Obama had the votes for 50-50 MI split

Posted: Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:01 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Per multiple sources inside the closed Rules and Bylaws Committee lunch, Obama actually had the votes to get a 50-50 delegate split out of Michigan -- but by just a vote or two.

However, it was decided to go with the 69-59 split to win a larger majority. That measure passed 19-8.

*** UPDATE *** Also, according to those with knowledge of the Michigan agreement, it is fair to claim Clinton the winner of Michigan. But they caution against counting her popular vote in the state.

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Comments

Ickes would have gone ape ****! That would have been SWEET!

Heidi in Houston (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:33 PM)

We are not unhappy Clinton supporters we are very upset AMERICANS who believe that we are as good as the rest of the States. Can we pay only half ass taxes from here on out too?

Floridavoter (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:33 PM)

To all of you "count all of the votes" people. The Florida compromise does count all of the votes. The number of votes does not dictate the number of delegates available. It only dictates the split. Since all delegates will be seated, then all votes were counted. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Also to all people who claim that nominating Obama will hand the presidency to McCain and those who claim that you will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee remember this. It will be YOU who will be handing the presidency to McCain not us. If you vote for McCain, YOU will be handing the presidency to McCain.

Patrick, Indianapolis (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:33 PM)

Someone needs to wash Harold Ickes' mouth out with a bar of soap. The man showed no couth, and Clinton's heckling crew showed even less class. Sheesh!

Elizabeth, Nashville (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:33 PM)

Im from AFRICA and i live in the US for five yers.Chuck Todd is the best political analyst in the intire US.His estimations are 90% the right ones.
Bravo CHUCK T!

Moh,newyork, US. (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:33 PM)

The Democratic Party Rules Committee managed the problem solving process competently and with reverence for the seriousness of the issues. The process underscores that our Nation is diverse as are constituents of both parties.

Both candidates Obama and Clinton have every right to pursue their nomination to a logical conclusion, and given the closeness of the arguments, it deserves full deliberation.

What I am most concerned about is that both candidates demonstrate respect for one another and that both candidates bridle their spokspersons such that they represent only what the candidates themselves belive.

James George, Arlington (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:34 PM)

Hillary's lucky the DNC didn't count each of her delegates as 3/5ths of a person. All you historians, ... , does that sound familiar ?

Jim in San Diego, CA (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:34 PM)

Don't care how you framed it, there is no way in hell I will never vote for Obama!

Above it all (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:36 PM)

James George, Arlington (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:36 PM)

It is tragic to watch how the Democratic leadership created this entire situation. How are Americans going to trust this party to run the nation if they have trouble running a primary process? They have rules but do not follow them. Ultimately, Harold Ickes's comments were disgusting and highlight a sense of desperation within the Clinton camp. The Democratic leaders must step in avoid any more battles over delegates involving Clinton and her supporters. The Democratic Party has to revise their primary process after this election to account for two strong candidates and they must enforce their party rules or there will be continual chaos.

BM Georgia (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:38 PM)

Florida and Michigan were just lost to the democratic party. Our votes will count in November.

Kathleen Macri (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:38 PM)

Hillary who?

Remus Harchley, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:38 PM)

What a study in contrasts that Obama's team could have gotten what they wanted but conceded to less in order to get a larger majority to agree. That, compared with Ickes' statement and the threat to take this to Denver, and the out-of-proportion protesters in the room and outside of it, and you really seee the measure of class, leadership and respect for process and unity.

I become more and more proud to be an Obama volunteer and donor the more I hear and see from the Clinton camp.

Kathi, Minnesota (Sent Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:39 PM)

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