CNN

You blew it MI and FL. They need to fire all of the Democratic heads in that state for causing this fiasco. They knew the rules and ignored it anyway, at the expense of the other 48 states that followed the rules and at the expense of their own electorate. Why should these two rouge states be rewarded for cutting in line? Especially FL, which seems to be the hotbed of all the election troubles.

Please, let's look at the facts:

The Michigan legislation asked their State Supreme Court whether or not their decision to move the date of their primary ahead was constituionally legal The Michigan Supreme Court answered a resounding "YES": No conflict with Constitutional law.

Incredulous, the DNC disenfranchises the people of Michigan and Florida: the 'rules' of the DNC trump the voting rights of the people of Michigan and Florida.

The DNC has 470+ members - 270+ of whom are Super Delegates.

There are 700+ Super Delegates and a Democratic Presidential Super Delegates may prove to be the decisive factor in this contest between Clinton and Obama.

In support the DNC's (270+ of the 400+ members are Super Delegates) disenfrachisement, Obama VOLUNTARILY removes his name from the ballot in Michigan and abandons a campaign in Florida altogether because to compaign in Florida now would be a waste of campaign money.

We know that Obama supports disenfranchisement.

Maybe Obama doesn't care to articulate his message of Hope and Change to Floridans.

We're all Americans, Obama, Michiganders and Floridans included.

Decide for yourself: why would you want to elect someone to the Oval Office who wants to be there so badly he will step on anyone do so?

As Howard Dean stated the chairman of DNC " We MUST STICK TO THE RULES", Florida and Michigan agreed to these rules a year and a half ago and by asking to change them now in midstream goes completely against what is FAIR and JUST!!!!

A process isn't fair if the agreed upon rules are allowed to be re-written after it is seen that such a move would favor one candidate over another- NOT FAIR PLAY!!!!!

I support and back Howard Dean's stance!!!!! All democrats should!

RULES CANNOT BE CHANGED MIDSTREAM, THAT'S ONLY FAIR!

Be carefull what you wish for Governor, if you hold caucases in Michigan, which I think you should, Obama will take the Michigan delegates.

and the only reason Hillary won there the first time is because she and Dennis Kusinich were the only ones on the ballot, and a lot of Obama supporters didn't bother to vote.

You want a re-do, lets do it.

One final note, there is NO RIGHT TO VOTE IN A PRIMARY IN THE CONSTITUTION.

the parties ahve the right to select a candidate in ANY MANNER THEY CHOSE! There is NO requiremetn for them to run primaries, the parties do it for the money they raise. There are parties in the U.S. that appoint their candidate, take the green party and Mr. nader (whatever party he is running under) have there been primaries for them? Nope so you are NOT LOSING A RIGHT you are jsut not being included in the choosing method this time, maybe if the rules ahd been followed you could ahve had a voice, they were not followed you lost your voice take it up with your local party.

as an executive rules were meant to be broken.. smart people figure out how to get the rules to work for them... but following principle as oppose to not allowing the peoples vote to count is wrong..thats not democracy...

Folks the DNC ASKED ALL the candidates to remove their names from the Michigan ballot, Ms. Clinton decided to ignore that rule. the only reason they were NOT asked to remove their names from the FL ballot is because Fl law does not allow that. To claim that this was a fair election in Fl. since both the names were on the ballot is typical Hillarythink, the fact is in EVERY STATE where Mr. Obama has actually campaigned he has gained signifianct numbers from before he started campaigning there. Why? Well I believve that when people actually hear him speak they forget the Clinton and news bias and see him for what he really is, my opinion only. But the fact is by allowing one candidate who has better name recognition to run and one who has no name recognition, other than hearsay, is not a fair process.

All that being said ethically the votes should not count and there should be no revote. The rules were set, all the parties agreed to them, FL and MI violated the rules they should pay the penalty. real simple next time maybe those two states should follow the rules.

If those votes although Florida and Michigan violated the rules are going to be counted it will be the biggest dirty game in the American politics since years! And it will have a huge damage to the Democratic Party! This will be disgusting and shameful. Drop Florida and Michigan!!! You can't change the rules during the race. And those Governors have to be gotten out of office immediately! Dirty politics!

Michigan and Florida knew the rules going in and broke them. They knew the consequences. They blew it ...Stop whining. Seating the delegates is completely unfair to Mr Obama, he wasn't even on the ballot in MI. Let the system as planned work. If it's tied going into the convention, think about the TV ratings! Everyone will be watching!

What a great way for Hillary to steal a nomination. I said months ago this would come back to haunt the democrats.

How would including the votes when there was only one name on the ballot be fair? Anyone? You would have to re-hold elections in these states with BOTH names on the ballot.

I know CNN likes Senator Obama but perhaps they will think about posting this.

Please just keep in mind that Senator Clinton is the ONLY candidate who did not turn her back on the voters of Michigan by taking her name off the ballot. She left her name there and then Senator Obama followed her lead to leave his name on the Florida ballot.

He wants them disenfranchised and she does not....hasn't for a long time now........since right after the voting........he doesn't want their votes because he lost. In Florida, both names were on the ballot, millions turned out, I am sure millions watched his ads on CNN and other airwaves. The Florida voters are not nor were they stupid at the time of the voting.

It was Senator Clintons experience and savy that led her to the decision to leave her name on all the ballots, because I am convinced she was willing to go to bat for the voters no matter what. She fights for all no matter what the consequences. Senator Obama does not. He would rather they be disenfranchised.

Michigan voters of course had Senator Obama people there who told them to vote non-conformed which was a vote against Senator Clinton. His camp did quite a bit of campaigning in Michigan before the vote. Because it was not how he may not like to do campaigning, it was campaigning anyway.

So although perhaps Senator Obama could not have gone into these states and spent 4 times more money than Senator Clinton – I suspect the results may have been the same. I say let the votes stand as they are and if Senator Obama needed Senator Clinton to teach him the way, I guess the results are just part of his learning curve.

The problem is that if you let those states have a "do-over" is that Clinton will be able to come in and say,

"Hey, I'm the only candidate that stayed on the ballot the first time, so I'm the only one who cares about Florida and Michigan."

And sorry, but Americans are just stupid enough to buy it.

There' s no way to do a "do-over" without giving one candidate an advantage over the other.

Sorry Florida and Michigan. You knew the rules. You chose to break them. Maybe next election.

Barack supporters won't like this. I for one think they should count AS IS! Nobody campaigned in either state- that was fair. Michigan, Obama made another ROOKIE MISTAKE. YOU NEVER LEAVE YOUR NAME OFF OF A BALLOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE! They didn't agree to leave their names off the ballot, but Obama did for whatever "silly season" reason that might be.

If all of you complainers lived in either state you would want your votes to count and ANY who says they wouldn't is a LIAR!

Hillary won, but didn't win. That was a lose of momentum for her in key critcal states. Hillary DID NOT BREAK THE RULES BUT IS PAYING THE HIGHEST PENALTY OF ALL! If those states had counted then she would have went on to win some of the other states that Barak did, recieved many more endorsements and WE WOULDN'T even be here because the whole thing would be over by now. If you were Hillary you would be asking for the delgates to be seated. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THAT?

Lastly, if they count these, please don't get mad and go start a riot somewhere. Please?

I can understand how Florida and Michigan voters are upset, but if the DNC goes back on the rules they established, chaos will ensue. MI anf FL were simply greedy. Those states wanted their primaries to be more "important." It is funny that if they had left them the way they were they would have been incredibly important.

And to those people who are arguing that they have a right to have their votes counted, you couldn't be more wrong. There is no constitutional right to vote in a primary.

Finally, the fact that hillary agreed to the rules, and couldn't have cared less about Florida and Michigan when she agreed to them, yet now wants the rules to change shows a lack of character. To anyone who acts like Hillary cares, you being fools. I would rather support a candidate who abides by the rules.

I'm from Michigan and Michigan didn't follow the rules. They don't deserve a say in who the Democratic nominee is.

IS HOWARD DEAN SERIOUS??? THE SOLUTION IS SIMPLE!!! RUN THE PRIMARIES AGAIN!!! - NOT CAUCASES - PRIMARIES!! THEN BOTH OF THE CANDIDATES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DISPUTE THE FINAL RESULTS. IF THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER YEAR 2000 DEBACLE. WHAT WILL THE WORLD THINK OF US AGAIN?? THEY HAVE ALREADY HAD IT WITH G. W. BUSH. IF BARACK OBAMA IS SERIOUSLY INTERESTED IN CHANGING THINGS IN WASHINGTON, THEN HE WILL HAVE NO PROBLEM IN LETTING DEMOCRACY WORK BY LETTING THE PEOPLE
CHOOSE IN RE-RUN PRIMARIES.

HOWEVER, IT SEEMS THAT HE IS NOT ALL THAT HE SAYS HE IS AND IT ALSO SEEMS AS IF HE WANTS TO WIN AT ALL COSTS. - DID HE NOT BREAK THE RULES IN FLORIDA BY PLACING 2 ADS WHILE NO OTHER CANDIDATE WAS ACTIVELY CAMPAINING?? - ALL CANDIDATES WERE LISTED IN THE FLORIDA PRIMARY !!! - I WONDER IF HIS POSITION ON THE FLORIDA DELIGATES WOULD BE THE SAME IF THE SITUATION WERE REVERSED AND HILLARY CLINTON WAS IN THE LEAD. SHE WON BY 17% OVER OBAMA.

I AM SURE THAT HILLARY CLINTON ALTHOUGH HE WAS THE WINNER IN FLORIDA BUT DID NOT BREAK ANY RULES THERE WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF CLEARING UP THIS ISSUE. BUT HOWARD DEAN HAS ANOTHER SOLUTION - DIRECT THE SUPER DELEGATES TO SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA. LETS PAUSE HERE AND THINK ABOUT THIS !!! - HOWARD DEAN IS FROM VERMONT RIGHT!! VERMONT VOTED IN STRENGTH FOR OBAMA RIGHT!! IS HOWARD DEAN BEING OBJECTIVE WITH HIS SOLUTION TO THIS MESS??

Award the delegates?! Are you REWARDED for breaking rules you clearly understand? Do you reward your child for breaking rules they clearly understand? Think about it. There is right and there is wrong. Changing the rules just to benefit the Clintons or anyone is just plain WRONG. There was no talk of all this until the Clintons needed those delegates. DON'T BE FOOLED. The bad guys here are the leaders of the parties in Michigan and Florida...they should be fired. What the heck were they thinking when faced with purposefully "disenfranchising" voters?! They KNEW what the rules AND consequences were BEFORE they decided to move the dates up. Don't chastise the DNC...Howard Dean is right this time. You "disenfranchised" voters were screwed by your own state party leaders. And to top it off, these states want the DNC to PAY for their mistake?! This is amazing to watch.....

Obama supported the DNC rules and didn't even have his name on the ballot. Hillary KNEW this...had hers on there and got the votes. Talk about calculated stealing.

Funny how rules, laws, people don't matter when it comes to the Clintons achieving power. Pay attention people.... if she gets the nomination she will rule...and I MEAN rule...the country this way. That fake smile, tears, seeming concern for us is all smoke.... laws and rules don't matter to them if they get in their way of getting what they want. BIG OL RED FLAG HERE, PEOPLE

I am an undecided independent. Until Hillary gets the nomination. Then there is no question...I have to vote for McCain to save this country from four more years of destruction. The Clintons are angry evil calculating power hungry thieves. I cannot believe people don't see this.

I am absolutely DISGUSTED that the DNC is thinking of letting Florida and Michigan have "do-overs."

They were told BEFORE their primaries that if they didn't change, their delegates wouldn't count. They chose to break the rules anyway.

So what message does this send to candidates? To other states? "Don't like the way it turned out for you? Don't worry. We can do it again."

Absolutely disgusting.

It seems America is no longer a country of laws and rules, the things that make it a democracy,. Instead it is becoming a country of Laws and rules breakers. The three branches of our government no longer work to our benefit, and, now Michigan and Florida want to lead the way in rules breaking.
what are our soldiers dying for?

COUNT THE VOTES!!!!

Florida and Michigan voters should be outraged that their constitutional rights were denied them when their votes were considered moot. To penalize millions of voters because of the actions of a few morons is unAmerican. They should have figured out another way to enforce a rule – like a fine. Those votes should count.

To the person that wrote:

RULES ARE RULES!!!!!

RULES ARE RULES!!!!

RULES ARE RULE!!!!!!

RULES ARE RULES!!!!

RULES ARE RULES!!!!!

This does not appear to be very democratic to me. Flexibility is crucial.

FL – National ad played so he was not an unknown quantity. % of Clinton win was in proportion to the other states at that time. Obama was on the ballot.

MI – Obama not on the ballot. But how can you say he played by the rules of not campaigning win he and Edward's both with their supporters pushed very very hard for people to vote uncommitted to try to cut in to Clinton's win which was also in proportion of other states at that time. How can you say he did not campaign? Not for himself since he was not on the ballot but certainly against Clinton plain and simple.

CNN is funny, they wont allow certain posting on here. LOL. But, hey allow people to be crude and rude on here. They post some inappropriate messages that only disrespect and insult people, but they wont let you post something thats accourate and true. WOW CNN, when did you start blocking the truth? CNN = Big Brother. Good job guys, we know what your agenda is and where you lean.

YOU CAN"T CHANGE THE RULES AFTER THE GAME HAS BEEN PLAYED!!!!

Sounds like these idiots trained with Hillary on this!!!

The same people worried about this are the exact ones that screwed over their own voters by moving the Primaries up and not following the rules. They should have thought about their actions BEFORE they broke the rules.

It is too bad for the voters in those states...but they need to suck it up, live with it and not vote for these idiots that screwed them over when they are up for re-election!!! Their vote will count in the general election!

Case closed! Move on!!!

to cnn editor: you just joined Fox, delete from computer, all TV channels

How can any democratic candidate expect to win in November if the entire state of Florida (and Michigan!) is basically told "we don't want you"? Think about it. Those votes have to count. And shame on Obama for campaigning via the tv ads in Florida when he wasn't supposed to. That is cheating. He got his. He lost big in Florida. Now let those votes count. Seems like he will do anything to win.

So much for democracy working!

The governors of Florida and Michigan should tell the people of their states that they are to blame for this fiasco. They went and decided to change the rules a year ago before the primary/caucuses began. They knew what they were doing when they did it. The governors still haven't submitted a plan, within the guidelines defined by the DNC, to rectify this situation.

The fact that the Clinton campaign knew the rules, understood the rules, yet blatantly violated the rules, underscores the fact that they are politicians of the old guard. Had Sen. Edwards or Sen. Obama done something a dishonest as this, she would have sued them. I think it should be a hint of the audacity of her campaign, just because she was a first lady and her husband was a celebrated politician, doesn't mean that she is above the law. She doesn't have my vote.

well said vern ok let me get this right the market bleeds from Alabama that is the excuse ? but Floridians then did see the ads ? lol what a joke ..COUNT THE VOTES SIGN THE PETITON seatourdelegates.com ;no do overs!!!! in Florida or Michigan !!!people spoken and voted in record numbers count our vote or we will not vote in november!!HEY DNC what part of we voted for Hillary you can't understand?

I am from Michigan and resent that they are trying to get that first vote to count. Many upon many people didn't even bother to vote since it wasn't going to count. I say hold a caucus or re-do the vote.

I am a Democrat, who has not decided which candidate to support and so have no vested interest in the decision. However, changing the rules now, after both Michigan and Florida knew the consequences going in, would set a precedent that we don't want to set. If the delegates are seated, what is to stop other states, in the future, from moving up their primaries. Let's stick to the rules.

I'm not sure about how this process would work with Florida and Michigan. I do want to know if the total delegates from both states could be shaved off of the magic number of the 2,025 needed for the Democratic nomination. That way, there would be a new magic number and whichever candidate reaches that number first would get the nomination. Sure the people's vote should count in both those states, but because of the issues surrounding their primaries, the rest of the nation should be allowed to move forward without the process being any more costly.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Clinton supporter.... THAT says it all right there. Elections not going how they wish NOW they want to change the rules. They knew the rules going in so need to point the blame elsewhere (i.e., on themselves).

The solution is not "rocket science". The problem was created by politicians, not the voters (at least not directly). The most effective AND economical resolution is a) seat the equivalent number of "elected" delegates with 50% to each candidate; and b) DO NOT credential or seat super-delegates from either state (party leaders made the decision, they pay the price).

Also, GOP "unelected" delegates from both states should not be credentialed or seated.

Now, whether or not the DNC and the RNC have the "intestinal fortitude" to follow through is another issue.

Save time and money. Seat the delegates awarding them equally 50 50. As in Texas, Hilary won't get more than that if new primaries are held. This is a win win win win win: FLorida, Michigan, CLinton, Obama, Dean.

Everyone seems to be missing the fact that even if there's a re-vote in Florida, a large group of people will still not have a say (the voters with no party affiliation). If there is a re-vote, it should be at least a semi-open primary so that people with no party affiliation can have their voice heard as far as who would be a better candidate.

KINGS

Do you live in an alternative planet – or a bubble of self delusion

Sorry but watch the news – read the papers – BO has been winning the RED STATES and HRC has been winning the BLUE states all but IL –

Ohio and FL are key swing states and DEMS should want to run the person who does better there

RE FLORIDA what kind of DEM are you to say BUSH won there – no he did not – his lawyers and a bad court decision stole the election from Gore

Seems you decide something – somehow – then create facts that are wrong to back up opinions

You are not doing BO any favors

Seems like Charlie Crist has ulterior motives
Him backing John MCCain, it is to the republicans advantage if the results go to Hillary since she is the one they want to face in the general, because she is so disliked they feel they can beat her easily.
It also gives McCain an advantage to prepare for the general
dont be hood winked by Crist he has his own agenda and it was mostly his fault the primaries were moved up in the first place
to just let those votes count now would be UNFAIR!!!

Three weeks ago I would have been satisfied with Hillary being the person of choice if it came down to that. I would have supported her in the general election. However, with her behavior of negative attacks one after another on Obama she showed a different side. She showed me a side I do not like and as a result I have lost respect for her. If she does become the nominee I will vote for Mc Cain. I she and Obama in up on the same ticket and she is the on "Top" as she calls it. I will still vote for Mc Cain. If the Florida and Michigan vote are counted as is I will still for McCain.

As for the votes in Florida and Michigan the rules are the rules. They were put in place for a reason. If you are to break them The as a person who has voted for more than 25 years I don't think I can take part in any US. Election from here on. I have not forgotten the 2000 election we a few people handed over the nomination to GW. Bush. Look where we are today.

I would hate to have to try to explain to my students why the Democratic Party enforces rules and than broke the rules to their own game. Way to go, we are sending our youth and our young voters the wrong message.

The Clintons have been in bed with right people for years, little does Obama knows he does not stand a chance with WHITE AMERICA. In the eyes of those who are in charge he is no more than a shoe shinning cuffing.......................

It is a sad thing, we have just handed McCain the next president seat. When it is all said and done many people are going to walk from this and not heal by the time the general election. Hilary going as negative as she did set the stage for John McCain, which is what she wanted. She figures because everyone allows her and her husband to do what they want Obama will be eliminated anyway. Why! Because WHITE AMERICA allows this type of behavior.

Lastly, to add I will start to planning as a demo crate to recruit other democrats to vote John McCain in the general election.

Florida and Michigan both States knew that by moving the dates they were going to be penalized. I understand that is not the people faults that cause the date to be moved, but at the same time that tells you a lot about the person or persons in charge of both States. It will be unconstitutional not to count all people vote is true, but it is also unconstitutional to do wrong or go against the law, and in this case that is what Florida and Michigan did, both States did not obey the rules.

People lets ask ourselves why Sen. Hillary Clinton had her senior thesis at Wellesley College sealed? In the past 100 years all senior thesis's at Wellesley College have been made available except for Hillary Rodham Clinton. Also, how do Sen. Clinton go from the President of the Young Republican Organization at Wellesley College and an overwhelming supporter of Sen. Barry Goldwater, a known racist to an advocate of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? .

Will the real Hillary Clinton please stand up? People before you vote, ask yourself, what is Sen. Hiillary Rodham Clinton hiding and can she be trusted?

tar

Nothing more fun than watching the democrat party implode!!

Gimme some popcorn and a beer. This is getting better every minute!!

KINGS

ARE YOU KARL ROVE?

YOUR LOGIC I think – maybe not – is off

You note – Primary ....including Republican spoilers who want to see Clinton win the nomination because she'll be easy to beat against McCain....

HAS NOT EVERY SINGLE EXIT POLL BY EVERY NETWORK EVERY TIME SAID IINDEPENDENTS AND REPUBLICANS (CROSSOVERS) HAVE BEEN MAJORITY BO??

I MEAN EVERY TIME – some reps may have voted BO thinking HRC is the tougher – or some may have voted cause of the message

But bottom line Primairies – open to crossover – allow a party to grow and expand and not be dependent on the old insiders and power brokers and cronies to keep control (Primaries in Theory would be the exact thing BO would want – the new – the ability to take control from the old ways) AND indeed he – BO – does better in open Primaries then closed ones...

Personally I want Primary over Caucus (sp? ) it is hard for many regular people to understand or devote the time to caucus and are disenfranchised – this preference favors HRC

Personally – I want OPEN primaries – they are tainted by crossovers but they do allow a party to grow and be more inclusive – and invite new people in during pivotol years like this year – this preference favors BHO

So OPEN primaries might be the balanced way to go

Two things are obvious. First, Michigan and Florida voters have the right to have their voices heard. Secondly, the current results cannot be utilized and therefore another primary and/or caucus is necessary. Can't say I'd want to pay for it, I'm having a tough enough time paying for gas and food!

Michigan and Florida both broke the rules and knew the consequences of their action, therefore they should not be seated. It was determined that the outcome of their primary races were not going to be counted before they had the election. If the democratic party seat those delegates, I will definitely have to rethink my party affiliation. Michigan and Florida can't expect to be rewarded for doing wrong.

tar

Stop giving the Clinton's what they want. If you thought about the People in Florida and Michigan you would have played by the rules. This is why this country is so screwed up now. We do one thing and say another. You choose to do something different so be it and live with it.

Everytime CNN does not print my comment it will enforce my resolve to vote for McCain if Obama gets in. When I see what you do let in as far as Hlllary bashing it is just plain bias.

"...A Bag of Chips March 6th, 2008 11:50 am ET

I think the desire to have the Florida and Michigan delegates count would be genuine if it was requested a lot earlier; not when you find yourself behind and are trying to do anything to catch up!!! ..."

You probably not aware of millions of letters and phone calls to DNC and other organizations from Fla voters demanding that the results of the primary was respected. FROM DAY ONE!!!

Let's remember that the voters never agreed to these rules and penalties. This was done by party leaders and legislators. Clearly the voters felt strongly about casting their votes as more than FIVE MILLION PEOPLE turned out to vote in Florida and Michigan. While there may have been some who stayed home, a huge number of folks cast their vote for the candidate they wanted in Florida. In Michigan, only Hillary and Kucinich were on the ballot, but leaders there, like Cong. Conyers, pushed to have "uncommitted" successfully added to the ballot. Uncommitted received close to 40% of the vote, while Hillary received 60%, so clearly voters were aware of their choices and made them. The voters should not be penalized for the short-sighted decisions of the their leaders and the DNC/RNC. A revote seems unfair as it would result in FL and MI getting to vote twice. Obama and his supporters are understandably scared because counting the votes and seating the delegates would hurt him and he's realizing that if they had counted in the first place, his momentum and trajectory probably never would have happened. Count the votes and seat the delegates.

Rules are rules, they knew over a year ago not to change their primaries but they did. If they seat these delegates the way the vote stands and not re-vote or allow for a caucus and those delegates go to her favor to win the nomination then i will not vote democrat but will vote for Mccain.

Obama 08'

I believe the superdelegates shouldn't be seated for these states because alot of them were the one's that chose to move the primary when they were warned not to move it. But I believe the pledged delegates should count because the people of these states have the right to have their voices heard.

No reprimary, no recount. If you didn't vote-SHAME ON YOU! If you took your name off the ticket-it's your loss & stop crying about it.

Split the delegates 50/50 in Florida and Michigan. Save the millions of Dollars for a redo and help the people save their homes from foreclosure.

JUAN

Bad Math on my part – My sense is BO will have one more or two more delegates from Texas then HRC

Gore vs Bush

Sorry but if you said Gore won that election – and you are an Obama supporter how do you justify saying BO wins TX

Answer – in good faith you can not

"A Bag of Chips March 6th, 2008 11:50 am ET

I think the desire to have the Florida and Michigan delegates count would be genuine if it was requested a lot earlier; not when you find yourself behind and are trying to do anything to catch up!!!"

It was requested a lot earlier – BEFORE Super Tuesday.

Wolf Blitzer's secret wish is out. When you listen to and watch the key man of The Situation ..., there is no doubt that Clinton is his choice. The Michigan and Florida open defiance of the Democratic leadership, this journalist has brought up the issue of disfranchising Michigan and Florida Democrats. The balistic finger of the Governor was in fact suggested by Blitzer. Let Florida vote and Mr. Blitzer would have "voted" another Clinton for the White House. The Dobbs can happily join the chorus to make Mrs. Clinton's case. The Supreme Court and other money power did the same thing for Bush.
Simply put, you can not use bias method to sove a bias case. Michigan and Florida defied the rule. Dems going to the polls knew the sanction. They are to blame not those who respect the role.
You talk of cheap road to the White House. Take it Mrs Clinton
Nganenu

Florida and Michigan people would have to pay for this. Cause if anything they will have to redo everything. Can you guys afford a 2-4% tax increase on everything to pay for it? Not me

Rules ? who rules ? did the people who actually pay their salaries choose these rules? cmon lets get real we the people should decide and we overwhelmingly voted now if you want to extend the vote find but a total do over ? no !!simple; have those disenfranchising caucuses but the primary votes should stand it wasn't the people fault so we shouldn't have to pay for it !! the dnc pays for caucuses anyway and the dnc need to pay for the one in Michigan but the rnc have to pay for the one in Florida then that will give obama and Hillary a fair chance more obama but he did break the rules and had an ad out hillary did not .. but we all know hillary have more votes in florida but with the caucus ? that format favors obama that should work...all superdelegates should vote now !!!your sight should have a special (super delegates ballots )that's the problems make them commit!!! vote and there vote should be like anyone else's private then there is reduce pressure to follow the wave...then after June and if no one reaches the total delegates add the superdel bam!! whoever win is the president whoever comes in second have the right to be on the ticket or the right to decline...nobody noes who voted for who ?nobody gets hurt.

In a self-serving money-grabbing move, these states moved up their primaries in complete disregard of party rules. The penalties imposed were understood and appropriate. The voters of these states should direct their ire at their state party officials and these sorry governors are disingenuous in their pleadings now.

Everyone wants a fair process which plays by the rules. The fact is that Hillary may have won big states. The fact is that Obama won more states. The fact is that Obama has more delegates than Hillary. The fact is that Michigan and Florida cannot seat it's delegates. The fact is that if Hillary wins the remaining primaries, the way the delegates are partioned out Obama will still lead in delegates. The fact is that Obama will be the Democratic nominee. Just the facts folks. I know it hurts.

The majority of the Hispanic vote is funny to me. Okay, Obama people want to move forward but the Hillary people are stuck in the past and want to stay stuck. If the Hispanics are stuck in the past with the Clintonites and the Republicans with Bush, then why do they risk their lives to leave their countries? They are stuck with rulers for 20, 30 and 50 years, I'd say that is stuck alright. So why bring the stuck in the past mentality to the American primaries/cacusus?? They could of stayed home with that stuck in the past stuff....just a thought, that's all.

The DNC have to do something because if they don't neither Clinton nor Obama will win those states in November.

Maybe this is all about him losing in his bid 4 years back.
Howard dean is the one people should concentrating on.
He either needs to keep this party together, or get out of the way so
someone else can step in and unite us.
He can't just keep going on tv and saying – we did it to ourselves, nah nah nah, WE DID NOT. The voters had nothing to do with this.
Why not take away the superdelegate votes of the ones who ok'd moving the date, punish them.

Laura and Deborah I totally agree with both of you. Obama has to release his records about Tony Rezko, but more than that why is he requesting for Hillary to disclose her records during her time in the White House? Has he had any experience in making foreign policy decisions unless of course he counts his vote against the war in Iraq as a foreign policy decision. What about his records while he was in the State Senate AND U.S. Senate? He was outraged when Hillary correctly stated that he has not held a single hearing. Well Obama people I think that being on the campaign trail should not withhold him from holding a hearing, and him not taking responsibility AND claiming that he was appointed in January of 2007 just before campaigning shows his lack of responsibility and how deeply he cares about our country. Thank you for wynning after you lost three states Senator Obama–is this how well you can attack Senator McCain in general election? If Obama is at the top of the ticket we will not see the white house for another 8 years. So, Obama supporters what will it be? Hillary or McCain?

Florida and Michnigan should not count. They knew what the consequences would be if they moved thier primary up earlier and yet they did it. My question is, why was there even an election, knowing that the votes would not be counted? I think it would be very unfair if the DNC allows those votes to count or even allow another primary. What lesson is being taught if they go back on their word? Being a high school teacher, I am constantly teaching my students that actions have consequences, what kind of message will I send if I don't follow through. It seems to me like the Republican govenors of those states are pushing for this because they know McCain can not beat Obama and so this will give Clinton the edge and she will be the nominee and they will win the white house again. As far as the voters in these two states feeling disenfranchised, blame that on your state, they are the ones who put you in this position. If the DNC seat those delegates, I believe our party will lose the white house in Nov and then we will have to endure 4 or 8 more years of the same old thing. Fair is fair and rules are rules. STICK TO THEM!!!!

Laura and Deborah I totally agree with both of you. Obama has to release his records about Tony Rezko, but more than that why is he requesting for Hillary to disclose her records during her time in the White House? Has he had any experience in making foreign policy decisions unless of course he counts his vote against the war in Iraq as a foreign policy decision. What about his records while he was in the State Senate AND U.S. Senate? He was outraged when Hillary correctly stated that he has not held a single hearing. Well Obama people I think that being on the campaign trail should not withhold him from holding a hearing, and him not taking responsibility AND claiming that he was appointed in January of 2007 just before campaigning shows his lack of responsibility and how deeply he cares about our country. Thank you for wynning after you lost three states Senator Obama–is this how well you can attack Senator McCain in general election? If Obama is at the top of the ticket we will not see the white house for another 8 years. So, Obama supporters what will it be? Hillary or McCain?

The vote stands as is....by my account. Mich. and Flor. voters have spoken just like every one has. I am sorry that the Obama camp does not like the out come, but there is no revoting because.... you don't like the outcome. If that is the case the Clinton camp would be requesting revotes in other States. No....the Mich. and Flor. counts stand as they are and when they are included then they count as they are. You say that Clinton was the only one on the ballot in Mich.......your are right. That ....I repeat... that is called Political Experience......and that is what she has been talking about all along.....Experience.!!!

I'M DONE!

This all has become stupid. On one side we got George W. the third, and on the other we've got some elementary fight being played out to where either demorcrat is willing to stupidly tear down the other for the golden prize!

Why can't CLinton just state what she's good at and why she'd be a better president, and Obama do the same?

I mean she's changed her campaign slogan like 80 times. Obviously you were'nt ready on day one!!

+all of HER BS!

"ANy one who's ever faught hard for something and never quit, this is for you!"

"I'm honored by you" "Shame on you Obama"

"If we get any of the 4 primarys on Mar. 4th that means americans are having second thoughts"

give me a break! I mean you lost 11 straight states at one point!!
and don't even get me started on SNL.

And Obama, why do you keep buying into these silly political tactics, and then use them. Yeah, the same tactics you were so critical of???
hmm, I'll bet you want to debate again now that your on the flip side of things..

Americans aren't dumb. We pretty much know who we're gonna vote for. Because you send us a flyer in the mail, or publicy have a estrogen juiced tantrum on camera, or appear on SNL, or cry, or say your honored, or borrow lines from your friends/husbands, or get a "standing ovation" (the debate was concluding, people were not standing for her! stupid press) doesn't mean that we'll somehow become magically inlitend and vote 4 u! UGH..

I lived in Florida all my life up until a year ago. I find it amusing that for at least 10 years now, Florida can not get an election right. I also find it amusing that Charlie Crist is the most outspoken person on this to seat the delegates. He's republican (possible ulterior motive?) and HE IS THE ONE WHO SIGNED THE BILL TO MOVE THE PRIMARY DATE. He says "common sense would dictate that every vote should count." Common sense would dictates to play by the rules. Why isn't anyone talking about this hipocracy?

People in Florida are complaining – it was the officials THEY elected who moved the date and caused this problem. If they want the delegates seated, stop whining and come up with a viable solution to revote for the canidates whether it be a primary or caucus that is fair to any and all canidates in the primary. If the tables were turned, Hillary would be screaming foul to try to seat the delegates without a revote.

laura March 6th, 2008 8:49 am ET

Florida and Michigan should have a mail in primary.

That makes sense. And since Clinton and Obama are the only candidates left, perhaps their campaigns could spilt the cost of a mail-in ballot in those two stateswith the DNC – each contributing one third.

In that way, the vote would be completely funded by Democrats, and the Republicans could not say that we're wasting taxpayer money.

they need to obey rules. that's the problem here. break rules and we go to jail. you made the rules so adhere to them. MI only had Clinton on ballot so those results are bogus.

Go ahead Democrats, count Michigan and Florida, display your lack of integrity for your own self imposed rules. An organization that is not guided by a set of principles is destined to fail.

For years the democrats worked to shake off the "touchy, feely" image. Finally the DNC showed some courage by warning these states of potential consequences should they violate the rules. Florida and Michigan chose to ignore the rules and now they are shouting "foul". If the DNC negotiates with these states, then all rules within the DNC are subject to challenge and once again the republican party can enjoy their ongoing sport of watching Democrats unseat themselves.

That's catchy....billary, guess we'll have to start saying mobama too.
why not keep it to the issues and facts.
The only ones being punished in MI and FLA are the voters.
Punish the party boss's, not the voters.
Howard Dean is the real problem here....he should have had more insight
has this ever happened before....NO, Blame Howard Dean.
Is there a way we can impeach him as DNC, he is doing a lousy job.

I absolutely think the votes should count, but it should be with a real vote. Obama wasn't on the ticket in Michigan and Florida was a beauty contest, they were both on the ticket, but neither campaigned there. Hold a primary like everyone else and see what happens.

Well governor Granholm, you played politics the way you govern. You tried to ensure your support of Hillary and ended up disenfranchising all of us!! You have also brought the state of MI down to its lowest level in decades. How can anyone trust you any more than we can trust Hillary? Thank god this is your final term. We need new leadership and that is not under Hillary. Both you and Hillary have inflicted more damage to the democrats than people will ever know. It's time for a change and that will be Obama.

Rules are rules and everyone knew the rules before voting began so I don't understand how anyone's vote is being left out. They went to the polling station knowing their vote didn't count and are now complaining about it after the vote. The candidates weren't involved in the states either aside from Hillary remaining on the Michigan ballot, probably for this very reason.

The rules were set along time ago and should be enforced as such. If Hillary keeps pushing this issue, it will push my vote away from here should she win the nomination because of it.

Florida and MIchigan elected to hold their primaries early knowing that they woudn't have delagates, but that public opinion might be changed by their election results. That was enough for these states when they made their decision. Senator Clinton potentially did much better on Super Tuesday because of these primaries influenced public opinion. Letting Florida and Michigan vote again with full delegates to be awarded would actually be unfair to the 48 other States who only can vote once.
Also just counting the held primaries would be unfair to Senator Obama, because he was the less well known candidate and had he campained in these states he would have done much better.
I am sure that Senator Obama would now do much better in Florida (and Michigan) since he is much better know and he would campain.

Iam a Floridian, and I did not go out to vote because they told us it would NOT COUNT....What about me and the thousands of people like me....HILARY did not when our state....I am ok with not seating those delegates...rules our rules...WE need to get rid of our Governor

IF Obama was so concerned with the country over his ego, he would agree to be VP, discontinue the campaigning and cutting each other, and win this election. This is just seniority. He will be a shoe-in after eight years and be president for eight more. Sixteen years in the White House compared to possibly (or Not) four or eight! It will only work this way and he could come out "the better MAN."

You can't disenfranchise two entire states just because the good old boys from the Democratic party conspire to prevent the people's voice from being heard. Clinton '08!

I voted in Florida, however, what Charlie Crist is not saying is that those who turned out to vote in Florida did so because of a property tax bill, which would lower the extremely high cost of property taxes across the state. That's why Florida voters turned out to vote in record numbers. I didn't even know the candidates would be on the ballot...so when I went to vote I didn't expect to vote for a presidential candidate. I had to just make up my mind on the spot. That is not fair to me as a voter or to the candidates. I also spoke to a friend on my way to vote and she said she was not going to vote because "our vote" didn't count.

I wish someone would answer this question for me...who made the decision to put the names of the candidates on the ballot if the votes did not count? And why was their only one name on the ballot in Michigan?

It would make sense NOT to put any names on the ballot if the votes would not count. If the DNC had ordered the states NOT to put the names of candidates on the ballot we would not be in this situation. Or if the states had used COMMON SENSE and NOT put the names on the ballot we would not be in this situation.

I'm just saying...

So, I guess Senator Obama forgot about the rules of not misleading voters when he had his campaign officials do their thing in Canada? And if he didn't know about it – well – dang – how is he expecting to run more than a campaign?

And what about what he learned being a Constitutional Law Professor and all, and still voting for what he knew was wrong. Was there a broken rule there?

Oh ya, and Senator Obama's rules of fair play regarding his great deal on the house and his buddy of 17 years? Oh – those rules..

No one is above the rules for sure.......but when gross errors occur – the strong will stand up for what is the correct thing to do. In this case – don't disenfranchise the voters......let the votes stand.

It seems to me these Dems involved are very emotional people.
It's like parenting. Do not say you will give the kids certain punishment unless you can keep your words.

I cannot feel safe trusting my country to this bunch of emotional people. McCain has a temper but he has the character I can trust.

Isn't it strange that the Florida Republicans including the Govenor pushed and signed the legislation to move the Primary up, with the full Knowledge that the Delegates would not be counted (Democrats) only (50 % Reps). I've seen this before "2000 Gore". Yet the say redo, the 18 million could better be used by education and health care in the State.which has decreased funding for these social services. Rules are Rulesand should not changed for political expedience. I believe that Michigan & Florida should not count and that the Candidate with the most pledged delegates should be the Democratic Party's nominee and then send the Florida and Michigan delegates to the convention to be heard. Right is Right & Fair is Fair

Rules don't mean anything to the corrupt Clintons, this plan to another primary is her doing, she will do anything to win. She thinks she is entitled, therefore she can change the rules to suit her. I live in Fl and I will protest to the end about this. The rules were made by Hillarys own party, so get over it. The woman is hiding so much in her records, i say she should be forced to reveal so the world gets to know the REAL hillary, evil corrupt, phony, she wants to be another Chevez.

Those delegates SHOULD be seated!

The simplest and least expensive solution is to split the delegates 50 50 and allow them to be seated. Clinton supporters may initially claim that that is not fair because they believe their candidate won more delegates, but there actually was not a contest. Additionally, the way things are progressing, to have a real contest and a vote today would allow Barack to catch and eclipse Hillary as he did in Texas. So the Clinton Camp is better off splitting the delegates.
It may not be reported, but I believe that Obama will win the delegate count in Texas.

I agree w/ Mark , and AJ, IL and disagree w/ CG News and Jed in Texas. It's the type of politics and thinking that will never go away or improve unless you make a change. As for the primaries Howard Dean said it best on all the news shows this morning. They new the rules a year and half ago and decided this year not to abide by it. They are trying to use the media to spin it that the DNC is bad but Ohio, TX, and PA didn't move their primaries so why did Michigan and Florida. We teach our children you have to abide by the rules. You can't just make them up as you go along. An by the way Florida disenfranchised voter if you tell me that my votes not going to count then I'm not going to vote. In Michigan Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot.

Daisy, Bill & Hill are a disgrace to the Democratic party with their scandal-prone presidency. Now they want a third term presidency against the constitution. Go figure!

Unless our delegates are seated, Florida will remove the Democratic nominee from the ticket in November. Michigan should consider that too.

Michigan and Florida should not be seated, the states broke the Democratic rules and did that knowingly. Why is it that when it is convenient in this country to make adjustments in laws and rules for the wealthy and powerful it is ok. If the people of Florida and Michigan are upset then they should elect different political officials to run their state from top to bottom, because it is partially their fault very electing these idiots.

Please just keep in mind that Senator Clinton is the ONLY candidate who did not turn her back on the voters of Michigan by taking her name off the ballot. She left her name there and then Senator Obama followed her lead to leave his name on the Florida ballot.

He wants them disenfranchised and she does not....hasn't for a long time now........since right after the voting........he doesn't want their votes because he lost. In Florida, both names were on the ballot, millions turned out, I am sure millions watched his ads on CNN and other airwaves. The Florida voters are not nor were they stupid at the time of the voting.

It was Senator Clintons experience and savy that led her to the decision to leave her name on all the ballots, because I am convinced she was willing to go to bat for the voters no matter what. She fights for all no matter what the consequences. Senator Obama does not. He would rather they be disenfranchised.

Michigan voters of course had Senator Obama people there who told them to vote non-conformed which was a vote against Senator Clinton. His camp did quite a bit of campaigning in Michigan before the vote. Because it was not how he may not like to do campaigning, it was campaigning anyway.

So although perhaps Senator Obama could not have gone into these states and spent 4 times more money than Senator Clinton – I suspect the results may have been the same. I say let the votes stand as they are and if Senator Obama needed Senator Clinton to teach him the way, I guess the results are just part of his learning curve.

if they vote again, it should be a primary & not caucuses. Texas results clearly shows that caucuses are not reflecting the true picture.

What is this about counting the votes when all the candidates knew that they will not be counted? Did Billary plan ahead to fight to get those votes counted after other candidates followed the rules and didn 't campaign there? It should be : either they are not counted or a revote is required.

Way to cheat DNC. Hip, Hip Hooray for the USA!

Floridians and Michigan voters need to blame their officials for not following the rules and not the DNC...but we obviously live in a world where rules mean nothing and anything goes.

What a joke!

Obama did not run ads in Florida – they were market bleed overs from Alabama and Georgia.

THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REQUEST FOR VOTERS OF FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN WANTING THERE VOTES TO BE COUNTED. THIS IS COMING DIRECTLY FROM THE STATES AND THE VOTERS OF THOSE STATES. MANY PETITIONS HAVE BBEN FILED BY GROUPS ACROSS FLORIDA.
DON'T BLAME THE CLINTON CAMP FOR THIS – EVEN IF IT DOES FAVOR HER. OF COURSE I KNOW THAT'S A LOT TO ASK FROM SOME OF YOU.

You can not punish the people of Florida & Michigan for something that the admistration did. The more than 5 million people in those states are not responsible for changing the date. The states have agreed to hold another election I say let the people vote and be heard what is any one afraid of, the state of Michigan did not have Sen Obama's name on the ballot so it is clear that they should have a revote. A caucus does not allow everyone to be heard, there are no absentee ballots in a caucus for the people who are unable to attend due to medical problems, serving in the war or other reasons. If those delegates are not seated I thiink Florida and Michigan should leave the democrat off the November ballots. Rules are made to be broken, if this country followed the rules we would still be paying taxes to England. For a canidate to run on a change platform and then insist on staying to the rules is nonsense.

One more comment. The delegate numbers were worked over 2-3 times in each ones favors by CNN....without Michigan and Florida, neither one of them can win...THEY BOTH FALL SHORT OF THE 2025 delegates. We have no choice.

Tim in Boston,

I am glad to know i was not the only one expecting the 'staged and fake terrorist attacks' to suddenly start once McCain was the nominee.

Nothing works to get votes more than fear in America. I have never seen a country with such a brave military and yet cowardly electorate as ours. Fear works all the time.

The Clinton's are so manipulative. Florida and Michigan broke the rules, and yet do not want to pay the price. The Dems would be setting a really bad precedent by even allowing those states to vote again.
Sen Clinton, Edward, and Obama, agreed not to participate in those states, yet Sen Clinton wants us to forget that she signed an agreement. Are people so easily fooled?

For us, rules are rules.
For the Clintons, rules are made to be broken. That is their life testimony and Americans are falling for it, YET AGAIN.

Yes, BRAVE MILITARY, Cowardly electorate! What a shame.

MIchigan should have another primary or caucus and the original results should not count.

Florida's delegation should be split with 35%-40% allotted for the original results. The remainder of the delegates should be apportioned on the basis of a new caucus.

Everyone could stop their complaining. However, personally, I believe that a new primary would be the most fair. Everyone could vote a second time. No one would be denied the right to vote for any reason.

I am unclear as to why CNN keeps stirring this issue. I realize that the Clinton Clan would benefit the most, however, all states agreed on the rules and they have to abide by those they agree to. Now, given that Hillary agrees to one thing and says one thing one day and that later if that which she agreed to does not benefit her, then she immediately complains and says rules and agreements do not apply _ why do we all have to follow her way of doign things, which is not different from what Bush has been doing?

I would say send your letters to the DNC_ or the DNC should put out for the whole country to see, what was agreed upon, and WHO agreed to it..

ok first of all this is about HILLARY!!! not Bill. However, all of you complaing about Bill. Your life and mine was alot happy and easier when Bill was in office.. From taxes to jobs to family life.. NO ONE can ever dispute that..!!!!!!!!
Hillary is not Bill. All need to get a clue on that. Even the Media.
They pick on Hillary because of Bill. HELLO!!! Hill is not Bill.

obama says he's a canidate of change . that the old politics should end . then if he truly belives this he should at least argue on floridas voters behalf . after all he did campainge by running his ad in florida .
all canidates were on the ballot . so basicly his voice was not silenced . yet, he want's thier's to be !

Most of the people that do not want Florida and Michigan votes to count are Obama supporters. Hillary won both Michigan and Florida and they know that if the delegates were counted then that would put Hillary in the lead again. They are scared to have their votes counted.

People must realize that by NOT allowing these votes to count, you are denying the people in these states their right to vote. The only option is to allow their votes to count. I am a democrat and believe the DNC should pay for the re-vote. How can a group deny peoples right to vote. That is ridiculous.

Anyone saying no seriously needs to read the Constitution.

Is this what we can expect from a democratic candidate? If you can't win..cheat? Suddenly my vision is of one of these governors giving a wrapped lollypop to a baby and then seeing the baby tear off the wrapper and find the flavor they want they rip it right out of the kids hands. If the democrates want to show the country how they will govern then try sticking to the rules. I can't believe the people of Michigan and Florida aren't kicking these two buzzards out of the governors offices after this sort of nation wide sit-com.

Are you guys totally pro Billary CNN?

Florida and Michagan don't have anyone to blame but themselves for not telling their party officials, not to go against the rules that were set up. In order to be fair to both, they should split the delegates in half, in both states, half to Obama, and half to clinton since there was not any campaigning done in either state. Clinton didn't follow the rules in this issue either. Clinton has an unfair advantage because of her name. Obama was not known very well at the time, and his name was not even on the ballot. In order to be fair, there should be a new primary or caucus, giving both candidates time to campaign in both states.

Thank you Mark for your comment....That is the point that everyone is missing....The DNC objected and it was the republican governor and his cohorts that changed the date...it didn't hurt the republicans at all...they had no rules on this. It was deliberately done to screw up the democrats.
Again...remember the track record ....Florida is a Republican run state.

It's ridiculous that Howard Deen is going to make the states pay for a revote! They are saying the revote could cost up to 25 milllion or more.

I think that money could be spent on something else better than a revote. Like healthcare, feeding the homeless, etcc.. Anyone else with me?

Next year, PA should thumb thiern ose at the party, too, and jump ahead and vote first, ahead of Iowa. I'm sick of casting a meaningless vote. When the races is decided, they tell us that we will be the deciders in a close race. Now the race is close, and they want to move 2 states ahead of us. How about the system work the way it is supposed to, just once?

I doubt this comment makes the cut, since my last three attempts failed. But this is fun anyway!

To all Obama supporters pushing the whole angle of "WHERE ARE YOUR TAX RETURNS AND WHITEHOUSE DOCUMNTS?"

GIVE ME A BREAK! What a complete bunch of jokers you are, including your ringleader OB. Is this the best you have got? What exactly are you hoping to gain from this fishing expedition? This is starting to get comical! A scant amount of pressure on OB and he starts crying, all the while accusing Clinton of being the one going negative.

I breathed a long but joyful sigh of relief after Tuesday night when at last, common sense prevailed in Ohio, Texas, and Rhode Island. FIGHT ON HILLARY!! You are fighting for us and we appreciate all that you have endured.

Cnn… your moderators are just as crooked…. Why have a place to voice your opinion… When your opinion is being ingnored… Just as the americans are being ignored by the powerful… I've been an avid follower of CNN. But I'm losing faith in you guys to…. Perhaps you'll get you clinton in the whitehouse against peoples vote…. You guys are a piece of work….

AMEN Bewitched.... You tell them...

I doubt this comment makes the cut, since my last three attempts failed. But this is fun anyway!

To all Obama supporters pushing the whole angle of "WHERE ARE YOUR TAX RETURNS AND WHITEHOUSE DOCUMNTS?"

GIVE ME A BREAK! What a complete bunch of jokers you are, including your ringleader OB. Is this the best you have got? What exactly are you hoping to gain from this fishing expedition? This is starting to get comical! A scant amount of pressure on OB and he starts crying, all the while accusing Clinton of being the one going negative.

I breathed a long but joyful sigh of relief after Tuesday night when at last, common sense prevailed in Ohio, Texas, and Rhode Island. FIGHT ON HILLARY!! You are fighting for us and we appreciate all that you have endured.

Rose, the ads that ran in Florida were ads from the Obama camp. They were national ads that ran in Florida. They ran all the time... I can't remember how many times I myself saw them on t.v.

Point is, if there was to be no campaigning in Florida, yet whenever I turned on the t.v. I saw Obama ads running – to me that is campaigning. Edwards wasn't running ads, Clinton wasn't running ads.....

A lot of people I know who voted and are now being told their vote will not be counted are upset to the point to where they are considering voting Republican – no matter who the Democratic nominee is. I'm not saying that is right but thats the buzz I am hearing where I live.

I am concerned about the message to society that teaches one to break ta rule or law, because it can always be changed in your favor after the fact.

Policy makers shake their head at the difficulties with enforcing laws equitably. Perhaps it is those that follow the rules that suffer most in our society.

I am disturbed, not by this as a political issue, but as a moral issue.

To: CG News

"YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING???? Obama/Edwards ticket!?? Talk about losing the White House! Neither one of those guys are qualified. And that's not a ticket that will win against the old geezer. Get real people.
"

So are you saying the last 7 yrs has been a demonstration of qualifications? If so, I'll vote for Obama/Edwards ticket without question.

Question: What about being fair to Edwards and the other candidates who were in the race for Florida and Michigan? What if one of them had done well in one or both of those states? Would the dynamics have changed? There is no way to turn back the clock and be absolutely fair.

Cnn... your moderators are just as crooked.... Why have a place to voice your opinion... When your opinion is being ingnored... Just as the americans are being ignored by the powerful... I've been an avid follower of CNN. But I'm losing faith in you guys to.... Perhaps you'll get you clinton in the whitehouse against peoples vote.... You guys are a piece of work....

Here we go again... If I am not mistaken Florida once again not playing by the rules. Hanging Chads anyone? Florida, you cheated to put Elmer Fudd in office, now you want to cheat for Hillary.

Get a grip, play by the rules!

Obama 08

The only thing I do not understand is that Clinton put out there she is willing to compromise or talk about it… According to all of you she is evil and the worst thing for this country… Obama claims to be different and a uniter… Why does he not want to unite the party and win the White House??? It is obvious that neither he nor Clinton will win this with out the other one dropping out… Democratic Party has really created a mess here because the longer this goes on it is going to cause a split in the party… All ready in the blogs threats of not voting are being posted!!!

I think the desire to have the Florida and Michigan delegates count would be genuine if it was requested a lot earlier; not when you find yourself behind and are trying to do anything to catch up!!!

It all depends on who supports, Who!

Why all the complaining, Everybody has a reason for doing, or undoing The's Delegates...

Tell the truth... Obama supporters, Your frightened you'll lose now.

Hillary has got the momentum!!! Nothing to do with Taxpayers....

Really.

CG News... Hillary cannot win on a ticket when she has too much scandals in her past and present that will come out in a real election. ON top of that she cannot handle any negativity toward her or to lose a little bit. She gets very bitter. Her smear tatics and her making up of things to hurt someones reputation with lies is going to turn more and more people off. She will end up on the Republican McCain level (since many are wanting to end the Republican rule after the Bush Reign) IT will be more even.. vs Obama that has more of a clean slate. She has pages upon pages of scandals, yet Obama has none. Edwards is a good hearted guy. He can do alot of good as a VP. McCain will be seen as OLD compared to Obama Vs.. Clinton. When you weight the positives and negatives of both Democrats running Vs McCain/Bush supporter... you will have more positives with Obama/Edwards.

SORRY!

GO OBAMA!!

Revote

It's the only way to make it a fair process.

To me I don't understand the delegates/Superdelegates... These peoples votes should not be more important that the average americans vote.The states that the superdelegates are from should vote the way the people of the state they are from... This seems to be a election thats going to be another not what the people wants situation... Why are we voting? If it's not counting.....

Does anyone else find it a bit hypocritical that Obama supporters are saying "rules is rules" in terms of the primary (since it would give Hilary an edge) but trying to change the rules of the superdelegates by saying they should follow the popular vote, which is not their job? Does anyone else find it disturbing that black superdelegates are reporting that they are being strong-armed into voting for Obama when race should not be an issue in this campaign? Does anyone believe that Obama wouldn't be screaming to have those FL and MI delegates counted if he had won?

First, these govenors agreed to this arrangement. So, the people of their respective states need to remember that come time to re-elect them. Secondly, because of these two states agreeing to be penalized if they moved their primary dates (which was originally March 4th) candidates campaigned differently than the would have. I do not believe the DNC should have to foot the bill of another primary or caucus, the DNC did exactly what it said it would. Unfortunately, these govenors cannot say the same. Finally, I find it hard to believe the people of the state are asking for delegates, most people don't even know about delegates. Florida and Michigan being omitted from the process is no different than when the primaries end early and remaining states don't participate. If they repeat these primaries or caucus in these states, I believe it would be unconstitutional, especially Michigan which elected to put only one candidate on the ballot, thereby tainting the process. They should not be included this term.

Florida especially should not have to re-vote, Clinton and Obama's names were both on the ballot. I also feel Michigan should not have to re-vote, after all Obama chose to remove his name from the ballot himself and ask the people who wanted to vote for him to vote uncommitted. Excuse me, they voted and chose Clinton.

It's not right that some party bosses in Washington decides who votes when. We are the taxpayers and we all deserve our say, its time the government and the media listens to the people.

It was a republican that changed the date in the first place....why am I not surprised ! I think with the track record of the republican stunts pulled in Florida during any election would, in itself, justify a re do for the democrats. I say ...enough of the republican snakes and their voodoo.

These candidates have raised how much money to buy the White House??? I say let them come to florida and buy our revote...I feel like my vote doesn't count, and I know many people that did not vote because of our Republican Governer's decision to disenfranchise us.

For any Hillary supporter who complains about caucuses, just look at the popular vote and tell me who is winning that. So, shut it!

<<>>>
Headline: "60% or More of the Popular Vote for Dream Team Makes Obama the Winner"

Obama has already received SIXTY Percent (60%) or MORE of the Popular Vote in the following "14" States (MD, IL, GA, DC, VA, WA,HI, NE, MN, AK, ID, KS, ND, and CO)

Versus

Hillary has ONLY received 60% or MORE of the Popular Vote in only ONE (1) state which was Arkansas.

Next...

In the 5 Large States (TX, CA, OH, NY and NJ) Hillary's has only received between 51% and 57% of the Popular Vote (average is only 53.6%) with NY only coming in at 57%.

Versus

Obama who has received between 50% and 60% of the Popular vote in the following Nine (9) States: VT, AL, WI, LA, UT, CT, DE, SC, and ME)

So when HIllary talks about she should be the one at the top of this "Dream Ticket" her numbers DO NOT hold up.

THE BEST TICKET IS OBAMA / Senator JIM WEBB (WAR HERO) (Secretary of the Navy) (Marine Veteran and Marine Parent)

Decision-makers on your very special voting-procedure cannot possible have been every single citizen in Florida and Michigan. Then you cannot punish all voters (5 000 000) by saying that their votes does not count! To me this seems only to be a matter of stupid formalities – a very strange kind of democraci ……..! European

It was the republican legislators in Florida that manipulated the primary date in such a way as to best mess up the democratic nominating process. Those guys are loving watching all this arguing now!

Also, if indeed there is another democratic primary in Florida and Michigan, the voters will have Hillary Clinton to thank for pushing for it. She's the only one who has been arguing in favor of the voters of these states having a say! In contrast, Obama doesn't want to hear from them!

Check your – Clinton leads Obama in texas causes title..

It is Obama leading Clinton..Wake up …It is Morning already

they broke the rules and now they want forgiveness? that's not how it works, crybabies.

If Hillary points out Obama's ties to Rezco, she's campaigning 'negatively'. If it's Obama accusing the Clinton's of concealing tax records, this is somehow magically only 'aggressive' campaigning. Obama is such a phoney. You can bet your bottom dollar that if he stood to gain delegates, he'd be screaming that FL & MI be counted in the interest of all American voters.

You have to follow the rules, period. We tell our children that and as adults and a country we need to set the example.

What concerns me is Hillary Clinton wants to seat deligates in an election that simply should not have been held and broke the rules of the party she states to be a part of. The states were told and warned yet they choose to ignore it. She should have followed the rules as well and not had her name on the ballot and not campaigned. If she wants to be president she needs to show the charactor one would expect of one. Again the Clintons are showing that rules only apply to them when it is in their favor and ignore the ones that aren't. Rather then whining about the voices not being heard in an election that was held against the party she says she represents if she wants thier votes to count she should be asking for another election to be held. That way at least all candidates will have their names on the ballot and be able to campaign. But then again, she might not win. Hmmmm wonder what she would be saying if she didn't end up on top of an illegal election? and I wonder what we would be saying if this was happening in another country?

You know Hillary is going to try and make it count as it is vs a do over but many are emailing CNN saying they didnt vote because they were told it wasnt going to count. SO many did a undecided because only Hillary was on the ticket and the one they wanted to vote for was not listed. It will have to be a complete do over if they do it or it would not be American in any form.. and If Hillary fights that then thats once again we will see her true colors of trying to manipulate the system to her own advantage.

Hillary Clinton = Mike Huckabee

She agreed to these delegates not being seated and now she wants to change the game??? Why isn't CNN jumping on this??? I'll tell you why, because they were too busy to rush to her aid when she was complaining about the media treating her unfairly. Enough of the same old politics! Release your tax returns! What are you hiding?

How many times are we going to let her change the rules?

Clinton: "I am tough and vetted!", but "The media treats me so unfair!"
How can she let those two opposing statements come out of her mouth??? Tough and vetted my you know what. Give me a break! I would vote Nancy Pelosi for first woman President before Hillary.....

No no no! if they allow to give the delegate to the candidate from Michigan and florida...I WILL NEVER EVER VOTE FOR A DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE. The most fair decision is to remove the 366 delegates from the Total of 2025. Which would mean 1659 delegate to win.

FLORIDA & MICHIGAN..>STAY OUT OF IT!!! you decided to do things on your own. Now the decision shall be without YOU!
Plus the candidates didnt run a correct campaign in your state and some were on the ballot!

If anyone wants to blame anyone for this mess in Florida and Michigan, the people of Florida and Michigan SHOULD BLAME THEIR GOVERNORS AND OTHERS THAT MOVED THE PRIMARIES UP WHEN THEY KNEW IT WAS AGAINST THE RULES OF THE DNC! Governor Crist of Florida and others are to blame for this mess! Honestly, how can they expect the DNC to just drop their rules because they decided to take their chances and move their respective states' primaries up against the rules? And it is definitely VERY HYPOCRITICAL of Crist and others to try and turn this on the DNC, when THEY were the ones who didn't play by the rules. At the end of the day, following the rules were all well and good until Hillary started falling behind in the polls and the Republicans became afraid that Barack Obama may be the one that goes up against John McCain. They feel that they may have a chance to beat Hillary Clinton, especially since she voted "YES" to the war in Iraq along with Bush and others! There is no way she could easily win a National Security arguement with John McCain when she sided with them! He will eat her alive in the debates for the General Election. Now that they see Obama will be tougher to beat, the Republicans that would rather go against Clinton, and also work towards tearing the Democratic Pary apart, are saying that the voters in Florida and Michigan's were cheated out of a vote and it's the DNC's fault...ummm....as I said before, it's the fault of Governor Crist and the others in those states that decided to move those primaries up KNOWING FULL WELL there would be penalties from the DNC. It's just not fair, and the people of those states should get mad at them, not the DNC. No candidate had a chance to really campaign in those states because they knew those states wouldn't count. A lot of voters that supported various candidates didn't even show up to vote because they knew it wouldn't count. Barack Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan! What is the Republican Party and Hillary Clinton trying to do here!?! It's just not fair. And as a Democrat, I would be completely turned against Hillary Clinton if she allowed this "unfair" situation to happen only because it benefits her. It would completely turn me off from voting for her, because in the end she is going to tear the Democratic Party apart. I am going to change my vote to Obama because I feel he is the only one that respects being fair and honest.

Hillary Clinton = Mike Huckabee

She agreed to these delegates not being seated and now she wants to change the game??? Why isn't CNN jumping on this??? I'll tell you why, because they were too busy to rush to her aid when she was complaining about the media treating her unfairly. Enough of the same old politics! Release your tax returns! What are you hiding?

How many times are we going to let her change the rules?

Clinton: "I am tough and vetted!", but "The media treats me so unfair!"
How can she let those two opposing statements come out of her mouth??? Tough and vetted my you know what. Give me a break! I would vote Nancy Pelosi for first woman President before Hillary

First I agree if these rules were set from day one there is no argument. Florida and Michigan knew what the consequences would be from day one. Second if you seat these delegates as they are right now this would be unfair to the voters who did not get out and vote because they were under the impression that their vote would not count. Why is this a big deal now, the decision concerning Florida and Michigan was mad early last year, Florida and Michigan should have been arguing this issue last year some time.

This whole election thing is turning into FUBAR...

The best thing to do is... nothing.

Trying to add FL and MI at the DNC's expense would be an unfair interference in a race where all sorts of other states are already in play. Those states deserve to have their votes count loudly, without being overshadowed by states which *CHOSE* to break the rules.

The thing that we should all hope for is that the remaining states and superdelegates will decide this race, to the point that one of the candidates withdraws. Once this is done, it will be simple to seat both FL and MI at the convention.

Like Hillary herself likes to do, let’s substitute names here. Had Obama won those states she would “FIGHT” to play by the rules. I think obeying the rules here is the only fair way to decide. Regardless of whose to blame fair is fair and rules are rules!

How about the DNC decide based on the Popular Vote.

After seeing the way the american people has voted for change... And hillary clinton wins the nomination... After a great majority of voting people have voted for something new. I think I shall never vote again in any political event As so many more americans wont waste there time voting... Why? When your vote dosen't count for nothing. And a few have the power to overturn what the american people want. This looks to be shaping into another rigged eletion. I know cnn want post my comment but heres a try at it...

Florida's Gov. Charlie Crist and Michigan's Gov. Jennifer Granholm, silenced the voice of 5,163,271 Americans" who voted in their states primaries when they BOTH SIGNED the BILL moving the primary dates in their respective states. Do not blame the DNC for their poor judgment. Both should be ashammed for not speaking up for their citizens 18 months ago and shouldn't be backdoor merchants to get the blame off them. FOLLOW the RULES you AGREED ON!

Wait Wait I know were Florida and Michagan are goining to get the money need to fund the election Hiliary will raise the money im sure.

Just like the government to backtrack out of there laws and regulations.

I have a question: How fair is this to Edwards and the other Democratic candidates who dropped out early? What if they had done well in Florida and/or Michigan? Maybe they would have had momentum enough to carry them on to good results in later states. Who knows? How can you turn back the clock and be fair to everyone?

Hero?!?! Hillary Clinton?!?! More like a 0. Hillary get back to the kitchen

I didn't vote because there were no democratic candidates on the ticket. I'm from Michigan and want my chance to vote, I don't care what our michigan leaders did, it wasn't my choice!

Those in favor of inserting the Michigan and Florida results are not fooling anybody. You have been brainwashed (and rinsed) by the Clintons. They don't really care about you, they just want to win at all costs. Obama is clearly ahead in the overall delegate count and will remain so throughout the rest of this primary season. This is a ploy to steal the nomination away from him.

Outwitted again by those sneaky Republicans!

Ask any teacher (or parent, for that matter). Children must learn that their decisions carry consequences. And consequences without teeth are meaningless. If the Party rules are set and agreed upon 18 months ago only to be broken and tossed out, please don't tell me that everyone down there just stood by quietly and permitted Florida's Republican legislature and governor FORCE Florida's Democrats to hold their primary ahead of the limits set by the DNC! You don't have to threaten to vote for McCain because you were stupid!

Now, didn't you get a queazy feeling in the pit of your stomach when all of the real candidates, except Hillary, agreed to withdraw their names from the ballots of these two states. If she had some upstanding reason for not doing so, curious minds want to know. By the way, I don't need to show my tax return until April 15th either, but then I didn't make over $12 million last year and am not running for the the most powerful office in the world!

Give it up, Hillary! You are continuing to come across as having something to hide AND as a cheater who wants to win any way she can.

Maybe that Dream Team should be Barack and jennifer Granholm!

Michigan and Florida should have delegates seated, period! The question now is how do they go about having a fair, new primary to make sure all voters have a will and a voice? Barack and Hillary, both State Governors, Howard Dean and other lead democratic ALL believe that voters should have a will, a voice, and a vote. Regardless.
To keep costs down, a simple, but accurate mail-in vote should take place in both states. The people can mail it (postage costs paid by DNC and both campaigns) or go to a polling site to drop it off, the poll workers would be paid by the state. Either way, its going to cost something, but cut costs a little.

Unless someone has a better idea?!

The penalty wasn't a good idea at the time and Howard Dean and the States should of recognized it and made a better decision. Punish the states, and its local politicians for their act. Don't penalizes the people. The people had nothing to do with the primaries being moved up. People in high positions went ahead and moved it. Punish the political figures, Don't punish the people, they didn't do anything wrong, they just wanted to vote for the candidate that they wanted. This is a mess, and should be fixed, and yes, what ever it takes. Just because the states screwed up, doesn't mean you take it out on millions of people that only wanted to vote. These voters didn't have anything to do with the move up date. The States acted selfishly, and are obligated to make sure that their citizens have a right to vote, and fairly counts. Figure it out over there. Hard and costly, but a decision and a solution has to be made.

O God...
How old are ppl writing in this blog??
12,13, 16???
You can't drop 2 states from primary.
Democratic process is to count every vote or we are having Russian stile democracy.
Dean said it we do it.
Is this democracy or dictatorship????

Funny.

Doesn't matter if it's mortgages, or bank regulations, or election processes, or sports....... rules just don't seem to matter any more in this country.

Now Dean's saying it should be redone. The Democratic party seems *intent* on losing this election. Maybe they're hoping to stick the Republicans with the upcoming recession, and then come back in 2012 claiming they fixed the problem by waiting it out.

Feh.

as i consider my options> the DNC should think hard about those of us who crossover from a party that violates voters rights . as you can see i am not the only one that will not support a party that dos'nt support me !

The nominee of the Democratic Party (whoever he/she is) should win Michigan (a Deep Blue state) and Florida (a big state).

To laura,

Pay attention...when Obama found out that Rezco was a slumlord, he donated all that money to charity. On the other hand, the Clintons took campaign contributions from China when Bill was running and he didn't return a red cent. What is she hiding?

Also, if Florida and Michigan wanted their votes seated, they should not have moved up their primaries. They knew the rules and they broke them!!! Clinton only wanted to have them seated after Obama knocked her from the front-runner status and after she learned that she might win them! She has no INTEGRITY...

HEY I LIVE in MICHIGAN, and I didn't have one iota of influence about moving up this primary. People who say "Rules are Rules", including Howard Dean, clearly are living in la-la land. Do we want to win or not?

Often people are living where they are because they had to follow a job, not because they really relish where they live.

Stop punishing people who want to vote. DNC is hurting the wrong people and has much more to loose than we do. Raise some money and do a caucus.

I think the officials from Florida and Michigan who decided to go against the rules, and have early primaries are the ones who should pay for this chaos!!! Hold THEM accountable, and fire them! This is the craziest decision ever made.

Amy

To laura,

Pay attention...when Obama found out that Rezco was a slumlord, he donated all that money to charity. On the other hand, the Clintons took campaign contributions from China when Bill was running and he didn't return a red cent. What is she hiding?

Also, if Florida and Michigan wanted their votes seated, they should not have moved up their primaries. They knew the rules and they broke them!!! Clinton only wanted to have them seated after Obama knocked her from the front-runner status and after she learned that she might win them! She has no INTEGRITY!!!

Just revote in June, what's the big deal?

Money?

Clinton and Obama can each raise half the money for a revote in two weeks.

Give them a month to campaign.

To laura,

Pay attention...when Obama found out that Rezco was a slumlord, he donated all that money to charity. On the other hand, the Clintons took campaign contributions from China when Bill was running and he didn't return a red cent. What is she hiding?

Also, if Florida and Michigan wanted their votes seated, they should not have moved up their primaries. They knew the rules and they broke them!!! Clinton only wanted to have them seated after Obama knocked her from the front-runner status and after she learned that she might win them! She has no INTEGRITY.

Well, MI and FL knew the rules and were aware of the consequences of not following those rules. Is it unfortunate and unfair to the voters of FL and MI? Absolutely! But don't blame the DNC, blame those who chose to disregard the rules of the Democratic Party and play by their own rules.

The governor is not to blame; it's your own party... stop blaming other people and SHUT UP.

Whatever the reasons why this happened, this is the United States of America and you can't omit over 5 million votes..That is un-American..They should find a way to hold new primaries or caucases..that will make it fair to both candidates, even though some voters may have changed their minds..and they should not allow anyone to vote that didn't vote previously...

GIVE SENATOR CLINTON HER WINS!!!!!!!!

SO WE CAN GET THIS THING OVER WITH!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those who say, he ran no Ads in Florida he did, and he also said, that if he won Florida he would want their votes to count, so I guess he doesn't now because he lost.

I predict that the Democratic Parties in these two states will have the money (somehow, somewhere) to do the primaries again.

Don't forget that Obama managed to have write-in "non-committed' votes in Michigan and he did ran TV ads in Florida.

The delegates should be seated according to the primaries that have already been conducted. There is no need to spend 18 to Florida. Obama was the only one who broke the rules there by running a national ad (which he blames on the cable company) I wonder how different the national picture would be right now if the delegates had been awarded right away, adding to Clinton's frontrunner status–the whole momentum may have been different. You can't recapture a moment in time with a do-over. The DNC should be punished for stripping the citizens of Florida and Michigan their right to vote–it was unconstitutional. Clinton did not break any rules by leaving her name on the ballot in Michigan–she simply outstrategized Edwards and Obama (who of course left their names on the Florida ballot) I'm sure Michigan can find a simple formula for decided how many of those "uncommitted" voters ought to belong to Obama.

I am a Michigan resident and do not feel the delegates should be seated. The powers-to- be decided to silence the voices of their voters by breaking the rules when the primary date was moved to January. At the time Michigan held their primary election, there were other candidates, so how can you determine whom an uncommitted vote should go to, being that there are now only to remaining candidates, and Hillary ‘s name was the only name on the ballot. Knowing that our delegates were penalized and would not be seated many voters elected not to vote in the primary. To re-do a primary would only create more division within the party….what happens if the voters who voted for Hillary Clinton in January, have decided to now cast their vote for Barack Obama, and he wins the second primary? Will she except the results, being that they are no longer in her favor?

You need to know that Obama had radio and tv advertising in Fla. during the Primary. He broke the rules, and said he couldn't help it
because of a bundled deal. Obama and Hillary BOTH had fund rasing in Fla. which was done by the rules.
People writing up this story, want you to believe Hillary in last few days
all of sudden says she wants those delegates seated at convention.
Let me remind you, Hillary after the polls closed in Fla. did go to Fla.
this was allowed by the rules. Aftery the primary, Hillary Clinton kept saying in all her speeches that the voters voice in Fla.& Michigan will be heard, and they should be seated. And rightfully so.

The law in Fla. reads that if your name is on the ballot, you can
not remove it. Obama was on the ballot.

It was the republican lawmakers and the republican governor
who moved the primary dates up. It was not the democrats.

This is a democracy, and when you tell 5 million people your
vote doesn't count, because someone didn't see the express
train coming down the track, you are held accountable! I say let these votes count, and
if a redo is what the voters want, then let the Rep. Governor
pay for it!

I am sick of the DNP, who continually makes changes, and rules,
and I just think we need to have your vote count, not by superdelegates
either.

WE MUST BE CONSISTENT AND FOLLOW THROUGH WITH WHAT WAS AGREED UPON ORIGINALLY BY FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN AND THE DNC!!! A re-do cannot be revisted… NOT for this election!

As DNC chairman Howard Dean has stated today " WE MUST STICK TO THE RULES" that were set in place and agreed upon from the beginning it is the FAIR THING and JUST thing to do and he intends to uphold this as he should!! This contest MUST REMAIN consistent!

FLORIDA/MICHIGAN STICK to the RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was a democrat but since all this talk of seating these delegates in Florida and Michigan I will be voting for McCain. Who is pushing for these delegates Clinton of Obama. Clinton is a cheater!!!

I have looked at all possible realistic combinations for the presidential nominations. Realistically Clinton has no chance. Even if she wins by a wide margin, it would not help her. It was important for her to win by at least 30%. I think if she has a wish to become a president it would not be by any fair means.

FL and MI should not count as is.

Not because it would help Clinton or because it would hurt Obama.

If FL and MI want to count, run a real election again. Taking results as they stand would set a dangerous precedent for the DNC. It would mean that states would be allowed to run primaries whenever they want, and the DNC wouldn't do anything about it. Most want to vote early to "get a piece of the action."

It should be at FL and MI's expense as well. They were told not to move their primaries past a certain date, but they did, in clear violation of the rules set forth by the DNC. Your problem, not the DNC's.

In light of this whole FL/MI and superdelegate fiasco, it should push some election reforms in many areas. It's about time.

I lay the blame for this mess at the feet of Howard Dean. He's the guy who chose to allow two dinky states–Iowa and New Hampshire–to maintain a privilege never formally given them while ignoring the understandable desire of Michigan and Florida voters to hold primaries on dates that actually matter. Dean should've come up with a fair system to let EVERY state have a say, and place Iowa and Hampshire on the back seat of the bus for a change.

Since the Democratic nominating process has, predictably, evolved into a train wreck, it's the DNC who should fund the do-oevers, not Michigan or Florida.

As for Hillary, if she's such a great candidate, why is she so afraid of allowing Obama to campain in the states before they vote?

If they want to be seated and counted then they need to have do over elections.

I have several friends and family members in both Michigan and Florida who did not participate in their primary because they were told their vote wouldn't matter anyway.

This is about disenfranchising votes and people in those states should be heard. However, it is as close to throwing an election as possible to change the rules after the fact. The only fair way is to either stick to the original agreed upon rules or do a re vote.

AJ???

This has nothing to do with either candidate this is the democratic party understanding that neither candidate is going to win the nomination out right... Right now Hillary has more support than Obama does regarding the super delegates... They have a real big mess on their hands and the easy way out is to have the other two states vote so one of them will come out on top... It is obvious that the super delegates do not want to decide and upset half the nation!!!

A lot of people say that Hillary is cheating... not so. She is merely trying to get everyone involved and accounted for. The people of those states have spoken and they are saying exactly what Hillary is saying..... we want our votes to count.

Obama actually ran ads in the state of Florida.... so I guess he really did cheat. People.... he isn't a saint either. Vote for the candidate that you believe can get stuff done.

RE-VOTE!!!!

AS a voter from michigan i did not have a say as to when i could vote . it was here's the day . you either vote to be counted or you lose the oportunity to count . the so called democratic leaders who decided this are the one's who should be chastised . not us ! all we did was our duty as americans .

Interesting, did no one care about fighting this penalty in December or even early January. Where were these protesting Governors then?
Definitely voting for Obama now on April 22nd

WE MUST BE CONSISTENT AND FOLLOW THROUGH WITH WHAT WAS AGREED UPON ORIGINALLY BY FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN AND THE DNC!!! A re-do cannot be revisted... NOT for this election!

As DNC chairman Howard Dean has stated today " WE MUST STICK TO THE RULES" that were set in place and agreed upon from the beginning it is the FAIR THING and JUST thing to do and he intends to uphold this

WOW what kind of message are they trying to send to the people in this Country and for that matter the World. Rules are not Rules. Give me a break. Those States did not abide by the agreed upon rules. Therefore they should not be seated; there shouldn't be a re-vote, caucus or anything. They don't have a voice because they broke the rules. Since the people of those States are mad do the democratic thing and vote those out who made the decision that put them in this mess.
LOL and we tell other Countries that democracy is best. LOL

Its funny how the Obama supporters call Hillary deseperate, but if the shoe were on the other foot they would be singing a different tune. Its like Roland Martin saying on Anderson Cooper last night, if Hillary wins I will sway the African American vote to John McCain on my talk show. What a childish statement from a supposedly professional man.

Every vote must count. Florida is a clewar case, people chose between the candidates nd if anything Obama run TV ads in Florida, a violation of the rules. In Michigan Obama chose not to be in the ticket, HIS decision, live with it. Do not cheat the citizens of Florida and michigan, they already voted and their votes must count.
Obama must explain his unclear dealings with Rezko, his "present" votes, even for the bill agains child predators, the dealings with energy interests, and the purchase of land from Rezko's wife. What about the lies about NAFTA and he canadian government? The memos are in writting!

Wow..... everyone does understand that the RNC wants to rectify this as well, right?

It isn't just the DNC that has an issue.

A re-do is fair and then the DNC/RNC need to do a better job of working with the state leaders to compromise and reach agreements that don't disenfranchise the people. Hardball is very damaging.

Florida clearly thinks that they are above the law..... again.

Florida you knew the rules, now live with it.

It's isn't right to change the rules in the middle of the game. This is a Democratic Party function – picking a Democratic candidate. These states chose to NOT follow the rules of the game as set forth by the party. Neither candidate had a problem with the rules at the time. Except now, with Hillary Clinton surprised and behind – she'd like to have the rules changed in the middle of the game.

I watched CNN last night with his big Apple I phone... He did the math and neither Clinton nor Obama can win with out the super delegates vote...

All of you need to stop... No one is trying to "fix" the vote... They are looking at having the people decide by having the two states vote again!!! The democratic convention is going to be split between the two candidates and according to all of the postings... it is obviously going to upset a lot of people... the want to make everyone happy...

If you read the blogs all of you are saying you will not vote for the other candidate... Ohio and Texas exit polls said that over 65% said they would not vote for the other candidate... the politicians do listen!!!

Why is it such a travesty if Michigan and Florida have to play by the rules ... most years, many states never get a say in who the party's nominee will be because it's decided long before they even get to vote? So why should these two states get an opportunity now to play such a pivital role in the nomination process when they were supposed to be getting punished for trying to move their primary's up so they could play a more important role! Ironic to say the least!

They should hold the primary for these states again. It's only fair that the people in these states have a chance to vote. It's not the citizen's fault that the primary dates were moved up.

Why did FL and MI move up their primaries in the first place? Greed. They tried to cash in on the media and travel money before the race was decided on Feb 5th. Well, the DNC told them that no one would campaign there if they broke the rules, and they would not cash in. Guess what. Feb 5th did not determine the election, and it's still up in the air. So here we are, and those states want to cash in again. Sure it may cost them $10 million in each state to hold a new primary, but that's chicken feed in this election. The media buys and travel expenses of the candidates, staff, reporters would far outweigh the cost of another primary, and once again the states would be rewarded for breaking the rules. And, if the party kicks in to help finance another primary, well, they're just foolish. That would double the reward for breaking the rules. My question is, how do you get some realistic results out of FL and MI, while not providing a benefit to these two states?

This Florida/Michigan thing is absolutely ridiculous. Leave it to politicians to try to convince everyone that they don't have to go by the rules. That's what's wrong with America. Too many people don't want to adhere to the rules or laws of the land. That explains part of the immigration problem also. People don't think they have to go by the rules. Governor Crist blaming the DNC and Howard Dean is also ridiculous. Florida and Michigan were told in advance not to change their primary date or their delegates wouldn't be seated at the convention. Florida and Michigan decided that they didn't have to go by the rules and changed their primary date anyway. So, if anyone is to blame, it's whoever made the decision to change the primary dates. Case closed! Why is this being discussed on every news program? It should be a closed case. If those states hadn't changes their primary dates, they would have been major players in the selection of the Democrat nominee. Waa Waa, get over it.
Michael
Fort Smith, Arkansas

The people of Florida and Michigan went to the poles when they were told to go. Their voice should not be ignored simple because the state didn't play by the DNC rules.
If we always obeyed the rules, we would still be paying our taxes to England
What ever happened to "We the people"

Rules are rules. They all agreed way before the primaries started. Clinton is shaking in her boots and using her big mouth to cry foul. AGAIN.

Perhaps the real question here is, 'When will Florida actually learn the electoral process?" Why must they screw up every election??

You know, I'm in PA. I complain every election, because we vote last, and is usually over by the time we vote. Now this election, we have a race, and now they want to cut PA out again, by having Florida and Michagan now vote AFTER us, and possibly decide the race, after they broke the rules

Does this sound fair? Not to me.

To the Rule are Rules crowd:

If you want to lose the general election, keep making that argument. Punishing millions of people for the actions of a few is the type of thing people do in dictatorships. I like the idea of a mail-in ballot. Other states (Oregon?) use them in the general.

Hillary 08

The only way they should be seated, the only fair way is for those states to hold elections again. With adequate time for campaigning in those states. The idea that they should be seated is a democratic idea but it unfairly advantages certain candidates because, only a few names were on the ballot and/or spent any time/money campaigning in those states.

The delegates from Florida should be seated - neither candidate campaigned in the state and both names were on the ballot. Floridians have televisions and were cognizant of where the candidates stood. They chose Hillary Clinton clearly. MIchigan should have to redo its primary because Barack Obama's name wasn't on the ballot.

Correct me if I am wrong:- Didn't all the candidates start this race knowing fully well that the Florida and Michigan delegates were not going to have any effect on the outcome of the race? Did we hear the candidates objecting to it then? I can't recall hearing the objections then. Therefore, why are we hearing them now? Let's be fair, the delegates should be seated, but only after there is a rerun of a primary or a caucus financed by whomever moved the dates up even after they were warned that moving the date up would have an effect of penalizing the delegates.

Just more proof that Democrats have no spine. I guarantee that Howard Dean will let them have delegates somehow. Florida and Michigan are critical swing states with tanking economies, they will easily be won if the Democrats pander to them.

The Democratic party would be crazy not to count these two states. Remember we have an election to win in the Fall. Wake Up!!!!!!!!!!!

I like to keep reminding the closet Republican Obama supporters and those being duped, That if you don't find some fair way to seat Michigan and Florida delegates, we can just "kiss this election good bye. How in the world could you expect the Democrats in those states to vote Democratic in the fall. If they don't vote Republican, they will just stay home. It would also effect other Democrat's on the ticket. This "horse manure" about the rules are a joke. I voted in the Democratic primary here in Texas and attended the caucus. It was organized chaos, the Obama people grabbed contol of the caucus, interpreted the rules to suit themselves. One Clinton official at another site, had to flee to a police station, with a mob of Obama supporters after her (many were out of towners). At another site,a sign in list in the hands of an Obama supporter that indicated the voter's choice and containing the Clinton names disappeared and Clinton got no delegates at this site. Most of the urban caucus sites were little less then mob scenes. Charges and challenges have been file. The whole mess should be throwed out and delegates apportioned to the election results.

The whole point is that Florida and Michigan moved their primaries up against party wishes. They tried to unfairly increase their influence over the process, and should be punished accordingly. To say that they are being unfairly denied a voice is hypocrisy, because shifting their election calendars like they did would have dampened the voices of other states who came after. Florida and Michigan are big states with high delegate counts, and the DNC thought it best to have the calendar organized the way it was. Going against that subverts the whole process.

Keep them out for the sake of democracy within the parties.

The FL results are an example of the built-in advantage Hillary has, given her name recognition and years in the public spotlight. TX and OH were similarly advantaged to Clinton heading into March 4, but with Obama getting to campaign there he narrowed the gap considerably. While FL voters may have seen a random commercial, watched an episode of Oprah, or caught him on Letterman, these are just sound bites. If he had been able to campaign in FL the margin would have been much smaller and Clinton's delegate gain (if any) would have been marginal.

I'm not a Republican. But I know what the Republicans have set in motion.

They knew that they couldn't beat a unified Democratic Party this year. So, what was their plan?

1. Grab Florida early: The GOP in Florida moved their primaries up, which hurt the Democrats. If Democratic voters are disenfranchised in Florida, the GOP wins it in November. It's a key battleground state.

2. Control the Democratic primaries: Republican/Independent crossover voters have thrown their votes to Obama and Clinton to strategically alter the race. Now that McCain is the nominee, they'll do even more to split the democratic party with their votes. They voted for Obama in early contests. They'll vote for Clinton in the remaining states. But, at the end of the day, they'll all vote for McCain in November.

3. Turn the Democratic base against itself: Blacks and Latinos are now split. One group will feel betrayed by the DNC if their candidate is treated unfairly. The group on the "losing" side will refrain from voting or vote for McCain in November. The Democrats cannot afford to lose a block of votes in the general election, especially if McCain selects a VP that can energize the evangelicals/conservative base.

The only way to solve the problem is for Al Gore to step in and run. He could unify the party at the convention. Anything less than a Gore run will lead to another 4-8 years of the GOP.

I agree with 1, 2, and 3... You see Gilcrist on Good morning America.. a republican refusing to admit that he signed the bill that moved his states primary up, all the while being aware that the DNC would penalize them for it.. Thas the real slimeball!! Then to turn around , and say he wants the votes to count knowing full well that Obama wasnt even on the ticket because of the penalty. You cant get anymore slicker than that....

Maybe these loudmouthed public officials should have thought of this before moving their primaries up and violating DNC and RNC rules.

The people in MI and FL should be upset with their STATE officials for breaking the rules and therefore not allowing their constituents' voices to be heard nationally!

But no one was paying attention back then, and now they all want a do-over... well BOOOO HOOOO!

Punishing and alienating Florida's voters for a mistake made by their republican legislature in an election year? Is this the most unintelligent idea ever? Possibly. Holding another arcane caucus would be a bizarre solution. A straight up primary is in order, paid for by donations or the DNC, both of which being perfectly feasible. Punish florida's government if you like, but discounting millions of its voters to do so? Absurd.

The democratic race goes on, and so does the coverage. Let McCain become 2nd page, 3rd page news. The 'worries' being circulated are overstated for sake of commentary. Fear not people.

I'm so sick of all this! Clinton is desperate! She's hot tempered and a whiner! What experience does she have? She was EXPOSED to the happenings of our government, EXPOSURE IS NOT EXPERIENCE!

I wanted to support her, but she's just too cocky! How will she handle foreign affairs with that attitude?

That 3am ad, is just plain stupid!

So, states moved up their date. OK, thats fine. So WHY did the DNC then make the rule the delegates wouldn't be given? Or whatever.
Why didn't they just go along with it, do the vote as usual and be done with it.? Why the Penalty? What was their reason for it.? They should have known it would cause a mess. Now, what about the other guys who were running at the time.? Will they now be put on the ballots if its a re-do? Leave it to the dems to try to play cutsie and end up hoisting them selves on their own petard.

The voters of Florida and Michigan should in no way be penalized for the stupidity of our government officials who gave away the store to get a, what. What did they gain? Nothing. There is nothing wrong with the primary in Florida. No one campaigned and everyone was on the roster. There is no reason why the votes as counted should be excluded or done over again. As to Michigan, it was Obama's choice not to put his name on the roster and Clinton won hands down. But there again, no one broke any rules about campaigning or doing some other unforgiveable sin.

NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE AWAY THE VOTES of we the citizens of these two states!!! NO ONE!

The people of Florida and Michigan want their voices heard. In an election year with record turnout, the only fair thing to do would be to seat the FL delegates based on the outcome of the January 29 Florida primary, in which ALL of the Democratic contenders appeared on the ballot. Michigan, on the other hand, should host another primary with at least 1 week of early voting allowed as not to disenfranchise voters further. Caucuses and single-day primaries would result in a lower turnout for BOTH candidates and would be unfair to the people of those states.

Punishing and alienating Florida's voters for a mistake made by their republican legislature in an election year? Is this the most unintelligent idea ever? Possibly. Holding another arcane caucus would be a bizarre solution. A straight up primary is in order, paid for by donations or the DNC, both of which is perfectly feasible.

The democratic race goes on, and so does the coverage. Let McCain become 2nd page, 3rd page news. The 'worries' being circulated are overstated for sake of commentary. Fear not.

can someone please post what kind of ad did BO run in Florida? seems that he broke the rules again and no media covered this enough...he should be punished for it and not the good people of Florida that depended on a Republican made descision, so the Florida primary should count...i say no do over for FL

Hillary 08

The whole DNC is a joke, they made this mess and then to think superdelegates are going to decide the nominee (another joke), sure gonna piss alot of voters off.......

""…Slap Stick, FLORIDA March 6th, 2008 10:39 am ET

I thought rules were rules. …"

It is not a baseball game! It is a National election of the LEADER of our country and a free world. It is silly and undemocratic to disenfranchise millions of voters on the technicalities. DNC should be bigger and smarter than that. Otherwise it is democratic in name only.

Democratic Caucuses are ridiculous. How can you win a state and then lose the caucus in the same day. Talk about a second chance!
Re-vote in Michigan and Florida! Go Hillary!

Just another example of Clinton trying to steal the nomination. Everyone was aware of the rules before the primary started. Since Hillary was not the anointed one after super Tuesday like she thought she would be, Now she is crying the blues about Mich & Florida. If this is such a big deal to her where was her outrage a year ago when the decision was made. ( just more sour grapes from Clinton)

No Clinton is not making this an issue. The Voters of FL and MI are making it an issue as it is their constintusional right to have their votes count. NOT the Candidates.
FL voted 1.3mill with both candidates on the ballot, no need to do anything but count them, no need to spend more money to revote 1.7mil votes where all candidates were on the ballot.

Michigan however would need a new Primary vote because not all candidates were on the ballot, one day vote in June would do it.
Caucus do not represent all voters, period. Caucuses are a disafranchising process, period.

COUNT FL AS IS, REVOTE MICHAGAN IN JUNE TO GET ALL CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT. ABSOLUTELY FAIR TO BOTH CAMPS, AND A MINIMAL COST TO ALL.

I am not a smart guy but this is plan as can be and fair as can be.
I don't understand candidate not wanting to have any voters vote count, Mr Obama should at least recognize the votes he already got in FL. Horrible to think he does not wish to recognize them.

Sen.Obama should concede to Sen.Clinton.Obama has no chance in the general this fall.Michigan and Florida should go Sen.Clinton.She will be the best commander in chief

We're talking about the most powerful job in the world, possibly second only to the pope. Of course you need to try to play every card, they are all important!!

Dear citizens of both Forida and Michigan:
I encourage you, not to let your attention be diverted from THOSE truly responsible for causing your voting voices to be silenced. Your elected officiald "CHOSE" , I repeat "CHOSE" to change the primary date, despite the warning from the DNC. They,( Your elected officials), new the rules. knew the consequences. and still acted as your voices deciding to change primary dates. I say "FIRE" them immediately, for FAILURE TO PERFORM their duties.
Remember they are your employees. You are still the employers. Ask yourselves, if they are doing this in your name, what else, are the doing in your name? Demand satisfaction. do not settle for

""...Slap Stick, FLORIDA March 6th, 2008 10:39 am ET

I thought rules were rules. ..."

It is not a baseball game! It is a National election of the LEADER of our country and a free world. It is silly and undemocratic to disenfranchise millions of voters on the technicalities. DNC should be bigger and smarter than that. Otherwise it is democratic in name only.

Wait, Obama can't have national television ads? That is why they are national, if they are shown in Florida, that isn't his problem. Come on, Hillary would have been doing it too if she actually had money in January. It just so has it, she didn't give her campaign $5 million of Bill's money until later. Money they we will don't know where it came from.

I am OUTRAGED AT THE COVERAGE THIS MORNING REGARDING GOVERNOR CHRIST AND THE FACT THAT CNN WAS NOT TOUGHER ON HIM. I thought rules were rules. So I guess since I broke the speed limit a few times in Florida and received a speeding ticket despite the speed limit sign being posted, Governor CHRIST should pardon my tickets. As a Florida Voter, many of us can care less about whether our primary was in January or June so the bull that Christ gave you all about so that we have a greater impact in the primaries are ignorant and you all let him slid with that. As a voter in Florida and American citizen why don't you call me and let me have a say on the show. I feel that our leadership knew the rules and they chose to move our Primaries up, then it is not fair to have the committee pay. And it is also not fair to each candidate because they did not campaign here. Television ads are mute Governor Christ. Shame on him for blamming the Dem. Committee. Be a leader and except that he along with other politicians here screwed up. That is the real issue.

There's 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!

The rules for this election were set over a year and a half ago. Florida and Michigan were both warned that if they moved their date up – they would get penalized. They were told the penalty before they they moved their date up. They did it anyways...

Voters in both states were swayed by either the lack of choices on the ballot or the knowledge their votes would not count. Therefore – the results of those Primaries should NOT be counted.

Now. Looking at this realistically – the DNC has an image problem if it lets things continue as they are. It will "apparently" disenfranchise voters if it doesn't count their votes in some manner. (even though it's not the DNC's fault – it IS their public relations problem.)

The easy solution is that the state party and the DNC should split the costs of a "redo" primary, open only to registered Democrats. The local party because they are partially responsible for the situation, and the DNC because they are cleaning up the PR mess that landed in their laps.

The DNC should then make it crystal clear that the next time – they are NOT going to allow a violation of the rules like this.

Howard Dean should come clean and count Florida where all the candidates had their name on the ballots. Don't punish people who had nothing to do with a decision to vote early. But it looks like Dean has a dog in this fight and if thats the case he should be told to resign.
What a stupid decision in the first place to blame the people, all he had to do was to reveal the results at a later date, but now he's going to create a backlash and alot of them either won't vote in the Nov. elections or they'll vote for McCain.

we have to re-vote.....caucus in florida and primary in michigan

If Clinton, the state of Florida and the state of Michigan had a problem with it, why did they sign an agreement? Plus, they knew of this a year ago, why is it just now becoming an issue?

Does Obama and everybody always say " Every vote should be counted"? So Yes, Just Count FLorida and Michigan's votes. You cannot slience voters' voice! simple as that !

The Democratic party can not afford to lose these two states in the General Election.

It's unfair you don't count those two states. The Obama camp objects saying you cannot change rules during middle of the game, however they want to change the rules for super-delegates for their advantage.

What a hypercrite!

I voted in Michigan. It wasn't my fault that the powers to be made such a stupid decision. It also wasn't my fault the Obama and Edwards took their names of the ballots. They should split the uncommitted votes. Unless the DNC wants to pay for a new primary election. As for Florida, all their names were on the ballots and thats is the percentage of delegates they should receive. Also they were not to advertise in Florida Obama spent 1.3 million in advertise there.

YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING???? Obama/Edwards ticket!?? Talk about losing the White House! Neither one of those guys are qualified. And that's not a ticket that will win against the old geezer. Get real people.

To hear Governor Crist stand up there and say all the things he said about how "un-American" it is to not count those votes and/or delegates is the height of hypocracy. After all, he was one of the people who agreed to move the Florida primary up ahead of Feb. 5, knowing full well that it was against the rules and would likely cause Florida to lose their delegates. He did this in defiance of the objections of the state's Democratic leaders. He knew the rules and decided to break them. Now he stands up there and chastises the DNC for upholding the rules he decided to break... Absolutely ridiculous and hypocritical. Floridians, don't be mad at the DNC, be mad at your Governor.

After further review,the play stands,no rule changes in the middle of the game.Take your lumps and live with it.You already screwed up and let the Media pick your candidates for you.You picked style and hype over substance.Only Dennis Kucinich really had the interests of the American people as his agenda,but he was to short,unattractive and totally ignored by the king makers.Now you will get what you payed for.

Why not get both candidates to pay for the recount? They've already spent way more per vote up do now anyway. What's another 18 million? Maybe Mitt Romney could lend them a few bucks?

Hillary-supporters, please stop with the desperation tactics. It is really pathetic, and shows a lack of character and honesty. All the presidential candidates, both Democrats and Republicans, were aware of penalties to Michigan and Florida if they moved up their primaries. All the candidates agreed that the delegates from these states would not count (for Democrats) and would be cut in half (for Republicans) back in August of 2007.

Neither Michigan nor Florida should be awarded for breaking the rules. Rules are the bases of laws. The Governors of Michigan and Florida knew the consequences of their actions. If the voters of Michigan and Florida are angry and what to protest they should look to their own state governors and political party officials. If Michigan and Florida want to re-do their primaries, they should pay for it out of their state budgets.

Obama in 08!

The difference between caucus and primary

Caucus: is where citizens and hardcore party voters come to vote for a candidate who they want to see to win the nomination. Mostly long term voters and people who are really interested in politics vote in a Caucus

Primary: Not much rules on proving citizenship(in case hillary supporter). People caught up in the latest voting fad can register weeks b4 election and vote. Almost anybody can vote in here including Republican spoilers who want to see Clinton win the nomination because she'll be easy to beat against McCain.

As far as delegates go, Obama won more states in general, Clinton wins big states. Her latest states that she won voted for Bush (comes to show where their support lies). Including Florida which hillary won that also went to Bush. Obama at least wins states that swings democratic come election. This again reinforces the republican spoiler strategy.

If Florida and Michigan voters want to make their voices heard they should vote out of office the people that moved up their primaries.

And Michigan

First off I congratulate Hillary on her wins on Tuesday. The analysis and outcome still remains the same. Obama is leading in delegates and neither of them can reach the goal mathematically. If this is decided by the superdelegates there will be a major blowup in the democratic party and maybe some riots.

The state of Florida DID...not didn't!

The rules were agreed upon along time ago. Now the Clintons want to change the rules after the game has been played and request a do-over. Why am i not surprised?

I am outraged that my vote in Florida's primary may not be counted. We voted when we were told to vote and had other issues on the ballots to vote for. We were not given an alternative vote date. Why in the world would Florida citizens be penalized for that? Make our votes count, just like we voted on January 29, 2008. No re-vote is necessary.

I thought rules were rules. So I guess since I broke the speed limit a few times in Florida and received a speeding ticket despite the speed limit sign being posted, Governor CHRIST should pardon my tickets. LOL

you can't agree to the rules, break the rules and then say the rules don't apply. let's have a do-over!

Florida disenfranchised voter March 6th, 2008 10:33 am ET

In Florida EVERYONE was on the ballot, and OBAMA campaigned by running ads on national TV channels. And by that time every one in Florida knew about Oprah, about Iowa and about "yeswecan" stuff. So if anyone broke the rule it is Obama by campaigning via the TV ads.

Basically, they should just seat the delegates! To not do so will disenfranchise many democrat voters, and may even lead to a switch of party for many in protest of not seating their perspective state delegates. I think to have a re-vote is to give everyone a second chance to cast thier vote another way and influence the nomination...this is undemocratic to the fullest. So, seat them AS-IS.

As a Florida resident I feel that rules are rules and seeing Governor Christ on CNN was a joke because he kept saying that he wanted the votes to count. If that was the case we should have left our Primaries where they were originally schedule. I think Florida voters could have cared less about the Primary being in January, May, June, April or whenever; just as long as the vote counted

A great show of foresight and leadership from Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Errr, well..., this time that is...

Alice Fort Myers Fl USA,

I AGREE with LC... fair is fair!
Anyone who don't believe in TRUTH and FAIRNESS should have their conscience examined.

Let's get REAL! I think AMERICA has spoken and Hillary and her campaign is in a desperate state... when she should do the honorable thing; bow out and back her party!

I 100% SUPPORT an OBAMA/EDWARDS ticket because the interest of the AMERICAN PEOPLE is truly what these men have at heart!

PEACE/LOVE '08

anyone who thinks either FL or MI results were legitimate has been drinking too much of Hillary's Kool-Aid.

ABSOLUTELY NOT

Rule are rules and they can't be changed just to help one candidate win.

I have to say: " it is so sad for Bill and Hillary to join the democratic party!

They have devoted their life to the American people, to the economy, to the minority!

They deserve respect from their own party! I am so sad to see some of the leaders in this party try to beat Bill and Hillary by all the ways! They try to use Obama to beat Bill and Hillary!

I suggest Bill and Hillary quit from Decocratic party! There is no hope to heal this party any more.

Not all ads run in a candidates name are run by the candidate. Jack Nicolson is running one now for Hillary. So just because ads for Obama ran in Florida does not mean they were run by Obama.

Les, the one you are talking about is Norman Hsu, isn' t it? I think Clinton did nothing wrong with this isues. I read the article on WSJ. He just donate Clintons for his own illegal benefit purposes. Clintons know nothing except he is one of their big fund raiser and in return, they give him a gift to thanks him. Thats it. It is different in Rezko's case which involved property transaction.

Both Candidates should be on the ballot, the primaries should be held again, the DNC should pay, I'll donate 5 bucks if everyone else will also contribute, we can pay for this, it's our mistake. However, I really think this was instigated by the Republicans, doesn't this mess smells to high heaven, it's got Karl Rove written all over it.

Super delegates are the only votes that matter at the DNC.

The rules are the rules – right or wrong. The Democratic party's of both Michigan and Florida choose to move up the primaries even after the DNC told them that their delegates would not be seated. The responsibility for this rests squarely on the shoulders of the Democratic party's of Michigan and Florida. You cannot "redo" because a particular candidate didn't play by the rules, is now fighting for her political life, and is whining about it so that it fits her needs.

The rules were set and the Clintons did not follow them as usual, now they want to change them. But ok lets have a CACUS in Florida and Michigan, even though if all the voters in those two states new the DNC rules, and that their votes would not count.

GO OBAMA!!!!! and be tough with Hillary and her 35 years of experience......where those are coming from??? and her TAX RETURNS and WITHE HOUSE DOCUMENTS ???? HELLOOOO!

Both Candidates should be on the ballot, the primaries should be held again, the DNC should pay, I'll five a 5 bucks if everyone else will also contribute, we can pay for this, it's our mistake. However, I really think this was instigated by the Republicans, doesn't this mess smells to high heaven, it's got Karl Rove written all over it.

Hey,

How about a revote for everyone? Those who voted for Kucinich, Edwards, etc. What's to prevent those who voted for these candidates in FL and MI from changing their votes now? Let's just let everyone revote. Let's say that I voted for Obama in my state's primary and now I don't like how he is presenting himself, I want to change my vote also.

In Florida EVERYONE was on the ballot, and OBAMA campaigned by running ads on national TV channels. And by that time every one in Florida knew about Oprah, about Iowa and about "yeswecan" stuff. So if anyone broke the rule it is Obama by campaigning via the TV ads.

For those who keep on quoting the Clinton trial do your research on Mr. Paul first and you will see what a shady character he is, and how that trial doesn't hold water.

LES

CNN has also deleted my comment where I stated the obvious fact that a modification of the DNC decision would be challenged in Court by any group of voters and immediately reverseed.

TOM

it is not a question of being either fair or unfair to clinton or obama. in seating or not seating the delegates of florida or michigan. its a question of being fair or unfair to the democrats of those states, Why should they be penalised for what the the states decided re the dates of the primaries? Its not democratic – the voters of these states MUST be made to have their say in the choice of the nominee.

2008 Hillary! We believe she can!

All votes need to be counted. They have their rights to choose their president nominee.

If all you Obama fans think he is going to win, why do you care if the votes are counted in Michigan and Florida. Let not have a repeat......
....ALL VOTES SHOULD COUNT......

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lets use the second amendment we will fix this once and for all.

Why don't Obama's supporter accept that he broke the rules in Florida by running ads there, therefore their delegates should count.

The DNC should not pay for new elections in either Florida or Michigan. The people of Florida and Michigan disenfranchised themselves by making poor choices in whom to elect. Now that their elected officials have acted against their best interests, they have no one to blame but themselves. Its not nice to think they might not have a voice in this primary, but there's nothing unfair about it. They're only reaping what they have sown.

The American people should place their preferred candidate aside and ask themselves, if their state had done this to them, where would they stand? would they simply shrug their shoulders and say rules are rules or would they fight to have their voice heard, fight against a punishment that is wrong for the PEOPLE of these states- a punishment aimed at elected officials but which ultimately is going to cost the DNC millions of voters. You watch. I won't be the only one who shuns the DNC if they refuse to let my voice be heard.

BRIAN IN NYC

you have said it

This is exactly the reason why GOP's CRIST supports a re-vote

TOM

I have news for HRC supporters, CNN isn't really all that biased towards Hillary. In fact, they have done a great job keeping my comments off of their blogs because some some reason they feel like it is unimportant for America to know about the ongoing trial in California involving the Clinton's. Why? The trial is about federal election fraud, isn't she in an election right now? This is important for the American people to know. You ask what trial is it? Well, everything I say the specifics, CNN decided to delete my comment, so do a little research on your own.

Well, lets see how the voters reside if there is a do over. Perhaps people will actually vote for Obama seeing him on the ticket.

Dean should show some political courage and reject the idea of seating delegates from Michigan and Florida. It would be un-democratic and will prove that the Democratic Party is not ready to lead this country into the next decade of the 21st century. The decision to seat them as is (or by another primary) will give the Democratic Party just enough rope to hang itself.

Obama 2008

Are you Yogi Berra of Yankee fame

Read your post again

Its like saying – as Yogi did – re a restaurant – NO ONE goes there anymore ITS TOO CROWDED

No one wants HILL – ? after you say she has won the majority?

Huh - I think Harvard educated BO might want you a tad quieter

"...NO REDO March 6th, 2008 9:49 am ET

If they want us to pay, let's fight back with thousands of taxpayer lawsuits...."

GOOD IDEA: I am going to do that and encourage others!!! No caucuses either – we already heard from Texas, Colorado, and Washington states – huge chaos, irregularity, and if your are not a "loud mouth" you will be pushed over. If you have a physical difficulty to stay in one room for 2 hours, you will be pushed over – what a democratic process!!!

Count our votes – NO REDO!!!

The delegates should be seated. Award each candidate 50% of the delegates from each state, therefore increasing the totals by 183. Perhaps with this increase someone will reach the magic number of 2025. The superdelegates will not have as great a role to play and there would be no need for a costly redo.

To RS

Rule are made by person!!!!!!!!!! PERSON!

As a person, when you realize your rule is wrong, should you keep following the rule ro create a new rule which is more reasonable?

Rule can die but person is alive!

Give half of the Michigan and Florida delegates to Obama and the other half to Clinton. Then, both States will be able to participate in the convention without affecting the delegate percentages of either Obama or Clinton. To change the rules now would give Michigan and Florida exactly what they were attempting to achieve by moving their primaries up. I have been a Democrat all my life. Why is it that we always seem to find a way to snatch defeat from jaws of victory? Spilt the delegates and let's move on.

I did vote in the Mi. primary because I always vote. However the candidate I wanted to vote for was not listed so I voted "uncommited". "Billary" left her name because of name recognition. She won less than fifty percent. The governor is a "Billary" supporter. Who will get the other 50%?

Better that 2 states will be ticked off than 1/2 the party walking out of the convention floor people! We are divided enough right now. Dont make it worse.
Your states broke the rules, live with it.

I MEANT "CONCEPT", NOT "COMPLEX". =)

Juan

I think you will find that Hill walks out with one more delegate when all is said and done in Texas – the early caucus numbers are 60:40 BO to HRC and that is going to be a squeker with 30% or so of the delegates

Wow this is close

So, essentially.. MI and FL tried to move up their primaries against the rules. Why? They wanted to be 'more important' in the primary race. They got stripped of their delegates because they broke these rules.

Now, you are saying that we should reverse that and do exactly what those states wanted. You would make them two of the MOST important states in the primaries. I just don't understand that. When they break the rules, why should we turn away from their punishment and give them exactly what they wanted in the first place?

Kevin, Amen.....This is another example on how the Democrats operate...especially this Clinton family member

You have to pay to play, neither state as an abundunce of funds to drop on another Primary. Hillary won't support a Caucus. Besides, you broke the rules and the penalty box is where you belong.

What Rush Limbaugh says is just so much hot air. I admit Rush is not a has been but only because he is a never was.

Kevin, Amen.....

As an Obama supporter – I think every vote should count. The DNC should pay for the costs of holding new primaries. In a democracy every vote should count! However, in the absence of a revote, since the first didn't allow for a full campaign by the candidates, then the delegates cannot be seated because it wouldn't be fair within the established rules at the beginning of the primary process. If they seat the delegates or the super delegates go against the voted on delegates the Democratic Party becomes the next great Oxymoronic Statement since we'll have a SELECTED NOT and ELECTED candidate, which John McCain will more then likely exploit in the general election!

OBAMA 08!!! – They only real change!!!

It was all good when Hillary was ahead, now that she's behind, it's time to change the rules?? UNBELIEVABLE!

There's no do-overs in politics. 48 states played by the rules and florida and michigan shouldnt get rewarded for violating the rules in the first place. to do so would hurt the 48 other states. obama campaign should focus their argument on all these states and voters that played by the rules. can't change the rules in the middle of the game.

TED IN CHICAGO —- Look at CNN's own "political map" by state, click on Michigan, and you'll seee Clinton, "uncommitted", Kucinich, Dodd and Gravel.

Why does CNN keep deleting my comments?

I guess CNN won't post any of my comments until I stop supporting Hillary!

But, I am sorry, no matter how biased CNN is, I will keep supporting our hero--Hillary Clinton!

2008 Hillary!

To Ted in Chicago

In Michigan Kucinich, Gravel, Dodd and Clinton were on the ballott. Only Edwards and Obama were not on.

In Florida all democratic nominees were on the ballot. And Obama campaigned there by showing an ad, therefore breaking the rules.

Why should the democrat party recognize Michigan and Florida? It's not like they're swing states or anything.

There should be another selection process paid for by the Michigan Democrat Party. They messed up the first one and should pay for the next one

Liz, Obama is voting "no" for immorality, that is the reason why I stick with him.

This whole mess will be over soon..

As soon as the Rezko trial starts and Mr. Obama has to come clean!!

BYE BYE BARACK!!!

I don't understand it...they broke the rules, end of story. Next topic...

Every vote should count. This is democracy. Howard Dean should be very careful in his decision. The only reason he does not want those votes to count it is because the vote favor Hillary and Howard Dean cannot stand the Clintons. Shame on you Howard Dean. It is time for a neutral DNC President.
Olga Gardiner

Until we Michigan voters have the same choices on the ballot that our neighbors in Ohio had, we have not had a chance to exercise our right to vote. Holding a caucus is the legal and fair answer.

I think Obama and Bill should arm wrestle for the delegates. Then have Michelle and Hillary arm wrestle. Then, to make it best 2 out of 3, have Oprah and Ellen arm wrestle. Who's with me?

This whole mess is going to be over real soon!!

As soon as the Rezko trial starts and Mr. Obama has to come clean..

BYE BYE BARACK!

Play by the rules of the game or site it out on the bench!

I sure wouldn't re-elect either of the Governors who have served their folks so badly!

It is time for Howard Dean to show some backbone and make a decision that is fair to all without spending additional money.

Deborah –
funny comment. Did Hillary not just wipe the floor with your guy in Ohio and Rhode Island? Oh yes, i believe she did. Oh yeah, and that small matter of Texas, where he was ahead.
Enough said.
Obama is desperate now.

CLINTON 08'

The states knew if they held a vote when they did they would be punished, but they did it anyway. Seems to be the problem with many in this country lately- we break the rules and then whine when things don't work out our way.

Either way, the only democratic thing to do is have a revote so everyone's voices can be heard.

I don't know why Hillary has been pushing for this. She did well in these states back in January but I doubt that she'd come out on top now.

I hope that they wont start to count the delegates from those two states because then that means hillary will win and that would be bad no one wants a two faced president do they!

Well, they had their chance. There's no way Michigan can be seated without a fair re-primary. Florida knew very well what it was doing. I'm sorry, but they boned themselves on this one.

It is reported that Obama will not enough delagates to secure the Democrat nomination.

Obama continues to play offense, while Clinton blew through 3 straight wins. As Obama tries to regain his footing, he is finding that the he has a long road ahead and will find himself answering much tougher and specific questions.

Americans watches as this contest starts to just get started.

It is a shame florida and michigan voters suffer because of this, but they need to blame their own party and their ridiculous actions that cost them their votes.

I love how my comments, when they dont favor Obama, get deleted.

Again, Obama broke the rules in Florida, he had an ad there, when no one else did, so because he broke the rules, their votes should count.

As for Michigan, they might have to come up with something else.

If these primaries are done over, they should be held at the very end of the primary season to ensure that both candidates have sufficient time to campaign in each state.

Good idea!

Let Hillary change the rules that she agreed with from the very beginning!...

Does she have any more request? What about...let's say: only count the votes from the big states? Yes, nice idea: let's just count the delegates from the so-called blue states. Another good idea for Hillary: let's not count the caucus votes! Oh, just one more request from Hillary Huckabee: let's not count the afro-american votes nor the students votes.
Yes!
I think that those simple requests will solve her...
problem.

She will do and say anything to win the nomination.

If they are allowed to re-vote then their delegates should count as 1/2 delegates just like the Republicans halved their delegates.

you can't let the votes stand when obama was not on the ballot in michigan and neither campaigned in florida since they weren't supposed to and the delegates weren't being awarded..the only thing to do is have the primaries over again, have a caucus, or split the delegates in half and award to bother candidates

IS THIS TRUE – I DO NOT THINK IT IS

FROM ANOTHER POSTER

They are the only 2 that weren't on it, all the others including Kucinich, Dodd and Gravel were on that ballot.

IS THAT TRUE – I KEEP SEEING THE VOTE AS CLIINTON X AND NOT CLINTON Z - I NEVER SEE ANY OTHER NAMES WHEN THOSE VOTE COUNTS ARE DISCUSSED

HELP

Attention Florida and Michigan Democrats:

Obviously the DNC didn't care about you before. You're being played for fools now.

Why changing the rules at this point? When you agree with rule it's because you think that is o.k. But if in your mine, you thought ,that you will found a way to go over it, makes me think that you are playing the republicains games. Means no rules at all. Why making rules?The blame is not on Howard Dean who make it clear from the beginning. Changing rules during a time off is it fair??????

The real fact is: Obama has won Texas (Primaries and caucus added), it's just a matter of time before Barack and his supporters celebrate this in front of the press. Viva Obama'08 !

Aha! Howard Dean , the head of the DNC who penalized Florida and Michigan democratic parties must be a secret agent for "the right wing conspiracy" don't ya think, Hillary?

To Judy,

Yes, the Republican leadership had a hand in moving up the primary, but the democratic party leadership of Florida went ahead with it knowing they would be violating the rules. If you haven't noticed, many states have had seperate primary days for Republicans and Democrats.

On a seperate note...Most, if not all, Floridians knew going in that their vote for the presidential primary would not count. There was a rather large tax referendum on the ballot as well that drove people to the polls.

Wonder who is behind that? mm,!!! hard to guess:
The Clinton Clan..........who else, later they will challenge all the primaries, then will challenge all the DNC rules, and finally they will just make the law as to who rules,
forget rules and laws and forget the constitution, GO Clinton,

Citizen: You are just another person who has no respect for the voting process. You obviously voted for Bush...thank you SOOOO much!! Humph.

This situation would not exist, IF ALL the States Primaries were held on the same day , so as we do in the GENERAL Election in November.
Could anyone tell me why the Primary dates are all scattered out???

GO HILLARY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is a sad day in America when a party can say your vote does not count

On this issue... voters should NEVER be disenfranchized!
So obviously Florida and Michigan need to have a redo.

Also, is this 'what is clinton hiding' thing, the only angle Obama has on her...? Ooooooh, que the scarey horror music! Give me a break Obama, you are pathetic. You have nothing on her at all, so you have to get the voters to imagine things. As it is, she is well within her rights to file her returns anytime before the dead line, just as anyone else. It's a non issue!

Mr. Obama you're starting to look rather silly.

If it is so important for the elected officials in Florida and Michigan to have their state's votes count, then why did they move their primaries up? They had a full understanding of the rules and what would happen. Now they come out complaining that its not fair? They knew what they were doing and the consequences of their actions!

Of course I believe that everyone should be able to vote and have those votes count; the people of Michigan and Florida deserve it. But it is not the DNC's fault, it is the sole fault of the elected officials in their state. They knew what they were doing and chose to ignore the rules.

For those of you who think Michigan shouldn't count because Obama and Edwards were the only 2 candidates NOT on our ballot….. here's a solution. Give Sen. Obama the 40% of "uncommitted" votes. He'd be taking some votes cast for John Edwards, but he'd still get a FAIR amount of delegates out of it. I didn't vote for Obama OR Clinton, but I would happy to distribute the votes that way just so we can get on with this! There are too many people who TOOK THE TIME TO VOTE! (In record numbers by the way)

RULES ARE RULES....

What a JOKE the Democratic party has become.

I can't vote Republican, and I refuse to vote for a party (Democrats) that can't stay out of its own way.

I think everyone should take a hard look at third party options before it's too late for America.

Patty Don't

I agree – but we will be in the minortiy

MI can not be seated as is

FL is a different story – no one did campaign – no ads – and all the names were on the ballott – and over a million showed up – no do over needed IMO

MI – lets schedule NOW

DO NOT MAKE THE TAXPAYERS OF MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA PAY FOR A 2ND ELECTION.

If the Dems or GOP want a 2nd go at it, that party should pay for it. I challenge every citizen in Florida and Michigan to file a lawsuit against either party the second they annouce a 2nd vote if we are going to get stuck with paying for it.

If they want us to pay, let's fight back with thousands of taxpayer lawsuits.

Ironically, it seems FL & MI moved the primaries earlier to have a "larger say". If they would have left alone, they would have had that larger say! No wonder one state is broke and the other the electoral version of a bad comedy show...rules are rules. It's looking like this lifelong Dem will be taking a look at McCain...the Dems are squandering a great moment and the Clinton's lies, selfishness and sense of entitlement are the main reason.

cnn why are my comment always waiting in moderation and i never see them again

you can't change the rules in the middle of the game.. if they allow florida & MI to count without another election or if these super delegates decided the outcome of this election then I'm registering Independant. Lets continue on with the Primaries, my state doesn't vote until May.

They should be penalized since the political leaders in each state broke the rules. But, for argument sakes, the voters should also be recognized & have representation at the convention.

Therefore, I say hold a primary & caucus in both Michigan & Florida in June. This way, they are penalized for breaking the rules and everyone gets a chance to get their votes counted.

Mason,

You do not know what you are talking about. The voters did not decide to move up the primary. Their officals did, and in the case of Flordia it was a Republican, not a Democrat. It is totally wrong not to count votes, period. The voters must be heard. The citizens of Flordia and Michigan did nothing wrong, to discount them is undemocratic. No one should be worrying about what is fair to Obama or Clinton. The race is not about being fair to them, it is all about being fair to the American voters. Anyone who does not want voters in another state to be heard should think how they would feel if their voice was not heard due to a decision they had no part in.

To Chipster, it was my understanding that the candidates agreed to leave their names off of the MI ballot. But Hillary being Hillary decided to leave hers on. If you think that she gives a rat's patootie about the disenfranchised voters of those two states, you're crazy. If she wasn't losing, you wouldn't here a peep out of her about this.

oops.. that should read they should "not" be allowed to be included

The republicans want Hilary to win now that mckains in.
So now suddenly the want the votes counted in florida are they that afraid of Obama.
and why should we allow florida to decide our elections again.
back to the same old bush whacking.
I think the state should pay and the candidates should be able to campaign there again and another round of voting be mandated.

This looks like cheating to me!!!

FL and MI knew the rules when they moved the dates for their primaries. Since they knew the ramifications of their actions, the results should be allowed to be included. By allowing Clinton to "steal" the nomination this way would be absolutely absurd. She has been counting on this. If FL and MI want to be included, they need to re-vote with ample time for the candidates to campaign. I also believe the states should pay for this process as they knew what was going to happen. It seems as though the leaders in these states should be the ones to blame for this entire mess...

Funny, here so called Obama supporters is saying "Rules are Rules", but when they talk about superdelegates, they say "should change".

yah, Obama stands for "change", that is "Change everything to his favor", not yours!

Florida voter- we turned out in record numbers because we felt that our votes would be counted no matter what they said. You can not deny a person in this country the right to vote and have their vote counted. Everyone was on the ballot and no one campaigned here. The only thing we saw was Obama ads. We knew who we were voting for we have computers and TV's just like you do. Count our votes!

HEY ANONYMOUS-Why mention that Detroit has a heavy African American population? Are you telling me this is a racist election? I am shocked!

I have given up on the Democratic Party - my entire adult life I have leaned more towards the Dems than the Repubs - not anymore. If a party would encourage a young, inexperienced senator to run for President just because they think he is "more electable" then I give up. Our country is in a mess and we need someone with vast experience to get us out of the mess - Senator Clinton or Senator McCain are the only ones available who are qualified.

It is UNDEMOCRATIC not to count votes of millions of people in Florida and Michigan.A few people should not decide for million of voters. I have never voted for a republican and I am a retired calculus teacher, but I will not vote in the national election if millions of voters in Florida and Michigan do not have their votes count in the primaries!

Why didn't the U.S. just do a do-over in 2000 Gore-Bush election Florida fiasco instead of allowing the Supreme Court to decide the Presidency? Perhaps, we wouldn't be in the mess that we are today.

These problems in our voting system is just so discouraging, How about a straight majority vote from now on?

Seating the delegates now is unfair to John Edwards.
Florida and Michigan ruined their chances…get over it! Clinton
what about your tax return??
God knows what else you’re hiding?
Go Obama

If every body must file his/her tax return, and should be review by government authorities when ever they ask for, it shouldn't be hiding, because the rule applies to every one.otherwise that's looks dumn.

Change the rules midway!!!! No,
Learn from your mistakes!!!!!, And fix it for the next go round.... and while your at it you can toss out thoses Super Delegates!!!!
But for right now........ Rules are Rules.
Maybe Hillary did'nt fully read the agreement ....like that Iraq go to war document

It's amazing that apparently so little has happened in the last 24 hours that CNN still has the anti-Clinton story on the front page. Actually, no, it's not amazing: this is CNN, the mouthpiece of the Obama campaign.

They knew what would happen if they moved their primary yet they did it anyway... now they want a do over. Ironic that the Florida Gov. is pushing hard for this... he is rumored to be a vp pick for McCain.

Think about it folks!

Do it over, and do it by the rules. That is the only answer.

Let the votes stand and award the delegates. Why does everything have to have so much drama. These citizens voted. THE VOTING HAS BEEN DONE.....AWARD THE DELEGATES.

Stop crying OBAMA Lovers.

Remember – what your party was saying in 2000? Every vote must count.

Now is the time to practice what you preach.

Go McCain!

Forget about the votes.

What is going on with the Resko trial and the Canada's NAFTA investigation.

Please lets learn about our candidates.

The DNC needs to get it together. We have the opportunity to win the white house with Barack Obama as our next President. This problem makes the dems look like they are totally incompetent. The voting should be held again.

I live in florida and worked at the polls. Record number of people came to vote. Their votes should count. If the DNC wants to do it all over again, I believe you will not get the same result. To Hillary I would say, Be careful what you wish for. She is the one pushing for this votes to count.

In regards to Florida and Michigan, as well as the super d's... I think Hillary is pissing in a pool full of people that will drown her if she gets the nomination. Gov. Crist, I feel, is pushing so hard for FL delegates to be seated because it is in the best interest of his party. They WANT Clinton to be the nominee because McCain will crush her. Florida leaders need to get their business together when it comes to these elections. It is absolutely RIDICULOUS that they can't seem to get it right.

Delegates should absolutely not be seated as is, especially in Michigan.

The REPUBLICAN governor in FL moved the primary! They're votes should count and the delegates should be seated Clinton was there for "fund raising" and Obama ran a TV ad.

The DEMOCRATIC governor in MI moved the primary! No redo, no delegates.

QUESTION:

Shouldn't superdelegates that announce their support for a candidate before their own state primary NOT be seated also?

They broke the rules, they should not have a say in selecting the nominee, PERIOD.

If they change the rules now, why should anyone ever follow rules ??

I agree with Patty Dont...if your going to count the primaries you can't do it as is. The political environment has changed since the previous primaries (and every canidate should be on the ballot).

Florida and Michigan could have a re-vote, the question is who's going to pay for it. I think we should let the candidates go half and pay for it. That seems fair. It would show just how much they care about Florida and Michigan. They both have the money to do it.

I know that most michigan democrats didn't vote because it would be a waste of a day off of work. (jobs are hard to come by out here) They should just skip our state and let us elect for the national election. Also, I don't know if i can really take much more of this race, it seems like it has been going on for two years and i'm sick of it. Wake me up when november comes.

No those to states should not be allow to participate in the primary, but should be alloow to participate in the general election.

Why didn't the U.S. just do a do-over in 2000 Gore-Bush election fiasco instead of allowing the Supreme Court to decide the Presidency? Perhaps, we wouldn't be in the mess that we are today.

These problems in our voting system is just so discouraging, How about a straight majority vote from now on?

/

It seems as if the leaders of these states are blaming everyone but where the blame should lie, with them – they broke the rules and were warned about what would happen, and now they want to change the rules. How about accepting responsibility for what you did? Hopefully the voters of these two states will remember this when their state officials are up for re-election!

She's your man. Because she can

Must be Hill! Because she will____.

I can see it now, the Dems are going to nominate Clinton despite her obvious weaknesses. This is simply another attempt to bolster her ridiculous campaing. I, like many African Americans, are considering abandonging silliness such as this, and going to the Republican Party.

If not Obama, Go McCain '08

This is a none issue Rules are rules If our elected leaders wont follow them Then why should I

let florida exit out.right out of the union,now there bringing michigan into there onging voteing eruptions.michigan this is what you get when you follow florida.you'll know better next time.live wtih it.the rest of the states take head, and never do anything that florida has done.

Why haven't you reported on Obama's anti-gay vote in the Illinois senate for partners of gay state employees to recieve health benefits?
Why haven't you reported on one of his (many, many) "no vote"s on the partners of gay teachers receiving pension benefits when he was in the Illinois senate?

Actions have consequences.

Obama '08

Hillary is only making this an issue because she's losing. She's so far off the pace these delegates wouldn't matter anyway. Give it up sweetie. Having to rely on the help of Ultra conservative talk radio hosts to garner support for her because McCain will clobber her!! LOL I'd hate to be her right now. I remember the debate prior to the New Hampshire primary where she claimed she was being attacked simply because she's "winning"... Well lookie here my have the tables turned.

This time Floridians don't want a re-count, they want a count.

In this historic and close race, millions of people would be denied the chance to vote? Obviously, DNC never expected the nomination race to be as close as this.

DNC must find a way out of this. New primaries would be the best.

The votes of Democrats only should count in each state's "re-do" if there is one. This is, afterall, a Democratic Primary/Caucus to choose the Democratic Nominee. Personally, I feel that any "re-do" should be a primary as opposed to a caucus that "hamstrings" working people.

Let's not forget the reason why Obama and Edwards withdrew their name from the ballot in Michigan. It was the honorable and right thing to do as the State was violating party rules. They were sticking by the DNC! Hilliry is disgraceful. She behaved in Bushlike fashion, ignoring the rules, doing what would benefit her regardless of the rules, regardless of what was right and honorable. Now that she finds herself in a losing battle, she cries wolf!!! Do we really want another president that behaves like this?? Something smells!!!

Obama 08

I agree with LC

Florida is considering removing the Democratic nominee from the Presidential ticket in November unless their delegates are seated! Wow!

What do I tell my teenage daughter about commitment, truth, and our government? Both campaigns agreed to penalize these two states before everything began. Because Clinton will never catch Obama in the delegate race, now it's time to change the rules?!! I can't tell you how insulted I feel!

The whole thing makes me sick.

First, as long as Clinton was ahead, and Obama trailing behind, there was no question that the number of pledged delegates was what really matter. You never heard Obama questions that rule. Now that she's behind, with no chance to get more pledged delegates, she changes the rules and she keeps on talking about having won Michigan and Florida, even though everybody knows those primairies didn't count. Is there any honesty left in that woman? Is there anybody who will tell her to accept the rules? I still can't figure out those Clinton's supporters who are wondering why this woman raises so much animosity. It is quite obvious. She is ready to do anything, and I mean anything, to win that nomination.

Everyone must participate in a democratic process. But FL and MI made some wrongs. Is this new idea to punish Obama or Clinton?

A rule is rule it must be followed. I don't think it's time for Clinton to claim votes in Michigan and Florida . My question is , if she lose in TEXAS and Ohio last time , will she reclaim votes of those States? This is a dirty politic she is playing.
Go OBAMAAAAAAAAAA

Interesting. Why were the political leaders of these two states not "busy" in their discussions several months ago when deciding to violate DNC rules? I agree - these citizens shouldn't be penalized for the ignorance of their state leaders. These state leaders, however, should be held accountable by their constituency.

How about we just reduce the number needed to win by the amount of delegates from Florida and Michigan?

ALL votes should count. ALL voices should be heard.

CLINTON2008 – OBAMA 2016

No Way – that would reward the states for violating party rules and open up doors for other states to do this in the future! Wrong, wrong, wrong. they should have thought of this before and left the primary alone. They didn't and now have to deal with it. The voters in those states who feel left out should be angry with their states, not the DNC or any candidates.

LC – you sound like a lunatic

Excuse me? Does EVERYONE forget that FLORIDA and MICHIGAN didn't follow the RULES. They act like their "democratic" rights were stripped from their souls. Give me a break.

If they kept their proper dates, FL and MI would've been SO pertinent to this election and they would have got the publicity they were crying about months ago.

Idiots. Complete lunacy.

The only fair,reasonable, equitable, and economically feasible solution to this mess is to have Michigan and Florida hold caucuses. If Texas is allowed to do a so-called "two-step", then so should we.

What message does it send to our children, and the rest of the world, if we change the rules mid game? Those responsible in Florida and Michigan should be removed from office. They screwed up the single most important political event in the United States.

Democrats, wake up. Your party is flawed. Who wants a Super Delegate that has the freedom to vote however they choose. Ours was supposed to be a government for and by the people, not for and by the politicians.

The time has come for another Dean screeeeeeeaaaaaaaaam! It appears that control of the Democratic Party in the U.S.A. is in the hands of noone. It amazes me how democrats can so easily stand in front of a camera and lie to us without batting an eyelash. God help this country if Hillary Clinton becomes president. Her and Bill are the king a queen of the lie.

I scent some BO in the air – what if SOUTH CAROLINA and all those other little states had been disfranchized????????????????????????????

OH, of COURSE – if that was the case – THEN the rules could be overturned! There are SO MANY little states!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get over it, Obamabots – FLORIDA WILL BE HEARD

Either from January, or in a re-do, or if all else fails

IN NOVEMBER

Definitely, Florida and Michigan should re-do the primaries. But, expect to hear Obama whine, unless of course Obama can convince those states to hold caucuses instead (where the elderly, disabled, etc., would be disenfranchised because of the inability to participate in a caucus process).

I DUE NOT TYHINK THIS WOULD BE WISE. I KNOW IT WOULD TURN ME OFF AND A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE. WHY NOT JUST ADJUSY THE NEEDED DELEGATE COUNT BY 365.

The PEOPLE are the rule and they have spoken. The voters of Florida and Michigan now exist in the realm of "SUPER DELEGATES". Every vote counts.

Simple, and cheap, give both Florida and Mich one delegate each. Both can go to Hillary as she "won" the state. Then, all votes are counted, and noone will fight over one delegate.

You're welcome.

Hillary is becoming the Mike Huckabee of the democrats...

Common sense: they have a right to have their voice heard- but they have to start from scratch- the old numbers must be discarded and the playing field leveled wuth all playing the same game.

Clinton will not have enough delegates. Obama will win the nominaiton, even if florada and michigan where counted. So Clinton dont start kicking, we dont need anymore of your monsterous attacks.

Obama '08

Why haven't they mentioned that the required number of delegates would then be 2208, rather than 2025? She can't get there from here, folks! Ain't happenin. Follow the rules so the nominees can focus on the election, and not let a fellow party member keep nippin at the heels of the winner like a mad chihuahua

PLEASE WAKE UP!

WE NEED HILLARY CLINTON!

OBAMA????---–WHO?????????

2008 Hillary GO GO GO!

Gee, Mike, projecting? Hillary is the one chasing phantom delegates by trying to seat delegates in MI and FL after agreeing to the punishment.

If you don't count Fl and Mi as is then the Rep have a great slogan for those two states. We valued your opinion the 1st time.

I Really Believe that Sen.Hilary Clinton and Barrack Obama could make a Great Team for The Democratic Ticket.

By the way....would Hillary Clinton (and those governors, for that matter) be pushing to seat these delegates if the original count had come down in Obama's favor?

For you OBAMA supporters: You say its undemocratic to ignore the rules and allow FL and MI to have their voices heard, then hush on the argument that the pledged votes should dictate the superdelegate votes. Rules are rules. Right?

Seat the delegates would make Hillary the winner..

I'm just worried that if we have a 'do over' I won't be able to vote in the second democratic primary. I am registered an independent and voted in the republican primary because my vote wasn't supposed to count in the democratic primary. So do I get to vote again? For a democrat this time like I would have done the first time if given a chance? How is this going to work? Nothing they are suggesting seems fair to me.

Oh, now Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants to change her mind about moving up the Michigan primary. Screw the voters that have already spoken..

So Florida and Michigan want to jump in the game, now that the game is so close. They want to change the rules as they go along to suit their needs? Wow, they want to make this whole process even more frustrating and divisive than it already is. I say they need to go back and have a discussion with their respective camps about fair play. Maybe next time they will follow the rules first time around!

No. Sorry Flordia and Michigan, you moved your primaries there, and you knew you would be penalized. The fact that now you want to be seated at the convention is your own fault, you need to deal with it, and not do it again in four years.

Just like a democrat to want a do over after breaking the rules. Never take responiblitity for your actions, the DNC way..

Getting voters to the polls is difficult enough without this nonsense. Voters had no choice but to vote when the legislatures and party officials agreed to hold the primaries. So, punish the legislators and party officials, then seat the delegates because the voters did what was asked of them.

None of the candidates campaigned in Florida or Michigan, although I've read that an Obama ad did make the airways due to a regional agreement. He wasn't on the ballot in Michigan but he could have and should have. He shouldn't blame anyone else for his poor judgment.

Voters in these states should withhold contributions to the DNC until party leaders decide to seat their delegates. With everything that is at stake in this election, the Democratic Party and the nation cannot afford to discourage voters from voting in the General Election, especially over something this stupid.

Don't you dems think you need to re-evaluate your nominating process – it honestly borders on the absurd. You are, once again, your worst enemies.

Go McCain – Fly Navy!

Let me get this straight; a Republician moves the date for the Florida primary (over the objections of the Democrats) and the DNC takes away Flroida's delegates? The Democrats in Florida are being punished by their own party because of the actions of the Republicians. Seems a bit unfair to me. Do the Democrats plan on not allowing the people of Florida to vote in the election? I think that since both canidates were on the ballot than why can't the results simply be used as is?

I do not believe that either of these states should be allowed to have another opportunity to vote.

The blame lies, not with the people but with the people that they chose to head their state delegation. These individuals chose to ignore the rules of their party.

At this time emotion is playing a large part on how an individual votes not quality of the key players. You are now going to have individuals voting to be on the winning team (quantity) and the country really needs quality.

Party rules–guess what? This is why I chose to be an Independent voter. I vote for the person not for the rules.

RULES ARE RULES!!!!!

RULES ARE RULES!!!!

RULES ARE RULE!!!!!!

RULES ARE RULES!!!!

RULES ARE RULES!!!!!

Their delegates should be seated ONLY after the democractic nominee has been selected.

This way the states are count, but the RULES remain intact.

This mess is stupid and bad, but it shows a fact: Obama is a typical old politician as usual. He is simply a delegate count chaser. When you have delegates, he talks about "your voice" to you so enthusiastically. When you have no delegates, your voice does not worth a penny to him.

I wonder if this clamour for the delegates from Florida and Michigan would receive the same headline if it was Barack Obama that has something to gain in either sitting them or in a do-over. It is plainly unfair to suddenly try to change the rule in the middle of the game, all because the Almighty powerful and totally connected Clinton family say so.

I believe we should move forward from the two States that purposefully violated the DNC rules and allow the electorates and the electoral process take its course. Fear mongering and negative adverts might have its gain, but it won't get things done in Washington, and it will definitely not restore hope to the great people of this nation.

if they are aloud to count it would be so unfair..... and the states should pay for a revote. they were told their votes would not count if they held the vote early..clinton is slick willy ... just like her husband.

Democratic Party members in FL and MI absolutely deserve the right to have a say in who will be the Party's nominee. Personally I believe that caucuses are not the the best forum for selecting candidates. They normally represent only a small fraction of party members.

As both Clinton and Obama appeared on the FL ballot, I see nothing wrong with seating delegates based the the Jan. results. Both candidates did fundraising in the state, but neither actively campaigned.

As for MI, where Sen. Obama chose not to put his name on the ballot, a fair resolution is more difficult. One could argue that Sen. Obama chose to exclude MI party members and therefore should forfeit any delegates. However, that is likely to disenfranchise his supporters in MI. Another primary would be costly and begs the question who should foot the bill. The DNC made the initail error and would seem an excellent and appropriate source of the funds needed to "re-do" a MI primary.

Michigan and Florida broke the rules! Don't rules and laws mean anything to democrats? No wonder so many of them are okay with illegal immigration...although I think GOP leaders like the "cheap" labor coming in and staying as well.

Florida and Michigan ruined their chances...get over it!

Everyones voice should be heard. However, Michigan and Florida should need to hold new primaries. The January primaries they held, were unfair to both voters and candidates since it was held with the knowledge it wouldn't count.

They should get a chance to re-vote. You realy can't count the original vote since all the Democratic candidates pledged not to campaign there and all agreed that they could not be counted because they broke party rules. I know that Hillary is trying to change the rules after the fact. This would be called cheating if this was a sport.

I'm sure there were millions of voters from each state that knew this and did not go to the polls.

The Voters of Florida & Michigan should hold thier local politicians responsible for this mess. They went against party rules. Period.

If we didn't want our votes to count, why would those of us who live in Michigan go out in RECORD NUMBERS to vote? Obama and Edwards had the opportunity to have their names ON the ballot, they CHOSE to have them removed. They are the only 2 that weren't on it, all the others including Kucinich, Dodd and Gravel were on that ballot. We had no ads, no campaigning, no junk mail, but Obama did run an ad in Florida....against the rules!

The democrat national committe has already told voters in MI and FL to take a hike.

Although their vocies should be heard, those brainless governors who disobeyed the rules knowingly to try to make their states primaries more relevant should be punished someway. If they just followed the simple rules everyone else followed they wouldn't be in this problem now. Still the people need to be heard. I vote recount, only fair.

by the time they voted, didn't bo already win a state? people knew who he was. it sounds to me that this is going in favor of one person. when we change our minds, do we get to vote again? the vote was done once. like i have said all along, if it is bo, i will vote republican.. I don't trust bo. Why did he have to run so soon? give the guy a few years to actualy do something, then let us decide. or is he afraid if he is in office for a few years we will find out what kind of person he realy is????

To me this is a no brainer. These two states broke party rules, therefore they have to be penalized. Everyone agreed to these rules in the beginning and changing them now will be unfair to the rest of the states that followed the rules.

p.s. i was sayin:

insane "mccain is the only one who can keep us safe" right?
the fear / war mongers are gonna pound on that one theme.
keep a perspective, people. clinton is part of the neocon-military-industrial-corporate-wallstreeet alliance as much as mccain. obama is likely to be less so, at least. he hasn't had enough "experience" in that direction yet.

A do over would be the most fair. No American should be denied that right to vote!

Does anyone think that maybe if we dont seat the delegates from these states, many of them will just choose not to vote in the general election? Wasn't it Florida that gave Bush the election before? Can we honestly afford to lose this enthusiasm after record numbers turned out? I think a redue is in order for Michigan, but if no one campaigned in Florida and people still turned out in record numbers their delegates should be counted!

Yes, those states are very crucial and they should count. Have another primary. It will hurt the Democrats in Novemeber if they don't.

This is great new for Obama. Michigen has alot of dlegates and a heavy African American population. Florida will probably go for Clinton (hispanics) but there are not enough delegates there to make a difference.

How can you turn thousands of people away from the polls, when they had the understanding that their votes would not be counted, and then tell them that the biased results WILL be counted?

Either way, a significant group of voters was/is wronged. The solution, however, is not to favor one group of voters over the other group of voters.

The solution is to be fair, and when you can't be fair to one without being unfair to the other, the solution is to allow the original decision to stand OR to have another primary.

GOOD PEOPLE of the US!
ATTENTION to the bigger picture!
heard about the small explosion in new york city? what do you think?
it's getting started, the drum beat of "looming terrorist attacks" on homeland. insane "mccain is the only one who has the
the fear/war mongering traitors are gonna

The only solution is to hold another primary or caucus. Seating the delegates now is unfair to those votes who stayed home because they knew their votes wouldn't count.

This way, everyone will have the chance to fairly vote. The people that complained that their votes should count can go and vote for the same person they chose the first time, no more complaining and the issue will be done and over with.

Clinton is desperate!

OBAMA '08

Florida and Michigan should have a mail in primary.

Also, Hillary should only release her tax returns if Obama releases his real estate deal with Rezko!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is he hiding????

You can't seat Michigan as is. You just can't. It was an unfair ballot and to do so would be wholly undemocratic. Florida is a bit of a different story.