May 22, 2008
Posted: 03:35 PM ET

From
Blitzer: Democrats are already starting to look past 2008.
Blitzer: Democrats are already starting to look past 2008.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Democratic presidential nominating process is still being played out. It certainly looks like Barack Obama is very close to wrapping it up, but Hillary Clinton is not yet giving up.

There are still three more contests left, on June 1 in Puerto Rico, and on June 3 in Montana and South Dakota. And now, Senator Clinton and her advisers are even leaving open the possibility that this process could drag on to the Democratic convention in Denver at the end of August, especially if there is no change in the party’s refusal to seat the full Michigan and Florida delegations.

Back in early January, just before the first caucuses in Iowa, few would have thought that this process could continue into June. Many pundits actually predicted the Republican nominating process could drag on. But the widely-held assumption then was that the Democrats would wrap it up quickly, probably with Hillary Clinton winning the nomination. All of this goes to show that making political predictions can be a risky business.

Now, Democratic insiders are already starting to look beyond this year. Some are questioning the entire nominating process.

For example, should the party do away with its superdelegates. “I never supported superdelegates to begin with – 25 years ago,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, herself a superdelegate, said today. “I ran for the Chair of the National Committee opposed to superdelegates. You can imagine what a winning platform that was.”

She wants the Democratic Party to reconsider its rules. “There should be some representation of that leadership of the party and the congressional, gubernatorial and other manifestations of the party, but I think 800 is far too many.”

Is it too early for the Democrats to rethink their rules for 2012 based on what has happened this year?

Filed under: Wolf Blitzer


Larry of Boston   May 22nd, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Suggestions for improving the DEM nominating process; putting the decision into the hands of the voters; and getting the hand picking aspect out altogether.

1. Go to an electoral basis identical to the general election.
2 Like the general election, use a winner take all for each state's electoral votes
3. Eliminate all super delegates and their voting power
4. Make all the elections to be held on the same day like the general election so the media and pundits and polls do not influence the election process

NO MOB RULE!!!   May 22nd, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Nancy you dolt obama wants change for the better not jsut change for hillary he has stood against the lies and attacks of the clintonistas and remained true to himself she meanwhile whines and pules everytime she doesnt get her wat I guess, since you do not seem to iunderstand that basic fact you are another one of those clintonistas who cry just because the woman has had her butt handed to her "Dont disenfrancise those in FL and MI who broke the rules and voted disenfrancise those in FL and MI who followed the rules

Ignorance is ugly

Nancy   May 22nd, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Settle down Obama supporters. We are not talking about doing this change now, we are saying it needs to be done in 2012.

Jerome Dukes   May 22nd, 2008 7:02 pm ET

There is nothing wrong with the process. The problem here is are the superdeligates and the Clintons. I'm not sure with the superdeligates are waiting for are they in cahoots with the Clintons.

They should do a servey to see how Obama would do in red states, I'm sure there are more then a few that will change blue. The electoral map swing states they say he needs to win is a bogus measuring stick. He does not need WV, FL, KT to with the elections

Dan in Sacramento, CA   May 22nd, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Here's how it works and has worked since day one of this primary season, folks.

When Clinton wins by a small margin, it's "a win is a win."
When Clinton wins by a large margin, it's "Americans have spoken and this contest is over. Hillary is the winner."

When Obama wins by a large margin, it's "a win is a win."
When Obama wins by a small margin, it's "Americans have spoken and the contest is over. Hillary is the winner."

See? The rules aren't changing, they are just very complicated.

Nancy   May 22nd, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Obama supporters don't want this to change because of the caucuses, which from what I have read were a total disaster in every state especially the large states. Nevada gave Obama 1 of the delegates by a cut in a deck of cards. We now give delegates by who gets the larger card. Don't tell me this is not a joke.

Tom,des moines   May 22nd, 2008 7:00 pm ET

I think we should get rid of all superdelegate,caucus and replace with primary and the winner should take all.

Go Hillary 08!

Nia   May 22nd, 2008 6:59 pm ET

They hneed to do something an quick before Hillary has more of chance at abusing it it to her advantage.

Ken   May 22nd, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Yes they should change their rules including eliminating the undemocratic Caucaus .

Nancy   May 22nd, 2008 6:57 pm ET

If Obama is so much for CHANGE then he should agree this process has to change. He won't. He only wants change that he wants and we shall see about that. CHANGE is only a word and i don't see him doing anything, he hasn't so far, i have not seen him stand up for anything since he has ran.

This has nothing to do with him or Hillary. I for one and I can see there are many others that think this has to change. This is for the future of the Democratic party.

Dana in Maryland   May 22nd, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Proportional delegates yes, Super Delegates NO! I also don't like the Winner take all system since it disenfranchises the losing side, and makes States the important unit instead of the individual voter. The Proportional system doesn't disadvantage voters based on the states they live in. A century ago, that might have been important,. but with our Mobile population, What state you live in shouldn't have a bearing on the election.

Nina B.   May 22nd, 2008 6:57 pm ET

It should be "winner take all', isn't it obviious by this point? Hillary should have been the Democratic nominee many moons ago. This is a travesty.

Griff   May 22nd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Well didn't make it, this time around.. I guess I need a New Server…

Scott Glenn in Wa   May 22nd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

really in a winner take all process the voters get screwed if and or when there candidate is found to be a bad apple …..after winning several states or vice versa….

Dal CA   May 22nd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Follow the rules! If you mess with the rules you forfeit the race. Hillary you are the one who will forfeit this race.

Lance   May 22nd, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Wolf, give it up. You are sounding desperate like Ms. Clinton.

John, London   May 22nd, 2008 6:53 pm ET

We Democrats are getting tired of the whinnings of the Clintons. Why the heck do they think they own the Democratic Party and that everybody will do their bid in the party?

To hell with I have the majority (popular) vote and hence I should be the nominee. Why the hell does she think we had the primaries? Its all about delegates and super-delegates which she is losing (or had even already lost).

Point remains that she was the MOST POPULAR of all the candidates (because of the name – Clinton which she carries) before the primaries started but she lost the nomination thaks to her campaign management team. Now coming around to FORCE the DNC to install her as the Republican norminee shall make joke of all the primaries conducted in all the (so called 48 states).

As someone on this blog said, the Clinton shall complaints of everything unless it favours them at the detriment of the Democratic Party and thats a real SHAME.

Nina B.   May 22nd, 2008 6:52 pm ET

By the way, if Hillary won 65% to 30% for Obama in Kentucky, who got the other 5% of the votes?

AL   May 22nd, 2008 6:52 pm ET

THe DNC can change all the rules it wants for 2012, but to manipulate the current process would be very Clintonesque. Funny how talk immediately arises of scraping Superdelgates just after Obama has gained the lead.
Has anyone asked the question how Hillary would reach out to Obama's supporters if by smoke and mirrors she won ?
Had the thought occured to her that to sling mud all the way to the convention at the end of the summer may not benefit her ? Much less make her a better person or leader….
–Tired of the Clintons trying to bend every rule whenever it suits them…even 4000 year old ones.

A diseffected Democrat that WON'T VOTE for HILLARY if she wins !!

yns   May 22nd, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Get rid of this delegate system and the caucus system. ONE PERSON ONE VOTE! Same day primaries!

TMR   May 22nd, 2008 6:51 pm ET

I will vote against Obama as well as many other people. He is fraud, totally brainwashed by his wife, a wimp who can cause a lot of grief to our country. Think, people!

DISGUSTED   May 22nd, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Do we need to address Hillary and her dirty tactics again. Remember her little issue with sniper fire. Oh that just turns my stomach. Give it up hillary you are done. Now you want to change the rules when even your own people say you are desperate. What a joke she has made of herself. The primary process is fine tell here to throw back another shot at the bar and give it a rest already.

TG   May 22nd, 2008 6:51 pm ET

The current process may wind up being changed…honestly, who ever expected a nomination fight going this far? At least this year it has been exciting to go vote, much less watch the campaigns in action instead of the usual 'find out who the nominee is early on'…

HRC can go to the convention if she wants, but I personally think it's a wasted effort…seems like she thinks that if she can't get the nomination (sour grapes) she should drag down whoever gets it…and improve her chances for 2012.

HILLARY HAS THE POPULAR VOTE!!!!!!   May 22nd, 2008 6:50 pm ET

THE WHOLE PROCESS IS OUT DATED.

WE HAVE UP DATED EVERYTHING ELSE WHY NOT THIS?

HILLARY CAN WIN IN NOVEMBER!!!!!

THE POLLS OUT TODAY PROVE IT!!!!!!

STAY IN HILLARY WE NEED YOU!!!!!!

Big D   May 22nd, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Why is this the only time that Hillary is being such a fighter? If she's trying to prove that she's a fighter – why is she only fighting this hard for something that benefits her personally? When has she ever fought this hard for something for someone else?
O '08

janis   May 22nd, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Voters in FL and MI did not even realize their party had broke rules and their votes would not be counted. Many stood in lines for more than an hour. The voters didn't break the rules, the politicians did. Count the people's votes. This is the USA!

Rudolph   May 22nd, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Yes, definitely change it. Get rid of Superdelegates, use a winner-takes-all…And if possible (but I guess that's the states' choice) stop doing caucuses…
You can't complain about Clinton hurting the party and at the same time defend the current system. If you want it to wrap up quickly, they have to use a winner-takes-all.

AKRON, OHIO OBOMA SUPPORTER   May 22nd, 2008 6:49 pm ET

I feel like oboma is going to be robbed of the nominee. This is so unfair how can the clintons even think about doing something like that they know that a lot of people fear them so they use it to their advantage. People wake up

why would you want someone with a law suit for your president. If found quilty could be doing time in jail instead of the white house.

I think thats why she is staying in the race cause long as she is running for president she can not be prosecuted Peter Paul vs.clintons

Jamie Florida   May 22nd, 2008 6:48 pm ET

The entire system should be scrapped and the popular vote should rule. We live in a nation that calls itself a democracy and yet it doesn't count one person one vote? Instead we resort to some stupid delegate and electorate system. I don't care who wins, just make my vote count just as much as it would in another state. My current state has 3 elecotrates vs. other states that have 55, 34, 21 ect. My vote counts for less in my state than it would in another. Same with the delegates. Count my vote, not the electorates or delegates.

Pete The Truth   May 22nd, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Lets go all the way to the convention. I need the entertainment value. Neither of these candidates has a clue. We won't be able to pay for Social Security and Medicare now we want to do healthcare. Please. Anything the federal government gets involved in they screw-up. Ask Hillary how much it costs the taxpayers of New York on all the corruption on food stamps. Ask MS Queen of Pork how many earmarks she is getting this year. The democrats have taken over congress and despite saying they were going to reel in ear marks they are up 30% this year. Nothing is going to change people unless we get a viable third party to change things. Look both hillary and Obama voted against allowing us to put 3% of our own money in our own retirement account. Npbody ask them why. I sure would like top put 3% more in my retirement funds!!! Wake up people!!!!

Nancy   May 22nd, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Putting all this years election crap aside, they need to do something about the way the dems nominate a nominee maybe they will in 2012. This would all have been over if they did it the same way as the GOP, you win a state you get all delegates then the Dems and the GOP could be fighting it out right now. But no the DEMS and the supporters tell one nominee you are ruining the party, the powers that be in the democratic party don't want to take any responsibility for this mess. They do need to change the process but they won't they like all this mess. This is my last year as a democrat and I am writing in my choice.

lori   May 22nd, 2008 6:47 pm ET

I never liked the idea of super delegates or awarding more delegates to the loser, (Ala Nevada for Obama) by the way I am an Obama supporter but if you lose the state you lose the state. I feel all elections primary and GE should be based on the popular vote and count the votes whoever wins the most states should win the nomination and it should not matter if its big states little states if you have more states won thats it, I hope that they change this b/c if they would it would be over now, perhaps Sen. Clinton would have won and unlike other bitter supporters of both I would have voted for her b/c I do not want more of the same that we have had for 8 years. But, with all that said, we should abide by the rules as they are now and change them for the next time.

Edward   May 22nd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

The system is stupid, because if the purpose of the primary is to prepare for the general election, why have the system be so different. The General election is winner-takes-all, the GOP has it winner-takes-all, so why do the Dems have a Mickey Mouse, "some for you and some for you" system? I think it's silly, the equivelent of the NFL playing flag football during the Preseason. It prepares you very little. Obama's startegy since Ohio has been to lose by little in state he knew he couldn't win, thus to lessen the damage. Barack, you can't do that come November.

Loyal Dem   May 22nd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Yes, get rid of the superdelegates, but otherwise please leave the proportional allocations of pledged delegates in place. That truly makes every vote count, unlike the winner-take-all system Hillary wants (which in this case would have selected an extremely unpopular candidate).

Go President Obama 08 & 12!

Suzanne Johnson   May 22nd, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Wolf, what don't you get? Hillary Clinton is dishonest, does not play by the rules, and used race (negatively) as a wedge issue to divide voter. Obama reigns!

Belle   May 22nd, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Just get rid of all the caucuses, that only reflect a small percentage of citizens and have a winner take all for each state. We would have had a clear nominee by now. Those caucuses we more about bullying people than real discussion.

Married with children in NC   May 22nd, 2008 6:40 pm ET

The whole reason the DEMS created super delegates in the first place is so that they could override the primary voters. Now Hillary is proposing the supers do just that. Why did the DEMS create the supers in the first place if they didn't want them to be used like this.

FYI….McCain will win in November. Its a done deal, unless some major event occurs. (e.g. major campaign screw up, death, big scandal, etc.).

Obama's main campaign strategy of wanting 'change' and working with the other side of the political aisle? McCain has done much more of that and has the record to prove it. Thus on his own campaign strategy of 'why it should be me?' Obama loses to McCain.

jeff talion   May 22nd, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Hill is just so irritating. She reminds me of the Iraqi spokesperson that continued to deny the US was ivading Iraq in 03. Just face the fact that she lost and beat it.

Derek   May 22nd, 2008 6:38 pm ET

I think the delegate and caucus process is obviously flawed. However, I think the flaw is only exposed in the case of a very close race. We have one now, and so the issue has risen. However, it seems to me that in all other close races, we've played it out until the end of the process, rather than letting Time/Warner owned broadcast networks and publications anoint a winner.

CaDem75   May 22nd, 2008 6:38 pm ET

We should select our candidates just as the republicans do. Winner take all. The primary process allows the public to become familiar with the candidates and allows them to get their message out. Caucuses do not allow each vote to be counted, they need to be replaced with primaries. I think there should be 5 or 6 states voting on each of 9 or 10 primary voting days over 4 months. Four months, The END.

Ann   May 22nd, 2008 6:37 pm ET

We need to seat FL and MI If Obama is a man he should allow them to revote. What is he afraid oh? That he is all talk with nothing to his credit. What is it that even makes him qualified? Voting 144 times in senate as present. We should be careful of what we think we want
CHANGE I for one wont vote for Obama if Hillary is not on the ticket.
My one vote will not go to Obama. But to the most experienced person and that will be McCain
Hillary 08

alex123   May 22nd, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Democrats should scrap any system that does not give the nomination to Hillary. She is the chosen one!

Carl from MI   May 22nd, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Yes… scrap the super-delegate portion of it. Cry-baby Clinton knows that Florida and Michigan violated the rules… and she'd be crying up a storm if they both went majority to Obama.

If you break the rules, you get punished. Why Clinton is not in support of this ancient principle should tell you boatloads about how she'll act as President. We ALREADY have a president that doesn't live by that principle… are you prepared to put her in there in his place? Think about it…

TOM PA   May 22nd, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Look the Clintons are MAD they are losing. GET OVER IT

Carl from MI   May 22nd, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Yes… scrap the super-delegate portion of it. Cry-baby Clinton knows that Florida and Michigan violated the rules… and she'd be crying up a storm if they both went majority to Obama.

If you break the rules, you get punished. Why Clinton is not in support of this ancient principle should tell you boatloads about how she'll act as President. We ALREADY have a president that lives by that principle… are you prepared to put her in there in his place? Think about it…

Ralph   May 22nd, 2008 6:35 pm ET

One can only hope their stupidity is curable.

former NM resident   May 22nd, 2008 6:34 pm ET

The democratic primary process is a joke and about as undemocratic as an election can get. Yes, it should be revamped. All primaries should be held on the same day and the popular vote should prevail. Do away with the superdelegates which are an insult to American voters.

USMC Vet   May 22nd, 2008 6:34 pm ET

If someone told me that this election is not about "race" and gender, then they are in a different world. Other then religion, race is the other issue that seperates this country. No one should feel sorry for Hillary….she needs to move on. I've seen two terms of the Clintons in office and I've had enough.

The Lady   May 22nd, 2008 6:34 pm ET

There a total of 86 delegates left. Obama needs 61 and Hillary needs 247, it does not matter what FL and MI do right now the show is over. The only fair thing they can do with FL and MI is split them down the middle and we will still be where we are right now. I do admire a fighter but I don't admire someone who fights for nothing.

Ardnuas   May 22nd, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Wolf, give it up…. Hillary is NOT going to win…. you keep trying to get her elected…. why didn't you want to change the SYSTEM when she was winning, why didn't you want to count FL and MI when she was winning?

Nazih Youssef   May 22nd, 2008 6:31 pm ET

First week of June should be the deadline, pleas stop wasting people time and energy. THe DEMOCRATIC PART Y LEADERSHIP should step in and enforce the RULES.
Thanks

Lin Lo   May 22nd, 2008 6:30 pm ET

There is nothing wrong with the process. The Clinton camp wants you to think there is because the system is currently not favoring her. Meanwhile, while she "fights" so hard for Michigan and Florida, she is DISENFRANCHISING the people in caucus states, saying their votes DON'T count. How can anyone believe anything coming out of her mouth? Her supporters post the rudest, meanest, most uninformed things I have ever read and have fallen into her trap of lies and deceit.

Phong Nguyen   May 22nd, 2008 6:30 pm ET

The DNC and the Democratic Party has a lot to learn from the smart RNC and the Republican Party. From 1963, the Republican Party has more presidential elections than the Democratic Party (7 to 4)!!! Go figure!!! The Democratic Party has been known to be more divided! Their rules are stupidly convoluted!

Souther Star, TN   May 22nd, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Right on … tony, Mount Vernon, NY … the process is too long and it desperately needs simplifying. They should also get rid of the superdelegates. After all, it were those super delegates in MI and FL that got the Dems in this mess in the first place. Let the people speak for once without any political sway. The electoral college is bad enough.

German Hernandez   May 22nd, 2008 6:29 pm ET

who cares.. Go ahead change the rules. who cares its only political rule… Go Hillary… OBAMA 08 !!! HOW KNOWS

Attorney in Florida   May 22nd, 2008 6:27 pm ET

ABSOLUTELY!!!

1. If the DNC had the RNC's rules, Hillary would already be the nominee and we would WIN in November. Now, because "everyone gets a trophy", we'll have an Obama nomination and lose to McCain.

2. Superdelegates- They obviously don't want to do the job they were given. They were created as a FIREWALL…..to protect the Democrats from themselves. They are NOT suppose to go w/ the will of the voters, but instead, suppose to use their INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT on who is the stronger nominee to take on the GOP. These bunch of pansies are too afraid of a backlash and because of their cowardly actions, we will lose in November….AGAIN!!!!

Brian   May 22nd, 2008 6:25 pm ET

I hope so – the far left has taken over the party through Cacuses and we're on the verge of putting up a candidate who can't win ANY of the states (OH, FL, PA, MI) Dems MUST win to take back the White House. I'm ready to go to the Convention and make sure Hillary gets our nomination. I'll vote Obama in a general but I don't think enough people in key states will. He's spent ooodles of money selling himself. They know what he's selling and they're not buying it. Sorry, but electibility is the only think I care about because John McSame is not an option.

Typical White Person   May 22nd, 2008 6:24 pm ET

They should only have primaries also, where people can vote in private and feel comfortable.

Don U.   May 22nd, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Having been a lifelong democrat – I am sad to say that it's time to scrap the entire two party system. This whole electoral process is a joke. The Democratic party is forever broken.

Alina   May 22nd, 2008 6:24 pm ET

If the DNC had run the Democratic primaries (and caucuses,…more on these below) just like we run the national election, WINNER TAKE ALL, and that is also the way the GOP runs the Republican primaries: HILLARY WOULD BE AHEAD 1732 TO OBAMA 1376 PLEDGED DELEGATES. The present DNC rules are ridiculous: in Texas, primaries elect 1 pledged delegate per 22,000 voters while caucuses (which can be manipulated by candidate thugs) receive 1 delegate per 640 caucusers. Caucuses should be prohibited: they exclude anyone that has to work, has small children, medically frail, etc. Then MN gets 72 delegates for 212251 voters, while WV gets only 28 delegates for 248104 voters. This system is really sick, and thus I will stick with Clinton no matter what because she is the better candidate and with a well designed system would have won.

Bridget   May 22nd, 2008 6:24 pm ET

I think the process needs changing especially the caucus method. I think Oregon with the mail in has an interesting way of voting. Every state needs to have part in the process. I hate when Iowa and New Hampshire vote and then it is all over. Voters feel left out. Even though this year the nomination has gone all the way, I think it is exciting. I do feel that Hillary is the most experienced and most qualified. Florida and Michigan votes should be counted. Many of us will feel much like the voters of Florida felt in 2000, when their votes were not counted, "cheated again."

tim   May 22nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

In this day and age we should do away with the party system all together. The system misaligns democracy and masks it as the 'will' of the people. Then when a few people break 'the rules' we throw off millions of voters. What the DNC has done with Florida and Michigan borders on traitorous and I, personally, can't believe that we the people stand for it.

noemi in los angeles   May 22nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

"COUNT EVERY SINGLE VOTE":

We have to remember that some people DIDN'T vote, because they knew that their votes wouldn't count.

In Florida, home owners turned out in droves due to the property tax issue on the ballot. The Clinton brand is familiar and therefore, got more votes. What about the renters who didn't bother voting? Why should they be disenfranchised?

Femi, CO   May 22nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

The only solution to the current problem that will cool the situation- DECLARE HILLARY CLINTON THE WINNER EVEN WITH ALL OPEN EVIDENCE OF HER LOSS OUT, PERIOD! Until then nothing will satisfy her, greedy woman.

Concerned Democrat

marymary4868   May 22nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

I think they should have about 5 debates at the begining of the primary, then ALL the states should vote at the same time, scrub the rest of the crap, NO more delegates, let the people decide, not just the chosen few. Look at the MILLIONS of dollars spent on this B.S. , , by the time the next ecection comes around people may be wondering where their next meal is going to come from, If things don't make a huge turn around were screwed.!!!!

Paul   May 22nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

we will get 4 more years of Republican administration if Obama( the wonderboy) gets the nomination

Hillary 08, our only hope for a better future in America

Have you realized the latest gas prices.? She has a plan and will hold accountable to those who exploit millions of Americans in the pump.

joseph   May 22nd, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Florida and Michigan broke the rules for both the Republican and Democratic parties. The Republicans imposed a partial penalty and agreed to recognize one-half of the delegation from both states. This solves two problems. First, it lets all the states know that there will be penalties and consequences for violating the rules. Second, it does not disenfranchise the votes. The longer the Democrats whine about this thing without reaching a solution, the more the Republicans are starting to sound like the more reasonable party for reaching pragmatic solutions to problems. Dios Mios! I can't believe I just said that.

Everyman   May 22nd, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Some needed change:
1. Eliminate the caucus, because it disenfranchises citizens who cannot attend
2. Eliminate over-representation of less populous states, which are currently given more than a proportional share of delegates
3. Let 1 vote = 1 vote regardless of the district in the state in which it was cast
4. Set 3 primary dates (e.g., January, March, May) and, over election cycles, rotate each state through these dates; each state will have the earliest date every third presidential election

anthony   May 22nd, 2008 6:17 pm ET

it goes to show just how power hungrey the clintons are

Obama   May 22nd, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Hello All,

This is Senator Obama. I want to bow out of the race.

Hillary is a better choice.

VOTE Clinton because thats what I am going to do.

FAREWELL,

Obama

Phillip   May 22nd, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Hillary is not "fighting for the rights" of those in MI or FL, regardless of how many times you type it repeatedly in capital letters.

Right now, she says that it's a gross injustice that within a system of democracy, some people's voices won't be heard or counted. But she was suspiciously silent about this issue, and willing to play by the DNC's (explicitly stated) rules, a few months ago when she was still ahead in delegates. Now that she's fallen behind and needs those delegates, she's all about having every vote counted.

And then, of course, there is another inconsistency, that anyone with at least half a brain will have noticed: if Hillary's message is really to have a truly democratic process, and to have everyone's voice heard and counted, then why does she turn around and, in the same breath, scream that the superdelegates should overturn the votes of everyone in the nation just so she can get elected?

William F.   May 22nd, 2008 6:14 pm ET

As a reformed democrat, the democratic party selection process is just a mess, too complicated because the party has tried to please everyone and we all know what happens as a result. How anyone can trust a party that comes up with a convaluted process such as this to run our country is beyond me. As for Obama, he would not even be considered for a GM's position at any hotel with comparable experience, yet you guys wanna give him the title of President, I just don't get it. Change, becareful what you ask for you just might get it.

Yousri, FL   May 22nd, 2008 6:14 pm ET

I think the Democrats should scrap the current delegate system; and most importantly scrap the Superdelegates ROLE altogether

They should make the nomination process exactly as the EV system in the general election.

That way they will have their nominee at the end of the primaries without the mess that the superdelegates create.

Robert in Long Beach, CA   May 22nd, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Let's get the facts straight. The DNC has tried to work out a solution to the Michigan and Florida primary issue before those election even occurred. I heard this on CNN more than once during election coverage. Now the vote is close and the media needs a story, but will not tell that story with all the facts. Why? Now, it's the DNC and the Obama campaign that are at fault for not aggressively pushing for the seating of delegates? Now, Florida is going to court to have it's vote count, when the rules prevent that, but had an opportunity all along to have a process work for the benefit of it's citizens? What are rules for, if not to make sure that the playing field is even. I feel sorry for Florida and Michigan, but their leaders dropped the ball not the DNC. Please report the facts. There were efforts to make sure these states could be counted equitably. There still is an effort to make sure that these states are at the convention, and not left out of the process. You, the media, are creating more of this story than the facts that support the problem to begin with. Shame on all of you.

JC   May 22nd, 2008 6:13 pm ET

I agree with NY Governor Peterson 100%.
DNC will lose its credibility and so will either candidate IF they try to change it now. DNC has to stick with it no matter what.

A Girl from SC   May 22nd, 2008 6:12 pm ET

Obama has a big problem with a lot of issues, especially with the Jewish population.

He can say what he wants, the Jewish community will not trust him.
This is where the superdelegates might be able to step in and vote for the Jewish community, against Obama.

Obama's church supports Louis Farrakhan. This man a Nation of Islam leader and anti Semitic leader recently had a rally in Chicago with over 20,000 members attending to support Obama.

Having Obama on the ticket is scarey.

Voters should be aware of who Farrakhan is and why they should fear Obama. The media ought to show videos on this man so the youth understands what he stands for.

All candidates need to be transparent, including Obama.

Ian   May 22nd, 2008 6:10 pm ET

The problem with the process lies with the so called super delegate factor. Here we have a "select" group of party members that have contributed greatly to the party many of whom have not made a decision to endorse two weeks prior to the end of the race. Not only do they not endorse but they are allowed to be fickle and change their minds, hold out until the convention or not vote period!!! Everyone else better vote based on the rhetoric, so how does that demonstrate leadership, responsibility and maturity when they cannot make up their minds despite all their inside information???!!!

Bondy's girl   May 22nd, 2008 6:10 pm ET

The very idea that she might stay in this race until the convention in August is absurd. She has turned into a whiney little girl, instead of the strong woman she started out this race as. She is stating that she wants every vote counted, except of course all the caucus votes for Obama, its ok to throw those ones away because they areny for her. Frankly, the Dems have their work cut out for them before the next race.

Dealt   May 22nd, 2008 6:09 pm ET

What I think is amazing is bringing this up at this time. And I'm not sure how to look at this. Is it lack of news, a frantic attempt to throw the Dem party ionto chaos, an equally frantic attempt to help Clinton's frenzy or what?

Whatever one's opinion about Democrat's rules, the timing for the issue Blitzer has raised is atrocious. GE's so very near. This contest already seems to have a winner. There's no way this can be a helpful suggestion now. Think about it for the next election, if need be, but NOW?!

Steve   May 22nd, 2008 6:09 pm ET

It's gone– and so is the Democratic Party leadership. Caucuses, apportioned delegates, super delegates all will fall by the wayside after John McCain becomes president.

Thomas for Hillary   May 22nd, 2008 6:09 pm ET

No more supers, and have winner take all. You win the state you win the delegates. You lose the state you get nada. If the dems had the GOP rules Hillary would have had this wrapped up back in late March.

Albert   May 22nd, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Not only they could but they SHOULD.

mt   May 22nd, 2008 6:07 pm ET

the voting system is old fashioned. The life goes on, evolves, technology evolves, progresses, so should elections, voting system.

linda-Texas   May 22nd, 2008 6:06 pm ET

The DNC's primary election process is incredibly flawed and has made a complete mess of this primary election.

Judy   May 22nd, 2008 6:05 pm ET

The system is flawed and I don't know whose fault it is, but seriously when you have 4000 votes cast in Maine with a popualtion of 1.3 million it's a joke. I 've seen Homecoming Queen contests with more voter participation.

A Girl from SC   May 22nd, 2008 6:05 pm ET

Superdelegates were to support the best candidate.

Personally if they did independent thinking and not be swayed by their state, this might work.

another senerio   May 22nd, 2008 6:05 pm ET

you do know that it is totaly possible that the dnc could decide in the convention that neither of the 2 are electable, and nominate someone like Edwards to run in the general election.

YES WE CAN ! (Kissimmee, FL)   May 22nd, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Stop being so Spiteful, Hillary !!!!

CONCEDE ALREADY !!!

Kristian   May 22nd, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Notice how Wolfie never bought this up when Clinton was ahead in the superdelegate count? Now that Obama has close to 30 more than Clinton he's suddenly crying out wolf (sorry for the bad pun).

stephanie, Washington   May 22nd, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Yes, they should get rid off superdelegate, winner-take call , no caucus only primaries or popular votes.

Nando, Florida   May 22nd, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Its funny how when we started last year none of this bullcrap was of Concern??? BUT NOW THAT HILLARY AND PYSCO ARE LOOSING WE ALL HAVE TO HEAR THIS NAGGING CRYING GAME>

HILLARY YOU LOST BE A BIG GIRL AND SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND GET OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elisabeth   May 22nd, 2008 6:01 pm ET

DNC = DON´T KNOW CLINTON?

marldeml   May 22nd, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Yes, superdelagates needs to go. Replace the stupid caucuses with Winner Take All primaries. After all life is Winner Take All not awarding trophies to runner ups.

Tony   May 22nd, 2008 6:00 pm ET

If you win the state, you should receive all the delegates. Anything else is crazy.

I did not get a chance to vote. My state is a caucus state and I HAD TO WORK. My party took away my chance to vote.

Cindi South Carolina   May 22nd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Not until this election is over, then they can go back and revisit the idea. This is a way for the Clinton's to have their way.

Chris in Va.   May 22nd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

The media is responsible for continuing to give coverage to this insane woman. By giving her coverage you are just promoting her insanity. Wouldn't air time be best used by not covering her irrelevant campaign and covering canidates of other parties and their positions?

Scott Glenn in Wa   May 22nd, 2008 5:58 pm ET

I have taught my children that they cannot just change the rules of a game just to please themselves, and they understand that it is their integrity that is at stake (they are 9 and 11 years old). Lets all hold HRC and McCrutch to the same standard! For our country's sake, for our children’s sake, for our sake, for gods sake, stand up for what’s right and vote for a president who will do the same!
Barack Obama

Ed   May 22nd, 2008 5:58 pm ET

As an Independent – I was leaning away from the GOP this year and toward the Democrats – but the perception I have now is of a party that can not even establish and follow a set of rules for selecting a delegate.

The farm bill fiasco of the past couple days hasn't helped that image.

How can changing the rules in the middle of the game be justified? Why couldn't these "bright folks" establish a workable set of rules up front? The only justification I can see for changing the rules now is purely political. The people who are Democrats in Michigan and Florida should be axing their party leaders for the poor judgement that has kept their votes from counting. Instead there is a wimpy tiptoeing around the fairness issue for fear of alienating the rule breakers in these states.

In my opinion, it will be Independents who decide who the next president will be. Most of us will vote for a Democrat or Republican for lack of a viable alternate choice. In my opinion, the Democrats may do more to win the election in November by growing some backbone and standing up to the rule breakers in their own party then by pandering. This independent is frustrated with the softness of the Democratic party.

OGirl   May 22nd, 2008 5:57 pm ET

How can any Democrat argue for "Rules" that disenfranchise any voter? Didn't we fight long and hard enough to make sure African_Americans and others had the right to vote? How can we now say that people in Florida and Michigan can't have their votes counted. Just because they were "rules? Isn't the right answer to change "rules" that disenfranchise any voter. I can understand that maybe the primaries that were held in January were not fair (with Obama not even being on the ballot in Michigan), but isn't the Democratic (and right) response to hold new primaries, Obama vs. Clinton, head to head? EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO VOTE AND TO HAVE THEIR VOTE COUNTED!!! If the rules say no, change the rules!!!

EC   May 22nd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Wolf -

I think the Super Delegates are a waste of time and energy. When you give people any level of power, their egos get in the way of their basic common sense.

These Super Dummies are acting like they are GOD right now, they are holding out for what? What?

Sen. Obama only needs 61 more pledged delegates and he's going to get that easily from the next primary. So why would the Super Delegates even matter at that point?

Cut them loose, I say GET RID OF THESE FOOLS and LET'S GET BACK TO A SIMPLE "LET THE PEOPLE VOTE" BASIS!!!

We're giving the Super Delegates too much credit, much more than they deserve. Jesus enough already.

Jonf   May 22nd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Hillary Clinton has made politics a more disgusting process that I have ever seen before. I cannot believe the people of this country even come close to buying the garbage she spews at the press and the electorate.

She has probably accomplished the unthinkable – to run the election, to ruin the part, to ruin all of it.

Donna   May 22nd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

What a farce and shame the DNC is. I am mad as you know what that Mi and Fl was ever told that their votes would not count in the primary if they did not go by the DNC rules. What kind of country are we living in anyway??? I should not matter who goes first just so long as all states vote prior to convention. If all votes are not counted in MI and Fl I will not vote Democratic ticket in November and I am not alone. I does not matter who the nominee is it does matter if the votes are counted.

mt   May 22nd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

the entire nomination system is no good, the entire voting system is not good. Please, come up with something better, effective and fair to all – candidates and voters. What is going on now is very discouraging, disturbing.
One feels like no fairness is out there, that our voices are being twisted, that there are intrigues etc. Feels foul as of now. Whom can we trust?

I do purely hate all this humbuk around, all this forcing, speeches, hype, shows, money wasting, people's minds brainwashed, dirt being thrown to opposition, no respect for older, wiser, for anyone …….
it is a mess, chaos! How can we trust? Whom to trust? The media is making a soap opera, reality show from elections.

It is not good for anyone. Everyone from the supporters thinks he/she has the right to criticize others, that their opinions are the right ones, Oh, my, how to get out of this mess?

Let everyone vote, then count the votes. Forget superdelegates and all those complicated ways – they make it worse and not accurate.
Bye bye politics. I – we want to live our lives the best we can.

I am so tired and repulsed by this whole process, by the mean, nasty words I read in blogs. I am tired of brainwashed people.

Ben   May 22nd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

I write this stuff because its kind of therapy even if you do not print it.
I have been a republican all my life. I even voted for Bush the first time. I did not vote for him the second time.The democrats nominated the only man on the planet who could not beat bush. So four years more of destucting my country.
This time the democrats have an exiting inspiring candidate in Obama. What will this stupid party do? They will screw their chances up again. They seem to revel in defeat!

noemi in los angeles   May 22nd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Listen, ALL THE WAY TO DENVER, Obama is not against them re-voting, it's the party rules and the leaders. It's the FL and MI state election officials who are to blame for this mess. If you think that Hillary REALLY cares about "counting every single vote", she would not have signed the agreement to rule out FL and MI votes and now to want to rule out the caucus votes.

She's not for the People, by the People…..
She's for the Clintons, by the Clintons.

Let's face it.

Chris _ Hemet, Ca.   May 22nd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Scrap the superdelegates, keep the pledged delegates won and shorten the primary season.

kelly WI   May 22nd, 2008 5:53 pm ET

The system is something out of the 1800s. We have communications now days. Don't need delegates to choose the nominee.
This has been a farce from the beginning. The dem. establishment is tired of the Clintons and want them gone. They have been grooming obamma since 04.
The left stream media has been gushing and pushing Obama at us for months.
The Supers were invented to make sure "the right" person got the nom.

Lisa   May 22nd, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Who's idea was it to have a primary season that runs through June if all they are going to do is complain that it ends too close to the August convention? I think all states should have the opportunity to weigh in. I don't think any candidate should be bullied into dropping out of the race until the last vote is counted. With that being said, move the end of the primary season up to the end of April if it's such a problem, but for this year and this election – quit whining about it or blaming one candidate for hanging on until the end of the primary period.

Justice   May 22nd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Who cares?

Obama is a legend in his own mind. I'm not worried, he's not going to win in November anyway.

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA   May 22nd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Ann – Hillary is the only democrat deserving of the nomination…

Now that is one of the funniest statements I have read yet. Hillary should win the nomination because she deserves it???? UGH

I do think this whole delegate thing should be changed before 2012.

NOBILLARY ever

Steven Dison   May 22nd, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Ann, I can't believe that you've fallen into clinton's rhetoric. First off, she's not "more electable." He'll win those "swing states" that she keeps boasting. And if you're fine with Hillary winning because of racist voters and Operation Chaos republicans than I don't think the democratic party wants your vote anyway.

So, I find it hard to believe that she's deserving of the nomination.

GOOGLE PAUL V. CLINTON

FLIP-FLOPPING ON NAFTA

LYING ABOUT THE POPULAR VOTE

KEEPING HER NAME ON THE BALLOT IN MI

20+ MILLION IN DEBT

Obama has at least spoken about his scandals, but clinton just acts as if they never happened. But I urge you, please google "Paul v. Clinton"

It's very interesting that she might go to jail and that no news sites have ever mentioned it. That's partially due to the clinton's keeping it low.

George   May 22nd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Not only the delegate system, but they should also revamp the entire primary system. All nomination contest should be caucus only and limited to registered Democrats. This would prevent the Republicans from crossing over in an attempt to influence the outcome of the Democratic contest. The Primary is an intramural contest and does not disenfrnchise anyone being excluded by party affiliation. The current process is unnecessarily long and far too expensive. It should never take in excess of $500 million to select the nominees for president.

Tyler   May 22nd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Everyone wants to scrap the electoral college system, why would we change the primary system to something that no one likes?

David from Whittier, CA   May 22nd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

I totally agree. They should start with the caucuses, though — get rid of them and put back plain simple primaries. Then it would be a cinch to just record the popular vote tallies every primary season. They don't have to worry about ANY delegates, pledged or super!

Mary WA   May 22nd, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Definately need a new system. The DNC has really screwed this up and Clinton has been taking advantage of it all the way. She baited FL and MI into voting knowing she'd use it to upset the process if things didn't go her way.

Ron   May 22nd, 2008 5:48 pm ET

There is nothing wrong with the current system. This is simply an unusual year as there are two strong contenders. What I can't stomach is the fact that HillDog wants to stir the pot to change something she originally agreed to. She will continue with her self-serving efforts and the outcome will be severe damage to the DEM party. The party won't be pulled back together will a couple of months to the general election. She should be held accountable..the party is over for her.

noemi in los angeles   May 22nd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Rules are the rules.

Hillary agreed to the rule that disenfranchised FL and MI voters.

She is only trying to break them for her own political gain.

If this is what she does in the open, it makes me wonder what rules she breaks behind closed doors. No wonder she takes lobbyists money. She's not for the People, by the People……. she's for the Clintons, by the Clintons.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   May 22nd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

This sounds totally stupid at this time. Democrats need to fix what we've got at this time, scrap Hillary, and then consider changing the process.

No Way   May 22nd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Yes, they should go the way of the Republicans and the GE…winner take all.

Jack Colson   May 22nd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

I"ve always said:
THE PEOPLE DON'T ELECT THE PRESIDENT
It's true folks.
Jack
Oregon

Desmond   May 22nd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

I like how people want to change things when thing don't go their way. I quess the most people don't remember that they validated Bush for a second term. So, now because things are close people want change.

Tony Rogers   May 22nd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

I guess we should change the system since the person that was suspose to win is losing. That want change anything. It will happen again with different rules. Why? Because a sore loser is born every day.

Peace

Pam   May 22nd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

What they really do need to scrap is Hillary's speeches, they are putting people to sleep amongst other things :)

Jeff in Illinois   May 22nd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

The DNC can start with making sure that everyone's vote will count BEFORE we begin a nomination process and by getting rid of the caucus system. Unfortunately, states make up their own minds.

obama played by the rules   May 22nd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Hillary is so desperate she is making a fool out of herself every single day..Obama has did everything that has been asked of him.He played by the rules ,he followed the rules and according to the rules he will and should be the nominee..Hillary is so vocal about florida and michigan now because she is losing.Why wasn't she so vocal when they had their primaries.The bottom line is she wasn't vocal then is because she thought this nomination was her back then and she underestimated Barack Obama and now she is desperate..Nobody gave Obama this nomination he earned it and if Hilary is the nominee she didn't earn it she stoled it

Randy - Denver   May 22nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Wolf can you PLEASE STOP CAMPAIGNING FOR MS. CLINTON and try, just for once to report news?

While it may be a legitimate question for the DNC to discuss INTERNALLY it is NOT your place to have this discussion how the DNC choses to pick its candidate is up to them and them alone! This type of "News/Reporting" is nothing more than your attempt to keep Ms. Clinton and her lies front and center so those who do not understand the system will be able to cry that she was cheated

Chris   May 22nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Wolf,

Can you believe FoxNews stole your idea of "The Situation Room" with now there version called "The Strategy Room." It's unbelievable how closely the copied you guys, even the music to the show sounds nearly identical. They even stole the idea of the electronic map that John King uses all the time.

Bud Curtis   May 22nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Gee, Wolf, if the Democratic party insiders are questioning the nominating process, which everyone believes has been a failure this election cycle, do you suppose there may be something wrong with the process? I am sure glad these geniuses are at the helm.
Bud Curtis
Miami, OK
Democrat

ap   May 22nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Hillary should be ashamed of herself. Heer bid to continue on is splitting the party just as she wants, all the while denying it. She and Bill have shown little regard for the "American People" they profess to love by continuing this non-fight.

Gringo   May 22nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

ABSOLUTELY…change the rules to make it a majority rules election. Too bad they didn't think of that before a string of stupid unfair caucuses and the debacle in Texas.
Now they have saddled themselves with a no-win no-experience candidate that will get blown out in November. Dems have done it again a la McGovern, etc.

Seminole3232 - Atlanta   May 22nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

It's awesome that all the Hillary supporters NOW have a problem with the system. No one complained when they thought Queen Hillary would win the nomination by a landslide. But not the system is broken. Shesh.

jannie   May 22nd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

mcclain stevenson from mash had more of a coherent plan for our contry than MCBUSH does. People, read the mccain FINE PRINT. It is Bush third term stuff….

Seminole3232 - Atlanta   May 22nd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Winner take all isn't the way to go either. Count the votes and who ever has more wins, even if the margin is 1.

Charlotte   May 22nd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Scrap the whole system. Superdelegates are supposed to insure the right person get the nomination. It is so screwed up, republicans, independents being allowed to vote in the democrats primary is totaly misleading as far as November goes. Caucuses which dis-infranchise people who are physically unable to stand around for perhaps hours to vote or for other reasons cannot spend the time.

Joseph Adewole   May 22nd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

You are correct; we all thought this would be over some months back but then God turnred the wisdom of Hillary to foolishness. She came in with PRIDE………….'I AM IN IT TO WIN IT'…God looked down from Heaven and said to her………….like King Nebucadnezer.
In everything one tries to do, one should always think of his or her Creator. The pride is so obvious that even Bill called it a 'fairy tale' then and now he calls it 'house of fun'. Is anything too difficult for HIM?

Black Veteran For Obama   May 22nd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

WE ARE ALL WITNESSING THE DEATH OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY!!!!!

Ben   May 22nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

I have one more comment. You probably won't print it.
I only want the people to vote for someone they truly think would be the best president. Don't vote out of predjudice. I don't see what color or what sex has to do with anything except to prove you are still living in an America that has left predjudice behind.Your old America has grown up and must have to drag you kicking and screaming into the new age where we actually vote for the candidates merits NOT because of age sex or color.

Seminole3232 - Atlanta   May 22nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Since CNN NEVER posts my responses-Name Change.

Sure, scrap the delegates. How then to decide? Let's face it. Voting in a primary or caucus for any party is SUBJECT to party rules and is not subject to the RIGHT TO VOTE in this country. Our parties are like fraternities. If you don't like the rules, leave.

Personally I think that all elections whether for a party or a general election should be 100% based on the popular vote. Oh yes, that mean to hell with the electoral college as well.

km   May 22nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

I think they need to have some sort of system that allows for the party to step in if a likely to lose candidate is nominated. With this youtube generation…we could be looking at Leroy Jenkins getting the nomination. If you don't think it can happen, ask Minnesota how they liked Jesse Ventura as Gov.

Sarah   May 22nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

How about one person one vote? This delegate system is very messed up. To think that certain regions can have different weight based on how many people voted last time and not based on population.

Dustin   May 22nd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Dems. definately need to figure this out. In winner-take-all Hillary would have the nomination. Their process for "fairness" turned out to be too complicated and just plain causes problems.

Superdelegates have enough sway by making endorsements if they so choose, their vote should not count any more than anyone elses.

I say for 2012 they do something a little more clear-cut like the Republicans or at least figure out something a little more realistic.

Independent99999   May 22nd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Yes.
No super delegates.
No RULE CHANGES .. If someone like Hillary talks of rules for political advantage, that PERSON should be DISQUALIFIED from running any further from destroying American Values
Majority of Elected Delegates should decide the outcome. No twists
Proportional allocation of Delegates should continue as it is now

Mike in Calgary   May 22nd, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Clinton does not do her homework (didn't read intelligence report before voting to start War in Iraq). She lies (about Bosnia). And now she RENEGES on her agreement that the Controverted Elections to be held in Florida and Michigan would not count.

IS THERE ANY GUIDING PRINCIPLE FOR THE CLINTONS OTHER THAN SELF-INTEREST?

The Lady who brought self-service to the Public Service squandered her lead with her own incompetence.

Mike

taylor richmond virginia   May 22nd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

question? if Puerto Rico has no delegates in the general, why do they have 55 in the primary?

Allan   May 22nd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

My "NO" in my previous posting (if it makes it) was in regards to Wolf's last question, as to whether it was too early to start thinking about changing the system.

David D Kollie   May 22nd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Barack Obama is BOXER.
B–body shattering
O–Outstanding
X–Xterminator
E–enegitic
R–Remarkable

He was overlooked by the so-called pundits. But he proves to be a well known BOXER. Let HRC give it up.

Tom   May 22nd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

I don't think it is a matter of changing the system… It is a matter of wanting to change the rules, in the middle of the game just because you are losing.

HSNP   May 22nd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Yes. Scrap it.

scrapit   May 22nd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Obviously the democratic system is bad. The especially need to clean out the DNC.

CHICANO ART, ARIZONA   May 22nd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

The DNC is incredibly complicated and is at times undemocratic in how it allocates delegates. The super delegates further complicate the issue. They are supposed to be safeguards against the far left's radical, unelectable choice, but are being bullied into simply validating the radicals choice. Believe me Obama is radical.

The far left feels it is necessary to cram their radical agendas down democrats throuts just because we want better health care. Some feel that we can only live up to ideals by nominating Obama because he is black. This is the worst kind of affirmitive action because it is going to cost the Democrates many votes, including mine, and will certainly lose the general election.

Allan   May 22nd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

NO. The current system stinks.

I think that they should do away with the caucuses, with those that have been in place for over 20 years being excepted (i.e. Iowa, etc). The newer caucuses in the larger states seem to be great for highly motivated followers, but not so good for the general population, who may not have the time (or stamina) needed to be at a caucus. Also, the caucus rarely reflects the general election voting, or even the process.

I think they should have all of the primaries within 2 months of each other, split into 4 batches (i.e. 2nd Tuesday of April, then the 4th Tuesday of April, then the 2nd Tuesday of May, and finally, the 4th Tuesday of May). I don't know how to divy them up, off hand.

They could experiment with giving the winners of a state ALL of the delegates (similar to the Electoral College), however, this would tend to favor early winners. Or it could go the other way, and leave the party even more split.

I'm debating whether the superdelegates would be needed at all (especially, if all they do is reflect the vote in their state), or whether they're a great idea that has been held back by the current circumstances.

The only good thing about this year's primary season, is that it has been a rollercoaster ride, and also interesting. More people are paying attention, more are registered, and more are voting. And, it still going on!

avoter   May 22nd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

They need to do away with superdelegates and the whole electoral vote altogether. One person; one vote – let the individuals tell the story — popular vote only.

Blabberwitz   May 22nd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

What should be scrapped is this hysterical woman unable to come to grips with her pathetic situation. Clinton really needs to be institutionalized.

Nina B.   May 22nd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

It should be "winner take all", as in the Republican Party. What a mess! Hillary shoud have been the nominee a long time ago. I guess it's just tough luck, Hillary, right? This is a travesty.

N. Brown

susants   May 22nd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Proportional representation is the closest we can get to democracy in a republic.
The process has worked well in letting us get acquainted with states and constituencies we would not know.
Democrats have been diligent and responsible in carrying out their responsibilities.
The process has thrown up an exciting winner who has 'earned' the nomination by winning more states, more pledged and super delegates and the popular vote.
What has been unpleasant is that the loser is trying to overturn the results by whatever means.

Ellie in Aurora, CO   May 22nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Good point, Bryan. It would be good, though, to have a contest in which there couldn't be a disparity, or claim of disparity, between the popular votes and the delegates. If we could just do straight popular vote in both primaries and general elections. Isn't that a true democracy? As it is, we have some people or states count for more than others. Let's hope the Dems and all change the process.

54-year-old white woman with MBA proud to be an Obamabot!

Brian from Fort Mill, S.C.   May 22nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

The DNC needs to do it the way the Republicans. Half the states should be winner-take-all, and if one of the states disobeys the rules, only take HALF of the delegates.

And most of all, get rid of the superdelegates! The only reason they're needed is because there were no winner-take-all states!

Sarah   May 22nd, 2008 5:32 pm ET

All this because Clinton is losing. OBAMA 08′

ham   May 22nd, 2008 5:32 pm ET

I like Hillary Clinton, but she is looking really desperate and pathetic. For the sake of her own dignity she should stop.

ricoman   May 22nd, 2008 5:30 pm ET

People are excited, but only those that believe there is a chance for Clinton to win based on the possible reversal of the popular vote by the Superdelegates. But if we start with the elimination of the Superdelegates, we shouldn't stop there. We should get rid of the Caucus system as well. It's antiquated and not transparent. Not very democratic, even though it helped boost Obama, whom I support.

JB   May 22nd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Its not whether they could, its whether they should and the answer is yes.

Being from NH, I can tell you that having small primaries first allows the candidates to get in touch with people, not 30,000 at a time.

Consolidate the dates, unify the procedures and REMOVE FLORIDA PERMANENTLY!!!!

Rose - Baltimore, MD   May 22nd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Blitzer,

This is why it is called a democratic party. There is democracy, everyone gets a fair share of delegets, so that people don't go to vote for a candidate and their candidate comes out with zero delegates. If you don't like it you have the choice of being a republican or independent.

Mary K   May 22nd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

In an weird way, it may be working for the Democrats. McCain has been completely marginalized in the press. Though Clinton is starting to look like a crazy person, Obama has had time to make himself a known entity to the American people. Provided that Clinton doesn't totally implode and try to destroy the process (and who knows given her recent racist comments) it's actually been positive for Obama.

Concerned   May 22nd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

It's not the voters fault but the rules are the rules and Fl and MI should turn their anger toward the GOP who mislead them.
______________________________________________________
As DNC chairman, McAuliffe wrote about threatening to strip Michigan of 50% of its delegates if it moved up its date. Bill Clinton has also called a 50% penalty “appropriate.”

Ickes sits on the committee and last year voted to strip Florida of its delegates.

FEDUP   May 22nd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Redo the whole system. Straight state votes, no caucuses, no splitting delegates.

Terry, Butte, Montana   May 22nd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

June 4th is when all the remaining super delegates need to endorse.

I would hope that CNN or another news agency would get both Obama and Clinton to say they will stand by whatever decision is made in regard to Florida and Michigan.

This needs to end on June 4th. If the losing candidate tries to continue on to the convention then I would hope that ALL the super delegates vote for the winning candidate.

James B.   May 22nd, 2008 5:27 pm ET

I don't think it's too many. Party elders and office holders are important to the process. If I was king for a day, I'd bunch the primaries closer together and get them (and the convention) over with sooner. That way, candidates wouldn't have to raise these obscene amounts of money to end up not getting nominated.

Zach   May 22nd, 2008 5:27 pm ET

They will definitely rethink the rules for 2012. It's not too early because they are already in the process of rethinking the rules for 2008 (possibly considering seating the delegates from Michigan and Florida, that were excluded by the current set of rules).
If they weren't rethinking the rules, those delegates would not be considered and there would not be a special meeting on May 31 to decide.

James   May 22nd, 2008 5:26 pm ET

First, caucuses should be done away with the same way the electoral college should be. They are not democratic nor are they logical.
Perhaps it's best to have the winner take all like the Republicans and then you have a winner more quickly.

hmmmmm.....sounds fishy   May 22nd, 2008 5:25 pm ET

yeah…..Hillary would like it scrapped on May 31st….if possible
Go Hillary
08

Tex   May 22nd, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Wolf, your are right. Few thought it would go to June 3 and that includes Hillary, Bill, James Carvile and most especially Clinton News Network. Then Obama came as the underdog and blew right past her and hasn't stopped extending his lead after she was going to wrap it up on Super Tuesday.

Linned   May 22nd, 2008 5:24 pm ET

You have to take into consideration who the candidates are. This is a once (or a first, however you would say it) in a lifetime chance for an African American or a woman to be President.

Jim   May 22nd, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Why should they? This is how elections are won; vote by vote

matthew   May 22nd, 2008 5:23 pm ET

the winner should be determined on popular vote. it's a simple concept. and it makes sense.

why should 800 people get to choose the fate of the country?

LET THE PEOPLE VOTE!

Ryan   May 22nd, 2008 5:23 pm ET

The worst part of the superdelegate system is that in 1996, everyone in Congress automatically was made a superdelegate for holding the position.

I do find it tragically funny that Hillary's supporters now are even complaining about the superdelegates, as though 150 of the 700+ didn't come out for her at the outset of the process.

Accept it, Hillary wasn't "likeable enough." The dishonesty being shown by her campaign right now is the reason that many of us didn't want her in the first place. I've been lied to enough by politicians lately.

Paul from Boston   May 22nd, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Every candidate agreed to the rules this year. If they change them for the next election, great, whatever. Just don't act like changing the rules in the middle of the game is acceptable and fair simply because it benefits you. If you agree to the rules at the start of the game, you agree to them at the end. Only a fool serves their own self interests so blatantly otherwise…

Chris In California   May 22nd, 2008 5:23 pm ET

I hope so! This has been nothing but a fiasco and I think the responsibility for it lies squarely on the shoulders of Howard Dean and the members of the Rules and Bylaws Committee. What a mess they have created!

Juliet/55 YEAR OLD WHITE LADY FOR OBAMA   May 22nd, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Hillary needs to drop out now. She is damaging this party and it doesn't seem like she gives two sheet to the wind about the american people

Jonathan   May 22nd, 2008 5:22 pm ET

I say keep the Super Delegates, but make it a winner take all system as opposed to a proportional system. THAT is the reason this is taking so long.

lugina   May 22nd, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Wolf , Donna Brazile–Dean… INSIDE JOB , great job DNC…!!!!

Hillary 08!!!

MonaP   May 22nd, 2008 5:21 pm ET

This delegate idea is idiotic – let the voters decide who should be the nominee. And while we're at it – let's get rid of the Electoral College. The popular vote of the people directly should be the determination of who are leader is.

Under this current system votes in some places count heavily while other votes hardly count at all – how is that fair?

s.b.   May 22nd, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Take it to the floor Hill!

You're the only one who can win in Nov. polls will show that more and more up until Denver. Dems either want the white house or they don't.

Adedokun from Atlanta   May 22nd, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Nothing is wrong with the Democratic primary process.It is the Clinton campaign that wants to change the rules in the middle of the game to suite their purpose.She has forgotten that the same process produced her Husband 16 years ago .

Ill voter   May 22nd, 2008 5:20 pm ET

They NEED to do away with the current process, as does the national electoral college.

Voters are better informed than ever before and can make their own decisions.

I voted for Obama, and if he loses from superdelegate vote there is NO WAY I will vote for Hillary. If the race was tight in the popular state-by-state vote (pladged delegates) I could accept superdelegates making the choice.

Obama has a huge lead in pledged delegates and any other Democratic nominee goes against the will of the voters.

fred   May 22nd, 2008 5:20 pm ET

They should have re-thought them before this election. The DNC is a disgrace to the Democratic Party. I am ashamed at the way this primary. Do away with the caucus, they are a joke. We had one where I live and they totally disenfranchise the voters.

GO HIllary!!

Concerned   May 22nd, 2008 5:19 pm ET

As DNC chairman, McAuliffe wrote about threatening to strip Michigan of 50% of its delegates if it moved up its date. Bill Clinton has also called a 50% penalty “appropriate.”

Ickes sits on the committee and last year voted to strip Florida of its delegates.

James Nelson   May 22nd, 2008 5:19 pm ET

I don't know why you'd want to scrap something that has given us the most exciting, invigorating and historic political race in recent memory.

It ain't broke, don't fix it.

Lynnette   May 22nd, 2008 5:18 pm ET

No, I don't want the Democratic Party to scrap the rules for deciding the presidential nominee. Why should we? Just because Hillary doesn't like it this year?

I don't understand why people are blaming the DNC and Barack Obama for Florida and Michigan breaking the rules of the club. They knew the rules, the knew the penalties, and they did it anyway. All of those politicians in both of those states should be without jobs when election time comes around.

sb   May 22nd, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Just give it to Clinton. That crazy, insane woman might hurt the poor man if she doesn't win.

Patrick, Lake Stevens, WA   May 22nd, 2008 5:16 pm ET

The Democrats should revise or scrap the process entirely as it is too complicated right now. Clinton, however, is using it for all it's worth when you consider a few weeks ago she was spouting how she had the lead in Superdelegates despite being down in pledged delegates – when she fell behind in superdelegates over a week ago, she insisted, if not, demanded that Michigan and Florida’s votes be counted because she was ahead in the popular vote, according to her. Please, scrap this process and come up with something new so we don't get people like Hillary dragging out a process that could ultimately hurt the Democratic Party nominee!

fairandstraight   May 22nd, 2008 5:16 pm ET

If this was the same process that elected the last Democratic nominee they should keep it the same. Rather than scrap the process, they should scrap the intent of the superdelegates. If one candidate has the majority of the elected delegates and the other one is trying to find a way to destroy the party rather than concede, then the superdelegates end the process. I think they are holding out for personal gain rather than waiting for all states to vote.

MM   May 22nd, 2008 5:16 pm ET

I don't think it is too soon for them to talk about what it should be like in the next election. I would like it to be based totally on popular vote. I don't want it to see it to reflect the Republican's method of "winner takes all". Yes, I know that is how it is in the general but I think the primary is about chosing a candidate that will represent the the majority. I think that all primaries should be a closed primaries — meaning you must be registered as a Democrat in order to vote. I realize that independents will be left out but guess what, you are not a member of the party, why should you be given input as to the nominee – and btw I am an independent.

Elisabeth   May 22nd, 2008 5:16 pm ET

They should consider the entire nominating process. The caucuses were all frauds.

Sam   May 22nd, 2008 5:16 pm ET

there's nothing wrong with the process. Obama will get the required number of delegates, like all nominees are supposed to. Wolf, you give too much credibility to the Clinton way of thinking. If you don't, you'll realise that the process is still going on as designed and it's working well

Vincent   May 22nd, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Clinton cannot change the rules in the middle of the game!

Val!   May 22nd, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Democrats' chances to win in November are shrinking by the minute. It will be halluva victory for Republicans come general election, despite the fact that Democrats had everything in their advantage to win this election.

stacy   May 22nd, 2008 5:14 pm ET

I agree with Bryan Rice, let it continue on all the way to the convention
for the nominee, It is something to be interested in rather than rising
food, gas, utilities that is eating away at our pocketbooks. May the
best candidate win.

jenkins   May 22nd, 2008 5:14 pm ET

They should copy the republican approach.

Kumar   May 22nd, 2008 5:11 pm ET

I totally agree with the idea of scrapping the superdelegates. I have more suggestions. They should also add a provision which clarifies that it is only the pledged delegates not the pupular vote which qualifies for election. It should also be clearly stated that popular vote arguement can not be contested.

Angus McDugan   May 22nd, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Only if Hillary thinks it will get her the nomination. Then you will see her 100% behind changing everything.

for realsies   May 22nd, 2008 5:10 pm ET

superdelegates need to go. in fact, delegates need to go. have primaries. popular vote at primaries decides the candidate. that way, we can't have a losing candidate claim to have the popular vote when they obviously don't because there will be a clear count.

on top of that, no more electoral college. just let the people choose for god's sake. the electoral college made sense forever and a day ago, but we are now in the (mis)information age, and people have access to a whole world of data that didnt even exist before. there is no longer a need for educated elitists to over rule the decision of the people, because the people are (mostly) not in the dark.

Sherri   May 22nd, 2008 5:10 pm ET

People are excited, committed and ready for change. That is extraordinarily good for the Democratic Party and for the country.

There do need to be some changes. There also should be a provision where each candidate must personally sign under oath a statement to abide by the rules or be disqualified to run…simple as that.

Jeanne, San Diego   May 22nd, 2008 5:09 pm ET

I think they should get rid of the superdelegates and adjust the rules for penalizing states that don't follow the rules so that they don't end up in the same mess again but otherwise, I think this system is more democratic than what the Republicans have and so the Democrats should find a way to make it work.

gerard morei   May 22nd, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Hillary for President and second choice Hillary for President again!!!

Rosalind   May 22nd, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Hillary should get a life. She is only pushing this issue because she is behind and not likely to be the nominee.
She agreed to the original plan and decision to not count the votes in Michigan and Florida. Now she wants them to count.
What about all the people who did not vote because they knew their votes would not count? What happens to thier non voice?

The rules committee should not give all these delegates to Hillary just to change the outcome of the campaign. Obama is the winner and should rightfully be the nominee.

vic nashville,Tn   May 22nd, 2008 5:08 pm ET

The new polls shows that DNC have problems with their primary elections process
I hope by 2012 they will fix it
There is no clear winner in Democratic party
I am life long Democrat this time me, my friends and my family members may vote for Mc Cain in November
This is nothing do with Obama we are mad at DNC and some Media

RB   May 22nd, 2008 5:06 pm ET

It's about the number of DELEGATES! Would someone please shake Hillary awake. Popular vote (which you aren't winning anyway, sweetie) and five dollars will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Don't worry, they'll pour it for you!

YOU'VE LOST! TAKE YOUR LICKINGS LIKE A WOMAN AND MOVE ON!!!

Alex in TX   May 22nd, 2008 5:05 pm ET

The delegate system is archaic. It was created back when people had to vote locally and jum on a horse and buggy to go to Washington to let people know who each "locale" was voting for. We have moder communication system that renders the delegate system useless.

Had the electoral college been scrapped long ago like it should have been, our President right now would be Al Gore and the world would be a better place.

Real Change   May 22nd, 2008 5:05 pm ET

SCRAP IT!!!!!!!!!! SCRAP IT!!!!!!!!!!! FOR THE PRECIOUS SAKE OF GOD SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP IIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris   May 22nd, 2008 5:04 pm ET

The process shouldn't be scrapped just because a particular candidate loses (you don't change the rules of Football or our legal system because someone loses). "If" it is reviewed/scrapped, it needs to be done with respect to fairness, equality, consistency (caucus or votes – maybe not a mixture?) and democracy.

There also must be pre-defined rules and consiquences… what's going on is divisive for both the country and MI/FL. Most of the country feels what Hillary is doing is out of greed, desperation and flip-flopping – FL/MI voters feel left out (both those that voted and those that didn't head out to vote).

The system worked for Bill and past candidates, why is this year "different"?

Marilyn   May 22nd, 2008 5:04 pm ET

The popular vote is the ONLY thing that should count in any election? After all, aren't we supposed to be a country governed BY the people?

Eduardo   May 22nd, 2008 5:03 pm ET

This nominating process is a terribel system. Some states choose delegates based on primaries, others on caucases and then some based on both. Whatever happened to a true democracy where the winner of the popular vote actually wins! Gore lost becuase of a faulty system and now we are seeing the repeat of 2000 all over again.
I have to hand it to the Democrats to figuring out ways to lose once more.

FrankSmith   May 22nd, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Why do the Clintons always "crew up" whatever they touch, including Paula, Monica, Whitewater, White House items…. and the list goes on!

When will the Dems find the time to uplift their nominee for the general election?

What are the Dems interested in: a fair nominating process OR a dynasty of families?

Gringo   May 22nd, 2008 5:03 pm ET

ABSOLUTELY…change the rules to make it a majority rules election. Too bad they didn't think of that before a string of stupid unfair caucuses and the debacle in Texas.
Now they have saddled themselves with a no-win no-experience candidate that will get blown out in November. Dems have done it again a la McGovern, etc.

Rave   May 22nd, 2008 5:01 pm ET

No matter what they do, Delegates , Superdelegates – it is very fair to nominate Mr. Barack Obama. He is clearly the winner by people's decision.
Why is the entire country revolving around Hillary's idea of changing rules every time she gets closer to loosing this nomination?
Just watch her closely from the begining.. Pledged delegates, Superdelegates, FL / MI, Popular vote and what else??
Why is the Media giving so much weight to her clear nonsense???
I think CNN is playing very unfair towards Obama and towards Democrats. CNN is motivated to seat a Republican in white house again like 2004. Hillary Vs McCain is clear McCain win – even my dog knows it.

CNN - but not for long......   May 22nd, 2008 5:01 pm ET

These rules and Howard Dean are just un-Democratic at times. The 'making up the rules as he goes' Dean will be the undoing of the Democratic Party as we know it. Since when do Democrats willingly and willfully disenfranchise millions of votes – especially since Florida in particular was as a result of Republicans??????? Only with Howard Dean could such a travesty occur! Watch out for the number of Democrats who leave the party and re-register as Independents.

Anonymous   May 22nd, 2008 5:01 pm ET

The whole delegate system is flawed. The "super delegates" need to be completely removed from the process, they are not (for the most part) representative of their constituents, which are the people who are supposed to matter! Also, they need to move to a more Republican system of winner take all. In the general election the electoral votes are not split up, why should they be here? The whole delegate system is going to greatly hurt the Democrats in 2008, they are most likely going to nominate a canidate (Obama) who can not win the all important states because some "superdelegates" votes matter more so than the peoples. This needs to be fixed as soon as possible if they want any chance at the White House in 2012.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 22nd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Wolf ,you are so one-sided towards Hillary, so lets change it right now for her Wolf. Give me a break Wolf!

Edison from Strubolt County   May 22nd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

The Democrats should put Hillary in an airtight box and jettison her into a black hole. That way it'd be impossible to hear her moaning and groaning ever again.

Just Say...   May 22nd, 2008 4:59 pm ET

The word is no.

I hope someone will be brave enough to tell Hillary no. Just say no.

No, Hillary you can't have America. No Hillary the presidency is not yours, so play nice. No Hillary, we know the "hard working whites" voted for you in Kentucky, and West Virginia, but there are other hard working people of all races who voted for Barack. No Hillary, this contest is about the delegates, not the populous vote. And no Hillary, you can't change the rules for Florida and Michigan just because you are losing and those states favor you. You shouldn't have broken the rules by keeping your name on the Michigan ballot.

Just say no folks. No, no, and no to you Hillary.

Dennis   May 22nd, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Wolf, would you please stop encouraging Hillary? If this goes all the way to the convention, you'll be partly responsible for us having to endure a President McTwoface and even worse a Vice President wanna be Reagan Romney.

Melinda Charlotte, NC   May 22nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Wolf,
This race has been the most exciting race of my lifetime. The delegate allocation would be fine with the exception of the caucuses. The caucus system needs to be scrapped entirely. The United States is actually a republic with proportional representation, so it is fine to award delegates based on actual votes. The problem with caucuses is that they are inherenly unfair and are discriminatory. They are also not weighted the same way as primary delegates. The primary delegates represent a much larger swath of people than the caucus delegates do. The superdelegates also need to be scrapped. The United States, I would hope, would be able to choose a president without some other entity overriding the will of the people. In short, make each delegate count for the exact same number of people as any other delegate. Each delegate equals 1,000 people for instance. That is the only democratic solution to proportional representation.

Ann   May 22nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Hillary is the only democrat deserving of the nomination…we do not need someone who has sat under Wright all these years. If he gets the nomination, after it's proven that she's the most electable, I will give up on this system of ours. It doesn't work….

AK   May 22nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Only supedelegates will be left and democratic party will disappear.

bringin the pain   May 22nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

NOBAMA ever

Victory for Hillary   May 22nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

The FACT is, Wolf, had the democrats used the same model as the GOP in their nomination process – Hillary Clinton would be the nominee. The flaws with the caucusing only further divides the party and should be stopped.

Boye   May 22nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Well, If they change the nomination system and Hillary runs and loses in 2012; they system will have to be changed once again. We can all complain about the rules when the game is over but the fact is people develop their strategies based on the rules. You can't start a basketball game and at the end say the team with the least number of fouls win the game.
Yes, the current system has flaws but don't try to use a different yardstick to determine the winner.

Independent for Obama   May 22nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

I agree that there is no need for 800 superdelegates. Let the people vote, have them elect the delegates, and no more of this messy, drawn out who-endorses-who-today game!!

steveg   May 22nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Sure, let's change it now since it doesn't suit the whims of your royal highness (intentional "misspelling") Herr Clinton.

Why is nooone asking her why she has a problem with it only now, when it was what all the candidates agreed to before the primary season.

She was offered a more than fair percentage of Michigan given noone else was on the ballot (yet another issue she's not being questioned on with any vigor) but refused it. Why? To keep dragging on this artificially inflated issue untl she's given the nomination because of who she is, or thinks she is? It could be argued that Florida's delegates could be seated proportionally to the votes cast but with fewer delegates as some level of punishment for electing stupid representatives who violated the AGREED TO rules. It's harder to argue Michigan since she renegged on taking her name off the ballot as the candidates agreed to, and her refusal to compromise calls into question her sincerity – not that she's ever ever given cause to question her on this before *cough* Bosnia *cough* NAFTA *cough*

This is getting real old real fast.

Chuck R   May 22nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Clinton leads Obama in delegates elected by the voters in Primary Election states. Obama's entire lead in pledged delgates comes from the caucus states. Clinton has had more people vote for her in Primary Elections. …and yet it looks like that candidate that lost 7 of the last 11 primaries, got less votes and would have lost in a winner take all system may still get the nomination.

mankopi   May 22nd, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Hillary:
Change the rules so I can win!
A good president is one who knows when to quit but obviously Hillary doesnt know when to stop. Imagine if she started a real war [eg with Iran], do you think she will know when to end it?

Bridgette-PA   May 22nd, 2008 4:57 pm ET

If this is the way it's always been, why change it now….because Hillary and her supporters say so?

Deezy   May 22nd, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Wolf i'm sorry to say but it looks like you are giving Hillary some nasty ideas. Soon she'll start insisting that she is the nominee by virtue of popular vote inclusive of MI and FL. In any contest rules are set before start of play and players agree to abide by them and no player is allowed to bend the rules towards the end of the game when he/she is down so as to win. I think this MI, FL twister and the popular vote "lie" is total BS!

bili   May 22nd, 2008 4:56 pm ET

the bad thing is hilary is making the whole issue a do or die affair.in the first place she agreed to that rule and just because she is not winning she wants the whole thing turn around.be careful of what you wish.do to others what you will want them to do unto you.i don't belief that woman have any consceince.

Justin, Austin TX   May 22nd, 2008 4:55 pm ET

I honestly think 2012 should be entirely different.

Starting with winner-take-all, regional primaries, and the only superdelegates are governors, senators, and representatives with 1/2 vote each.

Let the popular vote decide the nomination – i.e. winner-take-all – and make the whole thing more efficient.

Jaun   May 22nd, 2008 4:55 pm ET

This is indeed one of the best election year, but I don't think the domocrats should rethink the rules. THE SUPERDELEGATES SHOULD OF DELIVERED BY NOW.
Hillary needs a strong message telling her its over…NOW.
OBAMA 08

Diane, MT   May 22nd, 2008 4:54 pm ET

No superdelegates. Nancy said eight hundred is far too many, but I think one is too many. Let the people vote, and let their votes be the last word.

Ricky the Rocket, Dallas   May 22nd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Forget the super delegates—forget the pledged delegates—they are now irrelevant.

Hillary is going to run as an Independent, so you can stick all your delegates where the sun doesn't shine.

Obamarites, start planning for 2016′. Your'e locked out until then.

Terrence (Winston Salem, NC)   May 22nd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Yes, but no MID election…

Chuck R   May 22nd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

If it was winner take all like the GOP Clinton would have had the election wrapped up after Pennsylvania.

Deb   May 22nd, 2008 4:52 pm ET

I know that what I witnessed in our "Texas Two Step" was horrifying!

What happened wasn't close to meeting election laws and it was not democratic!

It is why I know that Obama and his thugs have stolen this Primary season.

The fact that they ended up with more delegates then possible is the sure proof of "Funny" business.

I will never vote for a cheater!

Jeff   May 22nd, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Yes, I think the only reliable metric should be the elected delegates awarded proportionately so that the candidate with majority delegates wins the nomination. That is democracy in action, not this crap that we are now witnessing. I am losing interest in this kind of politics.

Charlie   May 22nd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

We were so blind in 2000 and 2004, but our eyes are open now. Americans want the truth. We don't want one more soldier to die for oil or the other lies we've been told.

It's a new day and we are smarter than a fifth grader.

Obama 08

Bob in Des Moines   May 22nd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

WE NEED CHANGE on this process. I was in the Iowa Caucuses and they are very manual and disorganized. It was really quite a nightmare.

For now, we should have our process mirror that of the Electoral College for winning states. This would help to ensure victories for the general election.

Bigger picture: I think our overall election system needs overhauled. The people's voices should put a candidate in office if this is a true democracy. I think all delegates and the electoral college should be scraped. They give members of our government too much power to overturn the popular vote. This is why we were stuck with Bush for the last 4 years where the people did not want him.

White Grandma for Obama   May 22nd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

We should definitely keep the proportional delegate system. That seems much more "democratic." I would be in favor, though, of scrapping the superdelegate count, or at least changing it as Nancy Pelosi says.

truthurts   May 22nd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

She should call her girlfriend Geraldine since she is the one responsible for the supers….

Romulus, Michigan   May 22nd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

When thing don’t go the way (white people) want it to go; in their favor. It is time to change the system. When Tiger Woods was winning every tenement it was time to change the rules.

tony, Mount Vernon, NY   May 22nd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Personally I think we should have a national primary day similar to Election Day. Also, I don't see the need for caucuses even if they do build up a party. Just because you caucus with a party doesn't mean you'll vote for that party in November anyway. Further, the traditional system gives too much power to obscure states like Iowa and New Hampshire. After Hillary lost Iowa everyone said she was done even though just one state voted. Then when she won the second state, New Hampshire, it was hailed as a big comeback. Why all the fuss? It was just 2 states out of 50 that got to vote. Lastly, the process is too long. Let's have all Democrats and Republicans vote in their party primary in June, hold the conventions in August and have the general election in November. Simple fix I think.

ALL THE WAY TO DENVER   May 22nd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Hmmm…. You think that the Democrats would have decided on this after the 2000 election when every Democrat felt the election should have gone to Gore b/c he won the popular vote.

NO MORE RIGGED ELECTIONS IN AMERICA!

1 VOTE = 1 VOTE

THIS IS NOT A 3RD WORLD COUNTRY. WE SPEND MILLIONS ON ELECTIONS AND EVERY VOTE SHOULD BE COUNTED AND HOLD EQUAL WEIGHT!

Seat FL and MI the way they voted if Obama will not allow them to revote.

Hillary 08

Arin   May 22nd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Clinton is already applying the "scrap the current delegate system". She wants all the delegates in Michigan, and wants Obama to get ZERO.
Get it… she wins Michigan by acclimation. Come on Wolf, call out the absurdity that is the idea that Clinton is winning the 'popular vote'. There was no primary in Michigan and Florida. People were told it wouldn't count so stay home, and many did. Talk about disenfranchisement!

JJ   May 22nd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

No I don't think it's too early to rethink the process. Actually, all processes need to be looked at and reviewed periodcally to see where improvements can be made.

I think they should re-think and revamp the process primarily because of the superdelegates. I can't imagine being in a system where the majority of the nommination rests on the hands of politicans. What about the common people who cast their vote. I don't think it's hardly fair for a bunch of people could have so much power that they can overturn the will of the people.

No one should have that much power

Donna, NY   May 22nd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Don't worry Wolf, any system that doesn't benefit the Clintons WILL be scrapped. I think there are some changes that should be made with the superdelegates, but I like the caucuses.

Hillary did not do well with the caucuses, so that will be scrapped, because the Clintons run the DNC. They are the most selfish, self-centered people on the planet.

Obama 08

FOR HILLARY   May 22nd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Something will definitely be changed for the years to come. This whole superdelegates made this process a big mess only becasue they never thought it would come to this point. I'm not shure what needs to be done, but something will need to be changed so that we will NEVER have to go through this again.

I say do winner takes all

Gayle   May 22nd, 2008 4:49 pm ET

There is nothing democratic in the way the Democratic party manipulates the timing of the votes and the use of superdelegates. If they want to know who the people of the democratic party want they should have a popular vote and let the person the people of the party, not just the leaders, want as the Democratic nominee.

Scott   May 22nd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

I think DNC is doing they Job RIGHT I cant say that about "Hillary. She is a JOKE of all JOKE's . She sign NOT to Rally there FL and MI NOW that she is losing she feel that she have change it. the people better open there eyes and see what Hillary is up to. It's all about helping the company's they are getting money from. she was the only one campaigned in Florida or Michigan, Look at this pic what do you see. Hillary wont's to steal this incrementally. if she do I will not vote for her or the Democratic party any more.

TJ Johnson   May 22nd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

It would be typical of democrats' knee-jerk reaction to everything to now change a process that has been successful, this cycle an exception.

DAN   May 22nd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Wow John McCain is on Ellen and he's good and connecting with the audience. He will be hard to beat in November, he's for real check it out.

Denise   May 22nd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Wolf – get real. This is just a game Hillary is playing. She couldn't care less about Michigan and Florida. If she did, she'd have come out fighting for them back in February. I guess you don't read the blogosphere much. Wake up call: Democrats are turning against her fast. I don't understand why the media acts like she's still in this and feels she deserves a consolation prize. She lost! Just as many other candidates lost. She's no champion for women. In fact, she giving us all a bad name.

Proud1of 26% in WV   May 22nd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Scrap it ,go to winner take all states without any superdelegate mess.Let the voters decide.

Venus   May 22nd, 2008 4:47 pm ET

The race is over June 3, 2008! Hillary doesn't have to get out – but after that———- she needs to pack it up- she didn't and I know it's killing her and Bill – since they didn't plan on having to beat anyone!

Well… no doubt – they are the joke of their party now – now that a rookie from no where is ahead and winning!

Our system is fine ————– it's the losers that are having a problem with our system!

Go Bam!

Donna Canadian Observer   May 22nd, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Hell yeah,
Up here in the great white north it's the votes that count you get the majority your the winner case closed.
While your at it get rid of the electoral colledge too.
Go by the popular vote, this would have saved your bacon in 2000 and Gore would have been your Prez for the last 8 years!

cnn loves hillary   May 22nd, 2008 4:47 pm ET

really, i'm not gonna visit you site, and you tv stations any more,

you truly are Worst than fox new.

its a well known fact that CNN is on hillary's pay roll.

NO-BAMA   May 22nd, 2008 4:47 pm ET

TOO LATE WOLF….

I AM FINISHED WITH THE DEMOCRATS!

Why would they implore a system that gives MORE delegates to the candidate with LESS votes (example: obama in nevada)…

You call that democratic ?

Not to mention, they allow Clinton to be SWIFT-BOATED !

And they can't even reign-in George Bush?

It's over for the DEMS

Tina   May 22nd, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Wolf…let's get real here.

David, Santa Rosa, CA   May 22nd, 2008 4:46 pm ET

The question shouldn't be "could they" rather, "when they scrap the system, what might it be replaced with?"

Ray jay   May 22nd, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Wolf…….Give your head a shake… You sound like your writing her position speaches and are sucked in

rice, bryan   May 22nd, 2008 4:44 pm ET

this has actually been the best election year that i can remember. people are excited for once.

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