March 12, 2008
Posted: 12:54 PM ET
Barack Obama's campaign said Wednesday it has reservations with a mail-in revote.
Barack Obama's campaign said Wednesday it has reservations with a mail-in revote.

(CNN)Obama campaign manager David Plouffe expressed strong reservations on Wednesday to the prospect of a mail-in revote in either Florida or Michigan.

"I do think there's real questions about the mail-in option here," Plouffe said on a conference call with reporters. "These are very complicated elections to put on. In the state of Oregon which is kind of the standard for this, it took well over 10 years to get comfortable doing this statewide, to have signature verification in place, lots of alternatives for people to vote in person, there's questions around the list, both of these states have justice department review, that would need to take place, so there's a lot of questions."

The mail-in proposal is being strongly advocated by some leading Democrats including Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, who has said that it is the only reasonable and affordable option available to the state. Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean has also expressed support for a mail-in vote as one way to allow the state’s delegation to be seated at the party’s national convention this summer.

"Every voter gets a ballot in the mail. It's comprehensive. You get to vote if you're in Iraq or in a nursing home," he said on CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday.

But a majority of the Florida’s Democratic delegation said in a statement Tuesday night they oppose both a primary re-vote and vote-by-mail.

"We are committed to working with the DNC, the Florida State Democratic party, our Democratic leaders in Florida, and our two candidates to reach an expedited solution that ensures our 210 delegates are seated," the delegation's statement read. "Our House delegation is opposed to a mail-in campaign or any redo of any kind."

Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Plouffe said the campaign will ultimately follow the DNC's resolution with regards to seating the delegates. But he sharply criticized the Clinton campaign for "trying to change the rules."

"Senator Clinton said she was playing by the rules through the early sates, we played by the rules," he said. "Now when they believe it serves their political interests, they're trying to change the rules and say these elections should count for something. We think that's the kind of political maneuvering and calculation that voters are tired of."

Responding to Plouffe's comments, the Clinton campaign noted that the Illinois senator co-sponsored a bill last June that "would establish a vote by mail grant program."

Full story 

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama


Linda   March 12th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Shame on you, Hillary.

If you really care about the families that are having a hard time financially, then use the money that would be spent on a silly ego election for you (you knew the rules and agreed to them) for people who really need it. These are people whose entire day is spent trying to just make it through with something to eat and a roof over ther heads.

And you want to squander all that money for yourself.

Debra   March 12th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

It seems like there is room for a lot of problems with a mail-in vote. The DNC needs to stop being cheap and fund a full re-do for the sake of fairness to both sides, effieciency, and expediency.

Gary Mitchell - Vancouver WA   March 12th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

I think your headline is a complete misrepresentation. Senator Obama just wants to make certain that the vote if there is one is fairly executed and secure from fraud. It is the hope of every Obama supporter I talk to that Florida and Michigan voters be allowed to voice their choice for this primary and let the chips fall where they may.

"Keeping it real"   March 12th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Clinton and her campaign are crazy as hell!

changing times   March 12th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Obama has never said he doesn't want FL & MI to count. He simply says he will play by whatever fair rules the DNC sets. What's wrong with that?

You can't just throw vote by mail together at the last minute without some stringent guidelines and security checkpoints to ensure the process is fair and equitable.

MY God what is happening to this party. Are we really going to let it be destroyed like this. Why can't we all just respect each other in spite of our differences?! White America doesn't understand Black American and Black America doesn't understand White America. But we now have an opportunity to put all the hatred behind us and do something postive and magnificent together to heal this country.

The Republicans are having a field day with us. Let's prove them wrong and get our act together and win this election!

Paul Naranjo   March 12th, 2008 2:55 pm 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.

Fernandez   March 12th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Here is the divider again. Obama will not agree to the mail in vote, because he is sure to lose in a landslide in both Florida and Michigan and In April he will also lose PA. Obama should be blaming the DNC not Hillary. His lead will disappear after these elections.

In addition he would not want to give up his campaign contributions to support a re-do, if he loses. Obama has raised funds in Florida. I think the press should pay for the re-do

A-Man   March 12th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Can some one tell me why the Democratic party pays for the state election if they change their date? If it is not going to count why pay for it, would that not put an end to such things? As a Canadian observing the election I cannot understand wht is to like about Hillary? I do not know Obama but at least he is a chance for something better. Hillary is the one that is only a senator and in this race simply because she is Bill's wife. Also why have they involved their daughter in this process. Yes she loves her mom and obviously wants her to win and do anything, but if they care more for her then themselves and winning, any decent parent would keep their child out of this whole mess, not have her all over speaking to strangers at her age.

Kay   March 12th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

How can Obama claim to be a uniter if his campaign is pushing to disenfranchise 1.7 million voters here in Florida ?
They don't want to seat the delegates as-is and mail-in vote unacceptable to them. It clearly means that they don't care about Florida voters. Seriously, how can Obama win the General Elections without carrying Florida or Ohio ?

Hillary 08 Ohio   March 12th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Let MI & FL VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE AMERICA, FLORIDA   March 12th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I am a floridian but I am also against the vote by mail. I woul like to see a primary where the candidates could first come in and campaign on the terrain then people could head to the polls and pick their nominee.

precious   March 12th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I believe that all the candidates played by the rules - no campaigning, but the candidates names were on the ballot, which gave the people of Florida a "choice". The "choice" was that everyone could "vote", but their votes will not be "counted". But the "reality" is that, thousands, if not millions of people, decided on that "special" day to let his/her voice be heard, for the candidate that he/she supports. Isn't that the democratic way? Whose voices are the strongest/loudest? the candidate(s) or the "voter(s)"? What is an amendment? Can we "amend" the rules? In all fairness, give each candidate his/her share of delegates based on the voices of the voters in Florida.

As for Michigan, only one candidate name appeared on the Ballot, and the reality is that the voters' "choice" in Michigan can be considered as "limited" based on this fact. So, in all fairness, a resolution would be to "split" or "divide", since this is where we are at now in this "democratic" race.

franklahai   March 12th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

thought the road to the White House was through OHIO (and TX as the firewall), what happened here? Just a foolish thought. I guess the OHIO people are now irrelevant!! By June, the PA people will equally be irrelevant; it would be FL or MI. Aren't we tired of using and abusing people for political gains in this nation?

For Catholics, I urge you not only to contribute money, but to say a decade of the Rosary for the anointment of a decent and God-fearing man, such as Obama, to regain the White House. We are a nation of rules and laws, including our basic moral virtues.

Donna   March 12th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Has anyone stopped, and taken a good look at this big political sewer were all swimming around in, it's all a big mess, and if anyone is wandering why, it's all because of this so called great woman who has all this experience and has no clue that she is completely out of order. First of all we have all lost site of what this country really stands for, we say on our US currency IN GOD WE TRUST, if this were really true than we would not be entertaining Hillary Clinton with this great idea of being President, in (1 Timothy Chapter 2) God's words states that he does not permit a woman to have authority over a man, but to be in silence, For Adam was formed first, then Eve, Adam was not deceived but the woman was deceived. I strongly believe that if this country continue to proceed with this idea of Hillary Clinton for President than we are putting our Country at a great risk for for a fall or the (Warth of God).

Craig   March 12th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Words not actions again, Obama did want legislation to establish a vote by mail program but now he does not want these two states to vote by mail.

Will it never end with Obama. Always on the record saying one thing and then doing another.

In Ohio, it was denials about NAFTA and his campaign meeting with Canada and describing his talk as "just rhetoric". He denied it on several Cleveland TV stations and then the facts come out they did meet.

In Nevada, it was denials about playing the race card and then Tim Russert pulls out a four-page talking point memo the Obama campaign was using to press the issue.

In Texas, it was Obama was ready to be President and then his own campaign adviser says he is "not ready".

Throughout the campaign, Obama has chastised Hillary for not having a firm withdrawal date for Iraq then another foreign policy adviser to Obama cannot be held to what he is saying in his campaign because it was not valid.

When he talks about those who will do anything and say anything to win an election it is directly applying to him and his campaign.

ANTI CLINTONS   March 12th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Of course the Clintons are trying to change the rules to benefit her. This slob of a candidate just can't get it right at all!
Prove that Obama co-sponsored a bill last June that would establish a vote by mail program, it would be when the two states of FL and MI would "still" play by the rules set for by the DNC! not get around it like she thinks us, the voters are so stupid, she wants to slice it , dice it and gewt there way no mater what!

The whole reason that this problem with these two states belongs to the state government of the two states and becasue of Howard Dean, he made the rules, now he is going to be brought to his standards now that he had "better" stick to "rules and regulations" of the DNC that will show the worls what a gutless lying jerks the libs are and they don't think that people see this. If it goes to court, then we are going to see for the third election in the row for the presidency that there will be more questions. Has this country learned yet form the past mistake…NO it hasn't if the lib liar Clintons are the mail in vote and have the idiot Howard Dean change the rules because the Clintons will pressure him to do it so help me, mark my words that is what will happen. Bur obama will over come and beat her fat butt still.

Dean will probably cave in under pressure to try to apease Clinton, what a coward he is.

MelanieL   March 12th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

This is really dangerous territory for us Democrats and says a lot about Barack Obama that in order to grasp the nomination, he is prepared to trample on the voting rights of nearly 2 million voters in Florida and Michigan.

It seems to be a trend, play dirty (airing hundreds of tv ads that showed in Florida), and cry 'foul' if you don't get the result you like. I think it's time that all the Dems who turned out in droves to vote in those two disenfranchised states got very vocal. Demand that their votes are counted, or that there is a mail vote.

Voters in Florida and Michigan are being disenfranchised - they must demand to have their voting rights upheld and the delegates must be seated at conference according to their vote. We, the electorate, should settle for nothing less than equality for all voters.

The agent for 'hope' and 'change' is sending a loud message to millions of voters by his unwillingness to listen to the will of the people because he doesn't like the message. Seems like politics as usual from Sen Obama after all.

Frank   March 12th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

What is new? Hillary wants to "win at all costs" to realize her self-fulfilling prophecy. She is scary. If she is the nominee, like many others, I will not vote in the general election.

Richard   March 12th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Cry Baby Obama, you are like a spoied child. It has to be your way.
CNN is Anti Clinton and for Obama. So I doubt they will post this.

Go Hillary 2008!

Cathy   March 12th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Obama always preaches - let the people decide - ok that is what they are trying to do…If he won those states he would be for it, so why is he acting like Clinton is the only person wanting these two states to vote.

Sean McM   March 12th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

He counts on social pressure of caucuses………….we should NEVER again have anything but secret ballot in America!

NEVEROBAMA   March 12th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

As long as these votes are counted it does not have to be mail in ballot. THEY NEED TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET THESE 2 STATES HEARD!!!

I HOPE THEY SEE PAST OBAMA REHTORIC - PLEASE, PLEASE
VOTE HILLARY!!

VOTE HILLARY!!!
VOTE HILLARY!!!
VOTE HILLARY!!!

james martin california   March 12th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

mail in vote is the most absurd process one can think of in the state of Florida. Do the democrats really want to allow Florida to control their chances again. Florida is a republican state period. In the general election they have no chance of carrying the state. If their candidate was to receive a majority of the votes the election folk in Florida would make sure the votes would not be counted. Can't you imagine hanky panky followed by democrats going to court to resolve the problem. I mean it would be heaven for the republicans. Don't you think the governor of Florida is salavating just thinking about it. Divide the delegates 50 50 and move on.

D in MA   March 12th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

the rules say that FL and MG don't need to redo the elections. They need only appeal to the DNC before the convention…If Obama wants to stand in the way of voting rights, for "the Rules"…He should at least learn them first. Candidates were not required to remove their names from the MG ballot, but Obama and Edwards did so anyway… Why? What political purpose did that serve? Hillary didn't break the rules by keeping her name on there. Hillary wants to follow the rules in resolving this election controversy….Besides, in American history, how many voters have been disenfranchised by "the rules?" How can he claim to be able to win in Florida, when he's fighting to keep their votes from counting!! That's some serious audacity! We need real unity. We should never have done this to two important states. Its up to both campaigns to ensure a speedy resolution.

carrie   March 12th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

no chance to rig for the clintons.
yeah
obama 08

Pon Mao   March 12th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Mail-in-vote is very prone to fraud. Just imaging how long it will take to verify the mail-in ballot in FL, knowing this state has a history in miss-counting "Chad", the result may not be available until 2010!

clarity   March 12th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Obama is not supporting the vote of Florida and Michigan, because if they are out, it benefits him!

OBAMA IS NOT LOOKING OUT FOR THE PEOPLE!
OBAMA IS LOOKING OUT OR HIMSELF!

The thing is that even though rules are rules, some rules are bad rules, and these ones fit that description.

Presumably folks are aware of the bad rules of the past that have done a lot to damage the human rights of minorities, including the African-American community. Then people should also be able to recognize when rules of today don't serve the interest of the whole population.

Granted, in their frustration at an unfair and outdated primary system, a couple of elected officials made hasty decisions. That does not mean that millions of their electorate should be disenfranchised. And that is EXACTLY what will happen if the votes in Florida and Michigan are NOT either counted or re-done!

Shame on Obama!
It seems to be very clear that Obama isn't in this for the people, but only for himself. Otherwise he would activley throw all his support behind the effort to ensure that the votes of the electorate in Florida and Michigan counted, one way or another.

SHAME ON OBAMA!

doc   March 12th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Roland S. Martin says Florida and Michigan blew their shot in the delegate process by moving up their primaries

. Is Roland S. Martin saying we should not count over a million votes just so we can elect a black man? Does Sen. Obama feel the same way?

John   March 12th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Sen Obama wants all the super delates to go him (being that he is ahead). Doesn't want to count Fla and Mich (because he lost and will must likely lose again) . . . that sounds very reasonable. About as reasonable as George Bush!!!!

Matt   March 12th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

The Obama camp wants to suppress the vote in Florida, plain and simple. They know they will lose and they are denying the voice of Floridians in the process. It's disgusting coming from the candidate of "hope" and "change." I guess by "change" Obama means "shortchanging" voters who don't agree with him.

Disenfanchised ,FL   March 12th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

I live in florida and I knew our votes would not count LAST YEAR! I would like to know why the people in Florida and Michigan don't place the blame solely where it belongs, with the Republican governors and legislators in these two states. If you no longer want to be DISENFANCHISED VOTE THOSE PEOPLE OUT. THey are the reason you are being DISENFRANCHISED. THEY chose to DISQUALIFY YOUR VOTE.

Monte Brown   March 12th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

I don't know why the Obama camp is trying to disenfranchise voters just to win the nomination. That is a shame.

Theresa   March 12th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Of course he is opposed…he was on the ballot in Florida same as Clinton…neither campaigned…yet I believe an ad of Obama did air in error….AND he lost big…no wonder he doesn't want a re vote…He CANNOT win a big state. Clinton 08

Bernadette Williams   March 12th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

First of all didn't they know about this a year and a half ago, all had known. Some called and was told that it wouldn't count. They wasn't concern then….Now that hillary's, trying to use the unfair game just to get her way. I think those very people thats trying so hard to count them now, are the very people thats hillary's supports. It happen once before to florida, some foul play of some sort. I WOULD LET THEM CHANGE THE RULES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME!!!!!!!!!! tHEY MISSED THEIR CHANCE.

autumn alston   March 12th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Interesting that Obama's camp seems quite against this idea; seeing as how he co-sponsored legislation about mail-in voting being a good way of voting.

CNN never posts my posts   March 12th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

B.H. Obama is against any kind of re-vote in Florida because he knows he will lose!

Jonathan   March 12th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

The Obama campaign has just made a major error: Obama co-sponsored a bill supporting mail-in ballots. Coming out against them now would be flip-flopping, and show that he either didn't make that vote on principle, or that he's now changing his position in the name of political convenience.

Marc   March 12th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Of course Obama's camp is against a mail-in. Much tougher to strong arm people into voting for Barack like is being done in the caucuses.

ct   March 12th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

they want only what is suitable for them. But when they do something else - like in Nevada, then it is OK.
Elections are such a nasty process…………

sherry   March 12th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

The Obama camp is very smart to not go for the mail-in vote. Who knows how accurate it would be? Especially in Florida. What! Honesty, forget it! Controversy, you bet!

Shane   March 12th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

I don't get this… Since so many rules have been broken just break more rules in a fair way to solve this mess. So I have a solution…simple really and of course fair. Firstly, forget the 2025 needed to win. That was under the basis that all delegates are counted. Since they are not, I don't know why everyone seem to be held to this number. So whoever wins the delegate count wins regardless if 2025 delegates has not been met. As for the voters of Michigan and Florida? Split the delegates evenly if they want to be seated at the convention. One can argue that this may not represent the voters, but these same voters voted for their Florida and Michigan officials who broke the rules. So blame them idiots for messing this all up by trying to get into the limelight by moving their primaries earlier.
Of course the Clinton Camp. will not approve of this, but in reality it is as fair as it can get because the winner will be nominated by states who obeyed the rules under fair practice.

Helen   March 12th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

See, Obama is going negative. Why did he blame Clinton for changing the rules? The re-vote was proposed by the people in Florida and DNC agreed on it. Obama wants to stick to the rules that are against people' will.

Alice Rea   March 12th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Obama was on the ticket. What's the problem. Let the votes stand as they are.
Michigan is different. Let them revote in Michigan because Obama wan't on the ticket..

moderate dem   March 12th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

what was wrong with my first submission?

spyturtle   March 12th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Hillary already declared herself a winner in both Michigan and Florida. Does this double talk maneuvering reflect what she will be like negotiating with other countries? Is this her experience at work? Politician yes, ethical no. Play by the rules and don't change them in the middle of the game when your losing. by the way, where are the Clinton's tax returns?

Sophia   March 12th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

This show you that Obama don't care Floridans.

Jim Shimmer   March 12th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Clinton is the biggest loser in the world. She will do anything, simply anything to win. So sooo sad.

How can we have such a pathetic person be president of our honorable country??????????????

She will stoop to any low, absolutely any low to win. So sad.

nate   March 12th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

So if two teams split their games during the season, should we go back and count the exhibition/preseason games?

Rush Limbaugh   March 12th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

David Plouffe needs to quit whining, and swallow his spit like a man.

Once again   March 12th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

My comment is gone. The truth hurts I guess. When this is all over I am going to change my status from a democrat to an Independent. I can see now why Lieberman changed over. I cannot even get CNN to keep my comments in. I am commited to Hillary, but if she does not get to be the nominee - all bets are off.

Ed from PA   March 12th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

"Senator Clinton said she was playing by the rules through the early sates, we played by the rules," he said. "Now when they believe it serves their political interests, they're trying to change the rules and say these elections should count for something. We think that's the kind of political maneuvering and calculation that voters are tired of."

Exactly!

Grif   March 12th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

One thing for Obama, you will never get the chance.

To steal anymore Caucuses. And Primary's you can't win again….

Karen, NYC   March 12th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

It seems the Clintons believe rules are supposed to be bent for their special interest. The DNC should just say no! Crafting a competition to fit the Clinton's campaign is wrong!

DNC, just say NO!

Carrie Pa   March 12th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

The mail-in vote sounds easy. But, in Florida, they don't have a great track record for elections. I wouldn't trust the results.

JKC   March 12th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Anyone who thinks that the Jan. results should count is being incredibly unfair and short-sighted. There was no campaigning and Clinton won on name recognition because she has been a national figure for many years. Even a child can see that. If Clinton can only win by stealing the election, it will tear the party apart and doom us all in November. Her and her supporters need to grow up and play fair.

LeAnn   March 12th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

This is crazy! Rules are rules! That's it!! If you break them now on the count that one candidate is whining about it then what does that say about the DNC??

Why is it that Florida just can't seem to get it right??!! No one told them to move the primary date!! And they KNEW the consequences if they did!! How is it that 30 states got it right, but MI and FL didn't?? I feel sorry for the voters of FL and MI but you have your ELECTED OFFICIALS to thank!

And for all you Hilary supporters, if Barack was in Hilary's position being behind in the pledged delegates, behind in the popular vote, and behind in the amount of states won, you all know that the DNC wouldn't even entertain the thought of a re-do for him! FAIR IS FAIR!!

Anthony   March 12th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Florida and Michigan should get new leadership. Both states broke the rules. With that being said, it is important for those states to be seated, so the only answer is to split the delegates down the middle. Call it a draw.

That still leaves Obama with more delegates.

kerri   March 12th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Baracks campaign depends on states that the democrats have no way of winning in the general election. When is this young man going to realize that he is not going to get the kind of treatment from McCain that the press and googly eyed Americans have given him since he had the audacity to hope he could lead the free world. Like her ot hate her, Hillary knows how to win, and for the sake of the Dem party, I hope she does.

Jacqueline Samms   March 12th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

I agree. Michigan and Florida need to take this up with the officals they elected to represent them. If I lived in either state, I would hold these decision makers accountable and vote them out as soon as I could. The reules are the rules and should not be broken. They had ample time to protest. I find it suspect that they are doing it at this stage of the election. Smells fishy to me.

E Lawrence   March 12th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Why don't we hear about Hillery's tax returns? Why is she able she able to hide them?

Rick in Boynton Beach   March 12th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Im a FL voter and I agree, you just can't have a redo. Even if we revote the delegates must at least be cut in half as a punishment. If we revote now it will actually be rewarding us for breaking the rules because it will matter even more now. Any solultion must at the minimum reduce the delegates. I think the 50-50 split and a reduced count is appropriate.

Texas4Obama   March 12th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Rules are rules.
Clinton should have took her name off of the Michigan ballot like Senator Obama and Senator Edwards did when they all agreed that they would not run in Michigan and that Michigan would not count. You can't go and change the rules just because you are losing. It's time for Hillary to bow out gracefully and go back to New York.

Saska   March 12th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

After reading the content of the article, I find the headline inaccurate. I doubt this comment will be posted, but I can hold out hope.

Plouffe's statements have to do with the difficulty of successfully running a mail-in revote in Florida. The strongest rejection of the idea comes not from Obama's campaign, but from the Florida Democratic delegation.

More accurately, the campaign is not "resistant" to the idea, they're "reserved" about the feasability of it.

Further, Plouffe specifically states that the Obama campaign will support whatever the DNC decides, leaving it to the party as it should be — as opposed to the way Clinton is handling it now that the states of Florida and Michigan suddenly "matter" again, pushing actively for resolution and complaining about the possibility of a caucus in Michigan. Why aren't there headlines about Clinton rejecting the caucus, when she clearly and unequivocally did so?

Linda, Boulder, CO   March 12th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

A caucus wouldn't be fair, either.

Mike   March 12th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Then let's have another debate before revoting so Obama can parrot more of Hillary's answers.

Clintonfatigued   March 12th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

The entrenched Clinton crowd is getting ready to steal the nomination from Obama, watch how this goes down.

Try and fool people by saying a vote for me is a vote for a dream ticket with Obama (who is leading her across the board) as incredibly number TWO!

After being the "inevitable nominee" and agreeing with all of the other candidates to not count Florida and Michigan, I now change my mind and use the Democratic code word "disenfranchisement" and the flock agrees we need a do-over.

Instead of making people go out and vote, make it easier for voter fraud and ballot stuffing (hallmarks of the party) by insisting on voting by mail even though it takes years to get it right especially in states of this size, but who cares, as long as you WIN.

As a non-Democrat, but very respectful of Obama, this whole process is an insult to anyone with a brain stem, but as the exit polls indicate, that would NOT include CLINTON supporters.

Ready to mislead from day one.

Brian Tampa, FL   March 12th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Don't say one word about disenfranchised voters this election cycle. If King Howard wasn't such a control freak we wouldn't have this problem. As a tax paying citizen of FL I believe the DNC should pay for any re-vote. It was their arrogance that created this situation, it is not the taxpayers job to bail them out!

James   March 12th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Why should the two state that knowingly violated the rules be allowed to hold primaries again … and at extra expense? The one "solution" I have not heard proposed is for the required delegate total for nomination — now 2025 — to be reduced by the number that would have been allocated to Florida and Michigan. What wrong or unfair about that?

saul, WI   March 12th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

I believe the rules are the period. As long as they know that they are violating the rules and they did it any they should not be forgiven. It is in soccer match the the referee gave you red card for unacceptable behavior, you don't go back and ask for forgivenss.

The bottom line is rules are rules

Go Barack   March 12th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Stay vigilant Barack. Only your administration can bring about real change, McCain wants to continue the war, and Hillary wants to advance her wealth, or anything else that is self-serving. You are for the American people, and we want you to win.

Obama 08
Hillary 0-Never

Lou in Miami   March 12th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Go ahead Obama don't count our votes… you know what's going to happen come November… I regret voting for you Senator Obama but
I wish you well.

Paul   March 12th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Clinton's moves regarding this make me so mad. As the Obama people have said she did not start to challenge it until she needed the votes. This would not be an issue if Florida played by the rules!

Judy Bruce   March 12th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

The votes should be counted. Neither candidate campaigned there, but Obama did run ads in Florida. If the votes are not counted, then there should be a mail-in or revote. The people of Florida should not be punished for the mistakes of the party.

PAB in PA   March 12th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Why doesn't CNN ask Obama exactly WHAT his accomplishments are? Another channel is having a weekly short"The Real Obama." I watched that show and they brought up that Obama was an undistinguished sentor in Illinois,when he served there, and is an undistinguished Junior Senator in the U.S. Senate. It was stated that McCain would prefer to run against Obama because of his lack of accomplishments and real time experience. Why don't we hear any of this information on CNN?

Sick and Tired   March 12th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

These states do not deserve a revote. THEY BROKE THE RULES!

Michelle   March 12th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I think this whole do over is ridiculous. The party knew what the consequences were before they decided to move the primary up and they chose to do so anyway.
I'm tired of seeing them on tv talking about how we need to fix it and not disenfranchise FL and MI…that's what's wrong with our country today, we don't think about the consequences before we comit action.
They made their bed now they need to lie in it.

NelsonDean   March 12th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Reject Sen. Bill Nelson he is clinton supporter he doing thins to favor clinton . what happened to Howard Dean comments the rules are the rules they will not be changed. Now all of sudden he is in support of mail vote. My question to you is Howard are you trying to help clinton by changing the rule in the middle of the Game, if that is what you are doing shame on you and it will be shame on the democratic party.

Lisa CA   March 12th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Obama can't afford to have Michigan and Florida seated, he will lose. It doesn't matter thoug, if they are not seated he may win the Democratic nomination, but will lose the General in November!!! "Catch 22″!!!

john   March 12th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

If Florida and Michigan are alowed to flout the rules then there will be total chaos in the 2012 & 2016 elections.
But for the Clintons political agitation this would be much less of a problem.

Jay from Toronto   March 12th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Both parties agree to the rules before the game start. Now just because the situation is not favor Hillary camp, they want to change the rules so that they have better chance of winning the game?

This is in my opinion very silly.

Rob   March 12th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Why should Florida and Michigan get to vote twice? Especially now that the race is so tight? Do the states where Edwards was on the ballot get to re-vote because he's no longer running and his supporters have been "dis-enfranchised"? These two states tried to make a power play to gain more influence and they got burned for it, other states did not. Why should the Democratic party give them what is essentially the power to decide the election because they violated the rules and now realize they made a mistake? Any re-vote will make a mockery of the process and will alienate at least this Democrat for a long time.

Dale Wise   March 12th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Oh yeah, a mail-in vote would really go a long way to legitimizing the democratic election process in the state of Florida. I think a better idea might be to simply remove Florida's voting privileges altogether since they have proven time and time again that they simply cannot handle the responsibility.

Burt   March 12th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Lets face it if Obama was behind and these voters were on his side he would be doing the same thing as HRC. Its all part of the game.

james martin california   March 12th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Split them down the middle and move on.

Justin--Obama Supporter   March 12th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Nothing new, Clinton camp will continue to do anything within their powers to change the rules to have them favoring her win of the nomination. Perhaps, Florida and Michigan can be the only hope of her stealing the nomination.

monica   March 12th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

A mail-in vote would be a disaster. What about ballots that never arrive? Or are stolen? Or lost on their way in? There's too much room for corruption.

Dahlia, from Texas   March 12th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

AMEN! Don't cry now Hillary! These words should have been said 18 months ago when it was discussed.

Tiffany   March 12th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

I agree. I really don't think these states should count at all. The officials knew exactly what they were doing and even the people themselves knew their votes weren't going to count. We didn't hear any fuss from anyone until Clinton started.

If the delegates must be seated, we should split the delegates in half, have a caucus or just do the whole thing over. But all of this is really ridiculous. We have found a way yet again to look like idiots.

Mike   March 12th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Florida and Michigan. Your votes don't matter. What don't you understand about that. Now, quit your whining and useyour energy for something more useful.

Dave   March 12th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, a U.S. senator from New York, called Fallon a "sensible voice" that supported "engaging Iran." She urged her colleagues to back a bill requiring Bush to get congressional approval before taking any military action against Iran.

Wait one minute. Obama said to do this and she called him inexperienced. Someone please explain this to me?!?!?!

E Popp   March 12th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Can you say, "Supreme Court"?

ObamaForPeople   March 12th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Obama disagrees with any suggestions of solving the problems in Michigan and Florida. Does he have any better suggestions? Or he just refuses to let the voices of the 2 states to be heard? I will call that a discrimination against the voters in Michigan and Florida.

txpoodoo   March 12th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

I'm glad to hear that the Obama camp will go along with the final decision that is made however.

I understand the apprehension of trying something totally new and never used before in the state however.

abbey   March 12th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Is the people that voted Obama in Texas caucuses also Blacks? Please let us face the fact Obama is leading and there is nothing the Clintology can do about that. Do anything say anything Obama is leading.

Ekele   March 12th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Why should there be a re-do in Florida? They knew the rules. The Democratic officials in both states are among the smartest people in the world who knows what a rule means. I beleive they also know what the consequences of holding the elections are. They went ahead. Who are they trying to fool? Clinton is just a sore loser…To clinton….Be magnanimous in defeat.

Eric in Ca   March 12th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Hillary you can't be an agent of CHANGE when you continue to play politics of the past.

Annie Cherif   March 12th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

I believe that any type of re-do or re-make is out of the question at this stage of the campaign. To do so would cast a cloud over the entire election process. It appears as if the candidates are trying to cheat. I was in Austria during the Bush election and every where you went, co workers were mocking the US election process. A double standard exists here and it can not be allowed. As a voter, I will pickett the convention if those delegates are seated; they have forfeited their right to participate in the convention.

Annie Cherif
a voter from Herndon, Virginia

Rich   March 12th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Kudos for the Obama Team! You agreed to play by the rules and you're sticking to it. That's why so many Americans are drawn to Obama. He walks the walks and talks the talk! Come on Hillary and Howard Dean! Do the right thing and stick to the rules everyone agreed to or split the delegates evenly between the candidates. There is no other fair solution.

Mike in Ohio   March 12th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

All the "leading democrats" pushing this are Hillary Clinton supporters, not neurtral voices. So no credibility can be given to their sudden outcry.

Florida Dem   March 12th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

As a Florida Democrat who voted in the primary, I believe the race for our presidential nominee should move on from Florida and Michigan. It's time to focus on what's coming rather than what was.

Our states were told if they moved up their primaries the results wouldn't count. They did it anyway and now we need to all live with the consequences. I do not feel disenfranchised in any way, and frankly, I am tired of the discussion.

It is unfair to change the rules because the game hasn't turned out the way someone hoped. Live with the decision and move on!!!!!!

Mary   March 12th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Hillary Clinton would run over anyone to get to the white house. i didn't
like her when her husband was president, and she hasn't done anything to change my mine. she's very smart, but she's also very devious !!!

ellie   March 12th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

is mr obama affraid?

Gary   March 12th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

I think that it is important for the DNC to find a way to seat delegates from Florida and Michigan in a way that is equitable and fair and which doesn't too strongly favor one candidate over the other.

I also wholeheartedly agree with David. The DNC created these rules at the beginning. All the candidates signed off on them, including Senator Clinton. Now that the rules haven't worked out as expected for her there is this big cry to chage them.
Why should the general electorate vote for a party which isn't able to make rules and then stick to them. Isn't making rules and then altering them when when they don't work out to your advantage just the kind of thing we are trying to change?

Greg   March 12th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Split the delegates in Michigan and Florida equally to both candidates
this process would bring the number closer to the 2025 needed. This would not give either candidate an advantage. Based on the fact that they were not supoosed to be conuted this is the most fair way to seat their delegates.

James in Ohio   March 12th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

So - Obama the candidate for change is also the candidate for dissenfranchising millions of democratic voters (who were disenfranchised due to the decisions made by a Rebulican governer).

Hmmmmm…..

I'm not sure that's the kind of "Change" I am looking for,

Thanks anyway.

rachel   March 12th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I dont think florida should be split obama's and hillary's name were on the ballet. People chose not to go out to vote for him. On another note. Between florida michigan and all the in fighting us democrates probably deserve to lose the white house in 08. We are to busy mimicking the words of our candidate of choice to see anyone elses view point.

SB   March 12th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Can we say election fraud? How is any of this transparent? There is no proof that anyone voted or did not vote? Why is this even an option?

Tired but True   March 12th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

How can you tell if a Clinton is lying?

Their lips are moving.

My 6 year old tries to change the rules of game whenever he starts losing. With 35 years of experience, why does Hillary still act like she is 6?

raul   March 12th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Obama - she cannot stop the will of a nation!!! Clinton we are tired of the drama just resign

Chuck in Oregon   March 12th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I agree with both candidates on one had and disagree with the whole mess on the other hand. In the interest of the voting public of both states it is important for their voices to be heard. However it was the leadership of these states that caused this problem. The DNC made a decison and should for once stand by that position regardless of the fall out. Both state govenors need to take full responsibility for this mess as well as the democratic leadership of those states for allowing this to go as far as it did. All parties being fully aware of the "cause and effect" of their actions in both Florida and Michigan messed up and need to suck it up. They are the ones that disenfranchised their voting public. It is not the fault of the candidates nor the fault of the DNC. Every one voted and agreed on the process and they must now abide by that decision and stop trying to place the blame on either Obama or Clinton. This is just more of the same ol petty politics that I as an American am so tired of.

Ree   March 12th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

This is the United States of American and every American should have a vote. There should be no revote. The people of Florida have spoken—55% voted for Hillary Clinton. Of course Obama does not want Florida to stand—-he only got 30%.

If Florida does not get to have a vote, the state will probably go to McCaine in November. The DNC should think about this and just let the vote stand.

Anne Landry   March 12th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I don't think a mail-in would work either. Does Senator Obama have a proposal?

Ron W., SC   March 12th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

"We think that's the kind of political maneuvering and calculation that voters are tired of."

Wait a minute… I think what the voters of Florida might get VERY tired of is the Obama campaign trying to deny them a voice in the nomination process.

If Obama succeeds in silencing their votes now, how does he expect to go back to them ask them to vote for him in November? Barack's arrogance and inexperience are really starting to show. This would be just the kind of bad taste that would drive people to the republicans in November.

Obvious   March 12th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

CNN = The Clinton camp's mouthpiece. Notice how all the headlines give Obama a negative slant…

Jason - Visalia, CA   March 12th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

The only reason Clinton is pushing to have these delegates count is so the super delegates will also count. It expands her pool of party insiders that can use steal the election for her.

Lolito Bagtasos   March 12th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

This is about the proposed "mail-in vote" for Florida & Michigan. Why's Obama camp afraid of it?… It is NOTof the voters fault for that "go-ahead" election done earlier, instead of that super-tuesday primary of February 5th.

Now, these voters need their votes to be counted!….that's it!… & let them cast their votes.

Lolito
Los Angeles

HRC   March 12th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

whatever it takes

Jay Cain   March 12th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Plouffe needs to step back and listen to what he's saying! Voters are "tired of political maneuvering" …. give me a break! Both campaigns do that all the time. Get a different line of work if you can't handle it. Is the Obama campaign afraid of loosing again in Michigan and Florida? As far as I'm concerned, the people of those two states have already voted and Clinton won. If Edwards and Obama removed their name from the Michigan ballot, then that's unfortunate for them. I say re-tally the delegate count adding Florida and Michigan to the Clinton column!

Jay   March 12th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

The Clinton's way of trying to steal an election.

Mike in MI   March 12th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Why don't people recognize that in MI 45% of Democratic voters bothered to go to the polls and vote for "none of the above," when the only name on the ballot was Clinton?? That's a lot of trouble to go through to vote AGAINST someone. Flordia and Michigan delegations should NOT be seated. Their state parties broke the rules, they should suffer the penalty. Simple as that.

Eli   March 12th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

First of all it was crazy for the DNC to think that all the millions of people in FL and MI would just sit and not want their vote to count. This should have been worked out prior to the voting in the two states. These people will have to have some say in the election , we live in the USA not some third world nation that supresses some of their citizens. If you are not wanting their voice to be heard then you are supressing the voices of people that live in the so called land of freedom.

Teresa   March 12th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

I totally agree with Mr. Plouffe. She is definitely trying to bend the rules and twisted the DNC arms to get her way. Ms. Hillary honestly thought that she was going to win the democratic election in the early part of the year based on her judgement and popularity. She judged wrong.
I've voted for her earlier part of the year because she had portrayed a good canindate but my observation of her campaign and speeches. She did not inspire me at all with her so called "I am a fighter" line dirty tactics of discrediting her opponent/democratic member of the same party. Her first lady carma has been replaced by some kind of dragon lady attitude. This is not the way to inspire young people to be in the future generation of Americans.

Jim Wade, IA   March 12th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

They broke the rules. If they get away with doing so it will set precedent, and every state is going to try to make sure their state is first on the primary calendar. Let Florida and Ohio keep the dates they used 2012, and let the delegates count then. But this year they need to be penalized.

Andy   March 12th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

what should be at the heart of both candidates is keeping both FL and MI in play for the party come November. If the Democratic party ignores these citizens durring the primary, why would these citizens look toward the Democratic party, come November, to represent them on the national level? What the DNC, Clinton and Obama's priorities should be is; 1) what is best for the country, 2)what is best for the 3) citizens of these two states, what is best for the party. beyond this, things will run their natural course.

JEANETTE VIKTORIN   March 12th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

follow the rules set forth and quit trying to change the rules.
everyone was on the same page when this was decided until it became beneficial to clinton. i am a voter and i would go after my people higher up who did this to hurt the voters.

Arnold, WV   March 12th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

The Democratic party is so messed up know I don't think they can fix things before the Nov election let alone the July convention.They were so sure that Hillary would win and not even go past "Super Tuesday" that they didn't even have a plan for after that.They thought that Michigan and Flordia wouldn't matter.They thought the mess they call "Super Delegates " would not come into play.I say give one candidate half the delegates the other candidate the other half and say there they are seated,save millions and one of them could still win outright.

Toyin, Marietta, GA   March 12th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Mail in vote? Some will vote for their dead relatives…….This is no way democratic.

Dazed and Confused in DC   March 12th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

If Obama thought he had any chance of winning either one of these two states, he'd be champing at the bit for some kind, any kind, of revote. But since he knows that the only way he can win the nomination is by excluding two major states from participating, he's opposed to any kind of revote. Simply exclude two states so I can win: the new politics of Sen. Obama.

Natahn from California   March 12th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

This is part of an obvious pattern. Obama campaign calls “political maneuvering and calculation that voters are tired of." anything that does not give them an advantage. I am just so tired of it. It looks that unless they are given an advantage, they will oppose it as, you guessed it, “political maneuvering and calculation that voters are tired of."

dee   March 12th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Isn't it so funny how the people in Fl. voted only 1 weel early and the Obama camp wants to cheat them out of their vote. Obama saying one thing and doing something else as usual. Remember he says he is a uniter not a divider, what a joke.

Larry Dickman Des Moines, IA   March 12th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

How do you alleviate Fraud?

Niky   March 12th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I guess the best thing to do is agree to re-do the process the way everyone agrees. Barack is not opposed to a re-do… he just wants it to be in a way that is fair…. I think this is fair enough!

Deborah Dirk-Haley   March 12th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I would like to make a brief comment on politics and the people who are in government. The general public and the media need to stop trying to find saints in everyone. I believe everyone desires a second chance when it comes to making personal mistakes about their behavior and the comments they make about certain people whether they happen to run for office or not. Let all us find some type of good in all of us.

Celia   March 12th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I do not agree to a mail in ballot. We can barely get it right with human beings. What make anyone have confidence in a mail in ballot? We need to follow the rules that we knew were in place. When we start bending the rules things get messy. They are already plenty messy. Look at Gov Spitzer, no one asked if the rules applied to him. Isn't that what we teach our children???

Sarah   March 12th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

CNN, they are not RESISTANT to mail-in vote…they are pointing out the flaws and logistics to get it done fairly. Choose headline words that represent the full story.

Alma   March 12th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Hillary 2008!!

Matt   March 12th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Of course they are against it… He lost.

rabblerouser   March 12th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

I say leave Florida as is - all names were on the ballot and his ads reached FL voters. That's the fairest way. But of course Obama doesn't think it's fair, because he didn't win. So now he doesn't want mail in votes. I bet he wants a caucus…

Shannon, Charlottesville, Virginia   March 12th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

isn't it convenient that the clinton camp never called for this until they found themselves in 2nd place?

mary c   March 12th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Senator Obama should resist. The only reason Hillary got any votes is because they were voting on some property tax. There isn't anyway to monitor the security of these ballots and call them valid. I don't believe there should be a revote. Remember they are being penalized for disregarding a warning. The governor certainly wasn't worried about his democratic folks when he went ahead and changed the date. This is a ploy to get Hillary in so the Republicans can demolish her in the fall. The saddest part will be that she will have demolished the Democratic Party first.

Mike   March 12th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Now we can legally hope for change, even audaciously. We are already all hoping for something, small or big, from a penny to presidency. Why do we need to vote for Obama to continue hoping?

kevin, fl   March 12th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

How can this clown be running for President and be against a re-vote in Florida to make sure we get seated at the convention. We already had 1.7 million votes (out of 4 million registered democrats) that voted on Jan 29th. Well I guess he realizes that Hillary would close the gap signifigantly after she wins in Pennsylvania. Obama should be ashamed of himself. He talks about hope and people and he does not want Florida or Michigan to count? Yea hell will freeze over before this guy is the President. Your station and MSNBC will be to blame for your biased coverage and if Hillary does not win the nomination and McCain slaughters Obama, all you media loonies will be bashing Hill for another 4 years. Frustrated in Florida

Jim   March 12th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Last year when Hilliary, were front runner. The whole world went after her with all type of attachs. Crying the blues, dose not help front runner.

Miami   March 12th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Where are the comments, CNN?

Marty   March 12th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

I agree. It will also leave too much room for fraud.

YES WE CAN!
Obama '08

Mom in PA   March 12th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Why don't we ask Jimmy Carter and the Carter Fountain to come and oversee our elections to make sure they are fair and democratic. They have a lot of experience going to other countries and verifing elections. Perhaps, we now need their hepl!

If the votes were going to be counted then John Edwards would have campaigned and probably won, at least in Michigan and he might still be in the race. Is it fair to him and those of us who would have voted for him to have a re-do now?

Nobody wants to have people's right to vote taken from them. However, how can this be fair?

Elaine M   March 12th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

You can not change the rules in the middle of the game. Florida knew very well that what they were doing was against the DNC rules but went ahead and moved their primary to January anyway. The candiates signed a pledge stating they would not compaign in Florida and also very much knew that the delegates would not be seated / nor counted at the convention. The people who voted also knew that. It appears to me that Senator Clinton did not expect the success of the Obama Camp and now wants to change to rules to behoove her.
I live in Florida and I am against any kind of revote. Florida and Michigan should stand as is. Let's get on with the campaign and the issues that are so important to the American people.

Angela   March 12th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Who is doing the political maneuvering? Obama would be the first to want these voters included if they had voted for him. Playing by the rules?

Them stop whining about the super-delegates disenfranchising the votes of the people. Rules state that super-delegates can vote their conscience. Rules are rules. And stop accusing of Clinton stealing the nomination by back-room deals with super-delegates.

You don't think Obama is doing exactly the same thing?

Independent   March 12th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

CNN needs to report on who's decision it was to break the rules so that Florida and Michigan voters know who should get the blame for this mess. Wasn't it the Governors of each state who decideed to break the rules even though they knew the consequences?

What exactly was their motive for taking such a HUGE risk? There is something more sinister at play here. Leave up to Florida.. Again…………..

phillyPete   March 12th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

I see this page has the appropriate title.
Good job. Now kindly fix the one on your front page and you'll be getting somewhere!

Tracy   March 12th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

A re-vote for Florida and Michigan should not be allowed. Those states made the decision to hold their elections earlier than they were supposed to and they should abide by that decision and should be held to their decision. If they knew their votes would not count beforehand, why should they now be allowed to change the rules in the middle of the game? C'mon people, we're not playing a card game with children. If so, your hand was dealt. No backsies.

I heartily agree with David Plouffe's statement about the Clinton campaign thus far, "the kind of political maneuvering and calculaton that voters are tired of"…that's exactly what gives Obama his momentum. People are impressed with his fresh outlook on politics and hope to see that change in DC that he's looking forward to bringing.

Obama '08 NC   March 12th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Rules are rules, hopefully when these elections come again Michigan and Florida will know better. If the DNC allows for this to happen, what will that say to the people and states who did follow the rules? Next time you can break them and we do the same for you.

Drake   March 12th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

50/50 seated delegates is the most fair, transparent and least burden on the state budgets as well as the Democratic party viability in Denver and in November. Do you really want a '68 Redux?

An Agnostic Democrat   March 12th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Thank you for finally stating the real facts, signed, pledged and on the record not the facts according to the perceptions and alternate reality of Hillary and her campaign thugs and the rest of the delusional Clinton cocktail drinkers.

Dian Mo   March 12th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Obama camp should wait and see for what the people of Florida and Michigan want. He is the player and he should not make the rule.

The guideline for the new rule for Democrats for Florida and Michigan delegates is to have a strong president candidate in the coming election and to unit the party. Without the support from the Democrats from Florida and Michigan, neither Obama nor Clinton can win the race to John McCain.

I think that the best solution is to follow what republicans have done, i.e. seat in 50% delegates based on the existing election results. It seems that republicans are smart and quick in handling the crisis.

Joe   March 12th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Let's see: Clinton and Obama knew well beforehand that the elections in Florida and Michigan wouldn' t count and no delegates would be awarded. Now we hear a lot of talk about disenfranchised voters. I agree that Democrats need energized voters in those 2 states for the general election, but the only way to make sure that the rules aren't changed in the middle of the game is to award each of the 2 candidates 50% of the delegates

LD Fan   March 12th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

How is holding a new primary, whether by mail or not, changing the rules? I think it is highly suspicious that Obama is opposed to a re-vote in Florida…maybe it is because he knows he will lose. What happened to his call for everyone's voice to be heard? So much for a new kind of politics.

vote   March 12th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

I agree with Obama. The problem is that Hillary did not stand by her word. If she did not agree with the terms orginally, her asking for a revote will be a non issue. Since she agreed to not have Michgan and Florida seated in the convention, it is a problem when she does not practice what she preaches. She was not standing up for the voters in Michagan and Florida to have their votes counted when she agreed to the terms of not having the primaries in those states count. Stand by your word Hillary.

Dave   March 12th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

"Senator Clinton said she was playing by the rules through the early sates, we played by the rules," he said. "Now when they believe it serves their political interests, they're trying to change the rules and say these elections should count for something. We think that's the kind of political maneuvering and calculation that voters are tired of."

Well said. Where was her concern prior to signing the agreement?!?!?! Any HRC supporter please answer this question?

What a joke?!?!?!?!

George, Dallas, Texas   March 12th, 2008 1:24 pm 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.

Ferraro’s comments were incendiary and divisive. Geraldine Ferraro could not equate her situation in 1984 with Obama’s current situation. First of all, she did not run for the primary to appreciate the enormous work it entailed to campaign in all the states with equally intense negative attacks. She was picked as a running mate. Senator Obama has toiled to earn the trust of all Americans. Obama did not receive the support of Black voters initially; he worked hard to earn their support now. In any case, Ferraro’s comments amount to insults to all well-meaning Americans—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Her comments were calculated and are part of the “kitchen sink strategy” of Hilary Clinton to win the nomination at all cost. It is again the politics of the past that would not work this time. Hilary Clinton may not win Pennsylvania after all. Hilary Clinton would prefer Senator McCain to be Commander-in-Chief instead of Senator Obama. Well, in OBAMA we TRUST!

Chris   March 12th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

If HRC was in the lead this would all be a moot point. So now she wants to get the votes. I swear can you HRC supporters see what type of character this woman has?
To avoid having to come up with money and to be fair just split them right down the middle evenly and avoid the mess. I mean how hard is that?

MIchael "C" in Lorton, Virginia   March 12th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Obama would be preceived as a court-jesture is he agrees to any and all options to have a re-vote in Florida or Michigan. Those who live by the sword, will die by the sword; those who agree to the deal and break the deal, face the consequences. That is the price they pay for the choice they made. The options are only being explored because it will be in the best political interest of Hillary Clinton….or will it. Voters don't always vote the same way twice especially after they have had to chance to see Hillary in the light.

Megan   March 12th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I can't believe this is still a discussion. FL and MI voters can be furious with their Democratic leaders who chose to violate the rules but that's it. No re-vote, no delegates seated. When the candidates were asked not to campaign in those states, both Edwards and Obama complied and even pulled their names off the MI ballot. Hillary of course had some campaigning going on and was the only name on the ballot in MI so the parity is already totally off. No redos for these states, if delegates must be seated-then it's a 50/50 split. This is actually probably not far off since it's never winner take all so neither state will help either candidate too much.

Jeff   March 12th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I wish everyone would quit wasting everyone's time and mo