Comments on: Florida Dems closer to voting solution

By: Marta K

Marta K — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:00:39 +0000

Andrea:
There's no big secret (re your post earlier). Florida has a Republican Governor who approved the early voting because it suited the Republican Party. The Florida Democratic Committee was offered the alternative of holding caucuses later in the year rather than suffer the consequences of changing the Primary date (presumably not having delegates seated) but they declined and agreed to the early date. Our state Party leaders need to be held accountable for this.

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:57:47 +0000

If the DNC are willing to accept a re-vote then they are essentially bending the rules to allow FL and MI to count. Why, why can't they bend the same rules and find a way to count the votes that are already on the books so to speak and save 10 – 12 million dollars.
Put another way, isn't hosting a re-vote against some OTHER party rule???
Scratching my head in wonder.

By: John

John — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:53:44 +0000

Obama still trying to find a way to win. They have already voted, and
now, they want to give Hillarys wins to the media darling. Just wait, if by a miracle Obama manages to steal the nomination, you will see the media tear him apart, because they want McCain to br prez, and Obama will not stand a chance. The media also knows that McCain cannot beat Hillary Clinton who is the best choice for prez.

By: Kathryn Irby - Metairie, LA

Kathryn Irby - Metairie, LA — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:53:19 +0000

They had better come up with a solution! Law suits! Law suits!

By: Andrea

Andrea — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:43:03 +0000

It appears quite odd that a "state" would proceed with something like this knowing the DNC did not approve. It appears there was a great deal more to it than they can disclose. We are only being told what they want us to know.

By: p.g.

p.g. — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:42:48 +0000

Democrats need to win Florida & Michigan in November. It benefits both Hillary and Obama to have voters voices heard. The democratic party leaders need to fix this problem SOON.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:42:38 +0000

MI and FL votes should be counted, DEM need find the right way to do it. If MI and FL votes are not counted, DEM will lost general election, whatever who is the nominee. If it is money problem, DEM's supporters can help. DNC chairman Dean should resign if he can't solve this problem. I'm a Hillary supporter, I hope Obama supporters can understand this situation.

GO Hillary 08!!!

By: Larry Buchas

Larry Buchas — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:41:28 +0000

Floridians have been hoodwinked....by their Rpublican Governor.

Incidentally, all this is about Florida. Whatever happened to Michigan?

By: lb

lb — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:38:16 +0000

Let's ask the voters what they want – 1) a do over or 2) replenish state budget of 10-15 mil that would be expended for a "redo", earmarked for schools, jobs, housing, etc.

By: Ram

Ram — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:37:21 +0000

For a long time, Florida maintained this equation:

'Election in Florida' = Mess.

That trend is being sustained. I am predicting this inperson + mail voting process will create more questions than answers. And its going to hurt democats.

By: Florida

Florida — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:32:44 +0000

Whatever happens the results from the first primary NEED to be thrown out. People in Florida were told their vote would not count, so why would they bother going to the polls? The first vote should have no bearing on the actual election since many many people didn't think it would and hence ignored it.

By: JULIUS RAYNOR

JULIUS RAYNOR — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:27:30 +0000

It was very clear without a doubt the rules were broken and the Florida and Michigan votes would not count. Afterwards, Hillary Clinton knows she won and now she wants the votes to count...................Thatss Very Childish!

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:27:05 +0000

Let the vote's that have already been cast count. Then Hillary will be winning the delegate count and not Obama.

Also, why are CNN and MSNBC avoiding the fact that Obama's so called preacher was making political comments from the pulpit. It is against the law and very newsworthy....but not a mention of it.....It just goes to show there bias for Obama.....they will protect him at any cost.

I am sure that the moderator will stop my comments as he or she does every single time I try to post. CNN is so liberal and biast. They are discriminating against me because I am white, I think.

By: Arya

Arya — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:25:42 +0000

Is it not possible to just have mail in primary for the people who did not vote the first time and just add those votes to the ones already voted, Obama campaign's main argument has been people did not show up for vote as they thought the election was not counted, now give them a second opportunity. I think this is fair and will cost much less.

By: Yeswecan

Yeswecan — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:24:46 +0000

Note over and over again is not a solution. Voters voted, let the vote count!

By: Brenda

Brenda — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:18:40 +0000

If Florida and Michigan gets to vote again what will stop republicans from going in and voting? They could really mess it up big time for the democrats.

By: Harvey, Tampa, FL

Harvey, Tampa, FL — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:15:50 +0000

A disaster and a dozen lawsuits just waiting to happen.

By: Yola

Yola — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:15:37 +0000

No 50/50 split

By: jumpinugly

jumpinugly — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:13:30 +0000

She needs all the help she can get at this point. The "first" primary was a sham. Of course she won't agree to split the delegates. It will only put her more deeply in a hole. It's a joke.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:04:32 +0000

I feel sorry for the Florida voters. Clearly their officials are incompetent in running elections. We have seen it over and over in Florida. Let the officials pay for this blunder out of their own pockets along with Howard Dean. Whoever won the first primary should remain the winner. Splitting delegates is a bad idea and unfair since it is not the will of the people. Republicans have railroaded Florida Democrats over and over. It is time that they are stopped!

By: MacD-FLORIDA

MacD-FLORIDA — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:04:23 +0000

I live in Florida. I have to sit in front of multiple TV screens day after day after day and even on weekends. WHERE were these alleged ads by Obama run? I NEVER saw ONE. Who is spreading this propaganda? And what about the "victory party" disguised as a fundraiser that Hillary held here when all the candidates had agreed they would not particpate in Florida???

By: Gerry

Gerry — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:03:55 +0000

Rules are rules. Divide the delegates 50-50-take away the super delegate vote and let's move on.

By: marge

marge — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:02:57 +0000

Billary benefited from early votes cast in Fla. Also many voters did not turn out in either state,because the DNC said their votes would not count.
I believe it's wishful thining on the part of Billary supporters to think a re-vote would automatically go in her favor.

By: carol yapp

carol yapp — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:01:38 +0000

Rules are rules. Having said that if someone, or in this case some state, breaks the rule then there should be a punishment or penalty.

Why not allow a re-do in Michigan and Florida but don't allow their super delegates to be seated at the Denver convention.

After all it is their fault that this thing happened because they could have protested but decided not to even though they knew the consequences.

That way the people who had no say in when they should hold their election will have their say on who they would like to see as their nominee and the super delegates who had had their say will not be able to have more say and may be just maybe they will play by the rule next time.

By: charlene

charlene — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:01:01 +0000

For all the pea brains here who are criticize the people of michigan and florida for wanting to have it both ways....wake up and read a newspaper! these folks did not have a choice on loosing all their delegates! these folks did not have a choice in moving their elections up! it was the politicians who did it....and the people should not be punished for it!

By: Terry from Texas

Terry from Texas — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:00:23 +0000

Clinton is fully open to any idea to let voters be heard. Obama is pandering and wants no part of letting Floridians vote as he is likely to lose for a 2nd time in Florida.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:59:57 +0000

Reducing the "needed to win" number is the best suggestion I've seen. Good idea Rohit Shah!

By: colorado

colorado — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:59:00 +0000

eh, i say let them re-take their vote. this is all getting to be old. i mean, is it their fault that they have no control over what is going on in their state? wait a minute, yes it is! have they learned nothing? this has been a problem in florida for years now. if they didn't care enough to fix it before, why care now?

By: Will Macklin

Will Macklin — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:52:33 +0000

Let's take second to deal with the real issues. We are a nation of rules and laws. We simply can not changed rules and laws when it will help our position. (Please see the Bush adminstration)We have the opportunity to improve our party by showing America, we will follow the rules from Alpha to Omega. Likewise rules should be changed and made into laws to prevent this nonsense from happen again. Florida and Michgan will have an opportunity for their vote to count, in the general election. Both states should turnout in record numbers during their state election and remove their law makers who made the decision to ignore the rules in first place. Every state will like to be Iowa!

By: Willis

Willis — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:49:36 +0000

THEY VOTED ALREADY - THE ELECTIONS DON'T COUNT!!!

DECISION MADE - LET MOVE ON!

THE OTHER 48 STATES ARE TIRED OF FLORIDA SCREWING UP THE ELECTIONS! REMEMBER YEAR 2000?!!

By: Carla

Carla — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:49:17 +0000

I have been against a re-vote but I like the idea of Trev up above. Redo the vote and have the Super delegates of the State loose their vote. Maybe next time they would fight for the rights of the people they represent better.

By: Tyrone Brown, Seattle, WA

Tyrone Brown, Seattle, WA — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:48:09 +0000

One things I can say about the current situation within the Democratic Party – Barack Obama will be a "fully vetted" candidate when he wins the nomination. He will ultimately owe a big thank you to Hillary, Bill, Geraldine, Florida and Michigan (and the list goes on) for preparing him for a "knock down, drag out" fight with the Republicans in November.

Obama '08

By: Slap Stick, Florida

Slap Stick, Florida — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:47:49 +0000

Yeah Harvey, We will just wait for you to provide limo service. Please be dressed appropriately for the occasion.

LOL

Obama 08

By: HJ

HJ — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:47:13 +0000

I find it frustrating that Michigan and Florida think they have a right to a "do over". They knew their votes would be worthless when they pushed to get in the primary spotlight, going against the party rules in the first place. The worst part is that they expect the Democratic Party or the candidates to foot the bill. If they are allowed to do this, I believe it sets a dangerous precedent.

By: Cappi in SC

Cappi in SC — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:47:07 +0000

Both state parties knew the rules, both chose to move forward and the votes were unfair and not valid to be counted. Either find a fair and equitable solution or award the delegates proportionally at the end of the primary season based on delegates pledged and the popular vote!

Clinton calling the votes "fair and should be counted" reached a new low even for her! We should call her the great divider because she has so divided the party that it may not recover!

By: Jackie(NJ)

Jackie(NJ) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:45:47 +0000

Listen up people>>. I don't see why there should be a re-vote...Florida and Michigan broke the rules by moving there primaries, why should they be rewarded for breaking the rules>>> split the delegates 50/50 between the candidates, and let's move on...If the DNC change the rules now, what is that saying about their leadership>>>break the rules and you will be rewarded ? that's not a good message to be sending to the country>>>>there is always a consequence when you break rules..!!!! Let's move on to the real issues at hand, beating the Republicans in November>>>>Go Obama 08/12!!!!!~

By: Carolina Gal

Carolina Gal — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:45:20 +0000

Any way you look at it – Obama campaigning in Fla- against the rules.
I remember TV reports and filmed footage shown on CNN and other media.

Perhaps he didn't have the usual speeches and rallies scheduled, BUT he was there with a silent campaign strategy, prior to the Florida vote. His SIX-FOOT presence in the form of LIFE-SIZED COLORED CARDBOARD CUT-OUTS of HIMSELF were scattered in many locations and shown on CNN -TV.

I'm sure many, many others remember this as well and can attest to it.

By: The Austrian

The Austrian — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:42:49 +0000

Hmmmm.... interesting.

On the one hand you have a punishment leveled out on the voters, who were never at fault, and on the other, you have rule-breaking politicians who are showing that they can get away with their flagrant disobedience with a small slap on the hand.

Here's a fair compromise: FL and MI STILL get no delegates, and the enraged Democratic constituency will ensure that the slimy politicians they voted into office are forced out of the public sector for squandering their votes.

By: Slap Stick, Florida

Slap Stick, Florida — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:41:45 +0000

Hmmm again. I will believe it when I see it. I guess ole Bill Nelson realize he is not the end all be all for the Democratic Party. That is what happen when you give some people a little power, they abuse it.

By: Pympikeme

Pympikeme — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:41:24 +0000

By the way, Ezquiel Valdillez is an idiot!!

By: CT dem

CT dem — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:40:22 +0000

Charles wrote:

March 13th, 2008 10:44 am ET

I am so disgusted at the black voters and there hatred of Hillary. Now as a liberal dem in GA – I will never support Obama…there is such a double standard going on…this is what is ridiculous…

Hillary can't say bump or people jump on her with race this race that…this will backfire against obama…and his baiters…

Go put your white robe on Charles.....

By: WY, Missouri

WY, Missouri — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:40:09 +0000

to CHERYL

ALL CAPS AND MULTIPLE !!!!!!!!! are difficult to read, and are equivalent to shouting at the top of your lungs. You don't get heard either way; you get tuned out.

Use your indoor voice, and one ! will suffice.

By: demwit

demwit — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:39:32 +0000

Nothing like the dependable US Postal Department...

By: obama

obama — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:39:28 +0000

whata paryt, what a mess.
I'm obama and I said : YES! WE CAN. WE CAN LOWER THE OIL PRICE AND FIX THE ECONOMY. YES, WE CAN! WE CAN BEAT ANYBODY ON OUR WAY, NO MATTER WHITE OR YELLOW...

By: agi anthony agi

agi anthony agi — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:39:02 +0000

what i think about florida and mechigan is that the rules are there,the parties involved are there and tha party officials are there.there should work out something that will appear fair.just for the interest of the party and the american people.

By: Kevin in DC

Kevin in DC — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:38:59 +0000

People, it's not about who campaigned and who didn't... IT'S ABOUT WHO DIDN'T SHOW UP AT THE POLLS BECAUSE THEY WERE TOLD THEIR VOTE WOULDN'T COUNT. Don't forget them. A re-vote is the ONLY fair solution.

By: Jefferson

Jefferson — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:38:09 +0000

No revote. Florida already had a primary. Hillary won Florida.

Obama should be stripped of his delegates in Florida for running ads(AGAINST THE RULES).

By: CA Dem

CA Dem — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:36:44 +0000

You forgot to mention that Obama ran cable TV ads in Florida. CNN when are you going to learn what "balanced reporting" means? I thought that was Journalism 101 but you still don't get it.

By: Vincent

Vincent — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:36:39 +0000

Florida is getting too old. may be they cannot digest election any longer. Let them enjoy the water.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:35:58 +0000

Why are you not holding Obama accountable for his comments in Sept 07 that he would do everything in his power to seat the FL and MI delegates. Did he add "unless I lose there?" Clearly he thought he could win. He ran ads there. Now you accuse Hillary of wanting this for her own ambitions. Another flip-flop by Obama