Comments on: Democrats' late night session falls short on MI, FL delegations

By: bj-Houston - TX

bj-Houston - TX — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:01:08 +0000

Florida and Michigan was an issue before the primaries and still is an issue: If anything, what is the rule on those who violate the rule of law? In the event that Democratic rules stipulated that there was not to be primary in those states as aerly as they were held, obviously they violated the stipulated governing law of Democratic party and any body who participated knowingly they wre going against the laid down rules must face the music including the presidential candidates involved who should know better. The candidates must have known better not to have their names on the ballot. No excuse! If leniency is to be applied to sit the delegates, whoever violated these rules by leaving their names on ballot...the ratio should be for violators 1/3 to 2/3 votes for non violators.

By: Udhawuve Michael

Udhawuve Michael — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:19:36 +0000

Clinton should be ashamed of herself for trying to betray the party's rule which she initially had agreed to. shows she capable of any dispicable behavior and should not be trusted with the us presidency. she lacks integrity, and a desperate power drunk. Bill should also be ashame being a former president and a world leader to be playing these dirty politics along with hillary.

pls, all superdelages should take a position now and knock out this despot of a hillary. otherwise be ready to welcome John to the white house.

Mike.

By: r dadufalza

r dadufalza — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:18:02 +0000

I don't understand it. When I give my children rules, if they break them, they get punished. No Ifs, Ands or Buts. The way I see it, rules were described by the DNC that were applicable to all states regarding when they are able to hold their respective primaries. Not all states followed the rules, so, MI and FL were punished, per the DNC rules, for not following instructions. The Democratic candidates were instructed not to campaign there and it was determined that those states' delegates would bear the consequence of the state's actions; they are not being seated at the Democratic National Convention. Plain and simple, my children can understand that. Clinton and Obama understood the rules at the time, not campaining in those states, Obama even removing his name from the ballot in MI. Seemed like both candidates agreed that the state's punishment was reasonable since they broke the rules. Fast forward to today. There is a meeting of the DNC to try and come to a resolution to the issue of seating the delegates from FL and MI. Forgive me if I am stating the obvious, but it is just that that confounds me. Now Clinton is crying foul? What, what what! Now there is a problem with the seating of the delegates? I agree, the voters of those states need to be represented. It was not by their design that their delegates are not being seated. I don't see this as punishing the voters, I see this as punishing the institution that BROKE THE RULES. HOW HARD IS THAT TO UNDERSTAND! YES, the DNC needs to determine how best to represent the voters in MI and FL. YES the voters deserve to have their voices heard. But what twisted, backwards thinking country are we living in if we can't agree and acknowledge that the problem was first caused by FL and MI not following the rules? I can't wait for Obama to be elected as our Commander in Chief. He represents everything that I have understood America to be. My father was an immigrant from the Philippines, came to Guam after the war for opportunity. He worked hard for everything he needed. He met my mother and raised 5 kids on a single income. He also managed to make enough money to help the family back in the Philippines. He is living his American dream in Guam. Sometimes I feel that statesiders don't understand that. I feel that a lot of what we in the states have is taken for granted. It seems like everyone is looking for the easy way. It is not ridiculous to dream big. These petty squabbles and potshots we Americans are taking at each other are helping to distract from the issues that should really matter. Sometimes I think we Americans have forgotten what those issues should be. Peace!

By: Kell Ca

Kell Ca — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:15:19 +0000

Obama leads Clinton by 202 delegates. He needs 41 more to clinch the nomination.

what else is there to know.

It's clear the people have spoken. Obama is the choice.

Fl and Mich broke the rules. AND Hillary signed the agreement not to seat these votes.

its just because she is losing.

Obama'08

By: Donovan, Brownstown, MI

Donovan, Brownstown, MI — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:11:15 +0000

I LOVE how the Clinton Cultists want ALL of the votes in MI and FL counted ... ALL the delegates seated ... when Obama wasn't even on the ballot! Hmmm ... millions of votes to ZERO?!? Don't think so Clinton Cultists! It's not going to happen. Even MENTIONING that fiasco of an idea just shows how low you people will stoop to SLEAZE your way into the White House! You Clinton Cultists are just as bad as Rove!

By: Jan

Jan — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:08:49 +0000

Highly doubt that the DNC can make a decision and stick to it; if that were the case, this discussion wouldn't be happening. If this is any indication of how dems plan on running the country; this raises serious concerns. It will help the GOP.

By: Ben

Ben — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:06:01 +0000

How can the Democrat Representatives in the State of Florida ever be respected when way back in 2007 they could have solved this avoidable problem.....Shame on Floridas Reps. Sorry for the voters, HRC and Obama.

By: Leftfromthestart

Leftfromthestart — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:01:40 +0000

So Howard Dean is mad at the media. So what? I'm mad at Howard Dean--and I'm not even part of the media. TODAY is when the Rules Committee makes decisions; it was not supposed to be decided last night in some backroom deal. Those of us who want to vote for change in November are constantly reminded by Democrats that when we run Congress we don't get anything done, we can't even run our party (if we did we'd say the rules don't change and MI and FL don't get one delegate because they broke the rules), and we cut deals behind closed doors. I am about one day away from going Green Party this year.

By: Jeff, Huntington Beach, CA

Jeff, Huntington Beach, CA — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:59:38 +0000

If Hillary somehow manages to pull off getting the DNC to bend to her will, I will lose all faith in the political process. After George W's 2000 coup in Florida, they should be rising above, not showing that the Democrats are no better than the Republicans. Unfortunately, Hillary has shown herself to be just like the man she is trying to replace... same character, differant stripe. She has her own Carl Rove.

By: Tom, Boston MA

Tom, Boston MA — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:59:37 +0000

these bozos are fake democrats dispatched by karl rove and his neocon masters, to manipulate the election process.

By: Georgia

Georgia — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:57:13 +0000

Obama did not follow all the rules. The rules did not require him to take his name off the ballot and he did run ads and post signs in Florida. -Count ALL the votes do not apportion any votes to Obama that were not specifically cas t for him. You cannot make a judgement about who voters would have voted for if the circumstances were different.

The DNC should never havbe made these rules they were only trying to "fix" the race for Obama. It back fired. WRITE IN HILLARY!

By: Suziku

Suziku — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:56:52 +0000

Why on earth should hillary be rewarded for NOT going by the rules?!
Once again she cheated and now wants to somehow win based on the bogus numbers she "thinks" she has. Obama followed the rules, took his name off the ballot in Michigan as required, she did NOT, he did NOT campaign in Florida, she did! If anything, she should be punished! She has turned into, or maybe always has been, the most egotistical, dishonest, self entitled, nasty, whining witch and IF they allow her to somehow steal the nomination from Obama I think the Democratic party will lose thousands of members and there would be a revolt in this country. The longer this goes on the more hillary and her crazy supporters divide the party and the country! BE GONE HILLARY!

By: Louise from NY

Louise from NY — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:45:02 +0000

Obama played by the rules. We teach children rules are rules not made to be broken. Clinton needs to live with the decision.

She and Her husband can no longer expect to have their way. They have not always played by the rules and got away with it. This must end now.

Go Obama!!! Our country needs change. Now is the beginning.

By: What if?

What if? — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:43:50 +0000

During the debate, didn't Senator Jordon, parents also tell her she is always to follow the rules?

By: Vy, California

Vy, California — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:41:43 +0000

STick to the Rules the RULEs are the Rules!!! Clinton agreed and so did ALL for supporters in that room!!!

Now she cried fowl and is trying to use this to look like the defender of democracy. IF you were ahead, Clinton, you wont even remember that Florida and MI existed. Shame on you and your supporters in that room saying it should be counted as is and ZERO to Obama. You shameless lot!

Next time, fight at the begining when they wanted you to sign and agree. Stop wasting the nations' time. You old bag

By: Sally Rider

Sally Rider — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:39:48 +0000

What's interesing is that the Democrats do their dirty work behind closed doors, and then have a dog-and-pony show where they can feed the results to their rank and file party members.

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:36:12 +0000

I don't think they should be allowed to be seated at all. They were penalized for holding early ballots. It is not fair because Barack Obama kept his name off Michigan ballots . He did everything he was suppose to do, and now we have Hillary Clinton whining like a ousted child, because she wants the votes it is the only way she thinks she will come out ahead.

Leave it be. It is not fair.

By: LB

LB — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:34:54 +0000

Voter supression and the supression of voter choice were consequences of the DNC rules committee decision that the primaries of Florida and Michigan would not count. So the results of these primaries were not fair and representative of the people of either state. The delegates should NOT be seated based on the 'tainted' results of the primaries. This is not fair to any of the voters in our country.
You cannot 'count every vote' when you cannot account for votes that were supressed.
The democratic leaders in Florida sold out their primary for the sake of getting a paper trail for future elections. That was wrong. That was a violation of the rules and it was a trade that they should be held accountable for. The paper trail was important but it should have been fought for... I am angry that the democratic leaders do not own any responsibility for what happened with Florida.
No delegates should be seated based on the tainted primaries.
The rules committee should stand by its initial ruling. It had too many consequences to be undone.
Find a way to seat the delegates for the sake of party unity that IS NOT BASED ON TAINTED AND UNREPRESENTATIVE PRIMARIES.

By: NickNas

NickNas — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:34:39 +0000

One thing is BLAREINGLY Clear about this whole thing.

The only reason why these people are doing this is to help Hillary. ALL they want is Hillarys votes to count. NONE of Obamas and NO arguments at all about Obama Voters who did not get to vote for him. This is ALL A Hillary Clinton exercise 100%

By: Anne

Anne — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:34:20 +0000

so much hue and cry now from Clintons followers but where were they also all these months after Hilary signed to say the votes WOULD NOT count when Hilary never cared if the votes were counted. Its only once she started losing and crying and having a childish tantrum wanting them that her followers decided they also were suddenly robbed of their votes. People if you cared so much where were you months ago when the agreement was signed???? Obviously off like Hilary having selective amnesia.

By: mama coo

mama coo — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:32:43 +0000

Speaking of the media. They do nothing to dispel the myth that somehow Senator Clinton did not follow the rules regarding the Primaries in Michigan and Florida. The rules were no campaigning. Period. Obama fans claim constantly that she has somehow done something wrong by keeping her name on the ballot in Michigan. That was not against the rules! She along with a few others did nothing. Obama, Edwards and whoever else specifically had to remove their names. She was smart, give her credit. In Florida, all were on the ballot. Why didn't they remove their names from that ballot? Obama had ads running, that was against the rules but you never hear people say anything about that. Clinton held a speech AFTER the polls closed. People who were going to vote did, note the numbers. Those didn't and probably weren't going to. Obama 's people claim that people had to get to know him. Believe me Clinton has had no big advantage in name recognition over Obama in Michigan, Florida or anywhere else. She continues to struggle to separate herself from being Bill Clinton's wife rather than Senator Clinton running for President on her own right. Something most Obama fan don't give her credit for.

By: Patrick Coady

Patrick Coady — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:32:10 +0000

Florida s/b cut to 50% and let Clinton have her delagates... Obama gets his and Edwards. The uncommitted votes in Michigan go to Obama and 50% are seated [or each = 1/2 vote]. Throw in all of the Superdelagates and their mommas and Clinton's still in Obama's rear view mirror. Let's get on with the Party. Nice try Hill.

By: Dr. Vincent Petrosino

Dr. Vincent Petrosino — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:32:08 +0000

Would someone please tell me HOW Clinton's supporters can justify a demand to seat all delegates in Michigan and Florida when they know that Obama followed the rules and the voting was skewed? What is wrong with these people? What is wrong with Hillary? Either you agree to follow DNC rules or you donot. Don't these people see the unfairness in this? Is this how ethical we can expect a Clinton to be? It does not matter how you win but just win no matter what! The DNC should be rewarding Obama and his people for following the rules and not backing down at the last minute. This is the exact way we misdiscipline children. We say one thing, lay out the consequences and then back down when the howling gets too loud.
What wusses the DNC has become!

By: Obamamaniac

Obamamaniac — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:31:14 +0000

once again, the media FAILS to recognize the fact that hillary herself is just as much to blame for the disqualification of florida and michigan's delegates! this is due to the fact that she signed an agreement stating that they would not be counted if the states broke dnc rules. so everyone in these states who views hillary as his/her savior needs to understand that she's doing it simply to win. period.

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:31:09 +0000

This is all going to end in very bad taste and the whole process is going to make the USA look even worse than ever. The DNC will pander to HRC as most of those "high up" in the DNC did not expect or want Obama to be the nominee. At the time, no one was worried 'cos HRC was ahead. Now those in power in the DNC see the FL and MI case(s) as one last chance to help HRC over the top, which is what was "planned" and "expected" all along - her being the nominee that is. Somehow, HRC is going to be "given" the nomination in spite of being beaten and it'll all be made to look "right" and "legal" following a new interpretation of the "rules". Obama is the USA's best hope to move forward and from the brink of falling into a very dark period but he'll be ousted by the more "powerful" and the world will look on and groan and laugh (maybe) and loose even more respect for a once all-powerful nation. Oh how the mighty fall. Not just Clinton, McCain, Obama but the USA as a whole. Sad, but the whole world still looks on with a little hope and faith.

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:30:57 +0000

Leave it be. It is not fair.

By: KG

KG — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:30:50 +0000

The votes in Florida were just as fair as a Caucas , so give them as they are. obama campaigned in Florida by putting adds on TV so he acutally broke the rules anyway.VOTE HILLARY THE BETTER CHOICE!!!

By: Doofus

Doofus — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:29:30 +0000

I am a Florida resident who takes voting VERY seriously .I had nothing to do with the decision to advance the date of the primary so why should I be penalized for the stupidity of others?

By: David

David — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:27:24 +0000

If those idiots, and I am an avid Democrat and supporter of the DNC. But if those idiots take away even 50% if the delegates, I will not support the DNC in November.

By: stephen oche

stephen oche — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:27:21 +0000

Clinton shouild step down for Obama, She is only trying to destroy her party.

By: Phillip Bunn

Phillip Bunn — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:25:29 +0000

Hillary Clinton just "can't" believe that she is not going to be president. I mean, after all, SHE is Bill Clinton's wife. She thinks we should just give it to her on that basis alone. And, to be beat by an African-American, well . . . . she doesn't mind patronizing minorities, but to elect an African-American to the highest office in the land when we have the opportunity to get screwed by yet another Clinton? She is a racist, who would pay Uncle Tom very well, and even refer to him "affectionately," but would always keep him subservient to "Miss Hillary."

By: Jason Vieyra-Preston

Jason Vieyra-Preston — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:23:47 +0000

You gave Obama's case a one-sentence paragraph; you also said the two rogue states "were penalized," past tense, as though they've already suffered some sort of penalty for flaunting rules they'd agreed to follow. Your bias is clear; I hope you're not too saddened when Obama comes out of this as the nominee.

By: John

John — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:23:02 +0000

I suggest that everyone in the DNC meeting take a few minutes and be very still as they seek inner guidance for settling the Florida, Michigan matter. Seek for what is best for all concerned and then follow through in a harmonious manner. There is a right solution for this and if they will do the right thing, it will be revealed to them. Most of all, they should put aside petty differences and seek for harmony and that which is right and good.

By: Ray Ito

Ray Ito — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:22:41 +0000

In a boxing fight in which one fighter is so pumelled, with swollen blood-dripping eyes, always staggering from the floor, but refuses to give up the fight, the referee has the right to step in and stop the fight or disaster will happen.

It's understandable that the Clintons – because of their name recognition may consider it an affront to be easily defeated by a relatively newcomer to the political scene. For this reason, they will want to show that they are "tough" but it gets to a time when preserving an enduring legacy overrides all other considerations.

They will be highly respected if it's perceived that their actions did not destroy the party but actually solidified it. This can be achieved if they gracefully exit this protracted campaign when it has become obvious that the possibility of their capturing the nomination is elusive.

Who will not call them heroes when they channel all their resources to support the obvious nominee (Obama) who is well-positioned to capture the White House?

By listening to their so-called "supporters" who want to fight forever, they are feasting with the devil who wants to steal their legacy away.

Clintons, listen to your supporters who are saying: you've fought a good fight – well done. These have good intentions toward you.

By: Lindsay in CA

Lindsay in CA — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:21:39 +0000

Anything other than a 50/50 split in Michigan is completely unfair. Why bother with a democracy if you can't follow rules???

By: Jeanne Linley

Jeanne Linley — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:21:37 +0000

It wouldn't be fair to switch the rules now which would penalize Obama, who abided by the rules in Michigan and Florida in their primaries.

By: 2012

2012 — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:21:02 +0000

"Democrats' late night session falls short....."

Not surprising......maybe a few of those little blue pills would help.

By: Jerry Lee

Jerry Lee — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:21:01 +0000

Only Hillary could win this way and walk away with a smug smile on her face. If she is not the most immoral, polarizing, egocentric and selfish politicain I have ever seen in my 55 years, (Bar none) I don't know who is. She makes Nixon look good.

If anyone thinks she would go on to win the general election and govern effectively you are gender crazy.

Watch how quickly she drops the loyalty to all the women who are working so hard for her. She'll take from you and walk away with a smile as she would do to the Democratic party.

By: jimmy

jimmy — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:20:36 +0000

oh sad america!you are still a country full of racism as back at 19th.so many whites wanted to prevent a black man to win the nomination or at least diminish his chances in general elction.

By: JJ in NY

JJ in NY — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:17:11 +0000

I guess queens don't have to follow the rules, even if they agreed to the rules . And since hillary sees herself as a Queen, rules don't apply to her.... only to others who aren't as royal or elite as she is .

By: Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:16:56 +0000

Try a novel approach and follow the rules you made rather than craft some "halfsies" do-over– no delegates seated, no votes counted, millions of Americans hosed over by the "progressives".

By: Eric in CA

Eric in CA — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:16:09 +0000

I'm certainly not an Obama supporter, in fact I'm not even a Democrat (I'm not a Republican either), but from the sidelines the arguments by Hillary Clinton's campaign certainly seem ridiculous. Many posters on CNN seem to be saying that if the vote that took place in violation of the rules is not counted that they will vote completely against their interests in November. I really can't imagine a more ridiculous course of action. I also can't wrap my head around the illogic of the DNC signing up to a set of rules, all of the candidates agreeing to them, and then simply saying after the vote has been held without all of the candidates being given time to campaign there (or even have their name on the ballot) that the vote will count as it stands. Any Clinton supporter who urges that course of action is making nothing but an emotional argument.

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:14:56 +0000

I am watching Florida Senator Bill Nelson's argument to seat the delegates from Florida. He makes me sick. I plan on voting against him and his biased behavior. Clinton supporters are as disillusioned as Hillary and Bill are. You folks lost, deal with it!

By: Realistic

Realistic — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:14:45 +0000

Hillary's Rovian attempt to steal the election.

Clinton / Lewinsky '12

By: Wise White Guy

Wise White Guy — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:14:31 +0000

Unfortunately there is no good solution. If they seat the delegates as voted they will be in essence setting a precident for future states to break the rules unpunished. This is not an option. The votes as they were cast are not true anyway because the candidates were not allowed to campaign. This was a huge disadvantage for the relatively unknown Obama. My big problem with this situation is that it would not be a problem if Hillary Clinton did not beat the drums and get everyone worked up about it simply because she needed the popular votes so she can make some ridiculous argument that it somehow matters. It does not matter if she wins the popular vote by a landslide because the rules go by delegates. If the system is bad then it needs to be changed for next time. Both candidates new the rules before they started and they both need to live by them. I think we all know perfectly well how much drum beating Hillary would be doing for Fla and Mich if Obama had won them instead of her. ABSOLUTELY NONE!!! She only cares now becasue she needs you or she would not have signed the agreement that the votes would not count and not to campaign. She did not know she would need to USE YOU! Wake up people and choose the honest candidate who has followed the rules and acted like a President. Thank you for reading. Obama08

By: Nan

Nan — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:14:08 +0000

Don't count the votes at all! Rules are rules and many times are not popular but there are no excuses for changing the rules to pacify anyone!
Both Fl and MI knew what the rules were and decided to ignore them. Well...TS folks You disenfranchised yourselves! Like it or not!

By: hab

hab — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:13:09 +0000

GOD its over OBAMA won,Im sick and tired of this. they want change these rules until this lady called billary win. Look, if obama is not gonna be the nominne i smell huge,wild bad bad riots inDenver this coming August.

By: Sir William

Sir William — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:12:56 +0000

Isn't this all about INTEGRITY???? The "rules" were broken - blatantly. No two ways to put it. They, Florida and Michigan, were even pre-warned specifically what would happen if they so chose to ignore the posted rules that the party lives by. RULES ARE WHAT OUR SOCIETY MAINTAINS ORDER WITH, also called "laws," but in this case not criminal laws. Rules of civil order, that seperate our society from "anarchy." For once, Howard Dean has the moral "high ground" on this matter. If you can't enforce your party's own rules,,,,, then the party has no "honor" or integrity. Both candidates, were informed of the party's actions, and were asked to sign a pledge to honor the party's enforcement of it's own rules. BOTH CANDIDATES "SIGNED" THE PLEDGE. Now if the candiates had any sembelence of "honor," they would maintain that pledge to the bitter-end. Regardless of their own standing in the primary voting. This is the point of INTEGRITY. Now one of the candidates finds that she has an advantage over their opponant, and they don't take their name off of the Michigan ballot,,,,, there by leaving a named candidate on the ballot, just in case someone actually votes in Michigan, even that they, the voters, know the votes will not count..........WILL NOT COUNT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Yet they vote, and now the candidate who "broke" their pledge, want to tout that they have "WON"

By: Robert Edwards

Robert Edwards — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:11:54 +0000

Hello Neighbours, just to let you know you look like fools to the rest of the World! Only in the USA can a nominee attempt to change the rules because she is losing. Michigan and Florida knew the consequences for having their primaries early and did it anyways.
And as I remember, Clinton agreed the delegates wouldn't be seated when she was winning. Do you think that her sudden concern has anything to do with those much needed delegates???
What a Gong Show you have let this turn into!!!

By: mark w

mark w — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:11:15 +0000

why doesnt the democratic party tell it like it is when those 2 states moved up their primary they broke the rules and both candidates agreed to that Hillary thought it was a great idea when she was winning but after she blew the campaign not such a good idea now the primary in both those states doesnt mean much because hoe about the folks who didnt vote because they were told it wouldnt count my finakl thought is its time for the so called super delegates to put hillary out of her misery end this now or maybe the dems are going to blow the best chance they will ever have to win the white house