April 4, 2008
Posted: 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


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

Good, now maybe we can stop talking about this.

JohnS   April 4th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

The right thing to do.

Now Hillary should really concede.

OBAMA '08 & '12

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.

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.

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….

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

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

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?

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.

Matthew   April 4th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Michigan voters disenfranchised….courtesy of Barack 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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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?

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.

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

He can't win, Bill. He can't win…

That's President Obama to you.

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

Well there goes Hillary chance for the nom…

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

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.

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?

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.

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?

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

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

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

kenney   April 4th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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

JOSH   April 4th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

GOOD NOW HILLARY COULD GET HER DELEGETS

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

GO HILLARY. AND GET YOUR POPULAR VOTE

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.

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…..

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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?

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

Michigan, you're welcome

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.

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.

matt   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Its all up to dean to make em count

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?

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

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.

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!

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…

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

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

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

Tim   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

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

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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?????

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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

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.

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. . .

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. =)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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..

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!!!

Ms Mobee   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

All hail, the old fart, President McInsane.

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.

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.

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!

John, PA   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

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

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…

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 4 8) 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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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…

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!!

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!

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.

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.

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???

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.

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.

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.

Rick   April 4th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Thank you OBAMA for not willing do a redo primary

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.

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!!!

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!

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!).

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

The DNC is stoopid, screw them.

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?

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.

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.

b black   April 4th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Reality   April 4th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Sandra, IL