March 18, 2008
Posted: 09:25 AM ET
 Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman at a press conference Thursday.
Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman at a press conference Thursday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — After weeks of negotiations, the Florida Democratic Party said Monday it will not hold a second primary in the state.

The state party's leaders have been seeking a way to have Florida's delegation seated at the Democratic National Convention.

"We researched every potential alternative process — from caucuses to county conventions to mail-in elections — but no plan could come anywhere close to being viable in Florida," said state party chairwoman Karen Thurman in an e-mail sent to Florida Democrats late Monday afternoon.

Related: CNN's Joe Johns explains what happens to Florida's delegates

Full story

Filed under: Florida


DPL   March 18th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Wake Up America,What hyporcites, Oh yeah, let's criticize Obama's Pastor. Oh Christian voters, where is your forgiveness? Please, let's talk real about the Catholic Church who "secretly" moved their priets from parish to parish knowing they're pedophiles. And the Obama Haters sat in your churches, showed forgiveness, said amen. Even after the shameful conduct was made public. Where is the forgiveness for this pastor's words? Oh yeah, he's black, but I'm not a racist and I'm not voting for Obama.

ObamaJoy   March 18th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Terry D

Do you care to explain what a "Brother Issue" is? Are you saying that the only SuperDelegates that support Obama are African American? You should check your facts because many, MANY are of other races. And many are this country's elected officials.

If this isn't the pot calling the kettle…

Andrea Texas   March 18th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

They say if you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas.

No one believes Mr Obama. Regardless, he needs to be where he is most comfortable. That is where he comes from and what he believes, or he would not have continued going to the same church.

If a white person had participated in a church similar to Mr Obama's and was running for President, they would be nailed to a cross!

My prayer is that folks reconsider before they even entertain the idea to vote for Mr Obama. Look at this Mess!

Florida has a Republican Governor-remember how Bush "won".

The people in Florida are taxpayers, give them their right to vote.

God Bless Senator Clinton – Good Luck to You!

mimi de la cruz for OBAMA   March 18th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

THIS IS A REPUBLICAN STRATEGY TO RIG THE ELECTION LIKE THEY DID WITH THE BUSH ELECTION. THEY WANT HILLARY NOMINATION BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY CAN BEAT HER. SHE DOESN'T STAND A CHANCE. SHE VOTED WITH MCBUSH FOR THE 100 YEAR VOTE THAT TRASHED OUR ECONOMY.

JH   March 18th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

BLAME BILLARY FOR ALL ,they are statted No honor integrity…MY LAW ONLY FOR MY WAY…

rob   March 18th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

I do not care who caused the problem, fix it. Have another primary in both states. As far as voting republican……ARE YOU NUTS!!!!!!!!!!

karen hussein(OBAMA WINS TEXAS)   March 18th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

What is wrong with I Floridians, they always screw up voting. Take away their voting rights then. Why can't they follow rules and regulations, it's not hard the other 48 states followed the rules.

Clinton sucks anyway, Ferraro's remarks are racist too.

Betsy   March 18th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

I understand that FL broke "the rules" – but were "the rules" very fair in the first place???

What makes Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada all that important anyway that they can go before Super Tuesday but Florida and Michigan and the rest of us can't??

What kind of messed up rules are these?

We should hold a few "Super Tuesdays" and that should be the end of it.

Rich   March 18th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Hillary WON!
Now she can go to the convention floor and by the DNC's own rules force a vote to seat the Florida delegates that voted for her. A re-vote if it had occured would have most likely split the delegates between her and Obama.
By the math Obama should lead in both delegates and popular vote going into the convention. A re-vote in Florida and Michigan would not have changed this outcome, and Hillary knows this.
But by forcing a vote to seat Florida and Michigan Hillary may come out ahead in the delegate count. She can then declare victory and demand that she is the nominee.
Sorry Obama you lost, the Clinton's don't play fair.

FNJ in PA   March 18th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Screw Florida and their your vote counted why shouldnt mine. You violated the rules! On Obama and his X- Reverend..I dont see Hillary talking about racist remarks people in her campaign made. White people always want to boo hoo when they are attacked but if blacks call racism its just another black person crying. Thats ridiculous. Sen Obama did not say these words and i dont think every catholic or baptist or jew agrees with every aspect of their church. More than that BILL CLINTON is the one that cries race all the time…the Clintons are scum. I can't stand Hillary and I cant stand Bill. This will not bring Barack down in PA….all that crap about double digit leads in PA are not going to be so come election day…believe me Philly is Obama Country and Pittsburgh is almost a 50/50 split. Those are the main cities that matter.

PENNSYLVANIA FOR OBAMA!

Chris   March 18th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

After hearing Obama's speech today, I think we have found our next president. HIllary Clinton 2008! No more confusion for me.

M. S. Indiana   March 18th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

I am glad that DNC stepped up to the plate and did not fail to deliver the message !!!

Now the people in FL can look forward to electing their party members and maybe fix the problems that way

Amazing how Obama comes out looking like a strong leadcer, when he faces hard times, and Hillary just wanna cry and whine about the press..

ahhh i smell victory

Larry. San Diego, Ca   March 18th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

As the late great Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "We must adjust our ideas to the facts of today… Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are."

Never McCain   March 18th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Florida should be banned from voting forever! Why are you the only state that screws up the vote every year?

JUDY   March 18th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I AM NOT REPUBLICAN SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT OBAMA……………..
IF I THOUGHT OBAMA WAS A GOOD CANDIDATE I WOULD SUPPORT HIM………

plain jane   March 18th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

WHO NEEDS SUPERDELEGATES, HOWARD DEAN AND NANCY PELOSIS ARE DECIDING THIS ELECTION.

IF THE VOTES DON'T GET COUNTED………..I WILL NEVER VOTE DEMOCRATIC AGAIN….

COUNT THE VOTES IN BOTH STATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HILLARY 08 OR McCAIN IS GETTING MY VOTE. PEOPLE TEND TO FORGET THAT HILLARY IS GETTING A LARGE TURNOUT OF VOTERS THAT WILL BE DISENFRANCHISED.

OBAMA IS A RACIST AND WILL NOT UNITE THIS COUNTRY

Dick Pittenger   March 18th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Hillary visited Florida 3 or 4 times to raise funds, with each visit visibly advertised, including Election Day there. Obama never even visited the State since supposedly, the votes would not count. A number of Obama voters testified that they did not vote because they knew it would not count. Anywhere Obama had the opportunity to campaign and speak to the huge crowds he engendered, his support shot up. Whatever division of the delegates is made, it must take those realities into account, but Florida delegates must be seated at the Convention.

plain jane   March 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

THE VOTES SHOULD COUNT. HILLARY WON…IF IT HAD BEEN OBAMA, THE DNC WOULD HAVE COUNTED THEM ALREADY.

SAME FOR MICHIGAN. OBAMA SHOULD HAVE LEFT HIS NAME ON THE BALLOT. IT WAS HIS CHOICE TO NOT BE ON THE BALLOT. OBAMA HAD VOTES . CAMPAINGS ON RADIO TOLD VOTERS TO GO VOTE UNCOMMITTED..THAT IT WOULD BE A VOTE FOR OBAMA.

OBAMA IS A JERK!!!!!!!!!! I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rigged!   March 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

this will be another 2000! where is the justice???

JUDY   March 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

I THINK OBAMA IS USING RACE FOR THIS PROBLEM……BUT I THINK THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WAS PUT IN THE GUTTER BY THIS MINISTER…….IT WAS NOT ON THE MATTER OF THE BLACK IT WAS THE BLAIMING 911 ON THE WHITES AND BLAIMING THE WHITES FOR AIDS……..

AND THEN TAKE WHAT HIS WIFE SAID A FEW WEEKS BACK……

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF ANY WHITE PERSON WOULD TALK BAD ABOUT THE BLACKS IN THAT WAY…..THEY WOULD BE UP IN ARMS AND SHOUT RACIAL. AND SINCE IT SEEMS WE HAVE REVERSE DISCRIMINATION NOW IN THIS COUNTRY.

trula lane   March 18th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

If Obama wants unity for the country, not just racial, but economic and personal, why doesn't he back up, take a VP with Hillary? It will give a potential 8 years for her and 16 for him. Then we can all see what they both have to give and that is a long time we can use to strengthen up this country and repair our worldwide image and our homes. I am torn between what I believe she can do and what I hope he can do. But, when the votes come in she gets mine. If she does not get the nomination I have entertained the thought of McCain. As much as I hate the present administrations policies at least I will know what I am going to get. More shaft. With Obama I will get a very scary unknown. I believe Hillary has genuine concern for her country, more so than her spouse. With Obama I am seeing an angry wife and an angrier spiritual adviser and a lot of subtle arrogance. His speech today was tremendous, but still just words written with the help of a lot of people who go to school just to learn to write words to manipulate others.

NIC   March 18th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

If things remain the way they are right now with the FL delegates, then Howard Dean will have no choice but to count the exsisting votes, and seat the delegates as is. BUT, dont think that the FL Democrats won't be punished. FL Democratic Officials and Politicians that are responsible for the move up will be punished and penalized. The Leaders responsible for the moved up primaries will be fined and will be forced to resign. How dare they take matters into their own hands?! There are rules you know. But make sure the voters arent punished. I think thats an appropriate action. Count the FL votes and seat the delegates, but punish the Leading Officials responsable for the mess.
MI is totally different story, they need to have a revote because the old vote had candidates removed from the ballet. so it's not legit.

frank g   March 18th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

rev wright in the white house,texan crossing over,

burnham scott   March 18th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

The Republicans stole Florida in 2004 now Hillary wants to steal it in 2008.

epsec - Tampa, Fl   March 18th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Stop all the complaining. We did this to ourselves plain and simple.

No one made us move the primary, and it's not like the DNC didn't say this would happen if we did.

Vanity, pure and simple.

Democratic Party!!   March 18th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Democratic Party wake up!!

Either count the vote and place the delegates of the primary election happened or they should be re-vote otherwise you will loose Florida come Nov.

The votes need to be counted!!! People do matter. why are you making the people as victims for the party leaders mistake!!

FL is very important to win in Nov.

MELMARIE   March 18th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

YES!!!! THERE WILL NOT BE ANY CORRUPTION IN FLORIDA THIS TIME AROUND. I BET HILLARY IS SOMEWHERE GOING CRACY OVER THIS.

OBAMA '08

TJP   March 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

All candidates were on the ballot. Obama is the only one who ran ads. Clinton won big. Gee. I wonder which candidate doesn't really want the revote? Could it be the candidate with the racist mentor/reverend? Another great example of Obama being a divider.

Gavin   March 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

barack obama on the other hand STILL AFTER TODAYS SPEECH will not reject his former preacher….

HOW COULD OBAMA BE PART OF A CHURCH 20 YEARS AND "NOT KNOW THESE KIND OF COMMENTS WERE BEING MADE"

"WHY DID OBAMA PUT THIS BIGOT ON HIS CAMPAIGN STAFF —EVEN AFTER HE FOUND OUT ABOUT HIS TREASON-LACED COMMENTS"

obama has the poorest judgement I've ever seen in a candidate in a race like this.
SICK OF THE "change and hope"…..ITS JUST A TAG-LINE.

VOTING HILLARY !!!!

For Hillary 08   March 18th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

So now America is made up of 48 sates huh? Too bad I thought there were 50?

JUDY   March 18th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

I THINK OBAMA'S SPEACH WAS OK. BUT HE DID NOT GIVE US ENOUGH……..HIS MINISTER OF (20 YEARS) WAS NOT ONLY BLASTING THE WHITE PEOPLE BUT THE "WHOLE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"!!!!!!

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A WHITE MINISTER, OR FOR THAT MATTER ANY WHITE PERSON WOULD SAY HALF OF THE THINGS THIS BLACK MINISTER SAID ABOUT THE BLACKS? THE BLACKS WOUD BE SHOUTING RACIST……..BUT BECAUSE WE HAVE REVERSE DISCRIMINATION NOW THE WHITES ARE AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT.

LJC   March 18th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

They need to just take the delegates and split them equally and move on. Both Michigan and Florida knew the rules way before their primaries so their citizens should vote for the proper people to put in office and they would not be in this mess.

dia   March 18th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Sharon shut up and stop regurgitating what you here on the news!

Geri   March 18th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Why is nobody whining that Iowa changed their date for their caucus just to remain #1?? Maybe their delegates shouldn't count either.

Eli   March 18th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

The Democratic Leadership should think twice before scraping the Florida primaries. They will pay a big price come November 'cause these voters will show their frustration by voting Republican.

Aries(NJ)   March 18th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Reading the blogs from some of you people, is sad to read about such Hatred in people's heart, God is taking stock of all that is being expressed by the HATERS, your day will come and I hope you will remember the hate that you spewed…Let the candidates talk about the issues and not be side stepped by Racist remarks and what a PASTOR said at a sermon, how many of you have listened to racist remarks said in your homes and behind closed doors about blacks, this country has a history of racism, it is no secert, so let's move on..The voters will speak in November…. Read your history if you want to know about racism in this country

Casey, Atlanta   March 18th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

That would end it for Clinton. I am a supporter, but if this holds true, she should probably withdraw- unlikely though.

Don, San Francisco   March 18th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

I wonder if this makes the Florida delegate issue less or more problematic. Florida certainly has not just rolled over on seating their delegates. I am sure they still want them there. What we'll see now is a rhetorical cat fight over seating them as the state voted, seating them 50-50, or not seating them at all. Whatever they do, the other side will scream foul.

Keith   March 18th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Ugh. I'm so tired of listening to people argue over this.

Fact is, neither FL or MI were valid, accurate votes. The candidates were not allowed to truly campaign there. People who may have otherwise wished to have their votes heard may have either stayed home or declined to vote for who they preferred in the primary. And they were warned repeatedly that if they moved their primaries into the month of January, they would be stripped of their delegates. It's done.

I think they states should be allowed an opportunity to revote, at their own expense. At this point, if I were in the DNC position, I'd basically say "You have until April 1st to come up with a viable way to allow your states votes to count by having a revote. You can hold a primary, a caucus, or a mail-in vote. If a viable proposal is not received by April 1st, this issue will no longer be discussed." And I think even that's being generous.

Henry - Florida   March 18th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Sean – This is the way the repulican party does it and they don't seem to have the problems we do. I also think that when all is said and done Hillary Clinton will have the popular vote and Obama the delegate count. I suppose then, you'll change your mind.

Helen friesen   March 18th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

i'm so happy that Obama is winning !!!

Stephen,Wilmington,NC   March 18th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

They mad their beds and now they have to lay in them. You can't change the rules along the way. Sorry Florida, you guys messed up again.

fred   March 18th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

HEY GUYS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO VOTE FOR OBAMA AND VOTE FOR MCCAIN, THEN DON'T GO CRYING SAYING MCCAIN SCREWED UP THE COUNTRY WHEN IT WAS YOU GUYS WHO VOTED FOR HIM BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T WANT TO VOTE FOR OBAMA OR HILLARY. IF YOU ARE A DEMOCRAT YOU NEED TO STAY LOYAL TO THE PARTY, OTHERWISE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A 3RD BUSH TERM AND THE ONLY PEOPLE TO BLAME WOULD BE YOURSELVES. BECAUSE YOU VOTED FOR MCCAIN INSTEAD OF A GOOD LEADER IN EITHER HILLARY OR OBAMA. GROW UP PEOPLE.

Edward Strange   March 18th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

As I read the comments I see the same old chestnuts dragged out again and again. Let's be clear on a few things.

Obama has had a clear lead since Iowa.
Obama did not cause the situation in Florida.
If the current Florida vote stands, Clinton narrows a 169 delegate lead down to about a 137 delegate lead. It in no way gives her a win.

So by what logic does anyone claim that Obama is not seeing the obvious and should step aside? The Clinton strategy revolves around getting the super delegates to vote for her even if she has won fewer delegates, fewer votes and fewer states and yet I see comments accusing Obama of somehow disenfranchising the electorate.

Obama will most likely win the nomination. He just picked up more delegates in Iowa than Clinton is likely to net in PA if she wins there. The sum of the remainder is likely close to a 50/50 split. This puts the number of super delegates Clinton has to poach away from Obama around 100.

There is no way Clinton can pull off a clean win for the nomination. This is what the DNC needs to be looking at. How much damage will Clinton to do to the party before the convention. How would a candidate who won the nomination in a back room deal fair against McCain?

Taj   March 18th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

This is truly horrible, and I am ashamed to call myself a Democrat right now. The people of Florida did not break party rules, it was their party leaders. So now the 1.75 million people who voted in Florida are disenfranchised, silenced, ignored. Is this a democracy?

Some have said here that if the Democratic Party either accepted the original results or held new primaries, it would be biased to giving Hillary the nomination. Hillary had no other advantage there than the will of the people. If that's bias, then you do not believe in democracy.

Jim, American in Paris   March 18th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

ANOTHER PILLOW FOR OBAMA! THIS IS JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.

HILLARY WON FLORIDA FAIRLY AND OBAMA SHOULD RECOGNIZE THIS FACT. SO SHOULD THE DNC.

THEY ARE GIVING THE NOMINATION TO OBAMA IF THEY DO NOT SEAT FLORIDA DELEGATES.

THIS IS UNFAIR AND UNDEMOCRATIC FOR EVERYONE AND ESPECIALLY FOR FLORIDIANS.

Wendy   March 18th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

This is unconstitutional to deny so many people the right to have their votes counted!!

TerryD   March 18th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

FACTS IN FLORIDA

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON'S NAME ON BALLOT.

BARACK H. OBAMA'S NAME ON BALLOT.

CITIZENS CAME TO VOTE AND HILLARY R. CLINTON WON THE PRIMARY BY SUBSTANTIAL MARGINS..

THAT WAS A LEGAL VOTE BY THE CITIZENS OF FLORIDA.

DNC , HOWARD DEAN AND THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
DROPPED THE BALL, NOT THE CITIZENS SO THEY BETTER LET THE VOTES STAND AT THEY ARE WRITTEN.

MICHIGAN BECAUSE OBAMA'S NAME WAS NOT ON THE BALLOT SHOUD HAVE A REDO TO GIVE OBAMA A CHANCE TO CAMPAIGN HIS POLITICS OF CHANGE.

OF COURSE THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN DOES NOT WANT A REDO NOR DO THEY WANT THE FLORIDA VOTES TO COUNT BECAUSE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WILL WIN WITH A MAJORITY.

SHE WILL WIN BIG IN MICHIGAN ALSO!!!

THE ONLY WAY OBAMA HAS WON MOST OF HIS DELEGATES IS FROM CAUCUSES WHERE HIS SUPPORTERS INTIMIDATED AND OVERWHELMED AND FRUSTRATED CLINTON SUPPORTERS .
AND APPARENTLY THE BLACK SUPERDELEGATES THAT SUPPORTED HILLARY R. CLINTON WERE PRESSURED TO CHANGE TO SUPPORT TO OBAMA, I THINK IT WAS A BROTHER ISSUE….

THAT IS DIVISIVE POLITICS BY THE GREAT DECEIVER OBAMA.

Andy, Toledo OH   March 18th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Obama must be elated of this news.

Imagine a campaign in Fla.

Obama: I didn't want your votes to count, but hey, vote for me now…

Daniel M, El Paso, TX   March 18th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

About time… 1 down 1 to go. You break the rules you pay the price. And to all of those that say it was the republicans that brought up this idea lets not forget there were a ton of democrats that voted in favor of this thing too…

Tyler in Raleigh   March 18th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

FL is the whiny, spoiled brat of the US. I was born in FL and lived there until just a few years ago… and I love my birth state but I am also sick of it.

They like to be the center of attention and will not give up the position they have held since the 2000 Chad Election. They want to be the maker in the primary and the general so that the candidates need to go there and spend $.

They moved up their primary to accomplish this, and when punished they will cry and whine that its not fair until they get their way. They have tried blackmail (you will lose us to R in the general), whining (its not fair), bargaining (1/2 our people count!) what is next?

They need to learn to live by the rules like the other 48 states that did OR work with their parents (like MI is doing) to come to a solution.

Helen friesen   March 18th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

NO HILARY!! SAY NO !

Helen friesen   March 18th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

i feel that a women shouldn't run a country. if i could vote i'd vote for Obama no questions asked and i hope everyone will do the same.

mike   March 18th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Did you hear Obama's speech today? NOT THIS TIME. Those of you who are spewing HATE on these posts can go move to another country. NOT THIS TIME.

Obama / Powell '08

Elaine Wilson, Kentucky   March 18th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

I don't know how we can possibly not count Florida Votes OR have another election. This would be cheating and very unfair. We have to do something or our party is destroyed.

ObamaJoy   March 18th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Fault of the Florida Republican Governor?

I saw a newspiece that discovered that the Democratic party supported moving up the date despite being aware of the consequences. Documents captured their votes. I did not think the governor did this alone.

I'm only asking – I don't know for sure…

California Voter   March 18th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

The DNC should work with all sides to get Florida's votes counted as they were cast. The democrats can't afford to let a state like Florida be disenfranchised! Hillary is not whining (that is a sexist remark) she merely believes that both Florida's and Michigan's votes should count. And if they are not the chances of a democrat winning the general election go down, down, down. The DNC should seat the Florida delegates and give the delegates to Clinton and Obama as Florida's voters cast them in the primary.

OBAMA 08   March 18th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

THE FLORIDA DEBACLE HAS BEEN AND IS A REPUBLICAN ATTEMPT TO HAVE HILLARY RUN AGAINST MCCAIN, WHICH WOULD GUARANTEE A MCCAIN WIN. SHE DOES NOT HAVE A CHANCE AGAINST HIM. SHE VOTED WITH HIM. SHE CAN'T MENTION THE ECONOMY, BECAUSE THE IRAQ WAR TRASHED IT. HER SO CALLED EXPERIENCE IS AN EXERCISE IN SLICK WILLIE AN DIRT HILLIE, THAT MCCAIN CAN, EVEN WITH HIS CHECKERED PAST, USE AGAINST HER.

Susan, PA   March 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

So I guess Camp Hillary will set to work getting all the PA Republicans registered as Democrats so they can vote for her here.

Whatever it takes to win, right?

Bukky, Baltimore   March 18th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

To all you Hillary fans. How can you say she supports letting the people have a voice when she will loose the delegate count either way and them claim that the super delegates should ignore the will of the ENTIRE counrty and vote her in. That make NO logical sense

Maryland   March 18th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Concerned Voter, I think you got it twisted, if Senator Obama is not electable it has nothing to do with his pastor nor his lack of experience, it is because of the color of his skin. If we could all look beyond the color of an individuals' skin, we would all be a lot better off. As far as the votes in Florida not be counted, the officials in Florida screwed up so the Florida voters she be upset with their local government and vote them out. If the rest of the states could abide by the rules of the DNC, why didn't Florida and Michigan do the same. To compare what is happening in Florida now to what happen in 2000 does not make since at all. If Senator Clinton was ahead in the delegate count, would anyone be concerned about Florida and Michigan revoting, ummmmm, I don't think so. Let's face the facts, Florida and Michigan broke the rules and the should suffer the consequences. As far as the democratics not winning in Florida in November, well Florida has a republician governor so just like in 2000, he want let that happen anyway. Let's teach our younger generation that if you break the rules thier are consequences that you will have to face. I think if we would abolish political parties and just let every candidate run as a person and not as part of a political party, the country would be much better off.

Sabrina, Las Vegas, NV   March 18th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Thank god!

As a matter of fact, take away the voting rights, period!

Charlotte   March 18th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

People, they will count in around about way. The superdelegates are not stupid, they have no choice but to at least consider who won it in the primary, whether it counts or not.

Liberals   March 18th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Dear Clinton Supporters,

The conservative radio talking clowns have successfully blown this whole story of Reverand Wright up and you are jumping right on board with them. You must be proud to fall into their trap. You are so engrained for your canidate to win, just like your canidate you will say anything to win as you have proven right here on this board. You cannot and will not win if you would actually look at the numbers, so please quit ruining the Democratic Party with all of your depressing and false negativity.

Obama is an ethical and honest man who is being smeared by someone else's statements. Is this all you can find? I believe it is.

Paul

Hopeful   March 18th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I hope they seat the delegates as voted and move forward by punishing the people who caused this mess. The voters should not be punished. Seat the delegates as voted – done!

George   March 18th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

I have been told that Howard Dean is behind the Florida and Michigan disaster. I have also been told that Democrat party leaders did everything possible to accommodate Howard Dean. The Democratic Florida House members are outnumbered by Republicans and had no say in when the Democratic primary would be. Dean is said to have refused to discuss his decision with Florida's US Democratic Senator and he is also said to have refused to discuss any solution with Republican Governor Crist. Further more he even refused to talk with the Florida Democrats.

Is all this true and which candidate did Howard Dean support?

I have also been told that "The Florida State House members tried to reason with him saying the FLORIDA STATE HOUSE is CONTROLLED by REPUBLICANS and they VOTED TO MOVE THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES UP so the Republicans would have a free field for the Republican primaries."

Is this likely to be true?

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   March 18th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

I can't wait to see what some of the ignorant people on the ticker are going to say when they see no wrong doing on sen. Clinton's part on both her taxes and her income and her earmarks… of course even after she shows the world these documents, people are still going to try to drag her good name thru the floor… talk about haters!

Gary   March 18th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

What is really sad about reading these posts is how polarized the supporters of the candidates have become with each other. Isnt having a Democrat whose 2 primary candidates have essentially policies that are very similiar , be a better nominee/President than voting Republican ? Sad.

Stop the back stabbing…support your candidate but stop the negativity towards the other..if your candidate doesnt win..vote for the other in November and stop this nonsense or you WILL have John McBush in for another term or two…is that what you would prefer ? Serioulsy get a grip America.

dreamseeker9837   March 18th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

To ALL you Hillary supporters who keep saying let the votes count: STOP being putzes! For goodness' sake. They broke the rules, were punished and the candidates agreed to it. END OF STORY. I don't know why this is a point of contention!

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   March 18th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

The DNC needs to wake up and raelize they will loose Florida unles they fix this mess… rules are one thing, but the will of the legislature imposed this date on all of us… for you to penalize Florida is ridiculous. and for the so call "hillar haters" don't be so ignorant, the candidates deserve your respect, both of them. Good going DNC you are doing a great job loosing election after election…

Juro   March 18th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan is partly responsible for this mess. She's a big Hillary Supporter.

How come the rules never seem to apply to her? I know, rules are only meant for the boys.

Anonymous   March 18th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

That is because you are ignorant Ann

Norm   March 18th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Isaac HAS IT RIGHT!

Karen G   March 18th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

This is our country ,TAKE ACTION and stand firm on what you believe in, it was the repulicans who messed the vote up anyway.The people in Florida are not to blame.

Mrs. C   March 18th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

I am very disappointed at some of the bloggers first of all. This blog has nothing to do with Obama and what his OLD pastor said. How would any of you feel if you were held responsible for what someone else you know says? If you don't vote Obama for that reason only, you were never going to vote for him in the first place, so stop making excuses. ………No one wants to bring up race but SOME non-African Americans EVERYWHERE, not just in the south, would never vote for an African America man/woman, the pastor situation is just a reason to justify it. …But back on the topic at hand, they should let Florida and Michigan vote during the general election. And since their votes don't count since they held their primary early, I think the number of needed delegates should be lowered to a reachable number to offset the number of delegates lost between Florida and Michigan…..and thats my 2 cents! And just in case any of you were wondering, I am Caucasion. OBAMA' 08

Karen   March 18th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

To Henry in Florida – you are right on all accounts. Many changes have to be made in the Democratic primary process. I would include one more change, no caucus! They are the most ridiculous and undemocratic procedure in the electoral process. A few thousand from an electorate of several thousand dictates the delegate count.
These states need to hold regular primaries with a large window of voting time available to the electorate so that more voters will participate.

NoWorry   March 18th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

I am a Hillary supporter. But I believe what Obama said in this speech. He is sincere. He did a great job. He does not need to disown Wright. He should not have to. Once in while in one’s life, people may say or do something radical just like what Mr. Wright did. Let’s move onto the real issues that Americans are facing.

Karen G   March 18th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Why don't everyone who is not going to vote demacratic because of Florida send Howard Dean an E-mail. If he get enough , they may listen to the people.

Greg   March 18th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Nobody asked us Floridians whether we wanted a revote or not, of course we do, I'd even contribute to any fund raising to get it done.

Seattle Sue Seattle, Wa.   March 18th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

This decision should make Obama very happy.

Eileen   March 18th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

I've never heard of anything so undemocractic as not counting the Florida votes……they voted in good faith. They didn't know that ther vote would not count or there would not have been a record broken in the large numbers that turned out for the primary….DNC…get your act together!!!

SAM, Raleigh, NC   March 18th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

You Clinton supporters that say you'll vote for McCain over Obama are full of it. I don't believe you I think you are just trying to convince other people to stop supporting Obama. Why not just stay home? Why go through the trouble just to spite one particular candidate that has most of the same views as the one you support now? Do you realize how stupid and ill-concieved that is? I don't even support Obama and I see how wrong that is. Who gave us Nafta? Oh yeah Clinton! Who bombed serbia? Clinton! Who was the chosen successor for H.W.Bush? You guessed it that corrupt govenor from Arkansas. Bush the elder knew his chances were slim so he handpicked a candidate to win in case he didn't. Now you know that we will possibly have Bush policies for 28 years if Hillary Clinton gets 8 years. What a sad time to be an american.

Tony, Powell, OH   March 18th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Wow, some of you people are "out there". Yeah, sure, it's ALL the Republicans fault isn't it! C'mon. How about we all get back to one of the things that made our country great and learn to take some accountability. FL and Michigan wanted to play a bigger role in the elections, they broke the rules knowing the consequences, and should pay for it.

And for the love of God, what will it take to have the word "disenfranchised" wiped from the English language. It's such a whiny, pathetic word laced with entitlement. We're turning into (or are already) a nation of spoiled brats that think the world owes each of us whatever we want. Get over it. Sheesh.

Your votes WILL be counted, people, in the general election. Until then, yeah, be upset but figure out how to keep this from happening in the future rather than just wringing your hands and whining about being "disenfranchised". Do you think ANY society on Earth other than ours even USES that word???? Does that not tell you something?

lamarr   March 18th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Too bad, Hillary, you can't fool the people this time.

DMAC in ID   March 18th, 2008 11:55 am ET

The crooked FL. Republicans did it again. They set the Vote date knowing there would be trouble. What a bunch of —-.
Since everyone was on the ticket the DNC should count this primary and not let the GOP get away with there agenda again. They are treating FL. like a dictatorship 3rd world country. Everyone who wants to vote should be counted in this USA.

Randi   March 18th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Do you know why they won't redo Florida? Because the FL democrats are Obama supporters, and they know that it will only help Hillary to redo the vote. There is a lot of unfairness going on…It was the Republicans who made it impossible for FL to count.

jp/michigan   March 18th, 2008 11:52 am ET

It was an Republican legislature and Republican governor that sign the bill to have their primary early. Obama had TV ads in Florida , he spend 1.3 million on them, his name was on the ballot. So not to defranchise the democratic voter, their votes. Divide the delegates according to the voting out come.

FL   March 18th, 2008 11:50 am ET

In these blogs: Florida equals Govenment officials, not voters. Voters had no choice, no say, and are having their constitutional rights taken away for nothng of the voter's own doing. Goverment officials are to blame. DNC rules are to blame. Floridians only remember all too well how precious votes are and not intentionally going to mess with that. We are the innocent, taxpaying clients to "lawyers" who screwed up the case and the voters get rights stripped for someone else's mistake. By the way, the DNC shot themselves in the foot: they pay the biggest price for this mess and their own decisions (Crist conspiracy? maybe, but not so true of Michigan so that can't be the whole picture, we just have more delegates so more coverage). I'm not paying, as a tax payer, either way for someone else's decision.

CHERYL   March 18th, 2008 11:49 am ET

THEY ARE DRAGGING THEIR FEET BECAUSE THE GOP OF FLORIDA WANT THE NOMINEE OF THIS WHOLE MESS TO BE OBAMA! THEN THE SMEAR CAMPAIGN AND 4 MORE YEARS OF REPUBLICANS!!!!!!!

WELL I AM NOT FALLING FOR IT!!!!!!

OBAMA IS COMMITING POLITICAL SUICIDE AND IT IS HIS OWN FAULT!!!

SENATOR CLINTON RISES ABOVE IT ALL TO WIN!!!!!!!!!

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

CHERYL   March 18th, 2008 11:44 am ET

THESE PEOPLE NEED TO GET A GRIP! THIS IS THE FAULT OF THE REPUBLICAN RUN STATE OF FLORIDA!!!!!!!!!

WE NEED TO KEEP SUEING UNTIL SOMEONE WAKES UP!!!!

WHAT KIND OF A PRICE DO YOU PUT ON BEING DISENFRACHISED??

THEY NEED TO DISTRIBUTE THE DELEGATES AS THEY WERE CAST!!

JUST DO NOT COUNT THE EDWARDS VOTES!

OBAMA ADVERTISED IN FLORIDA FOR 10 DAYS!

SENATOR CLINTON DID NOT!!

I SUPPORT HILLARY 100%%%%%%%

Mike in Columbus   March 18th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Florida… Don't blame all of this on the DNC. Your state government officials bare a great deal of blame as well. Your Republican gonvenor clearly does not care about your voice as Democrats…

However, the DNC did drop the ball, and Howard Dean needs to go.

Unbelievable   March 18th, 2008 11:43 am ET

The people of Florida complain and say they won't vote for Obama or a Democrat because of this situation; where were they when they let their state officials GO AGAINST the rules and move it up in the 1st place.

How can they be mad now?

How can you say that is fair?

People are unbelievable.

Go Hillary!   March 18th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Awesome! Please put the money that would have been wasted on another election and put into your schools.

FL   March 18th, 2008 11:38 am ET

CNN, are you watching the speech? Do your job.

wordslinger, chicago   March 18th, 2008 11:38 am ET

When President McCain is taking the oath of office, I hope all of you who insist in "playing by the rules" are just as self-righteous. Only national Democrats can screw up this badly — disenfranchising their supporters in a battleground state. And yes, the GOP is laughing, as they should be.

joanna   March 18th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Iam so happy to see the democrats swirling in their own swines.

Grif   March 18th, 2008 11:36 am ET

The Steal!!

Hanging Chad   March 18th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Florida Democratic Voters wouldn't have figured out the re-vote.

Cindy   March 18th, 2008 11:27 am ET

If you want a revelation, go to your computer and look up "Snopes Hillay comments" All this women cares about is becoming president. She will go to any length to try to win. She will not let this go. She doesn't care about the people that vote, she just cares about the vote.

YES WE CAN   March 18th, 2008 11:26 am ET

FLorida you made the right decision. Now Michigan needs to do the same and stand up against flip-flopping Clinton who now opposes the rules she agreed all along.

This getting crazy, Clinton is really starting to divide the Democratic party.

David   March 18th, 2008 11:24 am ET

as it should be. you break the rules and you must live with the consequences. the people must take this up with their state legislature. it was their fault.

Mir   March 18th, 2008 11:19 am ET

it's actually a constitutional question: can the DNC eliminate ALL the superdelegates and thereby ensure no voting and no representation. The republicans punished the state by cutting their delegate allocation in half. The dnc should reconsider their role as supreme court justices and figure out a way to guarantee that votes actually count.

circus   March 18th, 2008 11:09 am ET

This whole process is like a circus…. Were still using a two century old process to help elect the leaders that are supposed to move us forward. Everyday I lose more and more faith in our country.

Dusgruntled Democrat   March 18th, 2008 10:59 am ET

The voters of Florida have been disinfranchized. Have we forgotten the Constitution?

Ian   March 18th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Good. Hopefully if people are upset by this they actually decide to take action instead of complaining about it on cnn's website.

USA   March 18th, 2008 10:57 am ET

if you don't vote you have no say, we need leadership ,not cry baby's we need laws ,.because people can not agree on good manners and act like adults.mostly in the goverment.

JFK   March 18th, 2008 10:57 am ET

no matter what happens ,nothing will change in washington.remember,that they r all gods and u r nothing.

Joseph Saladino Jr.   March 18th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Whats with all the flags on stage. Is obama playing at being president already.. And as far as the public being racist, I believe that the media has played a big part of this by separating american voters in ethnic groups such as black voters, white voters, latino voters etc.

Jim Kansas   March 18th, 2008 10:55 am ET

State of Florida held an election, who showed up was a decision made by the canidates. To heck with Dean and the DNC, watch as they hand another election over to the RNC.

Brian from Fort Mill, S.C.   March 18th, 2008 10:55 am ET

The DNC is learning a hard lesson. If they were smart, they would have done like the Republicans and only seated half the delegates.

That would punish the two states without having to worry about disenfranchising voters.

scott   March 18th, 2008 10:54 am ET

Florida had the names on the ticketsand it should be counted, MI should revote. they can all spend Mills campaining why cant people come up with the cash to revote.

La Petite Sorciere   March 18th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Hillary GO far and away

humanity   March 18th, 2008 10:52 am ET

if everyone's vote doesn't count what's the point of an election? i thought we lived in a democracy. just another step backward for the US.

Clara Salata   March 18th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Every American legal citizen has the right and obligation to vote. No one has the right to remove a person's right of a vote.

JD   March 18th, 2008 10:52 am ET

You Democrats are just plain stupid! You can't even run a political campaign. How do you expect to run the country?!?

Rich   March 18th, 2008 10:52 am ET

This is very sad. The Democratic Party will not allow the citizens of Florida to have their voice heard. Another example of how the Democratic Party is destroying itself. They have the funds to do a revote – they just don't want to use it. I guess everyone needs to become a Republic – at least they can vote……….

z,new york, ny   March 18th, 2008 10:51 am ET

The original agreed upon rules was that the delegates wouldn't count. ALL camps agreed to this. Either don't seat the delegates or seat them 50/50. Thus the delegates will still have a vote, Clinton will have her way in that the delegates ARE seated, and Obama can have his way where the delegates dont' really count as ORIGINALLY AGREED TO.

ForBetterAmerica   March 18th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Please don't get HRC wrong. She just wants to make a point and also has obligation to make that point to go all the way until the convention.
That does not mean she does not understand that she no chances of getting party nomination, atleast in 2008. Good luck in 2012, HRC !!

Vancouver, BC   March 18th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Sorry, but viewing this ridiculous race which will last almost three years for a four year term, I am proud to be a Cnadian and to have the British Parliamentary Sytem we have.

Alonzo Demetrius, FL, USA   March 18th, 2008 10:46 am ET

The same party rules applied to Repubs as to Dems, but both parties moved the primary forward knowing their punishment by the RNC/DNC. Isn't it true that the RNC allowed for one-half of the Repub delegates to be seated at the convention?

MB_Florida Voter   March 18th, 2008 10:45 am ET

I am a registered Florida Democrat. However, I DID NOT vote in the primary because we were told that it WOULD NOT count! How can the DNC take away our primary, but then say "Just kidding!" and count the votes from the people who showed up anyway??? My vote is not going to count because I was stupid enough to follow the directions of the DNC!!

Karen   March 18th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Way to go Obama. Stalled on Florida. Trotted out the attorneys to Michigan. Aaah just like sleazy Chicago politics where you piled on with lawyers to get everyone kicked off the ballot so you could run alone. Well, garbage politics got Bush elected. Good job.

Keith P. CA   March 18th, 2008 10:42 am ET

the people of Florida should only be outraged or upset with there elected officials (Republicans)! Bottom line they are the ones who created this mess in the first place.

Relax Joe   March 18th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire all violated DNC rules by changing their dates, yet weren't stripped of their delegates.

Read up on it.

PAT   March 18th, 2008 10:42 am ET

WHY DOESN'T SOMEONE GO BACK AND READ THE DNC DELEGATE SELECTION RULES (8/19/06) – THERE WERE PROVISIONS MADE IN THAT DOCUMENT TO SEAT AT LEAST 1/2 OF THE DELEGATION.

John in Virgina   March 18th, 2008 10:42 am ET

It amazes me how many people keep saying "if such and such happens, I will vote for McCain." It is obvious that you have no clue about the issues and do not care to. The policies of Obama and Clinton are night and day from McCain's. If you think it's ok to continue on a path of distruction that the Bush Administration has begun and continuing it with McCain, then you are a fool. We are on the way to turning our dollar into a penny. The issue with the cost of gas is that the dollar is shrinking; the price of gas has not gone anywhere. But your employer isn't going to pay you to keep up with it. Folks, do not buy into this crap over Wright. He isn't running or anything. We must get our economy moving, and borrowing $208 billion a month from China to have a war we should never have had to fight get control over a commodity of another country, when we should be creating jobs by changing our energy policy anyway, is just plain stupid. If we don't wake up, there won't be an America to fight for at all.

FloridaforHillary   March 18th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Florida voters did NOT break the rules.
Floridians deserve to be heard. We would never accept a 50/50 split.

We do NOT want Obama as our President !!!

Count our votes NOW.

Common Sense   March 18th, 2008 10:40 am ET

GOOD!
Stick to the rules and maybe… just MAYBE FL will get it right the 3rd time around.. **rolling my eyes**

Peg   March 18th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Florida is a backwards bunch. When explaining something make sure you talk that way otherwise they cant understand!!

Beans   March 18th, 2008 10:40 am ET

This is NOT the end of the world, people. It's only a case where someone didn't follow the rules and received an appropriate consequence. WHO is getting harmed? No one, absolutely no one.

Even Hillary can live with this if she really tries. What's next for her? More pouting, crying, complaining, blaming, and manipulating. Same ole, same ole, and life goes on.

Maybe FL will eventually get their political and voting procedures right in the future. They have had more than their fair share of mess ups recently.

Jackie   March 18th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Florida needs to get their act together. Elections in Florida have had problems for years now. There are all kinds of voter irregularities. That state needs to stop whining and clearn up their act.

Lee   March 18th, 2008 10:40 am ET

I say keep at it you 2 (Clinton & Obama), you will solidify the split Demo vote and McCain will win! The lesser of the 3 evils! Hillary has already proven that her "hormones" get the better of her when she doesn't get her way. And I say this as a WOMAN people!!! The woman is down right scarey.

CaseyB   March 18th, 2008 10:40 am ET

If you were stupid enough to vote in Florida when the whole world knew your primary election was disqualified because your state party broke the rules, then, perhaps you really deserve what's happened. The time for you to be outraged was when Florida was disqualified.

nancy   March 18th, 2008 10:39 am ET

I feel that they knew if the primary was held in Jan. Florida's delagetes would not count. They made the decision to do it anyways, so be accountable for the choice.

Jane, Dallas   March 18th, 2008 10:38 am ET

We don't want Obama. We don't need him. Go away with your UNCLE Wright! Count the votes in Florida or Demorat will have a big lost in November. We, a large group of Hillary supporters in Dallas Texas have pledged that, no vote for Obama if he is nominated.
COUNT IT NOW!

Puddytat   March 18th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Hey Demwit !!!…your the reason those old ladies fought for the right to abortion ! your mentality doesn't need to multiply !

Chris Bowditch   March 18th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Would it be legal for both Florida and Michigan to just divide the delegates evenly between the two candidates? That way both states could "save face" and the candidates would not be penalized.

Ohio Gal   March 18th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Well, this would not even be an issue had Obama won in Florida and Michigan….you all know very well that Hillary would not even consider the option of letting their votes count had she not won. It would be hands down that the decision was made before the election and that FL and MI did not have to vote when they did but they chose to. The residents of the these two states need to not blame Washington, Republicans, or Democrats but blame instead THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS who SCREWED the whole thing up. HAD they followed the rules of the DNC this would not have happened.
As far as Obama and his minister are concerned…let us not forget that Hillary's top advisor had just been in the news for her racial comments about Obama not even having a chance if he were black. This country may have came along way through the years but there are still very serious racial tensions all across America. We can say what we want but this campaign is about if America is ready to accept a new type of person in the White House—a woman? A black man? or a man who has a war agenda-all but wait we already have one of those in the White House already. Needless to say…I don't think America is capable of making a decision based on the issues. Unfortunately, many still just see a black man or a white woman. Sad.

Mary Z   March 18th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Oh yeah…I hear my fellow republicans laughing!

We republicans don't have to worry about winning the presidential election this year….

The Democrats are losing it for themselves.

JMHO,

Mary

Rick   March 18th, 2008 10:33 am ET

If florida votes are split equally, it is same as havign no election. Why is then Michican holding election if votes can be split equally. This is not democracy. Votes should be counted as they are or revote needed.

CJ in CO   March 18th, 2008 10:32 am ET

My Question: Did the 795 Superdelegates (now 793; minus Liebermana nd Spitzer) include Superdelegates from Florida? I know the 210 pledged delegates from Florida were not included, but I am wondering if the Florida Superdelegates are being punished as well. Seems only fair, since they were the ones who created this problem by initiating the legislation to change their Primary to January 25.

Anyone, anyone, Bueller?

Alexis   March 18th, 2008 10:32 am ET

The commenters who say they are going to vote Republican just because they are annoyed by the Florida voting situation are ignorant and childish. Way to run the country even further into the ground.

Kathleen   March 18th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Stop blaming Dean. Gov. Crist and the republicans are the demons here. THEY voted to move up the dem primary, NOT the dems.

Al   March 18th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Where in the constitution does it say that the DNC has the authority to NOT allow votes from any state of the union to be counted and their voices to be heard?

Beth Johnson   March 18th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Obama is making a mockery out of the United States and the American people. People are following this guy like blind mice, while he laughs in our faces with his anti-American, anti-white sentiments.

Shun   March 18th, 2008 10:29 am ET

I'm disappointed… *pouts*

Chip from Ohio   March 18th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Does one get do-overs as President?

Steph   March 18th, 2008 10:27 am ET

THIS IS OUTRAGOUS !!!! Howard DEAN…. BE A MAN FOR ONCE and DO SOMTHING !!!

THIS IS AMERICA – WHERE WE HAVE RIGHTS TO BE HEARD!!!

VOTES NEED TO COUNT AS THIS IS THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE !!

Cookie   March 18th, 2008 10:27 am ET

HRC supporters, stop pretending this will impact the November election. Most people in FL don't know and/or care about this "inside baseball" stuff. When the election comes in November, nobody will be thinking "well, they didn't seat the delegates at the convention so I'm not going to vote!" Stop 10 voters randomly on the streets and 8 of them will have no clue what a convention delegate is!

La Raza   March 18th, 2008 10:26 am ET

I know you Obama haters are mad but the rules are the rules. I would hope that you would support the nominee whoever it is. Please bury the hate and let's change for the better.

dem   March 18th, 2008 10:26 am ET

No law and rules are higher than the Constitution and people's voting rights.

Ev-VA   March 18th, 2008 10:25 am ET

OBAMA 08.

Linda Ellis   March 18th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Why bother with a revote-Since neither candidate campaigned here–use the votes already cast.
They were cast in good faith and desrved to be counted!

Let us have our voice back.

sick and tired   March 18th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Obama stil gets my vote. I have the sense to read and find out what is going on and not let the media spoon feed me crap.

Yvonne   March 18th, 2008 10:23 am ET

This is all Hillary's fault. She stirred up this hornet's nest in the first place. Now, her and her pants suits have damaged the Democrats chance of winning Florida . . . although there was never much of a chance for that anyway!

jason twombley   March 18th, 2008 10:22 am ET

its about time florida, that you accept the punishment for violating the rules, AND for God sakes Hillary, stop whining! your whining is losing support very quickly !!

Fred   March 18th, 2008 10:22 am ET

You break the rules you pay for it. Go after the people that brought you this wonderful moment. Not the DNC

LA   March 18th, 2008 10:21 am ET

As an Independent I look at this mess and ask myself — do I really want these same people running my country?!

lou   March 18th, 2008 10:19 am ET

see how easy is to loose an election…. there you go. Concratulations Howard Dean… you are making a career out of loosing elections. I hope you were a better DR.

Isaac   March 18th, 2008 10:18 am ET

Florida should stand as it is no one campagined there Michigan should be recast that is fair in my opinion.

Darryl Arlington TX   March 18th, 2008 10:18 am ET

God is Good all the time, and God has and always will bless the USA.

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are both up to the Job as President

However this is a Job for a new person the Clinton needs to answer a lot of unaswered questions like the Dubia Poet World Deal and all of that new money!!!!!!!!!!

Karlie   March 18th, 2008 10:17 am ET

I don't understand why everyone is saying that no one in Florida will vote for the democrats now. The republican governer, Crist, is the one that moved up the date. I wish people knew where to direct their anger….

David Scorca   March 18th, 2008 10:17 am ET

This is pathetic, the Democratic Party has failed me for the last time! Thank you for ignoring my vote in selecting the party's representative! I doubt I will ever vote Democratic again!!!!

Nikita   March 18th, 2008 10:15 am ET

The DNC rule cannot and should not have the constitutional or legal right to remove the sovereign votes of Americans!

stephanie   March 18th, 2008 10:15 am ET

If they won't do a re-vote, they need to seat them as is. People didn't vote just to be ignored in the end.

Amanda   March 18th, 2008 10:13 am ET

I am proud today to be a Floridian. I don't want MY tax dollars to be respent on another primary. I wouldn't care if it was Democrat or Republican.

Michael, Farmington, NH   March 18th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Florida and Michigan knew the rules, had agreed to the rules and then decided to rebel against them. What good are rules if the penalties for violating them can be avoided?

And Obama has consistently said that he has always used his good judgement in differing with Reverend Wright on many of his views. I trust Obama.

jfs Memhis, Tn   March 18th, 2008 10:12 am ET

This is the right move. Sorry Hillary folks……..you'll aren't reading the vibes from the DNC. NO MORE CLINTONS……to high maintenance. Afraid you will have to vote for McCain. Its okay though Obama will do just fine with out ya's…considering all the new and Independents we are attracting. All of this negative stuff that you have been shelling out should work just fine on the other side. BYE

Cats r Flyfishn   March 18th, 2008 10:11 am ET

I will never post here again.

Phyllis   March 18th, 2008 10:11 am ET

Amen to Reality Check #1…….There were ads on TV by Obama, but I didn't see any for Hillary. She did come to FL for a fund raiser, I believe, on election day. There was the biggest turnout in voter history. COUNT OUR VOTES! We wouldn't have gone to the polls if we thought our votes wouldn't count and why would they be proportionately given to someone else. Obama's argument is they didn't campaign here???? Not so Mr. Obama. We Floridians do watch TV and saw plenty of your spots! Hillary won, fair and square, so COUNT OUR VOTES!!!!!!!!! How democratic is do-overs in elections??????

Illinois 2   March 18th, 2008 10:11 am ET

To all you Obama supporters, WAKE UP, Hillary won the Florida primary of Obama was on as well. Count the previous votes and seat the delegates, after all the people that got out and voted have the same rights as the rest of us. If it was not for the REPUBLICAN controlled legislature in Florida, this would not have happened….

The Facts, No Spin   March 18th, 2008 10:11 am ET

You people throwing fits about Florida and saying you'll vote for McCain are hilarious.

The GOP legislature in your state can't believe how good a job they did. They never expected to get your vote but in your somewhat twisted mindset, you're going to give the machine just what it wants.

This is hilarious. You've become pawns in the Republican game plan.

Tony   March 18th, 2008 10:10 am ET

The Demorcratic Party, their National Committee and Chairman should realize that disenfranchizing Florida and Michigan voters is not a very good idea. Especially in light of what happened in the 2000 election. Nuff said.

Jason, Omaha, NE   March 18th, 2008 10:10 am ET

bigben, why would we split the ILL delegates 50/50? Obama dominated that state fair and square. Also, I am very interested to see what Obama says in his speach today. I am not going to judge the man by a sound bite from his pastor. I go to church every Sunday and I would be lying if I said that I always agree with everything my Pastor says.

Meme   March 18th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Someone please explain to me what is so bad about splitting the delegates 50/50? This way the people of Florida and Michigan will be represented.

sheila   March 18th, 2008 10:09 am ET

For goodness sakes just seat them.It was a real vote -Obama was on the ticket as was Hillary-so it was a level playing field.

Cats r Flyfishn   March 18th, 2008 10:09 am ET

David – you are correct Hillary does NEED to be the next president only to satisfy her own insecurities. Hillary may have this need. The United States of America doesn't need Hillary to be president. Offer her Senate Majority Leader. This will give her lots of power. Something she craves.

Jake Haggerty   March 18th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Unbelieveable…….How can a state like Florida not be counted? The people in Florida need to vote…….I thought we lived in a democratic country. If Florida's votes are not counted we can no longer preach democracy around the world.

dem   March 18th, 2008 10:07 am ET

My family and our friends announce today we will change our party affiliation from Democratic to Independent/Republican and will vote for Republican/Independent candidates in the general election.

jeff   March 18th, 2008 10:06 am ET

com'on people don't mix politics and religion otherwise it becomes an ugly, nasty, bitter cocktail and hard to swallow. Obama believes in God, and there's only God besides he made it clear he rejects his pastor's statement isn't that enough!. Talk about issues people after all that matters the most. By the way… Obama 08

mother too   March 18th, 2008 10:06 am ET

if you need to punish someone, punish the politician who decided, let him him pay for revoting!
But this is ridiculous, not right. These are circus politics. Unfair to people.

timbo   March 18th, 2008 10:05 am ET

its there fault.now they'll probly lose alot of people for this

isaiah   March 18th, 2008 10:05 am ET

the florida legislature knew what it was getting into. the broke the rules and now have to face the consequences just like any other person who breaks the rules or law!

ct   March 18th, 2008 10:03 am ET

how fair is this then?
Those people do not belong to the USA?
Let's make this country even more divided!
Where is the logic and fairness in this?

This is not right! This is manipulation – unfair manipulation.
I do not think I will vote for Dems at all if those votes will not be counted.

Lois, RI   March 18th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Give Florida a re-vote. Do not hold the voters accountable for the mistakes of the nit-wits who changed the date. This is a democracy. Their vote should count.

The whole idea of a primary is to get the most electable to represent both parties. Let the process complete itself. Let the voters speak.

mike   March 18th, 2008 9:59 am ET

bush didn,t get help to new orlean,s . now obama don,t want to count the people in florida if obama dosent drop out mccain win,s everyone know,s this ecept obama !

Mary   March 18th, 2008 9:59 am ET

Why don't they seat the Florida delegates as both candidates were on the ballot. Then I suggest re-vote Michigan. I also think Howard Dean should pay as he is the one who got us in this mess by not allowing the vote to count. It is not very democratic and the Democrats will lose in General Election if Fl and MI are not seated.

Tired   March 18th, 2008 9:58 am ET

Newsflash:

If you talk bad about Obama for using speech-writers, you're stupid. Seriously. Every politician uses them.

If you still think the NAFTA issue was about Obama, you're not paying attention.

If you call Obama a liar, and support Hillary, you're perhaps too dumb to be allowed to vote.

JackD, St. Paul, MN   March 18th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Why is if Florida can't figure out how to voate for a president? Two elections running they can't seem to deal with it. Is it the alzheimers of the retired or the burgeoning english-illiterate Cuban population?

Martin   March 18th, 2008 9:56 am ET

I think that Florida should just consider the results they have in hand because both candidates were in the ballot.

Denise   March 18th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Florida and Michigan violated the rules. They should be penalized. Elected officials who represent constituents from these states, need to be removed form office come time for elections.

I am also surprised the people did not speak up about this in their states.

larry   March 18th, 2008 9:55 am ET

its fair and rules are rules if people of fl,mi want someone to blame youe should start with your local goverment not the howard dean

Republican for Obama   March 18th, 2008 9:55 am ET

Spirit of America:

I believe if this was actually a government sponsored election everyone would agree. However this is not. It is a primary vote held by a private club so to speak, the democratic party. They get to set any rules they choose. If they wanted to select their nominee by the color of the voters hair they could.

bigben   March 18th, 2008 9:54 am ET

The United States is of 50 states not 48. This isn't about Hillary Or Obama . It is about the voters right to vote.

Chipster in PA   March 18th, 2008 9:54 am ET

Obama made the choice to remove his name from the Michigan ballot. That was his poor judgment. Don't blame it on the voters who had no say in the entire fiasco.

Shawn from Iowa   March 18th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Alexandra get your facts straight. You can't blame this on the GOP. The DNC is to blame for setting the rule to not seat the delegates. It wouldn't matter who they voted for the party decided and all the candidates agreed to it. HRC will not give this up until they pull it from her cold dead fingers.

SM   March 18th, 2008 9:52 am ET

If my vote did not count now,,,forget about November!!!!

Matt   March 18th, 2008 9:52 am ET

RE: March 18th, 2008 9:01 am ET: "ok, Obama haters….read the article…he had nothing to do with this…I can hear it now. "Obama is not letting FL have its vote!!"

No, but his campaign is purposely dragging its feet on a revote in Michigan.

Sean   March 18th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Henry: You are trying to change the rules to support your candidate! Obama has more votes, so why should Hillary get the nomination? Becase she won some bigger states? If you really want to be fair, just award the nomination based on majority votes. No delegates at all. That's the only "fair" way to do a "winner take all". You can't put more emphasis on larger states, or you cheat the smaller states by stating that they don't matter.

James   March 18th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Sharon, you are asking the person winning to drop out? In what way does that make sense?

Mandi Locke   March 18th, 2008 9:49 am ET

Clinton only cares about the Florida delegates because they favor her. If the shoe were on the other foot, she would be taking the postion that the DNC made a decisiona nd they should stick with it. That's The CLinton brand of politics for you. What's good for the Clintons is best for the coutnry. Me, I don't buy it. This is what makes their political stances so inconsistent.

GO OBAMA!!!
HATE WILL NOT WIN THIS TIME!!!

Gregory Scott   March 18th, 2008 9:49 am ET

No one was complaining when this was decided months ago. Not unti Hillary saw she actually had a chance! A decision can't be undone whenever one decides. Get Over it!

Ryan   March 18th, 2008 9:48 am ET

Blame your state officials!

Adam   March 18th, 2008 9:47 am ET

Have you ever noticed that at Hillary rallies there is always someone who supports Obama there being a Heckler? Also like this past weekend, When Hillary was in a Parade, Obama supporters were chanting mean things. These are the kind of people supporting Obama. They are not bringing us together, they are dividing out party. This scares me.

brewdog   March 18th, 2008 9:47 am ET

Florida made the right decision, for all in Florida who don't think so, get ride of the people running your Democratic Commitee for your state. They disappointed you not the DNC or your country.

Chris, Port St. Lucie, FL   March 18th, 2008 9:47 am ET

Hooray for democracy! We have done our founding fathers proud! (Sarcasm.)

Sandra from Ohio   March 18th, 2008 9:47 am ET

I fill that this is the right way to go. WE have to show our young voters that you don't get redos if you don't like how things turned out. When you break the rules you have to suffer the penalty attached. I hope the same thing happens in Michigan. Puts a little more faith in the democrats that make the decisions thank -you for not disappointing me at least in Florida. Michigan act like adults take your punishment for breaking the rules

Thomas   March 18th, 2008 9:47 am ET

What a mess! No suprise, poor leadership all the way around. Say good bye to the Presidency Dem's because they sqewed you. The DNC deserve what they get. I'll be registering as a Independent, needless to say.

bigben   March 18th, 2008 9:46 am ET

Obama will be the demo nominee of 48 states not 50

Dan, Washington DC   March 18th, 2008 9:45 am ET

While I wanted to see them do a re-vote, I'm happy they at least came to a decision now instead of dragging it out until June.

Joe T   March 18th, 2008 9:45 am ET

The Democratic Party needs to get its act together if they want to win the white house this November, and yes Howard Dean must go.

PA voter   March 18th, 2008 9:45 am ET

GOOD Maybe they will honor the millions of voters who made the effort to have their voice heard in the first place! They shouldn't waste millions of dollars, the votes should be counted AS IS

Obama's name was on the ballot, so it's fair (besides the fact that he broke his pledge and advertised on CNN!) Anyway, Hillary still beat him!

Kevin   March 18th, 2008 9:44 am ET

Arnold, get a life I'm willing to bet that you have a grandfather, father and/or brother that use racist remarks maybe even using the N word, do that make you a bad person?

matt   March 18th, 2008 9:44 am ET

Good florida should be counted as is. due to unbeliable turn out! if they didnt think their vote counted why turn out.

a revote would only work toward obamas favor anywyas because theres less people in the race now

bigben   March 18th, 2008 9:44 am ET

I know the Obama people are happy. But if it was a Obama favored state being taken away. The Obama people would be crying.
To be fair lets split the delegates in ILL 50/50

Kathy   March 18th, 2008 9:44 am ET

Florida has messed up enough elections We should cut Florida loose from the United States and give it to Mexico or Cuba. Let them vote on it

demwit   March 18th, 2008 9:43 am ET

But Robert.., what arrre we going to do with all those senior women(Hillary's supporters)??

CaseyB   March 18th, 2008 9:42 am ET

Thanks goodness Florida doesn't count. How can we rely on the state that gave us George Bush in 2000 and had Congress convinced that Terry Schiavo was an energy drink away from becoming a professional dancer!

doug   March 18th, 2008 9:41 am ET

After researching this I am only to conclude the democratic voters of Florida did'nt want a revote. That's thier choice. Time to move on and for the news to focus on real problems like the economy. If the president had not repealed the laws in 1998 we would'nt be haveing a potential econicic disaster in the wings.Enuf said

Prayu   March 18th, 2008 9:40 am ET

Obama already vocally denounced and condemned those words. The guy is a pastor that didn't usually make these kinds of political/racial themed diatribes, he preached at the church Obama attended.

All the Clinton shills trying to desperately make something of this are just prolonging her long, disgusting fall.

And Florida's voters deserve to be heard, but they only have their OWN party leaders in the state to blame. No one was complaining LAST YEAR when the decision was made, did they? The local idiots who did this need to be voted out of their office… not given another chance in the spotlight. Whatever happened to personal responsibility?

Harvey in Va   March 18th, 2008 9:39 am ET

If the Dem do not want to hear the voices of Florida Dem the Republicans will. Instead of Dem staying home on election day and not voting perhaps they should vote for McCain at least the republican party will count their vote for sure

therealist   March 18th, 2008 9:38 am ET

good for them, and us..

norb   March 18th, 2008 9:37 am ET

Okay everbody, scream like Howard Dean. EEEEEEEEEEEHAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

Orlando   March 18th, 2008 9:37 am ET

Ann, Obama would'nt have got your vote anyhow. Some of you people kill me nowing that you are Republicans and making a comment like that only to divide the Dems. Who ever we get Obama or Clinton we will get behind them a win back the white house.

Brian   March 18th, 2008 9:37 am ET

Maybe they should have just done it right in the first place. I feel like Florida is trying to come off as the small kid who is getting bullied by the bigger kids. Follow the rules, and you won't have to try to come up with a solution to re-vote.

Slept in Church for 20 years   March 18th, 2008 9:36 am ET

Facism. Pure and simple.

God Bless America.

Roger   March 18th, 2008 9:36 am ET

Michigan and Florida have no one to blame but their own state officials. Both these states knowingly broke the rules and yet somehow people are spinning to blame this on Obama. I am a McCain supporter but the ignorance of some Clinton supporters really makes me wonder.

Adam   March 18th, 2008 9:36 am ET

Great, Now give Hillary her Win and seat her delegates!!!

Barry Thompson   March 18th, 2008 9:36 am ET

Break the rules, pay the price. Now, the voters of Florida need to express their opinions about how their arrogant public servants have basically disenfranchised an entire state by refusing to follow simple rules that were clearly and articulately spelled out to them.

Mark   March 18th, 2008 9:35 am ET

Florida broke the rules and so did Michigan. That the way it should
stand. If the rules keep changing the DNC will loose all credibility.

Maria   March 18th, 2008 9:35 am ET

You people posting on here about Obama's spiritual advisor make me sick. Quit trying to spread the racial fears and get off this blog!! Obama 08!

Angela, Cleveland, OH   March 18th, 2008 9:35 am ET

Florida did this to move their primary ahead on the calendar. Now the jig is up with just a few states eliminating many of the candidates before all get to vote.

Now is the time to plan for the next primary while this is fresh on our minds. All the states at the same time. No more focus on one or two states who get to meet all the candidates and eliminate some that others in different states would like to vote for.

Sharon   March 18th, 2008 9:34 am ET

Barack,
I am from Illinois. I have watched the politics. I am really sad at the current state of affairs.

You have stood for "Judgement" and then make the "Judgement" to follow this type of Pastor. It was the worst form of "Judgement"

and now…. to save your political aspirations, you will split the American Democratic Party in half.

Judgement… is making the decision to give up your quest for the nomination and support Hillary, with the expectation you will be VP. See, this allows you to be seasoned… it allows all of us to see you… and come to know what type of Man you are.

Please, in the sake of Christ…. and the light of love… do not push your political aspirations to the point you hurt the very nation you say you do love….

With love,
Sharon

A. Harrison   March 18th, 2008 9:33 am ET

Great! Now award Clinton and Obama the delegates they won.

Hillary 2008!

david   March 18th, 2008 9:32 am ET

Let's see just how honest Obama is about his 20 YEARS OF SUPPORT FOR THE RADICAL CHURCH today. I can here the claim of ignorance now. What a liar.

Folks, Hillary REALLY needs to be our next president.

Nathan   March 18th, 2008 9:32 am ET

Even with Clinton taking Florida at the percent of the now-nixed primary, she gains a total of 36 delegates over Obama. This is nowhere near enough to make up the difference. Add in a win in PA and she still lacks enough delegates to overtake Obama. (Michigan really is out of the question to any 'fair player,' as Obama was not even on the ballot. But perhaps that's the way Clinton likes to "win.") Summing it up, any Clinton supporter with third grade arithmetic can see that Clinton cannot overcome Obama's lead. All she can do at the best is get close enough to hope the super-delegates will hold their noses and vote for her over the guy who really won.

Chipster in PA   March 18th, 2008 9:32 am ET

There is one simple way of resolving this problem. The DNC could decide that the voters did nothing wrong and should not be punished for the actions of a few legislators and Party officials. They could seat the delegates, count the votes, and put the interests of millions of voters ahead of their pride. Tell the people who created this problem that they can't watch CNN for 3 days as punishment but that the voters must not pay the price for their mistakes.

That decision would require maturity so it will probably never happen.

Chris, Orlando   March 18th, 2008 9:31 am ET

Good…..we have enough people in this state begging for handouts.

david   March 18th, 2008 9:30 am ET

Good. Don't waste money to get about the same response.

pattyschoech   March 18th, 2008 9:27 am ET

I am thrilled that someone has the backbone to say NO to a revote
It is about time we do as intended the first vote and stay within the
guidelines that were set.
Thank You
Patty Schoech
Missouri

Mike   March 18th, 2008 9:27 am ET

Michigan should revote because Obama was not on ticket. However everyone was on it for Florida so there is no excuse they cannot stand as it is. Hillary won that state legitimately. It is unconstitutional under the 14th amendment to disallow Florida just because they held it early. Their delegates should count as is.

MJ   March 18th, 2008 9:26 am ET

I live in FL. I am a Democrat, I voted. For those who don't know there where several state and local issues on the ballot that I wanted to vote on in addition to the Presidental Primary. Those who didn't vote because they said the primary wouldn't count don't have any say, they also didn't vote for all the local issues. I want my vote counted.

Chuck   March 18th, 2008 9:25 am ET

In a Sep 30, 2007 article in the Tampa Tribune, Obama stated he would "do right by the FL voters." We'll see.

RC   March 18th, 2008 9:25 am ET

NoBama!
He is not ready!

KK-OHIO   March 18th, 2008 9:25 am ET

Hey Arnold does Farwell and Swaggert speak for you. Obama is an individual he thinks and speaks for himself-get over it.

Reality check #1   March 18th, 2008 9:25 am ET

Just count the votes that you have. the vote was not partial to either party, all were on the ballot. Obama ran ads in Florida for about a week , Hillary or John Edwards did not. Give them their delegates.

vanchava   March 18th, 2008 9:25 am ET

Thank Goodness. This is very beneficial towards the Obama camp.. Chances are, he would have lost to Hillary in Florida. I believe the delegates will be seated 50/50. Good news for the Obama camp.

Spirit of America   March 18th, 2008 9:24 am ET

This is antithetical to the spirit of America, the spirit of democracy. To disenfrancise the voters of a whole state who held a perfectly legal and fair election, is the stuff tyranny is made of. Either the stated will of the voters of Florida will be recognized, honored and included, or this primary season is a farce. An injustice to one, is an injustice to all.

M.   March 18th, 2008 9:24 am ET

Can we all just get beyond Florida and get back to really important matters, like uniting the democrat party, like getting back the lead McCain is beginning to steal while the 2 dems are pre-occupied with personally ripping each other to shreds…Enough already!

Angie in Florida   March 18th, 2008 9:24 am ET

It's truly a shame that basically we voted only not to have our vote count.. where is the fairness in this?

Henry - Florida   March 18th, 2008 9:24 am ET

I am very disappointed that my vote is not going to count. The Florida voters had nothing to do with the date of the primary being moved. The Democratic Party need some changes.

No more super delegates!
No more slpitting up the delegates. It should be winner takes all.
States should be allowed to have thier primary any time the want.
You must be a registered democrat to vote in a democratic primary.

If we did this tere would not be a problem and Hillary Clinton would be the nominee

WH   March 18th, 2008 9:23 am ET

The Democrats have just sealed a Republican victory in November.

teresa from Canada   March 18th, 2008 9:23 am ET

This is garbage – this is the democratic machine pushing Obama into the nominee position because they want a puppet on a string and Hillary is too strong for that. If they don't give her the votes or revote – this will be the democratic mistake of the century and it will be unfair to Hillary and will be favouring Obama. This is plotted in the back rooms.

DENIS   March 18th, 2008 9:23 am ET

Another "victory" for that political genius Howard Dean.
Dean runs the DNC as well as Rumsfeld ran the Iraq War.

CAM   March 18th, 2008 9:22 am ET

This is a real shame for the voters in Florida.

Obama should have pushed for this. Now, he looks 1) scared of losing, & 2) like he doesn't really care about these voters.

Unfortunately, though it helps Hillary …it doesn't help where it counts – earned delegates.

This will be the 1st election in my life where I will not vote Democrat.

Mr. B.   March 18th, 2008 9:22 am ET

If you act stupid, you are stupid.

Blame your Govenor people. They completly understood the rules and thought they were above us all (again) .

Do not disinfranchise the people who did not vote because we were told it would not count ! (and the numbers prove it)

La Petite Sorciere   March 18th, 2008 9:22 am ET

Ohh watch out here comes Hillary and Bill with law suits……… she will not like this watch out, she will start going nuts again. Even so she agreed to FL and MI not having their votes counted NONE is saying that…now she wants them counted..
pleazze Hillary go away. ohh Bill too oohh Chelsea too

Kalen Taylor   March 18th, 2008 9:22 am ET

Why are people talking about Obama in this blog. Sure it's a critical issue in this election, but I thought this particular blog was talking about how Florida's votes won't count…

Anonymous   March 18th, 2008 9:21 am ET

In a Sep 30, 2007 article in the Tampa Tribune. Obama said he "will do right by FL voters."

Alexandra   March 18th, 2008 9:21 am ET

It is the GOP leadership in Florida that caused this situation. They planned this to disenfranchise democrats.
Blame Gov Criss from Florida not Howard Dean.

Urbandale   March 18th, 2008 9:20 am ET

Whatever Ann, you just talk to talk, learn how to walk the walk. When time comes to cast the ballot in the general election, you will be the first one to vote for Obama.
Obama 08

sharon   March 18th, 2008 9:20 am ET

Everybody will blame Obama, they do for everything. This was agreed to before the primary, so why change the rules now. If Hillary was ahead, I bet she wouldn't want to change the rules, but she isn't and so we go on and on until she figures out a way to win. I am getting sick of this election process.

Margaret   March 18th, 2008 9:19 am ET

I concur with some of the remarks about Howard Dean but quite frankly, the Florida Democratic Party bears some of the blame for this, don't they? Had they not been greedy and moved up their primary, WITHOUT PERMISSION, this would not be happening. Florida screwed themselves AND the Democratic party.

NOBAMA NO WAY!   March 18th, 2008 9:19 am ET

Seat them as they voted originally!

CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!

Nobillary Andobama   March 18th, 2008 9:18 am ET

TOO BAD!

You reap what you sew.

That big gust of wind you feel is the collective groans and whining of all the now "disfranchised" liberals whose state couldn't play by the rules.

Brian, Ohio   March 18th, 2008 9:17 am ET

I love how the people of Florida are whining about the democrats causing the problem, when it was the REPUBLICAN controlled congress and REPUBLICAN governor of Florida that caused the problem to begin with. Gov. Crist did this for this very reason, knowing that many of his residents would be to stupid to realize who screwed them and blame the Democrats.

Ryan   March 18th, 2008 9:17 am ET

Obama will still get my vote, I don't judge men on 20 second soundbites from their friends.

jt   March 18th, 2008 9:15 am ET

We need Hillary!

Obama has to much problem: NAFTA problem, Iraq withdrawal problem,Rezko problem, Pastor problem, foreign policy problem, change of what change problem and who know what else…

AJ   March 18th, 2008 9:15 am ET

txpoodoo posted: " ok, Obama haters….read the article…he had nothing to do with this…

I can hear it now. "Obama is not letting FL have its vote!!"

Why dont you read the responses before posting? No one said anything of the sort. I hate Obama and his followers but am not blaming the Florida situation on Obama.

M. S. Indiana   March 18th, 2008 9:14 am ET

Do i hear the Republicans laugh ???

keith   March 18th, 2008 9:13 am ET

Obama had NOTHING to do with Florida's decision. If anyone will not vote for Obama because of Florida's decision, they probably are using it as an excuse because they were not going to vote for Obama anyway!

Praetorian, Fort Myers   March 18th, 2008 9:13 am ET

To: The DNC and the Florida Democratic Party..

Today I mailed my change document to the County Supervisor of Elections with my new selection of : Undecided (independent) for party afiliation.

Guess where this former lifelong Democrat will be placing his trust in the future?

Concerned Voter   March 18th, 2008 9:12 am ET

Bad decision on this. If Obama does get the nomination, it will be under the same conditions that Bush won election in 2000. Obama will not be a legitimate candidate. At this point, it is really bad as Obama is un-electable, given his relationship with his pastor. No matter how you spin, a candidate with these values should not be in the White House.

Rodney Dallas TX   March 18th, 2008 9:12 am ET

What a way to rip the people off from their constitutional right to vote! Florida screwed up in 2000 and now they are doing it again. Seriously, is the sun really baking into your brain that much?

Will-South Dakota   March 18th, 2008 9:11 am ET

Blame the Florida Democratic Party Leadership for this mess. They are the ones who disenfranchised their voters, took it away from them for what….an early primary, was it worth it…….NO.

Alice in Fort Myers   March 18th, 2008 9:10 am ET

Well, Ms. Thurman, I hope you're happy when Florida goes to the Republicans in November. I and everyone I know will vote for McCain before we vote for Obama.

And I am going to reregister as an Independent since I can no longer stand to call myself a Democrat.

carlo   March 18th, 2008 9:09 am ET

Uh, Ann, Obama wasn't getting your vote anyway, and you very well know it. The bottom line is that both Democrats and Republicans in Florida approved this ascinine move. Rules are NOT made to be broken. What does that teach our children? And we wonder why so many young people have no respect for laws. It's because the adults in this country don't even respect simple rules.

If their votes don't count, so what. Last year, Clinton was opposed to allowing Florida to vote, which is no suprise, especially since Terry McCauliffe was the chair of the DNC. Of course, now he is her campaign manager. Coincidence? I think not.

Oh, and another thing, Ann. Isn't this ticker about the revote? Let it go.

Rick   March 18th, 2008 9:09 am ET

Let Florida seat the delegates as they are or hold new elections. We need to count Florida elections, else we loose the state to Republicans in Nov. No splitting of Florida 50-50 between Obama and Clinton. With news about the pastor out, I doubt if Obama can even do as better as he did in Jan.

the voice of reason   March 18th, 2008 9:08 am ET

Essentially l think the delegates should be split equally,thats the only fair outcome,Florida is represented,and none of the candidates is disadvantaged.Hillary clintons manipulative strategy,is dead in the water,and boy am l ellated.

Theresa   March 18th, 2008 9:06 am ET

If I lived in Florida I would be outraged. Voters should not be punished for decisions made by politicians.
If no new vote…then count the votes from January…all candidates were on the ballot…Clinton ran a fundraiser and Obama has a few televisions ads play…..sounds like a fair vote to me….NOBODY campaigned. No unfair advantage to any candidate.

PA   March 18th, 2008 9:06 am ET

Florida should have a new and fair election. Allow the candidates to campaign and the voters to vote. Following today's speech by Obama, I am confident that the American public who are open to bridging the gaps in our society and making America a society that cares for all of its people will rally behind Obama and that he will be our next President.

Ann   March 18th, 2008 9:05 am ET

I think you are making a big mistake by not making an effort to have a primary election, especially since we have this pastor – Obama situation. He will not get my vote if he is the nominee. Be prepared
for 4 more years of McBush!

Mike in Houston   March 18th, 2008 9:04 am ET

Watch for a DNC push to have the delegates seated anyway, paving thte way to move the nomination to Hillary Clinton.

Looks like Howard Dean really studied the elections of 2000.

txpoodoo   March 18th, 2008 9:01 am ET

ok, Obama haters….read the article…he had nothing to do with this…

I can hear it now. "Obama is not letting FL have its vote!!"

Robert Grignon   March 18th, 2008 8:59 am ET

In 2000 republicans did not want to count the votes of democrats in Florida. In 2007 democrats do not want to count the votes of democrats in Florida. Is it not obvious that Florida is a republican only state that should first secure its border by building a fence between them and the USA, and once it is secure they should expatriate back to the USA all the illegal democrats that have sneaked in over the years.

Mark, VA   March 18th, 2008 8:59 am ET

Bad decision!!! Wave good bye to any hopes of a Democrat winning Florida. I don't care if you blame Dean or the Florida Democratic Party. There is plenty of blame to go around. Dean has taken an perfect opporunity to win back the White House and has screwed it up just like his Presidential run in 2004. Resign Dean!!!

Arnold   March 18th, 2008 8:58 am ET

Honestly though, the views of Reverand Wright are a huge revelation. This is the guy Obama let advise him for 20 years?! Haven't we learned from Bush that bad advisors lead to awful and permanent damage to everyone concerned?? That guy is racist, that guy hates America, and that guy has Obama's unwaivering trust and confidence! Obama says he wasn't at this speech or that speech, but it's not like the guy changed his core values or his central message for those days of Obama's absence. After 20 years and a close personal friendship, you know where a guy stands and apparently you stand there too.

GirlTexas   March 18th, 2008 8:54 am ET

Finally…..Now move around…

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