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Bill Clinton: In Defense of Michigan and Florida

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May 16, 2008 1:35 PM

ABC's Sarah Amos Reports: Bill Clinton continues to campaign hard for his wife in the remaining primary states, spending more and more time reiterating the importance of seating the Florida and Michigan delegates.

Today, at the first of five campaign events in Kentucky, just days ahead of the May 20 primary here, the former president said the lack of attention to the unseated Michigan and Florida delegates was proof that the party and the political pundits are trying to force Democrats to get in line behind Obama.

Over the past few days Clinton has frequently focused on the delegate controversy in his campaign remarks, going on about how the primary scheduling flap that resulted in the party and the campaigns' boycotting primaries in those states, has effectively disenfranchised millions of voters.

"What did the Democratic National Committee do? They obliterated them. Who cares if you wanted to get up there with these other states because you've been broken by this economic policy of the current administration. We're gonna show you who's boss. We are obliterating you from the face of the earth and pretending that your voters did not vote. You just have to know, that is the position of your national party. Nobody quarrels with their right to discipline them. They made a decision they did not have to make. And do you seriously believe, if the votes had been the other way, that they would have made the same decision?" Clinton asked a crowd in Owensboro.

The Clinton campaign did not criticize the party's decision to boycott campaigning in Michigan and Florida when the primaries were held in those states.

The former President also continues to spend time on the campaign trail accusing Senator Barack Obama of not following the rules set by the Democratic party in Florida to avoid all campaigning in that state after it moved its primary date ahead in the calendar against the wishes of the partg.  Clinton says that when Obama bought national campaign ads, he did so because he knew they would play in the Florida television market and influence the voters there, despite the party ban on campaigning in the sunshine state.

"Her opponent, now seeking to disembody Florida, buys national cable television and says 'oh, I'm sorry it got into Florida but I had to buy national cable television.' Nobody buys national television for any reason, there is no conceivable reason to do it other than to advertise. And I believe there was also some television in south Georgia. So only one candidate broke the rules.  She still won by 295,000 votes, 17 percent," said Clinton.

Many political observers see the inclusion of Florida and Michigan in the delegate and popular vote totals as the last argument Hillary Clinton has to challenge Obama for the Democratic nomination.

May 16, 2008 in Bush, George W., Hunter, Duncan, Kucinich, Dennis, Tancredo, Tom, Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (186)

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Someone should have Bill Clinton read the articles on ABC News.

The more Bill talks, the more I realize how out of touch with reality he is.

Posted by: Debbie | May 16, 2008 1:54:42 PM

What happened to the comments that were already here? Spooky....Anyway, that is exactly it Bill! The voters are being ripped off by the very party who wants their support. That's why I am a New Independent after being a Democrat volunteer all my adult life. I owe the DNC nothing if all they are going to do is squash our voice for their choice. Why make us go through all the primaries then? Why not just step out in the beginning and tell us "Okay this is the one we are providing for you. Vote in the general. Come on Hillary let's split to a third party, you have the numbers.....

Posted by: irma | May 16, 2008 1:59:32 PM

Talk Bill! TALK OUT LOUD! We love you so keep talking and telling it like it is!

Posted by: irma | May 16, 2008 2:01:25 PM

Just count the VOTES! It doesn't matter who they benefit! COUNT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE'S VOTE-THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS!

Posted by: cc | May 16, 2008 2:07:43 PM

Wow this man just needs to...just...you know...Whatever...Many people DIDN'T vote because of what they were told about the penalties...So why should the votes count now when these people decided to stay home
this is just an usurpation...May be some people would have voted either for Obama or Edwards IF their names were...Someone who voted once just CAN'T revote that's why Obama didn't agree with a new orgaznization of the vote!!!I saw the interview of Mr WOLFson director of HRC campaign on another big tv channel...maaaannn.A MASTERPIECE of DENIAL concerning the DNC rules ...wow ...impressive!truly!!

Posted by: Avembe | May 16, 2008 2:09:56 PM

Just give it all to HIllary. She still does not win.

If they count their vote as popular and give the race to Hillary because maybe she might have more popular votes then I, here in Iowa want to be able to go and vote and have mine count also. So would how many more states who do not have primaries?

Posted by: Becky | May 16, 2008 2:11:54 PM

Let the people choose...It's time for American to send a message that this is a government that was formed "By the People, For the People."

Primaries, Delegates and Super-Delegates have led us astray from that concept. Think about it, that's how we got Bush as President.

Send a message to the Democratic Party, Vote for Hillary Clinton as a write-in candidate.

Hillary is the candidate that we need today...she has a proven track record of working for the People

Posted by: Peggy | May 16, 2008 2:17:04 PM

It's true that some implicit forces force the Dem. superdelegates to unite behind Obama -------- the weaker candidate. Someones may have hidden agenda, that they intentionally wish to have a weak Dem. party nominee, then they can control him, or they can run presidency in 2012.

I have waited so many years to see a real smart, capable person to be US. president, but I'm so disappointed to see Obama's favored.

Posted by: golfgirlusa | May 16, 2008 2:17:38 PM

This is just so sad especially when you contrast it to how Sen. Clinton has been campaigning the last day or two in such a positive issue based manner.

Either her husband didn't get the memo or he is fighting a different fight than his candidate. It's unfortunate if his ego causes her legacy to be irreparably harmed.

Posted by: Mary | May 16, 2008 2:17:48 PM

Oh please Bill.......... Get a life !!!
Can't you see the writing on the wall, the Clinton's are DONE !!!
Obama '08

Posted by: Jan | May 16, 2008 2:18:02 PM

YOU CANNOT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS! First Hillary voted against Florida & Michigan being counted and now because she is all but lost,she wants to count them.She has also cut down Obama for going by the very rules she voted for!!!! Hillary needs to stop being a whinny little rich girl & poor,poor, loser!!

Posted by: Maria Kirchner | May 16, 2008 2:21:34 PM

I am a native of Florida and I am sorely disappointed that my vote in the primary election doesn't count or matter. We, the people of Florida are being punished and penalized because the powers at be changed the date of the primary election. I am being FORCED to support Obama or vote Republican in the general election. I don't take kindly to being forced to do anything ----- so here's to the DNC, I'll vote for McCain. The DNC obviously doesn't think my vote is important.

Posted by: barby | May 16, 2008 2:21:52 PM

Listen, WV is not a big deal - NOT AT ALL!!!!
And this is why, just take a look at this:

Obama Blowouts

By tonnyb - May 13, 2008, 8:56PM
To put things in perspective, here is a review of past primaries and causcuses where Obama blew out Clinton.

State - Obama - Hillary
Idaho 82.2% 17.8%
Hawaii 76.2% 23.8%
District of Columbia 75.8% 24.2%
Alaska 74.6% 25.4%
Kansas 74.2% 25.8%
Washington 68.4% 31.6%
Georgia 68.1% 31.9%
South Carolina 67.6% 32.4%
Minnesota 67.4% 32.6%
Colorado 67.3% 32.7%
Illinois 66.3% 33.7%
Virginia 64.2% 35.8%
North Dakota 62.6% 37.4%
Mississippi 62.2% 37.8%
Maryland 61.9% 38.1%
Wyoming 61.9% 38.1%
Louisiana 61.7% 38.3%
Vermont 60.6% 39.4%

Posted with 4% West Virginia results reported

And the guy got about 28 delegates b/4 WV. Add 6 to that , he surpasses Clinton. Then he's got some more after. I am a Hillary fan, but let' be realistic, this guy is winning big. I will vote him over any republican.

However, Obama said he will go back and speak with WV. I believe that when they get to understand him, when they get to understand that we are not voting skin color preferences, democrats will all be on the same train. We can't have another Bush term.


Posted by: S Anderson | May 16, 2008 2:22:16 PM

Wake Up America! Obama will lose in November

America, America, God shed his grace on thee.

Then why are we letting an anti-American, unpatriotic, charlatan who stated from his own lips before speaking to a packed crowd in North Carolina, "Watch me wow these white folks" be our nominee?

Obama will lose in November and all because we, America allowed a few spoken words to woo the White House away from us.

His associations show us Obama lacks judgment: Antoin Rezko, William Ayers, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Iraqi born Aiham Alsammarae, the former electricity minister convicted of corruption in Iraq.

I suppose under God's guidance, since I lived through the Bush years, I will survive this fool's one four year term unscathed if America allows this fraud into the White House.

70% of we Democrats will not vote for Obama; however, since Michigan and Florida do not count I suppose our voices do not either.

Without Hillary Clinton on the top of the ticket, with or without the loser Edwards on the fraudulent Obama ticket ( the true source of race baiting in this countries primary-with Jesse Jackson, Jr. being the race-baiting architect), Obama will NEVER get my vote.

I'd rather be a McCain Democrat than see the fraudulent, mob backed, media created Manchurian candidate Obama in the White House.

“Keep in mind what Dan Morain wrote in the September 8, 2007, Los Angeles Times:

"Now, promoting himself as a fresh face on the national political stage, proclaiming his distance from lobbyists and the Washington culture of special interests, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has to contend with his own history. ... From Chicago to Springfield, his past is filled with decidedly old-school political tactics -- a history of befriending powerful local elders, assisting benefactors and special interests, and neutralizing rivals."

Oh, yes, and did we mention, Obama's name also appears on the witness list for the current Antoine Rezko trial, making his one more in what former Illinois U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald called the "Illinois Combine".

For more Obama old style politics information, log on to http://www.zimbio.com/Obamamania/articles/366/One+degree+separation+Obama+Illinois+Combine
That’s all we Democrats need this year is an indicted Democratic nominee! For more Obama old style politics information, also log on to http://www.opednews.com
Once you read these articles you will find how Obama took money from Iraqi born Aiham Alsammarae, the former electricity minister convicted of corruption in Iraq, who put up $2.7 million in property to help raise $8.5 million to free Tony Rezko from jail in Chicago.

The Times reported that Alsammarae had contributed six times to Obama's presidential campaign, and if Rezko had not been caught and indicted Obama and Michelle “I hate America” Robinson Obama would have profited from building nuclear power plants in Iraq the country we are at war with.

This is not borne out of racism; for I am an African American, female, informed Democrat.

With Obama in the White House and his radical, leftist, socialistic, unpatriotic and often over-bearing and speaking ill of America spouse at his side, we will need less Reverend Wright inspired teachings, Antoin Rezko and William Ayers friendships, and most certainly, less architect of race-baiting Jesse Jackson, Jr. and the Illinois Combine old style politics, and more of the true and living God’s spirit in this country.

With Obama in the White House God Bless America will not be a phrase, but will become a prayer.

Posted by: informed democrat | May 16, 2008 2:32:08 PM

Fact (including double counting in Texas that favors BHO):

HRC: 16,691,639
BHO: 16,648,060


I don't care who you choose based on DNC's phony rules, but a true Jeffersonian democracy counts votes, by the rule of one person one vote.

Posted by: Olbermn3 | May 16, 2008 2:32:43 PM

Bill has really forgotten what it means to honor an agreement!!

Posted by: jld1959 | May 16, 2008 2:33:34 PM

Obama won 10 AA boosted "black" states and 6 red states from primaries and 13 states from caucus

Hillary won 18 states (most of blue states) from primaries and 1 state from caucus

Clearly Obama dominated in caucus but Hillary won most states from primaries....

Posted by: True Truth | May 16, 2008 2:34:06 PM

HRC: 16,691,639
BHO: 16,648,060

Hillary has the popular vote. The DNC with able maneuvering by Nancy Pelosi and the MSM takes the victory away. The Republicans win in the General Election because of defections from the Democrats angered over a corrupt process and rampant sexism.

Lysistrata 2008. Make them eat their campaign signs.

Posted by: len | May 16, 2008 2:34:37 PM

The dems have decided to lose this election. I think it is time we break up the democratic party and start a separate party. The democratic party has become the vehicle to hijack teh nation by the communists and African Americans (yes, Obama's core bases).

Posted by: Roger Miller | May 16, 2008 2:34:51 PM

Too bad, DNC has rules to supersize the elitists such that one equals 15000 votes.

Posted by: Boneheaded, Chicago | May 16, 2008 2:36:11 PM

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