Comments on: Levin: No practical or fair way to hold a Michigan re-vote

By: Cheer

Cheer — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:57:06 +0000

To those saying that Clinton wants democracy because she counts Florida votes, do you really think that everyone is so stupid to believe your trash?? Don't we remember how Bill Clinton tried to suppress Casino votes just last month? They do everything and anything to get power. They are a "monster" of a kind, called "Clintonism."

By: John

John — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:53:59 +0000

Every vote counts! It is apparent Obama despite the fact that he(Obama) withdrew his name together with John Edwards,Obama got a lukewarm support.The situation in Florida is not so much of a difference.That is the fundamental reason to re-do the Primaries in both States.Senator from Michigan is great American and a decent fair leader in both the senate and Michigan.This however will be tantamount to supporting what happened in Florida in 2000 elctions.Cool heads and transparent will win the day for the voters in both States.As a Clinton supporter,I think she is the better of the two. Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hillary! Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: LeftyLadig

LeftyLadig — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:45:12 +0000

Rules are rules. Don't seat them. If they want their votes counted, let the states pay for the re-vote. If they can't afford a primary, do a "fire-house" caucus. Don't reward these states that broke the rules.

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:42:09 +0000

The instant Michigan found itself aligned with the imbecilic and cursed Floridians, they should have known it was a huge mistake, and had the sense to reconsider.

No one should be at all surprised that Florida is at the center of this sad tale. If the voters of that unfortunate state were permanently disenfranchised, it would be a service to the nation. They've proven themselves incapable of mastering even the simple butterfly ballot.

Good riddance.

By: Ilene, Livonia MI

Ilene, Livonia MI — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:41:58 +0000

They better not seat the delegates!! Many many people in Michigan didn't even vote in that primary. They figured why bother!! It is NOT a fair vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Independent

Independent — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:41:55 +0000

If Florida has a do-over by mail, Michigan needs one too. It is unfair to let Florida go ahead with its hispanic and retiree populations, while suppressing African Americans' votes in Michaigan. Clinton's supporters Bill Nelson and Michigan governor failed their voters by violeting the rules. The do-over must not be selective.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:41:49 +0000

SEAT THE DELEGATES DEAN OR RESIGN!!! YOU HAD NO BUSINESS PUNISHING THE DEMOCRATS IN FLORIDA THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MOVING UP THE PRIMARIES THE REPUBS DID, AND YOU PENALIZED THEM, HOW THE HELL DO YOU JUSTIFY THIS, WHEN YOU ALLOWED SC, NH, IO TO MOVE UP THEIR DATES AGAINST THE DNC RULES.

STOP DISENFRANCHISING MILLIONS OF VOTERS!! STOP MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO WIN THE GENERAL. SEAT THE DELEGATES OR RESIGN, DEAN YOU HAVE BEEN A HORRIBLE CHAIR!

By: eric tarver

eric tarver — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:41:44 +0000

50/50 split is the only fair, no-cost way to get the delagetes to the convention. The delagates have to be seated, but the states that violate the rule need to be punished in some way so they do not effect the election outcome. Neither candidate will be totally happy (especially one), but they still have 10 contest to go to show their worth to the voters.

Unfortunately this 50/50 split should heve been done before the end of 2007. The DNC really screwed this one up big time.

By: Nicholson

Nicholson — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:39:32 +0000

Samantha Power's -The Real American Hero.
She knows democrats will be fooled again and again by billarys playing the colour card in texas and ohio. sometimes black & sometimes white

By: Chuck

Chuck — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:39:17 +0000

I live in Florida and have voted mainly democratic for 30 years. I think I will vote republican this year. They at least seated half the delegates.

By: Jazz

Jazz — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:39:15 +0000

Is it true that Obama made a deal with Iowa to remove his name from
the MI ballot to help Iowa keep its first in the nation status? He did win Iowa. Why wasn't his name removed from the FL ballot? Is it really about following rules or was it strategic planning? The games people
play.... It's politics. It's all in the game.
Both names were on the ballot in FL and Obama was well known by this time. There was plenty of free favorable media, Kennedy Family
propaganda, Obama commercials in FL and fuel added to the fire by national black radio. It's amazing Hillary got any votes at all. More independents registered as republicans to help save McCain. Guess who they're supporting in November. Split MI 50-50.

By: gary

gary — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:37:31 +0000

WHAT KIND OF FREE SPEECH IS THIS? YOU WANT COMMENTS AND PEOPLE GIVING THEIR OPINIONS. MY OPINION IS YOU OUGHT TO LEARN HOW TO RUN THE MEDIA WITHOUT SO MUCH BIAS. YOU JUST ABOUT RUINED THIS WHOLE RACE WITH YOUR SLAMS ABOUT THE CLINTONS.YOU ARE ALL OBAMA LOVERS.

By: Chappy

Chappy — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:37:29 +0000

It was the REPUBLICAN LEGISLATURE AND REPUBLICAN GOV. CHARLIE CRIST WHO VOTED TO CHANGE OUR PRIMARY DATE.
Two million Florida Democrats did NOT change the date.
Michigan Democratics changed their date. So don't hang voiding our
votes on us. HELLO Gov. DEAN and the DNC, are you listening?
You send us EMAILS asking for MONEY and SUPPORT yet deny us
our votes for the primary. SHAME ON YOU FOR YOUR LACK OF
ETHICS. I'm going to go watch "Hanging Chads" in the general
Election.

By: Marina

Marina — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:35:56 +0000

This race is making me sick....because the Democrats will loose all chances of the White House. To the Democratic Party, you'd better get the Clinton machine in check....this isn't a popularity contest and there is serious business to attend to that can't be solved with the likes of Hillary Clinton...Are you going to allow them to continue to act in this manner and loose the White House? It should have been manditory for all candidates to reveal their personal finances before the primaries and you can't just leave out two huge states from voting...thats unconstitutional!!! I know Obama can do this, but with the Clinton machine mucking everything up, they may need a new candidate like Al Gore. Pull it together Democratic Party...........Only Obama can beat John McCain.........what is there to think about?

By: Charles

Charles — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:35:42 +0000

As I understand it the switch to an ealier date in both Michigan and Florida was the responsibilty of the state legislatures with the governor signing on as an okay. I wonder what the political affiliation was of those who voted both for and against the switch. Plus the governors? It wasn't the public who selected the new date.

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:35:14 +0000

where did my comment go?

By: Sherylanne

Sherylanne — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:35:03 +0000

Another policy that fail the citizens. In Florida, Obama had aired TV ads. There is always a winner and a looser. To eliminate the voices in that state is undemocratic in the utmost form regardless of which Party does it!

The DNC is the one at fault so don't punish the citizens.

In MI, they should split the delegates.

By: Audrey AMW

Audrey AMW — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:34:45 +0000

It is so reprehensible that the Democrats are made to look unfair in this situation that has been created by Florida's Republican governor and apparently an seems to uninformed Michigan governor.Sen. Clinton seems determined to win at whatever costs she has to pay. I wonder if the "shoe were on the other foot" if she would be so anxious to have these two states renege on their actions. I think this is deplorable for the voters ,but it is also deplorable for the other candidates.Redo the process in both states and allow both candidates to actively participate.

By: William

William — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:34:36 +0000

I would go further than Levin. He said a change in course would require approval by both candidates.

To be more fair, a change of course would not only require approval of "both" candidates, but also of all democratic candidates – even the ones who dropped out of the race.

On top of that, this is our election – the people of the United States. Shouldn't we have a say in this matter too?

Where do these other people get off thinking they can just go change the rules however suits them whenever it is convenient?

We are getting really sick of our elections being manipulated every time. If it isn't the Supreme Court picking a president, it's party bosses and "super" delegates.

Get your hands out of our elections. We want fair elections and we want them now.

By: xavier

xavier — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:34:21 +0000

To Be Fair:

I agree 100%

I’ve been thinking about the Florida and Michigan delegate situation and how it impacts the democratic nomination. Admittedly, in spite of my age, I am new to politics and don’t really understand a lot of the details. But this much I do understand. The nominee needs to win ½ of the total delegates in order to clinch the nomination. I also understand that Florida and Michigan broke the rules and were penalized for that.

I know there is some concern about disenfranchised voters, and there is discussion about having some “do-overs”, but money is an issue. From my perspective, those votes shouldn’t count. It doesn’t make any sense to punish somebody and then take the punishment away because of an unexpected need. Doing so would defeat the purpose of the punishment and I think it would make the judgment and credibility of the DNC questionable.

But here is a thought. Since Florida and Michigan currently don’t have any delegates, doesn’t that make the total number at the convention less than 4047? And if the total number at the convention is less than 4047, shouldn’t the halfway point be less than 2024? If it is as simple as that, why can’t the DNC simply remove Florida and Michigan from the totals and keep the mathematics the same? I’m not sure how many delegates both states should have had, but that number should be subtracted from the total, and the new total should be divided by 2 and that should be the new number to clinch by.

By: Tre

Tre — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:33:05 +0000

Obama, you are raising so much more money than clinton, why dont you pay half, and she can pay half, this way, you've made the first step.

Clinton can't match you anyway...

It's almost a kiss of death. If she doesn't respond, the I guess the voters of both states know where they stand.

By: ed brace

ed brace — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:31:43 +0000

This campaign appear to be about power and money, in favor of the few good old boy and girls. It also appears that the people in general will have no choice but to accept whatever happens. it,s sad to think that if this kind of politics continue, we will eventually have caos among the people as seen in some other countries.

Are we still the leaders of the free world???????????????????.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:30:37 +0000

Instead of calling her a Monster, the advisor should have said Hillary is a Distorter, Smearer, or Pathetic Selfish Egomaniac who HAS been "acting" monstrous in her desperate attempt to win the democratic nomination. That would have been much more accurate than Monster. And by the way, I am a lifelong Democrat who voted for Bill twice. Obama is the real deal people.

By: Beltway Bandit

Beltway Bandit — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:29:51 +0000

Why dont they just split the votes 50/50 in both states and then the delegates can be seated.. This is crazy..

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:29:42 +0000

I will offer $25.00 for a re-vote. Who else is with me?

By: Polcomm

Polcomm — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:29:15 +0000

This is a no-win situation and I blame the DNC to a great extent. We could go back to the beginning. Why is Iowa first? Why is New Hampshire the first primary? Why are these states given such a position to begin with? The entire primary set up is wrong. When the DNC tried to make it fairer by having a black primary (South Carolina) and a Latino primary (Nevada), it seemed fair at the time but in the end it back fired as well. The entire system is in default. Just like the splitting of delegates. No one wants to mention this, but if the Democrats had a "winner take all," Hillary would be the nominee and we would not be having this discussion. So, maybe that is the solution. But the Democrats in Florida and Michigan will "remember in November," and if they are not seated as they voted, then McCain will be President and all of this argument will be pointless.

By: JIMMY

JIMMY — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:27:51 +0000

THE DNC CANNOT REFUSE THE SEATING OF THE DELEGATIONS FROM MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA.. A RE-DO OF THE PRIMARIES IN THOSE STATES IS TOO EXPENSIVE AND MAYBE TOO LATE.
SOME SOLUTION WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE BY THE CONVENTION DELEGATES...CERTAINLY NOT BY HOWARD DEAN
OR THE DNC.

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:26:04 +0000

Hear this " sniviling, whining, anti-hope Hillaryites" if you cheaters try and seat those MI and FL delegates "as is" you're actions will rip the party apart. Fair minded Americans will never stand for this scam and to even suggest such a thing is all the proof one needs to know your candidate is a monster who will stop at nothing in her lust for power. Do you really expect the other half of the Democratic party to sit back and watch you "steal" this election?? We watched this sort of thing with Bush in 2000 and we will NOT let it happen again.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:26:01 +0000

I am excited about politics for the first time in my life. Here is how I see it. Michigan and Florida politicians messed up. What bothers me is that the people have to suffer because of them. I am not afraid of a fight. I believe in my candidate and I believe in the people of Michigan and Florida to vote with their hearts on which candidate can motivate congress and the legislature to work together in a common cause and fix our problems. They say, "it is to costly to hold new elections in Florida and Michigan". I am from California and I will happily offer my first $25.00 donation for a re-do. If we multiply that by every Obama doanator and Hillary donator and we have just paid for the re-do with more to spare. All we need is a Florida, Michigan bank account to send it to. I believe that we Americans can share the load. Obama will still win, I believe. I am asking the govenors of both these states to set it up.

By: Mike Allen

Mike Allen — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:25:45 +0000

So Hillary wants to steal votes that her own party agreed would not count and uses the term 'Disinfranchise' that the Dems invented to cry about the Republicans in the past. How the worm doth turn. This is not a surprise when you sum up Hillary's campaign to date. Lets see...Hillary faults Obama for saying that he can get out of Iraq in sixteen months whilst forgetting that she claimed she could get out in six. Hillary acused Obama of being two faced about NAFTA just before the Ohio vote only to find out after the vote that she was the NAFTA two faced candidate. Hillary cries on TV just hours after being accused o f being haed hearted. Hillary cries about the press picking on her just before the debate so that they would be afraid to be tough on her. Hillary staff releases photo's of Obama in Arab clothes. Hillary staff releases photo of Obama with skin darkened by retouching. cries. How much Hillary can we stand?

By: JIMMY

JIMMY — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:24:07 +0000

MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA AS STATES OF THE UNION AND ITS CITIZENS HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION NOT WITHSTANDING THE DNC'S REUSAL TO SEAT THEIR DELEGATES. THE DNC HAS NOT THE POWER
OF CONGRESS OR THE PRESIDENCY TO DISENFRANCHISE
ANY STATE'S VOTERS FOR, EVEN THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS DO NOT HAVE THAT POWER. HOW ABOUT IF THE SUPREME COURT WERE TO WIEGH IN ON THE PROBLEM?

By: Blu

Blu — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:24:07 +0000

Obama did an interview with William March and Elaine Silvestrini of The Tampa Tribune on Sept. 30th '07 where he vowed to do everything in his power to seat the FL delegates despite national party sanctions. He changed his position after he lost the Florida primary. If these states have re-does I can’t imagine many votes cast for the candidate that wanted their voices silenced.

By: DELMARVA

DELMARVA — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:23:47 +0000

Hey Yes...

Once a candidates name goes on the ballot in the state of Florida, it cannot be removed. Didn't you notice the other candidates who dropped out prior to Florida still were on the ballot?

And nobody abandoned the voters in Michigan or Florida. No one could campaign there.

By: gene

gene — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:23:17 +0000

How can anybody in their right mind think that if we deprive the Michigan and Florida voters the right to make a selection on the Democratic nominee that we could win the general election. They are either nit wits or closet Republicans and that goes for Senator Levin too.

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:22:33 +0000

Obama won't win especially in Florida where they all had their names on the ballot. Imagine telling the people of Florida that the last time they voted, they didn't know what they were doing because they didn't see Obama. This will make even more people vote for Hillary and now that we know his true position on NAFTA Michigan will double their votes for Clinton It's over for sen Obama, From the purchase of his home with Rezko and all this double talk on important issues has awakened the american people.

By: William

William — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:22:22 +0000

Once again, the C.linton N.ews N.etwork has proven to be the very shame that it is. There is nothing "objective" about its coverage of this presidential campaign. Even when it "pretends" to be showing Obama in a fair portrayal, it always finds a duplicitious way to blount the impact of any effect that the story could possibly effect upon its viewers. It's a total disgrace how partial one network can be "while" pretending to be a fair outlet of political news coverage.

By: Len

Len — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:21:43 +0000

They shouldn't be seated.

By: Keith Powell

Keith Powell — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:21:35 +0000

For the life of me I can not see what the big issue with this is. Rocket science this isn't. The DNC stated the rules for the primaries before the primaries and well as the penalties for violating the rules. Everyone knew what to expect. Florida and Michigan broke the rules and now are subjected to the penalties. Seems pretty cut and dry to me. Now Sen Clinton and her supporters want the votes to count and the delegates seated at the convention, obviously because that eliminates Sen Obama's significant delegate lead. Sen Clinton and her supporters say not counting the votes and delegates will disenfranchise the voters of those states and in the interest of democracy the voters’ voices should be heard. My question is, would democracy been served if the primaries had been held in accordance with the DNC rules?? If the voters of those states become disenfranchised, they should be disenfranchised with their state lawmakers who willingly chose to schedule their primaries prior to the specified date knowing what the penalty would be. This situation should really make democratic voters question the integrity and morals of a candidate who would even suggest disregarding the established party rules especially when they are behind in delegates. It seems that some believe if you ain't cheatin you ain't tryin and that they will do or say anything to win the democratic nomination. I suggest Sen Clinton have a talk with Gov Huckabee so he can tell her that is much more honorable to lose an election (or nomination) than to lose your morals and integrity trying to win. Shame on you Sen Clinton!??!

By: maynard

maynard — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:21:08 +0000

CNN DOES NOT WANT THE TRUTH SAID ABOUT THIS REVOTE.

WHERE IS MY ANSWER TO THIS.....

By: Jim in FL

Jim in FL — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:20:37 +0000

Guess it was a "typo" that left Hillary's name, and only HIllary's name, on the ballot.. I've got a bridge for sale.

By: ed brace

ed brace — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:20:11 +0000

is there a possibility that if FL and MI voters were allowed to vote as all of the other states did or will, might there be a drifeent outcome. ex. the dem. canadates that did drop out might have not dropped out , due to the driffent results in dividing the votes?

By: SR

SR — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:19:30 +0000

Uh, it would seem Levin HAS chosen a candidate, since everyone knows Clinton will win both states in a re-vote...

By: c

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:18:06 +0000

Instead of writing and complaining on CNN Ticker that your votes in FL and MI do not count, write your boneheaded legislature YOU voted to run your states. this money should not come from the DNC,maybe Christ and Grishold should forfeit their govenor salaries and put it too funding a re-vote if thats what they want. Had Obama won and not Hillary(im a Obama supporter) I would still say re-vote. Fairness across the board,not when your treading water to stay afloat. All blame should be directed to them,infact I will right now write to both Govenors and thank them for all the craziness they caused.

By: True Democrat

True Democrat — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:18:06 +0000

NO VOTEY NO SEATY!

By: Chuey

Chuey — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:17:36 +0000

Spending $10 Million to try to secure a Clinton nomination is simply outrageous. Even if she was to win the State, this will not secure her the nomination. The citizens of this state (both Democrats and Republican) should be vocally opposed to this callous expenditure. This money can be better used for othes projects that will benefits the citizens of Michigan. I find appalling for Clinton to support this option. This is a clear indication that Monster is looking to feed of it's prey. Shameful

By: mal

mal — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:17:31 +0000

Clinton is trying to destroy obama chances in the General election to come back and run in four years herself.

The Clintons has strategized about their way back to the White house before they left there the first time. that is why they moved to new york, that is why she stayed with bill it is all that she seems to live for . They just didnt exspect Obama to get as far as he did.

If she have to give the election to McCaine she will destroy the Dem. Party to get what she thinks belongs to her.

It is time the people of the US retire the disengenuous Clintons from politics. They are too devisive and she should know that the kind of support Barack is getting she cannot match it especially from the young people.

There are more Bushes to come but the country and the world needs a break from these two power hungry families.

By: Trev

Trev — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:15:51 +0000

So we punish the voters of Michigan for the actions of the party elite. Sounds like the poltics of hope to me. I think they should revote, then suspend the Michigan superdelegates. The suspension would hurt Hillary in the delegate column, but at least then the DNC would be punishing the people responsible for the mess.

Hillary 08

By: Seamus the Terrible

Seamus the Terrible — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:14:13 +0000

Interesting.

Florida and Michigan move their primaries up to January in order to have more influence on the nomination process. They did this knowing they would lose their delegations. They made the choice of going early to get early headlines. They've already made their influence.

Now they want their influence again on the back end of the process at the time it turns out is most critical in the process.

In other words, they want double influence.

That's not fair.

By: James

James — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:14:12 +0000

Why can Michigan not just run a caucus as they stated they planned they will do later on this election cycle? Michigan has the right to run the vote as they seem please. A caucus is an effective way to run an election.

Hillary needs to stop acting like a spoiled child and pushing that it is her way or the highway. The election is up to the American people to decide, not Hillary Clinton. Hillary is not the queen of the Democrat party and she should not disenfranchise voters to attempt to steal and election.

By: Eleanor

Eleanor — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:13:41 +0000

the only fair and practical way is to split them evenly and for both camps to accept that
You cannot in all fairness give them to Hillary when it was the rules of
the DNC the votes were not to be counted because their govenors and other officials took it upon themselves to break the rules and move the primaries up!!