April 4, 2008
Posted: April 4th, 2008 02:05 PM ET

From
Michigan voters participated in the states primary on January 15.
Michigan voters participated in the states primary on January 15.

(CNN) - Michigan Democrats will not to go to the polls again to choose a presidential nominee, even though the national party has refused to recognize the results of their vote in January, the party announced Friday.

"We have concluded that it is not practical to conduct such a primary or caucus," the state party's executive committee said in a written statement. But they added they will continue to work with the Democratic National Committee and elected officials to ensure that the state is represented at the party convention in Denver this August.

Michigan Democrats held their primary earlier than national party rules allowed. The Democratic Party responded by refusing to seat Michigan’s delegates at the convention.

Many Democratic candidates, including Sen. Barack Obama, removed their names from the Michigan ballot after the DNC’s decision, leaving Sen. Hillary Clinton as the only major contender in the state.

Clinton got 55 percent, while 40 percent of the state's voters opted for "uncommitted.”

Clinton said Friday the party had to find a way to avoid “disenfranchising” 600,000 Michigan voters. “Those votes have been cast…. So the Democratic party is going to have to come to grips with whether or not we want to be like the Republicans and disenfranchise people or whether we will stay true to the voting-rights record of this party.”

Filed under: Michigan


Michael   April 4th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Obama is to blame because he is the one who refused to the terms of a re-vote in Michigan.

Helen, NY   April 4th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

This is the party of liberals. Anything goes... Imagine Howard Dean is managing this party... Scream it Dean... You take all the states including Michigan in the coming General Election. Have a life...

Michael   April 4th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Jerry in Boston: I have a response for you. IF the situations were reversed, and Obama was NOT the leading Candidate, this race would have been long since over, as a matter of fact Clinton supporters would have been calling for him to quit the race for the "Good of the party"

Kel   April 4th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Wow, every hillary supporter that replies here has been doing the same thing. Quoting Sen. Clinton saying that these voters were "disenfranchised due to Obama". Do you even know what that word means?

Seriously, every candidate knew these votes weren't going to count going into these primaries, and the only reason it's even up for discussion is because Clinton is losing, and as usual, she whines about it. Let's get past this junk and move on, there are better things to focus on, such as the issues at hand, or perhaps choosing the correct candidate.

Seriously though, Obama 08

vic nashville,Tn   April 4th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

I think Democratic party over confident they can win in November . Sorry if Hillary is not a nominee my vote for McCain

BevC   April 4th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Actually, I think the DNC is to blame for Florida & Michigan in that they allowed these two states to break the rules in the first place. If you are leading and setting the rules, then make sure those following are abiding by the rules in the first place – no exceptions. Obviously there is a loop-hole that needs closed. What were these states thinking in making the decision to go against party rules, knowing the consequences? I haven't heard anyone asking these questions...just blaming the candidates. Did the DNC get approval from the candidates for FL & MI to move their primaries and not have the votes count? I think the media should focus on the nit-wits that bucked party rules; and in turn, the voters should vote the responsible parties out of office. This is suppose to a "democratic society" – every vote should count and no one should be in a position to make decisions regarding the voting rights of an American citizen.

Isaac   April 4th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Just remember, people:

The way delegates are apportioned in the democratic primary, counting Florida and Michigan wouldn't do Hillary a bit of good. She would STILL be too far behind. However, the votes that Obama would receive from those two states would be enough to put him over the top.

So please, Clintonites, PLEASE stop blaming Obama for not allowing their votes to count. It would only in HIS interest to allow them to count.

Rules are rules. Florida and Michigan broke the rules. They shouldn't be rewarded.

Roger B from Portland, OR   April 4th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

“Those votes have been cast…. So the Democratic party is going to have to come to grips with whether or not we want to be like the Republicans and disenfranchise people or whether we will stay true to the voting-rights record of this party.”

The truth comes out. She never wanted a revote! Of course, why would she. She doesn't want Michigan represented, she just wants the portion that voted for her!

Adam   April 4th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

I would love for them to be counted, but it simply isn't going to happen. The state parties broke the rules and they knew it. As Public eye said, if you jump the gun in a race it doesn't matter if you finish 1st, you don't count. I really stinks for the people who did turn out to vote, but their votes were outside of party rules.

What makes this even more amazing is that Senator Clinton AGREED to these rules and when the state parties moved their primaries/caucuses up she was totally ok that they were stripped of their delegates. Of course at the time she was expected to win things handily. Now that it is becoming a fight she wants to take that decision back by making this an emotional thing: "They are being disenfranchise." "You should be heard!" When really it's about her needed every delegate to stay alive.

Xavier of Saint Louis, MO   April 4th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Good! And neither should Florida be allowed to veto! The Obama and Clinton Campaigns agreed to follow the rules of the DNC before this race started and they should be made to stick to the rules. The Clintons have become so desperate that they are willing to break the rules they agreed to. . . .I don't think so! You don't change the rules of the game, once the game has started. Hillary do yourself, your supporters and the Democratic Party a favor; drop out now, while you at lease have some dignity left . . . a very small amount I might add.

B   April 4th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

HRC had this thing planned from the start: Act like she's going to go along with the DNC re: MI and FL. Then as soon as the results come in, all the sudden, she positions herself as the "Savior of the Voiceless" so as to look as if she's the champion of their cause. I ask this question: if she were truly committed to upholding the rules of the DNC, why then would she still put her name on ballots in each state, knowing the votes wouldn't count? The way that she has shape-shifted and moved the goal posts in her campaign is astounding.

I also agree with other posters, that supporters from each camp need to tone it down a bit. To say you won't vote for the winning Dem candidate because that candidate is not yours, is simply ludicrous. BHO and HRC are 95% the same on the issues (the ones that MATTER)...come on folks...McCain??? No.

tim   April 4th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Chris 2 writes:
We can now stop talking about this"?? Why?

The reasoning is pretty obvious: Since the voters expressed a clear preference for her on the first try, they might vote for her again in a re-vote. Therefore they cannot be trusted. Therefore we can't allow a re-vote, right?

I don't think that's something we can stop talking about

Wow, the things people say on here. The voters expressed a clear preference?? How do you figure, she was the only one on the ballot and only ended up with 55% of the vote, even if Obama had been on the ballot that would not be a "clear preference".

3 daughters who live in Michigan   April 4th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

I keep reading comments about "you people in michigan decided". Well, the people of Michigan did NOT decide, the DNC did it for them. My daugters voted because it was unfathomable to them (and me) that their votes would be meaningless. Surely someone, somewhere would find a way for the millions iof votes in Michigan and Florida to count. This is DEMOCRACY?? Oh please! 50/50 is meaningless also. You might as well give each candidate ONE and get it over with.

julie   April 4th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Yes! This democrate would take McCain over Obama, I'm pro America!

Jackie   April 4th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Hey Stuart Zechman....

The war will be on everyone else's heads when you throw a fit and choose not to vote against it.

That is stupid beyond words.

Dudley   April 4th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

This shouldnt even have been voted on. Michigan and Florida voters should be very upset that their elected officials do not have the best interest at heart. Instead of complaining and blaming others for their mistakes, the democrat leaders from each state should have been rallying their state. Michigan has some BIG time issues and they have been given alot of air time to discuss them, but they havent. Florida has been given the gold ticket. The Republicans knowing and willfully decided that millions of Florida votes wouldnt count. Florida democrats should be knocking on every door, signing up voters and getting people excited and angry about their mistreatment, but they didnt.

But the worst thing the Florida and Michigan democrat leaders have done is "make me sound like a Republican".

Stop whining and start winning!!!!!

Damian   April 4th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

I can not believe this is still being discussed and Michigan does not want to hold a revote. Michigan and the DNC need to get together and come up with a good proposal to seat the delegates, and the 50/50 plan is not a fair plan.

jfs Memhis, Tn   April 4th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Okay Hillary people ... I was one during Super Tuesday and voted for her....Obama had NOTHING to do with the DNC RULES ....NOR....The STATE OF MICHIGAN'S RULES. Seems we have a lot of uninformed and immature folks responding to the posting. If you would step back and look at this objectively , Hillary through her desire to be the nominee has given you all false hopes. I am truely sorry......I am also sorry to advise you of the reality of this situation. STOP the bleeding and realize you are going to have to work together with the PARTY"S NOMINEE.....or vote for more of the Bush years...or stay home and pout rather than support Hillary's Party. She will support the Party no matter what. Let's end this silliness now. Obama will be the choice. I voted for Hillary and can deal with this .... get over it !!!

john   April 4th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

AND REMEMBER HARRY REED CALLING ILLEGALS UNDOCUMENTED AMERICANS. THIS IS THE DEM PARTY TODAY.

Report ALL the news!   April 4th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Where's the BREAKING NEWS coverage about an Obama aide
saying he'll leave 80,000 troops in Iraq until 2010?

dance   April 4th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

NO 50-50 G HILLARY COULD GET HER DELEGETS

Tara   April 4th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Michigan broke the rules and that's neither candidates' fault. 50/50 split end of story!

Al   April 4th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

The only fair thing to do would be to allow all the voters in Fl & MI to revote. Since both states aren't willing to pay for this, it's not gonna happen. Voters in those two states should be mad at their elected officials and nobody else. Neither candidate had anything to do with the date being moved up or the consequences of that move. The next time those officials are up for re-election, VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE!!

And can you blame Obama for not wanting the votes to count as is? If you were up by 20 points in the 4th quarter of the SuperBowl, would you agree to just give 10 points to the other team? Of course not. You'd still probably win, but why risk it? Especially when the other team just scored and is driving on you again. And Hillary didn't care in the least that those votes wouldn't count until she started losing. Anyone who thinks otherwise is either kidding themselves, or just plain stupid.

Emma   April 4th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

One decision down three decisions to go:
1. Florida
2. Superdelegates
3.Credential committee – seating members from Florida and Michigan

MovingOn   April 4th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

It's easy to pick out the Clinton supporters they whine and moan that FL and MI votes aren't counting because their dishonest leader knows she is fighting a losing game. Clinton agreed to the same rules as Obama when this started. She only wanted to change them after her coronation went bust. Obama said a re-vote would be fine if the didn't try to exclude all the people that voted Republican the first time around because that would favor Clinton since she was the only one on the ticket. Lastly, do the math, even if FL and MI counted she would still be behind in delegates and popular vote. Clinton lacks integrity and this spectacle just serves to illustrate that point.

Neutral   April 4th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Obama withdrew his name from the Michigan ballot; like Hillary, he had the option to leave it there. Obama later on wanted his name reinstated in the ballot, but was too late to do so. Hillary did the right thing, she did not withdrew her name from the ballot, she STAND UP for the voters of Michigan in spite of the fact those votes might not earn her any delegates, it was the PRINCIPLE INVOLVED. Obama withdrew his name due to the FACT their might be NONE for him to gain.

In Florida, all candidates had their name in the ballot, the ONLY RESTRICTION, they're NOT allowed to campaign in Florida, BUT they're allowed to go there to raise campaign FUNDS. Obama broke the PLEDGE he signed together with Hillary and Edwards, OBAMA RAN CAMPAIGN ADS IN FLORIDA IN TV NETWORKS LIKE CNN!

When the result of the primary showed Obama lost against Hillary, OBAMA CALLED DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY IN FLORIDA A BEAUTY CONTEST; YET HE SPENT MONEY TO RAN TV ADS FOR HIS CAMPAIGN.

What does it say Obama? Obama is an OPPORTUNIST! If he has something to gain, he will break EVERY RULES to get his objective.

OBAMA IS WORSE THAN BUSH!!!!

john   April 4th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

I USED TO BE A DEMOCRAT BUT NOW I WENT TO INDEPENDENT. THE PARTY HAS BECOME A HATE FILLED, RACIST SEXIST PARTY JUST LOOK AT THE KOS, HUFFINGTON POST, MOVEON, AIR SOCIALIST AMERICA.. THEY MAKE THE REPUBS LOOK LIKE THE DALI LAMA

Lydia   April 4th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Why wasn't she concerned about the disenfranchisement of the voters in Florida and Michigan last year BEFORE this debacle was set in motion. I cannot believe the Democratic party could let this happen. A compromise should have been reached prior to stripping people of their votes.

This is too crazy and Hillary's protestations at the 11th hour attests to her blind self-interest and will to win at all costs. She has no concern for the voters of Michigan or Florida. She cares about winning the White House. Period. End of story.

Joseph Casagrabde   April 4th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

The reponse from Hillary is typical Clinton Family. She wants to count these delegates just like she does the Florida delegates. That is the only way she came overcome Obama. Funny that when it was announced that both states would not count she agreed. She has no more concern about desenfranchisng the voters in either state. All she cares about is herself and will never care about anyone else including the American people. When she looked like a lock for the nomination, she never mentioned that not counting the results was 'disenfranching' the voters of those states. Typical double talk not only for her but for Billy Boy also. We do not need any more Clintons or Bushes in the White Houe. We need a breath of fresh air

Indiana for Hillary   April 4th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Oh I'm sure it will eventually come out that Obama and his campaign had something to do with this. The good ol' boys will do anything when they are threatened by a very educated and experienced woman. This decision just solidified McCain the winner in November. Hillary's supporters wil NOT vote for BO.

Tracy   April 4th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Why doe's Obama get blamed for this? Hillary didn't follow the rules and it smacked her in the face, like everything else is around her. That's what she gets.....................

Obama 2008

fred   April 4th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

No Nader....Hillary as an Independant!!!

The DNC is saying screw the people!!

JERRY   April 4th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

EVEN BACK THEN HILLARY WAS CONIVING!!! SHE DISRESPECTED THE RULES OF THE DNC BY LEAVING HER NAME ON. SHE WAS LOOKING FOR HER ACE IN THE HOLD EVEN BACK THEN. THE RULES ARE THE RULES.

Caryle -   April 4th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Way to go MI .... 50/50 split for PLEDGED delegates .... No super delegates from either state should be seated.....
Former Edwards supporter..... Will vote for the best candidate in Nov....
Oregon has Yet to vote because "we played by the rules"

Hispanics now for Obama   April 4th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Looks like the only ones holding Michigan back is Michigan!

Jeff in WI   April 4th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

""or that of any other moderate Democrat or Independent""

boy are you in for a surprise...

kathleen   April 4th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Thank you Michigan. Brings a little dignity to the Dem. Party.
But since "the rules were all botched up", I think they should be
seated 50-50- because you give Hillary an inch and she will take 10 miles. And , really how many more would have shown up specifically
for Obama, my man.

Fla. should bring dignity to the party by doing the same thing. And those that blame Obama are all wrong and you know it. Hillary, put
you up to believing a lie.

Obama 2008

Go Obama!   April 4th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

How would it be fair to give 55 % to Hillary?

1. Obama didn't even campaign there as he promised DNC, and without campaigning how would people get to know how wonderful this new guy is? As we have seen in all other states where both campaigned, Obama always pulled up his percentage from initial prediction.

2. A lot of people who liked both Obama, Hillary or Hillary, Edwards voted for Hillary, since only her name was there on the ballot. But, given all 3 names, a lof of the people from that 55% would have voted for Obama or Edwards. For those of you who say leaving the name on the ballot was optional, my answer to you is no! They all agreed with DNC to take off their names. The only difference is that some kept their words and played by the rules and some didn't .

3. A lot of Obama supporters didn't even go to vote since they thought their votes won't count and Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot.

Now, DNC shouldn't really reward the one who broke the rules for doing so and punish the ones who stuck to the rules for doing so, just because it's a convenient way to bring an end to the mess created by the Michigan democrats! The only plausible solution is 50:50 if revote can't take place.

Hillary Supporters...Democrats or Republicans???   April 4th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Hillary Flip Floppers,

You are just as childish as the candidate you support with your threats of, "If Clinton doesn't get the nomination, I will vote McCain" and further proof that if Hillary becomes our next President that this type of behavior will become acceptable. It is not seen as loyalty so much as stupidity. Much like Hillary's "loyalty" to stick with her husband.

If spite is what you base your vote on then please do change your political affiliation to the correct party. The Democratic Party needs to be rid of the likes you anyway...You're making us look bad!

OBAMA '08!
THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE.

dAnnE   April 4th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

RH...you are right on. I see someone took an Intro to American Government course seriously. Maybe that should be a requirement to comment on this blog.

JackNC   April 4th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Did anyone hear the latest from Hillary? She said, she was invited by Taleban to talk, but she refused because she thought she would not look good in a burkha(veil). Can some one please tell her not to open her mouth. The distinction between fact and fiction in Clinton world has ceased to exist.

J.S.   April 4th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

I just hope Democrats as a whole remember the old saying–"If it sounds too good to be true" We need to take long and closer looks at bi-racial Obama and Clinton before picking a nominee.

Frank, Dayton, Ohio   April 4th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

The dictionary says a "demagogue" is "a person who appeals to the emotions of people om prder to arouse discontent and advance his or her own political purposes." That term exactly describes Hillary Clinton in relation to this issue.

"Opportunist" is the other word that describes her. She is cementing my desire to not vote for her if she manages to "steal" the nomination from Obama.

Celia Ann in Michigan   April 4th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

GOD!!! Follow the rules that ALL the candidates ageers to. Funny, no voters were being disenfranchised when they all signed it. It is very curious that suddenly months late the person in second place is concerned about voters.

I have contacted every law maker I could in my state and asked that they just move on and not make more of a mess, we have enough people here in office who are bending and breaking rules and lying under oath!!! Enough!!!

Ifeanyi Azubike Houston Texas   April 4th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

I have a problem knowing where she stands on issues. I am getting old and all these position changes confuse me. I thought she said that those votes wont count and now she is saying that they have to count. I believe that the democrtiac party should plead with Obama to quit the race and save us from Hillary's desparation.

WFK   April 4th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Michigan and Florida agreed to play by an agreed upon set of rules.
Then Michigan and Florida violated those rules.
Then Michigan and Florida expected the Democratic Party to reward their behavior.
I tell them what I told my children growing up:
When you agree to play by the rules, you had better stick to those rules.
My children grew up nicely.
Now it is time for Michigan and Florida to do likewise.
Period.

Chris   April 4th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Remember everyone that Barack Obama has people on the legislature. Thank you Obama for disenfranchising them through your people. It's another way you can skirt responsibility.

Robin   April 4th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

An entire state is disenfranchised and your proud and happy about this. This a glaring example of the juvenile behavior of Obama and his supporters. One among many reasons why I will not vote for this man.

Reid   April 4th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Alex K,
You are obviously a Republican in disguise. Arnold is pro choice and a democrat in all but name. McCain is NOTHING like Arnold and the conservative wing of your party already hates him. Good luck continuing "Operation Chaos".

riad   April 4th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Hilary uis the true leader Obama needs to concede before his true stories with Rezko come out and then he will be forever shamed,
ill Gov was mentioned yesterday now we are waiting for Obama to be next.

john   April 4th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

IF WERE A MI VOTER AND THEY BLOCK ME THEN I WOULD SIT HOME OR VOTE McCAIN

Michael   April 4th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

I am getting sick and tired of Clinton supports saying Obama had anything to do with the MI and FL delegates not being recognized.

First, Both states were warning that if they went ahead with these contests, the votes would not be recognized. So they knew well ahead of time this would be an issue.

You follow the rules or suffer the consequences.

Second, How come the people of these states did NOT ask the question to the political party members in their home states, "Why are are we holding primaries in direct violation of party rules?"

I believe that if the people of MI and FL had objected, the primaries would never have been allow to take place, in violation of established rules.

Third, ALL candidates AGREED to be bound by the decision of the DNC.

Sen. Clinton, Sen Obama and Sen. Edwards all agreed. Once it became apparent the she was no longer the "Front -Runner" she chose try and change the rules.

The bottom line is this, rules are rules, MI and Fl thought they could ignore the rules, and the people of those fine states are being punished for the state parties mistakes.

For anyone to say Obama is to blame, you are all un-informed and ignorant to the facts.

As far as spliting the vote in both states.

I don't believe any of them should count, simply because we have no way of knowing how many people did NOT go out and vote because they knew the voting results were NOT going to count.
Spliting the vote based on the current vote total doesn't work because in MI, Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot. there is no way of knowing if all the 40 uncommitted were for him or for Edwards, Also without all candidates on the ballot, there is no way to know if all that voted for Clinton are truly voting for her or they voted for the only name on the ballot.

And lastly, you cannot count a contest, any contest, that was held in violation of established rules: period, bottom line, end of story.

Anonymous, Somewhere, MI   April 4th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

The Democratic party used public money and public voter registration to conduct its primaries. They have no banner of being a private organization in this issue, not when they're using my tax money to run their contests. That said, here's the adequate solution to this dispute:

Don't seat our delegates, don't show up on our ballot. Your candidate can run as an independant.

Next time you want to run a contest in this state to select delegates, go rent a bowling alley and sort out the legitimate voters themselves. If you don't want to honor the results that come from a contest conducted with public money and resources, you don't get to use either.

MediaJunkie, Arlington, VA   April 4th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Does anyone recall that there were other presidential candidates who agreed not to put their vote on the Michigan ballot or campaign in Florida? How can you possibly blame all of this on Obama? I know, I know, how dare he not want states that each candidate agreed would not have seats at the convention to be counted. There is no fair way to count those votes. Those states' voters have been disenfranchised and some will likely go with McCain as a result. But I believe the DNC has made this bed and I would have more respect for them if they'd lie in it. I also don't get the intense split between Obama and Clinton supporters. I will be voting Democrat no matter who gets the nomination despite the fact that I think McCain is going to win the presidency.

Uncle Sam   April 4th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

MICHIGAN & FLORIDA FOR MCCAIN!!!

IAMWMD   April 4th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Clinton supporters can vote for McBush and prepare second great depression(soup lines, etc) after McBush send your tax dollars to Iraq or vote Obama and prosper. Now you make the call.

Obama 08

Mark   April 4th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Florida and Michigan broke the rules. Neither HRC or Obama held a gun to their head and told them to break the DNC rules. Why is this an issue? Why do they get special treatment, the other 48 states did it right?

The Dems don't deserve to win in November if they can't make rules and then abide by them. How can we be trusted to run the country when we can't even abide by our OWN rules?

Tim from Buffalo   April 4th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Obama was not opposed to a re-vote, he was opposed to a vote that excluded all of the democrats (and independants and republicans – it's an open primary) who voted in the republican primary because they knew the democratic primary would not count.

The revote that was proposed would only allow the people who voted in the democratic primary and therefore couldn't possibly be an accurate revote of how Michigan would have looked if they hadn't moved their primary ay.

No Hillary   April 4th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Michigan and Florida seating is simple: 50% for Obama, 50% for Clinton....and get it over with...done!

pat   April 4th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Why in the world would anyone want another Clinton in the White House. They have lied to the American people so many times and they just keep going. They must think that we are all stupid to believe such rubbish. And to me any woman who still respects and stands by her husband after he cheats on her for the whole world to see would never ever get my respect nor my vote. As far as McCain goes he is just another Bush and we all know what a disaster these past 8 years have been. We certainly don't want another 4 years of the republican party in the White House.

Obama is a fresh face with fresh ideas. I think he is just what we need to help bring respect back to our country.

Kimberly   April 4th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

It is a shame that an election this close would not let every state count. It seems un fair to Clinton. Had those states counted she would be winning NOT Obama!

Jorge Villa   April 4th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Why cant they just remove the Michigan & Florida Delegates from the total needed? Whats so hard about that?

If they didnt count, they should be part of the Total needed!

DemcracyNow2008   April 4th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Don't cry Clinton supporters Obama honored the rules and Clinton should have also instead of staying on the ballot when Mich decided to move the primary up.

Clinton still wants to tell the Democratic Party what to do with the Delegates in Michigan.

She needs to stop her whinning now .

The Michigan Democrat leadership did the right thing .

Now maybe the Clinton Supporters will stop crying about every little thing that does not go their way.

Obama will be nominated and beat McCain now you Clinton supporters need to decide if your joining the Republican Party or being Democrats and voting for Obama to become President.
Obama All the Way 08

chris   April 4th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

The Obama campaign killed the re-vote in Michigan. Ask the people of Michigan if they want a re-vote and you'll see that the answer is a loud 'yes'. A state that has one of the worse recession in the last 5 years is now allowed to voiced their preference because Obama is looking to protect his presidential interest? doesn't matter how you slice or dice this picture, disfranchising close to a million voters is just not right and not democratic. You want to know who will be a leader of the people? look for someone who is not afraid to allow the people to speak....in this case, it has always been HIllary.

G Chapman   April 4th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

If my name was the only name on the ballot, I probably could have gotten 50% plus of the vote. Either they should revote, or the votes don't count.

Justin   April 4th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

"A slap on the wrists over a primary calendar debate, and two of the most influencial States in the Union are effectively taken out of the equation?"

One of them is the most crooked states that have only helped the Democrats 1 out of the last 8 years. You do the math Florida, Eat your 4 oclock dinner and take your naps already. You don't have to deal with the mess you created so I don't feel to bad about you old folks not getting to vote. You have done enough damage to this country for yours and my lifetine.

Pete   April 4th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Hmmm, Texas may turn "blue" again after all! The only Democrat that will have a chance here in the general election is Barack. I guarantee the Repubs would have destroyed Clinton and her "mandates" here. Most of us really depise that word.

We also dislike "do-overs," "no-backsies," and childish, whining shrews.

California Voter   April 4th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

I have not seen anything that would tell me that Obama and his team are interested having in either Michigan or Florida's votes counted. Not surprising and very typical of how he runs a campaign. "Obama has a history of ruthless and dirtly politics: From a story about how he first gained public office in the Illinois State Senate: (Chicago Tribune April 4, 2007): The day after New Year's 1996, operatives for Barack Obama filed into a barren hearing room of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. There they began the tedious process of challenging hundreds of signatures on the nominating petitions of state Sen. Alice Palmer, the longtime progressive activist from the city's South Side. And they kept challenging petitions until every one of Obama's four Democratic primary rivals was forced off the ballot. His overwhelming legal onslaught signaled his impatience to gain office, even if that meant elbowing aside an elder stateswoman like Palmer. A close examination of Obama's first campaign clouds the image he has cultivated throughout his political career: The man now running for president on a message of giving a voice to the voiceless first entered public office not by leveling the playing field, but by clearing it. One of the candidates he eliminated, long-shot contender Gha-is Askia, now says that Obama's petition challenges belied his image as a champion of the little guy and crusader for voter rights. "He talks about honor and democracy, but what honor is there in getting rid of every other candidate so you can run scot-free? Why not let the people decide?" Had Palmer survived the petition challenge, Obama would have faced the daunting task of taking on an incumbent senator. Palmer's elimination marked the first of several fortuitous political moments in Obama's electoral success: He won the 2004 primary and general elections for U.S. Senate after tough challengers imploded when their messy divorce files were unsealed. Hence, his rapid ascent to power…" Check it out folks.

b black   April 4th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

I think McCain's vote against the MLK holiday only 25yrs ago should put Wright's comments in some context. Why wouldn't he realize how important MLK was by 1983? And this is the man who may be our next president? He was supposed to be a senator and even most of his colleagues voted for it. Finally admitting you were wrong when everybody already knows you were wrong, doesn't show courage. If people don't understand why there are so resentment in "black America", here is one reason.

OBAMA 08!

Objective Reader   April 4th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

GO HILL!!! YOUR THE BEST!!!!

Spirit of America   April 4th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

40 years ago today the the drum-major for modern democracy, Rev. Martin Luther King died.

Today, in Michigan, democracy died.

Another American tragedy.

woogie   April 4th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

You can't revote in Michigan because it was an open primary.

How do you stop the people who voted the republican ticket from voting again on the democratic ticket?

Their votes would then count twice.

pakuna   April 4th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Berry obama came out a short time back and said that Michigan and Florida votes should be counted. Then he changed his mind and they should'nt be counted. Then he changed his mind again and they should. Now they should'nt. It will all come out in the end that the whole mess was planed and done to cause what what it has. obama might not have done anything, he never does, he gets his gang members to do it or say it. The powers behind him put all this together before they put him on stage. I feel sorry for you boma followers when your king turns on you. Do not come to me for help.

KiloWhiskey - Denver   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Clinton plans to steal the nomination in Denver behnd the scenes – it's cheaper and easier that way.

Go Whigs!

Matt   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

I am from Michigan and do not want to re-vote. Michigan broke the rules and was punished as a result. Now certain people want to re-vote or give the state to Clinton, no way. You do not punish a child or a dog then give in and let them have their way. You break the rules you pay the price period!

Jeff M.   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Some of these comments are outright ridiculous. The people of Michigan knew this election wouldn't count. They were told, point blank. There are obviously people, then, who did not vote because of this fact. Any election held under such circumstances cannot be called representative. This is simple stuff, people.

RT   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

I think the most fair thing to everybody involved is to not count the votes as orignally planned. I know its not fair to the voters of Michigan but honestly, its not fair to the candidates either. Edwards and Obama weren't on the ballot and Hillary agreed to the rules at the time. Plus the fact that she tells everyone that their vote must count yet the only way she wins is if the superdelegates overturn the popular and pledged delegate vote. Thus, disenfrachising every voter in the country. What do you think about that?

DG   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

The absolute ARROGANCE of the Michigan Democratic Representatives!! Trying to force the hand of the National Democratic leadership is just mind-numbing. Those votes SHOULD be completely stripped and I hope the people of Michigan have the good sense to place the blame where it rightly ought to go and kick the bums who are responsible OUT!!

I may or may not be for Obama but it takes the arrogance of a Clinton to break the rules and still expect those votes to be counted. I hope she burns in the polls for this!!

Voice of Reason   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

What is 55% of 600,000? 330,000. So 330,000, if it were added to the popular vote, would maintain Obama's lead over Clinton in popular vote by 370,000. Which according to Clinton's boys they would then vote for Obama. Funny thing how words come back to bite us.

All that is a mute point anyway because THEY WILL NOT BE COUNTING THE VOTE.

Final thing lets just wait till June and not get so excited about the day to day.

Paul   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

People should have their votes and voices counted

HILLARY- PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

VOTE DEMOCRAT- VOTE FOR CLINTON!

Molly   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

IF FL & MI votes are not counted – it will not be a legal – fair nomination.
Simple Fact – All the States & All the people must vote.
It was NOT the people of FL & MI – but – the DNC Party leaders who let this happen – shame on them!
The GOP started this – they held their elections – counted the votes and now have their nominee. They caused all this mess – and the DNC Allowed it to go on.

In Chicago   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

MI and FL broke the rules without regard to warnings. Now they are crying about it?!?!?! The state representatives who allowed this to happen should be fired or impeached or stripped or whatever they do these days – they are the ones who disenfranchised their thousands of voters, not the DNC.

NG in DC   April 4th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Let me be the first to congratulate Michigan (and Florida and the DNC) for handing the November election to the Republicans. Nice going for democracy team!

Michael   April 4th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Don't call yourself American if you want the Michigan results to count! Cuba has elections where there is only 1 candidate on the ballot CASTRO, is that democracy?

Brendan D, Niles, IL   April 4th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Is Glen in NC insane?? Allowing Hillary to take anything from this goes against everything for which the Dems are supposed to stand! Look, y'all gotta get over it: Hillary is done. It's a matter of time now, and if she screws this up for the Democratic Party, I hope each and every one of you GOP-bashing, right-wing-conspiracy-fearing whiners will stand up and sing the praises of a woman whose career in politics will be finished.

Jane PA   April 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

The right thing to do. First Hillary agreed on the rules so why did she want the rule to changed. She even said she does not care before.
WAY TO GO MICHIGAN. GOOD JUGEMENT!!!!!

Pam   April 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

If Michigan voters have a problem with this (Florida voters too), vote out the people who made the decision to change the primary. The candidates had nothing to do with it.

True Independent, MD   April 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

These people disregarded the rules, then started making so much noise about their votes not counting. And then blamed Sen Obama for it.

MI and FL must have the most obtuse Democrats in this country.

Get over yourselves. Next time use your brain!

MP   April 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

What does Clinton care about voting right? She wants to overturn pledged delgates. Where is the voter rights then? She only cares about the voter when its a vote for Billary.

dAnnE   April 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Alex K?

How can you speak for every moderate or independent? I really don't think you know what you are talking about. Supporters from both sides conduct themselves badly at times.

Jesse   April 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

I am a Hispanic from Texas and know way in hell will I vote for Obama. I guess McCain will get my vote if hillary does not win.

VJmem   April 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Listen people......Again, these people were not disenfranchised. Stop laying blame where it shouldn't be. Look, the keyword here is that the voting was UNSANCTIONED, repeat UNSANCTIONED.

The DNC really doesn't have to try and compromise on anything. It set the rules, pure and simple. Again, why did these states not feel "disenfranchised" when this happened? Ask HRC why she didn't cry out for them then.

Come people......stop the madness. Anything either candidate gets out of this now is good for both.

Robert IL   April 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

I don't know if I want to laugh or get upset when I see people blaming Obama for MI and FL.

PEOPLE, the rules were broken. The same rules even HILLARY flip flop CLINTON agreed to.

On a side note, does anyone notice that you see the same people comment multiple times in a post, but when you try to do it, it gets blocked or never posted? I'm just curious...

Quater the country   April 4th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

It is silly the way this system is set up. Wouldn't it make more sense to have four regional primaries and be done with it. Have all the canidates campaign in one area for a few weeks and have a vote that way everyone gets a say and no state gets to dominate the attention. Any way the way the rules are now they must be followed or next election we'll be having primaries two years in advance.

It isn't helping anyone to fight about how this is anyones fault other than the Democratic party in Mich and Florida. Sure Obama could have supported more in the revote but If the shoe was on the other foot and Hillary had lost there does anyone for a second think she would be supporting a revote. It is a silly argument and it has ended the only way it can. At this point 50/50 split is the only way to seat their delegates.

Justin in CA   April 4th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

""Michigan voters disenfranchised….courtesy of Barack Obama!""

Are you crazy. How about the Govenors or the people the citizens of those two state put in place to handle there best interest. Maybe they will get a little more involved then just allowing there state to break the rule and cray about it later.

Christ in Florida is just the next J Bush

bk   April 4th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Cheating liar Obama because of him Michigan voices will not be heard. Obama sent Al Sharpton down to Florida to make sure our voices aren't heard either and he is the only one that ran ads here. Me and many others will vote for McCain before we will ever vote for Obama. He will do and say anything to win and calls himself a uniter. I wonder what he calls suppressing over a million voters.

Abbey   April 4th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Neither FL nor MI delegates should count. Rules are rules. There are consequences for not following them. Howard Dean needs to show he has a backbone and stick to the original rules. Get over it people. I'm from Michigan and I don't think they should count. If either FL or MI delegates are counted in any form, I will be so disappointed in the DNC. No wonder no one takes them seriously.

Independent   April 4th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Sorry Michigan- blame your governor. As for Sen. Clinton- speaking out of bothe sides of your motuh again. first you acknowlege that the votes in Fl and Mi don't count, but now that you are losing, we musn't disenfranchis any voter. How convenient for you and your thugs. The only fair way is 50-50- for both states.

ALBO   April 4th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

No new rimary or caucuses ?? Opinion polls show dead heat ??

Very easy solution: seat half/half, which would be totally fair and make Michigan voters happy !! But of course, this is not HILLARY's real goal !!

ALBO

Anonymous   April 4th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

GO HILLARY !!!!! New polls out show Clinton/Obama tied – Gee..
Maybe OBama should drop out 'FOR THE GOOD OF THE PARTY"
:Let ALL the VOtes & ALL the people vote!
Count FL Hillary will WIN!!!!
Funny, how obama supporters do not want FL & MI to count – he would loose!!!!

NLS   April 4th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Hey, Moderator. What was wrong with my post?

You guys let these nuts on here all the time, but when someone points out what's missing on this Ticker, and offers a little criticism the ineptitude of those that write this crap, you don't allow it?

(Are you gonna put this up now? And ignore what I said earlier?)

Brendan D, Niles, IL   April 4th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Public eye is right - Michigan voters were NOT disenfranchised. If the voters want to get mad at anybody, get mad at the Michigan state Democratic Party. Don't vote for Democrats in your statewide elections if you're that angry with your state party. And maybe, finally, you can teach that fool of a governor up there to keep her mouth shut regarding the American electoral process, about which she obviously knows absolutely nothing.

lime   April 4th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Why are the Obama people so afraid of revotes in Mi and FL? This makes him look like a weak candidate. A real fighter looks for a scrap anywhere, any time. The truth is that the female in this election has the nads. If he is the nominee, the Repubs will have a field day with him. He will probably carry Ma, Mn, Ca, and Dc in Nov. I will write in Hillary because I will never vote for Obama, or a Republican.

Cynthia   April 4th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

I hate the see the voters from Michigan and Florida being able to vote but – THE RULES ARE THE RULES!!!!!!!!!!!! We all have to learn that for every action there is a reaction and it is not always they way you expect it. Anybody the reads the newspaper and listens to the news will know that Obama did not have anything to do Michigan or Florida not being able to vote. HE HAS ALWAYS SAID THAT HE WILL ABIDE BY WHATEVER THE DNC DECIDES TO DO. Remember, when Senator Clinton was ahead in the vote count – she said that Michigan and Florida did not matter. Now that her numbers are down and she shat she needse them – now she doesn't want them to be disenfranchised. Sounds like she is hoping she will be enough votes to bring her numbers up.

nate   April 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

The same 3 posters blame Obama for something he obviously had nothing to do with. WE won YOU lost – get over it.

dAnnE   April 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

How can people be so blinded? This has nothing to do with being an Obama or Clinton supporter...The fact is that Obama is not to blame for this mess and Yes Clinton does want to forget the rules because she is losing. If you can't recognize facts, regardless of who you support than you are IDIOTS and don't deserve a vote.

Reid   April 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Where were the "people of Michigan and Florida" when their idiot legislators were trying to cut in line??? The sad thing is if they would have waited until now to vote they would have had the national spotlight, and all the campaign dollars and promises that come with it, all to themselves. Fools should never be rewarded just like the morons who bought more house than they can afford using sub prime mortgages.

Patrice E. Oakland, CA   April 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

It's not Obama fault that this happened. This is the fault of the elected officials in both Michigan & Florida, who decided to have their primary too early from what the DNC rules were outlined for each state to follow. Obama as well as Clinton and the other candidates ALL AGREED that since both states broke the rules, the punishment was that since NON OF THE DELEGATES WOULD COUNT, NON OF THEM WOULD CAMPAIGN IN EITHER STATE. They all signed an agreement. But Clinton kept her name on the ballot, just for this reason....TO CHEAT, and everyone knows it. Obama followed the rules. He did was what was required by the DNC.

Now that Obama started winning the so called "Small States" and gained some ground as far as delegates are concerned, the Clintons (her supporters) and the DNC want to change the rules in the middle of the game. Suddenly, they are concerned about Michigan & Florida being seated, but nobody thought about this before the primaries and caucuses started.....only when Obama started winning....that is funny to me. OBAMA DID NOTHING WRONG...HE FOLLOWED THE RULES......CLINTON DID NOT!!!!

Obama 08!!!

Sandra, IL   April 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Way to go MP. Those are the issues. In case the rest of you missed it I will paste it here:

Everyone needs to take a step back. To both supporters. You would really give this country four more years of Bush just to spite the other canidate? Thats great. I love this war in Iraq, I love these gas prices, I love being dead last in the world when it comes to education. I love losing my house through no fault of my own and have McCain tell t me to deal with it. I love the tax breaks the richest people in country get. I love seeing all our jobs go to India. I love that people in New Orleans still don't have homes. Please vote for McCain and I will love you too.

Let's talk about what is really important, and believe me this is not it. People are dying; get real and talk about what's important. Hillary not getting her way is dead last on the scale of what is important to Americans.

Eric-PA   April 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

You Obama people are incredibly mis-informed and ignorant. This is a bad thing if Obama gets the nomination. Think of all the Clinton supporters who voted for her even knowing the vote wouldn't count. Do you really think they are going to forgive the Dems for this and magically unite behind Obama. lol. I'm from PA and I'm not even going to vote for Obama because of this. He will likely lose MI and FL because of this and the Dems will lose the election. So, I wouldn't be too excited about this result.

TJ   April 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Clinton replying to this post:
"Bye Bye Love, Bye Bye Happiness
Hello loneliness, I feel I am gonna Cry"

amyo   April 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Hillary had no issue with this when she was ahead. Funny how the rules have changed for her. The rules were clearly stated and there was no whine fest when they were. Those delegates had better be divided equally. It's the only fair way to do it.

Asian   April 4th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

It is like on the record "Yes, the delegates will be seated, every vote counts." Behind the door, "Don't revote. don't count." Someone word does not match with action. Where in the world you let this mess to happen? Why not DNC stopped the voting by going to the court? Why not do a re-vote? Some people say, it is expensive and who is going to bear the cost. Give people a break! You can raise several millions a day and cannot raise money for re-vote.

SaintSteven   April 4th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

The only way Mi. & Fl. should be seated (and they should not be) is if the vote is split 50/50. Both states broke the rules and should not be seated at all. This is not Obama or Clintons fault. The elected officials in both states should be held accountable to the voters in the next state elections.

For what its worth both Mich & Fla. will get to vote in Nov. and they will count. No where is it stated that anyone has a right to vote in a primary election. Your state leaders screwed you, Blame them, not the candidates. As for the idiots that say they will vote Republican or not at all if these two states are not counted in the primary result....deserve what they get.

Oregon is Obama   April 4th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

From this point the best way to deal with this is ; strip the super delegates , take away 1/2 the state delegates............split the remaining 1/2 of the delegates equally and seat them.

Do the same with Florida.

These two states broke the rule "period" , so they can clearly not be rewarded for breaking them rules.

Take away there supers and half there delegates , split them equally and give them a seat at the table. DONE DEAL

Joel King   April 4th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

They can seat Michigan and Florida if they want it does not matter. WE DO NOT WANT BILLARY AS OUT NOMINEE!!!! LET'S DO THE WHOLE ELECTION AGAIN IT WILL BE A LANDSLIDE FOR OBAMA!

toejam houston texas   April 4th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Then let the Delegates run its course and should be able to vote on who they want, Not dictated by caucases.

Mary   April 4th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Maybe we could go back and re-do all the States. I would like to change my vote from Hillary Clinton to Obama.

Cyp   April 4th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Hillary for President yes I said HILLARY for PRESIDENT.

You will have the majority of your supporters voting for you.
Plus Michigan and Florida.

Obama and Mc Cain can fight for the CHANGE !

Justin in CA   April 4th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Thank you Michigan. It is the right thing to do. You will still be there for the big dance.

Ron   April 4th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Ok Obama supporters – let me spell it out to you why OBAMA bears some responsibility for the Michigan / Florida fiasco.
He was dragging his feet on the issue, wasting time , not being proactive toward another vote because it would not benefit him. He just stood idle – just like he stood idle all those years his pastor made anti-American remarks. He was idle then because the presidency was a far off dream – not in his interest to do anything. Just as he was / is idle about the revotes not in his interest. He is, contrary to all you "cultist" , just another politician looking out for himself. He is willing to sacrifice Florida and Michigan just to be the nominee – and in doing so will sarifice the DEMS because he will lose to McCain in those states. Much the same HC is willing to sacrifice the DEM party in going to the convention. Get real – OBAMA has not come down from the heavens to save you all – he is a hack politician – much like and even more like most.
Be careful what you wish for – you just might get it.

ron Stephenson   April 4th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Yeah, like were supposed to beliece that Hillary Clinton is concerned about disenfranchised voters. She only cares about one thing herself but I don't see how she can win this one.

Remi N.(Atlanta)   April 4th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Hillary supporters spend their time to cry like babies. Always , they cry about some. Don't you see Hillary's position, she supports something and later she is against or mispoken, .... not what she meant....., didn't knwo it was a question, All is fake, lies, ..lies,..., her husband Bill another lyer..., WHY DO YOU THINK WE NEED A PRESIDENT LIKE HER??? She said she knew that the delegates in Michigan and Florida won't count (before the vote),,, now she fights and wants the delegates to count.., She attacks a grown official man Bill Richardson for expressing his choice? now there is no such pledges delegates???? WHY DO YOU THINK WE NEED A PRESIDENT LIKE HER? no wonder she doesn't do good with educated folks.... Who wants a president who changes his mind in a mn depending of the audience and the moment? No More Distraction in the White House...You can hate Obama like you want to, He will be the next President.. and folks who want to vote for MCain because Hillary won't be the nominee, guess what, some of the Republicans will vote Obama cause they don't like Mcain. These Republicans will replace you guys, and at the end OBAMA will win, because America is ready for CHANGE.

Debra   April 4th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

I am getting tired of Clinton supporters thinking that she alone is owed any votes from Michigan and FL. She was the only one on the ballot in Michigan and both states knew that there votes would not be counted. All democratic nom's signed off acknowledging such. This is all the Clinton spin/I am a victim campaign. She's ruthless alright, but not in a good way. I used to like the Clinton's until I saw what the prospect of power does to them. I truly question those that are supporting her. With Obama there is intellect, honesty and yes a thing called hope. With Hillary you get experience you get spin from that old political machine!!!!!!!

Teresa   April 4th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Rules are rules Hillary. Michigan Democrats thought that they were going to pull a fast one and got caught cheating for you. Your not getting those votes. Hillary it time to get behind Obama for president nomination.

But you won't. Instead you'll contest and encourage the Clinton supports to vote for McCain instead so that you Obama won't get the chance to be president.

Tyler Rebalkin   April 4th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

How Obama will win
Play the cnn delegate counter game
Give clinton the win – 59 to 41 percent in Penn
Give clinton the win – 60 – 40 with the remaining superdelegates
Split the rest down the middle 50 50
Obama stills wins the nomination with 2028 delegates
to clintons 1989

Pexster   April 4th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

This really drives home the reason Bush got elected twice. It's because there are so many MORONS in our country. My God, it's depressing to read so many idiotic and illogical comments here!

Michael in Charlotte   April 4th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

wow it's funny how people are spinning the facts to blame the candidates. This is crazy. it is plain and simple and we teach our children to understand if you break the rules then you have to abide with the punishment. The rules was broken before the vote ALL the candidates knew this, the voters knew this. Plain and simple. The people blaming the candidates are just showing their ignorance to logic.

illinoisguy   April 4th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Typical Hillary, all talk, or should I say double talk. We can't disenfranchise the Michigan and Florida voters but we want to disenfranchise the entire rest of the country by having the superdelegates vote for the candidate who is losing in total votes, states won, and pledged delegates. Nice, real nice.

Andrew, Chicago   April 4th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

I don't think it was inappropriate for Michigan and Florida to challange rules that give two tiny states an unfair advantage in picking our next presidents. Their voices should be heard. I don't think either candidate can use the "will of the people" argument to sway the superdelegate votes at this point.

Joe T.   April 4th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Good for Michigan. The people of Michigan and Florida were represented by politicians they elected. Those politicians chose to disregard the rules of the party. The people of those states should take their ire out on their own elected officials. Clinton really has a problem though. Forty percent of Michigan's voters would rather have no one than her. She and the other candidates agreed at the outset of the primaries that the results would not count. Hold her to her word. She certainly cannot do it on her own.

simon   April 4th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Didn't South Carolina moved up their primary date as well? How come they didn't get penalized?

Kentucky   April 4th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Funny how the DNC is barring Michigan and Florida from counting their votes, yet New Hampshire and Puerto Rico are not penalized for changing their rules and dates.
The Party will pay dearly if they do not allow these two states to be repesented. I never want to hear democrats cry about 2000 and the Gore-Bush race we do not count Florida and Michigan this year.

Chipster   April 4th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Sen. Clinton did not campaign in MI. That was the agreement so don't blame her for other people's bad decisions. There was no reason for any of them to remove their names from the ballot. It was grand-standing and bad judgment for them to do that. People who didn't vote made that choice as well. The voters in MI & FL had no say in the decision to move the primaries up so punish those who made that bad decision but don't punish the voters. The only fair result is one that counts the votes that were cast. Otherwise, why not just make up phony, meaningless numbers?

It's absolutely hypocritical to complain about those states that moved up their primaries, yet ask Sen. Clinton to simply dismiss voters in the remaining states that followed the schedule.

Johnny   April 4th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

"So the Democratic party is going to have to come to grips with whether or not we want to be like the Republicans and disenfranchise people or whether we will stay true to the voting-rights record of this party.”

This from the woman who encouraged delegates to ignore the popular vote...

Todd California   April 4th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

All Hillary base vote for Mccain if Mich and Florida don't count! Obama didn't want a new vote or work out a compermise. If this would have been two states that were his to win he would have been fighting for them. For the first time I will vote for Republican. God help us for another 4 years.

Sharon   April 4th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Guess Obama's lawyers and lobbyists got their way.....he will never be looked at as a legitimate nominee if FL & MI don't count......

Eric-PA   April 4th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Mike, you don't know what you're talking about. Do a google search. Obama blocked the vote in Michigan, not Hillary.

Collin   April 4th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Were the voters who did not vote after Kerry got the nomination disenfranchised? What about with Gore in 2000?

Reality is a good portion of the primaries and caucuses are rubber stamps, those people are never met to really decide who the candidate is. Just like with McCain for the Republicans...none of the "down state" folks got to vote for Romney.

Chris from San Antonio   April 4th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

WHY IS OBAMA KEEPING THE PEOPLE OF MICHIGAN FROM VOTING??!!

Bill   April 4th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

If the Democrats had any sense, they would dump Howard Dean. He enforces primary rules by threatening to dis-enfranchise voters from Michigan and Florida at the convention. Never in a million years did he think it would actually happen. Well it did, and so, rules are rules, and as a result lots of people won't have a vote. This is the same party that railed about Florida voter dis-enfranchisement in the 2000 election.

This stupidity is topped by the "super-delegates" rules. Super-delegates, a bunch of politicians who are supposed to step in and correct things when they think the voters will do something stupid. Why in the world do Democrats have such rules??

Debbie   April 4th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Michigan and Florida's votes not counting...I thought we the United States...over 1 million votes won't count....Dean lacks the back bone to resolve this....

...Obama lacks the spine to leave church of 20 yrs. of "Audacity of Hate"

...Hillary if you don't win the nominee that some are trying to steal from you....looks like I'll be voting Republican (I do have back bone) for the first time in 27 yrs....

...DNC and Howard Dean...you must thing people in Michagan and Florida are very stupid, because you are disenfranchising them during the primaries...then having the audacity to expect them to vote for your candidate in the regular election.....

....I don't think so....

Kristin   April 4th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Michigan and Florida,
Blame your state's government for your "disenfranchisement". Obama followed the rules. Hillary discarded Michigan and Florida primaries, but learned later due to her flawed campaign strateg that she needed these states.

Voters in Michigan and Florida knew that their votes wouldn't count, so how many voters didn't go to the polls in the first place? If Michigan and Florida votes count as they stand now, there will be many Florida and Michigan voters that didn't go to the polls who will be disenfranchised.

Follow the rules.

SPQR753   April 4th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

In the Huffington Post (HARDLY a Hillary supporter) there is a very INTERESTING article by Wayne Barrett about how the GOP might have rigged the Florida and Michigan elections.

For example, while both RNC and DNC had the SAME RULES punishing States who would move their elections ahead of time: an automatic 50% loss of delegates, the RNC followed such rule while DNC decided to GO ALL THE WAY and PUNISHED both States by depriving them of ALL delegates.

As it happens (!!!) BOB WEXLER (Obama's CHAIR for FLORIDA) pushed for the vote to be moved ahead in that State and Democrat Rep. COLEMAN YOUNG II, BERT JOHNSON and ALDO VAGNOZZI pushed for the MICHIGAN election to be moved ahead (ISN'T THAT FUNNY???

That EACH ONE of these 4 gentlemen is an OBAMA supporter, IS JUST A COINCIDENCE (!!!) OR, WHERE THERE IS SMOKE THERE IS FIRE ??????

Kshama   April 4th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

I only know this for whatever reason, at least Hillary Clinton was for a re-vote in Florida and Michgan. The chances were that she may no have done as well were there a re-vote in Michigan. The point is at least she was willing to do a re-vote. No where did I hear Senator Obama say in his own words he would be for a re-vote. He and his campaign just gave some lame excuse that they would follow DNC rules. The Democratic party is crazy. Did they think the American people and especially not seating Michgan and Florida at their convention, much less deciding their nominee, whoever it was, would no hurt them in general election campaign? What's the matter, was Obama scared Clinton may actually be close in pledged delegate count and popular vote if Florida and Michigan were counted?

Jen DFW   April 4th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

that is sad...the democrats are giving this should be easy WIN to McCain.

Obama can't beat McCain without Clinton and she has half of the DEM party. Just like she can't do it without Obama. So they should stop fighting and play together.

Wonder why Obama was in Memphis today? HMMMMM seems funny

Kevin, Louisville, Ky   April 4th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Who says Edward could not have won in Michigan or Florida if he had campaigned there.....

FAIR IS FAIR ...well done MICH!!

Fred   April 4th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

In light of Mark Penn's recent trip to Colombia, perhaps the Clinton camp may want to rethink "fighting for the rights of the voters in Michigan" since the outcome most likely wouldn't be good for Mrs. Clinton given these new developments. Let's see how quiet Tea Clinton becomes on this issue in the coming days.

shame on DNC   April 4th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

shame on Democratic National Committee who don't know how to handle this in the begining and cannot foresee the problem. They failed as the leaders of this party. We will vote for the republic this year.

Ivan Schiff   April 4th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

There goes Obama's chance to beat McCain in November if he's the nominee. Michigan a Blue state will not support Obama, because Obama was against a re-vote.

Jenn   April 4th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

California Independent wrote: "Aaaaw Jenn…… such a struggle to decide who to vote for…. oh, the hand wringing, oh the angst of it all……. get a grip, it's politics. "

Thanks for the laugh, you made my Friday! And helped illustrate why I think Hillary supporters have become increasingly illogical. I have never been angst ridden about my decision, nor is there any angst implied in my post. I based my decision on facts, and the facts are that Hillary selfishly went against her chosen party and she lost my vote in part because of that. If that makes you upset, then be upset with her actions, not with the fact that I actually investigated them.

And I wholeheartedly agree with the poster who indicated that a lot of MI voters likely didn't bother voting because they were told thier vote wouldn't matter. Basing any delegate decisions on a false election with one candidate on the ballot is hardly ethical.

vp   April 4th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I am no way a Hillary supporter. I like the way Obama conduct his camplaign. I have not much reason to like him either apart from he is pretty straight forward and articulative. Here people as "Why wouldn't thwy give up?" I think thats NOT what leaders are a comfortable with or self proclimed leaders are pretended to do.

If you start to give up, you never end up as a leader. quiting is not for leaders. At the same time exagerating and lying is also not great qualities at all.

Philadelphian trapped in Texas   April 4th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Fine. Now, for the sake of peace ...
(1)seat Michigan's 128 pledged delegates, and discard only their 28 superdelegates.
(2)Award the pledged delegates in the proportion they voted for Hillary (55%), so give her 70.
(3) Give Obama the remaining 45%. That's 58 delegates. Why? Only 40% voted "Uncommitted", and yeah, some of those favored John Edwards, too, and neither Dodd not Kucinich had enough to matter. But this way, Hillary gets something of an edge, and who knows if she would even have finished on top had Obama been on the ballot.
(4) Hillary gets a slight edge but it doesn't put her over the top.
(5) Obama gets to appear magnanimous.
(6)It's win-win for the party.

MP   April 4th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

How can you let MI have a re-vote when most of the independents voted republican because they were told their vote would not count? They cannot vote in the democratic primary even if there is a re vote.

christian   April 4th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

I know this:

Obama or one of his surrogates SERIOUSLY needs to come out with a memo or have a press confrerence re: the Florida and Michigan "re-votes." He is getting absolutely panned on political message boards. HRC supporters are making him out to be the one who is solely responsible somehow. This is clearly not the case but that won't stop people from spreading mis-information. People tend to not care that HRC supported this supposed "disenfranchisement" up until the point that she started losing. Something should have been said a while ago but, instead, they have been keeping quiet and i think that is the WRONG THING TO DO. You've got to kill this rumor SOONER rather than LATER because, unfortunately, a lot of people are just not that smart and will eat up whatever ignorance is spewed on the internet or radiowaves or on the television. Soundbyte politics bytes...BIG TIME.

Eric-PA   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Now if Obama gets the nomination, he will be considered an illegitimate nominee, especially since he had a hand in preventing a revote. Shameful. His tactics remind me of Bush's tactics. How do you sleep at night, Obama?

Lady in MN   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Dont see anything about the Obama Iraq minister saying that he will keep troops in Iraq until 2010. Can't figure out why FOX destroys your poxy news network in the ratings consistently.

ClintonsickWomanCanwaidseeherdropfromtheRace   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

This only reason she left her name on the ballot when obama and Edwards pull their name out to abide by the rules is so she can do what she is doing now if things did not go her way. That is what you are seeing now happen, hillary saying I can not win with out Michigan and Florida you need to change the rules my name was in the ballot I won the states. My anwer to her is you did not win any thing you evil lady you are just evil and monster plain and simple.

John, Las Vegas, NV   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

This should be easy to sort out. According to Queen Hillary, states that vote in primaries count if they voted for her. States that voted against her are not important and do not matter. States that hold caucuses disenfranchise voters and should not count and/or do not matter unless she won that state. States that have a combination of voting and caucuses such as Texas only count for the popular vote but do not count for delegates. States such as Michigan and Florida which broke party rules did not matter when she thought she would have it wrapped up by Super Tuesday, but now they are the shining beacon of freedom and democracy and must be counted. Now, even though all of these rules have been in place for years, except for the Michigan and Florida fiasco rulings by the DNC, it seems the simplest thing is to go along with all of Queen Hillary's edicts, and then she is ahead of Obama by a landslide now.

Hubert Schmitter   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

You Democrats DO NOT KEEP YOUR WORD!!!!!!

You were told that the Michigan and Florida votes would not count. So here you are trying to count them.

What about the voters that did not vote because THEY BELIEVED YOU and thought their vote WOULD NOT COUNT????

DEMOCRATS DO NOT KEEP THEIR WORD!!!!!!!

Rick, PA   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

I really find it odd that so many people are so blind to Hillary that they blame Obama for MI/FL. But, I guess they, like her, do not care if someone breaks the rules, and if the rules are broken there should be no consequences. I guess that means that if I want to break into any one of your houses you would all forgive me since rules don't matter and there should be no punnishment! If you want to talk about disenfranchisement, let's talk about Hillary now asking PLEDGED delegates to switch to her from Obama. What about the people that voted for those pledges delegates – again, I guess for her that does not matter. You really can't have it both ways. The country would really be an ugly place without rules, but if that is what you all are advocating, please send me your addresses!

Public eye   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Voters in Michigan were NOT disenfranchised. They were lied to. By Michigan and Florida moving their dates up, they were disqualified, but yet many uninformed people decided to go and vote anyway. What about the word disqualify don't you people understand? If you jump the gun in a race, your finish doesn't count. Stop hoping these votes are going to count, because they never will, ever. And if Obama has the power to manipulate votes as you say, then why couldn't he turn the tables on the outcome in California? Stop making excuses and focus on the issues.

Alex k   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

ha ha ha ha ha ha. The Democrats are going to lose this election so badly. As an Independent you had me with Clinton as your candidate, but now that it's Obama and after the way all the Obama supporters have conducted themselves (as well as the true Obama that's starting to emerge) the Democrats have NO CHANCE of getting my vote or that of any other moderate Democrat or Independent. I wonder if Obama can take any states other than CA, IL and NY in the GE? In fact, maybe CA will go red this year, we did after all elect Arnold.

White folks please coming from a white man   April 4th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

We as a people haven't overcome the term stupid. Why should Michigan recount? Obama and Edwards name were taken off, now all of a sudden it's a big issue for Hillary and her supporters. This goes to show that Obama is the man to be our next President, and we all seen how the Clinton's like to break rules for their advantage.

Go Obama '08 & '12

Kevin   April 4th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

If Michigan revoted now, Obama would probably win there so Clinton should be happy about this

Anonymous   April 4th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

ignorant people rules,rules,rules,rules, if adults are behaving like this I wonder what are they teaching their kids, its ok to break the rules. Get real and stop behaving worst than children do and respect the law of the land RULES!!!!!

From Canada

MP   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Everyone needs to take a step back. To both supporters. You would really give this country four more years of Bush just to spite the other canidate? Thats great. I love this war in Iraq, I love these gas prices, I love being dead last in the world when it comes to education. I love losing my house through no fault of my own and have McCain tell t me to deal with it. I love the tax breaks the richest people in country get. I love seeing all our jobs go to India. I love that people in New Orleans still don't have homes. Please vote for McCain and I will love you too.

FOX NEWS CORP

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Glenn, Cary, NC   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Senator Obama (and others) removed their names from the Michigan ballot only because they wanted to pander to the crybabies in Iowa and New Hampshire who have distorted American politics for far too long. Only Senator Clinton had the good sense (and good judgement) to give Michigan voters a chance to voice their preference. Senator Clinton should get 55% of the delegates and the other 45% should not be seated (you know, to punish Michigan for breaking the rules). That should make both campaigns happy.

ross   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

April 4th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Indiana's lates Primary Polls (April 2)

Obama Clinton
RCP Average 45.5 42.7 Obama +2.8
Gallup 49 46 Obama +3.0
Rasmussen 46 43 Obama +3.0
CBS/NY Times 46 43 Obama+3.0
NBC/WSJ 45 45 Tie
Pew Research 49 39 Obama +10.0
FOX News 38 40 Clinton +2.0

Based on Real Clear Politics

Obama 08!

Sharon Minnesota   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

The Michigan delegates should throw their support to Clinton since she was the only one with the forsight to put her name on the ballot. If she hadn't, the people of Michigan would have had no voice at all.

Will the delegates be forced to giving up their right to choose the nominee they support by the DNC? This would be totally un-American.

No fifty – fifty split!!!

Dan in CO   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

""My question is this……..What about all of those people who did not go out to vote because they were told that their votes would not count because these two places broke the rules??? Am I missing something here?""

Nope you did not missing a thing.

In fact, you nailed the very heart of the matter.

Ryan Indy   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

hillary supporters are starting to make me sick...they are so blind to reality from listening to her that they have lost all hope. if you think hillary will win the general election, pick up a newspaper and realize that more than half of democrats can't stand her and republicans hate her...i'm independent and don't like her either (most of us don't). she is sleazy for keeping her name on the ballot and campaigning in florida (i was down there when she did) and if obama had done this it would have been the worst thing in the world....but he didn't so don't try to blaim him for YOUR candidates sleaziness. HILLARY SUPPORTERS GET REAL!

Deana   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

That's it! The party's over. Just remember..VOTE DEMOCRAT in November.

Mike   April 4th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Actually, for those folks who criticize Obama for "blocking" a revote.... it was actually Clinton that blocked it.

Obama was willing for a revote, but with the expectation that all voters revote. Hillary's camp refused to back off of the demand that anyone who voted in the Republican primary would be barred from participating in the revote. Many Obama voters had chosen the Republican ballot because their candidate's name wasn't on the Democratic ballot, and the Republican primary counted for something whereas the Democratic primary was not supposed to count. By insisting that these folks should not be allowed to participate in the revote, that simply stacked the deck unfairly for Clinton. Clinton's refusal to back off of this demand was why the revote in Michigan went down. So don't blame Obama.

Michael MO   April 4th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Until the issue of Michigan and Florida is resolved, this campaign is alive and well, regardless of outcome. The gaul of Dean and the DNC to disenfranchise millions in these 2 States! A slap on the wrists over a primary calendar debate, and two of the most influencial States in the Union are effectively taken out of the equation? This should be deemed not only illegal and unconstitutional, but grounds for Dean's immediate dismissal. The argument that candidates knew the situation going into primary season is irrelevant – THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE CANDIDATES. IT IS ABOUT MUTING THE VOICES AND RIGHTS OF AMERICAN VOTERS IN THESE TWO STATES! Until their voices are counted, the democratic candidate race is effectively null and void. I am independent, but Hillary Clinton is spot-on with the her intention to pursue this to Colorado if necessary until the issue of Michigan and Florida is resolved. Apparently the only candidate willing to support the idea.

Concerned Canadian   April 4th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Well Michigan finally got fed up no thanks to Obama. This is more ammo for the GOP to use versus Barack if he's the Democratic nominee for President.

Michigan is all but guaranteed to go to the Republicans in November.
Thank you Mr. Uniter...and 'Yes We Can'...and Mister 'Change'....Barack ...every dog wil have their day and your day is coming in the next few months.

South Beach   April 4th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

The Michigan Democrats who made this decision - I presume they are State Party democrats and elected Congressional and State Representatives, should be voted out of office. If the people went out and voted, their votes have to count. The idiots who voted to move up the primary and are now too cheap to pay for a new one need to pay the price anyway. As many as them that are up for re-election in November should be replaced by whatever Republican is running against them in November.

Clinton did hot campaign in Florida, to answer somebody's question. Obama ran ads in Florida but Clinton did not. Clinton did come down to thank Florida for voting for her. We saw enough of both candidates in the endless debates and TV appearances to make a decision without them coming down here.

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 4th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Hell no. We must fight. Fight we must!

Hillary and Nader... all the way to th White house.

Sandra, IL   April 4th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

The continued dialogue on this non-issue is simply amazing. What about the people who didn't vote? And if Hillary doesn't get the nomination you stay home and don't vote – a vote not cast is a vote for the other party.

Isn't it time to stop the Clinton and Bush dynasty's and get a fresh new start?

Obama 08 & 12

Eddie G   April 4th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Finally someone is taking responsibility for making a mistake. Political leaders made a mistake by moving the primary date ahead, the DNC made it clear that delegates from Michigan would not count, and they aren't going to....good!

Jason Menz, CA   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Just so I understand correctly J. Spiekerman: Even though the state willfully violated the rules of the DNC, you believe their delegates should be seated at the convention. (No, I am not an Obama supporter nor a democrat for that matter). Personally I sit back in amusement and watch the follies unfold.

Mary Gray   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

O.K., everyone, here's something I think we can all agree on.

This is a totally no-win situation for ALL of the voters in both Mich. and Fla. The ones that voted, just in case their votes did count, AND the ones that stayed home, thinking that if they voted, their votes wouldn't.
There is no way now, even with an appropriation of delegates, the voters will not be disenfranchised, because their voices WILL NOT BE HEARD. NO ONE is ever going to know how a TRUE vote in those states would have played out. Dividing the delegates, even straight down the middle 50-50, might be fair to the candidates BUT IT IS NOT FAIR TO THE VOTERS-which is what this should all be about!!!

So without re-votes, the voters are left out of the process.

PERIOD.

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Go screw off... even a dummy knows Hillary is the obvious choice.
All the way to the WHITE HOUSE.

Hillary and Nader for America's future.

Ward   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

It was fair last year when all parties agreed to the rules, why is ANYTHING not fair now? If there is blame it belongs on the Democratic Executive Committees of the 2 states involved. It has nothing to do with Hillary or Obama, they are both just positioning themselves to their advantage, as are their supporters. I live in Florida, I voted, but did not know I had been disenfranchised by my own party until a week before the election. Why should I even want to vote now, because my candidate is no longer in the race – If Michigan and Florida had waited until super Tuesday or later to vote, maybe he would be.
And, just for your information, despite what you were told in Kindergarten – LIFE isn't fair, deal with it.

Joe   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Way to unify the party Obama. Your vote may not count in my favor, therefore I choose not to get behind a program that will allow your vote to count.

If this is how you plan on how to unify the party and country, good luck!

Voters in Michigan. If Obama is the nominee, I hope you remember this. He could have left his name on the ballot like Hillary. At least she believed in your vote enough to stay on the ballot.

Don   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Let me quess, the people in Michigan who made this decision are Obama supporters....Michigan voters should start by voting these people out of office and also vote for McCain in 08, maybe that will get that idiots Dean's attention. I suspect Dean is hoping for a big job in Washington if he is successful in getting Obama elected. If not, send him back to Vermont and let him drive a snow plow.

RH   April 4th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

All of the squawking about 'disenfranchisement' is off-base. Americans have no right to directly influence the selection of a presidential nominee through voting. A primary election is one of the mechanisms used by national parties to help guide their decision as to who should represent them in the general election. In short, the primary process exists by virtue of party rules, not any right guaranteed to the electorate. The right to "have your voices heard" is fulfilled by the general election. No one has been disenfranchised – not yet, at least.

CNN post this! A Concerned Citizen!   April 4th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Clinton people what sore losers....get over over it! Follow the rules and do not try to change them in the middle of the election just to suit your needs.

If the tables were turned and Barrack was the one making all the fuss, the Clinton people would laugh, but since the underdog is ahead and Queen Hillary is not happy then she complains left and right about the outcome.

By the way Billaries, I'm an Independent and I would never swear allegiance to the Democratic or Republican party. What I am is a citizen of this great nation and Im thinking about what is best for this country, not what some party wants me to think is best for this country.

Dan in CO   April 4th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

""If anyone should be blamed for this mess, it should be Iowa and NH""

I agree 100%.

I actually salute what MI and FL tried to do, but it is still unfair to count them as they were. I don't blame neither Barack Obama, who merely followed the rules as set (unlike Hillary) nor the States of Michigan and Florida (both of which had every right to schedule their primary whenver they liked). I blame the DNC for imposing a punishment that made the state contests have an unfair, uncountable result.

Hopefully by 2012, the system will be revamped, and NH and IA will have to be tossed in the pot with every other state.

lucyna   April 4th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Those who broke the rules should be blame for the mess, not DNC or Obama. Hillary knew what she was doing by not removing her name in Michigan. She works like a snake hoping that nobody will catch her....like that story about Bosnia. Those who vote for her are like her. No wonder that she attracts those stupid people like herself.

Obama 1000 times over!!!!.....Our next presidend of USA

No Obama Social state. ( Chicago voter)   April 4th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

It's the Obama people in MI DNC that opposed the revote. They are people from Detroit. Other than people from Detroit. they all supports the revote. Shame on representatives from Detroit.

Shame.   April 4th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Forget about the delegates, what about the people? It's good to know that every vote DOES NOT count!

Jude   April 4th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

I think it should be 50/50 but I'm okay with HC 55, BO 45 for 1/2 the delegates and the other 1/2 depends on the overall popular vote. I would agree to this just so we can move on. No one has a clear advantage in this scenario. HC picks up like 10 delegates but Obama has the popular votes right now so if it stands, no one benefits.

Reality   April 4th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Now we can move ON. 50/50 split... THE END!!!

Cyp   April 4th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

If Hillary"s nomination is stolen away from her by Obama's dirty tricks
and the party's Obamites.

Hillary should contest as an independent.

She is likely to get the majority of her voters still vote for her.

The other votes will be diveded between Democrats and the Republicans. She is very likely to be the First Independent Women President of USA.

Sounds good to me.

WML   April 4th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I think to leave one's name wouldn't have mattered. Voters still could have written in a name, if they wanted. Were they simply asked to take their names off or demanded with retribution? If the former, then Hillary did nothing wrong. Maybe she had a feeling in the long run, it would come to this and having votes racked up for her would help her in the end.

I think it was a smart move by her and dumb by Barack. If he was so into playing by the rules, then why didn't he take his name off the ballot in Florida, where he didn't win, either.

People, see this without emotion, and think what you would do if you were either candidate's shoes. Did Hillary truly do anything wrong in MI? FL? If Barack left his name on the ballot in FL, why not MI?

Obviously, she wants them to count because she earned those votes and delegates. Obviously, he doesn't want them to count because he lost. It's that easy.

Disenfranchisement is not an answer. The votes need to be awarded fairly.

Voice that matters.   April 4th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Hilary doesn't believed in voters choice, don't be fooled again. She has said many times that pledge delegates that was allocated by voters should not stand by that vote. She said those pledge delegates are for grab, so now haven't said that who is disenfranshising Michigan voters.?

How can you blame Obama who didn't have his name on the ballot because the DNC asked them to.
Anyone who blame Obama for Michigan State party leader decision is not a true person. That person who blame Obama for someone else comment is political jerk.

You failed to see the truth or recognize the truth. I believe in truth and call it the way it is.

David   April 4th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Why does the media keep letting Hillary get away with blaming MI and FL on Obama? In both cases it was the state party or legislature that decided - mostly on grounds of practicality: there was no good way to make a re-vote open and fair. In FL state law prohibited a mail-in vote. Hillary keeps saying that Obama wouldn't agree to a re-vote in MI even though she agreed to pay for it - but actually the stumbling block was that Obama wanted the re-vote open to everyone, not just those who had voted in the Democratic primary the first time, because many people either stayed home or voted in the GOP primary because they thought the Dem primary wouldn't matter.
Seating delegations is a different issue than a re-vote, and I'm sure the Dems will figure out some way to seat them with the delegates split - if it still matters. It's the media that's whipping up frenzy about voters being disenfranchised. Where was all that media outrage when the Supreme Court disenfranchised the whole country?

rj   April 4th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

By the way, I cannot believe people are that ignorant to blame others for not having the re-vote in Florida and Michigan. Where were their leaders in those states? I believe Hillary thought it would be over in Feb. therefore, it didn't matter that they did not follow the rules.

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 4th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

They're all racists against Hillary. We won't stand for it.

-Pissed in Dearborn, MI

HILLARY AND NADER 2008

Hillary Supporter   April 4th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

That's ok. I probably won't vote for the first time in many years since the DNC is stealing away Senator Clinton's chances of winning this election.

b black   April 4th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SENATOR OBAMA IS 'NOT' A MEMBER OF THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE…

sue   April 4th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Disregard which campaign would benefit more, how would you feel if you are voters in both Michigan and Florida and your voices could not be heard. Though rules were broken in January, there are many options to resolve this to avoid disenfranchising both states. Both the DNC and the Hillary Campaign have been actively persuing for a revote; however, the Obama Campaign has not be actively promoting this process. I understand that the Obama Campaign is afraid by allowing revotes in both states, his 1% lead over Hillary might be narrowed. However, the Democrat Party may face even more challenges in November if we do not count these votes or allow for a revote.

John H, MN   April 4th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

The only one to blame here is Michigan. They knew the rules and they went against the rules and knew what would happen if they moved their primaries up, but they did it anyways. Plain and simple.

Jim-Minnesota   April 4th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Why doesn't the Democratic Party just seat Hillary's delegates and then let the undecided delegates choose whom they want. I trust that the Michigan undecided delegates can make their own choices. The Super Delegates make their own choices don't they?

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 4th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

The DNC is stoopid, screw them.

christian   April 4th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Wow... there are some really dumb and pigheaded HRC "supporters" out there.. more than I thought. especially the ones that post the same comment several times but use different names. maybe try using different words too or it's just plain obvious (morons!).

Anne   April 4th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

I just don't understand how "complicated" it is to hold an election
for God's sake!

fred   April 4th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Hillary should run as an independant!!! The dems are screwing this contest up bad!!

Obama is an idiot just like George W. Bush!!!

rj   April 4th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

I agree with Michigan not holding a new vote. Should have followed the rules in the first place. Where were their state leaders during that decision time?

Hillary should have removed her nameon the ballot. By leaving her name on ,I believe, reflects not supporting the DNC back then and just wanting people to believe she won those states. Another "Clintons can do what they want" statement.

Rick   April 4th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Thank you OBAMA for not willing do a redo primary

Ellen, MT   April 4th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

How dare that Barack, actually believing that the DNC really meant what they said, when they told him the Michigan votes would not count. It is ALL his fault even though he did not vote for the elected officials in MIchigan, he did not break the rules, he did not sign the pledge and then break his word.

Sorry folks, you can't blame this one on Barack. He did the honorable thing. Hillary, like a snake, kept her name on the ballot and declared herself the winner. I'm laughing because she thinks she is smarter than the American people, and God. She is neither.

Having said all that, thanks Michigan for coming to your senses. Now if Florida, State of the Bush 2000 Crime Scene, would only come to theirs, we can move on.

Derrick In Houston, TX   April 4th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

You can always tell a HRC supporter because they throw around the disenfranchise. Lets bury this issue. No one is getting delegates. It would have been stupid to revote and unfair if they would have split it 50/50. No one knows if HillBill would have won if Edwards or Obama campaigned there. PLUS what bout the people who didnt vote because they knew their votes wouldnt count?

This was the right decision. She broke the rules and now shs getting nothing out the deal.

Tammy - KCMO   April 4th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

It's scary to read these comments and see how many ignorant people actually have the right to vote.
Obama didn't do anything to take away the rights of people to vote in FL or MI. Your own legislature did that and if you don't like it complain to them. You voted them in afterall.
Both states knew what would happen if they didn't follow DNC rules. They made the decision to ignore those rules and do it anyway. The votes should be done as a 50/50 split if you are going to give them any right to have a say in the process at all. They were fully aware of what would happen if they went ahead and still chose to move their election up.
NEITHER candidate has a right to more than 50% since party rules weren't followed. Clinton was fine with the decisions made by the DNC until she got behind. I'm sure she would still be fine with their rules if she was ahead.

Wendy   April 4th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Does anyone else find it interesting that MI and FL, e.g., the DNC and Obama camp, want to wait until AUGUST to seat the votes....when they know perfectly well the race will be decided by June??? It's obvious that Obama will refuse ANY reasonable offer they put on the table until he's the only person left in the democratic party for the nomination. Then he'll suddenly want them seated immediately....because it would be an "injustice" to prevent MI and FL from voting. Hmmm, how convenient is that? That way they can get Obama nominated, and give him the votes of MI and FL....neither of which he won..., and leave Hillary out of the entire thing. And this is from the "democratic" party??? Someone must certainly be high on something if they think this makes any sense at all.

It's Obama's own fault if he left his name off the ballot in MI....goes to show you just how much of a rookie he actually is. WHy should Hillary be punished for his idiotic mistake?? He was smart enough to leave it on in FL, right???

Ki-Jana Carter   April 4th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Good. Time for Billary to get out and start that bridge club for old ladies with Geraldine. Leave the politics to the big boys.

Isaac   April 4th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Great, all the Obama people can cheer about how Michigan's votes won't be counted now. I am still wondering how Obama really thinks he wins in November without these two states and with serious possible weaknesses in PA and OH.

Time to Re-Register!   April 4th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

It's absolutely ridiculous to think that it is EVER a good or proper thing to NOT count votes!

Those "in the know" are well aware that Obama used legal tactics to insure that votes in MI and FLA DID NOT COUNT!

Peter Damoah-Afari   April 4th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Why couldn't Michigan and Florida wait for the specified time table of DNC? You know, most people did not know much about Obama when the race began, so the "cohorts' of Hillary were rushing to have early voting in Michigan and Florida so that Hillary could win. That was why they did not want to wait till Super Tuesday. It is nice that they have come out clean now to tell us that they will not vote again. DNC is going to find a good solution, and both the candidates will have delegates from both states. And this is a good news to Obama.

Obama all the way!!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 4th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Thanks to Michigan, this subject is no longer open for discussion.

Obamagirl, los angeles   April 4th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

now let's drop it!!! They broke the rules and now they pay!!!
I think after the 10 contest are over, mich. and florida should be split evenly, thus it has no impact on the delegate counts yet the delegates are seated.

Dan in CO   April 4th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

To their credit, many Clinton supporters also think that MI and FL shoudln't count...mostly because [1] they accept that the states did break the rules and [2] even their candidate agreed to it at the time.

Brad   April 4th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Good. Now maybe Florida will detach itself from the rest of the country and float away and we can be completely rid of people that break the rules and then cry about it.

MP   April 4th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Listen people. It was not Obama's choice to be taken off the ballot in MI. Just as all the other canidates did, he signed a form as did Hillary promising they would not participate in the MI primary in any way. Hillary broke the rules after she realized everyone took their name off. They have the signed letter form Clinton all over the news.

dave, michigan   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Yes, Hillary Clinton was the only major Democratic candidate to appear on the state's primary ballot this January. She should thus get all the states delegates at the party's nominating convention this summer. Or at least 55% of them with Obama getting ZERO. It was his decision not to run in Michigan. That did nothing but prove his contempt for the voters.

Kelvin   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Why must she conceed, is Obama fans scared that other things will pop there ugly head. We know very little about Obama, but I am sure the republicaans have a lot on him, to swift boat him. Have you not learned a lesson from Kerry. Make sure you understand where and what he stands for. I will rather leave the democratic party than vote Obama, so Obama fans stop asking for Hillary to give up the race.

Jerry in Boston   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Why do Obama supprters insist on claiming "rules are rules"?

Are any of you seriously going to claim that if the roles were reversed you wouldn't be singing an entirely different tune?

If Clinton were ahead and the disputed states were, for example, Illinois and Georgia (big states won handily by Obama), are you going to tell me you wouldn't be screaming for revotes?

Of course you would, so less of the sanctimonious lectures about consequences and rules please. BOTH camps are taking partisan positions. The only legitimate question is:

What, objectively, is the RIGHT thing to do?

Michigan vote   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Well at least HILLARY had the good judgment of foresight!
She had her name on the ballot "just in case."

As I recall, all those who wanted to vote for Obama were told to
vote for "UNCOMMITTED" , so all those votes are VOTES FOR HIM!

Now they can split up the votes EXACTLY as the voters intended, giving ALL THE UNCOMMITTED to Obama, and Hillary keeps her own.

THAT IS the ONLY FAIR WAY TO DO THIS.
It would definitely reflect the voter's choices.

anonymous   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

MI knew their vote would not count when they moved the date ... then, all of sudden peopled needed the #'s so they want to change the rules in the middle of the game. Please grow up! How elementary. Be willing accept the results of your choices. Finally, this matter is closed.

Ross in MD   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

I think the Michigan and Florida delegations should be split along the same lines as the national vote. That way no candidate is unduly advantaged or disadvantaged and both states can participate fully.

Joe   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Recent polls in Michigan show a dead heat between Obama and Clinton. Why not just split the delegates? Makes sense to me. Or just don't count them at all. Why was Hillary not complaining at the time the decision was made? (Because she thought there was no chance she could lose so it didn't matter).

Hillary 08   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Ok so don't count the popular vote there just count the delegates Let
them decide

Adam, LV, NV   April 4th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Oh and for the record, there were no "RULES" about names off the ballot and not campaining. There was not a DNC ruling on that. THe agreeement was between the candidates and the VOTER LOBBIES in Iowa and NH...

You Obama-nuts need to get your facts straight. The only DNC ruling was that the delegates would not be seated. At no time did the DNC itself say that they could not do anything in those states. All of these so called "rules" you all spout off about was just an agreement between the candidates and the states of Iowa and NH. It was the state leaders that made this "pledge" not the DNC...

d   April 4th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Hillary should get her 55% and Obama the 40%.

That is more than his fair share considering some of those uncommitted voters were for Edwards instead of Obama.

50/50 is not acceptable…..

Exactly how is that fair? You dont think people who would of voted for Obama or Edwards decided to vote for Hillary becaus SHE WAS THE ONLY CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT???????

How is it fair when you know that tons of voters proably just decided to stay home since it was known there votes wouldnt get count

The fact that Clinton ONLY got 55 percent when she was the ONLY PERSON is disgusting and should most certainly be rewarded 55 percent of the delgates when she was only able to muster up a little over HALF the states votes being the ONLY candidate.

Ian   April 4th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Geez...,

the Democratic leadership are not the sharpest tools in the shed??? Really??? Please tell me the great Republican leaders of the past 7 years?

Jennifer   April 4th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

I hope Howard Dean is thrown out as head of the DNC – this whole fiasco is his fault. What a jerk! You cannot split the votes because that would NOT be fair. Hillary won 55% of the votes so she should get those delegates. Give the rest to Obama. I can't see it as any other fair way. As for Florida, Obama was running TV ads in violation of the agreement not to campaign.....he should be stripped of Florida delegates and give Hillary her portion. The remaining delegates should vote for the person who has the majority of popular votes overall when the primaries are finished.

Chuck in Oregon   April 4th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Michigan is my birth home and most of my relatives and friends there would have voted for Obama had he been on the ticket but they voted for Clinton because he was not listed, that is 60 people. I wonder how many others voted likewise. Regardless had Michigan and Florida left their original scheduled primaries where they were and Hillary and Barack were able to campaign there, I am sorry to say, Hillary more than likely would not have won by 55%, and it is questionable if she would have won at all. Florida and Michigan were to follow right behind the last super Tuesday where Obama was kicking hinney and continued to do so until Ohio. BTW Obama won Texas not Hillary ... check the numbers

The Mispeak Corrector   April 4th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

. . . .Now let's make sure that we understand that it was Michigan Dems
that ruled out the re-vote, so that it will not be blamed on Senator Obama
this time.

Tex   April 4th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

As an Obama supporter, I have no problem seating both the Michigan and the Florida delegations as long as Obama agrees with the split and it has to be a fair split since both these two states (only ones out of 48) and Hillary (only Democratic Candidate ) both violated the DNC rules and tried to cheat their way in. In addition, Hillary was the only candidate to violate her pledge to obey DNC rules. Now that we see Hillary’s tendencies to "misspeak" and play dirty, they can be seated as long as Obama is treated fairly.

Logic   April 4th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

I am delighted the delegates from Michigan woke up and started to play by the rules... I live in Florida and totally disagree with the notion of another presidential vote... Anyone who breaks the rules should'nt be rewarded...

John, PA   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Obama blocked the re-vote in Michigan... that is what you call Un-American.

Theresa   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Michigan chose to change the date of their primary knowing what the rules said and ultimately what would happen. Hillary was the only democrat on the ballot and still only got 55% of the vote. She won?

Obama didn't make the rule, he didn't press for them to change the date, he didn't oppose a new vote.

He said that he'd go along with whatever was decided!

YOU HILLARY BACKERS ARE OUT OF YOUR MINDS!! Get a clue!

Joanne   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

None of the votes in all 50 states will have anything to do with this election. You can all sit back and wait to see what the superdelegates say, because THEY AND ONLY THEY, will decide who the nominee is. That is the sad, sad truth of it all, we just don't matter. Every single candidate will say exactly what you want to hear, and the one elected will follow their own personal agenda and to hell with the people of the USA.

Choice   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Give me a choice between a politician who makes rule as she/he goes and the one who follow the rule. I will choose the one who follow the rule big time.

Ms Mobee   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

All hail, the old fart, President McInsane.

Lee WV   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

How sweet it is to be a Republican.We get to laugh for a while.Is this really a party we want running the country.I'll probably vote for Obama in Nov.But I'll always be a Republican!!!

vince - phoenix   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Hilary supporters must be exhausted from constantly having to "move the goalposts" that would miraculously give her a victory..

Terry Williams   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Wouldn't the uncomitted vote be more than generous for Obama since that Uncomitted vote included people who voted for John Edwards?

Ian   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

stuart_zechman,

If you stay home and vote the 1000 years of Iraq will actually be on your head. The inability you have of being able to unite under a the democratic primary winner demonstrates that you fall into the pro Hillary crowd or, in other words, the elderly or uneducated.

DNC   April 4th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

You make me sick. I sooo done with the Democratic Party. Obama will never, ever get my vote. I guess he does not care much how he wins – just so long as he does. If the shoe were on the other foot and he wanted the votes to count he would be screeming bloody murder about racism and supressing the vote. But I guess he does not care since he does not need their votes. Ah, but he will in November.!! Good luck.

Len   April 4th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Good, about time they end this either split it 50/50 or now vote.

Obama 08 and if the DNC forces Clinton then I'm voting McCain like most independent and young voters.

Zoinks   April 4th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Wait a minute, Michigan is still a state?

These jokers don't have a clue what they are doing. What's this like the 20th announcement about what Michigan is doing. Guess moving the vote up really worked out great for them.

Frances   April 4th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

The DNC should not have penalized Michigan and Florida for moving up their primary elections because Iowa and New Hampshire moved up their dates as well so that they would still be the first states to hold their contests. The DNC didn't have any problem with Iowa and New Hampshire moving up their dates. The elections in Michigan and Florida were held despite the fact that no candidates campaigned there leaving it even contests. Hillary Clinton won both contests fairly and should receive those delegates, and the uncommitted should go to Obama.

Terry Williams   April 4th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

This just means that there is going to be a seating of the delegates based on the January vote in some way. The proposal is still seat some based on that vote, and the rest to be seated based on the outcome of the popular vote nationally. hmmm. =)

Ian   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

California Independent,

Thank you, once again, for demonstrating the Clinton supporters are the elderly and (clearly in your case) the uneducated. How did Obama exclude two states? How was he involved in the decision to move up the two primary's? Also, why wasn't Hillary saying anything earlier in the election? Where were the cries for disenfranchised voters then? Obama has, many times, stated that Hillary can stay in as long as she wants. But it is also clear that her delegate and popular vote math is as flawed as her fiscal math. Lastly, if you would really vote for McCain instead of Obama in the GE it shows that you really do not vote on issues. You are probably one of those Hillary supporters that thinks Obama copied Hillary's plans. Well, they are very similar so I ask you how you could vote for Hillary's plans but not Obama's? McCain's plans are the exact opposite. . .

Alex H   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

For all of you saying "Obama will never have my vote!",

Don't flatter yourself! You were never going to vote for Obama to begin with, so stop your ranting lunacy.

Blah blah blah   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Why do some of Hillary's supporters choose to be so ignorant? If anyone had disenfranchised the MI voters, its the MI Dems (when they INTENTIONALLY violated DNC rules) and not Obama (who has agreed to abide by whatever resolution is set forth by the DNC)

I don't have a problem with adding a 5th quarter to resolve the Superbowl either (sure)... but for crying out loud, stop spitting fanatical talking points like a trained pet

sara michelle b.   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

It is a sorry thing that the DNC, the candidates and Michigan's Democratic Party leadership could not figure this out. It is a presidential election year for goodness sakes – this is no small matter in a state that is hurt as much as any by the new world we all live in. This is truly a black eye for the party. I just hope that it does not haunt the Democratic nominee come November.

Jennifer   April 4th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Therefore, Hillary Clinton should get 55% of the delegates. Period and Barack Obama can have the 40%.

Jared   April 4th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Obama had nothing to do with any of the mess – the rightful blame goes to Michigan's governor...period. Split the delegates 50/50 and be done with it...they're practically tied in support in Michigan anyway. The original results are meaningless as no one but Clinton appeared on the ballot and it isn't a stretch to believe that the vast majority of Obama and Edwards supporters stayed home. Had both of them been on the ballot, I doubt Hillary would even have won. The nomination process is done anyway – she's welcome to stay in, but it's kinda like watching Evander Holyfield's career – no idea when to give up.

RFB   April 4th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

It is amazing how often obamaites say "rules are rules." It is like a broken record. If obama had won those states instead of Hillary, they would be "crying" foul play, foul play, and stomping their feet and pounding the ground with their fists.

Mike H.   April 4th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Obama's people in the state legisature actively worked againt the revote fearing that it would result in a Clinton victory. Obama, who professes to be the man to lead us into a bright tomorrow, is an undemocratic fraud.

LifeLongDemocrat   April 4th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Everyone seems to forget that Obama removed himself from the Michigan ballot to concentrate on Iowa. He did it...admit it!

Count the votes as is...he could have stayed on the ballot.

honkey white guy from cali   April 4th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

i agree with the current proposal on the table that being she would get to keep the percentage of delegates she won and the other would be split based on the nation vote. the 50/50 split i think is fair also but either way we need to seat these delegates regardless of who or whom may have been at fault the voters certainly were not at fault and I think the Obama camp and the DNC need to stand up and take a true leadership in this to make sure those seats do not go empty.

Go Obama 08

Alex H   April 4th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Jaymes Spiekerman April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Give Hillary her 55 percent! and I guess, even though it was his choice to pull his name off the ballott, they can split the uncommitted vote!!! He should feel pretty stupid for pulling his name off the ballot!

Clinton as my commander in chief!
21 year old male voter!

That's stupid... if the uncommitted vote wanted to vote for Hillary, they would've checked her name, not uncommitted. Nice try, but that's a very dirty, Clintonian tactic that I don't want to see in the White House.

Leah DiMarco, TX   April 4th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Obama and Clinton have nothing to do with what the STATES decide. Stop trying to put the blame on the candidates. It was Michigan and Florida that decided to break the rules when they full well knew what the rules were. Now Michigan has decided no re-do. That also is not the candidates fault.

Everyone should also stop listening to all the SPIN coming out of the Clinton camp – it is very divisive.

suzy   April 4th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Of COURSE THEY MADE THIS DECISION....
OPERATIVE WORD HERE IS "THEY"....

I saw the interview with two members of the legislature there who were very active in NOT having a re-vote...and guess what – they were both Obama supporters.
And what really p....d me off was they were very very smug about it with
"Na Na Na Na Na" grins on their faces. Talk about "rules"???
They even said, "it's a good thing Obama is in the lead" ..
Is this even legal?????
So, the moral of this story is – Obama will do ANYTHING to win this nomination – even plot behind the scenes......he is NO different from any other politician and for those who think otherwise – does the wool itch over your eyes?????

Chris   April 4th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

It is not Hillary or Obama's fault that Michigan and Florida don't count at the moment. It is the fault of the legislators in Michigan and Florida who voted to move the primaries up against the rules of the national party. They were warned of the consequences and went ahead with the plan.

They are now trying to blame the national party for not bending to the will of the voters. Sorry, if you want to compete in a contest, you have to play by the rules. Michigan and Florida voters should focus their blame where it is due – their state government.

Give us a break   April 4th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

They wouldn't have to worry about a re-vote if the followed the rules to begin with. I do believe they know what would happen if they went on with their planned early vote? It is nice to see someone hold someone else to the punishment that was expressed before the "bad act" occurred. If more parents did that we might not have so many problem kids. But that is a different topic.

Way to go Mr. Dean!

Jeanne   April 4th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Those Dems sure do know how to organize an election! Are you sure you want them running the country?

Rosemary   April 4th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

...Michigan voters disenfranchised….courtesy of Barack Obama!

no courtesy of those Michigan voters put into office.
I know it is frustrating for HC supporters but we teach our children from a very young age: if you break the rules there are consequences.
Any parent who rewards their child for misbehavior needs a tutorial in parenting.

Debbie,NJ   April 4th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Everybody pulled their names off out of obedience to their leaders (DNC). You know having a president who is always dividing and doing the opposite of the party is not good for this country. Hillary should have run as an independent. That's what she acts like. She's always trying to change the rules especially if they're not in her favor. She not only changes the rules, she lies, threatens, have temper tandrums and cheats. ANd yeah, Obama has so much power he can stop people from voting. He can even override the DNC.

To Matthew   April 4th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

You said: "Michigan voters disenfranchised...courtesy of Barack Obama'!

Why didn't you explain yourself??? I'll tell you why... BECAUSE YOU CAN'T! People like you are the biggest problem our society has (get an education). Last I checked Obama isn't a member of the ruling Democratic committee in Michigan.
And furthermore... if the people of Michigan decided to vote for McCain instead of Obama, they'll rightfully deserve more forclosures and job losses. Frankly speaking that decision would be stupid... just like your comment.

Chris   April 4th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

OMG!!! Don't go blaming Obama you idiots!!
It was the Michigan Legislature that signed off on this crap knowing they were breaking the DNC rules!!
They broke the rules and they have to pay for it.
All of you whinning HRC supporters know we wouldn't be having this conversation if she was in the lead!!!
The best thing they could do now is split them down the middle and be done with it!! Jeez go some where and sit down!!!

Tim   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

NOW, LET'S MOVE ON TO PA, INDIANA AND NC. enough already.

Belle   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

The real Truth....

The AGREEMENT with the DNC was to NOT CAMPAIGN. Clinton NEVER agreed the vote should not count...in fact she emphatically stated it SHOULD count.

Just ANOTHER Obama twist of words....but for a man that could ONLY win the State Senate Seat in Illinois by Challenging EVERY SINGLE VOTING Petition of Senator Palmer's...why am I not surprised. He lost his bid for State Congress by a landslide in Illinois.

breanna   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

"Give Hillary her 55 percent! and I guess, even though it was his choice to pull his name off the ballott, they can split the uncommitted vote!!! He should feel pretty stupid for pulling his name off the ballot!"

I agree 100 % obama is certainly not entitled to half because how do we know that some of those uncommitted votes didnt go to edwards and the other people who names werent on the ballot? hillary gets her 55% plus half of the uncommitted votes. If obama doesnt like it then maybe the rest of the country will finally see what kind of a man he really is. he needs to stand up and say that these voters DO COUNT and agree to the terms set forth as mentioned here. no other way is fair and it will look like the dnc gaver into obama . hes such a whiney baby.

JOHN A TAYLOR   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

The proplem with any formula's that you use keep inmind that the DNC says that the candidates can not win from any advantage gain from Michigan or Florida.

Juan   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Thank you. You broke the rules back then and you knew the consequences. Hillary and her gang have been making a fuss about it since she is losing all of a sudden. But thanks finally put this matter to rest. In 2012 this goes to all states to stop being mavericks!!!

Carrie PA   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Lets get this straight people:

Last year, Hillary Clinton said that Michigan and Florida vote will not count. She agreed to this. Every Democratic candidate, agreed to this. It wasn't until Hillary realized that she couldn't win, she started to cared about the Michigan and Flordia voters. Don't let Hillary fool you, you are smarter then that.

Hillary Supporter   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Well, now we need to seat the delegates, so that the people who voted will have a voice. If Obama really had ‘good judgment’ then why did he take his name off the ballot?

Mary, MN   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

It is such a joke for Hillary to be in Memphis honoring Dr. King. She only uses minorities for photo opportunities, and votes. Look what she did in South Carolina. Hispanics and Asians should be aware of this; she will throw you under the bus as well.

I hope the folks in Memphis will fumigate the stage after she leaves.

Jerry in Boston   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Obama could probably have pulled off a narrow overall victory even if Florida and Michigan had been allowed to revote. That way, his victory would have been totally legitimate, and the healing process in the Dem party would have been swift and painless.

However, by appearing to have blocked revotes purely for his own political advantage, he has undermined the central plank of his "new politics" platform and left an indelible stain on any victory.

This will come back to haunt him in November when Clinton supporters who feel cheated either don't vote or worse, vote for McCain.

Ernie   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

All of this would have been avoided if FL & MI had simply played by the rules. But them & the arrogant Clintons felt this would all be over after Super Tuesday. Why have rules, if everybody is going to break them!!

Tempered   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Wow. This is seriously bad news for the cohesiveness of the Democratic Party. If I was Michigan voter, I would be livid.

I agree with John (above) that the only fair way to handle this - and seat the delegates - is to split them 50/50. It cannot be fair to seat them as is, since only one of the candidates had their name on the ballot in the first place. And think about how many voters must have stayed home that day because they were told by everyone that their votes didn't count anyway?

My sympathies to Michigan dems!

BettiH, Indianapolis, IN.   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

You all need to stop blaming Obama for this mess up. Nobody told MI or FL to move their dates up. If you want your vote counted then follow the example of the other 48 states that followed the rules. HRC didn't care a rats butt about MI or FL until she found her cocky over self confident butt loosing to the underdog.
...but knowing the Ol Clintons they'll find another way to break the rules or bend them a tad bit on her favor.

Go Obama 2008

Merv   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

I think it speaks volumes about MI that 40% of voters invested the time to vote "uncommitted." Clearly, Hillary's support isn't exactly thundering in that state. Maybe she's better off without a re-vote. And for anyone who suggests that Obama is culpable for the MI & FL debacles, you should reevaluate just how far your bias for Hillary has led you astray of reasonableness.

Tx   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

The unfortunate part of this whole Debacle is that the delegate will eventually be seated. Apparently it is worse to "disenfranchise voters" than it is to punish their elected officials. If you elect someone to speak for you ( i.e. vote ) then what they do should affect you as well.

PA voter   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I love it after all why should Michigan and Florida get a second chance to vote. Thats only rewarding them for breaking the rules the first time around. However I do fill sorry for the voters of these 2 states, but you can't blame Clinton or Obama you need to blame your people that allowed the primary to be moved after being told if they conduct the primary early that it wouldn't count.

Ron   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

THIS IS A GOOD THING!!!

I am from Michigan and I think if the people of Michigan are P.O'd about the Primary not counting..

Find the names of EACH and EVERY person in the legislature who moved it after being warned...AND VOTE THEM OUT!!! If they had left at in it's original date, Michigan would have been SUPER IMPORTANT!!! Hillary and Barack would have spent MANY days here instead of NONE!!

Our legislature SCREWED us not the Democratic National Commitee!!

Amy-Cincinnati   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

You mean we really have to follow the rules that everyone agreed to months ago?

Adam, LV, NV   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

If anyone should be blamed for this mess, it should be Iowa and NH... They are the ones that whined that they should have the all powerful voice and should be heard first. And the DNC again as usual showed the country they don't have a pair and said OK, you win Iowa and NH...

Now the DNC again shows they don't have a pair because they will seat the delegation probably using the vote and giving the uncomitted to Obama.

Now don't get me wrong, the votes should count. Obama pulled his name off the ballot to pander to Iowa voters. If you really want to do something that stupid, you should face the music. He wanted to play the game, why does he get to change his mind now that he has gotten the reward for pulling his name off in the first place? Hillary could have well buried herself in NH by leaving her name on the ballot. That gamble however did not hurt her it seems. Obama made a caculated risk. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

The DNC and the candidates should have stood out straight away and said it is each state's right to hold their event when they want. Why should the DNC be allowed to say when anyways, it's not like they actually pay for the primaries...

Peter in Canada   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Split the "uncommited" vote...you got to be kidding!!
IF you were to try and interpet that "vote" the only rational result would be Clinton 55% Anybody but Clinton 45%.
Why would anybody gove her any part of the uncommited vote?
Doesn't matter anyway since accepting the existing vote would be about as valid as any other straw poll that Michigan radio stations want to take. Pick pizzas, burgers, dogs, milkshakes...those kind of votes are just as valid.
Unless I really don't get the US legal system, there ain't no way on earth that an apportionment of these votes happens without Obama's approval!

Geez...   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I am a Democrat and have been for many years. But I will be the first to admit that the Democratic leadership over the years has shown that they are not the sharpest tools in the shed. Why do they continue to make ghastly mistakes over and over again? I wish they could learn from the past and learn to strategize. They collapse to easily now.

California Independent   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Aaaaw Jenn...... such a struggle to decide who to vote for.... oh, the hand wringing, oh the angst of it all....... get a grip, it's politics.

Obama played a game in taking his name off at the time. He looked like a hypocrite pandering to the other states at the time. He made a dumbheaded choice and it's come back to bite him in the rear end. If you want to put someone who has no legislative experience, in fact someone who 'misspeaks' and has repeatedly tried to take credit for the work of others, go ahead and try. His whole record in Illinois is a farce except for a little bit of community organizing to get out the vote and some work on the death penalty. He tried to take credit for the work on the immigration bill and got slapped down for it, he tried to take credit for Frank/Dodd and got slapped down for that. The guy is a wimp and a phony. I thought there was a chance we would end up with a woman in the White House, I just don't think anyone imagined it would be Obama.

If it isn't Clinton, McCain '08

Justine, Cincinnati   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Thank you Vince for reminding all the nasty, rude, and misinformed Clinton supporters that Barack had nothing to do with MI not being counted and deciding not to have a revote. Sheesh.

And really?!?!?!, Jaymes, 21, Clinton supporter... Barack was RESPECTING the DNC when he took his name off the ballot. Unlike Hillary. Obviously, just from this incident, she'll do anything to win.

It's so obvious now. Why doesn't she stop wasting her donors money and pull out? Seriously?

matt   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Its all up to dean to make em count

stuart_zechman   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

This disenfranchisement of the great people of Michigan only proves again that Obama is not a true leader and that he will do anything including cheat to win. How can we as democrats condone disenfranchisment when that was what caused our President Gore to have the election stolen by the shrub? How can we tolerate this injustice to the people of Michigan? How can we?

I will not now under ANY circumstances vote for Obama if Hillary is not the primary winner – I will sit and home and blame you Obamabot ignoramouses for McLame winning in Novemeber and another 1000 years of Iraq will be on YOUR heads.

Former Obama Supporter   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Thanks to Obama and his campaign, Michigan won't have a voice. If he gets the nomination, then don't expect their vote in the general election.

Barack Obama   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Michigan, you're welcome

gee gee   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

I am really confused about this Florida/Michigan problem.

We know that Sen. Clinton was the only name on the Michigan ballots We know that Sen. Obama did not campaign in Florida. Sen. Clinton claims that she did not campaign in Florida, but we've heard that she gave some kind of speech or fundraiser in Florida, so I'm not too sure about this.

A lot of people keep saying the votes should count as is.

My question is this........What about all of those people who did not go out to vote because they were told that their votes would not count because these two places broke the rules??? Am I missing something here?

Stacy Clarks,   April 4th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

"Matthew April 4th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Michigan voters disenfranchised….courtesy of Barack Obama!"

Im sorry, but was Barack Obama there when they officials of the state decide to beark the rules?

was Clinton "sleep-deprived" when she signed the agreement that he votes will not count?!?!

did Barakc Obama force the state officials to break the rules?

was Barakc Obama the one to strip the delegates because they broke the rule

All Barack Obama did was follow the rules, and he is being blamed?!?!

GET REAL

OMABA 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

D.W.; Miami, FL   April 4th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

A note to Senator Clinton, Bill Clinton, and others who are prone to "misspeak." (This includes you Matthew).

SENATOR OBAMA IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE NOR DOES HE WRITE THE RULES FOR THE DNC NOMINATING PROCESS.

Let's move on now. Thanks for coming, we have some nice parting favors for you at the door.

Tjaye   April 4th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

I'm just waiting to see how she tries to spin this as Obama prevented this from happening.

Former Obama Supporter   April 4th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Thanks to the Obama and his campaign, Michigan won't have a voice.

Howard   April 4th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

She was a snake for leaving her name on that ballot. Everyone including her agreed to follow the rules and remove their name she should not get to benifit for being dishonest. If she was not loosing this would not have been an issue.

Follow the rules.

OBAMA 08

ann   April 4th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Hillary should get her 55% and Obama the 40%.

That is more than his fair share considering some of those uncommitted voters were for Edwards instead of Obama.

50/50 is not acceptable.....

Dan in CO   April 4th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

""Michigan voters disenfranchised….courtesy of Barack Obama!""

Actually, I know several people who have decided to back Obama in large part due to people so unfairly trying to pin the disenfranchisement of Michigan and Florida on him. In doing so, you surrendered any sympathy many people might have had for those state's citizens.

So, I guess you're someone I should thank for the added support of my candidate.

JOSH   April 4th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

GO HILLARY. AND GET YOUR POPULAR VOTE

Voice that matters.   April 4th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Oh...Hilary just said people who voted in Michigan should be counted . So, how will they count a vote like that\? One man ballot or one woman ballot system is not recognize and it not in constitution of US.

If you think you want to settle for less or think the Clintons are king and queens of the UNITED STATE OF AMERICA that your choice , but many people don't think they are KINGS AND QUEENS of US.

STOP already , not matter how honest Obama his people will still want more. It is crazy...nastyness has to stop. The more you hate him the more he ge more people supporting him donating for his camp. shame on you....or shillout. leave the guy alone.

JOSH   April 4th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

GOOD NOW HILLARY COULD GET HER DELEGETS

Sue, OH   April 4th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Thanks Michigan, you've made the country proud. Now we can get off this roller-coaster and get down to business.

Obama 08

Chris 2   April 4th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

"We can now stop talking about this"?? Why?

The reasoning is pretty obvious: Since the voters expressed a clear preference for her on the first try, they might vote for her again in a re-vote. Therefore they cannot be trusted. Therefore we can't allow a re-vote, right?

I don't think that's something we can stop talking about.

Jack   April 4th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Obama pushed hard to suppress the voters of Michigan from having a say in who their Democratic nominee would be......

Obama is a hypocrite and doesn't mean what he says..... he's not the president I want!

I'm confident that Michigan will vote for John McCain in Nov

maya   April 4th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

I seriously wonder what ties the members have with the Obama camp.

This is such a travesty.

I am ashamed of my party.

it will NEVER stop!   April 4th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

You desperately stupid people who STILL try to blame this on Obama are really frustrateing. I am NOT going to explain it to you again how things work because I am now convinced that you do not have the mental capabilities to comprehend it anyway.

I understand Horton Hears a Who is in theaters right now!! ( Maybe that will buy us a couple of hours relief)

Joe G   April 4th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

These days it's easy to pick out an Obama supporter. They're the people that don't want Michigan or Florida to have any say in the nominating process. They want all the talk of the two states to simply "go away."

The reasons for this are clear. They're fraudulent, but clear just the same. They're hero and saint would LOSE and hundreds of thousands of votes would go to the Clinton column and that must be stopped at all costs.

Bill in Illinois   April 4th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Since Hillary was the only one on the ballot it was in no way a fair election therefore no delegates should be awarded. It is my belief that neither Fla. or Mich delegates should be accepted as both states knew that they were violating the party rules and both went ahead and made their own set of rules and then they cried like a bunch of spoiled two year olds when they didn't get their way. The problem is obviously with the party leadership in these statres and the voters need to rectify that problem in the next election. I can sympathize with these voters and the loss of their votes but rules are rules and their party leadership chose to ignore them.

Dan in CO   April 4th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

How many times is this now?

Michigan doesn't count.

It won't count. It can't count.

All of the candidates signed off that it and Florida would be punished by not counting....they essentially notarized it.

It's a done deal.

kathleen   April 4th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

That's is mature of Michigan. More than likely the vote would be half
and half. or close.

At least, THEY are not blaming Obama falsely, like Hillary wants them
to do.

Fla. Be Big about this. 50-50. Is the only way.

Obama 2008
Hope, not deceit.

Jeff in Plainfield, IL   April 4th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

A lot of people seem to be blaming Barack Obama for the Michigan mess, even claiming "he" disenfranchised the voters. He had nothing to do with it, and is, in fact, the one who is abiding by Party rules.

For Clinton to only win 55% of the vote being the only one on the ballot is pathetic, and to suggest she deserves anything more than that is pure lunacy. I'd be willing to give her 55% and Obama 45%. So she gains a few delegates, but it brings Obama closer to the total count necessary, and so the chances of being overturned by a miracle landslide of superdelegates would be near-impossible.

tonyh   April 4th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Big blow for Billary!! No matter what decision is made on seating Michigan delegates at the Convention, she will gain NOTHING!!!!
50-50? The song remains the same. Go Obama!!!

Lorraine   April 4th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Good! To even allow a re-vote would have been ridiculous. They knew the rules and broke the rules.

Obama is not responsible for any of this. Why isnt anyone saying that Clinton broke the rules? Why dont we talk about that instead of the false claim that voters were disenfranchised.

The only persons who abided by the rules were Obama and Edwards and for Clinton to push for a re-vote only shows that she will change the rules, change the goldposts, and do whatever is necessary to win.

She is in Memphis today, right? How convenient of her...

Obama '08!

vjh   April 4th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Matt & Jaymes,
Do not blame Obama for Michigan's fate. They, not he, broke the rules of DNC. Get your facts straight

Joe in Pasadena, California   April 4th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Well Thank You Obama. You sir, will NEVER have my vote!

RuthieM   April 4th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Good, great, it's always best when the rules are followed!!! Obama followed the rules and so he has nothing to worry about, Clinton should have done the same instead she bucked the rules and kept her name on the ballot and then she campaigned in Florida after all. That is why she is having headaches over this, over her campaign, just like Bush, he bucked the rules about Iraq, he lied, and all he has had are headaches over it. You reap what you sow and that is the way it is!!! Hillary Clinton should drop out right now.

California Independent   April 4th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

woohoo! Obama wins on this one. Nothing like trotting out the lawyers and stalling. Love those new sleazy Chicago politics. Let's see... Obama wants to exclude two states and stop the voting now so another 10 don't get to vote. I wonder how that 38 state strategy is going to work for the GE.

If it isn't Clinton, McCain '08

d   April 4th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

"Michigan voters disenfranchised….courtesy of Barack Obama!"

Yes, because Obama is a Michigan democrat who helped decide this. You Hiliary supporters are so smart!

Sorry   April 4th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

I'm sorry your votes won't count. But, you need to take the issue up with the people in YOUR OWN BACKYARD who caused this mess in the first place, not the DNC and not the candidates. Your elected policymakers felt they could bully the system and disenfranchised your votes in the process.

Ryan   April 4th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Michigan broke the rules and were stripped of their delegates because of that. Should we just ignore rules and let them do whatever they please? Also, Hillary herself agreed with the decision and didn't decide that there was anything wrong with it until after she fell behind in the primaries. I understand wanting them to be included, but there are other ways of doing that then just counting the vote as is when there was a reason they lost their delegates in the first place.

kenney   April 4th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Matthew its not Obama,play by the rules and they wew broken.
RULES

Don't Trust Obama   April 4th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Well Thank You Obama. You sir will never have my vote!

Janet   April 4th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Since Hillary won 55% of the vote then dosen't it make sense that
she should get those deligates, Obama & Clinton were both on
the ballot in Fla, and Hillary won and neither campaigned there.

People voted for who they wanted, and if this was reversed, you can
bet the media and Jack Cafferty would be saying Obama should get
thr votes.

GO HILLARY

Sean   April 4th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Jaymes: The fair thing is to not count any votes. They broke the rules. Surely at 21 you understand rules, and more importantly, the consequences of breaking rules. If a team was told that a game was forfeited and therefore didn't play, but later the league wanted to count the game, would you think it was fair?

Debby   April 4th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Sounds like this will be a rigged election by the DNC. They want their Obama boy in there and they will plow over Clinton to do it. Well looks like the general will be a piece of cake for McCain and you can thank the Dumbocrates for that.

Jenn   April 4th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Matthew said: "Michigan voters disenfranchised….courtesy of Barack Obama!"

How in the world is it his fault that the Michigan powers that be decided to change their date in defiance of DNC policy, and that Obama acquiesced with DNC rules and had his name taken off the ballot? How can you be so blind to the truth?

FEDUP   April 4th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Obama campaigned for the Un-commited vote, let him have them. Give Hillary the ones she got.

Mike   April 4th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Finally. You should never be rewarded for not playing by the rules. 50/50 split, the only way to go.

OBAMA 08

Don't Trust Obama   April 4th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Well there goes Hillary chance for the nom...

Ivey League   April 4th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

He can't win, Bill. He can't win...

That's President Obama to you.

Liberty   April 4th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

The Governor of Michigan and the state legislators should all lose their jobs for breaking party rules, causing havoc, and disenfranchising their own citizens.

Anyone who doesn't like Democratic Party rules are free to start their own party. They could call it the anarchy party, since they don't believe rules matter.

NickNas   April 4th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

It is great to see the people of MI taking resposibitiy for their own actions and putting this thing to rest. Billary can whine all she wants but getting credit for a victory where she was the only player is a ploy that even 5 year old children understand is not right.

Funny thing is she only got 55% of the and she was ALONE on the Ballot! How pitiful is that??

JOHN A TAYLOR   April 4th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Is there anyone that thinks that if Clinton doesn't win in delegates or popular votes that she will say that the race was fair?

April in Texas   April 4th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Curious as I would like to know how many votes were thrown out due to writing a name in? I heard many were thrown out because of this. IMO this should be also a factor if you want to truely call anything fair. I feel bad for MI and even FL but rules are rules and so why reward those that did just that and broke the rules.

Obama 08

Madison , PA   April 4th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

This is a fair decision...KUDO MICHIGAN... Let the Clinton know.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   April 4th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

I bet there will be a lot more than 40% voting independant in the November election. Thanks Mr. Dean and the DNC–again you've reminded us of how ill-prepared the Democratic party is to lead our nation.

jj   April 4th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

yea, how can they give all of the uncommitted to Obama, Edwards would have had some of those votes.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   April 4th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

If the percentages were to be kept in Michigan, then the uncommitted votes should count for Obama. I would submit that since neither he nor Edwards were on the ballot the first time around, then they should get the uncommitted since there is no way to get them back on the ballot before the election since time travel is not currently possible. Currently, only Obama is running still and Edwards is not; since that is the case, give the uncomitted to Obama.

Jaymes Spiekerman   April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Give Hillary her 55 percent! and I guess, even though it was his choice to pull his name off the ballott, they can split the uncommitted vote!!! He should feel pretty stupid for pulling his name off the ballot!

Clinton as my commander in chief!
21 year old male voter!

Matthew   April 4th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Michigan voters disenfranchised....courtesy of Barack Obama!

John   April 4th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

The only way these delegates should be seated is if they are split 50/50. Nothing else would be fair.

Michael   April 4th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

So, even though Obama wasn't on the ballot...there won't be anything done about that?

vince - phoenix   April 4th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SENATOR OBAMA IS 'NOT' A MEMBER OF THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE...

Carl   April 4th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

I'm sorry, but HRC was funny on Leno last night until Jay brought up this possibilty. All she did was blame Republicans when they had nothing to do with Michigan. Last I checked, a democrat Governor signed off, allowing it to happen.

I'm sick of the ignorance of BLAME. A ton of things are wrong, but blaming an entity or group or company is ridiculous when it's not even their doing....

Jenn   April 4th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

It's such a shame that they couldn't have simply followed the rules and not moved up their vote in the first place.

I was a Hillary supporter at the time of the Michigan vote, and I was taken aback that she would leave her name on the ballot when all other candidates took theirs off out of respect for the DNC rules. It was the first nail in the coffin of me deciding she was not the best candidate after all.

ann   April 4th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Why would they give up? Have they already cut a deal with the DNC?

I hope something works out.....otherwise the Republicans are going to win the election.

JohnS   April 4th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

The right thing to do.

Now Hillary should really concede.

OBAMA '08 & '12

Justin from West Haven, CT   April 4th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Good, now maybe we can stop talking about this.

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