Unexpected wrinkle for Clinton in Michigan
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Democratic leaders in Michigan are urging supporters of John Edwards and Barack Obama, who are not on the ballot in the state, to vote “uncommitted” in the January 15 primary – a move that could create an unexpected headache for Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
Clinton is the only major presidential candidate who did not pull her name from the Michigan ballot after the national party penalized the state for scheduling the vote in mid-January, rather than later in the cycle.
The national party voted to strip Michigan of delegates as a penalty, but party leaders in the electoral-vote rich state have expressed confidence that they will be seated at the convention.
None of the candidates, including Clinton, will be campaigning here, and none have authorized write-in campaigns – which means that, under state law, their supporters cannot cast write-in votes for any of them.
But if at least 15 percent of the voters in a congressional district opt for the “uncommitted” option rather than voting for Clinton, delegates not bound to any candidate could attend the national convention – a development that could allow Edwards or Obama supporters to play a role in candidate selection there.
In this cycle, more than in recent campaigns, the delegate count may prove important. Narrow losses – which still add to a candidate’s delegate total – could keep more than one presidential hopeful in contention. “For the first time since 1988, this is a delegate race,” Clinton aide Howard Wolfson told reporters Wednesday.
A new group, Detroiters for Uncommitted Voters, is launching a grassroots campaign to promote the “uncommitted” option. The Detroit News reported Thursday that Democratic Rep. John Conyers and his wife, Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, said they will launch ads calling for "uncommitted" votes if there is no other way to register support for Barack Obama.
The option is also being endorsed by Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, and the state’s Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer as a way for Democrats who do not support Clinton to participate in the vote.
Neither man has endorsed a presidential candidate.
–CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
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Hay Ada,
How about Obama? do u think there is no division between Aferican American? For Obama not only in American citizen but also in religon. What do u say Ada?
Well, I can't speak for Michigan because I'm a Floridian. That said, I'd like to point out that the citizens of Florida had little or nothing to do with the Florida Legislature's decision to move up the primary. Our state is controlled by the republican machine, and as a result my vote in the primary is likely not to count unless we do something like these folks in Michigan are proposing.
I love Bill Clinton and often said that I'd do anything to get Him back in office. I didn't think that would mean electing Her president. Of course Hillary will get my vote in the general election if she gets this party's nomination. I'd just rather John Edwards get my vote in the primary AND general elections.
It seems like we democrats are spending a lot of time attacking each other for supporting different democratic candidates in the primaries. Maybe we could save that energy for attacking the republican candidates in the general election. Just a thought.
CHANGE and HOPE. Can that snake oil salesman talk anything useful other than those two words? He is all talk and nothing else to take action on. Enough of Clinton Bashing. Where were you all, when you enjoyed the eight Clinton years of steady economic growth, low unemployment and peaceful times? This NOBAMA will not offer anything new to this nation. Don't waste your vote on him.
I read all of this and all I can see from the majority of post is how bad Hillary is and how good the others are. So just because the others pulled there name they are following the lead to penalize a hole state. Maybe if you looked at it the other way Hillary choose to leave her name in defiance of the DNC to give a choice to the people. Maybe if the real "candidates" cared so much they would have left there name on the ballot to protest a clear view in my eyes to take voters rights away in choosing our next leader. Why is is shame on Hillary why not shame on Obama or Edwards for taking the choice away from the great people of michigan.
On another note I am glad to see a good race developing but we need to remember if we stay united and get behind whom ever gets the nomination will be in a better spot to go against the republicans. Unity is what is driving record numbers of Democrats out to vote we just have to take the unity and energy with our eventual nominee whom ever he or she is and make sure we don't falter and loose another election. This election is not just about the lesser of 2 evils it is about bringing back our nation to honor, respect and giving us all no matter what social strata you are in a chance at a better life.
You people are hilarious. Two weeks ago, every single comment on these pages accused CNN of being biased towards Hillary, or dismissed CNN as the "Clinton News Network." Suddenly Obama wins Iowa and picks up momentum and everyone here is accusing CNN of being biased towards Obama and too negative on Hillary. This is asinine. Hillary was BY AND LARGE considered the "inevitable" Democratic frontrunner for OVER A YEAR and was practically treated like royalty by every media source.
As for this particular story...not surprising. Hillary will do anything to get elected, even if it means bending the rules and going against the decisions of party officials.
Michigan whiners wanted CHANGE, and now you have it!
DEAL WITH IT!
Besides, GM "KNOWS how African-Americans will vote in DEEEETROIT! "
CNN has already called the MI primary for NObama!
Hey, it's a done deal! [IF you continue to shed tears, we'll have to call all of you HILLARY!]
IF you FEEL – We know you don't THINK – that it's unfair: TOUGH!
You cretins wanted CHANGE: YOU GOT IT!
JUST DEAL WITH IT!
PRAYU: You REALLY sound INDEPENDENT!
How long have you been blogging for the NOBAMA CAMPAIGN?
You know.....
I'm trying to figure out why our electoral system seems to be getting more and more convoluted. How is anyone supposed to know what's going on when there are more loopholes than a Congressional Budget Bill???
"Hi, I'm a democrat, and I voted for noone. Yet"
Could it be democratic leader inter-party monkey business scheduling the vote in mid-January knowing that Michigan would be stripped of its delegates? "...but party leaders in the electoral-vote rich state have expressed confidence that they will be seated at the convention." This seems to have been planned for a reason...knowing that the uncommitted option is available and the Clinton egos are far too large to pull the Clinton name from the Michigan ballot.
Smooth move Michigan Democrats!
Jose, are you confirming that the Clintons not only morally shamed America with unethical conduct but also 'looted' the white house furniture?
I am baffled as I thought it was just a media snap 🙁
Actually, I'm getting a little confused. Florida's votes don't count, now Michigans' aren't going to reflect the Democratic party's preferences. Perhaps, just perhaps, maybe voting uncommitted is, like, voting for the "Team" of Hillary and Bill incognito-wise.
I sincerely hope not. My Grandkids deserve much better!
Several of the posters above were, like me, Michigan voters who are extremely angry at the Democratic party for taking this action. Yes, Michigan's legislature probably shouldn't have violated DNC rules, but completely disenfranchising the entire state of Michigan is far to extreme.
I also saw several posters wondering what to do. I set up a Web site with some information and suggestions for making your voice heard on this issue. You can learn more at http://WhoStoleMiVote.org
Why Obama and Edward did not take their name off Forida? Can you explain it to mee since you are all accusing Hillary for leaving her name on Mich.
Nobody that supports Obama and Edwards will vote unncommitted. All the comments that support each of them will be in vain, so don't fall for this unofficial spin to put the Democratic Party in question or to make you look like a bunch of ignorant and selffish individuals. You will be looked upon as self centered cry babies that couldn't get the rattler back when it fell on the floor.
If you want to hold somebody responsible, you should call each candidate's headquarters and ask them why they didn't choose to enter in Michigan. They made the decision not to and they made a political mistake IMO. Knowing that this race is just that important, why would anyone want to for-go any state?
Beware all you Obama and Edwards supporters, you will taint this nomination by voting uncommitted and the bigger reason is the very reason that each of your candidates tries to encourage the rest of us Americans in the country to believe, that indeed your candidate is HONEST. Be CAREFUL when this type of rhetoric of hysteria stirring is introduced...It sets you up.
I am proud of the Democratic Party, I hope all Democarats unite and swallow the negative pride and Move On and Up.
Cnn: stop trying to tell us who we should be for in this election. Fire those who pick sides and dont just report events. Here's a new concept for you ...no one cares what you think.
You know, this could have interesting implications on the GOP side. Since Obama and Edwards, the main candidates to draw independent voters, aren't on the ballot, a lot of independent voters are likely to choose the GOP election instead of the DFL one. That is a help for John McCain, and another blow to Romney.
wow...LOTS OF REPUBLICANS in this blog. MICHIGAN will go DEMOCRATS this election.
US PRESIDENT HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
Michigan vote for HILLARY–08
Hillary i love you BABE....YOU SO SMART...
AGRON MICHIGAN
Democrats in Michigan should vote for Ron Paul and shame the other pro war Republicans!
DO YOU THINK THAT OBAMA AND EDWARDS HAD A CONVERSATION ABOUT GANGING UP ON HILLARY.. IT DID LOOK STAGED... THEY WERE SO CHUMMY CHUMMY. LIKE 2 LITTLE BULLYS ON THE PLAYGROUND...THEN DO YOU THINK OBAMA TOLD EDWARD... LOOK MAN I HAVE TALKED TO JOHN KERRY AND HE IS GOING TO ENDORSE ME.
I THINK OBAMA USED JOHN EDWARDS FOR HIS OWN ADVANCEMENT KNOWING THAT KERRY WAS GOING TO ENDORSE OBAMA.... WHAT DO THEY CALL THAT KIND OF INDIVIDUAL.... A POLITICIAN... A SNAKE OIL POLITICIAN.
DOESN'T OBUMMER CONSTANTLY COMPLAIN ABOUT THAT. JUST AS HE IS STICKING IT TO HIS POLITICAL ALLY...
JOHN EDWARDS MUST BE ASKING “WHAT…NO VASELINE!!!!” …. YyES JOHNNY EDWARDS YOU TO CAN BE SHAFTED AS THE NEED ARISES
I cant believe these folks are actually telling people in Michigan to "NOT VOTE" or
vote " UNCOMMITED ", they should be COMMITTED for trying this stunt...
The people of MICHIGAN need to teach these MEN a lesson ...... This is a prime example of how certain MEN want to control EVERYTHING, and it doesnt matter what party theyre in either... And the thought of a FEMALE PRESIDENT sends them all into the backrooms plotting ways to bring her down ....It is time America..
MEN have ruled the WORLD and U.S. politics long enough and made a huge mess of it all ...Look at where our nation and the state of the WORLD is now, we need change and only a female president who offers everything Hillary does will be able to affect it and affect it for the GOOD ...
If you notice, the MEN, all are after the same things and offering the exact same things and the way it has always been , it doesnt matter what PARTY theyre in, it is the same ole crap they have been doing since the beginning of time...
Theyre greedy, war mongering , nation dividing , and offer nothing but more pain and heartache ..
If Americans want real lasting change that will affect our country , AND the entire world, for DECADES to come and in more ways than just political , it is time for a FEMALE PRESIDENT ...
The system (Government) is broke from top to bottom and it makes no difference who gets elected...this is the constant around the world. America will have learned nothing if it puts a Clinton back in office. It's time for a fight...Edwards will achieve this against big corporations...Clinton won't!
Obama will bring about a new sense of change...I just wish he and Edwards could be one person...it's a tough vote between these two only.
If your going to elect Clinton you might as well elect Bush again.
Sincerely
Your neighbor
hillary -- politics of tears ???????
Hillary Clinton is right up there with the radicals and Bush. I just want someone who isn't disconnected from the people. Obama seems to be the only candidate that doesn't separate himself from the general public. I hope everyone in that state votes uncommited instead of the next "Bush" Regime .
Both Democrats and Republicans should join together to stop sexism that is apparent and alive in our country.