MI re-do 'all but dead'

Posted: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:44 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Chuck Todd
First Read confirms, per a Michigan source, this report from the Michigan Information and Research Service (MIRS)

Subject: MIRS BREAKING NEWS: June 3 Primary All But Dead-- 11:50 AM

Senate Democrats emerged from a closed-door caucus this morning and proclaimed that a fledging idea floated by top Michigan Democrats to create a special June 3 primary election is all but dead.

"The votes aren't there to do it," said Sen. Buzz THOMAS (D-Detroit), the co-chair of the Barack OBAMA campaign in Michigan

Sen. Gretchen WHITMER, a supporter of Hillary CLINTON, also conceded the chances of a June 3 redo of the Democratic presidential primary were slim. She stopped short of declaring it dead, saying instead that it was "on life support" and in need of CPR.

The Legislature would need to approve a bill by a two-third vote to put in place a June 3 special primary that would replace the results of the Jan. 15 presidential primary, which the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is not recognizing because the early date violated national party rules.

Support for the primary is weak for numerous reasons, the biggest reason being Obama's reluctance to sign off. Republicans, local clerks and state officials, however, also have raised concerns about rushing to create a special primary for logistical and legal reasons.

Without the redo, Michigan Democrats and independents risk not having a substantive voice in the Clinton-Obama horserace before a DNC deadline for states to report their delegate count expires on June 10.

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Comments

For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle – as we did in the OJ trial – or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright’s sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she’s playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.

We can do that.

But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we’ll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.

That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, “Not this time.” This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children. This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can’t learn; that those kids who don’t look like us are somebody else’s problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time.

Not this time!
Obama '08!

Ron, TX (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:49 PM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com
HRC has only Rev Wright and the Super Delegates to save her now.

twocanpete (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:49 PM)

Obama should agree to let the American people speak in every county and in every state. What is he afraid of. Every American deserves to vote for their candidate of desire. Regarding Obama he gets an "A" for speeches and a "F" for action. The American people can see through this rhetoric. His ACTION was staying with and now continuing to standby a pastor who is clearly racist and denounces the United States. His rhetoric of saying he knew nothing and rarely knew of Rezko based on a earlier debate this year and yet his ACTION shows that Rezko contributed close to a half million dollars to his campaign and they had adjoining properties and a close relationship. We all know Obama has the ability to gives these great speeches. So what. These speeches mean nothing when you have a candidate whose action shows that he has a close relationship from a person of criminal activity and a candidate that has a close relationship with a pastor that denounces the United States and a candidate that voted "present" on many controversial votes that might affect his political career. The American people are smart enough to see that Obama's action is what defines him not his speeches! America will never elect Obama for President based on his actions!

Steve (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:51 PM)

ATTENTION ALL SWIFTBOATERS OUT THERE !!

Get your wallets out boys!! The waters are going to be real smooth sailing for ya in the fall!

An American Woman (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:52 PM)

He again Senator Obama talks about "uniting" his party,but will not sign off on a new election in Michigan.Hillary approved the idea days ago,and sent Obama a letter asking for his support with no response.Obama will lose the election, and this is comming from a "life" long Democrat. I 'am fed up ! But don't count on my vote McCain, I live in Florida an it probably will not count anyway.

Florida mad as hell Democratic voter (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:56 PM)

We'll I suggest that MI voters start doing what Florida Dem's are doing. We've already got close to 8,000 Dem's switching from Democrat to Independant to voice our displeasure and protest our supposed leaders. I'm sick and tired of our Democratic leaders taking us, the voters, for granted. Republicans never do so, and that's why they end up winning more ofter then not. They obviously don't care about our vote, so maybe they won't get it in Nov. Maybe then and only them will they stop pandering to us, yet not doing anything they promise on the stump. If we get enough Dem's together to protest, then maybe they will actually start working for us, in order to win us back.

Chris Sp. Seminole, FL (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:59 PM)

The involved parties should have complained when they were offered the consequences for their intended action.

You violate the rules and you are aware of the consequences - then don't be surprised when you have to suffer the consequences.

Clinton planed to take advantage of this all along .. leaving her name on the ballot while her opponents were not on it - and then claim 'victory'. That may work in Russia but not in the United States !!

Frank (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:00 PM)

PATTY,SD,CA (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:01 PM)

Yes I have already heard that Obama hasn't decided to agree to a redo--Hillary has already consented.Thank Obama---you can be sure if we do get a revote despite you You need not worry about my family voting for you we did not the first time and if you make it to the general you will not have our votes either.Your campaign has been racist from the beginning---you have praised Reagan and scorned Bill Clinton and our party.You have had bad judgement since you decided to run for president.

HT-MI (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:01 PM)

Yeah it is moot. Obama is toast and the superdelegates can not in all good conscious support him for the nomination. I am sure they are all disgusted with the Wright fiasco and Obama lies. They will rethink their support.

HP Boston (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:02 PM)

Chuck,
Don't try to put this on Obama's doorstep. Hillary's people will do that all by themselves. You're a better analyst than that. Michigan delivered a labyrinthian proposal that had been crafted by Hillary supporters to Obama. He rightly said he needed time to look at it to make sure that ALL VOTERS were protected, not just white women over 60. Don't poison the waters by attempting to say this is Obama's fault.

You know better Chuck (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:02 PM)

Also- The HRC White House Papers are going to be released on Weds.

11,000 pages with about 4700 redactions (the Clintons couldn't survive without their precious redactions see: The Berrett Report)

We will get to see what she's hiding very soon.

adam/Brooklyn New York City (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:03 PM)

Patty and HT,
The proposal was CREATED by Hillary supporters. Obama rightly said that he needed time to make sure ALL voters were protected, not just white women over 60. As I posted earlier to Chuck, his reporting on this was terribly biased to HIllary. If you're so mad, send your hate mail to the Michigan representatives that thumbed their noses at the process. It's THEIR fault, NOT Obama's. Nice try though and I'm sure we'll hear you continue to scream about this for the next few months.

Get it right Chuck (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:04 PM)

HP Boston (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:05 PM)

Steve,
When your candidate releases the documents that Democrats need to decide whether she has been truly vetted, you can jump on your high-horse and denounce somebody else. Until then, please bunker down in your glass house and leave the stones outside. Obama has fully explained Rezko and now Wright. Hillary continues to hide behind her attack dogs, Mark Penn and Howard Wolfson.

Where are her?
1) Taxes
2) White House Records
3) Major donors to the Clinton library

Residents of Glass Houses, Stop Throwing Stones (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:08 PM)

GOOD! It never should've hapened anyway. Maybe in four years they'll be smart enough to follow the DNC's explicit rules. Maybe.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:09 PM)

I am an independent as I am not for the super well-off being treated with velvet gloves and I am not for Carte-blanche abortion. In other words people getting pregnant because of stupid decisions & what they think is their right to sexual freedom & then rather than face the consequences, just eliminate the problem they created thereby destroying a life. There are a few reasons for abortion that involve medical descisions and that I would leave to the doctors and people involved. But usually I have been for the Democratic Party's ideals of the advancement of the underdog. Those people that would be taken advantage of by the rich & powerful. In a way that is also in their favor as a top heavy economy would soon make them poor also as is evident in today's economical situtation. But I must say that I am greatly dissappointed in the Democratic Party's Elite in thinking that it is OK to disenfranchise it's own members. I am sure their will be a huge backlash & something they will regret for a long time. You really should listen to your member's & learn to lead rather then dictate! Over this, I am sure there will become a lot more independent voters & you will lose money. Perhaps a new & strong party will emerge.

Jano,Clearwater,Fl (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:10 PM)

I just want all Democrats to remember ONE THING on this day, that marks 5 full years since we invaded Iraq:

U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: 3988
U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: 2
Total: 3990

When it comes time to choose between McCain and any Democratic candidate, I hope we will all remember the numbers I put up above. This war in Iraq did NOT have to happen, many of you in this country screwed up and supported this war, it's time for you to make good on repairing America by standing up NOW against this stupid war that MUST end.

Matt, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:10 PM)

Michigan has only Michigan to blame.

adam/Brooklyn New York City (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:12 PM)

Why is Obama dis enfranchising all his votes in Fl and MI? Why will he not let his people vote for him. I am sue they donated money from their meager resourses and want to vote for him.
LET THE PEOPLE VOTE

WE WANT TO COUNT TOO! (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:13 PM)

Anything the Clintons support will only be
advantageous to participants named Clinton.
FL and MI are NOT Obama's fault. He honored his pledge as did Sen. Edwards. Put their honor where their names on the ballots were concerned and withdrew in MI. Clintons did their usual weasel move and left hers on knowing this would blow up all along.
No one should support an unfair vote to all just so Hillary can steal 2.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:13 PM)

Not so many on this post yet, but plenty today. You have to love all of the super Obama supporters throwing their hands in the air, "Yes we can!" And all the other 3-4 word slogans that get them happy an cheerful. They are SO sure that if we elect Obama the world is going to change. It's kind of cute, like watching a cat bat an ice cube around the kitched floor. "Oh wow, it's so amazing, OMG!" No, not really. It's just an ice cube. Push a button and you can find more.

Their support reminds me a lot of what we see in third-world countries, where everyone is crazy about a new change-based leader, and after a few years their in the same mess, if not a worse one, than before.

Obama is a Joke (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:14 PM)

If Obama gets the nomination,I will vote for almost anyone else,except McCain.

One of "many" life long Democrats (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:16 PM)

obama wants open primaries to because he always loses among Dems unless there is a lot of blacks

Michael (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:16 PM)

"50/50 for Michigan... and Florida too!"

(Just sub the non-existent candidate in MI, Mr./Ms. Uncommitted,
that almost half of the voters preferred to Sen. Clinton and that can be Sen. Obama's share.)

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:16 PM)

The media is distorting that facts!!

HOW DOES OBAMAS CONCERNS OVER THE REVOTE, TRUMPS THE STATE LEGISLATURE?

They are misleading the pubic, with that comments

DeniseGA (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:18 PM)

Start a website where Michigan and Florida voters can register their votes. All votes will be open and subject to verification. Who could complain about cheating? Anyone can get internet access from local libraries if they don't have it at home. It could count as the official vote for delegate selection or it could be similar to a petition to influence the super-delegates. Either way the voters in those state could feel their votes counted for something. There is not need for the candidates to campaign; anyone who doesn't know them by now never will.

nuanced (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:23 PM)

To all you know it alls about MI---Obama refused to have his name on the ballot--even declined to be a write in.There were 4 names on the ballot and all the republcans.He knew he would lose MI and was afraid to lose.You still do not get this guy do you?Worry that you may be the next disenfranchised voter.I guess that this means you agreed that the votes should not be counted in 2000,also?

HT-MI (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:24 PM)

So I ask, what kind of protection do the voters need? I don't understand the reasoning behind that. Please explain Mr. O'Bama or one of his knowledgeable supporters. The Democratic nominee should be chosen by the members of the Democratic party. They pay their dues and contribute to this party.

Jano, Clearwater, Fl (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:26 PM)

Matt in Las Vegas --- Here's a number for you. Number of times Islamic terrorists have managed to catch American civilians off guard here at home since the start of the Iraq War : 0

Either extremists attack our troops there or attack civilians over here. No coincidence why there havent been any Islamic extremist attacks here in 6 and a half years. They're gunning for our sercivemen and women. Radical muslims already proved they can kill 3000 civilians in a matter of hours.

So you can pick. Read about bombings in Baghdad killing dozens of civilians, or read about similar bombings here. Because as long as troops are there, so will the terrorists.

Iraq was NOT about 9/11. Everyone knows that. It was about creating a distractor so there wouldn't be another one, and I'm OK with that.

Any five-year-old can say, "War is bad" but it takes a leader, or a fighter, to understand why sometimes you just have to deal with it. That's what we're here for.

Zero Domestic Attacks Since 9/11/01 (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:27 PM)

To Chuck Todd:

Something red states democrats delegates have to think about.

How many christian red states Democrats delegates representatives are going to vote for Obama after his pastor remarks? Their republican opponents will use these videos against them.

At the congressional level anything goes. These tapes are worst than the "Swift Boat" ads. Obama pastor made anti-american racist comments. How is red states democrats going to explain this? Not to mention the 9/11 and AIDS comments.

Therefore, it will be more likely Democrats will lose seat in the Red States.

scbrown (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:28 PM)

I agree with the post that stated those complaining from the Florida and Michigan Democratic Party are late. You should have voiced your outrage to your Democratic Party officials when they set the wheels in motion that created this mess. They tried to circumvent the rules of their own party and got called on it. Senator Obama has said all along he would abide by whatever the DNC deciced to do, including re-votes. Tempers are high now and many Democrats are angry. If Senator Obama does win the nomination and if you want to "punish" him by voting Republican, consider some things. Consider four more years of an out of control Iraq war and possible forays into Iran. Consider more sub-prime mortages messes created by the lack of supervision of our elected officials. Consider continuing rising health costs as the Republican Administation does little or nothing to control annual double digit health cost price increases. Consider the Republicans turning a blind eye to the need for more jobs in our country and encourages outsourcing via tax subsidies to corporations. Don't punish yourselves, regardless of the nominee, vote Democratic!

Garry, Omaha, Nebraska (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:29 PM)

I don't understand how this is made to be an Obama issue, when the local officials of the party decided on this?

Have we lost it Americans's? Out of 50 states, we have 2 states not like the others! Why did they chose that path?

Are we this shallow? We fight among each other and the people we vote into office continue to ruin everything democratic.

Anger should be towards the party officials who blundered this and not towards each other or either candidate.

The ELECTORAL COLLEGE is sitting back smiling and ready to put McCain in office, because they know the Democrats have errored once again!

They are betting we throw this election in the dump which means the war doesn't end, KBR and the oil managers continue to prosper and our children continue to not be competitive on a global ladder.

Why would the Democrats give them that much ammunition? We are some gullible people, get it together folks!

Why else would the Republicans be voting in our election and what one person are they voting for to keep them in the election?

In Texas 119,000, in Ohio, and in Mississippi they voted overwhelmingly to keep the drama going on our side to give them more time to prepare for the general election.

Michelle Zee (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:29 PM)

CitizenJ (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:31 PM)

anybody that wants to throw good money after bad just shows their poor judgement skills. the redos were a dumb idea

mike ca (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:32 PM)

See, all that fretting (both FL and MI) over nothing ...
--Fear followed by Inaction is now synonymous with Government.

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:33 PM)

Who? I say "WHO?" if not Obama, can bring us together.

He is our one great "HOPE" to end divisiveness!

If only you, that hold prejudice in your heart, can forive and rid yourself of arrogance--and LEARN--to hope once again!

The greatest trait of LEADERSHIP IS LOYALTY! Family, God, and Country...sound familiar! Most soldier's know this.

I say if not Obama--then who? Give the man credit--where credit is due!

Leadership is Loyalty (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:34 PM)

I find it troublesome that MI and FL are always discussed as if they were identical wins. MI has been trying for years to be among the first states. The discussion about this at the DNC meeting was fierce. Michigan felt it had a case to make as a uniquely diverse state, but the Dingels and Sen Levin did not have the clout of Jim Clyburn and Harry Reid. When Michigan changed its primary date, it knew full well what it was doing.
The Florida Democrats, however, never wanted to violate the rules. The early voting date was pushed on them by a Republican Legislature and a Republican Governor, since it was attached as an amendment to a bill mandating paper trail voting. And, while no one "campaigned" in Florida, they all did fundraisers (arrivals covered on the local news), Obama had a national ad buy that spilled over into Florida for a week before the election, and the candidates had had about 15 debates broadcast nationwide before the primary. And now, Florida has a governor who might just become the VP candidate on the Republican ticket. Can the Dems win without Florida? Possibly. But should we chance it?
I see nothing wrong with allocating the delegates "as is".... the uncommitted MI delegates would likely become Obama delegates and the delegates of Edwards, Dodd, Biden, etc in FL would also likely go Obama since they are obviously not Clinton supporters. The addition of these delegates would not substantially alter the math...that is, Hillary would not gain many net delegates, particularly as the inclusion of these delegates would push up the total needed to clinch. It would be seen as a magnanimous gesture by Obama and would not really hurt his delegate count.

M Wells San Diego (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:37 PM)

A united Party is a party in which all states and territories have a voice.

Campdog (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:39 PM)

Obama is such a fraud.

Obama is trying to disenfranchise voters. Imagine that?

Obama is a hypocrite. Today, as he's pontificating about his "pastor" and refusing to disassociate himself with an avowed racist, anti-white, anti-semitic, anti-American, pro-Louis Farakaan black supremecy Nation of Islam supporter, Obama is at work trying to keep Michigan and Florida voters from having their votes counted.

Obama also is willing to throw his own white, ill grandmother who took him in under the bus while refusing to do the same for his "mentor" Jeremiah Wright.

Obama also proved himself a liar today when he admitted he was actually in church when his "pastor" Wright made offensive comments. Obama lied all weekend saying he had "never" heard offensive comments in church.

Obama is a disgrace.

Obama is unelectable.

The only question that remains is how fast can the Dems get this toxic loser out of the race before he completely destroys any chance of a Dem victory in November?

Obama cannot be the Dem Pres. nominee or VP nominee, I'll bet after this campaign debacle is over, Obama isn't even re-electable to the U.S. Senate.

The Obamarama is OVER.

John (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:41 PM)

Good! As a Michigan resident, I am glad to see this is done. Every Democrat I know in Michigan is not happy with loosing their primary vote. But we all respect the decision. My mother taught me to obey the rules--and here we are.

It's very interesting how people from other states (except Florida, respectfully) scream the most about this disenfranchisement. It's really interesting how Hillary Clinton has taken it upon herself to champion the cause for Michigan. She didn't care at all in January when Michigan and Florida lost their votes. In fact, she signed a document endorsing this rule.

Sounds to me that she has a slippery agenda to fulfill.

sg, michigan (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:42 PM)

Anyone but Obama. I only have one question to that, why? So that means Gravel would have been better?

That seems petty, patty.

Dr.Strangedog, MI (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:44 PM)

Fl & MI = Dumb & Dumber

No one but yourselves to blame. Now you care, where were you when Harold Ickes was making the rules?

I'll give MI a little leeway, but FL, you've been effing up elections for how many years now? You guys just need to go away until you can learn how to run an election.

Disenfranchised, my a$$ (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:47 PM)

M Wells,
Re: Florida, Hillary Clinton had a massive advantage over Obama in Florida. Everywhere he has campaigned, his numbers have gone up. Hers have done the reverse. If she could have run this entire campaign like Florida, she would have. We've heard the Clinton spin that Obama ran an ad on cable TV. It's utter nonse.

Let's get it right (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:47 PM)

What?!?! You mean the DNC rules are going to be followed?!?! How tradegic for America that rules (which are the basis of laws) are going to be followed?!

Hey America follow my lead to resolve the Florida and Michigan primaries. The superdelegates from Florida and Michigan should have no vote. They helped to create this mess in Michigan and Florida. The people who voted should be heard. Michigan pledged delegates show be split 50/50 between Obama and Hillary. Florida pledged delegates should be split 52%-Hillary to 47%-Obama. Short, Simple and sweet.

AJ (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:48 PM)

HOW ABOUT WE WRITE THE PEOPLE OF POWER IN MICHIGAN AND FLORID TO DO A WINNER TAKES ALL PRIMARY IN BOTH STATES SO WHETHER IT IS HRC OR OBAMA WE HAVE A DECISIVE PLEDGED DELEGATE WINNER.

Michael (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:51 PM)

Hey certain ignorant Clintonites (patty, etc.),

Obama can't agree to a primary that isn't approved. Idiots. Have you forgotten that Clinton agreed to not seating the Michigan and Florida delegations last summer?
CitizenJ (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:31 PM)

************************************

A little upset today?

Face it Obama is done.

Clinton 08

patty,sd,ca (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:55 PM)

“Not this time.”

When you stop to think about it, these simple words may turn out to be the most brilliant three words ever uttered in American politics. They will stand like a barrier to any who try to cross the line of racial divisiveness. Whenever anyone says a black person cannot be elected president, we answer “not this time.” Whenever anyone tries to blame their own economic problems or other woes on minority groups, we answer “not this time.” Whenever someone tries to smear a candidate with personal attacks, we say “not this time.” And whenever some right-wing pundit opens his mouth to say something stupid about Barack Obama, we should all answer resoundingly …

“Not this time.”

Amy Andersen, Eden Prairie, MN (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:55 PM)

Obama won't sign off, and yet he wants to bring the nation together to solve problems...except for Michigan and Florida, of course.

Margaret, Columbus Ohio (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:55 PM)

If only the former first lady (whose foreign policy credentials are about as robust as Laura Bush's) would follow the rules she agreed to in the first place. Imagine if Obama had won Michigan and Mrs. Clinton's name had not been on the ballot -- would she be calling for the delegates to be seated?

rmh (Sent Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:56 PM)

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