Democrats Try to End Impasse Over Delegates

New York Times ^ | 3-7-2008 | JOHN M. BRODER

[rdl6989]

WASHINGTON — With the two Democratic presidential candidates in near-deadlock and battling for every delegate, party leaders and the rival campaigns started searching in earnest on Thursday for a way to seat barred delegations from Florida and Michigan. But they remained deeply divided over how to do so. After weeks in which the issue hovered in the background, it shot to the forefront of the Democratic race as it became apparent that the delegates at stake could be vital in influencing whether Senator Barack Obama or Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton wins the nomination.

Mrs. Clinton won the most votes in primaries in Florida and Michigan in January. But the states held their contests earlier than allowed by the Democratic National Committee’s rules, leading the party to strip them of their delegates to the nominating convention. Neither candidate campaigned actively in the two states, and Mr. Obama was not on the ballot in Michigan.

Mr. Obama has maintained a slim but steady lead over Mrs. Clinton in delegates awarded by voting in the primaries and caucuses of other states. The Clinton campaign is hoping she can translate her advantage in the popular vote in Florida and Michigan into a big share of their combined 367 delegates.

[rdl6989]

Please pass the popcorn.

[tflabo]

Here’s a prelude to the coming Demo’Rat convention.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBrEzxYpg4Q

[Sooth2222]

But of course Michigan can't afford to rerun the primary and Florida won't.

The DNC - having raised about 1/2 of what the RNC raised - refuses to spend the money.

Deja vu, all over again.

[tips up]

The perfect storm is brewing...

[rdl6989]

It looks more and more each day like the Dembulb convention is going to look like that picture. I guess it’s fitting since it’s the 40th anniversary.

[tflabo]

Paging George Soros....paging George Soros....

Granholm dare not even consider Michigan paying for a revote. The rat party is expert at throwing a Revolution dontchya know.

[AmericaUnited]

They will be included somehow, and Obama will get screwed over by the Clinton Criminal Cartel, insuring that many of Obama’s true believers never show up on election day.

The GOP will win, DESPITE the deranged ones on our side that think it would be better for Obama or The Evil One to win.

[VeniVidiVici]

I believe I hard that ass Dean on the news last night saying that Florida should pay for any do-over.

Right, Howie. Kiss off.

[Savage Beast]

This is what the entire nation would be like if the Democrats could seize sufficient power.

For the sake of all that we hold dear, the Democrats must be defeated.

[668 - Neighbor of the Beast]

This morning, the word is they’re blaming it all on the Republicans in FL. (Surprised?) And Hillary does not want a do-over. Acc to Fox News she wants the votes cast to count, although lots of people stayed home after being told their votes would NOT count.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Just like Florida 2000. If you do don’t like the outcome, just change the rules after the game has been played.

[SunkenCiv]

party leaders and the rival campaigns started searching in earnest on Thursday for a way to seat barred delegations from Florida and Michigan.

[flaglady47]

“It looks more and more each day like the Dembulb convention is going to look like that picture. I guess it’s fitting since it’s the 40th anniversary.”

It was always the Dems saying how there was no need for conventions, they are old fashioned and unnecessary. I wonder what they are saying this year. Looks like the convention is the only place where this dogfight can be resolved. There will be Blood.

[K-oneTexas]

Talk about a battle ground. If Florida and Michigan delegates are not seated and have no say at the convention in Denver, per DNC Party rules ... if this impasse is not resolved. State will not pay, DNC will not pay and State Parties say it's not theirs to pay. Well, that's a big kettle of fish.

What would Florida and Michigan voters say come November in the General Election and they go to the polls. Do you think they might be a little p*ssed? At the DNC or the Dem candidates for not letting their votes/delegates count.