I have come to the conclusion that the only reason Hillary is pushing so hard for Florida, Michigan, and the rest, even though she cannot win, is to generate enthusiasm in order to raise campaign dollars to pay off her campaign debt (still $10.6 million owed in outstanding debts, according to article posted last night?) so that she and Bill can get their money back that was loaned to the campaign. It is yet another example of her calculating, conniving way of deceiving the public. Se knows she cannot win; she just doesn't want to lose money as well as face.

Wow!! That really nice of you Obama. It really sunked in his head that if he doesn't seat Florida they will not vote for him in November...Michigan I can understand he took his name off the ballot. re-do primary there...

If Hillary is not on the November ballot, my vote goes to John Mc Cain. Sadly, I did not wish to vote Republican this year.

WHY DO I GET THE FEELING THAT HILLARY IS SIMPLY IN THE RACE TO RECOOP HER LOST LOAN?????

Of course he'll seat them NOW. He just wouldn't do it when it might negatively impact his campaign!!!

I'm going to have to vote for him, but boy, will I have to hold my nose. What a hypocrite. What an empty suit. (And do NOT tell me that calling him that is racist.)

All state's delegates should be seated at this historical Democratic convention, the nomination of the first American, of African heritage. Way to go, America, you are about to fulfill part of our great destiny: All men and women are created equal!! Now, let's elect him!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.

that is wise and confident Obama .I am sure he will win with a landslide even if there is a revote in florida. that also voids-off the possible assassination plot in the so called two-way ticket advocated by the hillarians as it is proving that she is stolid and arrogant to get the presidency . a vice presidency should be ruled out

that is wise and confident Obama .I am sure he will win with a landslide even if there is a revote in florida. that also voids-off the possible assassination plot in the so called two-way ticket advocated by the hillarians as it is proving that she is stolid and arrogant to get the presidency . a vice presidency should be ruled out

Florida ansd Michigan no longer really matter. Even seated as they are, Clinton still remains behind in both delegates and popular vote.

She lost. It's over. Time to move on.

Florida and Michigan elected officials who broke the rules. They are not disenfranchised. You get what you vote for. As a Kentuckian I am used to our votes not influencing the Democratic nominee. Yet the officials we elected did not break the rules.
That being said, I understand that the democratic party does not want to give up these two states to the republicans. So if the delegates from these states must be counted, then split them evenly.

Rules are rules. If the Democrats don't play by the rules then who will? Certainly not the Republicans, they are prepared to rob, cheat, and burn the Constitution to get their way.

It is the dirt in American politics and the corruption of the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches that force me to live abroad while my Country pulls it head out of it's apt.

It seems that Jefferson, Franklin, and even Lincoln are more alive in Europe today then the US. Sad, they were OUR heroes and we abandoned them.

If Florida is seated with a 50% penalty, that's the same penalty the Republicans imposed. It should suffice to prevent McCain from making an issue of unfair treatment of Florida.

Michigan is harder, since Obama wasn't on the ballot.

He's NOT going to WIN at the top of the ticket.
Is he?
Maybe with Hillary as veep.
It's just a SHAME.
We need a ONE DAY winner take all vote among Edwards, Obama, Clinton.
First place--top of ticket.
2nd place--veep.
And you don't get to vote if you voted anything but Democratic party in the last 4 of 6 polls.
that should rule out all the people who WILL NOT vote the way they did in the Fall.
Shame on mainstream media and Clinton=hating ultra lefty unrealists for carrying on this charade.

Since when does loser get to dictate anything?

The Florida delegates should be seated, but in a way that is fair to both candidates - they're being punished for moving the primary date, aren't they? Also, no one can convince me this was a "normal" election, because Florida voters knew the deal on primary day, and I seriously doubt everyone who would have normally voted came out to the polls.

Michigan is another story completely. HRC proclaimed months ago that their votes wouldn't count, but now wants them counted. BHO wasn't even on the ballot. Anything less than a 50/50 split would be ridiculously inequitable.

She's asking for the world and will settle for less. Yet another tactic that uses the voters as capital.

She's got to go.

Sorry Obama, you're a little late on acting on this, My vote will be for McCain in Nov.

Hillary is a sore loser and needs to be put out to pasture; she's and old glue horse - we are all tired of her and her old style dirty politics.

Hey Florida - actions have consequences, and words have meaning. Deal with it, and grow up already.

Sheesh.

Then again, if you say you plan on voting McCain out of spite, well, that just goes to show that you still don't quite get the 'consequences' thing.

How can people go "If not Hillary, then McCain"? What issues are you concerned about that have McCain be the closer alternative than Obama?

Crazy.

Now that he has this thing in the bag, if he even thinks about putting hiLIARy as vp I will vote for McCain.

There is a reason that everyone except Hillary knows that she has lost. She will never ever accept that fact. Why is the media still talking about her ? The reason that the remaining superdelegates have not gone for Obama is because they are spineless. I am sure that the majority of them owe Bill Clinton a favor.

The greatest impediment to a solution to the FL and MI delegates is Clinton's active campaign for the nomination. When she stops campaigning, a solution to the quandary will become apparent. Since she does not think the time is right yet, it is necessary to wait for a solution.

Rules? What rules? I would like to see an official statement from Obama with his proposal to seat the delegates from Fla. and Mich. Since when do the players have the right to make up the rules as they play? This is utter nonsense. Fla. and Mich. DEM. state parties knew the rules and chose not to obey. The only fair way to count those states would be to have the entire primary process thrown out and have new elections in all the states, a national redo. Would seating the delegates and dividing them be fair to the other candidates who were still in the running at the time of the elections. What effect did the early illegal primaries have on those candidates and their supporters? We've had 7 years of politicians who won't play by the rules. The first "change" I'd like to see is a party that respects their own rules and and refuses to cater to those who refuse to follow the rules.

I'm truly amazed how some Clinton supporters are threatening to leave the Democratic Party when Obama gets the nomination. I guarantee you Obama will move forward with or without the Clintons and their supporters. Yet, if that happens and Obama loses in November, I think it will have serious ramifications on the Clintons and their relationship with the Democratic Party. Hey, some Democrats are still blaming Bill for Al Gore's loss.

I've concluded that anyone who says they will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee, rather than Clinton, is either sick or a republican shill. No democrat in their right mind would vote for McBush.

Gee Obama, how gracious of you to agree to seat the FL and MI delegates, at the CONVENTION, You putz. We Want the votes and delegates to be counted NOW so we can make our voices heard that Hillary was the clear winner. You ran ads in FL visa ve your national cable ads, how convenient and against the rules. We are not idiots, as you seem to think we are. WE know you ahve been dragging your deet all along to count those primaires because he doesn't SERVE YOUR PURPOSE. I can hear your voice loud and clear if the tables had been switched. Count all votes, as they came in, not only when it benefits you. What a joke and sham this guy is. I will not be voting for him under any circumstances. Period.

Wow. Do Dean, Obama Hastings, etc,. all think we are idiots here in Florida and also MI? The delegates need to be seated as they were voted in the primaries. NOT at the convention. We voted for our choice of nominee for the Democratic party, and want that voice heard, NOW, not in August after all the boys have strong-armed Hillary out. Give me a break! The arrogance and patronizing of these "leaders" is truly revolting! I for one, will not vote for Obama, and regardless of what HIllary says if she doesn't get the nomination, God forbid, I can never, in good conscience, vote for an inexperienced, elitist, politican who says one thing, and does another behind closed doors. I just won't vote. Period. Many, many Floridians and Clinton supporters feel the same way. We are loyal to our country and the best candidate for America, not a political Party. Good luck.

hillary is doing one of 2 things
Either trying to recoup the 11.6 million
or batter obama to the point where he loses to macain ,and gives her a better shot in 2012. it should be easy to figure out which it is by the way she acts in the next couple weeks.

I like the sound of President Obama and I'm glad to see the ending I expected coming about finally for the democratic race.

Florida and Michigan brought the fiasco on themselves by breaking the rules. Their behavior shouldn't go without some penalty, I understand it's appropriate to seat them but all the divisions of delegates discussed benefit the person with the incumbency of public awareness which is Hillary Clinton, the wife of an ex-president - that is unfair.

This democrat will register as an independent after the election.

FL & MI are spoiled kids; Howard Dean is the Vice Principle; Both candidates are playing the odds to get the naughty delegates.

Reality check children ! Ahmadinejad, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah & Hu Jintao devour problems of this nature instantly.

I hope Sen. Obama means to seat the delegates from Florida that recognizes the will of the dem. primary voters in that state because if it is some 50/50 split that's still telling them their votes don't count.

As to campaigning in Florida, Obama actually did run ads on some cable outlets prior to the Jan. 29th primary in Florida. Also by that time Obama did have name recognition. What he did not have time to do was spend obscene amounts of money in bombarding the airwaves with his political ads.

I think the Jan. 29th primary election should stand.in Fl. All 3 names of the 3 major dem. candidates were on the ballot at that time so it was an equal playing field for Obama and Clinton. Neither one campaigned officially. If Obama is the clear-cut front-runner, what does he have to fear?

We just won't take the states she took without HER and without BILL.
I think she's waiting see something that's gonna happen next week in Chicago.
Starts with an R.

The problem with Florida isn't either of these candidates. Except, well, Hillary DID have a "victory party" in the state, and I got emails urging me to vote for her in days before the election - which I consider campaiging, but she says she didn't... But the real problem is with the state leaders who moved the primary. It wasn't Barak's call to ask them to be seated or not, it was up to the DNC. Hillary kept asking for it only because she needed the delegates and she'd won. But I know a *lot* of people who didn't vote, or voted only for the tax issue that was also on the ballot.

I will not vote for a Republican and no self respecting Floridian should ever vote for them given what the scam they pulled with Katherine Harris in 2000. I was a Hillary supporter, but I will gladly vote for Obama if he is hte nominee because we must get the Republicans out of the white house. Anyone who says they are switching to McCain because Hillary isn't on the ticket has got to be kidding. Sheesh. You'll keep Bush policies for four more years because she lost???? Does this make any sense at all?

If you're upset, then get vote out the state leaders who moved the primary.

As for Michigan, seat the delegates and split the count 50/50. That's the only fair way to do it.

I think people are stupid if they think Obama will make a good presaident all the people he is connected with are awful people. I wish you would wake up and see him for what he is

I wanted my vote to count when it was cast, Obama didn't want it count then. Now he wants my vote to count so I'll vote for him in Nov. that's why he's changing his mind on this, he should of thought of this before. Obama would've got my vote in Nov. if he had fought for it to count from the start. I will be voting McCain in Nov. after all what's another 4 yrs of Bush we already did 8!

The Democratic Party has become an unprincipled sham.

FL and MI broke the rules. Why should there not be some punishment?

The result is that in the next presidential cycle, there will be chaos in the primary scheduling process, because states know that they can hve a primary whenever they want, and the party will cave in.

Lots of people say Howard Dean is a weak leader. But it seems like when he takes a principled stand, he gets no support from the Party, and has to back down. It's a joke.

Meanwhile, the HRC supporters have NO integrity on this. NONE. HRC signed a pledge where she agreed "I shall not campaign or participate (emphasis added) in any state which schedules a presidential election primary or caucus before Feb. 5, 2008, except for the states of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina..." She violated her own pledge. Let's be clear on that.

Between the spinelessness of the DNC, and HRC's shenanigans, it's no wonder the DNC often seems weak and powerless.

The Dems should do like the GOP: if states want to have early primaries, they can do so; but they only get 50% of the delegates. And when they set that rule, they should STICK to it! I bet that will fix this problem, for good.

Here is a solution to the Florida and Michigan issue that I'm surprised no one has mentioned.

Agree to seat all the Florida and Michigan delegates just as they were elected. But with the following provision.

Take away the voting privileges of all the super delegates. Not just the supers from Florida and Michigan, but all the superdelagates.

Since you'd be changing the rules to seat Florida and Michigan in order to make the process democratic you'd have to go all the way and make the convention totally democratic and eliminate the role of the supers.

Undecided supers would be pleased to be let off the hook.

Clinton supporters would be against such a plan but then they'd be the ones to deny Florida and Michigan being seated. And being against the plan would be awkward for Clinton to defend since the only rational for resisting such a plan would be that it would cause her to lose!!

Propose it to the rules committee it a no brainer!!!!

For those that who threaten to vote for McCain because Hiliary looses:

Spite will not be to your benefit. This country requires leadership with a significantly different perspective then the past administration and the party line man McCain.

We must unite to tackle the energy situation, Al-Qaida, and leverage America's strength to bring America in to alignment with the realities of the 21st century. We need a new perspective, young blood, energy to do something other then we have done for the past 8 years. Your only chance is Obama, go with the flow. Don't go down as the spiteful voters who could not see past their pride to do the right thing. You would regret that.

If you think that Obama can't lead, shoot how can it ever get worse then President Bush. He was not a leader but a fool and us all the fool with him. I wish it were not true. Point in case. If we had not gone into Iraq we would have the resources to do the right thing in Afganistain with respect to Al-Qaida and the real threats to American.

Bush was special interest, Obama wants what you want. A strong, respected America.

Hillary has fought hard and been an admirable opponent. The time is over and we must unite.

Don't be a sorry soul. Make change happen.

The poll results in Michigan and Florida are misleading and not reflective of Democratic voter sentiments, then or now.

Simple reason is, thousands of Democratic voters stayed home or declined to vote in the presidential primary because they knew their vote wouldn't count. It's unseemly for anyone to be deciding NOW that those poll results should count the same as those in rule-abiding states.

Hillary needs to start thinking about how she is going to win the Governor of New York race
where she will be governor for another 8 years.

Yes, indeed rules are rules. DNC can decide to count only 48 states. They can do it and be happy with that. However the Dem leaderships Howard Dean, Nancy Pelosi, etc..have permanently damaged their future with Michigan and Florida voters.

The problem is that they don't have their last words. In November, there is another rule: people will vote for and against. They will not just vote for a President but they will also vote against injustice incurred unto them. If Obama has rallied more than 90% of black votes, pretending it not to be a bias is foolish. There will a reaction on the non black voters for sure.

This will happen: let's say Democrats have a probabilty of winning of 52% over Republican 48%. Among the 52% Democrats, 52% of these are Hillary's supporters, Michigan and Florida included, the rest 48% are Obama's. Two third of Hillary's supporters do not like what is happening and 62% of them will not vote Obama. It means in general election Dems will lose 16%. From 52% to 36%.
McCain will have a cushion of 12% lead over Obama.

He will have the luxury of losing his extreme right and still win the election.

There after, Dean will be ousted and Nancy will also be forced out from her speaker position.

I don't see how Obama can be President. He holds hostage Michigan and Florida voters too long, until he can see that victory is his. He wants to play Powerball when he knows what number will win.

Absolutely seat Fl and MI. It's the how of it that matters. As Howard Dean said, neither side will get all that it wants. Compromise folks. Compromise. The Florida republicans are having to settle for seating half of their delegates as punishment and that was the old dem rule too. Maybe that's fair. But it isn't fair to all the states who didn't break the rules if they get full seating. MI 50/50. I'm a Michigander and that really represents how MI feels about it. It isn't how Clinton feels about it, but MI polls 50/50.

Anyone who threatens to vote for McCain in November is welcome to vote for him in November. We don't need you in the Democratic party. Vote with the racist torture-loving warmongers who've got a wide stance on the tissues. Vote with the child abusers, department store shoplifters, oil magnates and weapons dealers. Good riddance. Get out. Bye.

I think that there are a few bloggers who are professionals working for Clinton or the Republicans or both. The ones parsing the facts, claiming facts that are not true and reading things between lines that don't exist. And, those saying they will vote McCain if Hillary loses. However, all of this is small stuff that will pale to what I think Americans will come to see in this historic election.

I believe that Obama is a natural for President. He will beat McCain as well as Clinton. Why? Because this is America and Obama can offer America what she wants and needs. I think you might say he was born to lead America at this time of crisis. To bring an end to her long trials and fear and to get her back on her way forward. The years of fear mongering and divisive politics, name calling, labeling people with names that segregate them from others, and heinous acts and out right lies (covered up by those that should be exposing them), are coming to an end. Americans have had enough and in these elections the people will truly make their power felt.

Those arguing that Obama can't win this collar or that collar, this color or that color, this age or that age, this gender or that one. Sorry, everyone's vote is equal and Obama is reaching out to all Americans - each and every one in all States and conditions. He is for them all and will represent them all even those that might not vote for him. He will lead the way that is best for a United (States of) America.

Open minded Americans watching closely can see Obama's intent. More will see it despite many partisans and destructive icons that try to help those that want to keep things business as usual. Look at all the noise that has been made so far about Obama and this will continue. Yet, it has not damaged his standing with voters. I believe the negative politics of character destruction and guilt by association will not work when used against Obama. It is so extreme, it will simply reinforce his message.

And, of course, President Bush and his administration have been blatant and incredibly arrogant and aggressive with character assassination. I think it makes everyone queasy. And it gives pause for thought - what happens if they don't like me? What happens if I need to speak out? Why not vote in someone whose vow is to change the politics and who has grass roots backing to do it. This change in politics won't come easy but it can come if done forcefully with voting power. All it really takes is voting this type of politics, and politicians that practice it, out of office. And putting a President in charge that will carry this mandate out.

I see in Obama a Reaganesque persona - a positive, clear, and truthful vision, strong morals, principled and tenacious leadership. Not to mention grace and interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well. It truly is not just words that is going on here.

The American people understand this and can see it now they can't be held hostage to fear by their own political leadership. I believe they will vote Obama, to follow his leadership to restore American principles, morals, and objectives and respect and to take him up on his call to follow the dream of America's founders to go forward and further perfect the state of her union.

I encourage Americans to think seriously about your individual responsibility when voting. It is not a game played with the idea that your candidate must win at all cost. It is about moving America forward based on her founding principles. Keeping her as the shining example of humanity and success in this shrinking world.

Think about it like your life depends on it, and your children's lives and futures depend on it too. Because they do. In both quality and quantity.

Some will try to label what I say here, put a negative spin on it and argue I have an incurable and blind bias. Well I will say right now that I do have a bias, as should all of you. I am simply pro America, for all Americans including you.

I believe Americans of all kinds will push America back to seeking and following truth, justice, and the true American dream. I believe they will also push her forward to greater unity. And, if there is any form of intolerance it will be for intolerance.

Americans will not stop until she truly leads the world once again. And, I think there is no better place to start than with Obama.

Slowly the old politics that have caused all kinds of problems in this world will be replaced with people who have different perspective of what they want the world to be in the future, The Australians in the last election voted for Kevin Rudd. Howard who lost could not understand that people were sick of his lies. We all know that politicians have to lie, but there is a limit. The lies going around the world have gone out of proportion, causing destruction in many places. When lies go too far they insult our integrity, and we have to react - a natural thing for human to do. So Howard lost. I understand that he has spent some time in USA since, where probably there are still people who hold him in high regard - not here anymore.

With internet now we read what the mainstream media choose not to report. Often it is difficult to know what is the truth eg 9/11 etc, or who detonated a bomby by remote control etc.

I hope to see a change in the US, whoever becomes the president. It WAS a great country. A new kind of politics by any nominee, if carefully "marketed" to the public will win the election. I won't be suprised if Ron Paul may be the candidate, if the Americans wake up in time to want a change - to save the soul of their country. McCain cannot win with the old kind of politics of fear, and threat.

I think Hilary cannot tolerate a black nominee, as she belongs to the older group who see people as black, white etc. She is willing to throw away her money just to fight to the last. It is sad to see that in this modern world, people still do not realise that we are all brothers and sisters, and we don't need weapons or wars or politics to impose our views. We have to work together.

As to whether Obama will be the next president, I have my doubts. Ed Tampelin the Australian astrologer did not forecast hsi win. He forecasted Kevin Rudd's win. For Obama to not win (if he is the nominee) the only possiblity is to make his "death" appear accidental. The secret agents are experts in this. It's sad but this is the way the world works now.

There are a number of folks who say that if Clinton doesn't win, they will vote for McCain. Why, oh why?

There is so much more of a difference between McCain and EITHER Clinton or Obama than there is between Clinton and Obama. Could it be that these folks are just feminists? Or not real Democrats? Or racially prejudiced?

Get real - do you really want four more years of Bush? That's what McCain will get you!

Many Floridians and Michiganians are pissed because they chose not to vote, because they knew it would not count.

If

("I think people are stupid if they think Obama will make a good presaident all the people he is connected with are awful people. I wish you would wake up and see him for what he is"

Posted by: JOAN | May 8, 2008 9:34 PM )

How eloquent! How thoughtfully phrased. I thought I was reading beautiful poetry (besides the misspelling of "presaident" of course). But other than that, I really feel what you're saying. No, really! Scouts honor!

I can understand how people in Michigan and Florida are upset being left out. They did nothing wrong and it was all political maneuvering between the legislature and DNC. But don't blame Obama either. He played by rules that both he and Clinton agreed to, and were she not desperate for the votes, she wouldn't make this "civil rights" argument about votes, it's not out of principle and that should be clear to anyone following this election and her shifting strategies and goalposts.
Obama has definitely played politics here, but does he have any other choice? Look, she's been devilishly manipulating what constitutes a win, and with the re-vote proposals, she, being behind and needing the votes, only wanted them counted in a way that would benefit her, for example, counting the votes in Michigan when his name wasn't on the ballot. In many cases he hasn't played politics with some of her more ugly negative acts, such as claiming on 60 minutes that he wasn't a Muslim, "as far as I know"... She's done like 10 things like that, and I haven't seen him do anything that low. But if he doesn't hit back at all people call him a wimp, and in this case, there's no reason to believe she'll run an honorable race and that he should just give in to every request. They agreed to things beforehand, and he has stated that this is up to the DNC. She feels really entitled to this nomination and I feel these desperate attempts are her way of trying to eke it out, which is ok with me, but also for Bill Clinton to try to make up for his many mistakes and failings towards her, and her campaigns mistakes, and Granholm's mistakes, but don't blame Obama for all that... One thing I'm absolutely sure of is that he's doing EXACTLY what she would do, and I don't think she would go as far as even considering a compromise were she in his position. She's been ruthless and is still saying things I find awful, and I'm sorry to hear that because in January I thought I was looking at the first female president, and I was really looking forward to it.

But what about the voters who didn't come out to vote because they were aware that the vote was not to count as it stood? Millions of people on both sides of the Dem fence didn't turn out because of that. Do you penalize them by seating the delegates based on a vote based on false premise?
None of this is Obama's fault. Vote out the state reps that got FL into this embarrassing mess to begin with! Complain, make noise...THEY are the ones who screwed you over!

All Hillary supporters who threaten to vote for McCain over Obama in the fall are welcome to do so.

Yeah, switch over to the dark side. Vote with warmongers and war profiteers, child abusers and department store shoplifters, racists and gay bashers. Show your wide stance on the (t)issues.

We, regular, progressive, sane people, don't need you then. Good riddance. Get out. Bye.

What the DNC did was punish the wrong people (FL voters). It'd be like telling a graduating class that nobody will be graduating this year because the principal & vice principal didn't follow the rules, while both principals get no punishment. Then you expect the graduates not to get mad about it! Then later on expect the graduates to be happy because they will allow them to graduate 6 months later than everyone else. Yeah right! Now you know why I'm voting McCain. this year!

Some of you Hillary supporters are as deluded as she is. SHE agreed to NOT count Florida too. I am amazed that you guys have followed her tortured sophomoric arguments these last few months. You guys are acting as though she disagreed with the decision to punish them way back in 2007 when the DNC made the decision and it still mattered to disagree with the party’s decision. Wake up and start using your brains! SHE DID NOT! If she had sincere concerns about their voting rights she could have told the DNC that they had to work something out back then! Do you not remember her and Obama's relative status when this decision was made?

She was the presumptive nominee and wielded vast power in the party. She could have single handedly forced the DNC to reconsider their plans to not seat them, especially had Bill supported her.

I have been continually amazed as the low level of Hillary's arguments-and their utterly nonsensical illogic. To watch Hillary and her supporters one would think she is leading a group of children who have no deductive reasoning abilities-she makes up all kinds oh hooey and the little kids believe it as though it was rational. If any of you actually believe she would be doing this had Obama garnered more votes than she did in Florida-well there is a yard sale going on this Saturday on pink elephants too.

As far as voting for McCain-if you want Roe v. Wade overturned and affirmative action permanently killed-remember later if he wins-you bought that policy by voting for him. Any of you with draft age children or with friends who have draft age children, remember too that you enabled a true NeoCon by supporting McCain. He wants to push Russia out of the G-8 for heaven’s sake. It is not enough to have “terrorists” as boogey men-he wants to restart the Cold War as well! I am confident that no progressive could ever vote for McCain unless they were trying to punish the country with the logic that let's bring on mayhem and maybe the people will wake up.

The only problem with that thinking is that we have just endured 8 years of such brain dead anti-middle and lower class policy making and now the people are wondering whether we should reject the next Republican nominee out of hand as though no one is sure whether Bush's policies are beneficial or not! A million dead innocent Iraqis! Which other countries do you spoiled brats want to add to that list if your candidate does not win a nomination that by all calculations was hers to win or loose?

I apologize to Obama supporters for this rant. I am sick and tired of Hillary’s supporters acting as if all her tortured logic and fabrications are rational. Why cannot they just come out and say “we think Hillary is the best candidate and we do not care what it takes for her to win. If she needs to conduct a racist, fear mongering, and fabricated campaign we are ok with that because it is that important for her to win.”

THAT I could handle-at least it would be honest.

Thank you David Wilbur! Well-written, coherent comments. I initially was a 50-50 dem. but seeing Hillary's do-anything-to-win conduct has turned me off. However, if she was the presumptive nominee, I'd vote for her in a second over another four years of Bush-like politics (although I admit the whole obliterate issue makes me more than a little bit nervous).

I do not want to see Florida and Michigan voters punished, either, but I honestly don't understand why many from those states can't see that simply pretending that everyone was counted in those botched primaries just doesn't work. If many stayed home or voted for the person who had the equivalent of an incumbent's name-recognition, how would YOU justify leaving THOSE people out of the process. You'd want to have your own votes counted at the cost of others? It doesn't make sense. A compromise is the only way out.

And how can you blame Obama for not caving to Hillary's pressure when she has been so quick to kneecap him at every turn? I initially supported the woman, so I do not feel I can be accused of bias. Obama earned my vote and respect by campaigning honestly and cleanly and by opposing the war early on when it wasn't PC to do so. Those are huge pluses in my book, showing the judgment and strength of character a president will need to face the many problems which will be handed to him or her by a president who, by all measures, has failed our country and its people.

What a phony. His arrogance will come back to bit him on the butt.

It is tough getting my mind around this one. Both candidates agreed to abide by the punishment set forth by the DNC. No candidae at that time was concerned about our vote or civil rights, and no one said - 'let the punishment be that we will seat the delegates but not count the primary'.

Changing the rules and ignoring that 2 states chose to do it their own way requires consequences. What type of policy are we setting by allowing people to make their own rules, break rules on the books and then turn it into a press spin at the end of an unfortunate outcome..... let's ask Bush, this sounds as if it is right out of his playbook!

I am from Fla and if there is no re-run, and Obama wins the nomination, I will vote for McCain.

I expect vast experience in a presidential candidate. Not a patsy for the has-beens like John Kerry and Ted Kennedy.

Do not thing that Obama represents any substantial change. He is the product of party-insiders who want to maintain their own fifedoms by undermining Clinton.

Well, I guess it worked thus far thanks also to an impressively biased media.

Hillary should dump the Dems and just run as an independent. The party insiders have stacked this contest against her. Eliminating Fla and Michigan from the outset was calculated: big states go for Clinton.

I am a male and I have been utterly disgusted by the sexism in many of the comments. I take offence to them just as I would racist comments. You people ought to be disgusted with yourselves.

Relative to Michigan and Florida being stripped of delegates, I think it's important to know what happened, and that every voter here and in Florida should be outraged. Back in 2005 the DNC set-up a commission to review our nominating process because Iowa and New Hampshire are no longer representative of our diverse population. The DNC looked to push NH back to a third place status instead of its usual second. On August 19, 2006, the DNC presented this calendar: at Iowa caucuses held no earlier than January 14, 2008, at Nevada caucuses held no earlier than January 19, at a New Hampshire primary held no earlier than January 22; and at a South Carolina primary held no earlier than January 29.

The rest of the states could then hold their caucuses or primaries afterward beginning February 5, 2008.

Michigan agreed to honor this new calendar as long as New Hampshire or any other state didn't violate the order. New Hampshire has a stronghold on their number two position and is unwilling to relinquish it. So on August 9, 2007, NH's Secy. of State along with the approval of NH Democrats announced its primary date to be January 19th, edging Nevada out of that position to maintain NH's number two spot. The DNC did absolutely nothing.

Florida then announced its primary before February 5th. The DNC immediately threatened to strip their delegates. This is pretty lopsided justice. Michigan’s Democratic leadership then decided to elect our delegates on January 15, 2008, the date the Michigan legislature set for the Michigan primary. Sen. Levin and Debbie Dingell sent a letter to the DNC on September 4, 2007 of our intent to do so and why.

If the DNC didn't confront NH they have no business stripping Michigan or Florida either. As a result of this mess, Senator Nelson (D-FL) introduced S.2024, a bill that Senator Levin co-sponsored. This legislation groups states into six specific regions, and determines six separate primary election dates, where one state from each region would be assigned to vote. This would be more representative of a random sample of states rather than the influence of the same specific region every election.

What's interesting is NH has the audacity to insist that candidates pledge not to campaign in any state that encroaches on their primary. Clinton didn't cave on that warning, was smart enough to always include her name on all ballots, unlike Obama who didn't bother to put his name on the ballot in MI, and who I think is getting way too many delegates here in MI as a compromise HC –69, and BO – 59. Who cared enough about voters in this instance, irregardless of what appears to be unfair party rules? Didn't Obama realize what happened here? It looks like Hillary understood.