The Democrats are completely bungling this entire election. For the second time, there's seemingly no way they could possibly not take back the White House - scandals, economy in the toilet, an ancient candidate from the other side - and yet, they keep shooting themselves in the feet.

If Mi and FL hold primaries before 6/15 they will be following the rules and their delegates will be counted and seated.

Both states obviously made a mistake by trying to get in early, the state parties are to blame but a do over will make things right for both.

Before or after PA the song remains the same.

We are not on the playground any longer. Do overs? please. Has the whole country descended to Bush's intellectual level?

Michigan and Florida did not play by the rules. All the candidates agreed not to be on the ballot. Hillary disregarded the agreement.

This was the first indication I had that she would continue her pattern of entitlement. Rules are for other people. Michigan and Florida both cannot afford to fund another election. They had their chance, they blew it. They must be held responsible for their actions. If they are not, this will become a reoccurring problem.

The controversy that would be generated, would be bad for both candidates. OBama understands this. Hillary only looks at what is best for Hillary. Hopefully the US will look at what is best for the US and vote for Obama.

Let's see, this campaign has been going on since November 15, 2004. Extending it for a few more weeks will handicap no one. A few people might die of boredom who otherwise might have lived on through November but other than that, not an issue.

Matthew said;
"The Democrats are completely bungling this entire election. For the second time, there's seemingly no way they could possibly not take back the White House - scandals, economy in the toilet, an ancient candidate from the other side - and yet, they keep shooting themselves in the feet.

Posted by: Matthew Tiffany on 03/06/08 at 7:03 AM

I have to agree that the Democrats are making themselves look incompetent/disorganized.

Your 2024 math makes no sense, Jonathan. If MI and FL are in play, the nominee needs a majority of eligible delegates, 2162 Votes. There's even a West Wing episode with that title.

My illustrious Governor, pious Charlie Crist, just appearing on Hardball, is suggesting that the Democratic Party seat Florida and Michigan delegates that were named on January 29. Or, as an alternative, hold a new election with the Democratic Party paying the election costs.

Of course, Charlie has no other motive than to support "all" the people of Michigan and especially Florida, his constituency. Ain't ol' Charlie wonderful. He claims to have Bill Nelson [my Senator] supporting his view as well. I feel relatively sure that Charlie [supporting McCain] and Nelson [supporting Clinton] can have nothing more in mind than being fare to those in the two states who voted in unsanctioned [by the Democratic Party] elections. Charlie actually kept a straight face in his interview with Matthews.

The Rules are the Rules. Hopefully, the National Democratic Party will not allow themselves to be stampeded into allowing a mulligan for each of these misguided state governments and state Democratic Parties.

Butt-out, Charlie. I am your constituent too.

Perhaps the most important issue here is the most overlooked: the individual right to vote.
Americans should not be held hostage to the whims, "rules" or power plays of either party in the selection of the American President. Laissez faire politics should have not a place in the selection of the head of the U.S.government. Of course, the people of Florida and Michigan should vote in a redo--preferably a proportionate primary.
Q. How do we get our dominant politcal parties to eliminate the caucuses and the winner-take-all elections, and have proportionate primary elections and conventions without super delegates? A. By the creation of a competitutive third party or a constitutional convention.