May 23, 2008
Posted: 04:00 PM ET

From
Obama is looking to claim the crucial swing state of Florida this fall.
Obama is looking to claim the crucial swing state of Florida this fall.

SUNRISE, Florida (CNN) – Democrat Barack Obama said Friday that he wishes he could have spent more time in Florida over the past few months when DNC rules prevented Democrats from campaigning in the Sunshine State.

"We've had a great three days here in Florida," the Illinois senator said, "and I regret that we couldn't have campaigned here earlier, but I promise you we're gonna make up for some lost time."

Speaking at his last event on his first campaign swing through the state since long before the Iowa caucuses, Obama told the Florida crowd that "Florida Democrats will be seated" at the Democratic convention in August.

"Your voices will be heard," said Obama, "and most importantly we will work together to make sure that Florida goes Democrat in November, and so does the rest of the country."

On Saturday the White House hopeful will campaign in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory that holds one of the final contests of the primary season.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Florida


Noemi in Los Angeles, CA   May 23rd, 2008 9:02 pm ET

Thank you Obama!!

Thank you for being the only politician in the face of this nation to actually fight against old Washington in the name of change! We do need change in the way our government runs our country and only YOU can accomplish this. When we hear you Obama, and we know that everything is possible. Through you, we have once again faith in our government and our country.

God Bless you!!

KE   May 23rd, 2008 9:01 pm ET

The Hillary News — don't be shocked the media decides the tone and everybody kind of have to follow. Hillary people are too sensitive. One thing we can learn from the Obama people they are tough (although they know how to play victim too).

Carl   May 23rd, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Have you democrats figured out that none of your votes are really heard at the convention… sure you vote, but the superdelegates will swing your vote 20%…

Cindy, FL   May 23rd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Barack, we do not need you here in Florida. Go away.

Boston for OBAMA   May 23rd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

We applaud you Senator Obama for you high moral values. Florida voters will welcome you once they get to see and hear your powerful voice. You make us proud.

Allison Marie   May 23rd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Wow, I thought he had issues with pledges.! Yes, and I have heard ways to seat them, as to count them, but not! Waiting till the convention to seat them, give the notion, that they don't really matter at all.

Count ALL the votes!!!!!!!!!!!

****************Florida Demands Representation**********************

*********Go Hillary Go**********************************************

Uncounted in Florida

AoA   May 23rd, 2008 8:55 pm ET

This November, we will elect the last American President. The new age will begin shortly after the '12 election and that president elect will serve as regional representative for North America in the New World Council.

All American   May 23rd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

There is nothing Obama can say to change my mind. I will not vote for the lier. I am from Michigan and he would not let my vote be counted no matter what was propsed ,he objected. Well guess what ! I will never vote for him in November, Never! And I do not want to hear this s— about breaking up the party. The Democrate party has been broken up and a big mess for the last twenty years. and it is thier own doing. So don't lay any bull on me. And if the people of Flordia is smart they will stand firm against him and send the Democrates a message. And if Obama can't get elected it's becouse people don't like him.

Lourdes   May 23rd, 2008 8:51 pm ET

This was a great rally. The arena was packed with people of all ages, races, and faiths. It was beautiful. Florida will pull for our democratic nominee!!

JANE WALLS   May 23rd, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Obama all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andrea in Miami   May 23rd, 2008 8:48 pm ET

I attended the rally in Sunrise. It was a packed house!!

I wish there would be more coverage about Obama's ideas about a youth service corps/college scholarship idea, the idea of cuitting off the lobbyists and special interests, his ideas on diplomatic negotations, and more.

It was pouring rain, on a Friday afternoon 4pm Memorial Day weekend.. and the arena was quite full. We were in the nosebleed seats (a bunch of teachers who had to wait for school to let out so we could rush over to hear Obama speak)

JANE WALLS   May 23rd, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Hillary I voted twice for Bill, I had in mind to vote for you. but when people such as yourself stay in a race that you lost already just for spite, I have no respect fo them. You're not in for the people you're in it for yourself, and you alone; because for some crazy reason you think this election belongs to you. I think you are selfish and disrespectful and if people that vote for you don't see this they are either blind, prejudice, or just plain insane. You lose my vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David D Kollie   May 23rd, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Go at head Obama.
Make the people of Florida understand that you are law abiding. Your words are true. You taught the constitution and you abide by the laws in it. You alsoe know that the DNC Bylaws should be honored and respected regardless what the circumstances might. Explain yourself that you were not against anybody in particular. But you were following the rules of the DNC.

Vero Beach Resident   May 23rd, 2008 8:42 pm ET

What the WORLD needs to know is that Clinton would have NEVER 'won' Florida had there been a REAL and COUNTED primary election there!

So many of my friends and family didn't even bother to vote in the 'primary' that was held because they were told that those votes would NOT be counted toward the nomination process!

Obama has a GREAT deal of support in Florida! And he will carry that state in November – let there be NO mistake!

Florida For Obama!!! '08

yns   May 23rd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

What a hypocit? He has done all he can to not seat their delegates! Now he wants them to support him! LOL, and still LOL

tell the truth   May 23rd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

put every state in play Obama. Just like you did in the primary. Obama knows how to win. He has be fighting Bush,GOP,McCain,Bill,Hilliary, and their daughter and he is win. One person is winning.

Bill, Covington   May 23rd, 2008 8:36 pm ET

It would be nice if the obama would tell us where he found those extra seven states he visited. He did say "I HAVE VISITED ALL 57 STATES"
It would also be exciting to hear in what capacity he is going to utilise
the talent of the grand and glorious MAXINE WATERS who is going socialist and ig going to tahe over all the oil companys to be government operated. And the Gov. of Kansas, who jusy vetoed a new refinery, on his short list for VP. They will do whatever is necessary to bring the country down. They have not yet learned, SOCIALISM DOES NOT WORK.
Thomas Jefferson was right when he said that "what this country needs is a Revolution every 20 years" We are way overdue and this is as good a time as any for a correction.

Florida Gets It   May 23rd, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Obama you are not going to fool the people of Florida. We will not support you in November because you tried to block our votes merely because Clinton won our primary.

If Obama ends up with the nomination, then I'm writing Clinton in on my ballot in November. She is qualified, she is experienced, she supported the re-vote effort, she won the most votes this primary season, and she would make the best President.

No to Obama.

joe   May 23rd, 2008 8:31 pm ET

This confirms what I said that Hillary has a major drinking problem!!

sam   May 23rd, 2008 8:31 pm ET

Is there any possibility that Obama is campaigning in Florida not only for the General Election but because he believes that there will be a revote following the May 31st Democratic Committee's meeting? Intersted to find out…

Florida Voters   May 23rd, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Don't waste your time. We don't want you here.
GO AWAY – FLORIDA WILL NOT VOTE FOR YOU NEVER

Slick Obama   May 23rd, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Obama you are the slickest politician I've ever seen. No one can make any statements concerning history without you pulling out the "I'm offended" tactic. You twist Clinton's words. You jump on Republicans for questioning your wife's comments. Apparently, no one can say anything in this country if it in any way casts a negative view of you or your staff. Stop playing the race card. It's pathetic. I'm shocked that a liberal democratic candidiate won't allow anyone to speak without fear of being labeled a racist or otherwise by Obama.

America, we deserve better than Obama.

Venus   May 23rd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Way to go Bam! Just lay if on the table and tell the truth!

Hillary should be taking notes on how to run a campaign and how to win!

Stay safe Bam!

stayingathomewoman   May 23rd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

first he was against it, now he is for florida's votes. What a joke he is! Floridens are not stupid

Reality Bites   May 23rd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Obama the citizens of Florida will not fall for your fake lines and insincerety. You blocked the revote efforts.

You will lose Florida in November if you are the nominee.

Chula   May 23rd, 2008 8:24 pm ET

TOO LATE…….Obama didn't want to count the votes and made it clear.

No matter what happens Florida will NOT vote for Obama.

NO OBAMA

Sunshine State   May 23rd, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Obama will lose Florida in November. Clinton would win Florida in November. Shame on the DNC and Obama for blocking the revote efforts and shame on the DNC for stripping all of Florida's delegates when the rules only provided for removing 1/2 of the pledged delegates.
The DNC has been trying to block Clinton's nomination from the start and has been bolstering up Obama's campaign. Florida and Michigan were no accident but rather an attempt to stop Clinton's nomination. Shame on Obama for disenfranchising voters by blocking revote efforts.

Moe, NY   May 23rd, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Obama….if you are as smart as I think you are….you best bring on Hillary as VP…enough said!

Nia   May 23rd, 2008 8:22 pm ET

PS, for all the votes lost on people who will not vote on you based off of appereances (race and gender), there are twice as many folks in the more cultured areas of IN, WV, KY and PA who will, just reach out to them more.

Obama 08

Nia   May 23rd, 2008 8:20 pm ET

I think it would also be good to make up time in WV, KY and the urban portions of PA and IN for good measure. Shouldn't give people another tired excuse not to vote for you Mr. O. On another note…I'm with you all the way!!

Really   May 23rd, 2008 8:20 pm ET

How dare you say that Obama. You blocked all revote efforts in Florida. Now you try to act like you wish you could have campaigned in Florida. Do you think the voters are that stupid?!. We know you prevented a revote because you knew you would lose. So you would rather disenfranchise voters in order to win.

Shameless. You are sleazy.

Olivia   May 23rd, 2008 8:16 pm ET

If Obama is so set on having the FL delegates seated, then why did he block the revote when everyone elsed okayed it and the money raised?

This man is all BS. Don't be fooled by this sweet-talking arrogant phony. It makes me mad to see the way he twists and turn, playing people like puppets, treating us like fools.
I see him……so do a lot of people.
He is no match for Hillary. He is good at playing on peoples' emotions and reving up a crowd. All talk…and a lot of promises, so far.

Susan   May 23rd, 2008 8:15 pm ET

We hope FL votes for Hillary Clinton.

She is experienced, for all the people, and a fighter,

She has spoken for FL!

Hillary 08

Michigan Voter !!!   May 23rd, 2008 8:15 pm ET

LARRY SINCLAIR IS WAITING FOR YOU THERE !!!!!

HE'S GOT THE LIMO ALL WARMED UP !!!!!

58 old white ladies for OBAMA   May 23rd, 2008 8:14 pm ET

IF FLORIDA HAD THEIR ELECTION TODAY, HILLARY WOULD

HAVE AN UNPLEASANT SURPRISE.

BIG ED   May 23rd, 2008 8:14 pm ET

Clinton is a politician who's presumably in touch with the world at large. The parallels between Obama and the Kennedies have been legion. People are worried for his safety. She should have known better than to place herself in this position

Justice   May 23rd, 2008 8:14 pm ET

Ok, now he promises to seat them. 2 mos. ago, he blocked efforts to do so… what's up? He's campaigned for 3 days now, so perhaps now he feels he has a better chance?

If it smells like a fish… it IS a fish!

David Goldman for OBAMA   May 23rd, 2008 8:13 pm ET

IF OBAMA CAMPAIGNED IN FLORIDA, HILLARY WOULD LOSE.

Joann   May 23rd, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Go ahead and make up your time since you were the only one that followed the RULES.

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   May 23rd, 2008 8:12 pm ET

TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM.

H   May 23rd, 2008 8:10 pm ET

DON'T BOTHER COMING TO FLORIDA – WE LOVE HILLARY – SHE IS NUMBER 1 AND IS THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. LOOK AT HOW MANY VOTES SHE GOT IN FLORIDA AND YOU WERE ON THE BALLOT. SO ENOUGH IS ENOUGH PLEASE LEAVE US ALONG.

HILLARY 08/12

silence do good   May 23rd, 2008 8:07 pm ET

The empty preppy suit speaks. "Sorry I didn't stand up for a revote – I am uh, changing my mind (maybe) now – but hey can I have some money".

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