vote counts”. Better yet, how about adding an opposing group out there too from the Obama camp chanting “follow the rules”? I doubt Mayor Hickenlooper will get in the proper nostalgic spirit by ordering his police to break up the gathering with force, but then we can’t have everything.

Now imagine a press conference with Obama, Clinton and Dean standing side by side. Clinton and Obama state that “tomorrow we will be fighting each other for the nomination. But today we are joining together to make sure the Democratic voters in all states are heard. No more stolen elections. We are joining together to do what is right.” They agree to split the cost of a revote in the two states so that the votes can count under the DNC rules. Dean steps up and says he will work with the state Democratic parties to make sure this happens.

All of a sudden the Democrats look like winners again. Only if.

does wolf blitzer work for the clintons. it seems like every time he opens his mouth it sounds like a talking point for her. maybe you should spend a little more time checking into what she really did while she was first lady and report on that instead. are you a reporter or a talk show host?

The Florida GOVERNOR is an Idiot. He approved the bill to move the primary and now he wants the party to pay to redo the Primary. HE SHOULD PAY FOR THE REDO OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET> Talk about mis management.. and WOLF, it escapes me as to why you allowed him to ramble on and NOT ASK THE QUESTION why on EARTH did he move the primary knowing full well the DNC would have issues with the Delegates

Obama is our Savior. Voters in Texas, Ohio, and Rode Island have arrogantly voted against Obama, so now we can all understand why it is so hard for Michelle to be proud of america. Michelle felt the same racist oppresion at Princeton and Harvard that we all suffered on Tuesday. We need to remember that Obama will change an evil america, and treaty with our muslim brothers. He can apologize to them for americas evil actions – Shame shame shame Texas and Ohio.

I agree with all you have said. the Governor of Florida,cannot see it your way because he is part of the problem,remember his signature is on record.

Come on. The reality is that unless Florida and Michigan count neither candidate can win. If this wasn't the case there would be no debate, but it is the case. This question is an issue because of the numbers, not because Hillary is desperate (sp?), a whiner, a liar, a cheat, or a vain phony . Forgetting the reality of the numbers… If it were the other way around Barack supporters wouldn't have a problem. Excluding these two states threatens the legitamacy of the democratic process and of democratic principles. In a time where America is trying to show other countries that democracy works, it would be foolish to ignore the votes and voices of the people of two major states of this union.

P.S. Even though it keeps being said that Barrack is ahead in the popular vote, it is untrue. Hillary is ahead in the popular vote. More people, based on votes, not delegates, want Hillary Clinton to be the president of this country. Why is everyone ignoring this fact?

P.P.S. CNN, I find it hard to believe that the only people that have commented on this issue are Obama supporters. This is what SNL alluded to in the unfair treatment of Hillary in the media. Does anyone remember that the so-called negative direction of Hillary's campaign was in response to negative campaign ads from the Obama camp? Why isn't the media bringing that up? Furthermore, how is asking the questions that every American should be asking themselves when choosing a president a negative campaign tactic? The Obama supporters are getting so mad that Hillary has asked these questions because deep down they know the answer.

P.P.P.S. Blitzer for president?

Re: Johnboy March 6th, 2008 3:57 pm ET (see below)

Your words do to Obama supporters exactly what you decry, only worse. You're rudely accusing Obama supporters of rudely accusing Clinton supporters. You complain that such people call Hillary supporters stupid, so you turn and call Obama supporters dumb:

"I notice the Obama supporters really insult anyone with a different opinion. They call Clinton Supporters stupid and ignorant and uneducated.

Funny, but most of the Clinton supporters are the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings of the Obama supporters.

So you insult the very people who loved you and nurtured you and educated you. Obviously education is no substitute for intelligence and common sense.

Obama supporters epitomize and illustrate the saying: THE DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA."

Grow up.

Wolf Blitzer, from a strategical view, Florida and Michigan should be allowed to participate in the primaries. It is unfair to penalize millions of voters for the mistakes of their legislators. Since you, CNN, are such staunch Hillary supporters, and your ratings escalate during these events, perhaps CNN would be willing to put up the 18-25 million dollars needed to "re-do" the primary elecions in both states. Bear in mind as you consider my suggestion, that everyone in Florida and Michigan are not all Clinton supporters, Obama will surely take a large portion of those votes.

By the way, you continually say that Obama out-spent Hillary by 2 to 1. Well, if you convert the amount of free air time CNN gave to Hillary from Friday evening until Tuesday, the day of the primary elections, to dollars, then one could conclude that Hillary out-spent Obana at a higher ratio.

i HAVE NEWS FOR ALL OF OBAMA SUPPORTERS. HE DID CAMPAIGN IN FLORIDA!!!! HIS AD WAS ON TV EVERYDAY. HILLARY WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO DID NOT BREAK THE RULES. REMEMBER.... WE HAVE A RIGHT TO VOTE ...... AND TO HAVE OUR VOTE COUNTED........ LISTEN CAREFULLY...... IT WAS A REPULICAN WHO MADE THE DECISION TO MOVE OUR DATE..WE WILL PREVAIL......

Now that the DNC leadership, the Democratic presidential primary candidates and the electronic media are all beginning to support statewide revotes in Michigan and Florida for the Democratic presidential candidate, the odds are that there will be statewide revotes in Michigan and Florida.

Does anyone seriously think that the issue is the $25 million to $35 million that it will cost to revote in Michigan and Florida?

Primary election tactics are overshadowing differences in positions on issues between Obama and Cinton. "Personality and personal style" are overshadowing "issue position based substance" to the point the "personality and personal style are becoming the substance" of this Democratic primary election.

Wolf you often mention the fact that they didn't campaign in Florida but it's too late to change minds after people have voted, it would create a backlash and a bias for Hillary. It's as if id tell you, " Wolf you didnt know what you were doing when you voted the last time," how would that make you feel? They both didn't campaign in Florida thats as fair as it can be.

HILLARY NEW SLOGAN IS:

FAKE

IT

TIL

YOU

MAKE

IT

OBAMA 08

Why won't you post my comment?

Why is Hillary trying to change the rules of the DNC? CNN is hyping this story because they realize they only have a couple of more states withwhich to pump up HRC's numbers. Just like HRC, who dismissed Mississippians as backwards, CNN is ignoring Wyoming and Mississippi and only looking forward to PA. Shame on you CNN for helping Hillary hide the truth about how many delegates she has and how many elections there are still in play.

March 6th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

WHO besides the Obama people care about Hillary's tax returns! BARRACK get back to the campaign and give us specifics on how YOU propose to fix America!

BARRACK – how are you going to bring the republicans to the table to give us their gains under 8 years of George and Company?

BARRACK – how are you going to balance the BUDGET?

BARRACK – how are you going to get the ECONOMY moving?

BARRACK – how are you going to add American JOBS?

BARRACK – TELL us what YOU are going to DO!

WE DON'T CARE HOW MUCH MONEY HILLARY PAID TO THE IRS! I DON'T EVEN CARE HOW MUCH YOU PAID TO THE IRS BARRACK!

I WANT TO KNOW HOW YOU propose to get the RICH to pay their "FAIR SHARE" of our country's "BILLS"

ANSWERS BARRACK – OR GO BACK HOME!

VOTE HILLARY CLINTON

Everyone knew the rules. What are we teaching our children from this? If you're not winning it's okay to break the rules or convince others to do so in order to win? Win at any cost?

It's not Howard Dean's fault. It's the fault of the party leaders in Michigan and Florida. They are the villains (besides the Clinton campaign trying to cheat). It's wrong and it's unfair. I think they should be taught a lesson. Let their own voters vote them out of office for doing such an arrogant thing. But don't blame someone else for this one. You agree to this. Michigan and Florida were trying to cheat. Now Hillary's trying to cheat. Just say NO!

Hey, HD for Obama:

If your comment is true....WHY DID OBAMA LOSE MARCH 4???????
SEEMS TO ME THE MORE PEOPLE GET TO REALLY KNOW HILLARY, THEY VOTE FOR HER!

BTW, OBAMA RAN ADS THAT ENDED UP RUNNING ON TV IN FLORIDA!!!!!!!!!!!! HE ADVERTISED THERE, SHE DIDN'T!

Incredible how many people are Hilliary bashers... I think all this hatred speaks way louder to the person posting rather than to Hilliary.

and I heard the Obama supporters were more educated... hmm doesn't sound like it.

Luckily he is better than his supporters.. I like both of them .

As far as the primaries in MI and FLA... why not a do over that is a mail in ballot? Would have to be less expensive and could work like a charm.

Wolf is not proClinton's, he, all CNNs and other so called democratic unbiased media is proObama in great extent.
I am tire of hearing insults to Clintons from Obama's supporters.
It shows what kind of people support him.
Tell me who supports you and I'll tell you who you are.

"DO THE MATH!?" Apparently your math skills are lacking at best. Fortunately for you, CNN does it for you. If you had been watching since the Vermont, Texas, Ohio, and Rhode Island, they determined that we won't likely have any idea who's going to win the primary until the superdelegates finally come into play. And, by the way...considering that without a revote, Hillary can add the numbers from Florida and Michigan to her count, and very likely could do the same even with a revote (this is why Obama wants to ignore the votes cast by the millions of Americans in those states) would likely still pull a majority of the votes from each, adding these two states could only serve to help her. So, please you Obama-can't -be-beat fanatics, stick to the facts and try to keep your panties in a wad in the upcomming months.

Why is it the rest of the country's problem or the DNC's problem if Michigan and Florida messed up? True, it's not the voters' fault. But it comes down to this: Don't seat the delegates and disenfranchise the voters in two states, or seat them and disenfranchise the voters in the other 48 states that played by the rules.

The problem is that this is nothing new. This was decided a year or more prior to the primary. The candidates, including Cilnton and Obama, agreed to honor the ruling of the party, none of them (remember, it was more than two back then) campaigned, and Obama wasn't even on the ballot in MI. So the results of those primaries can not be considered valid. The only way to have a "fair" primary is to do it again.

I think it's the purest hypocrisy of Clinton to agree then, and now to call for the votes to count. She's no better than a Republican. In more ways than one.

Our Vote has to count! I hate the fact that Obama is against it and doesn't 2 penny about our votes. His going down!

MY VOTE IS FOR HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!

This is so ridiculous, now Hilary wants to have redos because she is behind in the delegate count. Why not voice this much earlier. The fact still remains that Michigan and Florida broke the rules and now these are the consequences, typical of Florida

Why does it take so long for my comment to be reviewed and posted when so many are posted after mine?

Here is my post from 4:35 p.m. ET that still was not posted (by the way, Jack Cafferty just raised my point on the Situation Room in his comments section re Charlie Crist's hypocrisy–at least Jack can figure out what Blitzer apparently cannot grasp).

My post:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
While Wolf was spending time with Florida Governor Charlie Crist on the Situation Room today touting Wolf's great idea that the $18 million or so cost of a re-do Florida primary may be good for the Florida economy, he failed to point out and ask Crist why he signed into law the Florida legislature bill moving up the Florida primary in violation of both the RNC and DNC rules. Many viewers may not know the history and Wolf had an obligation to point this out and confront Crist with Crist's hypocrisy. Given that at the time this legislation became law, Crist knew that moving up the primary date in Florida was a violation of DNC rules, the consequence of which was disenfranchisement of the Florida delegates, why didn't Wolf ask Crist the hard question–why is Crist so concerned about disenfranchisement now when he wasn't concerned about the consequences of his action in signing into law the early Floriday primary date?

Come on Wolf and CNN–be better prepared–and ask the poignant, illuminating and relevant question!

I wrote a month ago highlighting this problem and i say it again. Why are the votes of millions in 2 key states being ignored because of the ego of the incomptent Howard Dean who is hell bent on the selection of another Fairy Liberal – Obama. All the big speeches of Obama for being inclusive does not include the people of Michigan and Florida!!

Please dont tell me he did not campaign in those states. Well neither did Hillary but won handsomely in both states. In fact Obama and Edwards advised their supporters to vote " uncommitted" in Michigan and got fewer votes despite their names being on ballot in Florida.

Barrack Obama is the most hypocritical politican with differing standards on same issues depending on how it works in his favour. Thankfully his problem issues of Nafta and corrupt doniors etc are coming out in open.

Clarification please. Hillary has been speaking for Florida votes to be counted from the onset. This is "NOT" new because she is in need of the delegates. If you don't live here and know the whole story, don't throw theh accusations out. W. Blitzer, a good story and I personally wish that we would pay for another primary in our state. Otherwise, there can never be a legitamate "known" winner at the close of the day.
Why so much fear in seating Forida and MI if everyone is so sure of an Obama victory. Good story, thanks!

Lets let Edwards and all the other candidates get back into the race also. AND SHAME ON THE MEDIA FOR NOT GIVING THEM THE SAME COVERAGE AS OBAMA AND CLINTON! LETS, DO THE WHOLE THING OVER! AND WE'LL CHANGE THE RULES FOR EVERY STATE AND AFTER EVERY PRIMARY! WHY SHOULD ANY CANDIDATE KNOW AND FOLLOW THE RULES IF THEY WILL NOT BE FOLLOWED OR CHANGE EVERY WEEK!

Florida and Michigan rendered themselves ineligible therefore a majority is reduced from 2025 delegates to 1842 votes. Obama therefore only needs about 315 more delegates to win a majority and to secure the nomination.

Knowing how much money has been spent to secure the nomination, fiddling with the Rules will result in the DNC having to reimburse all candidates their election expenditures and to reimburse states who properly held primaries all of their costs thrown away. That would run $135M to Obama, $115M to Clinton, $200M to states that held promaries under the rules. Does Clinton, the DNC and Florida & Michigan want to renege on their promises and to pay all costs thrown away! Maybe Obama was right when he talked about the Clinton and the silly season! She really is silly, sarcastic and small-minded, and with the lastest revelations on Page 1 of todays Globe & Mail (Canada's Naytional Newspaper), she is a HYPOCRITE whom all should DENOUNCE AND REJECT!
Mike

.

Sen. Obama’s decision to go explicitly negative suggests that he is unable to make an affirmative case for his candidacy beyond ad hominem attacks. Why isn’t he discussing the hearings that he held on the Foreign Affairs subcommittee that he chairs? Why isn’t he talking about his travel through Latin America? Why isn’t he briefing the public on his comprehensive plan to address the foreclosure crisis now? Why isn’t he stumping on his universal plan health care plan? Because he can’t and so he is advancing a campaign strategy premised on process and personal attacks.

The Florida solution

Have an immediate redo before the Pennsylvania primary and have the two remaining Presidential candidates, State of Florida, and national Democratic party pay a share of the cost of the redo. Florida should pay a portion because of they caused this problem in the first place.

To allow both Michigan and Florida to have a "re-do" would set a dangerous precedent for future primaries. What would stop other states from following a similar course of action. The Democratic party needs to follow through with its decision to deny those delegates to be seated at the convention. If the voters in those states are upset by this, they should think about replacing those who are making the decisions.

If the Democratic National Committee is serious about the statement

"Our goal is to restore accountability, honesty and openness at all levels of government. To do so, we will create and enforce rules that demand the highest ethics from every public servant ....."

I can't see how they can reverse their decision.

A "do-over" in Florida and Michigan? Absolutley not. How dare we talk about a re-do and spend millions of dollars again?
People are losing their homes and jobs are being sent out of the country. Give that money to them if you must sprnd, sprnd, spend.

I am a Floridian and the reason I went to the polls was to vote on important legislature that related to property owners. Many people who had no investment in that legislature, stayed home. The politicians who are pushing for a redo(including our Republican governor) should ask those people before they make such a decision. Where was all the outrage before the primaries began? We may not like it, but we'll get over it if we have to obey the rules. Maybe next time we will pay more attention to what the DNC is doing.

I think this Democratic Party Presidential Candidadte Election will be decided in the Puerto Rico primary which will happen on June 6. Then, the american citizens (4 Million) will decide who our next president will be. Ironically, 4 millions of US citizen to whom the system has consistenly denied voting right for the President. Its time to fix the democratic deficit that exists in Puerto Rico.

Is it Saint Obama?....Prophet?...No, friends, he's just a politician–and he has the indicted friends to prove it!

If you need a Super-God hero to save you, look around you...they are the ordinary folks in your community you probably never noticed.

This is a problem that requires a solutions. Both candidates should be advocating a plausible and fair solution. It seems that Hillary is the only one willing to do that.

This is why I think that: There are only two options 1) Seat the delegates as is or with a re-vote or 2) let the primaries continue until the convention and let the superdelegates decide.

Obama would prefer the second option because he will argue that he won the popular vote(even if it is by 1000 or so) so the superdelegates should vote for him. However, that is not the role of the superdelegates. He and Hillary both agreed to the same rules which suggests that superdelegates should vote how they feel without pressure from candidates or constituency. Of course, this would help Obama

Hillary, on the other hand, would prefer that the previous primaries in FL/MI should be counted as is and the delegates should be allocated accordingly. Both candidates would like a resolution that will be advantageous for their respective campaigns.

Objectively, the most fair solution is a re-vote after both candidates have an opportunity to campaign in the states. It seems that Clinton is the only one willing to have a re-vote. Obama is against it.

We need a FAIR resolution so give us one. SEAT THE DELEGATES AFTER A REVOTE!!! Think of the candidates, the party, and most importantly the PEOPLE!!! Let us vote

There should be no re-election here. The first one should count. The states have the right to hold elections when they see fit. This should be taken to the Supreme Court. ALthough Bushes Republican supreme court probably will through it out. It is a shame how crooked our government has become. HILLARY 08

No Do overs, just let the local election boards recertify the elections that took place already...Saves everyone $ and give Barak all the unclaimed votes in MI...He still loses...

I'm going to try and explain this for Dave and other Obamabots using very small words. Try to follow along:

The DNC said any contest held before the given date would not be awarded delegates. Thus, to be counted, MI and FL need to hold new contests. It's not changing the rules.

Although, your pious sense of justice demands that the people of FL and MI be punished, it was bad judgement by state party officials, not average citizens that put them in this position.

Bottom line: Disenfranchising those voters will hurt our chances of putting a Democratic president in the White House come November.

I retired from the miltary in 1997. I am for both States MI and FL votes to count . If they want to punsh the States for the early Primaries . Then let's punish them with they don't decide one Candidate to back than the other . I say niether State spends any more money at all . No, Reprimary at all . Take all the delegates from both States and just divided them between both Candidates equally .This will cost no more money or headaces . It will give no one the advantage . It will help the Democrates to get closer to the 2025 delegates they need for the nomination . The importance is that every vote count and the people of FL and MI are included in this Campaign. They will just have a voice of 50/50 of thier delegates split as the punishment . This is very fair in my opinion and very cost effective . It just makes sense and helps everyone all around . I see a Big Democratic Convenion Confusion coming if these two States delegrates are not included in the process . I back Obama ,there is a better way to solve the delegate issue of FL and MI . Let's be Americans and work it out to be fair to everyone . Money is tight for both States to pay to have another Primary . So, let's make ends meet the best we can . Like all Americans across America right now .Everyone is feeling the pain of our weak economy right now .

Why is no one talking about the Republicans voteing for Hillery Clinton in Ohio and Texas so she could get the nomination so they didn't have to run aginst Oboma.Check around and you will find out thats how she won the states.

Why are you reporting Obama's name was not on Michigan ticket? Other news journalist have reported he asked to have his name removed! Also, the $150,00 Obama got from Resco, what is the name of the charity that Obama gave the money too?
Thank-you
Janice Bardin KY

I live in the best state in America,Oregon.I don't have to take off work to vote,I don't have to stand for hours at some polling station.Here comes my mailman with my ballott.Im going to sit at my kitchen table with a cup of coffee and fill out my ballott.Then Im going to put my balott back in the evelope,slap a stamp on it and drop it in the mailbox.Childsplay.No hanging chads in Oregon.Now im headed out to go to my favorite fishing hole.Voteing in Oregon is just plain fun!

JR-

First, and foremost, that would not accurately reflect the voters choice, Secondly, it only advances the delegate count, the margin between them stays the same, clearly giving an undue advantage to Obama who did not win those delegates in the eyes of those who voted (in record numbers I might add).

And what of the high voter turnout in those two states? Clearly, the voters knew how important it was to get out the vote for their party–they had already been paying attention to the campaigning around the country which has been going on for more than a year!!

I would advise the people of FL and MI to file suit against the DNC if they are denied a voice in this election–a fair one that TRULY reflects their choice. Given the magnitude of issue, they would win, and win big!

Why can't we all be AMERICANS, and vote for the Person, not the color or the gender. They are worse than a room full of 5 yr olds. He did this,
she did that. Grow up and vote for an adult. Peace comes first. Every
thing else will follow. Harmony has a way of making things right.

ARE YOU GUYS KIDDING ME!!!! Holy Crap there are alot of immoral idiots out there. The same people that want to suddenly "forget" about the rules, want to break them and have a revote in Michigan and Florida. Your the same people that want Illegal aliens to "be forgiven" for breaking American Laws. There's a reason we have laws and rules. It's to make things fair. Not to change them when it's in the best interest of you. I don't like any of the Candidates, but I can see a shadey Candidate and Her brainwashed following as clear as day.......

Every election process Florida seems to always be a part of some election scandle or controversy. If not problems with there voting process at the poles then, the Bush scandle that won him the presidentcy.
Florida and Michigan knew the rules pryor to this primary as they wanted to move up and change there primary dates and they agreed to them.

They agreed to them and the candidates agreed not to campaign in either Florida or Michigan. Senitor Obama was not even on any ballots.
The rules simply can not be changed at this stage of the game.
If Florida and Michigan wants to be seated at the convention and there votes to counted now, either split there delegates down the middle between Senitor Clinton and Senitor Obama or make Florida and Michigan pay for the entire do over process.

They broke the rules and there has to be a stiff penility for this or Senitor Clinton will steel this election as Bush did,

Mike, Connecticut

Florida and Michigan voters have a right to have their votes counted. It was flat out stupid of the DNC to punish the voters because they had a disagreement with state leaders. You don't take the voter's rights away to punish the local party leaders...look how well it has turned out!

STUPID...STUPID...STUPID. It's working out just about as well as proportional state wins and superdelegates left to determine the nominee. Leave it to the Dems to snatch defeat from the jaws of certain victory. Three great candidates go down the tubes because the DNC can't get its act together.

This is exactly how Bush wound up winning/stealing the last two elections. Disorganization and stupid moves by Democrats.

Wolf Blitzer is not reporting evenly. He shows that he is PRO-Clinton. He did not even report this story "Clinton campaign denies Canadian report on NAFTA comments"

Lou Dobbs is the same thing they are both Bias against Obama and they need to be neutral if they are going to be reporters and not supporters of a given candidates.

Wolf is actually promoting Senator Clinton as the Democratic Nominee that way he reports and speaks a about the Senator Clinton. I am sick of it. I will stay home if they keep up this racist campaign against Obama.

To Frank's comment above concerning Florida's vote should count b/c all the candidates were on the ballot.

You apparently do not follow politics closely sir. Prior to the republican candidates campaigning in Florida, Guiliani was leading in the polls in Florida because of his national name recognition. However, once the voters learned more about McCain, Romney and Huckabee, the New York Mayor's numbers shrunk to the point where he had to drop out of the race. So his national name recognition had him leading in the polls.

The same goes for Clinton. She had national name recognition going for her and voters did not get to know Obama. The more voters get to know Obama, the more they like him. The more voters get to know the Clintons, the more they dislike her.

I just saw your interview with senator casey of pennsylvania and I think you should just go ahead and endorse clinton becuase it is very clear that she is your choice. I love the situation room but because of you clear chioce I will say shame on you wolf. really shame on you. and i will say shout up shout uppppppppppppppppppp.

Wolf, It is so obvious you are a Clinton supporter. It comes out when you cover results and daily news. I thought Journalist were to remain impartial. It's obvious you are not. Stay neutral, journalist.

No, Michigan and Florida should not be seated. The rules were changed and agreed to by everyone and that is that. I regret it for the delegates but rules are rules and they must be honored. And let's see, the Republican Governor of Florida, who by the way is in the running for McCain's VP, is trying to dictate Florida be seated and the Democratic Governor of Michigan, who just happens to be supporting Clinton, is trying to dictate Michigan be seated. HMMMM....I think I smell 2 rats! Unfortunately if one candidate gets the nomination by Michigan and Florida this is one Democrat who will stay home and not vote.

There should be do-overs and the states should fund them since they're the ones that agreed to the rules then broke them. They were aware of the consequences of moving their primaries yet did it anyway, and now they're crying about having their votes count?? How is this the DNC's fault? Shame on those governors.

Hillary will only gain the nomination if she steals it. And she's demonstrated throughout this campaign that she's willing to do just that! Despicable.

The delegates should be seated! Obama was on one of the ballets and hillary STILL WON! SEAT THE DELEGATES! People spoke and want hillary! Obama supporters dont want the seats filled because he would lose like he should!

I find it so sickening that this sheman (Hillary) has acted like a dog before the world and now the beast has the audcity to tell obama not to fight back. Gergen oh it will go against his policy. Just stand there Obama and let this thing disrespect you before the world.

I am not going to say I told you so when obama told you fools that Bush-Cain has made the country unsafe. Look at the bombing today. This is sickening.

We are at a point now we dont care who wins as long as it is not the democratic party. The entire scope of people are abominable. Let that nasty woman act like that with another member of the same party. oh hell no. The DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS A JOKE AND THEY WILL NEVER GET THE WHITEHOUSE.

The DNC lack courage, honesty, integrity, dignity, and self respect.

One last thing. This issue is moot so please people, calm down. Furthermore if it came to the table, primaries are much better, people go in, cast their vote, their choice – 5-10 minutes and they are out of there. Very private decision. This caucus business should be banned. It's sounds almost like a bunch of people arm twisting others into joining their side. As the saying goes: Keep It Simple Stupid.

How many would be in favor of just spliting the Florida and Michigan delegates in half and give half to each candidate.

Democrat party should pay for do over, not the taxpayers.

The voters in the Democratic Primary voted knowing their delegates were not going to be seated. Hard to claim 'disinfranchised' now.

However, if they have a 'do over', what will happen to the people who swapped their political affiliation in order to cast a vote that would count?

Hey Wolf: Did you not watch the news this morning? Democratic Chairman Dean said absolutely not! The Democratic Party was trying to achieve balance around the country for the states holding their primaries and everyone knew what the rules were. Florida and Michigan's state legislators violated those rules. As one reader yesterday put it, it would terribly unfair to all the candidates who have since dropped out of the race. Who knows if John Edwards could have won and this would have resulted in a winning streak for him.

Dean also made it clear that it would be the superdelegates would be more than likely making that decision should it come to that.

Wolf,

And they say that Obama is the media's darling...

Jesus!
You just wrote the more pro-Clinton-spined-article I've ever seen...

If Florida and Michigan get do overs then why not all the people who voted for Edwards or anyone else who was running ?

Oh Crist is on TV .now playing poltical games lol. HE is the ONE who forced the elections to be when they were. He wants the DNC to pay 25 million for Florida to do it over, but HE will oversee it . LOL This is too much !!!!!! Be still my heart.

LOL .. this is political gamesmenship at it's FINEST !!!!!!!!!!!! LOL Honestly .. like he CARES!!! He wants Hillary to win so McCain can beat her. Heck he might be McCains running mate !!!

The two states knew the rules set forth, they decided to move ahead anyway. Break the rules, pay the price...Those two states could have been pivotal had they waited their turn...A revote could be a costly mess. Follow the rules next time!

Wolf, I always enjoyed hearing your analysis on these issues until you became pro-hillary and now I find you very partial. It is so obvious you are rooting for her; it might be helpful to the whole nation if people like you that command our respect would be more neutral. Otherwise why are you focusing attention on issues that benefit her campaign like the Florida / Michigan revote?. Those States agreed to loss all their delegates last year, why are you aiding the Clinton campaign to change the rules of the game during the play?.

I'm tired of folks referring to a revote as a "change in the rules." The DNC has consistently said that they will accept a plan that selects Michigan and Florida delegates on February 5 or thereafter. FL and MI submitted plans that were earlier, and they were rejected. A revote would be bringing MI and FL in line with the rules, not changing them.

In MI, we did not have the chance to vote for any major candidate except Hillary. She broke the rules by staying on the ballot! Many folks, like me, voted "uncommitted," but many more just didn't vote. There is no way that should count.

It's time for a do-over! I want to see the whole state of Michigan blanketed in the Michigan Do Over buttons and t-shirts you can get on Cafepress. We need to rise up and reclaim our right to vote!

Michigan and Florida should be the last states to vote only if either candidate did not reach the 2024 del count. The democrats better do something for future elections also so this won't happen again and that Texas thing won't happen again.

Hillary and Obama need to stop fighting as enemys and start competeing as allies to let the better man (or woman) win honorablely. They get so caught up in the nomination that they forgot about McCain. McCain was not like much to start with but with everyday the democrats fight he (McCain) looks like a better candidate.

Both are good candidates, but they both are showing to be bad leaders. I still vote for them though just because McCain is too Geroge Bushy.

Well Clinton is saying let Florida and Michigan be seated. Well I guess this shows how the Clinton's would change the game in the middle of race. Why wouldn't she want a re-vote? Why because this will benefit her however if the shoe was on the other foot, she would be wanting a re-vote.

This is a strong indication of the person and how she will lead this country, again it is JUDGEMENT.

Typical Clinton, anything to win. She agreed to the rules. Now she wants to change the rules she agreed to.

Obama was not on the ballot. Many people did not vote, because they were told the vote wouldn't count.

If we let them vote again, then we need to let all the other states re-vote, where people voted for Edwards or another candidate who is no longer running.

It seems that Clinton cannot overcome the Obama delegate count. It would be unfair for those voters in MI and Fl who didn't vote because they didn't want to participate in a mock primary. Hillary can do math, so why hasn't she dropped out of the race. It's because she knows the fix is in. By god if Hillary steals this elction through manipulation and the superdelegate vote, she is going to rely on those republicans who cross voted

Wolf Blitzer in urging and almost insisting that Florida pay for a new primary on the specious gruinds that it would make money is making his preference for Hillary quite obvious. Sickening.

here's the solution:

1.Florida stands. Obama was on the ballot, neither candidate campaigned (so it was a fair contest), and it was the republicans fault that the primary date was changed.

2. Michigan re-do. Obama was not on the ballot and the DNC rules were broken by the Michigan democaratic party.

I believe these are the facts:

Michigan and Florida broke the rules of the DNC, knowing full the consequences of breaking those rules.

End of discussion, move on folks!

Kathy

A Florida and Michigan "do-over'? Why not Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina having to repeat their elections – they broke the rules also. Iowa held their caucuses 33 days earlier than the timeline set forth under DNC delegate selection Rule 11.a; New Hampshire held their primary 28 days earlier than specified and South Carolina held their primary 10 days earlier than specified. Why sanction Florida and Michigan and not the other three states?

I agree that Florida and Michigan should play by the rules, as Clinton agreed to. However, if the "powers that be" in the Democratic party feel inclined to favor Clinton, the answer should be new caucuses. This is the fair outcome.

As for those who talk about Obama always giving the same speech, listen to McCain and Clinton. Their stumps are always the same as well, except for Clinton who occasionally can't help but resort to some sort of patronizing, sarcastic remark about Obama.

For me, Obama will be the answer. He will represent our country throughout the world and prove that we are beyond continuing the Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton type of leadership.

What a wonderful world this will be if we can show we have "minds of our own."

EVERY VOTE MUST COUNT!

Obama should unite the party by admitting that he is not ready to lead our nation

Hillary will be our Nominee,

Obama should start investing an equal ammount of money on his campaign . It will show America that without double spending he cannot cause a significant impact in those people, including me who understand that he is simply not ready to lead our nation.
Hillary can make a great difference and Obama could be a potential good Vice President. Obama can learn as a VP and eventually become our President.

This election is not about race , gender or SES, it is about the future of our loved nation.

Live to America and

Hillary for President!!!

Hillary 08- President of the United States of America

Obama breaks the rules and is the only Democrat to run Radio and TV ads in Florida. Now he's insistent that the rules be followed and that the votes in Florida shouldn't count. Do you think that could be because he was trounced in Florida by Clinton?

can someone please tell me who it was in Florida and Michigan that changed the date to screw up the votes-was it the governors? Who is responsible?

Hillary will win Florida. Obama will win Michigan– especially if there is a caucus.

End result – same as before. Obama wins total pledged delegates.

The rest of the campaign is a waste of time and money . . . sadly . . .

The Money Obama spent although did not get him a victory in Ohio and Texas the fact remains that he closed the gap significantly from the end of Super Tuesday. This is exactly why the candidates need an oportunity to campaign in Michigan and Florida if they are going to redo the elections. Otherwise it is not fair to either one of the candidates to use the results from their Early Elections.

I am appalled that some people think that rules are more important than protecting every voter's right to be heard.
Most people don't realize that it was NOT the Florida voters who decided to move the primary date up, it was the Republican controlled state.
How is it fair to the 1.7 million voters here in Florida to be disenfranchised for something they didn't do.
We preach bringing Democracy to other countries in the world and yet so many people here are not only OK with the undemocratic decision of DNC, but instead are demanding that 1.7 million voters should be disenfranchised.

No organisation–not even the DNC–should have the constitutional right to disenfranchise a segment of its' people. It is not the violation of setting their primary dates in opposition to the rules of the DNC that is at issue her, but rather the violation of the civil rights of the citizens of Florida and Michigan by the DNC. The decision to invalidate the delegates is the real legal issue here. If the DNC wanted to chastise the state parties for breaking rules, it should have been done in a manner that did not collaterally damage the current election process or the voters. Did it not occur to them that they could have imposed a fine? Then the fine monies would now be in the general election expense coffers and the democratic process would not be reduced to a laughing stock in the eyes of the global community.

The delegates in FL should stand as is. The playing field was level. No one campaigned. All names were present on the ballot.

An argument also exists that it was not a requirement of the candidates agreement to remove their names from the ballots, such that Senator Clinton was maybe a bit more astute than Senator Obama (and so was Dennid Kucinich, so it wasn't dirty pool either).

It may be impossible to treat these two states differently unless they both agree to that.

IF a second primary were to take place, rather than a full scale campaign onslaught, simply replay the broadcasts of the previous debates on TV in those states. Then they will have the same information as the people who have voted elsewhere up to what would have ordinarily been their primary date. People would have had to have been under a rock since January 19th not to have heard and seen sufficient input on these two.

The one thing that will not work ,and as we have seen in the Texas 2-step, is a caucus! What a mess! Particularly in FL, where you have an overwhelmingly large senior population that cannot physically withstand marathon voting. In both states, the voters have spoken–they should not bear the brunt of the load due to the DNCs' stupidity.

SO! Seat them both...the DNC can take its' lumps for trying to rob the voters of their voice...Gore had to take his, didn't he?...and let's move on!

One more thing-FIRE HOWARD DEAN!!....He was a wimp without a plan when he ran for president and he hasn't changed a bit. What were they thinking when they gave him the reins of the party????

Maybe this is somewhere in the thread already but if Florida and Michigan get to redo voting at this point, doesn't that disenfranchise all of the voters in all of the states where there were more options than Obama and Clinton? Shouldn't all of the people who voted for Edwards get to revote now?

Wolf, I have continously sent this message to many interested parties who have expressed an interest in resolving the Michigan and Florida delegation problem. My resolution is very simply and cost effective. Agree to seat both delegations and divide the delegates equally between Senators Clinton and Obama 50/50. The DNC could end this squabble today and the remaining states could be left to make their rightful decision. Let's be sensible about it 50/50 is fair.

Hillary''s negatives attacks on Obama will cause her to lose my vote now that she is attacking Obama in order to win the nomination. I am not alone with this decisions.

I wonder if Lou, Jack, Anderson & you Wolf , would agree that there should be no exceptions when it comes to rules, because surely our children and society as a whole will question the value of rules, is convieniance the only reason for their existance? It is my understanding that when Mrs. Clinton visited in Florida, she made a statement suggesting that the two states in question votes would be counted. The leaders of these states clearly disgaurded the rules and did not take into consideration the negative effect thier action would have on the voters of those states not to mention the fact that as elected officials , they are expected to lead by example, uphold and inforce all laws, rules and regulations. If Senator Clinton did in fact make this statement it would imply that she knew something that the rest of the country did'nt know. I would hope in fairness to the public that you gentlemen would request that your staff look into this question of whether or not Senator Clinton did in fact make this statement, and acknowledge that it was the leaders of those states that were guilty of not acting in the best intrest of the people who put thier trust in them and elected them into office, a point which clearly seems to be missed in all of this. Wolf spoke in this article about how good it would for the economy if the primaries were done over, and I say that it only encourages criminal activity which is very common in Washington.

Florida and Michigan should follow the same rules as the other states. If those two states get a "do-over", why not all the others? If the Democrats change their own rules with impunity, how can they be trusted to stick with other, more important, rules – like the Constitution? Wake up, dude! There is a reason the Clintonians and the Republicans are united in their desire to make sure Florida and Michigan "count" – it hurts Obama. The media could restore some integrity if it more intensely questioned the credibility and motives of all of these people all the time.

I find the amount of backlash on this article quite concerning. I understand that people have strong opinions about who they feel would be best for the Democratic presidential nominee and I do not see anything wrong with that. In fact it is an admirable trait to have such a strong feeling towards whom you support. However the type of backlash disturbs me because at the end of the day one of these two will be the Democratic presidential nominee and if continued the split feelings may cause a rift in the Democratic party that we will not be able to in time for the November elections, a rift that any politician would love to exploit to pull votes in their favor, thus giving the Republicans an advantage to sway democrat and liberal Republican voters.

On to the article at hand, when I heard that Florida and Michigan's delegates were stripped I was appalled. I understand that the two states did break the Democratic convention guidelines and something should be done, however I do not think that the people should have their votes stripped from them. Putting myself in their shoes I would be very frustrated to know that my constitutional right was taken away from me because of something my state did. At this point in the race redoing the votes would provide for skewed votes based on how other states voted and that is a reason why many states wanted to vote earlier then later. I understand that Obama was not even on the Michigan ballot, however if voters wanted to vote for him that should not have been an issue, as even now voters are still voting for people who are pulled out of the race. People are saying Clinton wants so and so and Obama wants this and that, but at the end of the day shouldn't it be what the voters want? Because at the end of the day its the voters choice (well ideally it is, but as we have experienced in the past having the votes doesn't exactly equal a win). Whatever happens one can only hope that the Democratic Party does not rip its self to shreds because right now we are doing the Republicans job for them.

For a party that has always stood on the side of every vote being counted .... for one which has rallied around and railed against seating a president whose popular vote was less than the man he defeated, I am sick to my soul that there is any argument at all about whether or not Michigan and Florida should be disenfranchised by the Democratic party. This is a low point in the history of this party. Any one who attributes motive is neither interested in the Democratic party nor the democratic process.

They don.t need to waste tax payers money. Hillary needs to get out. Let her go and join Joe, one of them could be McCain's v p.

The "voter's" who support Obama probably won't even vote if it rains in November. Obama and his supporters seem to be against a UNITED States of America. I would say anyone who is against all the primary votes being counted will be far more interested in tearing America apart over the legal wrangling we've all gorwn to love in November than a popular victory. A politician must be able to compromise to represent the people. Now that Obama has had his fun he should step aside and let a real politician get the repairs this country needs done started.
Clinton/Edwards 08

I hear a lot of Obama supporters saying the votes should not count in Fl or MI because they know Obama will lose there. They also say thAT rules are rules and aren't meant to be broken and all Hillary Clinton supporters are doing is whining. Well, don't whine obama supporters when the superdelagates make Clinton the nominee... RULES ARE RULES, RIGHT??? This is just getting ridiculous.

To win the office of president of the United States one only has to win 11 key states in the Electoral College. Michigan and Florida are 2 of these states. These 11 States can elect a president and no votes in other states are needed to win. The National Democratic Commitee had better be careful how they deal with this issue. Give both these states to McCain and the GOP is on its way to victory. Jamie, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Wolf, I was watching your program a few minutes ago. Why do you allow Cafferty to be so biased to Hillary Clinton. Todays question was: should Obama go negative" . There was five responses and he blasted Hillary in all five. I don't know what his problem is, but he is acting like a sick old man that is suffering from a little dementia. Please talk to him and tell to be fair to all parties.

C'mon CNN. Report the facts. This is stupid that you're giving this airtime. All this does is serve one candidate and cheat the system that was agreed on a long time ago. These 2 states knew the ramifications. Please stop pandering to the stupid. This is beginning to sound like the movie Idiocracy.

This just bewilders me how two States, Florida and Michigan who knew as well as the other States when their primaries were suppose to be held, yet on their own decided to hold them early knowing that there was going to be problems. Now since it didn’t work out Mr. Dean understands that without those votes counting the possibility of going to the Nation Convention without a clear winner is almost impossible he is open for suggestions. Give me a break. I have children and I have told them that if you make a decision and a bad one you must suffer the consequences, and so must Florida and Michigan.
I know that since this race is heating up once again and the possibility of either Obama or Clinton bowing out is just not plausible, Mr. Dean will have to come to some sort of compromise. Either way it’s wrong these States should suffer the consequences.

Charge the voters to vote. $10 each will raise $20M if 2 M people vote.

Florida and Michigan delegations MUST be seated in order for this country to claim it is "DEMOCRATIC"- (after all the word LITERALLY MEANS GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE). If a DEMOCRACY silences the voices of millions of PEOPLE, then I am outraged to be an American. Democracy is more important than petty committee rules.

Look at the facts:
1. The DNC set the rules, Florida and Michigan knowingly violated the rules by moving up their primaries.
2. The DNC told the candidates not to campaign in Florida and Michigan as the delegates would not be seated.
3. Clinton was the only candidate on the Michigan ballot, and did actively campaign in Florida. (She violated the rules)
4. If you count these 5 million + votes and award the delegates to Clinton, what about the other 48 states that played by the rules.

Its simple Obama followed the rules and is winning the delegate count; Clinton now wants to change the rules because it the only way she can win. Why have primaries when it comes down to a bunch of party bosses deciding the people are wrong and they will pick the nominee.

I wonder why is it that American crowd loves hearing about dreams, unity and some changes? Ever since this country was founded in 1776 we hear about dreams, unity and change, and yet for 232 years it stays the same. People need to come down from the skies, stop dreaming and wake up to reality. This country does not need someone who dreams about changes and unity (which is not bad of course) it rather needs someone with solid experience who can handle multiple economic (can someone say recession) and social issues and improve diplomatic ties with other notable nations around the world (Europe and such).

In today’s Democratic process ,I’m confused over the people being fooled by the Clinton’s process. The meaning of Democracy process is for the people by the people. Hillary Clinton’s and Bill Clinton’s meaning for the Democracy process is for the Clinton’s by the Clinton’s. I don’t believe that the voters can’t see that the clinton’s is ultimately for themselves. Before this race for the presidency began I liked the Clinton’s, but as this process goes on I see the real side of the Clinton’s . All I see now is the Clinton’s are about themselves and their reputation and power. Hillary no’s if she goes on with these debates and primaries and caucuses, its going to fracture the democratic party as a whole. The delegates are what they are , she won’t have more than Obama . So if the Clinton’s believe In Democratic Process, she will get out the race an support Obama and fight against MCcain. If she goes on its going to hurt Obama and herself. The ultimate goal is for the Democrats win the white house.
When the dust settles those self indulging people may cause Democrats to loose the White House. The American people and the Clinton’s supporters need to see the writing on the wall. We the people need to be responsible because the Clinton’s and her supporters don’t understand the consequences of continuing on. We need to vote in these next states for Obama no matter what, so we can prepare for the Republicans, because they will be prepared for the Democrats. If it goes to the convention we will see the snakes in action. If Clinton wins by their connections at the convention we will see how self indulging they really are, then the voters will have voter remorse.

I am so disgusted with our Government and the way they can change what ever they want to over rule or take away what we think is our right as a U.S Citizen to have our vote count. I have a very hard time physically getting around, but I managed to do so to get out to vote in the Mi Demo Primary only to find out it doesn’t matter to Washington. I say the people have spoken once again and once again the Government says SO WHAT! I also feel George Bush was not elected the first time there was a cheaters problem and then leave it up to yet another Government body to give it to him the second time. YES he neither got the votes or the Nations approval.( Unless you are in the million dollar club bracket.) At the cost of fuel and living in general I think the votes the first time around should be counted and used.. More expense on the voters is unfair but if so let it be we have spoken unless this is censured tooooooooooo.

I have voted let it count! K.L.Bisig MICHIGAN

Both FL and MI legislatures and voters were told what the consequences would be if they moved their primaries. They still decided to do so. They sealed their own fate with their decisions. The FL Governor is saying the taxpayers of FL have already paid for one primary. Great. The rest of us have already paid for our own state primary, too - and I don't want to pay for FL and MI revote. So, FL/MI were only testing to see if DNC would REALLY penalize them? And now they want all of us to pay for them to play by the rules after the fact? I don't think so. I hope Dr. Dean stands by his statement of the rules and consequences were known before the legislature/voters voted. The DNC needs to spend its money to ensure a Demcrat is elected in November - not spending it on two states who made the wrong decision and want others to pay for it. Let the State Dem and Repub Parties and State Governments split the costs three ways if they want another vote. All three of them are responsible, let them pay for it. Then perhaps they will pause and think before they make such a devastating decision again.

Okay so Hillary has lost 27 states and won a total of 17. She behind in delegates by about 80-90 or so. She's not going to be able to win. She won't be able to get the superdelegates to override what the numbers show. She's losing in states won and in delegates pledged, if it weren't for her 40 + superdelegate advantage she'd be even further behind. That's why she must do everything she can to win...including break the rules. Florida and Michigan are not in play because of a decision they made long ago. They were warned that they'd lose their delegates to not go the route they chose and they thumbed their noses...now they cry foul. They're crying foul now because their friend Hillary is in trouble and she can't say anything...so the governors of these 2 states were called and told to make a lot of noise and get the population of those 2 states in an uproar. I just hope they are smart enough to know that their votes don't count because they got railroaded by their own local government...not the DNC. Hopefully Howard Dean has enough backbone to know that rules are rules and you can't change the rules halfway in.

I think if they have to vote again, which i think they already did in florida with the top three on the ballot.,it should be a primary.It seems that cacauses are not as fair and is undemocratic.In canada it would be terriable if we had to go in a room and have people strong arm us into changing a vote we wouldn't tolerate it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our voting is almost sacred to us , it is our duty as it should be yours to be able to go into a booth and in private to vote who you think would do the best job as president of the US. of course i think it would be clinto , barack may be a good man but he is young, not ready and his history is that he talks of being a uniter but has not record as such, including no record of any thing in the senates he worked in. also their is still too much out there that has to be looked into about him and resko etc. maybe next time. hillary is more experienced and she knows what she is talking about and can deliver. The world will fill better with experience, beacuse right now there is just too much going on.

Vanchavo. Not all Hispanic share your myopic views. Obama is a farce and no friend of Mexican Americans. We love our country too much to turn it over to the left wing of the Democratic Party. That is why we prefer Hillary by 85% in Texas and Ohio. All the Southwestern States voted for Hillary, that should give you a clue. If not Hillary we will vote for McCain. It's about our country, not Africa.

I'm a Democrat living in Florida. I voted in the primary. The ballot had every candidates name on it. I resent the fact that taxpayers would have to pay for a new primary. The DNC is punishing Florida Democrats for something that the Florida legislature did. Why don't you report the fact that Florida Democrats had no power to stop the early presidential primary date in the Republican-controlled Legislature. And please stop saying that because there were no TV ads and no political rallies, we weren't prepared to make a decision. Give me a break. We watched the debates, we read news magazines and newspapers, and we are well informed. All of the Democrats I know are fed up with this nonsense. We will not vote again, and if our votes in January are ignored, we will ignore the Democrats in November. Howard Dean needs to be replaced.

I wonder if Lou, Jack, Anderson & you Wolf , would agree that there should be no exceptions when it comes to rules, because surely our children and society as a whole will question the value of rules, is convieniance the only reason for their existance? It is my understanding that when Mrs. Clinton visited in Florida, she made a statement suggesting that the two states in question votes would be counted. The leaders of these states clearly disgaurded the rules and did not take into consideration the negative effect thier action would have on the voters of those states not to mention the fact that as elected officials , they are expected to lead by example, uphold and inforce all laws, rules and regulations. If Senator Clinton did in fact make this statement it would imply that she knew something that the rest of the country did'nt know. I would hope in fairness to the public that you gentlemen would request that your staff look into this question of whether or not Senator Clinton did in fact make this statement, and acknowledge that it was the leaders of those states that were guilty of not acting in the best intrest of the people who put thier trust in them and elected them into office, a point which clearly seems to be missed in all of this. Wolf spoke in this article about how good it would for the economy if the primaries were done over, and I say that it only encourages criminal activity which is very common in Washington, where elected and appointed officials alike sit in judgement and persecution of the very criminals they should be bunking with. We can only prey that Mr. Obama does not join the ranks should he make it to the Oval Office.

Mich & Florida playing the same game of old style, same old rule of politics. Can't have their way early, now lets have it their way late(our or at everyone else's expense).

What ever happened to keeping their words, the agreements and the mutually agreed to rules. Now who is making all he speeches???

Florida and Michigan knew the rules when they decided to move their primaries. The Democratic Party should stick to the rules. A better solution will be to split the delegates from both states equally between Hillary and Obama. That way everyone goes home happy. Hillary Clinton not only has divided our country, now she has divided the Democratic Party. Way to go Hillary, you’ve done it, you self-centered, egoistic, selfish woman. Not another Clinton in the Whitehouse. I rather have loose cannon McCain as President than Hillary.

The supporters for Obama seem to not represent the tone of their candidate. They seem to spew hatetred and not the caring of the candidate. I am a Clinton supporter but I will vote for obama in spite of you people who are so negative.

Dear Wolf,
I always llook at CNN news because of you. Your time-slot for the news is the best than Fox and msnbc, who cannot be compared to the way you present the news. You are awesome. There is one problem I have with CNN and that is Lou Dobbs. This guy is so arrogant, He is a BIGOT, RACIST, and PREJUDICIAL. He hates everything that is black, and his views are biased, Why don't you guys remove this old face from CNN. The Spanish lady who had an argument with him sometime ago, made him speechless, the only word he uttered was that she wants him to get "FIRED". This was amusing as he couldn't respond to her in any sensible way He looked so naive and foolish. I really enjyed that day. I couldn't rememberher nam e.But she was brilliant. Why are you guys still having this old dude . Remove him, man....

Perhaps FL and MI will move the date when they hold their general election to November 1, 2008; ahead of the rest of the country's election day. And of course they'll want their votes counted then, too

Of course the votes from florida and michigan should be counted. these people's votes are as important as anyone else's. why
should they be punished for the ignorance of Howard Dean.
Demoratic party needs to get rid of this joker.

I would not mind a revote, but this should never have happened. Shame on Howard Dean and the DNC for stripping us of our delegates in the first place. This entire situation is such an insult to democracy I can't even begin to describe how disgusted I am with it all.

Pia...why would you vote for somebody just because everyone else likes him? Sounds childish to me. Maybe you should look into having your own mind and opinions, rather than following everyone else.

"The Democratic Party stripped Florida and Michigan of their delegates because they moved up the date of their primaries in violation of party rules. " enough said.

The Obama supporters present themselves as well-informed college educated individuals.

However, one would never know that from the posts. Most comments are inarticulate and many are downright illiterate. You argue from emotion (name calling, insults and denigrating the opinions of others) rather than from reason (a well constructed factual argument). You spew hate instead of displaying vision.

Ironically, this runs counter to the very positions of the candidate you claim to support. Putting the college education aside for a moment and relying strictly on intelligence and common sense- do you all really believe that this helps Obama in the end, by winning over voters?

Obama has my support 100%

It would be disgraceful for an economic boost to individual states to have anything to do with changing the rules which were agreed to in advance and affecting the selection process.

Wolfe, how come you did not ask Florida Governor how come he wasn't considering Democratic voters democracy when he signed off on moving up the primary? At that time he knew that the democratic votes would not count. At the time he did not care because the republican votes would count. Is he concerned now because he thinks the results would help Hillary? Do the republicans want Hillary to win so she can go against McCain? I think so because the republicans think they can beat Hillary and Hillary would unite the republican party!

Joe

I thought that the people from MT and FL voted for the early primary to boost the importance of their states in the primary election. If that's true, then they shouldn't be able to change the 'rules of the game'. I'm sure in hindsight, they didn't get the results they wanted, but if it was the "will of the people", then they've already had their say.

I really don't believe we should be changing the rules in the middle of the race and Clinton didn't care about Florida and Michigan when she had the lead. The decision was made as a statement for those two states for moving they primaries and it should stay like that ! Now if the party really wants so seet those sates delegates, they should split them 50/50 as do the math suggested. Clinton should stop acting like she's being cheated ! Obama won big when he had to and she is not not. How can u expect to recover from being down 100 + delagates when you can't manage to win by more than 10 % in favorable grounds.

VOTE FOR WOMEN: You are irrational and precisely why our nation is in danger of its very exisitence! That you would vote for A BUSH CLONE that would amount to essentially FOUR MORE YEARS OF BUSH IS INSANE!!!! AND THAT WOULD PUT THE BLOOD OF MORE OF OUR SOLDIERS (MEN & WOMEN) ON THE HANDS OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND HILLARY!!!!!!

I have the perfect solution for all:

Take the total delegates for both Michigan and Florida, combine them and give each candidate a total of one half; then seat them respectively for each candidate at the convention. This solutiuon costs the DNC nothing, the states/voters nothing and neither candidate is advantaged or disadvantaged. Finally, the residents of both states are treated equitably and none are disenfranchised (and the rest of the country is spared the vitriol of another battle front).

The candidates have been splitting the votes/delegates in about half anyway. Why spend $18-25 million dollars to reach the same conclusion (that costs nothing).

DNC Chairman Howard Dean is a moron!

florida & mich. knew the rules , to allow them to change the rules
will not only insure a rep. win ; and it will surrely send a message
to the avg. dem. that they dont really count. which in opinon will
destory the democratic party. paul

Wolf,

You are just one more in a group of (Republicn) media determined to be Obama lovers....are you currently swooning over him? Probably....

Perhaps you should advocate seating the delegtes from Florida and Michigan which is the democratice thing to do. But I forgot, they voted for Hillalry.....that is not what CNN wants.

Maybe he can go negative and his wife will once more in her adult life, be proud!!! Or maybe Tony Rezko can give her another expensive piece of real estate!!!! Oh not...he is going to jail. Too bad Obamas to lose your sugar daddy!!!

I feel that since both Mich. and Florida broke the rule in moving there Primary up instead of taking there deligates just split them in half between both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Oboma that way someone will reach the magic number by the time they get to the convention floor.

I am not a political analyst by any measure, but if Florida is looking for a "do over" on the Democratic side why not have Obama and Clinton split the cost to do it again? They have both raised over 50 million in the past month what would a 10 million dollar hit do to their budget if they really have the peoples interest in mind? Just asking

Here we go again. Rules are not made to be followed? If we exclude Florida and Michican, we are not letting them count because the rules were broken? Oh.......I get it.....rules were meant to be broken!

How about the other 48 states....our states followed the rules. If the people of Florida and Michigan want their votes counted, then their state should pay for a "legal" primary, not the DNC. Florida governor, don't penalize the rest of the states. We shouldn't pay because you broke the rules.

Susie
Arlington, Texas

Obama supporters how young and naive you are !

Can't win the election without florida or ohio. Simple fact !!!!

Obama won't win Fl, Hillary proved that he won't win Ohio.

Besides once the Resko trial drops the O bomb he's finished

Bye Bye Barack. Hope all you young people that sent him money which you couldn't afford to send get a refund!!

Nobody seems to be mentioning that Florida is a Closed primary state. Only Republications and Demecrates are allowed to participate in the primary anyway. This does not seem fair or demacratic in any way. Why should we pay for elections we as independants are not allowed to participate in? I am hoping that in November there is a box to check for "NONE OF THE ABOVE", then we don't have to vote for any of these clowns.

Even entertaining the notion that seating the Michigan delegates per the Jan. primary is absolutely insulting to all Americans' intelligence and love for democratic processes. The governor of Michigan is completely using her postition of power to rig the system for Hillary (it shows, she is trying to look like her anyway).

Whatever happens in Fla. should be decided by the state of florida, and if they cant pay for another primary, then they should have thought about that back in sept, but the DNC should absolutely not pay for a redo.

It is clear that the governors of Michigan and Fla. have mutual interests in prolonging or favoring Hillary in this election by either promoting the "Michigan Politburo Primary" or a Republican Governor openly calling for his rival party, the DNC, to fork out another $20 million, that (how conveniently) wont be able to be used in Congressional election campaigns this fall....

This farce needs to be put to an end, Hillary QUIT!!!!

Another underhanded trick by the Clinton campaign. Please, just let Obama take it and heal the Democratic Party. The likes of Rush and Anne C. are eating this up. The best way to allow the republicans to keep the white house is to continue to divide the democrats with racism, sexism, and the like. Democrats, WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS. If not, them McCain will get my vote.

Michigan and Florida wanted to be the deciding states in the primary process ? Being last rather than being first ? This is funny in a way (for me – not for the party members – sorry

How about a lottery system (who's on first...) every four year.

Come on, Wolf! It doesn't make sense to bring this all down to dollars and cents. There should be no caucus, no primary, no nothing. We cannot change the rules in the middle of the game! These states knew what they were doing when they thought they were calling the DNC's bluff, and now they have to pay the price. The primaries are private elections governed by the parties, and so there is no infringement on any public's right to vote. If a state's votes don't count in November, that's another story. That's a public, general election. These primaries aren't. Sorry Wolf, but you're wrong here.

The only people who are now whining about the rules are obama supporters who are afraid that she could catch up if the primaries are redone. This is not fair to Hillary or the democratic party if a fair vote isn't done. If she jumps ahead, then they won't be able to talk about the MATH anymore, will they?

Why should the Party pay to repeat the primaries in Florida and Michigan. Is this what we do when someone breaks the rules? I am a Hillary supporter but making the Party pay to have this vote – isn't fair and takes away money we need to win this election.

Is anyone else sick of seeing the Republican Gov. of Florida – who is obviously trying to be McCain's running mate – and therefore the need to be on tv daily – telling the Democratic party what to do?

Howard Dean has done a terrific job of raising money and getting out the vote. The media is promoting this whole mess and I am sick of it.

I don't kmnow why eveyone is worried about Michigan and Florida's votes counting for. The media will be electing the next pres.

Well seeing as Obama would rather have a new vote than settle for the first one.....Maybe he should fund it!!! At least he might have a better chance with his money than he did with the last batch!! I would like to see Obama make very clear that he won't accept money from anyone less fortunate than himself....to do otherwise is hypocritical of both candidates!

Why to spend millions of dolalr on these states again. the best option is split the delegates 50-50 for both the candidates. these are only the states that are critical and other states have no meaning at atll? some people at CNN are talking nonsensse.

Wolf,

You make a great point about the economic stimulus for the states of Michigan and Florida. Perhaps, a Democratic fundraising event could be held to fund new primaries, with a match by the states and the DNC. Six million dollars each would spread to costs to a manageable amount the states and DNC should agree to, so the voters can be heard. The states will benefit with millions of dollars of economic stimulus in these economically depressed states, due to high foreclosure rates.

Thanks,

Todd – Michigan

GOVERNOR CRIST,

THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR VOICE, OUR VOTES HEARD. THIS

WAS FLORIDA LARGEST VOTER TURN OUT AND IT WOULD BE A

SHAME IF IT WAS DONE IN VAIN.

MANY OF US WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOU IF YOU

CAN MAKE OUR DEMOCRAT VOTES COUNTED...THIS IS CRITICAL

PLEASE SHOW YOUR TRUE BIPARTISAN COLORS

Florida and Michigan can have another chance at voting, but should pay for it. They broke the rules and should pay.

Wolfe...why did they move up the primary anyway?

The only people that want a redo of Florida and Michigan are Clinton supporters. They know that is only way she might have a chance of victory. It has nothing to do with doing what's right for the voters in those states.

WOLF, can you tell the viewers who is PETER PAUL and what ties he has with the Clinton's.

M.I. & F.L. should just stay out of it .

Wolf, this is the governor. I will do whatever it takes to get this primary happening. I repeat I will do whatever it takes to make sure the Democratic race stays divisive through the summer. Thanks.

I have heard a lot of discussion about what to do with the Florida Delegates, and Michigan Delegates. I think that in Michigan, a do over is a must, and in Florida, since the playing field was fair you could count the votes already tallied, or you could do a do over. In no way is a caucus acceptable, they are confusing enough in the states that do them all the time, and Michigan and Florida are Primary states, and should conduct Primaries, not Caucuses. I have heard discussion of a mail in ballot process similar to an absentee ballot, and I think that would be acceptable as well. In no way should a caucus be done though, they are Primary States, not Caucus States.

It's not fair to let FL and MI vote again. Give each candidate 50% of the delegates and let them go to the convention and represent their voters. Otherwise the Republicans are just trying to interfere in the democratic primary and steer the election just like OH and Tx.

There are some basic bottom line facts that cannot be disputed. But Mr. florida with his lovely tan gives his rah rah speech about how everyone in America's vote should count as if it is someone elses fault these delegates can't be seated. It's his fault and he knew it at the time the decision was made to hold their primary early. They were told ahead of time. If their delegates cant be seated it is his fault. Why is he trying to make it sound like it is someone elses fault?

obama was stupid not to have his name on the Mich. ballot and I told all so.
The primary rules are so varied and stupid,.
Who is the rocket scientist that decide who go 1st, 2nd, etc.
The DNC and RNC are not interested in democracy anyway,
it is just get my person elected so I can control the money and agenda for a few years.

i am agree but i think both should pay for re voted

CNN.....you really need to finally post my comments....the Clinton News Network is getting reidiculous.

No Do-Over! No delegates.

Florida and Michigan broke the rules! The Clintons agreed to the plan when they thought they would win without MI and FL. The republican governor of Florida is wanting this to be a major issue because he wants to rip the party further apart. Also, the Republican Florida Governor would prefer to face the Clintons given the latest poll showing Obama beating McCain by 12%

The voters in Florida need to get rid of the incompetent legislation which led them to their problem. But it is Florida and Michigan's problem. It is not a problem anywhere else in the country.

And why does Puerto Rico have more delegates than Kentucky and West Virginia and Wyoming? They get 63 delegates and they are not even an official state of the USA? What??

this is insane!

here are the rules:

FLA and MI, if you move up your primaries, you will be punished by having your delegates stripped.

FLA an MI decided to flip the bird to the DNC and the rest of the county – in effect, agreeing to the punishment.

so, how can ANYONE think it's ok to give them a second chance? what kind of message are we sending to kids – don't worry about the rules, they don't matter? feel free to act however you want, there won't be any punishment?

it's madness.

Crist wont put his money where his mouth is! Becuase he's just stirring the pot. He doesn't care if the Floridian's voices are heard, he just wants to generate conflict at the DNC.

WOLF, I AM A FLORIDIAN WHO IS JUST ABOUT FED UP WITH THE DNC. WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT MY VOTE DOSN'T COUNT . THEY DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO TELL ME THAT, SOME BODY SHOULD ASK HOWARD DEAN WHO DIED AND LEFT HIM BOSS, FLORIDIANS ARE A PROUD PEOPLE , SO DON'T PUSH US TO FAR OR YOU MIGHT FIND YOU HAVE A FIGHT YOU CAN'T WIN, ALSO PLEASE TELL HOWARD DEAN TO PLEASE STAY OUT OF FLORIDA, WE DON'T VERY MUCH.

This is nothing more than partisan BS from the Republican governor of Florida and the Clinton supporter governor of Michigan. The votes can not count as they were cast. Most people didn't vote because they knew there votes weren't going to count.

If the USA can spend billions of dollars a month in IRAQ surely they can find a few dozen million to hold caucases in both states and let the people be properly heard.

It was reported that both Michigan and Florida are considering using the existing votes. Give me a break, especially in Michigan where Obama was not on the ticket. Also from reports out of Florida, many of the democrats there did not vote because they knew their votes would not count. Thus the only way this will work is to have a re-do paid by the states, the DNC and the two candidates. Florida and Michigan are the ones that messed up, thus they should foot part of the bill. Crist is trying to make a name for him self at the expense of the DNC, but he is the one that brought this mess about. Crist needs to accept his part of this, its called taking responsibility for his actions.
Other wise it should be a caucus. Obama should no be penalized for sticking to the rules. It appears to me that Hillary is trying to steal the nomination. BTW for Independent American: Hillary has been pushing this since Florida voted as well as her supporters from Florida and Michigan.

Funny, no one wants to follow the rules anymore. I don't think the people of Florida and Michigan should be ignored, but why didn't they yell at their party leaders before the primary. If a do-over is to be done the Democratic parties in those states should have to pay for them. If they are to be counted then a do-over would have to be held as not all of the candidates were on the ballots. Of course, Clinton would love to have the elections stand as they already were, but then again, she doesn't care about fair and equal.

Funny how some Florida legislators are so upset when they knowingly changed the date of the primary elections. especially considering the penalties were known.

I already voted in Florida and if I have to do it again I will change to the Republican Party. This Democratic Party is a joke.

Why should they do it over?? The voters voted and besides that both candidates even tho they didn't campaign there, their names were on the ballots!! Geez. The people there in those states have spoken already!!
Oklahoma

way too much money is being spent on the elections. Florida and Michigan votes should be counted, this penalizing is ridiculous.

Do the Clintons feel that negativity is their domain and only they have the right to it - as they seem to believe they have the right to the Presidency? Recent remarks by Senator Clinton are beginning to remind me of the Republican fear mongering that Democrats have been battling for years. It also points to "business as usual in Washington," should Senator Clinton be elected. Senator Obama should question Senator Clinton's foreign policy experience, and fight fire with fire.

They should do a re-vote, but the STATES should pay for it since it was the STATE'S leadership that moved the primary up in clear violation of the DNC rules.

The DNC SHOULD NOT foot the bill for this.

If not, then the delegates should be split evenly....

Governors Crist should not be speaking on this matter because he clearly has something to gain. He should take to ensuring his spot on McCain's ticket!!!

I agree with Wayne – they can do whatever they like so long as the taxpayers aren't the ones footing the bill.
It all really reflects poorly on the DNC, regardless what the outcome.
I mean, if they can't organize an election process that makes sense – how are Americans supposed to trust them with our country?

Would both these states really blow 25 million again? Why not spend it on schools, social programs anything that would help the state or the people for that matter!

Whats wrong with you people? You had your chance and you blew it! Why punish your state by spending more? How wonder this country is going to SH%$

Maybe someone can actually celebrate a "victory" for winning Florida with the popular vote instead of winning by default.

Barack '08ama!

No Do-Over! No delegates.

Florida and Michigan broke the rules! The Clintons agreed to the plan when they thought they would win without MI and FL. The republican governor of Florida is wanting this to be a major issue because he wants to rip the party further apart. Also, the Republican Florida Governor would prefer to face the Clintons given the latest poll showing Obama beating McCain by 12%!

Whether or not the party decides to count these two states, Hillary already won them!

Wolf – Yes,the two neglected states would benefit from the money influx, The Issue shouldn't be about the money but abiding by the DNC rules not if and or but, period. Changing horses in mid stream could fracture the entire democratic party for many years. Those democrats current in office today haven't got their act together since they won the elections in 2006.

Hillary deserves those delegates! the people went to the polls and voted! Obama could have had his name on Michigan ballot, he should quit whining.

Look let's be serious for a second,

Obama has the nomination, he does, mathematicaly speaking he does, sorry Hillary people but those are the facts.

However it is up to him whether this will go up to the convention.

If he teams up with Hillary, this will end tomorrow, and we begin the national campaign.

If he doesn't want her as VP she will fight him to the end but lose anyway.

The ball is in Obamas court now.

We need to count those delegates or find an alternative that would be fair for everyone.

Obama may wind up having only a few more delegates that Clinton. Therefore, HIllary will be the nominee. Obama has not won 1 big state. In a general election, he would lose by a landslide and this is a factor. No one can win the presidency without winning some of the big states. Again, Obama has not won 1.

Hillary in 2008. All bets accepted.

Both states should be in play....Both Hillary and Obama are secular progressives. little regard for our sovrenty, welcome to socialism.

Can anyone give me a reason that we don't need experience in the White House? Does anyone in this group NOT want healthcare.
This is not American Idol.

Wake up American!

Florida delegates should be seated because it was GOP mischief that forced their hand. There should be a do over in Michigan. By my calculations that means the nominee must then garner over 2,200 delegates. Funny how when its democracy via a vote Clinton wins, but when it's the undemocratic swill of caucuses Obama wins. Can't wait to watch Obama join Gore and Kerry as loser's.

Hillary Clinton WON FLORIDA! DO A WINNER TAKE ALL!

HILLARY WILL WIN FLORIDA..MORE LATIN AMERICANS THERE!!

LATIN AMERICANS FOR HILLARY!!

We are in America – right? So, the votes must count. The DNC's rules must give way here. The only fair thing to do is re-do both the FL and MI primaries. Yes, it will cost money, but tell Howard Dean to get over it. Both Hillary and Obama are getting plenty of donations to help pay for it.

Why should the rules that were agree upon be change in the twenty forth hour? Both State Oficals knew thier delegates would be strip if they moved ther primarys dates and choose to do so anyway. Hillary and Obama's campaigns agree to those unseating of those delegates. So now that we have such a close race, which know one espected they want to change the rules! This a joke!

HRC's 35 years of experience:

1. Worked for a corporate law firm.
2. Served on WalMart board and had no issues with the labor policies there.
3. Formulated a disastrous health care plan that postponed universal coverage for years.
4. Had tea with foreign leaders.
5. Voted for the war
6. Scandal after scandal. Why oh why?
7. Within a couple of years managed to lose both the house and the senate due to vindictive and divisive politics

Experience we can count on?

Wayne in Greenville: Let me guess . . you're an Obama supporter.

GO HILLARY GO!!

FIGHT HILLARY FIGHT!!

YES WE CAN WIN!!

YES WE CAN!!

HILLARY 08!!

Florida is NY and NJ in the south.
Guess who is going to win?

You Go Girl!!!

Wolf,

Why do we need to seat FL and Mich at the DNC? Isn't a year of campaigning and raising millions of dollars long enough to pick a candidate? All the pundits / media think it's great to have the primary process go on and that it's such a strong democratic process…but is it democratic for these 2 candidates to raised 85mil in Feb alone, which will be spent on negative TV ads and could be given to the healthcare crisis, helping individual families facing foreclosure, etc.? I'm not trying to sound altruistic, but I have a lot more reason to donate money to causes like these, than to those two fat cats.

Our dear MI Governor Granholm, guaranteed a spot in a Hillary presidential administration, trying to argue that Hillary's delegates from a sham primary should be seated as not to silence "the voice of the people". Barf.

1) Hillary pulled the sneakiest move ever in leaving her name on the ballot. There was a clear understanding between the candidates that they'd all be pulling them off. Granholm probably told her to do it. It was a slimy, disingenuous move...no surprise. And now, unbelievably, there's a feeling among some people in MI that "at least Hillary cared about us"...what a joke.
2) The 11th hour primary shift by the MI legislature was extremely suspect. Though our reasons for wanting an early primary are legit, the means utilized were dead wrong. This is something that should be lobbied for and argued years in advance, not snuck in at the last minute in a "dare you to remove our delegates" ploy.

Hillary can't mathematically win this election, so she's trying to steal it. The informed people of this state and country cannot let this happen!

Gee Wolf, come next election, how many states do you think will be smart enough to follow Florida and Michigans lead to get a financial windfall from not playing by the rules to begin with. Senator Obama played by the rules, he outcampaigned Senator Clinton, and has put himself in an unbeatable position. If the Clintons steal his nomination, we might as well all move to Russia where the election prossess costs us less but has the same results.

Wayne, Greenville TX:

"March 6th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

I think they should have caususes in both states – with the cost paid by a three-way split between the DNC and teh Clinton and Obama campaigns. In that way, the cost would be borne by Democrats, and the Republicans can't complain about the use of tax dollars for a partisan purpose."

I think that's a great idea. I still think it rewards MI and FL for breaking the rules, but at least it's not at the expense of the taxpayers.

I sympathize with the voters of Florida and Michigan, but unfortunately, both states chose to ignore and break the rules which every state and candidate agreed to. The persons responsible for ignoring the DNC's rules in both states should be fired and/or recalled, whichever is more applicable. The fairest solution to the 50 states and the hundreds of millions of US voters is to stick to the rules that were agreed upon by all. Again, I feel for the voters of FL and MI, but any attempt to break the agreement will upset many more states and many more voters.

Wolf, I am not sure what you are basing your analysis of Michigan and Florida tourism on, but you are wrong. This is the problem with milionaires like yourself. For Florida and especially Michigan to waste taxpayer money on RE-DOING a primary when the economy is on the edge of a recession is irresponsible!

Someone on the Obama campaign would be politically smart to say that $25 to $30 million of Florida and Michigan could be better used to help homeowners whose homes are on the brink of foreclosure!

Obama in 08!

Super Delegates were created for the sole purpose of having the ability to decide a race that's "too close to call". As everyone is well aware, now these Super Delegates and most of the Democratic Party/voters do not want that to happen. So, if the purpose(rules) of the Super Delegates are wanting to be changed then so should the scenario of Florida/Michigan. If rules are to be amended then rules in other scenarios should be as well.

Why don't we just change all the rules midstream for Hillary Clinton, since it seems she will go to any lengths to win. She says she won the most important states so let's just do away with the rest of the US citizens since we count for nothing and forget ALL OF THOSE STATES that Barack Obama beat her in.

After all nothing counts except what the Clintons want to. I will swtich over and vote for McCain if Hillary gets the democratic nomination and I know many others who will also.

With people like the Clintons around nothing in Washington will ever change. Same ol Same ol!!

Furthermore, if by miracle she wins I will be voting for her because she couldn't be worse than Mc Cain
But let's get real as she
What's the point of going on if at the end she will still behind in the popular votes and pledged delegates ????
She should start thinking about what's better for the party

Allowing these two states back into the delegate-decision process is highly unfair to Barack Obama. As Obama was not on the ticket in Michigan and did not spend anytime in Florida, Hillary has a clear advantage. Many people have feelings about Barack not visiting or campaigning in either state and ignoring these states altogether. At that time he was the underdog and needed to focus all of his attention on the primaries that would matter. Now, to put him in the position of having to compete in states that Hillary visited (post or prior doesn't really matter) and showed support toward, walking a thin line between not campaigning there and campaigning there, is outrageous! He now needs to compete against Hillary and residents of these states that now hold a grudge about their votes not being considered. Everyone seems to be opening doors everywhere to give Hillary a chance to steal the democratic nomination from someone who has played by the rules and who has taken cheap shots from the media right before the Ohio and Texas primaries. If the media didn't interfere right before those primaries, Democrats would be working on their campaign against the Republicans today, rather than waiting several more weeks to find out who the nominee will be. In addition, Democrats will be severely handicapped as this race has become extremely divisive, derogatory,and slanderous.

Why did the Democratic Party leadership nullify the primary in FL and Michigan without reducing the number of delegates required to win the nomination?

It seems like a very stupid thing to do, from such a learned group????

Never though about it that way Great Point

This will be typical of the gaggle which has become the Democratic party. First the impotent congress, and its appointment of a socialist leaning leader in the Senate. Then the knee jerk response of stripping the right to vote in the primaries from Florida–when the Florida Dems–were literally powerless to fight the Republicans who were the instigators for moving up the primaries in the first place. Now the haggling over wheter to include the states they previously stripped of their rights!!!

Leapin Lizzards!!
How can we trust them to create collaborative consensus with Republicans to (work together) when they appear incapable of handling the jobs they have right now!!!

John McCain baby–at least he listens and acts accordingly.

I never though about it that way. Great points

"Hi, my name is Wolf Blitzer, I eat drywall and cheese, my last bowel movement was during the Johnson administration, Andrew Johnson administration".

Sure Wolf, millions of dollars spent at TV stations and Hotels is a fair trade for millions of taxpayers dollars. And as for the worldwide publicity, think 2000, think laughing stock there buddy.

Sorry not buying your resume boosting agruments on this one Wolfy..

Those voters had their civil rights violated.
How dare the DNC presume to ignore the voters of 2 states? If you choose not to turn up to vote, that is one thing. But if you WANT to vote and TURN up to vote- that vote needs to be counted.

I would take it all the way up to the Supreme Court, if I cast a vote and it was not counted.

The DNC screwed this whole primary up for the democrats. The caucus system is insane. It excludes more voters than it includes. Some can't vote at all, others get to vote twice. Young people with greater mobility, more time and more bully power get an unfair edge in caucus.

The core democratic base feels disenfranchised. For the most part we wanted Hillary. But the open primaries allowed independents and republicans to vote in our primary and choose our nominee for us. That is not fair. Superdelegates better restore the will and vote of the registered democratic voters. If they go with Obama, they will lose a large portion of the lifelong democratic base.

Hey CNN, how about reporting on the Clinton NAFTAGATE. Don't try to burry it, put it front and center.

Rules are rules. The delegates from MI and FL should NOT count this year in the democratic race. The decision was made almost a year ago and in the past two months Hillary and the republicans are wanting these delegates to count. That is simply not fair by changing the rules in the middle of the game to favor the Clintons.

Beware when you see the Clintons and Republicans fighting for the same thing. Also beware when you see 10% of republicans in Texas voting for the Clintons.

I have made several small donations to the Obama campaign and contributed to his $55 million fund raising in February. If the party steals this away from Obama by either superdelegates or by Florida/Michigan, then I will switch my party affiliation and vote for McCain as many other voters under the age of 30.

Florida should count. They were all on the ballots. Michigan should be redone.

I would rather vote for a Republican than Senator Obama.

Hillary has my support 100% and I am proud to vote for her.

I think it is only fair to rehold the primaries in FL and MI. What is the point of democracy if EVERYONE doesn't count. Yes, it is FLs and MIs fault for moving the date of the primary, but he candidates should not suffer. Because it is such a close race, I think that it is necessary for them to vote to see if one candidate or the other can pull ahead and make the decision for the nominee clear before the democratic convention. If it goes all the way to the democratic convention, this could be disaster for the party.

Please do a web search on obama alice palmer. The true OBAMA. Do the research people I cant do it all.

Hillary has disgusted me so much that if Obama doesn't win, I will vote for McCain…
she will accomplished the same as hubby bill when he destroyed the party leading to gore's loss in 2000…and look what happened….
I will just help hillary's goals along and just vote for mccain….
she is an extremely evil, shallow, bitter, scorched earth socialist…..
she is (or should be) irrelevant in 2008 if we are turning over a new leaf in this country……
Do not underestimate how her blaming "activists", racial groups, pandering to others, telling bald-faced lies, distortions, exaggerations threaten to turn off the dem voters and independents energized and motivated by Obama….
I am one of thos Obamacans registered as republican until bush II, now maybe going back……at least mccain is conservative in policy….doesn't promote socialism…..isn't win at all costs, even tearing apart washington and our country, like hillary promises to do….

Wolf I understand the people of Michigan and Florida feel like their votes should count, however where was all the out pouring of anger before the election. This should have and could have been taken care of before super tuesday. It isn't exactly fair since Edwards and others were still candidates at the time. What do we teach our children? That they can change the rules in the middle of the game? We need to be carefull how this is handled because there are young people voting in record numbers and this will turn them off! I have a lot of family in Michigan and they think it's too late to change the rules and Michigan was warned of this before the election. If the people of Michigan and Florida are upset and rightfully so they should take issue with their elected officials, after all they knew the rules and decided to go against them in the first place.

The next time Governor Dean is on – someone should tell him that it is not about him, the DNC, Obama or Clinton. It's not even about Michigan or Florida – It's about THE VOTERS ...

To host another primary in the State of Michigan would be well worth the money. I was told that the initial primary cost $12 million dollars. I am sure that the initial expense to have the primary over would be worth the revenue and attention that our State desperately needs.

Wolf,

Yes, it could indeed be pivotal and that's important for you since you are a big Hillary fan. As for myself, I would rather root for the winning stallion than the losing and aging old nag!

By the way, I remember the article you wrote on Mitt Romney, not too long ago, titled 'Deny, Deny, Deny to the Bitter End'. Well, here is your chance to put the same one out for Hillary. All you need to do is change the name. At least Mitt Romney had the decency, self respect and integrity to step down while he was losing.

They better complety RE DO their primaries,,

they can't count votes that they knew would not count..

and thus Obama did not compete
or even get on the ballot.. that would be ridiculous.

if they consider themselves so important..

than redo their primaries..

heck .. it will be GOOD for the economy!

One wonders about Howard Dean... if Obama stood to gain from these two states, you KNOW he would want to count them. How transparent can he be?! His resistence is hurting the party not helping.

When the rule was made, we had no idea that the voices of Florida and Michigan can be a deciding factor in a close race. Well, now that it is, let's reconsider, do the right thing, and move on!

Seems to me if the Democratic Party wanted to end this fight they could do so today…

Solution: John Edwards and his 23 pledged delgates

If John would come out and endorse Barack Obama, his lead would be that much larger, and it would allow cover for super delegates to go to his side….then they could put him over the top.

This would be well within the rules and be fair.

Nobody is reporting this angle…John Edwards holds the key from keeping the Democrats from tearing the party apart…and it is the responsible thing to do….standing aside is standing for the Republicans.

Florida and Michigan would be side stories…

Say No to Re Do. Hillary won, Hillary won, both Florida and Michigan.
Give her the delegates..A redo will harm her campaign and help Obama.

I changed my mind and want a re-vote too! This is voter disenfranchisement at its worst!!

Something I use to expect from just republicans!!!

If the MI and FL primaries are re-done, are there any polls out there showing who is in the lead and by how much?

Seems like one of the problems in our country today is that we make rules, regulations, even laws and when others complain, if they have a enough clout, everything changes.......somehow it doesn't seem right.

I understand the desire of the people to have their vote counted but it seems to me that the Democratic Party is to blame......and yes, the people suffer but America isn't to blame.

Does it sound right to you that someone in high places can change the rules after the game is almost over?

For sure, it wouldn't be fair for the totals of the primaries to remain as is, considering Obama was left off the ballot in Michigan. However, "Florida and Michigan...moved up the date of their primaries in violation of party rules." What's the purpose of having rules if they can be broken and then mended? What the citizens of Florida and Michigan should do is march to the polls and vote the elected officials who are responsible for this fiasco out of office. It's apparent that they lack the wisdom necessary to govern well. The monies that would be spent to hold another primary can be better spent helping the citizens of both states with other issues that plague them.

Let this be a lesson to all. Despite public opinion, rules are not made to be broken but followed. If you can't follow the rules, you can't play in the game.

Well take some of the money that the candidates are getting for contributions to help pay for it!

Oh wait, NObama's people don't want a revote, because they will LOSE AGAIN.

CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!!

Wolf, you make a good point. As the governors of these two states squabble about the price of a re-vote, they forget how the return on their investment could help them. All they would need to do is figure out how to capitalize on their ability to be so pivotal in the Democratic contest.

It shouldn't be too hard: most politicians and bureaucrats have an easy time figuring out how to squeeze money out of people doing business in their state.

stoking the fire...

This is creating news, not reporting it. It's the sort of ruminating that strongly influences public conversation and opinion.

In this case, such discussion only helps Clinton.

My comment?

Whatever is done! Must be seen, to be done. Or Why do I vote?

Say most folk, it never changes my life much.. Now they want to tell the country... Even if you do: We will tell you if your vote counts.

Already on normal turnout, they aren't that big. This one is exceptional. But what about all the future Elections...

Still like most I do have a Bias.... My Comment as an outsider...

This may be catastrophic for the party. No credibility in the established rules?

For the sake of the party it should be done.If ,not it will definitely affect the general election. Start with a clean slate.

PRESIDENT HILLARY 08

Wolf,

Because of the BACKLASH for NOT counting the vote, The Democratic Party will LOSE Florida, and most likely Michigan in the General Election.

Crist is VERY smart. He is fighting for the vote to count on behalf of ALL voters. So is Michigan's Govenor. THIS will ensure they get another term in office.

However, Dean and the Democratic National Committee will look like Corrupt Politicians they are...."AFTER ALL RULES IS RULES"

Obama does NOT want the vote to count because HE LOST in spite of HIS TV Ads....funny....DNC did NOT pull HIM out of the race completely or Take HIS delegates away as a penalty for NOT OBEYING THE RULES!

Clinton wants the vote to count...she won.

Any way you look at it, the DNC looks like a bunch of Idiots with Mr. Dean at the top! Smart move from a Republican Govenor. It is a No lose situation.

Hillary wants to scam the voters who did not vote because they were told that the votes wouldn't matter!!!! It is only fair to give MI and FL time to vote again..

Besides we need to know more information about PETER PAUL'S LAWSUIT AGAINST THE CLINTONS!!

ANOTHER CLINTON SCANDAL!!!

Why is this even an issue? The states broke the rules, instead of crying over spilt milk, they shouldn't have broken the rules in the first place. Now they're all wining about how they don't count, but there was no outrage on the day of their respective primaries. Unless they come up with some plan to use caucuses, there should be no way in hell that their votes should count. Rules are rules. Dean MUST stay strong on this.

All voters need to be counted when it is this close. Primary is the only way. Caucuses should be banned!!!!

Let the votes cast by the people stay as it is. Those who did not vote earlier are only allowed this time.

At best Obama takes Michigan, Clinton takes Florida. At worst we have a repeat of March 4 where the delegates are essentially split right down the middle.

I think FL/MI should re-vote just so they'll shut the hell up about it. But I don't think it will have as big an effect as everyone might think it will. This race is done, in the next 7 weeks Obama will negate Clinton's lead in PA (another split just like Ohio and Texas), in the meantime picking up an even bigger delegate lead in MI and NC. 11 Superdelegates have endored Obama since Tuesday, expect that trend to continue as well.

I notice the Obama supporters really insult anyone with a different opinion. They call Clinton Supporters stupid and ignorant and uneducated.

Funny, but most of the Clinton supporters are the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings of the Obama supporters.

So you insult the very people who loved you and nurtured you and educated you. Obviously education is no substitute for intelligence and common sense.

Obama supporters epitomize and illustrate the saying: THE DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA.

I shocked at the amount of Obama haters are on here. 55 MILLION is unbelieveable. THIS IS GREAT NEWS FOR OBAMA BECAUSE A RECOUNT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED. SHE WON BY LARGE MARGINS FOR NOTHING. OBAMA WILL GET MICHGEN (AFRICAN AMERICAN POPULATION) AND IT WILL COME CLOSE IN FLORIDA ( HISPANIC AND AFRICAN AMERICAN EQUAL OUT)

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE VOICE...THE VOTES..FROM THE

LARGEST FLORIDA VOTER TURNOUT WILL FINALLY BE HEARD

AND IF OBAMA IS TRUE TO HIS WORDS...ITS NOT ABOUT RED

STATE OR BLUE STATE ITS ABOUT UNITED STATES..

ACTION SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.....

I guess we should all hope that Obama and Clinton talk about joining forces… If they do not neither one of them has a chance to win in November… If you read all of your comments it seems that all of you keep "saying" you will not vote for the democratic candidate whoever it is… you call yourself a democrat???

I can not believe that the man that is running on change and talking about unity… is not even willing to talk about uniting the party… if Hillary is so horrible why did she all ready throw it out there… maybe she has come to the conclusion that neither one of them will win enough delegates… If you do the numbers they will end up within a few delegates of each other…

Democratic party has a mess that they created… they need to sort this out before half of you revolt… the half that supports Clinton or the half that supports Obama

I think they should have caususes in both states – with the cost paid by a three-way split between the DNC and teh Clinton and Obama campaigns. In that way, the cost would be borne by Democrats, and the Republicans can't complain about the use of tax dollars for a partisan purpose.

why was this not brought up when Hillary was up by delegates? She's trailing now and all the sudden those states want to be counted!

If we want to be fair MI and FL should do a do over....anything less will not be accepted unless the delegates are split 50/50... either way...

OBAMA IS THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE..... DO THE MATH!!

...IF YOU KNOW HOW TO COUNT!!