March 12, 2008
Posted: 10:15 AM ET
 Clinton is urging the Michigan and Florida delegations be seated.
Clinton is urging the Michigan and Florida delegations be seated.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Hillary Clinton said Wednesday it is crucial Michigan and Florida voters not be disenfranchised from the 2008 primary process and, and that the dispute over how Democratic votes from those states may be counted needs to be resolved quickly.

Her comments came amidst a fresh push by her campaign to ensure delegations from both states are seated at the party's summer convention, as negotiations over a resolution seemed to hit roadblocks.

"The nearly two and a half million Americans in those states who participated in the primary elections are in danger of being excluded from our democratic process and I think that's wrong. The results of those primaries were fair and they should be honored," she told a breakfast gathering hosted by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation in Washington. "In my view there are two options: honor the results or hold new primary elections. I don't see any other solutions that are fair."

Earlier Wednesday, Clinton campaign manger Maggie Williams sent a letter to Barack Obama's campaign manager David Plouffe, urging that the two camps come together to forge a speedy resolution to this problem — even though any such agreement would not be official Clinton's name appeared on Michigan's ballot, Obama's did not. Both candidates' names were on Florida's ballot, but neither campaigned actively there. Clinton did make an appearance in Davie, Florida on the evening of that state's primary once the polls had closed.

"Whether voters are clamoring for solutions to the challenges we face or not or whether people are coming out in droves to be heard we have a basic obligation to make sure every that every vote in America counts," Clinton said, echoing comments she has made since both states voted in late January.

"I hope that Senator Obama's campaign will join me in working to make that happen. I think that that is a non-partisan solution to make sure that we do count these votes."

Clinton is scheduled to attend closed fundraisers in Washington and will address the National Newspaper Publishers Association Wednesday evening.

– CNN Senior Political Producer Sasha Johnson

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


connie   March 12th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

i live in florida ,i think everyone should have their right to vote heard. we as voters did not chose to vote early it was decided for us,by republicans. maybe i am the only one that feels this way, but if my vote doesn't count now,way should i vote in the general election. politics are so crooked.i voted in the early primary,only to learn later that it didn't count. Every year it is something different.I am a democrat that would vote to Mc Cain if the country doesn't in such trouble, guess i probable won't vote at all since Florida isn't part of the U>S> anymore and we don't count.

Kiwi   March 12th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Senator Clinton, please, please shut up. As a Florida voter I am so tired of hearing this over and over. I see no reason as to why my state should get to vote again after we very obviously and very blatantly broke rules that we knew about. So, whatever. Not changing who I vote for.

kombo kikiechi florida   March 12th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Let the party official decide on the rules of voting and let not the so called clintons try to quiz the rules.However whichever the way Obama is going to emerge as the winner. AM Hillary supporter but i know we can not win in this two states coz the no of the democrats is growing on the need of a presidential candidate to tackle McCain by holding the bulls horns. Let us UNITE TO WIN

Interesting   March 12th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Clinton spends more time trying manipulate the public than discussing the issues. More and more she reminds me of George W in her tactics. With her experience she shouldn't need all these tricks.

Governors Punished their people   March 12th, 2008 11:50 am ET

48 States followed the rules. Only the gvernors of 2 states decided to violate them. Give thoses states a way to revote and I garanty you that next time 48 states would feel no obligation to be tied to thoses called rules. The only people the population of Florida and Michigan should accuse is their governors. The Governors desenfranchised them, Not the D. Party. Knowingly they deceided to violate the rules. Hwo chose the governors? Ask for answer from your governors! The D. Party has nothing to do about that!

Karen   March 12th, 2008 11:49 am ET

They said on CNN last night that if Hillary wins all the other states and BEATS Obama 65% to 35% in both Florida and Michigan than she will win the nomination and have the most votes. Also she WILL win PA. She might be able to do it…There are not that many black people in those states and she will get the majority of the white vote in them. I don't think he has a chance and I think it is time to face it, she will be the nominee. However I think she will have to change her tactics to beat McCain, because it will be hard for her to use race card going up against him. I think the sex card is what she will use. However if you notice 2/3 days before every election takes place she or someone from her team shakes up a debate…Try to reel in people. Start noticing how she does it…She is good at this game.

intellegant voter   March 12th, 2008 11:49 am ET

to all voters in mich and florida……do you guys really think HILLARY is doing this for you or her campaign…lol….pretty obvious to me…..rules are rules….but even if you break the rules and revote i believ OBAMA WILL DO QUITE WELL…..A REVOTE WILL SECURE HIS NOMINATION WITHOUT A CONVENTION……….HILLARY WOULD NOT BE SO PRO MICH AND FLA IF SHE LOST…….SINCE THESE 2 STATES LET TIME EXPIRE FOR ANOTHER PRIMARY…..AND NOBODY WANTS A MAIL IN……THAT LEAVES US TO CAUCUSES OR SEAT THE DELEGATES 50/50……OBAMA OUR NEXT PRESIDENT….LETS ALL GET BEHIND HIM…….ALLOW THESE YOUNG AND INDEPENDANT PEOPLE TO EXPAND YOUR DEMOCRATIC BASE…..DONT YOU WANT THAT…..ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG PEOPLE……CREATES A WHOLE NEW GENERATION OF DEMOCRATIC VOTERS….U WANT TO CRUSH THERE HOPES FOR THIS PARTY……SHE CANNOT CATCH HIM

RJ Hopkins   March 12th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Can the Clinton's sink any lower than they alread have ? First, they support the DNC, now they demand a re-vote or let the previous election stand. Are these the actions of a President ? Or are they Presidental ? For the past 8 years, we have lived under these exact same mind set, make the rules up as we go, when it benefits ! The DNC will forever lose control over the states, if they bow to this self-serving pressure. No states in the future will follow their rules,

John   March 12th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Go ahead and redo them we'll roll over Hillary there too, give us a little time, people will flock to Barack just like the rest of the country, it onl;y takes about 5 minutes for people to see what a monster Bill and Hillary are. Two headed no brains monster. Give them a cigar. lol

Brenda, NC   March 12th, 2008 11:49 am ET

The Florida primary election should be honored—all candidates were on the ballot and none of them campaigned there—it was a fair vote. The only fair way to handle a do-over vote is by a primary election because every person has the right to vote for the candidate of their choice without pressure. No to Caucus vote—caucuses should be banned and outlawed. No to mail-in vote—it would be a nightmare. Yes to official Primary Election if do-over is necessary.

Mlewis   March 12th, 2008 11:48 am ET

where were the Clintons when Al Gore needed a recount?

Linda   March 12th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Both FL and MI could have avoided this whole mess if they would have strongly protested BEFORE THEIR PRIMARIES!!!!!!! Their mistake was waiting until after their primaries before deciding that the issue needed to be contested. That is their own fault. Obama played by the rules, it is NOT fair that MI votes be counted when he wasnt even on the ballot. You don't punish someone for following the rules.

Dan   March 12th, 2008 11:48 am ET

No one should eliminate the voting right for voters in both states of Michigan and Florida. If anyone forces the elimination of both states in the democrats primary, they will eventually loss their supports from both states which will give no chance for democrats nominee to win in this November. Therefore, it is better for both sides to come up a resolution in seating the delegates from both states in the Democrat Convention, either using the last primary results or re-do the primary.

ernie   March 12th, 2008 11:48 am ET

all you obama soppters give your self a rest and grow up if you been watching the media other then being draw in to obama wrape you would no that neither obama or clinton could win with out the super delagtes and so far she still wining the super ,so wake up and smell the coffee so you could knock her all you want you just upset that you didnt close the deal in ohio and texas when you had the chance to with that lose no it impossibale to win with out super delgates so go for hillary the only canditate that belive all vote should count other then obama who dont belive that way if he does he be pushing this issue to but senice he not what that tell you

David, Atlanta, GA   March 12th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Clinton is hypocritical. She is getting louder and louder calling for the Florida delegates to be seated, because the delegate math is increasingly showing that she can't win without them. She didn't care this much about the poor voters of Florida and Michigan when she thought she would have the nomination wrapped up by Super Tuesday,

Anton Mitton   March 12th, 2008 11:47 am ET

They broke the rules, they pay the consequences. No revote!

Dani   March 12th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Yeah! LoL! Just because Obama had to " really fire" which was publicized as a rezignation to make him look like the gentle hero, his camp is now looking to put the negative spot light (as usual ) back on Hillary and her staff! Just listen to what was said and you can clearly hear no racist remarks whatsoever! She more or less was talking about the ineqaulity of women vs. men- you know the oppression that stil inflicts women today. But, it is true, if you tell a black person you don't like their shirt, you're a racist! Jay Foxworthy, really funny guy-love him (and by no means do I suggest he shares my views or comments) could tastefully make light of this ridiculous world we live in! Tell me you don't like my shirt and the worst outcome is that you may have hurt my feelings, the best is well I do like my shirt, but I'm certainly not going to call you a woman hater! Furthermore, I think it's right! Since all the names were on the ballots in Florida, those votes should automatically count! Save the millions of dollars that can feed the poor, weak, hungry and homeless!
As far as Michigan goes, why shouldn't their voices be heard? You wouldn't like it if the Republicans irresponsibly moved up the voting date and as a result your vote is disqualified! You would be outraged!
So yes, revote in Michigan! And the Democrats should not have to suffer and be divided on something that wasn't their decision in the first place! Why did anyone let this happen in the first place?! Someone should have stepped in and said, you have to wait until it's voting time! This is alot of unecessary B.S.! I'm not a Republican, but I'm sure everyone of them is laughing hard at the absurdity of the Democratic voting process and how it tends to lower the standards of well-qualified candidates ! Don't you know KISS? Keep it simple stupid!
Hillary 08

Just the Facts   March 12th, 2008 11:47 am ET

I think its ironic that she is talking about "disinfranchising" voters when she has blown off the importance of every "caucus" state, every "small" state, every crossover state she didn't win….cry me a river…

danny   March 12th, 2008 11:46 am ET

count all votes in all 50 states

Jen B.   March 12th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Hillary, author of "It takes a village to raise a child". Is there a chapter in there entitled, "Rules are made to be broken".
I can't believe I considered giving her my vote at the start of this campaign.

Obama 2008

Ilse   March 12th, 2008 11:46 am ET

We have an ethical and moral dilemma here. On the one hand we have rules that were set by some stupid politicians; on the other hand you have the voices of the people. Now ask yourselves this: when one conflicts with the other, which has priority over the other? It's a no-brainer. Peoples voices must prevail and rules must be broken. There is no other way. In your hearts you know it. You really know it.

Clift, Burlingame, CA   March 12th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Why could Mrs. Clinton not have intervened when they were planning to change their primary dates? It was her responsibility as a potential national leader to ensure the DNC's rules were followed. Further, she should stand fast against ignoring the rules. What kind of a president is willing to break rules for a handful of votes? A crook, that's who.

Michael - Washington State   March 12th, 2008 11:46 am ET

I am sorry that she feels it is OK to break the rules that all agreed upon. I am sure if she were in the lead she would not be begging everyone to count these States. Those States knew the rules and did not want to abide by them so they should remain punished.

mr singh   March 12th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Obama should hold press conf to say he doesn't want voters disenfranchised in MI and FL. remind voters about America voting history, the world like in Africa and Iraqis voting for first time. He shouldn't be afraid of a revote because most likey he will still win delegates as the margins will be similar to TX and OH. And the party can see how many people turn out to get an idea of the turnout in general election. Also if there are disputes in general needing a recount, the republicans will then say like why are democrats whning so much when they disenfranchised the voters of FL and MI.

As for geralidine ferraro, the fact is if Mondale had run with another male as VP, he's chances of winning would've been greater. Who would put a woman in top job with charismatic figure as reagan then and today with war and terrorism escapes me!! All these women care about is the NOW crowd and abortion issue which has hurt democratic party times over. Have you ever heard Obama say to Clinton that whites only vote for her because she's white??? No!!!

It is good Obama is who he is: a mixed American half white half black. That is America. A country of many kinds of people. How can Americans not think that one day slaves would want to be free and thier children someday want to be president? If you don't like black american as president then your ancestors never should've taken the blacks from their country!!

Paul   March 12th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Go back to New York Hillary and give some of your wise advice to Spitzers wife. You more than anyone should know what she's going through. You've been through it how many times now, 100's???

ds   March 12th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Hillary, where is your honor? FL and MI voters knew that their delegates weren't going to be seated. If they didn't, then shame on them. The really disenfranchised voters didn't even bother to show up. What should we do about them? Even my first grader knows that it's disrespectful to change the rules after the game has started.

troy   March 12th, 2008 11:45 am ET

split the delegates of MI and Ohio, half to Hillary and half to Obama or divid them according to the national percentages of the states that have voted, and let's get on with this. Troy

Woody   March 12th, 2008 11:45 am ET

I think Obama should pick Ann Coulter to be his Vice President running mate should he win the democratic nomination. After all, they both don't know what they are talking about and both would be an administration that is bipartisan — one who has nothing to say (Obama) and one who has too much to say (Coulter).

How's that for a winning ticket?

jp/michigan   March 12th, 2008 11:45 am ET

I voted in Michigan. I tell you with all the advertising in both Detroit papers telling voters to vote uncommitted for Obama, it was like he was there. Conyers and his wife were one of those who pushed the uncommitted to Obama. If my votes doesn't count and delegates are not sent, I diffidently will vote in November ,Rebuplican or independent. The democratic party is already divided this country in to white vs black

Linda   March 12th, 2008 11:44 am ET

How in the world can she call Michigan "fair" when she was the only name on the ballot???? This woman is pathetic.

Matt   March 12th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Voters in Florida and Michigan:

Stop blaming the DNC for your problems. Your legislatures, fully aware of the rules and consequences, decided to change the date. Your governors, fully aware of the consequences, had a chance to veto those bills but decided to sign them anyways. Your states were calling the DNC's bluff. Too bad the DNC was holding the nuts.

Hold the people that are responsible accountable for your predicament, not the DNC. Impeach your governors, don't re-elect them, whatever.

Holly   March 12th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Actually, Obama followed the rules by omitting his name….

Dems need to suck this up…Hillary and Obama agreed to the loss of delegates. Hillary is trying to break the rules now…it seems like there is a reason…hmmmm. She lies maybe? Yep.

AJ   March 12th, 2008 11:43 am ET

The votes only count when they are votes for her. We've seen and heard her time and time again downplay ALL of the Obama victories claiming them to be red states and small states but this is a fight for the nomination and every vote counts in order to get delegates for the convention. And that's exactly why Obama has more delegates and will win this nomination.

The fact that she is claiming that the votes in FL and MI were fair even though they didn't campaign and his name wasn't on the ballad in MI should tell the American people exactly the type of "fairness" Clinton is talking about. It only matters when she has a shot. But she's still behind. And given the state of the race today, the gap will probably be even closer if they do a revote anyway!

Adam Orlando Florida   March 12th, 2008 11:43 am ET

I am from Florida, and I took off of work to vote, because it should be the right of each american to do so and for it to count. Just count the votes, everyone knew who they were voting for when it happened.

Hillary 2008!

For Hillary 08   March 12th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Good for HIllary!!
I'm so tired of people trying to down play the importance of these 2 sates. Last time I looked there were 50 states that needed to be counted in order for there to be a fair election. Are we not going to count these states in November as well?
Count the delegates and put the cry baby Obama in his place. He's playing with the big boys and can't keep crying racism all the time.
Maybe we should put both candidates behind a curtain and disguise their voices. Then we can make them talk about their issues and let the people decide that way. I think things would change if race and sex were set aside. Go Hillary!

Joe-Wilmington, DE   March 12th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Gee, I wonder if Hillary was ahead in the delegate count if she would be so concerned about the "disenfranchised" from Florida and Michigan?

I think it's time we stop the Clinton nonsense once and for all by voting for Obama.

Please, no more Clintons.

Steph from PA - GO Hillary 08   March 12th, 2008 11:42 am ET

You know, I just do not understand Sen. Obama… on one hand he says he is unifying America, yet, on the other –he is willing to disenfranchise some 2 million voters in Florida and Michigan… and yet this is a leader we are all to believe in ??

That is absurd! He stated that Ferraro is dividing the Democrats yet he is the one not willing to have voters votes actually count!! So who does he think he is kidding?

In his speech in Austin Texas he stated that he would meet with isolated leaders around the world without preconditions yet, within the exact same sentence he stated “But there must be certain conditions.” So what exactly does this mean?? Does anyone out there actually LISTEN to the man? Or are the majority of Americans just so caught up in the awe of it all that they really do not care to pay attention to his actual words ??

It's absolutely absurd!

GP from VA   March 12th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Couple of thoughts

People from MI and FL - take it up with your own state government and party folks - this is not the "fault' of the candidates or the DNC. It was made very clear to your states what would happen if the primaries were moved up. If you are mad about about it - tell them about it - not the campaigns

MI and FL should not be rewarded for breaking the rules. Seat the delegates but spilt them 50/50 - that is the only fair (and cheap) solutuion

For those of you that support Clinton - please take a real hard look at this. She did not have such "concern" for voters in MI and FL until it became clear she might need them (though it will still have no major effect on the delegate count). Please - take off the blinders and be honest with yourselves. She doesnt care about disenfranchising voters - she cares about winning by any means necessary including changing the rules in mid-stream if it suits her

Finally, if you want to talk about Obama's position - please get educated. He has been clear that some resolution must be reached and again - last night on CNN said so and said he would support the DNC decision (as ALL the candidates said when this all went down last year)

Anthony Flint, MI   March 12th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Here is the problem…

The citizens of each state did nothing wrong, but are falling victim. The real people who screwed up (as we all know) are the Democratic leaders of each state who moved the primaries. I voted on primary day in Michigan, knowing full well the vote may not count.

Still, rules must be followed. The Michigan and Florida Democratic parites called the bluff of the DNC and they lost. If the DNC does not follow through this time, all regulations will be out the window.

As much as I hate to say it, they should not seat the delegates. Everyone agreed on the rules originally - you can't pull a Clinton and try to change the rules midgame. Blame the state leaders and make an example of them.

Florida Voter   March 12th, 2008 11:42 am ET

We don't need your kind of help here, Hillary…

Don't you have an Impeached husband you need to be keeping an eye on?

Millions will be spent and the only thing that will really matter is that Hillary can SPAM the Florida Super-Delegates..

Let us not forget people, as Hillary so eloquently pointed out, pledged delegates do not have to vote according to their pledge. They are under no obligation to vote as pledged and can change their minds at the convention. So, Super-Delegates and Pledge Delegates are still play.

Thanks for the reminder Hillary … any plans to pursue this strategy now that you’ve pointed it out?

Darryl, TX   March 12th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Mississippi vote was not divide on racial line it just that Hillary message was not a positive one being divisive don't win elections..

That old school politics….

CM, OH   March 12th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Maybe the parties shouldn't be responsible for holding the primaries?

It was unfair for Iowa and New Hampshire to demand that the Democrats pledge to remove themselves from campaigns in Florida and Michigan. In fact, Michigan and Florida held their elections after Iowa and New Hampshire did.

I give Michigan and Florida credit for bringing this broken system to our attention. This will not be fixed until some form of national or regional primaries are set up. Hopefully it'll happen before the 2012 primary season begins.

Channell   March 12th, 2008 11:41 am ET

This is not Hillary's or Obama's decision. The state officials screwed this thing up from the start and it is up to them to find a resolution. The people in these states should be allowed a revote but to go along with the current vote would be injustice.

Alex - New York, NY   March 12th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Counting the delegates from the Michigan and Florida primaries that already happened is ludicrous. Of course, they shouldn’t have had their seats taken away in the first place, it was a poorly managed situation on the part of the DNC. I’m not opposed to a do-over vote, should someone be able to secure the money for it, because everyone should have the right to be heard. But I defy someone to convince me that counting the Michigan and Florida votes is in any way legitimate, and to continue suggesting that it is legitimate is infuriating.

Craig   March 12th, 2008 11:40 am ET

To Clintonfatigued, "READY TO MISLEAD FROM DAY ONE" I like it, Hillaries new Battle Cry!

MEK   March 12th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Blame your own politicians FL and MI don't punish the rest of the country because YOUR POLITICIANS chose to ignore the rules. People can't have it all their way….if you break the rules there is a price to pay. That's the way a civil society works. I don't understand the confusion…other than Hilary Clinton once again manipulating the system so it bends in her favor. She is a disgrace.

Dennis   March 12th, 2008 11:40 am ET

She acts like a revote is so easy. Does she have any idea how much it is going to cost? Is she willing to put up the money for a revote? Everyone realizes this is the fault of the legislatures in Michigan and Florida–not the candidates and not the DNC. I don't mind a revote, but I don't want my contributions to candidates to be used to pay for it. That wasn't the purpose of my donations. Florida and Michigan need to fix their own messes.

Billary Huckabee   March 12th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Billary Huckabee is very smart. Bring up race again, why? Because in Penn, it's Pitts, Philly and White Alabama in the middle. The only way she can come close to winning in WV, Ind and KY is to make it a black/white race…None of the remaining states have a large AA population. So send Gerardine out to make racial comments and add Mississippi in to anger the white people in Penn and the surrounding states. It stops the Obama camp from asking about the Tax Returns, her lack of foreign policy experience - Which has been disproven and was getting press!!!

She was a joke in North Ireland, she gave a speech in China and has done nothing on the Armed Services Committee…the Press was on it, but now they are only talking about Geraldine.

Billary's camp gave the "wink, wink" to Canada on NAFTA, she failed on Healthcare for her husband and she is all mixed up in New York Gov. Spitlzer's (sp) mess!!! Now bring up Florida and Mich…CNN please do some reporting and stop being played as the Clinton News Network!!! But, full employment and destroying the Dem party is far better then reporting the facts and news!!!

I know: MY COMMENTS ARE AWAITING MODERATION!!!

aliou   March 12th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Clintons a bunch of spoiiiiled braaaats.

Bob Stephens   March 12th, 2008 11:40 am ET

I wonder why Hillary agreed that the votes in Florida shouldn't count, when this issue first came out, and now she changes her mind. Let's see, didn't she do the same thing on the Iraq War and NAFTA… Is she confused all the time, or trying to emulate Weather Vane McCain and his constant switching of positions.

Greg   March 12th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Now that it has become apparent that she lost Texas, she should bow out of the race.

As was widely reported yesterday, Obama's win in the TX caucuses put him over the top and he came out with more pledged delegates than Hillary. That is a win by anyone's standards, particularly when you take into consideration that she had double digit leads in TX 2 weeks before the voting.

Given that many said she needed to win TX (and win it handedly) to stay in the race, she should now step down and let the party unite around Obama's candidacy.

Anything to the contrary by Team Clinton will make it all the more likely that another Republican will be living in the White House come January.

Derek - NY, NY   March 12th, 2008 11:40 am ET

I thought everyone was ready for change? I mean every one talked about changing the political landscape and getting rid of all of the old names. Yet here we are on the cusp of nominating this walking dish rag Hillary Clinton. I'm starting to think that people do want change….. as long as its white.

Patty Atlanta GA   March 12th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Pathetic

manny t   March 12th, 2008 11:39 am ET

I think that there votes should not count. First of all Either of them clinton or obama campained in either state. Obama's name wss not on the ballet in Michigan and you guys think thats fair. Then Michigan and Flordia are saying that if there votes are not counted they are going to put McCaine into office is Obama runs against him. How stupid can they get. I whould think the Flordia and Michigan should not be aloud to vote in November either this is crazy you guys should be happy that they are trying to work this out if it was me I would force to strip those delegates and to stop a broken convention make all superdelegates vote for obama and end this now so we can get read for mccaine. Clintion is not worthy of the white house or the presidentcy. If she wins it, her presidentcy will make Bush one of Americans greates presidents and Bill and Hillary the worst. Go on Obama attack her commants with all u can USA is with u. Obama 08.

aliou   March 12th, 2008 11:39 am ET

clinton against the nation:

Your vote in all states shouldn't count because the clinton machinery made that calculation months ago to break party rules and make florida and michigan count no matter what.

Should florida decide this election, we all lose. we the people who obeyed the rule, all those who voted in any other state that followed the rules. and even those in florida and michigan who did'n't vote because it was supposed to an exercise in futility.

You all lose, clintons win. give bill a second chance in the oval office with plenty of time on his hands.

changing times   March 12th, 2008 11:39 am ET

I'm so mad at Clinton and her campaign right now I would do just the opposite of anything she asks.

Seat the delegates why don't you and just split them down the middle 50-50 and see where that gets her.

She's beyond pathetic and ridiculous. She losing all credibility with her ill run campaign.

Tanaya   March 12th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Rules are rules! MI and FL knew what they were doing. If the voters want to be upset then they should be upset at their elected officials! And let me ask why was Clintion not championing for the rights of these voters when the DNC made their decision? Simple, she thought it wouldn't matter, she thought she had won the nomination before anyone even cast a ballot. SHE ignored the small states, blew her money too fast and show every other sign of arrogance. Now she's in the corner. She wasn't expecting to get the wind knocked out of her. So she has manipulated the situation to make herself out to be some sort of champion for the little guy. Well in my opinion she has acted like a fool and made a lot of wrong choices. I do not want a president who has run such a broken campaign. I have supported Obama since '04. However, I thought a Obama/Clinton ticket in either direction would be a dream. She wasn't ever my candidate, but I admired her and never thought she would be a bad choice. However, watching thisover the past few months I have come to the realization that she was so full of herself and the way her campaign has changed makes me see that she is in it not for the people but for her own ambition. Her actions have left a bitter taste in my mouth and I will never be able to vote for her. She is a shining example of the kind of politics I don't want in this country any more. I WANT CHANGE! YES WE CAN!

Anna, IL   March 12th, 2008 11:39 am ET

If anyone has disenfranchised voters, it's Hillary Clinton. Her divisive and destructive campaign tactics, and her campaign's racist comments are destroying the party. She will further destroy the country if she's elected.

Disregard for rules have been the way Clintons have conducted themselves over the years. I am all for do-over, but to say this after the fact is disgusting. Why did she not raise these questions when she agreed to the DNC rules in the first place?

Yes, let's have a do-over and be done with it. She'll still be behind. By the way, people are coming out in droves for Obama, not Clinton. Get the facts straight Hillary.

Jennifer   March 12th, 2008 11:39 am ET

This is the DNC's mess, so the DNC should clean this up, and i'm pretty sure that is what they are trying to do. Nobody in MI or FL should feel like their vote doesn't count; it's undemocratic and unamerican.

MELMARIE   March 12th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Hillary is so phony!!! If she cared about the voters back then she would not have agreed to count them out. She was just so full of herself that she thought she didn't need them. You guys need to wake up!!! Hillary is for Hillary.

Obama '08

Comment disappeared   March 12th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Every voter should be allowed to have his or her vote count. Whether Hilliary wins or not in a re-vote is not the point. It is wrong to call Hillary a cheater - those votes for her came in fair and square. It was wrong for the DNC to punish Florida and Michigan in that way in the first place. What was the logic behind that anyway?

Hillary voters will never vote for Obama anyway - he is just to squeeky clean for the rest of us - NOT

ernie   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

i find it ashame that people who dont want to revote and keeps saying that there should not be revote becuase of some rules are forget the this happen to rep to but they didnt strip away there delagtes , i find it ashame that we as nation caint back everyone that we all have the right to vote and have our voted not counted everyone that says other wise should be ashame of them selves

Bacusla   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

RULES are RULES! And must apply across the board. Unless the Clinton camp is suggesting here that the rules do not apply - when the DNC had clearly stated that FL & MI will be penalized for altering their calender. Chairman Dean has handled this one fairly - no amount of bullying & posturing will make him waver. We will continue to be so governed by the DNC's rules. Thank you.

Go Obama   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

It is disengenuous to presuppose that Florida and Michigan voters somehow feel disenfranchised. We voted, what more do you want? Michigan moved their primary date forward ahead going against DNC rules. This blame falls on Jennifer Granholm - a noted Hillary Clinton supporter.

Michael   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Can you imagine just four years of this strident third rate high school debater on our televisions? God help us all. Senator Obama, I'm not going to vote for you, and I probably disagree with 95 % of what you say, but you really must call this duplicitous woman who is ruining public discourse for years to come. I am white, and I'm a conservative. I can see that you strive everyday to remain a gentleman. But she has gone too far. Please demand that she put up her daily White Houe schedule and her tax returns. I beg you.

kris   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

SHAME ON YOU!!!!!! Hillary

Kelavis   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Honestly, would Hillary be trying to seat them, as is, if Barack had won both? Not a chance, she has to seat these as is because it is her only chance of leading in delegates come convention time. The lack of fairness in what she proposes is unbelievable and the media won't touch the issue. Come on CNN, keep it real. Can someone, anyone on CNN just say that please? Maybe Faux(Fox) News is covering this…….

J.W   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

GORE - EDWARDS - ROBRTSON please come out and stop this madness, Hillary has suggested that if she is not the nominee, Americans would do better to elect John McCain for president.

Whom would without a doubt, maintain the status of the war, make tax cuts permanent, hurt the enviornment, keep healthcare cost out of reach, throw out diplomacy, maintain division in congress, and I hate to say what it would do to the supreme court.

Its time to show leadership, and talk with the Clintons, correct the course of the political campaign before it does more damage to the party, forces Americans to deal with another 4-8 years of Bush policy.

Angie, Charlotte NC   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Michael - Have you been in a coma for a year?! Everybody BUT YOU has known that fact since the beginning of the campaign… He has never stated otherwise, BUT he is on the record SEVERAL TIMES before the vote was done basically begging that the country not go to war and asking our representatives who do have a vote to no. He received a lot of flack for going against the grain.

mary   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

The Democratic Party can help Hilliary win this election but the party as we know it will be gone. Hilliary knew what she was doing when she left her name on the ballet. She had name recognition and this was a ploy, just in case she needed them. Whatever happens in this election, I will not support Hillary. For the first time in my life, I may have to vote for someone other than a democrat.

NH   March 12th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Seems that everyone wants to change the rules of the game. Now we have Porta Rico that wants to go from a caucus to a primary. Aren't they petitioning the DNC so they can do this? Wonder why? Is it possible that one candidate does better in a caucus then a primary so that she can close the gap on the number of delegates that he has.

Gil - California   March 12th, 2008 11:37 am ET

PHONY HILLARY! You said you would follow the DNC rules prior to the IOWA competition. As soon as it was over and you "won" these two states, it is now important? You only care about these two contests because you "won" them. The only option is a do-over and that isn't a great option. Florida, Michagan, the DNC is responsibile for this mess equally. You and Barack agreed to follow the DNC on this so shut up and sit down.

Paul Naranjo   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

HILLARY 08

Florida and Michigan will say loud and clear that they want you to be Our President in this election.
The FLA votes should be counted just as they are, while Michigan could have a new primary. Now Obama is afraid, cause he knows this will in fact put an end to his so called" momentums" There is not such thing 'cause no one will attain the desired number of delegates without FLA and Michigan.
Howard Dean, are your rules stronger than the voice of 2.5 million voters who actually belong to your party? Btwy, have you realized that FLA's primaries's date was moved by the Republicans and not so by the Democrats. Then, why are you punishing your own party members, Shame on you if you disenfranchise the voice of your voters. Then no candidate should appear in the Democratic ballot for the general election if the voice of your party is not important to you.

HILLARY - Commander in Chief of the United States of America.

kazzmedia   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Hillary is responsible for this whole mess by not having the courtesy to follow the rules in the first place - therefore SHE has "disenfranchised" the voters. Hillary's campaign tactics are not only damaging to her party, but an insult to our country's voting process.

If she had Obama's lead right now, she would be totally opposed to including these two states. Just like her husband, she will do whatever it takes to gain power while pretending that she cares about "the people".

If we let her get away with this manipulation, then we get what we deserve.

Gini   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Florida and Michigan must sit this primary season out. Sorry Clinton fans, the rules are rules. True, Obama took his name off the ballot in Michigan. He did this out of respect for an agreement that was reached. Clinton respects nothing, not even herself.

pc   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Hillary is pathetic! She only wants those votes counted because she was the only one on the ballot. WHEN WILL THE CLINTONS LEARN TO FOLLOW THE RULES EVEN WHEN IT DOESN'T BENEFIT THEM! Hillary, you are a disgrace to the Democratic Party! You and Bill have polarized the Democratic Party and now your money-making Geraldine F has jumped on the bandwagon. Barak Obama is a man of integrity! You are the only one running a negative campaign. Oh well, I guess you really can't take spots of a leper!

stephanie   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Do any Obama supporters know the issues? His healthcare plan is fundamentally flawed. It does not cover everyone. Even John Edwards attacked it during debates. Read his website and you will see. But if you are looking to a candidate that has detailed answers to to solve our problems, then it would be Clinton. She has called for a moratorium on the mortgage crisis, her healthcare plan covers everyone, and she is more knowledgeable about foreign affairs–you could see that from the debates. Unfortunately, the media refuse to focus on issues and therefore, Clinton is not the frontrunner.

LOOK AT THE ISSUES!!!

Jeremy   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

"The results of those primaries were fair and they should be honored" ?

Who is she kidding? How were they fair when Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan?

Besides this, her conflicting claims that Obama would be a great VP and then saying McCain is better qualified for President, demonstrate again she will do anything, even if it hurts the Democratic party.

Until this past week I didn't care between the two but Hillary has clearly demonstrated how selfish she is and that she'll do anything to win the nomination, whether its fair or not.

My support for Hillary is gone. She is nothing but a dishonest, selfish politician.

JS   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

My god, what a mess. I think the reality is, what the people want and think matters very little right now. The idiots that represent those states put them into this mess and will continue to cause even more problems. What I want to know is why the people feel the need to blame the candidates for this. Blame your state representatives and remember this mess when you go to vote for them to keep them or remove them from office. For all the world to see, Clinton bends the rules daily, and Obama plays by the rules. If we learn nothing more from this mess learn that much.

Angela London   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Most Americans are soooooo stupid. An unknown charismatic man comes out talking about change blah blah blah and you think he is the saviour of the world. But then again you voted for Bush - TWICE so why should we be surprised if they vote in smooth talking Obama.

simple thought ?   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Florida and Michigan don't count to the dnc?

i vote republican.

one country, undivided, the UNITED STATES of America…..

i will leave this party if were not inclusive of everyone in every state…….

dnc. solve the problem. a revote after June 7th

both campaigns pitch in the cost.

both campaigns campaign there in advance of that projected date…

plenty of time.

aliou   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

breaking the rules have never been so sweet as when a clinton sets out to defy a nation.

Joe   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Why do so many people blame Obama for their alleged "disenfranchisement" at the hands of the DNC? Do you all remember that Clinton wrote a letter to NH before their primary saying that she would never recognize the votes of Michigan and Florida because the NH primary - the first in the country - was valuable and important as such?

If you Michigan and Flordia people want to blame anyone for your non-votes, blame the DNC. Or Clinton. Clinton's campaign manager sat on the committee that decided to impose the ban on seating your delegates. She doesn't seem to mention that much, surprisingly.

sensible Cape Coral FL   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Has anyone questioned the role that the Florida Legislature (Republican) played in the decision to move up the Democratic Primary?

Brett   March 12th, 2008 11:36 am ET

I think it's great that Hillary is fighting for "ALL" Americans rather than Obama, who obviously, seems to have a target market (just analyze the exit polls of those states that already voted).

Obama should be man enough — or, I should say, David Axelrod should "TELL" his boss to "ACT" man enough (after all, Obama is his pet) — and stand up and CLEARLY (without the ahmms and constant pauses that he is so good at using when speaking) say that Michigan and Florida should be included in the primary.

We need a leader who knows how to speak, not one that takes 5 minutes to complete a short sentence.

Chris D.   March 12th, 2008 11:35 am ET

First, I love how the Clinton camp touts how they are "playing by the rules" when they advocate that the Superdelegates should not hesitate to override the people's votes from the primary, and then advocate seating Michigan and Florida according to the votes which were disqualified by the DNC long before the votes were cast.

Second, would Obama get the "undecided" votes in Michigan if it were seated as is? I suppose the Clinton camp would like to give a percentage of those to John Edwards. Anyway, I hope they do a re-vote. I think Obama would win in Michigan if he were on the ballot.

aliou   March 12th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Rules for a clinton? You need a ken starr to tell them. Even then, there is still not rule. Lobbyists and a book deal will pay for all expenses and clinton will florish on. She will destroy the party once more, but she will keep on: Unless we, the people stop her.

NO clinton, no revote, no sitting illegal delegates, no. no. no.

Ron   March 12th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Also all of you Hillary supporters in other states…Would you take time out of your busy life to go vote in a primary that you have been told WON"T COUNT??? Only if you have spare time. I did not vote for that reason and I am sure 20-30% of the Michigan electorate did the same thing..Which means the tallies in either state are not a real reflection of what a real Primary may have been.

Rebecca   March 12th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Hillary need Michigan and Florida to have a chance. Even if Hillary gets 70% of Michigan and Florida today Obama still is in first place. Obama is winning by almost 700,000 popular votes. Give it up Clinton, you are truly desperate.

Kathie, in California   March 12th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Rules??? Please. Everyone knows that when the rules don't work in your favor they should be changed. Hillary was perfectly content to disenfranchise the voters of Florida and Michigan when she thought she would easily wrap this thing up by Super Tuesday. Now…not so much.

4Real SC   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

I think Hillary is just doing this so she can get more votes. What we should caution Hillary is that, if there is a do over she may not win becuase of her attitude and how she is using double standards in this election. Everything is all about what Hillary wants not the American People. If those two state can't follow the rules then I don't think they should be counted because a lot of people didn't vote because they were told it didn't count, so if I was in those two states I wouldn't have wasted my time either. Hillary stop trying to reevent the wheel. You are not a strong Commander in Chief so now my vote belongs to Obama.

Rosalind Kaplan   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Every American should be allowed to vote. the voters did not decide when to hold the primary. If Obama on the ballot the Demorcrates will lose again.Experience is the most important thing.

Jay   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Ok for the people saying "Hillary is the only one sticking up for the people of MI and FL" why do you think that is??? CAUSE SHE IS LOOSING! And I really doubt she would take MI anyway. Heres an idea so everyone can stop whining, split the delegates 50/50 of those states. BAM! there ya go. Hillary will still be behind. I am from MI. You really wanna show outrage this lets get rid of these state government officials who knew what the DNC rules were but decided to ignore them. Granholm needs to go anyway. Back to Canada where she belongs!

Seam, Florida   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Stop the madness! Florida and Michigan broke the rules, simple as that.

Blame the stupid governors, legislators, and other elected officials of those states for this nonsense.

I recommend people start paying attention to the decisions being made by their government. It's nobody's fault but theirs.

Get a clue!

Craig   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Opportunistic bottom-feeder describes both Clintons. Please go away Hillary, you are exactly what this country dosent need.

Trev   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

So, we have not reached the point where Obama supporters would rather have millions of votes uncounted than risk losing an election.

I am sick of the "rules" argument. Do people even know how to enforce a rule? One cannot enforce a rule without an idea of who broke the rule. In this case, we know for sure that the voters in FL and MI did not break the rule!

Obama will do anything to win!

Thomas K. Marple   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

I don't really mind if they do a totally new primary following their traditional procedures, but to seat the delegates from the early primary votes held in violation of DNC rules would be unfair. If the voters are going to have the right to choose, the candidates must have the right to present themselves. The Democratic Party officials in both Florida and Michigan new of the consequences when they held the votes early (thumbing their noses at the DNC). I guess this is just one more effort by the Democrats to self destruct the party.

Lee Chang   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

GO HILLARY GO. The DNC made stupid rules - and because of the stupid rules, Obama is nominated and lose the election in November - then Howard Dean should take responsibility - and I would saw, Americans who voted for Obama in the primary equally deserves it.

Mark   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

I think the Florida delegates are to be counted as is. Everybody was on the ballot and nobody campaigned. The Michigan primary should be redone.

Deb   March 12th, 2008 11:34 am ET

There will be no peace until the Michigan and Florida democrats re- vote. This vote should be a mail-in ballot. It's fair and it's cheaper. The cost should be split between the candidates and the states involved.

Obama is dragging his feet on this because he knows Hillary has basically won both states. He ran an ad in the Florida area, he got people to vote uncommitted in Michigan but HC still won. He had the opportunity to put his name on the Michigan ballot and he didn't. Why? Because he knew he wouldn't win. Discounting Florida and Michigan is strategic on Obama's part. Makes you wonder who came up with this "punishment" for Michigan and Florida.

Kips   March 12th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Bending the rules to favor you or to yield fruits for your power greed is not what America wants.We want president who make right judgement on day one….who respect the law on day one. You are a losser.go home Billary.We need no more divisive politics.You are Mcain / Bush project II. Same old politics of talk, cry, manipulate and maginalize.
Obama 08

El Duende, Laguan Beach Calif.   March 12th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Obama camp needs to ignore Maggie's plea for Florida…rules are rules.

Rick B.   March 12th, 2008 11:33 am ET

When are we going to have individual play by the rules? Too many people believe that rules are meant to be broken.
Too many people think that if I a m not winning then we need to change the rules or the method of evaluating the results. Too many "Spin Doctors" and not enough high standards and ethics.

Sharon, Raleigh NC   March 12th, 2008 11:33 am ET

I hope that both Florida and Michigan will count. The only fair way to do so is to allow voters to vote again and allow both candidates to campaign.

After this election process is over and we have a new President I would certainly hope that the DNC will look at how they pick their candidates. This system needs to be tweaked. I am sick of Iowa being such a small state playing a big role in the election process. The outdated caucuses system needs to go. SUPERDELEGATES should not pick our candidate.

kim miles   March 12th, 2008 11:33 am ET

i was leaning toward clinton. however because she dosnt realise ferraros remarks about obama are in fact true i am starting to wonder if she is not one of the good old boys we have in office now. get real who is obama? if not for the black vote he would be done. we the democrats are going to give mccain the whithouse if obama is the choice. can you say antichrist?

Daniel   March 12th, 2008 11:33 am ET

There she goes again, she didn't get it yet.. Please someone is anybody could tell her that a trial is coming for her , husband, daughter, all the high level campain team… common guys don't be stupid, peoples have enough of there crap….Please John endorse Obama.. that urge. Nail her….

Kevin   March 12th, 2008 11:32 am ET

If the Clinton campaign had come out and said that what happened in Florida and Michigan was unfair - to voters (many of whom didn't vote), to the Democratic party (we as a group look like fools and risk losing the GE to McCain) and to the other states who followed the rules, then I would be supporting her.

However, she's trying to hoodwink us by claiming that what happened in Michigan and Florida were "fair and honest" primary elections. This is so far from the truth, I'm just shocked she'd say it (well, not that shocked) but more shocked a lot of you believe it.

I'm for a solution that brings back two states who are as equally as important as Mississippi and Kansas and Washington and should be part of our movement to fix the problems of our country. However, this has to be a fair solution for voters and both candidates. Obama supports this, does Clinton?

Marc in DeKalb, IL   March 12th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Including the farcical FL/MI election results (with Obama off the ballot and improper procedures in both states) would be critically damaging to the Democrats both NOW and significantly more in the future (goodbye primary rules, since two states would've proved that the rules don't matter) …

Should the "seating of the delegates" be planned to occur, it should be done so only through a revote due to the lack of Obama on the Michigan ballot and the absolute lack of campaigning in Florida (I'll just pretend that there was no faux campaigning, since I don't have sufficient evidence of it).

… and unfortunately for Hillary, she would lose Michigan (and she would lose it hard), though Florida would likely carry just as hard (larger elderly population, high latino concentration)… so the result?

Negligible. It'd be 20 million dollars less for the DNC to fight against McCain with… it'd be another trauma for the party to deal with… it'd be another weapon for to be used in a campaign against the Democratic nominee.

… but… if there was a plan to seat the illegal delegates of FL/MI … that's the best you can hope for. Seating them as is, with the skewed results in Michigan due to Obama being off the ballot, and the results in Florida… would be far worse and wouldn't actually accomplish what both candidates claim to want… that the voters' voices be heard.

Obama seems to prefer to remain quiet.
Clinton seems to prefer that the voices only be heard if they are calling her name (that is… even though the elections were unfair, she wants the results included "as is" because the illegal result favors her)

V. Sheldon   March 12th, 2008 11:32 am ET

HRC cares nothing for the Democratic Party- simply for her own self glorification. She will do anything for it. If she is the Democratic nominee i will not vote in this election- for the first time since i was able to vote in 1976.

James   March 12th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Chris, newsflash HILLARY LOST THE NOMINATION PROCESS. Even it these votes are counted as is (which is an absurd stance), she can't win.

Michael, Cleveland   March 12th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Ronald Martin whom I respect put a very stupid opinion post today: FL, MI, you had you chance. Democrats goal is to win in November. If FL and MI are not seated on the convention, Dems can say good buy to these plans and just go home without choosing a nominee who will loose anyway. It's that simple. Party rules are not the Constitution or law, they are what they are: rules to help streamline the process of selecting a nominee. Well, as we can see, these rules are imcoherent, complicated, stupid and hurting the party - so they need to be changed. FL and MI needs to be seated on the convention, no matter what rulees says. Let's be practical. Obama won't allow allocation based on january elecetions and Clinton will block caucuses or splitting 50/50. So the revote has to be done, one way or another. And then logistic starts to play. Nobody says that mail-in primary is the best oprion in FL (it won't work in MI since they don't have party registration, but MI primaries would be cheaper), it's just the only option left under the circumstances. And, Howard Dean needs to be removed as the person whose stubborness put us into this situation: it was his job to defuse it months ago.

writer28   March 12th, 2008 11:32 am ET

I live in Michigan and voted in the primary in January. I voted 'uncommitted' and crazy as it may seem, I feel my vote counted. If I hadn't felt that way in January, I wouldn't have voted. I don't feel disenfranchised and would, frankly, like the candidates (especially Sen. Clinton) to stop speaking FOR me.

This superdelegate thing has become drama for the sake of drama and I'm tired of it. This whole thing is easy to solve: The states that have already voted–the superdelegates should get behind Sen. Obama, because he's the front-runner and everyone knows that Sen. Clinton can't catch up delegate-wise. The states that haven't voted, the superdelegates should wait for the votes to be counted. Chances are Sen. Obama will win the majority of the six states–plus Guam and PR. Then the superdelegates of those states should get behind Sen. Obama. It's clear to me that they hesitate because they don't want to back Sen. Obama and now they're stuck and don't know what to do. As people have said if the superdelegates don't vote for the front-runner, there will be millions of voters who will be ignored.

As for the Florida and Michigan delegates, I don't feel that the delegates should be given to either candidate because they agreed not to be on the ballot. Only Sen. Obama did the right thing and kept his word to keep his name off the ballot. If everyone insists on doing this vote over, however, they could just split the delegates 50/50 and be done with it. No voting, no financial hit to Florida or Michigan.

Let's get this over with. It's obvious that Sen. Clinton won't quit. If the superdelegates backed Sen. Obama, she'd have no choice but to back out.

Paul   March 12th, 2008 11:32 am ET

I would say I don't have any respect left for her, yet she somehow manages to get me to respect her less. And I used to think she would make a good president.

Amy   March 12th, 2008 11:32 am ET

This Floridian and many of my friends will vote for Obama. We did not vote before because we were told it wouldn't count. Give us a redo, Obama supporters didn't waste their time voting because we knew the rules. He will get support here!!!

George, Dallas, Texas   March 12th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Democrats can either have President Obama or President McCain. If they want a Democratic President, they should support Obama and go to the polls to vote for him in droves in the remaining contests. If they don’t do so, Hilary Clinton will divide the party and McCain will win in the general election. Ask Sen. Nelson and other Clinton surrogates if they want Democratic President Obama or Republican President McCain. Senator Nelson is working feverishly to deliver Florida to Hilary Clinton as Jeff Bush delivered to his brother in 2000. Please tell Sen. Nelson that this is a new day. God will not allow them to steal this nomination from Sen. Obama. In OBAMA we TRUST! If they want quick, equitable and fair resolution for this mess, SPLIT the delegates equally among Obama and Clinton.

Howard   March 12th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Do the math folks. The only way Clinton can win the lion's share of delegates than Obama from Michigan and Florida, is to win by a margin of 75-25. There is no way he loses by a margin like that; even if white males, and older whites do not like him. This is just an attempt to try and close the gap on the popular vote. That is the only way Clinton can appeal to the undecided delegates at the convention in August.

TJ WILLIAMS, Los Angeles, CA   March 12th, 2008 11:31 am ET

This woman has the nerve of a blind gunfighter. She must be out of her g**dam mind if she thinks she can get away with cheating…again!
Rules are rules. if she's so concerned about disenfranchising voters why isn't she calling for a ful re-vote??? So many people did not go out and vote because they were told it didn't count. She really couldn't care less about "voter's rights". She cares about Hillary winning…period. If Howard Dean seats the Florida & Michigan delegates …as is…expect a huge lawsuit. I personally think they should have to sit this out …and maybe in four years they can have their primary first. Begin revolving the states. But fot THIS election they broke the rules and they must deal with the consequences. If they have a full re-vote and the Hillary Monster wins…so be it!
But is she steals this nomination…I promise you she'll NEVER see the Whitehouse because the Black vote will completely disappear.

Barack Obama for President!
Integrity, Intelligence, Honesty…yeah, I can vote for that!

Michael   March 12th, 2008 11:31 am ET

I live in a state that is at the tail end of this whole process. It stinks that my voice can't be heard until the end, but I am stuck with it. The fact that FL and MI leaders chose to violate the rules that had been established (whether you agree with them or not) needs to have some consequence otherwise the process of picking leaders to run for president is completely undermined. I am against a revote on principle. A revote does not punish the states for violating the rules, it actually rewards them and puts them back in driver's seat to unduly influence the process. I think the Republicans came up with a better solution when they punished FL and MI by only allowing half the delegates to be counted. If the Democrats followed a similar procedure then FL and MI would have some representation, but there would also be some punishment for breaking rules. Under a 50% scenario, FL would have 105 delegates and MI 78.

voiceless   March 12th, 2008 11:31 am ET

I do not see the problem with letting Michigan and Florida re-vote.
They should have been allowed to vote in the first place.

While some states technically vote twice your worried if two states should even get a voice?!

We are tired of other states telling us who we are going to vote for. We wanted change! the truth is nobody cares that michigan has the highest foreclosure rate, that our economy is the worse in the nation.

The nation talks about the recession well we have been in it for a while and nobody cared..Now you are all apart of it too.

Welcome aboard! All of these candidates are so far removed from real life that this may be the first time in my life that I will not vote!

All of them will say what they need too, will play whatever card they need too .

I think we should all ask our current president & senators and reps to just turn the united states over to the highest bidder….

Do I hear 2bits?

Dan-Michigan   March 12th, 2008 11:31 am ET

I am a Michigan voter. I voted uncommitted, yet I do not feel disenfranchised. Hillary is presupposing that I am disenfranchised, which is simply misleading. I and a lot of other Michigan voters, with whom I have spoken, think that this bias is another Clinton tactic that is not going to make her look well in the end. I would rather watch to see how the DNC adapts to this new and potentially recurring problem that they have on their hands.

Lilia, from PA   March 12th, 2008 11:31 am ET

There you go again Hillary with your double standard.

I DIDN'T VOTE FOR THE WAR BUT I WAS AUTHORIZING THE USE OF FORCE?????

Ah!! Ah!!! and people say she is smart? Is it smart or is it Dumb???
Hillary supporters, please help!!!

I VOTED TO PENALIZE THE STATES THAT MOVE THEIR PRIMARY'S DATE, BUT I WANT THEIR VOTE TO BE COUNTED ????
Ah!!Umh!!!

So what is a penalty??? Only HILLARY'S dictionary can explain this!!

Smart or dumb or double standard. You Decide!!!

Darryl, TX4OBAMA   March 12th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Did Hillary know that she actually lost in Texas, Obama went away more delegates. the last time I counted the one with the most delegates is the winner. The illegals that she had to case the vote in the south did not come back to cacus for her they did understand english.

I hope no one takes this as being racist I am just stating the important of Mexican to learn English.

Hillary Clinton is very divisive and smart don't count her out. Bill Clinton is buying his time the sexual affairs still shadows in her mind.

Florida and Michigan will surprise Hillary she really don't want to redue Michigan because Obama is leading in the polls there.

As for Florida Hillary will take it 53 to 46.5 majority now say they will support Obama.

Sean   March 12th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Pat M: If your argument is that Hillary made her choice and should live with it, and Obama made his choice and should live with it, then let's extend that. Florida made it's choice and should live with it. Michigan made it's choice and should live with it! You can't have it both ways.

Mad in Texas   March 12th, 2008 11:30 am ET

You are right Hillary, win, lose or draw the Florida and Michigan delegates need to be seated. The DNC need to change their rules bad. NO MORE CACUSES. The Cacuses only benefit a few that can push you out of the way to get in line. Like they do at football games then they stand around underneath the stands so you can't get to the concession stand or bathrooms. Because they have no sense of courtest or morals. I am personally tired of their four letter undoubtedly the height of their language. You know who I'm talking about. If this offends you well you are who I'm talking about. All people need to vote and have their votes counted. All state's delegates need to go to one candidate. That is why electorial votes count first in the Main National Presenditial Election. These votes go for that State's choice for President. GET REAL PEOPLE OBAMA WOULD HAVE ALREADY CONCEDED if this race had been run on a fair and impartial election. DNC needs to rid itself of the KENNEDYS, DEAN, and PELUSI. These people are idiots. OBAMA needs to get ready for his downward fall. He has won his last state. HILLARY 08

NIC   March 12th, 2008 11:30 am ET

And stop saying that the DNC had rules that cant be amended, Howard Dean right now said that he will send it back to MI and FL to figure out and come back to him with fair compliance results. Thats where we stand on this. But the Demcratic Officials in FL have some how become less democratic. You people are ridiculious on how you interpret and precieve this dilemma. Count the votes or have a revote. As long as it compliance to the DNC, they will take it. It's not a black or white, all or nothing approach. That's a Republican approach, NOT a Democratic approach.
We want plain and simple Democratic ideology. Punish the state and local officials that approved the move up date. And let the voters speak and be heard, count their votes, whether it's a revote or the exsisting one. Be done with this already, its not hard to do, the longer this goes on, the worse it will get. Shame on the FL state and local Democrats and Republican Officials for not trying to find a solution to a problem they created, NOT THE VOTERS.

ClintonSTRONG!!   March 12th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Obama is SCARED!!

He knows Michigan and Florida (Latinos) won't vote for him..

This should put us right back in the race with Penn coming our way also…
Obama will lose the general election!

Latinos will not vote for him!!

Kim   March 12th, 2008 11:30 am ET

VOTERS of MICHIGAN did not make or break these rules, and everyone who is pulling this "that was the rules" crap is either an idiot, or a Republican.

Democracy   March 12th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Where did Obama supporters have left their brain!!! Its not the fault of People of FL and MI that the primary was moved up. Obama supporters are afraid of re-vote because they know for sure that Hilary will be nominee if the voices of FL and MI are heard. Obama supporters are selfish and they are thinking about themselves and Obama being the nominee. They are not putting themselves in their shoe. They are selfish and they don't care in anyway about the people of FL and MI. Now I have a doubt whether the Obama supporters are really democartic?? If they are then they have to care about the people of FL and MI forget about the party leaders as what they did. We are in a democratic country. voices of FL and MI should be heard. There should be a do-over atleast in MI and FL should go to Hilary

sam   March 12th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Reading some of the comments that have been written about Florida and Michigan, I cannot understand the Americans, who so proudly believe in DEMOCRACY, and propagate its virtues all over the world, sometimes with the loss of their own lives, deny their fellow citizens, the right to make their choice, in such an important issue.

Michael   March 12th, 2008 11:29 am ET

If hillary quits the party so will I! It seems like this may be the best idea yet, have us create a new party thre neo-Democrats, which is basically mad eup of all the orginal Democrats, and run as such in the General election and win versus McCain and Obama. Don't forget this is also a possiblity even if she loses the Democrat nomination.

Michael, Cleveland   March 12th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Ronald Martin whom I respect put a very stupid opinion post today: FL, MI, you had you chance. Democrats goal is to win in November. If FL and MI are not seated on the convention, Dems can say good buy to these plans and just go home without choosing a nominee who will loos anyway. It's that simple. Party rules are not the Cosntitution or law, they are what they are: rules to help streamline the process of selecting nominee. Well we can see, that these rules are imcoherent, complicated, stupid and hurting the party - so they need to be changed. FL and MI needs to be seated on the convention, it's that simple. Obama won't allow allocation based on january elecetions and Clinton will block caucuses or splitting 50/50. So the revote has to be done, one way or another. And then logistic starts to play. Nobody says that mail-in primary is the best oprion in FL (it won't work in MI since they don't have party registration, but MI primaries would be cheaper), it's just the only option left under the circumstances. And, Howard Dean needs to be removed as the person whose stubborness put us into this situation: it was his job to ddefue it months ago.

WhiteKraut   March 12th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Hillary would do anything to get a vote. The difference between Obama and Hillary is that he campaigns in every state. Not like this arrogant HRC who believes that only the big states count. Do you honestly believe that HRC would care about Florida and Michigan if she would be the front runner? I would be really upset if I would be a resident of either state and know that my vote doesn’t count. But I would not make it an agenda between the candidates; who was responsible for that mess? Start by your local government and then I would vent my anger at the DNC. Where was the outrage when it was first announced? That’s one reason why our society is where it is today. Everybody makes rules, just to break them and nobody is being held responsible for their actions. Rules and laws only work if you enforce them, Parenting 101. But let’s break some rules and throw them some candy to make for it. Wow what a concept.

minority   March 12th, 2008 11:28 am ET

Hillary mentioned her wish that votes of Florida and Michigan will count even at that time she was ahead of the race. Some crooked minds were thinking she wants it to happen only because she is now behind in delegates. Those people are the negatives, those people are the one divisive and I bet they favor the candidate who give them speeches of what they want to hear and then they jump for joy and chant yes we can, yes we can and you could, yes make this country so poor you need a mark on your forehead to get basic necessities. We need prayers for America right now, only prayers can change the path america is taking right now, from the war to the leading candidate.. prayers can change the course and bring us back to God-fearing, prosperous America. If only supporters of HIllary will include prayers as their support.. she will be the next president of the United States. We acknowledge the separation of Religion and Government so Hillary will do the campaigning, we supporters will do the praying.

Sue, NY   March 12th, 2008 11:27 am ET

It is laughable as to how much you seem to care about Fla. and Mich now instead of standing up for them at the time that the rule was being made. Everyone is outraged now…where were you last year when this rule was "decided". If Hillary Clinton wasn't behind you would not be hearing from her. This campaign is becoming tremendously damaging. We have 3 candidates….and we have 3 things to take into consideration when voting …1) qualification…all are qualified…2nd) ideology…2 liberal democrats, 1 moderate republican,…and 3) integrity….in my opinion intregrity trumps ideology when there is a moderate republican vs. conservative republican. Therefore, if Hillary Clinton by rare chance is the nominee I will vote intregrity and vote Mc.Cain. When this race began I truly believed I could vote for which ever democrat won the nomination. The way she has run her campaign, I no longer can. She has shown that she will do anything to get to be president and anyone in her way had better watch out. This is very unfortunate, for women but more importantly for the country because a president has to have intregrity and represent the whole country…she is no longer doing this.
I hope the super delagates step in now before it's too late.

Glenda Giles   March 12th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Ms. Ferraro is absolutely right and I commend her for speaking out! She's right; if a black person spoke out against Hillary (and has by-the way), they are given all of the media attention and applauded for their remarks. She's also right when she says if you say anything against Obama, that person is called a racist. It's not only Obama; if anything negative is said about a black, that person's a racist..how absurd! It's about time the white person speaks their mind and doesn't back down from it. The white's that are voting for Obama is caught up in the fantasy and hoopla. Heaven help us if he's the elected candidate.
I will vote Republican for the first time in my life!

Rebecca   March 12th, 2008 11:27 am ET

I'm for a redo here in Michigan because Obama will do very well here. Wait until the polls come out. Clinton will start backing away, just wait and see. She doesn't care about the people of Michigan and Florida, she only cares about the current polls showing she has an advantage. If these polls chan