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March 21, 2008

The Disenfranchiser

Hillary Clinton's camp is today still pushing the notion that Barack Obama is, if his team doesn't sign off on revotes in FL and MI, responsible for disenfranchising millions of voters and potentially harming the party's prospects in the general. It's a case they've been making for days. And while we know that Obama hasn't been willing to sign off on a redo in either state, it feels like an empty argument. The DNC docked the state's delegates, before a single voter cast a ballot in either state's contest. Anyone paying a lick of attention to how this mess has fallen out knows that Obama isn't responsible for the initial calendar fight -- or the related punishment.

In a particularly combative campaign memo, HRC's team says Obama calls for "high minded debates while practicing lowdown politics."

"It's all part of a pattern of just words," it says.

For sake of synchronicity, the Clinton camp's memo is after the jump. But here's a question ... How long are the party's muckety mucks going to let this go on?

(JENNIFER SKALKA)

To: Interested Parties
From: The Clinton Campaign
Date: March 21, 2008
RE: Obama Campaign: Just Words

At this point, it’s no secret that the Obama campaign is in political hot water given the news stories of the last few weeks and is desperate to change the subject.

The ground is shifting away from them and their response?

First, disenfranchise voters - Prevent new votes in Florida and Michigan. Stop voting in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Oregon, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, Kentucky, South Dakota, Montana, West Virginia and Indiana.

Second, peddle photos of President Clinton shaking hands with Reverend Wright less than 48 hours after calling for a high-minded conversation on race. Well, President Clinton took tens of thousands of photos during his eight years as president. Stop the presses.

Third, accuse our campaign of having something to do with Senator Obama’s passport file being breached, a reckless charge that has zero merit.

Fourth, continue attacks on Senator Clinton’s character in an effort to implement what the Chicago Tribune called a full assault on her ethics.

Fifth, stonewall the press: no tax returns, no state records, no answers about the inconsistencies in the Rezko story.

So it’s not a pretty sight – it’s all part of a pattern of just words.

Senator Obama talks about voter participation while actively disenfranchising millions.

He calls for high minded debates while practicing lowdown politics.

He promises a different kind of campaign while attacking Hillary’s character.

He promises transparency while hiding basic info and stonewalling the press.

It’s no wonder that Americans are coming to see that for all of his lofty rhetoric, Senator Obama’s candidacy is really just words.

It’s no surprise that Americans are expressing serious doubts about his ability to answer the 3am call.

It’s no wonder that top journalists are calling the Obama campaign desperate, saying that it’s amateur hour in Chicago.

Posted at 02:04 PM

Comments

"lowdown politics" "lofty rhetoric" "stonewall" "ground is shifting away" "answer the 3am call" "amateur hour"

Using dumb buzzwords, stupid metaphors and backwards language, in my mind, solidifies the memo-writer as a person with no sense of irony.

When will you poli-tards learn active voice? Subject. Verb. Object. Learn it!

Zac | 03.21.08 03:03 PM

when truth speaks one should listen.......America must be tone deft

DJ-IA | 03.21.08 03:22 PM

And America must also be spelling-challenged.

It's "tone deaf."

BNS | 03.21.08 03:57 PM

And America must also be spelling-challenged.

It's "tone deaf."

BNS | 03.21.08 03:57 PM

Hillary is right on this one. It is absolutely wrong to be not counting the votes of two major swing states.

When did murky (and easily changed) "rules" become a more important value than counting the voices of voters?

I know no one in MI, but my Florida family is really pissed off over this. The Republican legislature forced that primary to move, NOT the Democrats. Someone upthread commented that Obama had nothing to do with the rules, or the violation, or the punishment meted.

Guess what? Neither did those voters.

Martha | 03.21.08 04:07 PM

Hillary is right on this one. It is absolutely wrong to be not counting the votes of two major swing states.

When did murky (and easily changed) "rules" become a more important value than counting the voices of voters?

Guess what? Neither did those voters.

Martha | 03.21.08 04:08 PM

The disenfranchiser is the DNC. Their plan for this nomination process shows zero forward-thinking. It is also unfair thinking, particularly toward Florida. Of the two problems, Florida's vote was an even playing field - even though Obama did run campaign ads in the state. The only problem was with the date, which was not of their choosing anyway. Florida's vote should count as it stands.

Michigan's should not, since not all of the names were on the ballot. That problem needs working out, but Obama doesn't want that.

You can't blame him. He's only doing what's right for him. Voters cannot matter now, particularly if they get in the way of his winning the nomination. He needs to stand firm and be certain that Michigan not get that revote - especially not now.

Prior to the preacher problem he could afford a revote, but definitely not now. This could turn out to be a lose/lose situation for him. He has to stop those voters from getting to the polls!

Go, Obama!!

BNS | 03.21.08 04:11 PM

I have two daughters in Florida who will be voting for McCain if the Democratic party decides not to honor the vote they gave for Hillary.
The truth is that the Democratic leaders are trying to shut out Hilary and her supporters. I am from Ohio and this state will again go republican if Hillary is not the candidate.
The Democratic caucus system that allows strong arm tactics and elbowing little old ladies and shutting the door on Hillary supportes at times is far from a fair or a representative system.
SURE they can do it, but the Democratic base that has voted for them, some voters 60+ years, do not have to put up with this dishonesty.
We can leave the party and we will.
All this stuff about Florida and Michigan advantages Obama and he is using it unfairly, The democratic leaders are going along and letting him use it unfairly.
If Michele and Barak are the choice , we are gone from this flawed party.

Ev Pheanis | 03.21.08 04:32 PM

Honestly, I'd love to listen if you have any real logic going on there - and I'll argue back as logically as I can.

The Michigan revote proposal required the sign-off of four entities - the Michigan democrats, the DNC, and the Clinton and Obama campaigns. Check, check, check, and stall.

(CNN: "A top Michigan Democrat expressed frustration Wednesday with Obama for not embracing the state's proposal. "The Obama people are blocking it in the Legislature," said the Democratic source, who has not backed either candidate.")

How far gone do you have to have gone in your Obamalove that you refuse to objectively see the facts anymore? Is this what the 'change' is all about?

Chevalier | 03.21.08 04:33 PM

Mr. Obama is not only RESPONSIBLE for roadblocking the re-votes and disenfranchising the citizens of Florida and Michigan - he has essentially hijacked and stolen the delegates he currently has by failing to answer questions that were asked of him MONTHS AGO regarding his "spiritual adviser" and father figure Mr. Wright, as well as his "campaign bankroller" Mr. Tony Rezko in Chicago. Mr. Obama has run, driven and walked away from reporters when asked these questions. Essentially walking out of the interview - We The People were asking - he was REFUSING to answer. Mr. Obama doesn't seem to realize the rules of an interview process. Mr. Obama seems to think he can run and control this interview. Mr. Obama has no RIGHT to have any say in the RIGHTS OF VOTER IN THESE STATES.

Mr. Obama doesn't care what anyone thinks - because he thinks he's got all the marbles and now the voice and will of the people doesn't matter.

He is wrong. The voices of Florida and Michigan would put him right where he belongs and he knows it. That woudl be back in Illinois.

I am calling on someone in Florida and someone in Michigan - a citizen, any citizen disenfranchised by Mr. Obama via his blocking of these American voting rights - to sue Mr. Obama in court. To sue the DNC. To demand that this person running should have nothing to do with the decision of the DNC. Why he has been included is beyond me.

Mr. Obama isn't honest, hasn't been honest, is a total politician with no scruples whatsoever.
He is hijacking this process and disenfranchising the rights of American citizens.
Someone need to file a lawsuit. They need to do it soon.

I would vote for George Bush over Barack Obama.

a Democrat

ThinkAgain | 03.21.08 04:39 PM

TODAY, unlike when the Electoral College was set-up {an indirect element in the process of electing the president}, we NOW have the ability to ELECT THE PRESIDENT BY A POPULAR VOTE!

Although the Constitution does not require the electors to vote as pledged, MANY STATES HAVE ENACTED LAWS THAT REQUIRE THEIR ELECTORS TO VOTE AS PLEDGED; HOWEVER, MANY DO NOT!!!

LET / ALLOW THE PEOPLE OF MICHIGAN & FLORIDA VOTES TO COUNT!!!...

Andy | 03.21.08 04:40 PM

You really have lost your objectivity. Just because you want the nomination to be over for Obama does not mean that the rest of the Democrat around the country should not get to vote.

Kathy | 03.21.08 04:47 PM

It is absolutely crystal clear that the Obama campaign is obstructing any possibility for Florida or Michigan voters to be heard. It is a disgrace that the Obama campaign just let the clock run out. Senator Obama has basically told Florida and Michigan that he doesn;t need their votes to win the nomination and he doesn't really care. Senator Clinton may need their votes but that is still the better position to take than to snub your nose at two whole states. HOW HYPOCRITICAL for the Obama campaign to comment on how the Clinton campaign ignored the smaller caucus states and then to now ignore the fact that Michigan and Florida want to be represented.

Really now, this is a no brainer. NOT SAYING ANYTHING is saying I DON"T NEED YOU, FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN. What judgment is that?

I cannot respect Senator Obama on this. What a bad, bad decision to make!!!!

GaGirl | 03.21.08 04:49 PM

There are so many reasons for a re-vote:

1. MI and FL have already been punished. The early primaries don't count and they didn't have the influence the states were hoping for. But that doesn't mean these states cannot vote now.

2. Why oh why is the DNC working so hard to alienate Florida voters. If you want to win the presidency (with either candidate), let the people vote!

3. Regardless of who wins the nomination (but especially if it is Obama, since Clinton is favored in FL and MI), that candidate's legitimacy will always be in doubt. This is a close contest, and not counting the votes of both Florida and Michigan can (and probably will) alter the outcome of the Democratic Primary. Don't we want the candidate who the majority of Americans choose? If these states never get their vote, we'll never know that choice.

Jay | 03.21.08 04:56 PM

The Democratic Party was wrong to sanction these to states..... and for Obama to stop revotes in these states is UNAMERICAN ....and frankly raises serious questions what he fears..........perhaps his mentor Rev Wright and his good friend Rev. Farrakan have advised him against the Democrats in these two states from voting..... He claims he doesn't hate America but what is more American than one person one vote.

Good-Bye Obama------ you are not electable

marilyn | 03.21.08 05:07 PM

Good-Bye Obama------ you are not electable

marilyn | 03.21.08 05:08 PM

The Democratic Party was wrong to sanction these two states..... and for Obama to stop revotes in these states is UNAMERICAN ....and frankly raises serious questions what he fears..........perhaps his mentor Rev Wright and his good friend Rev. Farrakan have advised him against the Democrats in these two states from voting..... He claims he doesn't hate America but what is more American than one person one vote.

Good-Bye Obama------ you are not electable

marilyn | 03.21.08 05:11 PM

The Democratic National Party needs to make sure the Florida and Michigan votes are counted...somehow or revote. Thie election is too important. Many dems are now wishing they had not supported Obama and realize that Clinton is the real deal to make true change happen.
People have realized it is too risky to put him in the position of President when several examples of unpatriotic behaviors have been linked to him. The recent acts by his wife and pastor tell me clearly that he is not the person his speeches told us he is and that is very scary.

Donna C. | 03.21.08 05:12 PM

American history has suffered enough damage from votes not being counted in Florida in 2000 due to the corrupt Bush regime and its cronies on the Supreme Court. Democratic voters are not going to tolerate their own party leadership excluding Florida and Michigan from the primaries- in a way that appears to benefit a certain candidate- in an especially close race. This is outrageous, and Democrats are not going to back down this time like Gore did in the fraudulant 2000 election. I recommend to all Obama supporters that they not follow in the footsteps of Bush in Florida in 2000, because to do so will be a tremendous gift to Clinton who favors counting all the states. Michigan and Florida must be counted for this to be considered a fair primary process, and those who oppose it oppose democracy, plain and simple.

stampece | 03.21.08 05:18 PM

It continues to amaze me that one man with a mouth for rhetoric can bring millions of people down the path to failure and serious problems. First, as a Democrat, Obama CANNOT win against McCain, second, until Rezko trial over and his ethics as true "American" or not are vetted, forget it re being the head of the free world. (The stutters when he talks is CLEARLY due to lying.) It is so sad, after Bush beat Kerry I had so many people saying "you were right! I should have voted your way..." and I see already, it may very well happen yet again.
Pray for Sen Clinton - the ONLY sane one of the 3 and of course a woman!

J. Georgino | 03.21.08 05:22 PM

It isn't about Obama or Clinton. It's about the Democratic National Party being unAmerican in the fact that they chose not to validate every American's right to vote. Welcome to the freedom and democracy that we're all so proud of.
The voting should count or there should be a re-vote - not for Hillary, not for Barack, but for the people of those states. Hillary and Barack should be welcoming that ideal.

Jay | 03.21.08 05:23 PM

They need to seat Florida and Michigan delegates without a do over! If this is to be a true fair and open election then they must be counted! We are suppose to live in a Democracy State then all people should be included. Why should one man have the power to silence over five million voices? If any punishment was to handed out it should have a fine but not whats going on now!
Those powers to be need to ask themselves can the Democratic Party afford to give John Maccain over five million votes he not normally get? If you ever tried to take my vote from me you better believe I will make sure it hurts you in the end. If these votes are ciounted it will be a travisty to our election system. I have to keep asking myself do I live in the USA or am I in Russia?

S. Poland | 03.21.08 05:25 PM

I think that Obama is trying to hurry to finish line, before more news comes out about what He has done or not done. You see I think when it comes to reality THERE IS NO "THERE" THERE. THE MAN BEHIND TO CURTAIN IS JUST WORDS....He must hurry before the curtain falls and he turns into a USED car SALESMAN in LA...
A.M.

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:35 PM

So much for democracy under Obama. He wants to cut off the voters who don't support him and tramp on them as he marches on to the general election. I'm sick of watching him talk out of both sides of his mouth. He claims to be so innocent in front of the TV cameras then he surrounds himself with vicious people who have little regard for the process and seem to hate our beloved country. Even his wife is just finding her pride in this country. Heaven help us.

Anna | 03.21.08 05:36 PM

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:37 PM

Senator Obama's campaign should be ashamed of themselves. It is OBVIOUS that they are afraid they will lose in Florida and Michigan, or why on earth would they refuse to have a re-vote? Senator Obama keeps saying that he will accept what the DNC wants, but the DNC has CLEARLY STATED that they approve the revote plan set forth by Michigan, and yet Senator Obama's campaign keeps blocking this vote! If Senator Obama is so confident that he is the best person to go up against John McCain in November in all the states, including Florida and Michigan, then why is he so opposed to having a revote? What on earth is the big deal? For someone who acts like he has this nomination all sealed up, he sure seems like a big chicken to me.

Beyond this, both Senator Obama and the DNC need to understand that with such a close election, Senator Obama will not be seen as the legitimate nominee if these two states do not have the opportunity to revote. If these states revote, and Senator Obama wins the nomination with every vote from all 50 states counted, I will be happy to support him as the Democratic nominee. However, if he wins the nomination by DISENFRANCHISING two states, he can count me out. I will not be part of any party that disenfranchises people. That is what the Republicans do!

LET THE PEOPLE VOTE. THIS IS A DEMOCRACY. EVERY VOTE SHOULD BE COUNTED.

Nancy | 03.21.08 05:39 PM

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:41 PM

I think that Obama is trying to hurry to finish line, before more news comes out about what He has done or not done. You see I think when it comes to reality THERE IS NO "THERE" THERE. THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN IS JUST WORDS....He must hurry before the curtain falls. A.M.

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:42 PM

How does one sit in a church for 20 years and listen to such vile anti-American and patently racist garbage and not expect us to think you have been tainted by it? Yes racisim is a problem in this country. Yes your flowery speech was nice. But I learned a long time ago that I listen to words and believe behaviour. How will Obama unite us with that kind of background? How can he show us the evils of racism when he has exposed his own children to this garbage each Sunday.

He can't. Sorry to tell you folks but Obama is just like Hillary and McCain and the rest. He is a politician not a saint and certainly not JFK or Roosevelt. And after his mistreatment of the LGBT community to pander to conservative African American ministers in South Carolina, he is even worse than the rest. He is a hypocrite.

Axel Hammond | 03.21.08 05:42 PM

i live in the heart land of ohio, and i am white and got a lot of votes for hillary and she won.thank god,i have been a democratic all of my life. if hillary dont get the nomination, i will not vote for obama i will not vote for a black man. and i will do every thing i can to see he dont get elected. because he wont win ohio,so why dont he just get out of the race now,and take rev.wright with him i mean wright because he sure not a rev. in my book,////

william | 03.21.08 05:43 PM

I think that Obama is trying to hurry to finish line, before more news comes out about what He has done or not done. You see I think when it comes to reality THERE IS NO "THERE" THERE. THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN IS JUST WORDS....He must hurry before the curtain falls. A.M.

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:44 PM

I think that Obama is trying to hurry to finish line, before more news comes out about what He has done or not done. You see I think when it comes to reality THERE IS NO "THERE" THERE. THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN IS JUST WORDS....He must hurry before the curtain falls. A.M.

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:45 PM

I think that Obama is trying to hurry to finish line, before more news comes out about what He has done or not done. You see I think when it comes to reality THERE IS NO "THERE" THERE. THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN IS JUST WORDS....He must hurry before the curtain falls. A.M.

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:45 PM

I think that Obama is trying to hurry to finish line, before more news comes out about what He has done or not done. You see I think when it comes to reality THERE IS NO "THERE" THERE. THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN IS JUST WORDS....He must hurry before the curtain falls. A.M.

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:45 PM

I think that Obama is trying to hurry to finish line, before more news comes out about what He has done or not done. You see I think when it comes to reality THERE IS NO "THERE" THERE. THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN IS JUST WORDS....He must hurry before the curtain falls. A.M.

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:45 PM

I think that Obama is trying to hurry to finish line, before more news comes out about what He has done or not done. You see I think when it comes to reality THERE IS NO "THERE" THERE. THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN IS JUST WORDS....He must hurry before the curtain falls. A.M.

anthony michael autorino | 03.21.08 05:46 PM

Everyone can see what is happening. They are trying very hard to push Hilliary out. They are afraid that their campaign will drop drastically due to the news on Rev. Wright. Keep pushing those sermons in the news. Keep listening to the Larry King special from yesterday, he interviewed Obama. I began to realize a very different picture when he kept going over his child hood and adulthood. He is constantly speaking about race and that some races are forgotten and that he hopes to change that. I feel his changes are for the races than more for the whole country. There might be differences and preferences if after he does win the election. Something in his 20 years with Rev. Wright is not being told. Hope the truth comes out so folks know what and who they are voting for. I'm for Hilliary all the way! Go Hilliary we need you in theWhite House.

Maureen | 03.21.08 05:46 PM

I will vote Republican before I vote African

James Smith | 03.21.08 05:47 PM

I will vote Republican before I vote African

James Smith | 03.21.08 05:48 PM

william | 03.21.08 05:48 PM

william | 03.21.08 05:51 PM

The biggest loser in this whole scenario has to be the DNC. I am suprised at their short sightedness. Disenfranchising MI and FL two of the important swing states is like giving them on a platter to the republicans. Although I am life long Dem I have to admire the slyness and strategic wisdom of the RNC. In rallying around Sen. Mc Cain they have given themselves a realistic shot at winning the WH.
Coming back to my ownself even though I admire both the Dem candidates in play I have been leaning towards Sen Obama( only because of his transparency and integrity - policy wise I believe Sen Clinton is superior) but the total dis-interest shown by him in this regard and his way of handling controversies in the past few weeks has raised serious doubts. The MSM has just started tracking him and we still have to see the worst. It would have made a hell of a difference if he had taken the same initiative as Sen Clinton in supporting a redo in both these states. It is evident that his chances are slim in MI , FL but a sign of a true leader is when he/she stands up to the challenge and not just talk about being one. I have to support Sen Clinton on her stance. She defintely has shown more maturity as a political leader.

Do the DNC, Sen Obama really think that they can wih the WH without MI, FL ...God have mercy.

PS : Just read the Obama campaign press release in which it was mentioned that they would ideally want a revote in OH because Sen Clinton lied to the people. Is this not being hypocritical. I expected a lot more from them and really thought we had a different , transcendental option. After all this is Politics. Learnt it the hard way. Hopes laid to rest.

Charles | 03.21.08 05:54 PM

Once again Obama is trying to control the outcome in a "questionable" way. He knows that if there were revotes, he would lose those two states and wouldn't be able to maintain his position.

If he gets nominated, I will vote for McCain.
Janice

Janice | 03.21.08 05:54 PM

What is Obama afraid of? That a woman would beat him (again) in Michigan and in Florida in a fair contest? Shame! In an exit poll, 63% of the 1.8 million Democratic voters in Floridasaid they would not vote for the Democratic candidate this November if Florida didn't get a chance to choose the candidate. Florida -- and Michigan -- are MUST WIN states. Private donors have offered to cover the costs of the re-votes. What is Obama afraid of?

Russell | 03.21.08 05:56 PM

The Democratic Party is on its way out. Or at least --- I'm on my way out of the Democratic Party.

The DNC is corrupt in their handling of this "punishment." Obama thinks we are stupid and can't see through what he is doing.

I think there is a left-wing conspiracy going on here! LOL!

Seriously though, I have no intention of remaining a registered Democrat if Obama gets this nomination. I will change to Independent.

The general election was handed to the Democrats after 8 years of Bush and they are throwing it away with both hands.

I'll move on and do my best to start building a strong Independent Party -- Nader here I come!

BTW -- I made a pledge to the DNC and haven't sent the money off yet! Fat chance they'll get it!!

DRS | 03.21.08 05:56 PM

CLINTON IS WHOLEHEARTEDLY CORRECT! Obama needs to show initiative and fight to get those votes counted! MI & FL will not come out for Barack if he wins in Denver. Also, why does the Obama campaign continually say they didn't even campaign in FL? NO ONE DID! They make it seem like Sen. Clinton was. And actually, Obama did run a NATIONWIDE NEWS TV ad, which aired in Florida!

Hillary's Monica | 03.21.08 05:57 PM

Hillary is 100% right! There should be a redo at any cost, what exactly is Obama afraid of, he'll lose and she'll gain not only in delegates, but in the popular vote too? These are two key states people!

Scott | 03.21.08 05:59 PM

Two bites of the apple. The argument about counting or not counting results for Florida and Michigan was decided by the DNC. It was made before the vote and was agreed to by the candidates. Even a five year old knows that you don't change the rules after the game begins. We will never know what would have happened if Obama had won those states but my guess is that the Clinton campaign would be arguing that we must stick to the rules. The same logic applies to the delegate vs. popular vote debate. Right or wrong, the rules say whoever has the most delegates becomes the nominee. Now the Clinton campaign is saying it is the popular vote that counts, or the number of big states that count or whatever other metric is currently in their favor. I would prefer the outcome to be determined by the popular vote. I live in Alaska. Because of the time zones and Alaska's small population, our votes essentially don't count. The winner is announced before our polls even close. Unfortunate, but those are the rules. If you don't like the rules, change them. But change them BEFORE the game begins.

Ira Rosen | 03.21.08 05:59 PM

Reverend Wright preaches Black Liberation Theology. I'll have you know that this is a very real and legitimate theology. Google it and you'll see.

This from www.wfu.edu

"Liberation theology as it has expressed itself in the African community seeks to find a way to make the gospel relevant to black people who must sturggle daily under the burden of white oppression."

Wow! Can't you see??? This IS a message of unity - one that encompasses us all and challenges us to MOVE BEYOND racism and hate.

WAKE UP AMERICA!! We are about to be born again!

Go, Obama!

DNS | 03.21.08 06:05 PM

THE MORE I LEARN OF OBAMA, THE LESS I LIKE HIM. WHY WOULD ANY CANDIDATE WHO SAYS THEY WANT TO BE PRESIDENT TO "ALL" THE PEOPLE, NOT WORK TIRELESSLY TO SEE THAT "ALL" THE PEOPLE'S VOTES COUNT IN THE ELECTION. HAS AMERICA BECOME A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY? DON'T WE HAVE THE INTELLICT TO RUN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION? WHAT THE H___ IS GOING ON?

MARYLOU JONES | 03.21.08 06:07 PM

Bottom line: EVERY AMERICANS VOTE SHOULD COUNT! It is our right and duty and every Americans voice should be heard.

rebecca.johnson2 | 03.21.08 06:08 PM

The audacity of his lies. Obama has proven himself to be a hypocrit and his campaign is a fraud. It's not about the preacher or the sermons. It's about Rezko and the lies. Saying it was a bone headed mistake just doesn't cover it. Calling his grandmother a "typical white person" shows his true charachter. We must support Clinton.

Toni | 03.21.08 06:09 PM

Hillary has had to run her campaign walking on eggshells. Anything she does or says is said to be racist yet we see him with racists all the time. Ferrakhan, Wright,as well as his own comments about his Grandmother being a "typical White person". What would happen to Hillary if she said " Obama is a typical black person"? CNN, NBC, MSNBC, AOL, ABC would be all over that and Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton would be filing law suits.

I'm so sick of the way Hillary has been treated. Obama has been a sneak since day one. Can't trust the man. Shame on the media for pushing him down our throats.

I will vote for Mc Cain if Hillary doesn't get the nomination.

David | 03.21.08 06:11 PM

Shame on Senator Obama! EVERY Americans vote should count!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doreen | 03.21.08 06:14 PM

Obama chose not to be on the ballot in Michigan. Voters in that state were understandably miffed at his strategizing.
We Florida voters are miffed at our jackass politicians who broke the rules for reasons of strategy. We are paying very CLOSE ATTENTION to which candidate is willing to put it on the line for us.

Frances Waters | 03.21.08 06:16 PM

Senator Obama and his campaign are ruthless and frightening. If he gets the nomination, this democrat will write in HRC. There is something fundamentally wrong with all of this, something is really, really wrong. For those of you out there that feel that the Obama campaign twists and turns everything, starts the trouble and then places blame elsewhere, and uses every means available to deflect the criticism and avoids talking about the real issues we have (Iraq, housing, healthcare, oil prices, etc.), write your Congressman, your senators, the DNC, the MSM, and your grandmother. We must not let them get away with this. This is just flat wrong!

Marla | 03.21.08 06:17 PM

Obama talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. I am so sick of his fluffy speeches and no action that I am definitely not voting for him if he wins the nomination. The other seniors are supporting him because they want him to get the nomination. This is party politics at its worst and DNC is going to pay for this severly come november.

Sonali | 03.21.08 06:17 PM

This was a train wreck waiting to happen when the delegates were striped. Dean probably thought that the race would shape up like past primaries, having the race determined pretty early on. But this year things are different and that means we need to be flexible. We have never had a primary where delegates were striped and we haven't had a close primary in years.

So, what to do? I think the DNC needs to come up with a way to allow these states to be counted. I don't care how they decide to do it, they just need to fix this. It is the Parties causing the problem and they are the only one that can correct it. Even though I am a Hillary supporter, I have no pro-Hillary plan, I am a pro-fix-this-now kind of gal.

Cathy | 03.21.08 06:18 PM

This is a load of hooey.
the DNC wants to prevent Clinton from getting the nomination. If she gets a re-vote she will win, and at least be even, if not ahead in popular, delegates and electoral votes.

Further, the DNC is fully aware that Obama ran a HUGE campaign advertising buy for the 30 days PRIOR to the FLA vote in FLORIDA. No other candidate did this, only Obama, and he still lost.

There were several issues on the ballot, which ALL voters should have voted on. 19.6% of Obama's voters bothered to vote, and his position was that he should get 50% of the delegates or none at all.

Same in MI. John Conyers ran a campaign for Obama telling his supporters to vote "other". 40% did. Clinton won, 50%/40%, but again, Obama wanted half or none.

Now if you don't think this is piggy politics by Obama, I invite you to take the needle out of your arm, because Obama has blocked EVERY offer, EVERY plan, because without MI/FLA he can "win" by hook or by crook, but Clinton can not.

The joke is on him, because this will cause a lot of voters to vote GOP for the first time ever. No way am I voting for this kind of behavior. Obama is forgetting that when you are pointing your finger at someone else, you have 3 other fingers pointing back at you.

he is really hoodwinking you with the old okey doke, and you know what i mean. Winning at any cost is no win. When the GOP 527's get done with Obama, he will be lucky to hold onto his pants let alone his senate seat. even teddy won't be able to bail him out.

stp | 03.21.08 06:21 PM

Hillary has championed the rights of Michigan and Florida citizens right to be counted!

The DNC has approved the plan!

Michigan Hillary supporters are ready to get there fellow citizens voices counted

Senator Obama keeps finding a way to say NO to counting both Florida and Michigan's voices

Senator Obama's supporters are blocking there own citizens voices from being counted

Hillary the uniter, NObama NOT

Roger | 03.21.08 06:22 PM

Thank you so much for standing up for voters rights! In this 2008 election year America for the first time has a national primary where all citizen in all 50 states plus protectorates have the right to vote for the there candidate of choice. Because this now is a national primary that vote should now come with the same voter rights of any other national vote. Those rights are to be protected by the constitution and the attorney general of the United States. How can it be a party only election when tax payers pay for the election and not the party. No matter which state or U.S. protectorate any of us live in each and every one of us has or had the opportunity to vote or caucus, even Florida and Michigan citizens. Why is not the throwing out of votes of by the DNC not against the civil rights of these fellow citizens?

Roger | 03.21.08 06:23 PM

Now I am really confused about Obama's politics of inclusion. And I have to say, I don't understand the importance of campaigning in Florida. Floridians read, listen to the radio, watch television (even ads). They came out to vote in huge numbers. If that's not enough, let them vote again. The "rules" seem to be interpreted under the principle of "how do we keep Hillary Clinton from the nomination?" As a woman, a democrat (for now), and a life long fighter for social justice, I am absolutely outraged.

Fran Visco | 03.21.08 06:24 PM

Change we can believe in? Yeah, right. This should have been the year that Democrats easily won the White House but because Obama does not believe in inclusion, we will lose both Michigan and Florida to the Republicans and probably the general election as well. Thanks a lot, Obama!

regenbogen | 03.21.08 06:25 PM

Smells like a conspiracy against Hillary. It is obvious that the soft media and the DNC are pro Obama. NBC reporting today that it is impossible for Hillary to obtain the nomination.

HappyCamper | 03.21.08 06:25 PM

Obama is doing what's the best for him and his candidacy!

STOP THOSE VOTES!!
STOP THOSE VOTES!!

GO OBAMA!!

DRS | 03.21.08 06:27 PM

It's obvious the Obama camp isn't really democratic and is working for the republican campaign. This comment stems from the fact that he is doing everything in his power to make the democrats look inept! Truth be known there shoud be no re-do but allow the votes to count as they were in January, that scares the Obama camp because those votes counted would close the gap and with super delegates put Hillary in the lead!

M Brees | 03.21.08 06:28 PM

M Brees | 03.21.08 06:29 PM

Obama the candidate of professed change is giving us more of the same dont count the votes, just as Bush did. Every Americans vote should count. What kind of change are we going to have when he votes present 129 times yet taunts his war vote. The information at the time fooled most Americans, he could just as easly been wrong. Alligning himself with NM Gov. Bill Richardson who has NOT been popular with Spanish Americans will not bring in the Hispanics votes. Gov. Richardson showed NO Loyaltiy to the Clintions who helped his career. What make Obama think Richarson will be loyal to him, what did Obama offer Mr. Richardson?
Shame on you Obama for refusing Americans the right to vote. It took along time for civial right to be established only for a CHANGE?

Maria C Lucero | 03.21.08 06:30 PM

I agree with the bloggers. If Hillary Clinton loses because of Obama's underhanded tactics, tell the DNC and the media that we will all write in Hillary Clinton's name when we go to vote. We are allowed to do that, aren't we?

My daughter-in-law is a delegate for Hillary Clinton in Colorado. She went to the county delegate meeting and some delegates that Hillary won in the state switched over to Obama. Are they allowed to do this?

Gloria | 03.21.08 06:32 PM

S. Poland | 03.21.08 06:33 PM

Gloria | 03.21.08 06:33 PM

I just don't get why Obama's playing politics on this? These are VOTES that need to be counted. Why risk pissing off a swing state for the general? Florida's voters did not ask for this to happen, and it was the Republican legislature that passed this, so it's not the Dems fault!!!! Either count the vote from January or do a new primary. Why is this so hard to get?

Angela | 03.21.08 06:34 PM

Obama doesn't get to tell the voters of two huge states that they can't vote. What is wrong with him?

Howard Dean screwed up big time. The delgates should never have been stripped from Florida and Michigan.

There are only two going forward. Keep the results from the original vote, or hold new primaries. That's all there is to it.

Isabel | 03.21.08 06:34 PM

Obama does NOT have the right to take votes away from the good people of Florida and Michigan. I don't care what his people say or do. Threats don't cut it for me. My father and uncles fought in our wars to make sure this experiment called democracy would survive. Now, because of veiled threats, we're going to give these RIGHTS up. Voting is a RIGHT. Since when do we deny our good American people their RIGHTS. Obama's people cannot be allowed to do this!

mary | 03.21.08 06:35 PM

There is no white oppression and there has not been one for nearly 50 years. This is the most important election I have seen in my adult life. Obama is a good speech man, and that is all. If he wins the nomination, it truely will be an example of poor taste disguised as style chosen over substance. NO Obama, NO!!!!!

Jeff | 03.21.08 06:35 PM

BO's refusal to sanction a revote in FL and MI is so transparent. He says innocently that he will ok anything the DNC comes up with then says that a 50/50 split is a good option... what kind of BS is that?! Now both revotes are dead in the water.
I have campaigned for nominees for several presidential elections. I stood in the freezing, pouring rain, in a dangerous neighborhood, all day and night, to make sure that no person was denied their right to vote, in 2004. How can BO or the DNC not match my efforts?! How can anyone say and MI voters, the people, do not have the right to vote based on the ill fated decisions of politicians in their state. Especially in FL where the GOP made the decision that has cost the FL democratic voters to suffer this disaster.

The media is killing me, too. Every time you turn around... I just heard John (the guy who reminds me of PeeWee Herman from the way he talks... I said this before he ever PO'd me lol) Oh .. John King... just heard his full name.... Anyway, he gave the buzz lines on the upcoming stories... in addition to extensive other positive BO coverage.. there will be another story about the grownup little girl from the 3am call ad who is now supporting BO....... - AGAIN!!! This story was out there almost a month ago. Why does CNN think the viewing public needs to hear this one AGAIN??? Oh.. so she has a new video.... GEEZZZ if you support BO, you could fart and get coverage in this political media circus.
The only way HRC supporters or campaign get coverage is if there is something damaging even if it is not true.
Sick... sick.... sick......

For a long time, I kept saying that I would support BO if HRC did not get the nominee. Not now. I am not sure I would go Republican although there was a time I thought highly of John McCain. I will only vote for JM or not at all. If a 3rd party candidate comes in - Nader or other, I might vote for them, for once.

Mind you, I would not have pictured me writing this, even a few weeks ago. The, seemingly, DNC and BO mutual collaboration on the disenfranchisement of 9% of our country's voters is the catalyst.

bhudson | 03.21.08 06:35 PM

mary | 03.21.08 06:36 PM

Obama doesn't get to tell the voters of two huge states that they can't vote. What is wrong with him?

Howard Dean screwed up big time. The delgates should never have been stripped from Florida and Michigan.

There are only two going forward. Keep the results from the original vote, or hold new primaries. That's all there is to it.

Isabel | 03.21.08 06:36 PM

Obama doesn't get to tell the voters of two huge states that they can't vote. What is wrong with him?

Howard Dean screwed up big time. The delgates should never have been stripped from Florida and Michigan.

There are only two going forward. Keep the results from the original vote, or hold new primaries. That's all there is to it.

isabel | 03.21.08 06:38 PM

I've cherished my right to vote for the past 43 years. To refuse to allow the voters of Michigan and Florida to have the votes they cast in the Democratic Primary counted is a disgrace. When the Primary first started, as a voter in Texas--though I strongly favored Hillary--I was prepared to vote in the general election for whichever of the Democratic candidates would win the Primary. No longer...if the votes of the people of Michigan and Florida don't count, and Hillary is not nominated, I'll write in Hillary in the general election.

Patricia | 03.21.08 06:47 PM

It sure is undemocratic to want to count close to 3 million votes (let's hear all those voices)! Clearly, it is another case of "just words". My democratic party is just shameful right now. I'm about to bail. Maybe ignorance is bliss. Maybe those who only sit in front of the tube and listen to the MSM talking heads, think all is okay. But many of us are looking deeper and we see what a sham and a shame this process has been. Hillary, stand your ground!!!!

Susanclare | 03.21.08 06:53 PM

It seems bizarre that Obama would not agree to a redo of the primaries in Florida and Michigan. What an opportunistic decision and frankly very difficult to justify. Chicken!
just kidding, I just thought a little humor would be fun.

Kathryn | 03.21.08 06:54 PM

We need to think about Fall, and we need to evaluate which states are important in general election, yes we need Michigan and Florida.
Both states made a mistake and should be punished but why Hillary should be punished with them?

Lucy Jury | 03.21.08 06:55 PM

Punishing states! Exacting a "penalty" for moving the primary date up! Why penalize the rank-and-file Democrats who were not responsible for that decision? Make the ones who decided to mess with their primary date, and ticked off the party leaders, sit in the back at the convention, or wear signs saying, "My Bad." But don't cancel party members' rights to register their choice of nominee.

Martha Knight | 03.21.08 07:02 PM

I support Hillary 100%. But lets fact the facts, she is not only fighting Obama--she is also having to fight her own party plus the media. It is pathetic. For some reason, Obama is treated like a god, and she is treated unfairly. He took his name off the Michigan ballot--Hillary did not. She should get the delegates. I'm sure he would love to split the votes but that is not fair either. I do not understand why America and does not wake up and see that he is a lying talking suit. Yes, he talks eloquently, but he doesn't say anything. I think anyone who sits in a church for 20 years and hears the crap he has absorbed pretty much tells the kind of person he is. What about his Columbia years? He does not want to talk about that. Did anyone ever hear the name Brzezinski? There is too much about Obama that scares me to death. I will never vote for him. GO HILLARY!!!!!

Brenda | 03.21.08 07:02 PM

If it were the other way around an Obama was the one being screwed out of delegates in FL & MI, it would be turned into a big racial issue. Where are we at in this country where double standard is the standard.

Jeff | 03.21.08 07:02 PM

Brenda | 03.21.08 07:03 PM

All I can think is that Obama must be afraid to have a redo in Florida and Michigan. No voter in any state, should be disenfranchised. And if FL and MI were penalized by the DNC why weren't the other states who moved their primaries up not penalized? If these votes aren't counted and the delegates of FL and MI aren't seated at the convention, I plan on changing my party registration to Independent, because the Democratic Party will no longer represent me.

Mary B | 03.21.08 07:06 PM

From above:

"Obama doesn't get to tell the voters of two huge states that they can't vote. What is wrong with him?"

Where did you get that idea??

He does when he is the leading candidate in a race as close as this!!!

Obama gets to choose as he pleases!! He doesn't have to care about VOTERS!!! GEEZ!! How dumb can you get???

What the hell do you think this is - a democracy???

STOP THOSE VOTES!!!
STOP THOSE VOTES!!!

GO, OBAMA!

DNS | 03.21.08 07:13 PM

I think DNC and Senator Obama should be ashamed of themselves for having a hand in disenfranchising Florida and Michigan voters.
I think they are very arrogant to assume that those voters will come back and vote for the DNC in the general election.

Senator Obama makes many speeches about how much he cares about america voters. Now, he has an opportunity to put actions to his words. And he choices to disinfranchise those voters. We don't want another speech. Quite frankly, I'm tired of them.
This is america and every voter has the right to have their votes count.

Shame on you Senator Obama

keicha | 03.21.08 07:17 PM

Shame on you Senator Obama

keicha | 03.21.08 07:17 PM

Shame on you Senator Obama

keicha | 03.21.08 07:17 PM

Fascinating. On a blog that rarely gets more than 2 comments per item, Hillary's talking point gets nearly 100 responses. Nice try, Clinton campaign. Paying for phony "do-overs," inciting racist tendencies in the electorate, now hijacking blogs. What won't they do to win? Oh, right, nothing.

Nick | 03.21.08 07:17 PM

When Obama said he wanted to bring people together,I guess he was not talking about Democrats in Michigan or Florida.
Doesn't he know that,if he is chosen as the nominee,those sttes Democrats will not vote for him in the general election.

Arthur-Texas | 03.21.08 07:20 PM

First of all, Florida's primary was only moved up because the state's republican dominiated legislature and Governor forced it on the Dems as a condition of giving them a paper voting record. Gee, why would we want a paper trail in Florida, I wonder? Sen. Obama's camp has been doing everything they can to block a revote or letting deelgates be seated. Why? If he is so sure that he will be the nominee and there is no way Sen. Clinton can catch up -- what is there to fear?. HE is clearly the one disenfranchising voters, which will certainly cost Democrats the state in the general election. He has shown that HE is the one who will do anything to snag the nomination. His caucus wins in red states will also not play as well in the general election, neither will the fact that he has yet to win a big state other than his own.

ann | 03.21.08 07:21 PM

Arthur-Texas | 03.21.08 07:21 PM

Florida and Michigan had a very long time to address their delegates. They chose not to. Hillary and Barack SIGNED AGREEMENTS saying they would not campaign or participate in elections in Florida and Michigan. Is anyone posting those SIGNED AGREEMENTS? Does Hillary have no integrity? She publicly says they do not count in October but now desperately wants a "redo" because she needs the votes? This is the problem with Hillary, she wants to rewrite every rule only if it is benefical to her. This is the Nevada caucus lawsuit, this is caucus' in general, this is the only big states count Clinton approach. New Clinton rules every single day. She attacked her NY Senate opponent when he didn't provide his tax returns but she won't supply the last eight years worth. New Clinton rules every single day.

Jemma | 03.21.08 07:22 PM

Mr Obama's argument that Hillary Clinton is trying to rewrite the rules and is being disingenuous is ridiculous. Howard Dean, chairman of the DNC, said that a re-vote would be a solution. The only qualification was that it be fair and both parties agree. Whatever type of vote the states originally have ( caucus or primary ) is what they should do to hold a new primary. This is not against the rules as Mr Dean stated. Only Mr Obama has said this and we know it is because he is trying to keep a lead of votes because this is his only point for being the nominee. All votes should be counted and the people of these states will never back the Democratic candidate if we use this type of childish punishment in the primary. Let's get real. Everyone's vote should count and the DNC should take a stand and determine the best way and not leave it up to two candidates who are both fighting for their position.

Marilyn | 03.21.08 07:23 PM

Howard Dean must fix this mess he has made.
The voters in Florida and Michigan had nothing to say about when or where they were to vote. Republicans in both states moved the date and Dean took the bait.
It's not fair at all and Democrats will not vote for Obama for denying the Revote. He stole Florida and Michigan and we thought Bush was bad!

boohall | 03.21.08 07:32 PM

boohall | 03.21.08 07:34 PM

The DNC have completely lost touch with the views of Dem voters over this issue. I have 5 relatives in Florida who are adamant that they will not vote in November if their delegates aren't seated as is. They are livid that Obama blocked a revote and feel that there has been a rush to confirm Obama as the nominee at the expense of Hillary.

The discontent is spreading, it's not just Florida and Michigan voters who feel this way.

Melly | 03.21.08 07:39 PM

Judging from the current trend in polling, it looks like a lot of Americans would like a re-vote opportunity.

BBB | 03.21.08 07:46 PM

JUST A SHORT NOTE; NOT HAVING THE VOICES OF THE PEOPLE HEARD IN TWO LARGE DEMOCRATIC STATES IS A SHAME; WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO? I WILL SAY THIS MUCH, I WILL NEVER CONTRIBUTE ANOTHER PENNY TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, I HAVE LOST ALL RESPECT FOR THE HEADS OF THESE STATES; THANK YOU MARY L CLEARY

MARY L CLEARY | 03.21.08 07:48 PM

MARY L CLEARY | 03.21.08 07:49 PM

The Clinton mission: RULE or RUIN. Look what happened to Congress when the Clintons came to the White House. Do voters think the superdelegates don't know that? When Clintons win, everyone else loses. Look what the Clintons did to Al Gore. Al Gore deserved so much more but the Clintons leave destruction in their wake. Rule or Ruin is their mo.

Jemma | 03.21.08 07:49 PM

I have never heard or seen anything like this election in my life.If Fla. & Mi. cant count their votes do they still have to pay U.S.A. taxs?What is happening to the U.S.A? Don't WE The People count as anything? Cause the way things are going i sure wonder.Our Votes don't count anymore and this is all crazy. Who came up with this election ?We all know when Bush won all that stuff in Fla. wasn't right.. And it seams like causFla. might go for Clinton thay not count again. WAKE UP America !!!!!

Retta | 03.21.08 07:54 PM

JUST A SHORT COMMENT; I THINK ITS A SHAME THAT THE VOTERS OF TWO LARGE STATES, FLA.& MICH. ARE NOT ABLE TO HAVE THEIR VOTES COUNTED. WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO? I WILL NOT CONTRIBUTE ANOTHER PENNY TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, AND I AM DISGUSTED WITH THE HEADS OF THIS PARTY. PLEASE STOP THIS NONSENSE.

MARY L CLEARY | 03.21.08 07:55 PM

First of all, Ms. Skalka should remember that many states moved up their primary dates against the "rules" yet only Florida and Michigan are being penalized. Why is that? Secondly, Mr. Obama's camp criticized the Clinton camp over the passport infringement, yet it was reported that her file was also breached, both apparantly by an intern or assistant. Thirdly, you can't attack Ms. Clinton on character issues when you've just been caught lying to the press twice in the past week, haven't given an acceptable explanation as to why you have Rev. Wright as a spiritual advisor, or why you don't seem to know how much Mr. Rezko has given your campaign and can't seem to release any documents the Chicago press has been asking for reguarding these issues for over a year now. The next book should be titled "The Audacity of Audacity."

cahil | 03.21.08 07:57 PM

Florida Dems were forced to accept the change in the calendar by a Republican legislature - it is not their fault. It is clearly unfair not to count the votes or not to allow a revote. Michigan voice needs to be heard -- come up with some compromise and count those votes!

Terri | 03.21.08 08:03 PM

I have Democratic relatives in FL and they are furious. It is absolutely wrong to disenfranchise anyone from voting. I supported Obama on Super Tuesday, but he has completely and irrevocably lost my support now.

I realize now he is a phony and a hypocrite. I can't believe what a free pass he has gotten from the media...on everything. Now I understand why my Clinton-supporter friends are so angry.

typical white person | 03.21.08 08:05 PM

The above post is incorrect. The DNC approved four states before Feb 5th. FL and MI knew about this a long time ago and had so much time to change it but didn't.

Jemma | 03.21.08 08:06 PM

I think that I and many many other lifelong base Democrats will never vote for Sen Obama on top of the ticket in a GE run.

The horrible horrible comments about 9/11 are not to be tolerated from the closest spiritual adviser to POTUS

Calling grandma a 'typical white person' and then having the campaign say he meant "a typical white person of her generation" is not acceptable in our POTUS.

Seniors, Latinas, blue collar Dems, none none will vote for Obama in the general election.

We can all count pledged delegate til the cows come home, it wont lead to a GE win, we have seen this movie before, Kerry leaps to mind.
The 'speech' that some much media loved, was good, Bill Clinton gave a much more impressive speech in 1993 at the Million Man March and his speech given as he left office in 2000 was also more powerful, google it!

Anyway, the Democratic leadership is apparently in a bubble unable to understand the electorate it purports to represent. A lot has been made of the youth vote and the AA vote being imperative. What about the Latina vote, the largest minority in the USA, it will go to Hillary or it will go to McCain it will never go to Obama. How about the Senior vote, you know the Boomers, so named b/c of their sheer numbers, lots more Boomers than young voters, again they will not go to Obama after the racist comments and the typical white comments. How about women, we have voted in Reagan, Bush 1 and Bush 2, think SCOTUS will scare us to cozying up to Obama, think again, another group for McCain.

So at the end of the day I have no doubt at all that we will have Hillary or we will have McCain but we will never have Obama, a man who listened to this hate for 20 years and refers to the woman who raised him as a typical white of her generation afraid of people of color.

ginaswo | 03.21.08 08:08 PM

There is another blog sending posters over here to drive the discussion. It's a small group. Others know about them though...

Jemma | 03.21.08 08:10 PM

Political Obama will do anything to win, even disenfranchising two huge states whose people represent 10% of our county's population.

And to think he enabled his pastor to indoctrinate young people for 20 years with hate and divisiveness - but I'm supposed to believe that Obama is a leader?

He's rhetoric with no action.

lorac | 03.21.08 08:17 PM

Once again, the democrats are going to comletely screw up our chances of recapturing the White House. How could we have lost it last time? And we are going to throw it away again?! Unbelievable. We are handing the election to the republicans.

HOw on earth can the DNC be so ignorant, so stupid, to ignore Florida and Michigan!? The people should not be punished because of stupid decisions made by people in power. LET the people vote!!

Not only will the frustrated voters in Florida and Michigan desert the democrats and vote for McCain, but so will the Clinton backers. How can the DNC expect loyalty from the voters when they behave so foolishly?

Give the candidates an opportunity to win the election fair and square. Then, maybe we democrats will remain loyal to our party -- no matter who wins the nomination. Already there are frustrated and remorseful voters, who backed Obama in their primaries and caucuses, who now (since the media finally starting doing their job and started vetting Obama) regret their votes and wish they had been more informed before voting. Many have changed their minds about Obama and given no alternative, will vote for McCain.

Hillary was treated unfairly by the media for a long time, while the media drooled over Obama, and refused to vet him. The democrats deserve a chance to be heard. We deserve an alternative.

I don't want to vote republican. I have never voted republican in my life. But if the democratic party refuses to play fair, and refuses to give the voters in FL and Michigan an opportunity to vote, and refuses to give me, and many others like me, an alternative, to vote for a democrat I can support, I will vote with the republicans.

It will make me sick, but I will do it. How can the democrats be so stupid?! It is stunning. We are handing Florida, and Michigan, and the election to the republicans.

monique | 03.21.08 08:31 PM

HOw on earth can the DNC be so ignorant, so stupid, to ignore Florida and Michigan!? The people should not be punished because of stupid decisions made by people in power. LET the people vote!!

Hillary was treated unfairly by the media for a long time, while the media drooled over Obama, and refused to vet him. The democrats deserve a chance to be heard. We deserve an alternative.

It will make me sick, but I will do it. How can the democrats be so stupid?! It is stunning. We are handing Florida, and Michigan, and the election to the republicans.

monique | 03.21.08 08:32 PM

BO is a political lightweight -- he has no idea what the end game is here. If he continues with this strategy of beating Hillary supporters and disenfranchising voters in order to "win the math" then not only will he not win in November but the democratic party may not win for decades. Already I know a great many hillary supporters who will actively campaign against him -- yeah, they are typical white people who don't want a racist and black liberation theologian anywhere near the white house. Hillary can win in the general and she can solve the MI, FL debacle by appealing to the credential committee to sit the delegates. If Democrats care at all about winning in November they'll nominate Hillary.

ann | 03.21.08 08:35 PM

I feel Michigan and Florida should have a redo vote, or seat the delegates as it is now. Hillary is the clear winner and Obama is dragging his feet. If she loses the nomination because of this, I will be voting for MCain in the national election.

NF | 03.21.08 08:37 PM

For Gina, TM and Team, this is for you: I am absolutely, positively, no Hillary fan. Cannot emphasize that enough and after defending the Clintons for eight very long years, I have no desire to do it again. Without question, I support Barack Obama with the highest possible enthusiasm.

That said, to see this war go on and on, to see these sweet young faces dying because of hubris, to hear more Bin Laden messages made public while the country destroys its own economy for an oil rich country and endless tax cuts for the wealthy. No, I would nauseatingly vote for Clinton. I would not support or defend all the scandals that would inevitably come their way but I would not support the Republican administration. We all have to say ENOUGH.

So Gina and the TM Team, you can make your excuses, you can say since you didn't get your way, the GOP deserved your vote, you can rationalize every day until November, but if Hillary is not the candidate and you choose to vote GOP, know that when the news comes on and you hear about those young men and women dying, you voted for that. You did not vote to stop it. You don't even need to respond to this. I admit that I may detest the idea of voting for Hillary, but I would never choose the alternative.

Jemma | 03.21.08 08:38 PM

How can Obama claim to be the great "unifyer" when he could care less about letting the voters in TWO large states be heard? Because he knows those staes have far more support for Clinton of course. He is proving more day by day to be exactly what everyone is starting to see clearly- ALL TALK- It's high time the media gets off it's knees and stops worshipping the black man and reports the FACTS which is what they're paid to do.

lisa | 03.21.08 08:41 PM

This is yet another case of Obama saying what sounds right and ignoring the facts. He says he is for the people, but then by taking no action, endorses the disenfranchisement of millions of voters in MI and FLA.
This, and the conflict about how superdelegates should vote. I am sick of hearing Obama say they should simply vote for whomever is ahead in delegates. He made a huge issue of "following the rules" on MI and FLA, but now he wants the whole concept of superdelegates to be abandoned so that he gets their votes. In reality, the superdelegates are just like caucus'...they are undemocratic. But if you allow the rediculous, undemocratic caucus vote, then you have to allow the superdelegates to vote their independent views.
The DNC is a tragic villian in this...Howard Dean should resign in shame and infamy and allow someone with legitimate leadership qualities to take the reigns and find a way to allow the citizens of MI and FL to have their votes count. The rules of the DNC should not trump the will of the people in a free election. Hillary won FLA and MI, get over it, Obama.
CNN should also be ashamed for displaying such unprofessional and overt preference to Obama

george kinney | 03.21.08 09:06 PM

My grandmother and I voted in Florida....it is obvious to everyone ( but the Obama-butt kissing stations of CNN and MSNBC) that Obama will NOT win the General...

1) He won't agree to a revote in Michigan where he knows he will lose...

2) in Florida HE WAS ON THE BALLOT and not only taht... we saw his ads on TV!!!!! so much for "just words"....

we recently received a letter from the DNC asking for funds...we NOT ONLY SENT IT BACK, but we also included a mccain sign in there...

and we wrote on there"

"you won't count my vote, don't count on us to vore for you!!!"

my grandma will proudly take our hillary stickers and go to the Mccain campaign and campaign for Mccain... at least he has served this country long enough to get our votes!!!

concerned floridian | 03.21.08 09:07 PM

Maybe there should be a grassroots campaign to write Hillary in if she is not the nominee. That would really make a statement in history! Think about how amazing it would be to elect a President by write-ins!! Then FL an MI WOULD get to vote, bypassing the DNC, GOP and BO all together.

Jeanne | 03.21.08 09:07 PM

My grandmother and I voted in Florida....it is obvious to everyone ( but the Obama-butt kissing stations of CNN and MSNBC) that Obama will NOT win the General...

1) He won't agree to a revote in Michigan where he knows he will lose...

2) in Florida HE WAS ON THE BALLOT and not only taht... we saw his ads on TV!!!!! so much for "just words"....

we recently received a letter from the DNC asking for funds...we NOT ONLY SENT IT BACK, but we also included a mccain sign in there...

and we wrote on there"

"you won't count my vote, don't count on us to vote for you!!!"

my grandma will proudly take our hillary stickers and go to the Mccain campaign and campaign for Mccain... at least he has served this country long enough to get our votes!!!

concerned floridian | 03.21.08 09:08 PM

Do you think that if someone told BO that two-thirds of Democratic voters think there should be a revote in FL and MI that he might say "SO?" in good ol' Cheney style?

Jeanne | 03.21.08 09:14 PM

Civil Rights are not just a black and white issue. A big part of civil rights is voting rights. When someone of any stripe is prohibited from full participation in the political process, a civil rights violation has taken place. The democratic national committee has violated the civil rights of every voter in MI and Florida, especially those that voted and now will not have their votes counted. Senator Obama is complicit in this violation of millions of people's civil rights by not supporting a resolution to this problem. When he talks about reconciliation and unity, he is a fraud. He doesn't want to uphold everyone's civil rights, he wants to win, at any cost, even at the cost of millions of people's civil rights.

Someone should sue the Obama campaign and the DNC for this violation.

Heneri | 03.21.08 09:27 PM

If the votes in Florida and Michigan are not counted the U.S. enemies around the world will have a field day with propaganda

harvey | 03.21.08 09:29 PM

JEMMA...YOU are wrong. Florida's Republican's would not LET the Democrats change the date after they realized that they would be penalized...Republican's kept it in stone and it stood. Read up before you reply to someone else's postabout them being incorrect. It was a frame up against the Deomcrats in the state...as usual in FL. Both states HAD a chance to revote, but Obama sent out one of his barnacles (Sharpton)to threaten a lawsuit if they went through with the mail-in voting...just so BO himself wouldn't look like he objected to millions of voters being kicked to the curb. No one would have guessed the Sharpton worked for BO...not me...of course not...very sly, huh? Now when MI...all of MI...is okayed to revote IF both campaigns agree, guess who kicks the MI voters to the curb AGAIN??? Silly voters!! You had your chance and blew it...you have no say...unless you want to give me at least half of the state's delegates of a state that I PERSONALLY took my name off the ballot the first time WITHOUT BEING TOLD TO...I just felt like it, because I could. Get over the arrogance (and fear) if you want to claim that you AC

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March 21, 2008

The Disenfranchiser

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