May 22, 2008
Posted: May 22nd, 2008 03:00 PM ET

From
A DNC official addressed a crowd gathered at DNC headquarters in later April protesting Florida's situation.
A DNC official addressed a crowd gathered at DNC headquarters in later April protesting Florida's situation.

(CNN) – Three of Florida’s Democratic delegates filed a federal lawsuit Thursday in an attempt to force the Democratic National Committee to seat Florida’s delegation at the convention.

Steven Geller, an uncommitted Florida superdelegate and a Florida state senator; Barbara Effman, a pledged delegate for Sen. Hillary Clinton; and Percy Johnson, a pledged delegate for Sen. Barack Obama, have alleged that the DNC violated their constitutional rights to equal treatment and a fair process by stripping Florida of all of its delegates to the nominating convention because the state held its presidential primary prior to a date specified by the national party.

“This litigation addresses the view of Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee that 1.75 million Democrats can be ignored at will,” Geller said in a statement released Thursday.

The DNC said the lawsuit had little chance of success. "In two other cases so far, the courts have upheld the Democratic National Committee's right to establish and enforce its own rules regarding the selection of delegates to the Democratic Convention,” said DNC spokesman Dag Vega.

In late March, the federal appeals court in Florida upheld the dismissal of another lawsuit filed in an attempt to force the DNC to seat the Florida delegation.

The Rules and Bylaws Committee of the DNC is set to meet May 31 to hear appeals from Florida and Michigan Democrats to allow the seating of both states’ delegations at the summer convention in Denver.

Filed under: Democratic National Convention • Florida


chris   May 22nd, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Hillary one FL once nad she'll win it again...re-defeat Obama, yesS HE can!! Go Hillary, 08 is your year!!!

KENTUCKY W. VIRGINIA   May 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

florida has the last word, join the club with us florida!, the Obama people want to steal this nomination from hillary. we don't want him, hillary deserves it for her gracious campaign! an honorable campaign, barack and his supporters have been so unfair to poor hillary. THE JEWS WONT VOTE FOR HIM, US HILL BILLIES WONT VOTE FOR HIM , YOU EDUCATED PEOPLE CAN ALL MOVE TO EUROPE!

disenfranchised   May 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

JOE YOU ARE WRONG! I WATCHED TV ADS ALL WEEK LONG BY SENATOR OBAMA MORE THAN A WEEK PRIOR TO THE ELECTION. HE RAN TV ADS ALL DAY LONG AND AT THE POLLING CENTER HE HAD SIGNS POSTED. HILARY CLINTON PLAYED BY THE RULES, HE DID NOT! AND SHE STILL BEAT HIM BAD, DOING NO CAMPAINING... I AM SICK OF THIS DELEGATE ISSUE. OUR VOTES SHOULD BE COUNTED, I WENT THERE TO VOTE FOR MY CANDIDATE, AND YES WE ALL KNEW THAT THE REPUBLICAN HELD LEGISLATURE IN OUR STATE, MOVED OUR DATE UP, AND THAT THEY WERENT GOING TO COUNT. BUT WE VOTED ANYWAY. TO PROVE OUR POINT, THAT WE THE VOTERS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS AND SHOULD NOT BE PENALIZED ONCE AGAIN IN THIS STATE NOT TO HAVE OUR VOICES HEARD. IF OUR VOTES ARE NOT SEATED, I WILL WRITE IN HILARY CLINTONS NAME. I WONT VOTE FOR MCCAIN BUT I WONT VOTE FOR OBAMA. AND I WISH PEOPLE WOULD STOP CALLING THE CLINTON VOTERS RACIST. HIS RACE WHICH BY THE WAY PEOPLE IS HALF WHITE(SOMETHING HE HAS FORGOTTEN) IS NOT THE ISSUE. ITS HIS ATTITUDE HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE AND JUDGEMENT. I CAN NOT VOTE FOR SOMEONE I DONT LIKE OR TRUST. PLEASE POST THIS, PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR THE TRUTH. WHY CANT YOU OBAMA VOTERS UNDERSTAND ITS NOT ABOUT THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN, ITS ABOUT WHATS RIGHT AND WHO WILL WIN THIS ELECTION.

SAM2008   May 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

just one person tell me why you hate HILLARY

YouthForAmerica   May 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

This is so rediculous. If you don't care for the current rules, do something about it after the election. To put up this big front after you signed on the dotted line is an insult to the people in Floridan and Michigan. There is no way that the votes should count as is when everyone was told their votes would not count. It is time to take responsibility for the decisions that you make. Hillary, you have shown that you are not the leader that this country needs at this time. If you had any integrity you would stand by your word. There is a time for everything and this is not it.

To: Von Bismark, Vienna   May 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

I totally agree with you! "SHAME ON BOTH THE CLINTONS"!!!!

rumpusgoopus   May 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Superdelegates, I know you’ve probably been waiting to let this process “play itself out” and only make your endorsement only after all the Primaries are held. Well, you’ve allowed the Party to become more and more split by your non-action, and in the past few days, we now have events like this. If you care one iota about keeping your Party together, if you have any inkling of a desire to win in November, it’s time to finally act to end this nonsense that is doing nothing but angering both sides.

Plus, if you act now, maybe all the delegates from Florida and Michigan could be seated as is anyway.

gerard morei   May 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Count all the votes and send all the Obamaidiotas to Kenya where thay belong.

FLewis   May 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Hillary makes me sick, sick, sick. Why is CNN giving Hillary this much power to control the race. Shame on you CNN. You are always pampering Hillary and I'm sick of it just as much as I'm sick of her.

jfs Memhis, Tn   May 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Those folks I am sure are ALL Clinton Supporters. Time is running out FAST and for Hillary to get the max they will have to get this done SOON. The DNC will make a decision that is fair to all concerned not just those that failed to obseve the law. If they had not voted as they were instructed we would not be having these issues... CACUSES will be the best for all concerned.

MICHELLE&OBAMATOOSCARY   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Are you kidding me? Take away (steal) Obama's nomination? Who said he was already the nominee?

S H A M E O N Y O U O B A M A & D N C!!!

You Obama's supporters are nasty and overly aggressive, and you supposed be college educated? LOL...

kingsley   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

this is strong arming. its such a disgrace for the clintons to feel how entitled the are to this nomination. I will hope Obama put him in the cabinet as the janitor

CR   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

There's already been one lawsuit about this in Florida, and it failed. And MLH is correct. Not a Federal election, and the party gets to make the rules.

Hillary's camp voted for the rules, then she broke the rules by not removing her name from the Michigan ballot as requested, and now she wants to change the rules to suit herself. Her comment today about this being like Zimbabwe, a rigged election, is so offensive, she needs to be drummed out of the party for good.

Patty   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Percy Johnson, an Obama Superdelegate is one of the three filing the lawsuit. Why are people blaming Hillary? Do you people even read the whole article?

Mary   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Hillary is shooting SNIPER FIRE when she says that she doesn’t want to disenfranchise the FL & MI voters. We all know this only has to do with her trying to win.

Do I have any proof? YES!

Hillary has said on more than one occasion that its ok to ask the PLEDGED Delegates to switch to her side. So there goes this disenfranchising the voters theory. Its just more SNIPER FIRE headed your way by Hillary.

And the other joke is that she agreed to these terms in 2007. That’s when she thought she could disenfranchise people and get away with it since she was the inevitable nominee.
Remember early on(actually even now) she thought so many groups are not important and don’t count?

John San Francisco   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

I have been Blogging and sending e-mails to CNN warnung them that the Clintons are planning on breaking away from the Democratic Party.

Hillary feels no loyalty to the Democratic Party then those who she feel has abandon her Campaign in the past 3 months.

I warned the Media Networks that it is clear what the Clintons are doing.
They are racking up as many suppoters as possible under the disquise of running a Primary. When in truth, they are planning to creat thier own Politicle Party. They are going to attempt to turn many on Democat against the Democratic Party.

There is a Conspiricy by a number of high ranking Democrats who support the Clinton's on lets say, who owe favors to Bill Clinton and are actively underminding the DNC.

Hower Dean, you need to put a stop to this right now. Enough with this soft approach to Hillary. Or give the Nomination to Hillary and see if she gets in office. If she is so bent on estroying the Democratic Party, then let her Legacy go down with it.

Jerry, Florida   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

While these protesters are standing on the corner like Hillary has them
brainwashed, will someone with an IQ above 10 please explain to them when you stop at the traffic light just WHY the FL and MI votes won't be counted?

Alex H   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Sue all you want... you're not going to win.

I am America   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

If a tax-paying citizen is pulled over for speeding they get a ticket. It's known that if you speed you get a ticket. It's the law, it's a rule!

The rules were in place and Michigan and Florida violated. Their votes will count in November, just not now. End of discussion... move on!

BettiH, Indianapolis, IN.   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Oh my goodness... This is crazy...why don't the SD just endorse Obama and get it over with. With all this craziness going on. It's really turning me off.

Ben (New York)   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Rules

Why are you Obama dems so scared to have these states counted.
Because you know then she will have the popular vote. They are neck and neck right now – and is shoudl be doen fair and square.

He knows she is the real nominee...all states shoudl have their say. She is our only hope against McCain as the polls states she is the only electable one. Obama has big problems in the swing states as well where the polls say she will wup Mccain

chris (hartford, ct)   May 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

As a voter in a small early state, this offends me. We're completely overshadowed by Super Tuesday and it could be argued that my vote is nearly totally meaninless in a primary. No one comes to campaign in CT (or at least my part of the state), I didn't even see any signs/supporters outside of the actual date of the primary. What kills me is that Florida and Michigan ARE ALREADY IMPORTANT! They're huge states, no one is going to not campaign in Florida, so why try to break the rules and move themselves up? It's ridiculous. If this is allowed to happen, all of the small states should move their dates up to Jan 1st just to stick it to these idiots.

Brett   May 22nd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

WHAT DO YOU PEOPLE NOT UNDERSTAND? THEY VOTED AND THEIR VOTES WERE NOT COUNTED. PLAIN AND SIMPLE: NOT FAIR.

James   May 22nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Hillary 2008, 2012

This is a case of prejudice agaist Hillary Clinton and the millions of voters in Florida and Michigan. It is also a warning to all Americans that we must defend and even fight for our consitutional right to vote and have our votes counted according to the results of elections.

Political parties cannot deny Americans their right to voice their opinion in any situation. Dates are not what determine our consitutional right to vote. This is a very dangerous precedent for Americans if they accept to have their right to vote taken away from them.

The DNC made a very bad decision and should rectify it instead of humiliating Americans in Florida and Michigan as if they were criminals. Alienating voters and worse entire States is not the goal of the DNC yet this is exactlly what is happening. People are ready to turn away from the Democratic Party and not vote for their candidates because of what this violation of voter's and State's rights.

Michael - Texas   May 22nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

THE DNC JUST GAVE UP THE WHITE HOUSE THIS YEAR, BECAUSE THEY WONT MAKE HRC GET OUT.

GOOD.....

YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD LEARN FROM 2000 & 2004.

GUESS NOT

supporter   May 22nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Notice how the Obama supporters are so against this?
Do they know how things could turn out come this fall with these two States For Obama?
I don't support Obama but this white cracker even knows how important it is to suck up right now even if I did hate these two states, Obama even knows this, but then again he is good at using people for political gain. ( no disrespect meant)

Sandy   May 22nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Hillary is a sore loser...how can you agree with the rules then turn around and brake the rules? This argument should have been battled long before this election.

Ken C   May 22nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

The only reason Hillary wants to become commander-in-chief, so she can have her female security team keep Bill from smelling the "Flowers" and playing leap-frog with the ladies. Just like any jumping contest, he must complete all jumps, or he could end up "face-first". Speaking of "Face", hillary must face the facts! She is toast, stick a fork in her

Alex in TX   May 22nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Sorry...this is a bit of a ripoff but I think it is funny....

If all the delegates from the great State of Denial were seated, this nomination would have been wrapped up long ago.

jonie   May 22nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Howard Dean spoke recently that there are rules and they won't be broken. Florida and Michigan knew these rules, when they went ahead and held their primaries too early, and their votes wouldn't count!
The party gets to make the rules, the candidates agreed to abide by the rules, end of story. This is yet another symptom of the 'the rules don't apply to me' syndrome that has infected this country.
Why bother making rules if they are not going to be inforced? This irks me. Hillary is trying to break the rules, because she is desperate now, and behind in the polls. If she were ahead, you can bet that she would NOT be pushing for those votes to be counted!
What is going on in this country of ours? This ridiculous campaign has gone on much too long and the public is getting so tired of it, and all the media hype too. The news people make things worse, by their jibber-jabber every single day!

kevininphx   May 22nd, 2008 4:23 pm ET

This is simple.

If this happened in, say, Illinois and Wisconsin, the Obama Cult would be up in arms, outraged.

Why? Because it's outrageous not to include two huge states in this election. And it would help Hillary a lot (despite the momentum she would've received a few months ago being forever gone).

Suck it up, Obama-ites, it's not fair for your candidate to steal an election, just as it was for Bush to do that.

Anonymous   May 22nd, 2008 4:22 pm ET

I agree its not fair to count the Jan MI and FL votes. Well, Clinton offered for a revote in MI and FL. Obama was the one who refused so shouldnt he pay a price for it? It should be counted 100% . Please understand Obama is not a saint in any way ( great politician).

Alex in TX   May 22nd, 2008 4:22 pm ET

I find it ironically amusing that Hillary supporters have no problem discriminating against those who didn't cast who would have otherwise but didn't knowing it wouldn't count.

Another thing...everyone posting on here saying that this violates voters rights needs to get educated on the election process and the difference between a party sponsored nomination process versus a presidential election.

Al   May 22nd, 2008 4:22 pm ET

The lawsuit makes no sense. The democratic party is a private organization that can elect officials any way they want to. I don't agree that they should block states from participating, but legally, they can pick whatever rules they want to.

People in Florida – If you don't like the way things went down, then vote your officials out of office.

Peter   May 22nd, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Democratic, why and how you deny the achievements we had with President Clinton eight years term? You compare the first and the second Bush administration with President Clinton administration and see the difference.
Think about the next nominee that have to represent us and you will come up with the answer that we need a second Clinton Presidency to try to adjust the mess we are in.
HILLARY 08 A FIGHTER THE MOST QUALIFIED AND PREPARED CANDIDATE

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   May 22nd, 2008 4:22 pm ET

There needs to be some penalty for not playing by the rules. I would hope that the Florida delegation would understand that. If these people would have been smart, they would have been working since they found out to have either moved the date of the vote or to do some revote to keep all the delegates. Why did it appear that there wasn't a consistant effort to get Florida (and Michigan) resolved before the Rules Committee met?

They WILL be seated!   May 22nd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

This is so rediculous. The DNC could draw a name out of a hat if they wanted to. There is no LEGAL issues here. Hillary is not being PREVENTED from running in the General Election is she wants to.

The only thing this whole process is doing, is allowing one candidate to put the words "Democratic Nominee" by their name on the November Ballot.

And besides....this issue is already scheduled to be resolved on May 31st!!! Why file lawsuits when it's already scheduled to be decided???!!!!

Absolute absurdity...

Mark Johnson   May 22nd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Zero integrity. A plus in Florida apparently.

Just Plain Tired   May 22nd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Okay, I'm sure when the DNC created these rules they never anticipated another republican getting in the way of an election. Florida needs divine intervention to thwart their republican leadership. Michigan, well they just messed up. As for Hillary Clinton, she fights like any dirty fighting male politician, and she does so irrationally. Look at the men running her campaign. God, are they the "Stepford Husbands." Anyone who argues with the logic that these Clinton supporters do should make us all stop and think. The bottom line is the two states broke the rules, no matter how ridiculous the rule has turned out to be. The Clinton campaign shoud stop treating people like borderline intellectuals. If the tables were turned, I shutter to think the tactics she would employ to keep Obama from succeeding with the same argument. This is not about gender, it's about Big Mama Hillary and her pouting husband. She'll go down in history more infamous than famous. I wouldn't vote for her now on the ticket in any position. She can't cry "Foul, I'm a woman." when it suits her. I'm a woman, and even I won't vote for her.

Debra Austin, Texas   May 22nd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Florida, it the problem education? I can't understand why so many Floridians just don't know how to establish a process that is fair and how to either submit a ballot or count a ballot. Are the Democratic legislators that voted with the Republicans to go forward with the date that violated DNC rules 'insane'? Did they want to cause confusion? Was this a ploy? But the tale that it was only the Republicans that set this date is a lie and Sen. Nelson ought to get his facts right. It's one thing to be a crony of the liar Hillary Clinton, it's another to never want to look in the mirror and see yourself for what you are.

Maybe we ought to find 'helpers' for the state to figure out how to govern as well. What a sorry state?

Rob   May 22nd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Idiots.

It's not a national election, it's a party election. You can't sue to get the rules of your own party overturned. Especially when your doing it because you broke those rules.

This is simply a matter of those responsible for breaking the rules attempting to deflect the blame for losing their delegates. They know the lawsuit will not win but it muddies the waters – they're looking out for their own behinds.

KE   May 22nd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Hillary represents all America.
I believe Hillary is the only candidate appeals to a wider coalition and could win in November. Even with African Americans she has key people supporting her. The Middle America has spoken and the Michigan and Florida should be counted.

shirley   May 22nd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Due to Hillary's encouragement to get 'every vote counted'. She wasn't singing this tune until she fell behind, shame on the public for allowing Hillary to use them this way. The super delegates must be planning behind closed doors to give Hillary the nomination or they would have put a stop to this as soon as Obama had the majority.

HILARY IS FROM THE STATE OF DENIAL   May 22nd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

ashamed to be a democrat, we fight ourselves, supporters behave childish on the blogs, Hilary fights like a kid that can't get a doll, what is all this.

I am switching parties to become an independent. Tired of all this fighting. If I can't have it the other person cannot. Talk of uinty!!

Brad from SC   May 22nd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

IT'S NOT FAIR. BUT BOTH HILLARY AND BARACK, AND FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN AGREED ON THE DATE. GIVE IT A REST!

I DIDN'T THINK THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WAS UGLY DURING THE DRAWN OUT PRIMARY SEASON, BUT THIS IS A GETTING RIDICULOUS!

Hillary Math   May 22nd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

So I guess I understand

Count Florida and Michigan (even though you yourself said they shouldn't count) count Puerto Rico (even though they can't vote in the general), through out Nevada, Iowa, Miane and Washington (inpite of your stronly held belief that "all" votes should count) then choose the winner based on "popular vote" instead of delegates.

Makes perfect since to me.

gary   May 22nd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

This whole process is indicative of what a Hillary presidency will be like and is why I would never vote for her. The stone-walling, reveral of position, dishonesty, and general caustic nature of her and her crew are unbearable. She is very Bush-like in the way she is always fighting. At the end of the day there is no way she can get the nomination, and if she was to somehow steal it through all of this brokering, there is no way any Obama supporter or independent would ever think it was anything other than a scam and a fix. I cannot imagine seeing her on TV every night for the next 4 years, it is beyond imagining.

SAM2008   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

McCain 08, you have no idea what is going on behind close doors, you vote for speeches not for action, you vote because others tell you to vote the way you are voting will put McCain in office and you mark my words in this, and trust me i will remind you with this.
then i will laugh at you.

Michael   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Split the FL and MI delegates 50/50.

If the Hillary supporters dont like it, tough cookies you crybabies.

Obama 2008

MI Girl   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

This party is so missed up now, I'm rethinking my affliction with them! The Dems. have a whacky primary system. They just need to clean it up and make it as simple, transparent and straightforward as possible to eliminate these kinds of issues. First, get rid of the supers, have winner take all states, count all votes including those in causus states or just abolish caususes all together, only use primaries. There is usually higher turnouts in primaries, polls are open longer to accommodate citizens work schedules and everyone gets one vote.

Anyone but H   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

This is like moving the goalpost during a football game in the last quarter.

Not McBush   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

I live in Michigan and I want to be able to vote. Michigan did not have campaigning nor did it have all the candidates on the ballot. I am sure that Michigan results are not valid.

As far as Florida goes, they should also be allowed to vote but nobody in their right mind can view the election that was done as valid. People didn't vote because they were told their votes wouldn't count. Candidates were not allowed to campaign.

I realize that this is a great mess and both states are being punished for violating the rules but there does not seem to be a fair resolution.

auntie k this is for you from qui   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

THIS IS THE FUNNY PART THE DELEGATES DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT RULES WERE VIOLATED AND NOW THEY MUST DO DAMAGE CONTROL. THEY SHOULD JUST SPLIT THE DELEGATES AND BE HAPPY WITH THAT. A LAWSUIT ISN'T GOING TO HELP OUT NOW. THEY HOLD A MEETING ON THE 30TH JUST WAIT IT OUT AND GET THIS THING OVER WITH.

Daavon in NC   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Florida and Michigan broke the RULES... they were told ahead of time not to... they voted anyway... so now deal with the consiquences

its not the DNC's fault.... its your state officials fault... where is your outcry against them???? where are your signs againts your state leaders who decided they were above the law??? where is the accountability for the people in YOUR states who put YOU in this delimma

news flash to the idiots in Florida who are up in arms... you're up in arms against the wrong people.... get a clue

T-rel   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

It's time to become an Independent . The DNC powers to be have no control over this? Dean and EVERY other uncommitted Super should be ashamed of thEmselves for allowing the Clintons to run the party. I'm seriously considering changing parties.................neva a Repub though!

USAF Sr. Airman   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Florida decided to move up their primary even though they were told their votes wouldn't count. Case closed.

rumpusgoopus   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

I will now be happy to vote against Hillary Clinton every chance I get. 2012? No way. 2018? Absolutely not. When someone like this tears apart the Democratic Party solely for their own benefit, they are not worthy to hold office.

Festus, Montana   May 22nd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Florida already screwed up Two elections. (hanging chads lol). They have had eight George Bush years to get their act together. It may be best to just let this state sit out of the election until they gain a little more education on how the electorial process works before we can trust them to make any decisions regarding the country. Let's hope that a good education is a staple in this state.

Yes We Can.

Shane   May 22nd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

EVERYONE CHILL. WE ARE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WE HAVE 50 STATES IN OUR NATION, NOT 48. THEY HAVE TO BE COUNTED AND SEATED, IF NOT YOU WILL SEE THAT THEY WILL VOTE FOR MC CAIN. LET THE PROCESS
RUN THRU

Mar   May 22nd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

ALL YOU NASTY PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE COMMENTS HERE, HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF IT WAS YOUR VOTE???

And this is news???   May 22nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

The entire process was un-democratic to begin with. Camp Obama has been against this from the beginning and so now a lawsuit – of course – but it is Obama who did not want their votes to count and still doesn't......only reason he says so now is for your money!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was illegal from the onset and the DNC and Obama knew it – it was the only way to keep Clinton from getting the nomination. Other states that moved their primaries up were not stripped of voters or delegates...those were Obama favored states. No coincidence for sure!!!

No Hillary   May 22nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Here you are.... Hillary combines her efforts with Republicans to even destroy the democratic party even further..... REAL FACE OF HILLARY!!!

Les-Wa   May 22nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

What 50-50? This country do NOT reward MALFEASANCE which Obama have been practicing from Chicago all the way to primary. Obama withdrew his name from Michigan ballot due to the fact he was told by democrats in Iowa if he leave his name in the ballot he'd lose Iowa; Edwards have done the same thing. Only Hillary was gutsy to leave her name in the ballot in Michigan(she lost in Iowa), also Kucinich and others left their name in the ballot. In Florida, Obama BROKE the rule of NO CAMPAIGN and that includes ELECTRONIC CAMPAIGN ADS, he was running campaign ads in Florida.

There you have it as none of you Obama followers and MSM will talk about it.

DB   May 22nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

The delegates need to be seated. DNC are idiotics not to seat it. if not it will be like the 2000 election. They are afraid of Obama campaign. Everyone is afraid that Obama calls foul. He is such a fraud. His lawyer block the redo election and now he want to act like he wants to resolve it. This guy is a joke. His support are all dumb college students that don't know who or what they voting for. Just want to jump on the band wagon because a few cele brities endorsed him. If you endorse someone read on the policy and credentials and over a good speech that his speech writer writes. For heaven sake. Bunch Obama supporters are losers!!!!

Proud1of 26% in WV   May 22nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

What message does this send?It's ok not to follow any rules.I think that WV should go ahead and have and have their 2012 primaries now ,that would be another big win for Hillary.The DNC is supposed to wait til may 31 to have the meeting.This smells like another Clinton extortion act.

Dina Phila., Pa   May 22nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Keep on filing FL. Your leadership broke the rules and they will not be seated the way Hillary Clinton wants it to. The rules are in place for a reason, just like any other rules, they must be followed. You cannot turn around when things are not going your way trying to demand that the rules change to accommodate you. That Crazy!!! This new it before they moved the dates, they were warned and told what actions would be taken!! They accepted this and told the people in FL and MI that their votes would not count. These people knew it, that's why everyone did not go out to vote!

WHY ARE WE STILL TALKING ABOUT THIS!

Cindi South Carolina   May 22nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

I think is unfair that the Clinton's is starting a war against the American People. What if Hillary was the front runner and Obama was so pushy about seating the delegates? Now, how does this set with the rest of the American People in other states that voted not for Clinton but Obama. What we fail to realize is that Hillary Clinton in not the one to call the shots. If this is the case then this country is better off with McCain for President. Clinton will only hurt the democratic party and this is evidents that she is and succeeding. This is why we as American People don't have a voice in our government because people like the Clinton's. Wake up people.

Chicago's Own   May 22nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Hillary had no problem with FL and MI not being counted when she thought she would win. Funny thing is shes so concerned about every vote being counted....oops except the caucus states! HA HA! Then she wants the superdelegates to overturn all the votes for Obama and select her as the nomonee. Wow...Democracy at its finest!

Count Votes   May 22nd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

I am Hillary supporter and I realize Obama has more delegates and will therefore get the nomination. If you exclude Forida now then the Democratic party should not be surprised if they lose this state in November. You Obama supporters should really try hard to tone it down and be more respectful. Most of you probably do not even know why you hate Hillary. Is it because she is a smart, intelligent, confident, and ambitious female. I respect any person that is able to achieve the things she and Obama have done. As an African-American who will not be voting for Obama, I do respect him.

lol   May 22nd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

count the votes hillary doesn't have the number of delegates, and neither does obama. it doesn't go by who has more delegates, obama and clinton both will not have enough. then let's evaluate electability, which hillary will have the majority of the popular vote, and is ahead of mccain on the electoral map, obama is behind mccain. superdelegates if you want to win go with hillary, if you vote obama, you can add him to the loser list of mondale, dukakis,gore, kerry, than obama!

rumpusgoopus   May 22nd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

This is sickening.

???   May 22nd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

The Dems need to change their rules, that's true, but they've already decided on them (BOTH candidates that is) and now they have to deal with the consequences. What kind of example is Hillary setting? "Let's be good on our word unless I can benefit from betraying my opponent?". She reminds me of the kid everyone knew in their childhood that would play tag and suddenly declare new safety zones when they were almost caught.

John San Francisco   May 22nd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

I said this along time ago. The Clintons were up to something. it is not just the Clintons. It is also the Undecided Delegates who have allowed Hillary to act like a 3 year old throwing a temper tantrum in the middle of a super market.

Everyone is going out thier way to please her, and now she is manipulating the whole process.

Well guess what? There will be no Democrat to take the White House for the next 8 years. This Schandal is anothe one of the Clintons cooked up schemes to get what they want. It does not matter if its furniture, realestate, women, or a Powerful position as President.

The Clinton supporters are so blind to how deep the Clintons are tied to Special Interest Groups around the world. They have fooled millions of Americans to believe they are standing up for them.

Like Sheep headed to the Slaughter

jake   May 22nd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

I just did a little math. I took the difference of each state primary AND Caucus and this is the totals I got from this tally. Obama had a difference over Clinton of 2,755,439 and Clinton had a divfference over Obama of 2,755,448, come on now, have you ever seen a primary or for that matter a general election with the difference being only 9 – did anyone know that these totals were this close????? Figure it yourself, for each state I took the winner & deducted the loser (for want of a better word) and wrote it down under the winners name. In TX it was really weird, it says Obama won the state and more delegates BUT he was 5298 higher in the Caucus BUT Clinton was 101,029 higher in the primary. I had no idea the popular vote was this close and we've still got a few states to go. Delegates don't mean all, if you really want what the PEOPLE who voted want, then add them up. OH YEA, I counted MI & FL. I gave all of the OTHER in MI to Obama and he had a total in FL>

Richard T. Brady   May 22nd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

That's what we get for thinking that a frustrated cookie baker can do any thing in a civil manner without making an extreme mess of any thing she touches.

naeem   May 22nd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Florida needs to get their act together...this is such a shame of the politicians in that state screwing up something so important as the vote...move the date up to make your votes count and in the end..they don't COUNT.....because YET...AGAIN...they go and try and change the RULES..that were in place......

you pay the penalty for NOT...following the rules...that's a lesson you teach your kids...

obviously these folks think otherwise...

No to Florida   May 22nd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Do law suit, go to Supreme Court, do what you want.... you did not follow the rules and ur vote doesnt count.... is as easy as this....

Carter   May 22nd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

As a lawyer I don't quite understand why it is that the Florida Democratic Party does not understand what the courts have told them. The Florida Democratic Party filed a prior law suit that was thrown out by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, that decided that the Democratic National Committee ("DNC") can implicate rules and regulations to govern its party, and that as such a local party cannot complain about the rules and regulations of the national party, barring exceptional circumstances, i.e. certain particularly declared discrimination. Now, to go back to court, now claiming discrimination along the lines of racial and gender discrimination is obscene. My only questions is that who is at the root of all this?

Moreover, to compare this current Florida dilemma to that of the 2000 presidential election is disingenuous, because in the 2000 presidential election the Supreme cut off the voting of SOME VOTERS, for no felonious reasons, that had never before been known to the voters, or rather that could not have been known to voters (since such an issue would only arise during a recount). Here, Florida knew the rules and the consequences of violation thereof. Nonetheless, Florida willfully violated those rules. The Florida Democratic Party should be suing the Republican state government for interfering with the Democratic Party rules, but to sue the DNC is crazy. As a result of Florida’s violation of the Democratic National Party’s rules, none of Florida's votes have been counted. Therefore, one Floridian cannot claim to have been aggrieved anymore than another Floridian, i.e. there is no on unequal treatment. The 2000 Presidential campaign and this Democratic National Campaign are apples and oranges. The one irony is that the arguments made by the Republicans to win the presidency, i.e. “Equal Protection,” effectually mirror the arguments of Hillary Clinton, her supporters, her surrogates and the Florida Democratic Party, as both claims focus on equal protection.

spencer   May 22nd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

The arragance of Obama trying too say Florida and Michigan have no say in the nominating process.... If you not going to count all 50 states, then why bother with having a nominating process at all..Seat them as is...People of all 50 states have earned the right to have there votes count................

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   May 22nd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

HILLARY GOING THE WAY OF BUSH.

joann   May 22nd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

You idiots they signed and agreed "not to campaign" there – they were allowed to keep their names on the ballots though – so why do you think Obama kept his name on Florida – and don't forget his choice to take it off Michigan. By the way one of the 3 people filing this suit is an Obama supporter so shut up – you all are whinning more than Obama when he's being a baby. Let it play out – everything being done is perfectly legal.

Hillaryarious   May 22nd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

This is the BEST!! The Democratic party is destroying itself and we get a ringside seat. This will go to the convention and, I promise you, BEYOND. If Hillary doesn't get the nomination I GUARANTEE she will start law suits against the DNC. McCain will walk into the White House (thank God) and the Democrats will have no one to blame but themselves. BEAUTIFUL!!!

Obama broke DNC rules   May 22nd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

When both candidates were told not to campaign in Florida, Obama slyly bought national ads right before Florida primary so they could air in Florida, then said, he couldn't remove Florida from these national ads..technical error? Not. Very slick. Too bad we are not very stupid. What did the DNC do about that?

Roger MD   May 22nd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

This desperate attempt – and don't think for a New York second it's Hillary's last attack – makes me sick and SHOULD MAKE THE UNCOMMITTED SUPER-DELEGATES SICK. SUPERS- STEP UP AND END THIS NOW!

Sarah   May 22nd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Impeach Clinton from the Senate!

KE   May 22nd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Leaders make mistakes and people pay the price. We cannot afford keep paying for the mistakes of the party leaders and the political pundits.

Obama says to Oregon crowd "We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our home on 72 degrees at all times and just expect that every other country is going to say okay."

I wonder what countries are going to give permission and tell American people they can't drive SUVs and can't eat as much as they want after all the hard work builiding thier life? Obama must been preaching to himsel.

This is not a new propaganda. This kind ot propaganda was created by very few people who also live happen to be living in the big mansions and have big bank accounts in various countries and they drive SUVs too.

Sometimes I wonder why Obama wants to be a president so quickly. He said he wants to change America and that's on thing we know that.

Why the Obama campaign don't want to count all the votes? Hillary has the majority, a simple math any ten years old can understand.

Chris, Middletown, CT   May 22nd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

lets see....there was no campaigning...the voters were told the votes wouldn't count...so many stayed home...FL and MI broke the rules knowing there votes wouldn't be counted....and all the candidates agreed to this....now....Clinton is behind...(and she signed this same agreement) – and is making a legal case for it...seems logical....(keep in mind HRC supporters....you are backing this mess)

elm, Georgia   May 22nd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

HILLARY, WE WANT YOU OUT OF THE DEM PARTY. YOU ARE NO LONGER WELL!

Nick - Arlington, VA   May 22nd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

"Sad Day for America" – did you forget that your candidate and her campaign agreed to those rules to strip MI and KNEW that the votes wouldn't be counted....can't you objectively say that she is being politically expedient....

Ann Tennis   May 22nd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

The players on the field and in the game do not get to make up
the rules of the game.

If you cannot play by the rules of the game, don't get in it.

You cannot go crying to the Refs in the 4th quarter when you
suddenly realize you are behind.

(Oh, well, yes you can, but it will not matter a bit! The score remains
the same at the end of the game!)

Sherri for Obama   May 22nd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

I love how everyone wants to sue when the results don't go their way. They made their choice, they knew the outcome based on their choice and did it anyway. It's no different than a teenager acting out knowing what will happen once they return home to face the music. Come on people! Let's move on!

Vivienne   May 22nd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Hillary is trying to get the nomination through any means necessary. But, she will lose the black vote not only for the president but for every democrat who runs for office in this country. You can't win an election any major election in this country without the black vote and you surely can't win an election in this country if the black vote goes to your oponent as a protest.

Venus   May 22nd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

The DNC said the lawsuit had little chance of success. "In two other cases so far, the courts have upheld the Democratic National Committee's right to establish and enforce its own rules regarding the selection of delegates to the Democratic Convention,” said DNC spokesman Dag Vega.
________________________________ YES! This is great news!

Go Bam!

Mish   May 22nd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

David Axelrod Obamas campaign manager is brilliant
Get your lawyers ready David you may need them Sir with scabs like the Clintons!!
God help americans if she steals this election with underhanded tactics
No wonder more people every day are losing respect for them
Her whole campain has been a disaster
In debt 20 million.God help Americans with this loser as leader
She cant even manage her campain how can she fix the economy!!!
She would be too busy gazing at herself in the mirror saying*I am the most powerful woman(oops loser) in the world
Dont listen to the republican pundits they FEAR Obama!!!!!
and to David Ghergen who hoped she would take the high road...sorry Sir HILLARY doesnt *know* the meaning of the high road you know
Honesty and IIntegrity!

Alice   May 22nd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

If ever there was a frivolous lawsuit – brought solely to rile people up and pressure the politicos – it is this one.

Notice how they waited to file it until the eleventh hour, so it will still be pending when the DNC meets on May 31st.

Trust me, the judge will throw it out of court as soon as the parties have a chance to brief, and the judge has a chance to read, motion to dismiss papers. (Normally a several week process at the least.)

Alternatively, the judge will dismiss it as moot once the DNC meets on May 31st.

(Yes, I am a lawyer.)

AJ, IL   May 22nd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Brilliant folks there in Florida! {MAJOR SARCASM!}

If the Florida party could not afford to have a re-vote of the primary, now they are saying they can afford to go court? Where is this court money going to come from?

Dan (TX)   May 22nd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Guess they didn't want to wait for the "due process" by the Bylaws Committee on 31 May.

They violated their own party's rules – there's no federal law that gives anyone the right to overturn a political party's internal rules and regulations.

What a bunch of cry-babies.

Hey Florida – you all screwed up 2008. Maybe you should start your 2012 primary season today – that way you'll be the first!? :)

Paulinus   May 22nd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Hillary should have gone up as an independant now that she is destroying the Democratic Party. She does not care a dam with $109Million.

Mark   May 22nd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

What ever happened to the good old days if you break a law or a rule you suffer the out come. Well it seems Fla and Mi are suffering and screaming because there voice might not be heard but whos fault is that THERE OWN so now they have filed a lawsuit oh my god now we can sue to be president and Hillary isnt saying nothing about how wrong this action is man this is crazy. Im just glad the clock keeps turning and the days roll on by

Suju   May 22nd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Hillary is pathetic ! How can any self-respecting person fall so low?
Worst – her supporters dont see this !
<><>

Sandro   May 22nd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Today I had a heated exchange with a co-worker on this very notion of counting FL votes. true, every vote should count. However, it is my humble opinion that paramount to votes is the notion of fair and just nomination process. Votes that are skewed, just like in FL, due to too many voters who did not vote, or due to the fact that candidates did not have a chance to campaign, end up not being at all representative of the FL population. As Americans we always have a judgmental eye towards other countries that do not engage in fair political practices. Thus, we should see the FL connondrum as such: a biased vote sample that should not reflect FL. As such, these votes cannot be counted as such. However, what has to be done is to evaluate the extent to which these votes are skewed, and to seat delegates in proportion to that bias. But that is a tough call as well. Who can be an objective judge of how much should FL votes count? In the end it is my utmoslt beleif that these unrepresentative votes should be counted as a whole. Some kind of correction needs to be applied in order to uphold the notion of fairness and fair game.

Black Veteran For Obama   May 22nd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

YOU ARE WITNESSING THE DEATH OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY!!!!

Les-Wa   May 22nd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

The DNC resemble commies. Count their votes and SEAT all delegates of Florida and Michigan. I am totally disgusted with the DNC.

Maggie VT   May 22nd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

I feel very sorry for the women who Hillary has involved in this mess. They so believe her. McCain will win this presidency thanks to Hillary.

ccooper   May 22nd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Flordia and Michigan delegates should be seated at the convention.
Hillary should be the nominee. All of you just fell for a coin man. Obama is more about speech. Obama started all this mess. He need
to go back to the senate and learn more about foreign policy. He is on
the wrong track.

Yakima   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Hillary you make me sick. If your willing to stoop this low to get elected you can cancel my vote. If you take this away because your losing I will change my party to independent.

Disenfranchised Nation   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

please dont remove my comments...you never put mine in which shows that I must be making a very good point.

KenFromCalifornia   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

floria, you should hold your state representatives accountable for this. they got jealous and its come back to bite you all. don't blame howard dean, blame the people you elected statewide who claimed they knew what they were doing.

hillary clinton wants a free ride. it's amazing how someone who professes to be business-like and strong can then go crawling back on her word when she is losing. the rules were clear, and she cared nothing last year about "enfranchisement" of florida's residents when she had all the money and double-digit poll numbers.

barack obama played by the rules. i doubt he'd be out there complaining if it were he who was behind in delegates, states won, popular vote, likeability, believeability, and national enthusiasm.

barack played by the rules. if hillary wants to be the poster child of malcom x' ominous words about rules, then let her do so at her still-being-written legacy.

Venus   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Too funny!

Saw this coming a mile ago!

Go Bam!

George in Arizona   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Let the whinning begin !!!!!

Michigan Voter   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I am from Michigan and I voted uncommitted because Obama was not listed on the ballot, a lot of other people I know did the same, therefore how do we get our votes counted fairly?

Kevin-Seattle   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Penalize the state 50%...and seat them accordingly.

Jim, Minneapolis   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Neither Obama nor Clinton had anything whatsoever to do with this. The Florida Democratic Party is accountable. Nobody else. They decided to hold early primaries, thus breaking DNC rules. We'll Florida, you wanted the spotlight in January. It's all yours now. Eat Crow.

Max from NYC   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

50/50!!!

We, Obama supporters WILL GO TO Washington on May 31 for the DNC commetee to protest against Clinton's !!! We will not allow this sick woman to overturn the will of the voters!!! Let's go there and support Barack against that monster!

Tex   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

The Clinton campaigners pandering again. What a joke! Bill and Hillary have become the biggest disgraces of modern politics. Perhaps even Bush has more character than these two Clinton yokels. Whine! Whine! Whine!

Edwin, Fayetteville, NC   May 22nd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

If Sen. Clinton and her followers say that they want all the Florida votes to count, they are not telling the truth again (surprise), what about those who did not vote because they were told that their votes would not count? What do they plan to do about them? Are they being told that they don’t matter? Florida should have followed the rules and there would be no argument about seating the delegates. Clinton can’t seem to make up her mind and she is running for President? First they did not count (her words) now she wants them to count (also her words). I would not feel safe with her answering the PHONE at 3 in the morning. She has lost, she and her followers (Bill too) need to get over it and start supporting the true Democratic nominee Sen. Omana.

sandi   May 22nd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Geraldine Ferro said, "Obama wouldn't be where he is if he were a white man." I say Mrs. Clinton wouldn't care a bit about the Fl/MI votes if she were where he is, and that is the front runner. Stop the madness, accept your loss (graciously) and get on with your life as a Senator Mrs. Clinton.

sick of trixie hillary

Paul, CA   May 22nd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Honestly, the archaic method used by the democrats is both outmoded and distinctly un-democratic. The party leadership behaves like a bunch of spoiled rich kids. Oh wait, they are.

Tony   May 22nd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Florida and Texas are the two wierdest states in the country. In world's by themselves. Texas should surprise no one! Florida is a whole other story.

YIKES! Hope it doesn't spread!

Disenfranchised Nation   May 22nd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Dear Big O Lovers,
Disenfranchising these two states is disenfranchising over 17 million American's who voted. The outcome of these two states changes the parties nominee so why wouldn't this be important to 17 million Democrats? Wake up...you won't get away with another 2000. Even if we have to go up against our own party.

Hillary 08'
America's choice

Yup   May 22nd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

I'm very glad to see the DNC using leadership. No wonder they always manage to shoot themselves in the foot!

Ralph   May 22nd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Everyone just relax. They will get seated after the DNC meets 5/31. The delegates will be distributed in the fairest way possible, so they have no meaningful impact on the nomination. Then the candidate with the most delegates, as per the agreed upon rules, will be our nominee, and very likely, our next president. Now, just relax and enjoy the ride.

Andrew   May 22nd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Come on, the democrats overwhelmingly voted through the legislation. Clinton has been a lunatic, its not smart to trust her on facts, go and look up the vote on the bill, its on Florida's government website.

And Sad Day For America – Amen to that. Maybe Floridians should vote the state legislature out for taking that voice away. Stupidity and Overzealousness stole this vote. Self-aggrandizing state politicians took this voice away. The fact that they've screwed up votes in major election cycles when no other state in the union (save Ohio and Michigan) have had this issue is extremely telling. The DNC isn't a babysitter. Follow the rules and get seated. Break them and deal with the consequences. Its really that simple.

Lorna, NY   May 22nd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

This is INSANE! Hillary Clinton can kiss her political career goodbye! She has lost the respect of a lot of people. The people in NY will not forget this. She should have been vocal when the DNC issued these sanctions. I have no respect for her or her family. I do not want anyone in the White House who feels that they should get what they want because they feel entitled. Could anyone see her as presidential material?

Another thinking voter, NY   May 22nd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Why does the DNC decide when a state can hold its election? Let's think about this folks. The states can hold the election, for which the TAXPAYERS FINANCE...whenever they choose. If the DNC where paying for it, that'd be another story. Let them pay for the revote.

Also, what right do they have to disenfranchise a state from its delegates? Utterly foolish, if not illegal. I'm glad I don't live in FL or MI. I'd be furious. Won't you????

And the people that say that the voters of those states were "uninformed" are insulting the citizens of those states. Perhaps the people of KY and OR are more informed than the voters of Super Tuesday – Feb 6. Who knew back then about Rv. Wright, $4.00/gallon gas, and the sniper fire of Bosnia?

Get a grip. The longwinded nomination process is a publicity stunt. The nation should all vote on one day after several, nationally televised debates.

martin   May 22nd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

good luck.two others have tried,and the judges have said the dnc has a right to enforce their own rules.

Concerned   May 22nd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I really don't care much for Lou Dobb and hate to think that we will be in the same party. But now I see why he's an Independent.

My husband and I will also become Independents.

sb   May 22nd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Liar, Liar, Liar. For the country's sake, throw her out of the party.

JJ   May 22nd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

This situation is totally getting out of hand. Hillary wants the people to rally, lawsuits are being everywhere. If a rally gets out of hand, that will be on Hillary's shoulders not Obama or the DNC committee.

The only peope that should be held accountable are the elected officials from MI and FL that went on and broke the rules.

They are the ones to blame and if I were living in either of those 2 states, I would rally go get those offiicals kicked out of office or not re-elect them.

JIM WHITTAKER, Hemet, Ca   May 22nd, 2008 4:07 pm ET

This really starting to get funny.

The Clintons are becoming a cartoon!

Old woman yells at cloud!

unconvinced   May 22nd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

I think they could be seated acording to the way the vote went , With Edwards votes in Florida going to Obama and the undeclared votes in Michigan going to Obama. which would be close to 50% each in Florida and 55% for Clinton in Michigan and 40% going to Obama.

Mission Not Accomplished   May 22nd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Obama needs to brush up on his math skills…
you need 2210 delegates to win not 2205. There are 50 states in America, not 48. SD's aren't America's voices and they should not be counted until after America has voted and chosen their candidate not yours. The popular vote is America's choice not the elite few with promised positions. And a little lesson I learned when I was 5 years old. Cheaters never prosper.

glenn from Canada   May 22nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Am I the only one who can see clearly the big picture? The Democrats need to rid themselves of the Clintons. What example is this for our children, CHANGING THE RULES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME!
Super-delegates please go to Obama!

dgh629   May 22nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Many people can't stop talking about "Florida broke the rules", like there are no general election voting Americans involved. Get real, people in Florida are angry and ready to vote out the Democratic Party completely. They have a bill prepared that says the Democratic nominee will not appear on their ballot if the issue is not resolved. Makes sense, why vote for someone now when it did not count earlier? Perfect touche for the DNC.

Dee, MO   May 22nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Hillary is upset because Obama is not offering her the VP spot. But, if Hillary steals this nominee, she is guarantee to lose in Nov. I would rather Obama fail before any Clinton ever gets back into the WH.

Lynne   May 22nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

No one in any campaign is asking that no one be seated from the delegation, even though the penalty that they risked was 100% stripping of delegates.

We all want them seated, but there should be a penalty because of them not sticking with the schedule that was laid out. It was a rule and they were aware of it at the time. We have to have rules in life – in baseball, doing taxes, etc. Rules were created over the course of 2 years with lots of input from Dem members.

Sen. Clinton is telling voters in Florida and Michigan that the Democratic party is treating them unfairly and blaming the rules imposed on Obama's campaign. This is a rash and hostile action toward the party that has supported the Clintons through so much.

If she would like to run in 2012, she is going to find it hard after this to get much support from the Democratic party.

In addition, if she is so electable – why didn't she win the nomination 12 months ago?

Robert   May 22nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

There is NO stealing of the primary! Obama did NOT win yet! Who is stealing what???? The Obama followers are celebrating victory of something that has NOT been won yet. Hillary has nothing to do with this lawsuit. People you are pathetic. She won both states, that's a fact, however these things need to play out and you can't eliminate 1.7 million people, the people did not do this; the politicians did...might we all remember it was the Republican governor that did it...wake up people...this is the exact reason we are devided. Bull like this, stop attacking. these people have a right to their vote and Hillary has a right to the votes; she won. If the shoe were on the other foot; the very same thing would be occurring. Remember; he has not been nominated yet, and when they seet Florida and Michigan; the count goes up to 2210...and again neither will have the nomination.

Eddie G   May 22nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Superdelegates....please endorse Obama now and send Hillary packing. She is on everyone's last nerve.....oh, except the blind followers who forget what lying, cheating, horrible people the Clintons are. Oh, and Chelsea....please, let her go back to her meaningless life.

A   May 22nd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

RULES ARE RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ravi   May 22nd, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Seat them. Hillary will still loose.
Get over it dear.

Charles Lemay   May 22nd, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I wondered how long it would be until The Clintons came down
to this.

Barack Obama will coming to the end of his second term as
President of the United States, and The Clintons will still be
suing in federal court to have his first election overturned.

These people are pathetic...

Hillary Supporter   May 22nd, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Words coming out of Obama’s mouth…

“bitter people, clinging to guns and religion”

“ I did not feel it was my responsibility to serve in the military”

“Rev. Wright was my spiritual advisor”

….and the list goes on

What comes out of one’s mouth, directly reflect the thoughts and beliefs of what is in one’s mind..
Obama will NEVER win the general election, the DNC will have FAILED yet AGAIN to win back the White House-what a shame.
As an independent, who leans democrat…..I am appalled by the lack of leadership from the DNC….starting with Obama and his whole crew.
Don't count on us Clinton supporters to help this bozo put come Nov.

DNC-start your searchnow for a viable candiate for 2012-you've lost this one.
DNC

All Are Welcome   May 22nd, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Why is Florida even allowed to vote? I knew Hillary and her team of lawyers would steal this-when she referred to FL/MI's primaries as being similar to a 3rd world country, I guess she was referring to herself as the dictator behind the scenes pulling the strings.

Tony   May 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Let the Games Begin!

Kay-Arizona   May 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

About time. Elections are about people being involved, not standing in the corner because they were naughty. The DNC should be ashamed playing with delegates like they have.

Enlightened Voter   May 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

I think we all know the Clintons are behind this, we knew it was coming we just weren't sure what they had up their sleeve. Here is the funny thing though, GOD always has the last word.

Karen P   May 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Florida and Michigan state leaders KNEW the rules and disobeyed them. The WRONG people are sued, the DNC made rules. It was widely publicized what would happen if Florida and Michigan ignored the rules. The candidates signed pledges. Many voters did NOT show up knowing it wouldn't count.

These are not FAIR elections and manipulated, now by Clinton.

No one should do anything UNTIL the DNC meets at the end of May. If Clinton was so concerned, she should've requested suits at the BEGINNING of the campaign. She allowed it to go this far.

And 1.75 million voters did not go to the polls because they were told the votes WOULD NOT COUNT. so we're even.

New Sensation   May 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Shame on you, Florida. Your goose was cooked months ago.

RICARDO PHILLIPS OF D.C   May 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

"IF I CAN'T WIN IT I'LL STIEAL IT"

"UNITED WE STAND, OBAMA IN DEMAND"

Xavier, St. Louis, MO   May 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

This is really a shame and a slap in the face to the DNC. The DNC and Howard Dean needs to man-up, grow a pair and tell Hillary and her faithful Clintonites that the Florida and Michigan votes, "ain't gonna happen!"
Just when I think I don't like Hillary, she takes it to another level. I don't hate anybody, but she is REALLY pushing it! She is making the entire Democratic Party look like a bunch of idiots because she refuse to follow the rules she agreed to, before this race started. The Superdelegates and the DNC must be afraid of the Clintons, because there is no way on God's beautiful earth that this would be allowed by any other person. Especially by an African American named Barack Obama.

Realistic   May 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Since Hillary agreed that Michigan and Florida would not count, she and the other candidates need to contribute to the DNC their cost of defense of the lawsuit.

Oh wait, her campaign is not only broke but $30 million in debt.

Clinton / Lewinsky '08

Tim   May 22nd, 2008 4:02 pm ET

WHAT IN THE HECK ARE THEY DOING? WE LOOK LIKE FOOLS ALREADY! NOW THE CLINTONS ARE TRYING TO USE OUR COURT OF LAW TO WIN. SHE LIKE THE REST AGREED TO THE RULES NOW THAT SHE'S AND BILL HAVE LOST THE RACE THIS IS THE NEXT STEP. HILLARY I WILL NOT VOTE FOR YOU NOW OR NEVER MCCAIN IS UP AND RUNNING AND WE ARE BEING LAUGHED AT. IT WONT BE OBAMMAS DOING IN NOVEMBER IT WILL BE ON YOUR HEAD. HOW STUPID HILLARY!

Pandering   May 22nd, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Hillary at work! There is no stopping Hurricane Hillary! She will stop at nothing until she get the nomination. It is no strange reason that as soon as she is visiting Florida this lawsuit arises.

pglover   May 22nd, 2008 4:02 pm ET

The Clintons are sore losers. I had a lot of respect for them but this stunt is ashamedly disgusting. The candidates all agreed that the votes would not count, signed the agreement but now because Hillary is behind, she cries fowl. She's saying now that she wants all votes to count. What about the people who did not go out to vote because of this? This is what I say is disinfranchisement. No way you look at it, all votes will not will not be counted. Hillary and Bill, get over it.! Bill had his chance and he's trying to split the party and cause the people in Florida to turn against Obama by continuing to push his wife out there. She lost Bill. Sit down and shut up.

New Day   May 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Why is such a big deal? Edwards' 15% would side with Obama and it would be a 105-99 delegate split. For Christ sake, get it done already. Who cares about a net gain of 6 delegates?

Duane in Philly   May 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

A re-vote would be much worst for Obama than seating the delegates as is, because if a primary election were held today in Florida, he would lose by even wider margins than he did in the initial vote.

Linned   May 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

What's all the hoopla about? The Rules Committee will meet on May 31st and seat the delegates in a manner that is fair to BOTH candidates.

What does she think the superdelegates are just going to give it to her????????????

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   May 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

The DNC has said they would seat FL and MI delegates! They will and should penalize he states to prevent other states from moving their dates whenever they feel like it. The actions taken by Hillary and her supporters are so undermining, deceptive, and divisive but they don't want to see this or are too blinded by ambition to see this.

I pray that the residents of NY are being able to see Hillary in her true light and vote her out when she comes back up for election.As a former New Yorker, I hate the fact that this carpetbagger is one of our two senators!!!!!

Daniel, Loganville. Ga.   May 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Thank you Sen. Clinton....SHAME on you i guess if you couldn't have no one will

Marcus B   May 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

I wish they would give the DNC the chance to come up with something first. They haven't even started talking yet and they are already taking it to Supreme Court. I believe this all stems from Hillary Clinton's last HIGHLY DESPERATE PLEA in Boca Raton on Thursday. I encourage you all to watch that speech and just look at her face. You could see the angry depseration in her eyes. I was literally intimidated by her watching that speech. It's almost pathetic, the lengths she's gone and the empty arguments she's come up with. If and when she finally does lose this nomination, after all of the antics, her political career will be over!

Obama/Sebelius/Biden/Dodd/Richardson/Hagel 2008!!!

Patricia Leviege   May 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

I Ditto everything Ovitshio Branco says.

I think Hillary is to blame for the division the democratic party is facing. I use to hear the republicans say she will do anything to win. It is sad that she will stoop to such measures as to divide the party.

Listen, the leaders in Florida and Michigan new the rules and they even agreed to them as did Hillary. Now that it is not in her favor she crying foul.

Instead of her leave with dignity and be thankful to the millions of people who supported her and registered, she rather make this thing so ugly even to the point where it damages Barack. THis man has run a positive race and if it had not been for her attacking him it would not have gone so negative.

What a shame, I actually did love the Clintons, but this race has showed their true colors.

Xango 4   May 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

The sadness of this whole thing is that the orchestrator of this mess in the party, is laughing it off..........yes cruella devil (HRC)
Billary agreed and signed and now she wants to undue the rules, by using the people, lying and using people agains tpeople..
she is getting away with it again...
while every vote counts, why did she agree and signed..
and why i CNN like Limbaugh saying nothing about what she agreed with ???

you know she wont stop at that, even if they allowed FL and MI to be counted, if she does not have her way by stealing the nomination, she will the, move to sue the DNC, then Obama, then the whole country,
the billarys are like the rest of the rules in the world, they are so hungry for power that will stop at nothing, besides now they have finally publicily announced that they are paving the road for the princess chelsea since the king and queen are starting to have dementia......... (mmm lies...)

so, no matter what is done for FL and MI she will not rest, because it is not about the people_ it is about billary getting back into the white house, so that she can make millions, so that billy boo can have affairs with interns and so that chelsea has a secured political carreer, she loves the dynasty.............

CNn please report the facts, and these dont include your king and queen clinton..............

:-)

Jeanne, San Diego   May 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

I think the court will say that the DNC has the right to enforce it's own rules, which Florida violated. Florida & Michigan should be penalized. Having said that, I think Florida & Michigan will be seated in some fashion.

COUNT ALL VOTES   May 22nd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

CNN POST THIS PLEASE

If this is about popular votes...then lets count every vote. Not just Michigan and Florida but lets also count every caucus vote. I hope the DNC and everyone is reading this. If we are changing the rules to popular vote...then lets count my vote in IOWA.

Hillary..is smart, her supporters are smart.....lets count every vote.

THANK YOU!!!!

sozzi   May 22nd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Smells like the Clinton's...

Emeka, Florida   May 22nd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

The Florida voters should have gone to court to challenge the decision of their leaders in the first place. Its like people do not understand what agreements are in the first place. This is exactly similar to reneging on a peace agreement. I'm ashamed of Hillary and her supporters.

Emeka, Florida

D   May 22nd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Hillary is failing to acknowledge that she herself said the FL and MI votes wouldnt count. Now that she's losing, she is acting as if she wanted their votes to count from the beginning. I used to like Hillary a lot, and i still think she could make a good president, but it is the deceitful, hypocritical, do-whatever-you-can to win attitutde that is now making me support Obama.
Of course, when she does that, like the fake, populist, gas-holiday, some people buy it and keep supporting her. Its is not wonder she has the most support among the least educated.

Nando, Florida   May 22nd, 2008 4:00 pm ET

They will be seated when Barak tells them to be so when he is the Nominee!!!!!

Ben   May 22nd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Does it mean that one can break laws and rules as one facies?

Chris   May 22nd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Let me guess... this is "Sexism" and another reason why she "lost" – it's not "her" fault and she represents "all women" according to her.

/sigh

I have yet to see her congradulate Obama on any of his wins – he takes a moment to do this for her after every state she wins.

LifeLongDemocrat   May 22nd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

The unseating of the two delegatations is part of the continuing effort of Howard dean and others in the party to keep Hillary out of being the nominee. She was the presumptive nominee and no one else was in site. All of a sudden a bored senator with one year under his belt declares himself for the race and many party elders supported him.

My question is what do those elders want FROM him? AND, why did they want to keep a viable woman from the nomination. Sexism? MMMmmmmmm, maybe. It's been 24 years since a woman was on the ticket!

Do I have to wait another 24 years? I'll be long gone. What are you guys afraid of? That she'll outdo you?

Let's write-in Hillary and get her elected as an independent. I'm from Minnesota and Ventura ran as an independent and did it.

Write-in Hillary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Griff   May 22nd, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Justice must not only be done... It must be seen...... To be done..

Sarah L., Fayetteville, AR   May 22nd, 2008 3:58 pm ET

This is getting beyond ridiculous. Millions of people didn't vote in Florida because they knew the rules. There is no disenfranchisement here. There's not even a Constitutional right to a primary. What part of this is so difficult to understand?

Acting like this is somehow another "recount" is beyond stupid. Clinton isn't ahead in the popular vote–even with Florida. She's only making this case because she's losing and, in the process, she'll destroy the whole party with her.

sharon M   May 22nd, 2008 3:58 pm ET

The rules are the rules. They should not be changed, amended, deleted from etc... in the middle of the game. To ask for special privilege is really pushing the boundaries. Mrs. Clinton, although she is a female, must still abide by the RULES. No special privileges in this contest for being a WOMAN!

Obama 08' & 12'

Sara   May 22nd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

IMPEACH HILLARY CLINTON FROM THE SENATE!

Jatovi, NC   May 22nd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

In any other sport, padgent, business, court, and/ or function the rules are the rules. I ran track for years and I knew that if I stepped over the line in the or false started 3 times 100m dash, even by accident, I was disqualified. In Basketball if Shaq got 6 fouls, no matter how cheap, he is out of the game. The rules are the rules. I feel bad for the people who voted but they should not be mad at the canidates or even the DNC, they should be mad at the people who decided to break the rules. The craziest thing is that each party agreed to the rules so why at the "end of the game" do you get to change the rules? If you do isn't that stealing the election? If it isn't then explain to me how. Yes they voted but the front runner wasn't even on the ballot in MI so how is it even fair? To only point out that they voted doesn't make an argument. Why not a 55/45 split?

Jeff in Alabama   May 22nd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Regardless of what ever some party officials did or did not do in terms of party rules, the voters can not be punished for their actions. And their votes can not be deleted from the count.

Kaygee   May 22nd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

I hope when they finally get seated that they'll tell "Sweetie" to go take a walk and take all his empty slogans with him.

PJ   May 22nd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Sad Day – Then why the hell FL & MI agreed to the rules in the first place...Duh???

Kris   May 22nd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Don't you all get it? This is a Democratic society where all people get a chance to be heard. When this process is comprised, it can lead to corruption and control of the most sacred of rights.....the right to vote. The votes should be counted by law and it was Obama who did not stand by the people of Florida and Michigan. He should have left his name on the ballots and stood up for the right to vote. But then again, he is spineless. Don't blame Hillary for fighting for those votes, she has the right too and should feel obligated to the voters of those states to keep fighting. The DNC could cahnge their minds, it is within their power. If anyone should get kicked a good one, it is the DNC and the jerk Howard Dean.

David from Canada   May 22nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Between her unrealistic/unfair expectations for Florida and Michigan, her unfairly tagging Obama with genderism and Bill saying that Obama purposely pulled the race card (quite the opposite actually), the supers need to end this now, Hillary is acting reckless.

HATING FLORIDA   May 22nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

I'm in Orlando, they said the votes wouldn't count so I didn't vote. This is so unfair. EVERYBODY IN FLORIDA DID NOT VOTE BECAUSE WE WERE TOLD THE VOTES WOULD NOT COUNT. So it seems to follow the RULES THAT WERE AGREED UPON IN THE BEGGING IS THE WRONG THING TO DO. Nobody is mentioning us voters who even followed the rules right along with the candidates. SHAMEFUL, TODAY I'M BLAMING THE SUPERDELEGATES FOR LETTING THIS FOOLISHNESS CONTINUE.

Tim, Seattle   May 22nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Excuse me, but isnt the meeting on the 31st to seat them fairly?
More frivilous lawsuits...
This is just more of Hillary's MALIGNANT NARCISSISM

Jane L.   May 22nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

The sheer number of hate-filled remarks unleased by Obama people in the "Comments" to many of these CNN articles is frightening. I surely hope the superdelegates are taking a look. If nothing else, the kinds of people that Sen. Obama has attracted so many of should make any delegate pause before casting their vote for him.

Debby   May 22nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Dean is the biggest idiot he is ruining his party because he has a gripe with the Clintons. They had a resolution to do a revote that would have been paid for and Dean squashed it.

km   May 22nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

didn't someone already try this?

GC   May 22nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Has anyone asked about those voters who stayed home because they believe their votes would not count are feeling about this? Are they upset about these delegates not being seated? If this was so important why wasn't concerns voiced from the beginning?

What are we teaching our young? You may break the rules when it doesn't suit you? If MI & FL elect those fools back in office they deserve everything they get.

Linda from Prescott   May 22nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

When is this going to stop. What is wrong with people. This isn't a general election, it's a primary. Are you all willing to sacrifice the white house, I guess you are.

Hillary Clinton forgets to remember to mention she agreed to and approved of the rules...oh, but she was somewhat of the shoo in candidate at the time.

Geez louise.

Jamil - Dearborn, MI   May 22nd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

I think the lawyers who file this frivolous lawsuits should be disbarred. This is a party nominating process and not an election! How many different courts need to explain that the DNC is a private entity and not a government entity? This is explained in the first semester of law school!!!

On another note, now that Hillary realizes that she can't win even if FL and MI count, her new argument is that Obama should get 0 delegates out of MI since his name was not on the ballot. I'm sure that will go over real well with his supporters here in MI – over 12,000 showed up to his rally here 2 weeks ago.

Sante   May 22nd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

To Dona Brazil:
Mrs.Brazil, you look like smart woman; hoot two rabbets with one bullet;
Hillary/Obama ticket. for 4 years, than Obama/ somebody else.
Two American dreams achieved. Obama gets the experience.
/He can not afford the luxury of being a Primadona just write now and rejecting Clintons! Beside Clinton is a gigantic politician , respect HIM./

And you Mrs.Brazil are famous, probably office in two administrations

Chuks   May 22nd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

The Super delegates are not stupid. No matter what happens to deny OBAMA the nomination is the end of the democratic party. Forget other demographics of Obama alone and think of AA votes that is the base of the party in strategic regions of the SOUTH. Think long and hard and PRAY OBAMA wins the GE because we have a scapegoat to blame if he fails and its Hillary and supporters.

Its time for the democrats to decide if they ever want to win another election for the next 50 years or not. This is almost too shocking that BARACK is winning fair and square and the party that AA loves the most is trying to deny him. The democratic party has just dugged its own GRAVE and it remains to be seen if they will jump right in. My guess is YES they might jump in if un-educated people win.

And about Hillary? Forget it! she can't win anything and will never win anything again with her new crazy behavior. Now we know why Democrats are no different than Republicans. You all better pray Obama wins the GE! Pray and work hard!!

M Philllips   May 22nd, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Do the American people want a presidential nominee who agrees to one set of rules in writing and then uses threats and coercion to change those rules because she is losing? We will say nothing about her financial mismanagement or the playing of the race card( now the gender card)or the marvelously fluid southern diction. What's next Hillary? A hissy fit? Your craven behavior shames all women with their wits about them .And the super delegates are enabling this to continue. Shame on you!

Paul, Tampa, FL   May 22nd, 2008 3:53 pm ET

They should be suing Steven Geller who co-sponsored the legislation that violated the DNC rules. What a hypocrit and moron.

Carmen   May 22nd, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Hillary is making the claim that this will be like 2000...well, the decision makers who broke the rules should have cautioned just that. The rules are the rules, just as both candidates agreed to back when the rules were broken. Why is it Clinton didn't care so much about the votes or the people of FL then? I am so tired of people fighting just because it benefits them. If you're going to fight for something or someone, make it a selfless gesture.

obama - supporter - arkansas   May 22nd, 2008 3:53 pm ET

there is no limit to what the clintons will do
i knew when hillary mcbush went to fl she was going there to start all hell to break loose. hell we don't need the iraz was she has one going here. she still will loose and if she causes obama to loose in nov. she will never ever win. she is destroying our country.
HILLARY JUST STOP
DO YOU NOT HAVE A CONCENSE

Jane, College Park, Maryland   May 22nd, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Amazing how Clinton supporters feel they absolutely MUST have their way. Some people need to learn that rules were actually meant to be kept, especially if you signed on to it in the first place (MI, FL).
At the point, i think I prefer Karl Rove to the Clintons. I have never seen such a dangerous hunger for power. It must be why Sen Clinton agreed to remain married to Pres Clinton. If she does not get the Presidency, then she would have put up with his adultery for nothing.

It is indeed a sad state of affairs.

Beth in PA   May 22nd, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Some rules are meant to be broken.

Rosa Parks was right to break the rules that said a white man was inherently deserving of a better seat than her.

FL and MI are right to have broken the DNC's rules as well.

There is nothing special about the people in New Hampshire and Iowa. They are no more intelligent, no better at vetting presidential candidates than people from other states.

States that vote after Super Tuesday are tired of having the field narrowed for them, with no candidates left to vote for! We are sick of rubber stamping what the privelleged early voting states have already decided for us!

I applaud FL and MI for breaking these rules, and I'm glad that the race has been tight enough to shine a spotlight on their plight.

Whether they are seated or not, I hope that there is outcry for CHANGE after this primary season. I personally favor a system that would allow for regional primaries, rotating which region goes first every four years. This would certainly be more fair and democratic.

TC   May 22nd, 2008 3:52 pm ET

In other words, it's official that HRC is helping McCain's campaign.

People are you listening   May 22nd, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Announcement: FL and MI will be seated as is. Super delegates give the nomination to Hillary.

Hillary Supporter: About time the Dems do the right thing and give the nomination to the best Candidate. Obama supporter’s votes don’t count anyway. Obama wasn’t a good candidate because he wasn’t Hillary. Well now it is time for us to unite as a party behind the Democratic nominee. And if Obama is the great unifier, you will vote for Hillary because beating McCain is the most import thing.

18 million Obama Supporter:……………………………….(stunned silence)

Yep that is what it is going to be like if they steal this election from Obama.. The only difference is most of Obama supporters are not going to be hurting themselves when McCain is elected.

She's One Sorry Woman...   May 22nd, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Hillary is a Monster.. Scorched earth mentality.........................Sick of her..

Sheanne   May 22nd, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Neither candidate campaigned in Florida. Since Obama ran TV ads there and his name was on the ballot the vote should stand. He lost and just can't accept it.

SLO Bear   May 22nd, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Superdelegates need to watch the slithering of Clinton's surrogates as she tries to steal this incrementally. Courage, already!

Sad Day for America   May 22nd, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Any rule that takes a voice away from a tax-paying American citizen should be illegal in the first place.

Oh and "Hillary Is Scary As Hell" – buh-bye. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

ATLian   May 22nd, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Go ahead and seat them. She will still be behind.

Debbie,NJ   May 22nd, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Keep this up democrats. McCain may as well go on vacation until Nov at this rate. The Dems will be fighting until then. The DNC should bring a lawsuit against Hillary for creating this chaos because she is looking for a way to win. If she doesn't win, the Dems don't win. SHe'll do everything in her power to make sure of it. This is a primary, not a general elections. Popular votes alone done't win the primary. She doesn't even have the popular vote. COunt the caucus state votes and Obama wipes her out with FL and MI.

joe   May 22nd, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Neither candidate campaigned in Florida or Michigan, and these primaries were run well before all the media attention put the candidates positions in print. So how can anyone say with a straight face that the results were based on informed voters? We were all told that these two primaries were beauty contests and would not count – please don't tell us that we were lied to.

Nita   May 22nd, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Take Obama's nomination away from him and watch the world go in complete outrage...

Von Bismark VIENNA   May 22nd, 2008 3:50 pm ET

SHAME ON THE CLINTONS!

Anonymous   May 22nd, 2008 3:49 pm ET

R.I.P., Democratic party. It was good while it lasted.

steveda - poconos   May 22nd, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Wait... the entertainment is just beginning!!! This is Hillary's last stand. If she loses in the Rules Committee she loses everything. The fact that she is willing to cause this great a rift in the party, and convince millions of democrats that their party has disenfranchised them says it all. She is not a Democrat, she is a ME-crat. She could care less about the party, she only cares for herself and her career.

Up until this, I was willing to accept her as a potential VP candidate, but now, sorry, I have no use for this woman. Based on these actions i would be surprised if the remaining superdelegates didn't come out and end this thing now to stop the damage she is causing.

NickNas   May 22nd, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Well SCREW the rules and Laws of this country. If Florida gets ANY Special Treatment after it was THEY who chose their own Fate then EVERY MAN WOMAN AND CHILD in the US should be able to get out of ANY contract ANY Agreement and disobey ANY LAW!!!

These people are all acting like spoiled children and entitled pitiful losers.

TAKE RESPOSIBLITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS AND QUIT CRYING ABOUT IT!!! GROW UP!!!

Florida USED to be known as a great Vacation spot now it is known as THE STATE THAT CANNOT EVEN RUN A SIMPLE ELECTION.

unions are not stupid   May 22nd, 2008 3:48 pm ET

cut there delegates by half same as the GOP. Award them 50/50 and call it a day! lets keep in mind here that Sen Clinton only cares about her presidential bid she cares nothing of voters right she made that clear when she said those small states don't matter and she is screaming that she is ahead in the popular vote only way she is if you don't count any of the peoples votes in caucus states .

Go Obama 08 Yes We Can

Edgar - Orlando, Florida   May 22nd, 2008 3:48 pm ET

scared of Hillary that you want to split the delegates 50/50 – Obama supporters are wimps and no match for real tough/mean Republican machine – Get ready.

Chris   May 22nd, 2008 3:48 pm ET

If Hillary lost both states, what would she say then?

She played by the same rules as every other candidate and agreed to them in recorded interviews (let alone most of her campaign came up with the rules)

Additionally, many of Obama's supporters didn't come out in either state because their votes wouldn't count. Since many of his supporters are "first time" voters, there's probably an even bigger chance Obama might have won one or both states.

teesha   May 22nd, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Hillary, you agree with the rules now because you are losing you want change the rules in the middle of a game. Hope this mess will turn against you cheater..

ovitshio Branco from New Mexico   May 22nd, 2008 3:47 pm ET

What does it mean;
it will barely dent Barack's delegate lead and if superdelegates keep falling behind him, Hillary may wake up Wednesday to find herself even further behind in the delegate math.
With that said, it is time that we start behaving as USAmericans and not as White, Black, Hispanic, Jewish, Catholic, male, female, blue-collar, white-collar, college-educated, etc. individuals. In case you haven't been paying attention, foreclosures are sweeping the nation and have affected EVERY demographic CNN tracks (to our disadvantage); our infrastructure is crumbling; the price for necessities such as food and fuel are skyrocketing; we are fighting wars on multiple fronts and our military is stretched thin; later this year Medicare will begin paying out more than it takes in (the same is projected to happen to Soc Sec. in 2017). With all of this going on, watching many of you act like high school kids up for the prom queen/king ("I won't vote for her/him because his supporters insulted my candidate…") would be hilarious if it weren't so scary. Wise up people: vote for a candidate because you believe in their policies and that they will improve upon the current conditions. Regardless of who loses, all three candidates are wealthy and elite and you'll never see them at your local bowling alley, bar, shooting range or gas station.
It's time that we remember, for which it stands, the 'Unite' in the United States of America. "United we stand, divided…"; I'm sure you can finish that

Marc   May 22nd, 2008 3:47 pm ET

The Party can't stop the votes being added. That resides at the Federal Level.

GULF WAR VET   May 22nd, 2008 3:46 pm ET

I'm sure they'll be more to come when she losses. She'll find something else to complain about and then try to file a more law suits.

I know she feels entitled to the nominee but she forgot to tell Obama

Talking about sore loser

The Austrian   May 22nd, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Suing the wrong people. I agree that it's unfair to punish the voters for the mistakes of Michigan's/Florida's Democratic Party, but it is equally unfair for the delegates to sue the DNC, especially when they weren't the ones who screwed up.

To Michigan and Florida: You want justice? Hold your elected officials accountable–the ones who moved the primary dates and broke the rules–and claim justice for yourself. It's YOUR responsibility.

Rod   May 22nd, 2008 3:45 pm ET

So based on previous experience this lawsuit won't mean much. It doesn't suprise me. Florida clearly broke the rules. It was based on Republicans in Florida messing up the date but still Florida broke the rules. It would be nice if we could start some litigation against the real culprits like the state Governor of Florida who is an idiot. If that man becomes Mccain's running mate I predict a mega loss for Mccain of epic proportions.

Hillary Is Scary As Hell   May 22nd, 2008 3:45 pm ET

I'm about to become an Independent and be done with the Democratic Party for the rest of my natural adult life.

AZM   May 22nd, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Gotta love this party... if the laws don't suit them... go to court... ha ha...

It's like 2000 all over againg... only the same party fighting.... AAARRRGGGG.... when is this going to stop!

Adam, Los Angeles   May 22nd, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Florida is getting on my last nerve! Can we vote them out of the union?

MLH   May 22nd, 2008 3:44 pm ET

What is so hard to understand here? This was a Democratic primary – not a general election. The party gets to make the rules, the candidates agreed to abide by the rules, end of story. This is yet another symptom of the 'the rules don't apply to me' syndrome that has infected this country.

jim t   May 22nd, 2008 3:43 pm ET

50/50

OBAMA '08

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